SINCE 1947

An upbeat paper http://srt5.atlantapublicschools. forLACROSS a downtown school us/grady/ BAND ECONOMY THEN AND NOW Freshman group Fire stations closed, Is surge in student rocks music scene personnel laid off in activism a modern-day on campus city’s budget cuts civil rights movement? p. 12 p. 10 pp. S1-S4 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA VOLUME LXII, NUMBER 5, Feb. 2, 2009 CNN’S TONY HARRIS INTERVIEWS STUDENTS By Emm a Fr e n c h reasons we wanted to talk to young people was be- studio to film a live interview on Jan. 9. group of students spoke their minds last Decem- cause at that time President-elect Obama’s campaign According to Chillag, Grady students were ber, when CNN reporter Tony Harris visited was very much helped by organized young people who chosen to participate because “the school A the school to interview them in what became a were very excited about the election,” CNN writer and is a historic place in Atlanta and has series of broadcasts titled “Class in Session.” In the in- segment producer Amy Chillag said. “We thought that the diversity [we wanted].” terview the it would make sense, once he was in office, to interview 13 stu- high school kids and talk about what made them so see CNN page 6 d e n t s excited about him and what issues he needs to tackle voiced and prioritize.” t h e i r Four students—seniors Taylor Fulton and Mike thoughts on Robinson, junior Caroline McKay and sophomore the economy, Michael Barlow— made such an impression in the education, race, interview segments that CNN invited them to the the war in Iraq and President Obama’s new administration. “The main

ON IN FIVE: (From left to right) Sophomore Michael Barlow, junior Caroline McKay and seniors Michael Robinson and Taylor Fulton relax before filming their Jan. 9 discussion. Housing slump mars Annual Doggies on the Catwalk dazzles local neighborhoods By Mi n h La m ho let the dogs out? Fashion design teacher Mr. By Ca r o l i n e McKa y lapse. After a growing number of ho- WVincent Martinez let the dogs out on his runway earbook advisor and graphic meowners couldn’t pay back banks for the second annual Doggies on the Catwalk fashion Ycommunications teacher Mr. their mortgages, banks suffered sub- show on Jan. 16. Doggies on the Catwalk is a project that Paul Nicolson did everything right. stantial financial losses, dragging the was created by Mr. Martinez to help his students improve He and his wife saved to build a new economy into a recession that affects as designers while also raising money for Pets Are Lov- home in Grant Park for their two- thousands of Atlantans. ing Support––an organization that provides assistance to and-a-half-year-old daughter Alana “The bottom fell out [of the hous- the animals of critically ill and disabled Atlantans. About to grow up in. They helped with the ing market] when we were finishing 300 people attended the show, which raised an estimated floor plans. They picked out pink up our new house,” Mr. Nicolson $3000 for PALS. and purple paint for their daughter’s said. “We put our originial house “We brought together celebrities who have media con-

room and large, energy-efficient win- on the market right when the bub- M inh L tacts, which helped get our name out,” said Kevin Bry- dows for the master bedroom. They ble burst. The bank that lent us the ant, PALS executive director. “Even though we’ve been got a loan from a bank to pay the money to build our new home was am around for 18 years, there are a lot of people who don’t monthly construction mortgage. one of the first to crumble.” realize what we do and how we affect the community.” They had planned for everything BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: Better Mornings’ Corinna Allen models except for the housing market col- see DISTRICT page 9 with Charley in senior Taylor Fulton’s dress at the Jan. 16 show. see DOGGIES page 14 comment 3 news 5 people 13 sports 18 o n t e n t s Lily Muntzing relates her After a student was mugged In attempts to lose weight Jake Martin criticizes students C experience at President Barack in the school music wing last and improve their health, 36 for their lack of school spirit Obama’s historic inauguration semester, the administration is teachers have started a semester- at sports games and calls for and taking part in history. working to improve security. long fitness competition. increased attendance. 2 commentS i n c e 1 9 4 7 t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 Ed i to r i a l Bo a r d Sa r a h Bu f k i n Pe r r i Ca m p i s Em i l y Em s h o f f t h e So u t h e r n e r Ka l a Ma r k s Li l y Mu n t z i n g Generosity towards Knights. We must not forget that Southerner about debate gives Gu s Ri c k the reason behind our successful the team as a whole the respect Ke e l y Yo u n g b l o o d fan kind, admirable teams is the overwhelming support they deserve, especially at such an they receive from the audience. To important time as this, where the Dear editors, know that a homeless man who has team is one of the largest in the Subs deserve respect I really loved the article about endured many struggles has taken country but has so little funding We’d like to take this small amount of space to give a shout out to Unk (“Homeless fan stands behind time to come out and support the that it is a struggle to even get a bus a group of people that probabaly have never gotten one from students Knights,” Dec. 10) because he is Grady football team should truly to take the team to tournaments. in their lives. You’ve seen our faces, put up with our insanity and yet such a part of Grady, but I never warm the spirit of the football we never seem to give you the respect you deserve. So, this editorial is really knew anything about him. players. Furthermore, it should Nick Miller for you—the substitute teachers of APS. I’m so glad that Grady has adopted also inspire Grady High School junior We want all of our peers to understand that you, too, deserve re- Unk; it makes our school special. students, who find excuses to not spect. You, too, should be treated like human beings and not the inan- When I read about all the things he come to Grady football games, to Money well spent imate, unintelligent soulless creatures that our disrespectful colleagues went though, it really encouraged finally come. make you out to be. me to stay in school. I’m proud to on security cameras For some reason, the attitudes of students across America change support Unk knowing now about Bree Gray-Jordan when they realize substitutes are filling in for their missing teachers. all the hard things he has faced and senior Dear Editors, Even the kids who display the utmost respect towards teachers at all gone through. It especially makes I appreciate the article on the times turn into mischevious pranksters and those who cry at the sight me happy that Grady is helping Recognition of lack security cameras received through a of anything less than an A-plus on their report card seem to turn into Unk with his alcoholism. What a of funding helpful grant from the American Society for slackers. good cause! Go Unk! Industrial Security. (“Cameras secure We lie to you. We tell you we have to go “make up a test.” We tell hallways, grounds remain uncertain.” you that we never have a seating chart. We tell you that of course we’re Alix Youngblood page 9) The article expanded on allowed to turn on Days Of Our Lives in math class. When you try to freshman Dear editors, the reasons for the state-of-the-art give us work, we talk above you. When you try to quiet us, we bla- I appreciate the article in cameras and why so much money tantly ignore you. Even more ridiculous, we’re not ashamed of looking Lack of school spirit the previous issue of The has been invested in security. Now, you dead in the eye and telling you that “Yes, it took me 20 minutes to Southerner regarding the debate no one can ignorantly accuse Grady get water,” and “No, I don’t know where this hot Wendy’s hamburger is highlighted by fan team’s expansion and battle for of wasting money on something came from.” necessary funding (“Debate team pointless. Yes, the cameras help the Don’t get us wrong—whatever desire comes out in others to make membership expands, funding administration catch skippers, and the lives of substitutes miserable, comes out in us as well. But we’re Dear editors, shrinks,” Dec 10). The debate yes, Dr. Propst can call your name taking a stand to put a stop to it. So, Grady students, let’s all remem- I thought the article entitled team does not get a lot of attention on the loudspeakers if you are do ber that substitutes are people, too. p “Homeless fan stands behind around the school, even though something wrong. It seems like too Knights” by Miles Gilbreath was most members dedicate hours of much, but in the end, the cameras phenomenal. It was refreshing for free time to practicing. Our debate were set up to keep our campus The Southerner to shift its focus team attends a tournament just safe and to provide a better learning Ready for ‘Change’ from the participants in sports to the about every weekend and brings environment. onlookers and those who support home trophies the majority of Rance Nix We’ve witnessed history. The first black president, Barack Obama, was and cheer on our Grady Grey the time. Any coverage in The junior sworned in on Jan. 20 before our very eyes. We’ve cheered, we’ve cried, we’ve sung “My President is Black,” and we’ve regained a sense of optimism that had been crushed in the past eight years. So we say to you, Obama, we’re ready for that change you promised. First, we want regulation and control of the companies that were uestion o f t h e m o n t h : previously allowed to run free with greed and topple our economy. We want job security so that we can continue to be able to afford our groceries, Q car payments and maybe even a vacation every now and then. And while What are you looking forward to in Obama’s presidency? we’re at, what about health care? Give us a helpin’ of that, too. As students, we also demand that you improve our schools. While that last administration was busy looking behind us, they forgot about what lay The idea that he’s For the recession ahead: college and life. American schools are not effectively preparing us to going to bring interact and compete on a global stage. As the “future of America,” it’s in to get better. both your interest and ours that we be educated, not armed, to the teeth. such diversity We want you to explore alternative energy sources, resolve the war in to our country. Iraq, support recycling and other environmentally conscious initiatives, Mori Russell, Mr. Pope ensure civil rights for all and continue the fight against prejudice that junior U.S. History teacher persists even after your election. “ “ We admit, it’s a tall order. But after months and months of excited Seeing different preparation for the president who vowed to fulfill a shift from the dated sources of energy, ideas of the previous administration and millennium, we’re ready for that besides oil. change. The party is over. It’s time to get down to business. p Jordan Jarrett, senior CORRECTIONS Better school “ In our Dec. 10 issue the article “Boys attendance sinks team,” (page 20) His promise to bring systems for home the troops incorrectly quoted David Bufkin as saying Grady has separate boys and girls American children. swim teams. The team is, in fact, co-ed, and according to Bufkin, that does in Iraq. Lucy Leonard, not hinder practice time or space. Perrin Turner, The first sentence in the second column of “Planned center works on design freshman ideas with students,” (page 9) should have read “one of the participants in the sophomore Dec. 8 meeting with Shipman…” “ “ Southerner Staff 2008-2009 An upbeat paper for a downtown school

Managing editors: Sarah Bufkin, Keely Youngblood Sports editors: Miles Gilbreath, Kala Marks Advisers: Kate Carter, Debra Hartsfied, Dave To our readers, Design editors: Emma French, Minh Lam, Staff: Jane Beal, Lucy Beeching, Kate Belgum, Winter Gus Rick Mariah Burch, Leah Butterfield, Parker Carlson, Print staff: Alvin Hambrick, Harlon Heard, The Southerner welcomes submissions, which Copy editors: Kala Marks, Lily Muntzing, Rachel Cruz, Sarah Darrow, Elliott Erickson, Michael Jackson, Adlai McClure, Charlotte may be edited for grammar, inappropriate Olivia Scofield Judson Good, Micheal Goolsby, Morgan Gore, Napper, Benjamin Shaw language and length. Please place submissions News editors: Emma French, Isobel Robinson-Ortiz Dean Jackson, Khalyn Jones, Noelle Jones, in Mr. Winter or Ms. Carter’s box in the main Comment editors: Alexandria Cantrell, Zack Klein, Amelia Kovacevich, Jackson Martin, The Southerner, a member of GSPA, SIPA, office. Subscriptions are also available. For Taylor Fulton, Olivia Scofield Caroline McKay, Madeline Roorbach, CSPA and NSPA, is a monthly student more information, please contact Mr. Winter, People editors: Perri Campis, Emily Emshoff Shelby Rudd, Nia Williams, Sidney Wise publication of: Henry W. Grady High School Ms. Carter or a member of the staff. Arts and Entertainment editors: Grace Brown, 929 Charles Allen Drive NE Polly Zintak Atlanta, GA 30309 Feb. 2, 2009 comment 3 Portrayal of women in advertising unrealistic, sexist A m e r i c a n a blemish on their skin or a wrinkle on their months ago, I was flipping through a furniture the “community garden fundraiser” and a advertising is faces. Conversely, men look far more realistic and decor catalogue for teen bedrooms. “sleepover guest list.” This wouldn’t have replete with skewed in ads than women do. Men are pictured with Initially, I thought the rooms for girls were bothered me had the reminders in the boys standards of what stubble, wrinkles and even the occasional butt cute, but after looking past the charm, I began room not been “Tuesday—study group with is socially accepted chin, creating a much lower standard for an to notice that the rooms had “stereotypical Dayne and Keith” and a list of schools to of both males and acceptable masculine appearance. naïve girl” written all over them. visit: Oxford, MIT, Princeton and Stanford. females. “Sex sells” Open any magazine and you’ll find pages of Pink flowers were painted on the furniture Apparently, acceptance into an Ivy League is the universal ads with scantily clad and suggestively posed and walls. Journals were stacked everywhere school is only for the boys. Girls, have fun at Al e x a n d r i a Ca n t r e l l theme. Advertisers women. If they are clothed, they are pulling at (because all girls need to immortalize their your community garden fundraiser. I hope it use alluring women the fabric in an attempt to expose themselves emotions). There was an innumerable amount brings you lots of satisfaction. to sell products that are as removed from sex as further. This is the image that society projects of “Think Green” items (since all girls are Fortunately, we as women don’t have to buy carpeting or tires. Think you aren’t susceptible to young girls and boys—flawless, rail-thin environmentally conscious tree-huggers). into this image of who we are or who we should to these ads? According to social theorist Jean women whose only qualification is to be found Pastel-colored birds and bunnies were stenciled aspire to be. We don’t have to feel obligated to Kilbourne, the average American views more attractive, sexy and well-liked. on the walls (of course, every girl is a devoted dress up, have a boyfriend or constantly look than 2,000 advertisements a day. Try to ignore Surrounded by this idea of women their animal lover). attractive. Real women are stronger than that. that. whole lives, boys hitting their teen years only After seeing this insulting “typical” girl’s Real women don’t let people tell them what to Growing up as a female in a society that find stunningly beautiful women attractive. room, I flipped to the “typical” boys’ rooms. wear or how to behave. We don’t all like ponies stresses a materialism grounded in personal But according to Kilbourne, only five percent Dictionaries and calculators lay all over the and roses and hearts, and we’re certainly not vanity takes a greater toll than we might think. of American women are born with the body floor (because all men are educated, intelligent all waiting to rip off our clothes at the soonest The way that women think of themselves is type seen in magazines, movies, TV shows, and hardworking). Periodic tables and giant opportunity. a significant enough cause for alarm without billboards, newspapers, posters and even world maps hung from the walls along with Next year when I go to college, I don’t want figuring in the attitudes that men take towards textbooks. Girls the same age feel worthless baseball cards and photos of athletes and anyone to see me as a physical stereotype. I “the fairer sex” as well. when they don’t look like a page out of a skateboarders (because every guy releases his want people to see me as a person who has Women in advertisements are unnaturally magazine. When they hit adolescence, their self- aggression through sports). feelings and dreams, goals and ambitions, beautiful. They have flawless, perfectly esteem plummets as a result of unrealistically Moreover, the bulletin boards in the girls’ even quirks and peculiarities. Is that so much symmetrical faces to go with their perfect manufactured image expectations. rooms were covered with magazine clippings to ask? Unfortunately, in this day and age, I little bodies. There is never a hair out of place, Fashion ads aren’t solely to blame. A few of shoes and supermodels, a reminder for believe it is. p Inauguration stirs spirits WASHINGTON D.C. — Even with temper- atures hovering around the 10-degree mark, I ignored the forecasts of historic gridlock and headed to our nation’s capital five days before the swearing-in of the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, on Jan. 20. In spite of the incredible cold, the crowds swelled in anticipation of welcoming the first Li l y Mu n t z i n g black man to the highest office in the land. Traffic stopped; people grouped on sidewalks to sing self-composed bal- lads praising Obama; others broke into spontaneous cheers at the spot- ting of any Obama apparel, and National Guard units with enormous, camouflage-covered Hummers decorated every street corner. Even with all of the hype, the magnitude of the event that three mil- lion jubilant, like-minded people were about to witness with me didn’t hit me until I was standing with the enormous crowd on the National Mall ­— it was emotionally overwhelming. While I and everyone around me had gotten to the Mall at least four hours before the ceremony, we were all still nearly two miles from the platform where President Obama stood. On my left was my sister, and on my right was a toddler resting in a stroller, wrapped in a blanket, sound asleep and unaware of the event about to take place. We relied on a giant screen in front of us to play the events live that were unfolding ahead of us. And, just like the five-degree wind chill didn’t seem to bother anyone, the fact that we were witnessing the inauguration of our new president Starbucks grinds out local flavor on a TV screen was just as good as standing next to him on the podium because of the mass-bonding that was taking place in the crowd. With the prospect of seven hours bolizes a disturbing trend in society that should raise some The camaraderie of our tightly knit group only heightened as the large of quizzes, tests, notes and work- concern. The new commercial development, particularly in screens displayed performances from the “We Are One” concert two days sheets looming before the groggy Midtown and Little Five Points, over the past several years before. When Garth Brooks paraded across the screen, singing “Shout!”, student, it is no wonder that most may add business, but it also takes away from the area’s indi- we all shouted with him. When Stevie Wonder’s memorable dance turn to caffeine to make it through viduality by ignoring the uniqueness of the neighborhood. moves flickered across the monitors, we danced with him. When soon- the school day. While some stu- As many students turn to convenience over loyalty, the to-be President Obama appeared live on the screen, flashing his signature dents turn to their home coffee personal service—an employee who greets you warmly by smile, the reality and solemnity of the occasion flowed through us. makers to get a name with your daily order ready— Though a few scattered boos skipped through the air when President Am e l i a Ko v a c e v i c h java jump, many I applaud will be lost, as well as the local flavor. Bush’s face appeared on the giant screens, the resounding silence in an- visit nearby coffeehouses to get their caf- Many people, value the speed of their ticipation of the president-elect’s arrival made it clear that Bush was not feine fix. innovation and coffee over its quality. We are accus- the reason we were all there—his presence on screen simply boosted our For mine, I turn to San Francisco Coffee tomed to everything happening at energy because it symbolized the monumental departure of our nation’s located on the corner of North Highland development but lightning speed, and, as a result, we most historical burden. and Amsterdam avenues for my morning “ tend not to stop and savor things After spending the Saturday before the inauguration walking around latte and bagel. The Virginia Highland not at the cost of like the smell of coffee beans in the D.C., my sister proposed staying in her George Washington University shop was the first of three introduced to morning. dorm during the inauguration ceremony. “We can just watch it on TV the neighborhood with the second on a neighborhood’s This corporate takeover is not and be warm!” she said to me. While I couldn’t deny that the idea of Blueridge Avenue. All three are run by a specific to coffee. I cringe when I avoiding the frigid winter temperatures sounded good, I quickly pushed local couple, creating a homey environ- personality. see classic old houses torn down to it aside after remembering that three million people were making a pil- ment that will soon be in competition build trendy condominiums for the grimage. How could I be in a situation that thousands, maybe millions with the latest outpost of Starbucks Coffee. newly ITP—inside the perimeter—yuppies, such as the In- wished they could be in and not go and actually witness the event? I am The opening of a Starbucks coffee across the street from man Park Village development in the historical Inman Park sure that if I had stayed in my sister’s dorm, watching the ceremony on Grady in the Midtown Plaza shopping center will compro- neighborhood. My heart aches when I see small, family-run TV, that I would have regretted it for the rest of my life. The energy, mise not only the business of the neighborhood coffeeshops, businesses like Highland Hardware gobbled up by large, hope and relief that I felt as President Obama was sworn in was unfor- such as San Francisco and Aurora Coffee—another Virginia “big-box” corporations like Home Depot. gettable. Highland mainstay—but also the sense of a genuine, close- I applaud innovation and development but not at the cost For 12 years, I have studied the history, the speeches and proclama- knit community that stems from those locally owned cof- of a neighborhood’s personality. Starbucks Coffee doesn’t tions of Abraham Lincoln, FDR and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. For feeshops. add personal flavors to the neighborhood. In fact, while our once, however, as I boarded my flight home in the wee hours of Wednes- The Starbucks-to-local-coffeeshop-ratio is nearly 3-to-1 community is a vibrant double shot of espresso, Starbucks is day morning, I realized that I had not only witnessed history. I had been in Midtown and Virginia Highland. This disparity sym- nothing more than steamed milk. p a part of it, and it was part of me. p 4 comment Feb. 2, 2009 The

