The Saga

Saga The

THURSDAY March 8, 2012

Spring sports season heating up.

Page 10.

First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Georgia

Around campus

in 60 seconds

Dozens turn out for FPD, Red Cross blood drive The February blood drive was a success, thanks to plenty of last-minute donors.

Along with Red Cross staffers, Marxsen also had her upper level French students recruit donors, hand out snacks and drinks and provide moral support for those giving blood.

Marxsen hopes to encourage teens to become lifelong blood donors.

“We try to get the teenagers to give for the first time where we can walk them through it and hold their hand and hope that they will become lifetime blood donors and help save lives,” Marxsen said, noting that each donation can help save up to three lives.

“I think you should give blood if you can because (while) it’s not super comfortable, it’s something you can do and it’ll have a really big effect on people who need it,” junior donor and volunteer Michael Money said. “I think it’s a really good thing to do.”

Photo by Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga Mardi Weems, daughter of FPD English teacher Candace Weems, uses a Cochlear implant to counteract severe hearing loss.

‘God’s handiwork’

Teacher shares highs, lows of raising a child with hearing loss.

By KATIE HUGGINS Staff Writer

Night on the Lawn seeks to promote awareness The soccer field will be the site of the upcoming “Night on the Lawn,” on March 16, an event designed to raise awareness about homelessness.

Students will camp out from 8 p.m. until 7 the next morning. Tickets for the event are $10. Proceeds will go to help Daybreak, an area homeless shelter.

For information, contact Tina Clark at 394-2777 or see Holly Scott, the school’s community service director, or senior Kaitlynn Jones.

S

even-year-old Mardi Weems works intently in her first grade classroom at Springdale Elementary. She stares off into space for a moment, trying to do the math problems in her head.

Whispering the numbers to herself, she lightly marks on her desk with her pencil.

Grinning, she breaks concentration for a moment.

“I love to draw. I’m like an artist,” she says to a visitor.

This personality is the first thing a visitor notices about Mardi. The second is the sizeable tan device surrounding her right ear.

Mardi’s official diagnosis is bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. It means that Mardi is significantly hard of hearing in both ears. The cause of Mardi’s hearing loss is unknown, which Mardi’s mother, FPD English teacher Candace Weems, noted, is often the case, despite extensive testing.

At first, Mardi’s symptoms were slight, but her parents started noticing that they “were turning the TV up louder (and) repeating (them)selves all the time,” Weems said.

Mardi also started growing frustrated and talking louder.

By the time Mardi was 4, Weems knew her daughter would not pass the required hearing test at an upcoming doctor’s appointment. Mardi’s physician referred her to an ear, nose, and throat specialist,

Please see MARDI, page 12

Opinions

The Saga

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 2

Passion conference a powerful experience

Cartoon by Morgan Curtis

Staff Editorial

Staff inspired by Weems Today’s generation often has a self-absorbed, egotistical perspective regarding just about everything.

Because we live in a world that is so remarkably and alarmingly selfcentered, it’s quite easy to disengage from all other surroundings.

But if you stop to consider the lives of those around you, it doesn’t take long to realize that your problems don’t seem so bad after all.

Over the past few months, the staff of The Saga has engaged in the life of Mardi Weems, 7-year-old daughter of senior English teacher Candace Weems.

Her story is one of unceasing hope in the face of tragedy. Several years

ago Mardi was diagnosed with a hearing disability that has gradually worsened over the past few years.

Even after countless doctors appointments and sleepless nights, Mardi is still an upbeat, positive girl.

Throughout Mardi’s struggles, she and her family have remained positive, prayerful and hopeful, never missing an opportunity to look for the bright side of the situation.

The next time you feel like things couldn’t be going worse, stop and think about Mardi.

We hope to share a glimpse of what the staff has learned from Mardi in the story on page one written by senior Katie Huggins.

Saga The

First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Georgia

Staff Directory Editor ................................ Molly McCoy Staff Writers ..................... Evan Bates, Morgan Curtis, Mary Helen Douglas, Katie Huggins, Olivia Taylor, Grace Young Adviser ............................. Mr. Cal Powell The Saga is the student-produced newspaper of First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, Ga. Letters to the editor and guest editorials are welcome. Submit them in person to staff adviser Cal Powell or e-mail cpowell@fpdmacon.org. Phone (478) 477-6505, Ext.121.

Member organization Journalism Education Association Rated Superior by the GSPA, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Winner of the GSPA Turnaround Award 2006-07 Winner of the GSPA General Excellence Award 2007-08 Winner of the GSPA Perseverance Award 2007-08

There are some planned at all. things that cannot It started when be described David Crowder vividly enough.

Band led Passion 2012 is worship the third one of those. I morning, which don’t know how surprised me to explain the because I hadn’t overwhelming expected to see sense of fellowship them after their during worship concert on the with more than first night. Then Katie Huggins 44,000 people.

