The Observer, Winter 2024 – Issue 9

March 7, 2024

Page 02

BEYOND OUR C OVERAGE National

Local

Global

A team of United Nations experts reported on Monday that there were “reasonable grounds to believe” sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred at several locations during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants, according to Reuters. The team visited Israel between Jan. 29 and Feb. 14 on a mission intended to gather, analyze and verify information on sexual violence linked to the Oct. 7 attacks.

Jason Kelce, Super Bowl champ and star Philadelphia Eagles center, retires from NFL after 13 seasons, according to NBC News. Kelce wrapped it up with a tearful, emotionally charged 40-minute speech. The 36-year-old is a Super Bowl champ and was selected for seven Pro Bowls.

A Cle Elum woman admitted selling methamphetamine to a police informant during a change of plea hearing this week in Kittitas County Superior Court and faces 20 to 60 months in prison, according to the Daily Record. In a plea deal with prosecutors, Audrey Marie Malverty said she was guilty of three counts of delivery of a controlled substance (meth) in February 2023, and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (meth) in May.

A large number of around 830,000 salmon fry released into Northern California’s Klamath River are believed to have died after they suffered gas bubble disease, according to NBC News.

The condition is caused by a severe change in pressure. It happened as the fish went through the Iron Gate Dam tunnel, the California Fish and Wildlife Department said. The salmon fry in question were the first release of a $35 million project designed to support salmon populations in the Klamath River once it is fully undammed.

A Yakima woman was arrested for assault after she allegedly beat someone with a pink metal Stanley Cup at a birthday party in Ellensburg after she was asked to leave, according to the Daily Record. Authorities claim Nadia Monet Vaneice Wright, 21, attacked another woman at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday as the residents were trying to bring an end to a birthday party that was supposed to have about a dozen people in attendance.

China scraps a decades-long political tradition as President Xi Jinping tightens control amid economic woes, according to CNN. Projecting confidence is likely to be high on the agenda for Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his top Communist Party officials during the days-long, highly choreographed event, known as the “two sessions,” when China’s rubber-stamp legislature and top advisory body convene.

France becomes the only country to explicitly guarantee abortion as a constitutional right, according to the Associated Press. French lawmakers on Monday overwhelmingly approved a bill to enshrine abortion rights in France’s constitution, proposed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to prevent the kind of rollback of abortion rights seen in the United States in recent years

The 2024 Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska is underway as of Sunday, according to Alaska Public Media. The annual race and ceremony has been happening since 1967, and the teams journey from Anchorage to Nome.

Lynden High School outlasted Ellensburg High School as the Lions eked out a 43-40 victory over the Bulldogs to win the Washington State 2A Girls Basketball Championship on Saturday, according to the Daily Record. The game had four ties and six lead changes in the matchup between undefeated No. 1 Ellensburg and No. 2 Lynden.

MEChA’s instagram is @mechadecwu

Corrections from Previous Issue

Lashaya Doty’s name was misspelled as Oh Dohty

Coach Thornley was offered the position of JV head coach, not lead assistant coach

STAFF Editor-in-chief Isaac Hinson

Megan Foster

Isaac Dobmeier

Scene Editor

Sports Editor

Faculty Adviser/ Editorial Consultant

Staff Reporter

Staff Reporters

Copy Desk Lead / Opinion Editor

Francesco Somaini

Lee Beck

News Editor

Lead Graphic Designer

Staff Reporters

Junior Graphic Designer

Winnie Killingsworth

Charis Jones

Raya Miron Jackson Roberts Devanee Lopez

Brandon Davis

Astor Powell-Pedersen Layla Taha

Z Morris

Editorial Policy: The Observer is a public forum for student expression, in which student editors make policy and content decisions. The mission of The Observer is two-fold: to serve Central Washington University as a newspaper and to provide training for students who are seeking a career in journalism. The Observer seeks to provide complete, accurate, dependable information to the campus and community; to provide a public forum for the free debate of issues, ideas and problems facing the community at large; and to be the best source of information, education and entertainment news. As a training program, The Observer is the practical application of the theories and principles of journalism. It teaches students to analyze and communicate information that is vital to the decision making of the community at large. It provides a forum for students to learn the ethics, values and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. If you have questions or concerns, email us at cwuobserver@gmail.com.

LETTER from the EDITOR Hey CWU! It’s March and it’s still snowing. Don’t you just love living in the mountains?

This week’s issue is our final issue of the quarter, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the content that we have put out over the last nine weeks. I’m immensely proud of each and every member of my staff, and feel blessed that this is the crew that I’ve been able to have in my tenure as Editor-in-chief. Whatever next quarter brings – and I plan on being back – I’ll always cherish this crew, these stories and the work that we have done.

