Viewpoints

Journalism I student Natalie Schliekelman talks about her new motivation to make a difference in the world around her after attending the 2019 Holmes-Hunter lecture.

Clarke Central High School Journalism I student Audrey Enghauser shares her story about how her passion for playing the flute has developed over the last four years.

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.

Journalism I student Samaiyah Ra’aid shares her experiences of being the youngest child , how she and her siblings’ interact and how their personalities work along with one another.

The East and West sides of Athens came together at Clarke Central High School on Jan. 5 for a basketball extravaganza.

The 2018 midterm elections offered insights for Democrats about running in the South.

Sophomore Roxanne Domizi reflects on her lifelong struggle with anxiety and her journey to getting better.

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.

Viewpoints writer Maya Cornish shares her experience with a Russian family and the stereotypes that sometimes go along with it.

Clarke Central High School freshman Gretchen Hinger reflects on the lesson learned from the challenges of her new puppy.

The pressures and expectations of adolescent life can cause intense stress in many teens. Schools have a moral obligation to address and educate students on stress management.

Clarke Central High School’s new cell phone policy is beneficial for the student body.

Visuals staffer Audrey Kennedy explains how she sought comfort through her art when dealing with the aftermath of her parents’ divorce.

Journalism 1 student Luna Reichert shares her experience with having a mom with multiple sclerosis and how it has affected her life.

The Georgia gubernatorial election has become a microcosm of the US political climate, and a perfect example of why more people of color and women are needed in office.

Managing Editor Elena Gilbertson Hall and Senior Copy Editor Valeria Garcia-Pozo share their experiences from their summer at the 2018 Governor’s Honors Program.

ODYSSEY Media Group Managing Editor Elena Gilbertson Hall reflects on her time at the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program where students were willing to listen to those of different political affiliations.

Land of the GHPhree: Senior Copy Editor Valeria Garcia-Pozo poses with the girls from her residence hall at the Governor’s Honors Program on July 4. Garcia-Pozo attended GHP, a four-week residential program hosted at Berry College, as a Communicative Arts major from June 17 to July 14.

Despite the cultural progress made by the #MeToo movement, the state of Georgia is…

Georgia state officials, including Secretary of State Brian Kemp, have kicked hundreds of thousands of registered voters off voting rolls in an ongoing case of contemporary voter suppression.

Sophomore Natalie Ripps describes her experience adjusting after her older sister left for college.

The current climate of distrust and hostility towards the media in the U.S. threatens our First Amendment right to the freedom of speech.

Fear, Caedmon, Gunnar and Owen Churchwell (left to right) stand in Cancun, Mexico posing…

Stand-up comedians were once the leaders in a fight against censorship, but with the start of the 21st century, they stopped being funny.

Senior Gabriel Mantione-Holmes speaks at the Senior night of reflection on May 15 in Mell Auditorium. Mantione-Holmes reflected on high school, education and the future.

Sophomore Lily Bruce-Ritchie addresses the impact her educational career has had on her and the issues she sees with her schooling each day.

Senior Karla Dougan recounts her emotions and experiences following a severe car accident on Dec. 31, 2016.

Journalism I student Andrea Matta-Castillo shares her love for soccer and the reason she has continued to enjoy the sport.

Co-Editor-in-Chief Aneesa Conine-Nakano discusses the impact students can have on gun control following the Parkland, Florida shooting in February.

Managing Editor Delia Adamson tells her story about dealing with sexual harassment and conversations that happen within the classroom.

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

Journalism I student Elena Webber writes of the memories she shared with and love she had for Clarke Central High School junior Kate Jones, who passed away on Feb. 17.

Social media influencer Kylie Jenner, recently gave birth to her baby girl on Feb. 1 and has received an enormous amount of support from family, friends, and fans.

Senior Copy Editor Jordan Rhym reflects on the 2018 Holmes-Hunter Lecture presented by University of Georgia 1963 graduate Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

Viewpoints editor Valeria Garcia-Pozo believes the commercialization of and pressure associated with Valentine’s Day outweigh the holiday’s positives.

Business Manager Gabriel Mantione-Holmes believes Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate those one loves.

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.

Clarke Central High School junior Bria Echols writes about her younger brother and how they were seperated for a year.

The repeal of net neutrality on Dec. 14 poses scary possibilities for citizens of Athens.

Encouraging students to study STEM and placing academic emphasis on STEM classes is a step in the right direction.

Better translation services are necessary and needed within the Clarke County School District community.

