The Appalachian, August 2026

Welcome to Boone

Photo by Juliet Coen | Photojournalist Cover design by Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor

August 12, 2026

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CONTACT & GAMES

August 12, 2026

Letter from the Editor: Welcome to the conversation Haley DiFruscio | Editor-in-Chief

represented within these pages. Last The Appalachian is more than a Mountaineers, both old and year, we printed our first magazine publication; it is a campus-wide new, are courageously embarking conversation, one that you get to on a journey into the new semester. for our annual readers’ choice edition, Best of Boone. That special participate in. If your organization Every school year has its unique challenges and is hosting an event unexpected turns, but or your RA’s sister’s our mission at The cousin has an Appalachian and my experience you think mission as editor-inshould be shared, chief is to be a source you can always of stability. submit a story idea From small to us at editor@ conversations of local theappalachianonline. interest in Boone to com or through big conversations our website, affecting the entire theappalachianonline. state or country, com/submit-a-storyidea/.

The Appalachian delivers free and fair If you want to get reporting to keep more directly involved, our community The Appalachian is - Haley DiFruscio, Editor-in-Chief informed. We took always welcoming new you through Heather members of any year Norris’ first full and experience level. edition gets to be on stands all year year as chancellor, reported on If you have a passion for writing, long, getting newcomers acquainted copyediting, photography, digital the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Boone and with the pillars of our community. art, videography, audio production, documented the continued ripple Speaking of representation, sales, finance, social media or effects from Hurricane Helene on diversity continues to be a priority want to see where you fit with The our community. for The Appalachian. Last year, we Appalachian, email us at outreach@ Looking forward to the midterm moved our special sections, including theappalachianonline.com. You can elections, The Appalachian will Black History Month and Hispanic also always stop by the newsroom, strive to deliver critical campaign Heritage Month, online. We wanted room 235 in Plemmons Student information to voters, allowing to make a commitment to diverse Union. them to make the most informed coverage year-round rather than Our door is open, our notebooks decisions possible. When the big putting our efforts into concentrated are full and our Editorial Board is night arrives, we will be camped out pockets of diverse stories, but we are thrilled to welcome you all into the in the newsroom, tallying results and still determining how best to make new year. pushing out live updates. this coverage visible to our readers.

Our publication also shines a The Appalachian will seek to forge Haley DiFruscio light on members of the community. relationships with new individuals 2026-27 Editor-in-Chief Students, faculty, community and organizations, expanding our scope beyond previous coverage. members, artists, business owners and everyone in between are This is where you come in!

“The Appalachian is more than a publication; it is a campus-wide conversation, one that you get to participate in.”

Photo by Nicole Evans | Photojournalist

OPINION

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August 12, 2026

MEET THE ED BOARD

MEET THE ‘26 - ‘27 EDITORIAL

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PARKER EGELAND ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Parker (he/him) is a digital journalism major. His favorite soup is tomato.

COLIN WISHNESKI ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Colin (he/him) is an anthropology and digital journalism double major. His favorite soup is chicken gumbo.

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JEN WALLACE POLITICAL EDITOR Jen (she/her) is an English major with a concentration in rhetoric and technical writing. Her favorite soup is chicken noodle.

ANNA KATE MOCK OPINION EDITOR Anna Kate (she/ her) is an English major with a CHRISTA PRICE concentration in ASSOCIATE literary studies.

OPINION Her favorite EDITOR DABNEY HOLMES soup is Christa (she/her) is a CO-CHIEF COPY EDITOR broccoli cheddar. digital journalism Dabney (she/her) is a political major. Her favorite science major with a pre-law concentration. Her favorite soup is soup is double chicken noodle. chicken tortilla.

EMMA CLAIRE BROOME CO-CHEIF COPY EDITOR Emma Claire (she/her) is an English major. Her favorite soup is black bean.

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CASSIUS FREY KATHERINE AGUILAR ASSOCIATE CHIEF COPY EDITOR - TRANSLATIONS Cassius (they/them) is an EDITOR English major with a Katherine (she/her) is a concentration in creative cellular molecular biology writing. Their favorite soup major. Her favorite soup is is miso. broccoli cheddar.

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Ashton (they/them) is a digital journalism and sociology double major. Their favorite soup is a sausage, potato and kale soup their mom makes.

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ASHTON AHART - NEWS EDITOR

ALEX WALLIN A&C EDITOR Alex (he/him) is a public relations and digital journalism double major. His favorite soup is roasted red pepper gouda.

ALAYNA DAY - ASSOCIATE A&C EDITOR Alayna (she/her) is an English and digital journalism double major.

Her favorite soup is baked potato with extra cheese.

MAX SCHWANTZ SPORTS EDITOR Max (he/him) is a digital journalism major. His favorite soup is chicken noodle.

ALLISON LEHAN MANAGING EDITOR Allison (she/her) is a sustainable development major. Her favorite soup is lentil.

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HALEY DIFRUSCIO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Haley (she/her) is an English and political science double major. Her favorite soup is tomato and white bean.

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MEET THE ED BOARD

EDITORIAL BOARD VISUAL GR

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ANNA MILEWICZ - GRAPHICS EDITOR Anna (she/her) is a studio art major with a concentration in printmaking. Her favorite soup is mexican street corn chowder.

AVA ANZALONE PHOTO EDITOR

Ava (she/her) is an electronic media/broadcasting major. Her favorite soup is butternut squash. SYDNEY WILLIS -

CAYLEY WEST ASSOCIATE GRAPHICS EDITOR Cayley (she/her) is a graphic design major.

Her favorite soup is buttermilk squash.

CAITLIN FIELDS - ASSOCIATE MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Caitlin (she/her) is a criminal justice and Spanish double major. Her favorite soup is broccoli cheddar.

BUSINESS

KAT WOODRUFF-CARTER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT Kat (she/they) is a digital marketing major. Their favorite soup is beef pho.

LIZ TOWNSEND - VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR Liz (she/her) is a digital journalism and electronic media/broadcasting double major. Her favorite soup is chicken enchilada.

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IA HEATHER POLLARD MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Heather (she/her) is a digital journalism and electronic media/broadcasting double major. Her favorite soup is potato.

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ANNIE STIDHAM BUSINESS MANAGER Annie (she/her) is a public relations and Spanish double major. Her favorite soup is wonton.

ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR Sydney (she/her) is a business management and communications double major. Her favorite soup is miso.

JORDAN ROSENTHAL DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING Jordan (she/her) is a digital journalism major.

Her favorite soup is matzo ball.

AVA SILVA - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING

KEELYN MCCABE ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Ava (she/her) is a communications major.

Keelyn (she/her) is a Her favorite soup is marketing major. Her clear soup. favorite soup is tomato.

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NEWS

Bigfoot, Cinema, Flowers and Bookstores: Four road trip plans to explore WNC

August 12, 2026

Colin Wishneski | Assoc. News Editor

Appalachian Film Locations The natural landscapes and cultural sites of Western North Carolina have served as inspiration for many filmmakers to shoot onlocation. Some of the most notable Appalachian film locations bring you to Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Asheville and DuPont State Forest in Henderson County.

Starting in Blowing Rock, “The Green Mile,” a 1999 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name, was filmed at Flat Top Manor at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Here, at the fictional Georgia Pines nursing home, Paul Edgecomb delivered the frame story of his supernatural experience as a prison guard.

Next, at Grandfather Mountain, depraved and vengeful Mason part of Forrest Gump’s cross-country Verger, who seeks revenge on run was filmed at the now-iconic Hannibal Lecter for disfiguring him.

