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@TheColonnade
The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University October 20, 2026
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Jayden Lewis | Art Director
CORNELL SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE RAISES LARGER QUESTIONS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS Annalie Parker News Editor
**Reader Discretion Advised** SENSITIVE SUBJECT The progression of the recently revived “Cornell seven” sexual assault case has brought attention to larger
raising questions and con-
different substances and gang
says and educational modules.
cerns among GCSU students.
raped by seven members of
The most recent develop-
The investigation is covering
the fraternity during a party.
ment in this now-widely publi-
an incident from 2024 involv-
Initial responses included
cized case is Cornell’s banning
ing the allegations of a female
Chi Phi’s temporary suspen-
of all fraternity house parties
student, referred to as “Jane
sion; expulsion of two accused
across campus. This initiative
situation at its origin in 2024.
Student
demonstrations
have included large public gath-
erings with signs and chants,
as well as graffiti and destrucDoe” for anonymity, at Cornell
members; suspension of two
follows
numerous
student
issues like the use of substanc-
University’s Chi Phi fraternity.
others; another being banned
protests aimed at the institu-
es as coercion, fraternity cul-
Jane Doe reported that she was
from campus; and the final two
tion’s president, Michael Kot-
ture and the justice system,
forcibly coerced with multiple
being assigned reflection es-
likoff, for how he handled the
tion of glass on the adminis-
trative headquarters building. See CORNELL | Page 2
Allied Arts celebrates Haunted Milledgeville
Milledgeville enters its spooky season Livie Duby
velvet cupcake with icing to look like blood, grave-
Contributing Writer
yard pudding and green punch in a cauldron. Local
As the city of Milledgeville prepares for the sea-
artists
who
dedicated
their
time
son, Allied Arts, a Georgia nonprofit organiza-
to
creating
pieces
were
given
the
chance
tion in Milledgeville, Georgia, hosted its annual
to
display
their
work
at
the
exhibit.
Haunted Milledgeville Exhibit on Friday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the John Marlor Arts Center. The event was free and open to the public, and attendees were encouraged to dress up in costumes to match the Halloween theme. The house was filled with Halloween decor, such as pumpkins, cobwebs and skeletons. To add to the spooky Halloween theme, Allied Arts of-
While every artist added their own flair to their art, each added elements of Halloween
to
their
work
to
be
on-theme.
Through photography, paintings and felt sculptures, viewers were able to see the history of Milledgeville, popular Halloween movie characters and other Halloween art. The artwork was displayed through-
fered themed treats. Some of the most popular
out the house, creating an interactive gallery walk.
were servings of Jell-O shaped like a brain, a red
See HAUNTED | Page 3
Emilie Theado | Digital Media Editor
GCSU cross country builds momentum WITH FOUR CONFERENCE HONORS Nina Bartlett
“The community is the biggest thing,” Bruno said.
field. Bruno credited O’Brien’s strong summer and
Asst. Sports Editor
“Running is a very individual sport, but you’re run-
commitment to her teammates for her performance.
GCSU cross country is building momentum ahead
ning not just for yourself, but for everybody else.”
of the postseason, with its runners earning four
O’Brien earned her second conference hon-
Peach Belt Conference Runner of the Week hon-
or Oct. 5 after leading the women’s team at the
ors and both teams claiming meet titles this season.
Georgia Tech Cross Country Invitational on
Sophomore exercise science major Erin O’Brien has
Oct. 2. She finished 18th in the 6K with a per-
earned the women’s honor twice, while Shipley Smith
sonal-best time of 22 minutes, 9.7 seconds, the
and Nolan Lane have each received recognition on the
third-fastest 6K performance in program history.
men’s side. Head coach Alexander Bruno said the teams’
Her performance helped the Bobcats finish sev-
success stems from their commitment to one anoth-
enth among 16 teams, making GCSU the high-
er and their willingness to trust the training process.
est-finishing NCAA Division II program in the
“She’s
had
a
phenomenal
season,”
Bruno
said. “She’s been kind of our standard-bearer.” See CROSS COUNTRY | Page 3
Bryan Cade | Editor-in-Chief
NEWS | PG. 3
SPORTS | PG. 5
ARTS & LIFE | PG. 6
OUTREACH | PG. 9
GCSU students have noticed a pattern in Milledgeville: boil water advisories, water main breaks, etc.
The diets and strict regimes college student-athletes face. What’s feeding our Bobcats?
What does “home” mean to a college student? What’s changed that perspective and why?
Say hello to our Vampire Club. Edward, Lestat and Dracula, oh my! Keep your fangs close and sunscreen closer.
WATER ISSUES IN MILLEDGEVILLE
DIETS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
HOME TO COLLEGE STUDENTS
GCSU’S VAMPIRE CLUB
2
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
10.20.2026
NEWS CORNELL
Continued from page 1 Cami Cooper, a senior environmental science major and director of fundraising for GCSU’s Delta Gamma chapter, expressed her thoughts on the ban. “That’s not going to stop
anything,”
Coo-
per said. “The second those bans are lifted, things are going to go right back to what was going on before like we’ve seen in past cases.”
hold a monopoly on
her
experiences
them, and these shirts
forts they are making are
harassment and assault
nightlife, and I do think
with sexual violence, and
are pinned to a clothes-
allowing survivors to feel
that stem from a lack of
it sets a dangerous prec-
how the impact it has
line where everyone can
supported without hav-
education on the topic.
edent,” Cooper said. “I’ve
had on her is something
see them as a way to
ing to hide, and that it
always thought it was a
that connects her to Jane
raise awareness. GCSU’s
helps them work through
“Sexual assault and
little sexist and weird.
Doe’s experience with
clothesline was strung
their journey with a com-
It’s like a weird purity
substance-based
across
campus.
munity to back them up.
culture around soror-
cion and victim blaming.
Jamie Gray, the Coor-
“We want students
“I’ve been sexually
dinator of Clinical Ser-
and other survivors to
ities
sometimes
with
coer-
front
that expectation when According
to
the Fawcett Society in 2017 found that 41% of men aged 18-24 feel that “a woman who is drunk and wearing a short skirt is ‘totally or partially to
she does not speak on be-
blame’ if they are sexually
half of Delta Gamma or
assaulted.” The study re-
GCSU Greek life, Coo-
ported that 30% of wom-
per spoke to the role that
en in this age range agree.
fraternity culture plays
Fae Adams, a junior environmental
something that happens in a dark alley with a complete stranger that jumps out of a bush. It’s violent,” Cooper said.
BBC
News, a study done by
rape is not [necessarily]
not always going to be
there’s not around frats.”
