Odyssey feb17

CCSD INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED

Volume 14 Issue 2 Dec. 2016 $3.00

16-19 Marquez makes dreams come true

12 A closer look at Saturday School

Photo by Julie Alpaugh

Featured: CARNEGIE CLARKE: Junior Joseph Clarke practices his french horn in the Clarke Central High School band room. Clarke was accepted to participate in the High School Honors Performance Series, which provides him the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City. “This is an incredibly important performance to me.

This is like the biggest performance of my life,� Clarke said.

INFOCUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS <<

VIEWPOINTS AFRICA 8 “SAVING” Variety Editor Jurnee Louder feels the effects of

COVER STORY <<

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BY OWEN CHURCHWELL AND LUCIA BERMUDEZ

mission trips to Africa can sometimes be harmful and problematic.

BY JURNEE LOUDER

NEWS WEEKEND EDUCATION 12Saturday School is a helpful resource for many

Clarke Central High School alumnus Marquez Williams followed his football dreams from Athens to Miami.

students, but opinions vary on the remediation option.

BY ELENA GILBERTSON-HALL Photo by Sophie Fernandes

FEATURES

Photo by Andrew Caldwell

14 PARISH’s playbook

New Clarke County School District interim superintendent of schools Jack Parish looks to reimmerse himself into the CCSD community.

BY ANDREW CALDWELL

REVIEWS STARSTRUCK 20R&BNOTartistTOO The Weeknd’s latest album strays away from his original style, leaving listeners bored and wanting more.

BY SUNCANA PAVLIC

VARIETY

Right: STAYING FOCUSED: Clarke Central High School Math department chair Heather Julian assists freshman Oscar Jimenez during a Saturday School session. Julian feels that students who work hard in the program will succeed in the class environment.

“Some (students) work really hard on Saturday, and then they go throughout their week and don’t do much work, so we have that discussion about you’ve gotten caught up some, but if you slack off again you’re going to go back down,” Julian said.

12

Photo by Zoe Peterson

22Blanca Lynch’s road led her back to Clarke

a drive like no other

Central High School, where she works hard every day.

BY LUCIA BERMUDEZ

SPORTS leading THE SQUAD 31Clarke Central High School varsity basketball cheerleader Briana Rainey gives tips and insight on the world of basketball cheerleading.

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Left: GLAD TO JAG: Clarke Central High School alumna Cherrelle Pullen holds court in the Cedar Shoals High School gym. Pullen, who graduated from CCHS in 2006, is now the CSHS head softball coach and the varsity girls basketball assistant coach. “I want the best out of my players because my coaches at Clarke Central instilled life lessons that I carry through,” Pullen said.

BY EMERSON MEYER Cover photo by Julie Alpaugh.

DECEMBER 2016

Cover and Table of Contents design by Lucia Bermudez.

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ODYSSEY

Editor-in-Chief: Lucia Bermudez Managing Editor: Sophie Fernandes Lead Copy Editor: Jordan Rhym Senior Visuals Editor: Julie Alpaugh Photography Editor: Zoe Peterson Viewpoints Editor: Katy Mayfield News Editor: Ana Aldridge Variety Editor: Jurnee Louder Sports Editor: Hannah Gale Junior Copy Editor: Andrew Caldwell Writing Coach: Delia Adamson Business Staff: Business Manager: Dalace Thomas, PR Manager: Adrienne Lumpkin ODTV Executive Producer Johanna Hall ODTV Director Karla Dougan Staff Writers: Owen Churchwell, Emma Ramsay, Kelly Fulford, Kiki Griffin, Kennae Hunter, Crystal Fox, Alexander Robinson, Emerson Meyer, Elena Gilbertson-Hall, Everett Vereen, Kourtney Teasley, Emma Crane, Olivia Ngu, Madeleine Ingle, Gabriel Mantione-Holmes, Prana Maldonado-Collins Adviser: David A. Ragsdale

LUCIA

BERMUDEZ LETTER FROM THE EDITOR. With the changes in 2016, new year possibilities abound in 2017.

T

o quote the revered tastemaker Kylie Jenner, 2016 has been “the year of realizing stuff.”

It has been a year of some ups, and plenty of downs, history made, protests, celebrations and much more. But most of all, it has been a year of change, and the Clarke County School District is no exception.

This year, we’ve seen it all: two new high school principals, a new head football coach for each of the Classic City’s biggest rivals, and several major school renovations including our very own Clarke Central High School.

A lot of these changes have been positive, leaving a major impact on our school and Athens community.

However, there are changes that have hurt our community.

We were rocked by an alleged sexual-assault case at Cedar Shoals High School in January, thus causing the district’s students, teachers, parents and administrators to question students’ safety and the progress we’ve made as a community.

So, with a new year ahead of us comes new possibilities for the CCSD, and one of the biggest possibilities lies with one of our biggest changes: a new CCSD superintendent.

Jack Parish, the CCSD’s current interim superintendent, will take office in January of 2017, and serve as interim until a superintendent is officially appointed after an extensive search.

With our district under new management, there are steps that must be taken to ensure our progress as a district and a community.

I encourage Parish to visit our schools and get to know our students, parents, teachers and staff. Talk to us. Find out what we care about, what issues we are facing, what is important to us.

Students and teachers often have opinions on changes to be made within the school system and the county, but seldom have forums to speak on these issues.

We saw students and teachers, along with other administrators and community members, participate in a public forum during the sexual-assault case, but such a forum shouldn’t only be held when tragedy strikes.

Students and teachers should be contributing throughout the year, sharing opinions, experiences and new ideas, and the interim superintendent should be the one leading these forums and encouraging input.

Change can be a good thing, and with all in 2016, a fresh start and new perspective may be just what we need.

Below: PIECING IT BACK TOGETHER: After an alleged sexual assault incident at Cedar Shoals High School and many administrative position changes, Interim Superintendent Jack Parish brings a new hope to the Clarke County School District.

Illustration by Johanna Hall

The ODYSSEY is a student-produced newsmagazine, published with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists. Established in 2003, the ODYSSEY is published multiple times a year, and each issue is an open public forum for student expression under the guidance of a faculty adviser.

Student journalists are provided with opportunities to investigate, inform, interpret and to evaluate: all traditionally accepted functions of the press in America. Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the staff.

The ODYSSEY staff is committed to reflect the mission statement set forth by Clarke Central High School. The goals of the staff are to provide fair, accurate news and commentaries, as well as to serve the interests of the school and Athens’ community.

Advertising must conform to the guidelines set forth for editorials. Publication of advertisements does not indicate an endorsement by CCHS or the ODYSSEY staff.

Students pictured in advertisements are not given monetary compensation. All advertising rates are available upon request from any ODYSSEY staff member.

The ODYSSEY is a member of the Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Georgia Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Southern Interscholastic Press Association.

Corrections of errors and omissions will appear in the next issue.

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

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DECEMBER 2016

VIEWPOINTS <<

THUMBS

Y

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

PRAISE FOR PARISH Dr. Jack Parish’s appointment as interim superintendent will provide stability for the CCSD during the new year.

MR. 305 For University of Miami senior Marquez Williams, playing football for coach Mark Richt was a childhood dream, though he expected to be in a red and black jersey, not a green and orange one.

PULLEN WEIGHT

If high school is preparing students for the “real” world -- code for employment -- why are schools graduating students who read far below what the adult world requires?

And even after graduation, where do Clarke Central High School and CCSD students go? If students are unable to function in post-secondary options -- college, the military, the workforce -- a high graduation rate is essentially meaningless.

What happens to us students, who are often graduated despite being unprepared for what comes ahead?

Rather than crafting a graduation rate that is mostly water weight, the CCSD should ensure that graduates’ diplomas mean something.

That means working on literacy initiatives from K-12, reforming credit recovery classes to be as rigorous and educational as their on-level equivalents and establishing mentorship programs to help students not only get through high school, but to find opportunities for the road ahead. That means being honest about the struggles students and schools face.

If the CCSD shifts its focus from high scores and pats on the back and towards the students it so proudly brags about, maybe we can be as successful as our district claims we are.

FAKING THE CLIMB Graduation rates in the Clarke County School District’s high schools are climbing consistently, but often times these rates are given more significance than substantial student progress. #BARBIESAVIOR Variety Editor Jurnee Louder highlights the ridiculousness of “white saviors” and the mystification of African culture and civilization.

LOCKER-ROOM TALK Sports Editor Hannah Gale addresses her peers about overly-sexual behavior in sports and at CCHS, and the inappropriate conduct that takes place in female athletes’ everyday lives.

Below: GLADS TO GRADS?: The Clarke County School District is graduating more students than in years past, many of whom are still incapable of reading and writing above a basic level, leaving us to question the validity of these rates.

Photo illustration by Suncana Pavlic

Though CCHS alumna Cherelle Pullen was not able to return to her former high school to coach, she now serves in several athletic roles throughout the county.

If the CCSD shifts its focus from high scores and pats on the back and towards the students it so proudly brags about, maybe we can be as successful as our district claims we are.

THE WEEKND’S END? The Weeknd’s latest release “Starboy” is an unfortunate stray away from his alternative R&B roots. Although it was a success on the charts, it was a failure for long-time fans.

Story by Katy Mayfield

WORKING OVERTIME Saturday School provides students opportunities to catch up, work in peace and improve their classroom performance.

OUR TAKE

ear after year, around the end of the first semester, the headlines start popping up.

“Graduation rates rise for fifth straight year.”

“Clarke County’s graduation rate climbs 17 percent.”

“National graduation rate leaps.”

That should raise eyebrows.

If someone on a diet lost 20 pounds in their first week, questions would follow. Did they use diet pills? Did they just drop water weight? Did they stop eating altogether?

Why, then, aren’t questions asked of a graduation rate which shoots up astronomically every single year?

The biggest clue is an obvious one.

Graduation rates continue to soar, including in the Clarke County School District, where over 80 percent of students graduate. Yet 60 percent of CCSD high school students read below their grade level, according to September 2015 Lexile scores provided by the district.

--Compiled by Everett Vereen and Emma Crane

DECEMBER 2016

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PERNO’S PLAYBOOK

Our November issue featured a feature-length sports profile on head football coach David Perno by Editor-in-Chief Lucia Bermudez and a story on Clarke Central High School’s new principal Marie Yuran by News Editor Ana Aldridge.

