Friday, October 26, 2018/Page 1

Patriot PressThe

Vol. 17 No. 1 October 26, 2018

Picture are, top right: Home-coming King T.Y. Patman and Homecoming Queen Heather Samples. Below right: Mr. Se-nior Class Devin Helwig and Miss Senior Class Nikya Mead-ows.

HOMECOMING 2018Behind the Scenes

by: Tommi Fuller

Homecoming. A night to let loose and have fun with your friends. A night full of good times and memories that will last forever. Homecoming is a special time in peoples lives. It is part of the high school experience that stands the tests of time. It is a magical night, but have you ever wondered how Homecoming comes together? The Student Council are the people behind the curtain. They have been meeting every Thursday for PATS time since August 16th. Student Council oversees planning the entire aspect of Homecoming from planning the days of Spirit Week and making ballots for Court to making a budget and calling the DJ. The Decoration Committee oversees the choosing of the theme and ordering of the decorations and other necessities that are to be used at the dance. They are in charge of putting

together the decorations and setting them up in the cafeteria. Student Council members, even if they are not a part of this particular committee, come in to help decorate. They stay after school to make decorations, and they stay the night of the Homecoming game to begin decorating the cafeteria for the dance the next day. They also come in the morning of the dance to put the finishing touches on the decorations. The Dance committee oversees the making of the tickets that are to be sold to students. They come up with the ideas of Spirit Week. They also hang up the posters and signs informing students about the Homecoming dance and the days of Spirit Week. The Halftime Committee oversees the halftime portion of the Homecoming game. They are in charge of contacting the King and Queen from the previous year. They make the ballots that are to be distributed to the different classes. They make the

script that is read as the Court walks onto the field. They also announce the new Homecoming King and Queen. All Student Council members are separated into theses three committees, but each of the committees help the other committees when needed. President of Student Council, Mathew Soto, had this to say about what goes into Homecoming, “a lot of effort and cooperation and coordination amongst the student council members and the school staff.” Thank you to all the people that made Homecoming possible and thank you to all the students who decided to come take “A Stroll Through Candyland.”

Spirit Week 2018

Inside this Issue:Page 2: News and editors

Page 3: News Cont’d and crosswordPage 4: Teachers Outlook, 9th Grade Life, and Student art-

workPage 5: Student Artwork Cont’d

Page 6: SportsPage 7: Sports Cont’d

by Ashleigh Kitchens Declaring their favorite

team, wearing hats of all different shapes and sizes, getting tacky, brightening up with neon, and showing patriot pride are all ways

students got creative during spirit week.

Students are showing pride for their favorite team on, unironically, Favorite Team day. Students and teachers wore

sweaters, jerseys, and t-shirts representing their favorite team.

story continues on page 3

Page 2/Friday, October 26, 2018

The Patriot PressHunter Gabriel, Editor-in-Chief

Zoe McCarty, Features EditorNikya Meadows, Sports Editor

749 Athens Rd.Lexington, GA 30648

(706) 743-8124

Published quarterly in October, December, April, and May. All opinions expressed are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the administration or the Patriot Press.

Members of The Patriot Press Staff include:Seniors: Sadie Dake, Tommi Fuller, Sandra Laguna, Monroe McIntyre, Kya Meadows, Maggie Negrete-Jones, Heather Samples, Asia SmithJuniors: Hunter Gabriel, Desirae Garcia, Ty’Kira Long, Hailey Pugh, Tariah Berry-Morse, Oliver McCormickSophomore: Zoe McCarty, Garrett MillerFreshmen: Ashleigh Kitchens

Patriot Press

News By: Desirae Garcia

Baseball season may not be until the spring, but outfielder/pitcher, Ben Beasley and 3rd-baseman/pitcher, Eli Mattox, express excitement for the upcoming season. Last year’s baseball and softball team were left in the dark without lights for after-dark games. Recently new LED lights were installed for both fields. The baseball team also received a new fence. Juniors, Ben and Eli, say “This was long awaited, come support the baseball team, we finally have lights.”

Above: Eli Mattox and Ben Beasley

Renovations were made to the track as well. All sports teams received new scoreboards. Improvements to the concession stands and both visitor and home field houses along with bleacher repairs. Renovations began on May 1, 2018 and are scheduled to be completed by April 2019. These renovations are made possible through ABM energy solutions who designed a program to help the school save more than 9.4 million in energy and operating costs over a 20-year period. These costs include the all high school renovations across all Oglethorpe County school systems. ABM allows the school to make these upgrades without affecting capital budget.

School Receives Much Needed Sports Renovations

Renovations to OCHS

Drama club Competes in Regional One Act Competition

Above: The new ceiling tiles can be seen above.

Above: Drama club members rehearse for upcoming event.

A classroom in the 9th grade hallway has been renovated into a STEM lab, which can be used for science, technology, eng ineer ing , o r math purposes. But wait, there’s more.The more macro changes are that the ceiling tiles throughout the building are changed out. All the lights are replaced with LED lighting. Window tinting was added to the large window in the main hallway which allows less sunlight to come through. Weather-proofed all exterior doors to keep hot and cold air out. Changes being made now are the roofing on main hallways are being pressure washed and treated.

By: Sandra Laguna

The overdue renovations have finally come! Some are micro-changes but are still very effective to our school. This protects our school and improves our safety.

The maintenance staff has been working hard to keep the school good as new.New and improved HVAC units have been installed in every classroom. Hand dryers are added to the boy’s and girl’s restroom. Above: Softball team plays

on newly renovated field

By Oliver McCormick

P r a c t i c i n g u n d e r pressure and being in the spotlight doesn’t bother the Drama Club. In fact, they thrive in it. The club has been working hard to compete in the 2018 Regional One Act Competition on October 27th.

This year the club will perform The Baseball Show by Cynthia Mercati for the judges. The Baseball Show is a comedic play about the game of baseball and a team of oddball players who just can’t seem to win. However, with the help of new coach Annie Beekman, the team realizes the importance of dreams and that

“baseball feeling”. But will the team hold up against the city league champs?

The performance wil l be scored by several factors, such as: individual characterization, movement, overall effect, and rhythm. Based on the scores, the highest being superior, there is a chance the club will move on to the state level competition.

Several members of the Drama Club are new to the club and the competition this year. The president of the club, Evie McGovern, has welcomed them all. The new members are eager to compete later this month.

New member Tommi Fuller has expressed excitement for the competition and stated that it “sounds fun”.

Fortunately for the club, the new drama class has helped boost interest in theatre throughout the school. A majority of the club’s newer members came from the class itself. Zoe Woods and Madison McGaughey, freshmen classmates turned club members, both agreed that they wish we had the class to practice, but they are “really proud of how well we have worked together”. Be sure to say “break a leg” to any members you see before the competition.

Friday, October 26, 2018/Page 3

C a c t i , s o m b r e r o s , cowboy hats, and beanies alike, students got creative with their headgear on hat day. “We need more hat days!” says Garrett Miller.

Students got qui te wacky on tacky day. Miss-matched clothing brought its way to school with every color of the rainbow and any crazy style you can think of.

Blinding colors on neon day showed its way around the school on neon day. Though, originally this day was supposed to be pajama day “but due to the selection process we had to switch that for neon day.” says

Mathew Soto, the student council president.

Pa t r io t day shows school pride with our mascot as the theme for the day. Students are showing pride for OCHS with jerseys, band shirts and other accessories.

Students have opinions on spirit week such as “I enjoy spirit week because it’s fun to see the students participating and dressing up in all the fun outfits and it’s fun to see their creativity at work.” from Hailey Pugh. Not all students enjoyed spirit week as much as others because Zoe McCarty says, “We need better spirit week days. We need more

Spirit weekcontinued from page 1

Horses eat thisCan be carvedKeeps away crowsChanges color in FallFall HolidayFall fashion accessoryFall holiday feastPopular food itemFall colorWeather during FallAnother name for Fall

Oglethorpe County High School recently named a new teacher of the year, Mrs. Erin Bunch. Not only was she voted upon by her teacher peers to receive teacher of the year for OCHS, but she also won teacher of the year across all OC school system.

Mrs. Bunch attended OC school system and has been teaching in the healthcare pathway for four years. She also leads the HOSA program for healthcare students. Within the healthcare pathway, the third-year class serves as a state CNA class. Since Mrs. Bunch already received her RN license, she is able to prepare students for the CNA test. Then as student if the test is passed will receive their CNA license.

When asked why she chose the healthcare profession then eventually teach, Ms. Bunch explained that she loves “taking care of the community” and that

Ms. Bunch still has her RN license, and can work as an RN, but chose to teach healthcare. Her love for helping others combined with a want to teach, allows her to enjoy the two at the same time.

As a teacher Mrs. Bunch wants s tudents to remain “engaged” while in her classroom. She believes this is an effective teaching strategy. Mrs. Bunch had Mr. Schmidt as a teacher in high school and said that organized teachers like him helped her learn the best. As well as other teachers that were “personable,” like Coach Derricotte.

M r s . B u n c h s a y s winning of teacher of the year was “surprising,” but she was very “honored” to be voted upon by faculty peers. Overall, Mrs. Bunch says her main goal with students is to empower them to succeed in whatever profession they choose.

New System-Wide Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Erin Bunch

Pictured above: Mrs. Johnson and Ms. Levine with Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Bunch

Pictured left: Alyssa Langford and Jayda Jones

Pictured right: De-sirae Garcia and Morgan Shaver

Pictured above: Mrs. Carlson and Mrs. Simmons

By Desirae Garcia & Hunter Gabriel

Thanksgiving side dishType of Fall ridePopular American Fall sportSpooky monthTurkey monthFall attraction full of cornTasty pumpkin-flavored treat

Page 4/Friday, October 26, 2018

Everybody loves our favorite type of high school student, the freshmen. Now, we get a look at what teachers think about the freshmen directly, such as our art teacher, Ms. Pierce calls them “sweet and kind,” however, she hinted at low work ethic. That mindset also falls under quite a few teachers, such as the freshmen world history teacher, Mr. Jones states that they need improvement on their work ethic. However, contradictory statements made by other teachers go against

Teachers Outlook on Freshmen

this. Mrs. Kitchens, the 9th grade literature teacher, states that they are “chatty, but motivated.” This also falls under the physicality if the freshmen, as stated by Coach Stoudenmire mentions that the students are, “Physically talented and have a very good work ethic and have a lot of potential.” And everyone’s favorite gym teacher Coach Peavler states, “They are handling the transition between middle and high school really well and are off to a good start.”

By: Zoë McCarty

Freshmen year, first year of high school. New friends, classes with upper classmen, lunch with upper classmen, stressing on grades, it’s a lot to take in. But what does the class of 2022 really think of high school.Many of the students seem to truly enjoy high school so far into the year. No one knows what a freshmen’s thoughts on high school are, except for other freshmen, so I went looking for the answer by asking OCHS’s freshmen their thoughts on high school.One of the many students asked was Corey Walker, he says, “High School is cool and fun! My favorite class is Algebra 1, and my most challenging is health.”

9th Grade LifeClarke sure seems to be enjoying high school. Taesia Nowells was another student who said, “High school is way better than middle school. My Favorite class is World History, although my most challenging is Algebra 1.” Clarke and Taesia have different interests, but they both have the same overall opinion of high school. Meghan Hegwood’s favorite class is Band, but her most challenging is World History.

The students’ thoughts on our high school houses also varied. Some students enjoy them, for example, Erykah Drake states, “Fun, I guess.”, and Kamryn King’s “They’re

fun.” And previously mentioned Taesia Nowells said, “My house is Reveur, and we have a lot of great times in there!” Some students don’t exactly enjoy them, for example, Meghan Hegwood. She says that they are not comprehensive. Then other students have a different opinion. According to Valerie Romero, “I think the houses are a bit weird, but I don’t mind them.” And an anonymous student states that they do not have an exact opinion about the house. Overall, freshmen students have the average opinion of high school is that it is enjoyable, and the houses are okay. The class of 2022 seems to like high school and will continue to like it.

Student Artwork ShowcaseThis issue’s Showcase features multiple

talented seniors. Maggie Negrete, LouLou Walker, and Zaria Smith demonstrate several

components of art in different media.

Above Left : Zaria Smith, Rose Painting

Above Middle: LouLou Walker, Water Color Resist

Above Right: LouLou Walker,Water Color

Left: LouLou Walker, Eye

Right: Zaria Smith, Pencil draw-ing

by Garrett Miller

Friday, October 26, 2018/Page 5

Everybody loves our favorite type of high school student, the freshmen. Now, we get a look at what teachers think about the freshmen directly, such as our art teacher, Ms. Pierce calls them “sweet and kind,” however, she hinted at low work ethic. That mindset also falls under quite a few teachers, such as the freshmen world history teacher, Mr. Jones states that they need improvement on their work ethic. However, contradictory statements made by other teachers go against

Teachers Outlook on Freshmen

this. Mrs. Kitchens, the 9th grade literature teacher, states that they are “chatty, but motivated.” This also falls under the physicality if the freshmen, as stated by Coach Stoudenmire mentions that the students are, “Physically talented and have a very good work ethic and have a lot of potential.” And everyone’s favorite gym teacher Coach Peavler states, “They are handling the transition between middle and high school really well and are off to a good start.”

By: Zoë McCarty

Freshmen year, first year of high school. New friends, classes with upper classmen, lunch with upper classmen, stressing on grades, it’s a lot to take in. But what does the class of 2022 really think of high school.Many of the students seem to truly enjoy high school so far into the year. No one knows what a freshmen’s thoughts on high school are, except for other freshmen, so I went looking for the answer by asking OCHS’s freshmen their thoughts on high school.One of the many students asked was Corey Walker, he says, “High School is cool and fun! My favorite class is Algebra 1, and my most challenging is health.”

9th Grade LifeClarke sure seems to be enjoying high school. Taesia Nowells was another student who said, “High school is way better than middle school. My Favorite class is World History, although my most challenging is Algebra 1.” Clarke and Taesia have different interests, but they both have the same overall opinion of high school. Meghan Hegwood’s favorite class is Band, but her most challenging is World History.

The students’ thoughts on our high school houses also varied. Some students enjoy them, for example, Erykah Drake states, “Fun, I guess.”, and Kamryn King’s “They’re

fun.” And previously mentioned Taesia Nowells said, “My house is Reveur, and we have a lot of great times in there!” Some students don’t exactly enjoy them, for example, Meghan Hegwood. She says that they are not comprehensive. Then other students have a different opinion. According to Valerie Romero, “I think the houses are a bit weird, but I don’t mind them.” And an anonymous student states that they do not have an exact opinion about the house. Overall, freshmen students have the average opinion of high school is that it is enjoyable, and the houses are okay. The class of 2022 seems to like high school and will continue to like it.

Student Artwork ShowcaseThis issue’s Showcase features multiple

talented seniors. Maggie Negrete, LouLou Walker, and Zaria Smith demonstrate several

components of art in different media.

Above Left : Zaria Smith, Rose Painting

Above Middle: LouLou Walker, Water Color Resist

Above Right: LouLou Walker,Water Color

Left: LouLou Walker, Eye

Right: Zaria Smith, Pencil draw-ing

by Garrett Miller

Above Left: Maggie Negrete, Rose Painting

Above Right: Maggie Negrete, Watercolour Design

Left: Maggie Negrete, Desert painting

Below Left : Maggie Negrete, Abstract Art

Below Right: Maggie Negrete, Eye

STUDENT

ART

Page 6/Friday, October 26, 2018

Patriot Press

Sports

by: Ty’kira LongVolleyball is taking a positive wave from the rec. department, middle school, to the high school. This is the 2nd year of volleyball at the high school. A varsity team has been added this year. Volleyball is a way for girls to participate in sports who otherwise would not participate.

By: Asia A. Smith When speaking with the one of the Cross-Country Mrs. Brooks had a lot of positive things to say about th0e season so far. When asked about how the season was coming along her response was “Great, we’ve had a grave amount of fun.” As for her coaching skills she started off by saying “We do fun stuff, we take runs through many different parks such

Great start for

cross countryas Watson Mill, Sandy Creek, Bryan Park, and the Botanical Gardens. We go eat ice cream on Friday’s. We always try to make it a fun experience for all the runners.” Even though this year’s Cross-Country raster is small she had a lot of positive things saying “I love my team and seeing them grow throughout the season. Even though we’re a little on the small side as far as teams go they all

have a big heart I wouldn’t trade them in for any other crew.” With state coming up I asked Mrs. Brooks how it was going she stated “We’re doing really well! For the boys we’re good, but to score you need 5 girls but we have 4. Katie Wadsworth and Maddie Williams are going to try and compete individually at state since we can’t as a team. So you guys watch out for them this year.”

Volleyball adds varsity team in second year

Girls who have been playing are interested on playing college levels The gir ls have had many wins, also loses but they keep fighting to grow as a team. Parents, administrators, board of education, and students support the team.

Friday, October 26, 2018/Page 7

Patriot Press

Sports

The next issue of

The Patriot Press

will be distributedon

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

by: Nikya Meadows According to senior varsity player Jenna Pulliam, this softball season has been going very well. Their most recent game was against Union. They started off losing 8-0 but battled back and tied it up 8-8. It was a close loss 9-8 but they played very well. “This season has had its lows, but it’s definitely been worth every drop of sweat, every tear, and every injury.” Said Jenna Pulliam.

By: Tariah Berry The football season for the Patriots hasn’t started off so well. They’re 0-5 and still looking to come across their first win. They must be more productive on offense and score more.

Jalen Potter stated, “I feel things are bad right now and I don’t like what’s going on but I’m hoping for better and that the other players and I can get things turned around.” Even though they took a bad loss to Bank County 31-7, but on the positive all of the players who have been injured have had a chance to get back out on stage.

Even though the football team had a rough start this season we hope they’ll finish off stronger.

They will be playing this upcoming Wednesday for region playoffs, the best 2 out of 3 games. The Putnam game was a big win for them because it was a region game. “This season has been great. Out of all my 4 years of high school softball this team has had the most chemistry and bond.” “This team has so much heart and grit, and I know we can get it done and go to state! I am beyond sad this is my last year, and I will truly miss playing with every single one of these girls! I love them all like my own sister!” This softball season had been very successful to Jenna and the other girls, as noticeable from her quotes, and if they continue doing what they’re doing they will finish out this season successfully as well.

Softball works on successful season

Pictured left: 2018 varsity softball team and coaches.

Moving forward in football