A TALE OF TWO HENDERSONS TABLE OF CONTENTS
ODYSSEY
Volume 10 Issue 6 May 2013 $3.00
LET’S TALK ABOUT EQUAL RIGHTS Featured Stories: Farewell to Pauldoe Exploring a seven-period day Hola, Costa de Jalisco May 2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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May 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VIEWPOINTS
14 Legalize it
Under the Defense of Marriage Act, same-sex marriage remains illegal under federal law.
BY ROBERT WALKER
NEWS
20 Adding electives For the 2013-14 school year Clarke Central High School will offer three additional electives. BY RADFORD BROSIUS
28 Looking at seven
CCHS will transition to a sevenperiod schedule for the 2013-14 school year.
Photo by Porter McLeod
Cover Story
BY HANNAH DUNN-GRANDPRE
FOCUS
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Advocating local Local businesses in Athens gain support from the community. BY LOUISE PLATTER
REVIEWS with health 38TheHealing documentary Hungry for Change addresses the growing obesity epidemic in America.
The U.S. Supreme Court case questioning the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act has sparked discussion throughout the country, as well as among Clarke Central High School students. Photo by Gabrielle Saupe
Right: PASSION FOR PLANTING: Senior Molly Tully and sophomore Jeremy Smith work at the West Broad Market Garden through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program. The WBMG provides the Athens community with unique opportunities to buy local produce and educates on buying and cooking nutritional foods.
BY TIERNAN O’NEILL
VARIETY
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48 Recording history
Wuxtry Records continues to please the Athens music community after more than 30 years.
Left: RISING TO THE TOP: Freshman golfer Michael Palmateer works towards his goal of attending the University of North Carolina after graduating from Clarke Central High School, and strives to receive a scholarship through improving his golf talent.
BY SARAH HOYT
SPORTS Henderson continues to be an influential figure. BY LORAN POSEY
Cover photo by Porter Mcleod Cover design by Porter McLeod
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Photo by Chad Rhym
Living inpiration 52Retired head football coach Billy
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PATRONS
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May 2013
STAFF
Letter from the editor. Students come to school carrying more than just the weight of their backpacks on their shoulders.
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staying up until three in the morning being a caregiver is the last thing any high e all enter the same doors to Clarke school student needs. Editor-in-Chief Central High School each morning. I don’t have time for this. We all walk the same halls and we all Even though school might be an escape for some, it’s also just another way grudgingly carry the heavy textbooks around in our over-stuffed bookbags. to kick someone while they’re down. At school, when a student doesn’t turn in But we also carry around another type of baggage. their work, the idea that they are just “behind” in class may not even scratch the This baggage isn’t as tangible as the bookbags we carry, but it’s still there. surface. Students come from all sorts of Maybe the extra hours of sleep homes -- those that seem put together To feel like the responsible one at age 17 that caused them to be late were the and those that are blatantly falling apart only things that would keep them -- and we all carry our families’ troubles is an emotionally draining experience to going through the day. on our shoulders right there with our face. It’s scary. Since when do the teenagSorry, I couldn’t come in on time textbooks. today. I barely got any sleep and For some students, school is an ers have to worry about the well being of woke up late. escape. For some, those eight hours the parents? Teachers shouldn’t stop assigning are the only chance they have to be a homework, but should show a sense “normal” kid. of sympathy to those who may be in They have no responsibilities other this situation. than paying attention in class. They don’t have to worry about any more yelling, But we won’t give up. The unconditional love we have for our families is fighting or obligations. holding us back from quitting, no matter how unbelievably frustrating they can There are teenagers that walk through the halls looking just like everyone make life. Fight after fight after fight, it doesn’t matter. else -- maybe wearing a little bit more stress or a little bit more exhaustion It’s okay, I’m right here. -- that have so much responsibility at home that coming to school is the only place they can let go. Maybe some students are barely making it to school each day because they have to step up as the mother or father figure for the week. Why should I have to go through this? I’m only a teenager. I shouldn’t have to deal with this. To feel like the responsible one at age 17 is an emotionally draining experience to face. It’s scary. Since when do the teenagers have to worry about the well being of the parents? Since when does a teenager put off their homework to be the only aid for a family of seven? You’re an adult. Take care of yourself. Right? We shouldn’t have to sit here anxiously waiting for the day that confirms “everything is going to be alright.” Considering the amount of homework that is given and the pressure of extracurricular activities, BY CHLOE HARGRAVE
Right: PILING UP: In addition to all the responsibilities of a normal high school student, many students also must take on countless responsibilities outside of school to help support their family. Cartoon by William Kissane
May 2013
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VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
K-Zone The readership thought that “K-Zone” sufficiently covered junior Patrick Matthews’ skill and history within the sport of baseball. They also felt that his baseball skill was well depicted in the layout and pictures that accompanied it. However, some thought that other parts of Matthews’ athletic journey could have been explored further.
Life lessons
Hard work pays off
I read “Still learning from Eve” by Dory MacMillan. I feel that this article is very well written and thoroughly expresses the personality of Eve Carson. It is an extremely moving article. -- Maddie Defoor, 8th grade, Burney-Harris-Lyons
I read “The Fresh Voice,” I like how Claire isn’t ashamed of what she loves doing. She is a hard worker when it comes to something she loves to do. Sometimes, things you love to do can teach you a lot, and can get you through stuff you’re going through. I like how she included personal things like what she feels about her favorite activity. -- Leslie Mendoza, freshman
Building Bonds I read “Breaking her Bonds” by Louise Platter. This article is very inspiring and motivational. I can relate to this article because I have friends and family who grew up living in foster homes. I saw how this process damaged one of my good friends by tearing her emotionally. She became depressed too. My favorite quote in the article is “I’ve been depressed for 26 years, but I refuse to live another day like that.” It makes me proud and glad that she is my mentor. This shows how powerful and courageous a black woman can be and how important it is not to look back at your past, but focus on your future. -- Natasha Maddox, junior
Learning about Bonds The story I liked the most was Ms. Bonds’ story. I didn’t know she went through a lot, but at the end she came through it. It is really helpful for the ODYSSEY to put these kinds of stories because I didn’t know that about her, but it was the most admirable story I read. -- Ismael Huato, sophomore
Well deserved praise I really like the article “Some new drama” by Tiernan O’Neill, considering I was part of one of the productions stated in the article. It feels very good to be recognized. I enjoy that it also states the upcoming shows, which is a big help to the drama department. -- Donovan Melnik, freshman
Contact
ODYSSEY Newsmagazine
Helpful Optimism
“T
he article about Patrick Matthews talks about his success as a baseball player, and explored many areas of Patrick’s life, although there could have been more.
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Corrections/Omissions April 2013
-- Terrance Jones, junior
On pg. 3, “adviser” is misspelled. On pg. 6, “contributing” is misspelled. On pg. 19, “challenging” is misspelled. On pg. 19, “challenging” is misspelled. On pgs. 21 and 30, Tiernan O’Neill’s last name is misspelled. On pg. 22, Ashley Goodrich’s title is social studies department head. On pg. 29, “iliad” is misspelled. On pg. 31, “Macklemore” is misspelled. On pg. 35, The event occurred on March 17. On pg. 36, The picture was taken by Chad Rhym. On pg. 40, Alexandria Martin’s name is misspelled. On pg. 41, Luke Skobba’s name is misspelled On pg. 46, “courage” is misspelled.
The “Our Take” was an awesome and inspiring article and gives people courage. Those without hope will get hope when they read this. Also, it tells you much about what people go through but have been successful. Life comes with struggle and also life is not easy. So, I think is a very nice article and people should read it. I think the cartoon is very nice, too. -- Priscilla Badu, senior
Fitting Idea I read “Activating Change” by Ethan Crane. What you have displayed is a wonderful idea. I think that we should have more physical education classes put in, therefore more student athletes would start to participate in more sports. It also helps students prepare for a more physically fit life if they plan on playing sports at the next level, because I know I do. That’s why I think we should look into this wonderful idea. -- Jamonte Smith junior
Effective control I read “Tardy control” by Robert Walker. I liked the article, I feel that detention does not serve as a punishment. But I think it’s better than sitting in ISS all day missing class time. --Anthony Evans junior
Letters: E-mail us at editors@odysseynewsmagazine.net, or drop off in the main office, in care of the ODYSSEY. We ask that all letters be under 250 words and signed and we reserve the right to omit or edit any letters received. Insulting, unsigned or libelous statements will not be considered for publication. All letters may be edited for clarity and space. Advertising: For ad rates e-mail us at buisness@odysseynewsmagazine.net. Online: Comment online at our website, odysseynewsmagazine.net
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STAFF
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 Photography Editor: Porter McLeod
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Our Take
n October, the Clarke Central High School administration released the plans for a new schedule. They announced that a seven course offering would replace the current 4 x 4 block. This plan consisted of seven classes that lasted all year, rather than four per semester, and the classes would rotate depending on the day of the week. These plans were met with cries of outrage and dissatisfaction from inside and outside of the school. Students in particular, were furious that they would not have the opportunity to earn as many credits and were convinced that there was no way the new schedule would be able to support dual enrollment, internships, Athens Community Career Academy and any other complications in students’ academic lives that the block schedule currently supports. After a vague explanatory assembly at the end of the first semester, which left students more confused and irritated than ever, teachers were instructed to take questions and concerns from their advisees. Students pelted their advisers with questions and many teachers were poorly equipped to provide solutions for these potential conflicts. Teachers promised that the questions would be passed on to the administration, but weeks passed and teachers were still at a loss. So much was still up in the air, that it was impossible for all students queries to be answered satisfactorily. Fueled by this uncertainty, resentment for the new schedule increased. Students, feeling betrayed, closed their minds to the seven course offering and mourned the loss of their eight credits a year and off campus classes. Time passed and students gave up. The majority of formerly outraged students replaced their anger with dejection, however, that time had allowed the administration to adjust the schedule to fit the complex conflicts that had before seemed insurmountable. But by the time the administration had worked out the kinks in the schedule and were ready to answer student questions, students did not want to listen. After writing the new schedule off as defective, students did not want to reexamine their positions. Once their minds were made up, students abandoned their questioning and sulked. Even though potential conflicts, like dual enrollment, have been resolved, and research supports shorter periods, students refuse to get the answers they wanted earlier in the year due to lingering resentment. However, despite stubbornness, the administration has the answers, and whenever students are ready to hear them out, they will find that the seven course offering will more than likely be able to accommodate their situations, regardless of the initial confusion.
Business and Public Relations Manager: Haley Hunt Sarah Hoyt Web Master: Austin Defoor Graphics Editor: Radford Brosius Staff Writers: Brittney Butler, Fear Churchwell, Susanna Conine-Nakano, 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, Alicia Thomas, 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
May 2013
Cartoon by John Hubbard
Above: EMPTY EXPECTATIONS: After the unveiling of the new seven course
offering, Clarke Central High School students were dissatisfied with the administration’s inability to answer their questions. odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 7
VIEWPOINTS
Thumbs
The ODYSSEY staff’s opinions on this month’s issues. BY LUKE SLABODA Guest Writer
Backing Billy Former CCHS head football coach Billy Henderson recently underwent back surgery. People who Coach Henderson influenced have rallied to raise money for his recovery via the It Can Be Done Foundation.
Packing up Pauldoe With the renovations of the Jack R. Wells Housing Community, known as Pauldoe, many student’s lives may be uprooted.
Title IX, explained At the high school level, Title Spreading the love IX is able to provide an equal The CCHS Gay Straight Alliance chance for opportunities provides an accepting commu- between female and male athnity and safe haven for homo- letes, but at the collegiate level sexual students in the area. balancing male and female scholarships is more tricky. Local livin’ A new trend encourages The big change customers to buy locally rather The Clarke County School than buying from chain stores District is officially rolling out to benefit the local economy. the new seven period schedule next year for its two traditional Community activism high schools -- Clarke Central The West Broad Street Market and Cedar Shoals. Confusion, Garden, partially operated by apathy and tears are sure to Classic City High School stufollow for all involved. dents, allows the opportunity for students to grow their small Losing knowledge business skills. With the tough requirements of the Georgia Performance Standards, some class options have been cut as a result.
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thletes. Nerds. Musicians. Artists. People say that everyone fits into a clique, like the aforementioned
list. Many people do fit into a clique, but what about people like me? I’m athletic and fit, but I’m not an athlete. I’m smart, but I’m not a nerd… well, maybe I am. Just because I’m a little artistic, does that mean I’m an artist? Even if I am an artist, does that mean I need to hang with my “clique” of other artists? Being a musician, do I have an obligation to hang with only other musicians? The questions I’ve been pondering, “Who am I? Where do I belong?” I use to feel like a misfit because I couldn’t figure out who to align myself with; I didn’t know which clique I needed to submit my application for. Many people do fit Then, it dawned on me, “Why into a clique, but what would I want a label placed on my about people like me? forehead?” I don’t want people thinking of me in 20 years just to remember me as the “nerdy, mixed boy from high school.” I know I’m not the only one of almost 1500 Clarke Central students who feels this way. Because of our age, it is natural for us to be in this state of mind where we’re just lost within ourselves. Famous psychologist Erik Erikson developed eight stages of human development. From ages 13-19, humans are in what Erikson called the Identity vs. Role Confusion phase. This is why when we are in middle and high school we question our identity so often. As humans, we have the natural feeling of simply wanting to be accepted. Most people will change in order to be accepted. For people like me, people who are slightly confused on who they are, I have a simple solution. Let athletes be athletes and let artists be artists, we’ll make our own “clique.” We don’t have to be a part of a defined, stereotypical clique. People, no longer do we have to be labeled as outcasts or misfits, let’s start going by a new name: undefined. In 20 years, we’ll be remembered as who we actually are, not some stupid clique that we tried to be a part of.
Cartoon by John Hubbard
Above: FINDING HIS OWN WAY: Freshman Luke Slaboda feels that rather than -- Compiled by Viewpoints staff
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being in a stereotypical “clique” it is better to be undefined. As undefined, students are not confined to being solely “artists” or “nerds.”
May 2013
VIEWPOINTS
Memories of Madison. As the year ends, the Viewpoints Editor strives to remember and appreciate the lessons from those in her life, including those who have passed. Photo courtesy of Dory MacMillan
Above: DANCING TEAM: Senior Dory MacMillian remembers important parts of her friendship with Madison Mays, such as the 2005 Perfectly Polished Spring Formal, in which other seniors (from left) Luke Bennett, Jack Elliott-Gower and Hunter Wimpey also participated.
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hen my father spoke, I began crying before his words even made sense. “Dory, Madison and his father were killed in a car accident.” No. Not true. That didn’t really happen. Only in Lifetime movies and in places far, far away from our town. I felt the house closing in on me. The ceiling was beginning to cave in. What do you mean “killed?” It is May of my senior year, and I am flooded with feelings of terror and excitement, simultaneous and confusing. I seek new experiences and greater freedom, and at the same time, I desperately am clinging to what I know and those I’m surrounded by now -- my dogs, my longtime friends, my kind and goofy parents. It’s scary, and in an effort to understand how I got to this place, I’ve been looking back, remembering where I came from. I only mouthed the words about Jesus. Around me, my friends stood clad in black, fervently singing words I had never heard. I just listened and said the Mourner’s Kaddish in my head. As the coffins were moved to the back of the church and then out of sight, I knew it was the last time I would ever see him. Amid difficult classes, desperately waiting for col-
lege decisions and myriad other responsibilities, my father keeps telling me to enjoy these moments. And, despite my complaining about the early mornings and the late nights studying, I am truly grateful for the experiences I have had and the people I have met. In the hallway, I search for Madison’s familiar face and ready myself for his teasing. I look at old e-mail threads between the two of us — when e-mail was the newest method of adolescent communication — and I pray that he is not really gone, that in any moment a call will come saying that there has been a mistake. But it does not come. Madison Mays was a goofy, smart, sweet boy. He loved baseball and he never let me get away with anything. He died after a tumultuous sixth grade year, where I spent many days rolling my eyes as he told me I was so bossy, so annoying, such a girl. When Madison died, my memories of him became my most treasured possessions, notes and pictures that I kept stored away in thick, black boxes in my mind. Now, five years later, I still think the same thing: I wish you were here. You should be here. I wish I could hear him complain about college applications with us, discuss the score of a baseball game I don’t understand, giggle that ridiculous,
May 2013
waterfall giggle or roll his eyes at me. Tell me I’m bossy. Call my bluffs. Humble me. Just come back. At 18, I am no longer the metal-mouthed, gawky preteen I was when I knew Madison. But because 12-year-old Madison is forever immortalized in my mind, I still remember 12-year-old Dory. I remember the way Madison made me feel frustrated, teased, loved. As the end of this year approaches, I remember my sweet friend Madison and I know that, though he is no longer a classmate, he will always be my friend. And as is true with all of those who have come and gone in my life, I have been changed by Madison. I see him laughing as he jumps into the cool, blue water at our local pool. “Whatever you say, Miss America!” he taunts. I poke my hip out and scowl, but he knows as well as I do that I can’t really be mad, so I jump in next to him. Thanks a lot, Madison, I think. Now, years later, I remember these moments and so many more with Madison, and I think the same thing as I did those years ago in the swimming pool Thanks a lot, Madison.
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VIEWPOINTS
How will the new schedule impact CCHS?
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
“I think that although there are problems with the schedule, students will adjust to it.” -- Alexandra Talley, junior
“I think that it will be a bad thing, it makes doubling up on classes harder and students will be confused.” -- Ruth Barrow, freshman
“I think that it won’t be good because people will get tired of teachers and skip more often.” -- Italo Pastor, junior
After being told to take a benchmark, junior Alanna Pierce chose not to take it seriously.
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n my high school experience I have never received serious punishment. I have never needed to be reprimanded simply because I obey every rule, every law and every word that is given to me. Recently, our AP English Language class had to take a Benchmark Test. If I am taking college courses, I deserve to be treated as a serious student. So I did the unthinkable for a perfect child, I “Christmas-treed” (selected random answers) the BY ALANNA PIERCE test. The majority of the class was behind the idea, Guest writer as well. Of course, we were discovered, which is where the humor comes in. The next week, English department head Ian Altman told me that the administration specifically named me as a surprise. Alanna Pierce? Not the sweet and wholesome poster-child of obedience? I am obedient, but this is not an issue of obedience. Benchmarks are the actualization of complacency, conformity, and as an individual, I cannot stand to allow my education to stand in the way of my learning. Don’t misinterpret my actions. I love rules and order, but there comes a time when reformation should be considered an option. Tuesday morning I happened upon Altman in the hallway. “There is no surprise. There is a fire burning beneath that calm, placid exterior,” Altman said. He is right. There is a fire burning inside of me, and it is fueled by the need for change. People might think that the students in the top percentage of their class have it made, that life is handed to them and that everyone adores them. My existence is to work and make money and make the Clarke County look good because Newsweek has decided that Clarke Central High School is in the top six percent of all schools in the country. Do you see the pattern? I am a statistic in a statistic in a statistic in a deformed, mechanized, standardized world. We are so much more than what any test can ever label us as, but apathy has led us to believe that at the end of our schooling our tests scores will be averaged and those who score too low will end up suffering the rest of their lives. I ask now. Can we care about actually teaching our students? We believe in busyness, but not in progress. Students need to work hard and care, that is on them, but can our teachers have the freedom to give us precious knowledge without the state yelling in our ears that the only way to success is bubbling in circles? Let’s let the educational officials of the CCSD know that their citizens hold them to standards as well. hn
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“I think it’ll make the faculty and students work together because it’s going to be confusing for all of us. So it’ll take some adjustments.” -- Demarrio Holloway, math department teacher
Cracking conformity
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“I don’t care how it impacts us, I’m graduating!” -- Haven Bell, senior
Above: WASTED TIME: Benchmarks, which are required by the Clarke County School District, are seen by some as an unnecessary distraction, which hinders students from doing any actual learning.
