Magic at Mile 6
With heavy legs and
a
full heart, Vincent Gauthier finishes first Boston Marathon of many
By Sophia Oppedisano Sports Editor
The Boston Marathon’s is one of the most storied sports events in the world.
The unforgiving course from Hopkinton to Boston is hallowed ground for runners who train for years to meet the moment and cross the iconic blue-and-yellow finish line of one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.
For freshman English major Vincent Gauthier, a life-long Massachusetts resident, running the Boston Marathon is something he’s been dreaming about for years.
Gauthier is a breakout star for the Framingham State men’s cross country team, and Boston is his second marathon at only 19 years old.
Long before crossing the finish line on Boylston Street, Gauthier ran in his first road race, a small, hometown 3K, when he was 8 years old.
“I wanted to sign up for it, and my mom was like, ‘OK, but you’re going to have to actually train to do it, and I want you to do well,’” Gauthier said, recalling the memory with a laugh.
He said he was drawn to the road race because of the energy of the other runners and the crowd. “It’s super loud and super fun,” he added.
He ran with his mother early in the mornings after his dad went to work, setting him on the path to becoming a decorated distance runner.
“I remember coming through the finish line, and for a good few years of running road races like that, it was very difficult to not have this big, cheeky smile,” Gauthier said.
By Sophia Harris Editor-in-Chief
The 129th Boston Marathon delivered on the hope of a perfect race day, with ideal weather and an elite field producing unforgettable performances. Many students from Framingham State ventured to the 6-mile mark on Waverly Street to cheer on the athletes.
Approximately 30,000 people ventured to Boston to race in this historic event. This included residents of 128 countries and all 50 U.S. States.
Approximately 4,598 Massachusetts residents entered the race, according to the Boston Marathon website.
One of the 30,000 stood out - freshman Vincent Gauthier, making Framingham State proud.
Plenty of staff from the Boston Marathon were handing out water and supporting racers when they needed it the most. Even Framingham State University police officers were there, including K-9 Officer Ramsey, of course.
There were also many men and women in uniform present at the marathon. Sophomore Melissa Romeiro walked the Boston Marathon with the U.S Army. Thank you for your service, Melissa!
The winners of the Boston Marathon included Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi, who shattered the women’s course record, finishing in 2:17:22 and ending the reign of two-time champion Hellen Obiri with a powerful closing stretch.
In the men’s race, Kenya’s John Korir overcame an ear-
ly fall - even racing without his bib - and surged at mile 20 to win in 2:04:45, the second-fastest time in Boston Marathon history.
In the wheelchair race, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug dominated once again, earning his eighth Boston title at 1:21:24tying for the second-most wins in any division - with a commanding lead over American Daniel Romanchuk.
Susannah Scaroni made history of her own, winning her second Boston Marathon in 1:35:20, more than six minutes faster than her 2023 victory, becoming the sixth American woman to claim multiple wheelchair titles. Congratulations to all who ran the Boston Marathon, and thank you to all who volunteered and made it a success!
Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST
(Center) Boston Marathon runner Laura Arango Chica high-fiving a spectator in Framingham, April 21.
Maddison Behringer
(Front) Freshman Vincent Gauthier pointing to spectators in the crowd at the Boston Marathon, April 21.
E ditorial Board
Editor-in-Chief
Sophia Harris
Associate Editors
Maddison Behringer
Ryan O’Connell
Copy Editor
Emma Lyons
Asst. Copy Editor
Allie Mosher
News Editor
Dylan Pichnarcik
Asst. News Editor
Bella Grimaldi
Opinions Editor
Izayah Morgan
Sports Editors
Izabela Gage
Sophia Oppedisano
Asst. Sports Editors
Taylor Kimmell
Kyra Tolley
Arts & Features Editors
Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez
Owen Glancy
Asst. Arts & Features Editors
Sarah Daponde
Liv Dunleavy
Bella Omar
Photos & Design Editors
Adrien Gobin
Alexis Schlesinger
Illustrations Editor
Ben Hurney
Asst. Illustrations Editors
David Abe
Ronnie Chiu-Lin
Emily Monaco
Staff Writers
Jesse Burchill
Raena Hunter Doty
Kristel Erguiza
Paul Harrington
Dan Lima
Antonio Machado
Anthony Pintado
Anthony Sims
Michael Trueswell
Staff Photographers
Eliana Buono
Meg Dame
Julien Fernandez
Oné Green
Staff Illustrators
Charlotte Fabrizi
Marcus Falcão
Advisor
Desmond McCarthy
Asst. Advisor
Elizabeth Banks
By Bella Grimaldi Asst. News Editor
Gatepost Interview Richard Beckwitt
Professor of Biology
What is your academic and professional background?
I was trained as a marine biologist. I went to graduate school in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California. I worked a number of jobs in Los Angelesteaching and research. And then took this job in 1985. So I’ve been on the faculty here since 1985. Which, if my count is right, this is my 40th year. When I stopped doing research in marine biol ogy, I ended up doing research in a bunch of other very strange areas. I worked on the genetic engineering of spider silk for a while, and then I worked on the population genetics of hippos for a while. And I had a more recent project on white tail deer on Nantucket. What I like to do is make sure I have projects where stu dents can be actively in volved. So all of those projects involved stu dents - research proj ects for their capstone work.
What brought you to Framingham State?
The offer of a ten ure-track position. Tenure-track posi tions are relative ly hard to find. And this was a position to teach marine biology. They specifically wanted a marine biologist, and those jobs are really hard to find.
with students that you don’t get if your nose is buried in the lab all day - you don’t see people. So now I like to do both. I like to do some research, but I also like the human interaction of teaching.
What is your teaching philosophy?
um] would be the MET in New York. It’s just overwhelming. The MFA in Boston is lovely. The ICA, Institute of Contemporary Art, in Boston is lovely. And MASS MoCA out in North Adams is lovely - I love going to all those places. I like the fact they change things, so every time we’re traveling and come through, we see something new. I just find it fascinating what people are able to
What led you to teaching biology?
It’s interesting - I did not particularly think I wanted to be a teacher. But when I was in graduate school, I paid my way by being what is called a teaching assistant. So as a graduate student, they let you teach laboratories or some other small classes. And I found I kind of liked it. When I finished my degree, I taught full-time in Los Angeles for a couple of years, and then I had a full-time research position in Los Angeles for five or six years - and I realized I missed teaching. There’s something about the personal interaction you have
Weather
Saturday, April 26 Rain before 9am, then showers between 9am and 1pm. High near 70.
Sunday, April 27
A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Police Logs
Monday, April 21 11:03
Fernandez / THE GATEPOST
I want them to understand how the facts inform our ideas of how the world works - how things fit together. That’s what I’m most interested in.
What are your hobbies or something students wouldn’t expect about you?
I play guitar, but not in public. I would not inflict that on someone else. I play what is called ragtime - fingerstyle, acoustic guitar. I like to go for walks in the woods. I like going to art museums. I like going to look at interesting things other people have done. My wife is an artist and an art historian, so she educates me. I follow her around, and she tells me what’s interesting about that. My favorite all time [muse-
Monday, April 28 Sunny, with a high near 70. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday, April 29 Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
What advice do you have for students at Framingham State? Go to class. I think that’s the most successful thing you can do - go to class. When you’re in class, ask questions, answer questions. Don’t just hide in the back. They’ll do two important things. Your instructors get to know you and will interact with you. The more they know you, the more they interact with you than if you were kind of a blank face in the corner or the back - they don’t know who this person is. The other thing is by asking questions - even if it’s really embarrassing to ask a question in front of all these people. Everybody else in the class is silently saying “thank you” because they’re also having their question asked. The more interactive a class is, the better you retain the material. I think being passive is the hardest way to learn. I think the other thing is you don’t know what’s going to be interesting until you try it. I think a lot of students are hesitant. They say, “I don’t know anything about that. I don’t want to learn that because I don’t know anything about it. I’m going to take a class where I’m already confident that I know something” because you get anxious not knowing what’s going to happen. My feeling, especially in biology, is that there isn’t anything which isn’t interesting. If you spend a little time thinking about it and learning about it, there is something fascinating going on, because biology is fun.
CONNECT WITH BELLA GRIMALDI igrimaldi@student.framingham.edu
Wednesday, April 30 Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Thursday, May 1
Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
April 23 10:22 Assault & Battery, Athletic Center Report Taken
Julien
President’s Report documents FSU’s economic impact
By Sophia Harris Editor-in-Chief
Framingham State University contributed an estimated $284.4 million to the Massachusetts economy in the most recent fiscal year, according to President Nancy Niemi in her annual President’s Report April 18.
“This kind of impact may surprise people,” said Niemi. “We’re a school, but we’re also a community institution, employer, and collaborator. Our presence ripples throughout the region in many ways.”
In a statement to The Gatepost, Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega said, “Framingham State’s economic impact report shows that the University is not
were awarded.
One notable discrepancy in the report was a drop in the number of degrees conferred from 1,042 the previous year to 834 in AY24. Niemi addressed this by pointing to enrollment trends. “Our enrollment is actually going up now,” she said. “But we’re still seeing smaller classes from previous years graduating. It’s a pipeline issue - we’re letting those smaller cohorts finish while newer, larger ones are just entering.”
This shift is reflected in student demographics and will likely balance in the coming years as newer cohorts progress through their academic programs.
A native of New York, Student Trustee Jeremy McDonald said the University played a pivotal role in bringing him to Massa-
These funds are essential for scholarships, faculty positions, and long-term sustainability.
Totino said it is important to understand the difference between an endowment and fundraising. “Endowments are built from donations that are invested. You keep the principal intact - what we call the corpus - and spend a portion of the earnings on designated priorities, like scholarships or professorships,” he said.
