CrossRoadsNews, May 21, 2011 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

WELLNESS

Hundreds of residents walked or rode the Arabia Mountain Trail on May 14 during the CEO’s Hike and Bike Greenspace Tour. A5

Actionadventure film “The Tourist,” starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, will be screened next week at the Covington Library. A7

Life chef Asata Reid delves into some of the reasons thick and creamy Greekstyle yogurt is considered a good source of nutrition. A8

Rolling out for greenspace

Intrigue at the library

May 21, 2011

The goods in yogurt

Volume 17, Number 3

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2011 seniors break record for largest graduating class As it heads to a giddy round of graduation ceremonies this weekend, this year’s senior class stands out due to its large size and in the scholarships it was able to attract. At 6,130, it is the DeKalb School System’s largest senior class ever. The class also landed 20 Gates Millenium Scholarships, the largest number awarded to DeKalb students in a single year since the program began dishing out scholarships in the 2000-2001 school year. As the seniors pick up their diplomas and certificates this weekend and shake the hands of their School Board members, family and friends will be roaring their approval. In Section B, we celebrate the Class of 2011 with our annual graduation section.

Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

There will be plenty of hugs and smiles this week as more than 6,000 DeKalb students receive diplomas or certificates of attendance.

County Cuts Crossing Guards Police Department opts to relinquish control of officers

DeKalb Police crossing guard Wes Shorty Jr. directs traffic at Chapel Hill Elementary in Decatur on May 19. He said the safety officers feel abandoned by the county which terminated them on May 20, the last day of school.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

When the last bell rang on the 2010-2011 school year on Friday, 135 school safety crossing guards were put out of work. The guards, who have been on the job from eight months to 40 years, were all terminated by DeKalb County Police, which had been their employer for more than 40 years. In an April 1 memo to the school safety officers, their supervisor Officer Tony Lowe informed them that the Police Department was relinquishing control over them at the end of the school year. “The DeKalb School System will assume control over the crossing guards on July 1, 2011,” the memo said. But Lowe also informed the workers that they will have to apply for the crossing guard position with the school system via an online process. “You will need three references,” he wrote. “I will be one of your references.” Lowe also informed the employees that there would be no summer work, except for the crossing guards working the summer school. “Uniforms and ID cards will be collected at the end of the school year,” Lowe said. While it was not mentioned in the memo, a number of crossing guards said they were verbally told that they cannot apply for unemployment insurance if they are not hired by the school system. Wes Shorty Jr. of Lithonia has been a crossing guard since 2004. He said they feel abandoned by the county. “It seems like they are just throwing us out on the street,” he said this week. Helen Walker, who became a crossing guard in January 1989 and rose to supervise

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

21 guards in 12 South DeKalb-based schools, said she was shocked at the treatment. “It’s not right,” said Walker, who lives in Decatur. “All this time that we have we are losing. How can you have people working for 20 and 40 Helen Walker years and just treat them like this. I really think it’s unfair.” Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said the department was relinquishing the positions because of budgetary constraints. “They were not funded in the budget,” she said. Under the Police Department, the cross-

ing guards work 15 to 20 hours a week helping elementary school students cross busy streets near their schools. Most make under $10 an hour. The DeKalb School System was planning to create crossing guard positions, but the $800,000 it earmarked for the positions was part of the $40 million that delayed approval of the district’s 2011-2012 budget. Dr. Jamie L. Wilson Jr., the district’s chief human resources officer, said Thursday that he could not respond to questions about how guards will be hired or when. “Details of the proposed transition of the crossing guards are still pending,” Wilson said. “We are unable to make final decision, if and until, the Board of Education approves the FY12 budget.”

The School Board was set to vote on the $789.6 budget on May 9 when Vice Chairman Paul Womack expressed concerns over spending the $40 million surplus recovered from the 2010-2011 budget. In the proposed budget, the funds were also targeted to restore furlough days for employees, increase health insurance rates, fund pre-k, AP exams, band and orchestra equipment, SACS CASI District accreditation, parts and supplies, fingerprinting and criminal record checks, and legal expenditures. DeKalb County spokesman Burke Brennan said he couldn’t see why the school system would not hire the crossing guards Please see GUARDS, page A5

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

Community

“It was a ministry of the church. It was never a money-making venture.”

Greenforest cuts high school Group to police redistricting By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy is getting out of the high school business. The school’s board of regents, chaired by Greenforest Baptist Community Baptist Church’s pastor, Rev. Dennis Mitchell, voted May 10 to close the academy’s high school at the end of the 2010-2011 school year on May 20. At a May 14 meeting at the school, the parents and students, were told that enough students had not pre-enrolled by March 30 for the high school to stay open. The decision caught parents and students by surprise. “This is wrong,” said Ken Parker, whose son and daughter graduated from the academy. “This is a great school and for parents to find out that the school is closing like this is wrong.” Parker said that historically, families don’t re-enrolled until June and that when administrators solicited pre-enrolment by March 30, they did not indicate to parents that the survival of the school was at stake. The parents, who were visibly upset by the news they received in letters on May 13, said the abrupt closure has left them with few options since the enrolment period for other private schools is passed. Pat Gooddine who daughter Gianna is a rising 11th grader at the school, said she was disappointed by the news. “I’m heart broken,” she said. “I wanted her to have a solid foundation and to know the Lord for herself. This school gave that to her.” Some parents felt that the church, which started the school more than 20 years ago as a ministry, was no longer willing to support it. Moses Johnson, a rising junior and basketball player, said Greenforest late pastor George McCalep had a vision when he started the academy. “We are his vision,” she said. “Greenfor-

est has changed my life. It has become my home.” Pastor Bell Johnson, her mother, said the decision to close the upper grades of the academy was pre-mature. “We don’t stand in man, but in the power of God,” she said. “Your can’t operate God’s house like this. We’ve got to get back to the foundation.” The parents and students, who worn their uniform to the Saturday morning meeting, were barred from a meeting of church members that was going on at the time. The members were discussing the church’s declining finances. Academy enrolment has been affected by the economic recession and high unemployment that has gripped the county and the country. Church sources say the academy is running a deficit of $50,000 to $70,000 a month. The high school needed 20 students to cover its expenses and stay open. Amos King, who taught and coached at the high school, said its graduates have gone on to many of the nation’s top universities. “Greenforest is a good school,” he said. “I definitely want to see it stay open.” Roz Barnes Fowler, a church spokesperson, said the May 10 decision to shutter the high school was final and that parents can’t change it. She said the academy’s elementary and middle schools were not in danger of closing. In 2008, the church spun off the academy into its own non-profit. Fowler said the church will help it but that not at the level it used to before. Steen Miles, a 20-year member of the church, said the academy was founded on faith, not bean counting. “It was a ministry of the church,” she said. “It was never a money-making venture. Pastor McCalep’s vision was to educate these students to know who they were and whose they were. That was the vision.”

Armed granny robber on the loose DeKalb Police is seeking help finding this gun-toting senior citizen who robbed a Walgreen’s on May 16.

The search is on for an elderly woman, who robbed a Walgreen’s on North Druid Hills Road on May 16. DeKalb Police Major Felony Unit says it is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the armed robbery suspect, described as a white female between the ages of 60 and 70. Police says she is about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds. Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said the woman walked up to a clerk at the

checkout counter, pulled out a handgun and demanded cash. “The suspect then left the store with an undetermined amount of cash,” Parish said. “It’s believed she drove away in a light colored tan or gold Jeep Liberty.” Witnesses said she has swollen red cheeks and was wearing a baseball hat with a white and red “G” in the center, sunglasses, brown jacket and stone-washed jeans. Parish asked that anyone recognizing the woman, call investigators at 770-724-7890.

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The Georgia Redistricting Alliance, a coalition of nonpartisan nonprofits, is urging transparency and fairness as the General Assembly redraws political boundaries. Based on the results of the 2010 census, Georgia will get a 14th seat in the U.S. House and an extra vote in the Electoral College and the General Assembly will redraw the 180 state House districts and 56 state Senate districts. Population growth in DeKalb and Fulton counties lagged behind some of their neighbors, which means residents in both counties could see their representation in the state Legislature shrink. State legislators will convene in late summer in a special session to draw the new congressional and legislative maps. The U.S. Department of Justice will

have a hand in the process under the Voting Rights Act. The Georgia Redistricting Alliance said it is seeking to engage and educate citizens, work in partnership with elected officials, and submit a fair, balanced map to the Georgia General Assembly. The alliance says speaking up is critical to ensuring that district lines are drawn to keep communities whole and grouped with nearby communities with similar interests. Hearings on redistricting began this month and will continue through July to get input from the public. For more information, visit www.census2010.gov. For more information on redistricting, visit www.lwvga.org, www.commoncausega. org, www.gawand.org, and www.redistrictinggame.org.

New SPLOST Plan in the making Parents and DeKalb residents can view the DeKalb schools system’s draft proposal for the ten-year master facilities plan and its draft projects list for the SPLOST IV resolution during the May 27 Committee of the Whole Meeting at the district’s Tucker head quarters. Questions and comments regarding the draft plans can be submitted in public input form at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/vision-2020/master-plan. The form will open on May 27 at noon and will be available until June 1 at

midnight. The school board is expected to take a final vote on the SPLOST IV resolution on June 13. A joint resolution consisting of projects from DeKalb County Schools, Atlanta Public Schools and Decatur City Schools that will appear on the November 2011 ballot for the SPLOST IV referendum. The 9 a.m. meeting will be held in the Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard in Stone Mountain.

More I-20 headaches for motorists plan Lane closures will once again make the commute on I-20 and I-285 through DeKalb County nightmarish for motorists this weekend. Georgia Department of Transportation work crews will be closing two inside left lanes on I-20 eastbound and westbound between Panola Road and Turner Hill Road for paving between 9 p.m. Friday and end at 5 a.m. on Monday, weather permitting. It is also closing one outside right lane between Wesley Chapel Road and I-285 to place a temporary barrier wall on the outside shoulder of I-20 westbound ramp to I-285 northbound. That work wraps up Sunday at 9 a.m. The weekend work begins at 9 p.m. Friday and end at 5 a.m. on Monday. Crews are laying down an inch-and-

a-half of asphalt on the 9.8-mile project that was halted last fall when frigid weather set in. The $28.6 million project, underway since June 18, 2010, is repaving I-20 between Columbia Drive and Turner Hill Road. On May 22 starting at 7 a.m., there will also be rolling closure of one right lane on I-285 eastbound and westbound between Henderson Mill Bridge and Ashford Dunwoody Road to allow workmen to inspect bridge joints and areas needing patching. DOT District Construction Engineer Lee Upkins said they plan to get a lot of work done this weekend and expects lengthy delays. “Motorists need to plan ahead in order to be aware of the delays and the ramp closures,” Upkins said. For more information, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org.

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Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writer Carla Parker Advertising Sales Patricia Walthour

CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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May 21, 2011

Many of the members of Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Environment are elderly residents of the area.

Group details opposition to gasification plant Lithonia resident Gerald Sanders spoke against Green Energy Partners’ proposed biomass gasification plant at the March 22 zoning public hearing.