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May 2013
VIEWPOINTS
Parting with Pauldoe Opinion is divided over the renovation of the Jack R. Wells Housing Community -commonly known as Pauldoe - off of Hawthorne Avenue.
QUINTAVIOUS McREED with HENRY SCOTT
The Athens Housing Authority is finally moving forward with its plan to tear down the public housing neighborhood and, in its place, raise a larger, mixed-income housing development. Several Clarke Central High School students are being affected by the displacement caused by the renovations; among them, junior Quintavious McReed. “Q”, as his friends call him, shares his story.
Sports Writer
“O
h, God, I do not want to move here. Mom, is there anywhere else we can go, please!” “No, we’re just gonna have to make do with this.” Looking back, I was shocked to have fit in so well. Everything I had heard about Pauldoe, compared to my experience, was a whole different story. When I first came to Pauldoe I was very quiet and stayed to myself. I would only go outside when I was playing with my little brother. In less than a month, though, that all changed. I grew a strong bond with those people. Everyday we hung out with each other, played ball and lived life. It was more than a bond between friends. We were all like brothers. One day, my mom told me that there had been a meeting with everyone in Pauldoe where we were told they were going to get ready to move us out. When we first were told to look for a new place, my mom was talking about going to Atlanta or moving up to Ohio, but I begged her and begged her to stay here and find someplace nearby so I could stay at Clarke Central High School. She did it, and I know it was tough for her. She got up every morning
and would be filling out applications for different places around Athens. She worked hard to do it. So, my mom started driving around and came across where we’re staying now, River’s Edge. It was quiet, it was peaceful. We just fell in love with it the first day we saw it. So we filled out the paperwork and passed our inspection. My mom got up that Saturday morning, got a U-Haul and we started packing everything in. The very last thing was putting my bookbag on the truck and my mom locking the door. And it was just like “I can’t believe this, this is the last time I’m going to be in Pauldoe.” I shook everybody up, gave everybody a hug, and I was like, “I’m going miss y’all.” It was sad, just driving off and seeing everybody waving “bye”. I was thinking about a lot of stuff, being away from my friends, people I was used to seeing every morning on the bus to school, but I knew that this move was going to have a positive effect on me and my family. I feel like it was a new start for all of us, getting away from that feeling of being in such a “bad neighborhood.” Hopefully I learn from my experience of being there, and what I had to go through. It felt great to know that we’d stay in Athens. Most of the people that I became friends with in Pauldoe are people that I’ll still be able to graduate with next year. But I think I can always keep it in my mind, in my heart. Now I just have to keep a positive outlook on life and continue on to my last year here at Clarke Central and graduation, having all my family and friends there in the stadium, cheering me on as I walk up and get my diploma. Find an expanded version at odysseynewsmagazine.net
Photo by Porter Mcleod
Featured: GIVING BACK: Junior Quintavious McReed is one of many students who had to move because of the renovation of the Jack R. Wells housing community. “I was involved with the Jack R. Wells Community Center, helping out with the kids by mentoring and tutoring. Those kids are loving at heart they just need someone they can look up to,” McReed said.
May 2013
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VIEWPOINTS
We are the church. A community is not defined by the building that holds it, but rather, the people inside.
“I
have to tell you something sad -- nobody died or anything, but...” I woke up to my mom’s broken voice and I could tell she was on the verge of tears. My eyes still closed, I held my breath, waiting for the rest of the sentence. Worst case scenarios were running through my head. “Our church burned down last night.” “What do you mean our church burned down?” It was incomprehensible. It was my church. My church wasn’t supposed to burn. On the night of April 15, Oconee Street United Methodist Church caught fire. OSUMC has been my church for the past 13 years. It’s always been a constant in my life. Each Sunday morning I would walk through the doors and would never fail to be greeted by a smiling face. Although I had heard my mom clearly articulate what had happened I couldn’t process the words. Even after seeing the pictures posted on onlineathens.com, it still didn’t seem real. It was unfathomable that these pictures of bursting flames were pictures of the very same church I had just been in on Sunday. As cliché as it sounds, I kept waiting to wake up. I kept holding onto the hope that this was all a nightmare. I wanted so desperately to return to a reality in which my church hadn’t caught fire. “I know the church isn’t really the building,” my mom continued, no longer trying to hold back her tears. “It’s the people inside of it, but my heart still hurts.” Even though no one had died, it still felt like a death. I knew that my church is the people within the building, and not the building itself, but I still couldn’t help feeling overcome by a deep and enveloping sadness. For comfort, I found myself humming the refrain of a familiar hymn throughout the day: “I am the church. You are the church. We are the church together.”
Although our building will no longer be the same, our church is still standing strong. Because the church is Casey and Chandler, carefully lighting the candles on the altar, bringing the metaphorical light of the world into and out of the church as they acolyte. They did this in the acolyte robes that had been salvaged the Sunday after the fire, as we met in the recreational space of Young Harris church. The church is Sam, who incessantly complained each week he had to wear those same acolyte robes, that he looked like a girl. The church is Ms. Maxine, our choir director and pianist, who never fails to amaze the congregation when she leads our small choir to sound as if there were twice as many people standing in the choir loft. The church is Leland, who knows anything and everything about the Methodist church and is always so enthusiastic when it’s his week to be the liturgist. The church is Mr. Joe, my Sunday school teacher, who continues to make us laugh though we are no longer meeting in our usual room. The church is Pastor Lisa who always smiles as she walks down the aisle to the pulpit. These are the things that make up a church. These things were not lost in the fire. And that is why, even though we will grieve the loss of a building in which more than 100 years of memories were made, we will recover. We will be even stronger than we were before. We are the church together.
Cartoon by Gabe Harper
Right: STANDING STRONG: Oconee Street United Methodist Church burned the night of April 15. Although church members were devastated by the loss, they will recover with the support of each other and the Athens community.
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May 2013
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Cross-examining schedule changes With the schedule changes coming in the 2013-14 school year, a student voices concerns as administrators remain positive about its potential.
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ne of Clarke Central High School’s goals is to prepare its college-bound students for post-secondary schooling. However, the new schedule makes CCHS feel like an extension of middle school rather than a transition to the future. Next year’s schedule drops the amount of credits students can receive in four years from 32 to 28. The core requirements stay the same, BY HENRY SCOTT so what’s really being cut are the electives. Not Sports Writer only will students be applying to college with fewer credits, they will also be progressing to the next level of their lives having explored fewer areas of interest. Fewer classes also means fewer opportunities to make up credit if a student falls behind. Teachers will also be facing new challenges due to the schedule change. The possibility of having 150 students in one day is daunting. Teachers’ planning periods will be incorporated into class rotations and will no longer be a daily occurrence. This could mean a slower grading turnaround and more stress for teachers. Dual enrollment is also going to be affected. The Athens Community Career Academy and dual enrollment with local colleges are attractive options to many students. The University of Georgia and Athens Technical College, however, are both on semester schedules. Many of us can barely remember whether to go to Glad Time or advisement at 11:25 each day. Next year, more classes means more transitions. And the transitions won’t be the same every day. More class changes mean more segments of idleness, more chances for hallway drama and confusion. Rather than preparing us for college, this new schedule infantilizes us. Fewer options, less depth, a year-long schedule; that sounds like middle school, not college. This scheduling sets students back as opposed to making us look forward.
Cartoon by John Hubbard
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ebates about high school scheduling have been going for as long as I can remember. Making the decision to be on AB block, 4x4 block, modified block or yearlong schedule is faced by every high school and every district. Clarke County has opted to move off the block and try a new seven-course rotating schedule. While I am a person who sees the positives and negatives of both sides of this scheduling argument, I have been asked to share BY MERI BLACKBURN the many positive aspects of our sevenGuest Writer course offering for next year. First, the new schedule has the students’ day beginning at 8:40 a.m. Research shows that high school students perform better with later start times. Another benefit related to the later start time is that teachers will have the opportunity to meet together, do professional learning, and collaborate before the school day instead of after school as many already do. The second advantage of our new schedule is that students will have classes at different times of the day. As most teachers will tell you, student learning is impacted by time of day and proximity to mealtime. Time is yet another advantage of the new schedule. Each course will meet for 120 days for 70 minutes. This adds nearly 10 hours of instructional time to each course which will give teachers opportunity to spend more time on each unit. This has become increasingly important with the roll out of the Common Core State Standards. Additionally, moving from a 90-minute block to a 70-minute period will hopefully make it easier for students to stay Cartoon by William Kissane focused during the instruction. Finally, GLAD Time and advisement will be meeting every third day for 70 minutes. The 70-minute advisement sessions will allow us to do more large group pull-outs where we can bring in guest speakers, do career and college fairs, meet with the counselors, and ensure that students are meeting all of the requirements of the Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia’s Economy Bill. There are two sides to this argument but the positives just may outweigh the negatives for our Clarke Central students. Above: IMPROVED EDUCATION: With the new seven course offering, students will have 9.5 more contact hours in a course than on the 4 x 4 block schedule. Left: DROWNING IN GRADES: Because teachers will have six classes per semester, the amount of work for them will be overwhelming, and may be a hindrance to their teaching ability.
May 2013
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Moving forward? In the United States, same-sex marriage is still illegal under the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, but a Supreme Court case currently being argued may change that.
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Photo courtesey of thedjservice.com Photo illustration by Robert Walker
fter 40 years of romantic partnership, Edith Windsor grieved over her wife’s death. As if her passing was not distressing enough, the U.S. government did not recognize their marriage as legitimate and in order to inherit her wife’s estate, it would cost her $363,000 in federal estate taxes. This malicious tax is courtesy of the Defense of BY ROBERT WALKER Marriage Act, which was introduced into Congress News Writer nearly 17 years ago by U.S. Rep. Robert Barr, I-Ga. Section three of DOMA defines marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.” Although this definition applies to the country as a whole, states are allowed to make their own laws pertaining to same-sex marriage. Currently nine states (Conn., Iowa, Md., Maine, Mass., N.H., N.Y., Vt. and Wash.) as well as the District of Columbia and three Native American tribes have all legalized gay marriage. United States v. Windsor, is the pending U.S. Supreme Court case in which the lower courts, after deciding that section three of DOMA is unconstitutional under the fifth amendment, have taken the case to the Supreme Court. Son of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Michael Reagan, argues that same-sex marriage will lead to children being aware of gay marriage, claiming it to be a bad thing. “Ultimately about changing the culture of the entire country; it inevitably will lead to teaching our public school kids that gay marriage is a perfectly fine alternative and no different than traditional marriage,” Reagan said in an editorial for the Ironton Tribune. Same-sex marriage is not something that should be kept from children, instead they should be taught acceptance of people that are different from you. Ultimately, Michael Reagan brings up a point that is vital, and although he meant that it would be detrimental to the nation’s youth, children should know about same-sex marriages and accept people
Cartoon by William Kissane
Above: PUNISHED FOR LOVE: Regardless of the state a same-sex couple may live in, they are not recognized as a couple by the national government, and do not receive the same benefits as heterosexual couples. Below Left: UNTRADITIONAL MARRIAGE: Although same-sex marriage is illegal at the federal level, it is legal in nine states and for three Native American tribes.
for who they are. Opponents of same-sex marriage should keep in mind how the same-sex marriage affects their personal lives. It doesn’t. With the legalization of same-sex marriage, longtime partners would not have to pay taxes for inheritance by their significant others because the government only recognizes them as friends. In the U.S., law forbids same-sex couples from petitioning for their partners to immigrate as a family. This means that couples will either be forced to separate, or they will have to reside illegally, which is something no couple should have to face.
The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution grants us all equal protection under the law, and same-sex couples need to be recognized as equal. Additionally, if one of the partners in a same-sex couple is in the Intensive Care Unit or wishes to visit their companion after hours, they cannot. However, married heterosexual couples have the right to do so. Laws regarding personal decisions should not be in the hands of the government. It is ludicrous that the government can deny federal rights to a married couple becuase they are not of opposite genders. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution grants us all equal protection under the law, and same-sex couples need to be recognized as equal. Make it happen.
May 2013
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Hitting close to home Supporters of the Defence of Marriage Act do not realize the effects of the restrictions on more than just same-sex couples.
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ed and pink equal sign and blue crosses have been popping up around social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in response to California’s Proposition 8, as well as the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Although the equality signs have sparked a movement in favor of equal human rights, children around the United States with same-sex parents BY BRITTNEY BUTLER have a bigger insight into this national debate. Sports writer A girl born in Macon, Ga. and raised in Jackson, Miss. is the daughter of two mothers who will be heavily affected by the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling of DOMA. Although she was born to opposite-sex parents, after their seperation, she moved in with her mother’s partner. She would soon begin to call her “mamy” because her name is Amy and she is like another mother to her. After moving from Jackson Miss. to Athens in the fourth grade, she came with the expectation of feeling completely rejected. She was worried that she wouldn’t be able to make new friends, but instead, she was greeted with the open arms of her mother’s partner. Her mamy instantly became part of the family. Even though her mothers are not married, she has just as much respect for her mamy as she does for her biological mother and father. Her mamy acts as a parental figure by taking on the same responsibilities that a mom or dad would, like comforting her when she is having a rough day, picking her up from school or track practice and making her favorite foods at home. She has support from both of her mothers at all of her soccer games and cross country meets. This is normal for her. She attends a public school where her peers are shocked to hear that she has two moms, but she doesn’t know why.
Her GPA is a 4.0, she has a house over her head and a loving family. This girl is me and this family is mine. I am the daughter of two mothers. This is my normal. Why is it so odd that someone like me would grow up in an untraditional family? The idea that my mother’s sexuality is an issue to anyone seems childish. This is something that had nothing to do with anyone else but my family. Supporters of DOMA believe that children who are raised in a household with two straight parents are better off than children who are raised in a home of two same-sex parents.
I am the daughter of two mothers. This is my normal. “Mothers and fathers simply are not interchangeable. Two women can both be good mothers, but neither can be a good father,” Catholic News Agency writer Dr. Trayce Hansen said. Many citizens, such as Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, believe that children raised in same-sex families may or may not have been harmed by being brought up in homes of same-sex parents. “There’s considerable disagreement among sociologists as to what the consequences are of raising a child in a single-sex family, whether that is harmful to the child or not,” Scalia said during the court case Hollingsworth v. Perry. But I can say that a child raised by same-sex parents can have a stable and supportive family. Two same-sex parents are just as capable of raising a child as a mother and father of opposite genders. It should not be against the law for them to legally affirm their relationship through marriage simply because outsiders are unable to understand that the loving family I come from is just as normal as anyone elses’.
Below: FAMILY AFFAIR: Having two mothers, sophomore Brittney Butler has a greater insight to the buzz surrounding the Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage between one man and one woman, that is being decided upon this June.
Photo courtesy of Brittney Butler
May 2013
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Conflicting cultures Moving to a new country was hard enough without my mom, but trying to adjust to a different culture was even more difficult.
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oarding the cold plane and trying to hold back my tears, I reflected on the fact that I was about to leave my home, my friends and my family. I was scared and worried about moving, unsure of how things were going to turn out. I moved back to my native country of Colombia in 2010 because I felt like I didn’t belong in the United States anymore after living there for 12 years. BY MARIA VELASQUEZ Westport, Conn. stopped feeling like my home. Photography Staff I started feeling alienated from my group of friends. We were living as an undocumented family so my mom wasn’t able to ask for financial aid from the government to pay for my brother’s college, or even apply for a well-paid job because she didn’t have a working permit. All of that started building up into feelings of resentment towards the U.S. Being undocumented in the U.S. was the main reason I wanted to move. I felt like I wasn’t wanted just because I wasn’t born here. I saw the struggles my brother and mother had to face while looking at colleges and I decided I didn’t want to go through that. I chose to move back to Medellin, Colombia to live with my aunt. Medellin is a city in the north-western region of the country. My brother also came to Colombia a month later. My mom would have come to live with us also. But she didn’t because she met my step-dad and moved to Athens instead. The last time I was in Colombia I was three years old and I don’t remember it at all. Upon arriving, it was amazing to see towering buildings and heavy city-traffic. Even though it looked like any other city I’ve been to, I immediately started seeing differences in how people acted compared to America. I was always told that the people from Medellin are characterized as being extremely kind to strangers. However I wasn’t expecting to have people offer to carry my things or hail a cab out of the goodness of their hearts. I easily got used to that. I had a problem adjusting when I had to go from an ordinary public school in the U.S. to a Catholic, all-girls private school. Private schools are the norm in Colombia because public schools are hardly ever considered a suitable form of education. They are unsafe and are not provided with the necessary resources from the government.
The school required the students wear a light blue maid-like uniform that didn’t look good on anyone. The uniforms didn’t much to stop the judgment that went on amongst girls. The girls at my new school were extremely materialistic; they had to have the newest phone and were constantly worried about how they looked. It was hard trying to fit in with girls whose conversations ranged from what plastic surgery they were planning on getting to how much their new pair of shoes cost.
Being undocumented in the U.S. was the main reason I wanted to move. I felt like I wasn’t wanted just because I wasn’t born here. At school I was always labeled as ‘the American’ and was constantly asked about if living in the States was similar to all those cliché high school movies, and it never got any deeper than that. I wasn’t able to build strong friendships when people weren’t willing to get to know me. I felt out of place, and I couldn’t really talk about it because I thought that the only person I could share my feelings with was my mom and not my aunt, conversations over the phone or Skype could never replace a face-to-face conversation. Living without my mom was one of the hardest parts of the transition. Being without her for three years was a new experience because I had to learn to be independent earlier than most kids. I had to deal with the fact that she wasn’t always there when I needed to talk. After three years without her, my mom knew that I was still not completely adjusted and that I couldn’t exactly fit in. She decided that it would be better for me to come back to the States. Being known as “the American” in school made it clear that I wasn’t going to fit in, but it was something that I began accepting. I didn’t want to be seen as a materialistic girl who only cares about her appearance. I now know that America was my home and always will be.
Left: NATURALIZED: Although she was born in Colombia, junior Maria Velasquez was raised in the United States and when she went back to her native country, she could not escape her identity “the American.” Since then, she has always felt stronger ties with the U.S.
Cartoon by Gabe Harper
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May 2013
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Equal rights, but at a cost Forty-one years ago, March was spent discussing a piece of legislation that came to be known as Title IX. Today, we are still analyzing its impact. “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” -Title IX
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itle IX has increased educational and athletic opportunities for women across the nation, but has also had some unintended effects. The legislation mandates that institutions receiving federal funding must provide both genders with equitable sporting opportunities. In college, the same amount of scholarships must be offered to both male and female athletes leading to a considerable increase in college scholarships offered to women. Because of Title IX, more women are able to pursue higher education due to increased scholarship opportunities. But even before college, Title IX provides girls with opportunities in high school. In high school, athletic opportunities, funding and facilities provided must be equitable among both male and female sports. For example, if there is men’s soccer supplied with uniforms, facilities and coaches, the girls soccer team must have these things, too. There is, however, one exception: the famed king of high school sports, American football. According to Ward, football is not considered in the Gender Equity Compliance Report that high schools must present at the end of each year. Essentially, in the high school world, sports are placed into three metaphorical buckets: one labeled “boys sports,” an equally-sized one labeled “girls sports,” and a separate one for football. This system works due to the fact that since football has no comparable female counterpart, it is actually a co-ed sport. Even if occurrences are sparse, high school girls are allowed to try out for the football team. Boys and girls technically have the same opportunities. In college, though, Title IX is not wholly positive. Problems arise because it requires that colleges provide the same amount of scholarships for men and women. It is no longer just about opportunities. In college, there are only two buckets, “men’s sports” and “women’s sports,” and they must be of identical size. Football, now, must go in the “men’s” bucket. BY HENRY SCOTT Sports Writer
This has the effect of marginalizing other men’s sports. By adding football to the men’s bucket, other sports formerly in the bucket in high school are displaced. Football will always take priority. It will indubitably take up all the 85 scholarships allowed for according to the 2012-13 NCAA Division I Manual. Those 85 football scholarships then have to be matched with 85 women’s scholarships.
