Odyssey Newsmagazine March 2013

FINDING VALENTINE’S DAY GOODIES ON THE CHEAP

ODYSSEY

Volume 10 Issue 4 Feb. 2012 $3.00

PROUD FACES OF

Featured stories: Campus security Our zombie obsession

TABLE OF CONTENTS

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 2

February 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VIEWPOINTS Second chances 12Education2020, a virtual credit

30

recovery program, is beneficial...if students are motivated to learn.

BY JENNY ALPAUGH

NEWS

16

Come and get it Making its return after a hiatus, Lunch With the Principal offers students a platform for discussion.

17 Learning online

BY RAD BROSIUS

E2020 allows students to independently learn through an online program.

Photo by Porter McLeod

Cover Story

BY JAMES LUMPKIN

A change in security

The Clarke County School District revisits its security policies in light of recent tragedies.

BY LORAN POSEY

REVIEWS

22 The eccentric Harlem rapper’s ASAP Rocky

debut album, Long. Live. A$AP exceeds all expectations.

BY LOUISE PLATTER

VARIETY perfect gifts 26ForThe a budget of under $25, find a quality gift for your sweetheart.

BY ISABELLA ZACCARIA-JEFFERS

SPORTS

36

Sizing up Stevens

BY LOUISE PLATTER Right: TABLE TALK: Making a comeback for the 2012-13 school year, Lunch with the Principal gives students an opportunity to sit and talk with Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker about any concerns they may have. “It opened up a lot of discussion about what our concerns were and what (others) were concerned about,” senior Eric Kilpatrick said.

16

Photo by Porter McLeod

18

In an effort to focus on student achievement, Clarke County School District Director of Public Relations and Communications Anisa SullivanJimenez initiated the Proud to be CCSD program, which features testimonials and success stories of CCSD alumni in the form of advertisements.

Photo by Maria Velasquez

FOCUS

35

Senior Gary Stevens shares sentimental values with his teammates.

BY BRITTNEY BUTLER

Cover photos by Porter McLeod Cover design by Porter McLeod

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 3

Left: BREAK IT DOWN: As a majority female class, students follow dance videos as a part of the Aerobic Dance class at Clarke Central High School.

“It is a workout, (but) it is intended to be fun.

At the same time it is intended to be another avenue to being physically fit,” Aerobic Dance instructor and head wrestling coach Tim Stoudenmire said.

February 2013

STAFF

February 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 4

STAFF

Recognizing excellence. Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker is a finalist for Georgia Principal of the Year.

G

eorgia Principal of the Year is an award given by the Georgia Associaentire Clarke Central family. tion of Secondary School Principals.

Hooker began his journey at CCHS in 2008 after leaving his position as Each year, finalists from across the state are selected after reviews principal at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School, one of the Clarke County School of written applications. Following a panel interview covering collaborative District’s four middle schools. Upon his hiring in April 2008, his goal was to planning, personalization and leadership, one principal is chosen to be positively impact CCHS. Georgia Principal of the Year.

Five years later, improvements certainly have been made and he aims to do On Jan. 29, an article was published in Online Athens reporting Clarke more.

Central High School Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker was named a finalist for It seems almost commonplace to members of the CCHS community that once Georgia Principal of the Year. anything is ever published about CCHS in the local press, angry and hateful com“Any of my principal ments immediately follow. colleagues in CCSD could However, the comments The moment Hooker is commended for his work done at have been nominated for this regarding Hooker’s status as position. It demonstrates the CCHS, it is guaranteed that he is going to defer the accolade a GPOTY proved otherwise. hard work and dedication of The lack of critical remarks to the collective work of the entire Clarke Central family. our students, teachers and adspeaks to how Hooker is truly ministrators to improve student respected in the community. achievement,” Hooker said. “I am fortunate to work with a faculty who For Hooker, this isn’t just a high school with an enrollment of 1,500 with bought in to my vision that we need to change our instructional practices to more than 80 teachers and a support staff of more than a dozen. He isn’t just tryensure all students are receiving the best education at CCHS.” ing to help students graduate, but rather wants to see them to succeed.

The recognition comes on the heels of another immense accolade in Hooker sees this school as a family and he genuinely cares about every December - the National Association of Secondary School Principals named member of it.

CCHS, under Hooker’s leadership, a Breakthrough School, meaning CCHS Once every month, Hooker takes, at the very least, 30 minutes out of his day has been recognized as one showing high achievement with a large number to answer any questions the ODYSSEY staff members may have to ask. In the of students living in poverty. newly returned program, Lunch With the Principal, Hooker does the same for The moment Hooker is commended for his work done at CCHS, it is those students. In the early mornings, Hooker is one of the first, cheerful faces guaranteed he is going to defer the accolade to the collective work of the students see.

While Hooker may stand out as principal, it’s impossible for him to please everyone.

He is very honest about which elements of CCHS need improving. He will make a point to call students into his office if they aren’t doing their best. He cannot cater to every individual’s need.

Yet, underlying it all is a plan for improvement, all with the school’s benefit at mind. Hooker isn’t going to just let a student drop a needed class because it’s too challenging. He’s going to work hard to perfect the parts of CCHS that need it and he’s looking at the school and its community holistically.

Why does he do it?

For none other than his CCHS family, of course.

And because of that, there isn’t a nomination more fitting.

See updates at odysseynewsmagazine.net Left: TAKING A SHOT: Clarke Central High School junior Blake Mustard attempts a shot over Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker. Hooker interviewed as a finalist for Georgia Principal of the Year, due, in part, to his accesibility to students.

February 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 5

VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Meri Blackburn takes a new path Readers, many of whom are familiar with Dr. Meri Blackburn, were eager to learn about her new position at Clarke Central High School.

They found the information provided to answer many questions about her new job, however many agreed that they would miss seeing her on the foreign language hallway.

Changing perspectives

Well wishes to the Tedders

I liked the article “Changing roles” by Chloe Hargrave because Dr. Meri Blackburn is one of my favorite teachers. She loves her job, her students and she’s a wonderful teacher. When I found out that she would no longer be teaching Spanish, but instead becoming and International Baccalaureate Coordinator/Gifted Collaborator, I was pretty sad.

I really enjoyed her class when I had it in ninth and 10th grade. I know that Dr. Meri Blackburn is where she needs to be and I’m sure she is doing a wonderful job.

-- Antanay Goode, senior

Clarke Central High School’s Media Specialist Kacy Tedder surprised me. As I flipped through the ODYSSEY, I saw “Saving Josiah.” I really enjoyed reading this article. It shows how strong and courageous Mrs. Tedder and her son are, with Josiah progressing and Mrs. Tedder reaching out. I wish success to both of them.

-- Natasha Maddox, junior

Sympathetic to student teachers

Right about rap I liked the article “Rap is dead” by Chloe Alexander. I thought it made some very valid points that I agree with about the state of rap. Chuck D and Flavor Flav were great rappers of their time whose politically motivated raps brought their point across clearly. Since then, rap has become driven by money and greed and the article did a great job of explaining why that happened.

-- Milan Pavlic, sophomore

“I

really enjoyed reading about Dr. Blackburn’s new position; I know she will thrive in her new job.

”

-- Addie Downs, sophomore

Feeling the passion I read “Surreal talent,” by James Lumpkin. I liked this article because when I was reading it, I could surely feel Ella’s passion for art. I appreciated her surrealistic drawings and her passion. I think that nothing can stop one’s passion.

-- Yiming Gao, sophomore

Ballerina bonds I loved Lela Jenkin’s column about being a dancer. I was quickly drawn to this article as I can easily relate to it. Although I’m not currently enrolled in any dance classes, I was a dancer at DanceFX for many years. I completely agree with Lela that dance is one of the most amazing ways to express yourself and that it makes you a more disciplined person.

-- Claire Elliott-Gower, freshman

Contact

ODYSSEY Newsmagazine

Corrections/Omissions December 2012

In the Table of Contents, “participated” is spelled incorrectly in the “Parade Shuttle” caption. Additionally, “Elephants of Style” is on page 32, not 26, and “Parade Shuttle” is on page 14, not 34.

On pg. 5, Porter McLeod’s last name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 10, Michael Brookins’ first name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 11, in the deck, “Muslims” is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 14, Gedia Powell’s last name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 15, “Lab 201” should read “Lab 207.”

On pg. 18, the should read “Athens Community Career Academy.”

On pg. 21, Josefine Striepen’s last name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 24, Eric McCullough’s last name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 33, Jeff Barnett’s last name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 35, Susanna Conine-Nakano’s last name is spelled incorrectly.

On pgs. 39 and 42, Apalachee High School is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 39, Conor Blankenship’s first name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 40, Andrew Giegerich’s first name is spelled incorrectly.

On pg. 44, “capital” is spelled incorrectly.

I read “A learning experience” by Radford Brosius. Although I have a history of not liking student teachers, last semester I had one of my favorite teachers ever, and he was a student teacher.

I understand that students teaching students is not always the best. However, sometimes it can provide both the student teacher and the student with valuable insight into the subject. I think it just has to do with the capabilities of the student teacher, because if they are fully capable then they can prove to be a wonderful addition to a classroom.

-- Nicole Googe, freshman

Christmas for all I read “Conflicting opinions” and “Tenacious tidings” by Aaron Holmes. I think that it is fine for CCHS to call the winter holidays “Christmas Break.”

Regardless of what religion you are, Christmas is a time of love and cheer. People should not get up in arms about it.

-- Joshua Jones, senior

Outside perspectives I thought the article “The facts of the matter” by Ruqayah Bhuiyan was based on an issue that is not nearly talked about enough. Many people do not realize the prejudice that our Islamic citizens face everyday, and it was especially interesting to read an article representing this point of view.

-- Anna Grossman, sophomore

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

6 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VIEWPOINTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editor-in-Chief: Chloe Hargrave Digital Managing Editor: Hannah Dunn-Grandpré Print Managing Editor: Jenny Alpaugh Junior Copy Editor: Aaron Holmes Viewpoints Editor: Dory MacMillan News Editor: Loran Posey Variety Editor: Chloe Alexander Sports Editor: Gabrielle Saupe

B

Our Take

etween the many extra-curricular activities, 13 Advanced Placement courses in high schools, the strong community support and the connection with the University of Georgia -- it is difficult to believe that every Athenian child is not enrolled in the Clarke County School District.

Unfortunately, there is a stigma in the Athens community that CCSD does not provide a safe, instructive learning environment. This idea couldn’t be more false and, in an effort to combat this stigma, a band of employees and alumni, led by CCSD Director of Public Relations and Communications Anisa Sullivan-Jimenez, have unified to portray the district positively.

CCSD has set up billboards and advertisements around Athens commemorating CCSD graduates in attempt to better the views and judgments about the schools. A billboard suspended over Pulaski St. honors 2005 Cedar Shoals High School graduate Christina Faust’s prestigious Princeton Ph.D. nomination, as well as her title of Truman & Udall Scholar. Hovering over the corner of Broad St. and Milledge Ave. is a billboard recognizing 2008 Clarke Central High School graduate Athena Lao as a Harvard University graduate and a Gates Millennium scholar.

And these are just two of CCSD’s countless remarkable students.

In 2012 alone, CCSD seniors were offered more than $4.6 million in scholarship funds - not including the Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally scholarship - from 31 different colleges across the nation. Our student body continues to excel after graduating from the CCSD. Many Athenian parents believe that CCSD schools are unsafe and not secure enough to allow constructive learning. In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the recent Price Middle School shooting in Atlanta, Ga., parents are more apprehensive in regards to their children’s safety.

However, in a poll conducted, 302 of out 500 students said that they feel safe when they arrive at the doors of Clarke Central High School. There is at least one Athens-Clarke County Police Department Resource Officer in every high school or middle school in the district to ensure the protection of the student body.

CCSD deserves recognition and respect, but does not always receive it.

With only a bright future on the horizon, the negative perceptions of our community are debilitating. Until and after the stigma is alleviated, it is safe to say we will remain Proud to be CCSD.

Photography Editor: Porter McLeod Business and Public Relations Manager: Haley Hunt Sarah Hoyt Web Master: Austin Defoor Graphics Editor: Radford Brosius

Cartoon by Gabe Harper Right: FACING CRITICISM: “Proud to be CCSD” has been recently established to promote spirit within the Clarke County School District in response to harsh criticism CCSD schools often face within the community.

