Features

After falling short in the 1984 state championship, the 1985 varsity football Gladiators turned their heartbreak into history, bringing CCHS its third football state title.

While caffeinated drinks can seemingly benefit CCHS students, they come with negative side effects.

The ODYSSEY Media Group has compiled seven stories about Hispanic heritage and culture in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sports Staffer David Wang explored how CCHS fall sports have fared this far into the season.

The ODYSSEY Media Group has compiled nine of their stories from the past month about women and women’s history in honor of Women’s History Month.

The ODYSSEY Media Group has compiled stories of CCHS and Athens community events and experiences in honor of Holocaust Memorial Day on Jan. 27.

The Clarke Central High School varsity football team will open their season against Cedar Shoals High School in the 58th Classic City Championship at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 in Billy Henderson Stadium.

Following the death of Augusta University student Laken Riley in Athens, the call for education surrounding women’s safety has risen in the Athens community and at CCHS.

The Georgia High School Association permitted NIL deals for high school athletes on Oct. 2, 2023, changing the game in high school sports, literally and figuratively.

After a nearly 10-year hiatus, the Glad Shack has returned to CCHS and offers students an opportunity to learn about running a business.

Clarke Central High School’s support staff help and display a good community as well as succeeding in their job position.

CCHS boys varsity basketball point guard La’neric Gill, a senior, has stepped up his dedication for his final high school basketball season in memory of his father.

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council invites CCSD students to give their voice to the CCSD administration to help influence district policy.

DIVAS Who Win Peer Mentor Undrea Gooden has overcome various challenges throughout her life and works to help Athenian women in similar situations find a brighter road.

CCHS alumnae Allie Miller and Shayne McBride, co-owners of Washington Square Studio, built a hair salon focused on inclusivity and client relationships.

CCHS Assistant Principal Everett “Barten” Nealy came to CCHS in 2017 with the goal of helping students and has spread his influence through his various positions.

The CCHS varsity Esports team was brought to CCHS at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year and immediately received support from students, parents and faculty.

Associate Principal of Operations and Freshman Academy Administrator Dr. Cindi Lowe will retire from her role at CCHS at the end of the semester on Dec. 8, ending her 30-plus year career in education and leaving a legacy of family and motherhood behind it.

Construction of Clarke Middle School’s new building has been underway while the students have been phased into trailer classrooms.

Clarke Central High School Senior Army Instructor Lieutenant Colonel William “David” McMickle stands outside…

The CCHS FFA chapter has had an increase in participants during the 2022-23 school year, and the advisers and members hope to continue this trend in order to inspire others’ agricultural passions.

English for Speakers of Other Languages program prepares students or life in and outside of the classroom, overcoming organizational constraints and keeping up with rapidly increasing U.S. immigration.

CCHS quarterback Lucian Anderson III’s football journey has always been intertwined with his father, assistant varsity football coach Lucian Anderson Jr.

Foreign language department teacher Dr. Lynne Sparks has always dreamed big and having the opportunity to travel is one that came true.

The efficacy of student learning and faculty performance is being hindered by high teacher turnover rates in the CCSD.

Pride Club at CCHS seeks to offer a space for LGBTQ students to build community and educate the CCHS student body.

CCHS teachers unveiled a mural on Oct. 7 as a part of CCHS’ 50th anniversary celebration, commemorating the school’s long history.

CCHS Associate Principal Reginald Thomas has been teaching at CCHS for 23 years and hopes to leave an impact on the school community through the various positions he has held.

Throughout her life, CCHS senior Anastasia Mack has found joy and freedom through her art.

CCHS fine arts department teacher and 1977 CCHS alumna Harriet Anderson plans to retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year and reflects on her experience at CCHS.

A Ceramics I course will be offered at CCHS for the 2021-22 school year, which will be focused on making both sculptural and functional forms of clay pieces by hand.

Clarke Central High School seniors and twins Amanda and Elise stand in a flower…

Remote learning has revealed challenges for the CCHS student body, making it difficult for teachers to provide quality instruction.

The ODYSSEY Newsmagazine was named a finalist for the National Scholastic Press Association’s highest award, the Pacemaker, on Nov. 5.

With the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election coming up on Nov. 3, the ODYSSEY Media Group recounts the last four years in U.S politics.

In preparation for the Classic City Championship game on Sept. 8, Odyssey Media Group Staffers sat down for Q&As with Cedar Shoals High School head football coach LeRoy Ryals and Clarke Central High School head football coach David Perno.

Clarke Central High School senior Cameron Stokes is a stand-out basketball and baseball player with a story that is bigger than just athletics.

Clarke Central High School alumni reflect on their experiences moving from a student to staff position.

The natural hair movement has changed a lot since the 1960s, and these changes have greatly affected African American women.

At Clarke Central High School and around the nation, differences between how male and female students are taught and engage in class can cause female students to have less confidence.

