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November 18, 2009

A 'club' atmosphere at North Murray

By Rachel Brown

Seth Adams stands in a hallway at North Murray High School, headbanging to his music, hands on the strings of his electric guitar.

Assistant principal Keith Swilling declines to venture into the area where students are blasting their heavy metal, but he says he appreciates they have the talent to do it — even if it’s not a genre he’s especially fond of.

“School is supposed to be a little bit of fun,” Swilling said, “(This is) something to get them in a club (where) they can have some fun.”

Adams, who is a sophomore and has played guitar for more than five years, said he enjoys his guitar club so much he wishes it met more than just once a month for 45 minutes.

Wednesday was club day at North Murray. Principal Maria Bradley said every student is required to participate in a club. Students chose their clubs at the beginning of the year out of more than 20, ranging from traditional clubs such as Future Farmers of America and school spirit to the less conventional choices of grilling, movie-making and scrapbooking.

While all high schools in Dalton Public Schools, Murray County Schools and Whitfield County Schools have clubs, Bradley said North Murray wanted to emphasize them and set aside a special club time during school each month to create a more enjoyable atmosphere.

Sophomore Bailli Douthitt, who is in the outdoor club, said she lives in a rural area and enjoys outdoor activities, but there are some things she’s never done.

“I’ve slept in several tents, but I’ve never set up a tent until today,” she said. “It wasn’t that hard at all. I mean, they didn’t give us directions, but it wasn’t hard.”

Club advisor Keith Robinette said he plans to take students on a trip this spring, perhaps to explore nearby state parks and hiking trails.

“A lot of these kids, they don’t have the opportunity to experience all the things in our backyard,” he said.

Outside the main building, English/drama teacher Joe Ballew draws looks of hunger as he recounts the foods the grilling club has prepared since school began and the meats they’ll likely prepare before the end of the year. They include hamburgers, sausage and shrimp. Next month will probably feature poultry.

Sophomore Brent Jones said cooking is “way more fun than sitting in class.”

Freshman Brittany Lassetter said she plans a career in business after graduation.

“I want a career in culinary arts, and I thought this might help my career grow,” she said.



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