ODYSSEY 7, Issue 4, February 2010, Athens Hip-Hop Rises to the Top

CENTRAL WRESTLING: GRAPPLING WITH SUCCESS

ODYSSEY Athens hiphop rises to the top

Volume 7 Issue 4 Feb. 2010 $3.00

Table of Contents

February 2010

Cover Story

32 Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Athens is a town made famous for its wide variety of music, especially its indie rock scene. However, over the past few years, hip-hop has made a surge within town and is taking locals by storm with passionate artists and wild shows. Left: IT’S AN ATHENS THING: Local artists Greg “G-Money” Anderson (yellow) and James “Luck Looch” Battise (green) show off their swagger while local promoter and emcee Montu Miller (left) looks on. Anderson and Battise are a part of the indie hip-hop group RedKlay that organized the Southern Gumbo show at New Earth Music Hall in downtown Athens on Jan. 23.

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Photo by Jeffrey Rogers

Viewpoints

Clarke Central High School students are encouraged to take the most advanced classes possible in order to compete for acceptance to colleges. Is the stress too much to handle?

News

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Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue has proposed to get rid of the districtwide attendance policy and lower the required amount of credits in an attempt to lower the drop-out rate.

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After moving to the United States when she was 4 years old, junior Tracy Fernandez has finally overcome the struggles of leaving her home country.

Variety

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Athens-area folk artist, Bob Hart, has constructed a memorial trail on his property in honor of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack victims. The memorial is open for the public.

Sports

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Jarvis Durham has helped the boys varsity basketball team as their manager since his seventh grade school year. Now, in his senior year, he is finally getting a chance to suit up for the team. Cover photo by Isabel Atkinson Cover design by F. Tyler Elrod

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Focus

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Left: AQUAMAN: Clarke Central High School freshman Patrick Humphreys walked away from the sport he loved for three years. Now he’s back practicing, five days a week, making him one of the Aqua Glads’ top male swimmers. “He’s a really strong swimmer, and I’m excited to have him on the team for the rest of his high school career, because he can only get better,” Foreign Language department teacher and Swimming and Diving head coach Emily Dowd said.

17 Above: COFFEE ANYONE? The new Clarke Central High School coffee shop, Steam, which opened on Jan. 20, allows members in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club to operate the shop. Junior Ariesbeda Delgado is a barista in training.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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February 2010

Staff

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 adviser. 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 and omissions will appear in the next issue.

Emailed PDF of this page to come.

Editor-in-Chief: F. Tyler Elrod Managing Editor: Lexi Deagen Senior Copy Editors: Lauren Corcino Gayatri Setia Junior Copy Editor: Jesse Siebentritt Viewpoints Editor: Claire Dennis News Editor: Emily Allen Features Editor: Lauren Pruitt Variety Editor: Kinsey Clark Sports Editor: Jeffrey Rogers Photography Editor: Isabel Atkinson Staff Writers: Killian Begnaud, Aashka Chaudhari, Shelby Rae Curran, Katie Downs, Eben Elrod, Alexa Friedman, Fakari Gresham, Kim Guzman, Caleb Hayes, Sallay Jabbie, Lily Kohn, Betty Migombo, Alex Morris, Olivia Murphy, Carlo Nasisse, Kayli Read, Dylan Reeves, Tamar Schmidt, Mollie Sherman Adviser: David A. Ragsdale

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, Georgia 30605 Phone: (706) 357-5200, Ext. 17370 Fax: (706) 357-5269

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

February 2010

Viewpoints

Letters to the Editor

Finding a comfort zone I am so happy these young people have organized this club. Discrimination and hatred is wrong under any circumstances, whether it be religious, sexual orientation, racial, whatever. All of us want to be valued for who we are and it is a real shame that anyone at Clarke Central High School should feel threatened or discriminated against for any reason. I encourage you to attend one of the CCHS Gay Straight Alliance meetings, where you will find a diverse group of caring, young people who will make you feel welcome -- no matter who you are. --Cheryl Lee, secretary, counseling department Doing whatever it takes I was struck by Kristi Elrod’s recent piece in the ODYSSEYrecounting her decision to change schools for the sake of her schedule. While it reflects well on Clarke Central High School that the school was able to offer her the opportunities she needed, it is indicative of a larger problem regarding the hierarchy of subjects in most American schools. Too much emphasis is placed on what we think our students need to know as opposed to what they might exhibit a natural affinity for. The prioritizing of math and science within the educational system and the resulting

scarcity of art classes keeps many students from realizing the potential role of the arts in their life. Although the challenge of improving weaknesses within a given discipline can be beneficial, a student should never be forced to choose between subjects about which they are passionate. -- Lauren Gallaspy, CCHS parent Halo goes viral The article “Halo goes viral” is yet another good example of why the ODYSSEY is such a well-known newspaper locally and nationwide. From the so called “perpetrators” to the teachers and

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, Foster T. Elrod, Editor-in-Chief

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administrators who have to deal with the results of Halo’s takeover of the school’s computers, Kinsey does an excellent job of presenting the numerous viewpoints on the matter. I was aware that people were playing Halo on the school computers, but the negative consequences arising from what appeared to be innocent fun came as a real surprise to me. Thanks to this article, I know now that playing this game can have serious repercussions both because of the crowding of the bandwidth and the teacher crack down on gamers. Thumbs up to Kinsey and the ODYSSEY for the informative article that made my classmates and myself aware of the situation. -- Jonathan Striepen, sophomore Don’t call it a comeback This article captures the essence of the 2009-10 Mock Trial team. For the past few years, Mock Trial has fallen into a slump. This year, the team has a renewed and refreshed spirit, more confident than ever. The members of the team genuinely

Above: Our readers critique the Dec. 2009 issue.

appreciate coverage of their climb back to the top. Kudos, Chris Harper! You never know, maybe the ODYSSEY will be covering the Mock Trial team’s victory at Nationals this year! -- Gabrielle LaFera, junior Community demands wages I was very happy to see this topic addressed in the ODYSSEY. My mom works at the University of Georgia, and I know firsthand how difficult it is to live on the set wages at UGA. Living in a single-parent family with this being the only income is a challenge, and my mom and I make necessary “sacrifices” so we can be supported with this amount of money. Once I began thinking about my personal situation and how difficult it is for only two people to live on these wages, I realized it to be almost impossible to support an entire family. I am glad that other people in the community are making an effort to change the pay scale, and it was refreshing to see the students trying to change the issue. I think more people should be made

aware of the problem. If this could possibly change, I think it has the potential to improve the entire community overall. -- Maris Lyons, sophomore Corrections/Omissions December 2009 On pg. 12, Kaitlin Kasay’s first name was spelled wrong. On pg. 35, Tim Stoudenmire’s name was spelled wrong. On pg. 35, Sarah Grace Dennis was listed as a key returning player for swimming; Dennis graduated in 2009. On pg. 38, in the article “Grudge match,” The graphic was by Alexander Morris. On pg. 39, in the article, “Size vs. Speed,” Babatunde Olumuyiwa’s last name was spelled wrong. 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

February 2010

Thumbs

Photos by Eben Elrod

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

Honoring the past CCHS Black Student Union’s play, A Celebration of Legacy: Resounding the Dream of African-Americans Past and Present, shines the spotlight on black history for the entire CCHS community.

Dedication pays off It’s tough to sit on the bench, but it’s harder to remain positive and encourage your teammates to be their best. Jarvis Durham may not get to take the big shot, but he makes sure his teammates can.

Nonstop hip-hop Underground for most of the decade, Athens’ hip-hop scene is ready to emerge from the shadows. Local artists are putting on for the Classic City.

Winter woes Carrying Carmex and tubs of Vaseline seem to be the only solution for this season’s scaly skin. Becoming a Master of Moisturizer is easy with some simple skin fixes.

Figure it out, kid Literally. The new Georgia Performance Standards for math mandated by the Georgia Department of Education have led to an entirely new curriculum, which forces students to figure the subject out on their own.

Dinero dilemma When you do the math, certain sports don’t recieve the funding needed for some students to participate. Now, how is that fair?

Lack-luster lunches The lunches offered at CCHS meet the minimal nutritional requirements, however students often make the wrong choices leading to an unhealthy overdose of school food.

-- Compiled by Viewpoints staff

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igh school is designed to prepare students for the real world, but how many of the skills that we learn here are directly applicable in the workplace? Steam, the coffee shop at Clarke Central High School Media Center and CCHS’s Sweet Things Café catering service are both student-run business initiatives through which students learn skills that can make them work-ready as soon as they graduate. Students involved in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America who work in Steam have to know how to properly operate and maintain commercial-grade equipment, brew a variety of beverages, manage money and keep inventory. The Sweet Things Café provides students taking Professional Foods I and II with opportunities to learn methods of professional food service and preparation to demonstrate their skills to their peers and teachers at school events. In addition to the preparation of their respective products, students involved in these programs learn how to interact with co-workers Above: WORKIN’ OUR WAY UP: Clarke and adult and student Central High School’s newly opened coffee customers in a professional shop, Steam, is a great opportunity for stuenvironment. dents to get real life experience. Working with With the economy in bad Jittery Joe’s and Starbucks coffee shops will give them an opportunity to gain knowledge of shape and few businesses the workforce before even entering it. hiring, it is more important than ever for high school students to develop the abilities and knowledge needed to be attractive to potential employers. Having a background working at Steam makes these students prime candidates for jobs at local coffee shops like Jittery Joe’s or Cups, or even national companies like Starbucks as they would require little or no on-the-job training. A graduate who has worked in the Sweet Things Café has garnered experience that can go onto their resumes and make them that much more employable with any number of catering companies. Students love to defiantly question their teachers: “When will we ever use this in the real world?” The students who operate Steam and the Sweet Things Café can say without a doubt that the experience they are gaining in school can be directly applied in a professional environment. While providing valuable services for CCHS students and staff, Steam allows involved students members to prepare themselves for employment, instead of memorizing obscure formulas and theories. Career, Technical and Agricultural Education teachers Vera Giles and Carolyn Jackson deserve praise for supporting these initiatives. A conscious effort should be made at CCHS to offer more classes that promote hands-on learning. Graduates should be able to enter the workplace with the knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed, whether the next step is college or full-time employment.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Cartoon by Katie Downs

Delicious work Clarke Central High School’s Sweet Things Café and coffee shop Steam provide the opportunity for students to obtain work skills while enjoying sweet treats. Don’t forget to tip your servers.

Our Take

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February 2010

Viewpoints

The high school herbivore’s dilemma Maintaining a vegetarian diet in twenty-first century America can be difficult, especially in a high school with limited vegetarian options.

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chicken … or bacon … “So … y’all just want some lettuce and dressin’?” She looks at me expectantly. In my ten-year-old ignorance, I carefully explain to her that I’m a vegetarian and cannot eat animals. A long pause as I wait for her to offer an alternative food choice for me. Her only response is a blank stare until, finally, she exclaims, “You a veggie-what?” These are the moments that make me question my principles. “Think of the poor animals. Think of the poor animals,” I say inside my head, which is easy to rely upon when I’m not being stared down by an angry Texan. My diet has caused me embarrassments and difficulties my whole life. As a child, I was raised on a meat-free diet. This excluded me from certain rituals that my omnivorous peers participated in, chiefly the lunch line. In elementary school, I brought perfectly packed lunches of carrots, celery and a peanut butter sandwich. On days that I forgot my food, I would walk up to the lunch ladies standing over heaps of chicken and soggy green beans. I would leave with a piece of corn to gnaw on while waiting to run home to my veggie sanctuary. Years later, as a freshman at Clarke Central High School, I decided that I was tired of excluding myself from the lunch line, so I brought money to school instead of a lunch box. Standing in line, I imagined the rich and succulent food that awaited me. After a minute of anxious waiting, I stood eagerly before rows and rows laden with the heavenly flavors of … pizza and iceberg lettuce. I soon discovered that the lettuce was more of a vessel for water than flavor. The pizza tasted fine, but after three weeks of this diet, I felt sick. My body needed better nutrition than what I was feeding it. Discouraged, I returned to my carrot, celery and sandwich routine. These problems with my diet arise often. Going out to eat with my friends could leave me with a grumbling stomach containing only a meager salad. Our society is set up to fulfill the needs of omnivores. By no real fault of their own, some people simply cannot understand how they would survive without meat. With these restrictions in mind, it seems difficult to understand why someone would choose to be a vegetarian, but for me it comes down to some basic facts. The way meat is processed in twenty-first century America is both unethical and unhealthy. The animal is reduced to the status of a tomato and raised in vast quantities. Chickens are fed steroids and growth hormones that fatten them up and make them mature faster. Their bodies outgrow their legs, and they are unable to walk. I don’t want to eat an animal confined to sorrowful life and enhanced with

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Photos courtesy of img.timeinc.net, wordpress.com

Viewpoints Writer

Infographic by Dylan Reeves

By carlo nasisse

stare at a menu embellished with pictures of juicy hamburgers, bloody steaks and a fat man at the top of the page, gesturing wildly. A bubble floats out of his mouth proclaiming that Juicy Jeffrey’s has the best burgers in Texas. My parents and I exchange nervous expressions as we work our way down the page increasingly adorned with meat dishes. A waitress approaches us, “What can I get y’all today?” My parents, timidly order salads without

Above: FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM: Not only do panda bears not have to worry about war or politics, their diet is accepted by their own species. As a herbivore in an omnivore-dominated school, some Clarke Central High School students can feel misunderstood.

chemicals so as to be more cost-effective for the meat industry. While there are ethical reasons guiding my diet choices, the environment is also an important factor. If one wants to personally contribute to making the world greener, eliminating meat from their diet is the single most effective thing they could do. A vegetarian diet consumes one-and-a-half tons less carbon dioxide per year than the average American diet, which, according to a report in the New Scientist, a weekly international science publication, is more than that of a hybrid car. I don’t intend to say that vegetarianism is a better choice, just that it is a choice. There are viable and healthy options as well as personal and global benefits. By eliminating just one thing from your diet you can do more than most people ever will for the environment and feel safe about what you are putting in your body.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Viewpoints

February 2010

New policies will yield same results Clarke County Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue has proposed policy changes to help students graduate, but they must first take responsibility.

Photo by Killian Begnaud

Variety Writer

Photo courtesy of Clarke Central High School English department

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et’s all be honest. Science, English and Writing, determines whether We’re in trouble. or not a student becomes a high school graduate. The Clarke In Georgia, students are required to pass all five County School District posted a graduation rate of sections of the GHSGT, while other states only call 68.7 percent in 2009. CCSD Superintendent Dr. for students to pass two of the sections, Math and Philip Lanoue wants to English. tackle this number with There is “We need to catch (students) new policy proposals nothing wrong for CCSD schools. during their freshman year ... with having high Currently, the expectations for If they don’t learn it the first CCSD’s Clarke Central students, but and Cedar Shoals High holding them time, it will hurt them when Schools require 28 back from graduthey take the (graduation) test ating because credits for graduation, but the proposed they failed to their junior year.” policy would lower that pass a test is not number to 24. the answer. Additionally, credits At present, -- DR. ROBBIE HOOKER, would be easier for changing the test Clarke Central High School principal students to earn with is not an option. a revised attendance So students who policy, which would allow schools to create their have concerns about passing the test need to make own attendance policy. Currently, a student may additional efforts to succeed, starting at the beginincur eight absences before course credit is lost. ning of their high school career. “I looked at the data, and 2,100 credits were “We need to catch (these students) during their taken from (students) who passed the course (but freshman year,” CCHS principal Dr. Robbie Hooker had more than eight absences) over the past three said. “(A large percentage) of the material of the years,” Lanoue said. “That seemed to be a barrier.” graduation test was learned freshman year. If they Lanoue’s efforts to improve the graduation rate don’t learn it the first time, it will hurt them when are worthy of praise, and the reasoning behind his they take the test their junior year.” actions is noble. Unfortunately, the credit-related In every CCSD high school classroom, there issues are the least of schools’ worries. are Georgia Performance Standards posted for that The real trouble with the graduation rate in course’s curriculum in order to show students what the CCSD is the number of students who fail the material will be on the GHSGT for each subject. In state-mandated Georgia High School Graduation most classes, teachers review practice questions Test. This test, which includes Math, Social Studies, for the section of the test to which their lessons pertain. If these measures are not enough for a student, there is a class devoted strictly to helping students pass the GHSGT. Science department teacher Julie Tashlein teaches a graduation test preparation course for students who are at risk of not passing the GHSGT.

by killian begnaud

Above: A GUIDED PRACTICE: Tenth grade English department teachers do daily Georgia High School Graduation Test preparation using Prentice Hall workbooks. “Not only do we want our students to learn the English Language Arts, we want them to show proficiency on the tests,” English department student teacher Thomas Warren said. Bottom left: IGNORING FLASHING SIGNS: Science teacher Julie Tashlein’s classroom is adorned with Georgia Performance Standards, key words relating to standardized tests and she offers one-on-one tutoring to students.

While this class is only being offered for one block instead of the four blocks it was offered in previous years, students must take advantage of the opportunity. Since the numbers for students who can take this course is limited, after-school options are also available for students. Pathways to Success tutoring is offered twice a week and is available to all students, with a bus ride home included. Unfortunately, the low numbers of students who attend Pathways tutoring sessions show that many students do not take advantage of the opportunities given to them. Tutoring is beneficial to any student who is willing to sacrifice time outside of school for the sake of their education, but students need to make that decision in order to improve. Lanoue is on the right track in making efforts to change CCSD schools in order to improve the graduation rate. His efforts and proposed policies are admirable, but the problem behind the less than satisfactory graduation rate is bigger than credits. Students who are at risk of not passing all five sections of the GHSGT need to rise to the occasion sooner rather than later.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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February 2010

Viewpoints

I can’t believe it’s not college! There are many reasons why high school students sign up for Advanced Placement classes, but sometimes the harm outweighs the benefit.

