S I N C E 1 9 4 7

An upbeat paper for a down town school M I D T O W N B I L L C O S B Y MOSQUE Builders of 14th Respected Street mosque seek comedian offers understanding insight to seniors p. 9 p. 15

HENRY W. GRADY HIGH SCHOOL, ATLANTA VOLUME LXI, NUM BER 2, Oct. 12, 2006 SGA VOTE ENDS WITH TIE IN ELECTRONIC ELECTION BY EMMA DIN bad.” rady’s 2006 student government elections The offi cials at the Fulton County Elections and both upheld previous election standards Registration Department said that they had never Gand set precedents. The Fulton County seen a tie occur before. The department, which is Registration and Elections Department provided in charge of calculating the results in both state and offi cial computerized voting machines for the school elections, receives the memory cards from elections, which increased the effi ciency of the each of the machines, tabulates the results and voting process. Making Grady creates an election summary report. history, the Executive Council For full coverage Presented with the opportunity to compete presidential race resulted in a of the upcoming in a run-off, Frost and Goodine agreed to a fi rst-ever tie. state-wide co-presidency after a Monday spent in anxious “When Ms. Myles came out elections, see suspense. They realized that they connected with of the Fulton County Elections pages 10 and 11. different groups of the student body and together Department and handed me the represented the school as a whole. They were both results, I literally said ‘Holy Cow!’” SGA advisor relieved to have someone with whom to share their Mr. Louis Sartor said. “The fact that the school was duties. so evenly divided was amazing.” “There may be some clashes between Chris Executive Council presidential candidates [Goodine] and me, but overall it will be good,” Summer Frost and Christopher Goodine both Executive Council Co-President Summer Frost received 416 votes. Only 66 percent of the student said after the fi rst SGA meeting. “Chris has the body voted in this year’s Sept. 22 elections. The tie authoritative voice that I lack, but I have the good made students realize that every vote matters. ideas that complement his. We balance each other “I didn’t think one vote would make a difference, well.”

but apparently it did,” senior Brian Starnes said. Sure of their leadership skills, both are BAKER BRITAIN “My one vote could have changed things—Chris ONE MAN, ONE VOTE: Students line up in the theater lobby to cast their votes for their favorite student Goodine could have won. I [messed] up and I feel see ELECTRONIC page 10 government candidates. This was the fi rst year Grady used computerized voting for SGA elections. Doctors Without Borders pitches tents in Piedmont Park ONTENTS BY CURRY ANDREWS In a quiet section of Piedmont Park, [including food, water, shelter and medical C n Sept. 27, Doctors Without Borders overlooking some of Atlanta’s most well-known care] and to fi nd a permanent solution [place to Oconstructed a refugee camp in the heart neighborhoods, volunteers offered free tours of live],” said Joan Kaufman, a nurse volunteer for comment 3 of the city. Its mission: to educate the people the mock refugee camp. The tours began at a Doctors Without Borders. of Atlanta about the harsh realities of refugee checkpoint, where the tour guide informed The tour touches on all aspects of refugee Competition between classes life and to showcase the effort required to participants of their rights as “new refugees.” living, from showers to childrens’ toys, by dominates Grady school accommodate 33 million people uprooted by “You have the right to seek asylum, to be spirit, leaving little support war in more than 70 countries. protected from violence, to receive assistance see REFUGEE page 7 for school sporting events. news 7 Ivy Leagues and UVA decide Murray wins national award to drop early admissions BY SARAH BETH MCKAY educational and business information through programs due to lack of nown around campus as the administrator a myriad of publishing and media companies diversity in enrollment. Kalways willing to listen and ready to such as Standard and Poors, BusinessWeek help, principal Dr. Vincent Murray has fi nally and McGraw-Hill Education. The company feature 14 received the recognition he deserves. On Sept. established the Howard W. McGraw, Jr. Students and artist Jason 27 at a reception in New York City, The Prize in Education in 1988 to mark its 100th McGraw-Hill Companies presented him with anniversary and to honor their former CEO’s Johnson create a 9-foot by 14- the Howard W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in education passion for education. foot mosaic for the Piedmont for his exemplary leadership at Grady. “It’s important for McGraw-Hill to Park Tennis Center. “I was surprised [when I received the award], recognize people who devote their whole STEPHEN CROUSE more embarrassed than anything else,” Dr. lives to education and who have really made sports 17 Murray said. “You choose a profession because a difference in the fi eld,” a McGraw-Hill The softball team ended their you want to see fi rsthand the outcomes that you representative said. “Recipients of the award season just out of reach of the know are possible. What I’ve done [at Grady] is in the past have greatly infl uenced educational just a part of that, not anything special.” reform and have affected education in a variety playoffs. The team’s 6-7 record A-PLUS: Dr. Vincent Murray was awarded the Howard W. The McGraw-Hill Companies make up a shines next to last year’s 1-7. McGraw, Jr. Prize for his dedication to Grady High School. worldwide corporation that provides fi nancial, see MURRAY page 9 S I N C E 1 9 4 7 THE SOUTHERNER Oct. 12, 2006

c o m mEDITORIAL BOARD e n t CURRY ANDREWS ASA BEAL SCOTT CHAMBLISS LILY FEINBERG pittance in comparison. any child, or teen for that matter, REBECCA GITTELSON Aid to Middle East So, the question in your survey: committing a wrongful act because SARAH BETH MCKAY misrepresented “Which country does the U.S they saw someone slip on vomit. fi nancially support in the Middle Most children’s memories are short CDC bans coverage Dear Editor, East?” is impossible to answer. term and if they saw something like Egypt and Israel are both correct that they would probably laugh and The Centers for Disease Control has been in the news a lot lately. answers and Palestine isn’t even a then forget about it. A child is more From the much-publicized letter from fi ve of six former CDC directors I read the article “Middle country. likely to be subjected to violence expressing their concern about the organization’s management, to the Eastern confl ict…” in the Sept. While I believe our military from watching the news than from objections raised about the CDC’s awards distribution as well as to the 15 edition of The Southerner with support of Israel is inappropriate, watching Cheaper by the Dozen. recent investigations regarding allegations of altered payment records, the interest, but was taken aback by in essence funding a surrogate Boy Meets World, a popular show CDC has gotten its share of bad press. several of the statements and the army, our end of aid would most from the 1990s, was mentioned as a In response to the recent press attacks by the Atlanta Journal- accompanying survey. According likely mean the end of Israel as a “wholesome TV show.” As a viewer Constitution, however, the CDC has directed all of its employees to cease to Stephen Zunes, Israel receives nation. But that’s another debate. of this show, I can recall several granting interviews. This ban on interviews prevented The Southerner “approximately one third of the events that did not seem wholesome. from writing a planned article and doubtlessly disturbed the plans of entire U.S. foreign aid budget…” Scott Stephens For example, the character Topanga other news services. This is true but misleading. The teacher disobeys her parents’ wishes and runs Despite the problems that this new stance poses for reporters, the real quote glaringly omits the massive away to her boyfriend, Cory’s, house, issue is that it is now impossible for the public to be informed about what support that Egypt receives from where she climbs into his room and is happening at the CDC. As a tax-funded agency, the public deserves the United States. After the Camp hides out until they are discovered. to know if their money is being misused, or if the protection provided David Accords, the United States Child corruption I wouldn’t want my child running by the CDC is faltering. The primary function of the CDC is to protect agreed to support both Egypt and away from home and sneaking into the public from dangerous outbreaks and viruses, and the citizens of Israel fi nancially and militarily. poorly researched a boy’s house in the middle of the the United States have the right to know if this guardianship is being Both countries receive substantial night, and I don’t know many people compromised. and fairly equal aid from the Dear Editor, who would. If the CDC were a private corporation, the situation would be United States. Because of Egypt’s This article also fails to mention slightly different, and it could understandibly protect its information by much larger population (approx. In the last issue of The the truly wholesome shows that prohibiting interviews. The CDC, however, is a governmental agency; its 60 million) the per capita aid is Southerner, an article was printed inspire children’s creativity, such as actions should be open to scrutiny by the public. smaller, but the aid fl owing to these about modern-day children’s The Wiggles and Dora the Explorer. This is also a more immediate issue for us than it is for the rest of the two countries is still huge. The television corrupting today’s Dora The Explorer not only entertains country. The CDC is located within a fi ve-minute drive of Grady and 2004 World Almanac lists the top youth. While I agree that certain children, but also teaches them employs many parents of Grady students. Any problems there could three U.S aid recipients in 2000- programming infl uences children Spanish while doing it. If Cartoon directly affect the Grady community. If something were wrong with the 2001 as follows: Russia—$834 to do inappropriate things, I don’t Network is the only example only line of defense between you and a multitude of infectious diseases, million, Egypt—$808 million and feel that this behavior is primarily the author can come up with for wouldn’t you want to know? ❐ Israel—$568 million. Sadly, most the fault of the TV network, or of the aid to these two countries is even the shows themselves. corruptive children’s programming, for their militaries, arguably fueling The shows and movies mentioned maybe she should spend more time Braves’ fans disloyal the confl ict rather than stabilizing were said to be inappropriate researching her topic. the region. Countries which lack because they show people “slipping The Atlanta Braves have consistently been the best American clean water, health care, schools and landing in vomit.” Correct Britain Baker professional sports team over the last 15 years. Have you been rooting for and basic infrastructure receive a me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall senior them? We have. Since 1991, when they went from worst to fi rst in the National League West, the Braves have won a World Series, fi ve pennants and a major- league-record 14 straight division titles. UESTION Atlanta Braves fans—one of whom you probably consider yourself of the month: —are famous for being some of the most notorious fair-weather fans in Q the nation. What do you think about single-sex classes? But who are we to judge you? You never said you were a huge Braves Sage Adams, Lilly fan; you just jumped on the bandwagon when the going got good. Why sophomore Morgan, should you commit to something as trivial as a sports team? Frankly, we’ve [Single-sex classes] would already told you why. Sports—like it or not—play a considerable role in senior our culture, and your hometown ball club just completed one of the most be so awful. I couldn’t staggering runs in American sports history. So if you consider yourself a stand that much estrogen supporter of the Braves, you should be more than a part-time fan. in the same room. Baseball is different outside Atlanta. In San Francisco and Chicago, fans pack the stands to see their team. Not championship, record-breaking teams mind you, but their teams. Tens of thousands of followers of [Single-sex classes] would “ the Chicago Cubs—the “Lovable Losers”—fl ocked to Wrigley Field be less competitive Tai Cohen, I personally wouldn’t all summer to see the brakes beaten off their beloved ballplayers. This because girls get better senior should be the mindset of all true sports fans. You Atlanta fans obviously like [single-sex classes] disagree. grades. because the only really Maybe you’ve come to your senses, but for those who are still as fair- Forrest weather as ever, there’s another bandwagon leaving from New York at the good thing about Aguar, beginning of October. Just hop off the one you’ve been riding for the last Patricia“ Kendall, school is girls. senior decade-and-a-half and take a trip with the Mets all the way to the Fall teacher Classic. Have fun, but realize that you’re just a lemming, jumping off the “ cliff of sports fan integrity into the sea of trendiness. Remember, being a fan of a good team doesn’t make you a good fan. ❐ Single-sex classes don’t represent CORRECTIONS a real world relationship. You’re not An all-male class In our Sept 15 issue, the last few sentences of Asa Beal’s story, “Zidane butts gonna have girls and boys working would have a lot less out, remains hero,” were not printed. The last sentence should have read, “Now PMSing. there’s an astute hero for anyone who still doesn’t have any respect for seperately in the workplace. Zinedine Zidane.” Staff “ An upbeat paper for a downtown school Managing editors: Rebecca Gittelson, Sarah Beth Mckay Staff: Leah Bishop, Scottie Bookman, Andrew Bracken, Adviser: Debra Hartsfi eld The Southerner“ welcomes sub mis sions, which Design editors: Lily Feinberg, Carson Hale Scott Chambliss, Charlotte Christopher, Christopher Print staff: Alvin Hambrick, Harlon Heard, may be edited for gram mar, in ap pro pri ate Copy editors: Curry Andrews, Lily Feinberg, Ramika Collier, Sophie Cox, Grant Coyle, Stephen Crouse, Michael Jackson, Adlai McClure, Charlotte language and length. Please place sub mis sions Gourdine Arielle D’Avanzo, George Demeglio, Caroline Denton, Napper, Benjamin Shaw in Ms. Hartsfi eld's box in the main offi ce. News editors: Curry Andrews, Emma Din Jourdan Devies, Barbara Dougherty, Kelly Douglas, The Southerner, a member of GSPA, SIPA, CSPA Subscriptions are also avail able. For more in- Comment editors: Ramika Gourdine, Sally Zintak Michael Harper, Sean Harrington, Stone Irvin, Kenny and NSPA, is a month ly stu dent pub li ca tion of: for ma tion, please contact Ms. Hartsfi eld or a Feature editors: Lena Brodsky, Hanna Griffi ths Jones, Janna Kaplan, Jamison Kinnane, Julia Oliver, Henry W. Grady High School mem ber of the staff. Sports editors: Asa Beal, Travis Jones Carson Phillips-Spotts, Alexander Ritz, Hannah 929 Charles Allen Drive NE We can be reached at: Photo editors: Erik Belgum, Sally Zintak Rosenbaum, Kayci Schoon, Hamp Watson, Madeline Atlanta, GA 30309 dhartsfi [email protected] Webb, Michelle Wilco Oct. 12, 2006 c o m m e n t 3