Louie Giglio, Senior It was as if we Passion’s founder couldn’t sing and organizer, loudly enough; many of the songs gave a farewell to the band, which was were deafening because of the splitting up even though none of the unrestrained excitement of the crowd members had future plans. that, for an entire song, was best In the weeks before Passion, I was expressed with a wordless cry. faced with a personal crisis, and I had Imagine standing in this crowd a choice to make. In the face of recent singing “How Great is Our God” events, I could try to go back to the engulfed by this roaring. It was way things were before, or I could overwhelming; how could we not sing make a change. I kept putting off the at the top of our lungs? decision because I was scared; this I didn’t know wasn’t the sort what to expect of thing where I at Passion. I could change my was just excited mind. to see David I had been Crowder Band halted by lead worship at indecision for their last concert weeks when I ever. I didn’t heard Louie. He anticipate the said, “You know, sheer magnitude God turns pages of it all. in life ... It’s not It was all like God, in our amazing: lives, to leave Worship led by us in one place Chris Tomlin, forever. God has Hillsong, and seasons for us others; messages ... so don’t ever from John Piper, get stuck in the Beth Moore and past when God Francis Chan. is leading you I suspected to the future. these things Don’t ever think would rock me, but they weren’t the that something is so great that you things that struck me the most. can’t let go of it and let God give you One of those was the discussion something else.” group, which is something I usually I was stunned. I kept poking my dread. But at Passion, it was a friend sitting next to me because I group of eight total strangers that knew she would get the significance of inexplicably clicked. what he was saying.

As we sat in a circle in the middle I might’ve cried a little up in my of a massive conference room, upper deck seat; it wouldn’t have been surrounded by hundreds of similar the first time that weekend. groups, we found ourselves telling But I mainly felt an elation that had each other deep fears, ambitions, and me, cynical, smart-mouthed, shortregrets. tempered me, practically skipping to I was amazed by some of the things lunch afterwards. other group members shared and It sounds corny, but at Passion, and humbled that they would share them in that moment specifically, I found with me. what I needed to face the craziness at The discussions, worship sessions home. and speakers were all planned to have What’s more, I found joy that’s an impact, but the thing that meant stayed with me even after leaving the the most to me might not have been Dome nearly two months ago.

Imagine standing in this crowd singing “How Great is Our God” engulfed by this roaring. It was overwhelming; how could we not sing at the top of our lungs?

News

The Saga

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 3

Easter named county STAR student

By MORGAN CURTIS Staff Writer

Senior Jonathan Easter has been named the STAR Student for Bibb County.

The distinction goes to the senior who posts the highest score on the SAT at one sitting. Easter tallied a score of 2,300.

It is believed that Easter is just the second FPD student to have earned this recognition.

He chose Latin and English teacher Dr. Michael Carreker as his STAR Teacher. Easter hopes to pursue a career in engineering and is considering several colleges, including Georgia Tech. He’s also a top player on the tennis team.

The Saga interviewed him shortly after he was named FPD’s STAR Student.

What was your reaction to being named STAR student?

“I was very happy. It was an award I specifically strived for. A lot of my friends had gotten it, and to get it myself was sort of a nice benchmark.

In fact one of my friends who had

gotten it is a Presidential Scholar at Georgia Tech, so I figured, hey, if I get the same award that kind of puts me on a similar level.”

Why did you choose Dr. Carreker as your STAR teacher?

“Well I’ve had him for seven classes over five years, so he’s a pretty clear choice. He’s the person who, in terms of quantity, had the most impact on my education, since I’ve spent the most time with him. Also he’s really influenced what I want to do in college. I really enjoy math, which leads me towards engineering, but because of taking five years of Latin with him, it makes me want to still explore liberal arts. He’s really kept me from being narrow-minded.”

Any favorite memories of Dr. Carreker’s class?

“Last year I did an independent study with Stuart Veal, and we would get here at 7 in the morning on Thursday and read our papers to him. Every once in a while he’d be really late and we’d be waiting at the end of the hallway and he’d just be running down the hallway because he was

Photo by Evan Bates/The Saga Senior Jonathan Easter has been named the STAR Student for Bibb County.

five minutes late and apologizing the whole way.”

What are your plans after high school?

“I’d like to study engineering in

undergraduate, and then eventually go off into a graduate degree in architecture, and then explore that more, and hopefully move to Chicago and be an architect there.

I’m looking forward to getting out and broadening my horizons.”

Shop early for THE PERFECT dress for Prom 2012!

The Saga

Opinions

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 4

Are libraries a thing of the past?

Old classics still hold timeless tales

There’s just something about going to the library and checking out a book. For me, it’s the accomplishment of finding the book I was looking for in the middle of skyscraper-high shelves all bearing books with similar covers and sizes.

Or maybe it’s the atmosphere of the library. There is nothing more inviting than walking into a quiet place with books jam-packed with information on everything you could ever want to know about; or a novel with a plot that has your stomach in knots and your hand cramped from holding open the pages for too long.