The University raised $2.86 million in fiscal year 2024 through its foundation. Some of those funds contributed directly to the endowment, while others were earmarked for immediate needs. “These dollars are critical,” Totino said. “They represent donors’ trust in our mission.”
Niemi underscored the
“Framingham State’s economic impact report shows that the University is not only a great place to learn, but it’s central to the City of Framingham and the larger MetroWest community.”
-
Noe Ortega Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education
only a great place to learn, but it’s central to the City of Framingham and the larger MetroWest community.”
He added, “By preparing students for the careers of tomorrow, connecting with regional employers, and drawing on the talents of residents, Framingham State is a great example of how Massachusetts’ public institutions of higher education bring value as engines of economic opportunity.”
Ortega said he is grateful for Niemi’s “leadership in ensuring that students make meaningful connections on and off campus that will allow them to grow as learners and professionals.”
FSU’s $284.4 million economic footprint is driven by a combination of operational expenditures, payroll, employment, and student presence. Total operations expenditures reached $132 million, covering everything from salaries and benefits to utilities, travel, consulting, and other fixed costs associated with running the University.
Vice President for Finance, Technology, and Administration Robert Totino explained that these costs encapsulate the full operational picture. “It’s what it takes to run a university,” Totino said. “Salaries and benefits are just part of it. We’re talking about things like honorariums, travel, utilities, and infrastructure consulting. It’s a holistic number.”
Payroll alone accounted for $71.2 million, directly supporting over 990 employees - 530 full-time and 460 part-time staff. “When we talk about economic impact, it’s about more than direct spending,” Niemi said. “These employees live, shop, and raise families in this region, which creates additional economic ripple effects.”
FSU is also home to 4,002 students. Though their economic impact can be harder to quantify, their presence supports local businesses and housing markets, while graduates go on to bolster the state’s workforce. In the past academic year, 834 bachelor’s and master’s degrees
chusetts. “Framingham State was the reason I came to Massachusetts and discovered all the great things about Framingham, MetroWest, and Massachusetts’ central role. Its impact isn’t just in the facts and figures, which are truly significant, but also in showcasing everything this area has to offer.”
He added, “I think that Framingham State is a key contributor to the MetroWest region,
unique role regional public universities such as FSU play in their communities. “We’re often called ‘anchors of place,’ and that’s accurate,” she said. “We are here to serve our community, both immediate and regional.”
This commitment goes beyond economics. The University supports cultural and social development through partnerships with local nonprofits
which is a significant portion of the Massachusetts economy. Framingham State also draws upon students from beyond its local area to the larger MetroWest area and beyond, even to me, who is from out of state. My friends are from across the country as well.”
FSU’s endowments stand at $48.6 million for the University and $16.8 million for its foundation, reflecting solid growth from the prior year’s figures of $44 million and $16 million, respectively, according to Totino.
and employers, such as Framingham Public Schools and the MetroWest YMCA. FSU faculty often donate time and expertise to these groups, further embedding the University in the fabric of the region.
“There’s a cultural economy, too,” Niemi said. “People visit the campus for museum exhibits or art classes. These experiences matter, even if they don’t show up in budget spreadsheets.”
She also pointed to examples from around the country where
the loss of a local college devastated entire towns. “Wells College in upstate New York is one example. When it closed, the town practically shut down,” she said. “That’s not to suggest we’re in that position, but it highlights just how vital institutions like ours are.”
As FSU continues to grow enrollment and strengthen its financial stewardship, its economic and social influence will remain a cornerstone of the MetroWest region, according to Niemi. With an eye on affordability, accessibility, and regional service, the University is poised to deepen its impact even further.
“We take our responsibility seriously,” Niemi said. “We’re not just educating studentswe’re helping shape the economic and cultural landscape of this entire region.”
Senior Julie Hadley said, “This is a testament to not only the success of the students and staff of FSU, but also our profound effects on the Framingham community!”
She added, “Our economic impact helps to support the Massachusetts workforce through job creation and higher earning power.”
Hadley said FSU’s fundraising and tax revenue also contribute to many programs that support local communities.
“It’s great to be a part of a community with such positive influences on our economy, community, and sustainability,” she said.
Freshman Alessandra Acety said a lot of students who graduate from Framingham State leave with their “foot already in the door” for jobs in Massachusetts.
She said it makes her “feel a lot more comfortable to graduate and go out into the world,” knowing that FSU invests so much in its students.
Freshman Leah Dean said the University has a lot of local jobs always on display for students to choose from.
As a fashion design & retailing major, Dean said there is never a lack of local opportunities and jobs to choose from.
Junior Parker Yan said he was surprised by the amount of money Framingham State contributes to the Massachusetts economy, adding, “It is a very impressive amount.”
SGA Treasurer Khoa Bùi said this is a “reminder that the value of our University extends well beyond the classroom. We’re not just educating students - we’re also actively strengthening the local and state economy.”
Bùi added the University “generates economic impact in multiple ways - through job creation, student and faculty spending, partnerships with local businesses, and events that draw people to the area.
“It’s a source of pride for students like me, knowing that we’re part of a community that contributes so meaningfully to the broader public good. It motivates us to be responsible stewards of student resources and to continue advocating for programs and initiatives that both enhance student life and support the economic vitality of the region,” he said.
Sophia Harris / THE GATEPOST
SGA discusses changes to bylaws for AY 2025-26
By Dylan Pichnarcik News Editor
Vice President César Matos proposed changes to SGA’s bylaws at a meeting on April 23.
The changes included adding snap elections and reclassifying the club representative positions in the Senate.
Matos said the purpose of snap elections is only to fill vacant seats on SGA. Snap elections can be called at any time, pending approval from the Senate by vote.
Currently, SGA has 30 vacant seats, made up of 27 open senate seats, a vice president, a secretary, and a publicist.
According to Matos, any member of SGA, excluding the student trustee, can call a snap election.
Department Requesting Capital Projects
Facilities and SGA
Admissions
Biology
University Police
Chemistry and Food Sciences
call elections and already have people in place or know” of students who will be running for the vacant seats, Campbell said.
She said adding a week of nominations encourages more students to run for vacant positions and market themselves as candidates.
Student Trustee Jeremy McDonald agreed that the proposal should be tabled and said the student trustee should also be able to propose a snap election.
According to Matos, the student trustee is a “non-political actor” who does not directly interact with the Senate.
The student trustee is an ex officio member of SGA, according to Advisor Rachel Spezia, meaning they cannot offer motions or vote on any matter presented to the Senate.
Communications, Media, and Performance
Communications, Media, and Performance
Arts & Humanities, Communication, Media, and Performance, and Music
Communication, Media, and Performance and Center for Digital Humanities
Emergency Planning Committee
Facilities and Sustainability
John Walker Institute and Chris Walsh Center
Marketing
Marketing
Nutrition
Nutrition
Parking Committee
Sodexo
He said after a snap election is called, the Senate will serve as the official Election Committee in charge of counting ballots.
In response to Matos’ proposal, President Evelyn Campbell asked if snap elections would include a week for nominations.
Currently, traditional SGA elections include a week when any fee-paying undergraduate student can be nominated for a position on SGA.
Matos said instead of a week of nominations, a snap election would be proposed once SGA is notified of students who are interested in running.
He said the meeting where the snap election was called would also serve as a campaign night for students who are running for election.
Campbell advocated for the proposal to be tabled and edited to include a week of nominations, and “only the highest point of SGA can call a snap election.”
“You’re giving almost an unfair advantage to the rest of the campus community if you
meetings and will receive communications and updates from SGA.
Matos said failure to attend club representative meetings for one semester will result in the organization’s funds being frozen until the first club representative meeting of the following semester.
Failure to attend club representative meetings for two consecutive semesters will result in the organization’s constitution being dissolved.
In response to the proposal, McDonald said the bylaw should be edited to say club representatives should receive all relevant communications from SGA rather than all communications from SGA.
McDonald said SGA communicates with many people
partments on campus. The estimated cost for the FY26 proposed projects is $1,235,000.
Members of SGA were asked to rank each of the 18 projects from highest to lowest priority.
Campbell encouraged members of SGA to focus on site improvements to campus. These improvements were requested by the Department of Facilities in conjunction with SGA.
She said site improvements include improving outdoor lighting on campus for safety reasons.
The idea for improved lighting came from the previous year’s safety walk. The estimated cost for the site improvements is $10,000, according to the project’s proposal.
During her report, Campbell said members of the adminis-
Location and Desciption of Project Estimated Cost
Lighting improvements.
Painting and siding repairs in the Admissions Welcome Center.
Changes in Hemenway Hall to research lab, HH146, empty room, equipment and minor renovations, HH416.
Equipment acquisition of cruiser.
Renovations to Bio to General Chemistry Lab HH446: removal of plumbing and electrical from table tops.
Refreshes to all spaces in the Henry Whittemore Library second floor TV Studio, social media, and general purposes.
Feasibility and cost study of the Henry Whittemore Library second floor repairs detailed above.
Renovation and upgrades to music and audio introduction spaces in WL201.
Feasibility study in the Henry Whittemore Library Upper Mezzanine by UM14.
Installment of a new generator for backup power to run AC in HH120, Feasibilty study and engineering review.
Acquistion of a new composter and compactor in the McCarthy Dining Commons.
Refreshing of space and painting on the first floor of Corrine Hall Towers.
Replacement of the electronic sign outside McCarthy Center.
Replacement of the electric signs at 1812, Salem End, State, and Maple.
Procurement of exercise equipment in Hemenway Annex 526. A feasibility study of warewashing HA 239 and HA241.
Procurement of parking lot signs.
Replacement of security gate for Dunkin Donuts in McCarthy Center.
Spezia asked Matos why he was proposing snap elections instead of adding set fall elections to SGA’s bylaws.
She said elections called by student leaders can become “insular” and raised a concern that “[SGA is] not keeping the elections open to the greater community, and it’s based on the student leadership that’s at the table.”