A mathematician is a blind man in Fans fail to lend sports support a dark room looking for a black cat There is one aspect of Grady encourage the ongoing cycle of not attending games. If that isn’t there.- Charles Darwin life that most students certainly more people went to the games, they would be more get excited about—their fun. Sean graduating class. Everyone We should get more involved in supporting all Harrington seems to think his or her athletics here at Grady; it seems the most important class is the best and feels the fans are parents of team members themselves. Whether need to represent it to the it’s one soccer game here or a volleyball match there, Senioritis a result of useless classes fullest. Pep rallies are the most students should make an effort to at least be aware By the time most students reach Let’s analyze the standard HANNAH popular school activity for of the successes and even failures of our various the 12th grade, the school experience proceedings of a higher-level math ROSENBAUM many students. In spite of programs. in general has lost all appeal. College class. That is, any math class that that, students need to transfer When you compare our school spirit to that of and freedom are right around the is more advanced than geometry, some of the energy that they exert at pep rallies to other high schools, there is a dramatic difference. corner, so staying in school all where you need a graphing the actual sports for which they are supposed to be Some schools have themed football games, where the day long becomes more of a chore calculator to do anything more getting pumped up. If all we are doing is representing senior class has a certain costume to wear. Even more than ever. Most people, especially than the simplest operations. The our classes instead of the sports themselves, we should amazing, the school spirit of other schools doesn’t stop adults, atribute this to “senioritis.” students are taught how to use said call them class rallies rather than pep rallies. If the pep at football games; the Druid Hills High School fans This malaise, however, that affl icts formula on paper, and perhaps are rallies were only for students who actually supported have an infamous reputation at soccer games. They seniors is actually a mislabeling of a tested on that knowledge once. For the sports, we would be left with an empty gym. make up chants, dress in school colors and even can developed sense of what’s important all operations involving the formulas When you talk about athletics at Grady, no one be found personally taunting the members of the and what isn’t. that are remotely diffi cult, however, seems to really care. School spirit does not seem to opposing team. You may see body paint or signs at We seniors spend so much time the use of a calculator is brought exist outside of a sport’s actual participants. Aside from other schools, but not at Grady. We’d be lucky to get a looking into the future that we have into play. Students are merely football, in most cases, to simply get fans to come to decent crowd composed more of students than parents already recognized our strengths being taught how to enter complex an athletic event, its publicity has to be boarderline and the band. and weaknesses and know what we equations they don’t understand into obnoxious. This scenario should be the other way Attending sporting events after school, even without are going to spend the rest of our a machine that gives them an answer around—fans should be obnoxiously excited about access to a car, should not be a problem for students lives doing. Shouldn’t that mean they could never reach without a attending sporting events. If we can somehow get either. We have many home volleyball, basketball someone who enjoys art and foreign ridiculous amount of paper and a our school to unite and participate in activities like and soccer games. As for tennis, a short walk through languages no longer needs to spend pencil. Is there a point to this? Yes, if sporting events, we might have a better relationship Piedmont Park would land one at the home court for time learning advanced algebra and the student plans to use this higher within the school’s atmosphere, an area that receives a the grey Knights of tennis, who are unappreciated and trigonometry? Not according to level math in his or her future job. considerable amount of complaints. undersupported. It might come as a surprise that our APS. For the rest of the students, a large The irony of this situation is that the sporting event girls’ tennis team participated in the state tournament In their eyes, seniors are not chunk of their day has been wasted students choose to attend the most is one of two that two years ago, or that our competition cheerleading mature or educated enough to teaching them how inferior they are charge for entrance. Football and basketball are the squad received runner-up at the regional competition decide whether or not certain to relatively small $100 machines. only two sports at Grady that charge admission at the for two years until they fi nally won the title last year. subjects will be relevant later on Speaking of which, isn’t public door. All other regular season sporting events are free, I have participated in varsity sports here at Grady in life. I can confi dently say that I school supposed to be free? When so why don’t students go? for two years, and every time we have a meet or game I will never again use, for example, did expensive calculators become a For the most part my friends will try to fi nd always hope that my friends will show up to watch my the formula for inverse matrices, required part of our education? If something “better” to do instead of supporting the teammates and me play. It seems to get more and more along with many other things I’ve we have to cram useless information Knights. I hear things such as “no one else is going” disappointing every time I show up and my only fans crammed into my brain over the into our brains it should, at the ❐ or “those games aren’t that fun.” These thoughts only are family. years. very least, cost no more than what When adults hear these our parents provide via taxes. If arguments, they just dismiss them someone’s education is hampered as the rantings of another angsty because they couldn’t afford teenager, their own memories class materials in public school, apparently dulled by time and something is obviously wrong. nostalgia. They quickly change their In any case, seniors should be able tune, however, when asked what to have the opportunity to opt out they remember from their own of classes that have no bearing on high school math classes. Unless the rest of their lives. An 85 average their job uses higher-level math and well-written essay sounds like daily, the answer is likely to be some a fair requirement to me if APS noncommittal grunt or a change decides to regulate said opportunity. of the topic. Math teachers in Seniors already have enough to stress particular try to avoid the question, out about without having to worry “Why is this relevant?” so that they about learning information that is can keep students from realizing not required for us to succeed in how how much they’re wasting. life. No one is going to go out and It’s not that math has no practical look for a job involving something functions. In fact, up through he or she doesn’t understand. We geometry it can be pretty helpful should be able to spend our time, in life. After that, however, only our teacher’s patience, and the city’s mathematicians, bankers and tax dollars where they will really physics majors need apply. count. ❐ Chatting, texting surpass respect for lecturing elders We can talk about the reputation How many of us actually take the time out to recognize what But why does that give them the right to disregard the fact of every other school. We can make we’ve been given by these great men who fi t us into their busy that Dr. Cosby and Rev. Dr. Lowery were speaking to them? assumptions about their intelligence, schedules to talk to us, to bring us together and to educate us? Why does that give them the right to distract others from their behavior and their test scores. We How often do we think about Ms. Newman, Ms. Myles, Mr. absorbing those words and ideas? Simply, no and nothing. can laugh and joke about our higher Arnold, Ms. Oliver and the others that took the extra effort We won’t agree with everything someone says to us, but that performance. Grady High School is to put this trip together? Southside senior, Mercedes Salazar, doesn’t elevate us above him or her. If students were really known for its remarkable students and described my sentiments almost exactly when she explained that offended, why did they go? It was an optional trip; an their ability to achieve. What it seems that our generation is known for its selfi shness, its sense of opportunity, not an obligation. Not only that, but they were RAMIKA GOURDINE like we can’t do, is be respectful. entitlement and its civil irresponsibility. warned. Ms. Newman got on stage in the theater and told the Tuesday, Oct. 3 seniors from high schools across APS came So often when we hear these things, we are offended. We entire senior class that if anyone would be offended by Dr. together for the Joseph E. Lowery lecture series. We came believe those adults who say such things are wrong and don’t Cosby’s ideas, they should stay at school; they should go to together to celebrate the ideas of Civil Rights activists, to hear understand us. If we’re going to get upset, then we should fourth and fi fth period. the eloquent words of Rev. Dr. Lowery and Dr. William “Bill” make it a priority to prove our critics wrong, but that’s not Students’ selfi shness furthered the idea that our generation Cosby. Most of us wasted the opportunity we were given by what happened Oct. 3. It’s pathetic that we think so highly is lazy and has put itself on a level superior to everyone else sitting and chatting with our friends, exchanging text messages of ourselves, but can’t set out a couple of hours to just sit and that we think we can get everything we want with very on our cell phones and making fun of things on stage. The and listen, to absorb the lessons of those who’ve already been little effort. one thing most of our students failed to do was just sit down through many of our same situations and problems. We can’t The worst part isn’t even that we prove negative and listen, and there’s no excuse. No matter how much better pay the appropriate respect to those who can offer us their assumptions to be correct. The worst part is that we don’t you believe you are than anyone else, you aren’t. Many of those assistance. credit those before us. We don’t respect our predecessors you chose to poke fun at are the very ones that devoted their It is understandable that students may not agree with the enough to take even a couple of hours out of our busy lives to lives to changing the world so that schools like Grady can exist. message that Dr. Cosby or Rev. Dr. Lowery had to offer. sit still, listen and gain some insight. ❐ 4 c o m m e n t Oct. 12, 2006 Theme park cruelty symptomatic of animal brutality Are you tired of serve people’s “needs.” develop and thus become tough. In order bones in their necks or backs, which could waiting in lines at Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as creeped to produce tender, pale meat from these eventually lead to their deaths. Six Flags? Well now out by roaches as the next person, but I’d baby animals, they’re chained to their stalls And let’s not forget another blatant you don’t have to. still argue that that doesn’t give anyone the so they can’t even turn around and are fed example of animal cruelty: animal-based This Halloween, right to kill them solely for amusement. a completely liquid diet. After about 16 clothing. Animals in the wild who get various Six Flags I’m not saying that you should feel bad for weeks of living under these conditions, stuck in traps are often left there for weeks theme parks across killing a mosquito on your arm or a fl y in the calves are sold to veal farmers (if or months before the trappers come back America have your house; what I’m opposed to is killing they haven’t been there all along) and to kill them for their fur. Some animals MICHELLE WILCO announced that or harming a living creature for fun or for slaughtered. Finally, they end up as dinner eventually chew their own legs off to get anyone who eats fi nancial gain. for people who most free of the trap and then bleed to death, a live Madagascar There are Animals are used for everything likely don’t know abandoning their offspring who then Hissing Cockroach can automatically countless or want to know also die. Since trappers hunt only certain move to the front of certain rides at their examples of from entertainment to clothing anything about the animals, they kill and dispose of animals 16th annual Fright Fest celebration. The unnecessary to testing, all to serve people’s cruelty that went that accidentally get stuck in their traps, theme park will also hold a contest to see cruelty to animals. into preparing their such as eagles, dogs, rabbits and cats. The who can beat the world record for most The main one “ ‘needs.’” meals. animals have to suffer through all of this Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches eaten in that sticks out to Of course, just so people can wear fur coats, while one sitting, which is currently 36 in one me, probably because I’m a vegetarian, animal cruelty isn’t restricted to only the coats made of a synthetic fabric would minute. Anyone who beats the current is the human consumption of meat, food industry. For instance, the cosmetic keep them just as warm. record will win four 2007 season passes especially meat from animals raised in industry regularly uses animals to test We tend to see animals as objects that and four passes to the front of certain lines inhumane conditions. A perfect example the reactions people will have to their exist only for our use as opposed to living for the upcoming season. of this is veal. The calves used for veal live products. Some shampoo companies test creatures who can feel pain just as easily While this promotion by Six Flags their entire lives in stalls that are about 1 their tear-free formulas by forcing rabbits’ as we can. You may think these examples might not seem like such a big deal, it’s foot, 10 inches wide by 4 feet, 6 inches eyelids open and applying shampoo of animal cruelty are a far cry from the symptomatic of a much larger problem. long. They’re kept confi ned in these small directly on their eyes. After about seven roaches, but I believe that when we lose Animals are used for everything from spaces so that they won’t be able to run or days of this testing, a lot of the animals try our compassion for one animal, we lose it entertainment to clothing to testing, all to play, which would cause their muscles to to break free and usually end up breaking for all. Now that’s a scary idea. ❐ Phones ruin kids’ privacy M o d e r n every person I spoke to. Even the content of technology has each text message was at her disposal. allowed parenting to From parental blocks on television to become increasingly parents’ capability of monitoring exactly creepy. With devices what their kids are doing online, it’s obvious such as Disney’s that parenting power has expanded. But this Tracker Mobile, a extreme innovation will only take us back a cell phone equipped step. If kids don’t have the opportunity to SCOTTIE BOOKMAN with a GPS, parents misbehave, we’ll lose the chance to mature. are becoming less By forcing us to do the right thing instead of like friends to their children and more like encouraging us to make the right decisions, omnipresent watchdogs. And believe me, it’s impossible for us to reach a level of kids are not too thrilled about their parents’ sophistication and experience. new potential. I recognize that this argument may only I experienced an unfortunate over-share seem to fi t the clichéd teenage cry to leave of information when my family’s last cell us alone, but it’s important to realize that phone bill came. The minutes for each this sort of cliché usually develops because of our four phones differed signifi cantly, people continue to ignore the problem. from my dad’s typical use of 70 minutes to Parents have earned the right to know mine: a Bookman family record at 2,400 what their kids are doing, and kids should minutes. realize the importance of telling their I think it is fi ne that my minutes are parents about their activities. But despite printed on the bill; there’s no reason my the numerous resources available to them parents shouldn’t know how much I talk in the modern age, parents should get on the phone. But the shock hit when my information about their kids from their mom revealed that each minute I spent kids. Above all, we want to be taken on the phone was accounted for—the bill seriously. It’s certainly possible for parents showed the times my conversations began and kids to fi nd a respectful balance of and ended, along with the phone number of privacy and authority. ❐ Relentless wars over religious disputes disrupting compassion, humanity In the just a few of the most gruesome religion bring us together, we are Sacred texts like the Bible, the faced with an onslaught of eyes of wars in history—many of letting it pull us apart. As was Koran, the Torah, the Vedas and new problems, we need to stop m a n y , these wars had something to once stated by the Dalai Lama, the Sutras are used to guide the criticizing each other. We have religion is a do with religion. Some of the conversion is a thing of the past. followers of various religions as far too many urgent problems wonder ful most atrocious acts of all time People are set in their beliefs, and are the teachings of some holy to deal with and no time to fi ght thing that have been committed “in the we cannot hope to win anyone fi gures, such as Jesus or Buddha. age-old battles about what God is b r i n g s name of God.” Humans have over by force. Tolerance is the The golden rule is another or how God wants us to behave p e o p l e slaughtered and fought each new conversion. The best we can concept that applies to most and start accepting the fact that CHARLOTTE t o g e t h e r other for thousands of years over do is set a good example for those religions—do unto others as you we all have different beliefs that CHRISTOPHER under a religious beliefs, accomplishing around us and hope that others would have them do unto you. are here to stay. c o m m o n little except the persecution of follow. So many religious people Chances are, I am never going belief and inspires them to religious people of other faiths. We go on and on arguing over attack each other simply because to be able to convince a Muslim be better people. Religious Should someone really be details instead of looking at the their beliefs about God vary in to become atheist, nor will I be organizations donate money kicked out of a country or hanged big picture. Almost every religion the slightest ways. We have so able to get a Buddhist to convert to charity, help the needy and as an example because they don’t seems to have grown from the many interpretations of God that to Catholicism. People are improve lives everyday. Despite think that the Catholic Church same common theme: there is we forget that we all come from perfectly capable of fi guring out these positive aspects, however, should sell indulgences? And a power higher than ourselves. the same place. If God is as all- exactly what they believe without religion has not always played should I really condemn someone Many religions believe that this forgiving and all-loving as most having others convince them that such a noble role. While it’s true to hell because they don’t think higher power is the source of religions claim, then shouldn’t what they believe is not correct. that religion often brings people that Jesus is their savior? our creation and that this power God be able to forgive everyone We must stop fi ghting over our together, history shows that it has We cannot ever hope for a punishes people for their evils no matter what they believe differences and instead embrace been as much a factor of division brighter future if we continue to and rewards them for their good about a higher being or even if the things we have in common or as one of unity. bring our religious disputes onto deeds. Religions commonly they don’t believe in God at all? else be doomed to a never-ending Take a moment and think of the battlefi eld. Instead of letting preach some form of afterlife. As the world is inevitably quarrel. ❐ Oct. 12, 2006 c o m m e n t 5 Racism ridiculed, worsened by TV I was looking forward to watching some high-quality TV with my little brother, but as I plopped onto the couch and began watching whatever he had on, I was utterly appalled. The show in question, Black. White, was so incredibly offensive that it had BARBARA DOUGHERTY me yelling at the TV screen within a matter of seconds. The show consists of a black family from Atlanta and a white family from Santa Monica donning makeup to look like the opposite race, then throwing themselves into society to seek insight on racism. I was completely embarrassed that the white family on the show was representing the entire white race; they were possibly the most ignorant and fake family I have ever seen. The father, Bruno Marcotulli, claimed on the show that, once in black makeup, he wanted a white person to come up to him and call him the “n-word” (although it wasn’t so abbreviated) just so he could show how it doesn’t affect him. The fact that he’s not actually black, however, might have something to do with his improperly understated reaction. The mother, Carmen Wurgel, is a closet racist — the kind of person who goes out of her way to be nice to people of different ethnicities and backgrounds just to show she’s not a racist, even though deep down she’s even worse because her whole persona is a total façade. The black family on the show, the Sparkses, was shocked at how the white family was acting. The Sparkses just Pope’s remarks anger Muslims seemed like a normal family while Bruno, Carmen and their daughter played up every white stereotype in the book. Pope Benedict XVI has learned gloss over Islam’s. The Pope points to the philosophy of The whole point of the show is to show the subtleties the hard way that hypocrisy is just some Muslims that God is so transcendent that he is not of racism and to convey that racism isn’t always blatantly not logical. even bound by his own word, as proof of Islam’s lack of obvious. I don’t think, however, that playing up stereotypes Benedict’s insensitivity regarding logic. If looked at philosophically, however, the idea that exactly aids the cause of increasing understanding. The show the comparative natures of Islam something is so great that it can contradict itself is much does portray examples of racism such as when the white and Christianity has incited more complicated and Greek than the simplistic Christian daughter, in black makeup, tries to apply for a job in a white hatred and indignity all over the worldview that displays God as incorruptibly good. area of town and the woman at the counter dubiously tells world. His apologies and quick Theology and philosophy aside, there is something her they have run out of job applications. Or when Renee STONE IRVIN backtracking are not enough deeply sad and ironic about the Pope’s speech: In his Sparks goes to a white focus group and is shocked to hear a to hide the subtle venom that speech, he expressed his hope that his words would white woman say she is compelled to wash her hands after permeates his statements painting Muslims as violent and heal religious and geopolitical hurts by opening up shaking a black person’s hand. irrational. In his speech, the Pope claimed that logos, or new avenues of discourse. Had he tried to open up an The families on the show are also forced to live in the same reason combined with theology, will bridge religious rifts, avenue that was not solely Christian, perhaps he would house for the entire six weeks of shooting. This leads to some but he stated it in a way that casts Christians as the ones have succeeded. Had he thought before he quoted an pretty engrossing arguments and rage-inspiring confl icts that pursuing this selfl ess quest. archaic and politically incorrect text, perhaps he would will get viewers all fi red up, but not in a good way. On the contrary, he cast Muslims in a less glorious light, have been able to meet Muslims half way. Benedict must Black. White makes me want to announce to the world quoting from a Byzantine discourse of the 14th century realize that a discourse is not a discourse if only one view that all white people are not like the ones on the show; they that denounces Muhammad for spreading “by the sword is considered. are an extreme group probably getting paid under the table the faith he preached.” Apparently, this Byzantine was not The Pope cannot continue to paint Muslims as illogical, to act especially controversially. acquainted with the Crusades, for if he was, he would nor can he truly apologize enough to heal the harm he After you’ve lived a lifetime as yourself, there’s no way to surely realize it is not just Muslims who spread faith by has already caused. His error in judgment will continue show someone what it’s like to be you. The families on the show the sword. to haunt Middle Eastern peace talks for many years and have not been exposed to a quarter of the things they would Benedict claimed that Greek logic and Christianity the mistake must be lived with. It is thus imperative that have been exposed to had they grown up as the opposite race. had not met by chance, and that their emphasis on logic insensitivity not be continued and other faiths not be There’s no doubt that although the show’s intentions seem combined to create a highly rational religion; so rational singled out or belittled in times of political upheaval. noble, they are just the same as those of other reality shows: in fact, that torture and incineration were acceptable ways Regardless of the spirit Benedict intended his speech to to increase ratings and make more money. That’s all the of rooting out heresy. But witch burnings aside, Benedict foster, it should be duly noted that the road to hell is producers care about. ❐ tried very hard to prove Christianity’s Greek legacy and paved with good intentions. ❐ Piedmont Park’s personality, diverse community make visits worthwhile When tourists Piedmont Park. Running in the park every never know what he carries in that mysterious other schools’ science classes can walk to fi eld come to Atlanta to weekday during cross country season for four bag, just like we’ll probably never be able to trips at the Botanical Gardens? And how many get a feel for the city, years has not only made me a little too familiar quite decipher what one regular homeless man photography classes have 189 acres of photos they usually visit with the hills and running paths but also with yells at us as we run past him each day. One waiting to be taken less than a block away? certain landmarks. the faces of the regular park goers. People use of the most popular Piedmont Park regulars is Over a century since its founding, Piedmont They’ll have their the gazebo as their home, the picnic area as Baton Bob. To my disappointment, I haven’t has slowly transformed into the park that we frosted orange at The their dining room, the hills as their gym and recently seen the baton-twirling, tutu wearing, know and love today. It has come a long way LEAH BISHOP Varsity, pay a visit the graffi ti-covered bridge proudly marching Bob, but since the Piedmont Exposition Company to the marine life as their art studio. The other attractions may he will go down in legend and Gentlemen’s Driving Club fi rst used the at the Georgia Aquarium, buy overpriced For whatever reasons illustrate the character of as one of Piedmont’s fi nest. park in 1887 to hold a World’s Fair and other souvenirs at the World of Coke and take a locals come to the park, Atlanta, but it’s Piedmont Even though many of us expositions. The 6,000 exhibits that once trip to Piedmont Park. While the sightseers they always fi nd that they “ Park that illustrates Atlanta’s drive past it almost every covered the park have been replaced by new may think they have experienced Atlanta and can’t help coming back. day on our way to school facilities and events. I’m sure the gentlemen even have the gift shop items to vouch for One such Piedmont Park characters. or work, we often forget of the Driving Club would never have guessed their Atlanta experience, it turns out they have goer is guaranteed to be how valuable a resource that their land would house a movie theater, barely gotten a taste for what goes on in the real seen at the same time everyday, sporting his Grady has available for us just across 10th a concert series, soccer and baseball fi elds, Atlanta. The other attractions may illustrate red, purple, and on special occasions, patriotic Street. With Piedmont Park practically in tennis and volleyball courts, art festivals, and the character of Atlanta, but it’s Piedmont Park Soffee shorts. Shirtless, regardless of the Grady’s backyard, we can run to the drums now even a simulated refugee camp. Taking that illustrates Atlanta’s character. weather conditions, this man carries the same of our own school’s band practice, while advantage of Grady’s location and what It takes more than one or two picnics, brown leather bag and makes the same walk day Georgia State University and Pace Academy Piedmont has to offer is as easy as a walk in however, to see what really goes on in after day. The cross country team will probably travel by bus to use the park. How many the park. ❐ NEWS BRIEFS 6 n e w s THE SOUTHERNER Oct. 12, 2006 Aide suspected Foley Protests mark International Day of Peace of acting improperly BY SARAH BETH MCKAY Kirk Fordham, a senior congres- Grady students joined millions worldwide sional aide, told the Associated Press on Sept. 21 in commemorating the on Oct. 4 that he reported suspicious International Day of Peace. More than 125 behavior by Rep. Mark Foley toward people gathered at the corner of North teenage pages more than three years Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard in ago. Foley resigned Sept. 29 after Decatur to express their desire for an end to sexually explicit messages he sent to the war in Iraq. male teenage pages were made pub- Grady’s Social Action Club, along with lic. He denies having any improper similar organizations at Decatur High School, relations with teenagers. Emory University, Georgia State University and the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition of Atlanta joined to voice their opinions on Students recognized the U.S. foreign policy. for volunteer efforts “I feel it’s particularly important for students to get involved with [current] events Grady students Kayla Bacon, Jessica because they affect us greatly,” said junior Baer, Leland Edmond, Anthony Paul Katzman, who served as Grady’s liaison Johnson, Robert Maddox and Lauren to the demonstration’s organizers. “If we want Mitchell were recognized Sept. 12 at to have an impact and prove that we really do the Impact Awards Luncheon for their care what happens to us in the future, we have volunteer work with the 21st Century to get involved and show our opinions now.” Leaders Youth Action Center. Katzman felt that student participation at the rally was particularly important, so he Car robbery leads to

