December 12, 2025

Commanding the court

By Izabela Gage Sports Editor

When Stella Bailey, a senior setter on the Framingham State volleyball team, stepped onto campus four years ago, her father told her, “You can break records, and you can win championships.”

In her collegiate career at Framingham State, she fulfilled both of those goals when she became the program’s all-time assists leader, closing her career with 3,208, as well as four straight MASCAC All-Conference Second Team selections, and the 202324 MASCAC Championship title.

She said, “It means that I achieved what I sought out to do my freshman year. That was my silent goal from day one.”

Bailey said the achievement represented years of effort, discipline, and determination to improve. “For four years, you wake up every single morning and think, ‘What do I have to eat? What do I have to do? What weights do I have to lift to make sure that I’m the best player possible?’ So I guess it means that hard work does actually pay off.”

But she added the milestone didn’t feel real until the exact moment it happened. “As much as it was a goal, it wasn’t the goal. The goal was always to be the best teammate to my team possible. The numbers come, and that’s awesome, but it never became real until it actually happened.”

Bailey said the losses over the years were more impactful than the wins. “The games that stood out were the games that we need to do better in.”

She added, “Every time we got knocked out in the playoffs, I felt that within my soul.”

She recalled how each loss drove her into the next day’s workout with a list in her head of what she could have done better.

By Sarah Daponde Editorial Staff

The Christa McAuliffe Center finished installation of The McAuliffe Simulation Lab, funded by a federal grant of $1 million, on Oct. 22.

President Nancy Niemi said the McAuliffe Simulation Lab is another unique aspect of Framingham State’s campus, which will allow “people of all ages to experience more completely what it might be like to do something that is currently not possible - like travel to Mars, for example.”

Niemi said,“The McAuliffe Center is a truly important resource for science learning that is available to everyone. FSU’s ability to offer McAuliffe’s programs and services to the entire

community is the embodiment of public good, which is the heart of our educational mission.”

She said the McAuliffe Simulation Lab will also allow students to explore different opportunities and discover impacts of possible experiments without needing the resources to carry them out.

Irene Porro, director of The McAuliffe Center, said she hopes the new installment “becomes a space for creative minds to come together and create something new.”

The McAuliffe Simulation Lab consists of two new rooms called Virtual Reality (VR) CAVEs. The grant funded the installation of projectors and computers in these new rooms, according to Porro.

CAVE is an acronym for Cave Automatic Virtual Environment.

“The projection is on the walls and you immerse yourself with the people you are with,” added Porro. The rooms can be used to create space mission simulations, educate people on new environments they have never been in before, and conduct job training.

“CAVE rooms are a different way to do VR. … You are actually able to experience VR as a group of people in the same physical space,” said Porro.

The installation began over the summer and continued throughout the fall. Porro said a software is being developed to properly complement the rooms and the spaces should be com-

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

(Front) Dance Team President Zophie Greenwald dancing to “Somebody to Love” with members of the Dance Team at their “Battle of the Genres” showcase on Dec. 5.

(Left) Emily Crossin and Aili Schiavoni holding their crafts at Art Club’s Winter Craft Fair on Dec. 9.

E ditorial Board

Editor-in-Chief

Sophia Oppedisano

Associate Editors

Adrien Gobin

Dylan Pichnarcik

Copy Editor Antonio Machado

News Editor Bella Grimaldi

Opinions Editor

Izayah Morgan

Sports Editor

Izabela Gage

Asst. Sports Editor

Taylor Kimmell

Arts & Features Editors

Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez

Owen Glancy

Asst. Arts & Features Editors

Sarah Daponde Liv Dunleavy

Photos & Design Editor

Alexis Schlesinger

Illustrations Editors

Ronnie Chiu-Lin

Marcus Falcão

Staff Illustrators

David Abe

Staff Writers

Zaynab Ahmed

Jesse Burchill

Kristel Erguiza

Julien Fernandez

Paul Harrington

Cole Johnson

Dan Lima

Kate Norrish

Wenchell Pierre

Andrew Ramirez

Avery Slavin

Kennedy Thompson

Staff Photographers

Corban Allen

Meg Dame

Christy Howland

Onyx Lovely

Advisor

Desmond McCarthy

Asst. Advisor

Elizabeth Banks

Graduate Advising Asst.

Emma Lyons

Gatepost Interview David Halbert

Director of External Affairs

By Bella Grimaldi News Editor

What is your academic and professional background?

My undergraduate degree is from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts - so another member of the state university system. I was class of 2003. I had a major in English and communications with a concentration in broadcast media and public relations. … And so I left and ended up working on Beacon Hill. So I had the privilege of working for a lot of different elected officials. I worked for the State Treasurer’s office. I worked for Governor Patrick in the first year of his administration and then went down the hill, literally, to Boston City Hall and worked for a number of different city counselors down there as well. After that, I was in a startup business - it didn’t quite become Google, so I left there and ended up moving over back into government. … I spent about sevenand-a-half years at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, working there on the sheriff’s executive staff. And then I left as the deputy director of community affairs. I went to grad school while I was at the sheriff’s office at Northeastern, specifically the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, and that’s where I got my master’s in public administration. And after I was done with that program, when I left the sheriff’s, I ran for office myself. So I ran for one of the four at-large seats on Boston City Council in 2019.

What drew you to Framingham State? I think it was a combination of things, honestly. Part of it is coming home to a little extent. [Halbert grew up on State Street, and his mother still lives there.] And also because public higher education means so much to me. Like I said, I’m an alum of [Massachusetts] College of Liberal Arts. … MCLA did so much, not just opening doors but really opening myself, making me a better person. When I think about the role here at Framingham, it’s the ability to help other students and to help create an environment for other students who may have had similar struggles or challenges and are finding themselves here at Framingham. I want them to have every kind of opportunity that I had, and more, so that [higher education] can have the same kind of impact. I think that is really the value, particularly for the public higher education system, as it has historically been providing people with thoughts and gateways and pathways toward such a different kind of future than they might have had otherwise.

What do you like best about your role at FSU?

I think my favorite part thus far is really just the ability to meet with so many different kinds of people doing different kinds of things, but they’re all connected to or adjacent to the University. So some days, I’m talking to a faculty member who’s a chemist, and another day I’m talking with an artist. Another day, I’m talking with a legislator who is an alum, or somebody who represents this area or the communities that we serve. Some days, I’m at community events. … And it’s not just about having meetings for the sake of having meetings, but it’s about getting a chance to tell them about the things that we’re doing, but also to hear about the things that they’re thinking.

What are your hobbies or something students wouldn’t expect about you?

Well - before kids and being old - I used to play rugby. So I think that might throw some people. “Like really? You don’t look like somebody who would play rugby.” It’s been a long time. I played in the back line so that’s why I have all my teeth. … But that was something that was really fun. Really hang out with my kids when I have the opportunity to

and see them grow. You know, at 7 and 10, every day is an adventure with them. I learned a lot from them. I didn’t know anything about “K-pop Demon Hunters,” for example. There’s always some kind of slang thing I’m probably saying wrong that they’re telling me about.

What advice do you have for students at FSU?

Take advantage of all the opportunities and moments you have. It’s really cliché. I totally get that, but it’s very, very true. Many of our students are working, some of them are helping contribute to their families and their businesses. They have a lot more responsibilities, in many cases, certainly, than I did as an undergrad. And I appreciate that, but you’re here. You have the ability to meet new and interesting people from all parts of the commonwealth and from other parts of the country and other parts of the world. So don’t put yourself in a bubble, right? Open yourself up. That’s the scariest part.

CONNECT WITH BELLA GRIMALDI igrimaldi@student.framingham.edu

Courtesy of LinkedIn

Campus support efforts ramp up as fall semester concludes

By Wenchell Pierre Staff Writer

As Framingham State University prepares to close out the Fall 2025 semester, multiple University departments are coordinating seasonal giving initiatives on campus while extending holiday assistance to the surrounding community.

These efforts include a “Toys for Tots” campaign led by the Framingham State University Police Department and a series of support programs overseen by the Dean of Students Office.

FSU Police Sergeant Harry Singh said the Toys for Tots campaign has grown steadily since he took over coordination of the program more than five years ago, following its early collaboration with the Henry Whittemore Library.

“When I took over the program, I felt that we could expand it to the entire campus and spread awareness of the campaign and get more toys for children in need,” Singh said.

day-themed activities.

“What we do with Stuff a Cruiser is allow the community to come by with a toy or donation while we’re spreading cheer,” Singh said.

While the Toys for Tots campaign focuses on children throughout Middlesex County, the Dean of Students Office has coordinated separate seasonal initiatives centered on student support and access to basic needs.

Jay Hurtubise, assistant dean of students, said the primary objective of the Fall 2025 giving efforts was maintaining services amid limited staffing and funding.

“My main goal this semester was to put a call out for more donations and make sure we were keeping the Rams Resource Center properly stocked with the limited budget that we have,” Hurtubise said.

According to Hurtubise, the Dean of Students Office coordinated a food drive, a coat drive and a Thanksgiving meal distri-

grant-funded annually.”

Despite these challenges, Hurtubise said additional outreach plans are in place for the spring semester.

“The primary thing we have on the calendar is an emergency meal bank awareness campaign in February,” Hurtubise said.

Sophomore computer science major Reggie Fosu said he was unaware of campus donation efforts taking place this semester.

“I wasn’t aware that Toys for Tots or any donation drives were happening on campus,” Fosu said. “I haven’t participated because I didn’t know about them.”

“I haven’t seen any bins and didn’t know the resource center existed,” he said. “I don’t think communication about these resources is clear, especially before breaks.”

Sophomore criminology major Xiera Montes said she became aware of the Toys for Tots campaign after noticing donation boxes near the Dining

aware of the Rams Resource Center and has visited it in the past.

“I checked it out a few times last year just to see what they had in case I was in need of something,” she said.

Senior environmental studies and sustainability major Tahnyia Black said she was familiar with the Toys for Tots campaign through campus signage.

“I’ve seen signs in Dwight Hall near the gym and already knew about the campaign,” she said.

Black said she regularly uses the Rams Resource Center and described its impact as significant.

“As a college student who provides for myself, having access to basic necessities is so important,” Black said. “At first, I was hesitant because I was worried about being judged, but now I’m comfortable and see how important it is to the FSU community.”

Senior fashion design major Raul Santana said he chose

He added the campaign originally consisted of two donation bins but expanded as more campus departments became involved.

This year’s campaign includes five donation bins placed at high-traffic locations across campus. Singh said the department aims to exceed last year’s collection total of more than 450 toys.

“Our goal is always to do better than last year,” Singh said. “This year, we’re hoping for 500-plus toys.”

The Toys for Tots drive celebrated its annual “Stuff a Cruiser” event on Monday, Dec. 8, at the McCarthy Center Patio. The event allowed students, faculty, staff, and community members to donate new, unwrapped toys while meeting police officers and taking part in holi-

Police Logs

bution during the fall semester.

“It’s usually somewhere between 20 and 30 coats that we end up having available, and we go through them,” Hurtubise said.

He said the Thanksgiving meal program was adjusted after initial turnout was limited due to students leaving campus ahead of the holiday.

“We partnered with Sodexo to refrigerate the meals so they were safe,” Hurtubise said. “The next day, we distributed 25 additional meals directly to students through Residence Life.”