A motion was made by Outreach and Events Coordinator Alix Ayoub to table the proposal until the next senate meeting, which passed unanimously. Matos’ second proposed change to the bylaws outlined what a club representative is and the ramifications if a student organization fails to send a representative to required meetings called by SGA.
According to Matos, a club representative will be an ex officio member of the Senate and will not have the power to make motions or vote on any Senate matters.
He said club representatives will be able to participate in discussions during senate
on campus, and some of those communications are not relevant to club representatives.
He said he does not want to violate the SGA Constitution by excluding club representatives from communications, even if they do not concern the club representative.
A motion was made to approve the changes to the club representative position by Treasurer Khoa Bùi and passed unanimously.
During the meeting, Robert Totino, vice president of Finance, Technology, and Administration, presented proposed capital projects to SGA for consideration.
SGA is one of three groups on campus that make recommendations for upcoming capital projects. The other groups include some members of the University’s executive staff and the Budget and Planning Committee, which is comprised of members of the faculty, staff, and budget managers for specific campus departments.
Currently, there are 18 projects proposed by different de-
tration were pleased with the changes made to the format of the Administrative Forum.
The Administrative Forum was held on April 8 during the final club representative meeting of the semester.
Campbell said administrators enjoyed hearing from more than just SGA regarding student concerns.
During his report, McDonald said the All University Committee passed a log that lowered the number of credits required for graduation to 30.
McDonald also announced that the Academic Policy Committee has tabled a proposal that excuses student-athletes from class on game days.
He said he has been advocating for this policy as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL
We can’t turn our backs on gun violence
On April 17, a 20-year-old gunman opened fire on Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee, killing two university employees and injuring six other individuals.
According to CNN, this marked 81 mass shootings in the United States this year.
The Gatepost Editorial Board is disheartened by the inadequate government response and lack of public outcry regarding this tragedy.
The lack of calls to action from both the federal and state governments correlates with a sense of normalcy and routine in regard to tragedies of this magnitude.
Mass shootings are a persistent threat that requires systemic change at the federal level. However, gun control has been a major point of contention between both political parties for decades.
On April 17, President Donald Trump made a statement about the Florida State shooting, saying, “These things are terrible, but the gun doesn’t do the shooting - people do.”
Trump said he is a “big advocate” of the Second Amendment and suggested he is likely not going to support any legislation regarding gun control.
Since taking office for his second term in January, Trump has issued an executive order to examine any gun control laws passed under the Biden administration in order to come up with a plan to undo them, according to the Giffords Organization.
He has also implemented a Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force to develop strategies to protect and promote compliance with the Second Amendment, the Giffords
Organization reported.
This kind of rhetoric from the executive branch of the federal government is incredibly discouraging to a generation of students who have grown up fearing gun violence in their academic spaces.
For students, it’s not about the right to bear arms - it’s about getting an education in a safe and secure environment.
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, 200 Florida State students and faculty members marched to the Florida Capitol to demand lawmakers enact common-sense gun laws and advocate for the squashing of a bill that would allow adults as young as 18 to purchase a long gun, which is a firearm with a longer barrel.
Florida State students accused their lawmakers of “complicity in mass shootings” by supporting policies that normalize gun violence, according to another Tallahassee Democrat article.
The students also expressed outrage over the 60-second video posted on X by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in which he offered his prayers to the Florida State community, but did not vow to introduce any gun law reform legislation.
Here in Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have widereaching gun control laws that were strengthened after the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012. After the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017, Massachusetts became the first state to ban bump stocks, a gun accessory that allows the user to fire a gun rapidly, according to The New York Times.
According to The Boston Globe, activists often point to Massachusetts gun control leg-
islation as a “blueprint” for the country.
In July 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed a sweeping gun reform bill that cracked down on illegal ghost guns and strengthened violence prevention, according to mass.gov.
Even with these protections, we as college students can acknowledge the fear and uncertainty affecting us after years of partaking in school-shooting drills and lockdowns as well as witnessing gun violence in the news.
In a nation where gun violence is increasingly disregarded by government officials, we have an opportunity to use our voices to call attention to this contentious issue. There are organizations working tirelessly to amplify that mission.
For instance, Sandy Hook Promise was founded by the family members of several victims who were killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.
Sandy Hook Promise’s mission is to “educate and empower” students to prevent violence in their schools, homes, and communities while teaching them how to recognize and intervene when individuals may be socially isolated or at risk of hurting themselves or others, according to their website.
Their program “Know the Signs” has provided over 26.5 million people with the knowledge and skills to help prevent violence. “Together, we have made significant strides in preventing gun violence, strengthening youth leadership, increasing empathy, and saving lives. At a time when violence and divisiveness are impacting communities across the country, we remain committed to
Technology, boundaries, and discipline
By Anthony Sims Staff Writer
Your phone tracks screen time to help you manage it, making life easier - it also tracks what keeps you online for as long as possible, because that’s how tech companies make money.
While everyone has to make a living, electronics - like cigarettes - aren’t designed with our well-being in mind but rather to push us into an unhealthy relationship with technology.
To protect ourselves, observe every aspect of that relationship. Try and set boundaries, and if we can’t, then end the aspect of the relationship that’s harmful. We can make change in the tech world by not supporting products that don’t respect our boundaries, but only if we are conscious of what they are and firm that they must be respected.
While boundaries may differ from person to person, they should generally be oriented toward eliminating addictive software and features. Thereby, we will be in control of our relationship with technology.
I will stress, though, if we can’t carve out a boundary, the program’s use must end. If not,
we tell these companies that their harmful features and effects are OK.
The effects of those harmful features are not to be ignored, as they are becoming increasingly pronounced in society.
The worst part, however, is there’s no knowing what the total consequences of technology addiction will be.
A study on college students by the National Library of Medicine showed “short-form video addiction not only directly impacted academic procrastination but also placed indirect effect on academic procrastination through attentional control.”
As a consequence, we are more prone to boredom, it is harder for us to keep focus for long periods of time, and we are more likely to procrastinate on our work.
There are plenty of studies out there which show the negative ramifications of excessive technological use on our mental health, social life, spending habits, and more. That’s the bad news - here’s the good. As much as tech companies would like us to believe that we need all these apps and features, or that we need our phones on us
at all times, we don’t.
The challenge lies in understanding when the cons outweigh the pros in our usage. For example, while short form content is often funny, useful, and entertaining, it had an impact on my executive functioning capabilities, which I felt outweighed its pros.
Once I decided this aspect was harmful, I researched third party extensions to remove short form content from apps I use, and if there was no fix, I would remove the apps.
There are plenty of free browser extensions and app modifiers available, such as No Scroll, UnTrapt for YouTube, Distraction Free Instagram, and Socialfocus to name a few.
When I removed programs, I intended to never come back, even if I wanted to in a moment of weakness. To prevent a relapse, I use programs which block websites and applications from use, such as Cold Turkey Blocker and Stay Focused.
I have not used Reddit or YouTube on my laptop in over a week and will not be able to until late May.
While it may seem harsh, these are the steps that I personally deemed necessary -
advancing common-ground solutions,” their website says.
The Giffords Organization, led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, is specifically focused on “taking on the gun lobby” and introducing legislation such as universal background checks and communitybased intervention strategies to make the country a safer place, their website says.
David Hogg, who was a student at Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida when the Parkland school shooting happened in 2017, created an activist movement called Leaders We Deserve.
The organization is dedicated to helping millennials and members of Generation Z get elected to Congress and state legislatures, according to the Leaders We Deserve website. Hoggs and several of his Parkland classmates also founded the March for Our Lives, which their website states is a project designed to turn “grief and fear into action,” and “mobilize an entire generation of young people to step up and demand change.”
There are millions of us in our generation who are seeking change, and our voices can be heard collectively through organizations like these.
Advocating for gun-violence victims and remembering these tragedies rather than letting them go unnoticed is something students can continue to use their voices for.
The tragedy that unfolded on Florida State’s campus could have been prevented.
Although our president doesn’t condemn gun violence, we do.
yours may look different, but firm boundaries are a necessity for a stable relationship.
One of the strongest boundaries we can set with technology is scheduling times when we don’t have it on us, meaning intentionally leaving our phones and laptops at home while going about our days. Doing so encourages us to be conscious of our usage, prioritizing the more important tasks due to the time constraint.
It may seem wrong to not have your phone or laptop on you, but it’s also wrong to be available to technology all day. There is a time and place to respond to phone calls, emails, and even doomscroll, but that is not all the time.
Phones didn’t always exist, before they did, people couldn’t be contacted quickly at any point within their day. While much has changed since then, make no mistake, you have a right to be unavailable and inaccessible.
If people could manage back then, we can manage now too. Take heart, because the only thing that separates you from a clear, calculated mind is lifestyle - and that can be changed.
Don’t cross the betting line, NCAA athletes deserve better
By Kyra Tolley Editorial Staff
Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. deleted his Instagram account after his team, the St. John’s Red Storm, lost in the second round of March Madness, according to Athlon Sports.
He experienced an intense flood of harassment and online abuse from bettors who lost money. This harassment is pervasive and extremely detrimental to student-athletes’ mental health.
ESPN reported Luis averaged 18.2 points per game during the 2024-25 season, but he scored 9 in the game that ended the team’s season, shattering people’s bets related to his performance.
Nobody should be receiving death threats, especially not student-athletes who are just trying to play their best in an environment they’ve never experienced before.
A study conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association found one in three collegiate athletes were victims of sports-betting related harassment.
Many players have voiced their concern over death threats they have received during this year’s March Madness tournament.
In the lead up to the tournament, Oumar Ballo of Indiana University and Zeke Mayo of the University of Kansas lost games that resulted in waves of hate and death threats toward
them both.
Ballo spoke to the media in a post-game interview where he expressed how “mentally draining” it is to receive this kind of harassment.
