The Lion's Roar 06/14/2016

JUNE 14, 2016 VOLUME 88, ISSUE 01

’ 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

A Student Publication

Campus Life Page 2

Opinions Page 3

Arts & Entertainment Page 4

Sports Page 6

News Page 8

LionsRoarNews.com

Miss Southeastern practices daily in preparation for Miss Louisiana

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

With a couple of weeks left until the Miss Louisiana 2016 Beauty Pageant, Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante diligently works each day in preparation to promote not only herself, but the university.

“I have been working very hard to make sure that I represent

CSA members serve Greenwood elementary school

the university in a positive and advocating light,” said senior kinesiology major LaPlante. “I am doing something every day to prepare for Miss Louisiana whether it be working out, working on my talent or practicing my stage walk and interview skills. I never knew just how much work preparing for Miss Louisiana would be, but I am so grateful for the opportunity and I

want to make every day count.”

On Feb. 3 LaPlante was officially crowned Miss Southeastern 2016 and according to LaPlante, it has been one of the best years of her life.

“Miss Southeastern so far has been a crazy journey,” said LaPlante.

“I cannot believe how many opportunities that have been opened for me and all of the new people and connections that I have met along the

way. I have learned so much about myself, my potential and how much of a difference I can really make. I truly feel that this title has molded me into the person I am today, even if I have been Miss Southeastern for only a few months.”

Another way Miss Southeastern prepares for Miss Louisiana is through the Trunk Show.

“The Trunk Show allows those

who cannot make the trip to Monroe to see everything that I will be wearing and presenting at Miss Louisiana,” said LaPlante. “I will also be performing my talent at the Trunk Show, so those who cannot make it to Miss Louisiana can see it in person. It’s also very helpful for me to practice in my actual gowns

see MISS SOUTHEASTERN pg. 8

Five Lions selected in MLB Draft University

Center finds new court

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT

BY JONATHAN RHODES

Shortly after finals were over for the Spring semester, members of the Catholic Student Association packed their bags and headed to Greenwood, Mississippi with a mission to help those in need.

The mission trip, a time to serve others, took place from May 15 to 21 and according to recent graduate Derrick Faucheux, the main goal was to assist in projects at St. Francis Elementary School.

“Before the mission trip, I tried to have an open mind since I knew this mission trip would be very different than the ones I had been on in the past,” said senior family and consumer sciences major Jill LeBlanc. “I told myself to be open to new challenges or work even if I was not in love with the idea of doing it.

I knew that no matter how big or small my task was that I was there to serve and intended to do that in any way that I could.”

Some other CSA members were glad to have the chance to bond with their fellow organizational members while growing closer to God. “I’ve been on many mission trips, even before I started CSA,” said junior general studies major Irene Marino.

“Anytime I hear about a mission trip, I make every effort to go. I have a passion for helping people and making an impact, and for that reason, I decided to go. It is also a great way to make memories with my CSA family.”

The University Center will soon have a new basketball court for the arena that the volleyball and basketball teams will use this upcoming season. The flood that occurred in March permanently damaged the previous court.

“The court was under three and a half inches of water for twenty to thirty hours, so it was totally waterlogged,” said University Center Director Duane Shafer. “After a day or so, the boards began to buckle.

There was really no way to salvage it.”

After the stormy weather subsided, the search for a brand new basketball court began.

“We advertised for bids and awarded the contract on May second for the new court,” said Shafer.

The new court will have a new design and give a new look to the arena as a whole with a different mascot and logo.

“We will have a different paint/ logo scheme on the court,” said Shafer. “Not one hundred percent firm yet, but the graphics/paint job we’re considering is different from the old court. It should really look great.”

While waiting for the new court to be put in place, the basketball and volleyball teams have used other gyms on campus for practice and conditioning.

Assistant Editor

see MISSION pg. 8

Staff Reporter

The Lion’s Roar / Elizabeth Brown

Jameson Fisher was a fourth round draft pick out of five drafted from the Lions. Fisher was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. After Fisher’s injury from his junior year, he was a 2016 redshirt and received Southland Conference Player of the Year. Fisher was also the 2016 HERO Sports DI Baseball Fan Choice Award Winner.

BY MEGAN FERRANDO Editor in Chief

The Lions had their largest draft-class in school history with five baseball players selected by teams during the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft. Southeastern first baseman Jameson Fisher was picked up by the Chicago White Sox in their fourthround pick (116th overall) on Friday, Jun. 10. Pitchers Domenick Carlini, Kyle Cedotal, Pat Cashman and Mac Sceroler all had their names called by four teams on the last day of the draft. Carlini was selected by the Minnesota Twins, Cedotal

was selected by the Colorado Rockies, Cashman was selected by the Chicago White Sox and Sceroler was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies.

“I was so excited when I saw everybody else’s name as well,” said Cedotal about hearing the news of his teammates being selected. “Dom and Pat are incredible, incredible pitchers. Mac had an amazing year. Jameson obviously deserves it with all the work he’s done. Those guys deserve every bit of it.”

As of Jun. 13, Cashman has signed with the Chicago White Sox, the same team as fellow player Fisher.

“When I got drafted by the White Sox, a ton of things instantly ran through my head,” said Cashman. “It took me a few seconds to realize that I was back with Jameson and I got even more excited.

Jameson is one of the best guys I’ve met in my life and it’s a blessing to be able to start this next journey with him. I don’t know how long we will actually play together, but to be in the same organization makes me extremely pleased with the way everything happened.”

Now a player for the White Sox, Cashman reflects on his time at the

see COURT pg. 6

see DRAFT pg. 2

Hammond named cleanest city 10 consecutive years

BY MORGAN LEDET Staff Reporter

Winning cleanest city for 10 years in a row is not all fun and games, it is about keeping up the beauty that is Hammond.

For the 10th year in a row, Hammond has been named Cleanest City in Louisiana. This contest is sponsored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. and Hammond is sponsored by the Hammond Garden Club. Hammond is in District H and they are in the 15,000 to 44,999 population out of 10 other districts.

“All entrants must be sponsored by a Federated Garden Club to enter,” said the Executive Director of Keep Hammond Beautiful Dori St. Cyr. “There is an application and fee to enter. District judging takes place in March and state judging in April.”

For this contest, the LGCF sends three qualified judges and the district director to judge 10 categories.

“The judges evaluate three key areas: litter-free, beautiful landscaping and evidence of the city’s commitment to these efforts year-round,” said St. Cyr. “For example, the judges examine the city approaches and look for weeds around poles, signs and ditches. They

look for cigarette butts, weeds in cracks of sidewalks and litter in street curbs and fences. They expect to see vacant lots mowed and litter free, and they want to see that a city is controlling problems associated with abandoned buildings and cars.”

During the process of keeping Hammond beautiful, there are pictures taken to show the efforts of everyone keeping Hammond beautiful.

“The Hammond Garden Club produces an incredible scrapbook that shows the efforts of volunteers, city staff, city code enforcement and the Keep Hammond Beautiful members throughout the year,” said St. Cyr. Protecting Hammond’s beauty comes with plenty of work and there are numerous people who take part in this process.

“The City Parks & Grounds Department picks up litter in different districts every week, cuts grass in city rights-of-way and parks and adds colorful plants to the city landscaping,” said St. Cyr. “The City Street Department cleans drainage catch basins, tasks employees to pick up litter along the cleanest city route and side streets as the competition approaches and coordinates the street

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sweeping schedule and the garbage and recycling contracts throughout the year.”

What some residents of Hammond may not know is that volunteers take part in cleanups throughout the city on a daily basis and also hold monthly cleanup days.

These take place nine times out of the year at many different locations around the city and they also host educational events at schools around the city. Weeks before the contest, these volunteers focus on collecting the trash along the route with cleanup days so the city is top notch for when the judges arrive.

As an employee of the City of Hammond Street Department, St. Cyr thinks this award is an honor.

“It is a wonderful experience for all city employees who have been keeping Hammond beautiful the past 10 years,” said St. Cyr. “It is a great honor to the city.”

According to St. Cyr, there are ways we can keep our city clean for another 10 years.

“Remind everyone to not litter especially cigarette butts,” said St. Cyr. “I would also like seeing more litter citations written when someone is seen throwing trash down in city parks or while driving through town.”

The Lion’s Roar / Morgan Ledet

For the 10th year in a row, Hammond was named Cleanest City in District H and in Louisiana.

Hammond was selected as cleanest city by three qualified judges and the district director.

Weather Tuesday H 87 L 74

Reminders Wednesday H 90 L 74

Volume 88, issue 02 of The Lion’s Roar newspaper will be released on Jul. 12, 2016.

