OUTHERN S The Student Voice of Florida Southern College
Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit 38 Lakeland, FL
FRIDAY, December 10, 2021 VOL. 138, NO. 6
Philanthropist and daughter of Publix founder remembered Barnett graduated from FSC with a degree in business and marketing in 1979. While attending college, she joined the Junior League of Lakeland and remained active in public service the rest of her life. She and her husband, Barney, have given generously to nonprofit
Salvatore Ambrosino Features Editor
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Carol was an inspirational leader and a nationally renowed advocate for access to and excellence in education.
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Publix Super Market heiress and influential philanthropist, Dr. Carol Jenkins Barnett, 65, died at her home Tuesday night Dec. 7 from complications with Alzheimer’s disease. “With intertwined hearts, we grieve deeply together as family, friends, and as a Florida Southern community,” President Anne Kerr said in a press release yesterday. “Carol left an indelible impact upon Florida Southern College. Her leadership and vision for education fostered a drive for learning and social betterment that has compelled countless FSC students and alumni to shape a better world for us all.” The Florida Southern College alumna donated vast sums that funded the creation of many of the campus’s facilities. She also gave to Lakeland Regional Health, aiding the creation of a center for women and children’s care in her name, becoming perhaps the most influential philanthropist in Polk County. A memorial service will be held for Barnett at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton, in Lakeland. Her family’s contributions to the college helped fund buildings such as the Barnett Residential Life Complex, the Barnett Athletic Complex, Jenkins Hall, Carol Barnett Jenkins Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health, and the Barney Barnett School of Business and
-Dr. Anne Kerr President of Florida Southern College Photo courtesy of Florida Southern’s marketing communications Pictured above, Carol Jenkins Barnett, whose family’s contribution has helped fund various building at Florida Southern. Free Enterprise. “Carol was an inspirational leader and a nationally renowned advocate for access to and excellence in education,” Dr. Kerr said in a statement to The Southern. “She has made an incredible impact in our state and in the nation in education, as well as in many other programs that help individuals
and families.” Her influence and dedication to higher and primary education will be missed deeply by the college. “I admire her with all my heart, and certainly will miss having the benefit of her treasured friendship and support,” Dr. Kerr said.
organizations such as United Way, Florida Partnership for School Readiness, and Family Fundamentals. The Barnetts have also funded public projects throughout the community, including Barnett Park. Her final donation was what founded the Bonnett Springs Park under construction, which recently received a government grant in partnership with the city of Lakeland, $42.9 million to improve infrastructure. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Nicholas and Wesley Barnett, and three grandchildren.
Final Exam Schedule Monday, Dec. 13 8:00am-10:00am All MWF, MW, MF, & WF classes starting at 8:00 a.m.
10:15am-12:15pm
3:15pm-5:15pm
All MWF, MW, MF, & WF classesstarting at 12:15 p.m.
6:00pm-8:00pm
All MWF, MW, MF, & WF classes starting at 1:40 p.m.
All MWF, MW, MF, & WF classes starting at 3:05 p.m. and 3:40 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 14 8:00am-10:00am
10:15am-12:15pm
All TTH classes starting at 8:00 a.m.
All TTH classes starting at 10:00 a.m.
3:15pm-5:15pm
6:00pm-8:00pm
All TH classes starting at 2:00 p.m.
All TTH classes starting at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 15 8:00am-10:00am All MWF, MW, MF, & MF classes starting at 9:25 a.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA
10:15am-12:15pm
6:00pm-8:00pm
3:15pm-5:15pm
All TTH classes starting at 12:00 noon
All MWF classes starting at 4:30 and TTH classes starting at 6:00 p.m.
All MF classes starting at 10:50 a.m. and MW, MF and WF classes starting at 5:40 p.m.
Safety Leads New Initiative
EDM Events in Orlando
Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict
Director of Safety Eric Rauch is spearheading a new campus DEI initiative.
Electric Daisy Carnival and other EDM events have come back to Orlando this year.
Was the jury right or wrong when they made their verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse case?
NEWS - PAGE 2
ENTERTAINMENT - PAGE 6
OPINIONS - PAGE 7
Dean Holiday snowman
On Campus Student Gallery Swim Team is Number 1
The reason retirement.
Holiday’s
FSC hosts a student art gallery for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to show their work.
The FSC swim team is now number one in the Sunshine State Conference.
PICTURED, FEATURES - PAGE 3
ENTERTAINMENT - PAGE 6
SPORTS - PAGE 8
behind
Dean
@fscsouthern
www.fscsouthern.com
fscsouthern@gmail.com
The Southern DECEMBER 10, 2021
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NEWS BRIEFS
Safety spearheads new student advisory board Salvatore Ambrosino Features Editor
Holiday Wishes Concert The Festival of Fine Arts will be performing its Christmas Gala with their Holiday Wishes concert. The concert will take place on Dec. 11 with shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The event is free to FSC students and faculty and can also be viewed online via the Festival of Fine Arts Youtube channel.