Forrest Gump Curve on Grandfather Parts of “Forrest Gump,” “The Last Mountain Drive, the main road of the Mohicans” and several other to the summit. On the side of the films were also filmed on the grounds road, visitors can see a sign reading of the estate.

“Forrest Gump ran this curve.”

Finally, at DuPont State Further south in Asheville, fans Recreational Forest in Henderson of “Hannibal” can visit the Biltmore County, roadtrippers can find one of Estate, where Ridley Scott filmed the many sites across North Carolina his 2001 sequel to “The Silence of where “The Hunger Games” was the Lambs.” The Biltmore Estate filmed. Hooker Falls, Bridal Veil Falls is the largest private residence in and Triple Falls, all in close vicinity, the United States and served as served as backdrops for Katniss and the on-screen home of the wealthy, Peeta’s fight for survival.

Flower Power main trail near the lower falls. After Within the Linville Gorge sustaining significant damage during Wilderness Area, Hawksbill Mountain is a standout. Compared Hurricane Helene, Catawba Falls has mostly recovered, but visitors should The valleys and mountaintops to other routes around the Linville of WNC are home to some of the Gorge, its jagged rock features and be in the know about repairs and debris. most impressive views anywhere in moderate trail difficulty make it The North Carolina Arboretum, the country. The state’s wildflowers unique among the wilderness area. located south of Asheville, offers add a seasonal touch to this natural The trail also hosts rhododendron a more relaxed experience with beauty during the spring and bushes and mountain laurels up to curated gardens of local wildflowers summer months. the tree line, where a panoramic alongside plants from around the At Roan Mountain on the view of Pisgah National Forest world. Accompanying the gardens Tennessee border, Rhododendron unfurls.

Gardens overlook the Blue Ridge, Further south in Pisgah National are educational exhibits about ecology and walking trails around offering views of Grandfather Forest, Catawba Falls is a popular Mountain and Mount Mitchell from outdoor destination near Asheville. the arboretum. above the clouds. In mid-to-late On an offshoot of the main river June, the rhododendrons bloom, trail, hikers can take the 0.25blanketing Roan Mountain in pink mile wildflower trail, marked by for a few days out of the year. red blazes, connecting back to the

NEWS

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Bigfoot Hunting Although legends of bigfoot highest peaks on the east coast, fit originated in the Pacific Northwest, for the oversized creature, and is also a hotspot for biodiversity. The the mountains of WNC have also mountain range is a short drive from fueled legends of large, ape-like beasts roaming the wilderness. For the town of Black Mountain. those willing to spend a weekend in North of Waynesville, while pursuit of science, the Blue Ridge driving on a winding mountain road Mountains are more than fit for near the entrance to Great Smoky bigfoot hunting.

Mountains National Park, the hunt The first stop on the hunt is comes to an end. On the side of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Cove Creek Road stands an imposing These 11,786 acres are virtually 10-foot-tall bigfoot statue, a perfect untouched by human development, photo-op for adventurers who don’t offering a safe habitat for a possible get to see the legend in person.

Sasquatch. Linville Gorge also has strenuous trails that can offer a challenge to experienced hikers.

From there, less than an hour south on Highway 221 takes you to Marion, where the town holds a Bigfoot Festival every year at the end of August. The WNC bigfoot Festival has free admission, live music, crafts, food vendors and educational panels on bigfoot hunting. This year’s festival will be Aug. 29.

Another site for possible bigfoot sightings is the Black Mountains at the south end of Pisgah National Forest. This range contains the

Blue Ridge Bookstores When traveling in the some information about the genre passenger seat along a mountain and plot. highway, one can easily pass the Asheville is home to a trove of time admiring the views of forests bookstores ranging from high-end and mountaintops, but a book from to second-hand shops. Malaprop’s one of WNC’s bookstores also does Bookstore/Cafe is located in the trick. downtown Asheville and places a In Boone, Huzzah Books is a special emphasis on local stories reliable spot for those looking for through author talks. Mr. K’s Used anything from classic literature Books, Music and More has a to postmodernist poetry. The location in Asheville, where readers bookstore also hosts community can find more elusive titles for a low events, art shows and live music, price. placing special importance on the City Lights Bookstore, located avant-garde. in Sylva, highlights local writers An hour south of Boone on the and Appalachian literature. Next Blue Ridge Parkway is the village door is the City Lights Cafe, where of Little Switzerland, where Little the journey home can begin with a Switzerland Books and Beans has coffee, lunch and a new book to dive been in business since 1986. The into. cozy, labyrinthine shop has three floors with 30,000 volumes of new and used books, as well as an espresso bar.

Another spot is Thornwell Books in Morganton, which gives readers a calm space to rest on their tour of WNC. The store also offers a “blind date with a book,” where customers can buy a wrapped copy Graphics by Mady Helt | Senior Visual Reporter and Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor of an unknown book with only

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August 12, 2026

NEWS

Students and faculty find Canvas transition ‘clunky’ and ‘annoying’ Savannah Buchanan | Reporter

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pp State is switching learning efforts to students in March 2026, the two systems could create or delivering a good education, and “My initial reaction was, ‘I don’t platforms with a transition according to Oakes. challenges for students. “My only I do always have questions about want to do that,’” Snyder said. beginning in the summer sessions of While ITS has focused on worry about that — but it is quite a whether that is the best value for After using both learning 2026, expected to be completed by preparing the campus community for significant worry — is how difficult money when spending students’ management systems, Snyder said summer 2027. the transition, some faculty members that is, or just how annoying that is tuition,” Docherty said. she prefers Canvas because of its The UNC System Board of have already gained experience using for students,” Docherty said.

While Docherty raised organization and ease of access.

Governors is transitioning all of its Canvas in their courses.

With faculty members concerns about the broader costs “That was one of the biggest institutions to Canvas, an online Michael Docherty, an assistant transitioning at different times, of educational technology, App differences I noticed, the State continues learning management system created professor in organization of it all,” Snyder said. to focus on

by Instructure. This switch will the English As App State continues the supporting faculty transition, both Docherty and Snyder create one standardized learning department, chose and students management system across the UNC to transition his said becoming familiar with Canvas throughout the System. courses to Canvas early will help ease the adjustment transition. ITS’s for faculty and students. Snyder App State faculty and students during the summer largest challenge recommended students explore the have used AsULearn, the current sessions to become is supporting learning management system familiar with the platform before classes begin, while both Canvas powered by Moodle, for nearly two platform before Docherty encouraged faculty to and AsULearn take time to ensure their courses are decades and will have three semesters the full university simultaneously organized and functioning properly. to transition to the new platform and rollout. while courses “ITS has communicated regularly become familiar with its features.

“Because it was gradually move with the campus community through “To prepare faculty and students new to me, I ought to Canvas, news updates and internal emails to for the transition, Information to get running on according to faculty, staff and students,” Oakes Technology Services (ITS) has the transition as Oakes. wrote in an email. According to provided training, resources and soon as possible,” While faculty Docherty said.

Oakes, these communications will support throughout the rollout members have continue throughout the fall 2026 process. ITS began exploring Canvas University focused on Graphic by Cayley West | Assoc. Graphics Editor and spring 2027 semesters. through a limited pilot program in data shows 212 adapting their App State will continue to focus Spring 2025 and has since offered courses used on completing the remaining steps workshops, course migration students may need to navigate both courses to Canvas, students who Canvas during Summer I 2026 assistance and online resources for AsULearn and Canvas during the have used the platform are beginning needed to fully implement Canvas. and 89 courses used the platform The process will be measured as faculty,” wrote Anna Oakes, senior to form their own opinions about during Summer II 2026, giving some academic year. a success after “transitioning all director of public relations, in an “It feels kind of clunky if two of the transition. Jenna Snyder, a instructors early experience with the academic courses from AsULearn email. your classes are in AsULearn, two junior psychology major, used new system. to Canvas and, finally, retiring App State began communicating Docherty taught an entirely online are in Canvas,” Docherty said.

