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This Week:
Sports Issue 34
Volume 10
Thursday, November 19, 2015
From the Oconee to the Apalachee
Football
OCHS advances Page 6
Arts
ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader
Oconee County honored its veterans last week with a special ceremony held at Oconee Veterans Park. Former Watkinsville Mayor Jim Luken was among the speakers at the ceremony, and the Malcom Bridge Middle School band performed. During the ceremony, special recognition was given to the Vietnam veterans in the audience, who were asked to come forward and stand in front of the Veterans Memorial to be recognized. For the full story, see page 2.
Cornerstone
Performance Page 3
Online
Oconee high schools now offering AP Capstone BY MIKE SPRAYBERRY The Oconee Leader
Oconee County High School and North Oconee High School both have become two of only 10 schools in Georgia approved to offer the Advanced Placement Capstone program. The AP Capstone program is a diploma program from the College Board intended to equip students with independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills valued by colleges.The program consists of two courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, designed to complement other discipline-specific AP courses. “The Capstone program is designed to enhance students’ higher order critical thinking skills and ability to access information to conduct research,” said Dr. Claire Miller, Chief Academic Officer of the Teaching and Learning Department for Oconee County Schools. “By
the completion of these courses, students are awarded an IB diploma. Being AP courses, they are College Board approved courses.” The College Board is a not-for-profit organization that provides college preparation programs and services including the SAT and the Advanced Placement program. AP Research and AP Seminar are the latest of 38 AP courses offered by the College Board. “AP Capstone is fairly new and you have to submit an application for approval,” Miller said. “We’re actually very excited about this opportunity because it will expand higher learning opportunities for our students and offer more rigorous coursework. “Another thing important to note is that the addition of this program was initiated at the school level by administrators and teacher leaders. It wasn’t that we initiated it from the district level. We want to give them credit for being innova-
tive and seeking out opportunities to provide higher learning experiences for our students.” According to Miller, though approval to offer the AP Capstone program came from the College Board, trained teachers will shape the specifics of the courses. “It will be designed at the teacher level. They will be going to training by the College Board this summer and are currently reviewing texts that they will use in the classroom. “The texts will promote advanced research skills and critical thinking, but students will select a topic of interest to them and will be conducting their own research on that topic. The culminating project is called a Capstone project where they actually do a thesis and present their results.” ‘AP Capstone’ Page 2
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ACTS of generosity: 30,000 cans from can drive BY ROB PEECHER
Santamaria
Academy grad
theoconeeleader.com
Online
Veterans Day
Photo Gallery
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The Oconee Leader
More than 110 volunteers showed up Fridayat the Area Churches Together Serving food bank in Bogart to help sort cans and other non-perishable items collected through the annual Can-A-Thon at the local schools. Reiny Hiss, the director at ACTS, said the items donated through the Can-A-Thon at area schools were consistent with what ACTS received last year. “We had about 30,000 cans delivered,” Hiss said. “This will be enough more than enough to get us through the end of the year.” The shelves at ACTS appeared pretty well-stocked even before the Can-A-Thon donations arrived, but Hiss pointed out that ACTS had just spent $9,000 buying food the day before the donations arrived from the schools. “We spend $4,500 a month on rice, sugar, flour, pasta and hearty soups,” Hiss said. “We have to do this to supplement the donations. Kids don’t bring rice or other things that can break open.” With a hundred volunteers sorting enormous boxes of donations outside, Hiss said people might not understand how much food actually leaves ACTS. Hiss said during the course of the day Friday, he had
ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader
Rachel Harper and her grandson 8-year-old Gage Harper help sort cans at ACTS last week.
110 volunteers sign in to help organize the donated food, but he noted that probably there were some volunteers who did not show up. “The Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Tuesday before Christmas, we will have 15,000 cans leave here,” he said. Those two weeks alone will run through about
half the donations ACTS gets from the schools. On average, ACTS is serving about 500 families a month. Hiss said the economy has improved over the past several months, but the number of families coming in for help has remained consistent. “Our growth is about 80 percent from seniors,” Hiss said.
Hiss said families move on and off the rolls of people receiving help from ACTS as they get jobs and their situation improves, but he attributes the growth of seniors on the rolls to recent cuts to the food stamp program. “The food stamp cutting last year was ridiculous,” Hiss said. “They’ve forced seniors to make a decision between buying food and buying medication.” Hiss said to meet the changing needs of the community, ACTS has created what it calls “Senior Boxes” that includes a few special items for seniors. “We put dried beans in the Senior Boxes because seniors know how to make a meal out of dried beans,” Hiss said. “We designed this box to have enough food for one or two seniors to last a week, and we’re qualifying people for these so that we know they are giving up food for medication.” Hiss said some of those boxes get delivered to another local group that distributes the boxes. “This is something we started about a year ago, and I’m just tickled to death with it,” Hiss said. ACTS is a local organization run by 29 member churches from ‘Can Drive’ Page 4
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Page 2
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Oconee honors local veterans during Veterans Day ceremony Tell our advertisers you saw them in The Oconee Leader • Go to theoconeeleader.com for picture galleries
BY ROB PEECHER
The Oconee Leader
photos by ROB PEECHER/Oconee Leader
Only a handful of World War II veterans were present during the Veterans Day ceremony to be recognized when they were asked to stand.
Former Watkinsville Mayor and Vietnam veteran Col. Jim Luken spoke November 11 at the Veterans Day ceremony at Oconee Veterans Park, and the ceremony also included a special recognition for Vietnam Veterans. In his remarks, Luken recalled a fourand-a-half day engagement in the spring of 1968 in which 700 Marines faced 7,000 North Vietnamese. “Each company lost numerous leaders throughout the fighting,” Luken said. “At least two Marines from the battle received the Medal of Honor. … By the end of the war, 40,000 Americans were killed and five times that many were injured.” Luken kept his remarks short as at least 200 people listened on the warm November morning with the sun bright in the clear sky. “Thank you all for supporting veterans,” he concluded. The Malcom Bridge Middle School band performed the National Anthem and other music, and the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented the colors as they do each year. A number of groups laid wreathes at the base of the Oconee Veterans Memorial. Jim Alexander, who serves on the Veterans Memorial Foundation, also spoke briefly, offering thanks specifically to the Vietnam Veterans for their service, and Alexander asked the Vietnam Veterans present to come forward to stand in front of the Memorial and be recognized. A speaker also asked for the World War II veterans present to stand, and in a striking indication of the passage of time, only a half-dozen veterans stood to be recognized. The ceremony closed with James Jutras performing Taps. Also last week, Oconee County Middle School hosted its annual Veterans Day cer-
emony where Retired U.S. Navy Commander Jeff Jenkins, who was a pilot during the Gulf War, was the featured speaker for the program. Jenkins left the students with a challenge to find a way to serve their country when they become adults. That might not mean military service for everyone, he said, pointing out that teachers, police officers and firefighters also serve their country. “Volunteer at the food bank or become a Scout leader,” Jenkins said. “Pick something. Give back. It’s on you youngsters to give back and keep this country great.”
Rob Peecher is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.
Former Watkinsville mayor and Vietnam Veteran, Jim Luken (above) was among the speakers at the Oconee County Veterans Day ceremony where Vietnam Veterans were recognized for their service in that war.
McKissick receives volunteer award
Amanda McKissick, a volunteer at the Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department, last month received the 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Georgia Recreation and Park Association District 7 Awards Banquet last month. McKissick is pictured (left) with OCPRD’s Whitney England Sperlik.
Several area veterans groups, patriotic organizations and individuals laid wreaths at the foot of the Oconee Veterans Memorial during last week’s ceremony. Elizabeth Ann Florist provided a bouquet for the event.
‘AP Capstone’
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Oconee County is the only school system in the State of Georgia with all high schools qualifying for the AP Capstone program. Approval to offer the program is not easily attained, said Miller, but the achievement will soon benefit Oconee County students. “It is a rigorous process to get approval. That is evident by how few schools have gotten approval in the state. Right now in Georgia, to our knowledge, there were eight schools approved this past year and
Continued from the Front then both of our schools brought the number to ten. “The most important thing is expanding opportunities for our students. Oconee County students are going to have more opportunities for higher learning experiences that better prepare them to be ready for college and careers.” Mike Sprayberry is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.
Cornerstone to perform ‘God Bless us, Every One’
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Clarke Sheriff speaks at PACS
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Page 3
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Clarke County Sheriff Ira Edwards speaks to students at Prince Avenue Christian School.
Clarke County Sheriff Ira Edwards, Jr. recently spoke to Prince Avenue Christian School middle and high school students as the second quarter speaker in the Distinguished Speaker Series. The Distinguished Speaker Series is part of the school’s four-pillar Christian Character Development program, designed to encourage students to strengthen their walk with Christ as they face the everyday challenges of the contemporary culture. The other three pillars of the program include the student
Honor Code, discussion groups, and community service participation. Sheriff Edwards encouraged students with an acronym based on WISDOM: Wisdom, Initiative, Service, Diligence, Obedience and Meekness. He explained that these are characteristics that should be developed by young students through their relationship with Christ. Students were given the opportunity to meet Sheriff Edwards and will be reviewing the main points of his speech in small groups in the coming week.
Academy students named to GEMA’s All State Orchestra
BY MIKE SPRAYBERRY The Oconee Leader
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Several Athens Academy students advanced to the state level for the 2016 Georgia Music Educators Association’s All State Orchestras: Daniel Huang (6th) violin, Terry Ma (7th) violin, Alex Oh(7th) viola, Daniel Huang (6th) violin, and Nicholas Xie (7th) violin. The state level audition will be held at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta on Saturday, January 9. Pictured, left to right: Terry Ma, Daniel Huang, Alex Oh, Nicholas Xie, and Julian Shelnutt.
