Volume Nine, Issue 2 - November 2011

R.E.M. DISBANDS AFTER A 31-YEAR CAREER

ODYSSEY

Volume 9 Issue 2 Nov. 2011 $3.00

Marlana Street : Excellence in teaching

Table of Contents

November 2011

Cover Story

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Photo by Carlo Nasisse

Clarke Central High School English department teacher Marlana Street was recognized as the CCHS Teacher of the Year during the 2010-11 school year. She was selected as a finalist with two other Clarke County School District teachers as the 2011 district-wide Teacher of the Year.

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Viewpoints

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It’s easy to find sagging pants on teenagers throughout the country. CCHS sophomore Austin DeFoor argues that the trend is unprofessional, while CCHS junior Kaehron Washington sees no harm in the popular style.

News

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The state of Georgia no longer requires its students to take the Georgia High School Graduation Test. Instead, student performance on End-of-Course Tests will have more weight on their final grade and graduation readiness.

Variety

When former Clarke Central High School band director Blake Gaines resigned from his position, the administrative staff searched for an experienced new leader. Current band director Dr. Robert Lawrence brought a wealth of musical knowledge to his position, and is in the process of revamping the program.

Sports

Left: MANGA MADNESS: The CCHS media center offers its readers the popular Japanese comic book genre, Manga.

Several students appreciate having access to the collection, including CCHS senior Tremaine Price. “To me, (it’s easier to understand Manga books) than other books because in other kinds of books you really can’t get the different expressions that they have in Manga books,” Price said.

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The Gladiator B-Team football team made history during the 2011 season. Finishing with a 6-1 record, the team secured the first-ever six win season by a CCHS B-Team in the school's 40-year history.

Cover photo by Carlo Nasisse Cover design by Caleb Hayes

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26 Photo by Carlo Nasisse

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Photo by Paola Hilario

Left: RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE: Clarke Central High School English department teacher Marlana Street instructs her World Literature class on Oct. 21. Street was recognized as a finalist for the 2011 district-wide Teacher of the Year.

Above: LIMITED ACCESS: The Athens-Clarke County Library is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to expand several areas throughout the facility. ACC Library Relations Specialist Rhiannon Eades wants the community to feel welcome during this transition. “The thing that we want everybody to know is that we are open. We’re still serving people’s needs in the library,” Eades said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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Staff

November 2011

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. 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.

Editor-in-Chief: Caleb Hayes Managing Editor: Emma Kissane Senior Copy Editor: Mollie Sherman Business Manager: Haley Hunt Public Relations Manager: Olivia Murphy Viewpoints Editor: Alexa Friedman News Editor: Chloe Hargrave Variety Editor: Hannah Dunn-Grandpre Sports Editor: Madison Jasiulevicius Photography Editor: Carlo Nasisse Graphics/Layout Manager: Caleb Hayes Web Master: Austin DeFoor Staff Writers: Jenny Alpaugh, Radford Brosius, Mary Winn Granum, Hannah Greenberg, Paola Hilario, Andre Mack-Robinson, Dory MacMillan, Porter McLeod, Raul Medrano, Dylan Reeves, Gabrielle Saupe, Madeliene Schmidt

R

ats, on average, focus their sleep in the daytime and rarely venture from hiding during the day.

Despite this nocturnal sleep cycle, I was surprised to find a small baby rat stuck to a glue trap under my instructor’s desk during Glad Time; the third rat I’ve personally seen in our school this semester.

The glue traps that our school has resorted to in order to rid us of our rat infestation is inhumane. The small adhesive strip will trap any critter that stumbles across it and keep it there until it dies of starvation or dehydration – a process that can take days.

The initial shock of spotting a rat in the classroom faded when a larger, more pertinent dilemma emerged -- this rat, unlike the previous ones I have encountered, was still alive, its chest rising and falling as he awaited certain death.

Ideas were shouted by the few students that were in the class until The initial shock of we ultimately decided to help the rat spotting a rat in the escape. As some students focused on transferring the rat outside of the classroom faded when school, others searched for olive or a larger, more pertinent cooking oil, which is known to reduce dilemma emerged – this the glue trap’s grip.

As we crowded around the immorat was still alive. bile rat outside, other students’ orders to kill the animal could be heard from open windows of nearby classrooms. As they chanted, the rat jerked its small body, trying to free itself from a tortuous and slow death.

With patience and precision, we poured the oil onto the rat’s right side. Its free leg kicked in desperation as it peeled its face off of its adhesive adversary.

The ferocity in which it shook itself proved its will to live, despite the obviously painful struggle.

After five minutes of twitching like a fish dying on dry land, the rat was free.

It gained balance and scurried to a corner outside of the brick building. I placed the only nearby snack, a fun-sized Butterfinger, in its area for it to munch on and realized that what I had once seen as a vermin infestation was now a powerless animal that was in need of help.

It cannot be denied that there is an issue with rats living in our school, eating the crumbs we leave behind and spreading an uneasy feeling in our classrooms.

However, our termination method is barbarous and leaves rodent corpses or dying rats for the students and faculty to find.

Killing off the rats with glue traps hasn’t shown a decrease in rodents and only adds to the problem. There has to be a better way.

Adviser: David A. Ragsdale Co-Adviser: Gillian R. Miller Online: www.odysseynewsmagazine.net

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

Cartoon by Caleb Hayes

Above: THE RAT RACE: Clarke Central High School students and staff are aware of the current infestation of rats in our building and there has been action to rid our school of rodents -- in the form of inhumane glue traps. Rodents stick to the traps until they die of starvation or dehydration, leaving behind carcasses for students or faculty to find.

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November 2011

Viewpoints

October 2011

On pg. 10, Eric Saavedra’s name was misspelled.

On pg. 13, Central Speaks, Janieria Dupree’s first name was misspelled.

On pg. 15, Kwanzaa Dunbar is a senior.

On pg. 19, in the photo caption, Jonathan Rogel’s first name was misspelled.

Above: Our readers critique the October 2011 issue.

Leaving fourth block 45 minutes early to participate in a pep rally, regardless of its lameness, was exciting. I enjoyed the spirit, but I had an issue with the disunity that ensued. In the article, “Pep rallies make a comeback,” faculty members are quoted as having thought “pep rallies would help build school unity.”

I loved cheering with the seniors, and did so whole-heartedly, but I was not a fan of the others’ collective booing. The affair seemed to foster individual grade unity, but very little school unity.

Though I enjoyed the outdoor environment, this lack of cohesion -- as well as the abundance of sweat -- would have been solved had the rally been held in the gym. Had they done so, the administration could have calmed down about security.

-- Eliza Rothstein, senior

The good, the bad and the Glad Time After reading the article “Clarke Central welcomes Glad Time,” I was left with some thoughts. Glad Time is very valuable to CCHS and to me. It gives me time to finish homework and study for tests and other assessments. One teacher was quoted in the article, “Since the students are allowed to choose (what they do during Glad Time), they’re more willing to attend, commit and try hard.”

I don’t think that is entirely true because if the students decide what classes they attend, they may not have the self-discipline to choose a class they need.

They may stay in their comfort zone and be with their friends. I think that this is really good for those who don’t have the time after school to receive help. I am also excited about the extra enrichment programs that will be available soon.

-- Hanleigh James, freshman

Gaga for Glad Time I read the article “Clarke Central welcomes Glad Time.” For me, Glad Time has been very beneficial. I have noticed that my grades have been gradually improving because of Glad time.

In my opinion, Glad Time is a good addition to our school schedule.

-- Kiara Mejia, junior

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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

Styled for success I read the News brief, “Students get suited.” I would like to say that I think Dress for Success Wednesdays is a very good idea. I enjoy dressing up myself and I have always heard of people doing dress for success to impress.

This new idea really does help with some people because it’s better than baggy clothes. It really helped me with my job.

-- Gorge Hulin, senior

Trashy situation I have seen the campus of Clarke Central High School filled with trash and littered with cans and bottles all over the place on some Saturdays. I think that University of Georgia students should give our property respect because we are letting them park in our parking lot on game days.

We, as CCHS students, should write letters to UGA letting them know that trashing our school is not right. They should learn to respect us and our school.

-- D’arrian Craft, sophomore

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 or e-mail letters to the address below or drop off at the main office, care of the ODYSSEY. Sincerely,

Caleb Hayes, Editor-in-Chief

GOT ISSUES?

E-mail us!

odyssey@clarke.k12.ga.us

Comment online! www.odysseynewsmagazine.net

Write to us!

Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, GA 30605 Phone: (706) 357-5200 Fax: (706) 3575269

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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

Photos by Alexa Friedman

Corrections/Omissions

Waiting on the full pep effect

November 2011

Thumbs

Letters to the editor If it’s not broken, don’t fix it I agree with the “Change for the worst” article.

The new cell phone policy is more difficult for teachers to enforce because many students misuse it. If you enjoy using your phones between classes, please don’t mess it up for everyone by using them during class. The administrators might take that privilege away.

Students smoking in the bathrooms is also a problem. Get this straight: smoking is not cool.

And you want to be cool, right? So don’t smoke.

Thanks for this article; it reveals what we can do to help everyone.

-- Brooke Martin, senior

Viewpoints

MANGA madness After receiving feedback from multiple students, the CCHS Media Center has expanded its collection of Japanese comics known as Manga to nearly 600 books. Now that’s a hu-Mangaous collection!

Seniors setting the example Seniors Kate Ruston and Tamara Jones emerged this season as the leaders of the varsity volleyball team. With Ruston, the vocal fireplug, and Jones, the quiet killer on the court, the Lady Gladiators made it to the state playoffs.

Turning the page Avid Bookshop on Prince Avenue will open its doors this month. With a communitybased focus and plans to host readings and guest speakers, there’s a new chapter in local business.

Street smart Veteran English teacher Marlana Street was named CCHS Teacher of the Year and was later named a Clarke County School District TOTY finalist— the first from CCHS in more than a decade.

Just email me From Edmodo for class assignments to being responsible for regularly checking our emails for important information, the use of technology seems like a good idea for organization in school. But for students without technological access, the idea loses its effect.

Everybody Hurts Athens-based rock band R.E.M. is “calling it a day” after 31 years. Fans may be left feeling an orange crush, but hopefully they won’t lose their religion.

Mirror, mirror on the wall Senior Olivia Murphy is through with self- and friendinduced lack of confidence.

Let’s follow her example and turn the frowns in our reflections into smiles.

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Our Take

t’s the end of the world as we know it…

During their 31 years together as a band, Athens-based R.E.M. strived to reach out to the community and provide assistance to causes that benefit the Athens-Clarke County area. “(The band members) like the town (of Athens) both for what it is now and for its potential (for) what it can be -- it can be even better. They want to do their part to see it get that way,” R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs said.

The band has worked to benefit local problems, such as historic preservation and quality of life issues. Their long-standing dedication to our city has even had a positive impact on the Clarke County School District. In their efforts to be a positive influence on the community, they have provided funding and books, as well as additional assistance and supplies to the CCSD. At CCHS alone, class sets of books have been provided for the English department, the orchestra program has been able to expand due to donated instruments and other programs for students have been funded, all thanks to contributions given by R.E.M. Though the majority of our student body might not be able to recite the lyrics of R.E.M.’s 1987 song, “It’s the End of the World As Our student body has become We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” accustomed to the band’s they have still been directly philanthropy to provide supaffected by R.E.M.’s generosity.

Our student body has become port for programs at Clarke accustomed to the band’s philanthropy to provide support Central High School. for programs at CCHS. As of Sept. 21, 2011, their collective benevolence came to a close as the band announced that they were parting ways. With the end of R.E.M.’s career together comes the end of the group’s gifts to the CCSD. Even though they were never required to donate to the schools in our district, their kindness has become the norm, and we’re now left to find someone new to fill that gap.

It will be hard to make up for the loss of R.E.M., but the group has already provided for our schools far beyond the expectations of any one set of people to give to the CCSD. It’s important to remember how much they have given us and to appreciate all of the help we have received throughout the years.

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.

Above: TALK ABOUT THE PASSION: Throughout the years, the Clarke County School District has benefitted from support and funding provided by R.E.M., thanks to the band’s dedication to the Athens community. Band members (from left) Billy Berry, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills were all UGA students when they formed the group in 1980.

Photos courtesy of Bertis Downs

Access denied As technology advances and schoolwork is increasingly administered through computer interface, those without access to home computers, Internet or email are left behind their classmates.

-- Compiled by Viewpoints staff

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November 2011

Viewpoints

Taking a good look

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

November 2011

Learning the hard way

Join the club

Limited access to technology at home puts an unnecessary strain on Clarke Central High School students and leaves some at a disadvantage.