Funding sustainability remains the greatest challenge for these efforts, Hurtubise said.

“The number one challenge we always face is where the money is coming from,” Hurtubise said. “A lot of the support for the Rams Resource Center is

Commons.

“I didn’t hear about it through emails, but I saw the boxes near the dining hall,” Montes said. “I didn’t donate because I didn’t have anything to give or the money to give things away.”

Montes said she noticed donation bins throughout the McCarthy Center and believes campus-wide drives help “encourage community and allow students to get rid of clutter they would otherwise throw away or keep.”

Sophomore pre-dental student Antonynette Gayle Dowell said she learned about giving initiatives through flyers and University social media.

Although she did not donate on campus this semester, she said she contributed to similar efforts at home.

Gayle Dowell said she was

to donate to the Toys for Tots campaign after considering the financial strain many families face during the holidays.

“I donated because I understand that some families struggle to provide toys for their children during the holiday season due to limited resources,” Santana said.

In addition to donation-based initiatives, students are invited to attend Cocoa, Cookies and Connection on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Wellness Annex in Foster Hall Room 102. Hosted by FSU Wellness and Prevention, the event provides students an opportunity to decompress and connect with staff during finals week.

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

The “Toys for Tots” donation bin in front of an FSUPD cruiser at FSUPD’s “Stuff a Cruiser” event on Dec. 9.

Rams Resource Center

By Wenchell Pierre Staff Writer

The Rams Resource Center (RRC) is navigating a semester of transition as the University works to fill its vacant coordinator position while demand for basic needs support remains steady.

With student workers covering limited operating hours, administrators say the Center is working to stabilize operations, strengthen partnerships, and expand outreach.

Since former coordinator Olivia Fenty left in August to pursue her doctorate, Assistant Dean of Students Jay Hurtubise has assumed responsibility for the RRC’s day-to-day operations.

Due to staffing shortages that directly shape the Center’s weekly schedule, “Right now, it’s open four days a week at various times,” Hurtubise said. Because no student workers are available on Wednesdays, the pantry remains closed that day. Hours this semester have been 2 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, 12 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, and 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays.

The Rams Resource Center also remains accessible during academic break periods, though with reduced operations. Hurtubise said the Center’s hours are determined by student worker availability. When the pantry is not regularly staffed, students can still access services by appointment through the Dean of Students Office.

“If somebody really needed access to something, they could always call our office,” Hurtubise said. “We’ll figure out when one of our professional staff would be able to come down and assist.”

The pantry employs four work-study students and one intern.

Junior Madison Belanger, a psychology major and four-semester employee of the RRC, said many students have difficulty even locating the pantry. “Many students struggle finding our location since it was hidden underneath West, next to the Maynard parking lot,” she said. “Students also claim they had no idea we existed or that we are open to all students, including commuters.”

Belanger’s responsibilities include organizing inventory, checking out items, recording fridge temperatures, collecting donations across campus, and logging data into the pantry software. She said the most requested items include toilet paper, deodorant, laundry detergent, utensils, and grab-andgo snacks like granola bars and microwaveable meals.

Working at the RRC has reshaped her understanding of basic needs insecurity on campus. “It reminds me that you never know who may have food insecurities,” she said. “Many people go unnoticed when in reality they are struggling on the inside.”

Belanger said the most rewarding part of her job is the community she found. “I was fortunate enough to have made a large variety of friends from working at the RRC.”

Senior Zelinda DaSilva, a health and wellness major and current intern, said shifts begin with collecting donations from multiple sites across campus.

“Once the items are at the resource center, my main responsibility is to take inventory of all the donations,” she said. She also organizes shelves and rings out students after they shop.

DaSilva said one of the biggest misunderstandings is the item limits placed on pantry goods. “We have to set moderations to make sure our stock stays available for everyone who visits since we rely on donations,” she said. High-demand items include peanut butter, cereal, milk, snack bars, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.

She said working at the RRC has shown her how strongly basic needs affect academic success. “It is very hard for students to focus on schoolwork when they are worried about basic needs like food or housing,” she said. The most fulfilling part of her job is seeing students supported.

“When students come in and the shelves are full, it makes them happy, and I like seeing that.” DaSilva said she hopes the Center can secure “more reliable funding so we don’t run out of popular items as often.”

Hurtubise said the University is also preparing to hire new support staff. “We are also hiring for a dedicated pantry manager,” he said. The new 20-hourper-week contract manager will coordinate volunteers and supervise student workers.

Hurtubise emphasized that sustaining the pantry depends on a broad network of partners. “It takes a village,” he said.

Stop & Shop donates approximately $7,500 each fall along with additional in-kind contributions through fundraising programs such as Blooming for Good.

Sodexo donates annually and runs the Good Vibe Food Drive, placing donation bins around campus and offering a QR code for students to donate meal swipes.

Circle of Hope provides toiletries and bedding, while Dignity Matters supplies menstrual products.

Hurtubaise said popular pantry items include cereal, shelf-stable milk, chips, crackers, peanut butter, and jelly. “Students generally use it to supplement their needs.”

Staff and commuters also use the pantry, particularly for staples such as grains, pasta, and toiletries.

Hurtubise said pantry use “has been fairly stable” since 2022, although there was a small dip during the transition following Fenty’s departure.

He said he anticipates a rising need for the Center because of demographic changes. “Now, we’re about 50% Pell eligible … and we’ve seen a rise in need,” he said.

The Center’s experience reflects a national trend. According to the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University, nearly three in five college students surveyed across 91 institutions reported experiencing at least one form of basic needs insecurity in the 2023–24 academic year. The Hope Center also reports many students do not seek assistance, meaning actual need is often higher than recorded.

Along with food assistance, the RRC connects students to local partners for housing and financial support. The South Middlesex Opportunity Coun-

cil (SMOC) collaborates with the Department of Higher Education’s housing scholarship, which designates 10 beds for Framingham State and MassBay students experiencing homelessness. “The University provides their meal plan. … SMOC provides wrap-around services,” Hurtubise said.

The Center also partners with TEMPO, run through Wayside Youth & Families, to support students ages 18 to 25 who may need emergency housing, counseling, life-skills coaching, or financial assistance. “They often can get students into housing programs that include coaching, life skills … fairly quickly whenever they can,” Hurtubise said.

With staff transitions underway, Hurtubise said improving communication will be a central focus moving forward. “We’ll have more of an active presence on the RRC FSU Instagram page and more cross-posting with FSU365,” he said. He added SGA played a greater role in promoting the Donate-a-Meal initiative as part of the fall Good Vibe Food Drive.

The Rams Resource Center Advisory Board, once active before the pandemic, has also been revived. “We’ve brought in a bunch of folks who are serving on the board to talk more about the direction of the RRC, establishing new partnerships … and finding more opportunities for campaigns and drives,” Hurtubise said.

While Sodexo staff say the Donate-a-Meal program remains underused, they believe renewed outreach and social media presence may boost participation. “A lot of them … they’re not following us on social media,” said Unit Coordinator Sheila Lindsey.

Sodexo’s Leah Forristall, a registered dietitian, said the Donate-a-Meal program predates Sodexo’s current dining model and was available during her undergraduate years. “When I was a student here, we had it, and I graduated in 2017,” she said, noting that visibility has long been an issue. She added recent discussions concerning SNAP eligibility and food bank use have encouraged more students to participate.

Michael Newmark, Sodexo’s general manager, said awareness, not participation, is the biggest obstacle facing Donatea-Meal.

“The biggest barrier is visibility,” Newmark said. “We need to increase marketing and communications so students better understand that the program exists and how easy it is to use.”

Currently, Donate-a-Meal is promoted through Sodexo’s website, Framingham.sodexomyway.com, as well as during presentations to students and University departments.

The program is also highlighted during Fight Hunger campaigns and University food drives through tabling events in the Dining Commons. Still, Newmark said these efforts have not always reached students consistently.

“I think it could expand through University communications and campus-wide emails,” he said.

Students with meal plans can donate by visiting the Sodexo website and selecting the Donate-a-Meal option under the “Shop” tab. Newmark empha-

sized that the shift to an all-day dining model has not changed how the donation system operates and that guidelines remain clearly outlined online.

“We are proud to offer and be a part of this important initiative,” Newmark said, adding one misconception he hopes to clarify is students both need and actively use the program.

On the marketing side, Taylor Royal, a Framingham State student and Sodexo marketing specialist, said Donate-a-Meal has become more visible in recent months as Sodexo has collaborated more closely with the Dean of Students office and the Rams Resource Center.

“Our current communication strategies have included on-campus tablings in collaboration with SGA and the Rams Resource Center,” Royal said. “That allowed students to learn about food insecurity and how they can get involved.”

Royal said the program is also advertised on Sodexo’s dining website under the “Gifts & More” tab, but she acknowledged that students can struggle to find information amid the volume of digital messaging on campus.

“There’s so much information that it can get overwhelming,” Royal said. “There’s also a digital divide when we rely only on online platforms.”

She said a combination of social media messaging and in-person outreach has proven most effective, particularly tabling events that allow for direct engagement. Looking ahead, Royal said Sodexo plans to continue working with the Rams Resource Center during resource drives and to expand outreach efforts in the spring.

For student workers like Belanger, visibility is key.

“More flyers, more events, more reminders,” she said. “That’s how students will know we’re here.”

Senior Christian Acuna, health and wellness major, said awareness of the Rams Resource Center and its associated programs is limited among students. He first learned about the pantry through a culinary course rather than a campus-wide outreach effort.

He added the Donate-a-Meal program “needs to be advertised better.”

While Acuna said he follows Sodexo Dining communications, he does not regularly engage with other campus information channels such as FSU365 or SGA. He described current outreach concerning food insecurity resources as ineffective.

Senior Arlington Paul, a business management major, said he has used the Rams Resource Center when his access to everyday necessities was limited. Paul said he first learned about the Center through a friend who graduated last spring rather than through campus outreach. He said he has visited the pantry multiple times, primarily for toiletries. He said, “Whenever I run out or am about to run out of toiletries and don’t have the ability to travel to any stores nearby, I go to the Resource Center.”

McAuliffe Center

Continued from Page 1

pletely finished in January or February.

This software will simulate going on a mission into space, which can be used by visiting schools.

“Space travel experience is now a virtual reality experience,” she added.

Porro said she hopes the McAuliffe Simulation Lab fosters more community engagement from local schools, employers, and FSU students and faculty.

She said elementary, middle, and high schools from around the area visit The McAuliffe Center almost daily.

Last year, Porro said The McAuliffe Center served approximately 12,000 students.

The VR CAVE on the ground floor of the Center will be open to anyone, including FSU students, local schools, and other visitors. The CAVE on the second floor will only be available for FSU students, she said.

The CAVE on the second floor will also be available to FSU faculty to hold classes in which students can learn in a more “immersive way,” according to Porro.

Collaborations with local employers will allow the space to be utilized for job training as well. Porro referenced dangerous jobs, such as drilling.

“People can be trained in a safe, much less expensive way,” she added.

The McAuliffe Center underwent an $8 million renovation and was reopened to the public on Jan. 27, 2024.

