Newspapers / Grimsley High School Student … / Sept. 30, 2008, edition 1 / Page 2
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2 news September 30, 2008 Soviet Union, Georgia, continue Cold War conflict, attempt to find peaceful resolutions ■BY MEGHAN HF.RSCH Reporter Focused on the conflict in the Middle East, most people do not realize the lingering presence of the Cold War. Rus sia and western nations are still feuding over territory in the former Soviet ruled Georgia. For the past eighteen years, since the end of the South Ossetian (northern region of Georgia) War in 1991-1992, Georgia has been on the brink of yet another bloody battle. After the 91-92, war South Ossetia claimed de facto (not by law) independence. Interna tionally, no country recognizes their independence; today the territory is still disputed. Following the war, Georgia accused Russia of putting a puppet government in South Ossetia in order to control the region. Many ex-Russian offi cials began running the govern ment, and Russia provided 2/3 of their budget. Currently, South Ossetia is home to 70,000 people, 90% of whom are of Russian descent and who carry Russian passports. Under the Russian constitution, citizens qualify for physical and politi cal protection. ^ Thursday, August 7, the ceasefire treaty between Geor gia and South Ossetia was al legedly broken by the South Ossetians; Georgia proceeded to launch an air and. ground strike on the small Russian/ Georgian territory. The next day Russia countered Georgia's invasion with a strike of its own meant to expel the Georgians out of the region. Although this counterstrike by the Russians was controver sial, the military push past South Ossetia and into the re gion of Gori drew international attention. Outraged, the United States and Georgia de manded that Russian troops retreat from Georgia. On August 15, Georgia and Russia signed a preliminary ceasefire French President Nicolas Sarkozy introduced. According to the ceasefire Rus sia agreed to withdraw all troops in ten days. Although they did pull out the majority of its troops, Russia elected to keep "peace keeping" troops in Georgia. Russia claimed they do not want a repeat of August 8, allowing troops to remain there will help to maintain a strong military presence. Rus sia also continues to station troops in the key port of Poti, anofcr disputed area of Georgia. Leaving Georgia and its citi zens devastated, this conflict has already resulted in 30,000 of 70,000 people fleeing from South Ossetia to Russia in at tempts to escape the bloody conflict. A total of 68,000 Geor gians have fled their homes as a result of the battles. Russia also received much criticism over the past couple days for their inaccurate death toll estimations. Early reports estimated the death toll of Georgians aroimd 1,600, but so far ongoing investigations have located 133 names and bodies. Sixty-four Russian officials were killed, and 323 were wounded. Georgia reported 215 civilians and a further 1,400 were wounded. After all the dust settled in the Georgian conflict, Russia was still not finished creating controversy. On August 26, the Russian Parliament voted al most unanimously to recognize South Ossetia's independence. Furious about the declaration, western nations and Georgia called it "an annexation of Georgian territory." Today the two nations have a six- point peace plan in effect to stop the violence and to re turn troops to the previously drawn territorially lines. The six points include: 1. No recourse to the use of force. 2. Definitive cessation of hos tilities. 3. Free access to humanitarian aid. 4. The Armed Forces of Geor gia must withdraw to their per manent positions. 5. The Armed Forces of the Rus sian Federation must withdraw to the line where they were sta tioned prior to the beginning of hostilities. Prior to the estab lishment of international mechanisms the Russian peace keeping forces will take addi tional security measures. 6. An international debate on the future status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and ways to ensure their lasting security will take place. While the road to reparation between the two nations will be long and tedious, they are both making strides. The international commu nity wants Russia to leave South Ossetia to Georgia; how ever, Russia advocated for its independence. Although the two sides may never reach an agreement, at least the peace treaty will help cease the violence. New adminstrators join staff, use skills, experience, to create successful institution ■BY MF.GHAN HF.RSCH Reporter New faces on campus did not just include freshmen and transfer students this August; four new administrators joined the team, including principal Anna Brady and assistant prin cipals Charles FI. Cockerham, ]r., Greggory R. Slate, and Misty Walker. Brady previously served as principal of Weaver Academy. Her experience also included coaching and counseling. Some of her favorite moments in edu cation came from her counsel ing position, in which she helped students discover the right track for a successful life. Brady enjoys learning about the history and traditions of this historic institution and sees potential for all students to ex ceed. Her plans include making the campus a place where stu dents can come to learn despite past failures. "1 need the student body to help me reach our vision," said Brady. "To work together, to work as a team, to transfer our school culture into a warm and inviting student center takes every single person." Born in Jonesville, NC, assis tant principal Cockerham re ceived a BS in Health and Physical Education, as well as an MS in Educational Leadership. His duties as assistant prin cipal include overseeing athlet ics, safety drills, and bus trans portation. He also serves as freshmen adviser and assists in ISS-student intervention. He has no immediate plans to be come the head principal in charge; he is pleased with his role. "1 think that it was meant to be," said Cockerham. "1 have a strong feeling that there is a purpose and plan for me to be here at Grimsley." Like Brady, his favorite as pect of the campus is its history and tradition. However, Cockerham's least favorite feature of the school is the negative display of behav ior that occurs during Page- Grimsley Week; otherwise, he is yet to identify any major weaknesses. Cockerham wants students to view him as a tough but fair mentor and advisor. He plans to build strong relationships with the student body and fel low staff members. "1 am excited to be here, and 1 hope that 1 can make a difference and leave an ever lasting positive impression with the students as well ■ihhH As new principal, Anna Brady quickly embraces the entire Grimsley family. L-R: A.P.s Greggory Slate and Heather Hill, Anna Brady, A.P.s Misty Walker and Charles Cockerham. File photo as the community," said Cockerham. Assistant principal Slate re ceived his post-high school education from Tulane Univer sity and High Point University. He earned a BA in History and Educational Liscensure, as well as an M.Ed in Educational Leadership. Past jobs included teaching and coaching in Lexington. Slate has also served as Cur riculum Eadlitator at North west High School, Curriculum Intervention Specialist at High Point Central, and an assistant principal at Dudley. "This was a great opportu nity presented to me to work with a great team of adminis trators and teachers," said Slate. "I decided that 1 wanted to grow and work with this dedi cated group of professionals to help the students of Grimsley become the leaders of Greens boro and the nation." Slate recognizes the impor tance of history and tradition, but finds it a constant struggle to maintain the aging buildings on campus. Despite this chal lenge, his plans transcend the physical campus by focusing on its inhabitants. "I see Grimsley becoming not only more successful aca demically and athletically, but also becoming a place that develops great teacher leaders who inspire students to reach unthinkable heights," said Slate. Like his fellow administra tors, Slate looks forward to being a part of the Whirlie Community.
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