Volume 11 Issue1

ODYSSEY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Volume 11 Issue 1 Oct. 2013 $3.00

tHE GLADS ARE

SELF

made

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NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AHREN SELF

October 2013

Featured stories: Questioning Censorship A look into the J&J odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 1

FEATURED PAGE: THE COLORS OF THE J&J: Every weekend, vendors at the J & J Flea Market sell a wide array of items from jewelry to food items. For some, the market serves as their primary source of income. “The people here are so friendly,” J & J Flea Market Manager Alease Eldridge said. “It’s exactly like a collectors paradise.”

IN FOCUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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October 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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VIEWPOINTS

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Banned books

What are the negative effects of censorship in the Clarke County School District?

BY HENRY THOMAS

NEWS

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Funding for the arts

The Parent Teacher Student Organization’s focus this year is fundraising for the fine arts department.

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BY AUDREY HINKLE

Community impact A new shopping center in Oconee County may affect tax revenue in the Athens area.

Cover Story

BY AARON HOLMES

FEATURES

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Freedom to learn University of Georgia professors have come together to teach undocumented students.

BY LOUISE PLATTER

REVIEWS

Ahren Self, former defensive coordinator, now holds the position of varsity head football coach. He has high expectations for his team with the goal of winning the state championship this year.

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Solo success 29Jason Isbell, former member of the Drive-By Truckers, recently released his second album.

BY JAMES LUMPKIN

VARIETY paradise 32TheShopper’s J & J Flea Market has provided its shoppers with unique items for more than 30 years.

BY AMY HOYT

SPORTS

44 Unfit role models

Right: SHAKE AND BAKE: The Independent Baking Company, located at 1625 South Lumpkin St., opened its door to the public on Aug. 14. Owner Thom Leonard begins baking at 5 a.m. every morning in order to prepare fresh bread and pastries from scratch.

Left: BREAKING THE BAN: Throughout September, students were encouraged to participate in the celebration of Banned Books Week. “Banned Books Week (publicizes) the fact that many wonderful, great pieces of literature are banned for whatever reason,” media specialist Lindy Weaver said. “The whole idea of the week is to understand that those pieces that have been banned actually have great literary merit.”

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Putting athletes on a pedestal sends mixed messages to high school students.

BY CHAD RHYM

October 2013

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STAFF

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October 2013

STAFF

Letter from the editor. The government shutdown reveals the childish nature of government officials.

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wo young boys are sitting on the floor, a colorful ball sits between them and they both begin to reach for it.

The boy in the red shirt snatches it first and the boy in the blue shirt begins to wail. He try to pleads with the other boy, he tries to reason, but the boy in the red shirt refuses to listen. If they are to play with each other he wants to have it his way, and his way means that the ball is his.

What if these boys were the Republican and Democratic parties, and instead of a ball they had in their hands, it was the United States Government? The squabble becomes much more important, as it now concerns the employment of approximately 3.3 million people.

When congress failed to reach an agreement on the spending bills that fund the federal government before the start of a new fiscal year, on Oct. 1, portions of the government shut down. According to an article published Oct. 1 at cnn. com, this is the first shutdown since 1995.

But it isn’t really about the spending bill.

It is really about the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare. When the House, which is dominated by Republicans, added two amendments that would affect Obamacare to the necessary federal spending bill, the Senate which is controlled by Democrats, rejected the proposal.

It is important for party members to stand strong on their platforms, but when this prevents compromise from happening, the citizens -- all 300 million of them -- are harmed.

Obamacare was upheld by the Supreme Court as constitutional on June 27 with a 5-4 vote, and when members of the Republican party are willing to shut down the government just to question the integrity of Obamacare, it makes them seem like an irritable child.

These men and women should be setting an example for the next generation. Is this really what we want our present government to look like?

We shouldn’t have to worry that, at any moment, our government could shut down on the whim of a small percentage of the population.

And, interestingly enough,the congressmen and women who are to blame for the shutdown are still paid while other government workers are not.

According to an article published by The Huffington Post on Oct. 12, “the Constitution prohibits lawmakers from withholding their own salary; they can only vote on the pay of

future Congresses.” The same article estimates that this is costing taxpayers $258,000 a day to fund the salaries of these officials while they government is shut down.

If an epidemic breaks out, or a bacteria like salmonella is found in food, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are less prepared to deal with it, because many of their workers have been furloughed until the shutdown ends.

The effects of the shutdown can be seen here in Athens. Many Athenians who hold government jobs, such as working for the Environmental Protection Agency or the CDC, have been furloughed until the government reopens.

Although the University of Georgia, hasn’t been as directly affected as these places, according to an article published Oct 1 in the Red and Black, UGA’s student newspaper, because the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation and other places have furloughed workers, funding for research may soon be affected.

These people are losing money because of this game congressmen are playing to try and forcefully obtain what they want.

This game needs to end, before the shutdown does irreversible damage to communities.

It’s time for the two whiny children to learn how to share.

October 2013

Cartoon by John Hubbard

Right: HARMFUL BIPARTISANSHIP: The government shutdown could have been prevented if the Republican and Deomocratic party members were willing to compromise.

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VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Let’s talk about equal rights Because of the controversial nature of same-sex rights, readers had ranging opinions about the May issue. Most felt that the topic was covered in a variety of ways but some thought the pieces could have been more balanced. Many readers felt that the cover was compelling and had high artistic quality.

Marriage approved

Learning about Russell

I read “A push for equality” by Aaron Holmes, and I’m glad that gay marriage is becoming a positive thing in both our community and Clarke Central High School.

I read “Life of Lessons” by James Lumpkin, and I really enjoyed the artwork in the article. It really helped convey the message of the article, specifically the cartoon by Gabe Harper. That was very nice.

-- Chris Barnett, senior

-- Ivan Rogel, sophomore

Change of pace I thoroughly enjoyed “Five things you need to know about rock climbing”. It was a surprising diversion. I would like to see more articles like this in the future.

-- Noah Barfield, sophomore

Diversification of curriculum I read “Changes in Curriculum” by Radford Brosius and found the pictures in the article very appealing to the eye. Many of the quotes in the article showed how diverse our school is becoming in terms of curriculum, which is a very good thing for our school.

-- Lyric Bennett, freshman

Inspirational stories “Remembering Zach” by Chloe Alexander was great. As a baseball player, I really enjoyed this article. Although I didn’t know Zach Henderson, it made me feel closer to him and helped me know the things he did and strived for.

-- Tyler Boon, senior

Rough transition After reading “Parting with Pauldoe” by Henry Scott, I do not think they should have torn down Pauldoe, because a lot of students grew up there and will not be able to go back anytime soon.

-- Joseph Bunton junior

Contact

ODYSSEY Newsmagazine

“I

think there is no reason that two people should not be able to get married. By denying rights all we bring about is prejudice.

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Corrections/Omissions May 2013

-- Logan Moulton, junior

On pg. 9, The people pictured are Luke Bennett, Jack Elliot-Gower, Dory MacMillan, Madison Mays and Hunter Wimpey.

On pg. 10, Alexandria Talley’s first name is misspelled.

On pg. 29, The photo was taken by Porter McLeod.

On pg. 31, The photo was taken by Maria Velasquez.

On pgs. 33, The infographic was made by Aaron Holmes.

On pg. 35, Amy Flurry’s title is small business expert on communication.

On pg. 35, The copy is cut off.

On pg. 54, The photo was taken by Chad Rhym.

On pg. 35, The event occurred on March 17.

On pg. 36, The photo was taken by Chad Rhym.

On pgs. 58 and 59, The photos were taken by Porter McLeod and the graphics were made by Ausin Defoor.

On pg. 63 and 64, The In Focus was taken by Porter McLeod.

Schedule shift I read “Breaking away from block” by Hannah Dunn-Grandpre. The schedule change has indeed made a big impact. The impact, however, is neither all good or all bad. I mean, who really wants to sit in a class for a full 90 minutes? No one’s attention span is that long. Yes it’s true, there are less courses offered, but it isn’t as extreme as losing all of one’s electives opportunities. As a dual enrollment student myself, my options were limited as to which classes I could take since they all had to be in the morning or all in the afternoon. Just remember, the benefits and drawbacks are an equally mixed bag.

-- Ana Sherer-Estevez, junior

Learning about local Louise Platter’s “Evolving Industry” really opened my eyes to the local business market and it made me want to shop there more. Wal-Mart is nice though, so I won’t stop shopping there either.

-- Sean England, junior

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 and 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 buisness@odysseynewsmagazine.net. Online: Comment online at our website, odysseynewsmagazine.net

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October 2013

VIEWPOINTS

The ODYSSEY is published monthly. Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the staff.

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

Student journalists are provided with opportunities to investigate, inform, interpret and to evaluate: all traditionally accepted functions of the press in America.

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

Advertising must conform to the guidelines set forth for editorials. Publication of advertisements does not indicate an endorsement by CCHS or by the ODYSSEY. Students pictured in advertisements are not given monetary compensation. All advertising rates are available upon request from any ODYSSEY staff member.

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

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

Editor-in-Chief: Jenny Alpaugh Print Managing Editor: Geneva Hinkle Senior Copy Editor and Photo Editor: Porter McLeod Junior Copy Editor: Brittney Butler Viewpoints Editor: Robert Walker News Editor: Aaron Holmes Features Editor: Louise Platter Variety Editor: Ethan Crane Sports Editor: Chad Rhym

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Our Take

ight now, our weekends are filled with the rush of Friday night lights, the intensity of a Southeastern Conference matchup and the thrill of Sunday night football. Our quaint, Southern world subconsciously revolves around an empire of athletes, athletic departments and what seems like pure anarchy on gamedays at each level of the sport.

These athletes are our peers; we sit next to them in our English classes and we stand in line with them in the cafeteria. High school or college, the Friday and Saturday night heroes on the field walk the same halls and trudge to the same buildings every day.

It is common knowledge that the fearless leaders of these troops – the head coaches – are essentially the faces of their respective institutions in the public eye.

How many people know who the president of the University of Georgia was when Vince Dooley coached the Bulldogs to a 1980 National Championship?

How many people know who the principal of Clarke Central High School was when Billy Henderson coached the Gladiators to a 1985 State Championship win?

When former varsity head football Coach Leroy Ryals resigned on Feb. 11 to take a head coaching and athletic director position at Thomasville (Ga.) High School, the status quo had been interrupted. The normality that flowed through the hallways that day had been dammed by the buzz that the face of CCHS was leaving the school forever.

In the days between Ryals’ resignation and the announcement that former defensive coordinator and current head football coach Ahren Self would succeed Ryals, it seemed as if the entire CCHS fan base was in a frenzy to see who would take the place as the General of a now divided army of teenage athletes.

Someone had to fill the void, taking on the immense responsibility that is being at the helm of such a historically strong presence in Georgia high school football. The crowd that piles into Billy Henderson Stadium each Friday night needed a new character of hope for the team - more importantly, they needed someone to represent the school from endzone to endzone.

Those four days felt like eternity for some; CCHS lacked its Mark Richt, its Steve Spurrier.

Now, Self is the new visage of CCHS. With that comes the criticism of a loss of a crucial game or for his coaching style and the sense of accomplishment after an important win.

Gladiator football has a new face.

A new era has begun.

Business and Public Relations Managers: Hanna Harper Austin Defoor Staff Writers: Radford Brosius, Esther Conaway, Nick Dawe, Tierra Hayes, Audrey Hinkle, Amy Hoyt, John Hubbard, Jaymel Israel, Lela Jenkins, Mary Merritt, Alanna Pierce, Hannah Rollins, Jared Sarabia, Henry Scott, Luke Slaboda, Kendarious Sturdivant, Henry Thomas, Maria Velasquez, Emily Watson Adviser: David A. Ragsdale

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

Above: SELF’S ASCENSION: Since the resignation of former head football coach Leroy Ryals, former defensive coordinator Ahren Self had to step up and take the position and the responsibilities that come with it.

October 2013

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VIEWPOINTS

Thumbs

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

No-censorship zone Despite repeated motions by the board of education to keep “And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” by Tomas Rivera in the Burney-Harris Lyons Middle School curriculum, a local family has appealed to the Ga. B.O.E. to remove the book.

Self-promotion Former defensive coordinator Ahren Self was hired for the 2013 football season as head varsity coach, and, despite his sudden transition, has led the Gladiators to a genuinely successful season.

Big box apocalypse The Epps Bridge Shopping Centre provides a consumer climate -- heavy traffic flow, an affluent community -- for which stores like Old Navy and GAP have left Clarke County, taking their tax dollars with them.

Funding fine arts After budget cuts shook the fine arts department, the Parent Teacher Student Organization pledged to direct its attention towards funding arts education programs.

“Flipped” flop The “flipped” teaching method, in which students learn material at home and work on assignments in class, is dreary and inefficient for some students.

Literate, and proud The annual Clarke Central High School family literacy night draws together parents, students, faculty and community members in an effort to promote information literacy.

Crooked priorities Too often in popular culture professional and college athletes are treated as heroes, and therefore expected to act as such. It’s time to recognize true heroes among us who work to better their communities.

-- Compiled by Viewpoints staff

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Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle

Freedom for all In the face of restrictive anti-immigration legislation, a coalition of courageous University of Georgia faculty founded Freedom University to teach college-bound undocumented high school graduates, free of charge.

A

s teenagers, we’re almost obligated to feel angsty and bored with the town we grow up in, yearning for a change of scenery or coveting others’ lives that we perceive as being better than our own.