Editors note: This open letter was sent to members of the DeKalb Board of Commissioners and CEO Burrell Ellis on May 18 by Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Environment regarding the Green Energy Partners application to build a $60 million biomass gasification plant on 21.12 acres in Lithonia. The board will hold a public hearing about the application on May 24. Dear Esteemed Members of the Board of Commissioners: We write to share with you our continuing concern about the biomass gasification plant that is proposed for the Roger Lakes Road area in unincorporated Lithonia, DeKalb County. We have attended the first cycle of meetings of the Community Council, Planning Commission, and the Board of Commissioners. Because of the decision to defer the matter for a full cycle, once again we find ourselves attending the meetings of the Community Council, Planning Commission and ultimately, the Board of Commissioners. Many of the members of Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Environment are elderly residents of the area surrounding the proposed site. They have worked hard and invested in their property to reach the stage where they should be enjoying family, friends and the community they love. Instead they have to attend meetings and make calls to their elected representatives to repeatedly express their opposition to the gasification project based on health and environmental concerns. There is a feeling that the voices and concerns of constituents are not being taken seriously by the Board of Commissioners. Numerous e-mails and calls have been made with very little response in return. In most cases, there has not even been an acknowledgment of the legitimate concerns that have been expressed about this gasification project.

Long-term health impact Both nationally and internationally, communities have challenged the negative effects of biomass gasification, whether “just wood chips” or not, on the environment and people’s health. There is growing concern about the particulate matter, especially nanoparticles, generated and its relationship to heart and lung disease, and other debilitating illnesses. We acknowledge that there are persons who believe that biomass gasification is the next frontier for “renewable energy.” At the same time, there are others who advocate that a more cautious approach must be taken given what is known

about the environmental impact of gasification projects and more particularly, what is unknown about the long-term health impact from the emissions. We are on the side of those urging extreme caution. What is especially troubling about the Green Energy Partners gasification project is the lack of any consistency in the information that is presented from one meeting to the next. Even more troubling is the inadequacy of the information that has been submitted for a project that potentially has a major impact on the community and the environment.

Requirements not met A careful review of the documents submitted by Green Energy Partners demonstrates the failure of the applicant to meet the basic requirements of the county’s zoning ordinance. Sections 27-873 and 27-874 outline the criteria to be applied regarding special land use permits. Specifically, Sections 27-873(b), (e), (g), (h), (i), (n), (p), and Section 27-874(d) are relevant for the board’s consideration in this matter. The document titled “Applicant Responses to DeKalb County Concerns” (Exhibit F) and date stamped Feb. 1, 2011, highlights the types of misrepresentations that are sufficient to deny the zoning and SLUP application: Exhibit F, Question (5) asks about the amount of organic ash that will be produced each day. The applicant’s response states that “the residual product from the wood is carbon, not ash.” (Emphasis added.) Exhibit F, Question (6) asks about EPD air and water quality permits for the project. In response, the applicant states that “all necessary permit application” was submitted. However, the air permit application (Exhibit J) was not submitted to EPD until April 12, 2011, more than two months after the applicant claimed to have made the submission.

and a violation of the principals of environmental justice to continue to allow toxic and polluting businesses and industries in the area. Even though the site is zoned heavy industrial, that fact has to be carefully balanced with the reality that the county allowed residences to be built in close proximity. In fact, the county should be workGlaring discrepancy ing to remediate the conditions in Another glaring discrepancy the area rather than exacerbating between what the applicant has them. submitted to the county and EPD is related to the actual process the Differences in health status applicant proposes to use for the We further note with grave project. concern that the county’s compreIn the application to the county, hensive plan has the majority of reference is made to a D4 process. the heavy industrial (M-2) areas However, the EPD permit appli- located in the South East and South cation refers to a German com- West DeKalb planning areas. pany and a KUG system. Questions The 2010 DeKalb County Board about the specific technology to be of Health Report notes the stark used remain unanswered. differences in the health status of The initial staff analysis recom- residents living in south versus mended deferral since “due to the north DeKalb. These clearly are ispotential environmental impacts sues that must be addressed by the and unresolved land use, fire pro- county in conjunction with comtection, sanitation, traffic engineer- munity representatives. ing, and water quality concerns, any In closing, we believe in and benefits of approving the proposed support economic development heavy industrial use without a final and job creation, but not at the detailed environmental assessment expense of people’s health and the report and required environmental environment. permits from the Georgia EnvironWe urge you to deny this apmental Protection Division (EPD) plication for all of the reasons do not outweigh the potential risks outlined above. The Planning to the county’s health, safety, and Commission voted to deny removal welfare.” (Emphasis added.) of the conditions on the property The only changes that the ap- and did not accept the staff recomplicant made to its environmental mendation to approve the project report was removing the word with conditions. “draft” and adding a new date. Rather than spending scarce Although the applicant has not county resources to justify a project provided the necessary detailed that has been ill-prepared and illenvironmental assessment report conceived, the county should focus during this deferral period, the staff on exploring real “green energy” analysis now recommends approval alternatives. with conditions. We stand ready to work with The new staff analysis fails to you and others in this regard. adequately address the fact that resSincerely, idences are located a mere quarterVanneriah Hawks, Co-chair mile from the proposed site. The Johnny Daugherty, Co-chair Rogers Lake community is already On behalf of members, supporters, overburdened with a landfill, waste and concerned citizens transfer station, and several truckCitizens for a Safe and Healthy ing businesses. It is patently unfair Environment Exhibit J-4, Question 15 of the EPD application asks for a description of the general production process. The applicant states the following: “As the wood fuel biomass undergoes pyrolysis, the tars and fuel gases emitted are in a vapor state and the char and ash fall to the bottom.” (Emphasis added.)

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Chelsea Anderson......................................... B7 David Ehrenpreis & Kenya Rodgers..............B2 Donald “DJ” Sellers.......................................B2 Harvey B Leslie II..........................................B6 Jamal Shedrick.............................................. B7 John Hughley.............................................. B10 Jomarius T. Hardy........................................B11 Jon’Qua Bazemore......................................B11 Julia Guinyard...............................................B2 Kelli Ffrench-Parker.....................................B11 Lee Parker...................................................B11 Les Kemp / Allstate.......................................B5 Leticha Heflin................................................B6 P.I.L.O.T. Program......................................... B7 Raven Gibson............................................... B7 Roderick Battle.............................................B6

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Community

“We want this to be an incredible outpouring of love and support from the community to those who give so much of their lives – literally.”

Hikers, bikers explore outdoors on CEO tour Hundreds of residents rode bicycles and walked on the Arabia Mountain Trail during the May 14 CEO’s Hike and Bike Greenspace Tour. The four-mile walk and six-mile bike ride began at Murphey Candler Elementary School and was led by CEO Burrell Ellis and DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon. The trail meanders through the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 2,000 acres of granite outcrop, wetlands, pine and oak forests, streams, and a lake. Ellis said that we have some of the most beautiful green spaces here in DeKalb. “Not only is it free, but simply getting out and visiting our parks can have positive impact on our health and the health of count,” he said. A drawing for free bicycles donated by Bike South, one of the event sponsors, was held during the event. Walkers and riders also had the opportunity to visit the nature center to learn more about the preserve. The green space tour was part of the county’s annual celebration of National County Government Month in The walk and bike ride began at Murphey Candler Elementary School. The trail meanders through the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. April.

Commissioners to revisit biomass gasification project The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will revisit the $60 million biomass gasification project proposed for a Lithonia site at its May 24 meeting at the Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Green Energy Partners has proposed a gasification plant that will convert wood

chips into green energy that will be sold to Georgia Power Co. It says its non-emission gasification technology is safe, but many Lithonia residents oppose the plant because enough is not known about the health risks. At its May 3 meeting, the DeKalb Planning Commission voted to deny Green En-

New recycling drop-off site North and central DeKalb residents who want to help with the county’s ongoing green initiatives have a new recycling drop-off site at 3643 Camp Circle in Decatur. The new location, which opened May 16, becomes the county’s second permanent site to recycle old electronic items. It is a partnership between Keep DeKalb Beautiful, DeKalb County Sanitation Division and Atlanta Recycling Solutions. Last year, Keep DeKalb Beautiful helped residents recycle more than 98,315 pounds of electronics. The new location will accept stereos, microwaves, computer CPUs, copiers, phones, CD players, laptops, video machines, CB radios, printers, disk drives, computer and mouse, scanners, circuit boards, typewriters, cables, electronic panels, fax machines, projectors, CD-ROMs, keyboards, speakers, modems, portable radios, floppy drives, cameras, cell phones, test and networking equipment, VCRs, computer monitors, record players and UBS battery backups. It will not take televisions, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, washers and dryers, freezers, dehumidifiers or humidifiers, and gas-powered equipment. Electronic equipment also can be recycled at the Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road in Ellenwood. For more information, visit www.keepdekalbbeautiful .org or call 404-371-2654. e F r ei F i W

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CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

Raffle to benefit PAL Plus programs Supporters of PAL Plus can win gas cards valued up to $250 in a raffle to benefit the DeKalb Police nonprofit on May 21 at the Mall at Stonecrest. The DeKalb County Police Athletic League Plus is selling $1 raffle tickets for the 3 p.m. drawing for $50, $100 and $250 gas cards. Tickets for the spring fund-raiser can be purchased at the DeKalb Police Records Room or the Personnel Office, 1960 W. Exchange Place in Tucker. Ticket holders do not need to be pres-

ent to win, and all proceeds benefit PAL Plus initiatives that support DeKalb youth. PAL Plus programs provide a safe environment for youth that emphasize education and promote self-esteem and positive interaction with law enforcement officers and other adult role models in an effort to reduce juvenile crime. The Mall at Stonecrest is off I-20 at Turner Hill Road. For more information, contact Mekka Parish at 770-724-7477 or 404-557-0596.

Groups to shower officers with love Police officers from five DeKalb County precincts will be honored on May 29 at Mountain West Church in Stone Mountain. The free event and picnic festivities, which begin at 1:30 p.m., are sponsored by Mountain West Church in partnership with Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Tucker Civic Association, Coffer brothers and several other businesses and churches in the Northlake and Tucker area for what they are dubbing the largest police recognition day in the county. Tucker restaurants are sponsoring/ catering food for the officers and their families as well. The Rev. Cliff Gates, associate pastor of pastoral care at Mountain West, said the

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partnership is excited about the law enforcement recognition day. “We want this to be an incredible outpouring of love and support from the community to those who give so much of their lives – literally,” Gates said. “These officers sacrifice weekends, holidays, and serve day and night to protect us. We cannot have a high quality of life without them.” The North, South, Center, East and Tucker precincts will be honored. Awards will be presented by senior officers from each precinct. Mountain West Church is at 4818 Hugh Howell Road. For more information, e-mail cliff@mountainwestchurch.com, visit www .mountainwestchurch.com or call 770-4910228.

