In My View--

Rememberance of 9/11

Five years have passed, and America is still wounded by the events of the day. September 11, 2001 is a day that will never be forgotten in the hearts of the American people and the world. On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen men associated with the al-Qaeda terrorist group hijacked four U.S. commercial jets in a plot to rock the face of the earth and destroy the hearts and souls of the American people. The al-Qaeda members were equipped and trained pilots in each group. They used knives to hijack each plane. Two of the planes hijacked on September 11th were crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center at approximately 9:03 a.m. between the seventy-eighth and eighty-fourth floors. American Airlines Flight 11 was crashed into the North Tower at approximately 8:46 a.m. between the ninety-third and ninety-ninth floors. American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the western side of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. killing 64 people on the plane and 125 in the building. The last plane to crash was United Airlines Flight 93 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 a.m. This plane crashed into a reclaimed coal mine before it reached its designated target.

There were many tragic deaths that occurred on September 11, 2001--in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the coal mine as well as the hundreds who died on the planes. Over 1,402 people died in the first tower, and another 614 died in Tower Two. There were many brave men and women who came to the aid of their fellow Americans and lost their lives in the process. Among these rescuers were three hundred firefighters and paramedics and a total of sixty police officers. Through all of the commotion caused by 9/11, the terrorists also did something they had not planned. They brought a nation together for a brief moment of time. The impact of 9/11 was severe and is still lingering in the air haunting many Americans today. The feeble attempts of this terrorist organization failed to knock the United States off of its feet. Their unwarranted attack made the nation much more united and brought the people together to create a tighter, stronger, more powerful nation.

Joshua Burston, Editor

As I See It . . .

So we were all ready to get back to school just for the first week so we could all see our friends we have not seen in a while, and now we are counting down the days to the holidays. Now you can have a reminder of all the holidays on-line. The following holidays are for the first nine weeks only.

Teacher Work Day--October 9

Thanksgiving Holidays--November 20 - November 24

Teacher Work Day--December 20

Winter Break--December 21 - January 3

Also, I know you are trying to bring your grades up before progress reports so following is a list of exam schedules and progress reports for the first nine weeks.

Exam Schedules

Thursday, October 5--Second and fourth blocks

Friday, October 6--First and third blocks

Progress Reports--September 11

Report Cards--October 16

Sam McCloud, Associate Editor

Newnan Notes . . .

School Picture Information

School pictures will be taken on September 26th. All students photographed will receive ID cards. All underclassmen should be photographed for yearbook pictures, but students who want to order pictures must have a completed order form with the exact payment on picture day. These pictures are not senior portraits for the senior section.

Students must observe the dress code for yearbook pictures. SASI automatically prints students' ID pictures on their transcripts; therefore, students should be sure their names are spelled correctly, that the pictures matches their names, and that they are dressed appropriately for transfer, college, or job transcripts.

Students are scheduled by their first block teacher's name. Students will have passes to their scheduled time and place and will receive the passes and name-on bar code cards from their first block teacher on picture day. Students will show teachers the passes and name-on cards as permission to leave class to have pictures taken. The photographers will take up the passes and the name-on cards.

Official SAT On-Line Prep Class

Students across the state in grades 9 through 12 have access to the Official SAT On-Line Prep Class. Students were given access cards last year. Ninth graders will receive their cards soon. Please take advantage of this valuable opportunity. This course is a great tool for practicing for the writing test because the on-line course will actually grade a student-produced essay. The course begins with a full length SAT practice pre-test, eighteen lessons covering critical reading, math and writing. The course concludes with another full length practice SAT. Helpful hints and tips are also included. Even if you are not taking the SAT, use this course to prepare for the ACT, End of Course Tests, and the Graduation Tests.

Kiki Cato, SGA Editor

Seussical, the Musical

Dr. Seuss and his characters are coming to Newnan High School in the musical Seussical, the Musical starring all the old favorites, Horton the Elephant, Mayzie la Bird, Gertrude, and Jojo the smallest Who who will save his entire planet with one strange word.

Ms. Kathy Bizarth and Bob Ramsuer are bringing together the drama and choral departments to produce the musical. The casting consists of both high school and middle school students in an attempt to bring furture ninth graders into choir and drama club. As a cast member, I must say from what I have seen, it will be a great performance. The play will be presented on November 5th and 6th.

Brittany Weaver, Public Relations and Freelance

The Meaning of Labor Day

Three-day holidays are the best things next to summer and Christmas vacations for students and teachers. The first Monday in the month of September has been celebrated as Labor Day in the United States for over one hundred years. Labor Day was first celebrated in New York City on September 5, 1882, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. This holiday was created to notice the hard working American men and women and also to serve as a chance for relaxation.

There are many suggestions as to who founded Labor Day, but one of the most popular names used is Peter McGuire who was the secretary of the Brotherhood Carpenters and Joiners. Speculations about who founded Labor Day started to arise after Labor Day was officially declared a U.S. holiday in 1884. Matthew Maguire a machinist, proposed Labor Day as a national holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York City. Now running over one hundred years strong on the first Monday of September, this holiday is celebrated by parades, plays, bar-b-ques, and family gatherings as a rememberance of the hard work of Americans.

Joshus Burston, Editor

SGA News

September 11th, 2006 is the 5th anniversary of that tragic day when planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York. In rememberance of that day, on Monday, September 11th, 2006, SGA would like for every first block class to participate in Letters to Soldiers. Each student is asked to write a letter to the soldiers over seas in rememberance of the victims and to show gradtitude for all that they do.

Upcoming Events in SGA--

*Homecoming: Doors, floats, homecoming week

*Can-A-Thon

*Talent Show Sign Up: September 11th, 2006

Kiki Cato and Marranda Hose, SGA Editors

Calling All Students

If you can sing, dance, play an instrument or juggle kittens with your foot behind your head, then sign up for the "Showcase of Talent" which will be held at Newnan High on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. Sign-up begins on September 11. You can sign up in Mrs. Benton's room, which is 705 in the science building. Auditions will begin on October 23. If you need more information, please speak to Mrs. Benton. All the money raised from this event will go towards the can-a-thon.

Kiki Cato, SGA Editor

Local

Here in Newnan we have a new Performing Arts Centre. A lot of activities (from plays to cooking shows to art presentations) are held in the building. There is a lot in store for this year with many plays and shows on schedule. Some of the new and upcoming events for the Art Centre are:

Army Ground Force Band-September 7th, 7:00 p.m. Free Concert

Ain't Misbehavin' (Original Broadway Cast)-September 23rd, 7:00 p.m. TBA

Francoise Gilot Visual Arts Exhibit- September 29th through October 31st, 7:00 p.m. Free

September 11th

The fifth anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th is this Monday. On September 10, Washington, D. C. will hold a commemorative "Freedom Walk" to remember those lost on 9/11/01 and to honor those who risked their lives to save the survivors. Newnan will also have a walk on September 10 at 6:30 p.m. It will cover a one mile route from Temple Avenue to the Court Square. The Northgate ROTC carrying the American flag will lead the walk. To conclude the walk, there will be a program at the courthouse with an invocation, songs by the East Coweta chorus and a speech by Robert Stokely. So please join in remembering and honoring the lives of those lost and those still fighting for freedom. Any questions or concerns about the event can be resolved by contacting Susan Shaner at 770-251-3987 or by emailing her at sshaner@numail.org.

Mandy Morris, Local News Editor

Special Exception Request at 38 West Washington Street

The owner of 38 West Washington Street, who lives in Marietta, applied for a special exception request for a major in-home occupation. This change would have clearly undermined City Code 5-13, which states that one of the city's goals is to preserve the historic neighborhoods. The Zoning Board voted unanimously, 5-0, to not allow the permit. Overwhelming support against the permit, including over 160 signatures in opposition, helped lead to the vote. Dayna Miles who lives on College Street had this to say, "I think that the board made the correct decision. As homeowners in the historic district, we would not want our neighborhood to change in this manner."

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 . . .

Arby's * * * *

Zaxby's * * * *

Wendy's * * * *

Have a minute? Take a seat at . . .

Golden's * * * * *

Ruby Tuesdays * * *

Andre's Off The Square * * * *

Need something sweet? Go to . . .

Dairy Queen * * *

Planet Smoothie * * * *

Joseph Bentley and Mandy Morris, Local News Editors

Clubs

Lit Wits

Do you love reading and writing? If the answer is yes, Lit Wits may be the club for you. This year the club plans on doing many fun events. First, members are decorating a window downtown for homecoming. They are also holding a meeting at Hastings sometime later this year. They are planning to have a holiday dinner and are collecting Campbell's and General Mills labels to help an elementary school media center. If you are interested in joining this club, see Mrs. Vickers in the media center. Also, do not forget the first meeting will be held Friday, September 8th, from 3:45 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the media center. So if you are interested, get involved and join Lit Wits.

Haleigh Copeland, Club Editor

Key Club

One of the major clubs at Newnan High School is Key Club. Key Club is the High School version of the Kiwanis organization. Key Club will soon be accepting applications for new members. If you are interested in Key Club, there will be interest meetings held on September 12th at both 7:50 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.. These meetings will give all details for students interested in joining this organization.

SADD

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will hold its first meeting for all old and new members on Thursday, September 7th in room 108 at 7:50 AM. SADD is a club that gives students the opportunity to help other students. If you are interested in making a difference, you are encouraged to join SADD and help others not make destructive decisions.

French Club

French Club's first meeting for the new year will be held on September 11th at 6:15 p.m. in the cafeteria. French club is offered to all students enrolled in the French program at Newnan High. For more details see Mrs. Quesinberry in room 208.

International Thesbian Society

International Thesbian Society is an honor organization for students who demonstrate an ability for theatre. Newnan High has a newly formed charter, and if you are interested in participating, there will be a meeting held on Wednesday, September 6th from 3:45 p.m.until 4:30 p.m. in room 95 in the auditorium. For more information, see Mr. Ramseur in room 95 during second block or after school.

Psychology Club

Psychology Club will hold its first meeting on September 11th at 7:00 p.m. in Mrs. Whitlock's room. Psychology Club is offered to all students in a Psychology class, as well as to students formerly in Psychology.

Chastity Garrison, Club Editor

World

Tension

Is it possible to change the religious and political affiliation of a country in only six months? Can a coalition of soldiers really prove to a predominantly fundamental country that a democratic government could be the liberating and emancipating freedom from the terroristic hierarchy they live under? That is the task NATO officials have undergone.

With the Taliban offensive rising in Afghanistan since the two thousand and five democratic elections, Lt. Gen. David Richards has taken it upon himself and his soldiers to turn the tide of the rising Taliban aggression in the area.

"Operation Medusa," the name of NATO's strategic operation, took place Saturday in Kabul, Afghanistan. With an estimated 350 lives already lost, Richards plans to prove that an Islamic Militia cannot undermine the democratically elected Afghan government nor can it stop the rebuiding of the already war-torn country.

Having more than ten percent of the population favoring the Taliban, and the rest being undecided, gaining the support of the Afghani people will be difficult. There is also the consideration that needs to be placed when it comes to the feelings of the general population, and trying not to alienate them.

How long will the battle to fight terrorism go on, and how can we possibly win if there is no proper way to distinguish citizens from soldiers? Where there is fear and terror, there will always be violence and death.

Aaron Shelley, World News Editor

Crocodile Hunter Dies in Tragic Accident

Everyone's favorite crocodile hunter Steve Irwin died Monday, September 4, 2006, when a bull stingray pierced him in the heart with its ten-inch barb. While filming a documentary for a new show starring himself and his daughter, 44 year old Irwin and his camera crew boxed in the poisonous ray, causing it to go into defensive mode. As Irwin swam over, the ray flung its tail up into the croc hunter's chest. Irwin died shortly after pulling the serrated barb out of his chest. His crew tried desperately to revive him, but their attempts were in vain.

Irwin's wife Terri and their children were on vacation in Tasmania at the time of the accident and were flown to Australia where Irwin's body was taken. Irwin's death was videotaped and is being held by the coroner in charge of investigation.

Steve Irwin was a television personality and conservationist known for wrestling crocodiles, poisonous snakes and other wild animals and for his famous catchphrase "Cricky." He will be greatly missed. Expert opinions differ on the number of human deaths caused by stingrays, varying from three to seventeen recorded, but they all agree that is is a very rare occurrence. The Discovery Channel will be doing a Crocodile Hunter tribute in honor of Irwin's life.

Brittany Weaver, Public Relations and Freelance

Terror Plot

Because of the terror plot to blow up an aircraft mid-flight by using liquid bombs, airport security has recently issued the highest terrorism alert for commercial flights from Britain to the United States and the second hightes for all other flights. British officials have also raised their security to the highest level. Extended screenings, cancellations, rebooking, and hour-long delays due to the security level have begun to test people's patience. Also, no liquids or gels of any kind have been permitted on the planes because of the liquid bomb scare. However, toothpaste, makeup, perfume, suntan lotion, baby formula, and medicines are exempt but are still subject to additional screenings. In addition, no carry-on luggage is allowed on the plane. The United States has already cancelled several flights from the U.K. but did allow refunds. "We live in a dangerous world," stated President George W. Bush.

Hurricane Ernesto

At five a.m. tropical storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the hurricane season, had winds of fifty miles per hour and was moving at a speed of twelve miles per hour about five hundred miles southeast of the Florida Keys. After Ernesto lashed its way through Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the governor of Florida Jeb Bush issued a state of emergency for all of Florida. Sources say that there was one death in Haiti due to Ernesto. Tourists had already begun to evacuate on Monday, three shelters in the Florida Keys opened to the public; people stocked up on canned goods and bottled water preparing for Ernesto. Reporters say that Jeb Bush canceled several meetings in New York on Monday to stay in Tallahassee and monitor storm developments.

Caitlin Williams, World Editor

Sports

Cougar Talk

In the first halftime show of the 2006 season, the Marching Cats looked really great in their new off-white uniforms with dark blue stripes fading to light blue. The members and parents worked really hard last year fundraising to purchase these new uniforms. They sold cookie dough, Pepsi products, and coffee. When the uniforms arrive, the color guard will have three different styles of uniforms which are combinations of cobalt blue and lime green. They will show the new colors off at this Friday's game.

The band has some cool formations this year. In the song "Bicycle" while senior Joel Cloakey plays his solo, the band forms a bicycle comlete with turning wheels. The guard turns in the middle of the wheels as the band is the outside of the wheel.

The crowd enjoyed the Queen themed show. They sang along to "Bicycle" and "Boehmian Rhapsody."

In the end, the halftime show was wonderful. The band played great, and the guard performed with passion. All their hard work is paying off.

Kayla Brisbay, Sports Editor

Football

Newnan versus Griffin (Scrimmage)

Stats

Total Yards: 360

Yards Rushing: 82

Yards Passing: 2778

Completions: 21 Attempts: 32

Touchdowns: 3

Player of the Week: Rod Dorsey

Rod Dorsey put on a show Friday night. He received two passes gaining 76 yards and scoring one touchdown. Thomas Darrah looked strong completing twenty-one passes out of thirty-two attempts (66%) for 278 yards and two touchdowns.

After the opening scrimmage against Griffin, hopes were still high, and the Cougars prepared for the game.

Newnan versus Whitewater

Thomas Darrah completed 20 of 30 pass attempts for a total of 256 yards and one touchdown. The Cougars ran the ball 17 times with an average of 4.4 yards per carry.

The final score was in Whitewater's favor, 38 to 14. Scoring for Newnan were Russell Powell and Elijah Dawson.

Varsity football will play Carrollton on September 8 at 7:30 in Drake Stadium. On September 7th, the freshmen Cougars will head to LaGrange to play at 5:30 p.m.

Volleyball

Hardaway hosted a tournament on Saturday, August 26, and the Varsity Lady Cougars came away with the tournament title. August 29th the girls played Callaway and Creekside at home.

The Newnan Junior Varsity Volleyball girls defeated Callaway High School and Hardaway High, Monday, August 28.

Volleyball Summary:

(9/5) Luella 25-12 / 25-15 (Won)

Ashley Stewartson--7 kills-0 errors

Danielle Ruble--5 kills-1 error

Jenna Schnetzer--12 assists

(9/5) Union Grove 19-25 / 11-25 (Loss)

Ashley Stewartson--6 kills-2 errors

Hannah Guest--4 kills

Jenna Schnetzer--10 assists

(9/7) East Coweta

First Game--25-21 / 24-26 / 25-8 (Won)

Ashley Stewartson--8 kills, 3 errors, 2 service assists

Danielle Ruble--7 kills, 0 errors, 2 service assists

Jenna Schnetzer--15 assists, 2 kills

Second Game--25-20 / 25-15 (Won)

Ashley Stewartson--5 solo blocks

Shantae Phillips--3 kills, 0 errors

Softball:

Girls Varsity Softball lost to Northgate 9 - 1 on August 28 at Northgate. The varsity girls met Paulding County on August 29 at home.

Ben Blackburn, Sports Editor

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 . . .

*Gas prices--now there is more money to spend on necessities.

*The Cougar Statue--something great to show the Cougar Pride.

*Activities in Remembrance of 9/11--allowing the student body to reflect of the tragedies of the time and the unity of the American people.

Thorns to . . .

*No camou day for homecoming

*Steve Irwin's death--a great loss to all

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

Ashlee Lewis

Who better to represent a "Stand Out Student" than an actress? Ashlee Lewis is an upcoming actress involved with many local plays. The Spotlight Editors chose Ashlee for her involvement in the STAR Program and the many productions Newnan High School presents. Over the summer, Ashlee was an active member of the STAR Program. The STAR Program is a summer program designed for high school students interested in music and theatre. The students produce both a musical production and a play while in the program. Ashlee was part of the cast of Les Miserables. The greatest experience in acting Ashlee has had was with the STAR Program. "We took on the difficult, but amazing musical, Les Miserables and got the opportunity to work with the Broadway conductor Aaron Gandy. To be able to do such a great thing so early in my acting career was a blessing." Since Ashlee's acting career began in fourth grade, she has been in numerous plays and musicals. Some of her most recent work includes a part in NHS's production of Beauty and the Beast, Seussical: The Musical, and Les Miserables. The staff of The Cougar Chronicles wishes the best to Ashlee and hopes she succeeds in her pursuit of an acting career!

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor

Shekeva Tiller

Former Cadet of the Month is moving on up. Shekeva Tiller is the Galaxy Squadron Commander of the AF JROTC for the fall 2006 semester. She will have about half of the cadets in the program under her supervision. This year Tiller will also be a commander of one of the drill teams.

Last year, Tiller was the color guard commander on the team which won first place in the state of Georgia. She was also on both drill teams, taking first place in the Georgia Statewide Drill Meet last April. Tiller is on track for the top position of the Group Commander when she becomes a senior.

Tiller is a junior this year. Some of her favorite classes are Advanced Chemistry, JROTC III, and French II. She loves to cook and plans to take a culinary arts class at CEC before she graduates. Her plans for life include going to college, getting a degree in business, and pursuing a career in real estate. Good luck to Tiller in meeting her goals, and "keep up the good work."

Nikki Rice, Spotlight Editor

Teacher Feature

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

Mr. Tom Everett

With the incoming freshman, this year also enters a former graduate of Newnan High, Mr. Tom Everett. He has chosen NHS as the school for his second year of teaching. Ninth grade literature and volleyball bring Mr. Everett to our not-so-little hometown school. Mr. Everett attended Mars Hill College in North Carolina. "You have to drive to Jupiter to go to Mars Hill," said Mr. Everett of his alma mater. When asked what Mr. Everett does outside of school, he replied, "I enjoy all sports." He also is an avid hunter and fisherman and loves to read and travel. Mr. Everett has two sons and a wife named Marica, who is an elementary school teacher. Mr. Everett's younger son Ethan is a student at Columbus State College. His older son, Ben is an United States Army first lieutenant serving in Afghanistan. Newnan High School is proud to have Mr. Everett on its faculty. The Cougar Chronicle wishes him the best of luck and a great year at Newnan!

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor

Mrs. Leah Cleary

Mrs. Leah Cleary has been a teacher for five years, three of those years at Newnan High School. She is a teacher of ninth and tenth grade English and composition. When asked if she enjoys her job, she smiles and says, "Yes." Asked the best part of her job, she responds, "There is never a dull moment; something new happens every day."

For those of you who went to Evans, you may recognize her as the eighth grade literature teacher.

Even though Mrs. Cleary enjoys teaching and loves her job, if she could be anything else, she would love to be a writer.

Amber Harris, Public Relations and Freelance