Staff Writers: Brittney Butler, Susanna Conine-Nakano, Fear Churchwell, Ethan Crane, Gabe Evans, Gabe Harper, Hanna Harper, Geneva Hinkle, John Hubbard, Whitney Letman, James Lumpkin, Tiernan O’Neill, Louise Platter, Chad Rhym, Makayla Richards, Henry Scott, Sam Thompson, Maria Velasquez, Robert Walker, Isabella Zaccaria-Jeffers 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

7 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VIEWPOINTS

Thumbs

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

Taking the right path With violence in America increasing at a rapid rate, it’s important not to point fingers at firearms, but focus on practical solutions.

I

Shake it out With the newly returned Aerobic Dance course, students are able work a quick dance into their daily schedule.

Playing for passion Senior and varsity basketball player Gary Stevens values his dedication to teammates over getting court time during games.

Gary for the win!

Shopping for sweethearts Find the perfect gift for your special someone for under $25 at a variety of Athens hotspots. This season, the options are limitless.

Hot pile of garbage Released on Jan. 15, the 23rd installment of the infamous Kidz Bop series is definitely not music to our ears.

Bringing back the dead At first glance, the zombie genre is nothing more than a skull-cracking action spectacular, but with America’s problems piling up, could it be an escape from the complicated, everyday life we live?

Study....Break!

Girls on the varsity basketball team are required to practice some of their academic skills before heading out to practice on the court. This session seems beneficial, but not enough teams take advantage of it.

-- Compiled by Viewpoints staff

8 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Cartoon by Gabe Harper

Kudos for security As a result of recent events concerning school safety across the nation and in our state, Clarke County School District security officers and administrators are revamping security on campus. Better safe than sorry!

Surfing the web In the program, education2020, students most likely aren’t able to fully focus with the “Lady in the box.”

ncidents such as the shootings in Newton, Conn. and Aurora, Co. have caused political figures in Washington to introduce gun control reforms at a rapid pace.

Banning firearms in the U.S. is not a rational step for making America safer. More practical steps should be taken, such as eliminating background check loopholes and cracking down on other forms of illegal gun purchasing.

BY JOHN HUBBARD A popular idea seen in the media all too comViewpoints Writer monly are assault weapon bans. Banning these rifles, or “assault weapons” as media refers to them as, will have little to no effect on the murder rate in the U.S. Very few homicides are committed with these, and they are more expensive than most firearms. Rifles that are considered an assault weapon range from $600 to $3000 in price.

The FBI Murder Circumstances Report determined assault rifles killed 365 people in 2011, yet 12,664 people were killed altogether that year. It seems we need more effective steps to end violence in this country.

A gun ban will not give Americans the solution they are looking for.

To take a step in the right direction, consider how people access guns. If people with harmful intent are planning to use a gun, they have to buy them.

What’s stopping a criminal from getting his hands on a gun legally? Background checks.

According to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Georgia law requires federally licensed firearm dealers to implement a background check during a gun purchase, but not private citizen sales. If a person is looking to buy a firearm and has a concealed carry license, they are exempt from any background checks.

Straw purchasing is another common practice for criminals to access guns illegally. A criminal can walk into a gun store with a friend or family member, point out a gun, and that person can purchase the gun for them. This way, a person with a criminal background can evade the routine checks in a gun shop.

We should require a background check for anyone looking to purchase a firearm, regardless of the circumstance.

Choosing our path carefully in the fight against violence in America needs to be done through practical steps. We need to stop the problem at the source, the purchase of the firearm, instead of creating a nationwide ban.

Abovet: LOCKDOWN: In order to prevent the abuse of weapons, we should increase security on background checks as opposed to eliminating the use of the weapons.

February 2013

VIEWPOINTS

VIEWPOINTS

Lessons from the lab The Young Dawgs academic internship program offers high school students hands-on experiences on the University of Georgia’s campus. he University of Georgia’s Young Dawgs program is a partnership with several Athens area high schools that offers a truly enriching experience.

High school stuBY BRIONNA HALL dents are able to intern Guest Writer on campus at UGA in nearly any of the areas of study the university offers.

I had the personal pleasure of interning for assistant professor Dr. Aaron Beedle in the UGA College of Pharmacy. My lab specializes in the study of Muscular Dystrophy, something that I believe is truly interesting. I found myself at home in the pharmaceutical and biomedical studies department.

This program meant a great deal to me, especially because I will be a first-generation college student. Being given an opportunity such as this was truly extraordinary.

While working as an intern has been both a physical and mental challenge, it has provided me with opportunities I would not have been able to Photo by Porter McLeod

gain otherwise. I learned basic laboratory skills and systematically worked my way up to more difficult tasks. It was thrilling to feel like a trusted member of the lab.

I aspire to be a pharmacist one day and being a member of the lab gave me tangible insights into my future profession. The hands-on work gave me a true sense of what lab work is like, instead of the idealized television portrayal.

I also formed bonds and relationships with my supervisor as well as my co-workers. These relationships will not only last me a lifetime, but they will aid me in my future as work.

My internship is resume-worthy and the professionals I met will become references, but the program itself is about self discovery. It helped me to realize my passions in a specific area of study, while teaching me the skills necessary to share that passion with others.

Being able to do this as a high school student is an honor. Interning has so many benefits, and I encourage anyone who is able to participate as well.

Working in a lab has helped fuel my love for science and my experience as a lab member will drive me as I study biochemistry at UGA in the upcoming fall.

Photo by Brionna Hall

T

Above: BIOHAZARD: While at her internship at the University of Georgia college of Pharmacy, senior Brionna Hall works in a lab speciliazing in the study of Muscular Dystrophy.

Musical musings

Finding a niche in high school is difficult. However, the band program offers musically inclined students a home.

I

can clearly remember walking into the band room during spring semester of my freshman year. I had my clarinet in one hand, music in my backpack and one thought in my head: “Thank goodness this is my last semester of band.”

I was tired of band after my middle school experience, and I was determined to quit after the semester ended.

As the weeks went on, I found myself enjoying the music. The pieces were much more complicated than the simple songs learned in middle school. In addition to class time, rehearsals were held after school to help perfect the music, which helped us to effectively prepare for the Large Group Performance Evaluation Festival, the most highly anticipated annual event that evaluates bands on their prepared performance and ability to sight read.

BY MICHELLE LEGETTE Guest Writer

Left: SHEET MUSIC: Band director Dr. Robert Lawrence, left, is one of the contriubting factors for senior Michelle Legette (right) falling in love with the band program.

February 2013 9 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

In addition to LGPE and other concerts, high expectations were created to help us become the best musicians we could be. At the end of my spring semester in band, I realized that this would not be the end of my band experience, but the true beginning of it.

This year marks my fourth year in the CCHS Band Program. I am the principal clarinetist in the superior rated Concert Band for the second consecutive year. I am also a member of the band leadership team and participated in the Marching Band in the fall.

Whenever I have a free moment during the school day, it’s spent in the band room with Dr. Robert Lawrence and my band family.

Little did I know during my freshman year that four years later I would be living and breathing band.

Although my first band experience was not positive, I can now say that I am proud to be a band kid at CCHS.

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE |9 February 2013

VIEWPOINTS

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

In honor of Black History Month, what contributions of AfricanAmericans are you grateful for?

“Whitney Houston has really affected me personally because of her contributions to the music world.”

-- Kadi Bortle, freshman

“(I am affected by) their contributions to art, literature and culture.”

-- Lindy Weaver,

Media Center specialist

“Most important contribution was the open-heart surgery, first doctor to perform it was Daniel Hale Williams.”

-- Montel Wall, senior

“Their influence on jazz music (has affected me) because I listen to it all the time.”

-- Ann Lin, senior

“Most important contribution was the Harlem Renaissance, causing the rebirth of art and music.”

-- Gabriel Arcos, junior

Knights. Kings. Queens. No, it’s not the Middle Ages, it’s chess.

W

alk into social studies department teacher David Cleveland’s room after school, and you’ll see many people playing chess.

The players look closely at the board each turn and make careful decisions to get them closer and closer to the win. It’s a game of strategy and cunning.

All Clarke Central High School students are welcome to join the Chess Club, which meets in Room 214. People who have never played before can come and learn how to play and the rules of chess.

Although I have been playing chess since my brother taught me it when I was in third grade, people would often beat me because I took my moves too fast.

Our sponsor, Mr. Cleveland, taught me that I had to slow down my thinking process and to really consider the implications of each move and then the moves thereafter.

Last month, the Chess In chess, the players continue Club sent two teams to a to learn from their mistakes and tournament on Jan. 12 at UGA’s Continuing Education they improve their game.

Center. One team, composed of Dian Guo, Nour Burjak and I, made it to the final round and beat the Classic City High School Knights two games to one.

The other team, consisting of CCHS juniors Mohamad Burjak and Jesus Ramierez-Lepe and freshman Micheal Jurado, fell to the Knights two games to one in the semifinal match.

The best thing about tournaments is the social aspect. People from different levels come together in a comfortable atmosphere and just play chess.

Not only can chess bring people together, it is relaxing. Personally, it helps me cool off after a long day of school.

Although it’s a fun game, it can be difficult at times. I love to challenge myself and play people who are more skilled than I am. In chess, players continue to learn from their mistakes and improve their game. It teaches patience, discipline and sharpens critical thinking skills.

I have lost about a million times, but I learn from those mistakes. It just makes me enjoy the game of chess even more.

BY DENNY MANNAKULATHIAL Guest Writer

Featured: CHECKMATE: Chess is a social game that teaches patience and discipline.

The skills required to play the game well are applicable to many areas of life.

Cartoon by William Kissane

10 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VIEWPOINTS

A family affair Working as a part of a family eatery provides life lessons.

Photo by Porter McLeod

Open door policy? Although improvements can be made on school security, safety is taken seriously by CCSD administration and staff.

Above: SECURING THE SCHOOL: At Clarke Central High School, doors are often left open, which allow students and visitors access to the building.

I

t is 8:23 in the morning and I am outside when I get the idea.

I have two minutes to sneak into the building and reach my class before the bell rings.

I walk in front of the stadium and look for an open door. Sure enough, there is one across from my first block class that has been kept open by a rock.

I am no exception. I am not the only one to outfox the security team and find secret passageways into the school. Everybody uses them. Everybody knows about them.

The truth is our school is not secure enough.

At Clarke Central High School, doors are often left unlocked. ID tags are not worn and safety policies are not known by much of the student body.

That is a problem.

The CCHS security team and the Clarke County School District police force are dedicated to ensuring safety at all times. They are trained to maintain a safe learning environment and prepped for situations in which students might be caused harm.

However, in light of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., it is difficult not to question how safe we truly are.

It is concerning that the ID policy is not enforced, making it nearly impossible to discern a CCHS student from a visitor.

It is worrisome that doors are left open, not just to the students, but also to the public, and that students remain virtually unaware of what the protocol is for an intruder or evacuation situation.

However, it is reassuring to know that the CCSD always has an up-to-date plan.

“We have been assessing our schools since that (Sandy Hook) incident. I feel like our schools are really safe,” CCSD Police Chief Fabian Jones said. “We just want to make sure we have the best procedures in place for whatever would happen.”

According to Jones and CCSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue, a district-wide reassessment of school safety plans in being conducted. As a student, this is very reassuring. It is comforting to know that, according to Lanoue, CCSD is discussing “a core set of protocols” to best keep us safe.

While it is the responsibility of CCSD to secure our schools, the students and staff in each school must also be accountable. According to Jones, information of weapons brought into the school has often been passed from students to security.

“We have to make sure that our facilities are safe, not as just the security team, the staff or the administration, but the students as well. We have to work together to do that,” Jones said.

He is right—it is time to all do our part.

Wear an ID. Close a door. Learn the emergency safety plans.

Let me be late, I would rather be safe.

February 2013

T

he Sultan, my family’s Middle Eastern restaurant, has been part of my life since I was nine years old.

Small businesses like ours make up the very heart of

BY CHERIEN ABOU-HARB Athens and for us, Guest Writer it has been a family effort right from the beginning. When we started, I was too young to do anything but get in the way. I can remember frequently being yelled at to get out of the kitchen because I was so fascinated with the process of making all the Middle Eastern dishes I love to enjoy at home.

