ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Recaps: Volume 4Stories by ODYSSEY Staff, package by Anna Shaikun
The ODYSSEY presents: Leroy has Clarke Central Ryaled Up, Volume 4 Issue 1: The ODYSSEY delves into the changes coming to Clarke Central High School football with the arrival of newly-hired head coach Leroy Ryals. This issue also highlights new graduation requirements and their effects on students. Sports Writer Ria Mehta explored the Lady Gladiators Volleyball team’s journey, from losing six senior players to persevering and scoring a handful of wins at the start of the season. This issue was also the first ODYSSEY Newsmagazine to feature all-gloss pages. Story by Mykolas Kumpis
The ODYSSEY presents: Give Me Shelter, Volume 4 Issue 2: In Volume 4, Issue 2, the ODYSSEY looked into poverty in the Athens community. The cover story told a Clarke Central High School student's story, who, despite living in poverty, found hope and worked for a better future. The ODYSSEY highlighted Foreign Language department teacher Emily Dowd's return to CCHS after a three-year absence. Other articles range from a story about 2006-07 senior JB Erickson, the football team's kicker, to the intentions behind student volunteerism. Story by Kim Guzman
The ODYSSEY presents: The dangers of Diet Cola, Volume 4 Issue 3: This issue’s cover story explored the world of diet sodas and their hidden dangers. The nationwide methamphetamine epidemic’s effect on Athens, Ga. was also highlighted, telling the story of addiction through the journal of an anonymous 23-year-old. Clarke Central High School marching band drum major Drake Kilpatrick is featured, telling his story of becoming a leader in a program in desperate need of one. Story by Mykolas Kumpis
The ODYSSEY presents: To the end of the Earth… and back,Volume 4 Issue 4: The ODYSSEY featured the story of father-son duo and Clarke Central High School alumni Alan and Colin Campbell’s journey across Antarctica, prominently displaying photos taken throughout the trip. Features Writer Connelly Crowe wrote about freshman Taylor Barne’s relationship with religion and his newfound atheistic beliefs. The ODYSSEY also shed light on “Noises Off,” a play held in Mell Auditorium twice a year. Story by Mykolas Kumpis
The ODYSSEY presents: Miss Emma Brown: Clarke Central’s own Everyday Hero, Volume 4, Issue 5:
This issue featured stories about Valentine’s Day, bullying and sports injuries. Lynn Nichols and Rudolph Brown were able to share their experiences as children of preachers, shining a light on religious and familial pressures seldom talked about. The cover story delved into the life of Clarke Central High School custodian Emma Brown and her tireless work to ensure the bathrooms, hallways, and classrooms of CCHS remain clean. Story by Mykolas Kumpis
The ODYSSEY presents: Life in the Gutter: Working Girls in Athens, Volume 4 Issue 6:
The ODYSSEY spotlighted Athens Mayor Heidi Davison as she prepared to conclude her first term in office. English teacher Ian Altman’s philosophy club was also featured, providing the backstory behind Clarke Central High School’s then-newest club. This issue’s cover story, “An Ugly Truth,” cleared up misconceptions behind prostitution in Athens and revealed the struggles women face while in this dangerous line of work. Story by Mykolas Kumpis
The ODYSSEY presents: Fake IDs: A Real Problem, Volume 4 Issue 7: Students’ eyes were opened to a variety of different topics, from the abuse of fake IDs in Athens, Ga. to sexual harassment to Passive Aggressive Personality Disorder in Volume 4, Issue 7 of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine. A first-person narrative made it easy for readers to connect to the struggles of an ODYSSEY writer with cerebral palsy. The ODYSSEY also recognized the presence of music in Athens and at Clarke Central High School by highlighting both CCHS and local musicians. Sports covered the varsity girls basketball teams undefeated season. Story by Claire Dennis
The ODYSSEY presents: Goin' For Gold, Volume 4 Issue 8: The final issue of the fourth volume of the ODYSSEY showcases opinion pieces on the importance of vulnerability and the struggles of high school dating. A spotlight on JROTC Batallion Commander Barbara Dunson chronicles her journey to discipline and self-esteem through the JROTC program. The ODYSSEY bid farewell to retiring Career, Technical and Agricultural Department Chair Linda Smith, a beloved figure in the CCHS community. This issue highlighted each of the CCHS girls cross-country team’s four captains, as well as the team’s record-breaking season. Story by Anna Shaikun