THE PURPLE & WHITE Millsaps College
VOLUME LXXX, NO.20
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
THURSDAY, April 12, 2012
ARTS & LIFE
First round of senior art show underway.
#1
FEATURES
women’s
Is it summer yet? Finding a job that fits you.
tennis
OPINIONS Ellen Bouyelas Sports Editor
W Students address unspoken Millsaps issues. ■
Inside
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Opinions........................2 Arts & Life.....................3 Features...................4 & 5 News continued.............6 Sports..................... 8
ith the seasons coming to an end, Millsaps’ tennis teams have proved to be tough and successful. The women’s team recently beat LeTourneau 7-2 Friday evening picking up its 10th win of the season, which has not been accomplished since 2007. The team has a season record of 10-3 and ae surrently ranked first in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference overall standings. The men’s tennis team also beat LeTourneau 8-1, picking up its fifth win of the season. This puts the men at a season record of 5-8. “In terms of results, we
have had a very strong season,” says senior Lauren Williams. “Our win and loss percentage is definitely the highest now than any of the previous seasons that I have had at Millsaps, and I think that it can be contributed to the attitude and commitment of the players and coach.” Even though the teams have been progressing through the season, both face the trial of a small number of players. “I think our biggest challenge is just to stay healthy. With everyone at 100 percent we are a really tough team to beat, but since there are only six of us any injury puts us at a serious disadvantage,” says senior David Bastian. Williams agrees.
“Sometimes we will play against teams that have 12 or 14 players, nearly double the number of players that we have. Initially, it may seem intimidating, but the team has done a great job with realizing that there are six singles positions that matter and the quantity has no effect on the outcome of the matches,” she says. Though their numbers are small with the competitiveness and passion of each player, the tennis teams continue to reach for their goals. “I think that the passion is where it all starts, and is the basis for the unity and enthusiasm that we all have on the court,” says Williams. With this enthusiasm, both teams strive to place in the top half of the SCAC tour
nament on April 27. “If we come out with intensity and focus during doubles and carry that momentum into singles, I think top four in conference is a very realistic goal,” says Bastian. Both Williams and Bastian encourage students to support the tennis teams in their last few matches, while they practice and prepare for the conference tournament in Little Rock, Ark. “The end of the school year and the end of tennis season is approaching fast, so come out and support us in our last couple home matches,” Bastian urges. “We have been working very hard and look forward to our last preparation matches before conference.” Photo by Laura Kebert
2
O PINIONS
Contact Genny Santos, santogl@millsaps.edu
Proposition for the Greeks
By Kristen Lucas Staff writer
Freshman year, a friend of mine went to an interest meeting about sororities. A recruitment counselor approached her to confirm that she was there for the Panhellenic recruitment interest session, and she said yes. The counselor responded, “Well you are welcome to stay, but there are historically black sororities that you may be more interested in…” My friend was offended and taken-aback. She understood the recruitment counselor’s comment as a way of saying “these sororities are actually just for white people”. She was aware that there were historically black sororities, but she didn’t think her race would determine that those were her only option. Because of this experience, she decided to remain independent from Greek life. I, on the other hand, failed to see the larger implications of this recruitment counselor’s comment. I reasoned that this
girl was just prejudiced and closed-minded, but this surely could not represent four entire groups of women at a liberal institution. In a way, I was right: the sorority I joined, as well as all of the others, hold themselves to high moral and social responsibility and do not condone any kind of discrimination. However, the queasiness I felt when my friend told me this story should have immediately evoked a suspicion of the Greek system as a whole. This is not to point fingers at any one sorority or fraternity or to call anyone racist--this is to say that Millsaps could rethink the recruitment process as a small step in a new direction. The fact that our Greek life is largely racially segregated didn’t really hit me until I experienced rush from the inside of my sorority house sophomore year. Of course, no one made racist comments or acted with prejudice in an overt way. But the lack of racial diversity went unspoken, and therefore, remained stagnant. Because there are historically black sororities, Panhellenic recruitment has somehow become synonymous for white recruitment. I eventually left my sorority for this reason among others. While I don’t regret quitting, I do regret that I never voiced this concern to my sorority before turning in my pin. It was easy to say, “This isn’t what I want to do