>> VIEWPOINTS

>> FEATURES

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR // Lucia

MEET YOUR PRINCIPAL // Ana Aldridge

Bermudez

>> NEWS MAKING A GREEN SWEEP // Ana Aldridge In the article “Making a green sweep” it expresses a more energy efficient school that will save the district money. I like how the writer shows the perspective of a science teacher who understands the positive effects of all these new eco-friendly features give us.

One thing I did not like was the lack of student input. Although they are not experts, they can see differences in the school like how there is more grass visible and the trees that were planted. There could have also been more input on other things about areas that might have needed more greenery.

--Jordan Ostrom, senior Corrections/Omissions November 2016 On page 3, the bottom photo is by Zoe Peterson.

On page 4, “Venezuelan” is misspelled.

On page 6, Aidan Fell’s name is misspelled.

On page 17, the On page 18, CAPS stands for the Curriculum Assistance Program for Students.

Contact

ODYSSEY Newsmagazine

The principal naming was done on the announcements during school. I feel like the administrators should have figured out a better way to introduce (Principal Marie Yuran) to the students. I feel like this poll needed to be taken, so the administrators could understand that kids really don’t pay attention unless it’s in a one-on-one conversation.

Being honest, half of the kids don’t even listen to the announcements. So, I’m glad the issue was brought up and they did a better job at introducing our new principal.

--Lauren Beck, senior

>> VARIETY

“I

had no idea ROCKY HORROR // we had so many environmentally friendly things around >> SPORTS our school.

Katy Mayfield

I liked the article. However, I disagreed with the negatives said about the remade musical. I believe the modern twist that was made added a bit more pop to the musical and even improved it. It’s honestly a great modern take on an underappreciated classic. I’m a big fan of the original and even though the reboot isn’t as sexual, it’s still great.

“

The article is full of facts about why people don’t discuss controversial subjects. I really like how you included why the teachers can’t discuss it and why students struggle to discuss it. However, when are students supposed to discuss this in class? We have to continue our lesson to prepare for the many standardized tests they make us take. Teachers don’t have time to bring this up. They are stressed with time and making sure they do their role.

When one of my classes discussed rapists and women, the class got way off topic. Although it was very interesting to hear how my classmates behaved or what they have experienced, we lost crucial class time that put us behind. How do you suggest teachers or students incorporate this into their lives at school?

--Nicolina Boza, senior

--Sophomore Jonathon Smith detailing his notice of new, environmentally friendly additions to the school after reading News Editor Ana Aldridge’s article “Making a Green Sweep”, which details eco-friendly additions to the newly-renovated school building.

--Charis Stafford, senior

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FISHING // Emerson Meyers

I’m glad to see an article on the fishing club. The clubs and organizations we have at school are something we hear very little about, especially new ones. The author here did a very good job putting into words what Cole and Jack explained to her exactly what the fishing club is and how they work.

--Matthew Burgess, senior

Letters: E-mail us at editors@odysseynewsmagazine.net, or drop off in the Main Office, in care of the ODYSSEY. We ask that all letters be under 250 words and signed. We reserve the right to omit or edit any letters received. Insulting, unsigned or libelous statements will not be considered for publication. All letters may be edited for clarity and space. Advertising: For ad rates e-mail us at business@odysseynewsmagazine.net. Online: Comment online at our website, www.odysseynewsmagazine.net.

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DECEMBER 2016

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KATIE GRACE UPCHURCH

Fresh Voice

“My resolution is to stop procrastinating and to get my work done on time so hopefully next year it will be easy to graduate.”

With time and faith, Clarke County’s neighborhood schools can become great.

W

hen I started school 10 years ago, I went to Chase Street Elementary, which at the time was one of the smallest and lowest-rated schools in the Clarke County School District, with a population of 282 students.

Then, in 2009, the CCSD implemented “neighborhood school zones”, meaning students were assigned to schools based on where they lived. Over the next three years, Chase began to grow.

More students came, which meant more teachers, parents and community members becoming involved with the school. The school developed into a living and thriving part of the community.

A decade since I first started there, the population has grown to include 530 students due to re-zoning and also people outside of the neighborhood community sending their kids to Chase after recognizing strides being made within the school.

Despite the zone restrictions, there are I loved my time at Chase, and schools all over the district whose popula- everyone should be able to have tions don’t reflect their an experience like mine. neighborhoods. This is because parents have found ways to avoid their neighborhood schools, in order to send their kids to schools outside of their zone.

Being a neighborhood school is what brought Chase together. Building a community of students, parents and teachers who put time and effort into their school is something that not all schools in the CCSD are as fortunate to have.

I went to Chase during the time when it transitioned from being one of the smallest and least desirable schools in the district to being a loved and flourishing community. I loved my time at Chase, and everyone should be able to have an experience like mine.

There are great schools all over the CCSD, so instead of shopping around for “the best school” with the highest test scores, go to your neighborhood school. Get to know your neighbors, spend time in your school, go to PTO meetings and be present in the community.

--Chau Duong, junior “My New Year’s resolution is to read more. Reading makes you smarter and it helps keep your mind going, and I haven’t been (reading) that much recently, so I need to read more.”

--Jack Krohn, freshman “(My New Year’s resolution) is to not be so stressed because school only lasts so long, and life isn’t all about school.

I’m going to work on time management and also turn in assignments earlier.”

--Diana Mejia, junior “I just go with the flow. I don’t make (New Year’s resolutions) because most people don’t continue to stick with what they planned on doing for the New Year.”

--Latisha Macon-Edgerton, campus security

Below: CHILDREN OF CHASE: Web master Katie Grace Upchurch (top row, second from right) feels strongly that parents in the Clarke County School District should send their kids to, and invest their time in, their neighborhood schools.

“I don’t really have (a New Year’s resolution). I just don’t think I should change anything.”

--John Smith, sophomore

Photo courtesy of Katie Grace Upchurch

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2017?

--Compiled by Suncana Pavlic and Kaya Pollack DECEMBER 2016

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>> VIEWPOINTS

JURNEE

Louder

AFRICA -- THE DISNEY WORLD FOR WHITE SAVIORS Variety Editor Jurnee Louder understands you loved your mission trip to Africa, but here’s why it could be problematic.

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Left: THE BARBIE SAVIOR COMPLEX: The satirical “Barbie Savior” Instagram account uses a Barbie doll to illustrate an intricate concept -- the White Savior complex, a trope in which Caucasian people “save” people of color. The White Savior complex usually doesn’t happen with malice in mind, but it ends up hurting everyone.

On the Barbie Savior account, Barbie works for a NGO that provides drinking water to those in Africa. Barbie Savior’s exploits are maddening and exemplify why all help isn’t good help.

ou’re scrolling down your Instagram feed, and you see a post from one of your friends.

You realize to yourself, “Oh, he went to Africa!

That’s cool!” You scroll down and see another post, this time of him and a group of African children.

“I taught these children how to walk today!” the caption says. “I’m so glad I was able to change their lives forever. They certainly have changed mine!”

These tourists have been struck by the White Savior complex. It’s the trope in which Caucasian people “save” people of color.

This can be seen in movies like “The Help” and in other mediums of pop culture. Here’s why it’s fairly problematic, especially in relation to Africa.

e i b r a B r o i v a S

Soul searching in Africa There are lots of reasons why people go to Africa: for mission trips, to contribute to a charity or maybe just to go to some place new. But what common theme unites them all?

Soul searching.

Apparently, Africa is home to some incredible therapeutic power where anyone can go to “find themselves”-- whatever that might mean. No matter what part of Africa they visit, they always come back reborn.

Well, what did they learn about themselves on their soul searching adventure?

Did they learn that not everyone has clean water? Yes, but anyone could’ve told them this. Did they learn that not everyone has the same access to education? Yes, but anyone could’ve told them this.

Did they learn that people have different lifestyles and cultures? Yes, but anyone could’ve told them this.

So, what exactly was learned in Africa that couldn’t be learned anywhere else with a little bit of time and research?

Does the poverty rate and lack of internet in the Clarke County School District not equally disturb them?

Helping the African children Not only is the “I saved an African child!” rephrase insulting (because not every child in Africa is poor and malnourished, nor do they all care about your presence), I also find it to be creepy.

These children are not trophies to post on Instagram as evidence of your “woke-ness.” They are kids -- real people.

Not all of them have never experienced the joys of drinking a Coke. Not all of them have never held an iPhone in their hand, nor must they do so to live fulfilling lives. Not all of them dream of one day meeting someone like you to finally come and love them.

These kids are often nameless and story-less, besides just playing extras in your stories of spiritual enlightenment.

Also, just because you’re in Africa doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to post photos of children without their or their parents’ permission.

If someone were to go take random pictures of kids on a playground in America, it would be creepy and legally sketchy.

What makes African kids less deserving of privacy?

The mystery of Africa Yes, Africa and its different languages and multi-colored beaded designs are so exotic. I mean, it’s practically a different planet, right?

Wrong.

What does it mean to be exotic? To not be white?

To not be American? Well, in that case, literally every other place in the world is exotic.

Africa has many beautiful cultures within the continent. But, just because its traditions don’t

8 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Photo illustration by Lucia Bermudez Layout by Jurnee Louder

necessarily remind you of where you came from doesn’t mean that you get to fetishize and appropriate its cultures.

The reason the White Savior narrative is so offensive is because it paints people of color as too incompetent or too weak to solve their own problems.

I understand that going to Africa may have changed your life forever. I understand that you did a lot for those who needed help. I understand that you want to be an ally.

But, being a good ally means supporting those who need to tell their stories, not directing the conversation. It means knowing when to step back and not make the conversation about you.

That’s how you can truly help.

DECEMBER 2016

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SOPHIE

FERNANDES

BOILING POINT. Managing Editor Sophie Fernandes struggled for years with the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

I

t’s the night before the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and my anxiety different learning styles? Clarke Central High School College Advisor Alyssa has taken over. I have been practicing coping mechanisms and studyYuhouse has felt doubtful of the SAT and American College Test (ACT) as ing for months, but my mind still races through worst case scenarios. well.

Testing has always been a weak point for me. Although I study fervently, “Of course, you have the ‘teaching to the test’, meaning standardized when I begin the test, much of what I prepared for slips away from memtesting, in which case the SAT/ACT definitely falls under. I would not say ory. I don’t get normal butterflies before a test; if my anxiety is especially the SAT/ACT caters to hands-on or visual learners, due to the nature of the bad that day, I shake, can barely breathe and feel like there is a rock in my test and it being core subjects only. I would not say that the test reflects stomach. many different learning styles,” Yuhouse said.

