Issue 10 | Volume 103

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College April 9, 2024

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GC WASHES AWAY CHALK DEMONSTRATION ON CAMPUS Kate Verity

This is the reaction three anonymous GC students were anticipating when they spent the night of Sunday, March 3 creating this exact display.

However, it is a vision that they never saw enacted because GC removed the entire demonstration before students got to see it. Students never saw the flags or the chalk, making what could have been a day of discourse an ordinary March Monday.

These three anonymous students wished to participate in the “March 2nd Global Day of Action for Palestine,” informally called “Stand With Palestine Day.” However, they also aimed to bring the conversation of the state of Palestine onto campus.

Editor in Chief This story has been updated with new information.

As GC students begin to wander across Front Campus on the morning of March 4, they encounter a telling display surrounding the Bobcat Head: Over 150 miniature Palestinian flags surround the emblem. Chalk messages surrounding the emblem read “Free Gaza,” “Free Palestine” and “Free the Hostages.”

Beyond, GC students find more: “30,000 Dead, 300 Taken” and “Stop Jewish Hate.” Conversation sparks, political dialogue increases across campus and Milledgeville is abuzz with this mysterious overnight display.

See CHALK | Page 4

Courtesy of anonymous GC students

NFL rule changes POST-GRAD PLACES Christian Castillo Staff Writer The NFL has made some major changes to the league rules this off-season, and players have been sharing their views.

Two of the major changes made are the editing of the kickoff procedure and the banning of “hip-drop” tackles.

The NFL has chosen to change its standard football kickoff to a new kickoff style adopted from the XFL’s rules.

The new kickoff is rooted in eliminating highspeed collisions that are common in traditional football kickoffs. This motion by the league was inspired to lower injuries, specifically head injuries and concussions, which have frequently occurred on kickoffs.

The ball will still be placed at the 35-yard line. However, the kicking team will no longer line up behind their

kicker. Instead, the kicking team will be lined up on the receiving team’s 40-yard line.

This change will end in the opposing players meeting each other, as well as the ball carrier, much sooner and at much lower speeds.

The league cited the high touchback rate as a reasonable reason for the change. On most NFL kickoffs, there is no return due to high-level kickers being able to casually boot the ball into the end zone.

The “hip-drop” tackle ban has much more effect on the game and has received more backlash from players.

The phrase “hip drop” refers to when a defensive player grabs the ball carrier and drops their hips to unweight themselves, making dragging or bringing the opposing player to the ground easier.

See RULES | Page 6

Delaney Derry Opinion Editor Students, imagine this: You just graduated with your bachelor’s degree from GC. You have spent the last four years staying up until 2 a.m. finishing assignments and making midnight runs to Cook Out with your roommates.

Now, what do you do? No more 8 a.m. classes, no more Midnight Breakfast at the MAX, no more study sessions at Blackbird and no more stress about the paper that was due last Tuesday.

Where do we go after college? Do we go back to our own hometown? Do we travel to a different state? Maybe we live in a new big city?

Kate Verity | Editor in Chief

SOLAR ECLIPSE

For four years, your biggest concern was what you

Kylie Rowe

The 2024 path of to-

and your friends were going to do on a Friday night

Asst. A&L Editor

tality starts in Mexico,

and how much coffee is too much coffee for 8 p.m.

The

Now, you are wondering where you are going to get a real job and how you are going to pay bills and student loans, all while trying to live life to the fullest.

The first thing that you have to figure out is where you see yourself living for the next couple of years as you are navigating your way through life beyond college. Are you more enticed by staying in a small town or living the city life?

“A small town, because it’s just more of what I am used to, and I have never really been a city girl,” said Kaitlyn Taylor, a freshman management major. “My dad is in the Army, so I moved around a lot, which has made me want to settle into a smaller town and put down roots.”

Should we stick to our roots and stay with the small-town lifestyle? I love the idea of remaining

MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: CHEMISTRY

A look into the day-to-day life of senior chemistry major Raven Glover.

North

American total solar eclipse since 2017 took place on April 8. Although

Milledgeville

was not in the path of totality

GC

students

took part in looking at

the

solar

eclipse

through glasses handed out by the Physics Club, witnessing the last visible eclipse until 2045.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse is essentially when the Moon

goes across the United States and then into Montreal, Canada. In the U.S., the path of totality will travel from the Texas-Mexico border northeast, crossing cities such as Cleveland, Ohio, Buffalo, New York and Burlington,

Vermont.

