News
I started my first year on the Production staff as a News Staffer, and enjoyed the process of interviewing a variety of sources to achieve balance and outline my stories to transform into powerful works of journalism. Since then, I have honed my ability to find newsworthy angles and create a greater impact on my community.
Design by Maya Cornish
A restorative
approach
October 2019
When our school implemented restorative practices, many students were unaware of why the change was made or what they would gain from these new restorative circles. Through interviews and research, I composed a story that informed students of the larger importance of this change. For the first time, I was motivated by my curiosity rather than deadlines.
National Winner in International Writing, Photo and Multimedia
Quill and Scroll
CCSD offers free student meals during COVID-19 closure
March 2020
When schools closed due to COVID-19, student nutrition quickly became a concern in the CCSD. As the issue became more prominent and the district designed a nutrition plan, I investigated the details, logistics and effects of the new meal pick-up plan to inform the school community of the plan to maintain student health during a time of such uncertainty. I was fulfilled by bringing this important information to my community and gained skills in reporting from home, which I continued to do for almost a year.
Photo by Tessa Beckham
Q&A: Athens activist Imani Scott-Blackwell
February 2020
I pursued this Q&A on my own while keeping up with my duties as Lead Copy Editor in order to provide my school community with someone who is involved, invested and knowledgeable about the social justice reform taking place in Athens considering the recent Black Lives Matter protests. By bringing to light some more details of this reform, I strive to let Athens community members and students know how their town is changing and how local activists are responding to national events.
Design by Natalie Schliekelman
Pendley addresses Clarke Middle School community
February 2020
The former Managing Editor and I attended and covered the Clarke Middle School principal's community listening session held to address growing concerns about the various issues within the school, investigating information and putting coverage together. Many community members did not want to speak on the polarizing and sensitive issues they faced, challenging us to investigate further. This taught me how to deal with being turned down when requesting an interview and keep seeking new voices to fulfill my duty as a reporter.
Photo by Audrey Enghauser
Photo by Audrey Enghauser
Q&A: Foreign language department teacher Christian Cordon
August 2019
Coming out of the Journalism I class, I utilized my new skills in asking thoughtful interview questions and creating engaging multimedia elements to bring the voice and story of a new Spanish teacher to the ODYSSEY readers. I came out of the interview so happy and excited to publish Cordon's story because of his happy and dedicated demeanor.
Graphic courtesy of Emily Costley
Photo by Audrey Enghauser
Going mobile
February 2020
I covered our administration's plans to expand into mobile classrooms due to the school's growing population. Our school's overpopulaiton was a prominent issue that year, affecting teachers and students alike. This story gained some attention from students on Instagram with differing opinions. It was important to inform our community of this plan as it was not widely discussed.