According to The Athletic, a game between the University of Kansas and Texas Tech University started a spew of violent and racist hate toward Mayo.
After a win against Yale, Texas A&M’s Jace Carter spoke in a locker room interview about the abuse he had been receiving from fans.
ESPN report ed Carter said, “It’s been crazy. Been getting death threats, people calling me racial slurs, all types of stuff because I’m missing free throws, missing shots.”
online sports betting in different states across the country has amplified the amount of hate players get and has also made the hate more severe.
According to the NCAA, “An estimated $3.1 billion will be legally bet on this year’s basketball tournaments, doubling the amount bet on the Super Bowl.”
As a former athlete, I can’t imagine trying to perform at my best on a national stage where thousands of people are free to give their unfiltered opinions about the way you played in each game, even going as far as to send personal abusive messages.
The recent legalization of
The invisible danger
By Emma Schor Staff Writer
Navigating the world of food when you have allergies can be a real headache, especially when you’re just trying to find something to eat.
As someone with food allergies, there’s a shared anxiety that connects us. While I know many people have more severe allergies than I do, it’s still incredibly challenging to find food that’s safe and suitable.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from a mild rash or scratchy throat to something as serious as lifethreatening anaphylaxis, and all of it can happen in the blink of an eye if help isn’t immediately available.
For those with more severe allergies, even the smallest trace can be the difference between life and death.
Unfortunately, because some allergic reactions don’t show obvious symptoms right away, they’re often misunderstood or dismissed altogether.
There’s a misconception that those of us with allergies are just being picky or dramatic when we ask about ingredients or preparation methods, and this misunderstanding can be both frustrating and dangerous.
One of the biggest challenges surrounding food allergies is the general lack of awareness.
In restaurants, for example, the staff isn’t always properly trained to handle allergens, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
If a restaurant takes food allergies seriously, shouldn’t they be able to guarantee no crosscontamination?
Food labeling can also be a hurdle. While improvements have been made, vague terms like “natural flavors” or “spices” leave too much room for uncertainty. Those words can easily hide allergens, leaving people guessing whether a product is safe to eat.
Food companies need to be more transparent and diligent about their labeling to help protect those who depend on accurate information to avoid severe allergic reactions.
It’s clear that food allergies need to be treated with more urgency, and there are several key areas that demand attention.
Education and training are at the top of that list, yet they often feel like an afterthought.
Medical professionals, teachers, school staff, and food industry workers all need comprehensive training on food allergies, including how to identify allergic reactions and how to respond effectively in an emergency.
People like teachers and
With the variation in sports-betting laws from state to state, there are different regulations in place that could potentially help or hurt these Massachusetts has stricter rules around sports betting than many other states.
According to DraftKings, prop bets on collegiate athletes and betting on in-state college teams is illegal in Massachusetts.
Prop bets allow a bettor to wager on specific player statistics, such as how many points, rebounds, and assists a certain player will record in a game.
Prop bets on college athletes should be illegal everywhere
caregivers should know how to administer epinephrine and remain calm under pressure.
In elementary school, there were designated lunch tables for students with food allergies, isolating us from our friends just because of the way we had to eat. We were already told not to bring in certain foods, so why were we still separated?
It felt like we were being punished for having allergies.
According to FoodAllergy. org, each year in the U.S., about 3.4 million people, roughly the population of Oklahoma, end up in the emergency room due to food allergy-related incidents.
That means every ten seconds someone is rushed to the ER because of an allergic reaction.
Something as routine as going to a school party or eating at a friend’s house can become a dangerous gamble if allergies aren’t taken seriously.
Parents of children with food allergies live with constant anxiety, knowing that a single oversight could lead to tragedy. And it’s not just the emotional weight, it’s the financial strain too.
Families often need to buy specialized foods, carry emergency medications like epinephrine auto-injectors, and schedule regular medical check-
and the remaining states who have maintained the legalization of this type of bet need to follow in the footsteps of the states who have banned it.
Student-athlete physical and mental well-being depends on it.
Sometimes, we forget that these incredible athletes are still students, as young as 18. Luis is 22 years old - my age.
Division I athletes are already under enough pressure trying to juggle an elite level of athletics, difficult academics, a social life, and finances.
They don’t need online abuse to be added to the plate.
Some may argue that because Division I athletes can now make money off name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, they should be prepared for the hate that is associated with betting, now that they profit off their status.
While some student-athletes can make millions of dollars off NIL deals, the average total earnings per athlete from wwwthese deals is only $21,331 per year, which equates to $25.35 below the United States’ average hourly wage, according to Sports Illustrated.
No sum of money stops death threats from hurting someone’s mental health or even their performance on the court. We owe it to the sports we love so much to treat the athletes who play them like humans, not as punching bags for lost bets.
ups, all while trying to navigate a world that often feels unprepared to accommodate their needs.
Even teenagers like me who didn’t grow up with allergies but developed them later in life face similar struggles.
People tell me I’m old enough to know what I can and can’t eat, as if that should make everything easier.
It actually makes it harder.
I’m still learning how to manage this part of my life, and sometimes I’m unsure of what’s safe.
So the next time you’re reading a label or cooking for someone, remember that a little bit of awareness goes a long way. Be thoughtful, ask questions, and educate yourself - it could literally save someone’s life.
Food allergies will forever be an invisible danger.
Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 650 words. Anyone can submit. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Gatepost Editorial reflects the opinions of the newspaper’s Editorial Board. Signed Op/Eds reflect the opinions of individual writers.
David Abe / THE GATEPOST
Ronnie Chiu-Lin / THE GATEPOST
Campus Conversations
“If
you could see one artist perform live at Framingham State, who would it be?”
By Ryan O’Connell, Associate Editor and Anthony Sims, Staff Writer
“Probably Luke Bryan. … He’s one of my favorite artists.”
- Aubrey Waterman, freshman
-
“I was thinking Green Day. I saw that they were at Coachella and thought, ‘Ooh, that would be really cool.’”
- Jordan Lyon, freshman
“Kanye would be pretty cool.”
- Brian Freitas, freshman
“My favorite artist is SZA. That’s [who] I would say.”
Aber Hassan, freshman
“It would be Drake. … [He’s my] favorite artist. I love his music.”
- Miguel DaSilva, freshman
“If it was just for me, personally, Greta Van Fleet.”
- Millie Johnson, freshman
Softball slams Salem in Senior Day doubleheader SPORTS
By Izabela Gage Sports Editor
The Framingham State soft ball team defeated the Salem State University Vikings in a doubleheader with scores of 9-8 and 11-8 April 21.
After the Rams held the Vi kings scoreless in the top of the first inning, Framingham came out swinging.
A leadoff single by Captain Brooke Grassia, a senior, sparked the momentum for the Rams.
Following a bunted single by freshman Ellie Etemad-Gilbert son, Grassia advanced to second.
A walk from Captain Makay la Rooney, a graduate student, loaded the bases before sopho more Eliza Carignan stepped up to the plate.
Carignan singled to right field, and Grassia put the first run on the scoreboard for the Rams.
Etemad-Gilbertson followed, making it to home plate after freshman Isabella MacDonald singled to right field.
Freshman Jocelyn Pepe sent a sacrifice fly to center field, let ting Rooney tally another point for Framingham, solidifying the Rams’ 3-0 lead.
The Vikings started the second inning with a single to center field and a walk, putting players on first and second base.
Salem catcher Gianna Fowler singled to center field, and the Vikings finally put their first point on the board.
They scored three more runs, two unearned, off a single to wrap up the top of the second inning.
The Rams had the bases load ed in the bottom of the second, and after Carignan reached first on a fielder’s choice, EtemadGilbertson and Grassia made it to home plate.
MacDonald followed, advanc ing to first base on a fielder’s choice, and Rooney scored, un earned, to end the second in ning.
The Vikings responded with two runs of their own, managing to briefly close the gap to 5-4. Framingham had a score less third inning, but a double from Rooney in the fourth ignited another rally, and Behrikis followed with a sharp single to right field that plated a run.
With the bases loaded, sopho more Victoria Connelly received a walk to bring in another run, reinforcing the Rams’ lead.
The fifth and sixth innings remained scoreless for both teams.
With two outs and a runner on second, Rooney delivered the clutch hit the Rams needed. Her RBI double brought home Etemad-Gilbertson, who had singled and stolen her way into scoring position.
The Rams broke the tie, and the first game ended 9-8.
Rooney said, “We knew we just needed one hit to put an end to that game, and we were able to put all things aside and go up there and have confidence in ourselves and our teammates.”
According to Rooney, the team’s motto is “‘Pass the torch,’ which means one hit at a time and
earned, but Framingham re sponded with two runs of their own to bring the score to 5-1.
Errors by the Vikings proved costly, as Framingham took full advantage through strategic fielders’ choices and timely walks.
After a scoreless third inning for the Vikings, MacDonald advanced to first on a walk, senior Abby Behrikis was hit by a pitch, and freshman Gianna Paolino advanced on a walk, loading the bases for the Rams.
Grassia doubled to center field and brought home MacDonald and Paolino, deepening the deficit to 7-1.
The top of the fourth inning was scoreless for Salem.
In the bottom of the fourth, Rooney walked, and soon after, Carignan did, too.
ing Connelly, Behrikis, and Mac Donald to make it to home plate, unearned. This play gave the Rams a 10-run lead.
With the bases full, the Vikings made contact with the ball and singled to center field, tallying their second run of the game.
Salem’s Tara Perryman sent another single to center field, and three Vikings slid home, and shrunk the deficit to 11-5.
Framingham went scoreless in the fifth and sixth innings with no runs.
The Vikings entered the seventh inning hoping to make a comeback.
With two outs and players on first and second bases, Salem sent the ball to left field and created a spark with a run.