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Cartoon by Katie Downs

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tudents walk into class with Jittery Joe’s coffee in hand after a night of little sleep, but with smiles on their tired faces because they know their stack of homework is completed. Some have to miss sports practice and church to get their schoolwork done. They can forget spending time with friends on weeknights. By the end of the term, their goal is to send in their college applications, impressing college By EMMA KISSANE Viewpoints Writer admissions committees across the country with their grades and dedication to school. Although not always favorable, a schedule packed with Advanced Placement classes is what is expected. “Taking the most rigorous academic courses that challenge you is the most important thing for every high school student to do,” University of Georgia Associate Director of Admissions, Descatur Potier said. AP classes are college-level courses high school students can take to earn college credit. The credits earned from AP courses are accepted at 90 percent of four-year colleges in America. There are a total of 37 AP classes, 16 of which are offered at Clarke Central High School. AP World History is now being offered to ninth grade students, increasing the number of AP courses high school students can complete at CCHS. “I took AP World History because I thought it would look really good on college transcripts.” CCHS freshman Jacob Cona said. “But it’s a lot harder than normal classes; you have to work and study more.” Potier agrees that offering AP courses to freshmen is beneficial for high school students. Above: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: Waiting to be “judged,” teenagers pile on the “If you offer AP classes as early as ninth grade, students have four years to Advanced Placement classes in order to impress college admissions committees. “I spread them out, which makes it a little bit less demanding for you to manage feel like (AP classes) better prepare me for a college environment and I know what colleges expect now,” Clarke Central High School senior Ivan Santillian said. them,” Potier said. There are both advantages and disadvantages to AP courses. They can help you be more prepared for the college workload, making your freshman year CCHS principal Dr. Robbie Hooker says the more relaxed. According to Colstress levels of some CCHS students are so lege Board, a student who takes “Taking the most rigorous academic high that doctors are voicing their complaints. AP courses is 23 percent more Colleges are not looking for students who likely to graduate from college in courses that challenge you is the most have put themselves through so many stressfour years. important thing for every high school ful semesters that they leave everything else However, AP classes can take behind. students away from things they student to do.” Hooker recommends taking no more than love doing outside of school. Be-- DESCATUR POTIER, two AP classes a semester. Hooker, CCHS ing ambitious is admirable, but it University of Georgia Associate Director of Admissions Assistant Principal Dr. Selena Blankenship, and shouldn’t mean a teenager forget Potier all agree that a college-bound student how to be just that -- a teenager. who takes a total of six AP classes during high For young people, there is a school will be on the right track. certain addiction to being really busy. It’s exciting to say you are involved in Potier suggests students ask themselves the question: “Based on what’s two sports as well as taking three or four AP classes. Students, parents, adminisoffered to you, are you really taking advantage of it and are you choosing to trators, and counselors frequently discuss ways to fit additional AP courses into challenge yourself?” schedules. There will always be the students who take as many AP classes as humanly The College Board website suggests that in order to “stand out in the Colpossible, but this doesn’t mean everyone should do the same in order to lege Admissions Process” students should take AP classes and “show their willmeasure up. It is most important for students to be honest with themselves ingness to take the most rigorous courses available to them.” No wonder many about how much they can handle on a daily basis. The key is finding a personal students have the mentality that being busy and stressed equals future success. Challenge is good; it prepares you for the future and makes you work harder balance between setting your own high expectations and challenging yourself to rise to those set by high schools, colleges, and society as a whole. to achieve the goals you set for yourself. However, there comes a time when enough is enough.

Viewpoints

February 2010

My word vs. yours Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for couples to publicly enjoy their relationships with the exchange of chocolates and candy grams. But what about all the single ladies?

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Cartoons by Michael Stephens

ach year, when Feb. 14 rolls around, I have to take a moment to prepare myself for the sudden insanity of girls. Single girls around me seem to lash out at the supposed “Single Awareness Day,” crying in bathrooms for a week about the love life they just realized they’re lacking. They blow off the copious amounts of pink and chubby winged children as a cruel reminder BY LAUREN PRUITT of their nonexistent boyfriends. Features Editor It’s not a news flash -- that love of yours hasn’t been around all year. Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean there is an abrupt drought of men in a girl’s life, but it becomes the one factor at fault for missing sweethearts and roses. The majority of the 16 Valentine’s Days I’ve lived through, I’ve found myself without a boyfriend. I’m no more aware of my absent lover on this day than the other 364 days in the year. Along with my absent Prince Charming, I normally don’t receive more than a Powerpuff Girls card, complete with a heart sticker and stale lollipop. But I’ve found it impossible to look down upon those who do. The panda-sized balloons and dozens of chocolate hearts toted by a smiling girl isn’t bringing attention to my empty hands. Going to school as a single girl on Valentine’s Day is the same as not wearing a costume Above left: and right: WISHES OR WOES: on Halloween -- I won’t be Valentine’s Day can be a day of celebration or the obvious one celebrata day of self-pity. All the single ladies are given this choice: take a night out with the girls, or ing, but I know I’ll enjoy the stay in bed sick with the symptoms of love. people around me. There’s no need to glare and smirk at those enjoying the day Hallmark made for them just because I’m not the one receiving cheap jewelry and sloppy displays of affection. I’m never going to be the girl that sits alone that night, stuffing my face with Ben and Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream until I have no dignity left. There’s no point. I often look for another clear-headed girl to enjoy dinner with, celebrating friendship while laughing at the candle-lit tables lined with rose petals. Take a lesson this year, girls, before the disaster in your head becomes a crisis. Just because the man of your dreams, or simply the one in your second block class, isn’t your boyfriend for one day of the year, doesn’t mean it’s worth the fight against card companies and couples alike. It’s just not worth it.

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ARNING: Single girls beware of the Valentine’s Day virus. It’s a cold we single girls inevitably catch every Feb. 14. Stay away from the pink fluff or you’ll fall victim to the sickness of Single Awareness Day. For one day schools are transformed into sets for re-runs of Hallmark commercials, the hallways overflow with ogling couples and the BY CLAIRE DENNIS classrooms are turned into trade centers for Viewpoints Editor candy grams and chocolate hearts. The symptoms may be severe. Some include choking over the heavy musk of roses, blindness from the forest of inflated balloons and an overwhelming nausea, causing some to want to puke pink and red. The symptoms of Single Awareness Day spread like a virus throughout the day into the hearts of all the single ladies. We are left feeling insecure and empty, but why? Valentine’s Day is supposedly about true love, but in reality it’s about true artificiality. Most of the Valentine’s Day supporters and candy heart recipients are too distracted by bright colors and sweet smells to realize that it’s actually based off commercialism and capitalism. Hallmark is the reason for this holiday, not the gods of love and romance. A paper card intended to symbolize a relationship isn’t representing much more than hollow materialism when it comes down to it. As it is, I’m left alone with my not-so-romantic V-Day dinner, complete with an extra creamy tub of Breyer’s ice cream and a depressed outlook on life. There’s no denying it, we single girls can’t hide our discomfort. Some try to find the anecdote to SAD through having ‘girls’ night out’ or laughing at the lovey-dovey couples around them. It doesn’t work. The only cure is the clock that brings Feb. 15 around. We single girls don’t deserve to have these miserable feelings. Valentine’s Day is an unnecessary holiday; it has no true meaning. From the superficiality, to the disease of depression, it isn’t what it seems. There is nothing to celebrate behind the façade of fluffy pink hearts and chubby winged angels. Next Feb. 14, boycott Valentine’s Day and bring justice to those excluded by this holiday. Until everyone denies it, the virus will continue to spread and the artificiality will live on. Fight for the cure, and remember that everyone is a victim of the Valentine’s Day virus, whether single or not.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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February 2010

Viewpoints

Question of the Month?

International flavors

What is the most unique Valentine’s Day gift you have given or received?

“I gave my ex-girlfriend a 14-karat gold necklace because it was our third Valentine’s Day together.” -- Rogelio Sanchez,

freshman

“When I was in fourth grade, another kid in my class gave me a giant card and did the chicken dance.” -- Ana Bishop Colon,

sophomore “Last Valentine’s Day, I got a little stuffed dog, and when you squeezed it, it said ‘I ruff you.’” -- Bradley Bland,

senior

“I worked at Papa John’s and I once sent someone a heart-shaped pizza for Valentine’s Day.”

-- Ry’sheiara Chambers, junior

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ho is the current British Prime Minister? What language do they speak in Brazil? What is the capital of Canada? These are all questions you should easily know the answer to. The British Prime Minister is Gordon Brown, they speak Portuguese in Brazil and the capital of Canada is Ottawa. These are the answers that students in countries in Europe and Asia are learning in their everyday curriculum. Students going to school in other countries know who our current president is. Is that because the United States is “great” or “superior?” No, it is because other When compared to international countries hold schools, American schools seem to be international very average. Problems like these reaptitude in a much higher ally make one worry about the future regard then of America. we Americans do. Many students in Europe are required to master the English language. However, in Georgia, we are required to take two classes of a given foreign language to graduate. Two classes of Spanish or French is not enough by any means to truly learn a foreign language. This is why schools in other countries dominate us academically and hold America in such low esteem. I can understand why, as I see students in my classes settle for the bare minimum in their school every day. Meanwhile, students of other countries work to surpass expectations and exceed the standards. Furthermore, it seems American parents believe that their children will forever live in the U.S. Our international neighbors do not hold the same assumption. Instead, they prepare their kids to be global citizens. When compared to international schools, American schools seem to be very average. Problems like these really make one worry about the future of America. However, there is an opportunity for improvement. If we, the students, can notice the problems that we are facing academically, then we can fix them when we are older. We can even start fixing them now.

Cartoon by Shelby Rae Curran

“My mom gave me a balloon with an orange rose on the inside of it. When the balloon deflated, the rose was still there.”

-- Amber Gunter, senior “Last year I received a custom -made medallion from my grandparents.”

-- Keyair Peppers, sophomore 12

Left: TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS: While most American schools struggle to be above average, schools in other countries seem to be on the right track to the right type of education.

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Viewpoints

February 2010

Playing a part in history.

Going all the way.

During the four years that I have been at Clarke Central High School, I can only recall one Black History play that successfully made it to the stage for BY JASMINE TAYLOR students to see. Guest Writer Amidst the time that I was working on preparing Black Student Union for service, a black history production for CCHS sponsored by the BSU, in my mind, would be a certainty. While I had this idea in mind, I was not exactly sure who would be responsible for writing the play, as well as carrying out this task in an effective manner. Creativity and passion are essential for writing a play. I did not have to think long, because my right hand man, President-Elect of BSU, junior Cherranda Smith holds all of these talents. Upon approaching Smith with this task she enthusiastically accepted it. Diligently, Smith wrote the play in no time. Her enthusiasm after writing the play made me anxious to read it. When I read the script, I was amped and eager to support Smith and the cast in whatever capacity they requested of me to ensure that the production would be successfully presented. I hope A Celebration of Legacy: Resounding the Dream of African Americans Past and Present, comes across entertaining, and most importantly educational; not only for African Americans but for audience members of all ethnicities. Our mission for this production, is that CCHS students give their interpretation of legacy; a heritage that too often goes untold. This play should resonate within audience members and ignite them to make a difference. Not only to make a difference, but to be the difference.

When you watch the State Championship football game, you’re watching the best of the best. Fans, family and friends may think they know the struggles taken to get there, but BY TERRENCE BRADSHAW few really understand. Guest Writer Dimitri Holmes, Tony Glenn, Ryan Faust, Devante Derricotte, Tevin Willhite and I had been playing football together with each other since we were five and six. We, the Class of 2010, bonded more than ever before because we realized this would be our last year playing together. On Friday nights under the lights, we performed. We had to fight to win, and it was well worth it as our record improved each week. We rolled through the playoffs, beating Mays, Southwest DeKalb, North Clayton and Rockdale High Schools. We had finally made it to the Georgia Dome, home of the State Championship, after three years of losing in the first round, and we were ecstatic. As we left the school to go to Atlanta for the State Championship, tensions were high and all was silent. I felt like I was on cloud nine. The team had grown together like brothers, and we didn’t want it to end. We walked out of the locker room and onto the field together. Although the loss to Sandy Creek High

I woke up on a cold fall evening. Due to the ridiculous bus schedule, I was unable to eat breakfast. When we pulled into BY ORION MANTEONE school, I was Guest Writer stamped for a late bus and missed the first ten minutes of class. From that moment on, I began contemplating a way to escape the evil clutches of a 7:30 a.m. bus pickup. I considered getting a car, but alas, I am neither able to afford gas, nor am I old enough to drive alone. Then it dawned upon me: a scooter. I began looking for one that was affordable and well built. I chose the Yamaha C3 because of its excellent 115 Miles Per Gallon ratings and good reviews. It was also $500 less than similar alternatives.

Above: DOMEWARD BOUND: Clarke Central High School senior Terrence Bradshaw kneels with the weight of the loss against Sandy Creek High School at the Georgia Dome.

I rode it around my neighborhood a few times and was hooked. Now, free of the oppressive totalitarian bus schedule, I am able to attend after school activities at my leisure. I can go whenever it suits me, not just when there is a bus. If you want to hate, just consider how much you’re paying for gas.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Left: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: With long practices ahead of them, Black Student Union members prepare themselves for the Black History program which will be performed for Clarke Central High School students and faculty.

Cruising in a new fashion.

School at the Dome was devastating, I wasn’t mad because I know we tried. I will never forget the journey to the Dome or the bonds I’ve formed with these players and coaches. They have taught me how to play the game of football, but most importantly they have taught me about life. I look back on my four years of playing varsity football and I’m pleased. As spring practices and off-season workouts begin for the 2010 season, I’m saddened that I won’t be a part of them, yet I know next year’s team is going to be awesome. Despite all my struggles and heartache, I know that the time I spent with the coaches and players at CCHS is time I will always value. Photo courtesy of Athens Banner-Herald

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

What’s happening this February?

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Left: FREE RIDE: Clarke Central High School sophomore Orion Manteone, frustrated with Clarke Central High School’s bus schedule, has found an alternative mode of transportation for a cheap price.

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February 2010

Viewpoints

Losing the long table

Scratchin’ the surface

The administration’s decision to change the seating in the cafeteria has ended an era.

The cold, dry, winter air is tough on skin, but there are several ways to fight back.

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Cartoon by Katie Downs

Above: YE OLDE LONG TABLE: Who will be worthy of dining with the upperclass folk? After numerous years of holding up the reputation of having available seats for only “superior” beings, the Long Table finally meets its end.

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ibernation is not the answer to winter skin problems. It’s extremely frustrating when licking won’t moisten chapped lips, scratching doesn’t ease itchy skin and dryness reaches record-breaking levels. “Dry skin is the number one cause of general itching of the body and often is more severe during the winter months,” Athens-area dermatologist Dr. Joy Chastain said. By Alexa Friedman Although skin damage may seem inevitable, Business Staff there are ways to prevent it. Chastain recommends altering hygiene routines to beat the cold season. “Bathe with a mild soap and try to avoid long baths,” Chastain said. “After your bath, pat your skin dry and immediately apply moisturizer all over.” Moisturizer is a helpful tool when battling winter skin. It reduces itchiness by keeping skin hydrated and healthy. There are tons of moisturizers out there. Personally, I gravitate towards the shimmer lotions, but those aren’t always the best for obtaining optimal hydration. Some other moisturizers include baby oil, cocoa butter and petroleum jelly. Preventing itchy, irritated skin and maintaining healthy, hydrated skin in the winter is all about Above: SHEDDING BY THE BOTTLE-FULL: Sophomore Alexa Friedman scratches her itchy skin, methods of hygiene. brought on by the winter season. Scratching sheds Clarke Central High dead skin, creating 80 percent of dust in the air. In a School junior Greg Da- year, humans lose 12 oz. of skin on average. vis shared his remedies for winter skin care. “In the winter my skin gets really dry,” Davis said. “I make sure to always keep Vaseline handy.” Winter is not only infamous for dry skin; ‘tis the season for chapped lips, as well. Lip balm can soothe lips and is a convenient way to keep them hydrated. Licking lips, on the other hand, does the opposite. Saliva dries out lips. So when they are feeling a little chapped, avoid the temptation to lick. This will only make it worse, repeating the cycle of chapping. While there is no way to dodge winter’s yearly dry spell, there are solutions for dry skin as well as ways to prevent the dry air from doing too much damage to skin. Make winter the best season for healthy skin, and leave the ash to the fireplace.

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Photo by Isabel Atkinson

here they all were, the light radiating from their royal heads. They were elegantly consuming their meals whilst comfortably sitting in their thrones at the magnanimous table parallel to the glorious, floor-to-ceiling windows. We knew every one of their names, but it was doubtful they knew ours. God forbid if they knew our names -- nobody was that special. We stood and stared in complete awe of their BY SHELBY RAE CURRAN glory. Who were these magnificent beings we Business Staff stared upon? None other than the seniors. It’s no secret: the Long Table was iconic in our eyes. Since the first day of freshman year, walking into the Miller W. Jordan Food Court, the Long Table carried out its reputation as the “upperclassmen table.” In the cafeteria, it is obvious who sits where, and it is obvious it will remain that way until the end of time. Well, that is until the 2010 spring semester. With a new term came a change in structure that affected us more than one would think. Having had the same layout in the cafeteria for the past 10 years, Clarke Central High School principal Robbie Hooker’s motivation for this new arrangement came solely from the need for change. “The best thing to do was to change those (lunch) tables, and I did it,” Hooker said. Surprisingly, replacing the legendary Long Table invites a refreshing, more intimate structure. With smaller tables, not only are we able to walk through the cafeteria easily, but we are also given more opportunities to interact with different groups of people. Some may argue that sitting at the Long Table “united” students. United because an abundance of people could somewhat successfully squeeze together at one single table. What is unity when students not considered worthy are excluded from a mere table? Instead of complaining about the Long Table and pushing the small ones back together to try and recreate it, accept the new structure and use it to sit with someone who isn’t exactly like you. We’ve already acknowledged the change.

News

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December 2009

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February 2010

Welcoming new faces English department teacher Ginger Lehmann is the newest addition to Clarke Central High School. Lehmann came to the Clarke County School District after working at Chattahoochee High School in Atlanta, Ga. Before receiving her permanent position at CCHS, Lehmann worked as a substitute teacher for elementary schools in the CCSD. She teaches Literature/Composition 10 and British Literature.

“My goal as a new teacher would be to learn new teaching methods from other teachers,” Lehmann said. “I would like my students to gain confidence because high school students are creative and interesting to teach.” Taking state Clarke Central High School Academic Teams competed for the Northeast Georgia Region Educational Service Agencies region title on Jan. 11. The varsity team defeated Apalachee High School, Oconee County High School and Jefferson High School to win a second straight championship, their fifth in six years. The varsity team is composed of juniors Joshua Duncan, Carmina Escalante, Jeff Hopper, Audrey Horne, Seth Jordan, Rachel Kulikoff, Ainsley Liken and seniors Pooja Mohanty, Jacob Parr, Hao Peng, Gordon Purcell, Claire Rosemond and Ivan Santillan. “The region tournament was a lot of fun, and we have some really smart people on our team so I definitely thought we had a chance to win,” Hopper said. Both the varsity and junior varsity team qualified for the state tournament which will be held March 6, at the Rutland Academy in Athens, Ga. Photo courtesy of Anisa Sullivan Jimenez

Bringing home the competition On Jan. 28, Clarke Central High School hosted the Distributive Education Clubs of America IX Region Competition. Eleven high schools from the northeast Georgia region competed. Approximately 170 students were in attendance. Although CCHS did not participate in the competition, the DECA team, sponsored by the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education department, was happy to host this region meet. “It was successful. We got everything that we needed to get,” junior Morgan Arnold said. “We did a lot with checking schools in (to the competition).”

