SINCE 1947

An upbeat paper www.gradyhighschool.org/ for a downtown school southerner TALENT SHOW NICO-TEEN ART NOT ADS Night raises Truth about school First nontraditional money for chorus, tobacco users lit up by art show held at t h e So u t h e r n e r Dec. 10, 2008 canned food drive student reporters Studio Chambers pg. 16 pg. 10-11 pg. 15 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, VOLUME LXII, NUMBER 4, DEC. 10, 2008 STUDENTS MEET MUSICAL LEGEND By Al e x a n d r i a Ca n t r e l l solo with the Philadelphia Orches- hild prodigy. Musical ge- tra. By the time he was 18, he was nius. Heartthrob of the playing in Carnegie Hall, and at Cclassical music world. Vio- age 22, Bell graduated from Indi- linist Joshua Bell met the advanced ana University’s prestigious Jacobs

LILY MU NT Z IN G orchestra class for an hour on Nov. School of Music. Since then, he 6 after they watched him rehearse has played for several movie sound- the Barber Violin Concerto with tracks and dozens of orchestras the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra around the world. at the . In October, a representative from “[Meeting Joshua Bell] was very the ASO’s community outreach CHAMBLISS BEATS MARTIN exciting for me because I have been program attended an orchestra IN DEC. 2 SENATE RUNOFF listening to his recordings my entire booster club meeting to talk about ABOVE: Sen. Saxby Chambliss greets life,” senior violinist Elana Schaer the outreach program. Knowing supporters at his victory party at the said. “I love everything about the how much the students in the ad- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre way he plays. He is a legend in vanced orchestra class admire Bell’s the classical music world. I never musical talent, parent Sheri Schaer after news networks predicted he would ELLI O return to Washington as a Georgian thought I would get to meet him.” suggested that they attend one of ERI CK S O N TT Senators. RIGHT: Jim Martin concedes Born in Bloomington, Indiana, Bell’s dress rehearsals and meet him the campaign at the Park Tavern and in 1967, Bell began playing the vi- afterward. thanks friends and volunteers. (See olin at the age of four. By the time related story, page 8). he was 14, he had already played a see ORCHESTRA page 12 o n t e n t s JROTC program safe from discontinuation C Randolph Bynum was key in getting the JROTC APS provides funds, needs met in the stadium renovations, since the comment 3 expansion of the JROTC space wasn’t originally plans before Dec. 3 considered in the design plans. Khalyn Jones mourns the “We are strong supporters of the JROTC pro- death of her friend’s father at By Ka l a Ma r k s gram,” Mr. Bynum said. “[APS] has the largest the hands of Brian Nichols and PS recently completed design plans detailing enrollment [of JROTC students] in at questions the motives behind Athe expansion of the JROTC classroom, of- 2,000 students. We want to make sure that all the fice and storage space, leading the U.S. Army to students’ needs are met.” his killing spree. declare during its federal inspection on Dec. 3 that Along with the assurance that the program will news 6 the JROTC program is no longer at risk of losing remain at Grady, the school’s JROTC cadets re- its authorization. ceived a score of 95 at the federal inspection and The debate team, which has “[The space issue] has now been fixed as far as were recognized as an Honor Unit with Distinc- expanded greatly in the last the Army is concerned,” said Lt. Col. Mitchell tion for their second consecutive year, Lt. Col. Si- year, has suffered from cuts in Sivas, senior army instructor at Grady. “[APS di- vas said. The program also received a perfect score its funding. It is now looking at rector of army instruction] Col. [Arthur] Holmes in the school support section, which was marked other ways to raise money. has already sent [the plans] off to our higher head- as a problem in the 2006 inspection and led to its quarters, and he said they [were] far beyond what probation during the 2006-2007 school year. people 12 is required as far as space for JROTC goes.” Because the stadium renovations are strictly Senior Dalton Mayes gives The space currently allotted to the JROTC focused on the school system’s athletic needs, the program underneath the stadium fails to meet money for the JROTC renovations isn’t coming back to the school community both the U.S. Army requirements and the Geor- from the SPLOST III funds. Instead, APS director by painting a mural in the gia Department of Education requirements. The of capital improvement and Grady alumnus Jere music building for his Eagle proposed plans, however, will eliminate the space Smith said that the money will come from capital Scout service project. violations. improvements funds that APS has set aside for fa- “[The plan] exceeds both of [the require- cility improvement. sports 18 ments],” Lt. Col. Sivas said. “[The current space] Lt. Col. Sivas has had a heavy influence on A MA R K S Nine senior football players won didn’t meet the minimum on anything. Now what the design and even drew up several blueprints KA L their last game as the Knights they’re doing is they’re going to exceed both the himself. The architects, who also worked on the ARMY STRONG: Sophomore cadet Michael Barlow stands Army requirements and the Georgia Department general stadium renovation, then modified and at attention before an Army inspector during the JROTC edged Columbia 14-13. The of Education requirements. So they’ve really gone improved his original plans. program’s federal inspection on Dec. 3. The cadets scored a seniors will graduate with an beyond what we’ve expected.” 95 and were awarded the highest possible ranking of Honor overall record of 36-11. Assistant superintendent of high schools Dr. see RENOVATION, page 5 Unit with Distinction for the second consecutive year. 2 commentS i n c e 1 9 4 7 t h e So u t h e r n e r December 10, 2008 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 Gu s Ri c k JROTC deserves newsy articles in the paper, feature happy The Southerner presented Ke e l y Yo u n g b l o o d articles about teachers’ lives are the option to other students. proper space, respect interesting, and they’re proof that teachers actually don’t sleep at Eve Brown Policy troublesome Dear editors, school (as we all thought they did freshman As seniors, we’ve witnessed a fair amount of changes to the school’s at- Thank you for your special in elementary school). I’d love to tendance policy. But upon arriving for our first day of the 2008-2009 school report about the stadium and the see more articles about teachers and Large schools better year, we were informed that this year’s new administration was not messing JROTC (“Dearth of space threatens their cool hobbies in future issues around. In order to keep attendance in check, the administration has imple- JROTC” pages 1 and 8). I was of The Southerner. than small schools mented a number of procedures for when a student is absent, including a shocked to read that APS’s new plan mandate that absences be cleared before returning to the missed class. It is the for the stadium does not benefit the Colleen Farrisee student’s responsibility to bring a note to the attendance office and obtain an JROTC and its growing concerns. junior Dear editors, official slip allowing him or her to be admitted to class. I am proud of the Raiders, and I was very happy to read the article The plan sounds effective; students who skip find it harder to have their I would hate to see the program Organic-gardening in this past issue of The Southerner missed classes excused. But for students with a legitimate excuse, it has proven disappear because APS does not care about the large universities vs. the to be nothing but a nuisance. Because of the long lines in front of the atten- to listen. I hope this article catches group’s visit inspires small ones (“Large schools offer more dance office, most students don’t wait around to get their absences excused. the attention of officials downtown. opportunities,” page 4). I agree with But if you come to class without an official excuse, teachers must send you Maybe then the Raiders will get the Chelsea Cook’s opinion that large from class to the attendance office to have the absence cleared. Not only is respect and facilities they deserve Dear editors, universities offer more opportunities valuable class time missed, but the attendance office usually has to send these for all of their hard work. I found the article in the previous than small ones do. At large students back to class because it is already overwhelmed with tardy students. issue of The Southerner about universities, it’s easier to find the type Teachers are then put in a compromising position. Should they comply with Erin Bailie the WhoFarm bus (“WhoFarm of friends you are looking for, and the school policy, forcing the student to miss as many as 45 minutes of class sophomore circulates ecological awareness”) there is always something to do. Both time? Or should they allow the student into class without an official pass? very interesting. I support organic my parents and my oldest sister went We understand that attendance management is important, but there has to Hobbies, lives of gardening, not only because it’s to the University of Alabama, and be a more effective way to deal with absences. If teachers were able to allow a better for our environment, but my other sister will be attending the student to return to class after an absence and could simply make note of the teachers interesting because organic food just tastes university this coming year. My sister absence until it is excused, the student would miss no class time. It should re- better. I agree with kids who is in a sorority, is part of the student main the students’ responsibility to get their absences excused in a timely, but said that the bus really grabs government and has season tickets reasonable manner. If they fail to, they should pay the consequences of hav- Dear editors, people’s attention—the photo of to the football games. While a small ing an unexcused absence. As seniors, we may sometimes be absent-minded, I was happy to read the article in it definitely grabbed mine right university may have some benefits, it but these current attendance policies just don't make sense. p last month’s issue of The Southerner off of the page. I hope that the can’t compare to a large university. So about Mr. Darden’s cycling hobby trip it made to Grady changed in conclusion, large universities have (“After years of running, world some students’ views on buying way more to offer than small ones. history teacher cycles to success,” organic over regular vegetables. This article hit dead on. A holiday proposal page 12). I really enjoyed reading I would definitely give my full ‘Tis the season to be frugal. With the economy in ruins and on a high- about a teacher’s life outside of support towards promoting Sarah Collins school student’s budget, this holiday season is not one to throw down school. While I enjoy reading the organic gardening and I’m junior the big bucks on presents. Thank goodness for the editorial board at The Southerner! We have compiled a list of do-it-yourself holiday gifts that won’t empty your piggy bank and will leave mom, dad and grandma awestruck by your kindness. Use one of your dad’s white undershirts to tye-dye the greatest shirt ever uestion o f t h e m o n t h : created. Don’t waste your hard-earned money on store-produced dyes— Q take colorful fruits and vegetables from your fridge, place them in buckets and stomp away until the perfect hue is produced. If money was not an issue, what present would you ask Make your mom’s dream of owning a personal yacht come true. Dig in A panda —they’re for this holiday season? the recycling bin for large plastic bottles. Using duct tape, string, glue or An ocean, a even chewing gum, bind them together in a large, rectangular shape and cute , they eat platinum toilet post a toothpick with a triangle flag on it in the center. You’ve got yourself a bamboo and they seat and a boat that your mother will love forever. are strong like unicycle. We all know that Grandma’s memory is getting a little rusty as the Tarzan. years go by. Why not take advantage? You’ve received a wonderfully detailed Christmas sweaters from her year after year, and they’ve gone to no use. Eero Zingeser, Jibri Morton, Instead of letting the sweaters waste away in your attic or get eaten by moths “sophomore “ senior in your closet, simply re-wrap your favorite and give it back to Grandma. Chances are she won’t even remember she made it. I want my parents With no relative in mind, our final gift is perfect for anyone and takes to stop arguing. absolutely no time to produce. Simply go for a walk in your neighborhood. And world peace. Slyly, peek in the backyards of all of your neighbors. Find the cutest, smallest Kourtney Outlaw, dog you can, take it home, bathe it, stick a bow on its head and watch the p sophomore face of the recipient light up. A BMW M5, a house A new MacBook in the Caribbean, a CORRECTIONS “ plus a couple for sailboat and a big In our Nov. 7 issue, Ben Gittelson’s name was mispelled in “Scream my friends. on the Screen scares audience into applause.” piece of land. On page 4, the total number of students currently attending UGA Andrew Nonemaker, Elizabeth Nace, was incorrectly listed as 33,83 in “Big universities vs. small colleges.” “senior freshman According to the university website, 33, 831 students are enrolled. “

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, Dave Winter To our readers, Design editors: Emma French, Minh Lam, Gus Staff: Jane Beal, Lucy Beeching, Kate Belgum, Print staff: Alvin Hambrick, Harlon Heard, Rick Mariah Burch, Leah Butterfield, Parker Carlson, Michael Jackson, Adlai McClure, Charlotte The Southerner welcomes submissions, which Copy editors: Kala Marks, Lily Muntzing, Rachel Cruz, Sarah Darrow, Elliott Erickson, Napper, Benjamin Shaw may be edited for grammar, inappropriate Olivia Scofield Judson Good, Micheal Goodsby, Morgan Gore, language and length. Please place submissions News editors: Emma French, Isobel Robinson-Ortiz Dean Jackson, Khalyn Jones, Noelle Jones, Zack The Southerner, a member of GSPA, SIPA, in Mr. Winter or Ms. Carter’s box in the main Comment editors: Alexandria Cantrell, Klein, Amelia Kovacevich, Jackson Martin, CSPA and NSPA, is a monthly student office. Subscriptions are also available. For Taylor Fulton Caroline McKay, Madeline Roorbach, Shelby publication of: Henry W. Grady High School more information, please contact Mr. Winter, People editors: Perri Campis, Emily Emshoff Rudd, Nia Williams, Sidney Wise 929 Charles Allen Drive NE Ms. Carter or a member of the staff. Arts and Entertainment editors: Grace Brown, Atlanta, GA 30309 Polly Zintak Dec. 10, 2008 comment 3 Inconspicuous fears linger nearby, the tiny terrorizes We’re living in a state of economic would bolt out and rip my body into bloody shreds. As you melting away and ultimately flooding the continents as the crisis, amidst constant orange-level-threat might guess, that fear was established by the horror movie Jaws. Earth continued to toast. warnings and in a world where people Thanks to Steven Spielberg, I’m afraid to make bubbles in the Sorry Floridians. You’ll have to start a new city—Atlanta is are running in circles screaming that the ocean. already overpopulated. sky is falling. But I’m afraid to say that I’m also deathly afraid of fireworks. At one of my family’s I have so many other fears: creepy-crawly bugs, fallen-out I have very different fears than most Fourth of July celebrations, I watched from my aunt’s truck strands of hair and even paper cuts. I would contemplate people. To be honest, I’m more afraid of as my parents began to light huge fireworks. Even from my walking around school with white gloves for protection, but the miniscule every-day threats than I am seemingly safe spot, I was not out of danger’s way. As I sat in awe my fear of being forced into a mental institute by concerned Ra c h e l Cr u z of the another Great Depression. of the lights above my head, I didn’t see the wild fireworks that teachers prevailed. It isn’t that I don’t care about the state of the economy; it’s came swirling out of control right under the truck I was sitting At this point in time, I’m not afraid that I might not be able just that it isn’t my sole concern. I’m tired of being criticized for on. Did I mention the mysterious black puddle underneath to retire in my future. It doesn’t scare me that the my apathy by hyperactive, self-righteous pessimists who aren’t the car? Lucky for me, the firework’s fuse burned out with no may no longer be the country of the “American Dream” and doing a thing to make a change either. The truth is, my tiny, explosion. But my fear of fireworks has been ignited ever since. might consequently become the country of the “American probably insignificant fears are more relevant to my day-to-day I’m so afraid of needles that I dread going to the doctor’s Nightmare.” It doesn’t scare me that I might spend the rest of life. office. Unfortunately, avoiding vaccinations is as frustrating and my life dining on rice and beans because I have to pay for the

Nothing scares me more than having to tread water. When pointless as trying to wash a cat. So go ahead, doctor—update bailout. I was 7 years old, my family took a trip to Fripp Island Beach, my tetanus and hepatitis shots, but if you’re going to stick me One day, I’ll have to deal with the aftermath of the current S.C. I was floating on a raft in the ocean when I realized that the with a needle, please trick me while doing so. “Who’s that over economic crisis. Maybe once I get out of school and continue tide was taking me farther and farther away from the shore. I there, Rachel? Edward Cullen?” When I look away, poke away. life on my own, I might start paying attention to the news. I could have easily kicked my way back to the beach, but a family I try to have my sophisticated fears as well. One of my most may curse and shake my fist at our past presidents because of friend had to swim out and rescue me. Treading water, you impressive fears is global warming. Coming from a family of what they have gotten us into. But for today, my insignificant see, attracts sharks. I was afraid that if I got off that raft and liberals, I was raised to worship Al Gore. I was traumatized by fears are what I have to deal with. One day, when I’m a taxpayer kicked back to shore, I would inevitably lure fierce sharks that graphic descriptions that detailed the process of the Arctic Shelf and my say actually matters, I’ll give a hoot. p Internet norms unsuitable If you’re a loving have had to deal with your son, Little Johnny’s grandparent, diligently dad, peeking at Playboy under the covers with a reading dear little Johnny flashlight. Nowadays, thousands of people watch or sweet little Susie’s videos, vulgar beyond comparison to Hefner’s school newspaper, you magazines, in broad daylight. They forward may want to move on their cinematic finds to friends and discuss these to the interesting article treasures nonchalantly at the water cooler after about teen voting or picking apart last night’s Falcons’ game. Ol i v i a Sc o f i e l d the nice feature on the With increasing frequency, explicit videos terracotta soldiers exhibit. Or perhaps you’ll touting subjects about which I will not go into want to stick around with me and ponder about detail are circulated without hesitation as quickly what’s wrong with kids these days. as a click of a mouse. Society does nothing In this day and age, Granny, your little Susie to condemn this widespread “sex education” turns on the computer, opens up Google and through the Internet. Instead, people—from with a click of the mouse, millions of websites the blue collar to the blue blooded—sit at their and videos are available for her entertainment. desks, browsing vast libraries of videos before In the past twenty years, the Internet has grown settling on “Two Guys, One Horse” (something from a tiny, elite network of computer geniuses else that I will explain to you when you’re older, to an easily-navigated Pandora’s box, accessible G-Ma). to anyone. Am I just a prude? Morally backwards? Will Maybe you’ve been wondering what these the social acceptance of these videos become a youngins are doing on the computer all day. future societal norm? The Internet has become Facespace-ing? Youtunes-ing? ITube-ing? What the lewd educator of our generation, teaching they’re really doing, Granny, is watching a little children inaccurate representations of anatomy thing called “Two Girls, One Cup.” What is and biology and giving the youth of America a that, you ask? You see, when two girls and a rack of psychological complexes, ensuring their producer really love attention and publicity, futures as the subjects of many a pioneering they take a camera and record some of the most psychological study. Freud could learn a thing disgusting and explicit footage known to man. or two from these kids. They then post this video on Youtube— a sort I long for the simpler times, back in my day, of extensive library of moving pictures known as when “Sex and the City” was shocking and video clips— allowing all the world to see their Youtube’s most popular video was of a cute and “film.” cuddly hamster eating popcorn on a piano. Once upon a time, back in the day, you may I tell you, Granny, those were the days. p Nichols’ recent guilty verdict brings peace of mind four years after crimes Brian Nichols was father’s death. When she finally returned, obtained a job as a computer engineer, funeral, I watched my friend sit stoically found guilty Nov. 4 she tried to be strong—a struggle that earning a six-figure income. alongside her mother, sister and close on 54 counts, which everyone at my school found hard to watch. So exactly why did he turn down a family members in the front pew. The look included first degree The class united in support of her and her murderous path? of determination and faith in her eyes left murder, felony murder, family. Nichols was arrested in 2004 and an indelible mark on my mind and brought kidnapping, armed Observing my friend’s transformation charged with brutally assaulting his me to a consoling realization—her father robbery, aggravated into a beautiful, head- girlfriend. In Nichols’ mind, would be so proud of her strength and her assault, aggravated strong young woman after The look of he was innocent. On March love. Kh a l y n Jo n e s battery, theft, such a horrific loss has determination 11, 2005, in the midst of Now 45 months later, the six o’clock news carjacking and escaping from authorites. been amazing, but the fact the trial, Nichols went on a regularly broadcasts updates on the Nichols One of the people for whom Nichols that she has no father to and faith in shooting spree at the Lewis trial. It frightens me to see Nichols sit was convicted of murder in the first degree share her happiness with “ her eyes left an R. Slaton Courthouse in there listening to the witnesses, the family was Sgt. Hoyt Teasley, the father of a close continues to sadden me. indelible mark on , taking the members and the friends of victims without friend of mine. The man responsible lives of those he believed were a hint of emotion. His face is painted with Sgt. Teasley was well known in the police for her father’s death is my mind. responsible for his indictment a blank stare. department for his positive attitude and puzzling. He came from a before being captured by With this conviction, a sense of peace love of his job. He responded to the call of middle class family. Ostensibly, he made police after a lengthy chase. came to my mind, but the victims’ lives Nichols’ shooting rampage, which involved friends easily and did well in school. Though Members of the Atlanta Police and legacies and their families’ suffering a judge and court reporter, as if it were he didn’t receive his high school diploma, Department, along with the Fulton County can never be forgotten. just another case to be handled. His heroic he attended a small liberal arts college in Sheriff’s Department, joined forces in If Brian Nichols could comprehend the bravery tragically cost him his own life. Pennsylvania. With two semesters left showing their love and admiration for Sgt. pain that families of the victims shared, The news left my friend devastated. She until graduation, Nichols dropped out and Teasley. maybe he would wish that he could take didn’t attend school for two weeks after her moved to Atlanta in 1995. He immediately During a memorable and televised back his actions. p 4 comment Dec. 10, 2008 The