I said earlier this quarter that I have never felt more fulfilled with my work, and that still rings true. Each and every week brings new challenges and road-bumps, but also thrills and collaboration that truly puts not just mine, but our entire staff’s abilities to the test, and in my opinion, we’re passing with flying colors.

We have a great final issue for you guys this week, celebrating women’s history month, highlighting amazing women both around campus and the incredible women who work at The Observer.

We also have stories detailing the recent success of the men’s basketball team as they head into this weekend’s GNAC tournament (Good luck!), our baseball and softball teams, and a great story covering PUNCH Projects newest exhibit.

Also, I’d like to congratulate our friends at our sister publication PULSE Magazine on their winter 2024 issue.

It’s a fantastic read with super fun stories put together by some of the most talented people I know.

See you in the spring!

Isaac (Photo by Winnie Killingsworth)

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Page 03

March 7, 2024

WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN AT CWU It’s not all about the faculty though, CWU also has a ton of women who take positions of leadership as students, too many to count. One of these students is Lilly Montgomery, the Editor-in-chief of PULSE Magazine, CWU’s student magazine. Montgomery is a senior majoring in professional and creative writing, with a minor in communications. She is in her third quarter with PULSE and plans to continue with it until she graduates. “My biggest piece of advice is to remember

CONTINUED

FROM FRONT PAGE

that you are not someone else’s view of you,” Montgomery said. “You are your own version of yourself and being authentic to who you know you are is incredibly important.”

While this doesn’t even begin to touch on all of the incredible leaders we have here on campus, these four women are working hard for our community here at CWU, and are making the world a better place for all students.

Lilly Montgomery.

(Photo courtesy of Lilly Montgomery)

Hector, Lloyd & McNeil honored at men’s basketball senior night Charis Jones & Isaac Hinson Sports Editor & Editor-in-chief

T

he Wildcats took care of business in their final regular season game of the season this past Saturday, walking out of the Nicholson Pavilion with a 97-81 win over the Western Oregon University Wolves.

Prior to the game, the men’s basketball team honored its three seniors, forward Samaad Hector, and guards Jello Lloyd and Camron McNeil. “Coming into CWU I really didn’t know what to expect,” Lloyd said. “Throughout the year it’s been a lot of ups and downs and the growth I made was outstanding … Being here has helped me with my leadership skills and my coachability.”

Saturday was the first time throughout his entire six-year college career that Hector’s family has been able to see him play. McNeil’s family also flew in from North Carolina to watch him play.

Wildcats blow by Western Oregon

All three seniors scored in double-digits and combined for 41 points, with Hector leading the way logging 18 points and 15 rebounds, his eighth double-double of the season. Lloyd had 12 points and McNeil had 11.

“I think that’s probably the first time all season that all three of us played well in the same game,” Hector said. “We really needed those performances from all three of us.”

Echoing Hector’s sentiment, Lloyd explained that the team came ready to show out. “Our team knew what was at stake, we played hard for 40 minutes and we got the win,” Lloyd said.

McNeil had two back-to-back three-pointers to close the first half, stopping the bleeding of a Western Oregon comeback. McNeil said that once he saw the first one fall, he knew he wanted another look.

“That’s just kind of how I play, you know, just always in constant attack mode,” McNeil said. “Once I see one go through, the floodgates can open for me.”

The Wildcats took full control of the second half following a dunk from Hector that blew the roof off of the Pavilion before going on a 14-6 run.

“I felt a lot of revenge,” Hector said. “The play right before I got dunked on … So to just go and get that dunk [scored] in more of an angry manner was kind of my revenge on Western Oregon.”

The Wildcats shot 58.5% from the floor and had 20 assists, spreading the wealth and using their depth to overcome a top-heavy Western Oregon team.

“It’s definitely important to bring that into the tournament this week-

end,” McNeil said about the team’s cohesive offense. “One of the things that separates us from other programs is our depth … We have several guys who have been able to go off and get 20-point games.”

McNeil looked ahead and thinks that the depth the Wildcats have is an advantage for them heading into this weekend’s GNAC tournament that starts tonight, Thursday March 7, where it’s going to be non-stop action.

“It’s gonna be very important for us,” McNeil said. “We have three games three days in a row and you got the other teams that’s not gonna be as in-depth as us and that’s going to allow us to play with more energy and firepower.”

Another benefit that the Wildcats will have this weekend is home-court advantage, as the entire tournament will be played at the Nicholson Pavilion. The Wildcats are 13-1 at home this season, and hope to carry that over into the tournament.

“We’re really hard to beat when we’re on our home court … I know people are going to come show out for us and they’re going to help us bring that energy,” Hector said.

The Wildcats will take on Seattle Pacific University at Nicholson Arena tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Barge Hall.

(Photo courtesy of CWU Flickr) Left to right: Jello Lloyd, Camron McNeil & Samaad Hector.

(Photo courtesy of CWU Athletics & Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

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March 7, 2024

Page 04

Kaysner and Laver earn

GNAC HONORS GNAC HONORS Laney Fielding a ball. (Photo Courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

Raya Miron Staff Reporter

F

ifth-year right-handed pitcher Ashlee Laver and senior infielder Laney Kaysner are building momentum for the CWU women’s softball team as they have recently been awarded with Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) honors. Recently, Laver was announced as the conference pitcher of the week while Kaysner was the player of the week.

Laver began her collegiate softball journey with the Hawaii Pacific University sharks for a year before she found her way home to CWU in 2021. “Ashlee [Laver] is a vocal player on the field which is what I like our players to be. She’s positive towards her teammates and has fun while she’s out there, still staying focused on the task at hand,” head softball coach Joe DiPietro said.

During her time with the sharks, Laver was recognized for numerous accolades such as PacWest Pitcher of the Week, PacWest Scholar-Athlete and being named to the 2020 Dean’s List.

While Laver’s first season as a Wildcat was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed to make a comeback during the 2022 season receiving Academic All-GNAC honors, throwing 24.2 innings and starting in 17 games.

In the 2023 season she secured Academic All-GNAC honors again while also starting in 21 games, logging 17 complete games, 4 shutouts, 63 strikeouts, and facing 626 batters who hit a combined .258 against her. “[Receiving GNAC pitcher of the week] was a surprise to me but I’m super grateful for it,” Laver said. “It makes me motivated to continue doing better and hopefully continue to get more this season. My passion to be successful comes from wanting to play for my family who have always been my number one fans. It

is easy to play with passion when you have the best support system.”

This season so far Laver has pitched six games and only averaged about three runs per game with a 2.70 earned runs allowed (ERA). But this is just the beginning of what teammates anticipate to be a strong final campaign from her.

“I’ve learned from Ashlee [Laver] that confidence on the field is everything,” redshirt senior catcher Anna Fridell said. “She has a command on the mound that can’t be replicated, and I can’t wait to continue to play with her for her final season here at CWU.” Kaysner is a shortstop for the Wildcats, holding down the middle of the infield. She found her way to CWU two seasons ago after playing for Skagit Valley College for three years.

“Laney [Kaysner] brings a lot of athleticism and speed to our team,” DiPietro said. “She is a very good defensive player and causes issues for the defense when she’s in the batter’s box. Having someone that possesses those skills is hard to find and makes us hard to prepare for.”

Last season Kaysner appeared in 35 games and started in 23, and recorded 17 hits and 11 RBIs on 79 at-bats. She had a .215 batting average, .215 slugging percentage and a .292 on-base percentage.

“Laney [Kaysner] and I came together from the same junior college league before CWU, and it’s a lot more fun being on the same team rather than competitors,” Fridell said. “I also consider her a close friend, so it’s a blast getting to compete together every day.”

Laver and Kaysner are seasoned vets when it comes to collegiate softball. They have both gathered valuable experience and are solid role models on and off the field.

On Saturday, March 9, the Wildcats will be making their way over to Lacey, Washington to face off against Saint Martin’s University for their first GNAC game of the season.

Fifth-year pitcher, Ashlee Laver had a 2.62 ERA last season.

(Photo Courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

Senior infielder Laney Kaysner had 12 stolen bases last season.

(Photo Courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

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March 7, 2024

Page 05

Sharp leads off season with

GNAC GNAC Player Player of of the the Week Week

Jackson Roberts Staff Reporter

T

he CWU baseball season is underway and the Wildcats have already received Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) awards. Sophomore first baseman and catcher Andrew Sharp started the season off strong with a very quick GNAC player of the week being added to his resume. A month into the season CWU is 9-9 following their first home stretch of the season where they swept Saint Martin’s University to open conference play.

Sharp on the season is hitting at an average of .365 in 14 games played. He has three doubles to his name, 14 runs batted in and was able to show off some power, launching a home run in his first game in front of the CWU fans. Showing why he was deserving of the award he earned early in the season.

With the home opener behind us Sharp shared his feelings on playing in front of the Wildcat crowd for the first time and what it means to take the field with his teammates. “I was so excited for the home opener,” Sharp said. “I was excited for the team to show what we are all about. We are more than teammates, we’re brothers and we are ready to go to war this season and prove not only to the GNAC but to all of DII what the CWU Wildcats are all about.”

Sharp has high expectations for his team this season saying that his eyes set on winning championships for the Wildcats. He vowed to put his best foot forward every day and do whatever it takes to help the team. With the first home stand of the season ending in a four-game sweep CWU could be trending in the right direction for the goals Sharp

has set.

It was not an easy journey for Sharp to get to CWU as he battled plenty of adversity heading into this season. “I went through a lot before CWU,” Sharp said. “This is my fourth school in four years, and I was recovering from an injury last season and had no schools interested but I emailed Coach Storey and he invited me for a visit. I felt a connection instantly and I really felt like I fit in here.”

Head baseball coach Desi Story shared that he believes Sharp brings a lot of hard work to this Wildcat team. Sharp has confirmed to Coach Story that with hard work and the willingness to tweak your game a little, it will be able to bring growth which will lead to success.

Storey raved about all the positives that Sharp can bring to a clubhouse highlighting the mental work ethic and the impact he has on his teammates “Physically he is very athletic, but also on the mental side, he goes at full speed and never gives in,” Storey said. “He is a great teammate, super supportive and positive, and he is becoming an integral part of our offense.”

CWU baseball will be on the road for the next two series where they play Western Oregon University first then will travel east to take on Montana State Billings University. Following those two series the Wildcats will be back home for a homestand vs #19 ranked, Northwest Nazarene University. The first two of four games will be played on March 29 at CWU’s baseball field off of 18th street so come out and support your Cats as they take on the Nighthawks.

Andrew Sharp holding CWU flag at media day. (Photo Courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

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Page 06

Pets for all at

Lee Beck Staff Reporter

P

UNCH Projects, an art gallery in the heart of Thorp, Washington, is holding an exhibition of pet portraits called “We’ll Make Great Pets,” which is a reference to the chorus of the 1993 Porno for Pyros song “Pets.” The exhibition will be open for viewing every Saturday in March, from noon to 4 p.m.. However, the last Saturday of the exhibition, March 30, it will be open until 8 p.m... Each Saturday there is also a live musical performance.

PUNCH Projects currently has five members: Justin Gibbens, Renee Adams, Justin Beckman, Howard Barlow and Will Bow, who was unavailable for comment. All five of whom are CWU alumni. PUNCH was opened in 2006 as an artist collective in Seattle, Washington, focusing on transportative installations. “As artists, you want to get your work out there,” Gibbens said. He continued saying that they felt that opening a gallery in Seattle was an easier avenue for their work to be prevalent in a more vibrant art scene.

After a decade, the group decided to close their gallery in Seattle. “We had achieved what we had hoped to in terms of experiencing that scene in Seattle, and so we closed our doors,” Gibbens said. “But we really still appreciated the experience of working together as a collective, and we wanted to continue doing projects, we just didn’t really know what that would look like.” The group, having decided Kittitas Valley was home, began toying with the idea of opening a gallery here.

“In 2018 we started looking for a permanent space to get back here in this area, and we came close a few times to buying or renting a space,” Beckman said. “In the downtown Ellensburg area,” Barlow chimed in. Beckman continued saying it just didn’t come to fruition as they had hoped, but they were thankful for that when the tumultuous COVID-19 quarantine was happening.

Thorp became an option for the group when the tenants living in the old volunteer fire station moved out. “Howard [Barlow] owns that building,” Gibbens said. “And we hadn’t even really thought about that building as an opportunity, but I think it was be-

cause he lost his renters that we said, ‘Hold on, before you get anyone else in this building, maybe we should think about Thorp instead of Ellensburg.’” Gibbens continued saying they knew it would detract from foot traffic from passersby.

Renee Adams noted a bit of the significance of their location, however: “When we first opened our gallery in Seattle, I think we were all a bit hesitant to say where we were from because I feel like there’s a stigma around rural art, in that the artists ‘aren’t as good’ or ‘as quality,’ so we didn’t promote that part of it.” She continued saying that once the Seattle scene they were a part of learned of their rural origins, it became something that was mentioned about them in a good way. “Then, we were like ‘Oh! Well maybe we should just have pride about where we’re from and embrace the fact that we’re rural artists’” Adams said.

Embracing rural art, and the artists who make it is truly PUNCH’s mission. On their website’s “About Us” page, it says, “PUNCH Projects seeks to support the cultural vibrancy of rural art scenes by spurring creative awareness, cross-cultural engagement and economic vitality.” This was their reasoning behind the exhibition “We’ll Make Great Pets” as well. “We like to have at least one show a year where everyone is invited, included and there’s no jurying or selection process at all.

It’s just bring us something and we’ll put it on the wall,” Adams said.

Gibbens continued this thought, saying: “We try to present our space as a space that is totally open and welcoming to all people, and we don’t want people to feel afraid to come in and see what we’re up to. Yeah, we’re a little strange, we’re a little weird, unexpected, but I think there’s still something for everybody.

So, by having these open exhibition opportunities, like this pet portrait, where we’re not going to be judging anybody, and everyone who brings a piece is automatically going to be in the show, that certainly brings a whole new audience into our space.”

Beckman and Barlow, on top of being CWU alumni, are currently CWU faculty in

the Art + Design department. Barlow mentioned that collaboration between CWU and PUNCH have included “Exhibitions where we invite alumni, sometimes former students that we’ve had to show work there [at PUNCH],” he said. “Justin’s had some graphic design students that have been employed by us to do designs and stuff.” He also briefly mentioned an installation PUNCH did at CWU’s Sarah Spurgeon Gallery in 2018, called “The Woods.”

Beckman’s thoughts on his involvement with both CWU and PUNCH were as follows: “Artists in general tend to piece together a creative career from lots of different opportunities. Howard and I, as instructors, teach because we enjoy teaching, and we enjoy sharing the things that we know with students, so that’s a big part of it. But it also provides us a paycheck and security to be able to follow creative pursuits, and having a career in teaching, which aligns and encourages those creative pursuits… certainly has helped.”

Barlow and Beckman also offered advice to CWU students looking to pursue creative careers. “Don’t always wait for someone else to present an opportunity for you, try and create the situations on your own, and with a group of creatives that you kind of align with for one reason or another, whether it’s similar aesthetics and quality of work, or just drive to get work out,” Barlow said.”But I feel like that’s something that’s really important. I feel like too many young artists feel like they’re going to be discovered or be able to do it on their own, and I think that you can gain a lot more attention, potentially, by being part of a group.”

“You have to kind of create your own definition of success, and what that means to you,” Beckman said. “Recognize that our lives are not straight lines, that quite often they’re loop-de-loops, and sometimes it’s one step forward and two steps back. But, unless underneath all of that drive, desire and expectations, if there’s no passion it’s hard to make anything meet your definition of success.”

Page 07

Exhibit Photos. (Photo Courtesy of Lee Beck)

Punch Project Group Photo. (Photo Courtesy of Justin Beckmen)

(Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Page 08

March 7, 2024

Why you should vote “uncommitted” in the upcoming primaries

OPINION SECTION

Layla Taha Columnist

J

ust like you, I am unexcited about our choices for the presidential primaries.

I know just as much as everyone else, that I do not want to see a repeat of the 2020 presidential election run-off between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

The 2024 presidential primaries — happening on March 14 for Washington state residents — will be the first presidential primaries I can vote in, and to be honest for a little while I thought I wasn’t going to vote. Not because I am “non-civically engaged youth” rather; it was quite the contrary. Given my involvement and expanding knowledge on politics as a progressive youth, I know that none of our options this year are viable. Which is why we should all vote “uncommitted.”

Morally, I cannot vote for any of the people on the ballot. For the democratic primary, we have President Joe Biden or as I like to refer to him as “Genocide Joe.” Ah yes, our lovely president who is on the brink of death, is casually funding and supporting genocide among many other horrible things. Our cowardly president is unwilling to call for a cease-

fire, but instead can talk about the possibility of one over a scoop of ice cream. Isn’t that just so tasteful of him? Talking about the slaughter of the Palestinian people over some ice cream.

Instead of us progressives having to make the “rational-choice” and vote for a man who funds and supports genocide, an alternative would be to vote “uncommitted.”

In various states, including Washington, Democratic and Republican party ballots give voters the option to vote “uncommitted.” The “uncommitted” vote means that said voter is placing a party vote but is not supporting any of the candidates listed. We have seen the power of the “uncommitted” vote in Michigan’s primary.

Michigan is a state that has a considerable Arab population and given President Biden’s support of Israel amidst the genocide it’s imposing on the Gazan population, voters in Michigan used the “uncommitted” vote as a form of protest. According to the Washington Post, these “uncommitted” voters were placed in hopes of pushing President Biden to reassess his stance on the geno-

cide in Gaza. Among the more than 100,000 Democratic presidential primary voters in Michigan, 13.3% were uncommitted. Which means one in eight democratic voters voted “uncommitted” in Michigan.

The purpose behind the “uncommitted” votes in Michigan was to demonstrate that voters are against Biden’s support of Israel and his continued failure to call for a ceasefire. To Biden, the “uncommitted” vote means that these voters may not vote at all in the presidential election in November, or might vote for a different candidate, contributing to the increasing chance of Biden losing reelection.

I believe that as eligible Washington voters, we must emulate what was done in Michigan. We are one of the few states that allow for “uncommitted” votes. I, and as I am sure many of you, do not want to vote for someone who is an active supporter of genocide.

President Biden’s continued support for Israel is shameful, and his actions must be held accountable. That is why I hope you all will vote “uncommitted” in the presidential primaries coming up on March 14.

(Photo courtesy of Pexels.com)

The art of the double-feature:

‘Dune: Part Two’ & ‘Drive-Away Dolls’ Winnie Killingsworth Columnist

“Dune: Part Two” opened to $81.5 million at the domestic box office, the largest opening since “Oppenheimer.”

(Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery)

I

n case you missed it, The Observer’s Editor-in-chief, Isaac Hinson, is high on the spice of “Dune.” He’s written about it multiple times both leading up to the release of “Dune: Part Two” and then again after watching it. I saw the first “Dune” in 2021 and enjoyed it. Sci-fi and fantasy are my go-to genres for books and movies so it wasn’t hard to get on board with Frank Herbert’s saga brought to the big screen. But I wasn’t a “Dune” FAN yet. That changed.

Since the ‘Burg doesn’t have an IMAX in town, Isaac and I braved the snow to travel to the Regal Cinema in Issaquah. We made sure to book our tickets to “Dune: Part Two” days in advance so we had seats we’d be happy with.

Watching “Dune: Part Two” was a spiritual experience. I went into the movie excited after years of waiting for the second part and the positive reviews I’d heard. I came away changed. The only word I have when people ask what I thought of it is “EPIC.” The Amer-

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ican Film Institute (AFI) lists “Lawrence of Arabia” as the most epic film of all time and I found myself comparing “Dune: Part Two” to “Lawrence of Arabia” while watching the movie and again after the movie finished. The story was complex and deep with themes that are core to the human experience. The sweeping shots and close-up moments weave into the viewer’s soul. It’s the water of life that will convert all who watch it into fans of Director Denis Villeneuve and his mastery of visual storytelling.

Who knows how many times I’ll see this movie in the coming weeks. The supposed conclusion of the trilogy “Dune: Messiah” is coming in the near future (hopefully sooner rather than later) and I am ready to worship when it does.

Since we both have Regal Unlimited, Isaac and I made it a double-feature before heading home. “Drive-Away Dolls” was everything that “Dune: Part Two” was not.

It was saucy satire with people killing others,

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literally, for dildos. The political commentary, the cameos, the artistic style and watching Maragret Qualley with a Texan accent kept me laughing. It was powerful in a different way than “Dune: Part Two” but left me in even more awe of the prowess the film has.

“Dune: Part Two” and “Drive-Away Dolls” both are excellent examples of the versatility of filmmaking. We’ve all heard that a picture is worth a thousand words and a second of film has an average of 24 photos. Movies are the media of the masses. It’s one of the things we talk about when we chat with almost anyone. A common “get-to-know-you” question is “What is your favorite movie?” (Mine is “The Mummy,” btw.) Relationships are cemented or destroyed with how one responds. And I anticipate both “Dune: Part Two” and “Drive-Away Dolls” being in these conversations in the near future, if not in these conversations now.

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March 7, 2024

EDITORIAL:

Women Page 09

Spotlighting Astor Powell-Pedersen Staff Reporter

at The Observer

Megan Foster is a senior at CWU majoring in media and journalism and minoring in business.

Foster is the copy desk lead and opinion editor for The Observer, as well as the associate editor for PULSE Magazine. Foster has always had a passion for writing and telling stories, finding it easier to express her thoughts in words on a page. “I would like to applaud the women on the CWU campus for their strength and for their journey, whatever it might be,” Foster said. “I want to extend a helpful hand, join in on the cause, and work together to further change. I am proud to be a woman, and to be amongst women like you.”

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Winnie Killingsworth is the news editor for The Observer and is currently pursuing her post-baccalaureate in Media and Journalism. She was drawn to journalism due to her love of short-form research projects. Killingsworth was born in Washington but moved around for a while including moving to Florida before coming back to the Evergreen state. She loves fantasy books with dragons, Taylor Swift, traveling and has been a huge cinephile her whole life. “I wore out VHS tapes from watching them so many times,” Killingsworth said. “Thankfully I don’t have to worry about that anymore.” She also has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology.

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Charis Jones is a senior majoring in media and journalism and is the sports editor for the paper. Jones has had a passion for writing since she began journaling in grade school. “I found journalism to be a really effective way of expressing big emotions that I struggled to articulate,” Jones said. “Through this platform, I have been able to transform my passion for writing into meaningful storytelling, and sports in particular offers a unique lens through which stories unfold. I now get to write about tales of triumph, defeat, perseverance, and teamwork. But the real satisfaction comes from capturing raw human stories behind the athletic feats.” Jones still enjoys journaling to this day, as well as attending sporting events and coaching kid’s softball and baseball over the summer.

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Devanee Lopez is a junior at CWU majoring in media and journalism with a minor in sports management. Lopez is a reporter for our sports section at the newspaper and was drawn to journalism by her love of writing. Her favorite part of writing for the paper is getting to interview lots of different people.

Raya Miron is a junior in sports management with a specialization in communications and is a sports reporter at The Observer. Initially, she started writing for the paper after having it recommended by a professor, but she found that she loved the process of interviewing and writing articles, and wants to pursue it further. She grew up in Renton, Washington and has always had a passion for sports. She has played every sport out there and ended up sticking with volleyball and water polo.

“Don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone, because, in the end, you are just as capable as anyone else.”

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Z Morris is one of our amazing graphic designers here at The Observer. “Who Knows, maybe I’ll design this story!” Morris said. SheMorris is a junior majoring in graphic design and was drawn to The Observer when the lead designer asked her to join. In their free time, Morris likes to act, crochet, draw and hang out with their friends. “You have to be strong,” Morris said. “There’s lots of stuff in the world trying to hold us back, and the majority of it is out of our control. The one thing we can control is ourselves. Be resilient when you face obstacles and opportunities. And take care of your future self. She deserves a little treat.”

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Layla Taha is a second-year political science student minoring in philosophy and is a news reporter for the paper. Taha has always been passionate about politics. This was sparked as a way to elevate the voices and experiences of her fellow Palestinians after watching how misinformation has been spread about them. “Being a woman in higher education and journalism has affected me greatly,” Taha said. “I would like to say that I am a very passionate person when it comes to politics and things of the sort. I am constantly told that I am too “opinionated”, I have a “big- mouth”, or that I am “bratty”. I am also a Palestinian woman, and because of how outspoken I am on my country’s right to freedom and self-determination on campus, many people – mostly men with authority – view it as distasteful.” Taha is the second oldest of six children and the proud owner of two amazing cats, Nimr and Asad. She enjoys reading philosophy, listening to music and hanging out with friends.

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Page 10

March 7, 2024

MEN’S BASKETBALL SEES FIVE PLAYERS EARN GNAC ALL-ACADEMIC Devanee Lopez, Isaac Hinson, Charis Jones, Winnie Killingsworth, Isaac Dobmeier Staff Reporter, Editor-in-chief, Sports Editor, News Editor, Scene Editor

T

he CWU men’s basketball team prevailed against Saint Martin’s University this past Thursday, March 1, with a 92-86 victory.

This win earned them a spot in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) tournament. Along with this victory, five players have earned GNAC All-Academic team honors.

Nominees for the accomplishment of GNAC All-Academic team honors must meet certain requirements in order to be considered for the teams: they must be in their second year at the institution, be on the team roster for the entire season and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2.

This is senior forward Samaad Hector’s first year earning this team honors, and it is also his last year with CWU. While he was recognized for holding a 3.61 GPA in sociology, Hector will also be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work from CWU as well as a master’s degree in law from the University of Colorado.

On the season, Hector is averaging 12.8 points per game (PPG), 8.7 rebounds per game (RPG) while shooting 51% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc, showing his prowess extends to both off the court and on it.

Junior guard Colby Gennett, who has made the team three years in a row, shared his opinion on earning team honors. “It’s really just doing what I’m supposed to be doing, it’s just what I’ve always done and what works out for me,” Gennet said. He has the highest GPA on the team with a 3.82 in business administration.

Sophomore guard Xavier Kamalu-Vargas was also honored with a 3.39 GPA in communication studies. “I believe we have whatever is needed for student-athletes to achieve the best grades possible,” Kamalu-Vargas said. “We even have our own study hall.”

Other players mentioned that also were recognized with honors were junior forward Mitch Brizee and redshirt sophomore guard Noah Pepper. Pepper earned a 3.79

GPA and his major is currently undecided, while Brizee earned a 3.72 GPA in business administration. Brizee and Gennett are the only members of the men’s basketball team to be selected more than once to the GNAC All-Academic team.

Brizee has been averaging 5.5 points per game (PPG), with 3.9 rebounds per game (RPG). He has also shot 63% from the field this season, solidifying himself as an offensive and academic weapon.

The GNAC tournament will take place this upcoming week from March 7-9, on campus in the Tomlinson Pavilion where both of CWU’s basketball teams will be defending their home turf. On Thursday, the men’s team will go up against the Seattle Pacific Falcons at 7:30 p.m. and the women’s team is facing off against the Simon Fraser Red Leafs at 2:15 p.m.

GET TICKETS TO SEE YOUR WILDCATS COMPETE AT THE GNAC TOURNAMENT!

(Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

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Page 11

March 7, 2024

Last Weeks Crossword Answer 1) Forty six 2) Frog 3) Julian 4) Twenty eight 5) Leaplings 6) February 7) Twenty ninth 8) Four

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Page 12

March 7, 2024

WILDCAT WORDS

Bailey Woods Fr. Food Science and Nutrition

“I’m going to Cancun.”

Rebecca Hernandez

Rafael Zamora

Future Teacher Emerson Hatton is a junior studying primary education at CWU. She grew up in Washington and moved to Ellensburg after graduating high school in 2021. Hatton came to CWU to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. Hatton is eager to start teaching and to make an impact in her students’ lives.

Emerson Hatton

Fr. Pre Nursing

Soph. Law and Justice

“Enjoying my time doing nothing before spring quarter.”

“Probably just hanging out in Coeur d’Alene with family and old friends.”

Dulce Bautista

Andrew Miller

Soph. Pre Dental Hygiene

Sr. Aviation

“I’m gonna work at a concert venue where there’s raves and festivals and hangout with friends.”

“I’ll be visiting my mom in Texas.”

Q&A compiled by Megan Foster. (Photo courtesy of Emerson Hatton)

Q&A

What are you doing over spring break?

Why did you decide to come to CWU for college?

“I decided to come to CWU for college because my brother was going to school here, and I loved the campus when I came to visit!”

Since coming to CWU, what has been your favorite memory?

“Since coming to CWU, my favorite memory is from my freshman year, when there was a snow storm and classes were canceled for a couple of days. It was so much fun to get to play in the snow with all of my friends!”

When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?

“For as long as I can remember I have said I wanted to be a teacher, but after getting to spend time in Elementary classrooms in high school, I knew that I wanted to become a teacher for sure!”

WEEKLY EVENTS Noon to 1 p.m. - International Cafe: SURC 137 4 to 5 p.m. - S&A Committee Meeting: on Zoom 5 to 6 p.m. - Top Rope Clinic: Recreation Center 5 to 7:30 p.m. - Tenth Annual President’s Diversity Awards: SURC Ballroom 7 to 9 p.m. - Yakima River Adventure: A Sensory Experience - McConnell Auditorium

THURS

1 to 3 p.m. - RSO Officer Training: SURC 201 7 to 9 p.m. Yakima River Adventure: A Sensory Experience - McConnell Auditorium 8 to 10 p.m. - Geek Out Game Out: Holmes Dining Room

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2 to 9 p.m. - Yakima River Adventure: A Sensory Experience - McConnell Auditorium 9 to 10:30 p.m. - The Hot New Jam: SURC Theatre

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11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Finals Friends: Transfer Lounge 5 to 6 p.m. - Finals Week: Music & Crafts CWU Libraries

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CWU Observer

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SUN

MON

7 to 8 p.m. - Finals Week: Study Break Fuel Macaroni and Cheese Bowls - CWU Libraries

6 to 6:30 p.m. - Finals Week: Friends of the Brooks Library Pizza Feed - CWU Libraries

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(Design by Brittany Cinderella)

WED

Oscar the Observant.

What would you say to your future students?

“I would want to tell my future students that I am so proud of each of them, and grateful to get to be their teacher.”

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Was there a specific teacher that you had in school that inspired you to teach? If so, how?

“My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Samuelson was my favorite teacher, and she made me want to become a teacher even more. She built incredible relationships with each of her students, and it is something that I still believe is so important. She is still someone I talk to often, and look up to so much!”

If you could go back in time and relive one day, what day would you choose?

“If I could go back in time [and] relive one day, I would pick to go back to my last day of high school before Covid started. I would pick this day because it was the last time I was able to go to school with all of my childhood best friends, and none of us knew how much we would wish we cherished it.”

FRI

3 to 4 p.m. - Finals Weeks: Paws and Relax CWU Libraries

How did you know you wanted to teach primary education?

“I knew I wanted to teach at the elementary level because I love kids, and enjoy watching them learn!”

What grade do you hope to teach?

“I hope to teach 4th grade, because I am currently placed in a 4th grade classroom for practicum and it has been so fun!!”

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