This Week:
Sports Issue 31
Volume 10
From the Oconee to the Apalachee
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Football
Photos from OCHS v. Hart
theoconeeleader.com
Sports
ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader
Speaking at the ribbon cutting and Oconeefest last week were (left to right) Mac McConnell, UNG’s vice-president of business and finance, Chancellor Hank Huckaby, President Bonita Jacobs and CEO of the Oconee Campus Eric Skipper. BY ROB PEECHER
Softball
Elite Eight Page 4
Rotary
The Oconee Leader
Last week’s Oconeefest at the University of North Georgia’s Oconee Campus was kicked off with the ribbon cutting of a 14,000 square foot addition to the campus that adds classroom and office space. Both UNG President Bonita Jacobs, and University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby attended Oconeefest to help Eric Skipper, the CEO of UNG’s Oconee Campus, cut the ribbon on the new addition. Underscoring the crowded conditions already present at the Oconee Campus that made the new space necessary, Skipper told the crowd, “You’ve heard the phrase ‘build it and they will come.’ Well, they’re already here.” “We are extremely proud of our campus here
in Oconee,” Jacobs said. “We pride ourselves in the success rate of our students.” Huckaby, who lives in Oconee County, said that he noted the crowding at the UNG campus during a visit not long after he became Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. “I was struck on that visit by how crowded this campus was,” Huckaby said. “But the faculty stayed committed and the students kept coming. This is a great day, and I’m very impressed with this facility.” The new construction is an addition to an existing building. The addition includes three classrooms, a language lab, a multi-use science lab, a learning commons for tutoring and supplemental instruction, and two study rooms. The space also includes offices for full-time faculty and an additional cubicle work area for part-
time faculty. The event last week was not just an opportunity to open the new classroom and office space, but also was the second Oconeefest – an annual fundraiser designed specifically to raise money for UNG students from Oconee County. Scholarship money raised during Oconeefest is available to Oconee County students on any of UNG’s campuses.Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees and scholarly opportunities. Jacobs noted that “the financial barriers are huge for students across the state.” “We pay attention to the cost of education on our campuses,” Jacobs said. “We are among the leaders in using e-textbooks and we have dou‘UNG’ Page 3
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RBES teachers present at Character forum BY MIKE SPRAYBERRY The Oconee Leader
Roadside
Trash pick up Page 2
Schools
Athens Academy
Project Safe Page 3
As members of one of only 64 National Schools of Character for 2015 (and the only one in Georgia), faculty from Rocky Branch Elementary School presented at the National Forum on Character Education in Atlanta October 15-17. Several months after receiving the honor, Rocky Branch teachers found inspiration at the conference as they not only shared their experiences and techniques with peers, but also learned from other Schools of Character. “I think from a staff standpoint, (being named a National School of Character) validates our work the last several years and inspires us to go forward,” said Dr. Evelyn Wages, Principal at Rocky Branch Elementary School. “It gave us the opportunity to learn more and meet authors that are doing more research on character education. “Most teachers that attended the conference say that it validated what we are doing completely. When our teachers presented, a lot of teachers from other schools came up to them and told them what great work they were doing and how it encourages them.” Character.org, the national character education organization behind the conference and the honor, is based in Washington, DC, but fortunately for the Rocky Branch attendees, the conference this year happened to be in Atlanta. “We would have sent teachers anyway, but because we were named a National School of Character, we got to present,” explained
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Sam Murphy (left) and Sheril Morgan (right), representatives of character.org, present a banner to RBES staff: front, (left to right): Chelsea Palmer, Teresa Granger, Stephanie Jenkins, Laura Mason, Kristy Rogers, Mobley Brandenburg; back: Beth Porter, Jennifer Cannon, Evelyn Wages, Kim Williams, and Tiffany Hancock.
Wages. “We took more to Atlanta because we knew we had been named a National School of Character last spring.” The selection process was a rigorous one that assessed on a rubric the school’s implementation of eleven principles of character education. Once selected as a Georgia School of Character, Rocky Branch received a visit from the national committee that extended to every corner of the school community. “Those schools that are state eligible have a visit from the national
committee, so last year we were visited by the national Character.org committee,” Wages said. “They met our students, parents, bus drivers, cafeteria staff and custodians to make sure we were all on board with the same character traits.” Building that kind of consistency in just one of the eleven principles of character education can take years, said Wages. “When we opened in 2002, one of the things our kids needed to work on was self-efficacy, taking
responsibility for their actions and an ownership of their learning. Our teachers have been studying along the way how to help kids build intrinsic motivation instead of motivation by external rewards. Our teachers have studied a lot. “It has been a ‘years long’ process. We have had multiple years studying together and coming to a common language among teachers. That is a strength in that the staff built intrinsic motivation ‘Character’ Page 2
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Author visits Athens Academy NO Rotary cleans up trash
Page 2
Thursday, October 29, 2015
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BY MIKE SPRAYBERRY The Oconee Leader
Marie Lu autographs a book for eighth grader Hays Miller.
