THE S O U’WESTER
BASKETBALL, PANCAKES, & SANTA ALL BEFORE FINALS
Dylan Scott Athletics Correspondent
GSW Basketball defeated the Middle Georgia State Knights, opening conference play with a bang, and with a special long-standing tradition in between games.
The Lady Hurricanes opened the night’s festivities trailing by 7 points at halftime and then by 9 in the 3rd quarter. They slowly chipped away at the gap to head into the final quarter behind by only 4. The defense stole the show, which allowed the offense to outscore the Knights 21-7, for a final score of 77-67.
As an intermission, students lined up at the IM gym for plates of pancakes, free refreshments, and a meeting with the President Dr. Michelle Johnston. Santa Claus joined the fun, and students also jumped at the opportunity to get on the impromptu inflatable throne present in the hallway outside the IM gym. Dr. Johnston posed for photos and had one-on-one conversations with students. She also handed out pancake dinners.
To close the night’s festivities, the Men’s team dominated from start to finish. The Hurricanes took a 52-24 lead by the end of the first half and ended with a final score of 101-68. Continued on Page 2
IN THIS ISSUE
TRINITY POAGUE FOUND GUILTY PAGE 2
5TH ANNUAL HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM PAGE 4
SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS PAGE 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS & SPORTS PAGE 12
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Both teams had a quartet of double-digit scorers. Junior guard Ray’ven Robinson lead the Lady Hurricanes with 23 points and Junior guard Markel Freeman led the men’s team with 20 points.
The stand out player was Senior forward, Deonte Williams, who had a tremendous all-around impact on the game, finishing as the team’s leading passer, shot blocker, and stealer with a stat line of 6 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals while committing just one turnover and one foul.
FORMER GSW STUDENT TRINITY POAGUE FOUND GUILTY
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
Trinity Poague was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 18-month-old Romeo “J.D.” Angeles.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the incident occurred on January 14, 2024, in the Oaks II dorm, where Poague, 18 at the time, was watching her boyfriend’s son. Poague’s booking photo. Sumter County Sherrif’s Department.
“On Sunday January 14, 2024, at about 2:00 pm, the Georgia Southwestern State University Police Department asked the GBI to investigate the death of a child,” the GBI press release stated. “The investigation indicates an unresponsive 18-month-old boy was admitted to the emergency room at Phoebe Sumter Hospital in Americus, Georgia. Hospital personnel performed life saving measures on the child; however, he later died.”
Poague had told Julian Williams, J.D.’s father, that he had fallen from the bed, but Family Physician Michael Busman testified that he did not believe that to be true. The injuries were not consistent with Poague’s story.
The former Miss Donalsonville was charged with malice murder, two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated battery, and cruelty to children in the first degree. She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial started December 2 with the state and defense making closing remarks on December 5. The jury deliberated for three hours and found Poague guilty on all counts except for malice murder.
Judge W. James Sizemore, Jr. sentenced Poague to life in prison for felony murder and 20 years for cruelty to children. She will serve these sentences concurrently and will be eligible for parole in 30 years. Poague has 30 days to appeal if she chooses.
This story is ongoing, and a follow up will be published when more information comes out.
Across
4. Serve these with some warm milk to be on Santa’s good side!
6. German word for Christmas tree.
7. Fried potato pancakes eaten during Hanukkah.
11. Last day of the year.
12. Candle holder used during Hanukkah.
13. Reindeer with a glowing nose.
16. Traditional winter plant with red berries.
18. Hung by the chimney for gifts.
19. The Turkish Saint that served as the inspiration for Santa Clause.
20. Hot _____ will help keep you warm.
24. Frozen water falling from roofs in winter.
ANSWERS ON PAGE 4
Down
1. December 26th in England.
2. Spinning top game played during Hanukkah.
3. 1990 movie with Kevin McCallister.