This wanderlust and anticipation of independence comes oh-so naturally to us as young adults and is a big part of how youth is portrayed in film and literature. For those of us who aren’t living in big, exciting cities, we might blame our restlessness on being “confined” to a small town. But as we’re growing older, I think more of us are discovering how grateful we are to call Athens home.

Athens is a melting pot of college students, young professionals, artists, artisans, entrepreneurs and simply intriguing individuals. I find myself admiring a lot of the creative people in this town not only for the fierce dedication they have to their craft, but also for their enthusiasm about teaching others, youth in particular, about the wonders of the art and music world.

Projects like Nuçi’s Space’s “Camp Amped” provide young people with the opportunity to work directly with local musicians and learn the benefits of selfexpression through music. It also helps teens build confidence outside of just realm of performance art.

This opportunity for aspiring young artists to surround themselves with likeminded adults is really important in that it gives them an idea of how other creative types manifest their talents as well as giving them good role models.

This sort of coexistence with such “local celebrities” is something that I cherish about Athens.

Even for those living in places like New York City where celebrities are in abundance, there always seems to be an invisible barrier between the rich and famous and everyone else. Here we live in a community where the guy you watched pour his heart out on stage the night before is the same guy who pours you coffee the morning after.

The feeling of togetherness is one thing that makes our community really exceptional. The general sense of reciprocity within the locality of artists as well as in the broader context of the artisan and consumer- displays the amount of respect and fervent spirit that manifests here.

This is something that appears to be rubbing off on our next generation of Athenians already, as is evident in the collaborative and inclusive nature of the collective of young artists here at Clarke Central High School. I anticipate seeing these students carry on with the values that make Athens the unique place that it is.

BY GRACE POLANECZKY Guest Writer

Above: CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY: To freshman Grace Polaneczky, the fellowship of the Athens area is a very positive environment for the arts.

October 2013

VIEWPOINTS

Shoppers’ wasteland With the construction of the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre, a devastating economic blow will be dealt to the Athens area.

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hree cents is something most people would not mind losing. However, when that three cents per dollar prevents trash from being piled in the road, criminals running free and fires engulfing the whole county, then people may notice an issue.

Maybe that is extreme, but due to the construction of the Epps Bridge Shopping Centren in Oconee County, several businesses including the Gap, Old Navy and Pier 1 Imports are leaving Athens in favor of Oconee County. Many storefronts on the Atlanta Highway will soon be left empty.

For every dollar spent in Athens Clarke-County, three cents goes to the local government and that eventually comes back to benefit the original consumer. But when those dollars are spent in Oconee County, those three cents will benefit Oconee County residents.

In addition to the loss of sales tax, the lost inventory taxes from the businesses leaving Athens could cause also cause massive rift in the local economy should the buildings remain empty. Best Buy alone paid $37,000 worth of inventory taxes.

By examining Athens business history, it can be seen that when the older Wal-Mart moved out of Athens-Clarke County in favor of Oconee, nearly all the surrounding shops went out of business because it was the anchor store to the shopping area.

Since the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre is the newest in the surrounding area, companies not originally located in Athens might pass up on the opportunity to open a store here in favor of Oconee.

For example, Banana Republic opted to open a new store at Epps Bridge Shopping Centre, and is an additional loss of business for Athens-Clarke County. With the lack of new business as well as the loss of existing business, the impact will be devastating.

When the local economy takes a dip, as it will with the loss of business, the County Commissioners of Athens will have to decide where to make cuts in the local budget. These cuts can have a huge impact on the Athens community, as programs like leaf and limb services as well as the landfill may begin to close.

This is all easily avoidable, because for each dollar

spent in both Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties, three cents is given to the local governments to spend. This money often goes to local schools, such as Clarke Central High School and the money may be used for improvements, like new computers and class equipment.

Most shoppers are unaware of these facts or do not take them into consideration when they are shopping, as they would much rather go to the closest place, according to ACC Tax Commissioner Mitch Schrader.

“I think the general citizen out there, the general taxpaying public, does not think about the consequences of shopping outside of Athens-Clarke County. I think most of the time when people go out and go shopping, they go because either they like the merchandise that the store has, (or) it’s convenient to them,” Schrader said.

Not that it is high crime to shop at the most convenient place, but in the long term, the money that will end up benefitting the shopper will be worth a lot more than the couple dollars spent on gas.

Cartoon by Gabe Harper

Below: EPPS BRIDGE EXTINCTION: Because of the construction of the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre in Oconee county, retailers in Athens relocated, resulting in empty buildings.

October 2013

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VIEWPOINTS

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

What do you think of Clarke Central High School’s reputation?

“People assume lots of things about (CCHS) that aren’t true.”

-- Sofia Lopez, freshman

“The community sees (CCHS) as a bad school and views things that go on here in a negative way.”

-- Matthan Fulton, senior

“This is an incredibly challenging and rewarding district, and the heart of it is Clarke Central. And the bottom line is, I would send my children here.”

-- Claude Gonzalez, science department teacher

“Kids that do not go to CCHS are really excited to go here, and our athletics are good.”

-- India Ellison junior

Too scared to tell Students will not tell on others for fear of how they will be treated in school by their peers.

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eing called a “snitch” at Clarke Central High School is a way of being chastised for doing a helpful or heroic action.

Many of the people who tell on someone or provide information to teachers of administration about another student breaking the rules are labeled as snitches. The majority of students at CCHS envision snitching as something negative

BY JAYMEL ISRAEL and do not want to be labeled as a snitch.

Viewpoints Writer “A snitch is something that you wouldn’t want to be at (CCHS) because you get beat up,” junior China Blake said.

Students are concerned about their safety in school, and may be afraid of retaliation from their peers. These are the main reason why students may risk dangerous situations upon themselves and others by not telling if they see a weapon or other illegal action taking place.

“It’s clearly peer pressure. If you listen to some of the music out there, it’s not very popular to be a ‘snitch,’” Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker said.

Artists like T.I., Lil Wayne and A$AP Rocky are a few of the more popular artists perpetuating the negative stereotypes of snitches. Many students use them as role models. “You know snitches get stitches,” Lil Wayne sings in “Still Got That Rock”.

“There will be situations where the students are getting personally harassed and we would need the name of the harasser, but the students will be afraid that somehow even if we don’t tell how we got the information, they will still be afraid that the harasser will assume that they told,” Assistant Principal Dr. Sheila Dunham said.

Snitching, although usually done as a favor, may be seen by the student body as being fake and untrustworthy. “Snitch” is an insulting and harassing word.

If students are a part of a wrongful act or know about the wrongdoing, the outcome usually results in someone getting hurt, and telling an authority member may be necessary “If I was to be called a snitch, you can call me what you want, but at the end of the day no one got hurt and I eliminated some stuff that could have happened,” senior Cameron Johnson said.

When people make a conscious decision to share previous knowledge they may have on a situation, and try to do anything to stop it, they may prevent the issue from happening.

Snitching is better than having someone get in serious trouble, badly injured or even killed.

Below: A HARD CHOICE: With many artists ranting about snitches, it can often put students in a predicament whether to tell on their peers.

“People from surrounding counties say bad things about us, but our community does not.”

-- Caitlin Williams, sophomore

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Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle

October 2013

VIEWPOINTS

Challenging censorship A local family has attempted to ban the book “And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” from Burney-Harris Lyons Middle School.

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ecent events at Burney Harris-Lyons Middle School have sparked a series of debates that involve arguments about the potential effects of censorship in the Athens community.

Chad and Beth Lowery, the parents of a seventh grader at BHL, have challenged the use of Tomas Rivera’s novel “And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” in the seventh grade curriculum. They do not want

BY HENRY THOMAS a book that has explicit language to be taught at Viewpoints Writer the school.

“And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” is a collection of short stories that represents the issue of immigration as a social challenge in which Americans should be unified. The book is about a Mexican boy’s life as an immigrant and the hardships that he must overcome. It raises important points on an issue that is very much on the mind of the nation.

The school board members voted to keep the book in the course curriculum in a 3-2 vote after the Lowerys’ appeal to remove it from the school. The Lowerys will now attempt to persuade the state school board to hear their case.

Censorship is controversial because it walks a very thin line between protection from abusive content and the restriction of valuable information. It is easy to say that censorship of any form of media is a bad thing, but that is not necessarily true. The boundary that separates acceptable content from unacceptable content is based on opinion. It is relative to each and every individual.

It would make sense, then, for parents to select what they believe to be appropriate for their own individual children.

When dealing with parental complaints about controversial books, teachers are generally able to provide an alternative novel for the student involved.

More often than not, parents and administrators both come away satisfied. The Lowery family however, is not satisfied with a substitution.

It is regrettable that books are banned even though they contribute to our cultural identity. Without social diversity, our opinions would be uniform, and we would cease to be a true democracy. Differing attitudes towards political and social issues are what sets us apart from many countries wherein their citizens cannot express what they believe.

Ian Altman, a free speech advocate and English department chair, supports the inclusion of banned books in schools because he believes they are important in maintaining a diverse culture.

“Books are banned generally because they say important things that get under people’s skin, and those are the people who probably most need to hear it. And so I think not only that controversial texts should be allowed, but that in some cases they should be encouraged,” Altman said.

Although it does contain controversial elements, we must not forget that “And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” has artistic value and spiritual meaning; It has components that can contribute to an education. Profanity is an ugly part of our lives, but novels like this book can take degenerate aspects of our culture and transform them into something with meaning.

Cartoon by John Hubbard

Left: BURIED BOOKS: As the list of books that have been banned at some time or another lengthens, some question whether or not this may lead to gaps in students’ literary experiences.

October 2013

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NEWS

Photo by Ella Sams

News briefs

Above: LEADERSHIP AND LITERACY: Books for Keeps agent Leslie Hale provides information about the donation-based nonprofit at the Clarke Central High School Family Literacy Night on Sept. 12.

Humane leadership

As of the 2013-14 school year, the Humane Society club has come under new sponsorship. The club, last headed by Dr. Meri Blackburn, is now co-sponsored by media specialist Kacy Tedder and English department teacher Lenora Vaughn.

“I’ve always had a passion for animals and before I had children, I was involved in animal rescue,” Tedder said.

The Humane Society Club requires 10 hours of community service. They also try to raise money to support the local shelter.

“We’re trying to do at least once a month visits (to) the shelter. I’m going to try to visit a dog spa and dog groomer to talk about different occupations in the field of animal care. I’m going to outreach to a veterinarian and have them speak and we can go tour the facility. We are going to do another fundraiser and then maybe collect some items that the shelter needs,” Tedder said.

Humane Society Club president and senior Josefine Striepen is working with Tedder and Vaughn to organize the annual Walk for Paws. “(The walk is) this big thing where everyone meets here at the school with their dogs. We do a giant walk around the neighborhood.

It’s great,” Striepen said.

Promoting literacy Activists from the Athens community handed out pamphlets and gave presentations during the Clarke Central High School Family Literacy Night on Sept. 12. During the event, figures from organizations including Books for Keeps, Teen Matters, Athens Latino Center for Education Services and Avid Bookshop met with and dispensed information to parents and students.

Literacy Night, which happened in concurrence with the school’s annual College Night, was created with the intention of promoting literacy among families.

“It’s about promoting information literacy in the community and using the library as a resource. We have bookstore owners, the police department, the board of elections, the library,” media specialist Kacy Tedder said. “We want parents to know that if you need information about anything, the library is your source.”

The event also promoted international awareness, which corresponded to CCHS’ candidacy as an International Baccalaureate school. On display in the media center was a United Nations-sponsored art exhibit entitled Art Beyond Borders, which showcased replicated works of visual art by international artists currently on display in the 21st Century Museum of Art. “It’s a traveling exhibit of selected artists that represent their political and cultural values, to help us become literate and knowledgeable of other cultures around the world,” Tedder said.

During the Literacy Night, college-bound students and their parents were encouraged to attend the CCHS College Night, which took place simultaneously, and fit in with the event’s overarching theme: that libraries serve as easilyaccesible sources of information.

“In the real world, if you need information, the public library is a place to access it,” Tedder said. “We want people to know that being information literate is not just about books.”

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-- Aaron Holmes, News Editor

EOCT exemption

Beginning this school year, Georgia high school students are able to “test out” of certain classes by earning an “exceeding” score on the End-ofCourse Test.

If a student takes the EOCT for a class and makes an exceeding score, the score will be recorded on the student’s transcript as the course grade and will go towards his or her GPA and eligibility for the HOPE scholarship.

Some teachers feel that this option will expand student’s opportunities.

“If you already know the material, it doesn’t make sense for you to sit through the course from August until May,” Associate Principal Mary Thielman said. “This means that students will have more class time for more course options.”

However, some feel that this will have a negative impact on student learning.

“Just passing a test doesn’t give you that depth and breadth of knowledge that taking a course does,” counselor Heidi Nibbelink said.

High spirits

In the days prior to the Homecoming football game and corresponding school dance, administrators encouraged students to participate in “spirit week,” a school-wide show of pride among teachers and students.

“Wednesday is “Tacky Day”. Wear your most creative outfit to class.

What’s wrong with stripes and plaids?

Dress code will be strictly enforced,” an announcement sent by principal’s secretary Cheryl Lee said on Oct. 9.

Day by day, different themes were featured. In addition to “tacky day”, students were encouraged to dress for “pajama day”, “nerd day” and “school spirit day”, leading up to the homecoming football game v. Heritage High School on Friday, Oct. 11 and the school Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Oct. 12.

For many students, “spirit week” was a success in that it provided humor and diversion to an otherwise-regular school week.

“Spirit week is great. For tacky day, I tried to wear all-green everything.

Nerd day should be even better,” junior Martin Garin said.

October 2013

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NEWS

I heard that

“

I’ve always had a passion for animals. Pit bulls, mainly. I even wrote a book about the first pit bull that we transferred to New Jersey and got her out of the shelter.

humane society pic

“

”

KACY TEDDER, Media Center Specialist and Humane Society Club co-sponsor, on her love of animals.

Above: DAY BY DAY: Clarke Central High School students participated in “school spirit week” leading up to the homecoming football game against heritage high school during the week of Oct. 8-12.

Missing Dyson Since the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, Clarke Central High School security officer Marge Dyson has been absent from the school grounds due to personal issues.

“She’s on family leave. That’s for sickness,” head security officer Terry Reid said.

Since Dyson is not able to be present at the school, the security department has needed personnel to fill in for her.

Instead of finding one long term fill-in, security has recruited a weekly rotation of officers.

“We’ve had replacements. Last week it was officer Winston, and we’re going to have (Laura) Cofer start monday. So we’ve had fill ins. (It changes each week) until she gets back on a rotating (basis),” Reid said. “I’d look for her in maybe about four or five more weeks.”

As Dyson is a part of the school’s community and identity, students have taken note of her absence.

“I have (noticed she’s gone.) She’s not normally walking around the school and people are always talking about her, saying she’s not here,” senior Jesus Ramirez said.

While some students may disagree with aspects of the dress code, Dyson still makes sure that it is enforced, even if students don’t always like it.

“I think she normally keeps the students in check. There’s more students out in the hall than ever now (that Dyson is gone),” Ramirez said. “I think (she has a positive effect) because more people, they try to dress themselves better. I think she’s good for the school.”

After such a long break from work, Dyson, as well as the school, is ready for her return as a security officer.

“Marge is looking forward to coming back,” Reid said.

”

LUKE ROSARIO, freshman, explaining his reasoning for why transition time between classes should be extended beyond five minutes.

“ ” “

Athens is the place to be. We know how wonderful it is. People all over the world will now know about us.

NANCY DENSON, mayor, explaining that, regardless of developments in other counties, Clarke County’s economy will stay strong.

Last spring, I said if we got in a jam I would step in and do what we need to do.

”

MARY THEILMAN, Associate Principal, on her role in filling in for the empty AP Chemistry teaching position at the start of the 2013-14 school year.

Below: HUMAN(E) TO ANIMALS: Media specialist Kacy Tedder and English department teacher Lenora Vaughn work together as co-advisers to the Humane Society club.

-- Rad Brosius, News Writer October 2013

Photo by Porter McLeod

Photo by Luke Slaboda

The main problem with kids being tardy is that the teachers blame us, but we can’t get through the hallways. Everybody is always posted up on the walls and it’s hard to get through.

-- Compiled by News Staff odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 13

NEWS

Above: ARTISTIC ATMOSPHERE: Sophomore Campbell Cona sketches an assignment for Studio Art I in the Clarke Central High School art room. “The room creates an environment where students can really focus on something,” senior Cassie Tye said. As of fall 2013, the Parent Teacher Student Organization has pledged to donate funding to the CCHS fine arts department, most of which will go towards supplies for classes like Studio Art.

Rallying for the arts The Parent Teacher Student Organization pledges to raise funds for the fine arts department.

I

n recent years there has been a significant budget deficit in funding for education in the Clarke County School District. In consequence, budget cuts have been enforced in schools throughout the CCSD by the Board of Education. At Clarke Central High School, the fine arts department has been most affected by these cuts.

Of the programs to lose funding in recent years, the orchestra department has seen significant budget changes.

“We are very grateful for the district budget that

BY AUDREY HINKLE News Writer

we do receive, however it is limited and not sufficient to purchase all of the needed instruments, supplies and repairs,” orchestra conductor Dr. Eunice Kang said.

Director of bands Dr. Robert Lawrence is also appreciative of the funds allocated to the band program by the B.O.E., but said that the money provided is often not adequate for the materials the courses require.

“For the band we need another squat box, a box that we speak through during games, because ours has died. We need more Sousaphones because the ones we have and keep repairing are very, very old.

“I think having Fine Arts programs makes school more enjoyable and makes students do better in other areas.”

-- DR. SHEILA DUNHAM, Assistant Principal 14 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

We need a couple of carts and things of that nature.

These are things we need for the kids,” Lawrence said.

This issue is what drew the attention of the CCHS Parent Teacher Student Organization. In past years, teachers could apply for classroom grants, but according to PTSO chair, Katherine Downs, it was a long and tedious process. The PTSO has announced their new goal for the year to make these grants more accessible, and they are focusing on funding the fine arts department.

“Whatever we sell, whether it’s stickers or fans or poinsettias, we want to give back to the fine arts,” Downs said.

Members of the PTSO have additionally decided to take a new approach to raising money. Their proposed fundraising ideas revolve around making themselves available despite parents’ busy schedules.

“Parents are overworked. In theory, yes, they’d love to come to every event at Clarke Central, but that’s not very realistic because of time. So we decided, ‘What do they make time for?’ And let’s go to them,” Downs said.

October 2013

Photos by Luke Slaboda

NEWS

Above left: DRAMATIC PRESENCE: Senior Caroline Orlando and junior Addie Downs improvise during an after-school drama practice. “Having Fine Arts programs makes school more enjoyable,” Assistant Principal Dr. Sheila Dunham said. Above right: SILVER STRINGS: Freshmen cellists Zach Meyers and Joshua Aziabor rehearse in the Clarke Central High School orchestra rehearse. Most school cellos are provided by the fine arts department.

where there are going to be hundreds and hundreds of people. And we want you to come together and create something’,” Downs said.

Plans involve a possible joint orchestra, band and chorus rendition of The -- JEFF BARNETT, Star-Spangled Banner as well fine arts department teacher as a visual art show in the Terra Gladitorum Gallery, where students, teachers This includes taking a more active role in and guests can “vote” for their favorite art piece for fundraising at major sporting events at CCHS. The 25 cents. The winner would be announced at the PTSO thinks it important to not only make a presend of the night and the money donated to the fine ence at these events, but to also take creativity and arts department. aesthetics into mind while fundraising in hopes of Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker, along with other attracting more students to the organization. One school representatives and educators are in full way of doing so is actively involving the fine arts in support. fundraising.

“I think having (fine arts) programs makes school “(The PTSO) contacted the fine arts people and more enjoyable and makes students do better in other said, ‘We’re thinking about helping you guys on Ocareas,” Assistant Principal Dr. Sheila Dunham said. tober 18 by giving you a platform at a football game

“We’re just glad that the PTSO has decided to take us under their wing and help us out this year. We greatly appreciate someone thinking of us.”

October 2013

Classes in the fine arts department have shown to contribute to the CCHS community through concerts, performances and artwork displayed throughout the hallways. Their effects can also be seen at a student level. “(The art room) creates an environment where students can really focus on something, and be both less stressed and enhance their focus skills,” senior Cassie Tye said.

Although the fine arts are often not considered a conventional aspect of education, fine arts department teacher Jeff Barnett believes the recognition from the PTSO is important.

“As the fine arts department, we’re just glad that the PTSO has decided to take us under their wing and help us out this year. We greatly appreciate that someone is thinking of us,” Barnett said.

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 15

NEWS

Developing issues The Epps Bridge Shopping Centre, recently constructed in northern Oconee County, has prompted discussion both in and out of Athens.

I

n May of 2012, Atlanta developer Frank Bishop announced his company’s plans to build a shopping center on a 68-acre tract in northern Oconee County. The proposed development, labeled the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre, immediately sparked an intercounty discussion of advantages and disadvantages the construction would bring.

BY AARON HOLMES News Editor

A flood of responses Within months of the announcement, AthensBanner Herald headlines declared that the development would “bring jobs and money to Athens” while the Flagpole labeled the situation a “Big Box Apocalypse”. Comments on local message board athenstalks.com ranged from supportive to vehement: “Oh goody, a new mall!” one comment said.

Another predicted the development would be “no better for Athens than a wild coyote.”

Debate over benefits of the shopping center dropped off, however, until Georgia Theatre Company opened a 16-screen movie theater at Epps Bridge Shopping Centre on June 14. The spike

in traffic flow to the Oconee mall led to a rise in consumer activity within the county. “(The shopping center) will bring some revenue back into Oconee County. There’ll be some crossline shopping. I think that Oconee shoppers will stop there rather than going into Clarke County.

Which, unfortunately, is going to impact Clarke County somewhat,” Oconee County Tax Commissioner Jennifer Riddle said.

As the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre came into business, it garnered attention throughout the Clarke-Oconee area.

“Every time someone builds a new shopping center, it becomes very popular,” Clarke County Tax Commissioner Mitch Schrader said. “The new shopping center is going to have the same sort of attention drawn to it. It’s going to be attractive to basically any shopper.”

The Oconee Connector highway, which was designed to bring more consumers to the shopping center was able to handle the increased traffic flow.

“The Oconee County Connector was an addition to the shopping center that connects this side of Oconee County to Epps Bridge Parkway,” Riddle said. “It’s a straight shot, now.

16 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Corporate Exodus Because of the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre’s projected success, businesses currently located in Athens-Clarke County announced plans to move to the Oconee shopping center. These businesses include Pier 1 Imports, Old Navy and Best Buy, which is currently only considering changing locations.

All of these businesses were located on the Atlanta Highway, as well as Gap, previously located at the Athens Georgia Square Mall.

“Some businesses currently located in Clarke County are moving. That’s not a good thing from a Clarke County tax-based standpoint. For every dollar made in those retail stores in Athens, we’re now losing three cents in sales tax,” Schrader said. “That money is going to end up belonging to Oconee County.”

In addition to sales tax, businesses pay inventory tax, which will automatically go to Oconee county as soon as a business relocates.

“Best Buy has $37,000 in taxes they pay annually in just inventory. If they move, the building will stay there, and in all likelihood, we’ll still get $50,000 dollars out of property tax from that building. But October 2013

NEWS

Photo by Porter McLeod

Above: DESIRABLE LOCATION: Built near the heavily-traveled Oconee County Connector highway, the newly-developed Epps Bridge Shopping Center offers a setting with high customer flow, making it desireable to business owners. According to Clarke County Tax Commissioner Mitch Schrader, this aspect of the shopping center has encouraged some businesses to move from Clarke to Oconee County. “The new shopping center is going to be attractive to basically any shopper,” Schrader said. “So, some businesses currently located in Clarke County are moving.”

you won’t get this $37,000 in inventory tax unless a full-time retail outlet goes back in that can provide that type of inventory,” Schrader said.

And, while sales tax remains constant even after retailers leave, Schrader explains that these rates are likely to decrease in years following a business’s departure.

“Let’s just say that building stays empty for six months: the property owner will dispute their value. And when you lower the value on a piece of property, you lower the tax liability,” Schrader said. “Those sorts of things all start to happen. The economy is like an ecosystem; there’s a balance there.”

According to tax records made public by the Clarke County government, $93,727 was payed in real estate and property taxes alone by Gap, Pier 1 Imports and Best Buy to Clarke County in 2013.

“Oconee County is going to benefit about $100,000 just in real estate taxes this year. That doesn’t include the personal property accounts that are going to be added when these stores start getting fully stocked and operational,” Schrader said. “It’s safe to say that Oconee County’s probably going to generate about $200,000 in revenue out of that one shopping center.”

Riddle has confirmed that the development will contribute to a significant rise in Oconee County

tax revenue, even without sales or inventory tax Highway-area stores. taken into account.

“I was very concerned about the possibility “That estimated tax is $116,038, plus $8,300 of losing big boxes. In the Atlanta Highway area in land tax. Those just show land for this year there’s going to be a lot of concentration of empty because all the building started after January first. storefronts. I appointed a study committee, which I But a future record does show the commercial am serving on as well,” Denson said. improvements by about $11 million. So at this However, Denson said that the feedback from the year’s mill rate, it would be about $118,000 in real estate “The shopping center will bring tax revenue in addition to the $124,000 for the land,” some revenue back into Oconee Riddle said.

Weighing losses

County. There’ll be some cross-line shopping, which, unfortunately, is going to impact Clarke County.”

Aside from the inevitable tax dollars that Athens-Clarke County will lose as a result of the Epps Bridge Shopping Center, many in the ACC Unified Government voiced concerns for Atlanta Highway-area shopping centers.

Shortly after Bishop’s development announcement, Athens Mayor Nancy Denson appointed a committee that worked with international nonprofit Urban Land Institute to analyze the impact the Epps Bridge Shopping Center would have on Atlanta

October 2013

-- JENNIFER RIDDLE, Oconee County Tax Commissioner

study committee has been mostly positive so far.

“They said that, compared to most cases they looked at that were really bad, we are not in bad shape at all,” Denson said. “We just wanted to get

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 17

Photo by Porter McLeod

NEWS

Above: LOCAL AUTHORITY: When she learned of the Clarke County businesses moving to the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre, Athens Mayor Nancy Denson appointed a local committee that worked in partnership with the Urban Land Institute to assess the impact the Oconee development would have on Atlanta Highway-area shopping centers. However, Denson says that, after hearing the committee’s findings, she is optimistic. “They said that we are not in bad shape at all,” Denson said.

ahead of the curve and not let something get neglected.”

