S I N C E 1 9 4 7

An upbeat paper www.gradyhighschool.org/www.gradyhighschool.org/ for a dodownwnto townwn school southerner JROTC F O O T B A L L MUSIC FEVER Saber Day 1-point win Grady’s music hails cadets’ determines scene thrives both achievements region champ on and off campus p. 7 p. 19 p. 10-11 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA VOLUME LX, NUMBER 3, NOV. 21, 2006 Gunshots trigger KNIGHTS DUBBED chaos after game

BY EMMA DIN ales from the Fourth Ward Mand Kirkwood neighborhoods REGION CHAMPS fi red shots in the Midtown BY MAX BEECHING of play that they have been known Promenade parking lot across the AND TRAVIS JONES for the past few years, boasting street from Grady High School on fter closing the regular season a balanced offense and a stingy Oct 13. No one was injured in the on Nov. 10 with a reassuring defense. They fi nished the regular confl ict, which began after Grady’s Aand convincing 28-12 win season with an 8-2 record, averaging homecoming football game against against Blessed Trinity, the Grady 30.9 points a game while allowing North Atlanta. football team ended its fi rst season an average of only 10 points per “It all started when we were in 5-AAAB as region champions. It game. leaving the game,” said senior Noah is the fi rst time in school history that “I think we made the transition Conroy, who witnessed the shooting. the football program has won their to AAA from AA rather “Everyone ran over to the Mellow region two years in a row—a fi tting smoothly,” senior quarterback Mushroom parking lot because ending to a hard-fought season in Simeon Kelley said. some people said a fi ght was going which Grady lost only two games. On to happen. Once we all ran over, “It took a lot of hard work and Nov. we realized there was no fi ght, just commitment to get where we are 17, the a bunch of people from Kirkwood now,” head coach Ronnie Millen Knights yelling [provocative insults].” said. “We’ve still got a lot of work will face Once bystanders thought that the to do and we’re going to take it one off against initial confl ict had been resolved, game at a time.” a 6-4 Appalachee team at Grady they started laughing, according to The football team’s recent victory stadium. senior Harry Buck. has confi rmed the validity of last Appalachee ended the year with A short while later, however, eight year’s success in the AA division. a 3-3 record in its region. They are males in a black Dodge Magnum Coach Millen, who became head entering the playoffs as the fourth car drove down Monroe Drive, coach in 2002, has led the Knights seed and lost to Dunwoody 32-27, a according to several witnesses. The to fi ve consecutive post-season team that Grady beat 21-10. passengers made ‘Fourth Ward’ appearances and has transformed the “Just because they’re [seeded signs with their hands, as the driver team into a serious AAA contender. fouth in their region] and we’re yelled at the group of men from the Before the team’s 2005 playoff win, [seeded fi rst] doesn’t mean that we’re Kirkwood neighborhood. MAX BEECHING MAX Grady had not won a post-season going to take them for granted,” “As the leader of the Kirkwood game in 50 years. Kelley said. “We’re going to come UP FOR GRABS: Wide receiver DeMarcus Watts helps the Knights win 24-23 as he breaks The Knights perpetuated the style ready to play.” ❐ past Chamblee player Roddy Jones in Grady’s pivotal game against the region favorite. see SHOOTING page 9 ONTENTS Controversy causes principal’s resignation C BY JANNA KAPLAN Ms. Spencer’s resignation. Spencer completed this degree at the University hen former principal Catalina Sibilsky On Oct. 9, Morningside parent Fred Schuster of South Carolina, she transferred her credits to comment 4 Wleft Morningside Elementary School last circulated an extensive e-mail to the Virginia the University of Oregon and continued working spring, much time and effort went into fi nding Highland/Morningside Parents Association with on her Ed.D. At the time she was hired to be The infl uence of parents and a new principal to fi ll her shoes. Parents and specifi c accusations against Spencer. Schuster’s Morningside’s principal, she had completed the the media warps many pre- teachers were relieved last May when Atlanta e-mail highlighted the section of Spencer’s course program, but not her dissertation, thus teens’ values and morals. Public Schools hired Catherine Spencer for the résumé that includes her work on a doctorate not completing her doctoral degree. 2006-2007 year. Following the start of the school in education as a part of the University of news 8 year, however, allegations of résumé fraud led to South Carolina’s curriculum program. Before see PRINCIPAL page 7 Popular retailers Wal-mart and Trader Joe’s open their Louvre and High form artful alliance fi rst Atlanta locations. BY SOPHIE COX Louvre Atlanta will encompass a series feature 15 et them eat cake—amid art. of artistic compilations, opening Grady students participate in L The High Museum of Art with the Royal Collections, a group deserves to celebrate. In October, of paintings fi rst owned by King a tennis tournament to raise the museum opened its latest Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. money for breast cancer. exhibit, Louvre Atlanta. As a result The second year will highlight art sports 20 CARSON HALE of an exclusive partnership between from the Napoleonic reign and directors Michael Shapiro of the the Enlightenment, a period when The Grady volleyball team High and Henri Loyrette of the many atrtists were infl uenced by the places fourth in the region Louvre, the new Anne Cox Chamber classical Greek and Roman style. The and makes state playoffs for HIGH ON THE LOUVRE: Marble busts grace the bottom level of the High’s new Chambers Wing will host some of the Louvre’s the fi rst time. Wing. Some of the sculptures are up to 2,000 years old, and are about two feet high. exceptional works for three years. see LOUVRE page 12 cS I N o C E 1 9 4 m 7 m e n t THE SOUTHERNER Nov. 14, 2006 2 EDITORIAL BOARD CURRY ANDREWS LENA BRODSKY LILY FEINBERG REBECCA GITTELSON teacher’s classroom set. I would also like to point out that RAMIKA GOURDINE Math teachers strive SEAN HARRINGTON While Mr. Harrington may never the treatment of animals has only compute the inverse of a matrix after improved over the years. We no SARAH BETH MCKAY to enlighten students graduating from Grady, we hope he longer trip horses with wire when will take with him an understanding making movies or force cigars and Dear Editors, Tardy policy unfair of what it means to search for the diapers upon chimpanzees for our light switch. own amusement, so don’t make the Mathematicians aren’t blind, but School, especially high school, is often lauded as a place of learning. issue bigger than it already is. Most they work in dark rooms looking for With its high-achieving and diverse student body, Grady follows that The Grady Math Department makeup companies have heavily cats that may or may not exist. Thus pattern. When parents drop Grady students off in the morning, they reduced, if not halted, all animal the nature of mathematical inquiry. assume that their children are going to learn, don’t they? testing. Those that are found to be The goal of the mathematician is to Despite its reputation, Grady has found a new way to deter students Cruelty to animals causing excess cruelty to animals fi nd the light switch! from learning. The administration claims that the policy of forcing are taken to court if their labs aren’t In his October article about students who arrive after the fi rst 10 minutes of fi rst period to remain grossly exaggerated vandalized by PETA members fi rst. senioritis, Sean Harrington voiced in the cafeteria is essential. In actuality, this policy is a ridiculous and As far as the cockroaches at Six his frustration about being required Dear Editors, counterinuitive answer to the problem. Flags are concerned, I don’t see it to take “useless” math classes. We Tardiness is a major problem at Grady, as it is at all public high schools. as pointless cruelty if I am satiated feel that we must contest Mr. After reading last month’s article Another, and arguably more serious problem, is skipping. More rules are when I win those season passes. If Harrington’s evaluation of advanced about cruelty to roaches, I have to implemented every day to dissuade students from leaving school once I arrive hungry and fi ll up on some mathematics as “useless,” even for say that I had some mixed feelings. they are here. For example, students are suspended if they are found Madagascar hissing cockroaches, artistically inclined students such as Yes, we can all agree that continuing walking to or from their cars parked on Charles Allen Drive. I am simply invoking my right as himself. We believe that the process to wear fur in an age of synthetic While these new rules, although grievous for many license-holding a carnivore. If people want to get of learning mathematics is much materials is simply barbaric and the upperclassmen, are undoubtedly fair, the decision to hold students who stuck on “cruelty symptomatic of more important than the specifi c conditions in which many farm are ten minutes tardy is not. Why stop students from attending an entire animal brutality,” stick to the calves. skills that one acquires. “Searching animals are raised is more than class and trying to learn new material just because they are late? I don’t think anyone cares enough for the light switch” trains students inhumane. You would, however, Of course tardiness is not a good habit, and the school has the right about cockroaches to turn vegetarian to think analytically, develop be underestimating the public by to try to prevent students from being tardy in the future; yet, making for their sake. I’m not saying that abstract reasoning skills and foster assuming that they don’t know where students miss class and sit idly in the cafeteria is not the right solution. animals don’t need some protection. their ability to solve a wide range of veal comes from, especially after the The Grady administration tries so hard to punish skippers and I recycle at home and was a member problems outside of mathematics. publicity of movies like Super Size students who are constantly trying to avoid going to class. By demanding of Earth Club last year. If I ever go Regarding the requirement for Me. I also resent heavily the idea that that students who are late remain in the cafeteria, the administration is to Alaska, I plan on taking a can of calculators in advanced math classes: if you continue to eat meat, you have just adding to the truancy problem. We all agree that missing class is a red spray paint with me to make the graphing calculator is a critical no compassion for these animals. mistake, something that usually sends students down the wrong path. sure that no baby seals I see are killed tool to have in class and when I love meat and always will. No So why would the administration contribute to this and make well- for their fur. What people need to practicing at home. For this reason, graphic commercial or PETA march meaning, albeit somewhat late students, skip a class that they are trying learn is that we can love and respect students are strongly encouraged is going to change that. Like many to attend? animals while enjoying some tasty to purchase a calculator of their people though, I try to only eat free- If students come late without an excuse, by all means, punish them; fried chicken. but do not punish their academic career, their grades or their chance to own. If this is not possible, a parent range animals, which are allowed to can request the teacher to loan a live a fairly natural life until they are learn. This defeats the purpose of a free education. ❐ Caitlin Bradley, calculator to the student from the killed for my consumption. Grade system failing Senior The advent of technology has helped improve many things in our UESTION school system. Attendance can now be tracked, teachers have special key- of the month: cards to gain access to the building and the new projectors are incredibly Q Natalie Streiter, useful. Teachers’ ability to track their students’ grades, however, has been senior left by the wayside. Do you think young girls are dressing more Most students have caught at least a glimpse of the grading program teachers use, Classroom XP. It allows teachers to easily record who is provacatively now than in the past and why? absent or late to class, students’ personal information and their average grades in every class. Despite these conveniences, Classroom XP has one Gabriel glaring fl aw: it does not allow teachers to enter grades for their students’ Scala, No, because fashion has individual assignments. freshman For decades, teachers have manually kept track of their student’s grades, increased; they’re just They look older [because] but the need for such tedious labor has long since passed. Why should going with the fl ow. the media is telling them teachers have to worry about keeping records in big fat gradebooks when computers can easily do the same thing? to. The most common alternatives to this are entering all the grades into a spreadsheet on Excel, a skill that most people don’t possess. Another “ Eleanor Garrett, option is paying around $50 to use an online grading service, although junior grading programs should be provided for free by the school. I know a lot of the time “ The school system is being lazy by allowing something as obvious as people wear their clothes grading to slip through the cracks and add to the already heavy burden Dr. Vincent teachers carry. Whether or not this is a result of a lack of funding or basic Murray, tight but the style right incompetence, it is something that should be fi xed.❐ principal now is pretty conservative. CORRECTIONS In our Oct. 12 issue, the page 1 photograph “One Man, One Vote” was John“ It’s a lack of maturity. They attributed to Britain Baker; it was taken by Erik Belgum. On page 18, the VanDerkloot, It has become more caption states that the city-wide cross country meet was to take place at think what they bring junior accepted for younger Carrollton—it was at Grant Park. Also on page 18, the story “Boys look to from middle school is children to dress more region meet...” asserts that Westminster placed second at the region meet last appropriate for high school. year; really, they came in fi rst. provocatively. Staff “ “An upbeat paper for a downtown school Managing editors: Rebecca Gittelson, Sarah Beth McKay Andrew Bracken, Scott Chambliss, Charlotte Photo adviser: Dawn Wadsworth The Southerner welcomes sub mis sions, which Design editors: Lily Feinberg, Carson Hale Christopher, Christopher Collier, Sophie Cox, Adviser: Debra Hartsfi eld may be edited for gram mar, in ap pro pri ate Copy editors: Curry Andrews, Lily Feinberg, Ramika Grant Coyle, Stephen Crouse, Arielle D’Avanzo, Print staff: Alvin Hambrick, Harlon Heard, language and length. Please place sub mis sions Gourdine George Demeglio, Caroline Denton, Jourdan Devies, Michael Jackson, Adlai McClure, Charlotte in Ms. Hartsfi eld's box in the main offi ce. News editors: Curry Andrews, Emma Din Barbara Dougherty, Kelly Douglas, Michael Harper, Napper, Benjamin Shaw Subscriptions are also avail able. For more in- Comment editors: Ramika Gourdine, Sally Zintak Sean Harrington, Stone Irvin, Kenny Jones, Janna The Southerner, a member of GSPA, SIPA, CSPA for ma tion, please contact Ms. Hartsfi eld or a Feature editors: Lena Brodsky, Hanna Griffi ths Kaplan, Jamison Kinnane, Ella Miller, Julia Oliver, and NSPA, is a month ly stu dent pub li ca tion of: mem ber of the staff. Sports editors: Asa Beal, Travis Jones Carson Phillips-Spotts, Alexander Ritz, Hannah Henry W. Grady High School We can be reached at dhartsfi [email protected] Photo editors: Erik Belgum, Sally Zintak Rosenbaum, Kayci Schoon, Hamp Watson, Madeline 929 Charles Allen Drive NE 2.ga.us Staff: Max Beeching, Leah Bishop, Scottie Bookman, Webb, Michelle Wilco Atlanta, GA 30309 Nov. 14, 2006 c o m m e n t 3