It’s your own space to escape and get a first-hand insight into an author’s mind. It’s a place where you have the freedom to read any Mary Helen Douglas book that you would Sophomore like; your choices are virtually endless. You pick out the book. You check it out, take it home.

What’s so good about e-readers and Kindles away? “Oh it’s smaller than a book.” Really? I’m not quite willing to sacrifice the novelty of a book just because of one miniscule “inconvenience.” What’s better than leaving the library with your hands overflowing with books?

Besides, who wants to pay money to download a book? You know you’re only going to read it once. It’s that security you don’t have when your Kindle Fire suddenly bursts into flames and your book is gone, along with your wallet.

Books are tangible. It’s the unique moment you enjoy as you turn each page and realize you’ve already read half the book and the strings and the bonding of the glue are revealed. It’s about actually turning the pages instead of clicking a button.

Everything else in life runs by pushing a button, so why can’t we just agree to suffer through the “old-fashioned way” and turn a page? That feeling is lost with Kindles and e-readers.

One perk of reading a real book is the smell, whether it’s that musty smell of an old classic, or that fresh-off-the-printer smell of a novel. And don’t forget the sensation of opening a book with a tattered cover, revealing the promises of a well-written tale. Or maybe the opening of a new book and smoothing down the crease to fold back the cover and take a look into the author’s imagination.

Kindles and e-readers strip away all that makes up a book except for the words themselves. There’s more to a book then the black letters against the white page.

The newer versions of e -readers are now clad with games and Internet access. Isn’t the point of a book to get away from your technology and unwind?

It’s crazy how much our world is now infatuated with technology. Libraries are now being replaced with computer labs and encyclopedias are being used to make tables in art classrooms. Personally, I’ll take my cheap, old books and quiet libraries over a new-fangled electronic device that resembles my computer.

Features

The Saga

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 5

No need for libraries in age of Internet

By the old Food Lion on Thomaston Road there’s a public library, but, of course, you don’t know that. Nobody does, which is why the parking lot is empty every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, which are the incredibly inconvenient business hours set up by people who probably hate their jobs.

It’s logical, really, why nobody goes anymore: mean old ladies telling you to shut up, the smell of decay permeating every square inch of the place, and those lovely books themselves, that despite never being checked out, on account of nobody using libraries, still smell like cat urine with every page you turn.

The point I’m trying to make is that in my incredibly researched and trustworthy opinion (more of a fact really) libraries are dying, not because people are getting stupider - we’ve Morgan Curtis always been this way Senior but because of this new thing called the Internet, which was invented in 1996 by Al Gore.

You see, the entire point for the foundation of libraries was to fix the problem that people couldn’t remember a vast amount of information; so they created institutions to house collected human knowledge, for the sake of not having to remember absolutely everything like they did before Homer’s time.

Libraries, though, didn’t completely eliminate the problem of memorization, because in order to check out a book, you’d still have to know its title and author; and then you might be forced to recall some fact or profound quote mentioned in your reading from a book you had to turn in two weeks ago.

With the Internet, though, you don’t need to know anything or remember any information, because it’s all there through Google. With just a snippet of info it’s possible to conjure up everything you wanted to know, and didn’t want to know, associated with that information.

With smartphones nowadays, all the intelligence of the Internet is in our pockets, and we no longer have to depend on our brains to know things for us.

Now some have argued, Mary Helen for example, that technology lacks a certain something that books have, like the novelty of being able to measure your progress by bending the corners of pages.

But it’s not the physical being of the book that holds human knowledge, it’s the words themselves.

The words participate in this thing called the truth, which means that they aren’t just things to be read once and thrown away, they’re things that ought to be kept and thought about and held in high regard.

If advancing technology allows us to do this easily, and to keep the truth with us at all times, then there’s nothing lost, but instead something gained.

Photo by Olivia Taylor/The Saga The cast of Godspell rehearses the musical number “We Beseech Thee.” The musical, based on the gospel of Matthew, opens tonight at 7.

‘Come sing about love’

FPD theatre to perform gospel retelling in spring musical Godspell.

By MOLLY MCCOY Editor The theatre department is set to debut its spring musical, Godspell, tonight.

From the post-modern set to the phenomenal ensemble numbers, Godspell depicts traditional elements through a modern lens.

As an up-to-date telling of the gospel of Matthew, the show seeks to interpret the original parables and Biblical characters in a contemporary way. Godspell uses spirited music and inspirational character evolution to convey a poignant message.

According to director Andrew Strickland, “we’re trying to explain the effect that Christ has on a group of people making them a community with his love.”

Although the musical doesn’t reflect the exact people or storyline of the scriptures, Biblical themes ring true. Recognized events, such as The Lord’s Supper, Christ’s questioning before the Pharisees and the Crucifixion are portrayed in the presentation.

Unlike the Bible, the characters are not specifically tied to the same disciples.

“It’s not the exact people, but more how they all come together with Christ,” Strickland said.