STUDENTStance Lena James, Taj Knight, senior Standardized junior Students burdened testing: Tests indicate schools’, by ineffective tests A GOOD students’ proficiency I don’t like standardized testing. develop these tests and the colleges or Although the idea of a test day them can earn you a scholarship More specifically, I don’t like the and universities that depend on causes most students to cringe, to the school of your choice. This SAT. We’ve suffered through almost them fail to acknowledge a group B tests are an inevitable part of is good news for students who the entire testing alphabet—the of students who are both capable BAD? attending school. Standardized may have caught an early case of ITBS, the CRCT, EOCTs and of handling college and willing to tests, in particular, are useful tools senioritis or who have slacked off the GGTs. The SAT, though, is take that next step in their lives. to ensure that pupils actually a bit on grades but still want to the mother lode of them all. It’s For a while, I was worried that understand the curriculum attend a good college. Good test hard enough to stay focused on I would be just another statistic, The U.S. is the and possess the skills needed scores give these less-than-perfect the exam for four hours, let alone another person who is destined for only economically to succeed in life. The Georgia students a chance at acceptance. try to discern the correct answers a school that doesn’t suit his or her advanced nation Graduation Test, the SAT and the Standardized tests are one to a series of muddling questions needs. How are students supposed to rely heavily on ACT are all ways for the education of the best ways to identify the specifically designed to trick you. to be motivated to go above and multiple-choice tests. system to compare all students strengths and weaknesses of a Most colleges require SAT beyond when they are trapped in an SOURCE: www.fairtest.org/facts/howharm.htm on an equal, unbiased playing particular child. If a student is scores or ACT scores or both, and environment that doesn’t support field. While classroom grades are having a problem with a certain the added pressure of test scores them? I find myself applauding the dependent on the standards of the subject, then the test scores makes the college application organizations that work to provide Because standardized individual teacher, as well as the reflect this. The student can then process even more difficult than all students with the means to tests are graded by students’ effort, attendance and identify a specific concept that he it would otherwise be. Not only pursue their higher education. computers, all bias is participation, standardized tests or she is struggling with, so that do you have to complete countless One such organization, the Posse taken from the grading analyze students he or she can applications, but your scores have Foundation, matches students with process. based solely on Standardized tests are seek extra help to fall within the school’s score a full-tuition scholarship based on their mastery of one of the best ways to on that specific range. I’ve spent many a night their leadership achievements, not SOURCE: www.education.families.com/blog/pros-of- basic knowledge. identify the strengths concept. This worrying about whether my test purely on the high numbers they standardized-testing When it comes to “ also allows for scores were enough to merit my have collected on their transcripts higher education, and weaknesses of a easy diagnosis acceptance to a good college, and and score reports. Several Grady Students from low- such mastery is particular child. of student furthermore, if they qualify me for seniors are finalists for this income and minority- more important populations as a merit scholarship so that I can scholarship. Should they receive group backgrounds... than good a whole and afford the college of my choice. it, their path to higher education are more likely to be teacher-student relationships. lets administrators know what I struggled with the SAT for is laid out for them — all without given a watered-down In 2005 alone, the U.S. changes need to be made to the more than a year and a half. At the basis of standardized test curriculum, based government spent nearly $500 school’s curriculum. my mother’s bidding, I took the scores. heavily on rote drill billion on public education, much To fully understand and SAT for the first time during my As the Posse Foundation already and test practice. of which came from taxpayers’ appreciate the numerous benefits sophomore year. It was supposed knows, there are other means to pockets. Standardized testing is of standardized testing, try to to be an indicator of what kind of decide if students are intelligent SOURCE: www.fairtest.org/facts/howharm.htm the most efficient way of making imagine life without them. preparation I would need to do my and worthy of acceptance rather sure that this money isn’t being What would happen to the best, so I willingly sat in a lecture than subjecting them to an exam Seven hundred wasted and that each student is value of grades if there were hall, laboring through the exam. that doesn’t accurately reflect their sixty colleges and receiving an equal and adequate no standardized test scores to Four weeks later, I received a score abilities. Some universities and universities, like education. When students at determine them? How much that I felt did not accurately reflect colleges are now making SAT/ACT Bard College and certain schools continue to effort would students, teachers my abilities. It took me a total of 21 scores optional. This is a positive Rollins College, do not produce low test scores, it means and administrators make to months, $275 on test prep courses step toward improving America’s require standardized that something is not right and improve achievement if there and materials, seven weeks spent higher educational system. admissions tests. that the school needs to make were no standardized tests with attending an SAT prep course at Some say standardized testing changes in order to be a successful which to check their progress? and two more SAT will always be around – how SOURCE: www.fairtest.org/university/optional institution. It has even been proven in exams before I finally achieved a else can prospective students be Standardized tests are also numerous studies that students score indicative of my intellect. compared without bias? I, however, America’s public schools necessary for students who in school systems with high- But what about those students find fault with an exam when you administer more than are looking towards college as stakes testing programs tend who don’t have the money, the must take a class just to understand 100 million standardized their next step. Both the SAT to learn more, leading to more resources or the time to prepare the questions being asked on it. exams every year. and the ACT are considered competitive college admissions, for such exams? Are they to be There are students who test well, to be predicators of success in higher wages and greater job children left behind? Because the yet don’t do well in school, just SOURCE: www.homepage.eircom.net/ college by admissions officials, security. In the end, the pros of basis of our education system seems as there are students who excel in ~seaghan/articles/10.htm a perception that indicates the standardized testing far outweigh to revolve around standardized- school but don’t do well on tests. importance and significance of the cons. So start studying and stop test scores, such students are It’s time colleges admitted the If you are interested in being a guest standardized tests in general. complaining, because standardized overlooked in the application most qualified students, not the writer for The Southerner, let us know at Colleges place a great emphasis tests aren’t going anywhere for a process. Testing companies that best test takers. p [email protected] on these tests, and doing well on long time. p The Southerner asked YOU what you thought about standardized testing. Here’s what we found:

A No, because not everybody can It’s not great, but it seems Do standardized tests I think it’s unnecessary because D No, because you can’t get take standardized tests – it’s B like the best way to quickly C people don’t always do well an accurate picture of too broad. evaluate effectively evaluate on tests. how much a student has people. learned in 12 years from students’ academic Jasmine Scott-Prince, a 70-question, multiple- freshman choice test. Carly Gaffney, Sam Weinstock, progress in school? senior sophomore Mr. George Darden, teacher Ne w s Br i e f s t h e So u t h e r n e r December 10, 2008 news5 World map meant to spread awareness RENOVATION to resolve lack of JROTC space The ESOL class is creating a from page 1 world map that will have pins in- dicating where students and their “[The architects] took my plan and ancestors were born. The map is modified it—they made it better,” intended to increase awareness Lt. Col. Sivas said. “They actually and unite the international com- did a better job because they have munity within the school. the structural specifications of the stadium.” Traffic sign added to The major problem with the existing JROTC area is its lack of space. student parking lot Lt. Col. Sivas and the architects have addressed the issue in the design plans A traffic sign limiting left turns by expanding the current JROTC from the student parking lot onto facility out into the unused space 10th Street was recently installed. located underneath the stadium. With According to Dr. Propst, the sign the new space, JROTC will be able was put up to help alleviate traffic to house more spacious offices, more congestion. classrooms, an adequate rifle range and

a much-needed storage room. SIVAS COL. MITCHELL OF LT. COURTESY “If you look at the plan, you’re Musical theatre class lesson plans: The architects’ sketch details the planned layout of the JROTC space beneath the stadium after the renovation. The going to walk into a lobby with diagram includes arms and uniform storage rooms, two extra classrooms, a larger rifle range, two bathrooms and two staff offices. holds first showcase trophy cases on the side,” Lt. Col. The musical theatre class is hold- Sivas said. “They’re going to take accommodate all of its equipment. can begin working on the area now, program in upcoming years. ing its first showcase on Dec. 13 in out [the current] hallway and put a “We’ll be able to keep everything which Lt. Col. Sivas says he has no “I think it will [increase the black box theater. The group [rifle] range there. [There will be] that we have down here [at Grady},” problems with. participation] because we’re going to will perform selections from the doors and windows looking into the Lt. Col. Sivas said. “We won’t have any “They said they could do it starting have a tremendous area,” Lt. Col. Sivas shows A Chorus Line, Pippin, Little range, which also has the potential shortage of space, so I’ll be able to go in May if they need to, or even in said. “People are going to want to go Shop of Horrors, Rent, Company, to be used as two classrooms because over to headquarters and get all of the June, and knock it out over the down there because it’s going to be a Damn Yankees and Smoky Joe’s Cafe. there’s going to be a removable wall equipment that we still have up there. summer—the whole thing,” Lt. Col. whole lot better than it is now.” there. Then [behind that] there’s an It’ll solve all of our problems.” Sivas said. “They’d just work 24-seven Sophomore cadet Michael Barlow office, a place for the cadet staff to Lt. Col. Sivas, students and parents around the clock.” also thinks the added space will give Local fire stations work, another office, the arms room, all look forward to a new and improved Lt. Col. Sivas believes that the the program an edge. all the uniform storage—which is rifle range. JROTC program will not only benefit “It gives us a better opportunity facing termination really huge because right now we’ve “There’s a [rifle range] in there right from the renovation, but the cadets to win competitions,” Barlow said. As many as eight Atlanta fire got a little tiny [storage room]—two now, but it’s totally insufficient,” Lt. will appreciate it as well. “We will be more competitive in the stations may close in response to bathrooms and another storage room. Col. Sivas said. “It’s not large enough. “The [students] are going to love JROTC community.” city budget cuts. Fire Station 23, It’s a beautiful plan.” It’s not wide enough [or] long enough. it,” Lt. Col. Sivas said. “They really Lt. Col. Sivas couldn’t be happier which serves Berkeley Heights and One of the many space concerns You can’t have spectators. Now, we are, because it’s going to be state of with the plans and looks forward to DeFoor Hills, and Truck Company involves insufficient storage and can have parents actually watch the the art. They said they’re going to the next school year. 12, which serves and supply rooms. Lt. Col. Sivas says there matches.” put all of the latest technology in the “I would say improved is a weak , have already closed. were often times when the JROTC was The timeline for the renovations classrooms. I’m envisioning projectors word [to describe the new plans],” Lt. Residents have expressed concern given equipment, but didn’t have the calls for the expansion to be finished in the ceilings. It’s going to be really Col. Sivas said. “I’m looking for one that these closures may affect storage space to keep it on campus. by the end of next June at the earliest, exciting.” that would be better. It’s superlative response times and neighborhood When the new plans are implemented, depending on when the project is He also predicts that the renovations now. It will be phenomenal to come safety. however, the program will be able to started. The architects claim that they will bring more students into the to work next year.” p The Southerner talks AND Gearbox robot wins with DOE spokesman Q A photogenic accolade By Ca r o l i n e McKa y schools is? Southerner reporter Caroline McKay sat down with A: “The biggest challenge Georgia faces educationally is the Georgia Department of Education Communications dropout rate and the graduation rate. In the 21st century, By El l i o t t Er i ck s o n we had more time,” senior Bryson Director Dana Tofig to discuss the new curriculum and you just can’t be without [a high school diploma] anymore. After winning the most photogenic Caproni said. “We would have had heftier graduation requirements. Here’s what he had to We still have too many students who are not getting theirs. award for the robot they entered in more driver training to teach people say: They are taking the short-term game—they have to work the Boosting Engineering, Science how to drive [the robot].” or support a family. We understand that, but it’s the idea of and Technology competition, the At the B.E.S.T. competition, teams Q: What are the new graduation requirements? getting people to see that the short-term gain of dropping Gearbox Gangstas are waiting for the aren’t allowed to purchase parts like A: “All students [will] take the same core classes—four units out is offset by the long-term problems it creates. problem to be released for their spring they can at other competitions, so of science, math and literature and three units of social “There is a lot of effort to make sure that [students] competition. the team is required to build more studies. If a student is going to college, they must take at understand that there are other options besides dropping In robotics, teams are given certain of its parts. least two foreign language classes. Students that are going out. There are alternative schools and performance learning problems that must be solved using “We build a lot of our parts out the career route can take career technical and agricultural centers, where students can go at their own pace. There are their hand-made robots. of wood,” said Mr. Vinton Wolfe, education classes that will not only prepare them for the career academies that are connected to [specific] industries. “It is problem-solving in simple physical science teacher. work world, but will certify them in certain areas. There There are many options for learning, and there will be terms,” said chief engineer and senior The spring F.I.R.S.T. competition, is a lot of research out there now that says that whether more coming down the road.” Thuy Dinh. “It’s applying engineering however, has almost no restrictions on you are going to college or going into the work world, you on a high-school level with designing, the types of robots that can be built. still need to have a very strong core of classes. You can’t Q: What is the biggest challenge that the Department of drafting, building and testing. It’s “Robots can be up to 120 pounds— just take consumer math and get by in the 21st century, Education faces? actually applying the things you have the largest sized robots all year,” Dinh [making] enough money to survive.” A: “The biggest challenge facing government entities in learned in high school and knowing said. “The cost [of any robot in the general right now is money. The budget is really tight, and that the math you learned works.” competition] is about $10,000.” Q: What are the curriculum changes? our first job is to be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money. The team competes in two major The Gearbox Gangstas receive A: “[The curriculum from before] is just a broad set of I think that’s always the biggest challenge, even in great competitions every year—the funding from large corporations like requirements—students should know how to x, y, z. [The times. You have to balance innovation and reality. B.E.S.T. competition during the Turner Broadcasting and the Arthur curriculum now] sets performance standards—students “A lot of people want to point the finger [about the first semester and the For Inspiration Blank Foundation. should know how to x, y, and z, they should be able to budget cuts], but it’s not anyone’s fault. More than 50 and Recognition of Science and The team will be given the problem demonstrate it this way and they should be able to perform percent of the state’s budget goes to education already. Technology competition during the for the F.I.R.S.T. Competition in early tasks that show that they can meet the standard. The pool of money from which you can draw the state’s second semester. February and will then have until April “The old curriculum was very broad. Teachers didn’t budget is shrinking. We’re going to have to take a 10 In the B.E.S.T. competition, the to complete its robot. really have time to cover everything in one year. The idea percent cut in our budget this year. We’re trying to keep team had to build a robot that could “[Our goal] is to get to the is for [the new curriculum] to be more focused—cover a the districts from having to take more than a two percent put together a partly assembled championship,” Caproni said. “We bit less in each class but go deeper.” budget cut this year. airplane. The team didn’t advance, but got to the championship five years ago “Georgia will weather it. We’ve been through it before. it did win most photogenic. and to get there again would be really Q: What do you think the biggest challenge facing Georgia Still, it’s a challenge.” p “We could have done better if awesome.” p 6 news Dec. 10, 2008 Debate team membership expands, funding shrinks

