SINCE 1947

An upbeat paper www.gradyhighschool.org/ for a downtown school southerner CANOE TRIP AU REVOIR CAMERA GRANT Literature teacher French teacher State-of-the-art Mr. Scott Stephens Mrs. Diane surveillance system t h e So u t h e r n e r Sept. 12, 2008 canoes to Atlantic Simmons leaves installed on campus p. 13 p. 12 p. 7 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA VOLUME LIX, NUMBER 1, SEPT. 12, 2008

www.doe.k12.ga.us Grady’s GGT Basic/Does Not Meet School hits AYP, Proficient/Meets Scores 2008 Advanced/Exceeds JURY STILL OUT ON Math efforts pay off 5% 24% 62% INFINITE CAMPUS By Keely Youngblood 67% 28% By Caroline McKay painful,” Ms. Willoughby said. or the first time since 2005, Grady fulfilled the 14% n c h

e kipping school and slacking “That is less the fault of Infinite FNo Child Left Behind standards and achieved r F off in class is going to be a Campus and more of how Annual Yearly Progress. Compiled from the Georgia

m m a lot harder for Grady students APS implemented it. [Infinite Graduation Test, which high school juniors take each E S this year. This is because parents, Campus] duplicated classes; there spring, the AYP score measures the success of the Grady initiated several changes last year in an effort students and administrators will were single semester and double school and establishes the standards for the next year. to improve the school’s GGT scores. Dr. Vincent soon be able to access all grades, semester classes [of the same In Georgia, a certain percentage of students must Murray believes several of the strategies made a attendance and behavior records course with the same teacher at earn a Pass-Plus score on the English and math significant difference. online. the same time], both with whole sections in order to meet AYP standards. A student “I really think that when you are implementing To help teachers better class enrollment.” makes a Pass-Plus if they answer a certain number of strategies, some strategies work and some don’t work,” document and share student Magnet coordinator and the “enhanced” questions embedded in the section. Dr. Murray said. “I think what happened is that records, APS replaced School counselor Ms. Carrie MacBrien Students are divided into subgroups based on we refined our strategies over time and made them Administration Student attended training a week before ethnicity, economic background and special needs; successful.” Information System, or SASI, APS implemented Infinite each subgroup must meet its required standard or the The Grady administration created Math Across the with a centralized computer Campus on Aug. 4. Though the entire school fails to meet AYP. Each year that a school Curriculum, a program designed to implement basic system, Infinite Campus. Though transition period from SASI to fails to meet AYP standards, the consequences for the math in every core class taught at Grady. APS promises the system will Infinite Campus jumbled the first school are increased. “Instead of making it just the math department’s eventually vastly improve online few weeks of the school year, Ms. “Grady first [didn’t make AYP] in 2006, and they problem or something the math department had to record keeping, the transition MacBrien believes that some sort of only gave us a warning,” principal Dr. Vincent Murray fix, we made it school-wide,” Dr. Murray said. “Every complicated the start of the school transition period was inevitable. said. “In 2007, when we failed again, that was when we teacher became involved.” year for many Grady students, “Any time there is a change in a had to start giving students the option of transferring parents and teachers. critical tool, there is an adjustment from Grady to other succeeding high schools.” see AYP page 6 Hundreds of schedules were period,” Ms. MacBrien said. “Right incomplete, and some students now, we’re in a transition period. were enrolled in classes they had Infinite Campus has tremendous already taken or in classes that did capacity and potential; we just not exist. have to adjust to it.” o n t e n t s American literature teacher Infinite Campus distinguishes C Ms. Lisa Willoughby was among itself from other systems by the many teachers that helped presenting all information about comment 3 the counseling department in the one student in one protected place Olivia Scofield questions the crusade to fix the hundreds of online. character of the Republican vice skewed schedules. “Scheduling has been kind of see INFINITE page 8 presidential nominee, Gov. Sarah Palin, and how her actions will affect her daughter, Bristol. Young forensic team shines news 6 Grady is generating a new in two national tournaments sound with the creation of a By Amelia Kovacevich speech that has already been given. men’s chorus. The group of here was no time to rest for She gave a speech by Michelle young men now have a class Tmembers of the debate team Obama and placed in the top 30 of their own. this summer, as they traveled coast- declamation competitors in the to-coast to compete in two separate nation. feature 16 tournaments. Just days after the “[Walker] worked really hard Think you know the best ways final bell rang to end the school and showed amazing commitment to cool down in the heat? Sidney year, five qualifying team members –it’s crazy that she was only a traveled to Appleton, Wis. to freshman,” said senior Hannah Wise and Lily Muntzing share compete in the National Catholic Mitchell. Mitchell also attended the scoop on the best frozen Forensics League tournament over the Memorial Day tournament treats in Atlanta. Memorial Day weekend. A few to compete in the dramatic weeks later, eight students boarded interpretation event. sports 20 a plane to Las Vegas to compete Also competing were seniors POLLY ZINTAK POLLY The Grady water polo team in the National Forensics League Michael Robinson and Demarius wins the first four games in PERFORMERS PUT ON GRADY’S FIRST DARK KNIGHT National Speech Tournament. Walker, who have been working its history, including a 7-4 Junior Eva Dines plays her cello while dressed as the caped crusader during In Wisconsin, sophomore together for over a year as a public the Thespian Society’s first coffee house, held in the black box theater on Aug. Taylor Walker advanced to the forum debate team. victory over Pope High, the 28. Drama teacher Mr. Jacob Dreiling coordinated the event along with the quarterfinals in declamation, an 2005 state champion. society’s president, senior Miriam Huppert (see related story, page 15). event in which debaters give a see DEBATE page 15 2 S i n c e 1 9 4 7 t h e So u t h e r n e r Sept. 12, 2008

commentEd i t o r i a l Bo a r d Sarah Bufkin Taylor Fulton Gus Rick Kala Marks t h e So u t h e r n e r Lily Muntzing Olivia Scofield Keely Youngblood NSPA convention costly but beneficial Each year the Grady publication and broadcast staffs are invited to attend the National Scholastic Press Association, a convention where high school journalists from around the country participate in contests, panel discussions and hundreds of skill-building workshops. This year NSPA will be held Nov. 13-16, and the Grady High School Southerner staff would very much like to bring ‘Southerner’ charm to this years’ convention in St. Louis. The only thing stopping us is the registration fee, hotel accommodations and feeding the 42 “Southernerds” who spend most of their discretional income keeping Trader Joe’s, Willy’s and Wendy’s in business during paper deadline. So as your loyal newspaper staff, willing to sacrifice our lives to bring news to you, we’re turning to you, our loyal readers: In our efforts to become better writers, designers and photographers for you, we are asking for your help to get to NSPA. In no way are you required to help, because we will continue to give you the same quality news regardless. We do believe, however, that the four days in St. Louis would improve our paper and by extension, your experience reading it tremendously. All donations will go directly to the cause, paying for our airfare, out lodging, our registration and our contest fee. We appreciate the support we have received, from both the Grady community and the Atlanta community, and hope that, with your support, we will be able to leave our mark at this year’s NSPA conference. p Parking lot problem QUESTION of the month: continues to bother How would you feel about the driving

We, the future editorial board at Southerner, were optimistic that age changing from 16 to 17? last year’s article by Hannah Rosenbaum concerning misconduct of parents in the Grady parking lot would actually have a positive im- It’s good because It’s good because pact. Unfortunately, in our first month of school, it’s been proven there’s too many young that optimism is pointless. kids will be safer. Once again, the 10th street parking lot has taken on numerous drunk and bad drivers. identities – a NASCAR speedway, the streets of Manhattan and, most notably, complete and total chaos. There is a reason that the Zac Cato, Minshen Cao, parking lot is for students – we park there, we hang out there after “ junior freshman school and we walk through there in the mornings. We guess it’s “ completely unfair of us to request that others respect that the park- I don’t mind ing lot is our place. In the mornings, we are already groggy after streaks of late- because I’m 18, so night homework, so the thought of avoiding racing parents, too it doesn’t affect impatient to wait for us to cross the driveway or correct our parking me. job, is just too much. Yes, we understand you are late for work, but honestly, it’s not our problem. Or maybe you are just racing around Samiah Blake, in order to get to the exit, so you can make a soon-to-be illegal left senior turn onto 10th Street – which, by the way, leaves a snake of angry, “ impatient parents in the parking lot, endangering us even more. But we’ll make one final attempt to be optimistic. Parents of I am upset because I won’t In the long run it’ll be the class of 2012, if you haven’t heard: The 10th-Street student be able to drive good, because it will keep parking lot is for the students. Insensitive, inconsiderate speeding until the end of parents – with all due respect, you are not welcome. p irresponsible teens off the my senior year. road. CORRECTIONS Erin Bailie, Ayouluwa Hill. In the May 13th issue of the Southerner, we incorretly labeled the Design “ sophomore freshman emphasis project as ‘Organized Chaos’. Its actual name is ‘Controlled “ Chaos’.

Southerner Staff 2008-2009 An upbeat paper for a downtown school

Managing editors: Sarah Bufkin, Keely Youngblood Staff: Advisers: Kate Carter, Dave Winter To our readers, Design editors: Emma French, Minh Lam, Gus Rick Jane Beal, Lucy Beeching, Kate Belgum, Print staff: Alvin Hambrick, Harlon Heard, The Southerner welcomes submissions, which Copy editors: Kala Marks, Lily Muntzing, Mariah Burch, Leah Butterfield, Parker Michael Jackson, Adlai McClure, Charlotte may be edited for grammar, inappropriate Olivia Scofield Carlson, Rachel Cruz, Sarah Darrow, Elliott Napper, Benjamin Shaw language and length. Please place submissions News editors: Emma French, Isobel Robinson-Ortiz Erickson, Judson Good, Micheal Goodsby, in Mr. Winter or Ms. Carter's box in the main Comment editors: Alexandria Cantrell, Morgan Gore, Dean Jackson, Noelle Jones, The Southerner, a member of GSPA, SIPA, office. Subscriptions are also available. For Taylor Fulton, Olivia Scofield Zack Klein, Amelia Kovacevich, Jackson CSPA and NSPA, is a monthly student pub- more information, please contact Mr. Winter, People editors: Perri Campis, Emily Emshoff Martin, Caroline McKay, Madeline Roorbach, lication of: Ms. Carter or a member of the staff. Arts and Entertainment editors: Grace Brown, Shelby Rudd, Nia Williams, Sidney Wise Henry W. Grady High School Polly Zintak 929 Charles Allen Drive NE Sports editors: Miles Gilbreath, Kala Marks Atlanta, GA 30309 Sept. 12, 2008 comment 3 Exchange experience inspires appreciation Since my sister left for college five years ago, my family has replaced her with six new sisters and a new brother. They have come from Germany, Russia, Brazil, France and Slovakia. They make their pilgrimage to the land of capitalism and obe- sity to experience our culture, learn our language and meet new people. These siblings are more for- mally known as exchange students. Sa r a h Da r r o w Upon arriving in the States, they have brought us presents unique to their countries. On our part, we give them a bed, access to a computer, a house key and the directions to the nearest Krispy Kreme. When the students arrive and are taken home from the airport, the first things they notice are the skyscrapers. Buildings that I see every day are shiny new monuments for them. Seeing their fas- cination makes me appreciate our beautiful city, despite the road construc- tion, smog and poverty we often focus on. Their fascination with Atlanta rekindles my love for it as well. Hosting exchange students allows me to see Policy goals pale in comparison my city and country with new eyes. There are many benefits to hosting an exchange student. They broaden your cultural horizons. They may guarantee you a free place to stay if you Sen. John McCain, the should be the sole basis on which the American citizens visit their country. They may even be that missing child or sibling that you Republican presidential should form their opinions. Even though my beliefs op- have always wanted. But none of these signify the primary reasons that my candidate, announced his pose those of Gov. Palin, her beliefs alone should be the family has hosted students. choice for vice president basis of my opinions, not the actions of her daughter. My family has always enjoyed having a more robust household. Hosting on Aug. 29—Alaska Gov. Gov. Palin was not an overnight household name be- a foreign exchange student has been a good way to shake up the quotid- Sarah Palin. Less than 72 cause of her conservative views. She was not an over- ian routine. Having a new person in the house allows me to take part in hours after the announce- night household name because she could potentially be conversations I never would have had otherwise. As I got to know each ex- ment of the relatively un- the first female vice president. She became an overnight change student, I developed an understanding of world culture that I think Ol i v i a Sc o f i e l d known Gov. Palin as Re- household name because it was also revealed that her will help me, no matter where I live. They are always more than willing publican runningmate, an 17-year-old daughter was “knocked up.” to share interesting facts about their country and personal lives. Plus, it’s even more sensational story broke: Palin’s 17-year-old As at least a second-rate politician, she should have refreshing to hear a different point of view. We have discussed topics rang- daughter, Bristol Palin, is five months pregnant. been aware of the amount of scrutiny her daughter ing from politics to their favorite ice cream flavors. Our French exchange If citizens of the United States could base their opin- would be subject to once she accepted the vice presi- students had a lot to say about the upcoming presidential elections. ions of a political candidate solely on the candidate’s dential nomination. I understand that the Palin family Out of all the exchange students we’ve hosted, the Russian exchange stu- political positions and the candidate’s own actions, the is coming to terms with an unexpected event and are dent from four years ago appreciated America the most. Since she had lived announcement that a pregnant teen- trying to figure out how to continue through and witnessed the Chechen-Russian War, Atlanta seemed like the age daughter might inhabit the White with their lives at the same time. As a pearly gates. She and her family lived only off of bread and waited in anxi- House would be of no consequence. At least as a mother, however, Gov. Palin should have ety for the conflict to be resolved. Her appreciation for things I assumed Unfortunately, the relatives of politi- second-rate withdrawn her name from consideration were universal helped me realize how much Americans have it made. cians are immediately placed underneath politician, she for vice president in order to protect her Although it might sound cheesy to say that “the experience of meeting the microscope and therefore are subject daughter from the intense examination “ should have been new people” is a big perk, it’s true. The change is refreshing. After the first to the scrutiny of the vicious American by the American public. Her political semester, I always grow to care for the students staying with me and real- public. Infamous celebrity blogger Perez aware of the beliefs notwithstanding, I question the ize that I will miss them as June approaches. It is at this point that I get Hilton,used the words “slutty teen” and amount of scrutiny character of Gov. Palin. Is she so ea- over any squabbles I have with them, because like all siblings, they can be “whore daughter” in his post announcing ger to be vice president that she would loving, annoying and unpredictable. By December, they have adopted my the pregnancy of Bristol Palin. Hilton’s her daughter sacrifice the privacy and comfort of her bad habits and are comfortable enough to blow off their chores. By April, site receives an average of 1.7 million would be subject own daughter? Or is she so ignorant and all of their dreams are in English, and their accents become less noticeable. viewers a day. to. unaware of the people that she is try- June is the month when the airport becomes a danger zone and their home I do not agree with Gov. Palin’s stance ing to lead that she did not expect the seems miniscule compared to Atlanta. Crying is inevitable at the airport. on many political topics. In fact, I dis- mass public interest and attention to her By living with my family, they have become part of it. Cuss words become agree with Gov. Palin on almost every subject. Gov. Pa- daughter’s condition? part of their daily vernacular. Our pets have discovered someone else to lin, a staunch pro-life supporter, believes that abortions Gov. Palin has received a gift-wrapped example of her love and someone else to beg for scratches on the belly. should only be available if the mother’s life is in danger. commitment to the pro-life cause. She has also received All in all, sharing my life with people from different backgrounds has She supports a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage the opportunity to rethink her stance on abstinence-only allowed me to have a much more expansive understanding of the world and has voted against same-sex health-care benefits; she sex education. Her daughter’s controversial and much outside of the bubble of Atlanta, while at the same time showing me how believes in abstinence-only sex education and refuses to publicized pregnancy has made Gov. Palin an instant special Atlanta is. The experiences with each exchange student have en- believe that global warming is caused by human activity. political celebrity and may help lead her to the vice presi- riched my family’s life exponentially over the past five years. ❐ She even hates polar bears. All of these things, her beliefs, dency. But at what—and at who’s—cost? ❐ Despite controversy, new policies beneficial to student body

