Ella Hayes wins Peach Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Week
Bryan Cade
Asst. Sports Editor
Sophomore women’s soccer player Ella Hayes won the honors of Peach Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Week for her elite performance in protecting the goal during the week ending on Oct. 13. The Watkinsville, Georgia native played 180 minutes between the posts, facing 15 shots, seven of which were on goal, across her two games that week, to which she just allowed a single goal. Hayes helped the Bobcats shut down the University of South Carolina-Aiken Pacers 1-0 for a Senior Day victory.
“It was a big honor,” said Ella Hayes, a sophomore goalkeeper on the women’s soccer team. “I really appreciate getting that recognition, it motivates me to keep wanting to go, keep wanting to win and keep making the saves I need to make.”
The goalkeeper had a solid freshman season, allowing 12 goals and accumulating 38 saves over 681:40 minutes in her first-year campaign. Hayes has built upon her previous season, so far this season allowing only a meager three goals and picking up double-digit saves with 10. Hayes has become a comfortable decision for coach Jack
Marchant to make when it comes to goalkeeping, with the Bobcats having a 3-0 record when Hayes plays the full 90 minutes, two of such oppor-
tunities being shutouts.
“I’m really proud of her,” said Maddie Drake, junior goalkeeper on the women’s soccer team.
“Since I’ve been here,
GCSU’S ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CLUB PROMOTES CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY
Kate Walker A&L Editor
As part of Campus Sustainability Month, GCSU’s Environmental Science Club members learned about recycling, composting and waste reduction programs during its Oct. 8 meeting in Arts and Sciences 242. Lori Hamilton, GCSU’s chief sustainability officer, provided the presentation.
“We try as a part of our mission to advance sustainability as much
as we can through education and outreach within the campus and the greater community,” Hamilton said, following the meeting.
Hamilton’s presentation highlighted the Office of Sustainability’s various student-led efforts, all of which are funded through the university’s required student-paid sustainability fee, which is $5 for the current school year. Hamilton emphasized to the club members that awareness and education are
key to building a more environmentally conscious campus.
“If (students) want to be sustainable on the campus, they should just be mindful of where they’re putting their trash and are they putting it in the right container, are they recycling properly, are they cleaning out containers before they dump them, that’s probably the main thing,” Hamilton said.
See SUSTAINABILITY | Page 8
Details on GCSU’s International Fest
What to expect from the annual event
Jane Carr Staff Writer
Georgia College and State University’s Front Campus will come alive with music, color and culture next week during one of the university’s most anticipated fall traditions. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., the International Club and Student Government Association will host the Annual International Fest, a celebration of global diversity and
community at GCSU.
The event will feature tables hosted by international students that each represent their home country and culture. Many other student organizations and departments will also set up exhibits to promote global awareness. There will be live performances, cultural displays and a variety of international food samples for everyone to enjoy.
For International Admissions Counselor
Susie Ramage, International Fest is more than just an event, it’s something that captures the spirit of Georgia College.
“It is my favorite event of the year, and I believe it presents an opportunity to break down barriers and allow people to learn from one another,”Ramage said. “The best part of my job is witnessing the friendships that are made right here on campus. More times than I can count these friendships often evolve into interna-
tional travel to visit and explore other countries and cultures together.”
The festival, which has become a campus tradition, aims to bring together students from all backgrounds. It’s a space where learning extends beyond classrooms, and connections are made through shared stories, food and laughter.
that’s the first time any of the goalkeepers have gotten recognition, and it’s really good to see her get it. She absolutely deserves it, especially after the Aiken game on Satuday. She kept us in it, and I think it gives the team overall some good recognition.”
Deep Roots 2025
Lucy Nunez Staff Writer
Milledgeville’s annual Deep Roots festival welcomes locals, families and students to the downtown scene for vendors, food, live music and community. This year, Deep Roots featured art, a car show, steak cookoff, a kid zone, food trucks and a concert stage.
“I have gone to Deep Roots for the past four years as a student at GCSU and am back now as an alumni,” said Misty Mullis Glover, a GCSU alumni. “The small artists and community keep me coming back.”
Milledgeville Main
Street anticipated a large crowd for Deep Roots expecting many student families and Milledgeville residents.
“I am beyond excited to attend my third Deep Roots,” said Alayna McHugh, a junior mass communications major. I plan to go with my roommates Lauren and Amy. We are definitely most excited for the live music.”
Organized by staff and volunteers working with Milledgeville Main Street, Deep Roots is an event that requires lots of attention, since it attracts many visitors.
See HAYES | Page
Reaghan Shehee
Courtesy of The GCSU Athletic Department
Professor Spotlight: Dr. Nicholas Creel
Professor Nicholas Creel began his journey as an aspiring banker, but is now a business law professor at GCSU who is known for his reputability and political neutrality in the classroom.
As a law professor and the adviser for GCSU’s Turning Point USA chapter, Professor Creel actively separates his political opinions from what he is involved in.
to leave for surgery and asked him to teach the class.
“I was a student in the class and then everyone looked at me like, ‘What do we do?’ and the professor turned to me and said to run the class for the next three weeks,” Professor Creel said. “I looked back at this and realized that I enjoyed it.”
His newfound discovery landed him with four additional degrees, those being an LL.M
Business Ethics course, he decided to build the class up himself. He pulled content from multiple subjects and combined it into a singular course with the intention of having his students answer one question: “How do you in a professional setting meet the expectations of society?”
