ODYSSEY Media Group Vol. 15, Issue 1

OFGCONTENTS G>>ETABLE TTIN T O K N O W A S S O C I AT E P R I N C I PA L G O R H A M

Volume 15 Issue 1 Sept. 2017 $3.00

35

32

what happened to downtown athens’ black business?

rugby player tackles american football

Dr. Demond Means, newly-appointed as the Clarke County School District Superintendent, opens up about himself and his educational experiences.

1 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

>> TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

VIEWPOINTS << Photo by Zoe Peterson

VIEWPOINTS

COVER STORY <<

18

7 blind by choice

BY LUCIA BERMUDEZ AND MACKENZIE CAUDILL

Co Editor-in-Chief Aneesa Conine-Nakano examines the racial “colorblindness” ideology.

BY ANEESA CONINE-NAKANO

NEWS at retestS 17Testlooking retake guidelines have led to a range of

Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Demond Means shares his educational past, present and plans for the future of CCSD.

responses from CCHS students and staff.

BY ELENA GILBERTSON-HALL

FEATURES

Photo courtesy of Sam Tardits

18 says what he means

Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Demond Means shares his educational past, present, and plans for the future of CCSD.

BY LUCIA BERMUDEZ AND MACKENZIE CAUDILL

REVIEWS DISAPPOINTED 22LilAUziLIL’ Vert’s long-awaited debut studio album “Luv Is Rage 2” didn’t deliver.

BY EVERETT VEREEN

VARIETY

Right: NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits, a senior (second from the right), runs onto the field with his rugby club team before a game in June, before Tardits returned to CCHS for his senior year of high school.

Tardits sometimes misses his home in Biarritz, France. “I’m kind of used to (being away from home) with boarding school, but sometimes it’s kind of tough when you’re just kind of sad, you want someone to talk to and you don’t have them around,” Tardits said.

32

Photo by Zoe Peterson

CORNER HYPE 28AfterHOT65 years of business, Wilson’s His and Her’s Styling Shop is one of the few Blackowned businesses remaining in Downtown Athens.

BY MACKENZIE CAUDILL

SPORTS TALKING smack 36Coaches, athletes and administration weigh in on the culture of trash talk within football.

16

Left: PUSHING FOR IMPROVEMENT: Clarke Central High School Associate Principal Amanda Gorham sits in her office on Aug. 31.

Gorham is passionate about her work in education. “(My goal is to) impact lives, being a positive, powerful influence, always pushing even when it doesn’t look like (students) can make it you are always pushing them to be better,” Gorham said.

BY ALEXANDER ROBINSON Cover by Kri Hair Table of Contents by Lucia Bermudez

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

|3

>> VIEWPOINTS

Our Take

ODYSSEY

W

hen Clarke County School District students say they are proud to be CCSD, they should be able to say they are proud to attend school in a district that makes strides not only for their education, but also for their safety and well-being.

This includes being informed.

On Aug. 29, an email written by Clarke Central High School Principal Marie Yuran and CCSD Superintendent Dr. Demond Means was sent to parents and faculty members to inform them of an inappropriate text exchange between a CCHS teacher and student.

Many students were scared, confused and horrified -- a range of emotions only escalated by the lack of communication on the district’s part.

According to Means, the message was sent to parents to encourage family discussions.

“The communication did go out to parents, and in an effort to protect the student who was involved, (District leadership) didn’t feel that it was appropriate to communicate directly to students,” Means said.

While the intent to protect a student is laudable, the lack of communication propelled more abundant rumors and speculation because the majority of the student body was not provided with any information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Lucia Bermudez and Aneesa Conine-Nakano Managing Editor: Delia Adamson

In the absence of a real story, many students created their own.

Senior Copy Editor: Jordan Rhym Senior Visuals Editor: Suncana Pavlic

In the absence of a real story, many students created their own.

Although it is important for parents to facilitate conversations with their children about such topics, students must be included in communications that directly affect their safety and emotional well-being.

Students must be assured they are a part of the conversation.

Communication ensures that students know their school district officials are taking the necessary actions to eliminate as many risky situations as possible from their place of learning.

In Means’ opinion, it isn’t necessary to send these messages to students right away.

“If there was pushback or something negative was happening with relationships between students and teachers, that’s the criteria point that (we) would use to say that maybe we need to communicate with students,” Means said.

But why wait?

If the District makes an effort to communicate with students the first time out, they will provide students with the transparency that they desire, and receive trust in return.

Viewpoints Editor: Valeria Garcia-Pozo News Editor: Jurnee Louder Variety Editor: Connor McCage Sports Editor: Hannah Gale Junior Copy Editor: Ana Aldridge Business Manager: Gabriel Mantione-Holmes Broadcast Editor Kelly Fulford

Below: LIKE WILDFIRE: When not given the proper information about important issues in the Clarke County School District, students often make up their own versions of stories and spread rumors.

Director of Audience Engagement: Olivia Ripps

Photo taken and staged by Suncana Pavlic

Staff Members: Mackenzie Caudill, Caedmon Churchwell, Owen Churchwell, Emma Crane, Edmund Davis, Karla Dougan, Bria Echols, Jamia Echols, Luis Garcia, Elena Gilbertson-Hall, Kri Hair, Madeleine Ingle, Sam Mattern-Parkes, Zoe Peterson, Emma Ramsay, Lily Bruce-Ritchie, Alexander Robinson, Dalace Thomas, Katie Grace Upchurch, Everett Vereen Adviser: David A. Ragsdale ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, Georgia 30605 Phone: (706) 357-5200, Ext. 17370

4 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

LUCIA

bermudez

A

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR. Co-Editor-in-Chief Lucia Bermudez comments on the significance of DACA and what should follow its rescinding.

mother walks for miles, her body aching, her mind racing and her baby on her chest, all while she wonders what possibilities could lie ahead for her and her family.

The country on the other side of the imaginary border line provides promise and hope, hope that her baby will grow up in a place that may be better than their home, a place where she can grow up to have a prosperous life and become what she dreams of -- live the American Dream. But when that baby grows up, she soon discovers the place she was raised doesn’t really want her to dream.

It doesn’t even want her there at all.

The life of an undocumented immigrant in America is not an easy one. Many individuals wake up every day in fear, often living amongst the shadows, avoiding anyone or anything that could bring attention to them and their identity.

The burden of a life filled with uncertainty and fear often weighs especially heavy on the young people who were brought to America as children, but an executive order passed in 2012 alleviated some of that stress, giving a new hope to young people across the nation.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an immigration policy established by the Obama administration in June 2012, allowed certain undocumented individuals who are under 31 years of age and came to America. before the age of 16 a work permit, a driver’s license and temporary relief from deportation.

DACA gave these approximately 800,000 young people, often referred to as “Dreamers”, a chance to live as productive members of society without constant fear.

However, all 800,000 Dreamers are now at risk of deportation as of Sept. 5, when the Trump administration announced -- through Attorney General Jeff Sessions -- the decision to rescind DACA. Though President Donald Trump gave Congress a window to pass a law allowing Dreamers to stay and possibly seek citizenship, the loss of this program is devastating for Dreamers and their

Photo illustration by Suncana Pavlic.

Right: DREAMERS IN ACTION: Protests have broken out across the nation against the rescinding of DACA. The executive order introduced by the Obama administration granted underdocumented people brought to the U.S. under the age of 16 work permits, a drivers license and protection from deportation.

families.

DACA provides Dreamers with security. It’s not a free pass into the country or an unfair means of letting immigrants “freeload” in America. DACA is a way of not holding children responsible for their parents actions.

Many Dreamers are in the U.S. because their parents wanted a better life for them. As children, it wasn’t their choice to come, and DACA is a way of giving young people have temporary relief and allowing them to live a somewhat normal life.

Though DACA is a good start to making the “American Dream” more accessible, it isn’t enough.

DACA is not and was never meant to be a path to citizenship. It was established because there is no path to citizenship for Dreamers who were brought to America as children. What Dreamers need is an efficient path to citizenship -- one that is clear, straightforward and accessible. An example of such a law would be the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. The act, first introduced in 2001 to the Senate by Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, has gone through several waves of introduction and rejection, but was reintroduced this year by South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Durbin.

According to CNN on Sept. 14, the act would “grant a conditional green card to all current DACA recipients and create a system for similar young undocumented immigrants brought to America as children to also obtain conditional green cards.” Eventually, if the requirements of the bill are met, among other qualifications necessary, those individuals could apply for permanent residency and potentially citizenship.

The DREAM Act has been met with opposition, but it is a realistic and viable option, and one that could have a major impact on the lives of Dreamers.

DACA may be gone, but Dreamers are not, and it’s time to fight for those who want nothing more than to live out their own American Dream.

>> VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FLASH TO THE FUTURE

Our April/May issue featured an in-depth news story on the Clarke County School District’s FLASH curriculum, which took a new approach to sex-ed.

>> VIEWPOINTS

>> FEATURES

BOILING POINT // Sophie Fernandes

A LIVING LEGEND // Johanna Hall

I think the article is something everyone should’ve read, so I feel like it could’ve had a (larger) “spotlight.” I personally am always considerate to waiters and can’t stand it when others are rude to waiters.

It’s a job that is susceptible to many “inside” factors, but most aren’t considerate of that.

I love the story about (social studies department teacher Stephen) Hinson because he is such an amazing teacher and deserves to be talked about.

I enjoyed that you talked about his stories because that is what makes him and his class so great. His stories always make class feel like a relaxing environment to learn. You can really tell he cares about the students and the feeling is definitely mutual!

-- Darling Vasques, senior

-- Mary Carroll Waller, senior

>> NEWS

>> VARIETY

REVIEWING PERSONAL PROJECTS // Since the distant years of middle school, I was aware of the project that I would have to complete in 10th grade. Once the time came around, I shrugged it off, because I knew that I wouldn’t have to do it. I think there are some reasons as to why basically no one else did it either. The amount of school work in sophomore year, along with other extracurriculars, doesn’t give much time for a long project. I had a good idea for one surrounding animations, but I couldn’t possibly find the time to do it. Also, in a world where school is about grades and how they affect your future, there was no clear benefit to doing the IB project.

Hopefully in the future these aspects can change, because it could really benefit students.

“M

-- Arianna Hamilton, junior

Corrections/Omissions April/May 2017 on page 43, it should say “APRIL.” on page 45, it should say “APRIL.” on page 14, Dr. Robert Lawrence is the Fine Arts department co-chair. on page 14, the photo was taken by Emma Ramsay.

Contact

ODYSSEY Newsmagazine

A FINALE TO REMEMBER // Katie Grace

aybe we need more firsthand accounts of people who have experienced sexual assault.

“

Zoe Peterson

--Math department teacher Kara Coalson on Viewpoints Editor Katy Mayfield’s editorial “Dear Male Friends”, on the influence young men have on each other regarding the issue of feminism.