New York Times best-selling author Marie Lu took time from her book tour promoting her latest novel The Rose Society to visit with Athens Academy students, faculty, and parents on Wednesday, October 14. Organized in conjunction with Avid Bookshop, the visit included a presentation and Q&A session with the seventh and eighth grade classes as well as a more intimate session with Upper School fans. Ms. Lu also took time to talk one-on-one with students during a book signing session.
‘Character’
and determined how to teach kids to deal with conflict in a problem-solving way, building that intrinsic motivation into kids instead of depending on rewards. A lot of what they saw at Rocky Branch is that students are able to verbalize how and why they do the right thing. That is the
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Best known for her Legend trilogy, Ms. Lu is currently promoting the second book of her Young Elites series. The Rose Society, which was released on Tuesday, October 13, continues the story of a secret group of magicallygifted young people. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Ms. Lu worked in the video game industry before she began writing young adult fantasy fiction full-time. Her novels Legend, Prodigy, Champion, and The Young Elites have all been New York Times best-sellers.
Continued from the Front
focus at a National School of Character.” According to Wages, even though Rocky Branch met the high standards to be designated a National School of Character, the process also provided the school with some direction for the future. “It has been a great jour-
ney,” she said. “We learned a lot going through the process because when we compared ourselves to the rubric, it helped us identify our own strengths and weaknesses. We have a goal of continuous improvement. It taught us so much and really brought the staff together.”
A major Oconee County highway is cleaner today thanks to the work of approximately 40 volunteers at the North Oconee Rotary Club’s Clean Up Oconee project Saturday. Volunteers from the North Oconee Rotary Club in conjunction with the Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission and the PILOT Club of Oconee County gathered at Herman C. Michael Park Saturday morning to pick up trash along the stretch of Hog Mountain Road between North Oconee High School and Oconee County High School. “Oconee County is such a great county and sometimes, when you look at the roadway, it’s not really nice to look at,” said Peggy Holcomb of the North Oconee Rotary Club. “This is (the North Oconee Rotary Club’s) first year and it was something we wanted to do to give back. Hopefully, each year it will get bigger. We invited as many people as we could to come help.” According to Holcomb, buses were utilized to transport volunteers to designated areas along the highway and Keep Oconee County Beautiful provided supplies such as trash pickers, gloves and garbage bags. “Keep Oconee County Beautiful gave us a huge amount of support and all the supplies,” she said. “They have been doing this for years, so we got a lot of information and support from them. Without them, we would have been lost.” Other groups that have adopted highways were invited to participate as well. “We’re inviting other groups that have sponsored roads,” said Holcomb. “We
asked that they do the roads they are already supposed to do, but thought that would be a good way to start (Clean Up Oconee), by going from one high school to another. That road is traveled a lot, so hopefully people will notice a difference.” As one of two Projects Committee Cochairs for the North Oconee Rotary Club, Dennise Grayson helped organize Saturday’s effort. “The Projects Committee is in charge of our community service projects and we thought the Clean Up Oconee project would be a great annual project that could grow every year,” Grayson said. “It went well. We had fun and picked up more trash than expected. The roadway appeared clean when driving it, but we were still able to find quite a bit of trash.” Also participating were members of the Oconee County High School Environmental Club and North Oconee High School’s Honor and Beta Clubs. “We played several little games and contests,” said Grayson. “The OCHS students discovered a deceased armadillo and a Falcons flag.” With so many volunteers, Grayson said the work went quickly. “It was fun and it only took a few hours. We met new friends and made the roadways cleaner, which improves our property values.” Holcomb and Grayson both expressed appreciation for the volunteers and hope that other civic organizations will become involved in Clean Up Oconee next year.
Mike Sprayberry is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.
OCES plans Dessert Theater
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
OCES Chorus prepares for the upcoming Dessert Theater to be held on Nov. 3.
