Cougar Call
Volume 1, Issue 9
Leprechaun visits Kindergarten!
The Kindergarten class enjoyed a fun Saint Patrick’s Day by reading Irish stories, making leprechauns, shamrock bowties, and a visit from "Lucky" the leprechaun. While the students were on the playground, "Lucky" played tricks in the classroom by turning the chairs, books, and name tags upside down. He left gold glitter, shamrocks, and rainbow candies on the children’s desk. He also turned the water green in their water bottles. He left a special note wishing them a happy St. Patrick's Day on the classroom white board.
History of St. Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick’s Day is now associated with the luck of the Irish, leprechauns, and going out with friends. However, it wasn’t always known as a day filled with good fortune. March seventeenth was initially the day to commemorate Saint Patrick’s death. His legend has been celebrated every year for over one thousand years.
Saint Patrick didn’t start with the legacy he died with. He was born in wealthy family in Britain. When he was sixteen years old, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken back to Ireland. There, he was forced to work as a shepherd. He turned to Christianity for comfort. When he was around twenty-two, after over six years in captivity, he escaped and left Ireland.
According to legend, an angel came to Saint Patrick in a dream and told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Prior to pursuing his calling, he completed fifteen years of training to become a missionary. He returned with two goals for his mission work: ministering to Irish Christians and converting new souls to his religion. There is controversy as some stories state he was the first missionary to introduce Christianity to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland in 433 A.D. and died in 461 A.D. at the site of his first church in that country.
Over the years, some celebratory traditions have been preserved. Irish families would go to church in the morning and celebrate in groups later in the day. Although the holiday takes place during Lent, the Irish would eat bacon and cabbage, drink, and dance. Since March seventeenth started off as a religious occasion, all Irish pubs were closed. Later, the government used the holiday to increase tourism and reopened the pubs to showcase the Irish culture.
Saint Patrick’s Day parades didn’t start until 1762, and they began in the United States. Irish soldiers in the English military marched through the New York City streets. Today, it is one of the largest and oldest parades in the world.
Today, Saint Patrick’s Day is a major event throughout the world, but especially the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is also celebrated as far away from Ireland as Japan and Russia. Almost one million people in Dublin, Ireland take part in the holiday. It is doubtful that Saint Patrick ever dreamed his life would be celebrated at such a scale.
By: Sarah Holland
The Roaring 20's Come Back for Prom
The Roaring 20’s have come back! The prom, this year, was located at Charlie Elliott Conference Center. This event was headed by Mrs. Cook, with the help of Ms. Lewis, Coach Hawkes, and Coach Norris. The prom committee consisted of Taylor Swart, Amelia Dodson, Bridgette Phillips, Haley Tyler, Becca Hopper, Summer Conley, Summer Collins, Matti Smith, Alicia Peek, Noah Quick, and Hunter Whiting. The committee had many ideas for a theme, but decided on Bright Lights and Dark Nights of the Roaring 20’s. Mrs. Cook stated that her favorite part of planning prom is the chance to work with new students each year. She finds it interesting to see all the different ideas and plans from the students come together. She states that the process is stressful, because it is a lot of work to make sure everything is orderly and planned. She enjoys seeing the end result; however, her least favorite part is “un-decorating” and packing everything back up.
This year a few past rules were changed. The students were able to eat out before they came to prom, girls dresses needed to be approved by Mrs. Cook or Ms. Sauls, and prom king and queen were chosen. Last year, Charlie Elliott provided a fantastic dinner for the students; however, students enjoy eating out with their friends and showing off their looks. The committee decided to let the students eat out this year. The other rule change concerning dresses came about because styles are becoming more open and showy with some dresses starting to become two pieces. They are becoming more open and showy and are starting to come in two pieces. Mrs. Cook stated that she wanted the girls to be able to follow new trends, but also wanted the girls to be appropriate and classy for the occasion. Prom King and Queen were kept a secret until the reveal on prom night. The committee wanted the winners to be a surprise and a shock to everyone. This year’s winners were Hunter Knox and Cheyenne Galloway. They were in shock to receive this honor from the senior class and the junior prom committee.
By: JaDe' Padgett
PAC 2015 Golf Team Begins Season
The 2015 golf team is ready to start their season! This year’s returning team consists of PJ Leonetti (senior), Payden Cantera (senior), Hunter Pope (senior), Chandler Burrell (junior), Preston Tyler (sophomore), and the returning head coach, Michael Wilson. Piedmont Academy’s golf team practices at the Hunter Pope Country Club in Monticello. The team is hoping for a good season and Wilson says “It is going to be difficult to replace Branson Parish and James Marks from last year, considering they were two of the best golfers on the team last year. I am excited to get out and see the improvement everyone has made from last year.” After losing five seniors last year, Wilson expects PJ Leonetti to be the leader of Piedmont’s team this year. There is going to be a big change from the team last year to this year, the team this year is much smaller, as I said, the team lost five seniors who made a huge impact on the team, and without them Wilson says he is going to need to see everyone contribute if they plan to advance to state this year. As of competition this year, Wilson says “We are expecting all of the teams in our region to be tough: Monsignor Donovan, Briarwood, and Brentwood are all very good teams and it will be a challenge for us to beat everyone this year.” The whole Piedmont school sends all of its support to the team as they compete in matches and hopefully begin the road to State Championship Tournament at Jekyll Island in May.
The team defeated John Milledge Academy in their first match this week on Tuesday the 17th, and with the win, it is going to encourage the team to want more wins this year.
By: Haley Tyler
2015 PAC Soccer Teams
The End to the 2014-2015 Basketball Season
The region tournament started on February 17th, and was held in Sandersville at Brentwood Academy. In the first round, the Lady Cougars went against Windsor Academy to see who would remain in the tournament. The Cougars were winning the game 22-11 at halftime and continued to hold the lead the whole game. With 2 minutes and 40 seconds left in the game the score was 46-43. The Cougars held the ball in attempt to not let the other team have the ball and throw up a 3 point shot. After PAC unfortunately turned the ball over, Windsor had one more shot to tie the game, but barely missed the three point shot at the buzzer giving the Lady Cougars the win.
On February 19th, the girls faced the Brentwood Academy Knights. The final score was 28- 52. The game was a tough loss, but the Cougars did not play well. Toward the end of the game, Coach Wilson put “fresh legs” in the game in hopes of not tiring out all of his starters for a more important game the next day.
The following day February 20th, the Lady Cougars played the Briarwood Bucs and fell 31-52. The game was definitely one that was winnable, but the Lady Bucs shot better that night than they had all year. The game was very close until the middle of the third quarter when all of the Lady Bucs’ shots started to fall. The team proceeded to take the fourth seed in the tournament, placing them as a number four seed in the state tournament.
The Lady Cougars faced LaGrange for the first round of state in LaGrange and were defeated by a heart breaker. The halftime score of the game was 39-35. The Lady Cougars had the game in the bag until a 3 pointer was shot to tie the game up 55-55. After the game was tied, LaGrange had a break-free and made a wide open layup. After that the Cougars fouled a girl who made both of her free throws, and with 30 seconds left in the game there was just not enough time to come back. Although it was a sad night for our two seniors, Cheyenne Galloway and Remington Marsh, the whole team played an excellent game. With lockdown defense, Piedmont held LaGrange to minimum points, but just not enough to win the game.
On the other hand, the PAC boys placed third in the region tournament after being defeated by Monsignor Donovan 76-40 on February 19th. Shots did not fall for the Cougars as they did for the Rams, but on the bright side the game wasn’t a total deal breaker. The game was very physical and irritating for the boys The following day, February 20th, the Piedmont boys defeated the Brentwood Knights 51-47. With that win, the boys were able to take third place in the region tournament, and also be a number three seed for the state tournament.
Our Cougar boys faced Furtah Preparatory School and were defeated which ended the season. The score for the game was 79-54. Wilson said “The boys played their best game of the year. Furtah has a great program, and we hung with them for most of the game. Furtah just pulled away late in the game.”
The overall season for the girls and boys seemed to go better than expected. Even though the winning percentage was not what we wanted, both teams played an extremely hard schedule. Wilson said “I thought both teams saw a lot of improvement from last season. I felt both teams exceeded my expectations, and I am pretty sure they exceeded the expectations of the competition.” Wilson was very satisfied with how the season went, he stated “The girls loss to LaGrange was difficult not because of the result of the game, but because I felt our girls were the better team and with the tough year they had, I really wanted to see them show everyone how good of a team they had grown into over the course of the season.” One thing Wilson said he wished he could change was the one on one time with each player. He said “It was tough to coach both the boys and girls teams, but more individual practice would have helped a lot.” In conclusion to the season, Wilson said “I do not think that any other team in the state has played a more difficult schedule than our teams. I do not think anyone realizes how good we really are because of some of the games we played. Both teams are heading on the right direction and I look forward to seeing them reach that level. They all work hard and I’m appreciative of the opportunity to coach them.”
By: Haley Tyler
The Diamond Cougars are Back in Season
This years’ baseball team has been taken over by Coach Daniel Funt. His assistant coaches include Wes Tanner, Cameron Vaughn, and Donnie Coe. This team consists of many individuals who were involved with last years’ State Champion team. This provides the team with several strengths and weaknesses. “Experience is a strength. This is an older team that knows how to win and what it takes to compete chemistry. The team gets along with one another and knows how to work together. However, vanity is a weakness. As a team, we cannot think winning state will just happen. We have to get better every day,” Coach Daniel Funt stated. Coach Funt states that it is too early to determine who will step up to replace the talented seniors from last year. However, he states that several guys are working hard and are eager to step up. As a coach you have to have expectations for a team. Coach Funt’s expectations include the following: remain disciplined, work hard and effectively, improve a little each day. Over all, he just wants the players to make memories and do the ordinary things well. You only get one chance at high school.
As a head coach you have your own way of doing things, Coach Funt has his own style so it is slightly different than the ordinary. “I’m me,” he stated. Many of the “X & O” are the same, but the terminology is different. As a first year coach, he wants to give the players fundamentals to improve and build on. There is talent, no durst, but it is a new year. The team is in a new, tough region and there is a lot of talent in the GISA AA region that have improved as well. Coach Funt’s favorite part of coaching is watching the kids improve as ball players, watching them make mature decisions around their peers at school and in the community. Coach Funt predicts that this will be a fun season for the players, their families, members of Piedmont Academy, and hopefully the community. As Lasorda once said, “There are three types of baseball players: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens.”
By: JaDe' Padgett
2014-15 Wrestling Season Ended on a Good Note
After a strenuous season the Cougars Wrestling team did well at the State Meet. Ben Davis and Nolan Cleary each placed 5th place in their weight divisions. Ian Boyd and Tanner Coppock also wrestled well at State. Payden Cantera was unable to wrestle in his final meet due to injury, but was a big help to Coach Hawkes in encouraging teammates and taking care of other duties. Tanner Coppock said, “This wrestling season went well with the small group that we had. I think that we all will be ready next season. “We did well at state and we have other goals set in mind for future seasons,” said Coach Hawkes.
By: Joseph Anderson
Track 2015
Piedmont Academy’s track team is gearing up to start their season on Wednesday, March 18th at Gatewood in Eatonton at 3:30 pm. Walt Nelson will be coaching this season. He will receive support from Judy Nelson, Chris Hunt, Karla Tuggle, Bailyn Whitaker, Emily Hammonds, Gracie Black, and Emily Mills. The season will continue at Gatewood on March 25th and at Briarwood on April 1st.
The girl’s team includes seniors JaDe Padgett and Remington Marsh; juniors Amelia Dodson, and Anna Phillips,; freshmen Alexis Dodson, Sara Hammonds, Railey Holloway, Anna Knox, Taylor Patterson, and Caitlyn Young; and eighth graders Cassidy Cook, Sydney Davis, Gracie Hunt, and Lucy Tuggle.
The boy’s team comprises of seniors Jeremiah Dave, Gaven Edge, Hunter Knox, and Chase Young; juniors Chris Coogler, Ben Davis, Cameron Hammock, and Zack Wilson; sophmores Mack Brady, Brice Dodson, Michael Edwards, and Chris McClain; and freshmen Corbin Burrell and Tanner Coppock.
By: Sarah Holland
Literary Takes First Place
2014-2015
REGION 4AA LITERARY COMPETITION
Brewton Parker College, Mt. Vernon, Georgia
Team Sponsor: Bobbi Sauls
Music Events: April Allen
Essay Events: Leslie White & Angie Marks
Speaking Events: Bobbi Sauls
Accompanist: Jackie Tarrh
Fine Arts Officer: Mary Ramsdell
1ST Place
Andrew Mitchell – Argumentative Essay
Andrew Mitchell – International Extemporaneous Speaking
Sara Hammonds – Piano
Will Tillman & Steve Martin – Duo Interpretation
Will Tillman – Humorous Interpretation
Steve Martin – Dramatic Interpretation
Kevin Davis – Spelling
2nd Place
Cameron Hallman – Personal Essay
Jackson Waddleton – Rhetorical Essay
Gabe Courtman, Owen Kimball, Steve Martin, Chase Olson – Quartet
Chris McClain – National Extemporaneous Speaking
3rd Place
Morgan Leach – Solo
Gabe Courtman – Solo
Emma Kate Edmonds, Morgan Leach, Anne Marie Hildebrant – Trio
Star Student
Cheyenne Galloway has earned the honor of 2014/2015 Star Student. She has selected her mother, Beth Galloway, as the 2014/2015 Star Teacher at Piedmont Academy. According to Cheyenne, “Many teachers at Piedmont Academy have influenced my development as a student, an athlete, and an individual. From an early age, I have been taught to work hard and to care for others always before myself. I have been privileged to have my mom to teach me valuable lessons not only at home but also in the classroom.”
She commends her mother’s role in the development of the FFA here at Piedmont and states, “During my years in the FFA, with my mother as my advisor, I learned to appreciate fully the role of teachers in encouraging students to become the best student, leader, and, person that he or she can be. Through the organization, I gained confidence to lead and serve others better.”
Beth Galloway discussed her pride in her daughter’s accomplishments in and outside of school. “Anyone that is familiar with Cheyenne’s personality understands that she is a perfectionist in every way. She has an internal motivation always to push herself to be the best.” She praised her drive in the classroom and on the field. “In the classroom, she has always chosen to take the hardest work load, study many hours into the night, and succeed at every task. She takes this same attitude to the softball field which led to her earning a college scholarship.”
By: Sarah Holland
Do You Believe in Luck?
Some simply define luck as “good fortune.” Others would call it “a combination of circumstances or events.” Luck is often associated with religion, and it is then believed that it is a mask for a higher power’s interventions. Psychologists associate good or bad fortune with a person’s general outlook.
Studies have shown that people who believe they generally have good luck tend to be more opportunistic and positive, while people who may normally have bad luck often have a more negative outlook. Many people believe luck isn’t real due to their religious beliefs. They believe everyday miracles granted by a higher power are often referred to as, “being lucky.” Others hold that luck is merely a series of events that can end positively or negatively. They believe some actions can have future consequences that may come across as being lucky or unlucky.
People have differing views on whether or not luck actually exists. Some say it is real due to their religious beliefs, while others believe it is not chance, but the result of past actions. So, do you believe in luck?
By: Sarah Holland
Editorial
As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."
The worshippers of the All-Merciful are they who tread gently upon the earth, and when the ignorant address them, they reply, “Peace!
Isis has gone too far. There was no reason to attack and set Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh on fire. Al-Kasasbeh's F-16 fighter aircraft crashed near Raqqa, Syria, on December 24th, 2014, during a military intervention against ISIS. ISIS held al-Kaseasbeh captive until early January 2015. ISIS justifies his brutal killing with a verse from the Quran stating, "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement." Followers of ISIS seem to forget Verse 25:63 that say “The worshippers of the All-Merciful are they who tread gently upon the earth, and when the ignorant address them, they reply, “Peace!” This quote indicates that when the ignorant address Quran followers, Quran followers reply PEACE. ISIS members and followers seem to forget that the Quran speaks of peace just as much as it speaks of violence. I believe that ISIS members feel that their religion is the only true religion and that they choose to use violence to encourage their religion. I also believe that if ISIS members and followers keep up this violence and killing. The world will once again be at war.
By: Joseph Anderson
Paws at a Glance
3-19
Report cards
Varsity baseball VS. Gatewood- away- @4:30
Middle school baseball VS. Bethlehem Christian-Double Header-Home- @4:30
3-20
Varsity baseball VS. Monsignor Donovan-away- @4:30
Varsity girls soccer Vs. Creekside- away- @5:00
3-21
Middle school baseball VS. Gatewood- away- @10:00
3-24
Varsity baseball VS. Windsor- away- @5:30
3-25
Middle school baseball VS. John Milledge- home- Double Header- @4:30
Track @ Gatewood- @3:30
3-26
Varsity baseball VS. Heritage- home- @5:00
Varsity soccer VS. Westfield- home- @5:30
3- 27
B-team baseball VS. Westfield- away-@4:30
Varsity baseball VS. Westfield- away- @6:00
Middle school baseball VS. Brentwood- away- double header- @4:00
3-30
B-team baseball VS. Gatewood- home- @3:30
Middle school baseball VS. Gatewood – home- @5:00
3-31
Middle school trip to Savannah
Varsity baseball VS. Brentwood- home- @4:30
Varsity soccer VS. Westminster- away
4-1
Track @ Briarwood- @3:30
4-2
Varsity baseball VS. Central Georgia Art & Academics- home- @6:00
Varsity soccer VS. Monsignor Donovan- home
4/6-10
SPRING BREAK
4-10:
Varsity baseball VS. Monsignor Donovan- away-@4:30
4-14:
Varsity baseball VS. Windsor- home-@4:30
Spring pictures @8:30AM
Soccer VS John Milledge- home- @5:30
By: Haley Tyler