2024-2025 ODYSSEY/iliad Summer Mailer

Featured: LEAVING A MARK: The 2023-24 ODYSSEY Media Group staff poses at the Southern Interscholastic Press Association spring convention in Columbia, South Carolina, on March 2. 2024-25 OMG Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer has attended several local, regional, and national journalism convention with the ODYSSEY. “Conferences are one of the best way to develop a bond between staff members, even for those coming into the program. Personally, I’ve been thankful to make so many friends in the OMG over the years, and conferences are a huge part of that,” Meyer said. Photo by Aza Khan

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BY WYATT MEYER Editor-in-Chief

Hello! My name is Wyatt Meyer, and I‘m a senior and the ODYSSEY Media Group Editor-in-Chief.

This will be my fourth year in the OMG and my first year serving as Editor-in-Chief.

To give you an idea of what the ODYSSEY Media Group is about, we are a student-run news organization that operates as a convergence model, where student journalists produce a range of content that is published via our newsmagazine, social media, website, and YouTube.

The purpose of the program is to inform, entertain, and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community. The ODYSSEY provides students the opportunity to become journalists through rigorous hands-on training.

What does that mean for students? They will interview stakeholders in the CCHS and Athens communities, write a variety of stories ranging from breaking news to editorials, create multimedia and quality designs, and explore other areas of journalism such as broadcast, podcast, and photography. Throughout the learning process, students will learn how to work within a team and grow personally and professionally with the support of the Production staff and its adviser, Mr. David Ragsdale.

Style, follow ethical journalism practices and learn how to navigate high school. Whereas the Production class has clearly defined roles, J1 acts as a sampling platter – you try a bit of everything in order to figure out what works for you.

The class requires students to stay on top of their work, as we often rely on each other to get work done. To support this, like Production students, J1 students are expected to attend after-school sessions until 5:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, attend quarterly weekend workdays during the school year, and create time outside of class to complete assignments.

Being a part of the OMG requires a solid foundation, which begins with Journalism One.

Being a part of the OMG requires a solid foundation, which begins with Journalism One, the introductory class.

J1 will challenge students and push them outside of their comfort zones through analyses, reflections, and a focus on high-quality in order to foster growth. During the fall, students will engage in lessons on professional communication, branding, and news and opinion writing. By the spring, students will immerse themselves in digital storytelling, reviews, podcasts and broadcast videos. By the end of the year, students will master ODYSSEY and AP

J1is not only facilitated by Mr. Ragsdale, but also by veteran members of the ODYSSEY program who will help provide guidance and mentorship.

After J1, if students choose to continue with the program, they will apply to join the Production staff, where they will create content across all OMG platforms.

Throughout the year, members of the J1and Production classes will be invited to journalism conferences to learn from professionals in the field, as well as form connections with other student journalists. Students will attend sessions on a plethora of topics, ranging from leadership to sports highlights. Additionally, students can compete in on-site competitions as they bond with fellow staff members.

Though it is undeniably hard work, J1 reinforces skills like professional communication, positive team building, and a strong work ethic.

Personally, JI helped shape me into not just the award-winning student journalist I am, but gave me a foundation to be successful in high shool.

I am very excited to meet all of the incoming Journalism I students this summer and to begin working with this year’s Production staff. We can’t wait to see how you will create your own individual path within the program, and we are looking forward to a great year!

LAYOUT AND PACKAGING BY MOLLY HARWELL

FROM THE STAFF

CESIA MARTINEZ Variety Staffer, sophomore

The reason why I do ODYSSEY is because it‘s something different than other classes. At first, I wasn‘t sure if I was good enough to be in that class, but I have learned that if you try and keep putting effort, then you‘ll grow and start to see improvement. So far being in the ODYSSEY, I have been able to learn so much and improve, especially in my writing. Not only that, but I have been motivated as well to start staying on track with work for my other classes. I think being in the ODYSSEY, you can learn so much and meet people that are so helpful and kind.

