An upbeat website for a downtown school

the Southerner Online
An upbeat website for a downtown school

the Southerner Online
An upbeat website for a downtown school

the Southerner Online
Dana Richie

Dana Richie, Co-Editor in Chief

Dana is a senior who loves using her voice to tell other people’s stories as well as share her own views. She really enjoys writing for the Southerner and is a proud board member of the Grady Jesters Speech and Debate team. She also loves playing ultimate for the Grady Girls’ Varsity team.

All content by Dana Richie
When many alumni saw the spread of a bracket ranking female students at their alma mater, they spoke out about their own experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Alumni speak out in response to ‘bracket incident’

Dana Richie
April 29, 2021
As Grady approaches one year of virtual learning, many students feel the enduring mental exertion and strain on their mental health.

One year later: pandemic-related mental health issues linger

Dana Richie, Co-Editor in Chief
March 11, 2021
Java Jive owners Shira Levetan and Steven Horwitz have served breakfast food and fresh brewed coffee to the community for over 25 years.

Java Jive nourishes community

Dana Richie
January 29, 2021
Campaign signs supporting Senator-elect Raphael Warnock and Senate candidate Jon Ossoff dot the lawns of houses in the Grady community.

[Photo] Democrats win runoffs in Georgia, take control of U.S. Senate

January 6, 2021
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For the rest of the 2020-21 school year, Wednesdays will be asynchronous, so students and teachers will work independently without mandatory Zoom classes.

Teachers react and adapt to asynchronous Wednesdays

Dana Richie
December 16, 2020
Parents of younger students emphasized that virtual learning doesn't provide the same level of education as in person. Therefore, they urge a face to face option.

Many protesters in attendance emphasized the learning loss they've noticed within their own children. Parents are especially concerned about younger students missing out on important social development while participating in online learning.

Many families attended the protest together because virtual learning impacts both parents and students. Many young children said that they missed seeing their friends at school.

As protesters lined the sidewalks of 10th street, drivers passing by honked in agreement with sending kids back to school. The goal of protesters was to bring to the attention of school boards the urgent need to give families a choice to go back to school in person.

A young girl holds up a sign that reads, “I Miss My Teachers”. According to parents of students who are not back for face-to-face learning, teachers are not the only thing their kids are missing. They are also missing out on hands-on learning and socializing with their friends.

Many protesters carried signs stating that the school board should listen to the "experts" and reopen the schools. Many said that the current metrics for determining whether or not students should return to school are arbitrary.

Philip Woody and his son with special needs, Evan Woody, are protesting for a face to face option for students with special needs. “If you know anything about special needs students, they learn best when they’re in person," Woody said. "Physical touch, redirection, encouragement or prompting are so much more effective when it’s in person.”

Chamblee Charter High School student Reagan Kuehne protests in support of DeKalb county offering an in person option. “I’m protesting because I’m ready to be back in school," Kuehne said. "I haven’t been since March, and I’m tired of just sitting on the computer everyday and not getting the right education.”

"SCHOOL IS ESSENTIAL"

The parents and students protesting were clear that the change they want to see is to be given a choice not a mandate about going back to school. Many of the homemade signs argued that going back to school is supported by science and parents are concerned that school administrations are using the wrong data.

In addition to vocal parents, young students also expressed their desire to return to in-person learning by waving handmade posters and chanting cheerfully.

Grady Cares

Dana Richie
December 1, 2020
As a poll worker, my main job was to show people who needed assistance where to cast their ballot.

[Photo] My experience as a poll worker

November 4, 2020
With the presidential race still too close to call, many eyes are on the City of Atlanta and its surrounding counties.

Biden holds slim electoral lead over Trump; Presidential race remains too close to call

George Lefkowicz, Ava Smith, and Dana Richie
November 4, 2020

Aleta Mills-Stubin (Grady Parent)

Dana Richie
November 3, 2020
Polling place entrance at Park Tavern across from Grady High School.

[Photo] How the Grady community voted

November 3, 2020
Poll workers at Bunche Middle School cheer on voters.

[Photo] Bunche Middle School

November 3, 2020
David T. Howard Middle School volunteers, with the help of Pizza to the Polls, ensured that voters had a positive voting experience.

[Photo] David T. Howard Middle School

November 3, 2020
While Morningside Elementary School's temporary campus has seen less voter turnout than expected, voters remain excited to vote.

[Photo] Morningside Elementary School’s temporary campus

November 3, 2020
Polls open in Atlanta, Georgia. Voter turnout at four polling locations has been less than expected.

Polling locations in Atlanta experience relatively slow morning

Dana Richie
November 3, 2020
The Atlanta Board of Education voted to postpone the Grady High School renaming process in order to let students vote.

School board postpones renaming process for student vote

Dana Richie, Ava Smith, Aran Sonnad-Joshi, Sayan Sonnad-Joshi, and Jamie Marlowe
November 2, 2020
US Senate Special Election: "jungle primary"

US Senate Special Election: “jungle primary”

Dana Richie
October 28, 2020
Ida B. Wells is known for her investigative articles about the pervasive practice of lynching during the late 19th century. She also spent much of her life advocating against segregation and for women's rights.

Proposed name Ida B. Wells honors influential historical figure

Dana Richie
October 19, 2020
In the wake of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing, the Senate and nation remain divided over the confirmations of nominee Amy Coney Barrett.

Honor RBG’s wishes: no confirmation until inauguration

Dana Richie
October 13, 2020
Sechan Tak, senior

Sechan Tak, senior

Dana Richie
October 7, 2020
Special education teachers adapted students' Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to fit virtual learning to ensure that students with special needs continue to effectively learn.

Silver lining: special education adapts to virtual learning

Dana Richie, Elena Hubert, and Anna Fedorova
October 5, 2020
Medical professionals emphasize how important it is to exercise for both your mental and physical health.

Medical professionals weigh in on online learning

Dana Richie
September 16, 2020
WHAT'S NEXT?: The Henry W. Grady Renaming Committee has voted to move forward with finding a new namesake for Grady High after a month of virtual meetings with public commentary.

Grady Forever? Committee recommends name change

Elena Hubert and Dana Richie
August 17, 2020
This is the front page of the Atlanta Constitution on Sunday Jan. 31, 1886. A significant part of Henry W. Grady’s legacy in Atlanta is his contribution while being owner and editor of the Atlanta Constitution. Dr. Kathy Roberts Forde emphasized that, like many newspapers in the South during the 1880s, the Atlanta Constitution served as a mouthpiece for the Democratic Party.

Examining the legacy of Henry W. Grady: Q & A with journalism historian Dr. Kathy Roberts Forde

Dana Richie
August 15, 2020
Grady alumni Patrick Busko and Sarah Shanahan complete a lap around Grady High School to show their support for the movement to rename the school.

Alumni protest in favor of Grady name change

Dana Richie
July 25, 2020
A chart created by Atlanta Public Schools outlines the proposed plan for the re-opening of schools across the district. The proposal pushes the original first day of school for students back two weeks to allow teachers and faculty time to prepare for the virtual start to the school year.

Community reacts to the district’s proposal for school re-opening

Dana Richie, Ava Smith, Kamryn Harty, and Elena Hubert
July 11, 2020
Superintendent Dr. Herring spoke with Atlanta Public Schools student publications to discuss her plans for the 2020-2021 school year. As well as touching on schools reopening, Herring detailed her "family" approach to leadership and her support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Superintendent Herring lays plans for first year

Kamryn Harty, Elena Hubert, and Dana Richie
July 1, 2020
Nonviolent protesters marched to the Georgia State Capitol and gathered to protest police brutality on May 29, 2020 in downtown Atlanta. Some raise their fists as a symbol of solidarity.

My observations: a peaceful protest turned violent

Dana Richie
May 30, 2020
pic 3 for HB 426 head to head

[Photo] Head to Head: Should the state senate approve hate crime legislation, House Bill 426?

June 14, 2020
Protesters at the Justice for Us march on March 29 gather together in downtown Atlanta. Some participants raise their fists to show solidarity.

Students share perspectives on police brutality protests

Elena Hubert and Dana Richie
June 1, 2020
The aftermath of protests on May 29 and 30 in downtown Atlanta included smashed windows.

[Photo] What I believe in this moment

Bhuvan Saraswat, junior
June 1, 2020
A participant of the March 29 protest against police brutality holds a sign saying "No Justice, No Peace."

[Photo] Self-proclaimed pacifist tired of ‘innocent people of color being murdered’

Inaya Abdul-Haqq, senior
June 1, 2020
A protester at the Justice For Us march on May 29 holds a sign reading "My Blackness is Not a Crime."

[Photo] No excuse for hatred toward African Americans

Joy Delaney, senior
June 1, 2020
On March 29, 2020, protestors marched from Centennial Park to the Georgia Capitol to the CNN center to nonviolently protest police brutality. Those protests later turned violent.

[Photo] “We demand change immediately”: A student’s open letter to police and lawmakers

Joanna Baker
May 30, 2020
Dr. Lisa Herring was announced as the sole finalist for superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools.

Birmingham superintendent Herring announced as sole finalist to lead APS

Elena Hubert, Lanier Pickren, and Dana Richie
May 4, 2020
The Southerner sat down with Dr. Lisa Herring, sole finalist for APS superintendent, to discuss pertinent issues that face the district.

Q & A with sole superintendent finalist Dr. Lisa Herring

Dana Richie
April 30, 2020
Customers shop for produce while keeping their social distance at the Freedom Parkway Farmers Market.

COVID-19 forces farmers markets, customers to adapt

Dana Richie
April 25, 2020
Freshman Brian Edwards works from home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Recent announcements regarding school closures through the end of the 2019-2020 school year have left students grappling with the extended reality of online school.

Parents, teachers, students react to school closure for rest of school year

Kamryn Harty, George Lefkowicz, Dana Richie, and Elise Isakov
April 1, 2020
Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen demonstrates the type of food assistance APS provides to needy families during a virtual town hall meeting on March 26.

Superintendent reassures district at virtual town hall

Dana Richie
March 26, 2020
The main set for “Sweeney Todd” was under construction in the Vincent Murray Auditorium before the show was postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19.

Extracurriculars cancelled due to COVID-19

Dana Richie
March 24, 2020
Still working on identifying the people in this dance

Junior Erin Taylor performs a spoken word entitled 'This is America' to raise awareness for the violence that African Americans face.

Senior Zoe White painted basketball legend Kobe Bryant in minutes to commemorate his legacy.

Senior Amarie Blackshear participates in her friend Katherine Thomas' heartfelt performance of a song she wrote for her dad who died by police brutality.

Junior Lucy Strohl and XXX represent the French program by dancing a traditional Afro-Caribbean dance.

Participants begin the Dear John 5K on Feb. 15, 2020 in support of Congressman John Lewis' cancer diagnosis.

Dear John 5K supports Congressman Lewis

Dana Richie and Anna Fedorova
February 26, 2020
Maura O'Sullivan, co-founder of Branch Out Initiative, teaches her younger brother, Finn O'Sullivan, about wildlife. Branch Out specializes in leading inclusive nature hikes.

Branch Out Initiative offers humanities opportunities for kids with learning disabilities

Dana Richie
February 5, 2020
Dana Persons (center) and husband Mike Persons (far right) have hosted exchange students at Grady for nearly 15 years.

Persons family provides exchange students American high school experience

Dana Richie
November 22, 2019
STACK THEM UP: Grady literature curriculum currently leaves most diverse books for supplemental reading while the required curriculum remains largely untouched.

Representation long overdue in Grady literature curriculum

Dana Richie
October 31, 2019
Junior Amelia Green teaches kids how to cook while she works at the Young Chef's Academy. Green loves to cook in her free time.

Junior pursues passion for cooking

Dana Richie
October 1, 2019
Junior Abby Edlein played an active role in a gun violence panel at the Temple. She has brought her passion for gun violence prevention activism to Grady by starting a March For Our Lives chapter.

Junior starts March For Our Lives chapter

Dana Richie
August 28, 2019
Sig Samuels: cornerstone of the Grady community

Sig Samuels: cornerstone of the Grady community

Dana Richie
August 27, 2019
Students celebrate lesser-known religious traditions

Students celebrate lesser-known religious traditions

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
April 19, 2019
The logo for International Women's Day features the traditional women empowerment logo. International Women's Day is celebrated worldwide on March 8.

International Women’s Day ought to be widely celebrated

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
March 7, 2019
Kate Carter returned to Grady this semester after four and a half years away from teaching.

Kate Carter returns to teaching at Grady

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
February 26, 2019
Staged image to demonstrate sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Words Unspoken: Sexual misconduct stories brought to light

Royce Mann, Dana Richie, Lanier Pickren, and Katherine Esterl
December 18, 2018
The reporting of sexual misconduct for victims is no clear system of who to report to and what is legitimate to report.

Reporting sexual harassment and assault

Dana Richie and Lanier Pickren
December 18, 2018
Playwright of "Waffle Palace" and Grady alum Eddie "Levi" Lee signs the script of Jack Dicarlo, who played John in the show. "Waffle Palace" is based on the crazy things that happen in a Waffle House at 3 a.m.

Alum Eddie “Levi” Lee inspires students

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
December 10, 2018
Students are barred from using school water fountains.

Boil water advisory inconveniences Grady students

Lauren Silcock and Dana Richie
December 4, 2018

Georgia Governor’s race undecided as Democrats gain in the U.S. House

Joe Earles, George Lefkowicz, Dana Richie, Ellie Winer, and Sam Huray
November 6, 2018
A TEACHING MOMENT: ESOL teacher Katherina Maryska explains a concept to senior Sabiha Akter. Akter is from Bangladesh where the official language is Bengali. Maryska uses body language to aid in learning.

ESOL students persevere through adversity

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
November 1, 2018
Brian Kemp is the Georgia Republican gubernatorial nominee. He has been criticized by the left for his extreme ads.

Conservative TV ads ‘round up’ Kemp supporters

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
October 23, 2018
WISE WORDS: Quotes posted in Grady hallways inspire students amid the blur of a busy day. Art teacher John Brandhorst came up with the concept of scattering various words around the school to encourage more observation of surroundings in students.

Words and quotes around Grady enliven environment

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
October 21, 2018
Movie posters advertising the Grady film 'Partners' lined the Grady halls on the week leading up to the shows.

‘Partners’ fills screen with new perspective

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
October 20, 2018
Judge Brett Kavanaugh testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday September 27, 2018 amid allegations of sexual assault presented by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

Allegations shake up Kavanaugh confirmation

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
September 28, 2018
Fraternal twins Dana and Griffin Richie pose for a picture before going to a friend's party. Photo by Clare S. Richie.

The twists and turns of being a twin

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
September 27, 2018
Ms. Rogan actively engaging with her students during her class.

[Photo] Rogan sisters tackle Grady together

Molly Haynes, Author
August 27, 2018
Senior Jordan Thomas at Harvard University where he competed this year as part of the Harvard Debate Council's summer residency tournament.

High bar set after Thomas’ Harvard win

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle/ A&E Section Editor
August 21, 2018
VIEWS FROM CAPITAL HILL: Crowds of people, including students, from across the country marched to the capital, demanding legislation.

Students march for their lives amid gun control debate

Dana Richie, Online Lifestyle Section Editor
March 24, 2018
Freshman Adham Attia hits a winning shot past freshman Diego Gonzalez and senior Ash Sullivan, during a boys volleyball practice. The team is sponsored by teacher Lee Pope.

[Photo] Boys volleyball team makes history

January 16, 2018
Freshman Adham Attia hits a winning shot past freshman Diego Gonzalez and senior Ash Sullivan, during a boys volleyball practice. The team is sponsored by teacher Lee Pope.

Boys volleyball team makes history

Dana Richie
January 16, 2018
Tools of the technology age, such as the computer and ever powerful cell phones, are the gateways to future jobs for current high school students.

School should offer more real-life, practical classes

Dana Richie, Freshman
November 13, 2017
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