“It’s really an intentional thing that is built less on expressing my opinions and more on help ing students develop their own opinions based on what we’re discussing,” Professor Creel said. He emphasizes the inevitability of speaking about politics in his law classes and has provided students with neutral information by assigning readings that sit on both ends of the political spectrum. This meth od leaves a lasting effect on students, as they are able to build off of their own opinions in an educated fash ion, instead of just adopting his opinions completely.
Despite his heavy concentration on law today, Professor Creel initially pursued banking. He earned an economics degree from Baylor University and chose to go to law school so he would have a foot in the door for banking positions. He graduated in 2008, a year that Professor Creel describes as “The worst time possible to ever enter into banking.”
His academia journey began after he took a step back and reflected on what he truly wanted to do. He shared a story from law school where his professor had
VOLUME 106 | NO. 3
Editorial Board
Mary Ciucevich..............
Editor in Chief
Rylee Holland..................
Julia Jensen......................
Amelia McEwen............
Emma Tyler.......................
Benjamin Clark...............
Bryan Cade.......................
Kate Walker...............
Sydney Williams.............
Isabella McComis..........
Reaghan Shehee............
Reagan Robinson..........
Haley Quimby..................
Mikkel Christensen.......
His combination of economics, political science, sociology and so on, into one singular course is what he deems necessary for his students to get the most out of Business Ethics.
Though, the time spent in his other courses has not gone unnoticed. Professor Creel was not orig inally a professor of Mass Media Law and Eth ics or any of his past GC2Y courses. GCSU was in need of a professor to teach these courses and he picked them up without a second thought.
in International and Comparative Law, an M.A. in International Relations, an M.A. in Political Science and a Ph.D in Political Science.
Then, he was hired by GCSU, where he now teaches Business Ethics, The Legal Environment of Business and Mass Media Law and Ethics.
After initially reviewing the textbooks for his
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“I never turn down an overload. As soon as A&S [GCSU’s Arts and Sciences school] came in, I said I would teach this Media Law course. I was happy to do it. I’ve taught the GC2Y courses when those needed overloads. I’ve never said no to that stuff when it came up and I think that tells me where my priorities have always been,” said Professor Creel.
Professor Creel has dedicated countless hours to his students and has created an environment for them to make the most out of their education at GCSU. Next semester, he plans to pour his time into a singular section of Business Ethics, his self-crafted class that prepares students to be successful in society.
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FESTIVAL
Continued from page 1
“The main goal of International Fest is to celebrate the diversity within our campus,” said Andrew Earnest, president of the International Club. “Our organization, International Club, aims to promote cross-cultural understanding at GCSU. Our campus has a large international student presence, with students from all over the world living and learning in Milledgeville. While they’re immersed in our campus culture day to day, this event gives our students the chance to share pieces of their homes with our community.”
Earnest said this year’s festival will feature several live performances that highlight the talent and pride of international students.
“This year’s event will feature live performances including our flag ceremony, cultural dances and showcases of traditional attire,” Earnest said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to learn about our diverse campus community and the world at large.”
The flag ceremony, one of the most popular parts of the event, will include students carrying flags from their home countries while music from around the world plays across Front Campus. Attendees can also expect dance performances, photo
the Student Government Association (SGA). The group hopes to make this year’s International Fest larger and more engaging than before, with additional student groups participating and added ways for attendees to get involved.
“We have a tendency to separate
opportunities and the chance to sample dishes from dozens of countries.
Behind the scenes, International Club members have been planning the event for months in partnership with
ourselves based on our differences without taking a moment to actually talk to each other to learn,” said Kat Carrouth, the Campus Relations chair for International Club. “Internation-
Aquatic Sciences Symposium
Emma Tyler Asst. News Editor
The Aquatic Sciences Center, Aquatic Sciences Club and Academic Outreach came together to produce the fourth ever Aquatic Science Symposium which demonstrated research and scientific findings.
Upon entering the Integrated Sciences Complex (ISC) building, students and faculty flashed great smiles as they stood by posters full of integral research and data.
Wiley Bundy, a master’s student in Biology and vice president of the Aquatic Science Club, was one of the students in the building
who created a poster board full of work; her study was conducted at Tobler Creek in Milledgeville, Georgia and focused on measuring dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels in the stream.
“Even though there were really low levels of nitrates, sometimes our instruments are not fine enough,” Bundy said. “They can’t pick up those low levels, but because of the macroinvertebrates we found and other animals, we can indicate that the stream was of good quality. We also saw that the different rain events were affecting the dissolved oxygenlevels.”
For Bundy, the sym-
posium is more than an event, it is an opportunity to practice public speaking and presenting research. She expressed how this project from her class on the water quality of Tobler Creek led her to this presentation at the symposium as she wanted to share her findings.
After a bit more mingling, professor and aquatic sciences center director Samuel Mutiti led everyone into a separate room where four presenters spoke.
Each speaker presented vastly different topics, with some including topics such as “Fin Whales in a Petri Dish” and “Decoding Orca
al Fest is a great opportunity to put down preconceived notions we have of each other and actually share our experiences by learning about cultures outside of the American worldview.”
Carrouth’s message reflects what makes International Fest such a valuable experience for students. The event isn’t just about celebrating culture, it’s about connection and conversation.
