The Appalachian, October 2023 edition

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October 11, 2023

Remembering Chancellor Peacock pg. 3 Noelia Watkins

Accessibility on campus pg. 4

Family farm pg. 9

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CONTACTS | GAMES JENNA GUZMAN editor-in-chief editor@theappalachianonline.com

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NEWS

Remembering Chancellor Peacock Siri Patterson | News Editor Cameron Marshall | Reporter

A day before game day, on a cloudy and rainy afternoon, the bright and ringing sound of trombones and the banging of snare drums blasted across campus.

The Marching Mountaineers gathered outside of the Schaefer Center in the rain to give former Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock a final reprise of the game day music he loved so dearly Peacock died Oct. 6 at the age of 75.

Chancellor Sheri Everts sent an email that afternoon notifying the university of his death, describing who Chancellor Peacock was and what he meant to App State.

“He is remembered by former students who learned from him in the classroom, by the colleagues he mentored and supported as a Department Chair and Dean, and by the many lives he touched in more than 30 years at Appalachian State University, ” Everts wrote in the email.

Friends and family of Peacock gathered at the Schaefer Center for a celebration of life ceremony Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. Around 400 people attended.

Peacock moved to Boone in 1983, beginning his career at App State teaching taxation and accounting.

Peacock established the College of Health Sciences and opened a new building for the Reich College of Education, Everts said.

“Former Chancellor Ken Peacock’s leadership has been transformative for App State and for higher education in North Carolina,” Gov. Roy Cooper wrote on X. “He worked hard to support his students and faculty and will be sorely missed.”

While Peacock was chancellor from 2004-14, he grew the university’s enrollment from 14,653 to 17,838 students, according to the App State Peacock tribute page.

Peacock worked to ensure App State students had not only financial support, but also personal and professional support they needed to succeed, Everts wrote.

Chancellor Kenneth Peacock and his wife Rosanne Peacock stand with the 2012 Homecoming King, then senior secondary math education major Ish Gomez, and Queen, then senior theatre arts major Pami Cuevas, at the 2012 Homecoming game against Elon University. Photo by Paul Heckert | The Appalachian

Professor Emory Daniel teaches in the Communication Department and was in undergrad when Peacock was tenured, and shared some memories with the former chancellor.

Daniel said he got a letter in his P.O. Box, inviting him to dinner at the chancellor’s house.

“About maybe 20 students got to hang out and eat dinner,” Daniel said.

“He stopped by every table, asked us individually what we were doing and it was around that time I was entertaining graduate school.”

Peacock was leaning for Daniel to go to Louisiana State University for grad school, knowing that Peacock got his doctorate there.

“He was in full support when I got into Virginia Tech for my masters,” Daniel said. “He’s really supportive to the point where he actually wrote me a letter of recommendation.”

Daniel said Peacock was student focused and student driven. If Daniel ever needed to talk to him, he could schedule an appointment and sit down with Peacock.

Preston Powell said during the celebration of life ceremony that he was one of the many students whose life

was directly impacted by Peacock.

Powell, an App State alum from 2001, said he was presenting to his class when Peacock popped into the room and sat down to listen. Afterward, Peacock approached him and asked if he was interested in participating in a study abroad program in China. Powell said he was hesitant because he was on the football team and didn’t want to lose his position.

Powell said Peacock, who was always a source of humor, said “I’ve seen you play football,” convincing Powell to forfeit his position on the team and take the trip to China.

“And, I know I’m one of hundreds, perhaps thousands of kids, students, who he took a personal interest in, not just for that semester. He followed up,” Powell said.

Greg Lovins, the former vice chancellor of business affairs, said he worked with Peacock for the majority of the time he spent at App State.

In that time, Lovins said he played constant witness to the love App State students, faculty and staff had for Peacock.

Lovins said walking around campus with Peacock always took much longer

“because he was a rock star.”

“Anytime he took that walk, students stopped him, and faculty, and staff,” Lovins said. “And they stopped him and engaged him and wanted to talk with him, and he, of course, wanted to talk with them in return.”

Lovins said there were many things the former chancellor and his wife, Rosanne Peacock, did to engage students. He said one fond memory he has of Peacock was seeing him “surf a table” across the student section during home football games.

While Peacock had a panache for comedy, he took the concern and well-being of students extremely seriously, Lovins said.

“Ken believed in hiring good leaders and letting us do our jobs, but he strongly believed in teamwork,” Lovins said. “He said every success is a shared success. Every problem is a shared problem, and it takes us all to solve it.”

According to the tribute page, Peacock established a scholarship program called ACCESS for low income and first generation students in North Carolina to earn a college degree debt free.

ACCESS was one of the many ways that Peacock expressed his support for all students, Lovins said.

Family members of Peacock requested that anyone wishing to contribute to the memorial service monetarily instead donate to the Murray Family ACCESS program, according to Peacock’s obituary.

During his time as chancellor, App State football won three FCS championships in the years of 2005, 2006, 2007, according to App State’s website.

After winning the first two championships, Peacock began toting the trophies around with him in his car, referring to them as “the twins,” Lovins said. After the third championship, the twins turned into the trio.

During his time, App State football’s first game of the 2007 season was won in an upset against Michigan 34-32 with a game-winning field goal.

“Our hearts are with the Peacock

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family and all who knew and loved former Chancellor Peacock,” App State football head coach Shawn Clark wrote.

“As the university’s leader during the national championship years and when App State joined the Sun Belt Conference and the FBS level, he had a huge impact on the success of App State Football and the legacy upon which we are building today,” wrote Clark.

Peacock is survived by his wife, Rosanne Peacock, two sons, and his five grandchildren, according to his obituary.

The Rev. John Fitzgerald said during the ceremony that Kenneth Peacock could not speak about his family “without the light coming on in his eyes.”

“He loved you deeply and dearly.

He loved App State deeply and dearly.

And I suspect he loved everyone in this auditorium deeply and dearly,” Fitzgerald said.

While he devoted much of his time and energy to the University and its students, Fitzgerald said Peacock was always there for his family, friends and members of his church.

Peacock ran a Sunday school class through the Boone United Methodist Church of which Lovins was a member.

Peacock called the group the FUN class, which stood for “friends under 99, because everyone was welcome,” Lovins said.

Fitzgerald said the group continues to meet today and often talk about Peacock and the influence he had on their lives.

“There’s a lot of projects on this campus that need help. Don’t wait for someone to ask. Find something. And if you can’t, if it can’t be something that is a transferable currency, the most valuable thing you have is your time,” Powell said at the ceremony.

“Ken devoted his entire life to the service of others.”

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NEWS

‘We are not there yet’: Accessibility at App State Siri Patterson | News Editor

Caroline Russell said she faces a lack of understanding about her disabilities at least once a day as a student at App State.

“Unless you live it, no one knows,” said Russell, a junior public relations major.

Russell is deaf and was recently diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a dysautonomia condition that affects her blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.

She said much of her time as a Mountaineer is spent trying to make the campus accessible for herself and others. She contacts the Disability Resources unit of the Office of Access and Equity at least once a week during a typical semester, she said.

Russell is one of the many students, faculty and staff members with disabilities at App State. Many people at the university, like Russell, use accommodations such as computer-assisted real-time transcriptions and medically necessitated breaks.

The ODR “determines access needs, applicable University resources/supports and eligibility of appropriate accommodations” for students, faculty and staff with disabilities, according to the website.

Anna Oakes, the news and media relations director for App State, wrote in an email ODR recieved two access concerns about physical accessibility through their website during the 20222023 school year.

When ODR receives a concern report, the ADA/504 Coordinator or another representative “will conduct a timely and impartial review of concerns and partner with relevant campus partners to resolve concerns,” Oakes wrote.

Every person with a disability is unique in their needs and the ODR builds accommodation plans based on an individual’s needs, according to the site.

Russell said her professors often struggle to understand what her accommodations mean and how to apply them.

“If the student doesn’t email them and explain all of this or, like, have a meeting and explain all of this, they’re either, like, not going to do it just for lack of understanding or they’re just not going to know what’s going on at

Sign points to the accessible ramp in front of the Student Recreation Center. Photo by Devon Richter

all,” Russell said.

She said her HIPAA privacy is frequently violated during classes when professors ask her to describe her disability privately or in front of other classmates.

“I don’t care to explain, like, it doesn’t bother me. But I’m sure other people have been in situations where, like, they would prefer not to answer those questions,” said Russell about being asked about her disability during class.

The ODR sends accommodation letters to professors that describe the accommodations of students in their courses. Within the accommodation letters are several links with brief explanations of what each accommodation is and how it may be applied to the class.

“Any disability information which is disclosed must be treated confidentially,” according to the ODR website.

“Conversations pertaining to disability should be held in private, rather than in the presence of peers or co-workers.”

There are many different kinds of accommodations available through the university, including alternative

formats of materials, testing accommodations and housing provisions.

One of the most difficult parts in obtaining accommodations, Russell said, is the specific language that must be used in the documentation from her doctor to get certain accommodations.

“They’ll send you this beautiful documentation and you’ll think it’ll be so good and then ODR will be like, ‘Actually no, like, it doesn’t say this, so therefore we can’t grant you this,’ and it’s like, who are you to say that,” Russell said.

Having recently received her diagnosis with POTS, Russell said she got to work submitting documentation in July for her accommodations. She received her accommodation letter the second week of September.

“Upon request, the Disability Resources (ODR) will review disability documentation and determine eligibility for academic adjustments or accommodations on the basis of disability,” Oakes wrote.

“ODR engages in a collaborative process and considers each individual’s condition, the request, and the essential elements of App State programs,

services and activities in determining eligibility.”

Boun Phanhvanh, a freshman at App State, said she does not use many accommodations. The few she does use are for areas outside the classroom, like the dining halls and dorms.

“Before I came to college last year, I was scared because I didn’t see any disabled person on the school webpage or on any website at all,” Phanhvanh said.

Both of Phanhvanh’s arms are amputated at the elbow and she said she was nervous to go to the dining halls because she has difficulty scooping her food with utensils. However, after talking to the staff at the dining halls she said her nerves were calmed and they have always been “extremely helpful.”

The overall experience she has had using accommodations has been positive, she said, but she would like to see continued improvements to the accessibility of App State’s campus.

Phanhvanh said she has difficulty swiping her AppCard to get into buildings or the dining hall. She also said the dryers in the dorm that are stacked on top are too tall for her to reach and

NEWS

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Outdoor ramp gives dual access for accessibility between the Campus Store and Sanford Mall. Photo by Devon Richter

are often the only ones not in use.

“It’s going to be hard on the school,” said Phanhvanh about the university addressing individual accessibility needs. “So, I feel that the school truly did do, like, you know, really tried their best. There’s definitely a place that can do better, for sure.”

Recently, Phanhvanh spoke on a panel titled, “We’re Here” with five other students, faculty and staff.

The panel is part of a series of talks taking place through September and October.

During the panel, Phanhvanh and the other panelists shared their unique experiences as people with disabilities, emphasizing that every disabled person’s experiences are not the same.

Cody Michael Henderson, an assistant director of Intercultural Student Affairs, said he wanted to use his role as a faculty member to help others with disabilities get the accommodations they need and request better accessibility.

“For me personally, my life as someone who has a disability is service to the community, and that’s one reason I went into higher education,” Henderson said. “I did not get the

support that I felt I needed as a person or student with a disability, and as a gay person with a disability and as a Christian person who is gay with a disability.”

Cliff Poole, another speaker on the panel, said he shares Henderson’s desire to provide a safe space for people with disabilities to discuss their wants and needs. Poole is an adjunct professor in the Department of Communication and speaks to his students about his experiences.

“The first day of class, I talk about my disabilities, and I share with them so that they can relate in some ways and feel that they can open up to me about the things they may be going through with their disabilities,” Poole said.

Some panelists described what accessibility concerns they have as members of the university.

“I go to buildings where I teach and they do not have accessible doors,” Poole said. “And so, when I’m having a day when I’m struggling with my legs it makes it very difficult for me to actually get in to teach my classes.”

Phanhvanh agreed with Poole during the discussion and said because

she has to get closer to non-automatic doors to open them, she has experienced getting hit in the head by doors by those coming out.

Greta Knigga-Daugherty said that in terms of accessibility, “we are not there yet.”

Knigga-Daugherty is a deaf senior lecturer and teaches ASL. She uses ASL only and during the panel an ASL interpreter spoke aloud to accommodate those who don’t use ASL. “After six years, I’m reaching my point where I’m like, ‘That’s enough,’” Knigga-Daugherty said. “We’ve got to address certain things that are in the works here. And I think that’s where I am right now.”

One of the struggles Knigga-Daugherty said she has with accessibility is in the communication between herself and the ODR. She said it often feels like they reach out to her with accommodations rather than asking her what she needs.

“I came here in 1988 and, sadly, I will tell you that walking around this campus isn’t any better than it was in 1988 and that disappoints me. It is a struggle,” Poole said.

Graphics by Gracean Ratliff

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NEWS

SDAP’s milestone: A decade of progress and success Cameron Marshall | Reporter

Started by a local parent and App State faculty member 12 years ago who wanted to give their children an opportunity to attend college, Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program gives students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to grow their personal development and other life skills.

Modeled after a program from Western Carolina University, App State’s program is one of three programs offered within North Carolina, with UNC-Greensboro being the third.

In an email update, SDAP Director Susan Hedges said NC State and NC Central will be adding SDAP as well.

“Western was a really great partner to us, helping start the program and giving us grant funding,” Hedges said.

“They weren’t able to use the entire grant, so they shared the grant with us.”

Within this comprehensive transition program for young adults, there are two main courses SDAP students take.

One course, called College and Beyond, focuses on incorporating life skills, independent living skills, decision making and conflict resolution.

The second course, called Career and Practical Living Skills, focuses on money management, health and wellness, said Assistant Director of SDAP, Beth Sibley.