5. Do you consider this one a Christmas movie?
8. Arnold is looking for this action figure in Jingle All the Way.
9. This snowman came to life one day!
10. Eat these with President Johnston.
14. Jewish festival of lights celebrated in December.
15. Major meteor shower that peaks in mid-December.
17. Movie about a magical train ride to the North Pole.
18. We don’t see much of this wintery precipitation in South Georgia.
21. December 25th holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
22. Adam Sandler’s animated Hanukkah comedy, _____ Crazy Nights.
25. Name the movie: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
5TH ANNUAL HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM A SUCCESS
Zac Monnier Reporter
The 5th Annual GSW Humanities Symposium was a tremendous success.
On Friday, November 14, over 100 student participants presented their genuine, original scholarship to faculty, students, and the public. This year’s symposium outgrew last year’s and took place across four campus buildings: Carter I & II, the Marshall Student Center, and Canes Central.
The event started in Carter I with a welcome reception where President Dr. Michelle R. Johnston gave opening remarks. She credited Dr. Susan Bragg for kicking off this annual milestone with a small group five years ago. She also thanked the College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr. Mark Laughlin, and Associate Dean, Dr. Paul Dahlgren, for their constant support for this symposium.
Once attendees and presenters alike loaded up with Cafe Campesino caffeine and tasty pastries; two rounds of research panels were offered in Carter I & Carter II classrooms. The overarching topic of the symposium was “The Politics of Youth” and the 14 morning panels explored vast interpretations of that topic.
While most panels were chaired by a GSW faculty member, a special guest, Ms. Brittney Kilgore, PHD candidate from UGA, oversaw the Diasporic Legacies: Politics, Culture, & Memory panel. Several panels also benefited from volunteer student moderators like Amelia Howard and Adaora Nwagbara.
After the panels concluded, participants enjoyed lunch while listening to an energizing keynote address by Dr. Paige Gray, Professor at Savannah College of Art and Design, in Atlanta. Dr. Gray’s passion for her research in the cultivation of young black writers by 20th century periodicals was effusive.
If you want to read some of her work, seek out her 2019 book titled Cub Reporters: American Children’s Literature and Journalism in the Golden Age, and await the next book she is set to publish, Children of the Black Press: Youth Periodical Writing and the Making of an African American Literature for Young People.
The final event of the symposium took place in Canes Central. Dozens of CORE students (i.e., freshman and sophomores) stood proudly in front of history research posters they had developed as part of their coursework. Attendees walked from poster to poster, listening to the presenters as they explained their discoveries.
From 19th century Americus newsboys to modern generative artificial intelligence & its impact on the environment, the level of genuine scholarship on display was remarkable.
The 6th annual symposium will have a lot to live up to.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
latkes, NewYearsEve, Menorah, Rudolph, holly, stocking, SaintNicholas, cocoa, icicles.
ACROSS: cookies, Tannenbaum,
DOWN: BoxingDay, dreidel, HomeAlone, DieHard, TurboMan, Frosty, pancakes, Hanukkah, Geminid, PolarExpress, snow, Christmas, eight, Elf.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS
LUCIA BUSTAMANTE
PSYCHOLOGY
What I’ve Done at GSW:
I took part in Women’s soccer for all 4 years of college at GSW and was a part of the women’s tennis team for the spring season of 2025. I am also a part of GSW SAAC as the social media manager.
What I liked most about GSW:
My favorite part of attending GSW has been the community and the lifelong friends I have made. The athletics program at GSW has helped me in so many ways and shaped me to be a better person and I am so thankful for the time I have had with everyone on and off the field.
What I will take into the future:
Something I learned at GSW is that hard work truly pays off. Even when results aren’t immediately shown, staying consistent is what leads to real growth, and that’s ultimately how you become successful and achieve your goals.
My plans after graduation:
After graduating I will be working at Wetherald Behavioral Consulting as an RBT. I have been working there for the past few months but will continue to work and eventually move back home and get my master’s degree to become a BCBA.
Three words to describe my experience at GSW: Challanging, Strength, Fulfilling
MICHAEL PRATT
EDUCATION & POLITICAL SCIENCE
What I’ve Done at GSW:
I am a member of the Brotherhood, AAMI, Gospel Choir, CLC, Storm Spotters, and Residential Leaders.
What I liked most about GSW:
My favorite part of attending GSW was forming lifelong friendships and gaining a second family, also basketball season.
What I will take into the future:
Something I learned that I will take into the future is to appreciate the small and simple things in life, and that everything happens for a reason.
My plans after graduation:
My plans after graduating are to become a high school social studies teacher(hopefully in my hometown) and give back to my community as much as possible.
Three words to describe my experience at GSW: Fun, Growth, Family
MEGAN OGDEN
ENGLISH & HISTORY
What I’ve Done at GSW:
I worked in GSW’s Writing Center for two years, presented at GSW’s Humanities Symposium three times and the Research Symposium twice, and presented at the National History Honor’s Society.
What I liked most about GSW:
My favorite part about GSW would have to be the teachers, I haven’t had a single negative experience with any of them, I especially enjoyed taking Dr. Robins and Dr. Ryer’s classes.
What I will take into the future:
I learned that life can be difficult at times and that’s okay, I just have to trust that the Lord will show me the right way to go.
My plans after graduation:
After graduating I plan on taking the LSAT and working on becoming a family lawyer. give back to my community as much as possible.
Three words to describe my experience at GSW: Research, Learn, Cry
What I will take into the future:
SECONDARY MATH EDUCATION
What I’ve Done at GSW:
EdRising, 3 years. Storm Spotter, 1 year.
What I liked most about GSW:
I have enjoyed being able to walk to class and hang out with friends at the Storm Dome or Canes Central. GSW made me feel like I was part of the community which includes having classes with many of the same students and teachers. This allowed me to make new friends and get to know my professors on a more personal level.
I have learned how to be independent by living on my own and how to efficiently manage my time.
My plans after graduation:
I plan to apply for middle and high school teaching positions. If I do not find one, I intend to substitute in the spring and begin working on my master’s degree in the summer.
Three words to describe my experience at GSW:
Memorable, Challenging, Rewarding
TYESHIA WALKER
COMPUTER SCIENCE
What I’ve Done at GSW:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., 2 years. Storm Spotter, 2 years. Student Government Association, 3 years. Canes Rainbow, 3 years. Young Democrats, 3 years. Marketing and Management Association, 1 year. Golden Legacy, 1 year. Computer Club, 3 years. Upsilon Pi Epsilon Computer Science Honor Society, 2 years. The Sou’Wester Newspaper, 1 year.
What I liked most about GSW:
The support and opportunities. When I first came to GSW I was hesitant until I was greeted with a kind and supportive community here on my storm day. Since then, I have received career and personal development opportunities that have grown me as a person and have meet wonderful students, staff, and faculty. The connection is through the support and opportunities that I have received is definitely my favorite part of attending GSW.
What I will take into the future:
Never stop going after what you want. If it is something you truly want, don’t let anything get in the way of
that. Step back, find your resources, and find others who truly want to grow with you or are willing to support you in your growth. And if something tries to stop you, do your best to find a solution, even if it’s not the best one, do your best and that’s what will matter.
My plans after graduation:
I plan to continue my education in my Master’s in Computer Science and Cybersecurity program at Kennesaw State University. I also plan to continue my service, side projects, and certification that I have been working on. As well as advancing my professional career to become either a CISO or web/software developer somewhere I enjoy.
Three words to describe my experience at GSW: Connection, Excitment, Growth
TRAVIS RUSH WINS AMERICUS MAYORAL ELECTION RUNOFF
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
Travis M. Rush, local businessman, has won the Americus Mayoral race. Rush beat candidate Barry Blount 1,221 to 918 in the runoff election on Tuesday, December 2.
Originally, the race was between three candidates: Rush, Blount, and Marcell Baker. Blount received 1,090 votes while Rush received 1,040.
Rush, a lifelong resident of Americus, emphasizes that his candidacy is rooted in service rather than political ambition. He frames his run as a commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant city for all residents. His campaign highlights Americus’s diversity as a core strength that can drive collaborative growth.
A major pillar of Rush’s platform is infrastructure revitalization. He pledges to modernize aging roads and drainage systems while improving the consistency and reliability of essential city services. According to the campaign, these upgrades are necessary to support economic development and improve day-to-day quality of life for residents.
Public safety is another key focus. Rush proposes a partnership-based strategy that emphasizes crime prevention, mentorship, and stronger community relationships with law enforcement. His plan calls for longterm engagement rather than short-term fixes.
Rush also outlines initiatives that expand opportunities for young people. He plans to focus on leadership programs, educational enrichment, and pathways into entrepreneurship. At the other end of the age spectrum, Rush promises increased support for Americus’s older residents through programs that keep seniors active, connected, and celebrated.
Photo
Economic growth and civic pride round out his platform. Rush argues that Americus can become a place where families choose to stay and where businesses want to invest. His proposals include strengthening local attractions, supporting small business development, and restoring underused or declining areas of the city.
Rush’s campaign positions itself as a grassroots movement, encouraging residents to volunteer, attend community forums, and take part in shaping priorities for the city’s future. He stresses transparency, accessibility, and consistent communication as central components of his leadership style.
Congrats mayor-elect Rush!
LIGHT FROM THE MANGER
Zac Monnier Reporter
The GSW Concert Choir and Southwest Civic Chorus performed with the First Baptist Church of Americus Choir and the Albany Symphony Orchestra in the “Light from the Manger: A Christmas Journey in Song” concert on Dec. 7.
The concert took place at the resplendent First Methodist Church of Americus with a repertoire of beloved carols and powerful works about the miracle of Christ’s birth, blending tradition with artistry to create an unforgettable night of worship and music.
The concert was live streamed from https://fmcamericus.org/ and the recording will be available for the next week or two.
The Harvest of Hope Food Pantry collected 510 16-ounce jar of peanut butter from concert attendees.
If you missed the concert but would still like to support the pantry, financial donations can be mailed to Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, PO Box 6111, Americus, GA 31709-6111. If you wish to donate canned goods, call (229) 891-1967 during normal business hours.
BLUE FIRE RETURNS FOR 2026
Dr. Alaina Kaus
Blue Fire Advisor
Blue Fire is open for submissions until February 7, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to be included in Volume 2!
Edited by GSW students, Blue Fire is an international magazine of literature and art. We are dedicated to celebrating human expression and creativity. We publish one volume each Spring semester in both print and digital formats.
Send your original fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, comics, and visual art to bluefire@gsw.edu to be considered for publication in Volume 2. Please read and follow the submissions guidelines posted at gsw. edu/bluefire. All submissions should be accompanied with a brief author or artist bio.
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Everyone within and beyond the GSW community is invited to submit. Selections are chosen through an anonymous review process.
Be sure to follow the Blue Fire Instagram account @ gsw.bluefire for regular updates.
Students interested in editing Volume 2 should enroll in English 3500: Publishing Practicum, a class on literary magazine editing and publishing that is open to all majors. Direct questions to Dr. Alaina Kaus at alaina.kaus@gsw.edu.
Anyone interested in donating to help cover printing costs and prize money for authors and artists can send gifts to our GSW Foundation Fund through the Blue Fire webpage. Businesses and organizations interested in purchasing ad space should contact Dr. Kaus.
Poster design credit: Jenna Morgan
CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG BOBBY VISTS CAMPUS FOR THIRD TIME DURING FINALS
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
I love my job. Not a lot of people can say that, but any job that lets me meet a famous dog and take pictures of him is already a favorite in my book.
Bobby visited the James E. Carter Library on December 5 and 10 to help relieve some of the stress and tension students may be feeling as we tackle our finals.
Bobby is a 3-year-old therapy dog registered through the Pet Partners branch in Columbus, where he and his five siblings live along with their owner Jim McCleary and wife.
“When a dog shows up, people’s blood pressure drops anywhere between four to six degrees,” McCleary said.
McCleary has worked with therapy dogs for 12 years. He has worked with collies and German Shepards in the Marine Corp during Vietnam and currently has three certified therapy dogs, two of which are nationally recognized, including Bobby, and the third is recognized internationally.
Bobby
I spent about an hour with Bobby in the library, and everyone who walked through the doors came to visit him.
“He wants people. He can almost draw people in just to pet him,” McCleary added.
Bobby has been certified for over a year and visits schools, disaster sites, and even court hearings where abused children have to testify on the witness stand.
“Even the judges love him,” McCleary stated. “They’ve told the child they can leave and then called me and Bobby up to pet him.”
Bobby also has a famous lineage. According to McCleary, Bobby is a 14th generation descendant of the second Lassie, a dog so famous she had his own show.
For those who don’t know, “Lassie” was a television series that ran for 591 episodes across 19 seasons (1954 -1973). The show followed the rough collie and her companions on their various adventures.
According to Dog Academy, collies like Bobby and Lassie make great therapy dogs because of their intuition, patience and calming dispositions.
“There’s a few traits they can display that are good signs. Like Bobby, he is full of energy and he loves people. They definitely have to enjoy people. Sometimes they’re kind of laid back and easy going,” McCleary explained. “I’ve got one collie that is female, she looks just like [Bobby], and she’s really laid back. She loves to be around people, but she just is kind of like ‘whatever,’ you know? They cannot be aggressive at all, period. They will not accept them if they’re aggressive.”
If you think your dog would be a good fit to become a therapy dog, McCleary says you can either have someone teach you and then train your dog yourself, or go to a professional and get trained together.
“You can go to petpartners.org. It gives you all kinds of information as far as how to get involved and places that you can go get them certified.”
Bobby brought many smiles to students’ faces and offered much needed relief to those weary from finals.
Unfortunately, Bobby was not available for comment, as he is a dog.
Bobby and McCleary
Taniyah Mitchell, Senior, Nursing
Josh Sancinitl, Junior, Managment
Grettie Reifenberger, Junior, Nursing
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Dec. 11-13, A Christmas Carol, Rylander Theatre. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect. gsw.edu/event/11731773
Dec. 13, Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Downtown Americus. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/10804316
Dec. 13, Hope Loud Christmas Concert, 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., Central Baptist Church. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/11615562
Dec. 15, Emmet Cahill: Christmas in Ireland, 7 p.m.- 8 p.m., Rylander Theatre. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/11686187
Dec. 19, Red Cross Blood Drive, 8:15 a.m.- 6 p.m., Americus First Baptist Church. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/11397614
Jan. 12, Spring Semester Classes Begin.
SPORTS
RESULTS
FOR NOV. 1 - DEC. 3 SOCCER
Men’s
Nov. 1- at Clayton State T 3-3
Nov. 8- PBC Championship Quarterfinal L 1-2 BASKETBALL
Men’s
Nov. 14- vs Converse University W 91-67
Nov. 15- vs Ferrum College W 78-61
Nov. 19- at West Alabama W 80-63
Nov. 22- vs University of Montevallo W 74-73
Nov. 24- vs Auburn Montgomery W 94-78
Nov. 26- vs Florida Tech L 61-69
Dec. 3- vs Middle Georgia State W 101-68
Women’s
Nov. 1- at Flagler College L 1-0
Women’s
Nov. 14- vs UVA Wise L 64-68
Nov. 15- vs Ferrum College 57-60
Nov. 19- at Valdosta State W 74-71
Nov. 22- vs Fort Lauderdale W 95-49
Nov. 25- at Jacksonville L 56-77 (Exhibition)
Nov. 29- vs Auburn Montgomery W 81-49
Dec. 1- at Clark Atlanta University W 89-64
Dec. 3- vs Middle Georgia State W 77-67
MEN’S SOCCER MAKES HISTORY
Dylan Scott Athletics Correspondent
The 2025 GSW Men’s Soccer season is one for the record books. The team did well overall, with multiple players recognized as top performers.
