Viewpoints

After U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn into office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has far exceeded their assumed responsibilities, a detriment to the Hispanic population.

Viewpoints Editor Isabella Gresham shares her experience traveling to various countries and how seeing multiple cultures helped shape her self-identity.

An illustration depicting the effects of data centers amid the artificial intelligence boom is…

While the South’s history is forever tainted, Southern education and authors continue to work beyond the negative stereotypes and attitudes towards the South.

Digital Feature Writer Abigail Holloway reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Sports Staffer Dream Freeman reflects on his time as a member of the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Diversity and Representation Editor and Journalism I Facilitator Samaya Ellis reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

ODYSSEY Media Group Senior Copy Editor and Journalism I Facilitator Cooper Jones has played many roles within the OMG, leading to growth.

ODYSSEY Media Group Journalism I Facilitator Angel Tejada reflects on how his time in the ODYSSEY Media Group has impacted him

Variety Editor Adah Hamman reflects on her time as a member of the ODYSSEY Media Group.

ODYSSEY Media Group Outreach and Alumni Coordinator Gillian Williams reflects on her time as a member of the ODYSSEY Media Group.

News Staffer David Wang reflects on the meaning he found in ODYSSEY and the reason he wanted to keep pushing.

iliad Literary-Art Magazine Editor-in-Chief Margo McDaniel, a senior, reflects on how her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group has impacted her.

Managing Editor Peter Atchley reflects on the effort he has put in to become a better ODYSSEY staff member.

The CCSD has installed four School-based Health Centers across the district to provide equitable healthcare services for the underprivileged, a great stride towards healthcare accessibility for every student.

Being aware of what you post and share is vital in protecting your digital footprint.

The manosphere, a network of influencers making content about contemporary masculinity, promotes harmful stereotypes and destructive behaviors.

Menu Editor Lydia Rowell, 8 years old, holds up “Harry Potter: The Prisoner of…

Sports Staffer Kye Streetman reflects on how hosting a foreign exchange student during her freshman year of high school brought an unexpected friendship.

The CCSD Board of Education must remain committed to making decisions as a united front rather than backsliding into the fractured group they once were.

Viewpoints Editor Isabella Gresham discusses her job at Chick-fil-A and the impact it’s had on her.

Viewpoints Staffer Sara Stuart explains how having and losing pets helped her gain responsibility and learn to cope with grief.

Journalism I student Singer Brinson reflects on her passion for film.

Even amid political divides and frustration, Athens residents like Kirrena Gallagher and Dr. Marilyn Vickers show that impactful change starts with involvement, not complaints.

Journalism I Facilitator Grady Dunston and Viewpoints Staffer Sara Stuart debate the issues with and benefits of Valentine’s Day.

News Staffer Sasha Barkan reflects on how her experiences in Girl Scouts have shaped her life.

Traditional gender norms aren’t inherently harmful, but shouldn’t be adopted at the expense of individual autonomy.

Variety Staffer Cesia Martinez reflects on her journey maintaining her curls and how her views on her hair changed over time.

Viewpoints Staffer Sylvia Robinson reflects on her struggles without her sister, who recently left for college, and coming to terms with them.

Digital Editor-in-Chief Lea D’Angelo and Viewpoints Staffer Sylvia Robinson debate the issues with and benefits of book adaptations in media.

Digital Feature Writer Abigail Holloway shares her experience going to her first Formula One race and how her passion for motorsport came about.

Viewpoints Staffer Sara Stuart acknowledges how she has grown in perseverance while learning to do nails.

In a time of political distrust, the movie“Wicked: For Good” shows how easily the government can manipulate the public through scapegoats to distract from real issues affecting society.

Athen’s inadequate cycling infrastructure is the cause behind the city’s high biking risks.

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

Journalism I students react to Amy Flurry’s artist visit to the CCHS Media Center on Nov. 6.

With support from administrators, some student journalists thrive under the First Amendment. But for others, quiet forms of censorship still stifle the truth.

Journalism I Facilitator Samaya Ellis reflects on her childhood experiences and relationship with her mother.

Journalism I student Jack Rumfelt writes about his relationship to Holden Beach.

As Georgia lawmakers crack down on student cell phone use, they risk ignoring the realities of school safety and silencing parent concerns.

Vaccine skeptics in the U.S. government like U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have inspired anti-vaccine sentiment and policy across the country.

Half a century after its release, “Jaws” continues to resonate as not only a thriller but also a warning of the dangers of unchecked capitalism.

During a tense political era in the U.S., “The Hunger Games,” originally written as a dystopian warning for dictatorship in post-collapse America, is coming closer and closer to reality.

Business Manager Merren Hines reflects on how being the youngest child has impacted her life in ways that she couldn’t have imagined.

The elimination of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs and the federal Department of Education is detrimental to CCHS students.

An artist’s work should be separated from the creator to commemorate historical and modern pieces.

Since the rise of social media, users have developed a sense of entitlement towards celebrities, which has led them to exhibit invasive and even dangerous behaviors.

Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer reflects upon the importance of human connection in stories as he leaves the world of scholastic journalism.

Without ASL at CCHS, deaf students face isolation. A class could change that.

Research is imperative for societal progression, yet the push for funding cuts from
politicians has national and global consequences.

The United States healthcare system is fundamentally flawed, and rebuilding it will take extreme efforts private companies and politicians refuse to address.

The hashtag #WomenInMaleFields is a necessary step towards equality for women in the workforce.

Digital Editor Lea D’Angelo discusses her experiences in extracurriculars she didn’t enjoy and the lessons she learned from them.

Viewpoints Editor Isabella Gresham discusses her experience attending a Catholic private school and how it impacted her.

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.

Audiences should reconsider the ethics of consuming true crime content as well as the impacts on themselves and others.

Senior Copy Editor Miles Lawrence reflects on his time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Sports Staffer Kevin Capcha reflects on his experience in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Photographer Flannery Ragan reflects on her time as a part of the iliad Literary-Art Magazine

Graphic Designer Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Viewpoints Staffer Kimora Holliday reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Visuals Staffer Ma’Kiyah Thrasher reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

iliad Managing Editor Victoria Garland, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Managing Editor Jane Ripps reflects on her four-year career in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer reflects on his time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

iliad Literary-Art Magazine Editor-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Social Media Coordinator Liya Taylor reflects on the impact starting a B’nai B’rith Youth Organization chapter in Athens has had on her.

News Staffer Abigail Holloway discusses the technical work she does in the CCHS Drama Club, and its importance in her life.

Netflix’s “Adolescence” about teenage incel Jamie Miller utilizes engaging storytelling and forces viewers to acknowledge toxic masculinity.

Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer explores the implications of artificial intelligence in education.

Journalism I student Sasha Barkan reflects on how climbing has affected her self-esteem.

After a long and stressful day, all new drivers want to experience the frenzy of the CCHS student parking lot full of cars waiting to get out.

Graphic Designer Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya writes about the sentimental value of her past drawings.

Since the Inauguration of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, the push for a federal abortion ban has swiftly begun — and no woman is spared.

Cultural appropriation of Black hairstyles has a detrimental effect on women of color.

Executives within the film industry have been pushing the “quantity over quality” narrative since the rise of streaming services.

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

Viewpoints Staffer Sam Harwell believes brainrot slang has destroyed the brains of Generation Alpha kids.

Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer writes an open letter to President Joe Biden as he leaves office.

Restorative justice is an underutilized measure of reform for students.

Mental health representation in the media has increased in recent years. However, the representation is often inaccurate and unrealistic, which in turn impacts teenagers.

The Second Amendment isn’t the enemy, but incorrect interpretation of it that avoids proper gun regulation is.

Following the re-election of former United States President Donald Trump, Managing Editor Jane Ripps struggles to come to terms with the implications of the result.

As Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States by the will of the people, so too must the public protect America’s democracy from his potential threats.

As the 2024 Presidential Election inches closer and closer, the youth have no reason to be optimistic about either candidate.

Social Media Staffer Iliana Tejada reflects on the independent women who raised her.

In a newly competitive Georgia, voters should be excited about choosing their next Presidential candidate.

CCHS teachers must be proactive leaders and create safe environments to allow students to thrive.

Journalism I student Isabella Hammock discusses her interpretation of what it means to be Southern.

In a nation that prides itself on celebrating diverse perspectives and progressiveness, electing a powerful female president like Kamala Harris is long overdue.

Shopping from brands like Shein, Zara, and H&M has a negative impact on the people who work for them and the environment.

Diversity and representation are crucial importance for modern-day media organizations, which is why the ODYSSEY has taken steps to ensure they are codified into our policies.

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

In the wake of yesterday’s horrific shooting at Apalachee High School, Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer doesn’t know where to look next.

Calling all speedsters – the University of Georgia’s new NASCAR team is making waves in Athens.

Viewpoints Editor Peter Atchley talks about how he questioned Christianity from a young age and struggled to build his own relationship with religion.

Managing Editor Maya Clement discusses the importance of having a place to feel free.

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

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.

CCHS students need to advocate for more accessible period products around the school, as these products are mandatory for menstruators.

My classmates can see that I’m not typing like them. They can see me pulling my hair, trying so hard to simply read.

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

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

ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell reflects on her time in the program.

Senior and Viewpoints staffer Amya Hopkins writes about how her reasoning for joining ODYSSEY has changed as she has spent more time in the program.

ODYSSEY Media Group Broadcast Staffer Daniel Cruz reflects on his short but transformational time in the program.

Photography Editor and Journalism I Facilitator Aza Khan reflects on her four years in the ODYSSEY.

Digital Editor-in-Chief Anna Shaikun, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

News Staffer Angel Jara speaks on his time in the ODYSSEY and how it’s impacted him.

News Editor and Journalism I Facilitator Isabella Westrich, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

  A photo gallery depicting highlight from Cadence Schapker’s time in the ODYSSEY (2020-2024)…

ODYSSEY Media Group Social Media Coordinator and Journalism I Facilitator Isabelle Duncan reflects on her short but valuable time in the program.

Managing Editor Maya Clement discusses the importance of community during her nearly four years in ODYSSEY.

Variety Staffer Maggie Monk reflects on her experience joining the ODYSSEY Media Group in the second semester of her senior year.

ODYSSEY Media Group Business Manager and Journalism I Facilitator Audrey St. Onge reflects on her four-year journey.

News Staffer Angel Jara discusses the significance of the movie “Step Brothers” and what it means to him as he prepares to enter the adult world.

Journalism I student Jazlyn González-Albarran shares her dream of success and how she attributes that desire to her parents’ sacrifices.

CCHS students must take advanatge of the benefits of having a mentor to give advice and share experience.

Whether they realize it or not, CCHS students walk in the footsteps of their predecessors on the long road that is Athens history.

Sports Editor Cadence Schapker discusses her struggles with understanding her identity as a biracial American and the steps she took to grow her confidence in her culture.

The CCSD’s declining graduation rate is nothing short of alarming, but before community members panic, they need to recognize the complicated contributing factors.

Managing Editor Maya Clement shares her experience going skydiving after waiting for 10 years.

Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell writes a letter to her 14-year-old brother, Sam, and her nine-year-old brother, Nate, about the many ways they have impacted her life.

Managing Editor Maya Clement voices her concern that Athens citizens must recognize the city’s history before it is completely gone.

Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell shares the role that mentorship has played in her high school experience and the ways in which she hopes to pass it on to future generations.

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

Viewpoints Staffer Samaya Ellis reflects on her history of suffering split holidays within her family and how that dynamic has changed over time.

News Editor Isabella Westrich reflects on how her perception of her hometown has changed as she’s grown up.

Clarke Central High School sophomore and News Staffer Adah Hamman discusses the changes that come with entering the tenth grade.

Digital Editor-in-Chief Anna Shaikun describes her experience at the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program and how it improved her confidence.

A group of students stand in the darkness, separated from a classroom illuminated in…

Variety staffer Abigail Holloway discusses how owning a tortoise as a pet impacts her life.

In the state of our society today, CCHS needs to update security policies to better protect students and staff from outside dangers.

Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell shares her experience with junior year and how she has navigated the “learning curve.”

Many factors make the end of the second semester the hardest part of the school year for students.

Visuals Staffer Temprince Battle talks about their experience being on the inaugural Georgia High School Association flag football team in the CCSD.

ODYSSEY Class of 2023 seniors reflect on their time in the program.

Senior and iliad Editor-in-Chief Kaija Gilbertson Hall writes about their experience and growth in the ODYSSEY Media Group and iliad Literary-Art Magazine.

Viewpoints Staffer and Illustrator Antonio Starks talks about his preconceived notions of the ODYSSEY Media Group and life overall and how they were challenged.

Editor at Large and Journalism I Facilitator Nico Willman reflects on his struggles and growth throughout his three years in the ODYSSEY Media Group

ODYSSEY Media Group Visuals Coordinator Lucas Donnelly reflects on his time in the program.

Iliad Managing Editor Ethan Caspary describes his experience in the program.

Sports Staffer Michael Campbell describes his experience with joining the ODYSSEY Media Group in the second semester of his senior year.

Senior and News Staffer Mykolas Kumpis valued his time with the ODYSSEY Media Group and reflects on the lessons learned from a year with the program.

Salai Diekumpuna reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group and iliad Editorial Board.

Social Media Staffer Isabelle Duncan looks back on why she became vegan and the importance of transitioning to her new lifestyle.

The harsh academic pressure of high school leaves students choosing between prioritizing their grades and GPA or their physical and mental health, creating an unsustainable lifestyle.

Extreme funding to local, statewide and national police associations is not helping to repair the broken criminal justice system.

Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell writes an open letter to the women in her life to commemorate the ways they have impacted her.

Variety Editor Isabella Westrich reflects on the role that her grandpa, a chef, and the food he makes have played in her life.

Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell talks about her history with dance at East Athens Educational Dance Center and how the experience has molded her.

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

Illustrator Antonio Starks comments on the debate about whether newer generations are better or worse than previous generations.

Journalism I student Peter Atchley shares how the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill would affect LGBTQ+ education and the ways that it relates to him personally.

The Athens-Clarke County community gives students the opportunity to learn and grow through their fashion choices, which contributes to a diverse culture at CCHS.

Viewpoints Staffer Isabelle Galis and Webmaster Maya Shrivastav debate the pros and cons of Valentine’s Day.

With two and a half weeks off of school and many holidays occurring, winter break is supposed to be a joyful time for all, but this isn’t always the case.

Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell shares her family’s personal motto and how it has shaped her as a leader.

Lead Copy Editor Maya Clement shares her experience with being competitive and how that has affected her life.

Digital Junior Copy Editor Riley Ramsey describes how her relationship with her uncle was impacted by his genetic disorder, Cystic Fibrosis.

Viewpoints Editor Janie Ripps and Viewpoints Staffer Mykolas Kumpis discuss the upcoming midterm elections.

Restrictive bills in Georgia, specifically Senate Bill 202, are suppressive to voters’ rights and will greatly impact the 2022 gubernatorial election.

Viewpoints Editor Janie Ripps writes a letter to fall expressing the love she has for the season.

The censorship of books with diverse representation in schools can lead to negative consequences in terms of LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.

News Staffer Miles Lawrence reflects on his experience being the twin brother of someone diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and how that diagnosis has impacted his life.

A required course that teaches teenagers valuable financial skills would help CCHS students enter adulthood feeling confident and ready to support themselves monetarily.

It is more important than ever for students to address issues that impact them.

The facilities at CCHS are unable to accommodate the rapidly increasing population of students and staff at the school, impacting their abilities to do meaningful and timely work.

While homelessness is a problem, many conflate homelessness and homeless people to both be problems to deal with.

Viewpoints Staffer Mykolas Kumpis reflects on his move from West Virginia to Athens and the overwhelming changes he experienced.

Once used as a motivational tool, the “that girl” trend on TikTok has become a toxic fad that is causing discontent and hyperproductivity in young adults.

The U.S. is facing a national teacher shortage, but what on earth could possibly be stopping people from being teachers?

Following her last match in the United States Open Tennis Championship on Sept. 3, tennis star Serena Williams retired. However, her lasting impact on sports for female athletes will never end.

Viewpoints Staffer Antonio Starks writes about his experience with having stereotypes forced upon him as a young Black male.

Even though it’s been 35 years since “Dirty Dancing” was released, the film has never been a more relevant watch due to its insight into societal standards from the 1960s to now.

Georgia Governor’s Honors Program graduates Sofia Balsamo and Ayanna Lonon reflect on their experiences in the program.

As activist movements continue to heavily rely on social media, it is imperative that those wishing to contribute do so with proper intent and through effective practice.

The evolution of representation in children’s movies has expanded on-screen diversity, but these writers still have a long way to go in order to extensively cover real-world representation.

Administrators should address the a harmful lack of communication with students when lockdowns, especially accidental ones, occur at CCHS.

Providing free menstrual supplies in school restrooms would benefit students’ mental health and academics.

ODYSSEY Class of 2022 seniors reflect on their time in the program.

J1 students share their reactions to professor and award-winning poet Natasha Trethewey’s visit to CCHS on April 21.

Mental illnesses are often stigmatized and misunderstood as a result of ignorant phrases that trivialize the experiences that those with mental illnesses may endure.

Variety Staffer Anna Tenner, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.

Digital Managing Editor Natalie Schliekelman, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.

Business Manager and Variety Editor Isaac Ramirez, a senior, reflects on his time in the ODYSSEY.

Print Editor-in-Chief Audrey Enghauser, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.

News Staffer Emily Couch, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.

iliad Co-Editor-in-Chief Luna Reichert reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group.

Print Managing Editor Chloe Sears, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.

Digital Editor-in-Chief Ireland McCage, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.

Sports Editor Gretchen Hinger, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.

The world is facing an impending climate crisis. But having breathable air in the future would mean inconveniencing ourselves today… ugh.

News staffer Emily Couch talks about her experience deleting Instagram for four months and the new perspective she gained from the time away.

Photographer Aza Khan recalls memories with her younger sister and how they have shaped each other’s lives.

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

Art has been foundational for illustrator and Viewpoints staffer Antonio Starks, who uses visual art to reflect on aspects of his character and emotions.

Menu Editor Kalliope Samaltanos explains the ways grief has affected her life and how she views other people.

The negative impact of COVID-19 on students’ mental health and social interactions is especially apparent now that CCHS students have returned to higher academic standards for a semester of traditional in-person learning

Print Managing Editor and Journalism I Facilitator Chloe Sears writes about her familial connection to Ukraine, and how current events in the country are impacting her.

Viewpoints editor Molly Harwell writes an open letter to perfectionism, about her struggle with feeling pressure to be the best and how she is working to overcome it.

Because the COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial element to moving past the pandemic, the CCSD community must work together to overcome vaccine hesitancy.

News staffer Emily Couch describes the three common and contradictory definitions of the word “nice,” explaining how each one differs from one another.

Print Editor-in-Chief Audrey Enghauser discusses the scarcity of queer voices within the college research process and the importance of queer communities, beyond straight allyship, to queer students.

Viewpoints Staffer Eleanor Robinson writes about the risk of online dating and how she herself fell victim.

CCSD community members should direct their efforts to overcome the bus driver shortage to district leaders instead of targeting the drivers.

Former Digital Editor-in-Chief Owen Donnelly and former Illustrator Lilli Sams debate the pros and cons of Valentine’s Day in a throwback post.

News staffer Sofia Balsamo reflects on her struggles with being bicultural.

Beat Editor Maya Clement shares her experience with having a stepfather and how he has impacted her life in a variety of ways.

Viewpoints writer Eleanor Robinson criticizes YouTube’s lack of facilitation in its algorithm with a sarcastic but cheery satire, told from the point of view of the site itself.

Sports staffer Cadence Schapker reflects on her time with the Georgia Children’s Chorus, her time growing up in the program, and the soon-to-be-absence of the departing seniors.

Advisement at CCHS would be better for students if the curriculum was focused on post-high school guidance rather than community-building discussions.

Many students at CCHS are not complying with the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by CCSD, putting themselves and others at risk.

As he progresses through the college application process, Isaac Ramirez shares some words of wisdom with the Class of 2025.

The use of deadnames in Infinite Campus has led to gender-queer students feeling as if their identities are being invalidated by the school district.

Webmaster Anna Shaikun offers a guide on how to deal with University of Georgia football fans.

Sports staffer Janie Ripps reflects on her first months of high school and academic experiences during a pandemic.