ODYSSEY VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS BREAKING DOWN ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

ODYSSEY

Volume 11 Issue 2 Dec. 2013 $3.00

BULLDOG IS

COMMITED

TO THE

December 2013

Featured Stories: Central reaches out Finding energy in Chi odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 2

December 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

28

VIEWPOINTS

14

Breaking down walls

Sophomore Hannah Rollins found a way to face her struggles with Asperger’s syndrome.

BY HANNAH ROLLINS

NEWS Photos by Porter McLeod

18 At your service Clarke Central High School students are participating in various community service initiatives.

BY ESTHER CONAWAY

22 New and improved?

The recently implemented sevenperiod schedule faces mixed reactions from students and teachers.

BY JENNY ALPAUGH

FEATURES

24

Florence’s fight

Cover Story Athletic field maintenance worker David “Bulldog” Padgett embraces his role in the Clarke Central High School community. He takes pride in his job of looking after CCHS’ grounds and brings a positive attitude to CCHS athletes.

Sophomore, and cancer survivor, Florence White refuses to let her past define the person she is.

24

BY MARY MERRITT

REVIEWS Cook-Out 32Cook-Out, a restaurant recently opened in Athens, delights customers with its traditional burgers.

Left: FACING FORWARD: Sophomore Florence White faced the diagnosis of myelogenous leukemia at the age of nine. Although she is a survivor, being diagnosed with cancer gave her a different perspective on life. “Sometimes it takes someone dying to take something seriously. They always talk about the survival stories, a lot of people forget that children do die,” White said.

BY TIERRA HAYES

VARIETY

38 Reaching out

The Community Outreach Initiative provides school-related information to families around the district.

BY BRITTNEY BUTLER

SPORTS Paid to play 50Monetary compensation for college

Right: DOUBLE TIME: Due to what Clarke Central High School varsity football coaches believed to be a weakness at cornerback and safety positions for the 201314 season, they asked senior Jaquan Dowdy and sophomores Desmond Sorrells and Anthony “Pop” Smith to be iron men, by playing both offense and defense.

athletes can sometimes be seen as the only incentive to play.

Cover photo and design by Porter Mcleod

46

BY CHAD RHYM

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 3

STAFF

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 4

December 2013

STAFF

Left: TINKER TALK: Mary Beth Tinker and Mike Hiestand, a representative from the Student Press Law Center, speak at the University of Georgia Law School on Nov. 4.

Photo by Porter McLeod

S

Letter from the editor. If we want to make a difference in our lives, we must advocate for ourselves.

he wore a black armband. But it wasn’t just any armband, it was a symbol of her freedom of expression. It showed that she was willing to take a stand. She was willing to break the rules to express her views.

She is Mary Beth Tinker.

Tinker and Mike Hiestand, a representative from the Student Press Law Center, spoke at the University of Georgia Law School on Nov. 4 as part of their year-long Tinker Tour.

I learned about the Tinker v. Des Moines case in my government class, but it wasn’t quite a tangible thing.

She was young. She was They were mere afraid of repercussions. She facts that had to be memorized for wasn’t trying to change the a test.

But as Tinker world. But she did. spoke, her story began to transform.

By December of 1965 more than 1,000 American soldiers had lost their lives in the Vietnam War. As a form of peaceful protest, a group of students, including Tinker and her brother, decided to wear black armbands during the holiday season.

But wearing armbands was against the rules at her school.

Tinker was called to the principal’s office and was asked to take off her armband. So, she did. However, she was still suspended and after parental conferences with school officials, her parents decided to sue the school.

The case rose all the way to the Supreme Court where it was determined that students and teachers do not lose all of their first amendment rights at the school door.

Tinker was 13.

She was young. She was afraid of repercussions. She wasn’t trying to change the world.

But, she did.

Tinker took a stand on an issue and her case sparked students all across the nation to stand up for their rights. She changed history.

Teens today can do the same. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate and organized protest. But, as students, we must advocate for ourselves and for others.

If you aren’t satisfied with the schedule, if you aren’t satisfied with the school dress code or if you aren’t happy with issues on a larger scale, like poverty in Athens, then take a stand. Share your opinion. Changes can be made, but something has to spark that change.

If no one is willing to speak up, then we will fail to move forward.

Before the schedule Clarke Central High School is currently using was finalized, students were surveyed. It may not seem like these surveys were considered in the final decision, but they are a way to advocate for ourselves and our needs as students.

When surveys are sent to the student body, we often dread the five minutes it might take to fill out the survey. But this is a tangible way students can share their opinions.

There is a Parent, Teacher and Student Organization that conducts meetings regularly, with the most recent Instead of simply complaining, one held on Nov. 12. This can be a we must take action. forum for discussion between students, teachers and parents to talk about relevant issues.

But it can only be a fruitful discussion if all sides participate.

Instead of simply complaining, we must take action, whether it is through honestly filling out a survey, spending 20 minutes participating in a PTSO meeting or requesting an appointment with the superintendent.

Remember, change once started with a 13-year-old girl.

One day, we too might have a story of how we took a stand.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 5

VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Glads are Self-made After the resignation of long-time head varsity football coach Leroy Ryals in the spring of 2013, former defensive coordinator Ahren Self took on Ryals’ former position. The readership felt that it was honorable for Self to step up to the position.

iOS dispute

Brilliant baking

“Eye on iOS” by Nicholas Byrne was accurate. I feel that it wasn’t as popular as Apple expected it to be. I personally like it, but I feel that (iOS7) has gotten a lot of negative feedback. I think this is because people need time to get used to the new design and over time it will grow on them.

I’m glad to know the bakery is getting such positive reviews by people in the community. Athens was in need of a good, locally-owned bakery. The location is great and the bread is even better. If people are looking for a way to support the community, making a purchase at the Independent Baking Co. is a great investment. All the quotes by customers and employees are so positive that it would be hard not to swing by to see what all the fuss is about.

-- Marquavies Ford, junior

Budget boost I read “Rallying for the arts,” and as an active member of the music program at Clarke Central High School, I have noted the many funding problems we have had. Fine arts are an important part of our school and they deserve to be funded. The fact that PTSO is stepping up and lending a hand is great. It will be hard to get all of the funds we need, but even a small amount makes a huge difference.

-- Sara Tonks, sophomore

Say “no” to bans My stance with banned books is that we’re in high school, and it shouldn’t bother anyone who reads the books. If they don’t like something in it, they can skip the pages or stop reading. The school is being fragile, if you want us to grow and be successful grown-ups, then prepare us with things we might hear on the street anyway.

-- Malik Sanford, senior

Displaying solutions I am very pleased that you published the article “Teaching from the Shadows.” Not many know the effect being undocumented has on people, and I personally think this is an issue seldom explained or talked about. I like the focus of your article, and how it brought to attention not only the issues with immigration, but solutions to the problems as well.

-- Nike Shimobi-Obijuru, junior

Contact

ODYSSEY Newsmagazine

-- Sage O’Reilly, sophomore

Truth and repercussions

“I

think our head coach is a good leader and humble man for stepping up to the position after being the defensive coordinator for seven years.

”

-- Jocelynn Burden, junior

Corrections/Omissions October 2013

On pg. 1, The cover photo and design was created by Porter McLeod.

On pg. 2, The photo was taken by Porter McLeod On pg. 3, The photos were taken by Porter McLeod, Luke Slaboda and Porter McLeod, respectively.

On pg. 7, The photo was taken by Porter McLeod.

On pg. 13, Heritage High School should be capitalized.

On pgs. 19, The photo was taken by Luke Slaboda, not Porter McLeod.

On pg. 20, The photo was taken by Luke Slaboda, not Porter McLeod.

On pg. 32, In the caption, one of the photos is not printed in the magazine.

On pg. 32, The photo was taken by Porter McLeod.

On pg. 33, The photo was taken by Porter McLeod.

On pg. 43, The person in the photo being treated is Jordan Campbell, not Cameron Johnson.

I’m in complete agreement with the article “Too scared to tell” by Jaymel Israel. When being labeled a “snitch” it makes you feel small amongst your friends. In many cases students aren’t necessarily scared to tell because of the outcome of being bullied, but because of the bonds between their friendships. These bonds are tied together with loyalty and respect. If you rat out someone being called a snitch it makes you look like the bad guy and the one that doesn’t belong.

-- Mirial Smith, senior

Glad for GLAD time Being an artist myself, I very much enjoy the short amount of art time that I do have during GLAD time. It gives me time to actually draw, paint or do whatever I’m working on at the moment. It’s great that I have this time because I don’t really go to art here; I just go there for GLAD time, and I don’t really have time to work on it at home because of things like work or other things my family may ask of me. I’m also very thankful that this was published in the ODYSSEY because if not, I probably wouldn’t have known.

-- Javonte Barrow, senior

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

6 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

VIEWPOINTS

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

F

ive years ago, the Community Outreach Initiative was created at Clarke Central High School. The purpose of the program is to educate parents about graduation and school procedures through a series of meetings held in various housing communities around Athens. These meetings contain vital information that families of students need to know.

In the Rocksprings Community Center, on Oct. 30, the first meeting of the 2013-14 school year was held. CCHS representatives were there and the information was in place, however, the total number of parents who attended the meeting was abysmal. Four parents out of the 30 CCHS families who live in Rocksprings were in attendance. Four. Less than 15 percent.

That was it.

Parents get out of a school This lack of involvement on what they are willing to put in. the part of CCHS parents is However, this lack of not specific to Rocksprings involvement on the part of CCHS parents is not specific or any other neighborhood. to Rocksprings or any other neighborhood.

Parental inattentiveness is a problem throughout the Clarke County School District, and the administrators combat it every day.

The dismal attendance can be disenchanting for those who work tirelessly to provide the necessary resources for parents to play an active role in their child’s education.

However, those involved The devotion and care that in the COI refuse to be off put by it. This kind of CCHS teachers and adminisdedication plays a key role trators take in the education in shifting the parental of students is what matters, mindset and refocusing parents on the education of the rest will follow. their children.

Although things like bringing food to meetings, encouraging audience participation and improving advertising are all ways to improve attendance, the most important component of making these meetings an effective is something that the COI already has.

The devotion and care that CCHS teachers and administrators take in the education of students is what matters, the rest will follow.

Photo by Porter McLeod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Take

Business and Public Relations Manager: Hanna Harper Austin Defoor Staff Writers: Radford Brosius, Esther Conaway, Nick Dawe, Tierra Hayes, Audrey Hinkle, Amy Hoyt, John Hubbard, Jaymel Israel, Lela Jenkins, Mary Merritt, Alanna Pierce, Hannah Rollins, Jared Sarabia, Henry Scott, Luke Slaboda, Kendarius Sturdivant, Henry Thomas, Maria Velasquez, Emily Watson Adviser: David A. Ragsdale ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, Georgia 30605 Phone: (706) 357-5200, Ext. 17370 Fax: (706) 357-5269 www.odysseynewsmagazine.net

Above: LENDING A HAND: CCHS teachers and administrators discuss information as well as strategies to help students to be successful at a community outreach meeting on Oct. 30.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 7

VIEWPOINTS

Thumbs

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

Goodrich’s good deeds The new IB service learning project at Clarke Central High School gives students a chance to be mentored by older students to create a closer community.

Roasting relocation The Jittery Joe’s coffee roaster moved from its historic location to a new one, and the loss of history has been saddening for many Athenians.

Fantastic Florence Sophomore Florence White was diagnosed with cancer at the age of nine, but with treatment and with a strong resolve, her condition has improved exponentially in the past few years.

Schedule scrutiny Now that the new sevenperiod rotating schedule has been in place for a few months some on campus have grown to detest the changes that came with the schedule.

Chance of a lifetime The lifetime sports class, is offered only to seniors. The class gives students time to learn new sports and build an interest that lasts a lifetime.

Government goes dark On Oct. 1, 2013, the United States government shut down due to party disagreements. Some Americans were left jobless for all 16 days of the shutdown.

Cook-Out till you pass out Brand-new restaurant Cook-Out produces suitable food at ridiculously low prices, providing the perfect combination for high school students.

Confounded community Five years ago CCHS began a community outreach program to provide information to parents in public housing.

But little is done to encourage higher attendance.

Photo by Robert Walker

-- Compiled by Viewpoints staff

8 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

I

am a Jewish, half-Japanese lesbian living in a small town in Georgia. While I embrace these aspects of who I am, I learned at a young age that most people around me just couldn’t comprehend the fundamentals of who I was.

Through elementary and middle school, there were no other Japanese kids in my grade, and many times, I was the only Jewish person as well. It wasn’t an issue of being actively picked on; what made me upset was the barrier between everyone else and me.

Whenever we learned about World War II at school, my classmates would turn around in their desks and stare at me. They would joke about how dead I would have been or how images of my relatives were right there in the text books. I never got used to those situations. I felt like some foreign object being picked apart and examined.

When I came out as a lesbian in eighth grade, the gap between my peers and myself widened. The new exposure and judgment was overwhelming as my emotions were made into a controversy, degraded by children who knew nothing about me except what politicians were debating.

I had to deal with even more ignorance because people saw me as just a conglomeration of labels, not their classmate. The basic comfort I had shared with many people in my life was ravaged. Not even my closest friends could connect with my situation or what I was feeling. I felt utterly alone.

After I graduated from eighth grade, I was excited to come to Clarke Central High School because I was desperate to find other people who were like me.

I walked in on the first day of school and was amazed at how diverse and vibrant the atmosphere was. For the first time, I have met a Japanese person who isn’t related to me. I go to school with other members of my synagogue. What truly exhilarates me is the fact that I now know several LGBTQ people my age.

I can relate to my new friends; we connect as communities and support each other. It’s the most incredible feeling. Even though there will always be people who point fingers and call names, I finally get to wake up and go to a place where I feel understood.

BY SARA GOODIE Web Staff

Photo by Ethan Crane

Above: WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT: Freshman Sara Goodie who is halfJapanese, Jewish and lesbian, appreciates the diverse community at Clarke Central High School.

December 2013

VIEWPOINTS

Breaking down Hannah’s wall Though dealing with Asperger’s syndrome is a challenge, there are ways to overcome the disability.

I

never knew what made me different. vidual needs by coming up with strategies to improve my learning environment I still remember going to this big room and as well as ways to prevent what I have dubbed to be my wall. sitting down in front of a one-way mirror, being Whenever I am flummoxed, I can almost feel this enigmatic presence come asked about my day by a person with a clipboard. over me. It wraps itself around my brain, tightening its hold until my eyes water I remember crying because I couldn’t understand and my mind becomes inaccessible. something we were learning in class, vaguely seeI shut down. ing everyone else gazing at me with dry eyes.

People have seen my behavior, and while some turn a blind eye, others stare But I never knew what all this meant until and guffaw until I just want to bury inside my wall and I lose all interest in my

BY HANNAH ROLLINS fifth grade, when my parents told me that I was surroundings.

Viewpoints Writer diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. They saw I know I am not stupid. the signs, then went to professionals -- the people I have maintained a solid grade point average and have managed to be in with clipboards -- to verify it. I was Advanced and Advanced Placement unable to comprehend the enormity This wall of mine is a trait of my character. classes, I just need a harder push to of that revelation. What is that thing me there.

When I control my emotions it gives me a getWith that categorizes me within itself? Is the proper assistance, I have sense of accomplishment that most people overcome my disorder in many ways, there something wrong with me?

I had to learn more. I searched and ultimately, I am glad that I have would not acquire, because it’s not somethrough books and websites until it. This wall of mine is a trait of my I got a basic concept of what Ascharacter. thing they have to overcome. perger’s is.

When I control my emotions it According to mayoclinic.com, gives me a sense of accomplishment Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability that most people would not acquire, because it’s not something they have to to socialize and communicate effectively with others. overcome.

A specific cause for Asperger’s has not been identified, so there is no ‘“cure,” I have seen many people who have varying ranges of disabilities. No matter but it is recommended that an individual afflicted with this disorder should what your disability may be, fight to overcome it, I know I will. have a support system put in place for them, which is exactly what my parents And when the struggle gets tough, remember that when a wall is made, there made sure I would have. is always a way to destroy it.

It’s called an Individualized Educational Program. It accommodates my indiBelow: CRUSHING FRUSTRATION: Through working with professionals, sophomore Hannah Rollins has developed a method to break through her “wall” that comes from having Asperger’s syndrome. These methods have helped her conquer her challenges.

Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 9

VIEWPOINTS

“I think that in the short term (the new schedule) is a good thing, but in the long term, I think it will be bad for class choices.”

-- Skylar Lehmann, freshman

“(The new schedule) is better if it wasn’t for all of the changing because it’s hard to assign things and it is hard to keep track of where each class is with their lessons.”

-- Agnes Hoppe, foreign language teacher “I really like not having to have every class each day.

It’s nice having a break between times that we have classes.”

-- Norman Lagos, junior

“I did not like the new schedule at first, but now I like it because it gives us breaks between when we have classes.”

Dealing with “dual”-ing schools Dual enrollment provides an extensive educational experience for those who take part.

I

walked in on the first day and sat in my seat. The atmosphere was entirely different and intimidating at first, as the class was filled with quiet college students all much older than me. The chalkboard and entirely wooden desks were different than what I was used to. I had a big adjustment to make.

The class I had enrolled in at the University of Georgia was multivariable calculus for the fall

BY NICK DAWE semester of 2013. It is a class that is normally taken Viewpoints Writer by sophomores in college. I was able to dual enroll at UGA because I had finished all the math courses at Clarke Central High School, had the grade requirements and the necessary SAT scores.

My professor, who was clearly experienced, walked in on the first day and went right into the subject. I was not sure what to expect from my class, but I was worried it would be too challenging. I didn’t think I would be able to keep up with the college level pace. There was a brief intro- After a few weeks, I began duction period, but students to adjust. I learned to take in the class were expected to good notes in class and reafbe prepared to learn on the firm what I learned with the first day.

I failed my first quiz and textbook. was not able to complete my first homework assignment because our professor only lectured instead of mixing lectures with class work like I was used to.

The homework was also very different in that it was entirely online and trying was not enough to earn a good grade.

After a few weeks, I began to adjust. I learned to take good notes in class and reaffirm what I learned with the textbook.

Currently, I only have classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so I have Tuesday and Thursday mornings off. This really helps me stay ahead and be prepared for my college-level courses.

Dual enrollment is an extremely effective tool for me and many other students at CCHS. It can be used to both prepare students for college and learn things high school cannot teach.

Below: HAVING IT TWO WAYS: Balancing both college and high school work can be a challenge, especially since the schedules of the two schools differ.

-- Deshaun White, senior

“The classes confuse me because I don’t know where I’m going a lot of the time. I like that homework is easier because of the break.”

Photo by Porter McLeod

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

How do you feel about the new schedule?

-- Jackie Ramos, junior

10 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

VIEWPOINTS

Photo courtesy of Jaymel Israel

Above: FAMILY PORTRAIT: As he ages, the bond between senior Jaymel Israel (right) and his brother Brion Israel (left) has grown stronger and Jaymel keeps in mind pieces of advice his brother has given to him. “Don’t do what I did, don’t get stuck here and do nothing, like a lot of these Athens dudes,” Brion said.

Life as brothers Younger siblings can learn from watching their older siblings grow up and enter the world as adults.

E

veryone who has older siblings knows how After a semester in college he dropped out. Although he didn’t fail his classes life can be with them. Some days you are the or flunk out, he figured out that school wasn’t for him. best of friends and others you are enemies.

“College really did not work for me. I wasn’t even that motivated and dediSome siblings never get along; others never argue. cated to the work,” Brion said.

Not too long ago my brother Brion, who is two years older than me, and I He used to text and call me to tell me about how college was and what to were just little kids and all we would do was argue and fight. We used to get expect when it is time for me to go. Around that time, I began to see him as an along only when things were going his way or we were doing things that he example of a person to look up to. wanted to do.

“Jaymel, don’t go to college playing, man. I’m serious. You have better grades When it came down to making choices, there was always a problem. We than me when I graduated high school because you took it more seriously,” he would both want to go somewhere different to eat. He would choose McDonsaid to me awhile ago. “I wish I did the same now. You can make it to a better ald’s when I wanted Burger King. school than the one I’m at. Make “Momma, I want that,” Brion used Brion was a little skinny kid that got in sure you stay focused.” to say.

When he told me these things, trouble and had an attitude, but by age 19, it wasn’t He would always be the first one to like an adult preaching to speak up when it came to decisions he had finally become the role model that I me or my parents lecturing me. and choices and I was always the one It was more important coming needed. to wait and see what he wanted. from my older sibling that had “I want that, too,” I would say. already been through the thing that That is how some of our childish arguments would start. Brion used to I was heading towards, college. I remember when he came home from school hate it when I would copy him. Most younger siblings would copy their older one day and he told me something that really stuck. siblings because they are the oldest and are viewed as wiser, or even as a role “I’m about to get out of Athens. Don’t do what I did, don’t get stuck here and model. do nothing, like a lot of these Athens dudes,” Brion said.

Our appearances and attitudes changed as we got older. We were at the This is a piece of advice that I took very seriously and planned on sticking peak of our growth and, as my parents predicted, I had grown bigger than my with it. brother. Brion’s change, however, was much greater. He mentally matured so He did as he said and signed up for the Army. He shipped out to North much that it changed my views of him completely.

Carolina and is now out of Athens. I look up to my brother a lot because he has When we were younger, Brion was a little, skinny kid that got in trouble changed in ways that many people who knew him didn’t think was possible, and always had an attitude, but by the age of 19 he had finally become the role and now he is off to bigger and better things. model that I needed. He graduated from high school and went off to college.

BY JAYMEL ISRAEL Viewpoints Writer

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 11

NEWS

Photo by Luke Slaboda

News briefs

Above: EXPLORING CAREER PATHS: Sophomore Raven Fleming creates a design during art enrichment time. Students who participate in the 21st Century Program, held before and after school, are provided with resources for tutoring, and granted the opportunity to take classes in subjects including jewelry making, marketing, law and dance.

JROTC meets veterans

On Nov. 11, JROTC members went to local businesses to meet and greet former members of the U.S. armed forces in recognition of Veterans Day. “We just want to give them thanks for their service for our country and appreciate what they’ve done for us,” sophomore Jade Resmondo said.

The students greeted veterans and provided them with homemade cards throughout the day at Sam’s Club, located at 4365 Atlanta Hwy., and at Applebees, located at 2226 West Broad St., where the veterans were also given a free meal.

According to the JROTC instructors, the event was beneficial for students in multiple ways.

“It’s teaching them respect, values, responsibility and service to (their) country,” JROTC Sergeant First Class Lorenda Harris said.

The instructors also wanted to emphasize veterans’ contribution to students’ daily life.

“The significance is that the life that you have today or the freedom that you have today wasn’t free.

People paved the way (and) served their country,” Harris said.

Honored nominees A panel of teachers announced the names of 13 students selected as school finalists for the Governor’s Honors Program on Nov. 7.

The Governor’s Honors Program is a four-week summer academic program for high-achieving sophomores and juniors, paid entirely by the Ga. Board of Education.

The panel, comprised of teachers from each academic department, interviewed 12 students nominated in academic subjects over the course of two days, including sophomores Nicole Googe, Ayesha Khan, Shimobi Obijuru and Hugh O’Neill and juniors Perrin Aycock, Miller Crane , Gemma English, Martin Garin, Evan Hatch, Patrick Holmes, Barbara Kipreos and Milan Pavlic. An additional 10 selected students were nominated in elective subjects.

“We looked for interview skills, eye contact, were they fluid and elaborative in their discussion and just being able to expand upon all the questions,” math department chair and panel member Joy Sapp said.

After the preliminary interviews, the panel selected students to proceed to statewide interviews. O’Neill was nominated for Social Studies and English and Holmes were nominated for Communicative Arts. In addition, sophomores Cameron Loyal, Elizabeth Sams, Alexandra Saupe, Sara Tonks, Florence White and Anthony Zuniga and juniors Lakiera Bailey, Marina Byrne and Quentin Smith were nominated for Fine and Performing Arts, and sophomore Evan Newman was nominated for engineering.

According to Sapp, nominees will continue to prepare for the upcoming state-level interviews, which will be held on Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, 2014.

“Looking forward, maybe their department chair can help them, so they get more interview skills,” Sapp said. “They can do more research on their own on whatever topic interests them in their area.”

-- Aaron Holmes, News Editor

12 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Focusing attention

Clarke Central High School was designated in 2012 by the Georgia Department of Education as a Focus School because of the gap in graduation rates between different demographics of students.

“We were identified as a Focus School because of our discrepancy between the graduation rate of our white students and our students with disabilities,” special education team leader Marie Yuran said.

Because of this, the Ga. DOE applied for a waiver from No Child Left Behind in order to create the Achievement Gap Focus Groups in an attempt to close the gap.

“This year is the year they are going to look at whether or not we get off the focus school list. (Some students) need to recover a certain number of credits to be graduation ready,” Yuran said.

The program will focus on individual students’ needs to support them and push them towards graduation in the coming months.

“About 35 students are a part of the focus plan. We’ve found real success in that focusing on individual students and their needs makes the difference to get them to that ultimate goal,” Yuran said.

Central on display

An exhibit opened at the Lyndon House Arts Center on Nov. 11 that features more than 300 works of art

by Clarke County School District students.

The annual art exhibit, called Action!, aims to show the importance of arts education in public schools.

“Part of the idea is to show that they’re learning. That they’re thinking, (and using) learning skills,” Lyndon House visual arts administrator Nancy Lukasiewicz said. “(They are) also learning creative thinking and problem solving.”

Clarke Central High School seniors Gregg Guichard, Tristan Lapetz, Audrey Spiers and Matthew Ward and juniors Gemma English and Barbara Kipreos had artwork featured in the exhibit.

“It’s exciting to have a piece of my work displayed,” Spiers said. “I was very impressed with a lot of the other art in the exhibit as well.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public at the Lyndon House until Jan. 10.

December 2013

NEWS

I heard that

“

The only people I saw wearing red wristbands were people who are known among the student body for doing drugs.

”

FELIPE RINCON, junior, on the effectiveness of the Red Ribbon Week drug-awareness campaign at Clarke Central High School.

“

Above: ON DISPLAY: Works of art by students from the Clarke County School District, including students from Clarke Central High School, went on display as part of a special showing at the Lyndon House Art Center.

21st Century changes Clarke Central High School offers the 21st Century Program for students before and after school, but it has undergone several changes for the 2013-14 school year.

“The program consists of two components, there’s an academic and an enrichment component,” 21st Century Program coordinator and fine arts department teacher Jeff Barnett said. “I remember working with it as art enrichment, and just took over as coordinator this year.”

The 21st Century Program meets on Monday through Thursdays after school. The program provides tutoring for core subject areas, as well as study hall in the morning before school Monday through Friday.

In addition to offering tutoring in multiple areas, the program also allows students to take alternative classes such as mixed martial arts, student studio and, new this year, jewelry making.

“It comes from a federal grant for the program. I was used to working with the program in a different capacity,” Barnett said.

Whether students are looking for academic help, or an interesting class to try, the 21st Century Program offers multiple avenues. According to students involved with the program, it offers a setting for classroom-like learning while providing a more diverse range of subject matter.

“It’s a place you can go and have fun. You get to express your creativity,” freshman Mia Wilhite said. “There’s also study hall, so any time you need extra help, there’s a place to go.”

-- Rad Brosius, News Writer

MARIE YURAN, Special Education Team Leader, on the state-described gap between CCHS’ highestand lowest-achieving students.

“

”

Why should my daughter have to do the science fair? She isn’t a science person, so that wouldn’t be her choice. That’s something you need to take to your leadership team.

”

“

HAPPY FARBER, CCHS parent, addressing CCSD superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue at a Nov. 12 PTSO meeting, voicing confusion over a perceived science fair requirement.

”

The new schedule is so inconvenient and it cuts down on credits. I just don’t like it.

JASMINE SCOTT, junior, explaining her opinion on the seven-period rotating schedule implemented for the 2013-14 school year.

Below: THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP: According to data released by the Clarke County School District in 2012, a 55 percent gap exists in End of Course Test success rates between Clarke Central High School’s highest-achieving demographic, white students, and lowest-achieving demographic, special needs students.

December 2013

Infographic by Aaron Holmes

Photo by Maria Velasquez

The State of Georgia said, ‘Your white students are graduating at a 90-something percent rate. Your students with disabilities are graduating at a 20-something percent rate. That gap is too large.’

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

THE HOUSE

Democratic seats: 200 Republican seats: 231 Speaker: Republican John Boehner Prior to Oct. 1, House republicans announced plans to defund the controversial Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare�. Language was added to the federal spending bill that would delay and defund Obamacare.

THE SENATE

Democratic seats: 53 Republican seats: 45 Majority Leader: Democrat Harry Reid Senate democrats agreed not to pass a House-originated spending bill that delayed or defunded the Affordable Care Act. Once the shutdown began, they refused to negotiate with the House until the federal government was refunded.

Illustration by Gabe Harper

14 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

NEWS

Assessing the damages

In the wake of a 16-day federal government shutdown, lingering fiscal effects continue to impact the lives of Athens residents.

W

hen he arrived to work on Tuesday, Oct. 1, Clarke Central High School parent Jim Evans received news that would majorly affect his career for weeks to come.

“We were told that we had to vacate the premises, and that we weren’t allowed to return to the site until the shutdown was over,” Evans said.

The day before, republicans and democrats in the United States House of Representatives and Senate failed to agree on a federal spending bill by a predetermined deadline, sending the federal government into a temporary shutdown.

As a result, national parks were closed, government agencies and services were suspended nationwide and 400,000 federal employees were

BY AARON HOLMES News Editor

furloughed. Evans, an employee of the Athens Environmental Protection Agency office, was dismissed as soon as the shutdown began.

“I was there that morning, the day of the shutdown,” Evans said. “I had to gather up my equipment, shut down my computer, deal with any last-minute issues and leave.”

Evans is a graphic designer for EPA reports and presentations, which classifies him as a contractor.

While many furloughed federal employees were promised compensation after the government reopened, Evans was not.

“In my area there are maybe five contractors total, and the rest are federal employees. The difference between me and federal employees is that they’re reassured they’re going to get reimbursed,” Evans said. “I will not get reimbursed for time off.”

December 2013

According to a report published by The New York Times on Oct. 17, the Democrat-controlled Senate and Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed through over 18 tiers of negotiation without reaching an agreement on the spending bill. Disagreement between the parties stemmed largely from a debate over whether or not to fund the Affordable Health Care Act, passed in June of 2012.

The shutdown’s effect in Athens extended beyond federal offices. According to University of Georgia Associate Vice President for Research Regina Smith, federally-funded research at UGA remained in full operation, but the shutdown did cause delay of new project approval.

“If we were in the middle of negotiating a federal (research grant) award as of Oct. 1, most of those

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 15

NEWS negotiations had to stop. Approvals that were made and in effect on Sept. 30 have been able to go forward, and those faculty have done their work,” Smith said. “But, if on Oct. 1 they were in the middle of setting an award up, those projects could not start.”

Research at UGA is funded, for the most part, by the federal government. Smith acknowledges that, were the government to remain shut down or fail to pass a spending bill for an extended time, that research funding would run dry.

“Right now the University is able to support the federally-funded projects that it has, but obviously there will come a time if (the shutdown) does not end very soon that it will have depleted our resources and we will run into some difficulty,” Smith said.

On Oct. 16, the House of Representatives passed a bill proposed by the Senate that financed the federal government and extended the debt ceiling to January, 2014. The next day, President Barack Obama signed the law. The federal government shutdown was over.

However, for some workers, like Evans, return-

ing to work was less straightforward.

“As to when I’ll get back to work, I’m still not sure,” Evans said on Oct. 17. “The federal employees (at the EPA) all went back to work this morning, but they’re still going through “It’s the process of getting contractors back to work.” going to really imAdditionally, because of the financial impact of three weeks of unpaid pact our finances, which furlough, Evans’ future and that of were already pretty heavy. his family is filled with uncertainty.

“It’s going to really impact I’m not sure how we’re going our finances, which were already to make up for it.” pretty heavy. I’m not sure how we’re going to make up for the deficit in our income,” Evans said.

-- JIM EVANS, “I already know that because of this Clarke Central High School parent there’s no way we can take any time and federal contractor off at Christmas or any time off next year.”

Many students were indirectly affected by the shutdown’s impact on their families.

Sophomores Maryam and Emane Kassim are sisters from Ethiopia whose uncle is employed by the Ath-

Below: SHUT DOWN, LOCKED OUT: From right, federal contractor Jim Evans and his son, senior Gabe stand at the Athens Environmental Protection Agency gate.

During the federal government shutdown, which lasted from Oct. 1-17, Evans, along with hundreds of other federal workers in Athens, was furloughed and was not permitted on the EPA grounds. Evans was not reimbursed for his furlough, a factor that he says greatly affected his and his family’s lives. “I’m not sure how we’re going to make up for the deficit in our income,” Evans said.

Photo by Porter McLeod

The backand-forth

ens EPA, and who was furloughed by the shutdown.

“It’s really hard. We’re paying for a new home, and you have to pay for the first eight months. But because of the shutdown, if you don’t have money, you could lose your home,” Maryam said.

Freshman Avery Warner’s father is an epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Like Evans, he was also furloughed for the entirety of the shutdown.

“He was not allowed to work for however long the shutdown was, over two weeks. And he couldn’t do anything related to work or use his Blackberry,” Warner said.

Warner’s personal experience with the shutdown affected the way she perceives national politics and the political party system.

“I guess I know now that this does affect people, and I kind of realized that the different sides need to compromise,” Warner said.

Evans, like many others, fears that the government may shut down once again when congressional democrats and republicans are forced to address government spending in January. According to Smith, federal spending is crucial to operations at UGA. “We get all kinds of funding from the federal government. We have had to comply with federal rules and regulations,” Smith said. “The federal government is our largest sponsor.”

Evans, who was employed by the EPA when the government shut down in 1995, says that both shutdowns resulted from disagreements between parties.

“The last furlough ended up being 28 days. It was mainly just typical of the two parties butting heads and not cooperating,” Evans said.

Because of the impact that it had on workingclass citizens like himself, Evans is indignant towards the members of congress that cause the shutdown.

“I am completely intolerant of both parties now.

I’ve decided I can not vote for either party ever again. They don’t represent the people, they only represent their parties,” Evans said. “I can’t blame either one more than the other, I think it takes two to fight.”

between congressional Democrats and Republicans led to, and, eventually ended, the 16-day government shutdown.

Sept. 20

Sept. 30

Sept. 20: The U.S. House of Representatives adds language to the federal budget bill that will delay the Affordable Health Care Act and sends the bill to the Senate.

Sept. 30: Three hours before the spending bill’s deadline, rather than passing the Houseapproved bill, the Senate strips Affordable Health Care language, and returns the bill to the House.

Oct. 1: The shutdown begins Oct. 1: The House sends a proposal to the Senate to negotiate funding aspects of the spending bill while still delaying the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act. The Senate votes in a straight-party-line vote to table the proposal.

Oct. 5

Oct. 7: The House has voted to provide partial government funding for National Parks, Food and Drug Administration, the National Guard and other organizations, but the Senate vows to reject any partial approach to funding the government.

Oct. 8: Week two of the shutdown

Oct. 10 Oct. 10: President Barack Obama rejects a House proposal to extend the debt ceiling by six weeks without reopening the government. If the debt ceiling is not extended by Oct. 17, the government will default on its debts.

Oct. 15: Week three of the shutdown

Infographic by Aaron Holmes

AFTERMATH Most federal contractors and workers were not able to return to work when the shutdown ended on Oct. 17. According to a report by the New York Times, many fear that a similar shutdown situation may occur if democrats and republicans in the House and Senate are unable to negotiate a spending bill in January 2014.

NEWS

Oct. 15: Speaker of the House John Boehner announces a proposal that will reopen the government and extend the debt ceiling, but delay the Affordable Care Act. He later withdraws it due to a lack of support.

Oct. 9: The House and Senate agree for the first time since the start of the shutdown, on a bill that restores death benefits to families of service members killed in action.

Oct. 15

Oct. 20

Oct. 17: Obama signs a last-minute bill passed by the House and Senate that finances the government, extends the debt ceiling, and funds the Affordable Care Act. The shutdown is over.

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 17

NEWS

Planting a seed A new service-learning program provides a chance for students to address local issues by initiating service projects.

A

lthough comthink it’s about time we give back,” Hooker said. munity service The mentorship program focuses on helping students learn how to address local issues and is not currently develop the skills they need to be activists in their required at Clarke Central High School, adminiscommunity. Upperclassmen with backgrounds in trators are trying to provide more opportunities for students to be active in the community. service will mentor freshmen and sophomores through the process of implementing service For the 2013-14 school year, CCHS is pursuing projects within CCHS. authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School. IB Coordinator and social studies co-department chair Ashley Go“Our community gives so much odrich has organized the Service-Learning Mentorship Program for interested students, to (CCHS), I think it’s about to focus specifically on the IB standards of time we give back.” community, interaction and service.

“A lot of times, students are frustrated -- DR. ROBBIE P. HOOKER, about some problem that they see, but they

Principal don’t know how to address it,” Goodrich said. “Our objective is to give them the tools “We want our students to recognize that, even that will help them address those issues.” though they can’t vote yet, as young adults in this Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker believes in the country, they can take an active role in issues that importance of community service and student address them, their community and the global participation. For this reason, he supports community as well,” Goodrich said. bringing the option of service-learning to CCHS Currently, there are 82 students participating students. in the program. The students meet during their “Our community gives so much to (CCHS). I

BY ESTHER CONAWAY News Writer

choice of one of four GLAD Time sessions. One of the GLAD Times, taught by English department teacher Brian Ash, raises awareness about bullying.

“There were always kids at Central who cared about the issue of bullying,” Ash said. “But, with the Glad Times, we can really delve into it.”

Another, taught by social studies teacher Karen LaRosa, focuses on combatting teenage pregnancy.

“A lot of people don’t want to talk about (teen pregnancy),” sophomore Fajr Delane said. “We’re trying to implement these projects in order to create that awareness about it.”

The other two GLAD Times are collaborating with each other, with one focusing on ending hunger in the community and the other on creating a sustainable garden at the school. Social studies department teachers Stephen Hinson and Johnny Anderson teach the garden GLAD Time, and Goodrich teaches the end hunger-focused GLAD Time.

“I hope this service-learning will at least get people talking or addressing these subjects when they haven’t been,” LaRosa said.

Below: FORMING BONDS: Senior Grant Anderson and juniors Christina Turner and Maya Burjak work as mentors to underclassmen as part of the International Baccalaureate-driven service learning mentorship program at Clarke Central High School. “As young adults, (our students) can take an active role in issues that address them,” IB coordinator Ashley Goodrich said.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Goodrich

18 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

h

Photo by Porter McLeaod

NEWS

Above: SERVICE MENTORSHIP: Social studies department teacher Stephen Hinson oversees work for the Clarke Central High School community garden. The garden coincides with a service learning mentorship program initiated by International Baccalaureate coordinator Ashley Goodrich at the start of the 2013-14 school year. “I’m hoping that this is just like planting a seed -- that this program will continue to grow and service will be what we do here at (CCHS),” Goodrich said.

The students will use a national service-learning model, IPARDC, to complete their projects. This involves investigating, planning, action, reflection, demonstration and celebration.

Student mentors and mentees will go through these steps and will present their final projects at University of Georgia on April 11, 2014, which is Global Youth Service Day. Students will take monthly field trips to observe different volunteer organizations and expand their knowledge of service. They visited the Athens Volunteer Fair on Sept. 18 and hope to visit more places in the following months. The food-focused GLAD Times will visit UGArden, another studentrun community garden, and the Campus Kitchen

experience,” freshman Sofia Lopez said.

Goodrich is also collaborating with the UGA Office of Service-Learning in order to expand the program.

“We are looking forward to working together with (CCHS) on this project, and we think it’s a really unique and impactful opportunity for both the students and the faculty,” Assistant Director of the UGA Office of Service-Learning Paul Matthews said.

According to Hooker, the Service-Learning Mentorship Program aims to help students expand their opportunities for college as well as develop community service skills.

“One of the things that (colleges) love to see in resumés or applications for college is that students have given back to their community by doing some type “We want our students to recognize of service-learning project,” that, even though they can’t vote yet, Hooker said.

CCHS has had serviceas young adults in this country, they learning programs in the past, can take an active role.” but they have never been as readily available to students, -- ASHLEY GOODRICH, according to Goodrich. social studies co-department chair The school’s past programs involved time commitments outside of school - commitat UGA. The teen pregnancy-focused GLAD Time ments which many students could not make, due will visit Teen Matters. to transportation issues. Goodrich hopes that, “I think (the field trips) will be a good way for because this program will be mostly during GLAD us to help the community and also gain volunteer Time, a wider variety of students will be able to December 2013

join the program.

“The majority of our school population, who don’t have transportation, weren’t able to be involved in (the previous program) even if they wanted to be. That was an obstacle we faced,” Goodrich said. “Now we really want this to be something that represents our student body as a whole.”

As well as being more accessible, the program is more elaborate than past programs. It is designed to make students reflect on the projects that they are executing, which ties back to the IB program and its pursuit of higher level education.

Throughout the year, students will ask themselves questions about the problems that arise and the ways that they can collaborate to create solutions.

“They’ve done service, but now we’re reflecting on that service, why we do service, who it’s affecting and how we’re approaching it,” Goodrich said.

Junior Perrin Aycock, one of the mentors in the program, recognizes the benefits.

“I think that students giving back to their school and their community will just be a wonderful thing,” Aycock said.

While the Service-Learning Mentorship Program is focusing on projects within the school for now, Goodrich hopes that it will expand into the entire Athens community.

“I’m hoping that this is just like planting a seed--that this program will continue to grow and service will be what we do here at (CCHS),” Goodrich said.

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 19

NEWS

Scheduling conflicts

A semester has passed since the seven-period rotating schedule replaced block scheduling in Clarke County School District high schools, and administrators, teachers and students continue to adjust to the transition.

N

early 1500 students returned to Clarke Central High School for the 2013-14 school year after summer break. In addition to adjusting the daily routine of school, students and teachers also had to adjust to the newly implemented rotating seven-period schedule.

Under the previously-used block schedule, students took four 90-minute classes per day that lasted for semester-long terms. The new schedule consists of seven courses per year, and one yearlong term. Under the new schedule, students attend five 70-minute classes per day, and the classes rotate on a three-day cycle.

In 2011, the Clarke County School District High School Instructional Council, which is made up of teachers, counselors and administrators, began considering the possibility of a seven-period schedule for both CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School.

BY JENNY ALPAUGH Editor-in-Chief

“I think a couple things drove us to really take a look at (the schedule). The first thing is, ‘Is the block doing what you want it to do?’” CCSD superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue said. “The whole premise about going to longer (classes) is that you would go more in-depth to the material and change the way you teach.”

CCHS and CSHS moved to the block schedule more than 10 years ago. However, based on classroom observations, Lanoue believed that the block schedule needed to be altered.

“I have not seen changes in practice. Really, it doesn’t look any different, it looks a little different, but usually in the last 10 or 15 minutes (of a 90-minute class) things get a little tiring,” Lanoue said.

He put his suggestion to move towards a sevenperiod schedule in the strategic plan that the Board of Education members would review and approve in the summer of 2012.

20 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

“We took the whole previous year, 11-12, to gather information to decide whether we were going to do it or not,” Lanoue said. “We made the decision to change to a seven course offering, but we didn’t design the schedule (yet). We used 201213 to design the schedule.”

Although the decision had been made to transition to a seven-period schedule, the specifics had not yet been set in stone. Individual scheduling committees at both CCHS and CSHS, as well as the High School Instructional Council, researched various schedules. It was decided that the schedule would be built around the ideal class time, according to Lanoue.

“In my mind was, ‘What’s the ultimate instructional time? How much time is the best time? Is it 40 minutes, is it 70 minutes, is it 90 minutes?’”

Lanoue said. “Ultimately that recommendation came from the instructional council. I think you weigh opinion vs. research.”

Photo illustration by Aaron Holmes

December 2013

NEWS In January of 2013, the High School Instructional Council sent surveys to teachers and students to incorporate their opinion into the decision.

According to the results, of the 196 staff members surveyed, 71.1 percent agreed that an ideal class time was somewhere between 56 and 85 minutes.

Teachers were also asked if they believed they could keep their students engaged for the 90-minute block, and if they thought they had enough time to cover the curriculum on the block schedule. For both questions, at least 70 percent agreed that they could do both of those things.

“It’s just not surveys, it’s logistics, and we did find that most people wanted around 65 to 70 minutes as instructional time, so that’s the starting point,” Lanoue said.

The new schedule affects all CCSD high schools.

But at the beginning of October, Lanoue said he had not received much feedback.

“It’s been pretty amazing that people have just done it, made the change,” Lanoue said. “I’ve talked to people and they like the schedule, but would I call that a comprehensive survey? No. People say ‘I’m getting used to it.’”

For students and teachers, the seven period schedule is uncharted territory. Teachers have reported experiencing both positive and negative outcomes resulting from the new schedule.

“I kind of like it, this 70 minutes. It’s enough to

get through what you need to, but not too much Due to the nature of the seven-period rotatwhere there’s a whole lot of time where (students ing schedule, students never have the same set of are) done,” CCHS foreign language department classes two days in a row, which is cause for some teacher Emily Dowd said. “It’s been a little bit of a confusion, according to CCHS administrators. challenge getting used to the 70 minutes, in terms “No two days are the same. The only thing that of planning. I’m still over-planning.” is consistent is that fourth block is the same on CCHS Special education department teacher Jen- day one and day two. So it makes it hard,” CCHS nifer Whitley also believes that assistant principal Reginald Thomas said. a 70 minute class period has been effective.

“I really do like the 70-minute period.

“I really do like the 70-minute period. I think that is a I think that is a good amount of time good amount of time to get a lesson in the day with and hold to get a lesson in the day with and students’ attention,” Whitley hold students’ attention.” said. “I think that 90 minutes is a little bit too long. People (are) goofing off more--and even I -- JENNIFER WHITLEY, was less focused--by the end of special education department teacher the day.”

Whitley, who formerly taught on a year-long schedule, said that the year-long “I like a routine. Even things like planning to do classes is beneficial. observations or dealing with student schedules (is “I did like having the same students all year. harder), you can’t even plan for tomorrow or the You got to get to know them a little bit better, you next day without looking at your calendar.” got to do more things in the classes,” Whitley said.

CCHS Special education department teacher “We build a relationship in the classroom a little bit Tiffani Knight said that although she thinks the better if it’s over a whole year versus the semester, I rotation can be good for some students, the lack of don’t feel as rushed.” consistency may cause problems for others.

Photo by Porter McLeod

Below: GAUGING REACTIONS: Clarke County School District superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue speaks at a Clarke Central High School Parent Teacher Student Organization meeting on Nov. 12 to address questions and concerns about they newly-implemented seven-period rotating schedule. “I want you to know as I’ve been in block and in top schools with year-long schedules,” Lanoue said at the meeting. “It’s manageable when the adults and students want to manage it.”

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 21

NEWS

Photo by Luke Slaboda

Above: THE MAN IN CHARGE: Clarke County School District superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue has overseen the district-wide transition from block scheduling to seven-period rotating schedule for high schools during the 2013-14 school year. As of October, Lanoue said that he had seen a smooth transition. “It’s been pretty amazing that people have done it, made the change,” Lanoue said. “I’ve talked to people and they liked the schedule. People say, ‘I’m getting used to it.’”

“I made a joke in pre-planning, ‘We don’t go to lunch, dinner, breakfast, then breakfast, dinner, lunch, and then we’re going to start over with lunch. You know, it’s confusing,” Knight said.

Teachers are now teaching more students each week. On the block schedule, teachers were responsible for three classes each week, but with the new schedule, that number has doubled to six classes a week.

“I had a total of about 75 or 80 students a week (last year). Which was a lot easier than 150,” CCHS science department teacher Valinda Miller said.

“The first quiz I gave to all the classes, I had carpal tunnel afterwards so I had to modify my quizzes to make sure that they were going to be on scantron or at least part of it on scantron so I wouldn’t have to do as much grading by hand.”

Other teachers have also expressed difficulty in handling the greater number of assignments that must be graded.

“I can’t keep up with the grading. I worry that the system can’t keep up with students, too,” CSHS English department teacher Marc Ginsberg said.

“What was formerly split up over two 90-day segments now happens all at once over 120 instructional days spread out over 180 days. It’s hard to be

proactive when you’re trying to do something that “There has definitely been an increase (in is so logistically complicated.” behavior incidents.) There have also been decreases Thomas believes that the increase in the number in certain areas. I think that the schedule has had of students with whom teachers interact each an impact on the system. I think in a lot of positive week may have contributed to a rise in behavior ways, but one of the challenges during that first incidents. Behavior incidents did increase at the year of transition is figuring out discipline,” CCHS beginning of the year, in August of 2012 there were behavior specialist Lakiesha Gant said.

169 total referrals.

In August of 2013, there were 228.

“I skip lunch on most days now, and I’m “You have more lucky to find five minutes to use the rest kids on the block schedule. You had room. Both of which are pretty barbaric three classes worth ways to treat teachers, albeit unintentionof kids that you see, (but) on this ally.” schedule you have six classes worth of kids that you see,” -- MARC GINSBERG, Thomas said. “So Cedar Shoals High School English department teacher that’s that many more chances or that many more kids you have to deal with.”

The rotating nature of the schedule also causes There is debate among staff members concernteachers to lose their planning period one out of eving whether or not the new schedule correlates ery three days. In order to compensate for that lost planning time, 7:45-8:30 a.m. is a common planwith the increase.

22 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

NEWS and other expectations,” Ginsberg said. “I skip lunch on most days now, and I’m lucky to find five minutes to use the rest room. Both of which are pretty barbaric ways to treat teachers, albeit unintentionally.”

Some students can see both the benefits and the drawbacks of the new schedule.

“I like the flow of it, because I get a break between my AP classes and I just don’t feel like my brain is all fried up,” senior Gabriel Arcos said.

“What I don’t like is I don’t feel productive, I feel like we don’t do much in class anymore and I feel like we don’t really learn.”

“I like the flow of it, because I get a break Junior Yung Kipreos believes that the rotating between my AP classes and I just don’t nature is a positive aspect of the new feel like my brain is all fried up.” schedule.

“It switches every day -- GABRIEL ARCOS, so you never get tired senior of the school schedule.

And you get tired of doing the same routine planning periods a week, sometimes only one, over and over again, well (the schedule) switches but most of the time two, that really does play a every three days, so it will last three times as long role,” Dowd said. “( While the sports I coach are before I get tired of it,” Kipreos said. in season), there’s sometimes where my planning However, others expressed challenges with period gets eaten up with coaching stuff. That’s keeping up with a schedule that is not consistent been tough. I’ve been here till eight (p.m.), most of each day. the time.”

“I forget my books, and I get confused and go Ginsberg agrees that the lack of a planning to the wrong class, because I forget which one to period some days may have negative impacts. go to. It’s just a lot,” junior Kiunerea Jones said.

“Personally, I’m completely drained at the end of “(Sometimes) I’m late to class, (and) you don’t see most days, no matter if it’s a day that I teach three, your classes everyday so you’re sometimes behind.” four or five classes. This is more due to meetings Students no longer have the opportunity to

retake a class during the second semester if they failed it first semester. Sophomore Nokia Howard believes that this might negatively impact students.

“For some people (the schedule) is an improvement, for some people it’s a setback, for those who fail, they lose their extra chance to retake that class. They might have to graduate a year late, or a semester late,” Howard said.

Before the decision was made to switch to a rotating seven-period schedule, members of the High School Instructional Council spent time examining research and schedules in place at other high schools.

“It looked great on paper, but when you actually carry it out, it’s much more difficult,” Hooker said.

Hooker said that after the first month of school, he held a meeting to discuss the schedule with department chairs.

“We discussed some of those issues and I’ve spoken to the superintendent and we’re open to re-examining and looking at a different schedule for next year if necessary,” Hooker said.

Although no definite plans are in place yet for modifications to the current schedule or a change to a new schedule, Hooker said that the schedule will remain a topic of discussion at High School Instructional Council meetings.

“It’s definitely a change, but it’s something, like I said to the staff, that we will re-examine in the Spring before next year,” Hooker said. “If we see that it’s not working, we’re willing to adapt.”

Infographic by Aaron Holmes

ning period for all teachers, during which meetings and instructional learning may be held.

“My day without a planning period is day three.

So I have to double up during the previous planning period to allow me to get through that day three,” Miller said. “It is exhausting at the end of the day.”

Dowd also said she has struggled with the increase in students as well as the rotating planning period.

“I feel like I’m behind with my grading. We have more students to deal with now. With two fewer

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 23

FEATURES

24 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

FEATURES

Leaving leukemia behind Sophomore and cancer survivor, Florence White does not allow her past experience with illness to define her.

I

nches of glass were all that separated the two small hands, pressed against the window that divided them. The girl looked down into the eyes of her little brother. He was so brave and she saw it, now more than ever, as he sat looking back at her.

Who would have known that, after all of the giant machines, with their big names and even bigger functions, her little brother would be the one to keep her alive?

BY MARY MERRITT Features Writer

“After the (bone marrow) transplant, they wouldn’t let me hug my brother.

My immune system was in such a bad shape. We weren’t allowed to hold hands or touch each other. That was the worst part,” sophomore Florence White said.

Until Feb. 10, 2006, Florence lived a normal life.

“I think (my childhood) was pretty ordinary. Both of my parents are doctors, so they were always open to us about a lot of stuff, as far as science and that sort of thing goes,” Florence said. “We tried to get in a lot of physical activity.

Mostly they tried to keep us healthy.”

However, not all sickness can be prevented, and in February of her third grade year, Florence’s previously ordinary childhood took a turn for the abnormal.

A few weeks before the diagnosis, Florence awoke in the middle of the night with a barking cough and difficulty breathing. When she awoke the next morning, the cough remained and she began feeling tired and exhausted during daily activities.

“My mother is a pediatrician, and she had actually had a patient with similar symptoms before who had leukemia,” Florence said. “Family friends told her she was being paranoid, but then the results came back.”

Later that February, Florence was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. At the time of diagnosis, Florence was too sick and exhausted for the news to sink in, but even when it did, at the age of nine she was not aware of what the diagnosis would entail.

Photos by Porter McLeod

Previous Page: STANDING STRONG: Sophomore Florence White overcomes leukemia despite the odds against her. “Sometimes I think about (my illness) a lot, and sometimes I forget it ever happened,” Florence said. Below: SIBLING SURVIVAL: Freshman Charlie White supported his sister during her illness, and continues to do so throughout her life. “I don’t think there was ever any doubt in my mind that she would be OK,” Charlie said.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 25

FEATURES “I knew what (my leukemia) was and what it did, but I didn’t realize that at but they’re giving you so much extra fluid you still look kind of puffy.” the time at least 85 percent of kids with it died,” Florence said.

Despite the side effects, Florence never let the treatments get her down.

Florence’s parents however, knew the conditions of her disease were much “(Having cancer) made me grow up faster later on, but when I was in the more dire. hospital and I wasn’t feeling really sick, I was just goofy,” Florence said. “ I “It hit us like a ton of bricks, because unlike a lot of people who might get a remember a lot of the good times I had there.” result and know that something’s not quite right, we really knew what we were On a good day, Florence would be up roaming the ward, or making a nurse getting into. I think we both thought that Florence was going to die,” Florence’s name-tag. Even when she was on bed-rest Florence kept her sense of humor father Dr. Richard White said. “We pretty much crawled into our own little about her, cracking jokes and always bringing a smile to the faces of those near. shells, had some discussions about it, and we just decided OK, its time to go to It also helped that Florence had an abundance of visitors. war and start fighting this (disease) as best as we can.”

“Luckily, we were very, very comfortable being in hospitals, so when we With such an aggressive cancer, treatment was not easy for Florence. moved in, we really moved in,” Richard said. “We would have folks visit and “I got a lot of different have slumber parties in the hosmedicines at that time because “We tried to maintain this family type of thing, pital. We tried to maintain this chemotherapy has a lot of diffamily type of thing, but it was ferent side effects, like vomiting but it was pretty discombobulated, so we just pretty discombobulated, so we and that kind of thing,” Florjust fell into that routine, and it fell into that routine, and it became normal.” ence said. “They help to keep became normal.” it under control. (There were) Florence’s family was tested -- DR. RICHARD WHITE, for bone marrow matches, and a lot of blood transfusions and Florence’s father her brother was a match. The extra fluids.”

Florence underwent four treatment spanned over the time rounds of chemotherapy. Each of about six months, and the round was given over the course of three months. The doctors let her go home recovery period lasted almost another six months. for a week in between treatments, and although the time was short, it was spent For the first couple of weeks, Florence attended the classes available at the with her friends and family. Her brother Charlie especially treasured her visits. hospital for in-patients, but at some point she started feeling too sick because of “I remember this one time where she actually took a break and got to come the treatment. Florence ended up not attending school at all for nearly a year. home. It was a snow day, and she would have gone back but the roads were “What I ended up doing was repeating the fourth grade. A lot of my friends closed, so she got to stay with us for a couple of extra days,” Charlie said. “Snow were younger than me actually, so it was helpful because then I got to be in the is especially rare in Georgia, so I thought that was really special, Florence comsame grade as all of my friends,” Florence said. ing down and getting a huge snow day, kind of a like a welcome home.”

After treatment, Florence transferred to David C. Barrow Elementary School.

Some days were better than others, but the treatment had many side effects.

The move was beneficial because it gave her the opportunity to start anew.

“The (side effect) you always hear about is hair falling out, and of course at Because she switched schools, only a handful of kids knew about her illness. first I was devastated over my terrible loss, but I got over it pretty quickly. And “I didn’t really talk about it that much, but my hair was still really short at the the vomiting, it was just constant. They have medicine that makes it better, but time. If someone asked, I would talk about it,” Florence said. it doesn’t go away,” Florence said. “The one nobody ever talks about though are Luckily there were ways of updating her friends and family that were easy these mouth sores, they’re the worst. It hurts to just talk. You also lose your apand efficient. Florence’s parents created a blog dedicated to her condition and petite; it’s just gone. You’re never hungry. Because of this I lost a lot of weight, the condition of her family throughout the duration of her illness.

Infographic by Radford Brosius

Right: STARTLING STATISTICS: According to cancer.gov cancer is the number one killer of children age 1-14 years old in the United States and on average, one to two children develop the disease each year for every 10,000 children in the U.S.

26 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

FEATURES

Photos courtesy of Tricia Spaulding

Above Left: LOOKING FORWARD: Sophomore Florence White, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age nine, watches her Athens United soccer teammates, who raised more than $5,000 to donate to the American cancer Society. White’s experience with illness has affected her career goals. “Sometimes I think I’d love to heal people, but I also never want to be around another doctor ever again,” White said. Above Right: KICKING CANCER: White participates in a Athens United soccer game during her recovery.

“(The blog) kind of takes care of people constantly e-mailing and asking ‘are bly influenced who she is today, and where she sees herself down the road. you OK?’ and wanting details; so you put it out there for everyone,” Florence “Sometimes I think I’d love to heal people, but I also never want to be said. “My dad mostly took care of that. Apparently he’s a very emotional writer around another doctor ever again,” Florence said. “I have thought about doing and made people cry. He still writes in it occasionally whenever I go to get an counseling or something like that. The child life specialists at the hospital MRI or something.” basically just talk to kids While the blog was and play games to help “It is about trying to be the best you can be, do the largely kept by Florence’s explain to them what’s mother, her father contribbest you can do. It is about showing love without happening and how the uted. treatment’s going to “I’ve always enjoyed writ- holding back. It is about getting to the heart of the work. I would like that.” ing, so I would when I was For Florence, the expematter, and living today.” inspired, go and write somerience of having cancer is thing on there for general something that has had a -- FLORENCE WHITE, consumption,” Richard said. permanent affect on her sophomore life. It does not define “I found it to be a very good way for me to let people who she is, but it is a part get inside my shell, because I’m a pretty closed person otherwise. It gave me a of her story, and it has left her with a better understanding of the world around venue to express myself without feeling too vulnerable.” her.

There were many new resources that the White family was introduced to by The same can be said for her loved ones. Florence’s parents described their different childhood cancer groups, in addition to the blog site. feelings on Florence’s Caringbridge site.

“We were obviously very aware of childhood cancer, but it was very periph“Reality changes. It is no longer about planning for your future, your fameral in our existence. Everyone has their little causes here and there, but it ily’s future,” Florence said. “It is no longer about living or dying. It is about gave us at least temporarily an outlet that we could give support to, that was trying to be the best you can be, do the best you can do. It is about showing very personal to us, and it availed us to meet some very, very great people we love without holding back. It is about getting to the heart of the matter, and would not otherwise have met. People who became comrades in arms with us,” living today.”

Richard said.

Florence’s cancer is something that happened in her past, but it has palpa-

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 27

Featured page: IN THE OUTFIELD: Athletic Field Worker David Padgett, known as Bulldog, stands with his work equipment and admires his hard work done on the softball field. “I want to do a great job and have whatever I’m doing (be) a success,” Bulldog said.

Photo by Chad Rhym

28 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

FOCUS

Committed to the “C”

Athletic field maintenance worker David Padgett, known as “Bulldog”, is in charge of looking after Clarke Central High Schools’ grounds.

Padgett prides himself in the hard work he puts into making sure the fields are up to par.

I

t’s 4:00 p.m. on a Friday, and Clarke Central High School is getting ready for a football game in Billy Henderson stadium. The grass has just been mowed, all weeds pulled and lines freshly painted on the field. Athletic field maintenance worker David Padgett is still working, making sure that everything is perfect.

Padgett is a Cedar Shoals graduate of 1977, where he played both football and soccer.

Most know Padgett as Bulldog, a nickname that started in his childhood, and stuck with him throughout the years.

“We were just kids playing and then one day (someone) says ‘Oh you old bulldog,’ and at first I didn’t like it, but then I embraced it and said ‘If I’m going to be called Bulldog, I’m going to be the roughest bulldog out there.’”

Immediately before coming to CCHS, Bulldog was a field maintenance worker at CSHS for six years, but was hired when the previous field maintenance worker Robert “Red” Cunningham retired.

Though he has only been at CCHS school for one year, he has already received recognition from coaches.

“He really does take pride in presenting the facility in a positive light. He wants it to look good for not only fans, but also athletes so they can take pride in it, and the school can take pride in the facilities,” varsity softball and baseball head coach Trey Henson said. “(It’s) enjoyable when he’s around because he wants to do well for the kids. He is (helping) and supporting every athlete that we have, which to me, means a lot.”

Bulldog is responsible for working on the multiple athletic fields at CCHS, weeding them, fertilizing them and keeping the athletic complex clean. However, Bulldog often stays later than is required, and even comes in on weekends to finish whatever is needed.

“I really do (enjoy working on the field.) I have a lot of pride and drive and that keeps me going,” Bulldog said. “I want it to look good for the young student athletes. When they host games here we want it to be comfortable as any sporting facility.”

According to Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward and various coaches, Bulldog’s presence is respected and appreciated because of the hard work that he puts into the fields and his job.

“He is very much considered to be a peer among the coaches, not someone who’s somewhere else on the organizational chart, but (someone who) has an important role. They love him,” Ward said. “Most coaches, including myself, have been in situations where we have been the ones who are in charge of taking care of the field, making sure the grounds are as they should be. To have someone who does that and who does it

BY RADFORD BROSIUS News Writer

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 29

FOCUS

Photo by Radford Brosius

Above: PART OF THE ACTION: Athletic field maintenance worker David “Bulldog” Padgett stands in the crowd during the CCHS vs. Gainesville High School game, admired and welcomed by the student section at the game. Students yelled compliments at Bulldog mid-game, telling him how great the field looked, and that they were happy with how much work he put into the field. “The field looks great,” senior Patrick Matthews said.

with such care and commitment is very meaningful.”

Though Bulldog is now a welcomed member at the school, it has been a journey to get to this point. Bulldog worked at various different companies throughout the years, including McDonald’s, the Atlanta Gas Light Company and the Loaf

“I have a daughter that’s a 10th grader at Cedar Shoals and a wife, and she also works with the Clarke County School District as a parapro,” Bulldog said. “(My wife) is a Central graduate, and so we enjoy living in Athens and being around town. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere other than Athens. I love Athens.”

“He wants to do well for the kids. He is (help- Bulldog is an Athens native, and enjoys the atmosphere of the community. ing) and supporting every athlete that we “(Athens) is steadily growing and being a college town it’s a good place to be,” Bulldog said. “We’ve had have, which to me means a lot.” so much growth with the Civics Center and different components of Athens, so you know there’s always you can do.”

-- TREY HENSON, something A large part of Bulldog’s appreciation for Athens is head varsity baseball and softball coach CCHS, which acts as a second home at times.

“We had one of the biggest games this season with Company, doing different jobs at each place.

Gainesville. We had Fox 5 news here and a lot of sports writers “McDonald’s was like my very first job and it taught me and newspapers. When they come upon the complex we want about working and dealing with the public, and (I) was doing it to be very appealing to them. My work is who I am,” Bulldog maintenance type work. I was kind of working out front and said. behind the scenes of McDonald’s,” Bulldog said.

For those who know Bulldog, his dedication is clear. The After working at McDonald’s, Bulldog had many other pride in what he does is enough to drive him to work around workplace experiences in different positions. the clock on what he loves to do.

“I was like a crew helper on a distribution truck (at Atlanta “(I enjoy) serving the community and being of service to Gas Light.) We fixed and repaired gas piping and re-landscaped our student athletes,” Bulldog said. “You have to have a good yards,” Bulldog said. “The basis of my jobs has been dealing field to play on, a good track to run on, so my goal here is to with the public directly, and I’ve learned (in) dealing with do my very best for our student athletes so that they can have the public you’ve got all types of people and you have to just a place to compete at and be proud of and the community can handle situations differently as you go about.” come out and root them on and be proud of what they have Bulldog met his wife in Athens and started a family in his and that’s what drives me.” hometown.

Bulldog even has messages for student athletes, and pushes 30 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

Photo by Porter McLeod

FOCUS

them to do their best and work hard, not just when playing on the field. For instance, he spoke to the varsity softball team just before the Cedar vs. Central game.

“He just (said to) always help each other and to keep going. I think he does it because he really likes being with the (students) and I think he loves his job, loves what he does,” sophomore varsity softball player Hannah Gorman said.

Ward also recognizes the positive interactions that Bulldog has with the students.

“I think (those who know him) have a lot of respect for him, and a very keen sense of appreciation,” Ward said. “He has a good demeanor and really has the well being and welfare of our student athletes at heart and I think our student athletes pick up on that.”

Bulldog forms positive relationships with students, and he tries to be involved with the student athletes.

“I try to have a good message for them. I try to tell them that hard work pays off,” Bulldog said. “Nothing comes easy.

If you don’t put forth the effort and the time then you won’t succeed in it.”

Bulldog hopes to continue working at CCHS, as he loves the environment and is driven to work hard for the athletic program.

“This place here is special and dear to me at this point in time,” Bulldog said. “I’ve been taken in by the Gladiator nation, and I feel like family. They treat me very nicely here, so I’m committed to the C.”

December 2013

Photo by Radford Brosius

Above: PREPARATION PARTNERS: Varsity baseball and softball head coach Trey Henson (left) and athletic field maintenance worker David Padgett, known as Bulldog (right) look at the baseball field as they prepare for the coming maintenance that will be needed for the spring season. Below: WORDS OF WISDOM: Bulldog talks to senior and varsity football player Drico Browner mid CCHS vs. Gainesville High School game. Bulldog gives advice and pushes the players to do their best.

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 31

VARIETY

Cultural Buzz

Juice Up Juice Up: The Original Juice Cafe opened on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 283 Broad St. in Downtown Athens.

Capitalizing on the recent juice fad, the new downtown establishment specializes in fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable concoctions.

Juice Up’s menu is divided into “juices” and “blends.” The juices include the “Green Machine,” “Hangover Helper” and “The Beet,” among others. Hidden behind the clever names is a load of organic coldpressed local produce that is turned into juice before the customer’s eyes.

Although juice options have numerous health benefits, the taste simply does not justify the price tag.

The prices for the juices and blends are expensive at $6.00 for a medium and $7.50 for a large.

The blends offer a sweeter, thicker version of the juices that can be likened to a smoothie. Ingredients like almond milk, agave or banana are added to the juice to achieve a thicker consistency.

In addition to cold drinks, Juice Up also serves reasonably priced coffee, as well as snacks and locally made granola.

At the very least, Juice Up has given Downtown Athens a suitable replacement for the sorely-missed Planet Smoothie that moved from College St. to the east side a year ago.

-- Henry Scott, Sports Writer

Suffering from Success

Cooking out Hamburger chain Cook-Out has attracted a large crowd in a short time.

C

ook-Out, a North Carolina-based restaurant, recently opened an Athens location in late Sept. Cook-Out is located at 1097 Parkway Blvd. and offers a large variety of food ‘cooked outdoors style’. The Christian-oriented business has proven to be popular with lines frequently surrounding the establishment.

Despite the long lines, friendly cashiers quickly take orders. The wait time is only about five minutes. There is also a double drivethru for a quick in-and-out. After ordering, customers have the option to sit inside at picnic-like tables, or, if the weather permits, outside under umbrellas. Numbers are quickly called and customers go to the counter to retrieve their food.

Cook-Out is economical with the majority of The menu incorporates items priced under $7, making it family-friendly. almost anything one could The menu incorporates imagine would be served almost anything one could imagine would be off of a Labor Day grill. served off of a Labor Day grill. Cook-Out offers an assortment of hamburgers, barbecue plates, grilled chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. Milkshakes, while a little soupy, cost less than $3 each and are available in over 30 flavors ranging from peach cobbler to mint Oreo.

The best value offered is the Cook-Out tray, which includes a main entree, two sides and a drink all for $4.65. A milkshake can be added to the combo for only a dollar more. The sides include fries, a chicken or beef quesadilla, chicken nuggets, a corn dog, onion rings and many more. The portions of some sides, notably onion rings or chicken nuggets, are skimpy, but the fries are abundant.

No matter what one orders, they will leave the restaurant thoroughly satisfied with their purchase.

With a key location, ample parking and a good menu, Cook-Out provides customers with a positive experience. It will be around for a long time serving quality food to eager consumers.

-- Tierra Hayes, Sports Writer Photos by Nicholas Byrne, Ethan Crane and Porter McLeod Photo illustration by Porter McLeod

American producer and rapper DJ Khaled released his seventh studio album, Suffering from Success on Oct. 22. However, this album is nothing out of the ordinary.

It features 30 various artists such as Future, Ace Hood, Rick Ross, Drake and Nicki Minaj, and is clearly meant for the mainstream rap market. Many songs include repetitive beats and lyrics. Songs like “Hells Kitchen,” however, provide variety by being more mellow. But with a wide selection of artists and producers, the album feels disconnected.

Even with the album’s wide variety of styles, it fails to do anything spectacular.

-- Nick Dawe, Sports Writer

Cameo

As smartphones become an accessible form of video-sharing, there is an overflow of people shooting footage of anything imaginable.

There are the original but ever-reliable apps such as Vine and Instagram, but Fast Society Inc.’s new app Cameo polishes smartphone cinema.

Cameo allows users to create up to a two minute-long video consisting of six second mini-clips that can be edited and captioned within the app. After the video is morphed to the user’s content, a title, theme and soundtrack may be chosen to accompany the new work of art.

Although Cameo videos are not as spontaneous as other video sharing apps due to a lengthy processing time, it provides a very sophisticated way to convey video.

-- Brittney Butler, Junior Copy Editor

December 2013

Cultural Buzz

VARIETY

Athens, Ga.: Inside/Out

Snapchat Stories

Athens, Ga: Inside/Out, directed by Tony Gayton, is a 1986 documentary about the artistic diversity of Athens.

The documentary offers a pieced together view of Athens. Shots of various interviews are intertwined with live performances and stories told by the Reverend Howard Finster.

Long scenes of local bands like R.E.M., B-52’s, Pylon and Love Tractor performing live, while seemingly appealing at first, become dry and illustrious after twenty minutes.

While the film showcases a few visual artists like Finster and is worth watching, it leans heavily on music.

Inside/Out leaves things out and, contrary to the title, did not fully delve into all the ins-and-outs of Athens.

Snapchat Stories is the newest addition to the app’s interface. Users are now able to compile photos and videos into a narrative that can be seen by all of their in-app contacts for 24 hours before it, too, disappears.

In mid Nov., Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel declined an offer of $3 billion from social network Facebook because of the company’s high predicted growth. Snapchat is attempting to turn their messaging platform into a social network itself, and the transition is apparent.

This update seems like the right step for the development of the app, but the new feature is much more intrusive than one might think. Stories can be shared publicly or exclusively with a user’s contacts. Prior to this update, adding someone as a contact meant next to nothing.

But now because it is so easy to send a snap to everyone in a user’s contacts, many users now receive long, boring and non-personal messages that clutter their phone’s notifications.

Despite Snapchat’s success, the reality is that average users are not as funny as the Vine or Instagram celebrities, who have mastered the art of the social short. The Snapchat team is attempting to force their way into the social media game by creating a feed of their own. But instead of the connection stories being interesting and something one feels obligated to check, it is only a nuisance.

-- Emily Watson, News Writer

2dopeboyz.com

Hip-hop and rap fanatics have congregated for years on 2dopeboyz. com. The website specializes in the newest songs and music videos from both underground and well-known artists and groups.

Each article, video or audio post on the website can be voted either “dope” or “nope”. Visually, the site is boring, using black and gold as the primary colors. 2dopeboyz is often flooded with terrible artists, driving away visitors.

The site has also weathered controversy as members of the popular rap collective Odd Future have insulted it on multiple occasions.

2dopeboyz, while useful for quickly finding out what is happening in the rap industry, is not a website worth hours of time.

Kelela’s big break Singer-songwriter Kelela Mizanekristos develops a personal musical style for her debut.

O

n Oct. 1, Kelela Mizanekristos took the indie music world by storm with her first mixtape, Cut 4 Me, a gorgeous compilation of electronic songs with elements of pop, witch-house and rhythmand-blues.

Kelela was born to an Ethiopian family in Washington D.C, and grew up in the suburbs of Maryland. In 2010, she made the Kelela’s lyrics are aumove to Los Angeles, initially hoping to become a jazz singer. thoritative and conInstead, she found herself fident, and together drawn to the electronic music scene where she ended up mak- with her vocals make ing a name for herself. an empowering, Songs like “Enemy,” a moody tune with alluring harmonies, modern sound with a display a futuristic electropop compelling energy. sound similar to contemporary artists like Little Dragon, who Kelela cites as an influence, combined with a soulful 90s R&B sound reminiscent of artists such as Aaliyah.

This juxtaposition of textures and genres is what the up-andcoming era of music is moving towards, and Kelela is an extraordinary spokeswoman for such a transition. Her lyrics are authoritative and confident, and together with her strong vocals they make an empowering, modern sound with a compelling energy.

Although her general sound is consistent, some tracks lean on the progressive and alternative side more than others, keeping things from becoming monotonous as well as exhibiting Kelela’s wide range of songwriting abilities. “Send Me Out” consists of slow, swelling synths, unorthodox yet clean song structure and an overall enchanting quality that feels like a satisfying, relaxing break from some of her quicker dance songs.

Despite being Kelela’s debut, Cut 4 Me is precise with a well-developed and original style that already has her ahead of the game considering her low level of experience. Her musical personality is exhilarating, and with a mixtape this impressive, one can only imagine what will come next.

-- Nicholas Byrne, Broadcast Staff

-- Grace Polaneczky, Guest Writer Photos by Ethan Crane and Nicholas Byrne

Photo illustration by Ethan Crane

-- Robert Walker, Viewpoints Editor December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 33

Relocating the Roaster In response to an impending development, the Jittery Joe’s Roaster was forced to move from its historic downtown location.

BY ETHAN CRANE

PHOTOS BY PORTER MCLEOD

Variety Editor

Senior Copy Editor

J

ittery Joe’s Roasting Company co-owner Bob Googe woke up on Oct. 16, 2011 to find an article in the Athens Banner Herald detailing a new mixed-use development in downtown Athens. The building of the Jittery Joe’s Roaster would be demolished to make way.

“I look in the newspaper and there’s this article that says ‘new Walmart coming to downtown’ and where it’s going to be and what buildings are going to be torn down and ( Jittery Joe’s) was one of them,” Googe said. “That was the very first (I heard) of it and I was like, ‘What?’”

The development, headed by Atlanta-based Selig Enterprises and located on the Armstrong & Dobbs tract between E. Broad and Oconee streets, faced fierce community resistance. Grassroots organizations such as People for a Better Athens held rallies in attempts to block the project. They were specifically opposed to a Walmart -- the original intended anchor store -- opening downtown. “(Selig) met with us and apologized that we found out (through the ABH), but we don’t own the building so they had no obligation to tell us,” Googe said.

“They didn’t really know how much people liked Jittery Joe’s in town and how much a part of the community we are. They didn’t really expect the reaction they got, and they got a pretty negative reaction.”

After multiple commission hearings, town hall meetings and plan revisions, Selig was given the green light by the Athens-Clarke County Commission in July.

Walmart was dropped as a possible anchor store, the ultimate goal for many activists, and the total amount of commercial space had nearly been halved from 200,000 square feet to 102,000.

But Jittery Joe’s still needed to find a new home.

“We looked at dozens and dozens of places. We actually had a lease on a place at the edge of the county but the more we thought about it we realized we consider ourselves to be in Athens,” Googe said. “We realized we need to be where people can walk to us, where the community knows where we are. We have that on Barber Street.”

Operations began at the Roaster’s new location on Oct. 7. The new facilities will continue to house both roasting operations and a tasting room.

Googe says the character of the Broad Street location, something he attributes to increased coffee sales, is one of the biggest losses.

“It took us years to get (the old) place kind of funky, from the handmade doors to the stained glass windows, and it’ll be the same with the new place.

We’ll just do it over time,” Googe said. “It’s kind of gotten its own personality that when new wholesale potential customers come they relax and enjoy it.”

Left: JUMBO JAVA: A coffee roasting machine six times the size of the previous machines is a highlight of the new roasting facilities. “It’s made by the same company so the intensity and the heat and the airflow are in the same ratio to the mass of the coffee. It has the same philosophy and everything, but it’s just bigger and more intense,” Jittery Joe’s coffee roaster Charlie Mustard said.

34 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

VARIETY

Above: CREATING COFFEE: Jittery Joe’s coffee roaster Charlie Mustard operates the coffee roaster inside the old Roaster building located at 780 E. Broad St. Mustard uses his skill set to roast the variety of Jittery Joe’s’ coffee profiles. “I can control the intensity of the heat and the airflow through the drum which will speed up or slow down the roast. I can take the coffee out and see how it’s changing through the stages (of roasting),” Mustard said.

Googe’s younger daughter, sophomore Nicole Googe, has many fond memo- here 15 years and people will keep coming (to Broad Street) and say ‘Where’d ries of the unique Broad Street building. they go?’”

“I would go with my dad and I would always jump on the bags of coffee Googe and Mustard hope to retain many familiar elements of the Broad in the back, because they all seemed so tall and far apart,” Nicole said. “The Street location to keep a consistent personality for the Roaster while also planRoaster was also storage for a life size chess set at one point, and I went with ning an improved workflow system within the building. my father and sister and ran around moving chess pieces.”

“The thing that will be helpful is (Broad Street) sort of grew organically and On Oct. 29, nearly two years after we’ll be able to be more intentional “We realized we consider ourselves to the debut of the Armstrong & Dobbs in the new space,” Googe said. “From development, a press release issued beginning, we’ll be able to lay all be in Athens. We realized we need to be the by spokesman Brian Broderick of the product out so it’ll be efficient, public relations firm Jackson Spalding where people can walk to us, where the easy and safe for everyone who works said Selig would no longer pursue a community knows we are. We have that there.” project in downtown Athens for the The Barber Street location includes time being. a new, larger coffee roaster that the on Barber Street.”

“I feel badly for Selig. However, I wooden floor at Broad Street would am also frustrated about the hundreds not have been able to support. This -- BOB GOOGE, roaster will maximize coffee producof hours and tens of thousands of Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roaster co-owner tion and storage space. dollars that Jittery Joe’s has now, in essence, wasted,” Googe said. “It will “The busiest summer we’ve ever be years before the benefits begin to outweigh the costs.” had (was in 2013). It is going to save me a lot of time,” Mustard said. “For But Googe and coffee roaster Charlie Mustard, among others, see positives example, what I can do in three and a half to four hours on (the old) roaster, I that made the move worthwhile. can do in an hour and fifteen minutes on (the new) roaster.”

“It’s a really cool neighborhood and there are a number of different galleries The increase in the roasting machine’s capacity -- roughly six times larger and studios right next to us, and over there we’ll have tons of parking,” Mustard than the current machine -- will ease the workload entering fall and winter, the said. “But letting people know where we are will be a big thing. We’ve been busiest time of year for Jittery Joe’s, according to Googe and Mustard.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 35

VARIETY “After Thanksgiving we roast seven days a week, 20 hours a day until the week before Christmas,” Googe said. “So the last thing we really wanted was to move our business entering the busiest time of the year, but that’s what we ended up doing.”

The Roaster’s new location also includes an expanded parking lot that will make hosting community events, such as coffee education nights and concerts, easier. The Broad Street location featured essentially no parking for visitors.

“We’ve been in a constant battle with the people next door (on Broad Street) over parking for a number of years. You can park a fleet of buses at our new place,” Googe said. “So we’re hoping to have tasting nights where we roast two, three, four different coffees and Charlie, our coffee roaster, can come in and invite people from the community to taste coffees and learn about the roasting process.”

Although Googe and Mustard are both optimistic about the move, both say the sentimental value of the old space makes it hard to leave.

“There are a lot of great memories down here.

I hate to be leaving,” Googe said. “We’ve had concerts down here, we’ve had weddings down here.

Rose of Athens did their very first production in our Roaster. When Katie, my eldest daughter, graduated last year we had her graduation party down here and we had people coming in from all over the country.”

Mustard’s son, senior Blake Mustard, sees the move as a chance for Jittery Joe’s’ business to grow as well as something beneficial for his father.

“I’m excited about it. There are a lot of connections to the old building and a lot of good stories.

But there will be good stories in the new building, too,” Blake said. “(My father) loves working next to the railroad tracks. He said it was his favorite place to work, so I think that’s a big positive for him.”

Despite the tough circumstances, Googe accepts the move and seizes the opportunity to make it a constructive experience for Jittery Joe’s.

“In some sense you have to think ‘Okay we have to move, so there’s no sense in dwelling on why we don’t want to move.’ We did everything we could to stay, but now that we can’t stay, we sort of have to turn the corner. Otherwise we’re just wasting emotional energy for nothing,” Googe said. “I might as well think, ‘Alright, how can I make the next thing as good as possible?’”

Top: LEAVING LOVE BEHIND: The front porch of the Broad Street location is only one of the unique additions to the building. “We’ve spent about fifteen years making this place what it is, from the handmade doors inside to the stained glass,” Jittery Joe’s Roasting Company co-owner Bob Googe said. “We’ve got to start all over on that stuff (on Barber Street).

But we’ll be able to move in and roast immediately.”

Bottom: The tasting room of the Broad Street Roaster serves coffee, tea and other drinks like Jittery Joe’s stores around Athens.

36 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

VARIETY

Left: FINDING A NEW HOME: The Roaster moved to its new location at 465 Barber St. on Oct. 7. “We decided to go with this Quonset hut - it kind of looks like half a barrel. We’re going to do a ton of work to it,” Googe said.

“We did everything we could to stay, but now that we can’t, we have to turn the corner. Otherwise, we’re just wasting emotional energy for nothing.”

-- BOB GOOGE, Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roaster co-owner

Right: SUPER STORAGE: The new Roaster features a concrete floor which allows the building to house the new, larger coffee roaster and increase the amount of coffee palettes that can be stored in the building.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 37

VARIETY

Community commitment Clarke Central High School staff and administrators visit local community centers to inform parents of opportunities for their students.

C

larke Central High School, partnered with the “There were only four parents there, but those four parents came,” Sheats Athens Housing Authority, created the Comsaid. “So, we don’t stop doing it because the numbers are small. It’s worth it.” munity Outreach Initiative five years ago. It The parents in attendance heard about the after-school Pathways Tutoring provides families of students who live in public housing with information they program. English department chair and head of Pathways Tutoring Erin Cawthon need to know about school procedures and graduation. expressed that if numbers of students attending do not increase, the program will “One of my missions is to make sure that all students in public housing not be able to be held on Mondays and Thursdays. graduate from high school because I grew up in Broad Acres,” Athens Housing The COI meeting gave Cawthon a chance to promote Pathways and show her Authority board member Valdon Daniel said. “If we’re truly concerned about passion for her students’ educational success. educating all of our population we will have to extend the school to the com“If we don’t get our attendance up, we will lose this valuable opportunity for munity.” students to improve their grades and get any assistance for anything that they Through this initiative, facmay need,” Cawthon said. “I want all of my seniors ulty members and staff of CCHS “We try to bring Clarke Central to to graduate, find something to do in life that makes hold informative meetings in happy, that makes them productive, that makes the community just to let them know them the community centers inside them feel successful. And I want my freshmen to go the public housing communities that we are invested.” through high school and have a good experience.” of Parkview, Rocksprings and Coordinator of the 21st century after-school proJack R. Wells, which is currently gram and fine arts department teacher Jeff Barnett -- ANTWAWN SHEATS, believes that COI meetings give families opportuniunder reconstruction.

Graduation coach ties to hear about the programs their students can “We do outreach because sometimes it’s hard for the famiattend for help at no cost. lies to get to Clarke Central, so we can reach them (and) meet them where they “The most important thing is if you need help, don’t be too proud to ask for are and it’s convenient to them,” graduation coach Antwawn Sheats said. “We help,” Barnett said. “A lot of students need assistance, but for some reason they try to bring Clarke Central to the community just to let them know that we are don’t go get the help that they need (even though) they’ve got opportunities.” invested and we want them to be invested as well on their student’s academic The meeting came to a close with an open forum in which families could achievement.” state their concerns, voice their opinions or ask any questions that they had.

The first meeting of the 2013-14 school year was held on Oct. 30 where Melisa Zaccaro, parent of 2012 alumna Katie, senior Kylie and sophomore topics including after-school tutoring and enrichment programs, CCHS’ new Erykah, has attended five COI meetings. Zaccaro believes that the same informaschedule and graduation were discussed. Although the community turnout was tion is repeated each year, but said this year was different because of the parent not as high as it had been in the past, Sheats believes the event was successful. involvement.

BY BRITTNEY BUTLER Junior Copy Editor

Photos by Porter McLeod

38 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

VARIETY

Left: ADDED ASSISTANCE: Math department teacher Edwin Hendry addresses parent Deborah Jackson’s question about Parent Portal, a widely discussed topic of the first Community Outreach Initiative meeting. “Some parents don’t know what Parent Portal is,” graduation coach Antwawn Sheats said. “I think it can make the difference in the student achieving academic success or not.” Previous Page: SPEAKING UP: Parent participation is a major aspect of COI meetings; parent Melisa Zaccaro voices a concern. “I got new information. Tonight was more interactive than any other night,” Zaccaro said.

“I want all of my seniors to graduate, find something to do in life that makes them happy, that makes them productive, that makes them feel successful.”

-- ERIN CAWTHON, English department teacher “Even though this time there were less parents, more spoke up,” Zaccaro said. “I had something to say so I got new information. (It) was more interactive than any other night that’s been here. Everybody I’ve dealt with in Clarke Central has always been helpful.”

Associate Principal Mary Thielman works with parents like Zaccaro on a daily basis. Thielman believes that COI meetings are critical for building better relationships with CCHS’ family community and that accessibility is an imperative aspect of that.

“I think that the big thing is us just being accessible to the community on their terms, not on ours,” Thielman said.

Thielman recalls a conversation she had with a parent after the first COI meeting at Rocksprings where the parent reached out for her help after hearing about what her job was in the school.

“As I was leaving that evening, I walked out and had every intention going home,” Thielman said. “(But) one of the adults that was there called me over and said, ‘Tell me what your name is again. What do you do?’”

Thielman introduced herself and the parent asked her to monitor her child on his track to graduation.

“I was in my office and at 8:00 the next morning that woman called me. It was magical that I was in my office to get the call because it probably would have been less effective had I not been there to pick up the call,” Thielman said. “Would that phone call have happened that morning from that parent to me (without the COI meeting?) No, because I’m not the administrator that oversees that student.”

The parent and Thielman had a lengthy conversation and once it was over, Thielman talked to the

student’s counselor to ensure that everyone was on the same page. After that, she pulled the student out of class to have a conversation with all three of them together.

“I’m going to (say) that I clearly articulated to this student, ‘I’m here (but) trust me, I am not going to chase you. If you want to continue this dialogue and continue to have that level of support, you know where my office is, poke your head in one day a week,’” Thielman said.

If it were not for CCHS and the community coming together for these meetings, situations like these may not have been possible.

“None of that would have happened without Rocksprings the night before,” Thielman said. “I think what (we) saw the other night, again, was just one more piece of evidence of what’s good about Clarke Central.”

Right: SHEATS SPEAKS: Graduation coach Antwawn Sheats begins the first COI meeting of the year on Oct. 30 at the Rocksprings Community Center with Clarke Central High School-related trivia questions.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 39

VARIETY

Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle

Above: IN THE FRYING PAN: Countless familiar female celebrities, from Kim Kardashian to Janelle Monae and Selena Gomez, speak with the vocal fry.

Turn down the heat Vocal fry, an increasingly prevalent linguistic phenomenon, is controversial for no valid reason.

I

t’s “the fryyyyy.”

But the criticism and the analyses only seem to pile on when the hearth of The vocal fry, a method of speech justifiably these vocal trends come from the young and female. Would vocal fry be a talkconsidered to be the successor to uptalk (you ing point if it were first noticed in men? know, ending declarative statements with an Quenqua notes that “vocal trends associated with young women are often inquisitive intonation?) among young Americans, seen as markers of immaturity or even stupidity.” Nowadays, however, many specifically females, is creaky, common and linguists, including Stanford University professor Penny Eckert, who is quoted increasingly under criticism. in Quenqua’s editorial, say that young women are pioneers in using voice to Vocal fry is now recognized as a distinct register their advantage.

BY ETHAN CRANE of the voice, along with the modal and falsetto “A lot of these really flamboyant things you hear are cute, and girls are supVariety Editor registers. But it was originally considered to be a posed to be cute,” Eckert said. “But they’re not just using them because they’re perplexing vocal disorder by speech pathologists, girls. They’re using them to achieve some kind of interactional and stylistic such as Long Island University associate professor Lesley Wolk, who spoke on end.”

The Today Show about it. The sound vocal fry produces is like a guttural flap But despite even linguists saying otherwise, there is still backlash against accompanying words spoken in a forced, deep pitch. the fry. The argument against the fry echoes what happened with the “like” An LIU study published in Sept. 2011 analyzed the speech habits of a sample pandemic. Lisa Belkin, a senior columnist with the Huffington Post, reflects of 34 women aged 18 to 25. The results showed that the majority of these 34 this resistance in her editorial “So, Like, You Want Your Kids to Speak, Like, women frequently employed the vocal fry.

Properly?”

While 34 is far from a desirable sample size in any statistical experiment, the “I tortured my students as if they were my own children -- they would speak results are not unfounded. CBS Sunday Morning contributor Faith Salie makes in class, and I would silently use my fingers it clear the fry is everywhere in her scathto count off each time they said ‘like’ as a ing commentary, “Burned out on the fry.” It’s time to stop turning the harmless placeholder,” Belkin said.

It sounds weird, strange, maybe even It may not have come yet, but how long habits of our generation into flaws. absurd, but the fry is gutturally familiar will it take for the same to happen with and we hear it all the time without notice. the fry?

Honestly, it sounds normal.

Pinpointing a possible cause for using vocal fry is not going to make it stop Incredibly recognizable female pop culture icons like Kim Kardashian and or suddenly make everything OK for those who find it irritating.

Zooey Deschanel fry all the time. As Douglas Quenqua notes in his New York The bottom line is this: the fry has come and is decidedly rooted in the Times editorial, “They’re, Like, Way Ahead of the Linguistic Currrrve,” linguists minds of young people. Whether or not the parents of millennials understand have documented use of vocal fry -- among both men and women -- since the or approve of it is irrelevant. There’s nothing they can do about it. All the hype mid-20th century. For British men in the 1960s, frying was an indicator of about the fry is a cloud of crotchety complaints created for no valid reason. elevated social status.

It’s time to turn down the heat, the debate is fried to a crisp and the verdict Vocal fry isn’t a new thing. is in. The fry is here to stay. It’s time to stop turning the harmless habits of our Language evolves daily. People of all generations constantly create innovative generation into flaws. ways of speaking and structuring sentences.

40 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

VARIETY

Featured: ENERGY EXCHANGE: Sam Beasley, founder of Tai Chi University instructs a class at The Healing Arts Centre. Tai Chi helps participants to release negative energy.

Photo by Porter McLeod

Energy is Qi

Tracing its roots to the 16th Century, tai chi is a martial art focusing both on mental and physical health.

W

hen I was first introduced to tai chi, my first thoughts were along the lines of “I’m going to be performing moves like Ralph Macchio from The Karate Kid.” However, my initial interpretation was not even close to the true meaning of tai chi.

Tai chi originated as a martial art, but in recent decades it has become more involved as a health maintenance exercise because of its dynamic nature. Tai chi is usually practiced along with qigong (chee-gong). Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques and meditations.

Qigong cultivates qi, or energy. As a martial art, tai chi is simply a fighting method with a particular strategy and manipulation of energy.

Sam Beasley, founder of Tai Chi University where he teaches classes in Athens and Augusta, Ga., is a director of meditation and mindfulness studies.

He teaches tai chi and meditation classes at the Healing Arts Centre, located at 834 Prince Ave. I walked into The Healing Arts Centre and was greeted by the owner Meghan Burke. I was then escorted into a dim room filled with music and all sort of artifacts. Beasley briefly explained to the class about what tai chi actually is. After listening to Mr. Beasley talk about his background in tai chi, he briefly explained how the martial art changed his life forever, as he initially turned to practicing tai chi as his freedom from heart disease.

“Tai chi saved my life. I was dying of heart disease in 2005,” Beasley said.

“Now at age 59, I feel 20 years younger. My doctor said I have the heart of a 20 year old.”

To warm up, the class all started with a good posture, feet shoulder width apart, knees bent slightly and hands relaxed.

“Try to focus on your breathing, close your eyes and hear what your body is telling you,” Beasley would tell us.

BY JARED SARABIA Variety Writer

Hearing the soft sound of the flute made it easier for me to focus on my breathing and take normal, slow breaths. As a class, we all spread our arms out, lifted our arms in the air with an intake of breath, then slowly exhaled bringing down our arms.

The next warm up consisted of a few neck rolls and stretching muscles and joints. There was a sense of awkwardness while doing the warm up.

I found warming up and focusing on posture and breathing to be hard, but doing it helped my body remain calm. At some points I felt uncomfortable, because I always felt like other people in the class were secretly looking and giggling at me. However, it turned out I was wrong; everyone was just like me, beginners.

Before attending the class, the stress of everyday life was overwhelming. After the lesson, I felt all the negativity leave my body. I had a feeling of happiness and wanted to do more tai chi. I left my lesson knowing I could restore all the qi I lost. I did not think I would be interested in tai chi, but Beasley put me in my comfort zone.

“I just point the way and explain, so people can help themselves. When people are ready to shed ego and become one with life, tai chi can be a transforming experience,” Beasley said.

Photo illustration by Porter McLeod Photo by Lela Jenkins

December 2013 odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY

NEWSMAGAZINE | 41

VARIETY

New Orleans’ own piano prince Bayou Maharajah: the Tragic Genius of James Booker depicts the life and troubled career of the New Orleans R&B pianist.

Web Staff

Cartoon by Ella Sams

42 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

A

retha Franklin, Little Richard and Charles Brown: these are names that one thinks of when someone says “Rhythm and Blues”. Rarely do people think of James Booker, a New Orleans pianist who performed with Franklin, Little Richard and Brown in addition to other musical greats like Jerry Garcia, Patti Labelle and Ringo Starr.

Bayou Maharajah: the Tragic Genius of James Booker, a biographical documentary focused on the pianist’s life and legacy, premiered in Athens at Ciné on Nov. 11 as part of its 20-city year long world tour.

The film, directed by University of Georgia alumna Lily Keber, features Booker’s friends and admirers telling his life story chronologically from childhood to his death. Keber revives Booker with the help of vintage video clips of him and New Orleans in the 1970s.

Bayou Maharajah paints Booker as a unique character not only because he is the only black, gay, eye-patched pianist who is the physical embodiment of New Orleans, but also due to a playing style that was as eccentric as himself.

During his life, Booker had numerous epithets such as “the Black Liberace”, “the Piano Prince” and “the Ivory Emperor”. A man shrouded in mystery, he told different tales about the loss of his left eye ranging from stories about the Mafia to one about a fight with Ringo Starr.

But the film also portrays Booker as a troubled artist. He battled a heroin addiction all throughout his life and experimented with other drugs such as acid. The drugs coupled with various afflictions made him a temperamental artist.

Keber does an excellent job of hooking the viewer to the screen. She captures at first by giving the audience an idea at Booker’s sheer genius. With various testimonials from New Orleans artists, club owners and even television stars, like House star Hugh Laurie. She shows Booker’s unearthly talent with tales of him trying on eye patches, flirting with men and talking to his fellow bandmates all while still playing the piano.

However, the film is a little long for a high school student at around an hour and thirty six minutes. The length of the film is mainly due to the plethora of long video clips of Booker on his tour in Europe. Keber does a quality job of making Booker important again to a world that has forgotten him.

Overall, Bayou Maharajah succeeds in its mission: reintroducing Booker to a new generation and making him relevant once again.

BY TIERNAN O’NEILL

December 2013

VARIETY

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 43

Chad Photo by

SPORTS

The box score Photo by Chad Rhym

Above: TAKE OFF: Varsity forward Leroy Legette takes off for a slam dunk in Clarke Central High School’s annual Midnight Madness scrimmage. Midnight Madness is composed of four hours of intra-squad scrimmages between CCHS’s varsity teams, junior varsity teams, Clarke Middle School’s teams and an alumni game.

Moving on

The Clarke Central High School athletic department held a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 14, for three studentathletes to sign their National Letters of Intent, each player solidifying their commitment to their respective college.

“To have this opportunity is the result of taking care of business on the court or the field and also in the classroom,” Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said in a speech. “All three of these students have done very well in the classroom.”

Senior and varsity girls basketball player Addie McNeely chose to sign with Emmanuel College.

“I knew that I wanted to play basketball at the college level, but the fact that it (was) really happening was amazing,” McNeely said. “It was the best feeling ever.”

Senior and varsity baseball player Patrick Matthews announced his decision to attend at Georgia College and State University.

“It’s always exciting knowing that you have what it takes to play at the next level,” Matthews said. “Knowing where you’re going to play makes it that much better.”

The last to announce was varsity soccer player Tristen Trevino, who signed with Georgia State University.

“Seeing my (younger) sister grow up is something that I really wanted to see, and (GSU) is a great team and they have great coaches,” Trevino said.

New waters This year, Clarke Central High School’s swim team will serve as hosts to two foreign exchange students. While Andres Jaramillo Torres from Ecuador, and Tamas Gyurcsany, from Hungary, have adjusted into their new surroundings, swimming represents continuity.

Jaramillo Torres, who has been a competitive swimmer with various private teams for 10 years, currently swims with Athens Bulldog Swim Club. “(Before my placement) I asked for my organization to find me a place where I can swim. So, I was pretty sure I was going to be able to swim, but I never thought I was going to find such a top level team,” Jaramillo Torres said.

In addition to training with ABSC, Jaramillo Torres will also compete in meets for CCHS. “When I came here, I wanted to do high school swimming, represent the school,” Jaramillo Torres said. “Clarke Central has a really good team, we can make it far.”

The 2012-13 swimming season, coached by foreign language department teacher and Emily Dowd, will be Gyurcsany’s first experience with competitive swimming.

“I don’t really have a background in swimming, but I played water polo for seven years, so that has helped me a lot,” Gyurcsany said.

So far, Gyurcsany says he is happy with the rigorous practice, competitive environment and the training that the CCHS varsity swim team has provided to him, an aspect of swimming that he notes as a difference compared to school sports in Hungary.

“From what I’ve seen here in the U.S., everyone takes every sport really seriously,” Gyurcsany said. “It’s really good and it’s exhausting.”

44 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

-- Henry Scott, Sports Writer

Let’s begin

On Nov. 19, both of the Clarke Central High School varsity basketball teams opened their season against the Oconee County High School varsity girls and boys teams.

The first game was between the two girls teams. Although both teams started off slowly in the first half with missed layups and unnecessary fouls, first game jitters disappeared in the second half. Senior guard Addie McNeely scored a team high of 13 points which led CCHS to victory with a final score of 52-38.

The varsity boys played next.

CCHS came out of the gate with their signature tight full court press they played a majority of the game. CCHS’s press would prove to be too strong for OCHS. CCHS would win the game 60-53.

“For the most part it was good victory,” senior guard Jamonte Smith said. “We just need to come back the next day continue to put in hard work and dedication for this journey to the state championship.”

Gladiator madness

Every year girls varsity head basketball coach Carla Johnson puts together a one night exhibition of all the CCHS boys and girls basketball teams named Midnight Madness. Johnson started this event more than eight years ago as a way to raise funds for the CCHS basketball program.

“In addition to (Midnight Madness) being a fundraising event, it’s really meant to be a fun night for everyone and give the fans a preview of what’s to expect in our upcoming season,” Johnson said.

During the event, teams from CCHS as well as Clarke Middle School participate in inter-squad scrimmages. The event lasts from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. In between the games CCHS cheerleaders and both men and women’s step teams performed a variety of routines. “(Midnight Madness) helps us to see what we need to work on individually and as a team so we can work on it in practice and get better,” junior guard Kedrick Smith said.

December 2013

“

SPORTS

Audibles

“ ” “” “ “

We’re going to see who was busting their butt at conditioning.

TRAVIS TECHO, JV basketball head coach, on his method of players getting in shape during conditioning season.

Who would think ten years ago that people could sit at home and watch their grandson play live?

JON WARD, Athletic Director, on the expansion of online sports broadcasting through Georgia Internet TV.

Photo by Lela Jenkins

Above: A NEW BEGINNING: Varsity pitcher and senior Patrick Matthews and varsity baseball head coach Trey Henson pose for a picture at Clarke Central High School’s signing day ceremony on Nov. 14. Matthews, alongside seniors Addie McNeely and Tristen Trevino, signed their national letters of intent on their choice of college athletic programs. “It’s always exciting knowing that you have what it takes to play at the next level,” Matthews said.

No one was messing with the JV team at Midnight Madness last year. We were the best.

” ”

QUA-VON SCOTT, junior, on his participation in midnight madness basketball in 2012.

(Swimming ) is not exciting to watch. You just have people swimming back and forth.

The Clarke Central High School varsity football team won its final game of the regular season against Cedar Shoals High School 45-15 on Friday, Nov. 8, improving to 7-3 overall.

The Gladiators honored 21 seniors playing what will likely be their last game at Billy Henderson Stadium.

“It hasn’t even hit me yet,” CCHS senior quarterback Cameron Johnson said. “I’m not thinking about it, I’m too excited.”

The Gladiators raced out to a 21-3 lead in the first half with a one-yard touchdown run by Johnson, a three-yard touchdown scamper by sophomore receiver Desmond Sorrells and another one-yard run to the end zone by senior fullback Baylor Ward.

The Jaguars answered with a seven-yard touchdown run

by CSHS senior running back Adrian Washington to make it 21-9 after a missed PAT with 5:15 left in the half. CCHS senior kicker Matthew Ward solidified the halftime score with a 24-yard field goal.

In the second half, Johnson opened the scoring with a two-yard run for six, extending the score to 31-9 with 7:46 left in the third quarter.

The Jaguars registered their final tallies of the night on a 19-yard run by CSHS sophomore quarterback Greg Smith.

From there, Johnson connected with senior receiver Austin Johnson for a 20-yard touchdown pass. CCHS senior linebacker Kavon Williams recovered a botched toss for a fumble, returning it for a touchdown. After Ward made the PAT, no more points were registered as the Gladiators won 45-15.

KEDRICK SMITH, junior, voicing his thoughts on why he chooses not to attend Clarke Central High School swim meets.

Below: BAYLOR THE BOSS: Senior full back Baylor Ward breaks numerous tackles near the end zone to rush for a touchdown. Clarke Central High School would go on to win the game 45-15 on Nov. 8. This is CCHS’s sixth consecutive win against Cedar Shoals High School.

Photo by Chad Rhym

Local dominance

-- Kevin Mobley, Web Writer

-- Compiled by Sports Staff December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 45

SPORTS

Return of the Iron Men Some varsity football players, because of their skill or ability, or for the benefit of the team, play both offense and defense.

T

hese days, when people think of “Iron Man,” they think of Tony Stark, The Avengers and Robert Downey, Jr. When it comes to football, however, the term “iron man” has been used in the discussions of football pundits since the early days of football.

According to a 1990 Sports Illustrated article written by Douglas S. Looney, the age of “iron man football” was characterized by “a time when the same guys played offense, then defense, then offense.”

The “one-platoon” system was standard in the early days of the NFL, until 1964 with the introduction of unlimited substitution. At Clarke Central High School, two-way play has always been rare.

“At Clarke Central, historically, players have played on one side of the ball or the other,” Ward said. “However, sometimes there have been players that, because of their skill, ability or the need of the team, have played both offense and defense.”

During the summer leading up to the 2013 fall season, CCHS varsity coaches identified a weakness at the cornerback and safety positions.

“We’ve got some pretty good players playing defensive back, we just don’t have very many of them because we didn’t have as many kids coming out for the position,” varsity offensive coordinator Aaron Cavin said.

Varsity head football coach Ahren Self believes that playing both ways has become outdated.

BY HENRY SCOTT Sports Writer

46 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

“Most players are either suited to play offense or defense,” Self said. “Immediately, football teams across the country transitioned into the two-platoon system, where each player has a specialized role on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball.”

Despite the usual depth and talent available to the CCHS coaching staff, if coaches believe it benefits the team they will cross-train those who would be capable of playing as iron men. This summer, when presented with a lack of defensive backs, the coaches decided to convince wide receivers to help out.

“Wide receivers and cornerbacks pretty much have the same type of physicality, so it wouldn’t be a drastic change from one position to the other,” Cavin said.

Coaches alone cannot have sole jurisdiction in deciding to return to the old-fashioned tactic; the players must also be willing to undertake the added responsibility.

“We identify players that are very athletic, smart and have the ability to learn positions on both sides of the football,” Cavin said. “In general, most of our players that we chose to go from offense to defense are eager to do that. If we forced them to play both positions, it would be hard, but because these guys are willing and eager to do that, it’s not a challenge.”

This season was senior wide receiver Jaquan Dowdy’s first time getting reps at defensive back. Along with sophomore receiver Desmond Sorrells, Dowdy has seen playing time on the other side of the ball.

December 2013

“People started going down getting hurt, so (the coaches) saw me as a good “I really just block out all the other stuff, like what other people have to do. athlete and figured I can play both ways,” Dowdy said. “In practice, they just You just have to focus on what you have to do and your job and your assignput me in there to see what I could do.” ments,” Dowdy said.

When Sorrells was approached with the idea of playing on defense, he, too, Though playing on both offense and defense presents a personal struggle for was unfazed.

Dowdy, Smith and Sorrells, they all feel that the experience has ultimately made “I just wanted to do whatever I could to help the team,” Sorrells said. them better teammates.

The biggest obstacle presented to players that play both ways is exhaus“When I first started playing, I just played offense and I just knew most of tion. According to Self, each unit faces about 60 snaps per game. This total is the offensive players. Going to defense, I met new people, and once we got the doubled for two-way players. chemistry, it brought good results,” Smith said. “(The other players) get their break time, but I have to go 100 percent every Sorrells points out that playing on defense has allowed him to get to know time,” Dowdy said. people better across the team.

Sorrells agrees and emphasizes that “I just keep telling myself I can do it, “When you’re just on offense or just the team must come first. on defense, you mainly just get to joke telling myself to keep going for the next around at practice with those in your “I get tired, but you have to do whatever you can to help the team. If position, but once you play both sides, play. When you play on both sides, your team needs you to play defense, you got more people who you can you have to play defense,” Sorrells said. there’s no rest. communicate with,” Sorrells said. “You CCHS’ iron men feel the responlearn more about different people as sibility is more of an privilege than a -- ANTHONY “POP” SMITH, you learn different schemes on offense burden. sophomore varsity tight end and linebacker and defense.”

“It’s an honor that the coach expects Coaches, the Gladiator “iron men” that from me and lets me go out and and the fans have witnessed the bendo that. It’s a big responsibility,” Dowdy said. efits of having to employ players as “iron men.” The team finished the regular The third “iron man” on this year’s CCHS team is sophomore Anthony Smith. season with a 7-3 record before falling to Atlanta’s Benjamin E. Mays High As a freshman, Smith was the varsity starting tight end. Now, in his second School 14-10 on Nov. 15 in the first round of the AAAAA Georgia High School year with the program, Smith has started to play at linebacker. He was quick to Association state playoffs. acknowledge the effects of his expanded role this year.

In spite of the team finishing its season before they expected, the role of the “When you play on both sides of the ball, there’s no rest for you,” Smith said. iron men transcended beyond performance. It lead to a sense of community for “I have to be in extra shape if I’m playing both sides of the ball, running on and the players. off the field.”

“You get a bigger bond; you feel like more (than) just a team,” Dowdy said.

Cavin feels that the toll of playing so many reps extends beyond physical “It’s a brotherhood.” fatigue.

“Mentally, (‘iron men’) might know what to do on offense and Previous page: MEN OF STEEL: From right, sophomores Anthony Smith and Desmond Sorrells are known as “Iron Men” on the Clarke Central High School varsity football team for the fact that they play both offensive and defensive positions. Below: PUSHon defense, but because they’re ING THROUGH: Senior wide receiver and “Iron Man” Jaquan Dowdy catches a touchdown pass during a game against Central physically tired, sometimes they Gwinett High School. “I have to go 100 percent each time,” Dowdy said. make mental mistakes that they wouldn’t have made had they just been playing one side of the football,” Cavin said.

Though his energy level may be dwindling by the beginning of the fourth quarter, Smith does everything he can to stay at his sharpest and avoid mistakes. “(I just keep) telling myself I can do it, telling myself to keep going for the next play,” Smith said.

The players’ pride in their responsibility forces them not to quit.

“Once you get later in the game, playing both sides, it gets tough. But you feel like you have a certain responsibility so you just have to step up,” Sorrells said. “It’s not physical; it’s mostly mental. If you’re mentally ready, your body will be physically ready.”

Dowdy asserts that mental focus is of critical importance.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 47

Photos by Porter McLeod

SPORTS

SPORTS

Playing online Photos by Chad Rhym

Gladiator Internet TV, an athletic broadcasting program through the PlayON! Sports Network that films Clarke Central High School sporting events, has evolved since its inception in 2011.

S

ports fans frequently turn on their TV and tune in handling the duties of public address announcer for the varsity baseball team. to watch their favorite teams or the game of the “I thought ( Ward and Ryals) were joking,” Crumpton said. “One, up to that week. Within the last decade, however, through point I’d only done baseball. Two, I didn’t have anybody playing on the football technological advances, sports broadcasting has extended its reach to encomteam, but Ward just said, ‘No, you’re the guy I want. I know you enough to pass the Internet and mobile devices. know that you know the history of the school, you bleed red and gold and I just In 2011, Clarke Central High School dove headfirst into the digital broadcast think you’d do a good job of it.’” field through the vision of Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward. He received a flyer In order for Crumpton to accept the job, he had one condition for Ward. from the Georgia High School Association about a new project -- a partner“As a matter of fact, Ward and Ryals had approached me just doing it by ship with the PlayON! Sports Network that would give schools in the state the myself,” Crumpton said. “I told them I wouldn’t do it unless I could have Chuck capability to broadcast their athletic Wegmann in there with me as my tag“People who are connected to Clarke events online. team partner.”

Thus, Gladiator Internet TV, known Wegmann, a close friend of CrumpCentral that may not live in Athens more commonly as GITV, was born. ton’s from their days of sitting in the The PlayON! Sports Network, which have been able to be a part of our sports stands to watch their respective sons, describes itself as “the nation’s premier Chaz and Nick, play baseball for the community more closely.” high school sports media company,” Gladiators, would now join Crumpton would provide the bandwidth for in the booth.

CCHS, as well as high schools across There was one more aspect left to -- HOLLY WARD, the entire country, to conduct its own fulfill - the duties of sideline reporting.

GITV sideline reporter broadcasts.

That occupation would be filled by Ward met with former CCHS Ward’s wife, Holly, who maintained an broadcast teacher Kenneth Gibbs, who volunteered to handle the technical interest in broadcast journalism that dated back to high school. component of the production.

“When Coach Ward came home and said, ‘We’ve got this great new thing; “At that time we had the video broadcasting class taught by Gibbs,” Ward we’re going to do GITV. We’re going to be able to broadcast our sporting said. “He thought it was a good thing. He agreed to become involved because events,’ I was like, ‘I never ask you for anything, please let me do something (technology) is totally out of my realm of knowledge.” with this,’” Holly said. “It was something that I really loved and was passionate Shortly thereafter, Ward and former CCHS varsity football head coach Leroy about.”

Ryals targeted alumnus, parent and longtime supporter Buster Crumpton about Though Crumpton, Wegmann and Holly still contribute to GITV, the format being a play-by-play announcer for the broadcasts. At the time, Crumpton was has evolved significantly since its beginning.

BY KEVIN MOBLEY Web Writer

48 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

SPORTS “The first year we didn’t have the website. The second year, (Crumpton) took the initiative to create a website that goes along with it, and I know that’s something out of a labor of love,” Jon said.

“It’s provided a new realm of viewership.”

When Gibbs was relocated to the Athens Community Career Academy in the fall of 2012, Crumpton’s brother, Chris, replaced Gibbs as GITV’s technician. “(Chris) has all of the expertise in the technological engineering part, and knew how to get the computer to be able to do what we needed it to do to make all that happen,” Holly said.

Once GITV gained Chris’ innovational skill, the group was able to expand and develop into a package that was based on the online broadcasting of CCHS athletic events, but also included a website that encompassed weekly talk shows and regularly updated standings, rankings and results.

“We created the website and the name ourselves,” Jon said. “Some schools that do it, it’s just PlayON! Sports that you go on, but Buster and Chris really jazzed it up a little bit.”

The program was aided by interns from the University of Georgia. Jon feels that these assistants have been crucial to the success of GITV. “I think the driving force are those people who

are devoting their time to promote and, in a sense, celebrate Clarke Central’s student athletes and their athletic program,” Jon said. “I think without them, it would be nonexistent.”

However, Josh Miles, a UGA graduate student who assisted GITV in their coverage while earning his Masters degree from Grady College in Telecommunications, feels that a vast majority of Athenians are unaware of GITV’s product.

“A lot of people don’t even know about GITV,” Miles said. “Maybe there could be more advertisement on it or more marketing in terms of getting the word out there to people. I would assume a lot of people don’t even know what GITV is as GITV does.”

One such person is sophomore Nicole Googe.

Googe attends CCHS athletic events every so often, but was not aware of GITV or other high school athletic broadcasting programs.

“Nobody has ever told me about (GITV ),” Googe said. “If executed correctly, it definitely could (be a neat feature).”

For those who are aware of GITV and its product, their experience using GITV has been both functional and enjoyable.

“It has been super beneficial,” junior Samuel Hood said. “You don’t have to wait on the players to

see if they won or lost. With my laptop, I’m able to sit in my room, in my comfort and just watch.”

With the dedication of the staffers and the continuous upgrade of the broadcast to be more “TV-like,” as Buster said, GITV has had success in conveying its production to the targeted audience CCHS family members and former players.

“I think (GITV ) has made (the Athens sports community) much more global, international and connected,” Holly said. “People who are connected to Clarke Central that may not live in Athens have been able to be a part of our sports community more closely. Former players, when they go to college, watch the game on GITV on Friday nights.”

Though the field of online broadcasting of high school athletic events, and sporting events at all levels, will continue to evolve and grow, one thing remains the same: the announcers’ passion.

“High school football and high school sports are a huge part of life and growing your good character as a young man or a young woman,” Miles said. “It was really cool to be a part of that even as just a simple caller of the game.”

Opposite page: FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: GITV broadcasters Buster Crumpton, Chuck Wegmann and technician Chris Crumpton sit in Clarke Central High School’s press box overlooking the CCHS game field during a 8-AAAAA matchup between CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School. Below: SIDELINE STORY: Sideline reporter Holly Ward interviews a CCHS varsity football kickers coach Paul Waller for her interview segment during a GITV broadcast.

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 49

SPORTS

Pay to play. For decades, colleges have questioned how, exactly, to treat their student athletes. Paying them is not the answer.

T

he primary purpose of attending a college or a university is to receive an education. Despite the fact that college athletes are often treated as professionals, if an athlete is given the chance to attend school for free, this does not necessarily qualify them as a professional athlete.

“First of all, (college athletes) are amateurs. The NCAA prides itself on their amateur athletes; they should not (be paid) according to that,” University of Georgia sports sociology professor Joey Gawrysiak said. “There’s a majority of student athletes that should not be paid because a majority of them are not bringing in money whatsoever.”

What ever happened to athletes wanting to play their sports ‘for the love of the game?’ Sadly, in this generation of sports, some youth are aspiring to become college athletes and professionals strictly for the fiscal advances.

Is pulling in $25,000 a year in scholarship money not enough?

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to see the several benefits college athletes have over their wall of complaints of not making six figures.

The convenience of receiving a free education overrules all benefits.

In addition to a free college education, athletes that come from economically unstable backgrounds can apply for the Federal Pell Grant. If an athlete receives the grant, they may receive up to $5,500 in spending money. $5,500 is more than enough to out to eat with friends or go to a movie.

However, college is not for everyone.

A common misconception is that high school prep stars are required to attend a college prior to entering a professional draft. Many people don’t realize that in the eligibility requirements for professional leagues, such as the National Basketball Association don’t state that you have to attend college for a year. The NBA eligibility rule says that the athletes have to be removed from high school for one year. What this means is that for all the NBA cares, athletes could sit on their rears and eat chips for a whole year, but if they’re the most athletically gifted athlete in the world,

after that year of nothing, there’s no one stopping them from entering the draft.

The NBA is not the only league that possesses gentle eligibility rules, but leagues such as the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball don’t require draftees to even be one year out high school. Athletes understand what they’re getting into when they decide to sign with a college. If money is that valuable, there’s a variety of replacement options.

UGA awards 500 scholarship athletes.

UGA also pulls in a hefty one million dollars in revenue a year. Large public universities with good football and basketball team can realistically pay their athletes, however, a small division III school like Piedmont College probably doesn’t pack as many seats as a large SEC school. And don’t forget, if colleges in the future decided to pay their athletes, everyone would have to be paid equally. A small division III school could not possibly manage that.

“If you look at Title IX that the government established in 1972, you have to provide equal opportunities to each sex, but you know it’s only mens basketball and football that brings in money,” Gawrysiak said.

Is it fair to pay the UGA water polo team the same as the football or basketball team that pulls in all of the school’s money? There’s too many technicalities with paying athletes. How fair is this? College athletes who complain about not being paid don’t realize the benefits they already have.

I suppose free education, books, food and shelter just isn’t enough these days.

Featured cartoon: PAID TO PLAY: College athletes are not professional athletes and should not be paid a salary each year. “First of all, (college athletes) are amateurs. The NCAA prides itself on their amateur athletes; they should not (be paid) according to that,” University of Georgia sports sociology professor Joey Gawrysiak said.

Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle

50 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

SPORTS

Photos by Porter McLeod

Left: BATTER UP: During Lifetime Sports class, instructor Timothy Stoudenmire pitches to senior Paul Eckhardt. Seniors have the opportunity to participate in one of the three Lifetime Sports offerings. Above: HEAD TO HEAD: Seniors Alan Miller and Addie McNeely play a one-on-one game of basketball, one of the many activities that are available to students during Lifetime Sports class. “It’s interesting because every week we have a new sport we play,” Miller said. “Most of the time we play knock out or a two-on-two tournament (when we play basketball.)”

Senior privileges With a seniors-only enrollment policy, the Physical Education department’s Lifetime Sports elective has its own niche.

F

risbees soaring through the air, the distinctive thud of The class offers various opportunities for exercise. Each class period has soccer balls echoing off the gym walls -- walking into multiple areas open for different sports and walking is always an option. the old gym, one can tell this is a class like no other.

“They have basketball most days, soccer and sometimes we’ll do a team sport Lifetime sports is a physical education elective offered only to seniors. The like handball or softball,” senior Matthew Ward said. Primarily its just to get class was created as a way to keep people playing sports and making healthy life people out and play, that’s what it’s all about.” choices after they graduate high school.

For most physical education classes at CCHS, changing into athletic clothes Physical education teachers Timothy Stoudenmire and Douglas Henson are is mandatory and a part of the grade. Lifetime sports is the exception, with no currently the teachers of the class. Stoudenmire has taught the class for the past dress requirement. nine years.

“In lifetime sports we value that you’re a senior and that you can make that “Just because it is a total elective class and it’s a privilege class, we have kids conscious choice on your own if you want or not (to) dress out,” Stoudenmire that love to play, (kids that are) good students, a lot of (which) are athletes and said. enjoy coming in here and competing in whatever it is that we’re doing,” Henson said.

“I’m not out to make athletes in this class; just The class is much less limited than other classes at Clarke Central High School, with off-campus field trips to places like the opposite. I want them to learn the history, the bowling alley and skating rink. then play it.”

“By the time they’re seniors they kind of get it. They understand that the image they portray in the community is how --TIMOTHY STOUDENMIRE, the school is viewed,” Henson said. physical education department teacher Besides the off campus trips, the class is set up like most other physical education classes. It consists of one to two week units of different sports. Bowling, flag football, handball, pickleball, All students in the class must complete a mandatory project. They are skating, soccer, tennis and ultimate frisbee are some of the sports played in the required to give a presentation to their peers about their favorite lifetime sport. class. Students are given instruction about sports and then have the opportuStoudenmire believes this offers students an opportunity to show what they are nity to play with each other. really passionate about.

“I want them to learn the history, the etiquette, the rules, the strategy and “I’m not out to make athletes in this class, just the opposite,” Stoudenmire then let’s go play it,” Stoudenmire said. “I’ll spend 15 percent (of the time) said. “I want to get people that are not athletic and aren’t interested a little going over those things: rules, history, sport etiquette and then 85 percent more interested so that they can find something that they like and be physically playing.” active.”

BY NICK DAWE Sports Writer

December 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 51

SPORTS

Marching to Macon

Featured: WE’RE BACK: The varsity boys basketball team poses for a team picture before practice. The team will return all five starters this year from their 2012-13 campaign.

Photo by Porter McLeod

Clarke Central High School head varsity boys basketball coach Andre McIntyre believes experience and camaraderie will be the keys to a successful 2013-14 campaign.

O

n March 6, 2014, four basketball teams from the AAAAA classification will arrive at the Macon Coliseum in Macon, Ga., each hoping to leave with the 2014 Georgia High School Association AAAAA title.

Clarke Central High School head varsity boys basketball coach Andre McIntyre believes his 2013-14 squad has the potential to be one of those teams.

“We can be as good as we want to be,” McIntyre said. “If we stay focused, stay as a family and take care of each other, Macon is the limit.”

Last season, CCHS finished with a 20-6 overall record, but lost its first round matchup in the Region 8-AAAAA tournament against Loganville High School.

“A couple of times the ball didn’t bounce our way,” McIntyre said. “We played a good team in Loganville and we had our chances. We just didn’t get the job done. It’s a team we should’ve beat.”

The motivation to correct last season’s mistakes fueled off-season workouts.

“We didn’t reach some of the goals we set - winning the region and advancing to the playoffs,” McIntyre said. “We had a good summer working out and our focus is unfinished business.”

Last season, Johnson led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.3 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game.

“I could’ve done better,” Johnson said. “I haven’t reached my potential yet, and this year I think it’s the year where I go all out.”

Legette also posted double digit scoring, finishing the season at 13.4 points per game, as well as 5.8 rebounds per game.

The Gladiators return seven seniors this season - guards Austin Johnson, Jaquan Dowdy, Jahkeim Ellison, Jamonte Smith and Donavin Thompson, and

BY KEVIN MOBLEY Web Staff

52 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

forwards Legette and Cameron Johnson.

“We have a great senior group, and those kids are motivated to make it to the playoffs,” McIntyre said. “We have a lot of maturity on the team, a lot of veterans. They know this is their last shot.”

McIntyre believes that the senior leadership will result in a better performance this season.

“The experience is invaluable,” McIntyre said. “(The seniors) have seen everything. They’ve been through the war, so they know what to expect. They’re not going in wide-eyed. They’re veterans, and I expect them to perform like the best team in the region.”

Cameron feels that region play will be difficult with foes such as 2012-13 GHSA AAAAA runner-up Gainesville, Salem and cross-town rival Cedar Shoals High School. “(Our region opponents) will put up a fight,” Cameron said. “They might not be the biggest, they might not be the fastest but they definitely play hard every time they see Clarke Central.”

McIntyre feels that selflessness within the team will be the key to a successful season.

“On the court, we have to share the wealth, play as a unit,” McIntyre said.

“No one is bigger than the team. As long as we’re playing for each other and not individually, we should have success.”

Legette believes that execution will determine the Gladiators’ fate.

“We’ve been with each other for so long, we have that chemistry,” Legette said. “I know this year, all the seniors want it. It’s up to us to do what we’ve got to do.”

December 2013

SPORTS

Lost in a Mays

Life with Melvin

The Clarke Central High School varsity football team finished its season on Friday, Nov. 15 with a loss in the first round of the state playoffs to Mays High School.

Although Melvin Hayes is a well known coach in Athens, at the end of the day, he’s my dad.

T

he Clarke Central High School varsity football team was defeated by Mays High School 14-10 in the first round of the Georgia High School Association state playoffs Nov. 15 at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. “Our kids prepared for the game well,” MHS varsity head football coach Corey Jarvis said. “Critical mistakes in the first half kept the game closer than it could’ve been. Stupid turnovers and stupid penalties hurt us.”

The Gladiators registered the first points on the scoreboard with 11:10 in the first quarter when CCHS senior quarterback Cameron Johnson connected with senior receiver Austin Johnson for 16 yards and a score to make it 7-0.

“I told our kids to keep their composure,” Jarvis said. “I feel like our coaches did a good job of getting our kids’ heads up, getting the composure back and keeping them in the ball game.”

On the last play of the first quarter, MHS blocked a 35-yard field goal attempt and junior outside linebacker Natrez Patrick returned the ball for a touchdown to tie the score at 7-7.

After a scoreless second quarter, CCHS scored the next points on a 48yard field goal by senior kicker Matthew Ward with 8:14 in the third quarter.

MHS answered in the fourth quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by sophomore receiver Randrecous Davis on a direct snap with 5:34 remaining in the game. Davis was playing running back after.

CCHS would turn the ball over on downs with 3:09 left as Johnson’s pass fell incomplete on fourth and two. The Raiders would then run out the rest of the time remaining on the clock.

The Raiders improved to 8-3 on the season, 7-2 in Region 6-AAAAA play.

They faced off the next week against Kell High School in the second round of the GHSA state playoffs.

The Gladiators finish the 2013 season with a 7-4 record, 6-2 in Region 8-AAAAA.

BY KEVIN MOBLEY Web Staff

Below: A LAST STAND: CCHS senior quarterback Cameron Johnson on a run during the fourth quarter of the Gladiators first round playoff game vs.

Mays High School.

“I

’m gonna get that interview, nobody gets away from Hayes,” I’ve heard my dad say countless times.

His new radio show is only one of my dad’s endless lists of hobbies he has accumulated during his life. From coaching football to mentoring kids, Melvin Hayes can always be found somewhere in Athens lending a hand.

BY TIERRA HAYES Oh, wait, you’re Melvin’s daughter?

Sports Writer I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked that. Growing up with him as a dad has been interesting. Even though we are such different people, but I’ve always seen myself in him.

Seventeen years ago, he started the Stonehenge Youth Association and has yet to stop coaching, not that anyone believes he ever will. From a young age, I remember sitting on the sidelines of football games watching my dad coach. I would know absolutely nothing about sports if it wasn’t for him.

Another thing about my dad is that he never stops talking.

He even has sayings that he uses daily basis, such as, “six of one, half a dozen in the other” or the one that he uses with me all the time: “When I’m at my worst, I’m at my best.”

He says this every time someone feels they were not great at something.

He wants to convey that when it feels like the odds are stacked against someone and the pressure is on, they have the recourses to do what makes them better.

Anyone who has ever met him knows he loves to talk. He strikes up conversations with virtual strangers. His endless list of connections ensure that almost everywhere we go, there is somebody that knows him. My four sisters and I constantly have to wait for him to finish one of his many conversations.

He was rewarded for his love of talking when he got his own radio show. Every week he highlights the best in youth sports. Along with commentary, he compiles interviews he has persuaded people to give him.

My dad always puts his best efforts into everything he does, and regardless of how much time he spends coaching or doing whatever he always finds the time to be there for his kids. Whether Coach Melvin, Hayes or Ragman, he will always be my dad, Melvin Hayes.

Right: MELVIN THE MAN: Although Melvin Hayes is a prominent figure in the Athens athletic scene, he is first and foremost a dad to his daughters.

Cartoon by Audrey Hinkle

December 2013

5 SPORTS

1. THE FIRST STEP “I started when I was four. I think it was just something that I wanted to do, kind of like the Kung-Fu movies. (But do) you know how hard it is to find a Kung Fu teacher in Georgia?”

2. THE PRACTICE ROUTINE “At the beginning of practice, we stretch for 30 minutes. Then we do some cardio running and I do some basic kicking with a pad. Then I do some shadow boxing, where it’s just you, but you pretend that you are fighting else. ( We) do lots of weight lifting as well. Finally, you actually spar with partners. Practice is around three to four hours.”

Things you need to know about Tae kwon Do

BY CAMERON LOYAL AS TOLD TO KENDARIUS STURDIVANT

3. ON MY OWN “I go to the gym twice a week and lift weights. I run in the mornings and run in the afternoons. I just have to stay in shape. I do lots of stretching for flexibility. I’ve been doing ballet at Dance FX for about six months, too. It helps with both flexibility and balance so that you can get the best possible result with your kicks.”

4. SPARRING WITH THE BEST “In seventh grade I started actually competing and doing the tournaments. ( Who you compete with) depends on your division. Because of my height and weight, I fight older people and 17 year olds. Being a black belt, you fight more of the harder people. I fought at state last year for my first time in this division, the 14 to 17 black belts, and I got to fight a guy who was nationally ranked.”

5. MY SUCCESS “I won a state opens championship last year. That was my first place at a state championship.

Getting a black belt would be my first success, and I got my black belt in the 4th grade. Ever since 7th grade I’ve been placed and ranked in state. I haven’t fought since last year, where I placed third for my division.”

PHOTO AND PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY PORTER MCLEOD 54 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013

December 2013

Photo by Chad Rhym

Featured: A SEASON’S CLOSE: Varsity head coach Ahren Self embraces senior quarterback Cameron Johnson at the end of a game. The Clarke Central High School varsity football team fell to Benjamin Elijah Mays High School on Nov. 15. This loss eliminated CCHS from the region 8-AAAAA playoffs., and ended the season. “There were too many (emotions) to describe,” Johnson said. “There was sadness, anger, pain. It really was just a lot to take in, knowing that we could’ve won. Knowing that my high school career is over was harder.”

IN FOCUS

SPORTS

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 55

SPORTS

56 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

December 2013