Latimer receives Jewell award
Angela Zoe Latimer, a University of Georgia student from Watkinsville, studying animal science and dairy science, has been selected to receive the College of Agricultural and Environmental Latimer Sciences June Hall Jewell Memorial Fund Scholarship for
the 2015-2016 school year. Each year the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at the University of Georgia awards scholarships to eligible students enrolled in majors within the college. Funding for scholarships comes from an assortment of sources and donors and is offered to help with college-related expenses. Zoe is the daughter of John and Amanda Latimer of Watkinsville.
This weekend, Cornerstone Productions will be performing the southeast premier of “God Bless Us, Every One,” a faith-based Christmas musical. The production will be performed November 19 to 22 at the Oconee County Civic Center. A sequel to Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the show is set in 1870 and follows the life of an adult Tiny Tim, now a doctor facing a choice between moving to Boston or running a dilapidated clinic inherited from Mr. Scrooge. The “Broadwaystyle musical” features a mixture of original songs and traditional Christmas carols. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. November 19 through 21 and 2:30 p.m. November 21 and 22. “It is 30 years after the story from A Christmas Carol,” said Justin Carter, coowner of Cornerstone Productions. “We are the southeast premier of the show. Last year was the world premier. “It tells the story of Tiny Tim, now Dr. Timothy Cratchit. It starts at Mr. Scrooge’s funeral and he leaves Timothy a run-down clinic that he has to run. So, he is choosing between running the clinic or moving to Boston, but of course, he falls in love with the head nurse of the clinic.” “God Bless Us, Every One” was written by Robert Sterling, a Nashville-based composer. Sterling contacted Carter and suggested the musical for Cornerstone’s annual Christmas production. “A lot of our shows are from Virginia from the Virginia Christmas Spectacular,”
said Carter. “I used to work with them when I was in Virginia and we adapt their shows to a smaller stage. This year’s show was written by Robert Sterling out of Nashville. He contacted us and said he thought it would be good for us to do.” Now in its seventh year, Cornerstone Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatrical company producing shows year-round ranging from new Christmas musicals to adaptations of popular stories such as Disney’s “The Jungle Book KIDS” in January. “We specialize in family-friendly productions. That is our mission statement. We offer classes in acting, dancing and singing and we’re now up to eight productions a year. Some of our staff is paid, but as the owners, we don’t get paid. This is our service to the community. “We are able to fund a lot of it through ticket sales, sponsors, donors and classes. The three main ways are through ticket sales, donors and sponsors.” “God Bless Us, Every One” features a cast of 80, said Carter. “The cast is actually a little smaller for Christmas. We usually have around 90 or 100. All of the music is original. It is a good show and a lot of fun.” Tickets for “God Bless Us, Every One” are $12 and may be purchased at www.cornerstoneathens.com or at the door. For more information on Cornerstone Productions or to sign up for the monthly newsletter, visit www.cornerstoneathens.com.
Mike Sprayberry is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.
OCHS adds new options to extra-curricular activities Page 4
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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club. “We are going to try to put together a robot with pieces made from the printer,” Oconee County High School is offering a Burger said. variety of new extracurricular activities for SkillsUSA is a component of the school’s its students this year. Among the new clubs Career, Technical and Agricultural Educaforming at the school are a Mock Trial club tion (CTAE) program. CTAE is the partand SkillsUSA. nership of “academic education and SkillsUSA is a national organization that specific career opportunities.” focuses on helping students develop their The Mock Trial Competition is a national technical skills, personal skills and work- program designed for students to both inplace skills. Within SkillsUSA, students teract with and get a better understanding are introduced to a variety of occupations of law. It is sponsored by the Young with the hope that the club might be a gate- Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georway for the students’ future careers. Ac- gia. cording to the SkillsUSA In early October, each team in website, “one-fourth of all the state is given either a civil U.S. occupations are or criminal case that they covered by SkillsUSA must learn and study. A curriculum.” typical team includes Susan Burger is six prosecution memthe advisor for the bers, six defense OCHS chapter. Almembers and two though it is her first timekeepers. year, the experience The goal of the com-OCHS Mock Trial advisor has been a great one so petition is not to prove Randy Landry far. someone guilty or not “These students are so guilty. The students are bright,” Burger said. “They are judged on their understanding of doing wonderful, creative things with the case and the law process behind it. SkillsUSA.” For the competition, teams will travel to The club’s organization offers many real courtrooms throughout the state to competitions throughout the year where present their cases against other teams. students can showcase the skills they have Professional attorneys or judges serve as learned. Some of the competitions include the “presiding judges” and “evaluators” to baking, hairdressing, welding, restaurant help students understand how real legal service and graphic design technology. proceedings are conducted. Burger took her team of 15 students to Randy Landry will serve as the coach for the Georgia National Fair last month to the new team at OCHS. He currently compete at the SkillsUSA poster competi- teaches Economics and AP Macroeconomtion. ics. The students were responsible for creatThis is also Landry’s first time participating two SkillsUSA promotional posters and ing in the mock trial program. “It’s going to one display board, which won second place be fun. It will be hard work but I think it in the state. The board will now move on to will be a cool experience,” Landry said. the regional level competition. Although it is the first year at OCHS, A major player in the development of the there has been lots of interest in the proSkillsUSA club is the school’s new 3-D gram. The team currently has 22 students printer. The students have used the printer on the roster for the year. to make small classroom necessities such There are four different levels of compeas keyboard stands and more. tition - regional, district, state and national. In addition to the keyboard stands, the The OCHS team is currently practicing for students made small key chains to sell with the regional level of competition that will the profits benefitting a fellow student in occur on Jan. 30. need of a kidney transplant. Burger said that one goal of the club is to Jordan Hammack is an intern at Oconee work alongside the school’s new Robotics County High School. BY JORDAN HAMMACK
for The Oconee Leader
‘It will be hard work, but I think it will be a cool experience.’
