The Sou'Wester: February 2024

SOU’WESTER THE

THE VOICE OF GSW

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HOSTS ANNUAL NIGHT TO SHINE

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

First Baptist Church hosted its annual Night to Shine event on February 9, and this year’s Night to Shine was a resounding success. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is a special prom night dedicated to people with special needs, ages 14 and over. The event saw the participation of over 100 guests, each of whom experienced a night of joy and celebration.

Night to Shine is more than just a prom for its attendees; it is an event that showcases love and acceptance at its core. Guests at the event were greeted with a grand red-carpet entrance, complete with the excitement of a roaring crowd cheering them on. The evening featured a vibrant dance floor, limousine rides, hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, karaoke, games, and much more. To add to the splendor of the event, each guest was honored with a crown or tiara, symbolizing their statuses as kings and queens of the night.

First Baptist Church’s involvement in Night to Shine is part of a much larger picture. In 2024, Night to Shine was hosted by 725 churches across 56 countries, reflecting its

wide-reaching impact. This global initiative, driven by the Tim Tebow Foundation, aims to bring communities together to celebrate people with special needs, emphasizing their value and significance.

There were over 100 volunteers at this year’s Night to Shine, including many GSW students. Volunteer roles included serving as Buddies, who were assigned to a guest to stick with throughout the evening, set-up team, sensory team, makeup artists, cameramen, and more.

FEBRUARY 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

VALENTINE’S DAY: CHOCOLATE VS FLOWERS

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For this month’s Campus Forecast, the GSW community shares what they think is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift: chocolate or flowers.

BLUE AND GOLD WEEK ROYAL COURT

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The 2023-24 Blue and Gold Week Royal Court is unveiled at the Whispers in Versailles school dance.

SOUPER BOWL FUNDRAISER

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TEDDY BEAR TOSS

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GSW student Lanie Biery serves as a Buddy at the 2024 Night to Shine. Photo provided by First Baptist Church.

GSW’s Nursing Department raises money during Super Bowl week by selling homemade soups.

Guests have fun with their Buddies at the kareoke station. Photo submitted by First Baptist Church.

GSW rallys together to donate to children in need at the 2024 annual Teddy Bear Toss.

Guests enjoy the dance floor with their Buddies. Photo submitted by First Baptist Church.

“Night to Shine is always a memorable experience time and time again. From being a buddy on the dance floor to witnessing the joy and celebration, it all comes together to create such a heartwarming and memorable experience,” Heidi Anderson said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see everyone’s uniqueness and beauty honored in such a vibrant way. It’s those moments of shared happiness and connection that really make Night to Shine so special.”

The Night to Shine event serves as a beacon of hope and inclusivity, offering a unique experience where the attendees are not only accepted but celebrated for who they are. It’s a reminder of the beauty in diversity and the joy that comes from embracing all members of our community. This event, under the aegis of the Tim Tebow Foundation, continues to grow each year, touching more lives and bringing communities together.

ROYAL COURT UNVEILED AT ‘WHISPERS IN VERSAILLES’

Amari Rudison Staff Writer

Georgia Southwestern State University hosted a successful formal event, “Whispers in Versailles,” where the Royal Court was announced. The event featured a waltz choreographed by GSW’s Drop team and beautiful scenery, thanks to Wolf Creek’s Plantation Winery. The following day, during the Men’s Basketball Senior Night game, the

Royal Court was introduced. Roses were presented by Mr. and Mrs. GSW, Alex Espitia and Ashanti Jackson. Congratulations to the winners: Miss Freshman, Tamiya Turner; Mr. and Ms. Sophomore, Amir Middleton and Cassidy Ware; Mr. and Ms. Junior, Christian Aguilar and Teewon Beglar; and Mr. and Ms. Senior, Matt and Zada Rivers. Additional congratulations to the Royal Court, and thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Weaver for presenting the roses.

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SOUPER BOWL FUNDRAISER

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

GSW’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences hosted its annual Souper Bowl fundraiser this month, and it was a success! Close to $1,700 was raised to offset the cost for study away students traveling to the Henry Street Settlement next year.

GSW’s Blue and Gold Week Royal Court. Photo submitted by Alex Espitia.

SLAM DUNK FOR CHARITY: GSW’S TEDDY BEAR TOSS TRADITION

Dylan Tracy Staff Writer

Fans of Georgia Southwestern State University men’s basketball recently experienced a heartwarming spectacle as they gathered for the annual “Teddy Bear Toss” event. This beloved tradition brought together sports enthusiasts and philanthropists alike for a night of excitement and goodwill.

The concept is simple yet touching: attendees eagerly await the first points scored by the GSW team. As soon as the ball finds its way through the hoop, the

stands erupt in a flurry of fluffy teddy bears soaring through the

landing on the court in a colorful display of generosity.

But this event is about more than just fun and games. Each teddy bear thrown is a donation, collected to brighten the lives of children in need. It’s a heartening reminder of the power of community coming together for a meaningful cause.

This year’s toss was particularly special as GSW secured a triumphant victory over their opponents with a final score of 80-71. The thrill of the game combined with the joy of giving made for an unforgettable evening for all involved.

The Teddy Bear Toss is just one highlight of GSW’s “Blue and Gold Week,” a celebration of school spirit and unity. Throughout the week, students, alumni, and supporters come together to showcase their pride in all things blue and gold, culminating in the excitement of the election of each class representative.

As the final buzzer sounded and the cheers echoed through the arena, it was clear that the Teddy Bear Toss had once again succeeded in spreading warmth and happiness both on and off the court.

Fans gear up with teddy bears in hand, ready to throw their plush donations onto the court. All photos by Dylan Tracy.

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After the first points are scored, teddy bears are tossed onto the court.

The court is full of teddy bears to be donated after being tossed.

GSW athletes in a tense one-on-one showdown.

Intensity and focus fill the court as Georgia Southwestern State University players defend their turf, poised for victory in a pivotal game moment.

Focused playmaking amidst an eager crowd at GSW.

ASK THE CANES What are your plans for Spring Break?

Sophomore Computer Science Major

“My plans are to go with my Chi Phi brothers to Panama City Beach, and then after that, I will be going to see my girlfriend.”

Senior Excercise Science Major

“I am going to Panama City Beach to celebrate my sister’s engagement. I am really looking forward to getting to swim with manatees.“

Senior Excercise Science Major

“I don’t really have any big Spring Break plans this year. I’ll just be in town working. I work at Excelerate as a Physical Therapy Tech.“

Sophomore Education Major

“I am planning on going with BCM to Louisiana on their Spring Break mission trip. I’m really excited to get to serve the needs there.”

Sophomore Nursing Major

“I am going to get to go to a harpist convention over Spring Break. My harp ensemble will be performing there, and I am very excited.“

Senior Computer Science Major

“I’ll be going on BCM’s Spring Break mission trip to New Orleans. We’ll be serving in the community there, and I am really excited to be a part of it.“

Jackson Carlstrom Editor-In-Chief

MEET OUR

WRITERS

jcarlstr@radar.gsw.edu

Colby Hernandez Staff Writer

chernan4@radar.gsw.edu

Zac Monnier Staff Writer

zmonnier@radar.gsw.edu

Amari Rudison Staff Writer

arudison@radar.gsw.

Dylan Tracy Staff Writer

dtracy1@radar.gsw.edu

Dr. Ashley P. Jones Faculty Advisor

ashley.jones@gsw.edu