While being multiracial may mean facing adversity at times, having a complex background is a blessing.

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’ll email you the notes. Print them out and we’ll go over them tomorrow.

This has become one of many common commands that Clarke Central High School students are given at the end of a class. For some, it’s a convenient way to get out of copying the notes down themselves. For others in the class, however, it’s their downfall -without a way to follow those instructions, they’re stuck.

Students cannot be expected to have perpetual access to the

BY MARY WINN GRANUM Internet or a printer. CCHS is a public school that represents a wide Viewpoints Writer range of socio-economic statuses. Not all students can go home to type and print an assignment, nor are they necessarily able to find transportation to a library to do their homework without prior notice.

It is not acceptable when a teacher ends a class by saying, “Check your email for your homework tonight,” or by asking the students to check the answers to their work on the classroom networking website Edmodo.

Our school has become an environment where printers and Internet access are expected to be standard school supplies like pens and notebooks. However, unlike these school essentials, access to technology -- even for school purposes -- is difficult for some to attain and can’t be lent out or found on sale next to economy-sized packages of toilet paper.

If a student doesn’t have a computer to use at home, he/she has to find a way to get to the public library or be able to reach the CCHS media center as soon as it opens, the limited hours of which often do not even allow enough time to do the assignment.

Even when a student can find the transportation to use a computer, it is too common of a practice for teachers to assign work via electronic means. Whether the source is email, a blog or Edmodo, it should be the teacher’s responsibility to fully inform his or her students of the assignment in class, rather than depending on a computer to relay the information.

Similarly, it is unreasonable for students to be expected to print out notes or worksheets prior to class time. While teachers do have a severely restricted printing limit for the school year, their students should not be penalized as a result. CCHS students are given only 10 prints per week, which sometimes is not enough to sustain a student for the whole week, especially those without means to print at home.

Although some teachers may argue that a lack of access has no effect on a student’s performance in a class, it actually puts the student at a disadvantage from the start.

If a fact needs to be checked for an essay, a simple Google search is out of the question if there isn’t a computer available. Then, once that fact is checked, the teacher might require the essay to be typed, further directing the student out of his or her way. The student either has to find even more time to spend away from home before the due date or turn the paper in late and let the grade suffer for it.

The use of technology has made many students’ lives more convenient, but there are still some who are unable to meet the demands of a technology-heavy education. They are left behind and forced to face the consequences, not due to a personal flaw or lack of work ethic, but due to circumstance.

Cartoon by William Kissane

Graphic by Alexa Friedman

When I moved from Syracuse, NY, to Athens, Ga. to start sixth grade at Clarke Middle School, the taunting didn’t stop. The new friends I hung around liked to make fun of my clothes, even when I knew they weren’t trying to hurt my feelings on purpose.

I once owned a pair of black and pink Nike sneakers that were my favorite. They were a gift from my oldest sister Camille for my thirteenth birthday and I used to wear them all the time in school.

However, one day, one of my friends commented on a scuff mark that was on them and called them “biscuits,” which was his way of saying they looked too worn out for a 13-year-old to wear.

Afterwards, I put my favorite shoes right back into their box-- if that was what my friend felt about my shoes, what would the rest of the school say about them?

Even as a high school student, friends still think it’s okay to make remarks about another friend’s wardrobe. Most fail to realize that their comments can ruin your whole perception of how you see yourself when they comment on the pimples on your face or the new hairdo you wanted to try out.

As I’ve grown and more accepting of my appearance, I’ve come to the realization that the people close to you can hurt you the most, even when they don’t entirely mean to.

Cartoon by William Kissane t all began Sometimes the small material things society insists in elementary you own aren’t the things that make you special. It’s your personality and atschool. The idea of trying titude about yourself that is more important than your image. to keep a certain image around my A new shirt or new pair of heels may make me look good, but nowhere on classmates was a big deal to me. the tag does it mention that it will brighten my personality or make me feel Every day before school, my mother would pick out an outfit that she extra special. thought would look good on and appropriate for me. When she wasn’t looking, Out of all things that makes a person feel good about who they are, compliI would stuff it right back into my dresser and ments are what make the biggest difference. Even though it was pick another outfit to wear, usually an outfit a while ago, I always remember the first that I figured would impress a boy I liked at time someone told me that I had a pretty the time. smile -- I had never noticed it myself.

By the age of 10, growing up as the youngMy father has always given me advice est of three sisters, trying to be “cool” had with words of wisdom that usually find a become all I could think about. If a group of way to go over my head. However, there students were wearing pairs of Nike shoes, has only been one expression that sticks they would look down at my scratched pair with me when I take a look at myself in the of Sketchers and simply laugh. On occasion, mirror every morning before I go to school: a rude remark would follow their laughter Monkey see, Monkey do. The monkey and I would walk away with a touch of red doesn’t have to be you. showing in my cheeks.

While they laughed and taunted me about my appearance, none of them Above: THREE-FACED: Though a cool shirt noticed that their comments made me feel or a new pair of shoes can make you look good, self-conscious -- I always said that I was your attitude is more important than your fine, when I really wasn’t. Sometimes I appearance. found myself sitting in front of the mirror Poem by Olivia Murphy wondering why I hated my appearance in the first place.

Photo illustration by Alexa Friedman

Viewpoints

What is your ethnicity? [Mark one circle] Russian German

Japanese Native American

Portuguese Brazilian

French Peruvian Other

Polish

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n seventh grade I encountered a road block during standardized testing.

While reading the categories of ethnicity, I found myself staring at the blank boxes that needed checking.

I raised my hand, not sure which race to pick.

BY MADELIENE SCHMIDT The teacher approached me Viewpoints Writer with a sigh and asked me what the problem was. I explained to her that I am not just white, I am Ecuadorian. With indifference she told me to just put white. When she told me this, I felt as if she was questioning my own ethnicity which made tears swell up.

When I entered Clarke Central High School, I had no idea there was a club for girls who are multiracial. However during freshman year, I discovered Color 2 Color, a club which is for girls who have a mixed background. I this club we share our experiences as racially diverse teens.

When I was at the first Color 2 Color meeting, I fell in love with the environment and how excited they were to see me. I was another girl who was just like them.

After my success with Color 2 Color, I joined UNIDOS at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. UNIDOS is for Hispanic students who want to learn about other cultures, as well about our own heritages.

Being in these two clubs has helped me figure out who I am and has made me curious about my culture. Seeing them with a smile plastered on their faces as they express how their grandma makes the best empañadas or how happy they are to be who they are. These two clubs has inspired me to the fullest.

Through my club participation, I discovered just how many things make me who I am. I am Russian, German, Portuguese, Brazilian, Polish, Japanese, Native American, French and Peruvian.

I have pride in my voice when I say that I am happy about what makes me who I am.

Above: WHERE DO I FIT IN?: As a multiracial student in a system based on clear classification, it can be a relief to find others with similarly diverse backgrounds.

Right: GOING WIRELESS: Without the electronic means to do their assignments, students are forced to face the consequences of being unable to meet class demands.

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November 2011

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November 2011

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“(I’m thankful for) my family because they’ve always been there for me, through thick and thin and until the end.”

-- Jakira Burgess, senior

“I just moved here from Minnesota, and I’m thankful for the warm weather.”

-- Luke Skobba, junior “(I’m thankful) for good health and strength because with it, I have the ability to make life better for me.”

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eorgia recently joined the ranks of states that ban undocumented students from public universities with the Board of Regents approval of policy 4.1.6.

Although states may perceive an abundance of good reasons for such bans, I am not convinced that it is the route to take when dealing with immigration.

Legality is not subjective; laws regarding citizenship and immigration must apply to everyone in order to be effective. But who suffers? Is it just students who aren’t allowed to benefit from a college education or did Georgia miss out on something -- like the contributions they could make to the university or even to the welfare of the United States?

My initial reaction to this law was, “Why do I care?” Outrage followed quickly, and my feelings finally subsided into weary bitterness. Although at first I nourished a deep resentment for the way that the students who could not provide documentation were told to get out of the way for the real citizens, I found myself sinking more and more into resignation.

How, really, is this different from any other behavior that has been shown towards immigrants, legal or not, in the United States?

Of course, supporters and underpaid immigrant workers argue that ‘undocumented’ isn’t synonymous with ‘illegal,’ but the end result is still the same: they can no longer attend public Universities. People in favor of the law say that the rest of us are here legally, and that spot in school belongs to us.

It’s no secret that the solution resists simplicity, but I believe that the potential benefits of the United States becoming a hub for learning and growth all around the world outweighs the cost of allowing everyone to attend public universities. Legality is not subjective, but this case raises the question: should it be?

-- Leroy Owens, security

Cartoon by William Kissane

Question of the month

What are you thankful for this season?

“I’m thankful for my friends because they support me in any situation.”

-- Christian Medrano, freshman

“I’m most thankful for my mom because I love her.

She does everything for me, and without her I wouldn’t be here right now.”

--Jacy Mattox, junior

Above: YOU SHALL NOT PASS: After the Board of Regents approved of policy 4.1.6., students will not be able to attend public universities without providing proof of residency. This restriction not only harms the undocumented, hopeful scholars from receiving an education but also eliminates the impact that they might have on their prospective schools.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Capturing a culture

Photo by Carlo Nasisse

Explorations of culture can move beyond the textbook or classroom discussion, sometimes it takes a total cultural immersion.

T

he rhythmic beating from of drums stationed on the back of a moving pickup truck bounce off the corroded cobblestone streets and pastel colored walls of San Miguel

BY CARLO NASISSE De Allende, Mexico.

Photography Editor Over fifty Chicimecan natives follow on foot, adorned in feathers and traditional garb. They chant and strum small guitars in honor of a fallen leader. Most of them pass by me, ignoring my clicking camera, until a man I later learned to call Luis takes me by the hand and leads me into the three-mile procession towards the cemetery.

On this day, I shared an experience with a group of people of a different language and culture that still resonates with me. That tribe allowed me to stay with them throughout the entire funeral, dur-

ing which they celebrated the life of their former leader. The women had tears in their eyes, and the men’s lips were drawn and solemn. Their pain and fears were palpable and infectious.

This particular day did not change my life or how I look at the world, but it was one of many experiences that have allowed me to deepen my appreciation of the lives of others.

I saw in the natives’ expression the same fear of loss, the sorrow it brings and how all humans and I have felt.

Luis and I developed a close friendship during the next three months I spent in San Miguel. With his companionship, I continued to take photos of the Chicimicans and other Mexican celebrations and I developed my Spanish to the point at which I could hold a conversation and laugh at a joke.

This experience led me to question how I was interacting with all social and cultural aspects of humanity.

The Chicimecans inspired me but I did not know how to channel that inspiration. I realized that

the only reason I was allowed to participate in the funeral was because I was documenting a part of the Chicimecans’ life. Unconsciously, I had become a storyteller.

Since this revelation, I have developed my position as a documenter in my community and in all of my travels. I see now that it is intrinsic in all humans to capture and share moments.

For me, it supports my fascination with human beings of different cultures. It allows me to interact with people on an intimate level and to gain insight into their lives that I can then communicate to others.

This lifestyle is enabling and gratifying. Through it I am able to explore my own beliefs in conjunction with those of others.

Above: HONORING A LEADER: A member of the the Chicimecan tribe lowers his head in honor of his fallen leader as he passes through the gates of a cemetery in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. The Chicimecan funeral procession lasted for hours and involved traditional music, food and dancing.

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November 2011

Viewpoints

Viewpoints

November 2011

C entral SpeakS

Bustin’ slack, or just whack?

Each generation creates its own fashion faux pas, but the twenty-first century comes with a controversial new trend.

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BY KAEHRON WASHINGTON Guest Writer

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hen walking the halls of Clarke Central High School, plaid boxers that peek above drooping pants are a frequent sight as students waddle down the hallway. It’s a trend that is becoming more popular each day.

According to a 2007 New York Times article, "Sagging, the act of allowing your pants to rest below your waistline, originated in correctional facilities across the US and was popularized by

BY AUSTIN DEFOOR hip-hop stars and rappers in the '90s." Since then, Web Master it has become a common and troubling trend among teens due to its imposition on public exposure laws.

One city in south Ga. made national news when it enacted a law forbidding those with poor pants proportion.

On Nov. 23, 2010, Albany Ga. implemented a law banning the wearing of any shorts, pants or skirts more than three inches below the waist line. Offenders are fined $25 for their first sag, increasing gradually to $200 for being caught multiple times. According to the Albany Herald’s Sept. 23 issue, it has made the city almost $4,000 in only 10 months.

