KEEPI N G THE S TUDE NTS OF RHEA COU NTY HIGH SCH O OL I NFORMED SI N CE 1996
GRADUATION EDITION
The Eagle's Nest SUMMERTIME FLICK PICKS LIFE, PAGE 4
CONGRATS, CLASS OF 2008! PAGE 6 & 7
VOLUME 12, NUMBER 6
XTREME SENIOR PRANKS FUN, PAGE 12
Hannah Wright wins high oratorical honors
photo SUBMITTED
RCHS Sophomore Hannah Wright speaks in the state 4-H Public Speaking competition in Nashville. Hannah won 3rd place overall. photo by JULIUS SMITH
After 38 years of handing back test papers, Mr. Rodgers is heading off for a well-deserved retirement. Though best known by recent students as an English and Mythology teacher, Mr. Rodgers also taught Chorus, Health, General Music, and even American History during his time at RCHS.
Mr. Rodgers to retire By ALEX BROWN ALEXB@RCHSEAGLESNEST.ORG
Mr. Thomas Rodgers, sophomore English and Mythology teacher, has decided to retire from teaching after 38 years of instructing students. “I want to retire before they have to carry me out in a pine box,” says Rodgers. His teaching career consisted of positions at Dalton City High School in Dalton, Georgia; Duffield in Detroit, Michigan; Rhea Central High School in Dayton, and finally Rhea County High School. Mr. Rodgers has instructed elementary Music class, high
school Chorus, Health, English 9, 10, and 11, General Music, American History, Short Story, and Mythology I and II. Some of his favorite memories revolve around teaching music: “Back when I was teaching Chorus, they would put on many good shows and musicals,” he comments. What’s his favorite subject to teach? “Depends on the class,” he responds. “I hope Mr. Rodgers has as much fun with his retirement as I had in his class. I learned tons and all the students had fun at the same time. ‘The Twilight Zone’ was one of my favorite
memories in Mythology,” said junior Danielle Doolittle. “He always had a sense of humor when he taught and you knew you would be smarter if you took any of his classes.” As we say farewell to the seniors of 2008, we bid adieu to an icon of Rhea County education. During his extensive career, he has helped numerous students in the fields of the arts and academics. His dedication to mentoring children has changed numerous lives over the years. “We will all miss Mr. Rodgers,” adds Doolittle.
By SARAH HEATH SARAH@RCHSEAGLESNEST.ORG
On January, RCHS students Hannah Wright and Brandon Pritchett participated in the local 4-H had a public speaking competition, where they delivered speeches about how 4-H has impacted their lives. Hannah won first place at the competition and was sent the regional competition. Twenty speakers competed in the regional event, each speaker giving a prepared speech, followed by an extended speech. Hannah placed first in the competition and advanced to state. The state competition was a three day event. On Saturday, Hannah arrived in Nashville and rehearsed “Tennessee, The Land That I Love,” a play written by another 4-H member. Each competitor had a speaking part, about either a famous person from Tennessee or a well
known event from Tennessee’s history. Hannah’s role in the play was to talk about Alvin C. York. After rehearsing the play, the 4-H members presented it to Congressional delegates. On Monday, all of the competitors gave their prepared speeches to the delegates. Hannah said “I was excited to present my speech in front of the members of Congress, but I was nervous too. It was a real honor to be able to have this experience.” Ultimately, Hannah placed third in the state for public speaking. “At first I was disappointed that I did not get first, but the more I thought about it, I became really happy for placing third in state,” she says. On Tuesday all of the 4-H competitors had the opportunity to vote on bills. “It was very interesting to have the opportunity see SPEECH page 3
ISSUES IN EDUCATION
A penny for your thoughts In a move that seems distasteful and even desperate to some, schools across the nation are experimenting with paying students for performance. By LAUREN COLLINS LAUREN@RCHSEAGLESNEST.ORG
photo BY KAREN ROACH / ISTOCKPHOTO.com
In some school districts across the United States, students are now expecting to come home with more than just gratitude for their academic success. Beginning with students as young as fourth grade, these schools are beginning to offer cold, hard cash as a reward for improved grades and test scores. Schools in Baltimore, Manhattan, New York City, and even Atlanta are experimenting with
different twists on this concept. At P.S. 188, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, schoolchildren are receiving small cash awards for acing their standardized state tests. Some of the children receive up to $50. Students, however, are not the only ones benefiting from this new idea. Currently in New York City, if a teacher’s students improved their scores on the statewide test, then he or she could even receive up to a $3000 bonus. The same
goes for principals in this case. If their school improves and sets the score limits over the previous bar, then he could also cash out. In suburban Atlanta, a few schools started a program that pays 8th through 11th grade students $8 an hour for a 15-week “Learn & Earn” after-school enrichment program. Please keep in mind the federal minimum wage is currently $5.85. see PENNY page 3