We originally opened on Atlanta Highway in 2005. Although we were pretty out of the way, we prospered in that location for more than six years.

Now that I’m old enough, I’ve joined the Sultan staff. As the youngest employee, my father always feels like he has to help me out. I appreciated this at first, considering it was my first job and I had no idea how to even hold a tray when I began.

Now that I’ve gotten the hang of it, he has backed off a little, but whenever I’m in trouble, he always swoops in and saves his little girl.

Even though we closed our doors for a year and a half, the city has welcomed us back with open arms. In fact, most of our current customers followed us from the original location. My dad, Zouheir, remembers everyone and everyone remembers him.

People often come in and ask if we’re prospering at 1074 Baxter St., because our current location appears to be “cursed,” since there have been multiple other restaurants prior to us.

Those people couldn’t be more wrong. Business has been great so far, and I can confidently say The Sultan is here to stay.

Above: MIDDLE EAST COMES WEST: The Sultan, a family-operated restaraunt, moved to 1074 Baxter St. in September, after a year and a half hiatus.

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 11

VIEWPOINTS

Learning from the “Lady in the box.” Clarke Central High School currently utilizes Education2020 for credit recovery. But according to school personnel, it is only successful when students are motivated to learn.

O

ne student is taking Math I, another is taking American Lit./Comp. and a third student is taking biology.

All of this is taking place in the same classroom.

Education2020 is a virtual learning environment Clarke Central High School uses primarily for credit recovery, thus allowing eight or more courses to take place simultaneously in one room.

These classes are held during zero and fifth period before and after school, as well as during the school day.

Because various virtual courses happen in one room with one facilitator, there isn’t a specialized teacher in each e2020 lab to answer specific questions.

“You don’t have any one-on-one teaching. You don’t have a person that can actually analyze what you are struggling with or need help with,” head football coach and e2020 facilitator Leroy Ryals said. “Like me, I’m a dumb old football coach, and if someone asks me how to graph a quadratic equation, I’m lost, I’m done, I can’t help them. So they have to go back to their math teacher, or come after school to get math tutoring.”

Daytime credit recovery classes are filled almost to capacity -- a student can be found in front of almost every single computer in the labs allocated for e2020, Labs 207, 301 and 302. Some students are intently focused and working diligently towards finishing

their respective course.

However, others browse the Internet looking at websites that have nothing to do with their learning when the classroom facilitator isn’t giving them oneon-one attention.

In spite of the best of intentions from teachers, student motivation, like in any learning environment, remains the biggest roadblock to success.

The “Lady in the Box,” as e2020 has come to be known to CCHS administrators, can’t tell if a student is or is not paying attention, if they’ve fallen asleep or if they don’t understand the material at all.

E2020 was implemented at CCHS three years ago, as a replacement for Novanet, a virtual learning environment deemed less rigorous by school personnel.

Before Novanet, those who needed to recover credits were placed into “Encore” classes. These courses housed students who had to repeat a particular class.

“It (wasn’t) that many years ago, where everyone who failed ninth grade (literature). was put in one class. That’s not really a great environment,” CCHS International Baccalaureate/Gifted Collaborator and Scheduler Dr. Meri Blackburn said. “I’m not saying that was a bad thing, but it was tough on teachers, and it was tough on the other kids in the room.”

Is e2020 a better solution than “Encore” classes?

Yes. Is it the best solution for credit recovery?

Probably not.

But it’s the solution we have available now.

And for some students e2020 courses have been their key to graduation.

E2020 allows a student to put in their headphones, listen to virtual lectures and take quizzes at their own pace. If a student is motivated, this is a positive aspect of e2020, because they are able to focus on their individual learning journey, rather than being distracted by others.

But for those who are less willing to learn, they may lose focus without a teacher constantly making sure they are on track.

E2020 may not be the best type of credit recovery, but these courses give a student a second chance at passing a class. And it’s undeniable that e2020 has allowed numerous students to walk across the graduation stage.

Left: PROPORTIONS OF TEACHER: Multiple courses take place in each education2020 lab.

Facilitators are not knowledgeable in every subject area, but assist students as they are able.

Cartoon by William Kissane

12 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VIEWPOINTS

Zombie nation. Horror in fiction is easier to face than the horror of real life.

T

actually be included in the category of zombie films. fixates on the idea that the undead should overrun he Walking Dead. Warm Bodies. Pride and Regardless of any controversy over the definicivilization lies in the fact that it is purely fantasy.

Prejudice and Zombies. Paranorman. The tion, our culture’s obsession with the idea remains, Right now, the world is a truly scary place.

Zombie Survival Guide. a sharp upswing in the number of zombie movies Gas prices are rising, as well as college tuition.

They’re everywhere. since 2004 is apparent.

There are tragic shootings in movie theaters and These days it seems as though drooling, groanelementary schools. Fiery ing zombies have taken political debates over over every entertainRight now, the world is a scary place.

There are tragic gun control and women’s ment outlet possible. rights serve as the main Advertisements for shootings in movie theaters and elementary schools. focus of media outlets. zombie movies and TV Everything seems to be falling apart.

Everything seems to shows are ubiquitous; be falling apart. this cultural trend that is And it’s not just in the movies. TV shows such If our situation is so dire, then perhaps the permeating the media is inescapable. as The Walking Dead and books like Pride and thought of a zombie apocalypse is comforting in the Why is society so fascinated with the undead have been springing up like sense that it is a worst case scenario.

Prejudice and Zombies apocalypse? wildfl owers.

If zombies overran civilization, then we would Until recently, zombies have reigned solely on Why is this? What’s so relevant or special about no longer have to worry about health insurance or the big screen. White Zombie, released in 1932 and the idea of a zombie apocalypse now? the necessity of a post-graduate degree. All of todirected by brothers Victor and Edward Halparin, Perhaps the terror and obsession regarding the day’s concerns would become trivial in comparison is considered to be the first feature length zombie rumored 2012 apocolypse played a part. If the to the ultimate goal: stay alive. film to date. world was supposedly going to end, why not imagPerhaps, underneath all the possible theories While response from critics was less than ine it with zombies?

Wouldn’t that be more fun? and explanations, the explanation is simple. praising as both the poor acting and over-the-top Now that Dec. 21 has passed and nothing of note “It’s the end of the world as we know it,” may be storyline were criticized, the trend caught on. happened (besides some remarkably wild End-ofthe song of our generation after all.

Hundreds of zombie movies have been made the-World parties), there are still zombie movies between 1932 and 2013. However, categorizing a queued up for release in 2013, such as Warm Bodmovie as a “zombie film” proves Below: THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS: After the ies, released Feb. 1, and World War Z, set to release a rather difficult task, as seen tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, among on June 21. throughout the avid fandom. countless other heartbreaking events, the zombie Perhaps the attraction comes from the mere gore apocalypse is an easier concept to digest.

Zombie fans argued on of the genre. Testosterone-fueled, axe-wielding blog posts and internet forums Cartoon by Gabe Harper zombie killers certainly attract action fans by the debating the true nature of a hordes. “zombie,” and whether or not However, above all, the answer for why society certain films such as I Am Legend and The Crazies can

NEWS

News briefs

Photo by Maria Velasquez

Courting the competition

Above: A HELPING HAND: Clarke Central High School counselor Toawondia Underwood works with senior Jacqueline Gordon on Jan. 30. Underwood was awarded the district’s first Counselor of the Year award in Dec. 2012.

Glads rise to regionals

Out of 46 entries at the Clarke County School District social studies fair that took place the week of Jan. 21, Clarke Central High School had eight projects to advance to the Regional Championship that will take place on Feb. 16 in Gainesville, Ga. Sophomore Nick Dawe is one of the CCHS students moving on to the regional competition.

“I really wasn’t expecting to get this far,” Dawe said. “I don’t want to let my project down. I just want to do the best I can.”

In addition to Dawe, other students moving on to the regional fair include sophomores Marina Byrne, Gemma English, Faith Farber, Rose Harper, Barbara Kipreos, Christina Rosa, Uriana Ruiz, Nike Shimobi-Obijuru, Aron Williams and Corterra Wright. Sophomore Grayson Pynn will serve as an alternate.

“Everyone tried to just do their best to show (the judge) a big, developed concept,” Dawe said. “I am not really sure what to expect (at Regionals), but I’ll just have fun and see what will happen.”

Counselor of the Year C

ounselor Toawondia Underwood was awarded the first-ever Clarke County School District Counselor of the Year award in Dec. 2012. The award is given to a counselor that shows the most dedication, problem solving and overall work ethic.

According to her students, Underwood won the award because of her commitment to helping them succeed. Underwood finds happiness in seeing students achieve their personal goals.

“My biggest joy has been (to be) able to help (students) set their individual goals,” Underwood said. “To watch them navigate life and to reach their goals.”

Underwood, who has been working at CCHS since 2009, is thought highly of by her students and colleagues.

“Even though she is not technically my counselor, she showed me how to care for people by caring for me,” CCHS senior Kyara Mejia said.

Head counselor Heidi Nibbelink has witnessed firsthand the effort that Underwood displays.

“I think Mrs.Underwood is one of the most dedicated counselors I know,” Nibbelink said. “She’s here every day and stays late every day and looks at every student as if that student were her kid.”

Underwood does not take all of the credit for the award.

She mentions her fellow counselors as equally hardworking.

“I’m definitely honored to be the first one in high school to get it, but I do know there are so many other counselors that are deserving of it, because they worked equally as hard,” Underwood said.

-- Tiernan O’Neill, News Writer

14 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

The Clarke Central High School Mock Trial team competed in the Northeast Georgia Regional Championship on Saturday, Feb. 2 at the University of Georgia’s School of Law. The team competed against nine other Athens area schools and won their first regional title since 2011.

CCHS was undefeated in the championship, winning against Athens Academy, Lumpkin County High School, Greenbrier High School and Westminster Christian High School.

CCHS students won many individual awards, with senior Jada Haynes winning two best witness awards, sophomore Burke Walker winning three and freshman Jared Warner winning one. Seniors Lois Dunn-Grandpré and Katie Googe won best attorney awards along with senior Julia MacMillan and freshman Nicole Googe winning two each.

“All of the judges expressed how extremely proud they were of our team’s preparation and professionalism,” CCHS Mock Trial coach Kathy Erickson said.

Checkmate

The Clarke Central High School Chess Club, sponsored by CCHS social studies department teacher David Cleveland, competed in its first tournament on Jan. 12 at the University of Georgia’s Continuing Education Center. “(The competition) was a team event, and we had two teams of three people,” Cleveland said. “Both of our teams made it to the semi-finals undefeated, and in the semi-finals one of our teams lost one game.”

The Chess Club, which consists of nearly 20 students, invites students of all grades and skill levels to participate.

Senior Nour Burjak, juniors Mohamad Burjak, Dian Guo and Jesus Ramirez-Lepe and freshmen Michael Jurado and Denny Mannakulathial came home triumphant with a first place win over eight high schools, including Cedar Shoals High School and Classic City High School. Cleveland, however, feels that there is more to chess than competition.

“The whole purpose of the Chess Club is not just about winning tournaments,” Cleveland said. “It’s about teaching kids how to make good decisions and understand that every decision has a consequence.”

February 2013

“

NEWS

I heard that!

“

If you go home smarter, it was a good day. If you go home dumber, it was a bad day. And if you put good days together, everything else in life takes care of itself.

”

MARY THIELMAN, Clarke Central High School Associate Principal, expressing her personal opinion on education.

“ Above: STATING THE CASE: Sophomore Nicholas Byrne delivers the opening statement for the defense counsel during a scrimmage for the CCHS Mock Trial team on Jan. 26 at the University of Georgia School of Law. The team was preparing for the Northeast Georgia Regional Championship, which took place on Feb. 2.

Advanced academics

A

dvancED, a school accreditation organization involved in over 30,000 public and private schools around the world, returned to Clarke County School District on Jan. 13 in order to renew the school district’s certification. Accreditation is the process that every school must go through to be accepted as a legitimate institution. “(Accreditation) is absolutely essential,” Associate Principal Mary Thielman said. “Should you be in school here and the district lose its accreditation, all the classes you take are seen as not being appropriate by the State Department.”

The three-day accreditation process takes place every five years, with the last visit to the CCSD being in 2007. The CCSD was one of the first school districts in Georgia to undergo AdvancED’s accreditation process this year.