I figured that the massive junior/ down on wearing white T-shirts left many students, including can attest to how much missing class can affect your grades. senior class meeting on the first me, wondering if the administration had gone too far. The im- In high school, where teachers are dealing with more than 100 day of school would be an explana- mediate uproar from protesting students made it clear to the students a day, they just don’t have the time or energy to handle tion for the chaotic two days I had administration that most of the student body would strongly things like make-up work. The attendance policies are meant just endured. I sat in homeroom oppose the new policy. to solve this problem. Students might actually make attending for three hours, followed my train Even though white T-shirts aren’t the cornerstone of my per- class more of a priority now that they face consequences such wreck of a schedule, and I was still sonal attire, I understand why students might be upset. It inad- as getting kicked out or having their licenses revoked even if it contemplating whether or not it vertently denies our personal freedoms and stereotypes us all as means not skipping class when there’s an annoying substitute. Shelby Rudd was a good thing to have “grey” gang members or drug dealers. Who knew that something so Several students question the consistency with which the lunch. But instead of getting my problems fixed, I listened to plain could cause such controversy? threats made by the administration will be carried out. To most Dr. David Propst and Mr. Roosevelt Foreman talk about the According to Dr. Propst, the administration only wants to of us, ending up in tribunal sounds like a far-too-distant reper- new administrative policies of the school. keep the school safe and orderly, specifying that they were only cussion to even imagine. Rather than testing our limits until The stone-faced administrators made it clear that they weren’t banning the super-long white T-shirts that, in my opinion, are we end up there, we should save everyone time and energy and messing around. a fashion crime anyway. The policy is not only limited in scope, just adhere to the rules, annoying and unimportant as they may Mr. Foreman’s annual speech started out as normal: warnings it’s also lenient when compared to the dress codes at another seem. against the use of iPods, cell phones and other electronics, along APS high school, North Atlanta, where no collarless T-shirts are Now that the back-to-school buzz has died down and every- with warnings against skipping in Piedmont Park — the usual. permitted whatsoever. But the stricter rules bring up the ques- one has settled in to another year at Grady, kids seem to be put- But this year’s assembly added a list of seemingly unreason- tion of whether or not Grady will be the next school to become ting in a greater effort to arrive on time. There are, however, still able rules that would forever change my outlook on school poli- super strict in all of its behavioral expectations. those who like to hang out around campus during classes. Fewer cies and guidelines. As the first week progressed, however, I began to appreciate “white tees” are walking around; however, students are not really The lectures from Dr. Propst and Mr. Foreman regarding the administration’s point of view. People were already skipping grasping why these policy changes need to be enacted. Students attendance and the dress code were nothing new to returning classes and arriving late — the “do not admit list” already had should follow the rules to ensure their own futures and well- Grady students. But the newest rule came as a shock: a crack- names on it. As someone who used to be tardy all the time, I being, and not just because the administration tells us to. ❐ 4 comment Sept. 12, 2008 Georgia-Russia quarrel foolish on both sides Ask anyone who independent territories. endured the 1950s Though both countries have handled the sit- and they will tell uation poorly, it is Georgia who seems to have you that the big- made the illegal chess move. Georgia, who has gest fear of many recently become an ally of the United States, Americans was the was close to gaining a spot in NATO when Soviet Union. The news of the attack was reported. Many believe word “commu- that Georgia President Mikhail Saakashvili in- Ta y l o r Fu l t o n nism” frightened tended to trigger a massive counterattack that the government, Joseph McCarthy frightened would anger the world and ensure that the the people, and the threat of a global takeover West would side with and protect Georgia. was, in many eyes, as inevitable as the fall of Not only did this apparent strategy raise a Rome. few eyebrows, but it also called into question A half century later, we’re jarringly trans- Saakashvili and why he felt the sudden urge ported back to the brink of the Cold War. to get South Ossetia and Abkhazia back in the When people around the world got word first place, especially at such a random time. that the West Virginia-sized nation of Georgia Saakashvili did in fact state in his campaign had just attacked the Russian Federation, many platform that he intended to reincorporate the weren’t concerned. They were forced to under- disputed territories into Georgia. These cam- stand the urgency of the conflicts, however, paign promises alone violate the treaties signed when Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in 1994. abruptly left the Summer Olympics, boarded On Aug. 16, President Bush stated, “Russia his private jet and headed for home. has invaded a sovereign state and threatens a Most Americans don’t even know why democratic government elected by its people. the two regions are fighting, but even the ill- Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st informed would admit that no nation would Century.” risk a military showdown with Russia unless In other words, Bush formally told Russia they felt severely wronged. In reality, however, that it was siding with the country that broke Georgia started a war that will not only test the rules of a formal treaty legitimatizing South Russia’s strength but also call into question Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent nations. Georgia’s intentions. Clearly, Russia has every right to be upset with Back in the early 1990s, Georgia controlled Georgia’s disregard on international agree- the two disputed territories, South Ossetia and ment. Abkhazia. After several meetings supervised by But the Russian governmentmust proceed the United Nations, the government granted carefully to protect its long-term diplomatic South Ossetia permission to become a free, future. independent country. Later, Abkhazia also After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, gained independence. With treaties signed by Russia has had to stabilize its economy and cre- percent nuclear threat and 50 percent demo- Neither side has acted in a diplomatic fash- both Georgia and Russia, the countries were ate a new government. Soviet citizens remem- cratic threat, ready to attack at any moment. ion. Georgia has proven that it can’t be trusted also granted border protection provided by the ber the fear and restrictions of a communist With so many eyes staring at Russia, it’s when it comes to respecting international bor- Russian security force, known as the KGB- society. easy to forget that Georgia is still involved in ders and obeying U.N. resolutions. And Russia Committee of State Security. It has been leaked that Russian intelligence the conflict. It’s even easier to forget that the has handled the situation poorly at best. What Just a month ago, when news outlets first believes former Soviet countries like Armenia, United States failed to send Georgia troops could have been a stern reprimanding cement- broadcast the war, Georgia sought to regain Estonia and Ukraine may turn their attentions when Russia began its attack, meaning that the ing Russia’s authority in the international com- control of South Ossetia. Angered by Geor- (and satellites) towards Europe and the United Georgian-American alliance is not as strong munity has become a childish display of an gia’s violation of the treaty, Russia bombed a States, creating a “pro-West” ring of nations. as Saakashvili may have hoped it would be. It over-eager, fear-instilling country with hasty Georgia precinct, calling it a “legitimate” ac- This would leave Russia isolated in the diplo- would mean that in the end, no one gets what judgment. tion. The surprise attack on Georgia marked matic process for years to come. he or she really wants, which seems to be the However the conflict may end, the use of the third time in the last decade that Georgia Although the Cold War may be over, the case when we think about any war that has ever force by either side has proven unnecessary and and Russia have quarreled over neighboring, truth is that the West still looks at Russia as 50 been fought. downright counterproductive. ❐ Ninth-grade activities fall flat

Shuffling around the I came into orientation ready to go, but was disap- Grady courtyard on the pointed when the freshmen failed to reciprocate that day of my freshman ori- enthusiasm. In their defense, however, I too would entation three years ago, have rolled my eyes had I been asked to play the “hu- I felt more terrified and man knot,” which forced the already squeamish fresh- alone than ever before in men to hold each other’s sweaty hands in the 95-de- my life. I knew almost no gree heat. Ja n e Be a l one and had never before It’s difficult to lead people who don’t want to be led. set foot in a public school. Seeing my assigned freshmen in the hall hurry past The fact that my eighth-grade class had only 12 me with downcast eyes makes me feel that perhaps students made the crowd even my efforts were in vain. There’s no more intimidating. The program question that the disconnection be- After the disaster that was tween the leaders and the freshmen my own freshman orientation, didn’t meet the full was due to the lack of follow-up after I was immediately drawn to potential that I’m the orientation. When my freshmen the idea of leading a more suc- failed to show up to our scheduled cessful one. I thought that if I “ sure it someday afterschool meeting, my notion that could make one kid feel less ter- they were disinterested in the pro- rified and alone than I had felt, will. gram was confirmed. I would have done my job. Mr. Despite everything, it’s difficult for Balch, the founder of Grady’s Peer Leader Pro- me to say that the orientation fell short of its expecta- gram, had an enthusiasm that proved to be incred- tions. Frankly, I’m not quite sure what the expecta- ibly infectious. His ideas sounded good in theory: tions were. Our goals were unclear and therefore im- assigning every freshman an upperclassman as possible to reach. What I can say confidently is that their peer leader for not only orientation, but for the program didn’t meet the full potential that I’m the entire year, sounded like exactly what I wished sure it someday will. I had on my first day of Grady. So, three years later Perhaps I’m just being optimistic, but given a few standing in that same courtyard with my fellow more years, the program will develop and become an red polo-clad peer leaders, surrounded by fren- important part of Grady. And, let’s be honest: It will zied freshmen, I had high expectations regarding feel darn good to have been one of the founding lead- the success of the orientation. Perhaps they were a ers of the program, even if its pioneer venture was little too high. somewhat of a bust. ❐ Sept. 12, 2008 comment 5 The

STUDENTStance Sarah Bufkin Demarius Walker STAFF WRITER JOE BIDEN g u e s t w r i t e r Clinton’s strength vs. Obama profits from HILLARY ignored by Obama CLINTON Biden’s experience When Sen. Joe Biden from of choosing a vice presidential Do you remember that guy that president is to be able to step in Delaware was chosen as Obama’s nominee has come into its own as said that thing about Barack Obama place if something should happen running mate, I was disappointed— a way to spark flagging interest in Biden was the first vice at the beginning of his presidential to the president. America and the disappointed that there would not presidential campaigns. Whereas presidential hopeful to have bid that got black people everywhere world can all rest easily knowing all fired up? No? Well, maybe you that if something were to happen to be a woman on the Democratic McCain effectively used it to steal his candidacy announced to ticket in this election and even more the spotlight from the Democratic remember that guy who had the a President Obama, a Vice President disappointed that the presidential National Convention by choosing his running mate’s supporters whole country laughing at Rudy Biden would be there to step in. candidate that I had championed a gun-toting female governor via text message. Giuliani after he noted that all of 3) He’s not afraid of a fight. for five months had not been from Alaska, Obama neglected the Source: 2008 Cnn Election Center “Obama Rudy’s sentences consisted only of Biden is known as an intense nominated. But I assumed that opportunity to garner additional introduces biden as running mate” a noun, a verb and 9/11. No? Well, debater in the Senate and is not Democratic policymakers had solid support. Instead of choosing you shall soon be reacquainted afraid to take on his opponents reasons for passing over the popular Clinton—the senator popular with because he has returned as Barack in a verbal smack down when Sen. Hillary Clinton for the relatively Democrats, women and white- Fifty-four percent of Obama’s vice presidential running necessary. Biden personally took on mate. the cause of the Balkan Genocide old senator from a state smaller than collar voters—Obama went with Americans feel more one of the innumerable backyards Joe Biden, the senator famous for Joe Biden, a 65-year-old senator and called out President Clinton on of Sen. McCain. his tactless remarks. confident in the kind of with three decades of “Washington his inaction in the conflict. Biden Looking over Biden’s list of Even the Republicans were able decisions Obama would make experience,” hardly seems fit for a personally met with Slobodan accomplishments, I cannot deny to discern that Obama had made a as president after picking Democratic presidential candidate Milosevic, the Serbian leader at the that he is qualified for the job. I also grievous mistake by passing over Sen. Biden as his running mate. whose platform screams “Change” time and called him a war criminal. cannot deny that Sen. Clinton is not Clinton as a running mate. While and “Turning the Page.” This The International Criminal Court Source: SEPTEMBER 2008 ABC NEWS/ only more than qualified to be vice their attempt to take advantage WASHINGTON POST POLL contradiction, combined with later found Milosevic guilty of president, but she also would solidify of the situation was transparent Biden’s habit of misspeaking, crimes against humanity. a Democratic victory in November and largely ineffective among the makes him an odd choice for 4) He’s Human. if she were on the Obama ticket. Democratic voters, it did showcase the Democratic ticket and leaves As Biden was touring his office Sen. Clinton’s credentials were how much support Sen. Clinton In the primaries, Hillary some scratching their heads and after being elected to the Senate, he scrutinized over and over during the had across the nation, support that Clinton lost the popular vote wondering, “Why?” I think I know learned that his wife and three kids earlier months of 2008. Her active could have easily been translated to Barack Obama by 0.1 to why: had been in a serious car accident. role in forming public policy while into votes for the Democratic 0.4 percent. 1) He is white. The accident left his wife and his first lady and her terms serving as ticket. Sen. Clinton has committed Let’s be honest here. Obama is a newborn baby girl dead and his Source: 2008 real clear politics “2008 a U.S. senator for the state of New to helping Obama campaign in the democratic popular vote“ black man vying to lead a country two boys seriously injured. He York have provided that unique mix months leading up to the election, primarily populated and run by considered giving up his seat in the of experience with both the executive but will that satisfy disgruntled and white men. It is human nature for Senate, but his family and fellow and legislative that a vice president undecided voters? At this point, the us to be afraid of the unknown senators convinced him to stay. To needs. Not only has Sen. Clinton answer seems to be no, and Biden Seventy-eight percent of and the unusual. And Obama is ensure that he would be there if his made decisions on public policy, isn’t the alternate solution. Even in Democrats currently support about as unknown and unusual as boys needed him, he decided not she has already filled a position his own postage-stamp-sized state Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential candidates get. With the to buy a house in D.C. Instead, whose role is not so clearly defined of Delaware, Biden only garnered election. addition of Biden, an Irish Catholic he took the train from D.C. to under the U.S. constitution and one thirteenth of the votes that Sen. from Scranton, Pa., citizens can Delaware every night so he could SOURCE: SEPTEMBER 2008 AMERICAN RESEARCH made it her own. As one of the most Clinton got in his state’s Democratic GROUP, INC. POLL have a sense of familiarity. sit by his boys’ bedsides. influential and formative first ladies primary. 2) He is known and respected. Biden often quotes his father ever, with the possible exception of In a country that is supposed to Biden has been a member of on the campaign trail. He says, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sen. Clinton be “of the people, by the people the U.S. Senate for 32 years. He “Dad always told me that it’s not has experience stepping outside of and for the people,” one would Both Hillary Clinton and Joe has been the chairman of both how many times you get knocked the traditional political boundaries hope that a president would make Biden were born in Scranton, the Judiciary Committee and the down in life that is the measure of to change policies for the good of decisions based on what the people Pa. — “the home of the all-important Foreign Relations a man, but it’s how quickly you get America. The vice presidency is a want. Before a candidate has even American working class.” Committee, which manages pressing back up.” Biden has truly lived his position cut from the same cloth, secured an electoral victory, one international policy discussions and life through that motto. There is one that Sen. Clinton would be able would think that he would choose SOURCE: 2008 WASHINGTON POST PRESIDENTIAL decisions. Biden is praised by both no question that America’s moral to take advantage of. Biden, for all his running mate based on what CANDIDATES’ BIOGRAPHIES Republicans and Democrats for standing in the world and economic that he has managed to accomplish his constituents have demonstrated his depth of knowledge and ability strength have been knocked down in the Senate, has not demonstrated they want. But 18 million votes to get things accomplished in the over the course of the last seven that he has the capacity to reform must not be a big enough support If you are interested in being a guest writer for Senate. years. Biden is the best choice for the practices of Washington. base to be worth campaigning for. The Southerner, let us know at Biden is also respected by leaders vice president because he, along Since the advent of the national Eighteen million votes must not [email protected] around the world. The main with Obama, will stand together broadcast media, the process be worth listening to. p constitutional purpose of the vice and help us all “get back up.” p The Southerner asked students who they thought should be the vice president. Here is what they had to say:

Oprah—she’s smart I think Obama should Whoever invented toaster Obama and Hillary and wears fake be vice president to strudels because they are would make a good eyelashes. gain experience. the bomb. tag team.

