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
All content by Stella Mackler
BILLS, BILLS, BILLS: Midtown seniors have earned millions of dollars in scholarship money.

Seniors use nontraditional applications, earn admissions, scholarships

Stella Mackler
May 24, 2022
The Southerner interviewed eight notable members of the Class of 2022 to celebrate and commemorate the first graduating class of Midtown High School.

First class of Midtown High School graduates

Yei Bin Andrews, Stella Mackler, Anna Rachwalski, Ava Smith, and Kelly Tran
May 23, 2022
TOP SCORER: Nathan Rachwalski had the highest score on the SAT on a single test date in his class.

Nathan Rachwalski, Star Student

Stella Mackler
May 23, 2022
RUNNER-UP: Duncan Tanner had the second highest weighted grade point average in his class.

Duncan Tanner, Salutatorian

Stella Mackler
May 23, 2022
Junior Haley Chamberlain shields the ball from a defender in the state championship game against Chamblee. The Knights had a historic playoff run but fell short of the title with an 8-1 defeat.

[Photo] Girls soccer ends historic playoffs with loss to Chamblee

William Palmer
May 6, 2022
Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States of America that was passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives funding from the federal government.

Title IX turns 50, disparities remain

Stella Mackler
March 31, 2022
PRICE PROBLEMS: As worldwide inflation causes sky-rocketing prices, members of the Midtown community feel the effects both at the cash register and gas pump.

[Photo] High inflation hits Midtown Cluster community

Tori Williams
March 23, 2022
APS will be going mask optional starting March 1 as a result of CDC recommendations.

Atlanta Public Schools lifts mask mandate following CDC guidelines

Stella Mackler and Lindsay Ruhl
February 28, 2022
In June of 2021, Mckenna Heisler (right) traveled to Tuscon, AZ to meet Abby Russell (left) for the first time. She stayed with Russel for close to five days, getting to know her new-found family.

Senior Heisler connects with half-siblings

Stella Mackler
January 31, 2022
Schroeder smiles in her AP Environmental Science class.

Zephy Schroeder, senior

Stella Mackler
January 25, 2022
Crowder has been wrestling since they were in third grade. At Midtown, they've used their training in Reiki and meditation to aid their coaching.

Crowder brings unconventional approach to wrestling

Stella Mackler
January 18, 2022
Grady Class of 2021 alumni Ellie Winer and Lindsey Snyder stand at graduation with their diplomas. Winer and Snyder both graduated on time.

District reaches all time high graduation rate, gaps remain

Stella Mackler
December 9, 2021

APS gala honors district staff

Stella Mackler and Lindsay Ruhl
November 17, 2021
REDUCED COST: The cost for AP Exams is reduced due to the expiration of Atlanta Public Schoiols‘ participation in the National Math and Science Initiative (NSDMI).

AP exam costs reduced, helping students

Stella Mackler
November 17, 2021

City rejoices over historic Braves World Series Win

Ava Smith and Stella Mackler
November 11, 2021
Braves fans cheer as their bus takes a turn at the intersection of 10th Street and Peachtree Street.

Braves celebrate World Series win with parade

Stella Mackler
November 6, 2021
Barber sits at her desk during her fourth period AP Literature and Composition class.

Susan Barber, teacher

Stella Mackler
November 4, 2021
Royce Carter Mann

Royce Carter Mann

Stella Mackler
October 31, 2021
Tamara Jones

Tamara Jones

Stella Mackler
October 31, 2021
In the lead-up to the 2021 Atlanta City Elections, the Southerner has compiled a list of 8 key races that readers in the district that Midtown High School will be voting on. Using official statements, previous reports and recorded interviews, the Southerner has broken down the candidates’ positions on specific issues.

The Southerner’s Guide to the 2021 City Elections

Anna Rachwalski and Stella Mackler
October 29, 2021
In the lead-up to the 2021 Atlanta City Elections, the Southerner has compiled a list of 8 key races that readers in the district that Midtown High School will be voting on. Using official statements, previous reports and recorded interviews, the Southerner has broken down the candidates’ positions on specific issues.

Atlanta Public Schools School Board At-Large Seat 3

Stella Mackler
October 29, 2021
This year, the Student Government Association created a new Covid-safe alternative to the annual homecoming: a Fall Festival.

Student Government organizes fall festival

Stella Mackler
October 11, 2021
The district is hosting a pep rally event to encourage juniors and seniors from 12 different high schools to register to vote. This event has raised concerns regarding Covid implications.

District-wide ‘Rock the Vote’ field trip raises Covid concerns

Lindsay Ruhl, Ava Smith, Yei Bin Andrews, and Stella Mackler
September 27, 2021

The ATLien Podcast: Introducing Moosh

Lindsay Ruhl and Stella Mackler
September 24, 2021
Varsity and competition team member Halden Vale practices a stunt during cheer practice in the old gym. Although the varsity football season was cancelled, the team will still have a competition season.

School spirit drops after varsity football cancellation

Stella Mackler
September 10, 2021
A Midtown student waits to get the Covid-19 vaccine in the multi-purpose room. The vaccine clinic will reopen on Sept. 3 for first and second doses.

On-site Covid vaccinations offered to teachers and students

Stella Mackler
August 25, 2021
A complaint garnering national news has been filed against Mary Lin Elementary for alleged discriminatory practices.

Mary Lin parent civil rights complaint alleges discriminatory practices

Stella Mackler, Ava Smith, and Anna Rafferty
August 19, 2021
Under the new bell schedule, district high schools would start class at 7:45 am and end at 2:40 pm. The proposed schedule would remain until at least May 2024.

Modified bell schedule prompts mixed reactions

Stella Mackler
May 29, 2021
Students participate in weekly surveillance testing at Grady. The program has reduced the spread of COVID-19 in APS schools.

[Photo] APS surveillance testing reduces spread of COVID-19

Aran Sonnad-Joshi
May 25, 2021

Finding the American Dream: The path to citizenship presents challenges

Kelly Tran, Aran Sonnad-Joshi, Sayan Sonnad-Joshi, Stella Mackler, and Yei Bin Andrews
April 1, 2021
Students who opted to return to in-person learning entered the Grady building for the first time in almost 11 months, on Feb. 16. There they joined teachers who had been working in the building, preparing for students' return since early January.

[Photo] Teachers and students reflect on first few days of face-to-face learning

Ava Smith
March 6, 2021
The Echoes and Reflections curriculum was created by the Anti-Defamation League, Yad Vashem, and teachers from around the country. It includes 11 multi-part units on a variety of themes relating to the Holocaust and genocide eduction.

Pope offers new Holocaust Studies class

Stella Mackler, Online News Section Editor
February 23, 2021
Teacher Susan Salvesen teaches her second period AP Government and Politics class. With some students back in the classroom and some online, teachers have had to find a balance with hybrid teaching.

[Photo] Head to Head: Two students weigh in on return-to-learn decisions

February 25, 2021
Students sit in the E200 Core Lab, where all the computers have been removed to allow for social distancing.

My experience going back to school in-person

Stella Mackler, Online News Section Editor
February 16, 2021
Allison Glass, a leader of We Demand Safety APS, stands with her two children at the rally. Glass is firmly against returning to in-person learning. "We are here out here, my kids are here to say that we want our teachers to stay safe," Glass said.

District teachers hold rally protesting return to in-person learning

Stella Mackler, Online News Section Editor
January 25, 2021
Tauheedah Baker-Jones will take on the position of Chief Equity and Social Justice Officer for APS. She has an extensive background in equity within urban education and was recognized by former president Barak Obama as a White House Community Leader in Education.

Atlanta Public Schools appoints Chief Equity and Social Justice Officer

Stella Mackler
January 8, 2021
President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris greet the American people during their acceptance speech. This event drew a massive crowd to the the stage in Biden's hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

Biden declared 46th president, Trump promises legal challenges

George Lefkowicz, Ava Smith, Stella Mackler, and Sayan Sonnad-Joshi
November 7, 2020
An analysis of America's electoral process; Q and A with Dr. Jim Clotfelter

An analysis of America’s electoral process; Q and A with Dr. Jim Clotfelter

Stella Mackler, News Associate Managing Editor
November 6, 2020
One of the two new Fulton County mobile voting units parked in Piedmont Park on October 27. Social-distancing markers lined the sidewalk and "vote here" signs marked with arrows guided voters toward the unit.

Mobile voting units offer convenience

Stella Mackler, Online News Section Editor
November 4, 2020

Kast Family (two Grady students)

Stella Mackler
November 3, 2020
State Senate District 39

State Senate District 39

Stella Mackler
October 29, 2020
Atlanta Public Schools made the decision to change a fundamental aspect of scheduling for all high schools, in attempt to create a successful virtual learning environment. Students now have the same four classes everyday, instead of alternating "A" and "B" days.

Teachers and students adapt to schedule change

Stella Mackler
October 13, 2020
In his AP Comparative Government and American Government [Civics] classes, Rhodenbaugh surveyed his students on their opinion of the school name.

Teachers integrate name change into classroom discussion

Stella Mackler, News Associate Managing Editor
September 24, 2020
Emmy Friedman, junior

Emmy Friedman, junior

Stella Mackler
September 20, 2020
LEARNING CURVE: The APS Department of Instructional Technology hosted teacher trainings throughout the summer to prepare them for the start of virtual classes.

Teachers adapt to online classes

Stella Mackler
September 11, 2020
Real estate agents and Grady parents Lee and Darlene Gillespy take proper safety precautions when showing houses.

Grady parents work essential jobs

Stella Mackler
April 25, 2020
Home buyer Joel Summer stands in front of his new home alongside student volunteers from different high schools, including Marist and Riverwood. Habitat for Humanity has been offering high school builds for many years, and Summer’s was the first one the Grady chapter was invited to attend.

Habitat for Humanity Club raises $1,000 for high school build

Stella Mackler
January 23, 2020
Students cross busy intersection after school at the corner of 8th Street and Monroe Drive.

City, district to install speed cameras in school zones

Stella Mackler
November 19, 2019
Isiah Ramsby and Gabrielle Merit, co-leaders of the GSA, hug as the parade marches on behind them. "This is my first Pride, and I've never felt so open about myself and comfortable, " Merit said. "It's so loving and the environment is really nice."

Gay-Straight Alliance marches in Atlanta Pride Parade

Stella Mackler
October 29, 2019
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs on Piedmont Park's Oak Hill while a large crowd of listeners enjoy Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony. Concerts are one of the many PPC sponsored community events that take place at the park throughout the year.

Piedmont Park Conservancy influences Grady community

Stella Mackler
October 1, 2019
Freshman engineering students look on as Yarnold explains how to add a second level to a virtual house. This house is an example of the type of 3D drawings that construction professionals, architects, and other engineers rely on to bring their ideas to life.

Engineering pathway expands to help students post-graduation

Stella Mackler
August 28, 2019
Football has a deep connection to American life.

Impact of football in society undeniable

Stella Mackler
December 5, 2018
Shoppers browse for organic foods on an early fall morning during the weekly Morningside Farmers Market. The market opens every Saturday at 8 a.m.

[Photo] Morningside Farmer's Market attracts Metro Atlanta's organic food lovers

November 16, 2018
Shoppers browse for organic foods on an early fall morning during the weekly Morningside Farmers Market. The market opens every Saturday at 8 a.m.

Morningside Farmer’s Market attracts Metro Atlanta’s organic food lovers

Stella Mackler
November 16, 2018
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