Getting into Character W;t demands personal sacrifice
DeDe Miller transforms Brianna for the role of Vivian Bearing.
try to run away. That’s what Vivian has to learn.” John Baker chose the Pulitzer Prize winning play “W;t” for the spring production in part because so many of his students have experienced cancer themselves or in a family member. “Like all drama, this show is instructive,” says Baker. “You don’t have to live through these experiences firsthand to learn something from the character’s struggles. The message of the show is the importance of compassion, understanding, and human connection.”
A Campus View — Daymian Marshall
photo by Bob DeHart ’96
photo by Tim McNeese ’73
W
hen Brianna Bailey was trying out for the lead role of Vivian Bearing, a woman diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, she knew what would be required of her if she got the part. Her beautiful head of hair would have to be shaved. Her friends and family were surprised at her resolve, but Bailey, a sophomore from Wolverine Lake, Mich., was more than willing to sacrifice her long flowing locks for the opportunity to give a performance of a lifetime. “The character is an English professor and she’s always had her life in order. She’s always been in control,” Bailey said. “This show definitely teaches you about humanity and mortality…with mortality, you can’t make excuses or
Daymian Marshall’s basketball career began at age four when he learned the basics of the game from his dad. He’s been captivated ever since. Today, Marshall is a guard for York College’s varsity basketball team. He notes proudly that he is the first in his family to play college-level sports. Marshall’s inspiration to play basketball comes from family--his parents and his grandmother; but above all, he says he plays to glorify God. The 20-year-old junior is a sports management major from Roanoke, Texas. He says he wants basketball to always be a part of his life. After college, he plans to open a recreation center or skills training facility so that he can pass on his love of the game. After that? His big dream is to own an NBA team. When he’s not studying, dribbling, passing or shooting, (above) Thadd Varmall, Daymian Marshall, Jordan Jamaane, and Andre Vaughn
Marshall enjoys video games, hanging out with friends, and playing the piano. Last year he served as the vice president of Sigma Tau social club, where he tried to improve the bond of fellowship in the Spirit between club members. “Daymian is a great player but an even better person,” says Head Coach Delton Deal. “He is a smart player and someone that you can always count on to do the little things right. He carries himself the same way off the court.” “You always need players you can trust to do the right things. Daymian is a perfect example of that. His best basketball is ahead of him. He is going to be a cornerstone of what we are trying to build here in the future.” Athletic Director Jared Stark agrees. “Daymian is a quality person. He’s solid. He’s just the kind of student we love to have in our program—a great athlete and a great person.” Marshall is enjoying his time at YC, on and off the court. He says his best YC experience thus far was the varsity basketball team’s camping trip at the beginning of last year. The trip not only brought the individual members together as a team, but also helped to bring each man closer to God, says Marshall. At the isolated campground, team members could open up and give the Spirit room to work on their hearts. Marshall says that experience transformed the team. Setting the tone for a great year of basketball, the retreat reminded them that their real focus is to glorify God in all that they do.