The Vikings singled to right field and loaded the bases as
they scored their second run of
Framingham subbed in freshman pitcher Sydney Bednarz, but that did not faze Salem, and they made contact with their third back-to-back single. They tallied another run, but it was followed by their third out.
The Rams came out on top 11-8 despite the Vikings’
Etemad-Gilbertson said, “A big part of our focus in these games was winning for our seniors. We all love and up to and to leave with two wins on senior day.” Rooney said, “Something we focused on was keeping the fire burning and the energy up.”
Gauthier said the team’s biggest challenge in both games was “ourselves. We know how to play, and we know what we need to do to execute - it’s truly just a matter of following through with our playing. Even after getting down against Salem, our hitters worked to come back by doing what they know how to do, and we executed in the field
With just four opponents left to face in the regular season, the Rams are hitting their stride at
Most recently, the Rams split a doubleheader, winning the first game 10-1 and losing the second 12-3, against the Wentworth Institute of Technology LeopTheir conference record now stands at 7-3, and brings their overall record to 22-10.
The Rams are on the road again when they face the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buccaneers in another doubleheader
Gauthier said as they near the end of the season, she feels the team has grown so much individually, and “we’re all looking to push through as a team and play the best softball we can together.”
Rooney said, “As a team, we know what we are capable of. We are confident that we can do something big. Going into the last few games of the regular season, we are focused on just taking it one day at a time, going over the little things, building our confidence, and having fun with the game we have loved our entire lives.”
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST
Gauthier
Continued from Page 1
“I’ve always felt like a runner since - even if I wasn’t training all the time. It’s been a part of me,” he added.
In high school, Gauthier participated in cross country, track, and Nordic skiing, making him a year-round athlete.
His race times started improving during his sophomore year, and he was spending extra time training to participate in races out of season, Gauthier said.
By the time he was a junior, the Framingham State men’s cross country program was reaching out to him.
He said the coaches from Framingham were the first to reach out to him personally.
“I committed here in my senior year when the current head coach, Mark Johnson, came to some really crazy meets for him to come out to,” Gauthier said.
Johnson went to see Gauthier at the MSTCA Dick Atkinson Invitational, which Gauthier described as “a really good race for me.”
Johnson remembers the race well, saying, “It was one of the dreariest meets that I’ve ever been to, but just talking with Vincent on the phone … he seemed like a great kid. Based off of those first interactions, [he was] someone that I felt would really be a positive addition to our team and program.”
After arriving at the meet, Johnson said Gauthier’s mom recognized him and introduced him to her son’s coaches and offered him hot chocolate to fend off the cold.
“The camaraderie, the family feel really just fits in with a lot of the values that we’re looking for at Framingham State. … I felt like I belonged with them, and it felt like he belonged with us right from the get go,” Johnson said.
“I’m beyond ecstatic to have him and his family for the next three years,” Johnson added.
Before his first season with the Rams, Gauthier ran in the New England Green River Marathon right next to his hometown of Sherborn Falls in August 2024, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for Boston.
Gauthier described Green River as the polar opposite of the Boston Marathon. “You’re running along the Green River on a dirt road with no people around you, really. You’re in the shaded trees, super cool, super scenic, but there’s nobody, not a person.”
Despite the lack of a crowd, his finish time of 2:41:19 qualified him for the Boston Marathon with time to spare.
“Vincent running 2 hours, 41 minutes is incredible. … It shows how gifted of a runner he truly is,” Johnson said.
Gauthier set out intending to run the Boston Marathon in under 2 hours, 35 minutes - an elite pace of just about 5 minutes, 55 seconds per mile, and an immense goal for any runner.
With a grueling training block ahead of him, Gauthier began posting his Strava workouts to his Instagram story in December to keep track of his training block and sporadically update his followers on his progress.
He tracked everything from “easy miles” to what he described as his “pretty gnarly” 18mile workouts.
One hundred and twelve days later, Gauthier completed his training block and posted his Strava update from the marathon expo in Boston, pointing to his name on the wall of over 30,000 fellow runners.
When Gauthier stepped up to the start line in Hopkinton on race day, April 21, he said, “It was just one of those things where you’re just so excited. It’s like, ‘This is so awesome.’ You’re part of this community, and you’re part of this giant crowd, and everyone is just as excited as you are, and it’s just like, ‘We’re going. This is so fun.’”
Gauthier was placed in the first wave of runners who started after the elite athletes. He held his goal pace through the first 10 miles. “I was just enjoying the paces. I felt comfortable,” he said.
After passing mile 10 and entering Natick, Gauthier said he ran up a slope and felt the exhaustion start to creep in. “My legs just suddenly got way more tired than they were earlier, and my paces started dropping. I split a 6 minute 20 second [mile], I think, and I was like, ‘I think it’s over,’” he said.
Realizing he would miss his goal of under 2 hours, 35 minutes, “Plan A,” as he called it, made him shift to just trying to keep on pace with his qualifying time.
Getting into Wellesley, Gauthier said he spent a bit of time in two medical tents getting treated for blisters.
Losing time at the medical tents was frustrating, but it got Gauthier in the mindset of “OK, let’s finish this,” he said.
“Plan A, Plan B - we’ve dropped down the alphabet. We’re at Plan E now, which is ‘just finish,’ and so I just pushed through it all,” he added.
Gauthier noted his shifting plans with no hint of regret or sadness in his voice and recalled the fun he had on the course.
“I saw some people I knew, and some guy came up to me and he was like, ‘Oh, you look relaxed, I’ll stick with you for a while,’” he said.
His favorite sign in the crowd read, “Smile if you peed a little,” along with signs that said, “Push here for a power up!” with Mario Kart power-ups drawn on them.
Even with the crowd’s energy keeping him moving, Gauthier said the Newton hills threatened the strength in his legs even further.
“Heartbreak was heartbreaking. They call it that for a reason,” he said with a laugh.
As his body continued to tire, the last three miles proved to be the ultimate test for Gauthier, “even more so than the Newton hills,” he said.
Gauthier recalled how badly his mind wanted him to stop during those last few miles, but he said he “never wavered” and his legs continued “plugging away,” even in his toughest mental moments.
He said, “I’d rather crawl to the finish line” than step off the course.
“The finish line felt so close, but I was still slowing down. Those three miles were going to take almost half an hour, which is really tough to think about after running that far already. It’s so close, but it’s just so, so far away,” he said.
As the runners emerged from an overpass in the final stretch, Gauthier said he could vaguely hear the roar of the crowd at the finish line and continued to put one foot in front of the other with the end in sight.
Boston marathoners often talk about the famous final two turns that lead to the finish linewhen the reason for the training, the time, and the effort finally become worth it as the finish comes into view.
Right on Hereford Street, left on Boylston Street.
“I was already really disappointed at that point. I think I spent most of the race thinking like, ‘Damn, this is such a disappointment. I don’t know what my time is going to be, but this is horrible - this is not a good race.’ … But then, Boylston just made everything OK,” he said.
“I took the left on Boylston, and I broke down completely.
“That last quarter mile - I was crying as I was trying to reach that finish line. … It was just so amazing and intense and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Crossing that finish line was the biggest relief,” he said.
Gauthier finished with a time of 03:16:01.
Even though his time wasn’t what he wanted it to be, Gauthier said, “It’s Boston. Of course, it’s going to be that hard. Once I hit Boston, I was like, ‘OK, I ran Boston, and that’s awesome.’”
Coach Johnson said, “It’s a matter of when, not if, he hits that 2 hours, 35 minutes. … Marathoning is one of the sports you can do for the rest of your life, and I hope that it’s one he sticks with.”
Gauthier’s ultimate goal is to run the six Abbott World Marathon Majors of Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin, and Tokyo, and earn the Six Star Finisher Medal.
For now, however, Gauthier plans to use his qualifying time to run Boston again next year and focus on the upcoming cross country season this fall.
After the race, Gauthier said he found his family waiting for him in a bakery near the finish line.
His post-race snack was French toast as he relaxed and spent time with his family and girlfriend.
As he reflected on his race and his accomplishment of crossing the finish line, he said, “It’s such an interesting experience to dedicate several months of your time and mindset and your entire being into this one goal - thinking about one particular race.
“It was worth it. … I was still crying after the finish line. … There’s no moment where it ever became unsatisfying after the finish line,” he said.
Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com
CONNECT WITH SOPHIA OPPEDISANO soppedisano@student.framingham.edu
Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST
(Center) Vincent Gauthier running the Boston Marathon around the mile 6 marker April 21.
Women’s lacrosse fights for top spot in MASCAC
By Taylor Kimmell Asst. Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams lost a tough battle against the Worcester State Lancers in a conference matchup April 22.
The ball was handed to Worcester for a free position shot 3 minutes in. The shot was skillfully deflected by Framingham goalkeeper Isabella DiMare, a junior.
The first goal of the game was scored by the Lancers 4 minutes in.
The following minute saw another save from DiMare on a Lancers’ free position shot, a successful clearance by FSU’s defense, and Framingham’s first goal of the game, scored by senior Alessia Lye with an assist from Captain Leah Green, a senior.
Less than a minute later, following a draw control victory from Green, FSU scored a second goal on a shot by junior Kelley DeBellis, assisted by senior Hailey Baker.
Baker was awarded the title of MASCAC Offensive Player of the Week April 21.
Worcester tied the game 2-2 less than a minute later.
Framingham once again took the lead with a goal from freshman Emma Kendzulak.
Worcester quickly stole offensive control, with another goal slotted just 30 seconds later, followed by the Lancers decisively taking back the lead with an additional goal.
The Rams were quick to match the pace of their opponent, with Baker assisting freshman Madeline Bosma in tying the match 4-4.
Bosma was named MASCAC Rookie of the Week April 21.
Bosma said winning the award “definitely makes me feel more confident. It’s nice to see the hard work pay off, and it pushes me to keep improving.”