SAM HARWELL

Viewpoints Staffer/Illustrator, sophomore

When I first signed up for ODYSSEY, I did it because my sister was the editor-in-chief and it looks good on a college application. After being in ODYSSEY for a semester, I stopped focusing on the credit and started building relationships with my classmates and my staff. I’ve started enjoying ODYSSEY a lot more and wanting to grow in my writing and art. My “why” changed from a “because I HAVE to” to a “because I WANT to”, and I believe that made me put more effort into my work.

MA’KIYAH THRASHER Photographer, junior

There were multiple reasons why I joined ODYSSEY, but the main reason was just so I could try something new. My whole life I was never a fan of writing, but ODYSSEY changed my perspective about writing. With help from the (JI) facilitators, I became more comfortable with writing and actually started to enjoy it. Joining ODYSSEY helped me be more communicative and confident with being around people. ODYSSEY is more than a class you take, ODYSSEY is like family.

ADAH HAMMAN Variety Editor, junior

The main reason that I joined — and continue to do ODYSSEY— is because I love the community. I enjoy talking to my colleagues, and I’m thankful for the time I can spend with them, whether at UGA football games, on weekend workdays, or just in class. Despite our shared interest in journalism, everyone’s personality is very distinct. It‘s nice because I’m able to talk to different people about different things. Additionally, I like being able to talk to people about things that I enjoy, such as writing.

Above: ONE BIG FAMILY: Members of the ODYSSEY Media Group, iliad Literary-Art Magazine and Journalism I class pose for a group photo at the spring Georgia Scholastic Press Association conference on March 25. For ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Variety Editor Adah Hamman, a junior, who has attended several local and regional conferences in her time with the ODYSSEY, conferences balance community with hands-on learning. “I love going to conferences because I get to hang out with my friends and learn from professionals,” Hamman said. “Every presenter has something different and interesting to say. I always end up taking something away.” Photo courtesy of GSPA

FUNDRAISERS

BY WYATT MEYER Editor-in-Chief

From 2006 until the COVID-19 pandemic, ODYSSEY/iliad staffers volunteered to fundraise at UGA football games in the fall. In the 2021-22 school year, we began these fundraisers again.

As such, age-eligible staffers are asked to volunteer at at least four (4) games total during the UGA football season to staff a concessions booth at Sanford Stadium. Parent volunteers are also need to supervise during the games and transport volunteers to and from the stadium.

As the year comes to a close, students and parents who volunteer will be recognized with prizes at the annual ODYSSEY/iliad End-of-theYear Banquet.

The importance of these games cannot be overstated. Historically, the OMG has raised around $15,000 through this fundraiser each year. That money is used for equipment, field trips and scholarship opportunities, as well as the production of the newsmagazines and upkeep of the website. All OMG members benefit from this revenue.

Apart from the UGA concessions stand, OMG students will engage in the marketing project during the fall semester. Students will learn the principles of branding and marketing while being graded on their participation in the project. Sales from subscriptions go towards mailing the publication to our roughly 300 paid subscribers each year. Additionally, iliad patron donations help cover production costs.

Lastly, the ODYSSEY/ iliad Booster Club raises money for the OMG and its activities, including conferences and the end-of-year banquet. The Booster Club is continually looking for new ideas and opportunities to fundraise in support of the program. Parents and gaurdians are encouraged to join.

All of these fundraisers play a major role in our program and without them, the OMG would not be able to thrive.

WORKSHOP

BY WYATTMEYER Editor-in-Chief

Each year, the ODYSSEY summer journalism workshop is held so that new J1 students and incoming production students can familiarize themselves with the ODYSSEY. Likewise, the workshop allows returning veterans to acclimate to new roles within the program.

By the end of the workshop, participants are able to see what the program is like before the school year starts.

Our veteran editors will present programmatic goals, begin working with participants on their interviewing and writing skills and immerse students in the skills needed for programmatic success.

Students will engage in team bonding, writing and interviewing practice and other fun activities to help acclimate them with the program and other students before the school year begins.

This year, the annual summer workshop will be held on July 23-25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 231 at Clarke Central High School, while the OMG Editorial Board is on July 22 at the same time.