Weissinger appointed library director Alison Weissinger, who has been acting director of the DeKalb County Public Library since September, is now the system’s director. The library’s board of trustees announced her appointment on May 6. It said Weissinger’s appointment indicates the “high regard” the board has for her talAlison Weissinger ents and abilities. Since being named acting director, Weissinger has navigated the library system through severe budget cuts at a time when the system also is opening new and expanded branches. Weissinger began her career in the DeKalb system in 1997 as a Youth Services librarian at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Since then, she has served as a branch manager at several locations, including the Decatur Library, the main branch. She has worked as the system’s Adult Services coordinator, overseeing adult programming, literacy and outreach services, and the library’s Web site. She replaces Darro Willey, who retired last October after 15 years as director.

School safety officers not funded GUARDS,

from

from the Police Department. “They will need crossing guards and they are crossing guards,” he said. He did not know if the workers are eligible for benefits but said that if they are, they could not take seniority with them. “The school system is a completely different entity,” Brennan said. “Things can’t carry over.” He promised Thursday to check the status of the workers with the county’s Human Resources Department but did not respond by press time. In his April memo to the school safety officers, Lowe told them the school system will be having a meeting with all the crossing guards “in the future” to explain the transition. “The date is pending,” he said. On Thursday, the day before the school year and their jobs ended on May 20, no meeting date had been set. Parish did not know when the meeting would take place but said she would try to find out. She did not respond by press time.

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

April marked the 43rd consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 9 percent.

Jobless rate declines to 9.9 percent in April The state’s jobless rate dipped below double digits in April – to 9.9 percent – for the first time in almost two years. State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said May 19 the trend is encouraging and shows increasing confidence in the economy. “Not only is this the first time in nearly two years that Georgia’s unMark Butler employment rate has dipped into the single digits, but this is also the third consecutive month of job growth,” he said. The last time the jobless rate was below 10 percent was in June 2009, when it was 9.8 percent. Jobs have increased for three months in a row. Butler said that Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to

May 21, 2011

9.9 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point, from a revised 10 percent in March. The state’s jobless rate was 10.1 percent in April a year ago. Job increases were reported over both the month and year. There were 3,834,100 payroll jobs in April, up 30,100, or eighttenths of a percentage point, from 3,804,000 in March. Most of the new jobs were added in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, trade, educational and health services, and construction. Also, there was an increase of 2,200 jobs, or one-tenth of a percentage point, from 3,831,900 in April a year ago. Initial claims for UI benefits rose in April as 54,337 laid-off workers filed claims, an increase of 4,006, or 8 percent, from 50,331 in March. Most of the first-time claims were filed in manufacturing, administrative and support services, trade, and construction. But there was an over-the-year decrease of

6,324 initial claims, or 10.4 percent, from 60,661 filed in April of last year. In DeKalb County, there were 3,515 initial claims filed in April, up 188 or 5.7 percent from 3,327 in March. In April 2010, there were 4,199 initial claims filed for an over-theyear decline of 684 or 16.3 percent. The number of long-term unemployed workers continues to decline. There were 254,800 long-term unemployed Georgians in April, down 6,700, or 2.6 percent, from 261,500 in March. However, the number of long-term unemployed remains 18.4 percent higher than the 215,100 in April of last year. The long-term unemployed account for 55.1 percent of Georgia’s 462,370 jobless workers. April marked the 43rd consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, currently 9 percent. For more information, visit www.dol.state. ga.us.

Employers needed for job fair in Snellville Businesses and companies looking for workers can participate in a June 18 Community Resource and Job Fair at Connect Point Christian Center in Snellville. The job fair is hosted by the nonprofit Overcomers House Inc. Employers can take part at no cost in the 10 a.m.-to-noon event by completing a participation form at www.myovercomershouse.com. Overcomers is a social services and educational resource center focused on helping individuals affected by unemployment or addiction. Connect Point Christian Center is at 3755 Centerville Highway. For more information, e-mail info@myovercomershouse. com or contact Ann Mills at 678-575-6608 or Carolyn Morkeh at 678-664-4218.

Joye joins BDI as executive director Attack student loan debt first Simone Joye is the new executive skills will enable the organization director of Decatur-based BDI, a to continue to successfully connonprofit that provides entreprenect young entrepreneurs to the neurship training to students 9 to resources and people they need 18 years old. to start and expand their own BDI founder Creed Pannell Jr. business ventures. announced the appointment May Joye has held leadership 11. positions in several nonprofits, Joye comes to the Business Deincluding the YWCA of the city Simone Joye velopment Initiative with more than of New York and as executive 20 years of experience in youth development, director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newnonprofit management and journalism. ark, N.J. She is the founder and executive “Simone is an outstanding addition to director of the Atlanta-based Young People our BDI team,” said Pannell, who is the Matter and is also the current president of publisher of the Atlanta Business Journal AllWrite Communications, a communicaand producer of the Georgia Minority Busi- tions nonprofit consulting firm. ness Awards. BDI is located at 2533 Wesley Chapel He said that her wealth of experience, Road. For more information, visit www devotion to young people, and leadership .youthbdi.org or call 770-323-9023.

Solid Source Realty GA Buying, Selling or Renting Your Home In Georgia? Contact your Real Estate Professional / Notary Public 8052 Mall Parkway Suite 101 Lithonia, GA 30038 Office: 770-475-1130 Ext. 9622 Direct: 770-866-7637 Email: maynardwhite1@yahoo.com

Maynard White

Dear Dave, My wife and I have been following the Baby Steps, and we’ve paid off all of our credit card debt. We still have $51,000 in student loans left, and our combined income is about $140,000. We’re thinking about funding our IRAs while we finish off the college loans. How do you feel about this? – Patrick Dear Patrick, I wouldn’t do it that way. If you’re still on Baby Step 2, you need to stop all saving and investing and attack that last piece of debt with a vengeance. I know what you’re going through. The problem with student loans is that, like yours, they’re usually pretty big, and sometimes it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even with all the work you’ve done so far, a debt that large can make you feel hopeless. But there’s only one way to take down a giant. You start gnawing at his ankles and work your way up. That’s what you need to do, Patrick. I’m afraid you’ll lose focus and intensity when it comes to getting out of debt if you worry about saving more and investing too soon. I’ve seen that happen to lots of people, and when it does it can take a decade or more to finally get student loans off your back! You guys have made great progress, and you’re making good money. Don’t give up now! If you stay focused and gazelle-intense about getting out of debt, those student loans will be history in about 18 months. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves, get ticked off at this thing, and really go into attack mode. I understand the temptation you guys are facing, but I want you to stick to the plan. There’s power in behavior modification on a short-term basis that supersedes the power of mathematics! – Dave

I know what you’re going through. The problem with student loans is that, like yours, they’re usually pretty big, and sometimes it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even with all the work you’ve done so far, a debt that large can make you feel hopeless.

ciated with using a debit card than a credit card. Is this true? – Brittany

Dear Brittany, As long as you’re using a Visa or MasterCard debit card and processing it as a credit card, you will have the same exact protection against fraud and theft as a credit card – period. If your number is misused or your money stolen, both Visa and MasterCard require the member bank to replace the money you lost. In the case of a credit card, they would have to wipe it off your bill. Remember, your debit card has two functions. If you use your debit card as an ATM card – which means you enter your personal identification number – then your protection extends only as far as your bank or ATM system allows. These protections can vary depending on your particular bank. And most of the time, the protection you receive from the bank alone isn’t nearly as good! – Dave Dear Dave, For more financial help, visit daveramsey My husband says there’s more risk asso- .com.

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

Scene

“She shows us lives with an empathy that celebrates the spirit of her subjects, their passion for their work and their resilience.”

Authors to discuss sci-fi, nature, portraits of vanishing era Two noted novelists and a Southern watercolorist are among authors to be featured at the annual Decatur Arts Festival and the DeKalb County main library May 23 to 25. On May 23, Justin Cronin, author of the prize-winning novels “The Summer Guests” and “Mary and O’Neil,” will make a special appearance. He will discuss his latest acclaimed novel, “The Passage,” chosen by Justin Cronin Amazon as one of the best books of the month in its hardback release. Cronin is a “remarkable storyteller,” and you don’t have to be a fan of vampire fiction to be enthralled by this exciting novel about a virus that nearly destroys the world and a 6-year-old girl who saves it. The talk begins at 7:15 p.m. in the Decatur Library Auditorium,

215 Sycamore St. Southern novelist Mary Alice Monroe will speak on May 24 at 7:15 p.m. in the auditorium. Her new book is “The Butterfly’s Daughter,” an entrancing story of generations and traditions, of Mary A. Monroe nature and the blending of knowledge and forgiveness, all framed by an unforgettable group of women. Author Ron Rash says the novel, “like the monarch butterfly, has a plenitude of beauty and wonder.” Monroe, the author of 13 popular novels, including “The Beach House,” “Sweetgrass,” and “Last Light Over Carolina,” is known for her intimate portrayals of women’s lives and their parallels with nature and human nature. The romantic drama/actionadventure film tells the story of a mild-mannered American on vacation in Italy who is chased by Interpol, Italian police and Russian hit men.

‘The Tourist’ at Covington Library The romantic drama “The Tourist,” starring Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie and Paul Bettany, will be screened May 28 at the Covington Library in Decatur. The one-hour, 43-minute film, which was released in December, is being screened as part of the DeKalb Library’s New Movie Series featuring new blockbuster films. “The Tourist” box-office take was $67.6 million by March. The film tells the story of Frank, a mild-mannered American on

vacation in Venice, Italy, who is befriended by Elise, a breathtakingly beautiful woman with a mysterious secret. Soon, their playful romantic dalliance turns into a complicated web of dangerous deceit as they are chased by Interpol, the Italian police, and Russian hit men in this action-adventure film. The screening begins at 2 p.m. The library is at 3500 Covington Highway. For more information, call 404-508-7180.

On May 25, the distinguished Southern watercolor artist Mary Whyte will discuss her new book, “Working South: Paintings and Sketches by Mary Whyte.” With this work, the artist shares moving portraits of Southerners who Mary Whyte work on the edge, in vanishing lifestyles and occupations, capturing among others an oyster shucker in Virginia, a boat builder in Louisiana, an elevator operator in Mississippi, and a tobacco farmer in North Carolina. “She shows us lives with an empathy that celebrates the spirit of her subjects, their passion for their work and their resilience in facing life’s hurdles,” says prize-winning artist Jonathan Green.

The magnificent watercolors and the artist’s narratives attest to stories of grace, strength and dignity. Her talk begins at 7:15 p.m. in the Decatur Library Auditorium. For information, visit georgiacenter forthebook.org or dekalblibrary.org or call 404-370-8450, Ext. 2225. Other author talks this month include Jonathan Maxwell, who will speak at the Embry Hills Library on May 24. Maxwell will discuss “Murderous Intellectuals: German Elites and the Jonathan Maxwell Nazi SS,” a compelling examination of the rise of the National Socialist Party in Germany. The talk begins at 6 p.m. at the library, 3733 Chamblee-Tucker Road in Chamblee. For more information, call 770-270-8230.

Golf tourney benefits CASA Golfers can tee off on June 3 at Mystery Valley Golf Course in Lithonia to help raise money for the DeKalb Court Appointed Special Advocates. The nonprofit advocates for safe and permanent homes for abused and neglected children under the protection of the court. The golf tournament includes a fourperson best ball, breakfast/lunch, green fees, cart and an awards reception follow-

ing a day of golf. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start is at 9. Register online at www.dekalbcasa.org. For more information, call 678-830-7791. For costs, more information or to volunteer, visit www.dekalbcasa.org or call 404-378-0038. All contributions are taxdeductible. Mystery Valley Golf Club is at 6094 Shadow Rock Drive.