According to Schrader, traffic flow is imperative to the success of a shopping center. Both the Atlanta Highway and Epps Bridge Shopping centre provide locations with heavy traffic flow, which businesses believe will lure in more shoppers.

“What every retailer wants is maximum exposure to people. The way you get people into your store is you have them drive by your store. Atlanta Highway certainly has a lot of volume of traffic, but there’s quite a few ways to get in and out of the (Epps Bridge) Shopping Centre, whereas on the Atlanta highway, there’s only one way to get in and one way to get out,” Schrader said.

Schrader believes that the location of the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre, in combination with “teaser rates”, may have provided a weighty incentive for businesses to relocate to Oconee County.

“Ease of access is paramount,” Schrader said. “And, there may have been other incentives. A builder that builds a new shopping center might have ‘teaser prices’ that brought those people in for their first few years so their lease payments may be less. If you’re paying $100 per square foot for a building in

“What every retailer wants is maximum exposure to people. The way you get people into your store is you have them drive by your store.”

-- MITCH SCHRADER, Athens-Clarke County Tax Commissioner

18 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Clarke County, and you can get it over there for the next three years at $75 per square foot, the incentive is there for you to move.”

The domino effect When a shopping center’s location becomes undesirable and large “anchor stores” vacate, Schrader says the effect is often felt throughout the rest of the shopping center-- an effect that could be felt in Atlanta Highway shopping centers if anchor buildings remain empty for long enough.

“Wal-Mart used to be on Atlanta highway and it moved and built a new place in Oconee County. As soon as Wal-Mart moved out of that location, you could see the whole development start deteriorating,” Schrader said. “As long as you’ve got a big draw like a Wal-Mart, those other shops will survive. But they won’t survive by themselves down there.”

Of the major stores moving from the Atlanta Highway, only one is an “anchor store”: Old Navy, located within the Athens Promenade at 3660 Atlanta Highway. Also in the Athens Promenade is an assortment of eight smaller stores: mostly restaurants and smaller retailers that, with the exception of a Barnes & Noble Bookstore, depend on consumer flow to the Anchor store for customers.

In an attempt to draw more traffic to the Atlanta Highway area, the ACC Unified Government initiated an infrastructure project to improve the Loop 10 perimeter highway.

“There’s going to be improvements made at the interchange by (Atlanta Highway) and the Loop 10 that goes around Athens. They’ll be doing improvements for traffic flow in that area in the very near future,” Denson said. “You won’t have your bottlenecks and traffic backups as much; it’ll make it easier for people to be there.”

Schrader believes that, in many cases, stores view Oconee County as an appealing business climate because of its population’s demographics.

October 2013

NEWS “Frankly, Oconee county is a more affluent community than is Clarke County. And I think that there’s more disposable income in Oconee County than there is in Clarke County,” Schrader said.

“When you’re talking about high-end clothing -- banana republic is going to go out there, there’s a new Marshall’s out there -- I think you have to figure out where the people live that have money to spend.”

Planning for recovery

“Most shoppers don’t think about where the county line is. They just say, ‘I want x’ and go where x is. I’d like to keep it all in Clarke County, but realistically I know we won’t. That’s just the nature of society.”

As hype over the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre builds up, Schrader encourages Athens shoppers to keep their local government in mind when choosing where to shop.

“I don’t think people say, ‘this is a Clarke County store and I want my tax dollars to stay local in the community,’ but I wish they did,” Schrader said. “Any time that a shopper goes outside their county, they find out that they’re really hurting their community to a certain extent, albeit small. Every penny counts when you’re in local government and you’re trying to provide services to your community.”

Denson agrees that shoppers tend to not consider the county in which their shopping destination is located.

“Most businesses and shoppers don’t think about where the county line is. They just say, ‘I want x’ and go where ‘x’ is,” Denson said. “From a selfish standpoint I’d like to keep it all (in Clarke County), but realistically I know we won’t get it. Thats just the nature of society. Epps Bridge is just the new shiny toy right now.”

But both Denson and Schrader believe that the Shopping Centre’s draw of customers will fade over time, and that a quick recovery is to be expected on the Atlanta Highway.

“Athens is the place to be, and we know how wonderful it is. And now with (the newly built Caterpillar plant) here, we are on the international map, so more businesses may make the decision to move here,” Denson said.

Although Clarke Central High School sophomore Noah Barfield has visited the Shopping Centre a couple of times since its opening, he says the mall’s initial draw has begun to wear off.

“At first I thought it was interesting, not like any other mall. But they probably sold more mom jeans than anything,” Barfield said.

“If I leave Athens, I’d rather go to Atlanta. It’s more worth the trip.”

Schrader believes the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre will not be devastating to the Athens economy, citing the end of the 2008 recession and what he describes as Athens’s relatively strong current economy as reasons for a quick recovery.

“We’re kind of fortunate, in a sense, that this is the end of the recession and businesses are starting to grow. I don’t believe it will have a substantial impact on Athens-Clarke County revenue stream.

It’s a big boom to Oconee County, though, there’s no question,” Schrader said.

In addition to what he describes as Athens’ relatively strong current economy, Schrader predicts that the novelty of the Epps Bridge Shopping Centre will quickly wear off for Athens shoppers.

“I’ve been to the new movie theater myself. I hate to say it, but it’s so nice. The attraction is that it’s roomy, it’s brand new, it’s clean,” Schrader said. “Sure, it’s attractive right now, but people will start looking at the bottom line and saying, ‘It’s just a movie.

Do I really need to spend an extra $5 to sit in a big, comfy leather seat?’ Probably not.”

-- NANCY DENSON, Athens-Clarke County Mayor

Infographic by Aaron Holmes

October 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 19

NEWS

Censorship conundrum Although questioning the material taught in the Clarke County School District is an infrequent occurrence, parents still have a right to rally against certain texts.

B

anned Books Week, an annual event celebrated nationwide from Sept. 22-28, promotes accessibility to information and celebrates the ability for novels on banned books lists to still be available to students and taught in elementary, middle and high schools.

“I love teaching in a school district in which Banned Books Week is celebrated. I’ve heard of other places where the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books is used by schools to remove books from the media center. As in, ‘Oh, someone challenged it. Let’s get it off our shelves before that happens here,’” Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School librarian Dr. Anne McLeod said. “However, the attitude in (the Clarke County School District) is very different.”

In April, Beth and Chad Lowery, whose child attends BHL, challenged the use of “And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” by Tomas Rivera in seventh grade classrooms. According to the Athens Banner-Herald on Sept. 9, the couple stated that this was due to a passage in the book containing profane language not suitable for 12-year-old readers.

This opposition was addressed to the Clarke County Board of Education, and a hearing was held on Sept. 9. The B.O.E. voted to uphold CCSD

BY GENEVA HINKLE Print Managing Editor

Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue and not ban the book. Instead they offer an alternative reading option..

The novel primarily addresses the issues of immigration and racism, topics that Clarke Central High School English department chair Ian Altman feels outweigh the use of profane language.

“I think that it was a legitimate choice to teach (“And the Earth Did Not Devour Him”) because the story is compelling and it’s important and timely, especially with our current immigration debates happening,” Altman said. “It appealed broadly not just to migrant or Hispanic students but to students generally because you don’t have to be (migrant or Hispanic) in order to get it, or to understand why it’s an important (issue) to deal with within literature.”

Sophomore Zachary Colon also believes that although some books may be inappropriate for certain age groups, the message and relatability in a book should be considered before banning it.

“I understand not wanting to have elementary students reading ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, for example, because it is a book that can definitely have a lot of influence on a child,” Colon said. “However, I don’t think it should be banned because I don’t feel that just because (someone does not) agree that this book is good for children means that they should be allowed to remove it, especially since it has a lot of actual artistic value. It’s trying to create a teenager that will identify with everybody.”

However, Athens Banner-Herald writer Rita Raines stated on June 18, that the Lowerys were justified with their opinion that the material be banned because of the CCSD Code of Student Conduct. Item No. 17 states, “A student shall not engage in any rude or disrespectful behavior. Such conduct includes, by way of example: profanity; racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual slurs; derogatory statements; name calling; indecent, lewd or vulgar language or conduct; defamatory statements; taunting; and/or harassment.”

Raines believes that even though the students may hear or come across those terms on a daily basis, it does not negate the fact that it is not appropriate for them to be present in required reading material.

“If (this) is against the rules, then the school system should not be using books that have that sort of language. Whether or not the students use the language or have heard the language themselves is irrelevant,” Raines said in her editorial published on June 18.

Although books are not frequently challenged in the CCSD, a similar situation occurred in 2006 where schools handled a desire to ban manga, a Japanese form of cartoons, throughout the entire school system.

“There was a manga title that was purchased at a middle school that someone found offense to, and the person didn’t follow the policy. They went straight to a board member and the board member went straight to someone else and at a principal’s meeting, some photocopies of pages out of context were thrown on a table and then they wanted to take manga out of every library in the (CCSD) system,” CCHS media center specialist Lindy Weaver said.

Left: LEARNING ABOUT THE BANNED: Clarke Central High School students observe the annual decorations the CCHS library uses in recognition of Banned Books Week. Opposite, top: BEWARE OF THE BANNED: In an attempt to draw students into the library during Banned Books Week, the CCHS media center tapes up its doors and decorates its shelves with banned books.

Photo by Porter McLeod

20 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

October 2013

NEWS

The proper procedure for banning a “As a parent, now I understand more fully that there are book, as spelled out by the CCSD policy manual, involves filling out a “Request some things I would want to shield my child from, but as an for Reconsideration of Materials” form, American and a librarian, I very strongly believe in intellecwhich addresses why the material is found objectionable, and it does not solely look at tual freedom.” a genre or series, but instead a specific book.

“It was a little extreme but luckily at the --LINDY WEAVER, time we had a spokesperson at the district level CCHS media center specialist that explained the policy, so then every school that had manga in their system followed the Photo by Porter McLeod policy and went through a review of the manga collection, including (CCHS),” Weaver said.

From there the media specialist and principal of the school, as well as the district Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Coordinator of Media Services are informed the school media committee will reevaluate the questioned material. This continues until the request reaches the State Board of Education, which is where the Lowerys plan to proceed.

“As a parent now I understand more fully that there are some things I would want to shield my child from, but as an American and a librarian I very strongly believe in intellectual freedom and believe that everyone should have the right to access to any information that they’re interested in, and libraries have a role in providing it,” Weaver said.

Right: LOOKING PAST PROFANITY: Clarke Central High School English department chair Ian Altman feels that learning important themes of some books outweigh the fact that they contain profanity.

October 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 21

NEWS

Infographic by Porter McLeod

Above: FLIP-FLOPPING: Under the new “flipped classroom” teaching method, students are provided with videos and new material to learn at home, while class time is reserved for individual assignments about which students can ask questions if there is some material they do not understand.

A new take on teaching A new method of teaching has arisen, allowing students to do homework type activities in class while doing most of their learning at home.

A

t Clarke Central High School, some teachers are implementing a new teaching method called flipped teaching. This new method requires students to “teach” themselves lessons at home by watching videos or reading historical documents, while doing homework-like assignments in class.

“I think there are good and bad things in anything but I think there is more good than bad in this,” social studies department teacher David Reynolds said.

Reynolds used this method to teach his students last year in his world history class. He often assigned students lectures, videos and historical documents to read and listen to for homework.

BY EMILY WATSON News Staff

“I can spend more time with the handson stuff in class. It’s allowed students to be more controlling of their education.”

-- SCOTT SWAIN, science department teacher “The kids enjoyed it more. They actually did more work when they were in charge of (learning) than if I (were) to give (students information) in class,” Reynolds said.

Due to the switch to the seven period schedule as of the 2013-14 school year, some teachers feel there is no longer enough time to fully dive into a lesson during a class period. Last year, students were in each class for 90 minutes but the new schedule shortens class time to 70 minutes.

“We’re just not going to have enough time unless (students) do (work) on their own” math department chair Joy Sapp said.

Science department teacher William Swain has also chosen to implement the flipped teaching style.

“I think it’s allowed (students) to be more controlling of their education,” Swain said.

Swain said that while he uses and supports flipped teaching, he can no longer see students’ responses to daily lessons. However, this new method allows Swain to complete more interactive activities during class. “(Flipped teaching) allows me to do more demonstrations because I can 22 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

spend more time with the hands on stuff in class as opposed to just giving (students) information and examples that they can see at home,” Swain said.

Freshman Luke Rosario, currently enrolled in Reynolds’ american government class, enjoys flipped teaching. “(Reynolds) doesn’t (give students assignments in) books. He (assigns) all of his (work) on a computer. It’s saving more time than writing on all this paper,” Rosario said. “I think all teachers should do that. It’s a lot easier if you put (assignments) on the computer.”

According to all three teachers, problems with flipped teaching can arise.

Students often lack access to computers or internet, or may simply have trouble teaching themselves.

“If they’re completely lost with the lectures then they’re more than free to ask as many questions and they know I’m prepared. If I need to reteach a lot more than what I would have thought, then I’ll do that.” Swain said.

According to Reynolds, any students who lack access to the internet can still do the assignments.

“I keep photocopies of everything (I assign). You don’t have to have the internet to do it,” Reynolds said.“It’s probably harder for some of them but I have also been able to provide printed copies or alternative assignments. There’s always a way around it.”

Senior Chika Anukam, enrolled in Sapp’s AP calculus BC class, stated that while he does not mind flipped teaching, he prefers a more formal approach.

“I kind of prefer the teacher. I just feel that if it is up to me to go home and watch the video on my own, I’m probably not going to do it,” Anukam said. “ It’s nice to have the teacher there, working it out with me and helping me see what I am making mistakes on.”

Despite these potential troubles none of the teachers have yet had problems with students lack of access or struggles teaching themselves. Swain sees continuing to use the flipped teaching method. “(My class), next year, will not look like this year’s flipped classroom. And the year after that, we’ll probably look a little bit more like a pure flip as I get input from my students and feel comfortable with the way its going,” Swain said.

The teachers have had positive responses from their students and they hope to continue teaching in this style.

“They’re not even complaining so I’m very optimistic that its agreeing with them.” Sapp said.

Read more online at odysseynewsmagazine.net October 2013

NEWS

October 2013

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FEATURES

Teaching from the shadows

Photo by Porter McLeod

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October 2013

FEATURES

In an attempt to combat restrictive Georgia legislation, a group of University of Georgia professors have banded together to offer classes for undocumented students.

BY LOUISE PLATTER Features Editor

October 2013

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I

FEATURES

n 2010 Kennesaw University student Jessica Colotl was pulled over for a minor traffic violation. Police quickly realized that she had no legal documentation as a citizen of the United States and she was taken to jail to be deported.

“Some people started thinking, ‘How can this girl who is undocumented be a student at a public college?’ They started a very reactionary group and they started to push against educating undocumented students,” University of Georgia Romance Languages professor Betina Kaplan said.

This high profile case triggered an investigation that led to the Board of Regents banning undocumented students from the top five most competitive

and we thought that it was fantastic. It was very simple, that’s what we do, we teach, and the students want to take classes,” Kaplan said. “They are not allowing us to teach these students, and they are not allowing these students to be taught, so we (decided to) do it outside the system.”

Faculty who were interested in helping, decided to materialize the students’ desire for a class.

“It’s always a good idea to find out what people actually need, and so I think it grew out of people who are (high-school aged) making that transition to adulthood,” Bultman said. “If you see that you have certain blocks, one of them being this undocumented status as a Georgia high school graduate, (you want) to find a way to get to college.”

Interested undocumented students looking for a way to overcome the ban were enthusiastic about the idea.

“It was very simple, that’s what we do, “It doesn’t feel good to watch all your friends get their driver’s licenses we teach and the students want to take and making their college plans and (wondering), ‘What are you going to do?’” Bultman said. “You might be a college bound type of person, and classes.” you’re stuck.”

In 2011, Freedom University was founded.

-- BETINA KAPLAN, “As soon as we announced it we got lots of students replying to us saying UGA Romance Languages professor that they were interested in coming to class. We had more than 40 students the first day of classes, so it was a huge crowd,” Kaplan said.

Since then, Freedom University has expanded to accommodate the various public universities in the state of Georgia. The ban stated that undocumented needs of students. students could not attend UGA, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State “We thought at the beginning that our principal job would be to teach the University, Medical College of Georgia or Georgia College & State University . class, but then we realized that in order to have a class we needed a lot to “There was a group of high school students from Cedar Shoals High School happen before,” Kaplan said. “We’re now involved in fundraising for everything who were undocumented, and because the Board of Regents banned undocurelated to the class and our scholarship fund for students admitted to accredmented students from the top five colleges people started to think about access ited colleges. We figure out the class calendar, what courses to offer, find places to higher education,” UGA Romance Languages professor Dana Bultman said. to teach the class and recruit volunteers.”

“The students asked some interested people in the community for a class.”

According to Bultman, a major goal of Freedom University is to keep young A group of professors at UGA who disagreed with the ban searched for ways people intellectually engaged so they can prepare for their next phase in life. to fulfill this request.

“Freedom University exists as a transition place where people are involved in “The idea of teaching a class came from an activist in the Latino community university level studies, so their minds are active but they’re also being shown

Photo by Porter McLeod

Previous page: SECRET STUDIES: Determined professors and engaged students are forced into the shadows due to the laws banning undocumented students from several public universities in Georgia. Below: DETERMINED LEARNERS: College-bound undocumented graduates are often forced to study on their own, without the support of public universities. “There’s been times when our students have (said) something very sincerely, and someone has replied with, ‘Well, you should hate your parents for bringing you here,” UGA Romance Language professor Dana Bultman said.

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October 2013

FEATURES how to apply for out of state private places, how to get scholarships, and how to get to college,” Bultman said.

According to Kaplan, Freedom University students are dedicated to learning.

“They are amazing. It’s a big investment for them to come to classes; most of them work all day, and most of them have jobs that are very demanding physically, so they are very tired,” Kaplan said. “But they still come to class, they come and stay in class for three hours. They are extremely motivated as I haven’t seen in UGA classes.”

Being an undocumented student can be traumatic for young people who feel like they do not have a future because of their legal status. Freedom University seeks to provide a safe space for these students.

“It’s an environment where I felt welcomed. There were people that were similar to me that had experienced similar problems. I immediately connected with those people, we were in the same class and we had the same story,” Syracuse University student and former Freedom University student Jose Mosso said. “We were all undocumented, we were all looking for a school and we found Freedom University.”

Although the program has been in existence for three years, UGA professor JoBeth Allen said that many still do not know Freedom University exists.

“Freedom University was my way out. They helped me find an education.”

-- JOSE MOSSO, Former Freedom University student “There are still people who are unaware of the ban on undocumented students, and when they hear about it they are generally appalled,” Allen said. “Of course, there are people who think it’s the correct policy, but there are people who are unaware of the policy, and unaware of Freedom University.”

Despite the sometimes negative reactions, Freedom University continues to provide for students who are trying to make a life for themselves in the country that they have grown up in. “(If I hadn’t found Freedom University,) I would be back in Georgia still working in construction. Before I moved, I was working in construction so that’s where I would still be. Freedom University was my way out, they helped me find an education,” Mosso said.

Students who wish to attend Freedom University -- either upperclassmen in high school or already graduated -- must fill out a simple application on their website.

“It was a very basic application process. They asked me why I wanted to go to school, when I graduated and simple essays. That’s how I started getting involved,” Mosso said.

Despite the obstacles, Kaplan believes that the students who attend Freedom University are exceptional in their commitment to overcome the restrictions placed on them.

“They know why they are in class, they have a clear idea of what is at stake for them if they don’t get a college education,” Kaplan said. “That makes them more aware of why they want to study and they are very focused.”

Photo by Porter McLeod

Left: PASSIONATE PROTESTERS: A protestor rages against the Board of Regents’ ban on undocumented students at public universities at a rally in March.

“People who have provided support are very willing. I think some people really want to do something to counter the fact that we are teaching at a university that doesn’t accept undocumented,” UGA professor JoBeth Allen said.

October 2013

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VARIETY

Cultural Buzz

Zoe’s Kitchen Mediterranean-oriented chain restaurant, Zoe’s Kitchen, is located at 145 Alps Rd. taking the space formerly occupied by Wendy’s. With bright green and orange colors covering the interior, Zoe’s presents a clean and visually pleasing environment for customers.

Upon entering the establishment, customers are directed towards the front counter where they order at the register and are then given a number.

Food is served quickly by extremely friendly staff who also bus tables at the end of meals.

Although the restaurant is not very spacious, there is still a sufficient amount of seating, including two large, family style tables as well as the option to eat outdoors.

Menu selections vary from kebabs and sandwiches to salads and wraps.

Prices are inexpensive, staying in the range of seven to 10 dollars. “Dinner for four” is a great option for families, but a little more expensive. It allows customers to call ahead and order from a wide variety of entrees to take home.

If applicable, menu items are annotated as “vegan,” “vegetarian” or “gluten free.” Whether one chooses the Greek chicken marinara or the veggie kebabs they will not be disappointed. It is obvious that cooks are very skilled in making each dish taste great. Zoe’s Kitchen takes its place as a competitive addition to Athens’ community of restaurants.

-- Amy Hoyt, Variety Writer

B.O.A.T.S. II: #METIME

Not your average dad

When every second counts, how far is a man willing to go to save his family?

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irector Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners, released Sept. 20, is a vivid portrayal of the sacrifices a father is willing to make for his children.

The film begins with six girls going for a walk on Thanksgiving Day when they come across a mysterious RV. Eventually, the girls must be forcibly pulled away from the vehicle to eat with their family, but quickly return after finishing their meal.

The youngest girl returns home for her safety whistle, but never returns to either the RV or her family at home.

Prisoners is reminiscent of the January 2009 movie Taken, but very quickly, Prisoners starts deviating from an intense action thriller to a more psychological view on how much Very quickly, it starts a parent is really willing to do. deviating from an intense The cast and cinemaaction thriller to a psychotography are excellent; the realistic and gritty logical view on how much a performance allows the parent is willing to do. viewer to get fully lost in the suspense and surprises of the movie. Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) a deeply religious father, gives a very raw and passionate portrayal that has the viewer sitting at the edge of their seats.

As for Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), a more objective perspective is given to the situation. He is able to be the calm and collected police officer who has to try and sort out the situation but in the end is able to become intense and intimidating, especially during his interrogation scenes.

The length of the Prisoners, 153 minutes, does seem a bit long, but the plot moves smoothly and the acting is so good that length becomes of little notice in the end, especially when nothing is really what it seems in this movie.

Prisoners is not a perfect movie, but it’s worth a watch, especially when the performances truly outweigh the shortcomings.

-- Maria Velasquez, Viewpoints Writer Photo illustration by Luke Slaboda

Photos by Ethan Crane, Luke Slaboda and Louise Platter

American rapper 2 Chainz, born Tauheed Epps, released his sophomore album, B.O.A.T.S. II #METIME, on Sept. 10. #METIME is incredibly confusing.

It has no set theme or style, which doesn’t come as a surprise due to the record’s 17 different producers.

It is respectable that Epps has stepped outside of his money and stripper-filled life for a song or two, but doesn’t manage to pull it off.

Though the album has an odd mix of production styles, the artists featured on #METIME are all recognizable, from Fergie to Pusha T. More than anything else, #METIME makes it clear that Epps needs to commit to a singular style.

-- Robert Walker, Viewpoints Editor

Akinator

Akinator, the Web Genius, an app launched by SCIMOB, is an artificial intelligence program brought to users in the visage of a smug genie. The app can be purchased for $1.99 on iOS and Android devices.

To play, users must visualize a character and the Akinator will ask them a series of seemingly vague questions until, with what appears to be inadequate information, it guesses the character. The Akinator’s abilities range from broad to impressively obscure, giving users a rush of vindication if they outsmart it.

Despite the frustration caused by the Akinator’s impressive abilities, users will be entertained for hours while they struggle to find the most esoteric character they can think of in an attempt to stump the genie.

-- Louise Platter, Features Editor

October 2013

Cultural Buzz MGMT American psychedelic rock band MGMT was scheduled to release their third, self-titled album on Sept. 17.

The band surprised their followers by releasing the record a week early, on Sept. 9 through the music service Rdio.

MGMT stays true to the band’s original repertoire by exploring subjects like drugs and aliens. However, it takes a less pop-dance approach than has been seen in the band’s previous two releases, and instead embraces a world of distortion pedals and synthesizers.

MGMT is ideal for both the band’s avid followers and for those who have yet to experience their trademark sound.

-- Audrey Hinkle, News Writer

Getaway

Director Courtney Solomon’s Getaway, an action thriller released on Aug. 30, could better be described as a painfully drawn-out Shelby Mustang commercial.

Getaway starts with Brent Magna (Ethan Hawke) returning home to find his wife missing. A mocking voice ( Jon Voight) calls to inform him he must follow every instruction.

The movie flashes between Voight speaking and Hawke wrecking a Mustang into everything and everyone. This continues until “The Kid” (Selena Gomez) is introduced.

The dialogue fails to explain the story and is interrupted by the car crashing every five minutes.

Getaway is confusing, annoyingly fast-paced and frankly, not enjoyable in any way.

VARIETY

Madden NFL 25

The long way home Released on June 11, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern describes love, loss and redemption.

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outheastern tells the hardships of former Drive By Truckers guitarist Jason Isbell, who parted ways from the alternative southern rock group in 2007 and has since been fighting addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

Isbell has taken to a solo career in alternative country which currently includes four studio albums and two live albums.

Although SoutheastHis most recent album narrates the life he has left ern describes a life of behind after marrying his wife. hardship and depresIt was a life that was saturated in alcohol and women. It also sion, it leaves listencaused him and his family great ers with a feeling of emotional pain and hardship.

Lyrics like “I was so sure, satisfaction. what I needed was more” and “I made it through to someone new, I was meant for someone” in the song “Cover Me Up” vocalize Isbell’s need for companionship and his fight with an addiction to alcohol. The song describes laying in bed all day, not wanting to do anything or see anyone.

Southeastern plays like Isbell’s life. The album begins at a low point with deeper lyrics on tracks such as “Cover Me Up” and a softer tone progressing to a faster paced tone with the more redeemed lyrics of “Super 8”.

“Super 8” shows Isbell’s need to leave the past behind and to beat addiction. This is evident in the lyrics, “I don’t want to die in a Super 8 Motel,” describing a night Isbell spent in a motel room where he cheated on his wife, passed out on the ground from drugs only to be found by the maid and the shame he subsequently had to face.

