News

CCHS students are preparing for their final exams and projects which will take place before the start of winter break.

The Student Government Association at CCHS is working with Toys for Tots and the U.S. Marine Corps to donate toys to children in Athens.

The ODYSSEY Media Group virtually attended the Fall Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association National High School Journalism Convention, in which they received recognition for their work and participated in journalism workshop video sessions.

CCHS began offering Epidemiology, a class about the science of disease and transmission, for the 2021-22 school year, allowing students to apply what they have learned to the pandemic.

CCSD superintendent Xernona Thomas announced plans to retire in December 2022.

At the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, CCHS hired new social worker Ashley Simpson-Haley within the counseling department to give students and families a helping hand with social and financial instability.

The CCHS boys cross country team won the region championships on Oct. 27 for the second year in a row, allowing them to move on to the state championship.

Clarke Middle School students partnered with local artist Broderick Flanigan to represent ideas of brotherhood and community through art.

CCHS Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner has been working with families and students who are interested in the second semester virtual option that CCHS is offering for the 2021-22 school year.

To combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCHS varsity cheerleading team has taken initiatives to increase school spirit and team building.

New CCHS Assistant Principal Dr. Angelia Major joined the CCHS administrative team Oct. 25.

With a voting date of Nov. 2, E-SPLOST 6 will be designated toward improving the educational spaces of the CCSD, including rebuilding Clarke Middle School.

New security badges at CCHS allow teachers to easily and quickly alert administrators to issues that need their attention within the school.

After having limited volunteering opportunities due to COVID-19 restrictions, the CCHS Ecology Club members have been volunteering at Sweet Olive Farms, and are excited about more opportunities to serve in the future.

As a fundraiser, the JROTC program at CCHS sold Granny Smith apples to raise money for program activities, equipment and uniforms.

English department teacher and new co-chair Meghan McNeeley hopes to use her leadership experience to better the English Department.

Healthcare professionals provided information about the COVID-19 vaccine to CCHS students on Oct. 12 in an information session prior to an on-campus Oct. 21 student vaccination drive.

BHL’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration will be held over Zoom on Oct. 12, highlighting student art and performances.

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

Luis Marco Vasquez-Gaytan, born July 30, 2003, passed away on July 19.

Viewpoints Staffer Daniel García-Pozo talks with Amber Wallin, a 2009 CCHS alumna, a former ODYSSEY staffer and a social media personality today, about what led her to become a comedian.

Sports staffer Lukas Cornish talks with Clarke Central High School freshman Bo Brodrick about his experience with reviewing various energy drinks

With a new teacher, the Clarke Central High School drama program is learning to operate under fresh direction.

The CCHS JROTC program will host their first Raider competition on Sept. 25 at 8:30 a.m. The JROTC instructors and cadets are excited to have the opportunity to showcase their Raider teams.

Clarke Central High School’s JROTC program canceled their annual 9/11 ceremony due to the switch to virtual learning.

The Pledge to Teach Truth Rally took place at UGA’s Brumby Hall on Aug. 27 in partnership with the Linnentown Project to educate people on and bring awareness to local civil rights history and education.

The Classic City Championship game, scheduled for Aug. 21 after being delayed from its original date, Aug. 20, has been delayed again.

The CCHS English department will be offering two new elective courses for the 2021-2022 school year, Speech/Forensics I and Mythology.

The CCHS Contemporary Literature class, along with the Writer’s Workshop and the National Art Honor Society club, are planning to have a mural painted next to the Media Center in honor of founding Clarke Central High School.

The CCHS 2021 Graduation ceremony will take place in Billy Henderson Stadium on Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m.

CCHS math department teacher Georgia Scott is choosing to retire after 32 years of teaching.

The Clarke Central High School track and field team competed in the 2021 5A Division state championship track meet from May 12 to May 14.

The One Book Athens inaugural reading and discussion of the book “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds will focus on racial issues.

Clarke Central seniors Andrew Robinson and Montavious Cunningham were recipients of the Eve Carson Humanitarian Spirit Award and the Dr. Miller Jordan, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, respectively. These two awards are meant to commemorate CCHS community members.

Clarke County School District middle schools have hosted in-person instruction since March 22 and are planning for additional summer instruction.

