’ THE LION S ROAR S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y
Hammond, LA
April 11, 2017
Greek Week steps to the music of the movies NATHANIEL CALLAWAY Staff Reporter
Each year, Greek Week ends with the Stepshow, which is an event where different teams made up of fraternities and sororities work together to compete to see who has the best performance and who are the overall winners of the week. The show was held on Apr. 6 at 7 p.m., and the performances each had their own themes, which were “Titanic,” “Ghostbusters,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Willy Wonka” and “Little Rascals.” The winner was the “Willy Wonka” performance. This team was made up of Phi Mu, Kappa Sigma and Theta Chi who were also the first place winners for the week. Cierra Heckmann, a senior kinesiology major who played Willy Wonka in their performance shared what winning the evening was like knowing it will be her last stepshow. “It feels really good to win honestly,” said Heckmann. “Coming from a senior, it feels really good to end the semester on a note like this and to know that all the hard work we put in and late nights, tears and sweat was worth it in the end.” Alec Jones, a junior
marketing major and the one who played Roomie in their performance also talked about what the win meant to him and what he specifically liked about performing in the show. “Last year, it was prolonged because of the flood,” said Jones. “We started this year with a flood too, so there was a lot of setbacks for us, but it’s always good to come out on top. I really like the adrenaline, but hey, that might be just me. I think this is my third one. It’s something I really like to do. It’s something to get me away from my normal life and give me something different, so it’s definitely a lot of fun.” Jones then shared what the show means to him and how he feels Greek Week benefits those who participate. “I think Greek Week isn’t just about individual teams,” said Jones. “Honestly, I think it’s just about every Greek coming together. We see a lot of faces we don’t see normally during the school year and that’s really what it’s all about. Just getting everyone together.” Heckmann also talked about what representing her sorority onstage means to her and what she particularly enjoyed about participating in Greek Week.
Phi Mu, Theta Chi and Kappa Sigma performed their “Willy Wonka” themed performance during the Greek Stepshow. The show consisted of Willy Wonka showing Roomie the Lion the sights of his chocolate factory. The Greek Stepshow involved multiple Greek organizations coming together to both compete and work together to win the evening. Nathaniel Callaway/The Lion’s Roar “It really is a one of a kind experience to not only perform but to do it for something you hold so close to your heart like your fraternity or sorority,” said Heckmann. “And you know winning’s always a plus. Making
memories with your friends and other organizations and making memories with people that you didn’t know before and growing in relationship with people not in your sorority or not in your fraternity is really what I think
this is all about. It was a really good final Greek Week for me. I can say honestly I’ll miss it all.” The second place winners were Sigma Sigma Sigma, Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi
Alpha with their performance of “Dirty Dancing.” Alpha Omicron Phi, Theta Zi and Pi Kappa Alpha placed third with “Little Rascals.”
Big Event brings community together SARAH HESS Staff Reporter
Teamwork could be seen throughout the Hammond community on Saturday ,Apr. 8 as numerous university students volunteered at the 7th annual Big Event. The Big Event is one of the nation’s largest one-day, student-run services in America where university students volunteer in their college town. This year the university had over 155 students volunteer. There were over 30 organizations that participated in the Big Event such as Greek organizations, Biology Undergraduate Students and Baptist Collegiate Ministry. They helped out around the Hammond and Ponchatoula area with work ranging from household work to projects beautifying campus. Students completed these work projects to express gratitude to local residents that support the university. Despite the Big Event being postponed two weeks due to rain, event coordinator Myranda Triche considered the Big Event a success. “The day, overall, turned out amazing,” said Triche. “The amount of job sites that canceled just perfectly equaled the same
amount of students needed at those sites. The ratio of job site to students was almost perfect. We did have to cancel one job site due to last minute cancellations with multiple teams.” University President Dr. John L. Crain started off the event with some encouraging words and thanks to the dedicated students. “Some of the most important things you learn in college don’t come out of a textbook or from a class,” said Crain. “They come from things like what you’re doing today, so I congratulate you for being here. You being here today and being involved in the Big Event, you’re going to spend your time and energy today making this community a better place to live for everybody in this city. I’m also proud that you’re doing it as a Lion. You’re representing the university, so thank you for that.” Volunteers were assigned to different sites where students would participate in different projects. At one site, the service based honor society Gamma Beta Phi washed two of the Hammond Fire Department fire trucks and offered free car washes to cars passing by the station. While most of the volunteer work was off campus, some on-
campus volunteers included members of the campus organization Project PULL, a freshman success program that pairs freshman with an upperclassmen mentor. Volunteers from Project PULL planted around 20 trees on campus. “We usually do it every year,” said Project PULL member Lele Taylor. “So, this year we decided to do it within the organization. Usually, we just do it individually and just come together, but this year we decided to do it within the organization and come out and do some community service and give back to our school, our community.” Some students were able to help with house projects for one of the professors. Volunteers from Phi Mu sorority and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity gave a helping hand to Anthony Blakeney, an instructor for the Department of Industrial Technology teaching manufacturing courses. Scotti Dykes, a member of Phi Mu was the one who signed her chapter up to volunteer for the Big Event. “The Big Event is always such a great thing to do every year for Phi Mu,” said Dykes. “We always look forward to it every year, and we love community service and helping others. So, it was a
Students gathered together for the huge community service project The Big Event. This is the 7th annual Big Event that the university has participated in. For this event, students helped out local businesses. Sarah Hess/The Lion’s Roar great opportunity for us to get out in the community and do work for everyone”. Some of the projects done by the volunteers on Blakeney’s farm included putting mulch in his garden, removing weeds and leaves from his bulb garden,
clearing way for a blueberry patch and sealing a deck that students helped to build at last year’s Big Event. Blakeney has been involved with every Big Event held by
see BIG EVENT, pg. 2
Alumni Association holds Golden Silence for deceased alumni NATHANIEL CALLAWAY Staff Reporter
Every year, students, faculty and alumni are invited to the Golden Silence Ceremony hosted by the Southeastern Alumni Association. The event was held on Apr. 3 outside of Pottle at 6 p.m. and included the reading of the names of university alumni who died throughout the past year, a flag ceremony by the Southeastern Army Reserve Officers Training Corps and taps played by Kiersten Jonkman. The event began with President John L. Crain sharing some of the importance of the university family. “Just like a family, we hurt and we suffer when we lose a member of our Southeastern family,” said Crain. “So every year, we gather to remember our friends and loved ones who are no longer physically with us. Those whose lives we honor today, crossed these paths and walked these grounds just like we all do so often. All who have passed before us have left the university a better place as a result of their unique contributions. Today our Southeastern family includes over 65,000 alumni, almost 15,000 students and President John L. Crain lights the candles for the remembrance of past alumni nearly 1200 faculty and staff.” who have died throughout the last year, just after asking those in attendance Crain expressed some words of inspiration to do the same with their candles. Nathaniel Callaway/The Lion’s Roar Weather
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and remembrance. “Our family now spans the globe and our rich diversity reflects that of the world itself,” said Crain. “But even with that diversity, we still share many common values. Certainly remembering those we cherished, is something we all have in common. We can take some comfort that our loved ones live on in our memories. Those memories help move us through the initial grief we experience with the loss of a loved one and it is those memories that help reconnect us with those we have lost.” Crain spoke about what he thought the event meant to the university. “It’s a special event,” said Crain. “You can tell how much it means to people. I always tell our folks while getting ready, “We have a lot of events, but you know for us this one is an easy event.” It’s not a lot of planning because for some of them there’s a lot of prep work, there’s a lot of planning everything out, a lot of stuff that goes into these things. This is a fairly straight forward, simple event, but it’s one of the most meaningful. It really has a lot of impact on people.” Crain also shared how some react to the service afterwards while speaking with
Index
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Campus Life.................................2 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4
Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku....5 Sports.........................................6 News..........................................8
him and that despite what could have gone wrong, it was a very nice event this year. “It’s just always really heartwarming to hear people, sometimes people I know sometimes people I’ve never met before, thank us for it and talk about how much it means to them,” said Crain. “It’s a beautiful setting, beautiful day. The weather cooperated today, and usually, we have a train come by during this event which is a little bit disruptive, but we didn’t have a train today, so it was really nice how everything came together like it did.” Crain talked about what it meant to him personally. “I’ve been here for a long time and had names in my family read before, so I’ve been in their shoes,” said Crain. “I know personally what it meant to me. I guess you could say I really understand, and I can identify personally with what it means to people. It’s important to us as a university. It really typifies what we talk about with the Southeastern family, and I think it’s a really great event. We usually think about great events because they’re big and splashy and a lot of fanfare, but this in particular is a great event because of the way it touches people.”
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Page 2 |April 11, 2017
Leto to govern student body Greek Week pulls through with Tug-o-War as new SGA president REGINA PERGOLA Staff Reporter
A new president, vice president, chief justice and several senators for separate colleges were elected into the Student Government Association. Students had the opportunity to vote online for those running. These officials will be sworn in on Apr. 25 at the Division for Student Affairs Convocation. SGA’s election polls were held Apr. 3 at 8 a.m. until Apr. 5 at 4:30 p.m., after which they were announced in the Student Union Breezeway at 5 p.m. Seth Leto was elected as the president of SGA. He plans on keeping the promises he made during his campaign Seth Leto and drawing more students into the government side of the student body Leto was excited to be elected by fellow students as their president. “It is an experience that I can’t even express,” said Leto. “I’ve wanted this since I came to college actually. It’s been my dream to win SGA president for Southeastern. I have a lot of plans. I’ve been in SGA since I was a freshman, so I’ve been kind of putting together a list for things that I want to see on this campus to be different.”
Leto wants more students to incorporate SGA into their school life because of the positive effects he has experienced as a result of his involvement. “I really want to do more to promote our school pride and to expand SGA to reach more students,” said Leto. “‘Cause so many students don’t really understand what SGA is, how they can get involved, what they can do to be a part of it. They don’t understand the leadership opportunities that SGA has that have greatly affect my life and I want to spread that with more students on this campus.” As president, Leto wants to bring to light the things he discussed in his campaign and accomplish his agenda he presented. “Some of the ideas that I’ve campaigned on, that haven’t really been a promise necessarily, but I promise I am going to work hard and do the best to my ability to get these things done, would be the lion statue on our campus,” said Leto. “I know a lot of people have talked about it, and I really plan on getting that accomplished in my term. I’d love to see SGA more unified and more coming together to work on things and just more organization within the Student Government.” Cedric Dent Jr. was elected as the senator for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Marianna Carter was elected as the senator for the College of Science and
Technology. Ali LeBlanc and Richard Davis Jr. were elected as chief justice and vice president respectively. “I actually really am looking forward to working with both of them,” said Leto. “I know Ali. I was working with her in senate last year whenever she was a senator. We’re in Greek Life together. I think that we have a common interest, and I think she really cares about the students. I really look forward to working with her as well as Richard Davis. He is going to do an incredible job as our vice president, and we have a lot of the same ideas, and I think we will all be a good team.” Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs Dr. Eric Summers expressed how he felt with the election results. “I was very excited,” said Summers. “I think Seth is going to be a great president. I have a long agenda, and I am looking forward to seeing his agenda too. But I think we had two really great candidates for the position and I would have been happy to work with both of them, but I think Seth is going to do a really great job. I think they’re really great student leaders too, especially Richard. I’ve worked with him in the past. I know he’s going to do great things because he has always done great things. This year is going to be a good year for Southeastern because we have great students running SGA.”
