The Trailblazer, May 2013

1000 Powell Mill Road

T RAILBLAZER Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301

Volume 79 Issue 6

THE

May 2013 1

Farewell to Head Librarian Mr. Haller

By Tori Crocker, Assistant Editor As the spring semester drew to a close, Spartanburg Methodist College prepared to say farewell to one of its long time staff members. After working in the library for 34 years, James Haller, known to many of the students as the guy with the dog, retired May 7th.

Like many people Haller found he had a passion for his career by stumbling upon it. He is from the New England area, and as he finished up his undergraduate degree at Drew University, he was offered a scholarship to work in Drew’s library earned a Masters in Divinity. Haller quickly fell in love with library science, which is what set the stage for the rest of his life.

The saying a picture is worth a thousand words is what caused Haller to move halfway across the country to finish his education with a Master’s of Library Science from the University of Denver. He describes seeing the pictures of the cityscape of Denver with the Rocky Mountains as its backdrop as what made him want to live and go to school there.

Once he finished his degree he moved to Nashville and worked as a librarian in the Vanderbilt University Library System. Not long after that Haller found the place where he would devote his career and ultimately meet the love of his life. When asked what brought him to South Carolina, and ultimately Spartanburg Methodist College, he says “I remember seeing the listing for the job here at SMC, and thinking, ‘What do I have to lose?’” Like many people Haller came to SMC unsure of what awaited him. In the end, Spartanburg Methodist College has been the place Haller calls his home away from home.

Once he moved to Spartanburg he began his career working with Otis Allen, Director of Audio Visual Services, on campus. It was not long after beginning at SMC that Haller met his wife Lynn. Like many couples they met at college, granted both of them worked here, but none the less SMC changed their lives by introducing them to their other halves, just as the beautiful campus has for many others over the years. Mr. and Mrs. Haller were married by A. G. Carter, the Registrar at the time.

When asked which administrators have made the biggest contribution to the library at SMC, Haller says it was Hamby Barton and Jack Anderson who actively supported the library during their times as the academic dean. Hamby Barton was instrumental in bringing computers into the educational process at SMC. Jack Anderson also strongly supported the library and its advancement.

Haller said of his legacy for the college that he “would enjoy seeing the tradition of having a library dog continue.” For Haller the decade long tradition of having a library dog began accidently, after his chocolate lab, Scout, had to have shoulder surgery. Initially he brought Scout to work with him because he couldn’t be left at home unattended after surgery. continued on page 2

Commencement Speaker Graduates SMC after 44 years

By Laura Morales, Editor

Dr. Rod H. Sproatt currently sits as the Chief Magistrate Judge for Beaufort County in SC. However, not so long ago he was sitting in a classroom in then Spartanburg Junior College. Dr. Sproatt became a student of SJC in the fall of 1967.

Despite Sproatt’s opportunity at SJC, in 1969 he transferred to the University of South Carolina, leaving one credit short of receiving his Associate of Arts.

At USC Sproatt earned a B.A. in Journalism, Masters in Early Childhood Education, and a Ph.D. in Elementary Education.

Sproatt’s résumé is quiet impressive. Not only is he a man of smarts but also a man of benevolence. During the summers of 1993 and 1995 Sproatt was able to develop a grant-funded program to help at-risk youth spend the summer learning science, free of charge. Sproatt continued to write and cowrite grants which continued to benefit the community at large. Some of the

Dr. Ron H. Sproatt, pg. 3

Restoration pg. 4

most impressive grants include, $152,509 granted to the science department of USC-Beaufort and multiple grants totaling to $61,000 to help the Shelter for Abused Children, just to name a few.

Sproatt is a published author of many peer reviewed articles about teaching styles and elementary education. He is also a presenter. Sproatts presentations deal with teaching styles, science programs, field experiences and enrichment activities.

For over thirty two years Sproatt was part of the faculty in the University of South Carolina-Beaufort. While a professor, Sproatt helped developed an early education program. Sproatt explains, “I was the primary person involved in establishing the USC Aiken Early Childhood Education Program. Subsequently I have had a major role in the transition of the early childhood program from Aiken to the Beaufort campus.” continued on page 3

Relationships pg. 7

Athletics pg. 8

1000 Powell Mill Road

Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301

Volume 79 Issue 6 May 2013 2

Glee Showcase Photos by Kelsey Hawkins

Protect Your Information

By George Manuel, Staff Writer

EDITOR Laura Morales

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tori Crocker GRAPHICS EDITOR Katina Metasoumis PHOTOGRAPHERS Tayler Helms Kelsey Hawkins FACULTY ADVISOR Bethany Perkins FACULTY ADVISOR ASSISTANT Tayler Helms

STAFF

Jada Bell Nick Brewer Kaylee Carter Matt Castillo Lauren Compasso Tori Crocker Sam Dunham Kathleen Grayson Whitney Goings

Jamar James George Manuel Leah Meahl Dierick Montiel Sam Reese P.J. Shuping Kamille Tyson Joni Ware Laura Wright

The Trailblazer staff works to inform the SMC community about events of interest. The staff influences its readers through responsible editorials and entertains through features content. All bylined editorials reflect the opinion of the writer only. Stories are edited for content and accuracy by the advisor.

Have an opinion?

Send letters to the editor to trailblazer@smcsc.edu

Are you a student that is unaware of the many dangers concerning stolen information? Are you worried that maybe your information is at risk?

Well, there are many steps you can take to secure yourself.

Last year a foreign hacker stole 75 % of the social security numbers from South Carolina’s Department of Revenue office, exposing over three hundred and eightyfive thousand credit and debit card numbers.

The stolen numbers included other information that people filed with their tax returns, which went back all the way to 1998. Most of data was not encrypted; therefore the hacker had an easy way to read the stolen information.

It took officials ten days to close the hacker’s access. The public was not aware of the security breach until six days later. The state’s Division of Information Technology suggested the citizens of South Carolina should undergo a variety of measures to ensure their information

is safe from being stolen.

Sign up for a free credit monitoring that provides a lifetime of identity theft insurance at www.protectmyid.com/ scdor. Also, place an initial credit fraud alert on your credit report. To place an alert, call one of the Credit Reporting Agencies and they will notify the others of the fraud alert. By doing so, you will be notified and get a free credit report.

If you want to be more secured, place a freeze on your credit report. Once done, you will receive a pin number that is safe, reliable and free. It is important that everyone ensures their information is protected. Use these steps because you could pay for it later.

Haller

continued from pg. 1

After Scout began to heal, Haller would bring him to school when he had to take Scout to the vet as a way of saving time and being able to utilize his time at work. Eventually Scout began a permanent addition to the library family.

Haller says, “I recall the time after Scout had become adjusted to coming to work, when my wife would call me to say that she would be on her way across campus to pick Scout up. It did not take long before Scout’s dash from the library doors into the backseat of my wife’s car was something that students grew accustomed to seeing and enjoyed as part of their daily routine.”

For the Hallers, Scout was not just a dog they rescued from the Spartanburg Humane Society but part of their family. Scout was laid to rest after having been not only part of the Haller family but the dog that was like a pet away from home for the students at SMC. Soon after Scout passed away the Hallers adopted Skye, a Sheltie, from the Humane Society. Skye’s career as library dog will end when Haller retires. Having a dog in the library gives students the chance to maintain their relationship with animals. Many students say that the library having a dog affected their decision to come here, making campus feel more like home.

The SMC community will miss Haller and his canine companions, though many reminders of the dogs and Haller’s love for them hang on the library walls. Ms. Erin Washington will start work as Head Librarian on July 1, 2013.

1000 Powell Mill Road

Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301

Volume 79 Issue 6

Bidding Adieu to SMC Leaders

By Sam Reese, Staff Writer

As this school year comes to

believes “it’s going to be a fun

and the fellowship with the other

an end and the beginning of a

experience.” As an incoming

Pioneer Peers and Kim, but I’m

new one quickly comes closer,

RA, Kareena Mabie stated, “I

happy to pass the experience on

leadership positions must be

am very excited to be in a lead-

to others.” An RA of the 2012-

filled once again. Pioneer Peers

ership position next year and to

2013 school year, Allie Russell,

and RAs, primarily, are a big

work with some of the amazing

joked, “It’s kind of sad, but I

step in what must be done in the

people that also received the

replaced the last one, so it’s just

start of a new school year.

