Athens Academy Press Releases

The Athens Academy Academic Team placed third in the Georgia Academic Team Association (GATA) State Tournament in Dacula, Georgia, on March 8. The team, captained by Margaret Heald and supported by Hugh Schlesinger, Nick Kalivoda, and Ferris and Malik Obeidin, also took first place in the Region 8 competition. The team had four wins, with one loss during the tournament, including an exciting overtime win against the defending state champions. The state tournament is the culmination of the academic team season consisting of tournaments during which teams from across the Southeast compete against each other based upon knowledge of subjects including history, science, mathematics, art and literature. Additional members of the team were Della Cummings, Michael Lai, Kristen Turner, Bryan and David Roberts, Eric Perkerson, Elizabeth Newcomer, and Esther Deaton.

Posted by Kelley Cuneo at 11:29 AM | Permalink

For the third consecutive year, the Athens Academy Mock Trial team won the Northeast Georgia Regional Championship. The team won every award in every round in which they participated, and they competed against Lumpkin County High School in the final round. Senior Houston Mahoney and junior Amy Bruckner each won three Best Witness Awards, senior Jarrard Cole won three Best Lawyer Awards, sophomore Christine Shaw won two Best Lawyer Awards, and senior Ramey Mize won one Best Lawyer Award.

Athens Academy’s Mock Trial team is sponsored by Latin teacher Kelly Ryan and drama teacher Lorraine Thompson, and local attorneys Rich Connelly, Eric Eberhardt, and Ernie Harris helped to coach the team this year. Judge Ethelyn Simpson also advised the team.

The team then went on to the state tournament in March in Lawrenceville, where seniors Jarrard Cole, Houston Mahoney, Rebecca Marshburn, and Ramey Mize each received awards.

Mock Trial allows students to sharpen their speaking skills, their ability to persuade, and their knowledge of law. It also provides a unique simulation of a case actually playing out in a courtroom.

Pictured: Seniors Houston Mahoney, Ramey Mize, Rebecca Marshburn, and Jarrard Cole celebrate their hard work following the state tournament in March.

Posted by Kelley Cuneo at 10:59 AM | Permalink

Guest author Todd Strasser will visit Athens Academy on Friday, March 28. Mr. Strasser is the author of numerous books for middle school and teen readers, including Can't Get There from Here, Give a Boy a Gun, The Wave, and the popular Help, I'm Trapped and Here Comes Heavenly series, among many others. His books have received awards from the American Library Association and the International Reading Association, and as well as many state book awards. Boot Camp, a 2007 novel about a fifteen-year-old boy sent by his parents to a disciplinary boot camp, has just been nominated for the Georgia Peach Book Award.

The public is invited to hear Strasser speak at the Middle School assembly from 8:15-9:00 a.m. and the Upper School assembly from 10:05-10:50 a.m. Both assemblies will be conducted in the Presentation Hall of the Bertelsmann Building. Mr. Strasser will also be available to answer questions and sign books until noon. For more information, please call 706-549-9225.

Posted by Kelley Cuneo at 12:52 PM | Permalink

Mrs. Caroline Ridlehuber recently received the 2007 Leadership in Literacy Award, presented by the Georgia Branch of The International Dyslexia Association (IDAGA). Mrs. Ridlehuber was honored at the IDAGA annual conference in Atlanta in February.

Mrs. Ridlehuber joined the Athens Academy faculty in 1972 and has served in many leadership roles as a language arts teacher, Middle School Director, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and currently as Academic Dean (grades PK-6). Her love of reading and her keen mission of literacy have driven her work. Throughout her career she has sought ways to enhance reading instruction and identify struggling readers, creating a culture where reading is valued and enjoyed.

The Leadership in Literacy Award honors educators who have “significantly improved adolescent literacy at his/her middle or high school; supported early intervention programs that have led to measured success at his/her school or school district; creatively engaged parents in school/home cooperative ventures to support early literacy; and supported excellent teacher training and professional development that has led to significant gains in student reading achievement in his/her school district.”

Posted by Kelley Cuneo at 12:43 PM | Permalink

Senior Ruby Lai has been recognized as the STAR student for Athens Academy. Ruby has chosen Andy Simmonds as her STAR teacher. Mr. Simmonds has taught Ruby in Precalculus Honors BC and Advanced Placement Calculus BC. Ruby is now jointly enrolled at the University of Georgia in a multivariable Calculus course.

Ruby is the founding member and captain of the Athens Academy Math Team. She is the co-president of the Media & Tech Club and is a member of the SEEDS Environmental Club and the International Club. Ruby also volunteers with the Oconee County Middle School MathCounts team.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program recognizes outstanding students and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.

Posted by Kelley Cuneo at 8:50 AM | Permalink