You could buy a pair of pants that actually fit for that much money.

If Athens, a town with a population size similar to Albany, was to implement a similar law, it would give a boost to the local economy and, hopefully, begin to reduce the amount of repeat offenders around the city.

CCHS has made small advancements towards this issue, implementing Dress for Success Wednesdays to encourage students to wear professional attire to stand apart from their skin-showing peers. Though this only occurs once each week, students should still make an effort to maintain this attitude. Students always seem to always wear belts, but only at mid-thigh where their pants are.

Some will argue that banning sagging pants is unconstitutional and a violation of First Amendment rights. It is right, however, for the government to become involved when a person’s self expression violates a law. This law, being public indecency, states that the intentional exposure of one’s self in a place where exposure of such is against the generally accepted standards of decency. Saggy pants clearly fall under this category.

“General” Larry Platt had the right idea when he sang in a season nine American Idol audition, “Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the Ground.”

Photo by Gabrielle Saupe Photo illustration by Austin DeFoor

L

ife as a high school basketball coach’s son hasn’t always been easy. I practically grew up in the basketball gym at Clarke Central High School.

I’ve experienced many great things traveling around and accompanying my mom, Coach Carla Johnson, or Jo Jo as her players sometimes call her, to places many kids dream they

BY MARIO JOHNSON could go.

Guest Writer I’ve been on multiple scouting trips, basketball camps in other states -- where I’ve stayed in hotels or dorms and eat until I’m sick -- taken a front row seat in all the championship .

I’ve met a lot of important people through my mom, from other high school and college coaches to doctors and NFL football players. From my perspective, it seems as if she knows everyone in and out of Athens, Ga., or at least they seem to know her.

As much fun as my life is and has been not having the average life of a student it isn’t always easy. Being everywhere my mom is while also managing my life can be tiring and hectic.

You can imagine doing your homework in the gym or on game nights late at night if it’s not already past midnight. In school the next day, there may be a project here or there, sometimes I wonder how my mom, my two

Above: HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: As the son of Clarke Central High School’s girls basketball head coach Carla Johnson, senior Mario Johnson grew up in the CCHS gym, watching his mom and developing a shared love of the game.

W

hen the opportunity comes up during the summer break, my family and I travel to Guanajuato, Mexico to visit my grandfather. When I visit him, we stay in the city where everything is happening.

The last time I visited Mexico was about a year ago.

I would spend time with my family or just take a walk around the old city with friends, but the main thing

BY JESUS MARTINEZ Guest Writer I would do is spend a lot of time with my grandfather, who always played his old guitar that he fixed by himself.

I already knew how to play the guitar well enough to know what he was doing, but while I was there, he taught me some things I didn’t even know I could do.

I would listen to him play a song once, and then we would play the whole song together.

He was surprised by what I was playing, so he gave me a very old electric guitar that he kept in a box. He said he never used it, but he told me it was the guitar that belonged to my uncle who was in a band that was starting to get big, but he left for America and never returned.

Now, I own this very old, Japanese guitar that I didn’t even know existed.

Photo courtesy of Jesus Martinez

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

brothers and I have managed it.

I believe my mom’s a miracle worker, she’s helped us grow to be healthy, stayed on us about our education and has built a highly successful basketball program.

I owe my basketball intellect, love of the sport, my academic attitude and my attitude towards the value of an education to my mom. I never seem to sit still, something interesting is always happening in my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Jesus strikes a chord.

Center: PANTS ON THE GROUND: Of the 388 Clarke Central High School students polled, the majority agreed that letting your pants sag is inappropriate, but that hasn’t stopped the practice from becoming a widespread trend.

-- 388 students polled on Oct. 17, 2011 at Clarke Central High School

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It runs in the family.

Cartoon by Raul Medrano

t seems like every adult asks, “Why do kids sag their pants?” They ask us, “What makes you sag your pants?” But to us, it’s cool or easier to just wake up in the morning not thinking to pull your pants up.

It’s true, 99 percent of the time, kids sag their pants because it’s a trend in most high schools. Someone could see it on TV, copy it and bring it to school, which leads kids to follow what they see someone else doing.

Coming from personal experience, my parents always ask me why I sag my pants. Personally, I just tell them that’s how I dress. I don’t wake up in the morning thinking to myself “Hey, I need to pull my pants up.”

No one does that.

I don’t see anything wrong with sagging jeans. Adults may say things like, “You’ll never be able to get a job wearing your pants like that.”

I know that if I wear my pants down low, there’s a possibility that I won’t be able to get a job. But that’s when common sense kicks in and says “OK, I really need this job, so let me do everything in my power to look presentable so I can get the job.”

Sagging is not a bad thing and it’s not hurting anyone, so there is no reason to change the way we dress and the way we look for others.

It’s true that some kids in school feel that wearing pants down low is not right and they may think that you shouldn’t do it. But kids who sag their pants aren’t different from kids who don’t.

We are all the same inside and out.

Just because we may wear our pants in a certain way doesn’t make us a thug or a killer.

We shouldn’t have to change how we wear our clothes or how we dress for other people. What may seem bad to you may not seem bad to us.

You can’t knock what other people do just because you think it’s not right.

Left: PICKING UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF: Clarke Central High School junior Jesus Martinez develops a bond with his grandfather (right) by playing the guitar together during his visits to Mexico.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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November 2011

Photo courtesy of International Club

Are you ready? Photo illustration by Porter McLeod To provide support for scholarship essays and preparation for college, Scholarship Club is offered for students at Clarke Central High School. Members of the club who were present on Oct. 13 included juniors Chris Isbell and Brianna Williams and seniors Bria Colbert, Sonia Kishasha, Shaquira McGrath,

Living the Young Life Young Life is a Christian-based organization focused on “introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and to help students build relationships within the religion,” according to www.younglife. org.

The Clarke Central High School Young Life chapter meets every Monday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bulldog Tire, located at 2525 Atlanta Highway. Meetings are also known as “Club,” during which they participate in games, songs and discussions.

Each year, Young Life takes a weekend trip to SharpTop Cove in Jasper, Ga. This year’s trip will take place on Feb. 10-12, 2012.

The cost is $180, which includes food, lodging and transportation. “( Young Life) is a great place for people to come try something new or come to a more relaxed environment. It’s a great place for anybody to come enjoy good music, fun skits and great people,” CCHS junior Jack Elliot-Gower said.

Academic on a roll

On Nov. 14 the Clarke Central High School varsity Academic Bowl team will compete in the Region Championship at Morgan County High School in Madison, Ga. The team competes in six regular season matches, including region games from which the top three teams will continue on to compete at the State Championship at Grady High School in Atlanta.

“We have a very strong team this year and I am seeing good things to come,” CCHS social studies department teacher Drew Wheeler said.

The team meets every Monday morning at 7:30 in Wheeler’s room for practice.

The team consists of juniors Chloe Alexander, Sophie Chen, Matthew Dellaria, Katie Googe, Julia MacMillan, Ansuman Mishra and Melody Wauke and seniors Sean Corley, Evan English, Winn Granum, Theo Kipreos, Maria Orlando, Sabrina PartridgeMcNeil and Blaine Wooten.

Top: BUZZING IN: Clarke Central High School juniors Melody Wauke (left) and Katie Googe (right) faced Madison County High School on Oct. 10 at CCHS. “(The score was) kind of close for a while but then we regained,” junior Melody Wauke said.

Center: INTERNATIONAL LOVE: Clarke Central High School’s International club raises money to sponsor Jamel Belir, a child currently living in the Philippines.

Photo by Porter McLeod

String theory

T

Above: HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES: Clarke Central High School sophomore Baylor Ward is an AYS musician who performed on Nov. 6 at University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson Hall.

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he Athens Youth Symphony is a local organization that offers student musicians the opportunity to play in an orchestra outside of school.

Conducted by Director Karl Schab, AYS is comprised of students from sixth to twelfth grade who reside in Northeast Georgia.

“I wanted to become a better musician and experience playing in an orchestral symphony, which AYS offers,” Clarke Central High School sophomore Baylor Ward said.

Members include CCHS freshmen Tomislav Zabcic-Matic and Eliot Zapata; sophomores

November 2011 Photo by Carlo Nasisse

Funding a future Clarke Central High School’s International Club is raising money for Jamel Belir, a child who is currently living in the Philippines. “(Children International is) an international orphanage program (that) we send money to and then they send it out (to Jamel), because we adopted a child in order to pay for school, some clothes -- just to help his family out,” CCHS junior Ariel Santillan said.

To sponsor Jamel, the International Club organizes bake sales and other events. To date, International Club has raised $250 for Jamel, but plans to raise $750.

“We usually (send) him (gifts). ( We include) fun things because he is a little boy. He needs to have fun,” CCHS junior Grace Byrne said.

Rose Murphy, Jasmine Norton and Juwan Rogers.

CCHS Scholarship Club was founded during the 2010-11 school year. The sponsors of the club are counselor Toawondia Underwood and counseling office receptionist Jaime Bonds. “(Scholarship club) started to offer (students) resources to learn how to look for scholarships,” Bonds said. “To let (students) know what the scholarship organizations expect from them, as far as community service projects and essays. (During Scholarship Club, students) learn how to write essays and make themselves marketable.”

News

Photo by Porter McLeod

News briefs

News

Charlie Harris, Alanna Pierce and Ward; juniors Sophie Chen and Melody Wauke and seniors Elizabeth Garibay, Winn Granum, Charlotte Greenberg and Joyce Lu. Rehearsals are every Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church located at 185 East Hancock Ave, which has provided practice space since AYS was founded in 2001.

AYS performs two concerts every year at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall.

--Compiled by the News Staff

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

The Manga movement

Left: JOINING THE MOVEMENT: Clarke Central High School senior Tremaine Price reads a Manga book in the CCHS Media Center.

Price feels there is a Manga series for everyone. “(Manga is) action, comedy (and) drama; it’s everything combined,” Price said. “There are so many different types of stories and storylines."

Clarke Central High School’s Media Center now offers a larger collection of Manga books to meet readers’ requests.

BY HANNAH GREENBERG News Writer

A

kira, Bleach and Wild Ones are among the many series Clarke Central High School’s Media Center offers in its Manga collection, a section of the library expanded during the 201011 school year due to its popularity.

Manga, meaning “comic” in Japanese, are illustrated books that originated in Japan after World War II. In several genres, they are often published in multiple volumes. Manga books are read from right to left and include elaborate illustrations. “(Manga) opens up a whole new world of culture because it comes from a different country,” sophomore Samantha DeLoye said.

The Media Center has added to its Manga collection since Media Specialist Lindy Weaver joined CCHS five years ago. Last year, Weaver and recently retired Media Specialist Nancy Crew invested money into the Japanese comics and placed an order for 213 new Manga books.

“We will mostly go on student recommendations (when deciding which books to purchase),” Weaver said. “We continue the series that we already have and we also ask (the media specialist at) Cedar (Shoals High School) if there is something that we can buy.”

The Media Center hosted a Manga preview party on Jan. 26, 2011. Manga fans, as well as students unfamiliar with the genre, had an opportunity to examine the collection.

“We have different people who read Manga and if one gets to know another, they can get together,” senior Lorenzo Robertson said.

The media specialists now provide readers with 546 Manga books on the library’s shelves, which makes up 5.3 percent of their book collection. Students say they appreciate the growth of the Manga section. “(Before the expansion) I was anxious to figure out what happens next in the stories, and during my time of waiting and constant anticipation, I finally got my wish of being able to read what happens next,” Robertson said.

Apart from the Japanese Manga books, the Media Center also offers American books published in Mangastyle.

“The Circus Freak series by Darren Shan and the Alex Rider series (have been released in Manga-style),” Weaver said. “People are using (Manga) as a second vehicle to re-release their book publications.”

As the fall semester draws to its close, only replacement volumes for damaged or lost Manga books have been purchased. However, there are hopes of placing another order after all teacherrequested books have been secured. “(Manga is) not just for (students) who read at a low level or that read at a high level -- everybody seems to like it,” Weaver said.

Photo illustration by Chloe Hargrave Photo by Robert Lee Neeley III

Above: STOCKING UP: During the 2010-11 school year Clarke Central High School’s Media Specialists placed an order for 213 new Manga books as they had grow popular among CCHS students. “(We ordered new Manga books) because our (readers) wanted them so badly, and they’re the most highly circulated books in our library,” CCHS Media Specialist Lindy Weaver said.

