Tribe Scribe Dodge County High School

350 Pearl Bates Avenue Eastman, GA 31023

January/February 2015

Volume 23 Issue 3 Advisor: Amy Mullis Editors: Lindsey Graham and Charlie Johnson

Students to be “Rollin’ on

the River” at 2015 Prom

DCHS holds second annual

Poetry Out Loud contest Mitchell named 2015

STAR Student By Charlie Johnson

For her exemplary performance on the SAT, Tyndal Mitchell has been named the Dodge County High School STAR Student. The Student Teacher

Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is co-sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. To be recognized as a STAR student, high school seniors must obtain the highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT in their senior class and be in the top ten percent of their respective class based on grade point average. With a score of 1980, Mitchell has distinguished herself as

the STAR Student for the DCHS Class of 2015. “When I was told I received STAR Student, I was extremely

overwhelmed,” said Mitchell. “I was excited because it was validation that all my hard work finally paid off.” The STAR Student selects one teacher who has had the

greatest influence on the student, and Mitchell has named Mrs. Jennifer McDaniel as her STAR Teacher. McDaniel is a former teacher from DCHS who taught

Mitchell AP World History during Mitchell’s tenth grade year. “I moved [to DCHS] when I was in the tenth grade, and

when I was new, [McDaniel] made me feel like I belonged,” said Mitchell. “Even in the eleventh grade, she helped me when I needed her, so I gave her the recognition that she so honestly deserved.” “I’m very excited for Tyndal,” said McDaniel, who

currently teaches history at Houston County High School. “I know that she works hard for everything she does and is very deserving. I was completely surprised and touched that she chose me to be her STAR Teacher and thought of me as someone who could inspire her.” Mitchell is currently a student at both DCHS and Middle

Georgia State College as she is in the Dual-Enrollment Program. Mitchell takes the entirety of her classes at the MGSC campus in Cochran. “We’re extremely excited and proud of [Tyndal],” said

DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long. “It’s always wonderful when hard work pays off in a positive way.” Dr. Long also expresses her congratulations to McDaniel.

“She was an outstanding member of DCHS during her time here.” Mitchell participates in many extracurricular activities

including Quiz Bowl, One-Act Play competition, Literary competition, the RESA Writing competition, and the Young Georgia Authors Writing competition, for which she earned first place in the Heart of Georgia RESA region. Mitchell is also an active member of several clubs at DCHS.

She has been in Senior Beta Club for four years. She has been a member of the French Club for three years, for which she has served as Vice President and Activities Manager her tenth and eleventh grade years, respectively. Mitchell has also joined SkillsUSA this school year and serves as the president. During her eleventh grade year, Mitchell was recognized

with the Georgia Certificate of Merit and served as an usher at the Class of 2014 graduation for having one of the top five percent grade-point averages in her class. She also was named the Student of the Month her ninth grade year at East Laurens High School in Dublin.

Mitchell is the daughter of Dr. Rick and Debra Mitchell. Dr.

Rick Mitchell is the pastor at the First United Methodist

Church of Eastman, and Debra Mitchell is a teacher at DCHS.

By Faith Manning

Dodge County High School is going to be “Rollin’ on the River” on March 28 at this year’s prom. Junior Student Council President Anna Kate

Hickman states, “The junior class chose ‘Rollin’ on the River’ for prom because we wanted to incorporate a fun theme that could also be considered ‘classy.’ Dodge County High has never promoted this prom theme, so we also wanted to try something new.” Prom coordinator Callie Cobb encourages

everyone to “help and support” prom this year in an effort to make it “the best ever.”