Staff Reporter
Immediately following the Greek Picture, Greek Week continued with Tug-oWar in Strawberry Stadium. The event, held on Wednesday, Apr. 5 from 6:30 p.m. until it was over, saw different fraternities and sororities come together to compete against each other or to work together. The event was held in a tournament style competition where the different teams would continuously fight against each other to gain the top spot. The ultimate winners were Team Willy Wonka, which had a combined force of members from Phi Mu, Kappa Sigma and Theta Chi. Jordan Holcomb, a member of Kappa Sigma and a senior majoring in integrated science
and technology shared some of his feelings on how it felt to win, and how he and his team won the competition. “It feels great,” said Holcomb. “You know, there was actually a lot of technique we put in, so there was a lot involved. To go into more detail though, we sent messages and techniques to each other. We even got into the force and the math and stuff, and the correct way to do things. So that’s really what we did. We learned the technique and we played to win, not to lose.” The team was built of Alee Hess, a sophomore majoring in business administration, Allie Gressaffa, a sophomore education major, Skylar Erickson, a senior biology major, Zachary Gaillot, a sophomore history major and Ben Zahn, a junior business
administration major. The team put in much time and effort both in the game and outside of it with making sure everyone was up to speed and knew what was going to be going on. “Well, we really pulled through,” said Hess. “We got a group message, sent a wiki out. We’ve got some physics majors and engineers, so brains and brawn went into this. There’s only one thing we like more than a W and that’s food.” To the team, the event was a lot of fun. Members felt that it was absolutely worth doing and look forward to continuing it in the future. “It was great,” said Holcomb. “It was very competitive. It’s really great for Greek Week. I think we should definitely keep doing it. It was just a lot of fun. I think we all enjoyed it.”
So whenever I can get group of students or a group of anybody to come help me I try to take the university. He was first advantage of it.” introduced to the program through This year was the biggest previous campus outreach volunteer group Blakeney has programs. Blakeney and his wife ever had. Tug-o-War competitors, from the fraternities and sororities of Phi Mu, Kappa Sigma and Theta Chi fight to win their had micro premature twin boys “I’ve had one group that was tournament. Eventually they went on to win the evening, and even the Stepshow the following day. Greek organizations and due to the financial strain about 25 before and they said this worked together throughout the week in order to win the events they participated in. Nathaniel Callaway/The Lion’s Roar of medical expenses some of the was supposed to be 30 to 40, I’m Greek organizations reached out not exactly sure because there’s to them. Since that involvement, so many people here,” said Blakeney. Blakeney enjoys the Big Event because he feels it gives him an opportunity to teach students skills that he wouldn’t normally teach them in the classroom. “It is a huge help,” said Blakeney. “The students do great work. I’ve enjoyed it because I’ve actually taught some of the guys things that they didn’t know how to do. To me it’s a lot of fun that I get to teach some of the students outside of class. I get to teach them some stuff here that they probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to do.” The slogan for the Big Event Student organizations banded together in large groups to clean the community was “One day, one cause, one of Hammond. The original date for the Big Event had to be changed due to school.” severe weather last month. Sarah Hess/The Lion’s Roar BIG EVENT
continued from pg. 1
Blakeney and his family have been helped by volunteers at the past seven Big Events held. “The whole reason I got into this was right after my children were born,” said Blakeney. “It put us in financial hardship and it also takes up a good bit of our time. My wife’s not able to come out and help me with as many of our projects as we have. So I’m usually out doing stuff alone.
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Alpha Psi Omega
The national theatre honorary Alpha Psi Omega plans to stage a performance of Shakespeare’s classic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” during Aug. 2017 and will hold auditions on Tuesday, Apr. 11 from 5-8 p.m. in the Vonnie Borden Theatre. People of all ages, genders, ethnicities and experience levels are welcome to audition, and prior experience with performing verse is not required. Those planning to audition are asked to come prepared with a two minute or less classical monologue.
Delta Omega Alpha
Delta Omega Alpha is a pre-professional honors society on Southeastern’s campus designed to aid students with preparation towards a career in health
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care. The organization brings in representatives from a number of fields and graduate schools to provide information on pursuing a graduate level degree, including but not limited to medical, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Physical or Occupational Therapy, Anesthesiology, Pharmacy, Dental, Veterinary, Pathology, Ophthalmology or Optometry and Public Health, Medical Technician, Scribe or Volunteer. We meet every other Monday at 5 p.m. in Meade Hall, Room 112. Meetings last approximately one hour, and food is provided. Total dues are $15 a semester, which includes t-shirt, food, raffle prizes, etc. and are due at the second meeting of each term. If you are interested in joining Delta Omega Alpha for the Spring 2017 term, or would like additional information, please feel free to e-mail us at doaselu@gmail.com https://doaselu.wordpress.com/
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Opinions | The Lion’s Roar
April 11, 2017 | Page 3
Drinking, beaches and explosions, oh my! Personally, my ideal spring break would be one in the style of “22 Jump Street.” A car chase, followed by shootouts, a good old-fashioned helicopter explosion and ending with Channing Tatum and Nathaniel Callaway Jonah Hill both Staff Reporter getting shot sounds like a fantastic day to me. I can only imagine what a whole week of that would be like, but I don’t think Mr. Tatum or Mr. Hill would care much for getting shot every day though I know it seems like it would be well worth the cost. Although I don’t find it being a very large possibility of being able to destroy a helicopter this year, and not only that, but I’m sure many of you would rather
have a spring break that’s more traditional instead of destructive. So a lot of us at this university might hit up the beach, maybe the city, but most likely the beach. This brings me to the point of this opinion, how some beaches have excluded drinking on their beach and answer the question that’s been around as long as the human race: is it actually possible to enjoy spring break without alcohol? At this point, I’ve probably got my readers in a cold sweat. The sheer idea of actually having to enjoy the company of fellow humans without any outside help is a difficult and dangerous question to ask. But hey, in some cases it’s either beach and no alcohol or no beach and alcohol. According to the Pensacola News Journal, the bans they’ve got on alcohol are being
SPEAK OUT
considered to become permanent, so the fact that they’ve already got those bans in place means no fun is allowed there. Panama City Beach in Florida which according to internet culture is the “Spring Break Capital of the World,” has just lifted some of its alcohol bans for this year’s spring break, or at least that’s what the “official” Panama City Beach Spring Break website says. Now I’m not planning on going to the beach or anywhere like that, getting drunk, living off of cretin shakes and judging wet T-shirt contests this spring break. In fact I’ve got a pretty good, quiet spring break ready to go this coming week, and I’m really looking forward to that. So why is Nate writing an opinion on something he doesn’t seem to have any skin in the game for? Well, I’ll tell you..
Drinking in the United States is illegal until you’re 21. Now I was at high school just like the rest of you, so I know this law is not taken as seriously as it should be, but I mean, it’s still a law, and a fairly important one at that. So probably legally I’m supposed to say to all you underage kids something like, “No, don’t do that,” but I’d think that morally I shouldn’t tell you how to live your life. So have fun, don’t ruin your life with drinking, drugs and sex and do adequate research before heading down to Florida in April. But what I will do is encourage you to try something new this year, maybe go on a road trip, sleep or join the police force where you go undercover at college, get caught up in drug trades, go to the beach for spring break, shoot a couple of guys then get you and your best friend shot. But like I said, it’s up to you, bud.
Cyberbullying: Can we stop it?
According to the Department started texting me. She was thought no one would listen to over to my house or brought of Education, the Department calling me inappropriate names, me or believe me if I were to them places, and they treated of Health and Human Sciences telling me that I was annoying tell anyone. I thought, “Who me like I was nothing. It started out on Twitter. They and the Department of Justice, and a horrible person among would believe me?” I was the person who was were tagging me in posts and cyberbullying other unmentionable things. friends with everyone. I didn’t calling me a liar, stupid and is bullying These messages continued for like being in a clique. I hated again using profanity. When “I’m going to Panama City Beach and working that takes a couple days. What I then cliques because of the way I went to school the next day, and studying.” place using found out was that another girl people thought you were I was sitting at my usual spot Precocia Parlow e l e c t r o n i c in my class took my friend’s basically unworthy of hanging in the lunchroom. I asked my Freshman, Bioloical Sciences t e c h n o l o g y. phone. It was not my friend out with them. In my junior friend politely to watch my Morgan Ledet T h e s e who was texting me. It was the year of high school, I started schoolbag and purse while I Editor in Chief e l e c t r o n i c new girl in school that she had hanging out with more and went to the restroom. When I befriended who happened to d e v i c e s more people. Well, my “good” came back, all of my stuff was text me from my friend’s phone. include cell phones, computers friends apparently didn’t like gone and my friend was still It came to a point where I was “Moving homes, working, visiting family and and tablets but can also that. sitting there. I asked her where crying myself to sleep. When I going to Global Wildlife.” include social media sites, text In my junior year, I was my stuff was, and she told got to school, she would call me George Fontenot messages, chat and websites. bullied again. Not by the same me she didn’t know. The girl names if she passed me in the Freshman, Ocupational Safety, Health and Environment Cyberbullying can be very girl but by people with whom that cyberbullied me the night hallway and no one seemed to discouraging. As a person who I was friends. I went to these before on Twitter grabbed my notice. She would use profanity was bullied in my first year of girls’ houses. We hung out on to hurt me, and at the age of 13, high school, I am proof that this can affect a person. My friend it worked. Being this young, I the weekends. I invited them CYBERBULLYING see , pg. 8 “I will be visiting family in Indiana. I miss them.” Callie Sander Freshman, Communication Sciences and Disorders What is the worst insult someone has their friends say things that seem to upset perfection. I long for imperfections. I am said to you? Stupid? Ugly? Fat? Perhaps someone in the group. Yet, that person just aware that my way of thinking probably is not considered “normal,” however, my point something too vulgar to publish in this paper? takes it silently. I don’t understand how people can be so still stands. We need to pay more attention For me, the worst insult I have ever heard unaware of how what they say hurts another. to those around us and what we say to them. “I’m going to Miami with some friends is “perfect.” Odd insult, I Yet they can be painfully aware of something I have a few suggestions on how to do this. because we kinda go by this phrase: YOLO.” know. Would you want to like my mother being dead to the point they “The word ‘listen’ contains the same Patrick Roublow Jr. be called “perfect?” When Junior,Biological Sciences get awkward and sad when she is bought up letters as the word ‘silent,’” said Alfred I think of “perfect,” I think even though I’m fine. Why is it people are Brendel, an Austrian pianist, poet and author. of Renaissance paintings, so severely aware of a topic that does not You have to listen to understand how others Greek statues and Egyptian phase me yet are oblivious to the things that feel. Often people will ask questions but do Annie Goodman pyramids. I think of all the not listen to the answers. To respect a person, actually do? I think instead of being aware Staff Reporter things humans strive to you must understand what affects them. To of how the people around us feel, we react “I will be working on campus for orientation reach but never obtain. I learn what will affect them, you must pay how we would want them to react should the leader things.” think of robotic, aloof and cold. To me, to be attention. To pay attention, you have to listen. situation be reversed. Sakeena Kadri perfect is to be inhuman. That is why I weep “Whenever you find yourself on the side The death of one’s mother is an upsetting Freshman, Nursing for the people I hear called perfect. That is of the majority, it is time to reform,” said topic. I have gotten used to her being gone, why I feel it is so important to be aware of at least enough to talk and joke about it. how what you say affects those around you. Lately, I have heard people when joking with Since early times, humanity has strived for see PERFECT, pg. 8
What are you going to do for spring break and why?
We need to be more cognizant of how what we say affects others
EDITOR’S NOTE: Reader response to the opinion piece “I personally don’t believe in vaccines” has been immense. Many letters were published last week. Additional letters on the same topic are below. Unfortunately we cannot fit them all in this limited print space. Additional letters can be found on our website. I was a little worried that the Lion’s Roar published an article that seemed to support the anti-vaccine stance. The majority of research (and I stress peer-reviewed, gold-standard research) has shown that vaccines are not linked to autism and other developmental conditions. This is usually the argument that causes the anti-vaccine opinion. I think if you want to publish an article that doesn’t seem to be based on science, you might need to publish a counter article at the same time that presents the facts. We are a university that seeks to teach our students that at the very least they need to provide solid research on both sides of the argument when stating an opinion. Jackie Guendouzi Department Head/Professor, Communication Sciences & Disorders Personally, I agree with you to an extent. While vaccines don’t always do what they’re supposed to do, they are indeed more accurate than not. The statistics support this claim. Ten percent of mumps vaccine receivers are at risk of developing the mumps,
which means at least 90 percent of the people vaccinated will not get the disease, which is a lot of people. Therefore, I say vaccines indeed do more good than harm. Mitchell Piper Sophomore, Marketing
This article exhibits poor scientific evidence first and foremost because this article is not a scholarly article. It is a popular article. There are no reference citations for anyone to look at to have evidence of credible sources for the author’s information to be correct. With the use of emotive language, the author has personal bias toward vaccinations and does not rely on scientific methods and evidence to prove her position on the subject of vaccinations. In reality, there is no scientific proof of vaccinations being harmful or not. Meredith LaBorde Junior, Criminal Justice
I found nothing wrong with the article “I personally don’t believe I am writing this letter in research to support your claims. in vaccines”. regards to the “I don’t personally Because of lack of research Lexanne Rodriguez believe in vaccines” article. I am throughout this article, it made Junior, Family and Consumer Science writing this letter because it has me wonder if you are one hundred been brought to my attention the percent sure that your sister Regarding Regina Pergola’s and help the spread to others who lack of research in this article. became sick from this vaccine she opinion piece on vaccinations, are terminally ill or babies by This article is based on own received, and where the evidence I must say that I disagree. I herd immunity. Herd immunity personal beliefs and statements, is to directly correlate the vaccine understand it is her personal is when the gathering community not backed up by research. I to the illness. opinion, but it would be smart to protects the ones who can not believe it is okay to not believe Olivia Miller get all vaccinations and continue get vaccinated, by remaining up in vaccines, but only if you have Sophomore, Nursing to spread the word about the to date with vaccines. I am not a benefits of people getting genius by no means, I just prefer 1796- The vaccine for small pox was successfully introduced by vaccinated. There is significant to read articles that have real poof Edward Jenner. 1979- The World Health Organization declared the evidence that proves vaccinations and findings that can back up a global eradication of smallpox. Between both of these landmarks in can lower the chance of getting claim. the history of small pox, thousands of millions of lives were lost ill. No, it may not fully prevent Mei-Lan Ordone due to smallpox. Today, we live in a world where small pox is not the disease, but it will help greatly Sophomore, General Studies I agree with your idea on vaccinations. I feel that in the end, it’s the parent’s choice when it comes to giving their child vaccines. I personally feel that it is better to vaccinate because it protects the child in the long run. Yes, they may cry when they are given the shot but that pain will totally over power the pain if they got the actual disease. Danielle Fernandez Senior, Social Work
I am writing the editor in regards to an article published in which I did not agree with. The article was incorrectly describing and slandering vaccines. I disagree with a
lot that was said within the article because a lot of what is discussed is opinion based, and the facts provided are not
see FORTNER, pg. 8
It’s not that I think you are time you did not seem to use much To whom it may concern, as the writer is entitled to her opinion and that is respected, she should have done more research into totally wrong but there are science at all and since there is a lot the science of vaccines. First issue I saw, she brought up was that some things you need to take in of science to back up your opinion. consideration. Since speaking on Kaitlyn Birch a very debated topic in today’s Sophomore, Athletic Training see ROGE’, pg. 10
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see KODURI, pg. 10
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PAGE 4 | APRIL 11, 2017
Jury decides heaven or hell for ‘Judas Iscariot’ ANNIE GOODMAN STAFF REPORTER
For their last play of the semester, the theatre program put the betrayer of Christ on trial in their production of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.” The performances spanned from Apr. 4 to Apr. 7 with one performance a night at 7:30 p.m. Taylor Bennett, who played the role of bailiff was excited to perform opening night. “It was exhilarating,” said Bennett, a junior English major. “The adrenaline’s rushing and you just wanna make everybody smile, everybody happy. You wanna see the emotion on people’s face and it’s life changing.” Jordan Colona, a junior communication major came to the play to support her friend Alexis Durante, who played Fabiana Aziza Cunningham. “It was really good,” said Colona. “Alexis was incredible. It was very good. My favorite part was the end when Satan and Fabiana had a big showdown. There was a lot of emotion and all that. It was very good.” Bennett was happy to see the finished product of the play. “It was incredible,” said Bennett. “All the actors come together. All the ideas come together. All the creativity comes
together, and when it is all brought together, it is such an amazing feeling to put on this production for people.” Some audience members liked that the play made them think. “Loved it,” said Arvina Colona, a university alumnus and mother of Jordan. “It was raw. It was thoughtprovoking. It was awesome.” Bennett wants audience members to look at the story of Judas Iscariot from multiple perspectives. “I hope they take away that there’s always two sides of a story,” said Bennett. “Just because you think you know one side, doesn’t necessarily always mean it’s the true one.” Arvina Colona felt the play changed her views of old Bible stories. “Very heavy,” said Arvina Colona. “I think it really opened your mind to a lot of different thought processes. Maybe shook up some of your old Bible days. Made you think a little bit more in depth about what Judas went through.” Arvina Colona enjoyed the powerful scenes of the second half of the play. “The ending where Satan has it out with Alexis and the other attorney,” said Arvina Colona. “The shock value when Satan came out so angry was like, ‘Oh
The Lion’s Roar | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
my gosh,’ and of course, the end with the washing of the feet. I thought that was phenomenal.” The cast and crew have been working for a while to bring this production together. “I think the play is absolutely 100 percent extraordinary,” said Bruce Javery II, a junior communication major and main stage committee head. “The cast, the crew, the directors are amazing. The directors, Jennifer Bouquet and Sarah Balli, they are outstanding. They definitely had a vision for the show, and I definitely saw it. Everything they crafted was so amazing. They have been working nonstop for the past two months in order to create this show. I’m so glad the audience enjoyed it because they really, really made it possible.” The play changed the views of audience members as well as cast members. “My favorite part about being in the play was seeing different characters I thought I knew biblically and seeing them come to life through human standards,” said Bennett. “I learned perhaps never judge a book by its cover. I thought Judas was the betrayer of Christ, that he was unemotional, that he did not love Jesus, but in fact I learned that he did, that he St. Monica, played by Shelly Sneed, a junior general studies major with a concentration in theatre holds Judas Iscariot, played by Baxter Francis in her arms after seeing him cry a single tear of blood when visiting him in Hell. Judas Iscariot does have a heart and cares.” was in a catatonic state while waiting for his trial. ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR
Taylor Bennett, a junior English major played the role of Bailiff in the play “The Henrietta Iscariot, played by Angela Griffitt, proclaimed that if her son sits in Taylor Sinclair played Usef El-Fayoumy, the prosecutor in the case of God and the Last Days of Judas Iscariot.” ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR Hell, there is no God. ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR Kingdom of Heaven and Earth versus Judas Iscariot. ANNIE GOODMAN/THE LION’S ROAR
Annual graduate Chamber Recital presents ‘Earth, Wind and Jesse’ JALINA FOURCADE STAFF REPORTER
Pottle Auditorium held the Graduate Recital of Jesse White. Advertised with the slogan “Earth, Wind, and Jesse,” this recital was held on Apr. 4 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Participants described how he held his recital with multiple performers instead of only playing by himself. “Part of the graduate degree is to give some kind of recital other than just a solo,” said graduate student and music major Tara Hymel. “It is more of a collaboration, learning about the pieces and it was part of his degree recital. So he chose to do a collaboration with a bunch of different people for chamber works.” Recitals such as this one allow students to be exposed to creativity and really learn the composers behind the music while expanding the audience’s knowledge of composers otherwise unknown to them. “It opens the doors to new music,” said Hymel. “Too often we get trapped in solo literature land where we only focus on our instrument and maybe piano or our instrument. It was really nice to have a recital with a variety of chamber works in one location. It was all enjoyable music.” Instrumentation varied so that each piece appeared fresh to the audience. Performances like this despite a moderately low patron turnout can expose some to new types of musical experiences. “Anytime you get exposed to new music, it always has positive effects,” said White. “There was
a piece that Kiersten Jonkman and I played that no one had heard of before even though it is by a pretty well known composer. It is always great to show people something they have not experienced before.” Patrons such as junior music education major Jess Lambert enjoyed the performance and gave White a standing ovation at the end of the performance. Lambert explained how despite this being a requirement for class, he found this recital particularly exciting. “I don’t usually go to chamber recitals,” said Lambert. “It was very interesting to see the different types of music they were playing because I feel like it
brought in different cultures and origins and that reflected a lot in the music they chose to perform.” Overall, the musicians were pleased with the recital. White believes it was the culmination of work by a multitude of people. “It went very well,” said White. “It was a culmination of a lot of work from a lot of people. Most recitals deal with solo music, so clarinet and piano, or clarinet and flute, but not clarinet, flute and piano or clarinet, violin and piano. So, this was all focused on chamber music and each one had unique instrumentation. None of the instrument pairing were repeated. You’re typically not going to find that here.” Performers in this recital
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with White were flutist Isabella Basanti, vocalist Kim Dupre, percussionist Evan Lapeyrouse, violinist Marta Turianska, percussionist Travis Henthorn, flutist Tara Hymel, trumpet player Kiersten Jonkman and clarinetist Jang Hyun Thomas Kim. Recitals in the Pottle Auditorium are free to university students and members of the community. A calendar of recitals can be found on the College of Vocalist Kim Dupre and flutist Tara Hymel joined Jesse White in his graduate chamber Music’s page. recital which included a vocalist, flutist and clarinet player. JALINA FOURCADE/THE LION’S ROAR
Arts & Entertainment | The Lion’s Roar
April 11, 2017 | Page 5
Mixed media narrative artist Gina Phillips visits local gallery ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter
The Hammond Regional Arts Center is featuring mixed media narrative artist Gina Phillips in an exhibition titled “The Roots of Memory.” The opening reception for the exhibit was held on Apr. 7 from 5-8 p.m. and will be on display through Apr. 28. Phillips got started in art at an early age while growing up in Kentucky. “My family were folk artists, mechanics and musicians,” said Phillips. “I grew up in the country. We had our own junkyard that I used as raw material for making my own environment, so that’s how I became an artist. Then, I went to University of Kentucky and got my BFA there. Then, I moved to New Orleans in the mid-nineties, and I got my MFA at Tulane.” Phillips’ personal favorite was “Fort Dirt Hole” which was a portrait of a young girl on a farm Gina Phillips’ artwork was presented at the Hammond Regional Arts Center in an exhibit titled “The Roots of Memory.” with an old lady playing guitar. This exhibit featured a 23 feet by 13 feet mixed media piece titled “Fort Dirt Hole.” Annie Goodman/The Lion’s Roar “I love ‘Fort Dirt Hole’ which
is the big piece in the show,” said Phillips. “It’s an autobiographical piece. It’s a self-portrait and it’s a portrait of my grandmother. It combines imagery from Kentucky and Southeast Louisiana, and it’s based on a childhood memory.” Attendees praised “Fort Dirt Hole” for the way it makes viewers feel like they are in it. “I think it’s pretty amazing,” said Denise Tullier-Holly, a lifetime board member of HRAC. “What she gets from working with fabrics and sewing machines is just extraordinary. The faces, the texture, but when I go to that huge one where you feel like you’re in somebody’s cornfield or at somebody’s farmhouse listening to somebody play the guitar. It’s just overwhelming. All the different textures. The colors are so vibrant. It’s just lovely.” “Fort Dirt Hole” holds personal significance to Phillips in its meaning and has been featured in several art museums. “This was a big piece, an important piece for me,” said Phillips. “I made it for a 20 year
retrospective that I had at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art a few years ago. It was also featured in the State of the Art show at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.” “Fort Dirt Hole” is 23 feet long by 13 feet tall and took Phillips three months to complete. It’s the biggest piece of art I’ve ever made,” said Phillips. “A lot of times I work in an installation format. So, I’ll have a lot of different pieces telling a story on a wall. But this is, within a single picture plane, the biggest piece of art I’ve ever made.” Tullier-Holly enjoyed the way the artist layered different art media into one piece. “It’s just amazing,” said Tullier-Holly. “She’s got figures in there. She’s got plant lifeforms, clouds, sky. It’s all in this beautiful remnants of fabric, and then overlaid on top of that she’s got her sewing machine work. But she’s also got this ribbon that’s woven in. There’s jewels and it’s just remarkable. I think it’s just wonderful work.”
From Iraq to Broadway: Marsh shares his accounts of being in the military and in the art world LARSHELL GREEN a&e
Editor
University professor Sean Alan Marsh has held many positions in his lifetime. Marsh was a member of the military, maintained a thirst for educating young professionals and found time to create works of film, theatre and literature. Marsh has recently relinquished one of those roles. He retired from the army after 24 years as a sergeant in late March 2017. After enlisting in the military when he was about 19, Marsh made the decision to study at the university, eventually becoming an educator. His desire to be in the military was fueled because of his interest in academic study and because his father was a Korean and Vietnam War veteran. “I kind of washed up on shore here a long time ago, never really left,” said Marsh. “I think I started school here in ‘78 or something. My first degree was in psychology. I decided to pursue what I loved, which is the English language and writing. I teach 101, 102 and World Lit. I have taught library science and children’s lit.”
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A sudden change of plans could lead to a misunderstanding with a friend or family member. Be ready to offer a full explanation of your decision. A past favor is returned. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Expect pressure from those who want you to change your position on a matter of importance. However, the determined Bovine will be able to withstand the bullying and win out. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s time to stop dwelling on past disappointments and move on to other possibilities. By week’s end, you’ll be meeting new people and making new plans for the future. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A long-simmering situation between co-workers threatens to heat up and could create problems with your work schedule. Best advice: Consult a supervisor on how to proceed. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You might have just learned that someone close to you is keeping a secret. And, of course, the Cat’s curiosity has gone into overdrive. But be patient. All is revealed soon enough. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Don’t give up. The recognition citing the good work you recently did will come through. Meanwhile, an opportunity opens up that can lead to a lot of traveling later on. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A financial crunch
Marsh recalled becoming an instructor at the university during 1999. Although he admits that life as a university professor and sergeant were different, he finds what he considers an important similarity between the two roles. “I would say that the military helped me in that you should develop a certain standard of expectations for your students and, of course, give it back to them,” said Marsh. “And that’s why in the classroom, I love my students, but we’re formal. I think if you’re consistent, people appreciate it.” Marsh admits that his love for the arts spewed from his enjoyment of storytelling, writing and filmmaking. In addition to Marsh’s “Knights of the Square Table,” which reached Broadway, he has collaborated with former Head of the Dance Department Dr. Martie Fellom on multiple projects. The two even created a film festival called JamFest that occurred on campus. Marsh believes that he and Fellom’s combination of talents have contributed to them working well together, especially because they have been recognized for eases, but it’s still a good idea to keep a tight rein on what you spend for nonessentials. Education becomes a major focus as the week winds down. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Recent encounters with stressful situations could require some restorative measures to get your energy levels back up. Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise program. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) New connections follow changes on the job or in your personal life. But keep your feelings reined in until these relationships have a chance to develop. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Pay more attention to your aches and pains, but avoid self-diagnoses. Seek professional advice to make sure these problems won’t lead to something more serious. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You love doing research and learning new things, so you’ll be happy to know that education becomes a big part of your life at this time, and for some time to come. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your Piscean penchant for doing things logically could be challenged by an equally strong emotional reaction to a new situation. Best advice: Keep the two factors in balance. BORN THIS WEEK: You love music and nature. You would be an excellent environmentalist, as well as a fine singer or musician. (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
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winning numerous awards such as the Bronze Remi Award in 2006 and Silver Remi Award in 2009. Both awards were won at Worldfest-Houston, the Houston International Film Festival. “She likes to do this interpretive style of dance, and for me, I like the structure of a story,” said Marsh. “When I offered to write a story for whatever, it just never stopped. I like to create stories and Martie likes to use them as framework for the dance.” Fellom describes Marsh as a great collaborator and patient man. She worked with him on the films “Rabbit Moon” in 2009, “Wild Kingdom” in 2005, “Wish” in 2002, “The Firefly Club” in 2006, and dance productions “Rapunzel” in 2004, “Sleepwalker Nocturne” in 2002, “The Unicorn” in 2000 and “The Water Maiden” in 1999. Fellom admitted that she enjoys working with Marsh because of the depth and details of characters that he creates and explained that he admitted that his work served as therapy for him after he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. “There is tenderness, important life lessons, connections between humans and with other creatures,” said Fellom. “For example, in his retelling of ‘Rapunzel,’ the long hair represented the false friends that she had, and as she shortened her hair throughout the story, Rapunzel was becoming her own person. In ‘The Firebird,’ originally a Russian fairytale, Alan retold the story using societies of birds, replete with each species’ unique characteristics.
In ‘Rabbit Moon,’ Alan explored the ideas of how people in life collect scars, some visible, many invisible. Also the notion of loyalty is explored as it is in many of his works. In ‘The Firefly Club,’ he journeyed into the world of nature and things unknown, eventually showing how all living beings are connected often in ways beyond understanding.” Although all aspects of his life in the military have been less than pleasant, Marsh shared the changes that he has seen in the way that servicemen are recognized today. “I’m very proud of what I’ve done in the military,” said Marsh. “A lot of people wouldn’t do what I have done. The weird thing is, when I was in the first time, when I was 19 to 22, we were often ridiculed for being in the military. People would spit on us, they would call us baby killers, and I had that happen to me. What you see now is a reaction to what happened back then. So now, if I’m in my uniform and you know, I’m only going to wear it like one more time for a retirement ceremony, people will come up and shake my hand and thank me for my service.” Marsh reflected on how he viewed his role in the military versus how society views servicemen. “I’m very proud of my service in the military,” said Marsh. “In another aspect, what the military is called to do is often unpleasant. It’s like we’re garbage men. We do a job that’s vital, that no one else wants to do, but it’s still vital.”
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Sergeant Sean Alan Marsh and members of his unit had just come back from a combat mission to search a carpet factory in Baghdad looking for a hidden explosive devices. Marsh says his smile reflects his excitement over not being killed or wounded during the mission. Courtesy of Martie Fellom
Professor Sean Alan Marsh recently retired from the military. He found success in literature, film and theatre with his work reaching Broadway. Larshell Green/The Lion’s Roar
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Page 6 | April 11, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | Sports
Lions baseball wins at home, struggles on the road NIKISUN SHRESTHA
emotions to be honest,” said Head Coach Matt Riser. “We had some really bad at bats. I The Lions baseball team don’t think we pitched really continued their dominance at well. Graffeo struggled with home against South Alabama, his outing. Had some guys but found it difficult on the that were throwing their road against Texas A&Mstuff, pouting, weren’t good teammates in the dugout.” However, Riser was pleased to see the team coming together when they needed it the most. “I thought we did a good job in the last inning,” said Riser. “It became a one-run ball game. We came together and talked about it. It’s simple. We got a one-run lead, start acting like it. We come in here feeling sorry for yourself and being selfish and throwing your stuff, get back to being a good teammate, get the energy right in the dugout.” The game saw Wasinger hit his first home run as a Lion. “It was a two-strike count,” said Wasinger. “You know, just put a good swing on it. It happened to go out. It was a good feeling.” Riser spoke about his plans ahead of the game on the road against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Junior infielder Taylor Schwaner moved to fourth place in the program’s all-time hit list. He hit a home run in the second “We’re going back on the game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi followed by two home runs in the third game. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar road against Corpus Christi,” Staff Reporter
Corpus Christi this past week. On Tuesday, Apr. 4, the Lions defeated South Alabama 12-9, registering their 11th victory at home. “It was a good win for us,” said junior catcher Daniel Wasinger. “It was a tough
battle. Both offenses were going at it tonight and we just put up more runs today. It was a good win and both teams competed well.” The Lions did have areas to improve on despite the victory. “I kind of have mixed
said Riser. “I told those guys, ‘We got a win tonight but winning can mash some things if we don’t address it.’ We had to address those things tonight. We got to get out tomorrow. We got to have the right intent in practice. We go out with the wrong intent and wrong energy, we’ll get beaten by whoever it is. We have the right intent and the right energy, we beat McNeese, who’s undefeated in the conference and swept two from ULL, who’s top 25 in the country.” In the games during the weekend against Corpus Christi, the Lions lost their first two games 3-2 and 5-4 before recording an 8-5 win in the final game. After the series, the Lions overall record reaches 20-12. “I would say it was a disappointing weekend,” said Riser. “That’s a series we should have gone and taken. We haven’t lost there in that series for six years. When you play bad like that, you have to try to salvage a win. So, it could have been worse.” Riser felt like the team needed to work on hitting more runs and needs to get the right attitude for the upcoming
games. “We need to find a way to score a lot more runs,” said Riser. “We’re averaging less than five runs a game on the weekend. We need to do a better job of scoring more runs. It goes back to our mentality. This team can be really good when they just go and put their head down and go all out. We can beat anybody in the country. When we pout and feel sorry for ourselves, it makes it tough. The good thing is that’s on us.” The Lions will look to extend their home record this Thursday, Apr. 13 against Northwestern State. However, the team will be there without the presence of Riser in the dugout. “The good thing is we’ve been really good at home,” said Riser. “It’s gonna be a little bit different. Against Northwestern, just have to come out with the right energy and make sure we set the tone in the first game. It’s gonna be a little different. I got suspended for three games, so I won’t be at the game this weekend. Just need to do a good job of holding themselves accountable.”
Giving from the green to the community JALINA FOURCADE
“I think the change in coaching has definitely led to a more friendly The Lion’s golf team did atmosphere,” said Obermann. more this season than get “The whole team connection, eagles on the green they have the interaction between us built a reputation of good deeds teammates, how we practice through extensive community together and how we treat each service efforts. other have improved.” Players credited Head Despite successes on the Coach Jake Narro with this rise green, Obermann credits their in service work as his method success to the service work of coaching includes positive their coach has encouraged throughout the year. but firm mentoring on the “I think it is largely due to green and behind the scenes. the community service and the “We’ve done a tremendous influence of the coach,” said year of volunteering,” said Obermann. “He’s been less Narro. “We’ve done numerous of an authority which doesn’t mean we don’t respect him, but he encourages us more and helps us on the course and really accepts our personalities, which I think is really important for a successful golf team. He always brings the positivity to us. He makes us believe we are better than we may have performed, keeping our heads up. We keep improving with more confidence and encouragement and I think that’s how he really contributed to our great team spirit.” Narro is proud of the team this year because despite a fall in rank, they have shown they can compete against big-name teams and hold their ground. “Our best event of the year was also when James finished Senior Paul Obermann is captured during an iron swing. Obermann is currently second,” said Narro. “We also in 8th place all-time with 301 birdies. Courtesy of Dr. Amber Narro as a team finished six out of Staff Reporter
things. We have helped two people, back when the floods happened, gut their houses on two consecutive days. We most recently volunteered at the Blues and BBQ Festival in Hammond. We also have volunteered in the past to go pick up litter with Keep Hammond Clean.” Students were grateful for their change in coaching as senior finance major Paul Obermann shared. Obermann is tied for fourth on the Lion’s all-time rankings after achieving his ninth career eagle this season.
eight teams. But the thing about that sixth place finish was the strength of the field. There were five highly ranked teams there and we really competed well with some really big programs.” Senior finance major James Anstiss had his seventh and eighth career eagle this year, leaving his tied for sixth alltime for the Lion’s rankings, he shared the ups and downs the team has experienced this season. “We had a couple not so good events,” said Anstiss. “There has been a lot of good stuff in there, just got balanced out with a bit of bad rounds too. It’s unfortunate, but we just have to put it all together at the right time and it’ll pan out. The struggle, when looking at the stats, we’ve always been up there with the amount of birdies everyone is making but we’ve made a few mistakes and then a few more and had a few less pars than everyone else which has hurt our scores a lot.“ The player’s goals are to use this momentum to do better in the upcoming conference. “Our goal is to get some confidence and team spirit and to really do well in the upcoming conference,” said Obermann. According to Golfweek, the Senior James Anstiss shot even-par 72 in the final round at the Old Waverly Lions team ranks 156 overall Intercollegiate. The golf team will be competing in the LSU Tiger Classic this with a score of 34 wins, 71 Thursday in Baton Rouge. Courtesy of Dr. Amber Narro losses and 3 ties this year.
Southeastern squads bring back six firsts from McNeese LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions took home five victories while the Lion men got a win from freshman Grant O’Callaghan at the McNeese Sean Brady Spring Time C l a s s i c Saturday at the Cameron Communications McNeese Track Complex. Seniors Addison Martinez (pole vault), Kaelynn Smith (100 meters), sophomore Dekayta Alex (400) and freshman Ebony Hills (100 hurdles) and the 4x400 relay squad were victorious on the women’s side, while O’Callaghan captured the 5,000 for the men. “It was a smaller meet but it was very productive,” Southeastern head coach Sean Brady said. “We were hoping to get some work done and hoping some of our athletes would start to come on and run fast and we saw that today.” Southeastern got a pair of personal bests in the women’s
pole vault as Martinez cleared 12 feet, 9.5 inches for the win and sophomore Maddison Mizell 1109.75 in taking third. Hills had a pair of personal bests in winning the 100 hurdles in 14.39 seconds and finishing fifth in the 400 hurdles in 1:05.97. Alex won the 400 meters in 55.41, then joined senior Lekesha Jelks, junior Treshanna Taylor and freshman Lill-Ann Hochkeppler in capturing the 4x400 relay in 3:57.79. Smith took the 100 meters in 11.94. She later joined sophomore Jaslyn Bowman, junior Vanessa Williams and sophomore Aareion Jackson on the Lady Lions’ 4x400 squad that placed third in 4:25.88. Senior Addie Shafer finished second in the javelin with a mark of 136-05. Junior Natalia Redondo threw 178-02 for third in the hammer. Hochkeppler came in third in the 400 hurdles in 1:05.78. Junior Tayla Celestine placed fourth in the high jump (5-01) and was also sixth in the 100 hurdles (14.93). Sophomore Raven Davis set a career best in finishing fourth in the 100 hurdles in 14.82 and was also ninth in the 400 hurdles
(1:08.88). Freshman Myrielle Powell added a fifth-place finish in the high jump (5-01). Junior Daijah Washington ran a personal-best 25.15 for 10th in the 200 after taking sixth in the 100 in 12.06. Sophomore Breanne Bias set a PR in placing seventh in the 100 hurdles in 14.97 while Jackson was seventh in the 200 (25.15). Jelks was ninth in the 400 in 58.29. On the men’s side, O’Callaghan beat his previous best in winning the 5,000 in 15:16.32. Senior Harry Wiggins was second in 15:35.37, while junior Brett Olivier set a PR in placing fourth in 15:55.93. Junior Cliff Resais set a pair of career bests in taking second in both the 100 (10.38) and 200 (21:09). Both times were the fastest by a Lion this season. Resais, a native of Nassau, Bahamas, also received an invitational Saturday to run on the Bahamian 4x100 relay team at the International Association of Athletics Federations World Relays Bahamas 2017, scheduled for April 22-23. Lion teammates Andre Colebrook and Ashley Riley were earlier selected for the
nation’s 4x400 relay. Resais joined senior Maverick Bowleg, junior Dontrell Lyons and freshman Gerald Coleman on the 4x400 relay which came in second in 3:15.98. Junior Michael Seither broke his previous best throw by more than six feet in taking second in the hammer throw at 175-10. Freshman Alex Bertrand threw 166-08 for fourth in the javelin while freshman Kevin Reichart was fifth in the shot put at 43-01. Freshman Noel DelCerro set a personal outdoor mark in the pole vault after clearing 15-05. Junior Albert Martinez took third in the 400 hurdles in 55.29. Coleman was seventh in 56.87 while freshman Justin Taylor placed ninth in a personal-best 57.64. Taylor also had a PR in the 100 hurdles in taking fifth in 14.94. Lyons was fourth in the 200 in 21.33 with Bowleg sixth in 21.67. Sophomore Tajh Lewis was fifth in the 800 in 1:55.89. Southeastern will be at the South Alabama Invitational in Mobile, Ala. Thursday through Saturday.
Sports | The Lion’s Roar
April 11, 2017 | Page 7
Petz returns to St. Thomas Aquinas as head soccer coach NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter
Former
university student Joseph Petz has returned to St. Thomas A q u i n a s Regional Catholic High School as the 2017-18 boys’ soccer coach. Joseph Petz Petz, who is a 2012 graduate of the high school, always believed in a return to serve his alma mater. “When I first began coaching, my goal was to eventually return to St. Thomas,” said Petz. “While I won’t say it was my ‘dream’ per se to coach high school soccer, I am extremely proud to return to St. Thomas and be a part of a great
program.” Petz hopes to improve the STA soccer program as well as the players of the program. He wants his team to play on a consistent level and targets several state championships during his reign. “Every season I meet with my team and together we set goals for ourselves and for the team,” said Petz. “My personal goal is always to help develop my team into better soccer players but more importantly into better men. My personal ambition is win several state championships with STA and re-establish them as a powerhouse in Louisiana soccer. As I said before, I want to bring STA back to being a powerhouse year in and year out not just a one off team that has one good year followed by three to four year slump.” Petz also explains his previous
coaching experience. “I spent the last four years coaching at Hammond High,” said Petz. “I was the assistant the first year and served as head coach for the next three years. I also coached a travel team out of Covington. I enjoy high school soccer much more due to the passion and difficulty that comes with training and bringing together athletes that range from 14 to 18 years old.” In Hammond High Magnet School, he led the Hammond Tornados to three straight playoff appearances. The first playoff appearance was their first in 20 years. Petz looks fondly at the times spent in Hammond. “Hammond High was always a stepping stone for me in regards to coaching,” said Petz. “However, when I took over as head coach, I realized that there was a great deal
I could learn from the players, parents and experience as a whole, be that good or bad. I take great pride in what we achieved at Hammond High, and when I say we I mean myself and all of the players I have coached. I may have put them on the field but at the end of the day they are the ones that go out and put their bodies on the line for their school and for me. There were many ups and a few downs to me tenure at HHS but I will always look back on that time with fondness and absolutely zero regrets.” Petz describes how his love for soccer began and how his playing career took shape during high school. “I have been playing soccer since I was seven years old,” said Petz. “However, I did not start to play competitively until the 8th
grade. My main motivation was my high school coach John Cox. He is a huge reason for my development as a player and coach. All throughout high school I was heavily involved in various soccer teams. I played four years of varsity soccer for STA. I also played for a competitive travel team out of Mandeville. I would often travel around the southeast playing in various states. I always looked forward to the high school season because I would play with my friends that I had grown up with and it was much greater sense of pride for me when I played for STA.” During his playing days in STA, he was captain of the varsity team in his junior and senior year. He also had the honor of playing with and against two Major League Soccer players Andrew Tarbell and Patrick Mullins.
Petz shares some of his favorite players and coaches in professional soccer. “Thierry Henry is my favorite player,” said Petz. “I have always admired Arsene Wenger for his style of play but if I had to choose a favorite professional coach it would have to be Sir Alex Ferguson. His ability to win championships and inspire his players is legendary.” At the university, Petz had multiple majors including kinesiology, business management and history. Petz explains his future plans, and he wishes to be involved with STA soccer for years to come. “My first goal was to become the head coach at STA, so for now I’m focusing on the job in front of me,” said Petz. “In the future, who knows what will happen, but I plan of being at St. Thomas for a long time.”
Lacrosse club completes first season JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter
As one of the new arrivals to the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association Lone Star Alliance, the Southeastern Men’s Lacrosse Club are looking to climb the mountain to be competitive with the older, more veteran teams. However, their first season has been a bit bumpy and a learning experience. “It’s nice to be finishing the first season and getting through all of the stuff of the first season,” said junior attackman and one of the team founders, David DiPiazza Jr. “It was a lot of ups and downs and a lot of stuff to just figure out on our own since it is all student-run. We are 1-6. We won our first game against Stephen F. Austin, but other than that, it has been fun. We have really bonded well as a team. We started with guys that didn’t know each other too well, but now we are all good friends and hang out with each other outside of practice.” The first win of the season against Stephen F. Austin on Mar. 26 was a milestone for the club and a starting point for possible success the team can have in the future. “It’s was a hard fought win,” said Head Coach Trey Oaks. “Nothing went our way during
the game. But, they pulled through it when it mattered. In overtime, we made a good stop on defense, then went down the field and, on effort alone, sank that last goal. Truthfully, we should have beat that team by five or more goals, but I’m kind of glad that we didn’t. They needed to know how to overcome. That first win needed to be hard. It needed to be something that they had to fight for.” The biggest concern for the lacrosse team is to have players that are committed to the team and ready to play or learn how to play. “With a club, it’s hard to kind of keep people in check because we are all just students,” said DiPiazza. “It’s a club so if players don’t want to show up, there isn’t much that we can do about it. We have taken away game time from the players for some of the games and it is probably all that we can do. It’s the end of the season so some players are going to be burned out.” The lacrosse team has received plenty of support from the other teams of the Lone Star Alliance to keep at it and that they will get better. “We are kind of the newest team in the Lone Star along with Louisiana Tech,” said DiPiazza.
“They would love to get more Louisiana teams growing since they have mostly Texas teams and for more than 10 years all they had was UL and LSU. Teams have been real supportive and they want to see us do well.” Some players on the team have never played lacrosse before joining this team and have learned a lot from this season. “I was lucky enough to have played sports all my life,” said senior goalie Jason Licciardi. “So picking up a new sport was not that hard of a challenge. It’s kind of got that baseball and football aspects. The sport has been around a long time. The Native Americans created it before Columbus got here. All I can say to future people is to try. We have a kid and it’s his first year playing sports and he is a starter. You just gotta have heart and you gotta want to play. If you don’t want to play, you won’t pick it up. But if you have the desire then you will pick it up. The time you spend outside of practice is also important.” Oaks has nominated Licciardi as an outstanding player off of the field this season. “It’s for things like my academics and my community service which is something that I would not be able to be a part of had I not played lacrosse,”
Junior attackman and the co-founder of the lacrosse club David DiPiazza Jr. has been working along with his teammates to improve on their on-field skills and their dedication to making the club a success in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association Lone Star Alliance Division. Courtesy of David DiPiazza Jr. said Licciardi. “It’s a decision that I’m happy I made, and I wouldn’t change it.” The team will play University of Louisiana at Lafayette this Thursday in Strawberry Stadium. This is their second game in Strawberry Stadium and it means something special
to the players to play a game there. “The way I think of it is that I am a college athlete,” said junior midfielder Chris Bourque. “Even if this is at a club level, I get to tell my kids and my grandkids that I was a college athlete and I played college lacrosse. Even
if we don’t pack the stands and even if we do lose, it’s an amazing feeling to say that this is our stadium, this is our house. We get to defend our stadium in front of some family and some friends. It’s thrilling and it is something that I will remember forever, for sure.”
Lady Lions softball win their first conference road series ZACHARY ARAKI Staff Reporter
The Lady Lions softball team won two of their three games at Houston Baptist which resulted in their first road series victory in the Southland Conference. On Apr. 7 and 8, the team lost the first game 2-3 but finished with 3-2 and 8-4 wins. The victory brought the team’s record to 19-19 overall and 8-7 in conference. “We were able to execute our hitting attack in game three to Junior outfielder Kalyn Watts had two runs-batted-in and scored one run in the series near perfection, and I was just against Houston Baptist. Watts also has 20 RBI’s on the season File photo/The Lion’s Roar really pleased with our offense
in game three,” said Head Coach Rick Fremin. “I was also pleased with our freshman pitcher Alley McDonald, who was able to get her first collegiate win in game three of the series.” Though undefeated in home conference play, the team faced challenges as a road team. “You’re in a different environment,” said Fremin. “We didn’t play Houston Baptist last year in the conference rotation. So, a lot of players, we’re seeing them for the first time and you just try to get acclimated with that playing surface, that venue, their fans. I thought in game two, we found a way to win. In game three, we really came out strong in the beginning of the game to take the series. So as the series went on, we got more comfortable with the environment and the venue. So, it just shows a little bit of maturity taking place in our team.” Becoming a better road team was a goal for the Lady Lions in
the game. “I’m glad we overcame our fear of leaving on the road and got to win,” said junior outfielder Kalyn Watts. For Watts, the focus is already on the next game. She has hit five of the team’s 10 home runs this season. “Just getting better each day I guess,” said Watts. “Put that game behind me ‘cause I mean, I can’t let that get to me. I guess just try to get better each and every game, try to do something different, be better than I was the last game.” Fremin considered the games an opportunity for improvement. “As a coach, I think we’re raising our softball IQ,” said Fremin. “We have a better understanding of the game, we’re more mature than we were earlier in the season, and I just feel if we can keep growing and keep the team healthy, we’ll finish strong.” Senior pitcher Kasey Nielson saw the team come together as
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the season progressed. “I feel like we’re growing a lot as a team,” said Nielson. “We’re learning a lot about each other and who can do what basically. We’re growing a lot more together rather than being individuals. We’re becoming more of a team, and we’ve suffered some losses that we shouldn’t have, but we’ve learned from those losses and I feel like we’re getting better day by day, just growing together and pushing one another, supporting one another. I feel like we’re really building a good foundation for the future programs to come.” The softball team will face University of Louisiana at Lafayette on Apr. 11, and Northwestern State University at home on Apr. 14 and 15. “UL Lafayette is one of the toughest venues to play in,” said Fremin. “Hopefully that’s a contest that can prepare us for the conference tournament, and I really feel that Northwestern is going to be something that’s very pivotal for our season. Hopefully it will turn in our favor, but they’re a very good conference team.” Nielson attributed part of the team’s motivation to fans. “Coach Fremin has come in and done a tremendous job of getting all of our girls involved with the community and our fans, and trying to build our fan base because when we have more people there supporting us and when we know that people are supporting us, it pushes us to that extra mile to win not only for our team but for our community and our school,” said Nielson.
PAGE 8 |APRIL 11, 2017
The Lion’s Roar | NEWS
Press Club gathered students for a night of friendly competition ZACHARY BILLIOT STAFF REPORTER
The university’s Press Club held its latest Trivia Night last week on the second floor of the Student Union in rooms 2203, 2205 and 2207. The event took place on Wednesday, Apr. 5. from 7-11 p.m. The cost of admission was $5 for each individual or $20 per team of five and included free food, drinks and prizes. The event was hosted by Mason Dauphin, a member of the Press Club. Dauphin was excited for the event and had high hopes for it before the night got started. “I think the event’s gonna go really well,” said Dauphin. “We have a lot of staff, and we’ve done a lot of promotion around campus. A lot of the people I know are from Press Club are very excited. Some of them have been working on the questions. So, obviously, they won’t be qualified to enter, but those who haven’t, we’re happy to have them.” President of the Press Club Connor Raborn was also in
attendance. He explained how the Trivia Night started. “This whole thing kind of was inspired by me and a lot of my friends from Press Club like to go out to sports bar trivia nights.” Raborn said. “It’s kind of been a little bit of a tradition for about a year now where we kind of do it whenever we can, every so often. We liked the idea, and we thought it would make for a fun fundraiser event.” Raborn explained how they were going to manage the event as well by trying to model it after trivia nights in sports bars. “It’s gonna be sports bar style where we have an M.C.,” said Raborn. “We’re gonna project the questions and everything. But we’ll have kind of a master of ceremonies to read the questions out, we’re gonna have proctors out to ensure nobody’s cheating using their phones or anything like that. People will be able to register as either teams or as individuals.” In total, there were 20 participants across five teams competing for prizes throughout the night. Team names varied,
ranging from pop culture references like “How Bout Dah” and “Two and a Half Women” to more localized references that pertained to the university, such as “Mirando’s Muckrakers.” Most of the teams were comprised of three to five players, but other teams like “Gold Team Rules” consisted of only two members. Each team competed in a customized version of the game “Jeopardy!” to see who would score the most points and win prizes. Each winner was awarded prizes from a selection of movie posters, vinyl figurines, movie passes and popcorn cups with a variety of candy. The game itself was set up in the standard “Jeopardy!” style with five categories, multiple rounds and varying levels of difficulty yielding more points in proportion to the difficulty of each question. Each team chose from one of the five categories that included sports, music, movies, television and SELU. Each category had five questions valued from 100 to 500, with 100 being the easier trivia questions and 500 being the harder ones. The initial plan was
for five rounds to be played, but the amount teams playing slowed the game down considerably, and there was only enough time to play two rounds. “I thought it was gonna be a lot more packed than it really is,” said Miranda Bordelon, a junior English major. “I like the smaller crowds, and we’re able to meet new friends. It’s a fun way to meet new people around campus.” Bordelon was one of five members on team “How Bout Dah,” who was first up to play in the event’s custom version of “Jeopardy!” Many other players were very excited to be a part of the event and thought it was a wonderful way to get students involved socially even if their teams did not do well during the competition. “If you look around, you can see all the people that are in it,” said Dustin Arroyo, a “Two and a Half Women” team member. His team consisted of three other people. “I feel like we did terrible, but we still had a lot of fun, we still had a great time and the Press Senior communication major, Mason Dauphin, was the host and master of Club gets to put its name out ceremonies for the Press Club Trivia Night. Dauphin kept the event lively and there, so it’s pretty cool.” entertaining for the attendees. ZACHARY BILLIOT/THE LION’S ROAR
‘All the Queen’s Horses’ were part of fraud REGINA PERGOLA STAFF REPORTER
Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope, pictured with Brandon St. Pierre, a graduate student, was the presentor of the 2017 Marketing Ethics Lecture. Pope was presented with a plaque after her presentation. Her presentation was about her upcoming documentary that depicts the details of the largest municipal fraud crime in USA history, called “All the Queen’s Horses.” REGINA PERGOLA/THE LION’S ROAR
Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope was invited to give a presentation at the College of Business’ Ethics Lecture. Her presentation included information on her soon-to-be showcased documentary called “All the Queen’s Horses” which is about the largest municipal fraud that happened in US history. It tells the story of how Rita Crundwell, a government official embezzled over $53 million within a 20 year period of working for the city of Dixon, Illinois. Crundwell used it for her quarter-horse-breeding empire. Pope aims to bring awareness to this issue of ethical shortcomings and how it can affect even the unlikeliest places. “What we like to say is, if it can happen in Dixon, it can happen anywhere,” said Pope. “So, it’s a cautionary tale for, I think, any size organization because if it can happen in a place that has 16,000 people. It can happen in a place that has 160,000 people because every organization has a Rita in it, meaning
somebody you can ultimately trust. Not that somebody is going to steal your money, but that someone that you trust, and when they tell you something you don’t follow up. We all have that type of person in our organization, so that’s what people need to know.” Interim Dean of the College of Business Antoinette Phillips described how the university was affected by the choice of speaker. “Our accounting and finance head Dr. Rob Braun had seen Dr. Pope previously do a presentation and he’s also interested in publishing on ethics,” said Phillips. “So, he contacted her and was able to work out an arrangement for her to come to our campus. We are very lucky to have her.” “All the Queen’s Horses,” a Kartemquin film has not been released yet. Phillips believes that the presentation about the story was able to give students insight into the how behind fraud. “I thought that she did a good job,” said Phillips. “I thought that she was able to share
with our audience a very unique story, one that had a lot of national attention and one that has far reaching implications for a lot of our students and how they view their careers and what experiences they go through.” Presentation attendees were able to ask questions for Pope after her presentation. Phillips also expressed that she hopes the presentation and documentary will affect students and their ideals on ethics within the business world. “I think that they’ll view them with different mind and certainly be careful about things like that in the future,” said Phillips. Erin Matheny, a professor within the college of arts humanities and social sciences attended the presentation and was surprised to find out it was about Dixon, Illinois. “I’m actually taking an accounting class and a business law class this semester so when this was announced I was like, ‘This is right up my alley of interest’ and it just turned out to be a story about Dixon which is where I grew up,” said Matheny. “I did not know the affiliation until she began to speak.”
Organizations team up in ‘Race to SAAM’ for Sexual Assault Awareness Month JALINA FOURCADE STAFF REPORTER
Despite the looming end of the semester, the smell of fresh popcorn lured students to an unusual sight outside the Student Union. Students were seen donning beer goggles and high heels in an obstacle course race to promote sexual assault awareness on campus. This event was a combined effort by campus organization Student Outreach & Advocacy Representatives, the Health Center, the Office of Student Conduct and a team of marketing students. The event was a success with over 115 participants, 50 entries for the T-shirt giveaway, an informational browse and a “Race to SAAM” Snapchat filter. Senior general studies major Ashley Jones CYBERBULLYING
continued from pg. 3 stuff and hid it from me. She then sat there and laughed at me as I tried to look for it. I don’t understand why people think that it is okay to use Twitter or any social media as a mask to hide behind. I know that sometimes bullying can be much worse than my experience.
assisted in hosting this event with classmates from a public relations and marketing class. “We hope to promote the Office of Student Conduct and bring more awareness to who they are because there is a misconception about it just being for when you get in trouble when they actually support awareness for sexual assault and do a lot of things on campus,” said Jones. “We hosted this event to get the students involved, bring awareness to the office as a safe haven for victims of sexual assault on campus.” The obstacle course gave additional obstacles for wrong answers to questions about consent, and students learned a little more about the frequency of sexual assault and the focus of this event as sexual assault and domestic issues that are not often discussed on campus. “April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” said Assistant Director of Student Conduct
People have harmed themselves in ways unimaginable as a result of bullying. I want to be that person that says it is okay to tell someone. We need to report cyberbullying. I want to help anyone who is being bullied. According to stopbullying. gov, there are steps we can take to help anyone being bullied. A person can start with not responding to messages. That is where I went wrong when I was 13. I continued
PERFECT
continued from pg. 3 Mark Twain. Do not just go along with what others say or believe. If you notice someone is bothered by the topic at hand, speak up. Think for yourself about others. What is considered okay is different for everyone. Do not be scared to respect those parameters when no one else will.
to respond to this girl trying to defend myself. If I would not have continued to respond to her, it may have stopped. Another step someone can take is keeping the evidence. I did keep the evidence of all of my messages and tweets on Twitter. The next step the stop bullying website gives is to block the person. I may have been able to block her on my phone, but I couldn’t block her in the hallways.
“I would rather be a little nobody than to be an evil somebody,” said Abraham Lincoln. It is okay to be the odd one out. Even if everyone else insists, “It’s okay, it won’t hurt anybody.” Yet you feel otherwise, stand your ground. Do not cave in and say rude things because your best friend does it. If it makes you feel like a nobody to do that, go find better somebodies to be around. My point in all this is around campus
Antoinette Alack. “So in recognition of that, Student Conduct and SOAR decided to team up with the marketing team to give them a focus of consent and respect, and the Health Center joined to bring some alcohol prevention.” According to a study by the United States Department of Justice, one in five female students will become a victim of sexual assault during their college years while one in 16 men also become a victim in those four years of college. “With responsible drinking and knowledge of warning signs students can eliminate high risk behaviors that come with alcohol misuse,” said Alack. “Especially when considering consent to sexual activities cannot be given under the influence of alcohol.” Some students elected to an even greater challenge and wore both heels and beer goggles to complete the obstacle course with prizes of She was in my classes. I would like to let schools know that we need to open our eyes to bullying. Let students know that it is okay to say something to an adult. Let your parents know, your principle and even a teacher. Let’s help students and even teenagers or young adults that are being bullied that it is okay to speak up. We can be the generation that stops cyberbullying.
and in life I hear people joking about things that from an outside perspective can only be seen as bullying. Maybe within that group of people it really is okay, but what if it wasn’t? There isn’t anything wrong with speaking up for people to make sure it’s okay. To do this we need to be more attentive, not get swept away by others’ thinking and speak up when no one else will.
FORTNER
continued from pg. 3 accurate. Vaccines are not harmful and should be taken seriously, but I find this writing (again based off of opinion) was spreading incorrect information. Not getting vaccinated is very dangerous for your own sake as well as everyone around you. She stated she has never
had a problem with not being vaccinated but this is because of a term called “herd immunity”, which in short means, because everyone else is vaccinated, one individual will still benefit and not catch a virus because of everyone else doing what is right and getting vaccinated. Everyone needs to understand
how important it is to take this safety measure not only for individualistic reasons, but the community as a whole. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. Laura Fortner Sophomore, Sociology
More Letters to the Editor at lionsroarnews.com
free popcorn and spirit merchandise encouraging students to win. “Heels and beer goggles are very painful and very confusing,” said freshman business management major Kamron Kelly. “The race was pretty interesting and the questionnaire was pretty difficult to get through and win.” Freshman nursing major Alaya Thomas participated in the obstacle course wearing beer goggles which she found to be more difficult than she anticipated. “I wear glasses already so it was kind of hard to see through the goggles,” said Thomas. “When I thought I was looking straight, I wasn’t.” There was also a table with mustache tattoos and fact sheets that followed the consent theme “You Mustache for Consent.” These organizations and the other marketing teams will be in attendance at Strawberry Jubilee.