Prepare your children for the path, not the path for your children.

Journalism I student Cate Goldman reflects on her expectations about high school and how they compare to the reality.

After philanthropist Oprah Winfrey received an award at the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7, rumors of her presidency have presented an alarming possibility for the future of America.

Journalism I student Owen Donnelly gives insight on the phone addiction epidemic.

In recent weeks, many allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged as the #MeToo movement has supported women sharing their stories.

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.

Viewpoints Editor Valeria Garcia-Pozo reflects on the death of her mother and the effect it had on her.

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.

Clarke Central High School senior and Co-Editor-in-Chief Lucia Bermudez reflects on her parent’s divorce and one of the best things that has resulted from it: a new set of family members.

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

Sports writer Caedmon Churchwell shares his love for the University of Georgia football team.

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.

Broadcast Editor Kelly Fulford reflects on how a behavior disorder diagnosis helped her find academic confidence.

Journalism I Student Natalie Ripps shares how being in an interfaith family has affected her life.

Co-Editor-in-Chief Aneesa Conine-Nakano examines the detrimental effects of racial “colorblindness.”

The war of words between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump is irresponsible and dangerous, and could have catastrophic consequences.

Managing Editor Delia Adamson shares her experience with Personal Learning Devices.

Viewpoints writer Sam Mattern-Parkes reflects on having a British father and the experience it brings.

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.

Viewpoints Editor Valeria Garcia-Pozo believes that teens should get their driver’s licenses early on.

Viewpoints staffer Madeleine Ingle shares the legacy of being a pianist in her family.

Teen Vogue has expanded its political coverage over the past year, and this coverage has been met with a mix of support and surprise.

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.

Managing Editor Sophie Fernandes has learned to see life through a lens after finding a passion for photojournalism.

Staff writer Crystal Fox’s dad left 12 years ago, but didn’t realize that he took more than just a suitcase.

ODYSSEY Media Group Senior Visuals Coordinator Julie Alpaugh reflects on her experience photographing prom as a freshman and her thoughts on the event.

Clarke Central High School Principal Marie Yuran, fellow administrators and students discuss Yuran’s first year as principal and plans for the future.

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

ODYSSEY Newsmagazine news staffer Prana Maldonado Collins shares how having twin half-sisters has changed her life.

Staff writer Mackenzie Caudill revisits the topic of graffiti culture when a major, salient painting spot in Athens has plans of being torn down.

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

News Editor Delia Adamson recounts her experience in attending the Georgia Basketball State Championship game on March 8.

Print Managing Editor Sophie Fernandes has struggled for years with the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

Clarke Central High School sophomore Coles Ehlers and a group from Emmanuel Episcopal Church went and served dinner at the Bigger Vision Homeless Shelter. While there, they met with the people and gained a new perspective on the less fortunate residents.

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.

In spite of the popular belief of art being a wasted degree, the “starving artist” stereotype is just that — a stereotype.

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

Freshman Madeleine Ingle shares her mother’s battle with cancer and how it has impacted her.

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

Print News Editor Delia Adamson writes a letter to her best friend and Broadcast Editor Karla Dougan, who survived a car accident on Dec. 31, 2016.

Over a week out from President-Elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration, Print Managing Editor Sophie Fernandes reflects on the election’s blatant racism against immigrants, which she is no stranger to.

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

In recent years, vocal fry and upspeak, generally speech trends attributed to women, have…

The cancer dances around his body. It begins with a slow embrace of the colon, intertwining itself with his anatomy, becoming one. But the disease is a selfish partner, always wanting more to dance with. It begins to seduce the liver and softly cradle the lungs. Every day, is painful. Every day, the clock ticks even faster.

Freshman Madeleine Ingle shares her father’s struggle with addiction.

This Thanksgiving has called for Print Junior Copy Editor Andrew Caldwell, a sophomore, to reflect on the past year, and give thanks to those who have impacted his life.

Sophomore News Editor Valeria Garcia-Pozo reflects on her love for theater and the reason she got involved.

Freshman Mackenzie Caudill shares her love and knowledge of the graffiti culture in Athens.

The ODYSSEY editorial board endorses Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton.

This year’s Presidental candidates’ unusually high unfavorably ratings are leading many voters towards minor parties. Should they vote third party or pick the lesser of evils?

Senior Kennae Hunter discusses her feelings about being in her final year at Clarke Central High School.

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.

Sophomore Caedmon Churchwell details life with three brothers, and how he has been affected by them.

Senior Fajr DeLane received some shocking news on the evening of April 20th, 2016.

Anyone can benefit financially from Donald Trump becoming President with a few simple investments.

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.

Freshman broadcast staffer Flora Lechtreck writes on her love for thrills through extreme sports and exciting adventures.

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

Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders’ character as a politician has been overlooked due to his seemingly “radical” and “unrealistic” beliefs.

Fourteen years after her adoption, 16-year-old Hannah Gale addresses her birth mother in an open letter.

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

Freshman Ana Aldridge looks back to the reasons behind her decision to be a vegetarian until the age of 20.

Standardized tests like the American College Testing, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) all pave the way to college. These scores affect what college one can get into, or if one goes to college at all.

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

Junior Kennae Hunter speaks on her experience as an African-American teenager.

News Editor Jurnee Louder reflects on her own experiences with discrimination in Downtown Athens and how it can be stopped.

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

Abrupt changes can cause dramatic differences in one’s life. Instead of looking at the negatives, Copy Editor Christina Kurian turned her focus towards the brighter aspects of moving. In fact, what she expected to be the worst experience of her life, became the most memorable instead.

Print Senior Copy Editor Tierra Hayes questions whether she is “Proud to be CCSD” after the district’s failure to communicate an alleged rape on Cedar Shoals High School’s campus.

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.

High school is probably not going to be what you’re expecting. Let me save you the trouble.

Freshmen staff writers Jordan Butler and Ashley Lawrence debate the use of technology and social media. Hover on the photo and click the circles to read each editorial.

As technology and smartphones grow in prevalence, people are becoming too preoccupied with social media to actually appreciate what is happening in the present.

Freshman staff writer Ashley Lawrence explains the importance of social media and technology and the role it has had in her life.

World renowned British actor and director Alan Rickman died of cancer Jan. 14 at the age of 69. His fans now grieve and show gratitude for his characters and roles in their lives.

A reflection on the passing of ,and personal goodbye to, David Bowie, England born, nationally renowned, music icon.

Freshman Valeria Garcia-Pozo recounts her experience with a back brace after being diagnosed with scoliosis and the challenges that came with it.

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

Sophomore print Viewpoints writer Phineas Alexander shares what he is grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday, and why people should celebrate their thanks year round.

Variety writer Kieffer Farber faces constant comparisons to mother and sister.

After attending “A Conversation with Alice Walker” on Oct. 15 at the Morton Theater, sophomore Suncana Pavlic discusses her discoveries with the connection between Alice Walker and her family.

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.

The story of Malala Yousafzai is one that people in our culture generally have no experience with, but the movie He Named Me Malala manages to make Malala’s story both relatable and empowering to people of any background.

Print staff writers Graham Collins and Jamia Echols share their thoughts and memories of Halloween and how the holiday’s traditions have effected them.

Comedian Amy Schumer has achieved fame with jokes that, for some, blur the line between purely comedic and inflammatory.

Junior Sophie Fernandes speaks about her idea to begin a Women Studies club at Clarke Central and why she feels it is important.

In a recent viral video, YouTuber Nicole Arbour takes her comedic skills and makes the Internet cringe as she rants about overweight people.

Freshman Ana Aldridge looks into the roles that gender and intelligence play in teen girls’ lives.

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.

Senior Tiernan O’Neill attended the Governor’s Honors Program, a four-week summer program in Valdosta, Ga., for rising upperclassmen.

Senior Tierra Hayes looks into her fears of being just another high achieving student.

Amelia DeLamater shares her similarities and differences with her mother, and how their relationship works.

Junior Amelia DeLamater has struggled with her self confidence about her height her whole life. At 16 years old, she is learning to accept being 5-foot-10.

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

Sophomore Jordan Rhym reflects on the good and the bad of having a sibling leave for college.

Junior Sara Goodie defends pit bulls, her favorite breed of dog, and explains why they do not deserve a bad rap.

As part of Clarke Central’s JROTC ceremony, Senior Fajr DeLane delivered a speech about America’s Resilience. With her permission, the speech is printed here.

Cedar Shoals High School BluePrints Magazine Sports Editor Matteo Castile predicts a Cedar Shoals High School victory.

Straight Outta Compton shows how N.W.A. rose to stardom and gives a glimpse of the police brutality and the hate African-Americans endured in the early 80’s.

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.

Freshman Dalace Thomas writes a letter to her cousin, Jalen Thomas, who passed away in March.

Should I be offended? Probably not.

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

School should be a place where we shape our understanding of the world, so where are the tough conversations?

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.

You’re sitting in 4th period goofing off when it hits you: It’s May 11. School ends in ten days.

There’s nothing un-American about the Advance Placement United States History Curriculum.

The current movie rating system, which was revised in the 1990s, gives unrealistic ratings in a world where censorship is impossible.

New feature documentary “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” highlights the unmatched fervor of the women’s movement during the ‘60s and ‘70s.

The time one takes to read a text can lead to an hour on your phone, time that could have been used completing something productive. Phones, nowadays, can be a towering distraction in one’s life.

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.

“How are you Jewish? I thought you were Asian.”

I never knew what made me different.Though dealing with Asperger’s syndrome is a challenge, there are ways to overcome the disability.

Freshman Violet Merritt explores three conflicting ideas and their detrimental effects.

On January 6, 2015 many painted their ring finger pink in honor of Leelah…

With a multitude of projects, tests and homework, Clarke Central High School sophomores have…

On Sept. 26, 2014, the kidnapping of 43 college students in Mexico sparked international outrage and brought attention to the continuing corruption in the country.

To freshman Grace Polaneczky, the fellowship of the Athens area is a very positive…

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?

Many react negatively to GOP staffer Elizabeth Lauten’s snide remarks on Facebook about Sasha and Malia Obama’s behavior and dress at the annual turkey pardoning.

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.

Although students are encouraged to use the health resources provided for them at the public clinic Teen Matters, it is hard to do so because of the clinic’s non-flexible hours.

Ella Sams combats her low self-esteem through her art.

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.

Sophomore Grace Walker at age six on tour with mother Shelley Olin in 2005.…

People talk a lot.

A 2007 study by the University of Arizona found that, on average, people speak around 16,000 words a day. What if we could break that down? Maybe we talk about school, weekend plans, family. Now let’s go deeper.

On August 14, student-produced signs protesting the enforcement of the CCHS dress code appeared…

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

For Ben and Donna Slaboda, parents of seven, their priorities lie in family over finance.

Moving from one town to another can be scary, but moving to a new country is definitely something else.

Contemporary rappers such as Tyga, Lil Durk and 2 Chainz are often blamed for “ruining” rap music when, in fact, their craft is simply a reflection of modern society.

On her self-titled album, BEYONCÉ, the R&B queen unleashes the Magna Carta of pop feminism.

Lady Justice may be blind, but she certainly recognizes wealth.

Most babies go to sleep to lullabies like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Rock-A- Bye Baby.”

Outer space! FBI hijinks! Computer romance! Parental estrangement! Somali pirates! AIDS! Slavery! Leo DiCaprio doing cocaine! The 2013 film season was jam-packed with thrills, chills and soul-aching despair

Every day I have the same routine. Wake up, eat breakfast, take a shower, go to school praying that my next class will approach soon, never taking my eyes off the clock until school’s over. Then I go home, do my homework, and prepare for another painfully repetitive day.

Clarke Central students voice their opinions on the stricter tardy policy.

“It’s a white man’s world.”
My father instilled this idea in my mind years ago. I didn’t want to believe him, but when I stepped into kindergarten, at Athens Christian School, I was wrong.

Thanksgiving is a time when families gather to feast together and while the feast will continue, what I am thankful for will not.

A new teaching technique has been implemented for the 2013-14 school year, where teaching is done through videos and work is done in class.

When watching the 2012 edition of the Clarke Central High School vs. Marist School game, I was awestricken at the fashion in which the War Eagles and their triple option offense dominated in the second half, as they sauntered to a 30-13 win against CCHS.

What truly makes us happy? Features writer Mary Merritt speaks about how happiness can be achieved in us all.

The majority of students at Clarke Central believe in Gay Marriage, and those that do not have a harder time expressing their views without fear.

Clarke Central High School Chemistry students learned the value of having a teacher when left without a teacher earlier this year.

Opinion is divided over the renovation of the Jack R. Wells Housing
Community -commonly known as Pauldoe – off of Hawthorne Avenue.

“I have to tell you something sad — nobody died or anything, but…”

12 years I lived undocumented, and in those 12 years I saw how my mom would come home from a long day at work and try and hide her tears of frustration from my brother and I.

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.”

Freshman Claire Elliott-Gower has called Canopy Studios her second home for the last decade, and she has learned much more than just acrobatic tricks.

More than half of the students are failing to meet the state standards in reading and math.