“Today I am become death.” - J. Robert Oppenheimer

Sean Harrington N. Korean leader acts out against his nuclear family Since 9/11, the United States has constantly been involved in some sort of large-scale military operation. Since the Iraq war started in 2003, these operations have been fought on behalf of a divided America and the will of our bumbling president. It hasn’t been until now, however, that Bush’s narrow- minded view of good and evil when it comes to our foreign policy has led us to confrontation with a nation that actually poses a seemingly serious nuclear threat: North Korea. Kim Jong Il, madman extraordinaire, has at last reached what could be the end of his dismal reign of North Korea. While the country boasts an TV commercials wreck leisure time army of about 1 million standing soldiers, North Korea’s civilian population has almost no domestic This summer, I watched the fi rst for products ranging from cleaning supplies to beer, advertisers agriculture industry. The citizens have been kept one two seasons of ABC’s truly addictive strategically position themselves at the leaks of a potential step away from starvation solely as a result of tons of TV show Lost on DVD. I was fi lled consumer’s wallet. international aid, some of which comes from the six with anticipation for the third season There are also certain things that should not be advertised nations that are now pressuring Kim to dismantle his premiere, yet only ten minutes into on television. Feminine hygiene products? I’d much rather nuclear program. the show, all of my excitement had research those in the aisles of a CVS pharmacy, not between Despite their outrage at North Korea’s nuclear evaporated while I suffered through scenes of a Seinfeld re-run I’m watching with my dad. testing, the nations that have allied against it hold the show’s third commercial break. With modern developments such as TiVo and OnDemand, SCOTTIE BOOKMAN differing views as to how the situation should be I’ve always hated commercials, but their viewers can watch their favorite shows without commercials. resolved. The United States, Britain and France are success in dulling my love for Lost, a show I’d become obsessed There are even entire seasons of shows available for purchase, very enthusiastic about sanctions and restrictions—as with, is simply too much. thus the idea of choosing commercials over the appealing superpowers relatively removed from danger usually It would be all right if television commercials were interesting. alternative of avoiding them is nonsensical. are. Japan has been the most anxious to crack down There have certainly been some good ones. Take Häagen-Dazs I’ve got my hopes set on the idea that commercials will on the nuclear testing, which is understandable, as commercials for example, which show an exotic landscape and disappear altogether. Advertisers have billboards, magazines, they know the consequences of nuclear war fi rsthand. a pretty little bowl of ice cream, accompanied by the music of newspapers, buses and countless other chances to partake in Russia, taking its familiar conservative view, supports pleasant violins. But this isn’t the typical nature of commercials. their subliminal messaging. And while these may interrupt sanctions but is reluctant to take a more active role. And when I want to know who is about to be voted off of our view of the skyline and pollute the general atmosphere That leaves the two most reluctant nations, who America’s Next Top Model, even Häagen-Dazs is inexcusable. with overly colorful, airbrushed models, at least they don’t also happen to be the most important. North Korea Even if commercials were not interruptive, they would still interrupt the limited time we set aside for relaxation in front obviously has a long-simmering hatred for the United be unpleasant. Whether people are yelling at me to buy their of the television. States and could care less about countries that are far products or blatantly lip-synching to a song about eBay, I So why are we forced to endure commercials? Ironically, away or don’t have a military force to speak of. South am annoyed. The gimmicks are countless, but nothing from they fi nance the very amenity they’re ruining—our treasured Korea and China, however, pose very large concerns. a dolled-up, C-list celebrity to an ugly cartoon character will TV shows. So realistically, I can’t hope for the extinction of South Korea has seen Kim Jong Il slowly destroy convince me to engage in what they’re endorsing—not if it’s a commercials. But if no monetary alternative exists, I’ll settle his country from across the demilitarized zone all new soda and not if it’s a revolutionary weight loss program. So for artistically improved productions. Until that happens, I’ll these years and is suitably worried about potential why interrupt my show? resolve to taping Lost. Rest assured: I’ll be fast-forwarding retaliation from its northern neighbor. The Korean ❐ The extent of what’s advertised is appalling. In commercials through those wretched commercials. War was only half a century ago, and Kim has been very clear about not wanting his southern neighbor to actively side with the United States. After all, he won’t have to fl y his nukes very far to drop them on Seoul. Childrens’ games tagged dangerous China, however, is in a whole different realm. The Educators have offi cially taken the girl fell and broke her arm during a game of dodgeball. One powerhouse of Asia, they also have a standing army play out of playgrounds across America. injury caused dodgeball to be banned from an entire school of 1 million, and if pressured, can call up enough Classic childhood games such as tag, district. If a girl had fallen off a play-structure or tripped on the soldiers to match the entire population of the United dodgeball and touch football have sidewalk, would the school system get rid of those things too? States. Any attack on China would be met with brutal recently been banned from recess and Educators who outlaw certain games are missing the beauty and swift retaliation. Kim was banking on China’s physical-education classes in many of these simple childhood activities: rules are straightforward, longstanding hostility with the United States to keep school districts throughout the nation. the equipment is minimal and anyone can play. Whether it from participating in the sanctions, but he was Educators believe that games such as kids realize it or not, they are learning lessons during recess wrong. Calling North Korea’s actions “brazen and LEAH BISHOP dodgeball and tag are too dangerous, and that are just as important as the lessons they learn in class. unruly,” China has joined in on the sanctions against they are worried about kids running into each other. Perhaps Playing dodgeball and tag teaches kids how to play by its neighbor. While it is not searching ships at sea for educators should be more worried about kids running the rules, how to enjoy competition and how to nuclear material and arms, its hostile position is one into bigger issues such as childhood obesity from being solve disputes on their own before turning to a of the most important factors of the confl ict. sedentary at recess. What could be more dangerous than teacher. Even a raving lunatic like Kim can see that he a classroom full of kids with excess energy that they can’t In 2001, a school system in Austin, Texas has no chance against China, let alone the rest of burn off at recess? became the fi rst school system to ban dodgeball. the outraged alliance. His threat of possible nuclear Educators opposed to the traditional schoolyard games Dianna Farr, an Austin curriculum specialist, weapons isn’t terribly frightening compared to the are also concerned with the potential psychological said that people should be more careful about established nuclear arsenals of the United States, issues caused by these games. They claim that games like dodgeball that teach children to China and Russia. North Korea would not survive any games such as dodgeball are too competitive and can be violent. She even went as far as to parallel kind of serious military operation conducted by these cause feelings of self-defeat when a weaker student is dodgeball with school violence such as the nations. And who’s to say the United States would eliminated or when a kid is chosen in tag. Educators may Columbine shootings. even send in soldiers? If Kim wants to play tough with be able to keep competition out of the playground, but “Injuries occur all the time in dodgeball,” Farr his nuclear warheads, we could always do the same they can’t keep competition out of the real world that said. “It is just the nature of the game.” with ours. If they want nukes so badly, why not drop kids will have to face eventually. Even the supposedly But the reality that she failed to assert is some on them? less dangerous games, like musical chairs or Simon that injuries occur all the time, period. It While the nuclear solution is an undesirable one, Says, have a winner and a loser and can become is just the nature of childhood. Kids are the point remains that a psychopath who may or may competitive. So, will these games be outlawed too? supposed to play games like dodgeball and not have the capability to make nuclear weapons, Outlandish rules such as these are starting to appear more tag, and they’re going to get bumps and bruises should not hold the world’s most powerful nations frequently as a result of parents who can be too quick to no matter how hard adults try to avoid it. Why hostage. The recent steps towards peace via planned fi le lawsuits. Dodgeball was banned from many New York else would we have Disney and Spongebob renegotiations hopefully mark the end of this nuclear school districts after a lawsuit was fi led because a 7-year-old Band-Aids? ❐ crisis, but whether or not Kim Jong Il blows his top again remains to be seen. ❐ 4 c o m m e n t Nov. 14, 2006 Thanksgiving feast appreciated, family dynamic revealed There’s something about the there with Disneyworld. Nausea and sunburn aside, every steadiness and reward of hard work. In contrast to the academic pandemonium of senior family has dysfunctional tendencies to some degree, though spontaneity and impulsiveness that drive my mother, my year that makes me even more my own family’s dirty laundry tends to curl hair faster than dad is driven by routine. I can always count on him to carve antsy than usual for the holidays. Atlanta’s heat index in the summer. We are not a trip to the bird (most defi nitely a real turkey) the same way every A new year has quickly turned into an amusement park. There are no peanuts and spinning year, and to discipline his kids as often as he spoils us. Corn a new holiday season, and the year teacups involved in the Webb way. Instead, my clan is most wants a good state school for his fi rst daughter. Tofurkey’s seems to be spinning by in a fl urry. akin to the perilously awkward Thanksgiving dinner we will pushing a Northern liberal arts school. Daughter Webb falls MADELINE WEBB Thanksgiving falls this year in the inevitably sit down to eat this Nov. 23. somewhere in the middle. midst of a period of change and many In said Thanksgiving dinner, my mother is the Tofurkey If my mother is a vegetarian bird and my father is an ear diffi cult decisions. In years past I have greeted Thanksgiving centerpiece. This strange faux fowl is made to taste like the of corn, then perhaps my brother is souffl é and my sister is with a batch of cookies and endless hours of gloriously traditional holiday bird for those non-carnivorous guests, pie. Perhaps I’m the fresh fruit mix sitting ripe and colorful mindless television, but this year I want the holiday break to and wears its New Age-ish, hippie implication as proudly in a bowl, or perhaps I am an uncooked potato waiting to mean something else. It’s not that I’m dying to sit through as a real turkey wears its feathers. Tofurkey is a good mom, be served up in any number of ways, the dish not quite my grandpa’s schpiel on the importance of tracing my family even if more than a little eccentric. She is a somewhat planned, the possibilities endless. tree. It’s not that I’m necessarily looking forward to family pushy Jewish New Yorker mixed with yoga-junkie Southern College Admissions offi cers will see that I take AP classes time, but I don’t want to miss the chance to savor the time hippie, and the defi ning force in our two-person household. and do volunteer work with disabled children. They will read that I have left at home. She stands apart from the world in her eclecticism, just as a my essay and look at my test scores. But they don’t know Some people say their family is like a circus or a zoo, but Tofurkey in your Thanksgiving feast. how I came to be Potato Webb, truly a mix of infl uences and I’ve seen both of those attractions, and they’re a great time. My St. Louey-abiding pop is the corn. Corn, born and experiences. They’ll see when I get there. Until then, all I can Besides, if ‘dysfunctional family’ is synonymous with ‘family raised in the Midwest, is a conservative All-American do is savor this supper. Who knows, by next Thanksgiving, fun and cotton candy,’ then my domestic unit is right up husband, doctor and father of three. He lives for the I might be served with butter and salt. ❐ Pre-teenage fashion, priorities inappropriately skewed We’ve all seen them. do now is pretend they’re mature teenagers. They strut around It’s tragically ironic, as I sometimes wish to wearing too little be their age and not have to worry about clothing and haunt boys, college or looking pretty. malls and movie There is something seriously wrong with theaters. The nation’s society when a young girl thinks she has to “mini-teens” are dress like a supermodel to be cool. Perhaps BARBARA DOUGHERTY taking over. Chances this pressure to dress a certain way is caused are, you probably by too much television; maybe parents know one of these nine-year-old girls need to start monitoring the channels their wearing halter tops, mini skirts, and shirts children watch. I will give credit, though, to that read sexy across the chest. It might be former star of MTV’s Laguna Beach Lauren just me, but I am a little bit shocked when I Conrad, quoted recently as saying that she go to my church and see a ten year old with would like to use her pop image to design a skirt shorter than one of Paris Hilton’s. a line of hip, yet conservative clothing for I’ve worn some low-cut shirts in my young girls. day, but only because I get my own ride to I’m not saying young girls can’t look up department stores, pick out my own clothes to teens. When I was younger, I thought my and pay for them myself. The disturbing neighbor was the coolest girl in the world fact about these girls is that they don’t do because she was a teenager, and I thought their own shopping. They have no source of that I was cool because I talked to her and be when they actually are teenagers? lay down the law when they turn 15. If girls income, which means they get clothes like knew her. But that’s about as far as it went. Pre-teens’ increasing sex appeal isn’t the are allowed to put fashion and boys fi rst at this from their parents and form ideas about My younger neighbors look up to me, even only problem with young people in our ten years old, education will still take the fashion from the media. when I wear baggy tees and long pants. The country — it’s just the only thing we can back burner in high school. The memories I have from being nine morals of young girls just keep getting lower see. Recently, more and more instances of Perhaps we should take a look at the years old include playing with plastic and lower as they continue to idolize the drug use by younger and younger kids have examples kids look up to and what they animals, dressing up, running around styles of older women. A young girl isn’t popped up all over the country. It’s scary to watch on television. They need to have and scraping my knees. I was a complete given much choice when she is brought think that perhaps the next few generations role models who can tell them it’s OK to tomboy, along with most of the other girls up thinking it’s OK to be scantily clad at a will be drug addicts and alcoholics. Parents be a tomboy. It’s OK to be frilly, too. But my age. young age. If this is how younger girls are can’t let young girls run rampant and do someone needs to tell them it’s cool to put It seems like all that young girls want to acting now, how extreme will their behavior what they want at nine years old, and then school fi rst. ❐ JonBenet murder suspect found innocent; still poses threat to young girls T h e discovered the DNA of a white JonBenet’s body did not match world to avoid charges until his Depp would play Karr and plan murder itself male on JonBenet’s body. No viable Karr’s. The DNA, however, appears arrest in Thailand. the murder of JonBenet. In another shocked me suspects surfaced, and the inquiry to be the only solid evidence I am not accusing this man of e-mail, he states that he likes little even as a grew cold. against Karr’s guilt. His history is murder. I do, however, refuse to girls who are no older than 10 years young girl. Then, ten years later, I was disconcerting. When he was 19 believe that he is entirely innocent. old and that he wants to undergo a A l t h o u g h suprised by the sudden revival of years old, he married a 13-year-old Karr was arrested for the possession sex change to become a nanny in I was too the case. Police detained John Mark girl who later requested and received of child pornography and fl ed the England.

