House Resolution 2080
By: Representatives Park of the 107th, Frye of the 122nd, Gisler of the 121st, Gaines of the
120th, and Rhodes of the 124th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the ODYSSEY Media Group, the iliad Literary-Art
Magazine, and David A. Ragsdale for over 23 years of journalistic excellence, student
creativity, and outstanding service to the people of Athens, Georgia, and beyond; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS, the ODYSSEY Media Group was established in 2003 by David A. Ragsdale,
whose commitment and dedication resulted in the creation of a student-run news organization
that has enriched the lives of countless Athenians; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the ODYSSEY Media Group is to inform, entertain, and give
voice to the Clarke Central High School community through fair, accurate, and balanced
news and commentary; and
WHEREAS, the ODYSSEY Media Group's vision is to provide a platform for the Clarke
Central High School and Athens-Clarke County communities to voice their concerns, to
promote truth and transparency in times of unease, and to deter inaccuracy and the spread of
misinformation; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of founder and faculty adviser David A. Ragsdale,
alongside countless editors, managers, staffers, and dedicated supporters, the ODYSSEY
Media Group has grown to become an exemplary model of convergence media, consistently
publishing high-quality content across various digital and print outlets such as their website,
newsmagazine, and assorted social media accounts; and
WHEREAS, since its inception in 2003, the ODYSSEY Media Group has won hundreds of
awards for exceptional journalism, writing, photography, design, and presentation, including
top honors from prestigious institutions such as the National Scholastic Press Association,
Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholastic Press Association, and
Georgia Scholastic Press Association; and
WHEREAS, the iliad Literary-Art Magazine was re-established in 2001 by David A.
Ragsdale after several years of dormancy following its initial founding in 1969, whose vision
and determination revitalized an essential publication; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the iliad Literary-Art Magazine is to serve as a conduit of
expression for creativity and passion for the Clarke Central High School student body, iliad
staff, and rising ninth graders; and
WHEREAS, the iliad Literary-Art Magazine's vision is to be an inclusive platform for
creative voices that represent the diversity of the Clarke Central High School student body
while simultaneously providing a venue to develop student leaders and communicators; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of faculty adviser David A. Ragsdale, alongside numerous
editorial boards and dedicated supporters, the iliad Literary-Art Magazine has grown to
become a welcoming public forum dedicated to the promotion of creative art, writing, and
photography; and
WHEREAS, since its re-establishment in 2001, the iliad Literary-Art Magazine has won
hundreds of awards for exceptional art, writing, photography, design, and presentation,
including top honors from prestigious institutions such as the National Scholastic Press
Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholastic Press
Association, and Georgia Scholastic Press Association; and
WHEREAS, it is both fitting and proper to honor the extraordinary achievements of both the
ODYSSEY Media Group and the iliad Literary-Art Magazine as well as their founder and
faculty adviser, David A. Ragsdale, for their support of student journalism and the creative
arts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend the ODYSSEY Media Group, the iliad
Literary-Art Magazine, and David A. Ragsdale for their decades of journalistic excellence,
student creativity, and outstanding service to the people of Athens, Georgia, and beyond; for
their steadfast commitment to truth, transparency, accountability, and public dialogue; as
well as for their unyielding belief in the power of media to positively transform lives and
livelihoods.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to David
A. Ragsdale and to the editorial board, staff members, and volunteers of both the ODYSSEY
Media Group and the iliad Literary-Art Magazine.