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Pro Golfers Offered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars to Join Saudi-Backed League

Pro Golfers Offered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars to Join Saudi-Backed League

Altamont golf ace Vinay Yerramsetti explains how professional golfers are being paid hundreds of ...

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Hot Take: Southpark Is Offensive, Brilliant, and Misunderstood

Hot Take: Southpark Is Offensive, Brilliant, and Misunderstood

Every year, seventh graders at Altamont write a persuasive piece on a topic of their choosing. Th...

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For the Record: 60 Years of History Preserved in Paper

For the Record: 60 Years of History Preserved in Paper

The Acta Diurna's Alden DuMontier interviews Nancy Smith, his grandmother, about her prized newsp...

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Pro Golfers Offered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars to Join Saudi-Backed League

Pro Golfers Offered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars to Join Saudi-Backed League

Altamont golf ace Vinay Yerramsetti explains how professional golfers are being paid hundreds of millions of dollars to join a controversial league.

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Hot Take: Southpark Is Offensive, Brilliant, and Misunderstood

Hot Take: Southpark Is Offensive, Brilliant, and Misunderstood

Every year, seventh graders at Altamont write a persuasive piece on a topic of their choosing. The writers of the best pieces are offered a chance to be published in The Acta Diurna. Noah Rotenstreich agreed to have his work published here. All he asks is that you read the whole thing before judging.

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For the Record: 60 Years of History Preserved in Paper

For the Record: 60 Years of History Preserved in Paper

The Acta Diurna's Alden DuMontier interviews Nancy Smith, his grandmother, about her prized newspaper and the changes in how we get our information.

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NFL "versus" XFL? Or Happy Counterparts in Our Football Ecosystem?

NFL "versus" XFL? Or Happy Counterparts in Our Football Ecosystem?

Joe Porter places the NFL and XFL football leagues in context. He thinks they can coexist and enrich our sports universe.

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Que Bueno! Altamont Students "Go Live" on Spanish Radio, Social Media, and More

Que Bueno! Altamont Students "Go Live" on Spanish Radio, Social Media, and More

Vinay Yerramsetti shares a first-person account of his Spanish class's innovative field trip to a popular Spanish radio station and market.

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We Can Travel Around the World. Why's It So Hard To Get Across Town?

We Can Travel Around the World. Why's It So Hard To Get Across Town?

New Birmingham-area driver David Borasino ponders the mysteries of area traffic.

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Some Quick Tips for Helping People Who Might Be Spiraling

Some Quick Tips for Helping People Who Might Be Spiraling

In light of tragic events all around, Emily Isbell wanted to share some basic pointers on reaching out to people. This is by no means a complete list, but we hope it will be helpful.

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A Graduating Senior Reflects on His Life at Altamont

A Graduating Senior Reflects on His Life at Altamont

Tha Acta Diurna's Campbell Hughey interviews Jaison Perkins on his time at Altamont.

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Did a Race Stop the French Protests?

Did a Race Stop the French Protests?

Alden DuMontier was in France recently and has a theory as to why massive French protests stopped.

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XF, USFL, and NFL: It's a New Playing Field for Football League Competition

XF, USFL, and NFL: It's a New Playing Field for Football League Competition

The Acta Diurna's Jack Hoover takes a deep dive into the American football ecosystem and even puts a daring prediction in writing.

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Interview: Nursing Leader on Causes, Effects of Dire Shortage

Interview: Nursing Leader on Causes, Effects of Dire Shortage

The Acta Diurna's David Borasino interviews a veteran nurse at Children's Hospital about the dire state of nursing in our area and beyond.

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Remembering the Madness: Frasier Horton's All-Tournament Team

Remembering the Madness: Frasier Horton's All-Tournament Team

It seems that basketball fans are already descending into the next stage of madness (the NBA playoffs), but Frasier Horton doesn't want you to forget one of the most exciting college tournaments ever, or the players who made it possible.

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Screens Are Making Americans Less Healthy

Screens Are Making Americans Less Healthy

Studies show strong correlations between screen time and health problems. The Acta Diurna's Joe Porter argues that's no coincidence.

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PFAS Chemicals an Increasingly Known Threat in Alabama, but There Is Good News

PFAS Chemicals an Increasingly Known Threat in Alabama, but There Is Good News

So-called "forever chemicals" are basically everywhere, including Alabama, and they're linked to all sorts of health problems including cancer. But as The Acta Diurna's David Borasino found out, Altamont at least uses the best kind of filter in its water fountains.