All members of the ODYSSEY Production staff and Journalism I students are expected to attend the workshop. We will have breakfast, an afternoon snack and lunch as a group, and plenty of opportunities to get to know each other.

iliad Editorial Board members are also expected to attend to help acclimate themselves to new teammates and the program’s workflow. This three-day workshop is a great way to prepare for the school year and meet other staffers in the program.

A sign-up form for meals will be sent out to ensure the students have snacks and beverages to fuel them throughout each day of the workshop. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

PHOTOS FROM ODYSSEY ARCHIVES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is ODYSSEY a club or a class?

It’s both! There are two journalism class periods at Clarke Central High School. First-year students are enrolled into the introductory course, Journalism 1, and returning students are enrolled in the Production class. Both classes give students the opportunity to be published on the media group’s platforms including the website, Newsmagazine, our social media and in the Literary-Art Magazine. In order to create content for these platforms, students are expected to attend after-school workdays on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30. Snacks will be provided. During these work sessions, students from the two classes interact with each other to bond and work together. Likewise, these sessions offer a great opportunity to receive feedback on assignments.

What trips do students take?

Journalism students have the opportunity to attend several conferences during the year. The Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA) conference is held in the fall and in the spring at the University of Georgia for a single day and normally costs around $25. The Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA) conference happens in early spring in Columbia, South Carolina, and is held for three consecutive days -- this cost is generally $300 per student. On top of these conferences, which are open to all staff, Editorial Board members will be invited to attend a national conference at a variant location; the cost is typically $1,000. Scholarships are available for all conferences. These events are beneficial to students’ growth with classes taught by distinguished journalism advisers and program leaders from across the country.

Who should my J1 student talk to if they have questions or need help?

Communication is key in ODYSSEY, and one of our major beliefs as a Leadership Team is that no student should struggle in silence. If a parent of a student has a concern, they should consult Mr. Ragsdale. However, for day-today questions and help, students should talk to student facilitators that will be in class to cater to the needs of J1 students.

What class materials are needed?

Students will need their school-provided laptop, a recording device for interviews (usually a phone), pens, a binder and a notebook. Students will need to keep track of materials given to them at the beginning of the year, like their press pass and ODYSSEY stylebook. The student will be charged $8-10 for these items if lost. Students will be provided other items necessary to complete journalistic tasks such as podcasting, broadcasting or photography on a case-bycase basis.

For a first-year student, how big is the time committment?

Each staffer will be given some time in class to complete assignments, but work outside of class will be necessary to meet deadlines and produce content for all of our platforms. Deadlines for all assignments will be given well in advance and students will be provided with a calendar. As mentioned previously, students are expected to attend after-school workdays on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and along with that we have weekend work days that are posted in advance.

What are some typical assignments for J1 students?

First-year students will be assigned a variety of tasks to learn about the different styles of journalistic writing, multimedia, videography, photography, marketing and design. For example, students will have opportunities to craft blogs, profiles, news stories, podcasts and engage in photo explorations. The entire purpose of the introductory class is to offer students a variety of journalism opportunities to get them familiar and comfortable with the ODYSSEY production workflow so they can excel in the Production class if they choose to continue with the program.

Above: CELEBRATING SUCCESS: ODYSSEY Media Group staffers ask questions during an OMG press conference with Clarke Central High School administrators on Jan. 22. OMG students have enjoyed opportunities to interview prominent members in the CCSD and Athens communities in order to write their stories. “Press conferences are valuable experiences to our staff. I’ve learned a lot about professionalism and interviewing by attending these conferences,” Sports Editor Cooper Jones, a junior, said. Photos by Aza Khan

Featured: BONDING: Members of the 2024 iliad LiteraryArt Magazine pose together at Clarke Central High School’s Ceremonial Entrance. Returning iliad Editor-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot oversaw the program, including it’s annually published literary-art magazine and website, in the 2023-24 school year. “The iliad has come so far since its refounding. I’m so glad we’ve been able to showcase so many different kinds of art pieces from the CCHS community,” Hendershot said. “It’s such a surprise to see what students and staff come up with every year.”

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BY OLIVIA HENDERSHOT

Hello! My name is Olivia Hendershot and I am the Editor-in-Chief of the iliad Literary-Art Magazine at Clarke Central High School.

To give a brief introduction, I started my journalism career as a Journalism I student from 2021-2022, served as the iliad Social Media Coordinator from 2022-2023, then served as the Editor-in-Chief from 2023-2024. Based on these experiences, I‘m thrilled to start the new year!

For those who may not know, the iliad is an annually-published literaryart magazine that showcases the creative works of the CCHS community.

Our team consists of an Editorial Board, a group of dedicated students who work behind the scenes to compile and create the magazine, and the iliad Club, which meets monthly and provides a safe space for students at CCHS to spend time creating art or writing.

In addition to having several editors in the Production Class, the iliad’s involvement with the ODYSSEY Media Group includes facilitating the annual Creative Writing Project, which is a two-week-long project that both ODYSSEY staffers, iliad editors, and Journalism One students complete.

We incorporate poetry and prose writing as well as monologue and script writing into the CWP to expand the literary skills of students. Pieces from this project can potentially be featured in our magazine and website

To give a brief recap of the 2023-2024 school year, our team executed a re-design of various iliad materials, which included submission posters, mailers, and iliad t-shirts. On our website, the Editorial Board posted updates on the work that the organization has done throughout the year, including event coverages from community events, featured pieces from previous editions of the iliad, and more.

The iliad is an annually published literary-art magazine that showcases the creative works of the CCHS community.

In addition, a handful of iliad editors participate in the OMG Production class to create content for the iliad website and curate the iliad magazine while the ODYSSEY students work to make theirs.

During the fall semester, the iliad Editorial Board focuses on reaching out to as many students in the CCHS community as possible to facilitate submissions to our magazine.

During the spring semester, the Editor-in-Chief works with the team to compile all of the selected pieces into a magazine. Each edition of the iliad also has a theme that influences the design carried throughout the magazine.

In May of 2024, we were proud to publish the 23rd edition of the magazine since its refounding, Prometheus, which features a range of art and writing pieces from CCHS students, faculty, and rising 9th graders from feeder middle schools.

Our team is excited to build upon our progress this year by expanding the content on our website and creating the 24th edition of the iliad in the 2024-25 school year.

I am thrilled to once again be a part of the iliad this year and I look forward to working with all students in the OMG and continuing the progress of our program.

Photo by Aza Khan

LAYOUT AND PACKAGING BY MOLLY HARWELL

iliad Editor-in-Chief

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I submit to the iliad?

To submit, students are required to fill out an online submission form that will be available on our website and social media. If a student is submitting photography or written work, there is a space available to attach work. Physical work, such as art or sculptures, will be photographed or scanned. In order to do so, please contact iliadlt@odysseynewsmagazine.net

How are submissions decided upon?

Submissions are reviewed by the members of the Editorial Board and selected based on the theme of the magazine, the quality of the content, the grade level and the piece’s ability to pair with other forms of creative work.

When is the magazine distributed?

The iliad is published annually and mailed to patrons and senior contributors in May, prior to the end of the school year. Distribution to the rest of the community takes place in the fall via personal pick-ups or mail. Additionally, when finalized, the magazine is uploaded to Issuu for everyone to access.

How can I apply to be an editor?

Applications for the iliad Editorial Board are released in March on Google Classroom and are announced on social media platforms and the CCHS school announcements. Applicants will be required to complete a written application and complete a follow-up interview with members of LT and Mr. Ragsdale. Positions are decided on and released in May via email.

Above: SIPA TIME: The iliad Literary-Art Magazine Editorial Board poses on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia, South Carolina, before the Southern Interscholastic Press Association’s spring conference on March 1. The SIPA convention allowed iliad editors to learn from educational sessions, participate in competitions and mingle with members from other school publications. “The conferences the iliad are able to attend are very enjoyable. They’re great opportunities for team bonding, learning more about journalism, and working together.”

Photo by Aza Khan

Mailer contents compiled by Wyatt Meyer and Ollie Hendershot

Mailer contents edited by Wyatt Meyer and David Ragsdale

Mailer designed by Wyatt Meyer and Molly Harwell