After clarifying that
in cases such as this one.
own
There is a reason why so many women are mad at the stories because we see ourselves in Jane Doe. -Cami Cooper
science
“There is a reason why so many women are mad at the stories because we see ourselves in Jane Doe.” Anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence on campus can reach out to the GCSU Counseling Services 24/7 Emotional Support Line at 833-855-0085 for assistance with dealing with the emotional weight of
“I’ve had plenty of my
major, feels that the pub-
friends come up to me in
lic reactions to the Cor-
years past and say, ‘Hey,
nell case illuminate these
I’ve been to this frat, and
patterns in society, and
I was roofied and now
she expressed her dis-
I’m banned from that
assaulted, and that has
vices for GCSU Coun-
know that we see them
gust with this ideology.
frat.’” Cooper said. “I do
been a huge impact on
seling, worked on the
and we are actively try-
“I’ve only really ever
think there’s a certain
my life for all of my life,
clothesline with Project
ing to make a difference,”
heard of sexual assault or
Brave, a group working
Gray said. “It is some-
non-emergency hotline
level of accountability
and It’s really disappoint-
rape cases being turned
to provide prevention of
thing that I wish we did
at
that is lacking in a lot of
ing to see how people
into a blame game, and
interpersonal
violence
not have to do, but I am
pending on the situation.
the Greek community to
are so quick to blame the
a lot of the time I see it
victim rather than the
through education. She
also grateful that we have
hold people accountable.”
“I think people need
from other women and
person doing it,” Adams
spoke to the importance
the outlet where students
She mentioned that a
that really disappoints
to stop being so scared
said. “I’ve spent literally
of
can
difference between the
me when we are not
all of my life questioning
“I think that it is an
GCSU students and
of hurting their rela-
expectations fraternities
protecting each other,”
why something like that
important way to spark
staff seem to agree that
and sororities are each
Adams said. “To see the
would happen to me.”
dialogue
bring
education is of the ut-
held to is that sorori-
hatred towards a woman
GCSU recently par-
awareness to the cam-
most importance when
ties are not allowed to
who went into something
ticipated in a display of
pus community,” Gray
preventing and address-
have any alcohol in their
thinking one thing was
the Clothesline Project,
said. “It provides a space
ing sexual violence, espe-
houses, but the frater-
gonna happen, and then
a movement that start-
for survivors to tell their
cially in college environ-
nities do not have this
had so many people take
ed in 1990. Women who
stories anonymously and
ments. A large amount
rule. She noted the dan-
advantage of [her] and
have been victims of
raises so much aware-
of the discourse sur-
and they get away with
gerous impact this has
feed [her] drugs is abso-
sexual violence can dec-
ness about the topic of
rounding cases like these
more and more. Always
on women in Greek life.
lutely despicable to me.”
orate shirts to express
interpersonal violence.”
comes from the differ-
tell on your friends, al-
“It sucks because frats
Adams talked about
the impact it has had on
Gray feels that the ef-
ing definitions of sexual
ways, always, always.”
that experience. To report crimes such as these, they should reach out to
VOLUME 108 | NO. 5
Editorial Board
Bryan Cade....................... Editor-in-Chief Jane Carr............................ Managing Editor Jayden Lewis....................Art Director Annalie Parker................. News Editor Avery Geary...................... Asst. News Editor Ava Flores..........................Sports Editor Nina Bartlett.....................Asst. Sports Editor Sydney Williams.............Arts & Life Editor Rosalyn Chapman.........Asst. Arts & Life Editor James Cordero................ Outreach Editor Reaghan Shehee............Digital Media Editor Emilie Theado..................Digital Media Editor Reagan Robinson.......... PR Manager Mikkel Christensen....... Faculty Adviser
*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.
both
movements.
and
@TheColonnade
feel
supported.”
either GCSU Public Safety’s emergency assistance at 478-445-4400 or their 478-445-4054,
de-
tionships. Report your friend who takes a joke a little too far, or does something that’s a little too out there,” Adams said. “It always starts small, and then it builds
@TheColonnade
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3
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
10.20.2026
NEWS
Ancient carving damaged by border construction as the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. For this
Evelyn Krafl Contributing Writer
U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo
On Apr. 23, 2026, the Las Playas Intaglio, an ancient Indigenous engraving, sustained damage from the Trump administration’s border wall construction of the southwest border in Arizona. The Society for American Archaeology Record (SAA Record) dated the Las Playas Intaglio beyond the age of other ancient monuments such
reason, the SAA Record classified the engraving as the oldest geoglyph, meaning ground carving or illustration, in the Americas at this time. The Las Playas Intaglio is an engraving of a fish around 200 feet long and according to the SAA Record, served as a part of indigenous heritage for the Tohono O’odham Nation, to which the carving belonged.
The Tohono O’odham Nation is one of the 574 federally recognized indigenous nations, located in southwest Arizona. The Nation is one of the second-largest reservations in Arizona, with 2.8 million acres of land and approximately 4,460 square miles. The border wall being constructed stretches across this land, breaching a promise of preservation and protection from the Department of Homeland Security to the Tohono O’odham Nation. The border construction left the Las Playas Intaglio with irreversible damage, as there is a 50-foot scratch on the carving. This led to a few GCSU students questioning whether this would cause construction to halt to prevent further damage. “I don’t think they will stop there. Any engravings or sacred sites won’t be safe as they continue to work on the border,” said Han-
nah Beth Chapman, a senior history major. Advocates in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities continue to use their voices to protest for the preservation of their home, environment and sacred artifacts to prevent these occurrences. Some GCSU students wonder how future administrations could work together with these advocates on protecting native lands. “Usually, to be able to work on native land the government has to get approval from the nation that owns it, but Homeland Security was able to get environmental and cultural waivers that meant they didn’t have to get approval from the tribes,” Chapman said. The Department of Homeland Security obtained one of these waivers and did not discuss this authorization of construction with the neighboring natives. This caused back-
lash and protests to emerge, which led preservation advocates to request that a U.S. District Judge, Richard Leon, restrict the federal government’s project based on unconsented construction. Leon refused to halt construction and construction remained present in the Tohono O’odham lands. The Tohono O’odham Nation maintains steady advocacy for their engraving and the land around it. Some GCSU students believe that there would be lasting challenges to face regardless of whether they regain unadulterated ownership of what they are advocating for. “Even if they were given an area of land back, it still won’t be the same because there’s already been destruction to what they considered sacred,” said Amanda Trunog, a junior biology major. Trunog then went on to describe how this sit-
uation has been replicated with other sacred monuments belonging to the same tribe that possesses the Las Playas Intaglio, such as a grandmother cottonwood tree. The grandmother cottonwood tree stood for over 200 years and held environmental significance to the Tohono O’odham Nation. “I don’t know if you guys saw, but the tree being destroyed recently, that is something that is big in the community,” Trunog said. The destruction of Indigenous landmarks such as the Las Playas Intaglio and the grandmother cottonwood tree has raised thoughts about preservation efforts in contemporary times, continuing debates about the relationship between the United States government and Indigenous tribes.