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Panola Mountain guided hike Hikers can see Panola Mountain State Park up close during a May 21 hike. The 10 a.m. hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. The two- to three-hour guided hike de-

parts from the nature center and is for people in good physical condition. Hikers must bring sturdy shoes, water, and bug spray. The hike is $7 plus $5 parking. Panola Mountain State Park is at 2600 Highway 155 in Stockbridge. For more information, call 770-389-7801.

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Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

Yogurt is a good source of calcium, which strengthens bones, and vitamin D, which aids the body in calcium absorption.

When it comes to nutrition, all yogurts are not created equal What is Greek-style yogurt and why is it supposed to be good for you? The short answer is that Greek-style yogurt is whole milk yogurt with less water content. Because there is less water, there are typically more calories, and the yogurt is thick and creamy, very much like sour cream. Traditionally Greeks would use sheep or goat’s milk, giving the yogurt a distinctive tanginess as well. But here in the United States, the recently popular Greek-style yogurts are using low-fat cow’s milk. So you get a yogurt that is low in calories, fat and sugar but is still very rich, creamy and satisfying with a higher protein content. Consider these nutritional comparisons: Chobani Greek Yogurt with pineapple: 6 ounces contain 160 calories, 2.5 g fat, 18 g sugars, 13 g protein. Oikos Greek vanilla yogurt: 1 cup contains 160 calories, 0 g fat, 17 g sugars, 22 g protein. Activia vanilla low-fat yogurt: ½ cup contains 120 calories, 2 g fat, 18 g sugars, 4 g protein. Yoplait Original Fruit Flavors: 6 ounces contain 170 calories, 1.5 g fat, 27 g sugars, 5 g protein. So you can see from this quick comparison of U.S.-made, cow’s milk-based Greek yogurts that they are significantly higher in protein for comparable calories and serving sizes. So why is yogurt considered good for you? n Yogurt is a good source of calcium, which strengthens bones, usually 15 percent-25 percent of the Recommended Daily Value, and vitamin D, which aids the body in calcium

n Yogurt can be a significant low-fat source

Eating Healthy Life Chef Asata Reid

absorption. n Many lactose-intolerant people can eat yogurt without any ill effects because the live cultures in yogurt produce lactase, an enzyme that lactose-intolerant people need to break down milk proteins. n Yogurt is a good source of probiotics and “gut-friendly” bacteria, which can improve digestion and aid in nutrient absorption in the lower intestine.

of protein (read the labels).

n Yogurt often is a good source of potassium,

Diabetes class at Tucker library

phosphorus, iron and vitamin A, other necessary nutrients. n Studies have shown that yogurt can proDiabetics can get information vide an immunity boost and that people on managing their disease at a May who ate two cups a day had higher levels of 26 diabetes self-management educainterferon, which improves immunity, while tion class at Tucker-Reid H. Cofer other studies suggest the active cultures Library. stimulate infection-fighting white blood cell The Georgia Medical Care Founproduction. dation is offering the 1-to-3 p.m. class, n Regular consumption of yogurt has which is free to attend. shown to decrease the presentation of Trained health care professionals yeast infections. will provide the information. n Yogurt has shown to help the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library is at digestive tract heal after a viral in5234 LaVista Road in Tucker. For more fection, and some studies show the information, call 770-270-8234. probiotics in yogurt help replenish the digestive tract after a round of antibiotics. Reading labels: What to watch for While low-fat yogurt may only present Nutritional values vary 1.5 grams of fat, it may still contain 26 grams When buying yogurt, always of sugar. That’s over 5 teaspoons! read the label because the nutritional Some yogurts use artificial sweeteners, values and qualities vary widely, not and some products that claim to be “yogurt” only from brand to brand, but from don’t possess any of the live bacterial cultures flavor to flavor. that make yogurt so beneficial. Essentially yogurt should have three main Some drinkable yogurts, possibly labeled ingredients on the label – milk, sugar and live kefir or smoothies, might have corn syrup yogurt cultures. Flavored yogurts will have added to give them that thinner consistency the flavor agent listed (vanilla, for example) and non-nutritive calories. The yogurt used and yogurts containing fruits will have those to coat foods (think yogurt-coated cereals listed as well. and pretzels) is often high in sugar and more The cultures may be as simple as L. like a candy with little nutritional value. Acidophilus, Bifidus and L. Casei, or the list Avoid yogurts that have been “heat may be extensive with more gut-friendly treated” because they rely on stabilizers for bacteria. their texture and the beneficial live cultures Dannon’s Activia even has a proprietary are killed off by the heat. blend, which they claim will improve digesLife Chef Asata Reid is making the world a tion within two weeks of regular consump- healthier place, one plate at a time. For more tion. information, visit www.lifechef.net.

Cooking with yogurt Yogurt is used as a marinade for meats. While the acidity and live cultures work to break down the meat and make it tender, the fat and water content of the yogurt keeps the meat juicy when it’s being cooked. Yogurt also is used to finish cooked sauces by lending a creaminess that isn’t as weighty as heavy cream or butter. It’s also used as a condiment or dressing on salads and vegetables, often with fresh herbs and citrus juice. Yogurt can boost the protein of a fruit smoothie and make it creamier than smoothies that rely on ice for texture. Yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise or sour cream in many recipes to lighten them up. This yogurt and spice marinade produces juicy tender chicken every time. Finishing the chicken with lime juice and cilantro gives the chicken a fresh, exotic flair. 1 chicken (3 to 3 1/2 pounds), cut into 8 pieces and skin removed juice from 1 lemon 1 tablespoon water 1/2 cup plain yogurt 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated 1 tablespoon garam masala (Indian curry powder) 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/4 teaspoon(s) ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 pinch cayenne salt to taste 2 limes cut into wedges cilantro and sliced onion for garnish

Directions Light the grill or preheat oven to 375 degrees. Create the marinade by combining all the ingredients, except the chicken, in a large, glass dish or stainless-steel pan. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Let the chicken pieces marinate for at least 20 minutes, but up to overnight. Lightly grease the grill using a moistened paper towel, or spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the chicken to the grill or pan and grill the chicken over moderately

high heat for 10 minutes. Turn and cook about 10 minutes longer for the breasts, 12 for the thighs and drumsticks. Alternately bake the chicken 15 minutes, turn and continue cooking for about 10 minutes longer. Chicken is done when the meat near the bone is no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove chicken from oven and squeeze lime juice from 1 lime over the chicken. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced onion, remaining lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves.

May 21, 2011

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“These events are an opportunity to bring people together, raise awareness about stroke and move people toward action to help reduce stroke incidences.”

Pulpits enlisted in fight to end stroke in black communities Stroke survivors, volunteer “ambassadors,” and metro Atlanta religious and community organizations will be spearheading grass-roots efforts for stroke prevention throughout the month of May. Stroke is the No. 3 killer in Georgia and is a major cause of disability. Nearly 2.8 million Georgia adults do not know the signs of a stroke. African-Americans, who make up 30 percent of the state’s population, are disproportionately affected at rapid rates. Hospitals, the Georgia Department of Community Health, the Black Nurses Association, the NAACP, the Atlanta Concerned Black Clergy and others are coming together to promote the 31 Days of Power national initiative. Efforts are creative and run from a text campaign to a Mother/Daughter Fitness Brunch to Power Sunday church celebrations. Yolanda King, the late daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and wife Coretta Scott King, conducted the first National Power Sunday church service in remembrance of her mother and others who have survived or died of stroke. The church service was held on May 6, 2007, in Atlanta. More than 74 Power Sunday services have been conducted across the United States. During May, the American Heart Association and its division, the American Stroke Association, are conducting events across the nation to narrow the knowledge gap about stroke – a leading cause of disability and death for all Americans – because studies show that few people know the risk factors, warning signs or what to do in a stroke emergency. Warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; trouble seeing in

one or both eyes; difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; and severe headache with no known cause. If you or someone near you has the warning signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately. Risk factors include high blood pressure; smoking; diabetes; carotid or other artery disease; atrial fibrillation; transient ischemic attacks – TIAs or “mini strokes”; certain blood disorders like a high red blood cell count or sickle cell anemia; high blood cholesterol; physical inactivity or obesity; excessive alcohol use; illegal drug use; family history and race – African-Americans’ risk is up to four times higher than non-Hispanic whites; age; sex; and previous stroke or heart attack. Nettie Jackson, the Heart Association’s health equity director, said knowledge is power. “These events are an opportunity to bring people together, raise awareness about stroke and move people toward ac- Nettie Jackson tion to help reduce stroke incidences. We are encouraging people across the country to join an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association stroke awareness event or conduct their own activity.” The national kickoff event was May 6 at the You Are the Power Concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y. During the event, which featured R&B singer Chrisette Michele, the American Heart Association recognized people of influence who are fighting stroke in their communities. The federal government has announced a plan to reduce health disparities in the nation. The new Health and Human Services report on the federal government’s action plan to

SHAPE targets childhood obesity Gov. Nathan Deal has launched a fitness initiative targeting childhood obesity in Georgia, home to one of the nation’s worst rates. The SHAPE program was introduced May 9 at White County Intermediate School. It will expand statewide after attaining successful results from pilot programs in White, Hall, Gwinnett, Bibb and Lowndes counties. Deal said childhood obesity decreases academic performance, increases the chances Gov. Nathan Deal launched SHAPE at White County of sickness and disease, and Intermediate School earlier this month to fight obesity. shortens life expectancy. “We face a health care crisis in Georgia SHAPE generates data through Fitnessresulting from poor diets and lack of exer- gram, an internationally recognized assesscise, and if current trends continue, we may ment that measures the strength, flexibility be raising the first generation of children in and endurance of students in P.E. classes. our state who are expected to have shorter Reports place kids in the “healthy fitness life spans than their parents.” zone” or “needs improvement” on each test. Statewide, one in five kids ages 10 to 17 Sophisticated data management helps kids is obese. Among low-income kids ages 2 to and parents chart improvement. 4, about one in eight is already obese. “The The benefit of Fitnessgram, developed by health care price tag for childhood obesity in Dr. Ken Cooper, father of the aerobic fitness Georgia is $2.4 billion annually, and rising.” movement, is that it does not reward specific Deal said the problem is fixable and that athletic skills or promote a particular body SHAPE, a public-private partnership to pro- image; it determines fitness. The test results mote childhood fitness and build a culture of reveal slim children who are not physically wellness among the state’s youth, can help. fit as well as heavier kids who are. “The SHAPE partnership is an innovative SHAPE partners include the Arthur approach to getting Georgia kids fit and on Blank Foundation, the Georgia Department a path to healthy living,” he said. “This puts of Education, the Department of Communiour state on the leading edge of innovation ty Health and the Division of Public Health, in addressing this health problem, as we are Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Atlanta one of three states putting a laser-like focus Falcons, and the Atlanta Braves. on fitness measures. The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation “SHAPE allows students to measure and the Blank Family Foundation have their own progress in physical fitness, and invested more than $500,000 in the partnerit puts the power of competition into effect ship, including a new $350,000 grant from as schools jockey for recognition and equip- AFYF to help take SHAPE and Fitnessgram ment grants through the Governor’s Fitness statewide over the next three years. For more Honor Roll.” information, visit http://georgiashape.org.