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
OCHS teacher and SkillsUSA advisor Susan Burger poses with the second place winning promotional display board.
Sister Giddins, Elsie Harrison and Mary Steen sort cans last week at the ACTS can drive. Local schools brought 30,000 cans to the local food bank on Friday.
‘Can drive’
Oconee County. Each church is required to provide volunteers six times a year, and when Hiss finds his shelves are running low, he reaches out to the churches for financial support or to encourage them to do can drives. But ACTS also depends heavily on donations from the community – either through the annual Can-A-Thon at the schools or through individual donations of food and money.
Continued from the Front
ACTS also accepts donations of clothes in good condition, and Hiss said with cold weather setting in there is a real need for coats for children and adults. ACTS is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located in Bogart at 130 E. Thompson Street.
Rob Peecher is a reporter for The Oconee Leader.
During the course of the day, 110 volunteers signed in at ACTS to help sort cans after the can drive.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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This Week:
For hundreds of photos and constant updates about Oconee events and people, go to theoconeeleader.com
Titans
WARRIORS TITANS SPARTANS WOLVERINES LIONS
Oconee County 38, Cedartown 7
Thursday, November 19, 2015
28-point second half propels Warriors to second round BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader
Softball
All-Region announced Page 8
Upcoming
Oconee County’s Ben Huckaby and Isaac Krumm recently signed to play their respective sports in college. Their stories will be featured in an upcoming edition of The Oconee Leader.
Online
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In brief
Auto Racing
John Wes Townley has long considered Phoenix International Raceway the most difficult race track he encounters each season. That’s why his third-place finish in Friday night’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 was essentially viewed as a victory. “When Phoenix week used to come up on the schedule, I dreaded getting on an airplane to fly out there,” Townley admitted. “But things have slowly changed. (Crew chief) Michael Shelton and this entire Athenian Motorsports team have given me a great race truck and my spotter, Terry Cook, has really helped me understand how to race at Phoenix. “However, I will say my expectations on Friday night was to get out of there with a top 10 finish. It was incredible to leave with a third-place finish.” Townley’s expectations were set after posting the tenthfastest lap in practice on Thursday and qualifying his No. 05 Zaxby’s Chevrolet 19th on Friday morning. Townley will now set his sights on Friday night’s season finale for the Truck Series in Homestead, Fla. “We’re only two points behind Daniel Hemric for seventh in the driver standings,” Townley said. “Our goal is to go there and try to win the race and move up to seventh in points.”
After getting down 7-3 nearly one minute into the second quarter, the Oconee County Warriors outscored Cedartown 35-0 in the final 34 minutes of the game to win 38-7 in the first round of the Class AAA state tournament. It’s the second straight season the Warriors have advanced to the second round. “We started out slow and sluggish but Cedartown had a lot to do with that. I knew it would be a tough game. They are a very good defensive football team. I am proud and pleased that we won,” said head coach Travis Noland. “In the playoffs, it’s win and advance. We did that and I am very happy for our kids and our program. The coaches did a good job getting them ready. It’s been a tough week, playing in a different environment, but we woke up the second half and played better.” The Warriors were the designated home team even though it wasn’t played at Oconee County High School. Because of the field conditions at Warrior Stadium, the game was moved to North Oconee. It’s the first home playoff win for the Warriors since 2004. “It’s not easy to do,” Noland said. “We put a lot of work into this thing and we are happy we are moving on. We know next week will be a tough opponent. We have a lot of work to do and we will see what happens.” Hunter Reynolds had a 27-yard field goal for the Warriors’ first points of the game with 8:21 left in the first quarter. Roques Dowdy recorded an interception on Cedartown’s next drive, and the Warriors drove to the Bulldogs’ 14 before their drive stalled and an incomplete pass on fourth down gave possession to Cedartown. The Bulldogs responded
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Above, Oconee County’s Tyler Davis stiff-arms a Cedartown defender during his kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half last Friday at North Oconee. Below, Parker Skiles hits one of his five PATs in the win. For more photos, see theoconeeleader.com.
on the ensuing drive with a 73-yard touchdown pass on third-and-seven to take a 73 lead with 11:08 left in the second quarter. “Coach tells us every day every team will make big plays. It’s football,” Dowdy said. “We just have to capitalize and come back.” The Warriors responded and only needed four plays to reach the end zone. A 14yard rush by Tyler Davis on the first play and a 41-yard pass from Zeb Noland to Cooper Saunders on the second play set up firstPlease see
‘OCHS football’ Page 9
Athens Academy graduate back in Georgia
Santamaria enjoying time on Virginia Tech’s football team BY MATTHEW CALDWELL The Oconee Leader
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Michael Santamaria, a sophomore at Virginia Tech, got to spend time with his family and former coaches following last Thursday’s Virginia Tech game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta, a game won by the Hokies 23-21. Pictured with Santamaria are his father Pablo, Steve Versprille (Dublin High School football coach), Roger Holmes (Dublin High School head football coach, sister Kendall and mother Cyndie. For more pictures of Santamaria and the game, see theoconeeleader.com.