KAYCI SCHOON young to Karr in Thailand—an arrest based an annulment on the grounds country; yet, he walked away from “I said, ‘Oh JonBenet, you’re be watching solely on several that she had feared that courthouse, likely pondering more powerful in death. I must the news regularly, my mother told confessions he I am not accusing for her life when she his well-spent “get out of jail free” partake of you, I must partake of me about a piece on the case that e-mailed to [Karr] of murder. I accepted his proposal. card. you, some way I must partake of gripped America. Michael Tracey, do, however, refuse At 24, he married a His actual association with the you. I must drink you,’ ” Karr said On December 26, 1996, six-year- a journalism pregnant 16-year-old, JonBenet case is obscure but evident. of the murder. “I told you the last old JonBenet Ramsey was discovered professor at the “ to believe that he is who later delivered The media has cited a handwriting time we talked that I’m very strange, brutally beaten and strangled in University of entirely innocent. twins via home birth. analyst who was 99.9 percent but I don’t think I should say that. her basement in Boulder, Co. Colorado. After Both infants died later certain that the handwriting on I’m just very unique. I want to JonBenet’s parents, Patsy and John being rushed back to Colorado, that day. She divorced him after he JonBenet’s ransom note belonged worship little girls like they’re Ramsey, claimed that someone had Karr apologetically told the media was arrested for fi ve misdemeanor to Karr. Further, the mysterious goddesses and that’s just me.” crept into their home late that night that he had accidentally killed counts of child pornography. initials S.B.T.C. concluding the Yes, this man is obsessed with and murdered their daughter. The JonBenet during sexual intercourse. Meanwhile, Karr had been working ransom note were discovered to JonBenet. Perhaps he didn’t murder police, however, found no evidence The media spotlighted the case as as a substitute teacher for elementary match those at the end of letters her. Maybe he isn’t involved in the of any such person ever being in the Karr told all about how she died, students. Karr couldn’t seem to Karr had written to his fi rst wife. Is JonBenet case at all. Nonetheless, home or any sign of forced entry. why he killed her and about his hold a job, often because he had a this signifi cant parallel honestly just releasing John Mark Karr to the Consequently, the police suspected undying love for the six-year-old tendency to be too affectionate with a coincidence? public is like waiting for an ocean Patsy and John and they were never beauty. Despite this confession, children. He was fi red from his last Karr’s e-mails with Tracey are wave to come crashing onto the tried. Although the Ramseys are Karr was released in August 2006. teaching job after his arrest for child far more disturbing. In one of his shore—it’s inevitable. Let’s think still widely suspected, detectives The reason for the release pornography. Karr failed to appear e-mails, Karr included his ambition about the children who may get dismissed the accusation when they is clear—the DNA found on at his trial, having fl ed around the to create a movie in which Johnny caught up in the undertow. ❐ Nov. 14, 2006 c o m m e n t 5 Repairing elevators ensures accessibility It was 11 of them isn’t working. My fi rst day o’clock on back, my mom took me into the a Saturday discipline offi ce to fi nd out what night, and it would take to get an elevator I was on key. It was easier than we had my way to thought. Within twenty minutes pick up my I had signed all the necessary b r o t h e r s paperwork and there was a tiny, RAMIKA GOURDINE from the golden key in my hand. The movies. My mom was driving only thing that was missing was us through the Auburn Avenue a way to get from the offi ce to intersection when some eighteen the second fl oor of Charles Allen year old from Snellville decided without going up the stairs. he didn’t need to stop at red A little over a week before, I lights or obey any traffi c laws. He had gotten specifi c instructions barreled down the street, crashed from my doctor. She told me into our car and injured both my to be careful and rest. Whatever mother and me. Within the next else I did, however, avoid stairs. few days, I learned that we both Grady took away that option had back injures that were not when the Eighth Street elevator only painful, but also signifi cantly broke down. I understand that limited our mobility. it’s no one’s fault—things break, I was stuck at home for an that’s just life. At the same time, entire week. I couldn’t get out of though, things need to get fi xed. bed. All I could do was lie fl at, Since then, it’s been more with ice packs under my back than a week. Nonetheless, I Lack of relief feeds inhumanity and neck and be taken care of. still have to painfully make my At times, torture and abduction of Iraqi of troops and with so much Most people think that would way up all the stairs from the being a part civilians and prisoners as isolated invested in Iraq, perhaps the draft be the life, but it wasn’t. I missed cafeteria to Charles Allen before of the team events, these incidents will is the right alternative. After all, so much work that I still haven’t I can do anything else. Without can go too continue if troops are unable to be it would be nice to see the sons gotten totally caught up. Because those stairs, I can’t go to my far. relieved. The occupation of Iraq is and daughters of senators on I’m generally an independent locker, most of my classes or even M e l s o n looking more like Vietnam as tales the front lines for a change. An person, I hated every minute of think about getting on a working B a c o s of war crimes reach the states. It equal opportunity ticket to the it—from the useless, helpless elevator. claims that is an all too real possibility that military might be just what the feeling, to the excruciating pain, I’m feeling a little better now, STONE IRVIN that he these murders are the beginnings doctor ordered for a country so to the dopy, medicated stupor—I but then again that may just didn’t walk of a new Mai Lai—if not in scale, wishy-washy in its opinion on was livid. be the painkillers. Instead of away from the seven marines then in sentiment. the Iraqi occupation. Perhaps the Once I returned to school, spending more time in bed, I’ve who allegedly murdered an Iraqi This sudden spike in brutality mainstream would reevaluate its however, the situation only been forced to continue up and civilian last April because he didn’t may be due to either strenuous present sentiments if it realized became harder to deal with. down those stairs several times want to feel excluded. Bacos was battlefi eld conditions or that they ultimately lead to a It would seem that a school a day. What makes the problem the fi rst soldier to testify against individual cruelty. Regardless of draft. should be available to anyone. A more annoying than ever is the accused marines in the case in its causes, stricter monitoring and Military brutality increases handicapped student shouldn’t that there are plenty of other exchange for a plea bargain. Now more troops are needed to provide each day soldiers continue to be kept from attending class and people who need the elevators. another soldier, Pfc. John Jodka, relief to those already active in occupy Iraq. The situation is shouldn’t have to do something Whether they are permanently is telling a similar story. It is Iraq. Beleaguered troops have becoming more and more barbaric harmful to his or her health in handicapped, injured or doing becoming increasingly clear that little in the way of reinforcements as soldiers are pushed to the limits order to attend class. The state some stair-less task for the school, the soldiers on trial premeditated and relief, a combination deadly of sanity by battlefi eld conditions of Georgia mandates that schools they’re being inconvenienced, the capture and murder of an to anyone’s mental health and and human cruelty. Unless the make themselves available to the worsening injuries and sometimes insurgent, and when they did not judgment. The government United States withdraws troops handicapped. Here at Grady, even being prevented from going fi nd him, killed Hashim Ibrahim needs to realize that it should from Iraq or reinforces them with though, handicapped access isn’t where they need to go. Awad, a 52-year-old father of 11 not beat a dying horse unless it drafted troops, these atrocities quite as obtainable as one might Our school is often preoccupied children, instead. intends for it to die. will continue to happen until the think. with keeping things clean and If America cannot control its There are two feasible solutions body count is too high to brush I’m not saying it isn’t available pretty. I think it’s about time military, more scenarios like this to the present dilemma: withdraw off as an isolated incident. in theory. Each building—Eighth we start getting the important and Abu Ghraib will happen. troops from Iraq or reinstate In an army of gun-toting Street and Charles Allen—has an things, not just the pretty ones, No matter how many times the the draft. With the majority of warriors, it’s easy to give in to elevator. The problem is that one fi xed up. ❐ government labels the murder, Americans against the withdrawal peer pressure. ❐ Child combatants an ineffectual answer to gunmen There was a time Response Options have experience in law differently. hurt in the process. when the words enforcement and have dealt with shootings Waking up and going to school every Rather than dealing with situations gun and school were in schools. According to the company’s day is something kids have been trained involving guns in the classroom, why rarely used in the mission statement, the directors believe to do. Brushing thier teeth before they doesn’t this school system address how the same sentence, but that fi ghting back becomes important go to bed is something that kids have guns are getting into the classrooms? that time has long when a lockdown fails, like at Columbine been trained to do. Throwing books at a It’s evident that the security here at passed. The topic High School. gunman is not something that happens Grady can be almost nonexistent. A of school shootings What makes the directors of Response everyday, and it is not something that kids former teacher told to me that there are HANNAH is as common as a Options think that the students are going should be trained to do. certain aspects of school he does not miss, ROSENBAUM grading period. In to fi ght back? What makes them think that Police offi cers and members of the Army such as metal detector duty. He described Burleson, Texas, right outside of Fort students and teachers will remain calm know what to do when there is a gun this process as a theatrical performance, in Worth, an independent school district has when faced with an armed intruder? pointed at their head; but third graders which the students act as if their bags are decided to fi ght back against these school Since Kindergarten, students have certainly do not, no matter how many getting searched and the teachers act as shootings. Literally. practiced what to do if the school catches times they see a simulation. if they are searching the student’s bags. In One company, Response Options, on fi re. In actuality, when students hear What would happen if only one or two fact, the metal detectors aren’t even plugged provides tactical training to students that there is a real fi re, they are going to children responded to their training and in because the sound got too annoying to K-12 on how to collectively attack a run as fast as they can to get out of the threw books at a gunman? Most likely, the teachers. This is a complete waste of school intruder. The company’s main building. There would be no order if both the students would be killed, leaving time for both parties involved. technique is teaching students to throw there was a real fi re—no one would follow the rest of the children in more shock and If society is serious about addressing this textbooks, chairs, desks or anything else the escape routes; the training would in more danger. Statistically, gunmen have issue, funding should be spent on school available to them and to then storm be thrown out the window. When faced proven to be suicidal and it doesn’t matter security rather than on training to fi ght a towards the gunman. The directors of with a gunman, students would act no to them whom they shoot or if they get gunman. ❐ NEWS BRIEFS 6 n e w s THE SOUTHERNER Nov. 14, 2006 Atlanta running late New vaccine against HPV prevents cancer on sewer renovations BY HANNA GRIFFITHS women. between the ages of 11 and 12. little confl ict. Last month, city offi cials asked the It is the answer to prayers “[HPV] is extremely common “It [was] just weird, because “There was a lot of concern federal government for a extension to around the world. It is a huge in young healthy women; over 30 I could feel the fl uid going into that social conservatives would its 2007 sewer renovation deadline. breakthrough. It is the fi rst vaccine percent of sexually active women my arm,” said junior Sophie Cox, come out against Gardasil. The Offi cials credit the project’s one-year for cancer, and it is available at a have HPV,” Kulkin said. who got the vaccine on October media made a big hype, but delay to faulty equipment. Even if doctor’s offi ce near you. Although the percentage of 13. “I’d never had a shot like that. that never came through,” said the extension is granted, Atlanta will According to the Mayo Clinic’s women with HPV is high, most My mom heard about it before it Jennifer Lockwood-Shabot, face severe federal fi nes. website, 100,000 women in the precancerous cases go away came out. I was supposed to get it director of public policy at the United States are diagnosed with without any treatment. Even right when it was released, but it National Family Planning and cervical cancer every year. For severe dyspalsia doesn’t always took a while to get.” Reproductive Health Agency. Ground broken for 4,000 of those diagnosed women, progress into cervical cancer; if Cox decided to get the vaccine “The only division now is that new King memorial the disease is fatal. The vaccine, women work with their doctors, because she knows several people social conservatives don’t want to called Gardasil, prevents cervical the condition normally goes who have HPV and wanted to see [the vaccine] made mandatory Hundreds gathered on the cancer by protecting against a away. protect herself from the possibility for school entry.” National Mall Nov. 13 to cel- sexually transmitted disease. “The women who get cervical of getting cancer. Merck & Co. is not the only ebrate the groundbreaking of a “HPV stands for human cancer, for the most part, are “The virus is transmitted company producing an HPV monument to honor Martin Lu- papillomavirus,” gynecologist Dr. the ones who don’t stay current sexually so we want to vaccinate vaccine. GlaxoSmithKline’s ther King Jr. The $100 million Jay Kulkin said. “Some strands are on pap tests,” said Dr. Elisabeth people before there is the chance vaccine, called Cervarix, is memorial is located between the benign and cause no problems— Umber, team leader of the HPV of coming into contact with the pending approval by the FDA. Lincoln and Jefferson memorials others can cause cancer. When laboratory at the Centers for virus,” Wambold said. “The obvious difference is and is the fi rst monument on the the HPV virus can alter the cells, Disease Control. “The biggest Although it is recommended that they are made by different National Mall to honor an Afri- it causes dysplasia [precancerous impact this vaccine can make will that women get the vaccine before companies, but Cervarix is not can American. cells] and comes in three forms— only be made if the people who they become sexually active, in a FDA approved,” said Wambold. mild, moderate and severe.” don’t stay current on health get study conducted by Merck & “They both cover HPV types 16 Dedication signals Gardasil works as a vaccine the vaccine.” Co., all of and 18, but for cervical cancer by preventing Although this vaccine can the vaccinated [This vaccine] is an our vaccine Active Oval opening HPV. It will not protect against prevent cervical cancer, the w o m e n [Gardasil] also extraordinary thing. In Mayor Shirley Franklin spoke on all types of HPV, but trials have science behind it cannot be used benefi ted. covers types six Nov. 8 at the dedication of Pied- shown that the vaccine guards to prevent other types of cancer. “Even if medicine there is hardly and 11, which mont Park’s newly renovated Active against the types that cause 90 “Right now this is the only type they have “ ever something that works cause genital Oval. The $1.8 million overhaul percent of genital warts and 70 of cancer that we know is caused contracted warts in both features new soccer and softball percent of cervical cancer—types by a virus,” Wambold said. “You one of the this well. males and fi elds, beach volleyball courts and six, 11, 16 and 18. can’t say that about every type HPV types, females.” a half-mile gravel track. “There are about 100 different of virus; lung cancer can be [the vaccine] is Dr. Elizabeth Umber, CDC No matter types of HPV,” said Deb caused by smoking, or it can still benefi cial the brand Wambold, a spokesperson for be hereditary, or it can be from against the n a m e , Mayor halts Beltline Merck & Co., Inc, the company second hand smoke. Cervical other three types,” Wambold the vaccine is still a major that developed Gardasil. “Most cancer is, for the most part, only said. breakthrough for women’s health. to adopt zoning laws of the viruses cause things like caused by this virus.” Because the vaccine must be “[This vaccine] is an Mayor Shirley Franklin temporarily planters-warts on your hands, but Because the vaccine only administered early, many people extraordinary thing,” Umber stopped all large developments along there are about 30 to 40 percent became available in June, the believe it could cause huge divides said. “In medicine there is hardly the Beltline on Nov. 6. The building that are genital-related.” FDA recommends that women between liberals and conservatives. ever something that works this halt, which will be in effect until There is an especially high rate under the age of 26 get a catch- Allegedly, the vaccine would well. It is going to make a huge Nov. 20, gives the City Council of genital related HPV among up vaccine. The vaccine is most encourage premarital sex. So far, difference.” ❐ time to adopt new Beltline zoning high school and college age effective, however, for girls however, there has been relatively laws for greenspace, residential and commercial construction. 2006 Election Results Sheriff faces charges for overcrowded jail NATIONAL To defend himself against federal charges,Fulton Country STATE Senate House Sheriff Myron Freeman has hired three lawyers . The jail illegally Governor: Congress: houses over 2,000 extra inmates, 57.7% Sonny Purdue (R) Undecided Democrats and according to the Atlanta 2% 53% Journal Constitution is dirty and 38.5% Mark Taylor (D) Democrats Republicans overcrwoded. Fulton taxpayers have 3.8% Garrett Hayes (Lib) 51% 49% This graph refl ects the spent approximately $500,000 on status of congressional Freeman’s legal fees. Republicans Lt. Governor: election results as of 45% 54% Casey Cagle (R) Nov. 14 Hamas calls off truce 42.5% Jim Martin (D) after Gaza bombing 3.5% Allen Buckley (Lib) Governors: Angered by the November bomb- Secretary of State: ing of a residential neighborhood along the northern Gaza Strip, 53.9% Karen Handel (R) Hamas chief Khaled Mshaal claimed 42% Gail Buckner (D) that peace with Israel was no longer 4.1% Kevin Madsen (Lib) possible and called for militants to attack and avenge the victims. Attorney General: 57.4% Thurbert Baker (D) Resurfaced runway 42.6% Perry McGuire (R) prepared for takeoff State School Superintendent: Hartsfi eld-Jackson International Airport recently fi nished a $90 59.8% Kathy Cox (R) million project to re-surface its 35.1% Denise Majette (D) SARAH BETH MCKAY oldest runway with 20-inch-thick 5.1% David Chastain (Lib) Republican pavement. In September, when the runway was out of order, Democrat Hartsfield-Jackson ranked last out of 31 airports in percentage SOURCE: CNN.COM, THE ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION of on-time fl ights. Nov. 14, 2006 n e w s 7 Saber Day tradition commends, honors JROTC cadets

BY HAMP WATSON who chose to have Sergeant Paying homage to an ancient Major Frank Tuggle present her Spartan military tradition, saber. “I felt that one of my Grady’s JROTC program held its teachers should present the saber annual Saber Day ceremony on because my parents weren’t in the Oct. 25 in the performance gym. ROTC and don’t understand the In ancient times, young Greeks meaning of Saber Day the way from the city-state of Sparta my teachers do.” received swords and shields to During the ceremony, the cadets signify their entry into both performed drills that required manhood and the army. During strictly organized formations and Grady’s ceremony, sixteen of the precise movements. JROTC cadets received thin, “I was very impressed,” said shiny sabers, marking their junior Max Leonard, who commission as officers in the attended the event. “A lot of it program. reminded me of the marching you The ceremony honored cadet see in movies.” officers who displayed good Prussian General Friedrich conduct and leadership skills. von Steuben first brought the “[The officers earn] their sabers exercise of drilling to the United by having good conduct for the States during the Revolutionary two to three years prior [to the War, using drills to train the ceremony], by having leadership Continental Army. credentials and by volunteering, “Formations used to be for wearing their uniform all the fighting battles, but now we use time, keeping their appearance formations for competitions [and] HAMP WATSON HAMP sharp and doing what they’re for fun,” Sivas said. “Last year, SIR, YES SIR: Senior Ryan Betty leads the JROTC drill team, improvising an order as senior Selerian Thomas, junior Quandarius Baker told,” said Lieutenant Colonel our drill team placed third in the and senior Tiffany Hollloway assemble into a new formation. All drill team members must memorize up to 52 military commands. Mitchell Sivas, Grady’s senior city and competed at state.” army instructor for the JROTC. Despite their reputation for Experiences from three years in Assistant Principal Ms. Naomi football game, the color guard Many of the Grady cadets precision, Grady’s cadets didn’t the program have prepared him Grishman and the APS Director goes out and presents the national volunteered to let one of their perform everything at Saber Day to adapt to challenging and high- of Army Instruction, Colonel colors. We [also] have the Veterans parents present them their exactly as planned. pressure situations. Arthur Holmes, congratulated Day Parade and Empty Stockings sabers. Junior Cadet Captain “We had to improvise in the “[Being battalion commander Grady’s cadets. Fund, the Special Olympics and Jeremy Turner’s mom presented beginning when the announcer is] a lot of responsibility,” Betty “Each time I see you entering Junior Achievement; we have his saber. read something before we were said. “But it’s also fun because of school through the cafeteria in the activities throughout the year that “If it were the teacher done with a movement,” said the authority involved.” morning, wearing your uniforms people can volunteer for.” presenting, it just wouldn’t feel senior Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Betty said his battalion and representing your country, I Sivas said JROTC teaches right,” he said. Ryan Betty, the battalion performed satisfactorily at Saber am immensely proud of all that good citizenship, attention to Others disagreed. commander. “But in the military, Day. you do,” Ms. Grishman said. detail, leadership, pride and self- “The teachers taught me you have to improvise all the “My goal was to make my The JROTC program routinely motivation. the meaning [of the saber], time.” battalion presentable,” he said. serves the community. “You represent the U.S. Army and they’ve been through [the According to Betty, JROTC “I think the program overall went “We just had the color guard and the values it stands for,” he ceremony] before,” said Junior classes emphasize problem-solving fairly well.” go to the Falcons game,” Sivas said. “You’re a part of something Cadet Captain Chinnetta Buford, skills for a variety of situations. After the presentation of sabers, said. “Every time we have a home that’s larger than yourself.” ❐ Morningside PRINCIPAL resigns; school moves on from page 1 overcrowding problems and rotation of Schuster and many other parents believe several administrators, running Morningside that Spencer phrased her résumé in a way would have challenged any new principal. that seemed as though she had completed the “Transition is so hard for people,” the program and had earned a doctorate. anonymous Morningside parent said. “Ms. “This is an enormous fraudulent mis- Spencer was not like Ms. Sibilsky. She had statement of her academic credentials,” different skillsets and different mannerisms. Schuster wrote. “When contacted, the Many parents were nervous about the University of South Carolina denied ever change.” granting a doctorate to ‘Dr.’ Catherine Some people believe that Morningside Spencer.” parents are too involved with administrative APS administrators never thought Spencer issues at the school and exceed traditional had a doctorate in Education. and never paid parental roles. her as such. When Schuster’s e-mail was sent “Part of the underlying issue was that many out, however, Spencer was aware that many parents thought they should be more involved parents at Morningside were under the

REBECCA GITTELSON in [running the school] than Ms. Spencer impression thought she had a doctoral degree. KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON: Although Morningside’s principal resigned, the school is still optimistic about the future. allowed them to be,” the anonymous parent She had already begun the process of working “[We] need to be thinking about...about letting APS move our children forward,” an anonymous parent said. said. “Morningside has such an educated and with APS to correct this mistaken belief and involved parent body that it’s hard to know had prepared to give a statement to PTA According to Spencer, APS found no to her as Dr. Spencer 12 times. According to a where to draw the line in their involvement.” members at their Oct. 10 meeting. wrongdoing in its investigation of the issue, PTA parent who preferred to not be identified In spite of Spencer’s resignation, “We’d been wrestling with this issue for six but Spencer still decided to resign. for this article, Spencer was given this letter to Morningside is continuing to move forward. weeks or so,” Spencer told The Southerner. “I “The district administration felt that it was review before it was published, but she did not Becky Pruitt, former curriculum specialist thought everyone had agreed on a certain plan in everybody’s best interest [that I] go ahead correct the mistake. at Jackson Elementary, is now serving as of action.” and tender my resignation,” Spencer said. “It “To send a letter out to a community you’re Morningside’s interim principal. With the press invited to the PTA meeting was a mutual decision by myself and APS.” meeting for the first time that misrepresents “The transition has been seamless,” said and the circulation of Schuster’s e-mail, Spencer acknowledges that she should have you is inexcusable,” the anonymous parent Duggan Lansing, Morningside PTA co- however, Spencer knew that she would handled parts of the situation differently. said. president. “[Pruitt] has been well received by probably have to leave her job as principal. “I’ll be the first to admit that there were Spencer said that she never intended to hurt the staff and community as a whole.” “I think the greatest surprise was the things I’d certainly do differently if I had it to the Morningside community. APS began its principal selection process viciousness of the way the press was brought do all over again,” Spencer said. “There was “I have nothing but the highest regard for for Morningside the Friday after Spencer in,” Spencer said. “When the communication a lot of misuse of the title doctor. I tried to the Morningside faculty and students and resigned. The PTA and school council will went out to over 400 parents in the correct people when I could, but it obviously certainly harbor them no ill will,” Spencer begin interviewing candidates for the position Morningside community and got into the wasn’t often enough or soon enough for some said. “It’s unfortunate that the actions of a few in February. hands of the press, the scales were tipped as far people.” led to this parting of the ways.” “Right now there’s a focused effort on as consideration of whether I could continue Over the summer, Morningside sent out its The alleged résumé fraud may have not moving forward,” Lansing said. “From to be effective [as Morningside’s principal] and biannual newsletter, which included a brief been the only cause for Spencer’s resignation. teachers, to parents, to students, everyone is continue to work in the best interest of APS.” biography of Spencer. The biography referred With the school’s construction project, really focused on looking ahead.” ❐ 8 n e w s Nov. 14, 2006 Grady community awaits trendy chain in Midtown BY SCOTT CHAMBLISS Forty years later, they now have about 260 Others anticipate the excellent prices the main draws for Trader Joe’s customers in In the mood for some chimichurri salmon? stores in 21 states and have recently started that Trader Joe’s will bring to midtown. other locations. Georgia’s alcohol distribution How about a bag of mélange à trois? Or moving into the South. Trader Joe’s has Sophomore Chris Cruz has heard of the legislation, however, is particularly stringent would you like some edamame instead? announced plans to open up to 12 new low prices and is eagerly awaiting the store’s and forces retailers to make all brands available If these terms seem like they have been locations in metro Atlanta, starting with the opening. to other retailers in the state. Because Two- pulled from the menu of an upscale, trendy Oct. 20 opening of their location in Roswell, “I’m really into organic foods, but I usually buck Chuck is such a popular brand, Trader restaurant or from a cozy bohemian café, you Ga. and including the site in the Midtown don’t have enough money. It’s like Whole Joe’s is reluctant to allow other companies presumably have not been introduced to the Promenade, which will open in early 2007. Foods for, like, half the price,” Cruz said. to sell it, and as a result the opening of the new shop that is revolutionizing the grocery With its focus on exotic and organic Students are not the only people getting Roswell location was dry; the store won’t be shopping experience. Trader Joe’s, a chain cuisine, it has also built up a large following of antsy as they wait for opening day. Many able to sell alcoholic beverages for at least a store that prides itself on selling flavorful foodies who have developed an almost cultish teachers and faculty members have been to month. foods at low prices, recently announced its devotion to the popular chain. other locations and are eager to frequent the Despite the absence of the store’s best- lease of a 12,000-square-foot area at the “I go to California every year with my new, convenient site. Ms. Jenny Hutton, who known product, the Roswell opening went Midtown Promenade shopping center, across grandparents, and we always go to the Trader directs the orchestra program, is a fan of the very well, with dozens of people waiting in the street from Grady. Joe’s there,” says junior Jane Shirra. Shirra, chain. line outside to be the first ones to enter the Previously known as Pronto Markets, the who is thrilled with the upcoming opening “I have been to [Trader Joe’s] before with store. Local foodies are also confident that the store opened in 1958 in Southern California. of the new Midtown location, also enjoys the friends in Portland, Ore. and L.A. I like it projected January opening of the Midtown In response to the growing threat posed by always-varied selection of goods that Trader because they have cheap, base foods. And of location will also be an exciting event. the Seven-Elevens in the area, Pronto Markets Joe’s offers. course, the famous $2 wine.” “I’ve never even been to one before,” says changed its name to Trader Joe’s and “got “It has a lot of good food, stuff that you This wine, nicknamed “Two-buck Cruz. “But I’m probably going to go four groovy,” according to the Trader Joe’s website. can’t find at Publix,” she said. Chuck”for the low price tag, has been one of times a week after school.” ❐ New design, urban location change face of Wal-Mart BY SARAH BETH MCKAY available,” Rushing said. “A Wal- The world’s wealthiest retailer Mart usually takes up 30 to 40 acres, and America’s largest employer and ends up being about 200,000 has finally penetrated Atlanta’s square feet. We had to come up perimeter. Located only four miles with a different way.” from Grady in the lower level of In conjunction with developer the former Castlegate Hotel, Wal- Selig Enterprises, Wal-Mart came Mart is now closer than ever. The up with a plan to squeeze a 150,000 controversial chain of discount square foot store underneath and stores boasts almost 7,000 locations surrounding a three-story parking around the world, and has opened deck. The entire development, over 200 stores nationwide in the called The District at Howell Mill, last year. also includes a TJ Maxx, PetSmart “Each year, Wal-Mart experiments and Office Depot. with new [store] designs,” said Grady teacher Ms. Nadia Michael Mills, the regional Goodvin noticed the Wal-Mart’s director for Wal-Mart’s community smaller size right away. relations. “Our latest design [for “This Wal-Mart had a relatively the Howell Mill store] features new small selection, but I appreciated signage and a more open, fresh feel. not having to drive all the way to We’ve expanded the electronics Jonesboro,” said Ms. Goodvin, department; we have new floorings who goes to Wal-Mart to buy cheap and different lighting.” merchandise. “It wasn’t as tacky as Although the location’s manager, the other [Wal-Marts], either.” Chuck Rushing, has played a role in When planning the location’s opening 15 Wal-Marts throughout layout, decoration and product the Southeast, he’s never seen one selection, Wal-Mart officials paid