The quarter concluded following two shots from FSU - one from Kendzulak and one from Baker.
Worcester was quick to the net, starting the second quarter with a goal just 22 seconds after the starting whistle blew.
Six minutes passed before the next goal - this one scored by Green off of a pass from Baker following a blocked free position shot.
The dynamic duo of Green and Baker continued to amp up the pressure, with another goal scored exactly 30 seconds later.
Worcester’s offense did not relent, scoring another tying goal with 7:14 remaining before the half.
In a startling change of pace, the Lancers added three more goals to the board during the quarter.
Baker contributed one more goal for Framingham, taking advantage of a free position shot to wrap up the first half 9-7 in favor of WSU.
Two shots from Green and a shot each from DeBellis and Bosma led to a perfectly executed goal on a free position shot by Kendzulak.
Several more shots from FSU followed, but Worcester’s offense persisted and eventually netted another goal.
In the following minute, Captain Maggie Grout, a senior, scored for Framingham, assisted by Baker.
The Lancers scored once more during the third quarter, bringing the score to 11-9, with the Rams just behind.
The final quarter yielded much success for Worcester on the scoring end.
The Lancers scored six goals over the course of the quarter.
Framingham’s two goals for the quarter came from Kendzulak - each on a well-executed free position shot.
The game ended with a win for Worcester with a score of 17-11.
Of FSU’s four advantageous free positions shots, Kendzulak was responsible for three.
Despite their impressive goals and shots during the match, there were several factors that contributed to the Rams’ downfall.
Baker said, “They’re a really strong defensive team, so I think that made it a little difficult for us, but moving the ball fast and moving their defense around found success for us.”
Also notable are the 23 draw controls won by Worcester in contrast to Framingham’s eight.
In addition to the Lancers’ aggressive offense, their defense proved difficult to penetrate.
Bosma said, “It was hard to get good shots off because they were closing in fast and reading our passes well.
“Both teams played hard. We stay motivated by staying positive and hyping each other up. We just focus on the next play and keep pushing,” she added.
With just one game remaining in the season, Bosma said the team is preparing by working on quick passes and communication on the field, as well as reviewing game footage.
Baker said, “We’re fighting for a MASCAC top spot. Our motivation is really toward getting home field for the tournament.”
With conference records perfectly tied, the Rams and the Westfield State Owls will face off in their final game of regularseason play April 26 - the match determining who will come into the playoffs in the top spot.
Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com
CONNECT WITH TAYLOR KIMMELL tkimmell@student.framingham.edu
Baseball’s comeback bid against Salem St. falls short
By Kyra Tolley Asst. Sports Editor
The Framingham State baseball team played a home-field doubleheader against the Salem State University Vikings April 21, with 19-16 and 15-2 losses.
Despite the results, standout performances from Captain Lucas Basile, a senior, freshman Rosco Palmer, and seniors Danny Robichaud and Dane Frellick mounted a dramatic comeback in the first game of the day to nearly overcome a 13-run deficit.
The team’s conference record stands at 5-10, and their overall record is 7-23.
The first two innings of the day
saw two runs tallied by Framingham and one by Salem.
Unfortunately for the Rams, their pitches rang off the Vikings’ bats relentlessly over the next two innings.
Salem scored seven runs in the third inning and eight in the fourth, while Framingham scored only one, which brought the score to 16-3.
The Vikings scored three more runs in the top of the fifth, but the Rams found a rhythm with their at bats in the bottom of the inning.
Basile said, “As a leader, I do my best to keep a level head and lead by example. I did my best to encourage the guys to ‘stay in
the game’ despite the deficit.”
A single by Captain Steven Burbank, a senior, put the Rams’ first runner on base and was followed by Frellick’s single to advance Burbank to second.
With Burbank and Frellick on base, Robichaud singled to left field, securing an RBI as Burbank crossed home plate.
Basile stepped up to the plate and doubled to give Frellick and Robichaud one run each.
To continue Framingham’s rally, Palmer hit an RBI double, scoring Basile.
After Framingham’s third out, the fifth inning ended 19-7 in favor of the Vikings.
For the final two innings of the game, only the Rams’ efforts would result in runners crossing home plate.
In the top of the sixth, Salem evaded Framingham’s fielders, putting two runners on base with scoring in sight, but a double play and sophomore Tyler Wong’s pitching kept the Vikings at bay.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Rams quickly loaded the bases with only one out counted against them.
Freshman Jakob Lindkvist stepped up to bat and hit a ground ball to Salem’s shortstop, who attempted a double play, but two runners scored due to a throwing error by the second baseman.
With just Lindkvist on base, Robichaud successfully hit the ball, sending it soaring over the fence for a two-run homer.
The Rams got two more run-
ners on base but were unable to take advantage of their momentum before getting a third out.
The sixth inning ended 19-11.
Salem went scoreless in the top of the seventh, but the Rams started the bottom of the inning with two outs and two walks.
Freshman Pete Rubini, who came in as a pinch hitter, hit an RBI single. A throwing error on the next play allowed Robichaud to reach first base and Rubini to score.
With two on base, Basile hit a two-RBI double, allowing Robichaud and Rubini to score. Palmer then hit an RBI single to bring Basile home.
After the Rams’ third out, the game ended 19-16 in favor of the Vikings.
The second game of the day saw Framingham lose 15-2, only getting runs on the board in the first and last innings.
With games against just two conference opponents remaining, Basile said, “It’s been an honor leading the guys this season. I’ve come to know and love this team despite our record.”
The Rams defeated Dean College 18-7 and Curry College 1412 in two non-conference away games April 23 and April 24. Their next matchup is at home against the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buccaneers April 25.
Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com
CONNECT WITH KYRA TOLLEY ktolley@student.framingham.edu
Izabela Gage / THE GATEPOST (Left) Hailey Baker and (right) Leah Green celebrating after a goal in loss against Worcester State April 22.
Meg Dame / THE GATEPOST
Dane Frellick making contact with the ball in loss against Salem State April 21.
English department hosts awards ceremony ARTS & FEATURES
By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez Arts & Features Editor
The English Department hosted the English Department Awards Ceremony in the Heineman Ecumenical Center on April 23.
Lisa Eck, English Department chair, welcomed the audience.
She said she is glad to have the opportunity to celebrate FSU’s accomplished creative writers and scholars. The winners should list their awards on their resumes, she added.
The event was divided into three parts, she said. First were the academic essay awards, then the creative writing awards, and finally the induction ceremony for the international English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta.
Each of the awardees read some or all of their work after receiving their awards.
Desmond McCarthy, English professor, introduced the Richard Chartier Award, which is for “Best Essay on American Literature.”
This year’s Richard Chartier award was judged by John Burt, a professor of American Literature at Brandeis University, he said.
The winner of the Richard Chartier award was Michael Gardner, for his essay “Pushing Back: The Harsh Realities of the Working Class,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy introduced Elaine V. Beilin, who the Elaine V. Beilin Book Award is named after and was judged by this year.
The award is for “Best Essay on British Literature.”
The award was established in honor of Beilin’s legacy of scholarship focused on early modern British authors, he said.
The winner of the Elaine V. Beilin Book Award was Keila Santa, for her essay “Humanity’s Flawed Pursuits: Ecological Disconnect and Human Strife in Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Marlowe,” Beilin said.
She said Santa touches on how the texts speak to our present moment. The most persuasive part of the essay explored the male characters’ flaws in their ideals.
Carolyn Maibor, English professor, introduced the Ayaan Agane Book Award, which is for “Outstanding Essay on World Literature.” It was judged by Alan Feldman, professor emeritus.
The award was created in memory of Agane, who was a visiting lecturer in the English Department and was a Ph.D candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she said.
The winner of the Ayaan Agane Award was Allie Mosher for her essay “Statues as Impossible Gender Roles in ‘Lélia’ and ‘Spring Torrents,’” Maibor said.
Sally Shafto, English professor, introduced the Colleen Kelly Film Studies Award, which is for “Outstanding Essay on Film Studies.” It was judged by Claudia Springer, professor emerita.
The winner of the Colleen Kelly Film Studies Award was Allie Mosher for her essay, “Male Dismissal and Female Character Growth in ‘Cléo from 5 to 7,’” Shafto said.
The award was created in memory of Colleen Kelly, an English major with a concentration in Film Studies, she said.
Dennis Kelly, Colleen Kelly’s father, was in the audience, she added.
Eck introduced the Helen Heineman Book Award, which is for “Best Seminar in Literature Essay.” Helen Heineman, president emerita, also served as judge for the award, she added.
Heineman designed the seminar course as the capstone experience for English majors, she said.
The winner of the Helen Heineman Book Award was Sophia Harris for her essay “Soul Ties,” Eck said.
Patricia Horvath, English professor, transitioned the event to the creative writing awards.
Horvath introduced the Howard Hirt Literary Awards. It was judged by the 2025 Miriam Levine Reader Joanna Rakoff, she said.
There was an honorable mention for Jennifer Paxton, for her piece “The Common Ducks.”
The third place winner was Kaylie Valente, for her piece “City of Fear.”
The second place winner was Ryan O’Connell, for his piece
“Mile 852.”
The first place winner was Alyssa MacDougall, for her piece “Up in Smoke.”
Horvath introduced the Marjorie Sparrow Literary Awards. It was judged by Ani Gjika, who recently won the 2023 Restless Book Prize for New Immigrant Writing, she added.
There were two honorable mentions. The first was Reagan Condry, for his piece “Humbled At the Carnival.”
The second honorable mention was Sofia Wilson, for her piece “She was Gone Before I Got There.”
The third place winner was Marlin Polanco, for her piece “I know my dad loves me.”
The second place winner was Karolina Niamh, for her piece “The Water Waits.”
The first place winner was Leena Elbayoumi, for her piece “Mankoosha.”