FSC Student Art Exhibition The Festival of Fine Arts will continue to host the FSC Student Art Exhibition until Dec. 17. The event is held at the Melvin Gallery Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Masks are required.
Lakeland Holiday Night Market Downtown Lakeland will be hosting an evening holiday night market on Dec. 11 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature live music, extended hours from local retailers and also have over 100 artists and other creatives.
Polk Theatre Hosts The Nutcracker The Russian Ballet Orlando and Orlando Philharmonic will be coming to the Polk Theatre in Lakeland to perform The Nutcracker. The event will be hosted on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
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... students can be assured that they will sincerely experience an open door policy with [Eric Rauch]. -Lexi Potter FSC senior
conflicts students have had interacting with campus security. Rauch explained that Potter’s outreach to safety, her advocacy for the issues students experienced on campus shown during a series of meetings with security officers, is the main inspiration behind the committee. “The thing that I personally have found to be a struggle on this campus is the level of familiarity and communication between students and safety employees,” senior Lexi Potter said.
Photo courtesy of Lexi Potter
Campus safety on the job near Mr. George’s Green. The new safety advisory board is hoped to increase dialogue between students and safety. Since the safety ride, Rauch and Potter say they’ve worked with Dean of Student Development Dr. Susan Freeman toward the creation of an advisory board, or committee of students dedicated to talking to safety on a regular basis. Rauch says the board will consist of around 15 students, each representative of different student backgrounds including athletics, the Multicultural Student Council, SGA, fraternity and sorority, resident advisors, student mass communications, and independent students. Rauch hopes the meetings occur weekly, to help to close the gap between problems and problem solving, he explains. “If the group says they want to meet weekly, I will be there weekly,” Rauch said. “I would like to see it be at least monthly. It doesn’t do us any good to meet once a semester, say in December, they say ‘back in August we had a problem.’” Rauch hopes that this will change attitudes toward exchanging dialogue with safety, even encouraging more often notices of concerns regarding campus safety. “The other part of that is, outside of meetings, the group has to know they
have the ability to stop by and call on us,” Rauch said. “If students don’t feel safe here, we need to figure out what student solutions there are.” “Something I also understand about my student peers is that not everyone has the confidence to reach out to staff members or raise attention about issues they encounter,” Potter said. “However, when it comes to Eric Rauch, students can be assured that they will sincerely experience an open door policy with him, as well as a sincere drive to address their concerns.” Potter explains that the role of the committee will not only represent already vocal students, but they are actively looking for individuals who would represent the general student body, rather than sectors. “Dr. Freeman and Mr. Rauch both have goals that concern getting input from students across campus, not just our typical vocal student leaders, but students from all different walks of life,” Potter said.
Article continues on fscsouthern.com
FSC releases winter move out information Faith Miller Entertainment Editor Leading up to winter break, FSC sent an email to students regarding closing and move-out information for the fall semester. Winter break will be held from Dec. 16 through Jan. 10, with students being able to return to campus on Jan. 9. If students are returning in the spring to their same living area, they will be allowed to leave their belongings in their dorm throughout the course of the break. However, students will not be permitted to stay on campus or have access to their dorms until the official return to campus. “I feel like I am fairly prepared to help my residents move out as efficiently as possible,” said sophomore resident advisor Avery Standifer. There are four types of students concerning move out. These are students returning to the same living space, graduates/not returning, holiday inn
residents, and returning but to a new living space. Each type of student has their own move-out procedure, each containing a checkout meeting with their resident advisor. Students returning to their original assignments are required to checkout by 1 p.m. on Dec. 16. Graduating students are able to checkout between Dec. 18 and 19 by 1 p.m. Residents not returning to FSC in the spring will need to check out by Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Holiday Inn residents will need to check out by Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. The college has stated that it will not be providing “storage options” for these students over winter break. New rooming assignments will be given to these residents on Dec. 10. Students who are returning to campus but not to their original living spaces will need to remove all belongings by their checkout time with their RA. These checkouts need to be done by Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Final notifications for these changes will be sent out Dec. 10.
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I feel like I am fairly prepared to help my residents move out as efficiently as possible
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A collector’s show called “Collectorama” will be held at the R.P. Funding Center from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11. The event features national and local collectors of items like coins, metals and other collectibles to buy, sell and trade with. The event is held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 and ends at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11. Admission is $5.