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November 2011

News

Photos by Carlo Nasisse

Above: WORD ON THE STREET: Clarke Central High School English department teacher Marlana Street was recognized for her unique teaching skills on Aug. 22 as a district-wide finalist for Teacher of the Year. Students such as junior Haven Bell believe she has the appropriate characteristics in order to be nominated for TOTY. “You have teachers that just come to work and they don’t really enjoy it. I believe she loves her job. She cares about her job (and) she cares about us as individuals,” Bell said.

Appreciation for education English department teacher Marlana Street was recently nominated for Clarke County School District’s Teacher of the Year.

I

n recognition of her unique teaching skills, Clarke Central High School English department teacher Marlana Street was nominated for the Clarke County School District level of the Teacher of the Year award. “(Street) goes above and beyond. She cares about her job and she cares about us as individuals. She doesn’t just care about (student progress), she cares that the students actually understand,” junior Haven Bell, a student in Street’s Multicultural Literature class, said.

Street was awarded the CCHS school-level of the TOTY award during the 2010-11 school year. She then completed the application process to become a finalist for the Clarke County School District TOTY title, which includes multiple essays on the topics of teaching.

“The three teachers with the (best score) on the ranking sheet are the three district finalists. Once the finalists are selected, the selection committee goes to their school to observe and interview those teachers,” CCSD Director of Safety and Risk Management and Recruitment and Retention for the School

BY CHLOE HARGRAVE

News Editor

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District and TOTY judge Eric Keese said.

When deciding who is awarded with TOTY, judges such as Keese look at strong teaching characteristics in nominees. In order to be nominated, Street does more than completing the required standards.

“The committee looks at interactions within the classroom, answers to interview questions, ability to represent CCSD in the state and (the) overall effect (the teacher has) on being a positive influence in the lives of children,” Keese said.

In order for teachers to be nominated for the award, they must fulfill requirements. Teachers must have taught within the school district for at least two years, but also have taught for at least four years in all.

“The candidate for school-level Teacher of the Year should be: an exceptional, dedicated and knowledgeable; skilled teacher who is planning to continue in active teaching status; a teacher who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn,” according to the CCSD TOTY: School-Level Process document, found on the CCSD website.

Out of the three nominations, one teacher is nominated

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

News

November 2011

from an elementary school, middle school and high school. Teachers nominated this year were Barrow Elementary School teacher Jan Mullins, Clarke Middle School math department teacher Janet Wilkins and Street.

Street’s 11 years of experience aid her in making personal connections with her students in order to reach them in an effective way.

“I think I’m open with my students. I try to be engaging and I try to show them I care,” Street said.

Street encourages her students in the classroom while also making connections with parents.

“I’ve had parents (talk) to me (about) her caring spirit (and) her willingness to go the extra mile. She’s willing to work with (students) and she’s not scared to call parents when she’s concerned about her students,” CCHS Principal Dr. Robbie Hooker said.

Above: GRACIOUS RECIPIENT: Clarke Central High School English department teacher Marlana Street was awarded on Oct. Mullins, WiIlkins and Street 7 as a finalist in the district level of Teacher of the Year. For the first time in over a decade, a CCHS teacher has become a finalist for this level. “I’m very proud of Ms. Street. It’s a great representation not only (of) the school but our English department as were honored at an Oct. 7 lunwell,” Hooker said. cheon sponsored by the CCSD as finalists for the district-level TOTY award. After each candidate was recognized for their service to the school district by the district. and its students, Wilkins was named the 2011 “I’m very proud of Ms. Street. This has been the TOTY. first time in over a decade when we’ve had a finalist “I wanted to bring (the TOTY award) home in (the running). It’s a great representation not for the people who the public doesn’t know and only (of ) the school but our English department doesn’t see. I as well,” Hooker was disappointsaid. ed because I did “I think I’m open with my students. I try to While honored want to bring it by her acknowlbe engaging and I try to show them I care.” home for them,” edgement, Street Street said. feels that many Street’s -- MARLANA STREET, teachers within selection to the English department teacher the CCSD are fit finalist round to be nominated was a point of for the TOTY award and that her nomination not pride for her mentor and senior literature teacher at only represents her as an individual, but the school Cedar Shoals High School, Beth Tatum. Tatum also as a whole. observed Street teaching her multicultural literature “There are so many incredible teachers in this class as member of the judging committee. building; any number of them could have won this “The day we observed Marlana teach was the award.

I don’t know anyone who works as hard as first time I’ve ever seen her in front of a classroom. some of these teachers and in this district,” Street She is caring and committed to students. The day I said.

“If I’m representing them in any way, then observed her teach, I was so proud that she teaches that’s a huge honor.” in our school district,” Tatum said.

Hooker was also pleased by Street’s recognition

Right: STANDING STRONG: At the Clarke County School District Teacher of the Year award luncheon on Oct. 1, finalists Barrow Elementary School teacher Jan Mullins, Clarke Middle School teacher Janet Wilkins and Clarke Central High School English department teacher Marlana Street were awarded for the district level of TOTY. Although all three were considered finalists, Wilkins was given the district-wide TOTY award. “It didn’t hurt my feelings or anything. I wasn’t upset when I was lost. My students have told me (Wilkins is) a great math teacher and I just felt so honored to be in (the same company). So it didn’t hurt my feelings,” Street said.

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November 2011

News

News

November 2011

Do you agree with the decision to end the Georgia High School Graduation Test?

Poll by Dory Macmillan Infographic by Caleb Hayes

News Writer

Graduation without the test The Georgia High School Graduation Test has been a longtime factor in a student’s ability to graduate. Starting in the 2011-12 school year, the test is no longer a determining factor.

Photo by Carlo Nasisse

Featured page: SHRED THE TEST: Starting the 2011-12 school year, the GHSGT has ended at CCHS. “(The GHSGT) completely disrupted spring semester.

We basically lose a week of legitimate instruction just for them to take the test, and that’s not counting the extra time it takes doing test preparation work, which is deadly boring stuff,” CCHS English department teacher Ian Altman said.

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

After the change

-Students must pass all five sections of the GHSGT to obtain a diploma

-Students must pass the writing portion of the GHSGT to graduate

-EOCTs are worth 15 percent of a students final grade

-EOCTs are worth 20 percent of a students final grade

-- 300 students polled on Oct. 18, 2011

T

he beginning of spring might have various meanings for different people: Standard Aptitude Testing, prom, college anxiety. In years past, there has been one event that has affected all juniors -- the Georgia High School Graduation Test. Starting this year, the GHSGT will not be given at Clarke Central High School.

“We have to have a way of proving to ourselves (and) our community that (our) students have mastered material and that they are deserving of a diploma,” CCHS Associate Principal Mary Thielman said. “That’s where the (GHSGT) came into place.”

The GHSGTs are a series of tests given over the course of one week, consisting of math, English and science.

BY DORY MACMILLAN

Before the change

Above: TO TEST, OR NOT TO TEST: A poll at CCHS recently showed that 78 percent of students agree with the decision to end the GHSGT, while 22 percent do not agree. “I think that (I) would rather take the graduation test than having to pass all of my EOCTs,” CCHS senior Torey Gartrell said.

2011-12 school year.

The EOCTs will remain at 15 percent of a student’s final grade for students in grades 10 through 12. However, after the change has been implemented, the EOCT will count for 20 percent in the Clarke County School District, affecting this year's freshman.

“I think a lot of people are going to fail (classes) because it’s 20 percent. It shouldn’t be that high,” CCHS Senior Torey Gartrell said. “I don’t think that one test should determine if you pass or fail a class.”

Many teachers support the decision to end the graduation testing. CCHS science "I don't think that one test department teacher Buddy Sims, has experience should determine if you pass in teaching both on-level courses and Advanced Placement biology. or fail a class."

“I’ve been an advocate of getting rid of the -- TOREY GARTRELL, graduation test for a long time. I think we just Clarke Central High School senior test kids too much,” Sims said.

After more than a decade of discussion at the local and state levels, the Georgia Department of Education has mandated that the GHSGT would The writing portion of the GHSGT is end. It was decided that the GHSGT was not a fair administered annually in September and is the method of testing students. only portion of the test that will still be given and “It got to be this big discussion,” CCHS Associate will affect a student’s ability to graduate.

Principal Mary Thielman said. “Is it fair to give “The student’s ability to ultimately graduate is students a test (based on) material (that) they not only dependent in their performance in the covered two years ago?” coursework (but also) high stakes test that are While some might argue that the gap between there,” Thielman said. instruction and assessment is too lengthy to be fair, The End of Course Test has taken the place of others think that the concepts are basic enoughto the GHSGT and will be implemented during the

test over. CCHS math department teacher Eric McCullough believes that students learn concepts in math that they utilize every year. “(Students can take a test and say) ‘I did see this, and maybe I can figure out what I did,’” McCullough said.

Since students no longer rely on GHSGT scores, teachers have also considered how it will affect graduation rates.

“I’m certain it will improve graduation rates: I can’t see how it would not help graduation rates.

No doubt about it,” Sims said.

Some teachers also consider multiple-choice testing ineffective, and that it gets in the way of everyday teaching.

“Honestly, I’m happy when any standardized test goes away,” CCHS English department teacher Ian Altman said. “So whenever any standardized test is removed, it allows teachers to do what we need to do without the interference of someone at the (Georgia Department of Education) who has never been to a classroom.”

Like Altman, Sims appreciates the removal of GHSGTs but is uncertain whether any multiplechoice test is the most accurate method in assessing whether students have met required standards.

“I’m glad (the GHSGT) gone. We have enough tests. The EOCT is at least a more update way to test knowledge, because it’s (taken) at the end of the course,” Sims said. “(However), I’m still not sure that multiple-choice is the best way to evaluate student knowledge.”

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November 2011

Variety

Cultural Buzz Photos by Radford Brosius

Neighborhoods, Blink-182 Blink-182, a pop-punk band from San Diego, broke up in 2005 at the height of their success. Millions of fans worldwide were devastated by the break-up, but blink-182 reunited in 2009 and has finally released their new album, Neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods reached No. 1 on the top albums list on iTunes and is still high on the list. A lot of buzz surrounded the band prior to the release of Neighborhoods and fans were not disappointed.

Fans are excited about the new sound, but the album is a little different from what they’re are used to. You can tell that the band has matured over the past four years and blink-182 is experimenting with new sounds and styles.

Neighborhoods introduces a new, refreshing style of music. The band explored synthesizers and vocal effects on the album, displayed in songs such as “Up All Night” and “Fighting the Gravity.” The lyrics also went into deeper themes, demonstrated in “Natives.”

However, underneath all these sounds and ideas, there is still that classic, recognizable, catchy sound that helped make blink-182 who they are today. Neighborhoods is a great album. Go buy it.

-- Loran Posey, Guest Writer

Music

Movies

Books

Torches, Foster the People

Lion King 3-D, Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

Bossypants, Tina Fey

“Helena Beat,” my favorite song of them all, starts the album Torches

by Foster the People released on May 23.

Prior to buying their CD I was yet another fan who had only heard “Pumped up Kicks”, another song on the album, and craved more.

After listening first on Spotify, I insisted on going out and buying my own copy.

Making trips to Walmart and Target, I finally found the CD, which cost me $10, and I haven’t stopped listening to the perfect riding-in-the-car music yet. By far, this band and album are my all time favorites, due to a similar sound to other bands such as Passion Pit and Phoenix.

The tracks on the album consist of “Helena Beat,” “Pumped Up Kicks,” “Call It What You Want,” “Color On The Walls (Don’t Stop),” “Waste,” “I Would Do Anything For You,” “Houdini,” “Life on the Nickel,” “Miss You” and “Warrant.” Critics gave this album three to four-and-a-half stars in ratings.

After putting the CD in my car, I immediately started listening and I have not stopped since then.

I have not gotten tired of their music and I do not think I ever will.

Directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff created The Lion King in 1994. It tells the story of a lion cub prince, Simba (Matthew Broderick) who runs away from home when he is tricked into thinking that he is to blame for the death of his father and lion king, Mufasa ( James Earl Jones).

Having seen this classic Disney film many times as a child, it was a nostalgic experience for me to see it on the big screen in three-dimension. To the displeasure of the rest of the audience in the theater, I was moved to sing along to the songs “Circle of Life,” “Can you feel the love tonight” and, admittedly, the entire soundtrack.

The three-dimensional aspect of the Lion King made the film more theatrical and exciting.

However, I wish it hadn’t cost me $12 to experience it. I left the theater with the songs in my head, memories of my childhood in my heart and an empty wallet.

As a huge fan of 30 Rock, Mean Girls and anything involving Tina Fey, I was ecstatic to read her autobiography, Bossypants.

