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Atlas/Athena Program Looks to Start Magazine

Published January 11, 2007

A program used by Williamson County high schools to promote a healthy lifestyle for students is looking to expand its horizons to include a magazine. The ATLAS (Athletes Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids) and ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Eating and Nutrition Alternatives) programs are mainly implemented by sports teams, weights and kinesiology classes, and health classes. (For a previous IN FOCUS video taking a closer look at how Williamson County Schools is implementing the program, CLICK HERE.)

The still unnamed magazine will focus on Williamson County high school students' success not only in athletics, but every aspect of their lives. It will be generated by area students, and the aim is to be able to sell the magazine in school book stores and other outlets to raise money for ATLAS/ATHENA and other programs.

Williamson County Schools Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator Dianne O'Neil and ATLAS/ATHENA coordinator Jim Blakeney came up with the magazine idea to promote the program. O'Neil and Blakeney have assembled a crew of advisors from all areas of media. Former Tennessean reporter and current WSMV-TV assignment desk editor Jim East is serving as the magazine's editor. Other advisors include photographer Jeanne Reasonover from the Tennessean, videographer Mike Yarber, and artist and illustrator Dean Shelton.

"We want this to be something students own," says Blakeney. "Right now we're planting the seed for the future and we hope to really see the magazine take off."

The group of advisors held an initial meeting with interested students on December 16 to brainstorm and discuss ideas for the magazine. A handful of students have already shown an interest, and they are hoping for many more.

"We're hoping to have this include every type of media from writing, to photography, video, and art," says O'Neil. "We're planning on taking this project to the high schools and recruiting those who are interested in working on this project."

If you are a Williamson County high school student interested in working on this new magazine, or know of a high schooler who would, please contact Dianne O'Neil at 472-4076 or Jim Blakeney at 472-4220.