News | The Lion’s Roar
April 11, 2017 | Page 9
Greek Week 2017 celebrates movies
The winners of the Greek Week Stepshow, top left, Phi Mu, Kappa Sigma and Theta Chi, who had the theme of “Willy Wonka,” pose with the golden ticket of their creation and their first place trophy. Alpha Omicron Pi, Theta Xi, Kappa Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho, top, perform their “Little Rascals” during the performance. A competitor, above left, prepares to throw a dodgeball at the opposing team during Greek Week’s Dodgeball Tournament. Willy Wonka guides Roomie through his legion of Oompa Loompas, above middle, in the Greek Stepshow. Kappa Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Phi Alpha, right, perform their theme of “Dirty Dancing.” Another competitor, below left, begins to throw a ball across the dodgeball court for the tournament. Delta Tau Delta, Theta Phi Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta, below right, perform “Titanic” for the Greek Stepshow as the dancers hold up Rose while Jack looks on reenacting the door scene on stage. All the Greek organizations, bottom, pose together on the field of Strawberry Stadium during the Big Greek Picture, just before playing tug-o-war on the same field. Nathaniel Callaway, Larshell Green, Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar
The Lion’s Roar | News
Page 10 | April 11, 2017
Williams takes crown at pageant
Georgette Williams, left, won the Miss Bold Beautiful Woman Pageant. She also won the talent and evening gown portions. Rayven Watson, right, placed second in the overall as well as first in the personal interview and fundraiser portions. Larshell Green/The Lion’s Roar ANNIE GOODMAN Staff Reporter
Georgette Williams won the second annual Miss Bold Beautiful Woman Pageant put on by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “It feels very great,” said Williams, a sophomore accounting major. “I feel that I have now set a positive view of being a bold beautiful woman. It was nice getting to know all of the contestants. We actually got to become friends and it was a great experience. It wasn’t like a competition. It was actually just being fun and finding your inner confidence.” Rayven Watson, a sophomore English education major who placed second, feels the message of this pageant is important. “I loved the overall message of the pageant: to celebrate women with curves,” said Watson. “I would say the most challenging part would have been time because
we didn’t have that much time to get ready, but it didn’t really take away from the pageant at all.” This was Williams’ second year competing in the BBW Pageant. “My first year I was a freshman, so I didn’t know anybody or anything,” said Williams. “Coming in for a second time, I felt more confident. I actually found myself, so I was able to really show my personality on the stage.” Rona Page, a junior social work major who placed third, enjoyed making friends in the pageant. “It was actually a great experience. I got to build my confidence even more,” said Page. “What I liked most about the pageant was the friends I gained from it.” Watson feels the pageant is a good way to build confidence. “This pageant helped to build confidence and to let every girl know that they are beautiful no matter what shape or size they
are,” said Watson. “Events like this are important because it helps people to build their self-esteem, and it also helps other people to see the beauty in people that are plus size.” Although the pageant was difficult, Watson is grateful to have participated. “It was stressful but worth it,” said Watson. “This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I got the opportunity to meet a lot of fantastic women and some lifelong friends.” Williams hopes to inspire more girls to participate in the pageant in the future. “There are some people that don’t have the confidence,” said Williams. “So, just being able to show them that this is the second annual competition, it gives them the confidence to go up there and say, ‘Hey, I wanna go up there. I wanna have fun. I may not win but I still want to have fun.’” Page found the most challenging part to be the talent portion where she recited an
original poem. “I would have to say the most challenging was getting up here and saying my talent in front of everybody,” said Page. “I think it’s important for girls to participate in it to build your confidence, especially those who feel that they don’t have any or they wanna build their confidence.” Williams enjoyed meeting and getting to know many different people throughout the pageant. “Just getting to know the people,” said Williams. “Even though it was only a few of us, you know you started a great bond. Getting to know the Eboard of NAACP, just being able to do something on campus. That’s the great part about it.” Williams believes the pageant allowed her to show her true self. “The most challenging part was walking in heels and wearing contacts too,” said Williams. “I learned that no matter what you go through or what you look like you can always get on a stage and show your true self.”
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Teacher killed in San Bernardino shooting SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — A teacher was shot to death and two students critically wounded Monday in a murdersuicide at a San Bernardino elementary school that spread panic across a city still recovering emotionally from a terrorist attack at a community center just 15 months ago. The suspected shooter who opened fired in a classroom at North Park School also died. A school official said the attack was believed to stem from a “domestic dispute” and that the teacher knew the gunman. The two wounded students were flown to a hospital where they were listed in critical condition. “The children we do not believe were targeted. The suspect had come to the classroom to visit,” police Capt. Ron Maass told reporters. The 600 other students at the school were bused to safety at California State University’s San Bernardino campus, several miles away. Television news footage showed students, escorted by
police officers, walking off campus hand-in-hand. As word of the shooting spread, panicked parents raced to the school, some in tears, some praying as they anxiously sought information about their children. They were told to go to a nearby high school where they would be reunited with their children. As the buses pulled away, some parents stayed alongside, waving and trying to recognize their children inside. Many said their children were too young to have cellphones. Others said the phones rang unanswered. Jeanette Gordon, who lives near the elementary school, said she sensed something bad had happened as soon as she heard the blare of sirens filling her neighborhood. As she waited to be reunited with her 11-year-old daughter, she passed the time pacing nervously and texting on her phone. “I can’t wait to see her. I can’t wait to see a lot of the kids, all of them,” Gordon, 41, told The Associated Press.
KODURI
immunity. If this thought prevails, the consequences can be dire. It only takes about 5% of the people to not get vaccinated, to leave the rest of the community at a higher risk of getting exposed to many of the aforementioned diseases and to weaken herd immunity. When one says they do not believe in vaccines, it’s a false statement. Science is not belief system. It’s based upon extensive testing and statistical analysis. Science works, and it is a fact. Basing our sources on anecdotal evidence as opposed to years of scientific research is as good as reading with our eyes closed. Mahitha Koduri Sophomore, Physics
continued from pg. 3 even as inconvenient as the common cold. This story right here is evidence that vaccines work. Statistics (Center for Disease Control) show that vaccines have drastically reduced morbidity rates due to many diseases including diphtheria, hepatitis A, measles, influenza, polio, etc. from the prevaccination to post-vaccination era. Living in the 21st century, especially being millennials, one may not be able wrap their mind around how vaccines have improved our conditions. It seems so easy to take for granted our
AOPi fundraiser at Tangi Lanes works to strike out juvenile arthritis
Kevin Cazes from team Cash Me Outside finishes throwing the bowling ball. He was one of 250 participants to take part in Strike Out Arthritis. The event looked to spread awareness about juvenile arthritis. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar NIKISUN SHRESTHA Staff Reporter
Alpha Omicron Pi brought together juvenile arthritis awareness and bowling to host Strike Out Arthritis at Tangi Lanes this past weekend. On Saturday Apr. 8 the fundraiser took place starting at 8 a.m. The participants came in numbers for the cause. “I think it’s going pretty well,” said Ali ROGE’
continued from pg. 3 vaccines have side effects. Yes, vaccines do have side effects to them, but they are not as drastic as the illness itself. Have you ever experienced polio or know about someone who has? I haven’t, but I have also learned about the symptoms and seen pictures and the side effects are much better than getting the actual disease. That is only one example, but most of the vaccines have been proven to only cause small side effects such as soreness in the arm or injection sight or maybe even a low grade fever, not symptoms that even compare to the disease they prevent. Second, the writer brought up that 10 percent of people vaccinated are still at risk for the disease and vaccines are not perfect. Nothing is perfect in this world and yes, some of the people that were infected with mumps were vaccinated, but the writer does not take into consideration the other factors that might have caused
LeBourgeois, coordinator of the event. “We have over 70 sponsors. We had over 300 people register. We had about 250 show up. So, this is one of the biggest events we’ve had. We also incorporated things such as our raffle baskets and Camp MASH drive.” Each of the 80 members of AOPi formed their own team for the event. Registration was made public to boost the number of participants.
the vaccinated people to get infected such as a compromised immune system or, in some cases, if the person received all of the vaccines needed. For example, the HPV vaccine is given in three doses. The biggest issue I personally have with this article is that writer states that “If one and one’s dependents are vaccinated, why should they have to worry about my personal decision to not vaccinate?” The answer to that question is simple...Herd Immunity. If the writer were to do her research about vaccines, she would have came across this word more than once. Herd immunity is when many people in a community get vaccinated, it creates also a “wall” around the whole community against the diseases that the people were vaccinated for. Some people and children cannot get vaccinated because they may have a compromised immune system from other causes such as cancer, which makes them very very susceptible to outbreaks. Granted, herd immunity isn’t
Lou Hutchinson, who is 75 years old and a member of The Strikers enjoyed the event. “It’s really good,” said Hutchinson. “It’s good lanes here and the ladies behind the counter are really nice. It’s been just a blast. It’s a great cause. Children’s arthritis needs all the help they can get.” Hutchinson described her past experience with bowling as well. “I used to bowl on a bowling lane about 30 years ago,” said Hutchinson. “Our team made it to regionals and we didn’t finish after that, but that’s okay. I have managed to bowl a 500 game.” However, her participation in the event was a complete coincidence. “My granddaughter, Fallon, is in AOPi,” said Hutchinson. “She has invited me not knowing I knew how to bowl, but she invited me to come play with her today and I love it. It’s so much fun.” LeBourgeois explained what inspired her to organize the event and how the event took shape. “This past summer, I had the opportunity to go to a summer camp for kids with arthritis,” said LeBourgeois. “That’s what inspired me to run for this office and do this. Actually, one of my campers is here today. So, it’s kind of cool I get to share this experience with
the only reason a person should get vaccinated, they should be vaccinated so they don’t get sick themselves and have to deal with the horrible symptoms that come along with the disease, but herd immunity is a large factor in getting vaccinated. I am by no means an expert on vaccinations and all the information stated has been taught to me by the great professors here at Southeastern, but this information is also backed up by scientific research. The writer made other points throughout her article that did give an insight on other opinions of vaccines, but these three stood out to me first as scientifically inaccurate. She has her right to freedom of speech and it should be respected and it is by me, but if a writer is going to create an article about controversial topics, like vaccines, they should do a little more research to back their opinions and points up. Marissa Roge’ Sophomore, Nursing
her. It’s basically like a chapter. I was the head of it. I have some advisors to help me. So between us three, we put it together. I also do owe credit to five of my friends, who have been there the whole time.” According to The Arthritis Foundation, juvenile arthritis consists of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions or pediatric rheumatic diseases that can develop in children under the age of 16. This condition affects nearly 300,000 children in the United States. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include pain,
joint swelling, redness and warmth. However, each type of juvenile arthritis has its distinct and special concerns and symptoms. LeBourgeois wants the awareness of this condition to grow on campus. She is graduating next year and hopes the event grows in the future. “I’m hoping the person that takes the office after makes it grow,” said LeBourgeois. “Our main goal is to branch out to Southeastern community. We tried it this year, but we had only a few students sign up. But we really want a community involvement.”
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