It is shocking to see dedicated, passionate athletes not getting opportunities for athletic scholarships that are given to women because they’re born women. In order to accommodate any more men’s sports, colleges have to scramble to keep up with the number of female scholarships. This leads to artificial inflation on women’s teams while hard caps are placed on men’s teams. For example, the University of Georgia Equestrian Team, comprised of 20 competing female members, has 70 riders on scholarship. Meanwhile, the men’s tennis team, with 11 players on their current roster, has funding for four and a half scholarships, according to georgiadogs.com. While it is recognized that football brings in most revenue to an institution, other men’s sports shouldn’t be pushed aside. Wrestling programs have been cut nationwide. Men’s soccer programs are few and far between even in states with huge youth soccer participation, such as Texas, which has only one Division I soccer programs, and Georgia, which has two. Its time to acknowledge the flaws of the two bucket system. Why not exempt sports that make a profit? If the buckets of scholarships represent university investment, the university should be investing equally for men and women. Sports that make enough money to fund their own scholarships don’t represent an expenditure for the university. A new bucket system - women, men, moneymakers - would provide equal opportunity and equal investment, fulfilling the vision of Title IX.
Left: A DELICATE BALANCE: Although the benefits of Title IX can be seen at the high school level, at the collegiate level, football scholarships skew the number that must be allocated for women’s sports. Cartoon by Gabe Harper
May 2013
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News briefs
Photo by Gabrielle Saupe
NEWS
Above: INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION: Seniors Kyara Mejia and Emmanuel Reyes-Garcia perform Yo Te Extranare, a duet by Dominican pop group Tercer Cielo at the Clarke Central High School International Day celebration on April 18. The celebration included performances representing 37 countries.
Daring to DREAM
Students, teachers, politicians and community activists gathered at Clarke Middle School on April 20 for DREAMFest, a locally-organized event that aimed to raise community awareness of immigration reform and immigrant rights issues. DREAMFest, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featured six panels that discussed current immigration issues. The event was organized by senior Julia MacMillan. Speakers at DREAMFest ranged from State Rep. Pedro Marin, D-Duluth, to Jesse Zimmerman, the Academic Director of the Athens Latino Center for Education and Services. CCHS parent Bertis Downs was pleased with the range of speakers that were present. “As a parent and supporter, I was happy to see it turn out so well,” Downs said. “It provided some education for people on all matter of issues wrapped up in the immigration situation in the U.S. and Georgia.” Some students who attended DREAMFest felt that the panels were informative and motivating. “After DREAMFest, I feel that I’m really interested in immigration reform. It helped me realize how important it is,” sophomore Nick Dawe said.
Parade of nations On April 18, Clarke Central High School’s International Club presented International Day in E.B. Mell Auditorium. The event began with students, each representing their nation of heritage, crossing the stage with their country’s flag in hand. According to junior and International Day master of ceremonies Baylor Ward, planning for International Day has been going on since January. Science department teacher Dr. Nripendra Bhattacharyya, the sponsor for International Day, aided in the production of the event. “He encouraged us, and gave us a lot of support,” Ward said. “He gave us a lot of space to do what we wanted to do, so we could put our own creative twist on it, but he made sure we stayed focused.” There was a wide variety of student response to the event from those who were in attendance. While the general reaction to International Day was positive, some viewers felt as if it could be improved upon, and gave suggestions for how to improve International Day next year. “I think International day needs more cultural acts, because at time it feels as if International day is more of a talent show,” sophomore Brendy Capcha said. “But I enjoyed most of the talents.” Other students held more positive responses to International Day, with some describing it as a fantastic display of all of the various cultures that are represented in the CCHS community. “It was great to be a part such a wonderful event celebrating different cultures around the world as well as the diversity at CCHS,” senior and International Day performer Maria Orlando said.
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-- Radford Brosius, Graphics Editor
Chorus Performance
On April 23, the Clarke Central High School chorus performed in the E. B. Mell Auditorium. “The chorus presented a variety of music from Brahms, to an opera selection, to a selection from The Wiz and two spirituals,” fine arts department teacher Dr. Anthony Rucker said. In addition, members of the choir who participated in Central Showbiz performed such musical numbers as “Greased Lightning” from Grease, “Officer Krupke” from West Side Story, “Seasons of Love” from Rent and “And all that Jazz” from Chicago. Chorus singer and freshman Cameron Loyal believes that the performance held both strengths and weaknesses. “I think the choir performance went well, but the second (musical number) half didn’t go as well as it could have,” Loyal said. However, Loyal believes that Rucker carried out his role as director. “He’s always very professional,” Royal said. “He’s a very good director.”
Incredible charity The Relay for Life club will host the third annual Mr. Incredible all-male pageant on May 10 in E.B. Mell Auditorium. Instead of being sponsored by the Key Club as in the previous two years, the event will be hosted under Relay for Life adviser Dr. Meri Blackburn. “(Mr. Incredible) is a fun and entertaining way to raise money for Relay for Life,” senior and Mr. Incredible organizer Harrison Boza said. The 2013 Mr. Incredible participants span throughout every grade level. However, males applicants who have not participated in the event before were considered first. “This year we gave priority to new applicants if we had enough for that grade level,” Boza said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t include everyone who wanted to participate, but I think we have a good group (this year).” The event consists of three parts, answering the question, “What makes you incredible?”, a talent show and modeling. The 2012 event raised approximately $1,500 for Relay for Life, this year’s goal is to raise the same amount or more. “I just want to have a good time with everyone else in the show,” senior and participant Patrick Humphreys said. May 2013
NEWS
I heard that!
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I’ve always wished I could sing. I would trade my dashing good looks for the ability to sing well.
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JACOB REUSE, English department teacher, commenting on his involvement in the Clarke Central High School drama program.
Photo by Porter McLeod
(CCHS) is an in-town school; you’re not out in the suburbs. It’s really a part of the greater community.
Above: SONGS FOR A CAUSE: Local musician, Claire Campbell, performs at the DREAMFest-sponsored benefit concert at Hendershots Cafe on April 20. Funds from the concert, which was organized by Clarke Central High School senior Julia MacMillan, benefitted Freedom University, a local non-profit educational opportunity for undocumented students.
Changes to come Following the Clarke County School District SPLOST Commission’s decision to move forward with a SPLOST-4 construction grant for Clarke Central High School, the Atlanta architect firm Collins Cooper Carusi was chosen for the project. Between April 10 and April 18, Mike Collins, the head architect for the project, held forum meetings with CCHS students and teachers. Collins expressed that the construction would overlap with the academic year. “There’s going to be noise at times; there’s going to be dust,” Collins said. “At times, there will be a bit of inconvenience.” Although no official plan for construction had yet been decided upon, Collins emphasized that maintenance of CCHS’ current design would play into architectural design choices. “We recognize the importance of this building to the community. This building has real presence,” Collins said. For many students, the upgrades and repairs that the school renovations will bring are long-overdue. “These buildings are not up to date,” sophomore Bria McIntyre said. “The bathrooms are nasty, the paint is chipping in the classrooms and there are rats.” Media Center specialist and SPLOST secretary Lindy Weaver said that the process of student and staff meetings was significant to the architectural proposals. A team from Collins, Cooper and Carusi met with a student group and facilitated the workshops, on April 18. As drawings and plans are proposed, they will meet with all parties again. Also before every SPLOST project can go forward, there is a public meeting. “I think the renovation is critical,” Weaver said. “Our building is outdated, not safe in places and does not provide the appropriate spaces for collaborative learning.” According to Collins, an official plan for construction is planned to be released on May 1.
-- Aaron Holmes, Junior Copy Editor May 2013
MIKE COLLINS, head architect of proposed CCHS renovations, reflecting on plans for the renovation of the school starting during the 2013-14 school year.
I’m Jamaican, and everyone thinks all Jamaicans do is smoke weed and talk about Bob Marley all day. But there is so much more to Jamaica than that, and International Day helps show that.
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JACKIE GORDON, senior, speaking about the educational aspects International Day holds.
I think there’s going to be a lot more work. There will be less time to get to class, too. My main concern is tardies.
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ABBEY FINN, sophomore, on the problems she sees with the Clarke County School District’s decision to switch to seven-period schedules in high schools.
Below: RAISE EVERY VOICE: Members of the Clarke Central High School choir are directed by conductor Dr. Anthony Rucker at a recital that took place in E.B. Mell Auditorium on April 23. The choir performed songs that included gospel hits and classic show tunes.
Photo by Maria Velasquez
-- Compiled by News Staff odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 19
NEWS
Changes in curriculum Clarke Central High School adds and removes classes from the Program of Studies before each school year.
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ach year the Clarke Central High School Program of Studies evolves as the needs of its students change. Next year, one social studies elective, AP Human Geography, and two science electives, Zoology and Earth Systems, will be added to the Clarke Central High School Program of Studies. In addition, Physical Science will be cut from the curriculum. Cutting classes allows for new spots in the Program of Studies. This creates room for the addition of new classes or the revival or old ones that were previously cut. In order for classes to be approved at CCHS, they must go through an approval process that involves the school, district and state administrators. This process differs when choosing a class that is available, instead of creating and developing a new course. “There are courses that are on what we would call the state catalogue, meaning that the state of Georgia has approved individual courses to be offered at any school statewide,” Associate Principal Mary Thielman said. According to Thielman, a teacher or administrator must first approach the district office with a request to teach a certain course. If approved by the Board of Education, and if there is enough space in the Program of Studies, the course will then be offered at the given school. “Zoology has always been one of the options as an elective in the science department, and Earth Systems is fairly new,” Thielman said. “AP Human Geography is one of the College Board (certified) courses that has been approved (for the Clarke County School District curriculum).” While Earth Systems and AP Human Geography are going to be taught for the first time at CCHS, Zoology was previously taught in the 2008-09 school year. It was no longer offered because of a lack of personnel to teach the course. “Classes were cut when I first came here. We had 13 to 14 people in each department and with the budget cuts you have to eliminate teaching positions and we did not have the personnel to teach those courses,” Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker said.
BY RADFORD BROSIUS Graphics Editor
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May 2013
NEWS
Photos by Porter McLeod
Opposite: RETIRED TEXTS: A stack of books depicts many titles taught in Multicultural Literature, an English department class no longer offered at Clarke Central High School. According to Associate Principal Mary Thielman, courses offered are decided upon by administrators and depend on the availability of teachers within a given department. Above: MODELING HISTORY: A model of a 20th century military airplane remains on-display in social studies department teacher Harry Cooper, despite the fact that his Modern U.S. Military History class is no longer offered. “My elective is having difficulty because it’s not a (Georgia Performance Standards) class,” Cooper said.
“We had personnel who taught those courses previStandards, which will take many years before it is biology during the first semester of the school year, ously, but we didn’t have enough people because complete. Before GPS was implemented, Quality which was not offered the second semester, and we had to teach the students (the required core Core Curriculum standards were in place. appreciated the unique environment of the class. courses).” “QCC’s were really a list of things you had to “(Electives) are better because they’re not Thielman says core classes required for graduaknow and do, and we call them low-order thinking. necessarily required by the school, (so) there are tion are prioritized when developing the Program Explain this, identify this,” CCSD superintendent fewer students in them,” Byrne said. “(The teacher) of Studies. However, a new class may be introDr. Philip Lanoue said. “GPS was higher order has more time with you and teaches you what you duced, depending on the number of teachers in a thinking because they had you do things like really need in the class.” department. compare, contrast, extend instead of describe Senior Haven Bell believes she benefitted from “You need the core sciences to graduate from and identify. GPS was designed to be a little more taking Multicultural Literature when it was offered high school, but the thing that lured us to offer thought provoking.” because of the nature of the class. more science classes is that we’re taking “(Former English department teacher “If we have enough teachers, the away Physical Science,” Hooker said. “Next Marlana) Street actually loved what she was year freshmen and sophomores will take Bell said. “(She made) it more like, administration really likes to have doing,” Biology. That allows us to add additional ‘let’s sit down and have a conversation,’ not elective classes because it broadens ‘just open your book,- let’s have a lesson.’” science courses, and that is why you have Zoology and Earth Systems.” Standards have changed, as well as the curriculum.” For instance, Multicultural Literature was requirements for classes, but schools are last taught as an English department elecstill able to add classes to the Program of tive in the 2010-11 school year. However, -- STEPHEN HINSON, Studies for a more diverse choice of classes. due to a decrease in the number of teachers “It’s a little bit more relaxed (to take an social studies department teacher available, it was cut from the Program of atypical class),” Hinson said. “Without the Studies. pressure of EOCTs, or the pressure of a “We have no control over how many teachers Social studies department teacher Harry Cooper really rigorous class, it allows the students to relax we’re going to have here,” social studies departdeveloped and presented his own class, Modern and have fun in the class.” ment teacher Stephen Hinson said. “If we have U.S. Military History, to the district in 1999, and Science department head Jeanne Scholle agrees enough teachers, the administration really likes taught it up until the 2010-11 school year. Although that academic electives can serve as a fun and to have elective classes because it broadens the he is not able to teach it today, Cooper hopes to stress-relieving class. curriculum.” revive the class. “I think teachers get in a rut when they teach the The process for adding elective classes changed “The administration supports the electives; my same classes all the time,” Scholle said. “So I think when the Georgia Department of Education particular elective is having difficulty because it’s it offers them a little extra enjoyment to create new shifted from Georgia Performance Standards to the not labeled a GPS class,” Cooper said. materials and to teach something different.” adoption of Common Core Georgia Performance Sophomore Marina Byrne was enrolled in microMay 2013
odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 21
NEWS
A push for equality As the Supreme Court draws closer to a ruling on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, the Clarke Central High School Gay-Straight Alliance works towards tolerance within the school.
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ast month, the Supreme Court heard the oral arguments of a case in which the constitutionality of same-sex marriage was debated. The case centered around Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, a bill signed into law in 1996 that defines legal marriage as between a man and a woman. Although the Supreme Court is not expected to rule on the case until June, discussion of same-sex marriage increased throughout the U.S., including in Athens. “Obviously I think (same-sex marriage) should be legalized,” junior Audrey Spiers said. “Our religious beliefs cannot affect the government, legally. Marriage should be between two people who love each other.” However, some students expressed that they BY AARON HOLMES Junior Copy Editor
do not support the legalization of gay marriage. In most cases, this position was influenced by religion. “I don’t believe in that; it’s just not a part of my religion,” junior Mikayla Stapleton said. Spiers, who is the president of the Clarke Central High School Gay-Straight Alliance, considers herself an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students at CCHS. She also acknowledges that homosexuality is often a burden for closeted students. “People do talk in high school. People gossip, people make assumptions and things get out,” Spiers said. “If someone says, ‘I’m gay,’ and that gets out to their parents, they can possibly be homeless. It’s a serious issue.” According to Spiers, although students are not vocally anti-LGBTQ, hateful speech and name calling are still common at school, and are a burden to
LGBTQ students. “I think people, in general, are accepting, but that doesn’t stop hateful language or stereotypes. It doesn’t stop bullying,” Spiers said. “You still hear lots of phrases in the hallways. Even if it’s something little like, ‘That’s gay,’ that uses the word ‘gay’ in a negative connotation, it makes people who are gay feel like it’s something negative.” Spiers explains that GSA provides a confidential and supportive environment for students of all sexual orientations. “It provides a safe place where you can talk about anything and you know no one’s going to tell,” Spiers said. “Our biggest rule is, ‘whatever is said in the club stays in the club.’” Counselor and GSA sponsor Lenore Katz says that her interest in the GSA stemmed from a general interest in students’ well-being.
Below: SPEAK OUT: Many students like juniors Gregg Guichard and Audrey Spiers believe in rights for same-sex couples locally and nationwide. “In my opinion, gay marriage should be a right,” Guichard said. Photo by Porter McLeod
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NEWS “GSA is student-initiated: there were students who just came to me, and I guess I’ve always had an interest as a counselor to hear things from students I know,” Katz said. “And there are (LGBTQ) students who are at risk because they don’t feel safe, or who can’t succeed.” As Katz sees it, GSA not only provides an outlet for students seeking confidentiality, but also aims to hold a beneficial presence in the greater Athens community. “We have students of every sexual orientation, and they need a place where they feel comfortable. It’s also just like any other club in that it involves socializing and community service,” Katz said. “In that way it’s just one more club where kids can share common interests and get together.” As a counselor, Katz also interacts with students on a personal level who feel uncomfortable at school because of their sexuality. According to Katz, these meetings typically yield favorable results. “Students refer themselves (to me), teachers refer students and parents may Graphic by Aaron Holmes *On April 24, 340 students polled by Aaron Holmes and Sarah Hoyt refer students. It’s a place where they can feel comfortable to discuss the issues that surround sexual orientation,” Katz said. a “sensitivity training” to be better prepared to won’t address the issue,” Spiers said. “There have “Teachers ask us to come in to a class to faciliaddress bullying and insensitive speech in their even been a few cases where teachers have said tate a discussion if the teacher has been hearing classroom. something that makes the student feel uncomfortname-calling or hateful language. It’s about getting “I would like that every teacher go through a able about their sexual orientation.” everybody on the same page.” training so they know how to deal with these isJunior Gregg Guichard says that, while he beRegardless of such events, Katz feels lieves CCHS to be an accepting environment, he has sues,” Katz said. “It’s just raising sensitivity, treating that CCHS is, for the most part, an acceptevery kid with respect especially if you don’t know been bullied based on his sexual orientation. ing environment for LGBTQ students, “In the classrooms, there have been a lot of times everything about that kid. So that everyone can be despite her heightened standards for the safe and learn, and go on with their lives.” when kids will say the word ‘faggot’ out loud and school. Spiers believes that CCHS, along with the rest of teachers just ignore it. But when they say other cuss “No place is perfect, and I have very society, has made strides toward tolerance. words, the teachers react,” Guichard said. high standards for what I’d like us to “If you look at the past, we’ve had the same types According to Spiers, instances like these led the look like,” Katz said. “But I can’t think of of issues with different prejudices, like racism and GSA to organize an annual school-wide anti-bullya time when something has come to our women’s rights. We’re attention that hasn’t been addressed. We making that progress “I can’t think of a time when something speak to students. We do not look the now, where homosexuother way.” has come to our attention that hasn’t ality is becoming more Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker also of an out-in-the-openbeen addressed. We speak to students. feels that CCHS, as compared to other type thing,” Spiers said. high schools, provides significant support We do not look away.” “People have a fear of for LGBTQ students. the unknown, and when “We’re probably more accepting than you start to learn more -LENORE KATZ, most of the surrounding high schools. To embrace a Gay-Straight Alliance at a high Counselor about something, you’ll be more comfortable school level is very unusual,” Hooker said. with it.” “And we have some students who attend However, in the future, she hopes to see not ing petition signed by teachers and students. our (GSA) meetings from other counties.” only improvements in the treatment of those who “We have students sign that they won’t bully While Spiers acknowledges the efidentify as homosexual, but also in the treatment of people based on their race, sexual orientation, fort made by the staff to ensure a safe people with other sexual preferences. gender, ethnicity or religion and teachers sign a environment, in her experience, bullying “But we aren’t making a lot of progress on other petition saying that they will not allow for that kind is usually in the form of offhand remarks. issues, like transgender issues and asexual people. of bullying in their classrooms,” Spiers said. “The She explains that such casual remarks All these people have so many different orientations main issue in our club is that every teacher needs are worsened by teachers who choose to to make their classroom a comfortable environment and gender identities that need to be addressed,” ignore them. Spiers said. “Gay marriage is just the start.” where everyone can learn.” “If they see it in their classroom, the Katz said that teachers should also undergo teachers might say, ‘Be quiet,’ but they
Yes 67%
May 2013
No 29%
No Opinion 4%
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24 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net Photo by Porter McLeod
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NEWS
OF LESSONS
Every day, math department teacher Valerie Russell can be seen greeting students with a smile. But few know her story or the reason she teaches with such passion.