“They are within the Child Development Literacy and Special Education program,” Sibley said. “This is a huge part of our program.”

These two classes are open to every student within the university and are not limited to SDAP students.

“We have incorporated stuff on relationships, including, friend, family and intimate relationships,” Sibley said.

Among the topics covered in this class is how to budget your money accordingly and includes “identifying wants versus needs, spending versus saving and how to read your paycheck.”

“It’s required for our students to take, but we have education majors, psychology majors and English majors,” said Person-centered Planning Advisor Kaitlyn Reda.

The main point of SDAP is its focus on inclusivity.

“They live in a dorm with degree

In addition to being the being the Director of SDAP, Susan Hedges also helps oversee the partnering club; Best Buddies. The club hosts “Fast Friending” giving members the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations about their partner’s hobbies, life experiences, what celebrity they would want to meet and many more. Sep. 21, 2023. Photo by Ashton Woodruff

seeking students, they are joining clubs with degree seeking students,” Sibley said. “95% of our classes are taken with other students, either graduate or undergraduate.”

This person-centered program utilizes graduate assistants to help advise students, working one-on-one with them.

“We use GAs who might be in a helping profession as their graduate work,” Hedges said. “They also teach the classes sometimes and do a variety of other work.”

There is a new mentorship program starting up within SDAP, hosted by the GAs. “Students in their second or third

year can mentor a student who’s just entered the program in their first year,” Hedges said.

A form of a peer mentoring program called College Life Fellows gives students the opportunity to live on campus with the scholars, according to the SDAP website.

Any student within the U.S., with certain qualifications, can apply to SDAP, but it so happens that the majority of the students in App State’s SDAP come from within the state.

“It just so happens that we don’t get many applicants from the outside,” Hedges said. “We are getting more interest. These programs are getting better known across the country.”

Across the country, there are about

40 of these programs, Hedges said.

This includes programs that have an option to live on campus.

“We’re a four-year program on campus and our students are eligible for financial aid,” Hedges said. “If you were to look at any program at a community college, or a four-year college, there are about 300 for anyone with an intellectual disability.”

It really speaks to the SDAP team that the current program evolved organically, including faculty and the community into the process as well, Hedges said.

“Some of the students from the early years, they’re here in town, living on their own,” Hedges said.

The former students might show

up to Best Buddies Club meetings, knock on the advisors’ doors and talk to them.

Best Buddies Club is an international organization that helps students with navigating the college experience.

This club can develop friendships and enhance their academic and social interaction skills, partnering with SDAP for over three years now, according to the Reich College of Education website.

“So when they come here and see there is a chapter here, they want to participate,” Hedges said. “I think they have 80 or 90 members now.”

GAMES & COMICS

CRC TAILGATE

VALBORG LAWN VS

COLLEGIATE RECOVERY

COMMUNITY Facebook {Appstate CRC} Instagram {crc_appsate} wellness.appstate.edu

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10TH 3-7 PM Free food, Fun, and Games See engage for more details

Answer to sudko puzzle

Comic by Madeline Maher

Comic by Yakira Gurganus

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ARTS & CULTURE

Creepin it real about Halloween costumes Ashley Kleiman & Evelyn Brown | Reporters Picking out a Halloween costume doesn’t always have to be a hassle.

With Halloween falling on a Tuesday, consider having multiple costumes planned. Costumes don’t have to be a difficult task to determine. Sometimes just throwing some clothes together from your closet and adding some accessories from the store can spook the night away. Whether you are planning a solo costume, a group costume or coordinating with your significant other, here are some ideas to get you ready and excited for Halloween.

A blast from the past: Group costume ideas Halloween is the perfect occasion to relive and embrace childhood nostalgia. Dressing up as a favorite childhood movie or television character is a good way to go. Below are a few ideas that might help to “reconnect” with your inner childhood self.

The characters of “Shrek” provide the perfect opportunity for friends to coordinate a group costume. With Shrek, Fiona, Lord Farquad, the Gingerbread Man, Puss in Boots and more, everyone in the friend group can be included. That black wig in the back of your childhood dress-up closet is ready for action and can be paired with knee pads to create the Lord Farquad look.

If you missed the chance to visit the Land of Oz in Beech Mountain during the month of September, don’t fret. Halloween is the perfect time to recreate your very own Land of Oz. With Dorothy, the Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda the Good Witch, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, there are plenty of options for both a group costume and a solo one.

It’s time to put those game day overalls – or any overalls – to work to become the perfect scarecrow. If you don’t have overalls, then it’s time to pull out your favorite flannel. If you’re feeling really festive, try stuffing your pockets with straw and using face paint to complete the look.

Dressing as someone from “Peter Pan” is another classic that could result in amazing Halloween costumes.

Whether you want to represent this film by yourself or with friends, there are multiple characters to choose

from, including Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy and even the Lost Boys.

“Alice in Wonderland,” another classic movie, can surely still be appreciated to this day. With so many unique characters, these costumes can be as creative as you want. Some options include but are not limited to, Alice, Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and the Caterpillar.

Being the iconic and funky Donna and the Dynamos is a great way to get a girl group together. Coordinate a fun dance to any of the chart topping “Mamma Mia” songs and throw on some gogo boots and a sparkly jumpsuit for an easy way to bring this group costume to life.

Dynamic duo costumes Halloween costumes do not always have to play by the “Mean Girls” rule.

Revealing costumes might not be your thing, like Regina George. Best friends seem to have good photos. A dynamic duo costume is a good way to get those photos. Popular dynamic duo characters such as Rick and Morty, Batman and Robin, Wayne and Garth, Mario and Luigi and The Blues Brothers have a fair chance at winning some costume contests. A trucker hat and some big glasses with any band shirt will turn you and your partner into the perfect Wayne’s World pair.

If romantic costumes are what is in store for you this year, the classic prince and princess duo is hard to outshine. Flynn and Rapunzel, the Princess and the Frog and the more unconventional Han Solo and Princess Leia could be a good way to go.

If you do not have a significant other on Halloween and just want a fun idea with a friend, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez from the “Bad Blood” music video may be a unique idea. You could transform into the best friend duo of Peyton Sawyer and Brooke Davis from the popular show “One Tree Hill” just by buying a cheer outfit. For all the redheads this season, Kim Possible and Shego, as well as Strawberry Shortcake and Lemon Meringue are cute and easy costumes for you and your blonde or brunette counterpart.

Solo and last minute costumes Solo costumes do not have to be boring this Halloween season. Pop culture icons like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Ken, and Maverick from Top Gun can be fun and easy to put together. You can take a scarier route with classic Halloween icons like Ghostface, Chucky, the Joker, Pennywise and Jennifer from “Jennifer’s Body.”

The iconic Nepo-baby trend of this year can easily be recreated with a fancy outfit and a shirt that says “Nepo-Baby.”

Last minute plans or procrastinating costumes can sometimes be stressful when Halloween is approaching.

Luckily, some costumes can be easily made or thrown together at the last minute. Throwing on a pair of animal ears can make any outfit into an easy costume, adding a pair of mouse ears and sunglasses to an outfit turns into a blind mouse in seconds. Putting together an all pink outfit with a prop can quickly transform you into a Barbie. For all the Taylor Swift fans out there, creating a look inspired by one of her ten eras is quick, simple and an excellent option for any Swiftie.

If time is running out there are plenty of nearby and local options such as Anna Banana’s, The Happy Place and Plato’s Closet to search for costume pieces.

Graphic by Mia Daly

ARTS & CULTURE

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‘Our little paradise’: Family farm brings pumpkins, festivities Meg Frantz | Reporter

she mows, pulls carts, helps with the booths and gives tours with her sister.

“I’ve always been in agriculture, and I’m near to Boone. It’s a good use of the property, so we tried our fall activities out. It started out small and it’s evolved into a tradition,” Tucker said.

He added that often visitors haven’t been exposed to agriculture before, so seeing them interested in the process is very exciting.

Tucker worked with App State football and Max Renfro, a videographer and App State alum, in October 2021 to film a jersey release video in the corn maze.

“I carved a pumpkin and put it on one of the guy’s head, and we filmed late into the night,” Tucker said.

In addition to videos, the farm often has plenty of photography opportunities such Owner, David Tucker and his two daughters, Coco on the left as sorority group and Ellee on the right standing with pride in front of their photos taken on corn maze. Sep. 14, 2023. Photo by Noelia Watkins the farm. The farm has also hosted several proposals, and the Tuckers usually hide the engagement ring in a pumpkin to add to the surprise element.

Eventually, the Tucker family wants to add a covered picnic area where they can do more group-related events. They also plan on looking into doing wedding events.

“When my girls get big enough to run it, they can help me expand what I do. They’re really good helpers around here,” Tucker said.

Ellee once carried 12 dozen pumpkins from the corn maze at For one family-owned farm in Deep Gap, the arrival of the fall season provides for an exciting experience, not only for the Tucker family, the owners of the farm, but also for visitors from the surrounding areas.

The New River Farm off of Highway 421 has hosted their fall event, beginning on Sept. 16 and running through Oct. 31, for close to 12 years.

The event includes a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and tram rides down to the New River and up the mountain to the Christmas tree farm.

Owner David Tucker said they start preparing the fields for pumpkins and corn in May and start planting in June. His two daughters, Coco, 12, and Ellee, 8, help with preparations and drive the tram rides. Coco said

the bottom of the hill to the Christmas trees at the top.

“The people around me asked if I needed help, but I handled it,” she said.

The farm currently has school groups come to the farm on Fridays as well.

As far as elementary school groups go, it’s not hard to keep them engaged. They tend to enjoy the pumpkins A tractor positioned by the corn maze at the New River Family Farm at sunset. Photo by Sam Fleming the most.

The Pokémon pumpkin, a small, yellow heirloom, is games, the Tucker family prefers to popular among App State students, keep things on the simple side.

Tucker said.

“We try to make it relaxing, we The farm has 60 - 80 different have chairs down by the river and types of pumpkins, and three types people come and bring picnics, take a of corn. Tucker said the Jarrahdale nap in a chair or relax. It’s a stay-allpumpkin, an Australian heirloom, day kind of thing,” Tucker said. “It’s is the best for making pies since it is our little paradise.” dense and sweet. Stick Boy Bread Company utilizes this pumpkin in their baked goods.

“The peanut pumpkin is also a good eating pumpkin. It looks like it has peanuts on the outside because of the texture as it grows,” Tucker said.

In addition to the crops, the farm has several animals.

“We have chickens and guinea fowls,” Coco said. “They’re hens from Africa and they’re usually gray, but they can also be purple, black and brown. They look a little like a zombie.”

If visitors are brave enough on tram tours, they can hike up the side of a hill with Coco and Ellee to a rock overhang to see a Native American trading post by the river.

Upkeeping a farm is no easy feat.

Tucker said it takes five hours to mow the fields every week, and they also clean up the creek and riverbanks.

While most fall festivals have flashy

Graphics by Jessie Entwisel

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ARTS & CULTURE

Magic, mushrooms and medicine: Alternative healing in the High Country Ella Adams | Managing Editor

It’s a brisk fall morning in Daniel Boone Park as vendors at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market prepare to sell their goods. Typical farmer’s market merchandise like fresh vegetables, gemstone jewelry and baked goods draw shoppers’ attention, along with some more uncommon market wares.

Sold within the rows of stands is medicine. Not ibuprofen or other over-thecounter drugs but teas, tinctures, salves and fungi. Medicine straight from Watauga’s backyard.

Southern Appalachia has a deep history of practicing alternative medicine. In recent decades, Appalachian Graphic by Gracean Ratliff

folk medicine has been catapulted into the mainstream, gaining popular attention through a surge of books, articles and documentaries removing the shroud of “mountain conjure.”

Referred to as granny magic, root work or folk healing, Appalachian folk medicine is simply medicine, no magic to it.

Medicine derived from local plants, fungi and herbs was first used by the indigenous populations in the region and was later adopted by European settlers. The combination of cultural practices over generations resulted in the manifestation of Appalachian folk medicine we know of today. The

centuries-old practice has largely remained a quiet tradition, passed from mother to daughter throughout the generations.

Senior Lyra Marlow reflected on her relationship with the folk medicine tradition. Born and raised in Rutherford County, Marlow’s great-grandmother practiced Appalachian home remedies.

“My family didn’t really call it folk medicine. It was, like, ‘Go buy elderberry syrup and drink that and your cough would go away,” Marlow said.

“It was just what people did.”

Marlow, an anthropology major, said she didn’t understand it as a practice until she was older and could research on her own.

“It’s the kind of thing that’s ingrained in you in a way that you don’t understand until you start being told by people who have degrees that this is a folk way or a traditional way of doing things,” Marlow said. But for her it’s “just life.”

As modern healthcare became more common and accessible in the region in the ‘70s and ‘80s, folk remedies were no longer relied on as primary care, Marlow said. Her great-grandmother passed down her knowledge of folk medicine in the family, but the tradition fell by the wayside.

“Now we’re circling back to ‘Healthcare is inaccessible, healthcare is expensive’ and we’re having to return to those things and I just think it’s important for me to relearn,” Marlow said.

Throughout studying Appalachian culture, Marlow came to recognize her great-grandmother as a practitioner of folk medicine.

“When I was an older teenager I became an Appalachian studies minor and I started reading and I realized ‘Oh that’s what she was, that’s what she did,’” Marlow said. “She definitely wouldn’t consider herself a witch or a practitioner or any of those things, she

just had knowledge of the area and the plants that grew there.”

Appalachian folk medicine can be a misunderstood tradition with some condescendingly referring to it as “hillbilly hoodoo,” Marlow said.

“I think that there’s some sort of air of mystery around any time we talk about folk medicine or magic. We think that it’s something you can’t talk about, it’s scary, it’s underground. But it’s just common sense knowledge of the land.”

Science also supports many of the remedies used in mountain medicine Elderberry has been a long-used remedy for colds, and it has been proven to reduce the length and severity of viruses. Ginseng can help build immunity and regulate blood sugar.

Yarrow is commonly used to soothe indigestion, but can also be used for menstrual pain and a laundry list of other uses.

But plants are not the only medicine growing from Appalachian soil.

Mushrooms are one of the most prolific medicinal organisms in the region and have been incorporated into folk, alternative and established medicine in a variety of ways.

Avery Hughes, owner of local business High Country Fungi, said Appalachia has a cache of fungi diversity and assemblage of medicinal mushrooms.

“Appalachia in general has over 20,000 species of fungi, which only 2,300 have been identified. Especially the southern region of Appalachia, which we are in, has the highest diversity,” Hughes said.

Because folk medicine is commonly passed down as an oral tradition, Hughes said there are “fragmented cultural uses” of mushrooms in the region. A recorded example of mushroom medicine is the use of puffball mushrooms by indigenous groups as a coagulant. Mixing the spores of the

mushroom with spider webs and bark created an antibacterial combination used for wound and burn care.

Hughes was first introduced to the medicinal benefits of mushrooms when an herbalist prescribed him reishi for health benefits. Known to lower cholesterol, boost energy, regulate blood sugar and provide anti-tumor properties, reishi is one of the top sellers for High Country Fungi.

In addition to reishi, lion’s mane also greatly influenced Hughes’ wellbeing. The number one selling mushroom improves focus, memory and mental clarity. Early research suggests lion’s mane can prevent and alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, Hughes said.

Hughes experienced significant benefits from taking mushrooms as medicinal supplements and saw that others were also interested in using mushrooms for their health benefits.

Starting High Country Fungi was “something I could offer to my local community and kind of help educate them,” Hughes said.

Southern Appalachia is home to many easily foraged medicinal mushrooms like turkey tail, chaga, lion’s mane and reishi. Each provides a slew of benefits including anti-cancer properties, immune system regulation, energy boost and memory retention.

The medicine can be consumed in a variety of ways including powders, extracts, teas or capsules, Hughes said.

The lion’s mane is the first to go at the High Country Fungi farmer’s market stand, indicating alternative medicine may not be all “hillbilly hoodoo” afterall.

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OCTOBER 2023 Sunday

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Electric Cellist Brianna Tam Live @ 7:30 PM

Coco Live-ToFilm Concert @ 7 PM 22

Woolly Worm Festival @ 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. 29

Rocky Horror Picture Show @ 6 P.M.

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United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants @ 7 P.M.

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Fall events in the High Country

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Rocky Horror Picture Show @ 6 P.M.

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October 14 - Electric Cellist Brianna Tam Live will perform at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country from 7:30-10 p.m.

October 19 - The Schaefer Center will host Disney and Pixar’s “Coco Live-to-Film Concert on Tour” at 7 p.m.

October 21-22 The 46th Annual Woolly Worm Festival will be held at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

October 23 - Homecoming Kick Off will be on Sanford Mall with check-in at 5:30 p.m. and the race beginning at 6 p.m.

October 25 - The Schaefer Center will be hosting the United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants at 7 p.m. for a night of music honoring veterans.

October 27 - The 2023 Appalachian State University Homecoming Parade will start at 6 p.m. in front of John E. Thomas Hall and travel along Rivers Street.

October 28-29 The cult classical musical film “Rocky Horror” will be shown at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country with a shadow cast of actors from Alpha Psi Omega.

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SPORTS

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Nate Noel’s climb in the High Country Kurt Zottl | Reporter From Miami to Boone, the scenery is certainly different for star junior running back Nate Noel. But the talent has not changed from those two places.

Noel was named First-Team AllCounty from the Miami Herald, and now has a First-Team All-Sun Belt honor to his name at the collegiate level. The 5’10” tailback accomplished so much already, but with that, Noel still wants more.

Noel attended Northwestern High School in Miami before coming to App State in spring of 2020. During his senior year in 2019, Northwestern High won their third-straight 5A State Title, where Noel totaled 1,556 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns and helped lead the team to a 13-2 record.

Additionally, Noel was on the 4x100 meter relay team, winning a state championship.

Noel was recruited by the Mountaineers and signed the letter of intent to App State in February 2020.

As a three-star running back, Noel had offers from Utah, Syracuse, Louisville among others. However, something about Boone attracted him to the High Country.

“When I came to App, I didn’t come to a game or anything,” Noel said. “But it was snowing and I’ve never seen snow, never really been to woods, and never did any of that stuff. I thought it would be a different scenery for me.”

When Noel arrived in Boone for his freshman season, it was during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletics faced new challenges unseen before, and it was an unfamiliar time for Noel and his teammates.

“I came in during COVID, so the space around here became totally different because we went from no fans to the most fans we’ve ever had,” Noel said. “Lots of people on campus, classes in-person, a lot of stuff that’s changed.”

No one expected Noel to make a name for himself in his true freshman season. With a running back room

Junior running back Nate Noel talks to a East Carolina player Sept. 16, 2023. Photo by Landon Williams that consisted of Camrun Peoples, Anderson Castle, Daetrich Harrington and more, many regarded this running back room as one of the best in the country. This was also after Darrynton Evans, a former 2020 third-round pick, forwent his senior season for the NFL. “He came out here and played his heart out. He did what he was told and he hit the holes like he was supposed to,” former Mountaineer quarterback Zac Thomas said after Noel’s 2020 collegiate debut. “I’m proud of him and proud of the way he was fighting adversity.”

Despite the depth at running back, Noel made his opportunity matter since he’s arrived with the Black and Gold.

“He plays with such a quick first step, and it was hard for North Carolina to adjust to that,” Peoples said after Noel’s 116 yard and two touchdown performance against

“Nate Noel is what an App State football player is about,” - Shawn Clark

UNC in 2022. “I don’t feel like they prepared as well for Nate as they did for me, but it worked out for him and I love that for him.”

During his Mountaineer career, Noel has totaled 444 carries, 2,662 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. Noel credits a talented running back room as extra motivation for his success so far, and how they’ve helped him out throughout his collegiate career.

“It helped me out a lot because it

pushes me everyday knowing there’s somebody else in my spot that’s capable of being a starter,” Noel said.

Although Noel accomplished everything from a statistical level, there’s one thing he’s yet to accomplish with the Mountaineers: a conference championship.

App State football won four straight conference championships from 2016-19, but has failed to do so since 2019. With App State being bowl ineligible last year for the first time

since 2014, Noel says this past offseason provided extra motivation to get back to where this program needs them to be.

“This off-season was all about the standard,” Noel said. “We were reminded everyday what our standard was. Now, it’s instilled in us and now we know what we gotta do, and we know when we aren’t doing what we gotta do.”

Noel is in his fourth year with the Mountaineers. From a freshman in 2020, to now a leader on the field in 2023, Noel’s role is a lot different than it once was.

“Nate Noel is what an App State football player is about,” head coach Shawn Clark said. “He’s tough, he’s dedicated, he makes good grades and you can count on him.”

Since his arrival, Noel notes that he has become a lot more comfortable on the team, and also in terms of reading the opposing defense.

“It became easier to read defenses as I grow older and I know tendencies more and I’m able to study film more,” Noel said.

Through all of this, Noel has learned a lot during his time in the cold winters as opposed to the hot summers he once played in Miami.

Whether it’s in the swamps of Florida, the mountains of Boone or whatever the future holds next, one thing has never changed for Noel; he produces wherever he goes.

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SPORTS

App State jiu-jitsu’s rise back from Uncertainy

Trey Blake | Reporter

Over the last several years, App State’s Jiu-Jitsu Club went from a club weeks away from shutting down to bringing home gold medals.

Operating out of Boone Docks MMA & BJJ off of Blowing Rock Road, the club offers the ability to learn the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to everyone willing to try. From wrestling, to Muay Thai, to never having been in a fight before, the club wants people to become a better fighter, but also a better person.

“We want all genders, skill levels and forms of athleticism,” director Carter Tipton said. “We just want to be a place where everyone can come and enjoy the sport that all of us teaching them love. We’re a family here.”

With 50 members coming out each week, previous years were a big struggle for retention rates. 2021 was a real battle to keep the club afloat as previous members didn’t return after shutting down because of the pandemic. There were even some talks about closing altogether, but everyone gave one response to why the club is successful today, head coach Liam Brown.

“Every time I said ‘we’ or ‘us’ during this I was talking about Liam,” Carter Tipton said. “Liam loves this sport more than anyone and loves to share his skills with others. The club wouldn’t have success without him, it wouldn’t exist without him.”

Brown, an App State graduate, joined in 2018 with no prior MMA or wrestling experience. There was an interest in UFC, but he had never been in a fight, whether it was messing around with his friends or getting angry at someone else. Brown gravitated toward a non-violent approach in competitive outputs before coming to App State that fall.

“I was a runner in high school. So, I originally joined for the fun and to stay in shape, but I just fell in love with it,” Brown said.

The joy he felt for the club was something that he never experienced before and putting his full effort into

Junior Annemarie Bakos, bottom, and a fellow teammate grapple in full guard during practice. Sep. 9, 2023. Photo by Sam Fleming

reshaping the club to what it had been in years past was a no brainer to Brown.

Brown, who has been the head coach since the club was brought back in 2021, focused on building relationships with his students and making them more self-confident in the sport they’re pursuing.

Those relationships Brown built made him dive deeper into his new passion. Brown met Tipton’s older brother Owen, and knew he found someone that had the same passion he did. The two grew together from there and eventually took on a new task in the sport.

While it took him three semesters to graduate from a white belt to a blue belt, it gave him so much joy knowing from how inexperienced he was just a year and a half prior.

“We just want to be a place where everyone can come and enjoy the sport that all of us teaching them love. We’re a family here.”

- Carter Tipton After receiving his blue belt, the club shut down and seemed to be an afterthought to most people; but to Brown, he was devastated to see the sport he loved lose so much traction he and his teammates built. Brown didn’t want the sport he cared so deeply about to become a lost piece of his life, and thought of every way to keep the club alive.

Brown and Owen Tipton, pleaded with Boone Docks’ black belt to get the club back up and running. After weeks of begging, they got the goahead to put their effort into putting the pieces back together.

The change of pace through the first couple of weeks was challenging.

The pandemic affected how many days and hours a week they could be

on the mats and help the beginners get their feet under them. It not only affected the amateurs, but also the experienced members. Going from practicing four days a week to just two days is a big hit for people who could only go the two days that were unavailable now.

“It was challenging at the start,” Brown said. “Going from being able to practice Monday through Thursday and then moving to only Monday and Tuesday it’s tough for some students because they can only come once a week now due to their schedule.”

While the first semester was challenging, there were still new people joining every week. As new people joined, the goal didn’t change, make everyone feel welcomed and teach them the sport the coaches were so emotional about. The coaches wanted to bring people to tournaments just as

SPORTS

Senior Maya Carr shows off a bruise she got at a jiu-jitsu club meeting. Photo by Sam Fleming

Two students grapple while others watch during the rest in between rounds. Photo by Sam Fleming

they had when they started and made it evident any skill level was welcome to join them on their trip.

That tournament was a North Carolina college invitational at UNCChapel Hill in October 2021, and brought out the most people from any college that attended. Seeds were being planted for the club to become what it once was. As the year turned and some pandemic restrictions lifted, there was gradual growth in the amount of people showing up to practice.

“It kind of just boomed you know,” Brown said. “Being able to tell people that we’re able to get them on the mats more often than before was huge. We even were able to be open on weekends and a lot of the people who were really into that just fell into it even more.”

While the club saw a lot of success in the final semester of the 2021-22

seriously and it was reflected in the results.

“When I joined in October, I was very new to it,” sophomore Alex Jenkins said. “I wrestled in high school so the form and speed was there for me but it was super cool to get to learn face to face with someone like Liam who just cares so much about the art form this is and the club as a whole.”

When the spring rolled around and it was time to go to that next competition, the team was ready.

The team attended Good Fights, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament in April where anyone of any skill level can compete.

The group brought about 15-20 people and won multiple gold and silver medals against competitors with two to three times their experience.

With the tournament success and the new academic year arriving, the club stayed at 50 people a week, marking

academic year, only one member returned for the start of the 2022-23 season. While it was challenging the retention rate was so low, everyone that did come back had so much passion for the club. This time, the drive to keep the club running was more than ever and after a couple weeks, the club skyrocketed from about 15 to around 45-50 consistent members.

“It was so cool to go to our first competition after everyone had joined. We brought about 40 people to a college invitational and while there weren’t any trophies or places, everyone just had an amazing time,” Carter Tipton said.

After the first competition, there were no more competitions left to attend until the spring, so the club got to work on perfecting everyone’s craft.

From practicing armbars, to full on sparring, the club took the break

a huge victory to Brown and Carter Tipton as they grew with the club, seeing it be at its lowest, but also helping build it back up to what it is now. While the success is nice, Brown said his main focus is still on getting new people to come out every week.

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SPORTS

Angel Elderkin heads into her 10th season as head coach of the women’s basketball team, and is contracted through the 2026-27 season. Photo by Travis Holshouser

More than the color pink:

Breast cancer awareness in App State Athletics Chance Chamberlain | Associate Sports Editor Tess McNally | Reporter Every year athletes and coaches of all kinds support breast cancer awareness through the color pink in their accessories and attire, but it’s much more than just a color. Every athlete and coach has a story behind their efforts.

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, currently 13% of Americans have breast cancer.

This means one in eight women and around 500 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. To combat cancer, $6 billion was raised in 2022 and more money keeps coming in.

The foundation openly told the public all proceeds and donations go directly into cancer research.

Major sports leagues along with college athletics have all taken part in breast cancer awareness, which includes raising money through donations or simply wearing pink on the field or court.

App State women’s basketball head coach Angel Elderkin shared

her story dealing with cancer, and the best memories she had while battling through it.

Throughout her journey, she experienced resilience and inspiration from her team, highlighted by former guard Joi Jones hitting a “truly amazing” game-winning buzzer beater against East Tennessee State in 2016.

“They gave me a reason to keep moving when things got tough,” Elderkin said.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Elderkin shared the awareness she is hoping to bring to the community around her in addition to what she is doing to get other athletics to participate in spreading the awareness.

“The more attention to breast cancer we create, the closer we will be to finding a cure, we need to continue to find ways to fight,” Elderkin said.

Play4Kay is an opportunity to help others battling through this disease.

This is the largest fundraising initiative, which was originally created for

Hall of Fame head coach Kay Yow, who passed away from cancer in 2009.

Elderkin has been in support of Play4Kay and she reiterated this organization has done a lot of work to bring awareness by finding many creative ways to raise money for more than 10 years.

The annual Chuck-A-Duck tradition has also been a big support in her life and an organization she continues to stand with. Rubber ducks are sold every year in support of breast cancer and attendees are allowed to chuck their ducks on the court during halftime. Irene Sawyer is the founder of High Country Breast Cancer Foundation as well as a big women’s basketball supporter.

“This tradition will be continuing for many years,” Elderkin said.

Elderkin’s perspective as a cancer survivor changed her ideas and outlook when it comes to cancer awareness.

“The biggest perspective for me was

that no one fights alone,” Elderkin said. “I was so grateful for all of the support from our App State community and basketball community and want to make sure that anyone who has been diagnosed has support and a team to fight with.”

On the football field, junior kicker Michael Hughes is making a difference off the field for breast cancer awareness.

Before Hughes’ birth, his grandmother died of breast cancer, which is why he began spreading awareness.

Growing up in Charleston, West Virginia, his parents raised him to be a giver and willing to help those around him.

“Don’t be all about yourself, be about the people in your community,” Hughes said. “Be about the people in the world.”

In taking advantage of his college football platform, Hughes connected with Tyler Jordon, CEO and founder of Champsraise. Jordon created

Champsraise as a platform for fans of college and professional athletes to donate under their name to someone in need.

Hughes launched a crowdfunding campaign on June 15 to help fellow West Virginia native, Sa’Quaia Walker.

She was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at 29 in 2021, and progressed to Stage 3 within a week. Walker underwent 14 cycles of chemotherapy and 30 radiation treatments. Unexpectedly on June 10, Walker was informed her diagnosis had progressed to Stage 4.

Donna DeHart, executive director of the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative, signed Walker up on Champsraise for the Fans in Need program.

Once Hughes heard of Walker’s story, he was committed to helping her.

“The overall mission is just to give them support as much as someone can, and that was my goal from the start, was just being able to support her as much as I can,” Hughes said on

SPORTS

Guard Janay Sanders, class of 2023, shoots a layup against the Troy defense during the Feb. 24, 2022 game. Photo by Travis Holshouser

WVBHI and supporting Walker.

Hughes surprised Walker over the phone with the news and shared her reaction on Instagram.

“It was a really heartfelt moment, especially for me because you always want to touch people like that,” Hughes said. “Being able to have that phone call and keep myself together, that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life.”

Since the announcement, Hughes and Walker wanted to sit down face-toface.

“It just makes me feel good to know that with everything crazy going on in the world that there’s still really good, kind-hearted people out there that just care about making a difference, and he’s a doll baby, I can’t wait to meet him,” Walker said.

Before fall camp started, Hughes traveled home to West Virginia to meet Walker and her son for the first time. They all sat down and talked for nearly two hours.

“When you’re there in person, and you’re seeing someone who’s a fighter, who’s strong, who’s an independent woman, who provides for her family,

that’s something special,” Hughes said. “Especially when she’s fighting for herself at the same time. So being able to see that side of her, but also the other side where she’s loving and can still joke around and have a laugh even when she’s got all these things going on.”

Since meeting before fall camp and with the App State football season underway, Walker surprised Hughes with the news in early September that her scans came back clean and cancer-free.

From athletes to coaches personally affected by cancer, they all share one common goal: spread awareness and eliminate all cancer.

Graphic by Jessie Entwisel

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Guard Zada Porter, class of 2025, takes a jump shot during App State’s “Play for Kay” game against Troy in 2022. Photo by Travis Holshouser

18

OPINION

Hijabi Hot Takes: What Breast Cancer Awareness Month should teach you

Nadine Jallal | Opinion Editor

Pink ribbons pinned to book bags and clothes, the subtle addition of pink in sports uniforms, and signs in stores about proceeds going to breast cancer awareness define October every year. Breast Cancer Awareness Month has turned October pink since 1985, when it started out as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society.

In 1992, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and cosmetics brand Estée Lauder partnered to create and publicize the use of a pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness by giving out 1.5 million ribbons along with informational cards about breast exams at Estèe Lauder Makeup Counters. Since then, the pink ribbon has become a national symbol for breast cancer and its presence in October reminds people internationally to get screened, donate to treatment centers, fund research for the cure and more.

As college students, breast cancer may not be something one is worried about just yet, unless one is aware of their family history with the disease. Young women should inquire about their family’s history with breast cancer in order to be proactive and take charge of their health. It is also important to note that though breast cancer is most commonly found in women, 1 in 100 breast cancer diagnoses is found in a man. The Center for Disease Control recommends those with known moderate to strong family histories of breast cancer to consider genetic testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are supposed to protect against certain cancers. With specific mutations in those genes, one can be more susceptible to breast, ovarian and other cancers.

It is important to note, however, that finding a genetic mutation does not mean one will develop any of

those cancers, just that the chances might be higher. What genetic testing and counseling does is let patients know that they should not skip recommended screenings and mammograms in order to catch any possible cancers early, should they ever occur.

Even those without higher genetic susceptibility should take cancer screenings seriously. The CDC recommends women 50 years and older with average risk of breast cancer should aim to get a mammogram every two years while women between 40-49 years should consult their doctor about the benefits or risks of screening before the age of 50. While those ages seem a lifetime away for college students, it doesn’t hurt to be informed now, for both yourself and the other women in your life who may be older.

Breast cancer awareness efforts have put the disease on the radar of many women, but it is not only breast cancer that impacts the world of women’s health.

Young women in particular have a responsibility to screen for another type of cancer starting at the age of 21, as recommended by the CDC. Cervical cancer can be checked for by getting a pap smear. Doctors use pap smears to check for precancers, which are “cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.”

The seemingly archaic practice of using a speculum to conduct pap smears and general pelvic exams deters many young women from making that first gynecologist appointment out of fear or anxiety.

The invention of the speculum dates back to 1845 when surgeon James Marion Sims was experimenting on enslaved women to further the field of gynecology. With those grim beginnings in mind, it is unsettling that gynecologists still use an instrument invented about 200 years ago with such negative origins. Other factors also explain the anxiety surrounding the instrument such as general fear of an instrument being used in such an intimate part of the human body. That fear can go as far as trauma for sexual assault survivors.

It is no secret that the origins of gynecology have been built on the mistreatment of enslaved women and overall questionable treatment of women. However, the once male dominated field has flipped to female

dominated. In 1970, only 7% of gynecologists were female as opposed to today’s approximately 85%. Along with the shift in gender demographics, there is new research on instruments and procedures that might replace the use of speculums in gynecology unless absolutely necessary. The majority of those methods and instruments are not yet available for physicians to use just yet, but the fact that women are working on making gynecology less intimidating for other women is a step in the right direction.

Women’s healthcare is soaring to new heights and patients should take advantage of all it has to offer, especially by following the recommendations when it comes to cancer screenings. It is never too early to start thinking about what one could

be doing to ensure they know what is happening within their own bodies.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remember those who lost their lives in their battle against breast cancer, those who won their battles but were left with both physical and mental scars and anyone else who has been affected by breast cancer either directly or indirectly. Honor them by doing what you can to further the research, fund treatments and, of course, getting screened as soon as your doctor recommends.

Graphic by Lilianna Rivera

OPINION

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OPINION: How to navigate Halloweekend Emily Escobedo Ramirez | Opinion Writer Halloweekend is one of the most anticipated weekends in college, known for the weekend-long festivities. Usually taking place the weekend before, it allows students to have fun and partake in a modified version of Halloween. Costumes, parties and the addition of Homecoming all contribute to the memories people have.

Having fun is an important part of the holiday season, but prioritizing safety for oneself and others should be on everyone’s radar. Celebrating is not a pass for being irresponsible and endangering others. Enjoy these tips to have a fun and safe weekend, and to spare the pain of any avoidable hiccups. #1 Know where you’re going In order to party, you have to know where to go. There’s no way someone can be everywhere all at once, and some places will hit capacity early on

Graphic by Brianna Bryson

in the night. If planned before, the chances of getting in and having a fun night are better. Knowing the time and location beforehand allows for planning when to prepare and leave for the night. Attempting to find a place the day of will not get you far into the night, and will be a bummer. In a campus of 21,000 students, there will definitely be wait times for parties and rides the day of. There are unofficial parties, such as Greek life and house parties, alongside festivities from App

State’s homecoming week and football game. There’s plenty to attend, so make sure to coordinate with your friends on how to go out and about. #2 Secure a ride to and from Getting to the event is essential to partying. With parties around Boone, the most effective transportation will likely be Beeping or ridesharing. Most parties will post a beep list of drivers who can drop off and pick up guests

ahead of time, so making a “reservation time” early will make an impact.

And leaving is just as important, whether to get back home or another party. You don’t want to be desperately texting Beeps at 10:30 p.m. looking for a ride that will never come. Beep wait times will be longer, and might increase prices for rides. Being prepared to pay for rides via cash or online will make the weekend less stressful. It makes your night plus your beeper’s night more peaceful.

If getting a Beep doesn’t work, having a designated driver who can be available all night is another safe driving act. In groups, people can rotate nights so that everyone contributes.

Under no circumstances should someone drive while being impaired.

It is illegal and puts everyone in danger. Thus, planning ahead ensures everyone gets back home and has a good time out.

#3 Don’t overdo yourself There’s nothing tackier than being wasted at a party and having your friends help you. Putting yourself in that vulnerable position ruins not only your night but also your friends who will have to help you afterward. The well-being of yourself and others is important and being alert at night is vital to safety. Attempt to travel in groups or pairs during the parties as a precaution, and be mindful of what you’re consuming.

Plus, nobody wants to wake up feeling hungover or embarrassed.

Be aware of individual tolerance, and plan to behave responsibly. And prepare for the aftermath of partying, such as replenishments, food, ice packs, etc. Liquid IV and electrolytes can help reenergize for another day of partying or a break day. Don’t forget there are classes on Monday and Tuesday.

OPINION: How to be safe on a college campus El Shedrick | Opinion Writer

With different threats happening all around the country, the safety of students on campus should be a high priority for the university. It is of the greatest importance that students are aware of what to do in emergencies.

Honestly, students should not have to be so hyper-vigilant about educating themselves on the school’s emergency procedures, but with school shootings and other threats happening almost every day across the country, it is the unfortunate reality that students must be prepared.

Even though App State has a great plan for what to do when emergencies happen, it is not enough. UNC-Chapel Hill has an emergency action plan similar to the university’s, and despite this many faculty members said that they still felt unprepared on how to handle an active shooter situation.

App State needs to have mandated active shooter training to prevent our students and faculty from feeling

the same unpreparedness that those at Chapel Hill felt on the day of the shooting. In addition, some professors continued to lecture or switch their classes to Zoom during the presence of an active shooter. This is entirely unacceptable and could have been avoided. According to reporting from The Daily Tar Heel, “Some faculty and students speculated that miscommunication and lack of training were the reasons some professors continued teaching during the active situation on Aug. 28.”

As shootings continue to happen across the country, it is essential that App State learns from the errors of other institutions and updates their emergency planning and training for these situations accordingly.

App State offers many different safety resources to students, and it is crucial to be prepared and aware of how to access these resources so that students know what to do in an emergency. One of these resources

is the AppState-ALERT emergency messaging system, which notifies students of certain situations through text, call, or email. Students can register for this using AppalNet, and it will send an alert when there is any “imminent threat” on or near campus.

It is extremely important for students to opt-in for these messages in case of an emergency.

When the recent Chapel Hill shooting occurred, many students heard the sirens, but because they did not receive the alerts from the university they thought the sirens were a test and did not take them as seriously. This is why it is so important for students to make sure that they are getting these alerts so that if the sirens do go off, students will also receive a text message or call explaining the nature of the emergency and what actions should be taken.

Another essential safety resource is Mountaineer Safe Walk, run by App State Police. Students can call a num-

ber, and an App State Police Officer will escort them anywhere around the main campus. SafeWalk is offered to students seven days a week from 9:45 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. It is not the best idea for students to walk around alone on campus, especially at night, since this makes students an easy target.

This is one reason why it is so important for students to be aware of what to do if they find themselves in an unsafe situation and are alone.

If walking back to campus is not viable, AppalCart offers a “Night Owl” service that operates until 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

However, students should be aware that AppalCart is a public bus service and is not only for students. This means anyone, including those who are not students, can ride the bus. This is especially important because there is a wider variety of people riding the bus, which increases the chances of a threat of some kind occurring.

Students need to try to be aware of

any suspicious activity on the bus both to and from campus.

In case of emergencies, there are over 70 emergency blue light telephones located across the campus. All students need to do is push the button on the telephone pole, and the call will automatically go to the App Police Telecommunications Center.

The phone system is programmed to identify the caller’s location so an officer can dispatch immediately. This type of system would be especially useful for reporting suspicious persons on campus since just a single button needs to be pushed to both call the police and identify the location of the person who pushed it.

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