Canvas for a Summer I course and AsULearn,” Oakes wrote in an about the transition in July 2025, In addition to discussing the said her previous experience with course during Summer I and wanted email. initially notifying faculty and staff transition process, Docherty also the platform helped her with the to ensure Canvas was organized before expanding communication shared his personal concerns adjustment. effectively for students, as the platform served as the primary resource for the class.

Although his experience with Canvas was smoother than expected, he said the overlap period between

about the costs associated with learning management systems and educational technology.

“We spend a lot of money on things that are not necessarily vital,

Snyder had previously used Canvas in high school but was hesitant to return to the platform after becoming familiar with AsULearn.

Boone’s new historical panels tell old tales

NEWS

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Ashton Ahart | News Editor

As each generation of locals This year, the United and college students alike find their States celebrated the home in Boone, the town’s deep 250th anniversary of the history continues to unravel with new signing of the Declaration discoveries being made. Through of Independence, and panels, markers and maps, stories alongside the nation, once lost to the past are now proudly Boone held a plethora of displayed within Boone’s most ceremonies. Preluding these historic sights. festivities, on May 21, the The Historic Preservation town unveiled one of its Commission was tasked by Boone most recent historical Town Council to create interpretive panels about Stoneman’s panels for Boone Cemetery on Raid.

March 21. These panels contain Talk of creating the information about the cemetery, panel started in 2023, which is located outside the and after three years of Plemmons Student Union and meetings, research and dates back to the 1850s. They offer planning, the panel was historical context of the burials created as a partner project of Union soldiers and the racial between the HPC, the segregation between graves.

Town of Boone and the “The Graveyard’s kind of special Civil War Trails program. because it was a recent discovery. It The program labels itself was only within the past five to 10 as a tourist initiative and years that we discovered that there a nonprofit organization were more bodies on that grave site working to connect key than we originally expected, and not historical locations together through only that, they were people of color,” a network of over 1,500 sites. something that we wanted printed said Bennie Gaetano, a junior history The raid took place in the spring and out there,” said Jessica Mitchell, major at App State and a member of of 1865 and was commanded by the advanced planning specialist the HPC. Union General George Stoneman, with the Town of Boone Planning The panels explore the nuances who led over 5,000 cavalry troops and Inspections Department and the within Boone’s history and do not from Tennessee through Boone. main coordinator of the project. back away from the darker side According to a press release sent out With assisted funding through of the town’s story, such as the by the Town of Boone, the marker the Town of Boone and an segregation of the cemetery and dictates not only how the raid academic collaboration with CWT, the mistreatment and ignorance impacted Boone residents but how the HPC unveiled the marker surrounding the section of graves it connects to the larger story of the at the Downtown Boone Post where people of color were buried. Civil War’s history.

Office. Though the contents of “Preservation isn’t always a “The HPC wanted to be mindful the panel displayed a harsh reality, happy story,” Gaetano said. “We and comprehensive of the event, the commission was committed to wanted to show that even though but not only did the HPC review divulging the raid’s story. this isn’t pretty, it still played a very it, but also the town council looked “One of the things about important role in the making of the at it, so there were multiple sets of history is bringing to light the way history of Boone.” eyes to try to make sure that this was

Graphic by Mady Helt | Senior Visual Reporter

things happened, and sometimes and learning more about Boone’s that can be hard, but the HPC knew legacy. to do it in a very sensitive manner “In the end, it’ll just make you and wanted to make sure that the feel more connected to the people history was expressed on that panel,” around you. You have a better Mitchell said. “It’s just highlighting understanding of the perspective of a piece of history that you may not the people around you. There’s no know about, but you’ll leave, and reason to be a stranger to the people you’ll walk away knowing something you’re living around,” Gaetano said. more about the area that you’re in.”

Both panels at the cemetery and the post office are open to public viewing and reveal stories either previously untold or hidden away.

Students, tourists and locals are invited to experience a part of the town’s history by visiting the panels

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August 12, 2026

SPORTS

Colton Phares climbs his way up to team captain Tess McNally | Reporter

Senior linebacker Colton Phares is returning to Boone in 2026, this time with a degree in hand and the new title of team captain. Phares decided to stay leading atop the mountain to wear the Black them to a and Gold jersey for another season. nearly perfect 13-1 Phares was named one of three season and a Class 3-A captains this season, a culmination state title his senior year, of his past leadership and dedication the school’s first since 1945. to the team.

He recorded 69 tackles, “It’s the highest honor you can receive, being voted captain by your 4 interceptions and 5 teammates, being able to represent tackles for loss in his senior season. While being a force and lead such a great group of on defense, he also proved his guys,” Phares said. athleticism on offense, rushing However, his journey to for 598 yards and scoring 6 becoming one of App State’s touchdowns. defensive leaders didn’t start like Phares did not see any everyone else’s. game action his first college “Colton Phares came to App season but started to lay the State as a 185-pound safety, and now he’s a 226-pound all-conference foundation to become more successful on the field. preseason linebacker,” head coach In his 2024 season, Dowell Loggains said during Sun he saw action in almost Belt Conference media day. every game, playing both Phares was recruited out of safety and linebacker. His Beaufort High School in Beaufort, South Carolina, where he stood out breakout game was against the University of South as the team’s power-packed safety,

Carolina University and Old Dominion University.

In both of these games, Phares tallied 11 tackles.

Phares closed out his Alabama, redshirt sophomore season with his where he best performance yet at the JLab recorded 3 Birmingham Bowl in Birmingham, tackles. The offseason Alabama, against the Georgia proved to be a turning Southern University Eagles. Phares point. had 12 tackles.

In the 2025 season, Going into Phares’ final season, Phares’ performance he was chosen by his teammates as improved in every aspect. captain. Loggains said captains are He tallied 43 solo tackles not typically chosen this early, but he and 58 assists in all 13 games wanted to get leaders in place before of the season, leading the summer camp. team.

“Colton had to earn the “Obviously, you’ve seen his trust from his teammates with production with 101 tackles production and playing. He’s taken and 3 interceptions, but I want his leadership to the next level,” to talk about the player that Loggains said. has become the vocal leader As the 2026 season is just of our team — and he had beginning and a wave of new faces the chance to go to a lot of on the roster emerge, Phares is different places but chose to excited for what’s in store for his last stay,” Loggains said. year, playing with new and familiar

Phares’ best faces. performances of the season were against conference rivals Coastal Colton Phares in his season as a redshirt sophomore linebacker during a game against Arkansas State at Kidd Brewer Stadium Nov. 29, 2025. | Photo by Natalie Lanpher | Photojournalist

SPORTS

Steve Wilks returns to Boone for third time, now as a special assistant

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Parker Egeland | Assoc. Sports Editor

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hen Steve Wilks first arrived coaching position at Savannah State at App State in 1987 as a University. student-athlete, he fell in love with When he returned to the High the place. In 2001, he came back as Country in 2001, he was excited a defensive backs coach, and being to work with Moore again. One of a part of the culture was everything. Wilks’ coaches when he was a player.

Now in 2026, he is back again as a “Coming back and being a special assistant. part of his staff was great because Wilks played four years as a it just continued to help build my defensive back, and after a short stint repertoire as a coach and as a man,” in arena football, he began coaching. Wilks said.

Learning from one of the best Wilks left to become the Mountaineer coaches Jerry Moore, defensive coordinator at East he started climbing the ladder.

Tennessee State University in 2002, “I learned so much from coach and his career took off from there.

Moore as a player, just seeing how he He became the defensive backs ran the program and how he treated coach at the University of Notre everyone,” Wilks said.

Dame in 2004.

Wilks started his coaching career His first NFL job came in 2006 in 1995 as a defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears, making at Johnson C. Smith University. In the Super Bowl in his first year. In 1999, he was hired for his first head 2012, he returned to his hometown

Carolina Panthers, where he went from defensive backs coach to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. He made his second Super Bowl in 2015 as defensive backs coach and assistant head coach.

In 2018, Wilks left the Panthers to become the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals, but he was fired after a year. With all of the stops Wilks has made, he still makes sure nothing about him changes.

Wilks said that it’s important to understand that each coaching role may be different, but “the man within that role shouldn’t change.

That’s who I am; I’ve always been myself.”

After a few more jobs in the NFL and in college football, Wilks returned to Boone as a special

assistant to athletics. His relationship with the current football coaching staff has been growing since he was hired, with him and head coach Dowell Loggains having coached against each other in the past.

“Coach Loggains, he and I have known each other over the years because we competed against each other, never worked on the same staff,” Wilks said. “A lot of respect for what he does and what he did as a coordinator.”

Loggains holds a similar sentiment for Wilks in their times going against each other.

Loggains said Wilks has a unique perspective as a former player of upholding the traditions and expectations of App State’s football program.

“He’s got a house in Boone,

and App is really important to him,” Loggains said.

With the sport changing in many ways in the past few years, Wilks has plans to get App State football back to the top of the mountain.

“A lot of us may not like where college football is right now and college athletics as a whole, but it’s not going to change, and it’s up to us to adapt if we want to continue to set the standard,” Wilks said.

Wilks hasn’t had a ton of time at App State as a coach, but he will take every opportunity he has to be in the High Country.

“Any chance you get an opportunity to run up 421 or 321, I’m in the car and I’m hitting it,” Wilks said.

= Institutions where Steve Wilks has coached = Boone

Graphic by Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor

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August 12, 2026

SPORTS

Sports Desk predicts Mountaineers’ 2026 football season Max Schwanz, Parker Egeland, Chris Aguilar, Dylan Shepherd, Eli Pauca, Tess McNally | Sports Desk

Max Schwanz - Sports Editor Prediction: 7-5 and no Sun Belt The Mountaineers are coming junior linebacker Colton Phares.

Championship appearance off a 5-8 record in the 2025 season, Loggains has brought in talented the first under head coach Dowell players in both the portal and from (Losses to ECU, NC State, ODU, JMU and South Alabama) Loggains. The roster has seen some the high school ranks. After early turnover this season due to the losses to East Carolina University transfer portal, losing some key pieces and North Carolina State University, in Davion Dozier, AJ Swann and JJ the Black and Gold should have a Kohl. However, the defense looks to solid conference season. be solid once again, led by redshirt

Parker Egeland - Assoc. Sports Editor Prediction: 8-4 and no Sun Belt Loggains has now had a full year against divisional opponents after to become accustomed to his new nonconference play ends will be the Championship appearance role atop the Mountaineer football most important stretch of the season. (Losses to ECU, NC State, JMU and South Alabama) hierarchy, and he brought in the best recruiting class in program history to set up what should be a much better season in the High Country.

The University of Maine and UNCCharlotte should be no trouble for the Black and Gold in nonconference play, but ECU and NC State University will be. Six straight games

Chris Aguilar The Mountaineers should to compete for the top spot in the benefit this year from Loggains’ Sun Belt Conference and reestablish greater familiarity with his new itself as one of the conference’s top home while a highly impressive recruiting and transfer class provides more depth and talent across the roster. If App State can figure out its quarterback situation and have its defense play at a high level like it did last season, it will have a fair chance

programs.

Prediction: 8-4 and a Sun Belt Championship appearance (Losses to NC State, JMU, Coastal Carolina and South Alabama)

SPORTS

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Dylan Shepherd away games. Road games against Prediction: 7-5 and no Sun Belt Year two of the Loggains era ECU, NC State University, Coastal Championship appearance comes with high expectations to Carolina University and Georgia (losses to ECU, NC State, turn the program around after a Southern University will be tough JMU, Georgia Southern and disappointing 5-8 campaign in challenges. If the Mountaineers can Marshall) 2025. App State brought in the make it to November with a winning highest-ranked recruiting class in school history this offseason, but the record, they’ll have a shot to play for concern is whether the team will click the Sun Belt Championship, but it’s a tall order. and find a rhythm as the schedule alternates between home and

Eli Pauca Loggains begins his second year looking to get back to a winning record and, with a roster that is highly touted, lead the Black and Gold back to a bowl game. This will only come after a mini gauntlet to begin the season with bigger schools like ECU and NC State University within the first four games of the year before facing a triple gut punch of Coastal Carolina University,

James Madison University and Georgia Southern University.

App State will round it out with the University of South Alabama and a chance to make the Sun Belt Championship. This will be a true battle-tested team if it can get through these difficult benchmarks, but getting through is essential if it wants to hoist the championship come December.

Prediction: 9-3 and a Sun Belt Championship appearance (losses to NC State, JMU and Coastal Carolina)

Tess McNally A power-packed roster is sure to set a different tone for Mountaineer football this upcoming season.

App State struggled in its final stretch of last season with losses against JMU and Arkansas State University. However, a wave of seasoned quarterbacks and defensive players are coming in to back the Mountaineers. ECU, Charlotte and

NC State University will be the biggest test this fresh roster will face Prediction: 8-4 and no Sun Belt this season. Once App State finds its Championship appearance rhythm in the first half of the season, (Losses to ECU, NC State, conference play should be a downhill Coastal Carolina and Georgia Southern) battle.

Graphics by Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor

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SPORTS

Social media has become the unlikely element in sports recruiting

August 12, 2026

Ella Smith | Reporter

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was able to reach bigger crowds while wrote, “Posts that have higher levels process until Coach McLean pp State holds over 21,000 making a name for herself across the of engagement usually entail when messaged me on Instagram.” students between its two After being featured on a list league. the players themselves repost or share campuses and online student In the sports community, social it.” A post about dual-sport athlete about up-and-coming track and population and encompasses 17 field recruits, MacBride explained Dionte Neal garnered over 43,000 collegiate sports, not including club media allows athletes and teams to broaden their reach to new how Damion McLean, the director views and hundreds of likes after sports. From players such as Maya of both track and field and cross Winterhoff signing to the Columbus audiences, giving them the potential the football and basketball athlete to be recruited to the collegiate or country, expressed interest by reposted it, according to Fury, a Major League Volleyball professional level. messaging her via Instagram.

Scrambler. team, to the Mountaineers’ cheer Satirical accounts such as Many high school recruits, like team competing in nationals, the Neersbarstool and RedCup Neers MacBride, have been school has found success across a post referential content about the selected due to the multitude of sports. accessibility Alongside that success, a crucial High Country as a whole, often with a focus on sports. Similarly, accounts coaches element in the recruiting process like AppStateNews and App TV have is showcasing one’s potential to focus on highlighting both individual compete at the next level, which comes down to how players market athletes and teams across the High Country. themselves.

For instance, AppStateNews is Winterhoff began her collegiate a student-run account on Instagram Regardless of volleyball career for the Black and and X that promotes App State Gold in 2022. Over her career, the specifics, she was one of the most decorated Athletics, with most posts focused on when shared players on the team, reaching 1,000 high school recruiting. among common Aidan Askew, one of the cokills, named Second-Team All-Sun affiliates of the Belt and having the opportunity to founders, wrote, “We mainly cover athlete, posts reach App State football news and game be a part of the AVCA East Coast higher levels of scores, along with coverage of the First-Team All-Region selection. engagement. This, in The Mountaineer transcended the school’s other varsity sports. We turn, allows athletes to get a Sun Belt Conference to a new level. make sure that we are posting news foot in the door to begin marketing that is relevant and engaging to both themselves before they even officially to As a recent graduate from mountaineer students and alumni.” join the team. make App State, Winterhoff currently Like many other social media connections through social competes in Major League Though social media sites, sites, the main goal of the account is such as AppStateNews, highlight media.

Volleyball. The MLV is the to boost the marketing of App State athletes who are recently committed, As social media has grown in longest-running professional athletics with hopes to increase the popularity, sites such as Instagram women’s volleyball league in the sites and tags also take part in the insights from all over social media. and X serve as the new tools needed United States, and the middle recruiting process. Sophomore Though posts may differ for showcasing and elevating athletes blocker competes alongside other jumper Kelly MacBride explained between topics, when athletes professional teams across the how social media played a big part in to the next level in the recruitment collaborate with social media process. Whether it be for a career in country. her decision. college or one in professional leagues, Though Winterhoff has plenty accounts, they are often given more “Social media had a huge social media continues to serve as the of it, skill was not enough to get her recognition as their names become impact on my decision to commit there. Rather, by collaborating with increasingly publicized. to App State,” MacBride wrote. “In blueprint before the final draft.

Weston Scrambler, a the Columbus Fury and the MLV fact, App State wasn’t even under Graphics by Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor representative of AppStateNews, on various social media sites, she consideration during my recruitment

ARTS & CULTURE

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Endless opportunities abound with the Office of Sustainability Alex Wallin | A&C Editor

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Graphics by Cayley West | Assoc. Graphics Editor

s Boone starts to get busier with new minds exploring an unfamiliar territory, the opportunities offered by the Office of Sustainability eagerly wait to greet incoming students. Some may find the immense amount of free resources overwhelming at first, but over the course of four years, these resources can become supports for those adjusting to a new lifestyle.

The Office of Sustainability offers the Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store located on the lower level of East Hall. Lanie Karstrom, the sustainability outreach director for Sustainability and Energy Management, said the resource provides essentially “everything,” including free clothes, food, hygiene products, bedding and so much more.

“Think about as you go through the next four years, you know, you have the ability to donate, you have the ability to volunteer, you have the ability to get a job, you have the ability to spend time with folks who

are community-minded and service- Plemmons Student Union or on centered,” Karstrom said. “We have Sanford mall and features racks of many ways in which we can support clothing completely free to students. you, including academically as well.” Flanigan said the intention is to show students the Office of Sustainability Caroline Flanigan, a senior is a resource here to help with any of sustainable technology major and their needs.

Food Hub ambassador, said it also In partnership with Carla offers The Spice Closet, which consists of a plethora of spices open Ramsdell and Campus Dining, to the public. People are encouraged the Office of Sustainability hosts Cooking with Purpose, a free to bring their own container to fill cooking class teaching students how up on any spice they need, but the Office of Sustainability also provides to affordably make meals with few reusable containers for people to use. ingredients. For the price of one meal swipe, students are provided Flanigan said the Office of with all the ingredients needed to Sustainability has ever-changing learn how to make various dishes. resources because it is donationThe Office of Sustainability based. For example, the beginning works to be both a resource for and end of the year bring more students as well as a guide to learning furniture and dorm supplies. how to live a more sustainable However, Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store keeps a stock of items lifestyle.

“We encourage students to come that are in-season throughout the year, including “interview clothes.” check out the space. If they want to learn more about sustainability, both The Office of Sustainability also sponsors free events throughout in their residence halls or on campus, the year. The Free Store Roadshow we’re a great resource for that,” Karstrom said. is typically held biweekly in the

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August 12, 2026

ARTS & CULTURE

Friends of the Library fight for literacy and love of reading Libraries to give people easier access would like to offer just a little window concerns in the area.” on what life will be like after college to books.”

The Friends of the Watauga alking through the High when you can read for fun and just Hart said they’ve intentionally County Public Library has found Country, pedestrians may relax a little bit,” Hart said. placed a handful of the Little Free support from many groups both on notice what seem to be large The current literacy crisis, which and off App State’s campus.

Libraries on the outskirts of App birdhouses nestled next to sidewalks. State’s campus in hopes students may has spread to Boone, involves more Hart said the Epsilon Tau Rather than housing birds, these than just college students, though. stumble upon them and discover Pi chapter at App State aided structures, known as Little Free the pleasure of getting lost in a new The Friends of the Watauga County in building two new Little Free Libraries, are filled with new stories book.

Public Library work to keep an Libraries and rebuilding one of the begging to be discovered. Visitors eclectic stock of books in its Little “We intend these little free libraries as a service project. may come and go, trading in a libraries to be a message of unity or Free Libraries to suit all age groups “Several got severely damaged previously read novel for a previously collaboration or support from your and interest all minds. in Hurricane Helene, and so we had loved one.

“If you create a love of books community,” Hart said. “There are replaced a couple of them. This The Friends of the Watauga in children, then they grow up to be one still needed to be rebuilt, and so those of us who are out there who County Public Library offer Little aren’t really affiliated with App State, adults who enjoy books,” Hart said. they built two new ones and rebuilt Free Libraries located across Boone. but we still care about you students.”

Outside of the four libraries one for us,” Hart said. “We donated Carolyn Hart, a coordinator for centered around campus, the other Nowadays, many college one of the brand new ones to Boone the Friends of the Watauga County students only read when it comes to eight Little Free Libraries in town are United Methodist church because Public Library, said there are 12 placed specifically in remote areas to they wanted to put one up along the required chapters in a textbook or libraries scattered throughout increase overall book accessibility in Boone United Trail that when studying for an exam. Hart Boone, all placed with the mission Boone. said the Friends of the Watauga they have, and they’re of making books more accessible for County Public Library wants college “We’ve placed them in locations shepherding that one everyone. where people live rather far from an themselves.” students to read books as a leisure “We live in an area of haves actual library, and so we’re hoping activity or as a break from the Also at App State, and have-nots,” Hart said. “There’s stress of college instead of just a that it gives people access to books Hart said Valborg a fairly high rate in this county of more easily,” Hart said. “The global Theatre replaced the requirement for a grade. illiteracy, and so in general, we’re effort is to try to improve book access glass on one of the Little “We know you’re there; we trying to provide these Little Free and try to help address literacy know this time is stressful, and we Free Libraries after it was Alex Wallin | A&C Editor

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shattered the previous day.

“We saw the broken glass and didn’t have what we needed to fix it, so we came back a day later, and it was already fixed,” Hart said. “That was a nice gesture too that made us feel supported in return.”

Just as the Boone community has helped the Friends of the Watauga County Public Library maintain its Little Free Libraries, it hopes the libraries will aid the community in all aspects as well.

The Watauga County Public Library is located at 140 Queen St, Boone, and is open to anyone in the public.

Graphics by Cayley West | Assoc. Graphics Editor

ARTS & CULTURE

Campus clubs bringing childhood hobbies back to life

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Graphic by Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor

Grace Phillips | Reporter

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ollege is often associated with One of their student “I took some film classes in high lectures, deadlines and career productions, titled “Meat Police,” school and wanted to continue. I preparation, but for many students, was a short film created in the spring found a film club; I was so excited. I it is a chance for childhood interests 2025 semester by Hunter Smith, a was glad to stay because I just loved to take on new meanings. From senior marketing major and secretary making them as well,” Yang said. making films to playing nostalgic of the club.

