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
Fairlie Mercer

Fairlie Mercer, Editor in Chief

Fairlie Mercer is a senior and this is her third year writing for The Southerner. She currently serves as an Editor-in-Chief and is excited for her second year as an editor. Outside of journalism, she enjoys hanging out with friends and dance.

All content by Fairlie Mercer
STEEP COSTS: Approximately 1.21 million high school students reported vaping according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This came data revealed that around 59% of these users reported using disposable vapes, which harm the environment when thrown away, polluting the environment with nicotine, heavy metals, plastics, hazardous lithium-ion batteries and other chemical toxins. In addition to these environmental harms, vaping can, according to Auburn University, cost students over $1,000 a year.

Under the radar, over the limit; schools attempt to curb student vaping

Audrey Lyons, Penelope Keenan, and Fairlie Mercer
September 16, 2025
RELIABLE RIDES: Across Atlanta there are an estimated 100 Waymos, self-driving rideshare cars, marking their increasing popularity, giving people a choice between machine or man.

Head to Head: Is automation in the workforce beneficial or harmful?

Fairlie Mercer and Grey Borse
September 15, 2025
DC TAKEOVER: President Donald Trump continues federal overreach by taking control of the DC police.

Trump’s takeover of DC is legal, but rooted in untrue facts

Fairlie Mercer
August 18, 2025
PATRIOTIC PEOPLE: Protester Nick Scheidly came draped in an American flag in an effort to show that the anti-Trump movement is democratic and patriotic.

No Kings Day protest shows record-breaking turnout against Trump administration in Atlanta

Fairlie Mercer and Audrey Lyons
June 25, 2025
DRIVERS SUPPORT: Following the protest, the crowds left in large groups. Cars driving by honked in support.

APRIL EVENT: At the launch of the booster club, event attendees browsed old Orator yearbooks and Southerner newspapers before the start of the event.

[Photo] Southerner addresses necessary internal, content shortcomings

Editorial Board
May 28, 2025
DELETED WORDS: Since the beginning of the Trump administration countless words have been deleted from government websites.

[Photo] Essential freedom of speech threatened by DOGE and Trump administration

Editorial Board
April 11, 2025
STREETS LINED: As the protesters marched, entire lanes of streets were closed. Police closley followed the march to keep protesters on the right side of the road.

HANDS OFF: Christine Johnson****** was a protestor at the Atlanta protest, and wore gloves to represent the "Hands Off" movement.

CAPITAL SQUARE: Following the over two-mile march, protesters gathered to listen to a wide array of speeches.

STUDENT PRESENCE: As it stands the Midtown Foundation lacks any student involvement, this has led to a lapse in effectiveness

[Photo] Student representation necessary on Midtown Foundation

Kate Krugman, student
April 8, 2025
ATLANTA ROUTE: The Atlanta "Hands Off" protest started at Piedmont Park and then weaved through Midtown to Downtown, eventually arriving at the Capitol.

“Hands Off” protest shows unprecedented national organization against Trump administration, from Atlanta to New York City

Fairlie Mercer and Audrey Lyons
April 8, 2025
ANSWERING QUESTIONS: During the media day event Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, made himself available to a wide range of questions from the student press

[Photo] Midtown students attend first media round table with superintendent

April 7, 2025
ANSWERING QUESTIONS: During the media day event Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, made himself available to a wide range of questions from the student press

Midtown students attend first media round table with superintendent

Mariam Darb and Fairlie Mercer
April 7, 2025
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES: Next year Midtown will be offering AP African American studies to all students, the class will be taught by Noel Erskine.

[Photo] Midtown announces AP African American Studies for upcoming year

Zelda Lerner and Brennan Fritts
April 4, 2025
ENTER AI: As artificial intelligence's capabilities advance, so does its potential role in the film industry. With that has come controversy concerning possible regulations and guidelines.

Head to Head: Should AI be allowed in the film industry?

Fairlie Mercer and Oliver Grosse
April 3, 2025
HIGHWAY PROTEST: Near an entrance to Plaza Fiesta, protesters lined the highway, screaming chants and holding signs for passing cars to see.

Protesters gather along Buford Highway for “A Day Without Immigrants” protest

Fairlie Mercer and Audrey Lyons
March 4, 2025
RELIGIOUS LAWSUITS: In February, two lawsuits were filed against the Department of Homeland Security.

Local churches sue Department of Homeland Security for removal of Sensitive Places Act

Fairlie Mercer and Dylan Knight
February 28, 2025
ORGANIZED DISSENT: On Feb. 5, 2025, protesters gathered at every capitol building in the country to express concern and frustrations with the Trump administration.

Atlanta 50501 protests highlight frustration with first month of Trump administration

Audrey Lyons and Fairlie Mercer
February 19, 2025
A TRANFORMATIVE LEADER: In his political career, former president Jimmy Carter left an indelible mark on national education policy and Atlanta education. (Illustration by Nora Crawford)

Former president Jimmy Carter passes, leaves mark on education policy, Atlanta Public Schools

Sierra Pape, Fairlie Mercer, Farris Duwayri, and Connie Erdozain
February 11, 2025
ADDRESSING DEATH: The service started out with a moment of silence for a homeless man who was killed in camp near the church. Mayor Andre Dickens addressed this in his speech.

40th celebration of Dr. King highlights need for continued social progress in Atlanta

Audrey Lyons and Fairlie Mercer
January 31, 2025
SENSITIVE PLACES: Under the Trump administration, ICE is now allowed to raid sensitive places, including churches, schools and hospitals.

Atlanta deportations surge in early stages of Trump presidency

Fairlie Mercer and Audrey Lyons
January 30, 2025
TIKTOK BAN: TikTok was set to be banned on Jan. 18, however, due to statements from Donald Trump the deadline was extended.

[Photo] TikTok ban extended by Trump, vital for creators, businesses

Sophia Moscaliov
January 29, 2025
PARTY TIME: The Morehouse College dance team took the stage with DJ KP The Great at the Harris-Waltz event at Park Tavern. This event provided Harris supporters the opportunity to relax and have fun before the stress of election day.

Harris-Walz campaign hosts Election Eve party across from Midtown

Audrey Lyons and Fairlie Mercer
November 4, 2024
SPREADING THE WORD: DJ Julius Bryant was on the sidewalk outside the voting location he was stationed at. From this location, he was able to communicate with community people and lead them to the polling location nearby.

DJs at the Polls engages community, voters

Fairlie Mercer and Audrey Lyons
November 5, 2024
SYRIAN REBIRTH: After Syria's liberation on Dec. 8th, Syrian people are enjoying new freedoms and the hope of what the future brings.

Midtown community reflects on historic Syrian liberation

Fairlie Mercer, Audrey Lyons, and Mariam Darb
December 19, 2024
ENDS IN VICTORY: Trump was declared president-elect by AP News at 5:34 a.m. Wednesday morning. At time of publication, he holds 295 electoral votes against 226 held by Vice President Kamala Harris.

Metro Atlanta reacts to Trump’s historic presidential win

Sierra Pape, Audrey Lyons, and Fairlie Mercer
November 6, 2024
At the Democratic watch party, supporters cheered and celebrated every time a state was called in Harris' favor.

Trump gains in Georgia election night polls, too close to call

Sierra Pape, Henry Moye, Fairlie Mercer, Audrey Lyons, and Mariam Darb
November 6, 2024
EARLY HOPE: Around 8 p.m. Nikema Williams, the District 5 U.S. Representative, took the stage. Trump already had a small lead; Williams speech attempted to boost morale. Williams won reelection for her district.

ROLLING IN: The Democratic watch party started at 6:30 p.m., but the room did not begin to fill until closer to the first polling locations closing at 7.

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CRUNCH TIME: Harris has spoken at two rallies near Atlanta and plans to make a third Georgia appearance this coming Saturday.

Harris campaign makes final push in Georgia

Audrey Lyons and Fairlie Mercer
October 31, 2024
MAYA HARRIS: Kamala Harris's sister, Maya Harris, made a speech at the Get Out the Vote block party in Clayton County.

LAST SPEAKER: Doug Emhoff was the last to speak at the Clayton County block party event, with Maya Harris and other speakers prior.

ENTER TRUMP: Former President Trump took the stage after an hour of speeches given by various campaign officials and supporters.

Trump rallies at Georgia Tech for student, community support

Fairlie Mercer, Audrey Lyons, and Sierra Pape
October 30, 2024
EXTENSIVE SPEECH: Trump's speech was over an hour long and helped community members and undecided voters learn about his policies and character.

PRESS PRESENCE: As Trump took the stage, cameras fluttered to capture the former president's speech. Media coverage of this event brought national attention to Midtown Atlanta.

AGENDA 47: Attendees were given “47” signs, representing Trump’s hope to serve as the 47th American president. His playbook of policies for a next term is called Agenda 47 and details plans to dismantle cartels, establish a national university, and impose tariffs on all imported goods.

HARRIS SUPPORTERS: A small group of Kamala Harris supporters protested outside the stadium, holding signs and calling trump a "fascist."

ENTER TRUMP: Trump took the stage after an hour of speeches given by various campaign officials and supporters.

Fallen trees and rapid flooding were seen throughout the Atlanta Metro area following Hurricane Helene. Both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton caused major damage within the Southeast, not only impacting areas in Florida but also causing destruction in Northern areas to the cities in their paths such as Swannanoa and Asheville, North Carolina.

Following the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the creek that travels under Lenox road was flooded during the storm, along with other areas around Metro Atlanta. The flooding impacted resident's ability to travel due to excess water uprooting trees.

[Photo] Two hurricanes in October damage Southeast, raise climate change concerns

October 29, 2024
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TRUMP'S TRACKS: Lining Georgia Tech's track was Trump merchandise from a range of vendors.

HARRIS SUPPORTERS: A small group of Kamala Harris supporters protested outside the stadium, holding signs and calling trump a "fascist."

PRESS PRESENCE: As Trump took the stage, cameras fluttered to capture the former president's speech. Media coverage of this event brought national attention to Midtown Atlanta.

DSC_0768

With only a week left until the election, the Trump campaign is focusing on Georgia, a key swing state. Trump spoke at an Oct. 28 rally in McCamish Pavillion at Georgia Tech, only a mile away from Midtown High School.

Gender-Sexuality Alliance declines without student leadership

Gender-Sexuality Alliance declines without student leadership

Fairlie Mercer
October 8, 2024
The pressure to have a high GPA causes many students to bypass classes that interest them in exchange for more highly weighted AP classes. Midtown’s 100-point grading scale and class ranking system are the main reasons for this phenomenon.

100 point grading scale, class ranking system need to be left in the past

Fairlie Mercer and Audrey Lyons
October 3, 2024
On September 10th the second presidential debate took place, a showdown which resulted in more of the same harmful antics from former President Trump.

Trump should focus on policies rather than personal attacks

Fairlie Mercer
September 25, 2024
Silver Sage, a freshman is settling into midtown. He is yet to join any clubs here at Midtown he participates in Jujutsu.

Silver Sage, freshman

Fairlie Mercer
September 22, 2023
Suicide Prevention Month helps to create awareness and conversations about suicide amongst the school community.

Suicide Prevention Month helps to raise awareness

Fairlie Mercer
September 29, 2023
New football head coach Delbert Ellerton walks on to the field in preparation for the Knights' scrimmage against Maynard Jackson on Aug. 11. The team is 2-2 in the regular season.

Ellerton takes over football head coach position

Fairlie Mercer and Hannah Silver
September 7, 2023
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