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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
Cassandra Castillo

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor

Hey! I’m Cassandra and I am a senior here at Central. This is my third year on the Digest and I have taken position as Copy Editor. My pastimes include writing, photography, and playing soccer. I hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I enjoy creating them!

All content by Cassandra Castillo
ONTO MY NEXT STORY -- A bitter-sweet farewell to Central High and the Digest.

Onto My Next Story

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
May 8, 2020
THE CANCELATION OF CLASS NIGHT LEAVES THE AWARDING OF SCHOLARSHIPS UNCERTAIN -- Due to school activities being cancelled, the administration plans to recognize recipients in a different way.

Class Night Cancellation Leaves Scholarship Awarding Uncertain

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
May 6, 2020

[Video] VIDEO: 2020 Central High School Talent Show

DayOnna Carson, Cassandra Castillo, and Danae Wnuk
May 4, 2020
SPRING SPORTS' INDEFINITE CANCELLATION LEAVES ATHLETES CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SEASON -- Spring season, the busiest sports season of the year, comes to a stop due to coronavirus concerns.

Athletes Continue to Practice at Home Despite Spring Sports’ Indefinite Cancellation

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
April 1, 2020
STUDENTS ADJUST TO NEW WORK SCHEDULES AMID CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK -- Many Central students lose their usual work hours, while others adjust to the excess amount they have been scheduled.

Students Adjust to New Work Schedules Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
March 25, 2020
HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC -- All Hamilton county schools are to be closed for the majority of March, and, as of now, students are expected to return to school on March 30.

Hamilton County Schools Cancelled Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
March 13, 2020
FIRST THINGS FIRST VISITS CENTRAL TO SPEAK WITH FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES-- First Things First representative Sarah Ham speaks to the seventh period wellness class.

[Photo] First Things First Speaks to Central’s Current Wellness Classes

Bailey Brantingham, Head Staff Writer
March 2, 2020
SENIOR MARQUIS RAY SIGNS TO MARYVILLE COLLEGE ON A FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP -- Senior Marquis Ray signs to Maryville College alongside Football Head Coach Curt Jones (right) and Assistant Coach Tray Martin (left).

Senior Marquis Ray Signs to Maryville College on a Football Scholarship

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
February 25, 2020
BOYS SOCCER AIMS FOR A SEASON FULL OF VICTORY -- The team gathers as Captain Patrick Quinn talks to them before practice.

Boys Soccer Aims for a Season Full of Victory

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
February 20, 2020
VIDEO: CENTRAL IS CRAZY FOR CUPID -- Students and staff share their best memories and advice.

Video: Central Is Crazy For Cupid

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
February 14, 2020
EDITORIAL: LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT CENTRAL HIGH -- Senior James Ortiz, viewed as the most lovable person at Central High, poses with Valentine’s Day decorations.

Editorial: What is ‘Love’?

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
February 13, 2020
DAYONNA CARSON RECOGNIZED AS VALEDICTORIAN, DANAE WNUK SALUTATORIAN OF THE 2020 SENIOR CLASS — Valedictorian DayOnna Carson and Salutatorian Danae Wnuk discuss their reactions to being recognized as the top of their graduating class.

DayOnna Carson Recognized as Valedictorian, Danae Wnuk Salutatorian of the 2020 Senior Class

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
February 7, 2020
UNDERCLASSMEN CONCENTRATED BASEBALL TEAM IS OPTIMISTIC FOR NEW SEASON -- Head Coach Glenn Carter has high expectations for the performance of this year's baseball team.

[Photo] Underclassmen Concentrated Baseball Team is Optimistic for New Season

Abby Young, Staff Writer
February 12, 2020
VIDEO: HOW WELL DOES CENTRAL KNOW CENTRAL? -- The Digest tries to see how well students and staff know their school.

Video: How Well Does Central Know Central?

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
January 26, 2020
Video: How Central Celebrates the Holiday Season

Video: How Central Celebrates the Holiday Season

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
December 18, 2019
THE HOLIDAYS COME TO CENTRAL HIGH-- Sophomore Carys Oppedisano shows off her holiday hat.

