ODYSSEY Media Group

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ODYSSEY Media Group

Keeping Central informed since 2003. Each production is an open public forum for student expression under the guidance of a faculty adviser.
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The ODYSSEY Media Group is a multi-platform publication group, which consists of a student-produced newsmagazine, website, broadcast team, literary-art magazine and social media outlets. Works are published with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists and artists. Student journalists are provided with op

portunities to investigate, inform, interpret and to evaluate: all traditionally accepted functions of the press in America. The ODYSSEY was established in 2003 and publishes across platform. Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the staff. The ODYSSEY staff is committed to reflect the mission statement set forth by Clarke Central High School. The goals of the staff are to provide fair, accurate news and commentaries, as well as to serve the interests of the school and Athens’ community. Advertising must conform to the guidelines set forth for editorials. Publication of advertisements does not indicate an endorsement by CCHS or the ODYSSEY staff. Students pictured in advertisements are not given monetary compensation. All advertising rates are available upon request from any ODYSSEY staff member. The ODYSSEY is a member of the Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Georgia Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Southern Interscholastic Press Association.

09/21/2024

The Clarke Central High School varsity football team won 27-11 against Jackson County High School at JCHS on Sept. 20. The game against the Panthers was the Gladiator's first Region 8-AAAAA game and offensive line Amir Hall, a junior, felt proud of his team's play. “I feel like the best thing we did tonight (was) our run game and how fast our defense (was,)” Hall said. “For the first region game on the road, I feel like we did pretty good.” Photo by Aza Khan, story by Ilana Tejada

09/21/2024

A graphic shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Sept. 14 to Sept. 20. Graphics by Andréas Dillies and Liya Taylor

09/20/2024

The Clarke Central High School varsity football team will go up against Jackson County High School on Sept. 20 at JCHS at 7:30 p.m. The varsity Gladiators currently have a 2-2 record, and varsity football safety Quintaveon Scott, a freshman, expressed his expectations for the game tonight. “We (have) been watching film (and) studying Jackson County’s plays. I think we will have a good performance tonight.” Illustration by Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya, story by Brandon Frazier

09/20/2024

Clarke County School District students are anticipated to take part in a statewide walkout on Sept. 20 in support of Apalachee High School. On Sept. 19, all Clarke County School District high schoolers received emails notifying them of the walkouts scheduled for the following day. “Although we support our students’ right to freedom of speech and expression, we must balance that against our responsibility as administrators to keep our students, staff, and school safe and secure,” the email stated. Graphic by Liya Taylor, story by Adah Hamman

Read Variety Editor Adah Hamman’s story on the ODYSSEY website to learn more about the anticipated walkout!

09/19/2024

The Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team will go up against Apalachee High School and Habersham Central High School on Sept. 19 at CCHS at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The varsity Gladiators currently have a 0-2 Region 8-AAAAA record but right side hitter Breyanna Williams, a senior, feels the team has prepared well for today’s games. “We’ve made our practices a lot more intense and have been highlighting the importance of communication,” Williams said. “I think we will do really well, especially if we keep our energy high.” Photos by Marcus Quarles and Makiyah Thrasher

09/18/2024

A slideshow highlights five notable Hispanic inventors in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month which is from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. For example, Guillermo González Camarena was the inventor of colored television and revolutionized the way media is consumed. “(Camarena) made the first Trichromatic Field Sequence System, which makes moving images able to be colored,” Graphic Designer Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya wrote. Slideshow by Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya.

09/18/2024

Clarke County School District announced the 2025 high school graduation schedule on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Classic City High School will hold their graduation on May 21 while Clarke Central High School’s and Cedar Shoals High School’s graduation ceremonies will be on May 22. “Schools will be communicating additional ceremony details with seniors and their families directly,” CCSD Director of Communications Scott Thompson wrote in a Sept. 18 email. Photo by Grady Dunston, graphics and story by Liya Taylor

09/17/2024

Clarke Central High School seniors Laiji McCalla (left) and Corey Watkins (right) sit together in Billy Henderson Stadium on Sept 16. McCalla and Watkins have played football at CCHS together for the past four years, but their friendship first began at Alps Road Elementary School where the two met in first grade. “We were just kids playing on the playground at Alps Road with our old friends and now we (are) seniors. It feels like the time flew by super fast,” McCalla said. Photos by Grady Dunston, story by Liya Taylor

09/16/2024

The Clarke Central High School Raider team hosted a Raider competition on Sept. 14 and captured third place overall. The competition featured 30 teams from 14 high schools, leaving First Sergeant Donald Hollman proud of the team’s commitment in the face of challenging weather conditions. “If it ain’t raining, we ain’t training. Raiders is one of the hardest events in the sports world because it is grueling (and) it’s challenging,” Hollman said. “All that matters to me at the end of the day (is that) they gave their all and they didn’t quit. We did an outstanding job.” Photos by Grady Dunston, story by Liya Taylor

09/16/2024

Clarke Central High School’s Homecoming Dance has been moved from Sept. 28 to Oct. 26 due to the school shooting at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4. The CCHS Homecoming Game was scheduled to be against Apalachee High School on Sept. 27, but is now against Alcovy High School on Oct. 25. “CCHS students must purchase tickets to attend the Homecoming Dance. Tickets are available on GoFan for $20 now through Friday, Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m,” a Sept. 16 email to CCHS students stated. Graphics and story by Liya Taylor

09/15/2024

Happy birthday to Diversity and Representation Editor Peter Atchley! We hope you have an amazing day! 🥳🥳

09/14/2024

Clarke County School District held its monthly Board of Education meeting on Sept. 12. BOE District Five representative Tim Denson felt that the meeting provided an open forum for the community. “I think it’s definitely helpful for the community and for staff and students alike to see what’s going on and see (what) future things (are happening),” Denson said. “I think it’s also important for us to point out that on top of these measures we are also taking steps with having mental health specialists.” Photos by Grady Dunston, story by Liza Larson

09/13/2024

A graphic shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Sept. 7 to Sept. 13. Graphics by Andréas Dillies and Liya Taylor

09/13/2024

Avid Bookshop hosted the American Civil Liberties Union’s Know Your Rights Bus Tour on Sept. 12. The event, attended by roughly 75 Athenians, featured a Q&A with author of banned book “The ABCs of Q***r History,” Seema Yasmin, ACLU first amendment policy advocate of Georgia Sarah Hunt-Blackwell, and content creator Jameelah Jones, as well as readings from Yasmin’s recently banned novel “Unbecoming.” “As an author, I think it has a chilling effect,” Yasmin said during the Q&A. “You can censor yourself, because what’s the point in writing this thing? I won’t get an agent, my agent won’t get a book deal, or I’ll write it and it’ll just get banned. The majority of banned books don’t get any love and attention.” Photos and story by Wyatt Meyer

Check out the full gallery on the ODYSSEY website or at the link in bio!

09/12/2024

Montu Miller, Cedar Shoals High School social studies department teacher and local hip hop artist, hosts Hendershot’s Coffee’s monthly “Beats, Rhymes and LIFE” event on Sept. 11. Classic City High School Class of 2021 alumnus Michael “AY3K” Ball and CSHS Class of 2022 alumnus E.J. Chapman performed as a duo at the event. “We love performing, we love showing our talent,” Ball said. “We just love really giving back and making sure we’re showing love to the city.” Photos and story by Wyatt Meyer

09/11/2024

Happy birthday to News Editor Liza Larson! We hope you have an awesome day! 🎂🥳

09/11/2024

Sept. 11, more commonly known as 9/11, is a day we pause to remember, honor and cherish the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. Graphic by Brandon Frazier

09/11/2024

The ODYSSEY Media Group held its annual Fall Media Day for Clarke Central High School fall sports in the CCHS Competition Gym on Sept. 8. Media Day is an opportunity for OMG representatives to interview and photograph fall athletes, and for cross country runner Ryan Marshall, a senior, this was his second year attending. “Media Day was pretty fun. It went really smoothly,” Marshall said. “This year’s media day was better because of how efficient it was, with how many more interviewers there were, it went much quicker. (This) gave us more time for fun stuff like the (social media) ‘This or That’ interview cross country did.” Photos by Grady Duston and Makiyah Thrasher, story by Brandon Frazier

Check out the 2024 Fall Media Day photo gallery on our Flickr!

09/10/2024

A slideshow highlights five things students wanting to join the Work-Based Learning program should know as advised by WBL Coordinator Brook Thompson. The program allows students to participate in an internship or job while still earning course credit, provided they meet the requirements. “Students must complete a (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education) class. So here at the high school, that could be (classes like) business, graphic design, agriculture, engineering, software technology, design or engineering,” Thompson said. Infographic by Lea D’Angelo.

To learn more about the Work-Based Learning program, check out Lea D’Angelos story on the ODYSSEY website or link in bio!

09/09/2024

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will hold their first presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Graphic by Iliana Tejada

Will you be watching?

09/09/2024

Happy birthday to Managing Editor Janie Ripps! We hope you have an awesome day! 🎂🥳

09/08/2024

The ODYSSEY Media Group wishes you a Happy Grandparent’s Day! Graphics by Iliana Tejada

09/07/2024

A graphic shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6. Graphics by Andréas Dillies and Liya Taylor

09/07/2024

Clarke Central High School freshman Rosalie Stephens throws a flying disc in Billy Henderson Stadium on Sept. 6. Stephens grew up learning the sport of ultimate from her father, who’s played for over 20 years, and his influence sparked Stephen’s desire to start a club team at CCHS. “I think it’s really fun and (easy) to play without any experience,” Stephan’s said. “In middle school, there were a lot of boys that played frisbee every day at break, but not a lot (of) girls. This would be a girls only team (and) I feel like that would be a really cool community to build.” Photos and story by Liya Taylor

09/06/2024

Graham Blanks, 2024 Paris Olympian and Harvard University distance runner, stands outside of the James M. Crawford arena at Clarke Central High School on Aug. 22. Blanks, who grew up running in Athens, recently returned from competing in the 5000-meter race in the 2024 Paris Olympics for the United States Olympic team. “It (was) amazing to get to train in such a professional environment, and be treated as a professional, which is sometimes rare as an elite runner, just because it’s not a super big sport compared to other ball sports in the U.S. Honestly, the best part was just competing. It was amazing,” Blanks said. Photos by Wyatt Meyer, story by Janie Ripps

To learn more about Graham Blanks Olympic experience, check out Managing Editor Janie Ripps’s story on the ODYSSEY Website or link in bio!

09/05/2024

A deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School occurred yesterday, the latest example of the gun violence epidemic in an already long-running series. Despite sparking activity on social media and prompting statements from politicians around the country, Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer worries whether any true action will ultimately be taken. “As I look to our leaders, the people who can enact change on behalf of us as students, I struggle to find evidence for dove-white hope,” Meyer wrote. Graphic by Wyatt Meyer

Read the full editorial on the ODYSSEY website:

https://odysseynewsmagazine.net/2024/09/05/can-we-be-safe/

09/03/2024

Good Morning America visited CCHS to hear about the Clarke County School District's policies on cell phone use. Find out more here:

As students head back to the classroom, at least 13 states have taken steps to address the issue of cellphones in classrooms.

09/02/2024

Labor Day is the annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Labor Day is celebrated the first Monday in Sept. The ODYSSEY Media Group wishes you a happy Labor Day! Graphic by Brandon Frazier

09/02/2024

Clarke Central High School students will not have school on Sept. 2-3 to honor Labor Day and for a Teacher Professional Learning Day.

08/30/2024

A graphic shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Aug. 24 to Aug. 30. Graphics by Andréas Dillies and Iliana Tejada

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Videos

Seniors Addisyn Huff, Azaryah Cornish and Ke’Aira Smith (from left to right) pose for Homecoming Spirit Week on “Twins/Triplets Day” in Clarke Central High School’s Miller B. Jordan Food Court on Sept. 24. For sophomore Lila Sloan, Spirit Week has acted as a perk midway through the term. “I think Spirit Week is important and fun because it boosts morale,” Sloan said. “Especially because we just hit the halfway mark of the semester and (it) influences people to participate in the CCHS community.” Photos by Daniel Cruz, story by Peter Atchley

The @odysseynewsmag is celebrating 20 years. Let’s take a look back at some classic fits.

The @odysseynewsmag wishes you a happy new year!

The @odysseynewsmag family wishes you all a Merry Christmas!

The @odysseynewsmag family wishes you a happy Hanukkah!

Sports Editor @the.official.wyatt discusses the United States Men’s National Soccer Team’s FIFA World Cup so far as the team prepares to play the Netherlands in the round of 16. Read Meyer’s open letter to the @usmnt at the link in bio or on the ODYSSEY Media Group website!

Clarke Central High School Media specialist Naomi Craver talks about her holiday experiences in the Media Center on Nov 2. As a child, Craver went to a performance of “The Nutcracker”, which is one of her fondest holiday memories. “I really liked seeing ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet when I was a kid. We didn’t do that very often because it was real expensive, but a couple of times we got to go.” Craver said. Video and story by @temptookthat

In a landmark show of support for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, The Senate passed bipartisan legislation early today mandating that the federal government recognize same-sex marriages. The bill is expected to pass the House of Representatives before the chamber comes under Republican control, which would be an important victory for Democrats and gay rights activists after what appeared to be waning support in the courts earlier this year. “Because of our work together, the rights of tens of millions of Americans will be strengthened under federal law. That’s an accomplishment we should all be proud of,” Senate majority leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer said. Graphic and story by @the.official.wyatt What do you think of The Senate’s decision? 🤔

Members of the ODYSSEY Media Group and iliad Literary-Art Magazine editorial boards pose in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport before departing Atlanta for St. Louis, Missouri on Nov. 9. Thirteen representatives attended the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association 2022 National Fall High School Journalism Convention, “Game Changers,” from Nov. 10-12. “I made connections with other publications from all across the country and got to see the diversity of programs and how they operate,” Digital Editor Anna Shaikun said. “We got some great ideas for content production and organization of the ODYSSEY program as a whole.” Photo courtesy of staff, story by Mykolas Kumpis Click the link in bio to check out the full recap of the NSPA trip!

The ODYSSEY Media Group is at the National High School Journalism Convention in St. Louis, MO. Meet our new friends, Peyton (@peyton._.gregory) and Kris (@bymoonlilies), from Pattonville High School (@phstoday)! Video by @ollie.h3nd0 and @anna_shaikun #nhsjc

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz stands in front of the bus loop at Clarke Central High School on March 25. Girtz wants to recognized the importance of Juneteenth and highlight its impact. “I recognize that Juneteenth was probably an under-recognized celebration until recent years, when there’s been a sort of burgeoning and broadcasting desire to highlight and recognize every step in our social and legal evolution. So I’m glad that Juneteenth is becoming a much more recognized and much more celebrated date,” Girtz said. Photo by Lucas Donnelly Click in the link in bio to check out the full Q/A!

Clarke Central High School students and staff have brought to light concerns of gender-based equity issues in CCHS athletic facilities. Due to this discussion, Clarke County School District and CCHS administration have been working to resolve the disparities. Story and video by @gretchie_moo_moo

Social Media Coordinator Janie Ripps talks with Sports Editor Gretchen Hinger about their friendship dynamic as a senior and freshman in their podcast “Saying goodbye to role models.” Click the link in our bio to listen! #podcast #rolemodel #leadbyexample

The Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer team will face off against McIntosh High School at 7:30 p.m. tonight. Video by @chloe.rose.17

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government District 2 Commissioner Mariah Parker speaks on a Zoom session on Feb. 10. From talking to students to using social media platforms, Parker has been working to inspire action from the Athens community to keep the Civil Rights Movement alive. “Black History deserves more than a month. History is year-round, (and) is very multifaceted,” Parker said. “While people are paying attention, (I’m) sort of hijacking that opportunity to highlight things that aren't taught in history classes (or) aren't taught in civics classes (and) don't often get lifted up in the media. I'm glad that we have this chance to turn people's collective attention toward history during this time.” Illustration by @eleanorjrob_, story by @janie.ripps #blackhistorymonth #blackexcellence #blackjoy

Check out senior and News staffer Emily Couch’s story in Issue 1 of the ODYSSEY Newsmagazine! Click the link in our bio to read the full story. Video by @chloe.rose.17