The Spectator 4/25/2019

April 25, 2019

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Special Edition

Senior Art Exhibition Spring Art Exhibition . . . pg. 2 VSU NFL Draft Hopeful . . . pg. 3

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The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com

April 25, 2019

NEWS Slide into ‘Home Plate’ at this book signing Maria Sellers

Staff Writer mlsellers@valdosta.edu A signing for a new book will be coming to the book store this week, but this time, it’s different.

This book isn’t like any other.

Written by a Blazer Nation member, it strikes close to home.

The signing, which will take place at 6 p.m. on April 25 in the University Center’s Dogwood Room, will honor the book “Home Plate,” written by VSU freshman Remington Walls and his mother, Stephanie Walls.

“Home Plate” details Remington’s life, baseball career and challenges he’s had to overcome from living with a severe form of Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, an allergic/immune condition that makes it hard for people to eat

certain foods.

Just like every condition, EoE affects everyone differently. But Remington is one in the small number of people who cannot eat any solid food at all without getting drastically sick. Instead, he has a special medicinal formula he relies on to help him get necessary nutrients.

In the book, the pair gives an in-depth look at how Remington has dealt with EoE from the time of his diagnosis at age 3 to last summer, when he wrote the book.

The Walls’ encouragement and desire to write “Home Plate” came from years of people asking them to share their story.

“My mom and I have been asked for years,” Remington Walls, co-author and Blazer Baseball team manager, said.

“‘Are you guys going to write a book?’ ‘You guys should share your story.’”

When the opportunity to write “Home Plate” came, the Walls decided to take it since they wanted to inspire and make an impact on people with any type of illness or difficult medical situation.

“Home Plate” not only aims to tell Remington’s story but also to shed light on his challenges to others.

One of Remington’s personal difficulties is meeting new people who do not understand his situation. The major athletic challenge he’s faced during his baseball career was his need to come back stronger after being injured.

While “Home Plate” details the challenges, the overall theme of the book is not negative but inspi-

rational, as Remington explains how he has stayed strong despite living with the condition.

This inspirational theme is what he hopes students gain from reading the book and attending the book signing event.

“The biggest thing I want people to get out of the book is that no matter what you’re going through, you can always push through,” Remington said. “Even if you don’t see a way out, there always is a way out. The sun will always rise; it doesn’t stay dark forever.”

Remington’s driven nature and refusal to let anyone define him based on his medical condition are what pushed him to become an inspirational author. “[D]octors and other people have always put limits on me, and

I never listened to them,” Remington said. “I believed in me, so that’s how I got here.”

Becoming an author helped Remington find the courage and strength to keep going, attend college and pursue his passion for baseball throughout his life.

Since he wrote the book before he came to college, it does not detail his experience so far at VSU, but it is a big part of his life story from this point on.

“College has been a great experience,” Remington said. “It’s everything I thought it’d be. It’s part of my story—meeting new people and having to adapt in a new environment.”

Students who attend get and purchase the book gets signed copies of “Home Plate.”

Pop Addict: Beyonce, Endgame,music recap Jacorey Moon

Special Projects Manager jxmoon@valdosta.edu Hello to all my pop addicts of VSU. It has been a week since I’ve talked to you last.

Hope that your house is in order, while you worrying about other folks business!

Just kidding!

I’ve got a nice cup of jade citrus mint tea brewing, so let’s get into it.

Following the mass hysteria that it sent Beyoncé’s fans in—I was a part of the hysteria—Netflix has confirmed that “Homecoming” was only the first film out of three that will be delivered by the one, the only, Beyoncé Giselle KnowlesCarter.

Netflix also said that she will receive a whopping $60 million for these features.

I’m sorry, but we had to stan!

Now, in 2016, Beyoncé went on tour with her Formation World Tour.

The fans were pestering the queen, in person and on social media, for a DVD of the tour, and she never gave the fans any type of attention.

On Monday, the queen let her petty out and released “Where is the Formation World Tour DVD” merchandise. *Insert crying and skull emoji.* Then, hours later, she released her 2016 album “Lemonade” to all streaming services.

Queen didn’t allow for her albums to be streamed, but all of a sudden they all are on streaming services?

This led fans to be VERY SUSPICIOUS of her next moves.

My theory—this is just mine,

nobody else has to believe it—is that she released BeyChella to Netflix and created a live album.

Next, she’ll release the Formation World Tour DVD and finally, she’ll release her next album, or B7, as its affectionately referred to, on Netflix and will once again, shatter the world.

She’s a LEGEND. Nobody’s doing what she’s doing. AND THAT’S FAX, NO PRINTER! Argue with your mother, not me! Moving on!

The Jonas Brothers are releasing a new album, and the whole entire internet is fangirling anxiously.

And honestly, is it bad that I’m not that excited?

I hope the music will be great and be successful, but I have a fear that it’ll sound dated.

If you venture back to 2016, when Joe Jonas’ group DNCE released its album, it just sounded very... late, to say the least.

Either way, I hope that our childhoods will be avenged with great honor.

Megan Thee Stallion continues to climb the charts with her club hit “Big Ole Freak.”

I’m personally excited to see how far the single will go. Real hot, GIRL! Get your tickets for Endgame and make sure that you use the bathroom before the movie.

I’ve been told that the threehour feature is inescapable.

You have to watch every scene.

FKA twigs, THE DOLL, has a new single out, “Cellophane.”

We’re here for it.

It was time for the funky, alternative girl to return to music.

Azealia Banks has a new Twitter account.

We honestly want her to just go ahead and delete it.

Thanks, love.

We don’t want your problematic ways back on our timelines.

Remeber to check back here.

Avengers: Endgame” has debuted, and America finally gets to search watch.

Arelexus Brown/ THE SPECTATOR The 2019 senior class at Valdosta State University were allowed a time to shine at the Senior Exhibition, where the gallery showcases art of several media and tradititnal paintings.

VSU’s Arts & Design celebrates 2019 senior class with artistry Seniors were showcased at the first ever Spring Exhibition, presenting tons of work

Maria Sellers

Staff Writer mlsellers@valdosta.edu The art and design class of spring 2019 is going out with a bang.

On Apr 20, 16 seniors were allowed a chance to shine at the opening of the Senior Exhibition, titled “Convergence,” at the Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery.

The gallery showcases art of varying media, from photography and lithography to sculptures and traditional paintings.

Participation in the annual exhibition is required for all senior art and design students. Instructors use the exhibition to teach students how to properly and professionally display their art.

The creative processes can take anywhere from an entire semester to two years prior to the show.

While the exhibition has no particular theme, each student specializes in an art form that interests them most.

Each piece of work is unique to each student and mirrors that interest.

Senior Nikki Dignan specializes in what she describes as “urban

exploration” photography. Dignan enjoys exploring and photographing abandoned places that many would otherwise ignore.

“People call these abandoned places ‘eye sores’ and ‘ugly,’” Dignan said. “I find that it’s important to show the good and the ‘ugly’ side of the outside world.”

On the other hand, Ericka Stokes cites mythology and Nordic culture as an inspiration for her art.

“My artwork focuses on the idea of escapism,” Stokes said.

Stokes’ metal piece “Vegvisir Talisman” was inspired by Viking artifacts.

While some are inspired by places and culture, many students drew inspiration from real life and personal experiences into their artwork.

Armani Bibbs’ and Jasmine Frazier’s works focused on the experience and perspective of being an African American, as well as the subconscious struggles that come with being a person of color.

Ashley Smith cited death and transformation as her main inspirations for her work.

“These works show more of myself by displaying the trial I

have experienced, particularly in terms of physical appearance and transformation,” Smith said. “My own abnormalities become the subjects of my work.”

Smith’s piece “Come Undone” reflects her experience of having her cleft lip repaired.

Mitch Ogletree, who pulls his inspiration from the Surrealist movement, also describes the art process as personal. It has allowed him to self-reflect and learn more about himself.

Through varying art forms, visitors to the gallery can learn more about each graduating senior’s interests and personal experiences.

“There is no wrong or right way to make art,” Stokes said.

The spring 2019 art and design students hope their art represents their program well and can help students and residents in the community appreciate and enjoy art.

Some of the student pieces are for sale, while others will be kept by their artists.

The “Convergence” Senior Exhibition is available for viewing Monday through Friday until May 6.

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The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com

April 25, 2019

people and places

‘Its been a journey’: Gauthney after Football Prince Robinson

Sports Editor parobinson@valdosta.edu The football career of LaVonne Gauthney has seen its fair share of oddity.

After graduating from Reynoldsburg High School in 2012, Gauthney took a brief stop at a military academy, had several position changes, competed at VSU and, ultimately, won a national championship.

He hugged former VSU head coach Kerwin Bell with an enormous smile.

As the confetti fell and the shine was set free from the NCAA Division II trophy, the speculation began: What’s next for Gauthney?

Nobody knows, along with hundreds of other NFL hopefuls.

Gauthney remains optimistic of his future.

“Its been a journey,” Gauthney said. “I trained with Butch Reynolds in Columbus, Ohio. I am just waiting on a team to give me an opportunity.”

The NFL Draft begins on April 25 and ends April 27.

Gauthney, along with teammates Stephen Denmark and Iseoluwapo Jegede, hopes to hear his name selected by one of the 32 teams.

Gauthney, listed as six-footthree-inches tall and 314 lbs, can either get himself picked in the seven rounds (by performing in private workouts) or sign as an undrafted free-agent weeks after the draft unfolds.

Former VSU tackle Ryan Schraeder signed as a UDFA to the Atlanta Falcons in 2013.

Gauthney could follow this path.

Before VSU, Gauthney graduated from the University of Akron in December 2017. One season of eligibility remained.

The Blazers came calling and Gauthney served as a staple in the offensive line, which featured Brandon Kemp, Tikere Ralands, All-GSC selection Jeremy King and others.

“It was great playing at VSU with the coaches and team,” Gauthney said. “Coach Darveau taught me a lot and playing a new position helped as well“ In 2013, Gauthney played defensive tackle for Hargrave Military Academy before signing with the Akron Zips. Once there he redshirted in 2014.

Akron used Gauthney primarily as a tight end and a special team’s player during the 2015 season.

He was moved to center in 2016, and was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List in 2017.

Photo Courtesy of VSU. After winning a national championship at VSU, LaVonne Gauthney waits for a team to give him an opportunity.

He started only four games in his last season with the Zips.

In the national championship game between VSU and Ferris State, Gauthney was a vital piece in protecting Rogan Wells and opening holes for Jamar Thomp-

kins and Seth McGill.

The Blazers finished the season 14-0 and defeated the Bulldogs 49-47.

Gauthney was a participant in Akron’s pro day on March 22. He showed his versatility on the of-

fensive line, occupying both guard and center positions.

“It went pretty well,” Gauthney said of the pro day. “I did the normal testing and OL drills.”

All 32 NFL teams were represented at the event.

A breath of fresh air:

Valdosta looks to attract VSU students downtown Grant Palmer

Staff Writer palmergrant32@gmail.com On any given weekend, you can find VSU students enjoying nightlife in various locations in and around campus. But one of those locations isn’t normally Downtown Valdosta.

The City of Valdosta is looking for ways to change that and to drive more traffic, including VSU students, to the downtown area.

Currently, Valdosta has an ordinance that requires businesses that sell alcohol to also sell food and requires 50 percent of every establishment’s profits to come from serving food. The ordinance has resulted in Downtown Valdosta’s nightlife becoming limited to few restaurants that serve alcohol.

However, city officials have recently discussed loosening this ordinance to potentially attract more bars and, in turn, consumers to the downtown area.

The goal is not only to attract more downtown traffic but to ensure that everyone has a good, safe time as well.

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle is one of the officials behind this initiative.

Gayle wants to implement a transportation system that can carry students and patrons back to campus or bus stops from the downtown area. This would help increase traffic downtown and simultaneously give rides to people unable to drive. This would also make it so that patrons wouldn’t

have to order an Uber.

John Gay, a server at the popular downtown establishment Steel Magnolia, believes that loosening the ordinance would bring more people and students downtown.

But the tradeoff would be more people coming downtown to drink, which is what the city aims to avoid.

“The city is trying to get people not just to go out and eat but also to explore the area, [to] shop and [to] have an experience while out and about downtown,” Gay said.

Gayle said the downside of changing the ordinance would be the inevitable issues that come with alcohol consumption.

“We’ve had full-time bars cause

us a lot of problems in the past,” Gayle said.

VSU student athlete Taj Taylor said that he doesn’t go downtown because he doesn’t think it’s the type of place that college students would enjoy.

“It’s not the same type of atmosphere,” Taylor said. “The reason I don’t go downtown is because

Valdosta city officials hope to bring student business to Downtown Valdosta.

I don’t know the environment. I don’t know why my friends don’t go. And I don’t think it would suit my interests.”

However, the idea of a downtown with more exciting nightlife piques Taylor’s interest.

“That would be outstanding,” he said. “I would definitely check it out.”

Seth Willard/The Spectator