From March 6 through 8, members of the ODYSSEY Media Group, Journalism 1 and iliad Literary-Art magazine attended the annual Southern Interscholastic Press Association conference.

The desegregation of the Clarke County School District affects the educational experiences of students in the district both socially and academically to this day.

In January, Clarke Central High School announced that CCHS will switch to a block schedule, starting in the 2020-21 school year.

Preparations are being made at Clarke Middle School to undergo renovations and a possible rebuild.

Although many Clarke Central High School students recognize Juuling as an activity that occurs among the student body, fewer are aware of the potential health consequences.

On Feb. 3, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham spoke with humor and conviction to members of the Athens community, including students from the Clarke County School District about his life, during the Holmes-Hunter Lecture at the University of Georgia Chapel. Journalism 1 students share what made the trip memorable, and how it affected them.

A compilation of past ODYSSEY articles features multiple stories written for Black History Month.

At the start of the 2020 Oscar awards season, three movies in particular are the frontrunner films most likely to receive the best picture nomination at the 92nd Academy Awards on Feb. 9.

Journalism 1 staffer Grace Lang looks back on the best albums of the 2010’s now that 2020 has arrived.

Local Athens artist Broderick Flanigan and Miami artist Elio Mercado were selected by the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission to paint a mural recognizing Black businesses on Hot Corner in Downtown Athens.

Opened in March, Figment Kombucha is a local kombucha brewery that uses local and seasonal ingredients to create a unique Athens taste.

To rectify the mistreatment of African-American communities during slavery, demands for reparations have recently taken shape in the United States and more locally at the University of Georgia.

The Clarke County School District superintendent and Board of Education face contention following an official complaint that threatens the district’s school accreditation.

Clarke Central High School head cross country coach Mollie Sherman is new to the cross country team in the 2019-20 school year.

In her time in the Clarke County School District, Clarke Central High School Associate Principal Dr. Linda Boza has built deep relationships that helped her fall in love with the school and district.

Clarke Central High School senior Jay Kelly’s passion for rapping has allowed him to connect to his community despite his reserved nature.

The Clarke Central High School varsity softball team has had 10 different coaches in the past 20 years.

“Across The River: The People, Places, and Culture of East Athens”, written by Dr. Maxine Pinson Easom and Patsy Hawkins Arnold, acknowledges the origins of East Athens and the city of Athens as a whole.

Clarke Central High School junior Will Harden has a passion for coding.

Clarke Central High School junior Donte Marquies’s confidence in himself helps him spread his positive mindset to his peers.

As the first quarter of the 2019-2020 school year wraps up, new Clarke Central High School teachers and staff reflect on their time at CCHS so far, their lives before teaching, their hopes for the future and their advice for students.

The Clarke Central High School varsity football team will compete against town rival, Cedar Shoals High School, on Oct. 4 at Waters-Wilkins Stadium.

Some Clarke Central High School varsity and JV practices this season have been canceled or delayed due to extreme heat.

Clarke Central High School junior Micah Shannon moved to Athens in the fifth grade and now finds a community at Active Climbing.

After moving from his home-state of California to Athens for his final year of high school, Clarke Central High School senior Andrew Nguyen has learned to embrace the unfamiliarity of the Southern culture that surrounds him.

Growing up in a war-ridden country, Clarke Central High School sophomore Sa Blue Wah faced many hardships as a child. After moving to the United States and adapting to her surroundings, she experienced a different set of challenges.

Clarke Central High School scheduler and instructional math coach Summer Smith enjoys the challenge of creating a schedule for students at CCHS.

Sophomore Emilyn Zapata moved to the United States to start her freshman year at Clarke Central High School. Her strong sense of optimism has carried her through the difficult transition.

Clarke Central High School senior Amari Garrett, also known as LowkeyGotGame, is an up-and-coming YouTuber who is increasingly gaining followers.

Clarke Central High School senior Julio Rivera has gained many skills and a passion for cooking and business through his work at his family’s restaurant, Taqueria Juaritos.

To commemorate Black History Month, ODYSSEY Media Group reporters conducted interviews with Black Athenians. They share their lived experiences of Black History.

Since the University of Georgia discovered the buried remains of numerous enslaved people during the renovation of Baldwin Hall, there has been extensive community dialogue about the issue.

Clarke Central High School sophomore Anaiah Aziabor’s love for music is encouraged by her biggest musical influences: her parents.

Over the course of his life, Clarke Central High School junior Re’al Pogue has overcome struggle after struggle, and through it all, music has been his outlet.

As the only girl on the wrestling team, freshman Isabella Miller is constantly working to prove her ability.

Clarke Central High School senior Andrea Aramburo is an American citizen with deep Colombian roots.

1982 Clarke Central High School alumnus and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp is the Republican candidate in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race.

In the spring of 2015, Saphir Grici started the Holy Crepe food truck in hopes of providing Athens with a unique food option and changing the culture of food trucks in the community. Since opening, the business has undergone tremendous changes.