The book is composed of a hilarious string of anecdotes ranging from her childhood, when she was improvising in Chicago with Amy Poehler her time with Saturday Night Live to getting 30 Rock started and juggling her work life with being a wife and mother.

There’s no question that Fey is absolutely hilarious and Bossypants only confirms that belief.

Before the first chapter was over, I found myself laughing out loud at both the pictures and stories included in the book.

One part of the book that was also interesting was the insight offered into Fey’s life. I never would’ve known that at the same time as her infamous imitations of Sarah Palin on SNL in 2008, she was also busy with her daughter’s birthday and trying to convince Oprah to be on her show.

Bossypants proves that Fey is not only hilarious, but able to handle anything thrown her way.

--Chloe Hargrave, News Editor

-- Alexa Friedman, Viewpoints Editor

-- Hannah Dunn-Grandpre, Variety Editor

Variety

November 2011

TV Shows

Miscellaneous

The Office Season 8, NBC

Crackle Overcoat nail polish, Sally Hansen

Dearblankpleaseblank.com

In the first seven seasons of The Office, an American adaptation of the famed BBC mockumentary of the same name, the show has accumulated three Emmy awards, two Screen Actor’s Guild awards and a loving fan base.

Set in Scranton, Penn., the show had grown in popularity by its second season due to slick writing, comedic timing and overall hilarity. The show is filmed to look like a single-camera documentary that follows the antics of the hardly working Dundler-Miflin, Inc. Paper Company office staff.

Unfortunately, when it was announced that the show’s star, Steve Carell (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Despicable Me), was permanently leaving the cast at the end of Season 7, the show was put at risk of losing positive ratings.

The majority of the humor revolved around Michael Scott (Carell), the caring, but hopelessly unproductive manager of the cast and a pivotal member of the show’s dynamic. When he decided to leave the show, the replacement manager position was as unknown as the future of the show.

The Season 8 premiere, which aired on Sept. 22, revealed that office accountant Andy Bernard (Ed Helms of The Hangover), was the new manager. In the first couple episodes of the season, it was evident that the laughs will be scarce without Carell.

The show is still worth watching, but has definitely taken a hit after losing its best cast member.

“Create a unique crackle effect on each of your nails,” promised Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat nail polish when my sister and I shelled out $7.25 for the shade distressed denim. When we got home, we painted a base coat on our nails and patiently waited for the polish to dry, eager to show our new crackle nail polish.

We painted my sister’s nails first and waited for the promised crackle effect. Nothing was happening, not even one crack was visible on her newly painted nails. We read the directions -- maybe we were doing something wrong.

“Apply one thin or thick coat of Crackle Overcoat (depending on the desired effect) over any Sally Hansen Nail color,” the packaging explicitly stated.

This time we tried the overcoat on my nails. It did crackle a little, but my nails did not look anything close to what we had anticipated.

Besides the fact that it did not work, the Crackle Overcoat was also very clumpy, which is not a desirable quality in any type of nail polish.

I do not recommend this nail polish unless the “desired effect” is nails that look like they were painted by a 3-year-old child.

During a week I spent sick at home, I discovered my newest addiction: reading dearblankpleaseblank.com.

Dear Blank, Please Blank is a website where visitors can post funny, quirky and clever notes about anything and to anyone they choose. Each submis- Graphic by H. Dunn-Grandpre sion is about as long as a Tweet on Twitter and has the format of a short letter, starting “Dear …” and ending “Sincerely, ....”

Though the “Please” part of Dear Blank, Please Blank has been disregarded recently and there are very few that have actual requests, the notes are all cute and hilarious. Without fail, each page is filled with comical gems, such as “Dear Cat, Sorry for hoisting you into the air whenever ‘The Circle of Life’ plays. Sincerely, a Lion King enthusiast.”

To be published on the site, each post has to be voted onto the main page by visitors to the site. Once the submission is added, readers can vote the posts into different categories, add comments or share them on social networking sites.

This website has quickly and easily become my favorite way to procrastinate.

If you’re looking for a new way to pass the time and add some humor to your day, you’ve definitely found it.

--Caleb Hayes, Editor-in-Chief

-- Jenny Alpaugh, Sports Writer

-- Mary Winn Granum, Viewpoints Writer

Dormtainment.com A new social media comedy group has stepped into the scene. Dormtainment.com, based in Atlanta, is a new, hilarious college-aged group of comedians. Providing blogs, music and video skits to entertain viewers is what they excel in. They guarantee a laugh out of viewer in every video and their motto is "Creative. College. Comedy."

The group is composed of six college students: Amanuel Richards, Jerome Rome, Michael Anthony, Tay Dier and siblings Cameron and Chaz Miller. Many members have alter egos. For example, Richards’s alter ego is Jerome Hanson, a host for Dateline NBC. Rome’s is a hoodlum who says “shawty” repeatedly. Members of the group either attend Georgia State University or the Art Institute of Atlanta.

Recently the group was featured in the Oct. 5 issue of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and on Fox 5 News for a viral video “Straight Outta Dunwoody.” Receiving close to 100,000 views in a week, the group released their first mixtape, “We’re Not Rappers, But We Rap” in 2010 and are working on a current mixtape to release by the end of 2011. Their goal is to host their own television show.

Personally, I’m a huge fan. I can’t wait to see the future plans and new videos uploaded online at Dormtainment.com every Sunday at 7 p.m.

-- Andre Mack-Robinson, Sports Writer

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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November 2011

Variety

Remembering the beat

Photos courtesy of Bertis Downs

Local Athens band, R.E.M., broke up on Sept. 21, 31 years after forming while they were all students at the University of Georgia together.

BY HANNAH DUNN-GRANDPRE Variety Editor

A

fter 31 years, more than 200 songs and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, native Athens band R.E.M. officially parted ways on Sept. 21, 2011.

The band, which formed in 1980, consisted of drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and singer Michael Stipe and played new wave.

The band members met when they were all attending the University of Georgia together. Stipe was an art major at the time and became friends with Buck as well as Mills and Berry, who were already friends from their hometown of Macon. They also met the man who would become the manager of R.E.M., Bertis Downs, at UGA. Downs was in law school at the time. All five have continued living in Athens since. “(R.E.M. was) young when they started -- early twenties, still in college, no expectations, no particular career plan, no huge obligations,” Downs said. “They weren’t worried about being in a hurry.

What they were worried about was being a good band and writing good songs.”

R.E.M released their first extended play, Chronic Town, in 1982. After it was released, they signed

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with International Record Syndicate records and released their first album, Murmur, the following year. Murmur was later named Rolling Stone’s album of the year for 1983.

“I think people love (R.E.M.) so much because their music is great and their lyrics mean something. (They’re) not wordless songs about love that make no sense,” daughter of Bertis Downs, Clarke Central High School freshman Addie Downs said.

“Michael (Stipe) is a lyrics master. He knows how to word it with it sounding totally professional and their songs inspire. They’re really amazing.”

During the following years, R.E.M. passed several milestones. In 1987 they made their first music video, “Succumbs.” Their 1988 album, Document, was their first to sell one million copies. In 1988, after their I.R.S. contract expired, R.E.M. signed with Warner Brothers Records that same year.

“They had some time to grow into their job, to be good at what they do. It was a real blessing that their first record or two (wasn’t) massively big because it would’ve been a lot for them to live up to, and who knows if (the band) would’ve lasted as long as it did,” Downs said.

In 1991, “Losing my Religion” from Out of Time

was released. The album was considered to be a turning point for the band. “(“Losing my Religion”) was a big song, still is, it’s one of the songs they’re most known for in their whole career. But, they’d been going 11 years by then and it was their seventh album and they’d had an EP before that.”

The following year, Automatic for the People was released. The album’s title is an homage to Athens restaurant Weaver D’s, whose owner, Dexter Weaver, greets customers with his slogan: automatic for the people. With this album, R.E.M. became even more popular with three songs in the top 40: “Drive,” “Everybody Hurts” and “Man on the Moon.”

“They’re a band that I love, that I always hold dear to my musical education that I went through (during) high school. As CDs were first coming out, they were some of the first (I bought), and I looked to buy (one) each time they had a new one come out,” CCHS social studies department teacher Drew Wheeler said.

In 1995, R.E.M. went on tour with their album, Monster. While on tour, Berry had a brain aneurysm

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

November 2011

on stage in Switzerland. Two years later he made as “calling it a day” and included comments from special,” Downs said. “I think their very first benefit the decision to leave the band, but only if Buck, was in 1984. It was for a local environmental group. each band member about what R.E.M. meant to Mills and Stipe were to continue. them and what went into deciding to end their They’ve just always tried to be on the right side of R.E.M. resumed work on the album, Up, that band after 31 years together. those issues.” they’d been working “We have always been a band in the truest on before Berry left sense of the word. Brothers who truly love, “(R.E.M. was) young when they started. They and respect, and it released in each other. We feel kind of like 1998. Sales for this weren’t worried about being in a hurry. What pioneers in this -- there’s no disharmony here, album were not no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We’ve they were worried about was being a good as strong as their made this decision together, amicably and with previous albums. each other’s best interests at heart. The time just band and writing good songs.”

Throughout the right,” Mills said in R.E.M.’s announcement -- Bertis Downs, feels early 2000s, R.E.M. of their break up on www.remhq.com. released several former manager of R.E.M. Even as R.E.M.’s momentum slows down, albums with higher fans still have something to look forward to. On worldwide sales Nov. 15, the band will release their Greatest Hits than domestic ones including Reveal and New album. There will be a listening party of the album R.E.M. has also contributed a great deal to the Adventures in Hi-fi. on Nov. 14 at the 40 Watt, located at 285 W. Washpublic schools in Athens.

Yet in Sept. 2006, R.E.M. was inducted into the ington St. There will be a number of special aspects “R.E.M. has been good to the Clarke County Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In the same month to the party, including an auction.

School District, (they have) given them stipends they were also nominated to be in the Rock and “The auction’s going to be super special because here and there for different organizations. When I Roll Hall of Fame. All four members of the original we’re not holding anything back because it’s the was principal at (Burney-Harris Lyons) on several band were inducted in New York City. last one,” Downs said. occasions they donated money. We’ve received In spite of worldwide success, the band still Even as the 31-year-old Athens band comes to funds from them (at CCHS), as well,” Principal, Dr. called Athens home. an end, they will leave a lasting effect locally and Robbie Hooker said. “They’ve been very supportive “Athens is a wonderful town to live in, especially globally. of public schools.” when you have such a hectic life of touring all the “(R.E.M.’s) singles are going to be played on the Although the band maintained its status as a time,” Downs said. “Part of the deal of being in a radio for as long as we continue to listen to music local Athens icon, signs of the band’s deterioration band is you’re going to have to travel a lot. So when surfaced as early as 2008. from the ‘90s era. They’re going to be remembered you’re not traveling it’s nice to live in a place that’s for what they did. They will not be forgotten by any “(It was) certainly something they talked about not so hectic. If you live in New York (City) or (Los means,” Wheeler said. for a while. They talked about it as long ago as the Angeles), when’s the time off?” last tour, which was a couple years ago,” Downs Because Athens is so important to the band, said. “It was certainly not taken lightly, it was not Opposite page: CALLING IT A DAY: R.E.M. band they’ve wanted to help improve the town by donata decision like somebody woke up one day and members (from left) Mike Mills, Michael Stipe and ing to different causes and organizations. said, ‘OK, that’s it, let’s issue a press release.’ It was Peter Buck announced the band's breakup on their “R.E.M. (members have) tried to be positive website www.remhq.com on Sept. 21. Bottom left: definitely a very well thought out, well considered MEET THE BAND: R.E.M. Buck, Bill Berry, Stipe influences on things like historic preservation decision.” and Mills pose for a publicity shot for their 1994 issues, quality of life issues: what makes neighborR.E.M. announced their breakup on their webalbum, Monster, which sold nearly 3 million copies. hoods special, what makes Downtown (Athens) site, www.remhq.com. They referred to the decision Bottom right: A LOCAL LEGACY: R.E.M. poses for a publicity shot for their album Out of Time, which sold 4.2 million copies.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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Variety

Variety

November 2011

Photo by Gabrielle Saupe

Photo by Carlo Nasisse

November 2011

ABOVE: COMING SOON: With the grand opening on Oct. 21, Avid Bookshop owner Janet Geddis has received community support. “We aren’t even opened yet, and

most people in the neighborhood know about us. We’ve had people just show up,” Geddis said.

An avid beginning

D

isconnected literature lovers and writers will finally have a place to bond. Avid Bookshop, located at 493 Prince Ave., caters to both areas of interest.