The ceremony ended with the induction of eight students into Sigma Tau Delta - Adrianna Baldelli, Michael Gardner, Emma Lyons, Allie Mosher, Audrey Oullette, Abigail Paul, Jennifer Paxton, and Marlin Polanco.
[ Editor’s Note: Sophia Harris is the Editor-in-Chief, Ryan O’Connell is an Associate Editor, Allie Mosher is the Assistant Copy Editor, and Desmond McCarthy is the Advisor for The Gatepost. ]
CONNECT WITH FRANCISCO OMAR FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ ffernandezrodriguez@ student.framingham.edu
WDJM hosts RamFest with four guest artists
By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez Arts & Features Editor
WDJM hosted RamFest on the McCarthy patio on April 22. It featured live music from the WDJM eBoard and four visiting artists.
WDJM eBoard began RamFest by performing a couple of songs by The Cranberries“Linger” and “Zombie.”
The first visiting artist to perform was Watson Park, specifically Evan Ringle, who plays guitar and sings for the band.
He said RamFest was wonderful. WDJM’s president, Alexis Schlesinger, was very responsive, and the event was well-coordinated.
“It’s really a pleasure to come out and play music for some new people, and you know, play with such talented other artists,” Ringle said.
He loves any opportunity to perform and play, he said. He and his bandmates adhere to a saying that “a gig is a gig is a gig.” They have played in bowling alleys and farm festivals, he added.
College radio is important to smaller, independent artists, so he was especially excited to be invited by a student radio station, he said.
Next up was Kinship, also known as Steve Kurz.
He said RamFest was wonderful and he didn’t expect such a “beautiful, wide open
space” for the event.
“There’s a very nice springtime energy in the air,” he added.
It was clear that Schlesinger cared a lot about the event, and he was excited by her enthusiasm, he said.
He thanked Framingham and WDJM for inviting him.
Next was Jesse Detor and her band. Everyone at RamFest was great, and it was nice to be outside on the beautiful day, she said.
When Schlesinger asked if they wanted to play, they thought it would be cool, she said. Outside shows in the spring are always exciting, she added.
After expressing how happy she was to be there, she promoted their latest release.
“We just released an EP. It’s called ‘It Wasn’t Supposed To End Like This’ - it’s out on everything,” Detor said.
Daisy Soper, the drummer for Detor’s band, said she had a great time. She grew up playing a lot of outdoor shows, so it felt nice to return to it.
The event was well organized and everything sounded great, she added.
She played a show in Framingham once in the past, but she barely remembers it, she said.
Now she thinks Framingham is cool, she added.
The bass guitarist who goes
by Vitor isn’t in the band and was just filling in for this particular show, he said. He loved the event.
“I think it’s so cool that you guys have a nice campus and you get to do outside things,” Vitor said.
His campus, Berklee College of Music, isn’t as nice outdoors, he added. He thought it was nice to see people walking by and chilling on the lawn.
The guitarist who goes by X also filled in for this performance.
RamFest was fun, and it was nice to play outside and really breathe, X said.
Lastly, MARIS performed. She said RamFest was fun, unexpected, and exciting.
She and her drummer, Tiger, flew in from LA the day before, she said. Tiger has family nearby, so that helped the event work out.
“And I love Alexis too. She reached out over email, and that was really sweet,” she said.
Also, they’re going on tour in the fall, she added.
“So, if you want to party and rage and have celebratory, joyful, beautiful space - that’s what we’re trying to create with our show,” she said.
Schlesinger said she was really happy with how RamFest went. It was beautiful to see people stick around for most of the event.
“Everyone who came to work
here, and worked with me, and performed were so kind and so sweet, and it was just so rewarding to see so many people I look up to,” Schlesinger said. She described the event, and the visiting artists performing, as “one of the most amazing things I’ve ever put together in my life.”
[ Editor’s Note: Alexis Schlesinger is a Photos & Design Editor for The Gatepost. ]
CONNECT WITH FRANCISCO OMAR FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ ffernandezrodriguez@ student.framingham.edu
Eliana Buono / THE GATEPOST MARIS performing at RamFest on April 22.
Space Week discussions highlight women in space exploration
By Sarah Daponde Asst. Arts & Features Editor
The Space Consortium and The McAuliffe Center collaborated to host the “Inspiring Women in Space Panel Discussion” on April 24 as a part of Massachusetts Space Week 2025.
This year’s Space Week theme was “Life in the Universe.”
Alissa J. Haddaji, a founder and director of Space Week, said last year there were approximately 20 events, and this year there were more than 100.
This panel was designed to inspire local women and girls to learn more about STEM fields and space careers.
The panel featured four women, who discussed their experiences in the space exploration field, including their challenges and achievements.
The guest speakers were Haddaji, Irene Porro, Charity Weeden, and Bhavya Lal.
The speakers began by sharing their individual stories, growing up as women who were interested in math and science, and how they got interested in space.
The women were from four different countries, four different cultures, and brought four different perspectives to space, said Porro.
Weeden, who worked as NASA’s associate administrator, Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy discussed her journey first.
She said she grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and she remembered reading a newspaper the day after the Challenger crashed.
She was 11 years old at the time and said she didn’t watch the news and had not heard anything about the accident until she read about it that day.
Weeden said that, even though it was a tragedy and it should have been scary, she felt inspired.
“This is something you want to stay away from - I actually got attracted to the bravery and the amazing diversity of the people,” said Weeden.
“That one’s a pilot, that one’s a teacher, that one’s an engineer, that one’s in the military,” she added.
She said it was like an igni-
tion inside of her.
“Now I knew that astronauts exist,” Weeden said, and someday she wanted to be like them.
She said only four astronauts were selected from Canada at a time.
“There was a third astronaut selection and I was at the right age. I’d done everything right - but I had my child that year and I’m like, ‘I think I want to stay on the ground,’” she said.
This made her realize she wanted to represent her country in space, make important decisions, and bring the world together through space - and she could do that from the ground.
She said she worked for NASA as the head of policy, making important decisions, which was a big full circle moment for her.
Lal, former associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy at NASA, introduced herself next.
She said she grew up in India with a father who worked as an engineer. He would get stationed in small, rural towns, while she and her mother stayed in Delhi. After a while, they started to accompany him and Lal was homeschooled.
She said her homeschooling helped her excel in math and science when she began going to public high school.
Lal said one of her professors asked her, “Are you sure you’re a girl?” and told her that women are not supposed to be good at math and science.
“That just pissed me off to no end,” added Lal.
She said her father said she could only go to America for higher education if she got into MIT, so she applied, got accepted, and began in the engineering department.
Lal said she also remembered the Challenger accident, which she watched on TV.
Though she had a lot of education in space history, she said she did not begin working in space herself until her mid30s.
She read a book called “Earth Abides” by George Stewart, which was about the end of civilization, and her new goal in life became preserving civilization.
“For some reason, that book kept me up at night for months
and I was just desperate - what can I do to ensure the survival of our civilization?” Lal said.
Irene Porro, director of the Christa McAuliffe Center, discussed her journey next.
She said listening to Weeden’s and Lal’s stories made her realize how their journeys in the space field had been very different, but there were certain points that connected them all, such as the Challenger crash.
In The McAuliffe Center, talking about the Challenger crash was almost a daily occurrence, she added.
She said although she often found herself as the only woman in the room in her field, she was never told she couldn’t do something because she wasn’t a man.
“And I know - because I hear other people’s experiencethat that is a gift, a privilege I had,” added Porro.
Porro was born in Italy and had a natural interest in science, she said. This interest brought her to study at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Physics.
She said she never had a plan for her career - she took whatever opportunities were offered to her.
“In our path, there are doors …we need to open them and look at what is on the other side,” Porro added.
Lastly, Haddaji, an adjunct professor of Space Law, Policy, and Ethics at the Space Consortium, shared her story.
She said she grew up in a small town in France, which for most of her childhood she didn’t realize was only an hour away from Paris.
She said her life changed when she realized, “You can just look up and everything becomes infinite.”
Haddaji said she found a space camp, where she could
see the stars without any light pollution.
She said it made her realize how two people could look up at the sky with two different perspectives.
“The way we’re all going to see the world is going to be very different,” she added.
She became interested in the people who looked at the sky because they must be the best people, she said. They became her heroes.
She said she was also interested in cinema, specifically American cinema.
She said this made her think America was the best place to pursue her dreams of working in the space field. This led her to a career as a planetary defense expert.
Working in space opened her eyes to so many new things and broke through “a pile of glass ceilings I was absolutely not aware of,” she said.
Lal said the most important part of working in space was not the degree or education someone received - it was critical thinking.
“Think about what you want to do, then do it,” she added.
Porro agreed with her and said it was important to be “competent and confident.”
She said confidence was crucial, but it needed to be backed up by knowledge. Find something personally exciting and find out everything about it, she said.
Haddaji said, “disciplines are like languages.”
Many people get degrees in physics, law, communications, or other things, and put “space” in front of their titles, said Weeden. An example she gave of this was “space lawyer.”
“There’s always room for you in space,” added Weeden.
Oné Green / THE GATEPOST
Charity Weeden speaking at the Inspiring Women in Space Panel on April 24.
Chase Petra returns for first headliner
By Alexis Schlesinger Editorial Staff
After a two-year hiatus from live shows, Chase Petra hit the road for their first headline tour - the “Lullabies for Dogs Tour.”
Spanning over just one month, the “Lullabies for Dogs Tour” hits 19 cities in America, and one city in Canada.
Chase Petra is supported throughout the tour by “Sorry Mom” - a queer punk duo from New York - and “Small Crush” - an indie rock band from California. These two opening acts made a great start to each night
of the tour, each with their own fantastically unique sound.
Chase Petra takes the stage at each tour stop with a packed set list complete with some of their oldest and newest releases.
On Sunday, April 13, Hunter Allen, Brooke Dickson, and Evan Schaid played their 12th show of the tour at The Sinclair - a venue in Cambridge.
The show was nothing short of incredible.
“Reliable Narrator” is a high energy song - perfect for getting the crowd going. The whole set had an ebb and flow
between quicker and slower paced songs. This was a great way to give the crowd time to dance and scream right along with Allen’s powerful voice, and some time to breathe during some of their slower songs.
Dickson, Chase Petra’s bassist, added a magical feel to many of the songs throughout the night with her harmonies behind Allen’s melodies.
Schaid proved to not only be a talented drummer, but quite charismatic as well. Throughout the night, his crowd work led to so many laughs, and he clearly charmed the whole room.
Notably, the band’s tour team was incredibly kind and professional.
Kelly Fox, the merchandise manager, was more than happy to chat about her time touring with the band, her concert photography, and even gave me a free shipping coupon for her earplug jewelry business“Plug and Play Jewelry.”
Chase Petra’s tour manager, Leigh Ann Rodgers, was incredibly kind and communicative.
Additionally, because of her, I was able to fulfill a goal at the top of my bucket list. Leigh Ann signed me up for a photo pass to that night’s concert, and I got to photograph my favorite band of all time.
Getting to do what I’m passionate about amongst people I immensely admire made the experience a thousand times more meaningful.
The concert’s encore seals the deal for Chase Petra fans.
‘Flow’ surpasses all expectations
By Owen Glancy Arts & Features Editor
“Flow” surprised the film community in March when it took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature over “The Wild Robot,” a big budget DreamWorks film that received tons of critical praise.
In comparison to Dream Works’ film, “Flow” is much smaller. It was made by an independent film studio from Latvia and tells a wordless story about a cat attempting to survive af ter its home is lost in a gi gantic flood. Compared to the epic nature of “The Wild Robot’s” story and the amount of money and marketing that went into that film, no one expected much from the little guy.
However, the few peo ple who had seen “Flow” when it was released in November knew this Oscar was almost guaranteed.
As mentioned earlier, “Flow’s” story is told entirely without dialogue. While many movies would surely have the animals in the story speak, this film’s insistence on that lev el of realism and quietness is what makes it shine.
The seemingly countless moments of beautiful, breath taking animation combine ef fortlessly with the impecca ble soundtrack to elevate the hard-hitting emotional moments of the film’s story. By taking away the option for the animals to speak, it re -
ally hammers home both these creatures’ innocence and their nature as animals. Deep down,
es of former human society. Towering buildings poke out above the water’s surface, glass
Each night of the tour, they closed out with a mashup of “Temporary” and “Hospital Bills and Scratchers.”
Not only are these two of their most powerful, emotional songs, they each close out their respective albums.
Chase Petra’s show at The Sinclair was cohesive, lively, and beautiful. The energy in the room was a high I could ride for a lifetime.
Rating:
place, or at least it was in the distant past, long before the events of this film.
the central cat and the ragtag group of animals that accompany it sail through their flooded homes, we see glimps -
“Flow” is not the biggest animated film of last year, it’s not the most action-packed animated film of last year, and it isn’t even the best animated film of last year, but it is by far the most unique. By establishing its target audience as people who want to watch artistically brazen, mature, and worthwhile cinema in a landscape where films made for the sake of art are getting fewer and fewer, “Flow” becomes a saving grace and a more than worthwhile way to spend an
Rating:
Courtesy of Alexis Schlesinger
Courtesy of Alexis Schlesinger
Ben Hurney / THE GATEPOST
ARTS & FEATURES
‘Blitz’ evacuate your expectations
By Michael Trueswell Staff Writer
Released on Nov. 1, “Blitz” captures the danger civilians faced during WWII and the fear endured during that era of history.
The Battle for Britain was a pivotal moment in history - every citizen was in danger due to bombing campaigns designed to target civilian populations. Children were evacuated from the cities to the countryside for their safety.
Written and directed by Steve McQueen, “Blitz” follows the fictional characters of 9-year-old George, played by Elliott Heffernan, and his mother Rita, played by Saoirse Ronan.
George joins many other children as he is sent out of London by his mother and grandfather to wait out the war. After a cold goodbye, George then spends the rest of the film attempting to reunite with his family.
Along the way, he finds friends and mentors, eventually discovering that his mother’s fears of the city’s danger were well-founded. Throughout the film, George faces near-consistent bullying by other children and adults for his mixed-race background.
George’s safety and journey home dominate the film’s attention, but they provide little to no context for the war outside of the brief moments at the start of the film. The lack of organic storytelling holds the
film back. The film uses the era and war more as set dressing rather than an integral catalyst for the evacuation and destruction of the city. This may have been mitigated by including characters listening to the radio in passing or in dialogue.
Although the runtime is 120 minutes, it feels much longer as there are graphic and rapid tonal changes that alter the movie’s pacing, further distracting from George’s travel home and Rita’s search for him without adding anything substantial.
This era of British history is often seen as the nation’s finest hour, where the whole population came together. Throughout the movie, “Blitz” critiques this assumption by its inclusion of many instances of discrimination and mistreatment of George and other characters for their racial background.
The film uses flashbacks to recount Rita’s relationship with George’s father and explain his absence. Although these add to the background of the characters, they have very little to do with their current life-threatening situation during the events of the rest of the film.
This information may have been better explained to the audience through dialogue between Rita and George before their separation.
Ronan’s performance was overall well done, juggling the concern for her family as well as performing the hard work of a factory laborer. Despite
24. “Science Guy” Bill
*White House chef from 1933-’45?
Economic concept affected by tariffs
Ronan’s impressive vocal performance in the song “Winter Coat,” the inclusion of her character singing for BBC radio felt forced and unrelated to the film’s plot.
“Blitz” can effectively convey the horrors that bombing can cause to a civilian population but fails to show the famous and recorded instances of people coming together during this national emergency.
What holds this film back the most is the overly blunt writing and not giving the audience enough time to connect with some of its characters.
The London firefighter Jack, played by Harris Dickinson, is a notable example. In the film, Jack had little justification for his inclusion among the cast as his character felt nearly meaningless to the overall story. If Jack were essential to the plot or had a more significant role in the movie, he might have been a more interesting character.
“Blitz” was enhanced by the contributions of some very interesting supporting actors. Leigh Gill’s performance as the real historical figure Mickey Davies was an absolute standout in the film, piquing my interest despite its brief inclusion for just a few moments, and left me wishing Gill would return to include more of him.
Benjamin Clementine’s performance as Ife also connected with me, although his presence was definitely limited by the script. His ability to connect with George’s character felt or-
25. Nowhere to be found, briefly
27. Cookie ___ (Sesame Street denizen)
29. *“You want a piece of my personal info already?”
31. Hairstyle sported by Richard Pryor
34. Spot to enter a PIN
35. African country home to the Virunga Mountains
39. “This Is 40” actress Leslie
40. Appears to be
42. Sphereshaped green veggies
43. Laud
45. ___ pal (female friend)
46. Possesses
47. *Channel that covers the biblical “Promised Land”?
50. National beauty pageant
53. Vehicle registration grp.
54. Bathroom fixture
57. Tunneling insect
58. Italian city known for its focaccia
60. A klutz named Grace, e.g.
62. Sociolinguist’s subject
64. Insecticide inventor’s cry?
66. Birth name for Superman
67. Fibbed
68. See romantically
69. Stockholm resident
70. Finishes
71. Peepers DOWN
1. Spritelike
2. ___ bear
3. Feel the same way 4. Couch
5. Tavern offering 6. What an offensive joke is often in
ganic and was a much-needed addition to the movie.
Regrettably, the writing in “Blitz” was uninteresting and failed to maintain a consistent tone throughout, with especially weak dialogue that at times drew unnecessary attention to itself and distracted from the plot and the hazards of the environment.
Despite “Blitz’s” adequate cinematography and appealingly period-accurate costuming, the occasionally questionable special effects further broke the film’s immersion.
Although there are many issues with this film, by the end, I was completely invested in the characters’ safety and was desperate to see George reunite with his family and make it home safely.
“Blitz” would have been greatly improved by a tighter focus on the relationship and journey of George and his mother, Rita.
Unfortunately, after the dust has settled, I would recommend that anyone interested in viewing “Blitz” instead keep calm and carry on.
“Blitz” missed the dropzone
CONNECT WITH MICHAEL TRUESWELL mtrueswell@student.framingham.edu Rating: C-
7. At all 8. SoCal NFL team
9. “Be reasonable”
10. Egg cells
11. Warrant
12. Figure on a clothing tag
13. Direct, as a car
18. Street-lining trees
22. Introvert’s abrupt ending of communication, informally
26. Somewhat
28. Fasten with a click
29. Bygone Seattle hoopsters, for short
30. Final Greek letter
31. Guitar hookup
32. “___ out, dude!”
33. Vaccine molecule
36. Like a rookie
37. Lieutenant ___ (“Forrest Gump” character)
38. Donkey
41. Prescribed
44. Curl up cozily
48. Tea light, e.g.
49. Enthusiastic
50. Parts of some Halloween costumes
51. Relative by marriage
52. Like old pizza
54. NBC morning show
55. Join forces
56. Computer memory units
59. Thor’s father
61. Bike trip
63. Flanders of “The Simpsons”
65. What bouncers check
Boston Marathon
Through Framingham
The Framingham community turned out to support and cheer on the runners of the Boston Marathon on April 21.
Izabela Gage / THE GATEPOST
Izabela Gage / THE GATEPOST
Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST
Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST
Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST
Sophia Harris / THE GATEPOST
Sophia Harris / THE GATEPOST
Sophia Harris / THE GATEPOST
Izabela Gage / THE GATEPOST
Spread by Associate Editor Maddison Behringer