“AdvancED is really the group for certification in lieu of the (South Association College Schools Accreditation), so as school systems have moved away from individual accreditation over the past few years to system-wide accreditation,” Thielman said.

The CCSD was assessed on five standards of learning: Purpose and Direction, Governance and Leadership, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, Resources and Support Systems and Using Results for Continuous Improvement.

“It recognizes the quality of instruction,” Thielman said.

“It validates that the work is actually being done and the school can send its students on to the next level and in effect guarantee they know what they’re doing.”

-- James Lumpkin, News Writer February 2013

“ “

”

JEREL WRIGHT, CCHS senior, on the e2020 credit recovery program.

Why are they throwing hay on it?

”

TERRY MCHUGH, CCHS sophomore, on water line repairs in the front of the school building.

Unless it comes to the point where you’re patting everybody down every time they come in, which is ridiculous, you just have to do the best with what you have.

”

KIM GUZMAN, CCHS Class of 2012 graduate, on school security measures and campus safety.

Below: YOUR MOVE: Juniors Allie Martin and Maggie Sproston play a game of chess after school on Jan. 24 at a Chess Club Meeting. Sponsored by CCHS social studies department teacher David Cleveland, Chess Club provides an opportunity for students to join together to share their passion for the game.

Photo by Maria Velasquez

Photo by Porter McLeod

I want to say something to the (Clarke County School) District: the passing rate can be improved if we just had teachers to teach us, instead of just staring at the screen.

-- Compiled by News Staff odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 15

NEWS Top: OUT TO LUNCH: Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker met with (from left) seniors Eric Kilpatrick, Kyara Mejia, Kyle Fox and junior Brianna Gloster on Jan. 11 for Lunch with the Principal. Hooker reinstituted the program to offer a forum for student discussion and to recognize student merit. “My goal is to listen to you guys,” Hooker said. “I want you to have a voice in some of the decision making that takes place here.” Bottom: KYLE CONNECTS: Senior Kyle Fox (left) was one of 11 students at LWP, who met with Hooker (right). “It was nice to sit down to talk with him for a bit about different changes in the school the next year or so,” Fox said.

Photos by Porter McLeod

Breaking bread with Robbie For the first time since the 2007-08 school year, Clarke Central High School offers Lunch with the Principal, a student recognition program.

L

unch with the Principal is a program in which a handful of students, nominated by each academic department, sit down to eat while discussing school-based issues with Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker.

LWP is scheduled four times this semester. The first was on Jan. 11 and will continue once a month until May. “Teachers nominate a student based on if a student has shown remarkable signs of improvement, or if they just know a student who they feel contributes positively to CCHS’ academic environment,” behavior specialist Lakeisha Gantt, who organizes LWP, said.

Senior Eric Kilpatrick was honored by the mathematics department and attended the initial offering.

“It opened up a lot of discussion about what our concerns were and what (others) were concerned about,” Kilpatrick said. “A lot of us have questions, but (we) don’t get the time to talk to the principal like that, so that was the best part of the meeting.”

LWP was a well-established program during former CCHS Principal Dr. Maxine Easom’s tenure, which ended in 2008. Counselor Sam Hicks suggested its revival to the present administrative team. “( When we used to have it), I was surprised and impressed by how much kids enjoyed it,” Hicks said. “It gives us another way that we can recognize students.”

Eleven students participated in the January lunch. Senior Kyara Mejia, who was recognized by the administrative team, found LWP beneficial.

“I think it’s definitely a good idea and I’m glad they have it. It showed that (Hooker) wants to know us and (say) this is for you guys,” Mejia said. “Just kind of relaxing with him was kind of nice because you don’t get to see the principal much, (but) he tries to make time.”

Hooker is excited for the future of the incentive program and says it provided him with a forum to address student questions.

“It was a success just to hear their ideas on how we can improve. A lot of their questions were about the seven-block schedule and how that will affect them next year, but it was good dialogue and I’m looking forward to the others,” Hooker said. “My goal is to listen to you guys. I want you to have a voice in some of the decision making that takes place here.”

BY RADFORD BROSIUS Graphics Editor

16 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

NEWS

Photo by Maria Velasquez

Above: PLUGGED IN: Clarke Central High School e2020 students receive their daily instruction from the virtual program which consists of videos and online quizzes.

While some students find the instructional video to be fruitful, others like CCHS fourth year student Jerel Wright do not feel as such. “It just doesn’t teach me anything,” Wright said.

Learning virtually The credit recovery program Education2020, in its third year at Clarke Central High School, offers an alternative way to learn.

I

n order to graduwasting all this money on trying to not pay teachers see how many minutes the student was actively ate from Clarke when we really need more teachers to teach us.” engaged in the 90-minute class and the amount of Central High School, work that was accomplished,” Thielman said.

Another area students believe is lacking is direct students are required to earn 24 Carnegie credit instruction they can learn from.

The curriculum that a student must follow is units. When a student lacks the necessary credits “Personally, I would like e2020, if not for the composed of online lessons and pre-recorded video to graduate, the Clarke County School District instructions from an e2020 teacher. Facilitators, like videos,” fourth-year student Sabria Wright said. provides opportunities for students to recover “Really, math and science have a lot to do with Ryals, monitor students to ensure they stay on task. missing credits, including an online program called numbers so they belong in a class, you just got to “My role is most of all as a disciplinarian because Education2020. they want to come in here and play around, and I’m have patience.”

E2020 has been used by CCHS for students who Administrators are beginning to implement the quick to dismiss those that do not try in earnest to have failed a core class or are in extenuating situations with missing credits. E2020 “E2020 is primarily used for credit recovery for students classes are facilitated by head football who have taken and not been successful in traditional classcoach Leroy Ryals, head varsity basketball coach Andre McIntyre and advisement room settings.” coordinator Sondra Moon.

“E2020 provides engaging online -- DR. MERI BLACKBURN, education solutions that allow teachers CCHS International Baccalaureate Coordinator/Gifted Collaborator and Scheduler to facilitate learning for all students,” a spokeswoman from e2020 said. “Our rigorous and relevant standards-based curriculum “blended model,” by putting experienced teachers get a credit,” Ryals said. ensures students are well prepared to succeed in in the e2020 classrooms.

A student is usually enrolled in e2020 after failcollege or careers.”

“We have started to put content specialists in ing a traditional core class or being transferred from E2020 was implemented three years ago as a rea school district with conflicting graduation require- the classrooms to help the students, but that is not placement for the previous program credit recovery ments. One of these such situations is a transfer always possible,” Blackburn said. “We want teachers program, Novanet. in there as a supplemental tool for the ‘lady in the student with a half credit.

“Novanet was not as rigorous, and that’s why box.’”

“E2020 is primarily used for credit recovery for we went to e2020,” CCHS Principal Dr. Robbie P. CCHS administration makes an effort to listen to students who have taken and not been successful Hooker said. in traditional classroom settings,” International student feedback.

Students enrolled in e2020 use one of the three “I can’t tell you how many times kids come in my Baccalaureate Coordinator/Gifted Collaborator and designated computer labs instead of the traditional office and say ‘But I can’t learn math from the lady Scheduler Dr. Meri Blackburn said. “This preserves classroom. A facilitator monitors the students’ prog- classrooms for first-time class takers.” in the box.’” Thielman said. “I’m sensitive to that, ress and productivity. While most facilitators are and I don’t really have a good answer, so I typically While e2020 is a viable option for class credit, not content specialists, they are available to assist take the teachable moment and revisit why we’re in some students such as fourth-year student Jerel students with any issues they may be having. this place to begin with.”

Wright believe the system needs improvement.

“Facilitators have the ability to monitor and “It’s just a waste of time,” Wright said. “They are

BY JAMES LUMPKIN News Writer

February 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 17

NEWS

Campus control In response to the recent school shootings in Connecticut, California and Georgia, the Clarke County School District is reassessing security measures and campus safety in its schools.

O

n Jan. 31, the national issue of gun violence in schools hit closer to home for Georgians. A fourteen-year-old at Price Middle School in Atlanta brought a gun to school and shot another student in the neck.

The Atlanta shooting comes following an increase in school shootings nationally, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 5, 2012, and the Taft Union High School shooting in Taft, Calif., on Jan. 10. In response to these events, the Clarke County School District will be evaluating and improving security at its own schools.

“Since the incident that took place in Connecticut, the entire (Clarke County School) District is revamping some of the security concerns at all schools,” Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker said. “There will be a team that will come through that will be assessing each building to see how we can improve security.”

The team will include CCSD Police Chief, along with members of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. According to Jones, the district-wide reassessment should be completed by late February.

“School safety is paramount. If we don’t have “I feel like our schools are really safe,” Jones said. “There are some a safe learning environment, then we have no things as far as our procedures that we can look at, because we don’t know what to expect as far as when an individual would come into reason to exist.” one of our schools or what they would be thinking about, so a lot of the ideas we’ve had in the past as far as what our procedures are, are -- MARY THIELMAN, being rethought.”

CCSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue recognizes the imporClarke Central High School Associate Principal tance of a county-wide policy, but also expresses a need for schoolspecific plans.

“We have to have a core set of protocols that work for the district,” Lanoue said. “We have to decide first that there’s one series of recommendations that is uniform across the District, then there may be some uniqueness because each building is different. So, they may have a modified protocol in place.”

The District’s current policy includes specific lockdown and evacuation plans in the event of an emergency. The effectiveness of CCHS’ security plan was most recently put to the test on March 22, 2011, when Athenian Jamie Hood allegedly shot two ACCPD senior police officers, killing one, two miles away from the school campus.

“The location of (Hood) was not known at the time so we were on a hard lockdown, which means that all students should be in their classrooms with the doors locked,” Hooker said. “We had police on campus communicating with our Security Team.”

In the event of a shooter on a school campus, the official CCSD policy is a strategy known as “Active Shooter,” meaning the Security Team would immediately respond to the threat, instead of first waiting for back-up.

BY LORAN POSEY News Editor

18 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

NEWS

Photo by Loran Posey

Photo by Maria Velasquez

“Both of the officers there, if there was a situation at Clarke Central, would go directly to the threat,” Jones said. “They wouldn’t wait to see what’s going on. They would go in and try to eliminate the threat as best as they possibly could.”

The policy of “Active Shooter” was developed following the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. The Security Team at Columbine waited until back-up arrived before moving forward with a plan. Lanoue disagrees with that tactic.

“Before Columbine, the protocols were that if there was an incident occurring in a school, you’d get together and you would decide what’s the next step,” Lanoue said. “Well, what we learned from Columbine and some of these others, is that the damage is already done.”

The CCSD police and the ACCPD have practiced the Active Shooter strategy before, as well as prepared for an event at schools that do not have police on site every day, like elementary schools.

“Clarke County police have practiced ‘Active Shooter,’” Lanoue said. “They haven’t done it with people in the building, but if something happened at an elementary school, they’re the first ones on the scene.”

While the CCSD’s new security protocols are still being designed, Hooker

feels that preparation and practice will be crucial in the future. “(Lockdown and evacuation drills) are things that we’re going to have to practice, just like a fire drill,” Hooker said. “There are times this semester where we’ll have to practice going into a lockdown.”

Lanoue said that most response-related changes will be in effect immediately, but any structural or technological changes will most likely not be implemented until the next school year, due to CCHS renovation plans that may begin as early as summer 2013.

“With (CCHS’) building renovations, we’re looking for a way to connect the whole facility, because that would make it more secure,” Lanoue said.

While the renovations will not begin this school year, there is a sense of urgency for the CCSD to implement the new safety changes quickly.

“When we’re done with all of the assessments, we’ll sit down, take a look and decide what ideas we will use to make our improvements,” Jones said.

In the meantime, CCSD schools are under the protection of the CCSD police department and the ACCPD. According to Jones, there are three other CCSD police officers: Terry Reid at CCHS, Gene Williams at Cedar Shoals High School and Michael Waters at the Athens Community Career Academy.

In addition to the four CCSD officers, there are six ACCPD officers who have been contracted by the District as School Resource Officers, including Tommy Barnett, who is stationed at CCHS. The other five officers patrol CSHS and the four middle schools.

Above: WIDESPREAD CAMPUS: Clarke Central High School’s campus, located at 350 South Milledge Ave., sprawls across more than 36 acres. The campus is patrolled by a five-person Security Team, led by School Resource Officer Tommy Barnett and Clarke County School District Officer Terry Reid. New security concerns have arisen following recent school shootings, including one in Atlanta. The CCSD will be evaluating and improving security at all 21 of its schools. Left: TALKING POINTS: CCSD Police Chief Fabian Jones (right) and CCSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue (left) discuss school security on Jan. 25.

“When we’re done with all of the assessments, we’ll sit down, take a look and decide what ideas we will use to make our improvements,” Jones said.

February 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 19

FOCUS Right: OPEN DOORS: Signs meant to instruct visitors are posted on doors all across the CCHS campus.

However, many choose not to follow the proper procedure, which creates a security hazard. “Just because the sign’s posted doesn’t mean that everybody follows it,” CCHS Associate Principal Mary Thielman said. “So we should have an expectation that parents and people from the community come in through our front door.”

Photo by James Lumpkin

“I feel really good that we have a very strong, active and collaborative police force that is there in numbers,” Lanoue said.

In addition to Reid and Barnett, CCHS’ Security Team also includes security officers Marge Dyson, Leroy Owens and Rodney Robinson.

“Clarke Central is very fortunate to have the full range of experience on its Security Team that it does,” CCHS Associate Principal Mary Thielman said.

However, even under the protection of a fiveperson security team, students like senior Christian Nelson believe the school campus is easily accessible.

“I know of two different ways to easily get into the school building without really having to meet teachers or administrators,” Nelson said. “It’s the forcement agencies nearby, ready to immediately respond in the event of an breezeway and the cafeteria.”

The official CCHS procedure for off-campus visitors is to check-in at the main emergency.

“There’s the ACCPD, obviously being the main law enforcement agency in entrance of the building, which is a high-security area.

However, 484 out of 500 students polled on Jan. 16 still said that it was easy Athens,” Jones said. “We also have the Clarke County Sherriff Department supporting us, we have support from the (University of Georgia) police department to get into the CCHS building without using the main entrance. and we also have the Georgia State Patrol, so we have a lot of support in the Even though 97 perarea.” cent of students believe “If there was a situation at Clarke Central, (both ofAccording to Thielthat the CCHS campus man, CCHS takes is easily accessible, 60 ficers) would go directly to the threat. They wouldn’t advantage of technology percent of CCHS students wait to see what’s going on. They would go in and try and resources that help still feel safe at school. the campus safe Hooker shares the view to eliminate the threat as best as they possibly could.” keep and ready in case of an that the CCHS campus emergency. is safe for students and -- FABIAN JONES, “Individuals have faculty.

Clarke County School District Police Chief radio contact and “I can reassure parents classroom teachers have that I think we’re pretty phones in their rooms safe here,” Hooker said. so you do have a mechanism in place for communication,” Thielman said. “You “But once they do a reassessment of the building as to how we can better have video cameras in various places, an extended and well-entrenched security improve it, we will go from there.” team and the good fortune of having both the (ACCPD) as well as the UGA Jones noted that CCSD schools benefit from having numerous law en-

WHAT IS “ACTIVE SHOOTER? - According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an active shooter is defined as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.

- The official policy of the Clarke County School District is designed to, in the event of a shooting situation, immediately eliminate the threat in order to prevent as many injuries as possible.

Compiled by Loran Posey

20 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

FOCUS

-- Austin Clarke, senior

“At this time, we’re trying to make sure all the doors are locked and keep the tone in the building calm.”

-- Rodney Robinson, School Security Team “I know a lot of people from Rocksprings who walk here. Security probably doesn’t know it, but I see them here and they don’t go to this school.”

Photos by Loran Posey Compiled by Loran Posey

-- Timesha Rittenberry, sophomore

“When we have a real danger, it’s not up to the students, it’s up to (security), because they let the intruders in.”

-- Sandy Fierro, junior “(Campus is) easily accessible. There just doesn’t seem to be very good security and some of the doors are left unlocked all day.”

-- Emily Hall, freshman “I think (the Security Team) does care about us and about what’s going on around the school. I feel 100 percent safe, because they are very protective.

WORD ON THE STREET

“Even though Clarke Central’s easy to get into, I still feel safe here.”

-- Markus Martin, junior

police department readily accessible to support us.”

The issue of an easily accessible campus has been on the CCHS administration’s radar previously. At the beginning of the 2011-12 school year, a new student ID policy was implemented. Every student was issued and required to wear an ID in an effort to minimize the number of unauthorized people on campus.

“ID’s are vital,” Hooker said. “So even if a teacher doesn’t know you, if they see your ID or you are able to show them your ID, they will know you are part of this campus.”

While the ID policy was designed to increase campus security, Nelson does not believe that it is being enforced as strictly as it was during its first year. Students were required to wear their ID’s on lanyards around their neck every day and first block teachers were asked to confirm each student had an ID on at the beginning of each day.

“The only big enforcement (of the ID policy) I see is at lunch,” Nelson said. “But that was only really during the first few days (of school).”

While Nelson does not feel that the ID policy is being strictly enforced, he still carries his student ID card in his wallet.

“A lot of kids have their ID’s in their front pocket or their back pocket,” Hooker said. “As long as you have that ID on you, I think that’s the most important thing.”

Thielman believes visitors should respect the rules of the school. If somebody is on campus without authorization, the absence of a student ID or visitor’s pass will signal that they did not follow the required steps.

“When you come into all of the doors, there’s a sign on them that says if you’re a visitor, you need to come to the front office, sign in and go through the proper protocols,” Thielman said. “But just because the sign’s posted doesn’t mean that everybody follows it, so we should have an expectation that parents and people from the community come in through our front door.”

As the District completes its reassessments, it will continue to look for ways to improve school “I can reassure parents that I think we’re pretty safe security, even if it may mean locking more doors here, but once they do a reassessment of the building and establishing a stricter protocol for visitors.

“Convenience is something that we all enjoy, as to how we can better improve it, we will go from but in order to make sure we’re all secure, we there.” have to be inconvenient sometimes,” Jones said.

While creating a safer school environment -- DR. ROBBIE P. HOOKER, will require precautions from the District, Jones also called on students, parents and teachers to Clarke Central High School Principal increase their efforts as well.

“We have to, not just as a Security Team, staff or administration, but as a team, make sure that our facilities are safe,” Jones said. “We have to work together to do that.”

As gun violence and school shootings become more frequent, the safety of schools has become a top priority for school administrators and district officials.

“School safety is paramount,” Thielman said. “If we don’t have a safe learning environment, then we have no reason to exist.”

February 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 21

VARIETY

Cultural Buzz

Zero Dark Thirty

Catfish: The TV Show, MTV

The most realistic coverage of any government operation to date is here.

Zero Dark Thirty, directed by Katherine Bigelow and released Jan. 11, is a thriller about the greatest manhunt of all time: the search for Osama Bin Laden.

Where this movie hits hard is its striking realism and stark attention to detail. The film opens with the ongoing torture of an Al Qaeda member partially responsible for orchestrating the attacks of 9/11.

These scenes are intense, brutal and not for the faint of heart. The film accurately depicts the extent these CIA operators are willing to go in order to extract information from detainees.

A strong female protagonist leads the hunt for Bin Laden. Tracing multiple leads from interrogations, “Maya” ( Jessica Chastain) traces several phone calls, and numerous leads until she discovers the compound in Abadabad, Pakistan, where Bin Laden is hiding.

The film uses documentary-style camerawork, utilizing shaky cam effectively. The acting is superior, in addition to the realistic set pieces, including the compound, which was replicated from the real one Bin Laden used.

The shining moment in the movie is the actual raid by Seal Team Six in which Bin Laden is found and killed.

The scene contains excruciating detail.

Zero Dark Thirty has garnered five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. This film should hit home for all Americans, and has earned its place in cinematic history.

Catfish: The TV Show, produced and hosted by Nev Schulman, premiered Nov. 12, 2012. This TV adaptation of the producer’s own documentary, Catfish, reveals the mysteries of online dating.

The plot of Catfish revolves around Schulman taking people around the country to help them find out if the person they have been dating online is who they say they are.

It actually seems realistic, unlike many other reality TV shows, but often takes quite a while to get to the uncovering of the truth.

Catfish is definitely fascinating, however, it almost always ends in heartbreak and deception for the people involed.

-- John Hubbard, Viewpoints Writer

A$AP rocks A$AP Rocky delivers an impressive range of rhythm and wit in his debut album.

Harlem-raised rapper A$AP Rocky released his debut studio album Long. Live. A$AP on Jan 15. The 16-track album features guest appearances from big names in rap such as 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The album debuted at the top of the charts, selling 139,000 copies in its opening week.

Rocky previously released two singles and a mixtape prior to the release of Long. Live. A$AP, which were met with a positive critical response.

The release date for the album was pushed back multiple times, causing Long. Live. A$AP to be a keenly anticipated album. After its release, it enjoyed relative success among critics who praised its distinctive sound.

Although much of the song material itself holds true to the hip hop archetype of rapping about designer labels, women and drugs, the rhythm and flow of the music varies drastically from song to song, making the album a refreshing change from the homogeneous sound of many current rappers.

In between the fast-paced beats, Rocky injects unexpected wit into the tired stereotypes that dominate much of today’s rap.

While Rocky has been criticized for not presenting anything In between the fastnew lyrically, it is hard to deny paced beats, Rocky the high energy that the album injects unexpected wit exudes. into the tired stereotypes Those who are not typically fans of hip hop may find their that dominate much of niche somewhere in Long. Live. today’s rap.

A$AP. Be it in the raw emotion of “Pain” or the fashion savvy lyrics of “Fashion Killa,” Long. Live. A$AP presents a varied selection of cadences and rhythms that includes a wide range of different sounds and emotions. Despite the polarizing nature of the hip hop, Rocky seems to have found a way to get through to a wide audience of rap fans and critics alike.

Ultimately, Rocky’s likable aura and aesthetically pleasing soundscapes manage to set Long. Live. A$AP apart from its peers and give it an edge that casts a net wider than the typical fanbase.

-- Louise Platter, Variety Writer Left: ON THE TRAIL: CIA officer “Maya” (Jessica Chastain) dedicates her career to tracking down Osama Bin Laden in Zero Dark Thirty, realeased on Jan. 11.

For more on these stories, go to www.odysseynewsmagazine.net Photo illustration by Maria Velasquez

22 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Photos by Louise Platter

--Alicia Thomas, Variety Writer

Temple Run 2, Imangi Studios

Released on Jan. 17 by Imangi Studios, Temple Run 2 exceeds the standards set by its prequel in terms of graphics, difficulty and available achievements.

This free game, available on all iOS and Android devices, has objectives similar to Temple Run. Although escaping the monster and managing to not fall off the side of the wall hold top priority in both games, additional obstacles including waterfalls, zip lines and mine carts. These additions entertain more than the all too familiar left, right, jump and duck movements.

Even though Temple Run 2 is exceedingly more difficult than the original and contains some minor glitches, the graphics and new additions are addicting.

-- Geneva Hinkle, News Writer February 2013

VARIETY

Cultural Buzz Love Songs, Destiny’s Child

“I am so proud to announce the first original Destiny’s Child music in eight years,” Destiny’s Child member Beyonce Knowles said in a Jan. 10. press release Divas and single ladies around the world were thrown into a frenzy.

Could the eight-year wait finally be over?

However, when Love Songs was finally released on Jan. 29, it was revealed to be anything but irreplaceable. The album’s singular original song, “Nuclear,” is slow-paced and tiresome. The “remasters” provide nothing new whatsoever. Perhaps the trio we all thought we loved so much truly doesn’t care about anything but our “Bills, Bills, Bills.”

-- Aaron Holmes, Junior Copy Editor

Silver Linings Playbook

The first film to receive Oscar nominations in all four acting categories in 31 years, Silver Lining’s Playbook was released to select theaters on Sept. 8, 2012. Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro, Playbook’s acting is certainly top notch, but despite this has a storyline that sometimes falls flat.

Playbook tells the story of bipolar Pat Solitano (Cooper), his transition back into society and a new relationship with a young widow (Lawrence) following an eight-month stint in a mental institution.

Filled with heaps of Philly-accented yelling and painfully awkward dialogue, Playbook is representative of real life harsh, uncomfortable, and sometimes unbearably slow.

-- Chloe Alexander, Variety Editor February 2013

Portlandia, IFC

Kidz not

Photo illustration by Porter McLeod

Kidz Bop fails for the 23rd time to impress any audience over the age of eight.

It’s that time of year again: time for another installment to the train wreck known as the Kidz Bop series. Kidz Bop 23, released on Jan. 15, is another mess of a compilation of the highest charting pop songs that were not even good to begin with.

Kidz Bop was created by Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam of the Razor and Tie record label in 2001. The first installment certainly did not warrant a sequel, howThe songs featured in Kidz ever, somehow 22 others have Bop 23 make driving a rail- been released throughout the past 12 years. road spike into one’s brain Kidz Bop 23 features such seem more appealing than songs as Cher Lloyd’s “Want U Back” and Rihanna’s listening another minute.

“Diamonds” and is entirely covered by child singers with a limited amount of talent. The children may not be individually bad, but because they are so young, they make the songs sound high pitched and annoying, especially when combined with the censorship put in to make it appropriate for younger audiences, even though the songs were about inappropriate things to begin with.

To make the songs less heavily laden with shouting pre-teen girls, producers add male roles that sound strained and forced in songs originally sung by women, such as Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake.” The absolutely strange combination of males and females singing a song by one person of a specific gender makes everything a jumbled, high-pitched mess.

The songs featured in Kidz Bop 23 make driving a railroad spike into one’s brain seem more appealing than listening another minute. Choosing the “best” song on the album is a matter of picking which will cause the least amount of mental deterioration.

This is where the tricky part arrives. After completion of Kidz Bop 23, the natural reaction of any listener is to bleach their ears.

However, there is a strange urge to listen to it again. Perhaps for the sheer terribleness, maybe for an easy laugh. Perhaps the Kidz Bop Kids have the general public figured out and have made everyone into zombies that enjoy the hot pile of garbage that is Kidz Bop. -- Robert Walker, News Writer

Making its debut in Jan. 2011, Independent Film Company’s sketch comedy show Portlandia, created by Jonathan Krisel, Carrie Brownstein and Saturday Night Live regular Fred Armisen, is a brilliant compilation of all things that make Portland, Ore., a unique town.

Armisen and Brownstein, who play the majority of the characters in the series, make frequent costume changes throughout the show in order to portray the many different individuals unique to Portland’s culture. All are individually brilliant in their stereotypical accuracy and outlandish humor.

Portlandia, as of Jan. 4, is now in its third bicycle-riding, environmentally-friendly season. The first episode has already played host to a skit about a group’s effort to track down sunlight in Portland’s winter, a special appearance by musician Jack White and the unsuccessful effort of a gay couple to sell stew to pedestrians.

As consistently awkward as it seems, the awkwardness keeps viewers involved. Among the stereotypical crime syndicates, medical dramas, and remarkably not-funny sitcoms that dominate TV these days, Portlandia is fresh and interesting, and its characters relatable in their habits and obsessions.

Even if may one sees themselves as a die hard fan of shows such as Axe Men, or The Deadliest Catch, the humorous cynicality of Portlandia is certain to entice its viewers to go back for their weekly fix like a free-range chicken to an organic granola bar.

-- Gabe Harper, Variety Writer

Right: BEING THE STEREOTYPE: Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen play the many different stereotypes found in the culture of Portland, Ore., in their sketch comedy Portlandia, whose third season premiered on Jan. 4 Cartoon by Gabe Harper

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY Newsmagazine |

23

VARIETY FEATURES

V

ALENTINE’S DAY on the cheap

STORY BY ISABELLA ZACCARIA JEFFERS Variety Writer

PHOTOS BY PORTER MCLEOD Photography Editor

LAYOUT BY CHLOE ALEXANDER Variety Editor

Finding a gift for your Valentine’s Day sweetheart can often be more stressful than romantic. Many people wander aimlessly in and out of stores wondering what to get their special someone.

Here are gift options, all under $25, to remove the stress from the most romantic day of the year.

24 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VARIETY

Dynamite carries a wide variety of items that appeal to any personal preference.

From the incredible selection of throwback clothing to the season’s coolest sunglasses, Dynamite is host to all the latest Athenian trends.

Above left: PLAID BUTTON DOWN: $16.00 Above right: SUNGLASSES: $12.00 each Below: JEWELRY: $5.00 - $24.00

February 2013

Dynamite Clothing 143 North Jackson St.

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 25

VARIETY

Gigi’s Cupcakes 296 West Broad St.

Gigi’s cupcakes have the perfect mixture of spongy texture, fluffy icing, and mouth-watering flavors. Each cupcake is baked each morning with only the freshest ingredients.

Left: CUPCAKE: $3.50

Onward Reserve 146 East Clayton St.

Onward Reserve is the perfect place to shop for those dapper fellows in your life. Affordable items are hard to find, but items such as keychains and t-shirts won’t break the bank.

Right: KEYCHAINS: $18.00 each

26 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VARIETY

Spencer Gifts Spencer’s is the ultimate store for humorous, edgy and bold gifts. There is an array of affordable jewelry, hats and belts that will please even the most unconventional Valentine’s Day sweethearts.

February 2013

Middle: Disco ball: $24.99 Right: Earrings: $7.99

Bottom: BELTS: $19.99 each Left: HAT: $12.49

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 27

VARIETY

GameStop

Gamestop carries an array of the most popular new and used games. These gently used Play Station Three disks will please any big time gamer.

Above: GAMES: $14.99-$24.99

Right: PHONE CASE: $10.00 Below: SCARF: $14.00

At low and affordable prices, the collection of fashionable styles is never-ending. Sectioned off by price, Maurice’s is bound to fill the expectations of any girly girl and not empty your wallet.

maurices

28 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VARIETY

Frontier Frontier displays an assortment of unique and old-timey items, including locally-made candles, jewelry, are exquisite and inexpensively priced.

Left: HONEYPOT: $25.00 Below: CANDLE: $23.00 Bottom right: PERFUME: $10.00 Bottom left: BRACELETS: $8.00-$18.00 each

February 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 29

VARIETY

Graphic by Rad Brosius

Above: DEDICATED DONORS: Local establishments show their support of the Clarke County School District by supporting the “Proud to be CCSD” billboard campaign with their donations.

The “Proud to be CCSD” campaign works to establish a positive view of the Clarke County School District among those in the community.

W

hen the Clarke County School District Director of Public Relations and Communications Anisa Sullivan-Jimenez first moved to Athens eight years ago, people in the community were concerned about the educational opportunities for her future CCSD child.

“When I first moved here people said, ‘When you get ready to buy a house you need to move to another county or look into private school,’ but my husband was a teacher at Clarke Central and he said, ‘I don’t think you’re hearing the whole story,’” Sullivan-Jimenez said.

According to Sullivan-Jimenez, it has been difficult to spread awareness about the positives of the school district with misinformation circulating.

“I think for years there has been a lack of recognition in the community of the achievement of (CCSD) students,” CCHS Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker said.

Although the CCSD’s graduation rate has steadily improved over the past eight years from 50 percent to more than 70 percent, many people in the county are still wary of public schools.

“For a while the newspaper didn’t have anything positive to say. We do have some challenges within our school district, but we also have some great things; so could you please talk about that?”

Hooker said.

As a small promotion for the 2012 AthHalf Marathon, Sullivan-Jimenez distributed seventy free shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Proud to be CCSD” in hopes of inspiring school district pride among the runners.

“It was so rewarding to see people yelling ,‘Proud to be

BY LOUISE PLATTER Variety Writer

Photo courtesey of Anisa Sullivan-Jimenez

CCSD!’ as these runners went by,” Sullivan-Jimenez said.

From there the campaign began to expand. Sullivan-Jimenez featured the tagline “Proud to be CCSD” on billboards around Athens, online and in Move Magazine, accompanied by photos of CCSD graduates and their accomplishments.

The advertisements each feature one Clarke Central High School graduate and one Cedar Shoals High School graduate. Each advertisement has a specific theme, such as academics or arts.

“It was really important to me that we recognize two from Cedar, two from Clarke Central, two girls, two boys, and we have an African American student, White, Asian and Hispanic,” Sullivan-Jimenez said. “The message from that is all of our students can achieve and they represent a variety of socio-economic classes. I think that that really celebrates the diversity of our school district.”

“When you’re a student in the Clarke County School

District you can receive no better education anywhere.”

-- ANISA SULLIVAN-JIMENEZ, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Clarke County School District According to Sullivan-Jimenez, former graduates of the school district have had an immensely positive reaction to the campaign and it has inspired many of them to come forward and express their pride in the CCSD. “I’ve received countless emails and phone calls of people saying, ‘I’m a graduate, and I’m proud to be a graduate.’ I think that it’s given people a way to step forward because we do have so many great things happening in our school district,” Sullivan-Jimenez said.

Sullivan-Jimenez believes that CCSD pride is beneficial to current students and can influence new parents to enroll their children in public schools.

“We want everyone to feel really good about where they go to school. We want to give (our students) the assurance that when you’re a student in the Clarke County School District you can receive no better education anywhere,” Sullivan-Jimenez said.

Left: CCSD STARS: Award winning actress and Clarke Central High School graduate, Kim Basinger, is featured on one of the ‘Proud to be CCSD’ advertisments. “She lended her name and image to the school district and by doing that she is saying that she is proud to be a graduate,” Clarke County School District Director of Public Relations and Communications Anisa Sullivan-Jimenez said.

30 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

VARIETY

The “Proud to be CCSD” campaign has been supported by a variety of local establishments. Sullivan-Jimenez relies on donors in order to fund the campaign due to district policy that school district funds cannot be used to pay for billboards.

“I think that because we had businesses willing to donate thousands of dollars that shows the level of support that our community has for our schools,” Sullivan-Jimenez said.

Businesses such as Georgia Power, St. Mary’s Hospital, and Georgia Credit Union have all contributed to the campaign and their input has gone into the creation of the advertisements.

“I work with them and say, ‘Is there something really specific that you’d like to promote?’ For example, Georgia Power really wanted the community to know that we’re a model technology district, and so we focused a board on that,” Sullivan-Jimenez said.

Georgia Power has had a strong relationship with school districts around the state, including the CCSD, for years.

“I’ve been here for six years in Athens and we were already supporting them when I came,” External Affairs Manager for Georgia Power in Athens, Ga., Christy Terrell said. “If you can support your education and have students coming out extremely educated then you’ve got students that are ready to be an employee of your company. “ Georgia Power’s support of the CCSD, and other educational initiatives throughout the state, goes deeper than recruiting employees for their work force.

“Stronger public schools equates to stronger communities. And Georgia Power really believes in that,” Terrell said.

The goal of the campaign is to show people in the community that their suspicion about public schools is no longer valid. While the campaign puts a dent in this perception, many people still cling to these beliefs.

“There are people that when you say you work at Clarke Central they say, ‘Oh God bless you!’ Like you’ve been sent to work at a terrible place and I laugh and say, ‘No, it’s a great place to work,’” Hooker said.

Despite these setbacks, Sullivan-Jimenez believes that this campaign has helped the school district rebuild its reputation in the county.

“I think the tide is turning. People are going out and saying, ‘Good things are going on.’ Close to sixteen people came from private schools to our open house to look at (CCHS) for their student. They hear about good things and think, ‘Should I send my child here?’” Hooker said.

Sullivan-Jimenez has experienced the campaign expanding to include more than just advertisements. Although the root of the campaign is the ads, SullivanJimenez believes that it has become a platform for people to express pride in their district that they otherwise would have kept to themselves.

“It’s about people choosing to send their children here,” Sullivan-Jimenez said. “It’s about people saying, I’m proud to be a part of this school district, and it’s much more than billboards and print ads, it’s about making a decision that says, ‘I support the CCSD, and I’m proud of it.’”

Left: REACHING THE MASSES: Clarke Central High School 2008 graduate Athena Lao is featured on a billboard facing the Atlanta Highway.

“As they used to say about James Brown, the hardest working man in show business applies to Athena in everything she does.” retired CCHS science teacher Buddy Sims said.

Photos by Maria Velasquez

Above: RACING FOR A CAUSE: Clarke County School District Director of Public Relations and Communications Anisa Sullivan-Jimenez brandishes one of the t-shirts that was distributed at the annual AthHalf Marathon. “We had seventy free t-shirts that we were able to give to students, parents and teachers,” SullivanJimenez said.

Find updates at odysseynewsmagazine.net. | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 31

SPORTS

The box score

Photos by Porter McLeod

Photos by Porter McLeod

Winning wrestlers

Above: FINISHING STRONG: On Jan. 26, the Clarke Central High School swimming and diving team competed in their last regular season meet, the Area Championship at the University of Georgia Ramsey Center. “They did what I was thinking we would do. We got third, so that was very solid, and I think that was the best we could have done,” CCHS head swim coach Emily Dowd said.

Moving on up

Emma Kissane, a 2012 Clarke Central High School graduate, is now a first-year student at Wellesley College, a small liberal arts school outside of Boston, Mass. Kissane is a member of the varsity NCAA Division III Track and Field team at Wellesley.

The team competed Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Coed Invitational meet.

Kissane ran the anchor leg of the Wellesley 4x400 meter relay, winning with a combined time of 4:27.52, as well as the 200 meter, placing fourth out of 19 competitors with a time of 28.85, also 0.6 seconds away from the current Wellesley record.

Kissane also competed in the 60meter dash and set a new Wellesley record with her time of 8.55 seconds, placing ninth out of 20 competitors.

“It was so gratifying to know that the training and strength work is paying off,” Kissane said. “It’s a great feeling to have such supportive teammates; that’s really why I was able to do well at the meet.”

Kissane expects to continue running for Wellesley during the outdoor track season, which begins in late March.

Swimming to state The Clarke Central High School swimming and diving teams participated in the Area Championships on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the University of Georgia’s Gabrielsen Natatorium in the Ramsey Center. The CCHS team finished third behind Oconee County High School and North Oconee High School.

The area championships were also the last opportunity to qualify for the State tournament.

The meet was also Senior Night for all the area swim teams.

Seniors Harrison Boza, Ilaina Burns, Sophie Chen, Katie DeLoach, Ashley Dunne, Patrick Humphreys and Joshua Jones were recognized for their contribution to the CCHS swimming and diving teams.

In individuals, Humphreys had previously qualified in the 200 free and the 100 fly by going under the required time in a previous meets during the season. Freshman Elijah Churchwell had also previously qualified in the 500 free.

In addition, the boys relay teams for the 200 free, 400 free and the 200 Medley had also qualified for the state competition.

“Having all three relay teams qualify was a pretty good accomplishment,” CCHS head swimming and diving coach Emily Dowd said. “We did that last year (too), but before that it had been a pretty long time.”

Churchwell and Humphreys, along with Boza, Jones, Connor Blankenship, Jacques Germain and Terry McHugh, will be vying for the four spots allotted for each separate relay race.

“I was disappointed but everyone did their best and we all swam a lot of tough events before that. I’m not heartbroken or anything,” Chen said.

The swimmers that qualified for the State Championships will travel to the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Aquatic Center on Feb. 8 and 9 to partake in their respective events.

32 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

-- Henry Scott, Sports Writer

The Clarke Central High School wrestling team ended the 2012-13 regular season with a record.

The team opened the season ranked fifth in the state and defeated teams from across the state at the Westside Rumble in Augusta, Ga. At the Region 8-AAAAA area duals on Jan. 5, the Gladiators finished third, coming short of an invitation to the state AAAAA duals.

“Our season was fruitful,” CCHS junior wrestler Paul Eckhardt (160) said. “We didn’t live up to some of our expectations, but (the season) was enjoyable” Most recently, the team finished third at the 8-AAAAA Traditional Area tournament held at Flowery Branch High School.

Seniors David Fisher, Andrew Giegerich, Carver Goodhue and Demond Stovall were champions in their weight classes, while Durmario Price finished third and Xaviess Smith placed fourth. Junior Blake Mustard was runner-up and sophomore Josh Williams finished third.

The wrestling season will conclude after the Traditional State tournament Feb. 14-16 in Macon, Ga.

Changing faces An abundance of new faces can be seen coaching spring sports for the 2013 season including the following: varsity boys soccer Head coach Chris Aiken, junior varsity boys soccer head coach Kathy Erickson, assistant JV baseball coach Jason Pannell, track and field long distance head coach Dave Sells, Head baseball coach Trey Henson and Head JV baseball coach Nick Wegmann.

The new head coaches, who must be employed in the Clarke County School District, are chosen by CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward.

“I choose the head coach and I allow the head coaches to select their assistants by my approval,” Ward said.

Each new coach brings a new coaching philosophy and ideas to their team.

According to Sells, a strong team bond is an important aspect to having a successful track season.

“Because I am new to coaching, I would like to focus on developing meaningful positive relationships with my runners,” Sells said.

February 2013

SPORTS

“

SPORTS

Audibles

“ “ “

The boys soccer team better not lose to Cedar or I’ll whoop all of their butts.

” ”

MARITZA DELGADO, Clarke Central High School sophomore, on this year’s boys soccer team.

Everybody on that team has talent, and our coaches are coaching them right.

JEREMIAH JORDAN, Clarke Central High School sophomore, on the boys basketball team.

This year, I think the track team will be more conditioned and more in shape than last year.

”

ALEXIS SHAW, Clarke Central High School sophomore, on the CCHS track team.

Season of success

The Clarke Central High School junior varsity boys basketball team has almost completed an undefeated season with a current record of 16-0. The team has one remaining game against WinderBarrow High School on Feb. 8.

“We are doing pretty well this season. We’ve had an undefeated season so far and when we stay undefeated it’s like we’re coming together as a team,” CCHS sophomore guard Jeremiah Jordan said.

The team is led by CCHS Head JV basketball coach Stefan Smith. Smith focuses on teaching the team about the basics of basketball.

“I’m teaching the fundamentals, making sure these kids understand basketball,” Smith said. “We play team basketball, and teach these kids how to play the right way.”

The CCHS JV boys team defeated cross-town rival Cedar Shoals High School on Jan. 19 for the second time this season. Although the JV teams do not have a postseason, Smith describes the two rival games as more significant than regular season games.

“It was a big deal for the JV team because we don’t have a region or state tournament. So when you beat that Cedar Shoals team twice in the fashion that we did, it’s a big deal for us, and that really helped our confidence even more,” Smith said.

According to Smith, the last time there was an undefeated JV team was in 2007. The team was composed of former CCHS players such as Arion Bolds, Taylor Layne and Babatunde Olumuyiwa.

-- Chad Rhym, Sports Writer -- Compiled by Sports Staff

3 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| odysseynewsmagazine.net

Left: FRESH FACES: New varisty boys head soccer coach, Chris Aiken is one of many new coaches for sports including soccer, baseball and basketball this season. “I think he’s a very competent coach. He really knows his stuff when it comes to soccer,” junior Henry Thomas said. Above: TAKEDOWN: On Nov. 27, the Clarke Central High School wrestling team competed in a home meet against Athens Christian School, East Jackson High School and Monroe Area High School. Senior Andrew Giegrich takes down an opponent, continuing the CCHS wrestling team’s undefeated streak. odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE |

SPORTS

Falling down the slippery slope In his January interview, cyclist Lance Armstrong finally ended a long saga of adamant denial by admitting to doping.

HENRY SCOTT Sports Writer

“Yes or no: Did you ever take banned substances to enhance your cycling performance?”

“Yes.” “Yes or no: In all seven of your Tour de France victories did you ever take banned substances or blood dope.”

“Yes.” “In your opinion, was it humanly possible to win the Tour the France without doping - seven times in a row?”

“Not in my opinion.”

A

nd so, it all unraveled.

Lance Armstrong’s empire of lies, deception and vitriol came crumbling down with a short series of “yes or no” questions.

That’s all it took.

On Jan. 17, Armstrong’s long overdue confession to doping and the use of performance-enhancing drugs was aired in a supposedly “direct, honest and candid” interview with Oprah Winfrey.

However, the interview ended up being a mere self promotion for Armstrong, a bid for a quickened route to rehabilitation from a lifetime ban.

In the interview he came off as callous; someone who saw no fault in his actions. Never was a proper, heartfelt apology uttered. Never did it seem that he understood why the whole world appeared to dislike him.

Armstrong neglected to see that the main issue is no longer the doping. At this point, the primary crime is how he behaved in the face of adversity.

And Lance Armstrong is no stranger to adversity.

In 1996, his career, and even life, threatened to come to an abrupt halt. He was diagnosed with advanced stage testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain.

To many this would have been a death sentence, but Armstrong instead made the conscious decision to relentlessly and ruthlessly fight the disease.

“When I was diagnosed and I was treated I said I will do anything I have to do to survive,” Armstrong said in his nationally televised interview with Oprah.

He was determined to not let the reality of the situation define him.

And he won.

He said “No” to cancer, and cancer backed down. His determination and refusal to compromise changed reality.

This was breaking all the rules of how you deal with adversity and we were all there cheering him on.

Fighting back from less than a 50/50 chance of survival in a fight with testicular cancer and winning the world’s most grueling sporting event had converted him into a legend. Lance Armstrong became the example for facing adversity.

But while power of will over cancer is commendable, power of will over rules turned out to be a whole different story.

Once allegations, accusations and investigations began to pummel Armstrong, he reverted to an old strategy: fight relentlessly and ruthlessly, determined to not let reality define him.

But this time determination and refusal to compromise didn’t change reality, it just made everything worse.

This was a different type of reality. This was something that no matter how many times he denied it, no matter how many times he said “No”, it wouldn’t be beat.

And it got ugly. Quick.

From being the best example for dealing with adversity, Armstrong, with stark effectiveness, became the worst.

Armstrong, even after admitting doping, attempted to justify his actions in the interview through semantics.

Cheating, by its strictest definition, is getting an advantage over a competitor. Thus, in Armstrong’s opinion, this did not happen, given that pretty much everyone in the highest level of cycling undertakes some sort of doping.

For most professional cyclists, being clean is as distant a memory as training wheels.

Armstrong didn’t see himself as cheating, but “leveling the playing field.”

And this distinction, while in some way plausible, set off a slippery slope.

Having the belief that he wasn’t “cheating” led to the incessant defense of actions that would have been clearly wrong to any other person.

What Armstrong failed to see is that he was still breaking the rules.` This time however we weren’t cheering him on.

So, in light of Armstrong’s misgivings it is fair to ask for some reflection for each of us...

Can life be unfair?

Yes. Will there be people around you cheating, lying and making bad choices that affect you, whether consciously or not?

Yes. But is becoming a global hero on false pretenses worth more than your integrity?

Not in my opinion.

Left: GOING DOWNHILL: After an awe-inspiring career, Lance Armstrong’s credibility began to come into doubt when the first allegations of performance enhancing drugs against him surfaced. His confession to doping continues the downward trajectory.

Cartoon by Gabe Harper

34 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

SPORTS

Fit to dance After a three-year absence, Aerobic Dance returns to CCHS in 2013.

T

he Aerobic Dance Class made a return to Clarke Central High School for the 2012-13 school year with new students, a new teacher and a new way of conducting a Physical Education class.

“Weight lifting isn’t for everyone, running’s not for everyone, swimming’s not for everyone, but (aerobic dance) is a niche (where) students who are taking the class can increase their physical fitness,” CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said.

According to the CCHS 2013-14 Program of Studies, the Aerobic Dance class is “an opportunity to perform choreographic routines to music, increase strength, improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance and increase flexibility.”

The class, previously taught by physical education department chair Dinah Posey in 2009, is now taught by CCHS head wrestling coach Timothy Stoudenmire.

“You can guess my initial response. I was reluctant teaching 35 girls,” Stoudenmire said. “Once I adjusted my attitude, (it) turned out to be the most fun part of my day.”

The class begins with a 20-minute jog around the weight room. Students then participate in a dance routine, such as tae-bo or zumba. Each workout is ended with a core workout, consisting of push ups, planks and situps.

“It is a workout, (but) it is intended to be fun. At the same time it is intended to be another avenue to being physically fit,” Stoudenmire said.

According to Stoudenmire, the class will not only improve the students physical health, but their mental health, as well.

“Self esteem is going to go up, physical appearance is going to improve. The

BY GABRIEL EVANS Sports Writer

Above: FITNESS FIRST: Clarke Central High School sophomore Ashley Gloster leads a session of Clarke Central High School physical education teacher Tim Stoudenmire’s Aerobic Dance class on Feb. 4. Below: IN SYNC: (From left) Clarke Central High School seniors Jasmine Christopher , Kristolyn Long and Hendley Landers take a pause in their routine during Aerobic Dance, which meets Monday through Friday in the CCHS wrestling room.

“You can guess my initial response. I was reluctant teaching 35 girls. Once I adjusted my attitude, (it) turned out to be the most fun part of my day,”

way you sleep, the way you process information,” Stoudenmire said. “(It’s going to help) sitting in class and having a better attention span.”

While the class is open to everyone, this year’s enrollment is solely composed of females. Stoudenmire believes this allows the girls to be less selfconscious.

“We can’t tell a guy that he can’t be in there, but because of the lack of boys, there are no inhibitions,” Stoudenmire said. “If its 30 girls, they’re (going to) laugh. If one person goofs up, we all laugh at each other instead of being worried about what a guy thinks.”

Some students, such as CCHS junior Elisa Pollex, believe the lack of male students benefits to her experience in the class.

“It makes me feel better, because we’re all girls. We know what we do, and we know we look stupid when we do it, so its easier,” Pollex said.

Despite Stoudenmire’s intial reluctance, CCHS sophomore Ashley Gloster believes he is an effective teacher.

“I can’t see any teacher but Stoudenmire teaching that class, just because of his athleticism. He’s a workaholic,” Gloster said. “I love the class.”

35 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

Photos by Maria Velasquez

-- TIM STOUDENMIRE, CCHS head wrestling coach

February 2013

SPORTS

Gary Stevens joined the Clarke Central High School basketball team his freshman year. As the sole senior on the varsity, he acts as....

The basketball team’s big brother Towering over most students and teachers in the Clarke Central High School hallways, 6’ 6” CCHS senior Gary Stevens is the sole senior on the varsity basketball team.

Gary picked up basketball during his freshman year at CCHS. His decision to try out that year was influenced by CCHS athletic department teacher and the former boys head basketball coach Billy Wade.

Photo by Chad Rhym “I wasn’t going to play (basketball for the team) my freshman year (until) coach Wade told me to come play,” Gary said.

Above: ALL SMILES: Senior Gary Stevens is credited by teammates and as coaches as being a postive force on the team. His demeanor adds to the familial atmosphere on the varsity team. “Every“Then I saw the opportunity (and it) inspired me to play.” one on the team is like a family; we all treat each other like brothers on the team,” junior Jahkiem Gary quickly became accustomed to playing and practicing Ellison said. “But Gary is the big brother out of the family.” with the other members of the CCHS JV basketball team.

“Me and Gary met through JV basketball together, (during) The positive outlook that Gary holds during practice stands as a good model for his other my ninth grade year and his 10th grade year,” CCHS varsity teammates to follow. With his constructive mind-set, Gary serves as an example for others. forward Jahkiem Ellison said. “We first became teammates, “(Gary is) more of a quiet leader,” Smith said. “I think that (his attitude) helps everybody else then we became friends.” because you can see somebody who used to (not) like to work, but now he’s starting to, and Gary did not participate in basketball his junior year, but that helps everybody out.” that break inspired him to work to become a better player.

Gary does not get as much playing time as some of his fellow teammates, but he still supports “He came to the summer workouts and stuck in there,” the team from the sidelines.

CCHS head JV “(Gary) is always encouragbasketball coach ing,” Johnson said. “He is always “Everyone on that team knows that Gary deserves Smith said. “In the going to cheer us on and he to be here because he has been working his butt off summertime he always (has) our backs.” would shy away, When Gary is put into the since his 9th grade year.” but now he’s startgame, his teammates feel com-CAMERON JOHNSON, ing to (improve.)”

Clarke Central High School junior fortable because they know he His dedication will block shots and rebound. became clear to the “(If ) you’ve got somebody that other players after will challenge the shots, it makes he attended the mandatory summer workouts. it a lot easier for you to play defense and feel more relaxed in playing,” Smith said.

“Everyone on that team knows that Gary deserves to be His teammates can trust him to be there when they need him most. here because he has been working his butt off since his ninth “When (Gary) comes into the game, everyone gets excited because they know they got grade year,” CCHS junior Cameron Johnson said. backup. You know you (have) good help, somebody that (has your) back,” Smith said.

Gary’s basketball skill development has shown over the After finishing his last high school season of basketball, Gary hopes to participate on the course of his three years of playing for the CCHS basketball CCHS soccer team as the goalie. Until then, Gary plans on improving his basketball skills and team. focusing on graduation. “(Gary) has improved, he’s really picking up the game,” “He’s just a great kid (who is) interested in knowing what’s going on in his life,” CCHS CAPS CCHS athletic director Dr. Jon Ward said. “He’s a positive department chair Marie Yuran said. “(Gary wants) to make sure he gets to what his ultimate contributor to the program right now.” goals are, like going on to college.”

BY BRITTNEY BUTLER Sports Writer

36 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013

SPORTS

Hitting the books before hitting the court. Studying should be required and emphasized for student-athletes.

T

he average day for a student-athlete goes a little something like this: need to get into that habit of taking time out to study,” Johnson said. seven hours sitting in uncomfortable desks while course content goes in Based on the other basketball team practice schedules and the availability of one ear and out the other; two hours of sports practice, and three hours courts, Johnson must rotate court time with the JV teams, as well as the boys of homework they’re too exhausted to complete. team, which enables her to give her athletes a dedicated study time before they After several strenuous hours spent at school and practice filled with brainmove to the court. As a college basketball player at the University of Missouridraining and muscle-straining activities, most high school students just want Columbia, Johnson was expected to put her books before the basketball. She to go home, eat, sleep and relax. However, the annoying voice in their head expects her athletes to do the same. reminds them of the loads of studying and homework they have been assigned.

“When I was playing college ball, we had mandatory study hall hours that we Have you ever been had to put in each week, assigned group work with “(The athletes) have to put in time for academics and whether it was with a tua tired student-athlete as tor or somebody on the take it seriously. One, they won’t be able to play if they coaching staff,” Johnson partner in class? We all know how that turns out. said. “So I think that don’t keep their grades up, and two, they just need to “When I coached, I anyone aspiring to play had a study hall. I person- get into that habit of taking time out to study.” at the next level needs to ally think that (coaches) commit to studying.” should invest that time.

Many student-athletes -- CARLA JOHNSON, dream of being profesThat way, it would ease Clarke Central High School head girls varsity basketball coach sional athletes, but they the (student-athletes).

When they went home, forget to consider the they wouldn’t have to (do homework). There should be a block of time where fact that without studying and performing well in school, the chances of them (athletes) are allowed to study,” Clarke Central High School principal Dr. Robmoving on to the next level decreases greatly. bie P. Hooker said.

While reserving a time for study hall after school makes the student-athletes In order to provide this opportunity, Clarke Central High School girls head leave practice later, in exchange, they’re not lugging home a backpack full of varsity basketball coach Carla Johnson requires a mandatory study hall for her incomplete work. team before afternoon practice, with hopes this time will instill in her studentLook at it two ways: either get the work done before practice, or you have to athletes that academics comes before athletics. leave practice with the painful reminder of the studying that needs to be done. “(The athletes) have to put in time for academics and take it seriously. One, Completing it directly after school gives a student-athlete a better chance of they won’t be able to play if they don’t keep their grades up, and two, they just actually getting it done.

Left: BOOKS BEFORE THE COURT: Clarke Central High School varsity girls basketball players are required to study before practice.

Cartoon by John Hubbard

February 2013

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 37

SPORTS

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROLLER DERBY

BY TAYLOR JORDAN (AS TOLD TO GABRIELLE SAUPE) PHOTOGRAPH BY GABRIELLE SAUPE PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RAD BROSIUS 38 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

1. BRATS ON SKATES.

“I’ve been skating for around two and a half years, but I’ve been doing roller derby for about a year and a half. I skate with the Atlanta Derby Brats. Roller derby is something you can do to get out your aggression and become somebody you’re not.”

2. THE RULES OF THE GAME.

“You have two teams. There are blockers from each team on the track, and then you have a jammer from each team. The goal is to get your jammer around the track and through the pack twice and for every person they pass from the other team, they get a point. As blockers, you have to try to keep the other jammer back and get your jammer through. I am a blocker and a jammer, and I sometimes pivot, which is the person who leads the pack.”

3. WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER.

“I know people who have broken bones and hurt themselves big time. But if you are wearing your gear all the time, then usually you won’t get (injured). I saw a girl headbutt another girl one time on skates, and that would be the biggest penalty you can get. You get ejected from the game and asked to leave the facility.”

4. MEMORIES IN THE MAKING.

“My best memory was when I first played derby after the summer camp was through. I was the first one to go out there and be the jammer. Most jammers are really skinny people, so when they saw me coming through, they got all like, ‘Oh, that’s a scary jammer.’ People tred to hit me, but they just bounced off of me, so I could just skate through and keep on skating and skating. You can keep on going around the track as many times you can in the two minutes.”

5. CREATING YOUR PERSONA.

“I am a bit of a makeup artist per se, so I’ll do something big and dramatic.

Some people put on full ski masks and paint on their face. For my team, we have a tank top that has our team name on the front and our name and number on the back. We wear tights or leggings and booty shorts. There is brand called derby skins that makes special shorts for roller derby.

They’re pretty cool.”

February 2013

SPORTS

SPORTS

Winning elements Team chemistry is not created in a lab; it takes trust and friendship.

T

Campbell Cona

Grade: 9 Sport: Junior varsity diving Years experience: 1 GPA: 4.0 Game day rituals: “I eat healthy food.”

BY CHAD RHYM Sports Writer

Favorite game memory: “When I did an inward dive. They gave me really high scores on it.”

Role model: Claudia Gorman What coaches say: “Campbell Cona has proven to be a very positive addition to the team.

Because of his drive and focus during practice, his scores at meets have continued to improve, and I’m excited to see where this could lead him.”

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

Kayonnah Perrin

Grade: 12 Sport: Varsity Basketball Years experience: 5 GPA: 3.0 Game day rituals: “I listen to music and try not to think too much about the game.”

Favorite game memory: “It was two years ago when we played Madison County. When we played them in a home game, they beat us in overtime, but we went down there and blew them out.”

What coaches say: “Keyannah is the anchor of our team. She is a very valuable player offensively and defensively and as a senior she has really stepped up.”

-- Carla Johnson, Head Coach 3 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

| odysseynewsmagazine.net

he Oklahoma City Thunder lost the National Basketball League championship to the Miami Heat on June 21, 2012.

Led by NBA All-Stars Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Miami won through phenomenal performances from each of the three musketeers, a championship defense and, most importantly,

team chemistry.

The main difference between the Heat and the Thunder was that one factor: team chemistry.

The Thunder didn’t lose to Miami because of an inability to score or from poor defense, they lost to the Heat because the Thunder players bickered with one another, and at the end of the five-game series, the Thunder looked completely discombobulated.

Reality check: it’s impossible to win without chemistry.

Each member of the star trio on the Miami Heat was drafted in 2003. They have competed in multiple All-Star and Olympic games together. It’s obvious that all three of them share a friendship.

Another example of a team with poor chemistry is this year’s Los Angeles Lakers. How could a team with four future Hall of Famers have a losing record of 23-26?

Why is arguably the greatest sports franchise of all time having such a horrendous season, even after obtaining Steve Nash, one of the greatest point guards of all time, and trading Andrew Bynum, the league’s second best center, for Dwight Howard, the best center in the league?

The Lakers’ team chemistry this season never existed, and this has reflected in their losing record.

Unlike the Lakers and Thunder, positive team chemistry is found on the 2012-13 Clarke Central High School varsity boys basketball team. All five of the starters belong to the class of 2014, and it doesn’t hurt that they’ve all played for Team Athens, an AAU team, for the past couple of years.

They’ve learned how best to work with each other on the court. The team has become increasingly more successful during the past three seasons, resulting in their 15-5 record this season.

Take some notes, Lakers and Thunder.

Right: CHEMISTRY OF WINNING: Sports fans this year witnessed losses from star-laden teams, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It doesn’t take a scientist to know team chemistry is a key to success.

Cartoon by Gabriel Harper

odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE |

SPORTS

40 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net

February 2013