Recent water main break perpetuates conversations around Milledgeville water issues Lawrence Flournoy Staff Writer Milledgeville and surrounding areas have experienced a surge in water main issues in recent years, raising concerns about the quality of water systems in Baldwin and Jones counties. The city of Milledgeville announced that there was a water main break in the Carrington Woods area on Tuesday, Oct. 6, leading to poor water quality and low pressure. The Tanglewood Road and Red Bud Lane areas were affected, leading to poor water conditions for residents. In similar news, Jones County lifted its water boil advisory Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2 days after an unidentified water failure issue began affecting residents. A boil water advisory is
a public notification advising customers to boil tap water before consuming it, according to American Water. This is not the first time this has happened in the vicinity of GCSU and Milledgeville. Sophomore business major Graham Sherling reminisced about problems he experienced with the water systems his freshman year. “In the past, I was affected by water issues several times throughout my freshman year,” Sherling said. “The water to my dorm room smelled like rotten eggs. I knew something was wrong due to the smell of water coming out of our bathroom sink and shower.” The last water main break in Milledgeville had the potential to create even bigger problems than the smell of the water. On Feb. 5, 2026,
a 10-to-14-inch water line broke near the Boys and Girls Club, according to WGXA. The line threatened to leave Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin Hospital without water, as well as the Juvenile Detention Facility and River Edge Behavioral Health, Baldwin County Youth Services, Baldwin County School District, including Lakeview Academy, the Board of Education, and the bus garage. Since 2016, there have been roughly 13 boil water advisories. Many GCSU students are questioning why there have been so many problems with water mains lately. Miles Graham, a junior environmental science major, has worked in municipal water treatment and irrigation for the last three years. “It likely happened due to
a combination of aging infrastructure, a lack of city maintenance and shifts in temperature,” Sherling said. “Colder nights mean shifts in underground pressures as the top layers of soil cool and contract, which puts lots of stress on old lines. The pipes themselves also cool and contract, putting lots of stress on joints.” Water facility crews responded to the water main break in the Carrington Woods area the same day to fix the break as fast as they could. “I did not notice the impact of the event, but a few of my friends were left with little to no pressure during the repair,” Sherling said. In the spring of 2026, there were two water main breaks reported. Both breaks were 10-inch-long lines or more. The longer the break, the lon-
ger it takes to fix it, so this indicates a noticeable trend. According to the Pittsburg Water Newsletter, when a water main breaks, a water crew will close off traffic and turn the water off through underground valves. Then workers use listening equipment and excavate the pipe to repair and clean it. The crew replaces the pipe segment or puts a metal replacement with rubber inside the section. Students should be wary if their water smells different than usual and make sure to look out for a boil advisory before drinking the water. For more information regarding the water facilities and utilities of Milledgeville, visit https:// w w w.mi l le dge v i l lega.us/.
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
Quiet Bobcats: Vampire Club James Cordero Outreach Editor GCSU has a variety of clubs with a wide range of themes, providing community for many students. One of these clubs is Vampire Club, a club that focuses on a wide variety of vampire media “It’s basically a club started by a group of friends to talk about vampire media, both in pop culture and historical texts,” said Avery Schock, a senior history major and vice president of Vampire Club. Because of the club’s niche nature and its name, many people
have questions about what happens at Vampire Club and may have misconceptions about what it’s actually about. “People always ask ‘what could you possibly be doing in there’ and it’s a very simple thing; we just watch movies and stuff,” said Aicha Niane, a senior psychology major and co-president of the club. Vampire Club provides a space to enjoy a beloved genre of media, opens the floor for discussion, and offers an opportunity to meet like-minded people with no expectations of commitment.
“[I love] the commu-
mitment,” Niane said.
nity, I feel like it’s super
Students interested in
welcoming and easy to be
meeting new people at
a member; it’s a low com-
the club, but who may not
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
know much about vampires, are still welcome to join in on a meeting, learn about them and make new friends. “I came in not knowing too much about vampires and now I’ve ended up as vice president and made a lot of friends,” Schock said. One of the biggest misconceptions Schock discussed is that club members pretend to be vampires or genuinely believe they are vampires, not simply people who want to talk about movies, games, and books. “People will ask, ‘You’re the club that role-plays being vam-
pires?’ “Or ‘you think you’re actually vampires, right?’” Schock said. Vampire Club holds regular meetings every other Wednesday at 7 pm and is having their next meeting, a Halloween party, on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Students looking for more information can find it on the Vampire Club Instagram: @gcsuvampireclub “We welcome literally anybody, as long as you come, have good vibes and do not come with cruel intentions,” said Schock. “We want to keep it an open and welcoming community open to everyone”
4
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
10.20.2026
NEWS
Creators of ChatGPT cancel plans to release new AI Luke Bergrab Staff Writer OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, abandoned its plan to release the anticipated GPT 6.1 Astra system following a string of safety concerns, including AI being unresponsive to human commands. It was revealed on Sept. 23, 2026 that autonomous AI platforms, also called AI agents, gained unauthorized access to the Australian Medicare Statistics Reporting Service and the Bureau of Crime. Once inside
these government webpages, the OpenAI agents ran commands, then accessed and created various files and statistics. GCSU computer science professor Dr. Gaoxing “Shawn” Li provided some insight into how these autonomous AIs were able to gain improper access. “You give an instruction with this limited resource to let this AI do a job,” Li said. “Sometimes these AIs, they’re too smart; they will bypass this constraint to complete the task.” This hack of a government
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
network by autonomous AI was the first of its kind in history. The agents were intended to be an unreleased, internal-only model, so they did not have proper safeguards. While the attacks took place in June, OpenAI did not inform the Australian government until September, leading some to raise questions of the company’s responsibility to respond quickly and publicly. Bryan Schwartz, a senior management information systems major, shared his suggestions. “Rules should require incident reporting deadlines, independent pre release testing and limits on how user data is used,” Schwartz said. Responding to these concerns, OpenAI called off the Oct. 2026 release of 6.1 Astra, a model that could complete even more complex tasks without human intervention. Additionally, leaders in OpenAI and Anthropic have called for a more controlled development pace for the leading models. Students shared their opinions on how these incidents will affect AI’s advancement moving forward. “Companies are going to have to stop flexing raw size and actually spend money on alignment and safety research so the AI doesn’t go rogue,” said Dillon Santana, a senior computer science major. The Australia hack and other similar events fuel the debate
on the risk and reward posed by further AI development. “There is a tradeoff behind everything. What I would say is the performance versus the security,” Li said. “If we want to reach top performance, security issues will drag or lag.” Another major incident surfaced this July when rogue OpenAI agents coordinated to break out of their sandbox, a digital security mechanism. They then hacked into the open-source platform Hugging Face and posted thousands of messages unprompted. Anthropic has voiced concerns and warned potential investors that AI may pose a threat to humanity’s way of life. Anthropic also warns that some AIs appear to try to protect themselves and may use information deceptively to avoid shutdowns. “AI will learn from itself eventually, and at some points it has,” Schwartz said. “It’s already learned how to break its own boundaries.” Students shared their thoughts on OpenAI’s decision to postpone 6.1 Astra’s release. “100% the right call,” Santana said. “If they let a deceptive AI out into the wild, it would completely ruin public trust. Props to them for taking the financial hit instead of risking a massive mess.” While AI companies are responding by advocating for slower, more controlled
growth, many people still express a need for external regulators so business competition does not spoil ethics. “We definitely need tighter guardrails now,” Santana said. “If a model is literally lying to users and clicking things without permission, the government needs to step in with mandatory third-party safety rails before anything drops.” In light of the Australian Medicare breach, OpenAI apologized and started funding cybersecurity initiatives and a task force to minimize risks. Li discussed how cybersecurity as a field is being altered by AI advancements. “Old school cybersecurity, we use people to find any risk or vulnerabilities,” Li said. “Right now, AIs can do it by themselves. You can use AI to break AI-built systems … attack and defense improve each other.” Though there are real concerns about moving forward, students emphasized the need for skilled humans to guide AI and harness its power for good. “As the challenge of trying to control but also improve AI grows, the knowledge that cybersecurity and computer science majors have needs to grow with it,” Schwartz said. While AI continues to become more widespread and powerful in more areas of life, the discussion of how to balance growth and safety is sure to continue.
