students

Members of CCHS’ National FFA Organization chapter returned to Athens, triumphant after attending the 98th Georgia FFA Convention in Macon, Ga., from April 22 to 25.

The Clarke County School District TEDx Youth: Raise the Bar 2026 event featured 15 CCSD student speakers across grade levels and was held on May 9 at the CCSD office.

After claiming the Region 8-AAAAA championship title, the CCHS boys varsity track and field team is now surging into sectionals on May 2, aiming to bring home a state trophy on UGA’s turf.

With a growing student population and limited parking capacity, the CCHS student parking lot has created issues with overcrowding and safety for students and faculty alike.

CCHS will host its 2026 Decision Day in the E.B. Mell Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 1, where the Class of 2026 will announce their post-graduate plans.

For their last year of receiving UGA’s Glickman Challenge Grant, the CCHS Spanish Book Club has worked to compile a magazine as a way to highlight student’s cultures.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society’s 16th Annual Glads Got Talent will return to CCHS on April 23 at 6 p.m., with CCSD middle schoolers performing for the first time alongside CCHS students.

The second Big Event: Block Party of the 2025-26 school year will take place during Advisement on Wednesday, April 22 with various activities for eligible students to engage in.

From April 4-6, 15 CCHS Wild Women Outdoors club members will attend their spring camping trip, organized by co-sponsor and CCHS English department teacher Meg Vanderbilt.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., Clarke County School District families can collect free groceries at CCHS’s third Mobile Food Market, which will take place in the CCHS Crawford Gym on April 1.

Eight 2026 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program finalists and one alternate from CCHS were announced on March 20 in preparation for the 2025 GHP session, which will take place from June 14 to July 11, at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga.

The CCHS Class of 2026 participated in the Senior Brunch in the Dr. Miller W. Jordan, Jr. Memorial Food Court on March 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m..

The annual CCHS Senior Brunch will be held in the Miller W. Jordan Memorial Food Court from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. on March 20 as a celebratory activity for the Class of 2026.

Classic City High School will host its College and Career Day at CCHS in the H.T. Edwards Boys & Girls Club gym on March 18 at 12:05 p.m..

CCHS senior Calum Cederbaum speaks about her experience sculpting and her fall internship at the University of Georgia.

The mixture of trash and food products dispensed into recycling bins prevents recycling for Ecology Club students and the CCHS student body.

CCHS’ JROTC sergeants empower students to take on leadership roles through different facets of the program, with an emphasis on serving the Athens community and demonstrating core values.

The Athens Community Career Academy Pop-up Shop will be held in the ACCA Atrium on March 3 from 8:30 to 9:50 a.m..

The Clarke Central High School boys and girls varsity soccer team played against Oconee County High School in the Billy Henderson Stadium on Feb. 24.

With the CCHS boys varsity soccer team’s 2025-26 season having kicked off on Feb. 10, the team aims to build on its experienced roster.

The ODYSSEY Media Group interviewed various Clarke Central High School couples on their favorite memories, thoughts on each other and traditions in honor of Valentine’s Day.

CCHS freshman Jaden Brooks and sophomore Zoe Bodie created CCHS’ Dungeons and Dragons Club to provide an open space for creative students.

CCHS students participate in a walkout protesting against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Jan. 30 in Billy Henderson Stadium.

CCHS Work-Based Learning Coordinator Brook Thompson has implemented several initiatives during the 2025-26 school year to expand the program.

CCHS Assistant Principal Alexis Scott, joined the Administrative Team, driven by her determination to support educators and students any way she can.

CCHS students returned from Winter Break for the start of the spring semester on Jan. 6.

CCHS varsity football defensive lineman Anthony “AJ” Lonon Jr. officially signed to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Georgia on Dec. 3.

The Block Party: Big Event was held in the CCHS Competition Gym during Advisement on Dec. 3.

To incentivize good attendance for students, CCHS will hold the Big Event: Block Party on Dec. 10 in the CCHS Competition Gym.