combat health disparities has put a new focus on how important public/private/community partnership is in improving these statistics and ultimately, making sure everyone has access to the health care, education and resources that work to combat health issues like stroke and heart disease. To view the full action plan, visit www. minorityhealth.hhs.gov/npa/files/Plans/ HHS/HHS_Plan_complete.pdf. Power to End Stroke is the Stroke Association’s focused grass-roots program dedicated to reducing stroke in Atlanta’s African-American community. The program is mainly “powered” by a community of volunteer ambassadors who are dedicated to spreading the word and keeping their families, churches, communities, schools, friends and organizations safe from stroke. Through Power to End Stroke, the association embraces the culture and lifestyles of African-Americans. The campaign unites

people to help make an impact on the high incidence of stroke in black communities. Upcoming events include: n Power Sunday on May 22 at St. Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church, 759 Scarborough Road, Ellenwood; contact Pat Johnson at 770-593-1724 or stkitts809@ hotmail.com. n Power to End Stroke presentation was scheduled for May 20 by the DeKalb NAACP Health Care Committee, 6933 Waters Edge Drive, Stone Mountain; contact Freda Hammonds at 770-413-6533 or frehammonds@ att.net. n Stroke Education presentations through May 25 at Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road, Atlanta. Contact Sharon Herdy or Gracie Benjamin at 404-3710749. For more information on nationwide events, visit PowerToEndStroke.org. For metro events, call 678-224-2077.

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May 21, 2011

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Salute to the Class of 2011 May 21, 2011

www.crossroadsnews.com

Section B

Reach as High as You Can 6,130 DeKalb seniors up for graduation

Stephenson High School senior Shaunda Johnson poses for a self-portrait with her aunt Letitia Owens after the school’s pre-commencement exercise on May 15.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

An exuberant Towers High senior strikes a pose. May 20 was graduation day.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Redan High seniors participate in a pre-commencement service at the school gym on May 15. Graduation day is May 21 at the Georgia Dome.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Jennifer ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Southwest DeKalb’s seniors attended pre-commencement at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Graduation is May 22 at the Lithonia church.

Members of Stone Mountain High’s graduating class attend a service at St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta. They graduated May 19 at the Georgia Dome.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

Pomp and Circumstance Established 1995 2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

The 2011 Graduation Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews Inc., South DeKalb’s award-winning weekly newspaper. Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker WizArt by Sharif Reporters Carla Parker Jennifer Ffrench Parker The content, design and concept for CrossRoadsNews is copyrighted and no parts of it should be copied, reproduced or duplicated without the expressed permission of the publisher.

Circulation Audited By

Countywide, 6,130 DeKalb County seniors have been picking up diplomas and certificates of attendance at commencement exercises.

2011 Graduations High School Arabia Mountain Avondale Cedar Grove Chamblee Clarkston Columbia Cross Keys DeKalb Alternative/ Elizabeth Andrews DECA DeKalb School of the Arts Destiny Academy Druid Hills Dunwoody Lakeside Lithonia Margaret Harris Martin L. King, Jr. McNair Miller Grove Redan Southwest DeKalb Stephenson Stone Mountain Towers Tucker

Date Sunday, May 22 Thursday, May 19 Saturday, May 21 Friday, May 20 Friday, May 20 Friday, May 20 Friday, May 20 Thursday, May 19

Time 7:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 2 p.m.

Location New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Ray of Hope Church Panthersville Stadium North DeKalb Stadium Hallford Stadium Georgia State University Sports Arena Adams Stadium New Beginning Full Gospel Bapt Church

Saturday, May 21 Friday, May 20 Sunday, May 15 Friday, May 20 Friday, May 20 Saturday, May 21 Saturday, May 21 Friday, May 13 Saturday, May 21 Thursday, May 19 Saturday, May 21 Saturday, May 21 Sunday, May 22 Friday, May 20 Thursday, May 19 Friday, May 20 Saturday, May 21

10:a.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 10: a.m.

DeKalb Schools AIC Auditorium Avondale Baptist Church DeKalb Schools AIC Auditorium World Congress Center First Baptist Church of Atlanta New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Greater Traveler’s Rest Bapt. Church School Cafeteria Georgia Dome New Birth Missionary Baptist Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Georgia Dome New Birth Missionary Baptist Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Georgia Dome Greater Traveler’s Rest Bapt. Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

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Salutes

The Class of 2011

We Wish You Good Luck as You Continue Life’s Journey!

May 21, 2011

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

“No matter the circumstance you are forced into, you can still find success in life.”

Class of 2011 breaks 6,000 mark to become DeKalb’s largest This year, the DeKalb County School System is graduating its largest senior class ever – 6,130 students. In 2008, the senior class numbered 3,695 students. By 2010, it had grown to 5,997 seniors. School system statistics show this is the first year that the graduating class has broken the 6,000 mark. The seniors, who hail from 32 high schools and centers across the county, will receive diplomas and, for those who failed the state’s High School Graduation Test, certificates of attendance. Final numbers were not available at press time Thursday. The 2011 class will march into graduation ceremonies to the strains of Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” Some students already have been through the ritual at ceremonies that began on May 13, but more than half of the schools are hosting ceremonies between Friday and Sunday in stadiums, churches, sports arenas, the Georgia World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome. In preparation for their big day, the 2011 class has spent the past two weeks taking senior trips and picnics and attending luncheons and pre-commencement exer-

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Cedar Grove High seniors attend pre-commencement at Greenforest Baptist Church on May 15.

cises where they have thanked their teachers and parents – sometimes with emotional speeches that left adults reaching for napkins to wipe tears away. They also have listened to inspirational speeches from pastors, business leaders and elected officials who have exhorted them to use this milestone as the foundation for

more education and for making a difference in their community. South DeKalb-based schools dominate the list of graduates, accounting for the bulk. More than 70 percent, or 4,306, of the seniors are from South DeKalb schools. But before they can get that well-earned piece of paper and shake the hands of their

principals and DeKalb School Board members, the graduates will listen to the top students of their class expound on their years together, what they will miss when they leave, and the road ahead. Over the past week, valedictorians and salutatorians have written draft after draft of speeches in search of the right words and tone to inspire their classmates to seize the moment and reach for the stars. Vonciel Bryant, who nailed a 3.9 GPA to become Columbia High School’s magnet program valedictorian, says she will talk to her classmates about using their gifts and talents to craft a better future. “Those same gifts and talents they use to help them get this far can help them in the future,” she said. Avondale’s Jada Henderson, who is getting a full ride to Hampton University with a Gates Millennium Scholarship, said she worked really hard for her 4.1 grade-point average. Her valedictorian speech will explore the theme of triumphing over trials and tribulations. “No matter the circumstance you are forced into, you can still find success in life,” she said.

Nine DECA seniors awarded high school diplomas, associate degrees While most of the Class of 2011 will be headed to college in the fall with only their grade-point averages, nine of their classmates will be armed with associate degrees and enrolling as juniors. The seniors from the DeKalb Early College Academy – Tyana Baker, Dezsarae Gill, Kaitlyn Hackett, Aaron Klaft, Zakery Mizell, Patience Shepard, Simone Thompson, Eric Williams and Amber Worthy – were able

to accomplish this feat through a joint enrollment program with Georgia Perimeter College, and more than a week before they got their high school diploma, they were among 1,000 GPC students who got associate degrees on May 13. The students, who were part of DECA’s senior class of 25, completed their high school work while receiving up to 60 hours of college credits toward the degree.

With two years’ worth of college credits, they are entering college this fall as juniors. They attended GPC’s Clarkston campus for both their high school and college credits. They are the second set of graduates to leave DeKalb Schools with associate degrees. In 2010, the alternative high school academy, based in the DeKalb School System’s Mountain Industrial complex in Stone Mountain, graduated 10 students who also had associate

degrees. DECA enrolled its first set of ninthgraders in fall 2006 and had 254 students for the 2010-2011 school year. The academy is funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under the national “Jobs for the Future” initiative. It targets students who will be the first in their families to attend college and/or who meet income requirements.

Graduation “The world is waiting for you to take your place in society.... I do not know where destiny will lead, but I know greatness is calling for you.” Ramona Tyson, Interim superintendent

Congratulations, Class of 2011 By Ramona Tyson

It is an honor to congratulate the Class of 2011 for completing DeKalb Board of Education requirements for earning a high school diploma. Reaching this milestone in your educational career is a wonderful accomplishment for which you are to be commended. Within this group, there are students who have been in our school system since pre-kindergarten. Others joined in points along the way from places as close as the next county and as far away as countries throughout the world. Regardless of when you came to DeKalb, I am proud of the rich diversity that permeates through the Class of 2011 and how you have embraced the cultural differences of your peers to form bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime. Your competitive spirit has enabled you to perform mightily in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the community. The number of awards and scholarships earned in each of those arenas are a testament to the diligence and stamina of the seniors in our high schools. You are a remarkable group of students who has set high expectations for those who follow. Indeed, you are leaving a legacy of success in our schools. The world is waiting for you to take your place in society. The question is who will emerge from this talented group to become the next giant of business and industry, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, or an American military hero? I do not know where destiny will lead, but I know greatness is calling for you. I challenge you to set goals that will cause you to reach higher than you thought possible. Don’t quit when, without warning, life’s journey changes course. Stay focused on achieving the dreams and fueling the passion that feeds your soul. For it is then you will experience joy and contentment in knowing that you found the purpose for which you were born. Congratulations, Class of 2011. You have done well, and I know much more is to come. Ramona Tyson is the interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School System.

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

“Thanks to the quality of our faculty and staff, they will be well-equipped to have great careers.”

Lithonia High seniors get memorial scholarship Thornton Lithonia High School graduates Rodny Joseph, Erin Scholarship Levering and Andrae Phillips are going to college in the fall recipients with $4,800 in scholarships from the James L. Thornton are (from Memorial Scholarship Fund. left) Andrae Rodny got a $2,100 scholarship; Erin, $1,600; and Andrae, Phillips, Erin $1,100. They are exploring a number of college options and Levering had not made final choices at press time. and Rodny The scholarship fund celebrates the memory of James Joseph. Thornton, a 2002 Lithonia rising senior who was killed in a car accident in August 2002. The scholarships are awarded higher GPA, and be in good academic standing. If the student annually to Lithonia High seniors. has a driver’s license, he or she must not have had a moving Applicants must write an essay on safety, have a 3.0 or violation in the past 12 months.

Six DeKalb students awarded AKA scholarships Ten metro Atlanta high school graduates, including six from DeKalb schools, are going to college this fall with $6,000 in scholarships from the Stone Mountain/Lithonia Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The scholarships were awarded at a May 1 reception. Recipients include Shelby Ashley of Southwest DeKalb, who is going to Virginia Commonwealth University; Brianna Brooks of Southwest DeKalb, who will attend the University of Georgia; Evonne Bazemore of Miller Grove, who is

heading to Georgia State University; Caambridge Horton of Southwest DeKalb; Julia Guinyard of Southwest DeKalb, who is going to Georgia Southern University; and Janae Jackson of Stephenson, who is going to Ohio State University. To win the scholarships, the seniors had to demonstrate high scholastic achievement, extensive community service, and strong leadership skills. During its 18 years, the AKA chapter has awarded more than $104,000 in scholarships to seniors.

ODE awards $18,250 Twenty-nine DeKalb graduating seniors got $18,250 in scholarships from the Organization of DeKalb Educators at its May 6 Annual Scholarship Banquet at the Holiday InnDecatur. The scholarships are administered annually in collaboration with the Family Support Center Inc. in Decatur. Vasselina Kotzeva of Cross Keys High School got the $1,000 grand prize. Scholarships for $750 were awarded to Southwest DeKalb seniors Shelby Ashley, Brianna Brooks, Imani LaShay Handy, and Fadhal Anthony Moore; Redan’s Alexandra M. Coleman and Quinton Porter; DeKalb Early College Academy’s Amber Simone Worthy and Phillip Holder; Tucker’s Dana Johnson and Samantha Lee; Stephenson’s DeBria West and Taryn Griffin; Miller Grove’s Mason R. Moon and Antoinette Marie Stevens; DeKalb School of the Arts’ Morgan Graynerd; Clarkston’s Rashida Sheffield; Avondale’s Samantha Thomas; and John T. Lewis II of Salem High School. Recipients of $500 scholarships were Christopher Brown of Southwest DeKalb; Cierra Lanique Thompson, DeKalb School of the Arts; Lenika Warren, Cedar Grove; Robert Robinson, Redan; and Ronald Grisham, Grady. Scholarships for $250 were awarded to Ryan Lemoine and Leonard Taylor of Miller Grove; Toni-Ann Plowright, Redan; Donald B Sellers, Stephenson; and Naquiesha Saunders Brantley, McNair.

DeKalb Tech graduates 24 in Law Enforcement DeKalb Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy graduated 24 police officers, deputies and law enforcement pre-service candidates on May 12. It was its seventh class to graduate and its largest since the academy opened in January 2009. The first class had 11 graduates. The graduates went through a 17-week, paramilitary-structured program that exposed them to the complex issues of law enforcement. Graduates got Peace Officer Standards and Training, Basic Law Enforcement certification, and 59 college credits toward an associate’s degree in criminal justice. DeKalb Tech’s Law Enforcement Academy, which is located in Covington, is one of the state’s first P.O.S.T.certified Basic Mandate programs on a college campus with college credit. Beverly Thomas, the academy’s director, said she is excited about the graduates “who are going out to serve where we live and work.” “Thanks to the quality of our faculty and staff, they will be well-equipped to have great careers and make our communities a safer place,” she said.

May 21, 2011

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

“There is a lot of compassion among this group. They care about each other and they are very focused.”

Arabia Mountain High’s inaugural class of 125 to get plaques By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Arabia Mountain High School may have one of the smallest graduating classes this year, but don’t let that fool you. These graduates – all 125 of them – will go down in history. The 2011 class, which includes Candice McCoy, who survived a brutal attack on her family in April, is the first to graduate from DeKalb’s only high school with an Academy of Engineering, Medicine and Environmental Studies. At their May 22 graduation at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, all members of the class will get an inaugural graduation plaque during a 7:30 p.m. ceremony. Principal Angela Pringle said that a cap-andgown class photo also will be taken before the ceremony, and it will be permanently displayed in the front of the Lithonia school. Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews The inaugural class Members of the first graduating class of Arabia Mountain High attend the pre-commencement Angela Pringle that is graduating this year exercise at the Lithonia school on May 15. They will graduate on May 22 at New Birth. was fashioned a mere two years ago. On Aug. 10, 2009, when the $48 million school opened with 1,076 students, its 140 11th-graders were mostly strangers, lured started a trust fund for her. After more than a month in from high schools like Stephenson, MLK While Candice was not at the the hospital, Arabia Mountain Jr., Miller Grove, Tucker, Redan, Southwest pre-commencement exercise at High School senior Candice McDeKalb and DeKalb School for the Arts. the Lithonia school on May 15, Coy will join her classmates for Some even came from Heritage High School she was not far from her classher school’s historic graduation. in Rockdale County. mates’ minds. Seventeen-year-old Candice But they quickly united around the new In his welcome address to – the lone survivor of brutal Rams mascot and embraced the school’s classmates and family members, stabbings on April 3 on Rockgreen and white colors. class president Tyrone Hankerland Road in Lithonia in which Pringle, who oversaw the school’s openCandice McCoy son mentioned her name among her mother, Sheila Irons, and ing and picked its staff and leadership team, younger brother Zion and sister Chasity high achievers he hoped to run into in the said the students quickly became a caring were slain – is a member of the Lithonia future. cohesive group. “I would not be too shaken up to see school’s first graduating class. “Perhaps, it’s the size of the class,” she said Candice McCoy after we graduate from Her troubled 21-year-old brother, this week. “They all know each other.” Howard University – she with a degree in Eugene McCoy, was arrested and charged The class also faced tragedy when classpsychology helping save lives, one person with killing them. mate Candice was thrust into danger and the at a time.” Dr. Angela Pringle, school principal, headlines on April 3 when her mother and His classmates erupted in applause. said Candice was released from the hospitwo younger siblings were stabbed to death, Tyrone, who took newspaper journaltal on May 5 and is recuperating with her allegedly by her elder brother. ism class with Candice and says she is a grandmother, Althea Irons-Voyd, and unCandice was severely injured and spent good friend, spearheaded fund-raising afdergoing physical therapy in New York. days in intensive care. She will attend Howard University in ter the shocking news shook the school. “It was really sad,” he said. “I know the fall, and on May 22, she will walk to Rigorous curriculum her family well. I had just seen them all a the podium to get her graduation plaque In their two years at the school, nestled couple of weeks before. I was at her house during the school’s graduation ceremony on 80 acres in the Arabia Mountain National at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. on March 22 for my birthday.” Heritage Area, the seniors went through a For three weeks, he took up residence “She will be able to walk with her class. curriculum designed to support them to in front of concession machines in the cafShe has her cap and gown and will be back become engineers, soil conservationists, eteria, persuading students to forfeit treats for graduation,” Pringle said. microbiologists and other environmentaland donate. Along with donations from Throughout the ordeal and her hosrelated professionals. teachers, staff, parents and the community pitalization, her classmates were never The school at 6610 Browns Mill Road and the proceeds of a fashion show they far away. was placed in the heritage area so that its held, students raised $5,000 for Candice. Pringle said they visited her daily in curriculum could draw on the rich environs, the hospital when it was possible and they including wetlands, rock outcrops, wildflowers, mosses, lichen and historton University on a Gates Millennium help you if you need it.’” ical agricultural terraces. At the school’s May 15 pre-commenceScholarship, said that just last week she and The work was tough, her mother, Julia, sat down to assess which ment service, class president Tyrone Hankerand even students who schools had the biggest impact on her life. son spoke of Pringle’s penchant for “raising relocated from other “Was it DSA, which I had gone to from the bar higher, and higher, and higher each DeKalb magnet schools kindergarten, or Arabia Mountain? It was day.” said they didn’t expect “The pressure was placed on us from Arabia Mountain,” she said. “Everything here the academic rigor thrust Leticha Heflin was so focused on you. I had good relation- every angle,” he said during his address to upon them. ships with my teachers at other schools, but his class and family members. “Mrs. Davis Leticha Heflin, who is headed to Hamp- here, from every teacher, it’s ‘I am here to wouldn’t cut us any slack. Ms. Malcolm

Survivor of family tragedy to march

found our willingness to complain funny. We were all pulling our hair out learning physics, and Mr. Canney just wouldn’t let up on that literature.” Despite the challenges, Tyrone, who is going to Howard University in the fall on a full academic scholarship, pronounced his classmates ready to take their next steps. “We are here fully prepared to conquer all that Tyrone Hankerson this world has to offer,” he said. Nearly two years ago when the $48 million state-of-the-art school opened as Georgia’s first green or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-certified school, its science, math and engineering magnet curriculum was unmatched nationally. Pringle said they searched but could not find another high school with a schoolwide focus on those subjects. Then a principal for 14 years, Pringle, who had joined DeKalb Schools in 2007, was tapped to leave Stephenson High School to open the 240,000-square-foot campus. When Arabia Mountain opened, it offered one of county’s most challenging high school magnet programs with mandatory research papers every semester. Sports, band practice and other extracurricular activities are not allowed at the school after 6:30 p.m. “Students have to go home and study and do their homework,” Pringle said. “Here we were able to build a culture focused on academic achievement.” The students, who wear uniforms to school, also were required to join academic societies and complete 20 hours of servicelearning directly linked to their academic curriculum. “We had higher expectations of our students,” Pringle said. Parental involvement is also a key component, and Pringle said parents routinely give more than the 10 hours of mandatory volunteer service. “They offer SAT prep classes,” she said. “They are here on Saturdays to work. They understand the focus.” Arabia Mountain High holds tutorials on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Pringle says more than 500 students attend weekly. It is no surprise to them that members of the 2011 class are headed to many of the nation’s top colleges and universities. “It could not have happened without a great staff and the support of our parents,” said Pringle, who is hanging up her principal’s hat at the end of this school year to concentrate on being area assistant superintendent for Region II. Appointed assistant superintendent in September 2010, Pringle has been doing double duty managing 26 schools as well as being principal at Arabia Mountain. She said that she started her principal career opening a school in Virginia and finishes it opening the new Arabia Mountain. She is very proud of the school’s first graduates. “There is a lot of compassion among this group,” she said Monday. “They care about each other and they are very focused.”

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

“It’s unbelievable. You feel accomplished because all of your hard work is being recognized.”