Upchurch and Emerson Meyer The orchestra story really interested me because I also have to say goodbye to friends from band every year at the final band concert. I feel many of the same things said in this article, which really made me interested. I really enjoyed this article and I hope more of this nature are made in the future.

-- Sam Wilson, sophomore

>> SPORTS JERSEYS AND JORDANS // Maddie Ingle I really liked the article. I feel like it’s an interesting and inspiring story that really shows how collecting sneakers really helped him. It shows how hobbies that people have can really help them through their problems. It’s really cool that this helped him so much and continued to be a part of his life.

-- Gabe Fricks-Starratt, freshman

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

6 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

ANEESA

CONINE-NAKANO

“I

don’t see color.”

Most people have either heard or said this sentiment at some point in their life.

It’s a nice notion, right?

If one cannot see color, they cannot be racist. Race and all the intricacies that follow it can suddenly be erased from their minds and they can live in peace.

Wrong.

Along with the U.S. Civil Rights Movement starting in the mid-1950s came the “progressive” ideology that not seeing color was a way to avoid being racist.

This morphed into the idea that race should not be a factor considered in applications, creating systems and services.

For example, the stance against affirmative action is widely backed up by the idea of color blindness, as well as the case against ethnic studies programs. Regardless of one’s opinions on either of these issues, claiming to not see color as a rebuke for programs designed to promote equality is insufficient and naive.

Racism doesn’t come from acknowledging that color and different races exist. The problem is when people act upon and vocalize racist beliefs, intentionally or unintentionally.

“Colorblindness” is a cheap evasion of difficult conversations, and people neglect that race is a major part of one’s identity. It often informs how we see and interact with the world and conversely, how the world sees and interacts with us.

Based on where one lives, their upbringing, their personal identity and countless other factors, people form ideologies about race, class, gender and sexuality, among other groupings. Stereotypes can then manifest themselves into acts of bigotry, and more subtly through internalized racism.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR. Co Editor-inChief Aneesa Conine-Nakano examines the detrimental effects of racial “colorblindness.”

The failure of the colorblind mindset can be seen in a 2010 study published in a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. It concluded “students exposed to a colorblind mind-set, as opposed to a value-diversity mind-set, were actually less likely to detect overt instances of racial discrimination.”

Additionally, colorblindness can also translate into seeing everyone as having the same white, middle-class normative culture, portrayed in mainstream media, which is unfitting for many Americans.

The belief that America is a “melting pot” assumes that we are blended together, but we are not.

More importantly, we shouldn’t be.

By controlling the narrative of people of color and what they are presumed to aspire to be, we ignore a huge part of one’s identity.

If we can listen non-defensively to each other’s experiences, especially as it applies to race, whether negative or positive, it opens up a new realm of understanding. Though this may be a more lengthy than the color blind approach, everyone deserves better than to be assimilated into one culture, even if it is not “convenient” or “easy.”

Conversations about race and identity can be uncomfortable. Although no one person has the authority to speak for an entire race, by starting open-minded conversations about lived experiences, we open the door to more understanding and compassion.

If conversations are still too daunting, people can gain insight from the countless memoirs, studies and documentaries that examine the role of race and identity politics in society.

Regardless, ignorance cannot be bliss. It is our responsibility to do better than to sweep hard conversations under the rug.

“Colorblindness” is a cheap evasion of difficult conversations, and people neglect that race is a major part of one’s identity.

Cartoon by Suncana Pavlic.

Right: IGNORANCE IS BLISS?: The “colorblindness” ideology has become prevalent in society, but refusing to “see color” is unproductive and does more harm than good to race relations and conversations.

>> VIEWPOINTS

SAM

MATTERN-PARKES

“It sucks. (The cafeteria is) super crowded for no reason, and the pizza be going missing like extra fast. ”

BUSY BURDEN. Homework and classwork involving worksheets, or “busy work”, does little to help students learn.

-- DAELYNN WHITE, sophomore

A

math teacher finishes a lesson on trigonometry. When the slideshow ends, the teacher grabs a stack of papers and starts handing them out. It’s worksheet time.

Every day. Every class. Everyone gets the same thing: a worksheet of some kind for classwork or homework, and most of the time more homework on top of that.

Worksheets and homework are, in theory, supposed to provide practice to cement concepts into students’ minds. However, when applied to a class of students with a large range in abilities, it falls apart.

Students who would find the work helpful end up left behind, not sure how to complete them, and the students who already know the material blitz through it or ignore it. Either way, not much ends up being done.

“When we go to the buses, I keep bumping into people, and it’s just weird, and I be losing some stuff.”

-- DAVID REYES, freshman

Worksheets and homework are used as a onesize-fits-all method of practice.

“It’s too many people. I didn’t go here last year. I went to Cedar, and Cedar (Shoals High School) didn’t have this many people. So, (there’s) a big, big difference.”

-- MAKALA SMITH, junior

With several Clarke Central High School class sizes well over 35, there are not many ways for teachers to give students practice. Worksheets and homework are used as a one-size-fits-all method of practice. Not because it is the best practice, but because there are very few other options.

How else can educators hope to give everyone in a large class practice?

Homework and classwork obviously have a place, but their place is where it is actually helping students, not boring or confusing them.

Smaller classes at appropriate student skill levels would solve this problem. Instead of cramming 30-plus kids into classes, having classes with half that amount, all at similar proficiency levels, would allow for more effective teaching.

Simply allowing more teacher-student interaction, rather than teacher-group interaction, would help everyone learn. Students at all ability levels would be accommodated and able to learn.

Fewer students would be bored or behind.

“I came from a high school that had 4,500 kids, or 4,700 kids, so to me, this is very small compared to what I just came from. I actually really like it.”

-- EFRIN TREVINO, senior

Below: ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL: Though homework and classwork can be important tools for learning, “busy work” or worksheets during class do not always suit the needs of all students.

Illustration by Paulina Hafer

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

How do you feel about crowding due to an increase in student enrollment?

“It’s challenging within the classrooms, but truthfully, I think it shows that the community sees that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing, and so I’m excited about it.”

-- SHANA BIGGS, social studies department teacher --Compiled by Katie Grace Upchurch, Violet Merritt and Valeria Garcia-Pozo

8 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

VIEWPOINTS <<

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

NAOMI HENDERSHOT

Fresh Voice Freshman Naomi Hendershot explores the role the media plays in young women’s body image.

I

look in the mirror and I am unhappy with what I see. I stand there and critique every inch of my body. My stomach too fat, my breasts too big, my butt too flat and my nose too big.

I’ve always been my biggest critic.

Fifth grade was when I started to feel insecure about my looks. My three, sadly unforgettable, years of middle school weren’t pretty either.

Even now I still struggle with loving myself. I constantly compare myself to the beautiful, “ideal” women I see on social media and in fashion magazines. I even compare myself to female peers at school.

I look at them, then myself and wonder what they have that I don’t that gets them the heart eye emojis under every picture they post of themselves.

GREETINGS TO GORHAM

NO FLYING COLORS

Clarke Central High School welcomed new associate principal Amanda Gorham for the 2017-18 school year.

The “colorblindness” ideology does more harm than good, as race is a part of one’s identity that society should embrace, not ignore.

FOOD TRUCK FUN A food truck festival was held just minutes from CCHS. Holy Crepe!

COMEBACK KID Clarke Central High School senior Sam Tardits, a rugby player from France, returned to CCHS and the varsity football team for the 2017-18 school year.

MEANING TO TELL YOU

NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT Singer/songwriter R.LUM.R, gives listeners an emotional and raw performane in his debut extended play record “AFTERIMAGE”.

HOT CORNER Despite efforts to increase the number of minority-owned businesses in Downtown Athens, the number of businesses has decreased from 67 to three.

FIGHTING WORDS “Trash talk” between teams at sporting events may seem harmless, but it can lead to violence between players.

Evidence of the body positivity movement can be seen by consumers.

Companies, like American Eagle are using models of different body types in their advertisements. Mattel launched a new line of Barbie dolls with diverse body types in 2016. Unilever’s Dove even joined the movement by including women with a wide range of body types in their advertisements, as well.

Though some progress has been made, this part of the industry is still the minority and not as prominent as it should be. If plus-size models like Philomena Kwao or Iskra Lawrence were more prominent in the fashion industry, then maybe I would be more accepting of my own body.

Society has promoted a message to women and girls that if we don’t fit the certain beauty standard we are considered ugly and that’s just not true.

Instead of promoting the same thin figure we see in these magazines, the fashion industry should represent more shapes and sizes because that’s what there are -- different shapes of women that are all beautiful.

Below: WRONG IDEA: Freshman Naomi Hendershot believes that more body types than just the stereotypically beautiful skinny body type should be praised and represented in the media.

Graphic by Suncana Pavlic

Superintendent Dr. Demond Means shares his goals for his first year as superintendent and reflects on his life in education.

REVITALIZE RETAKES Clarke County School District’s 2017-18 testing retake policy encourages failure.

I wonder what they have that I don’t that gets them the heart eye comments under every picture they post of themselves.

BODY NEGATIVITY Young girls often feel uncomfortable with their bodies due to a lack of body diversity in the media.

-- Compiled by Valeria Garcia-Pozo SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

|9

>> VIEWPOINTS

DELIA

ADAMSOn

BOILING POINT. Managing Editor Delia Adamson shares her experience with Personal Learning Devices.

A

s I look around the room, everyone is on their computer. Everyone is focused. The room is eerily silent, except for an incessant clicking of the keyboard.

Click. Click. Click.

My freshman year at Clarke Central High School was when I -- along with the Clarke County School District -- was introduced to Personal Learning Devices. The 2014-15 freshman class was the first to implement the 1:1 initiative set forth by the CCSD with the hope that

by August of 2016, every student in the district would have these devices. Looking back, they were large, clunky computers with Wi-Fi capabilities slower than molasses in January and, on top of that, they took up the majority of my backpack space.

I was not a fan.

During my sophomore year, I was introduced to Google Classroom. A new, seemingly-magical tool designed to make submitting assignments easier, as well as 100 percent paperless with the help of our new handy-dandy PLDs. In retrospect, I thought that Google Classroom was great. I could do everything I needed online. I took notes online, submitted all my assignments online and even had access to virtual textbooks with the click of a button.

It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until I volunteered as a guest reader at Barrow Elementary School that I realized the major impact these devices had on students, especially those of such a young age.

Why did a first grader need a computer?

Immediately my mind raced back to my elementary school days. Back then, I completed written assignments, took notes with paper and pencils and physically opened textbooks as my sole source to get information.

This 1:1 initiative, while convenient, is taking authentic learning skills away from students by making them rely on computers and other forms of technology as the primary outlet for their education.