By Shipp Dowdy

For the event’s 10th anniversary and its second year at Dodge County High School, Poetry Out Loud was a big success. There were 22 participants and six DCHS poets recited their own poems. “Mrs. Brande Vaughn took the initiative to bring

Poetry Out Loud to DCHS, and since then it has grown a lot! We were able to add more awards and video the whole performance this year,” commented the new event coordinator, Mrs. Donna Purvis. Poetry Out Loud was founded in 2006 by the

National Endowment For the Arts and the National Poetry Foundation. The foundation rewards the top three finalists in each competition with a monetary prize. DCHS top finalists and their poems were first place, Tyair Blackman, “Self- Inquiry Before the Job Interview,” second place, Jacob Snyder, “Charge of the Light Brigade,” and third place, Jayde Mullis, “The Kiss.” Blackman, two time Poetry Out Loud winner, was

very proud and appreciative of the award. “I feel great! It is such a nice feeling to know that

your hard work and dedication paid off in such an awesome way,” Blackman said. Blackman and Snyder will move on to Howard High School in Macon on February 21 for the regional competition. Purvis extends a special thanks to judges Dr.

Melinda Dennis, Mrs. Charlotte Miller, and Mrs. Dale Rogers, and to accuracy judges Ms. Melanie Peacock, Brande Vaughn for tallying scores, and Quint Bush for emceeing event.

Pictured (l-r): (back) Gabe Mefford, Jacob Snyder, Jacob Danforth, De’Jon Jackson, Brandon Bowen, Trevor Ryals, Tyair Blackman, Marcus Bedgood, Micicia Avinger, John Roberts, (middle) Gavin Hollie, Shambria Walker, Jayde Mullis, Mayeli Carrizales, Anna Marie Augins, Shanika Guyton, Ryan Graham, Derrien Carr, (front) Clayton Scarborough, Briana Sparrow, Quimyre Rolland, Chelsey Landmesser, Cassandra Thomas

Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe January/February 2015 Volume 23 Issue 3 Page 2

DCHS Honors

By Charlie Johnson

For his dedication to his students, Stan Johns has been named The Tribe Scribe and United 1st Federal Credit Union’s Staff Member of the Month for January. Johns is a science teacher at Dodge County High School and has taught at DCHS for twenty six of his twenty eight years of teaching. Originally from Dodge County, Johns was a DCHS graduate of the Class of 1975. He attended Middle Georgia College and then the University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in entomology. Johns later attended Georgia Southern University

and Georgia Southwestern University, respectively, for his Specialist’s and Master’s degrees in education. “It is an honor,” said Johns. “I’m proud that I have touched some students’ lives and offered them more than simply an education.” Johns was nominated by senior Taylor Thomas. “Mr. Johns has always been there for me whether he was my teacher at that time or not,” said Thomas. “He always keeps me learning, laughing, and thinking. He challenges me to dig deeper into my capabilities, and I am forever grateful.” For the past two years, Johns has dressed as an elf on the last day before Christmas break. He would enter the lunchroom to the amusement of the students and their applause. “Sometimes, we need to laugh,” said Johns. “We need to laugh at ourselves, and for one day of the year, I can let students see another side of me.” At home, Johns enjoys riding his tractor, growing a garden, playing his guitar, and singing. Johns is married to Cissie Johns, a teacher at South Dodge Elementary School. Together, they have two children: Adam, a student at UGA; and Alyssa, a graduate of UGA. A favorite quote of Johns is by Harry Emerson Fosdick: “Whatever you laugh at in others, laugh at yourself.” Pictured (l-r): Taylor Thomas, Stan Johns, and United 1st Federal Credit Union Assistant Service Center Manager Kathy Purvis

Johns honored as January Staff Member of the Month

Martinez makes her mark

as Student of the Month

By Lindsey Graham

Dodge County High School junior Erica Martinez’s positive personality and work ethic have earned her The Tribe Scribe and Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month Award of January. “I am honored to receive this award because it is just

another step in preparing me for college and life,” said Martinez after being nominated by teacher Eddie Murphy. “Martinez is definitely a go-getter,” said Murphy,

“She naturally combines the elements of good grades and stellar extra-curricular performance.” Currently, Martinez has several extracurricular

activities that she is involved in at DCHS. She has been active in JROTC for three years and is currently ranked as a sergeant and a part of both the JROTC Raider team and Drill Team. Her other activities include the Debate Team, Spanish Club, and the Academic Bowl Team. In her spare time, Martinez enjoys reading, running, listening to music, and watching movies. Martinez is the daughter of Donna Sorrell and has one

sister Maritza Martinez, a senior at DCHS. After high school, Martinez plans to join the military

where she wants to be judge advocate general (JAG), a lawyer in the service. Pictured (l-r): Eddie Murphy; Erica Martinez; and

Araina Reaves, Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center Manager

By Kamri Mann

Sophomore Trevor Ryals’ commitment to succeeding has earned him the title of the Coca- Cola and Tribe Scribe January Academic Student of the Month. “Trevor is awesome, and if

you needed him to, he would move a mountain. I feel he’s very deserving of this award,” says Ryals’ former Japanese teacher Audrey Davis. In Ryals’ spare time, he enjoys playing guitar and

drawing while being active in the DCHS One-Act Play. He also enjoys the subject of Math. Ryals, the son of Gerald and Connie Ryals, said he

felt honored to receive this award.

Ryals awarded academic honor

A special Thank You to our sponsors:

Student of the Month

As a sponsor of the Student of the Month program, the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce awards each recipient with a $25 gift certificate good at any local chamber business.

Staff Member of the Month

United 1st Federal Credit Union, which sponsors the Staff Member of the Month Program, is a member-owned financial cooperative offering a full range of financial products to the residents of Dodge County and the surrounding area. The local Member Service Center is at 854 College Street in Eastman.

Academic Student of the Month

The Academic Student of the Month is selected by the school’s Student Council. The requirements for this award include being on A-Honor Roll, being in good standing with the school, and having all-around outstanding character and work ethic.

Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe January/February 2015 Volume 23 Issue 3 Page 3

Mitchell honored for academic perseverance

Thomas recognized for

caring and diligence

By Noah Atkinson Shaquanna Mitchell’s hard work at

Dodge County High School has paid off, earning her the title of the Coca-Cola and Tribe Scribe February Academic Student of the Month.

Mitchell is in her last year at DCHS

and has set an example both mentally and

physically of what it takes to be a true

Indian, persevering against all obstacles and challenges while

looking at things in a cheerful and optimistic way.

She is a member of New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist

Church where she is active in both the choir and youth group.

Mitchell enjoys watching Tyler Perry movies, looking at

magazines, and shopping at Wal-Mart.

“She has made an impression on my life throughout her

high school years,” says Beth Law, one of Shaquanna’s

teachers. Tonya Battle, another one of Shaquanna’s teachers,

agrees.

“Shaquanna is loved by many, especially her family,

friends, and teachers who have taught her through the years,”

said her teacher Beth Law.

Mitchell is the daughter of Monica and David Banks. She

has two sisters, as well as a niece and a nephew.

Ryles receives honor for dedication to music programs By Lindsey Graham

Band director Chris Ryles has made his mark during his first year at Dodge Country High School earning him the Tribe Scribe and United 1st Federal Credit Union’s February Staff Member of the Month. “Mr. Ryles is an amazing band director and teacher,” says student

Victoria Nelson, who nominated Ryles. “He is very dedicated to music and making sure the band is the best it can be." Ryles was “surprised" when he received this award. "It means a lot

that Victoria took time to nominate me," he added. Ryles, who is originally from Eastman and attended DCHS, started his college career at Middle Georgia College where

he earned his Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in music. Later, he earned his Master's degree in music education from Georgia College & State University. This year has been a growing year for the DCHS Marching Chiefs and Ryles. "[There will be] lots of change for the

music program," says Ryles. "It's going in the right direction, and there are great things to come." Ryles has two daughters: Alex, a fifth grader, and Jordan, a DCHS junior. Pictured (l-r): United 1st Federal Credit Union Manager of the Eastman Member Service Center Ann Harrell, Chris

Ryles, and Victoria Nelson.

By Paige Crosby

Dodge County High School senior Taylor Thomas’ optimism and positive personality have earned her The Tribe Scribe and Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month Award for February. “It’s an honor to receive this award,” says Thomas.

“It feels good!” Thomas’ favorite teacher, Stan Johns, nominated her

because she “appreciates her peers” and is appreciated by everyone. Johns described Thomas as a “truly caring person” and comments that her “faith is expressed in what she does for others.” Johns explains that he does not nominate students or

teachers because there are so many deserving of the recognition, but he believes that Thomas is “just that good and deserves it!” Thomas has been on the DCHS tennis team all four

years of high school. She is a member of Student Council and the Bank of

Eastman Junior Board of Directors. Thomas is also a Senior Superlative, Senior Class President, and Senior Favorite: Best All Around. She is a part of the Beta and Anchor Club. Thomas

is also a member of Girls and Guys for Christ and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is the daughter of Ben and Betsy Thomas, and has one sister, Jessie. Listening to music, playing tennis, and reading are

only a few things she enjoys doing in her spare time. Although Thomas excels in all of her classes, including AP Literature, AP Biology is by far her favorite. She also enjoys taking Calculus I through Middle Georgia State College. After graduating high school at the top of her class,

Thomas plans to attend Liberty University to pursue a pre-medical degree. Pictured (l-r): Dena Barrows, vice chair of

community relations for the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce; Taylor Thomas; and Stan Johns

Quimyre Rolland to serve on Superintendent’s Advisory Council By Lindsey Graham Dodge Country High School senior Quimyre Rolland has been selected to be a part of the 2015 Georgia Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council under the newly elected Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods. Every year, students statewide are encouraged to apply for a spot on the council. Students are selected based on their applications which ask questions regarding how to make the Georgia school system better and promoting involvement in their communities. The council is very selective and only sixty-

four students were selected state-wide. “I was nervous to submit an application,” said Rolland. “I truly feel honored, and I can’t stop smiling when I think of all the possibilities that will come from this position.” Rolland will attend three different meetings in Atlanta with Woods and the rest of the council tentatively scheduled in February, March, and early May. DCHS Principal Dr. Susan Long has much to say on Rolland’s accomplishments. “We are very proud of Quimyre to be selected to serve on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council,” said Long. “Quimyre is already an outstanding leader and will be an outstanding representative for both Dodge County and Dodge County High School.”

Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe January/February 2015 Volume 23 Issue 3 Page 4

By Charlie Johnson

Dodge County High School was recently honored to have eight middle Georgia area published writers come and speak to students. On Tuesday, February 17, students were assembled during their English classes in the DCHS Media Center to listen to the authors speak on their published works and writing in general. The authors present were Doris Davis Anderson and Rosa Barden Northcutt who have co-authored a book of poetry; Minister Delores Jackson, author of one book; Lula Hall, a retired teacher with two published books; Sarah Dennard, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Dodge County with one published book; Dr. Ruby Ponder, teacher at South Dodge Elementary School in Eastman with one published book; Rosa Holmes Adams, a retired budget analyst at Robins Air Force Base with five published books; and Dr. Mary Boney, owner and tutor of Maribon Educational Services with several published works. The authors wanted to encourage students that all have the capability to become successful in both writing and their lives in general. Boney explained to students that “[writing] is fun… every one of you has so much to offer… you are all geniuses,” but she added that all writing does not have to be in books or poems. In addition to writing, Boney also encouraged students to explore their talents through other means, including developing cell phone applications to sell and earn money just by being creative. Because the event held favorably, Brande Vaughn, English teacher and event coordinator, said she hopes more opportunities will come available for published authors to visit DCHS. Pictured (l-r): (front) Doris Davis Anderson, Dr. Ruby Ponder, Dr. Mary Boney, (back) Rosa Holmes Adams, Rosa Barden Northcutt, Minister Delores Jackson, Sarah Dennard, Lula Hall

Authors visit school, inspire future writers

DCHS recognized as Georgia AP Honor School By John McCoy

At Dodge County High School, seeing students excel in schoolwork, sports, and life altogether is among the top

priorities of the faculty and staff.