anymore”, or even point out that of Greek life? the authority positions seemed I don’t think historically black to be dominated by one group of sororities and fraternities need friends with similar outlooks. to be done away with by any What if I had said “I feel like means—but I do think that our group may be each person has their marginalizing own history, and “...ask people based the more we can ourselves if these learn about the on race?” I’m sure some things are promoting wide range of girls would human experihave been equality and justice. ence, the better. deeply ofWe need to If not, we need to look fended, and at our acit may have address the injustic- tions, our genseemed like I eralizations, the es that we fuel. ’ ’ was blaming groups we use to one group for identify ourselves, a larger problem, and our language and but as my friend’s story illus- ask ourselves if these things are trates, others have been deeply promoting equality and justice. offended as well. The change If not, we need to address the has to start somewhere. When injustices that we fuel. I met my own realization of inLeaders of Greek life. Look justice with cowardice, nothing around you during meetings. changed. Those of you who are Does everyone look, speak and members of Greek organiza- act just like you do? Are you tions hold the possibility for re- challenged by the people you form. surround yourself with, or does No matter how progressive- your world seem to be populatminded the members of an in- ed by people that always agree dividual sorority or fraternity with your ideas? may be, this persisting racial diTo surround yourself with chotomy represents the history people is to surround yourself of elitism and the isolation of with opportunities to see things whiteness. The first black soror- in a new light. If we are going to ity and fraternities were found- have large groups on our camed in an era of overt discrimi- pus that rule social life, I think it nation and prejudice, which we is in our best interest to abolish are confirming in our collective the divide. memory when we keep these diI read once that no snowflake visions alive. Do we want covert segregation to be a determinant Greek continued on pg. 6
Accepted imperfections gested about what the Millsaps students currently needed. In the meeting with Dr. Hopkins and the strategic planning committee, though, I have to admit feeling as though our
By Kenya Strong Johnston Editor in Chief
As I’m sure it is with any school, Millsaps definitely has its quirks. It is probably the same with anywhere too, that a Twitter sign, #millsapsprobs, has developed over the daily complaints. My recent interview with President Robert Pearigen that was published in the paper gave me hope that some of these quirks would begin to be addressed. Pearigen seemed to have a sincere interest in everything I said and sug-
honest in my intentions and felt a sincere excitement after my talk with Dr. Pearigen. However, as I was writing I did feel as though I was stretching the truth to an extent. There seems to be so many other things Millsaps is focused on that the students here now seem to take a back seat. This, in my mind, is wrong. I keep waiting to be proven wrong, but it hasn’t happened. As I sat on the porch of Student Life with a group of student leaders, I (along with some of my peers) grew aggravated. There were goals aimed at excellence and leadership, local and global influence, church relations and ethical heritage and outstanding students and exemplary graduates. Sure, there were areas that could greatly enhance
“There seems to be so many other things Millsaps is focused on that the students here now seem to take a back seat’’ needs as students were undermined. I started thinking about the current loss of retention and struggle for enrollment at Millsaps, and it struck me that the school’s seeming lack of attention to its current students could be one of the main causes. I understand that in my previous article I outlined the new strategic planning committee as aiming for success with currently enrolled students. I was
the entire Millsaps experience if they eventually reciprocated to the students, but mostly, I felt, they looked good in books. The focus area of campus enhancement was the only place we felt attention directed towards us. Still though, they didn’t know the half of it. Of course, how could they really? We had to explain the true disgust of the dorms: the mold everywhere, the bugs and the animals. We had to speak up about how we feel the only thing dirty on campus is not the dorms. There seems to be a lack of attention to detail. Would it really take that much to fix the fountain? How about replacing the tables in the ‘caf so we don’t feel like we are eating in a high school cafeteria? What about the food? And most recently there has been a sincere concern about security on campus. Al-
Strong Johnston continued on pg. 6
T HE P URPLE W HITE
&
Editor-in-Chief... Kenya Strong-Johnston Managing Editor... Lana Price Visuals Manager... Sonum Sanjanwala Layout Editors... Catherine Pereira Maryam Qureshi Photo Manager... Genny Santos Graphics Editor... Sonum Sanjanwala Business Manager.. Juan Fernandez News Editor... Salvo Blair Opinions Editor... Genny Santos Arts & Life Editor... Madeline Rardin Features Editor... Anna Nations Sports Editor... Ellen Bouyelas Advisor... Woody Woodrick Contributor... Spencer Nessel Staff writers... Kristen Lucas Allie Jordan Keri Elizabeth Walker Payton Mansell E-mail corrections to Editor-inChief Kenya Strong-Johnston, stronkk@millsaps.edu.
The Purple & White is published weekly.