Virginia Tech has one of the most exciting entrances in college football. More than 65,000 fans chanting “Let’s Go” and “Hokies” before the opening of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica blares on the speakers. Then the players begin running onto the field at Lane Stadium while the fans in the stands are jumping up and down. Starting last year, Athens Academy graduate Michael Santamaria has got to experience what that is like first-hand. Santamaria is a sophomore kicker on the Hokies. He said the first time run‘Santamaria’ Page 9
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Thursday, November 19, 2015
Prince Avenue Christian, Athens Academy open Class A private school state tournament at home on Friday night
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
A Region 8-A championship and a perfect 10-0 record helped propel the Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines to the No. 1 spot for the upcoming Class A private school state tournament. The Wolverines will host First Presbyterian Day on Friday night. FPD, the No. 16 team in Class A, finished the season 6-4 overall. Friday night will mark the second straight year the two teams have faced each other in the first round of the postseason. The Wolverines won 55-30 last season. The winner will advance to play either eighth-ranked Savannah Christian or ninth-ranked Landmark Christian. If the Wolverines win, they will host the game on November 27. Pictured above is Jared Pringle kicking off to start a game earlier this season. Pictured below are Robert Kraeling (77), Jordan Hightower (6), Zach Ragle (43) and Daniel Parrish (54) leading the Wolverines to a pre-game huddle prior to their win against Athens Academy earlier this season.
Woodward ends North Oconee’s season
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
North Oconee’s season ended against a familiar opponent last Friday night in Atlanta. The Titans lost 48-7 to Woodward in the first round of the Class AAAA state tournament. It’s the third straight year the private school in Atlanta has ended the Titans’ season. Last season the loss happened in the third round, which was the first time in program history the Titans advanced passed the second round. In 2013 the Titans lost to Woodward in the first round. The Titans ended this season with a 56 overall record. Pictured is senior kicker Simon Clarke attempting a PAT earlier this season.
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Fresh off a runner-up finish in Region 8-A, the Athens Academy Spartans will host Christian Heritage in the opening round of the Class A private school state tournament on Friday night starting at 7:30 p.m. The Spartans finished sixth in the Class A private school power ratings. Christian Heritage, who went 5-5 overall, finished ranked 11th. This will be the first meeting on the gridiron between the two schools. The winner will face either third-ranked Aquinas or 14th-ranked Brookstone. Pictured above is kicker Drew Byus attempting a PAT against Commerce earlier this season. Pictured below are Spartans Owen Roberts (7) and Sam Blasingame (27) celebrating a goal-line stand earlier this season.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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Soles named Region 8-A pitcher of year, selected for all-star game
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Prince Avenue Christian pitcher Emily Soles capped off her senior year with the Region 8-A pitcher of the year award and she was named first-team all-region. Jordyn Smith was also named first-team all-region. Alex Tuttle and Sam Smith were named second-team all-region. Ansley Bowen and Janie Henderson were named honorable mention. Soles, who signed a national letter of intent with Georgia State, was also named to pitch in the all-state all-star game last weekend at LaGrange. She was one of 80 seniors across the state named to participate by the Georgia Dugout Club. The Lady Wolverines won the Region 8-A championship and advanced to the Elite Eight for the fourth straight season.
Lady Titans finish eighth in Class AAAA state competition
Page 8
Foote named Region 8-AAAA pitcher of year, All-Region team announced
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
North Oconee’s Katie Foote was named Region 8-AAAA pitcher of the year earlier this month. Autumn McCulloch and Kayci Meeler were named first-team all-region. Caroline Miller was named second-team all-region. Kendall Green, Shelby Thomas and Courtney Martin were named honorable mention. The Lady Titans advanced to the Elite Eight this season for the first time since 2010.
Michael named Region 8-AAA co-pitcher of year, All-Region team announced
Contributed photo
The North Oconee competitive cheerleading team finished their season last weekend with the state sectionals and finals, held at the Columbus Civic Center. The team placed third in the region competition on November 7, which allowed them to advance to sectionals last Friday. At Sectionals they competed against 18 other teams and the top eight advanced onto the Finals on Saturday to compete against the region champions and other teams from sectionals. The Lady Titans placed fifth at sectionals to qualify for finals. On Saturday at finals, the team had their strongest performance of the season, scoring a season-high 254 and placed eighth in the state for the AAAA division. The 2015 team, which had five first-place finishes and one second-place finish in the regular season, included freshmen Bailey Ellis, Braelyn Whyte, Olivia Emerick, Ava Sloan and Grace Meadows; sophomores Kaylee Frantz, Maitland Hood, Julia Walker, McKinsey Haley, Ashleigh Willis and Carden Pearson; juniors Natalie Babin, Kendall Brown, Lucy Smith, Kyler Hardigree, Amelia Hamil and Baleigh Hancock; and seniors Staley Reed, Ali Tolbert and Shannon Springstead. The team is coached by head coach Ashley Downs and assistants Lydia Farman and Patti McNutt.
