Irish Magazine Summer Edition 2016

IRISHTHE MAGAZINE OF DUBLIN CITY SCHOOLS

HEAD OF THE CLASSTHE CLASS OF 2016 GETS A SEND OFF EQUAL TO THEIR IRISH PRIDE

•MOST CHALLENGING HIGH SCHOOL•MASTERS CLASS•TELLUS MORE•ADVENTURES OF HERO SQUAD•ALUMNI UPDATE•RELAY

RETURNS•HARVARD LADY•GREEN PIECE•AND MORE!

Welcome to Irish Magazine. This publica-tion is designed to showcase some of the exceptional things transpiring on the cam-puses of Dublin City Schools.

We have completed another successful year, with students excelling both individually and collectively in academics and in the world.

In this issue, you’ll see a brief glimpse of the great things going on at our schools. From being ranked as one of the Most Chal-lenging High Schools by The Washington Post, to students attending Harvard and raising funds to honor famous educators, this edition is chock-full of experiences and achievements that will serve our students well beyond their time in the classroom. And I didn’t even mention our celebration of the Class of 2016 and all their wonderful accomplishments. In fact, this edition is twice the size of our Fall Edition, and that is all thanks to the dedicated educators and wonderful students who make it all possible.

Our system continues to perform at an unprecedented level. With the highest grad-uation rate in the region, SAT scores higher than the Heart of Georgia RESA average and a thriving International Baccalaureate program, our students have every opportu-nity to excel in the classroom.

Paired with state-of-the-art curriculum offerings, thoughtful, innovative and caring educators and receptive students, we are proud peacocks ready to show off our feath-ers to any and all who are willing to listen to our story.

We hope this glimpse into our classrooms and lives will show you what has us so inspired and excited about the future that awaits our students.

Dr. Fred Williams,Superintendent

PAGE 2 IRISH MAGAZINE/SUMMER EDITION

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EDITOR Jason HalcombeIrish Magazine is a publication of Dublin City Schools. Copy-right 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

ON THE COVER: DHS STAR Student Tanner Graham looks up toward family during graduation ceremonies held May 27 in the DHS gymnasium.

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Dublin High School was ranked among the Most Chal-lenging High Schools in Georgia and the nation, accord-ing to a recent study by the Washington Post.

Dublin was one of only five Middle Georgia schools to make the list, joining Howard, Houston County, Veter-ans and Perry high schools.

The study looked at the total number of “Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge tests given at a school each year and di-vide by the number of seniors who graduated in May or June…Pub-lic schools that achieved a ratio of at least 1.00, meaning they had as many tests in 2015 as they had graduates, were put on the national list.”

Dublin ranked 132 in Georgia, behind top performer Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology, Howard (32), Veterans (83), Houston County (94) and Perry (109).

The bulk of the state’s top-performing high schools were

located around the Atlanta and Savannah-metro areas.

According to study originator/education columnist Jay Mathews, “just more than 10 percent of the approxi-mately 22,000 U.S. public high schools managed to reach (the set) standard and earn placement on our list.”

Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. Fred Williams said he was pleased to see DHS

earn this distinction.“I’m very proud of the efforts of our

faculty and staff to educate our students at a high level,” Williams said. “This marker is the latest showing that we are preparing our students for high achieve-ment and success beyond our

classrooms. It also proves the sig-nificance programs like AP and IB

can have in helping our young peo-ple attain that high achievement and

success.”

The complete list of Georgia schools can be viewed at: https://apps.washingtonpost.com/local/highschoolchal-lenge/schools/2016/list/georgia-schools/

UP TO THE CHALLENGEWashington Post lists Dublin High School among ‘America’s Most Challenging’ in the nation

RANK SCHOOL CITY STATE E&E% INDEX32 Howard Macon GA 2.90983 Veterans Kathleen GA 30.00 1.68694 Houston Co. W. Robins GA 1.512109 Perry Perry GA 30.00 1.292132 Dublin Dublin GA 10.00 1.095

MIDDLE GA SCHOOLS THAT MADE THE LIST

IRISH MAGAZINE/SUMMER EDITION


Rozier used a variety of cooling methods to determine which would chill her soda the fastest. Her conclusion? Her ice-only method caused a 16-degree

changed in temperature to claim the top prize.

A walk to the kitchen in search of a cold soda has turned into an unexpected trip to the Tellus Science Museum and high honors in science for Dublin Middle Schooler Amaya Rozier.

Rozier, a sixth grader at DMS, was only hoping to find a cold drink in the fridge when she walked into the kitchen months ago. Unfortunately, the best she came away with was a lukewarm soda stashed on a kitchen countertop.

“I had come home from cheerleading and was looking for a cold drink,” Rozier said. This pattern repeated itself to the point that she started asking herself, “What’s the fastest way to cool a soda?”

“I thought this would be a cool experiment with the sci-ence fair coming up,” Rozier said.

So Rozier began accumulating her materials for the big cool down, settling on 15 cans of a particular type of soda more for its lack of flavor than any unique cooling qualities it possessed.

“It was Christmas at my aunt’s house and at the end they said we could have the sodas,” Rozier said. “It was a full 12-pack. I thought it was weird because they don’t usual-ly give away sodas.”

“They were nasty,” added mom Lakeia, a teacher at Hill-crest Elementary, “and nobody would drink them.”

With her PepsiMax, three Styrofoam coolers and a mix of cooling ingredients including ice, water and salt in hand, Rozier set out to find a way to cool her drinks should she be shut out again.

Her hypothesis, “that if temperature is related to time, then icy water will make the sodas cool down the fastest,” was proven true when cans of PepsiMax placed in the ice-only cooler dropped to a crisp 40 degrees (a 16-de-

gree change) in only 15 minutes; more than a degree a minute.

Rozier’s project earned recognition at the school level before winning first at the Heart of Georgia RESA Sci-ence Fair held in Eastman.

From there, Rozier carried her project up to the state sci-ence fair in Athens where she was selected as one of 16 representatives for the Future Science Stars exhibit at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville slated for May 14.

Rozier nearly declined attending the RESA awards cere-mony because “there were so many other amazing proj-ects,” and is now one of 16 out of 600 entries to be hon-ored at the highest level for her project.

She and the rest of the young scientists in attendance were honored at a special luncheon where each was presented with a $100 award and a framed certificate, and also had the opportunity to display their projects through June.

“I’m surprised and excited,” Lakeia said. “I got excited because she has always talked about wanting to get into the medical field. I was always worried that she might not be interested in science, and knowing how much sci-ence is needed to get into the medical field, I hoped she was on the right track.” By the results of Rozier’s latest work, it would seem mom’s worries can be put to rest for now.

Rozier can also guarantee that not a single penny of her prize money will go toward the purchase of any more PepsiMax.

“I like Sprite,” Rozier said. And now she has a plan on how to cool that Sprite quickly should her family put her in the same predicament again after cheerleading prac-tice.

TELLUS MORERozier’s Science Fair project earns her more than a cold soda, it earns her a spot at a state science exhibit


Three months out, Kennedy Blackwell-Lewis already knew she was going to miss the first day of her senior year.

What, on the surface, appeared to be out of character for the International Baccalaureate honor student is, upon further investigation, the latest step by Blackwell-Lewis toward securing admission to an elite Ivy League univer-sity the following year.

While her classmates all enjoy the tail end of summer va-cation, Blackwell-Lewis will be attending a Pre-College program at Harvard University at the end of July.

It will be the second consecutive year Blackwell-Lewis has taken part in programs at the prestigious university, furthering her efforts to become a member of the Crim-son upon graduation next May.

Everything from her engaging smile to her extracurricu-lar exploits and community service efforts dispel any no-tion of Blackwell-Lewis being a bookish stereotype and instead make her about as well rounded as they come for a 16-year-old.

Along with being a member of the football and basketball cheer squads and running cross country, Blackwell-Lew-is volunteers with Dublin Rising’s youth soccer program, at soup kitchens and with her church youth group from her former home in Maryland.

“I don’t know if I’d say I’m popular, but I do have a lot of friends,” said Blackwell-Lewis, dimples forming at the ends of a coy grin that still offers a sincerity that has made her a favorite for classmates and teachers alike. “Kennedy is the type of student that you dream of having in class,” said Kristi Garrett, Blackwell-Lewis’ IB Theo-ry of Knowledge teacher. “She’s inquisitive, open-mind-ed, and is always willing to participate and seek further

knowledge from you as a teacher. More importantly, Kennedy is a young woman with a positive attitude and encouraging spirit who has the energy to brighten the day of those around her.

“…She is confident, yet humble. She isn’t afraid to chal-lenge herself, and encourage those around her, to strive for opportunities that will lead to that success.”

That attitude is what initially prompted Blackwell-Lewis to pursue her dream of attending Harvard two years ago.

A People to People Leadership program gave Black-well-Lewis her first chance to visit the Cambridge, Mass. Campus. She was joined by fellow top-performing soph-omores from Africa, the Czech Republic, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, a Native American, and a young man from China who, years earlier, had already success-fully launched an anti-bullying foundation.

“It definitely motivated me,” Blackwell-Lewis said. “It let me know I’m so much bigger than where I’m from.”

The leadership trip put Blackwell-Lewis on the college and university radar, and the accompanying mailing list, with her mailbox seeing a huge surge in program pam-phlets.

“But they were programs that were indirectly tied to Har-vard,” she said. “My mom said, ‘If we’re going to spend that much money on a program not directly through Harvard let’s find one that is through Harvard.”

It wasn’t as easy as filling out a form and mailing in entry fees, though, with Blackwell-Lewis required to provide transcripts and reviews from guidance counselors before being approved for the $4,200 course.

“I qualified for some financial aid, but we’re trying to raise the rest,” she said.

A HARVARD LADYBlackwell-Lewis is headed to Boston to prepareherself for Ivy League aspirations

With a few weeks left until the end of the school year, Blackwell-Lewis said she felt like her courses in IB helped prepare her for the environment and expectations asso-ciated with her trip to Harvard.

“It’s designed to make me a global person,” she said. “It makes you question what you know, how you know it and opens your eyes to what you wouldn’t have thought about.”

“Kennedy is in my IB Theory of Knowledge-Year 1 Course and I have had the opportunity to really see her blossom this year,” Garrett said. “This course requires students to not only expand their subject knowledge in areas such as math, art, the physical and human sciences, history and ethics, but to also deeply inquire into various ways in which knowledge is obtained through reason, imagination, memory, and sense perception.

“She has also had to reflect upon the impact of knowledge acquisition on her life. As a teacher it is always inspiring to watch students grow and develop in their critical thinking skills and Kennedy has really done a lot of that this year.”

Blackwell-Lewis will be taking a three-hour Introduction to College Writing course July 24-Aug. 5 that includes visits to surrounding campuses in the Boston area and interactive group activities de-signed to give students the full experi-ence of being a Harvard student.

“The reason I chose Intro to Writing is because I feel like I’m a strong writer and hopefully this will help me get into the swing of the college routine,” said Black-well-Lewis, who plans to major in psy-chology and minor in business. “If I see myself excelling I won’t have any doubt about succeeding as an undergrad when I come back.”

As for the planned absence?

“I hope it will be excused,” Black-well-Lewis says with another coy smile.

Blackwell-Lewis is a rising senior at Dublin High School, who will be taking courses at Harvard

University this summer.

GREEN PIECEHillcrest students use more than just

green thumbs to plant a butterfly garden at the VA’s Lake Leisure


A suggestion by retired Dublin High School teacher and grandpa Allan Yauck turned into a great green space and community service project the day before Earth Day at the Carl Vinson VAMC for the Hillcrest Elementary Garden Club. The Club, which worked in close coordination with sponsor Green Acres Garden Club, spent the afternoon of April 21 installing a but-terfly garden beside the VA’s Lake Leisure. Lake Lei-sure is currently undergoing renovation to restore it as a community resource. A total of 17 students par-ticipated in the project, with help from Green Acres, with plants donated by Laurie and Marshall Jackson as well as Roche Farm and Garden. A sign was pro-vided courtesy Ryan Holbrook, which will include dedication and sponsor information when complet-ed. Hillcrest, a Leadership, Environmental Awareness and Public service (LEAP) school, takes part in proj-ects like the butterfly garden throughout the year.


RELAY’S

Annual American Cancer Society fundraiser comes back to DHS campus with great results

RETURN

The Dublin High School track played host to Laurens County’s Relay for Life May 6. The annual American Cancer Society fundraiser brought together nearly 40 teams that raised more than $66,000: $15,000 above its goal. People from across the community joined members of all six of Dublin City’s campus teams in honoring those who fought and won their battle against cancer, and to remember those lost to the dis-ease. Special thanks to everyone involved in making Relay’s return to DHS such a rousing success.


Lizziana Sinkfield could sell ice to Eskimos, or wood to a forest. And that’s even without having to turn on her Shirley Temple charm.

The door-to-door sales pitches by Sinkfield and her Su-sie Dasher Student Advisory Council counterparts were less about product peddling and more about honor-ing a woman they’ve only read about in books and seen in one photo hanging in front of the principal’s office.

In a one-of-a-kind fundraiser, Sinkfield and the SAC helped raise more than $1,200 to purchase a headstone to place at the gravesite of their school’s namesake.

“She was important to this school,” Sinkfield said, “and she was important to Dublin.”

Born Susie White, the educator moved from Macon to Dublin in 1914, taking on a first grade teaching position at Telfair Street School.

White, who later married prominent businessman and politician J.M. Dasher, became principal of the school where she instituted sweeping innovations including starting a PTA, adding lights, a lunchroom and even be-ing one of the first to offer hot lunches to students.

Dasher’s 35 years of service to education and the com-munity have received state and national recognition, leading to the elementary school off U.S. 19 being named in her honor.

So it came as a shock and surprise to members of Lead-ership Dublin-Laurens County when they learned the grave of this trailblazer was left unmarked in Dudley Cemetery.

The group reached out to Susie Dasher, which was in its

first year of adding a Student Advisory Council of 3-5 graders that were looking to begin taking on meaningful service projects.

“They were actually begging me to do projects,” said SAC coordinator Tracie Copeland. “We decided this would be

a great opportunity to get involved in the communi-ty and honor Mrs. Dasher.”

At the start of second semester, the students began researching Dasher’s life and crafting the speech they presented to business lead-ers Wednesday.

One by one, students stepped in front of people like former principal Ellen Smith and

Superintendent Dr. Fred Williams, or business owners up and down Dublin’s retail district to re-

tell Dasher’s story and how each could help honor a very special woman.

A little more than two months later, dignitaries gathered at Dudley Cemetery to celebrate the placement of the headstone for Dasher which included the inscription, “Educator.”

HONORING SUSIESusie Dasher Student Advisory Council raises funds to purchase headstone for school’s namesake

Billy Beacham, a member of the Dublin-Laurens His-torical Society who researches gravesites for the group, reminded all in attendance that “Susie Dasher is the only school in our county named after a person.”

While the group planned to have similar service projects each month through the end of the school year, school leaders said there will be little to compare to this unique and overdo undertaking that was overlooked by grownups for decades.

“I am very proud,” said current Su-sie Dasher principal Lakeisha Fluker. “This is the first year of this program

and it’s giving them a role to play in government and civics. We’re building leadership qualities inside them they’ll carry with them on to middle school and beyond.”

(At left): A portrait of Dasher. (At left, bottom): Sinkfield

fundraises for Dasher’s headstone. (Above): Dr. Fred

Wiliams and Susie Dasher principal Lakeisha Fluker join city officials to view the new

headstone. (Bottom): Leaders pose at the ceremony.


Dublin City Schools Strategy Map

One day after announcing plans to invest $90 million and add 425 jobs as part of a second-phase expansion, Valmiera Glass committed $1 million to house a 10,000 square-foot training facility inside the Heart of Geor-gia College and Career Academy. The project will serve as a partnership between the HGCCA and Oconee Fall Line Technical College, which will train workforce in fi-berglass fabrication skills necessary at Valmiera. “Valm-iera’s Phase II expansion is one of the largest and most exciting economic development wins in the history of Dublin-Laurens County,” said Dr. Fred Williams, Chair-man of Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority. “Over 400 families will be positively impacted by this decision, and we are so thankful to the company and all of our local, state, and federal partners for helping us se-cure these new jobs. This announcement is a wonderful way to kick start 2016 and a great example of the fruit that comes from a commitment to support aggressive economic development in Middle Georgia.”

VALMIERA INVESTS $1 MILLION IN HGCCA TRAINING FACILITY


HEAD OF

Valedictorian Jolie Anne Rowland and Salutatorian Richard Lysaker earned top honors at this year’s

graduation ceremony. They were two of 23 honor graduates, and among 15 to earn International

Baccalaureate course credit.

THE CLASSCelebrating the Class of

2016

*Tyronika Alexis Allen *Robert Jonathan Allison Katherine Latrice O’Neal Alton Devin Rena Anderson Uriah Malik Shambray Andrews Jordan Antonio Arline Tyanna Mekelle Askew JVoski Akeel Jamal Bartee Jayla Malika Bateman Tamieshia Cataria Shantia Beasley Eliza Marijean Beckham ∂Chare Jeanell Bostic Aja Monik Brown *Barrington Parks Brown Christopher Michael James Burnett Baronique Jamonica TaShay Burton Courtney Rhae Bush ∂*Jerica Nicole Butler Veneisha Kentrial Butler Hannah Reed Carson Nyeshia Renee Carswell ∂*Chasity Jada Carter Keyonna LaShay Cato Jocquaz Jeffery Chaney Ashwon Vontrice Charleston Brittany Brionda Childs Marquez Anthony Clover Naquesha Aaliyah Dardy LaErykah ASheka NiKeya Davis ∂*Akila Brianna Dixon DiVonne Maceo Donald Kayshawn Lavern Dorsainvil Derrick Treyvon Dudley ∂Ayanna Myel Duncan

*Junior Lee Figueroa IIBrendon Alexander Foreman Janasiah Arlena Gooding *Tanner Nicholas Graham ∂Chatese Keyambreia Hampton Tamera Denise Harden Eva Rose Hardy Quantavious Rodriquez Hicks Leion Zacherian Hood-MurphyLil Shawn Tatyana Hooks ∂ƒ Matthew Tyler Howell Hope Elizabeth Ingram George DeAndre Jackson II*Shelton Jackson IIAsia Brianna Johnson Christopher Curt Johnson Jr*Shravan Kannan Cameron Kordell Kemp Kanisha Zhire King Rolanda Kimbrel Walker King Tyrique Jaquez Kinsey Se’maj De’Ivion Ty’rek Kitchens Breanna Shantell Knight Feliciano Lopez Ruiz ∂†*Richard Thomas Lysaker *Dre`Kee Devonte` Mack Cory Isaac Mallette Cambria Mulan Marion Taybriana Carmesha Martin Kaya Iman Matthews *Alicia Monique Denise May Gabriel Alexandria McCloud Larry James McGirt Jr.Savannah Morgan McLendon

DUBLIN HIGH CLASS OF 2016CONGRAT ULATIONS


Bryceton Jonte’ Mills Alex Treyvon Mitchell JyKerria Lequisha Mitchell Laquesta Rochelle Mitchell ∂*Nykira Diasia Mitchell Brian Sheldon Moten Jr.Cole Walters Mullis Myesha Camese Neasman Angelica Niesha O’Neal JaQuil Ontenerrio O’Neal *Nia Symone O’Neal Tyonna Sharell O’Neal Armani Shambria Odom Kimberly Denise Outlaw Andrice Lashawanna Parker Joshua Davon Peek Christopher Michael Perry Gerald Rodrigus Phillips Jr.DeQuandria Jakeicia Pittman Crishauna Elahn Ponder Joshua Kenneth Price Melieck Shakur Price Jaydon Allen Pryor ∂*Rawda Zulfa Rahman Keyshawn Rogers ∂ƒ ¥*Jolie Anne Rowland Ayanna Waukeisha Rozier Carmonica Kelvonic-Imari Rozier Traveuona DeAsia Sampson ∂*Aaliyah Derianna Schmidt Jasmine Altiana Tahnee Seals Jakira A’mon Smith ∂*James Luis Smith Quartarius Ontario-Shravez’ Smith

Shambriel Senquoyah Spikes Keon RaShaud Stanley Simeon Juwan Stanley Freddie Lee Steward Hannah Brooke Sumner Wenjie Tang Victoria Alliyah Taylor Fre’Derick Rakwon Thomas Taylor Elizabeth Thrasher Donovan Bryce Timmons ∂*Jared Allums Tribble Katlenn Dawn Usry *Bryant Edward Versprille Adrianna Shambriel Walker Harley Amberlynn Wallace ∂*Kristin Aleita Watson Jacori Jovan Whipple Lakeitha Moniece White Kelsey Keshawn Wiggins Taquan Terrique Wilburn LaDavia Chance Wilcox *Frederick Cleveland Williams IIKeira Chevonne Williams Raymond Gerard Williams T’onna Eugenia Patriece Williams Johnny Timothy DeNerio Willis Morgan Rayne Wilson Kadisha Lashay Wright

• Honor Graduate∂ IB Cord recipientƒ IB Diploma recipient† Salutatorian¥ Valedictorian

DUBLIN HIGH CLASS OF 2016CONGRAT ULATIONS


Moore Street School held graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2016 May 25 in the DHS Auditorium. Following the processional, Dr. Vickie Sims offered the Call to Order, fol-lowed by the Invocation by Tavaris Wright. Jamesha Horne led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem performance by Mrs. Pamela Coley. Devil-in Payne offered the Welcome, and Tommy Curry, Jr. intro-duced guest speaker Cheryl Banks. Ms. Pat Edwards certified the graduates, followed by the presentation of seniors for diplomas by Mrs. Catina Pucket. BOE Vice Chair John Bell, Supt. Dr. Fred Williams and principal Emory Bostic award-ed diplomas, before Mr. Jeff Puckett called for the change of tassels.

CONGRATULATIONSMOORE STREET SCHOOL CLASS OF 2016


Prior to heading to the ballot box to make their selections, students heard from candidates

and also watched political commercials to determine who would represent them in the

Junior City Council.

With a “Georgia Voter” sticker on his shirt, and a smile on his face, senior Larry McGirt walked up to the vot-er registration table and began filling out paperwork to extend his reach beyond electing classmates to council seats.

It was something he admittedly had never “made time” for, but following his first practice in the election pro-cess—to choose which DHS students would serve on the city’s Junior City Council program—he decided the time was right to perform his civic duty.

“I’ve always wanted to vote but never got around to it,” McGirt said. “I’m about to register to vote.”

That single transformative moment was all any of the planners and organizers of the Junior Council could have asked for, but they got so much more out of the small-scale election process.

Eight students were elected to seven city council seats and mayor, becoming the first-of-its-kind panel to con-nect young voices and perspectives with Dublin City Council.

Prior to the results, candidates were afforded two min-utes to present their platform to the student body, which then went to the polls and had to follow a near-identical process of presenting identification, filling out voter reg-istration information and finally casting their ballot.

“This is a pilot program we’ve fast-tracked,” said City of Dublin’s Community Development Manager Deborah Stanley. “We’re very proud of Mrs. (Tammy) Howard. It has gone so well.”

Students proceeded, one after the other, into the voting room, read the instructions and filled out their paper ballots, before dropping them off and receiving stickers from folks like Dublin City councilmen Gary Johnson and Bennie Jones. Both were beaming with pride watch-

ing the students learn a valuable civics lesson.

“It’s a first step to learning the process of voting,” John-son said. “When I came up, we were all taught this. What I appreciate is they all seem to be taking it very seriously.”

Jones said he expects the youth movement provided by the Junior Council will benefit the adult council greatly.

“I’m very excited,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what they do on the council and what ideas they offer us. It’s going to be great.”

The format of the Junior Council will mirror city coun-cil, with members elected from four wards along with two at-large members. The council will meet regularly, reporting its findings or suggestions to city council for consideration.

“It makes me so proud,” said Howard, a US History teacher and school-level coordinator. “Showing them the ropes is a dream come true. I want them to do this in a real general election.”

McGirt agreed, and obliged.

“I think young people need to get out and vote,” he said. “You have an opportunity to choose ‘your’ candidate. This has really touched me. It really has. That’s why I’m about to register to vote.”

REAL-WORLD CIVICSDHS students elect Junior City Councilto work with City of Dublin

Dublin Junior City Council Election ResultsSeat StudentMayor Yu’Trevius SpikesWard 1 Zapporah CharlestonWard 2 Silentah StanleyWard 3 Deyanna HinesWard 4 Kennedy Blackwell-LewisAt-Large Nyema Graham, Keyanne Jones, and Diamond Wright

While a certain caped crusader tangled with a man of steel on the big screen, Dublin High School’s Sources of Strength team earned top honors recently for putting pen to paper on a Hero Squad of their own.

Dubbed, “The Adventures of the Hero Squad: There is a Hero in Your,” the 24-page book designed to aid 3-5 graders in need took home first place at the annual Lau-rens County Youth Rally held March 31 at OFTC’s Por-ter Center. The book later went on to earn the top prize at state. The rally is the annual centerpiece of the Suicide Preven-tion Coalition’s Youth Advisory Council’s work to con-nect students to the support system offered by SPC and

school-level counselors.

Dublin’s Sources of Strength (SOS) team is the stu-dent-based version of the program, which aims to pro-vide classmates with an outlet in times of crisis.

“Each member is trained by professionals about the sources of strength program,” said Kelly Canady, Dublin City Schools’ social worker. “They don’t look alike, dress alike or act alike but together they make a great team.”

That same frame of thought is what led to the creation of the Hero Squad for the team’s book project.

“They’ve done videos on anti-bullying, or making good

HEROES AMONG USDublin’s Sources of Strength team pens book, wins local, state prizes for work to aid children in crisis situations


Senior Ayanna Rozier (pictured with DHS counselor Kelly Canady) will be the first student to complete four years on the Sources of Strength team, and she said she’s witnessed first-hand the positive results of the program beyond the pages of Hero Squad story.

friend choices and even billboards,” Canady said. “This year, the Youth Advisory Council decided that each team would create a ‘visually compelling’ book…done on a 3-5 grade level. Our team decided to come up with the theme, ‘There’s a Hero in you.”From Fam Man Felip to Positive Priscilla, Mentor Mi-chael, Healthy Hannah and Generous Geraldo, each of the eight superheroes personified some slice of the Sources of Strength wheel. The heroes offer a positive outcome in each situation, and show readers how to manage the challenges that come with everyday life.

Senior Ayanna Rozier will be the first student to com-plete four years on the Sources of Strength team, and she said she’s witnessed first-hand the positive results of the program beyond the pages of Hero Squad story.

“I like positivity and I don’t like negativity,” Rozier said as one of the 10-member SOS team. “I’ve seen the positive change in the school. It’s amazing to see how one pro-gram can change people’s mindset and how they handle situations…It’s such an amazing program.”

During their regular meeting in April, Dublin City

School board members shared their pride in not only the recognition tied to the book but also the long-term benefits provided by the Sources of Strength team.

“Sometimes all it takes is knowing somebody cares,” said BOE member James Lanier.

“(And) wherever (Rozier) goes,” added BOE member Peggy Johnson, “she’s going to take that training; you’ll be impacting more than just Dublin City Schools.”

(Pictured): A page from “The Adventures of Hero Squad.” Each hero helps children deal with everything from building positive relationships to dealing with bullies.

WITHHONORSDHS STUDENTS EARN HONORS, MORETHAN $325K IN SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS


Dublin High School hosted its Class of 2016 Honors Day program April 20 in the auditorium. A total of 26 scholarships totaling more than $325,000 were hand-ed out, with 23 students slated to graduate with honors receiving a gold cord to conclude the program. Fifteen students earned International Baccalaureate (blue) honor cords for completing IB coursework while two students earned IB diplomas in addition to their DHS diploma. Platinum Seniors were presented a silver cord. Department, CTAE, RESA, Rotary Speech, Attendance, PSAT and Georgia Certificate of Merit winners were also honored. Turn the page to find a list of all those honored.

More than 20 students were presentedwith scholarships totaling more than$325,000 during Honors Day at DublinHigh School April 20. Here is the listof recipients:

Seaborn R. Lawrence MemorialJunior L. Figueroa, II

Bell StewartAkila B. Dixon

Mary Tyson DeamerKristin A. Watson

Joel Sanders MemorialKristin A. Watson

Emerald Bus. & Prof. Women’s ClubAja M. Brown

Dublin Housing AuthorityDre’Kee Mack Keira Williams

Dublin Service League Alicia May Aaliyah SchmidtBryant VersprilleKristin Watson

Miss Black Festival Academic Alicia May

Miss Black Festival Most TalentedAaliyah Schmidt

Mayme Thomasenor PearsonAaliyah Schmidt

John Laurens Chapter DARKristin Watson

Phi Beta Sigma (R.L. Plummer)Alicia May

PeacemakerKristin Watson

Burger King McLamore FoundationAlicia May

Dublin Civitan ClubKristin Watson

Delta Sigma ThetaAlicia May2016 Marine Corps AwardsJunior Figueroa and Precious Hall

Distinguished Athlete AwardRawda Rahman for tennisFred Williams for football and basketball

Scholastic Excellence AwardCambria MarionJohnny Willis

Georgia Mining AssociationKristin Watson

Child Abuse Prevention EssayKristin A. Watson

ACE AwardAmber Wallace

Exchange Speech ContestDe’Yana Hines

Department AwardsEnglish9th Grade Literature & Composition: Karisa Jackson Honors 9th Grade Lit. & Composition: Joseph RadfordWorld Literature: Terrionna RozierHonors World Literature: Lauryn MetzdorfAmerican Literature: Charles O’NealAP Language: De’Yana HinesIB English Year 1: Kennedy Blackwell-LewisBritish Literature: Junior FigueroaAP Literature: Fred WilliamsIB English Year 2: Richard Lysaker Math Foundations of Algebra I: Marlo Foreman Algebra I: Keyanne Jones Accelerated Algebra I: Joseph RadfordGeometry: MaKalyn ForemanAccelerated Geometry: Lauren Price Algebra II: Ny’Kyaja ConeyIB Math Studies Year 1: Dalton Davis Pre-Calculus: Nia O’NealMath Decision Making: Larry McGirt IB Math Studies Year 2: Aaliyah SchmidtIB Math Year 2: Jolie Rowland

SciencePhysical Science: Karisa Jackson Honors Physical Science: Destini DavisBiology: MaKalyn ForemanHonors Biology: Karter Wood

Chemistry: Ny’Kyaja ConeyEnvironmental Science: La’Vonta WaldenIB Biology Year 1: Tone LeAnatomy & Physiology: Alicia MayIB Biology Year 2: Jolie Rowland Social Studies U.S. History in Film: Ja’licia McRae World History: Ty’Ajah PorterHonors World History: Karter WoodPre-IB US History: Lauryn MetzdorfUS History: Zatoria PlummerAP US History: De’Yana HinesIB History of the Americas Year 1: Kennedy Blackwell-LewisEconomics: Jolie RowlandGovernment: Dre’Kee MackAP Economics: Alicia MayAP Government: Rawda RahmanIB History of the Americas Year 2: Jolie RowlandIB Theory of Knowledge Year 1: Kennedy Blackwell-LewisIB Theory of Knowledge Year 2: Matthew Howell

Air Force JROTCAerospace Science 1: Amber Wallace Aerospace Science 2: Brianne GregoryAerospace Science 3: Charles O’NealAerospace Science 4: Jaydon Pryor

Health & Personal FitnessHealth & Personal Fitness: Jermaine Cooley Physical Education: Kameron Pauldo Weight Training: Ja’licia McRaeDean Clark

Foreign LanguagesSpanish 1: Terrionna Rozier Spanish 2: Karl GoodwinIB Spanish Year 1: Shelby SnipesIB Spanish Year 2: Jolie Rowland

Fine ArtsIntro. to Art: Alexus MatthewsDrawing: Ramon PittmanPainting: Junior FigueroaArts & Crafts: Lil Shawn HooksPortfolio: Taylor ThrasherHardest Working Artist Tiquwan JacksonIB Visual Arts Year 1: Kajol PatelYearbook Design: Chatese Hampto Chorus: Akila Dixon Band: Shelton Jackson

CTAE Pathways Agricultural Sciences: Dre’Kee Mack Nutrition & Food Sciences: Kierra HutchinsEntrepreneurship: Nia O’Neal Web & Digital Design: Nyia Mainor Engineering &Technology: Jocquaz Chaney

CTAE CompletersInterior, Fashion, & TextilesNykira Mitchell (cord)

EntrepreneurshipTyronkia AllenJayla BatemanAkia BrantleyAja BrownBaronique BurtonNyesha CarswellHope ClarkKayshawn DorsainvilKeAndrea FolsomBrendon ForemanNathan Hall


Chemistry: Ny’Kyaja ConeyEnvironmental Science: La’Vonta WaldenIB Biology Year 1: Tone LeAnatomy & Physiology: Alicia MayIB Biology Year 2: Jolie Rowland Social Studies U.S. History in Film: Ja’licia McRae World History: Ty’Ajah PorterHonors World History: Karter WoodPre-IB US History: Lauryn MetzdorfUS History: Zatoria PlummerAP US History: De’Yana HinesIB History of the Americas Year 1: Kennedy Blackwell-LewisEconomics: Jolie RowlandGovernment: Dre’Kee MackAP Economics: Alicia MayAP Government: Rawda RahmanIB History of the Americas Year 2: Jolie RowlandIB Theory of Knowledge Year 1: Kennedy Blackwell-LewisIB Theory of Knowledge Year 2: Matthew Howell

Air Force JROTCAerospace Science 1: Amber Wallace Aerospace Science 2: Brianne GregoryAerospace Science 3: Charles O’NealAerospace Science 4: Jaydon Pryor

Health & Personal FitnessHealth & Personal Fitness: Jermaine Cooley Physical Education: Kameron Pauldo Weight Training: Ja’licia McRaeDean Clark

Foreign LanguagesSpanish 1: Terrionna Rozier Spanish 2: Karl GoodwinIB Spanish Year 1: Shelby SnipesIB Spanish Year 2: Jolie Rowland

Fine ArtsIntro. to Art: Alexus MatthewsDrawing: Ramon PittmanPainting: Junior FigueroaArts & Crafts: Lil Shawn HooksPortfolio: Taylor ThrasherHardest Working Artist Tiquwan JacksonIB Visual Arts Year 1: Kajol PatelYearbook Design: Chatese Hampto Chorus: Akila Dixon Band: Shelton Jackson

CTAE Pathways Agricultural Sciences: Dre’Kee Mack Nutrition & Food Sciences: Kierra HutchinsEntrepreneurship: Nia O’Neal Web & Digital Design: Nyia Mainor Engineering &Technology: Jocquaz Chaney

CTAE CompletersInterior, Fashion, & TextilesNykira Mitchell (cord)

EntrepreneurshipTyronkia AllenJayla BatemanAkia BrantleyAja BrownBaronique BurtonNyesha CarswellHope ClarkKayshawn DorsainvilKeAndrea FolsomBrendon ForemanNathan Hall

Haley JohnsonGabriel McCloudLaQuesta MitchellShammen MontfordMyesha NeasmanAngelica O’NealNia O’NealFlossie OdumChrishauna PonderStarr SmithCharleesia SolomonFreddie StewardDonovan TimmonsKelsey WigginsTaquan WilburnLadavia WilcoxTaylor Thrasher (cord)Morgan Wilson (cord)Hannah Sumner (cord)Savannah McLendon (cord)Katlenn Usry (cord)Adrianna Walker (cord)

JROTCKatherine Alton (cord) Baronique Burton (cord) Brittany Childs Ayanna Duncan(cord) Chatese Hampton (cord) Tamera Harden Eva Hardy Matthew Howell (cord) Richard Lysaker (cord) Dre’Kee Mack (cord) Kaya Matthews Myesha Neasman (cord) Jaydon Pryor (cord) Quartarius Smith Jacori Whipple Devin Anderson Chare Bostic (cord) Kayshawn Dorsainvil Lil Shawn Hook (cord) Cambria Marion (cord) Taybriana Martin (cord)

Plant & Floriculture SystemsChakerria FloydHannah SumnerKatlenn UsryMalieck Price

Agriscience SystemsBarry WashingtonEva HardyJaydon Pryor

Horticulture & Mechanical SystemsDakota AllisonChris Perry

Amber Wallace (cord)

Horticulture & Forest ScienceKameron Hodge

AttendanceEquan FloydKoby SaundersBruce Guyton

PSATMeredith Page

Rotary SpeechKristin Watson

LiterarySenior Richard Lysaker

Juniors Mark DonnellKassy Ovueraye

Sophomores Haley JohnsonKarter Wood

Freshmen Destini DavisJoseph Radford

Ga. Cert. of Merit recipientsKennedy Blackwell-LewisDalton DavisMark DonnellDe’Yana HinesLindsey MathisShelby Snipes

IB cord recipientsChare BosticJerica ButlerChastity CarterAkila DixonAyanna DuncanChatese HamptonMatthew HowellRichard LysakerNykira MitchellRawda RahmanJolie RowlandAaliyah Schmidt James SmithJared TribbleKristin Watson

IB Diploma recipientsMatthew HowellJolie Rowland

Beta Club

Robbie AllisonChare BosticEliza BeckhamAja BrownBarry BrownJerica ButlerChasity CarterAkilia DixonAyanna DuncanJunior FigueroaTamera HardenMatthew HowellShelton JacksonShravan KannanAlicia MayNykira MitchellCole MullisNia O’NealAndrice ParkerRawda RahmanJolie RowlandAaliyah SchmidtJames SmithJared TribbleBryant VersprilleKristin WatsonFred WilliamsMorgan Wilson

Beta Club OfficersPresident Kristin Watson Vice President Mark DonnellSecretary Ayanna DuncanTreasurer Aaliyah Schmidt

STAR Student/STAR TeacherTanner GrahamLance Helton-Teacher

Platinum SeniorsTyanna AskewEliza BeckhamAja BrownBarry BrownChris BurnetteHannah CarsonChasity CarterJocquaz ChaneyAkila DixonJunior FigueroaTanner GrahamChatese HamptonMatthew HowellShelton JacksonShravan Kannan

Richard LysakerDre’Kee MackCambria MarionAlicia MayBrian MotenNia O’NealAndrice ParkerAaliyah SchmidtJames SmithWenjie TangJared TribbleBryant VersprilleKristin WatsonFred WilliamsAmber Wallace

Honor GraduatesTyronkia AllenRobbie AllisonBarry BrownJerica ButlerChasity CarterAkila DixonJunior FigueroaTanner GrahamShelton JacksonShravan KannanRichard LysakerDre’Kee MackAlicia MayNykira MitchellNia O’NealRawda RahmanJolie RowlandAaliyah SchmidtJames SmithJared TribbleBryant VersprilleKristin WatsonFred Williams

The email required a double-take from Dublin Middle School computer teacher Lauren Helton, and subse-quent research to uncover just what eighth grader Skyri-anna Cannon had accomplished.

“I had to look it up,” Helton said chuckling.

Cannon was the first Dublin Middle Schooler ever to earn a Master Office Specialist Master certi-fication in Word, gar-nering interest from program coordinator Certiport.

“We are impressed and wondered if this student might be willing to be named on a blog post on our website,” said Al-lison Yrungaray, Senior Public Relations Manager.

Unlike the basic certifications that measure proficiency, Cannon’s MOS distinction means she has reached an ex-pert level understanding of the program.

“Not many students can get to that level, period,” Helton said, “let alone an eighth grader in three nine weeks.”

Cannon has earned certifications in PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook, but it was her first certification in Access that gave her the confidence and inspiration to

strive toward the MOS certification.“It was something that became a goal during that first nine weeks,” Cannon said. “The whole idea was to better myself so when I start applying for jobs I can hopefully get a better one.”

Cannon said as she pushed herself she received positive reinforcement from her classmates, who Helton said also

benefited from the positive peer pressure surrounding Cannon’s success.

“We’ve actually already surpassed my personal goal of 100 certifications for the year,” Helton said. “We currently have 103, and my new goal is 120 which I feel confident we’ll reach. Last year we had 85.”

Cannon’s long-term goal is to become a fashion designer.

For now, she’s focused on accomplishing another first before leaving for high school: a second MOS certifica-tion in Excel.

“She should have it done by the end of the year,” Helton said.

“Yes, I’m going to do it,” Cannon said. “And this has all made me think of how I could do better in other things if I tried as hard as I did in this class.”

MASTERS CLASSCannon, only an eighth grader, earns Microsoft Master Certification

“This has all made me think of how I could do better in other things if I tried as hard as I did in this class.”


Cannon has achieved a distinction normally reserved for adults.In fact, Helton said many adults won’t earn this level of certification.

Class of ‘85: Jarriel plays all the right notes as a Nashville talent agent

ALUMNI UPDATEJarriel (r) with Japanese conductor (and fellow Mercer grad) Keitaro Harada. Jarriel works extensively with musicians and conductors including Harada through her JEJ Artists talent agency. Other clients include Angela Brown, Diane Bish, Stephen Cleobury, Cortona Trio and Gregory Turay. Discover more about Jarriel at http://www.jejartists.com/ (Photo courtesy Janet Jarriel)

Note: This is the first of a summer series in conjunction with Dublin City Schools’ “Calling All Grads” alumni cor-respondence campaign. By connecting these alumni, and their accomplishments, with current students, the hope is to encourage and remind students of the limitless possi-bilities available to all who obtain a Dublin City Schools’ education. For those who have yet to share their accom-plishments, please email Jason Halcombe at [email protected] with the following: Class, Colleges Attend-ed, Degrees Earned and Current Employment. Thanks to everyone who has participated, and Go Irish!

The summer of Janet Jarriel’s senior year, Ghostbusters (the Bill Murray version) hit the big screen, and in the ensuing 180 days of class, Jarriel watched an LA-hosted Olympics boycotted by the So-viets, Gimme a Break! on the small screen and friends decked out in Members Only jackets and boasting Cyndi Lauper-locks. That period was more than just a series of fads for Jarriel, who soaked in lessons like a car wash sponge pulling in fresh suds, waiting for the right time to ap-


ply them to the vehicle that would carry her across the country and to her greatest successes: music.

We recently caught up with Jar-riel to learn more of her exploits since graduating from Dublin High School in 1985, including her current work as a talent agent in Nashville, Tenn.

1) Give folks a brief synopsis of your time since graduation (col-lege/family/career)?

After graduation from DHS, I attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and completed a Bachelor of Arts in music with an applied concentration of voice. Then, I went to work at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lau-derdale, Florida, as a soprano solo-ist and section leader in their chan-cel and concert choirs. I also led their K-3rd grade children’s choir. Coral Ridge Church had a massive music program and presented sev-eral large concerts with orchestra and a very high level of sacred mu-sic each week for their internation-ally televised church service. It was an unbelievable learning ground for me and helped shape my career to come. While there, I met and began working for the senior organist, Diane Bish. Miss Bish is one of the most-followed organists in the world today and she has hosted her own television series, The Joy of Music, since the early 80’s, featuring great organs of the world. I eventu-ally became her marketing director, then her producer, and then her concert manager. She is still on my roster of artists. If it had not been for her support and guidance, I would never have made it as an arts manager.

Miss Bish decided to move her television production to Indiana University’s PBS affiliate. I made the move, too, and discovered the Master of Arts in Arts Administra-tion at Indiana University, Bloom-ington. I worked for the School of Music Admissions Office to put myself through IU’s graduate de-gree program. Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music is one of the leading music schools in the world. My time there was exponentially beneficial to launching my artist agency. I also married and had two children, my pride and joy, during my time in Bloomington, Indiana. I completed my Master’s degree in 1996 and began my small agency with just a few artists, Diane Bish being the first. I soon added the incomparable American soprano Angela Brown and still work for her. There’s an entire story connect-ed with my business partnership with Angela Brown. If you follow her or me on Facebook or Twitter, you will see a lot of it there. I have been blessed with strong women surrounding me and encouraging me throughout my journey, even as far back as DJHS and DHS. But, Angela and Diane have been busi-ness partners as well as honest and loyal friends.

In 2003, I moved back to Georgia, so that I could be near my family in Dublin and Macon. More artists were added to my roster and my agency continued. I also began a relationship with Mercer Universi-ty, my undergraduate alma mater, helping them brand and develop the then-newly-named Townsend School of Music and the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings. I began teaching a Music Entrepre-neurship class for Townsend School

of Music. I still teach that class from Nashville, via Skype, with my colleague and Nashville producer Steve Ivey.

In 2013, I moved to Franklin, Ten-nessee, to continue my agency in an area known for music, consult for a wonderful worship arts resource company, Celebrating Grace, Inc., and to put my children in a na-tionally-recognized public school system in Williamson County. My son, Haiz Webb, is 17 and a rising senior at Ravenwood High School. He loves choir and theater and all thing science. My daughter, Marie Claire Webb, is 13 and a rising 8th grader at Mill Creek Middle School. She loves all things volleyball.

2) What do you remember about your time at Dublin High School? Are there any seminal moments that defined you and prepared you for your current career path?

I had no idea of the incredible im-pact of the teachers and programs of DHS while I was in the thick of it. But, we were blessed, for sure, to call DHS home. Allow me to men-tion a few teachers that truly helped shape my career path and without whom I would be “up the creek,” as they say.

Pat Carroll (literature). She taught me to write and think and think some more. I speak her name in reverence on a regular basis. Even my children revere her name and recall it with hushed whispers and a divine respect.

Cecil Pollock (band). He taught me to love music - all genres - and to work hard and that life isn’t fair. That was his favorite saying: “Life

IRISH MAGAZINE/SUMMER EDITIONPAGE 42 IRISH MAGAZINE/SUMMER EDITION

isn’t fair.” He said it with a smile and a lot of love. But, he spoke truth, even when we didn’t want to hear it. He also made hard work seem like fun, most days.

R. Lynn Woody (pre-cal and alge-bra). He helped give me thick skin with his tough love, but he saw a bigger picture. He made us think on our feet and pushed us beyond what we thought we were capable in mathematics. That was a gift.

Thelia Schnaufer (Latin). Who knew Latin could be fun? We loved her and her class. Where else could you translate Piggly Wiggly into “vibrating boar?”

Mrs. Mary Secrest (biology). She taught me science was truly in-teresting and that girls could be intrigued with and good at biology. Many of my friends credit her with their bent toward medical school. There were many more, and I remember them all with profound gratitude and appreciation.

3) As a child of the 1980s, have you enjoyed seeing portions of that period revisited in fashion/music/lifestyle? How did the 1980s settle on campus life at DHS while you were in school?

We celebrated our 30th class re-union in 2015. It was wonderful to see so many of my friends from high school. We all agreed we looked better now and would not go back to Cyndi Lauper hair and Members Only jackets anytime soon. York Reynolds wore “prep-py” better than anyone I have ever known.

4) In your case, you attended not only Mercer University but also Indiana. How similar/different were those experiences? And, how did DHS prepare you for those very challenging environments?

Pat Carroll helped me learn how to think and communicate. That enabled me to excel at Mercer, at Indiana University, and at life. Period.

5) You have one of the most unique career paths of any of our partici-pants. As a talent agent for classical

musicians, conductors, etc., what are the most rewarding parts of your day? Challenging? Unique?

The biggest challenge I have is time management! I think every-one faces that challenge. Juggling my artists, my consulting for a multi-product company, and the lives of two very busy children, is daunting. I am extremely guilty of never “unplugging.” My phone is always with me. My computer is usually with me too. I never know when I will need to communicate by phone, Skype, or email with potential presenters in other time

I had no idea of the incredible impact of the teachers and programs of DHS while I was in the thick of it. But, we were blessed, for sure, to call DHS home.


zones or if an artist who is travel-ing overseas will need me. So, I am always on call.

Some of the rewarding moments of my job come when attending a world class performance that I have had some small part in helping create or make possible. For exam-ple, last April, Angela Brown sang at the famous Apollo in Harlem. It was the first time an opera had ever been performed there. All the jazz, pop, and R&B legends that have graced that stage make it a natural “bucket list” item for any performer. It was truly special to hear Angela sing the role written especially for her in the American opera based on the life of Charlie Parker. I knew what it meant to her to sing there and I was able to be a small part of that story. There are more stories like that. I try to remember how blessed I am each time something like that happens. I work with AMAZINGLY gifted people. Having your artist make a special phone call just to say thank you also makes for happy and rewarding moments. That spurs me on to be the best advocate I can be for him or her.

6) What are some new, wonderful things you have on tap for 2016 and beyond?

We are planning to attend the Christmas Eve service at Cam-bridge, England, for the traditional Service of Lessons and Carols sung by the Choir of King’s College. It is directed by Stephen Cleobury whom I represent for solo en-gagements in the United States. This service is broadcast by the BBC every Christmas and is one of the most heard broadcasts in

the world. I have always wanted to hear it live. Hopefully, this will be the year. There is also a possible tour by Angela Brown in China in 2017. But, more importantly, I plan to enjoy Haiz’s senior year of high school and attend all of his cham-ber choir and theater performances and watch an enormous amount of volleyball. There’s also the matter of cheering on our German shorthair pointers in their field trial competi-tions. Our Lexi won second place in the United Field Trial Association National Trials in 2016. My best friend, Kenny Daugherty, trains and runs the dogs. We look for-ward to some more wins. Look up our Zauber Hund Kennels website sometime. (www.zhkennels.com) We love our dogs.

7) Being only six hours away, do you make it back home to Dublin very often? When you’re here, what

are the three “musts” on your to-do list?

Six hours sounds like a short drive until you try to factor it into work and school and church and busi-ness travel. But, we do try to get back to Dublin as often as we can to see family and friends. First on our list is always a trip to Minnie and Papa’s house -- my parents, Ted and Loretta Jarriel. That’s where you can get the best chocolate cake along with some sage advice on life. Next is going to see our extended family around the area. We usually try to make a stop by Colleen’s China to see our dear friend Sally Willis Daniels and find out what she’s up to. And, if seeing Tonya Blanken-ship Nicholson is possible (with her incredible schedule), that’s a must. Finally, barbecue must be con-sumed. That used to be at Circle Y - ah, for the days of Circle Y BBQ.

8) What advice would you give ascending juniors and seniors concerning their education/career paths? Does your career match your interests from high school, or did they evolve?

I teach a class, every fall semester, for Mercer University. The number one advice I give all of my students is that they must learn to com-municate effectively. This means writing well and speaking thought-fully. A second piece of advice is to “follow up and follow through.” Finally, always say “thank you.” And, a handwritten thank you goes a long way and usually puts you way ahead of your peers in your su-periors’ minds. Thank you, Loretta Jarriel.

Jarriel (r) with client and opera singer Angela Brown. Before becoming a talent agent, Jarriel spent time teaching and earning an MFA from Indiana University.

CONGRATULATIONS

COMMUNITY DIVISION

hillcrestElementary

WINNERS

Dublin High School would like to congratulate Tanner Graham and Lance Helton for being selected as the school’s STAR student and STAR teacher for the 2015-16 school year.

Graham earned the highest SAT score in one sitting at DHS with a score of 1910. Graham selected Hel-ton as his STAR teacher of the year.

“Coach Helton offered me leadership in the class-room as well as on the football field,” Graham said. “Mr. Helton has been a great role model stressing the importance of good character and sportsman-ship.”

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. Since its creation in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR (Student Teacher Achieve-ment Recognition) Program has honored nearly 25,500 high school seniors who have in turn chosen their STAR Teachers to share in this recognition. Every accredited high school in Georgia is eligible to participate in this preeminent student/teacher academic recognition.

To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on any single test date of the three-part SAT taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class

based on grade point average. Nominees’ SAT scores must be equal to or higher than the latest available national average on the critical reading, math and writing sections. Each high school STAR Student is asked to name his/her STAR Teacher. High school STAR Students compete for system titles; and system STAR Students in turn compete for region-wide honors in the 12 STAR Regions. Region winners and their STAR Teachers are invit-ed to Atlanta to compete for the state STAR scholar-ships and awards.

Locally, STAR Students and STAR Teachers are honored by their schools and receive special rec-ognition in their communities from the more than 165 civic organizations and businesses that serve as local STAR sponsors. Region recognitions are coor-dinated by Region Chairs who serve as ambassadors for the state program in the 12 STAR regions. The State PAGE STAR Banquet, held in Atlanta each year, is a gala affair attended by several hundred STAR supporters, including STAR Students and Teachers (who attend as guests of their local spon-sors), their families, civic and business leaders and many Georgia educators.

SHININGSTARS

GRAHAM, HELTONEARN STAR STUDENT,

TEACHER HONORS


SAXONLEADS

AT ROCKEAGLE

Saxon Heights students traveled to Eatonton to Rock Eagle for the annual Georgia 4-H “Step Up and Lead” Conference. For more than a century, Georgia 4-H has provided leadership training to young peo-ple. According to Georgia 4-H, this conference is designed for students participating in Student Council, Beta Club, 4-H, Safety Patrol and other emerging student leaders. Organized by the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals, the event was open to students in grades 4-8.

Irish Magazine Summer Edition 2016

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