New Classes

By: Shannon Lewis

   Fifth block classes were added to the Tuesday and Thursday schedule at the start of the 2014-2015 school year at Atlanta Adventist Academy. This resulted in a later dismissal and mixed emotions among students. 

 The new classes that are included in AAA's curriculum this year are Music Production, Digital Imaging, Debate, Auto Mechanics, and ESL 1. As a result of the new classes, the time for the fourth block classes were shortened to an hour.

  Last year, school was dismissed at 2:15 p.m. Now, the time has been extended to 2:35 p.m. because of the fifth block classes. Semaj Lashley is a senior taking Auto Mechanics. He believes that having an extra block is worth it because it helps students to gain more knowledge. 

   But some students don't necessarily agree with the new additions. A sophomore, Brianna Seawood, said,"...its a plus class and its not going to really get you into college." 

   Seawood also said that because she won't be using any of these skills in the near future, she doesn't find them necessary to take them now. 

   Although there are many contradicting thoughts on the subject, Matthew Cordner, a sophomore clears it up by saying that some schools do aim for this in their curriculum.

The Auto Mechanics class is being taught how to change a tire by their teacher Mr. Mann at Atlanta Adventist Academy in Duluth, GA on December 4, 2014 (Shannon Lewis)

A student is diligently making a song for Music Production at Atlanta Adventist Academy on December 4, 2014 in Duluth, GA (Shannon Lewis) 

A student is working on an assignment for the Digital Imaging (Photoshop) Class at Atlanta Adventist Academy in Duluth, GA onDecember 4, 2014 (Shannon Lewis) 

The Lady Varks Strike Back

By:Shannon Lewis

  Basketball season has started and the athletes at Atlanta Adventist Academy are pumped and ready. The Lady Varks are especially confident of having a winning season this year because of the new recruits. 

   Last season, the Aardvarks, dominated the court. Unfortunately, the Lady Varks weren't so fortunate. They gave it their all, but lost all their games except one. Brandi Seawood, a player on the team, rated last year's performance a "one". "Two of our team members were constantly arguing and having drama which caused tension on the court. We only had six girls when a strong team is 10 or more and our coach didn't even show up to one of our games." 

   Although last season was a huge let down, students and teachers believe this year will be a definite breakthrough for the team. Kathy Talton, a facilitator at AAA and a huge basketball lover says that with hard work and determination they have an opportunity of winning this season. This year the team has a new coach, Coach Johnson, and recruits that already have game experience. 

   Things seem to be all set for the season, except for one thing, the practice time. Mrs. Talton and Haley Flemons, a student, both feel that the team doesn't have enough practice. The team practices Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 6 p.m., but Talton thinks that they should practice at least four times a week. 

   Despite these issues, there is a sense of hope that the Lady Varks will come out victorious this season. Mrs. Talton has given her personal list of expectations for the team. She wants the team to have a Christ-like attitude, display teamwork, dedication, excellent listening skills, and most importantly having fun.

  

The crowd is focused on the basketball game between Atlanta Adventist Academy and rivals Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy on November 6, 2014 on the Marietta Campus in Marietta,Georgia (Shannon Lewis)

The Atlanta Adventist Academy Lady Varks dribbling the ball away from Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy Lady Knights hoop on November 6, 2014 on the Marietta Campus in Marietta, Georgia (Shannon Lewis)

Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy Lady Knights trying to the block the way of a Atlanta Adventist Academy Lady Vark on November 6, 2014 on the Marietta Campus in Marietta, Georgia (Shannon Lewis)

Field Trip to the CNN Center and the Atlanta Journal Constitution Photos

  

A panoramic office view at the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper building on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 in Atlanta, GA. (Shannon Lewis)

The office setting at the Atlanta Journal Constitution building on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 in Atlanta, GA. (Shannon Lewis)

Atlanta Adventist Academy visits the HLN studio in Atlanta, GA on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 (Shannon Lewis)

Atlanta Adventist Academy looks upon journalists working in the CNN (top) and the HLN (bottom) newsrooms at the CNN Center on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 in Atlanta, GA. (Shannon Lewis)