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3 Contact Madeline Rardin, rardimr@millsaps.edu
A RTS & L IFE
Drummond, Ledbetter, Hewitt display unique collections of talent By Allie Jordan
Drummond’s exhibit “Loosening My Grip,” features a Staff Writer variety of mediums such as oil paints, oil pastels and colAs the spring semester laged letters on stonehenge. comes to a close, seniors Sue Drummond’s works hope to Carrie Drummond, Jade “provide a space onto which Hewitt and Samantha Ledviewers can project their own better are prepare for their fithoughts and experiences.” nal Senior Art Exhibit gallery However, Drummond contalk in the Lewis Art Gallery. nected with her art through Their diverse and intuitive exploring her personal reart exhibits will be displayed lationships with others. Her until April 17, and the gallery work attempts to emotiontalk featuring a discussion ally affect the audience with with the artists will be held on her skillfully crafted color Friday, April 14 at 2 p.m. schemes and drawings. After asking artist SamanUpon viewing the stutha Ledbetter about her inspidents’ creative stylings, they ration for her series of pieces will not only give insight broadly entitled “Geometric into the artist’s inventive Identity and the Flower of intuition but perhaps inLife,” she responded, “I needsight into larger-scale pated a vehicle for my own proterns and lessons within life. jections.” Ledbetter artistically Though these students’ exapplied this geometric pattern hibits will be gone in just a of creation to her work with short while, another Senior Photo by Genny Santos the message in mind that, “if Art Exhibit featuring stuwe can remember that there Students are invited to tour the first installment of the 2012 senior art exhibit. dents Lura Glatzer, Ksenyia is an infinite pattern to evHewitt, on the other hand, convey the message that, “Even are constructed in both black Savelyeva and Masaki Fang will erything in front of us, we can sticks to photographic stylings though we have consistently and white and color and feature be displayed April 23- May 12. recall that we, too, are limitless.” in her exhibit, “Ends of the Spec- lost in our lives, in numerous portraits of cafeteria workers, Ledbetter’s art features bright trum.” Hewitt’s work features a facets, those losses are about the Millsaps students and military watercolors, acrylics and inks series of portraits that hope to experience.” The photographs personnel. on yupo mediums.
Mississippi on the big screen By Kristen Lucas Staff Writer
Are you a sucker for romantic comedies? Do you dig a groovy music video? Or are you dying to watch a documentary on a screen larger than your laptops? The 13th annual Crossroads Film Festival is coming to Madison’s Malco Grandview Theater April 13-15. The festival will screen over a wide variety of short and feature length films, over 30 music videos, and host workshops, filmmaker question and answer sessions, after parties and more. Nina Parikh teaches Beginning Filmmaking at Millsaps and works for the Mississippi Film Commission. She describes how Crossroads has evolved. “As one of the 6 co-founders of the festival and society and still an active volunteer, I’m amazed at how much we’ve grown in 13 years. When we started, we were turning over every rock in the state to put Mississippi films on the screen. This year we’re showing about
140 projects, about 70 of them have a Mississippi connection and over 20 of them were shot in the state,” says Parikh. Chris Myers has been volunteering with Crossroads for six years and currently serves as the festival’s art director. “What I always tell people is that if you like good movies, you’ll love the festival. First, like a wine-tasting, it’s easier to compare films when you can watch several at the same time. Second, with filmmakers and actors in attendance at the festival, our guests are able to take a step behind the scenes and gain a deeper understanding of the process. We always have question and answer sessions after our films, and the discussions are frequently very interesting. My advice to those who have never attended is to pick a block of short films that sounds interesting to you. You’ll get a good sampling of lots of styles and subjects,” says Meyers. “The goals of both the festival and the society are to bring independent film to central Mississippi and to promote and encourage film-making
within the state and region. The festival provides an outlet for independent filmmakers that wouldn’t exist otherwise in the area,” states Myers. “I’m definitely encouraged by the Crossroads venue to make something for a larger audience to see. And seeing your work on the big screen is a thrill,” says Dr. Smith. Dr. Steve Smith will be premiering his music video “The Jackson Rag” at this year’s festival. “I’m writing and recording music all the time anyway. This is an interesting way to use music, and editing video with music can be extremely satisfying,” says Smith. The Jackson Rag was made entirely with resources available to students at Millsaps: a digital video camera from the library and Final Cut editing software on one of the digital art lab’s Mac computers. This will be his second time to bring his work to Crossroads. “The Halls of Montezuma’s Academe,” a short film shot entirely on the Millsaps campus, screened at the festival in 2005. Jade Hewitt is a senior art ma-
