In My View--

Driver's License

On September 19th, life for veteran drivers as well as new drivers got easier. The drivers' license center has been moved from the State Patrol Office to a more reasonable location on Bullsburro Drive. The new office has many advantages over the old office. There is more space in the new office, which is good for the people waiting to take the test. Before, everyone had to wait outside at the old buildling. New additions, like twice as many computers for examinations helps move more people out quicker, making getting a driver's license more efficient. This new location has brought much relief to citizens around Newnan and Coweta County.

Josh Burston, Editor

As I See It . . .

Upcomoing CEC Events

Central Education Center (CEC) will host a College Probe Fair in conjunction with Open House. Approximately fifty colleges will be there; they will also be hosting the HOPE Scholarship Workshop at a later date.

The College Probe Fair (with Open House) will be on Tuesday, October 3rd from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The HOPE Scholarship Workshop will be held on October 17th at 11:15 a.m. and again at 5:00 p.m. The Georgia Finance Commission will be on hand to answer any questions students and parents may have concerning eligibility.

Sam McCloud, Associate Editor

NHS AFJROTC Kicks Off Cougar Card Sale

The Cougar Cards are discount cards that may be used at various businesses. some of these businesses are: Dairy Queen, Subway, Junction Lanes, Domino's Pizza, Dunkin' Donuts, and many others. The cost of the Cougar Card is $10.00 each, and they are good until September 30, 2007. You may purchase your Cougar Card from any NHS AFJROTC cadet or email Lt. Col. Broadnax at glenn.broadnax@cowetashcools.org. Money raised will help defray the cost of drill/color guard competitions and field trips for AFJROTC cadets.

Homecoming T-Shirts for Sale

The 2006 homecoming shirts have been designed by Leanne Duffey, a student in Applied Design. The purchase price is $10.00 and is available in sizes: youth small, medium, and large and adult small, medium, large, extra large and double extra large. Proceeds help fund the purchase of art supplies.

Newnan Notes . . .

Wear Denim for Cancer Cure

Newnan High School employees and students participate in Lee National Denim Day, the largest single-day fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer. (see Psychology Club article)

Can-A-Thon

As you all know if you have been attending Newnan High a while, the Can-A-Thon is a big deal. There is so much competition involved. Each first block class brings in cans. Every day there is a tally of the cans, and once Can-A-Thon is over, there is a final tallying. The first block with the most cans wins a prize. More than likely it is doughnuts and juice or a great biscuit breakfast. Sometimes the teachers will also give some type of rewards for class participation. Having this competition within the school gets so many students involved; it is great.

All the cans are given to local charity. This event takeks place right before Thanksgiving so it really makes people think and contribute. Some families are not as fortunate as others, and they cannot prepare and enjoy what is considered the traditional big Thanksgiving meal. With your contributions, however, we can make a difference. Just think; the cans you bring in could make a whole meal for a needy family on Thanksgiving. So help out. Bring in cans, and take part in the Can-A-Thon.

Haleigh Copeland, Public Relations and Freelance Correspondent

Grapes of Wrath

The West Georgia Theatre Company will present The Grapes of Wrath October 4th through 7th at the Towsend Center of Performing Arts in Carrollton. The Grapes of Wrath is a play about the Joads, a family from Oklahoma who move west to California during the Great Depression. The author, John Steinbeck, was brilliant in this Pulitzer Prize winning novel which was adapted into a play by Frank Galati which won the 1990 Tony Award for Best Play. Performances will be held on October 4th through 7th at 7:30 p.m. and October 8th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are ten dollars for guests and free for students with a University of West Georgia ID card.

Josh Burston, Editor

New Band Attire

The Newnan High School Marching Cats will be marching in style this season thanks to their new uniforms. Band Director John Erdogan became aware in 2003 that it was time to get new uniforms, which meant the band would be working hard ot raise $50,000 to pay for them.

The group began fundraising by sending out 120 letters to businesses and friends of the band all over the county, but they only received about twenty responses. That campaign raised $4,320, half of which came for one anonymous donor.

The remaining $43,680 was acquired through hard work. To help speed up the fundraising process, the band broke up into eight teams and competed against each other in team challenges which included a change challenge, Pepsi challenge and anything else they could think of to raise money. The team challenges brought them $3, 485.01 closer to their goal.

