In My View--

The Newnan High School student body is doing a great job supporting our athletic department. School spirit is a huge factor in the success of our athletic teams. With a 12 - 2 record, the Newnan High volleyball team is performing well. Lady Cougar softball team is 4 - 1 in the region. Although the football team has a 0 - 2 record, each week the team continues to get better, and the fan support is growing, too.

There are many ways to show school spirit, like saying, "Good luck," "Congratulations," and "I will be at the game, too." These things bring up the spirits of the athletes, which will increase performance and cause the students to show more support for their school.

Josh Burston, Editor

As I See It . . .

Gas Prices Dropped

The gas prices have dropped nearly 37 cents in the past two weeks--bringing current gas prices to around $2.37 (or lower) a gallon. In some states, the gas prices have dropped 70 cents. These prices are the lowest averages since about April. This drop is a relief for everyone since the average cost to fill up the gas tank had been around $53.

People at Newnan High School will probably be able to drive to school more because they will be able to afford the price of a tank of gas. Parents will be happier because they will not have to drive their children to school, and they will be able to get to work on time. Not only will students at Newnan High school feel better, but the economy should also benefit since there will be more money to spend in other areas. It should feel nice to be able to spend money on things people actually want instead of filling their cars.

The highest paying state in the U.S. for gas is Hawaii with one station in Kihei charging $3.59 for a gallon of regular self-serve. The lowest priced gas in the U.S. is found in Loveland, Ohio, where one station is selling regular gasoline for $2.15 a gallon.

Let's just hope the gas prices will drop to maybe $2 a gallon by the time Thanksgiving comes around--if not sooner.

Sam McCloud, Associate Editor

Newnan Notes . . .

National Merit

Taking the PSAT as a sophomore is something we all have to do. It is a great help, but a lot of you may not know that taking the PSAT again as a junior can lead to some major scholarships down the road. In fact, the PSAT serves as an initial screen for approximately 1.4 million entrants in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship program is one of the biggest national scholarships.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is little known by the student body at Newnan. It is an academic competition to compete for recognition and scholarships. The requirements to be eligible for the scholarships are not all too difficult. By taking the PSAT and scoring high as an eleventh grader, you are eligible to compete for the National Merit Scholarship. More than two-thirds of the students who score high on the PSAT receive letters of commendation in recognition of their academics. These students no longer are in the competition, but they are still eligible for numerous scholarships sponsored by corporations.

Another one-third of the high scorers qualify to be semi-finalists. In fact, one of Newnan's own, senior Jacob Shepherd, is now a semi-finalist in competition for the National Merit Scholarship. He will continue to compete for the National Merit Scholarship, as well as many other major scholarships. In February, he will find out whether or not he is chosen as a finalist. Around 15,000 of the semi-finalists are chosen as finalists. So if Newnan and Jacob are lucky, we may have a finalist of our own. If he becomes a finalist, our school will receive a certificate.

The winners are chosen from the finalists based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. Over eight thousand finalists receive Merit Scholarship Awards. The Merit Scholarship awards $2,500 to each winner. The winners are also winners of corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards. These corporate scholarships are supported by five hundred independent sponsors and the National Merit Scholarship Corporations.

By taking the PSAT as a junior, you can become eligible not only to receive this scholarship but also to receive hundreds of corporate scholarships. So if you are a junior, why not spend $15 to take the PSAT once again and try to become eligible for hundreds of major scholarships? Go by the counselor's office today and sign up to take the PSAT on October 18, but be sure to sign up before October 4.

Chastity Garrison

Senior Portraits

Portraits are due to the yearbook staff by January 31, 2007; portraits received after January 31 are not guaranteed to be included in the yearbook.

Portraits submitted for the yearbook should follow the following specifications:

1. Head and shoulder shots only; no full body pictures, no props.

2. Plain backgrounds preferred in either gray or blue. No outdoor shots or bright backgrounds allowed.

3. Photo size: 1 3/4 inches tall by 1 1/2 inches wide; photos must be vertical.

4. Color photos only--NO black and white photos.

5. Boys wear tuxedo coats with tux shirts and bow ties. Girls wear dark drapes.

The school photographers are in Fayetteville. Call 678-554-2104 to make an appointment.

With other photographers, you will have to make an order, pay for the order, and deliver the picture to room 106. With photographers other than the school photographers, you will have to have a letter of release for the staff to use the picture in the yearbook, and some photographers charge a fee for the letter.

SGA News

Homecoming

This year homecoming is on October 6, and we play the Paulding County Patriots. To show our support for our team and pump up the spirit, we'll be having lots of activities during the week of homecoming.

As always, we have spirit week, which is the week that students wear certain attire on each day of the week to express school spirit. Every year we usually have the same thing; this year we turned it up a notch! SGA pulled a few strings and got us some new themes for the days. I know everyone wanted camouflage; unfortunately, it was not possible. But we have other days like Tie-dye Day, Hawaiian Day, and Pajama Day. So pull out the dye, grass skirts, and pajamas, and get ready to show your school spirit!

Each day in first block, teachers will check to see who is representing spirit day, and the number of participates will determine how many spirit points each class gets. If you participate in decorating a float, you will also gain points. Teachers can dress up and gain two points each time. Each point gets a link added to the chain. The class with the most links in the chain gets a prize. First place gets Chick-Fil-A biscuits!

There will also be an after school parade. Therefore, each grade level needs a float. Talk to your first block representative, and sign up to decorate your class float. Students decorating floats will meet Monday, October 2, after school at the Armory National Guard to start decorating floats. Friday, October 6, will be the parade, and if you help with the float, you will be able to ride on it through downtown. So come up with some great ideas, materials, a signed permission form, and start on a float next month. Do not forget to sign in each day that you work on a float!

All classes can also compete by decorating their doors. Each class should come up with some ideas about how to illustrate this year's theme "Punish the Patriots". All students should participate by coming up with cool ideas, providing materials, and decorating doors.

Students will also decide who is on the homecoming court by voting. Any person who is chosen to be on the court will also ride in the parade and stand on the field before the game.

Can-A-Thon is just around the corner, so let's start bringing in cans and beat East Coweta one more time!

Homecoming Spirit Days:

Monday: Tie-Dye Day
Tuesday: Tacky Day
Wednesay: Pajama Day
Thursday: Hawaiin Day
Friday: Blue and Gold Day

So have fun, and show your school spirit!

Kiki Cato and Marranda Hose, SGA Editors

Local

Foster Homes Needed!

Oftentimes we go about our normal days forgetting that there are people out there that we can help. One particular case of these opportunities is foster children. Starting now, The Newnan-Times Herald is going to reserve a spot in the "Close Up" section that will feature a description of a child in foster care. Their names will be changed for protection, but it will be a child available for a foster home and/or adoption.

This year DFCS hopes that their number of families available for children will double; right now there are only 47 families. One important thing to keep in mind is that foster children with bad pasts may need counseling to get back on track, but they need families to care for them and help them recover. A misconception about foster and adoptive children is that it is only babies and small children who need homes. Well, it's not; many foster children are eight years of age and older, although younger children are available.

After just a few classes with some good training, you could become a hero for one, or even more, of these children. If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, you may contact DFCS at 770-254-7549 or 770-254-7548.

Mandy Morris, Local News Editor

The County Fair

The Coweta County Fair will be held Tuesday, September 19 through Saturday, September 23.

--Tuesday through Thursday, 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m.

--Friday, 6:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m.

--Saturday, noon through 11:59 p.m.

There will be food, games, rides, exhibits, and contests. The fair grounds are located at 275 Pine Road. This year there are a lot of contests, exhibits, and additional activities. One addition will be Okefenokee Joe; he will tell stories of life in the swamp and will present a reptile show. The contests available for sign up are:

--Hamburger Contest: Adult and Youth

--Scarecrow Decorating: Pre-K - 7th Grade

--Gingerbread House Decorating: 7 - 18 years old

--Cake Decorating: Adult and Youth

--Floral Design: 19 years and up

--Lumberjack Competition: Adult

There will be Individual Exhibits for youth and adults, and the categories for those are: Art, Argiculture, Baking, Horticulture, Handicrafts, and Canning. For details, questions, or concerns, contact the Coweta County Extension Office at 770-254-2620 or 770-254-2621.

Mandy Morris, Local News Editor

Annoying Orange Barrels

Two road projects in Coweta County that have been delayed and have seemed as if they will never be completed are starting to look as if they may actually happen. The Newnan Crossing Boulevard is going to be opening soon, according to Newnan officials. The road is finished, but the median and landscaping are in horrible condition. City crews are going to begin maintenance before the boulevard can be opened.

Lower Fayetteville Road's contractor is having a meeting with utility companies on September 20th. The addition of two foot shoulders to Lower Fayetteville Road is scheduled to be complete in early 2008.

Joseph Bentley, Local News Editor

Restaurant Highlights of the Week

(The poll is a reflection of the opinion of the Chronicles staff and does not necessarily encompass opinions held by faculty or administration of NHS.)

(Ratings: 1-5, with 5 being the best)

In a hurry? Run by . . .

McDonalds * * *

Honey Baked Ham * * * * *

Philly Connections * * * * *

Have a minute? Take a seat at . . .

Redneck Gourmet * * * * *

Steak and Shake * * *

O'Charley's * * * * *

Need something sweet? Go to . . .

Cold Stone Creamery * * * * *

Bruster's * * * * *

Joseph Bentley and Mandy Morris, Local News Editors

Latest From Alan Jackson

The new album from Newnan native Alan Jackson Like Red on a Rose will be on music store shelves on September 26th, but if you would like the chance to get it earlier and without the wait, check out the country singer's website. A few lucky fans will have the CD delivered to their mailboxes on the release date. The country superstar's website offers fans a chance to buy the album online with a promise to "have it in your mailbox September 26th."

Anyone who orders from the website will automatically be entered into a drawing for prizes, one of which is a video iPod. As if that isn't enough, every tenth CD will be autographed by Jackson.

Jackson will perform on The Tonight Show September 26th and The Late Show with David Letterman on October 12th.

Brittney Weaver, Freelance

Clubs

Key Club

On Tuesday September 12, 2006 at 7:50 a. m., in room 210A, Mrs, Prout's room, an informational meeting was held for all who showed interest in the participation of Key Club. The Vice President, Jennifer Gaddie explained that becoming a Key Club member is a three step process. For the first step the student must have an 85 grade point average to qualify. The second step is that a test will be administered. All the students taking the test on the Key Club history, must score an 80 or better. The third and final step will be the interview portion. The officers and other members in Key Club from past years will interview prospective members to find out more about them. During each step, members who do not qualify will be cut. If you make it through all three steps, you will be in Key Club. An induction ceremony will be held for all students who are accepted.

Amber Harris, Freelance

French Club

A French Club meeting was held on Monday, September 11th. The first meeting of the year discussed all upcoming events for the new year. Members also paid dues of seven dollars. French Club will paint the window at Scott's Bookstore for homecoming on October 1 from 2:00-4:00 p. m.. Cleanup of the windows will be the following Saturday from 10:00 a. m.-12:00 p. m.. French club t-shirts will also be sold for $8 or $9 depending on the shirt ordered. To order a shirt, see Mrs. Quesinberry with the t-shirt money. If you missed this meeting, see Mrs. Quesinberry in room 208 to pay dues and sign up for window painting and clean up!

Psychology Club

The first psychology meeting took place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11th. During this meeting officers collected dues of $10 which are due by September 29. This meeting was mostly just to inform Psychology Club members of events to occur later in the year such as Trick or Treat for Unicef, Secret Santa, penny collection, Psychology Club t-shirts, candy and fruit sales, and breast cancer awareness--just to name a few activities. If you missed Monday's meeting, stop by and pick up a Psych slip from outside Mrs. Whitlock's room!

FCA

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) held its first meeting on Friday, September 8th. The meeting was full, but there is always room for more interested students. If you are interested in sharing fellowship with other Christian students, you should check out FCA. The next meeting will be Friday, September 15, at 7:50 a. m. in room 203.

SADD

SADD held a meeting on Thursday, September 10th at 7:50 a. m. in room 108. If you missed this first meeting, see Mrs. Sowerbrower for details. The next meeting will be held on the first Thursday in October.

Chastity Garrison, Club Editor

What's to Come from Newnan ROTC Program

The Newnan High GA934 AFJROTC Unit is the recipient of the Distinguished Unit Award. I sat down with this year's group commander, C/Lt. Colonel Andrew Carnes, to ask him a few questions about the expectations and goals, activities, awards and upcoming events.

Newnan's ROTC received several awards in the 2005-2006 school year. Of course, they received the Distinguished Unit Award. Also, at the Georgia State competition, they placed first in Color Guard, Unarmed Drill Regulation, Overall Drill Team Challenge, and Exibition Drill Team. They also placed second in Color Guard, Drill Team inspection, and Drill Team commander. I asked Mr. Carnes his expectations and goals for this year after such a successful year last year. He said they hope to win the Distinguished Unit Award again, win all drill competitions, and go to Nationals and win. He also hopes to have more freshmen turn out for drill teams and color guards, have more of the cadets in charge, and maintain good cadet grades. This year, JROTC plans to participate in orienteering--hiking with a compass and trying to get a point in a certain amount of time.

Upcoming events include parades, drill competitions, military ball, awards and promotion ceremonies, rocket competition, and orienteering. Finally, I asked Carnes how, as the Group Commander, he planned to maintain a winning unit. He replied, "Practice to make it perfect. Hardwork and dedication and transitioning freshmen to be more experienced with drill team and color guard."

Look out! I see several things are to come from the Newnan AFJROTC.

C/1st Lt. Quo'Vadis Thomas, NHS AFJROTC Public Affairs Officer

World

Motivated Kindness

It's late at night, and you're flipping through the channels on the television. You come across a white-haired man with a child on his lap asking for your financial contribution in exchange for supporting a good cause and possibly changing a child's life.

It's easy to turn the television off, isn't it? Someone else will pick up the phone and give their time and money. It sure is nice to have a warm bed, clean clothes, and tasty food. It's also easy to take the simple things in life for granted when they're readily accessible.

It seems easy for human beings in general to turn a blind eye to the suffering when their suffering is not purposely displayed for entertainment purposes. So many of our brethren weaken every day while the fortunate flourish. Thirty-five cents a day doesn't seem financially intrusive when it could change lives.

(Conclusion in the next issue.)

Aaron Shelley, World News Editor

Panda Crushes Cub

At Chongqing Zoo in southwest China, a seven year old Panda named Ya Ya gave birth to twins. Unfortunately, she had neither eaten nor slept properly since giving birth which caused her to fall asleep while holding one of the twins. As a result, she dropped her baby and rolled onto her side, crushing her two day old baby Panda. According to sources, she was inconsolable after zoo keepers removed the body. Luckily, the remaining twin is in good health and being well nurtured.

Caitlin Williams, World News Editor

Sports

Cougar Talk

Friday night's game was filled with spirit and togas! Since the opponent was the Carrollton Trojans, Newnan's student body dressed up in togas. It was a brutal battle for the Cougars. Thomas Darrah did an awesome job trying to find ways to gain more yardage. The defense and offense worked really hard to block the Trojans.

Halftime was great now that the colorguard have their new uniforms. With their hair and spirits held high, they owned the field. Tyler Phillips, a senior band member, played his electric guitar outstandingly! The crowd still enjoyed their Marching Cats with the song "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" added to the end of the show.

Great job from all the band members and football team for a great night!

Kayla Brisbay, Sports Editor

Football

Newnan Varsity Football Team played Carrollton High School on Friday, September 8th at Drake Stadium. The Cougars are now at 0-2 after Friday night's loss.

The Cougar defense held Carrollton offense to just 10 points; the other seven points came from an interception by Carrollton.

In the first quarter, Kendreas Wynn ran 47 yards for a first and ten at the Trojans 25 yard line. After that play, a fumble occurred and blew a perfect chance for a score.

Thomas Darrah completed 13 of 26 attempts with a total of 235 yards and one interception. Rod Dorsey scored a magnificent 75 yard touchdown in the first quarter.

On both sides of the ball, the Cougars have improved. The offense is doing better on blocking and passing. Cougar defense has improved more than the offense. The defensive ends have been containing, and the linebackers have stopped the offense. Even after two losses, students and fans are still behind our Cougars and hope for a win.

Stats

Total yards: 288

Passing: 235

Rushing: 53

Interceptions: 1

Ben Blackburn, Sports Editor

Softball Overview

Tuesday: NHS versus Morrow @ NHS

--Game played through the rain for 4 innings; called on decision--a softball game is official if it goes through the top of the fourth with the home team ahead

--Shea Martin/Crissy Rainwater both had triples

--Kayla Vallerly struck out over 5 batters

--Final score was NHS 10, Morrow 1

--Tournament over Friday and Saturday

Rachael Whitley, Freelance Contributor

Newnan Cougar Softball

Newnan Lady Cougars have the softball team off to a great start. They are 4 - 1 in the region and 6 - 5 overall. From the most recent statistics, their total at bats is a high 337. Their total hits is also a high 90. Even though it is not far into the season, there have already been two homeruns--hit by Wimberley Larkey and Cherae Gamble. All together, the team hitters have batted in 84 runners. Also, the field percentage of the team is .940. The team is comprised of good, productive seniors; they also have depth and youth. Every player is hard-working, and they are improving defensively every day. They are doing so wonderful this year, and we hope they continue to do well. Let's cheer them on to a great season.

Softball Highlights

Crissy Rainwater--team leader in On Base %

Shae Martin--leading in RBI and Hits, second in averages

Alethia Sinkfield--leading hitter

Kayla Vallerly--leading pitcher

Haleigh Copeland, Clubs Editor/Sports Contributor

Roses/Thorns

Roses and Thorns is the section where students speak out about what they like and do not like, in essence a public opinion. Roses are given to the good things, and thorns are tendered to the not-so-good things.

Roses to . . .

*Friday's game--the Cougars kept their heads up and never quit. Let's go, Cougars.

*Cougar Chronicles is up and running for a third issue.

*Newnan High wrote letters to support the troops.

*Brittney Weaver was published in 85 South Out & About.

*Gas prices at their lowest in a long while--$2.36; keep those prices rolling back.

Thorns to . . .

*The loss to Carrollton.

Spotlight

"Spotlight" features teachers and students who stand out in various areas, from sports and academics to talents and activities outside of school. Our section incorporates students' ideas along with ideas of staff members on the Cougar Chronicles. Therefore, our section will vary from week to week as more students and faculty contribute.

Stand Out Student

Elijah Dawson

This week's Stand Out Student does not have his life planned out nor has he had one life-changing experience. Elijah Dawson was chosen because he is an all around good student and a great person. He is the student in class who reminds those who goof off that he is at school to work, not to play. He is a strong leader and respected by all his classmates.

Dawson is a junior this year on a college prep schedule. His classes include Alegbra II, U. S. History, Study Skills I, and Spanish I. He wants to be a civil engineer. He plays football, starting this year as a running back. In his spare time, Dawson enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing video games, and watching ESPN. Let's wish the best for Dawson in all he does.

Nikki Rice, Spotlight Editor

Scears Lee

Scears Lee is a distinguished actor. Since beginning his acting career at age nine, Scears has successfully portrayed numerous characters in more than twenty different productions. He is a part of the STAR program, the Newnan Theatre Company, and Newnan High School's drama/theatre department.

"Being an actor really teaches you so much about the world you live in. It allows you to put yourself in the eyes of others and see different perspectives and points of views in different situations. I love the feeling of expressing myself through the arts, and I feel that theatre is one of the best outlets to do this," said Lee on why he wanted to become an actor. An actor with this much passion is bound to do some really great things. Scears has been a part of productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Les Miserables--just to name a few. Just recently Scears nabbed the lead role in Seussical: The Musical!, Newnan's first production with our new drama teacher, Mr. Bob Ramseur.

Every great actor has his or her favorite role, and Scears' was Lysander in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. "In the show, Lysander is placed under a spell and the results are hilarious! It's totally a before and after effect, and so it allowed me to almost be two different characters in one show. The role also calls for a lot of physical comedy, and that's always fun!"

Not only does Scears act, he directs. "In the past years I have also been a teen director of a children's theatre camp at Newnan Theatre Company, where the kids have to put on a show in one week. They are taught the ropes of theatre including staging, memorization of lines, costuming, and set design."

All the great work is about to pay off for Scears. "This will be our first year with a Thespian troupe, which will allow us to attend the Thespian conference held yearly. At the conference, students can take numerous theatre classes and work towards scholarship opportunities. Before the conference, 1800 students attend Thespian Conference Opening Number. Seventy-five to a hundred of those students from all over the state are selected to perform a series of ten intense songs with serious singing and dancing. I auditioned to be a part of this--going against about four hundred students and was selected, along with ninety others, to perform." Last year. Scears was also a Governor's Honors Program runner-up in the area of theatre.

Newnan High School is lucky to have such a dedicated actor as a part of its drama program and as a part of the student body! The staff at the Cougar Chronicles is proud to feature Scears in our paper. We wish him the best of luck in all he does.

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor

Teacher Feature

"Teacher Feature" highlights new teachers and outstanding teachers at NHS. It gives a chance for those new to school to introduce themselves and tell a little about their lives. It also recognizes teachers wo do a lot for their students.

Mrs. Nancy Guillory

"I wanted an environment that was going to be challenging and supportive," said Mrs. Guillory of her expectations of NHS. "My first impression of NHS was that it had an amazingly devoted and strong faculty; the science faculty seemed very helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive."

Mrs. Guillory attended Valdosta State University for her B.S. in Biology. She then went to Georgia State University for her Masters in Science Education. At Newnan, she is teaching Physics.

Outside of school, Mrs. Guillory enjoys biking and running. She completed her first triathlon at the end of August in Peachtree City.

The faculty, staff, and students are ecstatic that Mrs. Guillory chose Newnan as the site to teach her third year! Everyone on the staff of the Cougar Chronicles wishes her the "best of luck" and hopes NHS lives up to her expectations.

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor

Mr. Scott Barnett

Mr. Scott Barnett joins us this year for his first year of teaching. He graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics. Although certified to teach all math courses, this year he is teaching Concepts of Problem Solving and Algebra III. A former student at Newnan High, Mr. Barnett returns in hopes of sharing with the students "the feeling of being part of something bigger than them," which was his first impression of Newnan High. He also plans to keep up NHS traditions and help each student to feel that he or she can succeed with the proper effort put forth.

Mr. Barnett is a former football player at Newnan High. He has returned to coach the offensive line for the freshman team. He plans to start his Masters Degree program in January in the field of Mathematics. Let's welcome Mr. Barnett back to Newnan High School!

Nikki Rice, Spotlight Editor

Mrs. Kelli Sowerbrower

Mrs. Sowerbrower is a wonderful teacher because she makes her lessons fun and entertaining. She relates well with students and gives guidance with day-to-day things. Mrs. Sowerbrower is entering her sixth year teaching. She teaches American and British literature.

Mrs. Sowerbrower received her graduate degree from the University of North Texas. Mrs. Sowerbrower's opinion of Newnan is "I love the community spirit."

Veronica Tuner, Freelance