By Ke e l y Yo u n g b l o o d Dr. Nalty doesn’t think the funding cuts The class of 2012 will boast a record-high have had a dramatic effect on students. number of students capable of twirling pens. “It may have affected students who wanted The debate team has dramatically increased in to travel in the beginning of the [year] because size, expanding from 25 competing members we got started late,” Dr. Nalty said. “But it last year, eight of whom went to the national hasn’t significantly affected students. APS still competition, to a team comprised of more than funds all tournaments in the metro area. We 100. The expansion, however, has coincided with cover travel in terms of buses, coaches, travel a decrease in funding from APS that stems from and accommodations in case they have to the current economic crisis. travel outside the metro area.” “There have been funding cuts across The debate team has already made several the board,” said Dr. Keisha Nalty, the social efforts to raise additional money. The debaters science coordinator for APS. “We also got held a mock presidential debate, in which started a little late in terms of getting our seniors Demarius Walker and Mike Robinson funding approved for the school year.” assumed the roles of then-presidential Ms. Lisa Willoughby, the debate coach candidates Barack Obama and John McCain. and forensics and American literature The school also hosted a debate tournament teacher, has 33 freshman debaters in her oral that served as a fund-raiser, and the team has communications class. Mr. Herrera, the other been selling concessions at various theater forensics teacher, has more than 80 debaters in performances. They also have been given his classes. In order to receive an A in the class, 501C3 status, which establishes the program students must participate in three or more as a charity. tournaments. “Part of the reason for setting up the 501C3 oungblood y y y Although sophomore Jake Simonds- was to try to get corporate donations,” Ms. Malamud can identify positive aspects of the Willoughby said. “It’s a legal instrument that K eel YES WE CAN: Senior Demarius Walker gesticulates to emphasize his point while debating as presidential team’s expansion, he thinks the overall effect allows you to be a foundation that people can candidate Barack Obama. Walker debated against senior Michael Robinson, who portrayed John McCain. has been negative. donate money to and then write it off on their “The good thing is that we always flood taxes. I believe our official title is the Grady like,” Dr. Nalty said. “But we won’t know that evidence themselves. tournaments,” Simonds-Malamud said. Forensics Booster, Inc. I don’t think we’ve until we see a projected budget for next year.” The Grady debate team has decided not to “People know who we are. But it’s gotten to gotten any big donors yet, but we’ve had a few Many of the other schools in APS have participate in the tournaments because of the the point at tournaments where Grady people $100-range donations.” decided to allot some of their funds to a tournaments’ target audience. Out of the 33 compete against other Grady people. We’ve got The team has established an official booster new debate program implemented as a freshman debaters in Ms. Willoughby’s class, a presence, but it’s definitely been difficult.” club to help provide extra funding for the team. collaborative effort by , only 17 are policy debaters. The 17 debaters Freshman debater Holden Choi has “Funds have been dramatically cut, and Georgia State University and APS. have already begun debating on the state also noticed several negative repercussions APS has not been [able] to support us as they The new program, referred to by Dr. Nalty circuit and have learned those cases, which of having such a large debate team. once did, so we’re trying to make up for that,” as the metro tournaments, has been established are different. The team is also accustomed “I think the policy team could be a little said Alan Bremer, president of the Debate primarily to give the smaller debate programs to building its cases on a wider selection smaller,” Choi said. “Part of the team is made Booster Club and parent of senior debater in APS experience and to decrease the cost of of evidence compiled by online research. up of people who want to do [debate], but Scott Bremer. “Fund raising has been a little competing. Furthermore, every metro tournament debate others are just in the class [for the credit]. A lot bit slow. It wasn’t our priority until recently— “It’s meant to target students who don’t have scheduled falls on the same day as another, of people don’t even take it seriously, but they we’ve been focused on getting our team to the a lot of access or opportunity to go to what I call larger debate on the Georgia debate circuit. still have to do the tournaments. It just gets tournaments, providing judges, paying entry at-large tournaments—tournaments that are The debate coaches have decided that the really expensive. Apparently last year, they had fees, paying for hotels and getting a handle on across the state of Georgia,” said James Roland, team would be better off if their APS funding [a small team], so they just needed one van to the situation.” director of the Barklely Forum program at was allotted to these tournaments. go to tournaments. Now we need way more Dr. Nalty has plans in place to improve the Emory University and director of the Debate Ms. Willoughby acknowledges that their than that — we need more everything — and funding situation next year. Center at Georgia State University. “It helps lack of participation may be harmful. it costs more.” “I just began working in this position over provide students with the opportunity to focus “APS decided that, as a system, they were APS divides debate funding evenly among the summer,” Dr. Nalty said. “I think now on arguing and their presentation skills. Our going to get behind [the tournaments],” participating schools regardless of team size or that I’ve been here for a while we can plan in goal is that these one-day tournaments will Ms. Willoughby said. “We know divisions prior success. advance and be set to go as soon as the students create a stepping stone for students who don’t undermine that. It’s frustrating because “Each school is given the same amount of get back at the beginning of the school year know much about tournaments.” bringing strong debaters to the tournaments money that they can spend up to,” Dr. Nalty as opposed to getting started later like in The tournaments, hosted by Georgia State would help less-experienced schools because it said. “After that, they can raise funds if they September. I think that’ll help out a lot.” and judged by people recruited by Emory, are brings up the performance level of everyone. ” decide to go to additional tournaments. We Dr. Nalty, however, also acknowledges that unique in that they are only one day long and Dr. Nalty thinks the metro tournaments will do, however, pay for all one-day tournaments students may continue to be affected by the for policy debaters only. They’re modeled after have a positive effect on the whole system. in the metro area, and of course we provide economy next year. an already existing program for middle school “I think it’s an opportunity for everyone in extra for students who qualify for statewide or “In the future, we might have to look at students, and debaters are provided evidence our district to come together on a local level,” national competitions.” changes depending on what the budget looks packets instead of being required to find Dr. Nalty said. p Georgia still parched, water levels continue to drop

By Ta y l o r Fu l t o n to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report. “And it’s going to get Florida and Alabama officials argue that they never agreed to Despite continued warnings by interest groups and legislation worse before it gets better.” the plan that Lake Lanier would act as Atlanta’s source of water, from government officials, the three-year Georgia drought shows Without the regular amounts of rainwater pouring into rivers which has created a problem. no signs of abating. In the beginning of December, water levels at and lakes, the state government continues to participate in the “Each state has the right to fight for the water,” Barnhorst said. Lake Lanier had sunk to 1,070 feet above sea level, dangerously ongoing “water wars” that pit Georgia against Florida and Alabama “But the trouble is once the state is allocated its amount of water, close to last year’s all-time low of 1,050.71 feet, according to the for the rights to water from the . it must then allocate the water separately for different uses like Lake Lanier Georgia Statistics. The Apalachicola, Chattahoochee and Flint rivers form the waste, recreation, drinking and agriculture.” Despite the issue of water preservation taking a backseat during ACF water system that begins in Helen, Ga. and flows off in With the trial set to take place in early 2009, the next concern the 2008 presidential election, experts claim its weather patterns three directions—the Chattahoochee through metro Atlanta, for city officials is providing information to Georgians on how will be the most influential in changing the Flint along the border of Alabama and to diminish the effects of the drought. Many of these people, the problem. the Apalachicola toward Florida. including junior Taylor Alford, didn’t realize the effects of the “What we need more than anything Each state has its right Georgia, Florida and Alabama have been drought until this year. is rain,” said Vicki Barnhorst, executive to fight for water. fighting since the 1990s over the water issue. “I am definitely one of the people who took little interest in director of the Lake Lanier Association. Last year, a series of lawsuits were filed by each the drought at first,” Alford said. “But then I got a firsthand look “Although the leftover water from the “ state defending its right to water from the ACF. at the issues the drought was causing after visiting Lake Lanier tropical storms of this summer did help Vicki Barnhorst, Starting in January, a judge in Jacksonville, during Thanksgiving, and I decided that it was time to bring the water levels, it just isn’t enough.” Lake Lanier Association Fla. will hear each of the cases. subject back to light. The effects, in turn, are brown lawns and Barnhorst, as director of the LLA, will be Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division reported that less water flowing into Atlanta from North Georgia. Additionally, present to act as a witness for the suits filed by Georgia. Georgia’s the 55 level IV counties in Georgia, which are those in extreme many of North Georgia’s water sources, such as lakes and rivers, have water woes have caused scientists and engineers to revisit the drought, used 18 percent less water in September 2008 than they already passed last year’s record lows and are making history. drawing board on the state’s current water use. did a year earlier. More will have to be done, however, to conserve “We’re in the throes of a drought that’s never been seen in The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is busy working on a new water and prevent the “wars” from continuing. history,” Jack Dozier, the executive director of the Georgia manual that will hopefully improve water preservation strategies “I hope that people are going to start doing more,” Barnhorst Association of Water Professionals, told listeners at the late during times of drought crises. Most officials pinpoint the unequal, said. “I’ve never heard my phone ring so much from people October Cobb County Development Symposium, according yet massive sharing of water as the true reason for the conflict. wanting information about the drought.” p Dec. 10, 2008 news 7 First Enviro Expo promotes green lifestyle in Atlanta

By Ni a Wi l l i a m s conscious costumers. The first annual Enviro Expo USA was held “When people wake up one morning and on Nov. 14-15 at AmericasMart in downtown they turn their lights on and there’s no lights, Atlanta. At the convention, 100 vendors or they turn on the water in the kitchen and informed approximately 5,000 attendees no water comes out of the faucet, they will about “green initiative programs,” including wish they had participated in conserving all organics, composting, recycling, alternative the national resources and finding out how to transportation and green home building. electrify their homes without using so much The Enviro Expo drew in a large crowd energy,” IKEA representative Jim Bell said. of environmentally conscious businesses and Along with the many exhibitors, organizations citizens. The purpose was to showcase all the like Radio Disney created games and activities ways that the government, private industries for the children who attended. On Friday, the and individuals could move towards more turnout consisted mostly of children and school sustainable products that are reusable and groups. Saturday’s turnout was bigger and save energy. brought in people of all ages, some who were “We want to educate the public on what is already environmentally conscious and some out there and give the companies and services a who were new to the going green concept. stage to show off their ‘green initiatives’ to the “I’m interested in environmentally conscious public,” said Diane Bennett, who along with things, and I want to see what’s around,” her husband headed the convention. “The ideal attendee Paula Clancy said. “I want to learn mission was that a person could walk through about all the kinds of ways to avoid contributing NIA WILLIAMS NIA the Expo and not talk to a soul and know more to pollution.” when they came out than when they went in Many of the vendors were pleased with the just by seeing the exhibits.” GREEN DAY: Jennifer Rosenthal (left) showcases her products from Indigo Bath and Body to the event turnout and plan to participate again next year. One attendee was at the Expo for that very planner for the Enviro Expo, Marsha Dupree (right). All products at the Expo were environmentally friendly. The Enviro Expo attracted a total of 5,000 reason. attendees including 450 students, teachers “I just love this environmental stuff,” We’re trying to show people the alternative products. and chaperones from Durham Middle School convention attendee Kyala Stewart said. “I’m resources out there.” “What we’re trying to do is eliminate the in Cobb County. in a kind of environmental rut, feeling I’ve The vendors present ranged from large amount of waste that goes to landfill,” Nike Marsha Dupree, the event planner for the done all I can, so I’m here to find out what businesses like IKEA, Coca-Cola and Nike representative Shellie Robinson said. “We Enviro Expo from AmericasMart, was also else I can do.” to small or privately owned businesses like take the recycled shoes and regrind them pleased. The Bennetts organized the Enviro Expo iCareBags, Indigo Bath and Body and Hydro into different materials that can be used “We would like to host the Enviro Expo in order to touch people about an alternative Missions International. All the participating for turfs, basketball courts, tennis courts or again,” Dupree said. “The turnout has “green world” where people are aware of businesses had to have a green initiative and playgrounds.” been excellent. I see that everybody has an the environment and the problems that contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Some IKEA served as one of the sponsors for interest in going green and finding out more affect it and set out to stop those problems of the large companies’ programs or activities the Enviro Expo. Many of its products are information.” by using alternative resources and forms of involve recycling or composting their products biodegradable or made from ecological According to Bennett, the Enviro Expo will transportation. in order to help the environment. Best Buy products. The company has a recycling program most likely stay in AmericasMart and will “We’ve worked on [the convention for] a informed the attendees about how the company and a recycling center in its stores where people certainly remain in Georgia. year and a half,” Mrs. Bennett said. “We saw now accepts discarded Best Buy appliances and can bring their light bulbs and cell phones. “We like to look at the Expo as Georgia that the actual everyday person had no idea recycles them. IKEA sells many green products, going so far grown,” Bennett said. “[The Expo] will stay what was going on with the green movement. Nike also recycles their shoes to make other as to stock solar panels for environmentally here in Atlanta as long as [it] runs.” p COURTESY OF LT. COL. MITCHELL SIVAS SGA carries out drive to collect cans By Ja n e Be a l “I’ve had kids come up to me and Other places to donate With the holiday season right tell me that they don’t have anything around the corner, the cardboard to give this year because they need it Atlanta Community Food Bank boxes being placed in classrooms themselves,” Ms. Myles said. Contact: 404-892-3333 couldn’t be more meaningful. Although many people are not in Website: www.acfb.org Their purpose is to hold the cans the position to give, there are others Atlanta Children’s Center that students donate to the school’s who can still afford to do so. Contact: 404-892-3713 canned food drive – an effort aimed “A lot of students at Grady are Website: www.atlantachildrensshelter.com at making sure students and their fortunate, and since this is a giving MARCH ON: Grady JROTC cadets march along West Peachtree Road in the Veterans Day families have good meals on their season, we are encouraging others to The Mad Housers parade. The parade was held on Nov. 11 and stretched from Midtown to Downtown. tables come the holidays. give to those in need,” said junior Contact: 404-806-6233 Program specialist Ms. Kaye class president Erin Dabbs, who Website: www.madhousers.org Myles has been a part of Student helps Ms. Myles by collecting cans Atlanta Union Mission Government Association and and putting together the gift baskets Contact: 404-588-4000 JROTC cadets march to honor its canned food drive ever since delivered to the students’ families. Website: www.atlantaunionmission.org coming to Grady eight years ago. According to Ms. Myles, the war heroes on Veterans Day She said that the drive is run canned food that students donate Atlanta Temple Salvation Army systematically. stays within the Grady community Contact: 404-315-7499 By Mi c h a e l Go o l s b y groups, the Air Force Band of the “We go to the school social worker because it’s important to serve Website: www.atlantatemple.org For many, Nov. 11 has no significant South, military units, car clubs, and get the names of students who the students first before going to The Open Door Community meaning. For attendees of the Veterans sponsors and clowns all participated may be in need, and we then contact shelters. Contact: 404-874-9652 Day parade, however, 11:11 a.m in the parade. those students and their families,” Unfortunately, many of the Website: www.opendoorcommunity.org on Nov. 11 signified not only the “In the parade, there were people Ms. Myles said. boxes in the classrooms remain beginning of the parade, but the same from the Army and many other While Ms. Myles said that students empty. Although Ms. Myles wishes WILLIAMS MINH LAM AND NIA date and time that the Allied Powers different veterans who marched,” said are often shy and that students will chorus teacher Mr. Kevin Hill gave signed the cease-fire agreement with sophomore cadet Michael Barlow, embarrassed Kids are more aware become more the SGA 10 percent of the talent Germany to end World War I. who was recently promoted to brigade about being in involved in the show’s proceeds, which they intend The APS JROTC units, including command sergeant major of APS need, she also that being in need is SGA’s efforts in to donate to the Atlanta Community 54 cadets from Grady, marched in the JROTC. “When it gets to the APS noted that they’re more common than it the future, she Food Bank. The SGA also received parade along with the JROTC cadets JROTC brigade, the brigade staff always thankful, “ thinks the lack a $100 grant from 21st Century from high schools all over Georgia. marched out in front. I marched with this year more used to be. of success comes Leaders. Any money that is donated “It was a great honor [to march in the brigade staff since I’m the brigade than ever. Ms. Kaye Myles, mostly from lack is used to buy perishables that aren’t the parade],” cadet Lt. Col. Robert command sergeant major, which is “Because of Project Success specialist of exposure. accepted as regular donations, like Charity said. “You’re representing past over all APS schools.” what’s happening “I think we meat and vegetables. soldiers that fought in wars to keep Lt. Col Mitchell Sivas, head of with the economy, kids are more could get the word out there better if For Dabbs, being part of something our country safe and to spread our Grady JROTC, believes Veterans Day aware that being in need is more we did something on GNN because like the canned food drive has led culture to other countries. It inspires is a very important day of the year. common than it used to be,” Ms. none of [the] students really listen her to a personal realization. me to do the same so that kids 20 “The Veteran’s Day parade was Myles said. to the announcements,” Ms. Myles “This drive is very important to years from now can celebrate my great,” Lt. Col. Sivas said. “There was The economic crisis has also left said. “We all see how the halls clear me because it helps me appreciate accomplishments.” a lot of enthusiasm from the crowd. families who could normally give when GNN comes on.” what I have and makes me even more The U.S. Army Forces Command People were lined up and down the charitably without the means to Students are not the only ones thankful for my life and everything Honor Guard and Band, veterans streets, watching the parade.” p do so. with the resources to give. This year, in it,” Dabbs said. p 8 news Dec. 10, 2008 Chambliss, Martin campaign for youth vote in runoff

By Ca r o l i n e McKa y Lauren Green voted for the first time on Halloween. Green, a Kennesaw State University freshman and Miss Paulding County 2009, feared that lines would be too long on Election Day and made the 30- minute commute from her dorm to her hometown of Hiram to cast her ballot early. Oct. 31 wasn’t the only time Green voted this fall. Even with 100 percent of Georgia voting precincts reporting on Nov. 5, the 2008 election was not yet over. “On Nov. 4, several candidates

did not top the state-required 50 percent of the vote,” said Jane Bradshaw, Young Democrats of