CCHS registrar Armendy Reid supports students and families by ensuring that every student’s credits are accurate and transferable.

The Clarke County School District Athens Community Career Academy is shown. The program provided…

CCHS fine arts department teacher Heather Garland shares the rationale behind hands-on learning within her classroom.

The CCHS math and special education departments collaborate in order to ensure all students’ needs are met in order to ensure success.

CCHS Entomology students will go on a field trip to the UGA campus hosted by the UGA Department of Entomology on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CCHS’ annual AP/Dual Enrollment Night will take place at 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the E.B. Mell Auditorium and Lobby.

The CCHS Math Club will compete in the UGA High School Math Tournament on Oct. 25 at the Zell B. Miller Learning Center.

CCHS varsity cross country and track and field runner James “JD” Daniel announced plans to continue his academic and athletic journey on Oct. 22 by committing to run track and cross country at UGA.

The CCHS concert band, wind ensemble, percussion quartet and percussion ensemble performed in the 2025 Band Fall Concert from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 in the E.B. Mell Auditorium.

The Athens Community Career Academy will be hosting several guest speakers from Athens volunteer organizations at its Service Academy Day on Oct. 22.

CCHS’ National FFA Organization will host a pumpkin carving in Room 107 on Oct. 21, which will be open to all CCHS students.

Clarke Central High School junior Sterling Williams holds the poster for the Clarke County…

CCHS Student Government Association Senior Class President Laila Bolton discusses the events and goals of the program.

Varsity cross country coaches at CCHS don’t set explicit junior varsity and varsity rosters so that runners can move between levels as they improve.

Introduction to Women’s Literature reclaims its place at CCHS under the direction of English department teacher Molly Dorkey with an emphasis on multimedia storytelling and class discussion.

CCHS’ National FFA Organization will host its Fall Floral Workshop at 6 p.m. on Oct. 1 as a way to connect with the CCHS and Athens communities.

On Sept. 24, CCHS community members were invited to attend the CCHS Fall Guitar Concert in the E.B. Mell Auditorium from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Clarke County School District students visit the Entertainment, Sports and Event Management Pathway table…

After holding tryouts on Aug. 27, the CCHS varsity esports team aims for a strong season and to extend its reach in the CCHS community.

Host Dream Freeman, an ODYSSEY Media Group Sports Staffer, continues his podcast with CCHS varsity football defensive backs coach Zach Howard.

The Georgia Probe College Fair took place on Sept. 10 at CCHS, hosting 55 postsecondary institutions for juniors and seniors preparing for college applications.

CCHS’s annual Title I meeting and Parent University will take place in a combined session at 6 and 6:15 p.m., respectively, on Sept. 4.

The CCHS varsity volleyball team will play against Jackson County High School on Sept. 2 in the CCHS Competition Gym.

Clarke Central High School Multi-Classroom Leader and 2023-24 Teacher of the Year, Brad Williford,…

The annual CCHS Open House will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Aug. 19.

The CCSD announced a partnership with nonprofit organizations TED-Ed and Gifted Savings in which every graduating senior across the district will receive a $1,000 investment portfolio on Aug. 7.

Clarke Central High School students returned for the start of the 2025-26 Fall Semester on Aug. 6.

New standards and community-building activities are being brought to Clarke Central High School for the 2025-26 school year.

The CCSD named the Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian on May 19.

The Clarke Central High School Class of 2024 throw their caps in the air…

The CCHS Ecology Club will hold the Eco-Fair in the CCHS Bus Loop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on May 14 to spread awareness about the club and its values.

The Multi-Classroom Leader position is expanding across the CCSD for the 2025-26 school year.

The CCHS boys varsity soccer team will face off against Sprayberry High School on May 6 in the third round of the GHSA AAAAA State Tournament.

President Donald J. Trump’s push to abolish the United States Department of Education is a direct attack on public education and a danger to the CCSD community.

CCHS hosted its Senior Brunch in the Miller Jordan Memorial Food Court on April 18 in the first of several end-of-year activities for the Class of 2025.

The CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School drama programs are joining for the third time
to bring their production of “Mamma Mia!” to the CCHS E.B. Mell Auditorium in April.

On April 15, a group of CCHS students will take a field trip to UGA’s Fine Arts Theatre to see an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.”

CCHS boys varsity soccer player Grady Payne has spent his final season at CCHS playing on the same team as his brother Henry.

CCHS senior Grayson Krause and CCHS junior Isaac Bergman advanced to the SkillsUSA National Leadership Skills Conference in Atlanta this summer.

CCHS’ Gifted Minorities Achieving will host its “A Night of Color 2” celebration in the Media Center on April 17.

From April 2-5, CCHS’s National FFA Organization chapter will host its Spring Plant Sale in the CCHS Greenhouse.

The CCHS Chess Club offers students the opportunity to learn how to play the game and improve their critical thinking abilities.

After a year-long absence, the Introduction to Women’s Literature class is returning to CCHS under English department teacher Molly Dorkey.

The CCHS Robotics Club was awarded the Bullard Community Champions Grant from the University of Georgia Youth LEAD Georgia program.

CCHS head varsity football cheerleading coach Sophia Campbell wears several hats, but her coaching and teaching philosophies are informed by her experiences as a former CCHS student.

CCHS Mythology students will take a unique field trip to Expedition Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum on March 19.

From March 17 to April 4, CCHS will pass on the history of Anne Frank and the Holocaust through the exhibit “Anne Frank: a history for today.”

The CCHS Academic Team will compete in a state-wide competition at Northgate High School on March 15.

CCSD and Athens Community Career Academy ninth and 10th grade students are invited to attend the ACCA Pathway Showcase night on March 6.

Ten CCHS students were announced as semi-finalists for the Governor’s Honors Program and will be interviewed at the state level.

In the boys varsity soccer Classic City Championship, the Gladiators beat Cedar Shoals High School 3-1 in Billy Henderson Stadium on Feb. 13.

Seven CCHS student-athletes from four sports signed National Letters of Intent to play collegiate sports at the Winter Signing Day in the CCHS Billy Henderson Strength and Conditioning Center on Feb. 7.

Submissions for the annual Young Georgia Authors competition are open at CCHS until Feb. 10.

There are various factors that contribute to the climate at CCHS, all of which can build inclusivity and a productive learning environment.

On Feb. 1, the CCHS Mock Trial Club will visit the University of Georgia’s Alexander Campbell King Law Library to participate in their first competition of the 2024-25 season.

CCHS junior Noah Kilpatrick’s Shoebox Project allows people to donate shoes to those in need at three different Athens locations

Communities In Schools focuses on preventing CCHS students from withdrawing from high school by connecting them to community resources and programs.

Even at a school like CCHS, where mental health is taken seriously, there are opportunities for greater student support.

Wild Women Outdoors, a CCHS club created at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, was established to help students gain more confidence to explore the outdoors safely.

The CCHS varsity wrestling team beat cross-town rival Cedar Shoals High School in the Classic City Championship on Jan. 17.

School communities in the Athens area are grappling with the mental health effects of the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4.

Clarke Central High School students returned from Winter Break for the start of the spring semester on Jan. 6.

The Clarke Central High School Math Team is looking for new members to help lead the program.

CCHS Holocaust and Genocide Studies students attended a field trip to The Breman Museum and Cultural Center on Nov. 4 to expand their knowledge of the Holocaust.

“Learning Wednesdays” were instituted at CCHS at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year to coach teachers on improving student engagement.

The CCHS varsity swim and dive team will compete at Morgan County High School on Dec. 6.

The CCHS Athletic Department hosted a signing day for varsity quarterback Hezekiah Millender, who signed to the University of Georgia football team, in the Billy Henderson Strength and Conditioning Center on Dec. 4.

The CCHS chapter of the National FFA Organization teaches and provides many opportunities outside of farming and livestock raising.

The Clarke Central High School varsity football team will compete in the 2024-25 Georgia High School Association Class AAAAA State Football Championship playoffs against Houston County High School on Nov. 15.

The CCHS Media Center is preparing to host the CCHS community for their very own Glads Run 5K on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The CCHS boys varsity basketball team is preparing for the 2024-25 season with their first game of the season on Nov. 12.

When the polls open on Nov. 5, citizens from all over the United States will have a say in who leads the country for the next four years.

CCHS’ Work-Based Learning is accepting applications for the spring semester, allowing students to experience the process of searching for a job.

After eating at several Asian restaurants around Athens, ODYSSEY staffers concluded that New Red Bowl offers the best beef lo mein.

Clarke Central High School hosted its Fall Pep Rally in the CCHS Competition Gym on Oct. 23.

CCHS’s FBLA chapter allows students to learn business-related skills and participate in numerous community service and competitive opportunities throughout the year.

Clarke Central High School Assistant Principal Terry Liggin conducts a check-in with a student…

CCHS students of Latin American heritage share good memories about their favorite cultural dishes in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The ODYSSEY Media Group and the iliad Literary-Art Magazine have eight finalists for the National Scholastic Press Association’s 2024 Individual Award Finalists, which were announced on Sept. 26.

The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant awarded Clarke Central High School with $20,000 to purchase “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi for the 2024-25 school year.

An illustration depicts the varsity flag football team taking a flight to Baltimore, Maryland…

From unhealthy weight loss to social media diets, beauty and body standards are negatively impacting CCHS’ female students.

According to Georgia Department of Education data, students in the CCSD Class of 2024 outperformed national and state public schools on the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

Clarke Middle School’s Parent Teacher Association will host the 15th annual Owl Flight 5K on Sept. 28 to support PTA efforts.

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

CCHS participated in a walkout on Sept. 20 to protest for stronger gun regulations in Georgia.

A notification was sent to all CCSD high schoolers’ email addresses by admin on Sept. 19 pertaining to the organization of a statewide walkout on Sept. 20.

The Clarke Central High School varsity flag football team has begun its preparation for the 2024-25 season, with hopes of winning the state championship title this year.

The CCHS varsity softball team will take on Rockdale County High School at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 at CCHS.

The CCHS JROTC Varsity and JV boys and girls mixed Raiders teams competition season starts soon.

The Work-Based Learning program gives CCHS students the opportunity to gain experience in various fields of the workforce while still earning course credits.

After a threat against CCSD middle schools and the deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School, CCHS Principal Dr. Swade Huff met with students to discuss safety concerns and expectations.

The CCHS varsity volleyball team lost 3-1 to Prince Avenue Christian School in their first home game of the 2024-25 season on Aug. 27.

Though different studios approach dance differently, one thing unites Athens’ thriving dance scene: an unwavering dedication to the art.

The CCHS varsity football team defeated the Oconee County High School Warriors 37-36 in Billy Henderson Stadium on Aug. 23.

CCHS’s National FFA Organization will host its first event of the school year, the “Back 2 School Bash” as a celebratory and informative meeting.

The 58th Classic City Championship resulted in a 42-3 win for the CCHS varsity football team on Aug. 15 in Billy Henderson Stadium.

Clarke Central High School varsity football cheerleader Camaya Lyles, a Class of 2024 alumna,…

The CCHS marching band will perform during the 58th Classic City Championship at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Billy Henderson Stadium.

CCHS administration has added an extra minute to the allotted transition time between periods for the 2024-25 school year to accommodate for an increase in students.

The ODYSSEY Media Group placed fifth in the National Scholastic Press Association spring Clips & Clicks contest, among other program recognitions.

The CCHS varsity softball team beat Central Gwinnett High School in a home game on Aug. 7 with a final score of 17-2.

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.

Ahead of the first day of the 2024-25 school year, CCSD leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon on the new Clarke Middle School building on July 30.

Clarke Middle School hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 30 to mark the opening of its new building ahead of the start to the 2024-25 school year.

The Athens community has some access to domestic violence services, but at CCHS, the preventative education surrounding the issue must match the reactive support.

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.

Journalism I student Isabella Gresham shares her experience of being bicultural and the difficulties she has faced.

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

After trying cold treats around Athens, ODYSSEY staffers conclude that Essential Bowls and Pelican’s SnoBalls are the best options to cool down in the summer heat.

Clarke Central High School celebrated its senior class by hosting Decision Day on May 20.

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

The ODYSSEY Media Group community celebrated its seniors and achievements at the 2023-24 ODYSSEY Media Group Awards Banquet at 1055 Barber St. on May 19.

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

CCHS introduced new Advanced Placement classes during course registration for the 2024-25 school year that may be on students’ schedules next year.

An infographic displays 5 tips to know in preparation for AP exams, as advised by Caryn Nguyen.

A graphic displays Bethel High School junior Josh Heyel’s Instagram profile. ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Lead…

CCHS foreign language department chair Emily Hulse has conducted the French III fairy tale summative project to provide students with a chance to show content mastery.

After the varsity baseball team finished their 2023-24 season with a record of 6-18, they are looking to utilize the summer months to improve their record for the 2024-25 season.

English department teacher Jessica Bradbury paves the way for University of Georgia English Education teacher candidate Delainey Brown’s full-time teaching this semester.

Shelby Meeks, senior and right outside defender for the CCHS girls varsity soccer team, talks about the highs and lows of her senior season.

With the CCHS boys varsity soccer team winning in the first round of the GHSA AAAAA state playoffs, the team is preparing for the Sweet Sixteen on April 24.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society held auditions on March 21-22 for the 2024 iteration of Glads Got Talent, scheduled for April 19.

Several Clarke County School District schools attended the viewing of “Linnentown, the Musical” at The Classic Center on April 11.

ODYSSEY Class of 2024 seniors reflect on their time in the program.

The Clarke Central High School community joined together during fourth block to witness the 2024 solar eclipse in Billy Henderson Stadium on April 8.

The CCHS girls varsity soccer team will compete against Winder-Barrow High School on March 29 for their last Region 8-AAAAA game on Teacher Appreciation Night.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hua Hsu visited with Clarke Central High School students and faculty.

Study-abroad opportunities are offered to Clarke Central High School students to further the study of foreign languages.

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

The CCHS varsity baseball team will look for success in their Region 8-AAAAA game against Loganville High School on March 18.

The 2023 iliad Literary-Art Magazine was recognized as one of 17 Pacemaker finalists from across the country.

ODYSSEY Media Group students participated in the 2024 Southern Interscholastic Press Association conference in Columbia, South Carolina from March 1-3.

Social studies department teacher Lloyd Carrington has been hired to fill the position left by former social studies department teacher Karena LaRosa.

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

Sports Editor Cadence Schapker reflects on her time as a volleyball player and her time with the CCHS junior varsity and varsity teams.

CCHS will host a School Climate Committee Meeting at 3:45 p.m. in Room 242 on Nov. 16.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the 20th volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the 19th volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the 18th volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the 17th volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the 16th volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the 15th volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the 11th volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the tenth volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

ODYSSEY Media Group staffers summarize issues from the ninth volume of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine.

At the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, Family Engagement and Academic Support Specialist Christian Barner founded the Student School Climate Committee for students to provide feedback about the school environment.

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

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

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

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.

Clarke County School District leaders are engaging in behavior that is distracting from the needs of CCSD students.

Chicago teachers took a strong stand when they made the decision to strike, but how long until it is forgotten?

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.

During the 2010-11 school year, Clarke Central High School students left the building later in the day than in years past, with clay on their hands from the Pottery Club, sweat on their brows from the Tae Kwon Do Club or the taste of homemade treats on their lips from the Top Chef Club.

Having a place to call “home” is not guaranteed for all children — homelessness is a growing problem for students in the Clarke County School District. Katie Wheeler, Homeless Education Program liaison and school social worker for the CCSD, has seen this increase during her time working for the district.

Former Clarke Central High School students Martay Mattox and Alan Posey are now members of South Eastern Conference football powerhouses