jor who plans to pursue a career in film. She said, “Crossroads is an amazing film festival, and I was so lucky to have the opportunity to show my films there for the past two years. The festival gets bigger and bigger every year, and as a filmmaker, you want as many people to see your films as possible,” says Hewitt. Last year, Crossroads screened “Ice Baths.” Hewitt’s short experimental film about what is feels like to take an ice bath. “It was great to see the reactions from the audience - some people were appalled, some were shaking, and some were just stunned that people sit in almost freezing water,” More than just an opportunity to screen her own films, Crossroads allows Hewitt to engage with other filmmakers “As a filmmaker, one of the best ways to learn is to watch other peoples’ films. This year, Crossroads is showing “Rites of Spring” and “The Skinny,” which look really good. I always attend the block of Mississippi
Lucas continued on pg. 6
4
F EATURES
Contact Anna Nations, natioal@millsaps.edu
Finding the perfect job while making the most of your summer
By Payton Mansell Staff Writer Wouldn’t summer vacation be more fun if students got paid for doing what they enjoy? The Career Center at Millsaps College helps prove summer jobs not only fill a student’s life with beneficial experiences, but it can also fill a student’s pockets with extra green. Katie Anderson, who works at the Career Center, offers guidelines and a few suggestions to help jobseeking students. Anderson mentions three important factors when seeking a job: location, schedule and goals. Knowing these factors will give students a better understanding of what to look for in a job. First, Anderson explains that the location needs to be convenient. Easy access to a job site will elicit better punctuality. Next, when applying for a summer job, keep in
mind scheduling flexibility. “You need to see how often you can work before applying. You also need to be honest. Make sure you let them know ahead of time when you can and cannot work,” remarks Anderson. The third factor is goals. When applying for a job, one
should already have goals in mind—not just what one wants by the end of the summer, but also weekly goals. “Tell people you’re applying for jobs, so they can hold you accountable,” says Anderson. Having an accountability partner can be a motivator to follow through with goals.
Most students know what they want to do during the summer, but for those who do not, here are a few suggestions: • working with lawn care,
• working at a gym • being a camp counselor • life guard • nanny or babysitter • tutor Anderson mentions that applying for an intern position can be beneficial because once the student graduates from college, the student would have built relationships, making job hunting a little easier. Having a variety of jobs listed on a resume is helpful when applying for a job. “Employers like to see variety and interest. It displays consistency,” adds Anderson. There are a few steps to take before submitting an application. Anderson says an important factor is cleaning up your Facebook, Twitter or other social networking accounts where personal information is public. Make sure that no
crude pictures and words are posted. Actions on a website can affect chances of getting hired. Also, have an appropriate email address and voicemail. Emails and voicemails should be checked frequently. Next, have an up-to-date resume for every potential job site. Having every little detail on a resume can better your chances of getting hired. Finally, know your worth. A person applying for a job should know how much the job will pay and if it is not acceptable, then there is no need to apply. After applying, a student should also do follow ups after each interview. “Sending a ‘thank you’ card that mentions, ‘Thanks for taking the time to see me,’ ‘I enjoyed meeting you’ and other nice things can leave an impression on the person hiring,” comments Anderson. To find more information on summer jobs, a student can visit www.summerjobfinder. com or www.collegecentral. com. Both websites are updated regularly with locations seeking to hire young people.
#howisitnotsummer?: A Tweet Cycle Compiled by Genny Santos Opinions Editor thegreekgirl By Millsaps giving me a paycheck and a bad grade in the same day, they are only encouraging my retail therapy addiction. #byepaycheck #oops SororityGinger that moment when you run out of ways to procrastinate that you can actually justify. hipsterindisguise i hate it when i don’t know who i’m waving back at afreshmanedge Stop talking about your love life so loudly in the library #tryingtostudy MeowsapsSenior i have until the p&w comes out on thursday to decide which turban goes best with a black eye ClassicSenior took my last tests of college EVER today. all seniors who
passed comps- this is your invite to Fenians...
wonder how in hell did you get admitted to Millsaps.
ClassicSenior the bowl smells strongly of garlic this morning... #pastaday? texasgirl “Does kava have gift cards?” #Mondays Not-Really-Redhead If all else fails, I can be a deal or no deal model. I can wear a dress and open cases. #ItWouldBePerfect LoudandLovely Are we seriously studying a urinal right now #art? NeuroGurrl Why am I the only one who cares about properly filling out faculty evaluations? HyperactiveActivist Why is the caf floor now as slippery as an ice rink? sassyfratstar Don’t you hate when you look back on a test question and
MeowsapsSenior PSA: WAFFLE HOUSE NOW SERVES PEANUT BUTTER WAFFLEZ
CarrotTop Just had a face off with a Millsaps raccoon in the parking lot. Don’t worry - I managed to talk it away. #typical #Millsapsproblems
histerindisguise i always thought that my suitemate liked to play with the shower curtain, but it was just the sound of the toilet paper roll
SororityGinger Oh boy! Can’t wait to get back to school so that I can live in the library for the next 48 hours!
seasonalsenior how sweet it is to have teacher evaluations take away some class time :)
babyhandz It’s funny how many sympathetic looks you get when you walk around dressed up this time of year. Millsaps students just know #compstime
sassysophomore Just saw the second roach in the Millsaps cafeteria this semester. STAY CLASSY
thegreekgirl My hatred of leaving class to pee always results in me sitting in pain for an hour not paying attention to anything else #smallbladderprobs
biochemblonde Someone has a really cute car alarm going off. MillsapsBubble Millsaps Greek life has all the makings of a great episode of Jersey Shore. artsysenior Stop live-tweeting Mad Men. Some of us are “doing homework.”
PikeonStilts I just tripped over a squirrel #millsapsproblems I just tripped over a squirrel #millsapsproblems Major Oh to be a squirrel in the bowl. No homework, no need to go to the gym, no taxes. It would suck when it rained though. texasgirl “We’re those two assholes in the library making noise” #oops #noshame
Not-Really-Redhead How is it possible that caf coffee so far from tasting normal? #burnttoast #itisjustweird HyperactiveActivist I need to quit it with the pocket tweets. gingerbreadgirl The hula hoop knows if your hips are lying #prochsitting silentsarcasm Dear spring rain, you were cute at first but no more.
5
F EATURES
Contact Anna Nations, natioal@millsaps.edu By Emma Spies Staff Writer
One of the frustrations of the plant-based diet, as many vegans will tell you, is the frequency with which the vegan finds herself hungry and stranded somewhere with no vegan food, miles from the comfort of her kitchen. But with a little planning ahead, this problem can be avoided. To make snack-planning easier for new vegans, I compiled a handy list of some easy and delicious vegan snack ideas. Enjoy. 1. Fresh fruit. This is the obvious winner in the category of healthiest and most portable snack. Dried fruit is also great. If you get tired of raisins and craisins, try dried apricots, mango strips or mission figs. These always available in bulk at Rainbow Grocery. 2. Hummus. I’ve raved about the health benefits of hummus in other columns, so I won’t repeat myself here. Suffice it to say, hummus is awesome. Try different flavors, like roasted red pepper, eggplant or spinach and artichoke. If you have a food processor, make your own and experiment with spice blends. Spread on pita bread or crackers, or for a healthier option, use as dip for baby carrots, cucum-
Snack like a vegan
bers o r roasted peppers. 3. Homemade popcorn. Re-packaged microwavable popcorn is almost never vegan-friendly. To make your own, just buy a bag of raw popcorn kernels, pour some in a paper bag (just enough to cover the bottom), fold the top over, and heat in the microwave. Interestingly, most popcorn served in movie theaters is vegan friendly. It’s usually popped
in coconut oil rather than animal fat-based oil. But if you’re unsure, just call the theater and ask for a list of ingredients. 4. Dried edamame. Most of us are only familiar with the edamame we eat in Asian restaurants — a variety of soybean, boiled and still sealed securely in its little pod. But, dried edamame is available in
most major grocery stores, including Kroger, and it makes a great portable, high-protein snack, with about 14 grams of protein per one-fourth cup which is more protein and less saturated fat than the same serving size of peanuts. It’s also fairly inexpensive, usually around $1.99 a bag. 5. Kale c h i p s : This is an increasingly popular snack for vegans and non-vegans alike. They are available both at Rainbow and in the natural foods section of Kroger. However, they are expensive, often between $6 and $8 for a small bag. They’re easy to make, though. Preheat the oven to around 200 degrees, wash and de-stem your kale, and spread the leaves evenly on a baking sheet. They can take between an hour and two hours to bake, depending on your oven, but keep the temperature low. Try different toppings, like shredded vegan cheese or sea salt and a little olive oil.
6. Salsa. Like hummus, salsa is versatile, healthy and easy to make. Just chop four to five medium tomatoes and add whatever ingredients you like in your salsa. Try corn, black beans, diced onion, peppers or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Add a little lemon juice and some salt and you’re good to go. 7. Soy or almond milk. Both of these non-dairy milk varieties are healthy and affordable. Kroger carries both soy and almond milk in vacuum-sealed, snacksized cartons, usually available for around a dollar each and typically containing between 90 and 110 calories apiece. They also come in vanilla and chocolate and are usually sweetened naturally. The vanilla almond milk is my favorite. 8. Nuts and seeds. These are a great snack if you need to load up on protein and healthy fats. Your best bet is raw slivered almonds. They are fairly expensive, but also really filling, which means you often only need a handful to get your fix. Sprinkle them on salads as well. Also try sunflower or pumpkin seeds. The only catch with nuts and seeds — watch the sodium and saturated fat.
Spring Fever Rising from the slump
By Keri-Elizabeth Walker
from your favorite restaurant or Kava, and you are set.
Spring Fever: a feeling of invigoration and restlessness associated with the arrival of the warm, comfortable spring weather. Symptoms: Restlessness, increased energy, longing to be outside, skipping classes, lack of motivation, etc.
3. Putt putt golf: A third way to fight spring fever is by playing putt putt golf. The nearest course is Mac ‘n Bones in Pearl. It only costs $7 for 18 holes and $10 for unlimited play.
Staff Writer
Remedies: 1. Bowl sitting: An easy way to cure spring fever without even leaving campus is by Bowl sitting. There are so many things that one can do in the Bowl. You can do homework, throw a Frisbee around, play guitar or take a nap. Bowl sitting is a quick way to get out of your dorm for a little while if you do not have the time to drive somewhere or do not have a car. 2. Reservoir picnic: Another fun way to beat spring fever is by riding out to the Ross Barnett Reservoir for a picnic. Just bring a blanket and a meal
4. Sporting event: Another activity on campus is attending a sporting event. Some of the spring sports at Millsaps are tennis, soccer, baseball, softball and lacrosse. Sporting events are free for students. 5. Canoeing: One last way to beat spring fever is to go canoeing. One great place is the Okatoma, in Seminary. It would be fun with a group.
6
N EWS
Contact Salvo Blair, blairws@millsaps.edu
Charter schools evoke controversy
By Salvo Blair News Editor
Whether the state should have a charter school system is a hot topic among Mississippians. Millsaps sophomore Allie Mills who attended the charter school Union Academy in Monroe, N.C. supports charter schools. “Charter schools are education experiments. They show what works and doesn’t work through their success or failure,” Mills says. “It is up to the public schools to adopt their methods to what seems to work, like requiring parent service hours at the school or with their children.” However, talk about instituting charter schools in Mississippi evokes adverse reactions. Jackson attorney Bill Blair worries that establishing charter schools in Mississippi would only further hurt an already damaged public education system for which the state receives an F from Education Week in regards to meeting national standards. “What’s going to happen when the kids that have parents who value education highly take
Greek contnued from pg. 2 thinks it is a part of a blizzard. It is easy to passively allow this cycle to continue, but our community is in desperate need of change. It’s time to begin a conversation about how we can restructure the social groups on campus in a way that is less alienating. Is it so farfetched that every sorority represented on this campus has a lodge? Could we then have an all-inclusive rush so that every student is given the same opportunity to choose, regardless of race? Perhaps, that simple change could one day lead to sororities with a wide variety of ethnicities, races, and nationalities represented, and we could sincerely tell incoming freshman that Greek life at Millsaps really is different.
Strong Johnston continued from pg. 2 though, this is different matter. This is only the beginning of a list of things that I hear day-to-day complaints about from the mouths of my peers. a
When my family recently visited campus, not only was I em-
their kids out of the public education system?” asks Blair. Charter schools receive public funding but are allowed to set rules concerning admission and are permitted to enroll any student within a district. A bill that would have brought charter schools to the state recently passed the Mississippi Senate but died in the House Education Committee. Some political observers speculate that Gov. Phil Bryant may call a special session of the Legislature to reconsider the charter school issue after the current session ends. Mills who transterred to UA after a classmate threatened her and her parents were unhappy with how the admistration handled the situation knows first hand the benefits of attending a charter school. “The biggest difference between the public school and Union Academy is that UA’s method encouraged students to want to be there as well as promoted parent involvement,” says Mills. Mills explains there are two ways to get into charter schools in her hometown district. “First children whose parents
barrassed to show them where I live and eat, but also they were first to notice. My parents were concerned with the health of my living conditions and noticed chipping paint, the loose gravel at the base of the stairs leading to the turf and how the golf carts take over the sidewalk. It was hard having them leave knowing they felt uncomfortable in the place where I live. Again, I am aware that each campus has its quirks and nowhere is perfect. I am also aware of the outstanding education that students receive at Millsaps, but even there I feel there are strains. (I do recognize the positive aim of the academic strategic planning, and respect it, however, this is not the place for that kind of praise). I suppose to end what seems like a strain of complaining on a more positive note, I will say that recently I returned to Millsaps from a week away, and it did feel good to be back. It is true that there are things that drive each student insane, however, in ways, as Millsaps students, we learn to embrace them. I guess we have accepted that there really is nothing we can do about it after all.
teach or work at Union Academy automatically get in,” says Mills. Alternately, other students are chosen from a lottery which is com prised of applications submitted by the parents. Blair contends that all students should be offered the opportunity to attend a charter school. “I think a (charter school) would work only if the entire student population is put into the drawing, regardless of application by a parent, and then the students that are randomly se-
Lucas continued from pg. 3 made films to support filmmakers from the state and see the great films they produce.” Mississippi documentary shorts screen on Saturday at 10:45 a.m., and Mississippi narrative shorts on Saturday at 7:20 p.m. Among the other blocks of short films are “Sampler of Good Stuff ”, feature and documentary shorts selected by Crossroads, at 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, “Funny in any language” on Sunday at 3:30 p.m., and “Best of the Fest” documentaries on Sunday at 1. One of this year’s many feature-length documentaries with Mississippi ties is “Mississippi I am.” The documentary follows ‘NSync’s Lance Bass, a Mississippi native who came out as gay in 2006. Crossroads’ website describes the film as a “story of brave Mississippians who reject the politics of fear and religious intolerance of LGBT people and actively organize to fight for civil rights”. The film will screen on Sunday at 3:45 pm. The festival will offer several workshops, including one led by Millsaps computer science professor William Bares. Bares is founder of Thinking Lens, and will demonstrate the motion tracking camera technology used in films such as Avatar. Attendees will be
lected by the lottery are asked if they want to attend the school,” he says. Test scores in charter schools in neighboring states are usually higher than traditional public schools in the same district, according to the promotional short film “A Stone’s Throw Away.” “It was a hot topic in my hometown that there might be a correlation between the charter school (attendance) and the failing public school,” says Mills. Blair expresses that with the implementation of charter able to preview and animate shots on cameras provided by Thinking Lens. The workshop will be held in the arcade area at Malco on Saturday at 3:45. If you’re interested in screenwriting or acting, don’t miss table readings of scripts written by Mississippians at Newstage Theatre on Thursday at 6 p.m. Portions of 2 scripts written by Mississippians, “The Memphis Leg” by John Gibson and “River of Destiny” by John Stenmark, will be read aloud by local actors. Actress/writer/director Joey Lauren Adams and screenwriter David Sheffield will lead a discussion as well. Workshop tickets cost the same as a single film ticket: $10 for general public and $5 for students. Student discounts will be offered at $10 off a weekend pass reducing the pass to $49, $5 off a Day Pass reducing the cost to $15, and $2 off a single screening ticket reducing the cost to $6. Visit www.crossroadsfilmfestival.com to watch previews of selected films, read interviews with filmmakers and to see the full list of screenings.
schools there is a concern with unequal education. “Why do we need to make a larger burden on public education funds (by allowing charter schools) rather than making the (public education) administration accountable for producing ‘certain results’? What’s the good in making more people worse off and making a few better off?” asks Blair. Both Mills and Blair seem to believe a consensus can be achieved.
Millsaps’ 20 Songs By Spencer Nessel Contributor
Talent can often be found in unexpected sources. That’s one of the goals of the “20 Songs Showcase” scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday. Each group or performer – including students, faculty and staff - will present a song they love. “The talents of our community are overwhelming, and I believe this concert will be a great way to showcase many those hidden talents,” says Spencer Nessel, who worked with through the SBA to produce the concert. “If you come, you will see the amazing jazz guitarist that is Michael Reinhard, you’ll see Rosalie Nolan sing with her mother, you’ll see Mitchell Singletary play piano, as well as many other wonderfully skilled musicians from our community.” Others scheduled to take part include students Claire Herndon, Brian Meyer and Whitney Gilchrist and faculty and staff such as Steve Kistulentz, Michael Reinhard, Lilly Lavner. “You will see a different side of students and faculty alike,” Nessel says. No admission will be charged.