STUDENTStance George Holmes, Noah Johnson, junior Junior Gaza violent attacks Israel’s reasons for ruthless, unethical Israeli and waging war rational Palestinian In December of 2008, Hamas, a mostly women and children, into The current situation in Israel is and seeps into the culture of the Palestinian political party, bombed a building in the Zeitoun district conflict perplexing. Neither side is completely people of Gaza. Israel. In response, Egypt called that had no running water or right or completely wrong. Israel has engaged in these military a meeting for another cease-fire food. Twenty-four hours later, that Something must be done, however, campaigns against Hamas not between Israel and Palestine, but building was bombed, killing 30 lest these two factions continue their against the Palestinian people as a its efforts failed. Soon after, Israel citizens and wounding 15. Israel was first descent down this slippery slope. whole. It has made numerous efforts prepared its fighter jets and attack After 23 brutal days of all-out war recognized as an Over the last several weeks, the to communicate with the citizens helicopters to bomb the Gaza Strip. between Israel and Hamas, a cease- official U.N. state Israeli Defense Force has launched a of Gaza by phone and also through About 300 Palestinians were killed fire was enforced by the United on May 14, 1948. military campaign against the Islamic dropping leaflets by air before they and over 1,000 were wounded Nations. While that sounded like it fundamentalist group Hamas. I move in so that the civilians will be in one of the bloodiest attacks in would put an end to the casualties at SOURCE: cia world factbook strongly favor pursuing diplomatic out of harm’s way. Through all of Gaza’s history. Hamas responded least for a while, it didn’t take long options, but when diplomacy fails, the rocket attacks, through all of to these attacks by firing missiles before Israel deliberately ignored the a military campaign must be waged. the times that Hamas has attacked in Israel that killed one person and cease-fire and continued the offense. Thus, I support the actions the Israeli Israel, through all of the killings Israel held wounded about a dozen. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert armed forces have taken in Gaza. of its citizens, Israel is still, as it has the Gaza strip From the first few events of the attempted to justify the attacks by Since taking power of the always been, sending food and other under military most recent Israel-Hamas conflict, saying that Israel is disregarding the Palestinian government after the humanitarian aid through the Karni occupation for 38 it was obvious who posseses the U.N.’s decision because “murderous” elections in June 2007, Hamas has and Keren crossings to Gaza. years, ending in stronger military. But having the Palestinian groups would also break posed a continuous direct threat to I ask you to consider a simple 2005. undeniable military advantage did the resolution. Israeli officials Israel’s national security. Over the question: what action would the not stop Israel from flaunting its also said that it was defending course of 2007 and 2008, Hamas United States take if its border were power. Israel invaded Gaza to stop itself from Hamas and preventing y SOURCE: Council on Foreign Relations fired 4,681 rockets and mortar shells constantly being bombed by either all possible future attacks from the smuggling of weaponry into into Israeli towns and cities, including Canada or Mexico? I can guarantee Hamas; they destroyed factories Palestinian territory. But if anyone civilian areas such as hospitals you that, after all of the diplomatic that were possibly producing is “murderous” in this situation, it’s oline M c K a and shopping malls. The United options had been exhausted (which rockets and bombs for Hamas; Israel. C a r Hamas won Nations and the Israeli government they clearly have been in Israel), the they attacked office buildings; they This isn’t even the first time that the Palestinian even have video footage of a rocket United States would take the exact detained suspected Hamas leaders; Israel has shown its power through Authority’s general being launched from a school where same course of action to eliminate the they reinforced blockades of Gaza violence. In 2006 during the legislative election innocent Palestinian children created threat to its security. Israel has taken set up in 2007. Their missions Lebanon War, Israel responded in January 2006, a human shield for the terrorists an expected response and is fighting clearly reflected their desire to to Hezbollah’s attacks on its becoming Palestine’s mounting the attack. these terroristic threats in the most obliterate Hamas. soldiers by attacking civilian governing party. Furthermore, Hamas has just and practical way possible. This cycle continued for days. infrastructures. The overall created a culture in Gaza where If you are not convinced by my Israel’s air strikes continued to be death toll for the war was SOURCE: times online terrorism and anti-Israeli reasons, there are a large number of lethal, killing both soldiers and more than a thousand sentiments are the norm. other ones. civilians. Some incidents, such people, most of whom As Hamas representative First, the State of Israel must as the Dignity Incident, caught were Lebanese Fathi Hamad said in an survive as the only democracy in a the interest of the international civilians. interview on Al-Jazerra, very dangerous area of the world. It community. The Dignity was a These attacks are “for the Palestinian is surrounded by countries that are boat coming from Cyprus to bring unforgivable. It people death became an ruled by dictators, many of whom medical aid to Gaza. After refusing makes no sense industry. Accordingly, harbor terrorists. to stop on its course to Gaza, the that a country [Palestinians] created Additionally, Israel is the most boat was attacked by Israeli naval founded on a a human shield of advanced nation in that region in fleets. Fortunately, there were no belief in peace, women, children, terms of politics, economics, science casualties, and the boat turned love and If you are interested in being the elderly and and culture. Scientists in Israel are around immediately. Former U.S. k i n d n e s s a guest writer for The Southerner, the Jihad well on their way to developing a representative Cynthia McKinney, would go let us know fighters against vaccine against HIV. Israel is also Irish activist Caoimhe Butterly to these at [email protected] the Zionist a true defender of the rights that and journalists from Al Jazeera e f f o r t s b ombing we, as Americans, hold sacred: and CNN were all on board the to prove machine, as freedom, justice, liberty, equality Dignity. a point. Killing by the if they were saying to the Zionist and civil rights for all people. If Even worse was the Zeitoun hundreds and thousands enemy, ‘We desire death as you anybody supports these rights, there Incident. According to Palestinian just to show how big their desire life.’” This quote is clear is no reason whatsoever that anyone witnesses and victims, Israeli troops guns are is not necessary. evidence of the cultural stigma should withdraw support from the on Dec. 22 ordered 110 Palestinians, Israel has gone too far. p that has been created by Hamas State of Israel. p

What do you think about the conflict between Gaza and Israel?

I’m upset I hear it on the Israel should be Israel bombing Gaza [over] how the news a lot, but I defending themselves isn’t moral. How “Palestinians are “ never really paid “ but not killing “ would Israel feel if a being treated. attention to it. innocent people. bigger country came Israel should let and attacked them? the Red Cross in. Jalen Rideaux, Iris Shaer, Aubrey Roberts Hannah Mitchell junior sophomore senior senior Ne w s Br i e f s t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 news5 Teachers earn APS awards in excellence Scholarship-winning students in new Posse PEC teacher Mr. Jake Hackett By Am e l i a Ko v ac e v i ch Other Posse Cities and science teacher Mr. Graham For many seniors, the most The Posse Foundation Looks for Students: Balch are two of 11 APS faculty stressful part of their final year in Boston awarded the Atlanta Families’ high school is the dizzying college Who are leaders in their high schools and Who are positive awards for Excellence in Teach- application process. With the communities Chicago ing. Both were awarded with a economy’s steady decline, the focus Who are committed to their education and Who are motivated $5,000 grant. has been shifted from working to Los Angeles demonstrate academic potential Jesters host second get into the nation’s top colleges to scrambling to find a way to pay Who are interested in teamwork Who are talented New York City annual tournament for them. The weight of that issue has Washington, D.C. Grady hosted its second annual Who are interested in diversity Who are ambitious been lifted off the shoulders of Source: http://www.possefoundation.org/about-posse round robbin tournament, inviting five seniors who received the Posse teams nationwide to compete scholarship. With a four-year, full- Students Who Made the Cut in eight rounds of Lincoln ride scholarship from the Posse Bard College Bard College Bard College Boston University College of Wooster Douglas debate. Sophomore Tyler Foundation, Demarius Walker will Olsen placed third. The Emory attend Boston University, Malcolm debate program co-sponsored Perry will attend the College of the event. Wooster and Miriam Huppert, Lena James and Hannah Mitchell Sophomore serves as will attend Bard College. The Posse Scholarship is different

mi n h lam Mi r i am Hu p p e r t Le n a Jam e s Ha n n ah Mi t ch e l l De ma r i u s Wa l k e r Ma l c o l m Pe r r y cantor at MLK gala than most merit or need-based Sophomore Jonathan Stone scholarships. Since 1989, the Posse just what’s on the list.” skin, so I let my confidence outshine knew that [Bard] was the right decision represented Grady and the Jewish Foundation has offered a leadership- The first interview was done my nervousness.” for me.” community at the Martin Luther based scholarship designed to in groups and used unorthodox Perry, the only student who chose the One of the aspects of the Posse King, Jr. Day interfaith celebra- give students who may be often techniques to illustrate students’ College of Wooster, did so because of scholarship that makes it unique is its tion. Stone served as cantor at overlooked in the application cooperation skills. his experiences on the school football required eight-month pre-collegiate the ceremonies, held at Ebenezer process the tools and resources to “[At the first interview], we built team. training. Baptist church. attend some of the best colleges and with legos in groups, which [at first] “Wooster was the only one out of “Scholars meet with the Posse universities in the nation. Atlanta is seemed odd but then made sense,” the three to have a football team,” Perry representatives once a week to work Student teacher wins one of six cities in the United States Walker said. “By taking the interview said. “It also just seemed like the right on team building, cross cultural with a scholarship chapter. Posse to a basic level, it showed how people fit for me.” communication and leadership in beauty pageants Atlanta’s partner universities are communicate in the simplest way.” The choice of school was very simple exercises,” Williams said. “There are Bard College, Boston University and James felt more comfortable with for Huppert, who had been looking at also on-campus mentorship meetings Ms. Chastity Hardman, who College of Wooster. these group interviews because she was Bard before even being nominated for for the Posse scholars on a weekly basis taught as a student teacher for In order to win the scholarship, the used to the format. the Posse scholarship. [once they begin college].” the chorus last year, was crowned five seniors had to endure a rigorous “The first [group] interviews “Bard was always in my top list of The support system that the Posse Miss Georgia last summer and interview process. The interviews, led reminded me of soccer tryouts,” James schools,” Huppert said. “It offers the scholarship offers students is reflected proceeded to win first runner- by Posse director Charisse Williams, said. “It was easier to open up and show small, liberal arts environment that is in its success rate. About 90 percent of up in the 2009 Miss America were based on group participation my leadership skills.” perfect for me.” Posse scholars graduate from college Pageant. but also included the traditional The second and third round of Mitchell, on the other hand, had a and 60 percent go on to pursue one-on-one interview. interviews followed the one-on-one more difficult time settling on Bard. graduate degrees. Student involved in “The college application process format more strictly, although they still “The night before we had to declare “When you become a Posse scholar, accident on Monroe is two-dimensional—just a list of had very few requirements. which school we were picking, I was you’re not just thinking about yourself achievements and grades on a piece “The only requirement was to be torn between Bard [College] and anymore,” Williams said. “You’re Freshman Eve Brown was hit by of paper,” Williams said. “The Posse myself,” Huppert said. “[The Posse Boston [University],” Mitchell said. thinking about the commitment you a car on Monroe Drive on Jan. 23. interview is three-dimensional; we Foundation] wanted to see how “[But] I looked at the Bard website made to the nine other people in your She didn’t sustain serious injuries. look at the whole individual, not comfortable you were in your own and felt an instinctual connection. I posse to succeed in college.” p In the unprotected music hall, misconduct abounds

By Al e x a n d r i a Ca n t r e l l to monitor the hall before and after school. Freshman Kyle Barry was mugged on the “We would like to pay supervisors, but music hallway one morning three months ago. that money doesn’t exist,” Mr. Brandhorst There was no one monitoring the area, nor were said.“Right now it’s up to the volunteering there any staff members on the hall. spirit of whoever happens to still be on campus. “I was walking down the hall, and I was getting Without more eyes and more bodies, there is some water,” Barry recalls. “I turned around and no way to enforce [rules].” one kid jumped on my back and pulled me to Teachers have begun guarding the doors to the the ground and they started punching me. He music lobby before school begins. But keeping started going through my pockets so I kicked students out of the music wing in the morning him in the face. Then he punched me in the poses problems of its own.

chest and the two of them ran off.” A le x a n dria C trell Senior Ariel Manning approves of the Barry’s experience is a clear indication that HERE COMES TREBLE: The deserted music hall sits vacant of faculty or supervision each morning and after measures being taken to make the music hall safety falls short for this wing of the building. school. With no supervisors monitoring the hall, students’ property is vulnerable to vandalism and theft. more secure. She finds flaws, however, in the Though Barry was fortunate enough to walk new security measures for music students like away without any serious injuries, his experience administration] is working on ways to improve music hall, including the scene shop. Students’ herself. stays with him. Barry never goes into the music the situation.” belongings have been stolen during concerts, “People like to do stupid [things] in the building as a result of a trauma that many feel But all Mr. Rodriguez wants is for the school rehearsals and classes. Last semester, someone music building because they know that no one could have been prevented. to be safe. broke into one of the practice rooms and stole comes down here,” Manning said. “I like [that] “They put me in band [afterwards], and I tried “We need to make sure that if students a $1,000 projector. the doors are locked because it keeps them out to get changed out,” Barry said. “I guess I just are in the practice rooms, then [attacks] can’t Fine arts chair Mr. John Brandhorst says that of the building. The only problem is that [the don’t want to be there. It brings back memories happen,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “It’s scary. Maybe the problems on the music wing are not solely music students] get locked out too. It’s unfair that I just don’t want to remember.” we aren’t doing a good job [of] scanning kids to blame on students. to the music students who are forced to be late This startling incident worries both students at the metal detectors each morning, but every “The perception is that the whole afterschool because they have to go from one opposite and faculty alike. Orchestra director Mr. student is supposed to check in that way. Kids crowd is bad,” Mr. Brandhorst said. “But the end of the school to the other just to put an Sergio Rodriguez says that the music staff has come inside the music building and go up the reality is that [only] a few insist on doing the instrument away.” been complaining about a lack of security stairs to their classes without going through wrong thing. All this effort has to be put into Until a solution is implemented, the since the beginning of the year. According to the metal detectors and then don’t leave after place because very few people make this look administration continues to work on solving administrator Ms. Diana Porter, the problem school is over.” like a much worse environment than it actually the issue. is not being ignored. Violence isn’t the only issue that results from is. It’s an impossible situation.” “We have ideas, but right now it’s just a matter “We are well aware of the security problems the security issues. This school year, countless Administrators have developed several of if [the rules] can be enforced,” Ms. Porter on the music hall,” Ms. Porter said. “[The items have been stolen from every room on the methods to solve the issue, like hiring supervisors said. “It’s a work in progress.” p 6 news Feb. 2, 2009 Renovations scaled back due to budget constraints

By Ni a Wi l l i a m s “They are going to renovate all Due to budget constraints, APS of the space [under the stadium],” is revising its original plans for the principal Dr. Vincent Murray renovation of the stadium. said. “There will be a square- Originally the design included footage increase so that they can a concourse that would have gone accommodate a rifle range for the from both sides to a new entrance JROTC.” on 10th Street. The newer plan The west side will include two eliminates the concourse and elevators that will be built for focuses primarily on the renovation handicap accessibility. of the stadium, including the The east side of the stadium will extra space underneath designated also undergo a series of significant for the JROTC facilities, which changes. currently do not meet federal “On the east side, they are standards. going to do a fair amount of “The elevated concourse walkway modifications,” Roorbach said. was going to be very expensive,” “They are going to change the said Jennifer Roorbach, a Grady configuration on Monroe Avenue, parent and the president of the create more ticket booths and back athletic booster club. “[APS] felt them up into the area. They are that the concourse was not going to also going to widen the walkways be a good use of its money.” going down both sides so that The newer design calls for the there is adequate space for people renovation of the restrooms and the to walk. The ground level will

buildings underneath the stands on have new concession stands, new OF JENNIFER ROORBACH COURTESY the stadium’s west side—the side restrooms and locker facilities for TAKE TWO: In order to bring Grady Stadium up to code, APS has allocated $8 to $9 million for the planned renovation. The design adjacent to the student parking other schools.” has been retrenched to eliminate the original elevated concourse, which APS felt would require too much funding from the budget. lot. The JROTC facilities will In addition, artificial turf will be expanded, the leftover room replace the current grass fields. renovations. The stadium is not only said. “Building the plaza and filling near JROTC will be used for the The concrete will have new sealant, “This is a district initiative,” Dr. unattractive to some, but it lacks out the space under [the stadium] athletics department and there is rooms will be repaired to fix the Murray said. “Grady’s stadium access ramps, guardrails and will make it feel more like a part of a tentative plan to make room for leaks in some areas and the fencing hasn’t been renovated in quite a adequate facilities for handicapped the community and will be more the robotics club, the Gearbox will be upgraded so that it’s not while. The concrete’s cracking, and individuals. convenient for everyone.” Gangsters, as well as for the planned chain link fencing. we have JROTC housed under the “The stadium is out of APS also acknowledges that the engineering academy. The athletic booster club has stadium. Water is leaking from the compliance with respect to the renovations are a priority and need “APS has basically said that been working in conjunction with concrete that is above them.” current code regarding handrails to be carried out. Grady can use the underside of APS to ascertain that all necessary As well as structural problems and ramp height,” Roorbach said. APS’s budget for the renovations the stadium stands for certain renovations are made. that abound throughout the Critics also complain that the field stands at $8.7 million, and the programs,” said Mr. Timothy “APS has been extremely receptive stadium, there are some who feel is overused, that the restrooms are Athletic Booster Club hopes to Wolfe, a science teacher and the to our concerns and comments,” that the stadium needs a facelift, poorly lit and unsanitary, that the start the renovations at the end head of the Gearbox Gangsters. Roorbach said. “Approximately not just an upgrade. single ticket booth on the home of the 2008-2009 academic year. “I would like to see [Gearbox $8 to $9 million were identified “[The stadium is] pretty ugly side causes lines that stretch down The goal is for the project to be Gangsters] get part of that space to renovate both the Grady and now,” said Cliff Altekruse, a an entire block on occasions, and completed by the fall of 2009. because if we don’t get any of that Lakewood stadiums, although member of the Athletics Booster that the entrance plaza is too small “It’s a big job,” Dr. Murray said. space, we won’t have a place on how those funds will be allocated Club. “[The stadium] is big, heavy to comfortably accommodate the “[The renovations] will probably campus to do the robotics club between the two projects has not and dark. It’s not kept up, and it’s crowds that come in. be ready no later than the end properly.” been identified.” clear that nobody spends much “There is not enough sidewalk of the first semester. It could be As of Jan. 20, only the JROTC The Grady stadium is 60 years time there. All of those things in space for what is a heavily used over the summer depending on has been officially promised new old and has never undergone any an environment make you want to street, and it’s not very functional the number of people working on space. significant reconstructions or go somewhere else.” for people walking along,” Altekruse that project.” p CNN broadcasts students’ perspectives on politics from page 1 “To be honest, I don’t think my generation really grasps the fact that this may fall on our The broadcast was directed at people of shoulders,” Imes said in the interview. “Even various ages and backgrounds. for me, even though you’re saying that that “People find it interesting to hear young may happen, I’m thinking, ‘That’s not going people talking about the issues facing the to happen. This problem is going to be taken country and their generation,” Chillag said. care of.’” “We keep hearing about the Obama genera- Some students, however, understand the tion and the concept of change.” future situation all too well. In the interview, The group interview, which was expected senior Michael Robinson attested that previ- to last no longer than 45 minutes, continued ous generations had left us with “a nasty pile for two hours. The group interview was cut of problems.” into six segments, which aired every Friday “If we look at our generation, there’s a lot for six weeks starting on Dec. 23. of apathy,” Robinson said. “Barack Obama “We picked magnet school students be- has stirred a lot of interest in our genera- cause we thought it would be neat to hear tion of politics, but there are still all kinds of what the best and the brightest have to say,” problems that we have to deal with. I think Chillag said. “I was really surprised how eru- that once Obama takes office and people re- dite their comments were. I think that a lot alize that things aren’t going to get that much

of those students’ perspectives on the issues fulton taylor better for a while, people are probably going and their ability to grasp history in connec- LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: A CNN cameraman relaxes prior to the filming of the first interview. A diverse to [become] disillusioned.” tion with today was beyond what a lot of group of students were chosen to speak during a special opinion panel with correspondent Tony Harris. The broadcast gave the public insight adults are able to think about.” about what the Obama generation is think- When Grady’s magnet coordinator, Ms. talked to the producer after the live interview, just to get everyone feeling stable again,” ing, Carrie MacBrien, received the call from and she said that she has not seen that many Imes said during the filmed interview. “I “I have a former student in the Peace Corps CNN requesting an interview with a small good responses to a segment they’ve done in think that the benefits will automatically in Bulgaria who called me last week wanting group of students, she asked teachers to months. So not only does Grady love Grady, trickle down into the other issues like energy, to know if I knew those kids on CNN,” Mr. compile a list of the students they felt were but apparently the country does too.” health care and education.” Herrera said. “It was really cool knowing that intellectually and politically active. Among other things, the students dis- Harris spurred the students’ discussion they were being watched around the world. I “[The students] got really excited and they cussed the economic crisis and what they be- by asking the students if they thought their think everyone always tells teenagers ‘You’re took it seriously,” debate teacher Mr. Mario lieved should be first on President Obama’s generation was going to be responsible for important and what you say matters,’ but Herrera said. “They realized it was a respon- agenda. “the debt that has been accumulated in our when it becomes real, it becomes something sibility, and boy did they do Grady proud. I “The economy should be the first focus, country.” completely different.” p Feb. 2, 2009 news 7 Cabaret pays tribute to Holocaust; survivors to speak

By Si d n e y Wi s e “Jean Greenbaum was the world to my children and me,” said U.S. history teacher Mr. Lee Pope of an old neighbor and Holocaust survivor who passed away in 2005. “She couldn’t speak of the Holocaust because of the pain that it brought her. She did tell me some of her story but never finished. I will always regret not hearing the entire thing, but I vowed when she passed away that I would do whatever I could to pass her story and the story of others on to those who didn’t know about them. The Holocaust should never fade into history.” The Jewish Holocaust may seem like ancient history to some, but according to Mr. Pope, the repercussions of what happened during those years still affects us today. Mr. Pope’s musical theater program will remember the Holocaust by performing the musical Cabaret four times during the last weekend in March. Holocaust survivors will oor b ach be attending one of the performances and will speak to the audience and cast about their experiences. M adeline R “Other than West Side Story, this is one of JAZZ HANDS: Seniors Abby Deel and Alexandria Cantrell , junior Asha Farmer, sophomore Glory Nix and junior Tavia Parsons rehearse a scene with the rest of the “Kit my all-time favorite musicals,” Mr. Pope said. Kat Club dancers” for the upcoming performance. “[Practice] is going very smoothly, “ director and U.S. history teacher Mr. Lee Pope said. “It’s very professional.” “The story still has relevance today and speaks to a wide range of people. It is all about hatred us who sit back and do nothing about it.” end, all I really want is to be remembered for “I am anxious to hear the speakers,” Scala said. and how the most innocent of people can be According to Scala, the musical is still relevant loving strongly, caring deeply about others and “I think that what they say will shine a whole hurt by organized hate.” in today’s political and social climate. leaving the world just a little bit better than I new light on the musical. I’m not sure how the Written by Joe Masteroff in 1966, Cabaret “I think everyone can take away something found it.” audience will react.” takes place in Germany during the late 1920s important from it,” Scala said. “It was a very Mr. Pope has planned for a unique Although he shares Mr. Pope’s determination at the dawn of Nazi power. The story centers tragic time that does not get enough attention. opportunity for his cast and the audience of to spread Holocaust remembrance, Scala has a around a nightclub singer named Sally—played And with all the war in recent years [in the Middle one of the performances in an attempt to help different, more personal goal as well. by junior Amelia Kovacevich—and an American East], it’s very fitting for our time.” people further remember the Holocaust. He has “I’m most excited to be able to just belt it out writer named Cliff—played by junior Gabe For years, Mr. Pope has worked with the Anti- invited several Holocaust survivors to come and to an audience and see how they respond,” Scala Scala.­ Over the course of the musical, the couple Defamation League, which was founded 95 years share their stories. said. “It’s cool to get the spotlight and be center must decide whether their relationship is worth ago to combat anti-Semitism and intolerance of “We will have a reception in the main lobby of stage singing something different in front of an the pain that the Nazis are inflicting upon both all kinds. He firmly believes in its mission to stop the theater so that people can meet the survivors audience you don’t know.” them and society. injustice anywhere in the world, particularly acts and speak to them personally,” Mr. Pope said. Mr. Pope’s intentions, on the other hand, are “I have been a supporter of Holocaust against Jewish people. He feels that it’s part of “The survivors will stand at the door with candles simply to shock, amuse, intrigue and inspire. education for years, and I believe the script of his duty as a person to get this message across to and light the patrons’ candles [as they go into] “My goal is to leave the audience stunned Cabaret speaks to its memory,” Mr. Pope said. as many people as possible. Putting on Cabaret to the courtyard, and we will have a moment when they leave the theater,” Mr. Pope said. “I “Cabaret is important because it teaches us all helps him accomplish that goal. of silence to remember those that perished at certainly want people to enjoy the show, but the to recognize hate when it begins to appear. It “If I can do anything to stop the pain of the hands of the Nazis.” idea is that they leave changed forever. I want speaks not only to those that might hold that one human being in distress, then I have Scala says that he and the rest of the cast are them to find themselves so shocked by the end type of waste in their hearts but also to those of lived a purposeful life,” Mr. Pope said. “In the eager to meet the survivors. of the play that they leave in silence.” p New park provides benefit for local neighborhoods

By Em i l y Em s h o f f of Public Works. “Watershed, at the Watch out Piedmont Park! A new time, would not have been able to park has been planned for the city’s do that. Something like this can only Fourth Ward neighborhood that work when there is opportunity for might present some competition. the land to be acquired. It was a happy Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., circumstance [where a] neighborhood the Department of Watershed envisioned this, the BeltLine [had Management and the Historic Fourth done] all its planning and the location Ward Park Conservancy have been of this park was where we had a storm working together to develop the water runoff problem.” first park that will be a part of the The storm water pond, a $30 BeltLine. Located on North Avenue million project, replaced a proposal behind City Hall East, the park will of an underground tunnel system, a provide recreation, a solution for $40 million project, saving the city the neighborhood’s water runoff $10 million. problems and other amenities for the “This [storm pond] is one piece

surrounding communities. inc . b eltline y of atlanta courtes of a much bigger puzzle, but in this “From a BeltLine perspective, PIECE OF THE PUZZLE: The design for the Historic Fourth Ward Park shows the storm pond in the center. “When you’re walking 800-acre area, it will make a significant this is a model project on how the though the park, you won’t know [the pond] is a watershed,” said Joe Basista, commissioner for the Department of Public Works. difference,” Basista said. “There will BeltLine as a whole should work,” be improved water quality, and we will said Ethan Davidson, director of Historic Fourth Ward Park in 2005. [to the city].” what they had originally anticipated not have to add any capacity to the communications at Atlanta BeltLine, The DWM then got involved with While this was a great opportunity – the storm water pond.” combined sewer in that area. That’s Inc. “The public the park’s central for the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood The storm water pond, located worth $10 million.” and private feature—a storm to have a park built in its area, the in the park, will collect storm water Phase one, which includes the communities will The public and private water pond. DWM also saw this as a chance to from an 800-acre area every time it storm water pond, some green need to converge communities will need “There have solve the storm water runoff problem. rains. The pond will never dry up or space and other amenities, will be to create new and been plans to They began planning a storm water overflow because of a dam and an completed by the end of 2009 and better amenities to converge to create double the city’s pond to collect water runoff. outlet that will maintain the water includes 15 of the park’s 30 acres. to the city.” “ park space for the “You had a watershed management levels at all times. It will occupy three According to Davidson, the and new and better T h e l a n d last 40 years, and project and a community that wanted acres of the 15-acre park area and will majority of the community is happy was provided amenity to the city. we have finally a park, and the public sector was hold 9 million gallons of water. with the development of a new by the Trust for Ethan Davidson gotten it done,” able to work together to make sure “The reason we were able to [build park. Public Land in Atlanta Beltline Inc. Mayor Shirley everybody achieved their goals,” a storm water pond in this area] was “We had over 200 people there 2004, and the Franklin said. Davidson said. “So the city came out that the land was being acquired for the groundbreaking,” Davidson BeltLine Partnership made this land “Our plans, which are funded, will with a solution to their watershed by the BeltLine,” said Joe Basista, said. “There is widespread support a greenspace acquisition for the future add 1,200 more acres of park land issues that was actually cheaper than commissioner for the Department for the park.” p E c o n o m y w o e s

h i t h o m e 8 t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 Fiscal issues endanger Morris Brown’s future

By Ta y l o r Fu l t o n and one of its board members. “We asked Morris Brown College, a historically for a law to be changed so that Morris black university in downtown Atlanta, may Brown could get state aid from the Geor- have to close its doors for good after 128 gia Tuition Equalization Grant Act and the years of service to the black community. benefits of the HOPE Scholarship.” The college’s past few years have been Gov. Sonny Perdue signed off on a law characterized by the misuse of crucial funds, granting Morris Brown additional finan- a decline in enrollment and a debt of $25 cial aid. As a result, the college was able million, leading the Commission of Col- to recruit more students. The increased aid, leges to revoke its accreditation in 2002. however, didn’t immediately resolve the “In 2006, the dean of Morris Brown Col- school’s financial crisis. Morris Brown also lege was indicted and plead guilty to fraud had to gain certification from the U.S. De- charges,” said Stanley A. Pritchett, the col- partment of Education. lege’s current interim president. “The mis- “There was progress [made],” Ammons use of funds during her administration put said, “but just not enough to overcome the the college in a situation that it had never debt structure that was in place.” witnessed before.” Besides efforts to gain money from the As Morris Brown fell deeper in debt, it state legislature, Morris Brown also relies began rapidly losing students. on help from Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, “In 2002, enrollment was around 2,500 the institution responsible for the creation F ulton y lor a students,” Pritchett said. “But when the of Morris Brown College over a century T school lost its accreditation, enrollment ago. WHERE HAVE ALL THE STUDENTS GONE? Before economic issues threatened to close Morris Brown’s doors, this dropped to 2,000 in 2003 and then to 56 Rev. Gregory V. Eason, the presiding pas- common area of the college’s campus was filled with the constant hustle and bustle of students.With a current in 2007. [It] is currently at 200.” tor of Big Bethel and a 1974 graduate of enrollment of 200 students, the student body is 10 times smaller than it was just six years ago. It’s debt and the decline in enrollment Morris Brown, makes sure that his church have made it difficult for Morris Brown to family helps out where it can. the church to the Morris Brown chapel.” I guess it just wasn’t enough to help the fi- regain a sound footing. Pritchett, however, “Morris Brown is my alma mater,” Ea- Turner, who attended Spelman Col- nancial situation.” intends to rebuild Morris Brown financially son said. “Because I preside over the church lege, has dedicated energy to saving Morris Pritchett, however, values the college so that the school can prepare to reapply for that built Morris Brown, I feel obliged to Brown simply because of what the school for much more than the land it was built accreditation in the near future. help the school that made me who I am to- represents. upon. “To get [the school’s accreditation] back, day.” “Morris Brown is much more than just “The college has been here for more than we have to prove that we are economically Big Bethel has a Morris Brown College a college,” Turner said. “The school was 120 years, and it has always been privy to stable,” Pritchett said. “The first step I took ministry responsible for keeping the church founded by blacks for blacks, and it must the economy of the city of Atlanta,” Pritch- was to get a financial audit done to show informed of activities and events planned continue to show the hard work and history ett said. “Morris Brown is a place where the monetary status of the school.” to raise funds for the school. Eason also that led to its founding.” students can get a great education and ex- The audit confirmed the massive debt asks the church on a weekly basis for an ad- In addition to community-raised funds, periences to prepare them for jobs in the of the school but also uncovered six, unde- ditional collection. Morris Brown also benefits from its loca- job market or to prepare them to be leaders cided lawsuits. By 2007, Pritchett and the With prominent Morris Brown support- tion. in their communities.” school’s interim board had resolved all but ers and alumni like Eason, Big Bethel has The 34 acres of land have been valued As Morris Brown continues to tackle its one of the lawsuits. Pritchett regards the helped to decrease the college’s debt signifi- at more than $93 million. Morris Brown economic problems, Pritchett and the board successful resolutions as a “huge accom- cantly. has used its prime location in the middle of continue to stress the need for nationwide plishment.” “Just recently, the Morris Brown ministry downtown Atlanta to attract events such as acknowledgement of the school’s situation. Morris Brown must still prove that it is and the church’s health ministry teamed up the Battle of the Bands and other concerts. “It is incumbent for people to under- financially stable. for a fitness walk,” said Delores Turner, a “The movie Drumline was taped here,” stand that Morris Brown College’s situation “To begin the first requirement [for prov- Big Bethel Church member who participat- said Marla Williams, a 2003 Morris Brown is something worthy of the entire nation’s ing financial stability], we went straight to ed in the walk with her family. “Each par- graduate and a dancer in the film. “The [attention],” Ammons said. “We are just the state legislature,” said Kristal Ammons, ticipant in the walk got a sponsor who to school did receive money for the use of beginning the fight to save our ‘Dear Ole’ a 1974 graduate of Morris Brown College donate money for every mile walked from Morris Brown students and land use, but Morris Brown.” p Economic troubles threaten fate of Oglethorpe’s accreditation

By Sh e l b y Ru d d had a positive cash flow for the year. They also reported Oglethorpe University may suffer the loss of its accreditation Oglethorpe Tuition and Fees S ource : that there were no major discrepancies found during their if the school doesn’t resolve concerns about its finances that investigations and that they had no unaddressed financial 25 $25,380 were raised in a December report issued by the Southern www aid claims with the Department of Education. For now, 24 Association of Colleges and Schools. Oglethorpe maintains, $24,442 . members ucan - network . org the school will remain on the warning list, at least until it is however, that concerns over the report are overblown and that 23 reviewed again by SACS. the school’s financial problems aren’t significant enough to put $23,510 Both the university and students, however, remain the school’s future at risk. 22 optimistic. The school has suffered a variety of financial difficulties $22,300 “I am confident that we will keep our accreditation,” Riley 21 in recent years. Now Oglethorpe’s accreditation rests on said. “Dr. Schall held a meeting educating students on the $21,000 the findings of a Dec. 2009 review by SACS, the main economic status and explainining why [the warning from am organization presiding over the accreditation of southern Thousands) (In and Fees Tuition 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 SACS] appeared as it did in the news. We are doing better academic institutions. than how it appeared [in the media]. I feel pretty secure.”

M inh L Year Oglethorpe said in a statement issued on the university’s Oglethorpe is a relatively small private university with website that neither accreditation and enrollment numbers, According to Riley, Oglethorpe University president Dr. approximately 1,200 students. With today’s economic nor student degrees and financial aid have been affected by the Lawrence Schall has an “open door” policy and welcomes conditions, a lot of smaller schools under the dominion of SACS warning. feedback and questions from the entire student body. SACS are struggling to pay bills on time. “As students, we know a lot about Oglethorpe’s financial Oglethorpe was first given a warning about its financial Riley hopes that Ogelthorpe will regain its standing with standing,” said Jen Riley, an Oglethorpe student and Grady deficits on Dec. 7, 2007. They were also asked to provide SACS. alumna. “They do a good job of keeping us in the loop a report addressing the university’s operations with regard “I picked OU because I liked the atmosphere of campus,” about things. They don’t hesitate to answer our questions and to business, finance and financial aid. The school complied, Riley said. “It is laid-back [and] really diverse... I wanted a nice respond to our concerns.” submitting a report in September 2008 detailing that they well-rounded [school], and that’s exactly where I am.” p Feb. 2, 2009 economy 9 DISTRICT homeowners suffer from stagnant market from page 1

The bank, IndyMac, ended up freezing our account so we couldn’t get any money anymore,” Mr. Nicolson said. Mr. Nicolson’s original house didn’t sell, and his family is now forced to pay two mortgages. “I’m willing to pay my mortgages, but having two mortgages is too steep to pay,” Mr. Nicolson said. “[No bank] will allow

am HOME ALONE: [Left] A four-bedroom house goes up for sale at the corner us to refinance our new home because they of North Highland Drive and University Drive in Midtown. The house see we have a considerable debt [because of was built in the 1930s and comes with an all-brick courtyard. (Above) the accumulating monthly payments from A row of condos are on display to be sold in Inman Park. [The property’s the original home]. We can’t unload the convenience to Morningside Elementary School, Inman Middle School original home because the market is bad.” B y M inh L hotos P and Grady High School increased its market value.] None of the couples options are desirable in the current economic climate. “We don’t want to sell the original house Attention Atlanta Shoppers: Great deal on homes in aisle down the street for significantly less than market price, but DesperateWe’re we don’t want a foreclosure on [our] new Discount Forbes CHEAP Housing Atlanta Real dream house,” Mr. Nicolson said. Top 10 Cities Percentage with Estate Market Although Mr. Nicolson believes he to Buy a Home No Mortgage simply took a risk in the wrong place at at a Glance the wrong time, he thinks that some of the 40 companies that are suffering have brought 1. Houston 6. Dallas Listing Type Number Median Price these problems on themselves. 2. Austin, Texas 7. Charlotte N.C. 30 “I don’t think it’s fair to blame us,” Mr. 27% 28% Homes for 10,644 $230,000 Nicolson said. “I think it’s unfortunate 3. St. Louis 8. San Francisco 20 Sale luck. I don’t have a problem calling big 4. Philadelphia 9. Jacksonville, Fla. 16% New Homes 276 $246,215 companies greedy because they got into 10 this mess themselves. I don’t think the

5. San Antonio 10. Atlanta am auto industry should get a bailout. We did am am Foreclosures 8,630 $128,000 everything right; we just had bad timing.” M inh L Georgia U.S. M inh L Atlanta M inh L Unlike the Nicolsons, many Atlantans Source: www.forbes.com Source: www.mortgage.nextag.com/articles Source: realestate.yahoo.com; newhomesource.com are seeing their homes foreclosed, according to local realtor and Grady parent Sally “Homeless [people] and vagrants move Westmoreland. into abandoned foreclosed homes without Recession trickles down to students “There are close to 200 percent more electricity or water,” Kenney said. “So [foreclosures this year than last year,]” on a 17- to 40-degree night, a homeless By Caroline McKay do about prom. People want there to be a Westmoreland said. “Right now, there are person will likely try to start a small fire in The morning bell still rings at 8:15 am. bailout of the auto industry, but where’s the over 116 foreclosures listed with agents an abandoned home to stay warm. Many The fire alarm still goes off without warning. bailout of the airline industry?” in the Grady [district], and there are crimes of opportunity are committed The freshmen still have to sit at the bottom Economics teacher John Rives explains why probably twice that many that aren’t listed. by vagrants who are in an area because of the hill in the courtyard. Though many Delta has been forced to lay off employees But, listed or not, those property owners they’ve found a temporary place to live and aspects of life on campus haven’t changed, and how that affects the Atlanta area. are about to lose their homes. It’s a tragic operate.” some students are finding themselves in a “[Delta] has a lot of employees, and it fiscal epidemic.” Even though burglary rates are higher dramtically different reality—a reality altered brings a significant amount of revenue Westmoreland holds that some this year than last year, Fulton County by the recession. into the city,” Mr. Rives said. “People aren’t homeowners have senior assistant district One student, who requested to remain traveling because disposable income has played a hand [The government doesn’t] attorney Todd Ashley anonymous, feels the affects of the recent been reduced by the recession. Delta is not airline industry layoffs every day. experiencing the profit level that’s appropriate in their own do squat about easing the believes that crime rates foreclosure. won’t increase because “My parents are divorced,” the student to maintain jobs.” “Many housing situation without of the economic said. “My mom is a flight attendant, and Another student, who recently lost his job [residents] made “ ultimately placing even situation. Instead, he they don’t make a lot of money, especially at a local restaurant, has resorted to illegal now. Last week, we had to apply for food activity to maintain pocket change. their own beds more burdens on the tax says that most citizens by misleading will obey laws despite stamps. On the other side of my family, my “I used to work at a restaurant on North lenders in quoting payers. economic turmoil. dad, who used to be a pilot, is unemployed Highland,” the other student said. “I wanted u n r e a l i s t i c a l l y “People who do right and my step-mom is having a really hard time to get a new job, but it’s hard because there getting consulting jobs because companies aren’t any. I used to sell weed on the side, but high income Sally Westmoreland will continue to do values for no- right and continue to are cutting back a lot.” now it’s the only thing I do for money.” documentation- Coldwell Banker Real Estate find a way to support The student and his family now spend Sophomore Ben Gittleson believes that required loans,” themselves,” Ashley more sparingly. most students have not yet felt the full impact Westmoreland said. “Of course, the said. “You don’t go from an upstanding “We’re having a really hard time paying of the economic situation. mortgage industry is ultimately responsible citizen to a criminal overnight.” for regular things,” the student said. “We’re “I think that it’s probably going to get for allowing nonqualified borrowers to get Before considering any impact on spending less, and we don’t turn the heater worse for a while but eventually get better,” away with lying about something so critical the crime rate, Westmoreland says the on as much. I’m having a hard time [paying] Gittleson said. “Still, I think that we haven’t p to their financial health and future.” government must first deal with the school fees—I don’t know what I’m going to hit bottom yet.” Though some homeowners had a hand economic crisis. She says that the changes in their houses being repossessed, some the government makes on high-risk housing $3.9 billion to both state, city and county “We have taken a hit in the rate condo had almost no control. policies cannot not be minor if this issue is governments based on need. According to sales,” Lawrence said. “It is pretty clear that “[Other residents] were literally set up to be resolved. NSP data, the City of Atlanta has a 5.6 the new [condos] that have recently come for failure through fraudulent cooperative “The sad fact of the matter is that none percent foreclosure rate, compared to the online will be slow to fill, given the toxicity efforts of realtors, lenders and attorneys of those entities can do squat about easing national and state average of 5.2 percent. of this segment of the market right now.” whose greed led them to con innocent home the housing situation without ultimately NSP plans to give the city government $12 Despite the current housing trends, seekers and homeowners with promises placing even more burdens on the tax million to aid homeowners. Kenney is optimistic that the market will that indeed turned out to be too good to payers,” Westmoreland said. “Just like On the construction front, the economy turn around quickly in the city, regardless be true,” Westmoreland said. “So, whether the rest of us, the local, state and national has not significantly hindered development of the policy initiatives or packages passed they made their own bed or were set up, governments also need to learn how to live in midtown Atlanta. by these state and federal governments. these foreclosure victims now couldn’t get within their means.” “Overall, only a few projects that “I am optimistic for the Old Fourth a new loan no matter how low rates get Though the federal government will were on our scope have been postponed Ward [neighborhood] and intown Atlanta because their credit scores are toast.” map out major housing legislation in indefinitely,” said Nathan Lawrence, in 2009,” Kenney said. “I believe our future Omar Kenney, a loan officer, realtor 2009, a few aid programs have already project manager for the Midtown Alliance. is bright because there is a trend of people and homeowner from the Old Fourth been mandated. “Most have just been pushed back a year or desiring an urban lifestyle. Many people Ward neighborhood, noted that without Congress passed the Economic Recovery two on their delivery date, pending market in the suburbs of Atlanta...will continue anyone maintaining the foreclosed houses, Act of 2008 last July, which created the conditions.” to move intown. I believe that when the the city’s homeless take advantage of these Neighborhood Stabilization Program. All the same, the urban midtown area housing market turns around, it will begin properties. The law designates the NSP to distribute has suffered from the economic situation. in the city first.” p 10 economy Feb. 2, 2009 Recession terminates fire stations, decreases safety By Ka l a Ma r k s reduced staffing after hearing about Homeowners on Durant Place have how fires that weren’t controlled in felt the effects of reduced firefighter time ruined entire homes. staffing. A fire burned down a town “A matter of two minutes can be home located just a few blocks from the difference in a victim’s survival,” Grady, which initially began as a fire Wagoner said. “We are also concerned contained in one part of the town that the added delay in response to a house. But since the fire department fire will make the difference in losing had to eliminate firefighter positions the room of a house, losing an entire because of budget cuts, they had to house or even the spreading of a fire call in three alarms rather than the to a neighboring house.” usual one. Because the fire station Because of the reduced staffing, staffing was inadequate, the fire the firefighters are having to respond spread throughout the building to more calls during a shift. As a before enough firefighters arrived. result, Lt. Daws says the morale of Within the past year, the City of the firefighters is the worst it’s been Atlanta has suffered a series of budget in more than 20 years. cuts stemming from its 2008 $140 “They’re being asked to run a million budget shortfall. With the lot more calls,” Lt. Daws said. “We combination of the budget shortfall work 24-hour shifts, and we usually and the current economic crisis, end up averaging about 53 hours a Atlanta has had to reduce funding week during normal times. When

for the Atlanta Fire Department by K ala marks they set that up, it was understood $14 million. that you would have enough fire BURNIN’ DOWN THE HOUSE: Flames destroyed a townhouse on Durant Place in northeast Atlanta on Jan. 1. The fire was called to In response to the budget shortfall, stations and firefighters to where no three alarms rather than one because of reduced staffing from recent budget cuts.The fire destroyed two of the four housing units. the mayor went to the city council to particular fire company would be ask for a $44 million tax increase in are needed in order to handle a fire Station 23 have advanced paramedic “Because of the closures, those running more than six to eight calls order to prevent further cuts to both properly. training and often backed up and trucks are having to come from per 24-hour shift. But because of all the fire and police departments. The “The result of [eliminating provided these functions for other farther away so it’s increasing these staffing reductions and station council, however, refused to pass the positions] was that we went to three stations. Losing this function in response times,” Lt. Daws said. closings, during a 24-hour shift our tax increase and instead passed a $14 firefighters assigned to each engine our area creates a delay in response, “When the response times increase, guys are running 12 to 18 calls, and million tax cut. and ladder truck, which is very bad which can and will cause unnecessary the fire continues to grow, does more it’s running them to death. They’re “That $44 million tax increase was practice,” Lt. Daws said. “It’s at least death.” damage and gets a bigger head start. working the whole 24-hour period, going to be an average of about $30 four, recommended five, [but] no less When choosing which fire The longer it takes to respond to a when they used to be able to take a for the average homeowner, which than four. But three is outside of any companies to close, the city fire, the more firefighters you need to nap every now and then.” would have been fairly modest,” sort of accepted national standard.” considered several factors. fight the fire. You have to get ahead Lt. Daws says all that’s needed to said Jim Daws, the president of the As the city worked to close the “[The factors] involved the number of the fire to keep it from getting relieve the furloughs and reopen the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters $140 million deficit, the economic of calls that a company responded to, ahead of you.” stations is about $3 million. Raising Association, an Atlanta fire lieutenant crisis began, and there was about a the ability for other fire companies Lt. Daws says both firefighters and the money, however, is proving and a Grady alumnus. “I live in the $50 million shortfall because the city’s in the area to cover their territory homeowners have already felt the difficult during the recession. city, and I certainly would have revenue was less than projected. and the response time that closing effects of increased response times. “We are big supporters of this preferred to pay that then to have “We got sort of hit by a financial that station “ [ T h e big stimulus package that they’re police and fire services cut back.” tsunami,” Lt. Daws said. down A matter of two minutes increased talking about passing in February,” These second round of cuts, which The shortfall led to a second w o u l d can be the difference in a response Lt. Daws said. “It’s going to include was another 5 percent budget cut, round of cuts, which included result in,” times] have direct aid to cities for firefighter are what forced the fire department furloughs of the firefighters to Lt. Daws victim’s survival. resulted in salaries, teacher salaries and police- to eliminate fire companies, fire “ officer salaries, so we can stop having achieve an 18 percent decrease in said. “But a lot more programs and several firefighter hours and the closure of Fire Station basically, Michael Wagoner property to lay people off and put people on positions. 23 in west Buckhead. Ladder Truck there d a m a g e furloughs until the economy turns “[The implementation of the $14 12 on Dekalb Avenue may also [weren’t] President of the Berkeley Park and a back around.” million tax cut] was when we started close if staffing drops too low. These good “ Neighborhood Association less safe The plans to reopen the fire having to cut things that the citizens temporary closures are referred to as c h o i c e s operating companies and eliminate the would notice,” Lt. Daws said. “There “brownouts.” So far, there have been because Atlanta already had too few environment for the firefighters,” Lt. furloughs are all based on when were a lot of programs that we had 28 brownouts. fire stations.” Daws said. “Because we’re dealing the economic crisis eases. Lt. Daws that were cut.” Michael Wagoner, the president One of the main issues with with bigger fires without adequate sees these times as dangerous for The fire department closed of the Berkeley Park Neighborhood the closures is that the number of personnel, we worry that it’s going everyone. Fire Station 7, decommissioned Association and a resident of the personnel needed to handle a fire to result in more fire deaths. We’ve “It’s a bad time to raise taxes on Squad 4—the hazardous material neighborhood where Station 23 isn’t adequate, which oftentimes had what in the past would have people because a lot of people are and technical rescue truck—and is located, is concerned about the increases response times. been small fires become big fires and struggling just to put food on the eliminated about 119 positions by station closing because it was one of “Because we’re running with do a lot more damage. Right now, table and a roof over their heads, so firing the recruit class that was about the few responsible for advanced life skeleton crews, fires that we used because of the cuts, we’ve got the you don’t want to push taxpayers off to graduate. It was then forced to support throughout the city. to be able to handle with one alarm capacity to respond to four alarms. the edge,” Lt. Daws said. “But until relocate firefighters from closed “As one of only nine advanced [are] having to [go to] two alarms to If you use three on one little house the economy turns around, it’s going stations and not replace firefighters life support stations in the city, they assemble enough people to fight the fire and then get another little house to be a very dangerous time. The who leave the profession. are not only tasked with responding fire,” Lt. Daws said. fire someplace else, then you’re damage will be worse when fires do Reducing the fire staff poses an to fires but also car accidents and Lt. Daws describes the increased through.” happen because our capabilities are increased safety risk because there is medical emergencies,” Wagoner response times as a “dynamic Wagoner is also concerned limited, and unfortunately, more a certain number of firefighters that said. “The firefighters which staffed situation.” about increased response times and people will be injured and killed.” p Budget cuts hit Marget Mitchell House

By No e l l e Jo n e s of the Margaret Mitchell House, sponsors and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 6 that Nonprofit organizations all over Atlanta manages the PEN/Faulkner Writers in Schools additional cuts might be necessary in order have felt the brunt of the recession. Even program that has brought several prominent to resolve the Center’s current $1.4 million historic landmarks like the Margaret Mitchell authors to Grady since 2003, including Frank deficit. The Center did not return calls from House, down 10th Street from campus, are McCourt in 2005 and most recently Bob The Southerner requesting a comment. not immune. Zellner on Jan. 22. Former Grady parent Julie Bookman The Atlanta History Center terminated or The center also conducts youth and adult worked at the Margaret Mitchell House until reassigned seven of the eight full-time Margaret writing workshops, summer camps and Jan. 6. Mitchell House employees on Jan. 6 and cited author lectures. The literary programs are still “I really had a dream job [working with] the country’s economic woes to explain the operating as scheduled, but they are now being authors, books, reading and writing,” noelle jones timing of the decision. The Margaret Mitchell managed through the History Center offices. Bookman said. “It’s heartbreaking, and I hope MY TYPE OF WRITER: A period typewriter just like House is home to a museum, a gift shop and The long-term future of the House and other that the wonderful programming we created Margaret Mitchell’s secondhand Remington sits on daily tours of Margaret Mitchell’s apartment. History Center projects is less clear. History on 10th Street and Peachtree Street will find a display in her apartment at the Margaret Mitchell The Literature Center, which operated out Center President and CEO Sal Cilella told home somewhere else in Atlanta.” p House. The actual typewriter on which Mitchell wrote Gone With Wind is at the Fulton County Library. Feb. 2, 2009 economy 11 MARTA budget shortfall creates changes in system By Sa r a h Bu f k i n 1968 1972 Attempting to alleviate its budget Preliminary engineering Fare A Look at MARTA through Time 2003 shortfalls the Metro Atlanta Rapid reduced to 1976 1985 1995 New security policy forced on basic 21-mile system Operation started to help Transit Authority is considering 15 cents Began anti-vandalism First 100 buses covered passengers to remain with completed with $125,000 loan elderly and handicapped

adding parking fees, further raising campaign. with ads take to the streets their luggage while traveling

fares and ticket prices and cutting $ $$ $

$ $

back on its service hours on the $ $

$

$ $ $ 1970 2000 weekends. $ 1960 1980 1990 “It’s already bad enough that MARTA created by the Act MARTA agreed to purchase Offered free ride day on all MARTA declared safest Technology installed to alert Bike racks installed they’re raising prices,” senior Samiah of March 1965 Atlanta Transportation buses and trains bus system in the U.S. the blind of their locations on entire bus fleet Blake said. “I don’t have a car, so 1966 System for about $13 mil. 1982 1990 1997 2002

min h lam 1971 MARTA is my transportation. Source: www.itsmarta.com/howto/history.html [Without it], I wouldn’t be able secret to anybody. If you look at legislation this year to provide daily. In order to offset the money spent to go to school, go out on the MARTA’s 20-year forecast, there MARTA with additional sources “If I didn’t have MARTA, it on its debt, GDOT is hoping that weekends [or] go anywhere.” was supposed to be state funding of tax revenue, the money brought would cause all sorts of confusion,” the state will pass a tax to provide Although MARTA does not want that was supposed to happen. in by those taxes wouldn’t reach the Ms. Green said. “I’d have to walk to the transportation systems with to make service cuts, Dr. Beverly MARTA was expecting new sources budget until 2012 at the earliest. work or my husband would have to additional revenue. Regardless, Scott, the authority’s general of revenue by 2010.” In an attempt to offset the current rearrange his work schedule to drop the money from an additional tax manager and chief executive officer, According to the January 2008 funding shortage before that date, me off in the morning.” wouldn’t appear in the GDOT acknowledged at a Jan. 15 summit edition of MARTA’s monthly MARTA has been looking for other Like MARTA, the Georgia budget until 2014. Until then, of the state’s transportation board bulletin, sales tax revenue accounts ways to add money to the budget Department of Transportation is GDOT needs to reconsider its members and other experts that for 52 percent of its overall and is considering revoking its also feeling the adverse effects of approach. the funding crisis will make such operating budget. That revenue former “Zero Tolerance” policy years of underfunding coupled Like their MARTA counterparts, action necessary if drastic measures took a hit this year due to the on selling food and drink inside of with a burgeoning economic crisis. GDOT officials believe that they aren’t taken. MARTA’s budget economic recession. In December, stations. While Georgia is the third fastest must look for long-term revenue woes coincide with a national MARTA announced a $60 million Blake and Scott, however, growing state in the nation, the models if they are to keep up with transportation funding shortage. revenue shortfall for the 2009 fiscal acknowledge that MARTA’s budget 17th in job creation and the 23rd Georgia’s growth. “The transportation problems we year due to the prolonged economic woes will not be solved by small in GDP growth, it is second to last “The horse that we’ve been face in Georgia are unprecedented,” downturn, and after receiving an measures like vending machines. in the amount of transportation riding for the last 50 years has said Sam Olens, the board chair of updated financial forecast from Scott insists that only state funding resources per person. According stumbled and fallen,” Dr. Scott the Atlanta Regional Commission the Georgia State University will prevent severe service cuts and to Evans, the GDOT’s budget said. “We need to go in a different at the Jan. 15 summit. “The funding Forecasting Center, MARTA is employee layoffs. problems were compounded by the direction.” challenge is felt nationwide, but predicting an additional loss of $10 “The bulk of [our budget] goes motor fuel tax’s declining revenue. Both GDOT and MARTA are it is felt acutely here in Georgia million in sales tax revenue in the into salaries and wages, energy and “[GDOT] had a decline in looking for funding from the federal because we have underinvested in fiscal year 2009. fuel, materials and supplies and revenue in 2009,” Evans said. government’s bailout package transportation for years.” In order to cope with the revenue insurance,” Dr. Scott said. “We’re “With the price [of gas] going down to offset their current financial According to Gena Evans, the shortfalls, MARTA officials have not a bloated transit system that is over the past four months, we see a situations. Obama’s administration, commissioner for the Georgia relied on reserve funds to balance out of control. There is not much four percent decrease at the pump. however, has made it clear to state Department of Transportation, the budget. At the Jan. 15 summit, you can get to before you have to A four percent decrease in GDOT transportation boards across the Georgia has invested 45 percent Dr. Scott warned that the reserve start cutting service and then you motor fuel-based revenues has as nation that there will be certain less in transportation than other will last only two years at most are cutting people.” much as $50-million impact on requirements that it will look for states over the last 10 to 15 years. before the system will operate on a Cutting service hours would budget.” when awarding funds, including The financial instability created deficit. be troublesome for portions of GDOT has struggled to work its environmental impact, how by chronic underfunding has only While the economic downturn Atlanta’s population, particularly within its planned budget after this readily it can be constructed and been exacerbated by the present could help the transit system by the youth. According to Dr. Scott, year’s decline in revenue. how many people it will affect, Dr. economic situation. increasing rider numbers, Dr. Scott 53 percent of the system’s users are “It is pretty significant that we are Scott said. “This is a perfect storm,” Evans assured that the potential funds between the ages of 16 and 34 and only halfway through the year, and With local governments across said on Jan. 15. “So many things are generated by more riders could not 46 percent of people on MARTA we’ve already been through around the country vying for what’s left coalescing around transportation. possibly solve MARTA’s financial have no alternative way of getting 75 percent of our budget in capital of the federal bailout package, Dr. If we don’t do something now, it crisis. to their destination. Grady would outlay,” Evans said. “Without Scott believes that Georgia will will have a serious impact on [the “We get about 29 percent [of our also feel the effects if service rates an economic stimulus package, augment its chances of securing state’s] growth.” revenue] from our fares,” Dr. Scott were cut. According to magnet $379,271 is all we have to spend in funding for transportation by Since its founding in 1971, said. “There is not one system in coordinator Ms. Carrie MacBrien, these next five months.” presenting a unified front in MARTA officials have known that North America that pays for itself. 73 students in the magnet program GDOT’s debt contracts have not Washington D.C. the transit system’s future depends The best one is in Toronto at about depend on weekly MARTA passes made that task any easier. “The U.S. Congress needs to on adding new sources of revenue. 70 to 75 percent [self-sufficient].” issued by the school to make it to “Right off the top, $250 million hear one voice from Georgia and “That we don’t have enough According to Scott, $145 million and from campus. goes to debt payment—that’s 17 from this region,” Dr. Scott said. funding for MARTA and transit automatically comes out of the Students, however, aren’t the percent of the budget,” Evans said. “If we go up there and all say our has, candidly, been known for quite transit system’s capitol budget to only ones who would be affected. “By 2013, it will be $500 million own thing, we will be cannibalized some time,” Dr. Scott said. “Where pay for its outstanding debt. Social studies teacher Ms. Minerva and 25 percent of our budget will while the rest of the states go to the we are should not have been a Even if the state legislature passes Green also takes MARTA to school be paid to [debt payments].” bank.” p Atlanta recycling budget crisis disturbs Grady’s own program By Isobel Robinson-Ortiz collection of recyclables to every-other- fell casualty to changing policies within both Atlanta residents looking to do their part week collection, but staff reductions made it the city and Dream Sanitation who were once National Percentage of through recycling may find their recyclable necessary,” Harrington said in an email. responsible for the school’s recycling. Recycled Waste piles growing higher in the new year. Mayor Other than the change in collection “[Dream Sanitation] were the ones that the Shirley Franklin’s new budget plan has slashed frequency, the program will largely remain city hired to pick up the city’s recycling,” Ms. funding for the city’s recycling. the same. The city will continue to collect Ellis said. “They were obligated to help us, Collection schedules changed from weekly all paper, glass and aluminum products. In which they did for free. When the city broke to bimonthly as of Jan. 12, 2009, and addition to this, Harrington says the recycling their contract with Dream Sanitation, they neighborhood street cleanings will be reduced program will begin extending its outreach could no longer provide their service to us.” 32.5% from four a year to two. in the community and lobby for larger Ms. Ellis reports that the school may have v ic h and MIN H LAM ace

“Recycling itself is in a state of disarray collections carts. to go to just recycling paper as opposed to v because of the economy,” said Ms. Korri Harrington, who became the director of the current glass, plastic and paper program. o Ellis, who teaches environmental science and the City of Atlanta’s recycling program in late Collection currently costs $100 a month, advises the school’s Earth Club. “Georgia’s 2008, was originally unsure as to whether or whereas the collection of paper recyclables A melia K Source: www.sustainablog.org unique in that we have a few recycling plants not the current economic downturn would would be free. here. [Other states were] shipping their precipitate recycling cutbacks. “I had to shop around to find someone of recycling making a comeback at Grady and recycling out [to foreign contractors], but “When I accepted this position, recycling who would pick up our recycling, and no one in Atlanta. now it’s become too expensive. The market to markets were strong, and while the economy would do it for free,” Ms. Ellis said. “But at the “What we need is the infrastructure,” Ms. buy that stuff has gone out.” was slowing, we did not foresee the economic beginning of the year, the gas prices were really Ellis said. “We need recycling to become local. According to the director of Atlanta’s meltdown that began in October,” Harrington high. They said they would charge me just to You need money to establish the factories and Recycling Program, Mary Harrington, the said. “Budget cuts weren’t anticipated in cover the gas. Apparently they’re charging the then in the long run it will be cheaper, but cuts were unavoidable. August.” bare minimum to cover transportation costs.” until we get that initial stuff started, [it won’t “We did not like having to go from weekly Recently, Grady’s own recycling program Ms. Ellis remains pragmatic on the prospect happen].” p 12 people t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 Zingeser discovers home, adventures, friends abroad By Sa r a h Da r r o w too.” If home is where the heart is, then WHERE IN THE WORLD HAS EERO ZINGESER BEEN? Traveling, however, has helped Zingeser sophomore Eero Zingeser’s heart belongs realize “that the planet is a big, amazing in many places. Since his birth, Zingeser place.” As long as the moves are less has lived wherever his father’s job with Detroit permanent, Zingeser looks forward to more. the Centers for Disease Control has taken Denmark He is considering ways in which he can them: Detroit, Cameroon, Niger, Denmark continue his world exploration. and Atlanta. “I love going places,” Zingeser said. “I For Zingeser’s family, moving has become Atlanta want to take a bus around the world.” a sport. Each place has brought different India Zingeser, however, acknowledges that memories. Niger moving so often also has negative effects. While living in Africa, his blonde hair He finds it hard to pick up, then abandon proved to be a crowd pleaser. Cameroon relationships. “When I was little, my hair was platinum “I don’t look at moving as a bad thing,” blonde,” Zingeser said. “A woman snatched Zingeser said. “[But] I don’t always like it

me out of my mom’s arms and ran around am and KT hinshaw because you take time to make relationships with me. Seeing a white person with hair and commitments, then have to leave.”

whiter than his body shocked everyone.” M inh L Zingeser’s family considered leaving Seeing new people and places has allowed are valuable and make him unlike a mere Living in Denmark only heightened the Atlanta again in 2008 but ultimately decided Zingeser to learn about human nature, and sightseer visiting the country. love Zinegser has for this city. against it. he has enjoyed being exposed to a variety of “It’s not like my family [travels] as “When I first moved to Denmark, I “Last year, we were supposed to move to cultures. He’s also noticed that his interest tourists,” Zingeser said. “It’s [almost] like missed Atlanta.” Zingeser said. “I missed New Delhi, India, but we didn’t,” Zingeser in politics and international issues grows as I’m an Army brat, except my dad’s not in the smell, the taste, the emotions and the said. “Now I have all of the required his travels introduce him to people with a the Army.” glow of places.” shots.” wide array of views. Out of all the places that Zingeser can While many teenagers living in the city While New Delhi is no longer on the “Because of my traveling, I feel like I need call home, Atlanta is the location that he have dreams of leaving the area as soon as destination list, Zingeser’s family is currently to see things from farther than where I am appreciates most. Although he was not born they can, Zingeser said he would consider considering moving to Rome much to his at that moment,” Zingeser said. in Atlanta, he lived in the city from 1997 living here even after graduation. dismay. Even though Zingeser does not always to 2004, at which point his family packed “I would like to move to somewhere like “I really don’t want to leave,” Zingeser appreciate packing up and moving from place up and moved to Denmark. Zingeser lived Portland after high school,” Zingeser said, said. “I have friends and a life here that I to place, he understands that his experiences there until returning to Atlanta in 2007. “but I would be content staying in Atlanta am really enjoying,”. p Freshman band has Spanish teacher combines unique, fresh sound passions through education By Ra c h e l Cr u z Mr. Gill has also visited England, By Ka t e Be l g u m of the band a lot more, and I When you first see Mr. Enoch Portugal, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Lotus Slide, a new student appreciate different qualities that Gill’s blond head amid the crowds “I have taken Japanese and band, may not be on its way to each member has,” Brown said. of students in the school hallway, German,” Mr. Gill said. “But since topping the Billboard charts, but “Those qualities really helped “Spanish teacher” isn’t the first I enjoy languages and cultures, I the band is increasingly making make the band Lotus Slide.” thing to jumps to your mind. But would also like to try French and a name for itself. The band Brown was given her honorary when you get the chance to hear maybe an uncommon language performed at this year’s school status after attending many band his perfectly rolled R’s, there can sometime. I would like to continue talent show after being together practices. Whenever Lotus Slide be no doubt that Mr. Gill knows with [the German] language some for only a year. needs an extra hand to play the his stuff. time too.” “Lotus Slide’s music has a very bongos, cowbell or tambourine, But the language teacher wasn’t Mr. Gill also loves teaching high unique sound to it,” said freshman Brown is their right-hand always fluent in Spanish. Mr. Enoch school. am Eve Brown, an honorary member woman. Gill grew up in Waycross and didn’t “Another passion of mine has

of the band. “I really like the way “We are all buddies, and we get M inh L begin Spanish classes until he was in been working with young people,” they put the music together, and along when we are not getting HITTING HIGH NOTES: Freshman Jack high school. Mr. Gill said. “I enjoy working I really like their lyrics and the on each other’s nerves,” Douglas Douglas sings and plays guitar at the 2008 “I love learning about, discussing with the high school students here way they harmonize.” said. talent show with his band. They performed and teaching the Spanish language at Grady.” The band consists solely of The band formed in January their original song, “Perfect Stranger.” and culture,” Mr. Gill said. In his classes, Mr. Gill often uses freshmen: Jack Douglass and 2008 and has performed six since “Languages have always been a wordplay, roleplay, music, movies, Jack Webster who both play the times then. generally will get a basic idea and curiosity of mine.” food and total physical-response guitar and sing, Luke Brown “They have musical then all just add more and more He followed that curiousity storytelling, a method of learning on the bass and backing vocals, opportunities [at Grady] to [to the song] until we are happy to Georgia Southern University vocabulary that makes speaking the Steve Terry on keyboard and showcase their abilities,” Brown with the product.” where he majored in Spanish and language easier. guitar and Larson Collier on the said. “They also have a lot of The band finds influences in international business. While at “I’ve taken about three years drums and the mandolin. support from Grady students rock and folk music from the Georgia Southern, Mr. Gill took his worth [of Spanish],” junior Ana “The and faculty.” 1960s to today. first trip to Spain through a study- Cunningham said. “He teaches us in b a n d According to “I personally am inspired abroad program. In Segovia, Spain, unusual ways, but he’s effective.” formed They have musical Webster, the by many bands including Led he took classes and stayed with a host Mr. Gill also runs the International when Jack, opportunities [at band tries to Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The family for eight months. He later Club, which is a cultural, social club L a r s o n , practice at least Rolling Stones and the Black went back to Spain and worked as intended to explore other cultures Luke and Grady] to showcase once a week and Crowes,” Douglas said. an assistant with the same exchange by going to foreign films and eating I wanted “ performs original Most of Lotus Slide’s fans are program. foreign cuisine. The club also takes to play their abilities. c o m p o s i t i o n s , friends of the band members, but “I assisted with student housing part in an annual community-service music and with topics the boys hope to broaden their and the student-host family project. have fun,” ranging from fan base as they perform more programs,” Mr. Gill said. “I also “Language and culture are my Douglas freshman Eve Brown current events to often and in more publicized conducted a research project where passion,” Mr. Gill said. “Sharing said. “We the mood of the venues. For now, however, they I interviewed individuals and my experiences with the students just got together and started band members. are currently focusing on writing videotaped various situations to later through dining and movies is a lot playing in December of eighth An average practice for Lotus and recording new songs. compile into a presentation. It was of fun for me.” grade. When we noticed that our Slide starts off with the band “We are all inspired by the drive a lot of fun.” Even when he’s not teaching, sound was empty, we added Steve sitting down for a snack—usually to make good music for people But he valued his months in studying a new language or planning [Terry] and we have been playing cereal. Afterwards, they perform to share and hear,” Douglas said. Segovia for more than just his work the next fiesta for International Club, together ever since.” a tuneup, which is then followed The young band hopes to find with the study-abroad program. Mr. Gill tries to find new ways to The different members each by an oldies warm-up song, success in the near future. “Spain especially helped me learn entertain his students. have something unique to add to and then they start to work on “I think we would rather to be fluent [in Spanish],” Mr. Gill “I enjoyed [watching] the Hispanic the band. current songs. not become stadium famous,” said. TV series Rebelde and all of its crazy “Over the years, I have “We all write together as Webster said. “But I would like But his interest in other languages antics,” junior George Holmes gotten to know each member a group,” Douglas said. “We to have a record or two.” p and cultures didn’t end there. said. p Feb. 2, 2009 people 13 For this installment of our school special, The Southerner takes a look at the GRADY CONNECTION: B.E.S.T. Academy, a single-gender school in APS. APS school sets single-gender standard in education

By Khalyn Jones As the soprano-pitched bell rings, students hurry out of their second- Awards and Recognition period classes with buttoned-down Third place, robotics state competition shirts and neatly creased slacks, making their way down crowded 2008 hallways. To these pre-adolescent First place in APS 2007-2008 district pupils, it’s simply a routine day at academic fair, technology division school, but to many outside observers their school day represents a unique First place in Lights On! After School

experiment that has become a a m Essay Contest, 2007-2008 highly debated topic—single-gender Second place, ING Direct Run For learning. Mi n h L The Business, Engineering, Something Better Campaign Science and Technology Academy, or B.E.S.T., along with The Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy, is replacing the traditional coeducational middle school, Benjamin S. Carson Middle School, with single-gender academies. B.E.S.T., located in the Noelle Jo n es former Austin T. Walden Middle STRIVING FOR THE B.E.S.T. : Two seventh graders compare their answers in math class at School building, and was established B.E.S.T. Academy. “We’re all trying to go places in life,” said seventh-grader Renico Fisher. Source: www.srt4.atlantapublic schools.us in August 2007 with one purpose in mind—to have its students pursue Located in northwest Atlanta, the gender experience in the classroom “Our school has plenty to offer,” said as the debate coach, feels that the a top-level education and exemplify B.E.S.T. Academy buses in sixth and to be beneficial. She does, however, seventh-grader Solomon McBride. debate team has great potential. excellence in a single-gender seventh grade boys from all over the acknowledge that there are “From the basketball team to the “The team members seem to be environement city. The school opened for sixth difficulties. robotics team to track to Beta Club, working very well together, and In October 2008, B.E.S.T. graders in 2007. The school will add “It’s my first year here, and there the majority of us can’t choose which I’m excited to see how this positive students were invited to the Georgia a grade each year until the original is a huge contrast when it comes to activities to be a part of.” collaboration will affect our team’s World Congress Center to discuss class graduates from 12th grade in co-educational schools and single- The school’s robotics team has record in the debate tournaments,” their opinions on attending a single- 2014. gender schools,” Ms. Boykins said. experienced success. The team won Ms. Boykins said. gender school and how the school “I definitely didn’t want to jump “The teachers I observe have to be third place in the middle school B.E.S.T. staff and teachers will benefit them in the long run. at the chance of coming to B.E.S.T. very creative. Boys this age tend to division of the 2008 Robotics painstakingly place emphasis on “They seemed surprised to see that once I heard it was a school for just be very hyper and what seems to Competition Championship. academic and extracurricular we knew what we were talking about boys,” Fisher said. “My parents made work best is using many kinesthetic “Robotics is something different achievement in the hopes of and [could explain] all our school me, but I’m getting accustomed to activities.” to be involved in,” McBride said. cultivating the students’ potential. had to offer,” said Renico Fisher, a the atmosphere. I just wish I saw girls B.E.S.T. also has partnerships “Not many students can say that “Here at B.E.S.T. we make sure that seventh-grader at B.E.S.T. Academy. more often.” with 100 Black Men of Atlanta they actually know how to design every one of our students becomes “We discussed [the school’s] Even though some students and Morehouse College. B.E.S.T. and operate a robot.” a well-rounded young man,” Ms. improving test scores, remarkable may wish for more interaction offers its students a wide range of Another up-and-coming team Boykins said. “Our educators are educators and the countless number with girls, B.E.S.T. literary coach extracurricular activities ranging B.E.S.T. now offers is the debate willing to do whatever it takes to get of clubs [that B.E.S.T. offers].” Ms. Zsa Boykins finds the single- from golf to robotics to debate. team. Ms. Boykins, who also serves the job done.” p

Faculty to compete to improve health, lose weight

18 17 16 15 13 19 By Pe r r i Ca m p i s 14 for students teaches them important lessons 20 This semester, administrators Ms. Diane for the future. WORKOUT Porter and Ms. Shantay Souter proposed a “[Students] need to realize that, as an adult, way for the faculty to get fit, get healthy, lose you can’t just eat anything you want and not 12 weight and win money while doing it. Inter- 21 teachers in the race exercise and expect to have the same body you ested members of staff signed up and then Name: Mario Hererra Name: Gloria Wright had as a teenager,” Mr. Nichols said. “You have split into teams to begin the weight-loss chal- OCCUPATION: Speech OCCUPATION: Librarian to take care of yourself as you get older.” lenge on Jan. 26. 11 Mr. Nichols has worked on his own weight- 22 Goal: “Shed excess After 36 faculty members showed interest and Debate teacher loss goals for several months but feels that in Ms. Porter’s idea, they were split into six Goal: “To win.” pounds.” working with faculty will be helpful. teams of six. “[My weight] hasn’t changed a lot for me 10 “[The teams weren’t] randomly chosen, but 23 yet because I’d already been on a weight-loss Susan Salvensen we didn’t get to pick our own teams,” said Mr. Name: and exercise routine for the last six or eight OCCUPATION: Name: Arnold Brinson Andrew Nichols, the chair of the math depart- OCCUPATION: Counselor months, and so I’m just kind of continuing ment. “I believe the way it worked was that the Geography and what I have been doing.” Mr. Nichols said. 9 organizers sat down and tried to do it as fairly 24 citizenship teacher Goal: “Lose about 15 “[Being on a team] is more of a support struc- as possible so that there was one male on each Goal: “Lose 20 pounds of pounds and develop a ture. Having people you see everyday involved team because men usually lose weight faster healthier lifestyle.” in the same thing and facing the same chal- achel cruz a m nd R achel baby weight.” and easier than women do and [also] divided 8 lenges you have is very beneficial because,

[the teams] up by age and by race to spread it Mi n h L 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 when you have a bad day or if you feel like out and make it fair and even.” things aren’t going well for you, you can al- After the teams were announced, the groups highest percentage of total weight loss wins a fun, but at the same time they’re really trying ways go talk to one of you teammates.” began to meet with each other to set their goals cash prize. Every few weeks [we put] money to be respectful of the rules of the game.” Not only have the teachers found support for the semester. into the pot and then at the end, the winning Along with being motivated by money, the in their teams, but they are also having fun “[My group is] planning on meeting once a team gets to split the money.” faculty is also motivated by their own personal working with each other towards a common week,” said Ms. Korri Ellis, environmental sci- Each weigh-in is conducted by Ms. Patri- goals and the desire to become healthier. goal of weight loss. ence teacher. “[At our first meeting we] talked cia Kendall, Ms. Carrie MacBrien and Nurse “First and foremost, I am doing [this] for “We all check on each other, watch what about what we’re doing and talked, about pos- Kim Carr. myself,” Mr. Nichols said, “for my health everybody is eating and can ask each other, sibly working out together and different strat- “Ms. Souter and Ms. Porter asked me if I mainly, because I’m going into my 30s and I ‘Have you been drinking water? Did you exer- egies that we [plan to use].” would be involved in being one of the people need to get my weight down so that I don’t cise?’” Ms. Ellis said. “It’s a good way for us to Every two weeks the teams will weigh in to who checks the weight,” Ms. Kendall said. develop health issues that are related to my support each other. I think the fact that we’re check their team’s progress. “At [the] point [of the weigh-in] they want weight. I also certainly appreciate the fact having fun and banding together, and show- “It’s actually a lot like The Biggest Loser, the to make sure that, since money is on the line, that I will be setting an example for [my] stu- ing unity amongst the staff is good for the TV show,” Ms. Ellis said. “We weigh in every there’s more than one person looking at the dents.” staff as a whole, and it’s a good model for the two weeks, it is a contest and the team with the scales. We’re supposed to be the impartials. It’s Mr. Nichols feels that setting an example students.” p 14 arts & entertainment t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 DOGGIES parade seniors’ designs at charity function from page 1 every day. You have to guess at their the best kind of teaching.” style.” In order to manage the show more “It’s a great honor and opportu- The designers met and fitted their smoothly, Doggies on the Catwalk nity to represent Miss Georgia USA models at a kickoff party on Dec. 9 also teamed up with Piedmont Bark, in this fashion show and to help out at the Shops Around Lenox. a local doggie daycare, to take care of the community and become a good “I met my model, Sara Diggins, the animals in the show. ambassador for [the cause],” Miss who is Miss [Outstanding] Teen At- “It seemed like a perfect fit be- Georgia USA Kimberly Gittings lanta, at the kickoff party where I did cause it was something that we said. “Any organization that helps my fitting,” senior Bree Gray-Jordan could get involved with by lending to better the community is always said. “She said that she loved it so our expertise in working with dogs great.” much that when she goes to one of to [the show],” Piedmont Bark own- The show also attracted Atlanta her conventions, she’s going to wear er William Campbell said. “Prior to celebrities. Project Runway season it because I created something that the show, we met with all the stu- three finalist Michael Knight attend- was ready-to-wear.” dents, and we gave them informa- ed the show and was invited on the Mr. Martinez helped his students tion on how to determine whether a runway to give his expert opinion on meet their deadline by scheduling dog is stressed and how to make him the students’ designs. fittings with the models and giving or her more comfortable to relieve “I think the designs were really them technical advice. anxiety.” creative—not only for the humans “The outfits looked fantastic, and With the expected large number but for the dogs as well,” Knight I’m not saying that because I’m their of spectators, this year’s show fea- said. “[The students] should just fol- teacher,” Mr. Martinez said. “I am tured a larger runway and was set low their gut, believe in what they blown away and so incredibly proud in the practice gym. The U-shaped do and really study their craft to try of these designers. I cannot imag- runway displayed many doghouses to be the best.” ine being 17 or 18 years old and in the center, created by the students Mr. Martinez described the show designing a garment that was worn in Mr. Jacob Dreiling and Mr. John am as a multifunctional project that also by someone famous or really by any Brandhorst’s set-design class. serves as a class project for his 11 se- adult for that matter.” “The doghouse and the wood- M in H L nior designers. Each designer had to During the planning of the show, chips provided for a more immer- BOW WOW: Founder of CliqueAtlanta.com Tonya Ellerby struts alongside her escort, create an outfit for the four-legged the designers worked with celebri- sive environment,” senior Bryson Jay McCracken, and canine companion, Calli, wearing Vogue Lee-McWilliams’ designs. models and, as a new aspect of the ties, dog experts, journalists and Caproni said. “It got you into the es and one pooped on the runway,” like. show this year, for the accompany- stylists. idea that it was a dog fashion show sophomore Kelsey Roth said. “It “[The show] prepares me for my ing models as well. “The students benefited through and that it was supposed to be set in made me feel a little bit sad because senior line because it shows me how “I would tell the upcoming se- the experience that they gained,” a park.” our class spent a lot of time working much work I need to start doing,” niors designers to start as early as Mr. Martinez said. “Any time you As with any show, everything on it, but it was kind of funny.” senior designer JoDeanah Noble possible,” senior designer Tawnie take a student, whether in high didn’t happen according to plan. Doggies on the Catwalk presented said. “I still have eight more outfits Mason said. “It’s hard to make an school or college, and you put them “During the show, one of [the the senior designers with a glimpse to do, which is a lot more work to outfit for a person who you don’t see in a professional arena, [they receive] dogs] knocked over one of my hous- of what their show in May will be do in only three months.” p Kooza mesmerizes Atlanta

By Le a h Bu t t e r f i e l d Throughout the performance, I constantly The instant I set foot in the Grand Chapiteau, found myself blown away by the magical I knew I was no longer in Atlantic Station. I was routines. A unicyclist peddled around the stage no longer in Atlanta. I was no longer in Georgia. with a graceful woman balanced delicately on his

G race B rown I had entered a world of sparkles and stripes, a shoulders. A juggler danced to sitar as he flung an fantasy world that can only be described by a ever-increasing number of bowling pins through word like “Kooza.” the air. Contortionists warped their bodies into Running at Atlantic Station until March 1, beautiful and twisted art. Men flung themselves Cirque Du Soleil’s newest show, Kooza, is a daring through the air while powering “the wheel of FAUX SNOW FO’ SHO’: Ten-year-old Noah Yates, at right, tubes down Snow Mountain. “It was really fun mixture of standard circus elements with modern death,” and a charismatic acrobat showed us the going down at full speed,” Yates said. Snow Mountain, now at Stone Mountain, will close on March 2. dance, theatre and exotic music. meaning of it all through movement. The performance began even before the curtain There were many other aspects that differentiated was lifted as characters from the show wandered Kooza from a standard circus. The yellow-and- Snow Mountain a winter escapade through the audience. I glanced to my left as a blue striped tent was climate-controlled, wine By Po ll y Zi n t a k Tightly gripping the handles of my tube, clown came towards my and other fine beverages During wintertime in northern places, I peered down the huge hill, tingling with section of the tent. were offered in addition many people enjoy building elaborate nervous excitement. I felt a big push and “Have you seen The show also made me to soda and the snacks snowmen, sledding down driveways and as I went spinning down, I remembered the police?” he asked. think, question my reality and were far from traditional nailing siblings in the head with massive racing down the snowy golf course in my “They’re after me.” circus fare. snowballs. In Atlanta, we usually aren’t so neighborhood when it snowed when I was A woman sitting in reevaluate my definition of “There’s no cotton lucky. Instead, we’re typically wondering in sixth grade. Tubing down Snow Moun- the row behind me “ impossibility. candy?” I asked a why we’re wearing shorts and T-shirts on tain completely embodied that perfect giggled and responded vendor, “…but it’s a Christmas and praying for just a single snow day that I remember. that we had not, and the circus.” snow flurry. I hopped off the hill at the bottom and clown dashed off in another direction. “I know, but there aren’t any lions and tigers But this year, I found myself flying plopped down to observe the “Snozone.” At that moment, my attention was drawn here either,” the man said. “It’s better this way. It’s down a snow-covered hill in an innertube, It was the perfect spot for families to build to the stage as a ballerina brought a young much less smelly.” right here in Atlanta. Snow Mountain, snowmen, make igloos, or wage snowball girl from the audience onto the stage, gave Some aspects of the show were clearly similar to Stone Mountain’s newest attraction, has fights. her a tutu and taught her a dance. A chorus those in a regular circus. The dazzling performance given snow-deprived Atlantans of any At the end of the day, I was so exhausted of “awes” rung out from the audience as the child was filled with human oddities and classic circus age a chance to experience the powdery that sitting around a campfire was just what spun whimsically in a circle, little arms flung into characters. There were the usual contortionists, magic. I needed. “Snofire Point” provided all the the air, the tutu fanning out from her body like human oddities and clowns. Their faces were I started my snow adventure off by visit- materials to roast as many gooey, delicious the blossoming petals of a flower. painted and their costumes were outrageous, but ing the “Little Angels” attraction for kids s’mores as I’d like. Of course there was a The performers had a honed awareness of the I was still never able to forget how unique the 48 inches and under. I saw a child, jaw price on the sticky fun, but who wouldn’t audience that is unusual in any performance, and show was. dropped, eyes wide, nearly drooling in utter pay $4 for four marshmallows? the interaction between the cast and the crowd It was clear from the start that the performers’ fascination at the snow-blowing machine. With my press credentails, I was lucky completed the show. At one point during the main goal was to entertain us. The show consisted Children were making snow angels and enough to get into Snow Mountain for act, a clown blew an audience member’s popcorn of breathtaking trick after breathtaking trick, and, sledding down the mini hill. Some just free and cut the lines. But without these into her face. Later, a woman was brought on by the end of the show, there was not a single act simply chose to eat the snow. benefits, I don’t know if, as a teenager, I stage and, through the art of illusion, disappeared, that didn’t leave me stunned, unable to grasp how it Unfortunately, I wasn’t short enough would recommend it to others my age. It reappearing 20 minutes later through a trap door was possible. But, as does every worthy film or song, to join in. But for the rest of us giants 42 was a little expensive, at $25 per person. on the stage floor. Although I can’t say that I was the show also maked me think, question my reality inches or taller and itching for a thrill, But for all of those desperate to walk in genuinely concerned about her whereabouts, I was and reevaluate my definition of impossibility. In the there were six lanes to zip down on a 400- a winter wonderland, Snow Mountan is sad that she was missing the chance to watch the world of Kooza, all bets are off and the impossible foot hill in a single or double innertube. glistening. p captivating show. is not only possible, but expected. p p o r t s r i e f s S B 15 t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 p 15 Captains’ practice s orts begins for baseball Teams hope to dominate new subregion The boys baseball team has started captains’ practices by working on By Ja k e Ma r t i n throwing and running on the practice After an offseason filled with field. To participate, contact Coach memories of missed opportunities Douglas Slade about playing for the from the previous year, both the team. Physicals must be turned in to boys and girls soccer teams are Coach Slade before tryouts begin. getting back to work to prepare for a new season. Both teams had disappointing Girls lacrosse team ends to their 2008 seasons. The girls, to play on March 8 who were ranked as high as No. 2 in the state, finished 11-7, including a The new girls lacrosse team loss to North Hall in the first round begins its inaugural junior varsity of the state playoffs. The boys were season with a game on March 8. never quite able to get rolling and For many players, this game will be wound up missing the playoffs at their first competitive experience 6-7. Both the girls and the boys with lacrosse. teams’ regions included two teams

who ended up in the AAA state ZACK KLEIN Graduate plays for finals. STRETCH IT OUT: Senior Captain Drew Hecht calls out stretches for the boys soccer team to perform before their tryouts on Tuesday Region 5-AAA has changed this Jan. 27. Hecht isn’t participating during tryouts due to a knee injury but hopes to return to the team within the next two months. top Ultimate squad year for both teams as Westminister, Chamblee and Blessed Trinity move last year’s AAAA state championship said. ending injury. Class of 2008 graduate Max to other classifications. The Knights on penalty kicks, moves down into Taking on the new region will Despite these losses, both teams Leonard now plays on the Univer- have also been switched to the the Knights’ sub-region. St Pius will be difficult for both teams. The are looking forward to the new sity of Georgia Ultimate Frisbee opposite side of the subregion from most likely be the favorite to win the boys lost four senior starters to region and the new season team, Jojah. The Dawgs are cur- Dunwoody and Druid Hills. region title in girls soccer, and will graduation. In addition, senior “Even though we lost a lot of rently ranked second in the nation, “The region is definitely easier this be a contender for the boys’ crown as captain Drew Hecht has a severe people, including [Garr], I think behind the University of Florida. year,” senior boys captain Andrew well. Nonemaker, however, remains knee injury that will sideline him for we’ll do well this year,” sophomore Leonard was a founding member Nonemaker said. “But it won’t be optimistic. much of the season. The girls were midfielder Kathleen Quillian said. and two-year captain of the Grady easy.” “Even though [St. Pius] is in also hit extremely hard, loosing eight “We have a lot of young players, and Gauntlet, which placed fourth in The new region brings new our region now, this has become a seniors last season and loosing senior hopefully we can come together as a the state last year. challenges as St. Pius, whose girls lost winnable region for us,” Nonemaker captain Rebecca Garr to a season- team and have a good season.” p Coach anticipates successful season By Ju d s o n Go o d The team lost several key players to graduation, among them The Ultimate Frisbee team, which placed fourth in the state Max Davenport, Max Leonard, Daniel Matthews and Sarah Smith. last year, is looking to a challenging upcoming season. Coach Mercer, however, believes that losing these players has The team has a tough schedule and anticipates heavy had a positive effect on the team because the loss has, ironically, competition from powerful teams like Woodward and Paidea. motivated the team’s remaining players to step up as a whole and Coach Susan Mercer, however, maintains high hopes for her become better. Leonard now plays Ultimate for the University of team this season. Georgia, which is ranked in the top five in the nation. “If we play like I know we can, we will probably be one of the “[Max] will be a tough hole to fill,” Ozell said. “We lost some top three or four teams in the state,” Coach Mercer said. good players, but I think we can step up and do the job this Emery Ozell, a three-year veteran player, plans on guiding the season.” team by using the experience he gained during last years state The loss may be relieved by members of the freshman class. playoff run alongside junior captains Madeline Roorbach and Many of the freshman players have experience from playing at Elliott Erickson. Ozell has set high standards for how well he Paidea summer camps, which makes the learning curve for the believes the team should perform. high school game less steep.

ELLIOTT ERICKSON “We have a possibility of making it to the state championship “We didn’t get as many freshmen as I thought [we would] game this year,” Ozell said. this year, but the ones we did get are talented,” Coach Mercer Coach Mercer believes that the seven returning starters will said. “Freshman Zach Mills has started to stand out at practice prove valuable as Grady fights to beat its rivals and make it to to me.” the playoffs. The Ultimate frisbee team is very optimistic about its season, to “I believe we will be one of the big boys this season,” Erickson the point where Ozell is willing to place bets about its chances. FLICK IT: Senior captain Emery Ozell throws a pass across the field during said. “Every game we play will be a hurdle for the other team, “If we aren’t the state champions this season, I will dress up like Ultimate practice. Ozell is one of seven returning starters to play. even for teams like Paidea.” a girl for one day,” Ozell said. p JAMES’ determination, perserverance buys her a ticket to play in college from back page keeper, her gut instincts impressed something, she’s going to do it full “When I made the decision to wants to or will be able to pursue her many. She helped lead the team to tilt.” play college soccer, I put out profiles passion for the game after college. “I spent the majority of my time its first-ever state semifinal berth James knew that it would take and sent out highlight videos,” “I’m going to be realistic,” James playing soccer as a defender,” James during her first season as Grady’s more than just sheer skill, however, James said. “As soon as I found out said. “I’m not All-American. I’m said. “I initially switched when [the keeper. to get noticed by college coaches. I got into Bard, I called the coach. not [an Olympic Development previous goalkeeper] hurt her hand. “It was easy to see that she had “I was playing for [the] Inter It was a very surreal moment. I Program player]. I’m not Division I officially decided to switch when such fire when she went for the Atlanta Football Club when I made didn’t believe that after all that One. If I’d started earlier, [perhaps my dad told me that I could play ball,” said 2008 graduate Jamison the decision that I wanted to play in effort over all the years, it was I could have been], but the reality in college, that I had what it took Kinnane, who was a captain of the college,” James said. “I realized that done. I had an Internet recruiting is that I’m not. I’m content with to be a good keeper. He was really team during James’ sophomore and if I kept playing for them, I wasn’t profile, and when I saw the words a good team, a good coach and supportive of me.” junior years. “She was fearless and going to get exposure to college ‘committed to Bard’ on the page, it a good level of competition. I’m Because James started playing always went 100 percent for the coaches or be able to play in as many was unbelievable.” happy playing the game.” the technique-heavy position so ball.” tournaments. Alpharetta Ambush As one of a small number of Still a season away from her first late in her career, she had to try Head coach Rodney Thomas, and Concorde Fire had offered me Grady alumni to sign to a college cap with the team at Bard, James twice as hard just to reach the level who didn’t even know James could spots. The day before Concorde soccer team, James still much to do already has in mind what she wants of competition to which she was play keeper before she volunteered tryouts, [Grady teammate and to prepare mentally and physically out of her tenure playing there. accustomed. to step in, was both surprised and senior] Rebecca Garr called me for varsity College soccer. “I want to look back and be “I was at a disadvantage because impressed by her aptitude for the and told me that they needed a “The speed of play will be the proud of my accomplishments,” I didn’t know the techniques,” position. goalkeeper. I went the next day and hardest thing for Lena to get used James said. “I believe that work James said. “My methods were “Lena’s best characteristic is her before the second day of tryouts, to,” Coach Thomas said. “She’ll ethic is important. I’d like to look very unorthodox. What I initially intensity,” Coach Thomas said. the coach offered me a spot.” come up against 11 players each back and know I tried my hardest, did before was just gut instincts. I “She’s very intense, competitive But James did more to become game that can flatten the ball and gave it my all and never wimped thought, ‘There’s the ball, get it.’” and smart, which is a phenomenal a college-bound player than just crack shots from 30 [yards] out.” out because it got too hard. That’s Even from her first games as combination. If she’s going to do switching clubs. James is still unsure whether she what I’d define as success.” p 16 sports Feb. 2, 2009 Season shows Coach Musey promise, team helps needy, swims strongly By Pa r k e r Ca r l s o n Nearing the end of its season, the swim team placed third out of five teams in a meet on Jan. boot by boot 24 against Our Lady of Mercy By Za c k Kl e i n Christian Academy, South Cobb Coaching isn’t the only way boys soccer coach and the host team, Wheeler. Henry Musey helps young soccer players. Coach Sophomore Jafa Fielder Musey, who was born in Ghana, is responsible thinks that the meet went well, for outfitting and supplying equipment to several despite a problem with “crappy” different soccer teams in Nigeria, Jamaica and attendance. Trinidad through his nonprofit organization. “The team did alright,” Fielder Soccer is a worldwide sport commonly played said. “[Freshman] Shaun Kleber in ZACK KLEIN in undeveloped and developing countries. Coach particular did really well. I did well Musey wants to encourage those who are talented FROM THE SIDELINES: Coach Henry Musey gives boys varsity captain, Drew Hecht, input on the team’s training routine. in my 100-yard freestyle event and athletes but can’t afford to buy equipment. Coach Musey has coached the team for two years, and is good friends with the girls head coach, Coach Rodney Thomas placed second.” “You don’t want someone with the potential of community teams of 22 or more players. Coach with] took the equipment [intended for] the team The team swam its way to becoming a professional player [to get their] first Musey and his co-workers provide the teams but actually ended up selling it instead of giving victory in their meet against North pair of boots when they try out for [a] professional with much needed soccer cleats, balls, cones and the equipment to the team.” Atlanta on Jan.13, topping off a team,” Coach Musey said. anything else they need for soccer training. He has a long process specifically designed to 10-meet winning streak. Coach Musey is motivated not only by altruism “They tell us what they need, and we provide prevent fraud. Senior captain Anja Griffin but also by the memory of his own experiences. it for them,” Coach Musey “[The people working with thinks that the team has improved He loved to play soccer but couldn’t afford the said. “Sometimes they’ll call me] have to bring pictures dramatically. proper equipment when he lived in Ghana. back and say that they need I never got a pair of back showing that they “We are doing pretty well for “I grew up barefoot,” Coach Musey said. “I more balls or something, so cleats until I came actually gave [the supplies] to only our second year as a team,” never got a pair of cleats until I came here to we’ll get it to them.” here to America. the team,” Coach Musey said. Griffin said. “The team is a lot America.” Coach Musey often “ “The team has my address more committed, Mrs. [Jennifer] Coach Musey collects used equipment from a assists teams he finds for correspondence. That Roorbach, [team parent and variety of organizations around the Atlanta area, through players like himself Coach Henry Musey way it eliminates any type sponsor], is coordinating more for the majority from youth soccer programs. who have immigrated to head boys soccer coach of fraud. Some of the people the team, and we’re working a lot “[Atlanta Youth Soccer Association] donates the United States. donating to us are donating harder in practices.” soccer cleats, and I [organize] them in sizes,” “It’s all done through teammates,” Coach Musey in pure good faith, and I want to make sure the The team has come to rely on Coach Musey said. “Then I get shirts and then I said. “People will say, ‘Hey look, my high school equipment gets delivered and doesn’t end up in the several competitive swimmers ship them to the teams in need.” team back home needs some equipment,’ so I’ll wrong hands.” who have contributed to the Youth clubs, however, aren’t the only soccer get the equipment and give it to them.” So far Coach Musey has enjoyed the work he’s team’s success. Fielder, Kleber, organizations helping out. The Atlanta Silverbacks, Coach Musey runs his nonprofit organization done in three different countries, and he plans on and sophomore Tyler Olson swim Atlanta’s professional team, occasionally donates along with five other trusted friends. He says it’s expanding to more. year-round for the City of Atlanta its old soccer jerseys. hard for him to find people to work with because “We plan on doing this as much as we can,” National Team. According to Coach Musey, it’s too difficult of some difficulties he’s encountered in the past. Coach Musey said. “We can’t give everybody “Swimming for the [City of to supply individual players with gear, so the “There’re actually very few people that I trust,” a shoe, but we’re trying to help as much as Atlanta] is a lot different than nonprofit organization mainly focuses on supplying Coach Musey said. “The first person I [worked possible.” p swimming for Grady,” Fielder said. “We swim around 6,000 yards a practice. But it’s a lot of fun.” The team attributes a lot of New lacrosse coach possesses dawged zeal its success to the changes Coach By Sh e l b y Ru d d and later coached high school inexperience. They share a rare Sandra Ukah has implemented There were clusters of boys and programs in Athens. camaraderie that they believe will during practices. Coach Ukah has girls cramped in the JROTC room Now Sheanshang has come make them strong contenders on the team swim between 1,500 yards under the stadium bleachers on to Grady to coach the school’s the field. to 2,000 yards each practice, and Jan. 1. The laughter of rowdy boys first girls lacrosse team, which is “It’s a completely new thing for the more experienced swimmers buzzed, and clearly nervous girls also the only team in all of APS. me,” Jackson said. “Almost everyone typically swim around 3,000 chattered among themselves.It was Sheanshang said she is honored to is in the same boat as far as playing yards. This routine is a significant the first lacrosse meeting, and there be selected and excited about the skills. Hopefully we can work change from last year, when the was a new face among the coaches chance to build a new program. together and grow as a team.” team would swim approximately standing at the front of the room. “This is a great opportunity for The team, however, is facing 1,000 yards a practice. Kari Sheanshang didn’t comment us,” Coach Sheanshang said. “We some major obstacles. They have “Practices are very well-attended, as much as the other coaches as are going to do amazing things with insufficienct funding and are in need and we are benefiting a lot more they all laid down the ground rules. it.” of sticks, mouth guards, protective from practice this year,” Fielder Instead, she stood twirling her Team members share her eye wear and other equipment. said. “We have improved a lot, but stick, her furrowed brow suggesting enthusiasm. In order to help raise funds, each we still have some work to do and determination. “It feels really good to be on the player has been asked to solicit two can work a lot harder.” Coach Sheanshang is not new to first APS girls lacrosse team, and individual sponsorships. At the beginning of the season, the game of lacrosse. This soccer- hopefully we can be an inspiration Coordinator Kim Janke is more than 50 people signed up turned- to other APS optimistic about the fund-raising to be a part of the team. Now, l a c r o s s e I am quite familiar schools,” junior efforts. She plans to have a block ERICKSON ELLIOTT nearing the end of the season, player picked with both the Hannah Jackson party-style event at Grady complete Ballin: Junior Kimbrielle Davenport is there are only 15 to 20 members up the sport said. “There’s with a DJ in order to bring in learning to cradle the ball during practice. on the team. in high “ challenges and the a first for money. “People [who joined] in the s c h o o l i n great rewards that everything, and The team hopes to arrange team “Our biggest obstacle right now beginning thought it was just Cincinnati come with new I’m glad I can buses to carry players to and from is that we are brand new,” Coach people playing in the water, not a in 1998. say I’m playing events. Team buses would be an Sheanshang said. “That, however, sport,” Griffin said. “When it got “I programs. a part in this improvement over last year, when gives us the opportunity to take down to actual swimming, they captained one.” the boys team had to carpool to ourselves wherever we want to stopped coming or quit.” the first Kari Sheanshang The modern many of its events. go. I am very optimistic about the The team swam in a meet at team my sport of lacrosse, The lacrosse teams also have to upcoming season.” Westminster on Jan. 31. The school ever girls lacrosse coach which is an vie for practice space. Currrently, This early optimism for the season Knights didn’t place in the top 10 had,” Coach Sheanshang said. “I adaptation of a Native-American both teams share a small field inside shows on Coach Sheanshang’s face out of a total of 30 teams. am quite familiar with both the pastime often referred to as The the stadium. during practices. “The meet went okay,” Fielder challenges and the great rewards Creator’s Game, first came to Since the girls team is the only “The girls are doing great so far,” said. “Despite bad attendance that come with new programs.” Grady last year when Coach Matt one in APS, they will be competing Coach Sheanshang said. “Their again, I placed first in 100-yard Coach Sheanshang led her team Janke started the first boys team. against mainly private schools. efforts are already paying off; they breathstroke event and had a state to two division championships Many of the girls on the inaugural Because of their inexperience, are picking up the game quickly. qualifying time. Westminster was and a national tournament roster have no prior experience both the girls and boys teams will My only expectations are that they everything that we expected and appearance. She played during playing lacrosse, but the team feels be competing in the junior varsity have a blast and that the team I expect to see a great deal of its college at the University of Georgia it has an advantage to counter their division. becomes the best it can be.” p team at the state meet.” p 17 sports Feb. 2, 2009 Knights turn tide on ‘09 season By Mi l e s Gi l b r e a t h The Knights trailed by seven at the half but cut the After losing 11 of its first 13 games, the boys deficit to one point as the fourth quarter began. They basketball team rebounded to win four of its next rode that momentum through the fourth quarter to a five. 58-53 victory. The team’s only wins in the opening month of the The following Tuesday the team went to Therrell to season came against the Jackson Jaguars, whom they face the Panthers. Although the Knights trailed early beat twice. by 20 points, an 18-0 run helped the Knights tie the Following the team’s first win against Jackson, the game in the fourth quarter before eventually falling Knights went to the south side to take on AAA’s No. 56-48. 1 team, the South Atlanta Hornets. Led by three all- Though the team didn’t like the outcome, they felt state players including the nation’s top-rated prospect good about how they played. (Derrick Favors), the Hornets trounced the Knights “I’m not making any promises, but tonight is going 80-40. Although the Hornets doubled up the Knights, to be different,” said senior point guard Diedrick Hines the players viewed the final score as a relative success. prior to the Knights Jan. 23 game against Riverwood, “It’s never fun to get beat like that, but you have the No. 1 team in Region 5B-AAA. to look at what they’ve done to other teams,” senior Hines’ prediction came true as the Knights relied on center Ryian Leonard said. “They scored five times a strong fourth quarter to beat Riverwood 51-38. as many points as Therrell, and Southside didn’t even “This was by far the best game we’ve played all score 15 points on them.” season, and I feel that it is really going to spark a late- After the drubbing at the hands of South Atlanta, sesason run,” Leonard said. the Knights lost three out of their next four games. The following night, the Knights beat Paidea, then Coach Douglas Slade took full responsibility for the 14-4 and ranked No. 9 in the Class A, 49-42. Although losses. they won, the Knights’ played sloppily. After pulling “It’s my responsibility to know how my team plays,” away in the fourth quarter, unforced turnovers kept Coach Slade said “We’ve only been [beaten horribly the game close in the final minutes, but the Knights in] two games. When the games are close, it all comes made their free throws in the end to seal yet another

MILES GILBREATH down to coaching.” win. The Knights traveled to St. Pius to take on the The following Tuesday, Grady avenged two earlier Golden Lions. Several members of the Pius student losses to North Atlanta, beating the host Warriors 58- section confessed that they expected their team to take 51 to extend their winning streak to three games.. a beating at the hands of the visiting Knights, but the The team is ready for the final stretch in the season. Knights expected a tough battle. “We’re all really amped about the last month of the “Although their record isn’t that impressive, we season,” Hines said. “We’re starting to gain confidence, “DRIVIN’ “THE HOLE: Senior Josh Simmons looks for an open player during the know they are going to be well-coached,” sophomore and were going to be a tough team to beat by the time second quarter of the game on Jan. 24 against Paideia. Simmons contributed 18 guard Desmond Morris said. the region tournament rolls around.” p Teams start preparing GIRLS struggle to make apt for new schedule, year recovery from initial losses from back page Lowery and Roorbach, the By El l i o t t Er i c k s o n sophomore Davis Bishop said. “It’s team’s starting forwards, provide The boys and girls lacrosse going to be cool to see how good “In all of our wins, we have the team with excellent inside teams are in the middle of their the returning members are against passed the ball very well, creating defense and play a big role in preseason training and are hoping higher competition, and hopefully ELLIOTT ERICKSON easy baskets,” Coach Kelly said. rebounding. Coach Powell thinks to have successful seasons. [we’ll beat] some private schools.” One of Coach Powell’s goals the combination of these two will In order to get ready for the Grady’s lacrosse team was the for the team is getting those prove instrumental in the team’s upcoming season, the boys team first established in APS and is also easier shots. turnaround. has been doing a combination of the only team in GHSA whose “The goal of all of our offense “Madeline and Nicole play track and technical workouts . members are mostly black. is to get good looks at the basket,” very well together, which is very “The track should really help This year, a girls team was also STONEWALL JACKSON: Junior goalie Jake Coach Powell said. “Whenever important for inside players,” with our conditioning,” junior established. Martin blocks a shot during practice. we struggle to score, it’s because Coach Powell said. “They play captain Jalen Rideaux said. “Since The girls have been practicing we’re forcing shots and taking hard [and] smart and listen to we have moved up into [the throughout the winter and have to competing with some of the low-percentage shots.” the coaches. They are just true Georgia High School Association], been working on mastering the best teams in the state. Getting high-percentage shots athletes.” practices are a lot more serious. basics. Since this is the first season, “We are looking to do better starts with getting the ball to the If the team does manage to pull We get a lot of work done in a majority of the girls have not than last season,” Bishop said. post players, where the coaches it together in the next few games, practice.” played before. “We want to win more games believe the team is strong. the girls could put themselves in Last season, the team competed The boys team considers the and improve Grady’s lacrosse “I am amazed at how much a great position for the region in the North Georgia Lacrosse expansion of the school’s lacrosse reputation.” improvement I have seen in playoffs. League but has moved into the program as an advantage. The girls, on the other hand, [senior] Nicole [Lowery] and “We can’t get ahead of ourselves GHSA’s junior varsity classification. “I think it is cool that the girls are looking to learn the game and [junior] Madeline [Roorbach],” thinking of the playoffs when we The team is looking forward to have a team,” Rideaux said. “It is a come together as a team. Coach Kelly said. “I’m really still have regular-season games to better competition and to build up little different from guys lacrosse, “My expectations for the team excited Madeline will be here play,” Coach Powell said. “We the school’s lacrosse program. and it’s really cool to watch.” are to win a couple of games and another year, and I wish I had have a long way to go, but I “I’m looking forward to The boys are looking forward to to get good at the game,” junior another year to work with believe in our girls. We just have seeing how much we improve,” building on last year’s success and Aja Syphoe said. p Nicole.” to feel it.” p knight watch

BOYS BASKETBALL Diedrick Hines GIRLS BASKETBALL senior point guard Region 5B-AAA Standings JACKSON 55, Grady 30 RegionRegion 5B-AAA5-BAAA StandingsStandings Grady 53, JACKSON 37 School Overall School Region Overall CARVER 61, Grady 46 Region CARVER 40, Grady 39 W L W L W L W L Grady 58, ST PIUS X 53 Riverwood 5 2 14 5 ST. PIUS 46 , Grady 27 Carver 6 1 14 2 THERELL 56, Grady 53 North Atlanta 4 2 11 4 THERRELL 51, Grady 32 Therrell 3 1 9 6 GRADY 51, Riverwood 38 St. Pius X 5 3 6 13 GRADY 49, Riverwood 46 St. Pius X 3 1 6 6 GRADY 47, Paideia 42 Carver 4 4 5 9 Paidaia 36, GRADY 27 Grady 4 4 6 10 4 Grady 47, N ATLANTA 37 Washington 3 4 10 Grady 53, N ATLANTA 38 Riverwood 2 5 8 12 Grady 3 5 6 12 Player Profile: North Atlanta 1 4 8 5 *All caps denotes HOME TEAM Therrell 2 5 5 11 Height: 5-foot-8 Washington 0 3 0 8 Weight: 157 pounds Future games Number: 22 Future games Dec 20 at N. Atlanta: Feb. 3 -GRADY at Washington, 5:30 Feb. 3 - Grady at WASHINGTON, 7:00 18 points Feb. 6 - GRADY vs. Carver, 7:00 Favorite Food: Chicken Feb. 6 - Grady vs. CARVER, 5:30

the ULTIMATEPORTSLACROSSE sectionBASKETBALL S Frisbee team starts Team prepares for first Boys’ winning practice after finishing season as GHSA streak ignites fourth in state last year junior varsity team playoff hopes p. 15 p. 17 p. 17 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA t h e So u t h e r n e r Feb. 2, 2009 Girls struggle through region By Dean Jackson alfway through its season, the girls varsity basketball team is struggling with a 6-10H record and only three teams beneath it in region 5B-AAA. Assistant coach Michelle Powell blames the team’s record mostly on the players’ lack of competitive E lliott E rikson experience, particularly their lack of confidence handling the ball. “The players don’t trust themselves when we call on them to handle the ball in a game,” ON THE BALL: Senior goalkeeper Lena Coach Powell said. “I would rather James snags a shot out of the goal during the players be cocky because then one of the varsity team’s practices. they at least have confidence in themselves. If we played like we do in practice, we would have no Sport guides problems.” Head coach Joretta Kelly agrees that lack of confidence and senior keeper inexperience have caused the team to struggle. The coaches feel that the team has been psychologically to Bard College affected by losing many of its first

By Gu s Ri c k few games. E rikson E lliott or senior Lena James, starting “When a team starts off with Fgoalkeeper on the girls soccer a bad game experience, like this ALL FALL DOWN: Senior point guard Tarnesha Platt fights for a loose ball in the 36-27 loss to Paideia. It was a hard-fought game team and future player at Bard group has, it is hard to shake in which the Knights almost came back from a 10-point deficit. The girls have a 6-8 season record and an 4-5 region record. College in Annandale-on-Hudson, that and get back into a rhythm St. Pius X on Jan.16, point guard used to her being on the floor but together as a team, which Coach N.Y., success has always been about of winning games,” Coach Kelly Tarnesha Platt sprained her ankle, is learning to play harder without Kelly views as imperative. dedication. said. “We as coaches are having to causing her to miss a week. her.” “We have to have good “It was my decision to start playing teach them how to handle game “When [Platt] is on the floor, The games in which the girls movement to win games,” Coach soccer [when I was 4],” James said. “I situations.” everyone plays more confidently have been successful, they have Kelly said. did ballet for 30 minutes and [then] The team is also suffering from and just plays better in general,” kept turnovers down, worked to get gymnastics for 45 [minutes] and injuries. During a 27-46 loss at Coach Kelly said. “[The team] is high-percentage shots and worked see GIRLS page 17 decided that they were definitely not for me. I went home and told my parents I wanted to play soccer, and they signed me up.” Students lack support for school athletic events The world’s most popular sport, t the basketball dance around in body paint or at the least, wear eight out of 10 football games at Grady Stadium, soccer has a global culture that Ag a m e a g a i n s t their school colors. but even the four games at Grady this year were appealed to James. Paideia on Jan. 24, I was If Grady students show up at all, they sit around very sparsely attended. Even the season-ending “I like the people I meet, [and] I one of the 10 or so Grady in different places, just chatting and not paying game against rival North Atlanta barely had any like the coaches,” James said. “I love students sitting next any attention to the games. We are constantly students in the stadium. Why? High school sports that it’s a universal sport. I went to to the overwhelming outnumbered and always outcheered by other are the most enjoyable sports to watch, and they Mexico and got to play pickup majority of Paideia schools, even at our own home games. Granted, don’t cost much money to go to. games with the locals. It was cool to students who turned our teams have been in a little bit of a slump for As bad as attendance is at football and basketball connect with them like that [despite Ja k e Ma r t i n out for the Fox 5 High the last 20 years, but basketball games are some games, our spring sports have it even worse. The the language barrier].” School Game of the of the most enjoyable sporting events to attend. girls soccer team made it to the state semifinals two For James, playing soccer not only Week. Even though Grady defeated the previously We have a ton of the games right here at Grady. years ago and were ranked as high as No. 2 in the connected her with people from 14-4 Pythons, the Paideia students never stopped It only costs $3 to go to see two games. state last year, but no one ever came to the games. other cultures, but the sport has even cheering and were genuinely excited to be at their I know what most people say: “We’d go to the Playing in front of sparse crowds of parents and strengthened the bonds within her school’s basketball game. The Grady students, games if our teams were any good.” That’s just friends, the girls have dominated their opponents own family. however, couldn’t even be bothered to turn up not true. I don’t know if anyone noticed, but our for the last few years but have never enjoyed much “My whole family is into soccer— for a big game against a good team at their own football team was 7-3 this year. I went to nearly support from their school. Meanwhile, when it’s what we do for 20 weeks of the school. That handful of students may have been every game, and there were barely any students at the girls go to play rival Westminster, the stands year,” James said. “It’s become part of loud and excited, but they were easily drowned the games. I still remember the 13-1 Georgia Dome are packed with green-and-white-clad students who we all are.” out by the large Paideia crowd. season, and even then, the students didn’t show brandishing signs and homemade noisemakers. Though she has stayed faithful The worst thing is that this isn’t an uncommon up nearly as much as they do at other schools. At Grady students, please start supporting your to soccer, James’ path through the scene at Grady. As students we have a pretty well- this year’s Riverwood game, Riverwood — a team teams. There are six more home basketball games. sport has been anything but straight earned reputation of not showing up at our sports that went 3-7— had an entire section of 100 or so Soccer and lacrosse games are free, and there are and narrow. After starting the sport games. When we do, we’re usually just there to students who stood up for their team through the several at home. If you’re not doing anything else as a field player, James switched to hang out. That doesn’t happen at other schools, whole 12-3 loss, screaming and dancing the whole on a weekday afternoon, come out and watch goalkeeper during her sophomore where students show up in large numbers, stand time. Some of them were painted, but all of them your friends and fellow students play. Bring a year. up the whole game, cheer and jump up and were wearing the blue and red of their school, and few friends. Stand up and cheer. Have fun. I down while singing “Zombie Nation.” They sit they seemed to be loving every minute of it. I know guarantee you that it’ll be more than worth the see JAMES page 15 in student sections where they wave signs and that it was easier to go to games when we played price of admission. p S1 I In light of President N Obama’s inauguration, A The Southerner takes a “On this day, we gather U look at student G activism. U R A because we have chosen T I O N 09 hope over fear...”

“We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will trans- form our schools and colleges and “I stand here today humbled by the universities to meet task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the the demands of a sacrifices borne by our ancestors.” new age.”

ugu ra l addr ess, J a n. 20, 2009. “We will extend a ’s in a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” ob ama o m p r esi d ent b arack All text fr All ily Muntzing by L ily All photos Obama brings ’60s activism full circle, inspires youth

By Ke e l y Yo u n g b l o o d at Grady generally supported Bill Clinton, to the African-American community, and Sophomore Demarco Nixon’s mother and there was some activity with Bush during that the entire nation has cause to celebrate. • Civil rights activist Bob Zellner visits AP Journalism bought him a Barack Obama t-shirt after he 2000 and 2004, but with [President] Obama “Anyone, liberal or conservative, who class, see S2. first announced his campaign for presidency it was just amazing.” cannot appreciate the poignancy of the • Teachers share stories of past activism, in February of 2007. It stayed, folded and It has been proven statistically that outcome of this election is blind,” Mr. Pope see S2. waiting, in Nixon’s closet for months. On President Obama did indeed inspire an said. “It took over 200 years to end slavery •Rally urges greater action against the Darfur Jan. 21, the day after President Barack unprecedented youth vote. According to the and another hundred years for equality. This genocide, see S4. Obama stood at a podium and took one of Harvard Institute of Politics, 54 percent of is change and this is the way the future could •Twins work with Project South to educate people the most sacred oaths in this country, Nixon the 18-24 demographic voted in the 2008 be.” nationwide on social issues, see S4. wore his t-shirt for the first time. He walked election, which is a 19 percent increase from An annual national study on student through the school proudly declaring his 2004. activism by the University of Califormia, lots more. They have the time, and they don’t support for a president he believes in more Further statistics show that the youth may Los Angeles has shown a growing number have the economic constraints that older than any other. very well have been a key factor in President of politically apathetic and civilly disengaged adults tend to have. They also, particularly “I supported Gore and Kerry,” Nixon said, Obama’s victory. An estimated 2.2 million high school and college students over the last students, spend a lot of time together in “but I never had a shirt with either of their more people between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Over the past year, however, the groups with other students who care about faces on it. I truly believe in Barack Obama. 24 voted in the 2008 election than did in numbers of have dramatically increased, and the same things they do. If I tried to get a We’ve fallen in love with him. The whole the 2004 election. Out of those voters, 68 many see the election of President Obama as social movement started in my condominium world has fallen in love with him.” percent voted for President Obama and 30 a culmination of the activism of the 1960’s complex, it wouldn’t work. The interests Nixon’s sentiments are not uncommon percent voted for John McCain. and activism today. people have are too varied. But young people in the school hallways. U.S. history and Mr. Pope attributes some of the excitement “You always see young adults as a force can mobilize mass forces very quickly.” Musical Theatre teacher Mr. Lee Pope saw an shown by the students to Grady’s diversity. in social movements,” said Doug Shipman, The past fifty years have shown a unprecedented student interest in President Sixty-sevent percent of enrolled students and the executive director of the Center for Civil concentrated force of social movements and Barack Obama’s campaign and election. 46 percent of faculty members are African and Human Rights Partnership. “They have civil progression. “I saw more [student interest] than I have American. Mr. Pope feels that President a sense of idealism that is beaten out of us seen in my lifetime,” said Mr. Pope. “People Obama’s election served as a powerful message as we get older. They’re willing to risk more, see YOUTH S2-S3 S2 S3 Student Activism: Then & Now A Southerner Student Activism: Then & Now Special Section YOUTH activism increases with Obama campaign

from S1 ported. After the Obama campaign ended, we decided to move forward with other campaigns.” Students have heard firsthand accounts from parents Golden believes that current technological innovations and teachers of the civil rights movement, the women’s are altering the way the student constituency is swayed. movement, Youth Voter Turnout Through History the anti-Vietnam-War movement, the anti- “[Getting the youth vote] takes a lot of technological apartheid movement and the gay-rights movement among Eligible voters (18-24) vs. Time savviness,” Golden said.”We all have a Facebook. We all others. The number of students engaged in activism today have a MySpace. Some of us are old enough to know what is, however, comparatively small. an Xanga is. We have blogs and Twitter. In order to appeal 55% Shipman partially attributes this inaction to a change in 52% to youth and get your message out to youth, you have to the lifestyle of the American student. 50.3 harness that technology. It’s imperative.” 50% “If you talk to people from the ‘60s, they’ll say, ‘Well 49.2% Shipman partially agrees with Golden. look, we didn’t have computers, a lot of us didn’t have tele- 50% “Technology has enormous potential,” Shipman said. vision and we didn’t have anything else to do but talk to “Facebook and all those things have the capability to very each other,’” Shipman said. “But now [the youth] have a 45.5% 48.3% quickly spread information and bring people together, and lot of other outlets for the energy that they have.” 45% 48.1% I don’t think it’s been fully realized yet. [But] technology Senior Sage Adams, a member of the Social Diversity requires a certain level of economics, and it is not fully uni- Club, agrees. versal. We forget that everybody does not have an iPhone “In a culture of video games, music, computers, sports 40% 41% 42.9% and that everybody does not have high-speed connection. and school, there are a lot of distractions from politics,” 40.4% From a social activism perspective, it’s still somewhat an Adams said. “There’s just so much to do that people don’t upper economic echelon.” care as much about issues.” 35% Adams thinks that President Obama’s election may have v ich and G us rick

