The University of Georgia Bulldogs played against the University of Alabama Crimson Tide on Jan. 8 for the National Championship. Because of the close relationship between the Clarke County School District and UGA, administration declared Jan. 8 and 9 “Bulldog Days” to show support. “I think it’s important for us to note as residents of Athens the connection that the school district and students have to the university, how big a deal this is,” English department teacher Christian Barner said. “Georgia not having won a National Championship since 1980, there’s a lot of national and international attention on the University of Georgia right now, so it is a pretty momentous occasion.” Graphic by Aneesa Conine-Nakano.
With the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team having competed in the national championship, Clarke County School District administration declared Jan. 8 and 9 as “Bulldog Days”.
The Clarke County School District officially declared Jan. 8 and 9 “Bulldog Days” due to the University of Georgia Bulldogs’ battle in the 2018 National Championship game against the University of Alabama Crimson Tide team.
“As soon as Georgia won the SEC Championship there was talk of teachers wearing all red. A number of teachers talked about that on the day of the national championship game,” English department teacher Christian Barner said. “Then soon after we got an email either from administration or the superintendent.”
During the Bulldog Days, dress codes were relaxed, lunch items were named after UGA players for the day and teachers were provided mini-lessons associated to the championship to incorporate into their lesson plans in support of the team.
“I think it’s a good idea because the game was really late so a lot of people are probably tired, so it sounds fun,” freshman Lilli Sams said.
Because of the proximity of the two schools, Barner is happy to see CCHS recognize the Bulldogs’ success.
“It’s important for us to note as residents of Athens the connection that the school district and students have to the University, how big a deal this is,” Barner said. “Georgia not having won a National Championship since 1980, there’s a lot of national and international attention on the University of Georgia right now so it is a pretty momentous occasion.”
Although Georgia lost the game, Sams believes the support the “Bulldog Days” showed were important for the relationship between the CCSD and UGA.
“There are a lot of students that have parents that are professors and we’re so close (to UGA),” Sams said. “A lot of high schools don’t have such a close community with the college (in their area) so I think its cool that we can stay connected.”