Oconee County Elementary School will host a Dessert Theatre on Tuesday, November 3, at the Oconee County Civic Center. The event is a fundraiser to benefit Extra Special People and the OCES Music Department. Tickets are $12 per family and available at the door at 5:30p.m. Desserts and beverages will be served at 6 p.m., and the musical performance starts at 6:30p.m. “We are overwhelmed and awed by the generosity of local restaurants and businesses who are donating desserts, beverages, and supplies for our Dessert Theater performance,” said OCES Music Teacher and Chorus Director Christine Walker. “We’ll have a dessert buffet, a coffee and hot chocolate buffet, and Freddy’s is providing a Frozen Custard Bar complete with sundae sauces and toppings. A $12 family ticket will get you a whole lot of dessert and a great musical program.” The program, titled “Heroes All,” is a musical salute to champions throughout
‘UNG’
history who have broken down barriers to accomplish their dreams. It is presented by the OCES Chorus, 5th Grade Art Students, 5th Grade Art Club, PACE, and ESP’s 360 Drama Program. “We’re so excited to be a part of such a wonderful effort,” said Freddy’s General Manager Drew Skellie. “We’ve been here for nearly a year, and the community has embraced Freddy’s. We’re happy to have the opportunity to give back.” In addition to the Frozen Custard Bar provided by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Dessert Theater attendees will enjoy desserts and beverages provided by Brett’s Restaurant, Chops & Hops, The Fresh Market, Girasoles Fusion Cuisine, Kiki’s Bakeshop, The Krimson Kafe, Piccolo’s, and The Traveling Hobo Café. Paper supplies are provided by Office Depot. For more information contact Christine Walker at cwalker@oconeeschools.org.
Continued from the Front
UNG recognized students from Oconee County who attend UNG schools: Hannah Harden and Courtney Poole who are on the school’s national championship softball team and Brooke Keller, a high school senior who is dual enrolled at UNG’s Oconee Campus and plans to attend UNG’s Dahlonega campus in the fall.
bled the amount of scholarships raised for students.” “(Oconeefest) is a tremendous help in supporting students from Oconee County, and we are pleased to have the community’s involvement and support,” Jacobs said. “There are many expenses not covered by HOPE and similar initiatives, and this helps greatly with those costs and supports opportunities like undergraduate research and study abroad experiences that increase student success.” Skipper said the first Oconeefest raised $18,000 for the school’s Oconee Fund scholarship.
During the event last week, three Oconee County students were recognized. Brooke Keller, a high school senior in Oconee County, is dual-enrolled at UNG’s Oconee Campus and plans to attend UNG in Dahlonega in the fall. They also recognized Hannah Harden and Courtney Poole, students from Oconee County who are members of UNG’s 2015 NCAA Division II national champion softball team. Harden is a graduate of North Oconee High School and Poole, who was also named Division II pitcher of the year, is a graduate of Oconee County High School.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Page 3
Athens Academy football players raise money for Project Safe
Senior football players, left to right: Coach Josh Alexander, Will Haver, Kaleb Bryant, Wyman Baxley, Willy Corry, Wyatt Settles, Sam Slocum, Drew Richardson, Bobby Pinckney, Barrett King, Magill Bauerle.
Athens Academy’s football team and a group of moms raised more than $2,000 for Project Safe this past week, using homecoming bouquets as an opportunity to educate young people about domestic violence. Fashion designer and Spartan football mom Leigh Ann Barnes was inspired to make and sell bouquets and boutonnieres for Athens Academy’s October 17 homecoming dance, with all proceeds going to Project Safe. The football players got involved by writing notes of support and encouragement for the eighteen women currently living in Project Safe’s emergency shelter. Leigh Ann’s fellow Spartan moms Katherine Alexander, Betty Alice Fowler, Susie Malcom, Lisa Slocum, and Katie Thieme spent last week spreading the word about the fundraiser and then assembling the bouquets and boutonnieres with flowers and materials donated by Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market, and Burton + Burton. The morning of the dance, Coach Josh Alexander gathered his team at the Sinkwich Spartan Center to talk to them about domestic violence. He cited statistics shared by Teresa Mazzara of Project Safe, including the fact that one in four women and one in seven men have been the victim of violence from a boyfriend
or girlfriend. “It was a really great opportunity to educate these young men about domestic violence,” says Jenny Richardson, mother of quarterback Drew Richardson. “It was amazing to see how seriously they took this.” Leigh Ann agrees. “I can’t believe how many students and parents got behind this project, in such a short amount of time. I think a lot of the parents appreciated that they weren’t just buying flowers that would be discarded soon after the dance – they were making an investment in someone else’s life.” October, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is also a fitting time for this project. According to Teresa Mazzara, community response and teen service coordinator for Project Safe, “Domestic violence impacts women, men, and children of every age, background, and belief. Victims are deprived of their autonomy, liberty, and security, and face tremendous threats to their health and safety. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our dedication to forging an America where no one suffers the hurt and hardship that domestic violence causes — and we recommit to doing everything in our power to uphold the basic human right to be free from violence and abuse.”
This Week:
Online WARRIORS TITANS SPARTANS WOLVERINES LIONS
North Oconee softball heading to Columbus for first time since 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Lady Titans hold on, clinch berth in Elite Eight BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader
For the story and photo gallery on Oconee County football’s game against Hart County, as well as football roundups from last week, visit www.theoconeeleader.com.