quite as unique. very close attention to the desires of BELGUM ERIK “It’s decorated differently,” the surrounding neighborhoods. MOVIN’ ON UP: The newest urban, environmentally friendly Wal-Mart store is located on Howell Mill Road, overlooking Interstate 75. Rushing said. “It doesn’t look like “We met with various groups over It is the first Wal-Mart to penetrate Interstate 285 and its convenient proximity to downtown promises to attract customers. the normal Wal-Mart. We have a the summer, and they told us what freestanding deli and bakery, and they wanted to see,” Rushing said. environmental practices,” details over neighborhoods and small WakeUpWalMart.com, a website the produce is in the middle of the “We tried to get as close to what the company’s extensive goals. communities and turns them into created to inform the public about grocery department.” they asked for as possible.” Wal-Mart hopes to eliminate most every other community—instead Wal-Mart’s alleged misdoings, claims This Wal-Mart, the first of the Mills and Rushing feel that of the harmful waste it releases. of having unique stores and ‘mom that Wal-Mart has also weakened the and pop’ businesses, every small U.S. economy by outsourcing labor company’s urban prototypes, boasts it is important for stores to play “Our goal is that everything we town has the exact same Wal-Mart,” to foreign countries and by buying new apparel lines, an extensive wine a large role in their surounding use be recyclable or reusable so we have zero waste,” Rushing said. freshman Abigail Leery said. “Small mostly non-American goods. The selection and prepared meals. communities. “We’re not there yet, but we’re stores can’t compete with Wal- website reports that Wal-Mart Mills stresses that, while Wal- “It’s important to work directly working on it.” Mart—they can’t offer the selection was responsible for 10 percent Mart is trying to add a more urban with the community base that The company hopes to reduce or the low prices and are at an of the United States trade deficit component, the company’s primary we serve,” Mills said. “Wal-Mart extreme disadvantage.” with China in 2005. According the amount of carbon dioxide goal is to provide focuses on being its stores and trucks emit by 25 Economics teacher Mr. Kurt to the website, if Wal-Mart could b e t t e r People are excited to have a a store of the percent by 2012, to use more Phillips agrees with Leery. be considered a country, it would goods and community— locally-grown, fresh food and to “I try to avoid Wal-Mart stores be China’s eighth-biggest trading service to Wal-Mart so close—they don’t 90 percent of cut each store’s energy usage by 20 because they underpay their workers partner, ahead of Russia, Australia its current the money we percent by 2009. Wal-Mart has also and are anti-union, but there’s and Canada. have to drive to the outskirts of something really alluring about low Despite these claims, Atlanta’s patrons. give back to worked with the National Fish and “ town anymore. prices,” Mr. Phillips said. first Wal-Mart has been successful. “ A l l the community Wildlife Foundation to help protect the environment and partnered Although Mr. Phillips disapproves “Most of the reaction that we’ve customers is through local with MTV to educate youth about of some of the company’s policies, gotten has been really positive,” w a n t store manager Chuck Rushing stores. Each environmental concerns. he maintains that Wal-Mart has Rushing said. “People are excited a c c e s s store gives away “We’ve implemented a lot of the right to choose where it opens to have a Wal-Mart so close—they to more diverse $30,000 to changes to improve our impact stores. don’t have to drive to the outskirts merchandise at our everyday $50,000 a year.” on the environment,” Mills said. “Wal-Mart is a perfect example of town anymore.” low prices,” Mills said. “We are The Howell Mill Wal-Mart gave “We’ve also introduced a lot of of free enterprise—they offer really Rushing feels that people criticize responding to the desires of our Grady $3,000 earlier this year. organic products. We sell more good prices, which translates into a Wal- Mart because they don’t know customers. Wal-Mart works Company-wide initiatives have than 400 organic foods and have lot of demand,” Mr. Phillips said. “I enough about the company. everyday to improve the way we do begun to make Wal-Mart more introduced organic clothing lines.” don’t know why anyone would want “If there is a [negative stigma to work there, though.” attached to Wal-Mart], it’s because business.” environmentally friendly. The Although Wal-Mart is working to Wal-Mart has been repeatedly people aren’t aware of the type of The company had to get creative chain’s sustainability initiative, reinvent its image, many criticize the chain for its treatment of sued for disregarding labor laws company we are,” Rushing said. to find land within Atlanta city explained by Wal-Mart’s website employees and for the effect it has by paying low wages, exploiting “We are a very honest, hardworking limits. as a “commitment to better long- on communities. its workforce and discriminating operation that does its best to give “Because the store is in the metro term business performance through “I think [Wal-Mart] takes against minority and female back to the neighborhoods we area, there wasn’t as much land improved social, economic, and employees, among other charges. become a part of.” ❐ Nov 14, 2006 n e w s 9 SHOOTING rattles Midtown plaza after homecoming from page 1 [wondered] ‘where do I go now?’ It “I was shocked,” freshman Pace police officers closed off Monroe security guards at the shopping gang approached the car, a passenger was crazy; it was panic.” Maynard said. “I wasn’t sure if it Drive from the intersection at center and had extra security set up started to get out, thought for a Despite the rush of people into was true.” 8th Street to the light at Virginia between the hours of 4 and 6 pm. second and got back in the car,” Mellow Mushroom, most of the According to freshman Ben Avenue. They also made bystanders Over the years, however, security said a witness who preferred not to employees working that night Powers, the Rice Box owners leave the scene. Raheem said the has slackened. be identified for this article. “Then weren’t concerned about their locked the restaurant doors after situation finally died down twenty “Security was never an issue the driver pulled out a gun and safety. he ran in because they weren’t sure minutes after the cops arrived. before, so nothing was ever waved it in the air. The Kirkwood “I wasn’t too afraid,” said Jeremy if the shooting was over. The Atlanta police and Mellow expected,” said senior Sally Zintak guy ran back to the group—from Hall, who was behind the counter After the first round of shots, a Mushroom view the shooting as who was in Mellow Mushroom what I understand, he ran to get at Mellow Mushroom making Kirkwood resident fired back on a freak incident. They believe it during the 2001 shooting. “It was his own gun.” pizza the night of the shooting. the Fourth Ward group. According was an isolated occurrence, so no sad because it was a place where we Many bystanders ran into the “It was out there, and I was in to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, security changes have been made. thought we were safe. I remember courtyard area in front of Mellow here. I wasn’t really too worried an off-duty officer was heading “It’s not endemic of the looking around and everyone was Mushroom after they saw the gun. that they would come in here and north on Monroe Drive at the neighborhood, so it’s business stunned, speechless and scared.” Once the car drove towards Ponce shoot me.” time of the shooting. as usual,” E v e n de Leon, most of the witnesses Melissa Bigler, a waitress at “[The policeman] pulled Atlanta police though Buck returned to the top of the hill Mellow Mushroom, didn’t hear over and chased the Kirkwood officer Collier Everyone ran around the b e l i e v e s overlooking Woody’s Restaurant. the shooting. She first became gunman,” an anonymous witness Johnson said. parking lot screaming. It the recent “We heard the tires squeal aware of the situation when she said. “He caught him next to a “It had nothing was pretty much every man s h o o t i n g and two shots were fired in the saw customers by the window parked car in the lot. The gunman to do with the c o u l d n ’ t air,” Conroy said. “Everyone ran crouching down. tried to throw his gun under the neighborhood. “ for himself. have been around the parking lot screaming. “I was curious and somewhat car, but [he was seen].” It’s a pretty prevented, he It was pretty much every man worried,” she said. “I went outside The policeman’s quick response g o o d senior Noah Conroy does believe for himself. People were tripping and people were running around. and efficiency at the scene c o m m u n i t y there should over others and it was just People ran in [the restaurant] and surprised bystanders. and [this have been pandemonium. Three more shots everyone was really excited. There “I walked back out [of Mellow shooting] won’t bring crimes.” more security enforcement and were fired and a lot of people ran were tons of people instantly, and I Mushroom] and the cops were Five years ago, however, one thinks there should be heightened into Mellow Mushroom and the didn’t know why.” already out there within 30 man was killed in a drive-by security on game days. other stores.” Bystanders also ran into other seconds,” Buck said. “Twelve cops shooting that occured in front of “Before it happened there were As individuals rushed around, nearby Midtown Promenade and blue sirens [were] everywhere, Mellow Mushroom. no cops anywhere and people were the area filled with confusion. restaurants, including Rice Box. and they had surrounded the guy “That one was more scary,” said in the street dancing,” Buck said. “It was just chaos,” senior Khalil “I heard it and then about 20 from the car on the ground.” Bigler. “It was very obvious that “There should have been more Raheem said. “I heard one bullet kids ran into Rice Box yelling,” The Atlanta police apprehended someone got shot and there was security officers around. Two cops hit a metal sign and others hit freshman Nick Miller said. “A the gunman and the other men blood out there. You could see it. aren’t enough for 50 people in the brick or dirt. I tripped because lot of people thought someone involved. According to Officer It was a different situation, more street.” my legs were moving faster than was about to run in shooting Gary Gullatt, the shooting wasn’t intense. People in the restaurant The shooting left a lasting I thought I could move, and then everyone.” related to Grady. It did, however, actually started running out the impact on witnesses. my friend behind me tripped Most of the students had never involve former Grady students back door.” “Overall, it was crazy,” Conroy over me. We finally [got] up after experienced a similar situation and who are now in their mid-20s. After the 2001 shooting, Inman said. “You could feel the tension the stumbling confusion and were caught off guard. While capturing the suspects, Middle School parents called the in the air even before it happened, Freegans in favor of ‘clean’ concept for environment

BY JOURDAN DEVIES key to growth in this system is ever greater Who would have thought that dumpster AMERICA’S FOOD WASTE consumption, which inevitably leads to diving would be a desirable task? Searching escalating piles of garbage.” through trash cans is something many associate According to a study on food waste by Timothy Some Freegans also participate in wild with the needy, but college students and adults Jones, an anthropologist at the University of Arizona foraging, or searching for food in natural throughout the country have made the goods at Tuscon, the average American household and surroundings. There are many edible and they find in dumpsters their sole source of businesses... medicinal plants found in most neighborhoods, food. like wild mushrooms, crabapples, black Freeganism, a combination of the words • Wastes 14% of all their food purchases birch, black walnut, chickweed, dandelion, ‘free’ and ‘vegan,’ is a movement to stop juneberries and elderberries. wasteful human consumption. Freegans’ • Discards 2.1% of food still within its expiration “[Edible plants] are healthful, delicious and disgust for the United State’s economic system date and never opened free, and foragers take better care of the planet and Americans’ high consumption rate has led • Throws out 1.28 pounds of food a day (not that’s providing them with all these foods and them to rebel against all business corporations herbs,” said Steve “Wildman” Brill, a New by limiting their consumption of consumer including food that goes down the garbage York City naturalist and leader of Wild Food goods. disposal, in the compost pile, or fed to pets.) and Ecology Tours. Madeline Nelson, a freegan of two years, quit While many people agree that freeganism her job working for a large company over a year • Will spend at least $589.76 annually on can greatly impact the environment, some ago so she could spend more time supporting wasted meat, fruits, vegetables and grain believe it is just the start of change. social change programs such as the New York products “Freeganism is a critique, not a solution,” said Freegan Group. JC Dwyer, Director of Programs and National “Freegans believe that we should be able • Throws out 54 billion pounds (27 million tons) Service of NYC Coalition Against Hunger. to meet our basic needs without having of food annually. “The value of freeganism is not in its ability to

to subsidize corporations that abuse the WWW.COMMUNITYCOMPOST.ORG/INFO/USAFOOD HANNAH ROSENBAUM solve the problem, but in its ability to highlight environment, violate human rights and torture the problem in a novel way, and get people to animals,” Nelson said. “As an alternative to sweatshops, Coca-Cola equals killing unionists “Companies waste shocking amounts think outside the box for solutions.” shopping, we recover the wasted resources of in Colombia, Shell equals the murder of of useable goods every day,” Nelson said. Freegans believe that everyone can help the our over-consumptive society and put them to Nigerian environmentalists, Iams equals “Consumers [are] bombarded daily with cause by reducing their consumption. practical use. hideous animal experiments and Wells Fargo corporate marketing telling us to be dissatisfied “We need to consume less, which means we According to a Freegan website, buying equals rainforest destroying investments.” with what we have and to buy more, bigger need products that have greater durability and products causes negative effects such as increased Freegans participate in a range of activities, and newer.” greater serviceability,” Rogers said. “Ultimately, sweatshop labor, rainforest destruction, global which include dumpster diving, wild foraging, Americans’ consumption creates an excess we need to start connecting environmental warming and air and water pollution. It also and planting community gardens. They are of waste. crisis to the economic context within which it contributes to the displacement of indigenous also involved in a program called Food Not “The United States is the planet’s number- exists. The environment is not something that’s communities, payoffs to repressive regimes Bombs, which recovers wasted food and gives one producer of trash, with each American separate from the economic system we live in.” and the violent establishment of governments it to anyone on the street who needs it throwing out on average 4.5 pounds of garbage Although Freegans understand that not that comply with big business interests. The Dumpster diving provides an abundance each day; for every ton of household waste, everyone will join the movement, they still sale of consumer products also funds open-pit of food for hungry freegans. The ‘trash’ that over 70 tons of waste are created by industries want others to help by recycling and by taking strip mining, oil drilling in environmentally Freegans acquire is safe and clean, according like manufacturing, mining, agriculture and responsibility for their trash. sensitive areas, the eradication of wildlife on to Freegan.info. Corporations and consumers petrochemical production,” said Heather “Freeganism is one strategy to help,” Nelson farmland and child slavery throw out perfectly good clothes, food, Rogers, author of Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden said. “But above all, we encourage people “We encourage people to start thinking furniture and books, which end up in the Life of Garbage. “Much of what drives trash to get involved in fighting injustice in their about the products and brands marketed to hands of freegans and groups like Food Not generation today is the underlying logic communities, in whatever way makes sense to us in new ways,” Nelson said. “Nike equals Bombs. of the economic system that we live in. A them.” ❐ Grape TreeunitesGradybands,fosterscollaboration and play together, The Grape Tree is signifi cant because its members have have members its Tree signifi Grape because is The cant together, play and said. Armada too,” it do can they that Kelley] and [Oliver Supreeme. of formation the by shaped was music in future their on perspective Kelley’s other.” each help to come together we but projects, different on work all “We each said. Watson support other,” and friends are who musicians. other and Dean Joel and Oliver are whose members Bears, James Attack junior The by Watson, led Hotels, The Girvan; Shaka and Armada Negashi Terrel, Sam graduates Grady of made up group rap a musicians Supreeme, also from but Moods, Good The and Face No only not includes of family other.” a each help make and to members share wanted that we bands and of together lot bands a in knew “We were said. who Oliver people apart,” fell it so music, different making Moods. Good The Oliver’s and Face No Kelley’s flbands, agship Tree’sGrape in The two musicians essential the are Tree. 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NS GE D U H A N IA IL L perform their songs in concert. concert. in songs their perform record, Brazil. newest Kelley’s at looking currently are labels according Record Armada. Radiohead, to and Eyes Bright by infl uenced sound a has which into.” get can man grown a something Negashi Armada studio at his house,” Watson said. said. Watson house,” his at studio music. original own, “The fi rst Grape Tree Fest was two years ago, in July, at Concrete Concrete at July, in ago, years two was Fest Tree Grape first “The including “It’s albums, said. two Armada recorded silly,” has not Face but No intense, and dark is Face “No Like professionals in the music industry, the Grape Tree musicians also also Tree Grape musicians the industry, music the in professionals Like his recorded also has Tree, Grape The joined recently who Watson, “I just released my EP, which I recorded with Chandler [Kelley] in the the in [Kelley] Chandler with recorded EP, I my which released just “I Studios,” Oliver said. “Although it was raining really hard, some some hard, really raining was it “Although said. Oliver Studios,” Supreeme