Director of Campus Safety Eric Rauch spearheaded interest in the creation of a student-led safety advisory board during a Dec. 1 meeting with the heads of multiple student organizations. Rauch says the committee would improve communications between safety officers and students, as well as student perception of Florida Southern’s campus. The “safety ride” event, where the announcement occured, was hosted by the BSU as part of a new initiative from SGA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee to hold semesterly meetings with Florida Southern safety officers. It hosted a large, mixed group of both student and faculty leadership. Jollice Boyd, head of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee with SGA, said these efforts are meant to build relations between organizations and campus safety. The event highlighted student concerns, such as dimly lit areas on campus, parking lot security and
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Lakeland “Collectorama”
- Avery Standifer Sophmore Resident Advisor
The college will continue to make these changes as needed but they will not go through until after the beginning of the spring semester. Students can visit the email sent out by FSC to view the checklist for proper checkout procedures. Students who have any concerns can reach out to their RA’s, community living or residence life at residencelife@flsouthern.edu.
3 The Southern DECEMBER 10, 2021
FEATURES Faith Miller Entertainment Editor One of the things Florida Southern College is most well-known for is its nursing department and the opportunities it presents. One of these opportunities is the college’s clinicals program. “Clinicals are how we practice our hands-on and communication skills in the healthcare setting, which are usually at a hospital or a nursing home…” junior Gabbie Zweidinger said. Starting their sophomore year, students enroll in the clinical program.
Their roles are assigned through their “clinical instructor,” who typically allow them to choose what floor of the building they would like to work on. “Since the very first day of freshmen, we’ve spent our time prepping for clinical and learning how to become a nurse,” sophomore Rachel Horne said. Clinicals are normally one day a week and are typically an 8 hour work day. Depending on their assignment, students will attend clinicals 4 to 5 times throughout the semester. Possible assignments include geriatrics, maternal/
Photo by Salvatore Ambrosino Joe K. & Alberta Blanton Nursing Building sits on Johnson Avenue.
OB, emergency room, etc. Horne spent her first clinical in the Florida Presbyterian Homes. The floor options included acute and long-term care floors. She spent most of her time on the long-term floor, but was occasionally able to help out in other areas. “Our responsibilities are mainly to our patients,” Horne said. “ Being in a hospital is not ideal and can be scary for some people. It’s important to make sure our patients are comfortable and safe.” A day at clinicals for Horne normally began with a debriefing of the patients they are assigned. After the meeting, she would go and introduce themselves to their patient(s) and check on them throughout the day. She explained that they would also do “med pass,” giving the patients their daily medications in the morning. “Honestly, there is no typical day in nursing because everyday is different and brings rewards and challenges with it,” Horne said. During the last few weeks of clinicals, students are assigned “patient care plans,” where they would focus on specifically one patient and would focus on their needs. “A lot of work and time goes into nursing,” Horne said. “ Even after you graduate you’re still studying and making sure that you’re up to date on any new nursing practices.”
Missing winter mascot officially declares retirement Jack Sobel & Emma Poole Contributing Writers
Photo courtesy of McKay Archives Center Dean Holiday snowman used to sit at the top of the Miller Planetarium. years, the snowman was featured on top of the Polk Science Planetarium, Branscomb Auditorium, and the Loca Lee Buckner Theatre. Dean Holiday is not only remembered by faculty at Florida Southern, but
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Dean Holiday had an accident coming off the Branscomb Auditorium roof
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“Dean Holiday,” the Florida Southern College snowman, has gone into retirement. The snowman, which used to preside over the campus each holiday season, will not be put up again, according to a statement received from President Dr. Anne Kerr’s office. “Dean Holiday had an accident coming off the Branscomb Auditorium roof,” Dr. Kerr said. “After that traumatic experience, which caused great physical harm, he decided to retire permanently.” The snowman, made of awning-like material and one-inch metal, has not been displayed since the 2017 holiday season, according to Facebook posts from Florida Southern. As for the future of FSC snowmen, there will most likely not be one. “There are no family members to replace him,” Dr. Kerr said. Dean Holiday has had an extensive history at Florida Southern, based on records obtained from the McKay Archives Center; he was first created in 1964 and became a tradition since then. His prominent position on campus, combined with his annual appearance in the Lakeland Holiday Parade, made him a staple of the FSC community. The early years presented a challenge: how to lift Dean Holiday to its position on top of the planetarium. Different methods were employed, first by “manhandling” it into place, then using the Lakeland Fire Department’s laddertruck, and even by using a helicopter. Eventually, Dean Holiday would get a graduation cap to help celebrate the graduates of that year. Based on photos taken throughout the
-Dr. Anne Kerr President of Florida Southern College
its appearance was also a staple of the holiday season in the Lakeland community. Various Facebook users who commented on Florida Southern’s page fondly remembered making trips to see the snowman, and several stated that it was not Christmas until Dean Holiday was in place. There could potentially be interest by some students in searching for a replacement for Dean Holiday to keep this Lakeland tradition strong. But, for now, Dr. Kerr reassures all students, faculty and alumni that Dean Holiday is enjoying retirement. Whether or not the iconic snowman adorns the top of one of the buildings on campus, it is still very much alive in the hearts of the FSC and Lakeland community.