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Oconee County pitcher Jessie Michael was named Region 8-AAA co-pitcher of the year and first-team all-region earlier this month. Maura Grace Dickens, Chloe Fambrough and Ansley Hart were also named first-team all-region. Hannah Patridge was named second-team all-region. The Lady Warriors finished second in Region 8-AAA and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Class AAA state tournament.
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‘OCHS football’
Michael Santamaria practices kickoff during warmups prior to Virginia Tech’s game against Georgia Tech last Thursday in Atlanta.
‘Santamaria’
ning onto the field as a Hokie last season “was special.” “You see it on TV and see it on the internet but there is nothing like running out of it. I had chills running up and down my spine. It was a cool experience and nothing else is like it,” Santamaria told The Oconee Leader. “You would think it gets old but it really doesn’t because every game in Lane Stadium is a big game. We are a good team and play against a lot of good teams. Our fans make it really special. We have a really good fan base.” Santamaria was back in Georgia last Thursday night with his Hokies for their ACC match-up against Georgia Tech. In front of a national television audience on ESPN, the Hokies came back from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit and defeated the Yellow Jackets 23-21. Virginia Tech took a 23-21 lead with 6:58 left in the game. “That was awesome. There is nothing like coming back to Georgia and being under the lights on a Thursday night, and getting a win for Coach Beamer and sending him out the right way,” Santamaria said. “We have been talking about it since he announced he was retiring we want to send him out the right way. To win a game like this under the lights on ESPN and everybody watching is really cool.” The Hokies improved to 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the ACC in head coach Frank Beamer’s final year. Beamer announced earlier this month this season is going to be his last. “We are not exactly where we want to be but we are working really hard. We want to win out and this was one step towards winning out and getting to a bowl game and sending Coach Beamer out the right way. It was a huge game because Georgia Tech is a good team and they have a lot of good players. Our coaches did a great job
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Continued from Page 6
preparing us and everybody executed well,” Santamaria said. “He is a legend. A living legend. He is such a good guy. Listening to him every day and all of the knowledge he shared is unmatchable. It’s a good experience from a football and from a life aspect. It’s a lot of fun.” Santamaria said Beamer was a big reason he chose to play at Virginia Tech. “The fact he is a legend and a legend with special teams, he is a big reason why I committed here,” Santamaria said. “I committed to play for him and I will continue to play for him whether he is here or he’s not because he is a big part of my career as a kicker. I am thankful for that and thankful for him.” Santamaria grew up in Dublin before moving to Athens. He said playing football in Virginia is different because of the weather but added, “Overall it’s the same.” “Getting on the field and getting some points on the board this year, I have realized it’s the same thing,” Santamaria said. “Football is football and kicking balls is kicking balls. It’s just a bigger stage. Having guys like Coach Beamer bring you back to earth helps you deal with everything that goes on in your head.” Santamaria played under the Friday night lights at Athens Academy. Being back in Georgia and playing under the lights again made the experience more special. After the game, he visited briefly with current Spartans kicker Drew Byus and his father before going to see his family and coaches from Dublin. “It’s special to see how far I have been able to make it. Having coaches here that saw me grow up, and to have my parents and all of the support. Some guys from Athens Academy were here. It’s cool to see.” Since joining the Hokies, Santamaria said he has tried
to take in as much of the experience as possible. He’s been able to play in two NFL stadiums, Miami and Pittsburgh, and next season he will get to play at Notre Dame and Bristol Motor Speedway. “It’s special to get to play in places like Miami and Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech. Some really cool places. Every place is different and it’s a lot of fun,” Santamaria said. “I really liked Miami. The fact it’s an NFL stadium, it was super nice weather. It was something you can get used to when you’re used to playing in the cold, rainy weather sometimes in Blacksburg. I enjoyed that. “I am looking forward to Notre Dame next year. That will be awesome. That will be really cool. And we play the Battle at Bristol next year at Bristol Motor Speedway against Tennessee. Those two games are highlights I am looking forward to.” Santamaria said it is hard to believe he is halfway through with his college career. “It goes by so fast. I am trying to take in every moment and every opportunity I can and get to know all of the coaches and players because there are a lot of special people I am around right now,” Santamaria said. “I am trying to take advantage of it.” Even though he is two years removed from Athens Academy, he is still following the Spartans. “I am proud of those boys and proud of all of those seniors. I saw them grow up from when they were in middle school working hard and I’m really proud of them,” Santamaria said. “They have put together a good team. They had some adversity with the change in coach and they have gone a great job so far. I hope they keep it rolling so maybe I can make it to a game this fall. “Thank you for all of the support from everybody back home. It means a lot.”
and-10 from the Cedartown 17. After a 2-yard rush by Davis, the senior got the ball again and ran 15 yards to the end zone. Following Parker Skiles’ PAT, the Warriors had a 10-7 lead with 9:37 left in the half. “I saw an opening, a good block by Gavin, and I found a crease and I made something happen in the open field,” Davis said. Cedartown had a chance to tie the game but a 45yard field goal attempt with three minutes left in the half landed in the end zone, and the Warriors led 10-7 going into halftime. Just 14 seconds into the half, the Warriors grabbed a 17-7 lead and started to pull away. Davis took the opening kickoff of the half around 75 yards for a touchdown. “I honestly can’t even explain it. I just wanted to find a crease. I made one cut and got into the open field and made something happen,” Davis said. “Everybody stayed calm and we came out and executed. We work hard. We work very hard. Everything that happens, we expect to happen because we work for it.” Following a three-and-out by Cedartown with 5:08 left in the third, the Warriors took a 24-7 lead thanks to a 47-yard touchdown pass from Noland to Chance Peden with 5:01 left in the quarter. Cedartown’s next drive ended inside the 10-yard line when Dowdy came away with his second interception of the game. “I saw he was running at me and I kind of pressed up on him. I took his shoulder
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Continued from Page 6
MATTHEW CALDWELL/Oconee Leader
Oconee County junior Roques Dowdy had two interceptions in last Friday’s 38-7 win. For more pictures, see theoconeeleader.com.
out and knocked him off balance a little bit,” Dowdy said. “I shaded in front of him and made the play.” The ensuing drive for the Warriors ended 1:11 into the fourth quarter when Noland found Corderious Paschal for a 55-yard touchdown pass and a 31-7 lead. Davis added another touchdown run with 7:38 left in the game. Skiles was a perfect 5-for-5 on PATs. “I want to give thanks to my team, the O-line and the front line on the kickoff. They did their job. It was awesome coaching by Coach Noland,” Davis said. “This is everything that we
worked for. We give all the thanks to God. We were well prepared. We came out and made things happen.” Next up for the Warriors is Cedar Grove, who defeated Pierce County 47-0. Last year’s season ended in the second round when the fourth-seeded Warriors lost to Pierce County on the road. The Warriors will host Cedar Grove on Friday. The winner will face either third-seed Sonoraville or fourth-seed Westside. “(Last year) helps a lot because now we know we are just as good as we were last year,” Dowdy said. “We feel great about it.”
Lady Warriors finish eighth in Class AAA
Contributed photo
Oconee County’s competition cheerleading team traveled to Columbus last week for the Class AAA state competition. The Region 8-AAA champion Lady Warriors ended up with an eighth-place finish to wrap up their season.
Page 10
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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School days in Oconee County
Pictures from the last couple of weeks at schools around the county
Colham Ferry Elementary School students had a wonderful Veteran’s Day celebration. The school celebrated with veterans, music and poetry.
Oconee County Primary School students collected 5,500 cans.
Colham Ferry Elementary students work on the garden with Ms. Givens.
Rocky Branch Elementary School had two fourthgraders win Rotary Citizenship awards from the Oconee County Rotary Club.
Oconee County Elementary students enjoy an evening of singing, eating desserts and giving back to the community at the 2nd Annual OCES Dessert Theater.
Oconee County Middle School at the Fall FBLA Rally.
Malcom Bridge Elementary students thanks the Rotary Club for bringing dictionaries to each of their third graders. The children at High Shoals Elementary School are excited about the Thanksgiving feast.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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A7 Page 11
aTheNs baNNer-herald
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To Advertise: Phone 706.208.2290 Business/Strategic Management
1100
1100
Morgan County Board of Commissioners Assistant County Manager/Transit Director Position Overview: Morgan County has an opening for its newly created Assistant County Manager/Transit Director position. This is an executive level position working under the general direction of the County Manager. Work includes leadership and supervision of the Transit Department (5 FTE), organization-wide grant writing and administration, public relations, special projects, review of current processes, and other duties as determined by the County Manager. Education and Experience: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, political science, business management, or a closely related field required. A Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields and some local government work experience preferred. Compensation: The salary for this fulltime and benefit eligible position will be commiserate with the successful applicant’s education and experience. A copy of the County’s fringe benefits package is available upon request. Timeline and Submittal Logistics: This position will remain open until filled; and, the first review of applicants will be December 11, 2015. Applications are available (and can be submitted) online at www.morganga.org or in-person at 150 E. Washington Street, Madison, Georgia 30650 (and any/all “hard copy” submittals should be sent to this address). Please contact Leslie Brandt, Administrative Assistant in the County Manager’s Office, at 706 342-0725, for more information. Please Note: Morgan County is an EEO and an “at Will” employer. Also, Morgan County conducts comprehensive background checks and drug screenings on applicants. Administrative Clerical
1020
Administrative Clerical
Busy 5 position practice seeking a motivated individual for full time front office position. Customer service skills a must. Fax resume to 706-546-1944 or email entofathens@gmail.com
Established dental office is seeking an energetic, bilingual, teachable people person to work at the front desk who is computer savvy. Great Opportunity for a motivated individual. Competitive Pay + bonuses and incentives. Please fax cover letter, references and resume to 706-546-8418 or email to drmcrae995@yahoo.com
To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290
Installation / Maintenance / Repair
1020
Installation / Maintenance / Repair
1260
1260
Major Manufacturing Facility in Athens, Georgia has an Immediate opening for: Industrial Maintenance Person 3 to 5 years’ experience in the field Machinist skills preferred Must have: High School Diploma/GED Georgia Work Ready Certificate Physical Exam/Drug Screen Rotating Shifts (3 shifts) Excellent Benefit Package Please send resumes to: 7000010962@ad2job.com EOE/M/F/V/D
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.