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people still showed their support.” their showed still people produces for artists like The Walkmen. Walkmen. The like artists for produces ANNA SIMONTON ANNA multiple Grape Tree bands, but suggests that she views the the views she that suggests but bands, Tree Grape multiple shows differently than some other members. members. other some than differently shows go to excuse any use will students “Grady said. Hudgens resources. available their of all used people coming who don’t go to Grady or who don’t know know don’t who or Grady to go don’t who coming people anyone specifi cally, but I think it’s nice just to play a song for for song a play to just nice it’s think I specifibut cally, anyone future. the in one be could attended. who people friends. Now we’re signed on a major label and have sold at at sold have and label major a on signed we’re Now our to friends. music our exposing constantly were “We said. Armada heard. be can it said. Cox friend,” a Junior Sophie Cox sings backup and plays the piano for for piano the plays and backup sings Cox Sophie Junior least 3,000 records.” records.” 3,000 least so world the and in average out writing music the their value getting and beyond They songs music. go recording with collective experience music teenager’s the in involved the gotten already have Tree Grape The in groups Certain When planning their shows, the members of The Grape Tree Grape The of members the shows, their planning When “Maybe Joe [Oliver] and Chandler [Kelly] are more into into more are [Kelly] Chandler and [Oliver] Joe “Maybe come,” to people of bunch a told and flyers made “We There is currently no charge to attend the shows, but there there but shows, the attend to charge no currently is There “The Grape Tree fest fi rst solidifi ed us in our peers’ minds,” minds,” peers’ fiour Treein fest solidifiGrape us rst ed “The Although their goals may differ, one thing is certain—those certain—those is thing one differ, may goals their Although the of variety the and shows latest the to came who people musicians. older with do to has it if especially somewhere, But, it’s okay because the point of playing concerts is to to is concerts playing of point the because okay it’s But, have as many [people] as possible hear good music.” good hear possible as [people] many as have Watson said that he was surprised by the number of of number the by surprised was he that said Watson

Supremacy ON NT O IM S A N N A

, on the label Record Collection, which also also which Collection, Record label the , on ❐ Sophie Cox & Liliana Hudgens Liliana & Cox Sophie FEVER The GoodMoods rtes n Sisters and Brothers , , Students, professional performers join to join performers professional Students, make Grady Jazz on the Bricks successful SALLY ZINTAK hanced by Najee, an international jazz musician. Grady High School.” way,people couldstart peeltoback the layers andhaveunderstandingan of cluded goodies like on the Bricks to a new level. Foundation and went on to chair the event this year.” McGlamry said. Bolster, the president of the Grady Foundation. entertainmentthe showyear,”lastthefor Rickisaid heronstreet andasked she ifwould willing be beto [as]Bertrand, choir,wherethesingsshein lives and and two-year member of the Grady Foundation. jazzbymusician Kathleen Bertrand, Gradya alumni Foundation member Anne McGlamry said. Grady,”community][thenewsothetion couldsee munityinvolved,particularly renova-the because of newly renovated school building. forthe Foundation to raise funds and to show off the Grady Jazz on the Bricks, an annual money.raiseeventtouniqueways developedheldhasgroupfuture, thethe forideas on Oct. 15, was an opportunity fundedthe Ninth Grade Success Program. Because the Foundation has many Boys’by Highalumni, organized thebricks fundraiser thecourtyardin and Gradythecommunity—they coordinated dedicationthegranite the ofarch improvingin different aspectsschool,the ofalready has contributed tolot a Foundation,groupacommunity of members, parents andalumni interested B SINGING ANDSWINGING: Bernard, withKathleen Internationally-renowned Najee performs jazzartist whochaired JazzontheBricksto raisemoneyfor theGradyFoundation. Y “[Najee] is a friend of mine, and we’ve crossed paths numerous times in the Beyondbaskets the white theandtable clothes, performancethe en-was coordinated“Wecorporatecorporate sponsors,thein-basketswhich for Althoughlast year’s event was successful, Bertrand had visiona totake Jazz “After doing the show, she became a member of the “Anotherchurchsamethe boardmemberto goes secondTheannual Jazz Brickstheon chaired was “Jazzon the Bricks started as a way to get the com- Inthe past few years, the Grady Foundation has given Grady a facelift. The S ALLY Z INTAK The Southerner Grady and professional The Unmasking Jazz “ ,” Bertrand said. “This beyond successful. community...It was pleasure for the Bricks was anoverall

Jazz onthe on Kathleen Bertrand, the cessful, and we’re excited to keep it rolling next year.”thestudents, thealumni andthefaculty,” Bertrand said. “Itwas beyond suc- for all who attended. makerand 200 dessert trays for about 400 people—the evening was adelight Bricks in the fall,” McGlamry said. havewritera come andinhold the event the inspring andkeepJazz theon Bricks. they played too short and people complained.” year they played too long and people complained,” McGlamry said. “This year Hutton, and chorus, directed by Mr. Kevin Hill, showcased the event. asked him afterwards if he would come and perform at Jazz onview the together Bricks.” and he mentioned that he had worked with childrenthe before,Annual so IConvention of 100 Black Men of pastAmerica.two years,” WeBertrand said. were“We doingwere at the an Trumpetinter- Awards together and “Jazzonthe Bricks was anoverall pleasure for the community, the parents, coffee one event’s only inevitable the pains—there growingDespite was “[LittheBricks]on wouldsimilarbe Jazz totheBricks,on wouldbutwe “I wanted to have the chorus, band and orchestra to open [the show], but last Toinclude students theinprogram, Grady’s orchestra, ledbyMs.Jennifer chair ” performers Bricks available during school hours,” Bertrand said. inspiration, but it’s still a fresh idea.” online where students [can] look up example essays asSpelman.AgnesfromScottand a Eventually, source available beofwill it “It’s a model of a college environment—we’re gettingstudents inspiration to have a place to do any kind of writing.” Bolster said. Foundation. earning approximately $9,000 for the general fund of the Grady music were positive and the audience was impressed. h Fudto i as cnieig odn a i o the on Lit a holding considering also Foundation is The “Wehopecanitnearbe the building andsomewhere thatis The Foundation has yet to fi nd a location for the center. for center writing a is for money saving are we project“A Compared to last year, Jazz on the Bricks doubled its proceeds, Regardlesstheofbrief performance, responses thetostudent

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join ❐

to 12 f e a t u r e THE SOUTHERNER Nov. 14, 2006

2

ALL YOU NEED IS LOUVRE: (1) Visitors admire the bronze scupltures from French kings’ private art collections; (2) The new Anne Cox Chambers wing of the 1 High, completed in fall 2005, houses the Louvre Atlanta exhibit; (3) Sculptures from the first -19th centuries are displayed in the Portrait Busts Collection. 3 LOUVREatlanta For the next three years Atlanta’s High Musuem of Art will display prominent works to captivate and educate from page 1 had four French flags mounted in the corners plans for third year remain the least developed, of the hole.” but will include an exploration of the impact Louvre Atlanta will benefit the High of the Louvre on the world and the Louvre’s Museum both financially and in future modern history. endeavors with other museums. The Louvre “[Shapiro and Loyrette] wanted to tell will place various plaques in place of the a story—the history of the Louvre,” said artwork loaned to Atlanta, recognizing its Cassandra Champion-Streich, the Manager new partnership with the High. Although the year education experience for students and of Public Relations at the High Museum. three-year project will cost the High a total educators. Before Loyrette became the leader of the of $18 million, a third of the costs will go to “When studying something like the French Louvre, he served as president of the Musee the restoration of the decorative arts gallery at Revolution, art can solidify the story a little more d’Orsay. During that time, Loyrette worked the Louvre. by giving anecdotes,” Champion-Streich said. closely with Shapiro on the Impressionists “There will be a plaque that says ‘Louvre A group of North Atlanta High School exhibit. When Loyrette joined the Louvre in Atlanta restored this room’ so all Atlantans International Baccalaureate students recently 2002, Shapiro rose to the occasion. can be proud when they see it,” Champion- participated in a foreign exchange program “They were just bouncing ideas off each Streich said. with art students from France. While North other,” said Kevin Streiter, the Manager of The High Museum has planned many Atlanta students examined art at the Louvre, Facilities and Logistics at the High. “That’s events in order to raise money for Louvre French students were able to recognize the often how exhibitions come about, over coffee Atlanta, including live jazz performances value of the works chosen for the High. or dinner.” every weekend. The museum is currently The collections include famous pieces Recent developments at the High have also preparing for the ‘Go All Night to Paris’ by artists such as Rembrandt and Raphael. contributed to Louvre Atlanta. The new Anne event, which will be held the Friday after Although these rare works are in high demand, Cox Chambers wing provides a large space for Thanksgiving. ‘Go All Night’ will allow many of the Louvre’s pieces have never left Paris. the art. people to view the museum from 10 p.m. to 6 “To be able to provide [works from “Even when the Anne Cox Chambers a.m. while enjoying live music, French trivia the Louvre] for Atlanta and the region is Wing was a hole in the ground, we knew the and food. something we’ve been very excited about,” 4 ❐

Louvre would be there,” Streiter said. “We Louvre Atlanta will also provide a three- Champion-Streich said. BY CARSON HALE ALL PHOTOS

5

6 ATLANTA OR BUST: (4) Harrison and Caroline Williams sketch Guido Reni’s The Union of Drawing and Color. (5) A photo of the Louvre, the bronze sculptures’ previous home, is displayed behind the pieces. (6) Visitors inspect a 1.43-ton sculpture of Isis sitting in the “Kings as Collectors” level. Nov. 14 2006 f e a t u r e 13 State program supplies Grady with graduation coach Who’s Graduating?

BY ALEXANDER RITZ peer tutorials. Grady’s new graduation counselor has big plans for the Ms. Gray is a certified language arts teacher; she previously 100% Gov. Sonny Purdue hopes school’s less motivated students. Ms. Charmaine Gray was taught at Tucker High School, various middle schools and the to raise graduation rates recently hired by the school system to help students graduate Alternative Communities’ School. 79% for students of all back- who are in danger of not getting their high school diplomas. “As an educator, I have always had an interest in student’s grounds. Ms. Gray’s position is part of a new program initially success,” Ms. Gray said. “This was the perfect opportunity to 75% 72% proposed by Gov. Sonny Purdue that is help students be successful.” being implemented in every high school in Of the 25 surveyed, seventy-six 54% Georgia. The state’s high school graduation Basically I can get kids back percent of the Grady students said they 51% 52% rates are low—A 2001 Manhattan Institute on track. That’s the beauty thought a graduation counselor was 50% study states that only 54 percent of necessary. Of those in favor, the biggest Georgia seniors graduate. Georgia’s overall of being a graduation coach. reason cited was that they thought our graduation rate is the second worst in the “ current counselors are overworked, while Rate Graduation Y nation, followed only by South Carolina. those dissenting thought the program A 25% K

Ms. Charmaine Gray C

The new program is designed to find out would be a waste of money. M

H why certain students are not doing well and Although those who disapprove of the T E B

to find resources in the school or community to counterbalance program think it is a publicity stunt, Ms. Gray believes that she H A R achievement problems. Ms. Gray helps these students come up will be effective A S

D

with careers that they would like and identify how they need to “I have different advantages—I’m able to do interventions N A Hispanic improve to achieve their goals. and other things, and basically I can get kids back on track,” G Caucasian R E Her first goal is to identify students at risk using academic Ms. Gray said when asked if she thought she could get through B Asian American Native American N African American I E F and attendance records. She will then attempt to correct these to the students. “That’s the beauty of being a graduation Y L I SOURCE: WWW.MANHATTAN-INSTITUTE.ORG problems using various school activities, such as teacher and coach.” ❐ L McGee remembered, celebrated by Grady community On Oct. 24, 2006 Amy McGee tragically died, leaving the Grady community with emptiness and memories

BY CURRY ANDREWS “If you didn’t know the facts, she led many people in the Grady know it is okay to share your sandwiches,” MacDowell said. Grady lost a loving part of its would want you to make them community to wonder if her feelings,” counselor Mr. Joseph “She would give backwards community when sophomore up.” shocking loss of life would Arnold said. “This just isn’t to handshakes to people and she Amy McGee died Oct. 24 at McGee’s stepfather, Hector inspire a change in the way Grady help kids who have contemplated would always perform these her house in Virginia-Highland. Gotay, encouraged the ceremony’s addresses suicide. suicide, because bullying and funny plays at Camp Mikell.” Those who knew her remember attendees to remember McGee “My fear is nothing will come stress can lead to those kinds of McGee’s friends will never her incredible friendship and through thinking of the many of this,” Herrera said. “At a school feelings too.” forget her comedic personality. spirited personality. pictures that decorated her room. I taught at in Albuquerque there Some believe that teen suicides “One time we went to the “She was beautiful, perfect, “[In the pictures] she is always was a suicide and seven attempted are preventable through increased movies to see Corpse Bride and bitter and cynical in all the with somebody else, hugging s u i c i d e s awareness. she went up to the counter and right ways,” said junior Julie them. I think I will name her the followed it. I [Amy McGee] was really “Teen suicide asked for a ticket to the Skeleton MacDowell, McGee’s close ‘Princess of Love,’” Gotay said. hope people is often a Corpse,” Hull said. “She had no friend. “Think of her love and you will r e m e m b e r funny and could always spur-of-the- idea that she had messed up. We Junior Abbey Hull described have her with you.” that humans make me laugh. moment event all laughed really hard when the McGee as “your typical good At the front of the church’s are fragile and “ that happens woman told her that there was friend.” sanctuary, a stage was covered s o m e t i m e s because teens no movie called the Skeleton “She was really funny and could with exotic flowers surrounding a listening is junior Abbey Hull think their Corpse.” always make me laugh,” Hull picture of McGee. The ceremony all we have situation is According to those who knew said. sent a message about how to [to do].” hopeless and suicide is the only her, McGee’s addictive smile will McGee’s life made a lasting prevent these tragedies and how to The leading methods for way out,” said Judy Byrnes, a be hard to forget. impact not only on her close deal with them in healthy ways. suicide prevention in high schools Public Health Educator for the “The first image that pops into friends, but also on her teachers “To her friends and classmates: are education and awareness, tools Atlanta City Division of Public my head is her walking down and classmates. cry, laugh and talk about what Grady has begun to utilize in the Health and a Grady parent. the hall holding her books,” Mr. “I remember she was sarcastic, you’re going through,” McGee’s wake of McGee’s death. On Nov. “Training [teachers and students] Herrera said. “I would say ‘hi’ but in the funniest of ways cousin said. “Talk about it with 8, students and teachers watched to identify kids that show signs of and she would smile. I will miss and sometimes that got her in each other, talk about it with a teen-suicide informational video depression, are victims of bullying that.” trouble,” said speech teacher Mr. your parents. Treasure her for the and classrooms conducted small or have undergone either physical, McGee left behind fond Mario Herrera. “We understood things we loved about her and take discussion sessions. sexual or drug abuse is an effective memories, as well as a few life each other because I got her something from this experience.” “What we are doing as preventative strategy. Mainly, lessons. sarcasm.” Prior to the ceremony, rumors counselors is bringing awareness after a suicide occurs it needs to “People should be more McGee’s death was announced spread about the cause of to any students be talked about honestly.” forgiving,” junior Caitlin to students and teachers in Amy’s death. who have Others believe that simply Lemmond said. “Everyone needs various classrooms on Oct. 25, “There were a lot of been going remembering Amy is the best way to let everyone they love know it and a celebration of her life was rumors about how t h r o u g h to prevent such tragedies. every day.” held at Glenn Memorial United she died, but people s o c i a l “I don’t think something should Like the quote from Imagine, Methodist Church on Oct. 27. need to know that issues and come from this,” MacDowell said. the John Lennon song that Friends and family came together it wasn’t drug l e t t i n g “It was a permanent solution to a marked the closing of McGee’s at the memorial to offer support induced,” Hull t h e m temporary problem and all we memorial, we will always and to honor McGee’s short but said. can do is remember her.” remember her as “living for memorable life. M c G e e ’ s Memories of McGee will always today;” living life to the fullest “Amy loved a good story,” said death, a remain in her friends’ hearts. and letting many enjoy life with McGee’s father, Vincent McGee. suicide, “She would always eat pesto her. ❐

1 2 3 PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIE MACDOWELL JULIE OF COURTESY PHOTOS