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ath department teacher Valerie Russell is known for a variety of things among the students of Clarke Central High School. Students have heard stories about her unique approaches to teaching math. These tales include everything from quilting projects, to rapping about quadratic equations, to a form of math-oriented yoga. However, Russell’s reputation is that of a caring teacher who is endlessly willing to help her students succeed. Russell says her infatuation with teaching began when she met one of her most influential role models as an elementary school student in Brooklyn, NY. “My fifth grade teacher, Ms. Skurnick, was very loving, very caring. She just had a smile that made you want to do what she asked,” Russell said. “I fell in love with her.” According to Russell, Skurnick’s care and dedication influences the way Russell strives to teach her students today. “She gave me a science award at the end of the year,” Russell said. “I am not even sure if I deserved the award but she always made me feel so special.” Growing up as a teenager in New York, Russell maintained a firm interest in her education. During her later high school years, she became particularly interested in a then-developing field: Computer Science. BY JAMES LUMPKIN News Writer
Left: EXPONENTIAL COMPASSION: Math department teacher Valerie Russell says she is willing to try unique methods of teaching in order to more effectively reach out to her students. “I have to be the teacher I wanted my kids to have,” Russell said. Headline: FABRIC OF LIFE: For one project, Russell assigned students to create quilts featuring a basic mathematical theorem. The quilts are still on display in the Clarke Central High School media center.
“Being able to take that language and convert it into an algorithm the computer could understand was very easy for me,” Russell said. “My computer science teacher would talk about how much the career would pay, and that’s what really got me interested in writing (computer) programs.” Russell graduated high school in 1975. She immediately moved to a raciallyturbulent Charleston, S.C. to attend Trident Technical College with plans to attain a degree in computer science. Despite her enthusiasm about the field of work, Russell says her African-American heritage caused for racial discrimination from her peers, an element less present in her Brooklyn high school. “I was not used to the racial stuff. My teacher made a comment that I would never be successful in computer science because I ‘didn’t have the background for it’,” Russell said. “It was just a whole different scenario that I had trouble handling. Instead of fighting the system, I just backed down and didn’t finish. I went for three years and quit.” By the time Russell dropped out of college, she was married and pregnant with the first of her three children. She moved to Marietta, Ga. where she hoped to start a family. Russell says it was through the process of raising her children that she discovered her love of teaching. “I just happened to stumble across teaching,” Russell said. “When my kids were at home, I taught them all to read, and I taught them the alphabet.” In order to interest her children in learning, Russell tried to create unique activities to teach the basics of mathematics and reading. “I made a game of it. They would start telling me words that they thought had ‘A’ in it.” Russell said. “We would do recipes at home. Every meal had to have something “A” in it.”
Headline by Radford Brosius
May 2013
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NEWS
(Current Teaching)
Photo by Porter McLeod
Above: LIFELONG CAREER: Since she was a child, math department teacher Valerie Russell has been interested in both mathematics and education. She says her first interaction with education came while she was raising her three children. “I had already started teaching when I was at home,” Russell said.
Today, Russell still regards her first years as a mother as the start of her teachRussell graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Education. ing career. “I was very thankful,” Russell said. “It told me that just because someone has “Maybe I had already started teaching when I was at home,” Russell said. a degree, it doesn’t mean they are a good teacher.” “The first time I stood up in front of kids other than my own, it was very After five years as a teacher at CCCS and after attending college, Russell took empowering.” a job at an elementary school in Dekalb County for an additional five years. She As her children grew up, Russell and her husband looked for ways to better also worked towards earning a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Georgia the educational options presented to their children. However, the price of State College, and succeeded. private education seemed an obstacle “I took one class a semester at first to Russell. when my kids were young and two “There was a great Christian school “She’s willing to give time after school in summer,” Russell said. down the street, but (I) could not af“I knew I didn’t want to give without pay. She will come early and stay ford to get them in,” Russell said. “So I up.” late for anyone.” went to inquire about job openings.” After five years in Dekalb Russell interviewed for a job at County, Russell moved to Athens Cobb County Christian School as an to attend the University of Georgia, -- JOY SAPP, where she earned a Masters degree after-hours custodian to offset the cost math department head and later a Specialist degree in of her kids’ tuition. “After I gave (the interview board) Education. my resume, they noticed that I had been to college to major in Computer Sci“I’ve been in school for 19 years,” Russell said. “I knew if I never started, I ence, which is math related.” Russell said. “The principal came and talked to me would never finish.” and asked if I would be interested (in teaching math). I was elated.” As Russell experienced numerous hardships in order to receive a college Russell was given the weekend to prepare to start teaching. She studied day education, she made it a personal mission to better the lives of her students by and night to make sure she could give her students the best education possible. making sure they didn’t have to endure the same thing. “I came in Monday morning fresh and ready to teach and when I stood up “I want to help kids feel good about themselves,” Russell said. “I never in front of the kids, I had such a feeling of accomplishment that made me feel wanted kids to feel the way I felt.” good,” Russell said. “I was making an impact on their education.” Russell says that she desires to teach her students that they are more than With a new found passion for teaching, Russell returned to college to attain just students, but that they are human beings and their goals matter. a degree in education while still teaching at CCCS. Russell attended a two year “I never want them to look at themselves as a grade on a paper,” Russell bible college in Marietta, Ga. said. “By telling myself that, I had to (teach) that to my students.” “I didn’t have a degree but (CCCS) wanted to keep me,” Russell said. “They Russell attributes this vow to her belief system. She also aims to instill in her said if I stayed in school that they would support me.” class a familial environment, where every student helps one another. 26 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net
May 2013
NEWS “I can let (my students) see that we can all achieve and the stronger ones can alone, let us help you and do (math) as a class.’ I made him a leader.” help the weaker ones,” Russell said. “You have to help each other rise. That’s Russell created unique projects to help make math more enjoyable. These what life is about, helping each other.” projects included quilting, rapping and math-inspired music videos. Russell aims to teach her students the way she wanted her children to be “If you tap into something kids like to do, they do it,” Russell said. “Just taught. She treats every child with the same respect and understanding that she having the opportunity to reach 25 and 30 kids every class gets me every time, had with her own children. that’s awesome.” “When I sent my kids to school I wanted them to have teachers that would Russell takes her class and the success of her students very personally. She love them,” Russell said. “I have to be the teacher I wanted my kids to have.” acknowledges that, in some cases, this dedication can cause pain. In order to Russell goes to great lengths to ensure connect with each student on a perevery student gets a valuable education. level, she strives to understand “I knew if I never started, I would never sonal “When I give problem solving, I need their background. finish. I knew I didn’t want to give up.” to really address what is really going on “It’s hard, sometimes I go home in their lives so I can see what is relevant and cry.” Russell said. “I think teachto them,” Russell said. ing is more than just teaching. I real-- VALERIE RUSSELL, ized that during parent conferences To help all of her students learn math department teacher because my conferences turned into equally, Russell tries to interest all of her students in learning with her attitude and not only talking about grades but also special projects. about what was going on at home, so you could really see the person behind “She told us a story about how she had to work really hard to get an “A” in the grades.” this one class so she expects a lot from us,” sophomore Yung Kipreos said. “She Russell’s dedication to her students have earned recognition from her comade math a lot more enjoyable for me.” workers, including math department head Joy Sapp. Many of her students enjoy her class because of her unique approach to “She cares about the kids. She took one student under her wing in particuteaching the math curriculum. lar and got her act together,” Sapp said. “She’s willing to give time after school “I had a student that was disruptive every day, so I went up to him and asked without pay. She will come early and stay late for anyone. She’s good with the him what he liked to do and he said rapping,” Russell said. “I said, ‘If you write students because they know she is trying to help them learn.” a rap for those (math problems) I will use them as extra credit.’” Through all of her personal experiences and challenges she has faced, RusIn some cases, Russell’s unique approach to one individual student influsell has learned to understand and pay special attention to each and every one ences her greater teaching style. Her interaction with this student in particular of her students. inspired her to create a class wide project centered around the idea of rapping “I absolutely love this school. I love the people, I love the support,” Russell about math. said. “I absolutely love waking up in the morning and coming to school to “(His studying improved) so well that he made a B on the test,” Russell said. teach.” “That’s when I got the other kids involved. I said ‘you don’t have to do (math)
Below: A WINDING ROAD: Math department teacher Valerie Russell first began to study mathematics as a computer science major in the 1970s. However, she later combined her love of teaching with her mathematical knowledge to pursue the position that fit her best.
Cartoon by Gabe Harper
May 2013
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Breaking away from
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n 2000-01, the Clarke County School District moved from a year-long schedule with six classes each day to a block schedule with four classes each day and a new set of classes second semester. Thirteen years later, CCSD has decided to move away from the block schedule and return to year-round classes. BY HANNAH DUNN-GRANDPRE Digital Managing Editor
“At the time, the research showed block scheduling was going to be the cureall. At that point, our students who were not graduating, it wasn’t because of tests, it was because of credits. Giving the students more credit opportunities was a way to help our students graduate,” IB Coordinator/Gifted Collaborator and Scheduler Dr. Meri Blackburn said. “There’s discussion that we shouldn’t be building in recovery options, we should be getting students through the first time. So, the research goes back to how do we teach it right the first time?” 28 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net
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block
May 2013
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NEWS The beginning
An official vote
a traditional schedule were consistently outperWith the ultimate goal of helping students pass After the recommendation was made by the High forming those learning on a block schedule. This classes in mind, CCSD’s High School Instructional School Instructional Committee to discontinue research looked solely at performance on various Committee formally began investigating block use of block scheduling, the Board of Education scheduling and its effectiveness for learning in Sept. standardized tests and was not connected to the voted in July 2012 and made the decision to move 2011. to seven-course offering beginning in According to CCSD Superintenthe 2013-14 school year. Following this “We’re going to have a lot more classes dent Dr. Philip Lanoue, there were vote, the scheduling committees at the and a lot more homework and I think a lot school levels started working to create several reasons for the increased popularity of block scheduling in appropriate schedule. of people are going to be confused by the an “We the past 15 years. CCSD officially had discussed it at the district adopted the block schedule in the level, but we went more in-depth and schedule,” 2000-01 school year and replaced wanted to do our own research to the six-period day that had been in make sure we got what was going to be -- PRISCILA CORTEZ, in the best interest for Clarke Central,” place previously. junior Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker. “The “There were only several really key reasons for going to the block: great thing about this schedule is survey given to teachers and students. less passing time, maximized instruction time, that we didn’t go to a book and get this schedule. The final research write-up explained: There is teachers had less students at once, students had It’s a schedule that teachers here at this school some support for improvements in student grade less courses to take and with a 90-minute block you developed.” could get deeper into the instruction,” Lanoue said. point averages and discipline under block schedulThe scheduling committee researched various ing, but the research does not provide support From Sept. 2011 to spring of 2012, research was schedules from schools across the country. They for claims of improved test results, better student conducted to investigate what was the best choice also looked at several schedules from schools closer attendance, or changes in teachers’ practices. Given to home, evaluating Madison and Morgan county for high schools in the CCSD. After researching and surveying students and teachers, the committee was the pervasiveness of standardized testing since school districts’ schedules in place. However, CCSD recommended that moving to a traditional year-long the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, the schools required a more personalized schedule lack of robust support for block scheduling as a schedule was the most effective choice. that had to be created with certain specifications in reform that boosts test scores might give pause to The research, compiled by University of Georgia mind, according to Blackburn. stakeholders considering adopting or continuing professor Dr. Sally Zepeda, showed that while there “After the Board voted to move to a seven-course had been slight improvements, students learning on such a schedule. offering, we changed our focus to look at very Below: THE DAILY CYCLE: Under the new seven-period schedule, which will be implemented next year at Clarke Central High School, students will take five 70-minute classes per day and a total of seven classes per year. The schedule breakdown as currently planned is illustrated below, with every class taken twice every three days and a GLAD Time/Advisement period taken once every three days.
DAY ONE
DAY T WO
DAY THREE
Period 1
8:45-9:55 a.m
Period 3
Period 2
10:00-11:10 a.m
Period 1
10:00-11:10 a.m.
Period 4
11:15-12:55 a.m
Period 4
11:15-12:55 a.m
Period 5
1:00-2:10 p.m
Period 7
1:00-2:10 p.m
Period 6
1:00-2:10 p.m
Period 6
2:15-3:25 p.m
Period 5
2:15-3:25 p.m
Period 7
2:15-3:25 p.m
8:45-9:55 a.m.
Period 2
8:45-9:55 a.m.
Period 3
10:00-11:10 a.m.
GLAD Time/ Advisement
11:15-12:55 a.m.
Infographic by Robert Walker
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Above: THE MAN IN CHARGE: Clarke County School District superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue speaks on CCSD’s decision to switch high schools to a seven-period schedule for the 2013-14 school year. “At some point, if it’s not working, we need to fix it,” Lanoue said.
selors and members from the Board. CSHS also Students who plan on leaving campus must specific schedules that would accommodate all of presented a potential schedule for the upcoming either spend their morning or afternoon block of the district’s needs. With the Career Academy and year, but the decision was made to proceed with time at their respective locations. However, students dual enrollment, we have a really weird dynamic. Blackburn’s because it better fit the needs of the enrolled at the ACCA, as well as other colleges, will Nobody else has that. There’s a lot of things to schools. remain on the semester system. Students must dual think about,” Blackburn said. enroll during both semesters Because of these different factors, take at least two classes Blackburn, along with the rest of the “When you extend the length of time kids are and each semester. scheduling committee, worked to “When you look at the way make a schedule that would fill all in class, a greater number of kids pass it.” the new master schedule was of the needs of the CCHS and CSHS students. -- MARY THIELMAN, built, you ended up with a rotation cycle in the morning, After creating two potential Associate Principal a rotation cycle in the afterschedules, the scheduling committee noon and then the consistency presented them to the CCHS faculty. The new schedule was released to CCSD faculty of fourth block,” Thielman said. “If you were in Teachers were asked to send in any questions they and parents on Oct. 16, 2012. Following this, Black- an internship or you were dual enrolled and you had or potential problems they saw in preparation burn held assemblies with each grade level, excludwere going to UGA and you wanted to only do it in for the proposal Blackburn would present to the ing seniors, to explain what the 2013-14 school year the fall, there would not be a mechanism for you High School Instructional Committee. would look like. The Program of Studies for the to come back to Clarke Central in the morning or “We asked our teachers to send all the pos2013-14 school year was updated to match the new afternoon in the spring.” sible questions and troubles that they saw with seven-course offering in January. Students also have other concerns about adaptthe schedule so that we could troubleshoot, we ing to the new schedule. could come up with solutions for things like dual “I think its going to be a lot more complicated enrollment,” Blackburn said. “I don’t like to put Tough decisions because we’re going to have a lot more classes and something out there and then realize later ‘Oh well a lot more homework and I think a lot of people we should’ve thought of that.’ I like to look at all As the transition to the new seven-period schedare going to be confused by the whole schedule,” the problems that are going to come up and at least ule began, concerns from students, parents and junior Priscilla Cortez said. “People are going to have a possible solution.” teachers have been addressed to try and avoid furfocus less on each class. With four classes we can In Oct. 2012 Blackburn presented the schedule ther conflict in the future. Students’ major concern focus more because there is more class time and she had created to the High School Instructional was how the schedule would support off-campus less classes to have work in.” Committee. This committee is comprised of CCHS activities such as internships, dual enrollment or and CSHS principals, associate principals, counclasses at the ACCA.
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Glossary 4 x 4 block: a schedule in which students take four classes first semester and a new set of four classes second semester; each class is 90 minutes long. The Clarke County School District has been operating with a 4 x 4 block since the 2000-01 school year. Contact hours: the number of hours spent in the classroom used for instructional time. On the current block schedule there are 130.5 contact hours. On the schedule next year there will be 140 contact hours per course. CCHS scheduling committee: At the beginning of the 2011-12 school year, IB Coordinator/Gifted Collaborator and Scheduler Dr. Meri Blackburn started the CCHS scheduling committee. This committee was responsible for doing research and later creating potential schedules to present to High School Instructional Committee in Oct. 2012. High School Instructional Committee: HSIC is consists of personnel from Clarke Central High School, Cedar Shoals High School and districtlevel officials such as Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue. From each high school the principal, associate principal and counselors are present. Passing time: the amount of time spent in class change. With more classes each day, more time was spent in the hallway resulting in less overall time in the classroom; block scheduling tried to combat that with only four classes each day at 90 minutes each. Program of Studies: a guide which is updated each year to the different courses, extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities available to students in the CCSD. Traditional year-long: in a traditional schedule students take the same set of classes year-round; usually students take six to eight courses each year with classes from 40 minutes to 70 minutes. This schedule is usually tailored to each school that uses it to meet the needs of each school.
Students on the block schedule, at any given time, were responsible for the workload of four classes. On other schedules that the scheduling committee looked at, such as the modified block and the year-long schedule CCHS will move to, students are responsible for an entire year’s worth of classes at once. “The challenge is for students who like to take five to six APs in a year, that means its going to be that much at one time. They’ve just doubled their workload,” social studies department head Ashley Goodrich said. “Even though it’s going to be spread out, I think that’s going to be a challenge. Students are going to have some tough decisions to make as far as what they can really handle.”
A stronger relationship Despite the heavier workload for both students and teachers, Blackburn feels the year-long schedule will still have positive effects on classes. “(Teachers) know they’re going to have more students not over the course of the year, but at one time,” Blackburn said. “One of my favorite things about year-long (scheduling is) I knew my students so much better after having them for a whole year. It was like having a real family.” In addition to building class bonds, according to Goodrich, the new schedule will help teachers connect with students because of the 32 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net
amount of time they will work together during the year. “Developing relationships with your students is the most important part of our job. With some students, it’s challenging to figure out how you can best connect with them and there’s maybe those three or four students every semester who I finally have gotten to that point with at the very end and then it’s over,” Goodrich said. “I feel like this will give us more time to develop those relationships and when we get to the midpoint, we’ve got that relationship and we still have a whole other semester together.” One of the reasons for switching to a year-long schedule was the increased number of contact hours, or number of hours spent in the classroom. On the current block schedule, there are 130.5 contact hours. On next year’s schedule, there will be 140 contact hours per course. “With AP US History, it’s just a burden to try and get through that curriculum in that amount of time,” social studies department teacher Harry Cooper said. “Having hours back will be a significant help. I’m looking forward to bringing back in fun activities that we just don’t have time for now and I think students will be very happy.” AP courses that had previously taken place in one semester, such as AP Statistics, will now last the length of the entire year. The prerequisites, such as Microbiology before AP Biology will be eliminated. “At first I was kind of iffy about (the new schedule) because I liked having the semesters so I could get a lot done and be done by my junior year,” sophomore Hanleigh James said. “But, this seven-period year, it sounds like it makes a lot more sense, especially since I’ll be taking AP classes where I don’t have to rush each semester.”
Escaping the “cycle of failure” With the new seven-course offering, students will have the opportunity to earn 28 credits over four years, four more than the graduation requirement of 24 credits. On the 4 x 4 block schedule students were able to earn 32 credits over the course of eight semesters, eight more than the graduation requirement. “On one level it doesn’t sound like much, going from eight options to seven and for kids who do well and do what they’re supposed to do, that loss of one course in a given academic year should not be an issue at all,” Thielman said. “If you’re perpetually caught in the cycle of failure though, that becomes problematic.” On the current 4 x 4 block schedule if students failed a course in the fall, they were given the opportunity to retake the class virtually via education2020. This system allowed students to remain on track with their required courses and move on to the next grade level if they had failed a class. “(Block scheduling) allowed at-risk and off track students to recover credits with the opportunity to graduate on time. It also allowed students an opportunity to take more classes in other to explore their interest and to prepare for post secondary plans,” one of the comments from the teacher survey said in response to the question “What are some advantages of the current high school schedule?” According to the research done by the district, two shorter spaced classes would be roughly two times as effective as one longer block of instruction with regards to students’ ability to retain information. “(The new schedule) certainly should have a positive impact on the graduation rate. When you extend the length of time kids are in class (over the course of a year) then I think you end up having a greater number of kids take it once and pass it,” Thielman said. “Now, are there kids in transition that are going to have some challenges? I think so.” Of the four core subject areas, math, English, science and social studies, math is the only subject in which the courses must be taken sequentially, meaning you cannot take the next level until you pass the first and the courses cannot be taken at the same time. If a student fails a math course, because four are required over four years, there are limited May 2013
NEWS options for credit recovery. To ensure that students are getting as much help as possible to pass their math courses, weak math students will take a math support class in addition to their other course so that students never go a day without a math course. “If you’re not a strong science kid, you’re probably not a strong math kid. Those go hand in hand. So, if you need as a sophomore, say if you didn’t pass Physical Science in ninth grade and you choose to take it next year in e2020 while you’re taking Biology and while you’re taking Geometry with support there’s four of your classes just to math and science. So, then you have English, social studies and you have to have a foreign language. So, you’re done and if you don’t pass two, you’re in a whole lot more trouble,” Blackburn said.
Approaching a paradigm shift One positive aspect of block scheduling that had been initially considered was the opportunity for students to make up classes they had failed within the same academic year, and therefore stay on track for graduation. However, as CCSD moves away from block scheduling, this idea has been reexamined. “If you have a population of kids that have historically said, ‘Well, if I fail this it doesn’t really matter, I can take it again,’ there’s going to have to be a paradigm shift. We’ve said to kids, ‘What happens if you don’t pass math this year?’ and ‘What happens if…’ It changes the conversation,” Thielman said. “This is just human nature, until people have gone through that transition phase, there are some that will continue to operate as if the old system were in play.” As CCSD moves to the new system, the transition period may be difficult due to the complexities of the schedule, according to the Thielman, however, students still have every opportunity to be successful as they did on block. “It may take us a year, it may take us two years, but at the point at which the kids internalize ‘I better take this once, pass it and get on with it, because if not then I’m not going to be able to graduate with my class.’ Kids will step up and do what they need to do to be successful and it will take care of itself,” Thielman said. To try and keep students from falling behind, administrators and counselors have made a point to talk to students to plan their schedules and decide what the most effective and beneficial path will be for them. “I’d like to believe the conversations have staying power once (students) go back to class, but if someone says, ‘I’m just going to go back to my old habits,’ then being in that transition group doesn’t really matter because you’ve made other decisions that are keeping you from being successful,” Thielman said. “I think we have systems in place that will encourage kids that are currently not being successful to be successful and we’ll still try and figure out what’s the best way to realistically achieve a goal and if that means staying in our system longer, so be it.” Options for students that fall behind include summer school and e2020 as well as zero and eighth period, time before and after school where students can take virtual classes. As CCSD moves to the new yearlong schedule, teachers, administrators and counselors will continue to advise students and work with them to stay on track, according to Thielman. “I’m absolutely confident about the decision to go off of the 4 x 4 block and to go onto this new schedule because in the long term, it is in students’ best interest,” Thielman said. “Are there going to be individual failures here or there? Yes. Are there going to be some anxious moments as we transition? Absolutely. But, I think if we’re sensitive to that, proactive in our thinking, there’s a resolution for everything.”
Analyzing answers Before making the shift to a seven-period schedule, administrators conducted various surveys to gauge opinions.
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he surveys, which were released in Jan. 2012, had 196 teachers from CCHS, Cedar Shoals High School, Athens Community Career Academy and Classic City High School participate; 179 of those that completed the survey were from CCHS or CSHS. There was also a survey released to students that 137 students completed from the same schools. The survey given to teachers included six main questions about teachers’ preferences on different aspects of scheduling. Questions about frequency of students meeting with teachers, period length and student engagement. Additionally, teachers were asked if they felt they had adequate time to both cover and go deeper into the course material, as well as what scheduling methods with different number of credits offered would be the best. When teachers were asked if they felt they were able to engage their students for the entire lesson during the entire class period, 76.1 percent of teachers agreed or strongly agreed that they could keep students engaged in the lesson. Additionally, 62.05 percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that teachers kept their attention throughout the whole block. However, according to Lanoue, this wasn’t always the case. “I don’t think we captured the 90-minute block, might’ve gotten to 70, but we didn’t get to the full 90 and we didn’t actually change instruction. Some teachers did a really good job with it, others said ‘I was just done when I was done, use that extra time for homework.’” Lanoue said. “At some point if it’s not working, we need to change it.” Of students that responded to the survey, 51.1 percent agreed or strongly agreed that teachers had given them class time to work on homework. Also included in the teacher survey was how often they needed to meet with students in order to maximize student performance. Meeting every day, as opposed to at least three out of five days or two out of five days a week, had 67 percent in agreement as the best option. One of the final questions asked of teachers was pertaining to what would be the best method of scheduling given the current graduation requirement of 24 credits. Sixty-one percent of the staff felt that 32 credit opportunities over eight semesters was the best option either as a block schedule or traditional, but that 32 credits was the optimal choice no matter what. Of that group, 47.2 percent, felt 32 credit opportunities over eight semesters specifically as a 4 x 4 block schedule was the most effective method of scheduling.
Below: DIFFERING OPINIONS: In a student survey, in response to a question asking how many classes per year should be offered, more than half of respondents said that they preferred eight classes. Of the students, 51 percent attended Cedar Shoals High School and 41 percent attended Clarke Central High School.
How many classes per year should students take?
Seven - 12%
Six - 30% Eight - 58%
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Evolving industry The hyperlocality movement gains support from local business owners, however some question its sustainability. BY LOUISE PLATTER
BY ISABELLA ZACCARIA-JEFFERS
Variety Writer
Variety Writer
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n small towns across the country, a relatively new, but growing tendency is beginning to crop up in towns and communities. This movement, known as hyperlocality, is growing throughout the country. “Hyperlocal” refers to the orientation of a business around a community. In Athens, this trend is evident in the abundance of community-oriented local businesses. “I think of (hyperlocallity) as local in overdrive, and that might have a negative connotation to it, but there are a lot of benefits to buying things locally,” Mama’s Boy co-owner Cooper Hudson said. “Any time you spend money in a local business the money goes back into the community.” According to hyperlocal advocate Amy Flurry, hyperlocality should not be a passing trend, but instead, an important movement for consumers to support. “It is essential that we buy locally, and not just from time to time, but that we continue to re-examine where we spend our money and, when we can, buy something local,” Flurry said. Athens business owner Sanni Baumgaertner opened her clothing store Community in 2010 with the intention of showcasing local artisans and designers. 34 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net
Baumgaertner’s love of Athens and desire to sell Athens-made products played into her decision to open a store. “Before I opened Community, I was already selling vintage clothing in a few other places in town, but after a while I wanted to have my own store and I had a different vision,” Baumgaertner said. “I wanted to give local designers better display. Now it’s grown into including more and more locally made products and focusing more on Athens designers. It’s sustainable fashion, but also local fashion. Everything is made in Athens.” Business owners like Baumgaertner are often motivated by something other than profits. “When I first opened the store my focus wasn’t on opening a huge national chain. I love Athens. I want to live here. It’s really hard to find a good job and make a living in town, so I have to come up with my own way of making a living,” Baumgaertner said. “The focus was on Athens, not getting rich. I love this town and I want to stay connected with artists here.” However, even if Baumgaertner doesn’t aspire to riches, business owners such as herself have to make a living. Flurry believes that consumers have an May 2013
Cartoon by Gabe Harper
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Featured: BUSINESS BRAWL: Competition between franchises and local businesses isn’t a level playing field due to the superior advertising capabilities of franchises. “I mean, they don’t make it easy to be a small business. (People don’t) realize how difficult it is and how just even educating the consumer that they exist is hard,” hyperlocal advocate Amy Flurry said.
inadequate understanding of the work required to run one of these businesses. enced franchises through connecting with the greater community. “This is not a hobby. Often times we think people are doing something that “Businesses who are finding ways to engage the audience are going to surthey really enjoy because it’s fun and that’s where we stop with our train of vive and those who are scared to put themselves out there simply won’t thrive,” thought,” Flurry said. “When in fact, to do something driven by passion and put Flurry said. “As a business, your job is to find consumers and to keep them ourselves out there and open a shop, is one of the hardest things to do. It’s not interested. As a consumer, you want to find the most applicable merchandise at easy to be a small business.” the most affordable price.” “As a business, your job is to find consumers Local businesses are often However, Flurry believes that at a disadvantage due to their consumers who shop at local and to keep them interested. As a consumer, you businesses do so for reasons lack of experience. Unlike franchises, businesses that want to find the most applicable merchandise at other than low prices. already have a formula for their “( When we buy something) operation, local business own- the most affordable price.” we want to know who made -- AMY FLURRY, it. We want to connect to ers have to find a sustainable business model on their own. Hyperlocal advocate their story, and we want to do Locos Grill and Pub fransomething that affects us imchise owner, and CCHS parent, mediately,” Flurry said. Hudson Wilson agrees that franchises have this advantage over local businesses. Baumgaertner believes that the connection to the products plays a vital role “I think that the benefit of franchising is that you have support. You have in Community’s success. a system that’s been tried and organized in a way that an individual start-up “People can come in here and I can say, ‘Oh yeah, I know the person who would not have. You get some extra experience when you apply someone else’s made the soap, and I can tell you what the ingredients are.’ We can be very learning curve to your experience,” Wilson said. sustainable,” Baumgaertner said. According to Flurry, local businesses can only compete with more experiIn traditional marketing, people’s choices of how and where they spend May 2013
odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 35
FOCUS Left: COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: Downtown clothing store Community is host to various Athens designers in hopes of giving local artists more exposure. “(My vision was) sustainable fashion, but also local fashion. Everything from jewelry to soaps, pillows to cards, is made in Athens,” owner Sanni Baumgaertner said.
Co-owner of Mama’s Boy Cooper Hudson has learned to bend Mama’s Boy’s menu to the to the wants and needs of her customers, despite her original business plan. “The market drives what the demand is from you, and if you don’t adapt then you don’t survive,” Hudson said. “We adapted to the customers’ wants. The market didn’t like dinner, so dinner was pushed off the menu. Simple as that.” While it is vital for businesses to identify and adapt to their audience, Flurry believes that people often condemn local businesses before entering the store. “I’ll give you an example: the Avid bookstore. It’s a tiny sliver of a shop and many people don’t know of it. You always hear people saying, ‘Oh, I hope it lasts,’ and it’s almost like they are foretelling their demise before they even get going,” Flurry said. “But the truth is that they are doing really great.” Hudson, however, notices a very different misconception. “The biggest mistaken belief that people have is that because we are so busy all the time we must be bankrolling,” Hudson said. “That’s not true, we pay a lot of taxes and payroll. People think you can open a restaurant and you become suddenly loaded, but that’s not true. You own it so you’re responsible for all the payments that come with it. That’s true for any business.”
Avid Bookshop proprietor Janet Geddis believes there are far more advantages in being a local business than a franchise. “People always want to support us. I feel a personal connection to the Athens community and its people,” Geddis said. “Chain stores wiped a huge proportion of local bookstores out of Athens, and so people were thrilled to hear there was going to be another one opening up.” Some franchises in Athens, like Barberitos, strive to blend in with the community. Barberitos marketing manager Amanda McCallister believes that Barberitos has been able to act like a locally owned business in Athens, as well as its other locations. “We are, obviously, a franchise because we have multiple units and multiple owners for those units, but the good thing about the franchisees is that they are owner operated. They’re not just investors, they actually work in the store and live in the town,” McCallister said. “One of the biggest things for Barberitos is that we’re really tied to the community. Our franchisees get involved and care about what’s happening in their city. Although we’re a franchise we still consider ourselves local because of that.” This orientation towards the community is a principle that Barberitos was founded on. “We just feel that it’s important that people are spending their hard earned dollars at restaurants and locations that give back. We’ve really tried to take initiative and say thank you for the people that are coming in,” McCallister said. “We want to create relationships. At a lot of our stores, employees know the customers’ names and we love that. What it boils down to is that we care about the relationship. We want to help the people who have helped us.” Baumgaertner feels that franchises both help and hurt businesses in Athens trying to stay open. “I would prefer it if we didn’t have franchises, but I don’t know how realistic that is. I think it depends, there could be some franchises that bring people downtown who would walk around and shop in other places, and there could also be franchises that put other businesses out of business,” Baumgaertner Photos by Porter McLeod
Right: ATHENS ONLY: Downtown clothing store Community embraces the individuality of Athens. “It’s not like going to the suburbs where everything looks the same. Athens is special, and I think that part of Athens being unique is that all of the stores are unique too,” Baumgaertner said.
36 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net
May 2013
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Above: NEIGHBORHOOD NICHE: Customers flood into Mama’s Boy for brunch on a Sunday morning. “You get into franchising and next thing you know you’re sitting in an office, looking at numbers. I didn’t open a restaurant to sit in an office and look at numbers, I opened a restaurant because I like to talk to the customers and cook food,” Co-owner of Mama’s Boy Cooper Hudson said.
“I think that generally I would rather only see local businesses downtown, but you can’t regulate it, so the people have to make the choice and decide who they want to keep around.” -- SANNI BAUMGAERTNER, Community Owner said. “There are somethings that are OK, but there are other things that will put the locally owned coffee shop next door out of business.” According to Flurry, one of the most common mistakes made by businesses is ineffective advertising. “(Businesses) want to get publicity and for people to know them, and finally these local businesses are realizing that it’s necessary to be accessible on the web,” Flurry said. “Advertising is a huge part of a business’ success.” Even with advertising on the internet, business owners find it difficult to achieve recognition for their business. Because of this lack of recognition, according to Hudson, in the current economy, it can be hard to rely solely on local businesses. “I just don’t know if it’s completely feasible right now, especially in Athens, for somebody to live (hyperlocally.) There’s certainly a disconnect between what people want and what’s available,” Hudson said. Additionally, certain businesses may be particularly well suited for franchising and expansion. “I think (a franchise) has to be a product that can be duplicated, in a system that can be duplicated,” Wilson said. “When you get into an artistic, subjective realm, it’s kind of hard to duplicate something like that, but when you’re making a product or providing a service that can be applied over and over, franchising makes a lot of sense.” Although the tension between local businesses and franchises can cause problems for business owners, Baumgaertner believes that ultimately people in the community have to decide what businesses they want to stay open in Athens. “I think that generally I would rather only see local businesses downtown, but you can’t regulate it, so the people have to make the choice and decide who they want to keep around,” Baumgaertner said. “Fingers crossed that we can get enough people educated about how important it is to shop local.”
May 2013
Below: Avid Bookshop owner Janet Geddis assists customers at the register. Although some community members feared Avid Bookstore would not be able to stay open, Geddis’s business is thriving. “Franchising is so far from anything that I would ever do because I’m very independent and I like to make my own decisions,” Geddis said.
odysseynewsmagazine.net | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | 37
VARIETY
Cultural Buzz
The 20/20 Experience
Attention all teenage girls: forget JB, throw out 1D. The ultimate heartthrob, Justin Timberlake, is back and better than ever. With his new album, The 20/20 Experience, released on March 15, girls across the nation are swooning. Timberlake’s smooth, signature falsetto voice is featured in every song, none of which is less than five minutes. Songs such as “Pusher Love Girl” and “Mirrors” exhibit the unique neo-soul style that nearly the whole album encompasses. However, songs such as “Blue Ocean Floor” take things down a notch as compared to their upbeat, jazzy predecessors. Even the album cover instantaneously pulls in the listener. Its black and white image is aesthetically pleasing. Its abstract, artistic qualities add an extra, captivating element that provides a starting place for listeners to delve into the music. It’s mysterious. It’s interesting. It’s as if every part of the record was meticulously crafted to come together to result in a synchronized, deserving, high-rated return. Timberlake’s previous comeback, the release of “Sexy Back,” didn’t necessarily live up to its name. The 20/20 Experience, while unexpected, is a pleasurable audio experience that for sure brought the sexy back.
-- Chloe Hargrave, Editor-in-Chief
42
Psycho snoozer
Bates Motel fills in the holes where they should have been left empty.
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he creepiest elements about Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic Psycho were those left to the imagination. Sure, the audience watches the murder victim scream moments before her death, and they see the blood running at her feet, but they didn’t see the actual murder. Hitchcock, with his twisted and talented mind, left it up to the audience to discern for themselves what had happened. And while the depths of the imagination can produce nightmare-worthy images, it was this creativity in film that made the horror real. This is what Bates Motel fails to do, and Bates Motel is just another it is for this reason that the show is a creepy, crime-filled televidisappointment. sion show with too many Bates Motel premiered March 18 plot lines and little authenon A&E and features ticity. veteran actors Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga as the show’s stars, Norman and Norma Bates. It is offered as a prequel to Psycho, though, confusingly, it is set in the 21st century. At the end of Psycho, Norman Bates is incarcerated for murder, and this show intends to offer information about how he developed the mental illness that caused him to kill. It’s an interesting plot line, but this show fails to deliver. Nothing is left to the imaginiation. Instead of the hints about Norma and Norman’s weird, slightly-incestuous relationship in Psycho, Bates Motel all but spells it out, and the deaths -- which had already begun occuring midway through the first episode -- are gruesome and gory. Not to mention, additional supporting plots have been added to include marijuana fields and human trafficking. Simply put, the audience doesn’t need to see all that. Instead of following in the footsteps of a mind-bending horror classic, Bates Motel is just another creepy, crime-filled television show with too many plot lines and little authenticity. Tell everyone and their mother: stay away from Norman and his mother.
-- Dory MacMillan, Viewpoints Editor Left: AN EXHILIRATING EXPERIENCE: Justin Timberlake makes up for a sevenyear break with his new, artistically crafted record The 20/20 Experience, released March 15. Photo illustration by Maria Velasquez
Photos by Ethan Crane and Louise Platter
Released on April 12, the sports drama 42, directed by Brian Helgeland, takes a typical approach to the subject of civil rights in film. The movie opens in the year 1947 with Brooklyn Dodgers president Branch Rickey proposing the “absurd” idea of drafting a black baseball player -- Jackie Robinson. As the film progresses, Robinson gradually gains the respect of many of the people who were originally against drafting him. Despite its inspirational content, 42 soon becomes repetitive. Large chunks of the film are spent on the field with Robinson stealing bases and hitting home runs in attempts to prove himself in the major leagues. -- Fear Churchwell, Web Writer
Whale Trail
Whale Trail, the first game from the digitial design studio ustwo, is a bright adventure in which users play as a flying whale struggling to stay in the air. Free for iOS devices, the game drops users into a kaleidoscopic sky. To stay aloft, players must continually refill their trail by catching as many colorful bubbles as possible while dodging storm clouds. Users meet a cast of chromatic characters who deposit power-ups and facilitate ‘frenzies,’ making the game incredibly more vivid. As users lose trail length, the color drains from the graphics, turning the cheerful mood of the game into a psychological horror trip. Despite its repetitive nature, Whale Trail is colorful and diverting enough to keep users entertained for days. -- Louise Platter, Variety Writer May 2013
Cultural Buzz
VARIETY
Olympus Has Fallen
Save Rock and Roll
After a tragic accident tears the First Lady from the president (Aaron Eckhart), secret service member Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) resigns. Soon, he becomes the savior for all of the U.S. Olympus Has Fallen is undoubtedly one of the most action-packed movies of 2013. Butler and Morgan Freeman, who plays the Speaker of the House, are an excellent team, and Eckhart plays his role skillfully. The only flaws are the cheesy oneliners. The varied exclamations are funny, yet are poorly planned. Even the slower scenes are satisfying, but there aren’t many. This movie is surely for lovers of action and explosions.
Fall Out Boy, the band that inspired so many embarrassing proclamations of love on MySpace and doodles of “I heart Pete Wentz” on middle school binders has unexpectedly returned after a four-year hiatus with their fifth studio album titled Save Rock and Roll, released April 16. Those eager for the band’s return to the punk of their early years will be sorely disappointed by Save Rock and Roll’s pop-rock essence, a distinct continuation of the band’s later albums. Save Rock and Roll is bombastic, filled with lead singer Patrick Stump’s soaring vocals, each song aimed at maximum possible bravado and attention-grabbing power. Save Rock and Roll rolls in new ground with a number of guest artists, an element seldom before heard in albums by Fall Out Boy. Big Sean makes an unexpected cameo in “The Mighty Fall.” Courtney Love also makes a discombobulated, nonsensical opening appearance in “Rat A Tat” and Elton John is featured in the album’s melodramatic, yet appropriate closing track, “Save Rock and Roll.” But criticisms are not meant to misrepresent an album that is obviously a successful comeback for a band that was once so close to the hearts of millions of angsty teenage girls. The album’s number one single, “I Know What You Did In the Dark (Light ‘Em Up), shot up to the number two spot on iTunes within hours of its release. However, is Save Rock and Roll actually going to do what it title suggests? Of course not. But it sure is catchy.
-- Radford Brosius, Graphics Editor
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
G.I Joe: Retaliation was released in theaters on March 28 as a sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which was released on Aug. 7, 2009. The first film in the series, directed by Stephen Sommers, was a disappointment to most fans who anticipated a decent action film representation of everyone’s favorite childhood action figure. It did not live up to these expectations and the second film, directed by Jon M. Chu, follows in its sister film’s footsteps as another complete failure. The film begins and ends with unnecessary explosions, corny jokes and horrendous acting, all executed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The one and only benefit from spending money to view this film was the two hour nap. -- Chad Rhym, Sports Writer
Hungry for facts Hungry for Change tells the dangers of crazy diets while promoting its creators’ products.
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besity and poor nutrition are rampant in today’s first world society. The Australian documentary, Hungry for Change, examines this epidemic. Created by directors James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch, the film revolves loosely around Natalie (Carla Nirella), an unhealthy, middle-aged woman who is insecure Natalie’s recovery jourabout her body. Her main ney serves as a vehicle goal is to lose weight so that she can impress Jason by which various ex(Colquhoun), her office perts inform viewers of crush. Natalie’s recovery journey the dangers of dieting. serves as a vehicle by which various nutrition, health and addiction experts inform viewers of the dangers of dieting and the role that major food companies play in this cycle. The purpose of Hungry for Change is not so much to inform, as it is to scare the viewers into purchasing the experts’ products, or following their ideas, as ways to cure themselves of obesity. The filmmakers use different propaganda techniques to try to force the viewer into believing their lofty ideas about nutrition. Experts on film try to convince the viewer to move away from dieting and toward juicing instead, without mentioning that juicing is technically still a diet. Though the whole documentary feels like an infomercial for the Juice-O-Matic 300, it does address important health issues in modern-day society. One of the experts in the film, nutrition journalist and author Mike Adams contends that the food industry lures customers in for profit. “The food companies engineer addictions, I believe, into many of their foods,” Adams said. “If you addict a customer, you have a customer for life.” Colquhoun and ten Bosch’s Hungry for Change is certainly a mixed bag. Nonetheless, the film raises important issues. Hungry for Change deserves credit for tackling the obesity epidemic, and for doing so, for the most part, with grace.
-- Tiernan O’Neill, News Writer Right: FREE FALLING: After a four year absence, Fall Out Boy’s surprise comeback album Save Rock and Roll rippled the music world, but in a style far removed from their signature punk. Photos by Ethan Crane and Louise Platter
May 2013
Photo illustration by Chloe Alexander
-- Chloe Alexander, Variety Editor
VARIETY
Remembering Zach
Above: HONORING A PASSION: Clarke Central High School class of 2006 graduate Zach Henderson, in addition to being captain of the football and baseball teams, had an interest in working with children with special needs. “Our focus is on the kids, because that was Zach’s focus,” scholarship co-founder and CCHS class of 2006 graduate Emily McArthur said. Below: COVER SHOT: Zach, along with fellow football player CCHS class of 2006 graduate Dadren Tucker, was featured in an article in volume 3, issue 6 of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine during the fall of his senior year.
Former classmates of Clarke Central High School graduate and grandson of Billy Henderson, Zach Henderson, honor his name with a scholarship aimed at sending children with special needs to summer camp. BY CHLOE ALEXANDER Variety Editor
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larke Central High School class of 2006 graduate Zach Henderson was a celebrity of sorts during his time on the CCHS campus. His involvement with the baseball and football teams, his captains position on both during his senior year and the legacy from his grandfather Billy Henderson gave him notoriety among his fellow classmates. However, underneath his athletic origins, Zach had a passion for working with children with special needs, particularly as a counselor for Extra Special People, a program based in Oconee county for children with developmental disabilities. “I’ve seen Zach mad, I’ve seen him sad, I’ve seen him everything but when he was at ESP, I think that was where he was at peace and he was just happy. Nothing
could bring him down when he was with those children. That was a special thing to him,” CCHS class of 2006 graduate Lauren Thompson said. Thompson and Zach dated for five and a half years throughout high school and briefly afterwards. Zach was also close friends with CCHS class of 2006 graduate Emily Mcarthur during that time. “Lauren and Zach and I became friends in sixth grade and and all throughout high school, we hung out all the time. We went to his baseball games and his football games and we did everything together. We were best friends,” McArthur said. Zach also provided support for McArthur during difficult times. “I needed someone to stay with me and I called him up and he was there. He loved to help people out, like he was the biggest giver,” McArthur said. “Yeah, he’s a guy and he can have an attitude, but if you need him there, he wouldn’t say no. He was very genuine.” Another one of Zach’s closest relationships was with his cousin Craig, who was born with multiple disabilities. “When his aunt would have to go out and run errands and whatnot, he would sit with Craig and hang out with him. He was just very inspired by May 2013
VARIETY he had all these friends and it was really hard when he passed because we want him to know that he is the most special person in the world.” Since Zach had a passion for working with children with disabilities, his friends chose to fund the children of ESP in need, particularly those who were not able to pay for ESP’s summer camps. “Their parents have to pay out of pocket for them to go to camp. So with the economy the way it is, some children can’t come up with that money, especially children with a lot of disabilities. They have to pay for medication and that kind of stuff, so money gets tight,” Thompson said. The group’s first fundraising effort, a tailgate, as well as a live auction, before the University of Georgia vs. Georgia Tech football game on Nov. 24, 2012, raised $1,300 for the cause. “People would have to pay $10 to get in, but I was able to reach out to Greg Allman and the Drive By Truckers, bands that Zach liked, and they gave me some signed memorabilia. It was all music that he liked and that’s the way I wanted to keep it. I wanted to make it more personal. I had a live auction with those things, which raised a good bit of the money,” Thompson said. The group also held a garage sale on March 2, which raised $600 in addition to the tailgate funds. Those events, among donations made on the scholPhotos courtesy of Lauren Thompson and Emily McArthur
Craig,” Thompson said. “I think (he) was a big motivation for Zach to work with children with disabilities because, say a child has autism, that child isn’t autistic, he has autism. That’s what Zach believed about disabilities, that a child’s disability didn’t define who they were, it was just something they were born with and had to live with.” Zach’s inspiration to work with children with disabilities led him to become involved with the ESP program in the summer of 2010, where Craig was a camper. “He did the ESP counseling thing and you could just see during the summers the joy in him and the happiness without having the stresses of being a Henderson on the football field and a Henderson on the baseball field. He didn’t have the pressures of feeling this life. When he was out there, he was free,” McArthur said. Zach attended Georgia College and State University to play baseball after graduating and after that, transferred to Gainesville State College. When his parents relocated to Tennessee to take care of his grandparents, Zach transferred to the University of Chattanooga and majored in social work. While living in Tennessee, on Dec. 14, 2012, Zach passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Almost a year after his death, Thompson McArthur, along with class of 2006 graduate Daniel Autry, decided to begin a positive initiative in his name. “I think people for a long time have had a very misconstrued idea of who he is because they didn’t know him like we did. He was very private and so we’re trying to show that he was more than a football player, more than a baseball player. He wanted to be an individual and that is where ESP came in and that took his mind away,” McArthur said. “He really just didn’t feel a connection even though
Top right: LENDING A HAND: Zach worked for the Extra Special People summer camp during the summer of 2010. “During the summers, he was a very happy person. And you could see it when he talked about it, and talked about his cousin Craig. He enjoyed spending time with him at camp,” McArthur said. Bottom left: GIFT GIVING: McArthur and CCHS 2006 graduate Lauren Thompson presented the scholarship check on April 2 to the ESP program. “This is a scholarship in honor of him and how much he loved children and loved working with them,” Thompson said.
May 2013
arship’s website and proceeds from the wristbands printed with the phrase “You’re my blue sky,” and nail butter, both donated products, contributed to the final amount of $2,400, which was presented to ESP on April 2. “Me and (ESP Office Manager Colleen Jenkins) had talked about what I wanted to do with the money and what I think Zach would have wanted to do with the money and I decided that it should go to whoever needs it the most,” Thompson said. ESP Special Events and Communications Coordinator Jordan Beaman appreciates the contribution the scholarship was able to make towards children in need. “We decided that it would go towards someone who couldn’t pay for camp at all, what we worked out that it would help two kids in full,” Beaman said. McArthur wants to continue the project for many years to come. “We want to help as many kids as possible. This is not stopping,” McArthur said. McArthur also hopes that the scholarship will aid in the healing process for both them and Zach’s parents. “(His parents) are just so thrilled that this is still going and you can see that they are healing. And this is a lot of what’s helping us heal,” McArthur said. “I want to keep him alive in that sense. Lauren and I wanted to make sure everyone knew that he is going to make a difference.”
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Photo by Porter McLeod
Above: REINVENTING A LANDMARK: The planned renovation of the Jack R. Wells housing development, more commonly known as Pauldoe, has displaced its current residents, a transition that has been difficult for some.“Some families have lived there for generations. Pauldoe is a place with familiar neighbors and everyone they know lives there,” Clarke Central High School social work intern Michelle Black said.
Planned renovations reverberate
Since 1967, the Athens Housing Authority’s Jack R. Wells neighborhood, commonly known as Pauldoe, has provided homes for generations of Athenians. Due to redevelopment, the neighborhood will face change.
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he 125 units of the Jack R. Wells community are slated to be demolished in May in preparation for the construction of a new, and much larger mixedincome development. Columbia Residential, an Atlanta housing company specializing in mixed-income development, has taken up the task. Final stages of the project are to be complete in 2016. Until then, all families living in the community will be required to relocate. “It’s not as if they’re moving out for six months. They’re going to tear everything down and start over,” Clarke County School District Director of Social Work and Clarke Central High School social worker Dawn Meyers, said. “It’s going to be wonderful when it’s done, but it does represent kind of a permanent move for families.” Construction on the new development’s 375 housing units, including 100 units reserved for senior citizens, will begin in August. Families forced to relocate will be given Section 8 housing vouchers, ultimately given through local housing authorities by the Federal Government. These vouchers provide assistance to low-income families to find safe, affordable and sanitary housing, thus allowing families moving from Pauldoe to continue to pay the original rates they had paid while living in Pauldoe after moving to their new location. They also present families with the opportunity to move “I’ve been there since I was nine years old and I grew to any housing development within the Athens up there. It’s very hard, physically and mentally, just Housing Authority’s jurisdiction, such as Tallassee and River’s Edge. moving from place to place.” To students like junior and former Pauldoe resident Tiffanie Sims, this transition will be difficult. “They waited until now to try and fix Pauldoe, -- TIFFANY WOODS, sophomore and people are getting moved to the other side of town where they have to switch schools. My family BY GABE HARPER Variety Writer
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May 2013
VARIETY now lives in Nellie B (a townhome community “They waited until now to try and fix Pauldoe. They’re managed by the Athens Housing Authority in East Athens) and they’re telling my sister and I we have telling my sister and I we have to go to Cedar Shoals to go to Cedar Shoals (High School) for our senior (High School) for our senior year. We want to stay at year, which is hard. We want to stay at Clarke Central,” Sims said. “I think it’s crazy.” Clarke Central.” According to Meyers, of Pauldoe’s 286 public school students, there are 53 in high school, 35 in middle school and 121 in elementary school. The -- TIFFANIE SIMS, majority of them will be switching to schools in East junior Athens. “(CCSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue) has pledged to kids that no matter where they move within Clarke County, they will be able to catch a school bus to and from (their current) school, (but) this is just through May,” Meyers said. For the 2013-14 school year, students will have to attend the school for which their new residence is zoned. To many, neighborhood roots in Pauldoe are deep and present opportunities for growth. “I was kind of into the Jack R. Wells Community Center, helping out with the kids and mentoring and tutoring,” junior and former Pauldoe resident Quintavious McReed said. “These kids are all loving at heart and they just need someone they can look up to, like a positive role model. I wanted to be that because I knew I had to be a positive role model for my brother as well.” Meyers and CCHS social work intern Michelle Black, who have worked with families from Pauldoe, have been witnesses to reactions to the oncoming changes to Pauldoe. “Reactions from families in Pauldoe have been a mixed bag,” Black said. Photo by Gabrielle Saupe “Some people are overwhelmed, and don’t know where to start. They’ve been provided with some options, but it is a really big change.” For others, the planned expansion and renovation is seen as a positive. “Other families are really excited. For example, I recently spoke with a mom who is really happy with her new location. She said that the neighbors made her feel very welcomed and she thinks she may not even go back once the new neighborhood is built,” Black said. Under Lanoue’s direction, the CCSD has been supportive of families weathering this change. One initiative, led by CCSD social workers, includes the application for a mini-grant that would provide new beds for multi-person families. “As social workers, part of our role is to try and connect school, home and community. So we regularly work with the community,” Meyers said. “We regularly work with agencies such as the Athens Housing Authority, the Health Department, the police and really anyone that helps our families and their kids do the best they can in school.” For some, connections to Pauldoe are strong enough that they would go through the process of moving again to be back in the familiar area. “In a meeting, they showed us briefly kind of what it’s supposed to be like,” McReed said. “And to be honest, I think we may think about probably moving back once it’s finished.” Though the change is positive for some, others find it more taxing. “I like it and I kind of don’t like it because I’ve been there for a very long time,” sophomore and former Pauldoe resident Tiffany Woods said. “I’ve been there since I was nine years old and I grew up there. It’s very hard, physically and mentally, just moving from place to place.” Of all the aspects of this transition, Meyers says the transition from the familiar Pauldoe area to the unfamiliar seems to be the most difficult for residents. “Moving is a big deal,” Meyers said. “It’s hard on families, and it’s especially hard on the kids. It’s a new neighborhood and a new place. We want to try and minimize the temporary negative effects that moving might have on these families. In the end, I think this change will prove to be a good one.”
Right: HOME NO MORE: The Pauldoe neighborhood sits empty in anticipation of demolition at the end of May. In the meantime, residents of the community’s 125 units had to find their own housing.
May 2013
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Mucho Gusto, Costa de Jalisco BY SARAH HOYT
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Public Relations Manager
PHOTOS BY PORTER MCLEOD LAYOUT BY CHLOE ALEXANDER Photography Editor
Variety Editor
osta de Jalisco, located at 140 Barber St., prides itself on fresh-cut meats and the various Latino food items their store provides to the Athens community. “Instead of packaging, we get the meat fresh and then we cut it up ourselves,” Assistant Manager Juan Garcias said. According to Garcias, the benefits of Costa de Jalisco include both location and its small size. “It’s good for the community and small businesses especially,” Garcias said. “It’s a good location, it’s almost part of downtown, and everybody can get here fast.”
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“After a while, everybody just learns your name. They’re really friendly and make sure to know what you want.” -- MARITZA DELGADO, sophomore
May 2013
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Farming for the future The West Broad Market Garden serves as a unique urban farm and provides educational opportunities for students and community members.
Photo by Gabrielle Saupe
Viewpoints Writer
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ehind the chain-link fence of the old West Broad School, located at 1573 West Broad St., the produce of the West Broad Market Garden flourishes in rows and beds of green. The WBMG was established by the Athens Land Trust’s Community Agriculture Program in March 2012 in compliance with a three-year National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant. It is located in the historic Hancock-West Broad neighborhood and grows Certified Naturally Grown produce for sale. CNG, an alternative to the United States Department of Agriculture organic certification, is used by local farmers who sell their products at the Athens Farmers Market. “We consider ourselves to be organic veggie A to Z,” Athens Land Trust Community Agriculture Program Manager Fenwick Broyard said. “Anything you can name that is appropriate to our climate, we’ll put it in the ground and see how it does.” The WBMG serves as an anchor for a series of 13 satellite community gardens around Athens in locations, such as the Garnett Ridge neighborhood and the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. These satellites grow produce largely for the individual neighborhoods or locations they serve. “We offer (instructional workshops) once a month for the leaders of the community gardens we work with,” Broyard said. “We bring them all (to the WBMG), and within the time we have, model different styles of growing, so that they can be implementing them at their own gardens and so that their gardens are sustainable over time.” While the WBMG largely relies on volunteer labor, several Classic City High School and Athens Community Career Academy students are employed at the garden through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program. Clarke Central High School senior Molly Tully feels that working at the WBMG through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program has taught her valuable lessons in regards to teamwork. “Just working with different people and getting to know different people, (I) realize that we need others to do most things,” Tully said. “Without others, especially at the garden, (we) couldn’t do a lot in the amount of time that we do it.” In addition to business education, one of the project’s main goals is to provide educational opportunities to citizens of all ages regarding fresh food and ways to prepare it. “Unfortunately, there’s this fast food generation where people haven’t had much experience with fresh produce and don’t even know how to prepare it,” Broyard said. “We’ve attempted to address that
BY ETHAN CRANE
Left: FAMILY FARMING: Athens Land Trust Community Agriculture Program Manager Fenwick Broyard walks around the West Broad Market Garden with his daughter during a workshop for community garden leaders on April 6.
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“(I have) realized that we need others to do most things. Without others, especially at the garden, we couldn’t do a lot in the amount of time we do it.” -- MOLLY TULLY, senior challenge just by working hard to start offering educational opportunities.” Starting in May, the WBMG will play host to the West Broad Farmers Market, which will offer nutrition courses, gardening workshops and cooking demonstrations for the public. The West Broad Farmers Market will also offer the use of EBT dollars, like the Athens Farmers Market. EBT users will be able to double their purchasing power in order to stretch the amount of produce and other goods they can buy. After the WBMG’s founding, efforts were made to reach out to people of all generations. Despite this, Broyard found the response was limited. “We made this big initial call to everybody in the neighborhood and said anybody who wants to be involved can be involved and they can even make some money,” Broyard said. “The initial response we got was only from elders in the community.” While the garden’s first group of volunteers was composed of seniors, the mission of the WBMG is to educate all ages about the importance of fresh produce and the health benefits that come with eating less processed foods. “Since I’ve been in Athens, I’ve had four elderly,
African-American friends die from diet-related diseases that we’re attempting to address directly,” Broyard said. “I think of it like public health, a community resource.” Broyard plans to move forward with nutrition education programs and with a commercial kitchen open to the public. Such a kitchen would allow community residents to develop food products for sale with fewer restrictions than they would in their home kitchens. “This (work) is preventative medicine at its best. Knowing where your food comes from and getting physical exercise from that. And getting some good food out of it, that makes (you) happy, as well,” Broyard said. The addition of a commercial kitchen to the WBMG would allow for communal meal planning and another way to utilize the garden’s produce. “It’s now in the advent of the childhood obesity epidemic, now there’s all this interest in re-integrating agricultural education into the school system,”
Broyard said. “Younger people in school now are being exposed to gardening and there’s gardens at almost every school in Clarke County.” Substantial growth in both the WBMG itself, community interest and the accompanying Youth Entrepreneurship Program provides a promising outlook for the urban farm as it continues into its second year. “I’d like to see (a garden) in every community in Athens. Most schools in Clarke County are sitting on acreage, with the idea being you could set something like this up at every school and have students have a direct hand in growing the food that is then fed to them,” Broyard said.
Above: NEIGHBORHOOD FACES: West Broad Market Garden volunteers, Athens area community garden leaders and students participating in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program work with tomato plants during a gardening workshop. Below: NURTURING NATURE: Rows of spring crops grow in beds at the WBMG. Much of this produce will be harvested for sale at the West Broad Farmers Market, which opens on May 4. Photos by Gabrielle Saupe
May 2013
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Athens music epicenter lives on After more than 30 years, Wuxtry Records continues to provide for the Athens music scene.
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lthough the invention of iTunes, iPods and MP3s have made record listeners a shrinking population, Wuxtry, a record shop located at 197 East Clayton St. in downtown Athens, continues to serve the Athens music community. Wuxtry was founded in 1976 and, to some Athenians, it is more than just a record store. “( Wuxtry) has become an Athens institution, and has been around since the mid-70s. It’s kind of like a gathering place where people can go downtown and talk about music and turn each other on to things,” Wuxtry employee and CCHS parent John Fernandes said. Not only has Wuxtry become a place for local musicians to congregate and discuss music, but it has also lead to the creation of many local bands that have later gone on to become famous outside of the Athens community. “It is the place where Peter Buck met Michael Stipe from R.E.M.,” Fernandes said. Other well-known musicians have also spent time working at Wuxtry. “Kate Pearson of the B-52’s worked for us, Peter Buck of R.E.M. worked for us, Brian Burton of Danger Mouse and Gnarles Barkley,” Wuxtry owner Dan Wall said. Wall understands the importance of music, especially in the Athens community. With this in mind, he strives to support local musicians and bands. “We sell a lot of local music, and sort of specialize in it,” BY SARAH HOYT
Public Relations Manager
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Wall said. “We will take (local music) in on consignment, but there are a lot of great local labels where we buy their stuff directly, as well.” In addition to carrying many local labels in the store, Wuxtry also attempts to assist in the promotion of local artists. “The store doesn’t just sell records, but we are actually making a record with a lot of local artists,” Wuxtry manager Mike Turner said. “We put together a compilation of local bands, and this is our third one. We will also help put up posters and window displays.” Some of the items and records sold at Wuxtry are rarities in the music industry. “There is probably some private press stuff in here that was self-released by somebody in the ‘60s or ‘70s, and there are probably only a few hundred copies of it,” Wuxtry employee Nate Mitchell said. With the growth of music downloads via MP3 files, it may seem that records have become a thing of the past, but Fernandes believes differently. “Records are something that you can hold onto and look at the cover art, and read about the musicians,” Fernandes said. “You can pull them out years later, and put them on, and it takes you back to another time.”
Photos by Gabrielle Saupe
Above: WELCOME TO WUXTRY: The Clayton St. entrance to Wuxtry Records is plastered with band posters, concert flyers and lesson advertisements. Below: MILES OF MUSIC: Hundreds of vinyl records, CDs and other musical memorabilia characterize the interior of Wuxtry Records.
May 2013
SPORTS
May 2013
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The box score
Chipping a win
Photos by Chad Rhym
Above: KICKIN’ IT LIKE JORGE: Senior forward Jorge Delgado attempts a shot on goal against Loganville High School on April 19. The Gladiators came out of the game victorious 1-0 and the win clinched CCHS’ third region title and their first region title in Region 8-AAAAA.
Glads vs. Glads
Reaching the end
The varsity boys and girls tennis season came to an end on April 16, after their defeat at the 8-AAAAA Region Tournament. “Although our girls never won a match, we had a blast just playing,” senior Rachel Morgan said. The varsity boys team consisted of seniors William Kissane, Jake Marano and Henry Siebentritt, junior Tristan Lapetz and sophomores Camden Adams, Martin Garin and Tomislav ZebcicMatic. The varsity girls team consisted of seniors Sophie Chen, Clayton Hoyt, Morgan Maxwell, Rachel Morgan and Ariel Santillan, junior Allie Martin and sophomore Addie Downs. “Clarke Central played some of the best tennis I have ever seen us play,” Garin said. Although this match was not their best in terms of score, Morgan feels that the team gave it their all and believes that next season’s team will come out even stronger. “This season really helped a lot of people better their tennis skills, myself included,” Morgan said. “I’m sure next year, if (the team) keeps practicing, they could do even better.”
The varsity boys and girls golf team faced Cedar Shoals High School at the Athens Country Club on April 18. The CCHS varsity girls team defeated the CSHS varsity girls team. Junior Jane Fleming shot the CCHS girls team’s lowest score, 57. The CCHS varsity boys fell to CSHS in a close match. Michael Palmateer scored the team’s low score of 48, and Caleb WIlliams added in the second lowest of 50. The lowest score overall was from CSHS golfer Bo Lane, who shot a 42. “It was very competitive, and it came down to the last group (for the girls). We won by one stroke and the guys we lost by four,” CCHS head golf coach Dinah Posey said. “We don’t like losing on the boys side, but we did shoot one of our lowest scores of the year so we have improved from the beginning of the year.” The Gladiators will head to the Region 8-AAAAA tournament on April 26 at the Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville.
Taking the title
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he varsity boys soccer team defeated Loganville High School 1-0 on April 19 at Billy Henderson Stadium. The team achieved its third region championship in school history and its first region title in the new Region 8-AAAAA. The victory came on Senior Night. Candelario Aguirre, Alex Crain, Jorge Delgado, Kevin Erickson, Max Germain, Shden Tseggai, Luis Ulloa and Miguel Vega were honored in the last home game of the regular season. CCHS tallied its one and only point on a left-footed shot from outside the box by junior midfielder Matthew Ward early in the second half of the match. “Soccer is a game of opportunities, so I was glad to have the chance to make a difference,” Ward said. “The great players take their opportunities and make them count. I was glad to take my chance and score; it just so happened to be the winning goal.” The win marks the first region title since the 2000 season, which followed the 1999 national championship team. “As a senior I feel pretty good about being region champs,” Ulloa said. “One of the highlights of my year for sure and it makes it that much better that it had been 13 years (since) the last one.” As the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, the Gladiators match up with East Paulding High School, the No. 4 team in Region 5-AAAAA in the first round of the Georgia High School Association State Tournament. “I think we can beat any team, and we’ve been preparing the same way as we always do,” Ulloa said. “I don’t think anything will change.”
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After weeks of spring practice, varsity football players will play each other in the annual Red vs. Gold game. It will be held on May 3 in the Billy Henderson stadium. “I’m excited. We got a lot of players that needed to be tested and we’ll get to see what they can do,” head varsity football coach Ahren Self said. “We got a couple of guys going both ways. We’re just looking forward to having fun.” Former head coach Leroy Ryals and offensive line coach Forrest Paulson left for new coaching positions in Thomasville High School in late February. Self, who was the defensive coordinator under Ryals, was promoted to head coach by Athletic Director Jon Ward. Because Ryals also served as offensive coordinator, Self promoted Aaron Cavin from running backs coach to offensive coordinator. The Gladiators return 17 total starters from last season, eight on offense and nine on defense. The spring game will be a preview of the football team’s talent and potential, so that fans known what to expect when the 2013 season kicks off in August. “We got a real good offense, at the quarterback and the skilled positions, they’re all very experienced, “ Self said.
-- Kevin Mobley, Contributing Writer
May 2013
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SPORTS
Audibles
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It’s just a community. There’s nothing better than small-town football and teams. Y’all watch Friday Night Lights -- we lived that.
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GINGER HURST, Class of 1984 graduate, her experience with high school football.
I turned on the Bulls game the other day and didn’t recognize a single player, that’s when I knew, I knew nothing about the NBA.
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AARON CAVIN, assistant varsity football coach, on the National Basketball League 2013 playoffs.
Tiger’s awesome, he’s the best ever. Doesn’t he have the most trophies? No? Well he’s one of the best, and well he’s black.
Above: QUICK FEET: Junior wide receiver Jaquan Dowdy completes a drill in preparation for the Red vs. Gold game. Returning football players, as well as newcomers, hit the ground running when spring practice began on April 22.
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Facing Frazier
he varsity baseball team played against Loganville High School on April 24 in its last game of the season. Before the game, seniors were recognized in Senior Night festivities. CCHS honored seniors Luke Bennett, Tucker Crumpton, Hunter Cutts, Jack Elliott-Gower and Luke Skobba. LHS came into the game ranked in the top five in Class AAAAA. “It was senior night. We played all of our seniors and they played all of their’s. Obviously since they’re ranked in the state right now, they’re a really good team,” sophomore infielder Terry McHugh said. “They jumped on us early and we were hitting some balls hard, but we hit them right to them. So the luck just wasn’t with us and in general they looked like the better team that night.” In addition to LHS being an elite team, they also have senior outfielder Clint Frazier on their roster, who is a 2013 Rawlings First Team All-American and a University of Georgia commit. “Honestly I kind of look forward to playing guys like that.” McHugh said. “ it’s nice seeing the competition, It’s a good opportunity to get to see players that are good and its always a good way to measure yourself against them, so I wouldn’t call playing against them a bad thing.” CCHS would lose the game 12-1, not only did the Gladiators lose the game, but with this loss CCHS does not qualify for the 8B- AAAAA Region Tournament. “We missed qualifying to the playoffs by I think two spots, and there’s no consolation tournament this year, in our region you really have to put everything together for the whole season.” McHugh said. “Our region is one of the most competitive in the state, if we made it to region this year it would be a really good achievement for the team.” -- Chad Rhym, Sports Writer
May 2013
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CARLOS ELAM, junior, on professional golfer Tiger Woods.
I think we’re going to go ham at region, because we’ve stayed on our game all season.
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SEAN ENGLAND, sophomore golfer, on the golf team’s road to the Region Tournament
Below: THE LAST PITCH: Clarke Central High School varsity pitcher Luke Skobba throws out a pitch against Loganville High School on April 24, at CCHS. The Gladiators lost the game resulting in CCHS not qualifying for the 8-AAAAA Region Tournament.
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Lifting up a legend Fundraising efforts to benefit the surgery recovery of retired head football coach Billy Henderson have led to the creation of the It Can Be Done Foundation.
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hen Billy Henderson was hired as head News Editor football coach at Clarke Central High School in 1972, he had his work cut out for him. Athens High School and Burney-Harris High School consolidated in 1970 as a result of integration in Georgia and for the first several years, racial tension filled the halls of the new CCHS. However, Henderson used athletics as a tool to bring students together. “His influence is really immeasurable with what he’s done, not just for Clarke Central, but for this community,” Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said. “When he came here in the early ‘70s, he really molded a group of guys together when integration was taking place. Their success rippled throughout the community and did a lot to bring it together.” Henderson says he simply acted in a way that reflected the teaching of his mother and tried to use that approach to solve problems. “I treated people like my mother taught me to BY LORAN POSEY
treat people,” Henderson said. “Love everyone for who they are and treat them like you would want to be treated.” During his 23-year tenure at CCHS, Henderson won three football state championships, three baseball state championships and a swimming state championship, while serving as Athletic Director. “The reason (Henderson was so successful) was because of how he loved and cared (about) and worked his players,” Class of 1998 graduate John Alexander said. “He really held the school together.” It has been 18 years since Henderson last coached at CCHS, but the legacy he established continues to influence student-athletes and the Athens community. Henderson, who spent his life giving to his community, is feeling the generosity of a community that is eager to give back. On Feb. 28, Henderson underwent his fifth back surgery, which
Photo by Porter McLeod
required an expensive recovery and rehabilitation process. “He had spinal stenosis. He had a fall about six years ago where his lower vertebrae, the L5 and the L4, (were injured), so the doctor opened up the canal so the nerve could breathe and cleaned out all the arthritis,” Carol Brooks, Henderson’s daughter, said. “(He hasn’t) been able to bear weight on both of his legs for years, so the surgery was a success. He can bear weight now (and) he has more balance. Everything’s improved.” Because of the overwhelming cost of the medical bills associated with Henderson’s surgery, a group of former players banded together and started a campaign to raise money to help Henderson, who will turn 85 in June. “There was a group of former players that felt like it was an opportune time to try to give back to Coach Henderson,” Ward said. “They’re really targeting former players and their goal was to raise $23,000, a thousand for each year Coach Henderson was here.” Former players involved in the fundraising process included Alexander, Class of 1982 graduate Daniel Dooley, Class of 1986 graduate Derek Dooley, Class of 1985 graduate Chris Morocco, Class of 1985 graduate Brack Rowe and Class of 1986 graduate Randy Williams. “What he did for the community is why there are so many people interested in helping him right now, from the race integration to teaching people how to become winners in life,” Alexander said. Left: FATHER AND DAUGHTER: Henderson holds the hand of his daughter, Carol Brooks, on April 22 in the lobby of the Athens YMCA. “He’s made tremendous progress since we’ve brought him home,” Brooks said. “He’s done unbelievably well.” Opposite page, bottom: A NAME TO REMEMBER: In 1996, a year after Henderson retired, CCHS decided to name their stadium in honor of Henderson, the most winningest head football coach in school history.
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SPORTS Left: AN ERA OF EXCITEMENT: Henderson reflects on his 23 years at CCHS on April 22 at the Athens YMCA, where he routinely works out and stays active. “People have asked me, ‘How’d you work there for 23 years?’ I tell them, ‘I’ve never worked a day in my life. I looked forward to every day of it,’” Henderson said. Right: MORE THAN A COACH: Henderson’s influence has inspired hundreds of student-athletes throughout his long career. He believes that the lessons learned from football are more important than the wins and losses. “Football is just one phase of life,” Henderson said.
“There’s nothing anybody would not do for that man in this town. His legacy is amazing.”
“He taught me so many things in life, simple things that stand with me, like learning to push yourself when times get tough in your marriage, at your job, in Photo by Porter McLeod life. You don’t quit.” As donations continue to pour in from those whose lives have been touched by Henderson, he is proud of those who have helped organize the fundraiser. “The significant thing about those (involved) is the fact that they were outstanding leaders in school and now they’re adults becoming great leaders,” Henderson said. “You can rest assured that this is money well-spent and it will go towards improving the life of some person. (The funds raised were) a God-sent present.” Shortly after Henderson’s surgery, Class of 1984 graduate Ginger Hurst set up an online donation website and a huge response from the CCHS and Athens community was seen. “Within 24 hours, (the website) was up and running and we had over $15,000,” Hurst said. “It was insane.” In addition to the enormous monetary response, comments flooded in from former players, students and parents. A comment from Class of 1986 graduate and current University of Georgia head baseball coach David Perno read, “Coach, you are the best! I love you and can’t describe in words what you have meant to me. Please know you are one of a kind Photo by Chad Rhym
May 2013
and God bless you for all the inspiration that you have provided through your lifetime.” Weeks into the campaign, enough money had been raised to help afford Henderson’s in-home nursing care, as well as help relieve the weight of medical bills. What began simply as a fundraising campaign has grown into the creation of the It Can Be Done Foundation, which derives its name from one of Henderson’s most well-known mottos. “It started out as a ‘Let’s raise a couple thousand dollars to get some nurses over there’ and now it’s turned into a full-blown ongoing mission,” Hurst said. “We want to be able to give back to anyone that needs it. Whatever Coach Henderson’s passion is, wherever he wants it to go to give back to the people that have given so much to him, that’s where it’s gonna go.” The foundation, while in its early stages, is already planning future fundraising events and deciding what the money will go towards. According to Alexander, the top priority of the foundation will be giving back to help Henderson, while the foundation will also donate to charitable entities in Henderson’s name. “There’s been roughly $20,000 raised on the site, but we’ve raised close to $50,000 in all,” Alexander said. “The second goal is $100,000 and we’re halfway there.” Henderson is eager to see what kind of difference the new foundation can make in the community and more specifically, in the lives of people in need. The retired coach is sensitive to the struggles of parents and children in need, because of his own experiences as a child. “I grew up without a father. My dad died when I was nine. My mother had four kids to raise and she would walk to and from work just to save a nickel in bus fare so I could play (sports),” Henderson said. “We have a lot of youngsters here in Athens and there’s a
Photo by Porter McLeod
-- GINGER HURST, Class of 1984 graduate
lot of need for (this foundation). One of the things that I used to like to do was come to the ( YMCA) and have the football clinics. You could pick the mothers out who couldn’t do for their kids what the other mothers could. We could target them.” While giving back to the community is one of the focuses of the new foundation, helping Henderson remains the top priority. According to Hurst, Henderson has remained humble and generous through the entire process, seeming more excited to help others than to help himself. “There’s nothing anybody would not do for that man in this town. His legacy is amazing,” Hurst said. “He’s such a humble person and he’s still about motivating people. We asked him the other day, ‘What do you think about this foundation?’ and he said ‘This is great, we can help other people!’ He just doesn’t see that we are all there to help him. He’s ready to help other people.” The It Can Be Done Foundation is yet another positive community influence that has come from Henderson’s legendary legacy and it reflects the values and characteristics that people have come to love Henderson for. The retired coach is known for many accomplishments at CCHS, including 222 football victories, 12 football region championships and one football national title, but to this day, Henderson says that the most thrilling moment of his career has nothing to do with winning games. It has to do with unity in a time of division. “We were in the weight room and we had over 100 players in those seats. And I saw every hand together. The greatest thrill I ever had was watching that scene on Thanksgiving Day 1977,” Henderson recalled. “Black hands holding white hands, rich hands holding poor hands, all walks of life together. If the world could be like that, we’d have no problems.”
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Playing hide and seek Despite the millions of people who are openly gay, the number in the world of sports is slim.
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hoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner won the say this but it’s kind of like the male mentality,” Johnson said. “I think it would Naismith College Player of the Year award two be harder in a male locker room for a (gay) male to just interact with (his teamyears straight, she finished as the second all-time mates) than it is for females.” scorer in women’s National Collegiate Athletic AssociaGawrysiak’s thoughts on gender are parallel to those of Johnson’s. tion history with 3,283 points and she is the top shot-blocker ever, passing both “Sports such as football and hockey would probably not be as accepting, the men’s and women’s college marks with 748 blocked shots. To no surprise, there is a lot of contact, more than there is in basketball or baseball,” Gawrysiak in the 2013 Women’s National Basketball Association Draft, Griner was selected said. “And if there’s contact, people are going to have the idea of ‘I don’t want as the first overall pick. to touch a gay person, and I don’t want a gay person touching me.” In an interview with SI.com on April 17, Griner stated that she is gay. Griner Junior quarterback Cameron Johnson would be accepting of an openly gay is one of two active openly gay athletes in American professional sports. teammate under certain conditions. According to University of Georgia professor Dr. Joey Gawrysaik, Griner’s “As long as he’s not coming on to me or disrupting anyone on the team, I’ll coming out was not met with much shock because it was expected. be fine,” Cameron said. “He’ll just be another player like everyone else.” “When you’re a female and you play sports, society expects you to be a lesVarsity football special teams coordinator and running backs coach Aaron bian, it’s kind of a stigma that they’ve been given,” Gawrysiak said. “And it’s just Cavin believes that as long more of this idea of what as a player does not negawe consider good female “When you’re a female and you play sports, society tively affect the team’s chemathletes in our society to expects you to be a lesbian. It’s kind of a stigma that istry, their sexualilty is not be. If you’re good you an issue. must be a lesbian, and “My opinion on a gay they’ve been given.” that is not a good ideolathlete is as long as the ogy or a good stereotype team chemistry is good, -- DR. JOEY GAWRYSIAK, no problem. But just like that exists. That’s why I don’t think it’s that big University of Georgia professor of sports sociology anything else if we have a of an impact, because person on the team who people already suspected hurts the team in a negative manner, like they party too much, they steal or do that Griner was a lesbian.” something like that and it causes the performance of the team to go down, then Clarke Central High School head varsity girls basketball coach Carla Johnson it’s an issue,” Cavin said. has only had one openly gay athlete, junior Nyke Faust in her years of coaching Although Cavin is willing to accept openly gay athletes on the varsity football at CCHS. team, Gawrysiak believes that coaches might be a key reason as to why there are “There’s only been one that has ever come out and outright told me. You so few openly gay athletes. can go by assumptions, but Nyke Faust is the only one who came out openly “If you look at the college level, high school level and even the youth level and told me up front,” Johnson said. “Any other athletes here have never said the coaches that we have there pass a lot of influence to the athletes. Some ‘Coach Johnson I’m a gay,’ or ‘Coach Johnson, I like girls.’” teach the athletes the culture of ‘You throw like a girl’ or if they do something Faust began playing basketball in the seventh grade for the Burney Harris bad they play like a ‘sissy’,” Gawrysiak said. “These are derogatory statements Lyons Middle School basketball team. Despite seventh grade being the first that have been around forever in sports, and now players have the understandyear of Faust’s basketball career, it was also the year she decided to come out of ing of ‘if I do like men I have to hide it, because if I don’t I’ll be an outlier, an the closet. Faust describes her coming out to her CCHS teammates as a simple outcast and I’ll be bullied.’” experience. On April 29, Washington Wizards center Jason Collins came out, and is now “Half of my teammates already knew me, so it was really no surprise for the second openly gay athlete in American professional sports. Gawrysiak anybody. Like I didn’t have to tell anyone, because everyone already knew. I believes that athletes such Griner are the key to a future of more openly gay think my coaches knew, but I told them anyway. My coaches and I are close so athletes in sports. I can tell them anything,” Faust said. “My team has never treated me differently. “With Brittney Griner I was very excited when she decided to come out as Nobody had any problems with it, they treated me regularly.” gay. With her probably being the biggest name in women’s basketball, maybe Not only is Faust openly gay, but she also has a girlfriend, junior Dernaria her coming out will help a little bit, to maybe lead the way for other gay people Wiley. Wiley and Faust have been dating since their freshman year. to come out,” Gawrysiak said. “I think it’s going to take somebody like Brittney, “Our love is like a best friend love. It’s a you help me and I help you kind of a big name in a big sport to lead the way.” situation,” Wiley said. “We actually build each other. There’s no disrespect in our relationship. We have enough respect for each other to listen to each other whenever one of us needs to be heard. It’s more of a internal bond than an infatuation. It’s something deeper than that.” Although Faust says her experience thus far with her teammates has not been Opposite page: PLAYING FOR THE SAME TEAM: Juniors Nyke Faust and Dernaria Wiley are both openly gay. Faust is also an athlete but sometimes in the difficult, Johnson says that openly gay male athletes might face more challenges world of sports, gay athletes are pressured to stay in the closet. “There’s only been than openly gay female athletes. one (student athlete) that’s ever come out and told me,” head varsity girls basket“I think when you’re a male athlete people want you to dominate. I hate to ball coach Carla Johnson said. BY CHAD RHYM Sports Writer
May 2013
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Returning to the game Photos by Chad Rhym
Above: SOUTHPAW: Freshman Michael Palmateer hits a tee shot at a practice on the Athens Country Club course. Head golf coach Dinah Posey describes Palmateer’s game as special. “He has a natural swing, and he’s a lefty, so that’s unique,” Dinah Posey said.
Freshman golfer Michael Palmateer combines his passion for golf and his college aspirations to set his sights on a lone goal -- an athletic scholarship to the University of North Carolina.
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here’s a place deep in the pines of the Tar Heel state where the streams calmly trickle down and the grass is vibrantly green. This is where Clarke Central High School freshman golfer Michael Palmateer remembers his past, and sees his future. North Carolina is the ultimate goal. Despite this picture perfect setting that Palmateer strives for, he is reminded of a decision that altered the course of his life. “Last year I either had to choose to live with my mom or my dad,” Palmateer said. “I was basically choosing between parents.” Palmateer chose to move in permanently with his father. He felt his selection was primarily due to the solid foundation he found in the environment that was his new home. “It was just having a supportive parent, saying ‘keep your head up; don’t let yourself get down too BY KEVIN MOBLEY Contributing Writer
much,’” Palmateer said. Aside from a new start, Palmateer came back to something else. The game. Palmateer began playing golf wehen he was two years old. He recounted a memory when he was 10 years old in which he beat his grandfather’s friends in a round of 18 holes. “I was on my game that day,” Palmateer said. “(His friends) were all saying that if I keep doing it I could have a future in (playing golf ), easily. My grandpa would tell me that I could do it all the time, but I just needed somebody else to say so.” During his middle school years, Palmateer honed in on his talent by playing for a club team in Winder, Ga. The coach for that team told him words that he still holds to this day. “My coach told me if I keep playing I could get a scholarship to a college,” Palmateer said. Despite his passion for golf, Palmateer wanted to
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experience typical sports like football, baseball and soccer. Palmateer trained during the off-season of his freshman year in hopes of making the CCHS JV soccer team. However, he was cut on one of the last days of tryouts. “I was crushed,” Palmateer said. “I tried so hard doing soccer, and then out of nowhere (Coach Aiken) said ‘You’re cut, we don’t have enough spots for you. Just try out next year.’” Nonetheless, the negative experiences Palmateer had with other sports, particularly soccer, called him to return to his craft. The game. Soon thereafter, Palmateer had a conversation with senior golfer Caleb Williams. Williams persuaded Palmateer to ask CCHS head golf coach Dinah Posey for a spot on the team. Posey was very pleased with her decision, as Palmateer impressed early on in practices, particularly May 2013
SPORTS with his technique. “I was happy because (Palmateer) is a ninth grader so we’ll have him for a while,” Posey said. “We saw right away that he was a natural.” Palmateer knew he had the skill and composure to reach his goal - the first slot. “During the first couple practices I was preparing to get to that No. 1 spot, because I knew I had the potential to beat all the seniors,” Palmateer said. As the season progressed, so did Palmateer. He earned the trust of Posey, and was rewarded with the team’s top spot. Palmateer played a round of nine on March 21, against Apalachee High School in which he shot two birdies, which are holes with one stroke under par, resulting in a final score of 48. “The weather (that day) was pretty pitiful. It was cold and very windy,” Posey said. “It was probably one of the worst weather days that we’ve experienced, but he started off with two birdies right off the bat at the Georgia Club, which is a pretty tough course. It was really good for his confidence and
he was able to hang on and be able to score under 50 for us.” Posey noted that Palmateer is like a “breath of fresh air” to the Gladiators, and believes he will be the leader for the golf program for years to come. “The potential for him is whatever he wants to do with it,” Posey said. “Especially in the off-season, during the summer; that’s when a lot of tournaments and development occur.” Palmateer will still have the ultimate goal in the back of his mind. The beautiful place he hopes to one day call home. Chapel Hill. “I plan on getting a scholarship to North Carolina, back where I was born,” Palmateer said. “It’s got a golf program that I think is right around No. 1 in the country.” Posey likes the idea of Palmateer aiming for UNC, as she feels that setting high goals will help him play at a higher level. However, she added that
reaching that goal will be no two-foot putt. “He’s going to really have to work,” Posey said. “I’ve seen him in my fourth block class, so he seems well-rounded academically too. He’ll have to set some lofty goals, and that would be that he’s going to have to start shooting under 40 consistently on nine holes and shoot in the 80’s on 18. I’d love to watch him make it happen.” Through all the triumphs and distress, Palmateer has rediscovered himself. He holds firm to the thing that makes him unique. The game.
Bottom Left: HE’S BACK: Palmateer played golf all throughout his childhood, but took a hiatus from the sport in the eighth grade. He made his return playing for the CCHS golf team this season. Bottom Right: HEADED HOME: Palmateer was born in Jacksonville, N.C. and hopes to return to North Carolina for college to attend the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.
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Laying out the season Clarke Central High School volunteer lay coaches lend a hand to head coaches across the spectrum of spring sports. “By definition, ‘lay coach’ is a coach that is not employed in the school district that assists in coaching a specific sport,” Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said. Lay coaches are not employed by the school district but receive a stipend check at the end of their respective sport’s season. Abby Suddreth, Jennifer Lopez, Joe Rizner and Justin Harrington, four of the CCHS lay coaches, tell about their experience thus far in their coaching careers.
BY BRITTNEY BUTLER Sports Writer
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niversity of Georgia junior Joe Rizner played soccer on club teams throughout high school, and began his coaching career during his freshman year of college at Oconee County High School. Rizner used his connections with the school’s Younglife program to become involved with the CCHS JV boys soccer program. “I’m a Younglife leader here, so that’s what originally got my interest in coaching,” Rizner said. The biggest inspiration to Rizner was his high school soccer coach Brian Killips because of his ability to find meaning behind the game. “He didn’t make soccer about soccer. It was about learning life skills, learning how to be a man through soccer,” Rizner said. “I try to make my coaching style match what the team needs.” Rizner strives to coach his players in a way that will benefit the team’s dynamic as well as their skills. “Coach Rizner (says practice) is all about focus, because focus is the key to getting better,” sophomore Andres Aramburo said. “He also focuses on (making sure) nobody puts anyone else down because in the end we are like a family. If the team is like a family we play better.” Rizner looks for discipline and humbleness in his players along with the ability to work as a team. “(It is) really motivating to the team when you’re not doing this for yourself, but you’re doing this for the guy next to you,” Rizner said. “When you’re trying to carry your team and everyone is trying to carry the same team, that’s when you start to move towards success.”
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fter graduating from CCHS in 2011, UGA sophomore Abby Suddreth made her way back into the tennis program by becoming a lay coach for the girls team after participating on the CCHS team for three years. “When I graduated, I knew I was going to go to the University of Georgia, so before I even graduated I asked ( Ward) if I could help,” Suddreth said. Head tennis coach Stephen Hinson believes that Suddreth’s experience with playing tennis has benefited her coaching career. “She can truly tell (the players) what it’s going to be like when they are playing matches or when they are going into a region tournament,” Hinson said. “She works with developing talent and she’s a very good hands on coach.” Suddreth hopes to help her players find success as well as learn how to appreciate the game while encouraging her players to remain positive even if they are losing a match. “I’ve swung and missed the ball before and I’ve also played in a five-hour match where I was losing and I came back,” Suddreth said. “The best part about tennis is that you can make it last as long as you want it to last.” Senior doubles player Sophie Chen believes that Suddreth’s coaching has molded her into a stronger player. “(Coach Suddreth) is easy going and easy to talk to,” Chen said. “She is really patient and helps us individually so we can improve as quickly as possible.”
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CHS class of 2011 graduate and UGA sophomore Jennifer Lopez was at first hesitant about coaching the JV girls soccer team, but after helping with summer workouts she decided to take the opportunity. “When Coach (Chris) Hulse came to me with the idea, I was a little apprehensive. I didn’t know what to expect, but I thought about how hard the girls worked and their unbelievable talent,” Lopez said. “I wanted to be a part of that.” Lopez takes pride in the CCHS girls soccer program which motivates the players to become dedicated soccer players. “She is involved (with coaching) because she takes pride in CCHS soccer,” JV girls soccer head coach Chris Hulse said. “If the group of mostly freshmen gets even a portion of that pride, then she’s doing a lot to motivate them in the long term.” Lopez strives to coach her players the way that she would like to be coached if she was in their position. “I like to have fun while I coach and I like for the girls to have fun as well, but I like them focused and I expect hard work. I don’t tolerate laziness,” Lopez said. Lopez encourages the team to give their best effort on a day-to-day basis during practices. “Coach Lopez has a lot of pride in soccer and really wants us to achieve our goals,” sophomore Julie Rios said. “She told us a quote that her dad told her, ‘It’s not I can’t, it’s I won’t do it,’ which really inspired us to push ourselves.”
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GA senior and CCHS varsity baseball lay coach Justin Harrington’s interest in competitive sports began at a young age. “My dad was a football coach and my uncle was an athletic coordinator at a high school as well,” Harrington said. “I really love being around the game.” Harrington became involved with the baseball program at CCHS through his internship with CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward. “I told Coach Ward that I wanted to get some coaching hours and he placed me with the baseball team last year,” Harrington said. “I had the opportunity to stay with Coach Henson and I gladly took the second year.” Harrington works with the pitchers on the baseball team as well as motivating all of the players on the team. “Harrington helps the team as a whole as far as motivation and performance,” sophomore right fielder Chris Resby said. “He pushes us and never lets us quit. He motivates me to do better for myself and for the team.” By creating an accepting practice environment for the pitchers, Harrington is able to communicate effectively with his players. “He creates the situation where the pitchers are comfortable. They work with him every day. I give him full freedom to do what he feels necessary,” head baseball coach Trey Henson said. “(The pitchers) know that when they have a problem they can go to him and ask him because that’s what he does and that’s what he’s good at.”
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Coaching success CCHS JV soccer head coach Chris Hulse aspires to make his players better.
Brittany Robinson Grade: 9 Sport: Track and Field Years experience: 5 GPA: 3.5
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End of season goal: “Make it to state, and be the best I can be.” Favorite game memory: “In my middle school year we went undefeatedd. We just did our thing.” Role model: “Mom, because she’s always there and sacrifices for me.” What coaches say: “Brittany is a very hard working young lady. She shows up at practice and at the meets she is ready to compete every time. She has shown improvement throughout the course of the season. She is a talented and special athlete with a bright future.”
Photo by Gabrielle Saupe
-- Reginald Thomas, 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.
Hunter Cutts
Grade: 12 Sport: Baseball Years experience: 13 GPA: 3.8
lthough the Clarke Central High School JV girls soccer season has come to an end, I look back on it with no regret. The season would not have been the same without our JV girls head soccer coach, Chris Hulse. What makes Hulse such a valuBY AUDREY HINKLE able coach could be disputed, be it Guest Writer his background coaching football, or his deep love for the sport of soccer, but every member of the JV girl’s soccer team can vouch for his devotion to the CCHS soccer program. One reason why Hulse is so highly regarded among coaches and players is because he strives to improve his team every season. Hulse films all practices and games using Hudl software, and then goes back over the film with the team to help improve technique and devise new strategies. He makes the commitment to always be there for his players, often holding practice over breaks and weekends when he is not required to. Another way Hulse goes above and beyond is his constant updates to parents and players with enthusiastic and informative e-mails, as well as updating the Clarke Central Soccer Facebook page on a regular basis about future games, fundraisers and scores. His investment in the program is rooted all the way down in the middle school teams. He encourages CCHS athletes to attend their games and prepares the younger players to eventually join the Gladiator soccer program. Hulse holds a free girls summer camp for rising sixth graders through rising seniors to improve their skills for the upcoming season. I don’t believe that anyone can remain the same after interacting with Hulse. His devotion and character are an inspiration to everyone he encounters. The JV girls soccer team, as well as the Gladiator family, is fortunate to have such a great person on the coaching staff.
End of season goal: “Finish strong with the team, and keep the momentum going for the younger guys.” Favorite game memory: “Beating Cedar everytime, and sweeping them.” Role model: “Bobby Cox, just because of his demeanor, and everyone rallied around him.” Cartoon by John Hubbard
What coaches say: “Cutts has improved a lot, he plays really good defense and he’s been a big part of our turnaround we’ve had at the end of this season.”
Above: HULSE’S HARD WORK: JV girls soccer head coach Chris Hulse is dedicated to helping each and every one of his players improve.
Photo by Chad Rhym
-- Trey Henson, Head Coach 60 | ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE | odysseynewsmagazine.net
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1. PROBLEM SOLVING “You do
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROCK CLIMBING AS TOLD TO GABRIELLE SAUPE BY ESTHER CONAWAY PHOTO BY PORTER MCLEOD
May 2013
problems. There are different types of routes on a climbing wall, and they’re based on how hard the holds are to hold on to and how far apart the holds are. They’re on a scale from V1 and usually only go up to about V10. You can only touch the holds or plastic rocks that are set for the problem you’re doing.”
2. IT TAKES TRAINING “Training is
the same as for any other sport. You try to get better by climbing the same problems over and over again until you get to the top of the wall. We stretch, do some yoga exercises, climb some easy roots and then we progress. The routes get harder and we climb to as hard of a problem as we can. Then we usually cool down for a little bit and do ab exercises and conditioning. It’s not like running where you have to have a lot of endurance.”
3. IT’S COMPLICATED “There are a
bunch of different techniques and ways to finish a route. There are a lot of different rock sizes and ways that the rocks are spread apart. A lot of people think that it’s just grabbing onto the rocks, but there’s different angles that you climb at. Some rocks are farther apart, and some are closer together, so short climbers usually do better when they’re upside down, and taller climbers usually do better on bigger moves.”
4. A TYPE FOR EVERYONE “There is
five or six different types of climbing. The popular ones are ice climbing, sport climbing, speed climbing, bouldering and natural climbing. Ice climbing is where you use picks, like sharp knife things to get up and over an iced rock wall. Sport climbing is where you clip the rope on as you go. speed climbing is where you try to get up the wall as fast as you can, bouldering is where you climb without any ropes or equipment, except for shoes and natural climbing is with the rope at the top of the wall and you climb at whatever speed you want to go. I’ve done speed climbing and sport climbing before, but I usually do bouldering. I’ve never done ice climbing.”
5. COMPETING “The first thing they base
competition off of is who finishes the route, whoever gets to the top of the wall, and then if everyone finishes, they base it off who used the least amount of rocks. If everyone used the same amount of rocks, then they base it off of who climbed the route fastest. Depending on the competition, usually it goes to first, second and third place finishers, but sometimes they give awards up to 10th place.”
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Featured page: TOUR DE TWILIGHT: Bicyclists speed through downtown Athens during the annual Twilight Criterium bike race on April 27. The Criterium, which lasted three nights, drew over 150 cyclists from across the Southeast. The Criterium series is a part of the Georgia Champion Bicycle Series.
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May 2013
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