Women’s history month
Allie Smith Staff Writer
March is Women’s History Month, a month-long holiday to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It is a reminder of the role women have played in shaping our society, both in the past and right now for their equality and justice.
The celebration of women’s history began as a week-long event in Sonoma, Calif. in 1978. The week-long commemoration took place during March 8, which is now known as International Women’s Day.
The success of the Sonoma event led to a larger movement of recognition. By 1987, Con-
gress declared the month of March as Women’s History Month, after a petition by the National Women’s History Project. International Women’s Day plays a significant role in today’s society and means a lot to women around the world.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “For ALL Women and Girls: Right. Equality. Empowerment,” which projects the ongoing fight for gender equality and empowerment of women in the world.
“I feel like this year’s theme is important because it emphasizes the need for inclusiveness and progress in securing rights, showcasing true equality and empowering all women and girls worldwide,” said
Autumn Taylor, a sophomore education major.
At GCSU, Women’s history month is very important to the students and faculty. The university has been immensely proud of recognizing women’s history, especially given its history as an all-women’s college until 1967.
One event taking place this week is on March 12 in Russell Library. Department of Communication Instructor and Director of Public Affairs, Amanda Repess, is hosting a Times Talk on “Modern Misogyny and the Trajectory of Women’s Rights.” Other events taking place this month will be announced on GCSU’s Front Page.
See WOMEN’S | Page 7
Spring break escape
Do you prefer a staycation or a vactation?
Molly Goff Opinion Editor
OPINION
In recent memory, With spring break just around the corner, students at GCSU are weighing their options for rest and relaxation. This year, I get to go out of the country for spring break!
Although in years past, I have been on many staycations during my break. I define the term staycation as a vacation away from the world where you stay at home and practice self-care.
It is so important to prioritize self care, as midterms, registration and so many other academic stressors are at the forefront of our lives right now.
As I always do, I chat with my friends about what they are up to for spring break. I hear multiple vacations, activities and plans mentioned, but my favorites have to be the unique ideas to stay booked and busy.
“For spring break, I’m going to Saint Simons Island for a week with a group of friends,” said Audrey Sercer, a freshman marketing major.
Vacations are often characterized by travel to exciting new destinations, provide a change of scenery that can rejuvenate the mind and body.
While traveling is exhilarating over break to dissociate from the college world, sometimes a staycation is in order.
“A staycation usually stops short of a road trip and doesn’t require any flights,” said Brittany Anas from Forbes. It’s a chance to check out new restaurants that have opened in your city, see a theater performance while it’s on tour, or book
JUDGE STEVE C. JONES
Julia Jensen | Art Director
a hotel that’s getting a lot of buzz. For those who want to get out of town, it could be a day trip or an overnight stay in a nearby mountain, lake, or beach town.”
Staycations also eliminate travel-related stress, allowing students to allocate more time to leisure activities without the pressures of logistics.
You can still create a trip of a lifetime while staying local, where trying new things does not stop past going out of the state or country.
See SPRING | Page 9
The wicked side of winter
A surge in this season’s flu cases
Amelia McEwen Staff Writer
This year’s flu season in Georgia has shown an exponential rise in cases than recent years due to the severe circulating strains and low flu vaccinations, resulting in more Georgians facing hospitalization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has officially ranked Georgia’s flu season this year as a high severity season, with the last one being in 2017-2018. Since October 6 2024 there have been 70 deaths in the state and 4,164 influenza hospitalizations in the Atlanta metro area. The high number of cases in the state emphasises the severity of this year’s flu season and how important it is for individuals to understand how to prevent the spread of the virus.
The most common variants of the influenza virus are types A and B. These two types are transmissible through
humans. Georgia has had majority Type A cases during this flu season. Type A has two different types: H1N1 and H3N2. They have dominated this flu season due to how quickly and effectively they spread. H3N2 spreads more frequently, resulting in more cases.
Data presented by the CDC describes the effectiveness of the influenza vaccines this year.
“Despite increased circulation of influenza A(H3N2) viruses, which are generally associated with lower Vaccine Effectiveness (VE), estimates from this influenza season were consistent with those from the 2023–24 season and seasons associated with higher VE over the last 15 years,” the CDC said.
Even though there have been more severe strands of the type A virus this season, the flu vaccines have been able to keep up in effectiveness, highlighting the importance of receiving the vaccine to prevent the spread of the illness.
See FLU | Page 3
Atlanta Hawks season overview
Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor
The Atlanta Hawks’ 2024-25 NBA season has been a mix of challenges and notable achievements. As of recently, the team holds a 28-34 record, placing them third in the Southeast Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference.
One of the main reasons behind the Hawks’ successes has been due to star players on the team, for example, Trae Young, Jaylen Johnson and De’Andre Daniels.
Point guard Trae Young has shown exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities. In the season opener on Oct. 23, 2024, he recorded 30 points, 12 assists and five rebounds in a win against the Brooklyn Nets. Young immediately followed with 38 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and four steals in the next game ver-
sus the Charlotte Hornets, becoming one of the only players to have back-to-back games of at least 30 points and 10 assists to start a season.
GCSU Hawks fans have differing opinions about Young, with some noting both his flaws and his triumphs.
“Trae Young is a huge ball hog,” said Cade Steel, a junior history and philosophy major. “He’s a net positive for the team, one of the best passers, and best offensive players. His defense is so bad. He’s a great distributor, but until he figures out how to guard a traffic cone, he will probably never have the value that we pay him for. I just think he’s pretty overrated.”
Young continues to be the team’s offensive centerpiece. His playmaking skills and scoring ability remain elite, and his leadership is crucial to the team’s success.
See HAWKS | Page 5
As Disney continues to reimagine its classic fairytales, many see it as an opportunity for greater representation.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
GCSU’S Career Center
Lily Reynolds Staff Writer
GCSU’s Career Center continues to serve as an essential resource for students at all stages of their academic journey, providing thorough career development services that prepare graduates for successful professional futures.
GCSU believes that career planning is a lifelong process and is committed to helping all graduates secure fulfilling careers post-graduation. The Career Center provides students opportunities to engage in career development activities during their time at GCSU so they are prepared for internships as well as transitions to a career or to graduate/professional school.
Throughout their years at GCSU, students can access the Career Center through individualized appointments, career fairs, meet-ups and workshops, class and student organization
presentations, future interviews and much more.
The job search process typically takes between six to nine months, which is why career center staff guide students throughout their senior year. This support helps students effectively utilize LinkedIn, Handshake, career fairs, and other networking opportunities in their job search efforts.
“I would say it has stayed pretty steady, our appointment calendar is usually booked up Monday to Friday, which was the case when I started as well,” said Carolyn Douglas, the internship coordinator II at the Career Center.
While the Career Center maintains consistently high appointment rates, there remains an opportunity to increase awareness among the student body. A lot of GCSU students are not fully aware of the center’s extensive offerings, with seniors comprising the major-
VOLUME 105 | NO. 5
Editorial Board
Delaney Derry.................
Paige Blakemore............
Julia Jensen......................
Shadimon Smith............
Rylee Holland.................
Brennan Schmitz...........
Benjamin Clark...............
Mary Ciucevich...............
Kennedy Welker..............
Molly Goff.........................
Isabella McComis..........
Matthew Malkowski.....
Rebecca Ocampo..........
Kassie Arps.......................
Scott Dillard.....................
ity of those who utilize these valuable resources.
The center has found success stories among its staff. Kayla Goode, a recent GCSU graduate who now works at the front desk, shares her personal experience
students for life after graduation. One of the main experiences that define the GC Journeys Program is the Career Planning Milestones.
The Career Center’s social media is actively present across mul-
“I was a frequent visitor senior year and I was able to utilize a lot here,” Goode said.
Goode completed the career planning milestones program, which provides high-impact, transformative opportunities to prepare
Editor in Chief
Managing Editor
Art Director News Editor
Asst. News Editor
Sports Editor
Asst. Sports Editor
Arts & Life Editor
Asst. Arts & Life Editor
Opinion Editor
Digital Media Editor
Digital Media Editor
PR Manager
Ad Sales Manager
Faculty Adviser
tiple platforms, with their Instagram account demonstrating particularly strong engagement. Their content regularly features job opportunities, internship postings and career advice for students at all stages of their academic journey.
@TheColonnade
Savoie Srodulski, a GCSU graduate who was hired at the center in December, contributes to these outreach efforts.
“I help the career center with their social media and do outreach to other schools and students,” Srodulski said.
The center’s impact extends beyond resume building to facilitating meaningful professional connections. Sarah Krusel, a senior in the middle grades education cohort, found her future employment through a Career Center event.
“At the teacher recruitment fair this past February, I was able to connect with my future principal who I will be working with this coming school year,” Krusel said. “I was actually posted on the career center’s Instagram.”
The Career Center encourages students to begin their professional development early in their academic careers.
“I went to the career center my freshman year
for my class because it was mandatory, we started building resumes,” said Will Nelson, a junior management major.
Among the center’s most valuable offerings are resume and cover letter writing assistance. These documents must effectively communicate a candidate’s transferable skills and address employer needs to secure interviews and ultimately job offers.
The GCSU Career Center commitment is supporting students throughout their academic careers with personalized guidance and resources designed to prepare them for professional success. Through resources ranging from resume building to networking opportunities, the Career Center serves as an essential bridge connecting students’ academic achievements to their future professional endeavors.
@TheColonnade
Contributing writers are always welcome at The Colonnade. Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com for more information.
If you have a tip or wish to contact The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com or message our Instagram @thecolonnade.
The Colonnade is now primarily published online. Read at issuu.com/thecolonnade or on bobcatmultimedia.com.
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
FLU
Continued from page 1
It is recommended that everybody over six months old should receive the flu vaccine one time annually in order to prevent the virus from spreading and causing more outbreaks. The CDC has come out with reports stating that there have been at least 21,000 deaths nationwide resulting from this year’s outbreaks, reflecting the seriousness of the matter.
It is stressed by the CDC that people at high risk for complications from the illness, such as individuals with severe medical conditions, young children and pregnant women, receive the vaccine.
There are addition-
al preventative measures that involve people washing their hands more frequently, isolating oneself if they have influenza, avoiding direct contact with others who have the illness and practicing generally healthy habits regarding exercise and diet.
If a person contracts the flu, there is one specific treatment option to help alleviate the symptoms. Receiving antiviral drugs to reduce the amount of time that symptoms are present is the number one treatment option because it also prevents secondary infections from forming. The sooner a person receives the antiviral drug, the faster they can recover, especially
individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Secondary infections and flu complications include pneumonia, infections in the sinuses and ears and inflammation in the organ and muscle tissues.
Public health laboratories in Georgia reported that of the 2,486 cases, 2,383 were type A and 103 were type B. The difference between the two variants is that type B is strictly transmitted through humans, while type A is within human and bird hosts.
People who have underlying health complications, such as diabetes, can experience complications towards their current medical issues if they contract the flu.
The most common symptoms individuals experience from contracting the illness include fever, sore throat, respiratory complications and muscle pain.
“I had to take days to recover,” said Simran Puri, a sophomore mass communication major. “I could not go to class at all and I couldn’t even get out of my bed.”
Puri’s illness this year was more significant than in past years, she said. She missed several important classes and had to spend extra time catching up on schoolwork that she missed. Her experience relates to many students’ experiences during the recent outbreaks.
“I had to skip class
because of how sick I was,” said Asia Pearson, a sophomore public health major. “I missed my classes for a few days and it made me fall behind in my school work.”
College students have had to choose between staying home and missing important lectures, or spreading the virus to others to stay on top of school. It is a tough choice when responsibilities are on the line, but an even tougher choice knowing that thousands of people have been hospitalized and have passed away from the virus this season.
Uncovering hidden bias in news
Hope Martin Staff Writer
Misinformation has been a hot topic for years, prompting discussions on whether students know how to spot biases in news.
With the rise of social media, how people get their news has changed greatly. While many people of older generations prefer getting news from traditional news outlets, college students lean more towards getting news from social media.
For many students, this is due to the ease of using social media. Alicia Westmoreland, a senior Spanish major, said that they prefer to get their news from Instagram reels.
“I typically see something on Instagram and then will go and double check it,” Westmoreland said. Westmoreland added that they do not watch any one particular news source, but instead use Instagram’s algorithm to rely on suggesting content.
Chau Vu, a foreign transfer freshman and marketing major, similarly got their news from reels.
Some professors at GCSU were wary of getting news mainly through social media. Benjamin Clark, senior lecturer of political science, brought up the fact that independent news sources on social media may not be as easy to check who is paying them as major news organizations.
While OpenSecret, a site that can show what parties donate to a company or candidate and what lobbying they have done, this information is generally not readily available for nonpolitical candidates or corporations, such as a random TikTok or Instagram user. Clark pointed out that there is a money incentive to be had with being the first to
get a story out, and that algorithms may boost more outlandish or angry stories.
At the same time, however, independent news sources may have more freedom to cover topics that traditional media outlets may purposely avoid covering. Each media type has its pros and cons, and most people felt that aiming for the middle and getting a bit of each type was best.
Chau Vu said she enjoyed Ground
there is an app that makes that very easy to do,” Vu said. “The nice thing about Ground News is it will tell you more details about how the story is being covered. It will often give you options to say if you’re looking at this particular kind of news, you might want to consider these other kinds of stories to go with it.”
Teachers overall leaned much more traditional in how they received news than students did,
News, a news source that Michael Dreher, professor of mass communication, also suggested students use.
Ground News lists how much each party is covering a news issue and can additionally show what stories are blindspot stories, which are covered only by one party but not the other.
“I encourage people to look at a variety of different kinds of sources, and
with most professors getting their news from trusted major news sites.
GCSU professors generally watched popular traditional news sources. Dreher and Godwin, professors of communication and sociology respectively, both read the Washington Post and The New York Times. Professors also placed importance on reading independent news and right-leaning news as well,
with Godwin listening to the TV program,“Democracy Now!” for example.
GCSU professors strongly urged students to read stories from both left and right leaning sources to get a full picture of current issues.