Framingham State received $5 million of the needed funds

from the Massachusetts State Legislature as Fiscal Year 2022 supplemental funding, which was allotted for The McAuliffe Center’s renovations, according to an article published in The Gatepost on Feb. 2, 2024.

Another $2 million in supplemental funding from FY23 was allotted to The McAuliffe Center as well as an additional $500,000 from the Massachusetts Skills Grant Program and $300,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities Program, according to the article.

At the time of this renovation, Porro said there was not enough funding for the McAuliffe Simulation Lab and this project was put on hold.

A year later, Porro said The McAuliffe Center received one of the last federal appropriation funds before federal funding was cut nationwide.

“The government decides, ‘Yes, we want to support your program,’ and they figure out which agency should provide your funding,” said Porro. NASA was chosen to fund The McAuliffe Center.

Porro said Framingham State is one of the first universities to feature this technology.

Sophomore Finley Hogan said she had a “really good” experience at The McAuliffe Center and, in particular, “thoroughly enjoyed” the Planetarium.

“Space is honestly just one of my passions and [The McAuliffe Center] was a big pulling point when I applied to Framingham State,” added Hogan.

Sophomore Ava Sheehan said she attended The McAuliffe Center’s “Spooky Skies” showing at the Planetarium on Oct.

28.

She said once The McAuliffe Simulation Lab is fully operational, she will likely visit.

Junior Autumn Bailey said she believes it is important to learn about Framingham State alumni like Christa McAuliffe.

Sophomore Angel Marin-Caceres grew up in Framingham and went to The McAuliffe Center on a field trip in elementary school. She said the Planetarium show they saw was informational and interesting.

“Also, just the fact that you can do something like that for fun [at Framingham State] is pretty interesting,” she added.

Sophomore Io Philips said

when they committed to Framingham State, they were excited to use the Planetarium at The McAuliffe Center.

“Even though I’m an art major, I’m a big space nerd,” added Philips.

Junior Shelbie Greenaway said she is excited to use the new McAuliffe Simulation Lab. She said, “As a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut, so if I can do a simulated version of a trip to Mars, sign me up!”

CONNECT WITH SARAH DAPONDE

SONGS FOR SNOW DAYS!

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

The Christa McAuliffe Center located behind O’Connor Hall.

OP/ED

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Stay connected over the holidays

Congratulations, Rams! We have made it to the end of another exciting and rewarding semester.

As the last week of the semester wraps up and preparation for finals begins, students are beginning to look forward to a break for the holidays.

Many of us will be headed home for the holidays, but there is a significant population, including international students and athletes, who spend part or all of their winter break on campus in the residence halls.

Availability of campus resources over break is different than students may be used to during the semester. For those who do stay on campus, here are some notable changes and resources you can turn to during winter break.

Most importantly, the Dining Commons are closed to students beginning Dec. 19 through Jan. 18 at 9:30 a.m. Ram’s Den Grille and Sandella’s are also closed during this time.

While there are a plethora of dining locations around Framingham, dining out may be too costly for students supporting themselves throughout the month.

The Rams Resource Center (RRC), which provides students with non-perishable food items and toiletries, is open during winter break on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on Dec. 22.

Students can make an appointment to visit the RRC outside of its normal pantry hours by calling the Dean of Students Office at (508) 626-4596.

For students who need more financial assistance, the Dean of Students and Lorretta Holloway, vice president of Student Success, are available to connect you with resources.

In addition, the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA) has a Gap Emergency Fund as a source of emergency funding for students facing sudden financial need. Reach out to office@alumnihouse.org.

In addition to the Dining Commons’ closure, the RamTram and Student Transportation Center will also be closed Dec. 19 to Jan. 24.

However, students at Framingham State have access to Catch Connect, a free transit service provided through the MetroWest

Regional Transit Authority.

This is an entirely free service for Framingham State students requiring only an FSU student email address to register for free trips. Students must download the Catch App to request a trip. Once registered, students can input the desired location such as Target, the Natick Mall, or the Commuter Rail and can be picked up at the MWRTA bus stop located on State Street outside of the McCarthy Center.

Note: Catch Connect does not operate on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

The Health and Counseling Centers will both be available to students with limited hours. The winter break hours for both offices will be listed on their page on framingham.edu in the coming days.

In the case of a medical emergency, if you are on campus, call University Police at (508) 626-4911. If you or someone you know on campus is having a mental health crisis, the Counseling Center encourages students to call Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Services 24/7 at (508) 872-3333 or the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

In addition, Residence Life staff, including resident assistants (RAs) and professional staff, will be on campus and in the Residence Halls to assist students over break.

RAs are on duty on weeknights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 24 hours on weekends, including during holidays.

If you are staying on campus for winter break, know that you are not alone. Every resource listed above is available to make your time on campus as enjoyable and comfortable as possible during winter break.

If you know a friend staying on campus over break, reach out and check in with them during winter break.

Take this time to reach out to family and friends and recharge in preparation for next semester.

See you in January!

Four years later, I’m still trying to make you proud

By Dylan Pichnarcik Associate Editor

Four years ago this week, on Dec. 18, I lost my grandfather to COVID-19. During a time of such high stress, his death only exacerbated my decaying mental health.

Four years later, I am still not fully healed - and that’s OK. Grief is a non-linear cycle of pain and heartbreak, coupled with beautiful memories about a person held in high esteem. When grieving, there will be good days and bad. For me, the bad days have become less frequent, but I still have moments when I find myself in tears thinking of what I would say to him today if given the opportunity.

I was fortunate to have spent many years with my grandfather - something I know not every person is afforded. He was blessed to live a long life - surrounded by family and friends who adored him. Knowing this and acknowledging it doesn’t make it any easier to cope with living a life without him. But at times, it brings me comfort to be reminded of the amazing things he accomplished.

I’m reminded of his character, his pride, the love he had for his family, and his unfaltering wisdom. I hope at the end of my life, I can look back and see similar qualities in myself. In life, my grandfather taught me so much during my foundational years - but now as I mature into adulthood, I realize

he’s taught me just as much in his passing.

He taught me that life is a journey of triumphs and failures that develop a person’s character and morals.

He also taught me the deep importance of caring for others, and that family matters most.

In the wake of his death, I watched the dynamic of my family change drastically. We were - for the first time - without a patriarch.

I was without a best friend, my mom and her siblings were without a father, and my grandmother was without her soulmate.

A man she spent almost half of her life entirely devoted to. To watch all of us grieve differently was gut-wrenching and at times too much to handle, but we all persisted and were there for each other.

Especially my grandmother and me.

In the months after my grandfather’s passing, I spent almost every day at my grandmother’s house, sitting with her and rewatching old Western movies - an activity she used to share with my grandfather.

The absence of my grandfather was ever-present - I found myself almost expecting him to walk in and change the channel or hear the faint sound of a coffee maker brewing from their kitchen.

It was hard to sit in a place where almost all of my core childhood memories took place, knowing it was forever changed. But I knew as hard as it was for

me, it was ten times harder for my grandmother - especially when she was alone. I spent as much time with her and did as much for her as I could. I spent countless hours roaming grocery stores, purchasing food I knew she wouldn’t cook, reminiscing about years gone by, crying and laughing with her, and trying to cope with such a major loss for both of us.

It felt good to support her when she needed me - especially because I needed her just as much.

As life goes on, I’m reminded of my grandfather’s character, the morals he held, the joy he was to be around, his carefree gowith-the-flow attitude, and his wisdom built from years of a life well lived.

My grandfather was not a perfect man, but the man I knew was a role model and a person I strive to be like.

As a 20-year-old, I know I’m not perfect, but as I grow into adulthood, I hold the lessons he taught me close and reflect on

how they are shaping me into the person I aim to become. I can only hope t o lead a life that would make him proud.

In sharing my journey of grief, I’m not arguing mine is the right process. At times, it has not been a positive experience, but for me, it has been a journey which has helped me grow and find comfort.

Every person’s experience of grief is different. There’s no set formula that says “By year four, you should be doing this.” Do what you can for yourself and the people you hold close. You are forever changed when you lose someone, but live your life in a way that would make them proud.

Know that you are never alone - every person in your life has either lost or will lose someone at some point. Lean on those around you for support and comfort as you go through the ever-changing stages of grief.

Courtesy of Dylan Pichnarcik

Trump’s damage is not permanent

By Izayah Morgan Opinions Editor

On Nov. 6, 2024, Donald Trump won the presidential election over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Over the course of this past year, his administration has done damage to this country that will take yearww or even generations to repair.

Steve Cohen, who represents Tennessee’s ninth congressional district, maintains a page, “Tracking the Trump Administration’s Harmful Executive Actions.” According to this page, “ in the spring of 2025, President Donald Trump launched a campaign of executive actions and public threats aimed at elite academic institutions - including Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania - accusing them of harboring antisemitism and promoting ‘antiAmerican’ values.”

Additionally, DEI programs have been under constant attack since the dismantling of the Department of Education.

Again, according to Cohen’s page, “Trump has issued an executive order halting nearly all federal grants, including those funding public health, education, small businesses, and infrastructure projects.”

In my own experience, my semester’s bills have shot up and the funding I have received from outside sources has dwindled. The struggle to push through this last year of my undergraduate education has been a reality check and damaging to my college experience as a whole.

The programs I do and don’t participate in have had their budgets slashed - in some cases in half - and are struggling

to find ways to do what they did before.

Some universities are continuing DEI work in covert ways by changing the name of some centers and programs.

Thankfully, other universities have been able to stand their ground against the administration and are fighting back. Framingham State President Nancy Niemi has made a commitment to continue to do the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion and is one of a very few of her state university presidential peers to do so.

Jeffery Coleman, vice president of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement and Jerome Burke, director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence,

have continued to promote DEI work despite the constant attacks from the federal government and severe budget cuts. Back in January, the Trump Administration sent mass emails encouraging about 2 million federal workers to resign, with threats of termination and loss of benefits. According to Cohen’s page, “as of February 12, 2025, approximately 77,000 federal employees - about 3.2% of the workforce - accepted the administration’s buyout offer, falling short of the 5-10% target.”

Again a form of resistance. These decisions have created a powder keg - highly unstable and due for explosion not too far ahead.

The balance of liberty has leaned left or right many times throughout history. However, when the scales tip too much in one direction, they eventually swing the other way.

The damage has been done by this administration and it may take years to rebuild what was broken in only so little time. It is similar to if you spent days building a large lego set and someone knocks it down in what seems like seconds.

Yes, things that take a long time to build up can be quick to fall. But, when something is built that is of value, it’s faster to rebuild it and it comes back stronger.

Asking for help isn’t weakness

By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez Editorial Staff

This semester was my most challenging one yet. Though I wasn’t expecting it to be.

After all, two of my classes are on subjects I really enjoyCreative Writing and Journalism.

But I didn’t anticipate how much I’d struggle with the sheer workload. Deadlines, interviewing, essays, even thinking of a good poem idea - they’ve all caused me headaches and anxiety. And I’m sure I’m not the only one either.

When just one difficult problem doesn’t go away, it makes the easier ones feel significantly worse.

This semester was probably the first time I really felt symptoms of a panic attack. I didn’t realize it at first, but when talking to others about how I felt, they made it clear what was happening.

The sudden numbness, the rushing heartbeat, the nausea, and the general sense of anxiety were common for a short while. It got to the point where I would head to the office or the Honors House when no one was around to break into tears for a few minutes.