Shipman recognizes bigger forces in the face of changing ace at least one negative effect in the area of student activism – v student activism also. 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 that it will serve as a reason for students to consider issues “I think that, certainly structurally, throughout Ameri- of racism and diversity as no longer prevalent or problem- SOURCE: www.dailykos.com

can history, there were groups of American people who were A melia ko atic in our current society. excluded,” Shipman said. “A lot of those legal barriers have “The areas before—the ’60s and ’70s—were different,” fallen. Young people are comfortable; issues aren’t in their over the year. Golden thinks that other components of the campaign Adams said. “With a black president, people thinks the faces as much. It’s less obvious, at least from an American “We saw a huge surge of younger voters and younger ac- have also sparked the interest of young Americans. job is done. But it’s not. Grady has problems with social perspective, what it is that should be a movement. [Also] tivists this year,” Golden said. “We saw kids [volunteering] “Every time I turn on the TV, something is in sham- diversity.” as the country has become more affluent overall, the per that were below the age of voting. I remember going up bles,” Golden said. “These headlines and dire situations are Mr. Pope agrees with Adams. gus R ick capita income goes up, education goes up, and it becomes to South Carolina with a kid who was fifteen and couldn’t bringing people into politics, not only as political activists “We have self-segregation,” Mr. Pope said. “We don’t in- CIVIL “WRITES”: Junior Aja Syphoe and author Bob Zellner share a chuckle as Syphoe waits for Zellner’s autograph during his Jan. 22 visit to the AP Journalism class. more difficult for people to become motivated. Affluence vote for three years, but he was still passionate about affect- or campaign staffers but just as people who care enough to tend to. But when you look at the young people at lunch, usually leads to less political activity. But the question I ing the outcome of the election.” be knowledgeable about what’s going on. Truthfully that’s there are white kids up on the hill and black kids in the have for young people is ‘are there really fewer problems He attributes much of this abrupt change to President all we can ask—that people take a stand and are motivated courtyard. And it’s not that any of the white kids would with society or have they just gotten more complicated?’” Obama. enough to care about what’s going on in their world.” care if black kids came up on the hill or that any black kids Civil rights icons, authors visit students Shipman anticipates a trend of international activism “As a history major, I love thinking about [this fluc- Golden is currently working to keep young adults po- would care if white kids came down. It’s just that there is among students over the next decade. tuation in student activism-levels],” Golden said. “I love litically engaged and civilly active after the glamour of the this phenomenon that I’m watching and trying to make By Li l y Mu n t z i n g ner said. “Sometimes we forget that it was an worked with President Obama in Selma, Ala., “This whole notion that what you buy will have an im- studying the ‘60s. I think it’s a great example of that [activ- Obama campaign. Golden thinks that it’s easier to moti- sense of where we still self-segregate. When people are sep- As students in Mr. Dave Winter’s AP Jour- integrated movement, but it’s important his- in March 2007 and joined his campaign soon pact on people, especially in international trade situations, ism]. First of all, I supported Kerry and Gore back in the vate the youth in times of controversial political climate. arated like that, they end up not knowing much about the nalism class lined up to have their books signed, tory and the main purpose is to get this to the after. Zellner plans to pubish his experiences on is something that we’ve already seen young people become past two elections, but I’ll be perfectly honest, they weren’t “It’s not that the youth in the ’80s or ’90s were stupid other group, and as humans, we fear what we don’t know. civil rights activist and author Bob Zellner in- young people.” the campaign trail. extremely involved in, and we’re already seeing the effect of particularly charismatic guys. They weren’t guys that peo- or lazy,” Golden said. “Something didn’t happen to us bio- Mr. Pope has made it a goal to work towards alleviating sisted on dating his signature as Jan. 20, 2009. Throughout his life, Zellner has overcome The new book, currently titled White Snow, that concern in stores,” Shipman said. “We’re also seeing ple could get excited about. You saw a declining support logically in the ’80s to make us care less about politics. It’s this problem at Grady It was not, however, Jan. 20. It was Jan. 22, resistance from his peers and colleagues in or- reveals many of Zellner’s ideas about our new a huge surge of young people invested in being environ- because the democratic youth supported Kerry, but they that there was no real reason to care.” It’s just my personal platform right now and something but Zellner insisted on signing that date to cel- der to stand up for his beliefs. First, however, president. mentally conscious, and I certainly think that the global weren’t going to go out and volunteer for him.” Golden has made a career workin with youth who care I’m always thinking about. I don’t know how to fix it. It’s ebrate the inauguration of the new president. he had to overcome his family’s past to be ac- “I hope Obama turns out to be a genuine climate change will be something that the young will rally Golden thinks that other, more concrete factors also about politics by working for Youthocracy, which was not something anyone can force, because, as humans, we “[President Obama] is on the brink of great- cepted in the movement. radical,” Zellner said. “It’s very important for around, especially as we begin to see impacts on specific ar- contributed to the interest President Obama sparked in founded by Stephen Ratner, an Emory graduate in the hate to be forced to do anything. ” ness,” Zellner said. “In [the United States’ cur- “As southerners, we grew up in a totally seg- Obama to become a radical president for radi- eas.There are still problems with child labor, abusive labor the youth. summer of 2008. Youthocracy is the first youth-lead politi- Mr. Pope, however, predicts change in the future. rent] situation, the crises are very big, but the regated world,” Zellner said. “My father was cal times.” and slave labor in global trade—I think that is definitely a “[President] Obama’s campaign brought in professionals cal consulting orgnization in U.S. history. Junior Caroline “It’ll be [this] generation of students that change these opportunities are very big also. He has been in the Ku Klux Klan and my granddaddy was The radical times that Zellner refers to are frontier that young people will lead on.” to capture the youth vote,” Golden said. “They brought in McKay is the Atlanta director. problems,” Mr. Pope said. “It’s been a long time coming, given a mandate by the people, and it’s tremen- [too].” characterized not only by the economy but Steve Golden is a junior at Emory University and the my friend Hans Riemer, who was the first national youth “We had to harness this energy and political power that but it’s coming. Students at Grady now care more than dous.” Despite such a past, Zellner decided at a also by the racism that continues to exist to- Georgia State coordinator for Youthocracy—a political vote coordinator and the head of Rock the Vote, to work we had when so many youths who weren’t interested in the students in my high school did, and I would say that While Zellner applauds President Obama’s young age that something about the world that day. Constance Curry, who was also active in consulting organization—as well as the founder of Every as a professional to capture the youth vote. It’s not what it politics before President Obama suddenly wanted to be in- they care more than the students at my university did. historic run, he believes the country still has he lived in was not right. After being told by his the civil rights movement and is now a ffellow Student for Barack Obama and the executive coordinator used to be. The Obama campaign treated people our age volved,” McKay said. “I mean, he won Indiana and North Maybe it’s just because I’m working with very metropoli- not realized the ultimate goals of the civil rights boss at a local country store that he could not at the Institute for Women’s Studies at Emory of Georgia Students for Barack Obama. as equals, as people whose votes mattered and had to be Carolina because of the youth vote. He won 67 percent tan kids. But they’re just a heck of a lot smarter in this movement. address any black person as “sir” or “ma’am,” University, co-authored and edited Zellner’s Golden noticed a definite increase in student activism won.” of the youth vote, which is higher than has ever been re- generation.” p “[The past inauguration] shows two things,” Zellner knew he had to stand up for what he book. She believes that racism persists into the Zellner said. “It shows how far we’ve come in thought was right. 21st century and is not as easy to detect like it the past 50 years and it shows how far we have “I decided at a very young age that I’m not was fifty years ago. to go.” going to live in fear,” Zellner said. “[I thought], “We don’t have racists now, [but] we have Balch, Sartor lead lives as activists through protests, demonstrations Zellner would know how far the civil rights ‘This is something I believe in and I’m going racism,” Curry said. “When Bob and I were movement has to go, because he has witnessed to take a risk.’” in the movement, it was a segregated world, firsthand how far it has come in the last 50 Students in the AP Journalism class asked but it’s so hard for young people today because By Gr a c e Br o w n By the end of the year, he had collected more than burning. Education puts out a lot of fires before personally cut down the sign and threw it off the opposed the construction of a nuclear power years. questions about facing adversity. As he spoke [they] don’t know who the enemy is.” To many, an “activist” marches for civil rights, 40,000 pounds of recyclable material. Mr. Balch they happen.” mountain. He was given a 250 dollar fine. plant,” Mr. Sartor said. “I was one of 346 people After receiving a grant from the PEN/ about his willingness to surrender to arrest or Zellner hopes President Obama’s “nonvio- boycotts certain companies to protest child labor also convinced the Atlanta Journal Constitution to Mr. Sartor became politically active in the Mr. Sartor also faced legal troubles after that went over the fence [in protest] and got Faulkner Foundation, Mr. Winter’s class re- even death for the movement, he was ques- lent politics” will become the new norm to and ties himself to the occasional tree to combat publish a message on its front page promoting 1970s after being inspired by his professors. participating in a Service Employees Union arrested at this nuclear power site they ceived 20 copies of Zellner’s book, The Wrong tioned as to whether he ever felt the need to combat racism and violence. deforestation. But after a life of less recycling, making it the first paper in “When I was in college, I had some really protest. were building.” Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the give up his nonviolent tactics over fear. “[Obama’s] nonviolent politics takes the his- visible confrontation, two teachers the nation to do so. great professors who talked about [how] it’s one In 1989, he drove around the After his arrest, however, Freedom Movement, and the opportunity for “When I learned the discipline of nonvio- tory of the freedom struggles of black people – government teacher Mr. Louis He joined the Peace Corps in thing to learn the theory [behind] political and airport and honked his car horn to the charges were eventually Zellner to come and discuss his book with the lence, I could be completely confident in my for centuries and their white allies and it says, Sartor and science teacher Mr. 2001 to better address those economic power in this country [and how] it’s support the striking workers at dropped. class. physical ability to resist [the urge] to be aggres- ‘As freedom fighters, we cannot demonize our Graham Balch – have settled issues. another thing to actually act on it,” Mr. Sartor Eastern Airlines. After catching Mr. Sartor believes that Zellner’s book recounts his adventures in sive and physical,” Zellner said. “This strength- enemy; we cannot hate our enemy,’” Zellner down at Grady. “They say the Peace Corps said. the eye of a police officer, Mr. many issues the United the nonviolent civil rights movement during ened my dedication to nonviolence.” said. “There are two ways to is the toughest job you’ll After graduating from University of South Sartor was put under arrest for States face today can be the 1960s. At age 20, he became the first white According to Zellner, students in the U.S. According to Zellner, this decision to not look at [the definition of ever love, and it’s true,” Mr. Florida in 1978, Mr. Sartor began working for impeding traffic and taken to fixed its citizens. field secretary for the Student Nonviolent education system are ignorant of the nonvio- demonize the enemy is what makes President an activist],” Mr. Balch Balch said. “It is incredibly the activist group Association of Community the Clayton County jail for a “We have a lot of changes Coordinating Committee and participated in lent movement in which he participated, as Obama the founder of this new type of poli- said. “One [definition] is hard. I ended up founding Organization for Reform Now. The association night. that need to happen, and protests that resulted in 18 arrests in seven dif- well as of other aspects of the civil rights move- tics, and he hopes it can create new wave of [someone who] screams and the largest per capita library consists of low- and moderate-income families “As it turned out, the police changes don’t occur because ferent states. ment. stong youth activism. waves [signs]. If that is your in the country of Guatemala, from around the country who work on economic, officers were very friendly and the government thinks “The Student Nonviolent Coordinating “I find such a lack of knowledge on the move- “Can you imagine the power created if definition of an activist, then but up until the actual day it housing and banking issues. they were all union members that change should occur – Committee was known as the young people ment [among students], part of it due to the young people in a nonviolent army went, as I am not [an activist]. If your opened, I was not sure I could Both teachers have faced a little trouble with the themselves,” Mr. Sartor said. “I it takes people pushing, the who were brash,” Zellner said. “If [it was] said fact that schools and history books don’t talk they have gone, to the Gulf Coast to rebuild definition of an activist is someone pull it off.” law over their years working in the community. remember the coffee was much grass roots [movements],” Mr. we couldn’t organize civil rights in Mississippi, about racism, segregation and the civil rights after Katrina or to Darfur?” Zellner said. “Go who tries to change society, then I While in the Peace Corps, During a hike on the Appalachian Trail in better than I expected. I only spent Sartor said. “That’s the whole story [then] that’s where we went.” movement,” Zellner said. “For the generation with a nonviolent army of people prepared and [consider myself to be] a powerful Mr. Louis Sartor Mr. Balch discovered how closely 1995, Mr. Balch discovered a sign promoting a couple hours in the Clayton County Mr. Graham Balch of the civil rights movement, the His purpose for writing the memoir, how- that’s coming up, there’s no written knowledge willing to die, and stand between those who are activist.” activism is intertwined with clear cutting, a method of forest management jail. But you know, go to jail one time, you never anti-war movement and the environmental ever, was to highlight a side of the civil rights of [the movement].” murdering and those who are being murdered Before Atlanta developed its recycling program, education. that supposedly increased watershed flow without forget it.” movement. It takes people in the neighborhoods movement of which many are unaware—the Zellner hopes that his book will provide- and say, ‘Stop; no more.’” p a 15-year-old Mr. Balch noticed that people in “Ever since I [was in] the Peace Corps, I realized erosion. Because he had learned that clear cutting His activism was not limited to social issues. and in the unions and different organizations white South’s participation. written knowledge that future generations For a complete transcript of Zellner’s visit to Atlanta merely threw out their trash. He started how [much] education impacts [a community],” actually led to high levels of erosion that can “When I worked for ACORN in Tulsa [in putting pressure on the government to do the “I guess I’m a little bit symbolic of the fact need and is working on his second book to Grady, please visit http://srt5.atlantapublicschools. recycling his neighbors’ trash every other Saturday. Mr. Balch said. “It’s like stopping a building from endanger local fishermen’s jobs, Mr. Balch 1978], I was part of an alliance of activists who right thing.” p that the movement was white and black,” Zell- continue with the educational process. Zellner us/grady. S4 A Southerner Student Activism: Then & Now Special Section Local rally encourages resistance to Darfur genocide

By Ma d e l i n e Ro o rb a c h Bushara Dosa stood from his seat in the second pew with a dolorous expression. As he approached the pulpit of the Atlanta church, the crowd of 200 fell silent with the sounds of downtown Atlanta providing the only background noise. “The [Sudanese military army] Janjaweed came to my village,” Dosa said. “They committed crimes against my people; they burned my village. My friends were killed. I came to America to fight against those who did this.” Darfur Dosa’a story is not unique. Since the 2003 escalation of the Urgent Sudanese conflict in the Darfur province, which the United Action Nations classified as a genocide in 2004, upwards of 300,000 people Coalition have been killed and 2.7 million of have been displaced from their homes. Georgia An immigrant from the Darfur region of Sudan, Dosa arrived Rally at Central Presbyterian Church on Jan. 25 to share his story to participants of the fourth annual rally for Darfur. The rally was sponsored by the Darfur Urgent Action Coalition of Georgia, which aims to spread the word about the genocide throughout the state, according to chairperson Melanie Nelkin. The rally began with Rabbi Elana Perry sounding the shofar, a ram’s horn used in the Jewish religion, by Rabbi Elana Perry followed by a slide show that paid homage to the Holocaust. URGENT CARE: (clockwise from top left) The crowd at the fourth annual Darfur rally at Central Presbyterian Church on Jan. 25. Sarah Odungo, an artist whose paintings were

“[The Holocaust] was the first by made l ine roorbach photos for sale at the rally. Bushara Dosa, a Darfuri refugee. Rev. Emily Wilmarth gave the opening remarks before the rally. The keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Gloria White- Hammond. time that the world recognized something as a genocide,” Nelkin to work towards the cessation of fighting for the rights of the civil disobedience. I’ve tried three has stimulated the [Darfur] said. “After the Holocaust, we hostilities in Sudan. Darfur people since before the times—three times—and it still movement. When she talks, said, ‘Never again.’ If we said, Dosa’s message was echoed by world even acknowledged the hasn’t worked. But I promise you, people listen. I have never been to ‘Never again,’ how can we have the rally’s keynote speaker, Rev. conflict as a genocide. I will get arrested before this is all a rally she has spoken at when the the [Darfur] genocide in the 21st Dr. Gloria White-Hammond. She believes that the coalition over.” crowd didn’t get up and cheer.” century?” Dr. White-Hammond is the and its supporters have not The crowd responded to Dr. Much of Dr. White-Hammond’s After rally participants finished chairperson of the Save Darfur exhausted all possible options, White-Hammond’s calls for action passion for the cause stems from reflecting on the horrors of the Coalition, which advocates both citing the historical success of with rousing cheers. Nelkin said her trips to the ravaged region attempted eradication of the in the United States and abroad civil disobedience. that the SDC chairperson was over the past few years. Jews in Nazi Germany, the event for an end to the Sudanese “We have not exhausted what chosen for her magnetic oratorial “In Sudan I saw the horrors of turned its focus to the present. genocide. we can do,” Dr. White-Hammond skills. war [and] of genocide,” the Dr. Dosa recounted the Janjaweed’s Having traveled to Sudan nine told the enthusiastic crowd. “[Dr. White-Hammond] is White-Hammond said. “I’m here attack on his village and called times in the last eight years, “There is still civil disobedience. a dynamic, colorful, articulate to tell you that it’s not over yet.” for people in the United States Dr. White-Hammond has been I still have not been arrested for speaker,” Nelkin said. “She p Twins’ similarities extend into community activism

By Lu c y Be e c h i n g educational activities. with Project South brings. Student activism comes in all shapes and forms, even dou- While the general description may seem boring, Che’la said “I love the freedom,” Chelsea said. “[Our manager] tells us bles. Seniors and twins Chelsea and Che’la Counts are active the workshop activities are interesting and specific. what we need to do, and we do it. If we don’t do something, members of the Atlanta community. Since middle school, “If we did [a session] on sex, we might [use] a banana to it’s our fault. We’re basically teaching ourselves about things Chelsea and Che’la have been involved in the Project South show people how to properly put on a condom,” Che’la said. that we don’t know about.” Institute for the Elimination of Poverty and Genocide—a Because of their participation in the program, the Counts Both Chelsea and Che’la say that being involved with Proj- nonprofit organization that aims to amelio- twins have traveled to different parts of the ect South has changed their lives for the better, even going so rate different problems in the urban com- country through Project South. far as to improve their attitudes toward society. munity through education. When you hear the “We get to see what other youth go “[I’ve learned to be more] enthusiastic,” Che’la said. “When “We hope to educate as many people as situations that other through,” Che’la said. “[Some people] just you’re not enthusiastic, the person that you’re talking to isn’t we can,” Chelsea said. “Everyone’s not going people go through, take things for granted. When you hear the going to be either. [I’ve gained a lot] of personal skills. I’ve to find out about this information [Project situations that other people go through, really grown [these past four years].” “ you realize that your South], especially not African-Americans you realize that your [life] is not that bad. Che’la said that her 2005 trip to New Orleans with Project and teenagers.” [life] is not that bad. It makes me grow as a person [because] I South to help Hurricane Katrina victims was the most mean- The girls got involved with Project South can appreciate more and connect more with ingful experience for her. after they attended an event called Black people.” For Chelsea that superlative is reserved for the time she Youth Vote in Washington D.C and met the senior Che’la Counts According to Chelsea, the best thing joined 10,000 activists in marching from the Atlanta Civic woman in charge of Project South’s teenage vol- about becoming involved with Project South Center to the state capitol in the United States Social Forum unteers. is the opportunity to give back to the community in mean- in 2007. Although the Counts first found out about Project South ingful ways. Che’la agrees. “While we were marching, they were playing this music in Washington D.C., the organization is based in Atlanta but “When I help people, I just have a great feeling,” Che’la that was so powerful,” Chelsea said. “I was crying; that’s how holds workshops across the country to educate people. At the said. “Even if I don’t know someone, I still want to help them. powerful it was. People were just so nice and so loving. Every- workshops, participants are split into groups, where they hold That’s the type of person that I am.” one was there for the same reason—to make a change. That organized discussions about social issues and conduct various Chelsea also loves the added independence that her role was powerful.” p