America committee woman and LILY MUNTZING Young Democrats of Georgia committee chair. As a result, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, there was a runoff election that included several statewide races as BREAD AND CIRCUS: (clockwise from left) Rapper T.I. speaks at a Jim Martin well as dozens of local and county rally in front of the capitol building on Dec. 1. “You don’t have to worry about runoffs. the young people,” he said to senatorial hopeful Jim Martin. “We got your On Nov. 4, Democratic senatorial back.” Martin also enlisted rap artists Ludacris and Young Jeezy to appeal to candidate Jim Martin received 46.8 young voters. (above) Col. Oscar Poole and his wife Edna Poole chat at the Sen. percent of the vote to Repbulican Saxby Chambliss victory party on December 2. (below) Jim Martin and former incumbent Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ MCKAY CAROLINE President Bill Clinton greet the crowd at a rally at . 49.8 percent. Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley picked up 3.4 percent of the vote. In the runoff on Dec 2, however, Sen.Chambliss defeated Martin by 16 points, 58 to 42 percent. Forty-three percent of the Georgians who went to the polls on Election Day did not vote on Dec. 2. In the runoff election, Sen. Chambliss won nine counties that Martin claimed in the Nov. 4 election. Sixty-five percent of Republicans who voted on Nov. 4 returned to the polls to vote Dec. 2. Fifty-one percent of Democrats who went to the polls on election day returned to vote on Dec. 2. World History teacher Mr. George Darden foresaw the low turnout, especially among Democrats, before the runoff. “We’ll have to see if the people that were fired up in the [general] election will come out [to vote] in the next election and the election after that—especially in the runoff election,” Mr. Darden said on Nov. SARAH BUFKIN 19. “You can count on [the people who reliably vote] turning out.” “In headliners stumped in Georgia to keep it going.” vote has shifted to the left both Obama received 86,718 more Georgia, more Republicans than for Sen. Chambliss and Martin, In the Nov. 4 general election, statewide and nationally. votes than Martin did in Georgia, Democrats fit that description.” respectively, in the weeks before the Sen. Chambliss won the youth Gore led President George Bush receiving a large number of votes Mr. Darden also believes that runoff. Party heavyweights Rudy vote 48 percent to 47 percent. Sen. nationally in the youth vote by in urban counties like Fulton people are simply sick of the Giuliani, Sen. John McCain and Chambliss acknowledges that youth two percentage points nationwide and DeKalb. Martin, however, campaign hype. Gov. Sarah Palin joined Chambliss involvement in the 2008 election in 2000. In the 2004 presidential triumphed in eight counties that “Because the general election at rallies across the state. Former has reached new levels. election, Sen. John Kerry led Obama did not: Jenkins, Marion, cycle was so long, people are tired President Bill Clinton, former Vice “The youth in this country [have] incumbent Bush in the youth vote McIntosh, Meriwether, Screven, and sick of it,” Mr. Darden said. President Al Gore and political been energized like I’ve never seen by nine percentage points. In the Telfair, Webster and Wilkinson “People aren’t very excited for there strategist Donna Brazil shared the before, and with good reason,” 2008 presidential election, Obama counties. to be another election after [the stage with Jim Martin. In an attempt Sen. Chambliss said through a led Sen. McCain in the national Sen. Chambliss, however, lost in general election].” to appeal to the youth vote, rap spokesperson. “I hope that the youth youth vote by 34 percentage points. all counties that Sen. McCain lost, Despite the end of the wide- artists T.I., Jeezy and Ludacris also will take advantage of their right to Sixty-six percent of youth cast their and Sen. McCain received more scale campaign fanfare, Martin spoke at a Martin rally on Dec. 1. vote [again in the future]. ” ballots for the Illinois senator—the votes than Sen. Chambliss in every and Sen. Chambliss dedicated Green trekked from Kennesaw Georgia is one of six states that highest margin of victory since county except for Fulton County. the month between Election Day State University to attend an event have implemented a runoff system pollsters began recording exit polls Despite Obama and Martin’s and the runoff attempting to at Clark Atlanta University, where where a candidate must receive 50 in 1976. losses, the Democrats fared better fire up different blocks of voters. Martin was joined by Clinton, who percent of the vote plus one vote to In Georgia, Sen. McCain led in Georgia than their predecessors Sen. Chambliss focused on the spoke to the crowd in support of the win an election. After Alaska senator Obama in the youth vote by three in 2000 and 2004. suburbs of Atlanta, hosting rallies Atlanta native’s campaign. and convicted felon Ted Stevens percentage points. In the 2004 Still, Mr. Darden believes only in Gwinnett, Cobb and Cherokee No matter who they are voting for, dropped out of his runoff race, the presidential election, President Bush time will show if the face of politics counties. Martin campaigned on an Green believes that people her age senatorial race in Georgia became led Sen. Kerry in the youth vote by has been changed by the 2008 “America is Back” Bus Tour, which need to exercise their right to vote the sole senatorial runoff election five points, and in 2000, President election. stopped in major cities like Augusta in general and runoff elections. in the nation. Bush led former Vice President “We’ll see,” Mr. Darden said. and Savannah and held rallies in “It’s important for the youth According to exit poll statistics Gore among youth by a twenty “We won’t know if something has metro Atlanta. to vote ... because we are the next from the 2000, 2004 and 2008 point margin. changed until two or four years Both Republican and Democratic generation,” Green said. “We need presidential elections, the youth In general on Election Day, down the road.” p Dec. 10, 2008 news 9 Planned center works on design ideas with students

By Sa r a h Bu f k i n Like many high school seniors across Timeline the state, Charlayne Hunter wanted Center for Civil and Human to attend the University of Georgia Rights Partnership effort because of its strong journalism announced to public program. But in 1959, she ran into an February 2007 admission hurdle bigger than low test scores—she was African-American, Coca-Cola donated space at and the University of Georgia was for Pemberton Place to CCHRP whites only. September 2008 But Hunter refused to give up on the school only an hour and a half away from her Atlanta home. She continued CCHRP released design plans to to apply for the next two years and in public 1961, enrolled as a junior and became October 2008 one of the first two African-American students at the University of Georgia. CCHRP started search for architect

Hunter continually faced threats from kala marks November 2008 other students; she even had bricks FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT: Junior Jane Beal listens as Doug Shipman, the executive director of the Center for Civil and Human Rights thrown through her dorm room Center Partnership, discusses the design team’s plans for the exhibition space. The CCHRP wants to involve youth in the center. Construction to begin windows, but she stuck to her studies By Dec. 1, 2009 and graduated in 1963. a group of 10 Grady students to give “We’d like to take the visitors touch things, smell things and taste Hunter’s struggle against segregation feedback on the design plans. chronologically through time but things.” is just one of the local stories that One of the participants in the Dec. not in the same way that you would Hoping to empower students like Center will open to public Atlanta’s planned Center for Civil and 8 meeting with the shipman, junior imagine [with] a wall timeline in the McKay and Youngblood, the design By Dec. 1, 2011 Human Rights will memorialize once Caroline McKay, decided to become exhibition,” Jones said. “We want team has also planned for certain areas it is up and running. involved because she hopes the center to take them to places and events of the exhibit called toolkits within the did is still relevant today—that people “The Center for Civil and Human will change teens’ perspectives on and moments and create theatrical, civil rights exhibition. study him, that people practice his Rights intends to be an institution that community involvement. immersive environments so that [they] “These toolkits become a kind of methods [and] that people continue gathers people together in different “I didn’t know why the people might feel [as if they] were on the pull-off area that are more interactive to be inspired by him, his writings ways to understand the legacy of civil from the center wanted our input, street in 1950 or at a protest. We’ll be and more self-initiated, again trying to and his legacy.” rights and the civil rights movement,” but when Mr. Shipman started asking bringing visitors through that history empower the visitors as they become The other major section of the said Doug Shipman, the executive questions I realized that they genuinely of Atlanta and of Georgia.” inspired by stories that connect with exhibition space addresses the director for the Center of Civil and wanted to make the center friendly to The civil rights exhibition space will them,” Jones said. “We wanted visitors broader issue of human rights in a Human Rights Partnership. “It people my age,” McKay said. “Kids also focus on three key themes meant to leave with something tangible. We contemporary context. The design [will] use that history as a way to today are apathetic to the horrendous to highlight more of the human aspects want to say to them, ‘If you want to team divided up the human rights talk about contemporary civil and conditions and humanitarian crises of the civil rights movement. leave here and go take action in your portion of the exhibition space into human rights issues nationally and around the world. I hope this center “What will be different about community, for a cause or at your three subject areas. internationally.” opens students’ eyes and compels this from other civil rights museums school, these are methods that have “We broke the human rights section Set to break ground on Pemberton them to organize and act to help those or institutions is that we want to been developed during the civil rights into [topics] that visitors could more Place, next to the World of Coke and in need.” focus on the power of place, where movement that you can actually use. easily understand,” Jones said. “We’ll the , by Dec. 1, The center’s design team will then it happened, that moment in time,” You can use them today.’” be dealing with politics and law, 2009 and slated to open by Dec. 1, look to use the students’ and the Jones said. “We want to focus on agents While the design team has individual rights—the rights of religion 2011, the center is far from the actual community’s feedback in its revisions of change—who was it that actually consciously attempted to differentiate and cultural freedom—and economic construction phases, but Shipman of the exhibition design. Regardless of changed the past. The third [focus] is the center from the ordinary museum rights and standards of living. These are assures that the CCHRP has already what changes are made, Shipman said the unsung hero. We feel that in our experience, it will also house two wonderful opportunities where we can put three years of work into the center’s the center has one goal in mind—to history books you may highlight or artifact-based collections: the Dr. have contemporary dialogue and we content and conceptual design. It make this a different experience for the remember a couple of individuals, Martin Luther King, Jr. papers and can look locally, regionally, nationally will be funded as a service project visitor from the typical artifact-based and certainly those individuals are “Without Sanctuary,” a collection of and internationally.” by Atlanta’s Westside Tax Allocation museum. very important, but they didn’t make photographs and postcards related to While the Center for Civil and District as well as by private donations. “This should go beyond a place change alone. We want every visitor lynching and other forms of violence Human Rights still has a long way to The CCHRP released design plans to where you come to see artifacts,” who sees the exhibition to understand in the American South. Each exhibit go before reaching its goal of gathering the public at local meetings held on Shipman said. “This should be a place that they have the ability in themselves will have its own gallery off of the civil people together, McKay thinks that it Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. where you experience emotions, where to create change, whatever amount of rights area, according to Jones. has the potential to do so. A key focus of the center will you experience an interactive way to change that is.” While the King papers will also “Teenagers want to get involved be to encourage youth to engage learn, where you can connect with No matter what stories the center be housed in a separate gallery, Jones but they don’t know how they can in discussion on historical and different issues and where you can chooses to cover, freshman Alix hopes the entire exhibition can help,” McKay said. “I hope this contemporary human rights topics, actually contribute to the ongoing Youngblood stressed that the way they be shaped around the themes and center will give students an obvious according to Sybil Jones, a member of conversation and the ongoing life of are presented is what attracts and keeps messages of Dr. King. opportunity to volunteer for the the center’s design team and an architect the facility.” teenagers’ attention. “They should almost be the core community and the world. For this from Gallagher and Associates. The civil rights component of the “[The center] should really be of our interpretation throughout,” center to be successful, it needs to That encouragement started years exhibition space will focus on actively interactive, or else I wouldn’t be Jones said. “What is very important be an active center for Atlantans to before the center will open its doors. drawing visitors in by recreating interested in what they were trying to us is that the visitors understand organize, inform and act on current The CCHRP has enlisted the help of specific instances in history. to say,” Youngblood said. “I want to that what Martin Luther King, Jr. humanitarian crises.” p Cameras secure hallways, grounds remain uncertain

By Kh a l y n Jo n e s “The cameras are state of the art,” said Ms. Diane Porter, cameras inside the school buildings, the administration is hoping While the school’s high-tech new interior cameras are already the school’s safety and security coordinator. “Since the interior ASIS will also help get the exterior cameras working. helping the administration catch students wandering the halls, [cameras] have been in use, we’ve been able to pinpoint “The exterior cameras were a bonus for us, so we’re not trying the cameras installed earlier this year have individuals in areas that haven’t always to pressure those that got them installed to have them up and not reached their true security potential. The The cameras, plus been secure.” running,” Ms. Porter said. “We’re taking it one improvement outside cameras installed at the same time Although the interior cameras have helped at a time.” in September are not yet up and running students and teachers eliminate potential problems in the hallways, Grady would especially benefit from having the exterior cameras because the security company has not being alert, will make school resource Officer Gary Gullatt said working because of its open city campus with multiple buildings, completed getting the system online. that more disciplinary infractions occur according to ASIS. “ Grady as safe as it can In its Sept. 12 story, The Southerner outside of the school buildings after school “The exterior cameras will eventually be extra eyes for this reported that the school had won a $20,000 possibly be. hours. school,” Officer Gullatt said. grant from the American Society for Industrial “We have many trespassers at Grady,” The interior cameras, however, have succeeded in contributing Security at the end of the 2007-2008 school Officer Gullatt said. “Hopefully when they to the school’s efforts to reach the administration’s initial goal: year in order to install an advanced system are fully installed, the exterior cameras will providing a safe and secure environment for students. of security cameras on campus. ASIS gave Officer Gary Gullatt assist the disciplinarians and officers in “The cameras, plus students and teachers being alert, will make the grant to Grady because of the school’s preventing those trespassers from putting Grady as safe as it possibly can be,” Officer Gullatt said. “With complex security issues stemming from its sprawling campus and our students in danger.” everyone in the school community’s collaboration and effort, this the high traffic levels on the surrounding roads. While the school won the grant money to purchase and install place will be noted for its education and security.” p where there’s smoke... knights share their tobacco experiences Programs, schools fight urge to burn Teacher tells tale of quitting after 30 years smoking By Pe r r i Ca m p i s the hardest part of campus for the first time face suspension and high schools around the state last year. None of its high school students have seen athletes nyone who has ever taken an Economics or World quitting. a warning. According to Mr. Foreman, those pilot programs were at APS high schools, but two on television using tobacco products. Geography class with Ms. Nadia Goodvin has probably “The hardest part that don’t learn their lesson will be referred to Fulton County high schools did start chapters. Seventy-nine percent of middle school Aheard her belt out a few notes of a seemingly random, about quitting isn’t By tribunal. “We’ve had excellent results here in Georgia,” students and 87 percent of high school but classic song. Only two years ago, however, Ms. Goodvin’s quitting,” Ms. Goodvin Sa r a h Bu f k i n “You can actually refer [students using Hairston-Blanks said. “We did a pilot of the students have seen actors on television smoking habit prevented her from singing. Not being able to said. “It’s filling up those enior Walker tobacco on campus] to tribunal project at a bunch of high schools last year, and or in movies using tobacco products. sing was just one of the regrets she has about being a smoker. empty spaces. Imagine all Marshall started for the first time [offense], 54 percent of the participants who went through Such depictions of adults make teen “Not only does [smoking] make your throat scratchy, but it the empty spaces that are filled up Ssmoking when he was 16. but we just give them the program quit smoking.” tobacco prevention and cessation very, also ruins your lung capacity and you end up with phlegm,” by a ten-minute cigarette. You have to He now goes through three or four a warning,” Mr. According to ALA-SE’s report on the program’s very difficult for us.” Ms. Goodvin said. learn how to fill up all those moments packs a week. He is just one of the 19 Foreman said. results, 78 percent of the program participants Tobacco companies will spend an Ms. Goodvin was exposed to smoking before she ever actually again with something that’s good for percent of Georgia teens reported by the “The new statewide had smoked in 20 of the 30 days before estimated $444 million in Georgia in smoked herself. you. Cigarettes are not only a physical Georgia Department of Human Resources policy is a little the program began. A further 53 percent reported 2008 to advertise their products compared “I [grew] up in a family that smoked,” Ms. Goodvin said. addiction, but also a mental to regularly use tobacco. bit stricter; they smoking from a half of a pack of cigarettes to a to the $3.2 million that the state will spend on “Both my parents smoked. I remember driving in cars with addiction.” “That [19 percent] is far too high,” said Starla put more teeth in it full pack during the day on weekends. tobacco-prevention programs, according to a them, and they’d roll up the windows and still be smoking. S i n c e M s . Hairston-Blanks, regional director of the American when they added [the non-smoking policy.]” At the end of the program, 54 percent reported report entitled “A Decade of Broken Promises” My brother and I were both like, ‘We are never smoking in Goodvin no Lung Association-Southeast. “We want to get that Mr. Foreman cites the policy’s added strength that they had quit smoking, and the remaining 46 that was released on Nov. 18 by a coalition of our lives.’” longer smokes, rate down to zero. We believe that teens should and the school’s strict enforcement of it as the percent cut back on previous smoking habits. public health organizations. The report also But when Ms. Goodvin was in the 10th grade, she gave in she’s more not smoke; it really helps stunt their development. reasons for the school’s decreasing problem with Haritha Battula, regional director at the Fulton listed Georgia as 50th out of the 50 states to her curiosity about smoking when a friend, who already sensitive to It’s cheating them of a life. Over 184,000 teens in tobacco use on campus. County Health and Wellness Department, believes and the District of Columbia in the amount smoked cigarettes, asked her to hold her cigarette while she those who Georgia who start smoking before the age of 18 “A few years ago, it was sort of a problem,” that the program works well because it is specifically of funds—out of the money awarded to the BLOWING SMOKE tied her shoe. Soon after, Ms. Goodvin developed a smoking smoke around will die before their time.” Mr. Foreman said. “But in the last year or two, tailored to teen smokers. states in their 1998 settlement with tobacco habit, although she didn’t spend money on cigarettes until her. Many teen smokers will continue to carry I haven’t caught anybody smoking on campus. “It’s the first program that has separated into companies—it has dedicated to tobacco- two years later. “ W h e n y o u around packs of cigarettes well into adulthood. Kids used to try to sneak behind the theater or, boys’ and girls’ groups so that teens can relax and prevention programs. Not On Tobacco Pilot Program “Marlboro owned a [cigarette] brand that they gave away stop doing According to the American Lung Association, out in the stadium. But this year, I haven’t caught talk about issues that are most important to them,” “Tobacco companies spend about $50,000 in six-packs for free,” Ms. Goodvin said. “All the people that s o m e t h i n g the majority of lifetime smokers start before the one student smoking on campus. One thing we Battula said. “The groups are led by specially picked an hour in Georgia marketing their products,” were my age didn’t buy cigarettes; they just went and got them that’s bad age of 18. Even those teens who quit still incur don’t have is [a problem with] kids going into our facilitators from the schools, [usually] coaches, Hairston-Blanks said. “We need more funds for Participants free from the store. It [worked] like a drug-dealer [does]—you for you, you health problems. restrooms and smoking, which is a good thing. A teachers or counselors—people who like teenagers tobacco prevention. [The ALA-SE] is actually give it to them for free until they’re hooked.” become so much “When you smoke, especially prior to the age lot of schools have problems with that.” and can treat them like adults.” working within the General Assembly to Had a parent By the time she was 18, Ms. Goodvin was addicted to of an advocate for not doing of 18 when your body is still developing, the Although it is not part of the traditional policy McKnight said that APS will most likely promote efforts to restore funding up to CDC- 89% who smoked nicotine and smoked an average of a half of a pack of cigarettes it,” Ms. Goodvin said. “If I’m nicotine is absorbed faster into tissues and can enforcement, Mr. Foreman also searches students continue to consider establishing the program. recommended levels, maybe by implementing Had a close each day. She continued her habit through college and into going to a restaurant or something stunt growth,” Hairston-Blanks said. “The youth who he knows might be smokers for cigarettes. While the tobacco-free school policy and the a tobacco-user fee, which is a tax paid only by her career at Grady. and somebody is smoking next to need to realize the real dangers of smoking—that “When I come across a student that I know cessation program deter teens from smoking, people who [use] tobacco products.” friend who “The weird part is that I could go the whole day without me, it smells so bad to me. I think it’s not something that just causes health effects might smoke, in order to discourage him from Hairston-Blanks and Vandiegriff both point out Whatever the state government decides smoking on campus and not be affected, but still end up I’m much more susceptible to saying when you get to be older, [but] that it actually bringing tobacco on campus, I’ll search him that other factors must also be confronted. to spend on tobacco prevention, Vandiegriff smoked smoking the rest of the day,” Ms. Goodvin said. ‘Oh, that smells bad, could you not impacts your life now.” randomly,” Mr. Foreman said. “If he does have “The parents are the first line of defense when still thinks the advertising done by tobacco Although she made several attempts to quit, including do that?’ than somebody who has Smoking doesn’t only harm the smoker, cigarettes, I’ll take them. The young ladies too—if it comes to helping keep kids from smoking,” companies to target teens should be curtailed. Quit using nicotine patches, it wasn’t until two years ago that she never smoked. A lot of times I can’t says sophomore Jalesa Reid, who works as a they have cigarettes in their pocket books, I take the Hairston-Blanks said. “Tobacco advertising targeted to youth 62% 54% through quit for good. go out to places where people smoke student ambassador for the tobacco-free schools cigarettes. Most times, if I take enough cigarettes, remains a big problem,” Vandiegriff said. “The “I ran out of cigarettes one day as I was busy working on because it makes me ill.” campaign. they stop bringing them to school because they CIGARETTES PACKED BY FUNDS tobacco companies need new users as more adults the program some project,” Ms. Goodvin said. “I made it through the Now that Ms. Goodvin no longer smokes,