The 2011 Va Most of DeKalb’s 6.1130 seniors will receive their diplomas this weekend at graduation ceremonies in stadiums, churches, a university arena, the World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome. On the next four pages, we feature the valedictorians of the 2011 class. These are the students who rose to the top

Arabia Mountain (Magnet) Arabia Mountain (Resident)

Avondale

Cedar Grove

Ononuju Ume

Kelcie Willis

Jada Henderson

Chanice Oliver

Ononuju Ume is no stranger to hard work. Graduating with a 4.167 grade point average, Ononuju said it was encouragement that got her this far. “It feels great to know all of my hard work paid off,” she said. “And my parents always encouraging me to go above and beyond.” As a member of the GAMA Club and the Teen Advisory Board, Ononuju sets a great example for her peers daily. However, the greatest example she sets is for her siblings. As the oldest of five, she will be the first to go to college. “It gives me a lot of responsibility,” Ononuju said. “To make sure I set the example for my siblings as they go along their academic life.” She will study biology on a full academic scholarship at Georgia Tech. – Erica Baker

Kelcie Willis said her road to being valedictorian was a natural experience. “High school was easy; I just do the work,” she said. “I’m naturally good with writing.” It was writing that led this 4.09 grade point average student to being in several extracurricular activities. Kelcie participated in yearbook and Sierra Club and as a staff writer at Vox Teen Communications. She said that being the valedictorian of the school’s first graduating class is special. “It’s rewarding. It came at a good time. I came as a new person and I’m still making history at the school.” Kelcie is continuing her education at the University of Georgia. She will major in pre-journalism/broadcast news. – Erica Baker

Jada Henderson is not your average student. She is senior class president at Avondale High School and in many other clubs such as the Future Business Leaders of America. Jada is also the valedictorian with a 4.1 grade point average. “It’s unbelievable,” she said. “You feel accomplished because all of your hard work is being recognized.” Now the Gates Millennium Scholar will move on to Hampton University to major in biochemistry. She said she will encourage her classmates to look beyond their circumstance. “I plan to write [my speech] about how your trials and tribulations don’t have to become you,” she said. “And, no matter the circumstance you are forced into, you can still find success in life.” – Erica Baker

Chanice Oliver’s ninth-grade teacher, Ms. Thompson, made the comment that pushed her to become valedictorian. “She looked at my report card and thought I would be the valedictorian of my class,” she said. Since then, Chanice has strived for the top, and it has paid off. She obtained a 4.052 grade point average. “It feels great,” she said. “It’s a great accomplishment and I can only do better.” Chanice was an active student, participating in volleyball all four years, and was Student Council president, the National Honor Society vice president and on the yearbook staff. Chanice is going to Georgia Southern University to double major in mathematics and business management. – Erica Baker

Congratulations, Sharif Williams Your hard work, talent & dedication will take you a long, long way. Keep up the good work!

Love, Mom, Dad, Jami, Kelli & Taryn

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

“We take college courses along with the high school courses. So to take on that load and to have this outcome is great.”

aledictorians by earning the highest grade point average in their graduating class. They will speak to their classmates, teachers, parents, relatives and friends during their graduation ceremonies. This fall, they will be headed to Ivy League schools, private universities and state colleges.

Clarkston

Columbia (Magnet)

Columbia (Resident)

DECA

Hoang-Dung Nguyen

Vonciel Bryant

India Jones

Keanna Sion

Hoang-Dung Nguyen believes that becoming a valedictorian should be something every student should experience. “We all achieved great things in high school and it’s an opportunity that everyone should experience,” she said. Hoang-Dung nabbed the 2011 valedictorian title at Clarkston High School with a 4.08 GPA. A native of Vietnam, Hoang-Dung came to America when she was 4. She is heading to Georgia Tech to major in biomedical engineering on a premedical path. She wants to become an oncologist to help find a cure for cancer. – Carla Parker

Vonciel Bryant said it was support that led her to the top spot of Columbia High School’s magnet program. “My family is very supportive,” she said. “They taught me to always work hard in whatever I do.” With a 3.9 grade point average, Vonciel also holds membership in the Beta Club and National Honor Society. She danced in her church’s dance ministry and participated with Vox Newspaper. She said became valedictorian by working hard. “It feels like an honor and a privilege to be at the top of my class,” she said. Vonciel will now go on to Southeastern University and major in public policy. She is the recipient of the Southeastern President’s Scholarship and the Southeastern Academic Scholarship. – Carla Parker

India Jones knew her lifelong dream of being a veterinarian is what pushed her to the top. “I’ve always known I wanted to be a vet,” she said. “Great people have encouraged me and helped get me to the right path.” She is a member of the Beta Club, NHS, the National Arts Honor Society, Anime Club, and SADD. All of her extra activities did not block her achievement of a 3.9 grade point average. India said constant encouragement from others helped spur her to the top. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have gotten as far,” she said. “People have been my motivation and encouragement.” India will go to Emory University to major in biology/pre-medicine. – Erica Baker

For Keanna Sion, becoming DeKalb Early College Academy’s 2011 valedictorian was extra special and a very proud moment for her. “It shows how hard I’ve worked,” she said. “We take college courses along with the high school courses. So to take on that load and to have this outcome is great.” Keanna nabbed the title with a 3.8 GPA and is headed to Georgia Tech to study architecture. She wants to travel around the world and build houses, schools, malls and skyscrapers. “I’ve always been into building,” she said. “I played with Legos when I was younger and I really like to play Sims now.” Keanna was a recipient of the Georgia Tech Promise Scholarship, the HOPE scholarship and the PELL Grant. – Carla Parker

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

“I want to be a psychiatrist for the Army because I like working with people. The Army has a lot of issues with post-traumatic syndrome.”

The 2011 Valedictorians DeKalb School of the Arts

Lithonia

Martin Luther King Jr.

Miller Grove

Anna Fredendall

Predita Lundy

Gabrielle Williams

Lauren Flanigan

Anna Fredendall studied creative writing and stage-managing at DeKalb School of the Arts, but she will be majoring in anthropology at Willamette University in Salem, Ore., in the fall. “I’ve always been interested in medical anthropology,” she said. Anna, who has a 4.155 GPA, said it feels awesome to be DSA’s 2011 valedictorian. “It’s nice to be recognized for all of my hard work,” she said. Besides being stage manager, Anna was also president of the National Honor Society and a member of the student government and Students of the Performing Arts. Anna will attend Willamette University on a $165,000 scholarship. – Carla Parker

Predita Lundy said becoming valedictorian of Lithonia High School was a pleasure. “Lithonia is a hard school academically and I worked hard to get it and I think I deserved it,” she said. Predita rose to the top of her class with a 4.09 GPA. The 18-year-old will enroll in the University of Georgia this fall and will study sports management. “I really love sports and I like business and law,” she said. “That’s a perfect combination for a sports agent.” Predita, a Marching Bull Dogs drum major, is heading to UGA on a full music scholarship. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club and Future Business Leaders of America. – Carla Parker

Gabrielle Williams worked hard to be at the top of her class, and a 4.093 GPA helped her become the 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. High School valedictorian. “I feel accomplished,” she said. “I feel like everything I worked for has paid off.” The 18-year-old, who loves to write poetry, will head to Kennesaw State University in the fall. Gabrielle plans to study early childhood education to become a kindergarten teacher. “Kindergarten is the foundation of education and I want to inspire kids at an early age,” she said. Gabrielle is a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, the Spanish Honor Society and the North Star Yearbook staff. – Carla Parker

Lauren Flanigan plans to enter politics in the future and she knows attending an Ivy League school like the University of Pennsylvania will give her a good head start into politics. “The University of Pennsylvania is a very prestigious school and has one of the top business schools in the nation,” she said. Lauren, who is Miller Grove High School’s 2011 valedictorian, has a $35,000 scholarship and will major in international business. She plans to become a lawyer and enter the world of politics. Lauren, who has a 4.1 GPA, said it felt good to be valedictorian of her class. “I’ve worked hard for it and to get it is a relief and overwhelming.” – Carla Parker

Redan

Ronald McNair Sr.

SW DeKalb (Resident*)

Seantel Williams

Tiara Marshall

Trellis Hicks For Seantel Williams, becoming valeTiara Marshall worked hard to get For Trellis Hicks, becoming Southwest dictorian proves that you can achieve to the top of the class at McNair High DeKalb High’s resident co-valedictorian something if you put your mind to it. School. Her 3.98 GPA earned her a was a big accomplishment. “It feels really great because it shows place among the 2011 valedictorians. “I feel honored to be co-valedictorian when you work toward something you “I felt like I deserved it,” she said. at a school like Southwest DeKalb that can achieve it,” she said. Tiara chose to attend Alabama has a lot of rich history,” she said. Seantel, 18, earned the title of State University, which offered her a full Trellis and her 3.9 GPA are headed Redan High School’s valedictorian with academic scholarship, over Benedict to St. Johns University in Queens, N.Y., a 4.0 GPA. She will attend the University College. She plans to study biology and this fall. of Georgia to study biology and psychol- wants to become a dentist. St. Johns offered her a $135,000 ogy. “I always wanted to be a dentist,” academic scholarship that will cover her “I want to be a psychiatrist or a she said. “It was more interesting to me four years on campus. psychologist for the Army because I like than other careers.” She plans to major in management working with people,” she said. “The Tiara is a member of the National information system to become a manArmy has a lot of issues with post-trauHonor Society, the Beta Club, Future ager in the information technology field. matic syndrome.” Business Leaders of America, the StuTrellis was very active in school with With the help of the Ronald Simon dent Government Association, the tennis memberships in Beta Club and Future Scholarship and HOPE scholarship, Se- team and cheerleading squad. Business Leaders of America and presiantel is getting a full ride to college. – Carla Parker dent of the National Honor Society, – Carla Parker

– Carla Parker

Zachary Fitch Zachary Fitch was not expecting to be named Southwest DeKalb High’s resident co-valedictorian, but he was very excited when he heard the news. “I feel honored,” he said. “Everything I worked for paid off.” Zachary, 18, finished high school with a 3.9 GPA and will be at Morehouse College this fall majoring in a dual-degree computer engineering program at Morehouse and Georgia Tech. “I’ve always been interested in building computers and I want to help people who have technical problems,” he said. Zachary, who also runs track, is waiting to see if he will get a track scholarship to Morehouse but said it doesn’t matter because he already has a full academic scholarship. – Carla Parker

* Southwest DeKalb High School’s resident student population had co-valedictorians in 2011.

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

Shana Baldwin will tell her classmates to follow their dream and make good choices when she gives her valedictorian speech.

The 2011 Valedictorians SW DeKalb (Magnet)

Stephenson

Stone Mountain

Towers

Brianna Brooks

Paul Calhoun III

Alycia Edwards

Shana Baldwin

Brianna Brooks said she was shocked to learn she was named Southwest DeKalb’s magnet valedictorian. “I didn’t know I was that far up in the class,” she said. “I knew I was in the top 10 percent, but not head of the class.” Brianna, who has a 4.117 GPA, plans to double major in biological science and health promotion at the University of Georgia. Her goal is to become a doctor, a general practitioner specializing humanology. She said her mom, Carolyn, inspired her to study medicine. “She inspired me from how much she has been sick,” she said. Brianna has received nearly $40,000 in scholarships to help pay for school. – Carla Parker

Paul Calhoun III admits that he wasn’t bouncing off the walls when he was named Stephenson High School’s valedictorian, but he was still happy to achieve that milestone. “I was appreciative of it but I didn’t aim for it,” he said. “I am grateful to get it.” Paul is taking his 4.15 GPA to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall to major in business. Paul, who is a member of the Stephenson band and his own band, TraVerse, will major in finance but will continue to do what he loves, music. “Finance will be like the means to what I really want to do, which is music,” he said. – Carla Parker

Alycia Edwards, 18, has been working on computers for as long as she can remember, so it was no surprise that she chose computer engineering as her future career. “I’ve been working on computers all my life,” she said. She also did an internship with NASA at the Kennedy Space Center in 2010. Alycia, the Stone Mountain High 2011 valedictorian, is heading to Georgia Tech on a full academic scholarship. Alycia, who has a 4.06 GPA, said it feels “really special” to be valedictorian. “I’m at the top of my class,” she said. “I’m excited and my family is very excited for me.” – Carla Parker

Rising to the top of her class made Towers valedictorian Shana Baldwin both “excited and honored.” She nabbed the title with a 4.0 GPA and is headed to Kennesaw State University to study nursing. “I like medicine and dealing with people,” she said. Shana said she will tell her fellow classmates to follow their dream and make good choices when she gives her valedictorian speech on May 20. Shana is a member of the National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, and Young Ladies With a Purpose. – Carla Parker

B10

Graduation

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

“She has the ability to face up and shoot the ball very well. She is a strong rebounder and has great footwork. She has great potential.”

