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
Ellie Palaian

Ellie Palaian, Sports Managing Editor

Ellie Palaian is a senior and this is her third year on staff for The Southerner. She plays varsity soccer for Midtown High and is excited to write for the paper this year.

All content by Ellie Palaian
Heading-2-2-1200x779

[Photo] Midtown’s class of 2024 athletic commits

Cate Barton and Carolyn Harty
May 6, 2024
Senior Jonathan Steiding runs to celebrate with the student section after one of the Knights eight goals.

Boys soccer defeats Eagles Landing 8-1 in Elite Eight

Ellie Palaian
May 1, 2024
The new US Soccer headquarters is set to be open by 2026, corresponding with Atlanta hosting the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup. The headquarters will house all 27 US national teams, including men's, women's, youth and special teams.

New US Soccer headquarters will elevate Atlanta

Ellie Palaian
April 30, 2024
Sophomore Hailey Wortmann sets herself down the court while a teammate takes her free throws. Wortmann had the highest field goal percentage of the Knights roster, and had 13 double-doubles this season.

[Photo] Wortmann dominates the paint, leads team to success

Cate Barton
April 10, 2024
Senior co-captain Briaiah Lewis carries the ball up the court and calls a play for the Knights. This was Midtown basketball's first ever appearance in a State Championship. The Knights ended their season runner-up to Maynard Jackson, losing 58-44.

Girls basketball finishes State Runner-Up

Ellie Palaian
March 15, 2024
Hood instructing his players as a head coach at Tift County High School. Hood coached for seven years in Arkansas before moving to Georgia. This was Hoods first coaching job in Georgia.

Hood takes over football head coach position

Ellie Palaian
March 4, 2024
Thalia Smith, junior

Thalia Smith, junior

Ellie Palaian
February 2, 2024
Assistant coach Khaalidah Miller (left) with assistant coach O'Neisha Smith (right) instructing from the sidelines during varsity girls basketballs season opener against Mt. Paran. The Knights suffered a tough loss, ending 43-65.

Khaalidah Miller brings professional experience to elevate Midtown girls basketball

Ellie Palaian
December 14, 2023
Sophomore Logan Hicks prepares to fire his rifle during the Knights match against Maynard Jackson on November 29. The Knights lost to the Jaguars 789-806.

[Photo] Precision in play: Rifle team aims for success

Sinclair Richman
December 5, 2023
Senior Briaiah Lewis prepares for a free throw to complete the three-point play in a win against North Atlanta on Nov. 14.

[Photo] Girls basketball emerges as state championship competitor

Owen Cummings
November 29, 2023
The varisty volleyball team huddles up before their opening match of the season against North Atlanta on Aug. 10th. The Knights won in straight sets 3-0.

[Photo] Beyond the court: Midtown volleyball players shine in national recognition

Sinclair Richman
November 27, 2023
Diem stands for a photo during her B-Day lunch. Diem was voted senior class President on Monday Sept. 18th.

Claire Diem, senior

Ellie Palaian
October 27, 2023
Junior Luke Finley during his sophmore year in a game against Mays on Feb. 4th. Finley was one of few underclassmen on the varsity roster, and is one of the returners who played in Fall League this year.

[Photo] Boys basketball team prepares for season with Fall League

Owen Cummings
October 26, 2023
Senior Olivia Allen swings through the ball during a monthly pickleball meeting at Piedmont Park on Sept. 28.

[Photo] New pickleball club broadens athletic opportunities

Carolyn Harty
October 23, 2023
The GHSA’s policing of unsportsmanlike penalties and fouls rules has been increased starting in the 2023-24 season. In the 2022-23 season, Midtown teams were fined $750, with the goal of having to pay less this season.

[Photo] GHSA reinforces sportsmanship regulations

Farris Duwayri
October 18, 2023
Junior Isabelle Perry was determined to play football. Michael Perry, Perry’s father, recalls her sneaking out of the house to join early morning and evening practices. Michael Perry, while initially opposed to the idea of Perry playing football, has come to the realization that what Perry is doing is “groundbreaking.” He now celebrates and supports Perry’s decision to play football.

[Photo] Trailblazing linebacker Perry breaks barriers

Cate Barton
October 5, 2023
Goodman warms up for the Senior Night match against Chamblee on Sep. 28. The Knights won in straight sets 3-0, and are 8-0 in region 5-AAAAA so far this season.

Goodman competes as varsity volleyball’s only freshman

Ellie Palaian
October 2, 2023
Freshman Mariah Mejia prepares to receive a ground ball while warming up before the Knights game against Washington on August 23.

Softball continues successful season, playoffs in sight

Ellie Palaian
September 22, 2023
Cruz helps the Knights warm up their batting before the game against Washington on August 23.

Business teacher Cruz joins team as softball assistant coach

Ellie Palaian
September 14, 2023
Junior Chloe Peyton practices ground balls before the Knights game against Washington on August 23rd.

[Photo] Softball strives for another successful season

Charlie Kane
August 30, 2023
Crosby smiles before beginning his next class.

Avi Crosby, Senior

Ellie Palaian
August 14, 2023
Sophomore Danayja Harper clears the hurdle during her 300 meter hurdles race, setting a school record and placing first in the state meet with a time of 42.19, ranking her 20th in the 300 hurdles in the United States.

Sophomore Harper wins state hurdle title

Ellie Palaian
May 19, 2023
Lewis sets in a defensive stance against Mays high school. The Knights defeated the Raiders 63-31.

Junior Lewis creates her own legacy

Ellie Palaian
April 10, 2023
Alexia Davis, Cate Barton, and Devon Bockman sits on the bench, waiting to contribute to the game.

[Photo] Girls basketball advances to elite eight

Archer Streelman
March 17, 2023
Senior Bryant Graham guards a player during the Midtown vs. Mays game. The Knights fell short, losing 55-35.

Boys basketball falls short of state playoffs

Ellie Palaian
March 15, 2023
Freshman Devin Bockman dribbles down the court during the Knights game against Chapel Hill on Friday December 9th. The Knights won 64-30.

Freshman Bockman achieves success as varsity basketball starter

Ellie Palaian
December 7, 2022
Junior Claire Diem receives her free flu vaccine from her local CVS

Flu cases hit record highs in the US

Ellie Palaian
November 30, 2022
A dogpile over the ball between the Knights and Red Devils takes place on Oct. 7.

[Photo] NFL protocols affecting future generations

Charlie Kane
November 3, 2022
Senior Zach Spangler in the final kick of the 5-AAAAA region meet to take 5th place.

Boys cross country finished third at region meet

Ellie Palaian
October 28, 2022
Wren outside of her AP World History classroom at Midtown

Wren excelled as All-American athlete, coach

Ellie Palaian
October 20, 2022
Freshman Kenari Tigner lining up for kickoff for the Knights game against Druid Hills on Oct. 7.

Knights defeat Druid Hills 16-13 on Homecoming

Ellie Palaian
October 10, 2022
Seniors Prevost and Browning after competing in the 2021 SAA-Atlanta event.

Midtown students participate in Swim Across America

Ellie Palaian
September 19, 2022
The girls cross country team heads out for a three mile loop around Piedmont Park.

Girls cross country prepares for season

Ellie Palaian
August 22, 2022
Harper runs the 300m hurdles during a track meet at Midtown.

Freshman Harper breaks records, competes nationally

Ellie Palaian
April 23, 2022
Barton settles the ball during a club soccer game against Roswell Soccer Club.

Freshman Barton excels as multi-sport athlete

Ellie Palaian
January 21, 2022
Busy's shaved ice and coffee is located on the corner of Monroe and 10th street.

Busy’s brings unique flavors to customers on the go

Ellie Palaian, Writer
October 26, 2021
Sophomore gymnast Grace Tilley practices after school. Tilley said that the short length of leotards make her uncomfortable.

Female athletes face insecurities

Ellie Palaian
September 16, 2021
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
Home
Ellie Palaian