Issue 10 | Volume 107

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University April 21, 2026

Single Copies Free

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The Clothesline Project marks 1,000 stories at GCSU Kate Walker

visual representation of sto-

ing over a thousand stories

A&L Editor

ries across the community.

shared since the project began

“We are here to raise aware-

on campus. Daniel also noted

ness about people who have

that the display is intentionally

experienced

interpersonal

held in April, which is Sexu-

violence and allow people to

al Assault Awareness Month.

share their stories,” said Mae

“A lot of people are already

Daniel, a graduate assistant at

talking about it in their class-

the Office of Community En-

es, so it’s a good way to make

gagement and Belonging. “It’s

that connection between com-

awareness-based, but also we

munity and school and really

Project

make sure that the shirts that

make education surrounding

invites survivors of violence,

have been made in the past year

sexual assault awareness and

as well as those who have

or two stay up so that people

sexual violence and interper-

lost loved ones, to paint and

can see their story being told.”

sonal violence a more com-

hang T-shirts reflecting their

Daniel said that this year’s

prehensive approach,” Daniel

From April 14-16, GCSU hosted its annual Clothesline Project display on Front Campus, partnering with the Women and Allies’ Action Collective and the Stepping Stone Child Advocacy and Sexual Assault Center to bring awareness about interpersonal violence.

The

Clothesline

experiences. Different shirt

display

signifi-

said. “We bring it out, start

colors

different

cant milestone, honoring its

conversations between stu-

types of violence, creating a

1,000th shirt and represent-

dents and employees, and

represent

marked

a

Julia Jensen | Art Director

it’s a very powerful thing.”

GCSU hits 10,000 freshman application milestone for fall 2026

See CLOTHESLINE | Page 7

DRIVER SAFETY Lillian Winn Staff Writer On Monday, April 6, an intoxicated wom-

Maggie Scarbrough

current students with fewer ways

Kernodle, a freshman economics

Staff Writer

to fully engage with campus.

and finance major. “There is al-

On April 2, GCSU’s incom-

Students think that this could

ready scarce seating during the day

ly hitting two fishermen, and was then arrested

ing freshman class for the 2026-

affect class registration, housing

like at the MAX and the library.”

and charged with driving under the influence.

2027

and parking. Many of them believe

Kernodle said that she believes

a

academic

record

according

year

10,000 to

an

reached

applications, Instagram

post by President Cathy Cox. GCSU consistently promotes its reputation for small class sizes, career opportunities and experiential learning on its website.

However, with larger admissions, many students worry about their

that in light of the large number of applicants, GCSU will likely either admit fewer students or expand its resources, based on the increased admissions that led to the larger size of the current freshman class.

GCSU’s

current

freshman

class shared their input on the increase in admitted students and its impact on their access

admitting fewer students will help maintain GCSU’s image as a small school and allow students more access to these resources.

“I think GCSU should ad-

an drove her car to the end of the Frank Downing Fishing Pier in Montgomery, Georgia, near-

Her identity was not shared with the public. The Chatham County Police Department shared its advice to other Georgia drivers regarding vehicle safety, which includes younger drivers like students here at GCSU. “This

could

have

had

tragic

conse-

quences. Please do not drive if you are impaired

in

any

way,”

their

statement

said.

According to Georgia Highway Safety, 27%

mit fewer students because I

of fatal accidents occurring across the state in

like the small school feel with-

2023 were a result of driving under the influence.

out it being super expensive,”

Due to the fact that accidents like these still

Kernodle said. “I feel like if

occur across Georgia, the importance of driver safety is highly valued by students like Lilly-

access to available resources on

to these resources on campus.

they expand too much more,

campus. This increase in appli-

“I think it will make resources

then they will lose that aspect.”

been involved in dangerous vehicular accidents.

cations could potentially leave

a lot harder to access,” said Ashley

See RECORD | Page 3

See SAFETY | Page 2

Ann Hancock and Haylee Rainer, who have both

Angel Reese traded to Atlanta Dream Rosalie Ritz

tionally, after she was suspended

As for the main reason for the

Staff Writer

for “statements detrimental to

trade, the Chicago Sky missed the

the team” during a game against

playoffs the last two seasons. The

the Las Vegas Aces, Reese was

Chicago Sky traded Angel Re-

critical of the organization’s di-

ese for two first-round picks in

The Chicago Sky, in a shocking decision, traded forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) for two firstround picks on Monday, April 6th.

Key reasons for the trade in-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

rection

during

the

situation.

Bryce Arnold, a senior exercise

science

major,

occa-

sionally

follows

the

WNBA.

“I wasn’t surprised [by the

clude on-court issues, public crit-

trade],”

icism, roster and strategy reset.

kind of was beefing with peo-

Reese has mentioned issues

ple from the Sky, so her split-

with spacing and efficiency with

ting is kind of good because she

forward Kamilla Cardoso. Addi-

can grow from it and be better.”

Arnold

said.

“She

the 2027 and 2028 drafts. Firstround draft picks are essential because they are considered to be the top picks of that member class. Oftentimes, teams rebuild for younger players and draft flexibility, so it is likely that the Chicago Sky is looking for that.

See ANGEL REESE | Page 4

NEWS | PG. 3

SPORTS | PG. 4

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 6

THE CATERWAUL | PG. 9

Amid the recent U.S.-Iran war, domestic companies have had to compensate for higher fuel prices.

Many athletes over the years have faced serious injuries that resulted in a positive athletic turnaround.

At the end of each Spring semester, students face a “slump” that is difficult to over come as deadlines pile up.

If you’re hoping to enjoy a delicious dessert, use this simple key lime pie recipe and enjoy your new sweet treat!

DELTA AIRLINES FACES PRICE INCREASE

SPORTS INJURIES CAN’T STOP TALENT

THE END-OF-SEMESTER SLUMP IS HERE

MAKE THIS DELICIOUS KEY LIME PIE!

2

JANE CARR, NEWS EDITOR ANNALIE PARKER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.21.2026

NEWS

New autism therapy center opens in Milledgeville James Cordero Contributing Writer

Academy Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a pediatric, Georgia-based autism center, has opened in the former Pathfinders Church building to help children on the autism spectrum. The center utilizes data-driven therapy for treating autism that uses behavioral principles to increase or decrease particular behaviors and build social skills.

“ABA is defined as a type of approach to understanding behavior and social skills based on the environment around an individual and can help improve communication and social skills,” said Logan Ingram, a sophomore psychology student.

Academy ABA began in 1998, treating many children with different diagnoses, but in 2020, they shifted their focus to children solely with autism due to the rising prevalence. Academy ABA has many locations throughout Georgia, including Cartersville, Cumming,

SAFETY

Continued from page 1 Haylee Rainer, a sophomore psychology major, elaborated in detail on the account of her car accident in 2023. She shared that she was headed to an appointment and had to make a left-hand turn across a busy road in McDonough, Georgia.

“I looked both ways and saw no cars,” Rainer said. “A car came out of nowhere and hit the back of my car.”

Rainer continued that her vehicle spun into the opposite lane facing oncoming traffic, and the offender’s car crashed into the woods on the side of the road.

The collision totaled both cars, and Rainer walked away unharmed.

While the situation was harmful to both parties, the fault was placed mostly on Rainer.

Rome, Roswell and now Milledgeville.

The programs at Academy ABA focus on real-world application and tailoring their care specifically to each child, starting with an assessment of their strengths, challenges and goals.

ABA as a treatment focuses on improving communication skills, focus and memory, facets that children on the autism spectrum struggle with. “[Children with autism] often struggle with their social skills as they don’t completely understand how to interact with other kids, as well as the ability to focus on the work at hand,” Ingram said.

ABA uses positive reinforcement as well as educating their clients about antecedents, behaviors and consequences—the cause, the action and the after effect, respectively—to improve communication skills.

The center doesn’t just help the autistic patients they are treating, but also the families of those patients. Increasing communication skills among children on the spectrum means they

“Because I was technically occupying his lane, the fault was mostly mine,” Rainer said.

She claimed that she saw him speed up behind her, yet that information wasn’t legally applicable to the situation. She

tried to hit the brakes.“ After the incident, Rainer shared that the next few months were quite traumatic for her.

It took Rainer multiple months before she was confident to drive again.

“The next time we

Julia Jensen | Art Director

added the fact that there were “no marks on the road to indicate that he

drove through the square … I just broke down and I would flinch ev-

VOLUME 107 | NO. 10

Editorial Board

Mary Ciucevich.............. Editor in Chief Amelia McEwen............. Managing Editor Julia Jensen...................... Art Director Jane Carr............................ News Editor Annalie Parker................. Asst. News Editor Bryan Cade....................... Sports Editor Joseph Palmese..............Asst. Sports Editor Kate Walker.......................Arts & Life Editor Sydney Williams.............Asst. Arts & Life Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Reaghan Shehee............Digital Media Editor Rebecca Ocampo..........PR Manager Haley Quimby.................. Ad Sales Manager Mikkel Christensen....... Faculty Adviser

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

can better convey their issues to their caregiver and their caregivers can have an easier time talking to the child.

“The center will benefit the child the most with everyday social interaction, and that can help the child be able to communicate more easily with the parents,” said Ella Hampton, a freshman psychology and former special education major. “The parents will also learn more about their child and what they need, because typically centers give parents resources on the best ways to support their child during this process.”

Academy ABA took the place of a church, which served as a place of community, but some students believe that the academy serves the same purpose.

“I think it will serve a similar purpose with the intention to help the community, but for different people and doing different things,” Hampton said.

The community now has a space to learn about autism and people on the spectrum, and their families can get the support they need thanks to

ery time my parents would make a lefthand turn,” Rainer said.

In order to prevent accidents like these from occurring for students, Rainer shared a piece of advice.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” Rainer advised. “Nothing is more important than safety when you’re driving.”

LillyAnn Hancock, a freshman middle grades education major, also shared a harrowing driving experience from her past. The accident happened at the intersection outside of her hometown mall in Athens, Georgia.

Hancock was riding with her mother and sister when a car ran a red light and hit the left front side of her mother’s car.

She believed that the sun may have inhibited the offender from seeing the light change. However, the motive was unclear.

Autism awareness ribbon

Academy ABA, and yet, many students were not aware of the business.

“I was not aware of the building or what it does, but after learning about it, I think it would be a very beneficial addition for the community,” Ingram said.

For students seeking further information on APA and autism treatments, Academy ABA is located at 120 Earnest Byner Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061, and is reachable at 770754-0085 or intake@academyaba.com.

“The sun was setting, but it was pretty clear,” Hancock said.

She elaborated that her mother was proficient in defensive driving during the accident, steering the car to a less impactful angle.

“It could’ve been a lot worse, but my mom turned because she could see the car coming,” Hancock said.

Students say that a vital aspect of the realm of drivers is the local community and the willingness to help in dangerous situations.

Hancock shared her thoughts about the impact that fellow drivers had on her with their help after the wreck.

“A lot of people stopped and helped us move the car,” Hancock said.

Hancock also emphasized the impact that being involved in a car wreck can have on a

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person. Similar to Rainer, she claimed she was shaken up, and it was difficult to move on from the incident for a while.

“I was scared to ride in the car again,” Hancock said.

While these events were traumatic for both Rainer and Hancock, they also learned about the importance of driver safety and shared their advice for student drivers.

“Not only just be aware of your driving, but also of other people’s driving,” Hancock said, emphasizing that knowing one’s own driving skills might not be enough to ensure safety.

Students can find updates regarding the recent arrest at their preferred Georgia-based news outlet, as well as more information on driver safety at www. gahighwaysafety.org.

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3

JANE CARR, NEWS EDITOR ANNALIE PARKER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.21.2026

NEWS

GCSU holds annual Sustainability Symposium

Event organizers encourage student attendance Annalie Parker Asst. News Editor On Thursday, April 23, the Office of Sustainability, the Sustainability Council and the Office of Community Engagement and Belonging are inviting all students and faculty to their annual Sustainability in Service Symposium from 3 to 6 p.m. in Donahoo Lounge.

The event will include informational presentations and tables about topics regarding sustainable practices and community service, as well as free food and several interactive activities with prizes.

Caroline Efird, a junior environmental science major and Event Coordinator Intern with the Office of Sustainability, encourages student attendance because of the education and outreach this event will offer.

“This symposium is a unique opportunity to connect directly with local organizations doing impactful work in Milledgeville and the

surrounding area,” Efird said. “It is also a chance to learn how sustainability goes beyond environmental topics and connects deeply to service, community health and social responsibility.”

She hopes students will get useful information out of their attendance while also feeling more connected to the community as a whole, and that they leave feeling encouraged to practice sustainability as a way to contribute to that community.

“I want students to walk away with a better understanding of what sustainability looks like in practice, how it connects to service and how they can personally get involved with organizations that are making a difference in the local community,” Efird said.

Several organizations will be tabling at the event, including Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross, as well as GCSU-specific groups such as the Gardening Club, the Aquatic Sciences Club and many

RECORD

Continued from page 1 Other students shared that the next incoming class feels far in the future, and they feel it is too soon for them to imagine a new class of freshmen on campus.

“Honestly, it’s hard for me to think about what [the increase in students] will be like, because I’m a freshman myself,” said Addison Rathbun, a freshman elementary education major. “But I definitely think next year is going to be a lot different.”

Rathbun also noted that a higher percentage of freshmen on campus

may

make

finding

housing

more difficult for upperclassmen.

“I feel like [GCSU] is really push-

more. In addition to providing education on local opportunities for sustainability, these tables will provide student

and other sustainable prizes,” said Morgan Dodson, a senior public health major and fulltime intern with the

PRESENTED BY THE GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL, AND THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND BELONGING

Sustainability in service symposium Connect with impactful service programs involving Georgia College & State University and regional partners Join us for a panel discussion featuring sustainability experts

April 23rd, 2026 DONAHOO LOUNGE 3 PM - 5 PM RECEPTION 5 PM - 6 PM PANEL DISCUSSION LIGHT REFRESHMENTS, PRIZES, AND ACTIVITIES PROVIDED! Courtesy of Morgan Dodson and Caroline Efird

engagement activities.

“Students should attend because there will be a raffle competition to win some epic GCSU swag, reusable cutlery,

ing for upperclassmen to not come to the dorms,” Rathbun said. “I definitely think that they’re worried about not having enough spots.”

Registration was another concern among students, especially with registration week being an already competitive time.

“With more students, registration will also be way harder,” Kernodle said.

Miranda Dean, a freshman criminal justice and psychology major, expressed a mixed view of the topic. She did not see increased enrollment as fully negative, but still recognized the challenges that may arise.

“I personally am very glad that the school is getting more [students] admitted,” Dean said. “But I do think

Office of Sustainability.

“There will also be a Tote Bag decorating station that students can take with them, and free food.”

Doug Oetter, a Pro-

fessor of Geography and Sustainability Symposium organizer, believes that participants in sustainable community-driven practices gain benefits far beyond just a positive impact on the environment.

“We build essential skills, develop strong relationships, and create a tremendous sense of belonging,” he said. “More than a few volunteers have used their experiences to help develop meaningful and lucrative careers in the non-profit sector as well as business and governance.”

Though students will have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with community outreach organizations, they will also learn small and consistent practices that they can implement into their daily lives to reduce waste and pollution.

“Some sustainable practices we always like to promote at the Office of Sustainability are using reusable water bottles, turning off lights when leaving a room,

that’s going to make parking a lot harder for the students that are already here.”

Students like Kernodle, Rathbun and Dean shared similar concerns about registration, housing, parking or simply the number of students admitted. Coming from an already large class, this year’s freshmen will potentially have to adjust to thousands of new students this fall.

With this increase, students like Kernodle feel they have seen GCSU move away from its “small college” reputation, limiting the accessibility of resources on campus. Dean’s statement describing her mixed opinion highlights possible benefits. Many students believe this may affect their academic experience.

As the year concludes, prospective

learning your campus recycling rules, volunteering consistently and building relationships with 1-2 local organizations,” Dodson said.

The Sustainability Symposium is intended to be a fun, relaxing event that will leave students feeling more inclined to understand and protect the environment.

It is meant to serve as an opportunity for learning, forming connections and making a positive impact on the natural world.

“Students at GCSU can learn that sustainability means connectivity, with our world, our region, and our community,” Oetter said. “When we help clean up and improve our neighborhood, we help improve ourselves.”

Students interested in attending the event or learning more about GCSU’s student sustainability organizations can visit the Office of Sustainability located in Miller Court Room 310 at 302 N Wayne Street.

Julia Jensen | Art Director

and current students who may want to learn more about enrollment rates, as well as their families, can find more information at gcsu.edu on the Front Page.

Higher fuel prices push Delta to increase baggage fees Anakate Cox Staff Writer American travelers are facing even higher costs at airports this spring, as Delta Air Lines and others raise checked baggage fees in response to rising fuel prices driven by the current conflict in the Middle East, adding to the already rising

April 2026, passengers will now pay $45 for a checked bag and $55 for a second. The fees were increased by $10 for tickets booked on or after April 8. This marks the airline’s first increase in baggage fees for domestic routes in two years.

This price change reflects similar increases by other major airlines,

Agent checks bag

travel expenses for many passengers nationwide.

Delta Air Lines announced that beginning

such as Southwest and United Airlines, driven by rising operational costs, signaling a broad-

er shift across the airline industry as companies respond to ongoing economic pressures. The prices emphasize the recent financial pressure tied to global energy markets, where fluctuations in oil prices continue to impact airline budgets and everyday life.

According to The Associated Press (AP News), airlines around the world have been battling with the unstable oil markets as fighting near the Strait of Hormuz disrupts global supplies.

“The average price for a gallon of jet fuel in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York was $4.81 on Tuesday, up from $2.50 the day before the war started,” said AP News.

AP News also explained the underlying cause of the increased prices, noting that “roughly a fifth of the world’s oil typ-

ically passes through the narrow waterway, and the threat to that chokepoint is pushing up the price of jet fuel.”

As a result, the prices have affected travelers directly, influencing not only how much they pay but also how they plan their trips, including decisions about how often they travel and what they choose to bring.

Rylan Johnston, a sophomore special education major, says the increased fees make her rethink what she would bring on a trip. As airlines continue to adjust pricing in response to increased operational costs, students like Johnston are becoming more deliberate when preparing to travel.

“It makes me more intentional about what I pack when I travel,” Johnston said, “The fuel prices make people a lot more conscious

about what they’re spending and maybe decide to travel less.”

Her perspective reflects a growing trend among young travelers, who are often more budget-friendly and flexible when it comes to traveling.

Shelby Nottingham, a sophomore psychology major, said the added fees would now influence her airline choices for the next time she travels.

“The fees would make me consider different airlines based on what they have and do not have,” Nottingham said.

As competition between airlines remains strong, added or increased fees may push travelers to consider their options more carefully, weighing what is included in the ticket price versus what comes at an extra cost.

She added that lower fees can make a sig-

nificant difference, especially for frequent travelers, where convenience and affordability go hand in hand.

“A free checked bag would make traveling much easier. The average person is traveling for work or a shortterm trip, so they are not bringing a lot of stuff,” Nottingham said.

Similar to Johnston, Nottingham explained how the broader impact of rising fuel prices has made her and others “more aware of spending and even driving.”

These students’ perspectives reflect how rising fuel costs are influencing not only airline pricing, but also everyday financial decisions. As uncertainty in global energy markets continues, travelers may need to remain flexible and aware of how these changes can affect them directly.

4

BRYAN CADE, SPORTS EDITOR JOSEPH PALMESE, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.21.2026

SPORTS ANGEL REESE she planned to leave if the years ago, and has continued due to a stagnant second-half how Reese adjusts to the Dream.

Continued from page 1

team did not improve, frus-

to improve in each of her two

offense, key turnovers, and an

“I would say I’m pretty ex-

Abbie Morris, a sopho-

trating many of the veteran

seasons, being the only player

inability to close out games.

cited,” Gaines said. “Hope-

more elementary major and

players on the Chicago Sky.

intramurals player, is a WNBA

Peyton Gaines is a sopho-

fan who is wary of the trade.

more psychology major and

“She’s a good player, but

an occasional basketball in-

in WNBA history to average twelve rebounds per game in a her two seasons in the league.

She also led the league in double-doubles with 23 of them.

could be bad for the locker

What makes this so spe-

room and bad for the integ-

cial is that rebounds are rare

rity of the team,” Morris said.

high-motor

during Reese’s rookie season,

of the locker room, and catered towards the needs of the few, which many interpreted as Reese and Weatherspoons

playing

style

that allows her to rebound.

in which head coach Teressa cago ended, as she lost control

game or two, but we’ll see.”

her

On the contrary, some fans are more hesitant because At-

I think her rebound shots would be good for [Atlanta]

lanta traded draft picks for her.

- Peyton Gaines

also has an aggressive and

back

Weatherspoon’s tenure in Chi-

shots would be good for

and hard to achieve. Reese

One of these locker room occurred

fully, I’ll go see her skills in a

think

season, and doing so in both of

the way she holds herself

incidents

rebound

“I

“I think she could go back to how she was [playing] at

Angel Reese against Minnesota Lynx

LSU, she won some champion-

tramural player, who has fol-

ships there, so it could maybe

lowed the Angel Reese trade.

be a reset for her,” Arnold said.

“I was surprised at first, but then I thought it would be a

“I’m

kind

of

nervous

because

we

traded

two

picks for her,” Arnold said.

Some students are also concerned about how her

[Atlanta],”

Gaines

said.

Last season, Atlanta had a total of 36.6 rebounds, making it first in the team rankings.

Chicago was second, with 35.5, with Reese probably being a

character will affect the team.

“I’m not very excited because I’m just scared for the integrity of the team due to actions in the past by her,” Morris said.

With the performance of the Atlanta Dream in 2025,

“I feel like [the trade] could

big part of those rebounds.

only time will tell if the elite re-

help her be a more powerful for-

Atlanta has many star play-

bounder will help Atlanta get

ward in the game,” Gaines said.

ers like forwards Naz Hillmon

over the hump, while Chicago

favortism towards the forward.

good move for her,” Gaines said.

In 2025, Reese also re-

Reese, a forward, is a two-

Atlanta finished third overall

and Brionna Jones, with whom

needs to make sure they prepare

marked that the team need-

time All-Star and was the

in the league, yet fell in the first

Reece is expected to mesh well.

for a full rebound with their

ed “great players” and that

seventh overall pick only two

round of the playoffs last year

Many fans are excited to see

acquisitions in the Reese trade.

The injuries of sports

Gruesome pain and triumphant returns Elizabeth Kohler Staff Writer To play a sport, athletes are always aware of the injuries that come with it; thankfully, over time, they are returning to play quicker and better than ever.

Myles Bailey, a first baseman for the Florida State University Seminoles, made a feet-first slide into second base during the Florida State vs Duke game, injuring his right leg in one of the most graphic injuries the sports world has seen in a while, stirring up conversation about the most gruesome injuries in sports.

Bailey has undergone successful ankle surgery and, although he will miss the remainder of the 2026 season, he is expected to make a full recovery and return after a few months of rehab.

Injuries in sports are a common thing and can range from a sprained ankle to paralysis. Contact sports, such as football, rugby, lacrosse, soccer and hockey, have some of the highest injury rates.

“The most gruesome injuries I see are from hockey,” said Katherine Bone, a sophomore English major. “When they fall, they get concussions or spinal injuries, where they can’t really move afterward.”

Hockey is one of the most violent sports, resulting in concussions, ligament tears, joint separations and sprains.

The most notable in-

jury from hockey happened when Clint Malarchuk’s neck was sliced open by an opponent’s skate following a collision during the 1989 game between the St. Louis Blues and Malarchuk’s Buffalo Sabres.

The incident severed his carotid artery and partially cut his jugular vein, resulting in a six-inch wound and the loss of about 1.5 liters of blood, approximately 25% to 30% of the total blood in an average adult.

Due to the quick action by his trainer, a former army combat medic, Malarchuk survived and, despite needing 300 stitches to close the wound, returned to the ice 11 days after the incident.

Lacrosse is also a risk-heavy sport, with many players experiencing sprains, breaks and concussions throughout their careers.

Sam Zondervan, a freshman physics major, was playing high school lacrosse when a player on the opposing team tripped Zondervan’s teammate.

“He fell on his arm and broke it and the bone was sticking out,” Zondervan said.

Other notable sports injuries in history include the facial laceration of figure skater Jessica Dubé by partner Bryce Davison in 2007, the leg dislocation of football player Napoleon McCallum in 1994, that caused a ruptured artery and tore three ligaments re-

sulting in nerve damage, the compound fractures of the tibia and fibula in the right leg of soccer player David Busst in 1996 and the famous 1976 Nürburgring crash of F1 driver Niki Lauda, which resulted in severe burns to his hands and head and damage to his lungs and blood from inhaling toxic gases.

Julia Jensen | Art Director

Severe injuries can be career-ending, as McCallum and Busst experienced; however, some can lead to triumphant comebacks.

Dubé returned ten days later, and the pair placed seventh in the world championships. Niki Lauda returned six weeks later and finished fourth in the Italian Grand Prix.

Jessie Goldstein, a sophomore psychology major and former softball player, talks about how incredible and inspiring it is as a fan to watch star athletes return from injuries.

“If you have a favorite player, being able to see them come back can be super emotional and special, especially when they do something amazing after they come back from an injury,” Goldstein said.

Where will GCSU golf?

Lily Mahaffey Staff Writer For many GCSU students, finding a place to golf in Milledgeville is becoming increasingly difficult as Little Fishing Creek Golf Course reduces operations during ongoing reconstruction.

With the city’s only public course limited, and nearby options like Reynolds on Lake Oconee primarily private, student golfers are left wondering where to play. As interest in golf continues to grow on campus, students want more affordable and accessible public options.

“Having only one course near campus really slows play and limits availability,” said David Burgrovsky, a junior finance major. “Another course nearby would be nice.”

Inconsistent tee times and backed-up tee boxes can be frustrating for students like Burgrovsky, who have limited availability due to school schedules and other activities.

In addition to limited access, students like Caden Carney, a junior business management major, questioned whether the course was worth the price even before construction began.

“I thought it was overpriced for not being a very efficient course,” Carney said.

While Little Fishing Creek has shown improvements in recent years, some students

said the reconstruction comes at a time when the course was becoming more enjoyable.

“Little Fishing Creek has come a long way leading up to its reconstruction. The fairways used to be much worse, and the greens were not up to par,” Burgrovsky said. “Recently, the course has been much more pleasant to play, especially the back nine.”

Despite these challenges, interest in golf on campus continues to grow, with more students picking up the sport recreationally. As participation increases, the lack

“The drive does add extra time and gas, which can determine how often you get to play,” Lacey said. “I go occasionally, but I do believe we need another course in Milledgeville.”

For casual players, the inconvenience may discourage frequent trips, while more dedicated golfers are willing to travel to continue playing.

Nearby courses such as Reynolds Lake Oconee offer high-quality experiences, but their private status puts them out of reach for most students.

A round at Reynolds on

Courtesy of Joe Palmese

of local options has become more noticeable, leading students to look beyond Milledgeville.

“I’ve been to Lake Jonesco a couple of times with friends, and the course is really nice,” said Izzy Lacey, a sophomore finance major. “It’s a little out of the way, but I think the commute is worth it.”

Lake Jonesco Golf Course is a public 18hole course 16 miles east of Milledgeville. Students like Lacey see it as a strong alternative while Little Fishing Creek undergoes construction.

Lake Oconee as a guest costs around $300. As a result, students are exploring courses outside Milledgeville that fit their budgets and schedules.

Students also expressed interest in playing a private club – Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee – is a course 27 miles away from Milledgeville.

As reconstruction continues, students remain uncertain about how long limited access at Little Fishing Creek will last and what changes will come once the project is complete.

5

BRYAN CADE, SPORTS EDITOR JOSEPH PALMESE, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.21.2026

SPORTS

Karlie Gutierrez - PBC Player of the Week Bryan Cade Sports Editor

in two runs. She also

been helping me a lot.”

each game of the series.

walked and stole a base—

Those games against

When the week was

Karlie Gutierrez has

something fans weren’t

Emmanuel counted as

all said and done, Guti-

used April to help pro-

used to seeing from

the first four of the 11-

errez went 10-for-15 for

pel the Bobcat offense,

the

game

streak

a .667 batting average,

as the team pushes to-

in the previous weeks.

that the Bobcat soft-

alongside an .800 slug-

wards a top-three fin-

“Softball is a game of

ball team would ven-

ging

failure, so I think a lot

ture on, and Gutierrez

.700 on-base percentage.

of the time it has to do

became a large reason

“Karlie’s put in a lot

with your mind not be-

for

ish in the Peach Belt Conference.

Gutierrez

Bobcat

backstop

winning

percentage

place in the Peach Belt

command my defense.

Conference,

11.

It can be a challenge to

On top of everything,

balance it all, but it’s also

with

and

GCSU’s

success.

of work, both on the

Gutierrez

followed

physical and the mental

“Not having your mind

up the multi-hit per-

side of the game,” said

right, so really just trying

formance against Em-

Coach Brittany Johnson.

to lock that aspect in the

manuel

three

“She’s reaping the ben-

Gutierrez

started

one of the most reward-

mental side of the game,

multi-hit games against

efits of sticking to that

38 of the 39 games she

ing sports. It allows me

trying to lock that in, and

Flagler College, a series

process. She’s put in a lot

played in this season and

to celebrate my pitchers,

of time and effort for it,

has spent the majority of

defense, and offense. I

so that’s why she’s hav-

the time as the Bobcats’

think it’s the joy in every-

ing this type of success.”

starting catcher, making

thing that keeps me cen-

In the 10 games since

her responsible for man-

tered in management.”

Gutierrez brought home

aging the pitching staff.

GCSU plays one fi-

the award, she’s still man-

As such, GCSU’s staff is

nal series on the road

aged an elite .481 average,

ranked fifth in the con-

against Augusta Univer-

scoring eight times and

ference via earned run

sity before a final three-

driving in five runs her-

average, proving how

game set against Middle

multi-hit performances,

self. Doubles have been

well Gutierrez can play

Georgia State University,

yet in the final game of

a large part of her game

on both sides of the ball.

celebrating senior day in

the month showed signs

as well, collecting six

“I pride myself as a

the second game against

soon to come for her

in those 10 games, and

catcher,” Gutierrez said.

MGSU. Gutierrez looks

season at the plate. In a

stealing three more bases.

“I try to keep my pitch-

to help the Bobcats con-

Courtesy of Bryan Cade

Those eight doubles

ers as calm as possible. It

tinue their hot hitting

brought home the honors of Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week for the week of April 5.

Gutierrez, the junior catcher from Newnan, Georgia, not only ex-

ing right,” Gutierrez said.

with

celled during the week she claimed the Player of the Week award, but has also used the last few weeks to help rewrite her entire season at the plate.

Ending March, Gutierrez managed only two

contest against Emman-

Courtesy of Emilie Theado

has

uel University, Gutier-

I have a lot of help, and

in which she drove in

she’s hit so far in April

can be mentally strain-

as GCSU seeks to ce-

rez collected three hits,

I’ve really bought into

four runs, hit two dou-

propelled her all the

ing to keep them calm,

ment a top spot in the

scored twice, and drove

the approach, and it’s just

bles, and stole a base in

way to a tie for seventh

keep myself calm and

Peach Belt Conference.

GCSU students share playoff hopes for the Atlanta Hawks Joe Palmese Asst. Sports Editor

Reference, an online da-

superb play in the sec-

ed to see what this team

defeated the Knicks in

freshman business ma-

tabase for historical and

ond half of the 82-game

can do in the playoffs.”

five games in the first

jor. “We [the Hawks]

The National Basket-

current NBA statistics.

season. Atlanta held a

Jalen Johnson, in his

round. They went on to

have been on fire for

ball Association (NBA)

“I love our odds,”

26-30 record at the All-

fourth season with At-

defeat the Philadelphia

the last few months.

playoffs began on Satur-

said Liam Glass, a se-

Star break according to

lanta,

day, April 18, with the

76ers before falling to

The Knicks are good

nior

major.

the Basketball Reference.

points, 10.3 rebounds

Atlanta Hawks earning

“New York has a histo-

After the All-Star break,

and 7.9 assists in the

the Milwaukee Bucks

but the way everyone

the No. 6 seed in the

ry of choking. Just like

the Hawks went 20-6, the

regular season, accord-

Eastern Conference –

back in 2021, Trae Young

third-best record in the

ing to Basketball Ref-

GCSU students reacted

took over the city. Trae

NBA during that span.

erence. He earned his

to the team’s success.

is not on the team any-

“This team has really

first All-Star selection.

The Hawks face the

more but I still believe

surprised me in the way

The Hawks will face

No. 3-seeded New York

this team has the right

they have fought this

a Knicks team that has

Knicks in a best-of-sev-

pieces to make a run.”

season with all the ad-

seen

en series. The first team

The Knicks finished

versity they faced,” said

Last year, the Knicks

to win four games in the

the season with a 53-

Alex Gelmini, a senior

made it to the Eastern

series will advance to the

29 record, according to

management major. “Ja-

Conference Finals be-

next round: the Eastern

the NBA website. The

len Johnson has stepped

fore falling to the Indi-

Conference semi-finals.

Hawks concluded their

into his role as the leader

ana Pacers. The Hawks

Around GCSU, many

2025-2026 regular sea-

of the team. The Hawks

faced the Knicks three

Hawks fans are excit-

son with a 46-36 record,

have only been trend-

times in the regular sea-

ed for a playoff run.

the most wins in a sea-

ing up from a winning

son, winning one game

The Hawks are back in

son since the 2015-16

standpoint. I also have

and losing two games by

the NBA playoffs after

season according to the

to credit [head coach]

a combined six points.

missing the postseason

Basketball

Reference.

Quin Snyder for doing a

Atlanta last faced the

the past two seasons ac-

The Hawks secured

great job from a coach-

cording to the Basketball

their playoff berth behind

ing standpoint. I’m excit-

business

averaged

playoff

22.5

success.

StateFarm Arena

in the Eastern Confer-

on the team is play-

ence

Accord-

ing I like our chances.”

ing to the Basketball

The Hawks lost Game

Reference, the Hawks

1 of the best-of-seven

have not reached the

series, 113-102 on Sat-

NBA Finals since 1961.

urday, April 18. Game 2

“I really think that the

will be played on Mon-

Hawks have a chance to

day, April 20 at 8 p.m.

knock-off

Knicks

For information regard-

Knicks in the NBA play-

in the first round,” said

ing the Hawks this post-

offs in 2021. The Hawks

Quinn

season, visit Hawks.com.

Finals.

the

Thompson,

a

6

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.21.2026

ARTS & LIFE

How students push through end-of-semester slump Maggie Hinton

vation lowers, but it can

experiencing some seri-

makes my life so much

While upperclassmen

it done, because the end

Staff Writer

rise if I feel like my grade

ous senioritis right now,”

harder, so it’s better to

often describe a drop in

is already so close and

isn’t where it needs to be.”

Jones said. “Thankfully, I

just get it over with.”

motivation, some un-

I really want to finish

Ensley said the slump

have been more motivat-

Jones also shared ad-

derclassmen said they

out the grading period

has become easier to

ed to get my work done,

vice for underclassmen

experience the end of

good, especially pulling

manage over time as he

but I was procrastinating a lot. I just had a spring

the semester differently.

up those lower grades.”

learned what to expect.

trying to stay on track.

“It’s definitely gotten

break last week because

easier compared to my

I’m a student teacher, and

freshman year, just be-

I think having that break

cause as a freshman you

helped me be more mo-

don’t know what to ex-

tivated when I got back.”

Students are

at

GCSU

experiencing

an

end-of-semester slump as the spring semester comes to a close, affecting motivation and productivity in different ways across class levels.

Many students said their motivation tends to shift after spring break, when the final stretch of the semester begins and deadlines start to pile up.

Dylan Ensley, a senior management major, said the change in motivation depends on how students feel about their

grades

heading

pect,” Ensley said. “Once

Jones

said

hav-

something

to

you’ve lived out and ex-

ing

perienced it, for me now

look forward to helps

I know what to expect,

her

stay

“I find things to look

to get done. It’s easier to

forward to and the prom-

get less motivated, but

ise of graduation coming

it’s also less stressful.”

up,” Jones said. “That has

Other upperclassmen

been a huge motivator.”

Jones

said

ahead of assignments

tivation can change, they

has been key, especially

motivation

have developed ways to

while balancing mul-

lessens after spring break

stay on track as the se-

tiple

toward my schoolwork

“My

He said the time-

freshman business ac-

line of the semester

Bridges,

plays a role in that shift.

“February and March can drag on because there’s so much time until the end,” Bridges said.

“But after spring break, it feels like it’s just one final period, then finals, and then you’re done.”

Students’ end-of-semester

ferent for everyone depending on experience, Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor

so precious, and it will fly

counting

mester comes to an end.

“No matter what work

because I am in that end

by, so don’t procrastinate.

he actually feels more

Sabrina Jones, a se-

has to get done, it’s better

stretch of the semester,”

nior middle grades ed-

to stay on top of it and stay

Have an accountability

motivated as the semes-

Ensley said. “After spring

ucation major, said she

ahead rather than wait-

partner or someone in

ter comes to an end.

break, you either like

is currently experienc-

ing until the last minute,”

the same classes and meet

“I wouldn’t say it’s

where you’re at in your

ing what many students

Jones said. “When I push

up once a week. Hav-

so much of a slump,”

classes or you don’t. So

refer to as “senioritis.”

off work, those things

ing a buddy system has

Bridges

for me personally, moti-

“I would say that I am

get messed up, and it

helped me stay on track.”

more motivated to get

major,

said.

said

“I

feel

GCSU anticipates new Olivia Rodrigo album ing upset,” Parker said.

Contributing Writer

Parker

then

noted

a

longtime

that are rife through her

a

“I am so ready for these

songs. However, it has a

freshman criminal jus-

new songs,” Bogler said.

softer and lighter tone to

tice

psychology

“She’s always been one of

it. This could be a reason

major, is not the big-

my favorites; every word

the music video was set

gest Olivia Rodrigo fan

she writes is poetry.”

in the Palace of Versailles.

but still enjoys a pleth-

Curiosities about the

ora of her songs. With

album centering around

The vast palace has

the announcement of

Olivia

Rodrigo’s

pos-

the future album, she

sible

separation

with

shares that she is not

Louis

Patridge

have

overwhelmingly excited.

been circulating as well.

“It’s been so long

“Yeah, I think it’s go-

since [she made] new

ing to be all about Louis

music that I’ve kind

Patridge,” Holbrook said.

been

cited,” Meaders said. “I

through more in her life,

think [the songs will

al four-letter albums like “GUTS” and “SOUR.”

Holbrook,

and

Holbrook

tion about a diversion

elaborated.

Bryce Arnold, a se-

from her usual punk-

nior

rock pop music aesthetic. stu-

dents at GCSU offered their thoughts on the

one is going to be a girl

Anna

of lost interest in her,”

This has led to specula-

“I actually think this

uation or internships.

release.

ferentiates from her usu-

ic for the new album.

grad-

the

don’t

and shares. The title dif-

ia Rodrigo and ecstat-

plans,

asm

I

a thousand reposts, likes

major, is a fan of Oliv-

summer

give us that,” Purvis said.

“Honestly,

traction online, with over

more exercise science

that’s

base guitar and drums

the release has garnered

Tyne Parker, a sopho-

whether

enthusi-

about

project announcement.

next,

her

for many GCSU students.

the

tivation in what comes

contain

12, sparking excitement

of

their time and find mo-

and I think Olivia will

new album] but I’m ex-

Some

stay organized, manage

er of Olivia Rodrigo.

the

Anticipation

courage each other to

The song still uses a

release her new album, a girl so in love,” on June

en-

cannot

know much about it [the

she’s

students

Bogler

tle when compared to

“Maybe

proach,

lison

Olivia Rodrigo is set to “you seem pretty sad for

As final exams ap-

viral sound on TikTok

the variation of the ti-

records.

workload and mindset.

support-

International popstar

previous

slump

is common, it looks dif-

responsibilities.

Avery Geary

respons-

es show that while the

staying

es, noting that while mo-

into the last few weeks.

ly,” Jones said. “Time is

a

Walker

motivated.

and I know what needs

shared similar experienc-

“Use your time wise-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

exercise

for

Olivia

Rodrigo

is

known for taking inspiration

from

prior

science

troubles with love. This

major, is not anticipating

is fueling the narra-

Olivia Rodrigo’s work,

tive that the album will

but sees potential in it.

be driven by her rela-

“No offense to her

tionship with Patridge.

feminine and delicate.

The camera used to film the video has a hazelike quality to it, giving the song feelings of nostalgia and surrealism.

Artistic choices aside, the

single

has

gar-

nered mixed reactions, with some adoring it and others feeling less enthusiastic

about

it.

There are 13 more

but I just don’t listen to

enough of a description,”

with some sad songs.”

her music,” Arnold said.

ing to be about some

Parker said. “Taylor Swift

Lily Purvis, a soph-

“I hope it does well and

tragedy, probably with

Dead,” so there is still

did the same thing, where

omore biology major,

is good cause we need

him,”

said.

some mystery about the

she went from ‘Mid-

shares the same en-

more summer songs.”

GCSU students gained

album and if she will

nights’ to ‘The Tortured

thusiasm

Though he notes that

a sneak peek of the al-

continue with that softer

Department.’”

ers and hopes Rodri-

bum recently. The first

and more pop-sound-

Poets

he will listen to her if his girlfriend and her

song of the album, “Drop

ing tone. Either way,

Meaders,

a

go’s

album

becomes

friends enjoy the album.

Dead,” was released on

GCSU

psychol-

an

online

sensation.

exer-

April 17, and Bobcats

have something new to

cise science major Al-

are tuning in to hear it.

listen to this summer.

boss in Paris vibe like

Hailey

an album about over-

sophomore

coming instead of be-

ogy major, has been

“I am ready for a new

Freshman

Boogler

go-

pictured as very dainty,

be] mostly rock heavy

Mead-

definitely

rie Antionette who is

so four letters is no longer

as

“It’s

associations with Ma-

tracks to follow “Drop

students

will

7

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.21.2026

ARTS & LIFE

GCSU Reacts to Dandelion and Ella Langley’s rising stardom Rosalyn Chapman

to fame on TikTok by

trying to fit into the ‘new’

much and have not lis-

it becomes a ‘trend’

previous

posting videos of her

country music world. It’s

tened to the whole album

on TikTok, so she is

favorites are the title

Breakout country star

singing original songs

relatable to so many dif-

yet, but I have heard the

in the spotlight right

song, ‘Loving Life Again’

Ella Langley is rising

and covers. Then, in

ferent seasons of life, and

song ‘Dandelion’ on Tik-

now,”

said.

and ‘Butterfly Season.’”

to stardom on GCSU’s

2024, she and singer Ri-

that’s what I love about

Tok,” said Clark Carroll,

Students believe that

Today, country and

campus with the release

ley Green released a duet

her and her music.”

a senior business man-

Langley creates music

pop listeners tend to

of her new album “Dan-

called “You Look Like

talked

agement major. “That

that is reminiscent of

enjoy artists who stay

delion” on April 10,

You Love Me,” which

about in both pop and

song is very catchy, and

classic country twang

true to their own voice

following the massive

reached a huge audience

country spaces to form-

I think that’s why I’m

and takes a step fur-

and

success of her hit single

and solidified her plunge

ing her own unique

most familiar with it.”

ther into vulnerability.

“After ‘Choosin’ Tex-

“Choosin’ Texas” last fall.

into the music industry.

sound, students believe

On TikTok, music be-

“I like the black sheep

as’ was trending, I think

Staff Writer

“I have listened to her

Langley’s

hit

being

unique

My

sound.

sin-

Langley is having a ma-

people are just naturally

Texas”

jor moment in her career.

drawn to how different

new album 10,000 times

gle

and love it more each

has dominated charts,

time,” said Mackenzie

spending

“Choosin’

From

Carroll

albums.

really

her music is and reminds

multiple

drawn to artists who feel

us of early Miranda

Jones, a senior nursing

weeks at No. 1 on the

genuine, and she defi-

Lambert,” Bennett said.

major. “It’s so true to

Billboard

100.

nitely does,” Jones said.

Students are loving

who she is as an artist

“‘Choosin’ Texas’ is

“She’s not trying to fit into

Langley’s newest album.

and is a genius mix of

definitely the summer

a mold, she’s just being

Song after song, she con-

fun and spunky, but also

2026 song everyone was

herself, and that stands

tinues to use her voice

emotional and heartfelt.”

waiting on,” Jones said.

out. Plus, her music is

to blend classic coun-

The album has 18

After Langley’s suc-

catchy but still mean-

try with modern pop.

tracks on it, including

cess over the past couple

ingful, so it appeals to a

key

singles

Hot

“People

are

“Dandeli-

of years, Jones expressed

lot of different listeners.”

on,” “Choosin’ Texas,”

why she enjoys listening

Another reason fans

“Be Her” and “Loving

to her music so much.

might say she is getting

Life Again.” It also fea-

“All of her music is

so much attention is from

tures a song with Mi-

pure honesty and au-

music going viral on so-

randa Lambert called

thenticity,” Jones said.

cial

media

platforms,

“Butterfly

Season.”

“You can tell she’s singing

specifically

TikTok.

Langley initially rose

from the heart and not

CLOTHESLINE Continued from page 1 The university collaborated with the Stepping Stone Child Advocacy and Sexual Assault Center, located in Dublin, which provides forensic services to victims of sexual, physical or witnessed abuse, as well as a crisis hotline.

“We like to spread awareness on sexual health and well-being and body safety, and we deal with all types of different interpersonal abuse,” said Madeline Lubniewski, a senior public health major and intern at the center.

“We also have been wanting to spread

“I don’t listen to her

For students interJulia Jensen | Art Director

comes a “trend” where

vibes that she brings to

people use a specif-

female country music,”

ic song or sound to do

said Meghan Bennett,

things such as a dance

a senior music major.

challenge or make a joke.

“Her album is fantas-

“People

just

find

tic. It’s a nice, vulner-

the song catchy, and

able change from her

ested in learning more about Ella Langley and wanting to give her music a listen, check out her newest

album,

“Dan-

delion,” on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Clothesline Project is about empow-

ness about sexual assault on campus.

versations, as it opens up a healthy,

ering victims and their communi-

“We are allies to women, and we

safe and creative way of talking about

ties through awareness and ensuring

want to help them, and this kind of

they know resources like the Step-

raises a harsh awareness about the

ping Stone center exist to support

topic [of sexual assault],” Trickey said.

something that’s so painful for our society with so much heavy stigma.”

According to Daniel, the goal of the

them and hold others accountable.

“We work to give women a safe space

“I just hope that people feel empow-

to make these t-shirts, to tell their sto-

ered when they walk away from this,

ries and to also have it as a reminder

and that they know that they’re not

of what’s going on within our coun-

alone and that we are here to make peo-

try, to try and make an effort to stop

“They’re not alone,” Daniel said. “Sit-

ple sit with the discomfort that they’ve

it from happening at a base level and

ting here telling you that 1,000 people

had to experience,” Lubniewski said.

from being allowed at a cultural level.”

GCSU’s Women and Allies’ Ac-

Trickey said she hopes the display

tion Collective also participated in

leads viewers to experience “healthy dis-

the display. Isabella Trickey, a soph-

comfort” and ultimately sparks mean-

display is also to support survivors on campus and remind them that they are not alone in their experiences or recovery.

have made shirts, it’s a very heavy thing to know. But it also feels better when the load is carried. It’s always heavy, but when you have several people car-

awareness about Stepping Stone and

omore psychology and philosophy

ingful conversations across campus.

the services that we offer, just because

major and the organization’s vice

“I hope people walk away with a

we are in a very rural area where some-

president, said the initiative direct-

sense of wanting to change that and

times it is hard to get the word out.”

ly aligns with the group’s mission

to better everyone around them,”

Clothesline Project, visit https://www.

Lubniewski said that to her, the

to support women and raise aware-

Trickey said. “I want it to start con-

theclotheslineproject.org/index.html.

rying it, it doesn’t feel quite so tough.”

For more information on the

8

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.21.2026

ARTS & LIFE

“Haven’t you heard?”

The racial implications of Manon Bannerman’s absence from KATSEYE OPINION

ure of the company to support her.”

In

recent

Jane Carr

That idea of visibility is crucial. I

memory,

News Editor

feel like people sometimes underestiKATS-

mate how important it is to see your-

EYE, a global music girl group, has

self in a group like this. Representation

stepped back from group activities

is something fans emotionally invest

under their company HYBE x Gef-

in. When that representation disap-

fen Records due to personal concerns,

pears, even temporarily, it changes

though the timing and limited details

how the group is experienced. I no-

have raised questions among fans.

ticed it myself when their new re-

Manon

Bannerman

of

be-

leases came out. Something felt in-

cause a member is missing, but

complete, and I couldn’t ignore that.

because of who that member is.

At the same time, not everyone

Bannerman is the only Black woman

sees the situation as a sign of remov-

in KATSEYE, a group that was explicitly

al. Kat Carrouth, a junior science ma-

marketed as diverse and representative.

jor and long-time K-pop fan, offered

When the one person who embodies

a more industry-based perspective.

This

is

unfair,

not

just

that representation disappears under

Julia Jensen | Art Director

“I truly believe that if the com-

vague circumstances, it raises ques-

differently when directed at Black

and a fan of KATSEYE, shared how the

pany wanted to kick her out, they

tions that go beyond a standard hiatus.

women in predominantly non-Black

hiatus affected his view of the group.

would just do it. The hiatus is mere-

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask

spaces. Whether people intended it

“I was really distraught when

ly for her to make a decision about

why it’s her, why now and why the mes-

or not, those criticisms carried a tone

I heard about the hiatus,” Gonza-

continuing because of the demand-

saging feels so carefully noncommittal.

that felt dismissive of her presence.

lez-Labra said. “I think it has definite-

ing nature of the job,” Carrouth said.

In a notice on Weversem, a fan-

That’s part of why this current sit-

ly made me feel unnerved by the for-

dom platform, the company stated

uation hits harder for me. It’s not just

mation and totality of KATSEYE by

and I think it’s important. The idol

that Bannerman would be “pausing

that she’s gone but that she was al-

HYBE x Geffen. It has made me upset

industry is intense, and breaks are

activities to focus on her well-being

ready under a different kind of scruti-

at the company but never at the girls.”

necessary. But even with that con-

and asked fans for understanding.”

ny before she left. So now, when she’s

He emphasized how Bannerman’s

text, I still feel like something

That language is familiar to any-

the one stepping away, I can’t help but

absence may affect fans who look like

one who has followed idol industries.

feel like there’s a pattern, or at least

her or are of similar cultural heritage.

Maybe it’s the timing, maybe it’s the

“Hiatus” can mean anything from a

the appearance of one. And percep-

“It is imperative that girl groups like

prior criticism she faced or maybe it’s

I

about

understand

this

that

situation

perspective,

is

different.

short break to a quiet exit. I don’t think

just the fact that she represents some-

the wording itself is inherently suspi-

thing larger within the group. Whatever

cious, but paired with everything else,

it is, I can’t fully separate this hiatus from

it becomes harder to take at face val-

the racial implications that come with it.

ue. Especially when Bannerman her-

I also think it’s worth noting how

self had previously reassured fans that

fans have reacted. There’s been a lot

the group would remain a “strong six.”

of pressure placed on the remain-

I keep coming back to that. If sta-

ing members to explain Bannerman’s

bility was the message then, why does

absence, which isn’t fair to them. As

everything feel so uncertain now?

Carrouth mentioned, they likely can’t

Part of why this situation feels es-

speak on it even if they want to. That

pecially uncomfortable is how Ban-

frustration should be directed at the

nerman was treated even before her

company, not the girls. Still, that inten-

hiatus. Early on, there was a noticeable

sity from fans shows how deeply peo-

wave of criticism directed at her. Some

ple care and how unsettled they feel.

viewers of “Dream Academy,” the com-

At the end of the day, I don’t have de-

petition show to produce members of

finitive proof that Bannerman is being

KATSEYE, and newer fans claimed she

removed from KATSEYE. However,

had things “easier” than the other girls,

Bryan Cade | Sports Editor

I do feel like the situation is odd, and

that she didn’t have to struggle in the

tion matters, especially in an indus-

Katseye can represent broad ethnicities

I think it’s okay to say that. I feel like

same ways or that she was favored. I

try built on image and audience trust.

and cultures, and Manon’s presence re-

it’s especially important to question it

remember seeing those conversations

Students at GCSU expressed simi-

ally inspires and provides some to see

when the only Black woman in a “glob-

unfold, and even then, it felt loaded.

lar concerns, particularly about what

themselves in her,” Gonzalez-Labra

al” group is the one stepping away under

The idea that someone is undeserv-

Bannerman’s absence represents. Jacob

said. “Without her, the group loses

unclear circumstances. Even if this tru-

ing or hasn’t worked hard enough is a

Gonzalez-Labra, a junior triple major

so much, and her loss is not a reflec-

ly is just a hiatus, the way it’s being han-

common narrative, but it often lands

in English, philosophy and Spanish

tion of her person but rather the fail-

dled leaves too much room for doubt.

9 AMELIA MCEWEN, MANAGING EDITOR

04.21.2026

The Caterwaul CATERWAUL: a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat; commonly associated with a bobcat

Key Lime Pie Recipe By: Bryan Cade This key lime pie is an easy dessert with a smooth, creamy filling and simple ingredients, serving 8 to 10 people. To make the crust, mix 1½ cups of finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup of packed light brown sugar, and 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9‑inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides, and bake it at 375°F for 10 minutes before letting it cool. For the filling, whisk together two 14‑ounce cans of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of grated lime zest, and ¾ cup of fresh lime juice. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F, pour the filling into the warm crust, and bake for 15 minutes, until the center still has a slight wobble. Let the pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours so it can fully set. To finish, whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, add 2 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar, and continue beating until medium peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie and garnish it with 1 teaspoon of lime zest and thin lime slices. Keep the pie refrigerated until serving.

Recipe Courtesy of Jennifer Segal: “Key Lime Pie - Once Upon a Chef ”

A message from the Colonnade staff On behalf of The Colonnade staff we would like to present our newest submission column, “The Caterwaul.” This is an opportunity for students to share their poetry, flash fiction, photography, drawing, comic strips and more. We are extremely excited to give students more of a place in the paper and for their creativity to be acknowledged and published. We encourage any and all students to reach out and ask questions. In the spirit of GCSU’s mascot, Thunder, the name of this column takes inspiration from all that is a bobcat. Caterwauling is the noise bobcats make often, and that is what The Colonnade intends to do with this column: make noise with your voice.

Interested in submitting?

If you are interested in submitting your work to be featured in The Caterwaul, consider this general info!

1. The content relates to or is catered toward GCSU students.

2. Your specific piece has not been published anywhere else.

3. Examples of submissions include; Photography, drawing, flash fiction, comic strips, poetry and more!

Follow our instagram @thecolonnade or scan the QR code

4. Submissions are due on Fridays to be included in the following Issue.