Senior forward Cesar Rubio-Amaya, and junior midfielder Axel-Ambroise Gravel were named to the 2025 Peach Belt Conference All-Conference First Team and to the D2CCA All-Southeast Region Second Team, a historic first for the Hurricanes.
Rubio-Amaya also received the prestigious PBC Select Sport Gold Ball Award, given annually to the league’s top scorer, another first for GSW.
“This is a new coaching staff which led to a different style of play, playing with more of an attacking mindset, but a defensive system. And I’m glad Joe Barber, our head coach, brought me into the system in which I was the offensive part, scored 10 goals for the team, and it’s a great environment,” said Rubio-Amaya.
Junior midfielder Dante Johnson was selected to the 2025 Peach Belt Conference Men’s Soccer All-Tournament Team, making him a two-time All-Tournament honoree.
Rubio-Amaya finished the season with 10 goals and 23 points, and Gravel ended with six goals and 16 points. Other standout players this season included junior Jonathan Bedard with 5 goals and 14 points, junior Lucas Schofield with 1 goal and 4 points, and Johnson with 1 goal and 3 points. Sophomore goalkeepers also ended strong with 66 saves, with Noah Kasin boasting 43 of them.
UPCOMING EVENTS
BASKETBALL
Men’s
Dec. 10- at Flagler College 7:30 pm
Dec. 13- vs Francis Marion University 3 pm
Dec. 17- vs Clayton State 7:45 pm
Dec. 20 vs Southern Wesleyan 2 pm
Jan. 3- vs Georgia College 7:45 pm
Jan. 7- vs Lander University 7:45 pm
Jan. 10- at North Georgia 4 pm
Jan. 14- vs USC Beaufort 7:45 pm
Jan. 17- vs Columbus State 7:45 pm
Jan. 21- at USC Aiken 7:30 pm
Jan. 24- at Middle Georgia State 3:30 pm
Women’s
Dec. 10- at Flagler College 5:30 pm
Dec. 17- vs Clayton State 5:30 pm
Dec. 31- vs Anderson University 1 pm
Jan. 3- vs Georgia College 5:30 pm
Jan. 7- vs Lander University 5:30 pm
Jan. 10- at North Georgia 1:30 pm
Jan. 14- vs USC Beaufort 5:30 pm
Jan. 17- vs Columbus State 5:30 pm
Jan. 21- at USC Aiken 5:30 pm
Jan. 24- at Middle Georgia State 1:30 pm
NEW
MEN’S MINISTRY AT CAVALARY EPISCOPAL
Zac Monnier Reporter
The Calvary Episcopal Church revived the Americus Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew on Nov. 16. The men’s ministry was originally charted in 1893 but went dormant.
Calvary’s brothers will begin hosting Saturday morning breakfasts and mid-week BBQ dinners once a month, starting January 2026. For more information, visit https://calvaryepiscopalamericus.org/ or https://www. brothersandrew.net/
THE SOU’WESTER STAFF
Emily Crenshaw Digital Media Design ecrensh3@radar.gsw.edu
Olivia Register Reporter oregiste@radar.gsw.edu
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief chernan4@radar.gsw.edu
Olivia Hernderson Reporter ohender1@radar.gsw.edu
Dylan Scott Athletics Correspondent dscott6@radar.gsw.edu
Amari Rudison Copy Editor arudison@radar.gsw.edu
Zac Monnier Reporter zmonnier@radar.gsw.edu
Tyeshia Walker Reporter twalke36@radar.gsw.edu
Dr. Elizabeth Shiller Faculty Advisor elizabeth.shiller@gsw.edu
Have a story idea or news tip? Let us know! souwester@gsw.edu