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

News briefs

News

Coins for a cause Beginning on Jan. 20, the Clarke County School District kicked off it’s district-wide fundraiser called Piggy Bank Drive for Haiti. The event’s goal was to raise up to 80 dollars per bank. The coins were collected in individual water jugs provided by the CCSD. Clarke Central High School Social Studies department teacher Steven Hinson was one of

Facing poverty head on larke Central High School students participated in the Youth Summit, a poverty simulation hosted by the studentrun organization Young Partners for a Prosperous Athens on Jan. 27. It allowed students from CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School to participate in discussion groups and reading circles with elementary school students from Timothy Road Elementary School and Gaines Road Elementary School. “I liked going to (the summit) because it showed me how poor people live in Athens,” junior Shakinah Hendry said. “I never really knew that before.”

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Above:PLAYING A ROLE : Clarke Central High School senior Hao Peng, junior Gabrielle LaFera and Social Studies department teacher Hannah Walsh were given the roles of members of the Duntley family in the Youth Poverty Summit hosted by Young Partners for a Prosperous Athens. Left: BANKING ON COINS: The Clarke County School District held a coin drive to raise money for Haiti’s earthquake victims. The drive was sponsored by the Athens Banner-Herald, Neptune Bottling Company, First Reliance Federal Credit Union and All American Food Store, Inc.

many teachers to take part in the drive that lasted until Feb. 5. “If we raise 80 dollars I have to come to school and teach in a dress,” Hinson said.

Giving a day on your day off: MLK celebration Photo by Isabel Atkinson

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Above: LEAVING NOTHING BEHIND: Clarke Central High School senior Daniel Desimone helps a community volunteer during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Take a Day On volunteer project on Jan. 18.

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artin Luther King Jr. Take a Day On Volunteer Project was held on Jan. 18. Nearly 1300 volunteers from the Athens area participated in the day of service. Students from Clarke Central High School’s Beta Club, National Honor’s Society and CCHS students involved in Youth Leadership Athens took part in the project. “NHS really just wanted to get people out and volunteering on MLK Day,” CCHS senior and NHS president Nisha Vashisht said. “We thought it was important members had some opportunity to band together with the rest of Athens to volunteer on this one day nationally recognized for volunteering.” CCHS’s NHS members who contribured their time included juniors Josh Duncan, Tiffany Eberhard,

Audrey Horne, Arianna Kazez, Ainsley Liken, Adam Lowe and seniors Johniya Cotner, Daniel DeSimone, Adam Erickson and Vashisht. YLA members who dedicated their time were juniors Daniel Butler, Lee Clark, Eleanor Golembiewski, Jeff Hopper, Drew Jacoby, Bryson Manzy, Jade Maxey, Carter Siebentritt, Abby Suddreth and Kendall Turnipseed. Beta club members who participated include sophomores Joyce Lu, Blaine Wooten, juniors Rachel Kulikoff, Cherranda Smith, and seniors Marie Atkinson, Dillion Bawayan, Ben Green, Emily Goodhue, Katlin Kasy, Pooja Mohanty, Claire Rosemond and Ivan Santillian. -- Compiled by the News Staff

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Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Right: ORDER UP: Clarke Central High School junior Faithanne Murillo, member of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America works in CCHS’ new coffee shop, Steam, behind the counters serving the customers and making coffee. “Its so busy in the coffee shop, you can’t even take a break, but I love it,” Murillo said. Left: PERFECTION IN EACH CUP: Behind the crowds, CCHS junior Yelenia Casas prepares the coffee, making sure each cup has the right measurements. “I like doing a little bit of everything, like making espressos to just making coffee. My favorite is making the mochas,” Casas said.

Letting off some Steam After three semesters of delay, Clarke Central High school’s coffee shop opened in January.

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or many, a library is a quiet place to get away from a noisy world, but at Clarke Central High School's Media Center, mornings will be filled with the grinding and buzzing of a coffee shop. “I love how now we can walk into the library and have the refreshing smell of fresh coffee. It just brightens my day,” junior Demetria Davidson said. After a test run on Friday, Jan. 15, CCHS' new coffee shop, Steam, opened on Jan. 20, for CCHS' students and faculty. Career, Technical and Agricultural Education teachers Vera Giles and Carolyn Jackson manage the operations for Steam and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America students operate the equipment and handle the inventory and money. The students were trained by professionals from local coffee corporations Jittery Joe's and Roasters on how to prepare coffee. After undergoing extensive training for two afternoons after school, students were allowed to work in the coffee shop. Amongst other skills, FCCLA students learned basic lessons such as the specific temperature of coffee to the exact measurements for hot chocolate. “Mr. Patrick Conley, the manager at Jittery Joes, came here after school to train us. At first it seemed really complicated because of all the different measurements and ways to make the coffee, but after the first day of working it turned out to be fun and easy,” junior Ariesbeda Delgado said. Delgado works in Steam making coffee and taking orders. After being in Giles's Food Nutrition and Lifespan class for two semesters, she is excited to finally work in the coffee shop. “It's so busy I feel like I'm in Starbucks, taking orders and stuff. Having a coffee place was one of my reasons for joining FCCLA, so I'm glad it's finally here,” Delgado said. While Giles and Jackson were thrilled for Steam's opening, there were several delays along the way. CCHS's Media Center was remodeled in the summer of 2008 to create space for the coffee shop, which was slated to open in the fall of 2008. However, the lack of a few necessary constructional features and equipBY Sallay jabbie News Writer

ment delayed the opening for three semesters. “We didn't have this or that, so the school system had to go back and build and add a couple of things. And we didn't want it open for students until it was fully ready,” Jackson said. Major changes were needed before the coffee shop could begin business. A latte machine needed to be anchored to the wall, a professional grinder needed to be installed and wires for extremely hot water had to be put in place for sanitary purposes. “At first we thought we could go to a general store to buy some of our equipment, but we soon found out that that we needed professional equipment to run a successful coffee shop,” Jackson said. After completing these changes the coffee shop was ready to open. “This was a learning process for us. But now were proud to have a place for our students to sit down and enjoy coffee,” Jackson said. CCHS media specialist, Lindy Weaver, was present throughout the process of creating the coffee shop. After the disappointment of having the coffee shop delayed she enjoys the new crowds she has in the media center. “It's fun to finally have the coffee shop. The kids love it, the faculty loves it and the library staff definitely loves it. It adds to the ambiance and I hope it brings in kids that usually never come in,” Weaver said. Along with the business success, many students and teachers are enjoying the lively atmosphere that eeves accompanies the coffee shop. ylan R ic by D Deagen h p a r i G “This is going to be my new favorite by Lex Photo hangout spot in the mornings,” junior Drew Jacoby said. “I mean who doesn't love coffee and conversation.” Above: THE PRICE IS RIGHT: Steam Cafe has a variety of different drinks to choose from daily to fit every taste. “In the future we hope to bag our own coffee so people can enjoy it anywhere outside of school,” Career, Technical and Agricultural Education department teacher Carolyn Jackson said.

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February 2010

News

Looking beyond the lunch tray Clarke Central High School’s Miller W. Jordan Food Court offers students six alternating menu items every day. Each item is prepared by guidelines and recipes set by the Clarke County School District. Photo by Hal Hager

by Lily kohn News Writer

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larke Central High School junior Kyle Tortorella watches his peers as they file into line in the Miller W. Jordan Food Court. He watches them fill their plates with food. Food that, Tortorella feels, is unhealthy. “The school lunch program at CCHS is inadequate and unfair to its students,” Tortorella said. “Basically, it isn’t giving them proper nutrition.” Tortorella first became interested in the nutritional value of the school’s cafeteria food when he was assigned a project for his Advanced Government class. “We had to do this assignment for Government where we wrote a bill about something we were passionate about, and I decided to write about nutrition,” Tortorella said. “Only then did I figure out that there were some big problems in the school nutrition system.” While Totorella feels the cafeteria food is not the healthiest, all food served in the food court follows nutritional guidelines set by the Clarke County School District. The menu and recipes provided by the CCSD set guidelines saying how much fat and carbohydrates each menu item can contain. “We can’t just add anything to the food. We have to follow the recipe,” CCHS Nutrition Manager Katja Stookey said. “We hardly use any sugar at all. There is no extra salt and most of the food calls for very little butter, if any at all.”

Above: SERVING THE MASSES: Students stand in line waiting to be served by one of Clarke Central High School’s ten food assistants. Not all of the food assistants agree on the quality of some of the lunch food. “To me, some of the food probably isn’t the healthiest thing for a student to eat,” Food Assistant Pamela Myrick said. “Some of it seems kind of greasy to me.”

a school lunch, the government will reimburse the school for that meal,” Stookey said. Stookey says that students can get one of every food item offered in a single line, and that the majority of students choose to take most of the food offered. “On days that we serve barbecue sandwiches, we’ll have “If a student wanted a really nutritious coleslaw, baked and meal, they should go to the salad bar and fill beans applesauce with their plate up with veggies. The hot meals are it,” Stookey “You’ll see nutritious, also, but students enjoy eating the said. students getting all of that food unhealthy food over the lima beans.” plus a piece of -- Katja Stookey, fruit and juice or Clarke Central High School Nutrition Manager milk.” Each individual item meets the nutritional guidelines provided. When buying a school lunch, every student is However, when students are required to purchase required to purchase at least three items. This is at least three items, the minimum calorie intake a requirement set by the National School Lunch can be over half of the recommended daily calorie Program. intake. “The government says that only a certain amount “I don’t like the rule at all. I hate telling kids they of items constitutes a meal. For every child that eats have to go back and get another item,” Stookey

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said. “I get tired of it and I know they do to, but it’s a requirement.” CCHS sophomore Elizabeth Garibay began to buy her lunch at school for the first time in the 2009-10 school year. She is starting to feel her lunch choices being restrained not by health, but by lack of variety. “I always get the pizza because I don’t really like any of the other stuff they serve,” Garibay said. “There aren’t really a lot of options.” The menu for the CCHS cafeteria changes three times a year. There is a fall menu, a winter menu and a spring menu. This does not allow for as much range in the food court as there is offered in other schools. “In elementary schools, they change menus about once a month,” Stookey said. “Our menu only changes three times a year, so there isn’t a lot of variety.” There are six different lines for a student to walk through in CCHS’ food court: three “hot lines”, a sandwich line, two pizza lines and a salad line. The “hot lines” and sandwich line include some sort of meat in their meals every day, leaving only the cheese pizza and salad bar as the vegetarian options.

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News

February 2010

Tortorella has been a vegetarian for five years. He feels as though the lack of vegetarian options may be unfair to students who choose to not eat meat. “There need to be more vegetarian choices,” Tortorella said. “A lot of kids are missing out on an opportunity to eat lunch at school because they have no options besides salad and pizza.” Some students, like Tortorella, have chosen to opt out of eating school lunch and bring their own. Tortorella feels as though this is the only way for him to get the nutrition he needs. “Students choose what they get to eat, but there are only four or five lines that you can walk through at all,” Tortorella said. “I believe students are better off bringing their lunch to school.” Stookey believes that students do not always make the healthiest choice when it comes to school lunch. There are certain foods in the cafeteria that are healthier than others. “If a student wanted a really nutritious meal, they should go to the salad bar and fill their plate up with veggies,” Stookey said. “The hot meals are nutritious also, but students enjoy eating the unhealthy food over the lima beans.” In an effort to reach out to more students, Stookey and the cafeteria workers are planning to poll the student body. “The cafeteria workers and I were thinking about putting out a ballot box. The ballots would have different options for the spring menu and the students could pick which ones they want,” Stookey said. “We are willing and want to work with the students.” Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Above: FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Clarke Central High School sophomore Curtis Williams fills his plate with food on “Fajita Day” in the Miller W. Jordan Food Court. Williams is one of the many CCHS students who choose to buy their lunch at school. “I think we offer the same opportunity for students who eat school lunch to eat healthily as students who pack their lunch,” CCHS Nutrition Manager Katja Stookey said.

Donations take a hit

Clarke Central High School’s Student Government Association collaborated with the American Red Cross to organize a blood drive.

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larke Central High School’s Student Government Association collaborated with the American Red Cross in efforts to collect blood. Hosted in the Gladiator Gallery, the operation received support from many teachers and students. “(Giving blood) was something new and I knew that it was going to be used for a good cause,” senior Sharae Daniels said. Students, like Daniels, were excited to donate. However, not all students were able to meet certain medical and physical requirements, making it impossible for them to donate blood. CCHS sophomore Anne Leverette was halted in her efforts to give blood when she made a visit to Social Studies department teacher and SGA sponsor Johnny Anderson’s room to sign up to donate for the blood drive. “He asked me how much I weigh and I said, ‘103,’ and he was like, ‘No, you’re too little.’ I was upset because I actually took out my time, and that was something I’ve wanted to do ever since elementary school,” Leverette said. “I don’t know why, it’s just something I wanted to do to help people … so I was real mad about it.” Like Leverette, junior Lisa Traore was not able to give blood, but for a different reason. Traore was born in Germany and lived there until 1998. She was informed that participants who lived in Europe for three or more months before 1998 would not be allowed to give blood due to a previous outbreak of mad cow disease. “I was kind of upset. I waited in the Gallery for at least an hour. They pricked my finger and did all the other preparations,” Traore said. “They told me to answer the questions, and then after I said yes to being in Germany, I couldn’t (donate blood). I wanted to help others, and that’s an easy way to do it.” While some potential donors are turned away, Shae Pace, Donor Recruitment Account Manager of the American Red Cross, maintains the importance of donating blood. “Blood is not a resource that is artificially manufactured and we can only get it from volunteer donors. Blood only has about a 35-42 day shelf life so the constant replenishment of our supply is very important,” Pace said. CCHS nurse Lynn Bray agrees with Pace and wants students to understand the urgency for donations. “There’s such a great need, especially now, with Haiti,” Bray said. “And then winter time is always a bad time, the blood supplies go down low.”

by Katie Downs Staff Cartoonist

Above: PUMP THAT BLOOD: Clarke Central High School senior Carla Sanchez listens to music on her iPod as she gives blood during the CCHS blood drive hosted by the Student Government Association and the American Red Cross. “Our Hospital Services Department decides where the blood is distributed based on hospital request, supply and need,” Shae Pace, Donor Recruitment Account Manager of the American Red Cross said.

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February 2010

News Photo by Lexi Deagen

Seeing new possibilities for students Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue proposes new policies in hopes of increasing the graduation rate.

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drop out, not to give up on their education. rom his first day on the job in July “I do think that (lowering credit requirements) has the potential for kids that 2009, Clarke County School District struggle they can retake their classes, and even if they have a hardship for a year Superintendent Dr. Phillip Lanoue has that allows them to get back on track,” Lanoue said. made it a priority to increase the high school graduation rate. “My approach was, what are However, CCHS Principal Dr. “I do think that (lowering credit requirements) Robbie Hooker feels as though potential barriers that we have reducing course requirements put in policy that impact students has the potential for kids that struggle they may not yield the desired effect. from getting a minimum of a high “It’s not the credits, it’s school diploma,” Lanoue said. can retake their classes, and even if they have Clarke Central High School’s passing the graduation tests. We a hardship for a year that allows them to get Class of 2009 included 477 can lower the credits to 21, but if kids are not able to pass the test, students when they entered back on track.” CCHS as freshmen in 2005, but -- DR. PHILIP LANOUE, it doesn’t matter,” Hooker said. CCHS parent and counsel only 266 students participated Clarke County School District Superintendent member Anita Stampley in the graduation ceremonies. There are a number of expressed that lowering explanations as to why students are unable to graduate: either they drop out, credit requirements could lead to apathy among students who complete the requirements earlier than their peers. do not earn the number of credits required to graduate or are unable to pass the Georgia High School Graduation Tests. “I think you’ll end up with a lot of seniors who have reached their 24 credit hours who will be basically out of pocket here on campus, just not come to Among the policy changes Lanoue has proposed for the 2010-11 school year are lowering the number of high school credits required to graduate. class or not even take a class because they don’t need to,” Stampley said. Lanoue believes that lowering the number of high school credits required to In addition to changing credit requirements, Lanoue proposed a graduate from 28 credits to 24 would encourage students, who might otherwise discontinuation of the CCSD attendance policy that went into effect during By Jesse Siebentritt Junior Copy Editor

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

February 2010

Left: ELIMINATING BARRIERS: Clarke County School District’s Superintendent Philip Lanoue has proposed new policies that involve both lowering graduation requirements and changing the current attendance policy. “(The graduation rate is) all connected between attendance, loss of credits, motivation, instruction, I mean it’s not like one thing’s going to solve it,” Lanoue said. Above: CREDIT WHERE DUE: Clarke Central High School freshmen Katie Deloach turns in a note excusing her absence from school. Under the current attendance policy, after eight absences from a particular class the student will lose credit for that class; whether or not the absence is excused. CCHS Social Studies department teacher Stephen Hinson feels that students whose absence may have been warranted should not lose credit. “We need to come up with a way to have certain types of absences; unexcused absences for instance, if you have eight of those you fail, but if you’re sick or your family goes out of town, I think that’s a legitimate reason to miss the class,” Hinson said.

the 2006-07 school year. As it presently stands, a student may miss eight days of class before losing credit for that course. Lanoue believes that since the implementation of this policy, students had lost more than 2100 credits, even though they were passing the class. “In this new standards-based environment, there seems to be this philosophical conflict between what you know, but if you’re absent more than eight days then you don’t get credit. That’s what that is, so you have to look at it philosophically and say ‘That doesn’t make sense,’” Lanoue said. The rigid policy was employed in order to motivate students to attend class on a regular basis. “I understand where the attendance policy was coming from in the first place; why it was changed to be different, and that there are a lot of absences and attendance issues that are unrelated to illness or injury or (not) even parent consented,” Stampley said. CCHS Assistant Principal Dr. Selena Blankenship noted that administrative policy changes alone would not make the difference. The effort to be present at school daily has to be made by the students. “Until we know what’s going to motivate you to come to class everyday and to come to class on time, nothing that we do is going to work,” Blankenship said. However, Lanoue was adamant that the proposed change in attendance policy was not an invitation to skip school. “There are consequences. There should be. I think if people don’t go to class, you don’t have privileges, you don’t go to games, you don’t do all that stuff, but those are natural consequences. But losing credit is what’s in question,” Lanoue said. While the real reasons for students not graduating are still up in the air, Stampley is pleased that an effort is being made to do something about it. “The biggest thing that I like about this is that everything is on the table,” Stampley said. “Everything is being looked at, everything is being examined in detail to see what can be done to improve the situation with either attendance or graduation or both.”

