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The Central Digest
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The student news site of Chattanooga Central High School

The Central Digest
The student news site of Chattanooga Central High School

The Central Digest
Blake Catlett

Blake Catlett, Editor

Hey! My name is Blake Catlett, I am a senior, and this is my fourth (and final) year serving on the Digest! This year, I will be serving as Editor. I spend a lot of my time outside of school with either music or writing. On the weekends, I work at Maple Street Biscuit Company on Gunbarrel Road. After I graduate from Central, I will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and major in chemistry.

All content by Blake Catlett
DIGEST NAMED NATIONAL WEBSITE OF DISTINCTION -- The Central Digest staff pictured with their awards. Blake Catlett, a 4-year staff member, is holding the plaque in front.

Blake Catlett: Shine On, You Crazy Central Digest

May 14, 2021
SIX CENTRAL STUDENTS WIN YSSW CONTEST -- Winners of the writing contest will be recognized with a medal.

Six Central Students Win YSSW Contest

May 10, 2021
SLUGGISHNESS, SUMMER, AND SAFETY -- Grayson prepares for summer in one hand and struggles with school in another.

[Photo] The Gray Area: Sluggishness, Summer, & Safety

April 24, 2021
DIGEST NAMED NATIONAL WEBSITE OF DISTINCTION -- The Central Digest staff pictured with their awards. Blake Catlett, a 4-year staff member, is holding the plaque in front.

Central Digest Earns SNO Distinguished Site Status for Fifth Year in a Row

April 16, 2021
SPRING...BREAK? STAY? -- Grayson Catlett sits and enjoys the sun at home (not a crowded Florida beach).

[Photo] The Gray Area: Spring…Break? Stay?

April 1, 2021
2021 PROM IS A GO -- The Ooltewah Commons will host Centrals 2021 prom.

Central Gets Greenlight for 2021 Prom

March 29, 2021
DR. JIMMY MCCOLLUM VISITS DIGEST -- Dr. Jimmy McCollum speaks to Senior Blake Catlett, editor-in-chief, and Junior Karleigh Schwarzl, sports editor, in Centrals library.

Dr. Jimmy McCollum Visits Central Digest Staff

March 26, 2021
STUDENTS TAKE SEL SURVEYS -- Central students took the SEL survey through Panorama.

[Photo] Students Take SEL Surveys to Assist in Improving Central

March 26, 2021
CATLETT NAMED VALEDICTORIAN, GREENE NAMED SALUTATORIAN -- Zoey Greene adjusts Grayson Catletts graduation cap.

[Photo] Grayson Catlett, Zoey Greene Named 2021 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

March 23, 2021
FIFTEEN DAYS? -- Grayson Catlett points to March 13 on the calendar, marking the one-year anniversary of Hamilton County schools shutting down due to COVID-19.

[Photo] The Gray Area: “Fifteen” Days to Slow the Spread

March 18, 2021
DIGEST NAMED BEST IN STATE -- The Digest staff stands on the steps of the agora. Back (left to right): Grayson Catlett, Blake Catlett, Luke Keown, Haroun Ghazi. Middle (left to right): Kendra Jones, Karleigh Schwarzl, Zoey Greene, Amber Burchfield, Bailey Moore. Bottom (left to right): Bailey Brantingham, Sarah Katheron Latham. (Not all staff members are pictured.)

Central Digest Named Best Overall Website Through THSPA; Individual Awards Received

March 12, 2021
THE FINAL STRETCH -- Senior Grayson Catlett points to the graduation countdown clock.

[Photo] The Gray Area: Eyes on the End

March 4, 2021
TIME TO TIDY UP -- The Student Council took pictures of areas that needed to be cleaned up with the plan of showcasing the same areas after the clean-up effort.

Looking Back: Class of 1962 Student Council Backs Clean-Up Plan to Improve Appearance of School

February 19, 2021
CURING A LACK OF MOTIVATION -- Senior Grayson Catlett falls asleep at his desk, tired of his schoolwork.

[Photo] The Gray Area: How to Cure a Lack of Motivation

February 18, 2021
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF 2021 -- Senior Columnist Grayson Catlett celebrating the start of a new year.

[Photo] The Gray Area: First Impressions on the New Year

February 4, 2021
TOPPING 2020 OFF WITH THE CORONAVIRUS -- Senior Columnist Grayson Catlett sits in his bed with a face covering on.

[Photo] The Gray Area: Ending 2020 With a Quarantine

January 21, 2021
CENTRALS HOLIDAY CHEFS -- Holiday treats await to be the center of enjoyment.

