Op/ed.

As Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States by the will of the people, so too must the public protect America’s democracy from his potential threats.

As the 2024 Presidential Election inches closer and closer, the youth have no reason to be optimistic about either candidate.

CCHS participated in a statewide walkout on Sept. 20, but not every student came to protest for stricter gun laws.

In the wake of yesterday’s horrific shooting at Apalachee High School, Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer doesn’t know where to look next.

Clarke County School District schools do not provide Gifted Education services to a representative sample of the student body.

CCHS students need to advocate for more accessible period products around the school, as these products are mandatory for menstruators.

Whether they realize it or not, CCHS students walk in the footsteps of their predecessors on the long road that is Athens history.

The CCSD’s declining graduation rate is nothing short of alarming, but before community members panic, they need to recognize the complicated contributing factors.

Popular media portrays teenagers as oversexualized, drugged out, and lazy. This perception harms high schoolers and good representation is hard to find.

Many factors make the end of the second semester the hardest part of the school year for students.

The harsh academic pressure of high school leaves students choosing between prioritizing their grades and GPA or their physical and mental health, creating an unsustainable lifestyle.

Student-owned businesses are no longer a fantasy as young entrepreneurs at CCHS find ways to express themselves through a variety of business ventures.

Lead Copy Editor Maya Clement shares her experience with being competitive and how that has affected her life.

The censorship of books with diverse representation in schools can lead to negative consequences in terms of LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.

It is more important than ever for students to address issues that impact them.

The facilities at CCHS are unable to accommodate the rapidly increasing population of students and staff at the school, impacting their abilities to do meaningful and timely work.

While homelessness is a problem, many conflate homelessness and homeless people to both be problems to deal with.

Once used as a motivational tool, the “that girl” trend on TikTok has become a toxic fad that is causing discontent and hyperproductivity in young adults.

The U.S. is facing a national teacher shortage, but what on earth could possibly be stopping people from being teachers?

As activist movements continue to heavily rely on social media, it is imperative that those wishing to contribute do so with proper intent and through effective practice.

The evolution of representation in children’s movies has expanded on-screen diversity, but these writers still have a long way to go in order to extensively cover real-world representation.

Providing free menstrual supplies in school restrooms would benefit students’ mental health and academics.

Mental illnesses are often stigmatized and misunderstood as a result of ignorant phrases that trivialize the experiences that those with mental illnesses may endure.

Schools should not have the right to place disciplinary action on students’ speech off of the school campus.

Because the COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial element to moving past the pandemic, the CCSD community must work together to overcome vaccine hesitancy.

Print Editor-in-Chief Audrey Enghauser discusses the scarcity of queer voices within the college research process and the importance of queer communities, beyond straight allyship, to queer students.

Former Digital Editor-in-Chief Owen Donnelly and former Illustrator Lilli Sams debate the pros and cons of Valentine’s Day in a throwback post.

Viewpoints writer Eleanor Robinson criticizes YouTube’s lack of facilitation in its algorithm with a sarcastic but cheery satire, told from the point of view of the site itself.

Advisement at CCHS would be better for students if the curriculum was focused on post-high school guidance rather than community-building discussions.

Many students at CCHS are not complying with the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by CCSD, putting themselves and others at risk.

The act of holding public figures accountable is important, but its purpose is lost when celebrities and social media influencers are canceled for trivial reasons.

Due to the pandemic, many mental health experts expect depression and anxiety rates in teens to rise. Now is the time to make structural changes in the U.S. government that will improve access to care.

Despite jokes made about a lack of interest in anything but technology, Generation Z is proving to be more engaged and aware of U.S. politics than older generations may expect.

The excessive use of force on Black American citizens calls for reform in the U.S. police forces. One way to do this would be mandatory de-escalation training and community involvement for every police officer.

Clarke Central High School fine arts teacher Amanda Price discusses how in the midst of current events, she finds relief through the arts.

With the recent resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests across the nation, Clarke Central High School Class of 2020 graduate Saran Sesay believes the media has not done its due-diligence in unbiased coverage of protests.

Clarke Central High School English department teacher Jennifer Tesler shares her view on the Black Lives Matter movement as well as poems her students have written about the topic from the 2019-20 school year.

Clarke Central High School Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward shares his view on the recent protests and how the nation’s leaders have handled it.

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

To the ODYSSEY Media Group readership and community, The past couple of months have…

The process to remove likes from Instagram has the potential to improve mental health, prevent cyberbullying and lower rates of depression for social media users.

The devastating COVID-19 national emergency has highlighted child food insecurity in Athens and the school district’s role in addressing this issue. This crisis should be what motivates Athenians to mobilize and create a society that recognizes everyone’s fundamental right to food.

Despite the good intentions behind the See Something Send Something app, it is not an effective solution to widespread crises such as gun violence.

The Clarke County School District shouldn’t push digital education if it can’t sustain it.

Republicans’ support of United States President Donald Trump is fundamentally bad for the party.

Despite the current impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump, President Trump and his supporters will not be stopped.

In a city with limited transportation options, biking gives many students freedom. The absence of bike lanes forces bikers into dangerous conditions.

Teenagers often turn to excessive amounts of coffee, tea and energy drinks to cope with workload or exhaustion, disregarding the possible effects that high levels of caffeine may entail.

Many high school graduates feel pressure to attend college and get four-year degrees instead of choosing viable alternative paths.

Although not a perfect solution, restorative justice initiatives are a positive step forward for the Clarke County School District.

The Pennsylvania state House of Representatives held a swearing-in ceremony for its first Muslim woman representative, but the ceremony was opened with a Christian prayer.

Guest writer and senior Demetria Bolds shares her experience taking Multicultural Literature this year, and how it differs from other literature classes she has taken at Clarke Central High School.

UGA’s mishandling of the discovery of remains of enslaved peoples under Baldwin Hall shows the University’s disregard for the black community in Athens.

Newly eligible voters do not makeup enough of the voting population, despite the fact that they are the most affected by future changes in politics.

Black Culture Club President Jurnee Louder shares her experiences with BCC and its importance for Clarke Central High School students.

Viewpoints editor Valeria Garcia-Pozo and Business Manager Gabe Mantione-Holmes argue on the subject of Valentine’s Day.

“The Post,” now playing at Beechwood Cinema and GTC University Cinemas, is a timely period drama that tells a compelling narrative speaking to the importance of journalistic integrity.

On Dec. 31, 2017, YouTuber Logan Paul uploaded a video that sparked a conversation about profiting from offensive content online.

Laws that prevent children and teens acquiring guns from home are necessary.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s means of detaining people is often inhumane and irresponsible.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s means of detaining bermudez people is often inhumane and irresponsible.

Sophomore sports staffer Alexander Robinson reflects on political tension surrounding Thanksgiving Break.

Despite the significant amount of unopened food thrown away in the cafeterias of Clarke County School District schools, the district does not allow mass collection for repurposing.

An Oconee County publication unfairly pats Oconee County schools on the back at the expense of the Clarke County School District.

Co-editor-in-chief Aneesa Conine-Nakano and Viewpoints writer Sam Mattern-Parkes have opposing opinions on whether graduating early is the best option for students.

Graduating early should be one of the options available to high school students. 2017 Clarke Central High School alumna Adrienne Lumpkin was prepared academically and mentally for college by her junior year. Despite the obstacles, she graduated early.

Though graduating early from high school works for some, many students would benefit from graduating on time and taking advantage of senior opportunities.

Disney will be releasing a live-action Aladdin movie in 2019, and one casting choice is reminiscent of the problems with the original.

Viewpoints Editor Katy Mayfield urges guys who genuinely care about women to use their access in exclusively male spaces to steer their friends away from coercion and assault.

Viewpoints Editor Katy Mayfield is sick of the phrase “I’m not like most girls.”

Comparing Latinas to hot foods casting them in stereotypical roles is harmful in more ways than one.

Editor-in-Chief Aneesa Conine-Nakano shares personal anecdotes about the skewed physical perception of Asian people and growing up around that.

Variety Editor Jurnee Louder understands you loved your mission trip to Africa, but here’s why it could be problematic.

Although there were largely positive responses to the “A Day Without Immigrants” boycott, the hateful responses to the protest were extremely disconcerting.

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m not getting flowers and neither are you.

Staff writer Connor McCage reflects on the Apple iPhone, released 10 years ago, as it relates to landmarks in many Generation Z lives.

The Electoral College has been taking power away from the people and creating unfair and illogical presidential election results since its creation in 1787.

Clarke County revolutionized its sex ed, but the job’s not done.

The ODYSSEY editorial board endorses Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton.

A video from 2005 was released on Oct. 7 featured Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump uttering vulgar things about women, which is only the most recent example of Trump’s sexism.

In light of the recent alleged sexual assaults in Clarke County School District, Digital Managing Editor Aneesa Conine-Nakano discusses consent and why it needs to be emphasized in schools.

The Kardashians are highlighted far too much in today’s society, when in reality, they’re just regular people surrounded by fame.

As a kickoff to the Athens Jewish Film Festival, the documentary “Hate” reveals anti-Semitism which has remained in parts of Europe.

News Editor Jurnee Louder discusses why she has gotten “information” along with Beyonce and many other young girls.

Words are harmful–especially if they’re what’s standing in the way of getting help. Being…

After hearing inflammatory remarks from Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, senior Tiernan O’Neill looks back to three words on the seal of the United States of America.

Senior Fajr DeLane explores a higher realm of knowledge, people and inspiration through her journey out to Salt Lake City.

As Halloween approaches, many people begin searching for the perfect costumes. However, most stores only have costumes that are overly sexy for what they are supposed to represent.

Cambridge High School senior Sutton Dunwoodie reflects on his time at Governor’s Honors Program, a four week summer program featuring teacher nominated rising juniors and seniors from a variety of subjects.

Brutality, torture, hatred and massacre are far too common right now for journalists and humans alike. That’s got to change.

As the WWE exits the worst period in its history, there have been issues in bridging the gap from the former generation to the newer, “improved” generation.

As journalists, we aspire to communicate with the community in order tell their stories no matter how difficult the task is.

Should I be offended? Probably not.

Gov. Nathan Deal’s latest education crusade for “opportunity school districts” is poorly planned and dangerous.

Popular culture’s obsession with serial killers and mass murderers is sick and inappropriate.

Being Latino is an identity; it goes beyond physical appearance and stereotypes.

Since I was a toddler I was told that I was adopted. When I’m 17 I plan to go back to Guatemala and find my birth mother.

Rapes are at a record high at universities in the U.S, however colleges are doing little to bring justice to victims.

It’s hard to explain the terror of being a black man in America until you witness people who look just like you murdered once a month. I’m 6’2”, young and black, why should I even have to consider putting on a hoodie every morning?

It is cliché these days to thank a member of the Armed Services — “thank you for your service” is so easy to say, but what does it actually mean?

13 members of Clarke Central High School’s ODYSSEY Newsmagazine staff attended the “We the Media” National High School Journalism Convention in Washington, D.C. from Nov. 6 – 9. The convention, organized by the Journalism Education Association-National Scholastic Press Association, hosted over 6200 attendants from across the globe.

To the Georgia Department of Education, the newly implemented Student Learning Objective tests are a way to measure teacher and student performance. To administrators, they are just another thing that “must” be done. To teachers, they’re a pain. To students, they’re unsettling.

On May 20, you are going to see two Densons on the ballot, surprisingly.

Illegal immigration is the act of entering a country without consent or documentation of the government.

“We are overfed but undernourished. As a whole, we are starving on a nutritional level.”

Team chemistry is not created in a lab; it takes trust and friendship.

Sympathy. Everybody has at least of little bit of it in his or her heart. And having two broken wrists, I am getting a lot if it from everyone.

I was 13 years old and at a Christmas party when I saw 2004 Clarke Central High School graduate Eve Carson for the last time.

Washington D.C. lawyer and fervent supporter of gun rights Gayle Trotter has become the hero of women rights in the past weeks.

Never has a room of at least 50 football players gone silent so fast.

The BSA came out with a press release Jan. 28 of last week suggesting they are reassessing their current membership policy along with how they define that final portion of the Scout oath.

A dozen Clarke Central High School students, guided by faculty sponsor Laverne Fortson seek approval of a school dance line for 2013-14 football season.

The hype is almost unbearable. There’s the release of the nominations months ahead of time, the careful planning of movie marathons to make sure you see all of the bests and finally, there’s the iconic red carpet before the event.

As I walked into the first floor restroom, the faint odor of paint hit me. The graffiti on the walls that had made me both chuckle and cringe had been shrouded by a shiny coat of beige.

Art is important; that is undeniable. But whether or not art is being fully appreciated by Clarke Central High School students is debatable.

You walk towards the room. A few kids stand in the hallway right outside the door. Inside, some students have their heads down, some have their headphones on and some work furiously to finish their homework. Few speak to each other. The teacher tries to call the attention of the class to no avail.

Two fresh, new presidential candidates were preparing for war, arming their fearsome troops of campaign interns and rallying civilians to support their side as they marched through en route to the battle fields of swing states.

House Bill 797, also known as the proposed “Charter Schools Amendment,” seems harmless at first glance.

The community stresses that we should exceed the standards set for us, but are we challenged to even meet them?

On Tuesday nights, students from Clarke Central High School and Cedar Shoals High School take their place in a courtroom. They begin to review the day’s juvenile court cases for Athens Peer Court.

On Tuesday afternoon, one minute before dismissal at Clarke Central High School, my class’ blaring chatter is interrupted by a sound over the P.A. speakers.

In today’s educational system, when teachers, faculty and staff hear the phrase “budget cuts”, it sends a shiver down their spines.

In the 1960 election, Sen. John Kennedy, D-Mass., won a close victory over Vice President Richard Nixon.

Finally, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution has been proved! Sorry, non-believers: you’re wrong; man most certainly shares a common ancestor with apes.

This is what we have been told: Ron Paul is a crazy old man, Newt Gingrich

You are a freshman at Clarke Central High School and have found yourself in a sea of 1,500 other students. Besides the familiar faces of your relatively quaint middle school graduating class, nearly every person is a complete stranger.

When a political candidate needs to boost their approval ratings, they generally seek one thing– an enemy. An enemy can serve as a scapegoat for most any of the candidate’s failings.

Though the ID policy has been put into affect for over two months, students started to ignore it the day after it began.