But when I was falling apart, I found relief in my family and friends. Even though only a se-

lect few knew what I was going through, they all helped when they saw I was struggling.

I learned that simply asking for help can do wonders.

I was hesitant at first and I thought that I needed to get this done alone. That I needed to do it all myself, and if I couldn’t then I wasn’t trying hard enough. That I wasn’t do-

I told him I was having a tough week.

The news editor started going with me to get student quotes sometimes after I brought up my social anxiety.

A couple of friends started driving me to campus on Mondays so I don’t need to wake up at 5 in the morning just for a ride.

ing enough.

But the second I actually told someone that I was having a difficult day or week, they’d usually offer to help in some way.

My co-editor did the pre-layout of our section for me when

And I’m fortunate enough to have a mom who listens to everything I need to say and offers whatever support she can give.

So please, if you’re struggling with something, ask for help.

I’ll admit that I’m still work-

ing on implementing this advice into my own life. I constantly feel like I’m asking for too much, especially from classmates with their own hardships. I often don’t realize when it’s appropriate to ask for help. Usually someone sees me stressed or anxious about an issue, listens to me complain about it, and then suggests some advice or offers to help in some way.

But working on this skill - on reaching out when you need help - is something we could all benefit from.

So yes, this semester was easily my hardest one yet. Most likely the worst one for my mental health at least.

But I also gained a lot from it. I realized how crucial having a support system is, and how fortunate I am to have one.

I know I’m lucky to have such a strong support group, but don’t forget about the Counseling, Health and Wellness Center and their walk-in hours Monday-Friday. And if it’s academic related there’s always your professors. They want you to get through their courses in one piece, regardless of how it might feel sometimes.

Just don’t be afraid to reach out. People are often more willing to help than you’d think.

Liv, Laf…: Buh-bye!

By Liv Dunleavy Editorial Staff

Campus Conversations

“What is your favorite holiday dish?”

By Olivia Dunleavy and Ronnie Chiu-Lin, Editorial Staff

“The Christmas cookies, the ones with the Hershey Kisses on them. Those are probably my favorite. They’re a yearly tradition. And who doesn’t like a sweet little treat during the holidays?”

- Patrick McMahon, junior

“My favorite dish around the holidays has to be tamales - only because we only eat it once a year, so it’s really special to make it with the family in the kitchen.”

- Jennifer Lopez, freshman

“Doce Pão. It’s a bread that’s been dunked in milk with condensed milk on top with sugar as well. I like it cold, personally. My mom makes it, and she only makes it around the holidays because it’s really sweet.”

- Dheralth Carmo, sophomore

“I would say a pork roast or trifle because those are things I’ve been eating my whole life, so they are holiday staples.”

- Anna Prado, freshman

“The pasta dish my mom makes. My mom makes a stuffed shell, which is like a lasagna. We always have some form of Italian dish during Christmas and it warms my heart because the sauce is warm. I’m with family, it’s cheesy but it’s so good.”

- Emma Schor, sophomore

“Any kind of pie, because it’s been a new tradition that my sisters and I make it together.”

- Iz Shields, junior

SPORTS

Men’s basketball victorious against New England College

By Taylor Kimmell Asst. Sports Editor

It came down to the wire when the Framingham State Rams took on the New England College Pilgrims in a non-conference matchup Dec. 9.

Framingham defeated the Pilgrims 68-64, improving their overall record to 7-4.

New England College fouled the Rams within the first 6 seconds, allowing junior Dyree Rogers to step to the line for two foul shots, both of which were successful.

The Pilgrims scored on a 3-point jump shot on their next possession, pulling ahead by one point.

Nine turnovers occurred before either team could break through the other’s defenders. Senior Vondre Chase scored for FSU on a layup, resulting in another lead change.

NEC continued to keep pace with the Rams, taking back the lead 6-4 with a 3-pointer.

On Framingham’s next possession, junior Joshua Saint Jean earned two points on a layup, which New England College combatted with one of their own.

Though the Pilgrims scored on a layup on their following possession, baskets scored by Rogers and junior Fallou Koite allowed the Rams to pull slightly ahead.

Framingham’s lead did not last, as NEC’s next two possessions allowed them to score two 3-pointers, bringing the score to 16-11.

Two minutes later, Rogers added to FSU’s score with a jump shot. On the same play, Framingham fouled NEC, allowing them to sink two free throws.

Though graduate student AJ Thompson scored on a layup on

Framingham’s next possession, the Pilgrims scored on a 3-point jump shot.

Forty seconds later, Rogers made a jump shot and, on the same play, was fouled by an NEC defender. He then sank his one free throw shot.

Two 3-pointers by the Pilgrims and one by Chase brought the score to 27-21.

On FSU’s next possession, Saint Jean scored on a free throw.

Koite was next to score for the Rams, earning three points on a jump shot.

Following a 3-pointer and a jump shot by the Pilgrims, Rogers scored on a jump shot.

Successful defensive maneuvers by Framingham on New England College’s next possession caused the opponents to miss an attempted basket, allowing FSU to run the ball down the court, where Koite was fouled and then made both of his free throws.

On the same possession, Rogers scored on a layup, shrinking the deficit to a single point.

With slightly less than 3 minutes before the end of the half, the Pilgrims committed another foul against the Rams, granting Rogers two free throw attempts. He sank both - the first to tie the game and the second to turn the match in favor of Framingham.

The Rams’ next possession resulted in a layup from Koite, increasing the team’s lead to 3532.

After the Pilgrims missed a layup, FSU brought the ball down the court for Koite to dunk.

Following a timeout by the Rams with 55 seconds left on the clock, NEC turned over the ball, resulting in a layup from Saint Jean. This ended the quarter 3932 with FSU in the lead.

The Pilgrims had a rocky start in the second half, missing two

shots out of the gate.

Rogers scored for Framingham on a layup just over a minute in, shortly followed by one from NEC.

Saint Jean battled back with another layup for the Rams, then scored a point on a free throw, increasing the lead to 10 points.

Rogers added two more points to FSU’s side of the scoreboard with a layup a minute later.

Defensive plays by FSU kept the Pilgrims at bay, allowing Koite and Rogers to tally more points on a dunk and a layup, respectively.

New England College found their footing in the following minute, scoring five points on a layup and a 3-point jump shot.

Fouled by FSU, the Pilgrims scored on one of their two free throws on their next possession.

Saint Jean then scored on a layup, which NEC followed with one of their own.

After missing his first shot on the Rams’ next possession, Thompson scored two points on a layup. On the next play, Thompson scored on a free throw.

The Pilgrims countered with a layup, but fouled Saint Jean in the process, allowing FSU to gain another point.

Framingham then fouled NEC on their next possession, and the team scored on two foul shots.

New England College reduced the deficit once again on their next two plays, scoring on two 3-point jump shots.

Koite, fouled by NEC on the Rams’ next possession, scored on a free throw. Shortly after, Chase added three more points to the board when he scored on a jump shot.

Two more layups by the Pilgrims brought them within four points of the lead, but FSU continued to score.

Fouled twice more in the fol-

lowing 30 seconds, Saint Jean and Chase each scored on foul shots.

Great defense by both teams kept the next four possessions scoreless, until, with 4:15 left in the game, Saint Jean made the tip-in, preventing freshman Wellbi Perez Valera’s layup from missing the net.

Following another successful foul shot by Koite, the Pilgrims rebounded the ball and brought it back to drill a 3-pointer - their first successful basket in 4 minutes.

With less than two minutes to go, NEC was fouled by an FSU defender and scored on two foul shots.

A minute and 20 seconds later, Koite netted another free throw.

The Pilgrims, with 31 seconds left on the clock, scored a 3-pointer, fouling Saint Jean in the process and allowing him a free throw.

As the clock hit zero, New England College fouled junior Lorenzo Washington, who ended the game by sinking a foul shot to bring the score to 68-64 - a victory for Framingham.

Though the Pilgrims outperformed the Rams in terms of 3-pointers, FSU was able to secure the win through their defensive play and their success with free throws.

Rogers led the Rams in points scored, tallying 27 over the course of the match. Closely following were Koite with 17 points and Saint Jean with 15.

The Rams will open conference play by hosting the Westfield State University Owls Jan. 7. Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com

CONNECT WITH TAYLOR KIMMELL tkimmell@student.framingham.edu

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

(Center) Dyree Rogers going up for a layup in win against New England College on Dec. 9.

Women’s basketball struggles against Clark University

By Avery Slavin Staff Writer

The Framingham State Rams fell to the Clark University Cougars in a non-conference matchup Dec. 9.

This brings their overall record to 3-6.

Sophomore Jacqueline Schels put the first points on the scoreboard in the first 2 minutes, scoring on two back-to-back free throws.

Clark evened the score with a layup and then was able to get ahead with another layup and a free throw.

Schels fought back with a 3-pointer, tying the score again.

Clark was also able to score on a 3-pointer as well as a layup, making the score 10-5.

The Rams reclaimed the lead with a layup, a jump shot, and a 3-pointer by sophomore Faith Greene, but the score was tied again when Clark also scored on a jump shot.

Captain Abigail Martin, a senior, scored on a layup, putting the Rams ahead just before Clark also made one, the score becoming tied once more.

A jump shot and two 3-pointers put the Rams in the lead, but the Cougars stayed right on their heels.

With the score at 22-19 in favor of Framingham, a layup and a free throw from Clark evened

out the score, and another layup sent the Cougars back on top.

With 3 minutes left in the first half of the game, the teams were even at 26-26.

Three successful free throws from the Rams, two from Schels and one from Greene, allowed Framingham to get ahead just before Clark scored on a layup.

The first half ended with the Cougars just one point behind the Rams.

Starting off the second half, Martin assisted Schels in a layup, keeping the Rams in the lead.

Martin assisted Captain Kelsey Yelle, a senior, in scoring a layup and also assisted senior Kiara Cerruti on a 3-pointer.

Even with Clark scoring three layups, they weren’t fighting hard enough to catch up to the Rams until they scored on two free throws to tie the score, and then a 3-pointer to push the score to 39-36.

Back-to-back layups from each team and a successful free throw from Clark kept the Rams fighting hard to catch up.

Two layups and a free throw from the Cougars brought the score to 47-40, followed by another two layups and a 3-pointer, which had Framingham struggling to keep up.

A foul from Clark allowed Schels to tally points on two successful free throws and earn the team another two points with a jump shot.

Junior Ava Mckeon put two points on the board with free throws after Clark fouled again.

After one more layup from the Cougars, they fouled for a third time, allowing Martin to score on two free throws.

Clark was 10 points in the lead now, but the Rams didn’t back down.

Schels assisted Yelle in a layup before scoring points on two successful free throws.

Clark had four layups in a row before Framingham could gain possession of the ball.

Greene and Schels each scored two points on free throws, bringing the score to 73-58.

Between a couple more layups and free throws, the Cougars continued to earn points while the Rams’ score stayed the same until Yelle and sophomore Shaelagh Green scored points on layups.

While the Rams fought hard, the final score was 80-62 in favor of Clark.

Martin said, “The biggest mental challenge we faced as a team was trying to compete with Clark’s energy and offense. They were all over the floor and it was difficult to keep up with at some points. We ended up figuring out how to play our game as the game went on.