Clarke Central High School senior Frazier Taylor stands in the parking lot during his…

Athens artist Lou Kregel is known for her chrysanthemum paintings located all over Athens, but more importantly how she has refused to conform to those around her.

Clarke Central High School freshman Jocelyn Ray grew up in Superior, Colorado, and after moving to Athens in 2017, she is having to adjust to a new sky.

After playing together for six years, Clarke Central High School seniors Aaliyah Hall, Jayla Barnett and Isis Hutchens will play in their final season as Lady Gladiators.

Junior Cade Ivy repairs things — at first engines, and more recently, hydraulic pumps. For years, he has loved doing this, and he hopes to continue in years to come.

Athens High School was integrated between 1963 and 1969. With school consolidation the next year, people on both sides of the racial divide remained in Athens, Ga. as reminders of the road towards equality.

The Clarke County School District community is currently recuperating from events that have spurred debates, leaving many feeling that issues and breakdowns have reached a boiling point.

Senior Matthew Green sits in class, quietly finishing his work. Green is a respectful student, who never causes anyone any trouble. However, he wasn’t always the model student he is now. In middle school, he acted out and got into trouble frequently.

Blanche Aldridge has a past foreign to many women today, in which she took care of her many younger siblings and gave up graduating high school and many carefree days to start a family with the man she loves.

Senior Jared Warner is commonly known at Clarke Central for his class ranking, but aside from his academic attributes, he is a musical artist.

Senior Andre Magyar chooses to commit himself to his many hobbies in order to live life to its full potential.

No matter what the situation, Clarke Central junior Lauryn Waters does everything with the guidance and support of her family.

Clarke Central senior Anthony Zuniga has been a part of drama at Clarke Central since his freshman year and has developed his skills in theater throughout his high school career.

Clarke County School District now have an alternative route to their high school diploma: Foothills education Charter High School.

Junior Mia Wilhite’s experience with homelessness has led her to make the most of every situation through unstable times.

Titrim Attipoe, a current Clarke County School District substitute teacher, was born and raised in Ghana. He has noticed many differences in culture between the U.S. and Ghana throughout his years.

Senior Gedia Powell speaks about his experience with music and the role it has played in his life.

Upon walking into the main entrance of Clarke Central High School, visitors see a sliding glass window with a laminated sign that reads ‘FRONT OFFICE.’ Tucked away behind those windows sits Linda Glenn at her desk, a CCHS graduate and current secretary of 12 years.

Freshman Delia Adamson explores how the Student Government Association has changed initiative over the past years.

Condor Chocolates, located at 1658 S Lumpkin St, ensures their chocolate comes from specific…

Recent widespread national news coverage covering sexual assault, harassment and consent has sparked conversations of the issues within the Clarke Central High School community.

Clarke Central High School foreign language department teacher Aaron Gibbs incorporates his passion for basketball into teaching Spanish.

Freshman Neha Mohanty has been playing soccer for ten years, and through those years it has become an influential part of her life.

Clarke Central High School Advanced Placement U.S. government and economics teacher Drew Wheeler’s job is not only teaching. He also writes movie reviews for the Flagpole.

A series of twists and turns lead Asela Eatenson to take her passion for dance to the trapeze bar.

Clarke Central High School freshman Swapnil Dave left his home country in search for a better education.

Counseling Office Secretary Jamie Bonds was 14 when her mother shook her awake at 2 a.m.

“Where’s your key?”
“It’s on the dresser!”
“Get out.”

ODYSSEY Online Staff Writer Jurnee Louder sits down with Clarke Central High School’s newest counselor, Dr. Susan Strickland, for a brief introduction.

The varsity basketball seniors have played together nearly all their lives. With bonds so strong, it seems like the …

In an attempt to combat restrictive Georgia legislation, a group of University of Georgia professors have banded together to offer classes for undocumented students.

Sophomore and cancer survivor, Florence White does not allow her past experience with illness to define her.

In response to an impending development, the Jittery Joe’s Roaster was forced to move from its historic downtown location.

In 2000-01, the Clarke County School District moved from a year-long schedule with six classes each day to a block schedule with four classes each day and a new set of classes second semester.

The new dean of the Grady College of Journalism, Charles Davis, did not originally plan to enter to field of journalism, but after his first experiences with journalism he found a passion for the field.

Every day, math department teacher Valerie Russell can be seen greeting students with a smile. But few know her story or the reason she teaches with such passion.

Former classmates of Clarke Central High School graduate and grandson of Billy Henderson, Zach Henderson, honor his name with a scholarship aimed at sending children with special needs to summer camp.

When students returned to Clarke Central High School from Thanksgiving break on Nov. 26, a transformation had occurred.

Incumbent President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney’s stances on key issues are compared.

Despite her many commitments, newly appointed county commissioner Allison Wright has learned how to maintain balance in her life.