On February 18, Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods recognized 609 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor

Schools. These 609 schools, an increase from the 462 that were honored in 2014, are recognized for going above and

beyond in offering a multitude of AP courses to their students.

DCHS, which offers AP Language, AP Literature, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP World History, AP US History, and

AP Spanish, was named one of these 609 AP Honor Schools. Next school year, DCHS will continue to offer those courses

along with AP Calculus and AP Chemistry.

“We are very proud to have been recognized as an AP Honor School of Georgia,” commented DCHS Principal Dr.

Susan Long “We really look forward to continuing to offer our students a curriculum that will help them succeed in

college.”

DCHS was named an AP Challenge School along with 64 other schools in the state. To be an AP Challenge School,

there must be an enrollment of 900 or fewer students in the school and said students must be testing in four of the core

areas (English, math, science, and social studies).

The AP Organization offers students across the United States college-level courses and learning opportunities. At the

end of the course, students are given the chance to take an exam over the content covered. The exam is graded on a scale

of 1 to 5. 1 is the lowest possible score, and 5 is the highest possible score. If a student makes a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam,

he or she will receive a college credit for the course. AP courses and exams are administered by the College Board.

By Kamri Mann

Junior Jayde Mullis recently won Second Honorable Mention at the Georgia Poets Society for her original poem, “A Poetic Thought,” and will soon have the honor of reciting her work to a live audience.

Jayde is the first student from DCHS to compete in this state-wide contest and has been invited to an award ceremony on April 25, where she will recite her poem and be awarded along with other students throughout the state. “It’s pretty exciting to do something I

love and be recognized for it,” said Mullis, daughter of Linda and Jay Mullis. “I am very excited that we are able to

showcase the talent of our students, stated Donna Purvis, Mullis’ English teacher. “Our students truly are diverse in their talents, and this competition enables us to find a niche for all of our students.”

Mullis honored for poem

By Briana Sparrow

Tyair Blackman, a junior at Dodge County High School, recently placed first at the region competition for Poetry Out Loud and will be advancing to the state competition on March 15, 2015, at the Atlanta History Center. Tyair recited the poems “Self-Inquiry before the Job Interview” by Gary Soto and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia Ward Howe. “A week before the competition, I went

berserk and practiced all of the time.” says Blackman. “On the stage and off I felt as if I was holding my heart in my

hands, but when I started doing the poems the nerves went away and afterwards I felt like a boss. When I won, I was ecstatic.” “Our program is only in its second year and Tyair is competing

at the state level, which just proves the talent that our students have,” said Donna Purvis who served as the Poetry Out Loud coordinator this year, adding that she wishes Tyair the best of luck. The winner at the state level receives $200 and an all-expense

paid trip with an adult chaperone to Washington, D.C. to compete for the national championship. The state winner’s school receives a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. The first runner-up in each state receives $100, with $200 for his her or school library. A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends is awarded

annually at the National Finals, with one winner taking home a college scholarship for $20,000.

Blackman wins regional Poetry Out Loud competition

Dodge County High School Tribe Scribe January/February 2015 Volume 23 Issue 3 Page 5

Squaws, Indians wrap up in post-region play By Faith Manning Overall, the 2015 season for the Squaws and Indians has been quite successful despite a few tough losses and several nail-biting games. The Lady Squaws left it all on the court with an exceptional season by a record of 23-6. On February 12, they began their journey in the Region Playoffs at home against Jenkins, taking the win 55-15 and progressing to the next game against Johnson. Beating Johnson 56-44, the Lady Squaws pushed their way to the Region Championship against the threatening Beach and took a hard loss with a score of 42-51 and taking second in the Region Tournament. The Lady Squaws advanced to the first round of state against Rutland and fought hard for a win of 51-50 leading them to the Sweet 16, where they would face a tough Dawson and end their season with a heart-breaking but humbling loss of 71-40. “This is an improvement from last year,” states Head Coach Paula Selph, “and we got better as each game progressed and reached our highest potential in the Region and State Playoffs.” The Lady Squaws will lose six hard-working seniors this year and will start next

year’s season with a young team having only one senior, in Coach Selph says she “looks forward to the challenge.” The graduating seniors include Keyria Gordon, Rachel Selph, Maritza Martinez, Tanasha Coley, Kristen Hall, and

Alexis Northcutt. Ending her senior season with her head held high, Senior Keyria Gordon says, “I feel like my senior year was a

success. I cherished every moment on the court, went hard, and gave it my all every game.” The Indians had a hard fought season wrapping up with a record of 11-14. The Indians started off the Region Playoffs with a win against Islands 80-62, then suffered a tough and final loss to

Savannah 42-55. The Indians placed second in the sub-region. “I feel that this season was a positive one; we surpassed our win total from last season, and different kids played

important minutes,” stated Head Coach Danielle Johnson.

The Grappling Indians finished their eighth season cresting a huge milestone by winning more dual matches than they lost. During the 2014-2015, wrestlers filled 12 out of 14 weight classes, which contributed greatly to the teams overall success. In previous years, they’ve only managed to fill 10 of 14 weight classes.

During the second half of the season, the Indians competed in the Viking Invitational and the Brad Bell Sweat Onion Invitational. At the Viking Invitational, three wrestlers emerged as medal winners; Christian Grauberger (second); Jacob Danforth (first); and Jerald Gay (third). At the Brad Bell Invitational, Christian Grauberger placed second, and Jerald Gay Aaron Spires both placed third.

“At the Region 1AAA tournament, Christian Grauberger became our only freshman to win the Area tournament at 106 pounds,” said Coach Steve Greer. Six other wrestlers placed and qualified to advance to the Eastern Sectionals. At Sectionals, four wrestlers emerged in the top 8 earning a chance to wrestle at the GA State Wrestling Tournament at the Macon Centreplex. At state, Christian Grauberger and Jacob Danforth both won two matches and lost two matches and were eliminated from the medal rounds. Jerald Gay and Aaron Spires both turned in magnificent performances to earn a fourth place finish in their respective weight classes.

“Overall, this was hands down the most successful season we've had,” Greer said. “We won more invitational medals, advanced more wrestlers to sectionals, and placed more wrestlers at state than we have in previous years. The team improves each year, slow but steady. I credit our climb to success with the youth club and middle school wrestling programs which are instrumental in feeding the high school program with quality wrestlers.”

Pictured (l-r): (front) Clayton Scarborough, Justin Warnock, Paul Herman, Christian Grauberger, James Rogers, (back) J.T. Shields, Cam'Ron McCloud, Jared Cannon, Anthony Johnson, Jacob Danforth, Tyler McDonald, Archer Rowland, Jerald Gay, Aaron Spires.

Grappling Indians reach new heights this season

By Noah Atkinson

The 2015 Dodge County High School baseball team is shooting for the stars this season. Currently, the team’s season record is 2-2, with games

against Hawkinsville, Jenkins, Islands, and Johnson, and new head coach Matt Herring says the team is working hard. The team also has two community coaches: Brennon

Ethridge and Will McCranie, and this year’s seniors are Tad Honeycutt, RJ Jones, Cain Peterson, and Lance Pruett. Herring, who is optimistic about this season, played

college baseball with the Georgia Southern University and played three years with the White Sox Organization. He then coached the baseball team at Valdosta High School for nine years before coming to DCHS. “Everybody has had a good pre-season. I’ve had a lot

of younger guys step up and fill some key spots for us,” Herring said. “Our goal is to keep getting better as the season progresses.”

Indians hold 2-2 record and high hopes

By Lindsey Graham

Soccer season is well on its way at Dodge County High School where both the boys’ and girls’ teams are working hard. The girls started out the season with a tough loss in a

scrimmage game against Treutlen County (3-1). The team is 0-1 in region games, where they suffered losses against Central Macon (3-0) and Southeast Bulloch (10-0). This year the girls’ team has two senior players:

Taylor Hall and Sydnee McRee. The boys’ team started out with strong wins against

Central Macon (5-4) and Beach (7-1), but lost a tough match against Southeast Bulloch (4-0), leaving then as 1-1 region record. This year’s senior boys are John Burrows, Derrien

Carr, Richard Coates, Makenzie Harvey, Jarret Lee, Vic Mizell, Shyam Patel, C.J. Robertson, Joseph Rye, and Roscoe Wilcox.

Soccer season kicks off for DCHS

Dodge County High School 350 Pearl Bates Road

Eastman, GA 31023

Phone: (478) 374-7711

Fax: (478) 374-6987

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Long’s Lines The 2014-15 school year has been a busy and successful year at DCHS. DCHS students and staff are winners, and they continue to make all of us proud to know and to work with them. Vince Lombardi wrote, “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” Because of our students’ and staffs’ hard work, dedication, and determination, we have

had many successes:

• DCHS was selected as a 2015 AP Honor School. In addition, five seniors were recognized as AP Scholars: Ryan Graham, Griffin Law, Charlie Johnson, Gunnar Rogers, and Gracie Snyder.

• Our Lady Indian Softball Team was the Region 3AAA champions.

• The DCHS Archery Team was recognized as the Region Champions and will travel to Perry for State Competition on March 25, 2015.

• The JROTC Raider Team was recognized as Region Champs.

• The DCHS Literary Team came in 4th at Region competition, and senior Tyndal Mitchell placed first in Girls’ Dramatic Interpretation. Tyndal will participate in State Literary Competition March 14. Earlier this year, the One Act Play was 1st Runner up at Region 1AAA competition.

• Our Girls’ Basketball Team was 1st Runner-up for Region Basketball and carried us to the second round of the state playoffs. For 30 out of 31 years, our girls’ basketball team has reached the state competition.

• Aaron Spires and Gerald Gay finished with 4th place wins at State Wrestling.

• In football action, our team finished in the top 16 in the state with a 9 and 3 season. We were tied for Region runner up.

• Jacob Danforth was recognized as WMAZ-TV 13’s Athlete of the Week, and he was a finalist for FCA Wrestler of the Year Scholarship.

• Austin Barrows was elected the Anchor Club Southeast Region Chair for the State of Georgia, and Taylor Thomas was the recipient of the 2015 Georgia Pilot Foundation Scholarship Award for Excellence in Outstanding Achievements in Community and Volunteer Service and Academics.

• Quimyre Rolland was selected to serve on Georgia School Superintendent Richard Wood’s Student Advisory Board for 2015.

• Jayde Mullis earned a Second Honorable Mention award from the Georgia Poetry Society’s Marel Brown Poetry Contest for grades 9-12 for her original poem, “A Poetic Thought.”

• Tyair Blackman earned first place in the Regional Poetry Out Loud competition and will advance to state competition on March 15.

• Tyndal Mitchell was selected the DCHS STAR Student.

• In athletics, the following students have received scholarships to the following colleges/universities:

• Jacob Gurien --- Cumberland University (Football)

• Landon Martin --- Shorter University (Football)

• Keith Glover --- University of Columbia in Kentucky (Football)

• Mitch Tanner --- Reinhart University (Football)

• Nikki Graham --- South Georgia State College (Softball)

• Chelsea Hickman --- South Georgia State College (softball)

• Rachel Selph --- Mercer University (Basketball)

Congratulations to all of these winners! Thank you for setting the bar high for all of us!

Thank you, readers, for taking the time to peruse our newsletter. We invite you to visit us online at http://dhs.k12.ga.us/home, our Dodge County High School website, for contact information for teachers and administrators, sports schedules, general information, and to keep abreast of all that is happening at DCHS. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. My email address is slong@dodge.k12.ga.us or call me at 478-374-7711. We look forward to hearing from you!