“As the season progresses, we plan to work on our defensive consistency and come back next semester stronger than ever! We

truly put in the effort on and off the court to achieve our goals for this season, and I know we will continue to do that going into the next half of our season!” she added.

Cerruti and freshman Zaria Anderson were named MASCAC Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week, respectively, Dec. 8. The Rams travel to Daytona Beach, Florida to play Curry College in a non-conference matchup Dec. 29.

Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com

CONNECT WITH AVERY SLAVIN aslavin1@student.framingham.edu

Men’s ice hockey keeps spirits high despite loss to MCLA

By Izabela Gage Sports Editor

The Framingham State Rams hosted the MCLA Trailblazers for their final conference game of 2025 on Dec. 6 and lost 3-2.

This loss brings their conference record to 1-4 and their overall record to 3-6.

Captain Jake Barcelou, a senior, said, “Despite the 3-6 record, the spirits in the locker room are pretty high. We know that if we play to our capabilities, we are much better than our record shows.”

The first period began with a controlled faceoff win by Assistant Captain Scott Bugarin, a junior.

Just 22 seconds in, Bugarin fired the opening shot, forcing MCLA’s goaltender Rocco Stoltz to make an early save, followed by another shot only 34 seconds later by sophomore Devin Shepherd.

MCLA responded with a shot of their own, but freshman goaltender Benjamin O’Keefe made the stop.

Framingham kept pressing with a shot by senior Sam Larkin 4 minutes in, followed by Bugarin trying to get past Stoltz’s pads, both of which were unsuccessful.

A slashing penalty on Framingham gave MCLA their first power play, but the Rams won the faceoff and were strong on the penalty kill.

O’Keefe saved a shot by the Trailblazers, and the Rams remained steady until they were back to even strength.

Framingham regained momentum immediately. Larkin took another shot only 5 seconds later, but could not break Stoltz’s defense.

Despite MCLA winning the next faceoff, sophomore Michael Kennedy took possession of the puck and buried the first goal of the game, assisted by Shepherd and Assistant Captain Cameron Craig, a junior.

The Rams won the next faceoff, but then traded puck control with MCLA over the next couple of minutes, during which the Trailblazers took two shots on goal, both saved by O’Keefe.

Framingham surged again, firing a flurry of shots, two from Kennedy and one from Barcelou, each saved but keeping MCLA pinned deep in their defensive zone.

O’Keefe continued to stand firm, stopping three goal attempts in the next minute and a half, protecting Framingham’s lead.

At 14:43, the Rams increased their lead. Junior Brent Scott netted the puck, assisted by Bugarin and senior Bobby Bernier.

MCLA found the back of the net on a power-play goal just under 4 minutes later, but the first period ended 2-1 in favor of the Rams.

The second period began with freshman Jeremy Zecher trying to shoot the puck past Stoltz’s pads less than 2 minutes in, but he was unsuccessful.

Freshman Grig Kaagan and junior Nathan Gines both tried to find the back of the net, followed by O’Keefe stopping five MCLA goal attempts in the following 4 minutes.

The Trailblazers broke through the Rams’ defense, bringing the score to 2-1.

After a tripping call on MCLA, Framingham was on the power play, and Stoltz stopped two back-to-back shots by Scott.

Framingham was strong on offense for the remainder of the second period.

The clock ran out following a shot on goal each by freshmen Aidan Elbrecht and Jonas Oesterle, and junior David Hassell, all of which were saved by Stoltz, and the period ended 2-2.

The third period started with Shepherd firing the first shot on goal less than 2 minutes in, followed by Larkin, Hassell, and junior Storm Davis all taking shots of their own.

The Trailblazers tried to break through O’Keefe’s defense, but were unsuccessful.

The Rams remained aggressive on offense, with Elbrecht, Bugarin, and freshman Connor McLachlan all trying to find the back of the net, but Stoltz didn’t let the puck get past the goal line.

Both teams fought for possession of the puck for the next 5 minutes, but only the Trailblazers were able to take shots on

goal, with O’Keefe stopping all four of them.

After MCLA was called for an interference penalty, the Rams battled through the power play with Scott, Barcelou, and senior Jack Ennis all trying to regain the lead for the Rams.

The Trailblazers scored in the final minute to take the lead 3-2, and the Rams were unable to respond before the buzzer sounded through the arena.

Scott said, “We just focus as a team to try to get 30 shots a game. … The forwards did a great job on the forecheck and getting the puck up to the defensemen so we could get those point shots.”

He added, “We have such a young group of really talented guys, and they’re starting to really get their confidence up and taking those shots they might not have in the beginning of the year.”

Barcelou said, “Despite the loss, I thought the effort was there from the team and everybody battled hard until the final buzzer. It is tough to go into winter break with a loss, but it will fuel us to come back stronger in the second half of the season.”

Scott said the team is already prepared for the first game in January. “Going into break losing a game that we should’ve won left a bad taste in our mouths. … We’re a family on this team, and we’re just waiting until we can get back on the ice and play again.”

The Rams host the Roger Williams University Hawks for a non-conference matchup Jan. 3. Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com

CONNECT WITH IZABELA GAGE igage@student.framingham.edu

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST Michael Kennedy skating with the puck in loss against MCLA on Dec. 6.

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST (Right) Shaelagh Green going for a layup in win against Rivier University on Nov. 12.

Continued from Page 1

As a setter, she also tallied 1,011 digs, 178 service aces, and 95 kills.

Head Coach Richard Casali said Bailey’s all-around skill, especially her defense, exceeded what he expected. “We could play her at libero if we wanted to, and she could handle it.”

He said he didn’t see that level from her in high school, simply because the competition wasn’t strong enough to expose it.

He added she worked hard at being a versatile player on offense and defense. “She has over 1,000 digs - that speaks for itself.”

Bailey said her perspective on volleyball and competition shifted dramatically across her four years. “When I was a freshman, the most important part of playing a sport was winning, no matter how much it hurt. And now I understand the importance of actually enjoying what you do.”

She said embracing enjoyment made her a better athlete and person, “physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.”

That mindset shaped the standard she wanted for her team. “When we go out to practice, you give 100% of what you have. We understood that we’re collegiate athletes. … It helped us to keep this precedent of a high level of volleyball, and I would say that’s probably how we were able to do well.”

Bailey served as captain for her junior and senior seasons, something she said she’s grateful for because she didn’t like the type of leader she was at first. “My first year, I was all about, ‘This is how we win,’ but I was wrong.”

She said she learned that leadership wasn’t about repeating the previous year’s formula, but figuring out what the current team needed.

She described her junior-year roster as especially difficult to lead. “We had no seniors and like 11 freshmen. It was a very young team, and that was really hard, especially because I was only a junior, and we had no seniors to set the precedent.”

She said the biggest challenge wasn’t gameplay, but figuring out “what standards we align ourselves with. Who are we as a team? What do we really care about at the end of the day?”

Her teammate, junior Natalie Reynolds, said, “She leads by example and set the standard for the type of players we should all be. She is the type of athlete who you just aspire to be like.”

She added, “Whether we were stepping onto the court for a big game, or to run 10 laps, Stella was enthusiastic through it all. She made even the down moments have some positives and she always knew how to lift each person on the court up.”

Her teammate, sophomore Sarah Medeiros, said, “Stella’s support and enthusiasm helped to encourage players on and off the court to be more confident. She had so much faith in our team and what we were capable of.”

Bailey said her biggest success as a captain came when the team finally answered those questions together. “We had a lot of meetings where we would just talk about what we want to do. It felt really good … to understand that

we were able to grow together with love.”

She said by the end of the season, “It just felt good that we were able to create an environment that people genuinely love to be a part of and to know that we have a team full of friends that will be lifelong friends forever.”

Bailey said her freshman year was “a horrible situation. … I would go home to my dorm, and I would cry.”

That experience fueled her determination to leave the program better than she found it. “I hope the girls are best friends forever. Coach is tough. … It has to be us who lift each other up.”

Her teammate, junior Jaimee Lowe, said, “Stella is a bright light on and off the court. … Her

Reynolds said, “Stella was always finding ways to make us closer as a team. Through this, we have developed friendships on this team I didn’t think was ever possible. We are so close, and have our captains to thank for that.”

Medeiros said both Bailey and Beaulieu “prioritized team bonding, especially during preseason, which set up a very good foundation for us to get along throughout the rest of the season.

“We had four freshmen coming in for preseason, and within a few days, it felt like we were a team that had been playing together for years,” she added.

Reynolds said, “I believe Stella Bailey is the best setter that has ever stepped foot in this school. Not only her skill, but her deter-

positive attitude and constant encouragement build trust and confidence, letting everyone know that we’re not alone and that we can achieve success together as a team.”

Medeiros said, “Stella put in a tremendous amount of effort as a captain to build our team chemistry. I think this past season was a fantastic showcase of how much our chemistry has improved over the last year. Chemistry is formed off the court, which is why it was so crucial for us to have team-bonding dinners, many of which were set up by Stella.”

Bailey hopes that principle continues long after she graduates. “I hope the team and all sports in general are able to have a team culture that’s very positive.”

Casali said Bailey became a model for how culture is sustained through accountability and example. “She comes in to practice, and she starts running all by herself. Then the rest of them know it’s time to get to work.”

He said her leadership extended beyond the gym. Bailey and co-captain Carly Beaulieu, a senior, ran study sessions twice a week, guided recruits, and acted as mentors. “That’s a lot of responsibility on a person, and you can’t just give that to anybody. You have to know that these people can handle it, and she can.”

started a fight for the MASCAC title that is still not over, even with her graduating.

“Stella helped us all to realize our true potential as players and to showcase that on the court, which will carry over for next year. It’s rare to come across players who are as motivated and willing to do what it takes to win as Stella. She’s really an inspiration for all members of the team now and the new girls coming in,” she added.

Lowe said Bailey is “an exceptional leader both on and off the court. She always knows the right thing to say and goes above and beyond to lift the team’s spirits.”

Bailey said as she leaves the Framingham State volleyball program, “I hope people think I worked hard. My teammates would say if they ever thought they were working hard, they would think of me and say, ‘No, I need to work harder.’”

She said her advice for future setters and captains is, “Feel your glow. There’s a glow in your heart for things that you really enjoy. In tough times, feel your glow and remind yourself, ‘What are you doing here?’ There’s no point in doing something if you don’t love what you’re doing.”

Athletically, she said she plans to step away from intense competition. “Being an athlete, there are a lot of things that are negative about that term. You aren’t able to really listen to your body.”

Instead, she said she wants to focus on what feels good for her, like eating healthy, yoga, and meditation.

Bailey said after graduating, she is going to be a secondary education art teacher, a career she said mirrors the lessons she learned as captain.

“I’m super excited about it. I’m going to have the same principles,” she said, “like really listening to people, figuring out each person’s individual needs.”

mination and leadership made her the incredible player she is.”

Medeiros said, “Whenever we were in a rut, she knew exactly what to say that would get us motivated to get to the next point without putting anybody down.

“Personally, if I was having a hard time on the court, I knew I could count on Stella to look at me and say, ‘We’re going to get you a kill right now,’” she added.

Casali said setters naturally run the floor, but Bailey did it with her own balance of intensity and composure. “She’s learned she can be demanding, but she also has to be calming too.

