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This Week: Calendar Daily Prayer Chapel: 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. through the week, St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church, 3761 Mars Hill Road, Watkinsville. Our church is open for personal prayer and meditation and to light a candle every morning from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Stop in for personal prayer and/or at 7 a.m. for the short prayer service. (770) 725-5035, saint.philothea@gmail. com, www.stphilothea. org. Power of the Purse Luncheon & Silent Auction: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Athens Country Club, 2700 Jefferson Road, Athens. Join us for the 12th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon featuring purses, accessories and holiday goodies. Open your purse and buy something fun while making a difference in the lives of children. Proceeds Benefit WEE READ to help children learn and love reading. The goal of Women’s Leadership Circle is to encourage all women who have assumed prominent leadership roles in business, education, sports, religion, medicine and other fields to also assume leadership roles in the area of charitable giving. We are continuing to focus on Early Childhood Literacy for 2016, which will greatly benefit our community. With the slogan “The Power of the Purse” our Circle has continued to make this focus a success. In order to make this year’s Power of the Purse luncheon a success, we are asking for any donations of new, mid- to high-end purses and/or new jewelry pieces and/ or seasonal decor for the silent auction portion of the event. Donations can be dropped off at the UWNEGA office at 1 Huntington Road. Suite 805, Athens. You can also call our office at (706) 543-5254 to schedule a time for us to come by and pick up any donations from your location. Women in this area are encouraged to get involved in charitable giving by either donating items for this event or by becoming a member of The Women’s Leadership Circle with a donation of $1,000 a year. Please join us in our 12th year of service to Northeast Georgia. (All donations are tax deductible.) (706) 543-5254, marketing@unitedwaynega.org, https://www.eventbrite. com/e/12th-annualpower-of-the-purselunch-silent-auction-tickets-25717381380 TOPS weight loss: 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Government Annex Building, Highway 15, Watkinsville. Meetings are held each Thursday. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit support group for weight loss. Members can Please see EVENTS

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Issue 39

Volume 11

From the Oconee to the Apalachee

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Athens Academy at 50

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Athens Academy students on a field trip during the 1968-69 school year.

Back and ahead

Coffee-table book

Eventful 2 years

Chapters of history Wayne Ford

From Athens Academy

TheOconeeLeader.com

Athens Academy, which was chartered on Sept. 23, 1966, is planning a number of events in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The school doors opened on Sept. 5, 1967, with 147 students and 12 faculty members on the site of a dairy farm on the corner of Hawthorne Avenue and the old Jefferson Road. The school is planning events for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years. Among the upcoming events are a Birthday Bash in February, a Salute to the Founders in April and a cake-cutting party in September 2017. A commemorative book, “Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence with Honor,” will also be published. The school was an idea that spawned in the early 1960s by six prominent Athenians. Businessman John J. Wilkins III, attorney John E. “Buck” Griffin, physician Harvey Cabaniss, banker Tommy Tillman, accountant Harold Beasley and homemaker Mary T. Erwin would become the founding trustees of Athens Academy. Wilkins served as the chairman

Athens Academy’s original board of trustees included, front from left: John J. Wilkins III (chairman), John E. “Buck” Griffin, Mary Erwin, Harold Beasley; middle row: Dr. Jack Payne, Merle Prunty, Mary Cooley, Thomas Tillman; back row, Dr. Harvey Cabaniss, Cecil Johnson, Elmer Schacht, Donald Terry and Ronald Griffeth, who was the first headmaster. The house and grounds below on Jefferson Road served as the first campus for Athens Academy. The house was donated by Cabaniss.

Athens Academy will release a hardcover, coffee-table type book next year covering its 50 years of history dating to when the school began with 147 students to today’s enrollment of almost 1,000. “The book goes through the whole 50 years,” said Margaret Smith, who is working with The Storyline Group, an Atlanta publisher of family and business histories. “They have already scanned over 900 images,” said Smith, who is a longtime member of the Board of Trustees and works at the school as its archivist. While the book may contain from 200 to 300 of the images, many others will be used in slide presentations and other events that will take place as the private school celebrates its 50th anniversary during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years. Those working on the celebration hope to release the book coinciding with the first day the school opened on Sept. 5, 1967. The book traces the school history to the time period when the founders began talking about the concept for a school that became Please see BOOK

Please see ACADEMY

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Teacher of the Year nod pays off Lee Shearer

TheOconeeLeader.com

North Oconee High School government and U.S. history teacher Paige Cole is this year’s Oconee County Teacher of the Year. Community members and school offi-

cials recognized Cole and the teachers of the year from each of the school district’s other nine schools at a Thursday night banquet in the Oconee County Civic Center. Besides honor, the award also earned her prizes and cash. She and all the other school-level Teach-

ers of the Year get a $1,000 bonus from the school district. In addition, Cole will get another $2,100 from donors including Athens First Bank and Trust, Peach State Federal Credit Please see TEACHER

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Cole

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Teacher

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Randy Reid (right side, back row) with his Learning About Home class during a trip to Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens in August. Front row: Parker Jones, Lucy Devaney, Ali Garrett, Mabel Tie, Emery Nealy, Kate Goggin, Macjenzie Ferguson; back row: Alex Boyette, Rolf Reynolds, Jack McLanahan, Bo Allen, Riley Rupert, Bo Griffith, Clay Capra, Jacob Hudson and Reid.

For the record: Teacher honored Staff Reports

TheOconeeLeader.com

Athens Academy Humanities Department Chairman Randy Reid was recently announced as the winner of the 2016 Award for Excellence in the Educational Use of Historical Records. The award, given by the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council, recognizes Reid’s work with his course on “Learning About Home: Original Historical Research on Athens-Clarke County.” The GHRAC “established the Archives Awards Program in 2003 to recognized outstanding efforts in

archives and records programs in Georgia,” according to a news release. Reid will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Georgia Archives in Morrow on Oct. 26. The Learning About Home class represents a joint effort of the Athens Academy Humanities Department, The University of Georgia History Department and the Willson Center at UGA. Reid also works with students in a similar course at Putnam County High School. Currently in his 29th year on the Athens Academy faculty, Reid also serves as a college counselor in the

guidance department and coordinates programs for the 11th grade. The course provides students with an opportunity to understand local history. They investigate the local past and document it through digitized historical newspapers, art and both digitized and historical documents at the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The collaboration between a public university, a public charter school and an independent high school offers the possibility of developing an approach to historical education that can be expanded to other schools, officials said.

Scholarship program commends seniors

Morris

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Oconee County High School recently announced that four seniors — Nathan Morris, Robert Jackson, Aidan Brook and Davis Hardell — have been named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Their 2015 PSAT scores placed them among the top 50,000 of approximately 1.6 million students who took the test. Nathan is the son of Barry and Donna Elder; Davis the son of Robert and Anne Hardell; Aidan the son of George and Fong Brook and Robert is the son of David and Wendy Jackson.

Book Athens Academy. “They were looking

Continued from page 1 for a better education for their children. It was never intended to do with integration or segregation. They basically had a lot of boarding school education in their background and they wanted their children to have this experience here, but it was not available,” said Smith, who is the niece of one of the founders, Harvey Cabaniss, the only living member of the original board. The 1960s were a tumultuous time that affected the quality of education, she said. And

these people didn’t want to send their children away to school. The school’s charter was granted in 1966 and signed by Superior Court Judge James Barrow. The school was initially established in a house owned and donated by Cabaniss at Jefferson Road and Hawthorne Avenue. Besides the house, there were four outbuildings and a barn. In later years, after the school was relocated to the 152-acre campus in Oconee County, the house was sold to Lee Epting of

Athens. Epting moved the two-story brick house to a location off Westlake Drive near Fortson Drive, Smith said. “It’s really a beautiful house,” she said. The book will be a keepsake for the many graduates and former staff and teachers of the school. “It will be a cross section which we hope will give a feel for what we are all about,” Smith said. The book will be offered at preorders for $40 before April 1 and for $50 after that date.

Thank you for reading The Oconee Leader. If we can be of any assistance, or if you have information you would like to share with the Oconee community, please send information to Wayne Ford at editor@ theoconeeleader or call 706-208-2221. If you would like to advertise with The Oconee Leader, contact Alicia Goss at (706) 255-6745 or Laura Jackson at (404) 408-9446.

Our website is www.theoconeeleader.com

Mailing address: The Oconee Leader, P.O. Box 912, Athens, Ga., 30603-0912

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Continued from page 1

Union, BankSouth, Oconee State Bank and First American Bank and Trust of Athens. She also gets a laptop computer from Walmart and the use of a vehicle on a vacation trip from Heyward Allen Toyota, said Brook Whitmire, the chief human resources officer for the Oconee County School District. “Every student in America’s public schools deserves the opportunity to be taught by someone as intelligent, talented, hardworking and passionate as Paige Cole,” said North Oconee High School principal Philip Brown in a news release. “The impact she makes on our students is immeasurable.” Teachers, not administrators, pick the school and district Teachers of the Year, Whitmire explained. The teachers at each school vote to pick the Teacher of the Year at their schools. From those 10, a committee of former Teachers of the Year picks the district winner after a process that includes classroom visits with each school’s Teacher of the Year. Cole has been at North Oconee since 2012 and now teaches U.S. history and Advance Placement government there.

Events

She has also taught in Barrow County, at Athens Technical College and at Athens Montessori School during her 15-year career. Cole was an undergraduate history major and has a master’s degree in social studies education and a Ph.D. in language and literacy. Besides Cole, the schoollevel teachers of the year honored Thursday were Paulette Moon, Oconee County Primary; Valerie Greer, Colham Ferry Elementary; David Lawrence, High Shoals Elementary; Anna Warren, Malcom Bridge Elementary; Susie Searcy, Oconee County Elementary; Tiffany Hancock, Rocky Branch Elementary; Sara Johnson, Malcom Bridge Middle; Andrea Fairbanks, Oconee County Middle; and Jake Forrester, Oconee County High.

Continued from page 1

share challenges, successes, or goals, hear a brief program and discuss plans for the week. (800) 932-8677 or www. tops.org. Library Card Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Bogart Library, 200 South Burson Avenue, Bogart. It’s Library Card Sign-Up Month. Celebrate your library card with a family fun library scavenger hunt at the Bogart Library. Drop by during library hours, pick up a form and win a free prize for participating. Learn more about your library, too, Oconee Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oconee County Courthouse, 23 N. Main Street, Watkinsville. The market is open rain-or-shine on Saturdays through the last Saturday in November. Located in front of the courthouse in downtown Watkinsville. Alanon: 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Watkinsville 1st Methodist Church, 1331 New High Shoals Road, Watkinsville. 12step recovery for people affected by someone’s alcohol use. Meets daily in the area in various locations. http://www.gaal-anon.org/. Watercolor Painting, Values and Color, OCAF class: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, 34 School Street, Watkinsville.

Academy

“Every student in America’s public schools deserves the opportunity to be taught by someone as intelligent, talented, hardworking and passionate as Paige Cole.”

Explore or expand your knowledge of watercolor applications with Kie Johnson in six five-hour classes in watercolor painting at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation. Register at www. ocaf.com or call (706) 769-4565. $250 OCAF member, $260 nonmember. Scream Free Parenting Class: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Grace Fellowship Church of God, 1120 Malcom Bridge Rd, Bogart. Grace Fellowship Church will offer a Scream Free Parenting Class from on Wednesdays beginning Aug.10 until Oct. 26 at 6:30-8 p.m. at Grace Fellowship, 1120 Malcom Bridge Road. The cost is $15 for required workbook and childcare is FREE. Are you a screamer? Or do you employ the “Silent Treatment”? Are you looking for ways to better connect with your children? Join us for a 12 week study (DVD, discussion, exercises) designed to equip you for your most important job…PARENTING! Led by Scream Free Parenting Certified Leader, Wendy FletcherClements. To register (required), visit http:// graceathens.com/connect/details/scream-freeparenting/ or for more info. call the church at (706) 769-4001. $15., 706-769-4001, graceathens.com/connect/ details/scream-freeparenting/.

Continued from page 1

of the board from the school’s inception until his death in 2008. Athens Academy was one of the first schools in the region to seek diversity during a time of social unrest, according to a statement from the school. “One of the first mission statements reads, “The school seeks students from

diverse social, economic, religious, and racial backgrounds who can benefit from a rigorous academic program led by a highly qualified and enthusiastic faculty.” Now 50 years later, the school has more than 950 students and more than 100 faculty and staff on a 152-acre campus located in Oconee County.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

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Meet Oconee County schools’ Teachers of the Year

Malcom Bridge Middle School Teacher of the Year is Sara Johnson.

Oconee County High School Teacher of the Year is Randy Landry.

High Shoals Elementary School Teacher of the Year is David Lawrence.

Colham Ferry Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Valerie Greer.

Oconee County Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Susie Searcy.

Oconee County Middle School Teacher of the Year is Andrea Fairbanks.

Rocky Branch Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Tiffany Hancock.

Oconee County Primary School Teacher of the Year is Paulette Moon.

Malcom Bridge Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Anna Warren.

For hundreds of photos and updates about Oconee events and people, go to theoconeeleader.com

This Week: Oconee

WARRIORS l TITANS l SPARTANS l WOLVERINES l LIONS

September 29, 2016

Sweep for Oconee County in Conyers Volleyball

Senior Night Page 6

NOHS

John, Pachuta win races, boys and girls teams finish first Contributed photos

Oconee County’s cross country teams had a successful day in last Saturday’s Aubrae Gunderson Invitational in Conyers. Running the small-team meet, Oconee County finished first in the boys’ and girls’ meet and had Wesley John win the boys’ run with a time of 16:23 and Nicole Pachuta win the girls’ run with a time of 19:59. Caroline McArthur finished fourth (21:16), Norine Moore finished eighth (21:50), Cailey Dunford finished 16th (22:57) and Megan Crozier finished 22nd (23:20) out of 94 runners. The Lady Warriors had 42 points and beat Druid Hills and North Hall, who both had 68 points. The Warriors had 40 points and finished ahead of North Hall, who had 68 points. There were 18 teams and 149 runners in the meet. Along with John’s win, the Warriors had four runners in the top 10. Harrison Morris finished third (15:56), Jake Hadden finished sixth (17:17), Colin O’Neal finished 10th (17:47) and Garrison Taylor finished 20th (18:39). Pictured above are (left to right) Colin O’Neal, Harrison Morris, Wesley John, Megan Crozier, Cailey Dunford, Caroline McArthur, Nicole Pachuta, Norine Moore, Maggie Clutter, Tanner Schroer, Kelton McConnell, Jake Hadden, Tucker Shroer and Sam Hunt. Pictured on the left are race winners Wesley John and Nicole Pachuta.

Volleyball

Big wins Page 6 theoconeeleader.com

Online

Mattison gets first win, NOHS gets team wins at Jefferson XC event From Staff Reports TheOconeeLeader.com

Photo gallery, story

Oconee football theoconeeleader.com

Online

Photo gallery

Georgia Tech vs. Clemson football theoconeeleader.com

Paced by a girls’ varsity squad that placed six runners in the top 10, North Oconee captured two first-place trophies last Tuesday in Jefferson at the 13th annual Main Street News Meet. With a mere 22 points, the Lady Titans outdistanced Hart County (50) and Chestatee (76) in the 12-team field. Kate Mattison raced to her first overall individual title, leading the field of 111 in a time of 20:25. Mackenzie Morse claimed 3rd in 20:34, with Gabby Huff-Streiter 5th in 21:32. Seniors Melanie Bowden (6th in 21:41) and Hollis Brown (7th in 22:09) wrapped up top-five team spots. Courtney Jones (10th in 23:09) and Siya Kannan (14th in 23:35) chipped in with top-seven team scores. Sophie Brown (17th in 23:47), Anna Cobb (21st in 24:49), and Grace Pan (24th in 24:58) also contributed to the varsity victory. In the varsity boys race, the Titans were fueled by four top-ten finishes, taking the team title with 38 points as Jefferson was second (42) and Chestatee third (76). Senior Anthony Potts was 2nd overall in 17:13. Brady Kalessa ran 3rd in 17:15, followed by Alex Thomas (6th in 17:45). Jacob Ash (9th in 18:04) and David Mustard (18th in 18:49) were top-five team finishers. Acton Vogt (40th in 19:57) and Wanya Newton (73rd in 21:21) were top-seven scorers. Collin Pannell (78th in 21:54), Thomas Dowis (95th in 22:35), and Cole Lannon (107th in 23:18) also represented the varsity. The JV girls also finished first, with Amy Gayer (3rd in 25:09) leading the way. Anna Marie Garmon (5th in 25:24), Komal Parikh (6th in 25:44), Christa Lynn Moore (9th in 27:13), and Korey Dickerson (10th in 27:54) were team top-fivers. Caroline Kulp (14th in 28:43) and Christina Vogt (15 in 29:02) rounded out the team scoring. The JV boys managed a fourth place finish. Michael Shirley (12th in 21:50), Colin McCormick (13th in 22:01), Conar Jensen (23rd in 22:40), Nate Poulter (27th in 22:52), and Mitch Hanson (30th in 23:01) handed in top-five team finishes. Tanner Griffis (34th in 23:05) and Samuel Ash (41st in 23:48) rounded out the top seven. The Titans will pay a visit to Athens Academy on today (Sept. 29).