position.”

part of the ‘circle of life’,” when

Knowing the next leaders for

When thinking about these dif-

asked how she feels knowing

the upcoming year has made

ferent leadership positions we

they have already chosen people

many people very anxious and

must not forget this year’s lead-

to take her place.

excited. The people chosen to be

ers. This year’s leaders were just

While we are excited for the

Pioneer Peers and RAs are eager

as excited, if not more so, than

newly promoted students, we

and thrilled to be honored with

the upcoming selected sopho-

must also remember the, soon to

such a high leadership position.

mores. They showed the same

be replaced, current leaders. But

Chosen to be a Pioneer Peer

eagerness and must be taken

then again, how would the new-

for the 2013-2014 school year,

into consideration as they are

comers know who they want

Dierick Montiel said that he

quickly being swapped.

to be like if it were not for the

feels “confident, relaxed, [and]

Jada Bell, a current Pioneer

overall just great,” and that he

Peer, says “I’ll miss my students

leaders that they were able to get to know so well?

y

May 2013 3

April/May HOROSCOPE Aries

Stop worrying. Things will work out!

Taurus

There is still hope

Gemini

Stop, drop, and don’t turn around.

Cancer

Focus on your to-do list

Leo

Be your own best friend

Virgo

Try something new this month. It will change your life!

Libra

Start living, Do what you have in mind today.

Scorpio It is time to take action!!

Sagittarius

What you need you already have.

Capricorn

KEEP GOING....you are almost there.

CHIEF MAGISTRATE JUDGE AND MAY COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER DR. RON H. SPROATT

Commencement Speaker

continued from page 1 Sproatt remembers the fond memories he experienced and the strong connections he made with his peers and the faculty and staff at SJC. According to President Dr. Colleen Keith, Sproatt sent his transcripts in, which then “were considered by the Registrar, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee and the necessary credits were located and accepted by SMC in

transfer for the completion of the Associate of Arts degree!”

“My other degrees are in my office, but this one will go in my home because it is the one that is most personal for me,” gratefully exudes Sproatt.

The class of 2013 welcomed Sproatt as keynote speaker and enjoyed what he had to say about his experience and his attainment of his AA during commencement.

Aquarius Stay Fearless!

Pisces

You can do it all but dont forget to breathe.

1000 Powell Mill Road

Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301

Volume 79 Issue 6 May 2013 4

The Restoration comes to SMC

By Jada Bell, Staff Writer

On March 21, 2013, the members of The Restoration travelled from their home in Lexington, SC to perform at SMC for the third time, but first in Gibbs Auditorium. The band’s album Constance has been studied in the Learning Community as a part of the literature and history classes taught by Dr. Sedberry and Dr. Cheek. The thought behind the incorporation was that music can often catch the attention of college students when mere reading does not.

The lyrics of this album focus on Lexington from the Civil War/ Reconstruction Era up through the Great Depression. The LC students have read the compendium to the album which includes a short story, lyrics, family trees, and a timeline of the events that happened to the Palmer, Owens, and Vale families.

When asked why The Restoration focused on concept stories, lead singer Daniel Machado states, “I was sick of writing about myself and seeing posters of myself up advertising. I wanted to write about other people. Once you become interested in one person, you want to continue their story. It’s more honest.”

The band members were honored to perform in a school setting as opposed to their usual bar shows.

They played six songs from the album Constance, other selections from their catalog, and a song from the late, great John Lennon.

The audience was composed of LC students, SMC students, faculty and staff, and other guests. The musical styling of The Restoration was valued by all. Current LC student Vilai Harrington claims, “[The music] was tantalizing to the ears and [provided] feeling to the soul using historical, realistic stories.”

Adam Corbett, multi-instrumentalist, was brilliant in exchanges with the students. He offered a quick question-answer section of the show during song transitions. When I was in the LC, we debated of the meaning of a line in the song August 1895: “I mark each time we’re alone with an asterisk.” The current students have also questioned this line.

Tawnee Starnes was brave enough to ask, “Did Aaron and Constance have sex in August 1895?!” Daniel was quick to respond with, “That’s personal.” Adam’s answer was certainly memorable and unexpected: “Well, they do have a child. I don’t know if your mother has explained that to you...” The statement caused a roar of laughter and applause from the audience

In a one-on-one with violinist Lauren Garner she assured me that they all have “real” jobs and use their music as an entertainment outlet. If Lauren was not spending her extra time on music, she said, “[I] would focus on my other hobbies- photography and art.”

The future goals of The Restoration are to “go back and do authentic 1880s music. People don’t write and play like they used to. We may venture into the 1960s and 70s, but NO disco. There’s other music during those times that is often forgotten,” says Machado.

If anyone missed the performance, I encourage them to go to the band’s website www.therestoration.net and listen to their music or look for their next performance. The SMC Community looks forward to what the next year will bring for The Restoration and their returning appearance.

The Road Home: Civil War Drama

By Leah Meahl, Staff Writer

On March 25th, the Professional Actors of South Carolina brought a historically theme play to SMC’s Gibb’s Auditorium entitled “The Road Home.” The show takes letters and/or journal entries from first hand experiences during the war and developed characters for each of them.

Students filled the seats to find the stage set up with props and furniture that took them on a historical journey through the lives of those who experienced the war. There was a wooden table filled with props that would be found in an early American house hold. The stage furniture had sections, all displaying a different setting for each character like an office, house, or workbench.

The six actors walked onto the stage like a wave on the sea and opened with a song. The simplicity of the lone guitar and their voices set the solemn mood for the show. The costumes caught the audience’s attention right away. Some were dressed in soldiers uniforms, the women wore puffy dresses (the ones that make it difficult to squeeze through a doorway).

Each actor paced the stage with a speech telling of their story or experience and several played different roles. Some of the accounts were captivating like a woman who dressed up as a boy to serve in the army and who later became a spy under the pretense that she was a male.

The show itself was dry because the sobering content brought about a serious tone. Students like Chandler Goodrich stated that “It was indescribable because it was a style of theatre that I’ve never seen.”

Torey Brown, who’s participates with the SMC Players, thought that the show was a “Creative way to inform people about history.”

One of the actors in the show, Tyler Ilgen, explains his enthusiasm about the production. “These real written makes these characters come back to life and I like being able to share those words. We’ve performed in Hilton Head, Charleston, and other venues. I enjoyed performing on this stage because it is such a big space and it puts the audience close and intimate with the actors. What is different about this show is that we are not merely reenactors, but we are actors with truth.”

Overall, the performance was intense and interesting. It was a good experience for the students who have not had the chance to experience theatre before. For those that have experience, it was important for them to witness outsiders who make a living by doing shows such as “The Road Home.”

1000 Powell Mill Road

Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301

Volume 79 Issue 6

May 2013 5

Students Scout New Entertainment at Conference

by Kamille Tyson, Staff Writer After Spring Break it is difficult to get back to a regular schedule, but as a member of POPS I had the opportunity to go a world-wide conference.

My advisor, Kim Caton, selected two POPS members, Kelisa Davis and I to attend The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities conference in Atlanta. APCA is a national campus events and educational training organization that was founded in 1994 and serves the programming needs of all campus departments throughout the United States.

The purpose of this conference is to showcase various talents and educational programs from all over the world. Students like Kelisa and I then get to decide whether or not we would like to bring former acts back to SMC campus for entertainment.

The conference also helps explain and learn about cooperative buying, which is a program that gives schools attending the conference the ability to offer associates a block of engagement dates in a specified time period in exchange for a lower price and sharing of traveling costs with other schools.

First and foremost, this is not your stereotypical conference. Imagine several college students from different parts of the United States in one big hotel with lots of free entertainment to see!

Students and advisors who attend find it quite challenging to explain the exciting events and people you get to meet and discover!

The entertainment at APCA varies from magicians, singers, bands, motivational speakers, hosts, and educational sessions to bring back to campus.

One band that stood out to us was a group by the name of Xperimento. The fun, upbeat band resides from Miami, Florida and is a mix of different Latin sounds! We decided that this band would be great for either fall festival or the block party because they are loud and sing in Spanish and English! So, you get a different taste of music that invites you to dance!

Another band we considered was Kye Kye Music from Oregon. The soft, indie, Christian band plays a mixture of R&B, folk, and electric sounds that can lift up any soul while listening.

Despite the fact that we had a whole list of artist sto look through, our last artist we thought of was Victorious Conde! Victorious Conde is a classic, R&B soul man who brings a lot to the table! He has a nice sound and is very sweet in person.

Not only did we get to meet local bands but we had the chance to rock out to We the Kings and get VIP passes to meet them. Overall, each artist/ band I met had a great personality and was very

friendly!

Bringing entertainment to campus is a fun and rewarding job. By including students in the decision-making process, POPS is sure to sponsor some popular events in the 2013-2014 year.

Fun in the Sun: Vacation

by Joni Ware, Staff Writer

Have a summer planned out in front of you with nothing to do? Well, here is where I will come in and help a student out. During the summer should be the most adventurous time of the year. Even though your college friends are gone that just gives you a chance to go and see them in their hometowns. There goes a trip right there. But if that still isn’t what you want, I have a few items that may help you during your lonesome three months.

The first trip will require a passport. If you are a person who doesn’t mind going out the country, this will be the vacation for you. The Eurail is where you go over to Europe and spent however long you would to desire traveling the different countries. And if you don’t want to go overseas you can do the same thing right here in the United States. http://www.eurail.com/ http://www.raileurope.com/rail-ticketspasses/eurail-select-pass/index.html Also, if you are here in Spartanburg have no fear, I am here. But little do

people know that Spartanburg has a lot to offer you just have to take the time aside to find it. Starting with the parks we have got them all. If you want to go walking, we got it. If you want to take your little cousins to the park we got that too. Now it’s in your hands what and where you want to go . http://www.spartanburgparks.org/ So speaking of kids, if you still feel like a kid at heart I see no wrong in going to the Zoo either in Greenville, Ashville or Columbia. That would be a great one day get away just to relax and walk around the park and admire all types of creatures. http://www.riverbanks.org/ Then if you feel like you want to go away for a while just get up the family and head to the family friendly beach known most famously by Myrtle Beach.

There you can and will find activities for you, your parents and even younger siblings. http://www.myrtlebeach.com/ .

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Volume 79 Issue 6 May 2013 6

OPINION / EDITORIALS Pope Francis: Change the Future???

By PJ Shuping, Columnist

In the weeks following his election as Pope many Catholics rejoiced at the thought of him leading the Catholic Church. Those who favor him say he could help lend a hand to bringing peace back into the world.

Many also say that unlike other Cardinals he cares for all people instead of just some. Thus his name is Pope Francis as an honor to Francis of Assisi who was born into a rich merchant family but gave up all his possessions to live with lepers and the poor.

Even though more than 80% of Catholics favor Pope Francis there are also some who don’t. These are the people who tend to say that he’s not traditional enough and he will not turn out to be a good Pope. The people who say these things also tend to seem a tad prejudiced and narrow minded. They have very few instances to which they can say he is not “traditional.”

One instance is when he washed the feet of the poor and the other was when he called Muslims “the brothers and sisters of Christians.” These two occurrences have caused these “traditionalists” to become fearful of what else might be coming.

In the minds of many open-minded people these instances aren’t construed as “non-tradiFollowing the election of Pope Francis there have been many questions surrounding him. Many Catholics feel that he will do a good job as Pope tional” but are looked upon favorably because the world can see a man who and may even be able to help promote world peace. Though, there are some actually does care for others and doesn’t let his church position cloud his judgment of who belongs and who doesn’t.

Catholics who feel he is not traditional enough to be called Pope.

Why do people believe his not being traditional enough will be detrimental to the church? Did he have a good reason for “breaking” church law?

K-Pop or K-Popped?: North Korea

By Nick Brewer, Columnist

We all know that one guy who wants to fight everyone simply to prove to everyone that you shouldn’t fight him, right? That walking oxymoron of a person who thinks that flexing his muscles and talking a lot of smack will get him far in life. Eventually this guy says the wrong thing to the wrong person though, and that’s when things get interesting. Stepping up to take on the role of “That Guy” in today’s world is none other than North Korea, famous for its “K-Pop” a la “Gangnam Style.” But will the U.S. get “popped” by this new powerhouse?

Ever since Kim Jong Il died and left power over North Korea to his son, Kim Jong Un, relations between North Korea and the rest of the world have become strained. North Korea ran several somewhat successful long range missile tests earlier this year and stated that these missiles were capable of carrying nuclear warheads as far as Washington D.C. Military activity in North Korea has more than doubled in North Korea since the tests were initiated, prompting the United Nations to set forth trade restrictions and embargos to keep dangerous materials out of the hands of this hot-headed country.

During the hearings in which North Korea claimed the embargos to be an act of war, China, North Korea’s strongest ally, sided with

the UN and voted to pass the trade restrictions.

This has lead to increasingly tense feelings between China and North Korea, most recently and maybe most notably when China refused to send delegates to a peace talk with North Korea, stating that if North Korea wished to send their people to China, the Chinese government would consider it. When the only guy who backs you in a fight looks at you and decides to go stand with the other guys, it’s typically a safe bet that you need to reevaluate your entire situation. But not North Korea. They have too much pride to simmer down and return to relative peace. Instead they escalated the situation by claiming that the cease-fire between North and South Korea is officially called off and they are going back to war. On top of this, Kim Jong Un has made several threats against the United States since we are South Korea’s strongest ally. We do in fact have troops stationed in South Korea helping to train soldiers and prepare for war, though at the moment we have no direct military involvement.

In an attempt to send a message of peace, professional basketball player Dennis Rodman went to North Korea and talked basketball with Kim Jong Un. Little known fact, the North Korean dictator is a fan of basketball. In this meeting, Kim Jong Un told Rodman that if he could

arrange it, he would like to speak with President Obama. He claims he does not wish to go to war, though given his most recent actions this claim is somewhat questionable.

SMC students had this to say: “What has America done to North Korea to wage war against us? And if he’s serious, why aren’t Americans taking it more seriously? It’s all just sketchy” –Daniel Armistead “Why can’t we be friends?” –Allison Moss “All I can tell you about North Korea is that it is one of the very few places I got right on Dr. Cheek’s map test. Other than that I don’t know what to tell you” –Megan Shields “Why is Dennis Rodman, the man who wears wedding dresses and makeup, pretending to be a diplomat?” –Trey Hardy

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Keeping It Open

By Jada Bell, Columnist

Volume 79 Issue 6

May 2013 7

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: THE LITERARY GUILD

By Leah Meahl, Staff Writer

A form of relationship status that has received a lot of hype from college students lately is the “open relationship.” This relationship allows one to be in a relationship, but not be exclusive. Both persons are allowed to date other people while still maintaining their relationship.

This idea may seem appealing, but can cause a lot of issues within the original couple. There will be trust issues. Although both of them (should have) agreed to be nonexclusive, one will most likely become jealous.

The potential turmoil this relationship possesses should be fully examined before one decides to become a part of it. The couple needs to sit down and discuss guidelines, procedures, and even the consequences of this particular relationship.

This relationship is closely related to being “friends with benefits.” It looks like all fun and games until someone allegedly develops feelings for the other. If feelings occur, there should be a discussion about whether or not the relationship should remain open, or become exclusive.

A positive aspect of an open relationship is freedom. The openness allows both parties to be free of many obligations that one would normally have in a relationship. Majority of people our age have issues with commitment in general. We don’t even know what we want to eat for lunch, let alone who we want to spend the rest of our lives with. Open relationships allow one to explore their options while still having a security blanket.

Keeping one’s options open is vital in the college years.

There is so much going on in our daily lives, it can be hard to develop a lasting relationship. Sadly, you may not speak to the people you dated in college after graduation. It’s not always a bad thing though. Some people are only meant to be in our lives for a specific section of time.

If someone is bogged down with the demands of their relationship, they may lose sight of the purpose of college in the first place. We are here to become educated, not be someone’s attention magnet twenty-four/seven.

Personally, I believe open relationships are a lot more trouble than they are worth. If you realize you do not have the time to dedicate to a relationship, it is best to become single.

It will save you and your significant other many disputes down the road.

A small yet extremely interesting club on campus is the Literary Guild.

In connection to Sigma Kappa Delta, the English Honor Society for Twoyear Colleges, this club of about a dozen people focuses primarily on reading traditional and nontraditional literature as well as writing.

Headed up by Dr. Bethany Perkins and Dr. Jonathan Sedberry, both Professors of English, the club provides social interaction as well as the ability to hear the writers that they are studying in their English classes.

For instance, in the fall the Literary Guild took a trip to the public library to hear Tobias Wolff speak about his work. He answered questions and talked about how some of his works have been converted into movies.

For those that are interested in creative writing of all sorts, the Literary Guild helps provide workshops for those who wish to share their writing as well as improve their writing skills. The point is to get students used to people listening and responding to their writing.

Other activities include hosting the Valentines Open Mic Night in Judd Cellar in conjunction with POPS as well as a Halloween Reading and going to see the film adaptation of “Les Miserables.”

Dr. Sedberry informs, “We will also be going to Carl Sandburg’s home in Flatrock.” The late author’s home has been a well-received activity from the members in previous years.

Vice President of the Literary Guild Hailey Barnhill describes that the Literary Guild, “Is a good group to be in, especially if you like English as much as I do. It is such a diverse and broad group of people who like some writing or like some reading or like both. It is beneficial because we all get to be exposed to different types of literature and writing. It is also a way to meet people with similar interests.”

If the Literary Guild is a campus group that you would like to join, especially for next semester, talk to Dr. Perkins and/or Dr. Sedberry.

Their offices are located in Ellis 222 and 221.

DANCER MAX BEYMER WINS TALENT SHOW This year’s SMC Talent show was hosted by Comedian Adam Ace. Participants performed dances, poems and special acts.

Student performances by Joni Ware Arthur Roberson Miranda Watkins Vilai Harrington, Markeisha Nesbitt Kim Henderson Max Beymer Kendall Miller Destiny Kershaw and Leah Meahl

1000 Powell Mill Road

Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301

Volume 79 Issue 6 May 2013 8

ATHLETICS The Rim Reapers: Basketball in the Players’ words

By Jamar James, Staff Writer “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard” Oklahoma City Thunder Star, Kevin Durant.

Of the 36 games the SMC basketball team played during the 20122013 season, they won 35. When asked what the key to winning was, basketball standout Jalen “Shimmey” Nesbitt said, “We not only believed in ourselves but we believed in the coach and the system too.”

When asked the same question, highly prospected point guard Travis “The Point God” Black said, “Trust in your teammate’s abilities and your own, we’re a family and we’re only as strong as our weakest link. We don’t have weak links per se because we all have room for improvement.”

The Spartanburg Methodist College Pioneers finished the regular season unbeaten and the chance for winning nationals were at an all-time high. “We made history and in order to complete our story we have to get this ring” said combo guard DJ ”Splash” Coleman.

Even though they fell short of getting that ring DJ Coleman and the rest of the squad dreamt of, the season was still a success. When asked “what SMC had to do to keep the undefeated streak active?” basketball standout Jalen “Shimmey” Nesbitt facetiously said “We just have to score more points than the other team.” I found that hilarious because Jalen “Shimmey” Nesbitt, along with Travis Black are Division 1 prospects and just conversing with those guys they have a sense of humor like no other.

When asked “how the squad maintains such a brotherhood on and off the court?” Ronell “CrockPot” Crockett said, “We just like to have a good time and we enjoy each other’s company.” Team chemistry is essential because if the team doesn’t like each other they may not all have the same goal. That was not the case for the men Pioneers according to “Crockpot.” The men pioneers played for the name on the front of the jersey therefore there was no need to have a name on the back, they are one. “It’s all business when we step in between those lines” said freshmen standout Daquan “The intimidator” Jeffries. “If you didn’t know about SMC in November I bet you’re going to know us by March” said Kelsey “Above the rim” Terry. Terry was definitely correct when he made that statement because SMC was making noise in the NJCAA. When asked “What is in store for next year freshmen redshirt “Quinton “Get this money” Johnson said, “A ring is all that’s missing from the puzzle. Next year I feel comfortable that we’ll make a trip back to Kansas but the result will be in our favor.”

In the famous words of the great Michael Jordan “Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

WOMEN’S GOLF AT NATIONALS IN ARIZONA BROOKE CANTRELL AND CHANDLER MANSELL MADE THE ALL REGION TEAM BY FINISHING IN THE REGION X TOP FIVE

The team huddles before a big game