University of the Cumberlands Student Newspaper
We Bid You Good-bye! 2024 Recap
BY: NICHOLAS JACKSON STAFF WRITER
As 2024 nears its close, the world has witnessed a year of thrilling sports victories, captivating pop culture moments, and intense political events. From historic Olympics performances to a Super Bowl comeback and a fiercely contested U.S. presidential election, here’s a breakdown of this year’s most defining stories.
The Paris Summer Olympics showcased athletic excellence, bringing together nations in a global sports celebration. The Games were filled with historic performances. Caeleb Dressel dominated the swimming pool and set multiple world records. Team USA continued its tradition of strength, but Kenya’s distance runners and Jamaica’s sprinters also captured attention with impressive victories.
A new face, Stephen Nedoroscik, took over the Pommel Horse and, later, the dance floor where he was featured in Dancing with the Stars. We additionally saw Yusef Dikec take over the Olympic Shooting world and even some rather interesting dancing in the first and only ever Olympic Breakdancing competition. The Olympics celebrated athleticism and reflected rich cultural history, making
BY: SYDNEY SCHWENKE STAFF WRITER
Paris a perfect backdrop for these international feats.
The 2024 UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium in London was a European football spectacle of passion and intensity. Real Madrid claimed their 15th European title after defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0. The match was a tactical masterclass, with Madrid’s experience shining through against the German side, who had hoped to claim their first-ever Champions League trophy. Madrid’s dominance in the competition remains unmatched, cementing their legacy as the most successful club in European history. Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas was a game for the age of American football. The Kansas City Chiefs staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 31-28, clinching their second title in four years. Patrick Mahomes, named Super Bowl MVP, threw for over 300 yards and led the Chiefs’ offense with poise, even after suffering an injury during the game. The halftime show, featuring Rihanna, added to the spectacle, making this Super Bowl one of the most memorable in recent history.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce became the most talked-about couple of 2024 off the field.
Their relationship began quietly in 2023 and took center stage in the media in 2024. As Kelce continued attracting attention on the football field, Swift’s presence in Chief’s games stadiums caused a media frenzy. Their relationship was more than just a Love Story—it became a cultural phenomenon that blended the worlds of music and sports. Fans followed their every move, speculating about the influence of their high-profile romance on Kelce’s game performances and Swift’s music.
2024 was also an impactful year on the big screens. February 2024 started strong with Timothee Chaletmet and Zendaya in the release of “Dune 2,” a powerful sequel where we follow Paul Artredies as he goes on a revenge drive against the conspirators who destroyed his family. We had an incredible slate of movies with Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling in “The Fall Guy” released in May; in June, “Inside-Out” 2 tugged at heartstrings, as the film followed main character, Riley, as she continued to develop new and intense emotions. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman starred in “Deadpool 3,” a hilarious but profound film that followed Wade Wilson as he tried to hold his world together.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election was one of the most polarizing in American history, with the candidates’ contrasting visions for the country reflected in every debate. Key issues such as immigration, healthcare, abortion rights, and foreign policy occupied the discourse. Throughout the election, though, the Democratic Party faced setbacks as President-Elect Biden dropped out and VP Kamala Harris took over the campaign. After strong campaigns from each party, which notably included Donald Trump taking a bullet, it was former President Trump who came out with the victory across the nation.
As 2024 closes, it is clear that this has been a year of significant milestones in sports, entertainment, and political developments. The stories of triumph and adversity in the Olympics and the presidential race have shaped global narrative.
Christmas at the Cumberlands
Featuring Eric Gabbard and Kaylee Burke
University of the Cumberlands’ music program celebrates this year’s accomplishments and the holiday season season. Graduating senior Kaylee Burke noted, “It [The Christmas at the Cumberlands concert] shows off what we’ve done. We celebrate Jesus and make some good music, too.” Christmas at the Cumberlands is a musical tradition that involves every single ensemble in the music department, including the Jazz, Percussion, Trumpet, and Flute Ensembles, Cumberland Voices, Chorale, Concert Band, and a
faculty soloist, Sharon McGinley. Music professors Dr. Tara Warfield and Dr. Jeff Smoak facilitated and organize the annual concert. Dr. Jeff Smoak started the tradition seven years ago. Since then, the extravaganza has been a success, growing each year. Dr. Smoak said, “It’s the kickoff of the Christmas season here at Cumberlands and also in our little itty-bitty town of Williamsburg.” UC senior and music education major, Eric Gabbard, stated, “I love Christmas, and I love Christmas at the Cumberlands.” Gabbard claimed that the atmosphere is “immaculate with all the decorations and lights up.” He added that “it’s a lot of work on the production side of it” for the music department students and staff, “but it’s worth it to see people enjoy it and celebrate Christ when we perform.”
UC’s Kaylee Burke is also a music education major who will be graduating next May. She said, “Christmas at the Cumberlands is a big deal for me. Since I’m going to be a teacher. I take into consideration some of these kids that are in band and choir, some of them don’t have the same Christmas traditions that other families have. Sometimes, this is all they have, so it’s nice to all gather together and perform for hundreds of people.”
While celebrating the end of the semester and the
beginning of the Christmas season, Dr. Smoak and Mrs. Dr. Tara Warfield also honor students like Gabbard and Burke, who are graduating and beginning careers. Dr. Smoak and Mrs. Dr. Warfield echo the idea that their success as professors has always been their students. Dr Smoak said that students like Gabbard and Burke, who are music education students, have so many hoops that they have to jump through in order to get to student teaching. Smoak described the way he and other faculty prepare their students for their futures, saying, “We have them set their own objectives as to what they want to get out of the degree and then lay the groundwork to help them achieve them. Then they have to have the self-motivating desire to get through all of those hoops.” Eric Gabbard graduates in May of 2025. After graduation, he hopes to move to Georgetown, Kentucky in July. He said, “I’m getting married to my fiancée, who’s already graduated from here, and we plan on teaching together.” Gabbard appreciated UC’s music program which he said “Has been really great building me up towards becoming a music teacher.” He credits the majority of his success to classes and additional conversations with Dr. Smoak, Mrs. Sudduth, and Mrs. Dr. Warfield.
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
PHOTO BY HANNAH PHILLIPS
Lifestyle Letter From the Editor in Chief
Merry Christmas, Patriots!
PHOTO COURTESY OF MORGAN ROBERTS
I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to Christmas break. Power through your finals; we’re almost there! It is with great excitement that I inform you that we will not be printing an issue when we come back for the Spring 2025 semester, as our staff will be partaking in a training program designed to help us better deliver University news to you. We are very blessed to have such an enthusiastic staff, and we look forward to our next issue in February.
In this week’s issue, please enjoy Nicholas’ recount of a women’s basketball win and a few Christmas recipes for you to try at home by Hannah. A short list of UC’s holiday activities is listed in Nic’s ‘Sleighing Finals.’ We honor Eric Gabbard and Kaylee Buke as they prepare to perform for Christmas at the Cumberlands for the last time as their senior year slowly inches toward its end. And as always, we offer a bit of entertainment with a word search by Nic Lewis.
I am very honored to have served University of the Cumberland students this Fall, and I look forward to growing and improving into the Spring semester. I wish to next point your attention to a bit of the Christmas story below told by Luke, a physician and follower of Jesus. We provide this excerpt as a reminder of why it is we celebrate this season with family, friends, food, and gifts!
I am blessed to be going home for Christmas and am very excited to participate in my sister Emily’s latest sewing project and listen to my sister Abigail practice her newest violin concerto piece. I’m hoping she knows some Christmas songs! Enjoy a happy, safe, and warm holiday season. See you all next year!
CHRISTMAS AT UC
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Gabbard said, “They have been super beneficial for my academic career” by teaching him how to sing, conduct, and teach. Kaylee Burke reflected on how much UC’s music program has benefited her.
She said, “When I came here, I didn’t know anybody. So, the first thing I did was panic. But I had a great support system of a lot of awesome professors like Mr. [Threlkeld], and the Sudduths; whenever they were here, they were really good to me. Mr. Corcoran, he’s always just right there in your corner, like giving you that ‘big dad hoorah,’ and D-Rock, Doctor Warfield, and Tara.”
Staff
Editor- in- Chief
Morgan Roberts
Managing Editor
Filippa Malmstrom
Social Media Coordinator
Shayra Calderon
Staff Writers
Nicholas Jackson
Alexander Legg
Nic Lewis
Hannah Phillips
Sydney Schwenke
Staff Photographers
Lilly Mckeehan
Jonah Mumford
Brittany Smith
Faculty Advisor
Jeremiah Massengale
Mrs. Dr. Tara Warfield said that as she has taught Gabbard and Burke, she has “watched them grow up to this point, so you’re excited to see them go out and do great things. But it’s sad seeing people go, especially strong leaders like Eric and Kaylee.” She reflected on the students she has seen come and go, saying, “They leave a hole, but then usually they’re their students who come in, you know, and they kind of fill those holes enough, just kind of how that works. But it’s always a little bittersweet to watch them go.”
The Christmas Story
Luke 2:6-14 (NIV)
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
BY: NIC LEWIS STAFF WRITER
Sleighing Your Finals Balancing
Exams and Holiday Cheer
With the end of the year approaching, there are tons of things on students’ minds, such as holidays, breaks, sporting events, and capstones- one thing of which is for certain: finals. Which conveniently lands at the same time. I’m sure that when Andy Williams sang “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” he wasn’t referring to finals. With the end of the semester approaching, everyone’s eyes are on a screen and nose in a book. Reviewing what has been accomplished and compiled in the past eight weeks can be daunting.
Students spend several hours studying during finals week compared to the previous weeks.Although there is pressure to receive the grade students wish for to pass the semester and continue with their academic growth, it is essential to prioritize health and maintain an effective study routine to get the best results out of the hard work students have contributed all year.
Whether students know they work well effectively studying alone or with a study group, these tips could benefit the overall studying experience: One of which is eliminating procrastinating. Procrastination may feel like a warm and cozy blanket that just came out of the dryer, but just like time, it can get cold, heavy, and stress-inducing, like finals week. With finals week coming up, it is essential to know that eight weeks of content is a lot to cover in a single week. Studying in increments before finals week over course content allows for a more increased focus
on the content than worrying about covering it all in a week. Be aware of deadlines and what significant points were covered in class! Following with eliminating distractions while studying. It is vital for students to find a place where they study best and to have self-limitations on any distractions like scrolling on TikTok for hours. There are many ways to limit distractions. One technique that some students use to balance study time increments and personal time is called the Pomodoro technique. A Pomodoro technique is a time management method that breaks working into short, focused intervals separated by brief breaks, such as setting a timer and studying for 25 minutes, avoiding distractions and limited interruptions, and taking a short 5-minute break afterward. This is usually repeated until satisfied. The idea of the Pomodoro technique is to eliminate burnout and increase motivation. There are several videos on YouTube where people are doing “study with me,” a video of them studying with no dialogue, often followed by music to help others maintain accountability and study alongside someone.
Lastly, sleep is important! Many studies have been conducted in researching the effectiveness of memory and sleep. It’s been shown that sleep has enhanced the mind’s capacity to concentrate and reclaim knowledge. While it may be a vicious cycle, all-nighters to study, needing sleep, stressing about finals, and not getting enough sleep because of the stress of the finals...the less sleep students have, the less likely they retain material. Receiving at least seven hours of quality sleep (or more) is recommended.
University of the Cumberlands Campus Activity Board, or U.C.’s C.A.B., recognizes the struggle of finals week in “The 12 Days of a Cumberland’s Christmas.”
The twelve days consist of various festive activities, each following chronologically from Dec. 1st to the 12th, with daily activities catering to students like Resident hall Christmas parties, Christmas at the Cumberlands, and pictures with Santa Pete. With C.A.B. recognizing the stress and pressure from finals, on finals week, Dec. 9th to Dec. 12th.
They have some events offering students a place to enjoy some study breaks, such as:
● Dec. 8th, C.A.B. is hosting an Exam Scram at the T.J. Robert’s Dining Hall from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
● Dec. 9th, C.A.B. is hosting a study break movie in ‘The Mid,’ to watch Buddy the Elf at 7:00 PM.
● Dec. 10th, C.A.B. is hosting a study break in ‘The Mid,’ serving coffee and donuts at 7:00 PM. While finals week may feel like the ultimate test, remember that this is just one chapter in the academic journey. By staying focused, taking care of oneself, and managing time effectively, Students will not just survive finals but thrive through them! With all the hard work completed, the embrace of a break and holiday season is well ahead. Let’s sleigh those finals!
Sweater Weather Snacks
Easy Winter Recipes for the Holidays
BY: HANNAH PHILLIPS STAFF WRITER
With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy festive snacks or desserts with your roommate, study partner, or friends. Without access to an oven, options for Christmas snacks seem limited- but don’t fret. These dorm-friendly recipes make them perfect for any college student looking for an oven-free recipe. Nothing quite brings a group together like a pick-me-up snack, and these three dishes will cure your late-night cravings. Chocolate Covered Pretzels: This crunchy snack is both easy and cost-friendly. To start, melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments. Then, dip mini pretzels or pretzel rods halfway into the choco-
late, letting the excess drip off. If desired, place the pretzels on parchment paper and sprinkle with red and green sprinkles. Once coated, let them cool in the fridge or at room temperature until the chocolate hardens and sets, which should take about 15-20 minutes. These pretzels are perfect for snacking or gifting during the holiday season!
Santa Hat Strawberries:
This fun, fruity snack is both delicious and adorable. To begin, wash a medium-sized container of strawberries. Let them fully dry, or you may pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut the green end off, giving yourself a flat surface of the strawberry. Next, using a Ziploc bag, pipe a small circle of whipped cream and place the strawberry in the middle. The circle should go around the bottom of the berry. Put a small dollop on top, and you’ve made a tiny Santa hat! This recipe is quick and fun, and these berries make a perfect snack for any potluck or late-night gathering.
No Bake Healthy Sugar Cookie Bites:
This quick recipe offers a fun, healthy option to pick you up between classes or for an early morning breakfast. Add three tablespoons of almond butter, three tablespoons of maple syrup, one teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Mix these ingredients well until everything is combined. Then, add one cup of almond flour. Mix it well, then place it into the fridge to set for about 10 minutes. Next, roll the balls of dough. This last step is option-
al, but these bites go great with a sprinkle of sugar or sprinkles on top. This recipe is excellent for your wintertime sugar cookie cravings.
If you try out any of these recipes, tag us on Instagram @UCTHEPATRIOT.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HANNAH PHILLIPS
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTANY SMITH
PHOTO COURTESY OF HANNAH PHILLIPS
PHOTO COURTESY OF FILIPPA MALMSTROM
BY: NICHOLAS JACKSON STAFF WRITER
Patriots Power Past Midway
The Patriots Women’s Basketball
PHOTO BY LILLY MCKEEHAN
The University of the Cumberlands Patriots outlasted the Midway Eagles in a highenergy contest, pulling away in the second half to claim a 92-84 win on Randy Vernon Court. Fueled by a dominant third quarter, the Patriots improved to 9-1 on the season, while the Eagles fell to 3-3 in this closely contested non-conference battle.
The game began with Cumberlands taking an early lead off a layup from Kaylie Monday. However, Midway quickly answered, going on an 8-2 run to take control. Lakin Burke brought the Patriots back into contention with a pair of quick baskets, tying the game at 8-8. The Eagles surged ahead late in the quarter, but a determined UC rally, highlighted by a putback from Joy Kendrick and a Jaiden Cox layup, gave the Patriots a narrow 20-19 lead as the quarter closed.
Lead changes and ties marked the second quarter as both teams fought for momentum. Midway opened with six unanswered points, but Cumberlands responded with a 9-3 run, including key buckets from Kendrick and Monday, to reclaim a slim lead. The intensity escalated with ten lead changes in the final five
minutes of the half. Midway’s A’Lyrica Hughes kept the Eagles in the game with strong drives to the basket, while UC’s Kassie Monday hit a clutch layup in the final seconds to give the Patriots a 44-43 advantage heading into halftime.
The turning point came in the third quarter. Midway regained the lead early with a layup from Hughes, but UC’s offense found its rhythm. A free throw by LeeAnna McNulty tied the game before a three-pointer from Kaylie Monday swung the momentum in UC’s favor. The Patriots went on a 12-2 run, fueled by sharp shooting from Brittni Allison and strong inside play from McNulty and Burke. UC’s defense also tightened, with Kendrick and Burke combining for critical stops. The Patriots outscored Midway 29-15 in the quarter, entering the final period with a commanding 73-58 lead.
Midway opened the fourth quarter with a determined push, cutting UC’s lead to 77-63 with a string of baskets. A transition layup from Burke and a corner three by Payton Acey helped the Patriots maintain their advantage. The Eagles mounted one last charge, with Hughes and Jermyra Christian leading an 8-2 run to narrow the deficit to nine points with just over a minute left. However, a quick transition bucket by Kendrick and two free throws from Brittni Allison sealed the game for UC, ending in a 92-84 victory. The Patriots showcased their depth and balance, with five players scoring in double figures. Kaylie Monday led with 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while McNulty posted a career-high 18 points and 13 rebounds off the bench. Burke added 18 points and six rebounds, providing a strong presence in the post. Hughes and Christian paced Midway, each scoring 18 points. Kassidy Daugherty added 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, while Jenna Phelps contributed
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13 points and four assists off the bench. The Patriots’ explosive third quarter was the difference-maker, as they capitalized on defensive stops and efficient shooting to create separation. Midway’s strong fourthquarter rally highlighted their resilience, but the Eagles ultimately couldn’t overcome UC’s balanced attack and timely plays.
The win bolsters Cumberlands’ case as one of the top teams in the country, while Midway showed they can compete with elite programs. Both teams will look to build on the lessons from this thrilling matchup as the season progresses. Cumberlands also enjoyed a pair of MSC honors, with Kendrick winning MSC Defensive Player of the Week and Kaylie Monday receiving Offensive Player of the Week. After the game, Kendrick expressed her feelings about the game and receiving her honor, and she said, “Thankful for the honor, but I absolutely couldn’t do it without my teammates, coaches, and most importantly, the Lord. We have quotes like ‘For His Glory’ that’s written on our team gear and, of course, the ‘One Big Team’.” The Patriots will be in action next Friday, December 13, vs Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
BY: NIC LEWIS STAFF WRITER