Instead of textbooks, students receive computers. Instead of handed out assignments, students receive hyperlinks posted on a board. Learning how to write in cursive transitions to typing on a keyboard and important fundamental skills are lost in translation.

A student should not be taught to depend on their computer in order to complete their work, or rather feel chained to their computer.

It is obvious we live in a world that is very dependent on technology. Smart devices, televisions and laptops are around us constantly, so it is inevitable that technology follows us into the schoolhouse.

But it should not dominate the classroom.

Instead of textbooks, students receive computers.

Instead of handed out assignments, students receive links posted on a board.

Below: HEAD START?: Personal learning devices (PLDs) place a greater emphasis on technology than on more traditional approaches to education, which can be harmful, especially to younger students.

Photo illustration by Suncana Pavlic

10 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

VIEWPOINTS <<

VALERIA

GARCIA-POZO

TAKE IT BACK. Clarke County School District’s 2017-18 testing retake guidelines encourage procrastination and reward students who fail.

A

student, hands shaking with anxiety, sits down at her desk. She glances over the math problems on the test in front of her and the numbers look like a foreign language.

As she works through the exam, problem after problem, she realizes she doesn’t know enough material to get an A. Or even a B. She is faced with a choice.

She can either try her best and earn a barely passing grade in the 70s, or she can tank the exam for a second shot.

There is no penalty for retakes -- no problem. Just a remediation, and she still has a chance to earn a 100 -- opportunity for full credit.

This is the dilemma Clarke County School District students will be faced with as they take tests during the 2017-18 school year.

According to a set of guidelines from the High School Instructional Council, no CCSD student may retake an assessment unless they have made a grade below 70, as a retake policy was only specified for failing summative assessments.

With this policy, any student has the opportunity to earn back full credit on an exam they would otherwise perform mediocrely on.

All they have to do is fail.

Despite the fact that a C is considered “mastery of content” in the CCSD, repeated summative grades at this level can add up quickly, counting for 35 percent of a student’s class grade according to the CCSD Code of Conduct.

Additionally, knowing only 70 percent of a set of concepts would hardly be considered “mastery of content” outside of this academic context.

There are no retakes in the “real world” As the students in the CCSD grow and mature, they will come to realize there are no retakes in the “real world” -- particularly if they know failing the first time will guarantee future success.

For a school district that takes so much pride in individual student success, this policy is a step in the wrong direction.

Some may argue this policy encourages students to work harder to pass exams initially, but it is more likely that students will simply take advantage of the second chance they’re guaranteed if they fail.

Student culture will not shift because of this change. It will merely adjust to it.

Test remediations, although often grueling and arduous tasks, will not scare students away from using loopholes to ensure good grades. Rather, if facilitated correctly, remediations will only increase students’ chances of making better scores the second time.

Besides, test remediations and making corrections are beneficial in any case.

These strategies allow students to sit down and learn from their mistakes one-on-one with their teachers, granting them the opportunity to learn the correct way to perform the skills they need to know.

But, the current test retake guidelines discourage the excellence that CCSD strives for and incentivize failure.

If teachers aren’t given discretion when it comes to test retake policies, what’s the point of studying hard and succeeding the first time?

Right: SECRET WEAPON: A student ponders what to do when he thinks he is destined for a 70 on a test, then decides to fail it on purpose, gaining the opportunity to retake it. Cartoon by Suncana Pavlic

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 11

>> NEWS Featured: AMANDA THE ASSOCIATE: Clarke Central High School Associate Principal Amanda Gorham stands in front of the CCHS main entrance. Gorham has been a teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal all before coming to CCHS. “(My biggest accomplishment) in my career would probably be being teacher of the year multiple times. Being where I am and being a principal at the age when I became a principal is probably a big accomplishment,” Gorham said. “Overcoming so many odds. I could be a lot of different places, so just being successful to whatever extent that is is my biggest accomplishment.” Photo by Zoe Peterson

12 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

NEWS <<

growing with Gorham At the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, Clarke Central High School welcomed Amanda Gorham to fill the position of associate principal vacated by Principal Marie Yuran in September 2016.

A

s a student who grew up in a single-parent home with several siblings, was pregnant as she walked across her high school graduation stage and became homeless at the age of 17, Clarke Central High School Associate Principal Amanda Gorham knows first-hand the challenges many of her students may face.

“I was probably one of the worst kids ever in school. My friends (from school) are really shocked.

They’re like, ‘You’re a teacher? You’re an educator?

You used to fight teachers.’ I was that bad,” Gorham said. “I got arrested in school my sixth grade year fighting the principal. They cuffed my hands and my feet. I was that out of control, but I always had teachers who invested in me. Always, no matter how bad I was, for some reason they never gave up on me.”

According to Gorham, many teachers found her hard to handle, but her high school basketball coach saw beyond the surface. Will Cook, who was Gorham’s coach on and off the court at Tri-Cities High School in East Point Georgia knew he could reach the future educator.

“As an adult and as a parent, you can see some people’s potential. They have greatness all over them. They don’t see it because they’re still very young but there was just something special about (Gorham),” Cook who is now a school counselor at

BY ELENA GILBERTSON-HALL News Staffer

“I got arrested in school my sixth grade year fighting the principal. They cuffed my hands and my feet. I was that out of control, but I always had teachers who invested in me. Always, no matter how bad I was, for some reason they never gave up on me.”

-- AMANDA GORHAM, Clarke Central High School Associate Principal

Cherry Creek High School in Colorado said. “In a controlled situation you could really see how intelligent she was. She could be very respectful and she was a listener. She would really listen to you. When you see that kind of potential in a person, it drives you as an educator to help that person reach their potential.”

At the age of 14, Gorham was making turkey on wheat to earn extra cash at the local Subway. After she graduated high school in 1998, she took jobs at AT&T and Equifax to support herself and her son Trevon. But, when the bills started piling up, she realized she needed to go back to school.

While balancing school and raising Trevon, Gorham attended Fort Valley State University and

“I try to make sure that I’m visible and interacting with kids -that’s why I’m in the halls all the time. I think that’s essential for me -- I need that interaction with the kids. (And) being at the top allows you to impact people who directly impact kids, so you get to put your touch on everything.”

-- AMANDA GORHAM, CCHS associate principal

SEPTEMBER 2017

received her bachelor’s degree in middle grades education and her master’s degree in counseling.

She then enrolled in Nova Southeastern University and earned a specialist’s degree in leadership.

Gorham is currently working towards her doctorate in philosophy in educational leadership and administration at the University of Georgia.

“It was a struggle (going through school with a young child), but I knew that if I was going to build a better life for him, that’s what I had to do. There were a lot of sacrifices that had to be made to get to the point where we are, but I think we’ve reaped the rewards,” Gorham said.

Gorham was a math teacher for four years and a school counselor for five years before taking on administrative positions, such as vice principal, principal and now associate principal. She has worked at eight different schools in six counties, including Fulton, Greene, Walton, Onondaga (in New York), Macon and now Clarke. Having held several positions in education, Gorham still has a special spot for one job in particular.

“If I had to pick a favorite, I would pick counseling,” Gorham said. “And that’s because in counseling, you get to spend so much of your time with kids. There’s not this huge accountability piece hanging over your head. It’s really about the kids.”

Although Gorham no longer serves as a counselor, she attempts to be accessible to all students.

“I try to make sure that I’m visible and interacting with kids. That’s why I’m in the halls all the

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 13

>> NEWS Timeline by Elena Gilbertson-Hall and Delia Adamson

time. I think that’s essential for me. I need that interaction with the kids,” Gorham said. “(And) being at the top allows you to impact people who directly impact kids, so you get to put your touch on everything.”

Gorham believes her years of experience have prepared her to take on the associate principal position at CCHS. “I can read people and know how to address situations,” Gorham said. “It also allows me to understand the total picture of what’s going on in a school building having been in so many diverse positions.”

Prior to her appointment at CCHS, Gorham was the principal at Macon County Middle School but feels it was the right move to take the position at CCHS. “I always research a school and the demographics to determine whether it would be a good fit for me.

(CCHS) turned out to be perfect. I’m finishing up my PhD at the University of Georgia so that allowed me to be (in Athens) and still work and still make the same amount of money that I was making as a principal. I just feel like everything is by design and it’s been a total blessing to be able to do everything,” Gorham said.

“Ms. Gorham is a team player.

She has experience as a building principal which gives her a broad knowledge-base and she is confident and energetic and quick on her feet.”

-- SHEILA DUNHAM, CCHS Assistant Principal

Gorham joins a CCHS administrative team that was without an associate principal since Sept. 2016 when Marie Yuran was named school principal. For Assistant Principal Sheila Dunham, Gorham’s addition has been welcome.

“Ms. Gorham is a team player. She has experience as a building principal, which gives her a broad knowledge-base and she is confident and energetic and quick on her feet,” Dunham said. “I am glad that we are a complete administrative team, especially with our increased student enrollment. The transition has been smooth and there have been no bumps in the road so far.”

While Gorham’s addition has been beneficial for the four-person administrative team, sophomore Hunter Chambers is still awaiting Gorham’s formal interaction with the student body of over 1700.

“I feel like they should announce (Gorham) on the intercom and state her place and position because most people don’t even know who she is, and she walks up to them in the hallway and tells them something and

14 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

they’re like, ‘Who are you? You’re new here and I don’t even know who you are and you’re telling me a rule or direction,’” Chambers said.

Gorham is aware of students’ lack of familiarity with her and her position, but believes that over time, students will understand her role.

“I think students are learning who I am, whether I’m coming in and out of their classrooms or just in the hallways like, ‘Get to class,’” Gorham said. “It’s interesting, kids say I’m mean until they get to talk to me, but I do want them in class and doing the right thing. So, I think they’re learning who I am.”

Gorham’s impact not only extends to students, but also to her family. Tamekia Felton, Gorham’s older sister, was originally a nurse and a firefighter until

“It’s interesting. Kids say I’m mean until they get to talk to me, but I do want them in class and doing the right thing. So, I think they’re learning who I am.”

Photos courtesy of Amanda Gorham

NEWS <<

Above: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: Gorham attended schools in Fulton County and then went on to college and graduate school. Gorham’s high school teacher and basketball coach Will Cook says that Gorham struggled with behavior at school, but overcame those issues. “(Gorham) was rough in high school. I knew she was very intelligent and I knew she had great potential, not just as a basketball player, but moving forward as a student,” Cook said. “She is a role model and a testimony and a great example of despite all the challenges, if you listen and if you learn, these opportunities are there.” Below: GRAD AND GLAD: Clarke Central High School Associate Principal Amanda Gorham stands with her family on her high school graduation day.

Gorham struggled in school, but eventually graduated and went on to college. “I graduated from Tri-Cities High School, Gorham said. “I almost dropped out of high school, but I didn’t, thank God, and here I am.”

-- AMANDA GORHAM, CCHS Associate Principal

SEPTEMBER 2017

Below: GORHAM’S GOT IT: Clarke Central High School Associate Principal Amanda Gorham interacts with a CCHS junior Maniya Foster in the cafeteria as she monitors the lunchroom. Gorham’s sister Tamika Felton says that Gorham loves working in education. “(Gorham) is passionate and I think she is an awesome leader,” Felton said. “She is good at what she does, she strives to make the kids better and she has a great passionate for her work. She puts a lot into what she does.”

Photo by Zoe Peterson

Gorham convinced her to make a change.

“She encouraged me to go into education about two years ago. I started off subbing for her in Macon County and she encouraged me to become a (paraprofessional),” Felton, who now serves as a paraprofessional at CCHS said. “I worked under her as a (substitute teacher) for one year and as a paraprofessional for one year when she was a principal in Macon County.”

Life for Gorham is a balancing act. While managing her family, her schooling at UGA and her position at CCHS, she still manages to make time for the things she loves.

“I’ve been playing basketball my whole life. That was my escape from everything else in the world. I play with a military team, I play with a couple women’s leagues, that’s what I do,” Gorham said. “My other thing is movies -- I love to go to the movies. My favorites are ‘Love and Basketball’ and ‘Coming to America,’ hands down.”

Though Gorham enjoys her hobbies, her biggest passion is education and working with students. As Gorham settles into her role at CCHS, with a resume of diverse experiences behind her, she wants students to know she believes in them.

“No matter the circumstances or background, they can be successful. You just have to work at it,” Gorham said. “I want them to know that I want them to be the best that they can be. That’s what I work for.”

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 15

>> NEWS

The Clarke County School District’s testing retake guidelines for the 2017-18 school year have caused mixed reactions.

D

uring the past year, the High School Instructional Council, comprised of representatives from Clarke County School District high schools, reviewed the high school grading guidelines and reformed the guidelines for retaking tests in order to institute greater consistency across schools.

According to the CCSD high school grading guidelines in the failing summative assessments section, “An alternate form of assessment may be retaken after a period of review (or) remediation.

The higher score earned on the second-chance assessment is granted. There will be no retake opportunity on final exams.”

Many Advanced Placement teachers do not give retests. However, for non-AP classes, students that fail can retake tests for full credit back.

“Other than AP (courses), the school is giving retests if the student fails the test. AP, since it’s a college-level course, usually don’t retest. I don’t retest in my AP classes, (but) other kids get a retest if they fail,” Clarke Central High School math department teacher Joy Sapp said.

BY ELENA GILBERTSON-HALL News Staffer

CCHS math department teacher Adam Osborne was informed of the guideline change by CCHS administrators during pre-planning sessions prior to school starting.

“It is our understanding, the way that is was explained to (teachers), that in order to be eligible to retake a summative assessment, students have to fail it and remediate. (Classroom) retake (guidelines) come straight from the district policy from the high school grading guidelines,” Osborne said.

CCHS Principal Marie Yuran, a member of the HSIC, believes that the new testing retake guidelines benefit students struggling with the content as well as encourages students to be prepared for assessments. “(The new guidelines) really behoove all of us to be prepared for that assessment as best as we can be, knowing that we may only have one shot and we have to prepare appropriately,” Yuran said. “It also gives flexibility for students strug-- ANASTASIA MACK, gling with mastery CCHS freshman of content to continue learning, so it wouldn’t be

“We really want to focus on students who need the help versus those who are just overachievers.”

“If you have a 70, that’s still good so you shouldn’t stress about getting a higher grade, but if you wanted to push yourself, I think they should let us do that.”

16 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

-- COURTNEY JONES, social studies department co-chair detrimental to them moving forward.”

However, CCHS sophomore Maggie DeMaria believes that the guidelines give an advantage to less hardworking students.

“I don’t like the idea of the (testing retake guidelines) because it creates a giant loophole,” DeMaria said. “Students who try hard don’t get rewarded for their hard work, while students who don’t do anything can get full credit back for something they didn’t do the first time, which is not fair.”

CCHS freshman Anastasia Mack is unsure why testing retakes are limited to students who fail summative assessments.

“If you have a 70, that’s still good, so you shouldn’t stress about getting a higher grade, but if you wanted to push yourself, I think they should let us do that,” Mack said.

CCHS social studies department teacher Courtney Jones generally supports the guidelines and believes the remediation piece is key.

“If we give retakes, it’s just for people who fail and they have to do remediation. We’re not just going to give back the same test and say, ‘Do it again.’

The point is that you obviously need help, so let’s get you where you need to be and see what you need help with,” Jones said. “(The HSIC) may be trying to combat the idea of (teachers) not actually trying to reteach the information, but just trying SEPTEMBER 2017

to get (students) to guess again, so their grade is better.”

Osborne, who is implementing the new guidelines in his classroom this year, acknowledges loopholes in the guidelines.

“I think if a student was inclined to try to beat the system and purposefully fail a test (in order to receive full credit back on the retake), it’s wide open for them to do that. Whether it encourages that or not, I think that depends on the individual, but the opportunity is definitely there,” Osborne said. “Once I read (the guidelines) to my students when we were going over the syllabus, they all had the reaction that they should all just tank it, which of course I discourage them from doing, but they were a little bit shocked.”

While there may be percieved problems for teachers, Jones believes the new guidelines will make grading easier.

“Teachers are overloaded with the amount of retakes if you allow every kid (who scored) from a 30 to a 99 do a retake, you are basically going to regrade the entire class. We really want to focus on students who need the help versus those that are just overachievers. (Overachievers) deserve all the love too, but we have to prioritize to an extent,” Jones said.

Sapp believes that although it will be an adjustment, teachers and students will adapt to the guidelines.

“We’re all going to follow our directives. (Teachers) will support (the guidelines), but we recognize that the students who don’t qualify for a retest better study the first time. Students are just going to have to adjust,” Sapp said. “I think that the students are going to rise to the occasion and study and plan to do well on the first test.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

Infographic by Jurnee Louder and Delia Adamson

NEWS <<

Above: POLLING THE POPULATION: On Sept. 25, 293 Clarke Central High School students were polled about the Clarke County School District’s testing retake policy. The policy requires students to fail a test in order to retake it and those students can retake the test for full credit back after. “Usually I try pretty hard on things, so when I get a score that I know I can correct and get a better grade on, it bumps up my average,” CCHS sophomore Maggie DeMaria said. “But now that I can’t do that, my average will probably lower or I’ll have to work 10 times harder to get to that point.”

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 17

>> FEATURES Featured: THE PLACE TO BE: Clarke County School District Superintendent Demond Means visited Clarke Central High School on Sept. 5. Before coming to the CCSD, Means was the Mequon-Thiensville School District Superintendent but felt CCSD would be a great step for him as a professional and for his family. “I think the diversity of not only people but challenges and opportunities makes this a very unique place,” Means said. “It’s also a place I felt confident my wife and I could raise our daughter and be happy.”

All photos by Zoe Peterson

18 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

FEATURES <<

MEeting MEANS Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Demond Means makes Athens his new home upon his hiring as CCSD superintendent in June. Means spoke candidly to Editor-in-Chief Lucia Bermudez about his history in and passion for education as well as his aspirations as superintendent.

BY LUCIA BERMUDEZ Co-Editor-in-Chief

BY MACKENZIE CAUDILL News Writer

GETTING PERSONAL Where are you from?

I grew up in the city of Milwaukee in the state of Wisconsin. I have one sister and went to public schools, the city public schools in Milwaukee.

What are some of your hobbies, interests, anything like that?

I really enjoy watching college athletics as much as possible. It’s a break. I like comedies. I haven’t found a really good comedy that I can dig into, but I like comedies like “30 Rock.” I loved “Parks and Rec.” I lived for “The Office.” I like that kind of stuff.

I think Will Ferrell is the greatest American thespian of the last 50 years. Who cares about (Robert) Deniro and (Al) Pacino and people like that? I think it’s about Will Ferrell. I like comedies a lot, just to kind of go away and not think about the stuff of the world.

someone said it that way?” I had teachers who allowed me to push the envelope that way and to press those questions. In their honor, I try to ask those questions professionally, even now. I get a little nervous when people say, ‘“Well, we’ve always done it that way.” That makes me nervous. Anyone that says that, I have to do a double take on them, because if you’re not open to new experiences and ideas, even just listening to them, I question it. I question your perspective.

What drew you into a career in education?

My interest in social studies led me to wanting to be a social studies teacher, but more importantly, I understand that from a policy standpoint, an administrator is really critical to making a school work. So, my interest in government and social

studies is actually a main driver to why I’m in the position I am today.

What degrees did you attain post high school?

I went to a place called Concordia University. My major was secondary education in social studies.

I went there because I grew up in a synod called The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and they impressed upon me that they wanted me to attend the university that they created as a synod. So, I went to that university and had a really good experience there. It was a smaller university and I think for that time in my life, that actually worked out well for me. I got my masters degree in educational leadership and also my doctorate in educational leadership from a small Catholic school in Milwaukee by the name of Cardinal Stritch University.

Below: YURAN STAMP OF APPROVAL: Clarke County School District Superintendent Demond Means talks with Clarke Central High School Principal Marie Yuran on Sept. 5. Yuran supports the appointment of Means as CCSD Superintendent. “I think he’s a passionate educator. He really is focused on equity and access for all students. He really challenged us, I think, as administrators to really look at where we are at Clarke Central and how we can meet the needs of all students at Clarke Central,” Yuran said. “That’s not any different necessarily than the work I believe we’ve been doing at Clarke Central, but I think a renewed focus is always important.”

A FOUNDATION IN EDUCATION What were you like as a kid growing up, and specifically, what were you like as a student in school?

I was the student who always asked the question(s) “Why?” and “Who said?” and “Who made that rule?” and “Why do we have to do it because SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 19

>> FEATURES

What various jobs have you had in the field of education?

I was a social studies teacher for three years (at Homestead High School in the Mequon-Thiensville School District) and I really enjoyed that. I also coached football and basketball and track while I was a teacher. I was then an assistant principal for two years (at Nicolet High School in Glendale, Wisconsin). Then the last year I was the associate principal, for all intents and purposes I was the principal of (Maple Dale School in Fox Point, Wisconsin). It’s a one-school district. I had all the principal responsibilities. I was then a director of human resources for three years (in the Wauwatosa School District). I was also an interim superintendent in Wauwatosa for a year. Then I (returned to Mequon-Thiensville School District) as an assistant superintendent in charge of educational services for three years. The past nine years, I was a superintendent.

Did you always know you wanted to be a superintendent?

Above: HISTORY AFFECTS THE FUTURE: Clarke County School District Superintendent Demond Means talks with Clarke Central High School students on Sept. 5. As a student, Means gravitated towards social studies -- a subject that interested him and what would later have an impact on his professional career. “My interest in social studies led me to wanting to be a social studies teacher but more importantly I understand that from a policy standpoint, an administrator is really critical to making a school work,” Means said. “My interest in government and social studies is actually a main driver to why I’m in the position I am today. I think I took every course in the social studies department as well.”Below: WELCOME CHANGE: Clarke County School District Superintendent Demond Means talks with CCHS fine arts department teacher Harriet Anderson on Sept. 5. Means is aware his new presence in CCSD will be a transitional process for students, staff and community members, but believes change is not something to be afraid of. “There’s new stuff that comes when you have a new superintendent and so it does impact students and teachers and parents. As we unfold some of these things there will be opportunity for people to weigh in a give their feedback, but inherently there will be change that comes,” Means said. “There’s change when you have a new principal. There’s change when you have a new anything.”

I always knew I wanted to be a superintendent from when I took Education 101. You can change the lives of children if the system is constructed in the right way that is based on equity and based on providing assets to all students.

What do you feel are some of your biggest accomplishments in education?

We accomplished a lot of good things in Mequon-Thiensville. We received a lot of accolades for our performance as a school system, but more importantly, some of the work I did at the state level as being a chair for the Promoting Excellence for All task force is something I’m proud of as well.

COMING TO the CLARKE COUNTY school district What brought you to CCSD and why did this county appeal to you?

20 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

v

FEATURES <<

I think the diversity of not only people, but challenges and opportunities, makes this a very unique place. Its also a place I felt confident my wife and I could raise our daughter and be happy.

How do you think the transition to a new superintendent affects the students, staff and the community in general?

There’s new stuff that comes when you have a new superintendent, and so it does impact students and teachers and parents. As we unfold some of these things, there will be opportunity for people to weigh in and give their feedback, but inherently, there will be change that comes. There’s change when you have a new principal. There’s change when you have a new anything. Inherently, there is some element of it that impacts the process.

What are some of your own personal goals as CCSD superintendent and also for your life here in Athens?

I just want to make sure that my family transitions into the community effectively and that we make this our new home. (I also hope) we’ll see greater student achievement. That’s part of building the process and building the strategies. I think it’s premature to talk about what the strategies are going to be, but when you ask what the end goal would be, what the vision is in the next three to five years, it’s (to) increase student achievement.

Above: MEANS MEANS BUSINESS: Clarke County School District Superintendent Demond Means visited Clarke Central High School on Sept. 5.

Although Means is new to this position, he already has a few goals in mind for CCSD. “We’ll see greater student achievement,” Means said. “I think it’s premature to talk about what the strategies are going to be, but when you ask what the end goal would be, what the vision is in the next three to five years, its increase student achievement.” Below: WARM WELCOME: Clarke County School District Superintendent Demond Means speaks to community members at an official Meet and Greet held at the Athens Community Career Academy on Aug. 14. In Mequon-Thiensville School District, the district Means worked in prior to CCSD, Means had a few proud moments. “We accomplished a lot of good things in Mequon-Thiensville,” Means said. “We received a lot of accolades for our performance as a school system but more importantly some of the work I did at the state level as being a chair for the Promoting Excellence for All task force is something I’m proud of as well.”

What are you hoping to do for CCSD students and families?

There’s a value proposition that every family deserves to receive when they send their child to school, regardless of whether they send them to one side of town or another side of town. We have an obligation as a school system to ensure that that’s happening for every student. That’s why being systemic is important. It shouldn’t matter if your child goes to Barrow Elementary School or goes to Gaines (Elementary School). They should have the same experience and the same access to educational opportunities. That’s why systems are really critical because if you don’t have a system in place, then there’s a high potential that those experiences will be different. If you have those different experiences that’s not fair.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 21

>> VARIETY

Cultural Buzz Raise Me

The Defenders

Project baby two

With the new app “RaiseMe”, high school students can easily attain scholarships from a variety of colleges. Users are asked a series of basic questions and can then begin inserting their high school grades.

“RaiseMe” automatically gathers a list of scholarships students are eligible for. While the app does not offer micro-scholarships for larger schools, it is highly functional, and quite helpful for high school students planning to attend college.

The overall interface is easy to understand and makes finding what one needs a simple task. While “RaiseMe” should work to expand the schools, it is a good way to attain financial aid to featured schools accepting micro-scholarships as well as helping students plan for the future they want.

Marvel’s Netflix original “The Defenders” came out on the streaming service on Aug. 18, and failed to live up to expectations.

The show takes place after the end of “Iron Fist” and brings together New York-based heroes Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones) in an eight-episode season.

The show relies on Marvel’s familiar witty banter and clever characters, but focuses on Iron Fist, the least popular character, while Luke Cage and Jessica Jones are reduced to passive side kicks with no real influence over the plot.

Overall, “The Defenders” is worth a watch, but it will leave viewers feeling like something is missing.

After releasing his last album, “Painting Pictures,” on March 31, rapper Kodak Black had a lot to live up to in producing his next album.

“Project Baby 2,” released on Aug. 18, is Kodak’s sixth studio album. Previously, Kodak’s albums have focused more on his involvement in criminal activity, while “Project Baby 2” talks more about his love life and getting out of jail.

Unlike his previous albums, Kodak seems to put more emotion and sincerity into several of his songs in this album, making it more engaging.

Overall, “Project Baby 2” isn’t Kodak’s best work, but songs like ‘Need A Break’ and ‘Transportin’’ make the album worth the listen.

-- Emma Ramsay, Variety Writer

-- Katie Grace-Upchurch, Visuals Staffer

A

-- Lily Bruce-Ritchie, Broadcast Staffer

not ‘luv’ing it

fter repeated delay and confusion throughout 2017, trap artist Lil Uzi Vert released his debut studio album, “Luv is Rage 2”, on Aug. 25. The album is a follow up to two of Uzi’s previous mixtapes, “Luv is Rage” and “Luv is Rage 1.5”.

Uzi has been releasing music since 2014, but he first saw major success following his inclusion in the XXL magazine 2016 Freshman Class and feature on Migos’ chart-topping single “Bad and Boujee”, released Oct. 28, 2016. This success was then furthered by the popularity of “Luv is Rage 2”’s only single “XO Tour Llif3” (Mar. 24), which also fared well on the charts.

Unfortunately, “XO Tour Llif3” is one of the only good things about “Luv is Rage 2”. Not even Pharrell or The Weeknd’s features on “Neon Guts” and “UnFazed”, respectively, can redeem the album.

The only enjoyable things about “Luv is Rage 2” are the beats, especially those produced by WondaGurl.

“Feelings Mutual” features some clever beat switching that plays along with the song’s hook. “How to Talk” is dense and serves as a nice break from obnoxiously loud, run-of-the-mill rolling hi-hats.

Trap, in itself, is a repetitive genre, however, “Luv is Rage 2” is painfully repetitive. Uzi spends the majority of the album either whining about his ex or playing up how successful he’s become. This would be excusable if Uzi hadn’t claimed that he’s not flexing in “X”, and then proceeded to do so for the entirety of “The Way Life Goes”.

But, Uzi manages to spoil this with slurred, nasal delivery that’s been autotuned to the moon and back, drowning out the backing tracks, even the bass.

This is even more evident in songs like “Two®” that smothers vocals with an unhealthy amount of reverb.

It’s hard to tell what Uzi is trying to say on most tracks. Luckily, no one’s missing anything profound.

Ultimately, Lil Uzi Vert’s first studio venture is nothing special. It isn’t worth spending the 56-minute runtime of “Luv is Rage 2” to listen to Uzi yell about his diamonds and “Raris” over and over again.

BY EVERETT VEREEN Web Master

22 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Photos used under Fair Use guidelines. Photo illustrations by Lucia Bermudez.

SEPTEMBER 2017

VARIETY <<

Cultural Buzz FENTy Beauty lip gloss

It

Trove

In one of the biggest cosmetic releases of the year, Rihanna unveiled her Fenty Beauty makeup line on Sept. 8. Compared to some of its department-store competitors, the line was rather inexpensive, but for those on a budget, one might be interested in the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in the shade “Fenty Glow” for $18.

The gloss is only available in one pink, “universal” shade. Once applied, the gloss leaves a lightly-tinted color and a classy, muted sheen on the lips. The Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer is not incredibly sticky, but it can definitely be reformulated for a more natural feel.

The gloss hardly passes the food and drink test and will likely have to be reapplied after a meal. But for $18 and the excitement of buying a new product, makeup aficionados should give this gloss a try.

Stephen King’s 1986 novel “It” was transformed into supernatural horror film released on Sept. 8.

The novel was previously released in 1990 as a TV mini-series.

The R-rated movie was carried by solid performances from its cast of young adult actors, but it was Bill Skarsgard who dominated the screen when he appeared as the film’s antagonist, Pennywise the Clown. Despite Skarsgard’s winning performance, Pennywise doesn’t always scare due to reliance on loud noises and bangs that startle the viewer more than scare. Director Andres Muschietti could have enhanced the tension for the scares the film eventually offers.

Overall, “It” is worth the price of admission on a late night with a group of friends despite sometimes falling flat.

Trove, a free iOS app, updated on Aug. 19, allows its users to follow style bloggers. When pulling up their feed, users can view outfit details and trending pieces. This is especially helpful because users can see where they can buy specific pieces.

Users can also save posts to their profile, but they cannot post their own photos. This limits the interaction and engagement between users, making the app less fun.

On the other hand, since only selected bloggers can post to the app, users consistently havehigh-quality feeds. Though it is a fun and beautifully designed app, Trove isn’t unique enough to be a necessity. The fashion bloggers featured on the app post the same content to other social media platforms and the features, though cool, are not new or innovative.

-- Jurnee Louder, News Editor

-- Connor McCage, Variety Editor

-- Aneesa Conine-Nakano, Co-Editor in Chief

notably dead

O

n Aug. 25, Netflix released its own adaptation of the “Death Note” franchise. With five previous movies, an anime series, a live action tv show, three video games and a musical, this series, originally a manga, has seen its fair share of adaptations.

The original 13 books followed Light Yagami as he dispensed omnipotent justice by killing those he saw fit to die in a small journal called the Death Note. Netflix, clearly not happy with their success in orginal content, decided to sink 40 million dollars into a film put together as poorly as a elementary school science fair project.

The 2017 adaptation of “Death Note” falls flat on its face. Director Adam Wingard leaves the viewers with a permanent crick in the neck due to the number of angled shots, which are all paired with a dark faded frame mimicking manga art that translates poorly to western cinema, making the film look artificial.

Along with terrible shots, the viewer is bombarded with artificial dialogue delivered by one dimensional characters. The acting in the film is bad, unbelievable and hardly feels human.

“Death Note”, originally, was all about the complex battle of wits between two mental giants: “Light” (Nat Wolff ) and, his antagonist, “L” (Keith Stanfield). While his character arch left him as a blank sheet that someone wrote antagonist on, at the beginning of the movie, “L” seemed to be a well-developed character similar to the one shown in the original book. “Light”, however, was not portryed as a mental giant, but rather a bumbling fool who couldn’t decide whether he had a God complex or was a jellyfish -- spineless and brainless. With a handful of background characters that vaguely resembled those in the original book, this Netflix adaptation feels more like a summary given by a fifth grader.

This movie has a great base -- the original Death Note series was well thought out and executed with precision. However, the same can’t be said about the Netflix adaptation. Everything that was done well in the original series was thrown out. Poor dialogue delivered by poor acting portrayed in terrible shots left viewers with the taste of a plastic apple in their mouth.

BY GABRIEL MANTIONE Buisness Manager

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 23

>> VARIETY

army strong Sergeant Raymond Bentley was 17 years old when he joined the Army. Now, 30 years later, he has found a family, a passion and himself along the way.

Featured: RAIDING RAIDERS: JROTC instructor Sergeant Raymond Bentley stands in front of Clarke Central High School’s Raiders team trophy case. This will be Bentley’s first full year as a teacher at CCHS, and he looks forward to being a Raiders instructor. “This was the ultimate position I wanted,” Bentley said. “When I retired, I wanted to do one of two things: help soldiers or help youth, because both of them are the future.” Photo by Zoe Peterson

24 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

VARIETY <<

T

hroughout his life, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps ( JROTC) instructor Sergeant Raymond Bentley has held many jobs in the United States Army. He was an Airborne and Infantry Ranger, Army Recruiter, Drill Sergeant and most recently, he served as a Master Fitness Trainer.

But, before the Army, he was just a kid from Connecticut with a single mom. According to Bentley, he was a confused high school student, who know what his future held.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn’t want to go back to school right out of high school. I also knew I did not want my mom to pay for me after school, so I joined the army,” Bentley said. “I joined initially for three years and that turned into 30.”

Upon entering the Army, Bentley began transforming himself and developing his identity.

“As I was being taught combat skills and discipline, I realized that I was becoming the person I wanted to be -- someone who is diligent and passionate about what they are doing. Without the Army, I’m not sure I would have found that,” Bentley said.

In addition to the skills he learned in the Army, Bentley learned to appreciate those around him, no matter their differences.

“Folks that join the military, the police force and even firefighters, are people that are willing to put their life and safety at risk for people that they don’t even know,” Bentley said. “You really love life because once you go through situations, like a firefighter in a burning building, you have a very great perspective about being able to live.”

Not only did the Army become a part of his identity, it gave him many opportunities he would not have had otherwise.

BY EMMA RAMSAY Variety staffer

“I was able to travel. I loved the traveling. I stayed mainly on the East Coast because as a father, I wanted to stay close to my kids, so I could actually raise them,” Bentley said.

However, with his duties in the service and travel schedule, Bentley could not always be with his family. He learned to cope with the difficulty.

replacement instructor, Bentley has made an impression on students like sophomore Tiffany Sierra.

“Sergeant Bentley showed up to Clarke Central with a big smile, which was such a good first impression as one of our new JROTC instructors.

He made it clear the first day at CCHS that we were going to start from the beginning,” Sierra said.

“I got to see my children grow and have stable lives. I was able to raise my family and get them some of the things that they needed and some of the things they wanted as well, thats my best memory.”

-- RAYMOND BENTLEY, Clarke Central High School JROTC Sergeant

“Praying helped me realize that the reason I could not be next to (my children) was because I was fulfilling my duty and obligations that I volunteered for. Knowing that I can’t be there because of this honorable thing I’m doing, it makes it easier,” Bentley said.

Following his Army career, Bentley wanted an outlet to share his experience and passion.

“When I retired, I wanted to do one of two things: help soldiers or help youth because both of them are the future,” Bentley said. “I helped out soldiers like I wanted to for a little while and now I’m helping out students.”

Since arriving to CCHS in February as a mid-year

According to Sierra, overestimated how prepared they were before Bentley’s arrival.

“We were like, ‘We’ve been in this program for so long we know the basics, we know everything.’

Turns out we didn’t know,” Sierra said. “There’s just so much he’s showed us in this short time he’s been here.”

As he reflects on his new career as a CCHS instructor, Bentley hopes his students will find their path to happiness, just as he did.

“I hope that (my students) will consider joining the military because like myself, I know they will find their best self through it, but ultimately they have to do what makes them happy,” Bentley said.

Photo by Emma Ramsay

Below: NO REGRETS: JROTC teacher Sergeant Raymond Bentley holds up a picture of him from his early days in the Army. He reminisces on his experiences in the military and is grateful for the time he served. “(After being in the military) you have a very great perspective about just being able to live. I appreciate every day and you go out there and bust your behind and do the right thing. That’s the thing I appreciate most,” Bentley said. “I’d do it all over again with no regrets.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 25

>> VARIETY

hottest corner in town For 65 years, Wilson’s His and Hers Styling Shop has witnessed drastic changes over the past 65 years it’s been open that Hot Corner and all of Athens has undergone.

1

950s and 1960s America presented a changing landscape in race relations with the advent of the Civil Rights Movement.

While tales of Montgomery and Selma are more widely known, the movement affected Athens, as well.

Wilson’s His and Hers Styling Shop, located in area known as the Hot Corner Business District, a historically African-American area for black businesses in Downtown Athens provided a hub for locals involved in the movement.

“During the days of (the Civil Rights Movement, people were marching. This shop would feed them and give them something to drink when they’d take their breaks,” shop operator Homer Wilson said. “So, this shop has always been a shop for the community.”

Wilson and his father, M.C. Wilson, aided the marchers and remembers the experience fondly.

BY MACKENZIE CAUDILL News Writer

“My daddy had me in here preparing food and preparing lemonade for (the marchers) to drink,” Wilson said. “It was a good experience because we had the chance to meet a lot of people from different areas that came to town.”

In addition to helping protesters, Wilson’s His and Hers Styling Shop, located on 343 N. Hull Street, has been serving customers -- with haircuts and hairstyles -- for 65 years. Community member Lucy Blair has lived in Athens all of her 81 years and remembers getting her hair cut at the shop as a young girl.

“Wilson’s Barber Shop has been there for a long, long time. Homer’s daddy used to cut my hair,” Blair said. “He was a real nice man. People just loved him and his family. The whole family is wonderful people. I really care a lot for them.”

Wilson’s father died in 2008, but Wilson has tried to continue the spirit that has father instilled.

Wilson believes barber shops are often character-

26 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

ized by their communal nature, and his business is no exception.

“The barber shop has always been the place where you learn about community, about what’s going on,” Wilson said. “One thing about the barber shop is you’re gonna get the truth. We know everybody’s business.”

But, things have changed in Downtown Athens since Wilson’s His and Styling Shop opened. Once, 67 Black-owned businesses occupied Hot Corner.

Now, only Wilson’s and Brown’s Barber Shop and remain.

“A lot of people left and some stayed and we happened to be the ones that stayed,” Wilson said.

“I love Downtown. I got one brother that still works with me Downtown, but the rest of them, they like being out in shopping centers. I think it’s what you really like but, I’m a townie. I like Downtown.”

With the loss of Black-owned businesses comes the loss of history. Blair remembers what Hot SEPTEMBER 2017

VARIETY <<

Opposite: A FAMILY THING: Homer Wilson sits in a barber seat at Wilson’s His and Her Styling Shop, a barber shop his father M.C Wilson owned until his death in 2008. According to Wilson, his father was a people-person and enjoyed connecting with the community. “A lot of people I met through my dad,” Wilson said. “My dad, he knew everybody. He could get along with anybody. He had a personality you don’t just find anywhere.” Photo by Zoe Peterson

Corner was like in the past.

“Hot Corner was Hot Corner. That’s why they call it Hot Corner, because it was hot,” Blair said.

“That’s where all the Black people, that’s where they would go and have a good time.”

In an effort to remember the history behind Hot Corner, Wilson founded the annual Hot Corner Festival, which takes place on July 9-10 on the corner of Hull and Washington Street. Wilson thought of the idea in 1998 and put it into action in 2000.

Athens Technical College professor Dr. Tawana Mattox is the coordinator for the festival and helps Wilson organize it.

“We want to promote diversity downtown because it’s all of our Downtown and we want all people to feel welcome,” Mattox said. “A lot of the time African Americans might not come Downtown other times of the year, but they come down the time of the festival.”

Wilson feels that the Hot Corner Festival is able SEPTEMBER 2017

to combine entertainment with the awareness of the importance of minority businesses.

“This is Hot Corner. If you move it somewhere, else it won’t be Hot Corner, so the festival brings people in for the whole weekend: a lot of music, a lot of fun,” Wilson said. “A lot of goodness, a lot of food. People come in and talk about old businesses.

It’s very important that there’s a minority event once a year downtown.”

Mayor Nancy Denson has been involved with the festival since 2000.

“The Hot Corner Festival is something I’ve been participating in, I guess, since the very beginning,” Denson said. “I think that it’s just a wonderful cultural thing that brings the whole community together.”

According to Mattox, Wilson feels the continuation of the festival is important. “( Wilson) and his father are like the legends for this festival,” Mattox said. “They felt a need for this

history to be preserved, as well as to encourage business ownership. It’s important that everybody, especially the next generation, understand the full history of Athens and this is a huge part of Athens history.”

Wilson encourages Black community members to own a business and add to present-day Hot Corner business district.

“There were once a lot of history of Black businesses in Downtown Athens and we want people to know that we’ve been here and still exist,” Wilson said. “If you forget where you come from, you’re bound to repeat history again. We’re not letting them repeat history again. We’re trying to keep some minority businesses Downtown.”

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 27

>> VARIETY

Food truck fiesta Pastor Edward Bolen hosted the the first Five Points Food Truck Party at the Milledge Avenue Baptist Church on Aug. 19.

F

ood trucks from all over Georgia gathered to celebrate the first annual Five Points Food Truck party on August 19.

The party was hosted by Pastor Edward Bolen and held at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church at 1690 S. Milledge Ave., just a few blocks from Clarke Central High School.

“We decided that since no one is doing food trucks on this side of town, we would have a backto-school food truck party in our neighborhood,” Bolen said. “We are not charging the food vendors anything. We just want our front yard to be a party.”

Holy Crepe!, King of Pops and 13 other food trucks participated. In addition to the food trucks, attendees had the chance to visit businesses, including Runway, which offered scarves and dresses for sale.

For Cedar Shoals High School sophomore Saccio Goodie, the food options were a perk of the party.

“I thought that the event was a really interesting idea and really cool. I love it when all the food trucks in Athens come out because there’s so many

BY CONNOR McCAGE

options,” Goodie said.

“I could get some mac and cheese or I could get some Asian food.”

In addition to providing fun, the event also helped the community. According to Athens Habitat for Humanity Outreach Director Bridget Silverwright, 10 percent of proceeds from the party went to the nonprofit organization.

“We are currently in the second phase of our new housing project. We just moved our first six tenants in,” Silverwright said. “This money is helping us fund that second phase and finish construction.”

Though Bolen did not originally plan to donate funds to Habitat for Humanity, he reached out to the organization after talking to the food truck owners.

“We decided that since no one is doing food trucks on this side of town, we would have a back-to-school food truck party in our neighborhood.”

Photo by Connor McCage

Variety Editor

-- EDWARD BOLEN, Milledge Avenue Baptist Church Pastor “We did not do this to hold a fundraiser. We did this to hold a party. We invited all our friends from the neighborhood and had a party,” Bolen said. “It was actually the owners of the food trucks that had the idea to donate to a charity. They like to give back when they do these things.”

At the end of the day, Bolen enjoyed the event and is open to holding it again in the future.

“When it is all said and done, we will talk to all our neighbors and partners and see if it was successful for them as vendors,” Bolen said.

“Whether this becomes an annual event or bi-annual event, I guess we will have to wait and see.”

Left: PARTY HARDY: On Aug. 19, the first Five Points Food Truck Festival was held. More than 13 food trucks and pop-up shops came from all over Georgia to participate in the festival. “We did not do this to hold a fundraiser.

We did this to hold a party.

We invited all our friends from the neighborhood and had a party,” organizerPastor Edward Bolen said.

28 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

VARIETY <<

Imagining greatness Singer/songwriter R.LUM.R, released his debut extended play record “AFTERIMAGE” on Aug. 11, in which he sings with emotion and showcases his raw talent through a broad range of genres.

R

eggie Williams Jr., also known as R.LUM.R (pronounced R-Lamar), released his debut six-track project on Aug. 11.

The extended play record, titled “AFTERIMAGE”, includes three previously released singles (“Frustrated”, “Love Less”, “Close Enough”) and three new ones (“Bleed Into The Water”, “Learn”, “Suddenly”).

Williams’ sound is similar to that of The Weeknd, mixed with 6LACK and Bryson Tiller. One could describe it as experimental or alt-R&B, although he really draws influence from virtually every genre one could imagine.

BY ZOE PETERSON Visuals Staffer

mellow track is presented. This speaks to the diversity of his music and large range of genres Williams feels comfortable covering. He’s definitely not shy, shown through his openness in trying new things.

“Close Enough” holds an important message, as well. The song is about a relationship that seems to be coming to an end, and Williams’ unhealthy attitude of not recognizing the right time to let go.

Instead, he searches for positive things to rationalize the darker sides of the relationship. Williams sings, “I wanna let you go but keep you close / I

wanna quit you cold but overdose,” over a punchy beat that’s sure to get stuck in listener’s heads.

Williams’ music is very emotional and personal to him, which is why people connect to it so well, similar to Frank Ocean’s appeal. He’s unafraid to share his personal feelings with the world, and seems to thrive even more creatively when doing so. Embracing of his own vulnerability seems to help fans through their own similar situations, which Williams says was his goal all along.

Below: RAW TALENT: Singer/songwriter R.LUM.R released “AFTERIMAGE” on Aug. 11, which received praise from fans due to its emotional and diverse body of work.

Williams’ music is very emotional and personal to him, which is why people connect to it so well.

Although he is now being labeled as as R&B artist, Williams began his musical career as a classical guitarist, and studied music at Manatee School For the Arts, a public charter school in Palmetto, Fl. He thought he would pursue this focus, following in the footsteps of artists like John Mayer, but found his hidden talent in alternative R&B music when producing songs for Chris Brown and Jason Derulo.

This changed his career, as he soon released hit song “Frustrated” in 2016 which gained popularity through Spotify playlists such as “Are & Be” and “Chilled R&B,” earning over 20 million streams as of Aug. 21.

“Frustrated” is deserving of its success -- the song holds a heavy beat balanced with Williams’ light, effortless falsetto and lyrics that flow. The song also sends an important message to listeners in what could be the best song on “AFTERIMAGE.” In “Bleed Into The Water”, Williams blends rock influence and a heavy guitar bassline with electronic beats, while in “Learn”, a much more downtempo,

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 29

>> SPORTS

le sack part deux Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits, a senior who grew up playing rugby in France, immerses himself in the world of football at CCHS and is faced with choosing between the two sports he loves.

B

efore the summer of 2016, Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits had never played football.

Tardits grew up in Biarritz, France, a little town with old buildings and narrow streets. He spent his time surfing and clubbing with his friends, and playing a wide variety of sports including tennis, judo, chistera, soccer and, most importantly to him, rugby.

“I went to a little school over there. It’s really nice. It’s kind of old, traditional people, so it was great,” Tardits said.

Tardits began attending boarding school at Lycée René Cassin in ninth grade, where he thrived playing rugby and developed a close relationship with his teammates, who he came to regard as family. “(Rugby is) a nonstop game, so it’s kind of mixed with soccer and football and you have no padding,” Tardits said. “It’s a smaller team, so everybody’s kind of your brothers and I live with them, as well, because I go to boarding school.”

After spending two years in boarding school, Tardits was encouraged by his father, Richard, to give football a shot.

Richard, who played for the University of GeorBY ANA ALDRIDGE Junior Copy Editor

gia from 1985 to 1988, was a walk-on who went on killing me,” Tardits said. “I wanted to take off the to be UGA’s all-time sack leader until 2004 -- earning helmet because I wasn’t used to it and everybody the nickname “Le Sack” -- and eventually play in the was just screaming.”

NFL. “(My dad) wanted me to live kind of the same experience with football in America, so he heard about Coach (David) Perno, who was the new (head football coach), and they -- SAM TARDITS, (got) in contact and Clarke Central High School senior defensive lineman so I came here,” Tardits said.

Standing at 6-foot-4 inches, weighing 218 pounds and armed with experience The adjustment period was difficult for Tardits. in collision sports, Tardits was well-equipped to join “It was pretty bad,” Tardits said. “It probably took the CCHS football team. However, learning a new a few weeks, maybe two or three, just to get used to sport did present its own challenges. the (helmet) and the shoulder pads.” “(My first football practice) was pretty hard. I had CCHS Defensive Coordinator Justin Jones played a lot of cramps and the heat was crazy. It was so hot a major part in helping Tardits acclimate to the new I thought I was gonna pass out and my neck was sport.

“Sports really helped me (make friends) because just by being on the football team, it (gave) me kind of a group.”

Photo courtesy of Sam Tardits

Left: TRANSLATING TALENT: Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits, a senior, plays a rugby match against his club team’s rivals in Biarritz, France.

Tardits feels that his experience playing rugby has helped him become a football player “Last year’s first (CCHS football) game was my first (football) game. I wasn’t really good, but it was fun. I just really liked it and I think rugby kind of helped me with the tackling stuff,” Tardits said.

30 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

SPORTS << Featured: NEW HOME: Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits, a senior, poses for a photo in Billy Henderson Stadium. Tardits originally lived in France, and came to CCHS at the start of the 2016-17 school year to play football for the first time. “I like it here because it’s really much more relaxed. You get to choose your own classes, you get to choose where you wanna go, what you wanna do,” Tardits said. “There, everything’s just given to you, you don’t have a lot of choice. So, I prefer school here.” Photo by Zoe Peterson

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 31

>> SPORTS Photo by Zoe Peterson

“It was hard, especially early on, because some of the things he did with rugby didn’t necessarily translate to football, so the terminology he had to get used to, and then just some of the rules he had to get used to.”

However, Jones found Tardits to be highly coachable.

“It’s been a really, really good experience (coaching Tardits).

He was kind of like a piece of clay and you could mold him,” Jones said.

Not only did coaches see Tardits’ potential, his teammates were quick to recognize his assets, as well.

“He’s always confident, feeling good. He comes in with a great attitude and he knows his role on the team. He’s good for it being his second year playing football, he’s talented,” senior outside linebacker Elijah Smith said.

As the season progressed, Tardits developed a close relationship with his teammates, though he feels closer to his team in France.

“It’s been a really, really good experience (coaching Tardits). He was kind of like a piece of clay and you could mold him.”

-- JUSTIN JONES, CCHS defensive coordinator

Above: A PRIME PLAYER: Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits, a senior, stands on the Billy Henderson stadium field during the 51st Classic City Championship, in which CCHS defeated Cedar Shoals High School with a final score of 48-7. According to his teammates, Tardits is a key player for the team this season. “Having (Tardits) back this year means a lot,” senior outside linebacker Elijah Smith said.

“He has a nice height and weight on him, so he has good leverage, so he can hold his own, get his hands up and stuff. I feel like our defense would not compete without him.” Below: BROTHERS IN BIARRITZ: Tardits celebrates with his former rugby club team upon winning a championship at the Biarritz Olympique. Tardits is very close to his rugby teammates and has kept in touch during his time in the U.S. “I call them more often than my family. I just live with them, so (they’re) really kind of my brothers, and so I stay in contact with them a lot,” Tardits said. Photo courtesy of Sam Tardits Photo courtesy of Sam Tardits

32 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

“Sports really helped me (make friends) because just by being on the football team, it (gave) me kind of a group,” Tardits said. “(But) at my boarding school, I just live with those guys, really, so I don’t have that same connection. I have good friends here... but over there it’s really brothers. I live with them, sleep with them, do everything.”

After a rookie season that culminated in a playoff run, Tardits missed his last semester of the 2016-17 school year at CCHS when he received an offer to play for the French national rugby union under-17 team.

“I came back and worked out with (U-17 team). We went to South Africa and it was real good,” Tardits said. “We played against the South African under-17 team and we played against the under-17 English team, so I had a good experience over there.”

While riding high from the U-17 team, Tardits was faced with a decision his senior year: return to CCHS in pursuit of football and an education, or start on the path to a potential professional career in rugby.

“I wasn’t really supposed to come back here because I was doing pretty good and I had a pre-pro offer, and maybe (would be) starting to get money into this year or in two years,” Tardits said. “(But) I wasn’t gonna be able to get any studies, so I came back here.”

Tardits feels that he made the right decision coming back to CCHS, where he can focus on both school and football.

“In France, you can’t have good studies and still play high-level sports, and that’s what’s great with America: you can have great studies and have great level sports,” Tardits said. “I know SEPTEMBER 2017

“I know if I go back over there, I still could restart my rugby career and it’ll still be there, and if I didn’t take this football chance it would probably be over for me, so I kind of felt like I needed to come back.”

-- SAM TARDITS, CCHS senior defensive lineman

Above: RETURNING TO RUGBY: Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits, a senior, poses for a photo with his teammates on the French national rugby union under-17 team. Tardits missed the second semester of his junior year at CCHS when he went to France to play for the U-17 team. “I was pretty good in rugby, and the French National Team, the under-17 team wanted me to play for them, so I came back (to France) and worked out with them,” Tardits said. Below: NUMBER ONE: Clarke Central High School varsity defensive lineman Sam Tardits, a senior, holds up the number one after CCHS’ defeat of the Gainesville High School football team on Sept. 1. Tardits looks back fondly on moments like these. “Practices are pretty hard, but Friday nights are just awesome. They’re worth everything,” Tardits said. “I like when you get a tackle, people start screaming and stuff and you get that good feeling.”

Photo by Zoe Peterson

if I go back over there, I still could restart my rugby career and it’ll still be there, and if I didn’t take this football chance it would probably be over for me, so I kind of felt like I needed to come back.”

Though he is only at CCHS for the fall, after which he will return to France, Tardits is working to make a lasting impact.

“This season I wanna get a lot of sacks and I’d like to get a (state championship) ring as well, that would be awesome,” Tardits said. “I think we can (win state), if we get focused, and like last year, we made progress through the games. We could go far.”

As for his future plans, Tardits is unsure whether they lie in football or rugby.

“I’d like to go to football and go to the Air Force Academy.

And that would be pretty good if I could, but it’s kind of hard to get that recruitment. I don’t really know (if I have a future

Photo courtesy of Sam Tardits

SPORTS <<

in football),” Tardits said. “I spent all my life, since I’m 10 years old, playing rugby, so I kind of already know people and have contacts. It kind of makes it easier.”

Despite the difficulties of recruiting, teammates feel that he has what it takes to play football at the next level.

“You can’t coach a great attitude and that’s what most coaches want in a team is a good attitude and good effort, and he bring(s) it all. I feel like he can go to the next level and follow in his father’s footsteps,” Smith said.

Jones agrees that Tardits has a bright future ahead of him, no matter the sport he chooses.

“With his intelligence and his character, he’s gonna be successful in whatever he chooses to do,” Jones said. “I’m pretty sure he’s gonna get the opportunity to play college football, and he’ll be an even better college football player than high school football player.”

While he’s waiting to hear back from colleges so he can make his final decision, for now Tardits is returning to France in December.

“I’ll miss my teammates, because I really spend a lot of time with them. And people here, I just really like them,” Tardits said.

“I’ll be sad to leave everybody, but at the same time I’ll be happy just to find everybody again over there.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 33

>> SPORTS

34 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

SPORTS << Featured: CROSS-TOWN RIVALS: The Clarke Central High School varsity football team goes head to head with the Cedar Shoals High School varsity football team on Sept. 22 in Billy Henderson Stadium at the annual Classic City Championship. CCHS beat CSHS with a score of 48-7, and CCHS quarterback Jack Mangel, who has played against CSHS since his freshman year, feels the intensity has remained the same. “We’ve dominated the series, but I don’t think that changes anything as far as the intensity goes, the hate we have between each other,” Mangel said.

SEPTEMBER 2017

INFOCUS

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 35

>> SPORTS

TAKING TAKING OUT OUT THE THE TRASH TRASH 36 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

SPORTS <<

Clarke Central High School athletes and administrators discuss the issue of “trash talking” within football in light of a game-ending brawl at a scrimmage with Jefferson High School on Aug. 10.

B

efore you even had the chance to turn your head, you had a pretty good idea of what was going on.

You heard players screaming at each other, the roar of the crowd and the referee’s whistle all at once. A fight had erupted between two high school football teams, and the season hadn’t even started yet.

On Aug. 10, the Clarke Central High School Gladiators faced off against the Jefferson High School Dragons in a pre-season scrimmage.

Although the game was meant to better prepare both teams for the upcoming fall season, the night did not go as anticipated.

The scrimmage was relatively uneventful during the first half, with the momentum going back and forth between the two teams. That abruptly changed toward the end of the game. With the Gladiators leading 16 to 14 and only nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, a fight broke out on the field between players on both sides and the game was ended prematurely by the presiding referees.

Everyone was told to go home.

CCHS head varsity football coach David Perno believes that most of his team could have acted more maturely after witnessing the fight break out on the field, as several players from both sides ended up leaving their benches to join the brawl.

“Well, obviously (the team) didn’t initially react very well because we left the sidelines. If we hadn’t have left the sidelines, I would have been extremely proud of our kids, but unfortunately we had a handful of them do it and react not the way they should have,” Perno said. “We have to overcome and rise above that type of stuff.”

CCHS varsity football safety Brandon Allen, a senior, thinks that coaches need to take a more active role in calming tensions on the field, but understands the difficulties in doing so during a game.

BY ALEXANDER ROBINSON Sports Writer

part of the game.

“The Georgia High School Association also has rules as it relates to sportsmanship,” Gorham said. “If you play sports, it’s always competitive. You’re always trying to get under somebody’s skin. I think that’s a little bit of what occurred.”

CCHS varsity football wide receiver Jacorie Jordan, a senior, believes that most conflicts are often fueled by trash talk. He often partakes in trash talking and sees it is a positive part of football.

“In every game we play, I trash talk. Most of the time, the player says something back. Sometimes it (escalates), it makes you target that

“(Trash talk) brings out the best in you. In every game we play I trash talk. Most of the time the player says something back. Sometimes it (escalates), it makes you target that person for the rest of the game.”

-- JACORIE JORDAN CCHS senior and varsity football wide reciever

person for the rest of the game,” Jordan said.

CCHS Principal Marie Yuran hopes to help prevent conflicts in football by having players focus more on sportsmanship and the moral guidelines she feels the sport should be bound by.

“I think the first thing is really at any sporting event, we expect everybody to show good sportsmanship. There’s really no reason for it to turn to a brawl, or whatever has been used to describe it,” Yuran said. “I spent time with (Perno) and (CCHS Athletic Director) Jon Ward after that to talk about how we want to participate: we want to be aggressive, we want to do all of those things, but at the end of the day we also need to be respectful and have sportsmanship.”

Yuran also stresses that it is the responsibility of all players to help diffuse conflicts on the field, regardless of who initially starts a dispute.

-- BRANDON ALLEN, “Unfortunately, you can’t always control the CCHS senior and varsity football safety behavior of other people, but what we can control is our own behavior and the way we respond to that,” Yuran said.

“It’s a competitive sport, so they really can’t do much, but hope the team is disciplined enough,” Allen said. “The tension’s always there from Sunday film sessions until Friday’s opening kick. It can get personal. If you trash talk, you’ve got to be able to back it up to show Opposite: HEAD TO HEAD: Many Clarke Central High School student athletes engage in trash talk that your words match your actions.” during games. CCHS varsity football safety Neil Chavis believes that many athletes find it easier to engage in trash talk than it to resist it. “A lot of our teammates just give into it,” Chavis said. “They CCHS Associate Principal Amanda Gorham attributes physical constart talking back and then one of them pushes us and we push back.” Graphic by Suncana Pavlic flicts in football to sports culture in general, and thinks it is a natural

“In every game I’ve been in, somebody’s talked trash.

Even the ones you think wouldn’t say anything say something out of line.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 37

>> SPORTS

surrendering sportsmanship Athletes must remember good sportsmanship, even when things go wrong on the field.

Miayata Freeman

Game day ritual: “I don’t have one.”

Favorite game memory: “When I was in ninth grade and the game had started at 6:30 and during halftime of the game, the JV girls started rapping and we were so hype.”

Role model: Mom What coaches say: “Mimi is one of our captains. She is a second year cheerleader. She’s always positive, has a great attitude and everyone loves to be around her.”

-- Korbyn Boyd, Varisty cheerleading assitant coach Photo by Zoe Peterson

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

Photo by Zoe Peterson

NOAH GAY Grade: 11 Sport: Cross Country Years experience: 5 GPA: 3.6 Game day ritual: “I drink a lot of water before and listen to music a couple hours before my race.”

Favorite pre-game memory: “Last year I was at a meet at North Oconee High School, and I was very pumped.

I just took off. I couldn’t believe how much I had improved over the years.”

A

ccording to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, sportsmanship is “conduct (such as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.”

For most athletes, sportsmanship is taught at a young age in rec ball but can be lost once they enter the travel team or high school level of competition.

Trash talk is pretty much inevitable at the high school level. When it comes to rival games or region games, there’s a lot of hype, but also a lot of competitivity. When the pressure rises, so does the level of trash talk.

In contact sports especially, trash talking can go wrong.

Players and coaches getting ejected from the game, physical violence between teams, suspensions, off-the-field violence and more can all result due to unsportsmanlike conduct.

As a softball player at the varsity high school level, sportsmanship is hard to find. I remember my freshman year, we played a team that would not stop trash talking. They would scream cheers about how bad our pitcher was doing and would yell, “This ain’t no game.”

It got so bad that the crowd starting yelling at each other.

My coach always tells us to stay, “Classy not trashy”, even if another team is trash talking us because us retaliating never helps, but it’s hard to not fight back. Playing against teams like that makes the game no fun for anyone.

However, sportsmanship is not dead. On August 21, during the 2017 Little League World Series, Venezuela defeated the Dominican Republic 3-2 resulting in the Dominican Republic being eliminated from the tournament. Venezuela’s Omar Romero hit a walkoff two-run triple to end the game.

After the game, Edward Uceta, the Dominican Republic’s pitcher, laid on the mound sobbing while the Venezuelan team celebrated. But instead of joining the rest of the team, Romero and his two coaches went to the mound to embrace Uceta.

Though this was an elimination game and Romero’s hit won Venezuela the game, his sportsmanship is what he will be remembered by.

Sportsmanship, no matter the age or game, needs to be remembered when playing sports.

HANNAH GALE Sports Editor

Grade: 10 Years of experience: 5 GPA: 3.0

Below: ONE AND THE SAME: Two athletes from opposing teams shake hands in an act of sportsmanship, which can often be lost when playing sports.

Photo illustration by Suncana Pavlic

Role model: Mom What coaches say: “Noah is currently one our our top JV runners. (He) has a bright future in cross country if he continues to work hard.”

-- Alex Holmes, head cross country coach

38 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

INFOCUS

Layout by Hannah Gale

Featured: FRENEMIES: The seniors on the Clarke Central High School and Cedar Shoals High School varsity softball teams gather for a photo after their final game against each other on Sept.

19, at CCHS’ Senior Night. The two groups of seniors have been playing against each other since little league. “Playing Cedar for the last time was bitter-sweet, not only for us, but for them. Since it was our last time playing for the seniors on both teams, Cedar was humble on the field and showed respect since it was also Senior Night. It was a moment that connected both rivals together one last time for the seniors,” senior catcher Caroline Stewart said.

SPORTS <<

SEPTEMBER 2017

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| 39

>> TABLE OF CONTENTS

40 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

SEPTEMBER 2017