CAMPUS LIFE

PAGE 2 JUNE 14, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

Orientation provides new changes for incoming students

The Lion’s Roar / Alex Brainard

Orientations for new students are held at the start of each semester. This year’s fall orientation began on Jun. 8 and will continue through August. Recently, orientation has undergone new changes that could improve the quality of the experience for new students. Orientation leaders (left) provide a fun and engaging day of campus activities to prepare new students for their new life as a Lion. During orientation, students browse campus organizations and finalize schedules.

BY ALEX BRAINARD Staff Reporter

Summer is underway and the university is holding its annual orientations for new students. However, recent changes have determined how orientation will be run in the upcoming years.

“We’re expanding the orientation program to add in some more student connection pieces,” said Assistant Director of Admissions Keslie Smith. “One of the things we added was an overnight accommodation.

Instead of doing two programs per week, we’re doing Wednesday check in which starts at 1 p.m. and students can stay on campus for an entire night and stay a full day on Thursday.”

According to Smith, each year admissions have evaluations from family members and students. The feedback is taken into consideration each year and orientations will possibly be changed in response.

“I think one of the good components of having a student stay

overnight is they get a taste of what it’s like to be a Southeastern student,” said Smith. “We want them to have a positive experience here and possibly someone who is a commuter student may change their mind and decide to stay in housing over the semester. It helps them be prepared and excited for the fall.”

According to Smith, orientation for the fall began on Jun. 8 and will continue through August. “The number of students that come in this year should remain flat,” said Smith. “We are expecting four hundred students each week at orientation.”

Admissions counselors do much to help students enroll in the university.

“We do a variety of things to recruit people in,” said Smith. “We have admissions counselors that go out to high schools and make connections with students and high school guidance counselors. They will do private visits and presentations or they’ll do a college fair. They

are on the road a lot in the Fall semester. They make phone calls, emails, anything it takes to get students here. We reach out to as many students as we can to tell them what’s great about Southeastern.”

At the orientations, some of the new incoming students had a chance to speak out on why they chose to attend the university.

“It’s close to home and I like Hammond,” said orientation attendee and freshman physics major Zachary Bass. “It’s really nice here.”

According to Smith, orientation is important because it is the transition that takes students from high school and leads them into college.

“It’s the connections you make here that will impact your first semester at the university,” said Smith. “We want to make sure you’re prepared and excited at the university. We want to help students feel confident and reassure that you made the right decision to choose Southeastern.”

Counseling student receives grant to further study youth and minorities

BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter

A counseling student at the university recently received a prestigious award in her field alongside 39 other recipients.

Graduate student Victoria Grant was selected by the National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation and its affiliates for the group’s Minority Fellowship ProgramYouth. Grant will receive training in the field, an $8,000 grant and attend symposiums and workshops concentrating on areas such as minorities and transition age youth, ages 16-25. According to Grant, there are certain ways to allocate the $8,000 grant.

Grant revealed that there is currently no place in the Northshore area with a visitation center. She also feels that the visitation rooms for those incarcerated are “not welcoming enough.”

Grant plans to use the money to build a facility that offers job training, visitation rooms, workshops, parenting classes and the opportunity to obtain identification like birth certificates.

“For those incarcerated and

ready to reenter society, they can get necessary training such as with computers,” said Grant.

Grant received an undergraduate degree in family and consumer sciences and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counselor education.

After graduating from Bogalusa High School, Grant attended Xavier University of Louisiana as a prepharmacy major. According to Grant, she changed her mind after shadowing a pharmacist.

During her time as an undergraduate, Grant became an orientation leader, was Vice President for the Student Association for family and consumer sciences, a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Black Student Union and a Division for Student Affairs Ambassador.

After graduating, Grant did internships as a truancy officer for Amite’s court system and the Regina Coeli Child Development Center, realizing the need for change.

“I didn’t want to be confined to the classroom and some children had behavior problems,” said Grant. “It

made me wonder what I could do to help.”

As a military child, Grant became aware of her own emotional conflicts that inspired her career.

“The constant moving has an effect on your self-esteem,” said Grant. “The constant uprooting affects personal relationships.”

In high school, Grant realized the lack of knowledge and help for students seeking a post-secondary degree. Grant believes that students should be given options to reach their goals.

“People change,” said Grant.

“Some are more hands on and prevail through work experience.”

According to Grant, she was in disbelief when she received the news and believes that the grant will give her a leg up in her profession.

“I was selected,” said Grant.

“Little me was chosen and to hear people congratulate me, to go to the symposium where we receive our awards, to interact with people in this profession who have the same goals, to communicate and pick their brains to see what topics are being discussed in other places, it’s good to see the transitions and different dimensions.”

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green

Graduate student in counseling at the university Victoria D. Grant basks in her newfound glory of being the recipient of an $8,000 grant. The grant will give Grant the opportunity to have additional training in her field and to attend workshops and symposiums.

Subway and Popeyes under renovations and scheduled to reopen in the Fall

BY KARSON SHARP Staff Reporter

Just over sixty days into their construction, two new restaurants are returning to campus.

The Popeyes will be located in the War Memorial Student Union and the Subway will be near Tinsley Hall.

According to Facility Planning Director Kenneth Howe, the purpose of the new

restaurants is to replace previously existing Union restaurants that were damaged by fire before Christmas of 2014. Howe said the construction of the new restaurants has gone smoothly since it began in April.

“It took us a long time to get approval to build,” said Howe. “The main thing holding us up was getting the insurance companies to approve our plan for construction which is why we weren’t able to get started until April.

DRAFT continued from pg. 1 university and in the city.

“I loved my time in Hammond and wouldn’t change a thing about my experience there,” said Cashman “To me, Hammond is a place that brought me two of the best years of my life and is a place where my dreams came true. The people at Southeastern pushed me to new levels and reach levels, both as a player and person.

I’m forever thankful for the people that I met and I’m glad to have another place to call home.”

Like many others who were drafted, the players left home only days after receiving the phone call that they were selected.

Sophomore Sceroler, however, chose to return to Southeastern for another year as a Lion.

“It’s an honor to get drafted,” said Sceroler. “It’s every baseball player’s dream, but I’m a sophomore so I’m going to come back to Southeastern for my junior year. I’m spending the summer in the Cape Cod league and I’m going to learn a lot and get stronger and bring it all back to school next year. Hopefully I’ll get drafted in a better spot next June.”

Similarly, after high school Fisher also chose to attend Southeastern instead of signing a professional contract when he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round back in 2012. After playing three seasons as a Lion, Fisher received another phone call offering the chance to further pursue his dreams.

“It was surreal moment,” said Fisher. “All the glory to God. I was at home with my family and got the call from my advisor saying the White Sox wanted to take me with their next pick. I played it off as if it was like the rest of the calls I had gotten all day when I

We have approval now and there have been no difficulties since construction actually began.”

According to Howe the original Subway was located in the Student Union, but the new location will be on South Campus. This is so it can be larger than its predecessor and new dining options can be made available in the South Campus area. Currently, the closest option students have for food on South Campus is Quiznos near the old cafeteria. It is located

went back inside to my family. I sat down and all of a sudden my name was called and everyone went crazy. Once it hit me it was emotional. I’ve had my ups and downs on this journey and there were times that I didn’t think I would get this opportunity. So for it to be here now is surreal and incredible. I wouldn’t be here without family, friends, teammates and coaches, but most importantly God.” Despite receiving an arm injury his junior year, Fisher worked hard to come back stronger than his sophomore year. When he played again this past 2016 season as a redshirt junior and academic senior, Fisher received much recognition including receiving the Southland Conference Player of the Year, leading the nation in onbase percentage (.558) and more.

“I was extremely proud and excited for him,” said baseball head coach Matt Riser. “He’s come a long way from his injury and worked extremely hard to get back. It was great to see him back to full strength and reap the benefits of all the hard work put in.”

According to Riser, Fisher maintains strong skills in hitting and recognizing pitches.

“He’s a big time hitter and probably the best hitter to come through this program in a long time,” said Riser. “He could take over a game by himself offensively. Jameson’s ability to recognize pitches is incredibly advanced for a college hitter. He’s very mature in his approach and has shown he’s ready for his professional career.

The White Sox got an elite college hitter that will impact their organization immediately.”

Riser praised not only Fisher’s skills as an athlete, but character as a man.

“The person Jameson is speaks greater volume then the player,” said Riser. “He’s strong willed and has a ton of conviction in his faith. There’s a quality about his leadership that can’t be taught.

past Friendship Circle. The new Popeyes will be located in the Student Union next to the bookstore.

Howe also revealed the schedule for the construction’s completion.

“Despite the slow start we’re really working very quickly now,” said Howe. “If there are no more unforeseen delays I expect that both restaurants will be ready to open before the coming Fall semester.”