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

News

Above: BLAME IT ON LEARNING: Clarke Central High School senior and former Sweet Things Cafe staff member Monique Laguines prepares refreshments for a football banquet honoring former head coach Billy Henderson. “One thing I’ve learned is how to prepare food, but to also be aware of your surroundings, keep a positive attitude and be prepared for the worst,” Laguines said.

Catering to Central Clarke Central High School’s Sweet Things Cafe allows students to see a new aspect to food. by olivia murphy

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larke Central High School’s Sweet Things Café, an in-house catering service, provides students a new and creative way to become involved in the Food Service industry. “The catering service is a way for my students to demonstrate their food service abilities,” Vera Giles, Sweet Things Café sponsor and Career, Technical, Agriculture Education department teacher said. Students have opportunities to provide food and beverages for diverse campus activities. “Most of the events that we cater are in-house, which means that we (are) catering anything that’s Clarke Central related, which includes school banquets, administrative meetings, and advisory meetings,” Giles said. The café’s staff monitors their business through an email list-serv. Teachers can send requests to the staff through this email address. One such request was made by the Arts, Media and Communication Academy co-leader Jeff Barnett for the Nov. 19, 2009 AMC Advisory Board’s Kickoff Meeting held in the Career Center. “We were grateful for the delicious foods Ms. Giles and company provided. The snacks were a hit,” Barnett said. Before Giles began advising the Café, former Professional Foods I and II teacher Dr. Debra Morris was advisor in 1998. When Morris left in 2003, Giles took over teaching duties and former CCHS principal Dr. Maxine Easom, provided Giles with options. “Dr. Easom (told) me that I could continue the catering service or just let it go. I saw that students really liked it, so I decided to continue it,” Giles said. Giles now teaches Food Sciences, a course in which students investigate the chemical and physical components of food. While in the class, students act as staff members of the Sweet Things Café. While Giles sees the catering service as an opportunity for displaying culinary knowledge, CCHS senior Monique Laguines views the business as a learning experience. She has enjoyed the work, but sees its challenges. “It was fun on the first day, but the difficult part about it was putting the food together, serving the people and getting together the different types of foods that people wanted, all while not having an attitude and keeping a smile on your face,” Laguines said.

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Math II leads to a number crunch Clarke Central High School’s newest math curriculum was implemented to help students teach themselves, but has left many scratching their heads.

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Above: LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS: Clarke Central High School’s Math department teacher Brian Dietz coaches CCHS students through a new lesson in Math II. “For me the biggest problem wasn’t the material, it was the actual time frame that we had to teach it in,” Dietz said.

will be available to the class of 2012 and onward — Advanced Placement Calculus and AP Statistics. In place of the courses offered under the QCC, the math courses now offered are Math I, Math II, Math III and Math IV. The new curriculum has had issues at CCHS. “The main problem is this: it’s that students are still learning how to work s the 2009-10 school year rolls on, sophomore by Alex Morris in groups without becoming too distracted,” Gilbert said. “They’re still learnstudents and teachers both struggle to cope with Math News Writer ing how to help each other, how to investigate, how to explore and how to II, the newest math course being offered at Clarke figure things out.” Central High School. The GPS math curriculum emphasizes small, hands-on group work with the “I think the biggest hurdle for me to overcome is to get the students to take teacher acting more as a facilitaownership and respontor. Students are presented with sibility of their group a problem or a series of problems work,” CCHS Math deand work within their group to partment teacher Katie solve them. However, this conGilbert said. “Because, cept does not always carry over that’s what the Georgia into the classroom. Performance Standards “I’d rather just be sitting at a demands of them. That -- KATIE GILBERT, desk taking notes. Sometimes they figure it out for Clarke Central High School Math department teacher you get paired up with friends, themselves.” some people who just like to talk At the beginning of a lot or just some people that don’t even want to do any of their work,” CCHS the 2008-09 school year, the CCHS Math department transitioned from the sophomore Ben Pinkney said. “People tend to stray more if the teacher’s not Quality Core Curriculum to the current Georgia Performance Standards. The teaching the class, but how can you expect all of the students to learn if they’re swap to the GPS meant that the old QCC classes such as Algebra, Geometry, just talking?” Algebra II, Algebra III and Trigonometry are no longer offered for students The GPS were put into effect after the Georgia Department of Education graduating after the class of 2011. Only two courses from the QCC curriculum mandated that all curriculum, from kindergarten through the 12th grade,

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Students hit the deck Naval simulation games make learning relevant and fun for history students. Managing Editor

Above: IT’S RAINING MATH: (From Left) Clarke Central High School sophomores Verneesha Foster, Maya Daniels, Jevante Parks and Thomas Miller work together in their small group during their Math II class. “I think (the Georgia Performance Standards) better prepare our students for the professional world, because you’re going to have to work in groups and with other people in most businesses now,” CCHS principal Dr. Robbie Hooker said.

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Right: THE WAR IS ON: Clarke Central High School seniors Rachel Grossman and Ethan Davis oppose each other while playing Navy Plan Black in Harry Cooper’s Modern Military History class. “It’s interesting to see how things play out, how history would have changed if one person had made a mistake,” Grossman said. Davis played on the American team and prepared to battle Grossman, who was playing as a German. “You have to have a lot of strategy in war, you can’t play around,” Grossman said. “You have to have a plan.”

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Photo by Lexi Deagen

should fall within the guidelines of the GPS. The class of 2012 is the first group of students to go through this integrated curriculum. Georgia is the first state in the United States to enact a standardized statewide curriculum, and because of this, text book publishing companies have not yet created a book that follows the exact curriculum of the GPS. “For the publishing companies, this is a new thing too, because we’re one of the first states to do this integrated math,” Hooker said. “So they’re trying to figure out, how do we get their business while providing them the resources they need.” One factor that contributed to the implementation of the GPS was that scientific studies, such as a 2001 study performed by the University of California Berkeley, have shown that students retain more information when they teach themselves a topic. By placing students in small groups and allowing them to work with their peers, the GPS aims for students to retain more information by working through problems themselves and with one to several other students. “I think [the GPS] better prepares our students for the professional world, because you’re going to have to work in groups and with other people in most businesses now,” CCHS Principal Dr. Robbie Hooker said. One problem many teachers face is attempting to adequately teach the large amount of material covered in Math II. The course draws from Geometry, Algebra II and even Statistics. This wide variety of advanced subjects that teachers are required to go over often leaves them with a dilemma. “For me the biggest problem wasn’t the material, it was the actual time frame that we had to teach it in,” CCHS Math department teacher Brian Deitz said. “For instance, if a group of students doesn’t get what you just went over, you’re left with this pretty big problem. Do you go on and try and catch them up later or do you stop for a day or two and make sure everyone gets it?” Similarly, many students recognize this problem and are oftentimes left feeling overwhelmed as they strain to keep up with the fast paced course. “I’d say Math II was one of my most difficult classes just because of the amount of material squeezed into a small space of time that the teacher has to cover,” Pinkney said. As teachers continue to familiarize themselves with teaching the course and resources catch up with the new program, the pedagogy behind teaching Math II will continue to grow and develop. However, many teachers as well as students recognize that it won’t be an overnight process. “I definitely think that as we continue to teach this course and as the resources catch up with us, that students will feel a lot more comfortable in the class and be able to retain more information,” Gilbert said. “However, I would guess it would be another three to four years before the concept behind Math II actually becomes a reality.”

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attleships shoot cannons at each other’s hulls as two nations with opposing objectives clash. Excited shouts erupt signaling victory. No, it’s not World War III; it’s Harry Cooper’s Modern Military History class. “When I introduce (Navy Plan Black) as ‘Battleship on crack,’ then that has its own little intrigue; ‘What does he mean by Battleship on crack?’ Cooper, the Clarke Central High School social studies department chair, said. Cooper’s class played the strategy game, Navy Plan Black, as a part of their studies on the strategies of the United States Navy in the early 20th century. Navy Plan Black is a game that involves two game boards, one to locate the position of your battleships and one to battle against the opposing team. The players take a position on either the German or American team. The German objective is to land troops on a Caribbean island. The American objective is to destroy the German fleet before it can land its troops. Cooper’s Modern Military History class is the only class in the state of Georgia that has played this type of strategic game. “I’m constantly trying to find activities that will help students understand more of what the real decisions and activities military people deal with are,” Cooper said. He feels that bringing in games or activities during the semester is beneficial for the students’ interaction and engagement with the history behind the game. “Hopefully (the game is) going to allow the students to feel like what we’re doing in class is relevant and real because it’s the same kind of game that the real army and navy does to figure out what they would do in case of a certain situation,” Cooper said. Students like senior Rachel Grossman feel Cooper has provided the students in the class with a fun, but worthwhile learning experience. “(My favorite part of playing the game is) the fact that we got to act like we’re at war and that we were admirals; that we got to control everything,” Grossman said. “It was a good experience to see how complicated it was for (admirals) to decide everything.”

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Clarke Central High School junior Tracy Fernandez came to America from Peru at 4 years old. While originally in rebellion against a new culture, Tracy has grown to embody both cultures in her by tamar schmidt daily life. Features Writer

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dark-eyed, wild-haired girl was born in Callao, a coastal city in Peru. She lived for years with a backyard of crashing waves and brown sand, on the edge of the Pacific. Tracy Fernandez, now a junior at Clarke Central High School, had an affluent family behind her. Her father was a member of Fuerza Aérea del Perú, the Peruvian Air Force, and her mother worked as a teacher to support their growing family. But at four years old, Tracy transitioned to a new world, from the coast-line of Peru to Athens, Ga. “What I miss most is being able to walk to the beach,” Tracy said. “We left everything behind us to come (to America), everything.” Tracy’s mother, Marlene Palomino, chose to move for her two children -- Tracy and her older brother, Carlos Fernandez. She wanted them to excel not only through high school, but in college and beyond. Marlene acknowledges these opportunities are limited in Peru. “The decision was for family. I’d heard things were good in the United States, many more opportunities,” Marlene said, in broken English. Remembering the move to America is emotional for the Palomino-Fernandez family. Tracy, Carlos and Marlene were separated from Tracy’s father, Raoul Fernandez, who remained in Peru until 1999 due to immigration complications. “When I noticed that my dad wasn’t coming, that’s when I started crying, I didn’t know that before,” Tracy said. “I got on the plane and I kept crying until I fell asleep.” The family stepped onto American soil in 1998 for the first time, ignorant of cultural expectations and without knowledge of the English language. “When I first came (everyone) drew like a beautiful picture of the United States, but the work is very hard,” Marlene said. “The change was brutal, the language, the work … everything.” Marlene and Raoul now work full-time at Pilgrim’s Pride, a local poultry plant. “My mom tells me the difference between (Peru and America),” Tracy said. “She doesn’t always talk about the sacrifice she made, but I know it’s there. It’s always there.”

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Focus

February 2010

“(My mom) doesn’t always talk about the sacrifice she made, but I know it’s there. It’s always there.”

acclimation to American culture as a speedy process. However, she has continues to embrace her Peruvian heritage. Her family maintains a Spanishspeaking household and partakes of time-honored Peruvian meals together. “For traditional meals, you have your Bubba an Gayeno potatoes (with) a cream made of cheese. It’s really delicious,” Tracy said. “Some days we’ll eat it with rice; I (always) eat it with rice, because I don’t like the spicy sauces at all.” Tracy strongly identifies with the Peruvian heritage present in her home life and family, but also manages to distance herself from what she sees as negatives surrounding her native culture. “In Peru, there is no pressure to succeed,” Tracy said. “I push myself the most, but (in America) I have people behind me pushing me as well.” Twelve years after arriving in the United States, the dark-eyed, wild-haired girl from coastal Peru is now a teen living in America embracing her past and present openly. “Being part of both cultures opened my mind,” Tracy said. “I’m more accepting of others and I can see things from different points of view.” Photo courtesy of www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca Photo courtesy of Marlene Palomino

No part of the transition was simple for the famat me a different way because of my race, but they ily. At the onset, Tracy fought. She fought against didn’t,” Tracy said. neglecting the language she was used to. She fought It did not take long for Tracy’s extroverted peragainst leaving her friends. She fought against aban- sonality to help her break through her insecurities doning a lifestyle she was comfortable with. with her peers. Choosing to branch out through “Back in kindergarten I hated it here. I hated it soccer in the Athens United Soccer League, she so much. I would cry and cry and say in Spanish, began to make valuable friendships with her teamquiero ir, I want to leave,” Tracy said. “I would mates. It also gave her a means to connect with her hold on tight to my grandpa. He dropped me off family. at school, and (I would) keep screaming for him to “I’ve been playing soccer my whole life,” Tracy take me away.” said. “I played with my dad and brother and loved Marilyn Murphy was the English for Speakers of it, even though (cross gender soccer) isn’t traditionOther Languages al in my country.” (ESOL) instructor at Soccer provided Oglethorpe Avenue Tracy with a way Elementary School to connect with when Tracy entered. peers and to find From the first day an emotional Tracy walked into release. But it was OAES, Murphy was in academics that behind her. She Tracy’s found a way -- Tracy Fernandez, to make herself and received Tracy and Clarke Central High School junior her family proud of her family with open arms, hoping to help her success. them overcome the cultural differences. “I work very hard in school because I’m so “I knew when Tracy came that she had a presashamed to bring a bad grade home,” Tracy ence about her. She was a very strong girl and she said. “I don’t want to show my mom that. I was confident, but I could tell she was struggling, don’t want to see myself get that.” and -- for lack of a better way of saying it -- freaking Tracy has made it her goal, living as an out a little bit,” Murphy said. American, to justify her parent’s sacrifices. This Murphy, who speaks Spanish fluently, took reflects in her studies. Twelve years after her Tracy’s case into her own hands. She spent long first steps into America, Tracy is enrolled in nights on the phone with Marlene discussing advanced courses at CCHS. Tracy’s progress. “My parents moved here so I could have a “(Tracy) worked really hard to be okay with a better life and I take pride in making my life situation that she didn’t want to happen,” Murphy the best it can be,” Tracy said. “I mean my said. “She was a Peruvian little girl, and she had friends will just sometimes play around and to be shown how things were done here, but not will call me a nerd, or all that, and I’m like, pushed so hard that she was completely closed to ‘Hey I’m smart, and more importantly, I try.’” it.” In spite of teasing from friends, Tracy has Tracy moved through the ESOL program in less goals she wants to reach -- goals far beyond than two years. Murphy attributed Tracy’s quick the norm for some of her friends and family success to her strong-willed nature. Once she began members. to grasp the language around her, Tracy accepted “I want to go to a the culture, as well. four-year school and “I guess I just stopped crying because I knew it get a bachelors degree. wouldn’t make it better,” Tracy said. “Ms. Murphy I’ve seen my friends and would talk to me, she would be like, ‘You have to family have trouble with get used to it. You’re here.’” school. Some don’t even While acclimated to her school life, she was want to graduate high reluctant to branch out from her family and native school, but I can do it,” culture. Tracy said. “We came to “It used to be hard to go outside of my race and America to succeed.” make friends. I thought that everyone would look Tracy described her

Bottom right: DANCING WITH DAD: Clarke Central High School junior Tracy Fernandez dances with her father and brother, Raoul and Carlos, and cousin Edith Palomino, at age 3. A year later, in the transition from Peru to America, her dad was separated from the family due to residency dilemmas. “I got to the airport and saw everybody crying ... then I noticed that my dad wasn’t coming and that’s when I started crying, I didn’t know that before,” Tracy said. Top right: CITY BY THE SEA: Tracy spent the first four years of her life in Callao, Peru, in a house overlooking the ocean. “What I miss most is being able to walk to the beach,” Tracy said. “We left everything behind us to come (to America), everything.”

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Photo courtesy of Valinda Miller

Decades before, a blueprint was created to lay the foundation for something bigger than these four women. Through the years, this blueprint came to life -- floor by floor, wall by wall, window by window. Each woman who passed through added something different to the architecture. As these women reached the top floor, they looked down through the levels to the women just beginning their sorority journey. On the campus of Howard University, Washington, D.C. in 1930, various black sororities and fraternities came together to form a domain -- the National Pan Hellenic Council -- where they could all recognize their similar goals and purposes. By 1997, four sororities and five fraternities joined the council and coined the name the Divine Nine. Of the sororities in the Divine Nine, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta are the largest black sororities in the world. Rachel Lee is a member of Delta who recently graduated from the University of Georgia, where she was the community service chair for UGA’s NPHC. “My chapter in particular, Zeta Si, of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, seemed to do a great deal in the ways of community service,” Lee said. “The sisterhood was very apparent and very strong, and that’s really what drew me in.” For all black sororities, the girls applying must be at least be in their sophomore year of college and have an established grade point average. The specific requirements for joining are different for each chapter, or sorority group in a certain area. “You go to what we call an interest meeting, and (the older members) would tell you about the organization, tell you the fees that were involved in the organization, and then you were invited to apply,” Clarke Central High School Science department teacher and Delta Sigma Theta member Valinda Miller said. “Once you applied, the pledge process could be anywhere from two to six weeks.” The decision to attend an interest meeting is

Photo courtesy of Valinda Miller

aughter rings out around the table, conversation flowing easily within the group of four women, each adorned with their individual sorority colors. They dine atop a skyscraper built on past achievements and the promise every new sorority pledge brings. These women experience more than a get-together between friends; this is a sisterhood that will last forever.

Top: A SHOT OF SISTERHOOD: Clarke Central High School Science department teacher Valinda Miller takes a picture with other members of Delta Sigma Theta to capture memories while at a sorority retreat. “There were about six or seven of us. We are still pretty close,” Miller said. “We’re coordinating a long weekend together for early next year.” Above: BUILDING A BOND: Members of Delta Sigma Theta show their sorority pride by holding up a Delta sign and wearing matching T-shirts. “I knew a lot of Deltas who have been a really great influence on my life,” Delta Sigma Theta member Rachel Lee said.