Two airline tickets, three Old South Marching Festivals and Competitions and two and a half years later, the band is "dressed to a T" in their new uniforms. They are accompanied by the colorguard in their new windsuits. The next project for the musical Cougars is to fundraise for new school instruments, which are unfunded and range from four to eight thousand dollars each.

If you are interested in buying an old uniform, the band is selling them for $25 each. Contact Mrs. June Werner for more information.

Brittney Weaver, Public Relations and Freelance

SGA News

Can-A-Thon and Homecoming Court

October marks the start of Can-A-Thon. Newnan High School is continuing its yearly tradion of giving back to the community. The purpose of the Can-A-Thon is to bring in can goods to help support the less fortunate. "Can Blitz" starts November 6, the week of the East Coweta versus Newnan game. There are certain requirements and rewards for participating in the Can-A-Thon. Look for them in a later issue.

The 2006 Newnan High School Homecoming Court has been chosen! Say congratulations to the Freshman court representatives Kaylee Struck and Brittany Zackery. Returning to the Sophomore court is Keyana Teagle, joining her is Lakayla Dash, Chalonda Goodman, and Ana Hobbs. The Junior court representatives are Cayley Byers, Tenisha Hunter, Laurie Jackson, Jocelyn McConnaughey and returinng to the court are Audreyanna Arnold and former Sophomore and Freshman court representative Jasmine Brown.

The big winners are the Senior court girls, since this is the last year for the class of 2007 to be involved in such events. The Senior court is Leanne Duffey, Katie Anne Kelley, Shea Martin, Tiffany Morris, Jenna Schnetzer, Caitlyn Sweet, Whitney Walker, and Natasha Ward.

Congratulations to all the Senior ladies! Leanne Duffey participates in NHS soccer. Katie Anne Kelley also participates in NHS soccer. Shea Martin is on the NHS softball and basketball teams.Tiffany Morris is an active art club member. Jenna Schnetzer is President of Key Club, Vice President of the National Honor Society, and on the volleyball team. Caitlyn Sweet is the President of SADD, an SGA Representative, and very active in the school drama presentations. Whitney Walker is an SGA Representative. Natash Ward participates in NHS Marching Band.

Congratulations to Jenna Schnetzer and Whitney Walker for making Junior court last year. Congratulations to Tiffany Morris who was named to the court her Sophomore and Junior years. Special congratulations are in order to Natasha Ward who has been on the homecoming court her Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years. Way to go, girls.

Kiki Cato and Marranda Hose, SGA Editors

Local

Fair Winners

There was a great turnout for the Coweta County Kiwanis Fair last week. Numerous art students entered their work in various categories. Many of the studenst were recognized; some won more than one prize. The following students won awards for their entries:

Best in Show Winners

Donald Middendorf--painting, 12th grade

Anna Hobbs--painting, 10th grade

Blue Ribbon, First Place

Wimberly Larkey--design, 10th grade

Anna Hobbs--watercolor painting, 10th grade

Danielle Ruble--black and white photography, 12th grade

Jarret McDonald--tempera paint, 12th grade

Heather Hanson--oil pastel, 11th grade

Keith Chandler--pottery, 12th grade

Mallory Gray--watercolor painting, 11th grade

Red Ribbon, Second Place

Stephen Sprayberry--black and white photography, 12th grade

Donald Middendorf--marker design, 12th grade

Maddie Welch--tempera paint, 10th grade

Kristen Pirie--pencil, 11th grade

Amanda White--color pencil, 11th grade

Chastity Clark--water color, 12th grade

Jennifer Head--water color, 11th grade

White Ribbon, Third Place

Gabbie Shepp--oil pastel, 10th grade

Mandy Morris, 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 . . .

Panda Express* * * * *

Pizza Hut * * * * *

Shane's Ribshack * * * * *

Have a minute, eat at . . .

Shirley's * * * * *

Chyllanca's * * *

Fabiano's * * * * *

Need something sweet? Go to . . .

Starbucks * * * * *

Dunkin' Donuts * * *

Mandy Morris, Local News Editors

Clubs

Psychology Club

October 5th won't be any ordinary casual Thursday at Newnan High School. The NHS Psychology Club will lead the fight against Breast Cancer on this day. The denim worn on this day will not only be worn for comfort, but it will also make a powerful statement for an important cause. As Lee National Denim Day moves into its second decade, NHS Psychology Club is gearing up to participate in their inaugural debut of the grassroots program which has raised more than $61 million for breast cancer research.

Participants are encouraged to wear denim in exchange for a $5 donation to the Women's Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). Funds will be used to support a groundbreaking scientific project to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage. They will also help accelerate treatment research and increase patient access to some of the most significant clinical trials in the nation, as well as support grassroots programs across the country.

"We enjoy participating tremendously because it empowers everyone to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, it's a great educational program within our work walls, and it is so easy for us to implement," says Jasmaine Talley, the Psychology Club's media liaison. "We encourage all to participate on October 5th or October 6th by wearing pink shirts and jeans, and of course to donate $5.00 to NHS Psychology Club so we can help end this terrible disease."

For questions about EIF's women's cancer programs and information about breast cancer, visit eifoundation.org or call 800-426-0010.

Amber Harris, Public Relations and Freelance

SADD

A SADD meeting was held on Tuesday, September 19th at 7:50 a.m. in Mrs. Sowerbrower's room. Members at this meeting discussed t-shirt ideas. If you are in SADD and you have a t-shirt design, please be sure to give your idea to Mrs. Sowerbrower as soon as possible. Also SADD t-shirts from last year are available for $10 in Mrs. Sowerbrower's room. During this meeting, there was a sign up to work at the Georgia Power cookout on Saturday, September 23rd from noon until 5 p.m. Working at this cookout will raise money for SADD. Red Ribbon Week was also discussed during this meeting. This year Red Ribbon Week will include many new ideas. Some ideas include red ribbon bracelets, hosting a guest speaker, and numerous other ideas. If you have any ideas you would like to share, see Mrs. Sowerbrower. Also, SADD is still in the process of finding a window to paint for homecoming. Listen to the announcements for more information about all upcoming SADD events.

Chastity Garrison, Club Editor

World

Murder in Illinois

On September 15 in East St. Louis, Illinois, twenty-three year old Jimella Tunstall bled to death due to a vicious crime. The attack on Tunstall and the whereabouts of her unborn child led to a two day investigation and search which covered an 11,000 acre state park. To the dismay of the searchers, it was learned that not only were she and her unborn child dead but also her three other children were found deceased and stuffed in the washer and dryer of her home. Investigators missed the children's bodies during the first search, but with the confession of Tunstall's childhood friend, the bodies were discovered. Tiffany Hall, Tunstall's friend, has been placed in jail on a million dollar bond and charged with first degree murder and intentional homicide of an unborn child. As of September 24, Hall had not been charged with the death of the three older children.

Hall's motive is not yet known.

Caitlin Williams, World News Editor

Chavez Speaks Out

Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezula, spoke at the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, September 20th. "The Devil came here yesterday," said Chavez, pointing at the spot where President Bush had stood during his speech on Tuesday. In Caracas, Venezuela, large screen televisions were scattered through downtown where countless people watched live as Chavez spoke and applauded as he criticized the United States.

Chavez wants a rotating seat on the U.N. Security Council, and the United States Government is trying to block Venezuela's campaign for that seat. Winning a Security council seat requires 128 out of 192 votes, and Guatemala has already secured 90 for that country.

Milos Alcalay, President Chavez's former ambassador, said if Venezuela manages to win the seat, "It will be a rock in the shoe of the United States." If Chavez continues his behavior, any country he differs with can also expect difficulties.

Veronica Turner, Public Relations and Freelance

Sports

Cougar Talk

The Newnan High Marching Cats have a lot of people making sure things work smoothly. Mr. John Erdogan is the band director. Mrs. Kathy Olzsewski and Andrew Hunter are assistant directors. Mrs. June Werner is the secretary who takes care of organization and also keeps track of all expenses. Last but not least among the leaders of the Marching Cats--everyone adores the drum major, Lee White. He has done an outstanding job this season.

The various sections of the band have individual leadership, called section leaders, or captains. The percussion and pit crew are led by Becky Burkinshaw and Andrew Bellisle. Clayton Kelley leads the tubas. The low brass section leaders are Chris Pontius and Matthew Dempsey. Hayley Jackson, Ray Cornay, and Justin Brown lead the trumpets. The horns are led by Jonathon Boyd and Whitney Hunnicut. The jazz section of the band:
The saxophones are led by Cory Mauldin and Rebekah Roberts. The Cats clarinet section is led by Sierra Melson, Natasha Ward, and Hannah Roberts. Emily Kinrade and Brooke Hill lead flutes. The colorguard is led by Jennifer Gaddie and Katie Varnedoe, along with Aimee Williams as their coach.

The band will be going to their first competition this Saturday at Bowdon High School.

Kayla Brisbay, Sports Editor

Cougars Tame Bulldogs

On Saturday the 23rd, Newnan High School beat Lithonia 34 to 18 and now posts a 2 - 2 record. The game was the second win where the Cougars defense and offense have both played well.

Thomas Darrah came away with 328 yards on 14 of 20 passing attempts completed and three touchdowns. Kendreas Wynn finished the night with 186 yards on 17 rushes, and scored the last touchdown of the game. Quamorris Dixon received three passes for touchdowns and ran fifteen yards for one touchdown.

Penalties added up for 250 yards for both teams. Newnan had 15 penalties for 145 yards, and Lithonia had 11 penalties for 105 yards. The Cougars will need to cut down on penalties for future wins.

The Cougar defense pushed back Lithonia for negative yards. Shea Hammond has the most solo tackles on the team with 21. Shea has twenty-three assists, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, one interception, and five pass breakups.

The next game will be Newnan's Homecoming on the 6th of October against the Paulding County Patriots.

Stats

Total yards: 502

Passing: 328

Rushing: 174

Touchdowns: 5

Ben Blackburn, Sports Editor

Varsity Softball Overview

The Lady Cougars traveled to play the Mundy's Mill Lady Tigers on Tuesday for a 6:00 game. The game started off slowly, but the Lady Cougars began an 8 run rally in the top of the third inning. Kayla Vallery pitched a perfect 3 innings, recording over 6 strikeouts. Kayla Haggood pitched for the fourth and fifth innings allowing the Lady Tigers only one run, and NHS improved its lead by six runs. The game was called at the bottom of the fifth inning with the score at Newnan 14 and Mundy's Mill 1. This region win secured the Ladies Cougars second place overall in region rank and puts Newnan into a great position leading up to sectionals.

Rachael Whitley, Freelance Contributor

Cross Country

The LaGrange/Starr's Mill Invitational was held on September 23. There were many local schools including Northgate, Heritage, Starr's Mill, Fayette County, McIntosh, Whitewater, and of course, Newnan. The Newnan boys were led by Ben Anthony participating in this event with a time of 18:10 and Ricky Spohn who finished with at time of 18:17. The Newnan girls were led by Katelyn Carroll who ran 22:23, Elizabeth Gresham with a time of 22:32, Asia Johnson with a time of 22:05, and Caroline Cates with a time of 24:35. The whole team worked hard Saturday to make themselves and Newnan proud.

Josh Burston, 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 . . .

* The Newnan Cougars gathered in yet another victory--against Lithonia!

*Gas prices are moving on down! How low can they go?

*The Kiwanis Fair was great (as usual)! The funnel cakes were superb!

*Our Lady Cougar cheerleaders went out and showed everyone who they are by coming in first in their competition, Varsity and JV squads!!

Thorns to . . .

*How many times in one week can second block be interrupted?

*A rose and a thorn--the weather is changing. Fall weather is wonderful with the great kaliedoscope of colors, but that means COLD weather ahead.

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

Dakota Kaplan

Who better as our stand out student than the only freshman on the snare line in band? Dakota Kaplan practiced all summer long, tried out for snare line and was chosen--which is very rare for a freshman.

This year Kaplan is taking Computer Applications, Algebra II, Advanced Literature, and of course, band. He is a hardworking student who always makes A's and B's. After high school, Kaplan wants to go into a music career.

Dakota is one of the two Native Americans at Newnan High and has been playing pow-wow drums with his dad since he was ten. He joined band in the sixth grade. When asked what he does outside of school, he said, "Practice. I practice all the time." His favorite part of band is "being able to just drum all the time." Mr. Erdogan said, "Dakota is very hard working and conscientious. He is very serious about what he does."

I asked Dakota an interesting fact about himself that he would not mind people knowing. To my surprise, he said that he has had open heart surgery twice. Both times were when he was a month or two old. His comment on this early challenge was, "I'm still here."

Let's wish Dakota the best of luck in all upcoming band activities.

Nikki Rice, Spotlight Editor

Philip Geoffrion

How many students do you know who go above and beyond the call of duty? How many of those students would show up to school early, too? Philip Geoffrion does both of these things each and every day.

Philip takes on the task of delivering the Newnan Times-Herald to all the teachers on the upstairs hall every morning. "My papers are in my room before I get here and the old ones are cleaned up and thrown away," Mrs. Ross said of Geoffrion and his conscientious efforts.

Not only does Philip deliver papers, but he helps the faculty, too! He works very hard for Mrs. Cornay almost every day. "He is flexible and willing to help any theacher with any task."

The staff of the Cougar Chronicles applauds Philip Geoffrion for a job well done! We are proud to be able to honor such a great and dedicated student!

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.

Coach Mitch Stewart

Coach Mitch Stewart joins Newnan High this year to officially begin his teaching career. A former student at Northgate High School, his first impression of Newnan was that it was "huge and old!" This year he will be teaching Business Law and Computer Applications.

Coach Stewart graduated from Valdosta State. He received a secondary educaiton degree in Business Education.

In 2004, Stewart was on the National Championship Football team at Valdosta. This year he is coaching football and baseball at Newnan High.

In his spare time, Coach Stewart likes to golf, hunt, and fish, all the typical "guy stuff." An interesting fact about him is that he is getting married in June. Sorry to all the ladies at Newnan High; he is almost officially unavailable!

Stewart says that he is a "war-movie-kind-of-guy". His favorite quote comes from Pearl Harbor. "There's nothing more powerful than the heart of a volunteer."

Nikki Rice, Spotlight Editor

Mr. Brandon Hammond

"People think I'm weird, but I just look at things differently." This observation is one of the many things you probably don't know about Mr. Hammond. He is also an amateur blacksmith. Mr. Hammond builds and rides bicycles and motorcycles, too!

For his sixth year of teaching, Mr. Hammond came to Newnan. He is certified and able to teach "anything in the science building." Mr. Brandon Hammond is currently teaching Physical Science, Physics and Science, and Technology and Society. His blacksmithing skills came in handy in recent years when he taught welding, machine tools, and blacksmithing.

"Newnan is very similar to where I went to school and where I grew up. The difference between the two is that Newnan continues to progress while my own hometown is in regression," said Mr. Hammond of his first impression of Newnan.

Becoming a teacher required attendance at Jacksonville State University for Mr. Hammond. He received a B.S. in Education a with concentration in general science. Mr. Brandon Hammond is also currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology.

Hopefully, you learned something about Mr. Hammond. If you have his class, ask him about his "amateur blacksmithing skills" or his interest in motorcycles! The Cougar Chronicles is proud to honor Mr. Hammond, and we are glad he came to teach at NHS!

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor

Mr. James Lynch

Do you like math? Do you want to be part of Newnan High School's very own Math Team? This week's Teacher Feature highlights Mr. James Lynch, who coaches the Math Team!

Algebra I is on Mr. Lynch's teaching schedule this year. This year will be his fifteenth in teaching, too! He has taught AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Statistics. Mr. Lynch graduated from California State University Bakersfield with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics.

Before coming to Newnan, Mr. James Lynch taught in California. His first impression of Newnan was an interesting one. "My first impression of Newnan High School was that it looked like a school with character with all the red bricks. At the schools where I taught in Calilfornia, the buildings were made of cement block, and my classroom was a portable building."

And interesting fact about Mr. Lynch is that he grew up in Alaska and lived in a log cabin without running water. His wife and five children are still living in California until his house sells. Mr. Lynch is also an avid student of theology and is a preacher.

The staff and faculty is grateful Mr. Lynch came to Newnan to teach math!

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor