Various ODYSSEY Media Group Print Editors-in-Chief from the program’s 20-year history pose with founder and adviser David Ragsdale in The Chapel on 100 Prince Ave. during OMG’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on March 18. Current Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell felt that the event was an opportunity to rekindle old relationships and to meet figures from throughout ODYSSEY’s history. “It was amazing to get to meet several of the former Editors-in-Chief and hear about their experiences,” Harwell said. “They had so much wisdom to share about leadership and being in ODYSSEY in general. I really enjoyed getting to listen.” Photo by Aza Khan
The ODYSSEY Media Group celebrated its 20th anniversary with alumni, friends and family on March 18.
The ODYSSEY Media Group celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 18 at The Chapel on 100 Prince Ave. The event served as a way for ODYSSEY alumni, friends and family to celebrate the accomplishments of the program since its founding in 2003.
Prior to the night’s program, an informal meet and greet was held in Downtown Athens, followed by guided tours of Clarke Central High School on the day of the anniversary. Class of 2011 Managing Editor Emma Kissane Halpern came for a tour accompanied by her husband Thom, son Wally and mother Amy Kissane. Halpern served on staff in various capacities during her three-year career and looks back fondly on her experience.
“For me personally, it was one of the high school experiences that really shaped my years at Clarke Central,” Halpern said. “I was super involved and spent a lot of time with the staff and with Mr. (David) Ragsdale. I think that as somebody who’s always loved writing, it was just nice to have that outlet and to feel like I was genuinely improving my writing as a high school student.”
A video showcasing ODYSSEY Media Group history is displayed at the ODYSSEY 20th anniversary at The Chapel on March 18. CCHS Class of 2005 Features Editor Laura Benson Griffin produced the film and was pleased with its reception at the event. “I had so much fun interviewing alumni and making the film (and) really just wanted the audience to enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it,” Griffin said, “To watch the audience smile and laugh as they watched was amazing. Their reaction made an already rewarding experience even more fulfilling.” Video by Laura Benson Griffin
The celebration began at 6 PM with a photo montage curated by Class of 2022 iliad Co-Editor-in-Chief Luna Reichert. Guests were also invited to mingle, purchase anniversary t-shirts and to take photos.
The formal program kicked off shortly after 7 p.m. with a welcome speech from current OMG Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell, a junior. This was followed by an introduction to the program and the work of the Alumni Relations Committee by Chairwoman and former Variety Editor Dr. Claire Stice Stephens and a speech from the perspective of the OMG Parent Booster Club delivered by 2019-2022 Booster Club President Mindy McCage.
“I ask the students who fill the ODYSSEY classroom now to remember what you have and to make it even better for the next generation of students who will come after you.”
— Mindy McCage,
former Booster Club President
“ODYSSEY provided both of my kids (with) so much more than writing skills. Leadership, friendships, work ethic, memories… more than can be seen in a course curriculum. I am grateful to Mr. Ragsdale for building the structure of this program for the last 20 years. But, the students are the ones that provide the life force,” McCage said. “I ask the students who fill the ODYSSEY classroom now to remember what you have and to make it even better for the next generation of students who will come after you.”
Current Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell speaks at the ODYSSEY Media Group 20th Anniversary Celebration at The Chapel on 100 Prince Ave. March 18. Harwell was excited to deliver her remarks at the celebration and provide a welcoming start to the event. “I loved having the opportunity to speak at the event because it was so special to me that I was chosen to welcome everyone and kick off such a wonderful event, and it was a pleasure to introduce each of the speakers,” Harwell said. “I absolutely loved the 20th anniversary banquet and I am so proud to be a part of the rich history of the ODYSSEY program.” Photo by Isabelle Duncan
After the introduction, a 16-minute film produced by Class of 2005 Features Editor Laura Benson Griffin took guests through the history of ODYSSEY. Griffin wanted to use the film to spread the message of ODYSSEY’s journey and shine a light on the work people have put in throughout its 20-year history.
“When we set out to make the film, we wanted to tell the story of the ODYSSEY– its evolution in the last 20 years, its impact on the students and the community– through the perspectives of the people who have been involved in the ODYSSEY over the years,” Griffin said. “Ultimately, we hoped to capture the essence of the ODYSSEY, and I think the many people who contributed to the film helped us accomplish that.”
Following the film, several prominent figures from ODYSSEY’s history gave speeches, including retired CCHS Principal Dr. Maxine P. Easom, ODYSSEY founder and WGHP Fox 8 anchor Natalie R. Wilson, CCHS Principal Dr. Swade Huff, and Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Robbie P. Hooker. Current Director of Audience Engagement Aza Khan, a junior, was particularly moved by Wilson’s speech.
“Listening to Natalie Wilson was very eye-opening because she was ODYSSEY’s first Co-EIC (along with Roxanne Reeves) and she had great things to say about our program, which I think is rich in history, especially the way we have evolved in these 20 years,” Khan said. “To know that she’s engaged in broadcast journalism as an anchor lets me know I can also dream big in the field of journalism.”
During his closing remarks after the speeches, Ragsdale reflected on the impact of ODYSSEY alumni on the program and his journey.
“On this special day, I want to express my gratitude to all of the alumni who have been part of this journey. Each and every one of you has played a role in making this organization what it is today. Your hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence have been the foundation of our success,” Ragsdale said. “Without you, there’s no me. Without you, there’s no us.”
A document displays former Booster Club president Mindy McCage’s speech from the ODYSSEY Media Group’s 20th anniversary celebration. McCage, whose son Connor and daughter Ireland both held leadership positions in the OMG, was very grateful for the program. “ODYSSEY provided both of my kids (with) so much more than writing skills. Leadership, friendships, work ethic, memories… more than can be seen in a course curriculum. I am grateful to Mr. Ragsdale for building the structure of this program for the last 20 years. But, the students are the ones that provide the life force,” McCage said. “I ask the students who fill the ODYSSEY classroom now to remember what you have and to make it even better for the next generation of students who will come after you.”
For members of the Alumni Relations Committee, the event was not only a success, but a good application of skills learned during time spent in ODYSSEY. Griffin spent hours interviewing alumni, digitally editing the ODYSSEY documentary and copyediting promotional materials for the event.
“It’s funny, here we are nearly 20 years after I was an ODYSSEY student and the ODYSSEY is still challenging me and helping me grow in new and unexpected ways,” Griffin said.
Overall, the celebration served as a way to rekindle old friendships and celebrate the accomplishments of the ODYSSEY’s 20-year history.
“To see the people I started this adventure with 20 years ago at the event alongside their parents, spouses and loved ones, much less their own kids was a treat,” Ragsdale said. “To see those same people warmly embrace the kids who make up the program today — it was magical. I’m left feeling incredibly humble and grateful for this amazing run.”
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