International Fest has continued to grow in popularity each year by drawing students, faculty and members of the Milledgeville community.
Whether you’re trying international food for the first time, learning how to say “hello” in another language or just stopping by to enjoy the music, organizers say everyone is welcome.
The two-hour celebration is free to attend and visitors can enter raffles to win International Fest merchandise.
“It’s always such a good time,” Earnest said. “You can really feel the pride people have for where they come from, and it’s cool to see how much everyone else wants to learn about it too.”
Communication to Understand Boat Interactions in the Iberian Sea.”
Lab technician Anya Mukundan presented Fin whales in a petri dish. She studied these whales at the University of Bergen in Norway and looked at cell cultures upon receiving biopsy collections. Her presentation detailed her findings during this study and her thoughts on the relation between a whale’s consumption of plastic and its genetic cell structure.
Chloe Caroll presented about orca communication and demonstrated her understanding of what we know and are still learning about this phenomenon. She refuted certain ideas based on professional research of orcas, such as the idea of them being aggressive toward boats, while also opening questions of interpretation for why their behavior might seem negative.
Upon finishing the presentations, attendees
were escorted from the room and returned to the ISC atrium. Here, food was provided by the three organizations and they continued to ask students about their posters.
The symposium is not only for the club, but for everyone. The public is given this knowledge for a continual pursuit of education on everything revolving in aquatic science.
“The Aquatic Science Center has multiple goals but mainly to just bring awareness and education about water not just to Georgia College, but to the community at large,” Mutiti said. “The symposium is just one way of celebrating water and hopefully it will
grow because we want to try and bring everyone interested in aquatic science and water together.”
The Aquatic Sciences Center, Aquatic Sciences Club and Academic Outreach want to continue hosting the symposium once each semester for those interested in aquatic science to learn more about student findings.
The symposium has room for everyone considering the scientific research and discovery ranges over vastly different topics. From microscopic to macroscopic, cellular studies on whales to orca behaviors, anyone can find interest in the wide array of studies demonstrated at the event.
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Pictured: Wiley Bundy
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Julia Jensen | Art Director
HAYES
Continued from page 1
In that senior day contest, which helped her secure the honors of Peach Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Week, Hayes faced nine shots, accumulating six saves, and her metrics only seem to improve, with a 0.81 goals allowed on average and 0.769 save percentage as of Saturday, Oct. 18.
“I would say probably the tip over the bar, it was either that one or coming out on that corner and being able to punch the ball out,” Hayes said. “I think those are two really big plays that if that goal had gone in, I think that would
have completely changed the momentum of the game.”
Goalkeeper is definitely a stressful position to play on the soccer pitch, with immense amounts of pressure, especially when it comes to those one-onone match-ups that you can be placed into from time to time.
position on the team that has the most pressure,” Drake said. “Every other position on the field has somebody behind them to back them up
is huge—panicking is probably one of the worst things you can do as a goalkeeper.”
Coach Marchant has definitely managed his goal-
“I think goalkeeper is the
if they mess up. If we miss that, it’s a goal. I think taking the time to calm down, gather your thoughts and make sure you don’t panic
College playoff predictions
Benjamin Clark Head Sports Editor
The 2025-2026 College football season is now into the stretch that separates aspiring playoff teams from pretenders. This season’s early results have produced both an unexpected topping of the rankings as well as enough volatility within the top teams to keep experts guessing until later in the season.
Thus far, Ohio State sits atop the conversation as the sport’s most consistent powerhouse; however, a small spate of unheralded victors and a crowded Heisman discussion means that nothing is truly settled.
keepers well, making sure they have a good mindset when they approach the task of being between the posts.
“You got to keep working,
evates the importance of conference championship games.
“It’s crazy how one loss can totally change a team’s season,” said Elija Brush, a senior data science major. “The selection committee always says they look at the ‘whole season,’ but honestly, a late loss, especially in a top-10 matchup, can erase months of good play. Sometimes it feels like timing matters almost as much as talent when it comes to who makes the playoffs.”
The College Football selection committee will be watching not just the wins, but the quality and timing of those wins.
“It’s not enough to just win anymore,” said Brett Peter-
As far as rankings are considered, polls and power rankings have repeatedly placed Ohio State at No. 1. Behind them, Miami and the ascending Indiana State. Conference title races in the Big Ten, SEC and Pac-12 are foreshadowing a November schedule in which only one upset will drastically tip the scales and rewrite the playoff field.
These national rankings reflect the consensus of the team’s records; Ohio State, Indiana and Texas A&M all remain undefeated, and a tough loss against a lower-ranked school could break their stride, sending them down the ladder and out of the scope for playoff teams.
However, the sport always seems to bring midseason upsets, injuries and last-minute breakout plays always seem to remain the dominating feature of college football. Week eight produced a classic example: Louisville upset the No. 2 Miami, marking a dark stain of defeat on what would be a perfect record. This result complicates the predictive models and el-
son, a senior business major. “The committee wants convincing wins, beating good teams at the right time. I don’t know how they do it, if a good team beats a bad team, but only by a bit, they usually don’t care, but if a good team beats another good team by a bit, they really take that into account.”
Individual narratives often reshape the national conversation. The Heisman race is beginning to warm up, and different sports outlets have spotlighted multiple contenders, some expected, others arguable.
Students’ opinions on who might take the trophy seem to be quite realistic, understanding the strength of powerhouse programs.
“Right now, I’ve got Ohio State’s quarterback,” said Andrew Harrison, a junior accounting major. “Ohio State is just great right now, I mean, they won last year and they’re probably going to win again this year, the QB is really consistent, and it’s honestly the most impactful position, so
it’s a day-to-day thing, so we go by practice. Games are important, but practice is more important because you practice how you play,” Hayes said. GCSU women’s soccer continues its season with a midweek conference matchup against the number-one Peach Belt Conference-ranked University of North Georgia Nighthawks on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. in Dahlonega, Georgia, before returning to Milledegville for a weekend conference contest against the Columbus State University Cougars for GCSU’s Mother’s Day Kick Cancer Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m.
you can definitely pinpoint the team’s success there. ”
Behind the campus talk is a rigorous, messy reality. The strength of schedules and conference championships is what matters most to the committee. Teams from a powerhouse conference (like the SEC) that dominate conference play and win non-conference matchups will often have the clearest path.
This helps to explain Ohio’s consistency and how it’s positioned its team so high in the rankings, but the quality of wins and the program’s track record in big games are what matter. Conversely, one bad loss or many injuries to star players can relegate a team to being viewers of the championship, rather than contenders.
In the coming weeks, fans will be staying up to date on the late-season head-to-heads between the top10 teams. These games will produce signature wins (or losses) and develop the durability of star players.
Here, Heisman frontrunners handling pressure and injuries will affect not only individual awards but also team momentum. In these weeks, it is clear that conference title games will be decisive in deciding who will advance to the playoffs and who will be considered a Heisman contender.
For neutral observers, the beauty of this season relates to how many plausible storylines remain. People who live in Georgia will often be entrenched in the University of Georgia’s football team, with historic SEC matchups and rivalries keeping the season fresh.
Most recently, the University of Georgia had a decisive home game loss against Alabama, marking a distinct break in Stanford Stadium’s streak of home-game victories and Coach Kirby Smart’s tenuous relationship with Alabama.
“This one hurt,” Brush said. “You could feel the energy drop in the fourth quarter. I wasn’t at the game, but I watched it, and everyone I was with just wanted to go home during the last few minutes. It wasn’t just a loss, Kirby’s a great coach, and UGA has an amazing team, but he really needs to build something against Alabama to stay on top.”
As October falls into November, the College Football narrative will sharpen. The committee’s weekly rankings will create national favorites and contenders.
The playoff field will take shape in real-time, whether the final four will reflect preseason expectations or reward late surges in rankings remains to be seen; however, whatever lineup the selection committee announces in December, it will be forged in the pressure surrounding the midseason, Heisman conversation, and the chatter from college fans across the United States.
Courtesy of Brittany Lamele, GCSU Athletics
UGA Football game at Standford Stadium
GCSU Tennis wraps up the fall season
Bryan Cade Asst. Sports Editor
Georgia College & State University men’s and women’s tennis teams wrapped up their fall seasons at the Mercer Gridiron Classic on Oct. 3-5. The Bobcats had six women competing and three men.
Laura Almargo and Natalie Kirka advanced to the finals of the women’s flight B doubles draw. Their teammates won a trio of games; however, they later fell to the Georgia State University team in the finals, 7-6. Men’s tennis athlete, Jakob Andergassen, won two singles matches in his flight.
The Bobcats’ other fall contest came at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association NCAA Division II Southeast Region Championships from Sept. 26-29. The Bobcats had two players compete in the singles and doubles: Ashley Bentz and Rachel Black.
“They’re working hard,” said Steve Barsby, head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams. “We probably need a little more depth. That’s the one thing that might hurt us a little bit, but talent-wise, we’re pretty good. I think last year, we were around 30 or 35 in the country, but we didn’t make the NCAAs because our region is so tough, but it’s part of the deal; we know that going in.”
While the spring season is the focus point of the year for GCSU men’s and women’s tennis, a good fall season can start an athlete’s season out on the right foot. According to Barsby, the mental aspect of tennis is just as crucial as the physical aspects of handeye coordination and swift action.
“I’ll say this, in tennis, a lot of the time, you’re talking more about resiliency and toughness than you are about skill,” Barsby said. “Everyone’s somewhat decent, so now it’s who’s willing to put in that little extra and do that little extra. The team has been doing good at that, so hope-
Just Keep Pushing
-Steve Barsby
fully by the spring we will be rolling again and get to the regions again.”
The GCSU men’s team finished with an 80-62 record in singles in the previous season and a 41-25 record in doubles. On the other hand, the GCSU women’s tennis team finished 94-69 in singles competition and 45-33 in doubles.
“We’re practicing very well,” said Rodrigo Pérez Crespo, a senior on
the men’s tennis team. “I was feeling great, but right before the ITA regional, I had some pain in my knee. I still went and played, but my level wasn’t the best, conditioning-wise, and I didn’t get to play my best tennis, but I’m looking forward to getting better, working with Stacey Lampkin in the training room and trying to get in the best shape possible for spring.”
The Bobcats were hit by a flurry of injuries during the fall season, so they were not necessarily able to trot out as many of their athletes at full ability during the two competitions. However, Pérez Crespo also wanted to make it known that he was proud of the performances that his teammates had when they did play in the ITA and Mercer competitions earlier that year.
“If during the fall, you don’t do anything, you don’t prepare well enough
Zaxbys Player of the Week: Nya Warren
Bryan Cade
Asst. Sports Editor
Sophomore women’s volleyball player Nya Warren took home the honors for Zaxby’s Player of the Week for her performance during the week ending on Oct. 5. The middle blocker from Gray, Georgia contributed 13 kills, eight total blocks—two solo and six assists—and four digs as Georgia College & State University’s women’s volleyball team split a pair of Peach Belt Conference contests against the University of South Carolina-Aiken Pacers and Middle Georgia State University Knights.
“It’s been great to see her blossom as a player and really take on her role very well,” said Abigail King, the women’s volleyball head coach. “Her confidence and her ability to be relied on are huge, and as a sophomore, to be able to make that big of an impact is huge. The sky’s the limit for her. We just have to keep convincing her that she’s capable of more than she knows.”
Warren had a respectable freshman season in the previous year, participating in 60 sets for the Bobcats in 2024, accumulating 56 kills, 11 digs, seven solo blocks,
and you take it relaxed,then whenever it comes to the spring season, you’re not going to be prepared, and it’s not going to go your way,” Perez Crespo said. “But we’re doing a good job,most of the guys who are practicing are doing it with a good level and with intensity.”
Barsby brings a well-focused approach to coaching, especially with having to do so for two different teams. It’s challenging to manage everything, but the mindset that Barsby brings to coaching explains last year’s success, which is expected to carry over to this season.
“We talk a lot about doing everything you can,” Barsby said. “I think one of the greatest things about sports, any sports, is that it teaches you that if you work hard, there’s going to be adversity, just like in life, but eventually, if you keep pushing and see what happens, you’re going to win something. ”
43 block assists and a service ace. However, Warren has stepped up immensely in her sophomore season and has become a staple of this powerful Bobcat offensive attack.
blocker with more than five, as it is not common to see middle blockers step back to serve.
“We’re definitely still working on the consistency of it,”
King said. “It’s funny, when she first got into my gym, she stood and served, and it was one of the rinky dink serves, and then randomly one day she started
and seven total blocks, those kills came off an astounding .571 attack percentage. To put that number into perspective, an attack percentage between the .300 to .400 range is a highly efficient day on the offensive side of the ball.
On and off the court, Warren has brought a phenomenal
She’s become extremely comfortable on the attack. Through her sophomore season, she’s participated in 56 sets, and Warren has quickly improved her stats in every category. So far, Warren has collected 68 kills, 29 digs, 11 solo blocks, 23 block assists and a remarkable seven service aces.
Warren’s seven service aces sit eighth on the Bobcats; however, she is the only middle
jump serving, and it was one of the hardest serves I’ve ever seen. If she can become consistent, it’ll become even better.”
It was Warren’s performance against the Knights that all but secured the honors of Zaxby’s Player of the Week. While she had eight kills, a pair of digs
attitude to the GCSU women’s volleyball team in her second season in Milledgeville, contributing to the improved success that the volleyball team has experienced this season.
“Just from knowing her for about three or four months, I’d say that she is the type of
teammate that everyone would want to have,” said Lexi Polychrones, fifth-year transfer, outside hitter and right side hitter on the women’s volleyball team. “She brings energy to the court. On and off the court, she has a bunch of positivity that she brings. She’s the type of person that I could go to about anything, whether that’s volleyball-related or not.”
Warren sits in the top five on the Bobcats currently in kills and points, with a third-place team mark for total blocks.
In her performances since the contest against Middle Georgia State University, Warren has accumulated 26 kills, four service aces and nine total blocks. GCSU currently sits at an 11-9 record overall and 2-5 in conference.
The season continues on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a non-conference contest against the Cobras of Coker University at 6 p.m. in the Centennial Center; however, the week continues with backto-back Peach Belt Conference contests against the Saints of Flagler College, with the first game on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. and the second game on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m.
Courtesy of Austin Zschach, GCSU Athletics
Courtesy of The GCSU Athletic Department
GC Miracle: GCSU students change lives one dollar at a time
Jane Carr Staff Writer
GCSU’s largest student-run organization, GC Miracle, isn’t just about fundraising. It’s about hope. Every year, hundreds of students come together to raise money and awareness for the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital in Macon.
In 2024, GC Miracle raised more than $81,000 for the hospital, making it the biggest fundraiser on campus. Since it began, the organization has become one of the most recognizable movements at GCSU, a tradition of service, energy and compassion that’s hard to miss.
According to their official website, “Since 2005, GC Miracle has raised over close to $1,000,000 for Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health. That’s almost one million miracles made for the over 500,000 patients served at the Children’s Hospital in the past decade.”
That’s not just a big number, it’s real lives changed. The money raised goes toward everything from new medical equipment to family assistance programs. What makes it special is that every single dollar stays local, directly supporting kids and families in Central Georgia.
GC Miracle describes their motivation on their website: “What pushes everyone to give 110%? Our Miracle Kids. These are the children, ranging from newborn to twenty-two years old, that have directly benefited from the Chil-
dren’s Hospital, Navicent Health. Having these kids and their families as a part of the GC Miracle family gives us a tangible reason to do all that we can. Everything we do is to change kid’s health!”
Those “Miracle Kids” aren’t just faces on posters. They show up at events, share their stories and remind students why they’re dancing, fundraising and putting in the long hours.
Lilah Gapp, GC Miracle’s co-executive director, said the organization has shaped her college experience. “I absolutely adore being part of a community that comes together to support the kids and families at Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. Seeing the difference we can make reminds me why I’m so passionate about this cause, it’s bigger than all of us, and it’s truly life-changing!” Gapp said.
Abigail Lee, GC Miracle’s Director of Financial Branch, shared a similar sentiment. “GC Miracle is the most incredible organization to get to be a part of!” Lee said. “Getting to be a part of something that’s bigger than myself has been so eye-opening and rewarding. We fight for miracles and for those who can’t. It’s my favorite thing to ever get to be a part of with so many others who are also passionate about changing kids’ health! It’s cool to care!”
The biggest and most anticipated event of the year is ThunderThon, a 12-hour dance marathon where students stay on their feet for the kids.
The event includes games, live music, fundraising challenges and moments with the Miracle Kids themselves.
In spring 2024, ThunderThon raised more than $70,000 in a single day. Hundreds of students packed the Centennial Center for a day full of energy, tears and joy. The reveal moment, when the final donation total is shown, never fails to bring the crowd to tears.
Many say being part of the organization has taught them leadership, teamwork and perspective. It’s a hands-on way to see how small acts of kindness, like posting a donation link or writing thank-you letters, can turn into something life-changing.
With ThunderThon 2025 already in the works, GC Miracle is showing no signs of slowing down. The group will
Smaller events keep the spirit going throughout the year, like Miracle Mile, a color-run that brings the whole community together. Students get involved with GC Miracle in all kinds of ways, from joining committees and morale teams to helping plan fundraisers. Some members have personal connections to children’s hospitals, while others join just because they want to make a difference.
continue to host fundraisers and awareness events throughout the fall semester.
Students who want to get involved can visit georgiacollegemiracle.com and click “Get Involved.” Anyone can join, donate or volunteer, no experience required. At the end of the day, GC Miracle’s mission is simple: for the kids. And for GCSU students, that’s reason enough to dance, serve and give their all.
Campus Activities Board channels autumn spirit with the Fall Festival
James Cordero
Contributing Writer
Fall Festival was last week, and it served as a welcome break to GCSU students from the stress of the semester and midterms. This event, run by the Campus Activity Board , served as yet another opportunity for students to build community with one another.
“It’s really nice to see everyone take a break between their classes and get to enjoy something in unison,” said CAB President Kylie Gregg, a senior psychology major.
With pumpkin painting, hayrides, yard games and Morning Grind coffee, the festival offered plenty of fun autumn-themed activities to take students’ minds off classes for a moment.
Students enjoyed the pumpkin carving, coffee and taking fall pictures.
“My favorite part is hanging out with my friends and grabbing pumpkins together and laughing while painting,” said Payton Muck, a freshman art major.
Finding community is important for college students no matter their age, and CAB puts on these events to foster communication between students with different interests to find support.
Gregg spoke about how having a community can help students be supported emotionally, academically and all around.
Though it was hot outside, students still spent time outside under the clear sky surrounded by the smell of coffee, crunching of leaves and sights of perfectly painted pumpkins.
Thunder walked around front campus to take pictures with anyone who asked, and there was a photo booth for students to take pictures with their pumpkins.
Overall, the Fall Festival served as a great photo opportunity and students took advantage of that.
Being able to take a break from college life to be thrown into a fall aesthetic wonderland was a welcome adventure for freshman biolo-
gy major Mardy Pierre.
“I just love the aesthetics of fall, all the colors are so pretty and it’s really nice outside,”
Pierre said. “I love how they have all the decorations for the pumpkins.”
While most students came for the free pumpkins and free coffee, many stayed to paint a masterpiece on their gourds.
The welcoming feeling and cozy music entranced students to stay
sic, saw the pumpkins and felt in the fall spirit, noting how it served as a great distraction when walking to and from
just for themselves, so it is important to have events like these where it’s easy for friends to get together to do some-
mental health, especially with midterms that just past,” Pierre said. “Just being outside and with everyone, that makes
awhile despite the heat.
Some students didn’t know the festival was happening, but the festivities drew in plenty of passersby. Students said they heard the mu-
class and needing a quick way to pass the time.
During the busy semester it can be difficult for students to make time for friends or even
thing fun. The Fall Festival and events like it also serve to expand students’ friend groups by giving them opportunities to meet new friends.
Apart from the social troubles that can come from having a packed academic schedule, there is also the stress that some students may face while trying to stay on top of their classes. Social events like the festival also serve as a way to relax and take students’ minds off class with simple fun distractions.
“It helps a lot with your
you feel a lot better.”
“It gives you a chance to clear your mind,” said Parker Greer, a sophomore Management Information Systems major. “To feel better and take your mind off things for a little bit.”
The Fall Festival was a welcome distraction for students, giving them the opportunity to paint pumpkins, play yard games and enjoy a nice coffee. Despite the hot temperatures it was a beautiful day and a great way to spend a couple of hours.
Courtesy of GC Miracle
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Reaghan Seehee | Digital Media Editor
ARTS & LIFE
The importance of Hispanic Heritage Month
OPINION
In recent memory,
James Cordero Contributing Writer
Hispanic heritage month started on Sept. 15 to commemorate the independence of countries like Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras and ended Oct. 15, but just because the month is over doesn’t mean the celebration of culture stops.
As a Boricua, a kid from Puerto Rico, Hispanic Heritage month means a lot to me; it is an opportunity for me to represent my people and my culture. For students and faculty, the month is an opportunity to tell their stories. Stories about what it means to be Hispanic, stories about the beauty of Hispanic culture and why it should be shared and stories about what some people have gotten wrong about us.
Mario Alexander Perlera Jr, a freshman biology major, expressed that to be Hispanic is to have a good time.
To many people being Hispanic is more than just your blood line, although that is where it starts. Being Hispanic is about being enveloped in
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the loving culture and beautiful language like no other.
“Hispanic heritages just have so many different little things.” said Meghan Moncrief, a freshman biology and spanish major. “But you don’t have to meet all those things to be considered Hispanic,”
A part of every Spanish speaking country’s culture is the beautiful arts. Whether it be music, dance, paintings or food; expression has touched every part of Hispanic peoples’ culture and way of life.
“We are so much more than just Mexico,” said Renata Maldonado-Tovar, a freshman english major. “We have an entire continent,”
Many students and professors expressed their favorite part of Hispanic culture was the delicious food and the community that forms around the dinner table. Food has stood as a bridge between cultures for generations, not only do certain cultures share foods but it serves as a gateway for Americans and other outside cultures to experience our world.
The MAX, GSCU’s dining
“I work with the Milledgeville Main Street Organization and am responsible for overseeing the daily operations in downtown Milledgeville,” said Carlee Schulte, executive director at Milledgeville Main Street Organization. “I work with the public, media, businesses and community organizations to promote downtown Milledgeville. The annual Deep Roots festival is outstandingly our most popular event.”
Deep Roots is widely known for its array of vendors selling homemade treats, crafts and other creations. Cindy’s Bits and Pieces is one of the vendors selling both sweet and savory snacks and was eager to cater to the Deep Roots scene.
“I am located in Dry Branch, Georgia and make a variety of bite sized snacks,” said Cindy Epps, Cindy’s Bits and Pieces owner. “Here we have peanut brittle, mini shortbread cookies and blue cheese crackers.”
The Deep Roots festival is also the perfect opportunity to showcase handmade talents that ven-
hall understood the importance of representation and how easily accepted changing the food would be, if it was even noticed at all. At the start of Hispanic Heritage Month the max had a wide variety of Hispanic food and throughout
campus, but notably the only representation from the school was quietly having more Hispanic food in the dining hall.
“I hope we can go back in the future to more visible celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month.” said Di-
the month they served different foods from different cultures.
The MAX almost secretly celebrating Hispanic culture makes you question: why was that the only form of celebration from the school? There were multiple celebrations from the student run clubs on
dors are passionate about.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an artist,” said Madison O’Brien, owner of Madison O’Brien Art. “My style is very photographic which is inspired by my time in college as a major in fine art and photography.”
GCSU students piled around the permanent jewelry tent allowing friends to get matching bracelets, necklaces or anklets with a variety of color and style choices.
“I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with my friends Dorie and Caitlin,” said Victoria Salehabadi, a junior public health major. “Our favorite part so far is the permanent jewelry tent.”
The famous car show returned to the Deep Roots this year and caused much excitement as well bringing cars from the 1940s to the present.
“This is my first deep roots and I am having so much fun with my roommates,” said Mallorie McCollough, a freshman psychology major. “I think the cars are so cool.”
Around mid-afternoon, Georgia fans started to crowd the big
ana Díaz Gómez, a lecturer of spanish at GCSU. “We definitely have a lot of art, a lot of contributions to know about from Hispanic people,” Maldonado-Tovar feels as though culture should be shared between people, and that is why it is so important
to have a month of celebration.
People in the United States commonly view Hispanic and Mexican as synonymous, but there is such diverse culture that comes from every country, or even more so for Hispanic culture in general. By reducing us to nothing more than one country we lose connections and opportunities to share traditions.
“Each person has a different background and a different culture,” said Aurora Castillo-Scott, an associate professor of spanish at GCSU. “So to me, it’s important to show them the diversity” Being loud and proud, that is how many people see Hispanic or Latino people and they are completely right. We have no reason to be ashamed of who we are, so we refuse to be anything less than present in spaces our ancestors didn’t have a chance to be.
“We can be loud sometimes, but it’s because we’re so happy,” Maldonado-Tovar said. “I am who I am because I’m Hispanic. And it’s something I never want to forget,”
screen on the street and into downtown businesses to watch the Georgia versus Ole Miss football game.
“Watching the Georgia game with the surrounding community feels like a big family,” said Cathy Freeman Settle, a Milledgeville resident.
“People may be at different places, but the Georgia game connects us.”
Local artists and schools performed during the duration of Deep Roots with festival visitors anticipating the main act Logan Crosby.
“I am looking forward to hearing Logan Crosby tonight,” said Allie Reams,
a junior mass communications major. “I like his song Run Away With You.” It was no surprise that the Deep Roots festival had a numerous number of visitors. Crowds filled the street interacting with downtown vendors, music and businesses.
“Deep Roots makes Milledgeville feel more connected”, said Meghan Kay, a senior psychology major. “I have gone all four years with my friends and have always had the best time. Milledgeville is a small town and Deep Roots truly brings the excitement out in the community.”
Reaghan Shehee| Digital Media Editor
Julia Jensen | Art Director
ARTS & LIFE
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At GCSU, recyclable materials include paper, paperboard, cardboard, aluminum cans, tin and steel cans and certain plastics. Additionally, Hamilton said, glass is collected separately at specific drop-off locations, while food waste, chemicals, tissue products and some plastics cannot be recycled.
Hamilton notes that the campus is an ideal place and time for students to learn about and begin practicing sustainability as they prepare for the future.
West Campus and a glass processor. These initiatives are designed to reduce waste, reuse materials and strengthen ties with the local community.
Leah Bartleson, a junior environmental science major and the garden assistant and vice president of the Environmental Science Club, voiced that students can make an impact by being intentional with their habits and consumption.
“In my opinion, the environment is the biggest issue in the world right now, and on campus it’s just doing our little part to help with that,” Bartleson said.
“This is the world we live in, and there’s too many of us in the world to waste our resources, because we’re already over
“I think we can use the campus as the learning labs for sustainability, being able to provide students with opportunities to take the knowledge they learn in the classroom and implement it, using it outside the classroom,” Hamilton said.
In addition to recycling, the Office of Sustainability manages a campus composting program to conserve food waste from the dining hall, a garden at
the carrying capacity for the Earth.”
Bartleson also said efforts like composting food waste, growing food in the garden, recycling and thrifting are small but meaningful steps toward reducing students’ environmental footprints.
Gillian Arriaga, a senior biology major and president of the Environmental Science Club, noted that students can help make campus more sustainable by volunteering at the Office of Sustainability, participating in Environmental Science Club events and simply educating themselves.
“Education in general is a big impact,” Arriaga said. “If you don’t have time to do all these big events, just educating yourself through the resources that we have is really important.”
The Office of Sustainability offers several ways students can get involved, including volunteer opportunities, class service hours and paid internships.
Beyond coordinating regular recycling and composting, the office organizes larger waste reduction campaigns such as Dodge the Dump, which collects reusable items from residence halls during move-in and move-out and donates them to local charities, in-
Ghost stories in Milledgeville
For generations, ghost stories have circulated through Milledgeville’s streets and across Georgia College’s campus, blending local history with folklore. While some residents view them as harmless tales, others say the stories reflect deeper parts of the town’s past.
One of the most enduring legends is that of Betty Jean “Cookie” Cook, a senior who died in Sanford Hall in 1952.
Records at the time described her death as a suicide, but inconsistencies in the
report led to long-standing doubts. Historians note that students in the decades that followed reported unexplained noises, flickering lights and cold spots on the third floor of Sanford Hall, which has since been closed to the public. The story resurfaced in the 1970s when the building briefly served as a men’s dorm, and students began holding Halloween parties on the floor associated with Cookie’s death.
Dr. Bob Wilson, a retired Georgia College history professor, has studied the origins of many of these stories. He explained that Cookie’s case, along with others like it, reveals how personal tragedy can evolve into campus folklore. The legend took an unexpected turn when Wilson interviewed a student who claimed to have seen a young woman’s ghost floating outside a Sanford window.
“I showed her a yearbook photo of all the senior girls from 1952,” Wilson said. “She immediately pointed to Cook-
ie. I’m not a paranormal person, but that one mystified me.”
Another prominent story involves Mary Virginia Harrison, a Milledgeville native and city planner who died in 1979 at what is now known as the Harrison House. Her death was also ruled a suicide, though her life and work left a lasting mark on the community. Both women were known for their independence and ambition, and their stories continue to surface in local accounts of hauntings.
Local historian and tour guide, Jackie Turner includes both Sanford Hall and the Harrison House on her Ghosts of Milledgeville walking tour. Turner’s tours connect these well-known tales with the broader social and political history of the town, once Georgia’s capital and later home to Central State Hospital.
“Thumps and thuds, noises, there is always strange stuff happening on Sanford Hall’s third floor,” Turner said.
She describes Milledgeville
cluding Milledgeville Cares and Comfort Farms. In the spring, fraternities and sororities also participate in a campus-wide glass recycling competition.
Last year, GCSU was awarded a bronze sustainability rating by The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s 2024 Sustainable Campus Index. While Georgia Southern University and the University of North Georgia were also given bronze ratings, the University of Georgia and Georgia Institute of Technology were awarded gold ratings.
To reach that gold standard, Hamilton said, the goal is to continue growing awareness and encouraging students to take action.
“It’s important for everybody to be conscious of sustainability in the environment that they are working in and living in,” Hamilton said. “This is all we have.” SUSTAINABILITY
as a place where the past lingers, not just through architecture, but through the stories residents continue to tell.
Students on campus often share their own experiences, ranging from faint tapping noises to unexplained chills in older dorms.
Junior Riley Kate Miller said she believes “Sanford Hall has an unsettling atmosphere,” a feeling echoed by other students familiar with its history.
“I do believe in ghosts,” Miller said. “But that actually makes me more critical of the stories; I’m always won-
dering if it’s something real or just people wanting attention.”
While few residents claim to have seen ghosts themselves, many agree that the stories serve an important purpose. They preserve local memory, spark historical interest and remind the community of the people who once shaped it.
Whether fact or folklore, Milledgeville’s ghost stories continue to link the living to the city’s layered and sometimes haunting past. And as long as the lights flicker in Sanford Hall, the stories are sure to live on.
Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor
Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor
Kate Hollowell Contributing Writer
Sydney Williams | Asst. Arts & Life Editor
Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor
