Creekview students become lawyers

Creekview students took on the role of lawyers at the Georgia Youth Assembly Program at the State Capitol. Creekview seniors, Alex O., Nathan K., Josh P., and Ashton C., were participants of the Judiciary program. In the program, the students defended and prosecuted a case in front of mock judges, who were professional lawyers. Alex and Josh were a team of co-counsels while Ashton and Nathan were another team.

These students argued in a Mock Supreme Court format in a mock Appellant case. The case was about personal rights of students. The summary of the case was whether or not the use of dogs to search for drugs was invasive because the dogs were physically touching the students during a search and sniff procedure at a school. This mock case dealt with the personal privacy and rights of children at school. The teams had to analyze their case and review it to make the best arguments possible. They spent their time working together on the correct diction and helped build up their public speaking skills.

Coming back for a second year, Alex O. (senior) stated, “As a ‘veteran’ I felt slightly more confident when I went down to Atlanta to present the case to the judges. However, since the case is different every year, it is still a new experience learning case-law and organizing an argument. Also, I had to guide my new co-counsel in the way to present the argument and write a brief. I encourage the underclassmen to take the initiative to get involved in this program and enjoy this amazing experience.”

The 3-day mock legislature gave students from around Georgia a chance to learn firsthand the practical operation of state government. Students have the choice of attending the conference as a senator/representative, judicial participant, lobbyist, or media representative. It is open to students of all grades and is a beneficial learning experience for one who is interested in law, politics, or journalism.

The State YMCA of Georgia, the coordinator of the program, made sure the procedures done at Youth Assembly was as close to possible to those followed by our actual state legislators and lawyers. Their purpose of the program is the hope to produce citizens for the future by letting students learn through action. Former Secretary of State, Cathy Cox stated, “I fell in love with legislative politics because of my participation in Youth Assembly as a teenager. I believe there is no better program for young people to get involved in government than the State Y’s Youth Assembly program.”

This is Creekview’s second year at program and hopes for the program to build. Sponsors Mr. Ard and Mr. Hunsucker encourage students to take part in an experience to see firsthand the process of the government and law in action.

Written by: Beatrice Torralba

The Great Halloween Fundraiser

It is October 31 and you know what that means. After a long wait, it is finally Halloween! People of all ages are getting into their costumes; some are going trick-or-treating while others are attending Halloween parties.

As for Creekview’s Habitat for Humanity Club and Cultural Diversity Club, members had a completely different mission than getting bags of candy. On this important day, these dedicated students tried to raise money for those in need. Money was raised for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Habitat for Humanity.

“Raising money for UNICEF was a great time. Not only do you get to spend time with your friends making the truffles and selling them, you know you are doing it for a great cause, which made it feel even better,” stated Manoucheca L. (sophomore), Vice President of the Cultural Diversity Club.

The Habitat for Humanity Club went out in their easily recognizable shirts, flyers, and empty milk jugs on Halloween. They rang each doorbell confidently and waited as a homeowner approached the door with a basket of candy. These students then explained that they were not there for candy. In fact, they were planning to build a house in spring but in order to do that, they needed to raise money. Many generous neighbors dropped spare change and wrinkled bills into the jug. As the jug got heavier and heavier, spirits were lifted. Mr. Sinco, the club’s advisor, concluded the club had raised over $2,000! Additionally, a silent donor from the school promised to match the amount of money raised up to $1,000!

The Cultural Diversity Club, on the other hand, raised money through the school. Thus, they made delicious Oreo Truffles and sold them during the lunches. The money raised will help improve the lives of impoverished children around the world. In fact, the hard-raised money assisted in buying immunization, clean water, necessary food, and educational supplies for many deprived children. Students were able to savor the taste of the Oreo Truffles knowing that they had improved a child’s life.

All in all, Creekview High School’s Habitat for Humanity Club and Cultural Diversity Club both benefitted the world in some way. Both clubs dedicated some time in their life to helping people that were in need of a helping hand.

Written by: Maida Ahmad

The Librarian’s on a Roll!

She has done it again! After just receiving awards such as the National School Boards Association Technology Leadership Network "20 to Watch" 2010, the http://www.techlearning.com/article/32466, the 2010 Georgia Exemplary High School Media Program, and the 2010 GLMA North Central Georgia District Media Specialist of the Year Ms. Buffy Hamilton picks up yet another prestigious award. All her hard work, such as the introduction of Kindles, Nooks and iPads into the library, garnered recognition, and resulted in her winning the GLMA/GAIT Georgia School Library Media Specialist Award. This award is a key step towards the technological innovation and incorporation of school libraries in the 21st century’s education.

Ms. Hamilton was ecstatic at her being chosen as the recipient of such a prestigious award. Her family and colleagues, however, were not so surprised; everyone knew how hard she had been working and could not imagine the award going to anyone else.

The goal of the library, according to Ms. Hamilton is, “To improve our collaboration with classroom teachers and supporting the integration of digital, information, and new media literacy into content area instruction.” Ms. Hamilton also hopes to continue to find new ways to invite students to actively participate in the library’s program. That is why she is so eager to introduce new technology such as Kindles, Nooks, and iPads; students probably will not be able to resist checking out such popular gadgets. Additionally, these new tools will allow students to get books without waiting for the printed copies to arrive on the shelves. However, before the library purchases the e-readers on a large-scale, the library is waiting for feedback from the students so they can buy the most popular one.

For 18 years, Ms. Hamilton has been in the media field and she would not have it any other way. She has always been interested in working in the library, showing interests in: participatory librarianship, social media, connectivism, transliteracy, social scholarship, and library 2.0 applications. Even though Ms. Hamilton plans on remaining a school librarian for her K12 career she wishes to go back to school and get her PH.D in Library and Information Science and teach on a college level or work as an academic librarian. Ms. Hamilton is always pushing herself for success and striving for innovation and collaboration in the library. It is no wonder that she won the District award. It is her efforts that give the library such a good shot at winning the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy’s nomination for “libraries using cutting edge technology,” an award that would be a huge achievement for Ms. Hamilton, her co-workers, and Creekview. With all the hard work the librarians are putting in to the advancement of the library, their chance of victory is looking promising.

Written by: Taylor Gates

Adopt-a-Teacher

In order to promote Creekview’s 2010 wrestling team, the coaches have put together the first ever “adopt-a-teacher” program. Each wrestler and manager picked a teacher who they felt would encourage their class to be “the most involved in supporting the team” by attending the wrestling meets. The selected teacher chosen has to get their class to attend at least two of the four home meets. If the teacher agrees to do this, then they will receive a free t-shirt and thirty student admission tickets for each home meet. After the attendance totals are tallied, the class with the highest record at the meets will be rewarded with either a breakfast or pizza party, depending on what time of day the class is held. The rewards are provided by the wrestling team in gratitude for the class’ participation and support.

This program has been used in a couple of high schools in Cherokee County by assistant wrestling Coach Judkins and has become a success.

“Being the first year, there is obviously some trepidation as to how the program works from both staff and wrestlers but in past years, there has been tremendous feedback from everyone involved.”

Coaches and wrestlers are both excited to start the new tradition at Creekview and hope to see more people attending the wrestling meets in turn.

The dates of the home wrestling meets are 12/8, 1/5, 1/19, and 2/2. Tickets for the students in the chosen class are free, which is even more of an incentive to go out and cheer on the wrestlers.
Written By: Katelyn Presnell

Creekview takes over Georgia Tech!

Creekview was present at this year’s Georgia Tech Model United Nations Conference (GTMUN) for the third year in a row. Representing the countries of France and Egypt, our student ambassadors to the UN made speeches, prepared draft resolutions, negotiated bills through debate caucuses, and attempted to solve worldly issues such as international terrorism, rights of children, nuclear arms disarmament, world healthcare issues, and much more.

Today’s world never ceases to produce problems such as war, famine, and people’s rights. As citizens of the world, it is our duty to resolve these issues and cooperate to empower and provide for nations to create world peace. The United Nations has accomplished goals for economic development, social progression, and human rights of countries around the world. This peace-keeping organization has benefited the world nation.

To bring the United Nations to high school students, the Model United Nations is a simulation of the bodies of the UN. Students assume the role of a diplomat and take on the global perspective of world events. Creekview’s strong Model United Nations team presented their delegations by closely researching their designated country’s impact to the issue addressed before them and thinking of possible solutions to improve conditions around the world.

As advisor since the team’s conception, Mr. Hunsucker was pleased with the conference and observed, “The experience members increased their knowledge of the process. Meanwhile, the new members learned how to interact with the other delegates through debates. The conferences are great to network with new friends.”

Creekview’s Model United Nations Team is comprised of students from all grade levels. Their upcoming conferences for the year include the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. Anyone is welcome to join. Model UN strives to provide students with an opportunity to put into action the principles of international politics that they are taught in the classroom and see occur in the world everyday. For more information, please see Mr. Hunsucker.

Written by: Beatrice Torralba

Winterguard: the sport of the arts

As the fall season comes to a close, winter sports like basketball and wrestling are starting up. One winter sport that always seems unnoticed is Winterguard. Winterguard is referred to “The Sport of the Arts.” It is not an aggressive sport but winterguard possess the techniques of flag spinning along with dancing to variations of ballet.

Creekview’s very own award-winning Winterguard is just starting their season. The guard has competed in area competitions and has graced the dance floor with their sabre, rifle, and flag routines.

This Thursday, November 18, Winterguard will be having tryouts for their 2010 season. It is open to everyone, boys and girls alike. This is an opportunity to letter in a sport, while at the same time being a part of a team and cultural arts. Tryouts will start at 5:00 pm in the Band Room. No formal training is necessary. For any questions, please see guard captains, Ashley H and Damarys W.

There is no substitute for blood: Creekview vs. Sequoyah

Every minute of each day there is a person in need of blood. The only way that this blood supply can be obtained is from courageous donors. Creekview High School offers the chance for students age sixteen and older to give blood to LifeSouth and in turn, the gift of life to those who are in need.

Creekview and Sequoyah competed in the Blood Donor Challenge. Sequoyah had LifeSouth come to their school on October 15th and the company was at Creekview on November 3rd. Sequoyah ended up winning the competition because they had the most donors sign up for the blood drive out of eligible donors (sixteen or older and of a certain weight). Their school received a trophy recognizing them as the winner of the Fall 2010 Blood Drive Battle. The winning school’s individual donors were also entered into a drawing to win a Blu- Ray player. There were other rewards LifeSouth offered to its individual donors. With every donation, a fun t-shirt is given along with a recognition program.

Mr. Peacock, Creekview’s Healthcare teacher, is the coordinator of the drive at Creekview. He encouraged all his students to participate.

Most donators “want to help people and feel good when they donate because they feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.”

On the other hand, senior Ansleigh G., saw another benefit in giving blood and said, “I did it because I got a free t-shirt.”

Whatever their reasons for giving, these people are heroes to at least three people each time they donate blood.

Written by: Katelyn Presnell