Composed of two distinct acts, Godspell transitions from an enthu-

siastic, clownperformance, like telling of her excitement parables toward peaked.

March 8-10, 7 p.m. a more linear, “It’s a lot Clark Fine Arts Center dark depiction more exciting Admission: Free for FPD students, of Christ’s final than people reweeks on earth. alize,” Bullard faculty and staff.

“Ultimately, says. $10 for general admission. the second act is When it Premium seats (first 6 rows) are $15. comes to selecta culmination of Christ’s life and ing and casting his great commission to the commua musical, Strickland considers a varinity,” said junior cast member Michael ety of implications.

Money.

“I want something that the school For Money, Godspell brings the op- community can relate to and also portunity and pressure of playing his something that uses the talents of the most important role ever, Jesus. Mon- people in the program well,” he said. ey sees the role as an honor and an opAlthough the original production portunity, because it gives him “such a was designed on Broadway for a cast great platform to study his word, learn of 10 or 12, Strickland has expanded more about him, and try to emulate the cast to create a strong ensemble him, not really on stage, but outside in feel. life,” he said.

One aspect of Godspell that Money To prepare for the role, Money has appreciates is the accessibility. focused on the gospel of Matthew “Anyone can come see it. You don’t and its implications in his life, with have to be a big theater fan,” he said. the hope that his actions can translate Although the style varies from more naturally on stage. previous musicals, both Bullard and Senior Anna Daly Bullard will take Money see traces of Cats, Joseph and a walk on the wild side in her portray- the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and 42nd al of Sonya, a risqué prostitute.

Street. For Strickland, comparisons “Basically, I tempt everyone on the simply fall short. cast, including Jesus. No one expects “I’m not sure Godspell compares to it from me,” Bullard said. anything,” he said. “It’s such a differAlthough initially surprised by the ent show.” musical selection, after Bullard saw With the presentation of Godspell, the clips from the new Broadway Strickland hopes that theatre, and the

Godspell

Photo by Olivia Taylor/The Saga Godspell cast members (left to right) Claire Carter, Nicholas Shealy and Lindsay Turner, rehearse a scene last month. The show opens tonight at 7 at the Clark Fine Arts Center. arts in general, can reach beyond the confines of the school campus.

“The arts are still relatively new to our culture,” he said. “We want people to see the power and accessibility of theatre in a new way, because it’s something that’s fun and entertaining for everyone. We’re spreading the word of what we do here.”

Hot for ‘Hunger Games’ Popular post-apocalyptic novel that has gripped a generation of teens set for movie debut March 23.

Why I’m Team Gale After reading the first novel, the inevitable question is, Team Gale or Team Peeta? The fierce boy from the forest or the tenderhearted boy from the bakery? The life-long confidant or the charismatic swooner?

While they both have their likable traits, how can you not side with the boy who has been with Katniss from the beginning, the boy who lost his father in the same mine explosion where Katniss’ dad died?

The boy who stood beside Katniss as they struggled to feed their starving families.

Gale even suggested running away into the forest together prior to Katniss’ departure for the Hunger Games.

Although Gale and Katniss do not explore the romantic aspect of their relationship in the first novel, ultimately, the pair shares a bond that cannot be matched.

By MOLLY MCCOY Editor

S

uzanne Collins’s fantastical tale “The Hunger Games” is catching fire with young adult audiences across the country.

The post-apocalyptic novel has made fans of heat seekers and love story fanatics alike. With suspenseful action, raging violence and passionate drama, “The Hunger Games” is a page-turning thriller that will not disappoint.

Set in the country of Panem, the ��������������� story portrays the lives of Katniss Everdeen, a sharpshooting rebel from District 12; Peeta Melark, a passionate, blue-eyed baker’s son; and Gale Hawthorne, Katniss’ childhood friend and partner in crime.

As an annual reminder of the capitol’s dominance and authority, a boy and a girl are selected from each district to participate in the Hunger Games. Broadcast across the nation, the Hunger Games depict devastating violence and war-like cruelty as the selected children battle to the death. And the catch? Only one child will survive.

The first installment of The Hunger Games trilogy is set to debut on the big screen on March 23.

- Molly McCoy

Why I’m Team Peeta So you have two choices: Team Gale or Team Peeta.

People can go on for hours arguing who is better for the beautiful Miss Everdeen, and reasonably so.

Gale is the one who was with her from the beginning and the one she has lived and hunted with her whole life.

He is described as a very handsome guy, who is an unsurpassed hunter and unrivaled in allurement. On the other hand there’s my choice, Mr. Peeta Mellark, a baker’s son who Katniss encounters when she was a girl.

He is brought into Katniss’ life when both are selected for tribute in the 74th���������������������������������� Hunger Games. Peeta ������������������� ends up falling in love with Katniss on the horizon of the Games.

I have chosen Peeta because he is an outstanding strategist, fighter and survivalist.

He ends up saving Katniss’ life several times throughout the games, without him, Katniss would have never survived. Peeta is portrayed as the underdog of the two boys.

I also feel sorry for Peeta, because he is deceived by Katniss’ false love for him. He loves her so much, yet she pushes him away. Peeta is my guy of choice for Katniss.

- Evan Bates

Did you know?

Photos of Gale (left, played by Liam Hemsworth) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) taken from The Hunger Games’ official Facebook page/Lionsgate Films. Photo illustration by Evan Bates.

Adriana Figueroa, a 2011 FPD graduate, arranged and recorded a song using a passage from The Hunger Games novel. She put it on her YouTube site and it was soon picked up by the movie production company Lionsgate, which now features Figueroa’s video on its official YouTube fan page. You can see Figueroa’s video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKrCE1aYz7o

Did you like The Hunger Games?

“I really liked it. It’s one of those books that could be for boys or girls, and I really like books like that. It’s got the adventure for the boys and the romance for the girls. It’s really well-rounded and good for everybody.”

Courtney Carr Senior

“I like the whole concept of them trying to stay alive and the fact that Panem is supposed to be North America in a few hundred years.”

Jackson Slade Seventh grade

“I liked it because it was really different and it kept you on your toes and was really intense.”

“I liked The Hunger Games because it was more than just a love story. It actually had a plot.”

Maddie Barnard Freshman

Kayla Robinson Freshman

The Saga

Features

Special to The Saga Junior Lindsey O’Quinn (center) with two of her Nutcracker “customers.”

Makeup requests keep O’Quinn busy Junior has made an impression as a hair and makeup stylist for friends.

Despite this, O’Quinn does not plan on doing anyone else’s makeup for Prom this year, except for a few close friends.

Her favorite brand is MAC Cosmetics, due to its wide range of colors and choices. Her favorite palette is comprised of varying shades of brown, which she uses to

By GRACE YOUNG make a smoky eye Staff Writer Her favorite palette effect. Starting with a primer and light color, Lindsey O’Quinn is comprised of she then works her is only 17 and has varying shades of way into the corners already made a of the eyelid with brown, which she name for herself. darkening Though just a uses to make a smoky gradually shades. She then tops junior, O’Quinn eye effect. Starting it off with eyeliner is already known which she blends with a primer and for her expertise with her eyelashes, in cosmetics. She light color, she then covering this with a helps classmates medium shade. works her way into with hair and But how did makeup for day to the corners of the she become such an day use, as well eyelid with gradually impressive stylist as for events such before even graduating darkening shades. as the Christmas from high school?

Dance and Prom “My mom works at Most recently, a hair salon and I just O’Quinn was asked to help out with watched them do hair and makeup,” the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia O’Quinn said. this past December. Originally, she One of her first experiences with the was only going to do friends Summer makeup profession was helping her Willingham and Kinsey Cutright, mother do a wedding, the only time but word soon spread until it reached she has charged for her work. the head of the costume and makeup Usually, O’Quinn does not ask for department. money.

O’Quinn was allowed to work under O’Quinn hopes to get a job at MAC the department head, almost like an when she turns 18, but does not plan internship during the weekend shows. for the cosmetic industry to be her “We knew that she was really good final place of work. at it and her style of makeup was just “I may do it in college as a small perfect for Nutcracker,” Willingham job, but not after,” she said. said.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 8

News

The Saga

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT GRADUATING AND LEAVING FPD?

By Olivia Taylor

“The best thing about graduating is that you’ll have a more experienced life out there waiting for you and more challenges than where you are right now.”

“I’m going to miss all my friends but I’m very excited about all the new things that come with college.”

“I’m excited about graduation because it means that I get to have new experiences and go into the real world.”

Meredith Wright Senior

“I’m pretty excited. The only thing that I’m going to miss about FPD is playing football and my friends.”

John Kerry Howell Senior “I’m more sad about it than I am happy, and the thing that I’ll miss most are friends because I’ll see my family every time I come home.”

Christopher Phillips Senior “I’m actually not ready to graduate. I’m going to miss my friends and the atmosphere at FPD.”

Megan Childs Senior

Students mix outreach and education

By MARY HELEN DOUGLAS Staff Writer

Bobby Leigh Senior

Mary Ann Foil Senior

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 9

Rendering by Megan Sparks/Special to The Saga A rendering of plans for the new property, with field space and a potential new middle school building, is shown here.

Expansion coming

Clearing of trees for athletic field space and construction of a major addition to the Clark Fine Arts building are in the works.

By OLIVIA TAYLOR Staff Writer Starting soon, everyone on the FPD campus will have something to look forward to: the development of the 38 acres across from Calvin Drive.

Construction will start with clearing trees, followed by the sodding process this summer.

Administrators hope students will be able to use the fields when school starts back in August.

These plans are not all finalized, but headmaster Gregg Thompson has made some final decisions.

“The initial plan is to add some extra field space to help both fall and spring sports,” Thompson said.

The plan includes additional fields for the softball and baseball teams.

This will help the problem of game days when the current fields are occupied and there is no room for practice, Thompson said.

Another new addition is a multipurpose field. This field will take care of many sports like football, soccer, and any other sport that needs a field for practice or games.

Other future plans are a cross country course, a putting green and maybe even a new middle school building.

These plans are tentative and have not been finalized.

FPD also has plans to add on to the Clarke Fine Arts building.

The plans for the Fine Arts expansion are a little more elaborate.

The school will be adding on to the building starting behind the stage.

This addition will house rooms for the middle school art classes, chorus and elementary music.

The new Fine Arts wing will also be a home to journalism and broadcasting classes as well as Instructional Support classrooms, which will become the Center for Student Success.

This addition will start once the money is raised.

The entire project will cost roughly $4 million, Thompson said.

FPD is paying for this multi-million dollar project through the financial support of friends of the school and foundations that have donated money to what is being called the “Investing in Our Future” campaign.

The last $500,000 of the total will come from a matching grant from a separate foundation.

The project has the potential to be on a six to eight month completion schedule, but that is tentative based on weather and other factors.

Teachers are learning ways to get their classes involved with helping the community that also ties into what they’re learning in the classroom in a new initiative called service learning.

“When a class does service learning, they go out and ask, what needs do you have? And then they create a service project around that… so something that is being learned in the classroom is being applied to the community,” Community Service Director Holly Scott said.

In December, for example, the 10th grade English classes along with their teacher Mrs. Hulsey partnered with Rice Elementary School to teach a class of fourth graders how to write friendly “When a class does service letters learning, they go out and ask, what and pack needs do you have? And then they shoeboxes for create a service project around Operation that… so something that is being Christmas learned in the classroom is being Child. applied to the community.”

The sophomores study World Holly Scott Literature and were Community Service Director reading about some of the countries where their boxes were sent.

The students have now voiced ideas of possibly going back to Rice Elementary in the spring.

Other teachers have begun organizing trips for their classes.

Mr. Walton’s class plans to put on “Reader’s Theatre” for the kids at Rice in the spring.

“Once students get out of the classroom and realize what a joy it is to serve their community, they want to go back and do more,” Scott said.

Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga Sophomore Kam Hunter packs a shoebox with a student from Rice Elementary School for Operation Christmas Child.

Sports

The Saga

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 10

The Saga

Girls take title at Viking Cup tournament

Prom 2012

Top

Ravonda Bargeron/Special to The Saga Senior Cole Wheeler finished as GHSA Class A state runner-up in the 145-pound weight class.

Senior surge

Upperclassmen help wrestling team finish fifth at state.

By OLIVIA TAYLOR and MARY HELEN DOUGLAS Staff Writers The Viking wrestling team finished fifth at the state tournament in Gwinnett Arena in Duluth last month.

Five of the six wrestlers who qualified for the state tournament placed in the top five.

The team also excelled in the Bibb County Championship. As a whole, the team placed second with seven individual county champions.

The team was led by its five seniors: Greyson Bargeron, Cole Wheeler, Joseph Brittain, Connor Morris and Samuel Mullis.

“These guys became the backbone of the team all year long,” coach Ken Garvin said.

Wheeler finished the season with a 33-3 record and a runner-up finish at state in the 145-pound class.

Connor Morris finished third at state; Samuel Mullis and Joseph Brittain were fourth and Martin Wilson finished fifth at state.

Bargeron also qualified for state.

“Those guys (seniors) have not just learned how to lead this year,” Garvin said. “They’ve been leading all along and will be extremely tough to replace.”

Garvin said the future of FPD wrestling looks bright.

“Our middle school numbers were huge,” he said. “We’ve got some really good eighth graders who are going to be freshmen (next year) so right now the guys that we know are coming out are going to have to depend on those guys.”

Swimming The team was composed of 38 swimmers in both the junior high and varsity swimming programs.

FPD was able to host seven swim meets this season at Northside and Mercer University.

“We are excited for the future of FPD swimming with a strong junior high swimming program developing in the middle school and many young high school students,” swimming coach Elizabeth Leslein said.

Boys basketball The boys team finished with a record of 9-17 while competing in one of the toughest regions in the state.

“The team gave great effort and put themselves in position to be successful night in and night out with their team play, unselfishness, execution, and hustle,” head coach Michael Brooker said. “I am very proud of these young men and the way they represented their Christian faith, FPD, and their families during our second season

Tennis The boys team has jumped out to a 4-1 record, including a 2-0 mark in region play, led by Jonathan Easter, Max Chandler and Brooks Hanson and the strong doubles tandem of Dylan Liles and Winson Mahathre.

The girls team is inexperienced and will rely heavily on returners Kayleigh Sky Donner and Katy Hall.

The Vikings compete in a tournament in Marietta starting Friday.

Baseball The Vikings (3-2) began region play this week after picking up big non-region wins over Westside and Schley County in the season’s early weeks.

Track The track team hosts a seven-team meet on Saturday at 8 a.m.

Kathleen Collins/Special to The Saga Sophomore Brenley Martinez was a top finisher for the varsity girls swim team this season. in the GHSA not only on the court but off the court as well.”

Girls basketball The girls team ended with a season record of 13-13. The team was led by senior and team captain Luci Allen and the guard play of Savannah Phillips and Caroline Stroud.

“The girls demostrated they will be a team to be reckoned with next year,” coach Charley Chase said.

Cal Powell/Special to The Saga Senior Winson Mahathre lines up a forehand during a match earlier this season.

for Prom

Dress Shopping

Staff reports

The defending state champion girls soccer team won its fourth straight Viking Cup on Saturday, defeating Strong Rock 5-0 for the championship.

The Vikings also beat Veterans High School and Treutlen along the way, outscoring their opponents 20-1.

The highlight for the boys team during the tournament was a 3-3 draw against Veterans.

“The girls clearly showed why they are the No. 1-ranked team in the state and (they) played at a great level all weekend,” coach Josh Trieste said. “The team is finding solid chemistry very early in the season and the overall depth of the team is allowing a high level of play for the entire match.”

5

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 11

Special to The Saga A few students enjoy dinner at the home of Gray and Mary Grace Lindley last year.

Candy Land Confection Preparations begin for sugar-coated prom.

By MOLLY MCCOY Editor Prom is in the air at First Presbyterian Day School.

With the big night right around the corner, the junior and senior classes wait with bated breath for this year’s much-anticipated evening.

From prom workshops to “popping the big question,” there is no doubt that prom is one of the highlights of the year.

For those students attending prom, held this year on April 20 at the Goodwill Conference Center, a sweet Special to The Saga treat awaits. The junior class Students pose for a group shot at Idle Hour Country Club is working hard to create prior to prom last year. a stunning “candy-land confection” inspired by the childhood game “Candy have been transported to a Lollipop-inspired Land.” delight. date walls will grace decadent With a theme like “Candy Work has just the walls of the Land,” this year’s prom is commenced at the prom sure to be one of the most Goodwill Conference workshops, and the junior magical evenings to date. officers and advisors Center and a colorful class According to class have high hopes for the backdrop highlighted outcome. officers, the juniors are trying to achieve a legitimate by an arch will create Decorations aren’t the theme rather than a sub-par only thing that have taken a picture perfect lead- on a life of their own imitation. out space.

Lollipop-inspired date during prom preparations. walls will grace the walls Each year, guys’ of the Goodwill Conference invitations to prom seem to Center and a colorful get more and more elaborate. Simply asking backdrop highlighted by an arch will create a no longer cuts it. picture perfect lead-out space.

Some of the most inventive ways have Make sure to look out for a game boardbeen customized raps, handcrafted puzzles inspired color-block path that will lead into and one that even involved a turtle! It all the crowd. Students are sure to feel as if they adds to the enchantment of Prom 2012.

1. Sharing Elegance - Always guarantees that your dress will be the only of its kind (photo at right).

2. House of Hines - Small town service at its finest.

3. David's Bridal Quality dresses at affordable prices.

4. Atlanta Boutiques - A vast selection of styles and colors.

5. Borrow from a friend - The economical option.

Salons 1. Utopia Salon and Spa - One-stop hair, nail and makeup services.

2. MT Nails - Perfect for a date with a friend.

3. Signature Salon - Fabulous prices for a wide range of styles.

4. V G and CO - Conviniently located next to MT Nails.

5. Dash Salon and Spa - Innovative hairdos for every length.

Restaurants 1. Natalia's - Expensive but elegant.

2. Bonefish - Great service for large groups.

3. The Tic Toc Room - Quaint and cozy atmosphere.

4. A friend's house - Affordable and relaxed.

5. Downtown Grill - Convenient downtown location owned by an FPD grad.

After Prom Plans 1. Class Breakfasts - Great bonding time and good food.

2. Spend The Night Party - The night doesn’t ever have to end.

3. Pool Party - Perfect for a warm spring night.

4. Bowling - Ideal for a large group.

5. Waffle House - Always a reliable after-hours hangout.

- List compiled by Molly McCoy

The Saga

From the front

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Page 12 Photo by Mary Helen Douglas/The Saga Mardi Weems, daughter of FPD English teacher Candace Weems, prepares for a writing assignment at Springdale Elementary.

MARDI From page 1

who fitted Mardi with hearing aids.

However, Mardi’s hearing levels continued to drop and she started losing speech discrimination in her right ear.

Speech discrimination loss is a separate impairment from hearing loss. According to Weems, hearing loss is “losing volume,” while speech discrimination loss occurs because of “a disconnect between the ear and the brain,” causing “words … to sound like gibberish.”

Hearing aids can’t counteract speech discrimination loss. Only a Cochlear implant can do that. *** Cochlear implants counteract speech discrimination loss by collecting and processing sounds and sending them to the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged part of the ear that causes the “scramble” of words. In this way, patients are allowed to hear again artificially.

