compiled by kathryn schiliro • photo by jesse walker

Once a year, a new school year starts. As is our annual tradition here at the Citizen, we’d like to introduce you to the Morgan County School System’s newest staff members. These are the new faces you’ll see in the halls.

Moms of Madison host summer camp for local kids

story by isabela rzeznik
photos by jesse walker and contributed

This is not an Erin Spinks thing,” said Erin Spinks, organizer of the Moms of Madison Summer Camp. Indeed, the sense of community is palpable at Heritage Park on a cloudy, muggy Tuesday morning. The group meets once a week, on Tuesdays, generally from 10a.m.-12p.m., though occasionally later.  There was an ease to moving from playtime mode into actual camp activities, with everyone, from mom to child, pitching in and cooperating. The camp is structured but not rigid so children can opt out of any games or other goings-on if overwhelmed. The moms and kids all play together.            

Spinks started Tea Time Friends for a group of her daughter’s friends from preschool and she wanted to continue the fun over the summer. Spinks pulled together a group of teachers and leaders in order to organize an appropriate summertime endeavor. The very first Tuesday of the camp, about 70 kids showed up. The camp consists of the moms and their children dividing up into groups by age.  The two hour camp starts off with icebreakers for any new arrivals, teaching a memory verse, then singing summer camp chants and other songs and playing games. Towards the end of the two hours, there is always a water game to stay cool. Of course, there is a snack time break. One mom, Jacqueline Whetzel, described the camp as a “guaranteed playdate.” Being a part of the camp is free, with everything being on volunteer basis. Spinks started a Facebook page for the group, which has attracted over 200 likes and she and Amy Butler, a camp leader and mom, post there often.     

Principal Dr. Mark Wilson says goodbye to MCHS

story by kathryn schiliro
file photos by angelina bellebuono

The end of this week will conclude Dr. Mark Wilson's nine years as principal of Morgan County High School.
Since the school year's concluded and he presided over his last graduation ceremony in May, Wilson's been working with MCHS teacher Dr. Jim Malanowski, preparing him for his role as the school's interim principal. He's packed up, wrapped up year-end work and helped out with next year's "Pursuits," the annually updated book outlining MCHS's framework and operations, its awards and accomplishments as well as a kind-of biography of the school.
Asked what memories he will cherish, Wilson is happier about the daily accomplishments of teachers and students more so than the larger accolades the school's received in his nine years including, but not limited to, being named four times as one of "America's Best High Schools" in Jay Matthews' Annual Challenge Index in The Washington Post; having booming International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs; an 80 percent-plus graduation rate since 2006; and, of course, Wilson's being named the 2009 MetLife Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals’ Principal of the Year and then the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Principal of the Year.

DING DANG! LOOK AT ALL THIS BUZZ! Top: Mitzi Everett is the new owner of The Spa at the James Madison. Above: Nicole Jordan of Madison works at the new Verizon store in Madison. photos by d. yost

Peach Power. Momma ain’t got no peachtree y’all! She’s flat sick ‘bout it too! I’m talkin’ she’s cryin’ like a baby in her biscuits! Lord have mercy! She’s just won’t stop yakkin’ ‘bout sliced peaches, peach pie, peach cobbler, peach ice cream, peach daiquiris, peach cake, peach salsa . . . And I pert near forgot that everybody who’s anybody knows Momma just loves to pop a peach slice into her White Lightenin’ jar for that perfect peach pitch! Somebody HELP! What? STOP THE PRESSES! REPEAT! STOP THE PRESSES! PEACHES ARE VINE RIPE AT C.J. ORCHARDS! That’s right y’all!

Check out the ad in this week’s newspaper for C.J. Orchards! Millions of peaches. . . peaches for me! OK y’all . . . If you haven’t been out to C.J. Orchards in Rutledge, you don’t know what you’ve been missin’! They grow those fabulously delish Red Haven sweet, juicy peaches! Y’all better get your bow honkers over there immediately! OK so C.J. Orchards is owned by our very own Rutledge residents Carolyn and Jim Markley and it’s flat fun to go to so take the kids with you! Momma’s so happy she’s turnin’ cartwheels! C.J. Orchards is located at 1241 Old Mill Road in Rutledge and you can get directions by visitin’ www.cjorchards.com or callin’ them at 706-557-2635! I’ll see you there!

story and photos by michael prochaska

Clifford Lowe Sr. attends son’s
MCHS graduation despite spinal cord injury

On a warm late-spring Friday, Clifford Lowe Sr., father of Morgan County High School graduate Clifford Lowe Jr., was slowly lowered from a yellow school bus and carried to the bright green sidelines of Bill Corry Stadium. Straddling the 10- and 15-yard line, Lowe watched as his son walked gracefully to center field, sporting a black gown and cap.

photos by josiah connelly

MCPS students celebrate their favorite books

Printed in the June 7, 2012 edition