7
C OMMUNITY
Contact Kenya Strong Johnston , stronkk@millsaps.edu
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designer By The Purple & White Late nights and tight deadlines paid off recently for the staff of the student newspaper at Millsaps. The Purple & White claimed seven awards in the Mississippi Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest Student Division. Five awards went to individual writers, while two others were awarded to the staff. “It is rewarding and fun to work so hard to produce something tangible that everyone reads, not mention that receives
awards,” says Editor-in-Chief Kenya Strong-Johnston. “Walking around campus and the greater Jackson community it is rewarding to know that ‘hey, I helped produce that!’ Of course, none of the rewards would be possible without the amazing staff we have.’ Awards included: • Former editor Garrett Wilkerson claimed two individual awards. His story about restrictions about where students may smoke on campus earned a second-place honor. In addition, his story about infrastructure
on campus drew honorable mention. • Opinions Editor Genny Santos received honorable mention for her photo of the Class of 2015 on Fourth Night. • Sue Carrie Drummond won second place for a graphic that accompanied a story about the revival of the History Club. • Ben McNair claimed third place in features for a story about the retirement of biology Professor James McKeown. • The staff claimed second place for editorials and front page.
Picture Day
?
The last day to get your picture taken for the Bobashela is TODAY Thursday, April 12 Outside the Caf ’ 11a.m. - 7 p.m.
The contest included newspapers at four-year colleges and universities in Mississippi. The Student Printz from the University of Southern Mississippi was named tops in general excellence. “Awards of this type don’t just happen,” says Advisor Woody Woodrick. “It takes students willing to put in the time and effort to write stories, edit and layout pages. We’re also blessed to have the full, unqualified support of the administration.” Strong-Johnston agrees. “From athletes to musicians to RAs we
are filled to the brim with a diverse group of individuals who put their time into each story with a keen interest,” she says. “I am grateful to work with a devoted group of peers and have found my entire experience on the Purple & White truly rewarding.” Any students interested in joining the P&W staff for next fall should contact Strong-Johnston. Those interested in writing, photography or working in graphic design are welcome, Strong-Johnston says.
Don’t forget... Now is the time to set up a last minute meeting with your advisor before registration on April 16 and 17.
S PORTS Zachary Bell Freshman
The Saints are getting penalized so harshly just because they were caught. The Saints getting caught should not have caused this big of a scene throughout the NFL. After all, all the hits that were deemed as flagrant or intentionally hurting the QB were not flagged or penalized in the games. It is ridiculous because the refs would just have thrown a flag or kicked them out the game if they were such vicious hits, which none of them were called on the playing field. It is stupid that Sean Payton receives these punishments and how Godell is trying to press lawsuits also against players with suspensions.
8 Contact Ellen Bouyelas, bouyeen@millsaps.edu
Muzamil Khawaja Freshman
I do not agree with it at all. So many other teams around the league have been doing it for years, and they’ve never been busted. The suspension is just the leagues way of showing that they have the bounty situation in control when in reality they don’t. The suspension is dumb, man.
Nick Botero Freshman
Charlie Strauss Sophomore
Lucy Miller Freshman
Sean Payton shouldn’t have gone down if he had nothing to do with the actions of assistant coach Greg Williams and what he would do/say to his players before games. The whole bounty program was run strictly through Williams and if Payton knew nothing of it he shouldn’t be punished for something he didn’t even know was going on.
I think that Sean Payton was definitely at fault, but the measures taken against him were way too drastic. He should not have been suspended, but he should be punished. The Saints mean a lot to New Orleans and Louisiana, and no one knows the Saints like Payton. We need his help for guiding us to another victory, but he can’t do that on suspension.
I’m not a Saints fan, but it is a little bit ridiculous. I’m sure that all teams have some sort of bounty system set up, and as a player, you will always try to get opposing players out of the game in order to have the best chance of winning. Maybe they shouldn’t have offered money to do it, but Payton also should not be suspended for an entire season.
Student poll: Free Payton!
Saints’ head coach deserving of suspension?
Major Athlete: Jules Roussel Classification: Senior Major: Business Administration Hometown: Destrehan, Louisiana Sport/Position: Baseball, Outfield
PAST MISTAKES HOLDING YOU BACK? 1. What is your favorite place to vacation? Disney World. 2. Celebrity crush? Carrie Underwood. 3. Name three things that are on your bucket list. 1. See a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. 2. Go to Hawaii. 3. Go skydiving.
4. Do you have any hidden talents? If you count knowing a lot of Saved By The Bell trivia as a hidden talent. 5. If you had to change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn’t change my name, because you don’t hear the name Jules too often. 6. What is your dream job? Professional baseball player.
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