To receive a Cochlear implant, a patient must meet very specific requirements to be eligible.

“Ironically, (my husband and I) began to pray that (Mardi) would lose the speech discrimination quickly,” Weems said. “It sounds kind of strange, but you reach a point where you need the implant badly.”

Otherwise, patients may face years of difficult communication while they wait to receive an implant.

During implantation, part of the device is surgically inserted into the skull and attached to external components.

Patients then must undergo extensive therapy for “mapping” sessions to program the device to recognize certain words.

Mardi underwent the surgery last September. Since then, the process has

been very slow.

She has mapping appointments every two weeks, and has to use the implant exclusively for half an hour every day to transfer her dependence from the hearing aid to the implant.

At first, these sessions were stressful for Mardi because the implants were turned on so low. Mardi cried most of the time because she was “basically deaf,” Weems said. The sessions were especially difficult for Weems as well.

“As a parent, you never want your child to face hardships,” she said.

Instead of focusing on her worries for Mardi, Weems said she has learned to rely on her faith, especially two specific truths: an unyielding belief in God’s sovereignty and in His goodness. *** Weems was not always so certain of God’s goodness, especially in the months immediately after Mardi’s diagnosis.

In addition to the extreme range of emotions, she struggled to reconcile her belief in God’s goodness with her feeling of helplessness.

However, there are numerous stories of moments shortly after the diagnosis that served as a source of comfort.

Once, Mardi memorized Psalm 100 for her preschool’s Thanksgiving program, unbeknownst to her mother.

She started to recite the passage in the car after a particularly difficult day for Weems.

When Mardi reached verse three, which says, “The Lord is God; it is He who made us and not we ourselves,” Weems was overwhelmed with the feeling that her own daughter was unintentionally saying exactly what she needed to hear.

In another instance, Weems stumbled upon a craft of Mardi’s in a stack of projects to throw away. It was Mardi’s hand and arm cut out of brown construction paper with leaves painted around it and a title saying

“God’s Handy-work.”

Weems saved the craft as a reminder that, in spite of the hearing loss, “Mardi is God’s handiwork. He made her, and she is beautiful,” she said.

“I pray for her when I start to feel overwhelming feelings of sadness and anxiety for her,” Weems said. “I just have to stop and remember that she’s not just my child, but she’s God’s child, and He has a purpose for her …

I’m her earthly mother, but He’s her Father.” *** Growing up deaf seems to have given Mardi an insight beyond her years. She likes princesses and fairies, crafts and paintings, trying to sing and dabbling in dance classes like any 7-year-old girl, but Weems notices a growing awareness in her daughter.

On the way to a doctor’s appointment, Mardi asked if she would have to take a specific hearing test for her speech discrimination.

It’s a test where she has to listen and repeat words as she hears them.

When Weems told her she would have to take the test, Mardi said she didn’t like that test because it made her say “silly words.”

“I could tell for the first time that (Mardi) was starting to feel selfconscious … (and afraid of) getting it wrong, like taking a test,” Weems said.

Mardi also has a strong personality that those close to her think is a significant help to growing up deaf. “(Mardi is) very stubborn and strong-willed. I call her my ‘sassy redhead,’ ” Weems said. “She speaks her mind. You never know what’s going to come out of her mouth.”

Jan Trotter, one of Mardi’s first grade teachers, agrees.

At the beginning of the year Mardi resisted doing things she struggled with because “she didn’t want anyone to think she couldn’t do something,” Trotter said.

“She is very much her own advocate,” she added.

Pat Webster, another of Mardi’s teachers, added that Mardi’s personality will be her greatest asset as she gets older.

“She’s just been a pistol,” she said.

“She’s not weak at all. She’s headstrong, and she’s smart,” Weems said. *** After all the ups and downs, Weems believes she is starting to reach a level path on the roller coaster. She smiled broadly upon mentioning the appointment at which Mardi’s implant was turned on.

Weems recalls Mardi’s look of surprise on her daughter’s face.

“I don’t remember this ear,” Mardi said to her mother.

If Mardi remembers hearing with both ears, Weems suspects it’s a very vague memory. Even then, “she’s surprised that she’s getting sound in the deaf ear,” Weems said.

Mardi has gotten much more comfortable using the implant now that it has been mapped further.

Weems considered it a milestone when Mardi asked her to read during one of the sessions. *** As she grows up, Mardi has started asking questioning her situation. Her questions are deep, often tending towards the theological. Weems considers it special mother-daughter time, right before Mardi is put to bed at night, when she will say, “I want to talk about important things, Momma.”

They will lie in bed and talk for a while, often about being deaf.

Weems always makes it a point to emphasize that Mardi is precious and that God loves her and has a purpose for her, even though she is faced with this challenge.

“As a parent trying to explain this to a child, that can be hard,” Weems said, “(but) she’s getting it.”