distributed flyers at Grady to get the word REBECCA GITTELSON out. GIVE PEACE A CHANCE: Grady sophomores Mari Robinson and Chris Cruz protest the Iraq war at the intersection of Scott shooting, police chase “I want to show people that it isn’t just the Boulevard and North Decatur Road. Grady’s Social Action Club, led by junior Paul Katzman, helped organize the rally. hippies that don’t like the war,” Katzman said. A car robbery and subsequent “Our generation isn’t totally oblivious—we others out there with the same concerns,” said War Zone,’” Mr. Sartor said. “Lots of people chase forced police to close part of care about what’s going on in this world.” Bob Goodman, who represents the Georgia yelled and made inappropriate gestures at us Ponce de Leon Avenue in front of The students who first planned the Sept. 21 Peace and Justice Coalition of Atlanta. as they drove by. But things are changing. the Paideia School on the morning demonstration share Katzman’s desire to set GPJC organizes anti-war and anti-Bush There is a lot more support and a lot more of Oct. 3. Dekalb police fired at the the record straight about their generation. administration demonstrations all over the enthusiasm.” car, killing the driver and wounding “Most people think that our generation is state. Mr. Sartor emphasized the importance the passenger. self-centered and egotistical, so when they Although North Decatur Road and Scott of expressing one’s beliefs no matter the see me and my peers on the corner spending Boulevard were continuously filled with the outcome. Beltline leader quits, our time voicing our opinions, it’s a real honks and supportive shouts of many drivers, “[Protesting is] a part of our responsibility eye opener,” said Kristin Williams, Decatur Goodman is doubtful that the protests will as U.S. citizens,” he said. “It causes people will leave in March High School senior who helped arrange the stimulate drastic change right off the bat. to reassess their views of how their world is protest. “The impact [of demonstrating] is slow and being run.” Greg Giornelli, who shaped the “This gets people thinking,” said senior will take place over time as word spreads,” For many students at the rally, protesting Altanta Beltline plan, will resign as Alix Black, who participated in the rally. Goodman said. “We don’t know how many plays a dominant role in how they participate head of the Atlanta Development “If they drive [by a demonstration] and see people are actually affected.” in the political process. Authority in March. Giornelli’s a whole bunch of kids out here caring about Despite this uncertainty, Mr. Louis Sartor, “[Demonstrating] is especially important announcement coincides with de- political issues, wheels might start turning in chair of the social studies department for younger people who don’t have such a veloper Wayne Mason’s decision to their heads.” at Grady, claims that the protests and strong voice—we can’t vote and aren’t given withdraw from the Beltline project. Many hope that simply by expressing their demonstrations of today are received much as much credibility because of our age,” said views in public they can encourage other better than those in the past. Casey Heermans, a senior at Decatur High Senate passes border people to develop their own beliefs. “Four years ago, a group a lot like this School who belongs to the Student Political “A lot of people feel the same way [about took over the intersection of 10th Street Action Club. “Rallies like this are a big way fence, Bush approves the war], but they have no idea that there are and Piedmont Road; we called it the ‘No for teenagers to express their beliefs.” ❐ The Senate voted 80-19 on Sept. 29 to build 700 miles of fencing along the Mexico-United States border. Mayor visits, presents Next Step program Republicans claim that the fence will protect the nation, while Democrats has the chance to get their needs argue that the project will not stop Atlanta government met completely.” immigration and will cost at least $9 promises to provide Senior Gabe Fedota plans to billion. The bill was sent to President benefit from participation in the Bush, who said that he will sign the APS seniors with program. legislation. “I think that it is a great financial support, program” Fedota said. “It can CDC suggests HIV really help you prepare for what guidance for future you want to do later in life.” tests for Americans BY GEORGE DEMEGLIO Fedota believes, however, that Next Step should award The CDC recomended on Sept.

The idea of life after high R E 21 that all doctors provide routine K scholarships based on students’ school is a scary thought for A B HIV testing for patients ages 13

N academic merit, rather than their most upperclassmen. Next Step, I A

T to 64. According to the CDC, a program created by Mayor I demonstrated financial need. R Shirley Franklin, is dedicated to B Some seniors, like David 250,000 Americans are unaware help seniors take their first step TAKING THE NEXT STEP: Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin speaks to Grady seniors about Levison, believe that the Next that they are infected with HIV. into the future. her Next Step program. The program helps seniors prepare for their future by providing Step program is beneficial for Next Step supports Atlanta internships, recommendations, counseling and financial aid for after they graduate. some students, but they don’t U.S. Appeals Court Public School seniors by Students must also obey the law student. intend to participate in the providing summer internship and stay off drugs throughout the “I think it is a great opportunity program. permits wiretapping “I just do not need the opportunities, financial aid program. for students that need help,” Mr. A Federal Appeals Court ruled on assistance [for applying to for college and professional Although there is no limit Arnold said. “It’s another means Oct. 4 that the Bush administration college],” Levison said. guidance throughout the college on how much money students [to succeed].” can continue its wiretapping Mr. Arnold wants students to application process. can receive and the program has Mr. Arnold hopes that 100 program while it appeals a Disrict commit fully to the program. Minimum grades and few requirements, many seniors percent of Grady seniors will Court’s decision that the program is “We have to make it happen stadardized test scores are not do not take advantage of the participate this year, whether or unconstitutional. The surveillance and get the seniors to follow required for participation in the program. not they plan to attend college. program monitors e-mails and through [with the program],” program; students simply have to Guidance counselor Mr. Joseph “[Next Step] can help even if phone calls made by people the Mr. Arnold said. “Everyone has attend meetings with the mayor Arnold believes that Next Step you’re going into the workplace,” government suspects of having links to do something.” ❐ and Next Step representatives. offers many benefits for every he said. “I think [the senior class] to terrorists. Oct. 12, 2006 n e w s 7 REFUGEE camp captivates Atlanta, educates citizens from page 1 ground, usually two to six meters deep, showcasing actual items removed from various with plastic platforms over them for standing. refugee camps. One section of the tour Water is provided for washing hands. consisted of 10 inactive land mines. All over the camp, signs illustrate the “Thousands and thousands of land mines camp’s ‘no guns, no uniforms’ policy. Doctors exist in over 80 countries in the world,” Without Borders takes a neutral stance towards Kauffman said. “It costs a dollar to produce a providing aid for displaced persons. mine and $1,000 to de-mine.” Medical care for the refugees is promising. One of the most creative aspects of the tour After registering to enter, vaccinations are was the display of intricate children’s toys, given for measles and polio. built from trash. A truck was made from an For children under fi ve, doctors hope to aerosol can, with tires built from the rubber prevent the deadliest killers: measles, diarrhea, sides of fl ip-fl ops. malaria and upper respiratory infections. Next, the tour guide brought the crowd to Children suffering from malnutrition are a six-by-four-foot ramshackle tent and told 10 given a highly therapeutic food called Plumpy participants to crawl in. nut. “One of these might house eight to 10 Of all the volunteers for Doctors Without people,” Kauffman said. “It would also hold Borders, 60 percent are doctors and 77 percent their precious possessions at nighttime.” of their funding comes from private donors. Water supply is the biggest concern Kauffman, a nurse, volunteered for three for Doctors Without Borders because months in Guatemala with children suffering contamination poses a major health threat. from neglect and growth and developmental In the camps, water is pumped out of the delays. Doctors Without Borders provides not ground and into a large bag that resembles a only physical attention, but also psychiatric water mattress. It is then decontaminated with attention for trauma-affected refugees. chlorine and brought to faucets by gravity. “There were 12-year olds who had to take “One faucet serves 250 people a day and care of three or more siblings,” Kauffman said. usually you might get about two to three “There was once a death threat to the child CURRY ANDREWS CURRY gallons of water a person, for drinking, care center because a family was trying to sell ABOVE: MSF volunteer Joan Kauffman measures a child’s arm using the ‘Bracelet of cooking and bathing,” Kauffman said. “Your their child and the center tried to prevent Life.’ “This bracelet allows doctors to quickly determine how severe a child’s case of shower is three gallons a minute and your that.” malnutrition is,” Kauffman said. toilet is a gallon each time you fl ush, to put it Doctors Without Borders, also called BELOW: The bracelet of Life measures the circumference of child’s arms. By wrapping into perspective.” Medicines Sans Frontiers, was founded in the bracelet around the upper arm of a malnourished child, a doctor can identify Every day, food rations for people in the 1971 by a group of French doctors. The the severity of malnutrition, based on the malnutrition zones labeled on the band. refugee camps are weighed publicly to ensure organization now has chapters in more than Zone 1, which is red, means the child is severely malnourished. Zone 2, which is that no one feels short-changed. Food includes 17 countries. orange, means the child is moderately malnourished. Zone 3, which is yellow, means sugar, rice and corn. Usually there is enough, “I thought it was very exciting,” said science the child is at risk of being malnourished. Zone 4, which is green, means the child is but if a large number of refugees arrive at one teacher Ms. Ellis. “I wouldn’t say it was fun, healthy. Nutritional emergencies can arise as a result of a lack of food from droughts time, each person is given a box of BF-5, eight but it was very eye-opening.” and fl oods, isolation or extreme poverty. Malnutrition leads to many fatal diseases, grainy shortbread bars, that supplements food While MSF works to provide health care for including measles, because its victims have a weak immune system. Pregnant women for one day. refugees, it has a larger goal in mind. and the elderly are also susceptible to malnutrition. Diagnosing malnutrition is even Volunteers have to work hard to enforce “The ultimate goal of MSF is to fi nd these more diffi cult when mothers do not know their babies’ birthdays. sanitation in the camp and gain refugees’ trust. people a permanent solution, so they don’t “Mainly mothers will remember natural occurrences that happened close to their “We have to use the local language to educate have to live for generations in the camps,” child’s birth, like droughts and fl oods,” Kauffman said. “That is why doctors only [refugees] and we have to work through the Kauffman said. “Getting the information out measure a babies’ progress by charting weight and height.” leader of a clan or village,” Kauffman said. there is a good way to inspire the public to talk The Bracelet of Life has become an icon for MSF. Bathrooms consist of stalled holes in the to government representatives.” ❐ “Seeing all the volunteers wearing the bracelets really sent a message,” said junior Kelly Douglas. “We can’t forget these people.” 3 1 4

2 Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org Ivies, UVA suspend early admissions, unfair advantage

BY ARIELLE D’AVANZO Starting in 2008, these schools will to apply early. Princeton, however, because they fear they won’t have an because some of their competing Are early admission policies no longer offer any sort of early only offers an Early Decision Plan in opportunity to compare fi nancial aid schools are dropping early really benefi ting colleges? That’s the admissions programs. which applicants commit to attend packages,” Cliatt said. “We feel that admissions. “We have not decided question several colleges are starting Cornell University offi cials said the school if accepted early. eliminating these barriers will help yet what action we will take on the to ask. According to the College that they are considering eliminating “Yale currently receives about level the playing fi eld in admissions, early admissions process,” Brenzel Board, about 415 colleges and their early admissions policy as well; 4,000 applications in the early and we hope that other schools said. “We want to think about this universities offer early admissions conversely, Brown, Dartmouth and process and about 17,000 in the follow our example.” carefully, and how it will affect options. More colleges now believe the University of Pennsylvania are regular process,” said Jeff Brenzel, the Harvard and Princeton both claim all students before we come to a the policy is leaving students who standing by their policy. dean of admissions at Yale University, that not only do early admission decision.” need fi nancial assistance at a loss. “We feel that eliminating early which has an Early Action Plan. “We programs exclude low-income Harvard and Princeton’s decision Harvard was the fi rst college to admissions will make the application tend to accept a higher percentage of students, but they also create anxiety to drop all early acceptance plans eliminate early process more our applicants in the early pool, but for students who feel the need and could benefi t Yale by possibly admissions equitable,” these applications in general come pressure to apply early. Not all increasing the number of their early in late We feel that eliminating these said Cass from extremely strong students.” students, however, agree with this applicants. The school, however, is September. barriers will help level the play- Cliatt, media Harvard and Princeton’s primary claim. still concerned about the number Princeton ing fi eld in admissions. r e l a t i o n s motive for eliminating early “Applying early allows of low-income students who will and the manager at admissions is to give all applicants students to go ahead and get the choose to apply early. University “ Princeton. equal opportunity. application process out of the way “I feel that there is really no right of Virginia Cass Cliatt, Princeton’s Media Currently, “Students from more so you don’t have to worry about or wrong answer when determining f o l l o w e d Harvard and disadvantaged backgrounds often it in the future,” said senior Noah whether to keep or get rid of early soon after. Relations Manager Yale both come from schools without the Robinson, who’s applying early to admissions,” said Mr. Joseph Princeton offer an Early college-preparation resources to Johnson and Wales. “It lets you go Arnold, a Grady guidance counselor. offi cials had reportedly been Action Plan, which doesn’t bind prepare them to apply early, and ahead and enjoy the remainder of “Schools are just trying to fi gure out considering eliminating their early applicants to the school once they low-income students are often your senior year.” what their school is lacking and the admissions program since 2001. are admitted but still allows them discouraged from applying early Yale now faces many decisions best way to address their issues.” ❐ 8 n e w s Oct. 12, 2006 Smaller learning communities come to APS schools BY JANNA KAPLAN and improve all of the district’s high group of community stakeholders By 2010, all Atlanta Public Schools schools. that not only recommend themes for Atlanta Public Schools Transformation Timeline high schools will be transformed The project was piloted at Carver the schools, but they will be working into collections of small learning High School, now known as the New on compiling a Community Sensory 2006- 2007 Build Instructional Foundations communities or small schools. Like Schools at Carver. Carver, which was Report to collect data from the Design/Plan Launch of Wave I the New Schools of Carver, every once one school like Grady, now community on their perceptions, APS high school will be separated includes five small schools: School of interests and desires regarding High 2007- 2008 Launch Wave I (Southside into different sections, each of which the Arts, School of Entrepreneurship, School Transformation.” & Therrell), Launch Student will have its own concentration, School of Technology, School of When the Grady transformation administration and faculty. This Health Sciences and Research and planning begins in 2008, a planning Support Initiatives high school reform, known as the Early College School. committee will make similar Launch Wave II (Douglass, High School Transformation, will “We’re very excited about Carver,” decisions. 2008- 2009 be administered in waves. Grady Dr. Hall said. “This past year, the “It will be up to the Grady Southside & Washington) is scheduled to be one of the last enrollment in the Schools increased community to decide if they want schools to undergo the changes. dramatically, the percentage of small schools like Carver or smaller 2009- 2010 Launch Wave III (Grady, Mays Administrators decided that High people who finished ninth grade themed learning communities,” S W

E & North Atlanta) School Transformation was necessary increased, and we’re already said Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, R D N

because a large number of APS beginning to see improvements in Grady parent and School Board A

Y R schools have low graduation rates academic performance.” Representative for District 3. R Assess 5-year transformation

U 2010+ and do not have rigorous academics. Therrell and South Atlanta will Kinnane said that although Carver C “Large high schools aren’t meeting be among the first schools to be students are not allowed to study the needs of today’s youth,” said APS transformed. The planning period at more than one school, the task kids who have different interests.” will work with the principal and Superintendent Dr. Beverly Hall. for these schools, known as Wave force could decide to make Grady’s Along with adding programs of design team to create programs “High school students need to be in I, has been extended to a full year. programs less rigid. study, all APS high schools will and instructional experiences that personalized learning environments During the year a planning task Since Grady already has introduce other support systems. are rigorous, engaging and aligned with fewer teachers and fewer force consisting of parents, teachers, different courses of study in “In addition to being smaller with college readiness and work students.” students, school leaders and local place, some people question how schools, [the high schools] will readiness standards,” Spann said. Dr. Hall believes it is important community organizations will decide the transformation would affect have more rigorous academic According to the APS newsletter, for schools to on study Grady’s already high-performing programs and different support for the goals for High School have a more High school students need to p r o g r a m s , programs. Harsch-Kinnane the students in the form of mentors Transformation are to graduate at “family-like be in personalized learning co-curricular believes that these programs, like and counselors so they won’t drop least 90 percent of ninth graders in atmosphere.” activities and the Communications Magnet and out because people are not paying four years, ensure that all students The Bill environments with fewer the setup of the Health Academy, will remain enough attention to them,” Dr. graduate with real post-secondary and Melinda teachers and fewer students. each school. intact. Hall said. options and make certain that G a t e s “ “The Pre- “One of the reasons Grady is in As part of the support every student receives a world-class Foundation P l a n n i n g Wave III [of this reform] is because systems, each school will receive educational experience. gave APS a Advisory Task we already have an effective model a partner from the Institute for “There’s a lot of research on $1.4 million Superintendent Dr. Beverly Hall Force is a new for a lot of the kids,” Harsch- Student Achievement (ISA), an small schools,” Dr. Hall said. “It’s grant in feature in the Kinnane said. “What the smaller- organization based in New York clear that students do better in October 2005 to fund the High planning process that was not used themed schools will do is create that has specific expertise in the smaller learning environments School Transformation project. The at Carver,” said Charlotte Spann, more opportunities for more development of small schools. where they can relate to their money serves as a planning grant to the High School Transformation Grady students. This way Grady “[The partners] will provide ISA teachers and to the other students create a five-year plan to transform program administrator. “This is a will be able to provide a focus for Coaches for each small school that on a more personal level.” ❐ MARTA improvement projects update technology

BY CHRIS COLLIER ideas and initiatives, illustrated for the In an effort to boost the image and purpose of moving MARTA forward, so that convenience of public transportation in MARTA can truly move Atlanta,” according Atlanta, MARTA is undertaking a host to BrightHouse spokeswoman Amanda of improvement projects. The overall Munilla. improvement plan began this year, and Munilla interviewed MARTA workers as customers should reap the benefits of all of the part of the detailed research process and found developments by 2008. that they were passionate about their jobs with “[MARTA] is over 25 years old, and a sense of dedication and optimism. there were a lot of aspects that needed to BrightHouse’s specific suggestion for be maintained or completely overhauled,” MARTA involves creating individually themed said Cara Hodgson, MARTA Manager of rail cars. Possibilities include cars furnished External Communications. “The updating with leather couches, books, coffee stands and upgrading are cost-effective and better for and donuts stands. According to the Atlanta R

the customers.” E Journal-Constitution, Rooms-To-Go, Borders, I L Months after MARTA installed Breeze Card L Starbucks and Krispy Kreme train cars would O C

S machines in all buses and in train stations, it is I increase interest in riding MARTA. R H

still adding new features to the fare collection C Apart from the BrightHouse ideas, MARTA system. is considering creating Memorial Drive express IT’S A BREEZE: New additions to MARTA’s offerings incorporate modern technology to accommodate riders. “We are preparing to roll out permanent bus lanes which would alleviate wait times for Along with the Breeze Card electronic fare collection systems, plans for new bus routes are being implemented. Breeze Cards, and different options will be buses on this main artery of the city. The plan coming out,” Hodgson said. and trains on all rail lines is fully utilizing all Historic District, while Route 101 covers is currently in the Environmental Assessment The system will use cards with computer of MARTA’s available resources. According Midtown, including the High Museum of Art Document stage, but is scheduled to debut in chips in them in order to track the balance, to Hodgson, the Rail Car Rehabilitation and the Margaret Mitchell House. March 2008, according to Hodgson. trip number and time amounts of each user, Program, which takes older cars and restores Even with so many new additions to “I ride MARTA about six days a week, to enabling new payment options. The cards will them until they can be put back into service, MARTA’s repertoire, potential plans are being and from school,” junior Ivy Davis said. Davis also retain their value if lost or stolen. will hopefully be completed by 2008. New formulated, and they could be on an even finds MARTA more convenient than driving At the Five Points station, the hub of the tracks are replacing older ones, which, though larger scale. because of the flexibility of schedules, the cost train lines, modern technology has shaped the installation now causes re-routing and “We are looking into the future,” Hodgson compared to current gas prices and the large the design of twelve new restrooms, each with delays, will decrease the frequency of rail said. “Some [of the ideas] are a little bit area that the transit system services. automatic features that MARTA hopes to problems in the long-term. more out-of-the-box thinking, and some are Davis expressed concern, however, incorporate at more stations in the future. The The Atlanta Tourist Loop, a new bus route completely conceptual.” about some of the changes MARTA plans bathrooms boast automatic soap dispensers, for out-of-town visitors, has been in service The most outside-the-box ideas have come to implement, and said that a downside sinks, toilets and dryers. Even newer since April, Hodgson said. It provides two from an Atlanta-based brand marketing of both the Breeze Card system and rail innovations include innovative items such as routes that enable tourists to visit most and consulting firm called BrightHouse. line reconstruction is increased wait times. automatic toilet seats and floor washers and of the biggest Atlanta attractions that the In keeping with founder Joey Reiman’s Although Davis thinks the BrightHouse ideas recorded instructions on how to operate the downtown area has to offer. Route 100 covers “belief in the power of ideas,” the company could be interesting, she said that “for anyone high-tech facilities. Downtown—everywhere from the Georgia conducted an intensive investigation project to have hot coffee on a crowded train, it would The ongoing introduction of new tracks Aquarium to the Martin Luther King, Jr. and “created a collection of unprecedented be a mess.” ❐ Oct. 12, 2006 n e w s 9 MURRAY awarded for insights in education from page 1 they are capable of, and you have to of different ways at elementary, convince them they can step up and middle school, high school, collegiate eliminate that fear. Early preparation or even national levels.” [starting] in the ninth grade gives Every spring, McGraw-Hill students the confi dence that they receives hundreds of nominations could do well in honors and higher- from all over the nation, and a level classes.” board of experienced educators and Dr. Murray is able to identify areas company offi cials examine each in need of change and devise such nominee. Three winners are chosen effective remedies largely because he in the fall. Dr. Gene Bottoms, the is very connected to all parts of the 1995 former recipient of the award Grady community—teachers, staff, and the director of High Schools that parents and especially students. Work, nominated Dr. Murray. “Dr. Murray is the type of person “The judges look for candidates who’ll listen,” Vice-Principal Naomi who have had a lifetime commitment Grishman said. “He’s someone to helping students and have real that the students know that they results to show for it,” a McGraw- can express their concerns to. It’s Hill representative said. “The a wonderful quality because a [Howard W. McGraw, Jr.] Prize lot of principals don’t have that shines a spotlight on them, so others reputation.” may learn from their examples.” In addition to his talents for According to McGraw-Hill, identifying and solving problems, Dr. Murray exceeds this criteria. WATSON HAMP administrators admire Dr. Murray’s In a press release describing the EYES ON THE PRIZE: Award-winning principal Dr. Vincent Murray evaluates a student’s conduct records with Ms. Carrie MacBrien. “Dr. multifaceted leadership skills. award recipient’s achievements, the Murray takes input from the staff as well as parents and students,” Vice Principal Naomi Grishman said. “He has an open door policy.” “Dr. Murray is an effective company highlights his leadership of restrictions,” Dr. Murray said. smaller homerooms and the ninth- called Opportunity Sky Time, principal because we have a school “the transformation of an inner-city “There was a difference in how some grade transition program. The where students worked with fl ight that serves a diverse group of public school into a higher-achieving classes appeared [to students]—there group also sought to expand the simulators in their physics classes and students with a variety of needs, and institution.” was not a lot of academic risk taking variety of opportunities presented to received free fl ight time at the Fulton through his dynamic leadership, the When Dr. Murray arrived at Grady on the part of minority students. students when they came to Grady; County Airport. He also worked staff is able to meet those needs,” 15 years ago, more than a third of all They took the core curriculum and the Health Academy was created with the school’s administrator to Ms. Grishman said. “He’s created freshmen were held back and the that was it.” as a result of the reform plan. Dr. gradually move physics to a class a school culture where students can school’s standardized test scores were Soon after his arrival, Dr. Murray Murray also focused his attention on taken at the ninth-grade level because feel like they’re individuals, yet can well below the state average. Many set out to change the trend and get encouraging more students to take he thinks “freshmen feel like they can come together to perform well.” students, especially those who were more students, especially minorities, higher-level classes. do anything.” Although many attribute Grady’s not part of the magnet program, involved in higher-level classes. “At the time, physics was taught Dr. Murray also oversaw the tight community to Dr. Murray’s were “still falling through the cracks,” “After Dr. Murray observed for in the 12th grade,” Dr. Murray implementation of the Pacesetter leadership, he credits it with the according to Ms. Marian Kelly, chair a bit, he worked with the staff to said. “There was no representation program, which the College Board school’s amazing transformation in of Grady’s English department. create a school reform plan,” Ms. of minority students. I found out developed to prepare students to take the last decade. Now, four out of fi ve Grady Kelly said. that a lot of kids didn’t want to Advanced Placement classes as early “The award really wasn’t for me; it graduates go directly to college. This Dr. Murray accompanied almost take challenging classes like physics as the 10th grade. was for the Grady community,” he year, 57 more seniors took the SAT 30 faculty members and a facilitator because they might fail and not be “Education is accessible for said. “It’s been a very collaborative than seven years ago. from High Schools that Work able to graduate.” everyone, but you have to have effort. It takes everyone—parents, “When I came to Grady, there to Helen during the summer of In order to encourage students the right conditions to make kids teachers and students—to make the was a carefree kind of atmosphere; 1997. The group decided to focus to take physics, Dr. Murray formed successful,” he said. “They have a lot school a success. We all care about students didn’t have a lot of on helping freshmen by creating a partnership with Georgia Tech of their own self-doubts about what students’ education.” ❐ Islamic architecture defi nes nearly-completed Fourteenth Street mosque BY HAMP WATSON Grady senior Ahmad Usmani Zahid, a According to the Al-Farooq website, the something in there?’” Siddiq said. “Any Workers are currently putting the fi nishing native of Pakistan, agrees. construction project began in 2002 with individual or group that wants to learn more touches on a new mosque at the Al-Farooq “When people come to pray and they see the creation of a three-level parking lot. The about the mosque, or about Islam, will be Masjid of Atlanta on 14th Street. The new the mosque, it reminds them of back home,” construction is now in its fi nal stages— welcome.” mosque will house up to 2,000 worshippers he said. “People have pride in their mosque. the only remaining work left is in the The cost of the mosque’s construction is and will be completed by summer 2007. It will We see beautiful churches all the time, but this interior. The new mosque will have estimated at $7 to $9 million. Most of the replace the old mosque, built in 1980, which gives [Muslims] something to rival the beauty a library, separate praying areas for money came from pledges or anonymous had a capacity of only 400 people. Complete of the churches.” men and women and an exhibit hall. private donations. with a domed interior and a minaret, the Muslims use mosques chiefl y as places to According to Siddiq, the mosque will “In Islam, we have a tradition that when mosque follows traditional Islamic design. pray. Devout Muslims pray fi ve times daily, now be more inviting for those who you give, your left hand should not know “The Muslim community in Atlanta is facing the holy city of Mecca. The designers wish to learn more about Islam. what your right hand is doing,” Ismail said. very diverse,” said Khalid Siddiq, director of of the new mosque had to be creative to ensure “We don’t want people to have “We don’t want people to know when we give Al-Farooq and chairman of the construction the mosque faced the correct direction. unanswered questions like, ‘I money because then it looks bad, like we’re committee. “We wanted to have a unifying “The mosque is designed to have an don’t know what’s going doing it for show.” place of worship in keeping with the standards octagonal shape,” said sophomore on in the mosque; In Siddiq’s opinion, the new mosque’s chief of other places of worship in the area, so that Nadir Ismail, who regularly prays are they benefi t will be the way it brings people our children can feel honored and proud to be at Al-Farooq. “If you look to plotting together. a part of it.” the northwest corner of the “We are creating the unique heart of Siddiq estimates that Muslims from 40 to mosque facing 14th Street, the diverse Muslim community,” he 50 different countries come to the masjid, that is the direction of Mecca, said. “We’re bringing it closer, giving or “mosque” in Arabic. The mosque is not toward which we pray.” it a greater sense of belonging, and a modeled after a specifi c country’s traditions, greater sense of devotion.” ❐ so Muslims from all nations feel comfortable worshipping there.

HAMP WATSON Georgia’s 2007 Candidates Governor Sonny Perdue (R), Incumbent Mark Taylor (D), Lt. Governor Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle (R), State Senator Jim Martin (D), Former State Representative Secretary of State Gail Buckner (D), State Representative Karen Handel (R), Fulton County Commission Chair Attorney General Thurbert Baker (D), Incumbent Rock Perry McGuire, (R) Former State Senator the State school superintendent ELECTRONIC voting booths a hit in student elections Kathy Cox (R), Incumbent from page 1 to be an educational experience. They can be easily corrupted. May 2002 to install 19,000 computerized Denise Majette (D), Former Congresswoman and confi dent that SGA will be successful this regularly loan the machines to schools if you “I like the paper ballots because they can be voting machines across Georgia in fi ve District Judge year. request [them] in time before any offi cial checked,” Stocks said. “As we know from this months. With such a short amount of time, ote “I always had something to say about what election.” last election, [computers] can be rigged. I like Cox authorized Diebold to put together was going on in the school,” Goodine said. “It The FCRED lends the touch-screen voting the paper trail; I wish there were some way ballots, program machines and train poll feels good to know I’m a part of history— the machines to schools so that students can people could get receipts [of their votes].” workers across the state without any offi cial fi rst ever tie for Executive Council President. experience the real voting process. Studies have shown that the electronic supervision. Cox has been criticized for her Perdue, Taylor face off with budget cuts, accusations I look forward to splitting up duties.” “It felt a lot more offi cial,” senior Natalie voting system allows hackers to fi x elections decision to give Diebold control over much On Election Day, six parent volunteers Streiter said. “It was a lot more interesting easily. If a glitch or equipment malfunction of the election proces. BY REBECCA GITTELSON Dr. Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia helped facilitate the voting process and to have the offi cial machines, rather than occurred, all the votes would be lost. The lack “[Diebold’s control] could be very unfair As the Nov. 7 general election approaches, political science professor, thinks that the Hope manned class tables to check in voters. circling names on a piece of paper.” of a paper trial causes some voters to question and cause the wrong people to win,” the gubernatorial campaign continues to heat Scholarship will be a main campaign issue. “[Helping out] was interesting,” said Janice Senior Rachel Deel agrees with the Election whether the computers correctly registered freshman John Rogers said. up with Democratic candidate Mark Taylor “Taylor was present at the birth of the Hope Stocks, a parent volunteer. “I had a good time Department’s goal and believes computerized their votes. With irreparable malfunctions Despite the controversy, the Diebold and Republican incumbent Sonny Perdue scholarship [as lieutenant governor],” Bullock talking to the kids and seeing their faces when voting is a good idea. and nonexistent paper trails, election results touch-screen voting machines are at trading brutal attacks on each other’s policies said. “[Taylor] may say that Perdue wasn’t they saw the machines. It’s nice to know that “It gets people used to voting the way we could drastically change if problems arose. Grady to stay. Most students loved the and ethics. enthusiastic about the Hope in the 1990s.” I could possibly be starting someone’s voting will be voting when we turn 18,” she said. “There’s no way a recount could happen electronic machines and don’t view them as The two candidates are focusing on similar According to Perdue’s website, he has experience.” “It makes you feel like your vote counts. And and that’s one of my criticisms of machine problematic. issues, including tougher crime laws, tax “protected lottery funds for [the] Hope Ms. Myles had planned to use the since it’s computerized, we don’t have to rely voting,” Mr. Sartor said. “It’s all based on “It eliminates cheating,” Goodine said. “In reductions, education and the economy. [Scholarship].” computerized voting machines for last on people counting papers, which makes [the trust. We used to keep the paper ballots the past I’ve seen people taint the voting by “[Perdue’s] main message is that he is a Woods said that Perdue has actually cut year’s SGA elections, but they were in use process] more accurate.” all year, locked away in case one of the turning in several ballots.” conservative Republican [who] is for less funds for those two programs while in offi ce. for the 2005 mayoral race. To reserve the Others enjoy the speed of touch-screen candidates demanded a recount. If one of the The SGA advisors and volunteers are government [involvement], lower taxes and She cites these budget cuts as responsible for machines for the 2006 SGA elections, she voting. candidates wanted a recount now, I don’t see also satisfi ed with the new system; they no family values,” said Irene Jacobsen, one the current $500 million surplus in Georgia. began requesting them over the summer. As “I prefer computerized voting,” said Betty how it would happen.” longer have to spend hours counting ballots of Perdue’s volunteer Precinct Chairs. “As Perdue supporters, however, tout his positive a result of her efforts, Grady became the fi rst Price, an SGA election day volunteer. “It’s Under Secretary of State Cathy Cox’s by hand. governor, he cut taxes, he tried to make impact on the economy while in offi ce.

government less involved [and] he did what he “[Perdue] turned the $640 million defi cit R

school on the FCRED’s list to hold student faster; you don’t have people constantly initiative, Georgia became one of the fi rst “This is the wave of the future,” Mr. E T

could to support education.” he inherited [from former Gov. Barnes] into a U

government elections with the electronic waiting in line.” states to introduce electronic voting. Cox’s Sartor said. “There’s no way that they can E R

machines. While supporters of the machines promote offi ce contracted Diebold Election Systems, stop electronic voting. They can improve it, Taylor’s platform includes expanding $500 million surplus,” Schrimp said. K C I N “It’s all free,” Ms. Myles said. “It’s supposed their effi cacy, opponents belive voting results the world’s third largest seller of ATMs, in but there’s no going back.” ❐ children’s insurance coverage, removing sales Merle Black, an Emory University political I M

tax on over-the-counter drugs and ending science professor, thinks that voters care more O parole for violent offenders. He has also about the economy than about budget cuts. D proposed instating the death penalty as a “When Perdue took offi ce he did have to cut THE OUTLOOK IS SONNY: Gov. Sonny Perdue recognizes Grady for commendable SAT scores. Perdue, the Grady graduates rally behind candidate Jim Martin punishment for repeat child sex offenders. programs; now the economy is stronger,” Black Republican incumbent in the 2006 gubernatorial race, is leading Democrat Mark Taylor in the polls. Perdue’s supporters believe that Taylor’s said. “A good economy means good news for BY LENA BRODSKY “Jim spends his time talking to of the state assembly to get selling points. with the aid of a team that as of Sept. 26, the Commission has ruled that that people will see past [the debt] and support You are driving down North local groups, local chambers of something done.” “He has a 35-year record with is largely composed of Grady death penalty proposal is not feasible. the governor in offi ce.” Taylor does not have to return the money. us.” Highland Avenue when you Congress, going to football games Although Martin is popular leadership and accomplishment in graduates. “We haven’t really studied Taylor’s proposal, There is also bad news for the governor. In the Dr. Bullock believes that voters will not be Taylor’s brutal primary election campaign glance over and see a political sign and shaking the hands of voters,” in many Intown neighborhoods, public service,” Will Martin said. “All four of Jim’s children but it seems suspect that [the proposal] would week of Sept. 20, a State Ethics Commission swayed by either candidate’s accusations. against Cathy Cox not only bruised his in someone’s yard. It’s one of many said Will Martin, Jim Martin’s including Virginia-Highland, “He served in Vietnam, he’s an went to Grady, including his come to fruition,” said Chris Schrimp, the complaint was fi led against Perdue for creating “[The ethics charges] are not going to fi nances, but also divided the Georgia political advertisements, but this campaign press secretary, nephew Cagle also has a lot of support. elder at his church and he’s a father son and Campaign Manager, Deputy Communications Director for a possible confl ict of interests by forming a change the preferences of strong Democrats or Democratic Party. The two candidates traded particular sign reads ‘Jim Martin and a 2002 Grady graduate. “[Cagle] is a member of the and a grandfather who shares all Jay, who graduated in 1992,” Perdue’s re-election campaign. “It’s just another land partnership with House Ways and Means Republicans,” Bullock said. “It’s not the kind personal insults throughout the primary and for Georgia.’ The traffi c starts to “He’s raised money to fund a TV state Senate,” Westmoreland said. [of] Georgia’s values.” Will Martin said. “Another son, big promise from the ‘Big Guy’ [Taylor].” Chairman Larry O’Neal. of issue that moves undecided voters either.” have not attended any functions together since move and you forget the sign, but campaign and he sends out mail “[He has a] well-funded, well- Martin decided to run for Frank, who serves as Martin’s Both candidates, however, aim to improve Democrats have criticized Perdue for buying Taylor may lose support because of the Taylor defeated Cox. Soon after Cox’s defeat, the longer you stay on Highland, regularly. There are a whole slew of organized campaign that’s leading lieutenant governor because he personal assistant, graduated in the public education system by decreasing class Georgia land from a dentist he appointed to announcement on Sept. 21 that his campaign her campaign chair announced that he would the more signs you see supporting options to get the message out.” Jim [Martin] in the polls. Jim believes public service is about 1997 and was the fi rst Mr. Grady. size and increasing teachers’ pay. the state Board of Dentistry, and for signing a overspent during the primary elections. support Perdue in the general election. Jim Martin, the Democratic Jim Martin’s platform includes [Martin] has, and he knows [it], helping people, according to Matt Weyandt, Martin’s fi nance “Education is [Perdue’s] top priority,” bill written by O’Neal that includes a tax break On the same day that the Taylor campaign’s Black believes that “the Democrats need candidate for lieutenant governor. lowering healthcare costs for an uphill fi ght.” Westmoreland. director, graduated from Grady Schrimp said. “The governor will focus on on land Perdue owns in Florida. debt was announced, an InsiderAdvantage poll to unite to win” and that confl ict within the Republican Chris Cagle is running Georgians, ensuring that students In Atlanta, Jim Martin is “Politics is suffering from a lack in 1997; Bess Weyandt, deputy continuing what’s been working—smaller “When people realize that Perdue gave was released, showing Perdue with a 20 percent Georgia Democratic Party will hurt Taylor’s against Martin. have a better education and considered a rising star of the local of men and women of character fi nance director, is also a Grady class sizes, placing [graduation] completion himself a $100,000 tax cut that the rest of us lead over Taylor. chances in the general election. The offi ce of lieutenant providing better paying jobs in political community. who will do what’s right and graduate.” counselors in every school and paying Georgia didn’t get, they’ll think that’s wrong,” said Rick “[The debt] is very embarrassing to the The Democrats’ disarray presents a striking governor carries signifi cant state the state. “I knew I’d vote for Jim Martin work with others who want to Jim Martin hopes to be able to teachers the highest salary in the Southeast.” Dent, communications director for the Taylor Taylor campaign,” Black said. “When you have contrast to the Republicans’ united front and power, but little prestige. The Martin’s education platform [for lieutenant governor],” said Mr. do what’s right, regardless of further infl uence Georgia schools, Charity Woods, Taylor’s Deputy Finance campaign. a story like that, it makes potential donors wary Perdue’s recent successes. lieutenant governor is president strikes a chord with Grady Louis Sartor, Grady’s Government party or political persuasion,” according to Will Martin. director, believes that Perdue’s pro-education Republicans, however, claim that the ethics about giving money to Taylor. In combination “Everything seems to be going just right of the Senate and is the fi rst graduate Matt Westmoreland. and Politics teacher. “I feel more Westmoreland said. “He has the “Jim believes we have to invest stance is empty rhetoric. complaint is simply political mudslinging. with the poll, it’s just devastating.” for [Perdue],” Bullock said. “The economy is substitute should the governor “I think the biggest problem strongly [about] the lieutenant character and integrity that people in people to share continued “Perdue’s proposal to decrease class size is I think voters will see [the ethics complaint] Taylor’s spokespeople, however, deny that doing well, student achievement is up and he resign or be unable to fulfi ll his or facing this state is an education governor’s race than [about] the always say they look for in a prosperity in the state,” Will last-minute political pandering; it is something for what it is—Democrats attacking Perdue,” the overspending will hurt Taylor’s chances. doesn’t have to run against Cox.” her duties. crisis,” Westmoreland said. governor’s race; Martin’s been one candidate. He’d represent everyone Martin said. “It’s important to Taylor’s been talking about for years,” Woods Schrimp said. “To people who don’t know a lot about Democrats, however, are still hopeful that Martin’s ties to Grady make “[Martin] has both a plan to help of the best state representatives.” in the state and he’d help continue provide all children with the said. “Perdue’s now trying to jump on the Republicans have accused Taylor of illegally politics, [the debt] will seem like a big deal,” Taylor can win. him a popular candidate among start turning this state around and Martin’s supporters cite his moving Georgia forward.” opportunity to learn, so all bandwagon because he wants parents’ and accepting campaign donations. Although the Woods said. “But, most major campaigns “[Taylor’s campaign] is very viable,” Woods students and alumni. the ability to work with members political history as one of his main Martin is campaining statewide Georgians can succeed in life.” ❐ teachers’ attention.” case was still pending in the Ethics Commission incur debt—that’s the reality. We’re hoping said. “It can be done.” ❐ SGA Officers campaign finance reports executive council Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen March 30- June 29 June 30- Sept. 30 = $500,000 Presidents President President President President Chris Goodine Lauren Mitchell Corinthia Hayes Jo Deanah Noble Jackson “Jake” Martin Summer Frost Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Emma Din Brittany Briscoe Devin Harris Brenae Wright Matthew Marshall Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary/ Treasurer Contributions to Perdue $1,889,098 Contributions to Perdue $2,107,163 Secretary Lydia Hardy Robert Maddox Rebecca Garr Aja Syphoe Joy Carter Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Maria Hilliard Gabrielle Lopez Janee Brown-Jackson Jessa Barron Parliamentarian Parliamentarian Parliamentarian Kevin Eccles Ayana Cawley Contributions to Taylor $1,348,568 Contributions to Taylor $2,264,282 Nina Griffin LILY FEINBERG AND CARSON HALE SOURCE: WWW.ETHICS.GA.GOV 12 f e a t u r e THE SOUTHERNER Oct. 12, 2006 Peer tutoring program helps Grady, Inman students BY CAROLINE DENTON year that tutors were interested in teaching team and helps Ms. Jones recruit peer tutors is available in any subject depending on There’s nothing more frustrating than and students were willing to learn, but when and students. In hopes of a more successful the availability of tutors. Tutors are in being stuck in a class where you have no idea Ms. Jones tried to take the program to the program, Wilco will bring Grady peer tutors high demand, and most students say their what’s going on. In the past, students have next level by scheduling peer tutorials, it to Inman Middle School. tutoring experiences help them become dealt with their frustration by becoming didn’t work out. “The idea is that Inman students will feel better teachers as well as better people. angry, pretending they know what they’re “The interest was there, but for various less self-conscious around Grady tutors than Junior Callan Wells tutors a freshman doing or giving up. Now, however, there reasons, students couldn’t commit and Grady students would since they don’t have from Burundi who is not only new to Grady, is a different and more effective way of started to drop out,” Ms. Jones said. to see them at school everyday,” Wilco said. but also new to this country. In addition to catching up in difficult classes; it’s called Sometimes students find it hard to go to Classes may be equally frustrating for tutoring the student in Algebra I, Wells has peer tutoring. tutorials hosted by their teachers because the those who feel that they’re the only ones to work around the language barrier. Grady’s peer tutoring team has been tutorials don’t fit their schedule or they don’t who fully understand the material. Not only “You feel that you’ve accomplished around since last year under the direction understand the way the teachers explain do peer tutors help out classmates, but the something when you see the person you’re of the ninth-grade counselor Ms. Schalyse concepts. If this is the case, the alternative of tutors also receive community service hours. tutoring understand the material the way Jones. This year, she wants to concoct a more having someone help out who’s closer to the Students interested in peer tutoring should you’ve presented it,” Wells said. “It’s a really effective program in which both peer tutors students’ age is often better. contact Ms. Jones through e-mail, phone or rewarding experience.” ❐ and students will thrive. It was evident last Junior Michelle Wilco is president of the by just stopping by her office. Tutoring 1906 race riot commemorated with research, drama BY CARSON HALE it through the Depression, as well There is an old saying that as investigating 41 lynchings and those who cannot remember the riots in other cities. Naturally, past are condemned to repeat it. Palmer had particular interest in Considering Atlantans’ previous the Walter White character of the knowledge of the 1906 Atlanta broadcast, played by senior Rafael Race Riot, the city was headed in Velez. a dangerous direction. “He took license, but he did For two years, the Coalition to bring out the most dramatic Remember the 1906 Atlanta Race aspects of him,” Palmer said. Riot has led an effort to educate She added that White was people about this major historic a very dramatic person. For event in Atlanta history. Its Velez, performing “Destination efforts culminated with various Freedom” was an opportunity remembrance events, galleries, to try something distinct from readings and lectures around traditional play acting. the city to honor the memory of “It’s interesting because to the people who died during the make your voice, you have to act riot and to address its long-term with your face,” Velez said. “Your effects that plague our city today. vocal acting has to be much more The tragic weekend of Sept. expressive because no one can see 22, 1906 marked what Grady your body.” parent and prominent Coalition Senior Natalie Streiter had an member, Cliff Kuhn, cites as the extra vocal challenge, playing a event historians recognize as one male role in the production. of the most significant in Atlanta’s “It put me into what it was like history, yet also one of the most CARSON HALE during the times,” Streiter said. neglected. OH, FREEDOM: (from left) Junior Courtney Parker, freshman Greyson Blake and seniors Natalie Streiter and Luke Pattison stand by “Playing a racist white deputy in a The summer before the riot, during the radio drama “Destination: Freedom” in the Grady theater. The performance was broadcast live on station WRFG, 89.3 FM. small town in Tennessee gave me racism, sensationalized journalism more insight into how one would and a heated governor’s race piled said in unison. Atlanta communities. come in from Colorado to direct act [in the early 1900s].” up, leading to an uncontrollable The reading was part of a “The combination of the students. Betts worked with students on riot. The white people who felt presentation at Georgia State effect of history and the fact that “This is a once in a lifetime the characterizations and made threatened by blacks moving up University that highlighted we’re journalism students made experience,” Betts said. “Just the people step out of their comfort the social ladder tried to assert students and community it so much more interesting,” fact that this was the weekend zones. The show had to be put their power and superiority over members who had taken an active Gourdine said. it happened is what made it together on short notice, but blacks. role in researching, teaching or Their interest inspired them to incredible.” Betts, as well as the Coalition, Blacks were already forced understanding the race riot. spend the first two weeks of their Grady aired the broadcast had high expectations for the to abide by Jim Crow laws that As part of the Voices Project, summer preparing the magazine live from its theater on WRFG performers. upheld segregation and to pay poll sophomore Hannah Mitchell read for publication. In addition to Radio. To add to the excitement “You really don’t have time to taxes, which discouraged them out the names of over 25 people learning about Atlanta’s past, it of actually being “on the air,” a fool around,” Betts said. “I told from voting. Simultaneously, killed and numerous others gave them a new perspective on special guest sat in the audience. them to bring their A-game and the Democratic candidates for wounded when white mobs their city. Walter White’s niece, Rose they brought it.” governor each promoted separate terrorized the black business “It makes Atlanta as a city Palmer, brought a very personal The production went smoothly, platforms to keep blacks from district. become much and real as freshman Pace Maynard can voting. “The text basically speaks more three- [We] got to get inside all of aspect to the attest. Maynard worked on the Prominent whites and for itself,” Mitchell said of the dimensional, it, get inside the hate and portrayal. sound effects for the production, newspapers started blaming black firsthand accounts of the riot. because I W h i t e which involved a stand-alone nightclubs along Decatur Street “We got to experience it for never thought “ the emotions that were considered door, a model car, various for motivating black men to ourselves. [We] got to get inside of Atlanta being thrown around. himself a hanging pipes, broken glass, and assault white women. Newspapers all of it, get inside the hate and as having black man, a keyboard. published growing numbers of the emotions that were being a history,” sophomore Hannah Mitchell but he had “Everything was pretty much accounts of black men sexually thrown around.” McKay said. light skin on time,” Maynard recalled, harassing white women, but none At the same event, seniors Drawing on other Grady and blond hair. He was what “except when there was supposed were legitimately justified. The Ramika Gourdine, Sarah Beth students’ talents, Kuhn set in people in that time called a to be a crack of thunder, but articles focused on maddening McKay and Lena Brodsky motion a presentation for a “voluntary negro.” In a society the keyboard messed up and it details, which left the white presented Grady’s Nexus live radio broadcast using the where the KKK reigned supreme, screamed.” community roused, angry and magazine’s spread about the riot. new recording studio and audio White acted as sort of a spy to Screams aside, the students, feeling vulnerable. The spread, which they co- gear. The show, “Destination investigate hangings. Betts and Kuhn all seemed What happened next was best wrote, was a combination of Freedom,” was based on personal Palmer, who lived with her uncle satisfied with the show and their described by student performers information gathered in a research accounts from Walter White, who White for a few months after high involvement. in the Voices Project, a dramatic project in their US history class experienced the race riot as a child school, listed his other admirable “We knew it would be an reading of oral histories injected and a walking tour of the 1906 and went on to become executive accomplishments. The period opportunity to educate the with provocative questions: historical sites in downtown. The secretary of the NAACP. Kuhn when the NAACP experienced the public,” Kuhn said, “and I “On Saturday night, Sept. 22, students were motivated to share lined up filmmaker and radio most growth was under White’s thought it was good to have 1906, Atlanta exploded,” readers their findings with the Grady and producer Donnie L. Betts to administration. He kept up with young people involved.” ❐ Oct. 12, 2006 f e a t u r e 13 Candler Park project examines district’s rich history BY KAYCI SCHOON known as Candler Park in the 1890s. Churches Brandhorst said. towards the community in their investigation There is a lot more to Candler Park and lodges such as the Edgewood Evening Life for the black community on the north and encounter each subject with careful than middle-class homes. Looking past the Star Lodge served as asylums from racism for side of the Georgia Railroad tracks became attention. The history is important, but taking Victorian architecture, the gridiron streets African Americans. unwelcoming. According to Kelman, black time to respect the lifestyles of those involved and hilly terrain, one might notice the 1920s In 1873, the Antioch Baptist Church families recall whites’ resentful behavior as they in Candler Park history is more important. corner stores or turn-of-the-century wood began meeting in the living room of a church walked past or parked vehicles in front of white “One of the most difficult parts is frame bungalows, and wonder: who settled member. In the 1890s, they built the first homes on their way to church. Around 1950, remembering to be thoughtful and respectful here first? church building for African Americans in the the Antioch Baptist Church moved south of before jumping into things that recall painful In 1994 former Candler Park resident Amy area. The church population continued to the Georgia Railroad tracks. experiences for the people involved, yet bring Meyer Burns’ curiosity about Candler Park’s grow, filling with educated, employed African The Antioch Baptist Church (the Old Stone awareness to the community we’re working history grew after she noticed shards of antique Americans. In 1916, one year after the Ku Church) and the African American pioneering with,” Kelman said. pottery and porcelain strewn throughout the Klux Klan resurfaced, the church suspiciously community after 1870 remain focal points The Candler Park History Project will neighborhood. burned to the ground. Undaunted, Antioch in the study. The researchers have obtained continue for the remainder of the school Twelve years later, Meyer Burns is members took four years to hand build the Old handwritten deeds, notes and maps, along year; current participants encourage interested collaborating with teacher Mr. John Stone Church, one street away, across from the with oral histories. students to join in their investigations. Brandhorst, Candler Park resident Edith Evening Star Lodge. “We have remarkable source materials— I Researchers, current and incoming, will need Kelman, historian Dean Rowley, Reverend Thus the migration mystery begins, think the earliest document goes back to 1873,” to approach their research with fresh eyes and Marsha Mitchiner and Reverend Dr. John triggered by unsettling statistics: in 1910, Kelman said. “We have a variety of maps that be prepared for surprising results. F. Williams to piece together the enigmatic African Americans constituted 59 percent of show changes in the neighborhood over time. “The nature of original research is that we history of Candler Park. The research project the Edgewood neighborhood population. By Even omitted sections of the neighborhood are don’t know where it will lead,” Mr. Brandhorst is funded by a one-year grant from the Atlanta 1920, it was a mere 11 percent. telling [because] it shows us where the non- said. “We expect to produce printed materials, Partnership for Acts in Learning. “We are looking to understand details of insured [African Americans] lived.” signage, monuments, and new documented The researchers have discovered that black how the Edgewood neighborhood went from Above all, the project’s participants work to interviews that will further clarify the true homeowners found refuge in the area now majorly black to predominately white,” Mr. stress compassion and humanistic approaches history of these neighborhoods.” ❐ Art department lands partnership for travel, mosaic Students join with Art students prepare professional artist for Italian excursion on mosaic project BY LILY FEINBERG When in Rome, do art. BY LILY FEINBERG That’s what art teacher John The costume shop is falling Brandhorst, professional artist Jason to pieces. Pieces of tile, that is. Johnson and five Grady seniors will The art department’s be doing when they leave Oct. 15 to newest undertaking is a spend eight weeks in Rome. collaborative public art project The trip is part of a program with professional artist Jason called ArtTrek to Rome, which Johnson to create a 5-foot by sponsors six students, five of whom 14-foot mosaic which will go are from Grady, to create public art in the floor of the renovated and explore both the world and Piedmont Park Tennis Center. themselves. These students will work Johnson first made the in conjunction with Italian students

connection between the project ERIK BELGUM to produce at least two murals and a and Grady. WORTH 1,000 TILES: Artists Shae Stuart and Jason Johnson work with senior Noah Robinson on the 98-square foot mosaic. “It’s video documentary. “I do a lot of consulting not quite the same as painting or drawing a mural,” Robinson said. “It’s a lot more hands-on... and it looks a lot better in the long run.” The theme for the murals will work for the City of Atlanta,” deal with symmetry between Atlanta Johnson said. “In the process, project is to use tiles that are here, to be able to have lots Senior Natalie Streiter is pleased and Rome. occasionally I’ll hear about other tiny—one square centimeter of people involved in it, to be that Johnson is so willing to “We thought about doing the public art projects and I’ll apply or less—to fill the mosaic’s 98- able to interact with a very work with the students. phoenix and the wolf [to represent] for them and get commissions. square-foot area. real public art project, and…to “It’s good because he the two cities,” said Grady senior That’s what happened here.” “It is a lot of tiles—especially create projects that require doesn’t act like he’s better than Rafael Velez, one of the students With a three-week time that small,” Johnson said. “If collaboration,” he said. “I everyone else just because he’s going on the trip. “We’re sort of allotment to complete the my math’s right, we’ll be using think a major portion of school a professional and we’re high building on that now.” mosaic, Johnson knew he would almost 12,000 tiles.” emphasizes isolated work and school students,” she said. The documentary, Velez need a few extra pairs of hands Despite the intricacy required that’s not the nature of the real “That’s probably one of the best explained, will serve to record the and thought Grady art students to place the many tiles, Mr. world. The real world is a very parts about working with him.” students’ experiences in Rome and could be a good resource. Brandhorst is confident that the collaborative place; that’s why One of the most exciting the changes they undergo as the trip “I started thinking, ‘Okay, students can get the job done. I think this helps promote that aspects of this project is the progresses. how can we get it done faster’” “It’s extremely painstaking in particular mode of work.” mosaic’s longevity in Atlanta. “We had an interview last week he said. “I could give those how it’s put together,” he said. Mr. Brandhorst also hopes “This is a chance…to be part with preliminary questions just to guys an experience, a chance “Here we have a lot of students that Grady’s participation in of the history of the town,” get us warmed up to [the camera],” to learn some who have the this project will open doors for Mr. Brandhorst said. “One he said. “And as time goes on, we’ll other stuff [and This is a chance... to be capacity to do students to learn about other art of the things that people cry keep getting interviewed and we’ll to] work with work of this projects and the pieces which about in Atlanta is that there’s see how our answers change over the some different part of the history of nature.” have to come together in order a lack of visible heritage, and course of the eight weeks.” media.” the town. The metic- for public art to be possible. so things like this [project] start The ArtTrek program provides Art teacher “ ulous tile “[Johnson] and these other to build up and make the city a laptop computer for every and department placement is two artists, [are] all integrated look like a ‘real city’ because two people, so students can chair John Mr. John Brandhorst not the only into the public art systems of ‘real cities’ have this apparent stay connected to school via the Brandhorst part of the this city and others, and so heritage—old buildings, old internet. explained that Grady makes project in which students will while they’re working, there will art from previous centuries, and “The plan is that the teachers the perfect home for Johnson’s participate. be conversations about public this [artwork] is a contribution are going to give us a packet and mosaic project. “The students will be art, ...public politics, funding to that solidity.” say, ‘This week do this,’ and if it’s “Three things had to happen involved with sorting the tiles and prioritizing civic spending,” Streiter agrees that the something that we need to turn in, [for Johnson to be able to into different shades of colors Mr. Brandhorst said. “This just permanence of this project we’ll have a blog,” Velez said. work],” Mr. Brandhorst said. that are called for, drawing the happens to be visual art, but makes it intriguing. In preparation for the big trip, “One was he had to have designs onto the surfaces and the same is true about the “It’s pretty exciting because the students are studying Italian a safe place to do it, which then finally placing the tiles,” ballet or the Woodruff Center it’ll be remembered somewhere language and culture. Grady can provide. Two, Mr. Brandhorst said. or any other public-venue by people who don’t even know “We’re learning Italian right [Grady’s] proximity to the park He said that the teamwork art. Whatever the medium it you,” she said. “Even though it now; we’re learning all about Italian is logistically advantageous aspect of the project will happens to be, the issues are sounds weird, it’s still really cool culture,” Mr. Brandhorst said. because it’s so nearby. Three, also help students work the same.” to be able to have something “With eight weeks in one place, he’s going to need labor.” synergistically. Working with a professional that’ll be displayed in the public in a foreign country, that kind of Johnson will certainly need “[Johnson] has...the artist has been a positive for an indefinite amount of immersion is what everybody says lots of labor. The plan for the opportunity to do the work experience for many students. time.” ❐ learning should be.” ❐ 14 f e a t u r e Oct. 12, 2006 Home for troubled young boys promotes well-being BY SOPHIE COX and private tutors help them with Outside a Victorian home, homework in the afternoons. On teenage boys play basketball. In the weekends they go to football the evening they will sit down games and movies, if they have for dinner together. The Positive enough points. Growth Boys Home, Inc. located “Weekends are based on a points in Clarkston, Ga. is a group home system—how behavior’s been,” for troubled young men. The said the Residential Child Care home provides a safe, structured Supervisor Phillip Watson. atmosphere for unruly and The points system is the basis homeless adolescents referred by of discipline at Positive Growth. the Department of Family and The boys’ behavior determines Children Services. how many points they will receive Grady counselor Joseph Arnold, each day, and points can be given founder and CEO of Positive and taken away. At the end of the Growth, has been working with week, their total number of points troubled youth for years. He got determines what the boys are started in 1994 when he founded allowed do that weekend. a consulting agency which traveled There are currently two houses around the metro area and met in use on Positive Growth’s with different group homes. By grounds and the boys share rooms.

1998 Positive Growth opened its On Oct. 1, a third house will open, COX SOPHIE own residence to house young which will serve as an independent HOMEWARD BOUND: A group of Positive Growth boys stroll home together after a long day of shooting hoops. While the boys try to boys. living program for boys who have leave behind rough pasts, they are able to find hope and refuge in one another as they learn to grow and develop independence. “Counselors are social people jobs and are planning to extend said. “However, a kid can also be “We don’t realize how many kids kids because they don’t always who have a nurturing spirit about their education after high school. discharged when his parents meet are suffering in the United States,” understand why they have to be wanting to help,” Mr. Arnold “Seeing a kid come in here the reunification requirements. Arnold said. “All of our attention here,” one resident said. “The said. “Sometimes you take a task that didn’t have any educational Reunifying families is the ultimate is elsewhere.” older kids remember more about on and become embedded in it. skills as far as being able to apply goal of Positive Growth.” The boys take a big risk when their parents.” Because of the fact that you start himself, and do what he has to do Most of the residents at Positive entering the home. They transition Positive Growth stirs residents off thinking, ‘I’ll do it for a while,’ and graduate school is the best part Growth are initially sent with a from living on their own to living to make positive changes to their you become engaged and want to about working here,” Watson said. referral from DFACS and come with 23 strangers. The older kids lives. ❑ do it more.” Some teens, however, do not from varying backgrounds. They at times feel left out of peers’ social “I’ll miss it [when I graduate],” Experiences at Positive Growth succeed at Positive Growth. are sent to Positive Growth with events and the younger kids are one resident said. “I’ll be happy are meant to be like those of “The hardest thing is discharging hopes that they will embrace the often homesick. because I know I’ve learned a lot typical teens. The boys go to school kids based on behavior,” Arnold home environment offered there. “It’s harder for the younger here.” ❐ Quattro Where: Single-sex math class facilitates 1701 Piedmont Rd. Hours: Sun. 9am-9pm effective learning environment Mon. 11am-10pm BY HANNA GRIFFITHS and women show more aggression. Tues. 11am-10pm Do men and women have different Ms. Cindy Jackson, a teacher at The Wed. 11am-10pm learning styles? Principal Dr. Vincent Murray Browning Boys School in New York City, Thurs. 11am-11pm believes they might. In an effort to test his has taught in single-sex schools for eight Fri. 11am-12pm theory, Grady is piloting two new ‘enhanced years. She has found that at all-girls schools Sat. 9am-12pm math classes,’ which will be single-sex, this the students tend to be more inquisitive Phone Number: school year. about math and science and more willing (404) 881-0000 Ms. Ebony Anderson-Johnson teaches than their co-ed counterparts to take upper The Low Down: both single-sex ‘enhanced’ Algebra 1 classes. level courses. Quattro is an affordable “You have to find a teacher who can deal It’s something Ms. Anderson-Johnson has quaint Italian eatery along with energy but keep [students] engaged,” also noticed. Piedmont Park with Dr. Murray said. “At first we wanted a male “The girls are a little more intimated by omfortable outdoor seating. and female teacher, but having Ms. Anderson mathematics,” she said. “Some days they are has been really good. The boys seemed to so quiet that they seem disengaged.” S

A CIAO DOWN: Diners at Quattro will L have bonded with her. Right now she is Ms. Jackson also believes that separating L Y

enjoy the restaurant’s relaxing Z very high in my esteem. There is nothing I men and women helps men become more I N

T atmosphere, proximity to the Park

A wouldn’t give her for those classes.” emotionally aware. K and delicious menu options. The math classes were born out of one of “Without the opposite sex present, five focus groups young men are able to principal Dr. The girls are a little more express feelings, show Quattro sates midtown tastes Vincent Murray intimidated by mathematics. emotion and gain a held last year for better understanding of BY ALEXANDER RITZ everything we bring out of the kitchen diversity, equity Some days they are so quiet that how a gentleman might Located next to Willy’s on Piedmont is the best,” Kline said. “Word of mouth and academic they seem disengaged. appropriately act,” Ms. Road, Quattro is yet another of Erik will spread if your food and service are “ progress. As the Jackson said. Kline’s successful Atlanta restaurants. superior.” groups looked over The philosophy of The restaurant is named after the number The food, in fact, is quite good, ranging math test scores, Ms. Ebony Anderson-Johnson single-sex classes and of partners in his restaurant group; the from salads, Italian gelato and appetizers they discovered that schools to ok root in the group’s other two restaurants are Loca to the featured panini sandwiches many students had passed Algebra 1, but had Northeast and has slowly worked its way Luna and Eclipse di Luna, both of which and inevitable thin-crust pizza. Cesar not mastered the course’s principles. down to the South. Now, the Atlanta Public are located Intown. Velazquez, who also works for the According to Dr. Murray, the classes Schools system has taken the idea under its Quattro has been successful in the six Peachtree Golf Club, prepares the food, are geared towards helping freshmen gain wing. weeks since it opened, even turning a small which is relatively inexpensive. A slice of confidence in math and acclimate to high “Carson Middle School will take its first profit, a feat usually unheard of in the mushroom and sausage pizza is about $3, school. Instead of fighting against their high group of middle school boys next year,” Dr. restaurant business until the second year. and with a drink and tip, a meal can total energy coming out of middle school, the Murray said. “Since it’s a three-year school, The other restaurants previously located only $6. classes capitalize on it. we’ll have an all boys school in three years.” in Quattro’s space haven’t had such luck. The service is acceptable and the “The approach is different,” Dr. Murray Although single-sex schools and classes Orange and Scarlet’s and the Gold Star seating is great. Located on the edge of said. “With boys you do more hands-on are becoming more common throughout Café and Bakery both quickly went under Piedmont Park, patrons have the option activities, but with girls you apply it to social Atlanta, Dr. Murray assured The Southerner because they didn’t advertise; however, of sitting in the small but cozy inside situations.” that he doesn’t plan to add more single-sex amazingly enough, Kline said that his or on the comfortable patio. Plus, the Teachers across the country have noticed classes. partnership has not advertised Quattro, or restaurant is great for a casual night out or this difference. Studies have shown that in “The point of the classes is to help any of their other restaurants. for a bite to eat after school. Willy’s better co-ed classes women tend to be more timid freshmen with math,” Dr. Murray said. “If Kline attributes the popularity of his watch out, because its neighbor could and men tend to be more aggressive. When ninth graders wilt on the vine, they won’t restaurant to the quality of the food. quite possibly bring about some serious separated, men usually show more emotion make it to 12th grade.” ❐ “We started off slow to make sure that competition. ❑ Oct. 12, 2006 Oct. 12, 2006 f e a t u r e 15 Amnesty club hopes to stay, make impact

BY KELLY DOUGLAS quality of the members determines It is easy to assume that the the quantity of the work [that they students arguing in room C223 do].” on Tuesday afternoons are typical According to junior Jesse teenagers fi ghting about petty Budlong, Grady is the perfect things. But upon closer examination, environment in which the club these students, members of Grady’s can thrive. Budlong was a member Amnesty International Club, of Amnesty International at his are actually discussing topics of previous school, and is now vice surprising importance: deciding president of the club at Grady. whether to hold a candlelight vigil “Grady is very diverse, so it is ZINTAK SALLY for the victims of the genocide in important to be aware of human A DIFFERENT WORLD: Television star and comedian Dr. William Cosby speaks to APS seniors as a part of the Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Darfur or the victims of the war rights issues,” Budlong said. lecture series. The students valued the chance to hear the celebrity speak on controversial issues that affect today’s urban youth. on terror. So far, the club has only held a Although the club tried to appeal few meetings, but already they have to Grady students with amusing big goals. They plan to focus on posters such as “Can’t wait for the women’s rights, gun control and the Cosby lectures on urban affairs next season of the Real World?... war against terror. BY JULIA OLIVER “He gave a lot of helpful insight Although a lot of Cosby’s points Neither can we” and “Waffl e House “I’m just excited in general about We’ve all seen him in the JEL- that I think will really benefi t our had negative connotation, the re- at 3 a.m.. Who hasn’t?” Amnesty the issues we plan to advocate,”said LO commercials sporting tacky generation,” said senior Quinton action was positive. International is a serious national sophomore Hannah Mitchell. “I retro sweaters, and we’ve all seen Eberhardt. “I thought it was meaningful, organization that campaigns for can’t wait to enlighten others.” him dancing around during the Cosby reminded students about and it needed to be heard by our human rights. Amnesty currently Amnesty members have many intro of The Cosby Show, but how the many obstacles that can hold students,” said senior counselor has 180 million members in over ideas about how to involve other many of us have had the chance them back from reaching their Angela Oliver. “I was also pleased 150 countries. Grady students in their activities. to witness the more serious side goals. He presented an example that the students received the This year is Grady’s second try at They plan to hold evens such as fi lm of funny man Dr. William “Bill” to the audience: someone who has message so well. They really heard sponsoring the club. Former Grady festivals and candlelight vigils. But Cosby? the choice between selling drugs what [Cosby] had to say.” student Jacob Brodsky started the for now, their main goal is to attend Grady seniors got that chance or getting a job fl ipping burgers to Seniors from Atlanta Public club two years ago, but deteriorated the Southern Regional Conference as a part of the sixth annual Dr. make money. Reiterating the im- Schools were privileged enough to after his graduation. Senior Vernika in New Orleans. Joseph E. Lowery lecture series portance of setting goals, Cosby listen to Cosby talk for almost an Leach decided to bring the club “The SRC is when all the school hosted by Frederick Douglass argued that when a young person hour. Afterwards, he and Lowery back to life. groups meet together to plan High School. is tempted to sell drugs, they sat down for a question and an- “I felt the need and discuss the On Oct. 3, three busloads of should instead fl ip burgers and swer session with specially selected for students to It is really cool to see all future,” Budlong seniors traveled across Atlanta to work towards one day becoming students from each of the high reach outside the the young people who said. “It is really hear Cosby speak about the im- the manager of the restaurant. schools present. Students asked community,” Leach “ care about the world. cool to see all portance of graduating from high The audience felt the serious- questions ranging from whether said. “We need to the young people school and not letting distractions ness of the situation when Cosby he and Lowery would support a learn about the real junior Jesse Budlong who care about steer you in the wrong direction. spoke of Dr. Joseph E. Lowery woman candidate for president to world.” the world.” The lesson he emphasized the getting beaten during the Civil how kids can overcome socio-eco- Math teacher Ms. Erin Davis was Amnesty hopes to receive a most, however, was setting goals Rights Movement while being nomic disadvantages presented to excited to sponsor the club after subsidy from APS to help fund the in life. He told the audience that called a “nigger” with every blow. them in their communities. Cosby Leach approached her with the trip. In the meantime, they joke if any senior in that assembly had He scolded students for care- answered each question presented idea. Ms. Davis is optimistic about about how they can save money. not yet made a goal for them- lessly using the “n” word and for to him with honest and heartfelt Amnesty’s future. “I’m thinking we can fi t ten to 12 selves, the goal he was assigning listening to rap music incorpo- sentiments, speaking directly to “Hopefully, this year will turn it people in one hotel room,” Budlong them was to get one. rating not only the “n” word but the students. into more than a one-year thing,” said. While the audience laughed other profanities as well. “It was really enlightening to Ms. Davis said. “I want to see it This casual attitude is what along with Cosby during the fun- He blamed the infl uence of rap get an older person’s perspective continue to grow.” makes the atmosphere of the club ny parts, the overwhelming reac- music for the kids who “wear their on our generation,” said Senior The group started off small, but so unique. tion to Cosby’s message was silent pants sagging below the crack” Chanelle Joseph. “He gave me that hasn’t discouraged them. “It’s a cool group of people’” agreement. As Cosby spoke, both and sell drugs. The tone in his a new outlook on the different “It is the quality, not the quantity Leach said. “We’re expecting great students and faculty alike couldn’t voice conveyed real concern for things we tend to take for granted that matters,” Leach said. “The things for the year.” ❐ help but nod along. the direction of today’s youth. in today’s society.” ❐ Hackett brings fresh techniques, expanded approaches to PEC BY HANNA GRIFFITHS be unable to read, he or she is guaranteed to “Sometimes it is hard to get students attention. The only downside is that in Imagine you open a thick history textbook fall behind in their classes. This dangerous who need help to participate,” said Betty most team teaching classes, there are too and start reading. An hour passes, and cycle of failure and falling behind is known Foster, a program assistant for PEC. “This many students for each to get the attention though you have been concentrating, as the fourth-grade slump. program has a negative stigma attached to they need. Mr. Hackett says that in his sixth you have only made a small dent New Grady teacher Jacob Hackett it. Everyone wants to be associated with period team-teaching class, there are ten in your mountain of homework. wants to combat this problem. He success and intelligence. No one wants to be PEC students mixed in with 36 non-PEC This continues for another started a reading program to help associated with having problems.” students. hour until you are angry and students who have been trapped in By using specialized classes, study periods Study hall is also offered through the PEC. tired. In a surge of frustration, this cycle. The basis for the reading and team teaching, the PEC teachers combat Students get additional help on homework you hurl the book across the program is the Applied Behavior those disabilities under a common goal of and group projects and use the class time to room. A n a l y s i s turning students into functioning members fi nish tests and exams. There are four study This is exactly the kind of JACOB HACKETT T h e o r y , of society. hall periods, which can be taken as electives life some students live. which is “We want them to become taxpayers, not and have ten-person limits. They aren’t stupid; credited to a tax burden,” Ms. Foster said. “The study halls are good because when they are the victims psychologist The most utilized part of the PEC is [students] get together, they fi nd others of severe learning B. F. Skinner. called full inclusion. The backbone of full who have similar problems and it gives disabilities and often “Instead of inclusion is the Individual Education Plan, a them hope,” Ms. Foster said. “They see that can’t read above a throwing a huge textbook in document which identifi es the disabilities of person going to college fairs and getting fourth grade reading front of them, we set them up for a student has and requires that teachers allow good grades [and] it helps them realize that level. success,” Mr. Hackett said. certain aids such as voice recorders or extra it is not hopeless.” The fourth grade Mr. Hackett’s program is part testing time. Though the program cannot solve is the period when of a larger Atlanta Public Schools “The philosophy of full inclusion is that problems for all of its 126 participants, it is most childrens’ reading program called the Program the student’s disability only exists in certain able to increase self-esteem, graduate many ability rapidly matures. for Exceptional Children or environments,” Mr. Hackett said. “We can and even send some to college. Schools stop teaching PEC. The PEC is available for arrange the environment a certain way and “Out of 20 seniors,” Ms. Foster said. “I kids the basics of how students until the age of 21 the disability no longer exists.” would guess that there will only be fi ve or to read and start teaching and combats a host of issues Team Teaching, another area of the PEC, six who will go to college. But that is fi ve or them the sciences. Because ranging from autism to allows students to have the social benefi t six who, without the PEC, would have never