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL: (1) Amy McGee as a young girl. (2) Junior Julie MacDowell and McGee pose for a picture in 2005 while making candles. (3) From left to right, junior Caitlin Lemmond, MacDowell, McGee, and junior Abbey Hull at Camp Mikell in Toccoa, GA. “Camp Mikell was Amy’s most favorite place in the whole wide world,” Mac Dowell said. “If she could pick any place in the world to be right now, she would pick Camp Mikell.” 14 f e a t u r e Nov. 14, 2006 Ron Clark plans to launch academy, inspire students BY CARSON HALE unwilling children. Rubina Abdul, now a senior “He wants to demonstrate at A. Phillip Randolf High that every child has the capacity School in Manhattan, describes to learn and is in fact a fabulous fifth grade as a turning point in person,” Cramer said. her life. In elementary school, Clark uses creative teaching math and science were especially styles to make students feel difficult, partly because she is confident and engaged. an immigrant from Bangladesh. “The way I teach is really Her fifth-grade teacher, Ron different,” Clark said. “It’s Clark, helped her overcome these innovative; I’m very out of the challenges and become a math box. I do whatever it takes to get whiz. Six years later, Clark is still kids excited. Whether it’s rapping her mentor. my lessons [or] jumping on the This summer, she came to visit desk, [I] do whatever it takes him in Atlanta and meet some of to take the curriculum in the the board members of the school classroom and bring it to life.” he plans to open. Abdul can attest that Clark Clark plans to set up the Ron knows how to get people excited. Clark Academy, an innovative She said that reading Harry Potter middle school in which all of the OF ANN CRAMER COURTESY with Mr. Clark was “like a game.” students will have the opportunity WELCOME TO ATLANTA: Ann Cramer speaks at the Ron Clark Academy Welcome Gala on Aug. 1. Clark’s formal reception into Atlanta The class would read chapters for to visit six continents by eighth was held at the Piedmont Driving Club. “I’ll be one of [Clark’s] cheerleaders,” said Cramer, co-chair of Ron Clark’s host committee. homework, then he would read grade. Both Clark and Kim Unlike many private schools, the right curriculum and the will give children the opportunity the book aloud, mimicking the Bearden, the school’s co-founder, the Academy is not looking for right students was also difficult. to do activities they would never characters in the “perfect voices.” have won the national Teacher students who can afford the The founders have realized that have the chance to do otherwise, They made potions and had of the Year award and embrace school, but for those students opening a brand new school is like travel. competitions as if they were in creative teaching methods. who would benefit the most from an intensely far-reaching and Because of the Academy’s the magical world of the book. Ann Cramer, a longtime the opportunity to attend it. multidimensional project. unconventional curriculum, Clark’s enthusiasm for teaching board member of the Georgia Clark chose Atlanta partly “It’s just a huge, massive school board regulations may came after he returned from Partnership for Excellence in because an excellent teacher, undertaking,” Clark said. “I have stunted the creativity traveling the world and began Education, was a member of Bearden, who is from Cobb never expected it would be so necessary to run the school. As teaching fifth grade in an urban the committee that welcomed County, offered to help him start involved.” an independent school, teachers North Carolina school. Despite Clark to Atlanta. This August, the school if it was in Atlanta. Because most of the Academy’s have the freedom to incorporate behavior problems, Clark was they hosted an event in honor of “So [Atlanta] was just kind of students will come from low- any kind of lesson plan and to touched by his own similarities Clark’s school. a fit,” Clark told The Southerner. income households, the school take students on trips around the to the students. “[The event] was wonderful “[Atlanta] is a community that must sponsor each child at a world. “They were in the same and diverse,” Cramer said. really needs this school and could cost of $14,000 per year. Most “All across America, teachers situation I was when I was “[There were] a lot of people that use a real boost, so that’s how it corporations cannot donate are teaching to the test and growing up,” he said. “But I understood education but could started.” money until the Academy is teaching by worksheets,” Clark had a thirst. I always wanted to think out of the box in terms of Along the way, Clark has accredited, but the school cannot said. “Kids are losing their get out and see and experience what Ron wanted to do.” run into a few challenges. get accreditation until it has been passion for learning because it’s and do, and these kids didn’t She is also encouraged by the He describes fundraising as in operation for two years. boring.” care. It’s all about putting that fact that Clark’s bestselling novels particularly nightmarish. The Cramer, who is normally The school will focus on fire in them and that passion generate revenue streams that will search for good board members, a strong advocate of public awakening passion in even and getting them excited about help offset the cost of the school. teachers, a location for the school, education, said that the Academy the most unruly, difficult or learning.” ❑ Students leave a ‘MARC’ Four sophomores and one junior participate in Model Atlanta Regional Commission to voice their opinions BY KELLY DOUGLAS also participated in an overnight retreat Massive potholes, seemingly endless where the students bonded and discussed traffic delays and unhealthy smog levels are important issues. the kinds of problems that Atlantans face “On the first day [of the retreat] we did daily. Everybody complains about them, a lot of team building,” Zintak said. “We but few are compelled to take action. The built little communities out of Legos and Grady students participating in the Model had to figure out how to make them work 1 Atlanta Regional Commission, however, together.” ALL PHOTOS BY SALLY ZINTAK BY SALLY ALL PHOTOS have taken the initiative to explore these The students were then divided into issues. different committees that focused on MARC is a youth leadership program issues like education, transportation and that encourages high school sophomores communication. The groups attempted to and juniors to become involved with find solutions to specific problems, such as issues affecting the metropolitan Atlanta overcrowding in schools. area. The Atlanta Regional Commission, “It was a great opportunity to meet which is the official planning agency for interesting people,” said Leaphart, who was Atlanta, created the program in 1998. appointed to the position of vice-chairman. Grady became involved in the program “We are trying to incorporate everyone’s two years ago through graduate Matt opinions to form one solution.” Westmoreland. The energetic atmosphere of the retreat “Matt did such a great job...that [MARC inspired a passion for leadership in the Communications Coordinator] Grace Grady students. The students hope that Trimble wanted more students from Grady they will continue to be influential in their to take part,” said Ms. Kaye Myles, Grady’s communities. project success coordinator. “I gave the “I love being able to enhance my 2 3 application to five people and they all were leadership skills,” Zintak said. “I feel like I accepted.” can make a difference.” Sophomores Patti Guzman, Polly Zintak, MARC is an outlet for motivated TOWER RECORDS TO CLOSE ITS DOORS Jillian Woodliff, Jocelyn Copeland and students to generate changes in their (1) Atlanta’s last Tower Records is going bankrupt and closing. (2) Juan Rodrigues, while Junior Malik Leaphart represented Grady schools, neighborhoods and beyond. browsing the Pop/Rock section said, “I just moved here from Chicago, and I got a call from this year at the program. They attended Their main challange is to find a way to a friend there; he said it closed there too,” Rodrigues said. “It makes me sad. I love the music an informational meeting where Secretary implement these plans. I find here.” (3) Sam Leccima, briefly stopped while browsing the gospel section to reminisce of State Cathy Cox spoke to the students “These kids have really great ideas,” Ms. on Tower, “I will miss being able to see new music and discover stuff I usually wouldn’t find.” about the intentions of MARC. They Myles said. “But is anyone going to listen?” ❐ Nov. 14, 2006 f e a t u r e 15 Pageant contestants value prize, not idea BY JOURDAN DEVIES a good score,” Manns said. “Nine After donning a tight, sequined times out of ten if you don’t look dress and a winning smile, you good in a bathing suit or evening ardently wait for the host to gown you won’t win.” announce the winner. The next Entry fees, clothing, makeup and few moments may change the training for pageants are expensive.

HANNA GRIFFITHS rest of your life. As the tension Entrance fees can range from $25 rises to the breaking point, the to over $500. Pageant coaches and host announces that you are the trainers can charge up to $5,000 winner. You graciously accept a week. Dresses and swimwear flowers, a sash and a tiara. You can cost thousands of dollars and POWER PLAYERS: Organizers Joe Hill, Sharon Lester, Micheal Mills and Daryll Dickerson briefly step away from the tournament to let out a few obligatory tears and makeup can be costly as well. pose for a picture with the banner. Everyone who participated in the tennis tournament had to wear an article of pink clothing. wave graciously to the applauding “I spent over $1,000 on the crowd. pageant,” said junior Rachel All pageant girls hope for this Brooks, who competed in Miss scenario to happen to them. Not Teen Louisiana USA Pageant. “I Tennis competition fundraiser all competitors, however, enter spent about $500 on my dress and pageants for the same reasons. makeup.” Some compete for the glory of On top of the entrance fees and supports breast cancer research winning, while others enter to clothing costs, some pageants also promote a good cause or to win require a certain amount of money BY REBECCA GITTELSON tournament and decided it would the tournament, Fauver spoke to scholarships and money. in sponsorship fees, which can be There’s a new kind of love on be a good cause to support,” said those who did. Senior Dyci Manns enters difficult to obtain. Piedmont Park’s tennis courts. Michael Mills, who plays tennis at “I addressed the people [at the beauty pageants so she can win Many pageants keep a part of the On Oct. 20, the Piedmont Park PPTC and is Wal-Mart’s regional fundraiser] about how important money for college. contestants’ money. The Miss USA Tennis Center tried to bring breast director for community relations in their participation was to me as a “I do pageants because it is the pageant is a for-profit enterprise cancer’s score down to zero by the Southeast. city council person and as a [breast easiest way to make money,” said owned by NBC and Donald holding a fundraiser event to benefit Other sponsors included Pepsi, cancer] survivor,” said Fauver, who Manns, a former participant in Trump. Other pageants, like the the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition which donated signs and water has been cancer-free for the past five National American Miss, Little Miss Auroura Scholarship, do not Fund and the Piedmont Park Junior coolers, and the iPlay tennis store. years. Miss Alabama, take money Program. The first annual event, “[We] donated registration Both breast cancer survivors and winner I do pageants because from the which drew approximately 50 packets [for every player registered and those who have never been of Miss Teen contestants. people, included a round-robin in the tournament] with pink grips diagnosed with the disease played in Auroura. it is the easiest way to This was the tournament with a $25 entry fee, a and $10 gift certificates,” said Dan the tournament. For Manns, make money. first year the silent auction and refreshments. Kester, the owner of iPlay. “We also “We had a diverse group,” said competing in “ Miss Auroura The fundraiser was the brainchild donated a pink tennis racket for the Daryll Dickerson, a staff member pageants is not S c h o l a r s h i p of Joe Hill, a staff member at PPTC. silent auction.” at the PPTC. “We had people difficult. senior Dyci Manns Pageant was After Hill discovered that Leah According to Sharon Lester, who regularly play [at the PPTC] “I really held, and a spa McKay, the mother of one of his the Tennis Center’s supervisor, and people who had been affected didn’t do organization in tennis students, had breast cancer, “donations from several local hotels, by breast cancer. One lady [played anything [in the pageants],” fact gave money to the girls. he decided “to do something for restaurants and artists” were also for in the tournament] who had Manns said. “[Contestants] walk “I won a $2,000 education breast cancer—something big,” sale in the auction. One donated chemotherapy [for breast cancer] around and tell [judges] what they bond, some jewelry, a watch, a according to McKay. painting sold for $300, while a and had just gotten her hair back.” want to hear, which is easy.” computer and a spa certificate,” With the help of other staff portrait of a partially nude woman Both Dickerson and McKay feel While many pageant organizers Manns said. members at the Center and funding covered with writings about breast that the tournament helped bring claim the judges base the heft of No matter pageants’ intentions, from both the PPTC budget and cancer did not find a buyer. the Atlanta community together contestants’ scores on the interview many of the contestants don’t from the Atlanta Department of Financial donations at the and highlighted the broad impact of portion of the pageant, a large agree with the way they objectify Recreation and Cultural Affairs, fundraiser totaled approximately breast cancer. part of the score is still based on women. Hill planned the fundraiser in $7,000, $5,000 of which was “We hope to draw more personal appearance. “The actual pageant system less than two months. He secured donated by Wal-Mart. Anne Fauver, attention to the issue [because] it “[Pageant organizers] say they is [flawed],” Manns said. sponsorships by asking people who District 6 City Councilwoman, really is an important issue that aren’t looking at your swimsuit or “They put these girls out there regularly played at the Center for ceremonially received the jumbo- affects everyone,” Dickerson said. your dress but if something you with a platform, and they are corporate donations to the event. size version of the check from Wal- “Cancer doesn’t just hurt the person have on is hideous or not pageant supposed to be the epitome of a “[Wal-Mart] became aware of the Mart. Although she did not play in [who is sick].” ❐ appropriate, you aren’t going to get good American woman.”❐ Costumes, voting bring spirit to Homecoming Week BY JULIA OLIVER Ms. Grady. After the ballots were cast on Tuesday, the winners for Students look forward to Homecoming Week from the first day each grade level’s Mr. and Ms. were announced at Coronation on of school, not only because it’s the only time the football players Thursday night. Freshmen Robert Alexander and Lakisha Beauford wear high heels, but because it’s full of chances to show school were voted Mr. and Ms. Ninth Grade. Sophomores Daryl Wright spirit. Jr. and Noelle Jones were declared Mr. and Ms. 10th Grade. Juniors This year Homecoming Week began on Oct. 9 and lasted until Robert Maddox and Eleanor Garrett were announced Mr. and Ms. Oct. 12. The football team beat North Atlanta in the homecoming 11th Grade. Seniors Seth Berman and Icee Grier were proclaimed game Oct. 13, which was also a teacher-planning day for Grady. Mr. and Ms. 12th Grade. The first runner up for Mr. 11th Grade, The week kicked off with tacky day on Monday. Students dressed Andrew Kaufman, commented on the students who made up the up as their favorite characters on Tuesday. Wednesday was opposite royal court. sex day, a Grady favorite, and the week concluded with Spirit “There were definitely some good candidates on the court [for Day on Thursday. Ms. Beverly Myles, co-advisor of the Student coronation]; there was some strong competition for each grade.” Government Association, reflected on the week’s success. Kaufman said. “I still wish I had won.” “I think this year went better than previous years,” Ms. Myles At Friday night’s homecoming game, Mr. and Ms. Grady were said. “It seemed like the kids had more fun and there was more crowned during the half time show. Chris Goodine and Dyci spirit.” Manns won the respective Mr. and Ms. Grady titles. Ms. Myles explained that competitions for the best dressed Manns was relieved that she had won and also that she was able students were held during A and B lunches every day during spirit to remain friends with her opponents. week. The competitions help to encourage school spirit and build “Being voted Ms. Grady has definitely been the highlight of my camaraderie. She is currently brainstorming competitions for next high school career here at Grady,” Manns said. year’s Homecoming Week, such as a decorating competition for Goodine, who has been runner up for his respective grades for each grade level. the past two years, said he was glad to have “finally won.” Chris was “Next year I want to see even more spirit,” Ms. Myles said. also involved in the planning of spirit week, as he is co-president of Besides the dress up days, homecoming is also the week in which executive council for the Student Government Association.

students elect certain Grady representatives. Students voted in an “I helped in the planning of the specific days, and I was glad to CHRISTOPHER CHARLOTTE election for Mr. and Ms. titles for each grade level. A handful of see people dress up and show their school spirit,” Goodine said. “I STEP UP: Freshman Darlene Miles-Finnie rouses the crowd with determined seniors also campaigned for the honor of Mr. and definitely think Homecoming Week was a success.”❐ attitude at the annual pep rally before the homecoming game. 16 f e a t u r e Nov. 14, 2006 AIDS Walk attracts 12,000 participants BY ARIELLE D’AVANZO led by Ms. Mary Carter Van Atta, Twelve thousand people from was among the many groups that all over the Southeast came took part. together to raise awareness and “I wanted to help provide the money for HIV/AIDS research students at Grady with a way and by participating in the annual ability to give back and support Atlanta AIDS Walk on Oct 15. this cause,” Ms. Van Atta said. Founded in 1982, AID Atlanta, Students felt that the experience is a non-profit, community-based was very rewarding. AIDS service organization, which “The AIDS Walk was a lot of was sponsors the annual AIDS fun,” senior Skyla Pope said. “I Walk. Throughout the year, the walked with six of my friends

CHRIS COLLIER organization serves individuals from the Interact Club. This Walk infected and affected by the HIV/ is a really good way to have fun AIDS epidemic. but at the same time [support] a There are over 1 million people really good cause.” living with HIV/AIDS today Each organization that A BUG’S LIFE: Juniors Jesse Budlong, Hawwah LaRoche and Sarah Muhammad get a taste of the gardening life while they work on the in America, with 40,000 new participated in the Walk was plot maintained by Earth Club. The club grows a diverse selection of produce including pumpkins, peppers, mint and watermelons. infections occurring each year. required to register as a team; In Georgia, nearly 27,000 people teams ranged from five to 1,000 have HIV/AIDS. Experts say that people. According to AID Atlanta, Club cultivates organic garden, what began as a disease limited to teams are one of the most vital specific populations has become components of the AIDS Walk an epidemic across the world. because they help to raise more AID Atlanta than 70 percent held the 2006 I wanted to help provide the of the event’s students’ admiration of nature AIDS Walk students at Grady with a proceeds. at Piedmont “Me and Garden, but those were closed joined Earth Club this year, feels BY CHRIS COLLIER Park. Those way and ability to give back about 15 down for construction,” Ms. Ellis that the club’s activities suit her In the last year, Grady’s club who preferred “ and support [AIDS research]. others from my offerings have expanded to said. “So, we re-established ours interests. over here.” “I am an earth freak, and I’m running to youth group include an organic garden, kept walking could at Central by the members of the Earth The garden started out as a vegetarian, so [Earth Club] Ms. Mary Carter Van Atta just a couple of flower beds in matched who I am,” Muhammad choose to Presbyterian Club. participate in Church walked The group, sponsored by the beginning of last year, and said. “We’re growing the food now includes four flower beds organically, [with] no pesticides; a 5k race. as a team,” freshman Madeline environmental science teacher surrounded by additional patches I think that’s cool.” “There were a lot of activities Roorbach said. “Together we Ms. Korri Ellis and English of vegetables. The club grows Members of Earth Club have going on before and after the raised over $3,000 to help support teacher Mr. Scott Stephens, began everything from flowers to basil enjoyed working together. race,” said Beth Costello, the the event. cultivating the garden on Grady and sweet potatoes. “I don’t really know most of the event manager for the AIDS Walk. According to AID Atlanta, property adjacent to the Eighth “Our new exciting thing is other members,” LaRoche said, “Crunch Fitness led participants last year’s walk raised $880,000 Street wing last year. Members of pumpkins, but we also have a “When you work with people at the beginning by doing aerobic in donations. Approximately 50 the club have been learning about little strawberry patch, tomatoes you get to know them better, and exercises to warm up before the percent of these donations went nature through tending to the and peppers,” Ms. Ellis said. almost without realizing it you race. Singers from Elon College toward the walk’s functional plants and soil on the tract. Students say the project is fun become friends.” came to perform as well as other expenses. This year’s goal was The club nurtures the organic and educational at the same time. Participants have several musicians from the area. CARE to raise at least $1 million. The garden in addition to their other They learn about the role of soil goals for the future of the Earth was also at the Walk doing a money raised from the AIDS usual tasks, such as recycling and nutrients and decomposers in Club garden project. These stand-up against global poverty.” Walk will benefit local AIDS clean-up. the composting process, while goals include attracting more The event garnered a huge organizations. “Every Wednesday afternoon sharing the experience of growing participants and adding more amount of support for HIV/AIDS “We are just under our [$1 we take all the recycling outside,” organic food for themselves. gardening space. research. million] goal for this year’s [AIDS] said Ms. Ellis, who has sponsored “We deal with the compost Tree-planting projects and “More people stood up for this Walk, but we are accepting Earth Club for four years. “Then and shift it to make soil to put in butterfly gardens are among Ms. issue than in any previous years, donations until the end of the we go out to the garden.” the garden,” said junior Hawwah Ellis’ ideas for future endeavors of making it into the [Guinness World year and should reach our goal by Gardening has been an LaRoche, who joined Earth Club Earth Club. Records book].” the time all of the donations come important part of the Earth Club this year. “We take out weeds and “It’s exciting for everyone to In addition to individuals, in,” Costello said. “We are very for years. stuff to make the garden look see the progression of the plants,” many clubs, universities, high appreciative to all the people who “We had a garden at the pretty.” Ellis said. “I would like to use it schools and churches participated helped raise money to support the Piedmont Park Community Sarah Muhammad, who also more for some of my classes.” ❐ in the walk. Grady’s Interact Club, cause.” ❐ Trendy Italian restaurant plans to spread to Virginia-Highland

BY LILY FEINBERG that location.” as well as appetizers, salads and desserts, to go by the menu or anything; it’s just free Carb dodgers beware: popular restaurant Figo Pasta decided on Virginia-Highland have gained much local recognition, so for you to elaborate.” Figo Pasta has noodled its way into for a new location because of its walking- many students cannot wait to have a Figo Another attractive feature of the Virginia-Highland. friendly set up and local character. restaurant just up the street from Grady. Figo restaurants is the fun and friendly Founders Mirko di Giacomantonio “We like the demographics of Virginia- “I’m really excited because I’ve been to atmosphere they offer. and Sandro Romagnoli Highland,” three Figos already—the one in Decatur, “They’re cozy and the service is really are planning to build two With each [location] that we Stratford said. the one on Howell Mill and the one on good,” Peterson said. “Everyone’s really nice new Figo restaurants—one open, individuals that are “We like the Collier Road,” senior Kate Peterson said. and it’s just a really cute atmosphere.” in Virginia-Highland and familiar with our concept will get fact that it “They’re all really good, but they’re kind As Figo Pasta nearly doubles its number one in Edgewood—for has very large of far away, so it’ll be exciting to have one of locations, Stratford hopes to maintain a total of five locations “ the same feel, the same food. pedestrian really close.” the restaurants’ distinctive flavor. throughout metro Atlanta. traffic. There Sophomore Lily Muntzing also plans to “We’re very protective of our atmosphere According to Figo Director Ray Stratford are a lot of be a frequent diner at the new Figo. and our culture and I believe that with each of Operations Ray Stratford, individuals “I’m really excited because it’s within [location] that we open, individuals that the restaurants should open who walk from walking distance of my house, which are familiar with our concept will get the “shortly after the first of the new year.” their residence to the local businesses there means I’ll be able to walk to a fairly cheap same feel, the same food,” Stratford said. “Our plans are to occupy the old Thai and enjoy its reputation of being an artsy- restaurant and get good food,” she said. “We manufacture all the food ourselves, restaurant which is right next to the gelato craftsy type of place, where people like to One aspect about Figo which students in our own commissary, and I think that ice cream shop there in Virginia-Highland,” go and be...entertained in some unique tend to find appealing is its relatively low our help is very hospitable. A lot of people Stratford said. “[We hope] to operate a settings.” price range. have genuinely great smiles and like dealing restaurant that has approximately 100-plus The Figo restaurants, which offer a “It’s cheap and you can choose whatever with the public and our wish is that nothing seats and also enjoy a good to-go business at mix-and-match menu of pastas and sauces you want,” Muntzing said. “You don’t have changes other than a new location.” ❐ SPORTS BRIEFS THE SOUTHERNER November 14, 2006 s p o r t s 17 Thrashers perch atop successful beginning Boys fifth at region, fall short of state The Thrashers are off to a 12-5 BY JAMISON KINNANE start, the best in franchise history. At the region meet on Nov. 4, the Things are looking up for the hock- boys cross country team ran against ey team, which recently signed Alex some of the top teams in the state Bourret, one of the best offensive and missed qualifying for the state players from the 2005 season and meet by a narrow margin of seven a member of the 2003 Canadian points. The boys had been gearing Junior World Cup team. up for the region meet all season, so they knew that it was going to Hawks fly off to best be very difficult to finish in the top four. What they didn’t expect season start in years was having a bid for the state meet For the first time in years, the taken from them by Dunwoody. Hawks are off to a 4-2 start. After Though the boys ran well and seven consecutive losing seasons beat Riverwood, Dunwoody’s and starting 2-16 last year, this year unexpected 4th place finish might show an improvement for prevented Grady from advancing the Hawks. With a strong core to the state meet. of Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and “I was under the mistaken Zaza Pachulia, the Hawks recently impression that if we beat defeated LeBron James and the Riverwood we’d be fourth,” Coach MICHAEL HARPER Cleveland Cavaliers. George Darden said. “And we did NECK AND NECK: Sophomore David Black gets ready to pass Druid Hills runner Alex Terry during the region meet, held at beat Riverwood, but Dunwoody, Shamrock Middle School. In their first year in AAA, the team finished in fifth place, one place shy of qualifiying for state. Florida number one who I wasn’t counting on, ended him. “Overall, I thought we ran The transition to a new coach up beating us by just a few points.” “It’s kind of tough because there’s well,” Coach Darden said. “I was and a new region were two things in preseason rankings The region meet was held at so much left to be done, even disappointed that we didn’t pull out Grady had to overcome this Shamrock Middle School on a though if we had moved on there [a win], but Mays ran well and they season. In this year’s annual preseason hilly course that wound through would have been just one more beat us. They really ran their best “It took the boys some time to college basketball rankings, Uni- the woods behind the school. This week of cross country,“ Irvin said. race at city, and we needed them to get accustomed to me. It took me versity of Florida is ranked num- course was new to the boys, so they “It’s disappointing that I didn’t not run their best and for us to run some time to get accustomed to ber one in the nation after win- went to jog over it a week before make it to state my senior year. It’s our best in order to win.” them, and to learn each other’s ning the National Championship the meet. hard to go to state every year for the A number of key runners strengths and weaknesses,” Coach game last year against UCLA. “I think [looking at the course] past three years and then not go to struggled for various reasons, Darden said. “But all in all I think really helped us,” Coach Darden state the final year. It just kind of which had a big effect on the it was a positive season. I’m looking Jackets clinch spot in said. “We got a sense of where seems unresolved because I love team’s performance. According to forward to next year.” it turns, where the roots are and cross country so much.” junior Hamp Watson, everyone Coach Darden told the boys to ACC championship strategically how it is best to run In addition to not qualifying for felt as though it was “a good day to take a few weeks off before they it.” state, the boys also fell to Mays two have a bad day” because the stakes begin running again. Some of the The Jackets secured an ACC The boys also thought that weeks before the region meet at the were not as high as those at the boys will be running track in the championship spot when they beat previewing the course helped and city championship for the second upcoming region meet. spring, and Darden will help coach the UNC Tarheels 7-0 on Nov. 11. that it was a good course. year in a row. Despite their high Looking back, the boys see the the distance runners. Others will GT running back Tashard Choice “I really liked the course,” senior hopes entering the city race, the past year as being a transitional continue running independently ran for 119 yards and a touchdown Stone Irvin said. “It was kind of team came in second, losing by season, but successful overall and a and participate in other sports. For on 32 carries. Tech will take on Wake tough but then it got really easy ten points. Mays junior Raymond good learning experience. now, they are looking back on a Forest in Jacksonville on Dec. 2. on the second half. It’s a really fun, Walston led his team to victory “This season was tough because successful opening season in AAA. hilly course that’s tough to run, but with a 20-second lead over Grady’s of the transition into region AAA,” “I think we did well for our first Death of player takes also kind of interesting.” first runner, Irvin, who finished junior Stephen Crouse said. “But I time in AAA,” freshman Elliot This was Irvin’s last high second overall. Coach Darden was think considering our competition Erickson said. “I think we are all Hurricanes by storm school cross country meet, so not pleased with the team’s effort but we still did pretty well and we’re excited about doing better next Senior defensive tackle Bryan qualifying was especially hard on disappointed by the loss. ready for next year.” year.” ❑ Pata was shot and killed outside of his apartment after practice on Nov. 7. Pata’s death marked the Injury-plagued season reflected at region team’s fourth death in the last ten years. Pata was expected to be BY MICHAEL HARPER Injuries to some of the team’s top runners may time in the past 13 years Grady has held the drafted by the NFL next year. The girls cross-country team traveled to have also hurt the Knights. Senior Leah Bishop City title. This result showed the team’s great Shamrock Middle School for the Region 5-AAA was in a cast for three weeks prior to the meet depth. Senior Leah Bishop and sophomore Kala meet on Nov. 4, hoping to finish in the top four with a stress fracture to her foot, and freshman Marks, both of whom would have been top seven Rutgers ranked sixth and qualify for to the state meet. After a gutsy Leah Butterfield ran the meet with a strained runners, were sidelined by injury. after Louisville win race, the girls fell just short, finishing fifth behind knee. “The girls ran very aggressively,” Cramer Westminster, Riverwood, Chamblee and Blessed “We had tremendous talent; we just couldn’t said. “I was very pleased with everyone’s The undefeated Scarlet Knights Trinity. This is the first time since 2002 that get everyone healthy,” Coach Cramer said. performance.” recently rose to sixth in the BCS Grady has not made it to the state meet. The girls still had great performances from Junior Arielle D’Avanzo and freshman Leah rankings after defeating third- “We were running against four very strong D’Avanzo, with a time of 21:18 for 14th place Butterfield ran side-by-side with Mays’ Latasha ranked Louisville on Nov. 9 with a schools, but I thought we had a good chance,” and Butterfield with a time of 21:54 for 21st. Wright until the three were 100 yards from last-second field goal. The Knights Coach Jeff Cramer said. Coach Cramer noted that he was extremely the finish line. Then Wright sprinted ahead; were ranked 13th until defeating In a recent poll by the gatfxc.com, Grady’s impressed with freshman Mariah Burch’s time D’Avanzo and Butterfield finished a few seconds Louisville 25-28. This is the highest region was named the second most difficult of 22:22. behind to claim second and third respectively. that Rutgers has been ranked since the inception of the BCS. region in the state. All seven of Westminster’s “She ran about a minute faster than she has all Zintak, who finished eighth, was happy with runners finished in the top 25, and Riverwood season,” Coach Cramer said. the race’s outcome. had three runners in the top 8. The top finisher, The Grey Knights were disappointed with their “Our hard work paid off,” Zintak said, “I had Practice begins for Chamblee’s Emily Reese, ran 18:04. region finish after their dominating performance a lot of faith we would come in first.” Grady had a disadvantage going into the at the City Championship on Oct 18. Despite not qualifying for the state meet, the Knights Basketball race because they weren’t experienced on the “We had a lot of confidence after the city meet; team feels they had a great year overall. Grady basketball practices course. DeKalb County holds its weekly meets I was expecting a lot more at region,” sophomore “I am proud of the work you put in, the started recently as the team at Shamrock throughout the season, so DeKalb Polly Zintak said. progress you have made, the way you have prepares for their Nov. 28 opening teams like Dunwoody, Chamblee and Druid Hills At the city meet, the girls continued their bounced and the way you have supported each game against a solid Forest Park were already well acquainted with the course. In dominance of Grant Park, where they run weekly other all year,” Cramer said in an e-mail to the team. This will mark Grady’s first the weeks leading up to the race, Coach Cramer throughout the season. They ran their seven team after the region meet. year in region 5-AAAB, and they took the team to Shamrock so they could go into best runners against the seven best from Mays, Next year has the potential to be a success, hope to continue last year’s run the race with some knowledge of the course. Therrell, Douglass and North Atlanta. with five of the seven region runners returning of success that led them to the “I knew what was coming up, and I knew The girls came out running strong and the next season. sweet sixteen in last season’s state which hills to accelerate up and which ones to end result was an impressive victory—all seven “I think we’ll be great next year,” Zintak said, playoffs. take a little slower,” junior Arielle D’Avanzo said. runners finished in the top 12. This is the twelfth “We’re really eager to prove ourselves in AAA.” ❑ 18 s p o r t s Nov 14, 2006 Fantasy sports tend to divide fans’ interests in game Fans that turn to fantasy sports tend to root for individuals, Fantasy sports help to increase fan knowledge, not for teams themselves, ruining the sanctity of the game add interest to otherwise bland sporting events While watching a recent entire team’s success. With the increased emphasis Have you ever begun watching a big game only to realize college football game, on personal achievement, football players, especially after the kickoff that you couldn’t care less who wins? You I noticed that none of wide receivers, are taking a ‘me-fi rst attitude’. tell your friends you’re looking for a good game but really my friends were paying Fantasy sports are to blame. you’re looking for the door. If so then you probably don’t attention–they were all To fully understand the fantasy sports system, I play fantasy sports. looking at the sports ticker joined a basketball league with some of my friends. Contrary to popular belief, fantasy sports only adds to a on the bottom of the I was looking forward to the draft, but missed it due sport’s fan base. Before I started playing, I liked the Hawks, screen. I thought nothing to a computer malfunction. Fortunately, I’d pre- Braves and Falcons but could probably only name Chipper ERIK BELGUM of it at the time, but when ranked most of the top players so that the computer KENNY JONES Jones and Michael Vick. Now, I fi nd myself rooting for my friends came to life after Juan Encarnacion’s automatically drafted for me based on my players I have never heard of before. My favorite basketball 3-for-5 afternoon with a homerun and four RBIs preference. I ended up with a pretty player is Ray Allen, who plays for Seattle, one of the farthest scrolled across the screen, I realized that they were solid team—I got Dwayne cities from Atlanta with an NBA basketball team. I can completely focused on what effect it would have on Wade, Jermaine O’Neal, Boris The Five Fantasy tell you the strengths and weaknesses of the top 50 their fantasy sports teams. I am not dumb. I was Diaw and Rasheed Wallace to NFL players, and I understand why Canadian aware that most of my friends participate in fantasy name a few. There are Commandments football stinks. sports leagues, but it wasn’t until that moment that 15 men on my team, I understand the arguments that have I fully understood how far-reaching their interest in but haven’t heard of been made against fantasy sports, including fantasy sports could be. three of them. I. Thou shalt IV. Pay attention the fact that people begin to cheer for Fantasy sports work on a few basic principles. A I’ve already noticed draft with thy to whatever individal players instead of teams. I often league needs four or more teams and holds its own a change in myself. do root for my fantasy players over a specifi c draft where members pick players from professional I go to the league head, not with offseason team. I don’t like half of the teams in the teams. These players earn points by excelling in website daily to check thy heart. acquisitions NFL, so if I watch a game, chances are I specifi c categories such as scoring, steals, blocks and up on proposed won’t root for one of the two teams anyway. assists. Teams play each other weekly and win by trades and look up a team hath The main problem with fantasy sports is winning the majority of the statistical categories. my players’ preseason II. Balance in all made. Last year’s the members with crooked priorities. Some Before a recent Monday night football game stats. people, believe it or not, will root against between the Cowboys and the Giants, two of my We’ll see how of thy scoring starters may be their favorite teams so that they can root for friends’ fantasy football teams were deadlocked. fantasy sports change categories is riding thy bench. their temporary fantasy players. When I sit One friend had Cowboys quarterback Drew me. Maybe I’ll start down to watch the Falcons play, however, Bledsoe on his team and the other had Cowboys rooting against important. I forget about my fantasy picks and receiver Terry Glenn. It was an interesting, though the Hawks so that V. Thou shalt passionately cheer for Atlanta’s home team. not uncommon situation, because if Bledsoe Dwayne Wade can III. Thou shalt not allow outside I’ve learned just about all I know about happened to have a big passing game, Glenn would have a big game. Or sports from fantasy sports—the beauty of have a big receiving game. maybe I’ll give up on consider the past, information this was that I wasn’t trying to learn about Fantasy sports are the reason that many of my team sports altogether but not dwell on to cloud one’s the sport; I was just trying to win my league. friends don’t have favorite teams. Everyone roots and start rooting for Now, when I’m in a sports conversation, for ‘their’ players on different professional teams. Rasheed Wallace to recent trends. vision. Back up I can do more than just nod my head in Sports should be about the team, but fantasy average a double- thy decisions compliance. I actually develop a opinion leagues make true sports fans root for individual double. But there’s a backed up by statistics. I can tell you why players instead. chance I’ll stay loyal with cold, hard Peyton Manning makes Tom Brady look like Last year, fantasy football was the biggest it’s ever to my teams whoever facts. a model who’s also a part-time quarterback been, with 15 to 18 million people owning teams. they play, even with just one number, 49. If you don’t Ironically, players’ touchdown celebrations have if they’re on my know what that means, you can either look gone wild and personal stats seem to overshadow fantasy team. ❐ it up or ask a fantasy sports player. ❐ Brewhouse brings European soccer scene to Atlanta

BY GRANT COYLE “Liverpool is the team I followed as a youngster.” The room was dark and smelled like smoke from the Some fans come to the Brewhouse to watch great soccer, night before. It was 8 a.m. on a chilly Sunday morning even when their team is not playing. when I sat down in front of one of several TVs and got “I studied abroad in Mexico during the 2002 World ready to watch the 147th soccer match between archrivals Cup [in South Korea] and I saw how everyone went Manchester United and Liverpool. The match set an insane and I wanted to know why,” said Arsenal fan Chris English Premier League record with an attendance of an Martz. “When I got back, I just started watching.” astonishing 75,828 football fans. Although many Americans love soccer, it is not By kickoff, there were approximately 30 people in the recognized as a major sport here in the United States. entire restaurant. Most of them proudly wore the red “The media plays [soccer] down,” Kitchens said. “If jersey of the Manchester United Red Devils, the top team you turn on Sportscenter all you see is football, baseball in the Barclay’s English Premier League. A sign that read and basketball.” ‘Water Closet’ pointed to the bathroom in the corner. Manchester United fan David Nicholson agrees that You would think that I was in a pub in England, but soccer isn’t hugely popular in the United States because of I was in fact at the Brewhouse Café, located in Little low media interest in the sport. Five Points. According to the U.S. Soccer Federation, “The networks can’t pick up the games because there the Brewhouse is by far the best place to watch soccer in GRANT COYLE aren’t enough commercials,” Nicholson said. IN THE HOUSE: Fans at the Brewhouse can sit at any table to get a meal Atlanta and even the entire Southeast. In a country where Others think that soccer teams in America need to while taking in televised soccer games. The room is fi lled with televisions soccer is underappreciated, the Brewhouse has been doing attract more funding and better athletes to improve the what it can to cater to soccer lovers since 1996. the bar and the small dining room. In the 66th minute, sport’s popularity. During the fi rst fi ve minutes of the match, fans Manchester United defender Raul Ferdinand volleyed a “Major League Soccer needs the notoriety and the continually entered the restaurant to watch soccer, the shot past the Liverpool keeper. Again, the room erupted money to offer what the other leagues have,” amateur world’s most popular game. As Manchester United’s with joy and a group of Manchester United fans burst soccer player Patrick Clements said. “They need to star striker Wayne Rooney attacked goal, you could out in a song about Ferdinand. As subs came on and somehow lure athletes away from [other sports].” hear shouts of ‘Rooney’ or ‘Go Wayne’ in thick English off the fi eld, people in the room cheered as if the player Even in a nation of baseball, basketball and football, accents. During a breakaway chance, the room buzzed could hear them. The fans’ knowledge and love of soccer The Brewhouse continues to provide refuge to those who with excitement and applause after the ball was cleared fi lled the Brewhouse. “The style and type of football love soccer. It’s the only soccer bar that is close to Grady away. It felt as if I was in Old Trafford, Manchester [Manchester United] plays is sexy,” said Manchester and is very accessible to soccer fans. United’s home stadium. United fan Kevin Kitchens. “The location is great because it’s right down the street By the 20th minute, the room and adjoining bar Kitchens has been a supporter of Manchester United and it’s the only one in the area,” Clements said. were both starting to fi ll up. Several obscenities fi lled since 1995, and he has come to the Brewhouse to watch Several fans expressed their appreciation to the the air when a referee nearly 4,000 miles away called matches since 2004. Brewhouse Café for providing their favorite game in a a foul on Liverpool. Manchester United’s Paul Scholes Although they are currently 11th in the English Premier unique atmosphere for their enjoyment. fi nally produced the fi rst goal in the 39th minute. The League, Liverpool also has a stronghold of supporters “It’s not like every other sports bar,” Martz said. “It Brewhouse erupted in cheers. throughout the world. is a soccer bar and people know that; they cater to your At halftime, there were about 70 people packed into “It’s a life thing,” said Liverpool fan Phil Chaffer. needs.” ❑ Nov. 14, 2006 s p o r t s 19 Sports culture Grady teacher sprinkled with gets kick out hip-hop flavor It’s a well- known fact that in t o d a y ’ s of martial art s o c i e t y, m u s i c BY TRAVIS JONES has more A loud crack permeates the dojo and the influence fighters that fill the room turn their heads. A over youth CARSON rising combatant stumbles off the mat and as he t h a n PHILLIPS-SPOTTS heads towards the bathroom to try to reset his anything broken nose, while the rest of the fighters turn else. For years, artists have been back to face their opponents. Welcome to the encouraged to promote messages brutal world of Brazilian Jujitsu. Welcome to JONES TRAVIS in their work to instill change in the world of Mr. Nikolai Curtis. society, but many artists have found SUBMISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Mr. Nikolai Curtis pins a fellow student during a Jujitsu practice session at Alliance Martial “[Brazilian Jujitsu] is a grappling, submission- it easier to promote a sneaker than Arts in Inman Park. Fighters begin practice sessions with conditioning and sparring to prepare for competitions. style martial art that comes from Japanese nonviolence. Jujitsu,” Mr. Curtis said. “I knew about some fights run out of time before a tap out she said. “And so I just looked around for That’s not to say that music Brazilian Jujitsu, but I never knew where to occurs. In this case, judges award points for different martial arts.” like hip-hop only promotes go. I started dating someone, who is now my sweeps and throws. Mr. Curtis claims that he joined primarily negative or financially inspired wife, and she had been doing it for two years [at “It’s considered the most complete martial for the experience, rather than for the fierce messages—it’s just that the Alliance Martial Arts].” art,” Mr. Curtis said. “In most martial arts you competitions. He did, however, participate in promotion of positive messages is Alliance Martial Arts, which has locations end up on the ground about 95 percent of the two rounds of a tournament several weeks ago. easier said than done in a capital- in both Sandy Springs and in Inman Park, is a time. In [other types of] Jujitsu the idea is to “In the first match I was dominating on driven industry. It’s because learning center that primarily teaches Brazilian stay up, but [in Brazilian Jujitsu] when you go points,” Mr. Curtis said. “But he had a hold on of the negative connotations Jujitsu. Two-time world champion Roberto to the ground, you have the advantage.” my collar, and [when I tried to make a move] I associated with hip-hop that Traven teaches the classes at the Inman Park Brazilian Jujitsu’s intense training regiment is actually increased his grip. I kind of ended up sports, which make up the second location, which are open to all age groups. designed to build upper-core strength, as well as strangling myself.” most influential part of society, While anyone is welcome to take classes at to increase overall endurance. It was his lack of experience that doomed him are trying to oust hip-hop’s Alliance Martial Arts, Brazilian Jujitsu is not “It’s very physical and works great to stay in yet again in round two, when he was too passive cultural ties within its leagues. for the timid. It is a sport that at first seems shape if you aren’t doing a sport at Grady, [but] against his opponent and lost by a narrow The climax of this quarrel came like an adult game of ‘mercy.’ The martial you can’t be afraid to get dirty,” Mr. Curtis margin of points, 3-0. when the National Basketball art emphasizes fighting while on the ground, said. “When you train, you get thrown around Only time will tell whether the world of Association mandated a dress meaning that a combatant must use leverage everywhere [and] they teach you how to fall Brazilian Jujitsu will make or break Mr. Curtis. code to its players following a in order to gain an advantage. Technique tends down and how to protect your head.” If he can push himself through the pain and brawl that broke out during a to outlast brute strength, but endurance is Rachael Curtis, Mr. Curtis’s wife, has taken rigorous training, then it should be a rewarding Detroit Pistons game. The fight, essential. classes at Alliance Martial Arts for about three experience. involving both players and fans, A fighter wins when his opponent taps out years, and frequently attends classes with her “I’ve been head butted in the head many tarnished the NBA’s already because he or she can no longer take the pain. husband. times,” Mr. Curtis said. “But I have never tattered image, and the dress code Matches do have a time limit, however, and “I needed a way to get in shape after college,” thought about quitting, not once.” ❐ was implemented to help clean it up. The NBA, or any other league for that matter, obviously hadn’t Miami displays school spirit in FIU fight gotten the memo about music’s place within everyday life. I hate football. thing.” The NFL followed suit soon First of all, there’s all this running, jumping and As Miami players stomped the bodies of prostrate Golden Panthers, struck after, handing down its own set of tackling each other. Who wants to see that? And them with helmets and generally lived up to the title ‘Thug U,’ the 12th policies restricting the excessive, what’s wrong with football players anyway? They can’t man refused to be outdone. The tens of thousands of Hurricane students that and at times obnoxious, nature of even play with a round ball; they use an oblong pointy crowded the stands cheered in approval as their players won the real fight, the its famed touchdown celebrations. thing. Plus, there are all the complex formations and one for their school and for their honor. This step has only made the intricate plays. I just can’t stand it. But alas, University of Miami president Donna Shalala ruined the glorious players think outside of the box. That’s why I thank God every day for the Miami defense of Miami’s house with her radical disciplinary actions. Shalala, along Instead of elaborate shows in the ASA BEAL Hurricanes. with the ACC and the NCAA, handed out 13 one-game suspensions to the end zone, players have resorted to They do it right. They make a useless, boring game Miami players. That meant those players had to miss the following game simpler celebrations, often linked worthwhile. Whether it’s their failures in the classroom, their brawls on the against mighty archrival Duke, another winless, yet formidable team. to hip-hop. field or their arrests off of it, Miami gives me a reason to watch football. ACC Commissioner John Swofford explained the extreme heavy- These celebrations don’t The hallowed halls in Coral Gables, Fla. have historically been home to a handedness with which they doled out the suspensions. just occur in football—they remarkable group of Hurricane student-athletes. The university has recently “These suspensions send a clear and definitive message that this type of span across all sports including boasted graduation rates as high as 43 percent for students in its acclaimed behavior will not be tolerated,” Swofford said. baseball, soccer and basketball. football program. In addition to missing the most crucial game of the year against Duke, From Terrell Owens leaning and While Miami football players have a stellar academic track record, there are the Miami players now find themselves under the harsh rule of a new zero rocking after a touch down, to admittedly some minor flaws with their behavior off the field. Take the 1996 tolerance policy which seeks to stifle the violent desires of The U’s treasured Vince Carter doing his best Yung incident in which three Hurricanes football players—James Burgess, Jammi football stars. Joc impersonation after throwing German and Jeremy Taylor—assaulted and robbed the captain of the Miami At least we can be thankful that Shalala didn’t go to the extreme that FIU down a monstrous dunk, athletes track team. It was a small blemish on the face of the respected program. The administrators did. They kicked two players off of the team completely and pay homage to the music they love ‘Canes went on the win the Big East Championship that year, so all was well suspended 16 others indefinitely. All of those suspended will be placed on with the little room for creative that ended well at the U. athletic probation for the rest of the year, and are expression they have. Some say But let’s focus on the positives. The gridiron is The gridiron is where Miami shows required to complete ten hours of anger management that since rap portrays a negative where Miami shows its true colors. I’m not talking counseling. They must also pay for their jollity in image, the athletes do too. These about orange, white and green; I’m talking about its true colors. I’m not talking community service. stints of expression have made integrity, bravery and maturity. I’m talking about the about orange, white and green; So what lessons can we learn from the brutal for good entertainment, which virtues the Hurricanes displayed on Oct. 12 against “ I’m talking about integrity, bravery consequences of a little fun and games? is positive. In reality, these the mighty Golden Panthers of Florida International First, we can learn that the NCAA and Shalala have actions let the fans know that University. and maturity. a skewed view of school spirit. the athletes are indeed human After Miami took a 14-point lead over the 0-6 Second, we can learn that Miami head coach Larry and despite the multi-million Golden Panthers, a D I-AA team, and Hurricane tailback James Bryant was Coker’s job is as safe as it can be. It’s refreshing to finally see a coach who dollar contracts, they have some given an absurd unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for bowing to the crowd, a doesn’t place restrictions on his players that would suppress what they are of the same interests as we do. scuffle ensued on the field. truly capable of doing. He sets a fine example for the rest of college sports. This bond will be beneficial in Now don’t be too quick to lay blame on the Hurricanes. They were simply Last, and most important, we can learn that the Miami Hurricanes are not the long run, because anything protecting their house. Former Miami wide receiver Lamar Thomas, who was to be trifled with. Take it from our wise friend Lamar Thomas. that gets the fans more involved announcing the game for CSS, put it best. “I say, why don’t they just meet outside in the tunnel after the ball game and is valued by the players, fans and “You come into our house, you should get your behind kicked,” Thomas get it on some more?” Thomas said. “You don’t come into the OB [Orange leagues. So let the leagues do as said proudly to millions over the air. “You don’t come into the Orange Bowl Bowl] baby. We’ve had a down couple years but you don’t come in here they please; I’m excited to see playing that stuff. I was about to go down the elevator and get into that talking smack. Not in our house.” ❐ what happens. ❐ 20 s p o r t s Nov. 14, 2006 Volleyball team makes history, goes to state playoffs

BY STEPHEN CROUSE players have high hopes for next This season, the Grady volleyball year and aim to continue the team has achieved its greatest success that they had this season. accomplishment in the team’s “I think we have a really good short history. The Knights ended chance of making the playoffs their season with a well-earned next year,” junior Maranda Barnes place in the state playoffs for the said. “We have a lot of previous fi rst time in the history of Grady’s experience.” volleyball program. Barnes hopes that the team will In 1999, Atlanta Public Schools get a chance to attend skills camps added volleyball to the list of girls as a team during the off-season and sports; only eight seasons later, the summer. Going to the training the Grady team made it to the camps together will not only help playoffs. Coach Paul Nicolson, players with basic skills, but will who has coached since the 2002 also help them to bond together. season and substituted for Coach This will be especially important Sharon Eblaghie during the 2001 after the loss of fi ve seniors. season, was very excited to make CROUSE STEPHEN As this season has drawn to a it to the playoffs. He thought that DENIED: Senior Lilly Morgan and freshman Jordan Crawford block a shot during the regional playoffs. Despite their efforts, the close, the Knights leave pleased the team was very deserving of Knights lost to Westminster. “Making it to the playoffs for [my] senior year was defi nitely a good accomplishment,” Morgan said. with their success and begin to their success. look toward next year. For the “We had a good year and had possibility of making the playoffs Grady’s region is very fi erce, and tried out for the team. More than seniors on the team, this has a lot of talent,” Coach Nicolson in the numbers and we knew that includes Westminister and Blessed half of those who tried out were been an especially exciting season. said. there were three teams better than Trinity, the top two teams in the not able to play this season because Senior Lilly Morgan, who was on In order for Grady to make the us. We just had to be the best of state from last season. of the lack of a JV volleyball team, the team for her sophomore and state playoffs, which were held at the other teams to get the fourth The team’s success has made a but Coach Nicolson hopes that senior years of high school, enjoyed Westminster, they fi rst had to win spot.” statement this season. Volleyball Grady’s success this season will the team’s success this season. in the area playoffs, also held at Since they had to compete with is a legitimate sport, and it needs garner support for a JV volleyball “It felt good to make it to the Westminster. Grady beat North teams in a higher classifi cation than a JV team to help the development team to its list of fall sports. This playoffs because we had never Atlanta, which set them up to they were used to, the Knights had of the sport at Grady. Sixty-seven would allow those who did not been so close to making it to state make it to the state playoffs. to work very hard to achieve their people expressed interest in playing make the varsity team to continue before,” Morgan said. “It was a “It was kind of surreal,” Coach place in the playoff tournament. volleyball at the beginning of the to play. great experience even though we Nicolson said. “We saw the The volleyball competition in season, and thirty-four people Both Coach Nicolson and the didn’t win state.” ❐ Knights defeat Chamblee on gutsy, last-second play

BY MAX BEECHING Farley produced again, breaking through Chamblee’s margin. They quickly widened the lead with a 68-yard In a must-win game against new 5-AAA Division B rival front line for the two-point conversion, giving the Knights touchdown pass from Warren Norman to D’Ante Picket. Chamblee on Oct. 20, head coach Ronnie Millen made a 24-23 victory. After a couple of three and outs, Grady’s offense drove the one of the biggest decisions of his fi ve-year career. Instead The Chamblee Bulldogs boasted one ball up to Chamblee’s 15-yardline and sophomore Noah of kicking a potentially game-tying extra point, Millen o f the best running backs in the state, Shaye kicked a 19-yard fi eld goal, his fi rst of the season. decided to go for the two-point conversion with 55 seconds Roddy Jones. Jones lived up to Down 14-9 with 3:20 seconds left in the fi rst half, the left. his reputation, scoring on a Knights chose one of their more unconventional plays. “When you only have a yard and a half to go two-yard touchdown run Kelley dropped back in the pocket and tossed the ball instead of 4 yards, it makes it a lot easier to get in the fi rst quarter to senior running back Josh Williams, who threw it to the ball in the end zone,” coach Millen to put the Bulldogs Demarcus Watts for a 49-yard touchdown pass. Grady went said. up 7-0. Kelley into the locker room up 16-14 at halftime. The Knights prepared to try struggled early and “Everyone just came through on that play,” Williams for an extra point after a one- uncharacteristically said. “Watts ran a great route and I was able to fi nd him yard touchdown run by junior under-threw sophomore for the score.” Darryl Farley. To the Knights’ wide receiver DeMarcus Chamblee answered back in the third quarter with a 60- pleasure, Chamblee was fl agged Watts, then Chamblee picked yard touchdown pass from Norman to Nicolai Schwarakopf. for unsportsmanlike conduct, the ball off. Kelley got an earful The Bulldogs built a nine-point lead in the third quarter, moving the ball to a yard and from Millen on the sideline. which they kept until the fi nal seconds of the game. After a half away “He just told me that if I the Knights converted the two-point conversion, senior from the wanted to be the hero I had to defensive end, Jabari Fletcher added insult to injury sacking goal line. step my game up,” Kelley said. Norman on fourth down to end the game. “It was On the Knights’ next Despite having a total of 127 rushing yards, Jones now or never,” possession, Kelley found his couldn’t get it done when it mattered for the Bulldogs. With Senior quarterback rhythm, going four for six for two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Chamblee went for Simeon Kelley said. “We 45 yards and fi nished the drive it on fourth and one and tried to pound it down the middle knew that if we worked with a one-yard quarterback with Jones. The Bulldogs came up short and that led to the together as a team there was no MAX BEECHING sneak. Chamblee blocked the game winning drive by the Knights. way that Chamblee was going to Senior running Knights’ extra point attempt “Whatever happens, happens,” Fletcher said. “All we stop us.” back Dexter Barnett to preserve a one-point know is we have to leave everything on the fi eld.” ❐

CROSS COUNTRY KNIGHT WATCH FOOTBALL PLAYER PROFILES Boys RegionCROSS 5-AAAB COUNTRY Girls Region 5-AAAB Region 5-AAAB Standings Max Leonard Lily Muntzing School Region Overall School Points School Points Junior Sophomore W L W L Westminster 29 Westminster 51 Grady 6 1 8 2 Blessed Trinity 61 Riverwood 67 Chamblee 5 2 8 2 Chamblee 74 Chamblee 70 Dunwoody 5 2 7 3 Dunwoody 129 Blessed Trinity 73 Westminster 5 2 5 5 Grady 136 Grady 130 North Atlanta 3 4 5 5 Druid Hills 137 Dunwoody 152 Blessed Trinity 2 5 5 5 Riverwood 163 Therrell 169 Riverwood 2 5 4 6 Carver 263 Druid Hills 207 Druid Hills 0 7 1 9 Height: 6-foot-1 Height: 5-foot-4 Weight: 155 pounds Weight: 130 pounds Best Time: 17:28 Best Time: 22:43