TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT LOCAL SOCIAL ISSUES IN FOCUS | PAGE 7 Go online to see a video about Cherry Street Mission Ministries.
THE BGNEWS
www.bgviews.com
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Volume 104, Issue 147
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Campus Works! recognizes students with disabilities By Matt Liasse Reporter
University and Penta Career Center students with special needs were recognized during a luncheon Wednesday, organized by the education program Campus Works! Many students with disabilities were recognized by the program for lending a helping hand this semester on campus. Campus Works! is a program that places high school students with special needs into work sites on campus. They are assigned to different University student mentors, according to member Amanda Dotson. “It gives them the opportunity to learn job skills specific to their career interests and goals,” Dotson said. “It also gives us the experience we’ll need after we graduate.” The “career exploration program” is a partnership between the two schools to help students in need of extra help with their studies, according to Dr. Jeanne Novak, the head of the program. She said it helps give “meaningful work experiences outside of the classroom.” The luncheon was put together to show appreciation and recognition to students with disabilities. The mentors who have been working this semester and the different supervisors who have offered employment in their department were also recognized. “We came to celebrate, with students, their achievements this semester,” Novak said. Amy Perry, a Penta administrator, presented each student with a certificate of achievement. Perry has been working nonstop behind the scenes with this program and
“It gives them the opportunity to learn job skills specific to their career interests and goals.” Amanda Dotson | Student mentor has been recently nominated for a Teacher of the Year award at Penta, according to Novak. Perry said it was a pleasure working with the program and with Novak for the past two years as she celebrated the students’ “growth in responsibility.” Two of the students who were recognized at the event gave PowerPoint presentations on the progress they have made over the semester. Sean Pierce, a Penta student, had the room laughing as he talked about his job in the Union. He would set up chairs and tables as well as straighten up rooms for conferences. Mary Bigaila also shared a PowerPoint. With tears in her eyes, she said she was sad she would no longer be working with her mentors, Sam Wolfe and Kelly Detherage. Bigaila was accompanied by her parents and her supervisor Vicki Seifert, a library associate, who has been working with Bigaila this semester at the Jerome Library. Bigaila served as the materials assistant in the Jerome Library where she cleaned computers, chairs and tables and made picture files. She finished her presentation with hugs all around as she wiped away her tears. She said she was “emotional” about the banquet.
Student Legal Services available to help students handle legal troubles By Zach Gase Reporter
Students who are facing legal troubles are encouraged to seek help from Student Legal Services. The University offers students a team of three full-time attorneys that advise more than 2,000 students a year according to the Student Legal Services website. Student Legal Services, which is located in 401 South Hall, charges students $7 per semester through students’ bursar bills. Students can opt-out of paying for the services, but they will not be able to use their legal assistance for that semester, secretary of Student Legal Services Marquita Jennings said. One of the attorneys employed by Student Legal Services, Rodney Fleming, said that he personally handles about 500 cases from students annually. He said of those cases, about 85 percent of them deal with land lord issues.
“I had to move out of my house because the city of Bowling Green found out that we had six people living in our house ...” Byron Mack | Sophomore Land lords will file law suits against students for issues dealing with rent, damages to property and over-occupancy issues, Fleming said. Sophomore Byron Mack was forced to move out of his house earlier this month because of an over-occupancy issue. “I had to move out of my house
See LAWSUIT | Page 2
ALAINA BUZAS | THE BG NEWS
SWAP SHOP: Freshman David Navarre digs his way through a pile of clothes at Wednesday’s clothing swap, held in the Union Oval. Navarre said he donated and walked away with 10 items. “I definitely made out better,” Navarre said.
an eco-exchange Project Enlighten hosts successful clothing swap and donation drive By Max Filby Reporter
Students looking for a summer wardrobe “freecycled” their clothes at the Union Oval on Wednesday by donating and swapping apparel for the University’s Project Enlighten. More than 2,000 articles of clothing were collected and more than $100 in donations were made by the end of the clothing swap. Throughout the day, students swarmed the tables in the Oval where piles of donated clothes sat ready for swapping. “I just thought it would be fun to come out and swap some clothes,” said senior Brian Scavo. “I brought six items with me to swap.” Project Enlighten members collected more than 400 clothing items less than two hours into the clothing swap. Cash and clothing donations from the swap will be given to Goodwill and local churches.
“We weren’t expecting so much participation,” said Kevin Pence, the project leader. “We just had a girl bring 50 items.” Students who are not involved with Project Enlighten also helped out by attracting people with “free hug” signs at the Union Oval. Another student offered support by playing “Phantom of the Opera” and Lady Gaga songs on his violin during the swap. “It’s a fun and hassle-free way to educate people in the community,” said Amy Fidler, graphic design instructor and Project Enlighten adviser. Project Enlighten was also accepting cash donations and even offered an activity called “Dress-up Jesup,” where students could pay a
See SWAP | Page 2
Student starts ‘free hug’ protest after Findlay High School cracks down on public displays of affection By Anthony Phillips Reporter
Day.” Anyone who participated was to hug other participants in the hallway. Following the free hugs was A recent crackdown at Findlay High School on public displays an outdoor protest on April 15, of affection prompted several where more than 100 students students to protest — by giving walked from Findlay High School to the local newspaper, the free hugs. Findlay High School’s hand- Findlay Courier. Along the way they stopped at book states that a student cannot engage in inappropriate Olesky’s house. Olesky did not displays of affection and bodily take part in the event because he contact beyond hand holding was suspended from school and while on the premises or at restricted to his house. “About 150 kids started chantschool related activities, such as field trips. Findlay High ing my name,” Olesky said. Olesky said the protest was School’s administration staff started after a friend of his was was unable to comment. Jack Olesky, 17, started the pro- verbally reprimanded for hugtest April 14 by sending a few ging someone. Olesky said Principal Victoria text messages. The message asked people to wear T-shirts or Swartz sent out an e-mail stata sign promoting a “Free Hug ing students would be verbally
SPORTS Cross country begins races
FORUM Fight the penchant to procrastinate
The men’s cross country team prepares for the fall season by competing in individual competitions against other MidAmerican Conference teams | Page 9
As final papers are due and exams are just around the corner, columnist Hama Bbela urges students to fight the urge to put off work until the last minute, because time is of the essence | Page 4
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION | ALAINA BUZAS
reprimanded on the first offense, but on the second offense they would receive a detention for hugging and up to a suspension for intercourse. Wednesday students sat down with the student council to talk about the issue. Olesky said he
CAMPUS Fill plates with pancakes Dining Services, Wellness Connection and the Resident Student Association had an all-you-can-eat pancake bash last night. See photos | Page 6
was not very confident going into the meeting. “The student council works with the school more often,” Olesky said.
See HUGGERS | Page 2
PEOPLE ON THE STREET Who would you sue and why? ERIN McCUE Sophomore, Education
“Paris Hilton, because she’s rich and doesn’t need that much money.” | Page 4
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