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THE ODYSSEY PRESENTS

LIFESWAP

Amber Thomas

Featured Stories: Losing your identity Hook it up Athens own Eden Angel in the outfield

Arielle Golan

Table of Contents

May 2009

Cover Story

Imagginee Frea Imagine Freaky aky Frid Friday day la lasting astin ng an n en entire ntire week week. k. S Seniors enioors A Arielle riellle Go Golan olan n and d Am Ammber Thom Thomas mas swa swapped appeed familie families, es, p phones hon nes aand nd ffriends riends in Clarkee Cen Central’s ntrall’s first eever ver life sswap. wap p. Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Left: FULL HOUSE: Senior Arielle Golan stands with her new family, the Thomas’. From right: Rod, Marsha, Alicia and Aaron. Golan switched lives with fellow senior Amber Thomas over a period of five days. The result was a series of exciting experiences on both ends, involving both flying squirrels and messy juice making sessions.

Viewpoints

Left: DE BOLIVIA: Junior Steve Whitman represents Bolivia at the Clarke Central High School International Day assembly on April 8, 2009. Students carried flags from their country of origin as a symbol of the vast diversity within CCHS.

A retrospective look back on both the good and bad times of high school, and how friends can help manage the rollercoaster ride.

News

Students attempt to bipass Clarke County School District website blocks by using proxy servers, but they don’t know that these servers can aid in the theft of their identity.

Focus

Variety

Clarke Central High School senior Donnell Washington escaped the rough city streets of Washington D.C. and came to Athens in search of a change.

For over forty years, the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia have been a natural escape. With thousands of flowers and natural trails, it’s an Athenian Garden of Eden.

Sports

Head girls track coach Reginald Thomas said he would stop coaching for the 2008-09 season after receiving the position of assistant principal. Now he’s back, citing a close bond with his runners as the reason for his return. ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Right: Freshman Jonathan Striepen and Sophomore Roberto Luna combine efforts in an attempt to steal the ball away from a Winder-Barrow High School player. The Glads rolled over the Bulldoggs 5-2 on April 13,2009.

Cover design by Tyler Elrod

Staff

May 2009

The ODYSSEY is published monthly. Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the staff. The ODYSSEY is a student produced newsmagazine, published with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists. Each issue is an open public forum for student expression under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Student journalists are provided with opportunities to investigate, inform, interpret and to evaluate: all traditionally accepted functions of the press in America. The ODYSSEY staff is committed to reflect the mission statement set forth by Clarke Central High School. The goals of the staff are to provide fair, accurate news and commentaries, as well as to serve the interests of the school and Athens’ community. Advertising must conform to the guidelines set forth for editorials. Publication of advertisements does not indicate an endorsement by CCHS or by the ODYSSEY staff. Students pictured in advertisements are not given monetary compensation. All advertising rates are available upon request from any ODYSSEY staff member. The ODYSSEY is a member of the Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Georgia Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Corrections of errors will appear in the next issue.

Editor-in-Chief: Bryan Barks Managing Editor: Christina Downs Senior Copy Editor: Caroline Foster

Public Relations Manager: Amber Thomas Junior Copy Editor: Kinsey Clark Viewpoints Editor: Lauren Corcino Features Editor: Rachel Amster News Editor: Gayatri Setia Variety Editor: Arielle Golan Sports Editor: Hal Hager Graphics Editor: Tyler Elrod Staff Cartoonist: Emily Silva Photography Editor: Lexi Deagen Staff Writers and Photographers: Emily Allen, Isabel Atkinson, Victoria Bambo, Killian Begnaud, Courtney Brown, Eva Crowe, Cassie Evans, Jessie Frary, Arielle Golan, Fakari Gresham, Jing Han, Chris Harper, Sallay Jabbie, Betty Migombo Alex Morris, Lauren Pruitt, Jeffrey Rogers, Tamar Schmidt Adviser: David Ragsdale ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, Georgia 30605 Phone: (706) 357-5200, Ext. 17370

Fax: (706) 357-5269

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

n the bureaucratic system that characterizes our country, it feels impossible to be heard. Our voices are forced into a single-file line around the perimeter of Washington, D.C., locked and smothered in filing cabinets that extend into the sky. But when Pastor Carl Wilkens spoke to Clarke Central High School on April 28, he reminded students of the power of a single voice. Despite a mandatory evacuation of all Americans from Rwanda during the 1994 genocide, Wilkens, who had been living in the country as a humanitarian aid worker, refused to leave. He was the only American to remain in Rwanda during the slaughter, which claimed an estimated 800,000 Rwandan lives in 100 days, according to the BBC. As Wilkens witnessed death and violence all around him, he made calls to his wife and American friends. He tried to communicate the level of crisis that was unfolding in Rwanda. He wondered every day when the United States would intervene and bring relief to the people of Rwanda. But, we never did. Not until the killing had ceased did American leaders acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. By then, nearly a million people were dead. The Rwandan genocide is not the only example of an important event that has gone unnoticed and unaddressed. In modern American culture, the media decides what will be portrayed as important – which stories will be sensationalized and which stories will be reported minimally or not at all. After the April 25 shootings in Athens that took the lives of Marie Bruce, Tom Tanner and Ben Teague, CNN helicopters descended on our town. National news networks beat down the doors of people whose loved ones had been killed only hours earlier. Even our local media contributed to the sensationalized, desensitized feeling that surrounded the tragic event. Three people had been killed, but all the reporters seemed to care about was getting the juiciest sound bytes for the days of dramatic reporting that would follow the actual event. The Monday following the shooting, as I walked down the hallway, I heard students commiserating about the murders. And I heard murmurs of similar stories – stories Above: MAN ON A MISSION: Pastor Carl about friends and relatives of students in Wilkens shared stories of his missionary work in Rwanda during the Genocide of 1994 to our school who had been killed or hurt by Clarke Central High School students in Mell senseless violence. Auditorium on April 28. Acts of violent crimes happen in our town several times a year, but they hardly ever make national, or even significant local news. People in our school and community lose loved ones all the time to acts of violence and no one bats an eye. For those removed from such situations, the blatant imbalance in the coverage of violent crime is a subtlety that speaks volumes – “this life was important, this one wasn’t.” The examples of lives -- local, national and international -- that have been lost and only briefly acknowledged go on and on. They are the loved ones of CCHS students. They are the victims of genocide in Africa. We can point fingers and sling blame at the media, bureaucracy and even ignorant citizens. But ultimately, if something is important, individuals must scream it with all their energy. It may not always work -- Carl Wilkens’ screams didn’t persuade the United States to get involved in Rwanda. But after the genocide was over, he knew that he had done all he could with his solitary voice. It’s easy to feel suffocated or discouraged by the slow moving procedures of our country. But if something is important, if something needs to be said, the world needs people to say it. We need voices to speak up for the lives that have been lost and never acknowledged, for the injustice in this world that is buried in the back pages of the newspaper, for the tragedies that have been overexposed and desensitized. If it needs to be said, say it. The worst that can happen is nothing at all.

Photo courtesy of www.ilholocaustmuseum.org

Business Manager: Sarah Nehf

May 2009

Viewpoints

Letters to the Editor About the Cover I’ve lived in Athens for years and was really impressed that a high school publication could do such a rich send up of the “Modern Athenas” in our community. Stacey Venker, Dr. Eunice Kang, Jane Kidd and Kendre’ah Perry serve as great examples of what young women in our community may one day represent: strong, independent women. The profiles of Kidd and Venker showed the leadership women in our community display. Dr. Kang’s work to better the school orchestra is worthy of praise and Perry’s work as Cinderella with the Drama department in her first production was top-notch. Kudos to ODYSSEY staff for a great magazine and capturing these wonderful women in your articles and photographs.

--J. Elizabeth Jordan, Athens The Changing Face of the Clarke County School District Thank you for the interesting and insightful articles on the Clarke County School District. It’s nice to finally be informed on a subject that affects me on a daily basis. I hope the efforts from the district have positive results in the next few years. --Ella Grace Downs, senior

What you gonna do when they come for you? I’m quite thankful for the myths and facts article about driver’s rights. It is bursting full of a kind of knowledge that will benefit almost anyone who reads it. We must accept responsibility for our actions as a driver or passenger in a vehicle. We can no longer pull the race card or wear low cut clothing. I now know that I’m only prolong-

ing the situation and inconveniencing both me and the officer. I’m prepared to admit my wrong doings if I ever get pulled over by the police and have the confidence to question them if they do anything that might affect my rights as a licensed automobile operator. --Chrismon Hinsch, Athens

Above: Our readers critique the March 2009 issue.

Cinderella comes to Central I’m glad you covered the Cinderella play; it was phenomenal. The students did an excellent job. Watching the play, I wouldn’t have known the ensemble included first-time actors and actresses. Congratulations to all on the success! --Mario Sheats, senior Living on the wrong side of the tracks.

Dear readers, The ODYSSEY welcomes your feedback, input and letters. We ask that all letters be under 250 words and signed. We reserve the right to omit or edit any letters received. Insulting, unsigned or libelous statements will not be considered for publication. Mail letters to the address below or drop off at the main office care of the ODYSSEY. Sincerely, Bryan Barks, Editor-in-Chief

I really enjoyed the article Living on the wrong side of the tracks. I’ve lived in Athens for about a year and a half, and I still haven’t really gotten to know about everything there is here. After reading that article, I started to appreciate Athens more. I never knew how much culture there was here in Athens. Being a musician myself, it is really cool to know that I am surrounded by so much culture and talent. Thanks Carlo for sharing a part of Athens that some of us didn’t know about! --Sonora Hernandez, sophomore

Corrections/Omissions March 2009 On pg.15, Carlo Nasisse is a freshman, not a sophomore. On pg.17, the Winter Wonderland photo was taken by Lexi Deagen. On pg.19, the photo was taken by Isabel Atkinson. On pg.19, the photo illustrations were done by Jessie Frary. On pg. 21, in the “Please don’t supersize me” article, the body mass index calculator is inaccurate. Rather the formula is your body weight (in pounds), divided by your height in inches squared, multiplied by 703. On pg. 44, the Gone With The Wind blurb was written by Rachel Amster. On pg. 62-67, the “Tennis, anyone?” layout was designed by Caroline Foster, senior copy editor. On pg. 71, in the Spring Sports Preview page, Brian Deitz name is misspelled. The ODYSSEY staff apologizes for any errors or omissions in our content. We appreciate our readers’ support and understanding as we strive to make corrections. Sincerely, The ODYSSEY staff

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Viewpoints

May 2009

Thumbs

Our Take

Photos by Killian Begnaud

The ODYSSEY staff’s opinions on this month’s issues.

Bam! Step aside, Emeril, there’s only room for one of us in this town. CCHS sophomore Chris Harper gets some lessons on how to make his own edible masterpiece. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Oh, and don’t forget to wash your hands.

One new message The popularity of “sexting” is rapidly increasing, and so is the growing number of 17-year-old sex offenders. Be aware of the consequences that come from opening that picture message. Saving a picture of a hot bod is not worth a year or two in jail.

Blast from the past 1980s Athens band Pylon made a shocking return in 2004. What they didn’t expect, however, was an influx of new fans. A recent tragedy ended their performing career, but their legacy will forever inspire local musicians.

Pink ribbons Breast cancer affects the lives of thousands of women, along with their family and friends. Doctors and researchers are working to find a solution, but there will never be a cure for the heartbreak of those who lost loved ones to this deadly disease.

Diversity is delicious On April 8, 2009 all the flavors of CCHS blended in to a wonderful feast called International Day. Students enjoyed seeing the unknown cultures and hidden talents of their classmates during the festival. Through music, poetry, art, and dance, our school was able to unite and conquer both stereotypes and misconceptions.

Are YOU eligible? It’s not easy for a coach to tell his players that they will not be able to participate in a sport because of their grades. CCHS is setting its academic standards higher, demanding academic excellence from athletes. Come on, CCHS, let’s Play It Smart.

t could be your mom. m. It could be your sister. It could be your teacher. It could be your classmate. It could be your best friend. Breast Cancer discriminates against no one. A woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Over 180,000 women battled breast cancer in 2008 and roughly 40,480 of those women lost the fight. Based on these statistics, there is a high chance A woman has a one in eight that a person you know, a chance of developing breast person you love, has had or will develop breast can- cancer in her lifetime. cer some time in her life. This “silent killer” touches almost everyone, whether they are the ones who have the disease or not. What most people do not understand is how much cancer affects everything it touches. It’s a relentless, life-taking disease that spreads not just throughout the body of those infected but to the heavy hearts of their loved ones. Even here at Clarke Central High School, we have parents, students, teachers and a former principal who have been, and continue to be affected by breast cancer. The disease has already knocked on our the door of our school. It’s time for us to do more. The pink ribbon is the symbol of breast cancer, and if you look around you, little pink ribbons are everywhere. They’re stuck on cars, pinned to women’s hats – they’re even on tennis balls and kitchen appliances. Their abundance shows the significance of breast cancer awareness throughout society, while also raising money to help the disease. Remember that every time you buy something with a pink ribbon on it, a portion of your money is going towards saving a life. But buying pretty pink bath towels and blenders isn’t going to repair the havoc breast cancer has wrought on the lives of thousands of Americans. Showing support is a great start, but we as students and society as a whole need to contribute more tangibly to the cause. That doesn’t mean we have to give a portion of our paychecks to Relay for Life every month or contribute any money at all. Making a tangible contribution simply means being active in the fight against this disease. It means talking about it, raising awareness among peers, remaining determined to find a cure and discouraging behavior that can make people susceptible to cancer. Instead of waiting for breast cancer to hit us, for it to steal our mothers, grandmothers, sisters and teachers, let’s start fighting now, before the battle even reaches our doorstep.

-- Compiled by the Viewpoints staff Photo courtesy of snhs.georgetown.edu Photo illustration by Lauren Pruitt

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Left: FIGHT BREAST CANCER: Pink ribbons can be found everywhere from bumpers of cars to Tshirts and pins. These ribbons show support and awareness of people with breast cancer. The funds from the purchase of such pink ribbons often is donated to breast cancer research.

May 2009

Viewpoints

Question of the Month? If you were locked in Wal-Mart, which aisle would you spend the most time on? “I would spend the most time on the toy aisle because there are games there. You can have a lot of fun.” -- Clark Ton, freshman “I would spend my time on the greeting card aisle, because I’m fascinated with cards and the poetry in them.”

“I would be in the camping section because I’ve never been camping, but I’m sure it’s safe in Wal-Mart! Free marshmallows!” -- Jennifer Iglesias, senior “I would be in the entertainment aisle so I could play video games like Guitar Hero all day.” -- Shantasia Wright, senior “The book aisle, because I love to read. I would read Twilight over and over.” -- Carla Sanchez, sophomore “If I was locked in Wal-Mart you could find me on the sports aisle playing basketball.”

-- Shane Anderson, CTAE Department

ath class always seems to start the same: with sighs as my peers and I flip through our new, crisp math books. Math was never my favorite subject. It was never the highlight of my life, but now every time I think of math, a tight knot forms in my stomach. This year, a new curriculum for the 2012 graduating class was implemented. It is known as Math I. When I flipped through the book for the first time, I was relieved to see that it wasn’t much different than regular math books. However, that joyous feeling soon disappeared as the year started off. Most freshmen just have the overwhelming feeling of going to an unfamiliar school with unfamiliar people; our class faced that feeling along with the apprehension of a now unfamiliar subject. What was once Language Arts, Science, History, and Math, has become English, Science, History, and Math I. The teachers that are teaching this material to us have never taught by this curriculum before, so every year this curriculum is in place, we will have to face a teacher unfamiliar with how to teach it. We don’t know what to expect as we imagine walking into a classroom knowing more about how the curriculum is supposed to be taught than the teacher who is supposed to be teaching it. The actual class, though, can only be defined as fast. We move through several lessons a day and go home to face our copious amounts of homework. The books that were once seen as a blessing have become my enemy. Of course when I Above: TEACHING THE UNFAMILIAR: Math I was am confused about implemented for the 2012 graduating class, but the a problem I start students are not the only ones unsure about the new math working on, I turn curriculum. Teachers are not familiar to the new course and often struggle when teaching it to the freshman class. to the examples for enlightenment. I quickly realize that when I start reading the examples, there is no hidden knowledge in the numbers. Another unfamiliar piece of this frustrating puzzle was the introduction of “tasks”. Despite the assumed connotation that come with math—numbers—the tasks are filled with paragraphs of words, so they look more like questions from a literature class than from a math class. The tasks also involve a series of weirdly worded questions that leave you feeling like you were just introduced to a new language rather than a simple word problem. To add to the already acquired negative feelings for the tasks, my respect lowers as my eyes flicker over the juvenile titles: “Paula’s Peaches Learning Task, Henley’s Chocolates Learning Task, Poor Captain Robot Learning Task, Sunrise on the First Day of a New Year Learning Task, etc.” Teachers and students alike wonder why we have to be the new batch of rodents chosen to be experimented on. If this curriculum doesn’t work, what will we say to make up for four years of our math life?

Cartoon by Marisa Mustard

-- Matilyn Kitchens, CAPS Department

A Mathematical Error

-- Compiled by Viewpoints staff

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Viewpoints

May 2009

Controversies of the N-word

The N-word may be seen in both a positive and a negative light in today’s society, but the word’s ability to cause an uproar has not changed.

“I

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igns hung from restaurants and bathrooms hate the N-word. I think it is the foulest word denying entrance to any n*****. The last word in the English dictionary,” said the righteous he heard before he was hanged to die was n*****. student to his class of attentive listeners. “A person The last word I heard in the hallway as I headed to really does not know their history if they think class was n****. that word is okay to say.” Looking back to the history of the n-word, The problem I have with N-word haters is that we’re informed that this word was created and many of them—not all of them—preach the same used to make black people feel as if they were hypocrisy. The same old “You don’t know the three-fourths of a person, an excuse for why we history or harm of that word to toss it around like could never make anything out of ourselves. BY CASSIE EVANS BY TORI BAMBO it means nothing,” but the question that I ask is Sports Writer Viewpoints Writer Yet, this is the same word we as Africando those who supposedly ‘oppose’ the word really Americans refer to each other in everyday conversations. know their history themselves? It is ignorant to take something that was born out of hate and turn it The history of the N-word is quite tricky for those who have ever looked at into a slang term symbolizing love. If the word is no longer attached to its timeline. Throughout the 1800’s--and nearly half of the 1900’s--the word hatred, why is it that no other race can say this word? did not always have a derogatory connotation behind it, but was simply a refA young black male who is considered a “real black person” because he erence to black skin derived from the Latin term Niger pronounced knee-ger. has faced hard times, has the right to use the N-word but the black male It was also used as the word to describe all disadvantaged people—white who may live in a million dollar house and speak professionally and respectand black—but in the 1970’s the word took a turn for a more derogatory fully, does not get to use it. meaning by only being directed towards black people. The white male who hangs with the “in” crowd gets to use the word But even though it insulted many, I believe that a word cannot be empowcomfortably. However, if a white male or female without any black friends ered by it simply being spoken; a word becomes powerful when the person uses the word, the black community is ready to punish them. that the word is directed towards gives it power, therefore you are only what Some suggest we as African-Americans should just get over the word, you let yourself be. turn it into a term to describe brotherhood. If we do that we’re asking ourIf people let themselves get angry over a word that has a meaning that they selves to forget what happened to our ancestors. We’re asking ourselves to do not associate themselves with then anger is not necessary. By giving way put behind our family members who faced brutal treatment and harsh punto your temper you are doing exactly what racists and bigots want you to do. ishment doing nothing wrong, except in the eyes of some, be born black. The problem is that society has not gotten over the fact that our past did No other race refers to one another using racial slurs as loving words. happen and although the purpose of learning history is so that we do not Whether they’re changing the last two letters of the word or the content of repeat it, it is still not there for us to dwell in; it is there for us to learn and the sentence, it’s still not used. move on from. I walk down the halls of Clarke Central High School and hear the NWords change meanings all the time; consider the B word; originally it was word thrown around as if it has no attachment to years of struggling, pain, a female dog, then it was used to describe a female in a disrespectful manner, and sorrow that our ancestors faced daily. Students use this word with so but now some girls use it the way that some boys use homeboy. So, why is it much ignorance as if they were never taught the meaning of the word. so hard for us to get past this one? A normal conversation at CCHS contains the N-word over 10 times, as Many people have chosen to flip the word into something a bit more if it were the names of the students. positive—thank rappers like Jay-Z, T.I and Lil Wayne for that—by spewing “Man this n**** didn’t even call me last night,” a freshman girl said. the word’s other versions—like nigga, nigg, nikuh, and nigguh, which is often “Wait for me n****,” a boy yells to his friend who is heading out the used as a term of endearment or as another word for a black man —in nearly door. every song that they release. What I fail to understand is why people feel the need replace normal If the word were to become more common, than those who use it with words such as boy, girl, or even friend with the N-word. racial intent would eventually be defeated; something that they used as an To the young black cominsult could no longer generate munity there’s nothing wrong anger. What more could they say “Do you use the N Word?” with the word because it’s what to you if you laughed in the face of our favorite rapper says in every their ignorance? other verse of their song. But Just because you do not strike does it make the word okay? into a rage every time the word is Does it just erase the history uttered does not mean you are not no d i s sa behind the word because it’s aware of the word’s past meanye d d e ai ew said on CDs that are best-sellers ds ing; a calm reaction does not mean vi e r w no te vie in aid in this country? that you are ignorant to history. ter le ds n p e i o ew le As long as the black compe It means that you have matured rvi op e e t ti e s e in cp dy wh munity continues to keep buying ni ple enough to believe in the old saying sai eo of ispa ed p w c % i ie h these CDs with such language, an no erv “sticks and stones may break my 85 of int aid % f hisp ed s ces 36 o artists will keep using this view bones, but words can never hurt r ra r % e e t 4 h t 6 s in of o race language and making money off me.” 11% ther o f o of it. Simply put, if you want the 89% Let’s face it. The N-word isn’t word to be stripped away and as easy to get over as the B-word banished, if you want the hurt to or any other inflammatory word. leave, then stop giving it the power Its not about giving the word of your pain. the power of your pain, its about giving the users of the word the knowledge of its past. 561 people interviewed Photo illustration by Tyler Elrod and Alex Morris

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

May 2009

Viewpoints

Let’s hook it up

Heidi Nibbelink

Dating in high school can produce negative results, giving students a reason to “hook up.”

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

he line of gender separates men and women into separate categories in which they attempt to fulfill different sets of expectations. This line becomes visible and important in high school. As a little kid the differences between guys and girls don’t seem like such a big deal. Everyone can be on the same soccer team and everyone looks more or less the same in the uniform. However, by the time high school comes around, clothing choices, cliques and dating become all that matter. UnfortuHaving a serious boyfriend is emo- nately, at the same time as tionally draining and extremely these frivolous subjects distracting for teenage girls. begin to take precedence, decisions about who you are and what you want to do after high school are supposed to be contemplated. Instead, prom dates, regular dates, and relationships distract everyone, but most especially girls. Having a serious boyfriend is emotionally draining and extremely distracting for teenage girls. Instead of focusing on school or personal development, they sacrifice independence by attaching serious emotions to a guy who probably will not matter in a year or even a month. Although high school boys may put up with relationships to achieve their own ends, they’re just not emotionally mature enough to handle them on the level girls expect them to. However, girls aren’t really able to handle a serious set of emotions either. In general, relationships in high school are detrimental and impractical. As girls attempt to fulfill their idea of adulthood through dating, they lose sight of the things that will actually make them adults. This is not to suggest that everyone should deny any attraction for the opposite sex. In fact, teenagers have already discovered an alternative to serious relationships: hooking up. It might seems strange to suggest that hooking up provides more self-respect or independence for girls, but if you think about the options, it is much more realistic. Sorry to To be clear, hooking up does hear your not equate to promiscuous sex. boyfriend What it does entail should be dumped left up to the involved parties. you... Such a distinction is especially RACHEL AMSTER Features Editor

Cartoon by Gayatri Setia Photo illustration by Alex Morris

he audience tries to identify the instrument producing the melodic notes flowing through the air. It’s present in Walt Disney’s Fantasia, and also a resident in one of John Williams’ scores from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The sound could be an excerpt from pieces within either movie. But, it’s not. The notes floating around are carried on breaths of air flowing from Clarke Central High School counselor Heidi Nibbelink … and her trusty oboe. Nibbelink, who has worked at CCHS since 2006, describes the oboe’s sound as a “squawk” reminiscent of the human voice. Human voices are the sounds Nibbelink has become most comfortable with during her time as a counselor, as she spends more than 30 hours a week empathizing, conversing, and listening to the students she serves as a mentor. That’s okay with Nibbelink though -- listening is something she values above all else. “(I enjoy) getting to a deeper level with people. I really appreciate that about counseling. It seems like kids know when they come in the door that they can be real here,” Nibbelink said. “They can let go of the front they have in the hallway and the classroom. I like that. You’re connecting with another human being.” In 2005, Nibbelink and her family made the move to Athens from Laramie, Wy. After a lifetime north of the Mason-Dixon Line, Nibbelink stepped into a richly diverse world -a strong contrast to life in the north. However, the diversity was something Nibbelink embraced Above: MUSIC SPEAKS VOLUMES: Clarke Central High and in 2006, she took a School Counselor Heidi Nibbelink’s experiences as a mujob at CCHS, a school sician help her connect with the more than 250 students that fall within her alphabetical assignment, K-Re. rich with diversity. And as a new counselor, Nibbelink took on the variety of concerns of the 450 students she was assigned. No doubt there are emotional stresses that come with being in charge of so many students. Nibbelink knows it. She knew it before she took the job. Stress has almost always been present in her life, and luckily, so has her oboe. “I went out for band in fifth grade. Mostly they try to steer people toward instruments that the band needs. So they tried to get me to play clarinet, but I couldn’t get a sound out of it. I couldn’t get anything out of the flute either. So they were like, ‘Try this,’” Nibbelink said. The move from Wyoming to Georgia rejuvenated her oboe passion, and she began to seek a place to play. Nibbelink found groups seeking an oboe player, and in turn she found an outlet. “I play with two groups. I play with the Classic City Band. The other group is a woodwind quintet, called the Wooden Nickel Quintet. Typically we play a lot of church gigs, then we do some solo work,” Nibbelink said. We just played a concert last week at the Botanical Gardens.” Through the release that is her music, Nibbelink has found inspiration. Inspiration conveyed through her willingness to help the students of CCHS. Inspiration conveyed through all those tiny reverberations she sends through the air with a slight breath. She isn’t the principal of CCHS, and she isn’t the cornerstone of the Classic City Band. She is a life-changer though, and when you know yours is the voice students look to for guidance, everything else becomes trivial. It’s only fitting that Nibbelink plays the oboe. Both she and the instrument she plays are steady, supportive voices within a cacophony. They’re both perfect for their respective orchestras, whether that group is the symphony or the student body at CCHS.

important in relation to what girls are usually told about relationships in high school: don’t get pregnant. While this is good advice, it shows little understanding of what should be impressed upon teenage girls. High school is a crucial time for girls. They have the opportunity to develop ideas about ... So, are independence, career aspirations we going to and general self-sufficiency. It’s hook up, or difficult to grow and develop what? ideas if all decisions are made based on your proximity to some guy. It’s too easy to point out girls Above: LET ME HOLLER AT YOU: High School students often choose to hook up as opposed to that have lost all confidence in being in stressful, emotionally draining relationtheir ability to function outside ships. of an antiquated set of standards for their sex. A stigma has been attached to hooking up, but one should really be attached to the immature conventions of high school dating.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Viewpoints

May 2009

The thing about sexting

Photo by Tyler Elrod

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

eens’ futures across the country are being compromised with the decision to press send on their cell phones. Pressing that one button has the power to put a felony on your record. A student who is over the age of 17 who decides to send a nude or even semi- nude photo of themselves in a text message to a minor is liable to be charged with manufacturing and distributing child pornography. This act is referred to as “sexting.” According to CBS News, “sexting” is the act of sending nude or semi-nude photos via text message. The teenager on the other end who receives the picture can be considered to possess child pornography. The minors may not be charged as a felon, but the students who are under 17 are put through a juvenile court and will most likely receive probation and court mandated therapy. Sex offenses are punishable by jail time. There are many restrictions put on a registered sex offender, which lasts the rest of their life. A sex offender cannot get certain jobs, cannot live within half a mile of school and is registered in a database which lists them as a sex offender and can be accessed by anyone. Child pornography laws were created to protect minors from pedophiles and rapists, not to ruin the minor’s life. A 16 year-old-girl who decides to send a picture to her boyfriend of her in her underwear should hardly be considered a sex offender. Dumb, yes. Sex offender, no. We are at an age in which we are curious and easily influenced by our peers and the media. On a day-to-day basis, we see images of girls posing in lingerie on billboards on the street. Yet, if we model this behavior and send a picture of us in lingerie to a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend or potential love interest, we risk being considered sex offenders. Boys pressure girls to send them pictures, and it’s not uncommon for girls to oblige. Peer pressure comes into play when a girl who is not

Above: IT COULDN’T HAPPEN TO ME: Teenagers often feel pressured to send revealing photos of themselves to peers. The rapidly growing phenomenon is called “sexting” and can result in the student’s photo being spread around school or the internet. Bottom Left: HOW MANY PEOPLE KNOW?: Once a provocative photograph has been sent out, there is no accounting for how many people will see it either on the internet or through text messages. Jessica Logan, an 18-year-old from Ohio, committed suicide when her ex-boyfriend sent her provocative pictures to other girls.

engaging in sexual activity with her boyfriend or is trying to impress a guy she likes is being approached and pressured to send a picture. Thus, sexting has become a more commonly accepted practice among teenagers. A poll done by CosmoGirl in the Fall of 2008 surveyed 1280 teens and stated that 20 percent of those teens have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. It seems that the worry of lawmakers and parents, alike, is the spread of these explicit photos. With technology, one click and the picture can be sent to the cell phones of every student in the school, or even uploaded on the internet. This may be wrong, but it is something the teen needs to think about before the photo is sent. The

teenage years are a time to make mistakes and learn from them. If sending a picture to a guy and having him show his friends is one of the unfortunate experiences a teen goes through then that will also be one of the experiences they learn and mature from.

We are at an age in which we are curious and easily influenced by our peers and the media. The case of 18-year-old Jessica Logan, of Ohio, is an isolated event. Logan sent the photo to her boyfriend and it was later forwarded to classmates. Rather than learning from the mistake, Logan committed suicide. In spite of issues like Logan’s, it is harmless and trivial for lawmakers to concern themselves with teenagers’ “sexting” practices. Educating students on some of the results and repercussions of sexting is a more sensible way to handle this growing trend among teens. Sex Education’s outdated curriculum should begin to include issues, such as sexting that are more applicable to today’s teens. It is unreasonable for teens to be punished so severely for something that’s consequences are not widely known. In this case a picture is worth a thousand words, and possibly 20 years of jail time, too.

May 2009

Viewpoints

Silence speaks

Diversah-what?

To stop discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression in schools, students choose to take a vow of silence.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson Photo illustration by Gayatri Setia

Cartoon by Emily Silva

t’s just a normal Friday at Clarke Central High School. You walk into your biology class and take your seat. The dull roar of voices fills your ears as you get out your notebook and pen, but as you start to hone in on the conversations going on around you, something is missing. Your neighbor to your left, usually the loudest voice in the room, BY ISABEL ATKINSON is silent. Photographer The Day of Silence, endorsed by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, is an annual student-led silent protest to “speak out” against discrimination towards students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. On the Day of Silence, which fell on Friday, April 17 this year, students vowed to be silent for the whole or a portion of the school day. The event originated at the University of Virginia in 1996 with only 150 people participating. Twelve years later, for the Day of Silence in 2008, thousands of students at more than 8,000 schools participated, showing both the growing popularity of the protest and support for the cause. The symbolism of the “silence” is especially evident in high schools, which are full of judgmental teenagers. High school students have a reputation for being harsh and critical of anything that is deemed “weird” or “out of the ordinary” and at many schools, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people fall under these labels. This causes kids that have not yet “come out of the closet” to feel trapped, scared to face the oppression. A common misconception is that the Day of Silence’s purpose is to promote the civil rights of LGBT citizens. Its primary goal is to draw attention to discrimination, name-calling, harassment and bullying that many LGBT students face. It stands for a social change towards the younger generation of “weirdos”, which hopefully will increase acceptance by the general public and stem a political change. I have always been 100 percent supportive of the LGBT community, and last year, I was finally confident enough to participate in taking the daylong vow to show my support. Throughout the course of the day, one of questions that I heard most frequently was: “Are you gay?” Perhaps the greatest obstacle that I faced was communicating to these people that yes, some people who participate are, but others are not. Participating in the Day of Silence does not necessarily mean that you are homosexual, but merely that you are a supporter of the LGBT community. It’s frustrating to have to remain silent and only communicate through writing, but the distaste with which some people ask this question parallels what some LGBT people face all the time. The Day of Silence has a different result at every school, and whether or not I believe it to be especially Below: SILENCE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN effective at CCHS, I am still WORDS: The Day of Silence is an opportunity going to participate this year for students that are supportive of the lesbian, and next. gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) comIt stands for something munity to stand up for something they believe in. The silence mirrors the oppression that some that I’m proud to support, LGBT students face at school every day. and that’s enough reason for me.

“One day we’ll be one and diversity will ring.” n the first day of school in August 2007, I stepped into the halls of Clarke Central High School and found a student population unlike any other I had ever seen. Here was a group of Hispanic girls; there was a group of black boys; and all the way down the hall was a group of white girls disappearing around the corner. When I transferred to CCHS sophomore year, I was coming from a private school. My old school had some students from other countries, such as India and China, but let’s face it -- most of them were white. My parents told me they wanted me to consider the public school system. When I asked them why they were so keen on CCHS, their biggest reason was because there were so many different races and ethnicities there. That was always the main selling point about CCHS for my parents: the diversity. But throughout my time at CCHS, my classes have usually been split down the middle: one side has the whites, and the other side has the blacks, with the other minorities and me in between. The cafeteria is very much h the same, with tables off whites, tables of Hispanics, tables of blacks and tables of Asians. After seeing so much selfsegregation in school, I was confused when, in all my classes, everybody was talking about International Day. I listened to other students complain about how their teachers couldn’t get tickets and had to be put on a waiting list. Why were people suddenly so interested in learning about other cultures? Ironically, the 2009 International Day Festival was packed. Students stood in the back of the auditorium and looked on as their classmates presented flags from 39 different countries, danced the salsa, performed Indian and French routines, recited poetry in Chinese and sang songs in Spanish. The audience of students, teachers, parents and members of the community Above: LEAPING OFF THE STAGE: respected the participants who were perSenior Mayra Padilla dances a ballet forming and cheered them on. The sturoutine as part of the French Club’s performance in the International dents in the auditorium suddenly became Day festival. People cheered her on a whole new student body -- one that apduring the dance representing French preciated and celebrated all talent that cameculture, they soon went back to sitting within their own cultures and groups. with having a diverse school. The excitement of learning about the customs and traditions of other countries stayed in the air for about a week, and then students became engrossed in their own peer groups again. The cafeteria and the classrooms remained like oil and water, kids sitting together, but in their own separate sections. Why do we need a festival to get people to see what was right in front of their faces every single day of the school year? Why do students think that the only time to celebrate diversity is that one, two-hour celebration each year, and after that it doesn’t matter? International Day is a great concept and an entertaining show, but what it does for the student body is only temporary. One day a year of celebrating all the various cultures in our school is not going to solve the problem of self-segregation we face. Diversity is a gift, and it’s wasting away under our watch.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Viewpoints

May 2009

What’s happening this May? Alesha Smith fondly remembers growing up with her big brother.

Jammin’ in the name of peace.

Cartoon by Marisa Mustard

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Above: PEANUT BUTTER AND PEACEJAM: Freshmen Christian Saupe and Kayli Read discuss Project Safe while attending the PeaceJam conference on the campus of Florida State. Saupe and other members took away ideas on how to prevent violence in the community.

“greener,” and team-building exercises. All the things we did and talked about were very inspirational, and definitely made me want to help out in our community. I felt that anyone who partook in PeaceJam had nothing but positive feelings about the trip. I am delighted that our school has a club that is free to anybody who feels it is important to make a change in our community.

A helping hand for the community.

ou see it all over the media. You hear whispers of it through the hallways. But when you need factual information on sex and advice on sexual health and relationships, it can be difficult to know where BY JESSICA HEINZE Guest writer to turn. Luckily, there are options. I’m Ms. Heinze, a Health Educator with the Health Department. I teach classes at Clarke Central on topics like Sexual Health and Nutrition, but I also answer questions and provide oneon-one counseling to students who need answers or guidance. I’ve helped students understand things like how Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are spread, how a girl gets pregnant, and how you can reduce your risk of STIs and pregnancy. I also talk to students about making healthy decisions and can provide guidance on healthy relationships, like how to talk to your partner about sex and using protection. In addition, Clarke Central has another great resource right in its backyard. Teen Matters is a health clinic for high school students up to the age of 19. It has moved into a new location on Rocksprings Court, behind Clarke Central’s baseball field. Maybe you’ve heard about Teen Matters and the different services offered there. All of the

services offered at Teen Matters are free and confidential. If you’re thinking about choosing to have sex, you can go to Teen Matters to talk to a nurse or a Health Educator about healthy decision making, as well as get services like birth control and condoms for free. Remember that the best decision you can make is an informed decision. Think about how your beliefs, goals, and values reflect the decisions you’re making. Know the consequences, and know how those consequences can affect your health, your goals, and your future. Know that there are answers to your questions, resources at your fingertips, and people ready to help you make healthy decisions to keep you on a path success. All you have to do is ask!

Below: LISTENING TO WHAT MATTERS: Teen Matters, an organization intended to help teenagers with health related questions, has moved to a new location behind Clarke Central High School. Photo by Isabel Atkinson

met Alphonso Christian Smith 15 years ago. As his three-year-old eyes peered down upon me, my parents could tell he was proud to call me his little sister. As we grew up, he watched over me, making BY ALESHA SMITH Guest Writer sure other kids didn’t bother me. We would sit in the grass, him dreaming of playing in the NBA while I dreamed of being the first girl in the NBA alongside my big brother. My brother’s transition from elementary to middle school was difficult for me. He chose to hang out with his friends, and it hurt to know that my brother was leaving me behind. He moved on to high school, and I, in middle school at the time, finally understood his need to be with his friends. I played basketball for BurneyHarris-Lyons and he came to every game he could just to cheer me on. He was having conflicts with basketball at the time, but I knew when he came back to play he could come back with fire. When I made it to high school, he always kept his eye on me. He would say, “Lesha, don’t hang out with them, they’re not good for you,” or, “Lesha, don’t trust these boys.” I took his advice, losing a lot of people who I called Above: Alesha Smith fondly remembers the times her and her brother friends in shared as she prepares herself to watch the process, him get his diploma on graduation day. but I soon learned who my true friends were. My brother came back to basketball for his junior year and this year, he did what I always knew he could do, he truly played ball. He is my inspiration, and he pushes me to get better every day. May 22 will be a sad and joyous day. That will be the day I say goodbye to my brother, as I watch him graduate. My brother has taught me a lot and I truly love him for that. When my big brother walks across that UGA stadium, I hope he knows that Alesha Smith will be the proudest little sister in the audience.

uring a three-day span, I experienced an amazing group conference called PeaceJam. Hundreds of middle and high school students all over the Southeast attended this conference to discuss issues we face BY CHRISTIAN SAUPE Guest writer today. Domestic violence, prisoner rights, freedom of speech, and poverty, were only a few of the many things that were discussed at the gathering. We also had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting Betty Williams, a Noble Peace Prize laureate. Williams told us of her experiences in the peacemaking community, and growing up in Northern Ireland with the conflict between Protestants and Catholics. I learned a lot from this PeaceJam. I was happy to meet new people with new ideas about ways to stop violence in our community, or how to help those less fortunate than us who are below the poverty line. We did many fun activities that taught me a lot. The activities consisted of marches around the Florida State campus, making our community

Photo courtesy of Lindy Cox

May 2009

Viewpoints

I get by with a little help... True friendships are like waterfalls, they are strong enough to overcome whatever comes in their way. Photos courtesy of Sarah Nehf

SARAH NEHF Business Manager

he Beatles were not the first to discover that “getting by” was much easier with a little help from your friends. In high school, we can forget how important our friends are. At this age, relationships are especially delicate and the silliest things can separate even the tightest of friends. I’ve had plenty of these experiences throughout high school and learned many valuable lessons from them. The summer before my freshmen year, I was staying on one of the Finger Lakes in New York state with some friends. On a particularly hot day, one of my friends and I were attempting to prepare for the cross country season when I suggested that we trespass through someone’s yard and use their dock to jump into the lake instead. We agreed that this was a great idea, so we ran towards the dock. Jokingly, my friend pushes me into the water. Everyone knows this is something you should never do unless you’re fully prepared to face the consequences. I was quick to grab her foot and yank her into the water beside me. As she came out of the water, I noticed a deep gash on the side of her foot that was bleeding uncontrollably. Perhaps I had pulled her a little too hard. She then explained that after she had tumbled into the water she scraped her foot violently against a bed of mollusks with particularly sharp shells. I could see a raging glare manifest in her eyes, but felt absolutely no shame for my actions regardless. After all, she had pushed me first. During my sophomore year, I brought three of my friends to my family’s house in Fripp Island, South Carolina. This house, fondly referred to as the “River Cabin”, is not exactly a luxurious resort. It’s located in Tansy Village, an interesting hodge-podge of cabins and mobile homes next to an expanse of uninhabitable wetland. However, it is only a few miles away from the beach, and my friends and I were thrilled to be there. We immediately headed off to the beach, approaching the beginning of our vacation with that special kind of hyper giddiness that only teenage girls possess; walking barefoot along the beach shore, screeching at the sight of a washed-up jellyfish and posing for pictures in front of the sunset. We were blissfully unaware that that night the mood of the trip would rapidly be destroyed, and that an unsteady human pyramid would terminate the peace between our happy group. First, let me warn you that if you are ever for some reason convinced into being part of the base of a human pyramid, make sure that a) you are not the smallest person in the group, b) you are not performing this over a hard surface (i.e. a paved road) and c) the other bases won’t bail on you in the event that the person on top falls over. Unfortunately, I had to learn those lessons the hard way, and as the top of our human pyramid lost her balance and came toppling down, I was the only one left standing beneath her. I immediately

Above: THREE MUSKATEERS: It doesn’t look like anything could come between these fun-loving freshmen. Left: DON’T GO CHASING WATERFALLS: True friendship is like this river flowing over a canyon; nothing can get in its way. From left: Crowe, Amster, Barks and Nehf. Far left: FRESHMEN FEVER: The girls are looking super glamorous for their first homecoming dance in 2005. From left: seniors Wilson, Mcleod, Swisher, Golan, King, Dennis, Nehf and Guest.

collapsed under her weight and found myself diving face-first into the unforgiving ground below. Needless to say, after that moment the trip was never the same. Not only was my face bleeding in four different places, it had also swollen to twice its normal dimensions, despite the fact that I had spent the night with a frozen bag of peas on my head. Looking in the mirror gave me a strong urge to walk into oncoming traffic. I could have sworn that I looked like one of the maneating mutants from The Hills Have Eyes. I was so angry with my friends who had let me take the fall that I completely ignored them the rest of the week. Instead, I spent the vacation wallowing in pathetic self-pity behind an oversized pair of sunglasses that I refused to remove, even if we were indoors and it was dark. Since then I’ve learned that in moments like these you can’t let your emotions get the best of you. I could have had a fun time at the beach, but I was too busy feeling sorry for myself. If I hadn’t let my ego take control, I could have been a lot nicer to my friend on the dock. Your friends are bound to piss you off sometimes, and there is nothing you can do about it. To get upset over every little thing is so tedious. Appreciate the good qualities of your friendship, and remember, true friendship is unconditional. The friends who will be there for you no matter what are the ones worth holding on to.

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May 2009

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May 2009

Traveling Bots The first year Clarke Central Robotics Team traveled to Atlanta on April 15 to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge World Photo by Isabel Atkinson Championship in the Photo illustration by Sallay Jabbie Georgia Dome. Out of a 100 team field, CCHS finished 16th in the world. “We’d been talking about going to the World Championship for a long time, but once we got there it was just an overwhelming experience,” Robotics Team coach and social studies department teacher Hannah Walsh said. The team included sophomores Maurice Ches-

M Marching into madness Clarke Centr Central High School kicked off its first annual Tri-M: M March Music Madness Talent Show. The show took place in Mell Auditorium on April 3, including several different acts, such as singing, rapping, classical and acoustic pieces and full band performances. Performers were freshmen Eli Garriby, Emma Kissane, Carlo Nasisse, Eliza Rothstien, Blaine Wooten, sophomores Kelsey Brown, Josh Duncan, David Harper, Emily Hubbard, Kyle Tortorella, juniors Xyquavious Clay, Shelby Curran, Ethan Davis, Daniel DeSimone, Molly Sproston, Michael Stephens, Marina Thomas, seniors Wayne Brostrom, Devon Carter, Elizabeth Frary, Donarell Green and Marlon Wymbs. “It was literally the most exhilarating 17 minutes of my life,” Brostrom said. First place was given to Brown, who sang original songs and played acoustic guitar, and Thomas came in second for singing. Speaking in verse On Oct. 9, 2009, the University of Georgia’s Georgia Review will host Pulitzer Prize winning poet Rita Dove in Clarke Central High School’s Mell Auditorium for a poetry reading. Dove was invited by the Georgia Review to come to Athens, Ga. and host three poetry readings as well as a question and answer session with the audience. Dove will speak at the AthensClarke County library on Oct. 8 and CCHS on Oct. 9, followed by a session at UGA that same afternoon. “All of the programs will be somewhat informal, conversational kinds of question and answer

Jammin’ for peace larke Central High School’s club, PeaceJam, attended the 2009 PeaceJam Conference that was held in Tallahassee, Fl. on March 20 until March 22. The 1976 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Laureate Betty Williams, was the honored speaker at the conference. The CCHS participants included freshmen Eduardo De La Torre Beròn, Jordan Evans, Morgan Johnson, Emma Kissane, Carlo Nasisse, Kayli Read, Katie Rosemond, Eliza Rothstein, Kate Ruston, Christian Saupe, Dreidan Thomas, sophomores Ashley Conrad, Salima Greig, Sonora Hernandez, Carla Sanchez, Leah Schmidt, Helene Somda, Whitney Wakefield, Shimmy Wallace, juniors Claudia Guillen and Leslie Rico. “(PeaceJam) was inspring to see all of the people there for the same cause working for peace,” Rothstein said.

Above: SAVING LIVES ONE POSTER AT A TIME: Freshmen Eliza Rothstein and Emma Kissane decorate signs for a rally to stop Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis and malaria while on a trip to the 2009 PeaceJam Conference in Tallahassee, Fl. “Seeing all of the kids at PeaceJam really inspired me and made me think that it was one day possible to have a peaceful world,” Rothstein said. Left: CULTIVATING A GREEN THUMB: Doug Carithers, a crossing guard at Whit Davis Elementary School, comes to Clarke Central High School weekly to assist the CTAE department with the new greenhouse planting. Carithers gives the greenhouse staff pointers on efficient plant-growing methods.

sessions. She will read a little bit and talk with people,” Editor of the Georgia Review Dr. Stephen Corey said. -- Compiled by the News Staff

BY TAMAR SCHMIDT Viewpoints Writer

ophomore Carmina Escalante will travel to Reno, NV in May 2009 for the Intel International Science Fair. She competed at this event for the third phase of the science fair project that she began in seventh grade. ‘“My project focuses mainly on this acrylamide issue. Acrylamide is a carcinogenic substance that forms in foods that are baked and fried at extremely high temperatures. Potatoes are my main food because of French fries,” Escalante said. Escalante’s research is based on carcinogens, or cancer causing substances found in different species or cultivates of potatoes. Her experiment

looks at the kinds of potatoes that can contain acrylamide. “(Carmina has) been successful at every level she’s competed,” Science Department Chair and Escalante’s advisor Buddy Sims said. Escalante’s main reason for competing is to gain knowledge and information on the key point of her studies. Her interest originally derived from her brother, who eats French fries. Escalante intends to continue with her research and considers following science in college. “The actual experimentation process itself is most rewarding,” Escalante said. “I like explaining it, doing it and having the practical purpose behind it.”

Photo courtesy of Carmina Escalante

Feeding a passion

Above: EXPERIMENTAL PROCESS: Escalante works with University of Georgia’s professor Dr. Louis Wicker in a lab at UGA using the equipment and supervision of Wicker. “I’ve had to make sacrifices because of all the time, I spend working on my project,” Escalante said. “It’s definitely harder to juggle my school work. With any competition (you) just have to make sacrifices.”

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Phot ill

Playing in the dirt Starting on April 20, the Clarke Central High School faculty and staff were be able to use the campus greenhouse on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The Career, Technical and Agricultural Education department, which sponsors of the green house, provides soil, containers and water for the staff to grow vegetables and flowers. The support staff, including curators and administrators for the greenhouse, consists of crossing guard Doug Carithers, English department teacher Richard Hill and CTAE department teacher Aaron Cavin. “It’s a good service for teachers and gives kids a variety to learn about and study in the agriculture class,” English department teacher Lindy Cox said.

ter, Michael Coffee, Co Lyle Higginbotham juniors Ralston, Harrison Skinner seniors Stephanie Rals Christiana Griffi Grif n and Cassandra Liles. Robotics Team members are now eligible to apply for over offered to students $9.6 million in scholarships s from a variety oof organizations and universities across the coun country.

Photo courtesy of Eliza Rothstein

News briefs

News

May 2009

Trends in texting Sexting, a new trend, is the creation or distribution of revealing photographs. BY LAUREN PRUITT

Photo illustra Photos by Arielle tion by Lauren Pruitt Golan and Ma dison Begnaud

Junior Copy Editor

be restricted to the courtroom, but through counseling. Matthews works with teenagers on issues concerning relationships. He recognizes the possible emotional implications after sending a nude or semi-nude picture to a boyfriend or girlfriend. In July of 2008, 18 year-old Jesse Logan of Cincinnati, Ohio committed suicide after nude photos she sent to her boyfriend were sent to the student body of her high school. Her boyfriend sent the photos out after the couple broke up. Although this situation is rare, Matthews feels that teaching young women how to be assertive in a relationship would help. For Matthews, parental influence at a young age is the long-term solution to the sexting phenomenon. He believes parents could always improve in talking to their kids about sex. “We’re not doing a good job as parents, as educators and also religious institutions of talking about sex with teenagers,” Matthews said. “After all these years, we still don’t know how to do it.” Progressing in communication between parents and teens, according to Matthews, is the only way to discourage teenagers from engaging in sexting. As technology continues to offer opportunities for sexting, Matthews urges parents to start talking to their kids soon. “It requires an ongoing dialogue between the parent and teen about what they are doing, what kinds of choices they make and how to effectively deal with the world around them,” Matthews said. “If they can do that and have a healthy dialogue with them then it’s more likely they won’t make those kinds of choices in the future.”

Left: SEXT MESSAGE: Teens everywhere have been engaging in sexting. “I don’t see the provocative stuff that goes on in our society changing,” psychologist Kip Matthews said. “I think until that changes, teens are going to use the latest technology to put the two together.” *The students in this article wished to remain anonymous, thus the reporter used the pseudonyms Devin Williams and Sandra McCarthy.

enior Garry Long arrived at the Clarke Central High School Glad Shack to purchase a soft, salted pretzel and a Gatorade, but ended up leaving empty-handed. “Usually, I get a Gatorade (from the Glad Shack),” Long said. “I didn’t know that (they didn’t sell them anymore). I feel bad now. That’s what kept me up, right there. Gatorades keep me energized.” The CCHS school store, the Glad Shack, run by Career, Technical and Agricultural Education department teacher Vickie Shell was reviewed on Friday, March 8, by Clarke County School District School Nutrition Director Paula Farmer. Farmer advised the Glad Shack to remove Hot Pockets, soft pretzels, Lifesaver gummies, cheddar Chex Mix, cookies, beef jerky, Vitamin Water and Gatorades from the menu. This change was made to enforce the CCSD Wellness Policy, which mandates items not meeting standards be removed. It is a federally mandated rule that each district in the nation must have a Wellness Policy. “The food sold in the Glad Shack has to be in compliance with the CCSD Wellness Policy, as well as USDA guidelines, (but) items were being sold that are not,” Farmer said. “Shell was given a hard copy of the CCSD Wellness Policy. It is her responsibility to ensure compliance.” When asked about the Glad Shack and its compliance with the Wellness Policy, Shell and Glad Shack workers declined comment. The CCSD Wellness Policy was created by a board of members from throughout the district. It has guidelines of what foods CCSD schools can and cannot sell during the day based on how healthy and nutritious the items are for students. The Wellness Policy, formally adopted in 2006, was instated in hopes of creating a healthy diet for students. The removal of popular food items from the Shack’s menu has led students, such as former Glad Shack worker sophomore Larry Garrison, to disagree with the Wellness Policy. “(The Wellness Policy is) unfair because people should be able to eat what they want and not be judged about what (they) consume,” Garrison said. While it is his job to support the Wellness Policy, CCHS principal Dr. Robbie Hooker also agrees with the Wellness Policy’s contents and sees possible advantages to students at CCHS. It is also Hooker’s job to ensure that the Wellness Policy is implemented correctly within the school cafeteria, the Glad Shack and vending machines, as well as other available food and drink supplies throughout the school. Photos courtesy of www.coffeeforless.com, Corbis.com, happymondayupdate.files.wordpress.com, the83.com “Look among our school. Teens are not as (physically) active as they once were, (and the Wellness Policy is) one way we could remedy the situation,” Hooker said. Non-compliant items were sold in the Glad Shack, but it remains unclear how the misinterpretation of the Wellness Policy occurred. Hooker feels the situation could have been avoided. “I wish that (Shell, Farmer and I) would have sat down and discussed what’s appropriate for the school store before going out and purchasing the items, instead of assuming, reading the policy and interpreting,” Hooker said.

Photo illustration by Emily Allen

ODYSSEY O OD DYS YSSE YSS SEY NEWSMAGAZINE NE N EWSMAGA

A misinterpretation of the Wellness Policy lead to the removal of popular food items from the school store. BY KINSEY CLARK

Features Writer

ccording to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, one in five teens has admitted to sending or receiving a nude or semi-nude picture on his or her cellular phone or over the internet. This act, known as “sexting,” could lead to teenagers prosecuted as registered sex offenders. “It’s like a 17-year-old boy with a Mustang convertible, he’s going to go out there and go 90 miles per hour, not knowing what the consequences may be,” Athens-Clarke County sex crimes detective Chris Parker said. “Teenagers don’t understand that if they’re going to send it to their boyfriend or girlfriend, that person could send it to somebody else, and then it’s just going to be out there.” Sending an explicit picture, in some cases, could lead to a felony charge. If a person of 17 years or older receives a picture of a minor, he or she could become a registered sex offender and the minor could be charged with distribution and manufacturing child pornography, even if the picture is of himself or herself. At Clarke Central High School, students have admitted to sending or receiving nude or semi-nude photos via cell phones. “I have plenty of girls send me pictures, and I’ve sent one with my shirt off, but that’s about it. The girl asked me for it. It wasn’t a big deal to me,” me senior Devin D W Williams* sa “If a said. person was pe to do that, that’s their th business b an their deand cision. cisi They aren’t aren hurting nobody; they nob aren’t aren robb a bank bi bin bing or o something.” Psychologist Kip Matthews bet lieves liee that the efforts to end nd sexting sh sho should not

Trying to comply

Above: FORBIDDEN FOODS: Many students faced disappointment when they found out popular items, such as Hot Pockets, Soft Pretzels, Vitamin Water and Gatorade are no longer offered at Clarke Central High School’s school store, The Glad Shack. These items, as well as several others, were removed because they were not in compliance with the Clarke County School District’s Wellness Policy.

News

Losing

your

identity

Above: CAUGHT IN THE ACT: According to www.SpamLaws.com, over 8.4 million Americans fell victim to identity theft in 2008. Identity theft occurs when a person takes another person’s personal information, such as a credit card number or Social Security number, in order to gain access to his or her monetary resources, such as a bank account. Risk of identity theft increases when a person posts personal information online, especially while using a proxy server or a social networking site like Facebook or MySpace. Opposite page: BIG BROTHER: Many students enter their personal information online, especially through proxy servers, while on Clarke County School District computers, but they are not always aware they are exposing themselves to identity theft. “Posting personally identifiable information opens the risk for contact from anyone who comes across your information,” CCSD Technology Integration Specialist Joel Frey said. BY GAYATRI SETIA News Editor

roxy servers and social networking websites, though completely different in function, both have one thing in common: they can lead to students losing their identity.

“The easiest way to think of a proxy site is if I go up to my bank and there’s some guy on the side of the street and I go, ‘Here’s my bank account; here’s my card; here’s my PIN code; here’s my bank account number. Could you get me $20 out, please?’” Clarke County School District Technology Integration Specialist James Griffin said. “I’m just using a proxy to go get it, but what he does with that (information), whether he’s honest or not, depends on the proxy server.” Griffin’s “guy on the side of the street” analogy represents a proxy site, which is a website made to allow users to visit restricted sites through the proxy site itself. The guy could go into the bank and do what Griffin asked of him, but he could just as easily take the information and the money for himself. If the guy decides on the second choice, he has stolen Griffin’s “identity,” or his personal information that allows access to his

bank account. “An example (of identity theft) would be someone using your social security number to apply for a loan. Once they have the money (or house or car) all of the paperwork indicates you purchased it,” CCSD Technology Integration Specialist Joel Frey said. “It can be very difficult to prove you did not.” It is for this reason that the CCSD internet usage policy states, “Students shall not engage in ‘hacking’ or any other attempt to compromise the security of any computer system including the use of proxy servers and other filter avoidance measures.” Using a proxy server is considered compromising the security of the computer system because it allows access to websites that the CCSD’s filters have restricted for the students’ own protection. “Organizational web filters are meant to stop illegal, improper, or unapproved access to websites and network resources,” Frey said. “‘Proxies use

many forms of network foolery to allow access to these unapproved websites or network resources.” Websites considered obscene, pornographic or harmful to minors are some examples of sites students are restricted from on school computers, but the CCSD’s filter, Websense, also restricts certain social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo. “Usually, the da dangers in social ne networking sites lie in how they are used. Po Posting personally ide identifiable informatio tion opens the risk for contact from an anyone who comes ac across your informa-- NANCY CREW, tio tion,” Frey said. “In Media Specialist ad addition, posting pic pictures, videos or inf information about yourself is like handing everyone a copy of it.” While social networking sites themselves can pose significant risks, accessing those sites through proxy servers, according to Griffin, can add to those risks. “If I join Facebook and put in all my current information, well, Facebook may keep that ‘secret’ but if I use a proxy to get to it then everything I

“We have had a couple of incidents in the past when we looked over someone’s shoulder and prevented a serious life mistake.”

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo illustration by Gayatri Setia

Students who use proxy servers to bypass school filters in order to access Facebook or MySpace unknowingly expose themselves to dangers such as identity theft.

Photo by Lexi Deagen

May 2009

Photo illustration by Gayatri Setia

send to that site while I’m using a proxy could get all my information,” Griffin said. Some proxies use a technique called key-stroking, or key-logging, to access information entered while on that site. “Key-logging is the process by which a program is loaded on your computer (without your knowledge) to record keystrokes,” Frey said. “So, when you go to your bank, e-mail or other secure sites, the program stores what you typed for your login. It then sends a log file (recording) of the information to an e-mail address or website.” Junior Shanequia Cooper used proxies for two years when she was on Clarke Central High School computers, and while she entered no personal information while on the proxy, she was unaware of the possible identity theft that might have resulted from doing so. “(I used proxies) because a lot of sites at school were blocked. I went to MySpace, YouTube and ringtone sites,” Cooper said. “I wasn’t aware of these dangers. I thought they were helpful and not harmful, but I guess, lucky for me, I don’t use them anymore.” Proxy sites can also expose students to potentially dangerous material by helping them bypass another district-imposed preventative measure: pop-up blocking. “Using proxy sites to bypass our security measures will increase the likelihood a site you are visiting will have pop-ups, because a lot of untrusted sites use this method of advertising or deception,” Frey said. Sometimes pop-ups can prompt a virus or other malware to download itself onto a computer without the user’s knowledge. These viruses can act as key-loggers to steal data stored on the computer and send it to a third-party source. In the fall of 2008, CCSD installed SchoolVue, which allows teachers and administrators to see everything that a student is doing on a computer from a supervising computer, on all computers and laptops in the district, in order to supervise

students and make sure they stay on task and off restricted sites. “It’s a very delicate line to tread without interfering with your privacy and then protecting you,” CCHS Media Specialist Nancy Crew said. “We have had a couple of incidents in the past when we looked over someone’s shoulder and prevented a serious life mistake. In that case, I felt it was justifiable because we helped someone, but again, I’m not looking in there, reading your e-mail.” Crew feels, because students who are under 18 years old still need some supervision in various aspects of their lives, that that supervision translates to internet safety as well. “(For) children under 18 at home or at school, some supervision is advisable,” Crew said. “Not all children use the internet poorly, and I’d like to think that my own children use good judgment because I’ve talked to them a lot about safety and giving away information.” While Crew has advised her own children about internet safety and the possible negative consequences of entering personal information online, many students remain ignorant of those dangers. Sophomore Romon Barnett frequently used proxy servers while on CCSD computers, and he just recently learned of the connection

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo by Lexi Deagen

News

between proxy servers and identity theft. “I just knew it would help me get to the websites that were blocked,” Barnett said. Because knowing about the dangers of proxy servers and social networking sites may not be enough for some students to stay away from such websites, the CCSD will continue to monitor school computers to further insure students’ safety and keep them on task. “The Internet is like a virtual field trip. Programs like (SchoolVue) and others are meant to keep students within the scheduled stops of the field trip. If a student wanders off, it is our duty as educational guardians, to bring them back with the group,” Frey said. “While most do not need supervision, we provide resources to teachers to help those students who do. In the future, I hope that students help their schools by reporting abuses and modeling good behavior.” Infographic by Gayatri Setia

Seven practices for computer security In order to protect Americans from identity theft online, the Federal Trade Commission, in conjuction with other federal agencies, created and maintained a website, OnGuard Online, to inform and instruct people on staying secure on the Internet.

1. Protect personal information. 2. Know who you are dealing with. 2. Know 3. Use security software that updates automatically. 3. Keep Use security software that updates automatically. operating systems and web browsers up-to4. systems web browsers up-toand know aboutand their security features. 4. Keepdateoperating date and know about their security features.

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5. Keep passwords safe, secure and strong. 6. Back up important files. to do in an emergency. 7. Learn what what to dobanking in an emergency. 7. Learn --Stop shopping, and other online

--Stop shopping, banking other online activities that involve userand names, passactivities that involve user names, passwords or other sensitive information. words or other sensitive information. -- Information courtesy of www.onguardonline.gov

May 2009

News

lan gu ag e

A fresh take on history

Sophomore year used to be the first year students could take Advanced Placement classes. Now, in the 2009-10 school year, freshmen will be able to take AP World History.

As one of the new classes being offered for the 2009-10 school year, Advanced Placement Language will be offered for juniors.

BY EMILY ALLEN

Like in many other AP courses, and could possibly want to major in the students will start having read it in college, and so going ahead and eginning in the 2009-10 a book, A Little History of the World by taking this class will be helpful.” school year, freshman at E.H. Gombrich. Freshmen enrolled in AP World Clarke Central High School “It reads like a novel but it is History will start the year off by will be allowed to enroll in Advance historical,” Goodrich said. taking Advanced World History, Placement courses for the first time. Goodrich is getting a head start in which will count as a history elec“(AP World History) is going to preparing for her new AP course. tive, allowing students to begin be college-leveled world history, so “I think it is going to be a great learning the material covered in the it is going to be something that most class,” Goodrich said. “I am reAP World History course. students would take their freshman ally excited that I get to spend In the second semester of the year of college, longer with a world history school year, the students will take Social Studies class because I never feel the AP unit of the course, which department like I have enough time will cover the subjects students teacher Ashley to cover everything I began studying in the Advanced Goodrich said. want in a semeslevel of the class. Students will earn BY EMILY ALLEN “It covers all of News Writer ter.” the AP cedit for the course in this the Georgia semester. s Now approved as the newest class Performance Like other AP courses offered at CCHS, other English department Standards, in the 2009-10 school year, the AP teachers feel Turco is prepared to and then it World History course will provide rising juniors take on CCHS’s newest AP offering. gets g even one semester of AP credit due to the at Clarke Cen“Mrs. Turco is a speech and debate state’s mandates that the Athenstral High School teacher, so where as I am having to reClarke County Board of Education sign up for classes ally learn a lot of this stuff in order to will meet. for the upcoming year, be able to teach my classes, this is her Although AP courses will now students may notice that field, and because she teaches Amerionly offer one semester of AP credit, an opportunity for a new can Lit. already, this is stuff that she Goodrich already has a plan for Advanced Placement course is really good at,” Cox said. the curriculum throughout the is available for the 2009-10 As a long time CCHS teacher with year. school year. a new position, Turco gets the chance “The first semester, we are “Beginning this year, the state to step into the field she knows best. going to come in with an department approved another AP “I am excited about teaching it and overview of all of world class. Before what they said was that I think it will be good for the English history and then 11th grade had to be American Literature department to have another AP that further in depth.” begin to dissect and Composition,” English department allows other grade levels to earn colSome freshmen see the benefits of it, in each area teacher Tia Turco said. lege credit,” Turco said. the class. a little more The newest AP course offered is known as “I think taking (World History) closely,” AP Language, which was originally a portion of as an AP would have been good to Goodrich the AP Literature and Composition class offered to clear our schedules in college so we said. CCHS seniors. can take something that interests “I don’t think that every AP literature teacher has us,” freshman Phillip Trandel said. taught the language part with the literature. So I thought Although some students are not this might be a good way to separate them and make sure thrilled with the change in the the kids are getting both,” English department teacher Lindy course offerings, many students are Cox said. excited about the new opportuBefore the 2009-10 school year, AP Literature was ofnity offered to freshman students. fered to CCHS seniors with a portion of the class focusing “I feel really lucky to be able to on Language. This will be the first time the Language portake an AP course my freshman tion is offered as its own class at CCHS. year, also possibly appreUnlike other AP classes for the 2009-10 school year, AP Lanhensive, considering I’m guage will not have an advanced course as a pre-requisite during not sure what it’s like,” the first semester, it will be offered as a one-semester course. StuClarke Middle School dents will be required to come into the class willing to work. student Dory “It’s very intensive when it comes to reading and writing, AP Language MacMillan said. is mostly non-fiction and it’s all about argumentation and its all about how “I like history people use words and use language,” Turco said. After being approved by the state Board of EducaAbove: CONFERENCE CALL: English department teacher Tia Turco conferences with tion, Turco suggested the idea of bringing the course to junior Molly Sproston on her essay in her Advanced College Prep American Literature/ComCCHS. position 11 class. Starting in fall 2009, Turco will also teach Advanced Placement Language for juniors. “(We will focus) on a lot of nonfiction, its autobiographies, biographies, literature “I went to the administrators asking if this was a possibility, that has that argumentation behind it,” Turco said. Above left: UNDERSTANDING then when we found out it was we had to take it to the (Clarke IMPERIALISM: Social Studies department teacher Ashley Goodrich talks to students about County School District) to get it approved and then the Unit of Imperialism in her ACP World History. Beginning next year, Goodrich will be teaching AP Studies had to approve it, so there were a lot of steps,” Turco said. World History for freshman students. “

News Writer

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Photo illustrations by Gayatri Setia Photos by Emily Allen

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

News

May 2009

Appreciating culture Jittery woes Clarke Central High School hosted the International Day Festival on April 8, 2009. BY TAMAR SCHMIDT Viewpoints Writer

students performed poetry, raps, music and dances that represented their culture. The performances were followed by a fashion show, both of which exposed different nationalities. All of these performances tied into this year’s festival’s theme, “By uniting the cultural arts and music, we will unite the world.” “We all dream of living in a world where there will be minimal violence, a place of tolerance, a place where everyone will have room in their hearts for others,” Mohanty said. “When we looked around CCHS, we saw many students loved to listen to music and as well as express themselves through artwork.” Mohanty said the theme was adopted from this aspect of our school and community. During every part of the festival, Mohanty played a compilation of music from around the world in the background. “Music is something everyone understands, everyone sees it, the rhythm and the joy,” UNIDOS president senior Lucy Pinto said. “We have so much to learn from others, let us start with the common point.” Pinto refers music as the cultural unifier of International Day. Assistant Principal Selena Blankenship also agrees that International Day stimulates acceptance of diversity, in CCHS students’ minds. “International Day is one of the best things we do here at CCHS. It not only looks at diversity from our origins, but diversity in thought,” Blankenship said. “The most important thing is that we show that on a daily basis, and we have that kind of respect (for) our peers, our classmates, our colleagues that we saw exhibited in the auditorium.”

Cartoon by Evan English

Above: WE WANT COFFEE: During the 2008-09 school year the students and staff were promised an in-school coffee shop. Due to construction delays and missing equipment. “The wait was frustrating,” CTAE department teacher Vera Giles said. “I was stressed out because no one was giving us any asnwers.”

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

nternational Day celebrates the culture and diversity around the school with a variety of performances. The annual international festival took place on April 8 in Clarke Central High School’s Mell Auditorium. “It took us roughly three and a half weeks to organize everything. Before we could do anything, we had to ask permission from Dr. Hooker. Before the show, we had to arrange for lights and music,” International Club president junior Pooja Mohanty said. “I’m so glad we were able to make it a reality.” The International club collaborated with Unidos, French Club, Drama Club and National Honor Society to make this event possible. This variety of organizations helped International Day represent the range of culture present at CCHS. “I think (the) International Festival is an easy and enjoyable way to see new cultures and acknowledge the talents that are hidden within CCHS,” Mohanty said. “I really liked the idea of putting together a show where a taste of all the cultures of CCHS could be served on a platter.” Over 90 cultures are present in CCHS, in total, 39 cultures were represented in a parade of flags during the festival. As each student reached the podium, he or she called out the name of the country for which they exhibited. “It was a really good atmosphere and I didn’t really know that CCHS has so many cultures that went to our school. I think everyone appreciates it in their own way, ” sophomore Lindsay Ravenell said. After the flag procession, students presented a cultural show in which

Due to missing construction features, the promise of the coffee shop in the Media Center has yet to be kept.

omage ature out AP

Above: RAISING THE FLAGS: Students at International day held flags to represent the nations they have roots in. “I think it’s good for people at Clarke Central to know that their are other minorities at CCHS,” sophomore Rachel Kulikoff said.

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Washing Leaves D

Clarke Central High S Donnell Washington m Athens, Ga. to gain a s tion, but he found tha be successful, he need his attitude first.

BY LAUREN PRUITT Features Writer

ashington, D.C., the capital of the United States of America, was named the murder capital of the U.S. in 2002 by the Washington Post and has lingered near the number one spot ever since. In 2005, a freshman at Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C. and his family made the journey to Athens, Ga. in an attempt to break away from the violence. Donnell Washington enrolled at Clarke Central High School as a freshman. Three years later, he is completing his senior year at CCHS. “My mother just wanted to give us a better foundation and she thought school was the most important thing,” Washington said. “She thought this would be a good place to move to get away from the violence.” Although Washington joined his grandmother, uncle and two of his cousins when he moved to Athens, he did not feel immediately comfortable in the CCHS atmosphere. “I didn’t want to be here. I was so different, I dressed differently. I just didn’t really want to make new friends because I wanted to go back,” Washington said. “I wasn’t ready to adapt (to a new school).” Washington’s family encouraged him to become a part of the Athens community, but his aloof attitude prevented him from doing so. He did not develop relationships with CCHS students, and his lack of interest showed in his school work, as Washington’s grades began to drop. During Washington’s freshman and sophomore year, his grades did not improve. However, he received an opportunity to return to Washington D.C. to visit his friends while his family visited relatives in the area.

When they arrived, Washington found things to be worse than when he had left. Some of the friends he planned to visit were gone. “I’m glad I got out of that situation,” Washington said. “A couple of my friends passed away or were shot, and it’s horrible.” The deaths of his close friends left Washington feeling helpless. Upon returning to Athens, his requests for returning to Washington, D.C. stopped altogether. “If I went back again I would be so traumatized by what happened to other people that it would affect me being successful,” Washington said. “You want to do something, but you know you can’t.” However, Washington’s realization did not immediately change his attitude. He became increasingly hostile after his visit. His attitude at school resulted in fights, and eventually he landed in the office of late assistant principal Dr. Miller Jordan. “I had gotten in some trouble, so I had a meeting with Officer (Terry) Reid and Dr. Jordan,” Washington said. “Officer Reid was hard on me, but Dr. Jordan was just mellow. He was like, ‘Just think about your mother, think about your future, think about what you want to happen in your future, and think about who you’re affecting.’” This meeting with Dr. Jordan changed Washington. He began to feel as if he gained a friend in Dr. Jordan and was welcome at CCHS. “Dr. Jordan used to check-up on me, ask, ‘You alright? How’s your home situation? You don’t want to leave us, do you?’” Washington said. “I was heading down hill and felt like I had no one. I didn’t have the teachers or the friends that I had (back in Washington, D.C.). So, he just made me feel like I

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo by Lexi Deagen

Photo by Emily Allen

ngton s D.C.

Opposite page: A TURNAROUND ATTITUDE: Clarke Central High School senior Donnell Washington changed his attitude when he moved from Washington D.C. to Athens, Ga. “In D.C. you didn’t want to let anyone in. If someone asks you what size shoe you wear, basically they were trying to take them,” Washington said. “So I brought that attitude down here and had to change.” Left: LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT: Washington leads a group of CCHS Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students through their marching cadences. The class has allowed Washington to develop leadership skills. “(The JROTC class) gave me citizenship, responsibility, leadership, and I guess hardship, too, like learning to deal with it,” said Washington.

High School senior gton moved to ain a solid educand that in order to e needed to change . was at home.” As they watched him become a more social, responsible student, Washington’s family began to encourage him to take part in an enrichment program at school. His uncle, Mark Hansey, suggested joining the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program to Washington. Hansey thought it would give his nephew the values he needed. “When I moved down here, (Hansey) said (JROTC) would be a good program for me to be involved in because it teaches you citizenship,” Washington said. “It not only looks good on an application, but it can better you as a person.” Colonel William McMickle is the chair of the JROTC department at CCHS and is the director of its extracurricular activities, as well. When McMickle took the position in 2007, Washington was already a student in the JROTC elective course. “The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to be better citizens. We’re about leadership, diversity, and respect,” McMickle said. “We also develop team work. And quite frankly, we have a very good JROTC curriculum that makes a wellrounded student.” For Washington, the class had a dramatic impact on his attitude. He was dedicated to learning what McMickle was teaching, and quickly became passionate about the class. “I changed my attitude. I wasn’t an outgoing person -- I basically just stayed by myself, so I changed that. And I just changed how I look at life, period. If you ask anyone, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing, I live life like it’s my last day,” Washington said. “(The JROTC class) gave me citizenship, responsibility, leadership, and I guess hardship, too, like learning to deal with it.” The JROTC class was Washington’s guide on how to deal with emotional problems. Washington took those lessons and applied them to the hardships he had faced during his move to Athens and traumatic visit to Washington, D.C. According to McMickle, the JROTC class is not for every student, but for Washington, it was the activity he needed. “I’ve seen Donnell mature and quit goofing off and focus on what needs to

be done,” McMickle said. “You’d like to think it was the JROTC program, but as any man or woman matures and they step back and see what life is about, they realize that they need to educate themselves to allow them a successful career in whatever they decide to do. I think he turned serious about his grades and he turned serious about things he needed to do to be successful in life.” Washington has a special role in the class, along with the other seniors. These responsibilities include helping teach and direct the younger students when learning how to be respectful, march and wear their uniforms correctly. “My job is to teach Donnell to be a leader,” McMickle said. “The way I do that is I teach him, I teach him, I teach him, and then I step back and allow him be a leader.” The leadership positions in the JROTC classroom have spurred Washington on to other achievements. He recently received an Army ROTC four-year scholarship to the school of his choice: Jackson State University.

“I just changed how I look at life, period. If you ask anyone, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing, I live life like it’s my last day.”

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-- DONNELL WASHINGTON, senior

Washington already planned to join an ROTC program in college prior to applying for the Army scholarship, which comes with obligations. For a full four-year scholarship, he is committed to serve six years in the Army. McMickle feels that even with the Army’s requirements, the opportunity for Washington is good. “He’s guaranteed a job when he gets out. He doesn’t have to worry about or pay back any scholarship money,” McMickle said. “He has to meet and maintain the physical fitness requirements, the academic requirements and the integrity requirements expected of him when he starts and signs the contract with the Army.” McMickle feels the expectations for Washington while in the Army will continue to build character and keep him on the right track. Washington’s future shows promise to the many underclassman he works with in the JROTC classroom. McMickle encourages him to give advice to the younger students. “It’s a quote Coach (Leroy) Ryals always said, he said ‘You either get better or you get worse, you never stay the same,’” Washington said. “That’s what I tell them.”

May 2009

Features

THESILENTKILLER BY BRYAN BARKS Editor-in-Chief

ven now, senior Hayden Guest can remember little things about her mom – how much she hated her first name, how she would bring the dog to pick her children up from school, the way she looked before Easter Sunday service. She remembers her mom talking to her after school and volunteering to organize her kindergarten ice cream social. But more than anything else, Guest remembers the sense of security and normality that characterized her early childhood – a memory which now seems distant and unfamiliar. “My life was so normal. I had older brothers fighting all the time and my dad worked and my mom stayed at home and we had a dog. It was basically like the everyday American family,” Guest said. “My mom was always around … and cooked dinner every night. There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.” But in 1999, Guest’s mother, Diana, went to the doctor and returned with news that brought her everyday Athens family to its knees. At age 45, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Photo illustration by Bryan Barks

Cancer did not run in Diana Guest’s family. She never smoked, rarely consumed alcohol and took measures to protect herself from the sun. Still, her diagnosis was not unusual. According to the American Cancer Society, excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, accounting for 25 percent of all cancers diagnosed in women. Although breast cancer can occur in men as well, women are 100 times more likely to develop the disease. Despite the instance of breast cancer in women, however, radiation oncologist Dr. Ronald Terry feels few people actually understand the disease’s development process, how it is diagnosed and the implications of living with cancer. Terry defines cancer as a group of fast-growing cells which mutate and grow out of control in the body. The type of cancer with which a patient is diagnosed depends solely on the location of the cancer’s origin. “Very few people really understand (what breast cancer is). We’re always (making) millions of these skin cells, new lung cells, new pancreas cells. Cancer’s the same process. You’re always turning over these duct cells (in the breast),” Terry said. “So if one type is breast cancer, for whatever reason there’s something genetically that’s got it off track, but it keeps growing. It’s still trying to make those breast duct cells, but it looks a little bit abnormal.” These fast-growing cells often group together to form a tumor in one or both of a woman’s breasts. Such tumors are often palpable, meaning a woman can feel a lump during self-examination of her breasts. After feeling a lump, a woman may request that her general practice doctor perform a mammogram -- an X-ray of the breast tissue. Most doctors suggest routine mammograms for women over the age of 40, who are more susceptible to breast cancer, Terry said, but self-examination is an impor-

Features

In the weeks following her diagnosis, Easom turned the disease over and over again in her head in disbelief. “It was really hard for me to say, ‘I have cancer.’ I could say really easily, ‘I’ve been diagnosed with cancer,’” she said. “I don’t know what the difference is in those two things, but it was really hard for me to say ‘I have cancer.’” Posey also felt a sense of confusion and despair after she was diagnosed. And while her health had not suffered in the weeks prior to her diagnosis, the range of emotions she felt in the weeks after affected her health. “I think your mental health can make you sick too,” Posey said. “You’re just flooded with so many emotions. There’s ‘Not me,’ and then, ‘Why me?’” Guest remembers her mother having similar reactions to her diagnosis with cancer and questioning why, after a lifetime of healthy habits, she had contracted the disease. “She did everything textbook, and she still got cancer,” Guest said. “So she was really bitter. She saw all these people that did all the things that make you sick, and she was the one who got cancer.” Though Easom admits it was difficult not to question why she had developed cancer, she relied on her faith to avoid a victimized mentality. “I don’t believe that God zaps down good to

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some people and bad to some people. I do think that we cause bad things to happen to us sometimes, through what we eat, through what we weigh, through a lot of things, but I don’t think God zaps those things down to you,” Easom said. “People … think it is totally illogical for someone not to say ‘Why me?’ I just know that God doesn’t do that. (Cancer) just happened.” For Easom, the most difficult aspect of coping with her diagnosis was telling others about it. After she was diagnosed in spring 2005, she decided to wait until a faculty meeting at the end of the school year to tell the staff about her condition. And when she did tell them, Easom said, she made it clear how they should approach her. “I said to them, ‘You know what you can do to help me? Love me, pray for me, do whatever, but don’t come looking at me with those cow eyes. Because when you do, I just dissolve into a puddle,’” Easom said. “I didn’t need people feeling sorry for me. I needed people to believe that I was going to be okay.” While Easom had difficulty telling her adult staff members about her illness, Posey had another group of people to tell: her health students. “I was nervous. It probably scared them to death to begin with, until I could sit down with them and really tell them what was going on,” Posey said. “They would go, ‘Ooh,’ and I would go, ‘No, I’m fine. I’m fine.’” After her initial hesitation to tell her students about her breast cancer, however, Posey found that her openness helped her form new bond with them. “I would have some kids in the class that had had a mother or aunt or something that had gone through it. It was good for them and myself to be able to talk about it,” Posey said. “It was kind of an outlet for them to talk to me, and it helped me to talk to them, as well.” According to Terry, immediately following a breast cancer diagnosis, a woman has several options for treatment based on the severity and spread of the cancer. The most common options include a lumpectomy, during which the cancerous growth is removed from the breast tissue, or a mastectomy, during which the breast is removed completely. The choice between a lumpectomy and mastectomy depends on the size, severity and spread of the cancer, as well as the woman’s personal preferences. “There are some cases where you have to have a mastectomy. That’s when you have more than one lump in the breast. Sometimes if you’re small breasted and the lump is big enough, if the surgeon wanted to do a lumpectomy, it wouldn’t look like a breast anymore,” Terry said. “Part of the reason you want to do a lumpectomy is to keep a breast looking like a breast.” Both of these options are usually paired with radiation treatment, according to Terry, which causes damage to the DNA

of the cancer cells, an IV that kills rapidly dividing cells, is a common treatment option. But if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body before a woman is diagnosed, the disease becomes more serious and the mortality rate increases dramatically. “Once breast cancer spreads beyond the lymph nodes of your arm, at this point, even in 2009, it is still felt to be incurable,” Terry said. “It is felt that the woman will eventually die.” For Posey and Easom, who were both diagnosed at fairly early stages, treatment included lumpectomies, radiation and chemotherapy. “They were very aggressive with the treatment so they wouldn’t have to go back. Their course of plan was to treat it as aggressively as they can, and I was in agreement -- ‘Let’s attack it!’” Posey said. But Posey soon learned that her treatment, especially chemotherapy, would be more difficult than she anticipated. “I was very sick on (chemo). Cancer is a fast growing cell. So, the chemo, along with being anticancer, it kills all of your fast growing cells in your body. It kills your immune system,” Posey said. “When I went through chemo I definitely couldn’t work because I couldn’t teach my classes. I was pretty ill from the side effects.” While Posey and Easom both opted for lumpectomies paired with radiation, Diana decided on a mastectomy for her first round of treatment, as her cancer was concentrated in one area of her breast.

Photo by Alex Morris

tant component of early detection of the disease. “It’s not uncommon, even today, that a woman will feel a lump in the shower or something like that. You can have mammograms every year and a lump may still pop up,” Terry said. Clarke Central High School Physical Education department chair Dinah Posey had always examined herself regularly for signs of breast cancer, but after she requested a mammogram during a routine visit to the doctor, she got an unexpected diagnosis. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2001, just going in for my normal check-up. I told my doctor I wanted to have mammogram because I had a friend that passed away from breast cancer. (The doctor) said, ‘I think you’re fine.’ And I said, ‘Well, I think I’m going to have one anyway,’” Posey said. “The next day I got the call. It kind of knocked me off my feet.” Posey’s diagnosis, an impalpable form of breast cancer, seemed improbable considering the value she says she has always placed on her health. “That’s why they call it, ‘the silent killer.’ It’s not like you feel sick. I thought I was healthy as a horse, teaching class and coaching,” Posey said. “Then I got the dreaded call.” Four years later, in 2005, former CCHS principal Dr. Maxine Easom was also taken aback by the results of a routine mammogram, which confirmed the presence of an impalpable form of cancer in her breast. “I never had a lump, I didn’t ever feel anything,” Easom said. “It was microscopic and mine was a broad spread, but you would never have felt it.” Over the course of six years, Diana, Posey and Easom were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Though the dates of their diagnoses were varied, their histories were different and their futures remained uncertain, all three women suddenly had the same mission: to fight for their lives.

May 2009

Opposite page: REMEMBRANCE RIBBON: The breast cancer ribbons honor those who have suffered with cancer, such as CCHS Physical Education department teacher Dinah Posey, former CCHS principal Dr. Maxine Easom and Diana Guest, mother of CCHS senior Hayden Guest. Above: A WARM SMILE: Throughout her battle with cancer, Posey maintained a sense of optimism which still helps keep her maintain good health. “I try not to think the worst until the worst is here. If it does come back, then I’ll do it again, I’ll get in the fight again,” Posey said.

“The mountain house was the last time I ever talked to my mom, because after that she was always in an oxygen mask at the hospital.”

--HAYDEN GUEST, senior

Photo courtesy of Hayden Guest

Photo courtesy of ODYSSEY archives

Top: THE LAST SUMMER: In summer 2001, as Diana was undergoing chemotherapy, the family would take vacations in order to spend time together. “We spent a lot of time together that summer,” senior Hayden Guest said. Above: FIGHTING THROUGH: Former CCHS principal Dr. Maxine Easom spoke to students while she was undergoing chemotherapy. Here shown wearing a wig, Easom lost all of her hair during the process. “I think I would have been okay if I thought I didn’t have to lose my hair,” Easom said.

“It wasn’t serious at first -- not to say that cancer isn’t serious -- but it hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes. So they cut off the breasts,” Guest said. “They took out 17 of her lymph nodes, and they thought that they got it.” Although Diana was diagnosed with cancer only two years before Posey, her oncologist did not require radiation therapy after performing her mastectomy. Once her surgery was complete, her doctor asked her to come back for a check-up in a year. But within six months, she was back. “She found a lump right … in her collarbone area. So she went back and they told her it had spread to her lymph nodes and (spread) to her lungs,” Guest said. “And there wasn’t really anything they wa could do.” co Diana’s oncologist attributed ute her relapse to the lack of radiation treatment after her rad mastectomy. ma “The doctor said that it shouldn’t have come co back, but they think th when they removed that the breast, the skin they left to reconstruct had cancer cells cel in it,” Guest said. “Now the radiate that skin to kill they eve everything, but they didn’t do that th then.” Guest, who was in fourth grade gra at Alps Road Elementary tar School at the time, only vag vaguely remembers the day of her he mother’s second diagnosis. sis “I knew it was bad, because my dad picked me up from sch that day, and my dad school never ne picked me up from school,” Guest said. “That was sch the first time I ever saw my dad da cry, so I knew something ba was happening. But I bad was wa in denial. I didn’t want to accept that something bad was wa happening to my family.” From then on, Guest’s mo mother and father flew to the M.D. M Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas every month for a week at a time mo in order for Diana to receive

intensive chemotherapy. “My dad wanted to do anything, explore every option,” Guest said. “He didn’t want to leave any stones unturned.” But as Diana began chemotherapy, the strenuous physical effects of the treatment began to tax her and her family. “I think breast cancer is the hardest one for women. For my mom, she lost all her hair and had to cut off her breasts, and she opted to do that because she wanted to get it all. But it was just really hard on her,” Guest said. “But my mom was beautiful. She had always seen herself - and people had always seen her - as so beautiful. And now, she looked aged. Her skin didn’t look as good anymore, and she didn’t have any hair. She would look in the mirror and she just didn’t see herself.” The change in appearance that came with chemotherapy was also an emotional process for Easom -- second only to her initial diagnosis. “I only cried twice during this whole diagnosis, which is kind of unusual for me because I cry during the national anthem. One was when I learned about the cancer. The other was the day that they told me I had to have chemo. I think I would have been okay if I thought I didn’t have to lose my hair. But when I got done (with my first treatment), I went to the car and I just sobbed.” After their respective months of chemotherapy and the side effects that accompanied the process, both Posey and Easom recovered from breast cancer. But the fight will never be completely over for these two women – both are acutely aware of the possibility of relapse and have undergone hormone therapy and regular mammograms to ensure their health. Still, Posey does not like to dwell on the prospect of recurring illness. “I try not to think the worst until the worst is here. If it does come back, then I’ll do it again, I’ll get in the fight again,” Posey said. “I don’t want to, but I’ll fight it again.” While the recovery process was difficult for her, Posey feels being a cancer survivor has changed her perspective for the better. “It’s made me a better person after you look back. You hate to say, ‘I’m thankful that I got it.’ But it did change me,” Posey said. “I think all and all … it made me closer to my family and friends, it made me appreciate the little things in life ... I was excited to get back to work. When it’s all said and done, it did make Dinah Posey a better person.” Easom also feels beating cancer has helped her develop greater meaning in her life. “It probably helped me understand that there are some things outside of my control and that there really are no guarantees in life,” Easom said. “Before that I always thought I could make anything happen that I wanted to make happen, and

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo courtesy of Hayden Guest

“(She) felt like she had built a relationship with (my brothers), but she hadn’t had a chance to build one with me. The fact that I was never going to know her really hurt her.”

-- HAYDEN GUEST, senior

Above: A CHRISTMAS BABY: On Dec. 25, 1990, Diana Guest gave birth to Hayden Guest, now a senior at CCHS. Hayden’s brothers, Aaron (left) and Howard (right), visited their mom in the hospital. Just 11 years later, the family would gather in the hospital again after Diana passed away from breast cancer.

suddenly I couldn’t.” While Easom and Posey both made full recoveries, after her second diagnosis, Diana’s condition only worsened. But even in her poor health, Diana did not want to miss out on spending time with her children, so she joined her husband and children for a vacation at the family mountain house in North Carolina roughly a week before Christmas Day, in 2001. “She mostly stayed in her room while we were all out in the snow or skiing or something. I talked to her a couple times when we were all there, but she mostly just stayed in her room, and she would sleep a lot,” Guest said. “I think she was just so tired, mentally and physically.” Several days before Christmas, the Guest family woke up to a loud humming sound coming from outside their mountain house. It was Diana. “I woke up and she was up at the crack of dawn riding our four wheelers around the house. My dad went out there and was just like, ‘What are you doing?’ And my mom said, ‘This is the last time I’m going to get to do this,’” Guest said. “I think in the end, she realized that was the last time she was going to get to go up there -- I think it was her favorite place to go.” Just one day later, Diana’s health plummeted. “We had to call an ambulance because she was going downhill so fast,” Guest said. “The mountain house was the last time I ever talked to my mom, because after that she was always in an oxygen mask at the hospital.” The ambulance transported Diana back to Athens, where she was admitted to Athens Regional Medical Center. She died on Dec. 24, 2001 – the day before Guest’s eleventh birthday. In the weeks and months after Diana’s death, the Guest house was quiet and dark. Memories floated between rooms -- a sense that the dreaded culmination they all knew was coming had finally

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

arrived. “We had Christmas presents for (my mom), and they sat under the Christmas tree for months. We never opened them, and I think my dad eventually returned them,” Guest said. “But the presents just sat in the living room for months after Christmas because I don’t think anyone could bring themselves to open them -- they were meant for her.” Friends from Central Presbyterian Church, where Diana was an active member and Sunday school teacher, brought food and condolences. Guest felt the sense of sorrow that enveloped everyone around her. But it was not until years later that she was able to understand and talk about her mother’s final years. “I got a little older and I understood everything that had happened … that she was dead, and she was never coming back,” Guest said. “I found out that she talked with my dad about how she was scared I was going to forget her … (she) felt like she had built a relationship with (my brothers) but she hadn’t had a chance to build one with me. The fact that I was never going to know her really hurt her.” Although for Guest, the pain of her mother’s death has subsided, she knows she will constantly feel twinges of sadness as she gets older. “She (didn’t) see me get ready for Prom. And when I get married, she’s not going to be there. That kind of stuff gets to me a lot. She’s never going to see me get to do things, and I know that really upset her when she was dying,” Guest said. “I think I’m going to get sad when I get married. I’ll think about it a lot. But in other ways, time heals things.” While Guest found solace in the years following Diana’s death, Posey and Easom feel strongly about the importance of cancer support organizations, such as Relay for Life, which are dedicated to find a cure for people who continue to suffer from cancer. “When people give money to Relay for Life, they’re really helping to make things better. The

people before me that have lost their lives have contributed to helping get closer to finding a cure,” Posey said. “It’s a good time to see some of the people, the nurses, the doctors that helped out on that day, because they also come to that event. Relay for Life has been instrumental in the fight.” Easom, who was involved in Relay for Life even before she was diagnosed with cancer, also has found special meaning in the event. “It certainly takes on a little bit different meaning now. For years I’ve said, ‘Well, we’re raising money to find a cure for cancer.’ Well, boy does that take a different meaning now when you’re raising money to find a cure for cancer.” But for Guest, the memory of her loss is too recent to be actively involved in cancer support organizations. “It’s hard to go around and watch stuff like (Relay for Life). I’ve secluded myself so much from things like that. I definitely want to be active -- I think about it all the time and how I want to,” Guest said. “It just hurts a lot to go around things like that.” Instead, Guest hopes to let her same-age peers know about the effects of cancers and how to prevent it by sharing her own experiences. “I’m not perfect -- I’ve been to the tanning bed. I’ve smoked a cigarette before. But I see people running around and putting awful things in their body and going to the tanning bed every day, and those things raise your risk for cancer so much. My mom did nothing, and she still got it,” Guest said. “Kids don’t realize it because they’re not affected by it, but me -- I saw it.” Though her mother’s battle with breast cancer will always haunt her, what is even more worrisome, Guest says, is the universal power of tragedy and pain that the disease represents. “It kills, and it hurts the people who have it and the people who watch them die. It doesn’t know race, it doesn’t know your age, it doesn’t know how much money you make,” Guest said. “It affects everyone. Cancer doesn’t care.”

Photos courtesy of (from left): www.impawards.com, www.music.cyworld.com, www.isafetch.com, www.fantasticfiction.co.uk

Photo courtesy of www.tribute.ca

May 2009

Variety

cultural buzz Obsessed, Steve Shill There are many sexy things in this world: red high heels, short black dresses and six pack abs. But now to be added to the list is one drama-filled film that features Beyonce Knowles, Idris Elba, Ali Larter and a Tom Cruise look-alike. Hands down, Obsessed has to be the sexiest thriller of 2009. Mix Fatal Attraction, any kind of Lifetime movie, with Tyler Perry’s A Diary of a Mad Black Woman and you will ultimately get Obsessed. The plot is simple. There’s going to be a happily married couple, the husband will meet a crazy chick, the crazy chick becomes obsessed with the husband and then there’s an ultimate showdown at the end. And although a viewer may know all this, it still does not take the enjoyment away as you sit on the edge of your seat for the entire 109 minutes. There was not a seat available at the biggest theatre in Athens for all four showings on that opening Friday, so imagine around 150 people yelling out in unison “You go Sasha Fierce!” as Sharon, played by Knowles, throws the deranged Lisa, played by Larter, into a staircase. Besides the predictability of the plot, this movie is still a must see for those who love to be entertained. Trust me, after leaving the theatre hoarse from laughter and the many pointless screams at the screen, I can honestly say that I left the theatre obsessing over Obsessed and saying to myself “Dang, I have to see that again.” -- Cassie Evans, Sports Writer

Movies

Music

Video games

Books

I Love You, Man, John Hamburg I Love You, Man is a side-splitting comedy about a recently engaged man named Peter Klaven, played by Peter Rudd. When discussing wedding plans with his fiancée, Zooey Rice, played by Rashida Jones, he realizes he lacks male companions. During Zooey’s “girl’s night,” Peter overhears her friends discussing how he might become clingy, so he begins a mission to find a friend. He tries numerous ways to obtain a buddy, from getting his gay brother to set a man-date with his trainees at the gym to an online friend-finder. Peter hosts an open house, where he meets Sydney Fife, played by Jason Segel. Peter and Sydney’s friendship grows, while Peter’s and Zooey’s declines. Now Peter is stuck; he must choose between the fiancée and the new bro he never had. -- Jessie Frary, News Writer

All I Ever Wanted, Kelly Clarkson Grey’s Anatomy and American Idol are what come to mind when I think about Kelly Clarkson’s colorful new CD, All I Ever Wanted. Three songs -- “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “Already Gone” and “If No One Will Listen” -- made me fall in love with this album. “My Life Would Suck Without You” makes me want to belt out the words along with her. I don’t even have to listen to the lyrics to adore “Already Gone.” Just the way the music and Clarkson’s voice meld together make me think of a song that would come on at the end of a sad episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Her first two singles had a distinctly quiet sound, and she takes her listeners back to those days of musical talent in the last song on the album, “If No One Will Listen.” -- Gayatri Setia, News Editor

Resident Evil 5, Capcon As gamers jump into Resident Evil 5, they’ll notice few game play changes from the fourth, and previous, installment. The opening credits reveal longtime Resident Evil character Chris Redfield, and his new partner Sheva Alomar. The players are then thrust into action as the infected, non-traditional zombies attack within mere minutes of the game’s opening. The story produces almost as many questions as answers, but it does an excellent job of tossing the player into situations that produce jaw dropping realizations. There are amazing visuals and a gripping plot, but also one of the deepest weapon customization systems in gaming history. With over 20 weapons and dozens of upgrades to purchase, players will be spending well over $1,000,000,000 in Resident Evil gold as they collect them all. This one will have gamers coming back for more months after they have beaten the game. --Tyler Elrod, Graphics Editor

Calling Home, Janna McMahan Calling Home, a novel by Janna McMahan, is one book that I could not put down. It begins with a normal teenage girl growing up with her family in the middle of Kentucky. As the story continues, problem after problem unfolds leaving readers curious as to what else could go wrong. Calling Home is a story filled with heartbreaking reality; it focuses on the relationships between mothers and daughters . McMahan does a fantastic job describing characteristics and personalities but when it comes to appearance, McMahan leaves most of the visualizing up to the reader. The visual details in the book are lacking, however each situation that a character in the story faces is clearly described page after page. Although these visual details are missing, this is still the best book I have ever read. -- Emily Allen, News Writer

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

May 2009

Photo courtesy of www.blackle.com

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Miscellaneous Ike & Jane Cafe and Bakery, 1307 Prince Avenue Pulling up to see most of the parking spaces full at Ike and Jane Café and Bakery, I was prepared for a long wait in line in a cramped little restaurant. As I stepped inside, I realized that this assumption had been far from the truth. The simple breakfast menu consisted of ham, bacon, egg, and cheese on a biscuit or toast, two for $3 and three for $3.50. The lunch menu is mostly sandwiches, all reasonably priced. The “bakery” part of the restaurant more than lives up to its name. Many unusual recipes are offered, and you won’t find these anywhere else. The “Elvis” is a glazed doughnut topped with banana slices, peanut butter, and bacon. Other pastries include Thin Mint and Butterfinger doughnuts and peanut butter and jelly cupcakes among others, all reasonably priced for under $2. Aside from delicious food, Ike and Jane offers free Wi-Fi, fast service, friendly employees, outdoor and indoor seating, and an excellent location. The brightly painted walls, big windows, and artwork all contribute to the quaint and comfortable atmosphere. -- Izzie Atkinson, Photographer

Smooth Away, Shaving Kit Women across the nation stare at their television screens in awe at the latest in hair removal technology, the Smooth Away Shaving Kit. This system consists of a big pad and a little pad that simply removes hair as you gently rub them against the skin. The idea of this pad is wonderful. It would just be some little, harmless crystals rubbing away hair instead of sharp, metal razors cutting your skin. If only it actually worked. Like many of the other things you see on television, Smooth Away is a scam. The instructions read “rub three times clockwise, and three times counterclockwise for positive results.” It doesn’t work. It doesn’t even work if you double that time or triple it. Instead, you’re left with stubbly, itchy skin. If you decide to use this method of hair removal, you might as well have the razor and shaving cream ready since you’re going to have to do major damage control afterwards. The Smooth Away was a disappointment and major waste of time and money. -- Lexi Deagen, Photography Editor

Snuggie, Sleeved Blanket Living in a house with my dad and my older brother, the temperature is usually a freezing 60 degrees. In order to survive in the chilly climate, I walk around the house bundled in blankets, trying to avoid situations that force my arms to leave my warm cocoon. Not anymore. While watching television one night with my family, I saw the solution to my problem: The Snuggie Blanket. Advertised on the infomercial was a blanket made out of a “super soft, thick, luxurious fleece with roomy, oversized sleeves that let you do what you want while still being totally wrapped in warmth.” Unlike my family who merely scoffed at the idea, I was sold on the invention by the time the infomercial was over. After purchasing my own Snuggie, I do have to admit that it definitely has some faults. The super soft, thick luxurious fleece that they mentioned feels like nothing more than a piece of thin cloth that can tear at the slightest tug. Not to mention the fact that when you wear the Snuggie, you just look plain ridiculous. At the end of the day, these things cannot make up for the fact that now, thanks to the Snuggie blanket, I have found a way for my arms to stay warm and toasty in my house, no matter what I’m doing. And for all of those Snuggie lovers out there, don’t worry. I understand. -- Lauren Corcino, Viewpoints Editor

Blackle.com, Search engine Google.com is the most popular way to research any topic for school or otherwise. I constantly search for new clothes, lyrics to songs and hilarious pictures through the search engine. However, last week during a routine research paper for my Literature/Composition 10 class, my best friend went onto the website Blackle.com. I immediately questioned what kind of crazy website she was on and how the school hadn’t blocked it yet, but she said it was exactly the same as Google, only the background was completely black instead of the blinding white we’re all used to. It turns out that Blackle was created to lower energy use on computers, thus saving money and energy in homes and schools. By having a black background instead of a white one, the website uses less energy to load each page and is a lot easier on your eyes. It’s a fantastic and easy way to be more environmentally friendly while also keeping your eyes from watering up after a good fifteen minutes of research! However, since Blackle is new and not widely used, it doesn’t have some of Google’s cool features like image and video searches and Google maps, but when more people start using the website, it will be imperative that the website upgrades. Blackle may have darkened the look of Google, but this website is the new way to go green on your computer screen! --Lauren Pruitt, Features Writer

Photos courtesy of (from left): Isabel Atkinson, Isabel Atkinson, www.alibaba.com, www.signosandiego.com

Restaurants Tokyo Sushi Rock, 259 E. Broad St. The newest addition to the Athens sushi restaurant selection will prove to be a formidable opponent. Although there are plenty of people in Athens to keep several sushi restaurants in business, Tokyo Sushi Rock may detract attention from the other downtown sushi establishments. There are two important tests for a sushi restaurant: fish quality and presentation. In both categories, Sushi Rock passed with flying colors. The sashimi platter, a collection of expertly cut fish without the rice, was of excellent quality. It was as fresh as could be found in a landlocked town. The next important test was the presentation of the plate. It’s not a true sushi meal unless each dish looks like a piece of art. The chefs at Sushi Rock are definitely up to par. The sashimi platter, as well as the crunch roll, was served with edible flourishes, which only enhanced the overall experience. Sushi Rock is an excellent, new downtown eatery. However, its casual décor and student-friendly location should not deceive anyone of the price. The quality is worth it, but for the money spent, it is best saved for a special occasion. -- Rachel Amster, Features Editor

Variety May 2009

The sheriff’s got a new R.A.P.

May 2009 Features

Ira Edwards, Jr. has been the sheriff for Athens-Clarke County for eight years and inspires by advocating respect, attitude and perserverance. BY SALLAY JABBIE Viewpoints Writer

Above: KICKING BACK: “I always set a time to sit back, relax and chat with the staff because its good to create those relationships,” Edwards said.

30 ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo courtesy of www.ILYTB.com Photo Illustration by Jessie Frary

his listeners the tools to help them have faith in themselves and implant his top three moral values. By advocating these three principals in his personal life and motivational speeches, he believes students learn what they need to succeed in life. “Whether it’s sixth graders, fourth graders or tenth graders, my biggest thing is for them to see the importance of education because knowledge is power, and the more you know, the more you grow, and so with that my motivational speech is -- you can do it,” Edwards said. With the community Above: WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: Sheriff Ira and the youth holding Edwards, Jr. believes that teamwork is an essential value the top on his priority to get things done in the sheriff’s office. Here he works with Corporal. Muriel Price. “We the (sheriff’s office) don’t have list, Edwards has one more facet to add to his employees,” Edwards said. “We have 161 team members.” already busy life: his family. “He is very big on family, he loves his family. Every chance or every holiday he gets he loves to spend time and be around his family,” Edwards’ daughter, Clarke Central High School senior Jasmine Edwards, said. “He especially likes spending time with his parents. They are getting older and he cherishes every minute with them.” Edwards’ family consists of his wife Teresa Edwards and his three children Lamar, 25, Brandon, 20 and Jasmine, 17. His parents, Inez and Ira Edwards, Sr. are still a major part of Edwards’ life. He credits them with his success due to their strong beliefs in diligence. “My parents instilled in us the importance of keeping our faith strong, treating people the way you would want to be treated and knowing that you can be whatever you want if you work at it,” Edwards said. Taking these words to heart, Edwards continues to motivate and encourage the youth and members of the community. He constantly reminds people of his number one motto: “Always make the best of your opportunity because it’s not where you are, it’s where you’re headed.”

Above: SERVICE IS JOB #1: “I believe in professionalism, accountability, and serving the community,” Edwards said.

Above: IMAGE IS EVERYTHING: “I tell my staff that first impression is last impression so what we do each and everyday is a reflection of our community,” Edwards said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE 30

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

reconceived notions of a sheriff are a hefty man with sweaty armpits, living in the deep Wild West. But your typical Yosemite Sam isn’t the image people see when they think of Athens-Clarke County’s sheriff. Sheriff Ira Edwards, Jr. believes he brings a new meaning to “sheriff.” According to Edwards, his job consists of more than arresting criminals; he sees his job as serving the people and making sure that his community is running smoothly. Since 1985, Edwards has been involved in law enforcement. Starting out as an employee in the sheriff’s office, Edwards had no idea that something he was doing for a paycheck to support his family would someday turn into his life’s passion. “As I got into this field I began to realize that I really enjoy serving people and seeing lives change; so ultimately I knew my heart was to serve the community,” Edwards said. As his career grew, Edwards achieved something that made the local history books in 2001, he became ACC’s first African-American sheriff. “It’s an honor, but I don’t really look at it as being the first African-American sheriff because I don’t think it’s a black or a white thing; it’s an accomplishment,” Edwards said. “And I think, regardless of who you are or where you come from, if you work hard, set your goals and know where you’re going, the rest will take care of itself.” In Edwards’ eyes, he is the sheriff by day, but a motivator 24/7. He is particularly interested in finding ways to motivate young people in the community. “Since I’ve worked at Carmike 12, the sheriff has always been a helping hand and a friendly person, whether by controlling the busy crowds or just making a point to say hello,” Carmike 12 Cinemas employee Heaven Colton said. “He’s just a very positive person.” Those who know Edwards know him for having a confident demeanor, a great intellect and a positive outlook on life. For them it is no surprise that Edwards is ACC’s sheriff. Serving his eighth year, Edwards has become a very important part of the community, helping and encouraging students wherever he goes. Edwards is always working with many programs such as D.A.R.E., Drug Abuse Resistance Education which is a program oriented towards youth empowerment. He has found motivational speaking as his way to communicate with youth so that he can instill his message in them. Edwards uses his “R.A.P.” chant to get his message across to students. R.A.P. stands for Respect, Attitude and Perseverance. His goal is to give

May 2009

Features

R B c i B V

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo illustration by

Features

Betty Migombo May 2009

Recognizing potential threats, junior Betty Migombo takes a self-defense class to learn how to protect herself in dangerous situations.

Above: TRAPPED: In a choke-hold, junior Betty Migombo is forced to fight back her attacker. She uses the skills she learned in her self-defense class. The class proved to be a great investment.

sounds and movements is vital to avoid possible dangers. Although I had heard those rules from my parents and teachers, I had never really taken the message too seriously because I still thought that I would never be the victim of an attack. BETTY MIGOMBO As my partner in the class pinned me against the wall in a choking manner, Variety Writer I could not move. It felt a little too real. McElwee’s words entered my head. “If you are ever pinned against the wall and the offender’s hands are n April 3, 2009 an 18-year old Athens woman called police reporting wrapped around you neck, lift your arms and grab ahold of his or her fingers. a rape according to the Athens-Banner Herald. The woman did not It’s physically impossible for all ten fingers to have the same amount of presknow her attacker. sure around you, feel around and grab a hold on the weakest one with your The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported 39 rapes occurred in Athensthumb facing down.” Clarke County during 2007. The same report indicated 254 assaults, 30 of Once I grabbed my partner’s finger, I took my free hand and brought it which occurred in the month of May. I could not help but wonder, “Can a around to grab a hold of my partner’s wrist of the same hand of the finger I violent attack actually happen to me?” was holding. Pressing down hard on her wrist, I pushed the finger backward. “There is always a chance that a person can be attacked. That chance is Surprising, I felt a certain adrenaline rushing through me. It was as if the even greater for teens and college students,” Randy McElwee, a self-defense instructor with 16 years of martial arts experience, said. “Out of those attacks, she was not my partner but a real offender who actually wanted to harm me. “The offender is bound to let go of you if you put enough pressure because the majority of the time the victim’s offender is a person the victim knows of the pain they will feel in his or her bent finger; take that opportunity to and is familiar with. That is how the offender finds the victim.” escape,” McElwee’s words continued to ring in my head. Recently, McElwee taught a session at the University of Georgia’s Tate As I did just that, my partner let go of me and I was free. Even though she Center. With great enthusiasm, he welcomed me to the self-defense class, wasn’t harming me, I still felt empowered once I managed to get her off of me. which is usually held at the American Kenpo Karate of Georgia on Atlanta McElwee continued on teaching more ways on how to get out of different Highway across from the Georgia Square Mall. situations. McElwee shared the first rule of protecting yourself: always trust your “If you’re ever in a situation where you have to fight an offender, strike instincts. People have intuition that tells them when they feel someone or hard at the ear of the offender, the blow will cause him or her to something is not right. feel dizzy or disoriented because the eardrum is extremely sensiThe problem is that tive and thin. It will make him feel pain throughout the body,” most people choose not McElwee said. to listen to their intuI didn’t know that until that day. Each time I managed to get ition in order to not be myself out of those situations, I felt even more confident and emjudgemental or wrong. powered with the newfound knowledge. The next rule he gave Although I know that if situations like these happened in real was to always travel in -- RANDY MCELWEE, life, I would not be as confident and calm, at least I would have pairs. self-defense instructor some ideas of how to fight back effectively. “When you are in a There’s no way of telling what situation you might find yourself place where you may in the future. The best thing that you can do is prepare your mind and body find yourself in a compromising position or danger, always be with a friend. for those situations. This includes parties, nights around town, or even just walking around, at By attending the self-defense class, I gained ammunition to fight back if I night especially,” McElwee said. ever fall victim of a crime. The third rule is always be alert. That means that whenever you switch surroundings, like leaving a restaurant and heading for your car or changing streets during a morning run, scan your surroundings. Being extra alert to

“There is always a chance that a person can be attacked. That chance is even greater for teens and college students.”

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE 33

May 2009

Variety

STORY BY ARIELLE GOLAN Variety Editor

AMBER THOMAS

PHOTOS BY ISABEL ATKINSON

PR Manager

Staff Photographer

Seniors Arielle Golan and Amber Thomas took part in a week-long challenge by switching phones, friends, families, houses, rules and even chores. This trying experiment left them with memories and thoughts to reflect upon.

Thomas Family Members: Mommy (Marsha), Daddy (Rod), Me (Amber), Brother (Aaron) and Sister (Alicia). Vibe: Everyone in my house is always busy with sports, work, meetings, band or some sort of club or organization, but we all make time to talk to one another. We all go to church together and attend any sporting events that a family member participates in. Rules: My parents have fairly strict rules about what they expect me to do, but sometimes I can convince them to bend the rules just a little.

Golan Family Members: Mom (Jill), Papa (Alex), Me (Arielle) and Sister (Maya) Vibe: No one is ever home except for my mom, who is usually asleep. When everyone is home they do their own thing and keep to themselves. Papa is usually out of town on business; he is Russian and clings to the culture of his home country. Rules: The rules are to replace the soda in the fridge when you take one and donâ€™t let the squirrels loose. 34

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

May 2009

Day 1 (Monday)

“T

he sun will come out tomorrow, tomorrow,” the sounds of Marsha Thomas singing “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie awoke me bright and early my first morning in the Thomas house. It was 6:40 a.m., an hour earlier than I usually wake up for school. I tried to fall back asleep like I do on a daily basis at my house, but it was impossible. The entire Thomas family was active and bustling around the house getting ready for their day. It was surprisingly pleasant to wake up with more than five minutes to get ready. Instead of having to brush my teeth, run a brush through my hair and throw on some clothes while running out the door, I took my sweet time preparing for the school day. Aaron commented on my chill, laid back attitude when I did not rush him out the door like Amber usually did. The Thomas Family does it Brady Bunch style, with each family member wishing me a good day as they left the house. As I walked into the door of my first block class, I saw looks of shock on the faces of my classmates and teacher. I glanced at the clock and saw I was at school on time, a rarity in the life I usually live. After a long day at school, I got in my car and immediately Amber’s phone rang and I saw “Mommy” was calling. I answered to the sweet voice of Mama Thomas asking how my day was; I was touched by her genuine interest in my school day. I went and got Alicia from Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School, and she greeted me with a smile. As she got into my messy car, she offered to help me clean my car and reminded me that Mama Thomas told me, “My infectious car was in need of a good cleaning.” I understood why Amber spent so much time with her siblings. Alicia was sweet enough to help me with a smile on her face. She spent two hours helping throw out trash, wipe down my seats and vacuum the entire car interior. As a reward for her help, we took off to Rita’s to visit my new man and best friend, Mario. Of course I asked my mother’s permission to leave the house. I was catching on quick to the whole “check-in on everything” rule. After a short visit to Rita’s, I started calling Amber’s friends to make some plans. One by one they told me that they weren’t allowed to hang out on school nights, had school work to do or couldn’t leave the house. I am used to hanging out with my friends on weekdays until pretty late but, I quickly realized that I was going to have to find something else to do. And so the family bonding went underway. A juicemaking session with Amber’s father, Rod, and Alicia began, and, with the absence of fighting and bickering, we made pineapple and orange juice. After we all had our fill of the delicious juice, I approached Aaron trying to figure out what else there was to do. Aaron told me Amber usually just spent her free time doing school work, and with my constant need for entertainment, I knew that wouldn’t do. Instead, I spent hours talking to Aaron and watching “Girls Next Door,” a shared favorite show of us both and trying on each other’s clothes.

woke up to a house full of sleepers, which was very different from my house, where my parents begin discussing their plans for the day around 6:30 a.m. At about 7:30, Mrs. Jill came upstairs to wake up Maya and found me in the bathroom doing my hair. She was surprised that anyone was up, and she told me to wake Maya up again in about 10 minutes. As I walked into Maya’s room to wake her up for the second time, I realized Arielle’s room was the messiest room in the house, but, fortunately, I was told that the housekeeper was coming. All my life I’ve heard “Do you see a maid in this house?” from my parents, and for once my response could be “Yes, she comes every other Monday.” Surprisingly, Maya got dressed in record time and beat me downstairs after being up for a mere 10 minutes. Nagging Aaron to get out of bed and out of the house in the morning was something that became routine in my life, but Maya made waking up and getting to school as simple as it sounded. After school, I came straight home. No one was there. I was told that Arielle’s dad travels a lot and was going to be out of town this week. Mrs. Jill was at the gym, and Maya was at cheerleading. I warmed up some leftovers and went upstairs to watch a movie.

Opposite Page: Above: A NEW ADDITION: Senior Arielle Golan stands with her new family members. She’s both excited and nervous about entering a world with rules and structure. Opposite Page: Below: THREE’S COMPANY: Senior Amber Thomas embraces her new mom and sister. She’s thrilled about moving into the Golan house and taking a week-long vacation from chores and curfew. Above Right: CAN’T TOUCH THIS: Senior Amber Thomas is introduced to one of the Golan Family’s flying squirrels, Pikachu. The family also owns another flying squirrel named Sasha Fierce. Below Right: EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF: The Thomas family devours egg rolls at Choo Choos. Golan learns quickly that it’s serve-yourself style with the Thomas family.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

May 2009

Variety

Day 2 (Tuesday)

walked in the house with the AP biology exam study book I had just bought on a trip to the bookstore with Mario, ready to get my study on. Mr. Thomas, or Daddy Thomas, as I like to call him, gave me a much more educational and interesting offer than studying that I just couldn’t resist. “Wanna sit down and watch Jeopardy? We can answer the questions while we watch. It’s my favorite show!” Daddy Thomas exclaimed. Who could say no to such a tempting offer? So I threw down my AP Biology book and plopped on the couch as the intense competition began. When the show ended, Marsha asked me if I had any homework. At my house, my mother never asked if my homework was done, or if I had any tests. I told her I had an AP Biology test coming up so she came and sat in the room with me while I studied and then read my article for journalism, giving me positive feedback the entire time. Even after I was convinced this new mother would not want to deal with me anymore, she let me show her the hip-hop dance I was learning and cheered me on the entire time. It was really nice to have someone be so supportive of me and so interested in my school and personal life.

Day 3 (Wednesday)

fter school, I made plans to go to and get ice cream with Amber’s friends Marianne, Krislyn and Mario. We met in the parking lot and everyone got in my car. “Swag Surfin” blasted on the radio, and the entire drive to Hodgson’s was spent Swag Surfing, laughing and singing. While her friends were easy to get along with, her man Mario was another story -- we bickered the majority of the time. Then Marianne said, “You two sound just like Mario and Amber.” We all laughed and realized how true it was. I came to find out that Mario is one man you can’t stay mad at. He gave me a spoonful of his ice cream, let me sit in his chair and then flashed those pearly whites, and we started getting along fine. I entered Ebenezer Baptist Church late and sat down in the back. I looked around and realized I was surrounded by elementary school-aged children in my seat in the soprano section. It was hard to follow the songs, considering song sheets were not passed out at choir. I learned that choir wasn’t just about singing -- it was about feeling the music. Each song was accompanied with dance moves, hand motions and constant clapping. Everyone was helpful and understanding when it came to my lack of choir experience, although there were a few giggles. But who could blame them? It was hard not to laugh at the tall white girl in the back attempting to “stumble and fall” and “rise back up again.” The highlight of choir was when the choir director, Ms. Moon announced in front of the room that it was now time for “The Amber Replacement” to sing Amber’s solo. I politely rejected the offer. I left choir feeling a little sore and tired from the workout I got dancing.

or breakfast, I had two rice cakes, a granola bar and some Diet Dr. Pepper. It wasn’t what I had in mind, but I guess it was healthy compared to my normal greasy sausage or Captain Crunch serving. After school, I took Maya to gymnastics, and I headed to the gym with Mrs. Jill. I didn’t know how out of shape I was until she started doing about 80 crunches and 80 sit-ups and I could barely do five. Mrs. Jill brought a little purse to the gym, and I noticed that it began to move on it’s own. I was curious as to what it was for, but I soon realized it was a carrying case for one of the flying squirrels, Pikachu. Arielle had two flying squirrels that they had found in their attic and had somehow managed to domesticate. But it never occurred to me that she would bring one of the squirrels everywhere she went. It was kind of strange to me how Mrs. Jill brought Pikachu with her, but she said that Pikachu was her friend and who am I to tell her who she can be friends with. When we came home from the gym we ate dinner on the couch while watching “Bad Girls Club,” on the Oxygen channel. It was weird I could watch it with Mrs. Jill. At home, my mom and I watch TV and movies, but she refuses to watch reality TV because of all the cussing and nudity. But Mrs. Jill sat there and enjoyed it just as much as I did. Living with Mrs. Jill and Maya was like living in a house with roommates. I didn’t disrespect Mrs. Jill or argue with her, and she talked to me just as my friends would.

began to think about how misunderstood Arielle was. Most people think she’s the crazy party girl who stays out all night, but if there is no one at home to hang out with then, it make sense to hang out with friends for hours in order to avoid boredom. That night I put my “Arielle philosophy” to the test and went to Futhum’s house with Olivia. Futhum was a really nice guy, and when I asked him about Arielle he had nothing but positive things to say. Although he and his other roommates were zoned into the soccer game on TV, we still had a fun time chatting, which was easy because he was a great guy and very attractive. I came home around 10:30 p.m., something that probably wouldn’t fly in the Thomas house on a school night. The funny thing was that Jill and Maya weren’t even home when I got there. Mrs. Jill had taken a late night class at the gym and came by afterwards to pick Maya up for a store run to Walmart. They strolled in at 11 with some Subway sandwiches. I could have been out all night and nobody would have stopped me. Above Left: YOUNG LOVE: Senior Arielle Golan takes a stroll around the parking lot with her new boyfriend, senior Mario Sheats. Afterwards, the two rode to Hodgson’s accompanied by seniors Marianne Altares and Krislyn Johnson for some icy treats. Above Right: THIGH HIGH: Senior Amber Thomas performs an ab workout with her new mother, Jill Furman. She feels the burn as she lifts her legs and tightens her stomach.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

May 2009

Far Left: THE SOUND OF MUSIC: Senior Arielle Golan sings in the church choir with sister Alicia Thomas by her side. She lifts her melodious voice and joyfully sings “Inside Out,” a church favorite. Left: GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME: Senior Amber Thomas hangs out at Futhum Teweldes’s house with senior Olivia Swisher. They engage in great conversation as they play an intense game of Fifa 09.

Day 4 (Thursday)

he Thomas family and I were supposed to go to Aaron’s baseball game today, but it got rained out. Instead, we decided to go out with a bang and invite my old family over for a big dinner. Daddy Thomas had a meeting, but he went ahead and cooked us Amber’s favorite meal, shrimp linguini. I led the family in saying grace, and then everyone dug in. It was interesting to see Amber interact with my mom and sister. It was even more interesting to see Marsha’s face when my mother pulled out her flying squirrel in the middle of the meal. After dinner I hung out with Mario and Aaron. I realized what it was like to have a brother instead of handling an argument with screaming like I would with my sister. It was handled by Aaron and Mario beating me up. Actually, they called it the “Thomas Family Initiation.” Guess having a brother isn’t all I thought it would be -- and I have the bruises to prove it.

was starting to get homesick. I missed hearing “I love you” before I walked out the door and “How was your day?” when I came home. I’m not saying that Arielle’s house was any less affectionate than mine, but I wasn’t used to being alone so much. That night, both families decided to have dinner at my real house. The dinner went well and Arielle even said the grace with my real mother whispering the words in her ears. Later that evening, I went to Futhum’s house again and it was fun, but I was both mentally and physically tired of being Arielle. While staying at Arielle’s house, I noticed that each night I would fall asleep later, and each morning I would wake up later. I even started sleeping through some of my classes. My body was not trained for the lifestyle that Arielle lived; I was very sleep deprived and my body was exhausted.

Day 5 (Friday)

oday is my last day living the life of Amber Thomas. I learned more about Amber over the last four days then I have over eight years of our friendship. I am pretty surprised by how well I adjusted to living a scheduled life of curfews, homework and family bonding. But, I am even more surprised by my new feelings towards the scheduled life I have been against for my whole life. I have enjoyed having rules this week and even enjoyed contributing to the family by doing laundry on my assigned night. Most of all, I have enjoyed being able to have fun at the house instead of having to go out at night to be around company. I am ready to go home though, even if it does mean having squirrels flying around the house and a sister that seems to think everything in my closet has her name written on it. Although living the life of Amber Thomas was an insightful and interesting week to say the least, I’d take my own life back faster than Mama Thomas can say “God is great, God is good. Let us thank him for this food.”

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

ell today’s my last day. I’m not going to lie: I’m going to miss staying up and going out late and seeing Mrs. Jill with that little squirrel. This week made me understand Arielle more now that I know what it’s like to live with her family. In Arielle’s house, friends are generally the ones to rely on if there is a problem. I talk to my friends, too, but I just think that it’s important for there to be harmony and understanding in a household, which is what I missed about living in my real house. In my family, the goals are to do well in academics and athletics but also to have a close relationship with the people you live with. I could honestly say that if I ever needed someone to talk to, because I was having a bad day or frustrated, any one of my family members would be there for me. While I was away I realized there are little things in my own home that I take for granted. This week has taught me to not judge people quite as harshly, because I don’t know what their life is like or what they are going through. And I still haven’t found the answer to whether the grass is really greener on the other side. All I can do is live life on my lawn one day at a time … at least until I graduate.

May 2009

Variety

Bringing back the band

Iconic Athens band Pylon made a comeback in 2004 to usher in a new generation of fans. Five years later, tragedy has stopped the music. Photos courtesy of Pylon

Top: FIRST TASTE OF FAME: The young members of Pylon explore the streets of London, England during a tour through Europe in 1980. Band members from left to right include: Michael Lachowski, Curtis Crowe, Vanessa Briscoe-Hay, and Randy Bewley.) Above middle: CROWD CONTROL: Pylon fans cheer for the band at a concert in 2008. Above: WE ARE PYLON: Bewley on guitar and Crowe on the drums take the stage for a Halloween concert at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, Ga. in 2008.

went to see my first real rock concert when I was 11 years old. I pushed my way through the crowd of sweaty, beer Features Writer soaked people in the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga. to get closer to the stage. Despite feeling a little intimidated by the noise and lights around me, I was excited. Because the band on stage was Pylon, and the shirtless, almost bald guy pounding out beats from behind the drum set was my dad, Curtis Crowe. I grew up in a musically-oriented family. My aunt and uncle were in a band called Guadalcanal Diary when they were in their twenties, and my mom went on tour singing for a band called Hillbilly Frankenstein in the summer of 1988. For my family, music is something they did for fun when they were young. They love to tell stories about when they were on tour. As a kid, I’ve heard almost every story about the times that they were robbed, the fights they almost got in, and the crazy stunts they pulled on stage. And for a long time, music was just a story from the past for my dad, too. In college, he was the drummer for Pylon along with other members Michael Lachowski, Randy Bewley, and Vanessa Briscoe-Hay. On stage, they all had a different presence, but somehow managed to fit together and play with a unified sound. Michael, on the bass, and Randy, on the guitar, stood tall and played with a controlled sound. Vanessa sang with unexpected volume, and had a presence that demanded attention. And in the back on the drums, my dad would smile as he drummed. None of them thought that the band would take off, but in their career they ended up playing shows with U2, the B52’s, and R.E.M. However, after getting older and having children, the members of Pylon decided to retire and settle down. Born after they broke up, I never thought that I would ever be able to see them play … until the band reunited in 2004. When my dad told me that the band was getting back together, I decided two things: that he was having a mid-life crisis and that it was awesome. Pylon played their 2004 debut show at the 40 Watt Club as anxious, middleaged musicians who had almost forgotten how to play their own songs. The crowd watching them was made up of excited, middle-aged fans who had almost forgotten how to dance. It was clear that Pylon’s reunion inspired many fans of the old Athens’ music scene to re-emerge and to rediscover the excitement of going to a concert. My mother, along with many other people in the crowd, saw old friends that she hadn’t seen since Pylon’s last concert in 1989. Even as a young girl, I felt that I could appreciate seeing so many people reconnecting with their youth through the music of their past. Older Pylon fans became constant faces at the shows, but the scene changed pretty quickly as the group booked more shows. Suddenly, young, newer fans began to frequent the gigs. When the music started, there was a mixture of people from different generations joining together to enjoy the show. Going to shows as a young teenager, I did not feel out of place. While the audience could surprise the band, Pylon never failed to surprise the audience. On stage, they always seemed to play with an energy that has not been affected by the passing of time. Vanessa danced while she sang, and Randy and Michael would jump and swing around while playing. Even on the drums, my dad’s energy was relentless, and he put his whole body into playing. Pylon seemed unstoppable. When I would ask my dad when their last show would be, he would just smile and tell me that they were playing a series of last shows, but that they had no real plans to quit. But on February 25, 2009, an unexpected tragedy occurred. Randy suffered a heart attack while driving, and crashed. It was an accident that ended his life at 53. Mourners for Randy gathered at his funeral to remember and celebrate both his life and his musical legacy. But for Pylon, the music was over for good. It was obvious to my dad, along with the others, that they would not function as a band without Randy. However, Pylon’s legacy did not end with the disbanding of the group. They left behind music that will be listened to and remembered by many. But more importantly, they left behind the idea that no mater how old you get and no matter where your life takes you, it’s never too late to get back up on stage and play. BY EVA CROWE

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

May 2009

Are you experienced?

Although rock guitar god Jimi Hendrix’s life was cut short, his musical legacy lives on and his psychedelic sound is available to a new audience. Photo courtesy of Kathy Frary

“W

ho is that?” “Is that Prince?” These were the remarks made in response to a picture of a man playing a guitar on Foreign language department teacher Meri Blackburn’s SmartBoard. I was shocked when I realized that the entire class had no idea who he was. This man, who unlike the flashy, purple-loving, flamboyant, soulful, Rhythm and Blues rocker Prince, was none other than the legendary blues and rock guitar god, Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix, an African-American with Cherokee Indian decent stood at 5’11”. He had a fluffy afro hair-do, which was either accompanied by bandanna or a hat and wore hippie-inspired clothes with lots of fringe and bright colors. Unlike many others in the music industry, he was known for playing a Fender Stratocaster guitar upside down with the strings swapped. After all, he was left handed. In the early 1960’s, he constantly moved around and joined several, different small-town bands. Hendrix later tried his luck in New York with little success. Yet, this experience proved to be a big break. While there, he met producer and former bassist of The Animals, Chas Chandler. It was Chandler who took Hendrix to London to try to shake the original trend of rock music in the United Kingdom. Chandler helped Hendrix form a band called The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966. Soon, his influential, psychedelic sound captivated London. It was in London that the Hendrix legend was born. Soon, this flood swept back to the United States and Hendrix was finally recognized on his home turf. At The Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. in 1968, was where my mother went to a rock concert for the first time. Hendrix was playing there that night. From then on, she was a huge fan. Now, fast forward to present day and look around the halls of Clarke Central. What do I see? Only Hendrix’s dying familiarity-- though there are students wearing a shirt that have Hendrix’s name and picture. I think to myself, “Do they even know who he is? If I asked what their favorite song was, would they reply with an honest answer or simply mumble “I don’t know any?” My mother having been a big fan, I have grown up listening to Hendrix. For me, two songs easily stick out in my mind, “Purple Haze” and “All Along the Watchtower” are among the top favorite Hendrix songs in my house. When I hear either song, whether it’s in my car or bedroom, I turn up the volume and strum along air guitar style or tap out the beat on my steering wheel. “Purple Haze” has a powerful, crunchy guitar riff in the beginning of the song that lead into Hendrix’s rugged voice singing the lyrics “Purple haze all in my brain, lately things just don’t seem the same. Actin’ funny but I don’t know why, ‘scuze me while I kiss the sky.” It’s just so easy to nod your head to the constant beat of the drum and the twang of his guitar. Then there is “All Along the Watchtower”, which was actually first written by Bob Dylan, but Hendrix did such an incredible cover of the song that Dylan gave Hendrix the copyrights of the song. Even Dylan himself now plays Hendrix’s version. It is one of my personal favorite songs of all time. The guitar solos are so complex for their time and not to mention beautiful. I often repeat the song over and over again just to hear the amazing intro. Hendrix took a huge leap in the music industry. He incorporated effects into his songs like crunchy distortion in the guitar’s sound. He also used a News Writer

wah-wah pedal, a device used to alter the pitch of the notes played on his guitar. These were characteristics of music that were unheard of at the time. Even though his sound was not popular or accepted for years, he was persistent until his unique style was heard. Finally, a stroke of luck came. In 1966-67 songs “Hey, Joe”, “Stone Free”, and “Purple Haze” were among the UK’s top 10 hits. I am very sad to say that Hendrix had a short-lived life, dying at the young age of 28 on Sept. 18, 1970. How he died is still unknown, but two stories are told of his tragic death. Some say he asphyxiated on his own vomit or that he overdosed on his girlfriend’s sleeping pills by accident. His memory still lives on Above: HOT LICKS: Jimi Hendrix displayed his guitar and it will take years for his skills, talent and hero status at a show at The Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. in 1968. Hendrix played several face melting solos courage to be topped while eager fans got as close as possible to the living legend. by another artist in the music industry. He carved a path for rock music to get where it stands today. Without Hendrix’s influence in the rock genre, then the music of today could quite possibly sound a lot different. Jimi Hendrix’s body was returned to his birth place in Seattle, Wash. and buried in the Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, Wash. Around Hendrix’s memorial gravesite, there is a clay dirt path left by thousands of admiring fans coming to pay their respects and to get as close as they can to the legend. Although Hendrix is buried and gone, his memory and legacy should not go down with him.

Essential Hendrix Axis: As Bold As Love

1967

Electric Ladyland

Kiss the Sky

Essential Tracks:

1968

Essential Tracks:

1990

Wait Until Tomorrow, Castles Made of Sand, and Bold As Love

All Along the Watchtower, Voodoo Child, and Crosstown Traffic

Are You Experienced?, Purple Haze, and Red House

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Essential Tracks:

May 2009

Variety

The one-dish wonder Photos by Isabel Atkinson

The kitchen may be new territory for high school students, but local culinary artist Tim Dondero shows sophomore Chris Harper how it’s done.

he knives and forks at Dondero’s Kitchen shuddered in fear. The pots and pans took cover behind the oven. No culinary device could stand its ground. I, Chris Harper, was going to cook. My food preparation fixation began two months ago, on the day I received my driver’s license. I was ready to take my dad’s wheels out for a spin. My mom said I was allowed to take the car out when I pleased, but in return, I had to help out more around the house. “Cooking dinner once in a while would definitely increase my time behind the wheel,” I thought to myself. I contacted Tim Dondero, the owner of Dondero’s Kitchen, an international deli and market. I made it clear to him that I was no expert in the kitchen, but he said that he was up to the challenge of teaching me to prepare a meal. I arrived at 584 Milledge Ave. after school on Friday, April 17, a little nervous. Walking into Dondero’s Kitchen, I was immediately greeted by Dondero himself. He explained to me that we would be cooking a Vietnamese dish of curry noodles with chicken and broccoli. He handed me an apron, and I put it on along with a white chef’s hat -- now I looked legitimate. First, Dondero showed me how to properly cut a crown of broccoli. He handled the small knife with expertise, cutting off a stem of broccoli and then slicing it in half in two swift motions. I took BY CHRIS HARPER Sports Writer

over, under the watchful eye of Dondero, doing my best not to cut off a finger. We then moved on to the garlic. Dondero brought out a huge, gleaming sushi knife for this task. My confidence had begun to grow after my triumph over the broccoli, and I felt that I could handle the beast of cutlery. Dondero began by crushing the garlic with the side of the knife. This peeled the skin off of the garlic. I repeated this action on a new clove of garlic, though my garlic was a little stubborn and did not want to shed its skin. Huffing and puffing, I managed to finally finish the task. Ginger was my next obstacle to overcome. Dondero handed me a spoon, explaining that we needed to shave away the rough exterior and a spoon was the most efficient tool for doing so. It took me a while, but in the end, the pile of shaven ginger skins illuminated my victory. We proceeded to cut the ginger into thin slices, adding a finishing touch to the vegetables. Then, we moved into my new battleground -- the stainless steel landscape of the kitchen. I peeled the skin off the uncooked chicken breast that would go in the dish, after which I cut the chicken into thin sections. That was probably the nastiest part of my culinary escapade. I learned the

definition of gross when I held the mound of cold, raw chicken in my hands. After an hour of preparation, the meal began to come together in one pan. I lit the stove and started to cook. First, I was told to prepare the pan by pouring a little cooking oil into it, just enough to thinly cover the bottom. I then dumped the broccoli into the pan and let it simmer until it turned a dark shade of green. I added the chicken and noodles then began to stir the contents of the pan, making sure that nothing stuck to the bottom. I threw in some red curry paste, which gave the dish its spicy kick. Just when I thought my dish was complete, Dondero came over to the stove carrying a bottle of Squid brand fish sauce, which he proceeded to squirt into the pan, dousing my noodles. I was slightly disgusted, but I went on stirring, trusting the knowledge of Dondero. The aroma of the delicious dish began to circulate throughout the room, at which point my stomach let out an immaculate growl -- it was nearly time to eat. With Dondero’s help, I transferred the mound of gourmet food onto a silver serving platter. We cleaned up the plate to make it look presentable, which seemed too tedious to me because I was starving and ready to taste the fruit of my labor. As soon as the spicy mixture of noodles and chicken entered my mouth, I felt a wave of confidence in my newfound cooking ability rush through me, along with a feeling of relief that I couldn’t taste the fish sauce. I had done it. I had conquered my enemy in battle using a chef’s hat, a sushi knife and fish sauce. Thanks to Dondero’s help, I am a one-dish wonder, ready to please.

Above: Left: ALL EYES ON ME: Sophomore Chris Harper carefully slices and dices cloves of garlic under the expert gaze of Tim Dondero, owner of Dondero’s Kitchen on 584 Milledge Ave. in Athens, Ga. Center: STIR IT UP, LIL’ DARLIN’: Oven mit in hand, Harper stirs his Vietnamese mixture of noodles, chicken and broccoli. Right: NOODLES OF GLORY: Harper celebrates the wonder of his one dish. Dondero’s Kitchen is a locally owned, family business that sells gourmet specialty groceries Monday through Friday. Cooking classes are also available to those willing to take on the challenge.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

May 2009

Playing possum

Photo by Caroline Foster

ess than five miles from Clarke Central High School, a black bear finds amusement in hitting a tree limb against the ground in his lush, bright green habitat. CCHS isn’t near any rugged, isolated mountains, but it’s near the Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail and Zoo. After starting as a collection of donated wildlife animals in the late 1940s, it has turned into a zoo where residents of Athens can come and observe wildlife free of charge. The animals held are non-releasable, meaning they would not be able to adapt and live properly in the wild. During my trip to the zoo, I saw DJ, a young, male black bear. He made a racket hitting a tree limb against one of the many tall trees in his fenced space, but he looked like an innocent baby bear playing with a toy. He shares his habitat of boulders, water, grass and a tree house with one other black bear, an older female. DJ arrived at the zoo from a rehabilitation center in North Georgia through funds raised by Barnett Shoals Elementary School. Through active interest and donations from schools, local businesses and community members, the zoo maintains itself. In one day, four heads of lettuce, 11 apples, five oranges, seven bananas, two pounds of carrots, 21 mice, four quail and a bag of grapes are consumed by the inhabitants. Although visitors to the zoo on an average day do not interact with any of the animals beyond observation, Schweizel took me in to the deer’s habitat as they were fed some grapes. Surprisingly, the deer are considered the most dangerous at the zoo because they can be spooked so easily. Luckily, they were not, but I left with some slobber on my shirt from a deer asking for attention. “(The animals) all have their unique personality. Once you are around these guys, it really starts to come through,” zoo assistant Amy Schweizel said. As Schweizel told me one of her favorites was a possum named Pogo, I could only think of the greasy possum that played dead in my trash can for a whole day. However, Schweizel took Pogo out of his cage and held him like a cat. Because Pogo had been in captivity, his fur was not prickly and actually soft, and he was well-tamed, and without rabies. So, some possums can be cute. Among the other inhabitants are two bobcats, owls, alligators, deer, and wild turkeys. According to Schweizel, most visitors tend to forget about the armadillo. The zoo recently acquired two new alligators that had to be quarantined for 60 days before placed with the others, following protocol. The next big project for the zoo is the renovation of the exhibit hall, where the reptiles are held. While the rest of the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to sunset every day, this hall is only open on Sundays because the cages are not safe from toocurious visitors. With all of the dedications and plaques at each exhibit, it is easy to see that the community is supportive of the unique zoo. Of course, its employees are too. “I think it’s the best place to work. Who else can say Above: AWESOME POSSUM: Zoo assistant Amy they have a bear at their Schweizel takes Pogo, the zoo’s possum, out of his desk?” Schweizel said. cage for a break and some petting. Unlike wild possums, Pogo’s fur is soft and less spiny, so he is much more comfortable to pet.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

May 2009

Variety

Stringing together a new hobby With the price of jewelry rising in our unstable economy, jewelry making provides a good way to save money and also develop a new hobby. BY LAUREN CORCINO Viewpoints Editor

housands of colors and shapes surrounded me, mixing in with the smell of sandalwood incense and the soothing sound of woodwinds playing softly in the background. I was in bead heaven. As I glanced around Native America Gallery, located on 195 E. Clayton St in downtown Athens, I was in awe at the seemingly endless amount of beads, jewelry and trinkets adorned with woven threads and intricate details throughout the store. Each item on the shelves held a different significance and background, which was told on a brown paper card in front of every display. In the 45 minutes I was there, I learned many unique facts about the Native American culture that I never knew due to the fact that it was often brushed over in my history classes. After walking around the store, I headed towards the bead section, ready for the challenge of making a pair of earrings with so many beads and patterns to choose from. At Native America Gallery, each bead is individually priced anywhere between one cent to $4, so you can choose beads that match your price range, which I found convenient. After deliberating for about 20 minutes, I placed my beads on the gray jewelry tray and started collecting the tools I would

need: a pair of pliers, a wire cutter, two sterling silver pins and two sterling silver hooks. Once I had everything ready, I sat down to work. Starting on the first earring, I took one of the silver pins and placed the three beads I had selected on the pin. Measuring the desired length of my earring, I took the wire cutters and trimmed off about three inches, leaving enough wire to attach the hook to later on. Satisfied with my progress so far, I took the pair of pliers and started looping the pin until I made a small circle. This was the most frustrating thing by far because my pliers refused to cooperate with me. Instead of a small circle, I ended up with a curly-que that wrapped itself around the pin, forcing me to start over. It took me another five minutes to re-straighten the pin and attempt to make the circle again. The second time was the charm and I was able to attach the earring hook to the pin. After connecting the hook and the pin together, I had finished my first earring.

Throughout the entire process, the staff at Native America was extremely helpful and friendly. They constantly checked up on me so see how I was progressing and offered tips and a helping hand if I needed one. However, with my experience in jewelry making, I declined the help, but enjoyed talking to them about ideas that I had for my earrings. Even if you are not into jewelry making or are nervous about doing it yourself, I strongly suggest taking a trip to Native America Gallery. The employees at Native America can help you make your jewelry or can even do it for you. However, this service adds an additional cost of $4 to your total for their labor. Finishing the second earring, I placed them both in a plastic bag and headed up to the counter where I nervously waited for my total. I almost went into shock when the employee announced that the overall price came out to only $7.06. Satisfied with my total, I walked out of the store with a smile on my face and a new pair of handmade earrings for under ten dollars. So, instead of spending an outrageous amount of money every time you want to go buy jewelry, try making it yourself. Your wallet will thank you. Who knows? You might actually enjoy it.

... ready for the challenge of making a pair of earrings with so many beads and patterns to choose from.

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Above: HUNTING FOR TREASURE: With a variety of beads presented at Native America Gallery, finding your perfect beads is important. The best part is matching beads together and making various patterns.

Above: JUST ONE MORE PINCH: The last step when making earrings is to pinch the wire around the hook with a pair of pliers to connect the hook and the earring together. This step is often the most frustrating part of the process.

Above: HARD WORK PAYS OFF: Even though it was frustrating at times, the finished pair of earrings was well worth the time and money spent making them. The best part is that you can walk of out the store wearing your new creation.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

May 2009

43 43

An Ath

Above: GRAND WELCOMING: A luxurious stone sign greets visitors to the State Botanical Garden of Gerogia at 2450 S. Milledge Ave. The Botanical Gardens are a part of the University of Georgia, but they are also the official Botanical Gardens for the entire state of Georgia. Right: JUST THE TWO OF US: Juniors Paul Raser and Leslie Rico embrace on the terrace of the Botanical Garden’s Visitor Center during the Clarke Central High School Prom on April 17. Students were allowed to go out on the Terrace for pictures and a refreshing breeze. Below: SWEETER THAN HONEY: A bee pollinates a flower in the International Garden of the Botanical Gardens. With thousands flowers covering the 313-acre Botanical Gardens, bees and various other insects and animals thrive.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

of Garden At the southern-most end of Milledge Ave., lies a natural paradise with 313 acres of gardened landscape. This magnificent place is known as the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia. BY KINSEY CLARK Junior Copy Editor

Photo by Jessie Frary

alled simply the Botanical Gardens by local Athenians, they were originally a part of the University of Georgia facilities when they were founded in 1968. Then in 1984, they became the State Botanical Gardens for the entire state of Georgia. “Last year we celebrated our 40th anniversary,” Public Relations and Special Events manager of the Botanical Gardens Connie Cottingham said. “The thing that is so fascinating is just watching (the gardens) grow.” And over 40 years, the Botanical Gardens have done just that. Once a small garden facility for UGA students, the gardens are now a public hub for picnickers, joggers, familyfun days and afternoon dates. Along with casual outings, the Botanical Gardens also have a Chapel that holds weddings. According to Cottingham, the Chapel is very popular with brides in Athens. “My favorite time inside the chapel is in fall, when you can see all the leaves, but some might say its summer when it feels like you’re completely surrounded, and someone else says, ‘No, it’s winter when you can see into the woods,’” Cottingham said. “Usually it depends on that day, (and) that makes it so wonderful. In addition to the Chapel, the Botanical Gardens is complete with three other publically accessible buildings: The Alice Hand Callaway

of n Eden

Photo by Kinsey Clark

Visitor Center and Conservatory, the Callaway Building and the Garden Club Headquarters. On April 17, the CCHS prom was held at the Visitor Center of the gardens for the second year in a row. Students were able to dance under the large glass ceiling, and cool off outside on the terrace that connected to the building. “(Prom at the Botanical Gardens) was very refreshing,” senior Shruti Patel said. “It felt really good because you could refresh yourself (by) going outside because the weather was nice, and it was clear.” Although this was Patel’s first prom, it was not her first time visiting the Botanical Gardens. “I went when I was 10 or 11. (I remember) I thought it was very beautiful because they had little fountains and gardens and statues with birds, bees and butterflies flying around,” Patel said. Patel is not the only one that feels the Botanical Gardens are an important addition to Athens. Junior Rebecca Rosemond enjoys the gardens and volunteers there when she can to help out. “During the summer, I volunteer there a lot -- picking weeds and cleaning along the paths and roads,” Rosemond said. “If I’m not volunteering there then I am running along the trails, which are very nice.” Seeing people like Rosemond, who volunteer and utilize the Botanical Garden’s many trails and facilities makes the job worth while for Cottingham. “By far the people are my favorite part of the job,” Cottingham said. “It’s not just the other workers but it’s the tremendous number of volunteers that we work with and the people that come to see the gardens. All of that is really some of the best. It’s how the gardens affect the people and how much they care.” Full of gardens overflowing with tropical flowers ranging in colors from the darkest of purples to the sweetest of yellows and trails spreading over an area so large you can lose yourself in the serene atmosphere, the State Georgia Botanical Gardens truly complete Athens. “I like going to the Botanical Gardens and walking the back trails,” senior Maren Traore said. “It’s fun and quiet, and it gives people a different thing to do instead of going downtown or to the movies or other material things.”

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Athenian Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Above: PETALS OF PERFECTION: Flowers grow outside of the Visitor Center at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The Visitor Center and Tropical Conservatory are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Tuesday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. Left: MY FIRST TRIP: A mother and her daughter walk through the International Garden on a sunny Thursday afternoon in April. “(I love seeing) the people that come to see the gardens, little two year olds that dance with delight when they’re out in the garden,” Public Relations and Special Events manager Connie Cottingham said. “All of that is really some the best (part of my job).” Below: CHEESIN’: Seniors Shruti Patel and Jamal Rittenberry laugh outside of the Clarke Central High School Prom on April 17, that was held at the Botanical Gardens. “(Prom at the Botanical Gardens) was very refreshing,” senior Shruti Patel said.

May 2009

Sports

The Box Score

Photo ill Photo by Isab ustration el Atkins on by Jeffrey Rogers

End of the he line The Lady Gladiator soccer team eam ended their season eason on April 21 with a 3-2 loss to the Hillgrove illgrove High School Lady Hawks in Irish Springs gs in the first round of the state playoffs. The Lady Gladiators were the fourth seed coming out of Region 8-AAAA while the Lady Hawks are the number one seed coming out of Region 7-AAAA. The Lady Glads kept the match close, keeping the score tied 1-1 going into halftime with the only goal coming from junior Ashley Wassel, who took on five defenders for the score. To start the second half, Hillgrove opened with a three to one lead. With a few minutes left CCHS scored with an assist from Wassel and a goal from

Going, going...golf At Chateau E Elan Golf Cl Club located in Braselton, Ga. Ga., the Gladiator boys golf team took sixth place out of eleven teams in the Region 8-AAAA golf to tournament. The Gladi Gladiators shot an overall te team score of 411. One stan standout gladiator, sophom sophomore Rush Maxwell, sho shot a team best of 86. Placing ssecond for the Gladiato Gladiators was junior Adam Er Erickson, who shot a 97.

visits, she has competed in the Elite 8 twice, once in the 2002-03 and another in the 2007-08 school years. Johnson played college basketball for the University of Missouri where she made it to the record list three times. She holds second on the list of all time steals, first for the most steals in a season, and she also set the record for most steals in a game. Outside of guiding players on the court, she also teaches social studies, math, and literature in the special education department at CCHS. “Coaching is teaching,” Johnson said. “When you work with athletes, you’re also teaching life skills, attitude and discipline.”

Photo courtesy of ODYSSEY archives

Above: RUN FOR IT: Senior Abby Trevino and Sophomore Tiffany Eberhard hustle for a loose ball in practice. The lady Gladiator’s soccer team made a debut in the opening round of the state tournament but fell short to Hillgrove High School 3-2. The Gladiators finished 10-7 overall and 7-3 in the conference. Right: TWO OF A KIND: Junior Taylor Layne and Sophomore Aja Sorrells were selected for the First Team All Region Class 8-AAAA team. Both players led their teams to an appearance in the Sweet 16 of the state tournament. Layne was also an honorable mention for the All-Area Team along with junior Babatunde Olyumyiwa and senior John Wilson. Sorrells made First Team All-Area, averaging 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists a game.

Coach of the year Head girls basketball coach Carla Johnson was named by the Athens Banner-Herald as the 2009 Northeast Georgia Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Johnson came to Clarke Central in 1993 as an unpaid assistant coach for Dinah Posey and continued to assist the coaching staff for nine years before being hired as the official girls head coach in 2002. During her seven-year career as head coach, she accumulated an overall coaching record of 142 wins and 60 losses. Johnson has won two region championship titles and has taken her team to the state tournament six times. In those six

Dynamic ballers ut of the hundreds of players in Region 8-AAAA, junior Taylor Layne and sophomore Aja Sorrells were selected for the All Region Class 8-AAAA team. Layne led the boys team to a 17-10 overall record and 12-6 in region. Under his leadership, the team made it to the Sweet 16, an event that hasn’t occurred for the boys basketball team since the 2005-2006 season. The boys team ended their season with a 75-50 loss to the Fayette County Tigers with Layne only scoring 10 points, seven under his point average for the season. The Lady Glads also had a successful season with a 19-11 overall record, going 12-4 in the regular season. They finished as runner-ups in the region tournament, losing 50-41 to the Madison County Red Raiders. They took their final loss to the Marist High School War Eagles 47-42 in the Sweet 16. Sorrells averaged 14 points for the season and scored 13 points against the War Eagles. Photo by Isabel Atkinosn

Abby goes south Clarke Central High School senior soccer player Abby Trevino has decided to go to Mississippi State University on a soccer scholarship. After attending Athens Academy for the first three years of high school, scoring 23 goals and racking up 10 assists in her final year at Academy in 2007, 007, Trevino transferred to CCHS. The shift from rom Class A to Class AAAA brought some large changes for Abby. “At first it was really difficult coming ng from a small school to a big school like Clarke larke Central,” Trevino vino said. “But what at really made itt easier was the support ort of the girls on the he soccer team.”

senior Abby Trevino that came in the final two minutes of the match. “In the last two minutes of the match, we had a couple of rough calls, an offsides call and a bad throw in while we were making a push to tie it up,” assistant coach Robert Walsh said. But overall Walsh seems to be optimistic about next years season and the quality of talent that is returning to next years team. “We’re losing some important seniors like Abby Trevino, a great arm player, some good defenders like Kelly Henderson and Madison Begnaud,” Walsh said. “But on the other hand, we are retaining a young group w who are very talented.”

Left: EYES ON THE PRIZE: “It’s a great honor,” head girls basketball coach Carla Johnson said of being named Northeast Georgia Coach of the Year by the Athens Banner-Herald. “But I attribute that award not only to my hard work, but to the work of my staff and my players as well. It’s just not an honor for me, it’s an honor for everyone who supported me,” Johnson said.

-- Compiled by the Sports Staff

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Sports

May 2009

Addicted to the fast lane CASSIE EVANS Sports Writer

Photos by Isabel Atkinson Photo illustration by Cassie Evans

Some addicts go into dark alleys, abandoned buildings or street corners to get their fix. Clarke Central High School Assistant Principal and track coach Reginald Thomas simply makes his way down the steps of Billy Henderson Stadium to the track.

“(Thomas) comes out on the track as soon as school ends,” junior track runner Bianca Davis said. “He even changes into his track clothes in his office so that he’s never late.” Although he may rush to the rubber track now, last year he was not sure that he would be able to coach girls track again. “The deal was that I changed roles,” Thomas said. “I talked to (former CCHS principal) Dr. (Maxine) Easom and told her that I was interested in becoming assistant principal.” Before Thomas took on the role of assistant principal, he taught American Government and led the Lady Gladiator track team to two region championship runner-up titles and three region championships in his career at CCHS. He also coached six state qualifying runners in the 2008 season. “I know that you don’t always (act as) assistant principal and still coach an athletic team, but the deal was that I could coach (the class of 2008) through the rest of the season,” Thomas said. Thomas understood that the schedule of an administrator is a lot busier than that of a teacher, but he wanted to honor his commitment to his athletes, even if it meant taking on extra Above: BACK TO THE TRACK: Clarke Central High School Assistant Principal and track coach Reginald Thomas is well known and respected in Region AAAA for his track legacy. “You know work in order to continue coaching. how Dr. Easom was the face of CCHS?” asked former track runner and CCHS alumni Natasha “As far as athletic duties like baseball and other spring sports, we Wright. “That’s what Coach Thomas is like, he is CCHS girls track.” (administrators) have to split that up and I can’t be omitted from that just because I coach track,” Thomas said. “But I was even prepared to of last year’s team. do that and continue to teach if that could have kept me able to coach.” “Those seniors last year were extremely special and they thought they were Thomas’s decision to remain a coach is, in part, due to his comfort with going to be the last class that I coached,” Thomas said. “And I think they are the girls track team. He has even allowed his own family to be a part of the possibly kind of jealous that I came back.” second home he has built with his athletes under the shadows of the pine But for Wright, jealousy was not the word to explain her feelings towards trees that hover over Billy Henderson Stadium. the potential of Thomas hanging up his whistle--she was skeptical. “My son is always out there and he has a relationship with the athletes. “I knew that he wasn’t going to stop; I knew that he really didn’t want to,” And I think they are favorable to him; they like him,” Thomas said. “And I Wright said. “I know that he loves it.” think he’s coming to an age where he can handle all of that.” When asked if he will ever stop coaching track Thomas’s eyes get shifty Though Thomas has two kids of his own, the relationship with the girls on the track team has grown to the point where some feel that they are a part of and he is unable to sit still as he wavers in his chair. His answers show indecision, so his future as coach is still questionable. the family head count. “Maybe, maybe not. I still like it. Maybe I’ll switch to a reduced role. “We are his daughters,” CCHS 2008 graduate and former track runner and Maybe as long as I’m still here,” Thomas said. “My wife says, ‘You always say 2008 state qualifier Natasha Wright said. “Still to this day I can call him or his wife for anything. That is not just me, that is any player that opened up to that you’re going to get out of this but you never are because it’s always when these kids graduate,’ but I don’t know it may only be a few more years. It’s him.” getting tougher.” Thomas agrees that a unique relationship was built between the members

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

May 2009

Sports Photo by Isabel Atkinson

On the outside outside... looking in BY JEFFREY ROGERS Variety Writer

Academic ineligibility is evident at Clarke Central High School, but a series of programs have been implemented to ensure students are on the right track to graduate. Coaches have teamed up with a program called Play It Smart to keep kids in sports.

oaches have a lot on their plates. Their job security is based on the wins and losses of hormone-charged teens, not to mention that they have to offer emotional support, occasionally filling in as mentors or parents. However, Clarke Central High School head track coach Damien Gary considers another facet of his work to be the most demoralizing. “The toughest part of my job is telling a kid that he can’t participate in sports because of his grades. I hate to turn anybody away from doing anything. It seems like it gets harder every year to have to tell a kid he can’t participate,” Gary said.

For a student-athlete at CCHS to remain eligible, he or she has to fulfill two primary requirements. The first is that a student must have passed three of the four classes in his preceding semester. Secondly, the student athlete has to have accumulated a set number of units for each year; sophomores need four credits, juniors need 10, and seniors need 16. “The requirements allow for someone to have a rough semester here and there. Next year all (the number of units required) will increase by one,” CCHS Athletic Director Jon Ward said. On top of these school-established regula-

tions, most sports teams at CCHS have distinct standards that are specific only to their sports. The baseball team, for example, requires that its players maintain passing grades in all of their classes. “Failing a high school class is unacceptable to me. In my five years at CCHS, we (on the baseball team) have had only one instance with a player struggling to be eligible,” head baseball coach Kyle Kirk said. “I also want my players to maintain a high “B” average. When a college is recruiting a player the first thing they ask me is, “Are they eligible for HOPE?” This is because a college is

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Sports limited to 11.5 scholarships for a 40-man roster. For a smaller school it is less.” There are a multitude of resources offered to students who are willing to take the initiative to raise their grades. In 1998, the National Football Foundation introduced the Play It Smart program with the primary goal of increasing the grade point averages of high school football players, while also augmenting graduation rates and SAT scores. The program has been broadened at CCHS to include not only football, but all sports. Each Play It Smart program has an Academic Coach who serves as both a mentor and teacher for each member. CCHS’ coach is Forrest Paulson, who is in his first year at the position. “Play It Smart provides an additional opportunity to not only stay eligible, but to excel in academics. We constantly monitor the grades, and the players know we track them, and sometimes that motivation is enough,” Paulson said. Besides the newly-established programs, there are a few more traditional opportunities for students looking for academic help. In the spring, members of the National Honor Society come in twice a week at 7:30 to tutor football players. “We can’t do everything for them. They have to reach out and try to utilize those resources for themselves,” Gary said. Even with the programs in place, there are a few students who are physically able to compete but are unable to make the academic cut. “You have people that have a lot of talent that might not be able to show it, because they’re academically ineligible. That’s what we do as coaches, we put academics over athletics. We have to have some accountability on athletes to take care of the business that they need to,” Gary said. Associate principal and girls head track coach Reginald Thomas believes that even the best athletes in the school can be liabilities to their sports teams if they cannot follow direction in class. “There are athletes that are naturally talented, who are better than the athletes we have matched

Photo by Cassie Evans Photo illustration by Hal Hager

May 2009 with talent, but I think self-discipline would cause them to hurt the teams more than they would help,” Thomas said. Ward is continually revising the methods to limit the number of students turned away. One approach in consideration is to have seminars that would encourage families to emphasize academics in the households of student athletes. “I think that as a society -- and this is cutting across socioeconomic lines -- but (we need) to impress upon the homes, the parents and guardians, the importance of academics and the value of an education,” Ward said. Ward plans to bring in special guests to draw in parents and diverge from the conventional parent-coach meetings that CCHS has had in the past. “(We want) to bring someone from h has h been b b h the college level or someone who both successful as a student and an athlete to come and speak to the parents,” Ward said. These improvements are part of a series of academic overhauls that were enacted by head football coach Leroy Ryals in 2006. During spring practice of that year, Ryals found that 28 players of the football team were academically ineligible. After insisting that the players enroll in summer school, more than 85 percent of the previously ineligible players were able to become eligible by fall. One of the less acknowledged advantages of having students involved in sports is that they are much more likely to stay and exceed in school. In

2007, 100 percent of the senior football players that finished the season on the team graduated. The CCHS graduation rate for all students was 63.6 percent. “I think there are some kids at this school who, if they didn’t have sports, they probably wouldn’t be doing as well in schools. I think that athletics, and the fact that there are more eyes looking at them and coaches who are encouraging them; there is an aspect of not wanting to let my team down,” Thomas said. For former CCHS varsity football player Trevino Woods, football gave him a full ride to the University of Kentuck to play Kentucky football after graduat from graduating Clarke C Central in 2007. “Hon “Honestly, (withou football) (without I would probably still be iin Athens, w my par-- DAMIEN GARY, living with head boys track coach ents or attending sm in-state some small school. I’d probably be working at f ffood d place l h like l k that, too,” some fast or something Woods said. He also adds that if he had taken his freshman and sophomore years more seriously, then he could have made it into a Division 1 school on grades alone. The missing link his first two years was football; without an extracurricular activity to push him, he slacked off in his classes. “Football has changed my life a lot. It has taught me to be more responsible, social, disciplined, just to name a few. It has truly helped to put me in the wonderful position I am in now. Without the help from all the coaches I’ve had, especially Coach Fouch, Ryals and Paulson, I wouldn’t have been able to make it,” Woods said. Principal Dr. Robbie Hooker sums up the impact athletics can have on graduation with one simple theory. “If your child becomes involved here at Clarke Central, whether it be athletics or clubs or something, and they’re consistent with it, you will see that they will graduate on time. It’s all about being involved,” Hooker said.

“You have people that have a lot of talent that might not be able to show it, because they’re academically ineligible... as coaches, we put academics over athletics.”

Opposite page: ACADEMIC LOCK-OUT: A Clarke Central High School student looks to the baseball field, reminiscing of the days before he lost his academic eligibility. At CCHS, eligibility is determined by an accumulation of credits at the end of each year, as well as the requirement of passing three out of four classes in the semester before. Above: Student-athletes at at Clarke Central High School have to stare down their grades before their opponents on the field. Fortunately, most students are able to win the grade war. “On average 90 percent of students that want to participate are able to participate,” Jon Ward said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

May 2009

Fizzling out The JV baseball Glads started off hot, but came up short against Eastside High School. TYLER ELROD Graphics Editor

Photo by Isabel Atkinson Photo illustration by Jeffrey Rogers

arch 24, 2009: perfect weather and a cool breeze dominated the air as the Clarke Central High School junior varsity baseball team took on Eastside High School in a duel not nearly as pretty as the weather. After striking out the first batter, freshman Jeremiah Warren walked the second EHS hitter. However, the pinch runner sent in for the previous single was hit by the ball on his way to second base. If a player is hit by the ball, it is as if the player was tagged out. Freshmen Chris Walker and Alex Harris both singled, putting runners on first and second for the Gladiators in the bottom of the first. Walker furthered the Gladiator offensive by stealing third base. On the next pitch, freshman Phillip Trandell made contact and sparked Walker for an RBI, giving the Gladiators a one to nothing lead. Sophomore Rasik Winfield was then walked, giving the Gladiators loaded bases as Clarke Middle School eighth grader Jack Elliot Gower went to bat. Elliot Gower hit a shot, sending the ball in between the short stop and outfielders. The middle schooler’s smack was enough to get Harris and Trandell to home. However, shoddy base running led to Elliot Gower being thrown out at second, ending the first inning with a 3-0 lead for the Gladiators. Although he gave up two walks, Warren pitched a lights out second inning as he struck out three batters. His pitching kept the Eastside offense at bay during the first five innings. After the early success of Warren, he began to show fatigue. Over the course of the third inning he began to walk Eastside batters, giving Eastside an opportunity to score. After a scoreless fourth inning for both teams, the Gladiators decided to give Warren a break. Trandell came into the game to replace him. Trandell and the Gladiator defense gave up two runs in the fifth inning to EHS, narrowing the Gladiator lead to one run. Eastside broke away in the sixth inning with five runs that were sparked by several Gladiator errors. The heartbreaker was a triple past third base that was nearly a foul, resulting in three RBIs for Eastside. The Gladiators could not capitalize on any of their next at bats in the final innings, and Eastside scored twice more to finish the game 9-3. The Gladiators started strong, and sputtered. According to the team, part of the problem can be attributed to lackluster preparation. “We should have won,” Biggers said. “I was annoyed because we didn’t execute when we needed to, and that relates to our practice. We joke around and don’t focus, and that translated into the game.”

Kicking the ‘doggs The varsity boys soccer team finished the season by crushing Winder-Barrow High School. FAKARI GRESHAM Variety Writer

xcitement was tangible throughout Billy Henderson Stadium as the Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer team prepared to host the Bulldoggs of Winder-Barrow High School on April 15, 2009. Originally scheduled for April 10, the game was postponed due to extreme weather. Both teams were eager to get their final game of the season underway. The 40-minute opening half started off with possession of the ball belonging to CCHS. The Glads advanced rapidly upfield until they turned the ball over. Three minutes later, senior midfielder Jesus Parra scored the first goal of the game with a rocket from the left side of the six yard box. Minutes later, WBHS dribbled the ball downfield and, after a series of well executed passes, responded with a goal of their own. With halftime approaching and the score still tied at 1-1, junior forward Adane Ayalaw scored on an acrobatic header to put the Glads up by one. As the Bulldoggs scrambled to regain their composure, junior Braxton Hudson dribbled between two defenders and sent a laser beam into the back of the old onion sack. With less than two minutes left in the half, momentum crept back to the Bulldoggs as they slotted a shot past freshman Noah Welsh to bring the score within one at 3-2. Although the Glads held an advantage of one goal, confidence was high for both teams as they walked to opposite ends of the field for half time. After the 10-minute break, the Bulldoggs received first possession to open the second half. Their first shot was a miss as it glanced off the right goal post. After a fast-paced first half, the Bulldogg’s players began to show Above: IT TAKES THREE: Junior Adam Erickson (10) fatigue. The Glads capitalized on slices through three defenders en route to scoring the their opponents’ ebbing energy game’s final goal against the Winder-Barrow High School levels by passing the ball more, Bulldoggs. The Gladiators defeated the Bulldoggs 5-2 in causing the Bulldoggs to run from the final game of the season. player to player. With an assist from center-field, Hudson scored his second goal of the night to bring the Glads up 4-2. After the Glads added yet another tally to the scoreboard, frustration and tension broke out among the Bulldoggs. WBHS fans started using sarcastic jokes such as, “You can’t stop a two-man team?” and “Let’s go, Central!” After subbing in a fresh batch of players, the Glads ended their 21:45 scoring drought as junior team captain Adam Erickson, put in the final goal of the night, resulting in a closing score of 5-2. The team’s victory still exposed a glaring weakness on defense according to its coach. “Except for our scrimmage match, which is the first game of the year, in our other 17 matches that we had this season we didn’t have a single shut out. We have to give up fewer goals to be a top 10 team in the state,” head varsity boys soccer coach Sam Hicks said. Despite the fact that the Glads did not earn a top-four seed in the region, or a state playoff birth, going out with a win gave Coach Hicks and his seniors a sense of accomplishment. “We wanted to play for our seniors. We knew that it was their last game on the field, and we wanted to send them off in style,” Hicks said. Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Right: THE WIND UP: Freshman pitcher Jeremiah Warren pitched three solid innings against Eastside High School on March 24, 2009 before being lifted by Coach Nick Allen. Below: BIG CHOP: Sophomore Garry Mitchell swung for the fences on a 2-2 count in the second inning.

Sports

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Sports

May 2009

Running without borders Senior Blanca Soto came to Clarke Central High School and the United States three years ago, all the while treading new paths in the language barrier and wherever her sneakers lead her. BY HAL HAGER Sports Editor

10) e hool 2 in

mmersed, by unfamiliar faces, surroundings and syllables, she walked the halls of Clarke Central High School, branded an English Language Learner. This was the life of senior Blanca Soto three years ago, an immigrant from Michoacán Tuxspan, Mexico trying to adjust to the culture of CCHS. In Mexico, Soto lived with her mother and two siblings, Garado and Sandra. Her father left Soto’s family for a better job opportunity in the United States when she was seven. They reunited with him in Athens, Ga. in 2006. Foreign Language department and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher Doug Sherer was one of the first people to take Soto under his wing. “I met her the first day she came to Clarke Central. I was her first ESOL teacher,” Sherer said. “Blanca came here with zero English skills to be quite honest. So we started off day one with ‘What’s your name? My name is’ classroom objects, just as you learned in your first foreign language class.” However, Soto could not take refuge with her Spanishspeaking classmates in her ESOL class for long. With three other English-dominated classes during the day, she was forced to take in things from hallway and classroom dialogue. “She’s dedicated and she picks up on things she hears. So she uses words and contractions and I’ll think ‘Where did she get that?’ but she’s just interacting with people and paying attention,” ESOL department chair Jodi Bolgla said, who taught Soto in Literature/Composition 9. Despite Soto’s perseverance in breaking the language barrier, there were times when she and her sister Sandra, who is three years older, missed home and struggled to make new friends. “My sister had the same problem as I did, we both kind of wanted to give up and go back to Mexico,” Soto said. However, Soto found an outlet through sports. The second semester of her freshman year, her physical education teacher, Tim Stoudenmire, noticed that she was running circles around all the boys in her freshman mile run. Stoudenmire notified the girls cross country coach, Dale Autry, and he quickly set out to recruit Soto. It did not take much convincing her to join the team. “Sports helped me a lot. I wasn’t just working on getting in shape, but I was working on my language skills while trying to understand my coach and students on the team. Sports helped me to learn the language faster,” Soto said. Autry noticed the fast social development in a sports environment as well as the improvement of Soto’s language skills. “Blanca was rapidly learning and seemed to get along great with the

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other runners. She understood pretty much what everybody was saying soon and started expressing herself more in practice,” Autry said. Immediately, Soto found a common bond with students at CCHS who had the same fervor for sports as she did. “Not many Mexican people liked to play sports where I lived. I love to play sports, so when I came here it was pretty cool to see students that were excited to play sports just like me,” Soto said. Running has no language barrier. Her personal best cross country time during her time at CCHS was 21:46, generally one of the top six key-scoring times on the girls cross country team. She also competes in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter runs for the track team. Soto says she was poised to run all the way back to her childhood. “I’m not really good at playing team sports. When I was little, I used to play basketball, but I hurt my back so the doctor told me I had to do simple sports in order to be careful not to hurt myself again,” Soto said. Although running in high school came easier at first for Soto, her linguistic skills took flight as the years went on. “It’s a 180 degree difference. When she first came, she had no English at all and I could only talk to her through Spanish speaking teachers, but when you have that interaction, you don’t get a sense of someone’s personality or what they’re thinking,” Bolgla said. “Now it’s so neat to be able to have a conversation with her and use the words I want to use and talk at the speed I want to talk. I’ve gotten to know her a lot better.” Soto acknowledges the impact of sports and people helping her along the way. “Sports helped me to become more disciplined with my time management and it helped with my attitude. It gave me a ‘keep going’ attitude and helped me way outside just sports,” Soto said.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Kirk

May 2009

Sports

Photo courtesy of Jessica Kirk

Angel in the outfield

The short life and subsequent passing of Zach Kirk has left an indelible mark on the varsity baseball Gladiators, their coach and his family. STORY AND LAYOUT BY CHRISTINA DOWNS Managing Editor

hen ‘ZK’ was painted on the field, etched in red and framed in gold, they remembered. When they had ‘ZK’ embroidered onto the back of every player’s hat, they remembered. When they mounted ‘ZK’ on the fence, above the number seven, just shy of the right outfield fence, they remembered. When their coach passed out the new black shirts this season and ‘ZK’ was on the back, they remembered. The Clarke Central High School baseball family will always remember Zach Kirk. “He was going to be something special,” CCHS head baseball coach Kyle Kirk said. William Zachary Kirk entered the world on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2007, and from the beginning it was a fight against the odds. The odds that said his tiny body, no bigger than his father’s hand, wouldn’t make it. The odds that said his little lungs, the last things to develop on a body, couldn’t last. The odds that said he had a 20 percent chance at life.

Born four and a half months premature at a meager 22 ozs, Zach had his work cut out for him. Dr. Morales, a Neonatologist, a doctor that deals with the branch of medicine specializing in the care and development of the newborn babies and the treatment of their diseases, at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, told the worried Jessica and Kyle Kirk that if their son could make it past the first 48 hours, his chances would get better each day. So they sat and prayed and waited. “Alright guys, stay loose.” After those two days, Kirk pulled the boys out of class for a team meeting. Known for being an upfront coach, he did not spare his players from the truth. He told them about Zach, about his fight and asked for their prayers. Knowing that -- DESHAWN SMITH, there Junior would be long days ahead that would take his time away from the field, Kirk wanted to make sure they knew. “No matter what happens, remember that I love you. I’m always here for you,” Kirk said. From that experience, Kirk took something with him: the looks on his boys’ faces. It was

“Being around him, he’s a strong person, but that just seemed like it tore him up.”

something “that would stick with (him) forever,” Kirk said. Used to players getting distracted and looking off in other directions during team talks, senior left fielder Bill King remembered everyone’s focus on their coach, trying to grasp the severity of the situation. Junior left fielder Deshawn Smith saw a different side of his coach that day. “Being around him, he’s a strong person, but that just seemed like it tore him up,” Smith said. “You never want to see that happen to somebody like him because he’s such a good person.” A few more days passed, and the Kirks made a trip down to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Medical College of Georgia Children’s Hospital in Augusta, Ga. for Zach’s first surgery. Doctors there would install a temporary shunt to stop a brain bleed that had formed. It would be the first of four trips to Augusta. “You never know what can happen next. This could be the last time you catch a baseball. You’ve got to take what’s yours.” The fight continued for the Kirks. Zach fought for his life. Kyle fought for time to run between hospitals, the baseball field and his classroom as a fifth grade collaborative teacher at Whitehead Road Elementary in Athens. There were days he wanted to stop coaching, to not show up to practice, to miss a game and be with Zach and his family, but Jessica stepped in.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Far left: FIRST SON: William Zachary Kirk, son of head baseball coach Kyle Kirk, would have been the first son on either side of the Kirk family. “I always knew he was going to be something special. He was going to pull through,” Kirk said. Opposite left: A YEAR WITHOUT YOU: On April 20, 2009, a day after the one-year anniversary of Zach Kirk, the CCHS varsity baseball team played Loganville on their home field, with a final score of 5-11. Opposite bottom left: SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY: Over a year has passed and the Kirks still miss their son, Zach. They miss his blue eyes, his puffy cheeks, and youthful personality. “He was fun. He would do all these little mischievous things like pull out his tubes. He was a good little kid,” Jessica Kirk said.

“It’s okay. It’ll be fine, but you need to go,” she would say, thinking that he needed the distraction. It became a regular occurrence. So when it came time to leave for the game at the University of Georgia’s Foley Field against rival Cedar Shoals High School on March 10, 2008, and Zach’s condition was questionable, Jessica pushed her husband to go. It was a mild spring night, with the slightest gentle breeze, and the stands were filled with eager CCHS fans. Kyle came, coached the game and CCHS won 7-0. And Zach pulled through. “This is a kid’s game. Always remember to have fun. Think back to the days of little league.” It would be one of the high points in a tumultuous season of 4-22, a number that neither Kirk nor his players feel showed the team’s full potential. “It was hard to play as a team when everybody’s worried about something else, especially off the field,” junior outfielder Will Lance said. As Zach’s condition varied, his stay at St. Mary’s frequently interrupted by helicopter rides to Augusta, the Kirks were worn thin. The atmosphere at baseball practice would vary depending on the coach’s mood. “When (Zach) was good, he was good,” Lance said. On April 12, 2008, Jessica’s birthday, Zach’s best day came and Jessica and Kyle were able to take him to their Watkinsville home for the Photo courtesy of Jessica Kirk

Left: HE DID A GOOD JOB EVERY DAY: At the foot of Zach’s grave in Tifton, GA, lies a stone that reads, “He did a good job every day.” The Kirks frequently visit, along with Jessica’s family, who live in Tifton. Below: ALWAYS REMEMBER: In the last home game of the 2008 season, the CCHS baseball booster club donated a jersey in honor of Zach Kirk. “He’ll always be with us,” Kirk said.

Photo by Hal Hager

first time. Zach was on a breathing machine and needed constant medical attention, but he was home at last. “You thought you were home free then,” Kyle said. The next morning while they were fixing Zach’s medications and formulas, they noticed something odd about Zach. Jessica thought, “Something is not right.” Zach had stopped breathing. “Time to man up.” Kyle’s CPR. Jessica’s 911. And Zach was back, but he had to leave home for his second home— the St. Mary’s NICU. At the hospital, things seemed to get worse. Zach was irritated, would start coughing and crying. “This isn’t like him,” Jessica thought. He seemed to have recovered and the next night Jessica and Kyle went home to rest. The next morning, as they got ready to visit Zach, Laura Peters, one of Zach’s many nurses, called. Zach had pneumonia. “Now remember, nothing in life is guaranteed.” The doctors possibly did not catch it before Zach left the hospital, where people are more susceptible to getting sick. Whatever the reason, the Kirks knew that Zach was back on the machine and it would be a fight to get off. Back on the baseball field, the boys were having their annual Longball Contest, a fundraiser for the baseball program. Between hits they would play and joke around with each other—having fun. As soon as the contest finished, the parents told them what they had planned and the team rushed down the street to St. Mary’s. Some of the players like senior third-baseman Jeron Draine were reluctant to devote the rest of their Friday to baseball, but seeing their coach’s reaction changed that view. “It meant a lot to see him crying like that,” Draine said. “Once we saw how much it meant to him, it made it worth all our time.” As Kyle and Jessica pulled up to the hospital parking lot from dinner, Kirk was in his own world thinking of his son. And then he saw his boys. They were lined up, some of them in tears, red candles in hand, surrounded by parents and friends. The Kirks traveled up to the St. Mary’s NICU and looked down the window at the candlelight vigil again. They never found out who planned the show of solidarity, but the Kirks remain grateful. The boys will never know how much they touched their coach and his family, but they did. “You really don’t know who you’re true friends are until something bad

happens.” All the hospital visits, the early mornings and late nights, the updates on the care page that Jessica had started for Zach, the trips to Augusta, the wins, the losses, it all came down to these last moments. Zach’s oxygen saturations were dropping and not enough was getting to his brain. Nurses would sit with him every night and monitor his breathing, but they were losing him. In a final attempt, Dr. Morales called some other Neonatalagists for a second opinion, hoping they would not confirm what everyone already knew. He was brain dead. Now the decision came. The hardest decision of their lives. On April 19, 2008 the Kirks took Zach of the ventilator and he passed away. “He would’ve never lived off the ventilator,” Jessica said. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy to say goodbye to their son. It wasn’t easy to give him his last bath. It wasn’t easy to tell their then four-year-old daughter, Maddie Grace. It wasn’t easy, but it was what they had to do. “I don’t feel like we gave up. I feel like we did what was best for him. We still feel at peace about it,” Jessica said. A year has passed and things are not any easier. Anything can spark it, a baby commercial, ultrasound pictures, Maddie Grace asking, “When is Zach coming home?” or “Can I hold Zach again?” But they won’t forget, and they don’t want to. So they lean on each other, and cry, and answer, “Baby, Zach’s in heaven.” “No matter how hard life is, you have to learn to overcome. You have to learn to persevere.” The baseball team doesn’t want to forget. After Zach’s initials were embroidered into their hats, shortly after Zach was born, the team continued with ‘ZK’ on their helmets, painted on the field for the first home game after Zach’s passing. Those initials remind them of Zach, and his fight, but also of their coach, and his lessons. More than any of the technical things he taught them… “... stay loose.” “... take what’s yours.” “... have fun. Think back to the days of little league.” “... man up.” “... nothing in life is guaranteed.” “... learn to overcome.” “... learn to persevere.” …he taught them about life. “It’s said that a man is measured by how he handles himself in a crisis,” Lance said. “If I can just be the way (coach) is through life and just get through tough situations the way he did, then I’m going to be better off.” When the Clarke Central baseball team finished this season 13-11, the best record since 2001, they played with a purpose. They played for Jessica, for Maddie Grace, for Kyle, and they played for ZK. “I put that (on the shirts) just to remind us why we’re here, what we’re hoping to accomplish on this planet,” Kirk said. “(Zach) probably accomplished more in six months than most of us accomplish in our whole lives, as far as perseverance and the lives he touched. I just wanted to remind the kids of that.”

May 2009

Sports

Silent sport

kcans eht yerffeJ

Photo and photo illustrations by Cassie Evans

ODYSSEY Star Players are selected based on their academic standing and commitment to teammates, their sports program, and Clarke Central High School. Star Players are selected each month by the Sports staff based on interviews with players and coaches.

Photo illustrtaton by Tyler Elrod Photo by Cassie Evans

attended my first high school basketball game as a freshman, sitting next to my dad, a sort of father-son time. It was going well, until the music clicked on. Girls on the opposing bleachers stood up and immediately began cracking and swaying their bodies to the latest song from 95.5 FM. I immediately looked at my dad, observing his blank expression as the girls sat back down, but the music continued. “I got my drink and my two step, my drink and my two step,” the rapper Cassidy blared on. I was only hoping my dad couldn’t fill in the blanks from the sparsely censored swear words. It was awkward, and until opening tip off, my dad and I sat in silence; it was pointless to try to talk. The lyrics were overwhelming any sort of conversation we could have struck up. Occurrences like this and countless others will end this year, as Clarke Central High School will now only play instrumental at sporting events, including football, basketball and soccer games. Above: PROTECT MY EARS: Although many students “There were enjoy listening to the latest, greatest and most profane music available, Clarke Central High School has decided times where to play only instrumentals of songs at all home games music was starting this year. The result is a cleaner, more familyfriendly experience for everyone involved. inappropriate. So rather than listening to the music and judging whether it was appropriate or not we suspended music with words all together for the time being,” CCHS Athletic Director Jon Ward said. The move to disallow music with lyrics at sporting events may not please too many students, but it is a positive step for the CCHS image in the community. Every school week, hundreds of visitors get a taste of our school from the perspective of our athletic program. Spectators from surrounding counties flood into our facilities and hear the amplified systems blasting profanity and lewd terms, then conjure the same horrible stereotypes placed on CCHS students everyday. By playing instrumental rather than songs with lyrics, athletes are able to focus with fewer distractions from the sometimes harsh lyrics played across the system. Instead of pleasing fans with their favorite song from Keri Hilson, it’ll now prepare the athletes to play their best by going into the game with a clear head. However, the same goes for the home fans. Don’t make a fool of yourself by getting up and shaking your who-knows-what during a pre-game warm up. You are not only representing yourself in a negative way, but you’re also hurting the outside opinion of CCHS and the athletes that worked so hard to be on the court. We have wonderful coaches, athletes and spectators at CCHS, and now we have the music to match.

Grade: 10 Sport: JV soccer Years experience: 12 GPA: 4.0 Game day rituals: I try to keep all frustrations in so I can let them all out in the game. Personal Motto: “Don’t give up until you know it’s the end.” What teammates say: “She’s very supportive, even if someone didn’t have the best game, after the game she’ll still tell them, ‘Good job!’” --Kim Guzman, freshman What coaches say: “Susy is constantly trying to improve her soccer skills by listening to directions and training hard during practice. She leads by example on the field with her work ethic.” -- Mika Voith, JV girls head coach Best athletic achievement: Being able to do 72 push-ups without stopping.

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Cartoon by Emily Silva

Grade: 10 Sport: Track and field Years experience: 4 GPA: 3.9 Game day rituals: Listen to music. Personal motto: “Time is the enemy.” What teammates say: “He may not be the fastest guy out there on the team, but he has the biggest heart.” -- Kenneth Booker, sophomore What coaches say: “(Nicholas) is one of the hardest working kids on the track team. Even over the summer when kids are out at the beach or just enjoying the summer, you could find him on the track, working hard and getting better,” --Damien Gary, head coach Best athletic achievement: Getting to compete in the Loch Johnson Invitational.

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

May 2009