People naturally follow Jameson whether he’s on the field or off. It’s a God given talent that’s in his DNA.” Although the players were drafted, they will not begin with the major league team but must work their way up through different levels of the minor league system through their team. According to Cedotal, he will play short season in Idaho. Fisher will begin his journey in Arizona and will then settle in a number of possible places including Arizona, Montana or North Carolina and hopes to stay with a host family.

“There’s definitely a few nerves but I feel like once I get settled in and find my routine, I’ll be just fine,” said Fisher. “I’m excited to meet new people, see the country and play baseball for a living. It’s the same game, just a new atmosphere and level.”

As the players move on with their dreams and careers, they will also hold onto their time as a Lion and use what they have learned.

“I’m always going to hold onto our philosophy at Southeastern,” said Cedotal. “Our philosophy was to always maximize our potential. I feel like I did everything I possibly could here at Southeastern. And I’ve learned everything I could. Now I just have to do the same thing at the next level and learn everything I can be at the next level.”

Southeastern was the home of several other draft picks and major league players since 1985, including current major leaguer Wade Miley. Fisher was the highest overall draft pick since Miley was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008 and is the fourthhighest draft pick in program history. With this group, there have now been ten Lions drafted in the Matt Riser era.

“I will never be a stranger to Lion Nation,” said Fisher. “It’s a special place with special people and I’ll always know I have a home fifty miles down the road from Zachary.”

OPINIONS

THE LION’S ROAR

JUNE 14, 2016 PAGE 3

Think about people before animals America, end the violence William Schmidt Assistant Editor

Morgan Ledet Staff Reporter If you live in Louisiana and I say Mike the Tiger, you are going to know exactly who I am talking about. Mike VI is the beloved mascot of LSU. For a person like me who loves tigers, Mike is a beautiful animal. Recently, Mike was diagnosed with cancer.

Just like humans, animals can get cancer too. Normally, when animals are sick, they go to veterinary hospitals. Guess what?

Mike did not. Mike was sent to Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center to undergo his treatment.

Last time I checked, Mike was a tiger and Mary Bird Perkins is a hospital for people. Some people can’t afford treatment for their illnesses, but Mike is getting top of the line treatment at a people’s hospital. This makes me believe that society is starting to care more about animals than people.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Mike should be getting treatment, but

that is what veterinary hospitals are for.

This brings me to the newest topic in the news that is causing this giant uproar in our society, the killing of 17-year-old gorilla, Harambe.

I am talking about the child that fell into the gorilla enclosure at a Cincinnati Zoo. First, let us understand that this is a tragic event. You think society would be worried about the poor little boy who fell, but no, they are more concerned about the gorilla. On one hand, I agree that the killing of a gorilla is not okay, but there was a child’s life on the line.

My first thought about this was: “Wow, this woman let her kid fall into an enclosure, what in the world was she doing while he was falling?” Then, my second thought was kids are fast. I was talking with my mother about this topic and she always says how fast my sister was when she was that age. She could turn around and my sister would be nowhere in sight. This could have easily happened to this woman. She could have turned her head for two seconds, looked back and he would have already fallen in.

Sometimes things happen so fast and that is out of our control.

Another thought that came to my mind was: “What kind of enclosure do they have for the gorillas where that boy fell in?”

In the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, the gorilla enclosure has three thick wooden logs as a gate, about a five-foot ledge that is the same height as the walkway on the outside of the gate and then a giant moat. So, maybe it is the zoo’s fault that he fell in and they need to do a better check of their gates on enclosures. Anyway, what is important is that the little boy came out with minor injuries, but to the rest of society, it is about the gorilla.

What is it about society and their new obsession with killing animals? Let’s think about this for a second. Ask yourself this question: Do you eat hamburgers?

If your answer was yes, well news flash, that meat came from the killing of a cow. That’s an animal, by the way. The same thing about deer meat, bacon and literally any other meat you can think of. They come from dead animals, but dang, a gorilla gets killed to save the life of a child, and the whole

world is in a frenzy.

Another killing of an animal that happened a year ago was a lion. A dentist killed a lion, and the whole world freaked out.

Why does society keep freaking out over the killings of animals while there are 125,000 babies who die everyday from abortions that no one cares about?

People never seem to care about abortions. You are killing a baby no matter how many months you have carried the baby. This baby is a person and abortions are legal, but there are so many people who are not against abortion.

They think it is okay to kill a baby, but when an animal dies, the whole world goes crazy. The same people who are probably for abortion are probably the people complaining about killing animals. Society needs to get its priorities together. This is why our world is falling apart, because we care more about animals than people sometimes. I understand that animals are an important part of our world. I love animals, and I love going to the zoo, but I think the world needs to understand that sometimes people need to be better taken care of than animals.

SPEAK OUT

What summer activity should college students participate in and why?

Go swimming, play video games, have fun with friends. Don’t waste your time. School will be starting up soon.

Students should work more so they can save up more money, and they’ll be less stressed with school.

William Reeves Junior, Business Administration

Emilee Flores Senior, Elementary Education

I highly recommend going to the beach during the summer.

I would say students should go to the beach or take a family vacation. It’s nice to relax and be together.

Jessica Kumfer Freshman, Nursing

Shea Lafountain Graduate Student In Counseling

Read a classic to gain a better knowledge of the world. A hard read will increase your vocabulary.

Take a trip to the beach. You can venture out and see something new and take it easy with your best friends.

Mahitha Koduri Sophomore, Biology

Jessica Monsour Sophomore, Psychology

Whatever it is to relieve the stress from school so they can be ready for when it’s time to come back.

Exercising because I think it’s good to get out during the summer.

Tony Licciardi Freshman, Business Administration

Diamond Evans Sophomore, Kinesiology

Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization.

All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University.

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Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents

see SHOOTING pg. 8

Summer fun while staying productive Tiffany Nesbit Staff Reporter Finally, it is beloved summer time and all of us college students are beyond ready for a little break. It is time to enjoy the beautiful weather and relive our childhood memories of playing outdoors and enjoying activities such as cooling off at the beach, jumping in the pool or taking long strolls down the street with our best friends.

Although summer time is known for being a couple of months of freedom, many are questioning if it should also be a time for productivity, not just a long time of relaxation. Some overachievers feel the need to constantly work and go to school 24/7 during the summer. Others who do not work or go to school are “wasting their time.”

It is not good to do either. It is important to have a good balance of productivity and relaxation during the summer months. Summer is an opportunity to find productivity in personal hobbies outside of school.

As an artist, I find it very important to have time for myself to develop new creative ideas away from school. Summer is a great time for me to re-energize and bring my creative ideas to life without my hectic school schedule. It is very important to take time to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy what I hardly get to spend time doing during the school year.

Summer is a chance to have lunch outside or go on nature walks, which both inspire my art.

As a student, it is a good idea to keep a healthy balance of relaxation and productivity of your hobbies during the summer. This is because when the fall semester rolls around, you have had a chance to regain your energy and you are ready to study and work. Since you kept a sense of productivity and kept your mind active, you won’t go into a brain shock of school work.

It is very important to exercise your brain even during the summertime.

Even if you do not take summer school, or work a summer job, you should still use critical thinking during your vacation, but in a fun way.

Work on a fun hobby. Don’t just relax on this beautiful summer vacation, but work on your own creative skills while enjoying those long walks on the beach. Relax and be productive.

THE LION ’S ROAR - STAFF

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937.

Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited.

For two days in a row, the people of Florida woke up to news of shootings taking place. The first was of singer Christina Grimmie from “The Voice” and the second was the tragic event of those shot at the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida.

What makes the night club shooting worse was not only did it take place a few days after our Governor John Bel Edwards signed an executive order that prohibits discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, but it took place at the night club Pulse, known for catering to the LGBTQ+ community.

Even worse, I woke up in time to see President Barack Obama’s address to the nation on the “act of terror.” Before Obama’s speech, one of his press secretaries mentioned how it was the 15th time that he spoke in front of the American people after a tragic shooting. I find this horrible.

Yes, Obama has been president for eight years now which means that he averages speaking about shootings on an average of 1.9 times, and yes, sadly shootings happen every day. But, something I heard raised a question that made me truly think about the state of our nation, “Is this the kind of country that we want to live in?”

In my lifetime, 9/11 has happened and multiple shootings have taken place. I still remember the day that the massacre happened at Columbine High School, then the recent shooting in Aurora at the 2012 midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises.” The list could go on and on.

What saddens me in today’s society is that this shooting immediately became a social media frenzy. Yes, I know of the tragic event that took place at Wounded Knee, but that does not make this event less tragic.

It was horrid what took place at Wounded Knee, and the fact that Americans turned a blind eye is even worse. But, I was not alive in 1890 and I can’t change the past. I know that Wounded Knee was a worse modern day massacre than the 49 that were killed at the Pulse and 53 who were injured. But, I am alive today, and I can physically see the emotional impact that this event is having on our nation, especially those who don’t follow the heterosexual lifestyle that social constraints have made “the norm.”

Yet, our nation doesn’t seem to be letting go of this hate. I’ve seen the “article” of the tweets that showed how some Americans were happy that those who consider themselves gay were killed. I’ve read how some backed it up by religion, politics or personal belief and this saddens me even more. We live in America, the land of the free, and yet sometimes I think we live in the land of fear. I know that we have it a lot better than other nations, trust me, there are some nations that I would not visit. I visited Kiev, Ukraine before the political unrest and I would love, love to go back. However, I would not currently go back due to the state of the nation of the Ukraine. And yet, is America going to be a nation that people will want to travel to in the future?

In the tragic event that took place in Orlando, the people came together. The President of the United States of America addressed the nation and the lines of those willing to donate blood were out the door.

in the Old Student Union 1303 (Student Union West 1303). Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, associated Web sites and CD/DVD versions are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

Editor in Chief Megan Ferrando Assistant Editor William Schmidt Campus Life Editor Megan McCormick

Distribution Jake Treadway Advertising Assistant Nicholas Walsh

Administrative Assistant Heather Collins Coordinator Lorraine F. Peppo Director Lee E. Lind

CONTACT General Offices Old Student Union 1303 Mailing Address The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402 E-mail lionsroar@selu.edu Telephone Numbers 985-549-3527 (newsroom) 985-549-3842 (fax) 985-549-3748 (advertising) 985-549-3731 (Student Publications) www.lionsroarnews.com www.selu.edu/lionsroar

PAGE 4 JUNE 14, 2016

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE LION’S ROAR

Vonnies recognize stars of APO and theatre

BY WILLIAM SCHMIDT Assistant Editor

The seats of the Vonnie Borden Theatre were filled by those dressed in formal wear in anticipation for a night that celebrated the stars.

On Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Alpha Psi Omega presented The 2016 Vonnies. The Vonnies take place each year and is a time to recognize APO members who went above and beyond while also giving awards for the theatre season. The evening was split into two parts with senior recognition in the middle. The first part of the evening was the recognition of APO awards and after the senior recognition, the evening switched into the show awards.

“We tried to make it distinguishable with just the APO awards and then just the show awards,” said senior communication sciences and disorders major Kelsey Hymel. “It’s an APO event which is why we have things like best Big and Little and things like that.

I think people that aren’t APO like to see our camaraderie.”

To help move the evening along, Hymel and senior general studies major with a concentration in theatre design Taylor Sinclair hosted the event and provided entertainment from one award to the next.

“It was Taylor and I’s idea to host it as Sandy and Andy to begin with,” said Hymel. “Then I told my fellow officers and they told me that we don’t have a problem with that. So really we thought it would be funny to sit on stage the entire time like the old men from ‘The Muppets’ and kind of give side comments and keep things going because sometimes there is dead air so we are just comedic relief.”

Sinclair agreed with Hymel on providing proper entertainment to keep the show moving along. Some attendees of The Vonnies were pleased that their passion had a night of recognition.

“It was all on a whim,” said Sinclair.

“The two of us have great improv whit.

It was an honor to move along the show and help others see what we were all about in theatre. We do it every single year. Being able to do the awards simultaneously also feels really good.

I am a huge part of APO. They have been a huge part of my life since I got here to school and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

One of the APO awards for the evening was Best-Best Friends. This award was given to the two APO members that were seen as the closest of friends to their fellow organizational members.

“I won Best-Best Friends with Shelly Sneed,” said general studies major with a concentration in theatre junior Shelby Elliott-Layman. “I mean I feel great. I was very surprised when we got nominated because I don’t think Shelly and I are showy with our friendship. We are definitely really close. We have the same birthday. We almost have the same name. I only met her about seven months ago but it feels

like we’ve known each other our entire life.”

Some of the other APO awards given out were Most Active Veteran, APO Anchor, Most Prestigious and Loudest Member to name a few.

After the APO organizational Vonnies were given out, senior recognition was observed and then the show awards began. Shows from the last theatre season were nominated for various awards and included “No Exit,” “Encore, Encore,” “High & Mighty,” “Oedipus” and “The Adventures of Pinocchio Once Upon A Pine.”

“It was incredibly exciting,” said Louisiana State University math teacher and actor Tyler Meyer.

“Every show got their part of winning something so you know it is a good program.”

The two highest show honors for individuals people best female and male actor. Sinclair took home the Best Male Actor and senior general studies major with a concentration in theatre Angela Griffitt took home Best Female Actor. Both actors were ecstatic after receiving their awards.

“It’s insane,” said Sinclair. “I never thought in my life I would be an actor.

The fact that I am standing here, yeah it is a departmental award, but it is probably the greatest thing I’ve ever won in my life. This is something I do want to pursue. The fact that this could be one of the first steps of many things in my life is absolutely wonderful.”

Griffitt was as enthusiastic as Sinclair for her award.

“Tonight was very nerve-wracking and very anxious,” said Griffitt. “I knew I was up for two awards. One that completely slipped my mind and then when it happened I was like ‘Oh, snap.’ I am so grateful for everyone that voted and it was a great night. It couldn’t have gone better. I am holding two Vonnies in my hand right now and it feels amazing. I am so grateful.”

Other awards included Best Set Design, Best Crew, Best Assistant Director and Best Stage Manager to name a few.

Some attendees for the evening expressed that their favorite part of the evening was not when they won an award, but rather seeing those that they worked on productions with win awards.

“Liz winning Best Stage Manager was my favorite part because having my first two shows ever were with Liz as a stage-manager and I’m kind of a nervous wreck,” said ElliottLayman. “She was kind of the captain of the ship for me. She went above and beyond for me, for what is required for a stage manager. I am just happy that she got recognized and also seeing one of my very first cast members, Angie, win best actress was so surreal. I was so happy for her.”

Griffitt’s favorite memory from The 2016 Vonnies was seeing her fellow actors’ reaction during her acceptance speech for Best Female Actor.

“My most fond memory was looking at my two castmates,” said Griffitt.

“Well my fellow lead cast members, Shelby and Taylor. Making eye contact with them during my speech, it really hit me because working with them has been like nothing else and I always wanted to work with them. They truly changed me for the better and I love them both. That moment of making eye contact with them was a very special moment.”

“Once Upon a Pine” won multiple Vonnies and Meyers led the crew in a chant at the 2016 Vonnies when they won Best Ensemble which had originally brought the cast together before production.

“It gives us a chance to come together and get energetic,” said Meyers. “All those names that were called through it were just actor names we would do before a show. That was just something that united us as a cast.”

For some, it was the effort of everyone involved in a show that made it truly amazing.

“I was part of the ensemble, narrator and I was also the choreographers of the show ‘Once Upon A Pine,’” said Meyers. “We were just a group of actors who together on stage. The bonding kept us together. If I could say anything about that show, the cast just bonded together so well and then we put it on the stage. It was not just the ensemble. All nine of us on stage along with the stage manager, along with our directors, along with everyone involved, costume and makeup, everyone pulled one thousand percent on that show and it was a lot of fun.

And while we were goofing off, we knew that we were creating something beautiful.”

APO does not meet the summer but will be meeting back up in the Fall.

“I feel like we are an all-inclusive

The Lion’s Roar / William Schmidt

On Friday, May 13 Alpha Psi Omega hosted The Vonnies 2016, a time to recognize productions from the theatre season and outstanding members of APO. Olivia Waguespack (top left) received an award from presenter Shelly Sneed. Another enthusiastic presenter for the evening was Crystal Schayot (top right). Cast members of “The Adventures of Pinocchio Once Upon a Pine” were led in a chant by Tyler Meyer as they received their first award of the evening (above). group of people,” said Hymel. “We are accepting wherever you are in theatre; whether you are a theatre goer, whether you are used to crew or whether you just want to do acting. I never did sound design till I came to Southeastern and now it is one of the most important parts of my life. You’ll find out things about yourself through theatre, and I think every art and APO is a great way to that world, especially through Southeastern.”

Some other members found a second home through APO and wished they had become an APO member their first semester of college.

“I wish I had joined it a lot sooner because there were a few semesters where I went to an interest meeting but I didn’t join,” said Elliott-Layman.

“There were other things going on so I didn’t quite commit to it. But it

has only expanded, like the group of people that I know. I know so many people that I wouldn’t through APO. I’m just happy with the people I have met and the experiences I have had and I feel like I truly found a home.”