“There are a lot of readers in Athens, but they always don’t know what is happening with other readers and other writers,” Avid Bookshop owner Janet Geddis said. “They are totally disconnected from each other and so we hope that having an independent bookstore in town that sells new

Variety Writer

Geddis’s path to opening Avid did not start with books will be able to serve as a host for those a degree in business. Instead, she experimented people and bring them together.” before finding the right fit.

Avid is an independent, community-based book “I’ve done a little bit of everything,” Geddis said. store focused on providing what the people of Athens are interested in reading.

Geddis will market Avid “I’ve been able to combine all the things as a place for readers to discuss interests and book I love... it’s a little bit surreal and it’s so selections. wonderful.”

“We want to be like a community center,” Geddis --JANET GEDDIS, said. “We’d like to be a Owner of Avid Bookstore hub for a lot of events.

We already have a lot of events. We aren’t even “I have an undergraduate degree in English and opened yet, and most people in the neighborhood American Literature. I moved to Athens in 2004 and know about us. We’ve had people just show up.” earned my M.E.d in Gifted and Creative Education Avid began online at avidbookshop. to focus on creative theory, so I’m officially trained theretailerplace.com in 2010. Although the website to be a teacher.” sells books, video games, movies and music, the Geddis was a teacher for some time, but was not store will only sell books. Whether online or at the satsified. She feels she has found her calling in her brick and mortar location, the philosophy behind new venture.

Avid Bookshop is to supply what readers want.

“I have this great job where I can be out in the “Depending on what people buy, I will stock community,” Geddis said. “I can talk about books more of what’s selling well and take down what’s all the time and I’ve been able to combine all the not,” Geddis said. things I love, that I’m really good at, into one thing The Prince Ave. location will feature a large collection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s and, it’s a little bit surreal and it’s so wonderful.” books, as well as a growing section of books related to musicians and other artists.

LEFT: NEW BEGINNINGS: Janet Geddis, owner of Avid Bookshop, has high hopes for her newstore. She is preparing Avid by organizing the books on the shelves as she anticipates what kind of readers walk through the doors of her new shop. “I’m just going to see who ends up coming in -- it might not be at all what I’m expecting,” Geddis said.

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photos by Carlo Nasisse

The Clarke Central High School step team displays an activity that requires the participants to be bold and structured.

T

he sound of stomping feet and clapping hands echoed throughout the room. The Clarke Central High School step team lined the front of the Miller Jordan Food Court with large smiles, structure and rhythm.

As soon as I noticed the succinct movements and rhythmic beats of the steppers, I knew that I was out of my comfort zone.

Step dancing emphasizes intricate steps and is sometimes characterized by limited movement of the torso and arms. Originating back to the Antebellum period, stepping was used by slaves to preserve their cultural heritage and to relay messages to one another. Step dancing continues to rise in popularity in the United States and has remained a significant part of African-American heritage.

I am a member of the CCHS varsity cross-country, swimming and track and field team. I also compete in jumping and dressage events with my horse, Roxie. My sports experience generally consists of individual effort that does not require a great amount of coordination or teamwork.

In contrast, step requires a great amount of collaboration. The cadence and succinct movements that step dancing demands require communication, practice and coordination between each team member.

As I began communicating with the steppers, sophomore stepper Jakenna Evans, an experienced participant on the CCHS Step Team, told me she was willing to teach me some beginner step moves. I took my place next to Evans and we began to move.

Evans mentioned that the CCHS Step Team classifies themselves as Greek Steppers; they consider themselves as a high school step team that portrays the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority step team. AKA is an international sorority that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908 by African-American college-educated women.

Evans also explained the importance of being confident, maintaining good grades and always showing a big smile for the crowd.

As Evans began teaching me the novice movements, she corrected my hands -- “Fingers together, and thumbs in.” The first routine I attempted to learn was exceptionally basic, but I lacked the coordination and flow steppers possess. At many points I found that I was laughing at myself.

I simply had none of the rhythm, beat or sass a stepper displays. Although I gained respect for the steppers and the way they make the difficult routines look so smooth, I discerned the fact that I simply do not have what it takes to be a CCHS Stepper.

BY GABRIELLE SAUPE

Avid Bookshop, located at 493 Prince Ave., has a community-oriented feel and aims to give readers and writers what they want -- a forum.

BY RAUL MEDRANO

Stepping into new shoes Photography Staff

As soon as I noticed the succinct movements and rhythmic beats of the steppers, I knew that I was out of my comfort zone.

Above: STEP UP: Clarke Central High School sophomore Gabrielle Saupe is forced out of her comfort zone and learns a step routine from sophomore and CCHS stepper Jakenna Evans. Left: EVERYBODY ONE, TWO STEP: Saupe attempts a step move demonstated by Evans CCHS stepper Jakeena Evans (right).

Photo illustrations by Caleb Hayes

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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November 2011

Variety

UNDER CONSTRUCTION Renovating the Athens-Clarke County Library

Photo by Carlo Nasisse

Photo courtesy of Rhiannon Eades

A $10,215,240 renovation plan is currently underway at the AthensClarke County Library, located on 2025 Baxter Street.

Above: A NEW LOOK: An artist’s version of the finished libraryfeatures the 20,000 square-foot expansion of the front and right side of the building. The artwork is available on the Athens-Clarke County Library website, along with blueprints for the project.

Right: IN TRANSITION: An Athens-Clarke County Library patron works despite the current construction impairments. During the 20-month renovation and expansion project, the library will stay open with limited access to certain areas of the building. "Everything is kind of topsy turvy, but the thing to remember is that we’re going to be open throughout the whole thing and we’re here for people’s needs," ACCL Library PR Specialist Rhiannon Eades said.

Variety

November 2011

T

he Athens-Clarke County “The thing Library, located at 2025 that we want everyBaxter Street, began a body to know is that we are 20-month renovation project in May 2011 to increase space available to patrons and open. We’re still serving people’s needs in the library,” Eades said. “And update technology. for students, we’re all about homework The project is currently in Phase II of a help as well as recreation reading and we’re three-phase construction plan, costing a total of still offering some of our teen programs.” $10,215,240. The library’s expansion and renovaWhile the programs sponsored by the library -tion is funded by $8,215,240 in Special-Purpose including book clubs, computer classes and movie Local-Option Sales Tax 2005 money and a library showings -- are currently limited due to construcconstruction grant from the state of Georgia worth tion, student access to both computers and books the remaining $2,000,000. has not been hindered.

The existing 63,000-square-foot building is pro“The public services that they offer are amazing. jected to increase by 20,000 square-feet to better There are services that they provide that we cannot suit space needs for programs and classes. In addiprovide because we are a school. They have access tion to the extension of the front and right section to other books and can stay open later,” Clarke Cenof the building, the interior space of the library will tral High School Media Specialist Lindy Weaver said. be completely renovated. “(Students) need access to computers and book “It’s going to be completely different on the resources and a quiet place to study. For a lot of inside,” Athens-Clarke Country Library Public Relaour students, (their) home is not that place.” tions Specialist Rhiannon Eades said. “The space As the library is being modified, certain sections is going to be organized better to accommodate and areas of the building as well as numerous library spaces as they are today.” programs have been either moved around, shut off The principal changes are an update and expanor limited. sion of the children’s area, the addition of a 300-seat “People will always come to the library but meeting space having the ability to be split into people’s needs and their idea of what they three separate rooms and a are going to get at a library is always going to 2,000 square-foot addition to the constantly growing change. Our space will be better organized to genealogy and local hisreflect what people need at a library.” tory resource, the Heritage Room.

-- RHIANNON EADES, According to Eades, the Athens-Clarke County Library PR Specialist 20-year-old building no longer met all the necessities of Regular visitor Barbara Megahee believes that the its patrons. A growing need for more technological finished product will be worth the current confuinfrastructure played a major factor in the decision sion and restrictions. for the library’s renovation.

“It hasn’t been bad. I think they’ve done a great “People will always come to the library but job of trying to make things flow well for folks. The people’s needs and their idea of what they are staff is doing a great job and I don’t feel greatly going to get at a library is always going to change. inconvenienced,” Megahee said. “Actually, I’m really Now people are very interested in technology,” excited that they could come up with the money to Eades said. “Our space will be better organized to do this, because in these particular times a lot of reflect what people need at a library.” (projects) like this get pushed aside.”

To fulfill these desires, the completed library The faculty at the library appreciates its patrons’ will have several new computers available with the understanding, according to Eades, and they are guarantee of hi-speed wireless Internet throughout looking forward to the benefits of having a newly the building. To ease the process of borrowing books, self-checkout kiosks and automated check-in renovated facility.

“I think it’s been an adjustment for everybody. services are being ordered.

Everyone is trying to figure out where to go,” “Now when you return a book to the library, Eades. “Thankfully, I haven’t heard any comsomebody from the circulation staff has to physiplaints. I think everybody knows what the big cally check it in,” Eades said. “With the automated picture is and everybody is excited about what materials handling system, they won’t have to do we’ll have in about a year-and-a-half.” that. It will be all electronic and simple.”

BY CALEB HAYES Editor-in-Chief

Although the construction is not projected to be finished until around December 2012, the library will remain open throughout the entire process.

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo courtesy of Athens-Clarke County Library

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Sports

November 2011

Lawrence and the evolution of

sound

Clarke Central High School band director Robert Lawrence joined the fine arts department in August 2009. Since then, he has taken steps to reshape the band program.

W

STORY BY MOLLIE SHERMAN

PHOTOS BY CARLO NASISSE

Senior Copy Editor

Photography Editor

hen former Clarke Central High School band director Blake Gaines resigned from his position in spring 2009, the program’s future was uncertain.

The high-energy, crowd-pleasing marching band under Gaines’ direction featured 77 high school participants in the official 2009 CCHS Gladius Yearbook. Gaines’ resignation sentenced these students to an offseason until CCHS principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker found a new director.

CCHS fine arts department chair Anthony Rucker was a member of Hooker’s hiring committee during the job search. “(The committee was) looking for an experienced band director. We could not have a band director without a number of years of experience,” Rucker said. “We also needed a band director who relates well with kids.”

Meanwhile, recent American Conservatory of Music graduate and current CCHS band director, Robert Lawrence, had made his way to Athens, Ga. after a five-year tenure, first as the Assistant Band Director and later as the Coordinator of the Music Department, at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C. “I wasn’t feeling South Carolina anymore,” Lawrence said. “It wasn’t me. A friend told me about a job opening (at CCHS) and so I sent in an inquiry.”

While sifting through multiple applications, Hooker was impressed both with Lawrence’s vast number of experiences and his notable accomplishments.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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Photos by Carlo Nasisse

Sports

Previous page: LEADER OF THE BAND: Clarke Central High School band director Dr. Robert Lawrence leads his fourth block concert band students on Oct. 21.

Lawrence took his position at CCHS in August 2009 and has worked to change the style of the band since. “Dogs bark, birds fly, fish swim and bands play. The first thing a band does is play. And I wasn’t getting that (before I came to CCHS). I wanted to change that,” Lawrence said. Above: MARCHING TO A NEW DRUM: Clarke Central High School junior Markel Smith plays the sousaphone at the CCHS versus Loganville High School football game on Sept. 30. Smith is a second year band member and has developed his skills under CCHS band director Robert Lawrence. “I’ve improved a lot from when I first blew into the instrument to now when I can hold up a big instrument and play,” Smith said.

“One of the things that stood out for me for Dr. Lawrence (was) that he had taken a middle school band to Carnegie Hall (in New York City),” Hooker said. “He had traveled a great deal – he had (taught

taught music at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe American High School in Mons, Belgium for two years.

After returning to the U.S., he gained teaching experience in Colorado as a middle and high “It might’ve been tough my first semesband ter, but this is where I’m supposed to be. I school director. In 1992, he relocated know that now.” with his wife and --DR. ROBERT LAWRENCE, three children to Clarke Central High School band director Coffee County, Ga. Since then, he has further at) the college level as well. If you talked to anyone extended his resume as a band director throughout who’s in the band business in the state of Georgia the southeast. and other surrounding places, his name is wellLawrence accepted the position as director at known. He’s respected in the band community.”

CCHS in August 2009. Upon his arrival, he immediLawrence’s experiences span the world. He ately began to gauge the pieces left by the previous graduated from Troy State University in Troy, director.

Ala. with a bachelor’s degree in 1979 and as the “When I came (to CCHS), I automatically and university’s first African-American drum major. He instinctively knew there were changes that needed received his master’s the following year. Lawrence to be made, especially from a musical standpoint. served in the U.S. Army as a paralegal and also The first thing a band does is play and I wasn’t get-

30

ting that,” Lawrence said. “It was all marching band or nothing and some of our students were having a hard time reading music, so I started on a campaign to change that.”

CCHS senior India Hawkins experienced the direction of Gaines during her freshman year and Lawrence during her sophomore year, and noticed a shift in focus when Lawrence took the reins. “(Under Gaines’ direction), the band was a lot more about being loud than being good. There was no emphasis on reading music – people could not read music at all,” Hawkins said. “Almost everyone played by ear. There was no theory.”

Lawrence’s campaign wasn’t accepted by a number of students who had grown accustomed to Gaines’ instruction. Some could not grasp new concepts or an alternative mindset.

“Dr. Lawrence came in and initially there was a lot of backlash; no one wanted him there. The old band kids were like, ‘We don’t want to do this,’” Hawkins said. “(Lawrence) is really into discipline and really into theory and music. This was completely different than Gaines. A lot of people quit because it was just too hard for them.”

Some students retaliated with negative behavior.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Lawrence expressed no tolerance for such problems and began to filter his roster.

“Some of my kids I inherited thought they could tell me what to do (and they were) very unruly. The tail is not going to wag this dog,” Lawrence said.

“We’re going to have discipline. You’re not going to come into my classroom and tell me what I’m going to do. That was a necessary divorce. With that divorce came a divorce of such mentality like that. The rest of the kids who wanted to listen and wanted to learn stayed.”

Lawrence’s initial expectations extended past reading and behavioral standards. He hoped his students would be able to broaden their horizons through attending music festivals in Georgia and the surrounding area.

“We went to the Georgia Music Education’s Association Large Group Performance Evaluation my second semester, something Clarke Central hadn’t been to in about 10 years,” Lawrence said.

“Our kids just need to be exposed. And in that band arena, that was their first taste of being exposed.

The more we did it, the more they understood it.

They loved it.”

Another major concept Lawrence implemented in his students was a shift in mindset about the comparison of the concert band versus the marching band.

“The concert band is ‘the’ band – everything else comes from the concert band. There are more people in the (concert band) class than there are on the field, and that’s okay. When people are saying, ‘What happened to the band?’ it’s not a matter of what happened to the band – the band program is probably stronger than it’s been in over a decade.

November 2011 You can’t judge it by its numbers.”

As a band member since his freshman year and the current co-drum major for the marching band, CCHS senior Eder Villegas is in a position to lead and unite the students, regardless of numbers. “( When Lawrence came) it was all new. People were learning how to march (Lawrence’s) way and it was really hard to get into the transition,” Villegas said. “But we got through it. Even though we lost half our people, we stuck together as a family.”

Despite initial criticism and a negative public perception, Hooker acknowledges the time necessary to build a successful program and reputation and foresees a positive impact by the band.

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you there wasn’t any (backlash). But that happens in any change that takes place. Some people are resistant to change,” Hooker said. “(Lawrence) understood that when he came in and he was prepared for it. I can tell you he’s done an excellent job.”

As the band continues to transition, Hooker also predicts improvement in the quality of music played by the entire program.

“I think you will see in the next three years not only our concert band being recognized, but I think you will see our marching band recognized for their playing skills,” Hooker said. “You will see a change (but) it takes three to five years to take full fruition.

And that’s what’s happening with (Lawrence).

I’ve had several people write or say thanks for Dr. Lawrence – they like what he’s doing.”

With the support of the administrators and others, Lawrence predicts the program will gradually move forward over the next few years.

“I was in Phase One when I first got here: assess-

ing and seeing what I had and how I can improve it. Phase Two was last year: measuring the effects of what I had taught,” Lawrence said. “Phase Three is what we’re in now, which is the development.

Phase four is the total culmination of the band; that’s when we get up to our main level.”

As Lawrence continues to build the program, he looks forward to the construction of the new CCHS Performing Arts Center, part of the SpecialPurpose Local-Option Sales Tax 4 Initiative, which could heavily impact the success of the band. CCHS Associate Principal Mary Thielman commends Lawrence’s expectant attitude. “(I heard) Dr. Lawrence talking specifically about the SPLOST initiative and what the (Center) would look and sound like,” Thielman said. “The impression I had was, ‘Here’s someone who’s absolutely passionate about what he’s about and is looking two, three, four years down the road at what support systems are in place and what that means for the kids.’”

Lawrence’s experiences thus far have prepared him for success in and out of the classroom and he looks forward to measuring those accomplishments through festivals, competitions and further establishment within the school as he continues at CCHS. “It might have been tough my first semester, but this is where I’m supposed to be. I know that now.

A lot of things have happened to me in my past have been done to prepare me for Clarke Central,” Lawrence said. “There are still some mixed feelings about the changing of the style, but the kids are prospering and I think that’s the reason why we got up this morning and came to work.”

Left: THE MUSIC MAN: Clarke Central High School band director Dr. Robert Lawrence has taught at the middle school, high school and collegiate level. He has brought experience and knowledge to his position since his arrival in Aug. 2009. “I ended up at CCHS by the grace of God. This is where I’m supposed to be,” Lawrence said. Below: BONDING WITH THE BAND: Clarke Central High School co-drum major senior Tyler Morgan sits down with CCHS band director Dr. Robert Lawrence on Oct. 21. “(Lawrence’s) Army background and discipline has really influenced me. He’s told me to give it my all and leave everything on the field,” Morgan said.

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Sports

November 2011

The Box Score

Photos by Carlo Nasisse Photo illustration by Madison Jasiulevicius

Spiked at state The Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team made their way to the Georgia volleyball state tournament on Oct. 13 after placing third in the Region 8-AAAA tournament and ending their season with a 11-3 record.

At the region tournament held on Oct. 4 and 6, the Lady Glads faced Habersham Central High School and Flowery Branch High School. Both matches were won by a score of 2-0. Coming off of these victories, the Lady Glads lost the momentum at the end of the tournament and were defeated by current Region 8-AAAA champion, Rockdale County High School.

This defeat placed the Lady Glads third in the tournament and allowed the team to compete at the state level on Oct. 13 in Peachtree City, Ga. against McIntosh High School. However, they were defeated after losing three sets.

“McIntosh has an excellent team,” CCHS varsity volleyball head coach Ashlee Wegmann said.

“There were moments where we stepped up and played very well, but (we) fell short to a very strong program.”

Sharing speed

Ramsey Center with the Oconee County High School and Athens Academy swimming and diving teams as a practice location.

Although only CCHS has occupied the gym for competitive team practice, the Ramsey Center has always been available to the use of other teams and was shared seven years ago between six Clarke County schools; Athens Academy, CCHS, Cedar Shoals High School, Winder Barrow High School, Apalachee High School and OCHS. “(A previous CCHS head swimming and diving coach) really set this up a few years ago when she was head coach,” head coach Emily Dowd said. “When we shared (the gym) it really felt more like a communal team.

We were one big team during practices, but we were still able to turn around the next day and compete together.”

Practice makes perfect In preparation for the 2012 Clarke Central High School girls’ track season, returning and aspiring members participate in practices every Tuesday and Wednesday.

“This is the first time we’ve made a full-fledged effort to (have preseason practices),” girls’ head coach Reginald Thomas said. “I think the conditioning is important.”

Thomas hopes that with the addition of assistant coach and CCHS 2010 graduate Derrick Smalls, the athletes will be able to learn correct breathing and running techniques.

“This is teaching them things to make them better,” Thomas said. “Right now it isn’t all about pure speed, it’s about the correct way to run and maximize their speed.”

For the first time in seven years, the 2011-12 Clarke Central High School swimming and diving team will share the University of Georgia

Pushing to the finish line

During the 2011 Clarke Central High School cross-country season, athletes showcased both talent and teamwork.

“It’s a team (with) no superstars, but everybody is working together,” cross country boys head coach Dale Autry said. “Some days we don’t even know who is going to be on (the) varsity top (roster) because we have such depth (of talent).”

Although the season began with many athletes who were new to the sport, Autry feels that the entire team has grown and improved.

During the 2011 season many 5000 meters personal records were broken by returning athletes and all new athletes were able to cut down their 5000 meters time to under 40 minutes.

Their success and improvement was seen at the Athens Academy meet on Oct. 12. Both the girls and boys teams placed second.

“Everybody has improved (this year),” Autry said. “We especially saw the slower runners, the ones who are beginners and the younger runners improve the most after they really pulled the (team) together.”

Left: BUMP IT UP: Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball player sophomore Cherien Abou-harb gets under the ball and bumps it in preparation for a set. Abou-harb is the team’s official “libero,” a defensive specialist position. Above: FOCUS AHEAD: Clarke Central High School varsity cross-country runners David Fisher (middle) and Jacob Cona (right) start the Athens Academy meet on Oct. 12.

Fighting the Falcons

T

he Flowery Branch High School Falcons will face the Clarke Central High School Gladiators at Billy Henderson Stadium on Friday, Nov. 4. History runs deep between the two opponents after the two teams battled for the Region 8-AAAA champion title in 2010, with the Gladiators winning with a shutout victory of 21-0 on Falcon Field.

“This is a big game for us Glads,” CCHS junior defensive back Dreko Statham said. “This game will determine if we come out on top or the bottom.”

For the 2011 season, the Falcons feature a strong offensive line complied of Oklahoma State University wide receiver commit C.J. Curry, quarterback Kanler Coker and linebacker Jacob Allen. Their offensive attack averages 225 yards per game rushing and 227 yards passing.

Averaging 38.9 points per game, the Gladiators also have skilled players, including CCHS senior running back Quenshaun Watson, who has rushed for more than 1000 yards this season and CCHS senior offensive lineman DeAndre Harper.

“The Flowery Branch game is an opportunity to build upon the tradition of Clarke Central and reestablish our domination in region 8-AAAA,” CCHS defensive back coach Ben Corley said.

Above: READY TO WIN: The Clarke Central High School varsity football team opens the game against Loganville High School on Sept. 3 at Billy Henderson Stadium.

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November 2011

Sports

Sports

Breaking the B-Team record After the 2011 season, the Clarke Central High School football B-Team became the first of its kind in Region 8-AAAA to attain a six-win season.

Photos by Gabrielle Saupe

BY JENNY ALPAUGH Sports Writer

I

t began spring 2011: rising CCHS freshmen joined rising sophomores, juniors and seniors for spring football on the fields of the Billy Henderson Stadium. “(B-Team football is) a whole new level (of football), with bigger people (who) are a lot stronger,” CCHS freshman quarterback Aakeem Wise said.

Preseason training and conditioning continued during the summer, and was mandatory for all B-Team hopefuls. This training consisted of agility drills, running and lifting weights.

“We tried to push them as hard as we could (during preseason training) so they would be able to win every game this year,” CCHS B-Team football coach Nicholas Wegmann said.

Practice began the first week of August for the 36 freshmen. The team set a goal at the beginning of the season to be undefeated.

“We used to do sprints after practice and people thought that was a punishment but it was just to get us prepared for fourth, third, second and first (quarter),” Wise said.

On Sept. 1, their skills and playing ability were tested when Oconee County High School came to Billy Henderson Stadium for the first game of the season.

For freshmen athletes, the opening game against OCHS was their first experience playing at the high school level. Although nerves were on edge before the game, their skill did not seem to be affected.

“Once they played the first quarter they realized

Above: FINAL COUNTDOWN: Clarke Central High School B-team football players prepare to snap the ball against Cedar Shoals High School on Oct. 13. “(The Oct. 13 game) was the end of this season,” Ward said. “That team will be no more -- they’ll become members of the varsity team (and) some will play JV -- but the 2011 team will go its separate ways in the (football) program.”

touchdown for CCHS. Johnson scored his second touchdown in the third quarter and freshmen linebacker Dakota Jones scored a touchdown for CCHS in the fourth quarter.

The final score was 32-0, setting an impressive precedent for the remainder of the season.

“They seemed to play well, (but) they are young and made a lot of mistakes,” Athletic “You don’t go through life having good Director and head B-Team things happen to you all the time. It’s football coach Jonathan Ward said. “That’s part of the same in football.” playing B-Team -- learning and trying to get better -- DR. JONATHAN WARD, each week.” next opponent Clarke Central High School Athletic Director wasTheir Morgan County High School, an away game held on Sept. 8. it was just football -- like they had been playing all The absence of the home-field advantage did not their lives,” Wegmann said. prevent CCHS from securing their second win of CCHS freshman running back Tyson Jackson the season. scored the first touchdown of the game. In the Jackson and freshman running back Joseph Bunsecond quarter, CCHS freshman defensive back Deton scored touchdowns in the second quarter. Wise montavis Sims scored a touchdown on a returned also threw a touchdown pass to freshman quarter punt. Wise threw a touchdown pass to sophomore back Nicholas Moss for another touchdown. Jones wide receiver Jamonte Smith, scoring another scored the final touchdown, and the game ended

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You are not going to win them all,” Ward said. “It was a good experience for our team to understand that there are kids out there (who) are better than you, (and) you have to continue to work to try and catch them.”

CCHS worked hard during the week of practice following the GHS game in preparation for their rebound game against Madison County High School.

Freshmen linebacker MyQuan Foote scored the only touchdown in the second quarter of the game, allowing CCHS to win with a score of 7-0. “(Foote) is a defensive player, but he picked up a fumble and ran it to the end zone. The game (was) obviously a defensive battle,” Ward said.

CCHS built momentum as the season carried on.

The fifth game of the season was against their Classic City rival, the Cedar Shoals High School Jaguars. “(The coaches) told (the players) all week that the biggest game of the year on the schedule is always Cedar Shoals,” Wegmann said.

The B-Team effectively rose to the challenge CSHS presented. Jones scored two touchdowns and sophomore kicker Matthew Ward made two field goals. Wise threw a touchdown pass to freshmen wide receiver Marcus Campbell in the third quarter. CSHS scored its single touchdown at the end of the third quarter. The Jaguars failed to make a comeback playing against CCHS’ strong defensive line, and the game ended with a final score of 27-7, CCHS. The following week, the team’s new goal to have a six-win season became a possibility when they attained their fifth win, defeating Habersham Central High School by a score of 42-0.

Sophomore linebacker Kenyatta Ealey scored

the game’s first touchdown when he picked up a fumble and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown. Rushing touchdowns were made by sophomore linebacker Baylor Ward, sophomore running back Kavon Williams and freshman running back DeAnthony Vereen.

Sims also returned a kick for a touchdown. The defense was led by freshmen defensive lineman Markell Craft, linebackers Jordon Bonner and Quan Russell.

With only one game remaining in the season, the B-Team stayed focused during practice the following week.

Above: SEARCHING THE FIELD: Clarke Central High School fresh“We really emphasized to the man quarterback Aakeem Wise searches the field for a wide receiver players to try and play their best before he is blocked by a Cedar Shoals High School defensive player. ball game of the year and, if they “(It was) a whole new level (of football), with bigger people that are a lot stronger,” Wise said. Below: TACTFUL TAKE DOWN: Clarke Central did, that collectively we would be High School freshman linebacker Jordan Bonner tackles a Cedar Shoals successful,” Ward said.

High School player during the third quarter of an Oct. 13 home game Winning the last game would held in Billy Henderson Stadium. allow the team to reach its goal to be the first B-Team to have a he ran the ball 64 yards, ending the game with a six-win season. score of 19-0. The team’s season goal was realized.

It was a rainy overcast afternoon on Oct. 13 “(The players) were extremely excited. I’ve been when CSHS returned to Billy Henderson Stadium. here for a while and (they are) the first B-Team to Vereen scored the first touchdown of the game have six wins,” Ward said. “Throughout the season, on a returned punt, running 35 yards into the end we had limited turnovers, we played excellent dezone. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the fense every game and the kicking game was sound, score remained 7-0 until freshmen running back (and) when you play well in those facets, you are Qua-von Scott ran 5 yards up the middle of the successful.” field, scoring a touchdown for CCHS. The final

touchdown of the game was scored by Vereen when

34-0, CCHS. “(The B-Team) felt a sense of accomplishment (after winning their second game) because when (they) start practicing in April we tell them they’re going to play a game, but it’s so far off,” Ward said.

“It’s good to have some sense of reward for the effort that (they) put in.”

Gainesville High School, one of CCHS’ toughest opponents, defeated the B-Team on Sept 15. The GHS team scored early and led the game with a score of 14-0 at halftime. “(CCHS) drove down close (to the end zone) a couple times, (but) we just couldn’t touch (the football) across,” Ward said.

The 27-0 loss to GHS rendered the B-Team’s season goal unreachable.

“We wanted to (be) undefeated -- be the only class to (be) undefeated,” freshman running back Tyson Jackson said.

However, the B-Team did not lose sight of accomplishment. Instead, they modified their goal to be the first B-Team to reach six wins in their football season.

The B-Team used the loss to GHS as a learning experience.

“You don’t go through life having good things happen to you all the time. It’s the same in football.

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November 2011

Sports

queens of the court The leadership of two seniors was a key to the CCHS varsity volleyball team during the 2011 fall season.

BY ANDRE MACK-ROBINSON Sports Writer

Sports

November 2011

A

has inspired us to be a part of a sisterhood.”

Jones and Ruston are the most experienced varsity members. Both have been playing at the varsity level for four years.

The two girls have combined a career record of 68-67, and 26-18 in Region 8-AAAA. “Tamara is (a) quiet leader.

She’s not a corrector of other people; she just performs and (her teammates) see that,” Wegmann said. “I think they will miss very much not having someone like Tamara on the court who is always constant Above: MAKE A PLAY: Clarke Central High School senior Tamara Jones (and) doesn’t get rattled.” bumps the ball in play during a 1-2 lose to North Oconee High School on As a senior, Jones knew she Sept. 1 in CCHS’s Terra Gladiatorium. would be expected to become While Jones participates in multiple sports at a leader on the team.

CCHS, Ruston is a devoted volleyball player. Playing “I helped the underclassmen by playing to the for local club teams, Georgia Juniors and No Fear best of my ability and being a good player so that Competition, has elevated her skills during the they will follow in my lead,” CCHS senior captain offseason.

Tamara Jones said. “As a leader I tried to set a “(Kate has) played club volleyball for a while great example for “I’ve tried to show (the underclassmen) the others. I stepped now. She’s a great player and she’s very competitive. She does not like to lose,” CCHS junior setter up and gave importance of hard work and good work Katherine Partida said. “She’s a leader on and off speeches, directhe court and she has a lot of knowledge about tions, and advice.” ethic during all practices, because the way volleyball. She’s very skilled and can play any posiJones endured we practice translates into the way we play.” multiple injuries, tion.”

Ruston uses her club volleyball experience to

--KATE RUSTON, mentally and lead and motivate her teammates. physically but Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball captain “Kate is a vocal leader and she is constantly found the energy correcting people, not in a bad way or negatively, and determination but telling people where they should be and what to play on the court.

“In my two years with (the seniors), I’ve learned needs to happen,” Wegmann said. how to be a better volleyball player and person.

“Tamara’s grandfather passed away in the time With the most experience, these girls offer a They have taught me how to be a leader by letting she has been on our team, but the only minutes wealth of knowledge and leadership for the undermy presence be felt on the court and providing of any game Tamara sat out was when she hurt classmen. a positive effect during the game and practice,” herself just this season,” Wegmann said, “She never “I’ve tried to show (the underlassmen) the imCCHS sophomore blocker Gansiry Thioubs said. had an injury that has kept her out (for a long portance of hard work and good work ethic during “Personally, I’ve seen this group endure a lot and time). She has had lots of issues with her legs, but all practices, because the way we practice translates the courage they have shown (the) younger players she was able to play through them.” into the way we play,” Ruston said.

Opposite page: HANDS The underclassmen have accepted the ON: Clarke Central High mentoring, counseling and the sisterhood School seniors Tamara Ruston and Jones have brought. Their Jones, left, and Kate leadership skills led to consecutive state Ruston, right, took the court as captains with the playoff appearances in the past two years. confidence of their coach.

Missed is the attribute the underclassman ““Kate and Tamara were and Wegmann will feel. our captains (last year), so they have a natural “This group of seniors is a really good understanding of that group. I’ve gotten close with all of them, so role,” Ashlee Wegmann, it will be a difficult to see them go, but they head varsity volleyball are also really good kids,” Wegmann said. coach, said.

Right: LISTEN UP: “They are real mature, they are very wellClarke Central High rounded, they’re intelligent, they’re fun to School senior Kate Ruston be with, and I’ve enjoyed going to the gym instructs her team during a timeout in a 1-2 lost and seeing them. They’ve really grown into to North Oconee High very nice young women.” fter amassing an overall record of 17-13 and 9-5 in region 8-AAAA, the Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team placed second in the region during the regular season.

The team secured a spot in the state playoffs with a third place finish at the region tournament, held in Mt. Airy, Ga. from Oct.6-8. Facing McIntosh High School in the first round of the state playoffs, the Lady Glads lost 0-3.

In spite of the falling short of their goal for a state championship this season, the team found something it had lacked the previous year – senior leadership.

“We had no seniors on our team last year,” CCHS head varsity volleyball coach Ashlee Wegmann said. “Kate (Ruston) and Tamara ( Jones) were our captains, so they have a natural understanding of that role. So, this year they were able to fulfill it without anything thing holding them back because they actually knew what to do.”

Experiencing defeats and victories, as well as competing at the state tournament, Ruston and Jones inspired and encouraged their underclassmen teammates.

School on Sept. 1 in the Terra Gladiatorium.

Photos by Carlo Nasisse

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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37

IN FOCUS

November 2011

Sports

Cavin's commitment Coach Aaron Cavin encourages standards to his athletes on and off the field.

Grade: 11 Sport: Wrestling Years experience: Three GPA: 3.1 Weight class: 130 Season goal: For the team to make it to State Caeer record: 51-32 Favorite game memory: Going to state last year (in 2011) as a sophomore was the best. I just had a great day and some great matches. I went 2-1.

Photo by Carlo Nasisse Photo illustrations by Madison Jasiulevicius

ODYSSEY Star Players are selected based on their academic standing and commitment to teammates, their sports program and Clarke Central High School. Underclassmen will be reviewed for selection as a Rookie Star Player if they excel in their sport and academics.

Jalisa Howard

Grade: 10 Sport: JV football cheerleading Years experience: Two Season goal: For the squad to be more together, on and off the field.

Role model: Her sister, Keieraa Jackson What the coach says: “( Jalisa) always want to be a part of the team.

By motivating, cheering loudly, and always knowing the moves she keeps us going.”

-- Kathy Erickson, JV Head Coach Photo by Gabrielle Saupe

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oaches and student-athletes make countless necessary sacrifices in the name of the game. It’s common knowledge.

But Aaron Cavin, who doubles as a Clarke Central High School varsity football assistant offensive coach and a teacher in both the math and Career, Technical, Agricultural Education departments, is redefining what it means to be a dedicated coach by being present as a role

BY EMMA KISSANE Managing Editor model in all aspects of his players’ lives.

CCHS is a school with impressive athletic teams, but it has become an unfortunate trend to dismiss academics in favor of their athletic prowess.

Cavin doesn’t subscribe to this reversal of priority.

“Bouncing between teaching and coaching, I stay pretty busy during the fall. That’s just one of the sacrifices that I make,” Cavin said. “I hold (my players) to a pretty high standard in both (the classroom and on the field) -- they know what to expect.”

As early as summer workouts, Cavin begins a strict regimen of athletic and academic preparation for the school year. Along with four practices a week throughout the summer, Cavin regularly brings pieces of literature for his players to read and discuss. This instruction continues into the regular season.

“This summer, (I gave my position players) a couple of articles that had to do with teamwork and integrity. I made them read those and answer some questions that they had to turn in,” Cavin said. “I share with them the things I read in my morning-time devotions -- lessons on life. I (also) share my testimony about how much I read.”

In addition to stressing the importance of reading, Cavin enforces a minimum-grade recommendation with his players of an 80 or above in each class.

Cavin’s involvement goes further than daily instruction and check-ins on the football field. He personally emails the teachers of all his players, both at the beginning of each semester and periodically throughout the season, asking for updates concerning grades and classroom behavior. If a teacher replies negatively, Cavin “handles some disciplinary measures after practice.”

Cavin’s dedication to fostering well-rounded student-athletes is based on a fundamental belief that while athletics can be the claim to fame, competence in academics must be the vessel that gets you there.

Photo by Carlo Nasisse

Xaviess Smith

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Above: LISTEN UP: Clarke Central High School varsity assistant offensive coach Aaron Cavin instructs players during a timeout at the Aug. 12 home scrimmage against Buford High School. Cavin places importance on and takes a special interest in the academic success of his athletes. “If (students) need tutoring or are not doing well in class, then we make arrangements for them to do that,” Cavin said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Clarke Central High School senior Sean Corley runs in the Athens Academy cross-country meet on Oct. 12. Corley finished with a time of 23:34 and both the boys and girls teams finished second overall.