As a senior, it is expected for me to do well on this test, so that I can I personally relate to this. I am a visual and kinesthetic learner, which get into a good college. are useful skills, but not However, the SAT is not as effective for studying an accurate representation As an aspiring journalist, I know that I will not be expected for something like the of my, or any student’s SAT. to edit someone’s article in five minutes, so why create such intelligence.

However, according The most jarring aspect to the Washington Post, unrealistic timed conditions? of the SAT is the little many colleges such time it give you for each as Colorado College, question. The SAT is 180 Agnes Scott College, Colby minutes long: the reading section is 52 questions in 65 minutes, writing is College and Dickinson College, are already skeptical of the SAT. 44 questions in 35 minutes, and math is 58 questions in 80 minutes.

“I think that any school in their right mind should be looking at a stuHow does the speed at which I’m able to answer something show my dent holistically. If I am getting a student who has clearly shown through proficiency? their body of course work that they are a fantastic student, do I think that As an aspiring journalist, I know that I will not be expected to edit one test should saddle them? Absolutely not,” CCHS counselor Sam Hicks someone’s article in five minutes, so why create such unrealistic timed said. conditions?

The College Board needs to revise the SAT in a way that appeals to all Although I have a 3.8 GPA, my SAT scores are not compatible. I have tak- students. en the test three times. Each time, when my scores return, I feel extremely disappointed in myself. Even though I keep telling myself that the SAT doesn’t prove my intellectual ability, I still feel judged for it.

Below: SCHOLASTIC ANXIETY TEST: Managing Editor Sophie Fernandes has struggled with test anxiety on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). She believes its content and format disadvantages students with The school curriculum generally adheres to one type of learning that is test anxiety and low-income students. often more beneficial to the system than the student. This concept applies to the SAT, as well. How is it that one test can reflect the ability of many

Photo illustration by Katy Mayfield

DECEMBER 2016

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Above: ADVISING ATHENS: On Dec. 12, the Clarke Central High School Youth Advisory Board gathers for their meeting. The board planned to facilitate anti-alcohol and drug events to raise awareness for students in the Clarke County School District. “Sticker shock is the campaign that we do out in the community where we give out bags, window clings, coasters, etc. to different liquor stores to let them know that it’s not okay to sell alcohol to minors,” YAB coordinator Tonya Knox said.

athens’ youth

SCHOLARLY MONEY As seniors begin applying to colleges, opportunities for prestigious scholarships arise. Most universities in the country have Premier Scholarships that students at Clarke Central High School can apply for, depending on the requirements.

“We like to put out the list of prestigious scholarships that students at (CCHS) have applied for in the past and especially for those where we’ve had success and they’ve won them,” CCHS counselor Sam Hicks said.

Counselors have begun promoting these scholarships through the daily announcements, so seniors can get a basic understanding of the prestigious scholarships that are offered.

Students can ask their counselors if they are eligible for these scholarships by emailing them or discussing it in their senior meetings. Counselors will also email some students and their guardians specifically.

“Typically, we rely on the students self-refer, but as the due dates start coming along and we see students that we think might be a good fit for (a scholarship), (we will) ask them specifically if they’re gonna consider applying,” Hicks said.

T

he Youth Advisory Board, which consists of 17 Clarke Central High School students, plans anti-drug and alcohol events centered around the holiday season.

The student-organized board works with their supervisor, Tonya Knox, to raise awareness about drug and alcohol use by teens throughout the Clarke County School District.

Since holidays such as New Years may promote underage drinking or drug use, the YAB has many strategies to influence students to make the right decisions.

“We have information about different activities you can participate in so that you don’t have to drink or smoke, --Tonya Knox, and things Student Advisory Board Supervisor that are high in energy and low in cost. We want to suggest fun and accessible activities for our students to participate in over school holidays,” Knox said.

During January, the YAB will be setting up tables at all of the high schools in CCSD for Drug and Alcohol facts week, which starts Jan. 23. At these tables, the YAB hopes to inform and inspire their peers to abstain from drug and alcohol use. They also have events planned for Valentine’s Day, Spring Break, Prom and graduation.

“We’ll be doing different seminars about safe Prom practices, thinking about substance abuse, thinking about sexual activity, things like that leading into Prom season,” Knox said. “In May, we’ll be doing events centered around graduation, so that will be our target. We’ll be focusing on things like having safe graduation celebrations and then leading into having a safe and healthy summer.”

BY MADDIE INGLE News Writer

“We want to suggest fun and accessible activities for our students to participate in over school holidays.”

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Photo by Zoe Peterson

News briefs

>> NEWS

Ag achievement The Clarke Central High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agricultural Sales team competed in the Agricultural Sales competition on Nov. 3 at Franklin County High School. The team placed fifth out of 50 schools in the region.

“Ag Sales is a competition where students are given a specific scenario ahead of time, and where they are suppose to sell some sort of equipment, some sort of product that is agriculturally related,” science department teacher and FFA adviser Jillian Gordon said.

Gordon is happy that the FFA Ag Sales team placed fifth in the region.

“There were a lot of schools in the region, so having the ability saying we got fifth, was really awesome. As a first year teacher, for me I was really proud of these students. They worked really hard,” Gordon said.

Sophomore Antonio Boza has high hopes for the team’s future.

“I joined FFA because I like working with the environment. I would like to get better at (the Ag Sales competition) and try to win that first place medal,” Boza said.

learning literacy Several Clarke Central High School teachers attended the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers 2016 conference from Nov. 3-6 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

At the conference, CCHS teachers were joined by educators and researchers from across the country in learning to implement literacy strategies in classrooms. “(The conference not only) opened up my eyes to research (regarding literacy), but it also gave me new ideas I can use in my classroom,” social studies department teacher April Tedeschi said.“There’s different forms of literacy, not just reading. Literacy can transfer into reading music and reading computer lingo and stuff like that.”

English to Speakers of Other Languages department teacher Kathy Erickson believes that teachers learned a lot from the conference. “(The conference) certainly helped us to bring these ideas back to our classrooms and back to (CCHS),” Erickson said.

DECEMBER 2016

Graphic by Katy Mayfield

“ “ “ “ “

“

NEWS <<

I Heard That

”

I care about all my students, just in different amounts.

caryn nguyen, math department teacher, speaking to her seventh period GSE analytic geometry class.

”

If I had candy, you would be the happy recipient, but I do not.

judith jurado, English department teacher to freshman Jovitta Julius.

” ”

Everything is better with bacon.

MARIE YURAN, Principal, speaking about an online recipe for macaroni and cheese.

For you, I would read anything.

Above: ON THE RISE: Graduation rates in the Clarke County School District are above 80 percent for the second year in a row. Graduation rates across the nation have increased five years in a row. “The increased graduation rate is due to the collective efforts of all. We are focused on helping each Clarke Central High School student graduate,” Assistant Principal Sheila Dunham said.

When you go to church, you learn stuff. They teach you things every day, like they teach you things about how you can look out on your life.

Ngu about her experiences at the Rhema Christian Fellowship Church.

O

DECEMBER 2016

Below: English department teacher Sharon Barnes and math department teacher Joy Sapp talk and enjoy fellowship at the teacher Cookie Swap on Dec. 16. The Cookie Swap was organized for teachers to spend time together whilst enjoying sweet treats brought by parents. “It was a very pleasant experience and a great time for teachers to come together and have a little fun and get to know each other a little better,” Sapp said.

Photo by Julie Alpaugh

n Nov. 8, 22 million Georgians cast their ballots.

Sixty-one percent of them voted “no” on the ballot measure known as Amendment One, the Opportunity School District, or, to its detractors, the School Takeover Amendment.

The Amendment would have given the Governor of Georgia the power to replace leadership of school districts falling below a score of 60 on the College and Career Readiness Performance Index below with his own appointees through the Opportunity School District system.

“As State School Superintendent, I am charged with overseeing a K-12 system that educates over 1.7 million students in our public schools, and nearly 65,000 of those students are attending chronically struggling schools,” Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods, a proponent of Amendment One, said in an editorial. “We must come together as communities to work on behalf of those students whose schools are not best serving their needs.”

Opponents claimed the ballot measure’s wording was manipulative of voters, and what they saw as a power grab by the state government.

Groups like Keep Georgia Schools Local and the grassroots organization Athens for Everyone mobilized campaigns warning voters about the ballot’s supposedly subjective wording and its dangers.

“I am very grateful that Amendment One was defeated. The organizers of the Vote No movement did an excellent job of getting the word out about the deceptive language on the ballot,” Media Specialist Lindy Weaver said.

Former Clarke County School District Superintendent Philip D. Lanoue, among other Board members, teachers and administrators in the CCSD came out against the measure. Lanoue said he believed the Amendment was a threat to public education at a public forum on the matter on Oct. 7.

“For good or bad, public education is the foundation of our country’s democracy,” Lanoue said.

”

Taiomne Smith, freshman, speaking to Staff Writer Olivia

amendment one and done

BY KATY MAYFIELD Viewpoints Editor

NEIL CHAVIS, sophomore, responding to English department teacher Christian Barner’s request to read in class.

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Photo by Andrew Caldwell

>> NEWS

Left: LENDING A HELPING HAND: Social studies department teacher Alex Yates assists freshman TayShaune Dowdy at Saturday School on Dec. 3. Dowdy feels Saturday School has been effective for him, and enjoys attending. “(I came to Saturday School) to pick my grades up because they were terrible,” Dowdy said.

“Saturday School helps me because I can sit with a teacher who can show me how to do (my work).”

Second chances on Saturdays Saturday School is a program offered at Clarke Central High School several times per semester, and allows students to remediate and catch up on missing assignments outside of the classroom.

T

he Clarke Central High School Saturday School program, administered by English department teacher Zachary Thrower, is a part of the federally funded Pathways to Success Program that also provides tutoring after school on Mondays and Thursdays.

According to Thrower, Saturday School is a beneficial way for students to focus on completing their work and improving their grades.

“If you think about after-school tutoring, it’s very possible that people are kind of fried, and they just aren’t as productive as they could be,” Thrower said. “At Saturday School, we really try to get as much done as we can, and it seems to be way more productive than after-school tutoring.”

Freshman Jenifer Hernandez believes Saturday School is beneficial for students who have trouble concentrating in class.

“Sometimes there’s just a lot of people in weekday classes and I get distracted because they’re pretty loud, and (at Saturday School) it’s quieter,” Hernandez said. “Also the teachers are more one on one so they’re helping more than a normal class or tutoring.”

Despite its benefits, freshman James Derrickson thinks Saturday School allows students who may skip or act out in class to still get good grades.

“It’s better to just work in class and do your actual work instead of just doing nothing and then going to Saturday School and making the work up,” Derrickson said.

BY ELENA GILBERTSON-HALL News Writer

However, Thrower says teachers at Saturday School work to solve this problem by talking to students about focusing on their work during the school week.

“Teachers definitely are not happy about a kid that’s messing around in the regular school hours having the opportunity to come on a Saturday to make things up. And that’s why we have those conversations in Saturday School where we tell kids, ‘Don’t come here and work and then go back to school on Monday and just fool around the entire time,’” Thrower said.

Math department chair Heather Julian has been a part of the program since it began four years ago, and believes curriculum must be understood by students, even if it requires time out of class.

“I would love every student to do everything

they’re supposed to do in class, (do their) homework and prepare for the original test, (but) it’s still important to have them learn the material, (even if it’s on Saturday),” Julian said.

Thrower says that he often sees students who come to Saturday School demonstrate the positive behavior they learn on Saturdays during the regular school week.

“In the spring, we see kids who are regularly coming start improving in Monday through Friday.

So, they kind of start feeling like, ‘OK, I’m putting in this effort, maybe it’s time to stop fooling around in my classes and buckle down,’ and teachers across the board report that,” Thrower said. “They see some kids growing up a little bit as the year goes on.”

“I would love every student to do everything they’re supposed to do in class, (do their) homework and prepare for the original test, (but) it’s still important to have them learn the material, (even if it’s on Saturday).”

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--HEATHER JULIAN math department chair

DECEMBER 2016

NEWS <<

the weight of the rates Georgia and Clarke Central High School graduation rates rose again in 2015. However, the debate over the legitimacy of those rates continues.

DECEMBER 2016

“I don’t think the skills needed for the ‘real world’ are necessarily prerequisites for graduation. High school puts little to no focus on career readiness, skills like being able to effectively communicate and problem solve.”

--ISAAC COHEN, CCHS junior Junior Isaac Cohen feels that CCHS graduation rates do not carry the weight they seem to, and that not all students are properly prepared to enter into post-secondary options..

“I don’t think the skills needed for the ‘real world’ are necessarily prerequisites for graduation,” Cohen said. “High school puts little to no focus on career readiness, skills like being able to effectively communicate and problem solve.”

Former President Obama and Richard Woods, Georgia’s State Superintendent of Schools, both publicly look toward 2020 as the next graduation rate checkpoint.

“We have a goal of exceeding the national average graduation rate by the year 2020, ensuring that more students will receive a meaningful high school diploma that prepares them for a successful and productive future,” Georgia State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods said in a press release.

Below: EMPTY NUMBERS: English department teacher Christian Barner stands in front of his 10th grade Lit/ Comp class. Barner believes that the Clarke County School District graduation rate can be deceptive. “I think it’s partly due to teachers doing a better job and schools being more focused on things, but a lot of it is that we, we got rid of graduation tests,” Barner said.

Photo by Julie Alpaugh

O

n Nov. 1, the Georgia Department of Education released graduation rates for the statewide 4-year “cohort” that graduated at the end of the 2015-16 school year or over the summer. For the second year in a row, the Clarke County School District overall graduation rate came in at above 80 percent, though it dipped from 80.3 percent in 2015 to 80.1 percent in 2016.

“For our graduation rate to be above 80% for the second year in a row demonstrates that we have built capacity in our system, and I know that our students will continue reaching higher levels of achievement in the years to come,” CCSD Superintendent Dr. Philip D Lanoue said in a press release.

Administrators at both the district and school level cite multiple programs for contributing to the above-average rates: high schools’ use of graduation coaches and counselors, the Ninth Grade Academy and opportunities for credit recovery, among others.

“Initiatives such as ‘communities in schools’ partnerships, mentoring, PSP, Saturday School, 21st century, support classes, and credit recovery classes play a part in helping students be successful,” Assistant Principal Sheila Dunham said. “Our School Improvement Leadership Team members monitor data, mentor students, communicate back to their respective departments and the faculty at large to keep our focus on our goals and to strive to continually meet the needs of our learners. Other school committees (such as School Engagement Team, Attendance Team, and PBIS Team) partner along with us to encourage recognition for student improvements and to help students realize that attendance, behavior, and achievement go hand-in-hand when working toward the goal of graduation and overall success in school.”

The overall average graduation rate for the state of Georgia in 2016 is 79.2 percent. The national rate, meanwhile, is 83 percent, which was the overall graduation rate for the cohort of the 2014-15 school year, the most recent year for which nationwide data is available.

The national, state, district and school graduation rates have all grown for the past five years, according to National Public Radio (NPR). Yet scores on the SAT, ACT, and tests like the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which measures seniors’ reading and math ability, are stagnant or worse.

“Part of what they’re saying in that... it’s like, they note that, ‘OK, our graduation rate’s up, but kids are reading at a lower level than they have since the 90s.’ Well, how does that work?” English department teacher Christian Barner said. “Any sort of increase like that should be gradual. For something to jump so drastically, what is it due to?”

Barner suspects “quick fixes” have artificially inflated the graduation rate, which he says is not a guarantee that students are ready for college or the workforce. “(The graduation rate is) deceptive because, similar with police, it’s like, ‘We need to have fewer people speeding on the highway.’ Well, how do we do that? One way is raise the speed limit, or just don’t ticket as many people. And then you’ve got a stat that says there’s not as many people speeding,” Barner said. “I think it’s partly due to teachers doing a better job and schools being more focused on things, but a lot of it is that well, we got rid of the graduation tests. And then we reduced the number of credits you needed to graduate.

It happened when they changed the schedule around. So they changed the schedule around from a block system where you had eight classes a year -- four in the fall, four in the spring -- and they dropped it to a yearlong course where you have seven classes all year long. And so your credits went down -- it used to be 28 or something and now you need 24.”

BY KATY MAYFIELD Viewpoints Editor

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>> FEATURES Featured: COUNTY CONNECTIONS: Dr. Jack Parish, the former associate dean for outreach and engagement in the College of Education at the University of Georgia, poses for a photo before the Dec. 8 Board of Education meeting. Parish was named as Clarke County School District’s interim superintendent on Nov. 21 and believes it was his past experiences that led him to the job. “Being approved of the job was primarily due to my prior association with many exceptional individuals in the school district.” Opposite: FOR THE STUDENTS: Dr. Jack Parish, the former associate dean for outreach and engagement in the College of Education at the University of Georgia, and Dr. Mark Tavernier, the associate superintendent for instructional services and school performance, converse before the Dec. 8 Board of Education meeting. On Nov. 21, the Clarke County School District approved Parish as the interim superintendent, and now, Parish is looking forward to serving the district. “As superintendent, one has the responsibility of maintaining a focus on student learning and ensuring that those who are working directly with students receive the support they need. I’m excited to do just that,” Parish said. “I look forward to getting back to this work.”

Photos by Julie Alpaugh Layout by Ana Aldridge and Lucia Bermudez

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DECEMBER 2016

New place, new face

FEATURES <<

The Clarke County School District’s Board of Education has approved the appointment of Dr. Jack Parish as interim superintendent.

D

r. Jack Parish, the former associate dean for outreach and engagement in the College of Education at the University of Georgia, has been named the Clarke County School District’s interim superintendent. The Clarke County Board of Education approved his appointment on Nov. 21, and Parish’s position will be effective January 2017.

Parish will temporarily replace the CCSD’s current superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue, whose last day is set for Feb. 28, 2017.

“On behalf of the Board, we could not be more pleased to appoint Dr. Parish to serve as the district’s leader during this transitional period,” BOE Vice-President Sarah Ellis said in a CCSD press release. “Dr. Parish was willing to pause his well-deserved retirement to work with our district -- a district he noted was a great partner during his tenure at UGA. He is a veteran in K-12 education, and has a long list of successes and experience that our Board believes will serve our entire district very well.”

This summer, Parish entered retirement after stepping down as associate dean for outreach and engagement at UGA’s College of Education. He had also been a clinical associate professor at UGA. This experience is something Ellis says made Parish a perfect fit for the job.

ANDREW CALDWELL Junior Copy Editor

the Board of Education, the students, teachers and administrators in the school district.”

Moving forward, the BOE hopes to have a long-term superintendent chosen by the end of May, around the same time the 2016-17 school year will end.

Sophomore Isaac Schmidt feels Dr. Parish’s educational and administrative background will help him adjust to the CCSD. “I think it’s pretty neat of (Dr. Parish) to come back after retiring and still continue to give back to our district even after working so hard for so long,” Schmidt said. “Since he’s so experienced, I can’t think of any reason why he won’t do a fantastic job and I think he will serve our schools and district well once (Dr. Lanoue) leaves.”

With a new path ahead of him, Parish looks to contribute to the CCSD. “I genuinely enjoy working with a Board of Education, students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members to try to provide a quality education for students. I look forward to getting back to this work,” Parish said.

“As superintendent, I have the responsibility of maintaining a focus on student learning and ensuring that those who are working directly with students receive the support they need.”

“I was very excited about the opportunity to return to return to Clarke County to work with the Board of Education, the students, teachers and administrators in the school district.”

--DR. JACK PARISH, CCSD Interim Superintendent “He was superintendent of Henry County Schools from 2000 to 2008. He has held assistant principal and principal roles, as well as assistant personnel director and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Henry County before serving as the district’s superintendent. In addition, he previously served on the Georgia School Boards Association’s Superintendent’s Advisory Council, as well as president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association,” Ellis said. “In his final year at Henry County, he was a finalist for Georgia Superintendent of the Year. This kind of experience is just what our district needs until we find a permanent superintendent.”

Parish is not completely foreign to the CCSD. Parish has had relations with the CCSD in a number of capacities, including through the UGA College of Education’s Professional Development School District Partnership and as the facilitator of the district’s process to revamp its vision, mission and belief statements in 2011.

“Having lived in Clarke County for eight years, I was very proud of the excellent work being done in the school district. I wanted to help ensure the positive direction of the school district would continue while the Board of Education conducted a search for a permanent superintendent,” Parish said. “I was very excited about the opportunity to return to Clarke County to work with DECEMBER 2016

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>> FEATURES Layout by Lucia Bermudez

Above: DREAM TO REALITY: Clarke Central High School 2012 graduate Marquez Williams stands in Billy Henderson Stadium where he played varsity football. Williams is now the University of Miami fullback, and playing for head football coach Mark Richt, which has always been his dream. “I recall, coach Richt yelling at me for the first time. You know, most people hang their head a little bit, I smiled because I was playing for coach Richt. I said, “‘Hey I’m over here getting yelled at by coach Richt.’”

Photos by Sophie Fernandes

Layout by Lucia Bermudez Photo by Sophie Fernandes

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DECEMBER 2016

FEATURES <<

Dreamed & achieved University of Miami fullback Marquez Williams, a 2012 Clarke Central High School graduate, has traveled a path that has led him to his dreams.

H

e straps on his gear, stretches his muscles, and braces himself. He runs LUCIA BERMUDEZ out through the smoke, thouthou Editor-in-Chief sands of people looking down at him. He hears the crowd and sees the stadium lights gleaming down. He walks to the sidelines with his team. Calmness takes over his body.

“It was almost like a movie, something you always dream of.”

He waits patiently for the call, and then it comes.

He is in the backfield, hoping they won’t throw him the ball. Hoping he won’t disappoint his team, his town, his family.

He turns around and looks at the quarterback.

He catches the throw, and his 280-pound body dives into the endzone. The roar of the crowd tells him he scored. It tells him he did not disappoint. It tells him he made the first touchdown of the season for the University of Miami.

“I was just feeling like God had that moment picked out for me. I felt that it was supposed to happen the way it did.”

OWEN CHURCHWELL Sports Writer

After a lifetime of football, including playing on Friday nights at Clarke Central High School, University of Miami senior Marquez Williams is finally fulfilling his dream: playing college football for former University of Georgia head coach and current University of Miami head coach Mark Richt.

An Athens native, Williams found his passion at the age of nine, when he began playing little league football.

As he progressed through elementary school and middle school, football was a constant. Williams went on to play football in high school at CCHS. However, his dream was not handed to him. The

“I tell people all the time that football saved my life. When I came home (from school), my mom wasn’t home because she was working two jobs. If I wasn’t playing football, there would have been more of a chance of me being out on the streets and probably doing things I wasn’t supposed to be doing.”

--MARQUEZ WILLIAMS, University of Miami fullback possibilities developed with the growth he made on the football team at CCHS, where he was the starting varsity fullback and weakside tight end for three years, and he received the All-Region honors when he was a senior.

“I tell people all the time that football saved my life,” Williams said. “When I came home (from school), my mom wasn’t home because she was working two jobs. It was just my older sister, me and my brother. So, if I wasn’t playing football, there would have been more of a chance of me being out on the streets and probably doing things I wasn’t supposed to be doing.”

Football provided Williams with the structure and support system he needed to succeed on the team and in class.

“Having football, I was actually doing something and was occupied after school,” Williams said. “I had to be accountable for my grades because I wouldn’t be able to play football if I didn’t have decent grades. It kept some discipline in me.”

“He embraced that whole experience of going to a game and that is where it all started, where he started loving Georgia. He is living out his dream of what he wants to do. It just took him to another state.”

--JACKIE WILLIAMS, mother of Marquez Williams DECEMBER 2016

This accountability was essential for Williams, who sometimes struggled with discipline issues.

Math department teacher and varsity running back coach Aaron Cavin coached Williams from 20092012 and developed a relationship with the player.

“I remember staying late many practices because he had to run extra for discipline reasons,” Cavin said. “I saw a kid who thrived when he had someone that would walk with him through his high school football experience. It took me a year and a half to figure that out, but once I got more on a horizontal relationship with him, we got real close.”

Williams was also coached by current Cedar Shoals High School head coach Leroy Ryals, who recognized Williams’ gifts.

“He has always had amazing raw strength and power,” Ryals said.

As Williams continued to play football his senior year, college was on the horizon, but it seemed to him that his dream could be dashed.

“My senior year of high school when it was getting closer to graduation, I didn’t have any offers to go play anywhere,” Williams said. “At that particular time, I figured that I wasn’t going to get to play college football or that my dream of playing Division One was gone.”

However, with the help and support of his family and coaches, specifically former CCHS wide receiver coach Damien Gary, Williams committed to Mars Hill University, a Division II school, for football.

“I took that opportunity and just tried to make the most of it,” Williams said. “I just kind of sat down and told myself, ‘If I am going to be here to play football, if I got another chance to play for another three or four years, that I just needed to

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>> FEATURES Photo by Julie Alpaugh

take full advantage of it.’”

Williams attended Mars Hill for four years and was a three-year starter and a two-time All Region South Atlantic Conference honoree. At Mars Hill, Williams was not only able to mature as an athlete, but also as a person.

“Mars Hill was were I did a lot of my growing. Especially leaving high school, my first time being away from home, I was able to learn a lot as far as responsibility and how to take care of myself,” Williams said. “I learned to overcome a lot of things, I learned to have a better attitude, what it means to really work towards somethings and how things that I do now will later affect me in life.”

After four successful years at Mars Hill, Williams was ready for a change. He spent spent his senior year interning and preparing to graduate, but he knew he had one more year of eligibility left to play college football, and did everything in his power to seize the opportunity.

“I sent out a hundred different emails to a hundred

“I saw a kid who thrived when he had someone that would walk with him through his high school football experience. It took me a year and a half to figure that out, but once I got more on a horizontal relationship with him, we got real close.”

--AARON CAVIN,, CCHS math department teacher and varsity running back coach

Above: Clarke Central High School graduate Marquez Williams tosses up a football in the Clarke Central High School Old Gym. Williams feels that now, as a fifth year senior at the University of Miami, he has grown greatly since his high school days. “I would have to say, without a doubt, that my college career now, I have grown to be a lot wiser and to make a lot better decision than I did back in high school,” Williams said. “You just learn more about the game, learn more about life. Your high school years will carry you and will be what makes you become more successful later on in life.”

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different schools, but Jon Richt, Mark Richt’s son, played at Mars Hill and I found out he was quarterback coach at Miami,” Williams said. “A fullback had transferred from Miami to a different school. With Coach Richt, I just knew that they would need a fullback. I sent them my highlight tapes and Coach Richt called me the week I was graduating from Mars Hill. He called me down there that Sunday.”

His dream was about to come true.

In 2016, Williams transferred to the University of Miami to play for Richt, a man he grew up admiring.

“I grew up a Georgia fan. I always loved Georgia. I thought that I would play for coach Richt. I just thought that it would be in red and black and not orange and green,” Williams said.

“I don’t take it for granted that I play for him now. I love him.

He is a great guy.”

Williams’ mother, Jackie, introduced her son to University of Georgia football, and watched his admiration for coach Richt develop.

“He embraced that whole experience of going to a game and that is where it all started, where he started loving Georgia,” Jackie said. “He got a room at home and it is just Georgia everything, and now he is at Miami and he is like, ‘Mom, we got to switch it over now, it has to be Miami now.’

DECEMBER 2016

FEATURES << He is living out his dream of what he wants to do. It just took him to another state.”

And in that other state, Williams played for Richt as a University of Miami fullback. He had a successful season. scoring the first touchdown of the season against Florida A&M on Sept. 3, and seeing action in all 13 games with five starts. In his first career start, he caught a 15-yard pass against FAU on Sept. 10. Williams enjoyed his season and the experiences that came with it. “(I loved) my teammates and coaches, but another is just

“My ultimate goal is to help others prosper, and (to do) outreach, whether it’s in my community, kids, people around me...just trying to help make other people’s lives better.”

--MARQUEZ WILLIAMS, University of Miami fullback

DECEMBER 2016

Above: HEAVY LIFTER: Clarke Central High School graduate Marquez Williams is pictured powerflifting a barbell in the Wrestling Gym in Volume 7 Issue 6 of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine. As a sophomore, Williams set the all-time power cleaning record at CCHS, lifting a 315-pound weight. Williams is currently 6’1, weighs 280 pounds, and can bench-press 435 pounds, squat 525 pounds and power-clean 340 pounds. Below: GOOD OL’ DAYS: (From left to right) 2009 varsity running back coach Aaron Cavin stands with the varsity running backs Zuri Jewell, Davente Appleby, Marquez Williams, Quenshaun Watson and Tony Glenn. Cavin feels he always knew Williams would continue to play football after high school and tried to mentor Williams during his high school career. “When Quez was in 10th or 11th grade, I told him that he could go pro,” Cavin said. “I wasn’t lying. I really believed in him. I also told him that it was up to him to make that happen.”

Photo courtesy of Aaron Cavin

the opportunity, being able to have the opportunity, and just taking advantage of it, Williams said. “(I was) just grateful for everything in the day no matter what it was whether it was a piece of clothing, being able to be on the field, just whatever.”

Currently, Williams is training towards his pro day on March 30 in hopes of getting drafted for the National Football League (NFL). Williams feels getting drafted for the NFL would be the “cherry on top” of his football career and gain him more exposure in the industry. However, he ultimately wants to complete a maters program and continue to give back to his family and his community by reopening the community center in Stonehedge, his old neighborhood.

“I was a camper there, and I also worked as a camp counselor there,” Williams said. “During the summer, when parents worked, those kids had a place to go. They had a place to keep up with their schooling, summer reading and doing math and whatnot, and it also provided lunch for some of the kids throughout the day.”

Williams benefitted from the center and his community, and hopes to give back.

“My ultimate goal is to help others prosper, and (to do) outreach, whether it’s in my community, kids, people around me...just trying to help make other people’s lives better,” Williams said.

It is clear from Williams’ determination, passion and drive that he will never stop dreaming and accomplishing his goals.

His dreams are far from over, but as he continues to walk on his path, Williams can say without a doubt that he did what most do not: he lived his dream.

“My biggest thing was being able to play at a big time school and being able to go walk out into a stadium full of thousands,” Williams said. “When they say the starting line up on the jumbo screen at a big game, having my face up there with my name, my number and where I’m from, to me that’s the dream.”

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>> VARIETY

Cultural Buzz cinnaholic Athens

24K Magic

Houseparty

Walking into Cinnaholic, located in downtown Athens, one is immediately greeted by warm faces and the smell of sweet things being made.

Cinnaholic opened its doors in September as the first vegan, custom-made, gourmet cinnamon roll restaurant in downtown Athens. Cinnaholic’s menu is set up very specifically. The customer is first given the option of choosing a frosting flavor for their roll ranging from vanilla to tiramisu. The customer then has the option of adding toppings for $0.50 extra.

Along with other cinnamon rolls, the restaurant also sells house-made cookies, fudge brownies and cookie dough. Overall, the quality of the cinnamon rolls is delightful. However, the icing is a bit too sweet, especially if it clashed with the choice of toppings. Regardless, the customer service was very nice and inviting, making the experience enjoyable.

Bruno Mars’ most recently released album “24k Magic” is the perfect combination of fun, funk and background vocals. The album, released on Nov. 18, 2016, was highly anticipated following the release of his single “24K Magic” on Oct. 7.

The song, along with the rest of the album, showcased a new side of Mars that deeply contrasted from the mopey, sad-toned singles Mars produced during the beginning of his career, such as “Grenade” and “It Will Rain.”

The nine songs range from slow, love songs such as “Too Good to Say Goodbye”, which slightly resembles his old style, to songs like “Calling All My Lovelies”, which gives a humorous light to his album. The harmonies from Mars’ backing band, the Hooligans, along with his own engaging voice makes “24K Magic” an album worth listening to.

Group video-chats from one’s iPhone or Android are now a reality with “Houseparty”, a social media app by Meerkat, last updated on Dec. 11.

The app allows users to connect easily with friends via video chat. Users can add their friends and chat with them instantly if they are on the app, or send them a request to chat, which will be sent to their messages.

The app notifies users when their friends have signed on to the app, and chat rooms are visible and accessible to users if at least one of their friends is in the group and the chatroom is public.

Users are also able to “lock the room”, preventing unwanted users from joining.

With straight-forward features, the app is easy to use and offers a high-functioning manner of instantly seeing one’s many friends face-to-face.

--Jordan Rhym, Lead Copy Editor

--Lucia Bermudez, Editor-in-Chief

--Delia Adamson, Writing Coach

W

Insecure

ith TV shows like “Atlanta” and “Queen Sugar” and artists like Beyonce and Solange Knowles, HBO’s latest show, “Insecure”, makes sense. It’s the year of the “woke”, and this show falls right in line.

“Insecure” revolves around Issa (Issa Rae), a black-American woman, and her navigation with her job, her family and her friends. Issa works at a non-profit organization with the focus of helping troubled kids, mostly of color, with caucasian coworkers who can be hugely microaggressive. Her relationship with her longtime boyfriend Lawrence ( Jay Ellis) is on the rocks, and her best friend Molly ( Yvonne Orji) struggles with her own relationship, or lack thereof, issues.

Never shying away from the intense, Issa Rae has had previous success with shows like this when it came to her web series “Awkward Black Girl”. This show delivers the same kind of punch. With hilariously intense storylines, acting that hits the mark, and a soundtrack filled to the brim with rap, “Insecure” perfectly captures all of our insecurities.

The opening scene of the first episode begins with Issa explaining the purpose of her organization, We Got Y’all, to a group of students. “Why do you talk like a white girl?” one student asks. “What’s up with your hair?” asks another.

This scene illuminates how being a black girl in America is fraught with questions about you, your life and your culture.

But, the show doesn’t just grapple with questions of race, gender and sexuality. It also tackles the “normal” aspect of life. From dating troubles to friend troubles, “Insecure” is honest. Issa could be me. She could be any of us.

This is a show that we need. In a world where black-American actors hardly get acclaim for portraying positive roles that extend out of the Civil Rights Movement and slavery, it’s great to see a modern day black-American woman, regardless of how insecure she might be. After watching Season 1, “Insecure” leaves the viewer feeling more confident than ever that things just might be okay.

BY JURNEE LOUDER Variety Editor

Photo illustrations by Jurnee Louder. Photos used under Fair Use guidelines.

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DECEMBER 2016

VARIETY <<

Cultural Buzz Gamepigeon

perfectly imperfect

moonlight

The app “Game Pigeon”, released shortly after the release of iOS 10, allows iPhone users to play games against each other over iMessage. Users can choose from games such as checkers, 8-ball pool, battleship and more.

“Game Pigeon” offers users up to 10 games.

The large variety of games keeps players engaged throughout the day.

The app is quick to load and sends very fast through iMessage. “Game Pigeon” uses little to no data, which promotes users to play their friends through long car rides, school and other places that do not have internet.

Though users cannot play with others who do not have iMessage or iOS 10 on their phones, the app is a fast, fun and interactive way to play with friends and a must-have for all iOS 10 iPhone users.

To call singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal a star on the rise would be an understatement. Not only has VanderWaal become the youngest America’s Got Talent winner at 12 years old, but her beautifully cracked voice and lovable personality have scored her an extended play album which debuted on Dec. 2, at No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes charts.

VanderWaal’s short album “Perfectly Imperfect” consists of five original tracks, four of which she performed live on AGT. Songs like “Light the Sky” are uniquely heartwarming, however, fans who were looking for new tunes from the young artist may be disappointed. Nonetheless, the music still makes for an original experience.

With her ukulele tunes and raw voice, VanderWaal is well on her way to becoming an ‘Amazing Grace’ that truly lights the sky.

“Moonlight”, which came out on Oct. 21, explores subjects of class, race and sexuality, while telling the story of main character, Chiron.

The movie is split into three acts: “Little”, “Chiron” and “Black”, which each take place during a developmental period in his life. Throughout the movie, the events that occur and relationships that Chiron builds are woven together.

The movie is accompanied by a phenomenal soundtrack. The combination of Hip-Hop tracks and original arrangements create a perfect addition to the film and mirrors the intersectionality depicted in the movie. Director Barry Jenkins brings random experiences in Chiron’s life together with formative moments of discovery, creating a moving film that brings to light the difficulty of living at the intersection of many identities.

--Caedmon Churchwell, Online Staff Writer

--Andrew Caldwell, Junior Copy Editor

--Katie Grace Upchurch, Web Master

One-Star, boy

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he Weeknd’s latest studio album “Starboy” topped the Billboard and iTunes charts after its release on Nov. 25. With the shift in sound from his previous albums, the Weeknd has become the music scene’s latest pop “Starboy”, but at what cost?

After the Weeknd’s last album, “Beauty Behind the Madness”, fans were agitated by his transition to a more pop sound with several of his most popular singles like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Into The Night.”

This album is no different.

The Weeknd’s sound has shifted once again, turning his former Alternative R&B sound into mainstream pop. The album is composed of 18 tracks, some of which feature popular artists such as Future and Lana Del Rey. However, these featured artists not only added but surpassed the Weeknd’s lesser verses.

This occurred especially in the song “Sidewalks”, where Kendrick Lamar and Sam Smith were the only viable reasons for listening to the song. They give some refuge to the heavy autotune sound the Weeknd attempted in his choruses and verse.

The lack of variation in the album is disappointing. The Weeknd’s usually masterful beats fell flat making each track blend together, dwindling the listener’s hope of the next track being better.

There are several songs such as “Party Monster” and “False Alarm” that still maintain the unique beats and tempos found in previous albums like “Beauty Behind the Madness” and “Triology.”

Unfortunately, songs like these sounded too similar to others previously produced by the Weeknd.

“Party Monster” sounds like “Life of the Party” from his album “Trilogy.” “Reminder” and “Six Feet Under” is awfully similar to “Often” while “Attention” is uncoincidentally like “Acquainted”, both from “Beauty Behind the Madness.”

Instead of listening to this long album, resort back to his old albums where his unique alternative sound and amazing variation of beats made each track worthwhile, and hope he stops trying to be this unoriginal mainstream crafted “Starboy.”

BY SUNCANA PAVLIC Digital Managing Editor

DECEMBER 2016

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Blanca’s story

Below: GOING, GOING, GOING: Clarke Central High School custodian Blanca Lynch poses for a photo on the Language Arts hall. Lynch began working as a custodian at CCHS in February of 2015, and enjoys working at the school. “I always liked to work,” Lynch said. “I like to keep myself busy. I’m usually going, going, going.”

Photo by Julie Alpaugh

Blanca Lynch has been a hard worker all her life, and continues to work hard at her job as a custodian at Clarke Central High School.

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ooking at Clarke Central High School custodian Blanca Lynch, one would see a hard-working woman, someone who does her job well and keeps to herself. One would see her arrive at school every day at 7 a.m. and leave at 3:30 p.m. alongside the students.

But looking at her, there is a lot one may not know.

One may not know her mother was never in her life, which greatly affected her growing up.

She was raised by her grandparents, who were her biggest supporters.

One may not know she dropped out of high school. She attended CCHS, but dropped out in 1998. She then attended a boarding school in Peru, and at 19 years old, returned to the U.S., where she began to work and provide for her grandparents as they did for her.

One may not know she became independent at 19, and has been independent ever since.

Still in Athens, she worked hard to provide herself with everything she needed at a young age, and continues to do so today for her family.

One may not know she has three young boys with her loving husband, Oscar Cornelio.

Her sons, Ulysis, Christopher and Adam, are the joys of her life and who motivate her and her husband to work hard every day.

Lynch spent 19 years working at McDonalds, several of those years in management. She knew she did not want to stay there forever, but it was a job, and not working has never been an option for her.

BY LUCIA BERMUDEZ Editor-in-Chief

“I worked 19 years at McDonald’s and hardly got a thank you at all, never got anything. When I came here, I always heard thank you every day and that made me so happy and feel so important.”

--BLANCA LYNCH, Clarke Central High School custodian When a new opportunity opened up two years ago to work as a custodian for the Clarke County School District, she happily took the job. She has always enjoyed working, and she puts her heart into her work at CCHS, wanting the school to look “presentable” and wanting the students to have a nice and clean place to learn every day.

What she loves most about her job at CCHS is the well-deserved appreciation she receives from students.

“I worked 19 years at McDonald’s and hardly got a thank you at all, never got anything.

When I came here, I always heard thank you every day and that made me so happy and feel so important because I was never really thanked at McDonald’s,” Lynch said. “It makes me want to do my work more.”

So as students pass her in the halls day in and day out, they may not know her story. They may not know what led her to this point in her life, but one thing is certain: she works hard, and will continue to work hard no matter where life takes her.

Layout by Lucia Bermudez

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DECEMBER 2016

VARIETY <<

DECEMBER 2016

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Photos by Rolando Garibay

Editor’s note: For each edition of “Quest for Athens’ Best,” the top two businesses from four reviews are selected for this Variety feature. Email editors@odysseynewsmagazine.net to comment on our selections and ratings, which are placed on a scale from one to five, with five being best and one being worst.

Hungry Howie’s Pizza Hungry Howie’s Pizza is a quick and easy option for out-of-thenorm pizza.

H

ungry Howie’s carry out and delivery pizzeria located on 529 Baxter St. 229, is a small building on the side of the street. The parking lot is minimal and accommodates approximately six cars. Seating allows for around 15 people to dine in at a time.

Entering into the shop, clients are greeted by a yellow backlit menu with a wide range of foods, mainly pizza combinations. Dishes including calzones, salads and the restaurant’s signature “Howie Bread” are offered along with the pizza.

There are a variety of ingredients offered as toppings for pizza, including unusual ones such as grilled chicken, steak and sriracha sauce. The crusts also have multiple options ranging from cheese-filled to onion-flavored crust.

Aside from their variety of ingredients, Hungry Howie’s pizza lacks some flavor. The cheese is bland and the crust is heavy on the salt.

Portion sizes are relatively small. A medium sized pizza appears to better suit an individual rather than a group of people.

Their ordering system allows for personalized pizzas with multiple toppings in areas designated by the buyer. A buyer could essentially order two pizzas in one, spreading the toppings in sections.

Overall, Hungry Howie’s is an out of the norm option for pizza when other locations become boring.

BY ROLANDO GARIBAY Online Writer

Above: HUNGRY, HUNGRY HOWIE: Like the domino tiles for Domino’s and Papa John for Papa John’s Pizza, Hungry Howies has their own memorable logo. As customers walk in, they are greeted by the logo of a smiling boy. Below: PIZZA PARADISE: Hungry Howies offers a variety of pizzas including the original style pizza, thin crust, deep dish, and pizza with a gluten free crust.

The prices range from $4, for the junior size pizza, to $12 for the extra large pizza.

Photos by Rolando Garibay.

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5

Variety

Taste

3

Seating

3

Service

4

Price

4.5

Experience

4.5 DECEMBER 2016

VARIETY <<

pizza: Baxter street edition For our December issue, the variety staff takes their journey to Baxter Street to look for the best pizza.

Photos by Julie Alpaugh

Domino’s Pizza Domino’s makes high quality pizza worth gambling for.

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pon entering one of four Domino’s Pizza locations in Athens, the 396 Baxter St. location is met with the familiar smell of oven-baked pizza and warm, delicious food.

Located less than a mile from Clarke Central High School, Domino’s has built a prime location for students or families closeby to the school to grab a quick bite or meal after a long day.

When looking at the menu, many options are given, with an extensive list of pizza crusts, toppings, sides and sauces for customers to choose from to build their own personalized pizzas. Domino’s provides sizes from small (10”) to X-large (16”), ensuring that there’s something available for every customer in mind.

The original Domino’s pizza is built perfectly, with just the right amount of marinara sauce, cheese and a garlic-seasoned crust with a rich, buttery taste.

When venturing into Domino’s other pizza options, however, the taste is not quite the same.

The alfredo sauce pizza, covered in thick, creamy white sauce versus the traditional tomato sauce, is very over-the-top. With nothing to balance out the dense, creamy sauce, customers are left feeling full, and not in the good way.

For a chain restaurant, Dominos’ prices are pretty decent, and definitely affordable for high school-aged students. Unlike some food chains that provide cheap quality for a cheap price, Domino’s creates a good mix of quality food and low prices.

Overall Domino’s provides cheaply priced, great-tasting food for the Athens community.

BY ZOE PETERSON Photography Editor

5

Variety

Taste

4

Seating

4

Service

4.5

Price

4.5

Experience

DECEMBER 2016

Photos by Rolando Garibay.

4

Above: DIVERSE SELECTION: Domino’s pizza offers a variety of food to choose from like salads, sandwiches, wings, pasta, and deserts. Below: DOMINO’S DELIGHT: Domino’s offers a similar array of pizza types as Hungry Howies, but the prices are less varied. The small pizza is the cheapest pizza on the menu, totaling up to $6.99, and the extra large pizza costs $12.99.

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THE BOX SCORE Above: PIN IT TO WIN IT: Clarke Central High School wrestler Zachary Chastain, a senior, pins a Winder Barrow High School wrestler at the Stoudenmire Bowl at CCHS on Dec. 13. Chastain feels there is a significant difference between this season and past ones. “The wrestling season has been really rocky compared to previous years,” Chastain said.

just keep swimming The Clarke Central High School swimming and diving team started practice on Oct. 17 and had their first meet on Nov. 4.

“Our goal is really just to do well at that meet and strive to drop time,” CCHS head swimming and diving coach Emily Hulse said.

The swimmers have been working on technique and skill at practice. They have multiple groups and train based on their level: beginners, middle or experienced. “(The swimmers are) working on their form, technique and endurance.

We do dry land exercises before getting into the pool,” Hulse said. “Practice is based on the swimmer’s level of skill and experience when they are training.”

The swimmers work hard to meet their goals by supporting each other.

“In swimming, the team is there to help you learn to do everything right and learn how to do things if you don’t know how to do it. I hope people realize that it’s fun and it’s not just like if you don’t know how to swim you can’t do it,” varsity swimmer Grace Mauldin, a senior, said.

football all-stars

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larke Central High School will host the annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Football Game on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The two teams playing are made up by coaches of the top players from around the Athens area.

“We have got a few of our athletes to play in the FCA All-Star game so it is going to be great exposure for them, especially for all of our kids who have not gotten scholarship offers yet,” CCHS defensive coordinator Justin Jones said. “It is another opportunity to compete against some of the best talent in the state.”

Seniors Byron Spraggins, Zay Brown, Rico Arnold, Reggie Smothers, Jamar Faeth, Bryson Kearney and Anthony Dunn were selected to represent CCHS. “For me, football is a big aspect of my life and I am really proud (I made this team). For CCHS, I get to represent pretty well out there,” senior defensive end Jamar Faeth said. “I have played two years at CCHS -- my freshman and senior years. Football really gave me a lot of great experiences and a lot of personal relationships with people.”

Faeth looks forward to the challenge and hopes that the game provides opportunities for the participants.

“I just want to have fun, really. I just wish the best for every player on our team. If they could get a scout to look at them, I would want that, and the same for me,” Faeth said.

Jones recognizes the players for their achievements and looks forward to what this means for the program.

“To me what this means for our program is that we have quality athletes and students who are trying to do things the right way,” Jones said. “What that does for us in the future is that it opens up other opportunities for not necessarily just football, but other sports and academics as well.”

BY OLIVIA RIPPS Online Sports Editor

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SHARING THE SPACE With Clarke Central High School’s Old Gym under renovation, the C-team, junior varsity and varsity basketball teams have had to share the New Gym. “The good thing about it is you can do a lot of fundamental work, but not enough running and actually playing,” JV basketball coach Teddy Fleming said.

Due to the New Gym being occupied by middle school teams and other winter sports, the shortage of space has led to a lack of practice time amongst all teams.

“It got to the point where we had to find another facility because my team wasn’t able to practice. We’re up to our necks trying to find time and space to practice,” Fleming said.

Until the Old Gym is finished, the teams will continue to share the New Gym. “I would prefer the whole court, but I don’t mind. We are just gonna have to deal with it right now and work with what we got,” sophomore JV basketball player Collin Park said.

new year, new team The Clarke Central High School wrestling team placed fourth at the Georgia High School Association state tournament last season and is looking to redeem themselves.

“We had a phenomenal year,” head wrestling coach Timothy Stoudemire said. “We were able to grind out a bunch of tough matches and get some tough wins.”

Stoudenmire and assistant coach Philip Walter made a schedule to prepare the wrestlers for the competitive match-ups.

“This is probably the hardest schedule we have put together,” Walter said. “We need to see better competitions. That means traveling farther and seeing better teams and going after a state championship.”

After losing state runner-ups, new leaders Cleveland Belton and Owen Graham need to rise.

“We have mixed (the sophomores) into the varsity lineup and I think we are going to do really well because our sophomores have more experience,” sophomore Ja’Morris Hart said.

DECEMBER 2016

Photo by Julie Alpaugh

“

“

SPORTS <<

AUDIBLES

The C-team had a great year. They have a tremendous coaching staff led by head coach Milton Gresham. They surrounded themselves with great people and they worked hard and had been at it since the summer.

“

”

DAVID PERNO, head varsity football coach, on the 201617 C-team football season.

There were a few bumps in the road with players getting hurt and stuff, but the coaches made sure that they’ve taken care of us and just looked after us so the coaches have done a good job.

”

ISSAC WARD, boys JV basketball coach, on the upcoming JV team.

“

There are some upcoming leaders like Dwon Smith, Nick Johnson and Martavius Darden. They turned into leaders last year. The seniors here last year were leaders, but the team this year is better than the team we had last year.

Above: HARD IN THE PAINT: Clarke Central High School varsity basketball player Martavious Crew drives the lane during the Cedar Shoals High School vs CCHS basketball game, but is blocked by CSHS varsity basketball player Ty’qon Mitchell. The game was hosted at CSHS, on December 21. “The Cedar game is always big.

You never want to lose to your rival,” CCHS head basketball coach Andre McIntyre said.

center, on the rising leaders for the 2016-17 team.

Gladiator to Bison

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DECEMBER 2016

I just call them big plays, not lucky touchdowns.

NICHOLAS SLIGH, varsity football center, a junior, on their playoff win against Carver High School on Nov. 12.

Below: DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS: A Clarke Central High School swimmer completes a stroke swims at a meet at Gabrielsen Natatorium located in the Ramsey Student Center.

Photo by Julie Alpaugh

larke Central High School senior and varsity baseball player Jecorrah Arnold earned and accepted an athletic scholarship to Lipscomb University in Nashville Tennessee.

“Jecorrah is an offensive third baseman and we really think the sky’s the limit for him. He could potentially play some outfield as well, but he is a guy who will make a major impact on our offense from day one,” Lipscomb baseball head coach Jeff Forehand said in the announcement of the LU 2017 recruiting class.

Arnold made his announcement and signed his Letter of Intent on Friday, Dec. 9 at 3:45 p.m. in the Gladiator Gallery.

“I had no idea that I was going to make it this far when I first started.

Maybe at the age of 14, I felt like I a had a decent chance, but I never just 100 percent thought that I was going to play Division 1 baseball. Of course, I wanted to, but I didn’t know it was going to happen,” Arnold said.

LU is a private Christian college with an National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Sports and Atlantic Sun Conference baseball program.

“As a group, I think we have a very solid class. These seven guys are all good players, but they are also going to fit right into Lipscomb’s culture and our baseball culture,” Forehand said.

According to Perfect Game, an online recruiting service, Arnold has been rated as the 22nd best third baseman and the 380th best overall player in the nation. Arnold was also recruited by the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech University, Kennesaw State University and Georgia College State University.

“To me, it was somewhat of an easy choice choosing Lipscomb over those other schools. The coaching staff at Lipscomb was awesome and couldn’t be compared to any of the other schools,” Arnold said.

“I also felt that i would have a fair chance of getting playing time as a freshman at Lipscomb, unlike some of the other colleges.”

BY HANNAH GALE Sports Editor

” ”

QUAMONTAE MONFORT, CCHS boys varsity basketball

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T S A E WEST SIDE STORY

Cherrelle Pullen, Clarke Central High School alumna, came back to Athens after college hoping to return to coach at CCHS, but a rejection led her to become a Jaguar.

BY ANEESA CONINE-NAKANO Online Editor-in-Chief

H

omecoming Queen.

Best All-Around and Best Smile. Most Athletic. Miss CCHS. Varsity softball, basketball and track star.

This is what the 2006 Clarke Central High School Gladius Yearbook would tell you about then senior Cherrelle Pullen. Admired by her peers, teachers and coaches, Cherrelle left CCHS in 2006 knowing her hard work paid off.

She went off to college at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW ) on a basketball scholarship.

There, she would play softball for two years, and run cross-country her senior year.

Her dedication at GSW made her both a Presidential and HOPE scholar, and in 2010, Cherrelle graduated with a major in health and physical education. A month later, she returned to her roots.

“I was at Clarke Central January, maybe the 10th, of 2011, not even a month out of college, and I was

actually a special ed parapro, so the transition did happen quickly, but it wasn’t something I wanted to particularly do because I was a certified teacher ready to get into a (physical education) field,” Cherrelle said.

A year later, Cherrelle moved to Dekalb County for her first job teaching PE, then to Rockdale County and finally back to Athens. She began teaching at Hilsman Middle School (HMS), but longed to coach at CCHS. “My heart has always been red and gold,” Cherrelle said. “I always wanted that whole thing going back to my high school to coach and there’s my picture on the wall to relive those glory days.”

Cherrelle reached out about open coaching positions at CCHS, but was met with a dead end. For her, what could have been a closed door became an open one.

“I came to Clarke County and even when I got to Hilsman, I still tried to say, ‘Hey, (CCHS Athletic

Director Jon) Ward. I’m at Hilsman. (CCHS girls varsity basketball coach Carla) Johnson, I’m at Hilsman,’ but they didn’t have any opening for coaching at the time,” Cherrelle said. “(Cedar Shoals High School head varsity basketball coach Harry) Bufford made his way to reach out to me, so I have been a Jaguar since.”

Since becoming the Athletic Director at HMS, the CSHS head varsity softball coach and the varsity girls basketball assistant coach, Cherrelle’s perspective on the difference between the schools has changed.

“All the east side schools don’t get as much love as the west side schools do. I am a product of a west side school,” Cherrelle said. “I see what people were saying when I was at Clarke Central.

‘Oh Cedar Shoals (doesn’t) get any love. Blah, blah, blah. Gladiators! Red and gold!’ But now I see, ‘Oh my god, Cedar Shoals (doesn’t) get any love.’”

As a coach, her ties to CCHS have intensified Left: GYM DAZE: Clarke Central High School alumna Cherrelle Pullen holds a basketball in the Cedar Shoals High School gym. Pullen, who is both the Athletic Director at Hilsman Middle School and a coach at CSHS, has formed a connection to her students. “I have grown to know these kids. A lot of them now that are juniors, I taught when they were at Hilsman,” Pullen said.

Layout by Lucia Bermudez Photo by Zoe Peterson

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DECEMBER 2016

games against her crosstown rivals.

“The mentality there is I can say my first year at Cedar Shoals if I was coaching, say with softball, was it didn’t matter if it was Clarke Central, I want to win,” Cherrelle said. “But there was a little more fire behind that win because of the fact that I wanted to be at Clarke Central.”

Despite the rivalry between the schools, Cherrelle stays in touch with the coaches who influenced her. Johnson coached Cherrelle at CCHS and has been able to witness her evolution since high school.

“It is great to see how she has developed her coaching skills and just developed as a young lady ‘cause she was such a quiet individual and such a hard worker and now sometimes I laugh when I watch her coaching softball, how loud she is, just more vocal and that’s just not how she was in high school,” Johnson said.

Cherrelle, as a coach, has been able to touch the lives of many of her players, as her coaches did to her.

Photo by Zoe Peterson

SPORTS <<

“My heart has always been red and gold. I always wanted that whole thing going back to my high school to coach and there’s my picture on the wall to relive those glory days.”

--CHERRELLE PULLEN, CSHS head softball coach and the varsity girls basketball assistant coach “She has taught me how to be a better person.

She has taught me how to work in a team and skills that I need on the softball field and in my everyday life,” CSHS sophomore and softball player Isa Williamson said. “She sees the potential I have as a softball player and works with me so that I can get better.”

CSHS head JV boys basketball coach DeeDee Frasier, who coached at CCHS from 2000-10, currently works alongside Cherrelle.

“When I first met her, she was coming out of middle school. I’m just getting to know her on the level of an adult,” Frasier said. “We still talk, coach, laugh, like nothing has changed in that sense. She’s still the same person to me. She’s Cherrelle.”

Reflecting on her time at CCHS, Cherrelle remembers her CCHS coaches fondly and is excited to continue the legacy across town.

“I want the best out of my players because my coaches at Clarke Central instilled life lessons that I carry today,” Cherrelle said. “I try to coach a lot of passion and ultimately whether there’s a win or loss, I try to teach character and integrity.”

DECEMBER 2016

Above: SPINNING TO WINNING: Clarke Central High School alumna Cherrelle Pullen spins a basketball on her finger during a Cedar Shoals varsity girls basketball practice. Pullen earned a scholarship for basketball at Georgia Southwestern State University and went on to play softball and run cross-country in later years. “I did basketball for three years. I did softball for two years and the (Athletic Director) offered me a cross-country scholarship. So, I actually earned three scholarships in college out of a Division II level school,” Pullen said.

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The scouting report Women are underrepresented and underpaid in the sports industry, let alone faced with harassment from male athletes even at the high school level.

BRian leahy Grade: 9 Sport: junior varsity wrestling Years experience: 3 GPA: 4.0 Game day ritual: I like to listen to music for a little while, just to get ready.

Favorite game memory: In the seventh grade I got my first pin.

Role model: Cleveland Belton What coaches say: He presents our program very well by working hard and by always trying to get better every day.

-- Timothy Stoudenmire, head coach Photo by Zoe Peterson

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

Photo by Zoe Peterson

Shahrzad Roshan Zamir Grade: 11 Sport: swimming Years experience: 3 GPA: 4.0 Game day ritual: Every time we start practice it’s a lot of work and a lot of effort that we have to put in.

I

n 2012, the Harvard University men’s soccer team produced a “scouting report” on the female recruits coming to Harvard that year. They labeled each new female recruit with a demeaning nickname along with a sexual position to go along with their field position.

As a female athlete, I am infuriated.

As a female athlete, not only can I expect to be underrepresented and paid less in sports. I know whatever I play and wherever I go, I will also have to face harassment from male athletes. Unsurprisingly, this ruins their sport for many female athletes.

There has not been a known case of a “scouting report” at Clarke Central High School, and I hope there never is.

However, that doesn’t mean students don’t make comments such as the ones written in the Harvard “report” all the time.

During the Region 8-AAAAA volleyball tournament hosted at CCHS, male students aimed to provoke a Flowery Branch High School volleyball player who was serving, by commenting on her body and her uniform. It got to the point where the referee had to stop the game and ask them to stop talking, or to leave.

It is quite clear that young women are not being adequately protected at our school from these derogatory comments and young men are not being taught how to respect women. You can hear it walking the hallways, in classrooms, over social media and on the field.

The “locker room talk” needs to stop. Coaches need to talk to their players and not ignore, or even partake in their hateful, sexist speech. Something needs to change, because sexual harassment should not, and will not be the “norm” in this community.

BY HANNAH GALE Sports Editor

Above: ATHLETES OR OBJECTS?: Sports Editor Hannah Gale feels female athletes are often treated worse than their male counterparts because of their gender, and hopes to see this culture of sexism and misogyny in sports end.

Illustration by Paulina Hafer

Favorite game memory: When we have away meets and that’s a time we all really get to know each other.

Role model: Dana Vollmer What coaches say: She is a reliable team member, who loves to help others and does everything she can to improve.

-- Emily Hulse, head coach

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SPORTS << Can’t hide the pride.

I think us screaming their names, like “ Go” when they make a great shot, it builds them up. Like just saying “Go team” or like “ Go Glads” or just saying their name. That’s probably the best thing, knowing someone’s out there actually cheering for them and not just the team.

You need the joy, the hype. You can’t go out on a game and be mad. That will affect you and how you cheer. You need to be happy. You need to be spirited.

Loud and proud.

The best thing is probably getting in that uniform, here, and cheerleading. Like that is my favorite thing, putting on that uniform and walking down those bleachers. The most fun is when we are winning and we get to do our fun cheers. We can get the crowd hype, get our players hype.

Work as a squad, cheer as a squad.

The most important thing in basketball cheerleading is loyalty with your friendships, with the team. You want (to have) your team’s back. To me, as a friend, I am loyal to my friends. I got your back.

If you need some help, I got your back. With the team, if you want me to make up a cheer, ‘Oh yeah, I got you.’ Then the next practice I’ve got that cheer. If there is a problem with the team I can be the middle person. (I can) be both sides of it.

Community cheer.

I think rival games are the best games to cheer at because of the community, like everyone’s coming in and it’s not just us cheering.

It’s like the Clarke Central High School people, the CCHS alumni.

It’s us cheering for our boys or our girls. It’s like Cedar Shoals High School’s side. It’s like cheering for them. Who has the most spirit? Or who has the most fans there cheering on for their team? I think just the fans are a good part.

Spirit wear.

We need our uniforms. Which is our skirt, our bow, our top and we need our shoes. Our warm ups if it’s cold. Definitely if we go on an away game we need our warm ups. We have a cheer bag that has our names on it.

5

THINGS to know about

basketball cheerleading

Photo by Zoe Peterson Layout by Hannah Gale

DECEMBER 2016

BY BRIANA RAiney AS TOLD TO Emerson Meyer

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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