Communications professors publish second book Sophia Gonzalez Editor-in-Chief Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida Southern College professors from the communications department, Dr. Cara Mackie, Dr. Pamela Dykes and Dr. Kathering Loh teamed up with Dr. Theresa MacNeil-Kelly and Dr. Jobia Keys to cowrite their second book: “Communication in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic.” When asked about what influenced their decision to write their second book, Loh stated that “it was a no-brainer.” “Everyone just agreed that if anyone could do it a second time, we would, and we did,” Loh said. According to Loh, MacNeil-Kelly was the one who initially encouraged everyone to write the second book, and because of the coverage surrounding COVID-19, it seemed like the “timing was just right.”
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I wanted to let other people that might be experiencing the same thing to not feel alone.
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Nursing majors explain typical day during clinicals
-Dr. Dykes Communications professor at Florida Southern College
“We were at the height of COVID, and it was perfect timing because there was a lot swirling around that relates to the field of communication,” Dykes said. “So, we were like ‘oh, this is the perfect time to write a book’ because this is a communications phenomenon.” The book is divided into two parts and five standalone chapters. The first part has two chapters that focus on “intimate communication,” written by Dr. Mackie and Dr. Dykes respectively. Dr. Mackie chose to do an “[analysis on] family communication during the COVID-19 crisis, focusing on communication with in-laws,” according to her chapter. In her chapter, she utilizes the autoethnography method to analyze these familial interactions. Similarly, Dr. Dykes also incorporates the autoethnography method in her chapter. “I journaled the whole time we were on lockdown,” Dykes said. She did a narrative analysis in her journal entries. In her chapter, Dykes implements the communication theory of identity and analyzes her identity primarily as a mother, daughter and Black woman in America during COVID-19. “I wanted to let other people that might be experiencing the same thing to not feel alone,” Dykes said. The second part of the book focuses on “mass communication” with three chapters respectively written by Loh, MacNeil and Keys.
Article continues on fscsouthern.com
4 The Southern DECEMBER 10, 2021
CENTER
Photo by Sophia Gonzalez
Jameson Champion News Editor
Florida Southern College’s annual holiday-themed Winter Wonderland highlighted the end of the fall semester on Dec. 9. The Center for Student Involvement hosted the winter event on Mr. George’s Green. The event featured a large amount of winter decorations like inflatable igloos where staff was able to give out free gifts to attendees. This year’s Winter Wonderland featured arts and crafts, stuffed animals, a variety of games and activities as well as special treats like white chocolate popcorn and peppermint cotton candy for attendees. At 8:30 p.m. Community Living also sponsored an ugly Christmas sweater contest for the event’s attendees. The activities available at Winter Wonderland are meant to give FSC students a break from their studying right before finals and lets them enjoy some winter festivities before returning home until spring.
Photo by Salvatore Ambrosino Photo by Sophia Gonzalez
5 The Southern DECEMBER 10, 2021
CENTER
Photo by Sophia Gonzalez
Many students were in attendance at this year’s Winter Wonderland, lining up to experience the variety of activities on offer. “Winter Wonderland had some of the classic fun stuff that we know and love,” junior Lawton Bauer said. “But the decorations were a lot better than before and the atmosphere was almost electric.” The large event is a campus tradition, happening annually for many years. During the last school year, the event faced a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the limited number of students on-campus in the fall semester, the event was delayed until January to begin the spring semester when the majority of students were able to return. According to Jacqueline Innskeep the event was initially started in 2012 by FSC’s Center for Student involvement, a group that included the current Assistant Dean of Accountability, Education and Compliance, Amanda Blount. “When it originally began, the event was on a smaller scale and was focused mostly on crafts, but over the years it has really grown in size and evolved into a true Winter Wonderland extravaganza,” said Innskeep.
The Southern DECEMBER 10, 2021
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ENTERTAINMENT FSC hosts student art gallery on FSC campus Jessica Stalter Staff Writer
‘The Unforgivable’ In this new Netflix film, Sandra Bullock stars as “Ruth Slater,” a woman who was released from prison after being there for 20 years. Now, she searches for the sister that she was forced to leave behind and searches for help in a world that won’t forgive her.