“Some people believe, ‘I’m not the one smoking know I’m going to be looking for them. That die from their tobacco use. Tobacco companies GUS RICK whole day [without cigarettes], and I was like, ‘Well I’ll just go she feels as though she can also be more of an it, so it can’t affect me,’” Reid said. “But secondhand helps a whole lot. Some schools don’t take the But even if parents are firm about tobacco use, are aware that this practice is illegal, but they to bed.’ And then I made it through the next day, and I never advocate against teen smoking at Grady. smoke is the leading killer. Secondhand smoke time to do that.” the advertising of tobacco products can cause have to advertise to youth to survive and make went back to them.” “If you smoke, as a teacher at Grady, you feel gets you more than [it does] the person who is Because student tobacco use “has dissipated at problems. a profit.” p For the first few weeks after she quit, Ms. Goodvin says [hypocritical] because here you are telling kids actually smoking the cigarette because [the smoker] Grady,” Mr. Foreman believes that the best thing “[Tobacco companies’ advertising] is extremely she was often grumpy, continued to cough up nicotine for ‘don’t do this,’” Ms. Goodvin said. “The nice part has a filter.” the school can do to discourage teen smokers is effective,” Hairston-Blanks said. “They [run] over a year. of quitting is that I can [say], ‘I’ve done this, but Reid, who suffered from asthma as a child, continue to crack down on any violators of the very glossy, slick campaigns. They’re also very For Ms. Goodvin, however, the undesirable side effects weren’t you don’t have to.’” p joined the tobacco-free schools campaign because tobacco-free campus policy. repetitive. You may not see the ads on TV, but she believed its mission—to prohibit the use of For Reid, however, the fight for tobacco-free you still see the items when you go into the any tobacco products at school—would ameliorate campuses isn’t over, at Grady or in Georgia. local convenience store. One thing you have Student lit up at 16, plans to quit before fatherhood the problems of secondhand smoke. “Now that we have gotten APS to pass [the to realize is that tobacco companies market By Ju d s o n Go o d smoke as a personal choice. He is not be no parents, and I will be going to In addition to this benefit, the tobacco-free tobacco-free schools policy], we’re working on differently to youth than they do to other or decades, students have embarrassed by his habit and doesn’t all the college parties. It will be so schools policy reduces the level of tobacco tolerance Fulton County, and we’re going to try to get the segments of the population. They sponsor been introduced to cigarettes try to hide it. hard to quit.” among teens, according to Vincent R. Vandiegriff, majority of the school systems in Atlanta, Ga. to a lot of events that young people like. They in high school. According to “My mom knows I smoke, and it He has tried to quit periodically UP IN SMOKE: At the corner of Charles Allen and 8th Street, a sign announcing Grady F the chairman of the Health, Education, Awareness pass it,” Reid said. “[Grady could also do more] put ads in magazines that have the highest teen GUS RICK Teensmokers.com, most smokers say makes her sick to think about it, but throughout the year, but always ends High School as a ‘Drug Free School Zone’ sits dejected, covered by stickers and paint. and Research on Tobacco Coalition in Fulton to enforce the policy. The policy includes sport readerships. One of their favorite places to sponsor UP IN SMOKE: A sign declaring Grady a drug-free school on the corner of 8th Street they first smoked when they were in she knows that I am 18 and that it is up starting again. County. games, and right now we aren’t enforcing that as is Rolling Stone. The majority of readers of Rolling and Charles Allen sits isolated, almost completely covered with stickers and paint. high school. Senior Walker Marshall, my decision,” Marshall said. “I really only quit smoking in The HEART Coalition has been working with well as we should be.” Stone are under the age of 21.” who started smoking the summer a group of teens, including Reid, who send letters School nurse Kim Carr, who has smelled Magazine advertisements aren’t the before his sophomore year, is just and speak to local boards of education in attempts cigarette smoke in the clothes and hair of students, only methods tobacco companies use one of a large number of high school to convince school systems around the Atlanta area believes that the policy should be supplemented to reach teens. students who smoke cigarettes. to adopt the tobacco-free school policy. with support programs for teen smokers. “According to the Georgia Youth “I used to hate the thought of APS became the 14th tobacco-free school system “Talk to them, show them pictures of what Tobacco survey, 40 percent of cigarettes when I was younger,” in Georgia when the Atlanta Board of Education nicotine and all the other substances used in middle and high school students Marshall said. “But when I smoked passed a stricter form of its tobacco policy on cigarettes can do to harm their lungs [and] their have seen tobacco ads or tobacco my first American Spirit, I loved Sept. 10, 2007. bodies,” Nurse Carr said. “I’ve seen pictures, and products on the Internet,” it.” “[The policy] was revised on Sept. 10, but it it is not pretty. That would scare me straight.” Vandiegriff said. “In Marshall started as an occasional The medical dangers of smoking between packs,” Marshall said. has been adopted since Dec. 11, 1995,” said Rosa addition, 30 smoker and bought packs sporadically, don’t bother Marshall, and he usually “I’ll go for an hour or two without McKnight, safe and drug free schools coordinator NOT EXTINGUISHES TEEN FLAME percent of but began smoking on a regular basis prefers not to think about all of the a cigarette before I buy another at APS. “What the board of education did in 2007 middle as he continued through high school. chemicals going into his body when pack.” was make all athletic events, parking lots, buses Hairston-Blanks, who also feels that schools a n d JUDSON GOOD He eventually developed a taste for he smokes a cigarette. Regardless of whether Marshall and everything [tobacco-free].” should offer cessation classes for students interested certain brands. “I know smoking causes many succeeds in quitting smoking during in quitting smoking, said that the ALA-SE works “My first cigarette of choice when health problems like lung cancer,” college, he plans to quit smoking SCHOOL CLEARS THE AIR with one cessation program—aimed at teens I started buying packs was Camel Marshall said. “But we all [have] to before he has a family and starts his between the ages of 14 and 18—called Not on Lights but as I got older I turned into go some way,” career. He doesn’t want his children Principal Dr. Vincent Murray said that the Tobacco. a Marlboro man,” Marshall said. Marshall believes that he tried his growing up with a father that smokes tobacco-free policy “is a no-brainer.” The revised “What the program actually does is go over Marshall now goes through three or first cigarette later than most people cigarettes around them. policy’s broader scope, however, does require extra a whole host of issues, which range from four packs a week depending on his do and likes the fact he didn’t smoke “It will be much easier to quit effort from the school to enforce. helping teens identify why they smoke weekend activities. He tends to smoke during his first year of high school. once I get all my partying out of my “We have a problem with [visitors coming [and] how much they smoke, to taking more when he attends social events. He regrets starting, because he knows system,” Marshall said. “There will on to campus smoking],” assistant principal through the process of [deciding] to “Usually on Fridays, if there is a it will be hard to quit during the four be a day when I don’t have to worry Roosevelt Foreman said. “But since they’re on make a healthier lifestyle choice,” party that night, I will buy two packs years he is in college. about my own life but the lives of school property, we can enforce those rules. We Hairston-Blanks said. of cigarettes just to make sure I don’t “Being away at college is going to my wife and kids and how they will ask them not to smoke. If they refuse, then we The ALA-SE initiated the run out,” Marshall said. be a horrible time to try and quit be affected if I were to die early due BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT: Senior Walker Marshall doesn’t regret have them get off campus.” Georgia chapters of the Not on Marshall regards his decision to smoking,” Marshall said. “There will to cigarettes.” p his smoking habit and refers to himself, at 18, as a “Marlboro Man.” Students who are caught using tobacco on Tobacco program at various 12 people t h e So u t h e r n e r Nov. 7, 2008 Cameroonian conquers barriers, pursues education

By Le a h Bu t t e r f i e l d degree in mathematics and actuarial science. “Being a teacher was never my primary While in school, Mr. Hagbe spent time working objective,” math teacher Mr. Christian Hagbe- as a graduate assistant, but the pay was barely Nguidjol said as he glanced around the classroom, enough to cover his tuition fees. recalling the difficult choices and unexpected “I wanted to be able to have something of opportunities that led him from his small home my own, some kind of savings account,” Mr. in Edea, Cameroon, to a public high school in Hagbe said. “I couldn’t really reach that goal by the heart of Atlanta. working as a graduate assistant because the pay After spending time in the United States was just too small.” and Africa, Mr. Hagbe sees similarities in the He soon began working for Norrid and principles taught to children in both places: Associates, a security company that protects respect your parents; expect to be disciplined the Emory University facilities. His job was to if you do something wrong; and love your monitor the student parking deck and deal with brothers and sisters. He does, however, see a campus visitors. difference between the two sets of values that “That was the kind of job where I could sit sets Cameroonian life apart from life in any part and do my homework and read my textbook of the United States. on the side,” Mr. Hagbe said. “[It was] such a “I could go into any one of my friend’s houses peaceful environment.” [in Cameroon] and be considered part of their The job seemed perfect at first, but eventually family,” Mr. Hagbe said. “My friend’s mom could all of the late nights and long shifts took their leah butterfield also call me, ‘my son,’ and I could call my friend’s toll on his schoolwork, so he quit and began a mom, ‘Mom’ or my friend’s dad, ‘Dad.’” new job with more convenient hours at Johnson This value of family unity—blood relation Controls, a company that used to supply car seats ADDING IT UP: Mr. Hagbe teaches his daily lesson during his fourth-period Algebra II class. “I have students notwithstanding—followed Mr. Hagbe to his for General Motors. who come to me and ask me about Cameroon,” Mr. Hagbe said. “I’m very pleased to have that interaction.” life in the United States. Upon his arrival in “I enjoyed [the job] because it allowed me to in the position at CompuCredit but had decided my younger brother. I cannot mislead you. Atlanta in 2000, people from the city’s small apply the knowledge that I learned in school,” Mr. that Grady was the school he would want to Corporate is good, but sometimes it can be very Cameroonian community greeted him. Hagbe said. “Right now, I’m teaching statistics, work at if he were offered a job. difficult to handle. Teaching is the most flexible “[They] gave me shelter because I didn’t know but that’s just the educational side of statistics. “I thought that the name ‘Grady’ meant that job,’” Mr. Hagbe said. where else to go,” Mr. Hagbe said. “I couldn’t This job involved the application of statistics.” the school was by Grady Memorial Hospital,” After meeting with Dr. Murray and conferring speak English, but I could at least talk to them After two-and-a-half years as a quality control Mr. Hagbe said. “I was still a student at the time, with his friend, Mr. Hagbe finalized his decision in our dialect.” inspector, it was time for Mr. Hagbe to move and my school was near the hospital. I thought to become a teacher at Grady. Communicating with everyone else in English on to something new. He decided to apply that it would be very easy to commute between “People have very bad impressions of was difficult. Expecting to study in Germany, for several teaching positions and a corporate school and work [if I got a job at Grady].” teaching,” Mr. Hagbe said. “Some people told Mr. Hagbe had focused his attention on learning position simultaneously. Within a week of applying for a teaching me that I was going to have a rough time over German and didn’t learn English until after he “I applied for a risk management position at position, he received a call from APS. here. [I was told] that kids would fight me and had arrived in the United States. CompuCredit and went to the first interview “[They asked] me if I was still interested in a that kids would shoot at me.” “[I ended up] coming to the United States process—they kind of liked me,” Mr. Hagbe job, and I said yes,” Mr. Hagbe said. “They told The experience, according to Mr. Hagbe, has [instead] because it didn’t require me to put a said. “ [But] they couldn’t make the final decision, me I needed to go to [the school named] Grady not lived up to the negative hype—he has never large amount of money aside like if I were to so the woman who was the assistant manager and talk to the principal. [At that point], I had felt mistreated. Though he never meant to pursue apply for a student visa going to Germany,” told me that I would hear from the manager to make up my mind between the teaching job a career in education, Mr. Hagbe is glad that he Mr. Hagbe said. within a week.” and the corporate job.” did and feels teaching is a rewarding job. He quickly learned English while attending Meanwhile, he had submitted applications for Before meeting with Dr. Vincent Murray, Mr. “It’s not easy,” Mr. Hagbe said. “You have to graduate school at Georgia State University, teaching positions at schools in DeKalb County, Hagbe went to a friend for advice. be committed, and you can only be committed where he graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s Fulton County and APS. He was still interested “My fellow Cameroonian told me, ‘You are if you really love it.” p Student paints ORCHESTRA players moved mural in hopes by famous classical violinist from page 1 Junior violinist Katie Evans was ecstatic about talking to Bell. of Eagle status Orchestra director Mr. Sergio “I was so excited that when I Rodriguez received a call confirming asked him a question, I felt like I By Lu c y Be e c h i n g that the class had been invited to watch was practically jumping out of my Like most seniors, Dalton Mayes is studying for the a rehearsal and meet Bell. seat,” Evans said. “I was completely SAT, applying to college and planning for his 18th “When I got off the phone and in awe. Plus he had his 300-year-old birthday. On top of it all, Mayes also is working to earn told [the class], the kids could hardly Stradivarius [violin] with him in the the highest rank a Boy Scout can earn—his Eagle Scout believe it,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “They room, so that was very cool.” badge. started screaming. I was so excited Schaer found observing Bell’s

“[An Eagle Scout] is definitely something you have to MINH LAM for them [to have] the wonderful rehearsal to be especially productive. earn,” Mayes said. “It’s a pretty big honor. You have to ART SCOUT: Senior Dalton Mayes’ mural sits in the scene shop opportunity of meeting such a fine “[Bell performed] the Barber participate and be a pretty dedicated troop member.” before being hung in the music wing. The mural is 10 feet tall. violinist as Bell. I had hoped it would Violin Concerto—the very same one In addition to having 21 merit badges, Boy Scouts be inspiring for them as musicians to that I am preparing for my college working to earn become Eagle Scouts must organize and and Design, was inspired to paint the mural by his love of hear him play and ask him questions auditions,” Schaer said. “Seeing him lead a service project. Mayes has been a Boy Scout for 10 music and art and by those who have aided and inspired about music.” perform [gave] me a chance to see years and has been looking forward to earning his Eagle him in the arts in school. Senior Phoebe Looman, another how he expressed the piece and played Scout rank since day one. For the past few weeks, Mayes “I planned it as something to give back to the school, violinist and fan of Bell, found the around with it. I love everything has spent many hours to complete his project: a mural to to the arts department, to [department head] Mr. [John] meeting very inspiring. about the way he plays. He made his be displayed at Grady. Brandhorst and everyone who’s been helpful to me and “Someone asked [Bell] how he emotions very clear.” “[The project] has to be something that is going to encouraged me, moving me along through the arts,” viewed music, and he said that Looman had similar thoughts. benefit the community in some way,” Mayes said. “My Mayes said. everyone perceives music differently “He’s different from other violinists project is going to be benefiting the school.” Although Mayes loves to paint, sketching is his favorite because [music] is very personal,” today,” Looman said. “When you Mayes’ project had to be completed before his 18th art form. He also does a little bit of sculpting, though he Looman said. “It really showed watch him, you can tell he can feel birthday on Nov. 24. His scoutmaster must approve of admits it is not his strong point. insight into his [approach] to playing the music inside him. It really affects the mural before he is given his Eagle Scout badge. “I can’t really say the exact time I [first] picked up a music. ” him on a [deeper] level.” The mural is about 10 feet tall and six feet wide, and it pencil [and drew],” Mayes said. “But my whole life has She also admired Bell’s character. The class hopes to meet other will be mounted and hung in the music wing. been focused on [art].” “I was expecting him to [have] the famous musicians this year. “[The mural] is in a jungle kind of setting with Mayes hopes the school community will enjoy his air of being famous, but he was really “With our relationship with plants and stuff,” Mayes said. “I tried to put some mural, and although he’s enjoyed working on it, he is the opposite of that,” Looman said. the ASO, there’s a possibility for musical references in there, so it’s got a few instruments looking forward to finishing it. “He was sweet to talk to and very [something like this to happen] again,” incorporated into the foliage. It’s just something nice that “It’s going to feel really nice to be done with this,” friendly. If you had [just talked with] Looman said. “It’s great that we have will liven up the school.” Mayes said. “It’ll feel good to have something like that him on the street, you wouldn’t know opportunities to meet up-and-coming Mayes, who plans to apply to Savannah College of Art in the school.” p he was a famous violinist.” and famous musicians.” p Dec. 10, 2008 people 13 For this installment of our school special, The Southerner highlights Tech High, GRADY CONNECTION: a charter school that prides itself on unique academies and high test scores. Tech High focuses on small classes, helpful teachers

By Ma d e l i n e Ro o rb a c h Last May, the class of 2008 — the first class to complete all four years at Tech High 2008 Passing raTES — graduated from the schools new location on Memorial Ave, where it moved in 2005. for the Georgia Graduation Test APS charter school Tech High opened Tech High Grady State its doors for the first time in 2004 in the former SciTrek building on Piedmont Road. “The purpose of a charter school is to have flexibility to try to innovate, to try 69%

Science 88% 92% new things in school,” said Elisa Falco, the current CEO and principal of Tech High. Charter schools, like Tech High, operate with public funding like any other APS high school. 92% 94% 86%

But in order to receive that funding , Tech English High’s founder, Barbara Christmas, wrote and submitted a charter document outlining what the school hoped to accomplish. Christmas came out of retirement to help start Tech High and became Math 84% 94% 90% more and more involved as it gained ground. Recently, however, Christmas resigned from Tech High and turned over the reigns to Falco. APS approved the original charter for five years, a period that ends with the 2008-2009 80% 91% 92% oarbach . n e t . gr e atschools school year. APS recently approved Tech High’s Social Studies M inh lam new charter , which is now in the process of being www approved by the Department of Education. “We expect it to be okayed, and we’re looking M adalin e R e: S ourc forward to the next five years,” Ms. Falco said. RENEW SUCCESS: Tech High School, a charter school within APS, is housed in an old elementary While the approval process may take school building on Memorial Drive. The school faces re-evaluation in order to renew its charter. extra effort, charter schools are able to offer administrators and teachers the opportunity to run a school differently spot trouble — whether academic or home- an integral part of Tech High’s mission. for each grade level. Upperclassmen are enrolled than a traditional high school. related — and try to come up with solutions “It is part of the original charter, and of the in the two upper academies with one counselor, Tech High’s goal, according to the original and interventions as soon as possible.” charter that is in the process of being ratified,” while underclassmen are enrolled in the two charter is , “to integrate high academic standards Kia Beech, the salutatorian of the class of 2008, Ms. Falco said. “Our rule is to have classes lower academies with a seperate counselor. In and technical training in order to improve agreed with Christopher’s that never exceed 25, with a order to move on to the next academy, one student achievement and prepare students for assessment. She feels that the student-teacher ratio of 17:1.” must first complete all requirements in the success in higher education and the workforce.” small learning environment was There were more Tech High also encourages previous academy. Besides enforcing a more formal dress beneficial, not only in regard to opportunities to get students to participate in The idea for the grade level academies, code, Tech High also regulates class size. No teacher-student relationships, help since it was one of the many internship implemented over the past five years, will opportunities offered be reconsidered as the original charter runs more than 25 students may be enrolled in a but in regard to the stress “ small. class, which isn’t hard with a student body levels related to grades as well. through the school. out. In the original charter, the projected population of approximately 200 students. “ T h e re we re m o re Kia Beech, “I did one of the Adequate Yearly Progress for the 2007-2008 Tech High’s teachers find that the smaller opportunities to get help class of 2008 [internship] programs and year was 95 percent — last year, according to population changes the classroom dynamics. since it was small, and you got my nursing assistant the Tech High website, Tech High’s passing “The classroom environment is different didn’t feel like there was certification my junior year,” rate was 98.1 percent. The charter also here,” said Ms. Kelly Christopher, a British a whole lot of competition,” Beech said. Beech said. “Then I volunteered at called for 100 percent graduation for every Literature teacher at Tech High. “Our “Getting help was very simple if you wanted it.” a daycare for the internship program.” four-year-senior for the 2007-2008 school small size also lets us develop much closer According to Ms. Falco, that emphasis Another unique aspect of Tech High is its grade year. Last year, 43 of the 47 seniors received relationships with the students. It’s easier to on a small student-teacher ratio is level structure. There are four academies – one diplomas - a 91.5 percent graduation rate. p Musical theatre students open for Diana DeGarmo

By Ka t e Be l g u m Lamotte. The musical theatre department The students worked hard to performed at a benefit dinner prepare. for the Lyric Theater, the only “My character was [really] professional musical theater in corny,” Johnson said. “I had to Atlanta, on Saturday, Nov. 15. watch as many Peewee Herman The students opened for Diana episodes as I could to get the DeGarmo, who was the runner up corniness right.” on the TV hit show American Idol After the musical theatre group in 2003. performed, DeGarmo sang Mr. Lee Pope, head of the musical “Good Morning Baltimore” from theatre department, was ecstatic the musical Hairspray and “On about his students’ performance. My Own” from the musical Les “It was amazing, and the kids Miserable. didn’t miss a beat,” Mr. Pope said. “[DeGarmo] sang like a bird, “When I left the professional she was sweet and beautiful,” theatre [as a career], I didn’t know said fashion teacher Mr. Vincent why I was leaving. When I saw Martinez. “That woman’s range is

[the kids] perform, I knew why. J on e s K halyn out of this world.” This was what I was meant to do.” I’M A LION: At a rehearsal, Mr. Lee Pope, head of the musical theatre department, discusses stage directions with a coordinator. Pope After the performance ,DeGarmo The event, which took place choreographs all of the musical theatre’s numbers. The performance opened for Diana DeGarmo at the dinner for the Lyric Theater. chatted with Mr. Martinez and Mr. at the W Hotel, was co-hosted Pope, and praised the students’ by Monica Pearson of Channel 2 rendition of “Give My Regards to Senior Kevin Johnson played DeGarmo was spitting game at me performance. Action News and Conn Jackson Broadway.” The musical theatre the lead role as “The Narrator,” the whole night.” “[DeGarmo] was so kind about of Inspire One Productions and students performed after Conn and enjoyed a brush with fame and Other singers in the performance the kids,” Mr. Pope said. “She was Conn TV. Jackson spoke, singing “Magic To romance. included Alexandria Cantrell, very complimentary, talking not To the surprise of the guests, Do” from the Broadway musical “[The performance] was Telvin Carter, Abby Deel, Miriam only about their professionalism, Pearson performed first, singing a Pippin. awesome,” Johnson said. “Diana Huppert, Noelle Jones and Ryan but their talent as well.” p 14 arts & entertainment t h e So u t h e r n e r Dec. 10, 2008 Golden king stops by Civic Center during world tour

By Is o b e l Ro bi n s o n -Or t i z allowed out of the country,” Hornor said. Atlanta’s claim to cultural sophistication “They don’t want to risk anything happening ascended the pyramids on Nov. 15 when to them.” “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the In addition to Tutankhamun’s treasures, Great Pharaohs”opened at the Boisfeuillet several items associated with Egyptian rulers Jones Civic Center. Coordinated by Art such as Khafre, the builder of the Great and Exhibitions International and National Pyramids at Giza, and Hatshepsut, the Geographic, the exhibit is sponsored by Emory first female to rule Egypt alone, will be on University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum and display. displays artifacts from the ancient Egyptian “There are masterpeices of Egyptian art king’s tomb. from the entire history of ancient Egypt The Tutankhamun exhibit showcases a – the Old Kingdom up to the period of significant number of the tomb’s artifacts. Tutankhamun,” Hornor said. “The exhibition tries to put Tutankhamun To accompany the arrival of the exhibit, in the larger context of the continuum of the Michael C. Carlos Museum has hosted Pharaonic history,” said Elizabeth Hornor, several Egyptology-related events, including the Michael C. Carlos Museum’s director of several talks by Dr. Peter Lacovara, the education. museum’s senior coordinator for ancient Tutankhamun, who lived from Egyptian, near Eastern, and Nubian art, and approximately 1342 to 1323 BCE, has by Dr. Zahi Hawass, one of Egypt’s foremost generated curiosity since his tomb’s discovery archaeologists. In addition, Wonderful in 1922. While the pharaoh was relatively Things: The Harry Burton Photographs and

obscure in the context of ancient Egyptian annini the Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun v history, he is well-known today because his o documents the original excavation of the royal tomb was one of the few to be found tomb. fairly intact. Freshman Alix Youngblood saw the exhibit, The relics of Tutankhamun were first and while she enjoyed the relatively short brought to the United States from 1976 to tesy of S and r wait time, the overall experience left her with

1979. It is estimated that “The Treasures C ou r mixed feelings. of Tutankhamun” brought in more than 8 “If you like museums and history, you million visitors during its run. After the tour, should go see it,” Youngblood said. “But if the Egyptian government ruled that no more ALL WRAPPED UP: This replica of the head of King Tutankhamun tops the canister that held the internal you’re easily bored, you shouldn’t, because it’s items would go on tour. organs of the Egyptian pharaoh. It is just one of the tomb’s treasures that are on display at the Civic Center. really repetitive and long.” Tutankhamun’s treasures were lent out again Hornor, however, believes that the exhibit in 2005 when the Egyptian Supreme Counsel and our galleries are from 3,500 to 5,000 display. The golden death mask that was the could be of special use as a learning tool for of Antiquities allowed the artifacts to be shown square feet.” centerpiece of the 1976-1979 tour, arguably museum visitors. in the United States on tour again. The tour includes more than 130 items, the most famous item of Tutankhamun’s “I think it’s very important for people “Had the Carlos Museum been larger, some of which have never been shown in the treasure, however, will not. to learn about history,” Hornor said. “The the show actually would have been here [in United States. The golden sandals, weaponry “The death mask, the gold sarcophagus greater understanding [we] have of the past, 2005], but we just didn’t have enough room,” and furniture that were to accompany and the mummy of Tutankhamun all have the greater [our] understanding of [our] Hornor said. “It’s a 20,000-square-foot show, Tutankhamun to the afterlife will all be on been declared national treasures and are not present lives.” p Students show skills in Cask Richard’s Variety Store offers unique of Amacchiato coffeehouse plethora of knick-knacks, tally wacks

By Po l l y Zi n t a k I pushed open the doors and entered the new Richard’s Variety Store, located in Midtown Plaza. With only a slight resemblance to its sloppily arranged predecessor, I couldn’t help but hum to myself the tune of the always melodic “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. Gadgets and gizmos aplenty were stocked on every shelf, and whozits and whatzits galore consumed every aisle. There was everything from board games to

books, from rubber chickens to rugs. Z intak polly I could be the kid in the candy store KID IN A CANDYSTORE: Wandering away from her mom for a moment, a child explores or a housewife looking to spruce up the holiday decorations and toys on display inside Richard’s Variety Store in Midtown. my home furnishings. Either way, I would be satisfied. Growing up, I went to the Richard’s Conveniently located across the This exhilarating experience, in the Peachtree Battle shopping street from Grady, Richard’s is the however, was not my first encounter center all the time. While my mom perfect spot for anyone looking for own with the new store’s merchandise. would load our basket with decorative just about anything at a reasonable When my friend placed her Richard’s candles and festive picture frames, I price. Students can find that funny purchase in my salad, I was not the least would throw in every trinket, Slinky birthday card, teachers can discover bit amused. In fact, I was extremely and yo-yo I could find. And then, a good prop for a physics lab and e Br by Ev hotos

P irritated. The fake cockroach didn’t of course, I would beg for a quarter parents can find any kind of glassware WE MUST PROTECT THIS COFFEEHOUSE: (clockwise add to the toss one bit. But when to ride the ever-entertaining electric or party favors. from above) Senior Scott Bremer recites an excerpt I stepped inside Richard’s, I didn’t horse. Unfortunately, on my recent For this holiday season, if you from his 30-page novela that he started working on realize the temptations would lead trip to the new Richard’s, I came want to avoid going to Toys ‘R’ Us, in May 2008 titled “Remember when we decided we me to empty my wallet and come to the terrible realization that I had Borders, Pier 1 and Target, take a trip were cool? Wasn’t That a Great Day.” Junior Amelia out with neon-colored silly putty, a surpassed the maximum of 60 pounds to Richard’s. This Santa’s workshop Kovacevich performs a monologue from the play squirting camera and a pig catapult. since my last visit, and I couldn’t ride imitation is perfect—you can find Oleanna written by David Manet. Junior Weston Walking into that store catapulted the horse anymore. As sad as I was to something for the busy mom, working Taylor performs his original song titled “Back Then” me back to elementary school and not be able to experience the ride, I husband, snobby teenager, sporty on his guitar. He also performed “Eager to Start.” made me realize how much you was now able to spend the valuable boy or wired toddler. Whether Approximately 50 people attended the second can come to miss those obnoxiously minutes and quarters once used for you’re finding something cute for a coffeehouse held in the Black Box Theater. entertaining toys, even if it’s a roach the horse on other ways to relive my co-worker, or something special for in your house salad. childhood. a spouse, Richard's has it all. p Dec. 10, 2008 arts and entertainment 15 Play revisits childhood values,displays racial tension By Emily Emshoff in February 2009, the more Many students in 2008 take their experienced performers were chosen interracial friendships for granted; for that show rather than for The in the 1960s, however, being friends Good Times Are Killing Me. with someone of the opposite race “One of the struggles of this show wasn’t so easy. The drama department was to teach the kids what it’s like explored race in 1960s society with to be a part of an ensemble,” Ms. its second fall production, The Good Willoughby said. Times Are Killing Me, by playwright James thought the young cast put Linda Barry, on Dec. 4, 5 and 6. on a solid play nonetheless. Directed by drama and literature “Laura and Kourtney really pulled teacher Ms. Lisa Willoughby with it together,” James said. “They made the assistance of senior Lena James, the parts their own, especially with the play tells the story of two their humor and dancing.” friends—Edna Arkins and Bonna Alexander, in turn, was glad to be Willis—of different races growing up given the chance. in a time when their neighborhood “I’m a newcomer to the drama is becoming integrated. Ms. program,” Alexander said. “Having Willoughby first directed the play been in only one other production, I in 1994. was thrilled to receive the lead.” “I responded to [Barry’s play] The audience, as well as the and liked her sense of voice, and I E mshoff E mily actors, responded to the play’s thought she had some important LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: (left to right) Junior Tiffany Vernon, freshmen Sarah Dillard, Mena Prince, Dawn Grier and Krysten Taylor overall message and found the play things to say,” Ms. Willoughby said. and sophomore Kourtney Gutlan play the choir in the drama department’s 2008 production of The Good Times Are Killing Me. insightful. “I read that the stories [she wrote] of fun” and responded well to Barry’s The 2008 production starred role to play because it actually “The play sent a really good had been developed into a play messages when she first read the play. junior Laura Alexander as Edna reminded me of my childhood, message about friendship,” said and ordered it, and that’s when we “I love the theme that children and sophomore Kourtney Outlaw growing up as the girl [that beat junior Claire Wilson, who attended originally decided to do it back in are blind to color or background,” as Bonna. Senior Abby Deel and everyone up].” the play on the opening night. 1994.” Cramer said. “[Edna and Bonna] freshman Manuela Diaz also played The cast for this show was “Often times, we are pushed in a Megan Cramer, who graduated in make friends with people they like. the role of Edna’s little sister, Lucy, underclassmen-heavy. Because the direction to comply with society’s 1995, played the lead role of Edna Unfortunately, when we get older on alternating nights. drama department’s first show, ways of life. That can sometimes Arkins in the original production. She we let all that other stuff get in the “I enjoyed playing Bonna,” Incident at San Bajo, is going to be determine who we become friends remembers the play as being “loads way, which can have dire results.” Outlaw said. “It was a really exciting performed at Thespian Conference with.” p Advertisers reveal true colors at Arts Not Ads show By Gr a c e Br o w n on creative art. The lights softly illuminate the pieces “Most of our work is widely seen since of artwork scattered throughout Studio most of us create ads or packaging or Chambers in Inman Park, creating a mellow websites,” said Bryan Dodd, an Art Not and relaxed environment in the gallery. Ads volunteer. “Our work is seen daily, but There is conversation flowing through the that’s work which is subject to the clients building as Grady’s string quartet plays the who pay for it, so it’s nice to show work we first movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. do for fun.” 25 in G Minor, serenading the crowd. Many of the people who came to the The first annual Art Not Ads exhibit show were inspired by the artwork and very kicked off its opening night Friday, Nov. impressed with the show. 14 with a wide variety of artwork done by “It makes me realize the inner-artist,” artists in the advertising industry. The goal attendee Tabitha Varma said. “I do art— of the exhibit was to allow people involved I’m a graphic designer. I don’t do a lot of in advertising to show off their personal painting and stuff anymore, but it makes artwork. me kind of want to get back [into it].” “Everyone in the commercial art, Others came to the show to support advertising, design and interactive friends who made art that was on display community is a creative person,” said Jim at the exhibit. Wise, a Grady parent who helped plan and “I’m actually here tonight to support coordinate the show. “Almost all of these friends of mine, Brian Dodd and Terry individuals create personal art of some Greer, co-workers of mine back at Gray sort. By personal, we mean art that is done Advertising [where I’m art director],” just for fun [and] for ourselves, not for a said attendee Mark Cook at the opening MORE THAN A HOBBY: (left) Several pieces of artwork client. The rule was that the work shown night. “They told me about the show, and own were put on display at the entrance of the Art Not [in the exhibit] was to be in a medium I thought it was kind of cool to actually see Ads exhibit. (above) Artist Susan Joss chats with different from what we normally use in our work without logos. It’s quite different.” friend Donna Walter at the show’s opening night. professional life.” Greer and Chambers came up with the Joss created a series of pastel paintings and, along According to Terry Greer, one of the idea for the Art Not Ads show several years with other artists, was very enthusiastic about the Br B y Gr ace hotos Art Not Ads co-founders along with Parlee ago. P unveiling of the show. Chambers, the opening night was a huge “It began out of a yearning to show my success and about 500 people showed up, artistic talents that go beyond my normal face out there so that when jobs come up, and invitation letters. Studio Chambers far beyond the original expectations. job,” Greer said. “Galleries are so political you are in clients’ minds.” made all the arrangements for the physical “Grady was a great contributor to the and are difficult to get accepted to. The Chambers and his wife, Parlee, offered aspects of the show, including the portable show’s opening-gala atmosphere,” Greer galleries also have strict rules on what they Studio Chambers as a venue for Art Not walls, lighting, food and drink and other said. “The string quartet gave a very will show and financially take advantage of Ads. Soon a committee was formed with necessities. sophisticated vibe to the evening.” your work. So I thought, why not create other advertisement artists including Dodd, “All of us worked to get the word out to The studio sold almost $5,000 worth my own gallery for a night?” Wise, Ed Young and Michael Howell, along the advertising and design community and of art and donated $1,000 towards the There were also several other reasons the with the help of family and friends. to invite artists to participate,” Wise said. school’s fine arts program. advertisers decided the Art Not Ads show “I was hoping to offer my friends and “Finally, we all worked hard to hang the “We thought that it would be nice to would be a great idea for an exhibit. colleagues the chance to show their work show. That took several days. It was all fun have a connection to a good cause, but “One, we wanted to show the great art,” in a real gallery setting without the gallery though.” none of us really connected personally to said Don Chambers, the show’s producer. politics,” Greer said. “I wanted to expose Although this was the first Art Not Ads a charity or anything like that,” Wise said. “There is so much more talent in the our work to a real audience outside of the show, the founders are hoping to make it “Since I had just attended a Grady fine arts advertising world than the slogans like Fly office.” an annual event. committee meeting, the idea popped up Delta. Secondly, people in our community The show took a lot of time, planning “The opening night went far beyond my and I suggested [donating to] Grady to the don’t seem to socialize or network much, and coordination to produce, but the expectations,” Greer said. “It was enjoyed planning group. It made a lot of sense, and so we wanted to do more than have a many people involved made the job easier. by all who attended so much that we were they embraced it.” party. Lastly, and a bit selfishly, it was Some worked to help publicize the show being asked, ‘When is the next show going The advertisers wanted to break away great promotion for [my gallery] Studio through advertising and invited artists to to be?’ and it was still just the opening from work assignments and instead work Chambers. It’s so important to keep your participate. Others designed press releases night.” p 16 arts and entertainment Dec. 10, 2008 Audience, performers moved by wide variety of acts