Although Isbell’s album describes a life of hardship and depression, it is in no way depressing to listen to and leaves listeners with a feeling of satisfaction.

Southeastern is an unaltered look into the defining moments in Isbell’s life, bringing the fight with his demons to light.

-- James Lumpkin, Digital Managing Editor Photos by Ethan Crane and Louise Platter

Photo illustration by Radford Brosius

-- Esther Conaway, News Writer October 2013

This year marks the 25th anniversery of the Madden NFL series.

The 2013 edition of the very popular sports franchise video game, released on Aug. 17, broke from the tradition of naming the new game after its release year. The loading screen of the new Madden NFL 25 shows gameplay images from all the previous Madden games, such as old graphics and changes that the game has made.

Although 25 has some new features that celebrate the milestone anniversary, the features and appearance of the new Madden are very similar to last year’s Madden with only a few more shifty ball carrier moves and the option to personalize teams and change locations.

One of the bigger disappointments to gamers in 25 is that there are the same classic celebrations used in the older games and recycled presentation. The commentary repeats lines used in the 2011 and 2012 editions of the game.

Overall, the new installment of the Madden series still showed improvement and added features that players will still enjoy. Despite the positives, 25 is a disappointment when compared to previous years of the series.

Electronic Arts will need to make more changes in the Madden series if they are looking to impress.

-- Jaymel Isreal, Viewpoints Writer

VARIETY

A taste of the classic city Grindhouse Killer Burgers is a new space for burger-loving Athenians to enjoy.

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rindhouse Killer Burgers perfectly embodies an original Athens atmosphere in its new, two-story building at 1553 South Lumpkin St. The chain, first founded in Atlanta, Ga. in 2009, opened its newest location on Sept. 13. Throughout the restaurant classic rock music filters through the soft chatter of customers and college football plays on multiple flat screen TVs. The hard, metallic exterior of Grindhouse can be slightly offputting for the average customer looking for a family dinner, but inside one finds that the red and silver-themed restaurant adequately suits all ages. An upstairs bar is available for patrons of 21 years and older.

With its abundant space, the restaurant could easily seat a myriad of customers at its busiest hours. Its comfortable seats and friendly service also encourage clientele to stay as long as they please.

The classy, well-designed interior and enjoyable atmosphere of Grindhouse almost overshadows its run of the mill menu. Its clean hardwood floors, rock-themed decor and metal design almost verge on futuristic and attract any consumer appreciative of interior design as well as food. Though adequate, the “killer burgers” at Grindhouse might only meet rather than exceed the standards of any burger enthusiast. However, the caring service and palatable cuisine make the restaurant appealing to customers without much of a budget, and is recommendable for a fast lunch or dinner.

An enticing smell of burgers grilling certainly appeals to any customer’s appetite upon entering Grindhouse. After ordering from a menu of reasonable to high prices (ranging from $2 to $10) and seating one’s self, a customer only has to wait about half an hour before being delivered warm, traditional American cuisine by a kind waiter. On a lightly toasted bun sits a burger charred and seasoned to perfection. A variety of toppings can come on this burger, including onions, chili, mushrooms or simply mustard or ketchup.

The menu of Grindhouse, although satisfactory, could be considered slightly limited. A customer has only the choices of a burger, hot dog, salad, or chili for their main course. The smallest burger, a $4.50 junior burger, doesn’t compare to the size of the double burger for $5.99. Sides of the main course include fries, onion rings or cole slaw, starting at $1.99.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers is certainly for anyone looking for a quick, tasty American meal in a setting appealing to not just taste, but all the senses.

BY LELA JENKINS Features Writer

Above: AWESOME EATS: Grindhouse Killer Burgers recently opened its newest location at 1553 South Lumpkin St. These “killer burgers” can be customized to please the customer.

Below: A GOOD LOOK: The clean, metal exterior of Grindhouse Killer Burgers differs from most Athens restaurants, giving the community a new look.

Photos by Lela Jenkins

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VARIETY

Breaking bread

Photo by Tiernan O’Neill

The Independent Baking Co. recently opened in Five Points and serves everything from danishes to olive bread.

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n a storefront that used to specialize in French braids now stands a bakery that specializes in French breads.

The Independent Baking Co. opened up shop in Five Points at 1625 South Lumpkin St., formerly occupied by Strand, a hair salon. The bakery, which opened on Aug. 14, is serving fresh bread and baked goods made from scratch.

In their first month of operation, the Independent Baking Co. has been very successful, according to owner Thomas Leonard. “(The bakery items) all sell pretty well, but by pure numbers I’d say the baguettes (are selling the most),” Leonard said. “The semolina bread – we don’t make it everyday – but when we do, it always runs off the shelf.”

The bakery opens at 7 a.m. every morning except Sundays. The Independent Baking Co.’s baked goods and pastries are restocked each morning. “( We make) scones of various sorts, cookies, chocolate croissants and danishes,” Leonard said. “Some days we’ve had a local fig and chevre danish. Chris (the head baker) was picking figs on his way to work and jarred them.”

Leonard has been baking for more than 30 years. He started baking during his college days.

“I started baking close to my last year in college at Fairhaven College at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash.,” Leonard said. “Someone who lived in my building had a bakery.”

Leonard obtained a job at the bakery in Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada, owned by his neighbor. At this bakery Leonard learned how to bake, and he brought those skills with him to Athens.

“My wife and I moved here about two and half years ago and it was a little

BY TIERNAN O’NEILL Web Staff

surprising to me that Athens, already being such a great place for food, didn’t have a bakery of this style,” Leonard said. “To get the kind of bread I wanted to eat I had to make it at home.”

The bakery cultivates a yeast starter onsite that they use for most of the breads they bake.

“Everything we do is hearth baked and most of what we do is naturally leavened. Instead of using a commercial baker’s yeast we’re using a starter that we make here in the bakery,” Leonard said. “(The starter) is what most people call sourdough, what the French call leaven and our baguettes are just made of commercial baker’s yeast starter.”

The Independent Baking Co.’s hearth baked, naturally leavened breads have received positive feedback from Athenians.

“I have been frequenting (the Independent Baking Co.) since it opened,” customer Rabun Deekle said. “The chocolate croissants are delicious, the scones are amazing, I haven’t had anything bad yet. I happen to run the building right behind here, Hodgson’s Pharmacy, so I’m delighted to have them in the neighborhood.”

The bakery’s appeal is not only limited to adults, but high school students, as well.

“First we bought the sourdough bread and had that for dinner, it was really wonderful,” sophomore Jared Warner said. “The bakery itself was really kind of cool and the bread itself is delicious.”

Above: FRESH FRONT: The newly repainted, minimalistic storefront of the Independent Baking Company has made a profound change on the streetscape of Lumpkin Street in Five Points.

October 2013

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VARIETY

Here to stay On Saturday and Sunday, the J & J Flea Market opens its gates to vendors who make use of the short hours to turn a profit.

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very weekend, the J & J Flea Market, located at 11661 Commerce Rd., opens Variety Writer at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. For some families, these hours are crucial, as the profits made at J & J serve as their primary source of income.

The flea market is a long-standing institution in the Athens community that has been present for over 30 years. J & J is vast -spread over nearly half of a 200 acre lot. Along with the four large warehouse buildings, which each house at least 50 tables, there is also outdoor space containing more than 1,000 vendor tables.

Five restaurants are located on the property offering everything from authentic Mexican cuisine to simple American fare such as grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs.

In addition to the restaurants, some vendors set up tables to sell their own food. Vendors sell anything from fresh produce to homemade specialties and typical snacks like chips and candies.

J & J veteran vendor Russell Tiddle describes the snacks he sells.

“I specialize in boiled peanuts, pork skins and deep fried oreos. That’s the bulk of our business,” Tiddle said.

The items sold at J & J vary from new and used kitchen appliances to hand-sewn scarves. Inside the warehouses one can find any record or VHS tape imaginable alongside most of the clothing and electronics vendors. Outside in the vast expanse of tables is where the fresh produce and snack vendors choose to sell their goods, accompanied by latecomers and rookie vendors.

The flea market acts as an important weekend business for the most serious sellers, a place for people to simply get rid of things they no longer want and a hub for collectors to make valuable finds.

The only requirement to selling merchandise at the J & J Flea Market is a $10 fee for use of a table. Because of this easy accessibility to everybody, J & J Flea Market manager Alease Eldridge believes it also results in a sense of community.

“A lot of people have just become acquainted with other vendors out here,” Eldridge said. “A lot of them can’t even wait from one weekend to the next to meet with their friends and set up together.”

BY AMY HOYT

Left: INSPECTING THE MERCHANDISE: People come to the J & J Flea Market in hopes of finding value in overlooked items.

Below: NEVER-ENDING KNICK KNACKS: Four large warehouse buildings at the J & J are filled with vendor tables. Opposite page, top left: LOCAL FIND: In addition to multiple restaurants, fresh local produce is sold at the J & J. Opposite page, top right: A PERSONAL TOUCH: Many items sold at the J & J, such as these scarves, are made by the vendors themselves. Opposite page, center: SPECIALTY SKINS: Vendor Russel Tiddle specializes in selling pork skins along with other deep fried snacks such as boiled peanuts and deep-fried oreos. Opposite page, bottom: MUSIC TO YOUR EARS: Like almost everything else sold at the J & J, old school records can be found for a bargain.

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VARIETY

“A lot of people have just become acquainted with other vendors and enjoy coming out here. A lot of them can’t even wait from one weekend to the next just to see their friends and set up together.”

-- ALEASE ELDRIGE, J & J Flea Market Manager

October 2013

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Graphic by Austin DeFoor

Eye on iOS On Sept. 18, Apple released its completely redesigned mobile operating system, iOS 7, to the public.

T

he development of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS, has been very slow on the surface since its initial release in 2007.

The six following iterations to the original iOS look, were for the most part, identical. With Android recently surpassing Apple in mobile market share, Apple had to step up its game to remain competitive.

On June 10 Apple unveiled the next generation of its mobile software: iOS 7, available for the fifth generation iPod Touch, iPhone 4 and newer and iPad 2 and newer.

The most apparent change is the new appearance of the lock and home screens. It looks like iOS, but with a fresh new skin. Apple has a lot to thank to Jony Ive, the newly positioned Senior Vice President of Design, for this revamped system. All design aspects of the operating system have received a complete overhaul. iOS’s design no longer attempts to imitate designs from reality (skeuomorphism), but instead gives more emphasis to beautiful gradients and a more cohesive performance. Everything about the experience feels light and smooth.

BY NICHOLAS BYRNE Broadcast Staff

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New features of iOS include a new keyboard, complete with a new ultra thin font used throughout the operating system. The control center can be accessed at anytime by swiping up from the bottom of the screen for access to quick toggles for system settings. Formerly, these could only be changed by going through the dedicated settings app. Airplane mode, Wifi and screen orientation lock no longer require a maze of menus to enable. iTunes Radio, Apple’s own internet radio service can be found in the music app. Apple took many tips from the Pandora Radio service, but has implemented a unique music choosing algorithm. A new “card” multitasking interface reminiscent of previous Android releases has replaced the tired icon view. The new App Store also finally features automatic app updates, making updates from app developers seamless.. iOS 7 is more than an incremental update. It truly changes the experience of Apple’s mobile ecosystem.

October 2013

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October 2013

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SPORTS

The box score

Photo by Chad Rhym

Exceeding expectations

Above: Clarke Middle School eighth grade wide receiver Kemontrey Brown pulls down a player from Gainesville Middle School to prevent the ball carrier from gaining any excessive yardage in a 8-AAAAA C-team region game. “It didn’t help that we got down 14 -0 early, I think our psyche was a little fragile in that game. Don’t get me wrong, they have a talented group of players, but we do as well,” head C-Team coach Erik Kriebel said.

The biggest loser

In early September, physical education department teacher Timothy Stoudenmire set up his version of the biggest loser program.

The program, which was modeled after one similar from Athens Christian School, rewards teachers for being more physically active and losing weight. The 28 members each pitched in $25 to make a $700 pot.

The idea seems to be a hit among teachers. “(During) the first week of participation we’ve already got people losing weight. We’ve got people scoring a lot of points for participating and being physically active. So my estimation is it’s taking off with flying colors,” Stoudenmire said.

The program not only offers incentives, it offers opportunities as well. Participants keep track of their hours of exercise, weight loss, amount of water intake, and events in their point logs. The competitor with the most points at the end wins.

“We are trying to promote greater quality of life and wellness within the teachers (and) the end result is probably going to be better teaching,” Stoudenmire said.

Electric elephants The Clarke Central High School C-Team composed of eighth graders from the CCHS feeder schools, Clarke and BurneyHarris Lyons Middle Schools, faced Region 8-AAAAA opponent Gainesville High School on Sept. 12. After 48 minutes of football, the Gladiators lost the game 38-0.

The region match began early in the first quarter, Gainesville’s running back broke numerous tackles up the middle to score a touchdown. Gainesville then successfully kicked a field goal for the extra point to put the score at 7-0.

On the next offensive possession, CCHS was unable to convert on third down. The Gladiators were forced to punt.

After Gainesville’s special teams returned the ball, the quarterback for Gainesville threw an incomplete pass from the pocket on first down. However, on second down came the return of Gainesville’s running back. On second down the Red Elephants ran the same play as their last touchdown run, and number four once again ran the rock up the middle and scored another 40 yard touchdown.

“That kid is a good ball player, but they didn’t do anything that we haven’t seen,” C-Team head coach Erik Kriebel said.

“Thats probably the best team we’ll see this year, and he was one of the better athletes we’ll see.”

At the end of the half the Gladiators remained scoreless.

However, in the third quarter the first sign of hope for CCHS appeared when quarterback Elijah Smith scrambled away from a tackle to throw for a 20 yard gain. Unfortunately the Gladiators still couldn’t convert for six points.

In conclusion, the Red Elephants would win the region game 38-0. Although the Gladiators came out of the game scoreless, Kriebel believes there are positives to be taken away from the loss.

“One of the things that stood out to me the most was that everyone was in agreement that this game wasn’t our best game,” Kriebel said. “We have an opportunity to get better,.”

-- Chad Rhym, Sports Editor

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Clarke Central High School’s new junior varsity softball team has earned multiple wins during their first season of play.

“It’s almost (that) you have to learn how to win and those JV girls have learned how to win,” head varsity softball coach Trey Henson said.

They are coached by head coach Trey Henson, and assistant coaches Frankie Wylie and Michael Bosby.

The girls proved to have what it takes to win, and they continue to improve as the season progresses.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but if they are willing to continue to listen and learn, I think we will be better next year,” Bosby said. “I mean at this point we (have) already passed (the) expectation.”

Mac attack

This past summer, math department teacher Eric McCullough was appointed as the new head coach of the varsity boys cross country team, replacing former head coach Eric Smith.

“I’d talked to (Athletic Director Dr. Jon) Ward and Coach Smith,” McCullough said. “(Smith) knew he wasn’t going to be coaching anymore.

We had informal talks of who’s going to be the coach, (he asked) ‘Would you be interested?’ I said ‘Yeah, I’d be interested,” since I like to run.”

One of the changes this year under McCullough and varsity girls cross country head coach Emily Dowd is that the practice regimen will contain more extensive distance running.

“We’ve definitely been working on getting them to run more mileage, either on their long run on Monday or throughout the week,” McCullough said.

McCullough hopes that the team will rank No. 4 in Region 8-AAAAA so as to secure a second straight state championship appearance.

“If we can get all of our people back running together, the goal is to make it to state and slide into that fourth spot,” McCullough said. “I think the first three are pretty much set with Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Winder-Barrow, and Heritage is OK. We’re fighting for that fourth spot.”

October 2013

“

SPORTS

Audibles

“

I expect to have a way better record than last year.

Our team was a lot better than our record showed, and I think this year we have to prove that.

”

Photo by Luke Slaboda

CAMERON JOHNSON, quarterback, predicting the varsity football team’s success this season.

Above: NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN: Head cross country coach Eric McCullough explains the workout to cross country runners on Oct. 10. This is McCullough’s first year coaching the varsity cross country team. He assumed the role after former head coach Eric Smith stepped down.

“ “ “

A fresh start This summer, Clarke Central High School’s game field underwent major renovations as landscapers cut out the middle section of the field that was in poor condition and laid down a thicker, more resistant athletic turf.

“The actual work (on the field) took approximately three weeks,” Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said. “Our (Clarke County School District) maintenance crew has continued to work on the field throughout the summer.”

Last spring, the CCSD Board of Education approved a plan to re-sod the field at Billy Henderson Stadium. “(Our field was) resodded because last year it was not in great condition. After a couple of games the field would tear up and the grass wasn’t very thick,” varsity head football coach Ahren Self said. “By the end of the season there was hardly any grass.”

With the changes in place, and a few practices and games under their belt, players have taken notice.

“Last year, close to the end of the season, the grass used to come out so easily that there would be horrible footing out there,” senior defensive linemen Cedric Armstrong said. “On the line, if you can’t get your footing once you make initial contact if you don’t set your feet you’re going to just keep sliding back.

Now it seems to give a better grip.”

Self is overall pleased by the changes.

“It’s 100 percent better. Now it’s thick and plush; the grounds crew have done a great job getting (the sod) down, getting it to grow and getting it to really get thick. It just looks really good,” Self said.

”

It’s sad that the softball team can’t win a game, but they practice so hard.

JASIA CLARK, sophomore, on the varsity softball team’s record this season.

I think cheerleading is entertainment; cheerleading entertains us while the football game is boring.

Cheerleading makes people go to the games.

”

JORGE MARTINEZ, senior, on the value of cheerleading during football games.

The football team only lost one game and they are going to start to turn up. .

”

TRE HOWARD, sophomore, on the varsity football team’s prospects this year.

Photo by Jenny Alpaugh

-- Henry Scott, Sports Writer

-- Compiled by Sports Staff October 2013

Above: SWITCH UP: In the summer of 2013 Clarke Central High School underwent field renovations known as resodding. Landscapers cut out the parts of the field that were in poor condition, and then laid down a thicker and more resistant turf. odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 37

SPORTS

COACH AHREN SELF After six years as the Clarke Central High School defensive coordinator, Self now sits in the office of the head football coach with the goal of leading the CCHS varsity football team to the state championship.

38 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

October 2013

SPORTS

Taking the reins of the head coaching position at Clarke Central High School after the seven-year tenure of Leroy Ryals, the Gladiators are gaining a ...

SENSE OF SELF F

riday nights in the fall, the stands of Billy Henderson stadium are full of hundreds of spectators. Students, teachers as well as alumni can be found cheering on the Clarke Central High School varsity football team.

For the past seven years, varsity head football coach Leroy Ryals stood on the sidelines. Ryals led his players to seven play-off seasons and a run at the state championship in 2009.

But for the 2013 season, a new coach will be found on those same sidelines.

CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward and Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker announced the hiring of Ahren Self, longtime defensive coordinator, as varsity head football coach on Feb. 15, four days after Ryals announced he would be accepting a coaching position at Thomasville High School.

Self has been a part of the CCHS family since 2008 and has gained with a wealth of experience. He feels that the passion of his players has kindled the same vigor within himself.

“I know these kids have great hearts and I just love being around them,” Self said. “They make me come to work every single day.”

But Self ’s love of football did not begin at CCHS, instead it began in Princeton, W.Va. playing neighborhood football.

“When I was younger I used to like riding my bike,” Self said. “We would go to other neighborhoods and play backyard football. If it was basketball season we would play basketball in the gym or outside, if somebody had a court.”

In high school, Self expanded his athletic experiences by participating in other sports besides football and basketball.

“I played baseball all the way up until my sophomore year in high school.”

Self said. “I stopped doing that and I ran track.”

After graduating from Princeton Senior High School in 1991, Self attended the Citadel Military College in Charleston, S.C. where he was a two-year starter.

He played football at the Citadel until he realized his true passion.

“It wasn’t until college that I wanted to be a coach,” Self said. “I loved football with a passion, (but) I was a Business Administration major with a focus on accounting. As I was getting my education and my degree I realized I didn’t want to sit behind a desk and wear a tie every single day. I loved football.”

Self was on the coaching staff of the Citadel from 1995 to 1998. In 1999, he began coaching at Syracuse University.

“I went to Syracuse University under Paul Pasqualoni,” Self said. “I was a graduate assistant there. I worked on the defensive side and I got a chance to work with the outside linebackers, had a chance to work with all-pro linebacker Keith Bulluck.”

While at Syracuse, Self was exposed to an influential program.

“I just learned so much football,” Self said. “We did a lot of things on defense; we studied a lot. I grew as a football coach the most (while I was) there.”

In 2000, Self returned to his alma mater.

BY TIERRA HAYES Sports Writer

Photo by Porter McLeod

October 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 39

SPORTS “I was hired back at the Citadel as a full time coach, coaching linebackers now he can fine tune it the way he wants to.” (until) 2003,” Self said. “In 2004, I went to Elon University where I coached the Administrators agree that Self will be a capable head football coach for secondary and I was also the special teams coordinator.”

CCHS. After more than 10 years of coaching football at the collegiate level, Self ac“Coach Self is a very disciplined person,” Hooker said. “I think our program cepted his first high school coaching position. He was brought on as the CCHS will accelerate under his leadership.” football defensive coordinator by Ward and Hooker.

Ward also believes that the change in head coach has been smooth.

“I think Ahren has been an asset to Clarke Central since he came here,” Ward “I think it’s been a very good transition,” Ward said. “I think the players have said. “He served successfully as our accustomed themselves to Coach Self and defensive coordinator for six years.” his new coaching staff. There are a lot “As I was getting my education and After six years as the defensive of new staff members this year and the my degree, I realized I didn’t want to coordinator Self now holds the varsity players have done a tremendous job of head football coach position. The into Coach Self. I think thus far sit behind a desk and wear a tie every buying switch from defensive coordinator to the product on the field is indicative of single day. I loved football.” head coach has come with an increase that. We’re fortunate to have (Self ) as our in responsibility for Self. head coach.”

“The workload has definitely inSelf is strengthening the bonds he -- AHREN SELF, began creased,” Self said. “Whereas, I used to to build with players when he was CCHS varsity head football coach the defensive coordinator. just worry about defense, I now have to worry about offense, special teams, “He never lets us give up on ourselves and not to mention defense as well. and he keeps us determined and commitThere are a lot of other things that go into it, all the administrative work that ted to what we do every day,” varsity senior linebacker Kavon Williams said. has to be done, all the paperwork as far as eligibility, making sure you have preThe change in head coaches has been a transition for the players, especially game meals, ordering equipment, all of the administrative stuff. It’s definitely a the seniors, but Williams believes the team has not been greatly affected . lot more than I thought it was going to be.”

“A couple of things have changed around, but it’s still the same,” Williams Self ’s coaching staff feels that he has handled the additional workload well. said. “We’re working harder now. Self has us doing different things with the “He’s doing a great job,” offensive coordinator and quarterbacks varsity community and just focusing on winning every day and practice on the football football coach Aaron Cavin said. “He’s got a whole lot of responsibilities that he field and school.” didn’t use to have, but he gets things done and he does it the right way. I think Self emphasizes the importance of community service to his players. that he has a lot more excitement now because now it’s his program, and so “Any time that we have an opportunity to give back to the community, we Below: PLAY-MAKER: Clarke Central High School head football coach Ahren Self reviews plays during the third quarter of the CCHS vs. Central Gwinnet High School on Sept. 6. The Gladiators’ 37-12 victory was Self’s first win as varsity head football coach.

Photo by Porter McLeod

40 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

October 2013

SPORTS

Photo by Porter McLeod

Above: A SERIOUS SIDE: During the CCHS vs. Cedar Shoals High School Classic City Championship on Aug. 26, 2012, defensive coordinator Ahren Self discussed strategies that enabled a 41-13 win over the jaguars. Below: COACHING BACKGROUND: Self began coaching at CCHS with a wealth of coaching experience under his belt, including 10 years of coaching at the collegiate level. He both played and coached at the Citadel Military College in Charleston, S.C.

present it to our players,,” Self said. “Our guys have done a great job of that.

They are willing to go out and help when they can in the community. A lot of them, every opportunity that we ask of them they volunteer their time, they’re happy to do it. It helps promote our program and promote Clarke Central.”

Other varsity players also feel that Self is doing everything in his power to help them to succeed.

“Coach Self is a good leader, he makes sure we try our best,” Deijon Yearby, junior and varsity offensive lineman said. “He makes sure the program is still keeping us in school and that we get good grades.”

Self feels that football is beneficial to his players in that they learn more than athletic skills.

“Football teaches you so many life lessons you can’t get in other places. It teaches dedication, hard work commitment, and through the game I’m able to reach young people, whereas in other businesses or other professions you can’t do so,” Self said. “I love getting up every morning. I feel like I haven’t worked a day in my life. I get to come to school to coach and I get to be around young people and it’s like a family to me.”

Self is looking forward to the new season and to improving the team.

“Our goal is to win every game, go to the playoffs and get it back to the (state) championship,” Self said. “We go out every day and work hard. We try to improve as a team. We get better every single day. We look at the mistakes that we made last year. The attitudes. The things we could have done to improve our record. The things that we made mistakes on last year we cannot make again.”

Self said he has tried to make the transition of coaches October 2013

as seamless as possible for his players.

“In my opinion, I don’t think (the team) has changed much,” Self said. “You know, I have a close relationship with the team. I love them. I want to see them do well. I think we have a great working relationship that’s going to enable us to be successful this year.”

Photo courtesy of Ahren Self

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 41

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Johnson returns to training Ryan Johnson resumes the role of Head Athletic Trainer after three years.

A

t the end of each school day, Head Athletic Trainer and CAPS department teacher Ryan Johnson immediately opens up the training room in order to treat all of the athletes in need of help before football practice begins. He believes it is important to treat the athletes in the most timely manner possible in order to assist the football players on the sidelines of their practices.

“I usually get (to school) between 7:30 and 7:45 (a.m.), fulfill my teaching duties and as soon as I can get out of here I go open the training room and do taping and treatments,” Johnson said. “There is the athletic training room in the gym, (it) is my ‘office’. If I get there at 3:30 I want to be out of there by 4:30. Especially when football practice is going on. It’s one of the most dangerous sports.”

Without the help from Johnson and other athletic trainers, junior Kevin Irwin believes that football practice would not run as smoothly as it does today. Irwin is one of many student athletes that Johnson has worked in rehab with during his time back this year.

“If there were no athletic trainers, there would be no football team,” Irwin said. “We’d be hurt all the time.”

Johnson chose the career path involving sports medicine due to his interest in the varying aspects of the job.

“I like the idea of rehab and that’s why I like physical therapy, athletic training, injury evaluation rehab and care treatment,” Johnson said. “But for me the big thing was ‘What am I going to be doing every day? Is it the same thing the principal (at the time), Dr. Easom, asked me to step into her office to sit day in and day out or is there something to make it different?’ For me (the best down and talk,” Johnson said. “I ended up being hired and worked a year as a choice) was athletic training. No two days are the same.” parapro and as a compliance clerk and I’ve been here ever since.”

Johnson chose athletic training over physical therapy because of the ability for After working as Head Athletic Trainer for multiple years, Johnson took a him to work with student-athletes as opposed to an older, more static population. three year leave in order to spend time with his family.

“Athletic trainers work with a lot of athletes,” Johnson said. “Physical therapists “If you can imagine, it was just one person covering everything all year long will work with everybody, (but) usually it’s older patients, so rehab isn’t always as and some people didn’t really appreciate that as much exciting or as involved which to me was not as interesting.”

“I just wanted to get back to doing as an athletic trainer would hope,” Johnson said.

Johnson works with the Moore Center for RehaThe ability to work in an alternabilitation as an outreach athletic trainer. The Moore tive environment as opposed to being what made me happy.”

Center places athletic trainers at schools in need of indoors all day affected Johnson’s choice to pursue athletic training.

-- RYAN JOHNSON, help and after his first year of leave from CCHS he was placed at Apalachee High School, which at the “I liked physical therapy, but I Head Athletic Trainer time was in need of a part-time athletic trainer. didn’t like being stuck inside all the “The first year I was not here I was working at time,” Johnson said. “For me the Apalachee. The guy from the Moore Center asked if I biggest thing was the ability to get outdoors and be involved.” could help cover (because) the athletic trainer at Apalachee was getting ready to Johnson came to Clarke Central High School in 2004 working as part-time have a baby over the summer,” Johnson said. “I would travel to Apalachee and I athletic trainer until the position as a paraprofessional in the CAPS department would cover until 7:30 or 8:00.” became available shortly after he was hired.

Although Johnson was not working with the athletic training program at “I was actually on my way to an interview at the old alternative school and

BY BRITTNEY BUTLER Junior Copy Editor

42 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

October 2013

SPORTS CCHS, he still worked within the school.

“There (are) growing pains with every change and it’s getting to know the “The last two years (of my leave) I was the Co-Coordinator for the 21st Cencoaches, getting to know the athletes, figuring out who’s good with what and tury afterschool program,” Johnson said. “I (also) have been involved in GLAD what to expect from each person. That’s been the hardest thing so far just tryTime and Advisement for the last two and a half years.” ing to get back in the swing of things.”

While Johnson was away, Sheena Watkins, the present assistant athletic The two trainers work together at Friday home games, but also split up the trainer, took the place of Head Athletic Trainer. time spent at practices in order to give each other breaks during the week.

“When coach Johnson stepped down a couple years ago, coach Sheena “We work as a team,” Watkins said. “We do divide up the work when it comes Watkins served as our Head Athletic Trainer for the past three years with us,” to practice and the duties at games to give us some more free time, so it worked Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said. out because days they don’t come, I can come in for them. Days I can’t come, During the time that Watkins was Head Athletic Trainer, varsity junior soccer they can come in for me.” forward Mariah Elam worked with her for an As the Head Athletic Trainer, Johnson covers injury on her right knee. all varsity football practices and games while “If there were no athletic trainers, also tending to athletes of any other in-season “I hadn’t worked with any athletic trainers before Ms. Sheena,” Elam said. “I worked with there would be no football team.” sports who need help year round. her during my freshman year. She was super “In terms of covering entire practices, the friendly and helpful.” one I really focus on is football, but because I -- KEVIN IRWIN, am covering football, I am available to everyWatkins stepped down from her posivarsity junior linebacker body,” Johnson said. “When football is over, tion as Head Athletic Trainer to assistant athletic trainer in order to go back to school we change the schedule to just training room to pursue her interest in becoming a physical therapy assistant, opening up the coverage and treatments unless a coach has a particular request. Just because of position for Johnson. the danger of football, we cover every single day.”

“I stepped down because I was going back to school so it was just really hard Although football is the only sport that is required to have athletic training to juggle athletic training, and then I was working as a fulltime teacher at an elcoverage for full practices, the athletic trainers work through all of the seasons ementary school,” Watkins said. “So I decided to just kind of assist on the side.” to provide services for injured athletes.

As both Johnson and Watkins have stepped down from their positions as “We’re here for all of the sports at Clarke Central, it’s just the state requires athletic trainers at one point in time, they admit that the job is time-consuming that an athletic trainer is at football games and practices,” Watkins said. and physically draining.

Johnson currently strives to be able to work with injuries of all athletes, no “It’s a severely big time commitment,” Watkins said. “That’s why a lot of matter what sport they compete in. Elam has worked with both Johnson and people, they do it for a few years and then kind of have a career change, kind of Watkins and notices the differences in the roles that the two trainers hold. like what I’m going into. I’m going back to school as a physical therapy assistant.”

“What they do is different because I feel like Johnson is usually more in the Johnson accepted the position of Head Athletic Trainer for the second time trainers room and ( Watkins) is usually on the field with the players,” Elam said. at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. When Johnson came back, Watkins “For a game I think the trainer should be on the field ready to help any injured rejoined as a part-time assistant athletic trainer, working practices and Friday players but for practice days it’s easier to just head to the trainers room.” home games along with Johnson and first responder Broderick Flannigan.

“I just wanted to get back to doing what made me happy,” Johnson said.

Opposite page: JOHNSON JOINS: Head Athletic Trainer Ryan Johnson returns to sports medicine staff at CCHS after a three year leave.

Below: NO PAIN, NO GAIN: Johnson works with senior Cameron Johnson for an injury. Ryan Johnson believes in pushing athletes during recovery to ensure no long term injuries occur.

Photos by Porter McLeod

SPORTS

The real heroes. Society frequently embraces the hypothesis of sports stars being super heroes, rather than the role models right in front of us.

W

hy do we make athletes role models? It makes sense that people win the Heisman trophy. would praise another human being for pulling in a multi-million However, during the offseason, Manziel was spotted partying, dubbed “irdollar salary. However, it’s not rational to glorify taller-than-average responsible” for leaving the Manning Passing Camp due to sickness and worst humans as prophets. of all, Manziel was caught having fun.

“I am not a role model. I am not paid to be a role model. I am paid to wreak Can you even contemplate the devastating horrors of a 20-year-old college havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I student having fun? It seems almost unimaginable. dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids,” retired Philadelphia Unless a college athlete is working at homeless shelters Monday through ‘76ers forward Charles Barkley said in a 1993 Nike basketball commercial.

Sunday and is maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, they should very rarely be As a nation of sports fans, are we at the point where idolizing a professional looked at as role models. athlete is more accepted than worshiping neurosurgeons, paramedics or fireCollegiate athletes should never be looked up to as role models. They’re still men? Keep in mind three out of the four previously mentioned occupations kids. save lives, while the fourth exercises on television for a living.

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, .03 percent of Whether athletes are high school basketball players looked up to as role models would make it to the National As a nation of sports fans, are we at the point or not, the perception of them Basketball Association, and where idolizing a professional athlete is more ac- .08 percent of football players being heroes has become reality. will make it to the National cepted than worshiping neurosurgeons?

“The reason our culture Football League. promotes athletes as role I love athletes. I love models is because of the sports; but the youth of the visibility they receive; not necessarily because they have the qualities of a role next generation should be focusing on prospering in their studies, focusing on model. Thus we assume that visibility qualifies one to be a role model,” Univerobtaining a realistic career and looking up to real life superheroes. sity of Georgia professor of sports management and policy Billy Hawkins said.

“I believe that youth have a greater chance of becoming a lawyer, doctor, Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel has been heavily put educator etc., than they do in becoming a professional athlete. Therefore, these under the spotlight, both positively and negatively. Fame crept up on Manziel career paths are better role models because they are more realistic and acceswhen the media took notice of the red-shirt freshman’s sensational plays; Mansible,” Hawkins said. ziel’s performance would eventually lead to him becoming the first freshman to Although I do appreciate athletes for their hard work in their professions, I praise more the doctors, the teachers, the policemen and the other various true role models that go great lengths to move our society forward.

Below: THE IMPOSTER: Athletes are frequently glorified as super heroes. As a result, occupations that save lives too frequently go unnoticed.

44 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle

October 2013

5

SPORTS

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKING

BY EVAN AND MARCO NEWMAN AS TOLD TO HENRY SCOTT PHOTO BY PORTER MCLEOD

October 2013

1. A UNIQUE SPORT. “It’s not all about physical, it’s also mental. A lot of it is thinking about where you need to go and how you do it. It’s not just all about power, either; it’s more about coordination, so when you see something you have to know how to react.

You’re balancing a lot of things at once, it’s really multitasking a lot.” “Also, it’s a very low impact sport. Unlike running, you’re not bashing your knees, so it’s a great sport for people with knee problems or sprained joints. It’s a great sport in that there’s very little risk of injury, other than completely wrecking and falling off.”

2. HIT THE ROADS. “Road training is a really great way because you don’t have to rely on trails. You can ride your road bike everywhere. I try to get two training rides every week.” “The closest trails are maybe 20 minutes away. If I just want to go from my house I can just leave from my house on the road bike and ride wherever I want.”

“The rides can be anywhere from 14 to 20 miles around here in Athens.”

3. YOU’RE IN IT ALONE. “Mountain biking is not the same as road racing.” “Unlike in road biking, where it’s sort of teams competing with one person to help that one person win, mountain biking is pretty individual.”

4. TWO SEASONS. “Mountain biking is a yearlong sport. There’s a summer season where there are a lot of short cross country races where that you do every weekend.

And then in the winter season, there’s more long-distance, endurance races.” “Now we are getting into the season for six hour, nine hour, 12 hour and 24 hour races which is like a relay with your team to see how many laps you can do within the given time.”

5. A TIME TO CHECK OUT. “Mountain biking is a really calm experience. It’s relaxing and it gives you a moment to think; you’re in the shaded woods just going between trees, and it’s just nice to have a lot of time to think.” “There’s lots to think about but you can also doze off in terms of your mind and that you’re not really thinking about in terms of the bike, you can think about other things, it’s really good thinking time.”

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 45

SPORTS

All in for fantasy

Hard knocks during a rookie season in fantasy football can be tough.

F

Rayshawn McCall Grade: 10 Sport: Football Years experience: 10 GPA: 3.7

Game day ritual: “Wear the same undershirt, eat a lot before the game get a good night sleep and try to stay focused the whole day.”

Favorite game memory: Last year against Gainesville when I intercepted their quarterback on a deep post play.”

Role model: Champ Bailey.

What coaches say: “Right now he’s performing like a veteran. Each week he goes out, he does his job and he’s a leader both on and off the field. He leads by example. He’s doing a great job and I can’t ask any more than that.”

Photo by Chad Rhym

--Ahren Self, head coach 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.

Lauren Covington Grade: 12 Sport: Volleyball Years experience: 6 GPA: 3.9

all brings the most cherished sports season: football season. School, family and other responsibilities are going to be forgotten in the upcoming weeks. Fantasy Football has arrived. People who haven’t ventured into the world of

BY JOHN HUBBARD ridiculous team names and Variety Writer intense rivalry may fear that it’s too late to join this phenomenon, but from a brief experience, I can say it’s more thrilling than rooting for a team.

My first season participating in Fantasy Football was Fall 2013, and even I doubted the intensity of the game. As embarrassing as it is to say, my team was not drafted. I saw no reason to waste my time creating a useless fake football team. But I was wrong.

In the four weeks of participation, “Killed it With Autodraft” (team name) has seen glorious victories and embarrassing losses, but that’s what makes fantasy so exciting. Exchanging players, moderating massive multi-player deals and throwing your computer at the wall are all part of the experience.

Criticism by family and friends will be heard and comments about you wasting your time on a “fake” football team are bound to spring up. Conversations normally filled with intelligent topics like health care and the debt ceiling are probably going to be replaced with talks of injuries, bye-weeks and attempting to trade your entire team for quarterbacks Drew Brees and Peyton Manning.

Managing a fantasy team can be easily compared to three real life occupations; running a multi-million dollar corporation, coaching the ‘79 Pittsburgh Steelers and being the father of 11 extremely athletically talented children.

The fantasy experience may not actually count for anything important, and may consume life as you know it, but how often are you given a chance to manage your own super bowl champs?

Only in fantasy.

Photo by Chad Rhym

Game day ritual: “Warm up to music.”

Favorite game memory: “When I was pulled up to play on the varsity team as a freshman.”

Role model: Misty May-Treanor What coaches say: “(Lauren) is a very good leader, the other girls rally around her and she works hard. She’s a solid player and we depend on her a lot. I think the biggest thing is that we are able to put her anywhere on the floor.”

Photo by Chad Rhym

--Ashlee Wegmann, head coach 46 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Above: FANTASY FAILURE: Fantasy Football is played by 13 percent of Americans. The football experience can be filled with success, and also failure.

October 2013

SPORTS

IN FOCUS

Featured page: THREE STRIKES: Clarke Central High School freshman pitcher Sallie Cornwell throws a pitch in a 8-AAAAA region match against Cedar Shoals High School on Aug, 27.

October 2013

Photo by Chad Rhym

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 47

SPORTS

48 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

October 2013