Natalie Ripps, a CCHS 2021 graduate, holds up a sign announcing her matriculation to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana at Decision Day 2021 in Billy Henderson Stadium on May 14, 2021. Alongside other CCHS personnel, CCHS Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner organized this year’s event, which will be held on May 20. “Hopefully it’s something that underclassmen look at and they’re able to aspire to or think, ‘I can’t wait till I get to be a senior,’ and maybe that gives them some sense of connection to the school and a little bit of motivation to keep pushing until they become seniors and make it there,” Barner said.
CCHS Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner prepares several events to celebrate the next stage of CCHS seniors’ lives.
Towards the end of the school year, multiple events are held to celebrate Clarke Central High School seniors and prepare them for the next chapter of their lives, such as the Senior Brunch, Senior Picnic, and Decision Day, an event for students to announce their post-graduation plans.
CCHS Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner organizes these events alongside other CCHS personnel including College Adviser Gabriel Smallwood, fine arts department co-chair Dr. Eunice Kang, physical education department teacher Cherrelle Pass bookkeeper Maggie Magana and Principal’s Secretary LaToya Hill. Barner says these events are important.
“(They’re) a final hurrah. Hopefully, it is something where seniors feel like they can celebrate their accomplishments and celebrate the fact that they have made it through all these years of high school,” Barner said.
“Hopefully, it is something where seniors feel like they can celebrate their accomplishments and celebrate the fact that they have made it through all these years of high school.”
— Christian Barner,
CCHS Family Engagement Specialist
Senior Brenda Colmenares attended the Senior Brunch at the Clarke County School District Board Office on April 12.
“(Senior Brunch was) a chance to take a break, especially since we’re nearing (final) exams. It was nice having an introduction to what’s coming up for seniors, like the Decision Day and (the) graduation (ceremony),” Colmenares said. “I’ve always looked forward to college, but I’m gonna be away from my family. I’m very family-oriented, so I know I’m gonna miss my family a lot, but, at the same time, it’s very exciting.”
Senior Brenda Colmenares sits in the Clarke County School District Board Office for the annual Senior Brunch on April 12. Colmenares felt thelike Senior Brunch was a good experience. “(Senior Brunch was) a chance to take a break, especially since we’re nearing (final) exams. It was nice having an introduction to what’s coming up for seniors, like the Decision Day and (the) graduation (ceremony),” Colmenares said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to.” Photo by Aza Khan
Decision Day will be held on May 20 in the E.B. Mell Auditorium, starting at 11 a.m., after which students will head to the Billy Henderson Stadium for the Senior Picnic.
According to Barner, Decision Day allows students and school personnel to look to the future.
“(Decision Day) is important because it’s celebrating what students are doing next and not just the fact that they’re ending something,” Barner said. “We’re looking at what they’re going to be doing next and thinking about celebrating that.”