a student with dyslexia may SALLY ZINTAK dyslexia to blindness. of regular classes as well as extra individual had the chance.” ❐ SPORTS BRIEFS 16 p THE SOUTHERNER Oct. 12, 2006 s o r t s NYC plane crash Knights down Dunwoody in region game kills Yankees pitcher New York Yankees pitcher Cory BY MAX BEECHING Lidle was killed Oct. 11 when he Before the start of the season, crashed a small plane into the 20th there was a lot of speculation floor of a 50-story condominium about how the Knights would fare building in Manhattan. Lidle had in AAA, but any doubts have long recently been traded from the since been answered. Philadelphia Phillies. Lidle’s flight With a confident quarterback, a instructor and two residents of the dependable running game, and a building were also killed. commanding defense, the Knights are in the hunt for region 5-AAAB. Their first region game was against Grady Knights fall to the Dunwoody Wildcats on Sept. Westminster 21-20 30th. As a result of conflict within the team, senior quarterback The football team lost to the Simeon Kelley and senior running Wildcats on Fri., October 7. The back Dexter Barnett did not start. Knights clawed back from a 21-7 “Coach [Ronnie Millen] wanted deficit and missed an extra point to teach us a lesson,” Kelley said. with nine seconds left on the clock. “He wanted us to play with fire, and we did [once we returned to Grady letter jacket the game.]” Senior captain cornerback Rico program dismantled Robinson filled in for Kelley but This year Grady is discontinuing did not play well, fumbling the MAX BEECHING BREAK FAST: Senior fullback Devangalo Crawford (33) breaks away from a Dunwoody defender. Crawford, usually a blocker, the system in which selected athletes snap on the first play of the game. contributed 31 yards on three carries to the Knights’ 150 yards on the ground. Grady won 21-10, posting their first region victory. receive letterman’s jackets at the The Wildcats took advantage of annual sports banquet. Switching the turnover knocking home a 41- receiver Demarcus Watts. The a 10-yard pass and took it 45 season, but gave credit where to a system favored by most schools, yard field goal to lead 3-0 with 6: game then turned into a defensive yards for a score, making the game credit was due. athletes will customize and purchase 33 left in the first quarter. battle. 14-10 with 8:15 left in the third “Everyone around me stepped jackets from selected manufacturers. Fresh off their bye week, the Dunwoody gained momentum quarter. With the fourth quarter up, and that’s why I was able to For more information, contact your Knights looked out of sync. when their defense forced Barnett approaching, the Knights knew come out there and play as well sports coach or Coach Slade. “I really don’t like byes because to fumble after a 30-yard run late they needed to finish strong. When as I did,” Kelley said. The Knights it disrupts the flow of your team,” in the first half. The Wildcats ran a Kelley threw an interception with strength will be tested when they Girls cross country head coach Ronnie Millen said. perfect two-minute drill, burning 3:38 left in the game, however, the face Chamblee, the number two Without their starting the Knights secondary with a 50- defense was forced into action. team in AAA. wins four in a row yard touchdown bomb, putting The Knights wore down the “Chamblee is a very good team, quarterback, the offense only Grady continued its dominance Dunwoody up 10-7 at halftime. opposition, regained momentum but we’re not worried about them managed two first downs in the when five runners finished in the Even though the Knights were and forced a punt. Kelley then right now,” Millen said. “We’re first quarter. Once again, the top eight at the Grant Park Meet. behind, they came out of the redeemed himself, scoring his going to take it one game at a defense kept Grady in the game, Freshman Leah Butterfield finished locker room smiling. third touchdown of the night on time.” forcing the Wildcats to punt on first. This is the fourth Grant Park “We were just anxious to go a 31-yard scramble, putting the The offense has to become three straight series. meet in a row Grady has won with back out and make up for our game well out of the Wildcats more consistent if they want to “Our defense never let up,” said multiple top ten finishers. Millen. “They played their butts mistakes,” senior defensive end reach. beat Chamblee and get to the off.” Jabari Fletcher said. “Anytime you can come out and postseason. The Knights are 1-1 in With 9:54 left in the half, Coach The Wildcats tested the Knights turn the ball over four times and the region and have to win the rest Braves miss playoffs, Millen turned to Kelley. defense early in the third quarter, still win is a plus,” Millen said. of their games in order to make it end 14-year streak “I needed to come in there and but failed to convert the first down “Fortunately for us, the offense to the playoffs. help my team out,” Kelley said. on fourth and four. Starting with was able to get it together and “We know we have a mountain For the first time since 1990, the Kelley orchestrated a 55- good field position, Grady got finish strong.” to climb,” Kelley said, “But we are Atlanta Braves failed to win their yard drive that led to a 15-yard down to business. Senior wide Kelley put forth his most going to handle it as a team and division. The Braves finished the touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Xavier Shorthouse caught dominant performance of the give it our best every Friday.” ❐ season with a record of 79-83, 18 games behind the first-place Mets. The Braves’ pitching staff struggled mightily, blowing 24 saves before the Volleyball seniors keep team on track for playoffs acquisition of closer Bob Wickman BY STEPHEN CROUSE winter and hopes to play in college, either for from the Indians. The girls volleyball team has put forth a a club team or an intramural team. Mitchell strong effort this season and now holds an hopes to play for a club team this winter but Saints return home, even record of 10-10. does not expect that she will play for a college They started the season with a loss to Mays team. get emotional victory and then began a six-game winning streak, “[Playing volleyball] takes a lot of time,” In the Saints’ first game in the which included victories against Southside, Mitchell said. “Maybe [I’ll play] during my Superdome since Hurricane Katrina North Atlanta, Douglass and Carver. In the second year [in college].” they upset the Falcons 23-3 before second half of the season, the Knights fell Confident that the team will grow and a national audience on Monday from a 6-1 record to their current standing, receive more funds, Morgan plans to return in Night Football. The Saints’ defense facing losses against the top three teams in future years to watch the team play; Mitchell suppressed the Falcons’ powerful the region. encouraged younger players to try out for the running game, holding the team to With four games left in their regular season, team next year and continue their success. 123 fewer yards than they racked up including a second match against Paideia, the Playing volleyball assures team members the week before. team still has a good chance at making the great high school memories for years to come. playoff, guided by seniors Lilly Morgan and For Morgan, goofing around at practice was a Tech tops Bulldogs Chelsea Mitchell. favorite memory, as well as playing in games. “In some of our games we could have done “[Spiking the ball] feels good [because] in key national poll REBECCA GITTELSON better, but in most games we played as hard everyone cheers you on,” Morgan said. For the first time since 2001, HUDDLE HOUSE: The volleyball team huddles together as we [could],” Morgan said. “This is the best Mitchell’s favorite memory from the last the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket during the middle of the game to discuss strategy. year we’ve had in a while.” three years has been talking trash at the net. football team is ranked higher As the end of their last season at Grady with new players and people with whom they She enjoys the excitement and action of every than the Georgia Bulldogs. The draws to a close, Morgan and Mitchell have would not normally associate. game and loves the competitive nature of the 5-1 Jackets are ranked 13th in the begun reminiscing about their experiences Morgan expects next year’s team to be good sport. nation according to the AP poll; the in previous years on the team. They had as well, based on the young talent butalso Morgan and Mitchell will retire from high Bulldogs fell to 16th place after a sleepovers, went out to eat and spent a lot of said that they will have to work hard to school volleyball as the self-proclaimed “best 51-33 loss to Tennessee. The Jackets time together as a team. achieve their goals. She hopes that they will frontline in America.” can all but secure a spot in the ACC “We bonded as friends and as a team,” continue to do well after she graduates. Whether or not they play volleyball in the title game with a win at number 12 Morgan said. Morgan and Mitchell both plan on playing future, these two memorable seniors will leave Clemson on Oct. 21. The Jackets Both Morgan and Mitchell agree that being volleyball in the future. Morgan plans to with fond memories of their participation on will play the Bulldogs on Nov. 25 on the team has encouraged everyone to mix play for a club team in Northlake during the the volleyball team. ❐ in Athens. Oct. 12, 2006 s p o r t s 17 Baseball soothes foreign relations “There was a devil here [at the United Nations Council] just a short time ago, I can smell the sulfur…The devil is the president of the United States.” Hugo Chavez’s words towards George W. Bush in a United Nations council meeting were by far the CARSON most radical comments the socialist PHILLIPS-SPOTTS Venezuelan leader made that day. The rift between Chavez and the U.S. president has seen many disputes, the latest of which has resulted in Chavez’s satanic accusation at the United Nations canal meeting. Recently, Bush described Chavez as a drug trafficker and his government as an overspending dictatorship in disguise. According to Chavez, the United States is the epitome of imperialism. The US government has begun placing trade restrictions on Venezuela, as they did on Cuba, hoping to starve the South American country into moderation or cause a complete shift in power. Like Fidel Castro, Chavez’s ideals remain unchanged and he continues to defy the United States’ attempts at control. But unlike Cuba, Venezuela is the fifth largest oil producer on earth and the United States. has GRANT COYLE maintained interest in the country despite Chavez’s tactics and GRADY STRIKES OUT: Senior catcher Caitlin Bradley awaits a pitch from Tiffany Lowery to no avail. Blessed Trinity’s batter hit the ball into a morals. gap in the outfield during the Knights’ loss to Blessed Trinity 15-0, qhich nocked them out of playoff contention in the season’s final game. Once the Major League Baseball playoffs swing into full gear, however, baseball fans will realize that the United States and Venezuela are connected by more than just crude oil. Along with the non-renewable energy source, Venezuela is Softball falls short of playoff berth rich in baseball talent. Two of baseball’s biggest stars are BY GRANT COYLE to get recruited.” Venezuelan—Bobby Abreu of the Yankees and Cy Young Award recipient Johan Santana— along with many other of Although the Grady softball team didn’t make the Senior catcher Caitlin Bradley has been on the softball players in the league as a whole. playoffs, they had a relatively successful 6-7 season and team for three years. She also hopes to play at UGA The baseball exchange between the two countries doesn’t were in the playoff race until the very end of the season, “Softball is what I do,” Bradley said. “I’ve played some just take place within the borders of the United States. when they lost to Blessed Trinity 15-0 in their final game. form of baseball my entire life.” Venezuela is home to prestigious summer and winter baseball The Knights responded to a 1-7 season last year by hiring All of the seniors agreed that this season was unlike any leagues that have been graced by current MLB all-stars a new coach, Shanette Jones. Coach Jones is a teacher at other. and promising young prospects. Though the teams play in Crim High School and coached the jayvee girls basketball “The biggest difference between this year and others Venezuela and most players are Venezuelan, the squads are team last year. is the dedication of the team,” said senior Tiffany Platt. owned and operated by Americans. Chavez’s supporters say The team’s seniors agreed that Coach Jones played a Platt is an extremely valuable member of the team because that the league format takes advantage of the country, pillaging huge role in the team’s turnaround. she was able to play any position that the team needed. the talent and rewarding players with hefty contracts, money “Coach Jones is disciplined and won’t put up with “There has been a lot more chemistry on the field,” that won’t return to Venezuela. To others, it is an alternate attitude,” Bradley said. Bradley said. “This year we are friends on and off the stage that helps Venezuelans to make it big in a profitable The team has a young core that will lead to future field.” profession. success, but the three seniors this year played a huge role Since the team is only losing three seniors, it looks The transfer of baseball talent between the two nations is an in the team’s recent turnaround. forward to next season with great anticipation. The unbreakable tie between two cultures, two rival leaders and two Senior pitcher Tiffany Lowery has been on the team for younger players on the team worked hard and made ways of life. And when cars run on hydrogen and renewable two years and has played a vital role in its success. She contributions throughout the year. resources are found to cater to the needs of all people, baseball hopes to continue to play softball in the future. “The freshmen have shown an amazing amount of will still exist, as will the connection it creates between the “I want to play at the [University of Georgia],” Lowery improvement throughout the season,” Bradley said. “I’m United States, Venezuela and the rest of the world. ❐ said. “I think I am going to send in a game tape and try sure they will do well next year.” ❐ Loss of student playground time leads to increase in waistlines While tobacco gym class was adequate Coach Ronnie Millen remains the number- WEIGHING IN ON OBESITY replied, “What funding?” one killer of American Based on a survey of 82 students Because of this rapid loss of funding for adults, causing 18 Do you physical fitness, coaches are now adapting to percent of deaths, these changes. English teachers don’t make 60 minutes NO think you’re obesity related 26% you write a certain amount of words but illnesses, at 17 percent or more in shape? they teach how to write. Gym teachers are YES are a close second. But 15 minutes 11% Uncertain adopting this philosophy the way they teach KENNY JONES 30-60 61% it’s not just the adults. or less minutes 13% 180 min. their classes. The modern-day coach doesn’t We allow our kids 40% or more have to abide by a minimum time limit of to become obese while they’re still in grade 18% physical activity, but instead teaches kids how school. A study by the Associated Press to keep themselves fit on their own time. 15-30 7% showed that students have 16 minutes of How much There are two gaping holes in this new 60 min. 120-180 half-hearted physical activity in the average minutes TV do method. Kids are lazy, especially high school or less min. gym class. 31% students—if they are not required to do work you 43% 22% As a senior who’s gone through two watch per 60-120 outside of school, chances are they won’t. undemanding semesters of Physical How much did you exercise in your min. Also, lack of writing is not the second leading day? 28% Education in the Grady gymnasium, I’ve P.E. Class? cause of death in America.

played poker, ping-pong, chess, dominoes, SARAH BETH MCKAY Are kids exercising outside of school? checkers and, occasionally, basketball. I was Fat chance. The average kid watches 1,680 an exception, however— most students opt Within the past 20 years, the obesity rate Let Outside Act.” This type of legislation minutes of TV a week, which is four hours out of basketball. has almost doubled; many blame growing stresses increasing test scores and leaves little a day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not casting In 2000, the Center for Disease Control obesity rates among children on the recent room for emphasis on exercise. Principals stones because when it comes to watching TV published a study which said that only 5.8 emphasis placed on standardized test scores. have increased class instruction time to help I live in a single paned glass mansion, but I percent of high schools require daily physical The latest blow to your child’s exercise their school-wide test scores, but cut time and would still like America to take responsibility education. Trust me, our beloved Grady falls routine was the No Child Left Behind Act, or funding for P.E. for our future’s physical health; drop the in line with that statistic. as some have chosen to call it the “No Child When asked if the funding he received for remote and pick up some tennis shoes. ❐ 18 s p o r t s Oct. 12, 2006 Grant Park victories give hope for region

BY MICHAEL HARPER Bishop thinks that one of the reasons Two months into the season, the girls fi nished so well is because the Grady girls’ cross country team they worked together. is showing they are a force to be “Having teammates running by reckoned with in AAA. your side keeps you going,” Bishop The girls ran in their fi rst Grant said. “We constantly encourage each Park meet on Sept. 6 against teams other and push each other to our from other Atlanta Public Schools, limits.” including Mays, Therrell and North Coach Jeff Cramer was very Atlanta. Grady won the meet and pleased with the girls’ success at senior Leah Bishop came in fi rst the Grant Park meets, but wants to place with a time of 22:44. The make sure they keep improving. team showed great depth with four “The Grant Park races are great K A T N girls fi nishing in the top ten. practice, but the competition will I Z

Y

The result was similar the be much tougher at region,” Mr. L L A following week at Grant Park. The Cramer said. S Knights continued their success, Along with the Grant Park THREE’S COMPANY: Junior Arielle D’Avanzo, senior Leah Bishop and freshman Leah Butterfi eld run at a Grant Park meet on Oct. 4. winning the race with fi ve top-ten meets, the girls run in statewide Despite recent leg injuries, D’Avanzo and Bishop are legging it out and hope to run in the city-wide meet at Carrollton on Oct. 18. fi nishers. competitions on Saturdays to The Grant Park meet on Sept. prepare for the region meet in with personal best times of 21:18, Park meets. Cramer goes into the “We really need to do some longer 20 marked the return of star November. 22:09 and 23:14, respectively. race with high expectations. runs, but in order to do those, we runner junior Arielle D’Avanzo. “The Saturday races against “The invitationals are a great “If we keep this progress up, need people at practice everyday,” The Knights were victorious for the non-APS schools give us a taste of boost of confi dence for a lot people,” we should win the city meet fairly Cramer said. third straight week, dominating the what the competition will be like at said sophomore Polly Zintak. “They easily,” Cramer said. Overall, Cramer is very pleased competition again with fi ve top-ten region,” Bishop said. show us we can be competitive Cramer emphasized that just with the girls’ performance thus far fi nishers. Most notably Bishop, On Sept. 9, the girls ran at the against the toughest competition.” running well in races is not enough and is still counting on fi nishing well D’Avanzo and freshman Leah Carrollton Invitational and went up On Oct. 18, the girls will run to prepare for the powerhouses at the state meet in November. Butterfi eld fi nished fi rst, second and against some of the best runners from in the City Championship meet. Grady will face at the region meet. “If we keep this up we should be third respectively. The three girls across the state. Bishop, Butterfi eld There, the Knights will face some He said that the girls would benefi t in great shape to fi nish in the top ran side by side from start to fi nish. and junior Ella Miller all fi nished of the same schools from the Grant from more long distance runs. four at state,” Cramer said. ❐ Boys look to region meet, set sights on Westminster BY JAMISON KINNANE Coach George Darden has been Grant Park is a very good thing,” Darden “We didn’t run as well as I hoped The Grady boys’ cross country team impressed by Mays’ showing so far this said. “Grant Park can get a little bit tedious we would at Carrollton, but the most started its season strong with junior Max season, but thinks Grady can win the city if you run it six, seven times the same way important meets are later on,” Darden Leonard fi nishing fi rst and senior Stone title. the entire year.” said. “We ran against some of the best Irvin fi nishing second in the fi rst meet of “The fi rst day I thought we might Most of the boys enjoy changing teams in the Southeast so we struggled a the season. Although Leonard had trained actually beat Mays was the [third Grant direction as well but think that the little bit relative to the other teams.” hard all summer and leading up to the Park meet]. We were very close to them, direction where they run up the biggest Grady’s region rival, Westminster, ran meet, the victory still came as somewhat of but we didn’t quite get them,” Darden hill is the most advantageous for them. at the Carrollton Invitational. AAA a surprise to him. said. “I’m looking forward to beating them “Our team is really good at the hills,” powerhouse Westminster, who won the “I was expecting to fi nish somewhere at the city meet.” Irvin said. “Other teams might fall back 2004 title, placed second last year. in the top fi ve,” Leonard said. “But I was Leonard is also looking for a personal and get tired and worn out by the hills.” “Westminster’s looking really good, but expecting there to be more guys from victory over Walston, who has beaten In addition to the Grant Park meets, ten we could compete with them,” Hecht said. Mays and possibly from North Atlanta [in him for two consecutive weeks, by seven of the team’s top runners ran on Sept. 16 “But we have to keep working hard because the front], but there really weren’t.” seconds the fi rst time and 13 seconds the at the Carrollton Invitational, the same they are doing really good right now.” The following week, however, Mays second time. course where the state meet will be held. As they train hard at practice, the boys runner junior Raymond Walston beat “I plan to just run hard and see how This was a good chance for the team to keep Westminster’s winning streak in Leonard, pushing him and Irvin back to everything works out,” Leonard said. run the state course and get a feel for it, mind. second and third places. This situation is a The boys have shifted their practices to but they are all hoping for their times to “Hopefully we can break Westminster’s familiar one for Leonard and Irvin: Grady focus more on speed and hill work, drills drop a great deal between the Carrollton streak,” Irvin said. “But it is a long shot.” lost to Mays in the city meet last year. that will help them in all of the upcoming Invitational and the state meet. Darden says that all of the other AAA Despite falling to Mays in the second and meets, especially those at Grant Park which “I think my times are going to drop schools are right where he would expect third Grant Park races as well, the team is a particularly hilly course. The course, quite a bit this year,” Irvin said. “[Leonard] them to be and the key to success from feels confi dent about taking the city title designed by girls’ cross country coach and I are going to try and stay together this point forward is to continue working back on Oct. 18. Jeff Cramer, has several steep hills. This and improve our times and hopefully do hard at practice. “I think we can beat Mays at the city season, Cramer suggested that every week something good for the team.” “I think people’s times will keep on meet,” sophomore Drew Hecht said. the meet should be run in the opposite The boys chose to run in the Carrollton coming down, as long as we keep getting “They only have a few good runners and direction of the meet the week before. Invitational because it was at a convenient people to come to practice, work hard and we will be even better by that point in the Darden agrees with Cramer’s idea. time, and it proved to be extremely have good attitudes.” Darden said. “We season.” “I think changing the directions at competitive. are all dedicatied to improve.” ❐

FOOTBALL KNIGHT WATCH PLAYER PROFILES Xavier Shorthouse Simeon Kelley Region 5-AAAB Standings Schedule safety/wide receiver quarterback School Region Overall W L W L FUTURE GAMES RECENT SCORES Chamblee 2 0 4 0 10/13 Grady v. North Atlanta* Grady defeated Dunwoody Riverwood 2 0 4 1 10/20 Grady v. Chamblee* 21-10 in their fi rst region Westminster 2 0 2 3 10/27 Grady @ Riverwood* game. Dunwoody 1 1 3 2 11/3 Grady v. Druid Hills Grady lost to Westminster Grady 1 1 3 2 11/10 Grady @ Blessed Trinity by a score of 21-20. Blessed trinity 0 2 3 2 * denotes region game North Atlanta 0 2 2 3 Height: 6-foot Height: 5-foot-10 Druid Hills 0 2 1 4 Weight: 165 pounds Weight: 177 pounds Number: 21 Number: 1 Season stats: 4 ints, 2 TDs Season stats: (offensive) 24-45, 485 yds, 10 TDs