Increase in Baldwin County graduation rates Camdyn Thigpen
student monitoring. Su-
The district has pre-
core academic subjects.
Staff Writer
perintendent Dr. Kris-
viously emphasized ap-
“Many students have
The Baldwin Coun-
tina Brooks attributes
proaches such as dual
low literacy rates because
this success to the hard
enrollment,
academic
they are exposed to less
work of students, fac-
support, flexible sched-
oral language at home,
ulty, staff, family and
uling
pathways.
such as reading aloud
community
These
opportunities
every day from birth,”
While schools play a
provide students with
said Julia Allen, a junior
central role in keeping
the resources to earn
education major. “This
students on track to grad-
credits, explore career
exposes children to so
uate, support at home
interests
prepare
much more vocabulary.”
can also help with a stu-
for after high school.
For Baldwin Coun-
dent’s academic progress.
One of these initiatives
ty, increasing gradua-
could
was started in Sept. 2026,
tion rates may depend
graduation
when the Georgia De-
on finding students who
rates by working on the
partment of Education
are in need of addition-
wraparound
services
released an Adolescent
al academic support and
they provide students
Literacy Playbook for
providing them oppor-
and their families,” said
grades four through 12
Emily Rush, a sopho-
ty
School
District’s
graduation
rates
in-
creased
86%
in
to
2026, nearly 5% higher than the previous year. The district, however, is still below Georgia’s statewide record high graduation rate of 88.5%. 69
districts
achieved
graduation rates at or above 95%, and 147 reached at or above 90%. Graduation
require-
ments
adjusted
“The
partners.
county
increase
and
and
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
cation. GCSU’s College of
ticipate in an active
tunities to help com-
Education helps prepare
learning
to help with reading and
plete coursework, like
future educators to ad-
“It gives us the chance
more education major.
writing instruction. 28%
tutoring, credit recovery
dress students’ academ-
to see what works and
“In my 2110 class for
of United States adults
and attendance support.
ic needs and use effec-
what doesn’t before we
education, which is the
read at the lowest liter-
also
tive teaching strategies.
have our own class-
first education class you
acy rate, up 19% from
depend on having ed-
“We learn a lot about
tance of academic sup-
take at GCSU, we talked
2017. Only 31% of fourth
ucators who recognize
student motivation, dif-
port and student mon-
about getting families
graders read at or above
student needs, provide
ferent
styles
works to keep the high
itoring as the district
involved in their stu-
the level of the National
effective
instruction
and how important it
school graduation rates
prepares
students
for
dents’ academic success
Assessment of Educa-
and
supportive
is to build relationships
increasing, the College of
college,
careers
and
starting at a young age.”
tional Progress (NAEP),
learning environments.
with our students,” said
Education prepares edu-
life after high school.
Alongside family in-
widely known as the
As the county works
Lindsey Farmer, a soph-
cators with ways to tackle
District leaders have
volvement, schools can
Nation’s Report Card.
to prepare students, help
omore education major.
challenges and keep stu-
said the increase re-
help students make it
The NAEP is the largest
them earn their diplomas
GCSU students spend
dents interested in learn-
flects ongoing work to
to graduation by offer-
continuing and national-
and prepare for college,
time in actual class-
ing to make sure schools
keep students on track
ing ways to reach aca-
ly represented evaluation
collegiate education pro-
rooms
field
in districts like Baldwin
to
through
demic requirements and
of what U.S. students
grams play an important
placements, which gives
County continue to in-
academic support and
prepare for the future.
know and can do in
role in the future of edu-
them the chance to par-
crease graduation rates.
were
in 2011, and the graduation rate has grown by 21.1% since then. The
improvement
highlights the impor-
graduate
These
have
efforts
learning
through
rooms,”
environment.
Farmer
said.
As Baldwin County
5
AVA FLORES, SPORTS EDITOR NINA BARTLETT, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
10.20.2026
SPORTS Cross Country Continued from page 1
On the men’s side, sophomore philosophy major Nolan Lane earned conference recognition after finishing 33rd in the 8K at Georgia Tech with a personal-best time of 25:17.5. His time was the fastest in the Peach Belt at the time and tied for the third-fastest performance in GCSU history. All nine runners on each team set personal bests at the Georgia Tech Invitational. The men finished fifth with 149 points, while the women placed seventh with 184 points. Both teams were the highest-finishing NCAA Division II programs in their respective fields. Junior Shipley Smith, a management information systems major, earned his conference honor earlier in the season, finishing 35th in the 8K at the Queen City Invitational in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 11. His time of 26:06 was the fastest in the Peach Belt at the time. Smith said the recognition reflects the work runners put in throughout the early season. “A good deal of the early season training and work goes unnoticed, and being recognized for that work is an honor,” Smith said. He also pointed to the growth of the men’s roster as evidence of the program’s progress. GCSU finished last
season with 12 men and began this season with 25 runners. “This huge increase reflects the trajectory of our program and the massive upside that our program possesses,” Smith said. Bruno said the men have benefited from the depth of their roster and the daily competition among runners. “Everybody wants to be the best on the team,” Bruno said. Smith thinks the team’s close relationships have helped create a competitive culture without sacrificing unity. “We have a unique culture of unity, and that helps us to work even harder for one another,” Smith said. That competitive spirit has accompanied strong results from both teams. On Sept. 25, the men captured the Peach Belt Conference Preview in Macon with 24 points, earning the program’s 17th team title. GCSU placed eight runners in the top 10, led by Daniel Laird in second, Antonio Correa in fourth and Nour Nazim in fifth. The women followed
Run slower to run faster -Alexander Bruno
with a victory Oct. 9 at the Bobcat Invitational on GCSU’s West Campus.
Bryan Cade | Editor-in-Chief
The team scored 20 points, finishing 29 points ahead of Allen University to claim the program’s 19th team title. Maddie Reese Smith led GCSU with a secondplace 5K finish in 21:21.9. Kaela Kearney placed third in 21:25.0, followed by Lily Flood in fourth at 21:32.4. The Bobcats placed seven runners consecutively from second through eighth, securing a decisive scoring advantage. The victory marked the women’s program’s first meet title since winning the UNG Cross Country Invitational in 2025. Kearney and Sadie Edris also recorded personal-best times. Bruno said the team’s training approach has contributed to the runners’ improvement. Rather than pushing athletes to their limits every day, the coaching staff emphasizes sustainable, moderate-
intensity workouts that allow runners to build endurance and recover between sessions. “Run slower to run faster,” Bruno said, describing the philosophy behind the team’s training. As the postseason approaches, Bruno said maintaining a positive mindset and prioritizing recovery will be essential as academic demands and training fatigue accumulate. “The big thing for us is just staying positive,” Bruno said. “The hard work and the rewards are going to be there at the end of the day if you just stay positive and keep putting the work in every day.” GCSU is scheduled to compete at the UAH Chargers Cross Country Invitational in Huntsville, Alabama, on Oct. 24 before returning to Macon for the Peach Belt Conference Championships on Nov. 7. Bruno said he hopes both
teams finish among the top two at the conference championships, but he also measures success by individual improvement. “We just want to see our team progress and grow,” Bruno said. “If they’re getting better, then we’re doing everything right.” Smith is also looking forward to testing the team against strong regional competition as championship season approaches. “We have a very unique opportunity this season to go be one of the best teams in the Southeast, and that is very exciting,” Smith said. With four conference honors, two team titles and numerous personal-best performances, the Bobcats enter the final weeks of the regular season looking to carry their momentum into the postseason.
Best Diets for Student Athletes
How do you ball on a budget? Avery Geary
Medicine and Public Health
your plate is carbs and the
probably chicken and eggs.”
had and the weight I normally
Asst. News Editor
while finding what she should
other half would be veggies
Flood explains that even if
did for a triple warm-up,”
actually consume that would be
or
said.
a student athlete cannot find
Rowland said. “I failed and I
best for her variety of activities.
Flood also emphasized the
an affordable supermarket or
couldn’t retest, so I had to take
“I’ve been involved in three
importance of hydration. As
create a cost-effective plan
215 instead of hitting 230 or
different club sports at my time
the UW School of Medicine
that covers the amount of
something for the first time.”
at Georgia College.” Rowland
and
nutrient-dense food needed,
said. “I’ve played women’s
dehydration
rugby for two years, flag
an
It can be very difficult to maintain a healthy diet, particularly
as
a
college
student-athlete,
because
athletes require
specialized
attention to their diets due to the high levels of physical activity they participate in. As a result, it can be troublesome
for
these
student-athletes to navigate what to include in their meals,
especially
because
they are not always told a strict food plan to follow. The
University
of
School
of
Washington
Medicine and Public Health recommends focusing heavily on a macronutrient diet. This means consuming a high intake of proteins, fats, and
protein,”
Public athlete’s
Flood
Health can
notes,
for the past three years, I’ve
or some sort of electrolyte
been on the club power lifting
drink a day and drink plenty
team, as well as competing in
of water,” Flood said. “And
intramurals for my sorority.”
I try to avoid sodas unless
For her, the nutrients she
it’s not close to a race.”
particularly
Though eating clean and
through her macro intake.
creating the balanced diets
She
she
Rowland and Flood suggest
non-processed,
can be expensive. Organic
products.
food and the quantity needed
makes
consumes high-nutrient
sure
“Some people do fiber,
add
up
a
similar
performance.
“I would do a gatorade
come
had
devastate
football for a year, and then
needs
Flood
quickly
on
the Nutritional groups
sodium, cholesterol but I don’t
register. For a college student
really worry about that since
especially, this can make a
“I would recommend eating
I’m a young adult,” Rowland
good diet difficult to maintain.
whatever you can, eating a little
results during one of her
her
more [unhealthy] is better
practices,
highlighting
the
important
difference
in
said. “I just try to eat clean. I
Rowland
mentions
experience,
with
negative
carbohydrates. They explain
don’t look at calories either. I
favorite
budget-friendly
than not eating all,” Flood said.
that this provides long-term
just look at carbs and proteins,
store and how that helps
Rowland and Flood warn
energy, which is important for
and fats and of course you
her create meals that fuel
that
performance
choices and a balanced diet.
the physiological endurance
have to get in your veggies.”
her through her activities.
suffer if they do not prioritize
“Over fall break I didn’t eat
sports.
Lily Flood, a sophomore
“I love Aldi, they have
their nutrition. Rowland recalls
as well as I usually do and I
Ashlyn Rowland, a senior
education major and member
good quality food and you
a time in powerlifting where
noticed it in my performance
double major in criminal
of the GCSU Women’s Cross
know you’re getting great
she learned this firsthand.
at practice,” Flood said. “But
justice and psychology, says
Country team, recommends
quality there for a great price,”
“My 1st meet prep I was in,
whenever I properly take
that she had to do a lot of
a similar diet to Rowland.
Rowland said. “So I get a lot
that December I had to retest
care of myself and eat what
research and look at sources
“We call it eating a black
of rice, protein pasta, my
and I only ate cheerios for
I need too, I feel fueled and
main source of protein is
lunch one day and that was all I
energized during practice.”
needed
in
their
such as the UW School of
plate
which
means
half
athletes’
energy with suboptimal eating
6
AVA FLORES, SPORTS EDITOR NINA BARTLETT, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
10.20.2026
SPORTS
Is Club Sports Funding Fair? James Cordero
“[The funding] is just enough to
Outreach Editor
cover hotels and entry fees, which we
funding
sports,
winning,’ but it is hard to start
GCSU offers a variety of club
have to cover out of pocket because she
largely due to the fact we are more
winning when you don’t have enough
sports for students to play, but not
isn’t with the school,” said Ava Joannis,
isolated,” Calloway said. “You have
funding to begin with,” Joannis said.
“I think we receive a little less than
other
club
give you more money if you start
all club sports are funded equally.
Executive members also believe
Funding for club sports varies
decision-makers deny funds because
for many reasons, so clubs have
they don’t understand the sport or what
to
the
it actually requires to properly practice.
sacrifices.
“I think they are unfamiliar with the
In many cases, the funds provided by
sport and why we ask for the things
GCSU are not enough to cover all the
that we do,” said Julia Grabowski, a
needs teams have to play or practice at
sophomore
their best. Between paying for coaches,
major and the vice president of
raise
shortage
money or
to
make
cover
equipment and tournament dues, there
Bryan Cade | Editor-in-Chief
are a lot of purchases necessary for
environmental
science
the women’s ultimate frisbee team. “More
understanding
would
be
clubs, not to mention travel and food.
a senior mass communication major
rugby, and teams like that, which go
helpful; it’s not the most popular
“We had some issues in terms of
and the president of the equestrian
to tournaments, get transportation
sport, and money needs to be
funding for a coach this year, where
team. “We’ve had to stay in a few
and have more constant visible cost
shared across all sports, but a lack of
we just didn’t have enough to afford
sketchy hotels because most of our
compared to us who have one big burst.”
understanding is also a factor as well.”
LAN [a major tournament] and get a
funds go to hotels and entry fees and
proper coach,” said Tyler Caloway, a
with
To fill funding gaps, many club sports
we can not skip out on entry fees.”
the amount and quality of practice
raise money by asking for donations,
senior mass communications major
While the exact reasoning for
it gets, and practice quality relies
hosting
and the secretary of the e-sports team.
why each team gets the money is
partially on the funding. So teams
fundraisers. Both the ultimate frisbee
unknown,
members
struggle to produce results because
and disc golf teams hold tournaments
some clubs have to decide what
think the school gives extra support
they do not have the proper funds for
every semester, and the Equestrian
to spend money on, or scrape
to teams that produce consistent
training, and ca not get those funds
team runs a variety of fundraising
together what they can t to get a
results, are more popular and have
because they are not winning enough.
sales, which serve as good ways for
coach or pay to go to competitions.
more consistently large purchases.
“It’s this vicious cycle of ‘we will
students to support the club teams.
Because of the many expenses,
some
team
A
team’s
skill
correlates
events
and
organizing
Rugby, Rucking, and DEEP ROOTS James Cordero Outreach Editor The Deep Roots Festival draws in hundreds of families to Milledgeville.
played against Macon
urally gonna be more
than you because it really
and we’re moving the
it makes me hopeful
Love and the Alpharetta
physical than them,’ but
is the best way to learn.”
ball more on offense.”
for the near and long-
Exiles, two men’s clubs.
these boys came up fear-
While the men’s team
The BRC has been
term future of the club.”
The
Bobcat
less and came up hitting”
lost all their games, the
Rugby Club (WBRC)
The BRC and WBRC
women’s team beat Mis-
Women’s
It also draws rugby teams started its season at the
played
adult
teams,
tournament,
meaning
they
faced
to participate in a tournament hosted by the Bobcat Rugby Club (BRC),
playing
Mississippi State Uni-
people in their 30s, 40s
versity and the Macon
and older who have
GCSU’s club rugby team. The
tournament
served as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to
been playing rugby for
These boys came up fearless and came up hitting, -James Derrek
“Moms Against Drunk Driving,” an organization
a long time. The GCSU teams
played
teams
with a weight and experience
disadvantage
and fought for a win.
sissippi State, but still lost to Macon Love. Despite the results, both teams noted
incredible
im-
provement among players, some of whom have only played a few games. “We’ve made a lot of
growing
rapidly
and,
Both the BRC and the WBRC welcome anyone
...the culture and the community of rugby is actually more important than the game itself. -James Derrek
who wants to try rugby. They meet every Monday and Thursday to practice. For more information about the sport, the next
for the first time in nine years, can field a full 15-player
game.
The
game and any events they host, students can look at their Instagrams:
team’s booming growth
@brcgcsu & @wbrcgcsu.
means many inexperi-
“If you have nev-
enced players; howev-
er played rugby before:
er, instead of worrying,
come check it out, at least
...we can field a team of 15 for the first time since 2017...
more experienced players
watch a game and sup-
are hopeful for the sport’s
port,” Derrek said. “No
future at the school.
matter what sport you
-Ben Witham
“I’m really excited;
have played before, or if
we can field a team of 15
you haven’t played a sport
improvements, even in the last week,” said Ben
dedicated to fundraising
Love
and bringing awareness
with both teams also
they have been playing;
to the namesake issue;
playing an alumni game.
you can tell they have that
as an opportunity for
“I got to play on a
drive and that wisdom
players to get more prac-
team against them, and
that goes with the sport,”
tice; and as a chance for
we are a men’s club play-
said Mia Leverone, a ju-
alumni to see the new
ing against a college
nior nursing major and
generation of players.
team,” said James Der-
WBRC president. “It is
marketing major and a
for the first time since
before, the culture and
After already playing
rek, one of the BRC’s
really exciting to get to
BRC member. “Our de-
2017,” Witham said. “It
the community of rugby
two games this season,
coaches. “As a men’s club,
play with people that
fense is looking more
is fun to teach the guys
is actually more import-
the BRC hosted and
you think ‘we are nat-
have been playing longer
structurally
and watch the progress;
ant than the game itself.”
women’s
team,
“You can tell how long Witham, a sophomore
sound,
7
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
10.20.2026
ARTS & LIFE
Deep Roots Festival brings Milledgeville community together Ava Flores Sports Editor
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Downtown Milledgeville came alive Saturday, Oct. 17, as the annual Deep Roots Festival brought students, families and residents together for a day filled with live music, food, shopping and entertainment. The 23rd annual festival transformed the downtown streets into a celebration of the city’s culture and
community. With more than 100 vendors, live performances, food trucks and activities for all ages, the event offered something for everyone. Joya Stevenson, a senior biology major, said she appreciated the opportunity to relax while supporting the local community. “I think it’s just such a good way to bring the community together,” Stevenson said. The festival featured a variety of attractions, including an arts and crafts market, a classic car show, children’s activities and musical performances throughout the day. The musical lineup included Clayton Nile Young, The Psycodelics, Sweet Tea Pedigree and The BlaqBerry Band, offering festivalgoers a mix of country, rock, funk and soul music. Lily Taylor, a freshman nursing major, attended the festival for the first time and said she enjoyed seeing the community come together. “I think it’s really fun,” Taylor said. “It’s my first time coming, obviously, and I feel like it brings everyone together.” Students also found the event to be a chance to step away from school work or other demanding activities. “I think the Deep Roots Festi-
ALLIED ARTS Continued from page 1
val is honestly such a good way to bring recognition to Milledgeville and have kind of a break from studying and everything,” Stevenson said. Beyond the entertainment, local organizations and businesses used the festival to connect with visitors and share information about their missions. Naomi Mangus, a Milledgeville local, represented Lakeside Baptist Church at a booth focused on sharing the Christian faith with festivalgoers. “We’re not trying to promote the church or anything, but we are here to share the love of Christ with people,” Mangus said. The booth featured a question asking visitors whether they believed people were naturally good. Mangus explained that the question was designed to encourage conversations about faith and Christianity. Depending on how visitors answered, church representatives used the question as a starting point to discuss their beliefs and share their message. Although the booth’s primary purpose was religious outreach, Mangus said representatives also provided information about Lakeside Baptist Church to visitors interested in finding a church home.