A Look at Central’s Holiday Chefs

December 15, 2020
THE HOLI-GRAY SPECIAL-- Columnist Grayson Catlett decorates his familys Christmas tree.

[Photo] The Gray Area: The Holi-Gray Special

December 16, 2020
LEARNING STYLE DECISIONS DUE NOVEMBER 20 -- Ms. Brazeale is pictured with her only on-campus student during fourth block, Senior Carmen Crabtree.

Hamilton County Students to Choose Learning Option for Second Semester

November 20, 2020
THE GRAY AREA: THANKS-KEEPING AND GRAY FRIDAY -- Columnist Grayson Catlett browses the aisles of Wal-Mart in preparation of Black Friday.

[Photo] The Gray Area: Thanks-Keeping and Gray Friday

November 19, 2020
A LOOK INTO THE 2020-21 CENTRAL WRESTLING SEASON -- In this 2019 file photo, Coach Ryan Mallory looks upon the wrestling mat as the Central wrestling team competes.

[Photo] A Look Into the 2020-21 Wrestling Season

November 24, 2020
FALL PICTURES GO SMOOTHLY DESPITE PANDEMIC -- LifeTouch is Centrals provider for school pictures.

[Photo] 2020 Fall Picture Day Goes Smoothly Despite Pandemic

November 12, 2020
THE APPLICATION GRIND -- Senior Columnist Grayson Catlett gesturing to his CommonApp, which is used to simplify the college application process.

[Photo] The Gray Area: Applying to Colleges in 2020

November 5, 2020
2020 LEADERSHIP CLASS TOUCHES UP THE WALLS OF CENTRAL-- Senior Dallana Nolazco sits on a locker while touching up the walls of the basketball locker rooms.

The 2020 Leadership Class Touches Up the Walls of Central

November 4, 2020
SAY GOODBYE TO SNOW DAYS -- Senior Columnist Grayson Catlett preparing for the cold weather that is yet to come.

[Photo] The Gray Area: Snow Days are Melting Away

October 22, 2020
THE GRAY AREA: A CRAZY ELECTION FOR AN EVEN CRAZIER YEAR -- Senior Columnist Grayson Catlett turning away from watching the presidential debate of September 29, 2020.

[Photo] The Gray Area: A Crazy Election for an Even Crazier Year

October 1, 2020
CENTRAL ANNOUNCES 2020 HOMECOMING KING NOMINEES -- (From left to right) Grayson Catlett, Tanner Salinas (top), Kenyon McCrobey (bottom), Jeremy Rogers, and Bryson Eddy (not pictured) are this years Homecoming King court.

[Photo] Central Announces 2020 Homecoming King Nominees

September 29, 2020
HIGH HOPES AMONG SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR -- (From left to right) Treasurer Zoey Greene, Vice President Ariya McGhee, President Destiny Smith, and Secretary Kenyon McCrobey hope to work together and make this school year one to remember.

[Photo] High Hopes Among Senior Class Officers for the 2020-21 School Year

September 23, 2020
THE GRAY AREA: TOUCHDOWNS OR BREAKOUTS? -- Columnist Grayson Catlett looking out over the Pounders football field.

[Photo] The Gray Area: Touchdowns or Breakouts?

September 17, 2020
THE GRAY AREA: WHAT DOES EVERYONE THINK ABOUT PHASE THREE? -- Columnist Grayson Catlett poses with one of the many safety posters around Central.

[Photo] The Gray Area: What Does Everyone Think About Phase Three?

September 3, 2020
HAMILTON COUNTY ENTERS PHASE THREE OF COVID-19 OPENING SCHEDULE -- Pictured is the updated Hamilton County Schools Phase Tracker found at hcde.org.

Hamilton County Enters Phase Three of COVID-19 Opening Schedule

September 1, 2020
WELCOME TO THE GRAY AREA -- Welcome to the Gray Area, the Central Digests new column written by Senior Grayson Catlett.

[Photo] Welcome to the Gray Area

August 20, 2020
THE CENTRAL DIGEST RETURNS IN AUGUST -- HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! -- The Central Digest will not be active over the course of the summer. Enjoy your break!

The Central Digest Returns in August — Have a Great Summer!

May 26, 2020
JORDAN HUDSON AND CASSANDRA CASTILLO NAMED MR. AND MS. CENTRAL FOR THE CLASS OF 2020 -- Seniors Jordan Hudson and Cassandra Castillo are named Mr. and Ms. Central for the 2019-20 school year.

Jordan Hudson and Cassandra Castillo Named Mr. and Ms. Central for the Class of 2020

May 26, 2020
CENTRAL DIGEST NAMED AN SNO WEBSITE OF DISTINCTION FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW -- Pictured is the Central Digest staff earlier in the school year.

Central Digest is Named an SNO Website of Distinction for the Fourth Year in a Row

April 29, 2020
FACTS OVER FEAR: CENTRAL STUDENTS DISCUSS PANDEMIC NEWS COVERAGE -- A real-time map by Johns Hopkins University showcasing all confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Facts Over Fear: Central Students Discuss Pandemic News Coverage

April 2, 2020
HAMILTON COUNTYS SHUTDOWN DUE TO COVID-19 BRINGS POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS -- A schedule of March, showing all the events that are being postponed or cancelled.

Hamilton County’s Shutdown Due to COVID-19 Brings Postponements and Cancellations

March 15, 2020
CENTRALS CDC DEPARTMENT HOLDS ANNUAL PROM -- Centrals CDC Prom on February 21 was a great success.

Ruriteen Club Assists with the Annual CDC Prom

February 27, 2020
LOOKING BACK: CENTRALS 1978 SCHOOL YEAR SEES INTRODUCTION OF HIGH-ESTEEMED COCA-COLA MACHINES -- Students crowd around one of the new Coke machines during one of their breaks.

Looking Back: Central’s 1978 School Years Sees Introduction of High-Esteemed Coca-Cola Machines

February 24, 2020
CENTRALS LADY POUNDERS HOLD ANNUAL SENIOR NIGHT ON GAME AGAINST CSAS -- Senior JaNya West is on the court during Fridays game against CSAS.

Central’s Lady Pounders Hold Annual Senior Night on Game Against CSAS

February 4, 2020
STUDENTS IN TENNESSEE NOW REQUIRED TO PASS CIVICS TEST TO GRADUATE -- Pictured above is a mural of the United States flag in Mr. Massengales room, one of the government classes at Central.

Students in Tennessee Now Required to Pass Civics Test to Graduate

January 30, 2020
LOOKING BACK: THE CLASS OF 1942 SENIORS PRESENT A FUN-FILLED ROM-COM, WOODEN SLIPPER -- Pictured above is the senior cast of Wooden Slipper.

Looking Back: The Class of 1942 Seniors Present a Fun-Filled Rom-Com, “Wooden Slipper”

January 14, 2020
CENTRALS WRESTLING TAKES TO THE MATS OVER WINTER BREAK -- A Central student wrestles a Sequatchie County student.

[Photo] Central’s Wrestling Takes to the Mats Over Winter Break

January 10, 2020
MALLORYS SEVENTH YEAR OF COACHING WRESTLING BRINGS HIS FIRST FOUR YEAR WRESTLERS -- Coach Ryan Mallory is on the sidelines during Thursday’s match against Sequatchie County and Red Bank.

Mallory’s Seventh Year of Coaching Wrestling Brings His First Four Year Wrestlers

December 16, 2019
CENTRAL STUDENTS ATTEND YOUTH SUMMIT STRIVING TO IMPROVE SCHOOL ATMOSPHERE -- Pictured above are the Central students who attended the Youth Summit.

Central Students Attend Youth Summit Striving to Improve School Atmosphere

December 6, 2019
THE TRUTH BEHIND FAKE NEWS -- Pictured above are physical copies of the New York Times, one of the most attacked new sources by false news claims.

The Truth Behind Fake News

November 25, 2019
ADVANCED STUDIES STUDENTS TOUR EPB SOLAR SHARE -- The attending gifted students stand with Mr. Adam Fletcher in front of solar panels at the EPB Solar Share site.

Advanced Studies Students Tour Electric Power Board Solar Share

November 20, 2019
CENTRALS VOLLEYBALL SEASON COMES TO AN END -- Junior Carmen Crabtree is serving during a Central volleyball game.

Central’s 2019-2020 Volleyball Season Comes to An End

October 23, 2019
LOOKING BACK: YOUTH WANTS TO KNOW IS COMMENCEMENT THEME FOR CLASS OF 1956 GRADUATION - - The commencement speakers for the 1956 graduation (Left to right: seated; Mooneen Camp, Carolyn Lansford, Sharon Scherer, standing; Everett ONeal, Larry Brock)

Looking Back: “Youth Wants to Know” is the Commencement Theme For Class of 1956 Graduation

October 21, 2019
LOOKING BACK: 1959-1960 POUNDERS CONTINUE TRADITION OF POUNDERS ON PARADE -- Students are preparing for the Pounders on Parade show. Pictured left to right are Patsy Farmer, Rachel Temple, Linda Park, Diane Alverson, and Gerry Robinson.

Looking Back: 1959-1960 Pounders Continue Tradition of ‘Pounders on Parade’

September 23, 2019
JROTC STUDENTS ATTEND CELEBRATION OF VALOR LUNCHEON WHERE MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT SHARES HIS STORY -- Central JROTC students are pictured with Medal of Honor recipient, Clint Romesha. (Left to right: Tyler Mullins, Zach Defur, Hyatt Green, Clint Romesha, Airicka Richardson, Major David Spencer, Jacob Sylman)

JROTC Students Attend Celebration of Valor Luncheon Where Medal of Honor Recipient Shares His Story

September 10, 2019
COSTELLO TAKES THE REIGNS OF THE ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM - - Pictured above is Laura Costello working in her new office in B-Pod.

Laura Costello Takes the Reigns of the Advanced Studies Program

August 28, 2019
THE CENTRAL DIGEST NAMED A SNO NATIONAL WEBSITE OF DISTINCTION FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW -- The 2018-2019 Central Digest staff is pictured above with the plaque commemorating their title of SNO National Website of Distinction.”

The Central Digest Named a SNO National Website of Distinction for the Third Year in a Row

May 20, 2019
ALBERT RAY COLEMAN (‘45) IS INDUCTED INTO DISTINGUISHED LUMNI HALL OF FAME — Albert Ray Coleman went on to fill a multitude of significant positions after graduating from Central, including serving our country in World War II and excelling as an educational and athletic administrator.

Albert Ray Coleman (’45) is Inducted Into Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame

May 14, 2019
STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ARE WINDING DOWN -- Students and teachers are becoming more and more tired as the end of the school year gets closer.

Students and Teachers Wind Down as School Year Comes to a Close

April 30, 2019
1949 WINNERS OF D.A.R. AND S.A.R. AWARDS -- Pictured are Franklin Ashley (right) and Barbara French (left) who won the D.A.R. and S.A.R. Awards in for the 1949 school year.

Looking Back: French and Ashley, Seniors of 1949, Awarded D.A.R. and S.A.R. Awards For Accomplishments

March 4, 2019
SHAUN HELTON RECEIVING HIS COMMENDATION LETTER -- Sophomore Shaun Helton (left) receiving his Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Program. Mrs. Mirvine Okraskinski (right), school counselor, was the one to deliver the letter to him.

Looking Back: Centralite Receives Commendation From National Merit Program During 1980-1981 School Year

February 25, 2019
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES SPONSORS THE CENTRAL CHOIRS LATEST FUNDRASIER -- Nothing Bundt Cakes helps create a fundraiser in support of the Central Choir.

‘Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Sponsors the Central Choir’s Latest Fundraiser

February 12, 2019
LONGTIME COUNSELOR KAREN ATKINS RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS AT CENTRAL -- Ninth grade counselor, Karen Atkins, working at her desk.

Cochran, Atkins, and Alexander Begin Second Semester with Office Switch Up

January 27, 2019
MR. AND MISS CENTRAL 35 NOMINEES -- Left to right: Ellis Pope, Katherine Rawlings, William Lowery, Estelle Godley, T.W. Parker, Leila Welch, Ernest Ownbey, and Louise Wallace.

Looking Back: The Digest Takes On a Challenge Against City High

January 17, 2019
CENTRAL ALUMNUS AND JROTC BATTALION EXECUTIVE OFFICER KEVIN MARTIN EXCELS IN LAW FIELD -- Kevin Martin, a former student and JROTC member. Kevin currently works as a lawyer for FirstView, LLC.

Former Student and JROTC Battalion Executive Officer Kevin Martin Excels in Law Field

January 10, 2019
THE GIVING SPIRIT OF CENTRAL -- (Left to right) George White, Bill Carter, Diane Morrison, Jimmy Lee, and Ronnie Tucker are students supporting the food drive with their food baskets.

Looking Back: The Christmas Spirit of Central High

December 12, 2018
SKILLSUSA SUCKERS FOR SALE-- Pictured above are some of the many DLite suckers being sold by Keith Bright and the SkillsUSA students.

SkillsUSA Sells D’Lite Suckers to Help Raise Funds for Upcoming Competitions

November 30, 2018
NEW VOCATIONAL SCHOOL OPENS NEW OPPORTUNITES FOR STUDENTS -- Central students worked on a school bus as a part of an auto mechanics course.

Looking Back: New Vocational School Caused Problems for Students at Start of 1976-1977 School Year

November 19, 2018
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION INCREASES BENCHMARK TESTING -- Benchmark tests have been increased statewide to help improve the curriculum.

Tennessee Department of Education Increases Amount of Benchmark Tests to Better Curriculum

November 6, 2018
REGISTRATION DAY 1963 -- This was the scene at Central as Principal Hobart Millsaps welcomed students, new and old.

Looking Back: Dropping Out Became a Huge Problem During the 1963-1964 School Year

October 18, 2018
SENIOR SUCCESS DAY AT BAYSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH-- Seniors got the opportunity to learn about their last year of high school and what will come after at Senior Success Day.

Seniors Get a Glimpse of Their Future at Senior Success Day

September 16, 2018
NEW IMACS IN THE COMPUTER LAB IN C-POD -- The new iMacs in the C-Pod computer lab are a great new tool for Mrs. Ware to use in her Computer Applications class.

C-Pod Computer Lab Gets Upgrade With New iMacs

September 1, 2018
TOBACCO AND NICOTINE USE IS NOT ALLOWED IN HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS -- A new policy put into place by the Hamilton County Department of Health cracks down on new ways of nicotine use.

Teens Inspire Hamilton County Into Introducing a More Modern Tobacco Policy

May 21, 2018
CENTRAL DIGEST NAMED A SNO NATIONAL WEBSITE OF DISTINCTION SECOND YEAR IN A ROW -- The Central Digest staff with their SNO National Website of Distinction plaque

Central Digest Named a SNO National Website of Distinction Second Year in a Row

May 13, 2018
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TESTING -- Testing is one of the most important and serious things of the school year.

Editorial: The Effectiveness of Standardized Tests at Central

April 26, 2018
2017-2018 CENTRAL COURT CANDIDATES -- Central Court candidates for 2017-2018 school year. Pictured (left to right): Ross Forgey, Hayden Lakin, Monet Henderson. Not Pictured: Taya Crowder, Kania Ricks, Cassidy Simms, Jada Stewart, Jake Biddy, Alberto Dominguez, Mitchell ONeil, and Joshua Sizemore.

2017-2018 Mr. and Miss Central Court Nominees Are Revealed

March 21, 2018
U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING IN WASHINGTON D.C. -- Students taking AP U.S. Government will learn about what happens inside the doors of the Capitol Building and beyond.

New AP U.S. Government Class Coming to Central for 2018-2019 School Year

March 9, 2018
THE PATH TO SUCCESS -- Students receive academic help at Every Valley Leadership Academy, Ron Lowes non-profit organization that helps many students in the area.

Alumni Spotlight: Ron Lowe Continues to Help Tutor Teens

January 31, 2018
Pounders Persevere -- Central Wrestler Javon Smith competing at the Tullahoma T-Town Rumble

Central Wrestling Team Loses to Walker Valley; Competes Well in Ooltewah Invitation

December 12, 2017
PIPE BURST CAUSES FLOODING -- The parking lot outside of C- Pod was covered in water and mud after a burst in the water pipes.

Broken Water Pipe Creates Inconveniences Throughout Entire School

November 16, 2017
TENNESSEE SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS -- TSCPA put on the Discover Accounting event at UTC to teach students about accounting.

Central Students Attend to ‘Discover Accounting’ Event Held at UTC By TSCPA

November 8, 2017
HAMILTON COUNTY IS WORKING TO IMPROVE SCIENCE EDUCATION -- Hamilton County Department of Education hopes introducing more hands-on activities will improve science education

Hamilton County Department of Education Plans to Increase Focus on Science Education

November 7, 2017
FRESHMEN CLASS OFFICERS 2017-2018 -- (Left to right) Newly elected Treasurer Sakinah Rashid, Secretary Zoey Greene, Vice President Ariya McGhee, and President Destiny Smith are pictured together.

Central Class of 2021 Elect Freshmen Class Officers

October 5, 2017
STUDENTS TEST FLY NEW DRONES -- Students in Skills U.S.A. were able to fly the new drones shortly after they were purchased.

Central’s CTE Department Buys New Drones to Improve Education in Web Design and Skills U.S.A Classes

September 29, 2017
WE CALLED HIM COACH -- Pictured above is Jerry Summers new book on the life of Stan Farmer

New Book by Central Alumnus Jerry Summers Shines Light on Former Coach Stan Farmer

September 15, 2017
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The student news site of Chattanooga Central High School
Blake Catlett