For some, summer is a time to prepare for auditions that take place in the Fall semester.

“I think, having never been in a show before, I was in ‘No Exit’ in the Fall and I would recommend absolutely auditioning for a show at Southeastern,” said Elliott-Layman.

“You have all summer to prepare a monologue, so go for it next semester.

Definitely join APO. It is a little scary at first, you think you don’t have that many hours to do service or whatever, but just go for it.”

see THEATRE pg. 6

Graduate student travels for international meeting of flutists

BY MORGAN LEDET Staff Reporter

Photo Courtesy of Andrei Smirnoff

Andrés Chávez shows his love of music by creating and organizing the international meeting of flutists, “El Flautín del Bosque,” which takes place in his home country of Colombia.

Graduate student Andrés Chávez takes his love of music to a new level by organizing the second international meeting of flutists.

“El Flautín del Bosque,” which is part of the “A la sombra del Tatamá” festival, is a four day event where flutists can take part in masters classes with national and internationally renowned flute masters.

“There are conferences, concerts and rehearsals with the participants; students have the chance to take part of the flute orchestras of the festival,” said Chávez.

This meeting takes place Jul. 7 to 10 in SantuarioRisaralda, Colombia and is sponsored by the ONG “Corpcam” and the agreement national program by the Colombian ministry of Culture.

Some students are already planning to attend next year’s festival.

“One of its graduate program students is doing an international festival in his home country,” says Chávez. “We have planned together with some teachers of Southeastern to go to Colombia in 2017 for the third edition.”

With this program, Chávez shares what he hopes comes from this festival.

“My goal is to decentralize the culture in my country, specifically in my region,” said Chávez. “I consider it important to give opportunities to other students to be in touch with other cultures and to learn more about their music throughout the flute and the traditional instruments in the coffee region where the international meeting of flutists “El Flautín del Bosque” is located.”

According to Chávez, the festival is free and he thinks more people should take part in it.

“It is a great opportunity to interchange knowledge, to learn about our traditional and academic music, but also about these instruments (flute, guitar tiple and bandola),” said Chávez. “This project is a space for the construction of peace. Music opens doors that words cannot and projects like this allow people to be in touch with other experiences. These spaces are important for the communities to recognize their roots, their cultural identity and to generate dialogues between cultures.”

Chávez also wants people to see that this is more than just a festival.

“This international meeting of flutists is a great opportunity to highlight the Colombian talent and to show that Colombia is not only ‘drugs and war,’” said Chávez.

“We also have many wonderful things to show to the world and for these wonderful things we want to be remembered.”

Chávez shared that this festival has done a lot for what he loves.

“This project means a lot to me just because I am doing what I love to do in life, music and sharing spaces where we can be in contact with the world,” said Chávez. “Thanks to the chances I have had to participate in festivals, now I am here in Southeastern Louisiana University earning a masters in music performance.”

Chávez also loves that music is his dream and wants to continue in this path.

“Music is my life, it is my space to dream and to bring dreams into reality such as this project,” said Chávez.

“Music is the bridge to share and to establish dialogues or the bridge to enjoy life.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE LION’S ROAR

JUNE 14, 2016 PAGE 5

Rita West pursues ministry, releases new single Alumna co-writes new single, ‘Heart of Mercy,’ and follows passion as worship leader

BY MEGAN FERRANDO

like, ‘I have this idea. I think we should write a song about the heart of mercy and I don’t really know what that means but it won’t come out of my mind,’” said West. “Before we had even met to write this song, he texted me and said, ‘Keep your calendar open because I just booked the studio and we’re going to record this song.’ I was like, ‘You know we haven’t written it yet, right?’ He was like, ‘Yeah it will be okay, it will be fine, I know that we’ll do it.’ It was great. We got together once at a friend’s house and had the majority of the lyrics written.

On the retreat that kind of inspired it, we just stayed up late one night and finished writing it, finished the melody and finished the lyrics. So in two songwriting sessions, it was finished.”

Before writing “Heart of Mercy,”

Editor in Chief

Despite not learning to play the guitar until after high school, alumna Rita West has pursued her passion of leading worship, the combination of music and faith. West, who graduated in communication in 2014, helped lead Lion Nation Christian Invasion during the spring 2016 semester and also was featured on a recently released single, “Heart of Mercy,” co-written with artist John Finch. The two artists met at the university.

West and Finch traveled to Nashville to record the single. The first song West has recorded in a studio “Heart of Mercy” was also made into a music video, which has gained over 1,000 views on YouTube and over 40,000 views on Facebook.

“The biggest thing is that the Lord invites us in,” said West as she explained the meaning behind the song. “So often in our culture right now there can be this feeling that Christians, the church and even that God is not merciful and it’s just this condemnation thing. But in reality, God is a father who welcomes us in no matter what. He calls us into his heart of mercy. The Lord speaks to us and he says, ‘I want you to come and come into my heart of mercy and experience the new life that I have for you, and the restoration and the redemption that I have for you.’”

“Heart of Mercy” originated as West and Finch were planning a retreat in January with the theme, “Into the Heart of Mercy.”

“He texted me one day and was

“A lot of the songs that I’ve written have just come out of my own prayer” the two started the song-writing session in prayer. West writes many of her original songs this way.

“A lot of the songs that I’ve written have just come out of my own prayer, my own messed up stuff that’s happening in my life,” said West.

“It’s just gathering lyrics from my

The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

Alumna Rita West followed her passion of learning the guitar and now leads worship. At the end of her senior year at Southeastern, she played at the Lion Nation Christian Invasion and has recently released her single “Heart of Mercy,” co-written with artist John Finch. own heart when the Lord is speaking and from scripture that He’s spoken through.”

West has also found inspiration

from artists who express honesty in their lyrics.

“That kind of vulnerability in worship leaders has had the biggest

influence on me to be like I don’t want to write a generic song,” said West. “I want this to be a reflection of myself and my encounters with the Lord.

That’s what I want it to be because I connect so much when other people are vulnerable in worship.”

Although West grew up in a large family of 11 with many who liked to sing, she did not seriously pick up music until her time working with NET Ministries after she graduated high school. West helped put on retreats around the country during her two years with the ministry. She also learned to play guitar and began leading worship for the first time.

“I just fell in love with playing guitar and leading worship,” said West.

“It came pretty naturally. I was leading worship every day which is really awesome because it helped boost my confidence a little bit to be able to do it in a safe place, and mess up, and sing in the wrong key and everybody just not caring. It was a good environment doing it in.”

West is hoping to record again in the Fall and pursue music for the long term. Her purpose in music however is because of her faith.

“Being a full time musician, getting to that point is really difficult but it’s not impossible,” said West. “It can happen. The reason I’m doing what I’m doing with music is for the Lord.

So if anything other than His glory is my goal, then I’m going to fall flat on my face anyway.”

Her single, “Heart of Mercy,” can be found on YouTube and iTunes. West can be contacted at ritawestmusic@ gmail.com.

Local Chef a tradition in Culinary Art Series

BY LARSHELL GREEN Staff Reporter

At the age of 13, Chef Tommy Masaracchia began gaining interest in the restaurant business while in Hammond.

That interest established the growth of a culinary artist and successful business owner.

According to Masaracchia, that interest has consumed him for 40 years.

Today, Masaracchia is the owner of local restaurant Tope lá and still finds the time to participate in local fundraising

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A change of season reinvigorates the Lamb, helping to overcome the effects of a recent slower-paced period. This is a good time to restate your feelings for that certain someone.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might not like using your authority to correct a workplace situation, but that’s what being placed in charge is all about.

Besides, you have people ready to lend support if need be.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your creativity continues to run high and helps guide you to make some fine choices in the work you’re doing. Keep the weekend free for those special people in your life.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t be surprised if you experience a sudden spurt of energy strong enough to pull you out of that recent period of indecision and put you back in charge of your own goals.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good time for Leos and Leonas to set new goals regarding health, educational choices and possible career moves. The plans you make now could be a blueprint for your future.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You might have much to offer a potential employer, but it can all be overwhelmed by too many details. Let the facts about you speak for themselves without any embellishments.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) This is a good week to balance

endeavors like the Culinary Arts Series, the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation and Chefs Evening.

According to Media Coordinator for the Hammond Regional Arts Center Tara Bennett, featuring Masaracchia is a tradition for the Culinary Arts Series since it began in 1998.

“The menu is always delicious and no one ever leaves hungry,” said Bennett. “People enjoy him not only for the quality of his cuisine, but also your responsibilities to your worka-day world with your obligations to the people in your private life.

Expect news that could lead to a change in plans.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A changing attitude on the part of a once determined adversary could cause changes down the line. Be prepared to take advantage of an unexpected new opportunity.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You’d be a truly wise Sagittarius to be skeptical about an offer that doesn’t answer all your questions. Even a colleague’s testimonial doesn’t replace facts that aren’t there.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) It’s a good idea to avoid spending on unnecessary purchases this week in order to keep a money reserve against a possible upcoming (but, fortunately, temporary) shortfall.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) More information is what you should demand regarding that workplace situation that recently came to light. Don’t be surprised at who might turn up as one of your supporters.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might still be in a “treading water” mode, but by midweek, a shift in your aspect favors taking a more active role in pushing for the changes you feel are necessary.

Good luck.

BORN THIS WEEK: You exude a warm, caring attitude that comforts everyone who comes into your life. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

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his presentation. He takes a lot of pride in his work. Every year is different with Chef Tommy.

You don’t know what you’ll be getting, but you can know that it will be excellent in taste.”

After having his talents reaffirmed by the chefs that he worked with, Masaracchia begin to take notice of his future possibilities as a chef.

According to Masaracchia, he first viewed cooking as only a job. After he realized he enjoyed it, he began to put more time and effort into it.

“I kind of fell into it,” said Masaracchia. “When people start feeding your ego, you go ‘Maybe this is what I ought to be doing.’”

This newfound affirmation did not come without sacrifices as a child and teen.

“I gave up a lot in high school to cook, but I still made good grades,” said Masaracchia.

“School wasn’t teaching me

what I really needed to learn.”

According to Masaracchia, the first restaurant that he worked at was Jacmel Inn of Hammond from 1978 to 1988.

While at Jacmel Inn, Masaracchia spent one year cooking at an internship in Longboat Key, Florida from 1981 to 1982 after graduating from Hammond High School.

Afterward, Masaracchia studied in marketing for two years at Southeastern.

“I got to a point where I had to decide what I wanted to do because my culinary career was taking off and I was engaged,” said Masaracchia. “I regret not having a degree to at least say, ‘I accomplished it.’”

After returning to Jacmel Inn in 1988, Masaracchia went to Baton Rouge to be a personal chef for Ralph & Kacoo’s.

After the restaurant was sold, Masaracchia returned to Hammond and opened

SPONSORING

The Lion’s Roar /Larshell Green

Chef Tommy Masaracchia prepares pasta in his local restaurant Tope lá.

Masaracchia has been featured in the annual Culinary Art Series held by the Hammond Regional Arts Center since it began in 1998.

Tope lá in 1998. According to Masaracchia, Tope lá’s four original partners wanted to use Cajun, Creole and soul food to pay homage to the many cultures of Louisiana.

“We wanted our food to be

a fusion of classical French and Louisiana cuisine,” said Masaracchia.

According to Masaracchia, because Cajun is not the same as classical French cuisine, the

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see CHEF pg. 8

SPORTS

PAGE 6 JUNE 14, 2016

THE LION’S ROAR

Frazier and King place at track & field nationals

BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter

Halfway into 2016, Louisiana has become well represented among the best student-athletes in the nation and track is no exception.

Sophomore Devin King placed third in Men’s Pole Vault and senior thrower Jermisha Frazier placed 14th in the Women’s Hammer Throw at the NCAA Championship.

“I’m not honored to be in the top 24 in the nation,” said Frazier. “I belong here. I’m one of the greatest throwers in the nation.”

It is not her first time competing in the national championship in Oregon.

Frazier went in 2015 and entered the 2016 season with the goal of returning.

“I came back really, really strong,” said Frazier. “Like really strong. My first week back, I beat my personal record by like four meters. That was crazy.”

She made numerous honors in 2016. In the 2016 Indoor Southland Championship, she made second-team in the weight throw and third team in the shot put. In the 2016 Outdoor Southland Championship, she made both second-team in the shot put and hammer throw where she broke the stadium record in both competitions.

“I think I’ve made the

Southland Conference team like 15 times,” said Frazier.

“It’s very, very exciting. It’s an honor no matter how many times you make it. The 15th or the 100th, it’s still an honor to make an All-Southland Conference team.”

A young Frazier began her track and field journey in New Orleans where she was born.

“I started throwing when I was in the 7th grade because there was this award at my middle school called the ‘Miss Pathfinder’ and it went to the most athletic person,” said Frazier. “I really, really wanted to win it so I started playing everything at my middle school.”

She did not win the “Miss Pathfinder” award at her middle school, but it did not stop her from continuing her athletic career. In 2012 at Bonnabel High School, she finished second in the shot put, third in javelin toss and sixth in the discus throw at the High School Athletic Association Outdoor State Championships.

She came to the university in 2013 majoring in athletic training. She opened her college career placing 10th in the weight throw and 16th in the shot put at the McNeese Cowboys Invite. Her work at the university has been a balance between athletics and academics now a 22-year-old senior.

“As a student-athlete, one

The Lion’s Roar / Ian Fischer

Senior thrower Jermisha Frazier throws her shot put as far as possible. According to Frazier, beating her personal record is the goal of her throws. Sophomore Devin King placed third at the NCAA Championship. of my biggest challenges was getting the clinical hours in the athletic training program,” said Frazier. “That was really, really difficult to manage training meets and practices and still getting the minimum number of required hours.”

Frazier said of all the

awards and honors she made throughout her college career, being voted the Louisiana Freshman of the Year was one achievement she was most proud of.

“That was amongst all of the schools in Louisiana, not just the Southland Conference,”

said Frazier. “I beat out all of the freshmen at LSU, LaTech and ULL and that was a really, really great accomplishment for me.”

This year, Frazier also had a more personal accomplishment. An admirer of hers drove from Texas to

watch her and her teammate at her last meet.

“She was like a sophomore in high school,” said Frazier.

“It felt really good to know that I’m inspiring young people to come in and throw, because whoever says ‘You know, I want to be a thrower today.’”

Ron Roberts football camp offers recruiting opportunity

BY IAN FISCHER Staff Reporter

Head Football Coach Ron Roberts’ success in getting Lions football from the bottom to a championship level team in the Southland Conference has given special credibility to his June football camps. For many young football players, his camps will be the kick off for their college careers.

The Lions’ Football Twitter, @SLUFootball, featured several successful football players who went to previous Ron Roberts camps such as Xavier Roberson, Gasten Gabriel and defensive back Harlan Miller who made the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 6th round pick.

Covington High School running back Marcus Williams said he attended his camp on Jun. 3 to support his teammates. He hopes to follow in Miller’s footsteps.

“I’d love to play for Southeastern Lions,” said Williams. “I’d play either return specialist or DB.” Most of the athletes who attend these camps are high school football players, but according

to Roberts, athletes from the university and junior colleges who want to play for the Lions have been encouraged to attend. This is because Roberts and his staff use the camps as an opportunity to see if the football players are capable of playing for the Lions.

“We tell them, ‘Look, if you want to try out now, you have to come to elite camp,’” said Roberts. “And that’s it.”

Aside from one youth camp in July, most of the camps run in June. The camps are a 7-on-7/ OL-DL Trench Wars, High School Elite Camps and Kicking/Long Snapping Camps.

According to Roberts, aside from working on various athletic evaluation football skills at the camps, the athletes are prepared to work with college coaches.

“We’ll do position skill work with our coaches, coaching them up with how we coach certain things,” said Roberts.

High schoolers from the entire state come to the camps. Offensive coach Dayton Landry and his team from Sam Houston High School came to the Jun. 3 practice, which is a benefit to his players.

“Over the summer time you get a little, not bored, but repetitive with your workouts,” said Landry. “This gives us an opportunity to get out, have some fun and work on our timing.”

Landry’s team was participating in the 7-on7 and not the OL/DL Trench Wars because his line needed a break.

“It’s just our fast guys out here today,” said Landry. “We’ll let the big dogs, you know, rest a little bit today.”

According to Roberts, there will be satellite camps conducted with LSU in Shreveport and New Orleans.

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Shane Smith runs Ponchatoula High School and De La Salle High School football players through a 7-on-7 drill.

COURT continued from pg. 1 “We have had to use the Pennington and Kinesiology facilities on campus in the meantime,” said basketball coach Jay Ladner.

“We are thankful for the support of the folks that run those arenas and for working with us during this time.”

The court will be ready and placed in August.

Until then, the University Center will continue to be used for other activities and events that do

not require the court to be in place.

“The teams really don’t use the floor a lot during summer other than just some shooting and conditioning,” said Shafer. “We should have the court in place by mid August in time for volleyball practice to begin. It does however affect a couple of basketball camps that were supposed to be here this summer. The camps will still be held, but mainly in the Pennington.

Dance and cheer camps can proceed as scheduled. They really don’t need the court.”

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THE LION’S ROAR

JUNE 14, 2016 PAGE 7

Lions finish with 40 wins, eliminated on ‘river’ to Omaha

BY JONATHAN RHODES Staff Reporter

Lions baseball’s historic season came to an end on Jun. 6 against the Rice Owls 0-15 in the Baton Rouge Regional.

The Lions finished the season with a 40-21 record their second straight 40-win season and their first at large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

“I’m proud of this club,” said Lions Baseball Head Coach Matt Riser. “I hate the way this thing ended, but I can’t overlook what we have done over the year: backto-back 40-win seasons, 3.15 team GPA and 600 community service hours as a team. That’s a special group of young men not just as ballplayers but as people.”

Despite the success the team’s had this season, the shutout loss left the Lions without their ultimate goal of playing in Omaha for the College World Series.

“To earn the first-at-large bid our program has ever had took our program to the next level,” said Riser. “But, we are not content with this. This is not a good feeling. I told the guys at the end of the day, ‘Only one team is happy at the end of the year and I want to be that team.’”

This season was the last for six seniors and possibly two redshirt juniors: pitchers Gabe Von Rosenberg, Kyle Cedotal, Pat Cashman and Domenick Carlini, outfielder Daniel Midyett, first baseman Jameson Fisher and catchers Sam Roberson and Chris Eades. These are also the last players that were coached

by SLU Director of Athletics Jay Artigues.

“As far as today goes, I was going out and playing knowing that it had a chance to be my last game ever,” said Midyett.

“I was loose. I felt pretty good and I was just taking my bats one at a time. As far as my time at Southeastern there really aren’t many words I can say to describe it all, but I learned more than I thought I would. I have become a completely different person than when I came in and it has been really great.”

The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

The Owls had 16 hits to the Lions’ three hits. In the second inning the Owls scored four runs and then in the fourth inning they scored three runs. In the fifth inning, the Owls took the game away from the Lions as they scored six runs, making the score 0-13 before the rain delay that started at the bottom of the eighth inning.

Trailing behind the Owls, the Lions showed their character as rain fell once again and the LSU tarp crew began to cover the field. The crew struggled to pull the tarp over the field until the Lions raced from the dugout to help them, despite the rain and the disappointing score of the game.

Midyett finished the game with two hits and was the only Lion other than second baseman Carson Crites to get a hit in the game.

“Well I didn’t know that till now,” said Owls pitcher Ricardo Salinas when asked about Midyett’s two hits. “But, I guess he had my number.”

The Lions had a lot of individual success this season.

Shortstop Brennan Breaud was named Southland Freshman of the Year, junior pitcher Kade Granier won Southland Relief Pitcher of the year. And both of these players won all-conference honors with their teammates: junior outfielder Webb Bobo, sophomore pitcher Mac Sceroler, junior outfielder Jacob Seward, Fisher, Carlini, Cedotal, Crites,

The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

Midyett and Roberson.

The player that put the nation on notice this season is Fisher. The Southland Conference Player of the Year finished the season with a .424 batting average, second best in the nation, 11 home runs, 66 RBI’s, 54 walks and 15 stolen bases. Fisher was also named as a Louisville Slugger All-American first team, earned All-America honors from Baseball America, won the HERO Sports 2016 D1 Baseball Fan Choice Award and is a semifinalist for three awards: Golden Spikes, Dick Howser and the Gregg Olson award.

“First of all I say thanks to Coach Riser and all of the coaches for everything they have done,” said Fisher. “It was definitely not the way we wanted to go out, but I am proud of the way I finished my career here possibly. I can’t thank everyone at Southeastern enough for everything they have done for me. I hope the team continues to go on.”

The Lions never lost their pride through this record setting season and look forward to the future of the program. They also hope to continue to have national recognition.

“It’s awesome to see the way we kinda started building things,” said Midyett. “And twenty or thirty years down the road it’s going to be exciting to look back and see what continued after we left. To see what they did from where we started. For me that’s what is going be the best part of this season.”

The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

Sophomore Drew Avans (above, left) slides into third base during the game against Utah Valley, which ended with a 3-2 win. Teammates watch on from the dugout at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge (above). Senior Domenick Carlini (below, left) helped the Lions survive against UVU by allowing just two hits in six innings. Multiple Lion pitchers were chosen in the last round of the draft including Carlini, Kyle Cedotal (below middle) and Pat Cashman (below right).

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Many Lion fans came out to Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge to support the baseball team during their regional games. Despite the rain delays in each game, many fans stuck around until the end cheering on the Lions.

PAGE 8 JUNE 14, 2016

NEWS

Alexis LaPlante prepares for next journey

THE LION’S ROAR

AROUND

THE

NATION

ORLANDO MASSACRE SPURS GRIEF AND FEAR FOR LGBT AMERICANS

NEW YORK (AP) — The — LGBT gathering places may gay, lesbian and transgender have more security now,” said community has seen violence Rev. Alisan Rowland, pastor of the before, from Harvey Milk to LGBT-welcoming Metropolitan Matthew Shepard, and an ever- Community Church of New lengthening list of transgender Orleans. “But we will never, ever women. But never anything like go away. We will never be cowed.” this.

Rachel B. Tiven, CEO of the Sunday’s massacre at a gay LGBT-rights group Lambda Legal, nightclub in Orlando, Florida, said the continued vilification of grimly changed the equation, LGBT people by their detractors, stirring communal fears and and the continued resistance to swiftly prompting tighter security expansion of their civil rights, was at gay pride events. The gunman, “an invitation to violence.” identified as Omar Mateen of Fort “When people are targeted Pierce, Florida, told his father he by others who are scared of The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green had been disturbed by seeing two difference, they’re not safe when Senior kinesiology major Alexis LaPlante practices her interpretive dance men kissing in Miami. they go dancing, they’re not safe routine daily as she prepares for Miss Louisiana 2016 taking place Jun. 23 to 25.

The attack on the Pulse when they go out to pray,” she said. nightclub, which killed at least 50 “If we live in culture where fear of choosing Southeastern,” said LaPlante. “As a new student here, people and was the deadliest U.S. difference is encouraged, that can, you truly have access to so many amazing opportunities and mass shooting to date, occurred in the hands of crazy people, have I want to encourage the incoming freshmen to take advantage amid numerous events nationwide dreadful consequences.” of that. Your college experience is what you make it. With over celebrating LGBT Pride Month. In There have been a few previous 130 organizations on campus, there is a place for everyone. Miss several other cities hosting events attacks on gay nightclubs, but Southeastern, for example, has been a way for me to meet so many on Sunday — including block only one that caused a significant people, serve my community and to push myself outside of my parties in Boston and a festival in number of deaths. A fire set by comfort zone. It is something I will never regret being a part of. Washington — authorities beefed an arsonist killed 32 people at the You will gain a true college experience that is priceless.” up the police presence.

Upstairs Lounge in New Orleans LaPlante will be graduating in the fall and according to LaPlante, This “is a tragic illustration in 1973; the arsonist was never she plans to apply at Southeastern for the Accelerated Nursing of the legitimate safety fears that caught.

The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green Program to become a registered nurse thanks to a scholarship those in our LGBT community On Dec. 31, 2013, about 750 offered to Miss Southeastern. live with every day,” said Mike people were celebrating New MISS SOUTHEASTERN Miss Louisiana 2016 will be taking place in Monroe on Jun. Rawlings, the mayor of Dallas, Year’s Eve at Neighbours, a continued from pg. 1 23 to 25 and LaPlante wishes to acknowledge all those who have where extra police were assigned popular gay nightclub in Seattle, helped her follow her dreams. to a neighborhood that is a hub of when Musab Masmari poured and costume in front of an audience.”

“I would like to thank my fellow students, friends and family for the local gay community. gasoline on a carpeted stairway and For incoming freshmen, even if beauty pageants are not what supporting me through this incredible journey,” said LaPlante. “I In a separate incident Sunday, set it ablaze. No one was injured, you are looking for, the campus has other opportunities to get especially want to thank my pageant directors, Ms. Cecelia and Ms. a heavily armed man was arrested and Masmari was sentenced to 10 involved. Miss Southeastern wishes for future students to get Veda, for guiding me and helping me through this process. They, in Southern California even as years in prison for arson. involved in as many ways as possible. along with the entire CAB organization, have been such a blessing. Mateen’s attack was ongoing, Robert Matencio, who works “They have made one of the best decisions of their life by I am so thankful to have the people around me that I have.” telling police he was going to a as a host at Neighbours, said the gay pride parade. Twenty-year-old club responded to the arson attack MISSION According to Faucheux, kinesiology major Lauren I rarely spent time with the James Wesley Howell of Indiana, by adding extra security guards continued from pg. 1 CSA members were able Larson. “Though we don’t see students of St. Francis,” said had assault rifles, ammunition during large special events, and to work together to impact it, God uses us in great and Larson. “This year I spent time and chemicals that could be used training employees in crowd children from St. Francis who mysterious ways. It is amazing with them every day. Initially, to make an explosive, according control. my CSA family.”

The mission trip involved had huge smiles on their faces to think about the number I was scared because I did not to police, who said there was no Sunday’s attack struck a place working with children from the for the entire week in one of the of lives we can positively know how to connect with the evidence of a connection to the that has long been thought of as a children, what they’d think of Orlando massacre. Santa Monica safe haven for the community — impact.”

St. Francis Elementary School poorest cities in the country. me or if they liked me. But by Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks the gay nightclub.

Some of those who went “This trip was important as well as some physical labor. the end of the mission trip, I initially tweeted that Howell on the mission trip graduated to me because I was able to Some on the mission trip were “Nightclubs have always been had connected with some of said he wanted to “do harm” at sacred spaces for queer people, in May and others appreciated reconnect with my faith life able lend a hand in a variety of through giving of myself to that they could travel to the students. I was only there the event, but she corrected her places to gather and glitter away tasks.

“I mostly worked with the others,” said Graduate Student Mississippi one last time for about a week and these statement to say only that he said from the judging glares of society, children treated me like I he was going there. children at St. Francis school in communication sciences and before their graduation. where we could love and be loved was their best friend. I played “This was my third disorders Emma Lapeyrouse. and helped the teachers in their Before Sunday, the most for who we are and how we want classrooms,” said Marino. “I “I think we all had a common time participating in the soccer and kickball with them, prominent incidents of violence to be,” wrote Paul Raushenbush, also jumped out of my comfort goal of getting together for Greenwood mission trip with sang with them, talked with against gays claimed one life at a a clergyman and popular gay zone by getting involved with the good of people other than CSA,” said Larson. “I will them, ate with them and they time. The highest profile of these writer, expressing his heartbreak be graduating before the next still wanted more. They were included the murder of Milk, a in a lengthy, emotional post on more physical labor jobs. ourselves.” annual mission trip. This was sad when I had to leave.”

Though the mission trip For example, the basketball pioneering gay politician in San Facebook in which he recalled According to Faucheux, this Francisco in 1978, and the 1998 going out dancing while at my last time being able to go has passed, students can still court at the school needed some attention. I, along with become a part of CSA in the on this mission trip. It was trip was about growing closer murder of Shepard, a gay college seminary in New York. some other people, helped fill future and current members bittersweet. Since this was my to Christ through service and student in Wyoming at the hands In many cities, vigils drew the cracks with cement and wish to acknowledge that last mission trip with CSA, I encourages students as well as of two men who beat him into a hundreds to commemorate the smoothed it out. I have never chances to help less fortunate wanted to challenge myself future Southeastern students to coma while he was tied to a fence. victims in Orlando. In New York done anything like that before. are closer to home than one more than I had the previous get involved with CSA. A federal hate crimes law bears City, LGBT people and their allies “Come to St. Alberts and Shepard’s name. years.”

It took a lot of sweat and may think. converged on the Stonewall Inn in Larson accomplished her apply for it,” said Faucheux.

“Whether you feel called bruises, but I know we made Investigators were still trying to Greenwich Village in spontaneous a difference because the kids to this mission trip, a different goal of challenging herself at “It’s completely free and you determine Mateen’s motives. He reaction to the shooting. The don’t have to be Catholic to pledged allegiance to the Islamic Manhattan bar became a national no longer had to worry about mission or just to be a light St. Francis.

“Of the two years that I went go. Anyone on our campus is State in a 911 call before the symbol of gay rights after a 1969 tripping over the big cracks in your own town, don’t be afraid to do so,” said senior to Greenwood, Mississippi, welcome to join us.” and hurting themselves.” shooting, according to according to police raid led to violent street a law enforcement official familiar riots.

CHEF like fooling with foods I never had before. I Masaracchia. “I want to lay the bad out to with the investigation who was not Stonewall is “where we go continued from pg. 5 people and if they want to continue, I know authorized to discuss the matter when things like this happen,” said like to be able to still learn from that.”

Although Masaracchia’s presentation their heart’s in it, and if their heart’s in it, publicly and spoke on condition of Andy Humm, host of the “Gay official meaning of Tope lá is “A joining or will be in early July, he reveals that he does their soul’s in it.” anonymity.

USA” TV show.

Chef Jason Goodenough of Carrollton clasping of hands.” not have a set plan yet.

But LGBT activists had no Many gay bars added security “We had two cultures and two types of “You always have to be under the Market in New Orleans was featured in doubt that their community was measures, or considered doing so different cuisines coming together,” said gun, stressed out and pressured,” said the Culinary Art Series that took place on the intended target. in the aftermath of the Orlando Masaracchia. “The informal definition is a Masaracchia. “I work better under the stress Monday, Jun.13.

“Our practices and institutions attack.

Chef Masaracchia will be featured in may change in light of this tragedy high five, a clap that symbolized the way of time concerns. We always wait to the last the Culinary Art Series on Monday, Jul. that two people made a deal in France, the minute and try to out do the year before.”

11 at 6 p.m. at Alack Culinary Equipment way we shake hands.”

According to Masaracchia, with the HE ION S OAR Superstore 17420, Hwy 190. Tickets are After becoming a business owner, addition of celebrity chefs and more www.lionsroarnews.com Masaracchia began to have different sophisticated audiences, there are not many currently sold out.

The Official Publication of the Students of Southeastern since 1937.

For more information about Tope lá, call concerns in the restaurant business, centered secrets left in the field of culinary arts.

1320 N Morrison Blvd 985-542-7600, or visit at 104 N Cate St, on the likes and dislikes of customers that “People want something they’ve never 985-542-5555 naturally came with trials and errors. seen before or that they can’t do themselves,” Hammond, LA 70401. For more information “I as a person had to grow into that,” said Masaracchia. “When you start thinking on the Culinary Art Series or other upcoming said Masaracchia. “It was me and partners in that mentality, your window starts to events held by HRAC, visit their website at having to take care of everything. I had to close a bit. I want them to remember who I hammondarts.org or call 985-542-7113.

Despite Masaracchia’s success as a take on the role of chef and owner.” am when the art series is over. I have a good reputation in town, I don’t want to ruin it.” culinary artist and business owner, he Although Masaracchia does not have a Masaracchia advises young culinary uprefuses to stop striving for future goals favorite dish that he likes to prepare, or a and-comers of the downsides in the field while working in Hammond. specific style, he enjoys experimentation in like long hours, low pay and high stress.

“I don’t think I’m successful because I the kitchen while holding onto set morals.

“If your mind’s not right and you’re have a lot more to prove,” said Masaracchia.

“I just want to cook good food that people not ready to put a lot of effort into it for a “I think I’ve done well for a self-taught chef, enjoy,” said Masaracchia. “I will never little bit of money, you won’t make it,” said but there’s still a lot more out there.” jeopardize my reputation to make a dollar. I

T

SHOOTING continued from pg. 3 And yet, shouldn’t these same people be donating blood once a month? Shouldn’t the people of America care about one another every day?

Shouldn’t we, as a nation, always try to be united?

After Katrina, the people of Louisiana, especially South Louisiana, came together. It didn’t matter what political or religious affiliation one had, we were united, just as those in Florida currently are. And yet, by the time the next issue

of “The Lion’s Roar” comes out, I fear that this opinion will be dated. That people will move on, even forget, as hard as that is to believe if you read this opinion when it first hit stands.

I believe that if a mass shooting took place in Hammond, we would react just as Florida did. We would come together and unite.

I could even see a blood donation bus pulling right up to Southeastern, though this raises a whole other issue, some couldn’t give blood, me for example. I couldn’t give

blood due to visiting another country, having tattoos, not weighing enough and the lifestyle I have chosen to live.

As much as I would want to help those in need, the social constraints of America would stop me.

So the big question is, where do we go from here?

How can we fix the issue that is plaguing America?

Can America be fixed? Or, is America doomed to fall as every great empire in the past has such as Rome, China, the Aztecs and so many others?

I wish I could answer

this question with a definite answer, especially with being an Opinions Editor before I became the Assistant Editor.

Maybe you can and if you can, feel free to write a 150-word Letter to the Editor. As for me, I’ll just think about the state of our nation and how we need to work on being united.

Yes, this may be a sad opinion and it is hard to see the point so I’ll leave it with my final say, America needs to work on being a great nation and above that, we need to start loving each other regardless of religion, sexuality, et cetera.

L

’ R

Cedric Dent Sophomore, Social Work

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