Online
For a photo gallery of Georgia Tech’s thrilling win against Florida State, visit www.theoconeeleader.com.
Going into last Thursday’s third game of North Oconee’s best-of-three series in the second round against Eastside, the Lady Titans played 13 one-run games and 21 games decided by one or two runs, which included game one (a 2-0 win by Eastside) and game two (a 3-2 win in nine innings by the Lady Titans). It was only fitting the game to decide which team would advance to the Elite Eight came down to one run. With the bases loaded and two outs and the Lady Titans up 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning, pitcher Katie Foote got the final batter to strike out and end the game, sending the Lady Titans to Columbus for the first time since 2010. “I was so nervous. I was afraid especially when they got the bases loaded. He was calling balls and I was like, ‘oh God, please help
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Above, North Oconee’s softball players was joined by their family members on the field after their 3-2 win in game three against Eastside last Thursday. Below, the Lady Titans celebrate after Katie Foote’s strikeout ended game three. For more pictures and the full story, see theoconeeleader.com.
me get through this inning.’ I was freaking out but I was glad I pulled it out,” Foote
said. “I broke down. I could not help from crying. I was so glad. I would not be here
Warriors
The Lady Warriors’ softball season came to an end last Wednesday in the Sweet 16. The Lady Warriors lost 5-3 and 6-3 to Blessed Trinity. For a photo gallery of the Lady Warriors’ win in the first round against Pepperell, see www.theoconeeleader.com.
Lions
Westminster Christian made it to the Final Four of the GICAA state championships last Saturday. The Lady Lions got a first-round bye and faced off vs. North Georgia in round 2, winning 3-1. Sophomore Eliza O’Rear served a seven-point run to finish game one and served another seven-point run in game three. Senior Morgan Britt earned 6 kills in game 4. Lion defense earned 40 digs teamwide. With that win, the Lady Lions advanced to the Final Four to face the Habersham School, where they lost 3-0.
without my team. We all had that win. We deserved that. We have been working hard as a team this year and I am glad we pulled that off.” In the first month of the season, the Lady Titans played seven one-run games and went 2-5. Since September 12, they are 5-2 in one-run games. “A lot of one-run losses allowed us to mature and develop and get through those times,” said head coach Dustin Cordell. “Those early competitions where we lost by one allowed us to do what we are doing now.” Of their 10 region and state playoff games, eight of them have been decided by one or two runs.
Twenty-two of their 36 games have been by one or two runs. “It makes us more competitive. We have progressed so much. At the beginning we lost a lot of games. They were one-run games and it is competitive and it is hard, and it makes us passionate girls about what we do,” said third baseman Autumn McCulloch, whose grand slam against Carrollton in game two of the first round helped the Lady Titans to a 7-6 win. “That confidence that we had is almost like a trust because you trust your teammates. It’s the best feeling in the world. … The ‘NOHS softball’ Page 6
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Prince Avenue Christian softball clinches trip to Columbus
Lady Wolverines earn fourth straight trip to Elite Eight BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader
For the fourth straight year and fifth time in program history, the Prince Avenue Christian Lady Wolverines are headed back to Columbus for the Elite Eight. The Lady Wolverines earned a spot in Columbus last Wednesday with a 15-0 win in game one and an 112 win in game two against Fellowship Christian in the Class A private school state tournament. “For a senior, I am really happy and emotional at the same time,” said senior Skylar Sparr. “It is an honor to come out here and to worship God and to support this team. Everyone gets along so well and we all love being together. We didn’t want it to end today. We fought really hard today. Columbus was always our goal. We just had to finish through today.” The last three years the season has ended with a runnerup finish. They are hoping this year is different. “It would be the best feeling in the world (to win a
Prince Avenue Christian Lady Wolverines
state championship). I think we have it this year. We have all of the tools that we need. It’s about hard work at this point. The competition will be so tough this year,” said senior Jordyn Smith. “It is super exciting, especially for the seniors. We have been there three years before. We have a lot of pressure on us because it is our last time to have the opportunity, but we are so excited that we made it here again.”
Head coach Lacy McClendon missed the series against Fellowship Christian because the day before the games, she had a baby. “She was being texted all the way through the game. She was keeping up with us. She sent us a picture of the baby yesterday with, ‘Go Wolverines’. That was the first thing she heard,” said Jason Myers, who acted as head coach for the series. “The girls did a great job. It was a blast to watch
them. A lot of kids dream of getting to go to the state playoffs. Now you look and this team has got to make three trips already and now it’s their fourth trip to Columbus. It’s a testament to all of their hard work.” Senior pitcher Emily Soles threw a no-hitter in the first game, which lasted three innings. Thanks to a dominant screwball, riseball and drop curve, she struck out eight of the 10 batters she faced.
“Emmy is an amazing player,” Smith said of Soles. “She works her butt off. Having her all these years makes us realize what an amazing athlete she is. She is one of the most reliable people out there. We can rely on her to not have a bad game. That helps us a lot with our confidence on the field.” Soles was named Region 8-A pitcher of the year earlier this month. It is the second straight year she earned that honor. “I was very thankful. It meant a lot to get that,” Soles said. In game two, the Lady Wolverines led 3-0 before Fellowship Christian cut the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Lady Wolverines responded with three runs in the top of the fifth, three in the top of the sixth and two in the top of the seventh to seal their spot in Columbus. “I am really excited because I know all of the seniors wanted it so bad. I ‘PACS softball’ Page 5
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Page 5
Thursday, October 29, 2015
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Lady Warriors advance to Final Four
Oconee County is headed back to the Elite Eight for the second straight season. The Lady Warriors defeated Jefferson 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 19-25, 15-12) last Saturday to move on. The Lady Warriors played at Blessed Trinity earlier this week in the Final Four. For the full recap and photos from their win against West Hall in the Sweet 16, see www.theoconeeleader.com.
Lady Spartans advance to Final Four
Anna Marian Block
Cross country
Thomas Moore
Block, Moore set new course records in ClarkeOconee Area meet BY MATTHEW CALDWELL
Down two sets and their season on the line, Athens Academy won the next three sets to beat Fellowship Christian 3-2 (20-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-16, 15-11) to earn a berth in the Final Four. The Lady Spartans improved to 37-2 overall and played at Calvary Day earlier this week.
The Oconee Leader
Two new course records were made in last Tuesday’s Clarke-Oconee Area cross country meet at Athens Christian. North Oconee’s Thomas Moore clocked in at 16:05 and finished first by 18 seconds. The Titans also finished first overall with 36 points, two points ahead of second-place Oconee County. Athens Academy finished fourth with 90 points. “Originally I was hoping to break 16 to see how much I improved since the beginning when I ran 16:07. Most of the job today was to secure a win for the team and we did that,” said Moore, who won for the fifth time this season. “For me the season has been going pretty well. I have gotten most of the times I have wanted to so far. I broke 16 like I wanted to, but the main thing is about the team. We have had some ups and downs with injuries but considering those, we are doing pretty well and we are hoping to do even better the next race and the one after that.” Athens Academy’s Anna Marian Block finished first with a 17:50, running by herself for the majority of the race. The second-place runner finished with a time of 20:23. “I have been chasing a sub-18 this whole season and I finally got it. I am so happy right now,” Block said. “I don’t really run with a watch but I ran with it. I looked at it the mile and two-mile and I couldn’t do the math in my head. I thought it was close. I heard my coach say give it all you have and I gave it everything. When I saw that time I was so happy.” It was a run by Block that North Oconee assistant coach Brady Sigler described it to a parent as, “the best race she has had in cross country.” “I gave it everything I had and I was not going to slow down,” Block said. “It’s harder (running by yourself) but it has gotten easier because I have had to learn. If I want a good time, I want to do it for me because I am not going to wait until state to break 18.” North Oconee’s girls had runners finish third, fourth, eighth, 10th, 11th and 12th to finish as the top team with 33 points. The Lady Spartans finished second with 45 points. Athens Christian was third (86), Oconee County was fourth (102).
Season ends for Lady Titans in Elite Eight
North Oconee, playing without starter Makenzie Perry, lost to Woodward Academy 3-0 (23-25, 23-25, 1825) last Saturday in the Elite Eight. The Lady Titans, who defeated Woodward earlier this season 2-0, ended the season with a 36-9 record. For a photo gallery and the full story, see www.theoconeeleader.com. Pictured are seniors Madison Thomas and Lizzy Aldrich. MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
‘PACS softball’ can’t wait to go to Columbus and for us to give it our all,” Soles said. “As seniors we know we have to bring our ‘A’ game because those will be our best com-
petition down there that we have played all year. It will be really important to let (the younger girls on the team) know not to be nervous and to go out and give
Continued from Page 4
it their all.” The Lady Wolverines begin their road to a potential state championship today (October 29) against Stratford. Their following
opponent will be either Christ Heritage or Eagles Landing Christian, the two-time defending state champion.
" !
Thursday, October 29, 2015
‘NOHS softball’
potential that we had at the beginning of the season and now that it is all showing up is truly amazing. I wouldn’t want to be with any other girls. They are the best girls I could possibly ask for.� The Lady Titans got on the board first with a pair of runs in the top of the third inning. Shelby Thomas started it with a double and she scored on a one-out hit by Courtney Martin. A single by Kayci Meeler advanced Martin to third, and she scored on a single by Kendall Green for a 2-0 lead. Caroline Miller, whose double in the bottom of the ninth propelled the Lady Titans to a win in game two, walked to start the top of the fifth inning. Carson Dickens came into run for Miller, the Lady Titans’ catcher, and she advanced to second on a groundout to third by Martin. The out by Martin was a productive one because it got Dickens into scoring position, and Meeler followed Martin with double
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Lady Titans varsity wins again, JV finishes season-high third
Continued from Page 4
to left to score Dickens for a 3-0 lead. “I wasn’t doing so good the first games,� Meeler said. “I knew I needed to take a breather and sit back and wait on the ball, and that’s what I did.� The run was a big one for the Lady Titans. A one-out solo home run in the bottom of the sixth got Eastside on the board. The Lady Eagles added a second run on a two-out double to cut the lead to 3-2. “We were worried about winning the innings. The (sixth) inning we didn’t win. They scored two and we didn’t score anything. Luckily we were one up,� Miller said. “We wanted to get three outs and then we win the inning and then the game.� Foote got the first batter in the bottom of the seventh to strike out but walked the second batter. A hit by Eastside followed and the Lady Eagles had runners on second and third with just one out. “I was trying to keep Katie calm. I knew if she
was calm, I could calm down,� Miller said. Foote got the next batter to strike out and the following batter to come up with two outs and the game-winning run on second base was the same batter who hit the home run. She eventually drew a walk on pitches that were near the strike zone. “Just trying to keep it away from her and making sure she couldn’t get anything she was going to be able to handle really well,� Miller said. “We tried to keep it on the outside of the plate. We did. We didn’t get the strikeout but didn’t get a home run either.� With the bases loaded, two outs and a potential walk allowing the gametying run to score, Foote struck out the final batter of the game to seal the win and start a celebration by the team in front of their dugout on the first-base side of the diamond. “I literally was crying on the field. In the bottom of the seventh I was so nervous but I am so happy Katie
Page 6
Contributed photo
The North Oconee JV team finished up their season at Loganville High School last Saturday with their best performance of the season, placing third out of 11 teams. The Varsity team also continued their success with another first-place finish against region opponents North Hall and Monroe Area. The varsity will compete in their final regular season competition on Saturday at Chestatee High School. That will be followed by their region and state competitions to finish out the season.
came through and everyone came through. That was so fun,� Meeler said. “We worked so hard every day. We came out every day wanting it so bad. It feels so great. It is awesome. I can’t wait. We have never gotten this far ever since I was a freshman. I am going to be so excited (to get to Columbus). I am probably going
to cry more but I feel like it will be so much fun and a great experience.� “Being up, you know a team like Eastside, as well coached as they are and good players that they have, you know they will make a run. You have to be able to withstand it. We were able to withstand it,� Cordell said. “Katie Foote, what
else can you say? A great all-around competitor. She did what she needed to do.� This was the first season since 2010 the Lady Titans have advanced out of the first round of the state tournament. The Lady Titans play Veterans today (October 29) in the first game of the Elite Eight.
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Local and experienced! xperienced! We are fully insured sured and offer offfer Tree Tree removal,Trimming Pruning, removal,Trimming Pruning, Debris Removal, Insurance Removal, Insurance work, Right of way way work, Lot work, Lot clearing, and nd Stump Grinding. We Grinding. We pride our self on customer mer service and satisfaction. action. Call for a free estimate free e estimate today. today day.. Office: 706-369-5300 Office: 706-369-5300 6-369-5300 Cell: 706-255-4941 255-4941
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“Resolving Conflicts Between People ween P eople & Animals� WILDLIFE T TRAPPING RAPPING Wildlife Detection Removal Remo moval & Prevention Prevention
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Athens Bread of Life Ministries Inc. invites invites you to o our weekly, weekly, contemporary worship w ship service. wor t Sundayss at 3 PM t Bible studies on Wednesdays Wednesdays at 7 PM t With Fellowship Fellowship Supper at 6:30 PM
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Lamar Adams  706-224-2079
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Professional Services
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Professional Services
CHUCK HARDY Y & SONS LLC BRUSH, MULCHING HING & STUMPÂ GRINDING DING
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Insured   Insured   Free Free Estimates! Estimat mates! 706-201-4380 706-201-4380
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School days in Oconee County
Calendar Infant Storytime: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oconee County Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville. Stories, songs, nursery rhymes, bouncing and cuddling. Free and open to the public. (706) 769-3950 or www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. Kids’ Crafternoon: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oconee County Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville. Children can drop in to participate in a self-directed craft. Free and open to the public. (706) 769-3950 or www.athenslibrary. org/oconee. Scary Tales Haunted House: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oconee County Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville. Games, treats and a haunted house. Free. (706) 769-3950 or www. athenslibrary.org/oconee. TOPS weight loss: 7 p.m. Thursday, Government Annex Building, Highway. 15, Watkinsville. Meetings are held every Thursday. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit support group for weight loss. Members can share challenges, successes or goals, hear a brief program and discuss plans for the week. (800) 932-8677 or www.tops.org. Oconee Farmer’s Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, in front of the Oconee County Courthouse in downtown Watkinsville. www.oconeefarmersmarket.org. Brown Bag Movie: Noon Saturday, Oconee County Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville. Bring a lunch and watch a movie on the library’s big screen. For all ages. Free and open to the public. (706) 769-3950 or www.athenslibrary. org/oconee. Sunshine Ukulele Club: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oconee County Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville. Bring your ukulele and jam. First 30 minutes will be basic chord instruction followed by an hour-long jam session. For all ages. Free and open to the public. (706) 769-3950 or www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. Read to Rover: 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oconee County Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville. Children learning to read can read to a therapy dog and grow their reading skills. All ages welcome. Free and open to the public. (706) 769-3950 or www.athenslibrary.org/oconee. Chess Play: 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oconee County Library, 1080 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville. All experience levels welcome. For ages 7 and older. Free and open to the public. www.athenslibrary.org/oconee.
Top: Oconee County Primary School held a Fun Run recently, which brought forth a bunch of determined racers, many running in their first race. Left: Ms. Renna’s fourth-graders performed the play “The Solar System” for Colham Ferry Elementary second-graders who are also studying the planets. Below: Third-graders want to thank the Rotary Club of Oconee County for donating dictionaries to every third-grader at Oconee County Elementary School.
To Advertise: Phone 706.208.2290 Administrative Clerical
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Administrative Clerical
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The City of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the position of Gas Crew Technician This position is responsible for the installation, construction and repair of the city-operated natural gas distribution system and services. Requirements: • Possession of or ability to readily obtain the appropriate State of Georgia operator certification for gas distribution • DOT certified welder preferred • Knowledge of all aspects of a municipal gas distribution system Please view the city’s website www.commercega.org. for a complete job description. You may apply online or in person at City Hall, 27 Sycamore Street Commerce, GA, 30529. Please direct inquiries to tracyw@commercega.org. The City of Commerce offers a benefits package which includes health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation and paid holidays. The starting hourly rate for this position is $15.95/hour. The City of Commerce is an EOE and a drug-free workplace. Open until Filled. Installation / Maintenance / Repair
1260
Installation / Maintenance / Repair
1260
QA Technician Benson’s Old Home Kitchens, in Bogart, GA has an employment opportunity available for a Quality Assurance Technician on third shift. Applicants must be available to work weekends when required. Prefer candidates with previous quality assurance experience in food processing. Competitive salary and benefits offered, including company paid employee health/life insurance with options for vision, dental and 401-k retirement plan. Application can be completed in person at Benson’s Bakery, 134 Elder Street, Bogart, GA 30622 or on line at www.bensonsbakery.com. Certified Georgia Drug-Free Workplace. EOE. Logistics / Transportation
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Logistics / Transportation
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Driver- CDL/A $3000 Sign On Bonus for Experienced Drivers Paid Out within 30 days of 1st dispatch!
CDL A DRIVER JOB FAIR October 24th 8 AM-Noon 300 Hwy 29 North Athens, GA 30603 Benefits Include: 4,000 Sign-On Bonus Medical Benefits on Day 1 401k w/Company Match Average Salary Over $70,000 Regional Routes with More Home Time Paid Vacations and Holidays For More information: call Steve Parks at 706-549-4520 Driveformclane.com Accounting / Finanance/Insurance
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HOME WEEKLY NEW Southeast Regional PAY INCREASE!
Company & Independent Contractors Needed 6 Day Refresher Course Avail.
In Business over 50 years!
855-378-9335 EOE KLLM.com
Find your new career today!
Accounting / Finanance/Insurance
1000
Roll Off Systems is seeking an Accounting Specialist. Job includes accounting and customer service responsibilities including data entry, report preparation and auditing. Strong communication skills and strong computer skills are essential. Please submit resumes to sgarrett@rolloffsystems.com
Sales Retail/Business Development
1460
Sales Retail/Business Development
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NOW HIRING: SALES PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONCIERGE GREETER * N o P re v i o u s a u t o m o t i ve s a l e s e x p e r i ence necessary *Great Benefits including life, health insurance & 401 K plan *Paid Training Period *Representing Athens oldest & well known automotive dealership, with world class products. Must be 21 years old and have a valid Georgia Driver’s License. Background check, Drug Testing, and 3 year Motor Vehicle Record will be required. Are you eager to learn, customer service focused & a self-starter? Apply today! Email your resume to: shess@heywardallen.net HEYWARD ALLEN MOTOR COMPANY
Seasonal Christmas Ornaments at Georgia Square Mall Description: This job is a relationship of fun for the holidays. You will be helping customers relate life experiences into Christmas ornaments. We are building memories for all to enjoy each Christmas and future Christmas’ through our personalized ornaments. If you are looking for a fun and exciting job and love the holidays you have found it with Ornament Workshop. We can work around different schedules for full-time or part-time positions. Have a Merry Christmas! Requirements: Have the ability to multi-task, always have a positive attitude and preferred but not required good handwriting. Assist customers is selecting ornaments, handling customer special orders, and providing excellent customer service. Email resume or request application to christmasornamentsspectrum@gmail.com. Manufacturing / Production / Operations
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Manufacturing / Production / Operations
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Vibration Analysis Technician Technical Support Specialist (IT) Temporary Position J. M. Huber Corporation is a broad range of industries with innovative products. Our Huber Engineered Woods LLC Division (HEW) has an opportunity for a Technical Support Specialist (IT) Temporary Position with the possibility of becoming full-time depending on performance. This position would assist the IT Manager with Plant and Divisional IT duties at our manufacturing facility in Commerce, GA where we produce oriented strand board (OSB) and is located 20 minutes from Athens, GA. Huber Engineered Woods LLC is a World Class company with a World Class team. Applicants should have experience in PC (software and hardware) troubleshooting, software and hardware installation, Imaging Hard drives, Network Systems, installing operating systems, Microsoft Office, and Windows 2000/XP. Knowledge in Exchange/ Outlook and Citrix will be a plus. AS or BS in Computer Science, Electrical/ Computer Engineering preferred but not required. Experience preferred is 1 plus years. Interested candidates should send resumes to: Human Resources Department 1442 Highway 334 Commerce, GA 30530 E-mail: HEWCGHRDEPT@huber.com Fax: (706) 336-3084 An equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/ Women/Veterans/Disabled
Medical / Health
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Medical / Health
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REGISTERED NURSE/LPN Advance Your Career in a Stable Environment! PruittHealth Hospice’s continued growth has created new nursing opportunities in Athens and surrounding areas. As a premier healthcare organization, PruittHealth Hospice offers Nurses a positive work environment, stability, growth, and the support of a caring and highly competent management staff. Hospice experience preferred. Current GA RN license required. Our team members enjoy great rates, flexible schedules, a top-tier benefits package including health and life insurance, STD/LTD, pension and retirement plans. Embark on an exciting new career path with a growing leader in healthcare. Join Us! For consideration, please email your resume to: aedwards@pruitthealth.com Discover even more career opportunities online at: www.pruitthealth.com Equal Opportunity Employer Northridge Medical Center IMMEDIATE openings available for the following positions REGISTERED NURSES – Full-time All Shifts SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST – Full-time LPN’s - Per Request Needed (PRN) ULTRASONOGRAPGER - PRN ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES - PRN We offer competitive salaries, PTO, 401(k), Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits! To learn more, please email your resume to: jjones@northridgemc.org or tkubasta@northridgemc.org EOE/M/F/D/V Drug Free Workplace Medical / Health
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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Seeking a FT Occupational Therapist to perform patient evaluations and occupational therapy interventions in its inpatient rehab facility. Emphasis on professionalism and patient satisfaction required with 3-5 years’ experience preferred. Must have current state licensure and CPR/BLS certification. Morgan Memorial Hospital Apply online at www.mmh.org or send resumes to sarahp@mmh.org Drug-free workplace/EOE Education/Training
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Medical / Health
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Local medical office seeks to fill FT Case Manager/ Pharmacy Tech/ Insurance Biller/ Customer Service Position. Previous medical or pharmacy experience preferred. Please email resume to psiresume@hotmail.com. Apogee Medical Group, Georgia, Inc. seeks Hospitalist Physicians to work in Toccoa, GA. Send CV to jacqueline.gallina@apogeephysicians.com.
Education/Training
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North Georgia Technical College Clarkesville Georgia Welding Instructor, FT Diploma on Welding and 3 years in-field work experience; welding tests required. Grants Coordinator, FT Bachelor’s degree and 2 years related work experience For application and more information, including preferred qualifications and application procedure, download position announcement from https://northgatech.edu/pages/jobs.aspx Criminal history and MVR required for recommended candidate NGTC is EOE
Call 706.208.2290 to advertise your job opening in the Oconee Leader.
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Thursday, October 29, 2015
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