HR2080: HR2080 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; commend

This resolution is a formal statement from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring two student publications at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia: the ODYSSEY Media Group, a student-run news organization founded in 2003, and the iliad Literary-Art Magazine, a creative writing and art publication re-established in 2001 after years of dormancy. Both were founded and guided by faculty adviser David A. Ragsdale. The resolution recounts each publication's mission, its many journalism and arts awards from organizations such as the National Scholastic Press Association and the Georgia Scholastic Press Association, and their role in giving Clarke Central students a platform for reporting and creative expression. It resolves that the House recognizes and commends the two publications and Ragsdale, and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to Ragsdale and to staff and volunteers of both publications.

• Formally recognizes and commends the ODYSSEY Media Group, the iliad Literary-Art Magazine, and David A. Ragsdale for their work at Clarke Central High School.
• Recounts the founding history, missions, and awards of both student publications as the basis for the commendation.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to Ragsdale and to staff and volunteers of both publications.
• Carries no funding, penalty, or change to Georgia law, as is typical for a commendatory resolution.

The resolution directly names David A. Ragsdale, the ODYSSEY Media Group, and the iliad Literary-Art Magazine, all associated with Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, along with their student editors, staff, and volunteers who will receive copies of the resolution.

The resolution has no legal or financial effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical impact is that the Georgia House of Representatives publicly acknowledges the student journalists, artists, and adviser involved, and copies will be distributed to them as a formal record of recognition.

• The preamble (whereas clauses) describes the 2003 founding of the ODYSSEY Media Group and its mission to inform and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community.
• The preamble describes the 2001 re-establishment of the iliad Literary-Art Magazine after dormancy since its 1969 founding, and its mission to provide a creative outlet for students.
• The resolving clause formally commends the ODYSSEY Media Group, the iliad Literary-Art Magazine, and David A. Ragsdale for journalistic excellence, student creativity, and service to Athens, Georgia.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to Ragsdale and to editorial board, staff, and volunteers of both publications.

1. 2026-03-31House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-31House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-31House Hopper (House)

• Samuel Park (D, HD-107)Primary sponsor
• Spencer Frye (D, HD-122)
• Eric Gisler (D, HD-121)
• Houston Gaines (R, HD-120)
• Trey Rhodes (R, HD-124)

• student journalism
• legislative commendation
• Athens Georgia
• Clarke Central High School
• scholastic press awards