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Boys and Girls Soccer Teams Hold on to High Hopes ahead of Playoffs

Boys and Girls Soccer Teams Hold on to High Hopes ahead of Playoffs

The Acta Diurna's George Benson updates us on the status of our boys and girls soccer teams as they approach crunch time.

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Altamont Travels Back to Ancient China

Altamont Travels Back to Ancient China

The Acta Diurna's Jack Hoover describes and reviews Altamont's recent Mandarin Fashion Show.

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Altamont Students Earn "Seal of Biliteracy," a Sign Fluency and Hard Work

Altamont Students Earn "Seal of Biliteracy," a Sign Fluency and Hard Work

The Acta Diurna's John-Nathan Rosborough interviews Allison Ramey, head of Altamont's World Languages Department, about the Seal of Biliteracy and what students had to do to earn it.

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It's Fast and It Lasts, but Porter Puts Processed Food on Blast

It's Fast and It Lasts, but Porter Puts Processed Food on Blast

Sure they're convenient and taste good, but The Acta Diurna's Joe Porter doesn't think processed foods are worth the associated serious health concerns, and he's got studies to back that up.

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What Is Microsoft Feeding Us?

What Is Microsoft Feeding Us?

Acta Diurna editor and writer Andrew Herrin thinks the pages we see when we sign into our Microsoft browsers are more harmful to students than people realize. He dives into potential dangers of the feed, including its "likes" and "dislikes."

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Too Many Vehicles: Carpool Lines, Parking Problems, Foiled Plans and Potential New Fixes

Too Many Vehicles: Carpool Lines, Parking Problems, Foiled Plans and Potential New Fixes

Editor and reporter Isabelle Taylor explores an open secret at Altamont: the carpool and parking situation could be better. What happened to recent plans to solve the problem? And what happens next?

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Altamont Teachers "Bone Salad" and "Jukes of Hazard" Lay Out Their Roller Derby Stories

Altamont Teachers "Bone Salad" and "Jukes of Hazard" Lay Out Their Roller Derby Stories

Acta Diurna sports reporter George Benson gets the lowdown on two school staffers who skate with Birmingham's Tragic City Rollers roller derby team.

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The Story Behind the Story: Season 2 of the True Crime Podcast "White Lies"

The Story Behind the Story: Season 2 of the True Crime Podcast "White Lies"

"White Lies" is a critically acclaimed podcast that investigates crimes that make some white people uncomfortable. Altamont's Campbell Hughey, the nephew of one of the creators, dives into the making of Season 2, "The Men on the Roof."

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 They Have Arrrived: Facts and Myths about Mosquito Prevention

They Have Arrrived: Facts and Myths about Mosquito Prevention

Alden DuMontier shares ways to keep mosquitos at bay and explains common misconceptions.

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Carp-Caused Chaos Coming Closer: An Invasive Species Is Here

Carp-Caused Chaos Coming Closer: An Invasive Species Is Here

If you fish, you might know about this, and you probably don't like it. Alden DuMontier explains why a carp can cause so much chaos.

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What Happened to International Fall Project Week Trips?

What Happened to International Fall Project Week Trips?

Akshay Gaddamangu investigates the future -- if there is one -- of international Fall Project Week trips at Altamont.

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Was There Too Much World Cup Buzz at Altamont?

Was There Too Much World Cup Buzz at Altamont?

David Borasino talks with teachers to get their thoughts on how Altamont handled the winter World Cup frenzy.

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Varsity Girls Soccer Shuts Out Opponents in First Three Games

Varsity Girls Soccer Shuts Out Opponents in First Three Games

Acta Diurna sports reporter Cruz Cunill on varsity girls' soccer's auspicious start.

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How Intelligent Is Relying on Artificial Intelligence?

How Intelligent Is Relying on Artificial Intelligence?

You might've heard of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence. Even if you haven't, you will. Acta Diurna guest contributor Vivaan Dudeja breaks down some of the pros and cons of this revolutionary technology.

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Altamont Boys Varsity Soccer Mercy Rules Cornerstone 10-0 in Opener

Altamont Boys Varsity Soccer Mercy Rules Cornerstone 10-0 in Opener

Acta Diurna sports reporter Jack Hoover recaps the season-opener victory over Cornerstone and interviews left wing George Benson about the game and the season ahead.

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Why it's so Hard to Sue Trucks Carrying Rocks

Why it's so Hard to Sue Trucks Carrying Rocks

When your car has been hit by a rock thrown from a truck it's hard to sue the people responsible. Altamont's Emily Isbell dives into why.