[Photo] Gallery: The Holidays Come to Central High

Bailey Brantingham, Head Staff Writer
December 13, 2019
CENTRAL'S BASKETBALL PROGRAM FUND RAISES BY ADVERTISING BUSINESSES -- Local businesses are encouraged to purchase an advertisement to promote their company.

Central’s Basketball Program Fund Raises by Advertising Businesses

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
December 13, 2019
CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS REPORTER WYATT MASSEY HELPING 2019 DIGEST STAFF -- Religion Reporter Wyatt Massey is speaking with the Digest staff about ways they can improve their reporting.

Chattanooga Times Free Press Reporter Wyatt Massey Helping 2019 Digest Staff

Ashley Coleman and Cassandra Castillo
November 21, 2019
CENTRAL HIGH OBSERVES A DWINDLING STUDENT BODY - - Central has seen an even lower population of students in accordance to the previous school year.

[Photo] Central High School Observes a Dwindling Student Body

Danae Wnuk, Staff Writer
October 21, 2019
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: HARVARD GRADUATE RICHARD "RICKY" COOKE ('62) CONTINUES TO EXHIBIT VALOR AND SUPPORTIVENESS -- Ricky Cooke’s consistent involvement in Central’s extracurricular activities has helped prepare him to serve his own country and be accepted into one of the nation’s most prestigious colleges, Harvard University.

Alumni Spotlight: Harvard Graduate Richard “Ricky” Cooke (’62) Continues to Exhibit Valor and Supportiveness

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
October 3, 2019
FRESHMEN CLASS OFFICERS ADVOCATE FOR A GREAT 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR - - President Makayla Billips, Vice President Raven Francois, and Secretary Carson Simms plan to work together to make their freshman year memorable.

Freshmen Class Officers Advocate For a Great 2019-2020 School Year

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
September 19, 2019
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, DAYONNA CARSON, ATTENDS PRINCETON'S PRESTIGIOUS SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM -- Carson poses with program founder, Richard Just, after receiving a completion diploma.

Editor-In-Chief, DayOnna Carson, Attends Princeton’s Prestigious Summer Journalism Program

Cassandra Castillo, Copy Editor
September 4, 2019
BETTY JOLLY, (‘45) HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, CONTINUES LEGACY OF VOLUNTEERING FOR THOSE IN NEED -- Distinguished alumni, Betty Jolly, dedicates her time to volunteer work and her self-created insurance business.

Betty Jolly, (‘45) Hall of Fame Inductee, Continues Her Legacy of Volunteering for Those in Need

Cassandra Castillo, Associate Editor
May 13, 2019
CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- The wrestling team faces off against East Hamilton High School.

CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- The wrestling team faces off against East Hamilton High School.

CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- The wrestling team faces off against East Hamilton High School.

CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- The wrestling team faces off against East Hamilton High School.

CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- The wrestling team faces off against East Hamilton High School.

CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- The wrestling team faces off against East Hamilton High School.

CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT --

[Photo] Central Wrestling Team Take On East Hamilton

January 24, 2019
CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- The wrestling team faces off against East Hamilton High School.

MISSING MS. WHITE — Ms. Sally White poses with Central graduate and former Central Digest Editor in Chief Preston Fore.

Fore Accepted into Prestigious NYT Summer Academy; Still Raising Funds to Attend

Cassandra Castillo, Associate Editor
April 6, 2019
CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT --

Central Wrestling Team Take On East Hamilton

Cassandra Castillo, Associate Editor
January 24, 2019
THE BREAKDOWN OF THE BORDER BARRIER -- The division mark between the two neighboring countries in the Laredo International Bridge.

Breaking Down the Battle at the Border

Cassandra Castillo, Associate Editor
January 10, 2019
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CENTRAL’S WRESTLING TEAM HOPES TO SEND MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO REGION TOURNAMENT -- Jack Neely shakes his opponent's hand before starting the match.

[Photo] Central’s Wrestling Team Hopes to Send Multiple Players to Region Tournament

February 6, 2019
EIGHT WRESTLERS HEADING TO STATE -- Central wrestler declared victorious at match earlier this year.

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CENTRAL’S 2018-19 WRESTLING TEAM ANTICIPATES SUCCESSFUL SEASON — Junior Donavyn Walker faces off the opposing team member after doing a cordial introductory handshake.

[Photo] Central's 2018-19 Wrestling Team Anticipates Successful Season

December 11, 2018
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EIGHT WRESTLERS HEADING TO STATE -- Central's wrestling team is sending a large number of wrestlers to the state competition, on par with many elite teams.

[Photo] Eight Central High Wrestlers Headed to State Tournament

February 16, 2019
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DRAFTING STUDENT EXPLORE THE LITTLE DEBBIE FACTORY -- Students take a a trip to Little Debbie's factory to learn, thanks to Junior Achievement.

Drafting Students Explore the Deep Secrets of Little Debbie’s Snack Cakes

Cassandra Castillo, Associate Editor
December 3, 2018
CENTRAL'S SKILLED TRADES CLASSES RECEIVES $50,000 PRIZE -- Jerry Webb and his students were presented with the check along with school officials and a Harbor Freight representative.

Central Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems Classes Win $50,000 Prize

Cassandra Castillo and Abby Young
November 26, 2018
LOCAL BUSINESSES PREPARE STUDENTS FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL EVENT -- Business representatives gather for a quick debriefing before presenting their occupation to sophomores and juniors.

Local Businesses Enlighten Students on the Fundamentals of the Work Force at Central’s Annual Career Event

Cassandra Castillo and DayOnna Carson
November 15, 2018
AEDS INSTALLED AS A RESULT OF NEW BILL BEING PASSED -- Students analyze new AED and Epi-pen's established near the front entrance.

[Photo] AEDs are Installed as a Result of New Bill Being Passed

Jack Graham, Staff Writer
September 13, 2018
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: CENTRAL SAYS 'BIENVENIDO' TO NEW SPANISH TWO TEACHER, SALVADOR PINA -- New Spanish teacher, Salvador Pina, helps his student, Brian McKibben, with his Spanish work.

Teacher Spotlight: Central Says Bienvenido to New Spanish Two Teacher, Salvador Piña

Cassandra Castillo, Associate Editor
September 9, 2018
CENTRAL'S GIFTED TEACHER, DANIELLE HOOPER, JOINS A TENNESSEE OFFICER ON A POLICE RIDE-ALONG -- Danielle Hooper recently joined an officer on a police ride-along where she experienced their daily tasks.

Central’s Gifted Teacher, Danielle Hooper, Joins a Chattanooga Police Officer During a Ride-Along

Cassandra Castillo and Cassandra Castillo
August 29, 2018
EVELYN ANDERSON WILL CONTINUE TO WORK AFTER RETIRING AS EDUCATOR OF 44 YEARS -- Anderson enjoys her last few moments as a teacher at Central.

Evelyn Anderson Will Continue to Work After Retiring As Educator of 44 Years

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
May 22, 2018
LINDA HOSTETLER DECIDES TO RETIRE AFTER YEARS OF BEING CENTRAL'S HUMAN STUDIES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT TEACHER -- Hostetler poses as she enjoys her last moments at Central High.

Linda Hostetler to Retire After Years of Being Central’s Human Studies and Child Development Teacher

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
May 8, 2018
UPCOMING STANDARDIZED TESTING CAUSES STRESS WITH A NEW FORMAT AND HECTIC SCHEDULE -- Elizabeth Zachary,this year's testing coordinator, is hard at work organizing the schedule and entering the last portion of mandatory credentials.

Upcoming Standardized Testing Causes Stress With New Format and Hectic Schedule

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
April 16, 2018
BAND MEMBERS HAVE A FANTASMIC TIME AT DISNEY WORLD -- Georgia Teems, Jada Lowry, Summer Hansard, Lacy Mckinney pose in the Epcot Theme Park.

Central Sound Had a Fanstasmic Time On Disney World Trip

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
April 10, 2018
NEW SOFTBALL COACH, RANDY CRAWFORD, PITCHES IN HIS GOALS FOR THE 2018 SEASON -- Randy Crawford hopes to go far this season with the team.

New Head Softball Coach, Randy Crawford, Pitches In His Experience For the 2018 Season

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
March 22, 2018
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY -- Students in this 2018 file photo enjoyed the annual CDC dance, now known as the Exceptional Education Dance, which was full of food, laughter, and memories.

Annual CDC Prom Leaves Fond Memories For Students Who Attended

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
March 19, 2018
SAIGE LOWERY CHOSEN TO REPRESENT CENTRAL'S STAFF AT 2018 GRADUATION CEREMONY -- Saige Lowery chosen to represent Central's teachers and administration through a speech at the 2018 graduation ceremony.

Saige Lowery Chosen to Represent Central’s Staff at 2018 Graduation Ceremony

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
February 28, 2018
GIFTED TEACHER DANIELLE HOOPER JOINS THE PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION IN EFFORTS OF IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY'S SCHOOLS -- Danielle Hooper joins PEF as a Teacher Policy Fellow.

Gifted Teacher Danielle Hooper Joins The Public Education Foundation in Efforts of Improving Community Schools

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
February 8, 2018
STUDENTS REFLECT ON 2017 IN HOPES OF AN OPTIMISTIC NEW YEAR -- Shaqune Stewart, a sophomore at Central, reminisces the previous year.

Editorial: Students Reflect on 2017 In Hopes of An Optimistic New Year

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
January 22, 2018
CENTRAL WELCOMES NEW COUNSELING INTERN, JACOB GUPTILL -- Guptill is spending time at Central to gain more experience with students as counselor.

Central Welcomes New Counseling Intern Jacob Guptill

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
December 15, 2017
GIRLS STRIVE TO PREVAIL THIS BASKETBALL SEASON -- Girls are patiently waiting for their new season to arrive.

Girls Basketball Team Hoping to Improve from Last Season

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
December 5, 2017
CENTRAL REPRESENTS NORTH KOREA IN MODEL U.N. -- Preston Fore, Jake Johns, John Britt, and Matthew Frazier represent the North Korean delegation at annual SHSMUN.

Central Students Represent North Korea at Southeastern High School Model United Nations

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
November 29, 2017
SENIORS BUNDLE UP FOR SENIOR PICNIC DAY -- Seniors continue the tradition of forming their graduation year in the football field bleachers.

Class of 2018 Bundle Up For Senior Picnic Day

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
November 8, 2017
CENTRAL'S ROBOTICS TEAM WINS THIRD PLACE IN COMPETITION --Students Patrick Quinn, Ryan Wilson, Jordan Owen, James Ortiz, and Zach Whittmore compete in the Robotics Competition at Chattanooga State.

FORWARD THINKING FOR THE 2018 BOY'S BASKETBALL SEASON -- Ball going into the hoop of Central's gym.

[Photo] Forward Thinking For The 2018 Boy’s Basketball Season

John Britt, Staff Writer
November 27, 2017
STUDENTS REPRESENT CENTRAL AT THE SUPERINTENDENT STARS MEETING -- Central students are depicted contributing ideas as a team.

Students Represent Central At The Superintendent Youth Summit

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
October 5, 2017
TOMMY YOUNGBLOOD FORMER CENTRAL FOOTBALL PLAYER, APPRECIATES HIS DAYS AS A CENTRAL STUDENT -- Tommy Youngblood, former central football star, now General Sales Manager at WDEF-TV.

Alumni Spotlight: Tommy Youngblood, Former Central Football Player, Appreciates His Days as a Central Student

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
October 2, 2017
STATISTICS SHOW CENTRAL'S POPULATION HAS DECREASED SINCE LAST YEAR -- Pictured are Central's students in the midst of class change.

Statistics Show Central’s Population Has Decreased Since Last Year

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
September 18, 2017
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MICHELLE COCHRAN TAKES ON A NEW ROLE IN EDUCATION -- Mrs. Cochran is taking on a new role in the education field. Going from teacher to assistant principal, Cochran is excited for a new start.

Teacher Spotlight: New Assistant Principal Michelle Cochran Takes On A New Role in Education

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
September 18, 2017
DAYONNA CARSON AND DANAE WNUK ACCEPTED INTO THE INAGURAL CHATTANOOGA AS TEXT PROGRAM -- The CAT girls pose for a photo at the Final Pitch Presentation.

Dayonna Carson and Danae Wnuk Accepted Into Inaugural ‘Chattanooga As Text’ Program

Cassandra Castillo, Staff Writer
September 6, 2017
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Cassandra Castillo