Education/Training
1180
Now Hiring Full Time & Part time teachers. Minimum requirements: Childcare experience required, CDA minimum preferred, Energetic, Team Player who is passionate about children Great benefits and work environment. Apply onsite, download app at www.krk23ga.com, or call 706-546-9400 for info.
Logistics / Transportation
1320
Driver- CDL/A $3000 Sign On Bonus for Experienced Drivers Paid Out within 30 days of 1st dispatch!
HOME WEEKLY NEW Southeast Regional PAY INCREASE!
Company & Independent Contractors Needed 6 Day Refresher Course Avail.
In Business over 50 years!
Manufacturing / Production / Operations
1340
Manufacturing / Production / Operations
855-378-9335 EOE KLLM.com
1340
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
To Advertise, Call 706.208.2290 Education/Training
1180
Education/Training
1180
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 Medical / Health
1380
Medical / Health
1380
Medical Assistant Verifies patient information by interviewing patient, recording medical history, confirming purpose of visit. Prepares patient for examination by taking blood pressure, weight and temperature: reporting patient history summary. HS diploma or GED req., as well as, Medical Assistant Certification. Experience in an OB/OBGYN office and use of electronic medical records preferred. 3 provider practice, excellent benefits, 4 1/2 day work week. Fax resume to 706-354-1818 Please email resumes to awcbus@aol.com
Let us help you find your new career today!
Business/Strategic Management
Let us help find that perfect new employee! Call 706.208.2290 to advertise your job opening in the Oconee Leader.
PR OFESSIONAL
A Guide to Professional Services in the Oconee County Area To Advertise: Phone 706.549.FAST Home Services
Home Services
3520
3520
Home Services
3520
Home Services
3520
Home Services
3520
Home Services
3520
METAL OR SHINGLES • We do ALL the work & repairs: soffit, cornice, fascia & painting
Plumber Pro Service and Drain
Your Residential Plumbing Service Experts
706-769-7761
www.plumberproservice.com www.facebook.com/plumberproservice
Master Plumber License #Mp210274 • Insured • Free Estimates
$25 First Time Customer Discount $30 Senior Citizen Discount EDT CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING
* Rotten Wood Repair *Carports & Garage *Additions *Renovations *Roofing Repairs *New Home Construction *Sun Rooms *Decks & Patios *Ceramic Tile *Home Maintenance *Painting (Int/Ext) *Kitchen & Bath Renovation *Window & Door Replacement
www.gbedellconstruction.com
The Professional Services Directory is Oconee County’s best source for finding painters, plumbers, landscapers, roofers, and other local service providers. Do YOU provide a professional service? Want to attract more customers? To advertise here, call 706.549.FAST!
STATE OF GEORGIA LICENSED CONTRACTOR Home Services
3520
Home Services
3520
State Licensed & Insured
For ALL Your HOME IMPROVEMENTS, Large Or Small, Call Today For A FREE ESTIMATE
706-202-6066 Call Anytime & Ask for ET Visit our website at www.edtconstruction.com edtconstruction@yahoo.com Serving Athens since 1989
Bickley’s Tree Service f Tree Service f Lawn Maintenance f Stump Grinding f Brush Chipping f Bobcat f Dump Truck Insured
Lamar Adams 706-224-2079
Classic Home Repairs “I do the work myself and I guarantee the work I do” • Carpentry Work • Decks & Ramps • Int/Ext Painting • Drywall Repair • Windows & Doors • ROOFING AVAILABLE Kenneth Hightower
Home Services
3520
Home Services
3520
UlmBrothers Tree Service
Local and experienced! We are fully insured and offer Tree removal,Trimming Pruning, Debris Removal, Insurance work, Right of way work, Lot clearing, and Stump Grinding. We pride our self on customer service and satisfaction. Call for a free estimate today. Office: 706-369-5300 Cell: 706-255-4941
770.601.1479
homerepairs02@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL
www.gbedellconstruction.com DO YOU OFFER A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE? Let us help you grow your business! To advertise, call 706.549.FAST
DO YOU OFFER A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE? Let us help you grow your business! To advertise, call 706.549.FAST
Page 12
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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