Harvard-bound SWD senior setting bar high for siblings By Carla Parker

Fadhal Moore was in awe as he walked the campus of Harvard University on April 29. “It’s a beautiful campus,” said the 17-yearold, who visited the prestigious school with his parents, Anthony and Selentia, to “get a feel of it” before he begins taking classes on Aug. 25. “It has an old-world feel with the old buildings.” The Southwest DeKalb High School senior said he always dreamed of attending a school like Harvard University. That dream became a reality when he found out on March 30 that his application was accepted. Fadhal, who will graduate from Southwest DeKalb on May 22, said the atmosphere seemed very supportive. “The people are really friendly and nice.” Harvard awarded Fadhal, who has a 4.0 GPA, a need-based scholarship. Then at the end of April, he found out that he had landed a Gates Millennium Scholarship that will see him through a Ph.D. if he wants to go that far. It was a very emotional day for him when he got his acceptance letter from Harvard. “On that same day I found out that I didn’t get into Columbia and Princeton,” he said. “When I got the letter from Harvard, I couldn’t believe it.” Fadhal, who is the oldest of five children, also received acceptance letters from Brown,

Southwest DeKalb STAR student Fadhal Moore, flanked by mom Selentia and dad Anthony, was awarded a scholarship to Harvard and a Gates Millennium Scholarship.

Notre Dame, Emory, St John’s and Cornell universities. “I chose Harvard because it was the best ranked school for my major, which is government,” he said. “You always want to get the best training and experience for your field of study.” Selentia Moore, his mother, said she wasn’t surprised when he got accepted into Harvard. “When he was in kindergarten, I considered him Harvard material,” she said. “He had an awesome kindergarten teacher

who really got him on the right foot with his education.” Selentia, who is an educator, said her son was always focused on his schoolwork. “I never had to tell him to do his work,” she said. “I haven’t helped him with his homework since he was in the fourth grade.” Fadhal was also named the STAR Student at Southwest DeKalb High for having the highest SAT score – 1980 – in the school’s 2011 class. Fadhal said his parents always encour-

aged him to do to his best in school. “They always told me that ‘there is nothing on earth that someone can do that I can’t,’” he said. But it was not all work and no play with Fadhal. When he wasn’t hitting the books, he was leading the Southwest DeKalb Marching Panthers on the field as co-drum major. The trumpet player said being in the band helped him get to this point in his life. “The band taught me time management and discipline,” he said. “I had to learn to balance my time between band and school.” With his acceptance into Harvard, Fadhal says he knows he is setting the bar high for his siblings who are 15 to 4 years old. “It is more pressure on them,” he said. “But they are all intelligent.” His mother said her eldest son’s achievements will help her younger children, who are being home-schooled, understand the opportunities they have. “We’ve always been very careful to make sure every child has their own individuality,” she said. Fadhal plans to become an attorney after college and then work his way into politics. He hopes his accomplishments and success will be an encouragement to his underclassmen at his Decatur school. “There is nothing that you can’t do,” he said. “A lot of kids give up on something because they feel they can’t do it. I don’t want to see them stop at achieving their goals.”

Greenforest-McCalep hoops star to play for Southern Polytechnic Next school year, Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy’s Taylor Singleton will be driving to the basket for the Running Hornets of Southern Polytechnic State University. The 6-foot center was offered a full athletic scholarship and signed her name on the dotted line on May 5 to play for the school in Marietta in the fall. Taylor, 17, said she is looking forward to playing on a team with great athletes and coaches. “I’m extremely excited,” the Decatur native said. “It’s a really big milestone for my basketball career.” Taylor, who played on the Greenforest Eagles varsity team for three years, averaged 12 points per game and 10 rebounds this past season. Allison Prather, the school’s head coach, said Taylor will be a great asset to Southern Polytechnic women’s basketball team. “She is a very good player who understands the game very well,” Prather said. “She has a very high basketball IQ.” Southern Polytechnic head coach Laquanda Dawkins said she was very impressed with Taylor’s basketball skills

after watching her play during an exposure camp at the school in April. “She has the ability to face up and shoot the ball very well,” Dawkins said. “She is a strong rebounder and has great footwork. She has great potential.” The coaches also were impressed with her character. Taylor said the university is not only getting a good player, but a leader as well. “I have very good leadership qualities and have a desire to win. I just have that fire and energy that will help the team succeed.” Taylor is not only a talent on the basketball court. She is an honor student and will graduate on May 20 with a 3.71 GPA. She and 17 others will be the academy’s final high school graduates. Greenforest Regents voted May 10 to terminate 9-12 grades at the school. Taylor plans to become a pharmacist and major in chemistry. She said she can’t wait to set foot on campus in the fall. “I feel like [Southern Polytechnic] is a great school with a great atmosphere. It’s not too big, not too small, and it’s a Taylor Singleton, one of Greenforest-McCalep Christian new campus. Everything is nice and new.” Academy’s final high school graduates, will major in chemistry.

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Graduation

B11

CrossRoadsNews

May 21, 2011

“The Gates Millennium Scholarship is a pathway to a college degree and the opportunities that come with it.”

Gates Scholarships to pay for college for 20 DeKalb students For years, Ryan Starks had dreamed of going to the New School in Manhattan, N.Y., to study business and fashion design. The price tag– $55,000 a year. There was no way he could afford it, but on a wing and a prayer, he applied. “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to go if I didn’t Ryan Starks get scholarships, so I started praying,” said Ryan, who is graduating from Southwest DeKalb High School on Sunday. Fadhal Moore, a classmate, was in a similar boat. He wants to study government at Harvard University, but he too knew that without a great financial aid package, the $56,000-a-year price tag was going to be steep for Fadhal Moore his family. For Ryan, Fadhal and Mickhale Green, also from SWD, and 17 other 2011 graduates from 14 DeKalb County schools, the cost of attending college will no longer be a worry after they all landed Gates Millennium Scholarships that will pay their way through college, including doctorates if that is their desire. The 20 DeKalb Gates Scholars include Avondale’s valedictorian, Jada Henderson, and Cedar Grove salutatorian Chardé Acie. Together, they make up one of the largest DeKalb groups in a single Chardé Acie year to secure full scholarships from the Gates Millennium Scholars Program since Microsoft founder Bill Gates launched it in 1999. Each year, the program awards 1,000 “good-through-graduation” college scholarships to students from low-income families who might not otherwise be able make it to college. The scholarship pays all their expenses to attend college. Cross Keys Mpaza Kapembwa said the Gates scholarship is making college very affordable. “Having the Gates will enable me to study abroad,” he said. “It will pay for my graduate school. and the networking is priceless.”

Scholarship winners 20 DeKalb students were awarded 2011 Gates Millennium Scholarships. Student Leticha Heflin Jada Henderson (V) Chardé Acie (S) Yared Aklilu Ram Siwakoti Mpaza Kapembwa Natalie Cook Aisha Davis Jaisa Gooden Darrius Hamilton Terence Gipson Jasmyne Jackson Raven Smith Jeffrey-Michael Holiday RéKieya Ward Fadhal Moore Mickhale Green Ryan Starks Brianna Crittenden Shannon Williams

High School Arabia Mountain Avondale Cedar Grove Cedar Grove Clarkston Cross Keys DSA DSA Druid Hills Dunwoody Lakeside MLK Jr. MLK Jr. Redan Redan SW DeKalb SW DeKalb SW DeKalb Stephenson Towers

Leticha Heflin of Arabia Mountain High is glad that she won a Gates Scholarship to pay her way through Hampton University to study politics and English. Without it, she might not have been able to go because since Christmas her father,

Donald, has been out work. Leticha and her family were on their way to visit family in Orlando, Fla., on Christmas Day when their car flipped five times on black ice in Valdosta, trapping her inside the car. Her father punched Leticha Heflin through the windshield with his right fist to free her from the car and broke every finger on his hand. “He has been out of work ever since,” she said. Avondale High valedictorian Jada Henderson also is headed to Hampton Jada Henderson University on a Gates Millennium Scholarship. She will major in biochemistry. Towers High senior Shannon Williams, who is the lone 2011 Gates Millennium Scholar from her school, is also an athlete. She captured a silver medal in the shot and a bronze in the discus to lead Towers to fourth place in the Region 5-AAA girls track championship at Woodward Academy on May 2. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation initially funded the scholarship program with $1.6 billion. Scholarships can be used to pursue degrees in any undergraduate major at the accredited college or university of the recipients’ choice. To date, more than 15,000 students have received scholarships. They

attend more than 1,500 schools, including Ivy League colleges, flagship state universities, and historically black colleges and universities. Scholarships are renewable annually as long as the scholar maintains satisfactory academic progress. The 2011 DeKalb students are among 94 Gates Scholars in Georgia. Nationwide, the Class of 2011 comes from 44 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories – American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They will be attending 334 colleges and universities. The scholarship program provides funding for graduate school in computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and science. The program, which is managed by the United Negro College Fund, has a six-year graduation rate of 90 percent, which is 45 percent higher than the national graduation rates for all students. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF president and CEO, said the success of Gates Scholars proves that given the financial, academic and social support, low-income minority students can not only succeed in college, but excel. “For these students, the Gates Millennium Scholarship is a pathway to a college degree and the opportunities that come with it. And for the country, it is a blueprint for how we can produce the college graduates the U.S. needs to remain competitive in the global economy.”

Congratulations, Lee Brandon Parker

We are so proud of you! Love, Samantha, Shawn, Ryleigh, Mia & Kaden

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B12

CrossRoadsNews

Graduation

May 21, 2011

More scenes from pre-commencement exercises for the Class of 2011

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Columbia High School seniors line up in the school gym for the May 12 pre-commencement service. Graduation was scheduled for May 20 at the Georgia State University Sports Arena.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

DeKalb School of the Arts students perform at the school on May 13. Graduation was scheduled for May 20 at Avondale Baptist Church.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Cedar Grove students listen to speakers during their pre-commencement at Greenforest Baptist Church.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Seniors from McNair High are all smiles at a service at Beulah Baptist Church on May 15. Graduation was May 19 at New Birth.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Stone Mountain High seniors file into St. Philip AME on May 15; graduation was May 19.

Jennifer ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

A Southwest DeKalb senior gets help with her gown at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Graduation is May 22.

Jami Ffrench-Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Clarkstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural diversity is captured in some of its studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; colorful head coverings.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Stephenson salutatorian Babajide Oluwadare (left) and valedictorian Paul Calhoun III share a light moment.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Martin Luther King Jr. High seniors pose for a memory at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church on May 15.