“ Eva Dines “D’Marcus Butler “Anderson Price “T’Ron Williams junior senior freshman sophomore

Ne w s Br i e f s 6 t h e So u t h e r n e r Sept. 12, 2008 news Voter registration Men’s choral section begins harmoniously deadline on Oct. 6 By Alexandria Cantrell Oct. 6 is the deadline for new Grady expanded its music program by add- voters to register to vote in the ing a new division to the choral department upcoming General and Nonpartisan this year-a men’s chorus class. Elections and Runoff on Nov. 4. The chorus was created to direct individu- Students can register in the cafeteria alized attention to the male choral members. on Sept. 23 and 24. Forms are also Choral director Mr. Kevin Hill first thought up available to print or order off of the the idea for single-gender chorus classes. Secretary of State website. Students “We wanted men’s and women’s [choral must be 17-and-a-half-years-old. groups] because it makes it easier to focus on individual voice types,” Mr. Hill said. “Also, students [who wanted to be in chorus] had too Show marks design many scheduling conflicts for one class, but if program’s fifth year you’re able to offer more periods, then more people can take chorus. Besides, there are defi- A retrospective show of the best nitely more than two skill levels. [This] allows pieces produced by the Grady people to be in corresponding levels to learn at design emphasis will be going on their corresponding pace.” display at the Museum of Design This year marks the second year of women’s in Atlanta on Oct. 15. Called “ID chorus. Three by Five,” the show will cel- “We didn’t add a men’s chorus at the same ebrate the fifth year that design has time [as the women’s chorus] because we didn’t been part of the Communications have a large enough number of guys in chorus. A lex a ndri c ntrell Magnet. But this year our numbers are higher,” Mr. Hill in harmony: Choral Director Mr. Kevin Hill instructs freshmen Jack Douglas and James Taylor as they sing in rehearsal. said. The men’s chorus was formed this year to give male singers of another opportunity to participate in a musical ensemble. Seniors attend book Junior Jay Jackson is one of the new members of the men’s chorus. rus],” Campbell-Taylor said. “Since it’s for all Plans have already been made to help give the talk at Civic Center “We started off with about seven people, and grades, you get to meet more people.” students opportunities to perform. now we've increased to around 20,” Jackson The wide range of musical ability in this cho- “Although it is men’s choir, we’ll do some Grady seniors participated in said. rus won’t keep its members from singing more concerts all together with all classes combined Atlanta Reads Week, which ran from Although Jackson’s participation in the men’s advanced material. and some separate advanced men’s and women’s Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, by attending a choir is due to his course requirements, he is “The music we are doing now is intermedi- [performances],” Mr. Hill said. book talk with author Pearl Cleage. happy with the class. ate level and we’re building them up,” Mr. Hill Grady’s music department has performed Students at the event were required “I am really glad that I’m in [chorus] because said. outside of the local area in recent years. It trav- to read Cleage’s newest book, What it really helps me improve my musical ability,” Eventually, the men’s chorus will leave the eled to New York City, London, Bath and Paris. Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Jackson said. confines of Grady to perform. The addition of a new choir could create more Day. The Atlanta Office of Cultural The men’s chorus was plagued with schedul- “We’ll get to sing at Georgia State and several traveling and performance opportunities. Affairs donated 2,700 copies of the ing problems at the beginning of the school year, of us will try out for the All-State [Music Pro- “We’re not traveling now, but after school novel to APS seniors. but Mr. Hill considers these merely “bumps in gram],” Campbell-Taylor said. “It’s going to be is out, we may go to New York and see some the road.” difficult but the opportunities are great.” shows with Mr. Pope’s [Musical Theater] class, Jazz on the Bricks “[The class] started really strong. Although Not only will the new class help Grady’s stu- which our chamber singers will be working there have definitely been some kinks that dents musically, Mr. Hill thinks it will also help with this year,” Mr. Hill said. returns to Grady needed to be worked out, it’s going great,” Mr. the music department grow. Jackson believes that Grady’s new men’s cho- Hill said. “Being able to offer more performance classes rus will provide opportunity and knowledge for Following the success of last The members of the new men’s choir are not will provide more performance opportunities to future endeavors. year’s event, the Grady High specific to age or skill level. Its members range get Grady’s name out there,” Mr. Hill said. “[Because of men’s chorus,] I will always School Foundation is hosting the from freshmen to seniors. Jackson also seems enthusiastic about Grady’s have a strong background in music, which is fourth annual Jazz on the Bricks Senior Malcolm Campbell-Taylor is another growing music department. profitable on and off the professional course,” fundraiser on Oct. 5 from 5-8 p.m. member of the men’s chorus. “If we do really well we could be recognized Jackson said. “In the process, we also get the in the school courtyard. This year’s “Since there was an empty slot in my sched- as an accomplished fine arts department,” Jack- opportunity of expressing ourselves through event features the famous jazz sax- ule, I took the opportunity to take [men’s cho- son said. music.” p ophonist, Gerald Albright. Mayoral hopefuls to AYP met, school hopes for future success debate on campus from page 1 Ms. Thompkins said. “[The students] valued what they were here for. They were focused. After the test they ran to me and told me that they knew what The Atlanta Urban Leauge Grady also inaugurated the Grady Academy for Enrichment and Aca- to do, and they were just that happy.” Young Professionals will host the demic Support, which Dr. Murray believes was particularly effective. Held Grady also utilized several smaller techniques last year to keep students first mayoral debate at Grady at the Charles Drew Charter School and co-coordinated with the Crew focused on the GGT. High School on Sept. 13. Atlanta Teens Center, the Academy focuses on tutoring Grady students in the areas “Every day in homeroom, we had a math problem of the day,” Dr. Murray Mayoral candidates Kasim Reed, covered on the GGT to better prepare them for the test. said. “We also implemented a policy where, if you made a Pass-Plus in a Ceasar Mitchell, Mary Norwood Grady math teacher Ms. Alvie Thompkins was the founder and section of the GGT, you were exempt from your exam in that class. That and Jesse Spikes will attend. The coordinator of the program. was a student incentive that worked extremely well.” Southerner will be covering this “I went to Dr. Murray, and he told me to write it up, so I did,” Ms. Another Grady math teacher, Mr. Andrew Nichols, thinks the event in the next issue. Thompkins said. “I met with [Chris Bennett], the young man [overseeing] administration handled the situation well. the teen program at the charter school, and he had so many things I wanted “[Failing to make AYP in 2007] wasn’t handled as a catastrophe,” Mr. Grady Arts Festival for the tutorials. He had computers, big spaces, everything.” Nichols said. “It was handled in the sense that yes, we have a problem, but The tutorials were held every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays we also have a plan to fix it. This is our plan. And then the plan worked.” On September 25, Grady will from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ms. Thompkins also held GGT preparation tutorials Keeping last year’s success in mind, the administration plans on host its second annual arts festi- in her classroom after school on Wednesdays. continuing all of its new policies without any other additions. val. The event will include per- “I think that in every session, we had 30 plus students,” Ms. Thompkins “We want to keep it simple,” Dr. Murray said. “Too many ingredients spoil formances from chorus, orchestra said. “In one of the tutorial sessions we had here at the school, we had 48 a pot of soup, and then it doesn’t taste like soup anymore. We’re not going and bands as well as demonstra- kids in my room.” to make too many changes and risk having something be detrimental.” tions of poetry and photography. Ms. Thompkins believes that there are more aspects to passing the GGT While Dr. Murray considers making AYP important, he also reiterated It begins at 7 p.m. in the court- than just a basic knowledge of math. that NCLB is not the only definition of a good school. yard and theater. “The Georgia Graduation Test is a simple, eighth-grade test,” Ms. “AYP is not what defines the success of a school,” Dr. Murray said. “That Thompkins said. “The kids that are in trigonometry or calculus, they’re is just one little measure. But it is what they want to tout it in the newspaper very bright, [and they] take for granted that they know how to answer a as being the criteria for No Child Left Behind, so we deal with that.” Design students fea- problem. So they won’t read the questions carefully enough. They don’t Dr. Murray considers Grady a successful school, regardless of its AYP tured in card show read the directions, whereas other students don’t even understand the score. directions. It was not all about getting them comfortable with math. I had “I think we have a good faculty, and I think that they do everything Grady design students will join to show them how the test itself should be treated. I think that’s why we they can to make the kids here successful,” Dr. Murray said. “That’s part designers across the city in a holiday improved.” of what defines a successful school. The activities our students participate card show opening at the Museum Ms. Thompkins found working at the center rewarding. in—forensic debate, athletics, drama—these help define us as well. It’s a of Design Atlanta on Oct. 2. Grady “The nice thing about it was, we had no discipline problems, none at all,” lot of things. Most importantly, it’s the kids.” p was the only school invited. Sept. 12, 2008 news 7 Grady receives $20,000 grant to buy security cameras By Madeline Roorbach Grant Application Timeline of ASIS were assigned to review all An unspecified number of the submissions, and after visiting security cameras have been Sept. 15-18: ASIS Grady’s campus, agreed with Ms. installed around Grady’s campus, seminars; Grady Porter’s assessment. thanks to a $20,000 security grant honored as winner “Grady stood out because of Grady received from the American May 20: Grady the many challenges it faces,” Society for Industrial Security in Feb. 28: was announced Gibbons said. “These included the as winner of the May. Once up and running, these Grady staff sprawling campus, the proximity receives initial School Security cameras will have the ability to see to major streets and the high traffic contest entry form Funding an individual’s face as he or she Competition situation.” enters or leaves Grady’s campus, As a result of its unique campus, as well as capture the license plate Grady is in the running to be the numbers of any car driving on or pilot school for a state-of-the- off of the campus, according to Sept. 12: art security program that ASIS faculty member Ms. Diana Porter. Security camera is looking to implement in high “The cameras will be able to see installation schools nation wide. When ASIS the courtyard, in between the two completed awarded the grant to Grady, they March 20: gyms, the student parking lot and Contest also proposed that Grady pilot the upper field,” Assistant Principal entry the security program. MasTech, Mr. Roosevelt Foreman said. “We mailed a contract security company, is in are also looking into putting up a Roorbach Madeline charge of the installations, which fence behind the theater [and music are scheduled for completion by building].” watched. the essay that the Grady faculty said. “From there, I pulled together Sept. 12, in time for the start of the These cameras will assist the “People should feel safe at submitted to the School Security the safety and security committee to ASIS convention, which runs from school administrators in identifying school,” Ms. Porter said. “With Funding Competition. review the letter and start reviewing Sept. 15-18. security threats to the school, as well these cameras, we will be able to For almost five years, ASIS the campus [for security issues].” At the conclusion of this year’s as any student attempting to leave implement that safety.” has sponsored the competition During the appraisal of the school, convention, Principal Dr. Vincent campus during the school day. This concern for the students’ in conjunction with its annual the committee identified several Murray will be honored, along with “I’ll be able to watch the cameras welfare, according to Anne seminars, which are being held in problems with the current security Grady, as the winner of this year’s from my office,” Mr. Foreman said. Gibbons, a consultant for ASIS Atlanta this year. The competition system. competition and the recipient of “We’re going to be able to see the who served on the committee that was open to all 10 high schools in “There are 66 doors to the outside the $20,000. entire campus at one time.” was in charge of distributing the the Atlanta Public School system. from all the Grady buildings,” Ms. “We congratulate Grady High,” According to Ms. Porter, this grant money, was a deciding factor A faculty committee analyzed Porter said. “Because we’re next to said Michael Stack, executive omniscient ability allows parents in awarding the grant to Grady. different security concerns and the city’s largest public park, people director of ASIS. “[We] look to feel good about sending their The committee “was struck by the drafted the requisite essay. can literally walk in and out of our forward to seeing the enhancements kids to school and assures faculty genuine concern for the student “We received the initial letter from campus.” it has implemented when we visit that the students are always being population,” as conveyed through Dr. Murray on Feb. 26,” Ms. Porter Members of the Atlanta chapter Atlanta in September.” p APS charter schools face 1 challenges with approval By Isobel Robinson-Ortiz When a group wishes to create a school, APS rejected all but two of the six it submits a charter to the Georgia Board charter school applications it received in of Education Charter Committee for May 2008. Among those rejected was the review along with a letter of intent stating Intown Charter School, a K-8 institution, the school’s vision and mission. APS first proposed to serve the Midtown and Fourth approved a charter school eight years ago. Ward neighborhoods. Since then, the system created several APS gave each rejected school a list of sources and guidelines that groups can use reasons detailing why it was not approved as in order to create a charter. a charter school. In an e-mail to prospective “We look at charter schools as an parents, Dana Persons, a member of the ICS opportunity to provide innovative founding board, shared the reasons that programs,” said Allen Mueller, APS’ charter APS gave for the second rejection of their school coordinator. 4 2 charter. Among other things, APS said that When reviewing a charter application, ICS needed to show a committee overseeing more involvement in t h e c h a r t e r s w i l l the Fourth Ward and We look at charter meet and discuss the Midtown communities, schools as an potential schools as as well as better opportunity to well as interview the accommodations for board members of each “ provide innovative special needs and gifted school. students. programs. “The approval process “We have met with Allen Mueller, APS Charter is meant to be fair but

Atlanta Public Schools challenging,” Mueller

K

y l e School Coordinator e

staff to fully understand said.

Y

d o o l b g n u this year’s denial of our charter application,” Mueller rebutted accusations that, o Persons said. “The application process and among other things, charter schools 3 review is very thorough and rightly so.” “cherry-pick” the best students and the The governing board of the Intown most active parents from “normal”, non- Charter School will resubmit its charter charter public schools. Health Fair for Healthcare: Grady and the Health Occupation Science for the third time in March 2009. Should One of the charter schools approved Academy hosted the American Kidney Fund Health Fair on Sept. 6 in the the charter be approved, the ISC will open this year was Kandezi Charter School, a theater lobby. “I think the fair is a great opportunity for the community in the fall of 2010. K-8 school of 216 students set to open in to learn about health,” junior Morgan Dalton said. “It’s just a great A charter school, as defined by the the fall of 2009 in southwest Atlanta. Like all-around thing for the Atlanta people.” Dalton came to the fair to represent HOSA. (1) Pamela Davis and daughter Lea receive information Georgia Charter School Association, ICS, Kandezi’s charter was also rejected on from a Kidney Fund representative during the fair. (2) Health Fair visitor is a school “operated according to the its first submission last year. Dorothy Kelley speaks to American Diabetes Association representative provisions of a charter document.” “We were quite disappointed when our Jean Won . “A lot of Americans underestimate the seriousness of The charter document is essentially an charter petition was not approved [the first diabetes and diabetic conditions,” Won said. “This booth is here to inform Atlantans about diabetes.” (3) Representative John Lewis agreement between the state and the time],” said Kathleen Jones, an educator presents his speech at the Health Fair. “We’re going to put health care people responsible for the school that with KCS. “I can say, however, that most at the top of the list,” Rep. Lewis said. “It’s the right thing to do. If we gives the charter petitioner the authority of APS’s feedback about the petition helped can spend millions of dollars on a war, we can spend millions of dollars and the public funding to operate the us to make a stronger, more complete on health care [for Americans].” (4) Ms. Tea-Cup the Clown entertains two of the health fair visitors’ children in the lobby of the theater. charter school. document the second time around.” p 8 news Sept. 12, 2008 Piedmont summer events relocated due to drought

By Mariah Burch freshman Jack Webster. Summer didn’t feel the same without Screen “It’s great having the festivals in [Piedmont on the Green at Piedmont Park. Along with Park] because it’s so close to home,” Webster other Atlanta events such as Dogwood Festival, said. “I spent a lot of time there as a kid, too. I the Jazz Festival and the Peachtree Road Race, hope they will return to the park next year.” Screen on the Green was relocated to a new Kelley said that the Class A festivals’ venue this year due to the citywide watering removals have had a negative impact on the ban, which has been in effect since September park as well. 2007. “We get a lot of exposure from [the Though most Atlantans had a good time festivals],” Kelley said. “People who might not at the summer celebrations, they would have usually come to the park see the Active Oval, preferred to party in Piedmont Park, Grady the playground and the dog park and decide to junior Caroline McKay said. come back again. It’s very good for the park.” “Lots of people want to blame the festivals’ No decision concerning the location of the moves on the [Piedmont Park] Conservancy,” 2009 festivals has been made yet, but the city said McKay, whose father, Norman McKay, will report their suggestions to the state by is Senior Vice President at the Conservancy. Oct. 15. “What they don’t know is that it wasn’t the “It would be imprudent to give hope yet – Conservancy’s choice at all.” Lake Lanier is still down 15 feet, and we are MARIAH BURCH The City of Atlanta has said that after the in a Level Four drought,” City Commissioner state issued a Level Four watering ban for the WITHOUT A DROUGHT: The Atlanta skyline has been the backdrop for the Dogwood Festival for 72 years. The Level 4 Cohen said. “Piedmont Park has begun drilling northern part of the state, including the metro drought in Georgia, declared by the city in 2007, forced all Class A festivals out of city parks, including Piedmont Park. wells that may become a source of water to Atlanta area, they had no choice but to force irrigate the park with [if there is water to be all Class A festivals – events with more than is such that we cannot allow the festivals to hold the festival and keep the park healthy.” tapped]. Of course, their first concern would 50.000 people in attendance – out of the take place. The park can’t handle so many Knapp proposes keeping off the grass as be the trees, but the grass would definitely be park. people over such a short period of time without much as possible, roping off endangered areas a priority.” “The decision not to allow Class A festivals remediation.” to avoid potential damage and setting up most Cohen and Kelley both agree that though was not the Conservancy’s,” said Aimedra According to Cohen, remediation usually booths on paved areas. it rained a lot in August, the rainfall was not Kelley, communications manager for the involves laying new sod in many parts of the “We’d do pretty much anything to get back enough to make up the deficit. Cohen said Conservancy. “The city was allowed to make park, and while the festivals’ managements into the park,” Knapp said. “It’s been our home that the amount of rainfall in August would the decision because it’s a city park.” have offered to pay for the sod, the city cannot for 72 years and has a better atmosphere [than usually be enough to keep the water level Though the Piedmont Park Conservancy allow them enough water to ensure the sod’s Lenox Mall, where the festival was held in where it should be, but it is not enough to end didn’t like the city’s decision, they understood survival. 2008]. It’s in the heart of the city, and it’s better the drought. why it was made. The park has lost a lot of The Atlanta Dogwood Festival and other there overall. Also, less people attended this If the Dogwood Festival is not allowed back trees so far this year, and any high-traffic event major Piedmont Park festivals have stated that year, which meant that we made less money.” into the park in 2009, the festival management could cause damage to the park. they are willing to make changes to the way According to Knapp, only 60,000 of the is considering closing several streets in Midtown “A Level Four ban allows virtually no that they run the festivals if they are allowed to usual 200,000 people showed up to the and hosting a street festival instead. outdoor watering and makes no exceptions hold them in the park in 2009. Dogwood Festival when it was held in Lenox “We care very much about the park, but we for city parks,” said Dianne Harnell Cohen, “We have great interest in the park,” said Mall’s parking lot. also care about the festival and the community,” City Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Lanna Knapp, executive coordinator for the One of the 140,000 who didn’t attend the Knapp said. “I hope we can work something Cultural Affairs. “Our policy on Class A events Dogwood Festival. “If done properly, we could Dogwood Festival this past year was Grady out soon.” p INFINITE Campus to improve attendance system from page one more organized system. of the schools were taking attendance “You can spot patterns better—[if on Infinite Campus.” INFINITE CAMPUS FACTS By presenting all information they] were absent for only your In the spring, APS set a June 19 in one place, parents, students and class, do better in social studies or deadline for school administrators teachers will be able to easily access if their grades are on an upswing,” to have all student scheduling APS will form a committee of and update high school attendance Mr. Darden said. “I’m able to see preferences for the 2008-2009 records, behavioral records and who their teachers are which is very school year in SASI. Ms. Taylor parents to design the parent- grades, from as far back as elementary helpful.” said that the scheduling jumble was school. Teachers were not told of the a consequence of counselors not communication feature. Infinite Campus will also help system switch until Aug. 4, the day meeting the deadline. SOURCE: APS Information technology director ken thompson administrators detect students who Infinite Campus was implemented. Grady Registrar Ms. Chinaester are attempting to skip class and “No one said anything at the end Holland disagrees. Eventually teachers can send students who are chronically late or of last year about changing systems,” “The deadline that we received absent. APS Project Manager Cheryl said ninth-grade literature teacher was met,” Ms. Holland said. “It just parents copies of the students’ Taylor oversaw the system change Mr. Scott Stephens. “The first time would have been better if we had and cited the attendance program as teachers saw it a week before school had access to Infinite Campus a little assignments online. one of the biggest began.” sooner.” SOURCE: MR.thompson benefits to the I’ve heard great Teachers were Despite the reason for the chaos, new system. things about Infinite told at the last students felt the consquences of the The Forsyth County School System “After the minute for a transition period—incomplete or teachers take “ Campus but haven’t purpose—APS incorrect schedules. adopted Infinite Campus in January attendance, Dr. seen it to its full p r o l o n g e d According to junior Gabriella SOURCE: infinite campus, Inc. website Hall and Dr. potential yet. introducing the Trejo-Watkins, the unraveling of the 2005.

Murray have system so the new system got students off to a bad MCKAY CAROLINE access to see all Mr. George Darden, protocol would be start in their new classes. the students in the World History teacher fresh in teachers’ “The new system caused a lot “We had a committee of teachers, We support counselors, teachers, classroom,” Ms. minds. of students to have holes in their principals, administrators—that students and parents.” Taylor said. “You will immediately “It’s called ‘just-in-time-training’,” schedules, putting the students chose Infinate Campus based on Though the attendance features be able to determine a student who Ms. Taylor said. “If you instruct behind in their classes,” Trejo- what it brought to the table,” Mr. of Infinite Campus were launched has an attendance problem and reach teachers how to use something in Watkins said. Thompson said. “We evaluated it in August, not all aspects of the out to that student.” May, they will forget everything over APS previously maintained over 10 or 15 other systems.” system are up and running. While World history teacher Mr. George the summer.” records using the SASI information Based out of St. Paul, Minn., teachers already use the attendance Darden remains uncertain yet Though Grady and most other system. Ms. Taylor shed light on the Infinite Campus began producing and grading programs, they will not optimistic about the new system. APS high schools spent the first system switch. computer systems in the 1990s. be accessible to parents online until “I haven’t seen Infinite Campus at weeks of school recovering from “SASI is sun-setting,” Ms. Taylor “We are the first truly web-based second semester. its best yet,” Mr. Darden said. “The the switch, Ms. Taylor thought the said. “This means that the company information system,” said Infinite Mr. Thompson can see the first impression that the teachers got transition was a success. that makes SASI, Pearson, is no Campus communications manager improvements already. wasn’t great. I’ve heard great things “The rollout went extremely well,” longer making SASI.” Liz Schmitt. “We started building “I truly believe that this is a win for about Infinite Campus but haven’t Ms. Taylor said. “There were a few According to APS Information in the 1990s when the web was the system—it’s a great adoption,” seen it to its full potential yet.” little bumps, but overall we trained Technology Director Mr. Ken just becoming accessible. We are a Mr. Thompson said. “We’re so Despite his skepticism, Mr. Darden more than 5,000 people in a few Thompson, the search for Infinite forward-thinking company whose excited about what the system is appreciates the unique qualities of a weeks. Two weeks after the rollout, all Campus was extensive. mission is to transform K-12. going to bring to the table.” p Sept. 12, 2008 news 9 APS formulates plan for $22 million GE grant By Mi n h La m money for the teachers to get APS has finalized and begun training by someone else, but to implement their strategy for Breakdown for the GE grant everyone who has gone through the utilizing the $21.5 million grant training will be able to train or coach donated by the General Electric other teachers,” Harsch-Kinnane Foundation last year. The grant = $1 million said. “I don’t think it’s fair to not was designated for enhancing 12 have training for teachers.” the school’s math and science According to Benson-Luigs, the curriculums. Quick Grant Facts math and science improvement According to program leader program has five other areas of focus Kami Benson-Luigs who is working 10 The total grant amount was beyond professional development. on behalf of the GE Foundation These other focus areas have also with APS to formulate an effective for $21.5 million. been put in place to enhance APS educational program, the entire math and science programs. grant will be used to create a 8 The GE Foundation One focus area’s objective is to comprehensive program with awarded the grant on Oct. devise and implement one of the multiple areas of focus. Benson- most rigorous math and science Luigs said more than half of the 30, 2007. curriculums in the world. money will be used to train teachers 6 Another focus area’s goal is to how to implement the new math The GE Foundation’s goal is enhance community cooperation. and science curriculum. to develop education in areas Another focus area allows APS to “Teachers want to be the best 4 ask GE for help in any particular teachers that they can be,” Benson- where GE has significant areas in which GE has expertise. And Luigs said. “We hope to offer to foster more direct cooperation, [teachers] high-quality professional business. APS and the GE Foundation development in their [subject areas] 2 invited the 3,000 Atlanta GE and give them the most up-to-date employees to help APS in their field ways in which to help children of expertise. APS can also create learn.” volunteer opportunities for GE The program is underway, and employees to come help the system APS teachers and administrators with anything from landscaping

attended summer sessions to learn Rigorous to co-teaching a lesson. As part of Evaluation the most effective ways to teach Curriculum the final focus area, the American Professional Constituency Management their classes. Grady biology teacher Development Engagement Capacity GE Engagement Institute for Research will evaluate

minh lam Source: Kami Benson-Luigs Mr. Nikolai Curtis was one of the 40 the program. APS representatives who attended Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, the to work with other teachers [at Benson-Luigs said. “If we can Mr. Curtis hopes that the program a workshop in Orlando, Fla. from District 3 representative for the Grady], specifically people who help teachers…so they can be up will give new teachers the skills July 20 to July 25. Atlanta Board of Education, said the teach in my content area, so we can to date with technology and right needed to teach math or science “The purpose of the conference summer workshops were more than develop new ideas and share [ideas] on the cutting edge of techniques to the best of their abilities in was to reinforce the idea of just an opportunity for teachers to with each other. It [shouldn’t] feel and methodology with their kids, order to better meet the Georgia collaboration within a community only learn more about the subject like competition, which can hurt a [then] the kids get more engaged Performance Standards. of schools, which is one of the they teach. They were a chance for school and a department.” [and] very excited.” “The new program is really things that is lacking at [APS],” Mr. teachers to learn more about how Benson-Luigs hopes the program The system will spend the grant going to make new teachers feel Curtis said. “We want to establish they can improve their teaching will provide teachers both new skills over the course of five years. During welcomed,” Mr. Curtis said. “We relationships with other educators, methodologies in order to better and new equipment. They need to that time, APS will develop their can help them learn how to look our communities, parents and connect with their students. relate better to their students and to own trainers to teach math and at everything from a different students to get everyone to work “The program taught everyone enhance the learning experience. science the new curriculum and the perspective and have the confidence together so that we can unite to work together,” Mr. Curtis “Students have technology new strategies for teaching it. to make adjustments in their everybody under one cause.” said. “I’ve made it a personal goal at their fingertips all day long,” “Right now, we have to send classrooms.” p Afterschool writing center polishes students’ rhetoric

By Za c k Kl e i n junior Kaveh Sadri said. “It’s also Hoping to improve students’ helping me get a job, because the writing skills, the Grady Foundation résumé I made [at the center] looks recently established an after-school really professional.” writing center. Held in the school’s The program relies on outside media center, the program focuses help to make the sessions run on helping students with college efficiently. Agnes Scott College has GRADY CONNECTION : SNEAK PEAK essays, job résumés, classroom given the program guide sheets that assignments and lab write-ups. direct the students on assignments. “[The writing program] has really Spellman College, another collegiate helped me progress in writing,” partner willing to help with the junior Sarah Collins said. “[This] program, is planning on sending is something I needed because I volunteers to Grady to help tutor want to be a lawyer when I’m older, the students. and you have to write a lot as a Ms. Riki Bolster, the program’s lawyer.” coordinator, The writing I enjoy being in a place anticipates that center is open Grady students, that has an atmosphere klein ack from 3 p.m. parents and z t o 6 p . m . “ where kids can learn teachers will every Monday, from each other. become more W e d n e s d a y involved in the and Thursday. writing center on the write track: Senior Devin Harris consults Ms. Riki Bolster, the writing center’s coordinator, on how to improve her written Ms. Riki Bolster, skills. The newly established program offers students help on research papers, resmes, college-application essays and other work. Students have writing center coordinator and provide already begun to assistance to “I enjoy being in a place that has the funding of the program. disrupt the writing-center meetings take advantage the students an atmosphere where kids can learn The Foundation, however, is after school,” Ms. Bolster said. of this program. During the first participating. Ms. Bolster was a from each other and where I can dissatisfied with the current location Despite this problem, the writing week, 15 students showed up to the teacher at Grady for 19 years, as well help them with all of their writing of the writing center. Ideally, they cemter is already making progress after-school sessions, far exceeding as the adviser for The Southerner, needs,” Ms. Bolster said. would like to have a separate place for toward realizing its objectives, Grady the expectations of the program’s Grady News Network and The Ms. Bolster was also on the the students and teachers to meet. senior Jordan Jarret said. coordinators. Orator before retiring in 2001. She board of the Grady Foundation for “We don’t want to share the spot “The writing center has really “[The writing center] is a good has come back to direct the writing six years and was the chairman for with the library because faculty helped me so far this year, and I plan place for me to come after school center because she enjoys assisting two. The Foundation initiated the meetings, and other afterschool on continuing to use it throughout and just work on my writing skills,” kids with their writing. writing center and is responsible for clubs meet there as well, which can the school year,” Jarret said. p The Southerner takes a look at EFORMS c u r r i c u l u m changes at Grady R and other Atlanta EACH CAMPUS Public Schools RDress code may soon Learning academies hit Grady set stricter standard By Kala Marks students and the schools will provide necessary student about making math and science an emphasis. Starting its second year of the transformation from a support. Walton feels that the last of the three focuses “I think it would be ideal to have a place where By Sarah Bufkin “No jeans of any color on any day of the standard high school into small learning communities, is the most important. students who wanted to focus on math and science Following in the footsteps of other APS high week [are allowed],” said Ms. Jeanne Hall, a Grady is still awaiting more changes. During the “[The transformation] focuses on all could,” Mr. Nichols said. “But the Health and Science schools, Grady dress code policies may change chemistry teacher at North Atlanta. “Last year, 2007-2008 school year, Grady was split into four students, not just some,” Walton said. “In a learning community provides a potential pre-med in the next couple of years to require a standard we had jeans allowed on Friday for students different academies: Communications, Health and comprehensive high school, program. The students [interested in attire, a modification endorsed by principal and for faculty. None of us have anything Science, Hospitality and Tourism and the Arts. The the highest achieving, math and science] could make Health Dr. Vincent Murray. against blue jeans. The problem was that the logistics concerning administrating and housing of the athletes, the lowest and Science their emphasis.” “When I say standard, it’s not so much a kids would violate the rule; they would start Waves of Changes the academies is still undecided. achieving—they are all The limited space, faculty and uniform,” Dr. Murray said. “[For example], wearing the jeans on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Wave 1: Launch in South “I’m never sure exactly what APS is going to do,” given the most attention. materials currently available, however, one of the things that we have been trying The girls also had a tendency to wear very low- Atlanta and Therrell High Grady math teacher Mr. Andrew Nichols said. “But People in the middle can put a restriction on the addition of new to get students away from is the baggy pants, cut jeans.” Schools (2007-2008) the feeling the Grady community has is that Grady fall into the cracks. But if academies. the white T-shirts, which are considered to To ensure that students are following the Wave 2a: Launch in isn’t going to be dramatically reconstructed like [The a school is set up with only The transition into the learning be gang-related, those kinds of things. [A rules concerning dress code, North Atlanta’s Southside High School New Schools at Carver] was. Rather, the inside of 400 people, the principal academies is still in its trial stages. standard] means maybe having students wear teachers and administrators actively watch for (2008-2009) the school structure will be solidifying the small and teachers will know each This year, the non-magnet freshmen khaki pants and then defining the kind of individual violations. Wave 2b: Launch in communities.” child personally.” were “strongly encouraged” to make a T-shirts they can wear.” “Kids are checked for dress code as they enter Douglass and Washington Nothing, however, is certain. According to the Walton also believes that decision between academies and were While the adoption of a more standard dress the building in the morning [by] monitors on High Schools (2009-2010) interim director of transformation for APS, Kelly changing the structure of exposed to their choice of two out of code will have to wait until next school year, the outside of the school,” Ms. Hall said. “If Walton, the decision as to whether Grady will be the schools will improve the Wave 3: Launch in three through introducing classes to the the Grady administration has begun to focus a student manages to sneak by, the teachers reconstructed into separate schools with individual school’s s ability to address all Grady, Mays, and North other academies. This gives students a more on students’ appearances with more will then take note of the student when he or principals, introductory at other converted APS student needs. Atlanta High Schools chance to determine which program consistent dress code enforcement, according she comes into their class. The administrators schools, is still up in the air. “Changing the structure m i nh lam (2010-2011) best suits them. When the students reach to Dr. Murray. This change in focus and the also do periodic checks, not every day or Source: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us “We will make the decision through a series of of the schools to small their sophomore year, they will officially probable move toward a more defined dress every period. They just stick their heads in the surveys,” Walton said. “[The decision] is a process that learning communities and choose one academy. code marks clear efforts to resolve several issues classrooms to make sure everyone is wearing involves the students, parents and business partners small schools is just leverage for changing instruction Students in the Communications Magnet must within the school. what they’re supposed to wear.” designing the school.” and personal relationships with students,” Walton now choose between an area of journalism, speech “There are too many things that we are Since the stricter policies were implemented One of the options at the moment is to said. “This will help to properly address all academic or design as an emphasis, rather than having a choice confronting as a school [that relates to dress at North Atlanta four years ago, Ms. Hall has have each learning and social needs.” between emphasizing in the arts or music. The way code],” Dr. Murray said. “Some dress is noticed a definite improvement in the students’ community have its Though Grady is still the academies are set up still allows room for magnet distracting. Some dress develops rivalry among conduct as well as their appearances. own set of core class unsure about whether or students to take art classes; they just have to choose a students who can’t afford a certain item as “I see better behavior exhibited at our school Goals of Plan teachers, according not it will be reconstructed communications-based emphasis. [opposed] to those who can. Then there are among the students,” Ms. Hall said. “I think to Grady teacher into small schools or stay as Department Chair of the Arts Academy, Mr. John [clothes] that are gang-related.” it’s simply because they’re dressed up. Maybe and the director of small learning communities, Brandhorst, feels that the separation of the magnet and Grady’s dress code policies are re-evaluated they have higher self-esteem. Maybe they the Hospitality and Walton assures that the Arts Academy was “probably a good thing.” annually in order to incorporate changes in the respect other individuals more.” Tourism Academy, program will only be adding “This way the fine arts can collaborate specifically,” APS systemwide dress code and the changes in Grady freshman Eve Brown, who was subject 68% 90% Dr. James Dunton. to what is already in place. Mr. Brandhorst said. “Plus, the magnet budgets are the school’s character. to a more severe dress code while attending “[If that was done] “We honor what schools very tight.” “APS sets the standard,” Dr. Murray said. Inman Middle School, doesn’t believe that a APS Graduation APS Graduation

we could extend m i nh lam have, but [we] work with The Arts Academy is hoping for more significant “Underneath that, the school can define strict dress code policy improves behavior. Rate (2007) Rate Desired projects specific to the Source: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us them to improve what adjustments over the next three years. what they want to do in the confines of that “I know many kids in private school who academy throughout they have by turning the “APS has received a $671,000 grant to create and particular culture and environment. [At wear uniforms, and they still have the same each class,” Dr. school into a small learning implement a standardized arts curriculum,” Mr. Grady,] there’s a team that does that—Mr. behavioral problems,” Brown said. “I think Dunton said. community or small schools,” Walton said. “It’s about Brandhorst said. “If the grant flows, it would strengthen [Roosevelt] Foreman along with Ms. [Diane] a [more relaxed] dress code actually leads to CONTRASTING COLLARS: North Atlanta students adhered to their new dress code, which bans uncollared or sleeveless shirts, flip flops and jeans of any fashion. Max The difference between small learning communities adding, not taking away.” all arts academies and solidify the arts departments Porter. Once a year, they bring the dress code better behavior because it lets kids express McGonigle and Stepheny Salazaar from North Atlanta wore the school’s specified attire, while Grady seniors Matt Ward and Jessy Segall dress in less formal attire. and small schools is the layout of the school and the Although some features are entirely new, the across all schools [in Atlanta].” policies to my attention, and they tell me what themselves. Also, a strict dress code might way that it is overseen. The New Schools at Carver, transformation has focused The Hospitality and Tourism we should focus on and those things that we make kids want to rebel against the rules.” additional effort, but the school’s vigilance buying appropriate clothes as an issue. who got in trouble with the administration which was redesigned in 2005, consists of small schools on restructuring the existing Academy has started offering should not focus on.” At North Atlanta, however, Ms. Hall has pays off quickly. “We have a closet, a kind of backup supply this year for wearing dress-code-inappropriate because each academy is fully independent. At this programs at Grady. The classes specific to the subject area, Compared to other APS high schools, seen improved classroom behavior, and credits Academies at Grady “The second week of school, there were of clothing that we have that we can loan to shorts, generally approves of the school’s dress time, Grady has small learning communities because Communications Magnet, including Intro to Travel and Grady currently has much more relaxed dress the dress code policies as fulfilling the students’ around 60 kids sent to in-school suspension kids,” Ms. Hall said. “They can take it home, code policies. the school is organized under the leadership of one which once included all of the Tourism, Sports and Entertainment code policies. need for structure in school. in one day [for dress--code violations,]” Ms. wear it, and then they wash it and bring it “Most of the time it doesn’t bother me and central administration. arts, was split into two programs Marketing, Special Events Planning Dr. David Propst, who came to Grady this “Students are always going to want to rebel Hall said. “At the end of the week, we had four back. We don’t really feel that it’s a big issue I respect the school for making sure there is a The APS high school transformation is being last year—the Communications and Restaurant Managing. Instead year as administrative support from Maynard against something,” Ms. Hall said. “Students kids.” because most kids can afford to go to Target or sense of modesty,” Evans said. “On the other launched in three waves over a series of five years, Magnet and the Arts Academy. of choosing an emphasis on the H. Jackson High School, formerly Southside need structure. Just how they needed their While the “students look good,” the strict Wal-Mart and buy some pretty decent collared hand, it does bother me when some people ending in the 2010-2011 school year. The New The Health and Science Grady campus, once students in this Comprehensive High School, agrees that other parents to tell them when to go to bed when Art dress code policies are not popular among the shirts. We just refuse to accept that as too much get away with wearing something out of the Schools at Carver served as an initial prototype before Academy, which was already academy are juniors, they are given schools’ dress codes are “stricter.” they were younger, they still need adults to Communications North Atlanta students, according to senior of an excuse.” dress code while others don’t—either because the waves were instated. The first wave took place in established, was changed into the option to receive a paid internship “For example, with the dress code policy we tell them that this is what you should wear to Cara-Joy Wong. According to Wong, the North Atlanta of height, weight or simply staying under the 2007 and included South Atlanta High School and an official learning community, in a hospitality-related field. had last year at Southside Comprehensive High school—what is acceptable [and] what is not “To be honest, I think I speak for everyone teachers don’t take many excuses when it radar. It’s like speeding in your car; if everyone Therrell High School, which were both renovated and the Hospitality and Tourism “Dr. Murray thought that, because School, you were only allowed to wear collared acceptable.” when I say [the dress code] is pretty awful,” comes to dress code. on the street is speeding, [it’s frustrating when] into small schools. In 2008, the second wave began Academy was completely new. Grady is located in Atlanta, an shirts,” Dr. Propst said. “You could not wear The only drawback to the North Atlanta Wong said. “Collared shirts are just not made “I actually got called out by one of my you get the ticket.” with the transformation of Maynard H. Jackson High There has been talk of adding academy in hospitality and tourism T-shirts. We allowed them to wear jeans, but dress code, according to Ms. Hall, is the extra for girls to wear every day. The rules are really teachers for dress code last Thursday,” Wong Compared to the dress code policies School, previously known as Southside High School, a Mathematics and Science Marketing Health would fit well with the school,” we preferred that they wore khaki pants.” time and commitment needed to enforce it. hard to get used to. I would prefer having a said. “I had barely [been in economics] for two at Inman, however, Grady’s dress code is

into small learning communities. This wave will Academy, but no final decisions m i nh lam Dr. Dunton said. “We have plenty North Atlanta High School has one of the “The biggest problem is the enforcement uniform instead of having to get a whole new minutes when my teacher started staring at liberating for many students. continue in August 2009, and includes Washington have been made yet. of tourist activities and hospitality more stringent dress codes in APS with policies of another set of rules and the organizational wardrobe [to fit dress code]. It takes forever to me. I didn’t even notice until she called out, “I actually really like the Grady dress code,” and Douglass High Schools. The third wave, which “We currently have four choices around us.” that prohibit jeans, baggy pants, T-shirts, flip- headaches that go with it,” Ms. Hall said. “It’s find an appropriate outfit and costs a bunch ‘Those are black jeans!’ ” Brown said. “It’s much more lenient than [the includes Grady, Mays High School and North Atlanta programs already, but we have been thinking about The APS administration believes that the changes flops, spaghetti-strap tops and anything with time-consuming. You have to be organized, to get dress-code clothing. Teachers also have While black jeans aren’t something that one at] Inman. Inman was very strict about High School, will occur the following year. including math and science, engineering and general already made have had a huge impact, and looks hemlines four inches or more above the knee. you have to get the entire faculty onboard with different ideas of what’s allowed [under the students would get in trouble for at Grady, the flip-flops and boys tucking in their shirts with According to APS’s plan, there are three main points technology,” Mr. Nichols said. forward to the changes planned for the future. The only T-shirts allowed are “official North enforcing it and you have to get the students dress code].” administration does watch for short hemlines, a belt. When [the freshmen] came to Grady, that will be addressed in the transformation plan Though a Mathematics and Science Academy “Think about it this way: it’s almost like we’re moving Atlanta spirit T-shirts” that promote the school, onboard with obeying it.” While Wong finds the dress code to be an revealing tops, inappropriate slogans and gang- both girls and boys were happier to have more initiative for all schools: the design of the school will could potentially be a beneficial addition, Mr. Nichols from good to great,” Walton said. “not [just] for some its athletics or one of its clubs. Enforcement of the policies may take p added expense, the school doesn’t see the cost of related clothing. Grady junior Katie Evans, freedom in what they wear. It’s a relief.” be changed, there will be rigorous instruction for all suggests that there are other ways students could go students, but for all students.” p 12 people t h e So u t h e r n e r Sept. 12, 2008 Shah donates time abroad, experiences Indian culture By: Leah Butterfield “We approached groups of girls in the Rickshaws swerve past an elephant, mall and asked them what they would barely jarring the crowds of people on make better about the city,” Shah said. the sidewalk. The scents of tea and “Women in India have less power, so it “chaat,” an Indian bread, from roadside was nice to give them a way for their an heindrich booths mix with the stench of farm voices to be heard.” animals to create an almost nauseating He, along with high school juniors effect. A half-naked child begs for from New York, also started a debate money as a camel idles by. club for underprivileged children. As While this is a scene unfamiliar to Shah worked with the kids, he was most Grady students, it’s a snapshot of a surprised to discover how similar they V of katie co u rtesy summer day for freshman Cheyn Shah, were to Americans. STAND UP Gal: Mrs. Diane Simmons calls out questions from the book in one of her French 3 classes. Diane Simmons, known who spent half of his summer doing “We tend to think that people in for her subtle wit and dry sarcasm, was a believer of in-class discussions throughout her entire 16-year career at Grady. community service in Ahmedabad, other parts of the world aren’t into the India. When he left Atlanta on June same stuff that we are, but that’s just not 12, he was unsure of what to expect in true,” Shah said. Signing off after 16 years the month ahead of One day, while him. We tend to think that wearing a T-shirt “I used to go to people in other parts of from the Rock- By Em m a Fr e n c h teaching style. Mr. Scott Stephens even credited India every summer and-Roll Hall of Veteran teacher, inspirational college counselor her with single-handedly getting some students because my parents the world aren’t into the Fame and Museum and beloved life coach, Mrs. Diane Simmons into college as well as inspiring others to challenge “ resigned from Grady this year after 16 years on themselves. were born there, but same stuff that we are, in Cleveland, I hadn’t been in three but that’s just not true. several people staff. “I’m going to miss the conversation,” Mr. years,” Shah said. approached him to Mrs. Simmons announced her resignation just Stephens said. “[Ms. Simmons] exemplified Even though discuss music. before the start of the fall semester, after receiving intellectual curiosity. She didn’t have to tell kids many of his family Cheyn Shah “Kids came up to a promotion opportunity at the New Schools at to read. When you hear her speak, you think ‘I members live in me talking about Carver, where she will work as an instructional want to know more about that.’ She got people India, he wasn’t on vacation. He made Queen, AC/DC, [Led] Zeppelin and all coach. She stated that she was far from retiring reading stuff and investigating things because she the trip to gain work experience in a kinds of bands that I didn’t expect them from education and is simply looking for a new was so curious herself.” new environment. to know,” Shah said. challenge. Ms. Simmons played a much bigger role than He was assigned a position as a Although pop culture is similar “I plan to conquer a new job,” Ms. Simmons teacher in many students’ lives, including former communications intern with Indicorps, on both sides of the world, Shah says said. “Grady has taught me that it is possible to Grady student Gabe Klein Kuhn. Kuhn described a company that brings Indians in that while there he always felt more find an ideal set of co-workers.” Ms. Simmons as a major role model. He said America back to their native country American than Indian. During her 16 years at Grady, Ms. Simmons she helped guide him through high school and to do community service. Shah, one of “I’m definitely more in tune with my taught language arts, SAT prep, French 1-4 continues to provide him with valuable life the youngest people to ever work with American side,” Shah said. “The only and AP French. Along with serving as the head lessons. the company, spent most of his time Indian thing I do [in America] is eat of both the National Honors Society and the “Ms. Simmons was more than just a teacher,” in an office printing flyers and sending Indian food.” foreign language department, she acted as the Kuhn said. “I knew her before I even went e-mails. He originally intended for his coach of the Academic Quiz Bowl Team and was to Grady because she taught my brother and “I also got to leave the office and summer to be like all of his others— the originator of Les Gourmands, Grady’s French subsequently became a family friend. I ended up work with people,” Shah said. “That was relaxing in Atlanta. When he heard of culture and culinary club. taking French in high school just so I could have my favorite part.” this opportunity, he was at first unsure Ms. Simmons also sponsored Grady’s her as my teacher.” Out in the city, he and other interns about going on the month-long trip Philosophy Club where students discussed topics Ms. Simmons’ sarcasm and intelligence won worked on several projects. One of to Ahmedabad. He now considers it a ranging from existentialism to Viking war tactics her the respect and admiration of her students the more meaningful endeavors for rewarding experience. to the love scene in the latest James Bond movie. and co-workers. Grady students, parents and Shah involved working with a program “I was expecting to hang out with “We really just talked about whatever Ms. faculty harbor fond memories of her, including called Girl Power. Young girls living my friends a lot,” Shah said, “but in the Simmons had on her mind at the time,” said art teacher Mr. John Brandhorst. in Ahmedabad were asked to submit end, I’m glad that I went. I’ve learned senior Demarius Walker, who often attended “Ms. Simmons embodied what I like to call ideas about their vision for the city. that you should never just say that you the early morning discussions. “I’m really going ‘the Grady edge,’ ” Mr. Brandhorst said. “Her The girl with the winning submission don’t want to do something right off the to miss Ms. Simmons for her clever humor and integrity was the unspeakable magic of Mrs. was awarded funding from Indicorps to bat because it could turn out to be the randomness.” Simmons that I will miss and that cannot be make her vision a reality. experience of a lifetime.” p Ms. Simmons was known for her off-beat replaced.” p GRADY CONNECTION : SNEAK PEAK North Atlanta This year, The Southerner The Southerner will focus High School will be running one story on different disciplinary per issue featuring a different regulations, teaching The Paideia City of Atlanta school. Staff techniques, student attitudes, Possible reporters and photographers dress code, elective offerings School will be touring the schools, and student involvement. Schools to be interviewing students, parents Our hope, as a staff, is that and faculty and observing Grady students will have the Crim High different classes. opportunity to vicariously featured... Each school chosen to explore other schools in the School be visited throughout the area and develop an awareness school year has a unique of both the positive and environment with qualities negative qualities of those B.E.S.T. Academy both similar and different schools. We hope our efforts from Grady. From public will also help students develop of Ben Carson schools to private schools, a better appreciation of their and “green” schools to own school. The New Schools open-campus high schools, To the right is a list of some The Southerner hopes to of the schools The Southerner at Carver present Grady students with may feature in the next seven perspectives other than their issues. The Westminster own. – The Southerner staff Schools Sept. 12, 2008 people 13 Stephens canoes from Atlanta to Atlantic in 16 days By Emily Emshoff there was lots of paddling,” Mr. Just around the river bend Stephens said. “I was always has a whole new meaning for exhausted and fell asleep not Mr. Scott Stephens, ninth-grade long after the sun went down.” literature teacher and literary While the days went by magazine advisor. Mr. Stephens quickly, they were not uneventful. canoed from Atlanta to the “We flipped over one day so Atlantic Ocean this summer everything got wet,” Mr. Stephens with his son, Nick Stephens, and said. “We got out to start walking family friend Elizabeth Case. to find a place to eat lunch and it “When my son was in high was 95 degrees. We were walking school at Grady, he and some of along a railroad and came across his friends started a club called a nice-looking cabin. There was a Primitive Tech,” Mr. Stephens said. steak dinner going on inside for a “Their big idea was to cut down a campaign party. The people from tree and build a dug-out canoe, the town fed us steak and all kinds and that is where our idea to make of food and gave me a campaign a long canoe trip came from.” hat, which was greatly needed.” The three put their 15-foot Along the way, Mr. Stephens saw canoe and kayak in the water many animals including alligators, at South River, just a block “at least 100” turtles, manatees, fish, away from Moreland Avenue, deer, beavers and bears. The three to begin their 16-day trek. were originally going to rely on fish “Moreland is right at the border for their meals, but Mr. Stephens