“When somebody makes a mistake, she pats them on the shoulder and says, ‘Don’t worry about it. You’ll get the next one,’” he added.

He highlighted how the team won against Westfield in the semifinals this season. After a rough set, he said he thought they were in trouble, but Bailey kept them focused.

“She has a way to hold them to a higher standard when things aren’t going particularly well. She was the one telling them, ‘We don’t need 16 points right now. We need one point.’ Without the kind of leadership she displayed, I don’t think we would have won that game,” he said.

Medeiros said, “I think her legacy will be shown in how motivated the team is now. She

She said she still plans to coach someday. “I’ve coached before, and I loved it. The goal is to teach kids that they can love the sport and it doesn’t need to be something that’s negative and something that you have to do, but it can be something that you get to do. It’s something that you love to do.”

Casali said, “I’ve told her this before, ‘I hope you coach, because you are going to be wonderful at it.’”

He said he knows Bailey is capable of anything and she’ll be successful in whatever she chooses. “She is a compassionate person. She’s going to have a wonderful career.”

Casali said Bailey’s impact will continue through the players who watched her, and she leaves behind a blueprint of being encouraging, demanding, and driven.

He said, “Players like Stella bring in other players. … She obviously made the program better.”

Reynolds said, “It will be very hard to ever top the work she has done here, and I am so lucky I ever got to play with her. She is truly special.”

Izabela Gage / THE GATEPOST

(Right) Madysen Cedrone, Stella Bailey, Natalie Reynolds, Sarah Medeiros, Anneli DiVirgilio, and Jaimee Lowe celebrating a point during the 2024-25 season.

ARTS & FEATURES

CIE celebrates international holidays

By Sarah Daponde Asst. Arts & Features Editor

The Center for Inclusive Excellence hosted “Winter Holidays Around the World” on Dec. 9.

The event, originally scheduled for Dec. 2, was postponed due to snow.

“Winter Holidays Around the World” included live performances and different cultural elements to introduce FSU to global winter traditions.

Jerome Burke, director of the CIE, said this event was about “curiosity, community, and connection.

“It’s about moving our hearts and minds with traditions that may look different from our own,” he added.

“While our customs may differ, the human desire to gather, to celebrate, to reflect, and to find joy is universal,” Burke said.

He added the CIE continues to make attempts toward exposing the campus community to more culture and identity.

The event also featured food from around the world, including jelly filled donuts, Jamaican sorrel drink, Puerto Rican arroz con gandules, quipes, and Greek Yogurt Waldorf Salad.

The first presentation was given by Ruirui Zhang, professor of the Fashion Design & Retailing department, on the Chinese Lunar New Year.

There are many variations of the holiday celebrated throughout China, but Zhang said her presentation was based on Beijing’s version.

She said this holiday, also known as Spring Festival in Beijing, is “the most important traditional holiday in China,” and represents the approach of spring.

The date of Lunar New Year

ent traditions, Zhang said. The younger generations do a thorough cleaning of their homes to represent cleansing and renewal.

Vanessa Joga, co-founder and executive director of the Guardians of Tradition, introduced the next performer, Cassie Santana.

Santana, a dancer from Ritmos Dance Academy, performed Perico Ripiao, the oldest, most traditional form of Merengue dance to Tipico music from the Dominican Republic.

The next presentation was given by Burke on the tradition Junkanoo, which is celebrated during the Christmas season in Jamaica and the Bahamas.

He said Junkanoo began during slavery in the Caribbean and the tradition is still kept alive.

“It’s a hopeful expression of African survival. It’s a form of resistance, while at the same time, a form of celebration.”

There are 11 main characters

ter’s Youth Poet Laureate from January 2022 through December 2023.

Mejia said, “I grew up around here mainly, and I celebrate good old Christmas with Santa Claus.”

He performed a spoken word piece he wrote about Christmas.

The next presentation was titled “Hanukkah: A Festival of Lights.” It was presented by Yair Rachmany, a junior at Framingham State and president of the Outing Club.

“I am really excited about this presentation because I am Jewish and Hanukkah is a holiday I grew up celebrating, and it is such a special time for me,” said Rachmany.

He said Hanukkah, a holiday that takes place in December, celebrates religious freedom and is about standing for what you believe in. The word “Hanakkuh” means dedication.

The lighting of the Menorah and spinning the Dreidel are two important traditions in cel-

is decided based on the system of the moon and varies every year, said Zhang.

Each year is assigned a Zodiac animal, said Zhang - 2024 was the year of the dragon, 2025 is the year of the snake, and 2026 is the year of the horse.

She said Lunar New Year is also a time of human migration, as many people living and working in the cities go home to their families living in more rural areas.

Every generation has differ-

used to represent and symbolize different parts of the community, said Burke.

Burke said the character of Pitchy-Patchy, someone dressed in a costume made of different colored patches, was used to poke fun at the slave masters.

“This was something that we grew up seeing and this is very popular in our communities,” added Burke.

The next performance was given by Adael Mejia, Worces-

ebrating Hanukkah. Rachmany passed around three Dreidels for attendees to see.

“It is a spinning top with Hebrew letters that stand for ‘a great miracle happened there,” he added.

Rachmany said there was a special oil found by the Maccabees that burned for eight ddays, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days. A new candle is added to the Menorah and lighted every night to represent the miracle.

Rachmany said food is also an important part of Hanukkah. Two traditional plates are Latkes, which are crispy potato pancakes, and Sufganiyot, which are jelly-filled donuts. “Both are fried in oil to connect back to the Hanukkah miracle of the oil.”

“It’s a holiday that reminds us that even something smalllike a tiny jar of oil - can make a huge impact,” said Rachmany. “Learning about different traditions, like Hanukkah, helps us appreciate the cultures around us and build a stronger, more inclusive community.”

A Haitian tradition was showcased next. Jean Sebastien Duvilaire performed on the drums and was accompanied by a singer and dancer. They performed the Petwo and Kongo dances.

Duvilaire said the Christmas season is celebrated in Haiti with baths.

“Good luck baths, baths to get rid of the negative energy of the year, so we can start the new year with positive energy,” he said.

Duvilaire said the Petwo is sung for nature and for the leaves and the leaves they use to cleanse themselves of negative energy.

“We celebrate that power that we have in collaboration with nature,” he added.

Joga said the performance reminded her of her own home country.

Joga said in every presentation and performance at the Winter Holidays event there are elements of tradition that repeat themselves in other cultures.

In the Dominican Republic, Joga said it is a tradition to go to the beach and walk backwards into the ocean with the sunrise of the New Year.

“We believe that it cleans our soul and we leave everything bad that happened behind and we welcome the new year,” she added.

“Our traditions are what make us who we are. All of these you have seen today - it’s because of immigration. It’s because of intersectionality. Culture is not static,” she added. “Everything we bring with us - that culture is what stays with us. Diversity, culture, heritage is what makes us.”

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Cassie Santana performing “Perico Ripiao” in the Center for Inclusive Excellence on Dec. 9.

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Fashion Design Professor Ruirui Zhang presenting in the Center for Inclusive Excellence on Dec. 9.

Christa McAuliffe Center recognizes 40th anniversary of Challenger disaster

By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez Arts & Features Editor

The Christa McAuliffe Center held a lecture in the McCarthy Center’s Alumni Room titled “Christa Corrigan McAuliffe, Symbol of Ordinary People Achieving Extraordinary Things,” on Dec. 4.

The event is the first in the “Challenger Series,” which is running around the time of the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, which is Jan. 28, 2026.

Irene Porro, director of the Christa McAuliffe Center, said this meeting will go into aspects of McAuliffe’s life before the accident.

“Because of the accident we learned a lot about her essentially in her last year of life. And that’s not really what we want to focus on. We want to focus on her transformation years,” Porro said.

Suzanne Wright, the assistant director of the Christa McAuliffe Center, introduced the speakers.

Anna Tucker is the executive director of the Framingham History Center, and Kathleen Young is the senior multimedia producer at New Hampshire PBS, Wright said.

Tucker said her portion of the discussion will focus on what Framingham was like during McAuliffe’s time here and how her familial roots might have influenced her philosophies.

She said people often let a

to Framingham in 1954, when McAuliffe was very young, and lived here until about 1970, she said.

This time period was referred to as the “big change” by Stephen W. Herring in his book “Framingham: An American Town,” Tucker said.

New neighborhoods were being built in Framingham after World War II, followed by new schools, roads, and restaurants, she said.

Shoppers’ World opened in 1951, shortly before McAuliffe moved in, as “the first open air mall east of the Rockies,” Tucker said.

In 1950 the population was 28,000, which grew to over 63,000 by 1970, she said.

The school that eventually became Framingham High was at the time the “most expensive secondary education school [to be built] in Massachusetts up to that point,” Tucker said.

Women faced several barriers in pursuit of civil rights, especially in that time period, she said.

“In 1955, the year after the Corrigan family moved to Framingham, a Framingham Chapter of the League of Women’s Voters was established here,” Tucker said.

This was also during the Cold War, she added.

“The Massachusetts Turnpike, including going through Framingham, was partially established as an evacuation route from Boston in case of

Arabic studies in the United States,” Tucker said.

She said she would argue that Hitti’s love for history and education was passed on to McAuliffe in both professional and personal ways.

According to Tucker, Hitti once said, “I wanted to excel, not to get something for myself but to use this knowledge to the benefit of others.”

McAuliffe’s experience in Marian High School was described by her mother as “full, happy, and fairly normal,” Tucker said.

She was involved in several extracurriculars and was in the Girl Scouts for 21 years, Tucker said.

The only part of Girl Scouts that McAuliffe didn’t like was supposedly a girl who wouldn’t stop teasing someone, she said.

High school is where she met her future husband, Steve McAuliffe, Tucker said.

While there, she was part of a basketball team and wore the first strapless gown known in the school’s dance history, she said.

The high school closed for a day on Feb. 20, 1962 so students could watch the launch of John Glenn on Friendship 7, the first American to orbit Earth, she said.

The next day, McAuliffe reportedly said to a friend on the bus to school, “Do you realize that someday people will be going to the moon. Maybe even taking a bus, and I want to do

histories in understanding history and education,” Tucker said.

After McAuliffe graduated in 1970 with a degree in history, she left Framingham, Tucker said.

McAuliffe got a master’s in education from Bowie State University in Maryland before moving to Concord, New Hampshire, Tucker said.

Young said she made a documentary about McAuliffe last year titled “Christa: From Ordinary to Extraordinary.”

When making the documentary she worked with the Concord Historical Society, she said.

Concord was a small town, she added. So small that the people there “really claim her as their own,” Young said.

Young shared both a photo and footage of a parade during her time there, before the Teacher In Space Program.

Young said she interviewed over 30 people for the documentary, including former students and teachers who knew her and Gov. Chris Sununu who helped get a statue of her made.

Many of the students she interviewed became educators themselves, she added.

When she was filling out her application for the Teacher In Space Program she involved her students, asking them what they thought would be a good response, Young said.

“She never took it incredibly

story’s ending define the narrative.

Tucker said, “The end of Christa’s life and the six other astronauts was an uncompromising tragedy - we continue to feel the ramifications today. If not for the Challenger, we might have Christa here or on Zoom at age 77, and we do not, tragically.