Chapman said joining the club video games, clubs give students “It’s an alternate universe where changed her expectations of what a then,” Strong said. opportunities to reconnect with long- fruits and vegetables are treated as film club would be.

A typical meeting for Just Dance beginning of the club. He said the lost hobbies. contraband narcotics, like drugs and “At first, I thought it was a film Club starts in Plemmons Student club’s welcoming atmosphere is For some students, this happens guns,” Smith said. club to watch movies, but we make Union, with students occupying what keeps people coming back. behind a camera.

In addition to short films movies. I was like, ‘Wait, I like to do each space of the room. Using “Don’t worry so much about At first glance, one might throughout the semester, members that too,’ and now it’s my major,” a Nintendo Switch and up to six how people view you and just be assume that Appalachian Film Club can participate in a 48-hour film Chapman said. controllers, members take turns yourself,” Ellis said. “It’s a free is about watching movies. Instead, festival. Fedorjaka said during the Film Club isn’t the only choosing songs, passing controllers space to do whatever you feel like members take part in every stage festival, members get into groups and opportunity for students to revisit and dancing in groups. Even those doing.” of the filmmaking process, from create entire short films within 48 old hobbies; another club gathers without a controller often join in on pitching ideas to editing footage into hours. each week to relive a childhood game the childlike fun. completed short films.

She participated in the spring through music and dance.

For many of its members, the Alexa Fedorjaka, the president 2025 semester and created a short App State’s Just Dance Club club is a chance to revisit a childhood of Film Club and a senior geography film based on the theme of dreams offers something new and refreshing. game. Released in 2009, Just Dance major, said students get hands-on titled “DRAIN.” The film has no A chance to unwind, dance to music was foundational for many Gen Z experience regardless of skill level. dialogue, relying purely on audio and with friends and enjoy an hour of players who grew up dancing on the “We have a pitch party. If visuals to set the scene. fun. What began as an interest in Wii, a home video game console. someone has an idea, it doesn’t have “It’s our most viewed thing on the video game has turned into a “Some people join for the to be fully fleshed out, but we have YouTube,” Chapman said, noting the community of friends. nostalgia of it,” Strong said. “This a day where they come to the front short film now has over 16,000 views.

Jovanny Lima, a junior could be a fun time to remember my of the room and pitch an idea to For many members, the passion computer science major, is the childhood, and people join because everybody. Then we have a voting for filmmaking began long before incoming president of Just Dance it’s a freeing feeling. College can be form that’s sent out,” Fedorjaka said. college. As kids, Fedorjaka and Club. He has been a part of the club so stressful sometimes.”

Once projects are selected, Chapman utilized iMovie to create since it first started and has attended Aside from weekly dance members get the chance to choose videos. almost every meeting. sessions, the club hosts themed the roles they want to fill.

“I got into cinematography and “I started as a member of the events that explore other parts of Lily Chapman, vice president photography more, which has been club, then became chief of staff, vice the game, such as lore nights to dive of Film Club and a senior electronic one of my favorite hobbies that I president, and then in the upcoming into stories behind choreography and media broadcasting major, said have now,” Fedorjaka said. semester, I’m going to be the characters, discussing how everything many club members recruit friends Riley Yang, a senior public president,” Lima said. is connected in the Just Dance world. to appear in acting roles. This relations major and the club’s social Eli Strong, a junior computer “We do have special meetings allows students outside the club media manager, also discovered information systems major, serves as throughout the year,” Lima said. to participate in productions and the club while trying to find a way secretary of the club.

Christian Ellis, a junior theatre explore what could be a newfound to continue filmmaking after high “I started going to the meetings, major, is the chief of staff and interest for them. school. and I’ve been in love with it since has also been a member since the

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August 12, 2026

ARTS & CULTURE

Arthur Grimes plays his accordion as he sits next to the Doc Watson statue on King Street July 10. | Photo by Sydney Willis | Assoc. Photo Editor

Arthur Grimes: Beloved to Boone, betrothed to clog dancing Jaden Fusia | Reporter

“I’m trying to stay away from that traffic stuff uptown because I’m really concerned about those white folks driving that car. They’re not watching the road. My driver’s ed told me to watch the road. What did yours tell you?” Arthur Grimes asked, removing his bright yellow contrast-enhancing sunglasses to squint at the hypothetical drivers he knew would stare.

“To watch the road!” he said.

“They’re gonna look at us and wonder why in the world that young white woman is walking with that old Black man.” He sat down again in his bench seat with every High Country magazine detailing his career as a clog dancer laid out.

Twenty minutes later, a middle-

aged white man squinted as he passed, just as Grimes predicted.

Grimes enjoys the neckbreaking stares of everyday drivers and downtown-goers, just as much as he does not enjoy the common unawareness that one of his grandest loves, traditional clog dancing, has roots in African American culture.

Clog dancing has flourished in the High Country, but many don’t know of its ties to African Americans during and after slavery. Grimes has made it his life’s mission to reclaim the high-energy dance his ancestors knew so well.

“Everything that was done in this country was copied from Black people. My cousins kept calling it white people things. And the last

I checked, tap dancing came from Black people,” Grimes said. “It’s done with bluegrass and old-time music and it’s real fast.”

“And the same thing they bullied me for, I took on to the Grand Ole Opry stage.”

- Arthur Grimes, 2026

The origins of clog dancing are the Daniel Boone Cloggers and a world champion in clogging. Before often attributed to a blend of Irish, Scottish and English influences, but he became Grimes’ close friend, the dance was also shaped by African Hampton was his clogging idol.

American “buck dancing,” as well as Grimes watched Hampton moving fast to the beat of his own feet up on Native American dances.

The hastily-moving dance is the stage and knew his true passion unique, with the quick steps of was brewing. footwear acting as an instrument, “I said, ‘Man, I can be a Black creating their own musical pattern.

Morris Hampton. All I gotta do is For Grimes, that quick clicking of work hard,’” Grimes said. his toes began 51 years ago on his Grimes had an affinity for all mother’s back porch. things sports as well, but when he He recalled watching an old realized they were not going to historical precision clogging team in be something he excelled in, he Watauga County called the Daniel shimmied his eyes over to clogging.

Boone Cloggers work their foot “I was a terrible athlete at magic in front of him. A man named Watauga High School. I love sports, Morris Hampton was the leader of

ARTS & CULTURE but I had to quit football because I Grimes’ positive attitude and was so bad at it,” Grimes said. “So I dedication to the discipline carried went home and I started practicing him all the way to Nashville, clog dancing on my mom’s back Tennessee, where he performed a porch.” clog dancing routine at the Grand His mother was supportive of Ole Opry just like he promised his newfound love for clog dancing he would twice. The Grand Ole but could not stand the noise of the Opry is a weekly live country music tapping on her porch steps. So on and dance concert that is radio a sunshiny Appalachian afternoon, broadcast. It is considered highly she waited for Grimes to hop off prestigious as it is invitation-only. of the school bus and handed him Getting there requires a great deal of a schedule that he was expected career success. to abide by. Every Saturday was For decades, Grimes has reserved for her cake baking at 6 performed at various venues and o’clock sharp. festivals like MerleFest. Through all “She said ‘Don’t even try to of it, the friends he has made have practice dancing on that porch to make my cake fall,’” Grimes said.

“I told her ‘Mom, if you can put up with me for one more year, I’ll be out of your house and I’m gonna be on the Grand Ole Opry stage with the same dance that gets on your nerves.’”

And clog dance he did, in his apartment and on big stages too. It was not a smoothly paved road to get there, however. Grimes said his brothers bullied him for years about his learning disabilities in school.

They also mocked him for daring to have a dream like clog dancing. They didn’t understand how a small-town, 17-year-old brother of theirs could make it onto a stage for thousands of people to watch.

Their ruthlessness never stopped him. He knew that if he let their harsh words seep into his brain, he wouldn’t make it to the audiences that would provide the acceptance and adoration his own blood never could.

“I wasn’t listening to those dummies. I got to thinking, ‘How can I laugh at their skills?’ Well, I can’t because they don’t have any,” Grimes said. “And the same thing they bullied me for, I took on to the Grand Ole Opry stage.”

only furnished a bigger heart for clog dancing’s roots do, in fact, go back dancing. to traditional African American When the Grand Ole Opry staff rhythms, music and dance. reached out to Grimes regarding “I want to make sure that they his check for his performance, he are educated,” Grimes said. “You refused to take the money out of wouldn’t believe the white folks that commemoration for Vern Bailey. don’t know one thing about white Bailey was the first African American history and you wouldn’t believe the to perform at the Grand Ole Opry Black folks that don’t know one thing and did not receive his compensation about Black history. That’s why they simply for being Black. hate each other.”

“I decided I wanted to be like Grimes’ reclamation of African Mr. Bailey,” Grimes said.

American cultural dances has All Grimes has ever wanted is even inspired him to begin using to make lifelong connections and a washboard for his small clothing provide his audiences with a good garments as a means of tribute to time while educating them that clog his enslaved ancestors. “They were

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my heroes. They died for me. Those people worked their butts off for free,” Grimes said.

Washing his clothes by hand is a tiny act of empathy, but Grimes has been honoring his ancestors for years by not only clog dancing for thousands each year but also maintaining the traditional steps, sounds and heart of African American culture.

Sitting next to his icon, Doc Watson, Arthur Grimes plays his washboard on King Street July 10. | Photo by Sydney Willis | Assoc. Photo Editor

Graphics by Mady Helt | Senior Visual Reporter

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August 12, 2026

OPINION

OPINION: Pursuing higher education is a form of political protest Christa Price | Assoc. Opinion Editor

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he United States government likely they are to align with leftThere’s a lot that needs to has begun to take an active leaning political values. In 2026, be changed before more U.S. stance against equal educational 61% of adults who have attained citizens can obtain access to opportunities, making it more postgraduate degrees and 51% of higher education. As of fall 2024, important than ever to pursue higher those with bachelor’s degrees identify nationwide college enrollment as democrat or democrat-leaning. education. totaled just over 19 million. This The White House’s proposed Encouraging individuals to rate was down 8.43% from the peak 2026 Fiscal Year Budget allots $163 pursue collegiate education would enrollment rate in 2010, which was million in budget cuts across varying simultaneously encourage ideologies 21 million. nondefense government programs, that promote racial and gender According to College Board, the including reducing the Department equality, support for LGBTQ+ average tuition and fees at four-year of Education’s budget by $10.8 individuals, approval of social welfare public institutions went from $5,740 billion and completely eliminating programs and income equality, to $11,160 per year over the last various student aid programs. and generate an increased sense three decades, more than doubling Similarly, President Donald Trump’s of empathy among the general One Big Beautiful Bill Act from July population.

2025 has begun to reform other In a country that is seeking to student aid programs, such as the cut educational budgets, obtaining Grad PLUS program, lowering the a degree of any kind is a direct amount of funds that students can pushback against the government’s borrow. intended far-right policies These loan limits, elimination of surrounding collegiate education. student aid programs and decreases An even more beneficial in the federal education budget component of obtaining higher have the potential to decrease the education is the social aspect of accessibility of higher education for college. Individuals with college low- and middle-income students, degrees reap the benefits of “social especially those pursuing medicine, capital,” which is the combination of law or other financially demanding support networks, information, power graduate programs. and resources higher education Pursuing tertiary education has provides to students through social substantial effects on the shaping interaction. of individuals and future political, However, as more individuals cultural and business leaders. Their cease to attend college, this experiences while attending highter combined access to historical education instututions simultaneously and political education, as well as influence their view about the current social connections and exposure and future condition of the U.S. and to opposing beliefs and individual where they fit into modern society. identities lessens. This lack of According to Pew Research access ultimately associates farCenter, the higher level of education right ideologies with less-educated an individual pursues, the more individuals.

the cost to pursue higher education.

The Education Data Initiative reports in 2024, about 42 million borrowers owed over $1.6 trillion in federal student loans — ­ a number that will only increase as tuition rates rise.

As university attendance becomes more expensive, it proves increasingly difficult for students to afford or pursue higher education.

Considering that the more education a person receives contributes to their level of political education

and understanding of government structure, the increase in cost will prevent individuals from being politically informed in the long run.

The increased use of artificial intelligence is also a hindrance to the education of current students.

According to a report from the University of Massachusetts, the primary use of AI tools by students is to get answers on assignments.

Continued AI usage has the capability to prevent higher learning and recollection of specific skills

OPINION or knowledge, encourage the unchecked racial biases can only worsen the collective educated state of U.S. citizens. development of discriminatory and consistent reporting of behavior and can eventually threaten misinformation, the U.S. government Uneducated individuals are easily the stability of education systems. continues to provide support and manipulated and working AI into AI programs have a tendency to funding to AI-based programs. the government’s basic functions will report false, offensive or misleading In July of 2025, the White allow the government to feed people information to users as well.

House released America’s AI the same incorrect and offensive These models can contribute to Action Plan, outlining the steps beliefs AI relies upon. the formation of false evidence or for obtaining global dominance The entirety of the U.S. accusations against marginalized in the age of AI, labeling it the will become a cesspool of individuals, especially members of modern industrial revolution and a misinformation, discrimination and Black communities, as referenced renaissance period. quite honestly, stupidity, if things in recent court cases Mobley v.

Encouraging a reliance on continue the way they are heading.

Workday and Harper v. Sirius XM. programs that routinely provide One of the greatest forms of Despite AI’s apparent incorrect and offensive information protest is remaining educated. The

current government is trying its best to create a widespread echo chamber by making higher education as inaccessible as possible. Creating authentic, self-made work and working as hard as possible towards being well-informed is the key to changing history — to changing the outcomes that are attempting to be laid out before humanity.

While it may be an overused quote, George Santayana’s sentiment in “The Life of Reason” still holds true: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Graphic by Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor

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OPINION

August 12, 2026

OPINION: How to cultivate a healthy relationship with social media as a student Bailey Cain | Opinion Writer

Blue light emitted from are to identify your triggers, turn off activities and develop a routine notifications and, most importantly, electronic devices is a major culprit to create a technology-free zone recognize how you use your time on of sleep disruption. When a person effectively. is exposed to too much light from social media platforms. Learning It is during times of high stress electronics before going to sleep, it to limit your use will help manage when social media, despite being the infamous FOMO so you are not directly throws off their circadian enjoyable for many, can sneakily constantly comparing your life to the rhythm, interrupting their good become overwhelming for others. night’s rest in the process. Next time Although these are just a few ways lives of your peers.

FOMO, otherwise known as the you think about doomscrolling before to cultivate a healthy relationship “fear of missing out,” is a common bed, think of how your sleep will be with social media, college students reason for increased anxiety amongst affected as well. have endless opportunities to build It is beneficial to set boundaries an experience with social media that social media users. It is not unusual to feel unsatisfied when your friends for yourself so you can balance social works for them. and family’s best moments are posted media with other activities. Overuse If you or someone you know is where you, along with everyone else, of social media has daunting effects struggling with depression or anxiety can see. That being said, the best way on mental well-being and daily due to social media or otherwise, productivity, so it is important to to combat FOMO is through selfcontact App State’s Wellness and take control of time spent on social Prevention Services at 828-262-3148 control. media by redirecting it to other areas or visit their website at wellness.

Curating your social media feed not only provides the benefit of of life. Set aside some time to put appstate.edu. interacting with content relevant to down the phone and enjoy face-toyou but also helps you avoid content face interactions with friends, pick up a new hobby or even engage in that negatively affects your wellphysical activity to create a healthy being. Just because there is content Graphics by Anna Milewicz | Graphics Editor in front of you does not mean you balance.

With regard to coursework and should feel obligated to interact with it. Protecting yourself from negative studying, social media is recognized very college student knows how While changing social media as the number one distraction for content online can tremendously stressful life can be, and whether habits can be difficult, especially for college students. Gitnux’s study states benefit your mental health, so it stems from applying to internships those suffering from a social media 54% of students reported having whether it is by unfollowing or or moving into an apartment, the last addiction, it does not change the fact lower GPAs because of social media blocking harmful accounts or by thing they need is additional stress that the change may be necessary. simply adjusting your feed to fit your use during studying. from social media.

One way to slowly incorporate these Consider creating technologyinterests, curating your feed is an easy According to Gitnux, an changes into your routine is to limit way to create a healthy social media free zones for yourself if you independent market research your daily amount of screen time. realize social media is becoming space for yourself. platform, that 95% of college Taking screen breaks can be an a major distraction or enabling When it comes to college students regularly use at least one excellent benefit to mental health procrastination. Procrastination students and sleep, The Social social media platform, and a closer by reducing anxiety stemming from via scrolling affects 73% of college Institute states that 93% of Gen Z look at these numbers will tell you social media. say they have stayed up late to browse students, according to Gitnux, by that almost two-thirds of these Maybe it is easier said than social media. Healthier social media delaying homework completion, so students claim to have heightened done, but incorporating selffor many, it would be great to have habits can go hand in hand with anxiety due to social media. These discipline into your social media a space to cut out all distractions. healthier sleep habits. For college statistics may appear worrisome, routine will yield positive results. SelfThe best ways to combat social students, sleep is one of the most but they can easily be addressed by discipline takes time, but the best tips media distractions are to set specific important parts of their routines. building a healthier relationship with to remember when building this trait electronic-free times, find alternative social media.

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OPINION

Anna Kate’s Takes: Society has overglamorized the college experience Similarly, a study by Active Minds, a nonprofit dedicated significant portion of this year’s to advocating for mental health awareness among young adults, incoming freshman class has found in 2024 that 64.7% of college likely encountered the cliché that college will be the best four years of students have reported feelings of loneliness, with 28.4% indicating their lives. In reality, this sentiment isolation from others and 21% boils down to a romanticized and lacking companionship. far-fetched fallacy. Whether it’s a Another mental health lie perpetuated by certain media professional, Alexis Redding, a or an off-base societal stereotype, Harvard lecturer and editor of this mantra creates unrealistic “Mental Health in College: What expectations that can eventually Research Tells Us About Supporting contribute to feelings of intense Students,” provides her commentary isolation and shame. on the mainstream As psychiatrist narratives surrounding the Amanda Itzkoff writes, college experience, and “Long after college, many more specifically, where they people are inclined to go wrong. glamorize their college

Redding explains how experience, recalling the instances of loneliness are thrill of learning, endless inevitable during one’s time social opportunities, and in college, and yet through late-night gatherings that interviewing students across blend together in an idyllic different campuses, she was re-imagining of their surprised by how many campus experience.” didn’t expect those feelings However, what seems to be a part of the college to always be absent from zeitgeist. When taking these narratives is the part in a podcast episode presence of high rates produced through Harvard, of anxiety, burnout and Redding elaborated on why college loneliness across campuses.

Itzkoff, in a blog post about the students feel so alone, “Instead, we glamorization of college life, explores tell them, ‘College will be the best how anxiety has eclipsed depression four years of your life.’ That does not prepare them for the ordinary as the most common mental Tuesday when they still haven’t met health concern among college students, citing greater than 50% of their friends, when they’re not trying individuals reporting symptoms. She to eat within the dining hall, when lists overprotective parents, academic they’re feeling disconnected from their roommate.” pressure and omnipresent social An ambassador from media as major elements fueling Active Minds writes about their anxiety rates. undergraduate experience, “In my Anna Kate Mock | Opinion Editor

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opinion, trying to live up to the discourse of college having to be the best time of your life is actually more difficult, because we feel as though if we are not having fun or having a good time, then we are doing something wrong.”

There’s an unmistakable distortion happening here when everyone is entering college with preconceived notions of what the experience should be like, and everything outside of that is somehow not as valid.

By sustaining a sweeping expectation that college is meant to be some kind of peak in your adult life, when feelings of loneliness or self-doubt inevitably creep in, these very normal feelings begin to resemble a crisis. Between moving away from established support systems, entering a completely new environment and gaining complete independence, there is bound to be a learning curve. There’s an inescapable struggle of knowing what adulthood is supposed to feel like.

Whether it’s movies or shows — the ones where everyone is going to parties every weekend, always entangled in some crazy romantic drama and are never seen stepping foot in a class — or a well-meaning fib from a family member meant to assuage hesitations toward entering college, it’s all harmful to some extent. If operating under the assumption that these conjectures are being placed on the shoulders of 18-24-year-olds, what these individuals need the most is to discover things on their own terms.

College is not one-size-fits-all, and

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everyone’s experiences and priorities pains while in college are completely are going to be vastly different. And normal. College will probably not that’s perfectly okay. be defined as the best years of your life, and it’s honestly for the best. You Social media also plays a role have so many years ahead of you, in warping real life and fueling comparison among peers. When you and every phase of life is going to can easily scroll through the profiles be significant for different reasons.

Instead of expecting your time spent of people who are in the same in university to be picture-perfect stage of life as you and access their highlight reels, it can feel like you’re all the time, it should be taken as a time to fully grow into yourself and somehow falling behind or aren’t decide what you value in yourself living like you think you should be. and others. The college experience While it’s a universal experience to feel inadequate in the face of others, can be tremendously impactful when you focus on building a community drowning in the outside noise only with those heightens any around you and isolation a learn to lean on student may be those who are feeling. feeling the same A study self-doubt, the published by same pressures the University and the same of Cincinnati anxieties. in the “Journal of American Don’t expect College everything to Health” found be perfect, but that students don’t expect who spend 16 it to be bad hours or more either: Try new a week on things, go to social media, random club or two hours a day, are experiencing meetings that interest you and push increased rates of loneliness. One yourself outside of your comfort author of the journal article, Ashley zone even if it’s painstaking to do L. Merianos, commented on the so. Live life on your own terms study, “These results underscore and not what others expect of you. how widespread loneliness is among Remember that loneliness doesn’t college students and highlight that last forever, and it’s OK to stew in it, excessive social media use may be then keep going. replacing the meaningful interactions that protect their mental health.”

If anything can be taken from these statistics, it’s that loneliness Graphics by Anna Milewicz | and any psychological growing Graphics Editor

Back cover by Liz Townsend | Visual Managing Editor

Photo by Parker Lunn | Photojournalist