In My View--

Grand Opening Launches LaGrange Symphony Series

On October 3, the LaGrange Symphony launched the 2006-2007 "Tuneful Tuesdays." The first performance will be "Overture to the Barber of Seville" by Rossini Selections. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Callaway Auditorium on the LaGrange College campus. "The Barber of Seville" has been popular for a while, and its overture remains great. There will be selections from Tehaikovsky's famous ballet "Swan Lake" as well. The advance tickets for the show are on sale for $75 adding up to a savings of $15 off the price at the door. The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1989, is still providing great entertainment and wonderful performances.

Joshua Burston, Editor

Newnan Notes . . .

NHS Talent Show

Newnan High School will be holding its first talent show in three years. Newnan High wants to showcase student talents. The talent show sign-up began on September 11, but the actual production date is November 7. All acts must sign up in Mrs. Benton's room, room 705. October 13th is the last day to sign up. Auditions begin on October 23rd. The audition process is the determining factor for whether or not an act can participate. Once students have made it past that procedure, a twenty dollar participation fee is required. All the money made from ticket sales and entry fees will be put towards the Can-A-Thon and Toys-for-Tots. To all the students out there with talent, audition and showcase that talent. To all those out there who might not have talent, the next best thing you can do is support your friends and show your Cougar Pride by attending the talent show!

Amber Harris, Public Relations and Freelance

Nine Weeks' Exams

Have you been studying for your nine weeks' exams? The Juniors will also be taking the GHSGT and the PSAT. Are you prepared for the them? If you need help on your exams, you can go to the school provided website myskillstutor.com. This site helps students study for the sections they need to improve. The site has available all subjects and practice tests. All a student has to do is use his or her student ID number for the log-in name and password. If you want or need help, go to this website to get prepared.

Kayla Brisbay, Sports Editor and Freelance

The Importance of the SAT and ACT

The SAT and ACT are vitally important to all high school students. Students must have taken either one of the two to apply to a college.

The SAT focuses mainly on math and verbal skills.

The ACT is in four sections and focuses on English, Math, Science, and Reading. Students can also choose to take a writing portion on the ACT.

Both the ACT and SAT are very important to every college bound high school student.

Veronica Turner, Public Relations and Freelance

Growing Newnan

The city of Newnan is growing rapidly. About five years ago, there was not one store on the Newnan Crossing Bypass; there wasn't even a road there. Now there are over twenty new stores and restaurants. Mayor Keith Brady says plans are to build more businesses on the bypass, eventually making the bypass a major roadway. We've also gained three new schools in the past five years, and three more are in the works. The Centre for Performing Arts was recently opened on Lower Fayetville and has attracted over 10,000 visitors.

Within the next ten years, Newnan is expected to house over 40,000 people, and it is presently at 24,000 residents. With commercial growth comes population growth.

Newnan is a historic city, which is why Historic dowtown Newnan is being restored. Salbide Avenue is home to some of the oldest homes in Newnan. Most of the homes were run down and old. Every home has been renovated and looks beautiful. The historic Coweta County Courthouse will also be renovated in the near future.

Newnan Crossing Boulevard East is in the works right now. The road will not be open for a while though because of landscape and median problems. Mayor Brady says, "I want to open the roadway, but I just can't do it. The median really concerns me. Trees are falling, and the grass is an awful shape. The Kroger being built on the roadway can't open either."

Publix opened on October 4th in the Still Wood Pavilion Shopping Center off of Lower Fayetteville Road. The official grand opening for the entire shopping center is scheduled for late October.

Due to the growing number of students in schools, there are ninth grade campuses being built on each high school campus. A high school is also being planned for the near future. Willis Road Elementary opened almost five years ago. Welch Elementary and Lee Middle opened their doors this year. The schools are in pretty good shape right now.

There is a park under construction on the south end of downtown Newnan, which should be completed by the end of the year. Greenville Street Park will be under way in 2007. A suggestion for a city dog park has been taken into consideration and is on the agenda.

Toyota-Scion opened a few weeks ago and with it came lots of business for the city. The dealership was built near the Newnan Crossing Bypass and, therefore, brings lots of business for the new restaurants and stores.

Subdivisions are springing up everywhere. Newnan Lakes opened up on the Newnan Crossing Bypass and houses a lot of Newnan's residents. Newnan Crossing was built behind Target and is also a popular subdivision. Some new subdivions include: Christian Corners, Lakeside, Columbia Woods, Summit Point, Summer Grove, and Belmont Park.

In the last ten years, $263 million in commercial permits were issued for property on the bypass. Two major stores on the Newnan Crossing Bypass are Dillard's and Barnes and Noble. By the beginning of 2007, these stores should be finished. Dick's Sporting Goods just opened. JC Penney's opened a month ago. (Every weekend there's a great sale, so check out your local paper for coupons.) TGI Friday's opened last week, and the food is great. Georgian Cinemas opened a couple of years ago and includes a wide variety of movies, great food and stadium seating.

Some new establishments include:

Restaurants: Gandolfo's New York Deli, The Corner Tavern, Planet Smoothie, Olive Garden, Shane's Rib Shack, Red Robin, Panera Bread, Cold Stone Creamery, Chili's, and Bugaboo Creek

Businesses: Best Buy, Cingular Wireless, Nextel/Sprint, Hobby Town USA, Dollar General, and Whitefield Dental.

Kiki Cato, SGA Editor and Freelance

SGA News

The Water Tower

SGA is all about school spirit and getting what the Newnan High students want. There are some other issues that are important to us and our students. There is something we need the whole community to help us accomplish.

East Coweta and Northgate both have water towers with their school colors and names on them. Why don't we? If the city of Newnan will work with us, we can get a tower for NHS.

We are not asking for them to put Newnan High School on the existing tower. They can just paint it blue and gold and have "Newnan" on it. I took it upon myself to call Newnan Utilities. I asked to speak to the man who is over the water department. He wasn't there. So I talked to another man, and I asked him, "When are ya'll going to paint the water tower, because someone told me you were planning to do so soon." He told me, "Yes, we are." So I told him my idea and who I was, and he said I would have to talk to the man in charge who was not there. I left a message, and I have called back. He hasn't returned my calls.

I am asking all of Newnan High School and our community to help me change something that needs to happen. Let's not let EC and Northgate beat us in school spirit. I know Newnan can pull together and make this happen.

Marranda Hose, SGA Editor

Local

After thirty-one years of thinking, writing, and tweeking, Joe Dwyer's dream is finally coming true. His movie Subian Rift, a full length Sci-Fi film, debuted on Saturday, October 7 at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts on Lower Fayetteville Road.

The idea for the movie was an old one brought to life by Dwyer's wife, Mo. After their marriage, Mo told Joe to stop talking about the film and write the script. First, he needed actors. He knew who he had in mind, but he lacked one very important thing-- money. Dwyer promised his potential cast a large donation to the Centre of Performing and Visual Arts if the film made it big. The cast saw Dwyer's passion for his work and agreed to act for free.

Unfortunately, the cast and crew had day jobs, which conflicted with the filming schedule.

Finally, after thirty-one long years, Dwyer's life-long dream will come true as of Saturday, October 7. Dwyer hopes some Hollywood types will see his film and maybe turn it into a television series.

Tickets are available at New Tech Photo, Sports Cards, Scott's Book Store, Kebco Toys and Allison Performance Hobbies.

Brittany Weaver, Public Relations and Freelance

Newnan's New Mascot

Just behind the new gym lies a tribute to the Newnan High senior football players. The statue features a cougar crouching over a rock, with an "N" filled in with white rocks. The cougar was presented in honor of the following seniors: Bradley Auston, Kyle Brown, Drew Camp, Thomas Darrah, Quamorris Dixon, Rodrick Dorsey, Brantley Hardegree, Prentice Hollins, Kelby Jackson, Stewart Johnston, Chris Parks, Rodney Russell, Zack Sherrer, Josh Stripling, and Brady Sumner.

Mandy Morris, Local News Editor

Local Ghost Walk

Each year The Newnan-Coweta Historical Society hosts a "ghost walk." Chilling stories and tours of Victorian houses around Newnan will be held October 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and October 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. On October 21, strollers will have a chance to add Dinner with the Dead to their walk. Chef George from 10 East Washington will feature his chicken penne pasta with vodka sauce.

I have personally been on this tour, and it was a wonderful experience. It was fun, and I learned a lot about the houses.

The ticket prices are as follows:

Stroll plus Dinner--$40

Stroll for adult--$15

Stroll for children--$12

For questions and to make reservations you may call (678) 481-4526.

Mandy Morris, Local News Editor

Political Signs

The County Code Enforcement has been removing political signs from private property for the signs not having permits. Signs that are over six square feet require a permit to be placed in yards or on the side of the road. Many people are saying that this action is inhibiting free speech. Steve Davidson, the chairman of the Coweta County Republican Party, said, "People have a right to political free speech." He went on to say that the removing of the signs is restraining free speech. Signs over six square feet are supposed to be allowed without a permit as long as they are not in the right of way, but Code Enforcement has been removing the signs even though they are legal. Citizens and Political Party members need to bring light to this issue to be sure that is does nothappen in the future.

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 . . .

Long John Silvers * *

Hardee's *

Church's Fried Chicken *

Have a minute, eat at . . .

TGIFriday's * * * *

Partner's Pizza * * * * *

Catfish Hollow * * * *

Need something sweet? Go to . . .

Smoothie King * * * * *

Cold Stone Creamery * * * * *

Clubs

Key Club

A Key Club meeting was held on September 25. During this meeting, officers updated members on upcoming events such as window painting, Homecoming parade help, Hospice, Unicef, Can-A-Thon, and the Atkinson Fall Festival.

Hospice baking can be done any time simply by bringing in cakes, cards, and crafts on every Wednesday.

Key Club Members are raising money for Unicef so donate any spare change to any Key Club member.

A sign up was also held for the Atkinson Fall Festival on October 26 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

To sign up for these events, see Mrs. Prout. Can-A-Thon has also begun and members are reminded to bring cans. For ever twenty cans brought in, members receive one hour credit.

If you missed this meeting or have any new ideas to share, see your team leader or Mrs. Prout as soon as possible.

Psychology Club

A Psychology Club meeting was held on Monday, October 2. Upcoming events include candy sales, Make a Difference Day, Mix It Up Day, Quad Cleanup, and Can-A-Thon.

Psychology Club candy sales will begin soon. This activity is being led by Cecilie Fowler.

Make a Difference Day willl take place October 28th from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Items needed for this event are shovels, paint, brushes, a ladder, and trash bags.

Quad Cleanup Day is also being held on sunday, November 12th at 4 p.m. This event is being led by Micah Brown.

Psychology Club members are reminded to turn in information sheets, dues, and parent permission forms as soon as possible.

Chastity Garrision, Club Editor

World

Dog Saves Girl from Fire

Who knew that a pitbull found by twenty-three year old Gabriel Garcia on a construction site would one day save seventeen year old Jerrica Seals of Fort Myers, Florida? Just this last Friday, Jerrica Seals was sleeping peacefully in her boyfriend's home when she was awakened by the bite of a barking dog. After waking, she discovered that the house was on fire. She rushed out with the pitbull, called her boyfriend's sister Leticia Vega, and told her what had just happened. Jerrica was taken to the hospital for a check up; sources say she is fine. Fire chief Steve Clyatt said the blaze was caused by a bad extension cord on a window air conditioner.

Caitlin Williams, World News Editor

U.S. Afghanistan Meeting

President Bush, Afghani President Hamid Karazi, and Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf met on September 26 to discuss the fighting in Afghanistan. The fighting in the Middle East has gotten worse over the last few moths and will not get better, according to Karzai. President Bush, Karzai, and Musharraf all agree on one thing; they all need to work together if terrorism is going to be defeated. Karzai said the only way to stop this fighting is to destroy terrorist sanctuaries in other countries. This remark was directly aimed at Pakistan; Karzai blames Musharraf for not cracking down on the terrorist activity in Pakistan. The accusation sparked an argument between Karzai and Musharraf causing both to state faults against each other and things that they can do to stop terrorists in their respective countries. Karzai also stated that the United Statesis playing a crucial role in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Karzai made this passionate quote to American soldiers to show his appreciation. "So my message for the American soldiers in Afghanistan is that they have liberated us from tyranny, from terrorism, from oppression, from occupation, into a country that is now moving toward prosperity, that is once again the home of all Afghans." This statement was made during a CNN interview after the three leaders met. There were not too many advances in the attempt to defeat terrorism, but it is a start to long process to stop the dangers of future terrorist attacks and an attempt to save lives as well.

Joshua Burston, Editor

Source of Tainted Spinach

There has been new ground-breaking advancement in the case to solve the problem of where the E.coli outbreak began. Two tainted bags have been traced back to a Dole plant in San Bautista processing plant in San Francisco, California. Both tainted bags passed through the Natural Selections Plant on August 15. The two bags were traced to a store in Utah and a store in New Mexico; fortunately, none of the tainted spinach was sold to consumers. The Food and Drug Administration continues to warn citizens about the spinach and urges them not to buy spinach products until this problem is solved. At least 175 people have been affected by this outbreak. More than half of those people were hospitalized, and there have been three confirmed deaths. Twenty-five states have reported contamination, and they are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Joshua Burston, Editor

Sports

Softball Update

Tuesday @ MIS v. Tri-City Bulldogs

The Tuesday softball game against the Tri-City Bulldogs was an easy victory for the Lady Cougars. Newnan didn't waste any time scoring 12 runs during their first at-bat. Due to solid defense led by freshman pitcher Kayla Heggood, Newnan didn't allow the Bulldogs any runs. The game was called after Cherae Gamble's third inning 3 run homerun to give a 15-0 win for Newnan.

This game was the last regular season homegame for the Cougars and also was their Senior Night. Seniors Cherae Gamble, Shea Martin, Crissy Rainwater, Alietha Sinkfield, Rachael Whitley, and Kimberly Wood were recognized before the game.

It has been a great season so far and the Lady Cougars had an away game Thursday, October 5th.

Rachael Whitley, Freelance Contributor

Bike Race

Bike Race Across Georgia a.k.a."BRAG" came to Newnan for the 15th time on Friday, September 29th. Newnan expected more than five hundred bikers for the race. Bikers camped out at Newnan High School, in the Old Gym and outside in tents. A six-piece band played Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Waterworks Park. Grantville served as a rest stop for the bike race.

Ben Blackburn, Sports Editor

Cheerleading

Do you realize how much work goes into being a cheerleader? Memorizing routines, maintaining an overall team GPA of 94, and community projects are all parts of being on the team.

Consisting of sixteen athletes, the NHS varsity squad went to their first competition. The Peachtree Invitational on September 30 at Sandy Creek High School. With thirty-four teams competing, Newnan finished first in both Varsity Co-ed and Junior Varsity. Their score at competition was 255 out of 300 points and was the highest score of all of the teams. The team beat East Coweta by thirty-seven points!

September 30 was their second competition at Whitewater. Although two members of the squad had minor injuries, they still placed first with a score of 241 out of 300. Second and third places went to Jones County and East Coweta.

The difference between Newnan's squad and other teams is that their competing squad is the same as their football cheerleading squad. Most schools put their best cheerleaders on their competition squad and the others on their football and basketballs squads. This year Newnan High's very own cheerleading squad has been nominated for Georgia Team of the year!

Let's wish the squad the best of luck for their competition, Saturday, October 7 at East Coweta High at one o'clock!

Nikki Rice and Whitney Black, Spotlight Editors and Freelance

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 . . .

* Homecoming was a great success. Thanks to all the students who really showed their Cougar pride!

*The creation of the Academic Booster Club

* Psychology Club for supporting cancer awareness

*To the Cougar Staff for showing their pride with lots of hard work on the "door"

Thorns to . . .

* Lack of system support and cooperation outside our school-- hey, it's homecoming!

*Exams during homecoming!

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

"Stand Out Student" does not necessarily spotlight the best athlete or the student at the top of the class, but the student who excels in anything he or she does. Teachers and fellow students make recommendations for this section! The editors of "Spotlight" personally interview each recommendation and select students to be featured each week!

Caitlin Williams

Caitlin Williams is the epitome of a "Stand Out Student." She has many accomplishments to her name, and she is only fifteen!

Caitlin moved here from Cape Coral, Florida. She and her family moved here to buy a horse ranch. Caitlin has been riding horses since she was two. She's gone to rodeos to compete in barrel racing, but she has focused more on her dancing career.

Ms. Williams has been dancing for seven years. She transferred from an arts school where she majored in dance. In Newnan, she attends two dance studios, One Word Productions and A New You Dance. Caitlin takes jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, belly dance, and ballroom.

All those classes are mere practice compared to her experience with Disneyland. She danced in many productions with the Disney Company. Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, and the Children's Division are just a few productions in which she has been involved. Three years with MGM and one year at Epcot are major accomplishments for Caitlin.

An interesting fact about Caitlin is that she is half Cherokee Indian and half French. She is also one of the two Native Americans (the other being Dakota Kaplan, another Stand Out Student) attending NHS.

Caitlin is World News Editor for the Cougar Chronicles. She is a well-versed writer and does an exceptional job with her articles!

The staff of the Cougar Chronicles wishes Caitlin the best of luck with her dancing career. We are truly blessed to have her write articles for the paper!

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor

Crissy Townsend

Who better as our Stand Out Student than one of our very own NHS Varsity cheerleaders? Chrissy Townsend watched older boys and girls in her hometown in Tennessee cheer for years before deciding it was something she wanted to do. She has now been cheering for eight years. Since she is a senior this year, she plans to go on and cheer in college.

When asked her favorite part about being on the NHS squad, she said "We have no individual standouts; we are a true team. We are all friends! We are excited and have set high goals this year. Our theme is 'War!'"

This year Townsend's classes include AP Calculus and AP Economics. She says that she has no spare time. Her life consists of working, cheering, and studying.

Her favorite quote comes from the Bible: "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me."

Nikki Rice, 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 who do a lot for their students.

Mr. James Maston

Why did James Maston become a teacher? "I became a teacher because of my 7th and 8th grade history teacher. He inspired me to be a junior high school teacher. He was interesting and a great guy. I taught junior high for about ten years and then moved to high school." For thirty-three years, Mr. James Maston has been teaching, but this year is his first teaching in Georgia!

Mr. Maston received a B.A. degree in Social Studies Education at the State University of New York and Potsdam. He did his graduate studies at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Mr. Maston also completed thirty hours of graduate work in History and Education.

Mr. Maston's arrival to NHS was somewhat of a shock for him. "I thought-- what a great traditional building from the outside. From the inside, I was amazed at the size of the school and the student body. I taught at a school for thirty-three years that had a total of 480 students in grades 9-12." Civics and American History are the subjects Mr. Maston teaches at Newnan High.

Outside of school, Mr. Maston loves everything to do with baseball. "I am a very passionate baseball fan. I love all sports, but baseball is my passion. I love the San Francisco Giants and have been a fan since 1954. I coached little league baseball for twelve years and loved every minute of it."

Most people probably don't know about Mr. Maston's dislike of e-mail! "I hate e-mail! I'd rather talk on the phone." Fortunately for him, Mr. Maston won't ever have to write an e-mail to his son, who was the cause of Mr. Maston's move to Georgia. "My wife and I decided to move to Georgia this year, following my son, his wife, and their three children."

So if you're taking Civics or American History with Mr. Maston, ask him about his love of baseball. Maybe even ask him about New York! Or maybe, walk by his room and say "thanks for coming to Newnan"!

Whitney Black, Spotlight Editor

Mrs. Lindsey Kee

Mrs. Lindsey Kee comes to NHS this year from Arnall Middle School. This year will be her second year of teaching. She is currently teaching Physical Science and next semester she will add Biology to her schedule. Her first impression of Newnan High was how much it has not changed since she graduated in 1999.

Mrs. Kee attended Georgia Southern. After that, she went to the University of West Georgia and graduated with an Earth Science Degree.

Kee became a teacher because she wanted to be a positive influence in young people's lives. She strives to teach science in a fun, interesting way, helping her students to see how much it affects everyday life. She also tries to prepare her students for the many oppurtunities that lie ahead of them after high school. After deciding to become a teacher, Kee knew NHS was where she wanted to be. "This is where my whole family went to school, and I know so many people here. I have so many good memories from going here; there is nowhere else that I would want to be. I want to leave my students with the great memories that my NHS teachers gave to me."

In her spare time, Kee plays tennis and soccer. She also enjoys rock climbing and kayaking.

Nikki Rice, Spotlight Editor