S I N C E 1 9 4 7

DIAGNOSIS DISORDER S I N C E 1 9 4 7 Americaʼs problem with RAGTIME TO Psycho-stimulants p. 12-13 REMEMBER See Nexus THE OUTHERNER An upbeatS paper for a downtown school HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA05 VOLUME LVIII, NUMBER 8, MAY 10, 2005 Belt Line proposal coming full circle

BY CHELSEA SPENCER station, south to Peoplestown, urrently shrouded by west to Washington Park and Cdense overgrowth and east to Inman Park. The Belt disguised as a quiet reminder Line Necklace, adorned with of Atlanta’s past, the miles 13 park “jewels,” including of historic freight railway four new parks, four expanded snaking through midtown and parks, and five mixed-use downtown neighborhoods may communities, would link the soon be the cornerstone of an city to its green space and ambitious project that is backed increase accessibility to its by Mayor Shirley Franklin and parks, including Piedmont Congressman John Lewis. The Park. project aspires to propel the “When I was at Georgia DAVE WINTER rusting city of Atlanta into a Tech in grad school I was new golden age of parks. studying how infrastructures “The idea is to take the four could create a whole new kind historical railroads that circle of development,” said Gravel, the city and convert them into who developed the concept in PROM ON THE PROMENADE: Senior Daniel Allen surveys the crowd in the courtyard as Grady hosts its first prom on campus in more than 35 years. a trolley and path,” said Ryan 1999 based on existing ideas Gravel, design coordinator for for transit corridors. “I was Friends of the Belt Line. interested in creating a new The Belt Line Emerald infrastructure to revitalize the PROM: A FAIRYTALE ‘KNIGHT’ Necklace proposal would core of Atlanta.” BY ROBERT SANDERS prom king and queen, Steven Johnson hold prom at Grady, many students provide Atlanta with a unique Several years after Gravel’s any raised their eyebrows in and Katelyn Berndt, many agreed that thought that it would be subpar. Some opportunity to expand city innovation was born, Alexander suspicion when the prom prom, held at Grady for the first time seniors worried that it might even ruin park space and improve Garvin designed the plan for The Mcommittee announced that in more than 35 years, was a success. their last high school prom. transit by capitalizing on rarely Belt Line Emerald Necklace: the prom would be held on campus, “We wanted to show that you could “I thought it would be better used in-town infrastructure. Atlanta’s necklace’s “jewels.” and even more watched skeptically have something at school and make it anywhere but at school,” senior Linking 46 neighborhoods, the The secound stage, the when the massive tent that would exceptional,” said Mr. Paul Nicholson, Reid Edger said, “but it exceeded 23 miles of recreational trails more ambitious, low-impact house the seating area and dance floor who sponsored the prom committee my expectations.” It was not and 20 miles of transit rails railway would connect didn’t stand high enough to cover the along with Ms. Keri McDonald and only students who questioned form an ovul loop around the to five MARTA stations. trees in the courtyard the Friday before. Mr. Vincent Martinez. city’s center, stretching north But as confetti rained down on Grady’s When the committee proposed to See GHS page 6 to the Lindbergh MARTA See BELT page 6 Young wins teaching award EWS RIEFS BY MATT WESTMORELAND in making teaching such a positive N B iane Gilchrist-Young is crazy. experience.” DCrazy about her students. Ms. Young began teaching at Crazy about science. Crazy about Grady in 1997 and has since taken Grady Scouts claim Grady High School, the staff of on a myriad responsibilities, most world title for GHS which has selected her Teacher of recently serving as coordinator the Year for the 2005-2006 school for the gifted program and chair The Grady Gearbox Gangstaz year. of the science department. Prior and GradyScouts competed at “I’m very flattered and proud of to coming to Grady, she taught the FIRST International Robotics being named Teacher of the Year at Sutton Middle School for 13 Competition at the Georgia of a faculty when all the teachers years, at Parks Middle School for Dome April 21-23. The Gearbox deserve the recognition,” Ms. 11 years, and at Bryant Jr. High CHELSEA SPENCER Gangstaz made it to the semifinal Young said. “I appreciate all the MODEL BEHAVIOR: Sophomores Chrisopher Goodine and John Taylor enjoy round in the overall competition, efforts of students and other faculty See YOUNG page 6 Mrs. Diane Young’s enthusiasm for teaching as she gives a lesson on anatomy. and the GradyScouts captured first place in the VEX division. Helsel wins award School year ends at Grady prepares to lose two who will leave lasting mark

Senior Marian Helsel received the BY AMELIA GODFREY AND THI LAM Archer Middle School. Inspired he was not teaching was when he students learn of their future. Doc Rumble Award on May 4 from s students and staff around by a teacher’s effort in securing a worked as a manager for IBM. When a student of his wins a Grady alum Elizabeth Pendergast in AGrady prepare for the long football scholarship to Fort Valley “I went to watch my children scholarship, Coach Hill explains, honor of her chorus teacher. summer vacation that awaits them, State University, Coach Hill has grow up,” Coach Hill said. “I “I feel as good as good as the kid Paper ‘All Georgia’ familiar faces around campus will tried throughout his career to had two boys, I had to take care who received it.” not return for the 2005-2006 help students who come across of them.” Coach Hill leaves Grady with At its Spring Awards Assembly April school year. Homer Hill and Beza his path. After 10 years at IBM, Coach words of advice for teachers 29 in Athens, the Georgia Scholastic Demena are two of those teachers “I’ve always liked atheletics and Hill returned to teaching, working present and future. Press Association presented The who will close this chapter of their I like working with kids,” Coach at many schools before arriving at “Be patient,” Coach Hill said. Southerner with the “All Georgia” life on May 20. Hill said. “I enjoy seeing them at Grady in 1991 to teach PE and “Always be honest and things will award, as the newspaper in Georgia. Coach Hill began his career the beginning and helping them coach football. go right.” He promises following Design editor Steven Johnson as a physical education teacher grow through the stages.” Coach Hill’s favorite part of captured five awards. and football coach in 1965 at The only period of time when the job is watching as graduating see TEACHERS page 7 2 c o m m e n t May 10, 2005 THE SOUTHERNER

EDITORIAL BOARD ELLY BOOKMAN NOLAN DOUGHERTY CLARA GREEN STEVEN JOHNSON THE OUTHERNER LAURA JONES S THI LAM Prom, Ragtime show off DAVID SUITTS students at their best

Dear editor, The write stuff: Essays I can’t miss the opportunity to congratulate students and The whole college application process is daunting, but nothing teachers on two recent phenomenal equals the dread of staring at generic essay questions just days before the accomplishments, accomplishments application deadline. While writing good essays is no substitute for bad that remind me that Grady is a grades or a lazy course selection, they can push an application over the top singular place to work and to learn. or hold it back since essays are school admissions officers only chance to I don’t think many high school get a feel for what kind of person you are. communities would embrace the A thoughtful essay is about you, not your accomplishments. Admissions idea of hosting a prom on their officers don’t want to know about the awards you’ve won—they want campus. Too many young and old to know you. They don’t want to read an impersonal, newspaper-like adults buy into the belief that you account of your experiences—they want to know how you think. Despite have to spend small fortunes on an the often general essay prompts, college essays should be narrowly focused expensive venue in order for a prom and deal in specifics, not generalities. to be successful. It makes me feel Your essay should be something that only you could write. That doesn’t very lucky to be at a school where mean it needs to be an experience unique to you—plenty of applicants students not only accept such a have written incredible essays on their commonplace volunteering plan but appreciate its merit and experience—but it should be about how you changed and why you celebrate its flawless execution. thought that experience was important. This year’s prom restored my faith Another tip, although seemingly obvious, is to write about an in proms and in young people experience, idea, or cause that interests you. It will show. Don’t act like to approach them in the proper you know it all already—colleges want eager-to-learn students. And spirit. In doing so, the students “practice makes perfect” when it comes to writing essays. The more of this school showed their fine thoughtful essays you write, the better they will get. character and their maturity, and in Finally, leave enough time to revise what you have written. Essays are staging this wonderful event, Mr. your only chance to “talk” with the admissions office. You need to make Martinez, Ms. McDonald, and Mr. sure your essays represent you well. Ask parents and teachers to read, edit Nicolson and their fellow junior and tell you whether they think your essay paints a complete and accurate advisers showed not only their picture of your strong points. It’s a process that will take days, not hours, resourcefulness and their creativity but can have a four-year reward that lasts a lifetime. ❐ but also their commitment to serving this community. If the prom weren’t enough to EOCT’s not worth it celebrate, I was fortunate enough Since the first day Gov. Sonny Perdue was sworn into office, he has to attend two performances of continuously preached about how our schools (especially our high schools) Ragtime. I have been a teacher are in dire need of reform. But how can high schools be reformed when for 14 years, and I have never state officials are still pushing students to take unnecessary (and numerous) seen any student production (any standardized tests? Not only do they compete with finals and last-minute, production for that matter) that end-of-the-year projects, the End-of-Course-Tests are unnecessary, putting has moved me so much during the performance or stayed in my extra stress on students; and for students taking Advancement Placement Probation and child-care JV lacks representation courses the situation is even worse. thoughts for so long afterward. Dear editor, One reason that AP students should not have to take EOCTs is that they what Ashe really needs The performances were natural I feel the Southerner should are much easier than AP exams. The main reason why most students take AP Dear editor, and compelling, and the choice of have featured more JV basketball classes is to be challenged and to take a rigorous course that in the end could At first I had mixed emotions play and casting were intelligent. coverage. JV is not that important provide them with college credit. The AP exam is already difficult enough. about the court’s decision to My sincerest congratulations to to have stories. but I feel that the Why should AP students have to take the EOCT, whose level of difficulty simply have Carisa Ashe undergo the cast, crew and orchestra and to scores of the JV team should be doesn’t even compare to the difficulty students face with the AP test? For a a tubal ligation, (“Tubal Ligation Ms. Willoughby, Mr. Hill and Mr. posted maybe on the last page. This student taking the AP exam, the EOCT is a waste of time. not enough for Murder, “ March Nolen for their resounding success. year’s JV basketball team made it to Also, EOCTs come at a difficult time for AP students. With only a month 14). When I decided to leave my the playoffs. We were one out of (or even less) of school left, AP students should be spending their last few After attempting to write my old school to come here, I knew only four teams to make it. Varsity weeks of school studying for their upcoming exam. This year, EOCTs were prior letter, however, I realized the that Grady had an outstanding sports are key, but when JV teams, held the week before the start of the AP exams, and they never started on decision was ludicrous. She killed newspaper and journalism we should receive some recognition. time, prolonging the time students were out of class and could have been her own child. What would make program, but I didn’t know the half Donald A. White II reviewing. Instead of having to put a halt to class lessons to take the EOCTs, her think violently shaking a 5- of what makes Grady so special. Class of 2007 AP students and their teachers should be brushing up on their knowledge of week-old baby would do any kind Many people outside our school and reviewing everything they’ve learned in the course so that they can do of good? That woman needs to Exams after break a no-no community think that Grady is a better on the exam that challenges and benefits them the most. get her tubes tied as well as some Dear editor, great school because we have more Taking the EOCT as an AP student just adds to the already exhausting kind of probation, punishment or It is stupid to have exams come resources than they do. We do have gauntlet of standardized testing all juniors must endure. Juniors must face the child-care classes. after winter break. (“Hope for longer a tremendous facility and great Georgia High School Graduation Test, SATs, ACTs, and lastly, finals. I appreciate your writing this summer comes with new prospect,” support from our administration Mr. Perdue, we’ve enough of this unnecessary testing. ❐ article. The questions at the March 14). Winter break is a time to and our parents. But the heart end were exactly my thoughts. relax and not to worry about school. of this school is its phenomenal CORRECTIONS Our society is getting stranger I’m sure most students would do a student body and the wonderful everyday with weak grounds and lot worse on exams after the winter faculty that serves it. In “Darden draws upon moral beliefs for charter school,” March 15 is- protection, and punishments that break. If the holidays had to be Thanks for two perfect sue, it was misreported that Mr. Darden was seeking his master’s in educa- could do about as much good as shortened then students would get illustrations of that truth. tion. Mr. Darden is earning his Ph.D in education. In the same issue, the shaking your finger at someone. really stressed out. I am glad we are page 3 column “Iraqis vote full force; America still slacks at polls,” it was not going back past Aug. 15. Dave Winter reported that 186,619 Iraqis cast their vote. Based on statistics reported Vivi Chavez Carrie Handell Teacher on CNN.com, the Southerner estimates the number to be about 10 mil- Class of 2006 Class of 2007 lion, 72 percent of the 14 million eligible voters. ❐

Staff An upbeat paper for a downtown school Managing editors: Laura Jones, David Suitts Staff: Chloe Blalock, Vashti Buck, Jeffrey Photo adviser: Evelyn Barnes The Southerner welcomes submissions, which Design editors: Steven Johnson, Thi Lam Carpenter, Alastair Carter-Boff, Chelsea Cook, Adviser: Dave Winter may be edited for grammar, inappropriate Copy editors: Kimberly Hagan, Katherine Hagan Alex Daniels, Allison Farnham, Duy Lam, Sarah Print staff: Alvin Hambrick, Harlon Heard, language and length. Please place submis- News editors: Amelia Godfrey, Nick Stephens Marriner, Harrison Martin, Patrick McGlynn, Michael Jackson, Adlai McClure, Charlotte sions in Mr. Winter's box in the main office. Comment editors: Elly Bookman, Nolan Woody Morgan, Allana Neely, Greg O’Donnell, Napper, Benjamin Shaw Subscriptions are also available. For more Dougherty, Clara Green Jamillia Richmond, Robert Sanders, Elizabeth The Southerner, a member of GSPA, SIPA, CSPA information, please contact Mr. Winter or a People editor: Alice Bufkin Schenck, Chelsea Spencer, Amberly Thompson, and NSPA, is a monthly student publication of: member of the staff. Sports editors: Walker Rick, Rush Searson William VanDerKloot, Micah Weiss, Matt Henry W. Grady High School We can be reached at [email protected]. Special Section editor: Sean Corley Westmoreland, Shearlon White, Dylan Woodliff 929 Charles Allen Drive. ga.us Photo editors: Kati Ritz, Jane Zamarripa Artist: Dylan Woodliff NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 3 THE SOUTHERNER May 10, 2005 c o m m e n t Teens face demanding responsibilities when given more freedom, choice Upon my 18th birthday I grew minute break that seemed more like 10 minutes, I knew to clock in an order to get my bi-weekly paycheck. I have to fully understand the meaning of that that was not an ideal place for summer employment. a choice to work, but for my peers who are obligated to the famous quote: “to whom much Even though I knew that I should get another job, I was hold down a full-time job and go to school I have a deep is given, much is required.” This has picky about where I worked. I confess I had a haughty respect because I am always tired during class. It can be been the case with my schoolwork, attitude about something that I knew to be so important. an arduous group assignment or a boring lecture, and I my college decision and my job. My parents told me that after I turn 18 I needed a job. So will find myself nodding off because I didn’t get home Instead of my parents aiding me two days after my birthday I applied to Express at Lenox from work until one in the morning. I frequently feel along the way through the latter Mall and was offered the job that same day. drained of any kind of teenage energy that I’m supposed VASHTI BUCK days of my high school life, they I was ecstatic because I was able to work in the mall and to possess. have more or less abandoned me to receive employee discounts. My first week was confusing Along with the privilege of having a job I am also faced make major life decisions on my own. and exciting because I was, and still am, the only employee with the responsibility of how I spend my money. I have My parents have been hounding me about getting a who is still in high school. Everyone else always makes fun to pay my phone bill and anything that pertains to my job ever since last summer when I quit working at Six of me and finds it amusing to call me names that allude dog. Those visits to the veternarian are expensive. I can Flags. It’s not that Six Flags was the worst place to work, to my young age. agree with anyone who believes that much is required but after standing in the sun for hours on end, wearing After working there for almost three months I have when much is given because I’ve experienced that it is high-water khakis as a part of a uniform, and taking a 30- grown to look at Express as just a job where I am obligated most definitely a true statement. ❐ Spring brings sexual promiscuity to the plant world My car had been loose with the pollen,” pay little attention. covered with sperm, They spend class sleeping, talking and I had been witness writing notes. Their fate… is tree AIDS. to multiple acts of Many of these sappy skanks often go on public copulation, to careers as plant porn actors/actresses or and yet, none of this late night talk show hosts such as Howard stood out as peculiar. Fern, a pteridophyte, who has been for HARRISON MARTIN In fact, I’d call it a years, a thorn in the sides of many right- pretty average spring stem politicians. day. With names such as Long “Limb” Silver, If I said this any other time of the year, Daisy Petalpuller, Azalea Anthergobbler, most people would be a little bit shocked. and Daffodil Pollenpie, and with film I can just imagine a wealthy aristocrat titles such as Cross-Pollination 9, Double fainting at the sight of a 1990 Volvo Fertilization 3 and Budding Bushes 7, they covered with sperm. Every April, however, are the true sluts of the plant world. we walk outside and are greeted by the Not all fauna, however, are as sexually sight of sperm covering everything, plant active as pines and dogwoods. Hedges sperm that is. Yes, that’s what pollen is. are conservative, well kept, and stuck-up. So next time you see your car covered with When a petal-malfunction occurred during yellow dust, remember that some plant just the shrub super bowl, groups of right-stem blew its load all over your primary mode of hedges protested what they called horrific transportation. and anti-family. All of this plant sex got me thinking. With all this sexuality it’s not hard to What if there was a secret world of plant believe that sex scandals are an everyday sexuality? Plant pornstars, flower sex-ed, occurrence in the plant world. Every “costume malfunctions” during the shrub popular plant figure from politicians to super-bowl, pine prophylactics, a new side religious officials has been involved in one of the plantae kingdom that we have never at one time or another. Pollen on tiny blue seen before. dresses, young colorful personal assistants I can see the teen dogwood mothers disappearing at inopportune moments, going to tree high school with their bastard rumors of celebrities being asexual, and saplings in tow. Due to a recent outbreak many more events dominate the plant of pine syphilis at the school, the health media. teacher has begun to give sex-ed. Ms. So next time you stop to smell the Walnut shows them slides of shriveled flowers or get the sniffles from spring stamen, and rotten pistils, and tells them allergies, remember that you’re in the the symptoms and effects of this horrible middle of a world of sex that most people disease. As the students leave she gives don’t even know about, and the next flower them a handout printed on human skin, you pick could be Daisy Petalpuller. So with a condom stapled to it, that lists the watch your step, it’d be a shame to lose do’s and don’ts of pollination. such a valuable member of the plant film Pines, the promiscuous plants of the tree community, after all, she still has to make world, whose fellow students call “a little Double Fertilization 4. ❐ SACS committee right and wrong in its evaluation

In light of the Eighth-Street wing and the endless rooms us into class: “Third hour, third hour, teachers that you love so much that the recent SACS visit to be discovered? I am glad that I have mighty, mighty third hour.” And when only reason you do their homework is out to Grady, in which had such improved facilities this year, they saw the new gym, did they know of respect for them and not because of an accreditation but I am also glad that I experienced the about the pep rallies that take place there, your own grade. committee evaluated old Grady, where there was a mixture of where each grade joins on the bleachers, As I write this article, I’ve realized that our school, I’ve foreign animals, mildewed lockers and screaming and dancing in pride for their no committee will ever be able to grasp done a whole lot of lingering memories. The public has seen class? the true failures and accomplishments of thinking: how can a the new Grady, but they will never know More importantly, how can Grady Grady. CLARA GREEN committee evaluate the sense of pride we felt transcending the teachers be judged accurately in just two No matter how well they review Grady, our school after stereotype of a rundown public school days? they will never know the true being here for only two days? There’s 180 where the discipline problems are many Even if they’re The reality is we’ve impact Grady has, and will school days a year, and I’ve been here for and the learning opportunities are few. receiving great been receiving the same continue to have on our lives. four years. That’s about 720 days at Grady. The reality is we’ve been receiving the evaluations, it’s They will never know the fears I think I’m in a little better position to same education since day one, with or not fair or accurate “ education since day one, of a freshman’s first day or the evaluate our school. So, ultimately, what without the new facilities. to review someone with or without the new tears at graduation. No matter does the SACS committee see that I don’t I’m sure the SACS committee saw based on such a facilities. how they review Grady, they will see? And more importantly, what do I see the crowded hallways and even the tiny amount of never know the melting pot we that they don’t see? “organized” up and down stairwells, but time. They can’t were thrown into at 14 years old They’re raving about Grady’s new they can’t know that we each know at least know that sometimes Grady nurtures bad and thrown out of four years later - a lot renovation, but do they know about the five people we pass on our way to class, teachers while simultaneously producing bigger, a little wiser, and with just as much old Grady, with its constant leaks on the and that our teachers sing songs to usher amazing and dedicated ones, the kind of of the world to see. ❐ 4 c o m m e n t May 10, 2005 College tuition unaffordable and only getting worse

As if we students don’t have students are forced to drive their families into debt, go and that the university is not obligated in any way to help enough to worry about already. If directly to the work force or seek other alternatives to pay for their education.” It also states, “all payments must education is so important, then why college. be made at the time requested, under all circumstances”. do lawmakers make it so difficult It used to be easier. Although I’m going to an out-of-state Wow. That just sounds really mean and selfish. To me that to afford? Yes, I understand that school, I know plenty of students who have chosen to stay statement says, “Hey, if you want to learn, you better find a in college there may be personal in state to take advantage of the HOPE Scholarship. With way to pay. All we care about is that we get our checks when expenses that the government recent studies showing that the average college student now they’re due.” pays for highschoolers, but that spends five years or more in school, the recent changes in Then, where does the government get off estimating how AMBERLY THOMPSON still doesn’t explain why so many the amount of tuition that HOPE covers can now become a much a family can contribute with the FAFSA? Does Uncle students graduate from college burden to families who may have had it made. Sam know how a family has to spend its monthly earnings? thousands of dollars in debt. We are a very indecisive generation. I know plenty of Then, some colleges set aside money that can be awarded It is often said that one cannot put a price on education. students who have begun college with the “perfect major”; as academic scholarships. Okay, so wait. Why can’t they put I do think, however, there is such a thing as overpaying for after discovering themselves, however, they realize that they the scholarship money into what the tuition money is being the prestige of a name rather than for the education itself. may not want to pursue that particular major anymore. used for and defray personal costs for all students? And I mean a $300 housing deposit for a dorm that is 50 years Changing your major often means one or two more private scholarships are given to how many students out of old, without air conditioning? Where is the $300 from each semesters and more money. The HOPE now covers-hours. how many applicants? freshman going? Obviously not to the air conditioning or Georgia lawmakers want to change that. I think it is unfair To make matters worse, if the cost of tuition keeps rising, the remodeling of the edifice. that Georgia is not willing to pay for all the years that it may what are we going to do when it’s time to send our children In addition, the yearly cost of attending a school with take in order for us students to make our career decisions so to college? some prestige ranges between $20,000 and $40,000. That’s that we may grow up to obtain well paying jobs like those It’s all just one big question mark and a problem that more than many of our parents earn in one year, making of our elders. needs to be solved quickly. That is of course unless Uncle college virtually impossible for lower income families. It One Georgia university stated on its website that it felt Sam would like to see debt-ridden families and people sometimes makes me wonder if anyone else cares that “the cost of a student’s education is left only to the parents without college degrees. ❐ Life after Grady unclear As I write had been accepted to, and our this, I can former teachers seemed so proud. a l m o s t I left feeling a lot older, a lot taller hear the (physically, not spiritually) and collective not much else. groans of So what does that mean, that my readers a trip to my alma mater didn’t at the push my buttons or razz my tear ALICE BUFKIN sight of ducts or make me write a poem yet another about my personal growth? It nostalgic senior column. Yes, it’s might mean I’ve gotten too much that time of year again, when nostalgia from my parents, now the last weeks of school are fast that every soccer game is “the last approaching and suddenly high second-to-last soccer game of your school is bittersweet and the fall club season before the last future is looming (and inspires a tournament of the season before surprising amount of poetry). your last season ever.” Maybe So, in typical fashion, let me I’ve practiced my noncommittal begin with an anecdote to draw response to my future so many the reader in and symbolize the times I no longer think about it journey my soul has miraculously seriously. Or maybe going to my gone through, which was actually old middle school and seeing that a journey of about two blocks. terrible gym that held the lamest As a proud and really cool school dances since that last one scholar of Latin for four years, at Grady just shouldn’t arouse Two-party system not enough I recently went along with our emotions after all the stuff on my Latin III and IV class to Inman mind these days. I don’t need that Middle School one Friday, experience to let me know the hoping to convert eighth graders things I’ve been considering for to represent all citizens’ ideals to our cult, and convince them months now. that Latin is not dead – it’s just I know I’m terrified of leaving As George Washington parties can’t agree on what they represent. For example, been on its deathbed for a few my comfort zone, I know I’m warned shortly before his death, neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have made hundred years. counting the days until I can this country cannot survive as a united decision on key issues, like gay marriage and Inman, like Grady, has been get the hell out of high school. a two-party political machine. situations in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. When remodeled, though beyond the I know that I can’t wait to be The very idea that with all the you don’t know what a party stands for, all you have to snazzy new lobby and added treated like an adult and that I diversity in the United States decide on are smear campaigns and other propagandist wings, the stairs were still won’t know what to do without we can classify most of the advertising techniques. I don’t know about you, but I cramped and the odor still fetid. the pampering of a child. I can’t population into two political don’t want my America to be that way. We trooped into the class of kids wait to meet new people and my NOLAN DOUGHERTY ideologies is ludicrous. Yet day The second reason for our political generality has to who ranged from the girl with throat catches every time I think in and day out we see Democrats do with lack of knowledge. The politicians in charge fishnets, army boots and make-up about leaving my friends and from Pennsylvania and Republicans from South Dakota don’t want you to know about these other parties, so that made her look like an abused family. I know I’m ready to face deciding our futures when most people don‘t even realize you have to do your own research. Think about how housewife, to the boy with the new challenges, but the thought that those politicians are supposed to represent them. much you know about the Green Party? How about Lacoste polo shirt. I was dressed of them scares the bejeezus out With alternative parties that better suit individual the Libertarian Party? The American Patriot Party? The like Thomas Jefferson. Don’t ask. of me. ideologies (like the Libertarian and Green parties), Confederate Party of America? Maybe the reason you We made our spiel, implying So, no, my trip to Inman didn’t why don’t people chose to categorize themselves with don’t know about them is because they aren’t able to that Spanish is for conformists teach me anything new, though the party that most accurately represents their political flex their muscles in the Senate every day, and the world and French for beret-wearing it did inspire me to write this views? The answer is twofold. Firstly, people don’t doesn’t stop every fourth year to focus on them. Does pansies, and high-tailed it out of overwhelmingly cynical column. believe that they will be represented unless it is by a this mean they are less viable political options? Of course there. My friend and I decided Life’s about to change, and the political powerhouse. This presumed pragmatism is not. But all the news tells us is that the Democrats are to stay behind for a few minutes pressure of making the right far from the truth, but the powers that be want you to doing this and the Republicans that. to tour the old halls and say hi to choice has been fairly constant believe it. The Democrats and Republicans are doing My definition of insanity is doing the same thing over the teachers we liked, and hide for a while now. A visit to those everything they can to make people believe that they and over and expecting different results. I don’t believe from those that still made our itty-bitty kids doesn’t alter things, are the best possible choices. Both parties have extreme that there is a single American who is totally pleased faces shrivel. We ran into a few it only makes me glad that that members, who are offset by extremes on the other end of with the way the government is being run, yet every four teachers, and they all asked the part of my past is behind me. And the political spectrum in the other party. This occasional years we run to the voting booths to pick between the question we’ve heard from every here is where I should leave the nomconformity makes it seem as though these parties same bozos we’ve been picking between for the past 150 adult over the past year: “Where reader with a revelation about my are all-encompassing and can offer anything you want. years, expecting some big change. I think it is time for do you want to go to college?” epiphany, and a final, poignant The truth is, they have come to represent so much that a change, and it has nothing to do with elephants and We spouted off schools we hadn’t conclusion. But, see, I’m not their actual worth is diminished. Even those inside their donkeys. ❐ heard from yet and schools we really sure how it ends. ❐ THE SOUTHERNER May 10, 2005 c o m m e n t 5 SUV not ready for the Autobahn of America

Imagine traveling congested urban areas, and people regularly lane camper. These are people who are oblivious which is of little surprise because they rarely to the beach in just travel at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The rule, to the most basic decencies of highway travel. know how to use their automobiles. Stagnant under three hours, “yield the left lane” is obeyed wholeheartedly These two reasons, speed limits and bad drivers hang out in the left lane, which is without an airplane or and fast cars can go fast by passing slow traffic. drivers, are ruining highway travel in this intended for faster traffic. Slow traffic impedes a high-speed train. All In fact, cars traveling in the left lane for too country. the flow of faster traffic, and congestion is born. you need is a car and long can be pulled over and severely fined, if Granted, we do need some regulations Sadly, this country also has a horrible drunk- a two-lane highway. not getting rear-ended by a Porsche testing on how fast you are allowed to go. These driving problem, which turns the best roads DYLAN WOODLIFF That’s right, many its limits. Drivers take driving seriously on regulations should be based on safety issues: with even the best drivers into deathtraps. cars nowadays have the the Autobahn because they have to and they visibility, vehicle limitations, and congestion. Getting away from human incompetence, the ability to go very fast. It’s a pity there are rules should. Luckily our highways were designed so that average American car isn’t really even highway and regulations impeding the flow of traffic. It is a road people use to travel from point A visibility, curves, and road-surface quality do worthy, being more like converted Radio Flyer In certain other parts of the world drivers to point B as quickly as their car can take them. not in any way restrict the speed at which cars wagons with oversized lawnmower engines. are allowed to utilize their vehicles to their This is the sort of power I think all Americans could travel. So cars that can safely go 90 or But aside from these gross deficiencies in full potential. In this case Germany has led should have access to, and a power I really 100 mph should be allowed to, as long as they American private transportation, our roads the way, with the construction of a highway would have loved to have while driving to the do not drive recklessly. Driving fast does not are structurally ready to be used in a new system called the Autobahn before World War beach for spring break. I was presented with a mean driving recklessly either. Accidents on transportation revolution, based on logic and II. The roads were used to transport troops and clean, straight, smooth roadway, and I was in the Autobahn are less frequent than on other efficiency. The actual roadway is ready for fast armaments faster than ever before. a vehicle that could go at least 90 mph safely, highways in the world, but the accidents do cars, for people who want to go to the beach This is a road full of restrictions, but but I was restricted to the 70 mph limit, thus tend to be more serious. quickly, or people who simply want to feel these restrictions are designed to promote a lengthening my travel time and putting me in It appears that the inherent scourge of the wind in their hair. We just need to get rid of rapid flow of safe and efficient traffic. There a bad mood. If it wasn’t a stupid speed limit American highways is bad drivers. People bad drivers, and stop toting around these gas- simply aren’t any speed limits, except in more keeping me back, then it was the dreaded left- simply don’t know how to use our highways, guzzling wagons. ❐ Memories from a journal I t ’ s afternoon when it was pouring 1 0 : 0 9 . down rain, and the bus was late. U s u a l l y Later than it’s ever been before. at this Finally a substitute driver came time on at 4:15. The driver insisted on a Sunday giving us all a 10-minute lecture night I’m on sexual harassment before we b r u s h i n g could leave.” ELLY BOOKMAN my teeth, It was there on Dec. 9, 2003: or filling a “I glanced barely at him, and his tall glass of water to take to my dumb leather jacket, then I kept nightstand. I’m a stickler about walking. I was ahead of him as my eight hours, but tonight I’ve I went toward my locker. But made an exception. I’m trying to he must’ve sped his walk up a turn my senioritis into a slightly lot, ‘cause next thing I knew he bearable form of sentimentality. brushed me with his hat to get It’s 10:25 now. I’ve just erased my attention.” three paragraphs of cheesy stuff It was there on Aug. 31, 2004: that I decided are best meant “Towards the end we were all sort for the pages of my journal. My of delirious. The school made journal! The most sacred thing the mistake of getting us all rolly in the world to me, started on chairs, so eventually it all boiled July 21, 2001, the summer down to fencing with rulers, before I started as a freshman rolly-chair trains and Napoleon at Grady. I don’t even have to Dynamite impressions.” look back to remember the first And it was there last night, Grady doesn’t get credit where it’s due sentence in that first entry; I’ve April 16, 2005: “I danced read it so many times. “I can’t a lot. It truly was a natural Places like guilty until proven innocent. Visit each segment brings while also believe I have to go to another high; everything blurred. I Grady are North Atlanta, where students look throwing in various students from lame dinner with Mom and could’ve closed my eyes and rare, believe longingly out of the windows at around Atlanta who are attracted to Dad.” been completely cut off. ... I’m me. Schools lunch, knowing they will never be Grady by its well-reputed magnet. Now I’m holding the pile not complaining for what it was, like Grady? allowed out to enjoy the outdoors. As Grady continues to grow, so of 10 composition books I’ve just saying that at that point it Even rarer. Visit countless schools where too does the strength of its programs. filled since then, realizing what was over.” I’ve seen my diversity and windows and freedom Academics and sports have been a perfect pretense they are for It’s 11:09 now. For an hour fair share are as absent as character from their improving continuously in the NICK STEPHENS looking back at everything. I I’ve been trying desperately to of schools hallways. past few years. Grady has branched don’t even have to open them to free you of cheesiness while and heard Grady’s hallways are chock full of out into many other fields, with see how much I’ve changed. The providing honesty. Because about plenty of others and none character. Whether from a hyper- increasing interest. I feel honored front of Volume I is covered with honestly, I’m having trouble sound quite as appealing to me active teacher or a hyper-animated and proud to have represented complimentary stickers from my grasping the concept that in as Grady. Grady is a strange and student, character spills from our and publicized Grady through my subscription of “CosmoGirl,” just a few days, high school will beautiful mixture of races, social and walls like awards come to our running. I know that in the coming and my last name is crossed out be over forever, thus ending 13 economic backgrounds and most magnet emphases. years, many more individuals will and replaced with “Hartnett,” years of reluctant Septembers importantly, ideals. It’s the antithesis That character, in part, is due make Grady proud. whose face is the one most and prayers for snow days. of homogeny, and the fact that it to our great diversity; diversity not As my classmates and I contemplate frequently plastered on the page. There are people I will never manages to operate as well as it does only of races, but of individuals our futures as our high school careers Back then I used to stick stuff see again after this year, and there is a testament to the strength and within the various races. My sister, end, we are fearful and apprehensive between the pages: the wilted are people who will never see me. commitment of the staff. who attended North Atlanta, is very about leaving this environment that head of a dandelion, O-town I wonder if they’ve catalogued One thing I can’t stand is people skeptical when I tell her of the many has become so comfortable to us. lyrics and Instant Messenger me in their journals, whether who complain about Grady, ways in which Grady’s student body I know this is common practice conversations. Now it’s only physically or mentally. I hope so, particularly when not aware of the is a free-flowing mesh of interaction. for seniors everywhere, but I just words. My current journal has if only so they can shy away from situation of other high schools. You While some cliques do exist, no have to wonder if students in other only my first name written on the idea that it’s gone forever, as I think you have it bad at Grady? At group of students is exclusive and schools feel the same nostalgia for it, plus a description of myself have, by knowing that I can take Grady, where the teachers love where the whole atmosphere of the school their school and peers, before even pulled from a song, and a few these words with me wherever I they work, love helping us learn and is one of friendly interaction and leaving. Regardless of where we all pictures of me with friends. I’m go. I can reference them in an grow? At Grady, where we have unity. eventually go, regardless of whether almost done with this one. argument. And I can show them immense freedom to make decisions, Grady’s location is probably one we keep in touch as we’ve promised, But in both the first and the to my daughter when she thinks are allowed to eat outside, are treated of the greatest factors contributing to one thing is certain: there is nowhere last volume, and the eight in I’m too old to understand. for the most part like adults? You its unique environment. Positioned I would have rather spent the last between, Grady has been there. And you can call me up if think Grady is like a prison? Visit on the border of a few very different four years than Grady High School, It was there on Dec. 13, 2002: you ever want to know what Crim, where every single door is socioeconomic neighborhoods, and the memories of this amazing “The real annoyance was this happened. ❐ locked and students are treated as Grady almost seamlessly fuses what place will never die.  6 n e w s May 10, 2005 YOUNG mixes education with excitement

From page 1 Ms. Young is an excellent choice,” School in Minneapolis for one Mr. Sartor said. “As long as she’s year. been here she has made major “I started teaching before I contributions to the school, to graduated from college,” Ms. Young the science department and to her said. “I took a job during my senior various projects,” Mr. Sartor said. year right before I left school. That’s “This honor for Ms. Young is long the year I taught Prince.” overdue. She’s just a great teacher Ms. Young moved to Atlanta after and a wonderful person. She reading about the city in Ebony definitely deserves the award.” magazine. “I liked the civil rights Advanced Placement coordinator activism I read about. I was very and math teacher Jean Guilbert involved in activist protests of the remembers Ms. Young’s helping 1960s and 1970s.” hand throughout the year. “She Like so many others, Ms. Young was very supportive of me as AP was drawn to Grady because of coordinator,” Ms. Guilbert said. “I the diverse population of both the had never even taught an AP class students and faculty. “I think it and wasn’t familiar with the College matches the real world,” Ms. Young Board. She has the knowledge said, adding “I enjoy interacting CHELSEA SPENCER and helped me. She came to AP with all kinds of people.” She OPEN WIDE: Ms. Young feeds the goldfish during her sixth period class. After the renovation, she lost all of the fish in her aquarium meetings, answered questions, and believes teaching at Grady to be and had to start over in her new classroom. “It’s great. I don’t ever clean the tank at all,“ she said. “I just ignore them and they live.“ never hesitated to jump in.” the highlight of her career and loves Ms. Young’s continuous dedication teaching high school. “I love the exciting.” help me remember what we learn McCurdy said. “She led the way and determination has made Grady’s proms, the sports and the maturity Sophomore Alexandra Black will in class.” on the visit from High Schools environment an enjoyable one. of the students,” she said. also have fond memories of the Grady’s staff members, who also That Works team and has a hand Both in the classroom and out, she Hearing the news, students biology class she currently takes nominated teachers Kurt Phillips in everything in the school. She always tries to follow her teaching around campus were quick to show from Ms. Young. “My favorite and Reginald Lawrence, joined deserves this honor.” philosophy. “I teach because I enjoy their approval of the selection. thing about [Ms. Young’s] class students with their own accolades Louis Sartor, Teacher of the Year learning and going to school,” she “She puts a lot of energy into is her songs,” Black said. “Her for their colleague. “Ms. Young for the 2004-2005 school year, said. “I want to share that with her work,” senior Saji Girvan said. songs are wonderful. They’re about has worked a lot on initiatives had nothing but kind remarks kids and try to make the process of “She makes boring information everything we’ve covered, and they for Grady,” English teacher Larry for his successor as well. “I think learning fun and relevant.” ❐ BELT line proposals could improve transit around city

From page 1 unexpected costs that could add to The plans also call for three new this price. stations to expand the railway’s Lewis, an outspoken supporter of reach. the beltine, has recently requested “It’s a little trolley with overhead $6.8 million in federal appropria- electricity,” Gravel said. “There tions for the project. aren’t any big stations, no escalators Funds from special tax districts or parking lots, just maybe a small used to purchase bonds would pro- shelter for when it rains.” vide partial funding. Some are also MARTA is currently considering concerned about possible conflict the Belt Line proposal as part of its with several railroad routes which

“intercourse study,” which also in- remain active, but Friends of the WINTER DAVE cludes another proposal called the Belt Line insist that the railways KNIGHTS’ NIGHT OUT: (from left) Seniors Alice Bufkin, Elly Bookman, Amanda Haimes, Melanie Wagner, Amelia Godfrey, Junior Emily C-Loop project. can be shared. Burke, and Senior Jane Zamarripa strike a pose on prom night, which was held on Grady’s campus despite widespread skepticism. Many in-town residents support Despite these concerns, enthu- the proposal, Gravel said. “They siastic support from prominent were the ones who began to change figures, including Mayor Shirley GHS prom successful despite doubts the mind of city officials.” Franklin, remains strong. Proponents claim that the pro- “It is important for people to From page 1 the freedom that the committee Planners could also do many things posal is virtually problem-free, but see that it’s more than just a transit the reason for prom’s location, but would enjoy at school rather than that they otherwise wouldn’t be able others are concerned about the $20 project,” Gravel said. “It could teachers and parents as well. at a hotel. to do in any other space. million cost of the project, not tie the city’s neighborhoods and “We got a lot of questions why,” “Having it at another venue meant “Having it here meant we could be including toxic cleanups and other people together.” ❐ Ms. McDonald said. you had to go by their rules,” Ms. more creative,” Ms. McDonald said. Although facing opposition, the McDonald said. “If they wanted us The committee’s creative freedom committee continued to push for to use their catering or DJ or said was evident when confetti was shot prom at Grady because of its many we couldn’t have confetti we had to from cannons above the crowd to Some students opt to skip AP exam hidden benefits. follow their rules.” The committee rain down during the senior walk. BY WILLIAM VANDERKLOOT fee didn’t apply to the first test, One of the major advantages was felt that these restrictions could “Even though I knew it was coming Over the last few weeks leading but for students taking more that cost. The prom committee would break a good prom. I didn’t know it was going to be that up to the end of the school one AP class, the $82 is too much not have to pay the estimated $4,000 “It wasn’t a matter of just having magical,” Mr. Martinez said. “We year, students taking Advanced to pay. to $7,000 a good DJ or tent but really care for our students and we Placement exams studied harder Many seniors in particular chose to secure I wanted [the students] giving attention to these wanted the senior walk to be as than ever in order to get college not to pursue the AP test because a hotel or to walk in and feel really special details to special as could be.” credit for their work over the past they felt that it was too stressful event space. like the area was make it a memorable After all the pessimism about school year. AP exams started May and not worth the rewards it W i t h o u t transformed. event for everyone,” Mr. prom’s success the committee and 2 and continued for two weeks. could bring. spending the “ Martinez said. sponsors were very happy to know Despite the many AP classes For a while it was required to majority of Keri McDonald Since the event was at that their effort didn’t go unnoticed. students took this year, some take the AP exam, but, because of the budgeted school the committee “I’m still on a high about it because students chose not to take the AP the increased cost, it is no longer amount to pay for a venue, the could take as long as needed to we put in a lot of time and energy test for their classes. mandatory. committee could divide the excess set up the decorations and as long into this, and to know that we’re “Many of my students who don’t Despite all these setbacks that funds among other areas such as as needed to take them down. appreciated for it really feels good,” know the material are not taking affect test attendance, Mrs. Young catering, decorations, and gifts. Volunteers worked all day Saturday Ms. McDonald said. Still after all the AP test,” AP Biology teacher hoped for at least 50 percent of “With the money we saved we from 9 a.m. until minutes before the success and praise Mr. Martinez Diane Young said before the week her Advanced Placement class to were able to afford a higher quality the event. and others know that they didn’t do of testing began. attempt the AP test in Biology on of goods,” Mr. Martinez said. In “I wanted [the students] to it alone. There are other reasons why May 9. addition, the senior and junior dues walk in and feel like the area was “I am extremely grateful for the students chose not to take the “The ones who think they can would be significantly reduced, transformed,” Ms. McDonald faculty and staff, students and AP exams. At $82, the expensive do well have been studying a lot starting at $50 rather than $70 as in said. “I wanted them to be in the parents that came together to work price of the test is nearly twice the and working very hard preparing the previous years. courtyard but not feel like they were as a team to make this prom so registration fee for the SAT. This for the test,” Ms. Young said. ❐ Another reason for the choice was in the courtyard.” magnificent.” ❐ 7 n e w s May 10, 2005 THE SOUTHERNER SCHOOL Design class celebrates school through commemorative book BY ALEX DANIELS interesting enough for people to loses Hill, The new design emphasis at Grady, want to read about them.” still young and relatively unknown, The book, though Kendall’s idea, is already looking for opportunities has been designed and developed by Demena to make a lasting impression. the students in the class. “I proposed The project currently on the group’s the book idea, but the students next year agenda is Books and Bricks: Grady by collaborated and brainstormed to Design, a commemorative book that decide what exactly it should be From page 1 will celebrate the different aspects of about,” Kendall said. his philosophy will produce a the newly-renovated school. The design group has worked with student’s best work. “Much of Grady, just like this class, the Grady advanced photography Coach Hill ensures those sad to is brand new right now, and we want class for the book’s photo element. see him leave he’s not gone for good.

SOUTHERNER FILE PHOTO to take advantage of the ‘new school’ “There has been a professional-like “I’ll be back,” he says. “I’m not going environment and celebrate it while it’s level of collaboration between the anywhere.” MARCHING ORDERS: Coach Homer Hill (middle) shouts at his players during a Grady still considered fresh,” said Patricia two groups,” Kendall said. Grady’s fourth floor will also football game in 1990. Coach Hill took over mid-season after serving as assistant foot- Kendall, who instructs the class. “We Though the design emphasis lose the calm, smiling face of Ms. ball coach at Southside. Current Grady football Coach Ronnie Millen stands to his right. also hope to give the class an identity currently has no plans for a regular Demena next August. in disciplining my students. Many “I have three little boys,” Ms. through the book; a lot of people don’t publication, Kendall is optimistic Coming to Grady in 1999, Ms. times I ran out of the classroom Demana explains, “and I’m been even know it exists.” about the future of the class. “We Demena began her teaching career crying.” thinking about spending more The book will consist of more may have another book project at Grady as an ESOL instructor and Through her years at Grady, time with them. I want to be a full- than a dozen sections, each one on a different topic next year,” has taught Ethnic Studies and World however, Ms. Demena has learned time mom. My heart is really with assigned to a student and dedicated Kendall said. “There’s sure to be History. students here are passionate about my kids.” to a particular aspect of the school. another large-scale project, possibly Ms. Demena will also cherish the what they do. “I have learned to love Ms. Demena also promises a “I’ve been assigned the bathrooms as with involvement with other experiences she’s had at Grady. them for who they are,” she says. return to the classroom. “Teaching my section, which is a tricky topic,” departments.” “When I started out,” Ms. Ms. Demena sights devotion to is not a job,” she says, “it’s my life. I junior James Hutchins said. “I have Books and Bricks was started early Demana remembers, “this was a family as the cause of her decision can’t imagine myself being anywhere to portray them as functionally this semester and will be released by rough place. There was a challenge to leave Grady. else. My heart is at Grady.” ❐ important and make the section the end of the school year. ❐ Students silently honor struggle

BY ALLANA NEELY The event, which was founded in 1996, uses the It happens on almost a daily basis—some type of National Day of Silence as a means of reclaiming discrimination or prejudice against people who are silence as a tool. The first Day of Silence, the event’s different than others. More and more frequently, original name, was organized at the University of newspapers and newscasters are reporting violence Virginia. More than 150 students participated in the and hate crimes against people of different sexual event. It received a large amount of local press coverage orientations. These concerns led thousands of and a positive response from the campus community. students across the nation to fight back against these This motivated Maria Pulzetti to change the Day of problems. But they did not fight back with fists. No Silence from a local event to a national one. weapons were involved. In fact, they didn’t say a In 1997, it was renamed the National Day of word. These activists played on the phrase “actions Silence. That year, nearly 100 colleges and universities GAME TIME: Ms. Robin Grant and Mr. Carl Surber pose for a shot during a pep rally last speak louder than words” by using silence as a means participated. Since then, participation in the National fall. Grady teachers played a mock- football game to ralley students before homecoming of protest. Day of Silence has dramatically increased. With nearly On April 13, students across the nation participated 4,000 participating schools in all 50 states, the event in the National Day of Silence, which over the years has been successful in bringing attention to the needs Grant leaves Grady, has become the largest single student-led action of lesbian. gay, bisexual, and transgender people. towards creating a safer atmosphere for lesbian, Grady is one of the many schools in Georgia gay, bisexual, and transgender people. For years, registered to participate in the event. The reaction the silencing of people in this group and their to the National Day of Silence around campus was vows to come back supporters has been commonplace. This societal mixed. “silencing” inspired the idea to use silence as a way As the event nears a 10-year anniversary, it has no BY JANE ZAMARRIPA departure, students and staff began of fighting this injustice. plans of stopping its effort anytime soon. Five weeks shy of graduation–on voicing their opinions on the decision. “I agree with [the movement],” senior Tye Tavaras “There were a lot of people being disrespectful to April 18–homeroom 12-7 expected “It’s hard for me to believe that said. “There were people doing it to get out of class the people that were observing the silence,” said junior to be greeted by the familiar face of a teacher who has a principal and presentations, but if you [really] believe in it, then Jessica Brandon. “[But] no matter the outcome, it’s their homeroom teacher of four years. student body 100 percent behind it’s a good way to get your point across.” still worth fighting for what you believe in.” ❐ Instead, they were met by a closed her can be deemed unfit by a piece door. Taped on the door of room of paper,” said ninth-grade literature C304 was a letter announcing Ms. teacher Ms. Maron Sorenson. Robin Grant’s departure due to the Ms. Grant began teaching 10th- City sets the stage for June Music Midtown expiration of her teaching certificate. grade literature when, working as BY CHELSEA SPENCER Peter Conlon, unveiled the festival world musicians during the day, “We came in to read the a substitute teacher and secretary For three days out of the year, one year after developing the idea while DJs showcase their ability letter and there was silence,” at Grady, she impressed school Atlanta takes the stage as the proud from their musical zeal and love for the after-hours crowds. senior Caitlin McQuade said. administrators with her teaching host of Music Midtown, one of the affair with Atlanta. “It was pretty cool,” said Kate “No one fully understood why abilities and background in English. most recognized music festivals in Featuring more than 70 artists its McGlamry, a former Grady student she had to leave so suddenly.” She has been recognized for the world. This year the three days first year, the festival has continued who was asked to play on the In the letter, Ms. Grant explained to her involvement in numerous have moved from early May to June to grow. Among this year’s most Cultural Stage in 2004 with her her students that she had been denied programs around the school as 10, 11, and 12. exciting performers are The White guitar teacher’s band, The Slim Fats an extension on her provisional well as her unique teaching style. Returning music lovers are Stripes, Tom It was pretty cool. We got to and Barefoot teaching license by the system’s “She always had innovative expected to notice some changes Petty & the Dave. “We Standards Committee, forcing her lessons,” Dr. Murray said. to the festival’s look, although Heartbreakers, wear an artist pass and walk got to wear to resign. In the state of Georgia, “and was always effective in they can still expect to experience Kid Rock, The in with all our equipment. an artist pass provisional licenses allow teachers using the 90-minute block and the its familiar 11-year tradition Pixies, Keith “ and walk in who are not fully certified to begin keeping her students focused.” of eclectic music, funnel cakes, Urban, Ciara, with all our teaching under the condition that Although Ms. Grant will not spend market vendors and the festival’s The Black Kate McGlamry equipment,” they will take the necessary courses the remainder of the school year now-famous southern hospitality. Eyed Peas, she said. toward renewing her certificate. teaching at Grady, she will continue Throughout its history, Music Alan Jackson, Keane, and Def “People were looking at us trying Ms. Grant took the first step to stay involved with her students and Midtown has sorted through Leppard. to figure out what band we were by enrolling in classes at Georgia will be in the audience at graduation three locations to find its semi- These artists will be scattered in.” State to receive her master’s degree cheering on her senior homeroom. permanent home on a 40-acre over six different stages, each Tickets for the 2005 Music in education but failed to take “I will graduate with my master’s lot adjacent to the Civic Center, presenting a different genre of Midtown festival, which went the required special needs course. this summer, thus qualifying me where it will be held for a sixth music. The most intriguing on sale on April 9, are $75, a “The course must have slipped for certification starting in the year this June. element of the festival, the Cultural substantial increase from previous her radar screen,” principal fall of 2005,” Ms. Grant wrote in The event has had an exciting Stage, is located amongst the Artist years, but the rise in ticket costs are Dr. Vincent Murray said. her letter to her students, “so you past since its inaugural festival in Market. Concert-goers shop to the not expected to significantly affect In the days following her haven’t heard the last of me.” ❐ 1994. Alex Cooley and partner, beat of a menagerie of folk and attendance. ❐ Jessica Adams Joseph Austin Katelyn Berndt Erica Bradley Vashti Buck Jeffery Burton Ricco Coleman Darryl Day Warren Wilson College Boston University Birmingham Southern Unuiversity Entering the Work Force Spelman College ITT Technical Institute Unknown Atlanta Area Technical Daniel Ajo Tiffany Bailey Luis Bernal Alisha Brown Neiman Buffard Sasha Bussey Tiajuana Compton Jacob Dean Unknown Atlanta Metropolitan College Unknown Georgia Perimeter College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University University of Miami Georgia State University Georgia Institute of Technology Daniel Allen Trekesha Barber Chinela Bertrand Ashley Brown Alice Bufkin Laquoia Byrd John Corbett Joel Dean Fort Valley State University Albany State University Spelman College Unknown McGill University, Canada Savannah State University Southern Polytechnic State University Art Institute of Chicago Eden Araya Matthew Baughman Chioma Bertrand David Brown Walker Burkhardt Jessica Caldas Sean Corley Keena Dent Georgia Perimeter College Loyola University New Orleans Spelman College Undecided Birmingham Southern University University of Georgia Tulane University Atlanta Technical College Miriam Archibong Breanne Benedict Heather Bland Sasha Brown Jacob Burkhardt Rachel Caldas Misha Cohen Dan Thuy Dinh Spelman College University of Georgia Clark Atlanta University Spelman College Eckerd College Armstrong Atlantic State University Eckerd College Emory University Montana Askew Alba Bennani Elly Bookman Rachel Bryant Alyson Burns Brittni Carter Catherine Dagenhart Walter Dodson Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School Georgia Perimeter College Colby College University of Southern California Appalachian State University University of Miami Auburn University Georgia State University Fearlessness, inner fire, creativity Accomplished Hagan appreciates Grady’s options BY MATT WESTMORELAND so good and will not disappoint me,” she said. “I don’t Kimberly Hagan doesn’t know exactly which path she know where I’ll be going to college but I do know that lead to Bufkin’s singular success will take when she graduates from college. But regardless neither [Harvard nor Yale] will be disappointing, and of which direction this year’s salutatorian and National both have much to offer. I feel that I have been extremely BY CHELSEA COOK their own process,” Marjorie said. “They could Merit Scholar Finalist travels, her strong devotion and fortunate.” Alice Bufkin is fearless. She has only broken come to us for help, but they have always been commitment to her work will continue to influence Not entirely sure on her major in college, Hagan has one bone during her career as the goalkeeper for responsible for themselves.” the lives of those around her. considered many possibilities. “I’m thinking I want to do Grady’s girls soccer team. They were losing during “No one ever asked if we’d finished our As Hagan prepares to walk Grady’s halls for some kind of writing, whether it be journalistic, academic, the first round of regions her sophomore year, and homework or when papers were due,” Sydney the last time this month, she remembers the or creative writing,” she said. “I’m also thinking about she punched the goalpost in frustration. She took Bufkin explained. “Achievement was all about opportunities she has gained during her time as a majoring in international studies, maybe a combination of on the challenging and stressful role of features internal motivation not outside pressure.” student. “I love Grady because I believe that it has political or cultural studies. Or I may just stumble across editor for The Southerner, in which she earned not Such internal motivation has proved Alice opened a lot of doors to me,” Hagan said. something new and do that.” one but two Quill and Scroll gold keys. to be capable of outstanding things. This is But this graduating senior doesn’t dwell on But one of Hagan’s biggest loves in the academic world She drives a fast, electric blue, manual- her second year as captain for the girls soccer her extracurricular activities, among them varsity is languages. Having already mastered Spanish, she began transmission convertible–it calms her when she’s team, and after a pretty impressive season, she’s debate, volleyball, mock taking French this year as a senior stressed. She took college-level calculus over the obtained things that she will carry for the rest trial, The Southerner and student and plans to pursue it in college. summer at Georgia State University, and then of her life. “It’s weird that a sport has such an commentator for Youth Radio. She She is also considering a variety of boldly went on to take a Religion in America impact on your personal desire to help other does, however, feel that her years languages. “I really want to study class and joint-enrolled this past semester. people,“ Alice said. “I really learned how to at Grady are largely responsible Arabic,” she said. “I think that’d After Grady, she plans to travel 1,228 miles to get a point across without pushing.” Her for her participation in programs be really challenging, but definitely McGill University in teammates agree. outside of school, including worth it. I’ve done a little Greek and Montreal. “Kyla and I looked spending a semester abroad in I’d like to do some more. I might She doesn’t know towards her for Cáceres, Spain ,her sophomore year learn Italian, too.” anyone in Canada. motivation for and spending last summer with the Hagan actually came to Grady Not suprisingly, Alice the team, and she Telluride Association. “I think my in 2001 with a wide vocabulary Bufkin has emerged always knew the experiences like Telluride and Spain in Spanish thanks to her work as as valedictorian for answers,” senior have been available to me because of a tutor teaching English to adults the Class of 2005, and and co-captain my time at Grady,” she said. These in the Lindbergh community her fearless attitude Jane Zamarripa experiences have left her mailbox beginning in her eighth grade year. R towards the challenges said. full of letters offering her positions E She remembers a time when the T N she faces has brought But while her at prestigious universities. I program would have shut down W

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her much success. independence After receiving V were it not for the efforts of herself A At McGill, she rings strongly, acceptance letters D and her sister, Katherine. “My wants to major in her compassion from Harvard, ACTION!: Senior Kimberly Hagan plays the part of sister and I asked to coordinate the English, choosing the for other people Yale, Cornell, Mother in the school’s production of Ragtime. project so it wouldn’t close,” she same major of both is one of Alice’s Haverford, and said. “We did that for a couple of of her parents, as well most appreciated Williams, she has narrowed her top months. I think [the director] thought we were foolish, as sister and UNC attributes. “Alice choices to the first two. “I am really but I never regretted that situation. I really felt like we attendee, Sydney, who works really hard excited that I have these options that are owed it to the people we were teaching.” ❐ was also once a Grady to make things “val.” right,” senior “My parents Rachel Caldas Great Scott: Versatile Douglas shines on always made sure said. “Yeah, BY LAURA JONES feel that I would narrow my choices too quickly.”

I read a lot,” Alice R and she’s always

E This year’s STAR student, Scott For now his choices remain limitless. He does, however, dub T

explained. “Reading N worried about I Douglas, has a lot to be proud himself an “outer-fringe founding member” of the Primitive W inspires imagination.” making other E of. Not the least of which is the Technology Club, which has dedicated itself to making various V Imagination is exactly A people happy, she D 1580 he made on the SAT, which primitive technological items. Their main project this year was what has led Alice to puts others before included a perfect verbal score and a dugout canoe. such success. Although SUPERWOMEN: Seniors Jessica Caldas and Alice Bufkin pose for a her, but because she superhero shot on Costume Day during homecoming week 2004. was the highest SAT score at Grady this Besides the Primitive Tech Club, Douglas has been a copy she claims she has “no wants to,” senior year. But when you ask him about it, he editor for The Orator. “It was quite hard to fit all of my other idea” of what she will become, Alice has wanted Jessica Caldas chimed in. humbles himself. work around yearbook,” he said. “Over the course of the year, to be a writer ever since she was little. “Alice has “Something most people don’t know about “I still missed some, but what with averaging and Melanie [Wagner] and I read every word in the whole book.” talked about being a writer for as long as I can Alice is that she’s quite a worrier,” Michael said. all, you can still miss four [questions] and make a 1600,” Along with all of these responsibilities Douglas was asked to remember,” said Michael Bufkin, Alice’s father. “It’s not a fear of failure: she has this critical edge he explained. speak to the other STAR students of the city at a luncheon. “although she did make some very complex Lego where she just knows when things aren’t being His future aspirations are no less daunting. He will be Unlike the other speeches from other STAR students that structures.” done the way they’re supposed to be done.” But attending Colgate University, a small liberal arts school, in chronicled their achievements, inspirations and dreams, With pasttimes like these, Alice became in the end, her greatest priority is happiness. Hamilton, N.Y. “I plan on majoring in physics, despite the Douglas spoke of his preparation for the future, or rather the independent at any early age. “[She has] a very “People should always enjoy what they do,” Alice fairly universal exclamations of pity I get when I tell people lack thereof. “We are the best students in the city,” he said. “But active inner life, she can entertain herself, be very explained. “When the costs outweigh the benefits, that,” he said. it would be arrogance and folly to suggest that we are any more imaginative, and I think that’s why writing is such it’s not worth it: the benefits should always He can see himself being interested in science for “a long prepared for the world than the rest of our classmates; that a a big part of her inner-life,” explained Marjorie outweigh the costs.” while.” Though he has chosen a liberal arts education because valedictorian won’t have too much trouble living in a strange Bufkin, Alice’s mother. Her parents were very Bravery, imagination, independence, it will help him keep his options open. “I don’t want to learn city; that a salutatorian will have an easier time turning 40 than supportive of such an independent lifestyle. “I compassion ... and Alice. With qualities like these, about just physics,” he clarified. “I am human, and want to learn a 10th-grade dropout; or that a STAR student is an inch more ❐ really believe children need to be responsible for we are sure that she will continue to excel. about a variety of subjects. If I went to an engineering school I ready for life.” ❐

Scott Douglass Maria Finch-Hammond Christina Gibson Jazmin Green Amanda Harmon Courtney Hunt Steven Johnson Dinara Kheyruline Colgate University Guilford College Sewanee: The University of the South Unknown Furthering Education State University of West Georgia University of Virginia Furthering Education in Azerbaijan Cedrick Dortch Etheline Ford Saji Girvan Brandon Gurley Shawntasia Heard T.J. Ibrahim April Jones Noah Killingsworth Georgia State University Atlanta Metro College Emory University ITT Technical Institute Fort Valley State University University of West Georgia Georgia Perimeter College Georgia Southern University Nolan Dougherty Nena Fortney Shani Glasby Katherine Hagan Bryan Heery Camille Ismay Laura Jones Courtney Kitchings Emory University Georgia State University Berea College Swarthmore College University of Colorado, Boulder Nyack College Haverford College North Carolina A & T University Josie Duffy Cetera Foster Katie Godbey Kimberly Hagan Marian Helsel Ta’Nesha Jarrells Virginia Jordan Max Kohler Columbia University Fort Valley State University Elmhurst College Yale University Furman University Albany State University Gallaudet University Undecided Reid Edgar Jazmin Franklin Amelia Godfrey Amanda Haimes Elise Henderson Kevin Jefferson Chandler Kelley Thi Lam Oxford College of Emory University Albany State University Guilford College Clark University Georgia State University Morehouse College New College of Florida Emory University Samantha Ferguson Courtney Frazier Latonya Gordan Lakeisha Hairston Tami Henry Bradney Johnson Felicia Kennedy Kayla Lapsley Fisk University Unknown Atlanta Metropolitan College University of Florida Unknown Grambling State University Undecided Unknown Mia Fields Charles Gibson Clara Green Neely Hannah Lauren Holt Jameika Johnson Hans Kershaw Taylor Lee Hampton University Wake Forest University New York University Loyola University New Orleans Atlanta Area Technical Powder Springs Beauty College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Institute of Technology Amanda Lochridge Alina Maleski Vanessa Maymi Forrest Montagne Morgan Norris Dana Parker Shana Pope Walker Rick College of Charleston Tulane University Undecided Georgia State University University of South Carolina Undecided Hampton University University of Virginia Jennifer Long Nia Mandela Courtney McDonald Kareem Morgan Camika Norwood Jesus Perez Jason Pimsler Kati Ritz Unknown Wesleyan College Unknown Grambling State University Unknown Unknown Appalachian State University Unknown Leslie MacDowell Gregory Manley Caroline McGlamry Emily Munro Joseph Oliver Gerald Perriman Brittany Prescott Jamie Robinson Georgia Southern University Art Institute of Atlanta University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Rhodes College New York University Undecided North Carolina A&T University Unknown Courtney Mack Harrison Martin Sharmin McMiller Wesley Myrick Charmaine Opayemi Sierra Perry Evoyagelane Proctor Ashley Rutland Unknown Emory University Unknown Georgia State University Xavier University Undecided Albany State University Georgia Perimeter College Iqbal Mahmood Joseph Martin Caitlin McQuade Patrick Neal Kalishia Owens Kara Peterson Melissa Reynolds Milana Saliyeva Georgia Technical Institute Georgia State University University of Arizona Georgia Perimeter College Unknown George Washington University Unknown Unknown Lakeisha Mahoney Randell Matthews Jessica Mitchell Joseph Newman Allison Ozell Morgan Phillips-Spotts Jamillia Richmond Marnie Schulz Georgia Perimeter College Albany State University Georgia Southern University Unknown University of Florida Williams College Georgia State University Georgia Institute of Technology Senior twins leave different marks on Grady Lessons learned by Jordan to help at college

BY THI LAM way or another since freshman year. As BY KATHERINE HAGAN Thirteen years later she was diagnosed with The class of 2005 at Grady brought freshmen, fraternal twins Jacob and Joel Virginia Jordan plans to immerse herself in Usher’s Syndrome. Jordan had trouble seeing five sets of twins, three identical and two Dean lived apart, had different friends and a language she’s not familiar with when she at nighttime and became concerned when fraternal, that made their freshman class generally preferred to be apart. attends her college in Washington, D.C. this she and her seventh grade classmates were stand out among the many classes that “We used to fight a lot before, and now fall. Jordan will attend Gallaudet, a school for going to Washington, D.C., and would be have journeyed through the school. Four we don’t.” Jacob said. “We have spent the deaf and hard of hearing. All classes are in expected to take tours after daylight. Jordan’s years later they still reflect on their good a lot of time getting out of each other’s sign language. Though Jordan does not know doctor recommended contacts. It was when experiences and the dichotomy of being a shadow.” sign language, she will attend a short program he explained that glasses would be too uncom- twin. During their junior summer, they before classes begin in August. “I’m probably fortable situated above her hearing aids that he “Being a twin is hard because you traveled around the world together to going to be like one of those foreign exchange identified the possibility of Usher’s Syndrome. don’t have any privacy, and you’re very places such as Peru, Tibet and China. students. When you really want to learn a The effects of Usher’s Syndrome on

competitive with each other,” Joel Dean Spending time together has tightened their language so bad that’s what you do.” sight begin later in life and start with night R E said. “Sometimes you have to do a lot of friendship. Jordan will admit that a few months ago blindness. Jordan found out that her sight C N E P S things together, and it’s like being attached “Through these experiences, I can learn she was not familiar with Gallaudet. “At first and hearing would deteriorate and possibly N A E O S

at the hips.” to work together [with Jacob] when we S people were mentioning it. I didn’t have the be lost altogether. “There aren’t words,” Jordan L E R A Identical twins Jessica and Rachel Caldas have to,” Joel said. right name. I kept saying Dallaudet,” she says of how she felt. She does not yet know to H E C S acknowledge the challenges of being twins, There are some things, however, that will laughs. “It’s not Dallaudet.” what extent the disorder will affect her vision H

S GIVE ME A SIGN: Bob Green, Jordan’s Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, signs to her during a meeting at but say the benefits outweigh the coara. never change. U Jordan has dealth with hearing problems or how quickly the two senses may deterioate. “It’s hard to be a twin, but I really like it,” “We don’t want to be known as twins, R her whole life. As a toddler, Jordan recounts, “It’s supposed to be slow. It’s different for The Mall of Georgia. Green’s duties include helping Jordan find a job, and support her as she goes to college. Jessica said. “I will always like it no matter and we aren’t really known as twins,” Jacob DOUBLE THE FUN: Senior twins Jessica and Rachel Caldas pose for a quick picture outside their art class. The “I wasn’t talking right. I had my own language. everybody.” deaf-blind people deserve. Deaf-blind people Georgians. It is for teenagers like her that what. Even if we yell at each other today, I said. two will part ways next fall when Jessica attends UGA and Rachel attends Armstrong College in Savannah. If I needed something I would point to it. My Jordan looks to others with Usher’s for some are those that have loss of both sight and Jordan speaks passionately about the need for know that the next day, everything will be The Caldases also agree that their words didn’t sound right, and I would only clue as to what course the syndrome will take. hearing. identification of the deaf-blind. OK.” relationship changed because of the Armstrong College in Savannah while schools since 10th grade. respond to my parents when I was facing She refers to a woman in her 30s who can still “The blind, we have rights, but they’re not The bill died in April. The Georgia Coalition Since their birth, Walker and Jacob different activities they are involved in and Jessica Caldas is going to the University of “I decided to attend a different school them.” Jordan’s parents discovered the reason. see. “That makes me feel a lot better. I might be really enforced. The deaf-blind, they have it for the Blind will try again in the next session. Burkhardt have been part of a twin the different group of friends they have. Georgia. because I wanted a greater sense of Jordan responded to her mother and father like that. I’ll be able to see.” harder because they don’t have two senses,” Jordan will not be at the Georgia Capitol. study conducted by the University of “I think we fight more now,” Rachel said. “I’m excited about being around people independence and individuality,” Jane said. when she could watch the movement of their Despite any difficulty Jordan may have in Jordan explains. Jordan advocates a bill She will be having her voice heard in sign Colorado-Boulder. Walker admits that “That’s because I disapprove of all of her that don’t know that I’m a twin so there “Now I’m happy that my sister and I will be lips. Jordan was diagnosed as hard of hearing. hearing, she is articulate about the rights that asking for specialized services for deaf-blind language in the nation’s capitol. ❐ his relationship with his brother has not boyfriends because I don’t think they are won’t be any automatic comparison,” in the same city for college.” changed much since freshman year. good enough for her.” Rachel said. Joel and Jacob Dean, though, will have “We are still friends like we have always The Caldases started living in different Unlike the Caldases, Jane Zamarripa to fly three hours to see each other. Joel will Bored in the USA Bland’s years full of dance been,” Walker said. “Sometimes we don’t houses earlier this year, and although they will be in the same city with her twin in attend the Art Institute of Chicago while BY KIMBERLY HAGAN act like it, but [our different attitudes] just are only a few blocks away, this separation college. She will attend George Washington Jacob is staying in Atlanta at Georgia Tech. Many seniors focus on the key dates of BY THI LAM “Pleasure Principle.” come with aging.” is a sign of things to come next year. Like University while her sister, Paideia senior “I don’t plan on keeping in touch, but 2005. Persistence, dedication and perseverance In the middle of Bland’s performance, the Unlike the Burkhardts, most twins say many twins, the Caldases will attend Eva Zamarripa, will enroll at Georgetown we’ll see each other on holidays.” Jacob But Oct. 6, 1998, was an important are just a few words to describe senior music stopped unexpectedly at the second K O that their relationship changed in one different colleges. Rachel Caldas will attend University. The two have gone to different said. ❐ day for senior Jesus Morales, when he left O Heather Bland. After three years at Grady, verse. “I just stood there for a while hoping C

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Mexico for the United States. E Bland has been involved in many extra- the music would come on,” Bland said. S L Morales remembers what he was thinking E curricular activities, including the Grady “People started singing and clapping, and I H Munro art on display Football team captain Thomas reflects on Oct. 6. “I was just here, and I asked C Grey Knights of Sound band, ROTC, started dancing [again].” myself ‘What am I going to do?’” BOOK WORK: Senior Jesus Morales completes one of dance line, the Black History Play and the Bland continued her performance Still, Morales calls it simply a “boring day,” his last science assignments as a student at Grady. talent show. without the recorded music and gracefully in local library exhibit on time on and off the field at Grady and he shrugs his shoulders as he describes with Grady’s Hispanic community. “I decided to join so many activities finished on a high note leaving the audience BY KATHERINE HAGAN BY ALEX DANIELS “I’ll miss all of my friends I’ve known for it. Morales sat in his new home wondering Morales remembers what other people in because I don’t like to be boring,” Bland in awe. Emily Munro made noise in the Ponce de After four years of athletic excellence, the last four years.” Thomas’ personality what his friends might do that afternoon Mexico promised about the United States. said. “In the future, I want to be able to Bland described this event as a Leon library during the month of March. an outstanding social presence, and solid has made him easily likeable by all of his without him. “I didn’t like it,” Morales said. “It was too good to be true,” Morales said. look back on things and tell my kids about “preparation” in the long run because she Munro’s father, librarian principal at the academics, senior Joe Thomas can safely say peers. “I’ve always had friends, and here everything But Morales believes he will keep his my activities and encourage them to do wants to become a choreographer in the Ponce de Leon branch of the Atlanta Public that he’s enjoyed the full Grady experience. “He’s a funny guy, especially when he was so new.” promises to himself. He wants to become a things.” future. Library, offered her a chance to put a photo He hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. does his impressions,” senior Gregory Morales would find new friends at Grady, pharmacist, and believes he can accomplish Bland is planning to go to Clark Atlanta “It was embarrassing at first, exhibit up to celebrate Women’s Month. Earlier this year he was awarded the Manley said. “He’s a good guy to have where he says he felt an immediate connection his goal within the next six years. ❐ University in the fall, but it makes your Munro’s series of pictures, “One Woman’s Golden Helmet award for his athletic around and joke with.” where she hopes to performance [in Perspective,” followed five weeks later. ”I performance in football. “I can see why Even late into senior year, Thomas is major in business the future] better,” don’t know if he actually thought I’d do it,” Joe would win [the award,]” said junior still working hard in class. “He’s a real Allen receives sports scholarship at Fort Valley management. Bland Bland said. “Plus, you Munro remembers. James Hutchins, a teammate of Thomas. funny guy, but he’s also serious about BY ROBERT SANDERS college just wasn’t an option,” Allen said. wants a career in the never know who may be Z

But Munro knew and set to work printing T “He wasn’t just a good player, he got along his work,” said junior Mary Lane, who Senior Daniel Allen is well known With hard work and help from family friends, business world and thinks watching.” I R more than 25 of her photographs and with everyone on the team, too.” Thomas takes a design class with Thomas. After throughout our school for his off-the- wall Daniel will be able to translate his athletic will help her open her Embarrassment would I returned to some of the shooting sites she T was captain for Grady’s varsity team this graduation, Thomas will start at Georgia humor and athletic talent. While here at talent into academic opportunity next year own dance company. be the last word the audience A had chosen before. “I usually take pictures of K year and has participated in the sport every State University, where he plans to play for Grady, Daniel played four years of basketball after receiving a partial scholarship to Fort “Dancing is my life,” Bland said. would use to describe Bland’s a lot of the same stuff,” Munro said. EYE ON THE PRIZE: Senior Emily Munro glances at season since he was a freshman. the school’s recently-started football team. and two years of football at Grady, all while Valley State. There he will study animal “I’ve done it forever.” performance at the Talent Show Munro’s exhibit asks visitors to the library one of her 25 prints on display at the Ponce library. “He’s a good guy, plus he’s talented,” At home, Thomas is the youngest of four maintaining a B average, although he’ll tell science and play football and/or basketball. One of Bland’s most memorable and in real life. to judge things from a different angle. senior Lance Urgent said. “He really siblings. “I really have a great, supportive anyone that he could of hit the books a little The six-foot-four-inch, 260-pound senior Grady experiences this year came “It was an excellent performance

“When it comes to photos and looking at for $75 each. The reward was not monetary. deserved that award.” family,” Thomas said. In his spare time, harder. impressed the coaches with his size and during the talent show held on MICAH WEISS even without the music,” Walter things, there are always things you don’t see “It’s really validating that someone else thinks Though he excelled on the field, the he enjoys books, music, and time with “I used to play too much and the next athletic talent during his college visit when March 10. Bland did two separate Dodson said. “It showed her at first glance. I hope people see things and it’s cool enough to buy. To have someone high school football experience isn’t what friends. thing I knew my grades would slip,” Allen he showed them his highlight tape made by dance performances. The first dedication when she kept say, “Whoa I would never think about it or say ‘I want this enough to pay you for it,’ Thomas will miss most about Grady. “I’ve “Joe will do well in the future because said. Even though Allen made decent grades volunteers from the video production class. was with Tiffany Wilson going, and I think we’ll see see it that way.’” it’s flattering. It makes you feel like, wow, I definitely enjoyed the people at Grady he always fits in,” Hutchins said. “That’s he didn’t see college in his near future. “The tape put me over the top,” Allen said and the second was a solo a lot of good things from her Munro sold two of the photos she exhibited might be pretty good at this.” ❐ more than anything else,” Thomas said. going to help him in a lot of places.” ❐ “Until I got help from my friend’s mom, with a smile on his face. ❐ performance to Janet Jackson’s in the future.” ❐ Nicolas Scofield Danielle Smith Laroya Swanson Bevelyn Ukah Elizabeth Walker Benjamin Wieland Lakitta Wyatt University of Georgia Unknown Georgia Southern University Eckerd College Georgia Perimeter College Unknown Unknown Rush Searson Francesca Smith John Tatum Lance Urgent Vivian Walker Chiquinn Williams Roland Young University of North Carolina, Asheville Unknown Unknown Unknown Atlanta Area Technical Savannah State University Georgia State University Michael Sheppard-Pritchett Jnay Spencer Tye Tavaras Lillian Van Nicholas Ward David Williams Jane Zamarripa Hampton University Albany State University Emory University Georgia Institute of Technology University of Georgia Morehouse College George Washington University Nanyamka Shukura Nicholas Stephens Ashley Thomas William Van Gelderen Cameron Washington Marquis Williams Savannah State University Columbia University South Carolina State University Georgia Southern University Morehouse College Unknown of Marcus Sims Tavisa Stewart Joseph Thomas Allison Vaughn Kenya Watkins Martiz Williams Savannah State University Unknown Georgia State University George Washington University Unknown Undecided Cassandra Sistrunk James Stuart Amberly Thompson Mark Vivian Sydra Watson Dominic Wilson Florida A & M University Savannah State University North Carolina A&T University Alabama A & M University Howard University Unknown Brittney Smith David Suitts Issa Toure Melanie Wagner Chelsea Whyte J. Dylan Woodliff Unknown University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Mamadou Konate, Mali Tulane University Unknown Emory University Class 2005 ATTENTION DEFICIT ADD prescriptions common, controversial

BY AMELIA GODFREY deem as “brutal practices.” This includes the administration One in every 18 students at Grady could suffer from of drugs used to treat ADD, depression and other mental Attention-Deficit Disorder, according to recent national disorders. studies. Over the past few years ADD has become America’s The Citizens commission is affiliated with the Church most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder, and at least 4 of Scientology, a religious group that believes in alternative MED.UMICH.EDU million of these patients are students. means of medical treatment. They oppose the use of Students see drugs as beneficial, potentially consequential When diagnosing ADD, many doctors look to the psychostimulents because they believe them to be addictive. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM- The symptoms of ADD, defined by DSM-IV-R, vary in IV-R, a reference book published by the American Psychiatric degree for every patient, making it almost impossible for Association that defines all known psychiatric disorders by doctors to be sure if a child has ADD or is simply acting out. their symptoms and causes. This book defines ADD broadly “It wasn’t hard for me to get [the prescriptions],” Cunningham Ritalin as a behavioral disorder characterized by “developmentally said. “I barely explained my problems before my doctor wrote Drugs addictive, Ritalin motivates inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsiveness and a prescription and told me to try them.” hyperactivity.” It is for this reason that many people argue that doctors Parents and students are wrongly diagnosing healthy physically, mentally most often seek treatment I think that at least 30 percent patients with ADD. Critics often unncecessary for the disorder once it of ADD treatment claim that of all ADD diagnosis occurs When I was they’re not just for the ADHD kids A drop of mind. begins to have a negative parents, doctors and teachers 7, my older anymore. Unfortunately, they’re over- sweat snakes After warnings of insomnia and loss effect on their social and because the parents, teachers and seek out an ADD diagnosis so and sometimes prescribed. But, considering that down my back, of appetite, I decided to wait until academic lives. “I was “ that children with behavioral hyperactive America’s prescription drug companies and I realize the following afternoon to “take my doctors have given up on the having trouble focusing problems can be easily cured. cousin was are some of the biggest billion-dollar that pirouettes medication.” I sat in my rolly-chair JANSAN-CILAG.CO.UK in school,” junior Gracie child” “I think that at least 30 percent prescribed Ritalin. industries in the world, that’s not all have never felt waiting for it to kick in. Cunningham said. “I -Kurt Phillips of all ADD diagnosis occurs I remember that shocking. The prescribers have us this good. On I wasn’t feeling anything after about couldn’t pay attention, and because the parents, teachers sitting around all convinced that there is something this glorious 30 minutes, so I made tea. While I would just procrastinate and doctors have given up on CHELSEA COOK my grandmother’s wrong with us and that there’s some CHELSEA SPENCER W e d n e s d a y waiting by the microwave, I picked up with my homework and wait to start it until it was too late. the child,” AP psychology teacher Mr. Kurt Phillips said, island countertop, pill we should take to fix it. Sure, afternoon in the first piece of literature I found in It just got really bad.” “when in fact the problem is simply a behavioral issue.” my ballet class, I am able to produce my kitchen—a three-day-old . I Concerta picking at a dish of nuts, and listening these drugs fulfill their roll in calming AJC In 2000, more than 20 million Disorder Diagnosis Treatment, however, has helped students like Gracie to my family talk about it. Apparently a rambunctious 5-year-old. And sure, countless double, sometimes even read the lead story before the water prescriptions were written for people diagnosed with ADD or Cunningham to stay focused in class. “Last year I was it was a big deal. His every move, teenagers all over the country are triple, turns. It was in this moment boiled. My superhuman speed-reading, ADHD, a more hyperactive form of the disorder. Medication actually about to leave Grady,” she said, “but this year I have his every mistake was blamed on the getting better grades because they that I realized that listening to my however, was not what shocked me. I ❐ for ADD comes in the form of psychostimulants, drugs that straight A’s.” medicine. “He couldn’t go to sleep last aren’t as distracted as the average Joe. teacher’s corrections actually helped. found that I was actually intrigued by work by creating a calming affect on the brain. There are night, it was probably his medication. But what’s not right is that several of Never before had I been able to focus what I read. Although hungry to read several different forms of medications that can be prescribed He didn’t eat all of his mashed potatoes, these kids are being convinced that they so much on and apply so well what she more, I rushed to ballet class. for the treatment of ADD, two of the most common being it was probably his medication.” I need this medicine, these chemicals, told me. This was my first experience After four hours of the most Ritalin and Adderall. didn’t really understand what was to be successful. Although the drugs with Ritalin. enjoyable class I’ve had this year, I Methylphenidate, or Ritalin, is a central nervous system going on, but I did understand he was claim to have no addictive qualities, Although not pathetically reliant on returned home to start my newly stimulant. It causes a notably calming effect on those who taking something that didn’t let him many kids are becoming dependent on the drug, I have found that since my captivating homework. After finishing take it, thus allowing for better concentration during everyday act like himself. amphetamines in order to concentrate psychiatrist prescribed it to me, it does my work and eating dinner all before activities. Adderall acts similarly to Ritalin, but it is less harsh Ten years later, desperately trying during school. When they’re not taking so much more than simply enhancing the clock struck midnight, I climbed and remains active in the body for longer periods of time. to stay awake, and mind wandering, them, they concentrate on the fact that my concentration. I don’t have the into my bed and fell fast asleep. Since The use of psychostimulants has come under attack by I found myself smack in the middle they can’t concentrate. Others, who worst attention deficiency around, but then, I have developed a renewed groups that oppose the labeling of children as “mentally of the second math section during the aren’t prescribed, can easily obtain the in the months before I first pushed and fascination with reading, studying, Adderall ill.” One such group, the Citizens Commission on Human INVESTORREALATIONS.CO.UK SAT. But instead of trying to remember drugs from those that are. twisted the top of that little orange listening and just learning. Rights, opposes the use of any psychiatric medication. The EPROMOS.COM my trigonometric functions, I was This is why a psychostimulated bottle, my interests in school, hobbies, Maybe I’m alone, but I have never main goal of this organization is to end the use of what they looking around the room and guessing SAT taker isn’t uncommon. I have even people were reaching a record experienced any of the negative side how many people were on Adderall. heard countless tales of “I did so much low. After hours of discussing this effects from taking Ritalin that I was There was this kid next to me, spilling better,” and “I didn’t feel burned out problem with my mother, we made warned about. I sleep more than I Methylphenidate source: nida.nih.gov out of his desk, with a black, greasy the entire time.” an appointment on a Tuesday evening ever have in high school and eat just mustache. He finished each section I’ll admit it, I even considered with a recommended psychiatrist. as much too. The drug’s only lasting Drug Facts Amphetamines source: CBC.ca early and way before everyone else. popping a Ritalin before showing up, Several weeks later, I sat nervously effect on me is a permanent increase So maybe I noticed this because I was but I decided it wasn’t worth it. across from a friendly doctor with in my desire to learn more and work Facts/reasons Street names/ jealous—considering I was scrambling First of all, my first time taking a warm voice and a degree in harder in everything I do. Side Effects for prescription illegal uses for every thought in my head as the the new SAT, I wanted my score to understanding. Over the course of I don’t take it to do well on tests proctor wrote two minutes on the be my own. Secondly, I was afraid of an hour, I explained to him a variety or to stay up all night to finish a Methyl- Ritalin and Concerta are common brand Physical symptoms: dry mouth, Street Names: Kibbles & board, but also because every time he the side effects. It’s dangerous to take of seemingly unrelated experiences. procrastinated assignment. I won’t names. Methylphenidate is a CNS (central skin rash, stomach/headache, heart Bits, Pineapple, Skippy, would finish, he would close his test prescription drugs that haven’t been By the end of our session, my doctor cry if I forget to take it before school nervous stimulant) drug. palpitations, hair loss, pulse change Smart Drug, Vitamin R, booklet, slam his pencil down on the prescribed to me. Some people’s central linked my knack for teaching myself, and I don’t take it every day. Years phenidate : West Coast Prescribed for the treatment of ADD Pschycological symptoms: desk, and sigh really loudly. He was nervous system can’t cope with certain my frustrations with school, the way of watching hyperactive third-graders (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD nervousness, irritability, dependence, Used as both a party drug and just dying to let everyone know he was amounts of the chemicals. After taking I learned how to drive, along with rely on medication to stay glued to (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) anorexia study aid finished. the pills, people often feel nauseated countless other small details together a plastic chair during science class to construct a rudimentary blueprint have led me to oppose use of all these One of the most widely prescribed and Research shows that even after use Sold in 5, 10, and 15-mg Maybe the guy was a genius, but and exhausted from the process, not to of the way that I think. “psychostimulants.” My positive controversial drugs on the market stops, they can permanently change tablets, it sells from $3-15 on chances are he took something—it’s mention all psychostimulants decrease the patient’s thought process the streets really not that uncommon. The whole appetite, sex drive, and ultimitely, After he spoke with my mother for experiences with Ritalin have surprised RXDEALS.ORG time I was thinking about just how according to The Wall Street Journal, a short period of time, the three of no one more than myself. I believe that unfair it was. creativity. There are more than 100 us began to discuss medication. He ADD medication cannot help everyone They’re classified as different natural chemicals in your explained to me the different kinds, and should certainly not be distributed Amphetamine increases the amount of Short term: disturbed sleep patterns Street Names: pep pills, Amphetamines: side effects and differences of each, to all on the morning of the SAT, but dopamine in the brain. Amphetamine and loss of REM dreaming sleep, hy- bennies “psychostimulants.” You’ve probably brain; it just doesn’t seem right to put stimulates the brain, increasing attention peractivity, nausea, increased aggres- heard of them: Adderall, additional man-made ones in the mix. and how he thought they might affect it can significantly improve the spans and decreasing impulsiveness. siveness and irritability Used as a performance- Ritalin, Concerta, and It comes down to this: we should have me. He also explained that it was my lives of those who can use enhancing drug by the list just keeps a drive to achieve all our own. The choice to try a mild dosage of Ritalin. it for the sole purpose Historical context: pilots used it to stay athletes. getting longer. If people and passions in our lives should Later that night, I left CVS with a little of helping themselves awake on long missions during WWII and Long term: negative effects, in high GAWKER.COM ❐ ❐ was feared as a communist “brainwashing doses, can include heart, liver, kidney you weren’t aware, encourage that, not the pills. bottle of dusty, white pills and an open to learn. drug” in the ‘50s. and lung damage. 14 s p o r t s May 10, 2005 THE SOUTHERNER Candler Park: more than a course A golf course day. Kids, parents, dogs, bicycles, yellow at Candler, but as far back as I can originally designed jackets, strollers and golfers all converge at remember, the same two women have been by the great Bobby the course’s halfway point, and let me tell sitting in their plastic lawn chairs taking Jones, Candler Park you, you can hear some weird stuff on that my $7 at the start of a round. There are Golf Course has corner. Oh yeah… the green also has tree some old push carts outside that you can become one of the in front of it. Bizarre. rent, but, the course is short enough for an most identifiable HOLE 6: The trees that line the left ant to loop in less than four hours, so don’t STEVEN JOHNSON and talked about side of the fairway are one of the nicest rent them. And, if you’re looking for a new golf courses within touches at Candler. Often those trees act set of clubs, there’s quite a collection in the Atlanta’s perimeter. Candler Park is unlike as a homeless shelter too, so you could say clubhouse. The most expensive one will other city courses, with greens made of Candler Park is not only providing a place cost you about $14.72, with tax. shag carpet, yardages about as accurate as for people to play golf but also reaching Candler Park’s no Druid Hills or Ansley,

a drunk archer and more patches of dirt out to the community as well. but that’s exactly why it’s so wonderful. It’s RITZ KATI than a Peachtree construction site. Jones’ HOLE 7: The tee backs up to the biking one of the few places you can see Atlanta’s DOUBLE TROUBLE: Seniors Allison Ozell (middle) and course has certainly gone, I guess you and running trail where the middle-aged entire demographic in a single place. It Caroline McGlamry team up to win in straight sets to could say, downhill but, even so, it has walker, the guy who thinks he looks good boasts the cheapest greens fee in town and propel Grady to a victory over Holy Innocents’ 3-2. developed a certain singular aura. Sure, it’s with his shirt off, the young couple, the is the most interesting course. And it’s a an eccentric, sometimes frightening, aura gossiping mother with the crying babies place where people can get out and have but, hey, it’s Candler Park, and anyone and, again occasional homeless man can all fun, not having to worry about when the Girls tennis who’s ever been there knows exactly what be seen in a single spot. beverage cart’s going to come back around I mean. HOLE 8: A drivable par-4. If you teed or about carefully fixing ball marks or Let me give you a hole by hole off with a putter, you’d still be 50 yards out about being hassled by the old man in the breakdown for you: after the ball stopped rolling. Also, you “Ambassador” cart or a dress code or the gets first state HOLE 1: This 280-yard par-4 is pretty better put your hard hat on walking down stress and formality of tee times or ANY straightforward and, for the long hitters, the fairway because who knows how many of the little annoyances that stuffier golf certainly reachable. If you’ve parked on the slices will fly off the No. 7 tee and, most courses throw a player’s way. Candler Park playoff berth side of Candler Park Avenue flush with No. likely, straight into your head. is a beacon of hope set to provide stability 1 fairway, however, all I have to say is you HOLE 9: This hole is another chance to a game that has become quite top heavy better have car insurance or a friend in the to break some windshields. If you hit your with Winged Foots or Whistling Straitses BY JEFFREY CARPENTER window-replacing business because more tee shot even a little to the right, there are or Pebble Beaches. So, the next time you On the morning of April 20, the Lady golf balls land there than in the fairway. plenty of cars within range on Candler think about coughing up $89 to play a Knights were pitted in an intense battle to HOLE 2: “Quiet on the tee” takes on a Park Avenue. And, if you slice it enough, single round of golf, instead think about save their season. They had gone through the new meaning on No. 2 tee because players you can reach Mary Lin Elementary across humbling yourself and getting some entire season, losing only two matches to the usually fight the noise of a rousing soccer the street. A little tip: you have a better culture at Candler Park. ❐ toughest two teams from their region. The game just to their right as they tee off. chance hitting the school than the green, only thing standing between defeat and a state HOLE 3: Good luck finding grass on so go for it. tournament berth was one match against the this tee box, and most tee placements give And then there’s the Holy Innocents’ Golden Bears. FORE: Senior David Suitts takes you a shot over tree branches to a downhill clubhouse: I Two of the three singles players, junior a swing at the Grady Golf Classic green. I heard a story once that somebody don’t know Sarah Marriner and senior Miriam Archibong, on April 17 at Candler Park. found a dead body in the bushes behind how long had already lost their matches earlier in the the green so do as I do…DON’T HIT IT they have tournament. Both doubles teams, seniors LONG. b e e n Allison Ozell and Caroline McGlamry and HOLE 4: Candler Park’s own miniature working senior Clara Green and sophomore Emma Din, version of the famous Amen corner at were already victorious, each winning in straight Augusta, the No. 4 green and the No. 5 sets. Grady’s fate lay in the hands of Sarah tee are bordered by a playground as busy Beth McKay, the last singles player. McKay as the first tee on a sunny maintained a comfortable lead throughout the match and pulled out the victory, winning in DAVE WINTER straight sets. With her victory, the girls earned their first state playoff berth, according to Athletic Director Douglass Slade. The boys team also played in the tournament, but was handily defeated by The Walker School. Their disappointing season ended painfully, losing 5-0. Despite their tough loss, the boys were able to cheer on the girls throughout the matches. Grady fails to make playoffs under new coach After defeating Holy Innocents’, the Lady BY GREG O’DONNELL 16-0. Grady then beat Paideia 6-2 behind Jones the hardest time, but the parents who Knights had several hours of down time. Their The Grady Knights baseball team has a complete game by senior pitcher Sean often complain to Jones about something next match was against the Walker School, a experienced glimpses of success, outweighed Corley who did not give up an earned run they feel he is doing wrong. perennial state powerhouse to determine what by the disappointment of a subpar record. and struck out 10 batters. “What many people don’t understand rank they would hold in the state tournament. The team is 3-9 as of April 21 and has The back-to-back wins gave hope to is that coaching in itself is hard enough,” The Knights did not expect to win, and their suffered recent losses to both Holy Innocents’ the struggling Knights who hoped to turn Coach Jones said. “But it makes it even prediction proved true, as the Lady Wolverines and Decatur. around their season, but these successes were more challenging when parents dislike the swept them. In both games the Knights struggled followed by two losses to Pace and Lovett. job that you are doing.” The Lady Knights then faced off against to score, producing only two runs against The loss to Lovett turned out to be more During the game against Walker on April Pace Academy for another match to determine Decatur and only one in against Holy costly than just the game. Besides losing 17- 27, a Grady parent got so disgusted at a state rank. Again, the Knights were swept. Innocents’. Senior 2, Grady lost Corley after he decision made by Coach Jones that he took Their next destination was the state playoffs, Noah Killingsworth It’s been a long learning injured himself fouling a ball his son out of the game. The controversial held on April 29. The girls faced Morgan believes the team’s off his ankle. decision came when Coach Jones substituted County in the first round of the state playoffs. poor record stems process this year for both Inconsistency has plagued a senior, who arrived late to the game, in for The emotionally drained Knights were then from a lack of a me and my players. the team all season. In the a freshman who started in the senior’s place. swept for the third straight time. Despite consistent practice “ game against Paideia, the The parent of the freshman felt it was unjust the disappointing finish, the girls still had a routine. Coach Thomas Jones Knights played together to play someone who came a couple of positive outlook on their long season. They “We need to without committing many innings late even if he was a senior. On the had gone farther than any other girls team had practice on a regular errors. In all the losses this other hand Jones felt that putting the senior ever gone in the history of Grady. basis, and we need better leadership from year, the team shot itself in the foot by in gave his team the best chance to win the “It would have been devastating after all that our seniors, including myself,” Killingsworth committing errors and giving easy runs to game. hard work and not get to state,” sophomore said. the opposing team. With differences between n coaches and Emma Din said. The team proved they could win without It’s been a year of transition as the team parents and injuries to some key players it’s The Lady Knights look to improve in 2006, the talented group of seniors on May 11 struggled to adjust to its new coach Thomas been hard for the Knights to put together despite the fact they are losing four key seniors. when they played Cross Keys. Not a single Jones. “It’s hard to take over a group of guys a winning streak. With only a few games The boys team is only losing two seniors to senior started the game due to a punishment who aren’t used to my coaching style,” Coach remaining on the schedule and a losing graduation, Reid Edgar and Wesley Myrick for skipping a Friday afternoon practice Jones said. “It’s been a long learning process record, the Knights will not be making a and will keep all three singles players, Chris before spring break. But good ultimately this year for both me and my players.” postseason appearance for the first time in Modica, Alex Orlansky and Jeffrey Thomas, came out of a bad situation as Grady won It’s not the players who have been giving several years. ❐ with the hope of improving on their 1-11 record. ❐ THE SOUTHERNER May 10, 2005 s p o r t s 15 Season ends in disappointment at regional tourney

BY PATRICK MCGLYNN in a good position to par from the Entering the region 5-AA golf tee box. tournament, Grady’s successful “I kept driving the ball to the season pitted the Knights against right. Everything kept going right,” golf powerhouses Lovett, Walker, Belgum said. Pace and Holy Innocents’. Grady On the back nine, Belgum gained completed its regular season momentum with a par on 14, but undefeated and finished third in the followed with a triple bogey on 15. city tournament but failed to place in After that, Begum’s concern was the region tournament. trying to hang on and not lose focus. Sophomore Erik Belgum entered Unlike the other schools, this as Grady’s top golfer, but teed off was Grady’s first competition at the in the second grouping. Players are Marietta City Club. The Walker placed in groups of four based on School is located down the street their average score for an 18-hole and uses the club as its home course. match. Coming in, Belgum averaged Matt Hayes and Sean Skelton from PATRICK MCGLYNN PATRICK in the upper 70s for Grady’s low Walker shot a 74 and 76, respectively, LONG BALL: Senior Steven Johnson drives over water to the 11th fairway at the Marietta City Club, which hosted the region 5-AA score, followed by Steven Johnson, for two top-five finishes. Lovett, golf tournament. Johnson almost saved par after a wayward tee shot, but he bogeyed the hole after his par putt lipped out. Nolan Dougherty, David Edgar and who is also familiar with this course, Greg O’Donnell. Although junior Belgum started the day with a par the next two holes to be at 2 over even par, on the front nine,” Belgum posted the two lowest rounds of the O’Donnell was Grady’s No. 5 golfer, bogey on the first hole but continued par on the first five holes. Following said. “I was just giving shots away. tournament. Alex Frankel and Kirk he shot the low score of the day for to lead his grouping after three holes. a double bogey on six and subsequent I couldn’t read the speed of the Whitehead each shot 2 over par for the team with an 84. Belgum was But on the fourth tee, he drove the bogeys, Belgum was seven over on greens.” a final of 73. Whitehead shot a 33 Grady’s other qualifying score with ball into a tree and finished with the front nine. Not only was Belgum not finishing on the back nine en route to Lovett’s an 87. another bogey. He would bogey and “I should have shot around 36, holes well, he wasn’t putting himself region championship. ❐

Collapse of the ‘Great American Pastime’ MLB DRUG POLICIES OLD (pre-2005): Each player is tested BY DUY LAM early February, Canseco accuses Strong, Augustin Montero, Alex BALCO, a company that creates once a year during the season. A first The most prestigious record in all many of the top names in baseball, Sanchez and Jorge Piedra-have been performance-enhancing drugs. positive test results in treatment, of sports is the home run record. In including his former teammate suspended for violation of the new Giambi has been the center target followed by a 15-day suspension for 1961, New York Yankee outfielder, Mark McGwire, of past use of policy as of May 3.) of steroid speculation because of a second positive test and up to a Roger Maris, set a Major League performance-enhancing drugs. The hearing itself seemed as if his sudden decrease in production year suspension for a fifth positive Baseball record by hitting 61 home The most prominent name on it was a five-on-one debate with and weight in the past couple of test. Under the old policy, no player is runs, breaking Babe Ruth’s old the list, however, is San Franciscos Canseco being the lone person years. Bonds, who also testified in suspended for steroid use. mark of 60. Thirty-seven years later, outfielder Barry Bonds. Bonds, who trying to ruin baseball. Canseco, the BALCO case, was not invited the record was shattered by Mark seems to get bigger and better as he however, wasn’t the loser that to the congressional hearing. NEW (2005): Banned substances McGwire, who smashed 70 as a St. gets older, broke McGwire’s home day. Along with the entire game Bonds, has been the central figure include steroids, steroid precursors, Louis Cardinal. As the records went run record in 2003 by belting 73 of baseball, McGwire saw his of steroid speculation since 2003. designer steroids, masking agents down in history, the topic of steroids homers. image tarnished from the hearing. Persistent accusations have dogged and diuretics. There will be one came up. Ever since McGwire and The topic exploded within weeks McGwire, reluctant to admit Bonds, including information unannounced mandatory test of each Sammy Sosa had their chase for the as more and more names were whether or not he used steroids, about his personal trainer’s history player during the season. In addition, record in the ’98 season, speculation added. On March 17, six past and gave the same answer, “I’m not with steroids and an ex-girlfriend there will be testing of randomly of steroid use have been swirling present stars including Canseco, here to talk about the past, I’m here claiming that Bonds told her that selected players, with no maximum around the world of sports, most McGwire, Sosa, Raphael Palmero, to do something positive for the he used the drug years ago. After 20 number. And there will be random heavily in baseball. and Curt Schilling were invited to future,” to most of the questions years of fighting the media, Bonds testing during the off-season. The Almost a decade after the first a hearing in front of a congressional asked to him. Within a year of finally relented during a brief press penalties for a positive test begins warning signs of steroid use in committee investigating steroid being eligible for the Hall of Fame, conference in early April. Coming with a 10-day suspension, then baseball was reported by the use. Congress threatened to take McGwire’s critics now question the off knee surgery, Bonds questioned escalates to 30 days, 60 days, and a full Federal Bureau Investigation, control of the drug-testing policies legitimacy of his record-breaking his own return to the game and how year suspension (all without pay). MLB has finally decided to insist in baseball if the players’ union season in 1998 as well as his merit long he would play. Source: ESPN.com on a drug policy agreed to by and team owners were unable for Cooperstown. Bonds and McGwire, both the player’s union in the past off- to settle on a stricter agreement Two notable names that were not holders at one time of the single- Does Bonds or McGwire keep the season. Fueled by the controversial promptly. On the eve of the highly at the hearing were Jason Giambi season home run record, now record with their amazing seasons book, Juiced, written by former anticipated hearing, MLB released and Barry Bonds. Giambi was see their images tarnished by the until proven guilty? Or does Maris’ player Jose Canseco, the steroids its new drug-testing agreement invited, but excused from testifying steroids conflict. Another debate 61 represent the legitimate record issue has escalated in the past six with stricter penalties. (Five major- because of his involvement in the created out of this is the argument since steroids was nonexistent months. In his book released in league players-Juan Ricon, Jamal ongoing federal investigation into over who really holds that record. during his time? ❐ Boys teams, Fields, Henderson head to state, hoping to win championship

BY WALKER RICK x 400 meter relay team and was projected to second in the 1,600-meter event. Girvan also Henderson won the high jump and placed Entering their three-day regional track win the 400 meter event, and both the 110- won the 800-meter event in which Johnson second in the 100 meter hurdles. Henderson meet, both the boys and girls track teams meter and 300 meter hurdles. took second. Only 10 minutes after the also narrowly missed qualifying in the 300- expected to show well. The boys, led by Due to Coleman’s injury, the Knights finish of the 3,200-meter event, Vernon and meter hurdles, and Fields barely missed in the experience and athleticism, expected to scored no points in the 400-meter event or Stephens joined Girvan and freshman Kari high jump, placing fourth. contend for first, while the extremely young 110-meter event. In addition to these two Kemp to run on the 4 x 400 meter relay The girls were unable to score any points girls team, which has been turning heads all events, the Knights failed to scored in the team. Vernon and Stephens were forced to in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter. In the season, hoped to continue to do so. The boys 200-meter event and the 4 x 100 meter event, fill in after the lineup was changed to fill in 800-meter event, freshman Quanisha Bridges finished in third place with a solid 101 points which was disqualified for unsportsmanlike for Coleman. In the field events, freshman finished sixth. and the girls finished in fourth. conduct. Andrerious Thomas turned many heads In the 400-meter event freshman In regional meets, the top six finishers in Junior Brandon Thurmond surprised winning both the high jump and long jump. Corinthia Hayes also finished sixth. Fellow each event score, and the top two finishers many and won the 300-meter hurdles, Junior Wesley Journey took third in the shot freshman Ebony Arnett continued the trend advance to the state meet. another event affected by Coleman’s injury. put, and junior Tony Bryant took fourth in and finished sixth in both the 200-meter The boys trailed Lovett’s 137 points and “When Isaac [Coleman] went down, we the discus. On the girls side, a fourth place and 100-meter events. The 4 x 400 meter Decatur’s 109 on the medal stand. “Most of really needed someone to step up,” Ellerton finish was somewhat encouraging for a team relay team, composed of Hayes, Henderson, the time 101 points will win a meet for you,” said. “Brandon [Thurmond] stepped up in with only four seniors. “For such a young Fields and Arnett finished fifth and the 4 x Coach Delbert Ellerton said. “Lovett racked a big way.” team, this is a good result,” Coach Randy 100 meter relay team, composed of junior up a ton of points in the field events; they In the distance events, the Knights were up Reed said. “If all these young girls stick with it Tiffany Wilson, freshman Nina Micklebury, went one-two in almost all of them.” to their usual business. Seniors Nick Stephens and keep running, we have a bright future.” sophomores Chanelle Joseph and Arnett The boys team faced a serious challenge and Saji Girvan dominated, with strong Despite their fourth place finish, the team finished in fourth. when sophomore Isaac Coleman pulled his support from juniors Wes Vernon and Collier will only be sending two runners to state. Overall Grady is sending six boys and two hamstring in the first leg of the 4 x 100 meter Johnson. Stephens won the 1,600-meter and Senior Mia Fields won the triple jump and girls to the state meet on May 12-14 in which relay prelims. In addition to running on the 4 3,200-meter events. Vernon took second junior Jamera Henderson qualified in both all eight athletes are expected to make strong x 100 meter team, he was set to run on the 4 and the 3,200-meter event, and Girvan took the high jump and 100-meter hurdles. pushes for first place.❐ 16 s p o r t s May 10, 2005

Boys track team sweeps the distance events at region Girls soccer and tennis compete in the state playoffs Top 10 Moments with first- and second-place finishes in the 800, 16,00. for the first time on school history. and the 3,200. 8 Senior Melanie Wagner becomes first swimmer to 4 Boys soccer repeats as region 5-AA champions. of ‘04-‘05 represent Grady in 49 years. Junior Woody Morgan returns to the soccer field7 after Nick Stephens repeats as state cross-country champion;3 Grady cheerleaders defeat long-time rival Crim High recovering from a broken leg suffered in last year’s Saji Girvan finishes second, giving the Knights second School to finish second at the region competition. state playoff 4-1 loss to Savannah Country Day. place overall. 2Football team comes from behind to beat Putnam 10 Basketball team defeats Holy Innocents’ on a game- Sophomore Erik Belgum competes in playoff hole for 6 County and secure the Knights their first playoff first place in city golf tournment. ending dunk by Andrerius Thomas to come within one 9 game of the state playoffs. 5 victory in 51 years. 1 KNIGHT WATCH State title hopes end with 2-0 loss BY NICK STEPHENS Just into the second half, the SPRING SPORTS UPDATE What began as a season of the Knights had one of their best BOYS SOCCER highest hopes, hopes of a long chances to score when sophomore GRADY 5, Landmark Christian 0 sought-after state championship, forward Matt Marshall received a WALKER 3, Grady 0 ended May 4 in bitter pass 20 yards in front of Buford’s disappointment in the second goal. Marshall struck a strong shot GRADY 2, Paideia 1 round of the state playoffs with a but sent it sailing over the goal. GRADY 5, North Oconee 0 2-0 loss to Buford High School. Tensions rose between the two Buford 2, GRADY 0 Grady’s boys soccer team, this teams as the Grady players realized year’s 5-A/AA region champions, that time was running and out and a team with a starting lineup of six began to play more physically. GIRLS SOCCER four-year starters, a team ranked After several minutes of Grady 2, ST. FRANCIS 0 third among A/AA schools, and intense play, Buford’s captain and

A P

GRADY 1, Paideia 1 entering the game with a record I midfielder, was dribbling outside R R PACE 8, Grady 0 of 13-2-1, was outplayed and A of Grady’s penalty box when he M A

outfought by the Buford Wolves Z struck a shot that bounced out of

ATHENS ACADEMY 2, Grady 1 E in front of a large crowd of loyal N the reach of Suitts and into the side A supporters at Grady Stadium. J netting. BOYS TENNIS Beginning immediately at SPEED DEMONS: Sophomore Tai Cohen (1) chases a Buford midfielder in the second Now down by two, the Knights GRADY 5, Douglass 0 (forfeit) kickoff, both teams showed round of the state playoffs. Buford relied on speed for their 2-0 win over Grady. pressed hard with many long GRADY 5, North Atlanta 0 (forfeit) intensity and drive. But as the aggressive attacks. “The refereeing was questionable, passes to the forwards but Buford’s game progressed, it became clear Composed almost entirely of and it slowed the tempo of the defense effectively shut down every GRADY 4, Mays 1 that Buford was continuing to Latinos, the Buford team was not game,” Mr. Curtis said. “It was attack. Walker 5, GRADY 0 play at a level of intensity the particularly large but they were hard for us to ever build up any After the final buzzer, as cheers Knights could not match. skillful and hustled continuously. momentum.” Despite claims of erupted from Buford players and GIRLS TENNIS With 18:44 left in the first half, “Buford played a lot bigger than poor officiating, it was clear that fans, the field was littered with as Buford’s offense began the first their size,” said Nikolai Curtis, Buford was outplaying Grady. Grady players, some lying with GRADY 3, Holy Innocents’ 2 of many strong attacks, freshman Grady’s assistant coach. The shots-on-goal ratio between their faces hidden, some crying Walker 5, GRADY 0 defender Hamp Watson fouled a During the kickoff after the two teams was 4-1, in Buford’s openly, some looking on from the Pace 5, GRADY 0 Buford forward inside the penalty Buford’s first goal, senior favor. bench in disbelief. Then, after about Morgan County 5, GRADY 0 box, resulting in a penalty kick. midfielder Walker Rick was In the last eight minutes of the five minutes in which the Knights The forward struck a strong shot to injured after a foul, but the first half, the Knights had two reflected on the lost dreams of their the upper left side of the goal that referees did not call it until 20 corner kicks but were unable to season, they finished this game as BASEBALL senior keeper David Suitts could seconds after it occurred, finally convert on either. Throughout the they had all others this season. By DOUGLASS 7, Grady 2 not stop. With the momentum allowing Rick off the field. season, set plays had yielded many jogging as a team to the far side of NORTH ATLANTA 17, Grady 7 of the game turning in their favor, There were other instances goals for the Knights, but Buford’s the field, and then back, as their the Wolves continued pressing of questionable refereeing that defense wasn’t giving Grady any loyal, yet saddened, fans cheered *All caps denotes HOMETEAM the Knight’s defense with quick, displeased Grady players and fans. room. them on. ❐ Athens Academy sends Knights home in first round

BY WOODY MORGAN and worked together as a team, it caught Paideia went on the offensive for the rest of hoping for another close contest like the After finishing the regular season against the visiting team off guard. Although the the game, and their aggressive play paid off. one against Paideia. two ranked teams, the Grady girls soccer Knights controlled the ball for most of the Senior Julia Thayne scored the tying goal off “All of us have high expectations and are team headed for the state tournament as a first half, Paideia had the first shot but sent a deflected save from senior goalkeeper Alice hoping to make it to the next round and No. 3 seed out of region 5-AA for the first the ball sailing over the crossbar. Bufkin in the final 10 minutes of the game. extend our winning season,” McDowell time in school history. Unfortunately, the Although Paideia had the first opportunity, Fatigue may have been the main reason said. “It all depends on us and how bad girls could not prolong their stay in the the Knights were the first to capitalize when that the Knights didn’t win. we want it. If we want it enough, we can postseason as they lost 2-1 in the first round senior Christina Gibson scored off a cross “The ball was in our half for most of the achieve it.” to Athens Academy. from sophomore second half, and our defense just got worn Apparently the Knights did not “want it” Their last two regular-season games Leah Bishop down,” junior co-captain and sweeper Kyla as much as the girls from Athens Academy. seemed to be a good gauge to measure with five Rentch said. “We just got tired, and they The score was 2-0 at the half, with the the girls’ success. The girls fell to No. minutes left in took advantage of our one breakdown.” Knights scoring an own goal off a deflected 4-ranked Pace on April 14 and tied the first half. Despite not winning, the consensus on Athens Academy shot. No. 7-ranked Paideia 1-1 on April After the the team was that it was the best game they “We came out pretty pumped up before 22. The Paideia game was much g o a l , had played all season. the game, but unfortunately there is no way more than just a regional matchup; “Even though we didn’t win, the game to tell what is going to happen,” Bufkin it was a grudge match with several really brought us together, and I think said. incentives to win. we will show that in the state playoffs,” In contrast to the first half, the girls came Freshman striker Hannah EYE freshman defender Arielle D’Avanzo said. out playing strong in the second half and Rosenbaum probably had the ON THE With the confidence that they could freshman Jamison Kaninne scored midway most animosity toward the Pythons: BALL: Freshman compete with a top-ranked team like Paideia, through the half to give the girls some hope her dad is the head coach. Jamison the girls started looking ahead to April 30, of sticking around in the playoffs. As the “The fact that my dad was the Kannine when they would face Athens Academy in clock continued to wind down Athens opposing coach motivated me to clears the the first round of the state playoffs. The Academy stalled by continually substituting play really well,” Rosenbaum ball to avoid fact that Paideia beat Athens Academy 3-1 players and kicking the ball out of bounds. said. “He’s been watching me GODFREY AMELIA another earlier in the season had the team feeling The Knights failed to equalize and the loss play throughout my whole Paideia very optimistic about the game. brought an end to their season. life, and plus, if I played offensive “Coach Organ has high expectations and “The season has to end in a loss if you bad he wouldn’t let me attack. The thinks that we should go through to the make it to the playoffs,” Bufkin said. “That forget it.” Knights tied 1- second round if not further,” Rentch said is, unless you go all the way. I just wish it It turns out she didn’t have to 1 in their final the day before the game. hadn’t been so early in the tournament or to worry. When the Knights came out strong regional game. Senior midfielder Leslie McDowell was that team.” ❐