“All people are better served by having a variety of high quality left and right or liberal and conservative sources. There are some things one side, even when from a high quality source, may miss,” said Clark. The most commonly listed news sources that the interviewed students thought were biased were Fox News on the right and CNN on the left. AP News was most commonly believed to be unbiased. There were a range of different responses on how to avoid or spot bias in news.
“Recognize the difference between editorializing and factual statements. Students often can struggle with this,” said Clark.
Westmoreland and other students noted that more flattering language is a common way to spot bias. Vu pointed out that what a news source seems to cover the most can also be a sign of bias.
Sandra Godwin, professor of sociology, believes that a liberal arts education helps people spot bias in news.
“Ideally students can read anything because they will have the literacy to tell what is good versus not,” Godwin said.
Fact checking information in articles, using OpenSecret or Ground News to check biases and looking at both left and right leaning sources are all ways students can avoid biased news while remaining up to date.
“We all are biased in some form or another,” Dreher said. “A news source may write leaning left or right, but you should be able to verify if the data is viable or not.”
Julia Jenson | Art Director
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Judge Steve C. Jones visits Milledgeville
The GCSU Office of Leadership Programs hosted its annual Usery Forum on Monday, Mar. 3, in Magnolia Ballroom featuring the Honorary Judge Steve C. Jones.
The Usery Forum on Leadership is a series of speaking events held by GCSU that highlights accomplished figures and their knowledge of varied perspectives
Jones was introduced by the Alex Gregory Distinguished Fellow and good friend, Jane Kidd.
After a brief speech, Jones spoke on a panel moderated by Director of Leadership Programs Harold Mock and the 2024-2025 W.J. Usery, Jr. Fellow, Paige Blakemore, a senior mass communication major.
During the Forum, Jones spoke on his personal experiences as
Judge Jone’s talk, more than anything else, demonstrated the importance of the judiciary as a pillar of stability in society and the importance of making hard, sometimes unpopular decisions consistent with the law.
-Steve Elliot-Gower
from the University of Georgia in 1978. He went on to attend UGA’s school of law and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1987.
Former President
Barack Obama appointed Jones in 2011 to the northern district of Georgia. He held the position until he took senior status at the beginning of 2025.
As a U.S. District Court Judge, Jones presided over cases pertaining to a variety of matters.
District judges handle both civil and criminal cases and matters of the United States government, including interpretations of federal laws, the Constitution and diverse citizenship cases.
law that would have taken effect in Georgia.
“It is in the public interest, and is this court’s duty, to ensure constitutional rights are protected,” Jones said about his decision.
In 2024, Jones declined former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows’ notice of removal, an advance to move a case from state to federal court. The influential RICO case remained within the jurisdiction of the Fulton County Superior Court System as a result of Jones’ decision.
you care,” Jones said. As a leader in his field, encouraging others to learn and understand civic duties and participations is a main
encourages GCSU students to consider and discuss topics in an effort to unite differences and become closer.
within civic life. The Forum is named after former United States Secretary of Labor W.J. Usery, Jr. who was skilled in bringing people together despite impasses.
a judge, words of wisdom he would offer aspiring law students and how he strives to bridge people together.
Jones earned his bachelor’s in management
Jones ruled on many important cases regarding relevance and impact for Georgia communities as well as for the whole of the United States. In 2020, Jones temporarily blocked the passing of a new anti-abortion
Outside of court cases and hearings, Jones takes pride in his role as an accomplished leader in the legal field. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his knowledge and experiences with others, and especially with the younger generations.
“Nobody cares about how much you know until they know that
value that Jones holds.
“Judge Jones’s talk, more than anything else, demonstrated the importance of the judiciary as a pillar of stability in society and the importance of making hard, sometimes unpopular decisions consistent with the law,” said Steve Elliot-Gower, an associate professor of political science. “A strong, healthy society needs this type of ethical leadership.”
The Usery Forum
“These experiences offer students the opportunity to develop their leadership and other important ‘soft’ skills and prepare themselves to be leaders in their professional and civic communities,” Elliot-Gower said.
The next Usery Forum will be held in the fall 2025 semester on Sept. 15, 2025 and will host Chief Communications and Brand Officer for the PNC Financial Services Group. Amanda Rosseter.
Madison Hummel Staff Writer
Paige Blakemore | Managing Editor
Paige Blakemore | Managing Editor
HAWKS
Continued from page 1
Young has been a standout performer in the 2024-25 NBA season. He currently leads the league in assists with an average of 11.4 per game.
Despite his impressive stats, Young was initially overlooked for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. He humorously addressed the snub on social media, referring to it as being “Traed.” However, following Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, Young was named as his replacement, marking his fourth All-Star appearance.
With the regular season ongoing, Young’s leadership and playmaking abilities continue to be
“Daniels is like what you wish Trae Young would be but on a smaller scale,” Steel said. “He’s a young player, gets you like six rebounds off the bench and he doesn’t need to have the ball in his hand as much to be considered a good player. This year he’s shooting at his career high, his steals are incredible, with three steals a game he’s having a lot of great impact.”
Acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans, Daniels made an immediate defensive impact. He led the league in total steals (64) and steals per game (3), earning the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month award for October/November. His performance drew praise from teammates and analysts, with some suggesting he could be a future Defensive Player of the Year.
play, and roster changes having vastly affected the team’s performance.
picks. We traded him at peak value for nothing and it makes no sense.”
pivotal for the Hawks as they strive for a strong playoff position. Additionally, the Hawks have benefitted from the addition of Dyson Daniels, who has brought a much-needed defensive presence to the team.
While Young and Daniels are a major driving force in the success of the team, the Hawks are still grappling with some team inconsistency and defensive challenges. The team’s performance largely hinges on their ability to build around their primary point scorer (Trae Young) and improve their overall defense and cohesion as the season progresses.
Whilst the star players on the Hawks have generally been successful this year, the team has faced many challenges throughout the season, with injuries, inconsistent team
On Feb. 6, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks traded center De’Andre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In exchange, the Hawks received Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks and two pick swaps.
“I really don’t know what the Hawks are doing,” said Cooper Treadaway, a junior business administration major.
“We are a middle-of-the-road 50% win rate team, and trading De’Andre Hunter was horrible. We’re really not doing that well. We don’t have our draft pick for the year, and we gave him to the Cavs, De’Andre Hunter is at the top of his game and we traded them for 2 second-round
From the Hawks’ Perspective, the acquisition of LeVert and Niang provides the team with additional scoring options and depth. The multiple draft picks and pick swaps offer future flexibility, aligning with the Hawks’ strategy to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning.
Overall, the Hawks’ probability in entering the playoffs remains uncertain, as the team will need to heavily balance their scoring options with the holes in their defensive network. The season is seeming unpredictable, and the administration seems to prioritize looking towards next season instead of focusing on the strength of the team presently.
Athletes compete at 2025 NFL scouting combine
Brennan Schmitz Sports Editor
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine took place from Thursday, Feb. 27 until Sunday, March 2.
The combine is an opportunity for college football players to showcase their physical abilities to NFL teams. It features events such as the 40-yard dash, bench press, broad jump and three-cone drill.
An athlete’s performance in the combine can have a large effect on how NFL teams view them and how early or late they are drafted.
Last year, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy broke the combine 40-yard dash record with a time of 4.21 seconds. Although nobody was able to match or break that record this year, there were still some extremely impressive times posted.
University of Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston led all position groups with a
time of 4.28 seconds, and he was followed very closely by University of Texas at Austin WR
the broad jump at 11’6”.
The combine is also an opportunity for quarterbacks to show off their
ship-winning season with the Buckeyes, Howard did not perform to the best of his ability, miss-
take factors like a season’s wear and tear into account. Players like Howard, who played from the
Matthew Golden with a time of 4.29 seconds.
University of South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori put on a show at the combine, leading all position groups in three separate events.
He was tied for first in the 10-yard split at 1.49 seconds, led in the vertical at 43” and led in
throwing abilities. There are drills for the QBs to throw short, intermediate and deep passes.
One of the biggest disappointments of the throwing portion was The Ohio State University quarterback Will Howard.
Despite a stellar 2025, national champion-
ing lots of easy throws. However, Howard’s inconsistent performance may not be as much a reflection of his ability as a QB as it is an example of some of the combine’s flaws.
While the combine is generally a good test for an athlete’s physical attributes, its results do not
beginning of September until the end of January, are still recovering from the long season while also being rusty from the month-long break.
Many players have performed poorly at the combine and had successful NFL careers and vice versa.
“[The combine]’s good
for knowing how fast somebody can be, but there are a lot of things about football you can’t learn from a 40 time,” said Dylan Lewis, a senior marketing major.
Perhaps the most fitting example of the shortcomings of combine results is former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady. Brady posted a 5.28 second 40-yard dash and a 24.5” vertical, both less than ideal for an NFL athlete, but went on to win seven Super Bowls.
The athletes who performed well at this year’s combine have lots of athletic potential to have success in the NFL, and those that did not perform as well are also capable of seeing success.
Those that competed, along with the college football players who did not receive an invite to the combine, will continue to train ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday, April 25.
Atlanta Hawks
-Cade Steel
Trae Young is a huge ball hog.
NFL Combine Logo
MLB music traditions
Rylee Holland Asst. News Editor
Major League Baseball (MLB, has a rich tradition of incorporating music into the game as a way to enhance the fan experience and to honor the players and teams. Songs ranging from “Take Me out to the Ballgame” to “Sweet Caroline” bring people together as they watch the game of baseball.
The music of baseball is not limited to the songs played throughout the game but also includes walk-up songs, chants, and much more.
Georgia’s MLB team is the Atlanta Braves, who play at Truist Park with about three million people attending in one season. Compared to another pro league like the NFL, the attendance is significantly greater, with the Atlanta Falcons having only around six hundred thousand attending in one season.
This difference could be due to the fan experience that not only the Braves give but all of the MLB teams.
“I don’t necessarily like to watch other sports, baseball is what I like to watch,” said Emma Hardy, a senior nursing major. “I initially want to say that music incorporation wouldn’t make me watch the NHL or the NFL,
ican culture like “Happy Birthday” or “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
As for the Atlanta Braves, nothing is as famous as their tomahawk chop. Braves fans have been doing this for generations as it is said to
that surfaces the crowd; there is, in most cases, the tomahawk song that goes with it. The majority of fans agree that the motion without the music would not have the same effect. Walk-up songs are a
Love” by Led Zeppelin.
but maybe it would.”
Music incorporation in the MLB likely started after the song “Take me Out to the Ball Game” written by Jack Norworth took off and became the hit song of the seventh inning stretch. It is an important song in Amer-
have caught on in 1991 when the Braves started winning more games. The tomahawk chop is a motion that fans do with their arms or with their foam chop, in order to cheer on the Braves.
The tomahawk chop is not only a motion
huge part of the music of the MLB. Each player who comes up to bat has their own walk-up song that they choose as they get ready to hit the ball. They can range from rap songs like “Work Remix” by ASAP Ferg to rock songs like “Whole Lotta
“I don’t think it [walk-up songs] influences me much, I’m not like, ‘Oh I don’t like this song so I don’t like this player,’” Hardy said. “I guess in a way it gives me insight to the player and their background.”
Besides walk-up songs, famous hit songs like “Knee Deep” are played throughout the innings and are sung aloud by the entire crowd.
“My favorite baseball crowd song has to be ‘Chicken Fried’ by
Zac Brown Band,” said CG Renner, a senior nursing major. “It’s really just a country song but since we are in the south, everyone knows it and sings along.”
GCSU political science professor Cliff Wilkinson agreed that there is nothing like singing along in a baseball crowd.
“I would attend, mostly the Braves games, and there would be someone actually playing, you know, years ago, and it would be fun,” Wilkinson said. “But when I first thought of the music of baseball, I thought of the claps, and the chants and the individuals trying to make a new pitcher nervous.”
The music goes beyond the songs played throughout the game, it is the music that is made traditionally that impacts most fans. These musical traditions help to give each ballpark its unique atmosphere, and they contribute to the overall experience of watching a live baseball game.
GCSU womens basketball season overview
Bryan Cohen Contributing Writer
GCSU’s women’s basketball team finished fourth place in the Peach Belt Conference this year, and faced the fifth-seed Flagler College Saints in the quarterfinals.
“We were ranked number eight and now we’re ranked four and playing in the semifinals of the conference tournament,” said Hannah Cail, sophomore guard. “I have really enjoyed playing with this team, and we’ve done really well throughout the course of this season.”
Following an 82-73 victory, fueled by an impressive fourth quarter, the Bobcats head to Dahlonega, GA to take on the one-seed University of North Georgia Nighthawks. The Semifinals begin Saturday, March 8, at 1 p.m.
“We put expectations on showing up every day, working hard, working to get better throughout the season,” said Ross Jolly, women’s basketball head coach.
The Bobcats opened their season with a road trip, beginning with a few neutral-site contests. The Bobcats began their season against the Young Harris College Mountain Lions and the Emmanuel College Lions on consecutive days, Nov. 8 and 9. The Bobcats meant business in both non-conference games and started the season with a sweep.
The Bobcats played their first away game the following Wednesday, Nov. 13, against the Erskine College Flying Fleet, to which they won by a landslide, 80-48, with Evie DePetro notching the first 20-point game
the Bobcats had this season.
GCSU traveled back to Milledgeville, Ga., hosting its first game of the season at the Centennial Center against the Newberry College Wolves on Saturday, Nov. 16, to which GCSU promptly won, extending its winning streak to four. The Bobcats won two of the following three, losing their first game to the Shorter University Hawks following the game against the Wolves.
The Bobcats played against the Columbus State Cougars on Saturday, Dec. 7, for their first Peach Belt Conference competition. While GCSU walked out of the Centennial Center with a four-point loss, it did prove the spike in competitiveness that will be seen throughout all conference play.
At around this time in the season, the Bobcat injury list began to pile up, and names such as Cierra Foster, Natalia Bolden, Chandler Davis and even Rose Bone missed a few games.
“Our bench is a strength when we lose three people that were in the rotation,” Jolly said. “We have other people that can step up and contribute to the team as well.”
The Bobcats sat at a record of 7-4 heading into the next conference game, this time facing the University of South Carolina Aiken Pacers, playing them on the road. The Bobcats headed home with a 14-point victory, 60-46, over USC-Aiken, but struggled against the following to PBC opponents, dropping two close games with an 80-75 loss to the Nighthawks and a 87-84 loss to Flagler. However, the loss to the University of North Georgia was not all gloomy, as senior
guard Ashyia Willis knocked down consecutive jumpers to open the first two minutes of the contest, securing 1,000 points in her collegiate career.
GCSU bounced back in the following two games, beating the University of South Carolina Beaufort Sand Sharks 63-50 on the road and taking down the Lander University Bearcats 69-61. However, it lost the next game to the Georgia Southwestern State University Hurricanes in a blowout, 70-41.
The Bobcats regrouped with a win against the Clayton State University Lakers at home, winning 76-67 on Teddy Bear Toss night at the Centennial Center. However, the streakiness of the season continued, as they dropped the next two contests to the University of Augusta Jaguars 63-33 and split the season series against the Pacers, losing the second game against USC-Aiken 64-62. However, streakiness was no longer present for the Bobcats’ following three games.
GCSU marched through the Nighthawks’ gates and cruised to a 51-43 victory over the
No. 5 ranked University of North Georgia. The Saints of Flagler College stopped by the Centennial Center, and more history was made that night. With 7:58 remaining on the clock in the third quarter of the competition, senior forward Jada Warren collected her 1,007 career rebound to set the new Georgia College & State University rebounding record. The Bobcats also took down the Saints 67-65 in the competition.
“I was just amazed, astonished to say the least,” Warren said. “I talked about it with my trainer Stacey Lampkin last year. We were calculating how many rebounds I would need to get each game to make it. Having my teammates, coaches and family coming and driving down to each game, I am happy to have done it.”
The Bobcats capped off a three-game streak with a 6861 win over the Sand Sharks.
GCSU approached their final five games. The Bearcats put a hold on any Bobcat momentum, taking down GCSU 68-48 in Greenwood, South Carolina, but the Bob-
cats bounced back in the next two. The Bobcats collected their successive win against the Lakers, 67-64, and swept the season series before returning home to play the Hurricanes on Homecoming Night. GCSU promptly dominated Georgia Southwestern State, winning 6558 to celebrate homecoming before returning to the road.
However, the Bobcats would not win another regular season contest, falling to the Jaguars and Cougars right before the start of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. Nevertheless, the game against Augusta was not all sorrows, as the Bobcats celebrat ed nine seniors for the women’s basketball team: Chandler Davis, Evie DePetro, Alexis Figures, Cierra Foster, Camryn James, Miracle Parker, Jada Warren, Ashiya Willis and Amelia Wylly.
“A lot of them have been here for a while now, and their leadership and commitment to the team has really filtered through to the entire team,” Cail said. With the potential for the
game against the Flagler Saints to be the final game in nine different seniors’ careers, the Bobcats looked to show out. GCSU and Flagler were all knotted at 37 heading into halftime, and the Saints would win the third quarter 23-19, attempting to shut down any hopes for the Bobcats. Nevertheless, the Bobcats are never done fighting, as they took back the lead quickly on a layup by Warren and a three-pointer by Nylah Nuri. GCSU began to pile it on at the end of the quarterfinals contest, reaching a double-digit lead at one point.
“I hope that in terms of impact, I have left a sense of effort and hard work,” said Warren. “It’s about hustle and effort or it’s about wanting things more.”
The Bobcats are set to play in the semifinals against the University of North Georgia, a team they have beaten before, at the Nighthawks’ stadium. If the Bobcats leave with the victory, GCSU will host the Peach Belt Conference finals.
“They’ll be a tough team, but they’ll be ready, and we will be ready,” Jolly said in his quarterfinals post-game remarks.
Courtesy of GCSU Athletics
GCSU Womens Basketball Team
MLB Crowd
97 YEARS OF OSCARS
Sarah Barnhart Staff Writer
The 97th Academy Awards, notoriously known as the Oscars, were held on Sunday, March 2. This event celebrates all nominated actors, directors, cast and crew from the past year for their hard work and dedication to the film industry.
The major awards were given to Kieran Culkin for Best Supporting Actor, Zoe Saldana for Best Supporting Actress, Adrien Brody for Best Actor, Mikey Madison for Best Actress and “Anora” for Best Picture.
Many people across the internet were shocked that the film “Emilia Pérez” was nominated for so many awards and even won a few, including Best Supporting Actress.
This film only received one less nomination than the 1997 box office smash, “Titanic.” This was Saldana’s first win as an actress, unfortunately for a movie so negatively received by the public.
This was Madison’s first nomination and Academy Award. She was the first Generation Z to win an Oscar, being only 25 years old at the reception of her award for Best Actress for her role in “Anora.”
“Anora” swept the stage this year at the Oscars, also winning Best Director and Best Picture.
At the press carpet afterwards, Sal-
dana was confronted by the controversies and hate regarding “Emilia Pérez.” Many Hispanics found the film offensive, and many in the transgender community found it odd how, in all acceptance speeches, no one acknowledged the trans community.
The main character of “Emilia Perez” is a transgender woman, and her identity is crucial to the plot, so it begs the question as to why the cast and crew did not acknowledge this.
“First of all, I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended,” Saldana said. “That was never our intention. We spoke and came from a place of love, and I will stand by that.”
The hate for “Emilia Pérez” did not stop there. The song “El Mal” from the film also won Best Original Song. When the composers Clement Ducol and Camille accepted the award, they sang at the end of their speech, which caused much secondhand embarrassment for viewers across the internet.
Paul Tazewell was awarded Best Costume Design for “Wicked.” He was the first Black man ever to do so.
“Wicked” won for Best Production Design as well, awarding the film two Oscars.
“I thought the winners were overall fair and deserving except for a few,” said Jane Carr, a junior mass communication major. “I really enjoyed the moment that ‘Wicked’ won Best
Songwriters of GCSU II
A
chance for student musicians to shine
Kennedy Welker Asst. A&L Editor
The GCSU Max Noah Recital Hall hosted “Songwriters of GCSU II” on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. This event allowed undergraduates, master’s students and alumni to present their original compositions in all manner of musical genres and styles in front of a live audience.
The event was presented for free with voluntary donations, the proceeds of which benefit music scholarships and the GCSU Department of Music. The event was generously attended by a lively audience of friends, family and supportive student body.
“I thought the performances were really impressive,” said Kelsey Foster, a senior music therapy major who attended the event to see her best friend perform. “It’s a lot to be vulnerable with songwriting so seeing some of the works put out tonight was cool.”
WOMEN’S
Continued from page 1
Students on campus have expressed their excitement about the events that are taking place this month and the importance of celebrating women’s history.
“I think it’s great that the school is celebrating women’s history month,” said Mallory Jones, a
Foster believes those starting in the music industry need to be heard. Musicians are a vulnerable group of people, and the fact that they are willing to share their music is a privilege for the audience.
Costume because it’s the first time a black man has won the category.”
Comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards, cracking jokes and occasionally making fun of others in a lighthearted way.
“I’m a massive Conan O’Brien fan, so I was very excited that he was hosting the ceremony,” said Makena Hilsmier, a junior middle grades education major. “I recently read a NYT interview about him being quite nervous to host the Oscars, and I think that bit of nerves did him a world of good. I’ve grown tired of award show hosts confidently stinking up the stage, but with Conan, you could tell that it meant a lot to him.”
Some controversies arose from the Oscars about some long and seemingly tone-deaf speeches. Adrien Brody’s speech for winning his second Best Actor award set a record for the longest speech at five minutes and 40 seconds, which included him shushing the band.
For the film “The Brutalist,” which he won his award, Brody was accused of using AI to improve his performance. This prompted internet outrage, with many people saying that Brody shouldn’t have received an Academy Award if he used AI.
“I think Timothee Chalamet deserved Best Actor,” Carr said. “This was his year, and he didn’t use AI to better his performance.”
Chalamet is a 29-year-old star who
portrayed Bob Dylan in his biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” He has been nominated for Best Actor twice now.
Although the Oscars are a celebrated event across the world, many viewers think they should address more political issues in the world.
“As the Oscars are a nationwide event, I felt it would’ve been better to address more of our political climate,” Carr said. “Movies are political. Period. They always have been and always will be.”
It is important for worldwide television broadcasts not to ignore world issues and to consider how they can help.
The 97th Academy Awards were as usual full of excitement, laughter and controversy. Whether viewers thought the Oscars this year were perfect, embarrassing or lacked political awareness, the awards stirred up the internet in some big way.
who performed their original compositions.
Lilly and Emma Kevers performed three original duets with voice, guitar and piano, Tanner Vorse performed voice and guitar for his song “Snow” and Jim McK-
To open Songwriters of GCSU II, coordinator Dr. Robert Allen Stewart performed a prelude on electric guitar before opening the stage to seven other musicians
freshman finance major. “Women in history have gone so long without recognition so it’s important for schools especially, to highlight what women have done for us today.”
GCSU, originally an all-women college, has been home to several notable female leaders who have shaped the university’s academic and cultural landscape, like Dr. Dorothy Leland
enny performed two original songs on guitar, “Make a Choice” and “Le Sommeeil Lent Profond.”
For a change of pace, Joey Johnson performed his multi-instrumental
and President Cathy Cox. Leland expanded learning opportunities through undergraduate research, residential learning communities, service-learning activities, internships and study abroad programs.
“I feel happy about their being multiple women presidents at GCSU because it seems there are always social norms around what a
piece called “Silver Sky” with Lindsey Blevins on violin, Cameron Sparks on drums, Jim McKenny on bass and himself on voice and piano. Johnson said he composed the song to, for a lack of better words, ‘capture the vibe’ of nature on a rainy day.
The two final performances were GCSU Graduates Campbell Ransom and Erin Kelly.
Campbell performed her song “Vertigo” about moving out of her childhood home and “Upside Down” about the most recent California wildfires. Kelly performed her two compositions “Better Portion” and “All Free” written about her marriage and her faith.
Kelly graduated with her bachelor’s degree from GCSU in 2022, and with her masters in 2024. She now holds a temporary position as the clinic coordinator for the music therapy clinic on campus, which offers free music interventions to improve mental wellbeing.
Before Songwriters of GCSU II, Kelly had only ever performed in theatre and recitals growing up. She had never
woman can do pertaining to their profession,” said Makiya Mills, a sophomore public health major. “They are an example to other women who go to GCSU and who would want a position like that in the future.”
The celebration of women’s history is not only on campus but through partnerships with other institutions, such as Andalusia Farm,
performed her original music for an audience.
“Honestly I was really terrified,” Kelly said. “Dr. Stewart asked me to do it and I actually said no. But I think this was a step that I had to take”
Kelly said her primary motivator for writing music is her faith. She considers her composition process a unique way to take everything that life throws at her and look at it through the lens of God’s plan.
Kelly thinks everyone who has a song to share should find a way to share it.
“Find a safe and encouraging space to just do it,” Kelly said. “This was that for me. These are my coworkers, my friends and students that I work with. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to share and feel that encouragement. It will encourage you to keep going.”
Steward, the coordinator of Songwriters of GCSU II, expressed his belief that sharing music with an audience is extremely important to musicians. He cited musicians like Buckethead,
the former home of author Flannery O’Connor. Andalusia is a historic site that often celebrates women’s contribution to literature and the arts.
This year, Andalusia Farm has posted an Instagram post celebrating women writers and the legacies they left behind, as well as highlighting O’Connor’s work in American literature.
Women’s history
the Beatles and even Taylor Swift as artists with massive discographies.
“There’s so many artists that just have so much music out there,” Steward said. “I don’t think there’s any harm in trying and you never know who you might connect with.”
Steward thinks putting together Songwriters of GCSU speaks to the heart of what music is all about: performing original music for a group of willing listeners.
“Typically music students only have the opportunity to play at recitals and things like that, music that has been written by dead composers hundreds of years ago,” Stewart said. “I just think that having a formal opportunity for them to show their original music is a really wonderful thing.”
Songwriters of GCSU II was an inspiring success, giving GCSU students and alumni the ability to present their original compositions and providing the student body with a novel musical experience.
month serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is still happening. Whether it’s through events, discussion or social media, the month gives people an opportunity to celebrate women and their stories that have been overlooked.
Kennedy Welker | Asst. A&L Editor
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Mardi Gras history & traditions
Kate Walker Contributing Writer
On March 4, 2025, New Orleans came alive with the vibrant festivities of Mardi Gras. Translated to “Fat Tuesday” in French, Mardi Gras is the last day of the Carnival season, directly before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
According to the official Mardi Gras website, the celebration originated in medieval Europe as a Catholic holiday, a time to enjoy the pleasures of life before the season of Lent. It was first celebrated in Italy during the 17th and 18th centuries, eventually spreading to the French House of the Bourbons, and from there to the French colonies in America. While the first Mardi Gras was celebrated in Mobile, Alabama in 1703, by the early 1700s Mardi Gras was widely celebrated in the newly established city of New Orleans and has since become home to America’s most famous of Mardi Gras traditions.
Julia Ralston, a junior math major, recalled celebrating Mardi Gras with her family growing up.
“We had a king cake, and we wore purple and gold beads,” Ralston said.
The colors purple, green, and gold are widely recognized today as a symbol of Mardi Gras, but it wasn’t until 1892
that Rex, the King of the Carnival, first declared the colors’ meaning. In general, purple represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power.
Over time, Mardi Gras in New Orleans became more of a cultural than a religious celebration, involving elaborate parades, costumes and balls, and in 1875 Governor Henry Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act,” making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana. Today, not many Americans recognize Mardi Gras as a major holiday outside of Louisiana, generally attributing the celebration to part of New Orleans culture.
“I think a lot of people just don’t know how to celebrate it, since we’re nowhere near Louisiana,” Ralston said.
Some students would celebrate Mardi Gras if they had the time, but note that next to schoolwork and extracurricular activities, the holiday is not a priority.
“I did not celebrate Mardi Gras, just because I was busy this week, but if I wasn’t busy then I would have,” said Shelby Gowen, a sophomore elementary education major.
Mardi Gras is known for a variety of unique, colorful traditions, one of the most famous being the king cake. In New Orleans, the Carnival season begins on the Epiphany, which correlates to the visitation of the three wise
GCSU’s BMP Film Festival
Mary Ciucevich A&L Editor
GCSU’s Bobcat Media Productions, BMP, hosted their annual Bobcat Film Festival on March 7, in the Black Box Theatre, located behind the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. The festival gave high school and college filmmakers a chance to show or debut their work and win prizes.
“It’s really a great way to unite us and just bring a lot of joy and attention back into the film community,” said Halle Bergstrom, vice president of BMP and a ju-
Short films were premiered in two categories, the high school submissions and the college submissions. Each category premiered eight to 10 short films consisting of a storyline of all genres, acting styles and directorial aesthetics.
Participating high schools included Jasper County High School, Savannah Arts Academy, Forsyth Central High School, etc. College filmmakers consisted of students from schools throughout Georgia like Kennesaw State University, The University of Georgia, West Georgia University, etc.
nior management and rhetoric double major.
The Film Festival began in 2018. This year’s festival commemorates the eighth annual hosted at GCSU with the Bobcat Media Productions.
“We do this every year as a way for high schools and other colleges around Georgia to see some really up-in-coming films, directors, artisans and stars around the community,” Bergstrom said.
Filmmakers interested in submitting in the festival were required to submit a short film of any genre of their choosing.
The festival started at noon and welcomed any of the short film submissions’ filmmakers, stars or contributing companies to join in the premiere of the gathered films. The event offered participants to take pictures, refreshments of soda and water, as well as pizza during a brief intermission.
Participating high school or filmmakers had the opportunity to win cash prizes. Awards included Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Directing, Best Screenplay, Fan Favorite Film and Best Overall for high school film and then for the college films.
Winners of the Best High School and Best College film received $150, which went to Savannah Arts Academy for their short “North Side High” and to Maxwell Mihalis for his film “The Gateway Process.” The final award of the fest was the fan favorite film, voted on by the attendees of the festival, which went to the film “Low Country Fishing” by Savannah Arts Academy, winning $75.
Once the awards were distributed, attendees of the festival had the opportunity to participate in a workshop led by Aus-
men to the baby Jesus. To commemorate the end of the Carnival season on Mardi Gras, a baby figure, usually plastic, is hidden inside a cake. The person who finds the baby is said to receive good luck and must bring the king cake for next year’s celebration.
Another well-known custom is the wearing of costumes and masks, which originated as a way for attendees to escape society and class restraints. Today, float riders are required to wear masks, and many parade goers wear them as well to add to the environment of excitement throughout the city. Often decorated with feathers and ribbons, the masks have become a well-known symbol of the Mardi Gras magic and mystery.
In the United States, New Orleans is best known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, but the Carnival season itself is widely celebrated in other parts of the world.
In Venice, Italy, Carnival celebrations often include masquerade costumes and masks, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is also known for its masked balls, elaborate costumes and parades. In Switzerland, Carnival parades feature demon masks and large bells to drive out evil spirits and announce the arrival of Lent and spring.
New Orleans’ unruly Mardi Gras
crowds have sparked some concerns. Hannah Salter, a senior elementary education major, noted that some people might be wary of celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, particularly after the terrorist attack in Bourbon Street earlier this year.
“Mardi Gras is a big party that goes on for many days, and not everyone wants to party that long,” Salter said.
Mardi Gras is infamous for its rowdy crowds and excessive drinking, often leading to violence and tragic accidents. Two people were killed in 2020 when they were struck by tandem floats during the parades, and the New Orleans police force consistently faces higher rates of drunk driving during the celebration.
“I feel like it’s more of a New Orleans thing where people just want to have fun and get drunk,” Salter said.
Poppi vending machines
access to brand deals.
tin Koch, a GCSU lecturer for the communication department, who discussed the making of Indie films/short films.
The festival presents high school students interested in filmmaking or the film industry a glance into where that could lead them in the future. Where for college filmmakers, it gives them more uplift within the small community of college filmmaking in Georgia.
“It’s definitely beneficial to see other types of films, that’s what I’m very excited to see,” said Makinley Stephenson, a sophomore mass communications major and practicum student for BMP. “It’ll be good opportunities to see not necessarily as a competition but maybe for other filmmakers to learn from others.”
Kayla Pulliam, a high school junior at Jasper County High School and participant in multiple films presented in the past, expressed how small film festivals like GCSU’s helped her realize she wants to major in film when she gets to college.
“I like Georgia College a lot so I do like coming here and being able to see the whole campus and stuff and the wide variety of films y’all offer,” Pulliam said.
The annual film festival benefits any participating filmmakers, as well as Bobcat Media Productions themselves.
Bergstrom detailed that the event helps unite filmmakers but also supports the club and gets their name out to others throughout Georgia.
“We have a tough time kind of outreaching, especially when it comes to majors like film,” Bergstrom said. “So, being able to have this event is really great, especially for those high schoolers to allow them to see the campus and get a feel for what goes around here.”
Brianna Heard Staff Writer
At the beginning of February 2025, the health-branded soda company Poppi launched a viral marketing campaign that quickly captured social media’s attention.
The company placed bright pink Poppi-themed vending machines in the homes of influencers, filled with their soda products. Influencers began sharing their machines with the internet, showcasing the variety of Poppi drinks inside.
Some social media users claimed that the marketing stunt was wasteful, arguing that the money spent on this campaign could have been put to better use than gifting rich influencers with more material goods. Others expressed frustration that the vending machines were not made available to the general public, reinforcing the divide between influencers and everyday consumers.
It was later revealed that the vending machines were only temporary. Days after the delivery, Poppi removed the machines from influencers’ homes, making it clear that the setup was a short-term publicity stunt rather than a permanent gift. This revelation left both influencers and followers confused and, in some cases, upset.
“It was wasteful because that money could have been put toward different forms of advertisement,” said Camryn Flisser, a freshman finance major.
Critics argued that Poppi could have used a different approach that allowed more consumers to engage with the brand directly. Some suggested that the vending machines should have been placed in public locations where anyone could try the product instead of being reserved for influencers with already high
Poppi’s founder, Allison Ellsworth, addressed the backlash in a video posted to Poppi’s TikTok account, stating that the situation had been misinterpreted. She also accused OLIPOP, a competing soda brand, of spreading false rumors to fuel the controversy.
“This vending machine campaign was put in place to bring awareness to the biggest soda moment of the year, The Super Bowl,” Ellsworth explained. “We wanted to share Poppi with creators across the U.S.
Ellsworth assured viewers that the campaign did not cost that much in her TikTok video posted to the official Poppi account.
“The falsely reported number was not only fabricated but inflated by 60%,” said a Poppi spokesperson when interviewed by TODAY.com.
who were hosting Super Bowl parties for their friends and their family.”
Many social media users were unhappy with her explanation, expressing their frustration and stating that they plan to switch to OLIPOP soda instead. However, not everyone was fazed by the controversy.
“A stunt like this would not make me choose a different soda,” Flisser said. “ I feel like it is not a big enough controversy to make a difference if it were my favorite soda.”
OLIPOP has spread inaccurate information all over social media about the Poppi situation. In one comment, they claimed that Poppi was spending $25,000 per vending machine and the majority of the public believed it.
Addison Townsend, a freshman photography major, expressed her opinion that Poppi had an interesting idea and a strong marketing strategy, but it fell flat when they decided to take the vending machines back from the influencers.
“It is very wasteful due to the cost, environmental impact and purpose to their mission,” Townsend said.
Ellsworth claims that the vending machines are owned by Poppi and were always intended to be used for various events and giveaways, not just for social media influencers. This approach would prevent them from being wasteful as single-use installations.
While some consumers felt misled, there is no denying that Poppi successfully achieved its goal of making an impact online. The controversy brought massive attention to the brand, proving that even negative press can keep a company in the spotlight.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
Julia Jensen | Art Director
OPINION
SPRING
Continued from page 1
“No matter the itinerary, the idea is that you adopt a vacation mindset while on a staycation,” said Anas.
Even choosing to stay home for break, a break is truly supposed to be a break—a chance to unwind and refresh before another half of the semester ahead.
“I’m going to stay home for spring break,” said Rayna Schneider, a freshman management information systems major. “When I’m on a staycation, I usually just hang out with my home-
town friends or work so I can get some money in my wallet. I also like to just spend time with my family. I would probably tell a student who was also having a staycation to just relax. It’s still just a break from school no matter where you are.”
From a financial perspective, staycations can significantly reduce costs. Students can discover and enjoy local gems without the concerns of high travel costs. Activities such as picnics, movie nights and exploring nearby nature trails can create a fulfilling experience that rivals any vacation.
Both vacations and staycations offer unique benefits and drawbacks worth considering. Vacations provide a chance to explore new horizons and build unforgettable memories, although at a higher cost and with added stress.
Based on my experience, traveling can be quite stressful. The process of getting to the airport, checking in and navigating security is often fraught with challenges, and it can feel like a series of hurdles before finally boarding your flight. Once you’ve overcome these initial obstacles, the task of planning
an enjoyable itinerary introduces its own complexities, as you must carefully consider financial, logistical and social factors to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
On the flip side, there is the feeling of fear of missing out or “FOMO” when we see posts and videos on social media that can shape what we do on breaks.
“It’s tough seeing pictures of other people’s ‘amazing’ vacations through social media, so if I don’t go on a trip myself I feel left out. It definitely makes me try to plan for a trip of some sort rather than staying home
for break,” said Sercer. Alternatively, staycations promote local exploration and relaxation but may lack the sense of escape some travelers seek. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, financial considerations and the type of experience one desires from spring break.
As we approach this time to relax and renew, it might be beneficial to strike a balance; perhaps a combination of both could create the ultimate spring break experience that satisfies all needs for adventure and tranquility.
What is most important on this upcoming spring break, as well as breaks to come, is the idea of doing what YOU want to do. If you want to stay home and focus on resting, go for it! Relaxation is vital for a work-life balance. If you want to plan a vacation of a lifetime, it can be one of the core memories of the college experience. All in all, enjoy your spring break and keep the little joys that matter at the forefront—blue skies, good times and moments spent with the ones you love, including time for yourself.
Disney’s live action Snow White adaptation
A step forward or a step too far?
Molly Goff Opinion Editor
The announcement of Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has created excitement and debate on social media. As we eagerly anticipate its release, critics are raising questions about the film’s fidelity to the original, its portrayal of gender roles and its representation of diverse cultures.
My friends and I got to chatting about this, and we had differing opinions on how we felt about the movie despite being genuinely excited all together in the past for other live-action adaptations like that of “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid.”
“The movie will do well; however, Disney has to do it well because the original is such a classic,” said Nadia Cofer, a sophomore nursing major.
“The actors they could’ve chosen could’ve been more on par with the characters in the animation and the CGI is a bit on the weirder side, but I believe that it could be a good movie once seen full through if done well.”
The anticipation that my friends, peers and I generally have is all due to the nostalgia and huge fandom Disney has brought to our lives.
“I am a huge Disney nerd. So, I am excited to see the film; however, I saw the trailer and the dwarfs look really unrealistic and creepy,” said Emma Heaslip, a freshman psychology major.
“I am looking forward to the music, but I am also nervous because Snow White’s songs are so classic and timeless and I know the modern take is going to take some getting used to.”
At first glance, the reimagining of the classic 1937 animated film seems like an opportunity for growth and progress. By casting Latina actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Disney aims to bring fresh representation to a story that has long been criticized for its Eurocentric narrative.
This move aligns with broader industry trends prioritizing inclusivity and diversity in Hollywood, which many argue is necessary to reflect the world we live in today.
“I love Rachel; do I think she looks like Snow
White, no, but I am mainly looking at the acting and from what I saw in the trailer I feel like she is going to kill it on the big screen,” Heaslip said.
However, the decision has also faced backlash.
Critics point to the potential for cultural appropriation and question whether the film truly honors the fairy tale’s European roots.
“Voice-wise I believe she was a great pick, but based on what the character looks like, in the original Snow White, I don’t think they chose the most adequate person for the role,” Cofer said.
The original story, based on the Brothers Grimm tale, is steeped in specific cultural elements that some fear could be diluted or misrepresented in a contemporary retelling. Fans of the original might argue that altering Snow White’s ethnicity could undermine the authenticity and charm that made her character beloved for generations.
“Disney’s 2025 remake of ‘Snow White’ comes over 87 years after the studio’s original animated film,” said Anthony Orlando, a writer for
ScreenRant. “This marks the biggest gap between the release of an animated film and a live-action remake in cinema history. It’s easy to see how the live-action remake of Snow White was able to beat this record, as the original 1937 film was the first-ever feature-length animated movie produced by Disney.”
With this unintentional gap of time between the original classic and the new live-action remake, a lot of questions can be raised in anticipation to see how the real-life version stands up against the animated version. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the film’s portrayal of gender roles. The animated Snow White was often viewed as passive and reliant on male characters for sal-
vation. Recent conversations around feminism and female empowerment prompt questions about whether this new adaptation will empower its titular character or fall into outdated tropes.
There are expectations that the film should not only retain the essence of the classic story but also provide a more enriching narrative arc that showcases Snow White’s agency and strength. Not only will this be an impactful visualization for young girls being introduced to the character in this generation, but will promote a sense of girl power going forward for the year.
As production progresses and trailers begin to surface, audiences remain hopeful but vigilant. Disney has historically struggled with
balancing nostalgia and modern sensibilities, often facing backlash over creative choices. It remains to be seen if this adaptation will rise above previous criticisms or simply serve as another example of a classic tale getting lost in translation. While the new “Snow White” adaptation presents an exciting opportunity for representation, it also comes with significant responsibilities. Ultimately, its success will hinge on how well it navigates the complexities of cultural authenticity and character development. Fans and critics alike are poised to see whether Disney can create a film that honors the legacy of the original while making strides toward a more inclusive future.
Courtesy of Niko Tavernise | Twentieth Century Fox
Rachel Zegler