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Altamont Boys Varsity Basketball Bests Indian Springs in Thriller, 51-34

Altamont Boys Varsity Basketball Bests Indian Springs in Thriller, 51-34

Cruz Cunill recaps the recent boys varsity basketball victory over arch-rival Indian Springs.

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Andrew Herrin on "Don't Say Gay" Law and LGBTQ Education

Andrew Herrin on "Don't Say Gay" Law and LGBTQ Education

Andrew Herrin shares thoughts on personal battles with identity, current politics, and how Alabama schools handle LGBTQ education.

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Review: Tyler, The Creator's IGOR Deserves Its Awards

Review: Tyler, The Creator's IGOR Deserves Its Awards

Tyler, The Creator's IGOR won the Grammy for best rap album in 2020. Altamont's Campbell Hughey thinks that was the right choice. He explains why and describes, reviews, and rates each song for you.

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VIDEO: The Acta Diurna Interviews New Altamont Headmaster Cecil Stodghill

VIDEO: The Acta Diurna Interviews New Altamont Headmaster Cecil Stodghill

Get to know new Head Of School Cecil Stodghill as he sits down with the Acta Diurna's Frasier Horton.

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Hoopers Take a Deep Dive into the GOAT Debate. What do YOU think?

Hoopers Take a Deep Dive into the GOAT Debate. What do YOU think?

Acta Diurna writer and hooper Jack Hoover picks local basketball brains on who was the best baller ever.

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Lessons for Altamont in the Damar Hamlin Story

Lessons for Altamont in the Damar Hamlin Story

Can a football player who almost died on the field teach us something important? The Acta Diurna's John-Nathan Rosborough thinks so.

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Does Altamont Lack School Spirit?

Does Altamont Lack School Spirit?

Akshay Gaddamanugu and George Benson think we do lack school spirit. Read their thoughts on their not-quite-scientific poll and let us know if you agree.

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Here We Go Again

Here We Go Again

The Acta Diurna's Frasier Horton on the Tyre Nichols killing.

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The Case for More Animal Protein in The Altamont Diner’s Flex Line

The Case for More Animal Protein in The Altamont Diner’s Flex Line

The flex line is a place where anyone can go to explore healthier options, but Joe Porter believes the flex line could use more animal protein.

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El Chapo's Son's Arrest and the Way it has Changed the Political Climate in Mexico

El Chapo's Son's Arrest and the Way it has Changed the Political Climate in Mexico

Why are criminals allowed to run free because they have power? Alden DuMontier discusses Ovidio Guzmán's recent arrest, the way it has affected Mexico, and what it says about government corruption around the world.

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They Were Rich and Black in Birmingham: Remembering the Raglands through Artifacts

They Were Rich and Black in Birmingham: Remembering the Raglands through Artifacts

Altamont's Margaret Schedler spent the summer immersed in history, including artifacts from one of Birmingham's founding black families, which made a deep impression she wanted to share.

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The Acta Diurna Wins Top National Honor

The Acta Diurna Wins Top National Honor

Altamont took one of only four first-place awards in its class in the whole United States.

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Equal Means Equal Everywhere, Even the Battlefield

Equal Means Equal Everywhere, Even the Battlefield

Eighth-Grader Lottie Kanter thinks that if men could be drafted into military action, women should face the same possibility.

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Photo Gallery: Altamont-Ramsay Heritage Panel Exchange

Photo Gallery: Altamont-Ramsay Heritage Panel Exchange

Altamont’s and Ramsey High School’s Heritage Panels recently took part in a two-day exchange program. Panelists and faculty from both schools traveled to the other for team-building, fun, and real talk about stereotypes, inequity, and other issues students face. As a result, Ramsay and Altamont will collaborate on several projects in the near future. Check the photos chosen by Acta Diurna reporter, sports editor, and photo editor Frasier Horton.

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The EU's Worst Border Crisis: Belarus Shows How Bad Plans Have Bad Consequences

The EU's Worst Border Crisis: Belarus Shows How Bad Plans Have Bad Consequences

You might've heard about this crisis a few weeks back, and the roots of the problem are still there. Some observers say it hasn't been caused so much by immigration as by a dictator who needs scapegoats and wants to hurt the European Union and NATO. Regardless, people are suffering. The Acta Diurna's Caroline Reddington has more.

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Orlando Thompson's "Memorials for Souls Can't Go Home" Changed How I View Contemperary Art

Orlando Thompson's "Memorials for Souls Can't Go Home" Changed How I View Contemperary Art

The Birmingham gallery VINEGAR hosted artist Orlando Thompson on Friday night. "Orlando’s" show was an interactive experience called “Memorial for Souls Can’t Go Home.” According to allevents.in, the piece was intended to explore themes of “grief, systematic racism, and the density of the human soul.” During a presentation for students at The Altamont School, Orlando stated simply, after taking a deep breath, “it’s about trauma.” 

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Altamont's Winter Concert: "Their Combined Skill Is Undeniable"

Altamont's Winter Concert: "Their Combined Skill Is Undeniable"

On Thursday night, the music classes at The Altamont School put on a Winter Concert. It was an hour and a half of thrilling composition.

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The Beacon: Giving Altamont Students A (Deep) Voice on the Issues of the Day

The Beacon: Giving Altamont Students A (Deep) Voice on the Issues of the Day

Sometimes a hard year can lead to good things: Altamont's "The Beacon" gives students a platform for creative expression about complex, important, and sometimes troubling current events relevant to our lives. Caroline Reddington and Maya Davis go to the source(s) to explain.

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Frasier Horton: If Bo Nix Had Been in the Iron Bowl, Auburn Would Have Won

Frasier Horton: If Bo Nix Had Been in the Iron Bowl, Auburn Would Have Won

According to Sports Editor and Columnist Frasier Horton, if Bo Nix had played in the Iron Bowl, it might have been a blowout.   

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Recent Basketball Action, and More Tonight!

Recent Basketball Action, and More Tonight!

With big games coming tonight, Richard Terrell gives us a quick preview and a recap of some recent action.

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Altamont's XR Youth Rebels Against Chase Bank; Join Us!

Altamont's XR Youth Rebels Against Chase Bank; Join Us!

Birmingham Alabama’s chapter of Extinction Rebellion Youth led a protest against Chase Bank on November 19th outside Pizits Food Hall downtown. We held a homemade banner “Chase Banking on Climate Chaos” and we screamed, “We want you to panic! Chase is destroying our future!”

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Do We Theater Students Even Exist?

Do We Theater Students Even Exist?

Theater has been a crucial part of The Altamont School since its establishment in 1975. Over the years, the desire to be a theater student has never diminished, but according to Managing Editor and recent Fame Jr. cast member Margaret Schedler, support from the student body and administration has dwindled. She says this stems from a lack of knowledge, so she offers a behind-the-curtain look at what theater students face.

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Home Opener Basketball Recap

Home Opener Basketball Recap

Yesterday the boys varsity, JV, and seventh-and-eighth-Grade grade basketball teams played their first home games of the year. The results were mixed, but the effort, energy, and entertainment were certainly present.

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Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle the Right Way

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle the Right Way

Alabama is ranked eighth-worst in the country at recycling. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t solely due to the fact that people aren’t making efforts to recycle. People are simply not recycling correctly.

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Frasier Horton, Altamont's New Art Critic Doesn't Hold Back

Frasier Horton, Altamont's New Art Critic Doesn't Hold Back

"If you’ve ever walked down the art-adorned upstairs hallway, you may have seen the painting with the green background and 'amazing' assortments of doodles. Let me be frank, that is the worst painting I’ve ever seen in my entire life." That's just a small taste of Frasier Horton's thoughts on the subject. Click "Read more" for the rest.

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FAME Coming to The Altamont School

FAME Coming to The Altamont School

The Altamont School is putting on FAME Jr. this week for its annual fall musical. The performance is set in the 1980s in a New York City high school dedicated to the performing arts. The musical follows ten talented students and their friends as they navigate fame and try for more of it.

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Photo: Ben Franklin Wins Altamont Contest, Snacks

Photo: Ben Franklin Wins Altamont Contest, Snacks

Altamont Junior Anderson Stone surprised onlookers Friday with his Benjamin Franklin costume. Anderson came to school rocking 1700s attire, but what really stood out was his hair, or lack of it. Acta Diurna contributor Caden Williams has more (hair, and information).

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Photographic Proof: Altamont Students Can Write News Stories, Dunk in PJs and Crocs

Photographic Proof: Altamont Students Can Write News Stories, Dunk in PJs and Crocs

The Altamont community prides itself on developing well-rounded, multi-skilled, resilient students. Sportswriter Frasier Horton caught this photo of Acta Diurna colleague Richard Terrell proving our success in that endeavor by dunking despite wearing PJs and crocs.

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For the First Time Since 1975, Altamont Has No Varsity Girls Basketball

For the First Time Since 1975, Altamont Has No Varsity Girls Basketball

For the first time in almost five decades, there will be no girls varsity basketball team at Altamont. Coaches are counting on the grades five through eight programs to keep girls basketball going until varsity is reinstated. The Acta Diurna's Richard Terrell has more.

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The Hill: It Wears Players Out, But Lifts Them Up

The Hill: It Wears Players Out, But Lifts Them Up

The Hill: the two-word phrase which, if you mention it to any Altamont basketball player, they'll know exactly what you mean. It's a real obstacle and a symbol. Read on for an insider's view into Altamont varsity boys basketball.

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Altamont Athletes and Coaches Differ on Playing in Masks

Altamont Athletes and Coaches Differ on Playing in Masks

How do coaches and players feel about wearing masks? Are there any disadvantages? The Acta Diurna's Maya Davis interviews Susan Keith, who coaches indoor and outdoor sports, Athletic Director and Coach Stephen Mitchell, and varsity volleyball players Helen Ezelle and Maya DeValk.

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Bendel Reflects on Devious Lick Trend: "We all make mistakes"

Bendel Reflects on Devious Lick Trend: "We all make mistakes"

On September 22nd The Acta Diurna reported on alleged acts of vandalism in The Altamont School tied to the Devious Lick trend on TikTok. New information from Altamont’s administration suggests that some of the acts of vandalism were "accidents."

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Altamont Volleyball Blows Out Indian Springs

Altamont Volleyball Blows Out Indian Springs

The Altamont School and Indian Springs School went head-to-head in volleyball Monday night. Matches between Indian Springs and Altamont have always been a source of school-wide excitement, the rivalry going back generations. Read about the highlights!

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Innovative Podcast Assignment Has Students Become Teachers

Innovative Podcast Assignment Has Students Become Teachers

It's safe to say that most sophomore History classes don't involve sound-mixing. But Dr. Alex Melonas is doing things a little differently. The Acta Diurna's Richard Terrell gets the story on a unique technique that's getting students to learn by doing and teach their teacher.

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Behind the Masks: Altamont Staff Reveal Stresses, Lessons of Teaching in a Pandemic

Behind the Masks: Altamont Staff Reveal Stresses, Lessons of Teaching in a Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed daily life everywhere. That's definitely true for teachers. The Acta Diurna's Caroline Reddington got perspectives from four key Altamont staffers, and surprisingly, the news wasn't all bad.

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Injured Altamont Student Wants You To Learn From His Example, Not Repeat It

Injured Altamont Student Wants You To Learn From His Example, Not Repeat It

Everything can change in a moment. Sophomore Caden Williams considers himself lucky his and other lives didn't change even more after a car accident "woke him up." And he has a message for you or any young drivers you know.

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Truth, Knowledge, Halter Tops

Truth, Knowledge, Halter Tops

Altamont's Interim Head of School, Tom Bendel, helped create a new dress code for the 2021-2022 school year. Take a deep dive into the new dress code and where it came from, and the old dress code's effects on Altamont students.

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Altamont Community Surprised, Hurt by Vandalism Likely Tied to Devious Licks

Altamont Community Surprised, Hurt by Vandalism Likely Tied to Devious Licks

Altamont leaders recently learned that even this small, close-knit community is not immune from social-media "challenges" that encourage stealing and vandalism. The Acta Diurna will continue reporting on this story as it unfolds and more information becomes available.

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The Former Pro You Might Not Know: Altamont's Richard Ford Went "from Homeless to Overseas"

The Former Pro You Might Not Know: Altamont's Richard Ford Went "from Homeless to Overseas"

The Acta Diurna's Richard Terrell sits down with Coach and Assistant Athletic Director Richard Ford for an exclusive storytelling session. Before joining the staff, Ford played basketball at the professional level for 11 years in Mexico, Bolivia, El Salvador, Japan, and Venezuela. And he's got some stories...

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Award-Winner Ryan Vance: "We All Want Equality"

Award-Winner Ryan Vance: "We All Want Equality"

The Acta Diurna's Frasier Horton sat down with award-winning photographer Ryan Vance '24 to discuss the inspiration and process behind his work.

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Tom Bendel: "It'd Be Good to Have a Few More Years"

Tom Bendel: "It'd Be Good to Have a Few More Years"

In a video interview, Altamont Interim Head of School Tom Bendel shares his educational philosophy, his lessons from the military, his hopes for the future, and more with The Acta Diurna’s Maya Davis.

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The Acta Diurna's Mission Statement and Core Staff

The Acta Diurna's Mission Statement and Core Staff

This is who we are, what we do, and why you're reading it.

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Αγαιπα: A Love Letter to Altamont's Classical Languages

Αγαιπα: A Love Letter to Altamont's Classical Languages

Latin was intoxicating, as if the language emitted some fantastic, sticky scent, luring me in...

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