“If we primarily see her extraordinary life though only through the lens of the tragedy, we miss the opportunity and the sight of the wisdom that Christa Corrigan McAuliffe provided throughout all of her 37 years,” Tucker said.

McAuliffe’s family moved

nuclear attack,” Tucker said.

“It also brought a unifying and federally funded and supported push for excellence, and a desire to take new risks,” she said.

This thought process led to the space program, she said.

McAuliffe grew up in an environment of growth and change, she added.

McAuliffe had a diverse family history, with ancestors from Lebanon, Ireland, and Germany, Tucker said.

McAuliffe had a great uncle named Philip Hitti, a Lebanese historian who is “largely attributed with popularizing

that,” Tucker said.

McAuliffe graduated from Marian High School and started going to Framingham State College, now known as Framingham State University, in 1966, Tucker said.

McAuliffe took a history course at college that focused on the American frontier, and she was inspired by some journals of the early American explorers, Tucker said.

“It was actually a threepart journal that Christa proposed to be her project with the Teacher in Space Program. And actually in application she spoke of the importance of oral

serious. I don’t think she expected to win,” Young said.

According to Young, a few people told her McAuliffe waited until the last minute to submit the application and even ran down to the Post Office in her pajamas.

Even after she was chosen, McAuliffe would avoid the spotlight and “always found a way to bring it back to the teaching profession and the importance of education itself,” Young said.

CONNECT WITH FRANCISCO OMAR FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ ffernandezrodriguez@student.framingham.edu

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Anna Tucker speaking at the McAulliffe Center’s lecture in the McCarthy Center Alumni Room on Dec. 4.

ARTS & FEATURES

‘The Running Man’ sprints to the finish

By Jesse Burchill Staff Writer

Released on Nov. 14, “The Running Man” is the second adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel after the 1987 version that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, the film is set in a future where society is dominated by poverty and bread-and-circuses-style television, and the corporation the Network owns the police and the media.

Our protagonist Ben Richards enters the competition reality show “The Running Man,” run by the Network, where he must survive 30 days while being chased across the country by both highly trained mercenaries and ordinary citizens.

The prize is 1 billion New Dollars, which Ben can use to get himself, his wife, and his daughter out of poverty and afford his daughter’s medical treatment.

Glen Powell is a convincing leading man as Ben Richards, and he sells Ben’s anger at the world in general very well throughout. The juxtaposition between his joining “The Running Man” for his family and the public’s growing perception of him as the face of the revolution against the Network provides a very interesting character dynamic, especially since the 1987 movie did not include his family.

Furthermore, the daily recordings he has to submit to the show as a Runner helps us see into his character as the

movie goes on and he becomes more and more accepting of his role in the revolution.

Colman Domingo as Bobby T., the host of “The Running Man,” hams it up to 11 in pretty much every scene he’s in, and proves to be one of the most memorable characters. He’s every trope about an energetic game show host rolled into one, and the setting he works in lets him stand out even more.

Josh Brolin stars as Dan Killian, the CEO of the Network and the mastermind of “The Running Man.” He’s more of a passive, behind-the-scenes presence than in the 1987 adaptation, where he took up Bobby T.’s role as the show’s host. But he still has a permeating presence throughout the movie as a chilling, cold, and calculating manipulator and controller, in particular thanks to Brolin’s performance.

Michael Cera in the supporting role of Elton was one of my favorite characters despite his brief screen time. Cera is largely respected as a comedy actor, but manages to successfully play his dramatic chops as Ben’s ally while still having his funny moments, especially in regards to his father’s conflict with the Network when they took over the police force in Derry.

Lee Pace features as McCone, the show’s top hunter. Pace’s performance as the character is quite intimidating, even in spite of wearing a mask for most of his screentime, and McCone’s character is particularly nuanced as revealed in the plane sequence where his

background and role on the show are expanded upon.

However, McCone is also the only one of the hunters to get much character depth. While they all move as a military unit, making them comparatively more intimidating than in the 1987 version, McCone’s fellow hunters feel practically inter changeable, which is a shame given how bombastically overthe-top their 1987 counter parts were.

As far as the action goes, this movie does not falter. From Ben escaping the hunt ers at the YVA Hotel to Ben and Elton fighting off Network agents with Elton’s weapon ized house to the entire climax on the plane, the film remains engaging in its set pieces, even if they’re spaced out a bit too far for some.

in Los Angeles, and the inclusion of Ben’s wife and daughter - this version was an improvement. With Edgar Wright’s uniquely frenetic directing style and a spate of memorable performances, the film is sure to both entertain the audience and get them thinking.

Throughout the movie, there’s some not-so-subtle criticisms about wealth inequality and corporate control over society. They’re as subtle as a rainbow-painted anvil being thrown through a window, but the movie uses them to both add to and heighten the story in a way that feels natural.

In the end, “The Running Man” succeeds as both an action film and a biting social commentary.

It adapted several aspects of King’s original book that the 1987 film did not. While I enjoyed the 1987 version as well, I felt that in several areas - like the worldbuilding, the plane climax, the Runners being hunted for 30 days across the country instead of one night

Rating: A-

“The Running Man” nabs the gold

CONNECT WITH JESSE BURCHILL jcelardo@student.framingham.edu

‘Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc’ is the bomb

By Owen Glancy Arts & Features Editor

Watching anime rapidly rise in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic has been a truly surreal experience. Seeing the medium go from a niche, nerdy sub-culture to a true mainstay of popular culture has been as satisfying as it has been odd.

This feeling culminated for me when during my screening of “Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc,” I overheard two people next to me talking about their film backgrounds and how they had never even seen the show this movie is a sequel to, only for them to end up loving it anyway.

That power to win over even people who have never watched anime before is honestly all that needs to be said about “Reze Arc’s” quality. In an absolutely stacked year for anime films, where this movie had to compete against giants like “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” and “Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution,” “Reze Arc” manages to come out on top of them all.

The film follows Denji and the rest of his friends after the events of the TV show as Denji now finally feels at place in the Public Safety Devil Hunters, only for that to be interrupted when he meets a girl named Reze, who is secretly the bomb devil in disguise.

Denji and Reze are the two main standouts here, as their chemistry feels natural and fun. Even after it’s revealed that Reze was manipulating him, you can still see that not all of their interactions were built on falsehoods - these two are still very similar.

They aren’t the only great characters however, as Beam and the Angel Devil really get the time to shine they weren’t afforded in the show. Beam’s chaotic worship of Denji despite Denji’s obvious stupidity is hilarious and Angel’s attempts to use apathy to mask their true feelings is reminiscent of Aki’s character arc from earlier in the series. This dynamic in particular leads to an emotional scene between Aki and Angel that acts as one of the most underrated scenes in the film, and one that offers a nice break from the nearly

non-stop action of the second half.

For all the excellent characters in this film, the one that surprised me the most was Makima. In the show she fills this role of mysterious caretaker of the employees of Section 4. She’s undoubtedly kind to those under her, but she has this aura of menace to her seen in small glimpses.

Whether it be the way she looks at someone for just a little too long, or her unsettling manner of aiding the main characters in fights from far away, or just how much everyone seems to either unconditionally love or fear her, Makima was an intentionally vague character. However, the first act of this film really peels back some of her layers.

She and Denji’s date is basically just Makima forcing Denji to do what she wants, not really giving any thought to Denji’s own opinions. However, it’s through this movie marathon where we see Makima start to crack. She cries at such a simple scene, one that while not bombastic or grand, touched something inside her, something she doesn’t often show to others. Something that shows that while she is still vastly mysterious and may not even necessarily be on the side of the heroes, she at the very least feels and has some motivation lying underneath it all.

While the characters are undeniably the backbone of the film, the action and animation also do their fair share of heavy lifting. From the serenely beautiful backgrounds and

small character movements of the first half, to the abject chaos and insanity of the second half’s action scenes, every single frame of this film looks stunning.

This is the rare instance of an anime film that truly goes beyond both of its source materials (the anime and manga) and reaches a level of quality so high that it leaves you wondering, “how could they possibly go any further than this?”

“Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc” is the quintessential anime film based on an existing franchise that both elevates, and advertises the source material. Even if you’ve never watched anime, or “Chainsaw Man,” you should give this film a shot!

Rating: A+ A total BLAST

Ronnie Chiu-Lin / THE GATEPOST

Ronnie Chiu-Lin / THE GATEPOST

The Book Report: ‘Dracula’

By Kate Norrish Staff Writer

Everyone knows the general outline of the stories where infamous horror creatures like Frankenstein’s Monster and Cthulhu originated. However, the plot of “Dracula” - published in 1897 - usually surprises people. Part of that may be that the appeal of the book is not Dracula as a character, and part of it may be that the plot is bonkers.

Additionally, in Victorian England, Christmas was considered the creepiest day of the year, kind of like Halloween here in America. Therefore, let’s play into that, shall we?

“Dracula” begins when a British man Jonathan goes on a business trip to Transylvania - a city filled with kind people and the most tasty chicken paprika he’s ever eaten. For some reason though, they’re all scared of Dracula, even though he seems like a nice eccentric guy.

After Jonathan realizes Dracula is an evil - well you know - he attempts to escape, all while Dracula goes to take over England and starts slurping on Lucy, the friend of Jonathan’s fiancee. What follows is a great big hunt featuring Lucy’s three suitors, as well as the fiancee, a.k.a. Mina Murray, Van Helsing, and, of course, Jonathan.

I’m just going to say it, Dracula is the most boring character in “Dracula.” He is a stereotypical, moustache-twirling villain who wants to take over the world, one slurped victim at a time, as well as having

Fame

some anti-semetic undertones. The reason you read it is for everyone else.

I love all these people, from the gentle yet goofy Van Helsing, to Lucy and her suitors - a group that is implied to be a polycule - to Mina, the most kickbutt woman Victorian literature has to offer - they all have their own quirks and skills.

I would also like to highlight that one of Lucy’s suitors is a literal cowboy (from the state of Texas, y’all) and his name is Quincy. He is awesome.

While the book understandably makes some peo ple uncomfortable due to it playing into the idea that Eastern Europe an - and especially Jewish people - are attempting to take over Europe, as well as some ableism surrounding a mentally ill man, I do think the book holds up in several other areas. For example, while many adaptations portray Lucy as an impulsive woman who should be looked down on for her desire to marry three people,

the book does the exact opposite.

Abe / THE GATEPOST

A romance has to be written really, really well for me to enjoy it, and Lucy’s relationship with all three suitors is so sweet, as is their relationship with each other. Her chances of having a consensual, loving relationship in a way that would not even be accepted by many people now is only ruined by Dracula’s actions, which have undertones reminiscent of sexual assault, and therefore, a noncensual relationship between one man and one woman.

Additionally, this book is a master at creating an ominous mood. The sequence focusing on Dracula’s time in the hold of a ship got its own film for a reason, and Mina noticing the bite marks on Lucy, and then slowly learning what they were caused by, reminds me of how folkloric vampires are commonly based on rabies in

is a gun and ‘Addison’ is a sure

By Antonio Machado Copy Editor

In the age of Tik Tok, where fame is given out like a deck of cards to any unsuspecting teenager, the music industry has repeatedly been dealt multiple dud hands.

The abundance of influencers who try to capitalize on their social media popularity to propel themselves into a music career has resulted in an industry oversaturated with unremarkable pop music.

Addison Rae is not one of these influencers.

After years coining the persona of a ditzy girl-next-door making 15 second dance videos and toe-dipping in teenage controversy, Rae has reinvented herself as, not as just a pop star, but as a true artist.

“AR,” Rae’s debut EP, was a naïve toe dip into the immense sea of pop, regurgitating some of the most basic, formulaic pop music, yet it simultaneously contained ripples of greatness - an unreleased Lady Gaga track and a feature from Charli XCX.

Her debut album, “Addison,” however, is a nosedive straight into the depths.

Piercing, refined, and most importantly, well-executed, “Addison” is everything missing from contemporary modern pop music.

Working alongside Luka Klosser and Elvira Anderfjärd, who were, similarly to Rae’s musical prowess, undiscovered until the release of this record, Rae combines sonic influences from some of the greatest art-

ists in history with an effervescent, youthful femininity.

“Diet Pepsi,” the lead single of the record and also the most successful track of the album, colors outside the melancholic lines Lana Del Rey drew, clearly under but not wholly adhering to the influence.

The starry-eyed trip to the Big Apple in “New York” is somehow a pastiche Y2K dance track, yet it’s grounded in a 2020s jersey beat, all brought together by Rae’s playfulness.

When Rae began the rollout for “Addison,” the authenticity of her sound was imme diately brought to question by those who were unwilling to see past the TikTok persona, but the siren song of “Aquamarine” is too off-kilter not to be authentic.

the best possible way. The book also symbolically uses dogs for a similar effect. Don’t worry, no puppies are harmed.

This is also a book that appeals to fans of many different genres. It is a horror novel, adventure novel, mystery novel, and has action and romance sequences to boot. The characters are all so unique that there are many options for your favorite. Personally, mine is the shy and clumsy Dr. Seward, one of Lucy’s suitors.

Regardless, the dedication these folks have to fighting Dracula makes me pumped up for some secret mission that I may or may not ever have to do. They shoot bats with guns, travel across Europe while being chased, assist in multiple cases of turning-into-a-vampire disease, and somehow, against all odds, make studying train schedules cool.

“Dracula,” rightfully, has developed a cult following on social media due to Dracula Daily - a free email series that takes advantage of the book’s format of a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings. While it’s off season right now, I do think it’s worth getting on the bandwagon on May 3 when Jonathan goes on his trip again. Come for the vampires, stay for everyone else, because did I mention there’s a cowboy?

CONNECT WITH KATE NORRISH knorrish@student.framingham.edu

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Rae finds comfort in herself. “Addison” is an album riddled with self-doubt yet soothed by a wellspring of affirmations. Rae acknowledges that she knows the “lows are what make the highs higher,” in the closing track, “Headphones On,” a cloudy sky trip-hop R&B standout.

“Addison” is more than just introspective. Rae sits within a jar of fame, meditating in the incessant scent of uncertainty while enjoying the sight of the world in front of her. It’s narra - tively succinct and polished while also sonically cohesive, every track possessing a sensual haze.

Falcão / THE GATEPOST

The aforementioned track combines “Ray of Light” stylings of Madonna with an Ariana Grande-esque breathy falsetto. Rae’s hypnotic narcissism swims beautifully atop four-on-the-floor synths.

“Addison” is decorated by a rose-colored escapism, too enthralled by her success and youth to worry about the woes of her past and the fears of what comes next. The record playfully glitters above the ground yet it feels the dangers of landing.

In this record, Rae most succeeds in her ability to admire her influences, and then kiss them away to create her own sound.

“Summer Forever” is a sun-kissed version of Del Rey, not plagued by the blues, but instead, basking in the hues of young love, decorated by a wind that is only felt at sunrise with the windows rolled down.

Yet, she juxtaposes that joy by concealing her tears “In The Rain.” She dances hand-inhand with her melancholy on this near house track, singing, “Misunderstood, but I’m not gonna sweat it / Isn’t it all for the show? / Keeping a smile on

my face for protection / Turning my tears into gold.” She allows herself to open up in “Times Like These” asking, “Am I too young to be this mad? / Am I too young to blame my Dad?” After so much time in the fickle spotlight of a phone screen, Rae understands the capricious and transient nature of fame, and similarly, she carries with her all the insecurities of wishing to hold on to said fame.

“Addison” knows everyone is watching to see what she does next. “You’ve got a front row seat, and I got a taste of the glamorous life,” she sings in “Fame is a Gun.”

This is a record constructed by someone who is completely self-aware of who she is, who she is perceived as, and who she wants to become. “Addison” is bold, concise, and experimental. In the noisy scrolling of modern fame, “Addison” hits play - on herself.

Rating: AMusic speaks. Music is power. Music is wow.

Marcus

David

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ - she’s coming for you

By Liv Dunleavy Asst. Arts & Features Editor

Hello everybody, my name is Liv and welcome back to “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” (“FNAF 2”).

It’s been so long since we last had seen the sun, trapped in this theater, waiting for the release of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.”

That release was Dec. 5, coincidentally the same day we all collectively spent absurd amounts of money on “FNAF” merchandise, again.

And it was a doozy. The lore is back, the jumpscares are back, the nostalgia is back, and… Fazbear’s back all right! Not only are Freddy and the gang back, but they’re literally back - in time.

With the animatronics crew from the original Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, the ever-so-lovely Marionette, and a few new cast members you’ll be surprised to see, “FNAF 2” had much in store. And with a lot of help from our recurring protagonists - Mike Schmidt, his younger sister Abby, and his weird situationship, Vanessa Afton - yes, that Afton - we delve deeper into our fears and discover more about the Franchise’s dark past.

The film - by title - is based on the second game of the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” franchise, “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” and more specifically, entirely focused on one character, The Marionette (also known as The Puppet).

The animatronic came to be after a child’s soul was trapped

in the marionette puppet, a creepy, lanky, and long-fingered doll, iconically known for her purple tears and rosy cheeks. The Puppet is controlled by Charlotte, who died by William Afton‘s hands, per usual. And not unlike the other child victims in the animatronics, Charlotte has grievances to pay - and she will make sure the town covers her expenses.

I really liked the balance between the horror aspects and the lore in both “FNAF” movies. I think there were enough gory blood scenes to appease the “this is a horror game” crowd, and a perfect amount of lore for those who didn’t know the game to understand it. This applies for a pretty-connected-to-the-lore fan who might even be giddy with the detailed fan service.

If you know me, if you’ve read any of my articles, you may know I’m someone who really likes the things I like. If you slap Bluey‘s face on almost anything, I will buy it. Honestly, I will buy anything I see with something I like on it. The same goes for Freddy Fazbear, it seems.

The animatronics looked amazing. The soundtrack was phenomenal. The fan service was exceptional, as usual. I’ve never felt like I was playing “FNAF” while watching a movie more than I did during that screening. I genuinely jumped out of my seat like four times during the jumpscares.

Yet, as I sat there and was genuinely jumpscared, there were moments where I believe creative liberties were taken

that maybe should’ve stayed inside the storyboards’ head.

Something about The Puppet’s character design just seemed like they were going for some sort of modern horror scare, and it took away from the classic in-game Marionette aesthetic. They made her into a scare of shock value instead of taking advantage of her true creeping, encroaching, unique characteristics that, in-game, made her so appealing.

We only see small moments of her in the game where they actually utilize techniques from the video game itself and I thought those were the most valuable, though scarce.

OK, OK, and yes, because I know you’re all wondering, the Easter eggs were there. We had so many Easter eggs and I will not spoil a single one, but I encourage you to watch the film and find them all.

Honestly, I really like the aspect shift that adaptation films are giving to games, musicals, and other forms of media recently that otherwise wouldn’t get to be lengthened.

I think that “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” may get mixed views, but if you want to know what’s going on inside my head, it’s that this movie is not something to ponder. Just watch, enjoy, and sit tight for “Five Nights at Freddy’s 3.”

If you know the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” lore and you live religiously by it, of course, not everything will be exactly what it’s always supposed to be. That’s not the purpose of a film adaptation. But I think this film does a phenomenal

26. Kendall Jenner’s mom 27 British honorific

30. Pipe cleaner brand

31. AI videos, to critics (Note letters 4-2 of this answer + letters 5-4 of 7-Down)

32. Wire thorn (Note letters 4-2 of this answer + letters 5-4 of 11-Down)

33. Singer Clay

34. Seeks the favor of

35. Smoothie berry

36. “Eeny, meeny, miny, ___”

37. Figurative expression

39. Oven gloves

40. Rotten Tomatoes contributors

42. Heartbeat

43. Erupt

45. Religious leaders

47. Chaos (Note letters 5-3 of this answer + letters 6-5 of 25-Down)

49. Pen fluid

50. “Uncle” on some posters

53. Fraction of a NASCAR race

55. Apt name for a chili fan?

56. Cut back

57. French wine

58. Musicians supporting lead singers, or a theme hint

61. This clue’s lang.

62. Tripoli’s nation

63. Choral section

64. Be dishonest

65. ’50s Ford flop

66. Camping equipment DOWN

1. Lacking brightness

2. Bio strand

3. Golfer Ernie

4. Propane conduit 5. Promise something is true

6. They’re under spare tires

job at creating those moments where you feel like you’re in the game. And isn’t that just a little bit scary?

See you in “Five Nights at Freddy’s 3,” and don’t forget to

7. Separate from a glacier

8. White House reception locale

9. Fingernail services, briefly

10. VIP at a company

11. Those to admire

12. “And I Love ___” (Beatles title)

13. Donkey

18. Function

22. Pieces of advice

23. Single man who went on the first date?

24. Threesome

25. Settle a score

28. Hopping mad

29. Hitter’s stats

31. Shape atop a Dairy Queen cone

32. Abandons a commitment

38. NYE month

39. Wetlands mud

41. Missing from an AFB

42. Tack on a wall

43. Digging tool

44. Pressed sandwich

46. Ceremonial act

48. TV signal delivery method

50. Figure in mall Christmas photos

51. Passion

52. Disorganized state

54. Settled a debt

55. Terrier type

56. Wan

59. “CSI” network, once

60. Grocery holder

Liv Dunleavy / THE GATEPOST

Zophie Greenwald doing a flip during “Off the Wall” at the dance team’s “Battle of the Genres” showcase on Dec. 5.

(Front) Shavorie Shorter and Amiliya Gretsky during “Pretty Ugly” at the dance team’s “Battle of the Genres” showcase on Dec. 5.

The African Caribbean Dance Group during their performance at the dance team’s “Battle of the

BATTLE OF THE GENRES

(Front) Rachel Taylor and Estrella Barbel during “Iris” at the dance team’s “Battle of the Genres” showcase on Dec. 5.

(Front) Zophie Greenwald during “Somebody to Love” at the dance team’s “Battle of the Genres” showcase on Dec. 5.

(Left) Giancarlo Totino and Avery Slavin during “Hopelessly Devoted” at the dance team’s “Battle of the Genres” showcase on Dec. 5.

Genres” showcase on Dec. 6.

Spread by Associate Editor Adrien Gobin

Editor’s Note: Avery Slavin is a Staff Writer for The Gatepost

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST