Tribe Scribe Dodge County High School 350 Pearl Bates Avenue Eastman, GA 31023 Fall Newsletter 2014 Volume 23 Issue 1 Advisor: Amy Mullis Editors: Lindsey Graham and Charlie Johnson Underwood honored as Teacher of the Year By Charlie Johnson Susan Underwood has been proudly teaching at Dodge County High School for twenty -one years. For her dedication to her students and to her school, Underwood has been awarded the title of Dodge County High School Teacher of the Year. Originally from Eastman, Underwood graduated from DCHS. Underwood attended Middle Georgia College where she earned her Associate’s degree of Arts. She then transferred to the University of Georgia for her Bachelor’s degree in education. After she began her teaching career at DCHS, she enrolled at Georgia Southwestern University and earned her Master’s degree in Mathematics Education. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Underwood is a Beta Club sponsor, an after -school program teacher, and a math tutor. She is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) chairperson, has been the head of the Math Department for the past four years, and assists in the Honors Night program every year. “[Underwood] does a lot for the math department,” said DCHS math teacher Angie Pritchett on Underwood as department head. “She gets us everything that we need, and she’s a great communicator between us and the administration.” Underwood has been nominated as a top five Teacher of the Year every year for the past twelve years. “It’s an honor to be chosen as the Teacher of the Year,” said Underwood. “I absolutely love my job. I am blessed to be a part of an outstanding faculty and staff and to teach such fabulous students.” DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long feels very strongly about the positive impact that Underwood has at the school as an educator and a leader. “Mrs. Underwood is the epitome of what the Teacher of the Year should be. We are honored to have her represent Dodge County High School,” said Long. Underwood is married to Jeffrey Underwood. Together, they have two children: Haley, a ninth grader at DCHS, and Jaret, a fifth grader at North Dodge Elementary School. The Underwoods also have two dogs, Bella and Peaches, who are “just as much a part of the family as the rest of us,” Underwood said. In her spare time, Underwood enjoys reading, shopping, watching Law & Order: Special Victims Unit , and participating in any activities with her children. Pictured (l -r): Assistant Principal Eric Cowart, Principal Dr. Susan Long, Susan Underwood, Assistant Principal Sonya Bundick, and Assistant Principal Pam Melvin Faculty, Staff recognize top teachers

The faculty and staff of Dodge County High School One -Act shines at regions are proud to announce the nominees for Teacher of By Gracie Snyder the Year. Nominated by their peers for this This year, the Dodge County High School One -Act commendable honor are Mrs. Dana Niblett (Science), Play Competition season has been filled with much Ms. Darci Rogers (Math), Mrs. Christy Sheffield excitement and strenuous work. Returning from region (English), Mrs. Susan Underwood (Math), and Mrs. competition with a First Runner Up trophy definitely put Brande Vaughn (English). Our thanks go out to these an exclamation point on the season. wonderful candidates for their commitment to the On Monday, October 20, the One -Act cast and crew success in and out of the classroom of all students at performed at the Magnolia Theater to a full audience

DCHS. and then performed for the entire school on Wednesday, Pictured (left to right) are Mrs. Niblett, Mrs. October 22 during all six periods for the English classes. Sheffield, Ms. Rogers, Mrs. Underwood and Mrs. The region competition, where DCHS competed

Vaughn. against six other one -act teams, took place at the Appling County High School auditorium on Friday, October 24. The One -Act team placed second, and three actors were named to the All -Star Cast: Derrien Carr, Charlie Johnson, and Tyndal Mitchell. “After having to adjust and having to be extremely flexible about practicing and times, I am thrilled to have placed second at region competition,” stated Vaughn. “I am also excited for our outstanding actors and actresses to be honored for the hard work they put in.” Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe Fall Volume 23 Issue 1 Page 2 DCHS welcomes new faculty, staff Pictured (l -r) Matt Herring (CTAE), SFC Alphonso Marsh (JROTC), Adam Johnson (Science), Chris Bryan (Math), Rene Souther- land (Special Education), Amy Burch (English), Heather Molewski (Special Education), Ashley Jones (CTAE), Brandi Roland (Social Studies), Jodi Spivey (Special Education), Chris Ryles (Band) , Debbie Roland (Front Office Staff) and Martha Breedlove (Custodian Staff) For a closer look at the new members of the DCHS family, please visit our Web site and read their student -written biographies. Individual new faculty and staff biographies can be found under the NEWS tab at dhs.dodge.k12.ga.us GYFA wins at Sunbelt Ag Expo

AP Scholars awarded DCHS proudly recognizes five top students who were By Noah Atkinson recently honored as AP Scholars by College Board. The Dodge chapter of the Georgia Young An AP Scholar is a student who has earned scores of 3 Farmers Association (GYFA) felt pride last week or higher on three or more AP exams. after winning first place in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Advanced Placement (AP) exams are scored 1 through barbeque contest in Tifton. The victorious 5. Traditionally, a score of a 3 or higher earns a student barbeque team included Tom Cranford, Eric college credit for that class. AP exams are noted for their Cowart, Joey Jones, and Ken Hardy. After difficulty and the scholarly focus necessary to do well. cooking for thirteen hours straight, the team Four years ago, DCHS offered only one AP class. The eventually walked away triumphant, bringing school now offers seven AP courses and will offer three home a $1,200 check which they will donate to the more beginning next school year. GYFA. “It was an honor to win,” stated Jones. “It Pictured (l -r) Griffin Law, Charlie Johnson, Gracie was hard, yet very rewarding.” Snyder, Gunnar Rogers, and Ryan Graham Class of 2018 commits to graduate By Gracie Snyder With the onset of the new school year, the ninth grade class is beginning to get accustomed to new surroundings as well as starting to set goals they hope to achieve. To spark the making of these attainable aspirations, Jostens held a “Commit to Graduate” ceremony in the DCHS lunchroom on August 26, 2014. The freshmen class attentively listened as Jason Miley, a representative from Jostens, began the presentation by likening high school to a journey he took to Swaziland, Africa. He discussed how “reading to children in Africa was an experience that dramatically changed my life, and likewise, high school is a similar life -altering experience.” The presentation continued as Miley explained the significance of being the “Class of 2018.” He explained, “The two dates people remember most in their lifetime are their birthdate and graduation year. Therefore, 2018 will be a number that is forever a part of you, which is a fact that you should grab hold of and be proud of.” With the excitement given to the students by this statement, Stephen Newman, another Jostens’ representative, quickly began to examine how “2018 will not magically appear, but instead, takes commitment on an individual’s part.” He depicted how commitment is needed in all aspects of a person’s life, whether it be in sports, service projects, or marriage. He then related this commitment to especially being needed in “receiving one’s ticket to the future – a high school diploma.” One of the highlights of the presentation was the “Line of Line” demonstration. In this illustration, six students used an eighty -two foot measuring tape to plot six monumental points in an average person’s life. The demonstration was meant to display how from age fourteen to eighteen, people are in a space in their life known as high school. High school is only one hundred eighty days a year, and Newman explained how “what you do in this short time will forever affect the rest of your life. So, you have the opportunity to make the right choices in a small window of time that will ultimately alter your future.” With this statement beginning to sink in and connect with the freshmen, Newman encouraged the students by stating, “High school is a clean slate, and it starts now!” He then brought up four seniors – Lillie Douglas, Allie Griffis, Alana Bray, and Derrien Carr – who explained how they got involved and applied themselves in high school and what effect that had on them. With the ceremony coming to an end and the feeling of affirmation in the air, the students were asked to sign a “Class of 2018 – Committed to Graduate” banner. Then, they were challenged to approach a teacher or administrator, state their name, their graduation year, and the declaration, “I am committed to graduate.” Each student was then given a green “Commitment to Graduate” bracelet to wear as a reminder of their commitment to the high school road ahead. Before ending, Newman left the students with “a little advice: Don’t just sit there and watch life go by you. Apply yourself, and get connected to activities within school. Earn your diploma, and most importantly, be committed to graduate!” Pictured: (top) Julianna Belflower makes her pledge to graduate in 2018 to Ms. Sheena Orange. (bottom) Tristen Moore signs his name on the Commitment to Graduate banner with other members of the Class of 2018.

Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe Fall Volume 23 Issue 1 Page 3 DCHS Honors

Hilliard honored as first Staff Member of the Month for 2014 -2015 By John McCoy The Dodge County High School September Staff Member of the Month, Becky Hilliard, is no stranger to hard work and commitment to her profession. Hilliard, nominated by co -worker René Southerland, commented, “I’m honored to be recognized as the school’s staff member of the month.” She continued to say, “I am also proud to have the privilege to be part of such an outstanding faculty.” Hilliard attended Middle Georgia College and Mercer University to earn her Bachelor’s degree in education. She then attended Georgia Southwestern State University to gain her Master’s and Specialist degrees in education. Hilliard, who is the mother of 25 -year -old Meghan and 23 -year -old Shane is married to Bruce Hilliard and has worked with the Dodge County school system for 22 years. She has been a DCHS National Beta Club sponsor for 15 years. “Mrs. Hilliard is an outstanding staff member,” Southerland stated. “She is dedicated to her job and she always strives to help her students learn and understand the material being covered. She makes learning fun and enjoyable.” Southerland stated. Pictured (left to right): Becky Hilliard; René Southerland; and United 1 st Federal Credit Union Assistant Service Center Manager Kathy Purvis Bearden honored as first Staff Member of the Month for 2014 -2015 By Lindsey Graham Through four years of hard work and a positive attitude, Dodge County High School senior Meridith Lauren Bearden has been named The Tribe Scribe and Eastman -Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month Award of September. “I’m really excited and honored that she chose me,” says Bearden about her nomination by Audrey Davis. “[Bearden] is always willing to volunteer to help someone in need and never expects or wants anything in return,” says Davis. While she is still weighing her options on where she wants to attended college, Bearden is sure in her goal to be an elementary school teacher. Bearden is an active participant in many clubs at DCHS including Anchor, Beta, Girls and Guys For Christ (GGFC), and Key Club. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, attending Cross -fit, and practicing yoga. Her parents are Andrea and Wes Bearden, and she has one brother, Crosse. Pictured (l -r): Araina Reaves, Eastman -Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center Manager; Meredith Lauren Bearden; and Audrey Davis Law receives August Allen makes her academic academic award mark early in high school By Kamri Mann By Gabby Sheffield Not only is Alyssa Allen Griffin Law’s excellent starting off her first year balance of academics and extracurricular activities has of high school as a ninth lead him to being named The grader, but she is also the Tribe Scribe and Coca -Cola September Academic Academic Student of the Student of the Month. Month for August. Alyssa is the daughter of Law is the son of Mike and Janice and Tony Allen. Leigh Law and has three She has three siblings: younger siblings: his two sisters Mason and Jenna, and Gabe and Rayanna Thompson, and Andrew a brother named Graham. Law, who is a senior, is very active in school. He is Allen. the drum major for the Dodge County High School In eighth grade, Allen was honored with the Marching Chiefs, and an active member of Beta Club Best Attitude award, and made a perfect score on and theBank of Eastman Junior Board of Directors. the Reading part of the CRCT. In his free time, Law enjoys drumming, reading, and In her free time, Allen likes to read, and her coaching soccer. favorite subject is literature. “Griffin always strives at practice. He is always “Alyssa is one of the most creative people with prepared when he comes and always ready to do what I the best attitude I have ever had in my class,” ask of him. He is really a great student,” said Mr. Chris Ryles, band director and Law’s favorite teacher. “I am stated her favorite teacher Mr. Karl Hilliard. “I honored and surprised to receive this award,” added look forward to teaching her every day.” Law.

Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe Fall Volume 23 Issue 1 Page 4 Douglas awarded Student of the Month honor By Faith Manning Lillie Douglas, a senior at Dodge County High, has been selected as the Tribe Scribe and Eastman -Dodge County Chamber of Commerce October Student of the Month. Douglas exclaimed, “I feel special that Mrs. Camp chose me to represent Dodge County High School!” Lillie not only stands out in the eyes of the staff members of Dodge County, but in the eyes of the student body, as well. Mrs. Wendi Camp, who nominated Douglas, said, “As the seniors sang the Alma Mater at the first pep rally, I watched Lillie hand the spirit stick to Michael Dupree and hold his hand as they sang. She looks out for others and has tremendous character. That is a quality within that cannot be taught.” Douglas is active in and out of the school. She enjoys working at her job at Piddlin’ Peddler in Eastman, serving as president of Student Council, playing on the Dodge County High School tennis team for three years, participating as a crew member in the One -Act Play, and serving on the Principal’s Advisory Council. In her free time, Douglas loves to watch thought -provoking television shows, such as Criminal Minds and CSI: Miami ; playing with her dog, Kenzie; and spending time with friends and family. Douglas is the daughter of Scarlett Selph and Lawton Douglas. Pictured (l -r) are (top) Wendi Camp and Lillie Douglas and (bottom) Araina Reaves, Eastman -Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center Manager, and Lillie Douglas. Staff member honor bestowed to Breedlove By Shipp Dowdy For her hard work and dedication toward keeping Dodge County High School clean, Martha Breedlove has been awarded the Tribe Scribe and United 1 st Federal Credit Union Staff Member of the Month for October. Breedlove, who was shocked when she found out she was nominated for the award, is in her second year of keeping the school polished. “She’s loveable, passionate, and I love her to death!” commented Assistant Principal Sonya Bundick. Breedlove attended DCHS and later received her GED in 2011. Breedlove hasn’t always been a custodian; she formally worked at a candy factory where she packed boxes and laid trays. Outside of work, she likes to go shopping and fishing with her husband, Dan Breedlove, and her two kids, Mathew and Tyeshia. While on the job, her favorite thing to do at DCHS is keep everything clean. “She is always willing to help no matter the situation,” said Mrs. Laura Ryals, who nominated Breedlove for the award. Pictured (l -r): United 1 st Federal Credit Union Assistant Service Center Manager Kathy Purvis and Martha Breedlove Peacock earns academic honor By Paige Crosby Jaisley Peacock’s hard work and dedication earned her the title of the Coca -Cola and Tribe Scribe October Academic Student of the Month. “It’s a great honor,” says Peacock, of being nominated by her favorite teacher Brande Vaughn and of receiving this Congratulations to the 2014 award. “I appreciate Jaisley because she is a great - Homecoming Winners! addition to class and One Act. I look forward to the next three years,” Vaughn says. Queen After graduating from high school, Peacock Lillie Douglas escorted by Jonathan Sheffield plans to attend University of Georgia to become a (center) veterinarian and study compound pharmacy specializing in exotic animals. First runner -up A few of Peacock’s extracurricular activities include Science Club, Beta Club, Art Club, and Keyria Gordon escorted by Casey Wilcox One -Act Play. Her favorite subjects are science and (right) math.

In her spare time she enjoys drawing, playing Second runner -up with her cat, reading, and watching “Dexter.” Quimyre Rolland escorted by John Burrows Peacock, daughter of Julie King and Mark (left) Peacock, has three sisters and one brother: Jaid, Jaislen, Alexus, and Addison. Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe Fall Volume 23 Issue 1 Page 5 Competition cheer squad surmounts obstacles Cross Country readies for state meet DCHS’ competition By Charlie Johnson cheerleading squad is In the midst of the 2014 fall season, the Dodge rigorously preparing to County High School cross country team, led by participate in the Coach Paula Selph, is making great strides towards individual successes. upcoming region The cross country team has competed in all competition. The team, eight of their scheduled meets. As a team, DCHS which has placed first has finished second place overall once and third in two competitions place overall in two other meets. this season, must place Clayton Scarborough, tenth grade; Brooke in the top four at regions in order to go to the state competition in Woodard, tenth grade; and Brice Blocker, Columbus. The squad placed first at Houston County and Jones eleventh grade have all achieved personal best

County and third at East Laurens, but they did not place at times this season over last season. The 3AAA Region Meet will be held at the Veterans and Statesboro. Savannah Arts Academy on October 30. A team “Even with sickness and injuries, the girls have managed to has to place fourth overall or better to advance to come through and perform an awesome routine each Saturday,” the 3AAA State Meet in Carrollton. said Assistant Coach Sheena Orange. “Our region is pretty tough “Our runners have been dedicated,” said Selph. this year with more squads competing. We just have to give it all “We’ve worked hard and improved, and to me, we’ve got, and leave it all on the floor.” that’s a winning season.” Lady Indians head to Region Championship By Madelyn Pruitt Reigning region champions, the Dodge County Lady Indians softball team is now preparing for the Elite 8. The Lady Indians played in Top 32 at home on October 15. They were victorious in a doubleheader against Central Macon with the first score of 13 -1 and the second score of 27 -0, advancing them to the Sweet 16. There, they defeated Decatur with scores of 8 -3 and 14 -1. Up to this point, the Lady Indians have had an exhilarating season with the current record of 17 wins and 3 losses. In region play, the Lady Indians have battled against and defeated many teams: Toombs (10 -2) and (11 -1), Appling (3 -2), Southeast Bulloch (6 -1), Jenkins (7 -0), Beach High School (18 -0), Tattnall (12 -1), Islands (10 -0), Savannah (16 -0), Johnson (15 -0), Pierce (4 -1), and Brantley (7 -0) and (9 -1). Coming up short only three times, the Lady Indians were defeated by Appling (3 -2), Pierce (2 -1), and Tattnall (3 -1). “I am excited about how far we have come, and I know that with our determination that we have and the hard work that we have put in this might be our year,” said senior catcher Nikki Graham. The Lady Indians’ goal is to win in Elite 8 in Columbus on October 30 and October 31 and advance to the Final 4. The team has two games scheduled for Thursday; two wins on this day will lock in their spot in the Final 4. If the Lady Indians suffer a loss on Thursday, they will play Friday morning to advance to a second game. A win in the second game guarantees their Final 4 spot, and success in the Final 4 will secure their shot at the State Championship. Indians continue the fight against tough competition By Gracie Snyder Playing with an outstanding 8 -1 record, including their scrimmage game, the Dodge County Indians are having an incredible football season. This week the Indians are prepping to play Pierce County for their final region game, where they are hoping to extend their overall record to 9 -1. Under the leadership of Coach Rex Hodges, the team is 6-1 in region play and 2 -0 in out -of -conference play. Starting with an 8 -0 record before their only loss, “the Indians were off to the finest start they’ve had in the last seven years,” said Hodges. Beginning their season with a non -region scrimmage game, the Indians overtook West Laurens, going on to win the game (28 -13). With the scrimmage behind them, Dodge went on to defeat Bleckley County (35 -10), playing in their second non -region game. The team went on to play two consecutive games at home, winning the matchups against Brantley County (34 -20) and Savannah (40 -0). In their next two away games, the Indians overcame Southeast Bulloch to win (24 -6) and Tattnall County, beating them (35 -10). In their Homecoming game, Dodge beat Toombs County (38 -14); and in the next game, the Indians defeated Appling County (33 -27). The only loss the Indians have suffered this season came during Senior Night against Cook County, where the Indians were defeated (10 -13). Playing in their last year of football, the seniors this year are Michael Avinger, Gerard Davis, Keith Glover, Tyler Gruben, Jacob Gurien, Devante Floyd, Landon Martin, David Muntford, Corvon Parker, Justin Peterson, Blake Smith, Mitch Tanner, Briley Wahl, Luke Walker, and Roscoe Wilcox. Humbled by the accomplishments of this year, senior Roscoe Wilcox expressed, “The team still needs work, but I honestly think that we are doing pretty good.” Taking into account all of the success and struggles of this football season, Hodges stated, “At present time, we are 6 -1 in the region. We play Pierce who is 5 -2, and if we beat them, we will be the number two seed in our sub -region. If we do not win, we will be the number three seed. Overall, we are trying to get to 9 -1, including our scrimmage game, so we will be able to host the region playoff game.” On Friday, October 31, the Indians will be traveling to Blackshear to face region-rival, Pierce County. All Dodge County Indian fans are encouraged to show up and show out for the Indians as they play in their last game before the postseason.

NONPROFIT ORG Dodge County High School U.S. POSTAGE PAID 350 Pearl Bates Road EASTMAN, GA

Eastman, GA 31023 PERMIT NO. 107 Phone: (478) 374 -7711 Fax: (478) 374 -6987

Tribe Scribe The Pulse of DCHS

Long’s Lines The 2013 -14 school year was an exciting and rewarding year for all of us at DCHS! Congratulations to our staff and students on the following successes: • Ms. Donna Purvis, DCHS Language Arts teacher, was recognized by the Eastman Rotary Club as the DCHS Teacher -of -the -Year and as the countywide Teacher -of -the -Year for 2015. • Sara Grace Peacock was recognized as a 2014 Georgia Scholar. • DCHS was named a 2014 Advanced Placement Access and Support School by the Georgia Department of Education. • DCHS won Region 3AAA championships in Cheerleading, Softball, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, and JROTC Drill Team. • DCHS teamed up with The Georgia Department of Education and Microsoft to offer our students and staff the Microsoft Information Technology Academy (ITA) program. Students in business classes received over 220 Microsoft certifications in Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook this school year making us 2nd in the state of Georgia in the amount of certificates received. • The SkillsUSA Engine Team was state winners at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference in Atlanta. • Forty -nine DCHS students earned GeorgiaBEST (Business Ethics Student Training) Program Certification while in the DCHS work program. GeorgiaBEST provides students training in core work ethic traits which are sought by employers in the global economy: teamwork, discipline, commitment, and much more. • Summer 2013, U.S. News and World Report awarded Dodge County High School a bronze -level award for being one of the “U. S. News Best High Schools.” According to U.S. News and World Report , 21,035 U.S. public high schools were considered in the competition based on their statistical data for the 2010 -2011 school year. DCHS was one of 88 of Georgia’s 440 public high schools to receive this recognition. Some updates for the 2014 -15 school year are: • DCHS is continuing to move forward with STEM Certification, and this school year, the first group of students will begin taking high school math in eighth grade to prepare for the advanced curriculum of STEM. The STEM Program represents the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Through STEM, we will continue to encourage a curriculum for students that is driven by problem solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and student -centered development of ideas and solutions. • We continue to increase the number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes offered for our students. Presently, DCHS offers AP Language, AP Literature, AP Statistics, AP Spanish, AP World History, AP U.S. History, and AP Biology. AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP Physics will be offered beginning in 2015 -16. • The SAT/ACT class is available to prepare students to take the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. • The DCHS After -School Program which includes tutoring and credit recovery options is available Monday through Friday from 3:15 – 5:45 p.m. Student transportation is available to carry students home at 5:45. • Sessions are available at DCHS to assist students and parents in completing college applications, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms, and other scholarship applications. Please contact the counselors’ office at 478 -374 -8262 to setup an appointment or to ask questions. The 2014 -15 school year at DCHS is off to a fine start. Even though we have only been in school for nine weeks, we have already welcomed the opportunity to recognize staff members and students for their accomplishments. Congratulations to Ms. Susan Underwood who is representing DCHS as our DCHS Teacher of the Year for 2016 as well as to our One -Act Play cast and crew for their winning first runner -up at their recent region competition. In sports action, our football team has an 8 -1 record, and our Lady Indian Softball Team won the Region 3AAA championship. We look forward to traveling to Columbus to the Elite Eight next week. Also, 275 Freshmen participated in our Commit to Graduate Program and committed to do what it takes to graduate in 2018. System wide, we are involved in strategic planning so that we can continue to improve and to meet our mission: Dedicated to Our Desire to Graduate Everyone! Working together, “all of us all the time,” can accomplish great things! Our promise to our parents, students, and community is that we will build on our past successes and work to continue the tradition of excellence in education at DCHS. We invite you to visit us online at http://dodgehs.ss6.sharpschool.com/, our Dodge County High School website, for contact information for teachers and administrators, sports schedules, general information, and to keep abreast of all that is happening at DCHS. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. My email address is [email protected] or call me at 478-374-7711. We look forward to the best school year yet during the 2014-15 school year!