By Mi n h La m The curtains slid open, revealing sophomore Nia Ray lying on the floor, balancing a chair on her foot. While performing her acrobatics dance routine, Ray jumped and crawled around, over and under the chair. Her performance was just one of the 19 acts displayed at the annual talent show on Nov. 13, raising roughly $2,000 for the chorus. “The talent show is more about individual talent,” said chorus teacher and talent show supervisor Mr. Kevin Hill. “We have band, orchestra and chorus concerts, but those are RUN THE SHOW (clockwise from more focused on the group as opposed to the left): Senior Elana Schaer’s father, individual.” Jonathan Schaer, and brother Sam This year, the show was also a chance for the watch as Elana plays the violin Student Government Association to publicize while her sister Iris run around her its annual food drive. in a bumblebee costume. The music “The talent show helped a lot [to collect] moves senior Dalton Mayes while canned goods,” 12th grade president Noelle am he and his band, Stoke the Fire, Jones said. “We’re still doing the can drive so play the Nirvana song “Breed.” hopefully we [will] be able to raise more cans Senior Stephen Royce, freshman before the semester ends. The talent show was Terrell Simmons and sophomore b y M inh L hotos

a good push to start off the can drive.” P Erin Foster perform their hip-hop The night included a wide variety of talent routine called “Seeing Colors .” that ranged from dancing to rapping to singing. In one of the acts, senior Elana Schaer played song [name],” Harris said. “[In] the first act that never get another chance to do this again so I The performers weren’t the only ones who “Flight of the Bumblebee” on the violin while I introduced, I called the person ‘him’ as opposed might as well have some fun and be crazy.” were nervous. Junior Tiffany Vernon, who was her sister, sophomore Iris Schaer, ran around to ‘her.’ Everybody in the audience was yelling The pressure was on for both the performers in the audience, also felt some butterflies. the stage in a bumblebee costume. ‘her,’ and I was really embarrassed.” and those who worked behind the curtains. “I was anxious to watch the show,” Vernon “I actually hate bumblebees,” Elana Schaer The emcees also displayed their own talents “[The Talent Show] was a little more difficult said. “I went to watch my boyfriend, and I said. “They scare me, but [the act] ended during the show. Harris impersonated Britney [to manage] than the other shows [I’ve done] was really nervous because if my boyfriend’s up being fun, and I think the song was very Spears, Jones impersonated Beyoncé Knowles, because I don’t know that much about bands performance was bad, then I didn’t want to recognizable [for the audience].” and the two competed in a dance battle. and what they need with their sound,” said tell him.” Ray drew on personal experiences as she “One of the acts needed a lot of time to set up senior Miriam Huppert, who worked as the Although she enjoyed the show, Vernon didn’t choreographed her acrobatic dance routine. so we wanted to do a skit to stall,” Harris said. “I stage manager. “We had to drag out these big like all the acts. “The dance was inspired from a relationship think I won [the battle] because Britney Spears speakers, which was really hard because they “There were a few acts that I really wasn’t that I was previously in,” Ray said. “A lot of always wins—she’s the queen of pop.” were as heavy as I am.” feeling,” Vernon said. “I didn’t like the girls the movements were about struggle and trying Besides the dance battle between Jones and Like every production, the show had its share who hip-hop danced because that type of to stretch myself beyond my boundaries. Harris, the show contained many other shocking of slip-ups and mistakes. dancing was the kind of dancing for a party, The balancing of the chair on my foot in the elements. One surprise occurred when senior “A lot of things went wrong during my not a stage.” beginning of the dance was basically me trying Dalton Mayes played his guitar on his back while performance,” Ray said. “I couldn’t do one of Regardless of whether their performances to balance our relationship.” he performed with his band, Stoke the Fire. my moves at the beginning of the performance satisfied every member of the audience, the SGA president Devin Harris emceed the show “It just sort of hit me as a spur of the moment because I got a cramp [from] hyperextending participants gained a lot by performing. along with Jones. kind of thing,” Mayes said. “I saw a video of Kurt my leg. When something goes wrong, I process “It was a great feeling getting out there and “Emceeing was hard because I hate calling Cobain from Nirvana doing it live during one it in my mind as I’m dancing that I have to playing in front of people,” Mayes said. “It was people [by] the wrong name or saying the wrong of his performances. I just figured that I would move differently.” definitely a confidence-builder." p Chinese terracotta soldiers conquer High Museum

By Sidney Wise When we move them, we have to be very careful to set down A group of local farmers were hard at work building a well the horse evenly on all four legs at the same time, otherwise a for their small community when suddenly they happened upon leg can break off.” something extraordinary. It was 1973 in Xian, China. The Emperor Qin Shi Hungdi lived almost 2,200 years ago unsuspecting farmers had stumbled upon an unknown extra and has become famous for his many legacies, including the chamber of the previously discovered tomb of Qin Shi Hungdi, unification of the warring states into what is now modern- the first emperor of China, and the thousands of life-size clay day China, building the first Great Wall and commissioning soldiers hidden within. Now, Atlanta’s is the terracotta army for his tomb. Since the army has been able to share some of this history in its new exhibit, The First discovered, historians have realized that what they thought was Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army. the Emperor’s tomb is merely a small burial chamber. They have The exhibit at the High features nearly a dozen of the soldiers, now determined that the entire tomb covers nearly 22 square along with some of the clay horses and chariots that were also miles, roughly the size of the island of Manhattan. But that found. space hasn’t been completely uncovered. “It wasn’t too difficult to arrange to bring the warriors to the “I think that there is still a lot more to be discovered, especially United States,” said Hiromi Kinoshita, the exhibit’s curator. in the first emperor’s tomb itself,” Kinoshita said. “The Chinese authorities are always happy to have the terracotta Although the world is eager to see what else may lie in the army travel abroad to new places. They see the army as cultural the high m u se tomb, the Chinese government is wary of moving too quickly. ambassadors, bringing the Chinese culture to audiences around The Chinese have laws stating that it is illegal to excavate any the world.” other imperial tomb without permission.

As the curator, Kinoshita worked on the design and setup of y of C o u rtes “There is a sense of respect,” Kinoshita said. “They don’t want the exhibit. to disturb such an important figure from his resting place.” “I worked to come up with the storyline, write the labels and THE EMPEROR’S NEW DIGS: The High Museum displays a large banner of a Because the emperor’s main burial chamber was looted by create a catalogue,” Kinoshita said. “We also worked closely with terracotta soldier, one of more than 100 artifacts on display at the exhibit. robbers centuries ago, the precious artifacts he had put inside the design team to produce a layout that would best illustrate were lost forever. the story we wanted to tell.” “They already pre-sold 90,000 tickets before the opening last “Historical records describe treasure buried with the First The international exhibition tour for the terracotta soldiers Sunday, and the show runs till April 2009.” Emperor when he died,” Kinoshita said. “What has been began last year at London’s British Museum. Each warrior is unique — no two look the same. They are excavated so far has been found around the actual tomb of the The British Museum decided to put on the first emperor all life-size, but still vary slightly in height. The taller soldiers First Emperor, so we can only imagine the richness and quality exhibition with Jane Portal as the curator. Kinoshita was hired were dressed as generals. Historians observed that each soldier of the things that must have been buried [in the emperor’s burial as the assistant curator for that exhibition. The total count of had been holding a weapon or tool of some sort because of the chamber].” visitors to the British Museum’s show was over 850,000. way the hands are positioned. While the weapons deteriorated Historians still have reason to believe that there is more to “[We were] extremely pleased and rather surprised at how over time, the soildiers were made out of clay and much more find but aren’t rushing to dig it up. popular the army was and is with audiences,” Kinoshita said. sturdy. “I think not knowing for sure what treasures lie beneath the The Atlanta exhibition desires a large visitor turnout as well. “The warriors are surprisingly resilient as they are made from ground is part of the great appeal of the first emperor’s tomb,” “Atlanta hopes to have over 200,000 visitors,” Kinoshita said. first pottery,” Kinoshita said. “The horses are the most fragile. Kinoshita said. p Sp o r t s Br i e f s t h e So u t h e r n e r Dec. 10, 2008 s p orts17 Basketball teams start year with losses Grady bags Publix staff in classic shootout The boys basketball team kicked By Li l y Mu n t z i n g off the season against Decatur High In the spirit of the holiday School on Dec. 2. Sophomore Des- season, the basketball teams mond Morris led the team with nine hosted ‘Grady Give Day’ on Nov. points, but the team lost to the Bull- 21 in the performance gym. The dogs by a narrow margin of 44-40. event, which raised money for the The girls team also faced off against basketball program and various the Lady Bulldogs on the same night Atlanta charities, featured a game and ended up losing 45-57. pitting faculty members against the employees from the Publix on Ponce Soccer captains hold de Leon Avenue. School basketball liaison and preseason practices parent Jackie Hughey organized the inaugural event. The boys and girls soccer teams have The event was intended to benefit begun practicing in preparation for the community for the holiday the upcoming season. The preseason season. The Student Government practices are held by the team captains Association collected blankets and because of strict rules that prohibit canned goods; the JROTC collected munt z ing coaches from attending. Senior boys Christmas cards for U.S. soldiers lily captain Drew Hecht is optimistic and money for the Empty Stocking COMMANDING THE COURT: School police officer Lt. Gary Gullatt advises Officer William Breaux, a class of 2000 graduate, during the about the season. Fund; the Athletic Booster Club basketball game against Publix employees. The event was an outlet for school affiliated programs to help benefit various charities. “The team is looking really good,” sold Grey Knights sweatsuits; and folks from Publix, however, were planned for the proceeds from the executive for the Dream, also Hecht said. “We’ve been working HOSA conducted blood-pressure interested in competition, not just dance to go toward holiday turkey attended. Merritt has worked with hard, and we plan on going deep in checks and collected money for the charity. dinners for Grady families in need. girls basketball coach Joretta Kelly in state [playoffs].” American Red Cross. “We had some employees that He changed the plan, however, the past and hopes to bring the girls The group Pets Are Loving showed up to the game [who didn’t when few kids had money to pay team to a Dream game in the future. Support also sold tickets to Doggies play], so they were looking forward for the dance after the game. Teasley agrees that ‘Grady Give Girls locker room on the Catwalk, the fashion show to seeing this take place,” said Publix Two members from the Atlanta Day’ was the beginning of an it presents along with the school’s store manager Anthony Thompson. Dream, Atlanta’s WBNA team, also extensive partnership and enjoyed included in design fashion department. The Susan G. According to Thompson, the attended the event. Center Chantelle attending the event. The proposed stadium renovation Komen Breast Cancer Foundation event, which was pulled together Anderson and guard Nikki Teasley “If they do this every year, we plans included a girls locker room collected donations used to in just two weeks, is the start of an signed autographs and organized a definitely want to be involved,” located in currently unused space disseminate literature. even bigger event next year. three-point shooting competition Teasley said. underneath the stadium. A boys Publix stocked the concession Following the game, the girls during halftime. Freshman Brandon Thompson said that Publix did, locker room already exists in the stand and donated the profits to basketball team hosted a student Demond Schaffer was the winner. however, leave with one regret—the athletics annex under the stadium. the APS fund-raising effort. The dance. Originally, Thompson Jonathan Merritt, account outcome of the game. p Basketball transfers SWIM team’s prove skill on court season shows improvement By Ell i o t t Er i c k s o n Two transfer students—seniors Montavious Anderson and Josh from back page Simmons—are now donning the school’s maroon basketball jerseys. Simmons transferred from Winter Park High School in Orlando, “We have more strenuous Fla., last year but wasn’t able to play on the basketball team because of workouts,” junior Kate Belgum said. a Georgia High School Association rule that doesn’t allow athletes to “[We] are becoming more serious play their first semester after transferring to a new school. about the sport.” The basketball coaching staff is looking forward, however, to utilizing Last season, both teams lacked Simmons this year. regular practice schedules, captains “Josh is a good kid and a good ball player,” head coach Douglas and transportation after practices. Slade said. “He will be able to help us right off the bat. He is a really The teams also struggled with the good jump shooter.” swimmers’ levels of experience because Although this is Simmons’ first season of playing basketball at a high some members had never swum school level, he says he’s ready. competitively. “It’s my first year of high school basketball, and I’m ready to put on “We have improved a lot this year a show,” Simmons said. because we now have a bus [to and Anderson, who transferred from Martin Luther King, Jr. High from practice],” Belgum said. “We School at the beginning of this school year, won’t be able to play until [have] also added captain Anja Griffin the second semester of school due to the transfer rule. While he is and are practicing three days a week. disappointed that he won’t play in a game until January, Anderson does Our experience level has gotten a lot see some benefit to the rule. higher as well.” “The rule is kind of good because I can learn the plays,” Anderson The teams squared off against both said. “Rules are rules, but the team will be OK without me.” Mays and North Atlanta on Nov.13 in

Anderson, who played small forward for MLK High School, plans M iles G ilbreath their fourth meet. The girls continued to do the same for Grady. Even though Anderson isn’t allowed to play, VETERAN ROOKIE: Senior Josh Simmons drives past an Osborne defender late in the their winning streak, and the boys he still attends practice every day in order to learn the plays and bond fourth quarter of the game. This is Simmons’ first season playing at a high-school level. solved their problem of attendance, with the team. winning their third meet. “In practice, I just do drills, run and learn plays,” Anderson said. “I “I am looking forward to measuring where we are,” Coach Slade On Dec. 6, both boys and girls have been playing with my teammates too.” said. “Both [Anderson and Simmons] are talented players and function teams swam their first invitational Coach Slade has been watching Anderson and believes he has the in all phases of the game.” against teams from schools including potential to improve the team. While the team only started practicing in early November, Simmons Rockdale, Riverwood and North “Montavious [Anderson] won’t be able to help us until second and Anderson have already meshed well with the team. They have Hall. Because the boys only had five semester,” Coach Slade said. “But he will help us with our both been impressed with the sportsmanship and ability of their new swimmers, they came in fifth out of six rebounding.” teammates. teams. The girls placed fourth. Anderson and Simmons are both looking forward to stepping on the “The team has good chemistry,” Simmons said. “The returning Both teams’ expectations are high. court in a Grady uniform. seniors are good on offense and on defense.” “My hopes are that people will start “[I’m looking forward to] gamedays when everything is mellowed Anderson and Simmons feel prepared to usher in a new era for Grady showing up to meets more,” Bufkin out,” Simmons said. “You just see your players and opponents.” basketball. said. “We need to find our strengths, Coach Slade is optimistic about the season and believes that the new “Look out for Grady to be at the top,” Simmons said. “We want to use our advantages and come together players will have an impact on its performance. get a new banner hanging in the gym for basketball.” p as a team.” p 18 sports Dec. 10, 2008 Nine seniors leave lasting legacies, successes on field

By Ja k e Ma r t i n “Even though we didn’t have many seniors Although the football team went 6-3 in this year, the ones that we did have had a the regular season, the Grey Knights still big impact on this team,” said Crawford, a finished fourth in sub-region 5B-AAA, senior lineman and a team captain. which left the team out of the state playoffs. Even with the loss of the seniors, the As a consolation, the Knights traveled to Knights anticipate being a strong team Avondale Stadium in Decatur to face the next year as most of their starters this year Columbia Eagles in a matchup of the were sophomores or freshmen. The offense fourth-place teams from each sub-region of will return nine starters, including leading region 5-AAA on Nov. 8. rusher sophomore Marcus Caffey and both The Eagles and their star running back starting quarterbacks from this season, Nathaniel Anthony roared to an early 13-0 Swann and sophomore Treveon Albert. lead. The Knights battled back, however, Swann, who also plays safety on defense, as sophomore quarterback Damian Swann will anchor a squad that will return seven ran for two touchdowns en route to a 14- starters. Out of the 61 players on the 13 victory over the Eagles. Knights’ varsity roster this year, 37 were “We worked really hard this season, so not either freshmen or sophomores. making the playoffs was a disappointment,” This same sub-region may also be easier said senior lineman Miles Gilbreath, a team to crack next year for those young players, captain. “But [that night], it was more as Washington and Carver will lose their important to finish out our senior year on star players Branden Smith and Darren a high note.” Myles Jr. ESPN ranks Myles Jr. (38) and JAKE MARTIN The Knights began the season optimistic Smith (44) among the top 50 players in the about their prospects of making the country. St. Pius will still be a force with playoffs after being moved to a presumably REMEMBER THE KNIGHTS: Senior captains Miles Gilbreath and Gerald Crawford wait for the coin toss at the start returning junior fullback Cole Moon, who easier region. Powerhouses Westminister, of overtime in the Knights’ 21-20 win over North Atlanta on Oct. 31. This win gave the Knights a 7-3 record. ran for 180 yards and three touchdowns Blessed Trinity and Chamblee moved which doomed the team’s effort to return Derrick Walker. this year against the Knights. Even so, the to different classifications, and the to the playoffs after also failing to qualify These outgoing seniors are the last Knights think that they have a very good troublesome Dunwoody Wildcats moved last year. remnants of the team that went to the state shot at winning the region in 2009. to the sub-region opposite Grady in The Columbia game was the last game semifinals in the Georgia Dome three years “We did a good job of providing support 5-AAA. Unfortunately, the Knights were for nine Grey Knights seniors: Jemario ago. They have a 36-11 record during their and encouragement to the younger kids on never able to get going against their new Bryant, Gerald Crawford, Jordan Francais, four years as Grey Knights, leaving as one the team that will really help them in the region opponents Washington, Carver Gilbreath, Rodney Holloway, Malcolm of the most successful classes in school long run,” Crawford said. “This is a team and St. Pius X and lost games to all three, Perry, Benson Rogers, Joseph Snowden and history. to look out for in the future.” p UNK finds home in Knights’ football community from back page escorted out again because he was drunk. Eventually,Underwood One year, former Grady football decided that he needed to leave. coach Simon Hubbard offered to let Before he could do that, however, Underwood into the games for free he had to work off his debt at the on one condition—that he be sober camp. For five years, Underwood when he showed up at the gate. After worked tirelessly to repay the debt that, Underwood was inside the he had accumulated. One morning fence for most games. On the days after he had done so, Underwood he wasn’t allowed in, he would still left to go to the field with everyone watch the game from 10th Street. else but just kept walking and never Underwood is an enthusiastic fan looked back. Soon after, he migrated who takes pride in the team. He has to Atlanta. never doubted that Grady could Underwood has lived in Atlanta beat any opponent and watches for about 20 years and chooses to every game at Grady Stadium and sleep outside most of the time. He travels to road games often. When says the shelter that he occasionally somebody makes a good play in a CARLSON PARKER goes to smells horrible and has too game or practice, he enthusiastically NUMBER-ONE FAN: Larry “Unk” Underwood intently watches the Knights play during the North Atlanta game on Oct. 31 at his usual many crack addicts. The shelter, on yells “Georgia Dome!” in reference to spot on the 35-yard line. The football team has provided Unk with not only clothes and a shower, but a large support system as well. the corner of the Knights’ him; so he began to pay Unk for odd Panthers at halftime, and Coach Hall can’t come to the school if he has Peachtree and Just to have people talk semifinal jobs that the team needed done like decided it was the right time to tell been drinking. He also has cut back Pine streets, has to me and ask me how I’m appearance picking up trash off the field. Like the story about Unk, his shower and on the amount of liquor that he a reputation for in 2005 at Hubbard, Coach Hall told him that the pride that he feels for the football consumes. overcrowding doing reminds me that the Georgia he couldn’t come on the practice team. When asked about how he feels and violence. “ there are people out there D o m e . field anymore unless he was sober. The speech didn’t produce a victory, about all that the team has done for Underwood who care about me. His cheer He hoped that Unk would remain but it did create something far more him, Unk chokes up. has also turned is usually sober during the entire week and not important. The following Monday at “This is the first time since my to other sources f o l l o w e d just on game day. practice, players, coaches and parents family broke up [and] I left the foster for help. A Larry “Unk” Underwood by some Once Unk proved that he cared began donating clothes to help Unk. home that I’ve had a group of people Pe n t e c o s t a l vulgarities enough about Grady football to fight Not long after, Unk wore his new that acts as a family to me,” Unk said. church in Morrow sends a bus to Pine about the Calhoun Yellow Jackets, his urge to drink, Coach Hall decided Nike Jordan shoes proudly, and “Just to have people that talk to me Street to pick up any homeless men the team that beat the Knights at the to take further action. One rainy day, when someone on the street offered and ask me how I’m doing reminds who want to go to church. After the Dome to make it to the state final. Unk came to practice soaking wet. to buy them from him, he refused, me that there are people out there service, the church provides a meal Over time, the football players After practice that day, Coach Hall saying that the bidder couldn’t offer who care about me.” for the men. Although Underwood have come to respect Underwood. took him to the locker room so he any price for something that the kids Caring for Unk is just the enjoys the meal, that is not the only As a result, they began to ask him could take a shower. Soon afterwards, at Grady had given him. beginning of what needs to be done, reason he goes.Throughout his life, to come down from behind the Coach Hall heard him yelling but Officer Rufus Huffman Jr., father Coach Hall insists. He hopes to help he has remained a devout Christian. fence. He would make his way onto couldn’t understand what he was of football player Rufus Huffman III Unk completely kick his alcoholism It wasn’t until eight years ago that the practice field to criticize players saying. When he went to investigate, and former Grady resource officer, and find him a steady job and a place Underwood began to watch the who messed up in the previous game he heard Unk shouting, “Glory! has also helped Unk out. He has to stay, a place as steady as that seat Knights’ football games and practices and congratulate players who made Glory! I’ve got some hot water.” taken him to get a haircut and to near the 35-yard line, where Unk from outside the stadium. He would exceptional plays. His enthusiasm Coach Hall then gave Unk new breakfast. Unk has Huffman’s cell has sat for many of Grady’s most stand at the fence surrounding and humor earned him the nickname clothes and washed his old ones. He phone number in case he ever gets in memorable games—the same seat he the practice field and watch while “Unk,” short for Uncle Larry. stored them in the football office trouble and needs help. sat in as Darius Hawkins kicked the the team practiced. On occasion, At the beginning of the 2008 for the next time Unk needed to The support that the team has game-winning point after touchdown he would save up enough money season, defensive coordinator Robert change. given him has helped Unk combat in overtime against North Atlanta— to buy a ticket to a game. Many Hall decided that Unk should earn The following day—game day— his alcoholism. He makes sure to and the seat that he will be able to sit times, however, he would have to be the money that the coaches gave the team was trailing the Carver only drink at night now because he in for many seasons to come. p Dec. 10, 2008 sports 19 Co-workers race through break By Sa r a h Da r r o w wear and tear [on your body].” Although their goal of sticking Magnet Coordinator Ms. Carrie Ms. MacBrien, a runner since together wasn’t accomplished MacBrien and math teacher Mr. 2000, is a regular gym visitor and during the race, their second goal— Andrew Nichols have a lot in was an avid biker before she began to finish— was. common: they show up to school running. The race wasn’t all sweat and no on time, discipline students in Mr. Nichols hadn’t been an play; they were also able to enjoy the hallways and write college active runner before beginning to the run with a few laughs. recommendations. But there is train for the half-marathon, but “There was a group of Marines one activity the two share that was still able to keep a quicker pace that started at the very back [of the students might not be familiar than Ms. MacBrien because of his race] behind the walkers and ran in with—they both trained and ran extensive workouts at the gym. Ms. formation and passed everyone,” together in The Weather Channel’s MacBrien found that his faster pace Mr. Nichols said. “They were Atlanta Half Marathon held on inspired her to improve. chanting really loudly when they Thanksgiving Day. “He motivates me to keep up passed me and everyone else.” Ms. MacBrien and Mr. Nichols with him,” she said. After they completed the race, trained for three months before Ms. MacBrien had run four half Ms. MacBrien and Mr. Nichols the race, which started at Peachtree marathons and two full marathons shared Thanksgiving dinner Industrial Blvd. and ended at before the race on Thanksgiving, together, along with a few friends. Turner Field. including the New York Marathon “I felt like I could eat as much as “The idea [of running the race] in 2004. Both are considering I wanted and not feel guilty,” Mr. first occurred when I talked to folks running the ING Georgia half Nichols said. at the gym about running,” Mr. marathon in spring 2009. Not only have they gotten fitter, Nichols said. While Mr. Nichols has enjoyed but Ms. MacBrien says running He then asked Ms. MacBrien to preparing for the half marathon, he has been meditative for her and has train for the race with him since he hasn’t been won over by the idea of allowed her to unwind at the end knew she had run races before. long-distance running just yet. of the day. Training for the race After deciding to run the half “At this point, I haven’t caught has been a physically and mentally marathon, they have followed the the running bug yet,” Mr. Nichols rewarding experience for both Ms. Jeff Galloway method of training, said. “I’m just not sure if I’m in it MacBrien and Mr. Nichols.

SARAH DARROW which focuses on keeping runners long-term.” “It is amazing to look out in free from injury by emphasizing Mr. Nichols and Ms. MacBrien front of you early in the race, when the importance of both staying planned on running together everyone is still pretty bunched up, hydrated and running at a steady during the race, but that particular and see this huge, bobbing sea of pace. goal was unmet. people in front of you as far as you “We didn’t run every day,” Ms. “Mr. Nichols said ‘see ya’ at the can see…to know that you are a HOLIDAY CHEER: Magnet Coordinator Ms. Carrie MacBrien and math teacher Mr. Andrew MacBrien said. “We ran every other start of the second mile, and I didn’t part of a large event and sharing a Nichols relax after finishing theT hanksgiving Day half marathon. Ms. MacBrien and Mr. day, including one long run [per see him again until the finish,” Ms. moment with people who love to+ Nichols trained together for about three months before running the 13 mile race. week]. It was designed to have less MacBrien said. be active,” Ms. MacBrien said. p New basketball coaches bring ideas and experience

By De a n Ja c k s o n camps and skill-building programs,” Coach After the unannounced departure of the girls Girls Basketball Team Season Initiatives Kelly said. varsity basketball coach last year, the team has The new assistant coach, Michelle Powell, is a introduced a new coaching staff for the 2008- Combine the Implement a five- Introduce weight long-time friend and previous coworker of Coach 2009 season. year program lifting and Kelly, and says the team and coach dynamic is “I’m not going to comment on the situation junior varsity and SARAH BUFKIN very natural. [of Coach Dawn Baker’s departure],” said athletic varsity programs. beginning in eighth training camps. “Coach Kelly and I have coached together director and boys basketball head coach Douglas grade. before and [have] known each other for a long Slade. “We need to look forward from these time,” Coach Powell said. “I didn’t have a kind of things.” coaching position this year, so when I heard about Although the reason why Coach Baker left started off on a good note because she already “The teams are being combined for many the position at Grady I was very excited.” remains indefinite, the origins of the new coaches knew players and she is a great coach.” reasons,” Coach Kelly said. “By practicing Similar to Coach Kelly, Coach Powell not only are quite clear. The new varsity head coach, Joretta Coach Kelly has coached basketball at the together, we get rid of the feeling that the junior brings playing and coaching experience, but also Kelly, was the junior varsity head coach last year middle-school and high-school levels and as well varsity [players] are inferior, and it helps us, as what she refers to as “real life” experience. and helped coach the girls varsity team. as at Amateur Athletic Union for several years. coaches, develop them from a younger age.” “I was never a star player—I just have always “Of the six or seven coaches interviewed, “I feel like my experience leads to a connection This player development is just one aspect had a love for the game,” Coach Powell said. “I Coach Kelly was clearly the best fit,” Coach with my players,” Coach Kelly said. “I know that of a plan to move the team toward what Coach walked on to the team at Clark Atlanta University, Slade said. “[Coach Kelly’s] experience and all basketball players are not the same, so when Kelly calls a “five-year program.” and the [Clark Atlanta]staff recognized that love ability to connect with the players made her coaches treat them all the same, the players are “We want to start all the way in eighth grade,” for the game.” the best candidate, and it is working out better not going to respond well. I get to know my Coach Kelly said. “This way we can be around Although the Lady Knights lost their first than I expected.” players and treat them accordingly, creating a the players for longer and get to know them by game to Decatur 57-45, the future is bright for All of the players are responding positively much better environment.” the time they come and play for us.” the remodeled team. and feel the change is beneficial. The new coaches are “revamping” the entire The coaches are also trying to find ways to “We are a young team with a new coach and “Coach Baker was a good coach, but didn’t program. The biggest change has been the immerse the team in basketball year-round. new ideas,” Coach Powell said. “We want to think always get across to the players,” said seniorNicole combination of the junior varsity and varsity “We want to incorporate weight lifting during of this as a growing program, both in terms of Lowery, center and power forward. “Coach Kelly programs. the summers and start signing the girls up for coaches and players.” p knight watch BOYS BASKETBALL GIRLS BASKETBALL Anja Griffin senior swimmer DECATUR 44, Grady 40 DECATUR 57, Grady 45 Osborne 75, GRADY 56 Region 5-BAAA Standings Osborne 77, GRADY 31 Region 5-BAAA Standings NORTH SPRINGS 63, Grady 61 School Region Overall Grady 68 , NORTH SPRINGS 45 School Region Overall RIVERWOOD 54 , Grady 53 W L W L Grady 57, RIVERWOOD 54 W L W L Riverwood 0 4 1 Carver 0 0 1 0 *All caps denotes HOME TEAM 0 North Atlanta 0 0 4 0 Therrell 0 0 6 2 Future games Therrell 0 0 2 4 Future games Riverwood 0 0 1 5 12/12 GRADY vs. North Atlanta, Washington 0 0 1 3 12/12 GRADY vs. North Atlanta, St. Pius x 0 0 1 3 0 Grady 0 0 2 7:30 p.m. Grady 0 0 3 Player Profile: 6 p.m. 2 Carver 0 0 1 2 North Atlanta 0 0 1 0 12/16 GRADY vs. Decatur, Height: 5-foot-9 12/16 GRADY vs. Decatur, St Pius X 0 0 0 5 Washington 0 0 0 1 7 p.m. Weight: 140 pounds 5:30 p.m. Years swimming: 11 1/6 GRADY vs. North Springs, 1/6 GRADY vs. North Springs, Best stroke: Breast stroke 7 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

theFOR THE PEOPLESPORTSBASKETBALL MARATHONsection Publix employees play New girls coaches Counselor, faculty in basketball plan for season teacher run game to raise money turnaround in road race p. 17 p. 19 p. 19 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA t h e So u t h e r n e r Dec. 10, 2008 Teams should share gym; claims untrue

n last month’s issue, a Icolumn ran entitled, “At Grady, football reigns when it rains.” As a former football player, I felt the article was an unfair attack not just on the football teams, but on the football coaches as well. They are Ja k e Ma r t i n not bullies who kick the volleyball team out of the gym anytime they feel like it.

K ate B e lg ium The coaches and players never want to move a practice inside and only do so when the lightning meter alerts them that it is unsafe to practice outside. There is never a time that the team comes running inside whenever it feels like it. Last year, even though JUST KEEP SWIMMING: Senior captain Anja Griffin sprints to the wall during a practice at Washington Recreation Center on Dec. 4. As part of the drill, she it rained several times, we only moved practice indoors is working to improve her breaststroke in preparation for the team’s upcoming meet against the Riverwood, Wheeler and Rockdale County teams. once — during a thunderstorm. In that one instance when we did have to move inside because of the weather, we did not barge into the gym and kick the volleyball team out. We never BOYS ATTENDANCE SINKS TEAM used the court as “our own personal shoe mat.” We By Pa r k e r Ca r l s o n “We lost because we only had four boys, “The girls team had a great turnout at went back to the locker room, put on our tennis shoes nlike some teams who point even though three of them could easily beat practice, and we were hoping for the same and proceeded to the gym. In the gym, we waited on fingers at the referees, blame the the North Atlanta boys,” sophomore David turnout, but some days we only get two the bleachers until the court-swap time upon which Uweather or accuse the opponent Bufkin said. “Each boy can only swim four swimmers,” Bufkin said. “We also have to our coaches and the volleyball coach agreed. Only of cheating, the boys swim team need only events, so after they swam their events, they practice with the girls team, which doesn’t then did we re-stretch and continue our practice. look to its slacking meet attendance to for had to forfeit the rest.” give us any individual practice time.” The fact of the matter is that, while we really don’t the reason for its lack of success in its third Although both teams have improved The girls team has succeeded so far this like to go in the gym and we definitely don’t like to regular meet and first invitational. since their inaugural season last year, the season, mainly due to the addition of new force the volleyball team to end its practice early, Grady While the girls and boys pulled away boys team hasn’t had quite the turnout that freshman swimmers and the team’s efforts to has a limited amount of indoor space. The volleyball victoriously at their first two meets against it hoped for at the beginning of this season. become more serious. team is not the only team losing practice time. The North Atlanta and Mays, the boys lost their The boys team also struggles with football team sacrifices a part of its precious practice third meet to the same opponents. coordinating practice times. see SWIM page 17 hours too. The solution that the football coaches and the volleyball coach work out is the fairest way to deal with the situation. What does the volleyball team suggest we do—cancel football practice because the Homeless fan stands behind Knights weather affects us outdoor teams? I do, however, agree with one of the column’s By Mi l e s Gi l b r e a t h was the last year of his formal education. Underwood held his only formal jobs points— all teams should get equal treatment — and t’s Halloween night, and the football That year, the Department of Family and at the age of 20 —working in a post office I feel they do. Unfortunately, that entails sharing a Iteam is playing North Atlanta in one Child Services planned to house him and and then as a housekeeper in a hospital for practice space sometimes, something that anyone who of its most highly anticipated games of his siblings seperately, and Underwood two years. For 10 more years, Underwood plays a spring sport on that overcrowded field accepts the season. Sitting on the edge of his seat made up his mind to run away from his survived on the streets of Miami until a as a daily reality. on the 35-yard line, a homeless man clad foster home and live on his own. group of men came from North Carolina to In response to the comment about the lack of respect in a “Grey Knights Football” sweatshirt is The task proved to be harder than talk to the homeless men in the city. They for any team that isn’t football, I agree that the football intently focused on the action on the field. Underwood imagined. Living on the streets told him about a place in North Carolina team shouldn’t be treated better than any other team. He sits to the left of the normal group of in Miami was never easy. One day, as a where he could come to work, and in return But, the football team works hard for the advantages it Grady students. At first glance, he appears pimp tried to collect money from one of they would provide him with money for receives. For example, the football players pay for their to be a homeless man who just happens to his prostitutes, he pulled out a .22 pistol food and a place to sleep. Down on his equipment and for the meals served to them before be at their school’s football game and who and opened fire. He missed luck and looking for his place in the world, games. The teams raise money for new uniforms. The might be slightly drunk. But there is more the prostitute and hit Underwood jumped at the opportunity and profits from football games fund most of the other to the man that the Grey Knights call Underwood. To this day, went with them to North Carolina. teams. The football weight room is used by other “Unk” than these students could ever one of those bullets He was taken to a camp outside of teams. Last year, when the fledgling lacrosse team imagine. remains lodged in his Benson, N.C., where he worked harvesting couldn’t afford jerseys for its season, Coach Millen Born June 23, 1951, in arm. tobacco and sweet potatoes. The people donated old football jerseys to the team. Miami, Fla, his parents At 18, Underwood who ran the establishment sold everything Yes, sometimes the football team has to use the named him Larry Underwood. began to suffer to their employees—including the cost of gym after the volleyball team, and yes, sometimes They both suffered from from alcholism, shelter, food and alcohol—on credit. the volleyball team’s practice is cut short because of it. alcoholism, and he, an affliction According to Underwood, the employers The image, however, of the “big, bad football team” his brother and sister he continues deliberately created an involuntary labor kicking out the innocent volleyball team is inaccurate.

N

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S grew up in a number L to battle force that was enslaved by credit, like Here at Grady, we have to go with the flow sometimes.

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C of foster homes until a g a i n s t sharecroppers after the Civil War. The football team makes every effort to be flexible

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Underwood was in R today, with its practice time, and we ask that the volleyball

A seventh grade. That P see UNK page 18 players do the same. p