‘Money Heist’
On Nov. 22, The Florida Southern AllStudent Gallery Art Exhibition opened in the Melvin Art Gallery located between Branscomb Auditorium and the Buckner Theatre. It will run until 5 p.m. on Dec. 17. This exhibition gives freshman, sophomore, and junior students at FSC the chance to showcase their work. Up to three pieces can be submitted for review to be included in the show. Submissions may include drawings, sculptures, paintings, multimedia pieces, photography, films, and other forms of visual art. “The All-Student Art Exhibition is a chance for all of the artists on campus to
share the pieces that they are most proud of, but it’s especially important for the art majors!” junior Natalie Leah said. These art students can submit the work they completed for their critiques, work from their various art classes, or work from outside of class. “My two paintings, ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Find Your Spark’ were a part of my Junior Critique presentation, while my drawing, “Sister is Spoken with Love,” is a textportrait featuring my sister and myself that I created for my Drawing II class,” Leah said. “These paintings represent my growth as an artist, and the fact that I was able to defend them in front of my professors and peers is so important to me.” Additionally, by the decision of a guest
Netflix recently released part five of the show “Money Heist.” The show features a set of eight theives who follow the orders of a criminal mastermind to pull off the largest heist of all time, 2.4 billion euros from the Royal Mint of Spain. The show follows the timeline of the heist, from begining to end.
‘Don’t Look Up’ The Netflix comedy, “Don’t Look Up” follows two astronomers on their journey to warn the world of an astroid hurtling towards Earth. The response? A world that seems unbothered. The film is set to release on Dec. 24 and features Leonardo Di Caprio, Jennifer Lawerence, Meryl Streep and more.
‘Home Sweet Home Alone’ This new addition to the “Home Alone” franchise was recently released on Disney+. It follows Max Mercer, a rich british kid who is accidenatlly left behind when his family flys to Tokyo for the holiday season. He protects his home from a couple who plans to rob his home of a family heirloom.
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These paintings represent my growth as an artist, and the fact that I was able to defend them [...] is so important to me -Natalie Leah FSC junior
‘The Beatles: Get Back’ Disney + releases new doucmentary, “The Beatles: Get Back,” a documenary featuring the world-renown band. The documentary takes place in Jan. 1969, when a film crew was given “unprecedented access” to document the band, resulting in over “57 hours of the most intimate footage” that had ever been captured of the band. It had since been locked away in a “vault” until recentally released.
judge, first, second and third place awards can be won for specific pieces as well as the Florida Artist Award. “I received the Florida Artist Award for my ‘Soul Food’ painting!” Leah said. “It was so nice to be recognized for my work, and I am so honored.” This exhibition is particularly beneficial to art department students as it allows them to showcase their best work to the student
Photo by Jessica Stalter
Student artwork is displayed at the Melvin Art Gallery as a chance for students to share with the world.
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WHAT’S NEW
body and faculty, and even put their artwork up for sale. “For me specifically it is an opportunity to show my work for the first time in 2 years,” junior Morgan Shelton said. “I’ve been working very hard despite the pandemic directly affecting my education in this department but now I can share that hard work with everyone.” The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and masks are required.
Electronic dance music festival held in Orlando Andrew Thompson Staff Writer Electronic dance music (EDM) fans amassed in Orlando, Florida, from Nov. 11 to 14 to experience live performances by famous DJs. Throughout the course of three days, numerous events occurred such as pool and after parties at “Home Bass” as well as additional after parties at some of the hottest clubs in Orlando like Celine and Vanguard and a massive festival experience, the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC.) The Electric Daisy Carnival took place at Tinker Field on Nov. 12 to the 13 and officials considered it “the biggest event of the year in Orlando.” Although the event was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 83,000 people attended it on the first day this year. Overall, the event was a sellout and witnessed roughly 300,000 visitors throughout the weekend. EDC originated as an idea by Pasquale Rotella who founded Insomniac, an EDM events company, in 1993. While this year’s festival marked the tenth year anniversary of it taking place in Orlando, EDC began in 1999 at a small venue in Newberry Springs, Cal. prior to expanding to Las Vegas in 2011 due to backlash against teenagers consuming MDMA, a psychoactive drug, at the 2010 event in California. Unlike other EDM raves, EDC is a unique experience containing carnival-themed rides and glow-in-the-dark elements. Numerous famous DJs such as Armin Van Buuren, Zedd, Kygo and Alan Walker performed at the event this year but the festival also provided a platform for emerging local talent such as Orlando
based “Duo Yokai” who also performed at Clube Celine’s afterparties. “The vibe of the festival was incredible. Playing the main stage was a dream come true, the stage production was insane and the whole entire Insomniac team did a great job putting it all together,” said Yokai. Fans of the festival follow the mantra PLUR, which stands for peace, love, unity and respect. This mantra represents EDM culture’s praise of uniqueness and diversity among attendees. “The overall vibe to me felt very welcoming and fun,” said Javi Concepcion, a member of Florida Southern College’s Theta Chi chapter. “A lot of people go to a big festival like that to show off the hard work of their bodies, their personalities and their interests in as flashy ways as possible. As an FSC student, it was cool to be so close to such
an event and to work with my teachers to get stuff done ahead of time. This allowed me an opportunity to enjoy all 3 days of the festival’s attractions and DJ sets.” While EDM fans considered EDC to be the main event, the parties at local nightclubs and Home Bass, an EDM takeover at the Wyndham International Drive Resort, also proved to be entertaining. Specifically, attendees of Home Bass got to experience three pool parties and multiple after parties. During the pool parties, DJ Craze, the only solo DJ to win the DMC World DJ Championships trophy three times consecutively, Manic Focus and Snails performed alongside local talent such as “Side Trakd.” The festival weekend ended with the “Planets Mad End of the World Party” at Home Bass headlined by Baauer, a trap DJ famous for his 2012 hit “Harlem Shake.”
Photo by Andrew Thompson
Orlando-based DJ Side Trakd Performs at Home Bass’s Magic Pocus Pool Party.
7 The Southern DECEMBER 10, 2021
OPINIONS Rittenhouse trial example of flawed justice system Covid-19 booster shots made widely available
Isaac Wardyn Staff Writer In the wake of the Jacob Blake murder at the hands of our law enforcement, protests, rallies and riots started in Kenosha, Wis., the city it took place in. The chaos sparked a civilian call to arms by a right-wing city official that was published and distributed by Alex Jones’s website InfoWars. Within a day, armed civilians piled into the city and patrolled the streets. Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17 year old from Antioch, Ill. was among this group. Having traveled 30 mins from his home illegally carrying an AR-15 rifle, Rittenhouse set out to in his own words “protect businesses and help people.” After being chased by protesters, Rittenhouse’s protection and help got out of hand. He shot and killed two men, wounding a third. Among the three men shot, the first was a homeless man by the name of Joseph Rosenbaum, an unwell man with a criminal record that included a sexual assualt charge. He had been recently released from the hospital, and suffered from bipolar disorder with no access to medication. While Rosenbaum was a sick man, he was not at all how people painted him a radical leftist or ANTIFA. With a plastic bag containing nothing but deodorant and his underwear, Rosenbaum chased and attempted to take Rittenhouse’s gun. Rittenhouse responded by shooting him in the head. This shot alerted others to the scene, including Anthony Huber, who carried nothing but a skateboard, and Gaige Grosskreutz, who was armed with a pistol and a recently expired firearm permit. The
Ben Sax Staff Writer
Photo credit: Getty Images/Pool
Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, pictured at his trial which took place in Kenosha over the course of three days: Nov. 17, 18, and 19. two men attempted to disarm Rittenhouse after seeing him ruthlessly kill someone, and ended up getting shot at as well. Huber was killed and Grosskreutz, injured. The crowd scattered and Rittenhouse simply walked away. He returned home unbothered and untouched by police, only turning himself in after being recommended to do so by his mother. According to Insider, the officers on the scene that didn’t take Kyle, in heard shots throughout the night and, after deciding Kyle’s weapon wasn’t a threat, they let him go. The trial that ensued is one of the most prolific examples of our justice system’s failure to handle strenuous and important racial issues in the country today. The prosecution, the defense, the judge, the victims and, of course, Rittenhouse himself are all to blame. The situation only
exemplifies how helpless we really are in the wake of civil unrest and an increasingly dangerous and extreme form of gun culture. After the fatal shooting Kyle was arrested and charged with multiple criminal counts: first-degree reckless homicide, firstdegree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and the illegal carrying of a firearm. The trial that proceeded was an anomaly to say the least. A 17 year old crossing a state border to go and join a militia with an illegal firearm is grounds for some form of legal action, but due to a completely inept prosecution and a judge who made bold and completely insane rulings during the duration of the case, no action was taken.
Article continues on fscsouthern.com
Iconic Mariah Carey song banned from Dallas bar Dylan Olive Staff Writer When is it the right time to start listening to Christmas music? According to Stoneleigh P bar in Dallas: Dec. 1. On Oct. 22, Stoneleigh P bar banned Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” from being played anytime before Dec. 1. “All I Want for Christmas is You” is Carey’s 1994 legendary Christmas classic that skyrockets to the top of the charts
Photo by Kyle Smith/via Twitter
Stoneleigh P bar’s sign banning Carey’s Christimas classic being played anytime prior to Dec. 1.
every year around the holidays, and it seems to get played earlier and earlier each year. The bar put a sign on the jukebox saying “Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” will be skipped if played before Dec. 1. After Dec. 1, the song is only allowed one time per night.” “It’s been put up three years now, maybe four,” Stoneleigh P’s general manager Laura Garrison said, “every holiday season we hear the song so much when you get alcohol involved.” The song was played once as early as September, Garrison added. A new, more general, rule the bar has implemented is that any song played once will get skipped if it comes on again. September does seem a little early for Christmas music, but who even does that? It’s more common to start listening to Christmas music in November. This bar has brought a significant amount of attention towards themselves, and it leaves one side agreeing with the bar in that Carey’s Christmas hit is overplayed and Oct./Nov. is too early for the song to be played. Meanwhile, others think Christmas festivities start in November, or that people can start listening to Christmas music whenever they feel like it. If people think November is too early for getting into the Christmas spirit, they should keep it to themselves and let others live their own lives. There is no need to be negative while others are trying to enjoy themselves. “Christmas is all about the season and celebrating, so if you want to start
celebrating early you should,” FSC freshman Mary Bou said. Some students said that while the song is “overplayed,” they don’t mind that at all. “I honestly don’t mind very much because that song has been such a huge part of my childhood and I have such happy memories associated with it,” FSC sophomore Alexis Lowther said. “It gets me in the holiday spirit.” Others agree with Stoneleigh P, saying that the classic does receive a bit too much attention. “I feel that Carey’s song can be overhyped,” FSC freshman Logan Dill said. “If I were to make a Christmas playlist this song would definitely be on it but I don’t think it would be in the top 5.” Even if the song is overplayed, it is for a reason: it’s a highly catchy tune that everyone knows, and it’s an amazing pop song that helps everyone get into the Christmas spirit. Those interviewed think that the appropriate time for listening to Christmas music is anytime after Halloween or starting Nov. 1. Many have found the situation very amusing, including the singer herself. Carey took to Twitter and posted a picture of her in battle armor surrounded by flames after one user asked: “Is this the war on Christmas I’ve heard about?” Despite the debate on when it is appropriate to start listening to Christmas music, everyone has their own beliefs, and people can start listening to Christmas music and getting into the Christmas spirit whenever they feel like it despite others’ opinions on the topic.
If you thought taking Covid-19 vaccination shots were over, think again. The vaccination booster shot was made widely available in early 2021 as an extra layer of protection against Covid-19. As of recently, everyone over the age of 18 is eligible for the booster shot. I believe the booster shot should not be required because at the end of the day it is someone’s choice to get it or not. However, I will say it definitely helps and makes me feel a lot safer against Covid. The booster shot is intended to offer more immunity after the original dose. Another dose is recommended for people who are immunocompromised and those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Boosters are recommended because there is evidence that this group doesn’t build up the same level of immunity after two doses of the vaccine. As someone who has gotten the booster shot, I loved getting it because it made me feel even safer against Covid-19.
Another dose is recommended for people who are immunocompromised and those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. It was a no brainer getting it, I wanted the shot as soon as the news broke. The booster shot does have requirements for someone to qualify. First, anyone who has gotten the Johnson and Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine is eligible to get the booster shot. If anyone has gotten the Johnson and Johnson, they have to wait two months after they get their original shot to get the booster and for the Pfizer they have to wait 6 months. There were some side effects after I received the shot and they do vary by person. I had a headache as well as chills and aches. There are some people who don’t have the booster and won’t be getting it or some people can’t get the booster yet.. Florida Southern Junior Stephen Roth is one of those people who can not get the booster yet. “To be honest I don’t know a whole lot about the booster and who is eligible or not,” Roth said. “However, I know I cannot get the booster for at least a couple months because it is recommended to wait at least 6 months after getting the initial Covid vaccine.” For me, getting the booster shot was a great decision and I believe the booster shot does help. Although it is a choice of whether to get the booster or not, I would recommend getting it as it makes you and everyone around you safer.
The Southern DECEMBER 10, 2021 8
SPORTS UP NEXT Men’s Basketball 12/11 vs. Lynn University* 12/15 vs. Clayton State University 12/18 vs. Le Moyne College 12/19 vs. Cedarville University 12/31 vs. Rollins College
Women’s Basketball 12/11 vs. Lynn University* 12/17 vs. Rockhurst University 12/18 vs. Davenport University 12/31 vs. Rollins College * Indicates away game
NEXT SEMESTER Men’s Basketball 1/8 vs. Eckerd College* 1/12 vs. Saint Leo 1/15 vs. Nova Southeastern University 1/19 vs. University of Tampa* 1/22 vs. Barry University
FSC Swim ranks high in SSC conference Luci Davis Staff Writer FSC men’s swimming is now ranked number one in the Sunshine State Conference, after finishing first in the Panther Invitational in Melbourne last weekend. “Part of the reason we have been so successful this year is we have strong swimmers in all events and no weaknesses, we’ve had a lot of depth and certainly have some studs on the team,” head coach Andy Robbins said. Florida Southern finished with 1,646 points with the host, Florida Tech, far behind scoring 980 points. FSC is now ranked sixth in Division II of the NCAA. “We are obviously happy with the results this season so far, everyone is improving and the atmosphere of the team is also very optimistic,” FSC freshmen Milosz Mencel said. Mencel along with junior Elder Oliveira placed first and second in the 200 free at the invitational. This season has also consisted of much freshmen success, when the Mocs gained their first meet with many freshmen leading. “I would say that we are doing a great job holding each other accountable. Each one of us helps our other teammates to be the best version of themselves everyday,” Mencel said. Oliveira shared that this season hasn’t come easy. “I believe that this semester has been very exciting and challenging at the same.”
* Indicates away game
FSC mocs swimteam is not ranked sixth in Division II of the NCAA. This season consisted of record breaking times as sophomore Kyle Micallef broke his previous 50 free record which automatically qualified him for the NCAA championship. Micallef also won the SSC men’s swimmer of the week title after his record breaking time. “The job is not done though,” Mencel said “Conference, and NCAA nationals are ahead of us. These are the meets we are aiming for.” The NCAA Division II National Championship will take place in March after it was cancelled last March due to COVID-19. The previous swim season had got off to a late start, after the first meet occurred in February due to COVID-19 restrictions. It became difficult for many swimmers to
practice amid protocols and regulations, but that didn’t stop last season from being a success and this season even more so. “Last year our team didn’t have many opportunities to race other schools, it made us stronger and made us want to take advantage of every single opportunity whether if that’s during practice or at a meet,” Oliveira said. This season has brought the swimmers together as Oliveira states, “I’m proud of being part of this team.” Oliveira won first with his personal best time in the 500 free at the latest meet. “We are excited for what’s to come in the next few months,” said Mencel as the team heads to Nova Southeastern Jan. 21 and the NCAA championship in March.
Athlete spotlight: Henry Phillips and Jake Starling Sophia Gonzalez Editor-in-Chief
Henry Phillips Henry Phillips has always been exposed to soccer in his youth, high school and college, so it has really been a big part of his life. “It all started for me back when I was 3 years old. I went through every single youth league in the English system, and then I also at the age of 10 I started playing competitively,” Phillips said. “I’ve always loved it. As soon as I could walk, I was playing kick football,” Phillips said. According to Phillips, he came to Florida Southern’s soccer tryouts in 2017 with one of his teammates from back home in Englad.
Women’s Basketball 1/8 vs. Eckerd College* 1/12 vs. Saint Leo 1/15 vs. Nova Southeastern University 1/19 vs. University of Tampa* 1/22 vs. Barry University
Photo courtesy of FSC Athletics
“I had no real clue about the American system or how it really worked, but I came out here [with] one of my teammates from my high school back in England,” Phillips said. “We both got offers, so we thought we’d both do this journey together and that was the reason why we both came.” When Phillips joined his team during his freshman year, he earned minutes, and his sophomore year was his “hardest” because he didn’t have a lot of playing time, but he was determined to prove himself. During his junior year, Phillips started playing more and it gave him a chance to prove himself and play more often until he became co-captain of the Florida Southern’s soccer team. Henry will be graduating with his bachelor’s in Science in December 2021, and he plans on going to Canada to keep playing and get his master’s while still playing, and he sees himself working in finance or marketing. “Ten years from now I would like to see myself traveling the world,” Phillips said. “I see myself back in England as well hopefully working in the city of London, either doing some sort of finance and marketing, but I definitely want to be doing something that still allows me to travel.”
Jake Starling
Photo courtesy of FSC Athletics
Henry Phillips is pictured above.
Jake Starling started his soccer journey at Florida Southern college in 2016, and then he started playing in 2017. Starling suffered an injury in 2019 when he broke his foot, so he was able to play for an additional year. Starling chose to come to Florida Southern College in order to be closer to his family. “My sister had my two nephews, so I wanted to be close to my nephews
Photo courtesy of FSC Athletics
Jake Starling is pictured above. growing up and be with my family,” Starling said. Starling’s passion for the sport began when he was young. Starling started playing soccer when he was 3 years old for a local recreational league where his father was the coach. When he was 10, Starling started traveling and playing competitively. He realized his passion for soccer when he was 12 years old. “I just enjoyed traveling and thought it was a fun sport to play. I like sports, but soccer was the best sport I played.” Starling is co-captain for Florida Southern’s soccer and will be graduating with his master’s in business administration in 2022. “Ten years from now I see myself still in Florida just working in the business world and maybe starting a family,” Starling said.