HOPE SETS NEW GPA GUIDELINE Georgia Scholarship Standardizes Grade Calculation, Limits Scholarship Amount

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An upbeat paper www.gradyhighschool.org/ for a down town school southernersoutherner L I C E N S E M A R C H I N G B A N D LAWS Knights of Sound Joshua’s Law alters perform at teenage license rules Georgia Aquarium p. 8-9 p. 10 HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA VOLUME LX, NUM BER 4, DEC. 14, 2006 HOPE SETS NEW GPA GUIDELINE Georgia scholarship standardizes grade calculation, limits scholarship amount

BY EMMA DIN tandards for the Helping For more information on Outstanding Pupils Educationally the HOPE scholarship, Sscholarship will become more contact the counseling rigorous after a law passed by the department or visit Georgia General Assembly in 2004 goes into effect April 30, 2007. The law www.gsfc.org/hope standardizes the method for calculating the scholarship’s qualifying grade point average, adds more

academic checkpoints for recipients of the scholarship already in DOUGLAS KELLY college and places fee caps on the amount HOPE will pay. Former Gov. Zell Miller developed the HOPE program as Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge brings irreverent holiday cheer part of his 1990 gubernatorial campaign. The HOPE program, Sophomore Sean Slocum (left) and junior Katie O’Brien waltz as they portray Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig in the Grady Drama which is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education, provides Club’s winter production. The play pokes fun at Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and alludes to other holiday stories. scholarships and grants to Georgia residents who plan to attend a post-secondary institution located in Georgia. The scholarship is used for degree programs at two-year and four-year colleges Merger bid threatens Atlanta’s character and universities, while the grant is used for certifi cates or diplomas at technical colleges. The Georgia Student Finance BY REBECCA GITTELSON implementing other cost-cutting International Airport, has made the Committee oversees and administers the entire program. S Airways’ unsolicited attempt measures. The value of the hostile bid, city into an international travel hub “HOPE is a wonderful opportunity,” said Mr. Joseph Arnold, Uto take over Delta as it struggles which was worth $8 billion when it and has a large impact both on Atlanta’s Grady’s guidance counselor. “If a student attends a state school, to emerge from bankruptcy has was publicly announced on Nov. 15, economy and image. [HOPE] pays full tuition, some of the required fees and $300 shaken Atlanta, the home of Delta’s increased to $9 billion as of press time. Delta employs 25,000 locals, for books. If a student attends a private college, [HOPE] international headquarters. The The takeover could drastically affect constituting half of the company’s total provides a fl at fee of $3,000.” US Airways merger plan includes not only Delta, but also Atlanta. Delta, work force. decreasing overlapping travel routes, which accounts for 30 percent of all see HOPE page 5 cutting capacity by 10 percent and fl ights at Atlanta’s Hartsfi eld-Jackson see US AIRWAYS page 7 ONTENTS Silver Grill fl ips last burger C BY CHRIS COLLIER that you can come here by yourself, but you’ll he Silver Grill, the popular southern-style never dine alone—and it’s true.” comment 3 Tdiner on Monroe Drive, will shut its doors The restaurant, which was founded in 1945, on Dec. 22 after more than six decades as an was passed down through three generations to Local news reports’ vivid Atlanta landmark. Huggins’ wife. Huggins explains that the appeal images prove too graphic for “The decision [to close the grill] was made of the diner has remained the same throughout victims’ families and friends. October 1st, and announced shortly thereafter,” the decades, from the period following World owner and operator Kevin Huggins said. “It’s War II, through the Civil Rights Movement and news 6 been one of those things—we don’t own the into the new age of development in Midtown. More women will serve in U.S. property, and we have some expensive code “Even as the demographics [of the area] issues. The landlord wants to redevelop. I’ve change, reasonably priced food and good Congress for the upcoming been trying to buy it ever since I came in 1990, service keep people coming,” he said. “Service session than ever before. but it’s not for sale and it’s not going to be for has stayed the same, and it won’t change until sale.” closing.” feature 13 Although Huggins said that the choice Huggins believes that the closing of the

Dec. 7 marked the 60-year CAROLINE DENTON to close was a mutual decision between the Silver Grill represents a current Midtown anniversary of the tragic landlord and himself, he values the close development trend. relationships he has built with customers “Atlanta doesn’t hold onto history like Winecoff hotel fi re. throughout the years. other cities like Boston and New York [do],” sports 17 “[The Silver Grill] has a close-knit, family he said. “When something polished and slick atmosphere. I know pretty much everybody comes along, [Atlanta] tears down the old. It’s The Grady football team falls CLOSING TIME: The Silver Grill restaurant closes its doors who comes in by their fi rst name,” Huggins a double-edged sword, because it is revitalizing one win short of the Georgia this month. “You really can’t fi nd quality home cooking said. “If you come here you always feel like Dome, losing to Shaw 6-0. anywhere else in this area,” senior Leah Leonard said. you’re a part of the community. We like to say see GRILL page 7 2 cS oI N C E 1 9 m 4 7 m e n t THE SOUTHERNER Dec. 14, 2006 EDITORIAL BOARD CURRY ANDREWS EMMA DIN LILY FEINBERG SEAN HARRINGTON I cannot help but think that in the What’s the problem? REBECCA GITTELSON Student defense an long run these methods may fuel the RAMIKA GOURDINE very violence they wish to avoid. Scott Stephens, JANNA KAPLAN unsuitable solution teacher SARAH BETH MCKAY Catherine Byrnes, Dear Editors, junior Karr’s punishment Service work canned I agree with the writer of last This year, many organizations at Grady promoted service month’s article “Child combatants Editorials unfair to insufficient, unsafe projects that presented the student body with various opportunities an ineffectual answer to gunmen” to give back to the community during the holiday season. that training students to fight back established policies Dear Editors, Despite being able to contribute in a variety of ways, most against gunmen will not be an Grady students let these opportunities pass without a response. effective measure. Do we really want Dear Editors, Throughout elementary and In this year’s canned food drive, the Student Government to train our future generations to be middle school, we are taught that Association collected only 1,100 cans—that’s less that one can fighters? Should we buy bulletproof I have to take issue with both although the justice system is not per student. During the “season of giving,” that’s an especially vests for students? Should we check editorials in your Nov. 14 paper. perfect, it is better than what exists unimpressive amount. There’s no excuse for the level of every bag, every locker, every student First, you rant about how unfair the in most countries. Ms. Schoon’s indifference and apathy our students have shown this year. before every class every day? Are the tardy policy is. You write that the article about the JonBenet murder Though it may be hard to remember to grab a couple of extra cans at values we want to instill in our youth school should punish tardy students, case raises some serious doubts the grocery store, it’s certainly not a strenuous or costly task. Students fear and anticipation of such random but don’t say how. It seems to me about the justice system. How are even allowed to donate cans from their cupboards at home. The acts of violence? No, I think not. that holding students in the cafeteria can a man like John Mark Karr problem with students’ lack of donations arises simply from laziness Training students in combat will does get their attention. Further, be allowed to roam freely when he and a lack of effort. Everyone knows why it’s important to help the only encourage aggressive behavior. you write that students should be has such an extensive past of sexual community, but it has become evident that many Grady students don’t Do we really need more aggression punished without harming their abuse towards children? Even if he care enough to go even slightly out of their way. The only motivation in our society? Ms. Rosenbaum academic career or grades. What didn’t murder JonBenet Ramsey students have to contribute are the rewards the school offers, which often suggests that greater security could other means does a school have to (despite his confessions), isn’t it still don’t excite students. Apparently, the personal satisfaction gained from deter school shootings, but went on discipline students? When you’re late illegal to have sex with a six year old? helping others isn’t enough of an incentive for most Grady students. to note that the security measures to school, you’re jeopardizing your Consenting teens are prosecuted No one asked students to give up time once a week to at Grady are laughable. While academic career. There is a simple for sleeping with each other, yet a volunteer at a shelter or serve food at a soup kitchen; all the increasing or actually using structural solution that your editorial doesn’t child rapist who continually preys SGA asked students to do was bring in some cans for an already- security measures at schools can be mention: Get to school on time. on young girls gets off scot-free. organized drive. Other Grady organizations also gave students effective, we need to arm ourselves Second, you state that the grade What sort of country allows its such easy, convenient ways to help out less fortunate people. with knowledge. To counteract the system is failing. I disagree. It youth, the future of the nation, Yet, most students did not contribute to these service projects. effects of a violent culture, students works fine for me, as it does for to be exploited? I’m all for being As this holiday season draws to a close, everyone needs to should have access to methods like most teachers I’ve talked to. My innocent until proven guilty, but think about what they can do better next year. Every student self-defense classes and anti-bullying IGPro program allows me to enter I think we can all agree that Karr is capable of contributing to our school’s effort—everyone programs, which teach nonviolent individual students. It works and needs to be taken off the streets. just needs to muster up the willpower to make it work. communication techniques. it’s provided free by the school. It’s Texas seems to have a Wild West a simple matter to transfer the final Maranda Barnes, Test sites unsuitable approach to school shootings, and grade to Class XP for the report card. junior A couple of weeks ago, the economics End-of-Course Test rolled UESTION around. Before the test, teachers gave the same instructions they give of the month: before every standardized test —get plenty of rest and a good breakfast. Unlike previous standardized tests held at Grady, however, this EOCT Q was held in the school cafeteria. What do you think about the new changes to Testing is usually held in the performance gym, with rows and rows of desks set up across the room. Although the gym is often cold and Mr. Louis Sartor, Georgia’s HOPE scholarship? uncomfortable, it is a preferable testing site compared to the cafeteria. teacher In the cafeteria, students sat on awkward bench-style seats with everyone facing in the same direction. Divided by teacher and class period, II don’tdon’t feelfeel mymy AP class students sat one to a table, unable to relax because of the lack of back Ariel Manning, support from the cafeteria tables. sophomore shouldshould countcount the same as Although the students were spread out to minimize cheating, there I’ve always believed otherother [classes];[classes]; [they’re] were a variety of distractions that do not usually occur in the perfor- scholarship money should harderharder andand take more time. mance gym. Throughout the two hours of the EOCT, people walked to be more based on financial and from the attendance office and food service employees talked and need than academics. laughed loudly as they prepared lunch in the kitchen. Students tried to ““ Caitlin enter the cafeteria constantly, then protested as they were refused access as a result of the testing. The kitchen emanated the aromas of baking Shekita [They’re] just another Lemmond, cookies in the morning and vegetables as lunch approached. Pots and “ junior Johnson, way for them to not help pans clanged, and the heating system hummed loudly. junior Granted, the administration did a good job organizing and timing the people who need help. test. Yet the cafeteria is not an effective alternative to the performance gym. The administration should stick with the tried and true method of using the performance gym for tests. Wearing a sweater is worth the price of a distraction-free testing environment. “ [They] limit people who A lot of people are CORRECTIONS are trying to do more John Manfredi, counting on the classes In our Nov. 21 issue’s special Music Fever section, photos of Nagashi Armada, things and focusing on senior they took in middle school Sophie Cox and Liliana Hudgens and Joseph Oliver were attributed to Liliana Hudgens and Anna Simonton; they were taken by Alix Black. extracurriculars for college. to count [towards HOPE]. Staff “ “ An upbeat paper for a downtown school Managing editors: Rebecca Gittelson, Sarah Beth Mckay Scott Chambliss, Charlotte Christopher, Christopher Photo adviser: Dawn Wadsworth The Southerner welcomes submissions, which Design editors: Lily Feinberg, Carson Hale Collier, Sophie Cox, Grant Coyle, Stephen Crouse, Adviser: Debra Hartsfield may be edited for grammar, inappropriate Copy editors: Curry Andrews, Lily Feinberg, Emma Arielle D’Avanzo, George Demeglio, Caroline Print staff: Alvin Hambrick, Harlon Heard, language and length. Please place submissions Din Denton, Jourdan Devies, Barbara Dougherty, Michael Jackson, Adlai McClure, Charlotte in Ms. Hartsfield's box in the main office. News editors: Curry Andrews, Emma Din Kelly Douglas, Ramika Gourdine. Michael Harper, Napper, Benjamin Shaw Subscriptions are also available. For more in- Comment editors: Sean Harrington, Sally Zintak Stone Irvin, Kenny Jones, Janna Kaplan, Jamison The Southerner, a member of GSPA, SIPA, CSPA formation, please contact Ms. Hartsfield or a Feature editors: Lena Brodsky, Hanna Griffiths Kinnane, Julia Oliver, Carson Phillips-Spotts, and NSPA, is a monthly student publication of: member of the staff. Sports editors: Travis Jones, Asa Beal Alexander Ritz, Hannah Rosenbaum, Kayci Henry W. Grady High School We can be reached at [email protected] Photo editors: Erik Belgum, Sally Zintak Schoon, Hamp Watson, Madeline Webb, Michelle 929 Charles Allen Drive NE .k12.us. Staff: Leah Bishop, Scottie Bookman, Andrew Bracken, Wilco Atlanta, GA 30309 Dec. 14, 2006 c o m m e n t 3

Obama’s potential bright for future “If we don’t end war, war will Rejoice! Wipe the sweat from your is running. When confronted with the question, he manages end us.”-H.G. Wells brow, for our faded government to supply a vague, dodgy response, something along the lines system of checks and balances has of having to fi gure out how he could best serve the country. Sean been rejuvenated. The midterm I believe that Barack Obama has the potential to become Harrington elections have come and gone, and the a great American president. He is an intelligent, progressive American government has been made patriot with widespread appeal and a real chance of winning. bipartisan once again. Regardless of On the other hand, he is an intelligent, progressive patriot Troop withdrawal necessary political affi liation, most Americans with widespread appeal and a real chance of winning. What Since 2003, the Bush administration’s number-one is- ANDREW BRACKEN can agree that our system of checks and I mean is, he has the opportunity to have a huge impact on sue has been the war in Iraq. Gay rights, comatose women balances is one that has merit and value. It’s certainly more America, that becoming president so soon would not be the and vice-presidential shooting sprees have taken the war valuable than one characterized by plutocratic, violent and best way to maximize his impact. A wiser course of action out of the headlines at times, but the continual increase uncontrolled decisions that half the country disagrees with would be to devote the rest of the time he has left in the in American dead and the overall fruitlessness of the war but can’t do much about. Senate to senatorial duties and to run for president in a later have successfully kept it from completely moving to the This bureaucratic rejuvenation, of course, was brought election. If he were to run and lose in 2008, his chances of back burner. Now, with the GOP’s control of the govern- on last month by the formation of a new Congress, with a winning on a second try would not be as good. ment severely weakened and Iraq teetering on the edge of Democrat majority. If you were paying any attention to the If the midterm elections are any indication of American civil war, our military presence has once again been thrust midterm elections, or if you’ve been paying any attention at opinion, then the GOP has lost some of the favor that it back into the limelight of political controversy. all to politics lately, then you’ve probably heard of a senator had in 2004. This means that one of Obama’s Democratic With Democrats reasserting congressional and senato- from Illinois by the name of Barack Obama. Obama has colleagues could also have a decent shot in ’08, leaving rial control and a Democratic president hopefully on the been all over talk shows like Meet the Press and magazines Obama to fi nish his work in the Senate. way, the Iraq question is simple: When do we get out, and like Newsweek and has gained a lot of popularity as a young, I am excited about this young congressman. He seems how? Although Republicans continue to insist that the fresh face of progress and ambition in the Democratic Party. to be a good, honest man and has already done a lot for situation abroad is salvageable, unless we do something One big reason for his recent boost in fame is the widespread his party, but I would advise him to be patient. He’s still drastic like triple the number of troops we have in Iraq, speculation that he has his sights set on the presidency for got a lot of time left in the world of politics. After all, he’s we cannot win. The soldiers volunteered their lives for 2008. Of course Obama has not yet publicly declared that he only 45. ❑ our country, but that doesn’t mean we can just send them into any dangerous situations we choose. Keeping them in Iraq when we don’t have a chance of creating some sort of stability amounts to government-sponsored genocide. There is no way that we can bring peace, democratic or otherwise, to a country that does not want us interfer- ing in its affairs. Any hopes that the Iraqi insurgents will cease their suicide bombings and sneak attacks are based on delusion. So again, when and how are we getting out of there? Bush has already stated his intention to keep the troops committed until his term is up, but the pressure against him is mounting daily. Without the support of the legislative branch and with high-ranking party members like Rumsfeld and Bolton jumping ship, Bush’s resolve to stay the course may not mean as much as it once did. If the Democrats can stay focused and wield their newfound power well, then the Iraq timetable may be shortened signifi cantly. Avoiding a loss of face for the military by pulling out is impossible, but we can survive. Vietnam didn’t mark the end of American military might, did it? Accepting this fact is the fi rst step towards getting our troops out, a step that the warmongering GOP leaders have been unable to take for three and a half years now. The myriad factors to consider when pulling out of Iraq are staggering. The insurgents will undoubtedly recognize Blood drive reveals need for bravery it as a victory and will be spurred on to new heights of violence—something that cannot be helped. We cannot The four-year- without blaming my own cowardice. friend’s iPod blasting Red Hot Chili execute a swift pullout due to the number of troops in old boy I baby-sit This year, however, I took all the Peppers at an alarming volume, I began place and our duty to help the already-established Iraqi for jokingly called necessary precautions. I didn’t chew to calm down. At the very least I was government. This government, which has proved ineffec- me a scaredy- gum or suck on any hard candy, since distracted, and that helped. Finally, tive during its short tenure, would most likely collapse if cat the other someone told me that doing so would with my blood pumping and my right we just packed up and left. The insurgents and rivaling day. At fi rst I increase my body temperature. When I hand squeezing away at the little heart- groups would unite, albeit briefl y, to destroy anything laughed, but that got down to the theatre lobby, where the shaped stress ball I’d been given, I was that carries a trace of U.S. infl uence unless we help them pouty, serious drive was set up, I took a few moments clear-headed enough to think about out. The Iraq Study Group has called for increased train- RAMIKA GOURDINE look on his to step out into the cool air. I then had to something other than thermometers, ing of Iraqi soldiers prior to our pullout, but whether or face made me think. I’m afraid of sign in and go through the registration needles and Californication lyrics. not the soldiers can prevent the collapse of the Iraqi gov- a lot more than people realize. I’m process. I waited almost an hour to get I realized that the pint that I was ernment, internally or externally, remains to be seen. terrifi ed of walking around alone at checked in. After giving a representative giving of myself could mean life or death There are other measures besides fortifying the Iraqi night, public transportation, elevators, my name and personal information, for someone else. I realized that all the government that we must take before we pack up and airplanes, small spaces, heights I was given a stack of papers paper- clichés parents tell their kids about facing leave. Iran and Syria are foaming at the mouth in anticipa- and needles. While acknowledging clipped together and sent to the other their fears are true. I realized that giving tion of us leaving so they can go in and direct events and my own phobias, I asked myself: side of the lobby to wait some more. blood isn’t about the 20 community maybe even expand their borders. An unstable Iraq would when is facing one’s fears worth it? The waiting was one of the hardest service hours, the T-shirt or the cookies be a perfect breeding place for anything Syria and Iran After seeing a fl yer in the hallway parts. My imagination was running and juice; it’s about doing something didn’t want under the scrutiny of nations who wouldn’t advertising the blood drive sponsored wild — I just wanted to fi nish the for someone other than yourself. dare venture into such a dangerous place. At the very by Life South, I found my answer. Few ordeal. I was fi nally called to the next There are times where facing our least, Iraq would become a veritable hotbed of terrorist ways of giving back to the community checkpoint to get my temperature fears are worth it. I’m not talking about activity, which would make everything we’ve done there are easier than donating blood, despite taken, blood pressure measured the chance to win obscene amounts of so far a total waste. Therefore, diplomatic measures must the few up-front restrictions. You must and fi nger pricked. I was asked a money eating live Madagascar hissing be taken to accompany the military withdrawal. I don’t be over 17 years old, have a picture long series of yes-or-no questions. cockroaches or scaling buildings on envy the task U.S. envoys to unfriendly Syria will have, I.D. and weigh more than 115 pounds. I had been accepted and was once shows like Fear Factor. I’m talking and perhaps Iran should have its nuclear wish granted if Grady has an annual blood drive, again asked to wait. Nonetheless, this about taking a couple of hours out it means peace in the Middle East. These may not be the but I didn’t participate until this year. year I’d made it farther than the last. of our busy, self-absorbed lives to do most desirable of solutions, but if we don’t do something, Despite my fear of needles, I found All the worrying about having a fever something for someone else. You don’t then 3,000 American soldiers will have died for nothing. myself signing up for an appointment would be relieved when I was given have to go far out of your way or even To put it plainly, Bush needs a comprehensive exit time. Last year, I had been too scared to my stamp of approval and sent to await leave school. You don’t have to pay plan, and he needs it now. The pressure is mounting, sign up, but since Life South wouldn’t a bed, but my fear only intensifi ed. anything or give up anything you can’t so he won’t be able to hold out until his term is up. The let me contribute, due to my “higher- About half an hour later, I was lying easily get back. All you have to do is be situation in Iraq will not end in American victory; there- than-average body temperature” on a portable hospital bed that honestly willing. Be willing to give a little piece, fore, Bush needs to suck it up and do what’s right for the (which anyone else would call a looked more like a beach chair. With or bag, of yourself and face whatever 140,000 Americans putting their lives on the line for his fever), I had been able to walk away headphones in my ears and my best fears have been holding you back. ❐ foreign policy every day. ❐ 4 c o m m e n t Dec. 14, 2006 Painful images inappropriate in local news coverage Less than a month an empty desert. The news report went on to and the best friend of my eight-year-old sister. images and put them up on full display in ago a family of four describe the exact location in which each of The youngest DeCastro, Trevor, was a rowdy an effort to increase ratings. I admit that was killed when their the bodies was found explaining that “all of yet kind little boy, who always tried to defend the media certainly has the right, and even plane crashed into the bodies had been ejected from the plane on his big sister, despite the fact that she towered the responsibility, to report local tragedies, the northern Arizona impact except for that of the little girl, whose about a foot above him. All of this, however, but they need to learn how to do so in a desert en route to remains were found inside the plane.” was lost to me when I watched that report, considerate way. Showing footage of the the Grand Canyon. Following the story of the DeCastro family and all I could do was stare dumbstruck at the plane wreck that my close friends died in Lucho, Laura, Nadia was a story about two teenage boys who had television in front of me. is not sensitive, considerate or kind. Maybe CHARLOTTE and Trevor DeCastro been killed in a car accident. Sure enough, The two minutes that I spent watching that without this dramatic footage the station CHRISTOPHER were a charming the news station was kind enough to provide news report were and will most likely remain might lose a few viewers, but respecting the family that had become an important part of images of the destroyed car in which their some of the most traumatic in my life. I have memories and families of the dead is far my own family’s life. young lives ended. watched many news reports concerning the more important than boosting ratings. News While channel surfi ng on the Thursday After watching that report, I had a hard deaths of others; however, never before had stations constantly preach about serving night following the plane crash, I happened time thinking about my friends as the amazing I realized the pain that these programs can their community, but if that is really their upon a local news station’s coverage of the people they had been. Instead, I could only cause the friends and families of victims. As I goal, then showing painful and unnecessary tragedy. At fi rst, the report was decent enough. focus on the nature of their deaths. Lucho, continued watching the report, I understood footage is hardly appropriate. News stations The news reporter talked about the family the father, was a dare devil, and his wife Laura for the fi rst time just how they must have felt should focus on the lives of the victims while their pictures fl ashed by on the screen. was an amazingly charismatic woman who while watching a television news station use instead of the nature of their deaths. No I was horrifi ed, however, when the photos of could light up a room and brighten the lives their loved ones’ accidents as bait. member of the community should have my friends faded away and were replaced by of everyone around her. Nadia DeCastro was The media continually abuses tragedy to their already unbearable pain worsened by an footage of the crashed plane, scattered across an enthusiastic, bubbly, patient second grader its advantage. News stations take painful insensitive news report. ❐ Vacations necessary for managing teens’ stresses As high vacation as “what you take when school stu- you can no longer take what dents, we you’ve been taking.“ spend the Counter to their defi nition, w e e k e n d however, vacations during the p l a y i n g school year are usually fi lled with s p o r t s , extended homework assignments. d o i n g It is also nearly impossible to take BARBARA homework, a true vacation in the city, where DOUGHERTY participat- you are bombarded with strange ing in extracurricular activities, people, expenses and never-end- going to movies, working, shop- ing drama. A true vacation takes ping and doing everything else we sacrifi ces. Here are some general can cram in before the next week guidelines for students on how to begins. We have to wake up far take a genuine vacation: too early in the morning to get 1. Leave cell phones and any to school on time, and we don’t potential contact with Facebook get home until the late afternoon, at home. While on your vaca- unless of course we commit our- tion, you must completely sever Mayor’s ad offensive, shocking selves to after school activities, in all ties with frustrating aspects of which case we don’t get home un- civilization. As I near Sit idly by, and let the right-wing sincere apology could still mend til late evening. We are then sup- 2. Plan something that you the age of Republicans take control,” Lewis the damage she has caused to her posed to use the remainder of the enjoy doing and ask your parents 18, I have said. reputation. night and morning to do home- to help you make it happen. You s t a r t e d It surprised me that Shirley Take Falcons quarterback and work, shower, eat and sleep, only don’t have to go somewhere exot- paying closer Franklin would tie herself to this idol, Michael Vick, and his recent to repeat everything the next day. ic or far away, just get far enough a t t e n t i o n type of a message. Selected by TIME offensive actions as an example. Take all this, add in the pressure away that none of your surround- to the Magazine as one of the best fi ve When he let his emotions get put upon us to do all of it per- ings remind you of problems and November mayors in the country, Franklin’s the best of him and lost his cool fectly or face the consequences, pressures you have at home. LEAH BISHOP elections. accomplishments have gained her with heckling fans, Vick made an multiply it by teenage hormones 3. You will most likely have to Most of respect and distinguished her as a offensive gesture to the crowd. Even and the perfect equation for a adjust your homework schedule, this year’s campaigns were full great leader. She’s achieved this level though he may have supernatural complete emotional meltdown meaning you’ll have to get your of the usual rhetoric, fi lled with of respect because of her ability to football skills, Vick is human and is born. homework done early no matter accusations of incumbents profi ting unite supporters across party and he made a mistake. Yet he was Countless times this year, the what it takes. It’s very important from their offi ces, unpatriotic racial lines. She demonstrated this mature enough to make up for his mounting pressure has brought to avoid that lingering fear of re- legislative voting records, raising to the Grady community when she mistake with a sincere and intrinsic me to the verge of tears during turning home late Sunday night taxes for old people and other came to speak about her Next Step apology to his fans. the school day. As a result of and diving into a mound of work below-the-belt accusations. I program, which offers scholarship Another Michael, Michael sleep deprivation from trying to hanging over you. changed the channel when Mark and fi nancial aid opportunities to Richards, also known as Kramer keep up with all my classes, I am Vacations not only recharge Taylor campaign ads were on students of any race. This shows from Seinfeld, also lost his cool often short-tempered and snappy, our batteries, but in a world that’s or when Sonny began talking that she genuinely cares about the when he spewed racial slurs at and my health is taking a defi nite quickly passing us by, also give us about his Sonny-do list, because youth of Atlanta. disruptive audience members. downturn. When I’m rushed, I the gift of everlasting memories I expected as much out of these Maybe Franklin didn’t think Richards apologized numerous end up snacking on unhealthy and allow us a rational view of candidates. about the kind of message that this times, owning up to his horrible junk food all day, and I don’t have our problems. With all the work Unfortunately, one specifi c advisement sends to new voters. The mistake. Since Richards’ remarks time to exercise. that we have to do, it is essential campaign ad was harder to ignore. allusions to the dogs and fi re hoses were racially offensive, it was People always complain about to have relaxation time so we can In a last-minute radio advertisement are irrelevant to this generation. Is especially imperative that he how teenagers are grumpy little complete work successfully. It’s for Democratic candidate John Franklin’s message to young voters make a public apology, just as it snots, but just look at the way easy to forget that vacations are Eaves, three prominent politicians that one should vote strictly based is important for Franklin to make we live. We don’t have time to get just as important to making this said that the civil rights works of on color and party lines? Racially a sincere apology. Even though it’s enough sleep, talk to our friends society run as working hard. Martin Luther King and other infl ammatory inferences like still hard to watch Kramer burst or eat well. We have no time to I cannot tell you how much activists would be lost if the those used in this campaign ad go through the door on Seinfeld reruns ourselves, and we spend what my happiness has been salvaged opposing Republican candidate was against the messages and goals of without the image of his racist rage little spare time we have doing by simple weekend trips with elected. The three speakers were our acceptance and diversity that we coming to mind, his admittance homework. my best friends. We were de- very own Mayor Shirley Franklin, have at Grady. to his mistake makes it easier to I’ve found a simple remedy to tached from our lives–we had no United States representative John I still believe in Franklin’s continue to appreciate his comedy. these problems – vacation, which homework, no drama and tons of Lewis and civil rights activist leadership abilities, but her If Franklin would apologize for the dictionary.com defi nes as “free- laughs. I was transformed from an Andrew Young. Lewis’ statement comments leave me wondering how race-baiting campaign, it would dom or release from duty, busi- angry, tired and stressed teenager particularly caught my attention. she truly feels about acceptance of make it easier for me to regain my ness or activity.” I also enjoy Earl to someone who could take on “You think fi ghting off dogs and other parties and races. Whether respect and high esteem for our Wilson’s more relatable view of a the world and do so happily. ❐ water hoses in the ‘60s was bad? she meant the message or not, a mayor. ❐ NEWS BRIEFS THE SOUTHERNER Dec. 14, 2006 n e w s 5 MARTA committee approves transit plan Midtown to undergo extensive expansion BY SARAH BETH MCKAY The MARTA board committee Midtown is finally getting the approved a proposal to use rail attention it deserves. cars rather than buses along the The Novare Group’s The Beltline. The full MARTA board Viewpoint, to be located on Peachtree is expected to review the rail plan Street between 7th and 8th Street, next month. boasts 1,000 residential units on one city block. The partnership between APS superintendent Birmingham’s Daniel Corporation, Atlanta-based Selig Enterprises granted large bonus and basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson will produce three mixed Atlanta Public Schools use skyscrapers collectively titled Superintendent Beverly Hall 12th and Midtown. Developments received a $68,266 bonus in such as these, along with others from addition to her annual salary of real estate giants John Wieland, Tom $250,000. Hall, the highest-paid Cousins and Donald Trump are just superintendent in metro Atlanta, part of Midtown’s expected growth. received the bonus for meeting This extensive expansion is under 33 school board-specified goals M U

the careful watch of the Midtown G based on students’ test scores and L E B

Alliance, the area’s non-profit K

achievement. I

regulatory and maintenance force. R E The Alliance has seen Midtown Atlanta pupils rank change a great deal in the last MOVING ON UP: Selig Enterprises begins construction on the first phase of their 12th and Midtown complex at 1010 Peachtree. “It’s decade. all merging together [in Midtown],” said Scott Selig, the real estate company’s vice president. “It’s the right time for [development].” last on national test “Midtown was very different 10 Hospital expanded and the High their plans], especially on Peachtree the Southeast.” Atlanta eighth-graders scored years ago,” said Will Herbig, the [Museum of Art] and Woodruff Arts Street from the Fox Theater to the Midtown’s expected retail last out of 10 school districts on Alliance’s Director of Urban Design Center have doubled in size.” Woodruff Arts Center,” Herbig said. expansion is made possible by the a national standardized science and Zoning. “About 50 percent of Herbing predicts that expansion “Imagine all of those blocks linked unprecedented number of people test. Students in Austin, Texas the area was underutilized surface in Midtown will continue. together with flagship retail.” who have moved into the area in the ranked the highest. 78 percent parking lots, and there was no “As much as we’ve seen in the last With 150,000 square feet of last few years. of Atlanta eighth-graders were in investment. The area needed some 10 years, the future is just as bright,” retail space in the works, Daniel “In order for the retail to make the “below basic” category. type of plan.” Herbig said. “We’re expecting office Corporation and Selig Enterprises’ sense, the residential numbers have In response to this need, the development to increase by 20 12th and Midtown complex will to be there,” Selig said. “There’s an Alliance created the Midtown percent, up to 5,000 more hotel contribute the most square footage influx of people moving back into All Grady teachers set Blueprint, a plan for growth and rooms—double what exists—and to the Midtown Mile. the city. They are sick of the traffic, to receive new laptops expansion based on the preferences residential space to increase by 45 “We’re designing our buildings and Midtown has the restaurants, and expectations of Midtown percent.” to have a big emphasis on street the retail and the convenience they On Dec. 12, APS announced residents and business owners. Of all this growth, Herbig is level retail,” said Scott Selig, the vice want. Midtown is in the middle of its plan to replace Grady teach- “[The community] wanted most excited about the projected president of Selig Enterprises. “There it all—it’s next to Piedmont Park ers’ desktop computers with new something urban, yet green,” Herbig 61 percent increase in retail space— will be 40 to 50-foot facades, and up and Georgia Tech and has great laptops. The reason for the pro- said. “Everyone was looking for from 900,000 square feet to 2.3 to 40-foot ceilings so stores can have accessibility to Buckhead, Virginia- posed switch was not announced. something more like Park Avenue, million square feet. Both developers a mezzanine level.” Highland, Atlantic Station and Teachers are required to have all not the high- intensity glitz of Times and planning groups such as the Developers like Selig hope to Downtown.” of their personal data removed Square.” Peachtree Corridor Task Force are attract the best the retail industry Both Selig and Herbig attribute from their desktops by Jan. 31. In the decade since the Midtown attempting to model Midtown’s has to offer. Midtown’s seemingly boundless Blueprint’s inception, the area has portion of Peachtree Street, “We’re going after international potential to its well-situated location 3,500 jurors ordered grown tremendously. nicknamed the Midtown Mile, after flagship retailers—the ones you’d and the high quality living it offers “We’ve added 10,000 residences shopping destinations like New York find in Miami, New York, Chicago its residents. for Nichols jury pool and about eight million square feet of City’s Park Avenue and Chicago’s and San Francisco that don’t have a “The building blocks are in place,” office space,” Herbig said. “Georgia Michigan Avenue. presence anywhere in the area,” Selig Herbig said. “Midtown presents a lot Because of the international Tech developed Technology Square, “We’ve been working with all the said. “We’re going to make Midtown of opportunity.” ❐ attention paid to Brian Nichols’ Emory Healthcare’s Crawford Long developers [to incorporate retail into the premiere shopping destination in courthouse shooting, his trial will require altered procedures.The judge will summon a large jury pool of 3,500 people and a record HOPE program revises GPA calculations six alternates will be selected along from page 1 then send a final one in June. Mr. Louis Sartor said. “A college education with the 12 jurors. Attorneys on and use the HOPE to attend an in-state school. Beginning April 30, 2007, every Georgia [is meanwhile becoming] increasingly more both sides will be able to reject as “If I don’t get into my number-one school, then student in the graduating class of 2007 or any expensive.” many as 30 potential jurors. I might as well stay in Georgia for school and have student who graduated earlier but has not yet According to the Chenault, schools will no money in my pocket,” senior Chris Goodine said. started college will be subject to the new HOPE longer calculate students’ GPAs. They will School board wants Because more students have taken advantage program eligibility standards. Under the new electronically submit complete high school of the scholarship, funding for the program has standards, only a minimum 3.0 GPA for a transcripts and grading scale information for all Harry Potter to stay become more limited according to Mr. Wagers college preparatory student or a 3.2 for a diploma seniors, even those who plan to go out of state. On Dec. 14, the Georgia Board Chenault, the communications director for the preparatory student will be accepted. The GSFC will then calculate student GPAs of Education upheld the Gwinnett GSFC. The variety of methods used by high “With this current method, schools only count and eligibility themselves based on unweighted County school board’s decision to schools to calculate student GPAs has also created the highest grades for the required number of grades. keep the Harry Potter series in Gwin- obstacles. According to the GSFC website, course credits in English, math, science, social “First we subtract whatever extra credit the nett libraries and schools, ruling school-calculated and weighting values resulted studies and foreign language,” Mr. Arnold said. school gave you and calculate your GPA,” against a Gwinnett mother’s chal- in “unintended but very uneven and inherently “The school sends off weighted grades either Chenault said. “We then add on the statewide lenge to the school board’s decision. inequitable access to the scholarship across the numerically or on the 4.0 scale… [but] an 80 extra credit for AP and IB [classes], which is .5. state.” GPA is not enough anymore.” Honor classes don’t get any extra credit.” As a result of increased state spending for HOPE Once a recipient receives the scholarship, there Senior Vernika Leach doesn’t agree with this new Interpol joins forces and the variances in schools’ calculation methods, are checkpoints throughout college to make sure weighting policy and believes it will discourage for Litvinenko case the 2004 Georgia General Assembly decided the recipients have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. students from taking more difficult classes. program should undergo revisions. The new standards have increased the amount “It’s really unfair that the people expected to Interpol, an international According to the GSFC, students on a college of checkpoints students must pass. They have also receive the HOPE scholarship are in jeopardy intelligence agency based in Paris, preparatory track are currently eligible for the capped the amount the HOPE will pay in the of not getting [it] because weighted grades aren’t has agreed to colllaborate with HOPE scholarship if they have at least an 80 GPA future to the amount the scholarship paid at each counted anymore,” Leach said. police forces in Britain, Germany or a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students in a diploma institution for the 2003 to 2004 award year. Even Chenault, however, believes that despite the and Russia in order to investigate preparatory program must have a minimum 85 if a school increases its costs, HOPE won’t pay the stricter new standards, the HOPE program the death of former Russian spy GPA or a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Presently, public difference. remains fair. Alexander Litvinenko. Litvinenko’s and private high schools calculate summary GPAs “A large number of students are losing HOPE “The goal of the program is to serve as an death is suspected to be the result for graduating seniors and send a preliminary list after one or two years in college, which is a incentive for students to do well in high school of a polonium poisoning. of students eligible to the GSFC in February and tremendous problem,” social studies teacher and for those who did do well to succeed in 6 n e w s Dec.14, 2006 HOSA to get Fourth Ward funds BY ARIELLE D’AVANZO Old Fourth Ward competition costs of any interested Every year, Grady’s Health Redevelopment Inc. was granted a students. Occupation Students of America license in August to begin holding “Last year there were 50 come together to raise money these raffl es. students who participated in the in order to attend state and “We are hoping to sell 6,000 competitions,” Ms. Ukah said. national competitions. This year, raffl e tickets by Dec. 15,” Thomas “The students who participated a non-profi t community-based said. “If we do this, we should gross did very well at the competitions. organization, the Old Fourth about $50,000 to $100,000 for They won ten fi rst-place medals Ward Redevelopment Inc., has HOSA and the senior citizens in along with fi ve other medals at volunteered to sponsor an online the community,” Thomas said. the state competition. They also raffl e for HOSA in order to raise The grand prize for the raffl e is a made it to the fi rst round of the this money. This organization 42-inch fl at-screen HDTV with a national competition for the very works to preserve the Old Fourth surround sound system and a one- fi rst time.” Ward neighborhood, while year sports package. The fi rst place The students who go to these assisting elderly residents on fi xed prize is a one-week vacation for competitions compete in a incomes by helping them repair four at Walt Disney World Resort variety of categories, including their homes and pay their real Villa in Orlando, Fla. with park creative problem solving, medical estate taxes. admissions and $500 in spending. spelling, veterinary assistance, “There are a couple of reasons The second place prize is an XBox health education, parliamentary why we have decided to help 360 Premium Game Package with procedure and CPR skills. HOSA in raising money for these one game included. “In the future I want to have competitions,” said Carl Thomas, “In order to raise money in a career in the medical fi eld and president of Old Fourth Ward the past for these competitions, HOSA is a good way to get started,” Redevelopment Inc. “We are HOSA held spaghetti dinners and said junior Nina Mickleburry. ERIK BELGUM ERIK seeking to partner with community car washes and received donations “The competitions [help] you get groups, and schools are a major from family and friends,” HOSA better prepared, you learn a lot and part of these groups. Schools teacher Ms. Sandra Ukah said. it is a very good experience. I am already have a lot of pressure to This year 82 students are very glad the Old Fourth Ward CPR FOR DUMMIES: Juniors Catherine Reynolds and Stacy Williams practice CPR while in raise money and this way some of enrolled in HOSA, and the Redevelopment Inc. has decided to class. “We learn new skills that may save somebody’s life one day,” Reynolds said. that pressure can be taken away.” money raised will go toward the help us out this year.” ❐ Record amount of women elected to House, Senate Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi breaks pattern of Is America Ready for Female Leaders? male leadership, sets new precedent for female leaders Although the gender difference in Congress is equalizing, America has yet to have a BY JANNA KAPLAN “Legislatures and decision-making bodies female president, vice president or chief justice of the Supreme Court. According to a When the 110th Congress is gaveled into work better when there’s a breadth of session in January 2007, women will make experience,” Ashe said. “It’s very important in 2005 White House Project poll, the country is divided when it comes to female leaders. up 16 percent of its members, a record high in the process that all of the perspectives be heard; Very Comfortable Not Very Comfortable U.S. history. With 71 women in the House of one of the perspectives is clearly that of being Undecided Representatives and 16 in the Senate, women a woman.” Somewhat Comfortable Not at All Comfortable will have more power in the U.S. government Ashe said that she is delighted at Pelosi’s than ever before. success in her campaign for Speaker of the President: The White House Project, a non-partisan House and believes that Pelosi has “really organization that works to advance women’s shattered what has been a glass ceiling.” Ashe Women 11.3% 31.1% 30.5% 24.3% leadership, has deemed 2006 the “Year of is optimistic that Pelosi’s victory will launch the Woman Leader” because of the number a new wave of female leaders in the United Men 18.1% 35.9% 28.1% 13.8% of women who ran for offi ce and won in the States government. recent election. “I hope we don’t have to celebrate these Vice President: “This year there is a solid pipeline of victories forever,” Ashe said. “I hope [women women moving up from local levels to state being elected] just becomes something that Women 19.2% 45.9% 18.7% 14.2% and federal positions,” said Lindsay Clinton, happens so often we don’t have to be excited Men 23.9% 46.1% 17.7% 10.2% Communications Manager for the White about it.” House Project. “This pipeline means that in According to Cooper, there were many 2008, 2010 and 2012 we will see even more reasons that voters supported women at the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court: women in leadership [positions].” polls in November. Women 36.5% 43.2% 8.3% 9% In addition to the increase in sheer numbers “I think people realized that there was a need of women in Congress, the Democratic for change,” Cooper said. “Our government Men 41.3% 40.3% 8.4% 8% party elected Nancy Pelosi of California the has been run by the good old boy system. It’s fi rst woman Speaker of the U.S. House of been male dominated.” SARAH BETH MCKAY Representatives. Clinton believes that having a Ashe also thinks so many women won their “Women have typically been Clinton also hopes that women across the woman in such a powerful position is vital to respective elections because of the population’s disproportionately assigned to committees board will continue to advance in leadership the future of women in our government. desire for change. dealing with education, health and families,” roles. “Pelosi will be second in line to the “This was a year when the American people Bullock said. “They have been less successful “What’s really important is for more women Presidency,” Clinton said. “No woman has were looking for problem solvers,” Ashe said. in getting [on] more powerful and thus more to run, period,” Clinton said. “When more ever been so close. In terms of enhancing “Because there haven’t been so many women desirable committees that deal with money women run, we can focus more on agenda and the perception of women as leaders, having a [in Congress], I think we are still seen as agents [such as] appropriations and fi nance.” less on gender.” woman so high up in the chain of command of change, and because of the many roles we In the November elections, Georgia’s Bullock added that women are more is important.” play I think we are seen as problem solvers. voters, contrary to the national trend, did successful when they run for open seats in the Hannika Cooper, Georgia Field Director The American people were looking for people not elect any women to Congress. Although government. for the White House Project, believes that that have the skills this particular set of women many women were elected to state and local “Most incumbents are men, and it is rare although the United States has not yet reached [who were elected] seem to have.” positions, no women will represent Georgia on for an incumbent to lose [when they] run for equal representation, the country is on its way. Dr. Charles Bullock, political science the national level in the coming session. reelection,” Bullock said. “The presence of “There are so many examples where professor at the University of Georgia agrees “I think it’s just going to take a while,” Ashe massive numbers of male incumbents creates countries have really improved by electing that women and men approach political said. “It’s going to take women willing to take an obstacle to the election of women.” women offi cials (like) Liberia, France and problems differently. a risk. It’s going to take having women in the Ashe says the best way to get more women Chile,” Cooper said. “I think the United States “Men are more likely to seek zero-sum pipeline so they’ve had the experiences that get to run for offi ce is for young women to start trails behind them, but on a local level I think solutions, while women are more likely to seek them ready for [the] next steps.” realizing their potential early. that people are catching up and realizing that accommodations in which all participants get Cooper noted that the White House “I want women [to graduate from] high it’s time for women to have a real seat at the something,” Bullock said. “Women are better Project is non-partisan, therefore supporting school thinking that they’re going to go to table.” at promoting compromises.” leadership development for women of both Congress, that they’re going to be the fi rst State Representative Kathy Ashe of Georgia’s Bullock believes that men and women not parties. [woman] President,” Ashe said. “It’s time for District 56 agrees that it is important to have only have different skill sets and approaches to “Equal representation across party lines will us to all be focused on the next generation more women participating in the U.S. decision making but also have been successful defi nitely bring about better policies,” Cooper of leadership and making certain that young government. in different fi elds. said. women feel that the opportunity is there.” ❐ Dec. 14, 2006 n e w s 7 US AIRWAYS takeover attempt shakes Atlanta, Delta from page 1 and wanting to come out of like this, it takes resources out of the by Delta’s creditors. Opponents of “Who’s to say these jobs are bankruptcy as Delta.” company to focus on it,” Ahrenhold the US Airways’ bid, which would CRASH LANDING going to stay here if US Airways Delta, which fell into Chapter 11 said. “All of our focus should be on create the world’s largest airline, purchases Delta?” economics teacher bankruptcy last fall, owes its creditors coming out of bankruptcy. [Fighting believe that the judge will decide Mr. Kurt Phillips said of potential billions of dollars. Under the US the merger] is taking valuable against the US Airways’ proposal Delta enters employment changes under the US Airways plan, Delta creditors would resources and shifting them.” because it could create a monopoly Chapter 11 Fall 2005 Airways’ plan. “Those jobs could receive $4 billion in cash and $75.8 Delta stockholders and creditors and possibly increase fares. Many bankruptcy very well be gone—that’s a major hit. million in US Airways stock, worth will decide if they support Delta’s opponents also believe that the US Airways As diversifi ed as Atlanta is as a city, approximately $5 billion. plan to emerge from bankruptcy combined company could dominate privately no city can lose [over] 20,000 jobs “Our biggest problem is we’re independently or US Airways’ the airline industry because US Spring approaches and not feel an economic setback.” in bankruptcy,” said Janet Pease, a merger proposal. Their decision Airways’ and Delta’s main hubs— 2006 Delta about Three thousand of Delta’s Atlanta Delta fl ight attendant. “While we’re must then be approved by the U.S. Charlotte, N.C. and Atlanta—are so possibility employees work in the company’s making money, we’re still paying Department of Justice. near each other. of a merger headquarters. US Airways executives huge, enormous fees to creditors.” “At the worker level, there’s really “In years past, [the federal US Air have not yet announced whether Before the US Airways’ merger nothing we can do about it. The bankruptcy court] has always limited Delta headquarters would stay in proposal was announced, Delta actual stopping of the merger would the amount of monopolization in CEO sends Sept. 29, Atlanta or move to US Airways’ planned to emerge from bankruptcy take place through shareholders,” the industry,” Hueter said. “I’m not Delta CEO 2006 headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. Mr. independently by the summer of said Robert Hueter, a Delta aircraft sure if they’re going to allow this to letter about Phillips, however, is “99 percent 2007. Delta executives are reportedly mechanic technician. “Even if go through. Charlotte and Atlanta merger In a letter, sure” that Delta headquarters will formulating a new plan, which the executives and the board have are very close and could dominate DeltaDelta CEO CEO move to Arizona if the merger goes has not yet been made public, to anything to say to fi ght against [the the Southeast and possibly the declinesrefuses to to through. counteract the takeover attempt. merger], it’s still up to the creditors.” Northeast.” Oct. 17, meet with In response to the merger attempt, “Delta’s focus should be on… While many analysts disagree Mr. Phillips believes, however, 2006 USor discuss Air CEO Delta employees have launched letting the customers know that about which plan the creditors that if creditors and shareholders ormerger discuss with a publicity campaign to promote we are coming out of bankruptcy and shareholders will choose, Pease choose the US Airways plan, the Delta’s independent emergence from and [are] ready to move forward,” believes that many Delta employees federal government will approve US Air US Air bankruptcy and to protest the merger Ahrenhold said. “The most are optimistic that creditors will their decision. UShostile Air CEO attempt. They distribute buttons and important thing is to keep support Delta’s goals. “I think the bankruptcy court will publiclytakeover posters emblazoned with the slogan communication open A federal bankruptcy judge probably agree that a merger is in the announcesbid publicly Nov. 15,

‘Keep Delta My Delta’ at Hartsfi eld- and let creditors know will ultimately be responsible best interest of the fl ying public,” he REBECCA GITTELSON hosileannounced 2006 Jackson International Airport. what Delta’s plan is.” for approving any said. “I think the merger’s a done According to Beth Ahrenhold, a She also thinks that decision made deal.” ❐ Delta program manager of in-fl ight Delta’s efforts to develop a service, the fi ght to keep Delta new bankruptcy independent has brought employees plan and to fi ght the together. hostile takeover attempt “Morale is better than ever,” may hurt the company. COURTESY OF WWW.DELTA.COM Ahrenhold said. “We’re all unifi ed “Any time you have a situation GRILL to close its doors this month

from page 1 a younger demographic...but it takes away older [establishments].” The closing will be an unhappy day for everyone with ties to the restaurant. “It’s like losing a family member,” Huggins said. Business has boomed since the closing was announced, with both local and out-of-town customers coming to dine at the Silver Grill for the last time. With this sudden infl ux of

CURRY ANDREWS diners, the staff has had little patience for rude patrons. On Nov. 27, a group of Grady students acted disrespectfully toward servers, according to Huggins. The students’ ALWAYS COCA-COLA: Construction on the new World of Coke is underway. The new museum is located next to Centennial Olympic Park in Pemberton Place, a Coca- behavior prompted Huggins to ban Cola Company-owned property. Coke gave nine acres of the 20-acre property to the Georgia Aquarium and 2.5 acres to the City of Atlanta for a civil rights museum. unaccompanied students from eating at the Silver Grill. “We treat students with respect and Coke refreshes its downtown museum dignity, and all we ask is for that in return,” Huggins said. “We’re not getting it.” BY GEORGE DEMEGLIO will be twice as large and display only fi ve Coca-Cola to expand the opportunity Huggins explained that some students have A new World of Coca-Cola will open in percent of the artifacts from the original for consumers to see, touch and taste our been especially disruptive in the restaurant May at Centennial Park, sharing a Coca- museum. There will even be a room many brands, learn how they intersect with this year, so the decision is necessary in order Cola Company owned property with the dedicated to pop art interpretations of popular culture and experience the Coca- to accommodate other customers. Georgia Aquarium and a new civil rights Coke’s bottle. Cola Company’s impact around the globe.” “[Huggins] said some students were museum. The Coca-Cola Company gave “We are going to take all of the great The museum will include a 4-D theatre acting [disrespect, and people had been rude approximately nine of the 20 acres of land success we’ve had with the current World to engage the fi ve senses and allow visitors to to them before,” senior Angeli Gokarn said. known as Pemberton Place to the Georgia of Coca-Cola and simply improve upon it,” better experience the brand. The new World “I fi gured they were underclassmen; they’ve Aquarium and donated 2.5 acres of the Bolden said. “You can expect to see great of Coca-Cola will also feature hundreds of always been really nice to us.” land to the city of Atlanta for a civil rights new exhibits, more interactive elements and collectibles never before displayed in public, Although Huggins said Grady students museum in October. a look at all of the key beverage products showcase many of the company’s 400 represent only a small portion of his “We expect that Pemberton Place will be that make up the Coca-Cola universe.” brands and provide free taste tests. restaurant’s profi t, he values polite student’s a must see destination for those who call In an attempt to make the new World “We have been committed to supporting business. Atlanta home and for travelers from around of Coca-Cola less like a museum and more the revitalization of downtown Atlanta for “We really love and appreciate those the world,” said Nikita Bolden, a media interactive, the museum will be available for more than a century,” Bolden said. “We students who love and appreciate us, and correspondent for the new World of Coca- evening parties. saw an opportunity to contribute to the we’re sorry it had to end this way,” Huggins Cola project. “We anticipate that the new World of revitalization of our downtown, enhance said. “To the students who helped bring on The new World of Coca-Cola will be Coca-Cola will appeal to broader audiences the quality of life for our local community this decision, my hope is they will learn that vastly different from the original, with a now more than ever before,” Bolden and have a lasting, positive impact on our respect is a two-way, not a one-way street.” new location and many new attractions. It said. “We are building the new World of city.” ❐ ❐ TEEN DRIVERS GET SCHOOLED As the new laws mandating that 16 year olds take driver’s education courses take effect next year, MICHELLE WILCO The Southerner examines the benefi ts of the classes and the basis for the laws that support them. HANNAH ROSENBAUM ALE H ‘Joshua’s Law’ to require driver’s ed. for 16 year olds ARSON C BY HAMP WATSON “I’d like us to have driver’s ed. in our curriculum,” A new Georgia law set to go into effect on Jan. 1, The Southerner surveyed 76 licensed student drivers said Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, who attended the CARSON HALE 2007 will require people wishing to obtain a Class D on topics covered on learner’s permit tests and in driver’s education classes to fi nd out... program and represents Grady on the APS school Class necessary for drivers driver’s license at the age of 16 to fi rst take a state- What do student drivers remember about driving laws? board. “But there are two reasons why we haven’t had approved driver’s education course. it put in [to the curriculum], and those are fi nancial The legislation is called Joshua’s Law in memory Spedometers refl ect percentage of students who answered correctly. issues and scheduling issues. If cost were not an issue, Driver’s education program to understand responsibility of Joshua Brown of Cartersville, Ga, who was killed 1. You should drive on the 2. When an intersection has a 3. Roads are most slippery: that would provide a needed incentive for us to fi gure in a single-car accident in 2003. The law raises the shoulder to pass a car only: fl ashing yellow light, you should: a. during a heavy downpour out scheduling issues.” Thirty hours. That’s how long I was short period of time allows for necessary minimum age to obtain a driver’s license to 17 for a. if the vehicle in front of you a. yield to all traffi c before b. during the fi rst rain after Nevertheless, Harsch-Kinnane was impressed by ineffective, needs attention stuck sitting in driver’s education last feedback from an unbiased, more teens who have not taken a state-approved driver is turning left crossing several dry weeks Alan Brown’s dedication to his cause. If you want to get your license at costs between $350 and $500 for month. Thirty boring and pointless hours experienced driver, who can offer a better training course. b. under no circumstance b. stop, then enter when safe c. after a few hours of rain “It was very moving to talk to him and to learn 16, you now have to take a driver’s 36 hours of classroom instruction that seemed to drag on forever. sense of how well students drive than they Joshua Brown’s parents, Alan and LuGina Brown, c. when the shoulder is wide c. slow down and cross about what he’s done with his life,” she said. “It’s very education course. and four hours of instructional That was, until I was sitting in class would receive from their parents. attribute their son’s death to defi cient driver training. enough carefully powerful.” The Department of Driver’s driving. While completion of the on the second-to-last day watching yet Now that I have less than a month “Joshua didn’t do anything wrong [during the The Georgia legislature remains active in proposing Services thinks that this new law course lowers car insurance, drivers another video on safe driving and a man until I take the road test to get my license, accident],” Alan Brown said. “It was raining and he 40 60 40 60 40 60 more laws to regulate driving. will make driving in Georgia safer, who will not receive their own car named Joe Wiggins came on the screen. I’m growing increasingly nervous, even hydroplaned and hit a tree. He wasn’t speeding, wasn’t Two bills prefi led in the House could potentially but I don’t think it will won’t be able to receive any 80 80 80 He started telling his story, which sounded though I know that I only need to score driving recklessly, wasn’t drinking, didn’t do anything 20 20 20 regulate cell phone usage among teenagers and fi ne produce much change. benefi ts. just like every other reckless driver’s tale. 75 percent on the test to pass. While this wrong… and we realized that there needs to be a way people who have motor vehicle accidents while talking An overwhelming The state is About two minutes into the description information calms my nerves slightly, it to practice [the kind of crash he had] without getting on the phone. majority of my temporarily of his accident, however, his story started makes me worry about my future on the hurt or tearing up a car.” 0 100 0 100 0 100 House Bill 4, which the Georgia General Assembly peers who drive Parents providing an to sound increasingly familiar. At that road. Just thinking about all of the drivers After extensive research, Alan Brown formed his will consider when it reconvenes in January, would took a driver’s online course point I realized that this was the man on the road who could only manage to own opinion about what driver training in the 21st 75 % 66 % 59 % illegalize cell phone usage by Class D license holders. e d u c a t i o n are responsible for those drivers who was responsible for so much of my make a 75 on their driving test makes century should be. He approached his state senator 4. When is it legal to cross 5. When passing another vehicle, In order to pass the learners Most teenagers get their class D licenses when they are program, in who cannot family’s and friend’s emotional pain. me never want to get behind the wheel about passing a law to improve driver’s education in double, solid yellow lines? you can exceed the speed limit: permit test, the would-be 16 or 17, and cannot get a standard class C license addition to for preparing their afford the In 1990, just days before I was born, of a car again. I also heard that as long as Georgia. until reaching legal adulthood at 18. driving a lot private courses. a. never a. if passing a group of cars driver must score 75 percent 19-year-old Wiggins was returning I can parallel park well, I’ll be fi ne, since “[Alan Brown’s] passion and motivation was to see “I was following the national discussion about cell more than 40 teenagers to be safe, This approach b. only when you are making from a party, drag racing down Ponce parallel parking counts for 10 percent of Georgia have driver’s education put back into the b. when you’re obstructing the or better. How many licensed phone usage,” said Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, the hours with their to providing de Leon Avenue, when his car collided my fi nal grade. While that’s great news communities around the state,” said Sen. Preston a left turn into a business or passing lane student drivers passed the mini bill’s sponsor. “I think it is politically appropriate to parents. able drivers. driver’s ed. for head-on with a car driven by our family for me and others who can parallel park, Smith, a republican who represents Rome, Ga and home driveway c. whenever you pass a car license test? restrict cell phone usage among teenagers.” The DDS should everyone is not friend, Michael Johnson. In the car were it unnerves me to think about how many Cartersville, Ga. “Years ago we had driver’s education c. always d. never House Bill 5, which Oliver also wrote, would impose put money towards going to solve the E

Johnson’s wife, Susan Brooks, and their great parallel parkers but below average in virtually every school in the state. But starting in L a $500 fi ne on anyone who has a wreck as a result of making these driver’s issue at hand. Instead, A 40 60 40 60 40 60 H friends, Greg Robertson and Serena drivers are legally on the road. If I get the 1980s…driver’s ed. started dropping off, system by the distraction of a cell phone. Currently, Georgia law education courses more funding should be put N O Crawford. The impact killed Johnson, in an accident with an inexperienced or system across the state, to the point where now it’s not S prohibits driving while distracted, but explicitly lists productive. Most of the 36 hours towards directly improving the R 80 80 80 A 20 20 20 C Robertson and Crawford instantly, under-educated driver, how much is it that common that it’s in the school systems at all.” cell phones as items that cannot legally be considered I spent in the class were a waste of course before wasting anyone else’s D N

orphaning their two children and leaving really going to matter to me how well Smith said the law was designed more to encourage A a distraction. time. My class spent eons learning time.

Grady graduates Patrick and Steven they can parallel park? teenagers to take driver’s education than to raise the R 100 100 100 “These bills have been to the General Assembly road signs and trying on goggles that Drivers education should be E 0 0 0 B N

Johnson without a father. Miraculously, Although most of the information minimum age requirement. I before,” Oliver said. “Their committee’s chairman gave students an idea of what it was realistic—it should help students E F

Brooks survived. taught in the class seems obvious to the “The purpose of [the law] was not necessarily to Y 57 % 09 % 20 % didn’t bring them up for a vote and they got discarded. like to be drunk. learn how to operate cars and deal L I While it was painful to see Wiggins majority of teenagers, myself included, I change our driving age to 17,” Smith said. “[It was] L The arguments against them were [that] people should Since I will use the skills and with stressful situation like Joshua and the re-enactment of the car crash, his realized that some teenagers are seriously to create incentive whereby every single 15 year old into a fund so that drivers who fail to obey the traffi c the money from the law has to be given to school be responsible for themselves [and] police don’t need information taught in driving school Brown’s. The whole objective of the message spoke loud and clear not only to underinformed about safe driving and would be working with his or her parents to take laws then help to create a fund to educate drivers on boards… and they decide what driver’s education the extra duty [involved in enforcement].” more often than the lessons taught in bill is to provide an opportunity for me, but to everyone else in the classroom driving laws. When I heard my peers driver’s ed. before he or she turns 16 so that he or she how to be better drivers.” program to put in the schools,” Alan Brown said. Rep. Pat Gardner, who represents the district school, shouldn’t the course be better students to learn what to do when as well. Seeing pictures of the crash made make remarks such as, “You can still do could get that drivers license.” According to Smith, fundraising for the Driver’s “I want to see Joshua’s Law tightened to force driver’s encompassing Grady High School, said she had not yet structured? faced with a serious problem. me realize why every new driver should that even though it’s illegal, right? As long Thanks to the efforts of the Smiths and Browns, Education Commission began in July of 2005. education to be taught in the schools… I’ve talked to decided whether she will vote for or against H.B. 4. The bill states that 16-year-old Currently driver’s education does be aware of the consequences as you don’t get caught you’ll be Joshua’s Law passed in 2005 with overwhelming While much has been collected, he said there is not many, many legislators, and they all agree with me.” “There are always some kids who aren’t mature drivers also must have parental not provide the characteristics that of careless driving. While fi ne,” I was really worried. majorities of 46-3 in the Senate and 136-25 in the yet enough money to fi nance a statewide driver’s Last May, Alan Brown gave a speech at Grady High enough to drive while talking on the phone, and verifi cation that they drove at least Alan Brown feels are important for a some teens are already For me, this class was a House. education system. Until that is accomplished, a School as part of a program called “Parents Deserve a some who are,” Gardner said. “But often there’s no 6 hours at night with an adult prior successful driver to know. careful drivers, many I realized review of information “Of the 56 state senators, I had 45 co-sponsors… temporary online program is available for students Brake,” in which he argued that Atlanta Public Schools way to decide who’s mature and who isn’t. It’s hard as to getting their liscense. Driving Being able to drive myself are not. that I already knew which obviously was a pretty good indication of [the who wish to take a low-cost driver training class. The should put driver’s education into its curriculum. a legislator to pass a law that restricts the 90 percent at night is far more diffi cult than around has changed my lifestyle When Joshua’s that some teenagers from previous bill’s] success,” Smith said. state mandates that a driver’s education class consist Joshua Brown’s former school, Cartersville High, [of teenagers] who are capable drivers when it’s just 10 driving during the day, so an equal signifi cantly. It is very important Law takes effect driving experience In addition to the driver’s education requirement for of 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of has led the way in driver’s education with a 72-hour, percent that make up the problem.” amount of time should be spent on for teenagers to be able to drive, but next year, 16 are seriously under- and studying 16 year olds, Smith’s bill created the Georgia Driver’s on-the-road training. nine-week class for which students receive a full Smith said that while he hasn’t yet read the Oliver practicing both. parents are responsible for preparing year olds seeking for my learner’s Education Commission to receive and allocate funds Alan Brown says he believes funds from the Georgia elective unit of credit. According to Alan Brown, bills, sometimes restrictive laws can be appropriate. How is it that I gained only a few their teenagers to be safe, able driver’s licenses informed about safe permit. For some for a driver’s education system. Driver’s Education Commission should go directly to the class contains all fi ve of the elements that he says “I think there’s certainly an exception to [the new skills from this poorly-instructed drivers. Student drivers are given must enroll in driving and driving kids however, it “The public funds that we use are generated by a fi ve local school boards. make up 21st-century driver training: simulation, principle of fewer laws regulating adult behavior] program and still ended up a more approximately one year to learn driver’s education. really was the fi rst percent surcharge on DUI and other traffi c violations “I’m going to be working to add an interactive curriculum, crash reduction, parental when you’re talking about minors,” Smith said. “From experienced, confi dent driver? how to operate an automobile and Many teenagers were laws. time they’d heard the around the state,” Smith said. “That money was put amendment to Joshua’s Law that says that involvement and actual driving experience. cigarettes to alcohol and everything else.” ❐ Luckily, I have an overly cautious become comfortable with abiding already planning to take information. mother who explained, in detail, the laws and rules for each state. I or have already taken this A lot of people don’t every rule and regulation there is to have been driving for two years, but class, mainly because it makes realize how serious the Parental Involement—Studies Behind-the-Wheel Crash Prevention—Teach Interactive Curriculum—No textbooks. know about operating a vehicle and this confi dence should be credited to student drivers eligible for cheaper responsibility of driving is. When you’re show that nine out of 10 students Training—To be completed Five elements drivers to be aware of In “the classroom of the future” obeying the laws. Unfortunately, not what I learned from my mom, not in insurance. For those teenagers who feel driving a car, you’re in control of more did not actually perform the 40 after the other four elements their surroundings. according to Alan Brown, the curriculum everyone who wants to receive his or any way to the useless hours I spent at that the class is unnecessary, consider that, than 2,000 pounds of metal, and in less her license at 16 necessarily has such driver’s education. Legislators should according to joshuabrownfoundation.org, than fi ve seconds of not concentrating hours of driving with an adult have been fi nished. of 21st-century For example, a may include techniques the teacher can a cautious parent. Many teens don’t work to improve the ineffective class, for the last few decades roughly 5,500 to on the road you can unknowingly drive (with at least 6 at night) required student is driving in use to determine if students are learning. have parents who are willing or able not require more teenagers to take 6,000 teenagers have died in car crashes the entire length of a football fi eld. Joe prior to getting their licenses. Simulation—As airline driver training a simulator when the For example, a teacher asks a question to teach their child to drive. Parents it. each year—approximately four times the Wiggins was not necessarily a bad person; pilots and soilders do during instead turn to their child’s driving Although the bill is intended to number of students currently enrolled at he just made a thoughtless decision that Their parents however signed screen goes blank. Then designed to take 8 seconds to answer. If instructor, relying on the instructor be help kids like Joshua learn how to Grady. According to unitedpfi nal.org, will haunt both him and those who loved the form saying they completed their training, simulate crashes the screen reads, “Where is a student answers in 4 seconds, he or she to teach in six hours what took me deal with specifi c situations through teenage drivers are four times more likely the people he killed for the rest their the hours. This element includes and other emergencies so students the dog? Which car has its understands the material. If the student one year to learn in the six hours of driver’s education, this is not going to die or be seriously injured in crashes lives. So while 30 hours might feel like instilling the value that driving is know how to handle these situations in left turn blinker on?” to test answers in 12 seconds, he or she is required driving. to happen with the current plan. than older, more experienced drivers. a lifetime, if this class can keep even one Driver’s education is not only Joshua’s law is, however, a step in the While the typical driving class only offers driver from causing so much pain and a life skill. real life. the student’s awareness. distracted or not paying attention. ineffective, but expensive as well. On right direction; it’s just not entirely

6 hours of actual driving experience, this suffering, then it’s worth the time. ❐ FEINBERG LILY SOURCE: ALAN BROWN average, a driver’s education course the right step. ❐ 10 n e w s Dec. 14, 2006 Ms. Lyles remembered for compassion, benevolence

BY JOURDAN DEVIES Wisconsin. She then taught in the Atlanta Murray, Grady’s principal. She also helped other teachers with their Ms. Johnetta Lyles, a former Grady Public Schools system for 17 years at Grove Although her love for her students was personal difficulties. teacher, died on Nov. 13. Her memorial Park Elementary School and at Grady High unmatched, she also cared about her fellow “During my challenge with cancer, she service was held on Nov. 18 at Miller Grove School; she retired after working at Grady. faculty. She was there when anyone needed saw to it each day that I was comfortable Baptist Church in Fairburn, Ga. where Ms. Lyles was a special education teacher help, especially advice. and at peace,” said Ms. Janet Milton, a friends, family and Grady faculty joined at Grady and taught students with autistic “I will never forget how Ms. Lyles gave me Grady English teacher. “She was a very together in memory. and behavior disorders. Her patience, hard some great advice about getting married,” compassionate, caring woman.” Ms. Lyles was a warm, friendly woman work and belief in her students won her the Ms. Diana Porter said. “She told me that Ms. Lyles was married with two children who was always ready to help. honor of Teacher of the Year in 1995. marriage is a lot of hard work and to not let and two grandchildren. “[She] was one of the first people that I “Ms. Lyles was diligent, hardworking anyone make me think that it is easy.” “She had a wonderful sense of humor, and met when I arrived at Grady in October and extremely committed to students with Ms. Lyles always helped in whatever way more than anything she loved to brag about of 1996,” said Mr. Marlon Pilson, Grady’s emotional and behavior disorders,” said she could and left a lasting imprint on many her grandchildren,” Ms. Milton said. business education teacher. “Not only did Alma Robinson, the former chairperson of members of the Grady staff. During the family’s time of bereavement, she greet me with a warm, kind and helpful the Program for Exceptional Children. “Ms. Lyles brought to Grady her Grady faculty members were very supportive. spirit, but she gave me my first Grady T- In addition to her teaching position, willingness to assist school leaders and other Many will always think fondly of Ms. Lyles. shirt.” she was a sponsor of Lunch and Learn and teachers in whatever capacity necessary,” “She was a wonderful person to be around Ms. Lyles was born and grew up in Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation. said Mrs. Helen Boddie, Grady’s records and had a pure heart,” Mr. Pilson said. Louisville, Ky. and attended the University “Through these programs she reached out manager. “She was often called on to assist “Simply put, Ms. Lyles is the type of person of Louisville. After graduating, she became to students to ensure that they had a positive her peers and the assistant principal with that will never die, but will live in the hearts a teacher and taught in Kentucky and high school experience,” said Dr. Vincent discipline challenges.” of those she touched forever.” ❐ Georgia’s aquarium celebrates one year anniversary BY CURRY ANDREWS research done at the aquarium has also set The Georgia Aquarium made a splash for new precedents. its one-year anniversary on Nov. 21. Elaborate “We were the first people to ever do blood decorations, contests and live music from sampling on whale sharks,” Gibbons said. Grady High School’s marching band tempted “When you look under a microscope at a crowds to join in celebration for one of sample of shark blood, there are usually about Atlanta’s most successful attractions. 40 red blood cells, but the whale shark blood Grady’s marching band and dance sample had 10 huge red blood cells.” team performed at the Aquarium for the The Aquarium has become a resource for anniversary festivities. nearby schools as well. “[We were asked to play] because we are “University of Georgia veterinarians local and we are a really outstanding band,” developed Tricide, a topical antimicrobial said Quinton Eberhardt, a senior drummer ointment, and through trials at the Georgia in the marching band. “It felt like we were Aquarium developed a version which stays on entertaining the crowd.” for up to 48 hours in the water,” according Just two days before Thanksgiving, the to an Aquarium press release. “The ointment event celebrated the Aquarium’s success. has improved lesions found on one of the “It’s been an amazing year for the beluga whales at the Aquarium.” Aquarium,” said Meghann The attraction’s Gibbons, Public Relations It’s been an amazing year inaugural success Manager for the Aquarium. for the Aquarium. We comes hand in hand “We have exceeded numerous with pressure to make projections.” have exceeded numerous its second year in Although officials originally “ expectations. operation even better. expected the Aquarium to The Aquarium began attract 2.4 million people in a $13 million, 7,000- its first year, actual attedance Meghann Gibbons, Aquarium square-foot expansion exceeded that estimate Representative project in October. within the first nine months. “They should be Attendance was not the only projection the called improvements, not really renovations,” aquarium exceeded—the attraction sold close Gibbons said. “All the things will add to the to 205,000 more annual passes than expected. experience, not take away from it. A lot of The Aquarium made a profit of approximately the changes are things you will never see. $290 million in 2006. Recent studies by [But] you will see changes like extending the Georgia State University estimate the Georgia ballroom and rearranging some exhibits to Aquarium’s impact on Atlanta economies to be [make them visible at] eye level.” over $1 billion. For some peopl, these improvements “The Georgia Aquarium was able to open couldn’t come soon enough. debt-free thanks to generous benefactors,” “I didn’t like the Georgia Aquarium,” Gibbons said. “[So,] $13 million is Eberhardt said. “The Tennessee Aquarium is already going towards education, better because it is more open and you don’t research and right back into have to bend over to see the sea lions.”

the Aquarium.” The Aquarium has also faced criticism from ANDREWS CURRY The scientific animal rights groups. MARITIME MELODIES: The Grady marching band and dance team perform at the Georgia Aquarium’s one year “We have had some PETA protestors anniversary celebration on Nov. 21. “My favorite song we played was an upbeat song when the drummers got to outside,” Gibbons said. “But dance and play our loudest, “ said senior Quinton Eberhardt, who plays the bass drum in the marching band. they should know that the animals at the beluga whale, was 300 pounds—very animals in the Aquarium is ignoring the true Aquarium are very underweight— [when caught] and wouldn’t origin of their illnesses and lesions. well taken care be alive right now if he hadn’t been brought “It is twisted logic to me that a captivity- of. Gasper, to the Aquarium.” induced illness was cured,” Church said. t h e The Georgia Animal Rights and Protection “If they were really concerned about the group maintains that the Aquarium’s animal beluga whales they should [be] helping them habitats are inhumane. in the wild. They cannot swim and mate “Our primary objection to the Aquarium is normally in captivity. At the end of the day, its confinement of mammals, like the beluga the Aquarium was not built to be an animal whales,” GARP representative Jill Howard rescue facility. It was built to attract paying Church said. “The beluga whales suffer customers.” [when they are] confined and restricted in Protests notwithstanding, the Aquarium movement. Usually beluga whales swim hopes to continue its success in the new year. many miles a day and live in large social “Next year, we estimate that 2.4 million groups—they need that.” people will come to the Georgia Aquarium,” Church also contends that any Gibbons said. “We know it won’t be as high as medicine, like Tricide, made to cure this year’s numbers, but you never know.” ❐ DAVE WINTER THE SOUTHERNER Dec. 14, 2006 f e a t u r e 11 Doctor seeks to improve life in Ghana through clinic BY TRAVIS JONES can come. I want to do it in my on the hospitals, they are in poor of political complications. health care a priority.” Larthe, a small village in Ghana, village, which is in the mountains.” condition and struggle to provide Abonsu, however, is optimistic Dr. Abonsu will depart for his next recently installed its fi rst toilet. Although Larthe only recently adequate health care for Ghanaians. about his chances. visit to Ghana on Dec. 18. He hopes Next on the list is a state-of-the-art received adequate plumbing, the According to Abonsu, the Larthe “I wouldn’t face anything like to have the hospital completed in the medical facility. village has played an important role clinic will seek out pharmaceutical [Mutumbo’s problems],” he said. next fi ve to seven years and says that Such is the dream of Dr. Felix in Ghanaian history. representatives in order to sustain “Ghana has always been very he can travel back and forth between Abonsu, a native of Ghana who “Rita Marley has a village right itself. These representatives manage stable, although the economy may Ghana and the United States fairly moved to Chicago from Larthe at next to it,” Abonsu said. “The copious amounts of vaccinations fl uctuate. Ghana is very tolerant.” frequently. the age of nine. Dr. Abonsu, who president of Ghana was from and medicines every year that would Recent changes in the government “Every helping hand is welcome,” went to high school in Chicago, [Larthe], and the village actually otherwise be thrown away; the clinic help, too. Dr. Abonsu received an undergraduate degree started independence for all of he hopes to set up would take hold “Before [My goal is to] get a free, said. “Whether at the University of Michigan and Ghana.” of these discarded, yet needed 2000, the it be by active completed a graduate degree at the Even though there are hospitals items. e c o n o m y state-of-the-art, self- participation or University of Illinois. He is currently and clinics in cities about 20 Abonsu’s dream is not out of reach. was a sustaining clinic in Ghana. by donations.” practicing emergency medicine at minutes away, Ghanaian health While in Washington D.C. recently, problem,” “ For those who the Atlanta Medical Center, where care as a whole is underfunded. Abonsu spoke to former Atlanta A b o n s u wish to help, he he treats everything “from coughs According to Dr. Abonsu, quality Hawks star Dikembe Mutumbo said. “But Dr. Felix Abonsu recommends a to gunshots.” medical care is too expensive for about the project and received o n c e program that Abonsu, who travels to Ghana the poorer village people. “When positive feedback. Mutumbo is [Ghanaian president John Kufuor] he is involved with called “Adopt to see his family every six months, important rich people get sick, they devoted to helping improve West was elected, we didn’t have to worry A Village,” which treats people for has set a lofty goal for his home get [health care attention] out of the Africa— he started the Africa about the government stealing diabetes and other diseases. Anyone country. country,” Abonsu said. “They leave 100 camp, a program that teaches money because he was already rich. is welcome to join. “[My goal is to] get a free, state- to France, England, or somewhere African youth about both basketball He is coming in with ideas about “Ghana is fi lled with [beautiful] of-the-art, self-sustaining clinic in like that. They are taking their and important social issues. He nonviolence and cooperation. He people,” Dr. Abonsu said. “You Ghana,” he said. “It will be free so money elsewhere.” attempted to build a hospital in wants people to come back to the just want to do something for that people from all different villages Because little money is being spent Africa, but he was stopped because country… he just needs to make them.” ❐ REVIEW Titanic exhibit revitalizes memories of fatal sinking

BY KAYCI SCHOON projected quotes and photos of the Titanic When the RMS Titanic sailed from in its current condition. Quiet music Liverpool England on April 10, 1912, it and the faint ringing of a bell highlight was the largest and most luxurious ship of the mystic atmosphere, producing an its time. Yet by April 15, the 46,328-ton appropriate setting for the sinking.

S ship lay silent, two and a half miles below Despite the exhibit’s impressive display A R

A the Atlantic Ocean. 1,522 people died in and artifacts, it grants both the survivors H

H the catastrophe. and victims of the Titanic tragedy little A N

K Ninety-four years later, the $31 ticket sensitivity. cost of the Titanic exhibit now on display When customers enter the exhibit, they RUNNING IN CIRCLES: Along with pristine soccer fi elds, softball fi elds and beach volleyball courts, Piedmont at the Civic Center seems diminutive each receive a ticket with the name, class Park’s new Active Oval features a state-of-the-art half-mile running track funded by the Atlanta Track Club. next to a $44,000 fi rst-class ticket for the and cabin of a particular Titanic voyager. supposedly indestructible ocean liner. A wall covered with the names of Titanic Park’s recreation complex renovated Many people may expect an exhibit passengers is one of the last displays in fi lled with romantic cliches—Rose and the exhibit. The names are divided by BY SOPHIE COX Nelson said. Jack clinging helplessly to a fl oating class, and then divided once again—into On Nov. 8, a crowd gathered just inside The Active Oval has a long history. piece of debris, as Rose whispers that groups of those who lived and those who the 14th Street entrance to Piedmont Park. First used during the Cotton States and she’ll “never let go.” The Titanic display, died. The wall allows museum-goers to After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor International Exposition of 1895, it was also however, defi es expectations. discover whether or not the person on Shirley Franklin, Phil Kent, CEO of Turner the site of Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta The lights gradually fade throughout the their entrance ticket survived. Broadcasting System, Inc. and Julia Emmons Compromise address. During World War exhibit, representing the gradual sinking Many people walk indifferently away of the Atlanta Track Club went running I, the 325th Infantry Unit was stationed of the ship. Each room is fi lled with from the wall after fi nding out that their around Piedmont Park’s newly restored on the fi elds and formed the temporary Ft. sealed glass cases which contain artifacts person did not survive the sinking. But facilities. McPherson Camp. The Oval was also home recovered from the sunken ship. The the Titanic voyagers couldn’t just walk The ceremony marked the completed to the South’s fi rst intercollegiate football artifacts are preserved with a water- away. Their deaths were not just a restoration of Piedmont Park’s Active Oval game, between the University of Georgia soluble wax that seals capillaries matter of which names are listed and Ball Fields, an area of the park designated Goats and the Agriculture and Mechanical in the object previously fi lled with on a wall, and should not be for recreational play. College of Alabama, now known as Auburn water. presented as such. “New additions to the fi elds currently University. The exhibit has over 300 The exhibit, however, include a half-mile jogging track, two “UGA’s mascot was the goat, not a bulldog,” artifacts, which depict is very informative and regulation size sand lot volleyball courts and Nelson said. “Auburn won that game 10-0.” the lives of the people helpful for anyone who two regulation size soccer and softball fi elds,” In an effort to extend the fi elds’ lifespan and affected by the sinking wants to learn the said Chris Nelson, executive vice president of decrease erosion, the PPC has instituted new and eerily connect real story of the the Piedmont Park Conservancy. rules for recreational play. Both league and the victims to the Titanic. It allows The renovations were part of a 1995 pick-up games will not be allowed anywhere onlooker. The the tragedy of addition to the PPC’s master plan to restore outside of the Active Oval. exhibit features the Titanic to the park, which encompasses a number of “While the fi eld was closed, we allowed a leather resonate in detailed phases. The PPC has completed people to play [games] on Oak Hill,” Nelson G l a d s t o n e the mind of improvements to the meadow, Oak Hill, said. “Now we will encourage people to use the h a n d b a g , every person Lake Clara Meer and rentable facilities like Active Oval facility because we have designed hundreds of who leaves Magnolia Hall and the visitor’s center. The that fi eld to specifi cally accommodate those dishes, playing the exhibit. organization is also adding bike paths to the sports—soccer, softball and volleyball.” cards, a gilded It will remind North Woods, a 53-acre area recently added In addition to the new rules, the PPC has chandelier and e v e r y o n e to the Park. also implanted a fl agpole on the Active Oval a top hat with that there is Before the fi elds closed for renovation, a grounds. A red fl ag will be raised on the a matching silk much more variety of sports leagues, including the youth fl agpole to indicate that fi elds are closed due bow-tie, among to the Titanic and adult soccer and softball leagues, used to weather conditions or maintenance. other items. than Rose, Jack, the park’s facilities. Over time constant usage “We’ll maintain this fi eld to high standards,” At the end of their scandalous created visibly bad conditions. Nelson said. “Wherever we’ve improved an the exhibit, there love affair and “The fi elds were in bad condition [and] area [in the park], we’ve gotten in there and is a large chunk of the “heart of the ❐ there wasn’t a lot of care [given] to them,” maintained it as well.” ice surrounded by SCHOON KAYCI ocean.” ❐ 12 f e a t u r e Dec. 14, 2006 Grady orchestra Organizations receives tune-up to help where from ASO clinic Santa forgets BY LENA BRODSKY BY LILY FEINBERG Practice ended on a high note for the orchestra An ample amount of food, a after a clinic with three musicians from the Atlanta cheery family, a decorated tree or Symphony Orchestra Dec. 4. Violinists Kenn a flickering menorah and boxes Wagner and Sandy Salzinger and cellist Karen of festively adorned presents are Freer spent the afternoon playing for, listening to among the things many take for and helping students of all playing levels. granted around the holidays. “We’re part of the Atlanta Symphony Outreach Because some in our community Program,” Wagner said. “We go into schools and are not fortunate enough to have bring in a high level of playing to supplement the these luxuries, multiple Grady organizations dedicate themselves education program.” G R

E to holiday service projects that help Orchestra director Ms. Jennifer Hutton believes B N I

E the less fortunate. F

this may be the first time Grady has participated

Y The Student Government L in this particular program. Since schools can have I L ASO musicians visit twice a year, Ms. Hutton Association is known for its annual TUNE IN: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra violinist Kenn Wagner plays with Grady violinists senior Sarah Muntzing and decided to take advantage of this opportunity. canned food drive. junior Rebecca Butler. “I felt like I could listen to how [Wagner] was playing so I could play like him,” Muntzing said. The ASO musicians began the clinic by playing “The canned food drive is a lot two classical pieces so students could listen and knew exactly what we needed work on before we don’t always expect,” Ms. Hutton said. “After one of work because we have to separate observe. went in there.” hour or two hours of doing something, it doesn’t the different kinds of food and “It was very inspiring,” said freshman cellist Eva When the orchestra split up into sections for always stick with you, but it’s clear that it has.” bring all of it to the organization Dines. “It really made me, and I hope some of the more instrument-specific practice, the clinicians With this clinic’s success, Ms. Hutton hopes that collects it,” said Summer Frost, other players want to someday play like that.” were able to work with the students more closely to schedule more sessions for the orchestra with co-president of the SGA. Senior Sarah Muntzing, a violinist, also gained on awareness and techniques. other musicians, including directors from the Although it may be a lot of insight simply from watching the musicians as “[Freer] showed us how to hold our bows and Emory, Georgia State University and Kennesaw work, the canned food drive can they played. apply pressure to them in different ways so that it State University orchestras. benefit hundreds of families and is “When they were playing for us, we could see made different sounds,” Dines said. Muntzing, though, looks forward to April, when conducted statewide. Some schools how…they were playing a piece that they hadn’t Across the hall in one of the violin rooms, ASO musicians will return for another clinic. are known to collect 4,000 boxes played in a really long time, but they still looked Wagner worked with students on starting together “They said they’d come back before our spring or cans of food, and although at each other and communicated with each other on cue and improving playing style, among other concert, and it’s good that we can know that we Grady’s sum was more humble, an to get the right style and to come in together,” things. have these professional musicians coming to help effort was still made. This year, the Muntzing said. “They have so much musical knowledge and so us later on,” she said. student body collected 1,100 cans. When the ASO musicians finished, students much experience playing in all kinds of places,” Ms. Hutton plans to have Freer, Wagner and “Another charity project we’re played selections from their holiday program for Muntzing said. “We know the notes. We know the Salzinger come back for the spring clinic and is doing is Adopt-A-Family,” said the clinicians to hear. rhythm. We just don’t know the style very well yet, very happy with how they were able to help the Joy Carter, executive secretary of “It was like a musical exchange,” Muntzing said. so it was good that they were there to help us.” students. the SGA. “We give food baskets “It was cool to listen to them because it was like Even shortly after the clinic, Ms. Hutton saw “They were very patient, good, talented teachers to needy families during the our own private concert. Then we played for them advancement in the orchestra’s performance. and warm people,” she said. “I felt really pleased holidays.” so when we were broken up into our groups, they “There was noticeable improvement, which you with that and lucky to have them.” ❐ Grady’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is also working on holiday charity projects. “This year we’re doing the Empty Winter production parodies holiday spirit Stocking Fund, where we go around the neighborhood collecting toys for BY KELLY DOUGLAS LaMotte, who played Ebeneezer me to be a mean, nasty guy. In real the production date loomed. homeless kids,” said junior Jasmine The curtains open to reveal Scrooge in the play. “It’s got a great life I’m the nicest person you know.” “We [got] to use nail guns, table Thomas, a member of the JROTC. London in the 1840s. Snow is lightly message and it’s funny.” LaMotte enjoys being involved saws and compound miter saws, Participants hope to ensure falling. A young Scrooge plays with Christmas Binge is a parody in productions not only because of unless you’re [like] me and you just that everyone has a more fulfilling a friend as the cast sings Christmas of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas his love for acting, but also because get trusted with hammers and nails,” holiday, and to get the community songs. It is the Grady Drama Carol. It follows an off-beat ghost of the accepting atmosphere of the O’Brien said. outside of Grady involved in charity Club’s winter production, Mrs. Bob who attempts to change Ebeneezer drama club. It encompasses students In addition to set design, students work so that more funds and gifts Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge, Scrooge’s bah-humbug attitude. of many different backgrounds and control the technological aspects of will be donated. which ran Dec. 7-9. The play, however, doesn’t follow the interests. Senior Joy Carter, cast as the play, like lighting and music. “For the Empty Stocking Fund “I thought the acting was well-known storyline of A Christmas the Ghost, agrees wholeheartedly A dedicated stage crew is vital for a on Dec. 2 we are collecting money amazing,” junior Alix Joslyn said. Carol. The ghost mistakenly presents with this sentiment. successful production. in the neighborhoods like Virginia- “Also, the set was impressive; it was Scrooge with a distorted view of the “It’s fun being around everybody,” “Our job is basically to organize Highland,” said senior and JROTC so detailed.” world, and the play includes allusions Carter said. “You meet a lot of everything that happens for the Battalion Commander Ryan Two weeks before the play was set to other people you play,” said junior Alex Hooper, the Betty. “Select cadets and I will be to debut, the hectic atmosphere in C h r i s t m a s You meet a lot of people you never would stage manager for Christmas Binge. collecting in tins and jars.” the Grady theatre belied the seamless c l a s s i c s never would have talked to have talked to “We put the set pieces on the stage JROTC’s other charity project is performance on production night. such as It’s a otherwise.” for the different scenes, get the props Santa’s Workshop. The students will Students rushed around trying to Wo n d e r f u l otherwise. The cast ready and make sure the lighting and go to City Hall East to collect and find shoes that fit. One girl held up Life. “ rehearsed for curtains are timed right.” then issue gifts to families that need a frilly blue dress for approval, which “Originally at least three Hooper enjoyed the excitement of assistance. she was denied. Some boys dressed I read it senior Joy Carter hours each day contributing to the production. Outside of the SGA and JROTC in vests and scarves ran through the b e c a u s e and attended “Backstage during the actual play there are students who want to aisles, playing with a plastic hand. [sophomore] Hannah Snowden was longer rehearsals as opening night is a major adrenaline rush,” Hooper make a difference. Junior Katie Van Amidst the chatter, a loud voice doing it as a competition piece [for approached. said. “It’s cool to have a situation and Heidrich planned a charity project could be heard trying to take roll. debate],” said Ms. Lisa Willoughby, “I’ve been very impressed [with the be able to make it work.” with the help of teachers, Ms. Berg Groups of students sat around the the play’s director. “I thought cast],” Ms. Willoughby said. “There At rehearsal, a few words from and Ms. Abbot, and in association theatre poring over scripts in a last- it was really funny, and I knew are a lot of sophomore boys with Ms. Willoughby brought the cast with a local preschool. She aims to minute attempt to memorize their Grady students liked Durang. We very high energy. It is good onstage to attention. The laughing, talking collect toys for single parent families lines. have done a number of his plays— but sometimes exhausting off.” and running stopped and the cast and provide prizes as an incentive In early October ballots were Naomi, Philadelphia and Baby with A successful production requires took their places. As the run-through for students to donate. distributed to students with four the Bathwater.” much more than just acting. of the play began, the previously Students participate in holiday options for the winter production. Auditions for the play were held Grady’s seventh period set design distracted teenagers transformed charity projects because they feel The choices included The Ramayana, Oct. 17-19. The play involves class worked hard to make a set for into their respective characters. it is one of their duties to care The Wind in the Willows, Three Tales acting and singing, so students were Christmas Binge. Despite the unfinished scenery, for the school and neighborhood of Sorrow and Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s expected to read lines and sing Silent “We had to tear apart a previous haphazard costumes and shaky population. Wild Christmas Binge. Most students Night. There was such a big turnout set and put it together differently,” memorization, the play turned into “It’s part of the [JROTC] selected Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild that all of the main roles were double junior Katie O’Brien said. “The sets a real production. curriculum to serve the state and Christmas Binge for its comic value. cast. are individual pieces that turn on “The ability of the cast to pull the community,” Betty said. “We “I thought the script was really “I [loved] being Ebeneezer wheels for different scenes.” together is amazing,” Carter said. “I give back because we are modeled well written,” said sophomore Ryan Scrooge,” LaMotte said. “It [allowed] The class met on the weekends as love being a part of it.” ❐ after the military.” ❐ Dec. 14, 2006 f e a t u r e 13 Teachers’ lunch gatherings provide time to socialize

BY CARSON HALE meeting spot is simply part of the social side “We stay away from dealing with students of subjects—mostly science—the downstairs While students have the choice between of lunch for teachers. on a personal level,” Mr. Phillips said. “We’re group focuses more on sharing ideas, such as indoor or al-fresco dining venues, trendy As a teacher relatively new to Grady, Mr. mostly professional.” class lessons, instead of political events. teachers gather in classrooms to enjoy their George Darden used to eat lunch in his The teachers’ lunches are currently potluck. “Once in a while [we discuss] something midday meal. classroom down the hall and check his email “[Mr. Phillips] makes a mean spinach political that happened, but mostly we talk On the fourth fl oor of Charles Allen, many until Mr. Phillips encouraged him to come salad,” Ms. Green said of the dish their host about education, because that’s our fi eld,” of the social science teachers convene in Mr. enjoy A-lunch in his room. plans to bring. Mr. Curtis said. Kurt Phillips’ room to discuss “mostly school- Ms. Mary Carter Van-Atta, Mr. Francis Mr. Legagnour describes soda, his addition Teachers establish these lunch routines for related” issues, such as education theory, and Legagneur, Ms. Ellen Green, Ms. Susan to the meal, as “a bachelor thing to bring.” the same reasons as students—to talk and to take a break from teaching. Salversen, Mr. Lou Sartor and Ms. Nadia Ms. Salvesen’s husband will cook something, share ideas, have a comfortable place to eat, “Philosophically speaking, we’re all social Goodvin are also all regulars in Mr. Phil’s and Mr. Darden is bringing peanut butter and and to enjoy a break from class. beings,” Mr. Phillips said. “We enjoy our lunch bunch. jelly sandwiches. Many of the social science teachers agreed personal time but we also enjoy our time to “I’m just a classy person,” Mr. Phillips said In addition to their usual diverse group of that their lunch crowd is interesting in part be together and refl ect.” of the reason to meet in his classroom. about six teachers, they plan to invite some because of the fact that they are all teachers. Mr. Nikolai Curtis, who lunches both with While they make a point to get any teachers teachers from other fl oors, some of whom “You cannot fi nd a better group of people Mr. Phillips and another group of teachers to come, they don’t encourage students to have their own lunch bunches. to be around at a party or get-together than downstairs, pointed out that teachers aren’t make an appearance. With a student in their On the third fl oor of Charles Allen, the teachers,” Mr. Phillips said. “Think about it. “all just dorks that teach all day.” Just as midst, there is no gossip or even political teacher workroom is the place to be at noon. They’re smart; they’re good talkers. I do feel students sit together at lunch, having a central discussion. Since teachers from that fl oor are from a mix sorry for non-teachers in those situations.” ❐ Reception honors Winecoff Hotel fi re victims, heroes BY SCOTTIE BOOKMAN housed many of the fi refi ghters who Sixty years ago on Dec. 7, 1946, responded to the Winecoff fi re. Atlanta awoke to the news of an “The goal was to try to bring emergency that it wasn’t prepared together as many survivors and to handle. In a tragic accident at the victim’s families as possible one Winecoff Hotel, 119 lives were lost more time,” said Janet Cox, who in America’s deadliest hotel fi re. coordinated the event. “This was “[The Winecoff Hotel] was a the 60th [anniversary], and I luxury,” said Sam Heys, who fi rst wanted to make sure that we noted began researching the fi re in 1986 that. It was an opportunity to and is co-author of the book The recognize the event one more time Winecoff Fire: The Untold Story of in a special way.” America’s Deadliest Hotel Fire. “It Robert Cox came to Atlanta was the top hotel at that time in from his home in Kansas for the Atlanta. At 15 stories, it was a very event and presented a letter of signifi cant building [and] it was gratifi cation to all of the heroes who built with all the latest construction. were involved in the tragedy and to There was no wood in the hotel, today’s fi refi ghters. [only] steel and concrete.” “I knew that what I would really N A

The latest construction, however, M like to do is just tell the people K O

was not accompanied by the latest O thank you, so I wrote a letter B

E safety measures. Because of its I of thank you,” he said. “I just T T

modern construction, the hotel had O really wanted to tell them that I C been advertised as fi reproof since its S appreciated them.” opening in 1913. Yet the Winecoff Janet Cox was extremely happy HATS OFF FOR WINECOFF: (Sitting from right) Authors Sam Heys and Allen Goodwin sign copies of their book while Atlanta broadcast lacked fi re escapes, sprinkler systems with the turnout. icon Aubrey Morris looks on. The Dec. 3 remembrance reunited survivors, victim’s families and witnesses of the tragic 1946 hotel fi re. and fi re alarms. In addition to the “A lot of these people have come hotel’s insuffi cient safety measures, a fi re of the Winecoff’s magnitude. we started down, the ladder was invite fi re marshals and fi re offi cials to the reunions in the past, but this the Atlanta Fire Department was “It was apparent that the fi re moved; the two of us fell and landed from all over the country to come time they were willing and ready to not properly equipped to handle truck ladders reached to the eighth on the net that people were holding, to Atlanta to study the building,” stand up and talk,” she said. “That’s fl oooror aandnd wwee wwereere oonn tthehe ttenth,”enth,” ssaidaid and he hit his head on the rim of the Heys said. “President Truman called why they were there this time. That The Winecoff RobertRobert Cox,Cox, whosewhose parentsparents werewere net and did not survive that. I just together a conference of fi re offi cials was another one of my goals— just Hotel killedkilled inin thethe fi rree wwhenhen hhee wwasas tthreehree kind of rolled out into the center of all around the country the following [to] make sure that there was plenty yearsyears old.old. GuestsGuests stayingstaying aboveabove thethe the net and was okay.” year. The Winecoff had been the of time for them to talk about it.“

TIE BOOKMAN eightheighth fl oooror ccreatedreated ssheetheet rropesopes ttoo Some of the guests who jumped worst fi re, but there had been other At the reception, Heys and his T SCO lowerlower themselvesthemselves toto a ladder.ladder. or fell survived the experience. terrible hotel fi res in the summer co-author, Allen B. Goodwin WithWith oonlynly ttwowo nnets,ets, nneithereither “My mother was in the fi re and of 1946, in signed copies of ofof wwhichhich wwasas ddesignedesigned ttoo she jumped from the seventh fl oor,” Chicago and [By writing The Winecoff their book. catchcatch peoplepeople jumpingjumping said Janet Cox, no relation to Robert in Debuke, Fire] we were trying to tell “The most fromfrom suchsuch greatgreat Cox, who was not born at the time Iowa, and the the story. But in doing that, gratifying thing heights,heights, eveneven thosethose of the fi re. Janet Cox’s mother, country was for me—why whowho fellfell directlydirectly Dorothy Moen Cox, was sixteen in pretty alarmed “ for those people who’d lived I co-authored intointo themthem facedfaced 1946 and had come to Atlanta with about whether through it and have to deal this book—is serious injury. three friends for the YMCA’s Youth they could with the memories of it... that people “People“People w wereere Assembly, a program that allowed sleep safely in seemed to get tyingtying sheetssheets high school students to engage in a these places.” this seemed to give some a lot of healing togethertogether toto getget mock legislature for a week. Of the Hartsfield’s healing. from the book,” fromfrom theirtheir roomsrooms fi re’s victims, 29 were high school a c t i o n s Heys said. “We downdown [ [toto t thehe students who were staying at the refl ected a were trying to ladders],ladders], andand Winecoff for the Youth Assembly. national trend. author Sam Heys tell the story. that’sthat’s whatwhat mymy “She opened the window and sat “If you look But in doing parentsparents did,”did,” there for the longest time,” Janet at the newspaper articles in the that, for those people who’d lived

SCOTTIE BOOKMAN CoxCox said.said. “My“My Cox said of her mother’s experience. weeks and months after the fi re, through it and have dealt with the mother,mother, whowho “It was getting hotter and hotter in all around the country there were memories of it for all these years, waswas [climbing[climbing the room and she held on to the tougher fi re codes passed,” Heys this seemed to give some healing.” downdown thethe ledge and just dangled there for a said. Heys and Goodvin’s book sheetsheet rope],rope], little while. She could only hold on To mark the event’s 60th provides a moving view of Atlanta’s fellfell a andnd w wasas for so long, and fi nally she just said anniversary, the Atlanta Fire most fatal tragedies. “[The book] killedkilled onon thethe a prayer and let go.” Department hosted a reception on just brought it home to me,” Janet s i d e w a l k . Cox miraculously survived the Dec. 3 to honor the fi refi ghters, Cox said. “I could not believe the MyMy fatherfather fall. After the fi re was extinguished, survivors, victim’s families and struggle and the stories of survival w a s mayor William Hartsfi eld called eyewitnesses of the Winecoff Fire. that were just incredible. That’s holdingholding for a revolution in the process of The reception was held at the what amazed me and I’m just so m e , fi re safety. Spotted Dog Tavern, which was glad somebody fi nally wrote about andand asas “[Mayor Hartsfi eld] began to a fi re department in 1946 that it.” ❐ SPORTS BRIEFS 14 s p o r t s THE SOUTHERNER Dec. 14, 2006 Tomlinson shatters PGA Tour to establish FedEx Cup in ‘07 NFL scoring record Very few people November to late September. The tournament tire out the competitors. San Diego Chargers running back watch golf on television will cap off the Championship Series, which The Tour is concerned with television ratings. Ladanian Tomlinson recently scored anymore. There’s no are select tournaments that take place during ABC, which carried many tournaments in 2006, his 29th touchdown in a Dec. 10 drama because players August and September. To make it into the opted not to renew its contract with the PGA game against Denver, breaking the compete for money Championship Series, players must be among Tour. This left the Tour in a tight spot and forced NFL’s record for touchdowns in a every week instead of the top 144 in points, including any ties for the them to renew deals with CBS and NBC. The single season. The mark was previ- something later in the 144th spot. first two rounds of every tour event this season ously held by Shaun Alexander, who season. After the cut has been made, the Tour will hold will be aired on the Golf Channel, a cable ERIK BELGUM scored 28 times last year. That’s all about to three playoff tournaments: the Barclay’s Classic, station, which will drastically reduce its viewing change with the start of the 2007 Professional Golf the Deutsche Bank Championship and the BMW audience when compared to if they were already Association Tour season and the introduction of Championship. After each tournament, players on television. NBA to switch back the FedEx Cup, a system that will reward players will be eliminated from the playoffs based on Critics say that the FedEx Cup Series is a with points for placing well in specific FedEx Cup point totals. The final 30 players will meet at East gimmick to get people interested in golf, and they to leather basketball tournaments. Most of last year’s tournaments will Lake Golf Club for the Tour Championship. may be right. The 2007 season will likely provide After numerous complaints by take place again this year but in a different order. At the end of the Tour Championship, the the Tour with some much-needed public interest. players, general managers and fans, For example, the Players Championship will winner of the FedEx Cup will win $10 million, Fans are getting tired of Tiger Woods routinely the NBA will return to the leather occur in May along with the Bellsouth Classic. the largest single check in PGA Tour history. The winning more than half the tournaments he basketball used since the NBA’s Each regular PGA Tour event will award a total second through fifth-place finishers will receive enters, usually by a large margin. inception. NBA commissioner David of 25,000 points to the top 70 players, including $3 million, $2 million, $1.5 million and $1 In order to survive, the Cup will need more Stern’s tumultuous and questionable ties. The major championships and the Players million, respectively. big-name players. Players like Woods, Ernie decision to change to a synthetic ball Championship each have 27,500 points at stake. While the new format may lead to increased Els, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk will need to has been largely unpopular in the The Tour Championship, which takes place in television ratings, it will also encourage players to share the spotlight when the Tour Championship NBA community, although scoring Atlanta, will be moved from the first weekend in enter as many tournaments as possible, which will comes to Atlanta. ❐ has increased from last season. Grady basketball off to rocky start after tough losses Lady Knights expect to gain recognition, build off last season’s disappointing ending

BY JAMISON KINNANE have had to start over and build The Lady Knights basketball up from a small number of team hopes to repeat the strong returning players. This year is no start it had last season, but this exception. year intends to hold onto that The team is made up of mostly successful beginning for the entire freshmen and sophomores, with season. only two seniors. Coach Baker Last year the team started strong feels that it is important to start but ended the season at 4-12 and with the basics. lost to Paideia in the first round of “I’m teaching a lot of the state playoffs. fundamentals,” Coach Baker “Our season was OK, but I am said. “We have a such a new, looking forward to us improving young team with a lot of girls this year,” sophomore Nicole coming from middle school, Lowery said. so we’re working on passing, The team graduated seniors dribbling and defense. If we get Kai Woods and Roxanne Sneed the basics down, everything else and lost other players for various will fall into place.” reasons as well. As a result, For now, the girls are still freshmen have been given the running the same plays from last opportunity to play on the varsity season, but they hope to build off JONES TRAVIS squad, a privilege usually reserved those and learn new ones as the REACH FOR THE SKY: Seniors Luke Pattison and Tyrone Norman reach for a critical rebound during the Knights’ last-second victory for upperclassmen. season progresses. over North Atlanta on Dec. 4. Grady won 57-55 on a last second tip-in by senior Donald White, his only two points scored that game. “[The freshmen] are going to During most practices, the be a good addition to the team,” team runs and works on defense. Team looks to improve on last year’s unimpressive regular season sophomore Tarneshia Platt said. “Defense is our big thing this BY CARSON PHILLIPS-SPOTTS optimistic. the Knights. “They bring a lot of speed to the year,” Coach Baker said. “Above The start of the 2006-2007 “We want to make it four,” senior “It was our first couple of games, team.” everything else is defense, so Grady basketball season has been forward Nick Gibson said when and we had a lot of feeling out to Because the girls have entered we’re working on a lot of drills marked by the same challenges asked about the Knights’ pairing do. I wouldn’t read into it much,” a new region this year, they will this year.” all Grady sports teams have faced against the three top ranked teams. Gibson said. face tougher competition than The team’s schedule includes this year: new region, new teams, “We are an undersized squad, but Unlike the false sense of last year. They will play new teams more than 20 games. In order stiffer competition; it’s the same we have speed. We have to play to confidence the Knights conveyed including Westminster and North to prepare for the season, some song only a different verse. The our advantages. We are talented, before the season, their positive Atlanta, as well as old rivals such of the veterans began training a road ahead for the Knights holds [and] if we make a statement state of mind paid off when they as Paideia. Despite these new month early. Though not all of more challenges, but the question and develop a reputation, that faced North Atlanta. Coming into challenges, the team is looking to the girls have been involved in still remains as to how they will reputation will follow us.” the game with an 0-3 record, a first make it to the state playoffs and the off-season training, enough meet them. Confidence was at a high point win was overdue for the Knights. beyond. of them have been out there to Last year’s Cinderella story going into the team’s first three “This is definitely a must-win “This year I expect to go all the make a difference. encompassed more wins in contests against Forrest Park, situation,” senior center Luke way to the championship game,” “The people that came out elimination play than they did Druid Hills and Decatur. The Pattison said. “This game can Platt said. are pretty much the core of the during the regular season. Knights found, however, that set the pace for the season.” The For Coach Dawn Baker, team,” Coach Baker said. “They That was the past. A new confidence doesn’t win ball games. Knights finished the job with qualifying for the state playoffs is have been consistently here classification presents many The team lost all three games by a last-second tip-in by senior a more plausible ambition. during the summer and the start difficulties as well as many an average of 20 points. Despite Donald White, his only two “[Making it to state] is always of the school year. I think that opportunities. A strong start can the losses, the Knights saw a points of the game. a big goal of ours,” Coach Baker them playing together [during mean a new reputation for the bright point in their leading scorer When Goodine was asked where said. “We have a really young team the off-season] is really going to Knights, who have struggled in Chris Willis. Willis, a transfer the Knights were headed after the so we’re going to have to work pay off.” the regular season for the past few point guard from Mays, serves defeat at Forest Park, Goodine hard. It will be challenging, but we The team feels as though it years. as a consistent scoring threat for simply answered, “Macon,” the really want to make it to state.” is ready for its debut in region “We know that three of the top the Knights, leading the team in location of the Georgia state Coach Baker has been AAA. ten teams in the state are in our scoring in each match up this year, championship. challenged by young teams ever “[The girls] are motivated,” region,” senior point guard Chris capping the run off with a 20- “We want to go to Macon,” since she began coaching at Grady Coach Baker said. “They are Goodine said. point performance against North Goodine said. “That’s the four years ago. ready to play and we’re excited Even when faced with this tough Atlanta. objective of any team worth Every year the Lady Knights about the new region.” ❐ competition, the team remains The losses did anything but faze something.” ❐ Dec. 14, 2006 s p o r t s 15 THE SOUTHERNER Dec. 14, 2006 New rule to allow MLS to import talent, fi ll stadiums Designated Player Rule will bring player recognition Designated Player Rule may increase tickets sales, but to Major League Soccer, increase fan base, attendance will ultimately hinder the quality of American soccer Major League an MLS game. In most soccer actually designed to attract fans and increase Soccer’s new According to the new rule, each MLS team leagues around the revenue? Designated Player will be assigned a designated player slot. The world, players sign If its purpose is to put fans in the seats, Rule allows each team teams can elect to keep the slot, to trade it contracts directly this rule may prove to be a success for about to choose one player to another team or to make a trade to gain with their respective two seasons or until the world’s superstars it can pay outside of a second designated player slot. No team teams. America, willing to come to the United States decide its preset salary cap. will be allowed more than two designated however, does it to retire. The rule will allow players. If a team decides to trade its slot to differently. Since the The Designated Player Rule also leaves STEPHEN CROUSE GRANT COYLE MLS teams to recruit another team, it can recruit new players. MLS’ inception in several MLS teams at a huge disadvantage. prominent soccer fi gures from Europe. It would be in the best interest of the 1996, its players have signed contracts with D.C. United is the only team with the While debate exists over how this new rule team owners to keep the designated player the league. Each team also has a salary cap money to sign a player like David Beckham, will affect the MLS, I think that the new rule slot, regardless of the amount they would of approximately $1.9 million. According to who makes about $10 million with Real can only bring good things to the league. be paying out of their own pockets. While the MLS’ new Designated Player Rule, each Madrid—higher than the combined salary Allowing teams to sign a designated player I agree with those who criticize the new team will be able to designate one player that of the 11 players on the MLS all-star team such as David Beckham, rule because it doesn’t will have a salary higher than the league’s that defeated Chelsea this year. Ronaldo or Luis Figo will The [Designated Player allow teams to recruit, salary cap. That player will be paid $400,000 If MLS wants to truly improve the quality not only raise the level of Rule] will provide for allowing world-famous by the MLS and the club will pay the rest of of play in its league, it should not try to bring play in the MLS, but will soccer players to play the salary. over players from Europe, but should invest also improve slacking greater, longer-lasting in America will bring Although this exception, appropriately in U.S. youth soccer and work hard to keep ticket sales. Teams “ intrested in Major greater national and dubbed the ‘Beckham Rule,’ may bring over talented Americans playing club soccer in from the European international attention some international superstars, such as Brazil’s the United States. This new rule could push Premier League, such League Soccer. to soccer in the United Ronaldo and England’s David Beckham, it Freddy Adu to go to Manchester United, for as Manchester United, States. The rule will will hurt the MLS in the long run. which he tried out earlier this off season. often draw over 50,000 fans at matches, also help the MLS gain recognition as a Players such as Landon Donovan, who Or the MLS should work harder on their while the average MLS attendance has yet high-quality soccer league not only from makes $900,000 and Freddy Adu, who talent recognition skills and not cut players to break the 20,000 mark. Bringing over Americans, but from other nations. makes $500,000 are among the few athletes like Green Bay, Wis. native Jay DeMerit. well-known players from the EPL, regardless The MLS will also gain popularity who currently make more than $400,000. DeMerit was cut at an MLS tryout and is of how much they are paid, will benefi t the among potential league players and youth Those players will be grandfathered in for now a star defender at Watford Football league by boosting regular game attendance, developmental leagues. After the initial the 2007 season, but must renegotiate their Club in England’s Premier League. increasing the fan base and expanding seasons of the new rule pass, there will also contracts and become designated players at The MLS needs to better use the few revenue. be greater competition among MLS teams. the end of the season. funds that it has. Instead of trying to become If an international star like Beckham were The rule will provide for greater, longer- My real objection to the Designated the New York Cosmos, the MLS should to play in a match, many people, myself lasting interest in MLS from American fans Player Rule, however, is its purpose. Is it to become a league that will provide quality included, would get excited about watching and will produce better players. ❐ improve the quality of play in MLS? Or is it soccer for years. ❐ Mercer allows for ultimate team’s inception at Grady BY MICHAEL HARPER Several Atlanta-area private Ultimate frisbee. It may sound schools, including The Paideia like a hot new toy this holiday School and The Galloway School, season, but it’s actually Grady’s have had ultimate teams for years. newest sport. Grady senior Ben Williams, who The game is played with a attended Paideia for three years, Frisbee and two teams of seven thought it would be great if Grady on a fi eld a little larger than a were one of the fi rst local public football fi eld. Play starts with schools to form an ultimate team. a pull, a long throw from one He learned, however, that it’s not team’s end line down the fi eld easy to start a team, especially for to the other team, similar to a a little-known sport. kickoff in football. “I’d been trying [to start Players then pass the Frisbee, an ultimate team] since 10th or disc, up the fi eld to their grade, but no one really seemed teammates without dropping it or interested,” Williams said. having it intercepted. The goal is The need for a teacher sponsor, to score in the opposing team’s rather than students’ lack of end zone, much like scoring a interest, originally kept Williams Caitlin touchdown. from starting a team.

Lemmond, Players are not allowed to run “I got 50 names of people MICHAEL HARPER with the disc and have only 10 who wanted to play, but no junior NO RISK, NO DISC: Freshman Elliot Erickson dives to make an important catch during an afterschool winter practice held at Grady. seconds to throw it to a teammate teacher really had an interest in after catching it. An opposing sponsoring a team,” Williams easily. school year, Ms. Mercer has taken a lot of growth and gain in defender guards the thrower said. “The cool thing is that anyone the team to several tournaments, knowledge of the game,” while counting to 10, known as Things changed, however, when can play,” Ms. Mercer said. “I including one in Savannah, Ga. Williams said. the stall count. If the stall count literature teacher and yearbook used to be just a regular girly girl “I’m surprised at how much Ms. Mercer hopes that the reaches 10, the disc is turned over adviser Ms. Susie Mercer came with no athletic ability. I learned progress we’ve made since we ultimate team will continue to to the other team. to Grady. how to be an athlete through started,” Leonard said. “A bunch grow and develop in years to The game involves no Ms. Mercer, who has played ultimate.” of people are getting much come and that more people will referees—the players settle their ultimate competitively for 10 Ms. Mercer is very impressed better and gaining a lot more see that it’s not just the actions own disagreements and call years, was intitially hesitant by how much interest exists in experience.” on the fi eld that make it one of their own fouls. This emphasis to start a team on her own. the sport’s fi rst year at Grady, but In its fi rst season, the team the fastest-growing sports in the on sportsmanship and honesty Her union with Williams, also says ultimate still has a lot of will play against a few colleges world. makes ultimate a unique sport. however, provided the necessary critics. and several high school teams, “Ultimate is a culture in itself, As the late Howard Cosell once momentum. “Most people think of playing including Paideia, where based around sportsmanship and said. “Ultimate is a refreshing “I wouldn’t have started a frisbee at the beach or with your coach Michael Baccarrini has superior athletic ability,” Ms. reminder of what a sport was team this soon, except for Ben dog,” Ms. Mercer said. “We still led his team to two national Mercer said. “It attracts a unique meant to be, and on rare occasions [showing] up at my door with 30 have a lot of people saying, ‘Oh championships in the past fi ve breed of people and it’s a sport still can be.” to 45 names of people interested, that hippy game.’ Most of them years. many play into their 30s and Some students like the and I just couldn’t say no,” Ms. don’t know how much physical In its fi rst year, the Grady 40s. If I can get kids to catch the unregulated feel of Ultimate. Mercer said. ability it really takes.” team is realistic about achieving ultimate bug now, they will have “I like it mostly because there Since then, the team has been Over the summer, the team held a winning record, but hopes to an immediate set of friends in are no refs,” junior Max Leonard trying to build interest and weekly scrimmages and practices build for the future. college and end up turning into said. “It’s more player-based than experience in a game that Ms. to help inexperienced players “I’m expecting our share of really cool adults. Who could say any other sport I’ve played.” Mercer says can be picked up learn the game. Throughout the defeats, but I’m also expecting no to that?” ❐ 16 s p o r t s Dec.14, 2006 Football team falls to Shaw after deep run in playoffs

BY MAX BEECHING but the Raiders shut down Grady’s In a hard-fought battle between offense by handing the Knights two defensive-minded teams, the their fi rst scoreless game of the senior-led Grady Knights came up season. short in their quest for a AAA state “We played for four hard quar- championship, losing to the Shaw ters,” senior fullback Anthony Raiders on Dec. 1. Johnson said. “Unfortunately, we In their opening drive, the Raid- didn’t come out on top. But we ers took the ball 73 yards down had a great year, and I had a great the fi eld and scored on a 2-yard time during my career at Grady.” touchdown run by Cam Great- The Grady fans’ and players’ dis- house. Although the extra point appointment was evident as they was blocked, the Knights never stood in shock after watching their reached the end zone. season come to an end. Despite “We knew coming in that their this, the Knights are still proud defense was tough,” head coach of their performance throughout Ronnie Millen said. “They were the season. only giving up seven points a “This was our fi rst time in AAA,

game.” G and we did a heck of a job,” Coach N I

The Knights’ offense proved H Millen said. “We didn’t reach our C E E

anemic, only managing 157 yards B goal, but we achieved a lot along

X of total offense. With senior quar- A the way.” M terback Simeon Kelley struggling The 2007 season will most and the Raiders’ defensive line RUNNING ROOM: Shaw quarterback Cam Greathouse successfully eludes oncoming Grady defenders in Grady’s 6-0 loss to the Raiders. Grady likely be a rebuilding year, as the was unable to keep up its offense, allowing Shaw to control the clock. The loss knocked Grady out of the playoffs, one win short of the Dome. winning the battle at the line of Knights will only have six return- scrimmage, Coach Millen turned 20-yard line. Grady fans thought 1:48 left in the fourth quarter, played well, only surrendering six ing starters. to a trick play. The same play their team had sealed the deal, but giving Grady one more chance to points to an offense that was aver- “Our senior class was a very bailed the Knights out twice this the Raiders turned the tide. score. aging 35 points a game. good group of players, but we have season, including the previous Three plays later, the Knights When the Knights couldn’t “We knew we had to come out to start getting ready for next sea- week’s victory against Flowery faced a fourth down with four move the fi rst down chains, how- hard and make sure that they son,” Coach Millen said. “We have Branch. yards to go on the 16-yard line. ever, the game was over. couldn’t fi nd their rhythm,” senior a lot of young prospects and will Kelley hiked the ball and tossed Kelley tried to hit junior wide re- “We just weren’t able to get any- defensive end Chris Smith said. make some noise come 2007.” it to senior running back Josh Wil- ceiver DeMarcus Watts in the end thing going,” senior running back The Knights’ downfall, however, “It’s sad to see that it’s all over,” liams, who threw it to senior wide zone, but the pass was incomplete. Josh Williams said. “It was a long was not capitalizing on key oppor- Smith said. “But I’m not ashamed receiver Rico Robinson for 40 The defense came through yet night.” tunities. Shaw missed two 37-yard to say that we gave it our all, and I yards, putting the ball on Shaw’s again, forcing Shaw to punt with Despite losing, the defense fi eld goals and had one turnover, have no regrets.” ❐ American sports declining as teams, players stumble American athletic basketball world by winning the National Award. really the World Champions? The answer supremacy has Basketball Association’s Most Valuable Go ahead and forget about American is no. Spain became the World Champions gone the way of the Player Award for the last two seasons? Is he soccer and hockey. If the United States’ when they crushed Greece 70-47 on Sept. mid-range jumper, a fl uke? I think not. recent struggles at the World Cup aren’t 3 at the Federation International Basketball considered the What about America’s Pastime? While evidence enough, look at how Major League Association World Championship. That Shortnose Sturgeon football is taking that title away from Soccer has to bring in retired Galacticos same Greek team put away a U.S. squad of the sporting world. baseball in the United States, the rest of and how American stars chomp at the comprised completely of all-stars from a The rest of planet the world is embracing the sport. Latin bit to escape to Europe. As for hockey, star-studded league. ASA BEAL Earth no longer America has always been a hotbed for homegrown players have never even come The same is true in baseball. The U.S. quivers in fear at the sound of the “USA, baseball talent. The Dominican Republic, close to the top. In the more than 80-year National Team failed to qualify for the USA” chant at international competitions. Venezuela, Cuba and Puerto Rico are some history of the National Hockey League, semi-fi nals of the inaugural World Baseball Before the 2004 Olympics, the United of the main producers of Latin talent. True there has been only one American MVP— Classic not long after losing to Canada in States had nothing less than a stranglehold to form, Johan Santana, a Venezuelan, Billy Burch in 1925. Over 90 percent of the opening stage. Put the so-called world on international basketball. captured Major the Hart Memorial Trophy winners have champion St. Louis Cardinals up against Apart from fl uke losses to League Baseball’s been Canadian, with a few Scandinavians the Japanese team that swept through the the Soviet Union in 1972 Put the world champion Cy Young Award thrown in for good measure. WBC and the Cards would fold. Not to and 1988, the United States St. Louis Cardinals up for the best Since when have American athletes mention that Albert Pujols, the Cardinals’ had been utterly dominant, against the Japanese pitcher in the not been the best players in the world? star player and the best player in MLB, is a earning 12 gold medals American League Contrary to popular thought, it has been Dominican. “ team that won the WBC between 1936 and 2000. this past season. a while. Our national arrogance, however, Just as the United States passed Great American players and the and the Cards would fold. The most has prevented us from seeing the truth Britain as a world power nearly a century American style have been surprising award about the relative success of American ago, Japan, Spain, Canada and the rest of the prevailing standards in winner of the athletes. the world are passing the United States every facet of basketball for decades. 2006 baseball season, however, was Justin Every year in the United States, in the world of sports. At least America So why, or more importantly how, Morneau of New Westminster, British we declare the best team in each of still has football. But we better watch has Steve Nash, a South African-born, Columbia. The 25 year old seized the our professional leagues to be “world out for Ricky Williams and the Toronto Canadian-raised point guard, shocked the American League’s Most Valuable Player champions.” But are the Miami Heat Argonauts. ❐ KNIGHT WATCH BOYS BASKETBALL GIRLS BASKETBALL Madeline Roorbach Druid Hills 67, GRADY 43 Region 5B-AAA Standings Freshman Forward FOREST PARK 38, Grady 32 Region 5B-AAA Standings DECATUR 68, Grady 47 School Region Overall Grady 64, DECATUR 51 School Region Overall GRADY 57, North Atlanta 55 W L W L DUNWOODY 60, Grady 40 W L W L DUNWOODY 41, Grady 95 Dunwoody 3 0 4 0 *All caps denotes HOME TEAM Dunwoody 3 0 4 0 *All caps denotes HOME TEAM Blessed Trinity 2 1 6 2 Westminster 3 0 6 1 Chamblee 2 1 3 2 Grady 1 1 1 2 Druid Hills 2 1 3 5 Upcoming Games Chamblee 1 2 5 3 Upcoming Games Riverwood 1 2 2 5 North Atlanta 0 0 0 1 Jan.9 7:30 @ Blessed Trinity Jan.9 6:00 @ Blessed Trinity Grady 1 2 1 3 Player Profi le: Druid Hills 0 1 1 3 Jan.12 7:00 vs. Riverwood Jan.13 2:30 @ Southside North Atlanta 1 2 1 4 Height: 5-foot-9 Riverwood 0 1 0 3 Jan.16 7:00 @ Westminster Westminster 0 3 3 4 Weight: 130 pounds Jan.16 5:30 @ Westminster Blessed Trinity 0 2 2 4 Jan.19 7:00 @ Druid Hills Number: 44 Jan.26 5:30 @ Dunwoody Jan.20 4:00 vs. Decatur Dec. 2 at Decatur: Jan.27 6:00 @ Southside Jan.23 7:00 @ North Atlanta 14 pts. Jan.30 7:00 @ Chamblee