“The purpose of holding this event every year is to give the community the opportunity to cre-
Chad Wilson, an Atlanta-based visual artist,
ate spooky art and share it,” Tobar said. “We
was found through his Instagram by Allied Arts.
have found that people who do not call them-
“A majority of the artwork here is fan art,” Wil-
selves artists will create, especially for Halloween.”
son said. “I hope people can appreciate [the subject
Harmony
Brynteson,
a
local
art-
matter] for what it is and consider the things that
ist, created a felt sculpture of a kelpie, a
make us uncomfortable and provoke some thought.”
shape-shifting
creature
in
Scottish
folklore.
While some visitors explored the booths and attractions, others appreciated the atmosphere created by the large gathering downtown. Grant Motley, a GCSU alumnus pursuing a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence Strategy, said he enjoys seeing the city filled with activity. “I love Deep Roots because it’s fun to see the city busy,” Motley said. Motley lives in a downtown apartment near Dax Salon, giving him a view of the festival from his home. “Getting to look out and see everybody in all the tents and hearing all the music is really awesome,” Motley said. For downtown residents like Motley, the festival brings a different atmosphere to the city, filling familiar streets with visitors, music and activity. The annual event also highlights the relationship between GCSU and the surrounding community. For students, it provides a chance to explore local businesses, spend time with friends and connect with Milledgeville residents outside the university. The festival is expected to return this time next year, giving visitors an opportunity to come for more music, food, shopping or simply to spend time with friends and family.
was inspired by the swampy areas in that part of Georgia. She ery
participates other
month,
in loving
art
events the
ev-
opportuni-
ty it gives to display her artwork to the public. Allied Arts hosts a few events in the upcoming months. On Friday, Nov. 6, they will host “Capture + Release” with the Life Enrichment Center, and in December, they will fea-
Wilson’s artwork featured popular movie charac-
“It is coming out of the water,” Brynteson said.
ters, like Freddie Krueger, as well as other Hallow-
“It has seaweed, hair, beads and wool. I hope that
een characters, like zombies and other monsters.
viewers take away the beauty and mystery of it.”
For students interested in attending an Allied Arts
She travels to Savannah often, so this piece of artwork
event, visit https://www.milledgevillealliedarts.com.
Wilson said that he appreciates the love and support
ture their “Deck the Walls” holiday celebration.
he has received by displaying his art at Allied Arts’ events. “Allied Arts is one of the best nonprofits I’ve worked with so far,” Wilson said. Rebekah Tobar, the executive director at Allied Arts, believes events like these help bring the Milledgeville community together and cre-
PHOTOS FROM EXHIBIT
ate a place for local artists to showcase their art.
GCSU’S Hydrolove Rosalyn Chapman Asst. A&L Editor Hydrolove is an on-campus student ministry at GCSU that goes downtown in Milledgeville past midnight, bringing water bottles with notes attached to make meaningful connections with fellow students and young adults. “The purpose of Hydrolove is to proclaim the gospel to the lost in Milledgeville and to be obedient to the Lord,” said Yariel Delgado, a junior environmental science major and Hydrolove president. GCSU alum John Roquemore founded the Christian ministry in 2013 and also helped establish a chapter at the University of Georgia. Delgado said that after Roquemore graduated from GCSU, the ministry became inactive, but it was restarted over the past three or four years. As Hydrolove president, Delgado said he makes sure people can look to him for direction, especially when going downtown in Milledgeville. “I give devotionals and try to make sure that everyone stays
Emilie Theado | Digital Media Editor
safe while we are downtown proclaiming the gospel,” Delgado said. To people outside the organization, going downtown past midnight on a school night to evangelize to other students may seem excessive, but Delgado said Hydrolove’s purpose is to meet people where they are, just like Jesus would. Delgado said they get to share Jesus’s steadfast love and encourage others to seek a godly community. “A lot of people are in search of community,” Delgado said. “They’re just seeking approval and sometimes end up in places that aren’t necessarily beneficial to them.” Ellie Moore, a junior nursing major and Hydrolove downtown coordinator, said that being a source for people’s tangible need for water is a great segue into being able to have gospel conversations. As the downtown coordinator, Moore is responsible for building teams that go downtown and spending intentional prayer time over each team. “I think it’s so important to make connections with people downtown on a late night,” Moore said. Moore said she tries not to forsake go-
ing downtown late at night, even when she is tired, because she feels like there is such a huge opportunity to evangelize. “Somebody asked me recently why we were there because they thought it wasn’t convenient,” Moore said. “Well, no it’s not convenient, but I think there’s something so powerful about love and truth that’s offered at a time of inconvenience.” Moore said the Hydrolove community feels like family to her. Being part of the organization has created many opportunities for Moore to pray with people and bring students into roles they never expected. “It’s really humbled me so much too because you think you know how to show the gospel to people, but practically it can look a lot different when you’re actually doing it,” Moore said. Delgado and Moore said they are willing to welcome anyone interested in joining Hydrolove, whether it is through an invitation or social media. “If you want to learn more then just come and join us at Hydrolove,” Delgado said. “Evangelism is a scary thing sometimes, but it is what we’re called
to do as Christian men and women.” For students interested in learning more about Hydrolove, visit their Instagram @gc_hydrolove.
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
8
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
10.20.2026
ARTS & LIFE
The changing meaning of home for college students Sydney Williams
“I
A&L Editor
than the place they grew up in as they balance hometown memories with new friendships, living spaces and experiences in Milledgeville. “Before I went to college, the definition of home was something that I could count as my safe space,” said Autumn Smith, a sophomore exercise science major. many
other
students,
living
away
from
her
family
has
changed
Smith
experiences
that
sense
of
parents
about
2.5
hours
“My
are
my
own
apartment
now;
that’s
where I go at the end of the day,” Mannino
For GCSU students, home is becoming more
Like
have
how
comfort. away,”
Smith said. “If I need something, I can’t really just go and see them right then and there.” Being away from family can also change the way students approach everyday life. Tasks that may have once involved parents now require students to become more independent. As they adjust, students be-
said. “That is what I would define as my home.” Alyssa
Sherman,
a
senior
marketing
ma-
jor and part-time leasing consultant at Arcadia on the River, a student housing community, said her work has helped her develop a stronger connection to the place she now lives in. “Getting to see what goes on behind the scenes and getting to know the residents has helped me see it as more of a community and a home,” Sherman said. For college students, the people around them can play an important role in making an unfamiliar place feel more welcoming. Friendships with classmates, relationships with roommates and connections within their living communities can provide familiarity as they adjust to a new environment. Despite finding a community in Milledgeville, returning to hometowns can feel different than it once did. “It’s
weird
whenever
I
go
back,”
Sher-
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
come an important part of that transition. Without family nearby, she has learned to rely on the people around her for support. “When you’re in college, your friends are your family, because you don’t have your family immediately around to rely on,” Mannino said. While friendships can help students feel at home
gin to find other support in their new surroundings.
man said. “I reminisce on all of the good
Christine Mannino, a sophomore psychology
memories. It feels the same but different be-
major, has also experienced a shift in what home
cause I’m not there and things have changed.”
means to her. Before college, her daily routine often
As students spend more time away from home, even
ended with dinner and time spent with her parents.
familiar places can begin to feel unfamiliar. The rou-
that will always be my home,” Sherman said. “I never
“That was my grounding point, just be-
tines and relationships that once defined their everyday
truly feel at home unless I’m back in my hometown.”
said.
lives change as they build new experiences in college.
Finding home does not always mean replacing
As students move into their own space, they
“I think my hometown feels a little more
one place with another. Instead, it can mean learn-
ing
with
my
family,”
Mannino
begin to develop new routines and find comfort
foreign
in places separate from their childhood homes.
For
than
it
Mannino,
did
before,”
friendships
in a new place, their hometowns can still hold a sense of comfort and belonging that is difficult to replace. “I still think of my hometown as my home and
Mannino
said.
ing to carry the comfort of students’ hometowns with
have
be-
them while creating new connections and routines.
also
GCSU students share their Fall Break memories Hannah Ransom Staff Writer Whether traveling out of state or staying close to home, GCSU students spent fall break Oct. 12-13 reconnecting with friends and family, exploring new places and taking a break from classes. Nevaeh Jones, a senior psychology major, said she planned to visit her Parents in South Carolina and explore Halloween festivities in Conway. “My mom mentioned how much fun stuff they do in Conway during Halloween, and it sounded like a lot of fun,” Jones said. Kendall McCabe, a junior psychology major, said she traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, from Oct. 9-13 to visit a high school friend and spend fall break exploring the city.
in person, McCabe watched it at a bar in Tuscaloosa with her friends. “The rowdiness of both teams is what stood out to me,” McCabe said. McCabe decided to take the trip just one week in advance. She said concerns about a hurricane added uncertainty to the weekend. “We were all super nervous Friday night about the hurricane,” McCabe said. Despite those concerns, McCabe said she spent time shopping with friends and trying new restaurants. Brooke Stout, a sophomore psychology major, also said she spent fall break with friends. Stout said she was invited to visit a friend’s lake house.
ly enjoys quieter activities during her time away from school. “Some of my favorite hobbies are reading and crafting,” Dorr said. While some students preferred to plan their fall break activities ahead of time, others wanted the freedom to make decisions once they reached their destinations. For Jones, planning a trip meant having several activities in mind without committing to a strict schedule. Before visiting South Carolina, she and her family had discussed Conway’s Halloween festivities and fall activities at nearby piers. “I like going to a place and knowing different ideas of what’s
Courtesy of Brooke Stout
Courtesy of Kendall McCabe
The trip began with the Alabama vs. Georgia football game on Oct. 10 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where Georgia defeated Alabama 2017. Rather than attending the game
“I have severe FOMO (fear of missing out), so I have to go on this trip,” Stout said. For Stout, spending time with friends was also an important part of her ideal break. “My ideal side quest is going to a random party or person’s apartment with my friends,” Stout said. Not every student spent fall break traveling or exploring new places. For some, the two days away from classes offered an opportunity to return home and spend time with family. Paisley Dorr, a freshman psychology major, said she went home for fall break. Dorr said she typical-
Courtesy of Nevaeh Jones
around, but I like going with the flow when we get there,” Jones said. McCabe said she usually prefers more planning, making this break an exception. “I prefer to plan things ahead but this trip was a sponta-
Courtesy of Nevaeh Jones
neous side quest,” McCabe said. Beyond traveling and spending time with friends, students also discussed whether short breaks helped them reset for college. With fall break only lasting two days, students had limited time to travel and catch up on responsibilities. Jones said the shorter break was not enough time for the kind of trips she enjoys taking. “I don’t love short trips because it’s such a small amount of time,” Jones said. “However, I do know breaks are good.” Jones said that during shorter breaks, she would rather catch up on schoolwork, enjoy her hobbies or visit friends in Augusta. However, Stout emphasized how much she had been looking forward to the time away from school. “I’d lose my mind right now if it wasn’t for fall break,” Stout said. Fall break may have lasted only two days, but students’ experiences showed that adventures do not always require long vacations. Whether exploring somewhere new or enjoying time at home, students can find opportunities to step away from school throughout the semester.
9 JANE CARR, MANAGING EDITOR
10.20.2026
The Caterwaul CATERWAUL: a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat; commonly associated with a bobcat
s ’ i lex
PINTEREST BOAR D
- Fall fun! Activities to do this fall - Deep Roots Outfit Inspo!
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A message from the Colonnade staff On behalf of The Colonnade staff we would like to present our submission column, “The Caterwaul.” This is an opportunity for students to share their poetry, flash fiction, photography, drawing, comic strips and more. We are extremely excited to give students more of a place in the paper and for their creativity to be acknowledged and published. We encourage any and all students to reach out and ask questions. In the spirit of GCSU’s mascot, Thunder, the name of this column takes inspiration from all that is a bobcat. Caterwauling is the noise bobcats make often, and that is what The Colonnade intends to do with this column: make noise with your voice.
Interested in submitting?
If you are interested in submitting your work to be featured in The Caterwaul, consider this general info! 1. The content relates to or is catered toward GCSU students. 2. Your specific piece has not been published anywhere else. 3. Examples of submissions include; Photography, drawing, flash fiction, comic strips, poetry and more!
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4. Submissions are due on Fridays to be included in the following Issue.