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement held a vigil and libation ceremony at the University of Georgia’s Baldwin Hall on May 4 to honor the enslaved people buried in unmarked graves beneath them and celebrate the Athens Day of Jubilee. During a reconstruction project, it was discovered that Baldwin Hall was built over top African-American remains from the Jackson Street Cemetery.

The recently-founded CCHS student-led Period Project aims to provide students with free menstruation products in the women’s restrooms.

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.

Viewpoints Staffer Daniel García-Pozo talks with local social media influencer Lindy Simmons about her experience with her Instagram account and within the Athens community.

The Clarke Central High School girls and boys track teams both placed at the regional meet and multiple athletes from each team placed for their individual events.

An email from Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer head coach Chris Aiken on Tuesday announced that multiple CCHS soccer players from both the girls and boys teams were selected by Region 8-5A soccer coaches for the all-region team.

CCHS student-athletes were recently awarded scholarships for their performance in the classroom and in their sport.

Clarke Central High School college adviser Robert Gluzman finishes up the remaining semester by checking back in with senior students about their college and career goals as college admission letters come in.

A unique school year has called for a change in the CCHS yearbook staff’s process of making the annual Gladius yearbook.

In response to recent anti-Asian attacks, Athens organizations such as the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement and SOUL are working to support Asian-Americans.

On Saturday, pre-registered CCHS students who are 16-18 years old and their parents received free COVID-19 vaccines in the Competition Gym.

The CCHS band program will return to five days a week of in-person instruction for the majority of its students.

Members of the ODYSSEY Media Group are taking part in the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association’s Spring National High School Journalism Convention, which is an ongoing virtual experience.

Georgia lawmakers are considering a new process for banning books in schools that would place book challenge decision making solely on principals and superintendents.

The CCSD Board of Education Policy Committee is attempting a complete review of the Board’s policies.

CCHS students returned for face-to-face classes on March 15 for the first time since March 4, 2020. ODYSSEY Media Group Staffers sat down with CCHS Principal Dr. Swade Huff to discuss how the first week back went.

This year’s ODYSSEY Media Group staff members and Journalism 1 students attended the Southern Interscholastic Press Association’s “Rise Up” spring convention, which took place through an online platform March 4 through 7.

Ideal Bagel Company is a local Athens business that has had to adapt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Feb. 11, ODYSSEY Media Group alumnus Andre Robinson, Clarke Central Class of 2012, and current Los Angeles Clippers Video Producer spoke with members of the program on his journey to the big leagues.

The CCSD Board of Education is reorganizing how it delegates committee work.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCHS counseling department continues to help students who are struggling with mental health.

The CCHS FFA chapter continues to hold meetings and prepare for competitions, despite the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CCSD announced Wednesday that high schools will begin the return to in-person learning on March 15.

During her 15-year career, CCHS Assistant Principal Latinda Dean has gone from English teacher to instructional coach to administrator, driven by a passion for helping students.

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

The CCSD announced their plan to return to in-person learning on Feb. 4 at a CCSD Board of Education work session.

Eight CCHS student nominees for the Governor’s Honors Program have been selected and will be moving up to school-wide interviews.

The CCSD administration has selected two individuals to replace top human resources positions after the departure of Chief of HR Lynn Duke and Executive Director of Talent Management Michael Harris.

Viewpoints Editor Maya Cornish talks with Clarke Central High School counselor Darline Coleman about her experience as a counselor and how the CCHS counseling department has adapted to the new needs of students due to COVID-19.

The CCSD will continue to provide online-only instruction for all schools for an undetermined period.

CCSD is looking for replacement hires for two top Human Resources positions given the imminent departure of Chief of Human Resources Lynn Duke and Executive Director of Talent Management Michael Harris.

CCHS students will take EOC tests in person and final exams online after Winter Break.

The CCHS orchestra and band departments are using the Upbeat Music App to overcome the disconnect between student musicians.

Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock campaigned in downtown Athens during the final days of the Senate runoff election.

Clarke County School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas was announced as the official CCSD Superintendent on Dec. 10.

CCHS teachers and students have found the lack of face-to-face interaction in an online environment both challenging and promising.

A special election for the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney will be held on Dec. 1 between former Georgia House District 117 Representative Deborah Gonzalez, D, and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney James Chafin, an independent.

Editors from the ODYSSEY Media Group attended this year’s virtual National High School Journalism Convention, where the group attended sessions and its members won several awards.

CCSD and Clarke Middle School administrators have begun planning the renovation or reconstruction of the CMS building.

The CCHS counseling department welcomed new CCHS College Adviser Robert Gluzman for the 2020-2021 school year.

The CCHS mock trial team has begun preparing for their season. This year they are facing a multitude of changes due to COVID-19.

CCHS freshman counselor Adam Lowe is trying to make sure that freshmen know about the availability of his counseling services.

Though they are not participating in marching competitions for the 2020-21 season, the CCHS marching band has been rehearsing and playing at CCHS football games.

Fowler Drive Elementary School returns to virtual learning after a week of in-person instruction from Nov. 9 to Nov 13.

The Clarke Central High School Academic Team has begun their 2020 season virtually, consisting of six regular rounds of season competition, each with an hour to answer 100 questions.

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

The Clarke Central High School softball team plans for the future after a difficult season.

The CCSD School Nutrition department has worked to ensure student access to meals since school was made virtual on March 16.

The Clarke Central High School Freshman Academy team is attempting to build a sense of community for the freshmen class during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CCHS FFA chapter is digging into the year by preparing for competitions that incorporate more than agricultural skills.

The block of College Avenue between East Clayton Street and East Broad Street was closed off on Oct. 8 to implement a pedestrian and dining space called College Square Plaza.

On Oct. 17, community members held the Athens Women’s Rally for Unity on the steps of City Hall, featuring 12 speakers on topics related to women’s rights, Black Lives Matter, and gun violence.

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.

The Clarke County School District is planning for pre-K-8 students to return to face-to-face instruction on Nov. 9.

Clarke Central High School will hold a voter registration drive on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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.

“Teenage Bounty Hunters” actor Devon Hales discusses playing April Stevens as an Atlanta actor, why the show is valuable to her and her own journey as an actor.

The Soldiers’ Monument in Downtown Athens, which was first erected in 1872, has now been moved after years of controversy.

Former CCHS Director of Band Dr. Robert Lawrence died Wednesday. Lawrence was on staff at CCHS from August 2009 until May 2019 and taught hundreds of students.

In a Clarke County School District press release, all schools will be on a digital platform for the 2020-21 school year.

Clarke County School District Chief Administrative Officer Brannon Gaskins gives insight into the school district’s current reopening plan in the midst of COVID-19.

The Clarke Central High School Hispanic Organization Promoting Education chapter started with a goal to help minorities during the 2019-20 school year after ending two years prior.

At Clarke Central High School, self-segregation has the potential to negatively impact connections between students of different races.

On March 31, Athens community members and others from surrounding areas gathered at the Clerk of State & Superior Court steps and began the march to the University of Georgia Arch in protest of police brutality.

Ruins of the Clarke Central High School visitor’s side bleachers lay on the unmarked…

More than 50 years after the Athens Linnentown community was displaced through gentrification, former residents are seeking support from the city of Athens to gain redress.

Former Clarke Central High School assistant varsity girls basketball coach Stefan Smith directs players…

Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program has been amended by Georgia House of Representatives Bill 444, which was passed on April 28. The Bill will reduce funding, and in turn, potentially lower state debt.

Clarke Central High School fine arts department chair and chorus teacher Dr. Anthony Rucker reflects on his 33 years of teaching as he prepares for retirement.

Clarke Central High School Special Education department teacher and CCHS class of 2010 alumnus William Lance will be the CCHS head softball coach beginning the 2020-21 school year.

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

A laptop with Google Classroom and Campus Portal tabs pulled up is shown above.…

On April 6 and 7, jobs for Clarke Central High School head baseball, boys basketball and golf coaches were posted to the Clarke County School District website’s hiring page.

In the face of COVID-19, many Athenians are working to create personal protective equipment for medical workers in the community.

AP English courses, like many other AP courses, have had to focus their attention on preparing for AP testing in May but from home as a result of distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clarke Central High School English Department teacher Lindsay Coleman-Taylor shares her experience as a woman, personal stories and advice she has for girls at CCHS.

St. Mary’s Health Care System Master of Science in Nursing and resident nurse Alex Evans talks about being a nurse and how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected his work.

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.

On April 1, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced that public schools would be closed for the rest of the school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clarke Central High School nurse Iveta Rabb discusses how students and their families can deal with different situations that may arise with their health while out of school due to COVID-19.

Clarke Central High School senior Shea Peters, junior Maya Cornish and sophomore Audrey Enghauser are Clarke County School District winners in the 2020 Young Georgia Authors competition.

ODYSSEY Media Group Digital Editor Owen Donnelly talks to Clarke County School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas about the COVID-19 outbreak and its implications for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

Stand-up comic and Cartoon Network associate writer and producer Cherith Fuller discusses her journey of becoming a comedian and the challenges she has faced.

The Clarke County School District will provide free breakfast and lunch meals for students in need during the district-wide closure to limit the spread of COVID-19.

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.

Many school systems in Georgia, including the Clarke County School District, will suspend classes in an effort to contain and limit the spread of COVID-19.

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

An expanded course catalog will be available to Clarke Central High School students for the 2020-21 school year.

Clarke Central High School freshman coordinate algebra teacher Becky Begnaud is retiring from CCHS at the end of the 2019-20 school year.

Many US public schools, including Clarke Central High School, were recently distinguished under various categories of Advanced Placement classes and achievement.

The Clarke Central High School National Art Honor Society initiated an art project to honor the 100-year anniversary of the 19th amendment.

National FFA week will be celebrated at Clarke Central High School the week of Feb. 22.

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

The Clarke Central High School Black Culture Club performed its Black History Month program on Feb. 21 in the Mell Auditorium.

The Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School seventh and eighth-grade bands will be performing in the annual Large Group Performance Evaluations at Clarke Central High School on Feb. 26.

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

On Feb. 18, Clarke Middle School principal Christopher Pendley met with community members, teachers and parents to speak on the urgent questions and concerns about recent events at CMS.

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.

The Clarke Central High School Robotics team will participate in the state robotics competition on Feb. 21 and 22.

Clarke Central High School’s Future Farmers of America chapter is competing in the Nursery/Landscaping Career Development Event for the first time on Feb. 27.

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

The Clarke Central High School Media Specialists will be hosting an author event on Feb. 12 with the authors of “I’m Not Dying With You Tonight,” Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal.

Clarke Central High School Family Engagement Specialist Christain Barner will be assisting the CCHS community in the transition to block schedule for the 2020-2021 school year.

Clarke Central High School will add four to six portable classrooms in the 2020-21 school year to accommodate the increasing amount of students and teachers.

The Clarke Central High School drama department is preparing for their upcoming spring production, “9 to 5”.

Video and music producer Nicholas Byrne, a 2015 Clarke Central High School graduate, discusses his process of producing and creating his own electronic music.

A Sculpture III class may be added to the Clarke Central High School program of studies for the 2020-21 school year.

The Clarke County School District Board of Education voted to place Georgia’s ninth congressional district candidate Antwon Stephens as representative of District Two on Jan. 16.

The 13th annual Visions of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration took place at the Lyndon Art House on January 18. The event celebrated the legacy of MLK through performances and visual art.

Starting in the 2020-21 school year, Clarke County School District high schools will replace the current seven-period day with a four-period block schedule.

Clarke County School District community members met at a Board of Education meeting on Dec. 17 to protest the appointment of an Interim Superintendent in the place of previous Superintendent Demond Means.

Many students, teachers and clubs at Clarke Central High School have raised concerns about how waste is handled at CCHS, specifically in the cafeteria, and what can be done to improve it.

The Clarke County School District Board of Education and CCSD Superintendent Dr. Demond Means discussed his contract termination as Superintendent on Dec. 3 at the Athens Community Career Academy during an executive session.

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.

On Nov. 16, the Lyndon House Arts Center hosted the opening ceremony for an art exhibit displaying Clarke County School District student art.

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

The Clarke Central High School marching band will potentially play their final home game halftime show of the 2019-20 school year on Nov. 22 against Wayne County High School for the second round of the Georgia High School Association AAAAA football state playoffs.

The Clarke Central High School Media Center will be hosting its first annual Thank-O-Rama from Nov. 6 to Nov. 22.

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.

On Nov. 7, members of Created Equal, a pro-life organization based in Columbus, Ohio, gathered outside the entrance of Clarke Central High School and protested pro-choice policies.

On Oct. 30, the Clarke County School District parents received an email from the CCSD Superintendent Demond Means addressing an investigation into a social media post that threatened violent actions against three CCSD schools.

Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Demond Means speaks with the
ODYSSEY Media Group Editor-in-Chief about his past two years in the CCSD.

The Clarke Central High School marching band has been preparing for its next competition on Oct. 26 at Berkmar High School in Lilburn, Georgia.

In order to resolve conflict more efficiently and build a positive school culture, Clarke Central High School is implementing restorative justice circles for the 2019-20 school year.

Author Michael Ondaatje will speak in the Clarke Central High School media center on Oct. 25, and participate in a discussion hosted by the iliad Literary-Art Magazine.

Clarke Central High School English department teacher Andy Dean will be engaging his students in the following months in a research project funded by the Eve Carson learning-service grant.

Clarke Central High School students will vote for homecoming king and queen on Oct. 9.

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 Future Farmers of America chapter is developing the Green School Program during the 2019-20 school year.

The Clarke Central High School softball team has begun preparation for their upcoming competitions at the regional level.

Community building circles have become a new addition to Clarke Central High School since the start of the 2019-20 school year.

The Clarke County School District Board of Education called for a special meeting to be held on Sept. 26 at the Athens Community Career Academy to further discuss their role regarding the AdvancED complaint.

The Clarke Central High School 10th grade English department has begun to implement academic circles into the 10th-grade literature curriculum.

Clarke Middle School Principal Christopher Pendley has taken the place of former CMS Principal Tad MacMillan who retired after the 2018-19 school year.

Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School media specialist Shona Foster has an ambitious schedule planned for the 2019-2020 school year.

For the 2019-20 school year, the Clarke Central High School Future Farmers of America chapter plans to put into place many new initiatives.

Clarke Central High School Women and Gender Studies club president Erin Bothe talks about her club’s values, goals and plans for the club in the 2019-20 school year.

The ODYSSEY Media Group attended the Georgia Scholastic Press Association fall conference on Sept. 19 at The Classic Center.

On Sept. 21, the Clarke Central High School cross country team will participate in the Aubrae Gunderson Invitational in memoriam of late teen cross country runner Aubrae Gunderson.

The Clarke Central High School varsity and JV volleyball team are hosting a powderpuff tournament as a fundraiser for the team on Sept. 17.

As the Clarke Central High School softball team dives deeper into the season, they work to meet new head varsity softball coach Alex Holmes’ goals and expectations for the year.

Clarke Central High School’s JROTC program will host its annual ceremony on Sept. 11 to recognize the tragic events of the September 11 attacks in 2001.

The Clarke County School District Board of Education called for a special meeting on Aug. 29 at the Athens Community Career Academy to discuss the AdvancED complaint regarding select members of the BOE.

New foreign language department teacher Christian Cordón reflects on his background and shares his experience with teaching at Clarke Central High School thus far.

During the summer, Clarke Central High School Assistant Principal Latinda Dean officially joined the CCHS Administrative Team.

During freshman orientation on August 2, rising Clarke Central High School ninth graders were exposed to the newly designed CCHS main lobby.

At the end of the semester, Clarke Central High School English department teacher Lisa Hill will part ways with the school and venture to Chicago where she will start the next chapter of her life.

Clarke Central High School English department teachers get in their holiday spirit by donning…

Career Technical and Agricultural Education department teacher Jillian Bryant got married during winter break and looks back on her wedding.

Clarke Central High School sophomore and JROTC platoon first sergeant Hayyah De Lane is awarded a $1250 scholarship by the National Association of Black Accountants.

Four students from Clarke Central High School were the winners at various levels for the 2019 Young Georgia Authors competition.

Clarke Central High School Director of Bands and fine arts department co-chair Dr. Robert…

Clarke Central High School alumnus and former Apalachee High School head softball coach Alex Holmes will continue his career as the new CCHS head softball coach.

As the Clarke Central High School fine arts department prepares for the upcoming spring production of “High School Musical,” held in the Mell Auditorium from May 2-4, participants work to adjust to final changes in the cast before the showcase.

The Clarke Central High School Jazz Band will be participating in Jazz Large Group Performance Evaluation at East Jackson Comprehensive High School on April 18.

Gifted Minorities Achieving, a student-led organization at Clarke Central High School, works to support and bring together minority students.

Counseling secretary Helina Jorge, who has held the position since January of the 2018-19 school year, shares how she feels about her transition to Clarke Central High School.

Fourteen Clarke Central High School teachers have been nominated for awards from the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education.

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government recently established an 11-member Mayor’s Youth Commission that will engage high schoolers with local government and community service opportunities.

On April 9, members of the ODYSSEY Media Group attended the Georgia Scholastic Press Association Spring Workshop and Awards banquet at the University of Georgia’s Georgia Center.

Clarke Clarke High School 2012 graduate Andre Robinson talks about his journey to working for the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team and being named a member of Front Office sports Rising 25.

After a 34-year career working in schools, Clarke Central High School Assistant Principal Dr. Sheila Dunham will be retiring when her contract runs out at the end of June. Dunham shared an email announcing her retirement with the Clarke Central High School faculty on March 20.

Glads Rise Up! and Decision Day, two events meant to celebrate the senior class, will take place on April 22.

The Clarke Central High School band program will be one of the sites hosting the Large Group Performance Evaluation for District 14 on March 21-22.

The Clarke Central High School Administrative Team will host community panelists on March 18 to discuss equity in Athens.

Members of the Clarke Central High School FFA chapter are preparing for the state Agricultural Communications Career Development Event on March 22 and March 23.

On March 8, the CTAE department hosted CTAE night, a night dedicated to showcasing work done in CTAE classes.

Members of the ODYSSEY Media Group joined student journalists from high schools across the Southeast in attending the annual Southern Interscholastic Press Association conference from March 1 through 3.

Clarke Central High School counselor Akua Nelson was hired as a member of the CCHS counseling team this semester.

The Clarke Central High School drama department will showcase its production of “High School Musical” in the Mell Auditorium on May 2-4.

Clarke Central High School hosted its fourth Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Night of the year on Feb. 26 in the CCHS Media Center.

Clarke Central High School variety staffer Tecoya Richardson talks with retired Athens Housing Authority Board of Directors Chairman Charlie Maddox as he shares his insight on Black History Month.

Clarke Central High School English department teacher Meghan McNeeley is teaching the Multicultural Literature/Composition class with a focus on Holocaust literature and 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.

On Jan. 22, National Art Honors Society students Avery Ray and Clare Wislar both had artwork accepted into the Georgia Art Education Association’s All State Art Symposium, hosted by Columbus State University.

The Clarke Central High School band program is preparing for the Pre-Large Group Performance Evaluation, which will take place on Feb. 21.

Clarke Central High School first-year English department teacher Grace Brownlee was one of the first in her family to experience college outside of Athens. Following her years at Kennesaw State University, Brownlee returned with hopes of implementing her newly developed skills and perspectives.

After placing 3rd in the Georgia High School Mock Trial Northeast Georgia Regional Competition, the Clarke Central High School Mock Trial team will continue to the district level on Feb. 23.

Clarke Central High School assistant swim coach Sean Gillan was aiming for the 1984 Olympics as a swimmer but had surgery for a nerve ablation in his left shoulder, which prevented him from competing.

On Jan. 10 at a Clarke County School District Board of Education meeting, the president of the board and District four representative Jared Bybee announced that Vernon Payne, District 2 representative had formally resigned from his seat on the board.

Junior Melody Morgan was accepted to the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band, which will take place from Feb. 28 to March 2 at the Classic Center in Athens.

With their second competition of the year on Feb. 23, Clarke Central High School social studies department teacher Kalli James-Wyrick is excited for her second year as a teacher-coach on the CCHS Mock Trial team.

The Clarke Central High School Mock Trial team will attend their first competition of the year on Feb. 2.

A fifth addition to the Clarke Central High School Counseling Team will be hired this semester, to help counselors meet the needs of an increasing student body population.

The Cedar Shoals High School journalism program, the Cedar BluePrints Magazine, hosted the second annual Battle of the Bands fundraiser at the 40 Watt Club in Downtown Athens on Jan. 19.

Three new members have been elected to the Clarke County School District Board of Education: Dr. LaKeisha Gantt, Dr. Tawana Mattox and Dr. Kara Dyckman. Each will serve a four-year term on the BOE.

Members of local non-profit, Strong Girls Serve, gathered at Avid Bookshop to listen to a panel of female athletes speak on their passions and empower the girls in the audience to strive towards their goals.

After student teaching for one semester at Clarke Central High School, Emily Costley is a first-year social studies department teacher at CCHS.