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Photo courtesy of www.bhartiya.org

February 2010

Photo courtesy of www.bhartiya.org

Features

February 2010

Blueprint for

sisterhood Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta are the two largest black sororities in the world. Four women share their journey as members of each throughout college and beyond.

one thing that sets black sororities apart from other sororities in the pledging process. Before they step foot in the meeting, each girl has to be aware that, once the meeting begins, they must be set in their decision to pledge to that sorority and will be expected to follow through with that pledge. “You kind of had to know what you wanted to do before; there was no such thing as, ‘Oh, I’m just really interested in getting information,’” Miller said. For each girl, the decision to join a certain sorority was hammered into their heads. This was often based on family members who were alumnae or because of friends that praised the sorority. Thus, each girl knew there was no other sorority they wanted to join. In particular, before Miller began her sophomore year at Claflin University in South Carolina, she saw the line-up of women in her family who were members of Delta and knew that she would soon join their ranks in a spot right beside her mother. “My mom actually founded the Delta Sigma Theta chapter at her school in North Carolina. It was more like I was a legacy -- it was something that, ‘You either pledge to Delta or you get nothing,’” Miller said.

As the first female in her family to join a sorority, former Delta Sigma Theta member Renee Daniels’ reasons for joining were purely based on the sorority’s focus on community service and her close ties with the girls that were pledging with her. “My father didn’t go to college, and my mother took a few college courses, so they never really had a sorority experience. They lived in a very rural area, so they aren’t really familiar with sororities,” Daniels said. “It was the social aspects (that drew me to Delta). It was the community service. It was the fact that I liked and was friends with the women that were part of the organization -- it was for all of those reasons.” For Daniels, the initiation process included sister bonding, which simulated the usual sibling chain of command. The “Little Sisters” had to do everything their “Big Sisters” wanted them to do. One of these instances left Daniels feeling as if the girls pledging were just having a little fun, but the president of their college, Winthrop University in South Carolina, did not take it with a light heart. “When I pledged we had to all wear duck sunglasses, and we had to walk in a line and say ‘We’re the duck team. Waddle waddle, quack quack.’ And

By Kayli Read Features Writer

there was one time where we had to go around campus (as ducks), but the president of the university ended that,” Daniels said. “He said that that was hazing and that we weren’t allowed to do that. But we all thought it was kind of funny.” Even through the humor, Daniels could not fully understand how the younger and older sisters would become closer when the younger members were being ordered around by the older ones. “I always find it kind of strange that the older sisters tell you to do all kind of crazy things, and I’m not sure exactly how that’s supposed to bond you to them,” Daniels said. “I think actually you get more bonding with the people that you are pledging with than the people that are already in the sorority, because you’re all being chastised, for a lack of a better word, at the same time.” Hazing, humiliating or abusing newcomers is a covert, common practice in the process of pledging to many sororities. However, Miller’s big sisters did not make the girls do anything that could qualify as hazing. Feeling as though they were missing out on the experience, the younger sisters put restrictions on themselves. They would only sit in certain colored chairs and not talk to boys on certain days.

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Features

“The sisterhood was very apparent and very strong, and that’s really what drew me in,”

Photo courtesy of the Winthrop College Tatler staff

Left: OLD SCHOOL: Renee Daniels, a former member of Delta Sigma Theta, participates in a step show with the other members of her sorority at Winthrop College in 1981. Although Daniels is no longer a part of her sorority, she felt it was a valuable experience in college and enjoyed stepping with her chapter. “(Stepping) was a fun part of being in an organization and going out (to perform),” Daniels said. “Of course, all of us sororities have to taunt each other during the step shows, and that was just fun.”

Photo courtesy of Valinda Miller

However, the older sisters completely prohibited ings there, but it’s any type of behavior that was unusual for the girls, difficult because you afraid that they would get in trouble. might be right next “The line before I pledged got into big trouble to another group of with the hazing. So, we didn’t have to do any people, and they’re of that,” Miller said. “We actually did it amongst having some event, ourselves, but when the big sisters found out, and they’re making they totally freaked out and made us stop doing it lots of noise,” Lee because they had gotten into so much trouble.” said. “Just being On top of having little interaction with the older able to have that sisters, the other girls pledging with Miller did not privacy to conduct get to intermingle with each other because they your meeting in the lived in separate dorms. manner that you “We really didn’t really co-habitate as much. We need to -- that poses were able to have our own meetings with reserved a great challenge.” rooms on campus,” Miller said. “So, it didn’t really Jennifer Scott, affect it, but I think if we had (a house), we would president of her Above: SIGNATURE SIGNS: Clarke Central High School’s Science department probably be more closely knit.” Alpha Kappa Alpha teacher Valinda Miller and a fellow Delta Sigma Theta member hold up the Delta hand Unlike other sororities, a majority of black sorori- chapter and assistant signal while traveling to a step show. “I was on the step team so we traveled a lot,” ties do not have the financial means to purchase principal of Timothy Miller said. “We would travel out of state, out of town. We won almost all of our step shows.” a house for all the girls to live in on campus. For Road Elementary girls that join black sororities, they do not have the School, and her soexperience of waking up and making breakfast for rority want to make result. Each service activity the sororities participate each other in the morning or staying up late watchowning a chapter house a reality one day. She feels in is constructed based on what the NPHC sets up ing movies on the couch. as though the right occasion has not presented as a guideline. Despite the fact that none of these women had itself. “Basically, what’s set forth every four years is housing for their sororities, they made do with “Our chapter does not have housing and the a platform by whoever our national president is, what they had. Each was able to hold meetings in undergraduate chapter at the University of Georgia and they kind of set the scope of what it is that a rented room on does not have houswe would focus on, but typically it always centers campus, so that ing,” Scott said. “When around education, economic stability, the black they could get their you look at all of the family and health,” Scott said. planning for comoverall legal aspects and Even with the community service as the foundamunity service done. everything else related tion of NPHC, Scott and Lee felt that without the Lee felt as though to having ownership of sisterhood, all the sororities would have was a few scheduling rooms in the property, and the nails and beams sticking out of the ground. In their advance and getting opportunity has just never sororities, they were able to build a relationship -- Rachel Lee, afforded itself for us to a quiet secluded with the other girls as if they were family. Delta Sigma Theta member truly go that route -- it’s area was tricky at “I feel like that for the most part we all get along times. definitely something that well and we all are able to communicate with one “Just getting (meetings) scheduled in the first we would strive to do, something that we would be another, which sometimes in an organization of place, you have to do that way ahead of time interested in doing if the right opportunity came nothing but women that can be a bit tricky,” Scott because of all the student organizations on campus. along.” said. “But we’re able to voice our opinions and It’s a challenge at times, but thankfully on UGA’s Lacking the opportunity to own a house was share openly without being hurtful, and that’s campus we are allowed to rent out rooms in various not an acceptable excuse for any of the women to the key is being sure that in sharing your opinion places on campus, and we can conduct our meetlet their community service structure crumble as a you’re not putting anyone else down or making

Features

February 2010

Right: FUTURISTIC: Alpha Kappa Alpha participated in the Faceoff step competition at the Classic Center on Jan. 30. Although stepping is a big part of black sororities, many members feel that it may be more of a stereotype than an appreciated tradition. “I feel like it’s (the sorority’s) responsibility to make sure that people don’t just look at (the stepping) stereotypes and think that that’s what defines us,” Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter president and assistant principal of Timothy Road Elementary School Jennifer Scott said.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

them feel bad about their own opinion.” This bond was reinforced, like nails into dry wall, through each sorority’s various events that were solely focused on having fun. They would plan Friday night rendezvous to create more of a tie between the sorority girls. “For fun, and just as a sisterhood, we loved to have what we call our Friday night. It really can be anything,” Lee said. “We’re big on celebrating birthdays and going out to dinner and watching movies. We road tripped a lot before, just to visit other schools and visit their chapters there, which has been a lot of fun.” The sisterhood, for Miller, was strengthened through Friday night dinners or a night at the movies. For her, the sisterhood was the strongest when they were showing the talent that black sororities are traditionally known for around their college campuses. “We were really big into the step teams. When we would travel, people would know who we were just from winning the step shows,” Miller said. “The long hours of practicing and the traveling together (was important to me).” Showcasing that specific talent creates a few cracks in the foundation. For Lee and others, they feel that stepping has become a stereotype for black sororities. “A lot of students on campus seem to think that we’re pretty much all about stepping and entertaining, which is great. We’re happy to do that, but we also want students to be aware of our programs as much as we do people coming out to see us step,” Lee said. “I think that is a problem even though we’ve tried to get away from that (stereotype), and we’re focusing on the community service, on the education aspect, but it’s just really not emphasized and really not looked at in the same way.” Lee and the other women participated in community service during college, embracing the tradition of stepping but also pushing for wider recognition of the values of both Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha. However, the women graduated from their individual colleges, putting past stereotypes and

traditions behind them. When it came to the choice “My chapter, in particular, is a lifetime committo continue on to an alumni chapter or to leave ment, and that makes it all the more important for the sorority aspect of their lives behind, the four me to find something that is a good fit for me and women have developed strong opinions on why the best place for me to serve and the best experithey remain active or inactive members of their ence as far as sisterhood,” Lee said. sorority. For Scott, balancing her work, her family and Daniels’ studies often took priority over her her sorority proved to be much like a construction activity in the worker balancing on top sorority, so she felt of a skyscraper, placing like she was not the last pane of glass involved enough on the side. However, to feel especially Scott can see the bright, passionate about finished skyscraper in her the sisterhood mind, which gives her the or community initiative to continue. -- Renee Daniels, service. “Within the sorority, Former Delta Sigma Theta member you want to be as active “Since (I joined) my senior as possible, but then you year, and I was a also have other things in social work major, a good bit of my time was spent your life outside of that, and so it’s definitely a baloff campus during field placement,” Daniels said. “I ancing act of trying to work things out within your really kind of felt like I got cheated from the experischedule,” Scott said. “My job, my family, neither ence because 90 percent of the time I wasn’t even one of those can suffer as a result of the sorority beon campus, and it was my senior year so I was really cause then I have failed. So it’s just a very thin line just trying to graduate.” to make sure that it happens and it all works out.” Without a lot of time to participate in the sororFor each woman, there have been sacrifices ity’s activity, Daniels was not that attached to her made, either in favor of their sorority or in favor sorority, so it was not something she wanted to of other aspects of their lives. However, they knew carry on with outside of college. that they were each taking a part in making the “It was just a fun portion of my life in my twenblueprint become reality. ties, and it’s now over,” Daniels said. “It’s difficult because we do all have different Although Miller felt like she had to carry on her organizations with our own agendas, our own mother’s legacy as a Delta, she has chosen to put programs to plan, and a lot of times, it’s easy to lose her two young children before her activity in her sight of the fact that you’re a part of something a sorority. little bit bigger,” Lee said. “I just don’t have time (to stay active in Delta Looking over the edge of their skyscraper, the Sigma Theta). I have two small kids,” Miller said. four women see the result of their past accomplish“When my little ones get a little older, I will get ments and future goals. For some of the women, back on it.” the job is over -- there is nothing more they wish or Lee, having played a major role in UGA’s NPHC, have time to do. For the others, the job will never feels that her alumni chapter is just another step, be over. They will always come back to review the another floor built onto the skyscraper in her blueprints of values and help new members gain a journey as a Delta. In response to her dedication to sisterhood that will last a lifetime. community service, she found the alumni chapter was a good fit for her.

“It was just a fun portion of my life in my twenties, and it’s now over,”

February 2010

Variety

C u lt u r a l B u z z

Miscellaneous

Columbine, Dave Cullen Shock. Heartbreak. Chills. What more could a reader ask for? Dave Cullen shows these emotions in his 2009 novel, Columbine. Cullen describes, in detail, the horrifying events of a shooting that occurred at Columbine High School in Colorado over a decade ago. Cullen wrote about the killers’ lives prior to the attack, including their final prom night. He paints a picture of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold as the normal high school seniors they were before they murdered their classmates. The most disturbing part of the book is the fact that through journals, web posts and police reports, it’s apparent that people saw the attack coming and it was not stopped. Cullen has done a wonderful job pulling together all of the details to tell the truth of one of America’s most horrendous tragedies. -- Lexi Deagen, Managing Editor

“@LAST: Ceramics,” Aurthur Gonzalez Arthur Gonzalez’ solo exhibit at the Lamar Dodd School of Art opened Jan. 29. Gonzalez’ work is primarily figurative sculpture with which he depicts a relationship between the real world and a world of myth. Gonzalez’ work is inspirational in its concept and presence. His sculptures line the wall of Lamar Dodd’s gallery space. The throng of people attending the show look up into the somber faces that he depicts. Gonzalez’ work is full of emotion that infects the viewer. A collection of his work was inspired by the story of Pinocchio. The collection has ceramic heads fixed on silver platters. In place of a human nose, a blown glass rod extends. Gonzalez’ work is powerful. It is inspirational and not to be missed. -- Carlo Nasisse,Viewpoints Writer

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Food TruBlend Minerals, CoverGirl As the summer comes to an end every year, I grudgingly say goodbye to my tan and prepare to trade it in for my pale, winter skin. This year, however, I decided I was up for a different look. Having no experience with bronzer I thought it would be simpler to ask my friend if I could borrow something of hers. She handed over the TruBlend Minerals golden sunrise bronzer by CoverGirl. After I applied it I realized that it was not something I would ever want to put myself through again. With only one dark shade, obviously not made for my skin tone, the face staring back at me from the mirror was closer to a sparkly Oompa Lompa than someone with a natural, healthy glow. -- Kayli Read, Features Writer

Yoguri Yoguri, a new frozen yogurt bar in the heart of downtown Athens, Ga. is perfect for a nice, chilled getaway at any time. On a white board behind the bar there are four flavors listed, surrounded with mouthwatering photos illustrating each one. I tried all the flavors, each ranging from $2.50 to $4.50. For an extra dollar you can get three fresh fruit toppings -- kiwi, pomegranate seeds, etc. With wide windows and a sparse atmosphere, I found my experience to be very much a reflection of the mood I walk in with. The cost is minimal, and the treat is fresh. You can sit and taste the cold delicacy while delving into a moment of self reflection. -- Tamer Schmidt, Features Writer

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Photo by Kimberly Guzman

Books

Photo by Carlo Nasisse

Photos courtesy of (from left): www.dogearedandwellread.files.wordpress.com, www.covergirl.ca

Photo courtesy of: How to Survive a Horror Movie: All the Skillls to Dodge the Kills

Photo illustration by Alex Morris

How to Survive a Horror Movie: All the Skills to Dodge the Kills, Seth Grahame-Smith Did you find this book in the woods? Are you surrounded by the stereotypical characters (i.e. “Nice guy with the monosyllabic first name” or “slutty goth chick”)? Is it October and happens to be dark 21 hours of the day? Oh, the unmistakable signs: You’re in a horror movie. If you’re smart, you’re equipped with Seth Grahame-Smith’s How to Survive a Horror Movie: All the Skills to Dodge the Kills. Complete with illustrations of warning signs of a haunted cemetery, five types of slashers and any other creepy cartoon you could think of, drawn by Nathan Fox, the book is both hilarious and very informative. Chapters include, “What to do if you did something last summer,” “What to do if your corn has children in it,” “What to do if there are snakes on your plane,” and my personal favorite, “How to survive a horror movie high school.” Here’s what you do if your high school has turned into Horror High in the Universe of Terror: Un-clique yourself (stereotypes are the first to go!), make friends with your tool-wielding shop teacher, avoid your locker (you don’t want to know what’s in it), politely decline any after-school invitations (like you want to be at prom with this year’s Carrie), and for goodness sakes, be nice to everybody! Book in hand, you’ll be sure to make it through your horror movie alive. Without it, you’d better try to snake your way through the vampires and zombies flooding your street, to the nearest bookstore. -- Lauren Pruitt, Features Editor

Photo courtesy of vtgamesdomain.com

Photos courtesy of (from left): cdn.sheknows.com, luaghingsquid.com,images.p1points.com, angryweb.net, www.viewclips.net

Variety

February 2010

Music “The Fray,” The Fray The Fray’s second album, released on Feb. 3, 2009, featured songs that received Grammy nominations, such as “You Found Me.” While I do like that song, I don’t want to hear it repeated ten times over. That’s where this album falls short. Each song is the same lyrical, soft rock that provides little variation. By the sixth track, I was bored and the music faded to background noise. Despite the lack of variety, the album was a hit. Upon its release, “The Fray” debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 179,000 copies. When their first album came out, I was immediately a fan of The Fray. I anticipated future songs and thought I’d found a band I really enjoyed. However, that joy didn’t last. I felt like I was hearing the same song over and over as each single was released. Overall, the album was a mere reproduction of The Fray’s other songs. I liked some of the tracks, but I wouldn’t suggest it for anything more than elevator music. -- Mollie Sherman, Sports Writer

Movies “Contra,” Vampire Weekend Debuting in 2008, Vampire Weekend’s self-titled album was a success. Using a plethora of instruments this band was destined for success from track one. After much anticipation, their second album, “Contra,” was released on Jan. 12. Finally getting my hands on the record, I immediately put in the album, sat back and let the tracks play. Without any delay, the familiar melodies of the band I fell in love with in 2008 filled the room. As the music went on, the positive growth of the band was effortlessly distinguishable. “Contra” successfully managed to keep signature afro-beats blended with brilliant vocals, while also adding an innovative synthesized sound. Vampire Weekend may not be for everyone. Some audiences may find the various instruments to be excessive; however, I feel it is the variety of instruments that create Vampire Weekend’s cultured and dynamic sound. Worldly, eclectic, and unconventional. If you are looking for something other than the norm, look for “Contra.” -- Shelby Rae Curran, Business Staff

The Lovely Bones, Peter Jackson The Lovely Bones is a compelling story about a young 14- year-old girl named Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan), who is raped and murdered by her neighbor George Harvey (Stanley Tucci). After her murder, her father (Mark Wahlberg), who is determined to deliver justice, searches for proof to catch whoever killed his daughter. However, the “heaven” aspects of the film where Susie spends her time after her death were really confusing. I’m still wondering how a good story line could crash and burn in this jumbled movie. The Lovely Bones also lacked good acting. You would think casting directors would know by now to never, ever put Mark Wahlberg in a movie, or it’s profit intake will decrease instantaneously. The Lovely Bones was disappointing and definitely not worth my nine dollars. -- Eben Elrod, Photographer

The Blind Side, John Hancock In this recent inspirational film, Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a wealthy southern woman who invites Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless teenager, to live in her home. The Blind Side tells the true story of professional football player Michael Oher. When Michael “Big Mike,” stays with the Tuohy family, he finds himself facing new challenges, such as making good grades for college and uncovering his newfound football talent. This film is consistently enjoyable and there is never a slow moment. You can see how the relationship between Michael and his adoptive family grows. Not only is Michael’s life affected by the Tuohy family, but you get the impression that the Tuohys are changed too. A movie for all ages, it will leave you feeling inspired and generally happy. -- Alexa Friedman, Business Staff

Dragon Age: Origins, Bioware Winner of Imagine Game Network’s Best Xbox 360 Role-Playing Game of the Year and Best Storyline of the Year, Bioware’s Dragon Age: Origins immerses players in a dark fantasy world with a rich storyline filled with action, betrayal and intrigue. Players start by choosing their gender, race and origin. All of these choices are incredibly important and will affect how other characters throughout the game will react to you. After spending around 30 minutes playing through an Origin story, you are thrown headlong into the main plot. The story follows your traditional fantasy epic formula: doom approaches, hero arises and a whole host of wrongs are committed that the hero must right. Bioware builds on this unoriginal basis for a plot by constructing a completely new world, crafting an amazingly deep story that shifts as it progresses and forcing players to make gut-wrenching moral decisions that will affect their storyline. Dragon Age isn’t for everyone though. Some may find that the beginning of the game moves too slowly, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vast amounts of character customization and it’s targeted for RPG fans. If you only enjoy shooters such as Call of Duty, you’re not going to like Dragon Age. Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t bring many new things to the table, but that doesn’t detract from it being a great game. -- Alex Morris, News Writer

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The Classic Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independent hip-hop scene, long in t

n the making, is on the rise and ready for recognition.

February 2010

Variety

keepinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; it real

ClassicCity in the

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February 2010

Athens, Ga., known for its independent music and rock mainstays like the B-52s, Drive by Truckers, REM and others, has developed a thriving hip-hop scene, waiting to be discovered.

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ocal hip-hop promoter and emcee Montu Miller takes the stage, microphone in hand. “Are y’all ready to get it on for the Classic City?” Miller screams. The audience erupts into cheers. RedKlay takes the stage, and the screams increase to an overwhelming intensity. Originally one of Athens’ best kept secrets, RedKlay, a local, independent hip-hop group, is part of an underground music scene that is quickly on the rise in the Athens community. Since its founding in 2004, RedKlay has taken the independent music scene by storm. “RedKlay was pretty much my idea from the beginning,” co-founder OJ “One Hunnit” Simms said. “But everybody brought so much to the table; I wouldn’t have been able to do it by myself.” AP “Mr. Kno Good” Potts founded the group along with Simms. RedKlay has evolved over the years to include artists Greg “G-Money” Anderson and James “Luck Looch” Battise, along with manager Tobias “Smoke Jones” Crawford. Many of the group’s members hold roots here in Athens, but By Kinsey Clark Variety Editor

they took different paths before coming together. Anderson, Crawford and Potts have been a part of the indie rap scene in Athens since they graduated from Clarke Central High School in 2002. Simms attended Clarke Middle School from 1991-94 before transferring to Madison County High School. Battise, the only member not originally from Athens, moved to the city New Orleans, La. RedKlay does its best to give back to their home base as they continue their musical journey. “Every event, everything we do, there’s always a charity that we do to give back,” Crawford said. “We personally don’t have that much money, (and) it’s not cheap to do anything anymore, but we want to do something for the Classic City.” RedKlay’s most recent show was a collaboration called “Southern Gumbo.” The show, which took place at New Earth Music Hall at 227 West Dougherty St. in downtown Athens, included performances of three separate genres of music by indie groups such as heavy metal band Music Hates You, soft rock group Hola Halo, as well as RedKlay. “I love the Southern Gumbo show because it’s bringing the Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Previous Pages: PUT ON FOR MY CITY: Local hip-hop artists (from left) Chris “C-FRE$H” Thomas, Greg “G-Money” Anderson, Cedric King Hill, James “Luck Looch” Battise, OJ “One Hunnit” Simms and AP “Mr. Kno Good” Potts perform at the Southern Gumbo show at New Earth Music Hall, located at 227 West Dougherty St. in downtown Athens on Jan. 23. The show was a collaboration of independent rock, hip-hop and heavy metal groups. “It’s like gumbo with a lot of different ingredients all together. It really gets the essence of Athens,” local promoter and emcee Montu Miller said. Opposite Page: GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY: Indie rap group RedKlay’s Anderson and Potts rap at each other during the Southern Gumbo show. RedKlay plans to donate $250 of the proceeds to the Athens Youth Association Sports Organization. “Every event, everything we do, there’s always a charity that we do to give back,” RedKlay’s manager Tobias Crawford said. Above: HIP-HOP’S NOT DEAD: Miller introduces the next act at Southern Gumbo. Throughout the show, he led the crowd in a call and response. For every, “Hip,” the crowd screamed, “Hop.” And after every, “Don’t,” the crowd echoed, “Stop.”

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Variety indie rock and the indie rap scenes together,” Miller said. “It’s like gumbo with a lot of different ingredients all together. It really gets the essence of Athens.” Holding true to their practice, RedKlay plans to donate $250 of the earnings to the Athens Youth Association Sports Organization. From donating proceeds, to including the Classic City in their raps, area rappers show a common theme of a love for Athens. This bond has created a community. Chris Thomas, a 2003 CCHS graduate who raps under the alias of C-FRE$H, shows a deep bond with his roots and a desire to help cultivate the Classic City’s rap scene. “I’ve got an Athens tattoo, so I’m going to die with Athens on me,” Thomas said. “There’s no big record company here in Athens, so for somebody to start something and build it up would be a good thing.” The variations in lyrical style, message and delivery add to the complexity of the music and hip-hop personalities in Athens. Cedric King Hill, who graduated from Cedar Shoals High School in 1998, feels the varied musical styles enhance the emerging scene. “There’s a very diverse hip-hop scene here. You’ve got different talents from different people. The different talents really combine together and make nice music,” Hill said. Miller describes the different styles Athens has to offer. “It’s not one sound here in Athens. You’ve got progressive hip-hop, stuff coming from the hood, weirdo hip-hop with skinny jeans,” Miller said. “We have all these different sectors of Athens hip-hop. We have everything that they have on the macro level, just on a micro level.” While smaller in scale compared to mainstream labels, the Athens indie rap scene is also emergent compared to its betterknown rock scene. The rap scene’s young artists hope for a bright future in music and possess a determination necessary to keep the movement on the road to recognition. “Everybody knows us for the boot print. That’s our trademarked logo,” Simms said. “When we first started, we

went through a “An independent artist has t lot of, ‘we can’ts,’ suggest taking up a business but it got to the point where we manager – somebody that yo were like, ‘We’re not going to let (anyone) hold us local hip-hop a back.’ I don’t care if we have to bust in through the back door, we’re going do what we need to do. The boot print basically signifies, ‘By any means necessary.’” Miller, RedKlay’s public relations director and friend, feels that the Athens music scene has an attitude similar to that of RedKlay’s, one that many music-based towns are lacking. Athens’ artists are young, independent and determined to make it on their own. “What I love about Athens is everything is home-grown. It’s DIY, meaning Do It Yourself. When I came here, I saw it and I loved that about Athens -- the go-get-it, do it yourself mentality,” Miller said. Along with determination, rappers must possess a unique physical and lyrical style in order to become successful. “First, you’ve got to differentiate yourself from others. Independent rappers tend to act like rappers that have already made it, and those are never the ones that succeed,” 2009 CCHS graduate and Athens rapper Cassie “Queen Hollywood” Evans said. “The first thing you have to do is come up with your own look and your own style. Then once you get that down, of course you have to have good lyrics and good beats, but then you have to get a fan base.” Local performer, promoter and producer Tony Bradford, known to many as Tony B, also recognizes the importance of a strong fan base when he visits venues both in Athens and Atlanta, Ga. “I’m a big believer in first impressions,” Bradford said. “When I go to wherever, I take a van, a Suburban and an Excursion so that about 25 fans can come with me. Then, when I’m there, people are like, ‘You actually brought all these people?’ and I’m like, ‘I’m about to leave, watch them all leave with me.’” Bradford, a 2001 CCHS graduate, had a role as an extra in the 2007 comedy, “Who’s Your Caddy?” and is in contact with Warner Brothers regarding his music. His varied experiences in the entertainment business give him the knowledge necessary to become and remain successful as a performer. According to Bradford, knowing the logistics of the music scene is just as important for an indie rapper as being able to come up with clever rhymes. “An independent artist has to know the business, and they should always educate themselves about everything,” Evans said. “I would even suggest taking up a business class at a local college or hiring a manager -- somebody that you trust.” But like any venture, the music business can be tainted by unethical and underhanded practices. Athens’ independent

“What I love about Athens is everything is home-grown. It’s DIY, meaning Do It Yourself. I saw it and I loved that about Athens -the go-get-it, do it yourself mentality.”

-- Montu Miller, local hip-hop promoter and emcee

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as to know the business. I would even ness class at a local college or hiring a at you trust.”

-- Cassie “queen hollywood” Evans, hop artist and 2009 Clarke Central High School graduate rap scene is not always immune to the greed and trickery that come with the territory. “Get a lawyer. Make sure everything meets your standards because the industry is a shady game,” Thomas said. “Everybody’s playing to win. It’s like chess: you’ve got to know what you’re doing and how to move, otherwise you’re going to lose. You’ve really got to move strategically.” Knowing the right moves and finding trustworthy associates in the hip-hop world has been difficult for many Athens rappers. The situation becomes more complicated for its female artists. “Keep working and keep moving, especially if you’re a female independent artist because a lot of people try to rip you off,” Evans said. “They know that since you’re small time, you really don’t know everything there is to know about the game, so they try to rip you off.” However, the potential negative aspects are often outweighed by the opportunities presented. For many, becoming successful in the indie rap scene is a way to a better livelihood and a means to reach full potential. “In high school, I would only do something just to get by, but RedKlay is my opportunity to beat the stereotype I’ve made for myself,” Anderson said. “It’s an opportunity to really show people that I’ve hit the ground running -- I’m not looking back; I’m not slowing down; my car is stuck in drive; reverse is not an option. I know the potential that I have. I’m not quitting, not giving up.” Miller rallies the crowd at Southern Gumbo with a call and response that echoes Anderson’s fortitude. For each “hip” Miller calls out, the crowd responds even louder with a “hop.” After every “don’t,” they scream “stop.” “Hip-” “-hop!” “Don’t-” “-stop!” New Earth Music Hall erupts. The ever-present passion for music that pulses through the veins of both the performers and their loyal fans is contagious. “If we’re not going to make it doing this, then (we’re) going to have to make it working nine to five,” RedKlay’s manager Crawford said. “RedKlay is the backbone that is my life. It’s a part of me. It’s in my bloodline. It’s my DNA.” Right: ROYAL RAPPER: Local hip-hop artist and 2009 Clarke Central High School graduate Cassie “Queen Hollywood” Evans spits out lyrics with some friends at the Southern Gumbo show at New Earth Music Hall in downtown Athens on Jan. 23. “Every time there’s an open mic event you have to be on top of it,” Evans said. Opposite Page: FIST PUMPIN’ LIKE A CHAMP: Indie rap group RedKlay’s co-founder OJ “One Hunnit” Simms throws his fist in the air, while rapping at the Southern Gumbo show. “As far as stage presence, OJ has the most spontaneous energy,” RedKlay’s manager Tobias Crawford said.

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Inset: GUESS WHO’S BACK? Since graduating in 2003, Chris Thomas has transformed from a once naive, young, independent rapper to one of the more successful independent rappers in the Athens community. “(My lyrics have) built up over time. Realizing how much you grow as a person and going through different life experiences, it’s like this is my way of leaving my lessons and everything I’ve learned about life,” Chris said. Opposite page: CAN’T BUY ME LOVE: As an independent rapper in Athens, Chris doesn’t make much money for his local performances. Luckily for hip-hop fans, Chris does it for the love of the game. “I don’t do (music) for the money. I do it for the love. If I don’t make another dollar, I’m still going to do it because I love music so much, it’s like I see music,” Chris said.

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February 2010

A self made man

Opposite photo by Eben Elrod

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Twenty-six-year-old Clarke Central High School graduate Chris Thomas has made music his life. Thomas made his first lasting musical memory while a senior in 2002 and since then has released raps speaking to his life’s experiences as an independent rapper in an indie rock town. By F. Tyler Elrod Editor-in-Chief

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wice a year at Clarke Central High School, Exam Care Packages go on sale for students wishing to snack during final exams. Along with the ECPs comes their trademark advertising scheme, the ECP rap. Unbeknownst to them, when students hear this rap now, they’re hearing the early beginnings of a self-made Athens legacy. The rap itself was started during the 2002-03 school year by current Athens’ independent rapper and 2003 CCHS graduate Chris Thomas, who now raps under the alias C-FRE$H. In fact, the beginnings of the ECP rap weren’t even planned until Chris needed a way to make a passing grade in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education department Vickie Shell’s Marketing class. Shell recalls Chris’ contribution to the ECP project: “The ECP is the major class project for Marketing Principles. His class came up with the idea to sell ECPs. (Chris) said, ‘My strong point is music, so I’ll come up with a promotional rap for it,’ so he made up the song,” Shell said.

“Since then we’ve had a song just about every year. I’ve always been proud of Chris for that.” The ECP rap was 10 years in the making, as Chris’ passion for music began when he was an 8-year-old. “I used to rap in front of the mirror in my room by myself when I was a kid. All the time when I do my shows, that’s where I step back to. I just see myself in the mirror again,” Chris said. However, as Chris grew older, his passion to succeed in the world of music overwhelmed his school life. A senior during the 2001-02 school year, he failed to graduate because he became too involved in the production of his first mix tape. Titled the “Untame Project,” it was put together by Chris’ first rap group, Untame. “I would skip class because of the first CD that I was working on. I loved what I was doing so much that I forgot what was important, which was graduating,” Chris said. Choosing whether or not to graduate was a difficult decision, but one influenced by a personal commitment.

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Variety

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

to a police report.” “I promised my mom I would graduate. I wanted to do what I wanted to do Chris Thomas was one of the two men arrested. According to Chris, it was a first. I’m just a man of my word. I told her, ‘Let me put my CD out first, then I’ll situation of being at the wrong place and with the wrong people at the wrong come back and graduate,’” Chris said. time. After successfully completing his required courses in Economics and Algebra “I was 22, and going through it, you know, it was something tough for me in the fall 2002, Chris was forced to wait until the following May to graduto do, because it literally wasn’t my stuff. I signed a joint lease with the record ate with the class of 2003. During those months, Chris was signed by Impact (Empire Records personnel). Because nobody said anything, I got hit with the Records and worked on his music. same charges, and it’s like, ‘You know what’s yours and you know what’s his,’” “(I had) nothing to do but record music. I spent every day in the studio. I Chris said. remember the first day school went back that semester (spring 2003). I got up Facing charges that could lead to life behind bars, Chris had to make a like I was going to school, went to my cousin’s house, waited on him to get up, choice: honor the code of silence or speak out. then I hit the studio. I stayed all day until like one in the morning,” Chris said. After graduation, Chris pulled double duty, working “I make music for a lot of people. I make it particularly for people in for the Lee Epting Catering Company and spending his Athens that are going through the same things I’m going through.” spare time in the studio with Impact Records. In 2005, Chris’ contract with Impact -- CHRIS “C FRE$H” THOMAS, Records expired. Now 2003 Clarke Central graduate and independent rapper independent, the 21-yearold rapper was in need of a new recording home when “Nobody wanted to tell on anybody, but at the same time nobody wanted another record label found him. to go to jail for thirty years, so you have to really, really look at the reality part “(The company) was called Empire Records. They had a label, and they were of it,” Chris said. “I’m not going to take a charge for what’s not mine. I mean, looking for some artist(s) and so my name, being a well-known one in Athens, that’s that.” they were like, ‘We’re putting together this label and we want you in on it,’ so I Being incarcerated in the Athens-Clarke County jail was difficult for Thomas. was like, ‘Okay, let’s do it,’” Chris said. What gave Chris hope were his plans for the future, thinking about music and His eagerness to sign with a new label and to build his growing musical what he was going to do when he got out. reputation in town embroiled him in a year of turmoil. “I don’t remember what date I got out. I just remember I got out. It wasn’t “I didn’t give it a second thought; I just dove right into the situation and over a year; it wasn’t a long time. It was just the days go by so fast when you’re ended up getting myself into some mess that landed me in jail,” he said. stuck in there it’s like, ‘What are you going to do?’ How am I going to get out According to the May 22, 2006 Athens Banner-Herald, “Two 22-year-old men were charged with drug trafficking after police found drugs and cash while of here,’” Chris said. “When I got out, the only thing that was on my mind was just picking myself back up musically. I said, ‘I’m going to beat the odds of this executing a search warrant Friday at a Scarborough Place apartment, according

Above: UNLEASH THE BEAST: Chris “C-FRE$H” Thomas and King Hill, two former members of the hip-hop group Untame, perform at Southern Gumbo held at the New Earth Music Hall at 227 West Dougherty St. in downtown Athens, Ga. Chris and King remain close, despite that Untame disbanded in early 2005. “We’ve all got these Untamed tattoos, which means blood brothers,” Chris said. Right: ONE LOVE: Chris shows his passion for the rap game at Southern Gumbo as he provides King with background vocals for one of several songs the duo performed. “I love what I do. Once you get the dedication towards something, whether it pays or not, if you love it enough, you’ll stick with it,” Chris said.

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Left: BACK TO HIS ROOTS: Chris returns to his alma mater, Clarke Central High School, where he set one of his first standards by creating the Exam Care Package rap. “I remember sitting back in (Ms. Shell’s) class and we were doing the ECPs. I actually started the ECP rap. It was a cool thing,” Chris said. Above: DEATH OF AUTO-TUNE: As Chris performs at Southern Gumbo, he blocks out the crowd in order to put himself into a better position to give the crowd a true show. “When I hit the stage, I go into a zone. I don’t look at the crowd. I look up at the lights and it’s kinda like I’m rapping to myself in the mirror at home,” Chris said.

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

situation and continue on musically.’” Gaining his freedom, Chris searched for a job and continued to pursue his dream of spending time in a studio making music. Luck was on his side, as he was signed by Mantooth Music in early 2007. “I actually ended up asking someone who used to be with Empire Records for some studio time, and I received a phone call that said, ‘Hey, I’m starting a label, and I want you to be down with me,’” Chris said. “I started recording songs over there, and I got my first show with them. All this was in two weeks process I wasn’t on the bill because they already printed them, but I was like a guest act. I did my songs and boom. (Mantooth Music) said they loved it, and the crowd loved it.” Mantooth marketed Chris as a solo act, and he performed at venues across the Southeast in 2007, including the Apache Cafe in Atlanta, Ga. and The High Note Lounge in Birmingham, Al. Chris, by now known as C-FRE$H or the “Prince of the Classic City,” released his first mixtape, "Self-Made Vol. 1," that June. The next year featured a pair of breakouts with the release of his second professional mixtape, “Self-Made, Vol. 2,” which contained 20 tracks and a performance for Chris in his hometown after he received a nomination from The Flagpole, Athens’ weekly entertainment and arts magazine, for Best Rap Act of 2008. The magazine extended an invitation to Chris to perform inside the Morton Theater during the annual Flagpole Music Awards. “I was the only hip-hop artist who performed that night. Rappers have never made it to the Morton Theater before, so that’s one standard that I’ve set here in Athens,” Chris said. Independent rappers from around Athens saluted Chris for his recording successes and performance at the Morton Theatre, including longtime friend and fellow indie rapper King Hill, who first found success working with Chris in Untame in the early part of the decade. “It’s a very big deal. Him being an indie artist, it’s a big move for an Athens hip-hop artist. All you can do is take your hat off and salute it,” Hill, who currently performs solo rap shows around Athens, said.

When his contract with Mantooth expired in early 2009, Chris was back on the independent scene, but embraced the lessons music taught him. “Just being truthful, the love for music, it has brought me a lot of joy and a lot of pain, but you love it so much you can’t let it go,” Chris said Chris moved on from Mantooth by embracing the statement “Self-Made,” a mantra that Chris has tattooed across his hand. He has begun making plans to start his own recording company, Street Corporate. His vision is to create a collaborative environment for artists, which was a difficulty he personally encountered. “When you interact with people in the studio, it’s like you know how you want your stuff to sound. You know how you want your stuff to come off to people,” Chris said. “The fact that I had to (show labels my vision) all the time in the studio, it made me think, ‘You know if I have to do this all the time, I can do this on my own.’” Chris also plans on Street Corporate being a place where he can help upand-coming rappers in the Athens’ scene. “I want to guide them correctly. Or you know, tell them about publishing. When you don’t own your publishing, you’re not going to make any money,” Chris said. Although Chris has made it his mission to help young rappers to profit from their music, Chris has yet to see monetary gain from his own music. In fact, he relies on his day job working for a cleaning business as his primary source of money. “I don’t do it (music) for the money. I do it for the love. If I don’t make another dollar, I’m still going to do it because I love music so much it’s like I see music,” Chris said. Since money is not a motivating factor for Chris to continue his journey as an independent rapper, he turns to those around him for inspiration. “I make music for a lot of people. I make it particularly for people in Athens that are going through the same things I’m going through,” Chris said. “So for someone to come up and say, ‘I heard you say such-and-such in the song, that’s real, that’s the same thing I go through every day.’ The fact that I don’t lose hope gives them hope. That’s priceless; you can’t put money on that. I do it for that.”

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Variety

A musical morsel Photo by Isabel Atkinson

On Jan. 23, fans crowded to the New Earth Music Hall to enjoy a feast better known as the Southern Gumbo show.

Photo courtesy of Montu Miller

Above: GUITAR HERO: Tim Ridgway is the guitarist for Hola Halo, an indie, soft rock band native to Athens, Ga. Ridgway was one of several musicians to perform in Southern Gumbo, a concert held at New Earth Music Hall at 227 West Dougherty St. in Athens, Ga. on Jan 23. Below: NEW EARTH, NEW MUSIC: Southern Gumbo covered several genres from rap to metal rock. Performers included local musicians, such as RedKlay and Music Hates You. Opposite Page: CAN I GET AN ENCORE?: RedKlay’s manager Tobias Crawford (left) takes pictures at Southern Gumbo, while local promoter and emcee Montu Miller (middle) introduces the next act, Cassie “Queen HollyWood” Evans (right).

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ased on its name, most people didn’t know what to expect when they bought tickets to a concert called Southern Gumbo. While it sounds like a food dish, Southern Gumbo combined several music genres into a single, zesty night, pretty much like the ingredients in gumbo. The concert, hosted at New Earth Music Hall, located at 227 West Dougherty St. in downtown Athens, Ga. on Jan. 23, was the brainchild of local promoter and emcee Montu Miller. When he first had the idea to organize the show, his goal was to create a showcase of all the best aspects of Athens’ culture. He wanted to expose his audience to an awesome combination of musical talent that had never been experienced in a single setting. Young, old, male, female, black, white, Hispanic—people of all ages, races and genders were drawn to New Earth to experience the musical dish for themselves. Although audience members may have mistaken the show for a delicious meal, Southern Gumbo accurately described Miller’s vision. It included no less than eight different acts providing vastly different flavors that blended together just like, well, gumbo. Of several performers, a few stood out from the rest providing a savory taste for all: Hola Halo, RedKlay and Music Hates You. In a dish of gumbo, Hola Halo would be the rice -- simple, consistent, and universally accepted. During their performance, the crowd was calm with a couple of people swaying and dancing. The slow, steady music, accentuated by the keyboard talents and pure, harmonic voice of female vocalist Shauna Greeson, provided a contrast to the rest of the night’s speedier tempos. Gumbo isn’t gumbo without the meat. RedKlay provided the beef, the essential part of the show. A portion of the crowd, comprised mostly of women, positioned themselves as close to the stage as was physically possible. They rapped the words to every song, dancing A few of the more aggressive metintensely, decked out in customalheads were escorted out of the made RedKlay T-shirts. Had it not been for their incredbuilding for endangering the other ible amount of positive energy, the audience members... more reserved fans would have found the hardcore fans obnoxious. Instead, they were a part of the show, getting into the groove as much as the musicians. There were always at least three of RedKlay’s four members on stage at any given time, and every person was always active, alternately dancing, singing and rapping. At one point during their performance, AP Potts, a co-founder of the group, jumped off of the stage into the crowd and interacted with the fans, invading the personal space of some shy fans and fitting in with the enthusiastic ones. Some people like spicy food, and some people don’t. Music Hates You drew in a completely different crowd -- the thrill seekers who love the spice. Several audience members attempted to start a small-scale mosh pit, in which fans roughly hurled their bodies at one another. This very sudden, intense reaction to the music caught many people off-guard. While the concert was intended to bring fans together from all genres to a single appreciation for local music, the intensity of the music and the crowd during Music Hates You’s performance shocked people who had never before been exposed to the concept of a mosh pit. A few of the more aggressive metalheads were escorted out of the building for endangering the other audience members, while the screeching, intense sound quality caused others to flee to New Earth’s outside deck for the duration of their set. As the final acts began, the crowd returned. Chris “C-FRE$H” Thomas, a 2003 Clarke Central High School graduate, and Cedric King Hill, a 1998 Cedar Shoals High School graduate, hit the stage, serving as the King Cake, a traditional Louisiana dessert. At first, the audio system had trouble reading their CD, but after five long, agonizing minutes, it was finally showtime. The audience erupted in cheers as the much-awaited duo took the stage and awed the crowd with brilliant beats and lyrics. Miller’s Southern Gumbo was an amazing show, exposing music lovers of Athens to totally different musical worlds, all combined into a few hours, just enough time to prepare, simmer and devour some gumbo. After that night, audience members went home with a stomach full of new, tasty musical experiences. BY ISABEL ATKINSON Photography Editor

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

February 2010

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

February 2010

Variety

Bringing legacies to life Clarke Central High School’s Black Student Union makes a name for itself in its first year of existence by presenting this year’s Black History Program for the school and community. Variety Writer

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

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n Feb. 18, from college with a four-year degree. Smith’s charClarke Central acter choices for the play reflect on the freedoms of High School today’s minorities. will be given a unique opportunity to take a peek “When writing the play, I was thinking about into the past. how far African-Americans have come and how we The Black Student Union, a club started in the carry out the legacy of our ancestors day to day by 2009-10 school year, has set out to produce CCHS’ attending public school and building careers and first student-run Black History Month Program, foundations for our lives,” Smith said. featuring an original student-written play. The program consists of four segments, begin“This will be the first time a black history play ning with a slide show on black history. This is to has been put on by a student body,” CCHS security be accompanied by the Black History Choir singing guard and various spirituals. BSU BSU president, advisor senior Jasmine Taylor Lorenda will then follow with Harris said. an introductory “A lot of speech. The program parents are continues with a pogoing to be etry reading by Smith -- CHERRANDA SMITH and concludes with excited to Clarke Central High School junior and Black the play as the grand see what Student Union president-elect finale. (the students) have “(Smith) is a well come up with.” organized lady who does a great job, and with The play, titled: A Celebration of Legacy: Reher, this show will be a great success,” sophomore sounding the Dream of African-Americans Past and Chelsea Lumpkin, who will be playing the role of Present, written and directed by BSU presidentblack actress Angela Basset, said. elect junior Cherranda Smith, stars numerous The play consists of seven parts ranging from significant figures in black history, such as Mary Legacy of Education to Legacy of Politics. Its star Jane Patterson, the first black woman to graduate characters include significant black historical figures that may not be as well known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who will not make an appearance in the play. Figures such as Jocelyn Elders, the first black surgeon-general, are one of the many notable, yet lessknown characters features in the play. “In choosing the roles, I had a few (historical figures) in mind, but I wanted to display Above: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: (From left) Junior Tempestt McWhorter, a few unknown sophomore Krystolyn Long and senior Terry Willoughby rehearse one last time with names as well,” said scripts in hand for the Clarke Central High School Black Student Union’s Black History Smith. “I had to Program play, A Celebration of Legacy: Resounding the Dream of African Amercians Past and Present. Top: A LIVING LEGACY: Junior Maurice Walker runs through his do some research lines in preparation for the play that will be performed on Feb. 18 and 19. “(This proto figure out their gram is important because we have been stereotyped since this club was started so this stories.” is a way to prove ourselves as well as celebrating our ancestors.” McWhorter said. BY AASHKA CHAUDHARI

“In choosing the roles, I had a few (historical figures) in mind, but I wanted a few unknown names as well,”

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Although the program is being produced by the BSU, production of the play has not been exclusive to club members. All CCHS students were invited to become a part of this production through school announcements and invitations via Facebook, a social networking site. “The biggest part of getting people to become a part of this play was Facebook postings and informing people about which parts were available, but a lot of it was also word-of-mouth,” Smith said. The Black History month program, featuring the original play, A Celebration of Legacy: Resounding the Dream of African-Americans Past and Present, holds a diverse cast and crew of CCHS students that are ready to take the stage. The play will run for two days in the CCHS W. B. Mell Auditorium. The first show will play on Feb. 18, during second block and will be shortened due to the 90 minute time constriction. The second showing will take place on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. for a $5 entrance fee. With its soulful songs, exciting dance number and charming vintage lingo, the Black History Month Program aims to bring together a diverse school and community with a night full of black history. “(The program) shows all the hard work and dedication that African- Americans have put into our culture and how we can’t let that go to waste,” Lumpkin said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

February 2010 Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Full of Hart

“To live through catastrophe is bad. To forget it is worse.”

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n the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, four U.S commercial airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda suicide bombers, an Afghanistan terrorist group. “I didn’t know what was going on. I could tell my parents were scared,” Clarke Central High School freshman William Kissane said. Two of the four hijacked planes deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City, NY, killing 2,752 innocent people, according to British Broadcasting Corporation News. Some grieved, and others prepared for war, but local folk artist Bob Hart responded in the best way he knew how -- through art. On the outskirts of Athens, where Athens-Clarke County meets Oglethorpe County, Hart enjoys spending his retired years creating artwork. After 10 years at the University of Georgia’s College of Education, Hart has had more time to pursue his hobby as a folk artist. “To me, (folk artists are) untrained (artists who) create from the heart and would probably continue to create, even if they never made a penny doing so,” Hart said. It is common to find folk artists’ work displayed outside their homes, and Hart is no exception. Throughout the years, he has decorated his house with art both inside and out. But one of Hart’s shared creations has a larger meaning. Dedicated to memorialize the events of Sept. 11, Hart’s 9/11 Memorial Trail weaves throughout his two-acre property and has reminded visitors of the catastrophe for the past nine years. “A month after September 11, in October, my wife, Nancy, and I had already had a trip planned. Usually, when you go to New York, there’s taxicabs all over the place and there’s yelling and there’s shouting,” Hart said. “But (after Sept. 11), everything was just very quiet.” As a common visitor to New York, Hart shared the sorrow of the country. Although he didn’t lose any friends or family in the attack, Hart felt inspired to pay tribute to the many lives lost. “On the trip home, I looked at my wife, Nancy, and I said, ‘I want to do something to memorialize what happened,’” Hart said, “She looked at me, like she normally does, like -- there’s another one of his crazy ideas and said, ‘Sure.’” After returning home from his trip to New York, Hart began to bring his idea to life. After struggling to decide how to create his memorial, Hart finally chose to cut down a path through the woods in front of his home. With help from friends and community members, his trail was completed in roughly six months. The trail is nearly 800 yards long, with other artist’s pieces displayed on the trail. Along the trail there are 99 wooden poles adorned with all the names of the lives lost on Sept. 11. According to Hart’s website, the names are in random order to show that each victim was an individual, and more than just another number. Hart is constantly updating the trail with new art and decorations, and at the recommendation of his wife, Hart added a log where visitors could share their comments and reflections after walking through the trail. “(The trail is) an extraordinary personal testimony to a national tragedy. You are to be congratulated for keeping the memory alive,” visitor H. W. Bernard wrote in his entry in the visitor’s log. Hart strives to honor the memory of the fallen and has organized many ceremonies on the trail to commemorate the lives lost and the lives damaged. Hart has held a ceremony on the first anniversary and another on the fifth, with hundreds of visitors attending both. Sept. 11, 2011 will be the tenth anniversary of the attack. Hart is planning another ceremony for this occasion and expects a service similar to ones in the past. “We gather around the flag area and sing a few songs. Then people gather around each of the markers and a bell is rung nine times,” Hart said, “We then read the names of the victims in unison.” Although ceremonies help soothe the pain, Hart also tries to cope with the tragedy by maintaining a positive outlook on life. He hopes others can do the same by coming to the trail to honor the victims. “I’m a big believer in accentuating the positive,” Hart said. “I (encourage) living every day to its fullest (and) I hope folks would think about coming together as a nation to figure out what we can do to make sure this doesn’t happen again. by Caleb hayes Variety Writer

Above: A TIME TO REMEMBER: Hart reminisces about the events of Sept. 11 as he walks through his 9/11 Memorial Trail. “Every time I walk the trail, (I) contemplate the number of folks who were killed on Sept. 11 and hope they will not be forgotten,” Hart said. Below: TRAIL OF TEARS: Local folk artist Bob Hart’s 9/11 Memorial Trail winds through his two-acre property in east Athens and is lined with 99 poles featuring all of the names of the victims. The trail has been open to the public for the past nine years. “I’ll give (visitors) 20 or 30 minutes to go through the trail, and then I might come down and introduce myself,” Hart said. “I don’t want this to be about me.” Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Variety

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Sports

Region perfection The Lady Glads basketball team remain undefeated at 10-0 in region standings and 13-3 overall. Despite the perfect record, the girls have competed in some very close games that have kept fans on their feet, such as the 66-57 overtime win against Madison County on Jan. 19. Junior Aja Sorrells has led the team in scoring, with nearly 16 points a game and is also tied as the top rebounder. With five regular season games left, the Glads are preparing for the region tournament, and head coach Carla Johnson expects success. “It’s been a good season, and right now we’re on track to finish as the number one seed if we can keep winning,” Johnson said. oto

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Dome dreams Clarke Central High School’s varsity football team last appeared in a state championship game in 1997, and they have not won the contest since 1985. This year the Glads competed for the state title, but fell short against the Sandy Creek High School Patriots, 29-15, in a game that was much closer than the the score indicated. The Patriots, of Tyrone, Ga., quickly scored on their first possession, with a 30-yard run by Mississippi State commitment Raijon Neal. This gave the Patriots a 6-0 lead, after an unsuccessful extra point attempt. Despite this quick score, the game was ruled by defense early on. At halftime, the score was 9-6, after three field goals by CCHS kicker senior Adam Erickson. The Patriots took over in the second half. University of Louisville commitment senior Jarrett Davis showed his catching abilities, reeling in catches of 72 and 37 yards. After building a comfortable lead of 22-7, each team would score again to bring the final score to 29-15.

point guard Marquise Faust is also leading the team in assists while committing few turnovers. The team will continue to work hard and prepare for the region tournament in February. “We want to win it all. We were ranked number two in the state at one time, and I haven’t seen anyone who can beat us. If we play like we’re capable of playing, no one can beat us,” Smith said.

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Postseason promise The Clarke Central High School men’s basketball team started their season off strong with a nine-game winning streak. Currently, the team is 11-4 and is preparing for the region tournament as the regular season winds down. Throughout the season, the Glads were led by senior forward Taylor Layne, who averages 18 points a game, and senior center Babatunde Olumyiwa, who currently leads the region in blocked shots. Senior

Photo by Jeffrey Rogers

The Box Score

February 2010

Opening serve irst-year tennis coach, CAPS teacher Michael Goolsby, has brought in a revamped schedule with the new school year. Goolsby replaced Social Studies department teacher Steven Hinson as the tennis coach for the 2009-10 season. Goolsby has opened up opportunities for new and returning tennis players by increasing practice and conditioning time. As a result, some players are feeling the positive effects. “We have been practicing every day, rather than every other day,” senior player David Franklin said. “That’s helped me a lot with how I’m playing. My serves are getting better because we’ve been playing every day.”

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Left: RUNNING FREE: Clarke Central High School’s quarterback, senior Martay Mattox, finished the GA. 8-AAAA State Championship game against Sandy Creek High School with 129 yards passing and 52 yards rushing.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Making waves

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Above: STEADY STROKE: Sophomore Patrick Humphreys glides through a freestyle stroke during a practice at the University of Georgia’s Ramsey Center. Humphreys is a member of the boys’ 200 free relay team that has qualified for the state meet. Above right: Tennis Coach Michael Goolsby addresses his team before a practice. Goolsby has placed a new emphasis on conditioning in hopes of improving the program. “Conditioning is a really big part of tennis,” Goolsby said. “Not only are you moving all the time but you also have to be very conscious about how you move.”

n Jan. 29, the Aqua Glads made a splash at their home meet at the University of Georgia Ramsey Student Center in Athens. Freshmen Max Germain, Patrick Humphreys, Joshua Jones and sophomore Theo Kipreos joined forces to qualify for state in the boys’ 200 free relay. Their success is a proud moment for CCHS because this is only the second time in 10 years that a CCHS boys’ relay team has qualified for state. CCHS head swim coach and foreign language department teacher Emily Dowd is proud of their accomplishment, “(Qualifying for state) means that we’ve worked hard enough throughout the season to participate in the most competitive high school meet in the state,” Dowd said. “(State) is the highest a high school swimmer can go here in Georgia, and just to be there is an accomplishment in and of itself.” Not only is Dowd pleased with the state qualifiers, but she sees dedication and solidity throughout the entire team. “We seem to have more depth (this year) than we did last year and we’re placing better at meets because of this,” Dowd said. “We still have a few superstars who often win their events, but more importantly, we have a more solid core.” -- Compiled by Sports Staff

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Hitting the mat C

larke Central High School sophomore Anfernee Hanson competed in the 152-pound weight class during a wrestling match on Jan. 19 against Monroe Area High School. Although he was pinned momentarily, Hanson quickly maneuvered himself to win the match, earning points in the Gladiatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favor. At the end of the first round of the match, Hanson led 4-2 with a takedown and a reversal. In the second round, Hanson chose the top position and was able to pin the MAHS opponent. The 2010 CCHS varsity wrestling team dominated in matches against Monroe Area High School (68-7) and Appalachee High School (67-12) on Jan. 19. They also posted wins against Luella High School (53-12) and crosstown rival, Cedar Shoals High School (68-6) on Jan. 26.

Photo essay by Lexi Deagen

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February 2010

Sports

Finding the funding to fuel athletics Clarke Central High School Athletic Director Jon Ward works closely with coaches and booster clubs to procure funding for the equipment and training needs of nearly 20 varsity sports. by Mollie Sherman

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s you step onto the field for the big game, you’re probably thinking about strategy, winning and staying focused. But what about the money it took to pay for the shoulder pads or the goal posts on either end of the field? It costs a significant amount to sustain all of the pieces that make up a comprehensive sports program, and most of the funds come from highly attended sports, like football and basketball. At Clarke Central High School, almost $75,000 a year is generated from sporting event admission charges, known as gate receipts, to fund athletic programs, equipment, and uniforms. Over half of that amount is produced from football gate receipts. Because of this, the school has become dependent on consistent attendance at Friday night Sports Writer

football games. “The gate receipts that come in for football don’t just fund football,” CCHS Assistant Principal Dr. Selena Blankenship said. “They fund other sports, as well. For this reason, we like for the football team to have a good season.” The money collected from gate receipts channels into a budget put into place by the athletic department. For the 2009-10 school year, the budget is close to $100,000. CCHS athletic director Jon Ward oversees this budgeting process. Additionally, Ward manages the department in areas of staffing, scheduling, implementation of athletic policy, and funding. With the given budget, Ward allocates the money to CCHS sports teams. Ward strives to distribute the money as fairly as possible, but there are many elements factored into the equation. “Football receives more because of their equipment; when a player is (on the field) on a Friday night, they probably have about $580 worth of equipment on,” Ward said. “Whereas in cross country, the uniform costs only about $60.” Football is not the only expensive sport at CCHS. Swimming and diving members pay a heavy price, but with a smaller roster and no gate receipts, the swim team requires its members to essentially pay their own way through the season. “We rent our (swimming) lanes at the (University of Georgia) Ramsey Center pool,” CCHS Foreign Language department teacher and head swim coach Emily Dowd said. “That means each athlete has Photos by Isabel Atkinson to pay a certain amount (towards the use

of the pool). (In total) it costs $315 per athlete.” The price to swim has impacted a few athletes’ decisions to participate. “A few (swimmers) could not do it because of the price. It is not fair to students that want to participate in swimming and can’t afford it,” Dowd said. “You have to have some type of means to access a swimming pool, which cuts off a lot of people who could be excellent swimmers.” CCHS freshman Daily Diaz is one of those students. She hoped to participate in the swimming team, but with not enough time to raise the funds needed, she had no choice but to not join the team. “I told my parents about swimming late,” Diaz said. “When I told my parents, (they thought) it was a lot of money to get in a short amount of time, so I couldn’t swim.” Not being able to swim was unsettling to Diaz because of her great interest in the sport. “Swimming is one of my things; it’s one of my favorite sports,” Diaz said. “I was kind of mad that it was a lot of money for us to do it.” Despite the obstacles she faced this year, Diaz is motivated to work her way to becoming a CCHS swimmer next season. “Instead of asking my parents for a lot of things, I’ll have to reduce on some of the things I ask for,” Diaz said. “That way, my parents can have enough money to pay for (swimming) next year.” Although the swimming fees may limit the number of names on her roster, Dowd is accepting of the tight budget. “(Swimming) makes no money for the school. So I can’t complain about not getting a lot of money. It’s a smaller sport, so I understand,” Dowd said. Ward has placed each CCHS sport into a certain tier which determines the amount of money they

Show me the

Right: MONEY, MONEY, MONEY: Much of the Athletic department’s budget is used for extracurricular equipment. Items such as football helmets, softball uniforms, basketballs, soccer goals and pole vault sticks all cost major funds. However, some sports receive more money than others: “Football receives more because of their equipment; when a player is (on the field) on a Friday night, they probably have about $580 worth of equipment on,” CCHS athletic director Jon Ward said. “Whereas in cross country, the uniform costs only about $60.”

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Right: RACKING UP FUNDS: Clarke Central High School senior basketball player, Shaquita Mayfield, is helping her team in more ways than one. By advertising parking spots for a University of Georgia football game, she is building funds so there is available money to pay for needs the team may have. Fundraising supplements sports and is done in several ways. “There are different things that each sport does. Someone will sell coupon books one year, and there are also counter-traditional things that are done by each group,” CCHS Athletic Director Jon Ward said. Bottom Left: MAIN MAN: CCHS Athletic Director Jon Ward explains the process of implementing money to sports at CCHS. Ward oversees the budgeting process, as well as managing the department in areas of staffing, scheduling, implementation of athletic policy, and funding.

receive, depending on the costs associated with that sport and what they are able to give back to the school. Football is at the top of the list, and receives the most money. Basketball follows second in its own tier, and then baseball, wrestling, volleyball, track, and soccer are in the third tier. Cross country, tennis, swimming, and golf are in the last tier, and they receive the least amount of money. Regardless of the tier each sport is classified under, CCHS sports receive funding from the same sources. A portion of that funding is generated through booster clubs. A booster club is a group of parents and volunteers associated with each sport. Their purpose is to raise money for additional needs teams may have. “The booster club’s responsibility is to provide for wants: team t-shirts, snacks after races, sending kids to camp,” Ward said. “(Booster clubs) are going to make sure that our student-athletes’ wants are taken care of.” Corporate sponsors are local businesses that contribute to the athletic department and, in return, receive advertising from the school. The money from corporate sponsors has allowed Ward to be able to cover other athletic expenses. “(Sponsor money) has really supplemented our athletic revenues, so we have been able to upgrade uniforms and buy other equipment,” Ward said. In addition to the money generated through booster clubs and corporate sponsors, fundraising is used to raise money towards each sport. “At one point, volleyball sold Chick-fil-a chicken biscuits and cross country had a car wash,” CCHS Principal Dr. Robbie Hooker said. “(All teams) also park cars in the (school) parking lot for Georgia football games.”

The last major source of money for athletic needs comes from contributions members of the community are willing to donate. Every donor has a different reason to give. For the former owner of Bulldog Sporting Goods in Athens, Woody Chastain gave money in an attempt to reach out to the school and help student athletes. “I used to give about $2,000 a year (to the sports program),” Chastain said. “I felt good about helping the school to buy helmets, you know, pay for other expenses.” The CCHS football team’s run to the 4-AAAA state championship at the Georgia Dome provided for an additional source of revenue this year. Advancing to the playoff rounds means more money in the athletic department’s pocket; for each playoff game that is played, a check is written to the participating teams. “Once you reach the playoff stage, the games become property of the Georgia High School Association,” Ward said. “From that point on, 12% of the gross receipts are paid to the GHSA, and then all other expenses (referees, gate workers, etc.) are taken from that.” This money is split equally between the participating schools, win or lose. “Then, the remaining part is divided between the two schools that participate,” Ward said. “So whether you are the home team or the visiting team, you get an equal share.” Despite having additional funds available to the athletic department, Ward says CCHS will stick to its

original budget. “(Even with the extra money) we’ll hold to our budget,” Ward said. “That’s one problem we have as a society - you get a lot more money you spend more money. So, we’ll stay on the same budget that we started the year on.” With a round-the-clock drive to raise funds to support the sports at CCHS, Ward feels confident that the Gladiators will always be able to take the field comfortably. “No matter what we do, we’re going to make sure you’re in a nice uniform and that you travel well and that your needs are taken care of,” Ward said.

Pole vault stick

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Photo illustrations by F. Tyler Elrod

Softball uniform

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February 2010

Sports

Swimming his way back

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo by Kim Guzman

After a three-year break from swimming, freshman Patrick Humphreys returned to the sport he loves and has been making waves ever since.

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he sound of the buzzer reverberates through the chlorine-filled air as eight swimmers plunge into the pool. Within seconds, Clarke Central High School freshman swimmer Patrick Humphreys strokes past the rest, rediscovering himself underneath the bright lights. “Swimming is my passion. Both my brother and sister swam, but they were more into soccer than swimming,” Humphreys said. “For me, swimming was something that just stuck,” Humphreys said. After swimming recreationally with the Bishop Park Dolphins, a summer swim team, and the year-round Green Acres Turtles for seven years, Humphreys made the decision to walk away from the swimming pool and shift his focus on other things in his life during his middle school career. “I just needed a break. I still loved it, but I felt like I wanted to do something other than just swimming,” Humphreys said. After the three-year hiatus, Humphreys felt like something was missing from his life and felt the desire to start swimming again as an entering freshman. Humphreys joined the Athens Bulldog Swim Club, another year-round team, as well as the CCHS Swimming and Diving team for the 2009-10 season.

BY Lauren COrcino

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Senior Copy Editor

Top: RISING TO THE TOP: Clarke Central High School freshman swimmer Patrick Humphreys completes a lap during swim practice at the University of Georgia’s Ramsey Center. Top left: EYES ON THE PRIZE: After a sustained break from swimming, Humphreys returned to the pool to take the competition by storm during swim meets and practices. Bottom Left: MAKING WAVES: Humphreys’ determination to improve as a swimmer helps motivate his peers on the team to do the same.

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“The thing I love the most about swimming is seeing my improvement in each practice and each meet. A lot of the kids that I swim with are really good and that motivates me to work hard and keep up with them,” Humphreys said. Five days a week, Humphreys vigorously practices with the ABSC for two hours and swims with the CCHS swim team during meets and the occasional practices. Because he does not always practice with CCHS, Humphreys is not always able to interact with his teammates on a day-to-day basis. “Our swim meets usually last a few hours, sometimes the whole day. We have a chance to bond as a team in the meets, which is nice,” CCHS foreign language department teacher and Swimming and Diving head coach Emily Dowd said. “I think that at the beginning of the season, (Humphreys) probably felt a little bit of an outsider at first because he didn’t know everybody very well, but now I think that he is starting to feel like a part of the team.” As a freshman on the team, Humphreys prefers not to stand in the spotlight and encourages his teammates on in his soft-spoken, humble way. “He’s very quiet, actually. You can tell that he is serious about swimming and about the meets. He always seems to be very focused and I think that that rubs off on other people,” Dowd said. “He’s the type of person that is the quiet leader but leads by example.” Humphreys seeks to improve his leadership skills on the CCHS swim team and sees a future for himself in swimming, hoping to continue after high school. Although he had doubts about his sport in the past, Humphreys’ passion has never wavered. “I walked away from swimming once. I don’t ever want to walk away again,” Humphreys said.

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Sports

February 2010 The good of Garçon

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Grade: 11 Sport: Basketball Years experience: 13 GPA: 3.7 Game day rituals: Joking around and then getting focused, think of previous mistakes and how to capatilize them in next game. Personal motto: Hunt or be hunted. What teammates say: “He’s a good ball handler, shooter and passer. He is fundamentally sound, and to top it all off he’s vocally talented, he will definitely be a main contributor to the 2011 class next basketball season,” -- Gerald Whitefield, junior. What coaches say: -- Stephan Smith, assistant coach Best athletic achievement: Nominated “Most Improved” award freshman year basketball

Photo illustration by Alexander Boza Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Photo Illustrations by F. Tyler Elrod

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.

Cartoon by Katie Downs

Grade: 10 Sport: Cheerleading Years experience: 3 GPA: 3.6 Game day rituals: Listen to motivating music and stretching Personal Motto: When you fall, get back up and try again What teammates say: “She’s a very positive cheerleader. Whenever she messes up, she laughs about it. Now, even though we have old cheerleaders who were leaders on varsity, they still mess up, and she keeps going. She has it downpat. She’s just a very, very bright cheerleader.” -- Bianca Davis, senior What coaches say: “Kim is dedicated and tries very hard to make her moves perfect.” -- Sedaris Sharp, head coach Best athletic achievement: Mastering the back handspring

n Jan. 11, the world was shocked by news that the Caribbean nation Haiti had been hit by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Thirteen days later, the Indianapolis Colts defeated the New York Jets for the American Football Conference championship. Wide receiver Pierre Garçon led the team with 11 receptions and 153 yards, both career highs. The lasting impression, however, came when Garçon, who is of Haitian heritage, came on to the field bearing his native flag around his neck as a tribute to his friends and family in Haiti, some of whom were still missing. Garçon’s act wasn’t his first in recognition of his country. After the Colt’s playoff win against the Baltimore Ravens, he wore a Haitian cloth as a makeshift bandana during the post game conference to remind viewers that although he was addressing the media because of his athletic prowess, Haiti had played just as big a role as his physical ability in making him a star. Additionally, Garçon has agreed to sign memorabilia, including photos and footballs, to give those that make donations to Haiti through his website, www.garconauthentic.com. After witnessing the self-imposed downfall of the formerly scrupulous Tiger Wood’s and Gilbert Arenas’ of the Washington Wizards refusal to take responsibility for pulling a gun on a teammate, Garçon’s act of generosity was a refreshing reminder of how a sports icon should act. The fact that Garçon had the humility to defer attention from his best performances at the highest stage of his career to the struggles of his country made me an instant fan. So when the Colts and New Orleans Saints play Superbowl XLIV on Feb. 7, I won’t be rooting for any team. Instead I’ll have my eye on the man is playing for his country. Go, Garçon.

Above: SOFT HANDS, SOFT HEART: Pierre Garçon, a professional football player in the National Football League, has used his fame to bring attention to the turmoil in Haiti.

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Sports

The 13th man Even though his playing time as a member of the Clarke Central High School basketball team is limited, senior Jarvis Durham remains positive about his support role through the help of his teammates and coaches. by fakari gresham

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lthough he has played basketball for most of his life, Clarke Central High School senior Jarvis Durham rarely touches the court floor, unless laying the ball up in warm-ups. Nearly 13 years ago, Durham started his basketball career, playing basketball for the Boys & Girls Club Community Center. After wrapping up nearly eight years of recreation basketball, Durham continued his passion as an Owl at Clarke Middle School. Balancing both basketball and his homework, Durham would also find himself juggling the task of managing the CCHS boys’ varsity team in middle school. “One day I came to a game and I saw (assistant coach) Omar (Reid) and I asked him ‘Do y’all need any help?’ and he was like we can go talk to Coach (Billy) Wade and he said ‘yeah, you can help out.’ Every day since the seventh grade I would help out until I actually got to play,” Durham said. His volunteer job was straightforward; filling up

Sports Writer

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water bottles, keeping track of the balls, separating how far he has come. uniforms, cleaning out the locker room and going “There’s never been a time when I felt like quitto every practice, all for the satisfaction of being a ting. It only pushes me to go harder than what I did part of a team. Durham stuck with this job for four previously,” Durham said. years, including when he played “I love the basketball team. Without them it as a Gladiator would be kind of crazy coming to school, and on the freshman and junior varsity not doing anything. Plus the coaches have levels. always been there for me when I needed As a member on both teams, them.” Durham received -- JARVIS DURHAM, little playing time. He often Clarke Central High School senior got in at the end of a blow out game, to either play defense or play keep away from Most people are unaware of Durham’s dedicathe other team to wind the clock down. This year, tion when they arrive to the game to see him as a member of the varsity team, Durham plays a shaking his teammate’s hands at the end of the similar role. Although he’s rarely put into the game, tunnel for the starting lineup, or cheering on his his history with basketball serves to remind him teammates from the end of the bench. Durham

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

February 2010

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

Sports

February 2010

takes pride in everything he does pertaining to the basketball program, and it simply brings him satisfaction. “I love the basketball team. Without them it would be kind of crazy coming to school and not doing anything. Plus the coaches have always been there for me when I needed them. I just love being a part of the team, regardless of my playing time. I just like to see us win,” Durham said. In the past, he struggled with accepting the fact that he received little to no playing time. Compared to last year, he recognizes that his role is to play defense, cheer on his team and help motivate them. “What I like about him this year is he doesn’t get any time, but you never hear him complain about it. People try to say stuff to him and tell him that he needs to be in the game, but he never complains, he just grows. He knows his role on the team and I think that it’s a good thing that he can accept it,” assistant boys coach Stephan Smith said. This year however, with the successful play of the boys’ basketball team, Durham has touched the floor more often than he did last year. At the beginning of the year the boys varsity team won nine straight games, and out of those nine, Durham played in six of the games. The game’s were largely already over by the time Durham got in, but that playing time is still precious for him. “It feels good to play, but it really shows that (the) team is doing good and that’s the bigger picture,” Durham said. CCHS senior Taylor Layne, a varsity basketball member for three years, is very familiar with the push and drive of Durham. Layne noticed these characteristics in Durham after playing with him for six years. “He’s very trustworthy and dedicated. He’s also a good kid and a good friend to be around. He is a very hard worker and if he says he is going to do something he’s going to do it, rarely does he go back on his word,” Layne said. Even from the bench, Durham makes a positive impact on the team through his high spirits and willingness to cheer on his team. Although he does not get in, not one negative word is murmured from under his breath. His task is thoroughly carried out every day; respecting his role, and simply cheering on his teammates and helping them in whatever way he can. “My role on the team is to be the hype man. I enjoy cheering for the team, regardless of me getting in. If someone on the team is doing good I will cheer for them. And if they’re doing bad I will try to help correct their mistakes,” Durham said.

Top Left: EYES ON THE SIDELINE: Clarke Central High School senior Jarvis Durham patiently looks on his teammates playing against Madison County High School, hosted on Jan. 1, 2010. Durham enjoys being a part of the team, despite the little playing time he has received over the years. Top Right: GAMEDAY RITUAL: Seniors Jarvis Durham and Taylor Layne shake hands as the starting line-up is announced. Durham has consistently done this for two basketball seasons, and takes much pride in the job. Right Above: DEFENSE WINS GAMES: Durham practices a one on one defensive drill against junior Jevron Thomas. Defense is Durham’s best skill on the court, as well as his favorite part of the game. “He plays strong defense, and in practice he out-hustles everyone. Defensively, you have to tip your hat off to him,” assistant boys coach Stephan Smith said.

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