of Atlanta,” Mr. Stephens said. NICK STEPHENS said he’s glad they decided against “We were pretty dead set on going FAST BREAK: 9th grade English teacher Mr. Stephens takes a quick break after lunch as he looks out over the South Ocmulgee river. it because they were only able to from Atlanta itself to the Atlantic.” Family friend, Elizabeth Case, looks on. Case traveled with Mr. Stephens, as well as his son Nick Stephens on their 16-day canoe trip. catch three fish the entire time. From there, they traveled down Mr. Stephens enjoyed his trip. the Ocmulgee and the Altamaha that were going right into our paddled until noon when they a campsite, set up on a sandbar, “It was a great experience and rivers to end up in the Atlantic. boat. I thought we were going to would stop for a lunch break. If they make a fire and go to sleep. Mr. I learned a lot about middle “It was pretty scary for me,” Mr. capsize. But it all worked out.” were near a town, they would go Stephens describes the sandbars as Georgia that I didn’t know,” Stephens said. “Everybody else On a typical day on the trip, the to a convenience store for snacks. being beautiful, clean and having Mr. Stephens said. “I probably thought it was fun, but I was not group would wake up at dawn, They would begin paddling again extremely soft sand. He also said it wouldn’t do the whole thing very happy. We went right into eat breakfast and begin paddling at 1 p.m. and stop around 5 p.m. was very cool at night with no bugs. again, but I would do parts of the ocean, and there were waves around 7:30 a.m. The group They would then stop to look for “The days went by fast, and it in a slightly different way.” p Grady culture Re-roofing project improves new to Harder lives of low-income families By Rachel Cruz By Michael Goolsby serve their own area,” Rev. Weaver Susanne Harder, one of the 12 international stu- Last summer, volunteers from said. dents attending Grady as part of the Council on six different churches and the At- Between 1999 and 2002, M.A.P International Educational Exchange program this lanta Youth Project, including nine had more than 56 different types of year, plans on remaining for the full school year in Grady High School students, came projects but in 2003, they began to hopes of improving her English by being immersed together to participate in the Metro focus only on roofing. Roofing was in American culture. Atlanta Project. Stationed at North- identified as one of the major needs “I want to learn the language more and be fluent side United Methodist Church, of elderly and disadvantaged citizens in it,” Harder said. “I want to live in a whole new M.A.P. is a Christian ministry or- in Atlanta. culture and make friends in another country. I will ganization that encourages teens “At first we just did clean-up always choose America over another country.” to reach out to senior citizens and work and mowed lawns” Rev. In Germany, Harder began learning English at the low-income families in Atlanta by Weaver said. “Some of the members age of 10. re-roofing their homes. realized we weren’t doing anything “Every day [my English] gets better,” Harder said. This past summer, volunteers re- that had a long-term effect on the “It is much easier to speak when I’m surrounded by roofed 15 homes in just five days. community because the lawns just people who speak English.” Many of the roofs had not been re- grew back, so we decided to start re- Harder is staying with junior Sarah Darrow and placed in more than 30 years. roofing homes.” her mother, Melissa Darrow. Over the past 10 years, M.A.P has Sophomore David Bufkin has SARAH DARROW Melissa Darrow has hosted six other exchange stu- LUNCH IN: Harder, on left, socializes during lunch with her fellow recruited more than 2,000 volun- been a participant of M.A.P. for the dents. junior classmates. Speaking English daily has been a big change. teers and 21 participating churches, past two summers. “My daughter and I enjoy the company they re-roofed more than 94 homes, laid “We go out to the family and bring,” Ms. Darrow said. “We love to learn more that Grady has to offer. over 53 miles of shingles and has check out their roof to see how we about their culture. When they come, we receive “It’s exciting to be in a different school,” Harder hammered over 2,660 pounds of need to fix it,” Bufkin said. “It’s not gifts from their country that are unique to their cul- said. “The people are all so different than the ones nails. With the 2008 budget at ap- really hard. It’s a really good program ture.” in Germany. The first school week was so confusing proximately $180,000, the program because you are helping people.” The Darrows aren’t the only family hosting ex- with the all of the rooms and the [problems with is completely funded by donations Grady graduate Sarah Smith par- change students at Grady this year. Sophomore the] schedules, but I am [now] looking forward to from corporations and individuals. ticipated as a leader in the M.A.P. Carson Starnes is also currently hosting junior Elvin the rest of the school year.” Rev. Malinda Jowers Weaver has program. Jabbarzadeh from Azerbai- Over the past four years, been the director M.A.P for three “We basically build roofs for jan, a country located south Every day [my English] gets Grady has had 26 exchange years. people who can’t afford to get a new of Russia and north of Iran. students pass through its “The real reason I love M.A.P is one,” said Smith. “It’s really good to Starnes has previously hosted better. It’s easier to speak hallways. Twelve of those stu- because of the difference I see in the help them out. I have done M.A.P a male exchange student from when I’m surrrounded by dents were from Germany, lives of not only the youth, but [also] for five years. It’s fun, you meet oth- Belarus. “ three from Brazil, two from the parents, the adults and people of er teenagers and you get community “I like teaching [exchange people who speak English. both Slovakia and Russia and all economic backgrounds,” Rev. service hours.” students] how to be Ameri- one each from China, Italy, Weaver said. While the teens are there to work, can,” Starnes said. “It’s always Susanne Harder Macedonia, Spain and Azer- M.A.P. began in 1999 after a local there are also social benefits. interesting when they eat food baijan. church youth ministry from North- “All of us are shuffled around that they’re not really familiar with.” Each Grady exchange student had to be processed side United Methodist Church took into groups so that we spend the Harder has also experienced food that is different and approved by the Council on International Edu- a mission trip to Nashville, Tenn., week with people from [different from that found in her home country. cational Exchange, a nonprofit organization based to take part in inner-city service churches other than] our [own],” “The bread is sweeter,” Harder said. “[The food] is in the United States, before coming to the United projects. Bufkin said. “Whoever comes the same stuff, but it tastes different from the way it States. According to www.ciee.org, the council’s “While [Northside] was [on mis- doesn’t know what to expect at first. does in Germany.” website, CIEE has managed 95 educational and sion] in Tennessee, they realized After doing M.A.P., I was surprised During her time in Atlanta, Harder is eager to study-abroad programs in more than 33 countries Atlanta had similar problems. That by how much we changed a per- learn about the American culture and experience all since its founding in 1947. p [experience affected the decision] to son’s life.” p 14 people Sept. 12, 2008 WELCOME TO GRADY Dr. David Propst Administration By Lu c y Be e c h i n g By Pe r r i Ca m p i s By Pe r r i Ca m p i s Mr. Sergio Rodriquez will be Dr. David Propst came to Grady The new French teacher at Grady, directing the Grady orchestra this after a long history of working Ms. Clivia Montazeri, moved to year. He previously taught for two in education, most recently as an Atlanta from Austria one week years and was the founder and assistant principal at Maynard before school started. In Austria, Ms. director of the Youth Symphony Jackson High School (formerly Montazeri taught German to foreign Orchestra in Albany, Ga. His mission Y known as Southside High School). A elementary and middle school K is to build the best orchestra Grady C

M According to Dr. Propst, out of all students at the Vienna International E has ever had, something he thinks is N the schools where he has worked, I School. She also practiced children’s L extremely possible. O Grady is the “mountain top.” R psychology and hopes to further A

C “The students [at Grady] are

“Everything that was said to me explore psychology in the United D

N respectful and want to learn,” Mr. A about Grady and how great it [is],

States. Z Rodriguez said. “They are so eager U

it’s 10 times more,” Dr. Propst said. R C

Ms. Montazeri will only be and attentive to my instructions. It’s L

“Grady is awesome. From the E

teaching French at Grady for one H a nice environment, and I think I can C

outside looking in, all the parents A R

year; afterwards, she will visit New do a great thing here.” Y

B

said they wanted to send their kids

York and Arizona as a psychotherapist S O After deciding he wanted to be in a

to Grady. [There] is something T

to work with traumatized children. O H more diverse program, Mr. Rodriguez special here.” Ms. Montazeri had hoped to practice P was chosen out of many applicants to Dr. Propst attended 11 different psychotherapy in Atlanta but doesn’t be Grady’s new orchestra director. schools during his childhood and think she’ll have a chance to. She “Diversity is very important to high school years as well as several has, however, enjoyed working with me,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “I also like colleges including Jacksonville the students at Grady since school how the [Grady] community is small State University, Columbus State, started. and everyone knows each other. Georgia Southern University and “There are very nice students here That’s different from most other Clark Atlanta. In addition to who are interested in getting ahead,” schools. The parents are also really working as an educator for many ❐ Ms. Montazeri said. Ms. Clivia Montazeri French involved and want to help out.” years, he has also been in the Mr. Rodriguez grew up in Army. Honduras and attended the Central “I was in the army [before America Music Conservatory for working in education,]” Dr. Propst high school. He attended college said. “I was a medical service core in a number of places, including officer for two years. I met my wife Massachusetts, Kentucky and when I was at Fort Benning in Louisiana. Columbus. [She’s] a teacher.” As a music teacher, Mr. Rodriguez After several years in the Army feels strongly about the power of and in education, Dr. Propst is music and how it can be used to happy to be a part of Grady and achieve many things. hopes to provide its students a “To me, music is a tool [which can worthwhile and safe experience. be used] to transform society,” Mr. “Making sure [students] are safe Rodriguez said. “It’s not just a job. comes with the job when you deal It’s a mission. With music, we can with discipline and attendance make the world a better place where operations,” Dr. Propst said. “My people can be more sensitive towards main focus is instruction. I’m just Mr. Sergio Rodriquez Orchestra each other.” ❐ here to support the students.” Along with giving administrative By Lu c y Be e c h i n g Ms. Kate Carter Journalism support, Dr. Propst is also in the The newest addition to the process of writing a book and social studies department, Mr. By Lu c y Be e c h i n g making a documentary. Kenney Boykins previously taught After being a journalist for the “The documentary [will] show U.S. History at North Atlanta. He past eight years, Ms. Kate Carter why Grady is so great,” Dr. Propst didn’t know much about Grady has joined the Grady staff as the said. “I’ve been all over Georgia, before his first day, but his initial 10th-grade journalism teacher and I’ve been all over the world, I’ve impression was a positive one. The Southerner coordinator. So far, been everywhere, and you all have “I saw signs of unity,” Mr. her experiences at Grady have been a great thing going on here. Grady Boykins said. “I can already tell “chaotic but fun.” This is her second is the answer.” that Grady has more spirit [than experience teaching high school Dr. Propst doesn’t hesitate to other high schools].” students. explain why he feels Grady is While at Grady, he hopes to Ms. Carter grew up in Gainesville, different. help his students improve their Fla., graduated from Duke University “You don’t have to tell [anybody] grades and resolve their discipline and then attended Columbia to go to class,” Dr. Propst said. problems. University for graduate school. She “Everybody works collaboratively; “I feel like I can bring [students] a taught at Kennesaw State University teachers, students, everybody sense of confidence and leadership,” and was an editorial adviser for The works together. [Grady’s] just like Mr. Boykins said. “I want them to Red and Black, the University of Michael Phelps.” ❐ leave [Grady] knowing that they Georgia’s student newspaper. can be great in life.” ❐ As the new newspaper co-advisor, Mr. Kenney Boykins History Ms. Carter hopes that her past experience in journalism will bring Band Mr. Ken Knuckles new ideas and methods to the By Pe r r i Ca m p i s Mr. Knuckles said he wasn’t sure what to publication of The Southerner. After several years of vying for a teaching expect on his first day working at Grady. “I think I can bring a different position, Mr. Ken Knuckles has taken the “I knew nothing about Grady before point of view to the students because place of former Grady band director Ms. coming here,” Mr. Knuckles said. “The first I’ve actually been a journalist, rather Diane Ryans. day was hectic, confusing, but very enjoyable than just a [journalism teacher],” “I’ve been applying for a job in APS for 10 because [the students] wanted to be here and Ms. Carter said. “I want to help years,” Mr. Knuckles said. “[When]I got a they wanted to learn. In middle school, the students realize that learning about call from Dr. Murray, I flew [to Atlanta] and kids act like they’re forced to be in class. At and participating in journalism is got the job.” the high school level, kids want to be in your fun and important.” Before coming to Grady, Mr. Knuckles class.” Fellow Southerner advisor Mr. worked at Walker Hill Middle School in As the new Grady band director, Mr. David Winter is excited to start Maryland as a band director. He is excited to Knuckles hopes to influence his students to working with Ms. Carter. now be living in Atlanta. keep music in their lives after high school. “I think it’s absolutely amazing “[I wanted to work in Atlanta because] I’ve “I hope to get [my students] all into a that we found somebody as qualified always loved [it],” Mr. Knuckles said. “It’s a marching band [after high school],” Mr. and as quality a person as Kate beautiful city [and] a lot of fun. [There are] Knuckles said. “I hope to leave a lasting Carter.” Mr. Winter said. “We died lots of things to do here.” impression, musically, with my kids.” ❐ and went to adviser heaven.” ❐ t h e So u t h e r n e r Sept. 12, 2008 arts & entertainment 15 DEBATE squad garners awards from page 1

At the NCFL, Robinson and Walker placed ninth in their event, which was not what they had hoped for. “[The NCFL tournament] was DRAMA QUEENS: (Left to right) Freshman Lily Zintak awesome, fun and just a little bit performs two original songs on the guitar; Grady students disappointing,” Walker said. “I feel like look on as guitarists, poets and talented Grady students we were good enough to go further.” put on their acts at “A Dark Roasted Knight;” senior Miriam Senior Wesley Powell also attended Huppert and freshman Daniel Gilstrap announce the next the competition in Wisconsin and performer in the coffeehouse’s evening line-up. achieved a personal best in Humorous Interpretation. Though he didn’t make it to the final round in the competition, he was still satisfied with his performance, Thespian Society hosts first coffeehouse placing 35th in the nation in his category. By Polly Zintak said. “I’ve played in various coffeehouses around According to Mr. Dreiling, the “thrown- “I think I did extremely well,” Powell Anyone who has experienced the chaos that town before so I was like, ‘why not just do it at together feel” was important because the said. “The only reason I didn’t [advance runs rampant in the Grady hallways between my own school?’ ” coffeehouse is designed for people who may be further] was because I messed up my classes would never imagine that the soothing At “The Dark Roasted Knight,” Taylor busy with other things and are therefore not tied introduction.” atmosphere of a coffeehouse could also be created performed two original songs on the acoustic down to any drama commitments. Though some of the students were not on campus. On Aug. 28, the Thespian Society guitar entitled “Sally” and “Home.” “The Dark Roasted Knight” commenced at 7 satisfied with the outcome of the NCFL held its first coffeehouse entitled “A Dark Roasted The Thespian Society held a screening the p.m. The Thespian Society had a wait staff that tournament, Grady’s debate team was Knight” in the black box theatre. The audience day before the coffeehouse to preview what the offered tea, coffee and sodas as well as homemade the only team from Georgia to make it sipped coffee, snacked on homemade goodies students planned on performing. Everyone who baked goods, setting the mood for the show. to the elimination rounds. and enjoyed the comfortable environment while showed up with something appropriate was “I think it went really well,” Ms. Willoughby From June 15 through June 20, the listening to students and faculty sing, play guitar admitted. said. “I was impressed with the variety of the debate team traveled to Las Vegas to and read various original written pieces. “I explained that the general gist of [the things that were included. I always love to see participate in the National Forensics Drama teacher Mr. Jacob Dreiling first performances] was something you could do students in a different light than I see them in League tournament. suggested the idea of a school-run coffeehouse. without plugging anything in or having the classroom.” “Las Vegas was a new and exciting “The coffeehouse is a anything too technically The minute the last act was completed, Mr. destination for the tournament,” debate good, informal way for I was impressed with complicated,” Mr. Dreiling Dreiling was bombarded with questions and coach Mario Herrera said. “Usually the people to have a venue the variety of things said. “It was up to them to comments of excitement. He received very positive tournaments are in a less interesting for performing pieces less- come up with something as feedback from parents, students and teachers. place, and the students seemed to enjoy polished than [those that] that were included. long as it was some sort of “I really liked the coffeehouse,” freshman it more this year.” would go in the talent “ Ms. Lisa Willoughby, prepared performance—then Lauren Harper said. “I mostly enjoyed the Senior John Holland and sophomore show,” Grady’s literature American Literature teacher [the type of performance] was atmosphere of it all—and the cupcakes.” Michael Barlow were recently paired and drama teacher Ms. wide open.” The next coffeehouse will be held in the black for the first time to compete in policy Lisa Willoughby said. “I think it serves as a In order to give the coffeehouse a relaxed box theatre on Nov. 6. As successful as the first debate. They were ranked as one of stepping stone, a somewhat boost of confidence, atmosphere, the Thespian Society didn’t do much coffeehouse was, the Thespian Society hopes to the top 20 policy debate teams in the for people.” preparation before the event. warm a couple more chairs in the audience. nation, as well as the highest ranked To publicize the coffeehouse, the Thespian “The day before and the day of the coffeehouse, “I really don’t think [the coffeehouse] could policy debate team Grady has ever had Society posted flyers around the school and made we set up the black box so it didn’t look so much have gone better than it did—not the first one in a national tournament. announcements in classrooms to encourage like a theatre,” said senior Miriam Huppert, at least,” Mr. Dreiling said. “It went exactly the Robinson and Walker attended the students to participate. president of the Thespian Society. “It was supposed way the feel for the coffeehouse should—very National Forensics League tournament “I wanted to get involved when I saw posters to have the sort of thrown-together feel that Grady comfortable and accepting of whatever skill level as a public forum team as well. Walker all around the school,” junior Weston Taylor specializes in.” you have.” p had slightly mixed feelings about their performance. “Mike and I were again disappointed in the outcome of the National Forensics Dual enrollment offers taste of college League tournament,” Walker said. “But By Nia Williams nearby park and then go to Arabic for about an we also felt that we did the best we’d Grady students no longer have to wait until hour,” Alexander said. “At 2:40 p.m., my day ever done.” after high school graduation to walk a college is over and I take MARTA home. It’s a lovely The debate team has had a legacy of campus. The dual enrollment program, which routine.” success at the national tournaments. has seen a rise in participation in recent years, Dual-enrolled senior Mike Robinson agrees In previous years, more students have allows students to take college courses while still with Alexander’s assessment. qualified for the tournament and have in high school. A division of Georgia’s HOPE “Senior year is, in large part, a wasted year,” come out in the top national positions. scholarship fund known as the Accel Program Robinson said. “I have an incentive to do well “We did not qualify as many students pays for the college courses, which count for now; I have more free time, more control over to the National Forensics League both high school and college credit. my life, and I am learning more. All in all, a very competition as previous years, but we Dual enrollment, also known as joint good experience.” still accomplished great things and had enrollment, not only exposes students to Magnet Program Coordinator Ms. Carrie a great time,” Mr. Herrera said. “This academic opportunities unavailable at Grady, MacBrien also agrees that joint enrollment can has been the only time in my coaching but also gives them a taste of what college will be beneficial. career that students from my school be like. “We had a student who just graduated this advanced to elimination rounds in “I was looking for a variety and rigor of classes spring, and she’s starting her sophomore year in such large numbers—six out of eight that Grady just isn’t set up to provide,” said Emma college because she got all of her freshman credits students.” Alexander, a senior at Grady who is also currently through joint enrolling,” Ms. MacBrien said. Senior Scott Bremer, competing in enrolled at Georgia State University. “I’m still at According to Ms. MacBrien, students original oratory, sophomore Taylor Grady for some things, so I still get to see my interested in becoming joint enrolled should start Walker, competing in declamation, and friends. It’s the best of both worlds.” working toward it their sophomore year so that BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Dual-enrolled senior Emma sophomore Tyler Olsen, competing in Dual-enrolled students can create schedules by the time they are seniors, they have enough Alexander studies while at Georgia State University. Lincoln-Douglas, also attended the that work with their individual needs. The room in their schedule to take college classes. National Forensics League tournament. amount of time spent at their designated college “Joint enrollment is for students who need their senior years. To become joint enrolled, The stellar reputation of the debate and at Grady can change on a daily basis. Because that extra challenge,” Ms. MacBrien said. students must apply to their local college of choice team in the Grady community has of the irregular hours, joint-enrolled students are Only a small number of students at Grady as a junior. After being accepted, students then caused an increase in membership to on their own when it comes to getting to and joint enroll. On average, four to eight students may apply for funding from the Accel program nearly 100. from the college campus, finding a place to eat joint enroll every year, though there has been a and begin arranging their schedules with Grady “The team has changed a lot this lunch and being in class on time. slight increase in the past two years. This increase, and the college. year [because] we have so many new “I sleep until about 8:30 a.m., take math and according to Ms. MacBrien, is due to the new “Thus far it has been a very good experience,” members,” Mitchell said. “I feel that chemistry from 10:00 a.m. to 12 a.m., spend an eight-period schedules that Grady has instated, Robinson said. “It’s very eye opening about how this year will hold the most talented hour and a half eating lunch and studying in a which allow students more free course space in the real world operates.” p team we’ve ever had.” p 16 arts & entertainment Sept. 12, 2008 Snowballs offer Atlanta taste of New Orleans treats By Sidney Wise “Um, what is this?” ORLEAGIAN This is the question that Kenneth Woodfin, founder and owner of Orleagian Snowballs is Snowballs asked daily. The answer is a small, bright green trailer that is currently sitting on the corner Location of Ponce de Leon and Moreland avenues. The corner of Ponce de Leon From the window of the trailer, Woodfin Avenue and Moreland sells “snowballs”—New Orleans style snacks that are sort of like snow cones, he says. Only Open better. Seven days a week, 1 p.m.-8 p.m. “Basically, it’s just finely shaved ice, tightly seasonal hours packed, with a choice of up to 30 flavors,” Woodfin said. “It’s an authentic New Orleans- Prices style treat.” 8 ounces -$1.75 Woodfin has lived in Atlanta for about three 12 ounces - $2.25 years, ever since Hurricane Katrina pushed him 16 ounces - $2.75 out of his hometown of New Orleans. Jumbo - $3.50 Woodfin created Orleagian Snowballs shortly after he moved to Atlanta. Even Popular Flavors

though he had a job at the American Red WiseSid ney Hurricane Katrina, Mango, Cross, Woodfin missed New Orleans and its SNOW DAY: Orlegian Snowball owner Kenneth Woodfin welcomes customers to his stand located in Little Five Points. He’s Blackberry, Raspberry snowballs. He wanted to share the snowball been on a mission since moving from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to bring a traditional frosty treat from his home. phenomenon with Atlanta, and when he couldn’t find a stand anywhere, he decided to infuse a little bit of New Orleans into process. “But then, on the 29th [of August] at Woodfin said. “You can decide to let these to create one himself. Atlanta,” Woodfin said. roughly 3 or 4 a.m. in the morning, I packed things break you, or you can decide to make “Back home I’d eaten snowballs, but I had This was an important concept to him for three days worth of clothes and took the five- them empower you. I’ve decided to have this never worked in that industry at all,” Woodfin many reasons. and-a-half hour trip from New Orleans here empower me.” said. “I saw that it was something that was “What if your family had to move to Idaho?” to Atlanta.” Woodfin has devoted all of his time and popular in New Orleans. Then when I moved Woodfin said. “It would be a big change, right? At approximately 9 a.m. on Aug. 29, 2005, efforts over the last three years to making to Atlanta after the hurricane, I realized that When you’re in a brand new place, where you there was six-to-eight feet of water covering Orleagian Snowballs a worthwhile stop on it did not exist here.” maybe don’t know anyone, you just want to the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans, close Ponce de Leon Avenue. He hopes one day When Woodfin pitched his idea of starting look for some familiarity. That’s what I wanted to the house where Woodfin had grown up. Orleagian can make it big. his own business to his family and friends, they these snowballs to be.” “I don’t shed tears easily,” Woodfin said. “Well right now, Orleagian is a kiosk,” all thought he had gone mad. It is especially important to Woodfin to share “But being [in Atlanta], and not being [in Woodfin said. “But I’m envisioning it to be as “You have to understand that if you go to this New Orleans specialty with Atlanta at this New Orleans], watching it all on television, big as a Bruster’s or a Baskin Robbins.” Louisiana, all these snowball vendors stands are time of year, as it is just past the three-year and knowing that there were still friends that Woodfin’s family is currently back in New just shacks,” Woodfin said. “They look awful. anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. According were stuck there, was disheartening.” Orleans, and he hopes someday to rejoin So when I told them I wanted to quit my job, to Woodfin, it is very meaningful for him With its signature flavor named after the them. everyone was like ‘Kenneth, you’re crazy.’ ” be able to maintain a connection with New devastating storm, Orleagian Snowballs is “I do plan to go back to New Orleans at some But Woodfin had his heart set on opening Orleans. His snowballs remind him of his a constant reminder of Hurricane Katrina, point,” Woodfin said. “And [I want to]use some a snowball stand, so despite a lack of support hometown every day. Woodfin, however, also thinks it’s also a symbol of the experiences that I’ve had and the lessons from his family, he went for it. “I wasn’t even going to leave [for Hurricane of hope for those sruggling to move on. that I’ve learned to try to build that city into “I thought it might be a good opportunity Katrina],” Woodfin said of his own evacuation “There are going to be things that happen,” the great city I believe it can be.” p Ice cream takes on whole new flavor at neighborhood store By Li l y Mu n t z i n g and creamy with crunchy chunks of and dark chocolate chips, which Sweet corn brought back real praline scattered throughout, were better than the olive or onion memories of my dad’s summer and then my mouth was on fire chunks I was expecting. As I put the grilling, chili pepper recalled as the chili came through seconds peculiar feta treat into my mouth, memories of sitting in Piedmont later. It was such an intense heat I began to recall the Greek salad Park eating a Willy’s taco with my that not even the cold ice cream I had at lunch the day before — friends and feta cheese reminded could diminish its power. tangy and slightly sweet, exactly

me of the Greek salads my mom The only way to cool my what you would expect frozen feta Y MU Nt z i n g makes. As I was reminiscing on palate was to try another flavor. I cheese to taste like. But as I let it L i all of my favorite foods while longingly looked at the menu for slide down my throat, the taste Sugar, spice and a little feta cheese: Adventurous ice cream lovers are in for an unusual looking over the menu of Morelli’s a slightly more traditional flavor, sensation was altogether different. treat at the local Morelli’s. The ingredients for these frozen treats range anywhere from the Ice Cream on Moreland Avenue, but the lady behind the counter Although I’m used to tasting feta traditional fruit and chocolate to the odd—sweet corn, chili peppers and feta cheese. I knew something just wasn’t persuaded me to be adventerous on mixed of lettuce, and the cheesy right. so I agreed to, once again, reach flavor was disconcerting, it was I’d had cheese (dairy) and cream. Imagine the creamiest One of Morelli’s newest flavors, outside my ice cream comfort zone also interesting and somewhat strawberry (fruit), so it was only chocolate ice cream you’ve ever Praline and Chili Peppers is, in the and try their “signature flavor” — enjoyable. fitting that I added a vegetable to tasted, add uncooked brownies and words of Shrek, “like an onion, with feta cheese. To my surprise, the Among the vast array of flavors I my healthy ice cream diet. I settled real chocolate fudge, and you are layers.” The first bite was smooth cheesy mixture had golden raisins tried, only one turned out to be a on yet another signature item, experiencing Death by Chocolate. disappointment. In an attempt to sweet corn ice cream. I expected After such an amazing treat, I had be a sweet daughter by keeping my a taste like kettle corn, but what I no choice but to take a pint home, MORELLI’S Ice Cream dad on his diet plan, I brought him got was much different. Morelli’s quickly steering my dad away from a scoop of sugar-free strawberry ice makes sweet corn ice cream with his mediocre sugar-free strawberry cream. I should’ve read the signs whole corn kernels and a flavor so to the pure chocolate decadence I Favorites because the server paused and stared near to the taste of eating corn-on- put in front of him. Location Open Death by Chocolate, Peanut at me for a moment when I asked the-cob that I forgot I was eating ice Morelli’s is outrageouly 749 Moreland Avenue Butter Rumble, Feta Cheese, Mon - Thurs: 11:30 a.m. for that particular flavor. What I cream. Corn melted in my mouth, adventurous and unique in its Atlanta, Ga. 30316 Pralines & Chili Pepper to 10 p.m was given was icy, overly sweet and and I was left with memories of flavors and toppings, steering clear Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 11p.m tasted artificial. It was exactly what summer barbeques with fresh corn of the classically boring vanilla, Prices Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For the Adventurous it was made to be — an opportunity roasting on the grill. chocolate and neopolitan and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for diabetics to enjoy the same My time at Morelli’s couldn’t end venturing boldly into undiscovered Single Scoop - $2.89 Dirt and Worms: a mixture of Closed Christmas Eve, Double Scoop - $3.99 ice cream, Oreos and gummy delicious ice cream that others are with anything but a classic flavor. frozen territory. With southern Christmas Day and Triple Scoop - $4.29 worms able to enjoy, only without the I was not at all surprised to see charm, southern flavor and New Year’s Day Mexican Milkshake: a classic, sugar. But I’m not diabetic, so I that plain old chocolate was not southern roots, Morelli’s lives but add cinnamon and chili left the strawberry with my dad an option; Death By Chocolate, up to its claims and truly is “the pepper! and moved on to explore all the however, was. I have never had best gourmet ice cream in the bigger, better flavors. a more delicious chocolate ice south!” p Sp o r t s Br i e f s t h e So u t h e r n e r Sept. 12, 2008 s p orts17 First football game moved to Lakewood New coach stresses team unity, leadership New sod was planted on the By El l i o t t Er i c k s o n which ultimately led her to Grady. Grady athletic field two weeks be- Jamila Fair, who played for a The physical education teacher at fore the football team’s first sched- nationally recognized high school Fickett, who was also the Grady uled game. The Grey Knights volleyball team and on the varsity junior varsity basketball coach, were to host the Jackson Jaguars indoor volleyball team for the notified Coach Fair about Grady’s on Friday, Aug. 29. The game was University of Michigan, has joined need for a volleyball coach. rescheduled to Saturday, Aug. 30 the Grady staff as the new head “I heard there might be an at Lakewood Stadium because the volleyball coach. She plans on opening at Grady to become sod was not ready for a game. using her experience as a volleyball the volleyball coach,” Coach player and her passion for teaching Fair said. “I just kept e-mailing to help the Grady volleyball team Coach Slade, asking to become Stadium renovation realize its potential and achieve the head volleyball coach. Finally success. Coach Slade brought me in for an planned for Grady To prepare for the season, Coach interview, and I got the job.” APS has alloted $9.5 million Fair has instituted a different Though Coach Fair is still for the renovations of Lakewood training technique, focusing much getting to know the girls, she is and Grady stadiums. The money more on running and team building looking forward to the upcoming is available as a result of SPLOST than in previous seasons. season. “She is very big on unity and ju d son goo “This year’s focus is to rebuild III, a Fulton county sales tax HUDDLE UP: The volleyball team including rookie coach Jamila Fair, huddle up during a team cooperation,” said junior and to figure out who our main implemented for the third time scrimmage at Pace Academy. Coach Fair has spent time focusing on team-building. in 2007. A site survey of Grady’s setter Jordan Crawford, one of leaders are,” Coach Fair said. stadium has been completed, and the volleyball team’s captains. But for Coach Fair, the focus the preliminary design meeting is “The way she presents herself is off my back,” Coach Fair said. gained national recognition after isn’t just on this season; it’s on scheduled for mid-September. very professional, and therefore “I played basketball for a while, she was invited to play on the the long-term goals of the team she demands but my dad was National USA Club Volleyball as well. New tennis facilities our respect. We The way [Coach Fair] always right team, an elite club for the best high “Our goals for the season are have also started presents herself is there, being school players in the country. to continue building Grady’s welcomed by students a l o t m o re m y b i g g e s t After graduating from high reputation as one of the best conditioning “ very professional, critic. I had school, Fair attended the University volleyball teams in APS and to After months of construction and to get in better and therefore she to pick a sport of Michigan where she played on make it to the playoffs,” Crawford traffic in the student parking lot, the shape for the demands our respect. that he knew the indoor volleyball team for said. season.” nothing about, two years. Coach Fair looks forward to renovation of the tennis courts is fin- junior Jordan Crawford, ished. The once cracked and faded Coach Fair and volleyball Coach Fair pursued a career helping Grady develop a better volleyball team co-captain courts are now smooth and vibrant. s t a r t e d h e r always seemed in education after graduating volleyball team. The court was entirely demolished, own volleyball fun to me.” from Michigan. She became a “Grady has the potential to be a then repaved over the course of six career in middle school. Coach Fair was named an All- kindergarten teacher at Fickett great team,” Coach Fair said. “We weeks. “I started playing to get my dad Star on her high school team. She Elementary School in Atlanta, just have to work at it.” p UPCOMING Volleyball team starts promising season 9-0 VOLLEYBALL By Judson Good CONQUERING THE COURTS: (Clockwise from left) Jordan The volleyball team has set high goals this Crawford drops to the ground as the team practices SCHEDULE season by adding new talent, new coaching saves; The volleyball team does push-ups as part and a new optimistic outlook. Composed of a more physical practice to prepare them for the of mainly juniors and underclassmen, the intensity of games; Junior Katie Evans spikes the ball volleyball team is ready to work towards the in an effort to defeat the Carver Panthers. The team state playoffs. went on beat the Panthers in straight games on Sept. 9. Coach Jamila Fair is new this year, coming to Grady from the University of Michigan where Sept. 16 – 5 p.m. she played volleyball competitively. Under her ale x an dr ia cant r ell guidance, the team has set high goals. at Riverwood* “We have the players to make it to state, ca n t rell but it is up to us to make it there,” Coach Region rival Riverwood has beaten Fair said. Grady the past few years. Last year The team switched into a tougher region Riverwood placed higher than Grady a lex ndri this year, making their regular-season ale x an dr ia cant r ell in the region, coming in third. schedule more difficult. The players, however, are confident they will make a name for themselves this season. “Our veteran players are going to have to step up this year [as we are] such a young Sept. 19 – 5 p.m. team,” junior captain and setter Jordan Crawford said. “There are many athletic at Forest Park underclassmen on the team, but they still need game experience.” Forest Park, a new opponent to the Two foreign exchange students also joined Grady squad, is relatively unknown. the team this year. Junior Ana Braga from The lack of familiarity makes them a Brazil has a powerful spike, which will be noelle jones threat to Grady’s undefeated season. a strong weapon for the offense. Freshman Bea Huete from Spain has further solidified Grady’s offensive attack with her dominating serve. “The two exchange students bring a new [swagger] to the team that we just haven’t had contender in our region.” record with victories over Carver and Therrell. Sept. 19 – 6 p.m. in previous seasons,” senior captain Hannah The preseason scrimmage against Pace The undefeated season so far has showed the at Paideia Snowden said. “We should be the team to Academy showcased the potential Grady has team’s true strength. With a little more than beat this year in our region.” for this season. They stayed close to Pace half the season remaining, the team hopes to Paideia has been another perennial One of the team’s goals is to develop through both games giving them a scare keep their winning streak alive. The tougher rival. “We always fall just short of chemistry early in the season. Veteran players numerous times during the match. Grady lost part of the season is ahead, but the team beating them,” junior captain Jordan will have to help train the younger team two games to Pace, but both losses were by believes they will fare well. Crawford said. “This is our year to members to prepare the upcoming season. fewer than four points. “We have started off really strong this season,” finally do it.” “This season is a maturing period for our Following their close preseason scrimmage, junior middle-back Amelia Kovacevich said. squad,” Crawford said. “We will be able to the girls’ volleyball team has started the season “We just have to stay confident and win the * denotes region match fine-tune our talent and become a major with a 9-0 record. Grady improved their rest of our games.” p 18 sports Sept. 12, 2008 Mays massacre motivates team to find future success

By Parker Carlson to prove to ourselves that this Eager to improve upon last year’s year wouldn’t become the same 5-15 record, the Grady softball disappointment as last year,” Jackson team began the season with a 16-0 said. loss against Mays, a 19-10 win over The Knights rebounded in their Douglass and a 13-3 loss to Carver. second game of the season against “I am excited for the new season Douglass. Trailing 10-6, Grady came to start because we, as a team, want back in the bottom of the fourth. to come together and win,” junior The Knights tied up the game, then shortstop Kai Jackson said. “We took the lead after Kai Jackson hit a want to perform better than last double to drive in the game-winning year.” run. The Knights then went on to In order to achieve their goal of win the game 19-10. improvement, the team is practicing “I knew the game was tied up and P every day, hitting more and working arker C arlso n I needed to get that run in,” Jackson on team-building. Some players stay said. “I’m just glad I drove her in after practice to get extra hitting, base for the run and didn’t let my team running and fielding work. down.” “I like how we are practicing Five days after their win, the every day,” junior outfielder Erin BATTER UP: Senior second baseman Iesha Simpson awaits the pitch from the Carver pitcher. Simpson drove in the Knights’ third run, but the Knights went on to play the Carver Johnson said. “It is not only helping team then went on to lose 13-3. The team is now 1-2 and hopes to turn their season around when they square off against Washington. Panthers. There was limited run to improve our skills, but it’s also support as the Knights went on to helping us get to know each other they needed. She is looking forward the best they can be,” Johnson said. wrong direction. The Lady Raiders lose 13-3. better and [mesh] as a team.” to bonding with each player. “Coach Jones wants nothing but the lived up to their reputation as a "This was a devastating loss," Second-year coach, Shanette “She is a very good coach who best for us because she knows that we strong team, defeating Grady 16-0. junior first baseman Sam Martin Jones, has brought the players the works with every player individually want to do better than last year.” “It was a devastating loss, but said. "Our confidence will stay high stability and individual attention to help them improve and become The Mays opener was a step in the afterwards we practiced even harder for our next game." p FOOTBALL season opens with victories

from page 20 touchdown of the game when kick M adeli n e R returner Jonathan McClain took The Knights put their new players the ensuing kickoff 75 yards and to the test on Aug. 22 in a controlled dove into the endzone, drawing an oorbach scrimmage against Douglass High excessive celebration penalty. The School, which Grady lost 6-0. Knights proceeded to run out the “We just couldn’t take advantage rest of the clock, securing Grady’s of our opportunities on offense,” first victory of the season. PEP IN MY STEP: (clockwise from left) The senior class shows off its said sophomore running back “We looked great in the game,” school spirit by holding up signs and sporting “senior crowns;” Junior Rechard Byrd. “We were making said sophomore lineman Shaquille Jarett Lango marches down the stairs while leaving the gymansium mental mistakes.” Atwaters, who didn’t play because after the first pep rally. The band performed a few well-known Despite the loss, the Knights were of an injury. “Our offense looked songs, including “Mrs. Officer,” by Lil’ Wayne. Grady dancers show optimistic about their opener against better than anyone expected, and our off their moves for the first time this year. The captain of the dance Maynard Jackson High School, defense really shut Jackson down.” team, junior Erin Dabbs, led the dancers through their many routines. formerly Southside High, and were A week later, the Knights faced the confident about the game. Angoras of Clarkston at Avondale “As hard as we’ve been working this Stadium. The game was a defensive week, I think we’ll have no problem struggle—no points were scored taking care of [Jackson],” Byrd said until the fourth quarter. Early in before the game. “We should be the second quarter, Jordan Francais starting the season off 1-0.” came out to punt the ball. He came That confidence proved prophetic up big, pinning the Angoras on as the Knights dominated Jackson their own 2-yard line. After a false 41-13. Sophomore fullback Darius start penalty moved Clarkston back Hawkins and sophomore wide to its own 1, the Knights tackled receiver Damian Swann each scored the Clarkston runner in the end M adeli n e roorbach touchdowns, leading the Knights to zone to give the Knights a 2-0 lead. a 14-7 lead after the first quarter. Although the Knights drove deep In the second quarter, sophomore into Angora territory several more running back Keenan Gibson times in the half, they failed to score eluded Jackson defenders for a 66- klei n ack

again before halftime. z yard touchdown run. Grady made After an uneventful third quarter, the two-point conversion to take the Knights took control of the game a 22-7 lead going into halftime. in the fourth, keeping Clarkston at Gibson finished the game with 122 bay with several time-consuming WATER polo team overcomes inexperience with talent rushing yards. drives. Sophomore running back from page 20 just playing it,” Griffin said. “So we started off really slow, In the second half, sophomore Marcus Caffey gained 95 yards and with a lot of errors.” quarterback Treveon Albert several key first downs. The Knights’ helped to mold Grady’s fledglings into water-polo Grady, however, kept up with Pace after completing connected with senior wide receiver last drive went the length of the mavericks a stream of passes, ending when sophomore Jafa Fielder Rodney Holloway for a 39-yard field and ended with a touchdown, “First, we went into Coach Ukah’s room and watched sunk the ball in the back of the net, tying the match at 1. touchdown pass to make the score increasing the Knight’s lead to 8-0. a YouTube video on what water polo is,” Griffin said. Grady outscored Pace for the rest of the match. Martin 28-7. Grady took advantage of a The extra point was no good. The “Then we had a practice with Mark, and he taught us held Pace at bay with 22 saves, including four in a row, Jackson turnover when backup Grady defense stifled the Angoras all the basics.” and Grady won 7-4. junior quarterback Rio McWhorter the rest of the way to preserve the Those lessons were put to the test on Aug. 20. The Grey “We would have lost if it wasn’t for Jake,” Griffin said. hit junior fullback Charles Morgan shutout. “The defense was really Knights rushed into the natatorium at Pace Academy 20 “He really kept the score even despite all the mistakes the with a 16-yard swing pass for a impressive tonight,” said Atwaters, minutes late, after trying to fit all of the players into each field players were making.” touchdown to increase the Knights’ who left the game with the same other’s cars for lack of a bus. The next two matches went in similar fashion. Grady lead to 34-7. In the fourth quarter, injury as before. “They won the The match started slowly for the first-timers; the team overcame the superior technique of more experienced reserve running back Jemario Bryant game for us. We failed to capitalize gave away several possessions because they misunderstood teams to continue their new season undefeated. finished off the Knight’s scoring with on possessions inside Clarkston the rules. Pace drew first blood after sneaking the ball past With a collective nine goals from Fielder, five from Ozell a short touchdown run. territory. We need to work hard this junior goalkeeper Jake Martin. and star performances in goal from Martin, the first four Jackson was able to score its second week to get ready for Towers.” p “We were kind of learning how to play water polo by matches bode well for a promising inaugural season. p Sept. 12, 2008 sports 19 Seniors’ experience, freshmen’s spirit rebuilds team

By Ka t e Be l g u m than it was,” Kleber said. “Some With a group of young runners, days are easy, and other days they the boys’ cross-country team is will surprise us and we run five striving to improve upon last year’s miles.” disappointing results. With such variations in daily The team, formerly one of the practices, the team gains an best teams in region 5B-AAA, advantage for the different meets was not expecting last season’s throughout the season. upsetting results. They managed to While practices are held at place third in the APS city meet but Piedmont Park, APS meets are failed to qualify for the state meet held every Wednesday at Grant after placing fifth at region. Park. With Grant Park being one With a team of 24 freshmen of the most challenging courses in and four seniors, the upcoming Atlanta, the team gets to experience season looks promising, despite a difficult race setting often. the graduation of last season’s top Both places serve as great spots two runners, Hamp Watson and to practice in preparation for the Max Leonard. region meet in November, which “Every year I hope for our team will be held this year at Mercer to get better, and every year I University. E mily E mshoff am disappointed. So maybe this Although the team’s chances for year will be the year [that we making the state meet this year do better],” said senior runner are uncertain, they are hoping to Bennett Girardot. improve on last year’s unfortunate Girardot is one of the four RUN, FOREST, RUN: Senior Bennett Girardot and junior Elliott Erickson run neck and neck in the weekly APS meet at Grant Park on results. returning seniors and has been on Wednesday, Sept. 10. “Grant Park is a difficult course, but it’s always rewarding to cross the finish line in the end,” Erickson said. “Nobody knows what the the team since his freshman year. freshmen are going to do or what Many runners quit the team outcomes. meet this season. With so many been keeping my eyes on,” Darden impact they are going to have,” by their senior year, but Girardot Cross-country coach George freshmen, Coach Darden expects said. Coach Darden said. “We’ll have is one of the few seniors that has Darden, who will lead the boys’ new talent to emerge. One freshman, Shawn Kleber, is to wait to find out, but with so stayed committed. team for a fifth season, said that “I can’t really tell yet who our hoping that he can contribute to many young runners, I think we Besides Girardot, the coaches losing the top two runners from last new star runners are going to be the overall success of the team. will have an even better shot next have stayed committed to the year has motivated them to work until the first meet, but there are “When I went into the first year and the years to come after team, regardless of the past seasons’ harder and make it to the state definitely some runners I have practice, I expected it to be harder that." p Region switch gives team high hopes for state title By Dean Jackson “I think that my skills have improved not Entering the season with more than 40 only as a runner but also as a leader,” Roth runners, the Grady girls’ cross-country team said. “Having one year’s experience under is in position to have a great season. my belt can only help.” “We are returning five core runners and The senior leaders believe the young have enough team members to give them talent will be the key to a successful season. support,” head coach Jeff Cramer said. “All of the new runners are getting excited “Last year, we had our core group and that about the start of the season, and we are was it.” getting pumped in return,” Segall said. The team is gaining this support not only Because some of Grady’s biggest from freshmen, but from upperclassmen competitors left the region, there is a buzz that didn’t run last year and runners who about the team’s potential to capture a region have transferred from other schools. title and maybe even a state championship. Junior Tinsley Martin, who was a top “The region switch is great news because runner on Woodward Academy’s cross- two of our biggest competitors are no longer country team last year, transferred to Grady running against us,” Coach Cramer said. this year and is excited about the team. “The only team we need to worry about is “The team [at Grady] is not as disciplined, St. Pius X, and that’s not a huge concern.” but it is a lot more fun,” Martin said. “I like The team not only has returning runners this group of runners because there is no one but returning coaches as well. Assistant emshoff E mily who thinks they are better than the team.” coach Mr. Jake Hackett is back and looking KEEPING PACE: The girls cross country team races Sept. 10 against other APS schools at Grant Park. The team’s goal While the team has added new talent forward to the upcoming season. was to stay in a pack. “Today we ran as a group, which is what we try to do,” said freshman Nally Kinnane. this year, five of its top seven runners from “The region change and addition of all last year are also returning. After helping the young talent made the decision to stay Runners are happy about Coach Hackett’s focused group of veteran runners and an the team to a third-place finish in the state worthwhile.” Coach Hackett said. decision as well. excited coaching staff, the girls team is on meet last season, seniors Lily Muntzing, Coach Cramer is glad to have him back. “It’s nice to have a coach that is willing track for a very successful season. Polly Zintak and Jessy Segall, junior Leah “He brings energy and is great with the to run with us,” Roth said. “ He is very “I don’t want to make any bold Butterfield and sophomore Kelsey Roth kids,” Coach Cramer said. “It’s also good involved, and we all appreciate what he predictions,” Muntzing said. “But I have high expectations for the upcoming to have extra help, especially when we’re brings to the table.” definitely think we’re going to do very well meets. dealing with 80 kids.” With an abundance of new talent, a at the state meet.” p knight watch FOOTBALL WATER POLO Jafa Fielder sophomore center Grady 41, JACKSON 13 Region 5-BAAA Standings Grady 7, PACE 4 Grady 8, CLARKSTON 0 Georgia Eastern Divison Standings School Region Overall Grady 7, POPE 4 Grady 7, WEST FORSYTH 4 School Region Goals *All caps denotes HOME TEAM W L W L Grady 0 0 2 0 Grady 6, POPE 4 W L For Against Future games North Atlanta 0 0 2 0 Grady 3 , ST PIUS 10 Wheeler Gold 4 0 60 9 2 St Pius X 0 0 0 Grady 4 0 27 16 9/12 Towers at GRADY Riverwood 0 0 1 1 Future games Harrison 0 1 6 18 9/19 Washington at GRADY Carver 0 0 1 1 9/12 Grady vs. WHEELER GOLD, Player Profile: Pope 0 6 24 71 10/3 Grady at RIVERWOOD Wahington 0 0 1 1 Height: 6-foot-2 8 p.m. Pace 0 3 8 33 10/10 Therrell at GRADY Therrell 0 0 0 1 Weight: 185 pounds 9/17 Grady @ WHEELER BLUE, 10/18 Grady at CARVER Number: 7 Aug. 20 at Pace: 5:10 p.m. 10/24 Grady at ST. PIUS X three goals 9/18 Grady @ WESLYAN, 5:20 p.m. the CROSS PORTSSOFTBALL sectionVOLLEYBALL COUNTRYS Team beats Girls start 9-0 Freshmen boys Douglass after losing take over team 19-10 scrimmage p. 19 p. 18 p. 17 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA t h e So u t h e r n e r Sept. 12, 2008 Braves lose legendary announcer; students oblivious to his legacy

tlanta lost a Asports icon on Aug. 3 when Braves sportscaster Skip Caray was found dead outside of his home. I grew up a Braves fan, and Mi l e s Gi l b r e a t h Caray was always a baseball icon to me. Even when I went to games with my father, we would leave early, mainly because at a young Gu s Rick age I couldn’t pay attention for a whole game. I would listen to Caray on the radio on the ride home; the familiarity of his voice would always SPLASH ‘N’ GIGGLE: Junior goalie Jake Martin makes a save against Pace on Aug. 22. Making 22 saves in the game, Martin was a major reason the team won its first put me to sleep. match against Pace 7-4. Martin and all of his fellow teammates had never played water polo before, yet they have started their inaugural season with four victories. The broadcaster began his lengthy career with the Braves in 1976 and made some of the most memorable calls in team history, including Sid Bream’s winning run to clinch the National Water polo SQUAD RULES POOL League title in 1992. Caray wasn’t only known for his calls during By Gus Rick “I wanted to start the team because “I didn’t even know we had a team until winning seasons; he also served as the Braves ater polo is the fastest growing there are so many talented swimmers here two weeks into the school year,” Ozell said. announcer during the dismal ‘70s and ‘80s when sport in Georgia High School at Grady,” Coach Ukah said. “I wanted “I’d never played water polo in my life, he became known for his witty and sarcastic Athletics, according to the to have fall and spring opportunities for and I’m not even on the swim team, but it broadcasting style. WAJC. It’s also the newest addition to Grady’s swimmers.” seemed like it’d be fun.” He never sugar-coated anything. He used to say Grady’s athletics repertoire. Coached by The team started out with seven athletes, Though water polo has been a GHSA during the later innings of games when the Braves Ms. Sandra Ukah, who headed last year’s but the roster has since grown to include sport since 2004, Grady is one of the newest seemed to have no hope of a comeback: “You inaugural swim team, the team is fielded by more than 20 members. teams in the state. The Grady team is one of now have permission to turn off the broadcast as swimmers, soccer players, lacrosse players, “I first joined because Ms Ukah asked the few that come from a school that does long as you patronize our sponsors.” basketball stars and a couple of Ultimate me to, and it seemed like fun,” said senior not have a pool on its campus. Caray was also known for revealing where fans Frisbee players. The season has been Anja Griffin, who’s been on the team since Before the first match, the team had who caught foul balls lived, but those used to going unexpectedly well, as Grady beat its inception. “I never thought it would one practice at a local pool to ensure that his broadcasts knew that these hometowns were experienced teams from Pace Academy and become so successful or so popular.” everyone on the team knew the rules and completely fabricated. West Forsyth High School and a team from The success of the original team members regulations of water polo. Along with His father was hall-of-fame broadcaster Pope High School that recently won a state drew more members from other sports Coach Ukah, Georgia Tech student Mike Harry Caray, and his son, Chip, is now a Braves championship, defeating each team by the teams, including senior Emery Ozell, a Cassian, broadcaster. Caray used to say “good night same 7-4 margin. pitcher on Grady’s baseball team. see WATER page 18 Chip” every night at 9 p.m. because it was his son’s bedtime. When I found out that Skip Caray had died, I was upset. I would never hear him call another Rookie Knights help lead Braves game. I figured that most Grady students would feel the same way, perhaps recalling similar stories from their childhood. But as I tried to write a story about the Grady football team to 2-0 start communities’ memories of Caray, I was awestruck at how many students didn’t even know who he By Ja k e Ma r t i n for the rigors of a high school varsity season. was. They probably knew his voice - it's the voice fter a disappointing 2007 season in “All of the young guys on the team look re- of the Braves - even if they Awhich the Grady Grey Knights football ally good,” said junior linebacker Jalen Ride- never knew his name. p team went 6-4 and failed to qualify for the aux. “They’ve been putting in a lot of extra state playoffs for the first time in five years, work during the summer to learn the plays the Knights look to return to the top of re- and to get ready physically for the season.” gion 5-AAA. The Knights will need the underclassmen The competition the Knights face this year to play a vital role on the team this season to has changed dramatically. Region powerhous- make up for the loss of 20 players from last es Chamblee, Westminster and Blessed Trinity year’s team due to graduation. In addition

I N JA K E MART have all moved to different classifications, and to those losses, the projected starting quar- Dunwoody has moved to another subregion. terback for this season, Jamal Landry, as well The Knights, however, now have a few added as senior linebacker David Kerns, transferred FRESHMAN KNIGHTED: Sophomore running back challenges with St. Pius X, Washington and to North Atlanta High School before school Alan Gorman evades a Douglass defender on his Carver-Atlanta moving into Grady’s region. started. way to a first down. Despite Gorman’s performance, Another challenge the team must face will Skip Caray - 1939-2008 the Knights lost 6-0 in the scrimmage on Aug 26. be getting its extremely young roster prepared see FOOTBALL page 18