Outside of the path of totality, the eclipse is still a significant astronomical event. People all over North America able to view the eclipse stopped what they were doing, put

in a little town, like the one I grew up in or like

passes between the Sun

Milledgeville, where we are now. However, I think

and the Earth and com-

es and spent a few min-

that once I graduate college, I will go a different

pletely blocks the face

utes staring into the sky.

route rather than staying where I am. I think it is

of the sun. There is a

important to get uncomfortable. I am not saying

narrow path of totality

many groups of peo-

living in a small town after college is a bad op-

that will result in dark-

ple are known to look

tion by any means; I think it would be great, but

ness as the moon com-

for the deeper mean-

I personally would like to look into city life first.

pletely covers the sun.

ing in the event. As-

Here are a few reasons why a city would

The longest time that

trologically, an eclipse

be better for post-grad plans: less job com-

totality will occur will

represents times of un-

petition, a better work-life balance, more af-

be in Mexico for four

expected change, new

fordable

minutes and 32 seconds,

opportunities and reset.

NFL field

NEWS | PG. 3

first

rent

and

meeting

new

people.

See POST-GRAD | Page 11

according

to

Time.

on solar viewing glass-

During

an

eclipse,

See ECLIPSE | Page 9

SPORTS | PG. 7

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 9

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 11

GC baseball’s Matthew Mebane is named both the PBC and Zaxby’s Player of the Week.

The city announces a new water park is under construction and aims to open next year.

The R&B and pop icon’s new album is met with mixed reactions.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: MATTHEW MEBANE

MILLEDGEVILLE’S OWN WATER PARK

“COWBOY CARTER”

2

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.09.2024

NEWS

“GCSU Workers Need Fair Wages NOW!” Shadimon Smith News Editor GC workers have started a petition titled “GCSU Workers Need Fair Wages NOW!” in hopes of getting themselves a livable wage.

This petition was put together in partnership with United Campus Workers of Georgia, which is a union for all employees who are employed by the University System of Georgia.

“Georgia College salaries are competitive, not only within the area and our immediate marketplace,” said Lee Fruitticher, vice president for finance and administration at GC. “We are also competitive within the University System of Georgia, certainly compared to institutions of a similar size.”

The petition states that the target audience is GC President Cathy Cox. Then, it goes on to list the reasons why GC workers need to be paid more. The petition states that many staff workers make less than $15 per hour and that some of the student workers make $7.25 per hour.

“We want a commitment to raise wages, both for faculty, staff and student workers,” said Axel Hawkins, president of SGA at GC. It also claims that many of the GC employees make a salary that is at the poverty level.

New employees are being hired at a higher pay

rate compared to workers who have worked for GC for 10-plus years.

When signing the petition, you are demanding that GC commits to raising the minimum pay for student workers to $15 per hour and the minimum pay for all full-time staff to $20 per hour, increasing to $25 per hour by 2025. It will also provide standardized, annual stipends for graduate workers of at least $25,000 per year after fees. Also, raise the pay for part-time faculty to a per-course rate of $5000 and address pay compression by raising the wages of long-time workers.

“I think a $15 base pay for student workers, while it sounds amazing, is way too much,” said Hannah Mitchell, a junior Career Center student advisor. “And it is almost impossible to make happen, considering you would have to raise every single full-time staff member’s salary the same amount before you could do it for student workers.

I think $8.25 is a perfect base pay, so if it is raised, anything, it should go from $7.25 to $8.25.”

The petition is open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, community supporters, alumni and healthcare workers at GC. With students having an hourly cap of 19 hours a week, one student believes the amount currently paid to student workers is not meant to

cover living expenses.

“If you work at an on-campus job, you are really not doing much,” Mitchell said. “You are basically just assisting full-time staff with whatever they may need. And you can’t really work more than four hours a day if you want to stay under the allotted hours.

Student-worker jobs are not meant to give you a livable salary. I got my job at the school so I could have extra money to spend how I want.

If a student needs a job with a livable wage, I think they should get either an off-campus parttime job that has a good wage and can work you for more hours or a job in the service industry.”

The staff at GC were unaware of the petition. When they were allowed to read it, they gladly signed it. They spoke of how this is a much-needed step to getting them paid enough and to not live paycheck to paycheck.

Neidasha Yarbrough, a custodian in Facilities Management at GC, makes $14 and some change per hour. She explains that it is still not enough to cover all of her bills combined with taking care of her children.

“I need way more,” Yarbrough said. “The cost of living is too high; groceries is too high; children are too expensive. I feel like the pay is not fair. We need more money. Mrs. Cathy Cox, I love you, baby, but we

VOLUME 103 | NO. 10

Editorial Board

Kate Verity......................... Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Shadimon Smith.............News Editor Emma Eslinger................ Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz........... Sports Editor Emily Henderson............Asst. Sports Editor Paige Blakemore............Arts & Life Editor Kylie Rowe.........................Asst. Arts & Life Editor Delaney Derry..................Opinion Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Avery Blair..........................PR Manager Kassie Arps.......................Ad Sales Manager William Burke...................Faculty Adviser

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

Julia Jensen | Art Director

need some more money.

You can’t even afford no place to live if you don’t have a second job. You can’t afford to do any extra things ‘cause your check ain’t much, so I feel like employees here definitely need more money.”

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the living wage for one adult with one child in Baldwin County is $31.63 per hour.

The poverty wage is $9.83 per hour. When you add another child, it increases to $38.97 per hour, and the poverty wage is $12.41 per hour.

GC commissioned a salary study in 2018 through the company Segal, formerly known as Sibson. The recommendations from this comprehensive study were implemented, which started on Jan. 1, 2021.

The net result was an

increase of $390,844 in salary compensation and an additional $104,405 in benefits compensation. This led to a total increase of $566,775 annually for GC employees.

After these internal increases at GC, the governor and state legislature approved a $5,000 COLA, or cost-of-living adjustment, for state employees in 2022. All full-time GC employees at the time received the COLA, even if they were not state employees.

Units such as Athletics, Continuing Education and Parking & Transportation funded COLA increases for all employees, even without being given state funding.

As a result of these decisions and stewardship of our budget resources, approximately 99% of the 852 full-time employees at GC who are bene-

@TheColonnade

fit-eligible make $30,000 or

more

annually.

Some GC employees make $15 per hour and only get by due to their spouse’s income.

“I make about $15 and some change,” Nettie Swint, a custodian in Facilities Management at GC said. “If I didn’t have a husband, I wouldn’t be able to make it. Some people not as fortunate as me to have a husband, and it’s still sometimes a struggle. They want us to do all this extra work, but we need more money ‘cause times are hard. By the time you pay one big bill out your check, your whole check is gone. One bill, your check is gone.”

The petition is sitting at 100 signatures, which is halfway to the 200 they set out to get in hopes of getting GC workers a livable wage.

@TheColonnade

The Colonnade is currently hiring four positions for next year: - Digital Media Editor - PR Manager - Asst. Sports Editor - Asst. Arts & Life Editor Email kate.verity@bobcats.gcsu.edu for more information if you are interested in applying!

The Colonnade is always looking contributing writers. Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more information.

Ad Disclaimer The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.

Corrections

If you feel anything we’ve printed or posted online has been reported in error, please send an email to thegcsucolonnade@ gmail.com.

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All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.

Contact Us Office: Terrell 301 thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com bobcatmultimedia.com

3

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.09.2024

NEWS

Blood Drive at GC Rebecca Ocampo Staff Writer Each year, around this time, GC partners with Fraternity and Sorority Life to host its annual blood drive. This past week, the event was held on Tuesday, April 2, and Wednesday, April 3, in Donahoo Lounge. Anyone in the Baldwin County area was able to donate their blood to the American Red Cross or volunteer to help pass out fliers promoting the event around campus. According to the Red Cross, one blood donation has the capacity to save up to three lives, making these annual blood drives important to campus.

Fiona Sullivan is a nursing major at GC. She chose to donate her blood because she thinks it is one of the easiest ways you can help others in need.

“This cause, in particular, is really important to me because in my future career, I’ll probably see firsthand the effects of not having enough blood in emergency sit-

uations,”

Sullivan said.

planning ahead of time.

been held at GC. Ac-

donated to the Red Cross,

According to the Red

Ashley Copeland is

cording to Fern, the first

coming out to approxi-

Cross, approximately ev-

the director of com-

blood drive held at GC

mately 50,000 lives saved.

ery two seconds, some-

munity

was on Jan. 18, 1990,

Asher Lybarger is a

one in the United States

and

GC.

and has since then been

junior rhetoric major at

is in need of blood. This

“On their end, they

held periodically at the

GC as well as lead volun-

makes blood drives very

primarily work on staff-

school. The Give Center

teer and event coordina-

important, as it is a con-

ing for the event, and

began coordinating with

tor for the Give Center.

stant need in the U.S.

as for us, we provide

the Red Cross in 1997,

“I chose to donate

engagement

service

at

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

The blood donated in the

assistance

drives helps go toward

reservation,

with

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

room

but it was not until 2002,

blood for those who

reserving

when Paul Sedor became

aren’t able to in hopes

helping people battling

parking and just getting

assistant Give Center di-

that when I need it,

blood diseases and can-

word out to the com-

rector, that he began to

others will do the same

cer, burn victims and

munity,” Copeland said.

head the mission. Ac-

for me,” Lybarger said.

more. Planning and exe-

Brian Fern works for

cording to Fern, since the

The Red Cross re-

cuting a blood drive is not

the Red Cross and has

first blood drive was held

quires their donors to be

easy and often requires

overseen a lot of these

on campus in the ‘90s,

at least 16 years old and a

much preparation and

blood drives that have

15,456 units have been

minimum of 110 pounds.

They also ask that people only donate every 56 days, making their maximum donation limit being six times a year.

“The Red Cross picks the dates for the blood drives based on their schedule and then makes sure that it’s enough days away from a recent blood drive in that area so if someone wanted to donate at both of them, they could,” Copeland said.

The Red Cross has also made good health a donor-eligibility rule, as it protects both the donor and the patient who is to receive the transfusion of blood. They also have an app, the Blood Donor American Red Cross app, that allows its donors to track where their blood goes. This gives them the opportunity to track their donations’ journey as it travels toward a hospital, where it will help a person in need.

The GC blood drive brings together members of the community for a good cause and is an event that will continue to help those in need, one donation at a time.

MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: CHEMISTRY RAVEN GLOVER Emma Eslinger Asst. News Editor

Chemistry is one of GC’s well-known science majors. Students take classes like organic chemistry, physics, calculus,

challenges and the histo-

Public Health Student

ry of rock and roll. These

Organization,”

courses are only a few of

er said. “I founded the

a long list of GC1Y and

Pre-Pharmacy

GC2Y courses offered

ciation, and I am also

at GC. Glover took the

involved in GC Stu-

GC2Y HIV and AIDS.

dent

GlovAsso-

Ambassadors.

Make time for the things that you want to enjoy.

-Raven Glover

I

“It was a pleasure tak-

am also an intern at the

ly, not be lost going into

ing Dr. Butler’s GC2Y:

Rural Studies Institute.

the career field after this.”

HIV/AIDS,” Glover said.

I am currently inves-

The chemistry major

“Before college, I just

tigating the social de-

opens a lot of doors to

wanted to be a phar-

terminants that impact

students in many differ-

macist with no real di-

maternal mortality on

ent career fields. Students

rection, but that class

HIV-

AIDS-pos-

can go on to be doctors,

really got me interested

itive mothers in the

chemists, dentists, pro-

in investigating chronic

Black Belt, specifically

fessors or, in Glover’s

illnesses in rural com-

the Georgia Black Belt.”

case, a pharmacist. This

munities because that

Chemistry is a hard

is only to name a few.

is where their predomi-

major. It takes a lot of

With her time at GC

nant burden is. His class

time and effort. Glover

closing, Glover has been

definitely catalyzed my

does not want to hide the

a part of many differ-

interest in tackling ru-

fact that it is challenging.

ent leadership roles in

ral health disparities.”

“I love the people,”

clubs and organizations.

college,

Glover said. “Chemistry

She also has complet-

it is important to get

is chemistry, and chem-

ed numerous achieve-

involved in organiza-

istry is hard. You have

ments throughout her

tions and clubs as well

to be surrounded by a

college experience. She

all students have to take

as things that are outside

good group of people

makes sure that she is

is a GC1Y and a GC2Y.

of the GC campus. It can

and supportive faculty,

proud of what she is do-

The GC1Y is taken first

help you network and

or else it’s not worth it.

ing with her time at GC.

and then the GC2Y.

learn more about your

Thankfully, it is worth

“I am a presidential

These courses are avail-

interests and your chosen

it. Chemistry is also very

scholar,” Glover said. “I

your experiences. She

able to students who are

major. Glover makes it

broad. If you can, try to

am in the Leadership

makes it a priority to

in their freshman and

a priority to be involved

narrow your interests

Certificate

pursue

sophomore years. These

in organizations at GC.

into something that you

which I am very happy to

“Your major doesn’t

been involved in lead-

courses can vary in their

“I am the PR for GC

really want to do. Even

be a part of. I am also very

have to be your life,”

ership roles. She makes

descriptions, some being

Chem Club, and the

if you can’t, you are still

proud of my pharmacy

Glover said. “If you have

time for the things she

documentary studies, ex-

social and communi-

in a widely applicable de-

program, as I just had a

other passions, feel free

loves doing and is grate-

ploring friendship, global

ty outreach chair of the

gree. You will, most like-

meeting with a UGA rep-

to pursue those. Don’t be

ful for her time at GC.

biochemistry and many others. There are also two concentrations that students can add: biochemistry and forensic chemistry. There is also a pre-pharmacy track that students can take.

Raven Glover is a senior chemistry major.

She plans to be a pharmacist after graduation.

“I want to be a pharmacist,”

Glover

said.

“They said that chemistry was the most applicable major to that, in terms of rigor and coursework.”

One prerequisite that

Throughout

and

Program,

Courtesy of Raven Glover

resentative to speak. I am

in a career field that you

very excited about that.

hate just because it was

I also love the Honors

your first-chosen major.

College discussions and

Do whatever you want!

seminars; I love going to

I do a ton of different

those. I am also an intramural champ, which is the highlight of my life.”

Glover wants people to know that you should have fun in college and learn a lot. Learn about yourself,

the

people

around you and from

her

passions.

things;

time

manage-

ment is huge. Make time for the things that you want to enjoy; you need to make time for those.”

GC has helped catapult Glover into her goal of becoming a pharmacist. She has gained lifelong

experiences

and

connections as well as has

4

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.09.2024

NEWS CHALK

only other chalk-specific rule being “no chalking on vertical surfaces or

Continued from page 1 “Our campus is not very politically active, and we want to change that by having conversations and bringing awareness to causes that are often overlooked from inside our bubble,” one of the three demonstrators said.

However,

when

the

universi-

ty removed the display, these students were no longer able to invoke this dialogue and bring “Stand With Palestine Day” to GC’s campus.

“The chalk, Facilities [GC Facilities Management Services] washed off because of where it was,” said Amanda Respess, director of public affairs at GC. “Not because of what it was, but because of where it was.”

A content-based restriction would be a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech, but the university states that the issue with this particular demonstration was unrelated to the content and purely removed due to the location.

Student organizations frequently chalk sidewalks across campus, often to support Greek Life, campaign for

Student

Government,

adver-

tise club meetings or promote religious groups.If other organizations chalk the same area and their messages are left alone by the university, washing away this specific demonstration would be unconstitutional.

Around 5 p.m. on Monday, April 8, a campus religious group chalked around the Bobcat Head advertising for a Tuesday night worship on front campus. As of Tuesday afternoon, the chalk was still visible.

Although there was a bit of rain

brick.” However, there are other general rules that must be followed for campus advertising and expression.

“Profanity,

offensive

language/

images are not permitted, messaging should fit an audience of 17 years and older, questionable messaging may be reviewed for educational value and connection to university mission,” the Policy Manual states.

“Official university logos and marks cannot be altered or manipulated.”

“It does not say you can’t write on the Bobcat Head in there explicitly, but nobody ever does,” Respess said.

The Campus Life Student Organization Handbook further specifies where and when demonstrations

Courtesy of anonymous GC students

Chalk reading “300 taken,” surrounded by Palestinian flags

can take place. The Flagpole Plaza on the east side of Front Campus is listed as GC’s “Designated Public Forum Area.” Some notable public figures have used this area in the past, including Sister Cindy Smock during her controversial visit in January 2024.

“Free speech is celebrated on a public campus and speakers who wish to speak at the Designated Public Forum Area may do so as long as they aren’t disrupting university business, abusing the rights of individuals, or preventing pedestrians from getting to their destinations,” the handbook states.

In May 2022, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act, which banned Georgia public colleges and universities from creating designated free speech zones. This means that colleges in Georgia can no longer restrict protests and other demonstra-

Kate Verity | Editor in Chief

Worship night promotion from April 9

tion, there are some rules they would

fair or anything, it’s an art installation.”

be expected to adhere to. But there is

The university states that the re-

still no mention of restrictions sur-

moval had nothing to do with the

rounding the Bobcat Head emblem.

message itself, despite allowing the

overnight, the chalk was still visi-

tions to a specific location on campus.

“People never chalk around the

chalk promoting the worship night to

ble and readable on Tuesday, with

As long as they remain content-neutral,

Bobcat Head, and they definitely don’t

remain. Still, there is also not current-

the religious group confirming that

time, place and manner restrictions are

chalk on it,” Respess said. “In my con-

ly any explicit policy from GC reserv-

they had not redone anything after

still accepted under this legislation,

versations with Dr. Nadler [interim

ing the right to remove chalk from

the initial Monday night chalking.

as they keep demonstrations from

vice president for Student Life], he

the Bobcat Head. Ambiguity contin-

GC does have a chalk policy out-

disrupting regular campus activity.

said that needs to be explicitly added

ues to surround the removal, as there

lined in the online Policy Manual. It

Even though the students who

to the policy, like to say, “The Bobcat

is no policy the university can point

states that the chalking of university

chalked around the Bobcat Head were

Head,” but, just like we wouldn’t allow

to that supports that the removal of

sidewalks does not require any prior

not actively standing and protesting

chalk to remain on one of the Bobcat

this demonstration from the Bobcat

approval from the university, with the

or representing a student organiza-

statues, like the one in front of May-

Head was due to location, not content.

GC’s Nurse Midwifery master’s program is now fully accredited Isabelle Gonzales Staff Writer Labor and delivery is a common field for nurses to go into after graduation, which is why GC has expanded its already popular nursing program recently in its master’s programs. Three years ago, the School of Nursing at GC implemented its Nurse Midwifery master’s program, and it received pre-accreditation this year; it is now a fully accredited program.

There are many misconceptions about what a midwife is, with many believing that it is just about home-birthing babies, but in reality, there is so much more. Mid-

wives will help with both prenatal and postpartum care as well as aiding in family planning and sexual-health screenings.

GC’s Nurse Midwifery master’s program is now the only one in the state of Georgia accepting applications and the only public Georgia university offering this program at all. It is still a competitive process, with only 10 spots available for the graduating classes.

The program is almost completely online, with on-campus visits only being required twice throughout the program.

The content is available to be taught online, as many of those who are a part of the program work at hospitals around the

state. To apply, a prospective student must have at least one year’s worth of labor-and-delivery training in the field.

The addition of an accreditation allows for the program to now be recognized nationwide.

The recognition of the degree helps those who complete the training to be more likely to find jobs within the field.

Many nurse-midwives prefer this route compared to typical labor and delivery nursing because they get to be more hands-on and connect with their patient more.

“Although birth is a big focus of our job, we also do annual physicals and contraception and prenatal care,” said Monica

Ketchie, the head of GC’s Nurse Midwifery program. “I actually deliver the baby. I don’t work with a physician unless I specifically call them and need them for the case. I don’t do surgeries or anything like that.”

Among the nursing community here at GC, the word has spread that the midwife program is now accredited, leading to lots of excitement.

The already popular and competitive nursing program now has another benefit to it with this new program being added.

“I do actually know about the midwife program and am interested in it,” said Ema Cole, a freshman nursing major.

For some, the thought

Julia Jensen | Art Director

of returning to school after being in the field for a year can seem daunting. Nursing degrees are known for allowing the graduate to be field-ready after just one four-year program. With this master’s degree, there would be one year in the field, minimum, as well as one more year of school added to the training.

“One of the things that drew me to nursing was that you could get a really good career in only four years,” said Haylee Kirkley, a third-semes-

ter nursing major. “As for now, grad school isn’t in the cards for me, but never say never.”

Nurse midwifery has a rigorous training program that will open a door to new possibilities in the nursing field — allowing for a more hands-on, one-on-one career, for example. At GC, the nursing program has already been highly awarded, but this new addition makes it even more impressive and draws more students into the program.

5

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.09.2024

NEWS

House Bill 1104 targets transgender youth Jack McKinney

Contributing Writer House Bill 1104 was recently passed by the Georgia State Senate in a 33-21 decision, leaving the state’s House of Representatives as one of the final barriers before it can become law.

The bill has three focuses. First, it bans sex education from being taught in public schools below the sixth grade; second, it requires public schools to notify parents about library books checked out by students; and third, the primary focus of the bill, it restricts transgender and non-cisgendered youth from locker rooms and sports matching their identity if it does not align with their biological gender.

Non-cisgender youth, youth whose identity does not match their biological sex, have been at the forefront of several attacks and instances of harassment within the past few years. Critics of this bill claim that dangerous incidents will rise by restricting school participation of transgender and other non-cisgender youth.

“Denying transgender students a fair chance to play sports with their classmates, or forcing them into restrooms and locker rooms that don’t match their gender, puts them at increased risk of mental health challenge, harassment and bullying,” said Jeff Graham, the executive director of LGBTQ+ advocacy group Georgia Equality. “Our lawmakers need to stop this dangerous measure.”

However, this bill only recently included anti-trans rhetoric. Before March 19, when Republican state senators added language targeting transgender youth, the bill was originally proposed to offer mental health resources to student athletes.

“My bill was to prevent suicide,” said Omarl Crawford, the representative who proposed the original piece of legislation. “I don’t think that this bill does this now.”

Some GC students hold similar beliefs: that the original contaminants of the bill are diametrically opposed to the new revisions. Kat Mornhinweg, a sopho-

Transgender Pride flags in front of track

more computer science major, claims and expands this philosophy to incorporate a larger political dynamic.

“This bill is actually going to cause more suicides than it was originally intended to prevent,” Mornhinweg said. “This is happening throughout the country in every normally red [conser vative-prominent] state, especially in the Midwest and South.”

Many states, such as Florida and Oklahoma, participate in these types of legislation, some arguing on a unique front: that parents have an innate say in the gender identity of their kids and surrounding youth.

“No matter what the male claims his gender identity is, it would be based on the birth cer-

tificate, and [they] would not be allowed to play in those girls’ sports,” said Clint Dixon, a Republican state senator in Georgia. “[This bill] protects children and empowers parents.”

The “empowers parents” sentiment is also reflected across the two other passages of the bill: banning sex education for public school students before sixth grade and requiring public schools to notify parents about library books checked out by students.

This begs the question, why might debates about parental authority surround schools?

Kevin Spann, a political science lecturer at GC, considers there to be a long-standing tradition of conflict between parental values and the

government. Spann also claims that schools happen to be a potent area for this conflict to take place, hence explaining why public education is continuous in trailblazing political initiatives.

“For better or worse, public schools have always been at the forefront of social change,” Spann said. “From the Scopes Monkey Trial, to integration to debates regarding the extent of First Amendment rights for minors, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. In a diverse pluralist democracy, public schools simply represent a friction point where parental values and government policy naturally intersect and sometimes come into conflict.”

Nonetheless, one thing is definite regard-

ing this conflict: Greater parental authority in public schooling can have unpredictable effects on the health, privacy and safety of students. Some GC students consider these effects to be amplified for gender-transitioning youth, especially for those of unsupportive parents.

“If your parents are supportive of that [LGBTQ+ identifying persons], then parental notifications for LGBTQ+-centered books shouldn’t be a problem, but there are a lot of people out there who are trans or non-binary who don’t have that kind of support from their parents,” Mornhinweg said. “If their parents are notified about that, that is dangerous — incredibly dangerous.”

Considering these dangers, the general changes to House Bill 1104 raise many deeply ethical and political questions. While the bill remains on the State House floor for upcoming voting, the future for non-cisgendered youth is certainly significant, yet unpredictable.

Milledgeville opens new “Tale Trail” Featuring “Grayson’s Playdate” by Steve Zachary Jr. Cali Snodgrass

This whole event was

Contributing Writer

community.

his young son Grayson.

parents and their chil-

cated to Deacon Joseph

a massive community

“That’s why we’re getting

Seeing someone from

dren to talk, to look

Ward Sr. He was a be-

project that accumulat-

a new library system.

their community allows

through the book, and

loved member of the

ed in a fun, interactive

Years ago, our educa-

for the kids to better con-

we’re going to change it

community, with many

way for the kids in the

tion rate was really low

nect with the story and

quarterly so it’ll continue

people praising him as

area to both get exercise

in this area — which it

be more willing to learn.

to grow and evolve over

the kind of man you

and

literacy.

has improved a lot but

“I am amazed at the

time,” said Lindee Mor-

could always talk to, and

Many people were ex-

went down somewhat

amount

attention

gan, the executive direc-

he would always have

cited about the change

during COVID, so that’s

“Grayson’s

Playdate”

tor of the Deal Center.

something funny to say.

and looking forward to

been a big issue for us,

has accumulated here

With the story chang-

“He was a wonder-

the future changes that

but we plan to improve

in Georgia and Milled-

ing quarterly, it ensures

ful person,” said Evelyn

are to come, especially

literacy

today.”

geville,” Zachary Jr. said.

that the Tale Trail will

Wright, a close family

due to the many strug-

When looking for a

“I really feel as if this

always bring forth ex-

friend. “He always had

gles the children of the

children’s book to dis-

book is not just going to

citement for the kids to

a joke to tell that made

community had faced.

play for the Tale Trail,

impact the kids here in

further their literacy and

everybody laugh. He did

always

they wanted a local au-

Harrisburg but the kids

get out to walk along

try to help all he could.”

tried to provide reason-

thor who grew up in the

that visit, the ones that

the trail with their fami-

He also helped the

area, people and organi-

able educational bridges

area and knew what it

the parents actually come

lies, but even then, there

park, where he set up a

zations who helped cre-

out here,” said Tommy

was like being a kid in

out here with the kids

are more plans in place

wonderful

ate the Tale Trail as well

French, who is in charge

this kind of area. They

and give them the energy

to not only keep the

garden where anyone

as Ward Sr.’s family and

of facilitating and man-

managed to find Steve

and love and support to

Tale Trail relevant but

could go grow crops or

the author of the book

aging the meetings for

Zachary Jr., who wrote

not just read but under-

the whole park as well.

flowers of their choos-

used in the Tale Trail.

the Harrisburg neigh-

several books starring

stand what they read.”

“The Tale Trail can’t be

ing. In fact, the words

And while the Tale

fully completed because

engraved on his bench

Trail has already drawn

this whole area is going to

just above his name

in a large crowd to ex-

be relandscaped,” French

read “We’re not just

plore

The “Tale Trail” at Collins P. Lee Community Center was officially opened to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that also revealed the new memorial bench of beloved community

member

Deacon Joseph Ward Sr. On April 2, the event lasted for roughly an hour, with many people in attendance, ranging from families living in the

increase

“We

have

borhood

here

of

the

park

and

said. “The trail is going to

building a garden; we’re

center,

it

be much longer. There’s

building a community.”

is not the only plan in

going to be a regional

Overall, the park at

place to better help the

library here; all the park-

Collins P. Lee Commu-

kids of Harrisburg and

ing lots and playground

nity Center is continuing

any

to

are going to be changed.

its reputation of develop-

come through the area.

So, it’s going to be a to-

ing new and innovative

tally

area.”

ways to encourage the

folks from all over this

One more surprise

children of Harrisburg

neighborhood come to

added to the area along-

to learn and interact with

gather, so I see it as an

side the Tale Trail was a

the world around them

opportunity for lots of

memorial bench dedi-

in

community

who

happen

“This is a center where

Courtesy of Cali Snodgrass

community

different

meaningful

ways.

6

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.09.2024

SPORTS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S MARCH MADNESS REACHES THE FINAL FOUR Christian Castillo

to win five games in five

out

tournament.

ued that trend to roll into

Iowa would ultimate-

However, Iowa kept the

Staff Writer

days to become the ACC

Standing at 6’9” and

the Final Four with ease.

ly come out on top and

pace to pull off the win.

The Elite Eight of

champions, beating both

weighing 275 pounds,

“I don’t see anybody

advance after a 94-87

Flau’jae Johnson led

the men’s and women’s

fellow schools in their

guarding him has been

realistically

victory. The first half was

LSU in scoring with 23

March Madness tourna-

state, Duke and the Uni-

no fun for opposing

UConn,” said Sean Da-

very

matched,

points, while Reese tal-

ments were packed with

versity of North Carolina.

teams. Throughout the

vis, a senior exercise sci-

ending with a score of

lied 17. A major moment

tournament,

Burns

ence major. “They’re so

45-45. Both teams came

in the game came in the fourth quarter when Re-

exciting games. North

NC

State

charged

the

beating

evenly

Carolina State Universi-

to a 76-74 victory over

has

multiple

stacked, and their run so

out firing and kicked off

ty highlighted the men’s

Duke for their second

NIL deals and fame

far has just been insane.”

the game with high-scor-

side with an upset victory

victory over the Blue

with his performances.

over the Duke University

Devils in the month of

Blue Devils to reach the

March. Behind another

The

gained

University

The

women’s

Elite

ing

first

quarters.

of

Eight was lit up with a

The difference in the

Connecticut continued

star-studded rematch of

game came from Iowa’s

Final Four. A rematch of

pionship, the University of Iowa vs. Louisiana

12

assists

facilitate

her

mates

in

to

teamscoring.

nior nursing major. “She

11-seed,

has done so much for the

NC State was the highteam

scoring 41 points and

ing,” said Kara Dial, a se-

lighted the women’s side.

est-seeded

game for the Hawkeyes,

“Caitlin Clark is amaz-

State University, high-

an

Clark took over the

having

last year’s national cham-

Being

ese fouled out of the game.

game of women’s basket-

still

ball and will continue

alive in the Elite Eight.

to do so at the next lev-

The Wolfpack went on

el. Angel Reese has also

an amazing run to reach the Final Four, which

March Madness Sweet 16 and Elite 8 graphic

changed the game in a lot

started in the ACC con-

inspiring, 29-point per-

their dominance with a

last year’s national cham-

24-point third quarter, in

of ways. Thanks to play-

ference

formance by DJ Burns,

25-point win over the

pionship. Iowa, led by

which LSU only scored

ers like this and South

After a regular season

the

were

University of Illinois. The

Caitlin Clark, was set to

13 points. In the fourth

Carolina’s team, the sport

record of 17-14, they sat

able to outscore Duke.

Huskies have looked un-

take on defending cham-

quarter, LSU turned it

has definitely advanced

become

stoppable for most of the

pion LSU, led by the “Bay-

up a little bit in an effort

and is in a little bit of a

ference. They proceeded

quite the figure through-

tournament and contin-

ou Barbie,” Angel Reese.

to mount a comeback.

shining era right now.”

RULES

The NFL Players As-

The rule change has

Bentley

displayed

his

even retired players are

limiting what they can do

NFLPA,

been spoken out against

protest

for

the

ban

sharing their thoughts.

to stop a ball carrier,” said

statement

via social media plat-

with

on

X.

“Just fast forward to

John Nagy, a senior mass

regarding the ban, say-

forms by defensive play-

“Y’all must not have

the belts with flags on

communication

ing that they could not

ers who feel that part of

had to tackle these dudes

them,” said J.J. Watt, a for-

“These guys have made

support a rule change

the game is starting to be

before,”

said.

mer NFL defensive line-

it to the highest level by

on the rule by owners

that would be confus-

taken away from them.

Bentley is not the only

man and three-time De-

playing the game the way

throughout the league to

ing to players, coach-

New England Patri-

player who takes issue

fensive Player of the Year.

they were taught as kids.

be reasons for the ban.

es, officials and fans.

ots linebacker Ja’Whaun

with this rule change, as

In recent years, many

Taking techniques away

rule changes and new

from largely just one

penalties have changed

side of the ball comes

what

play-

off as unfair, but I do

ers are allowed to do,

understand player-safe-

with player safety be-

ty concerns. I think the

ing a main concern.

league just wants to see

tournament.

in 10th place in the con-

Continued from page 1

Wolfpack

Burns

has

sociation,

or

The league cited a released high injury rate on plays where “hip-drop” tackles occurred as well as a vote

a

a

post

Bentley

defensive

“I feel for players on

more

defense because the most

football player holds football

points

major.

scored.”

These new rules will

frequent changes to the

be

game

somewhat

the game at the start of

handicapping them by

the 2024-2025 season.

are

implemented

into

7

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.09.2024

SPORTS

Shohei Ohtani caught in betting scandal Ty Karraker Staff Writer The

The

commission-

in 1989 after his scan-

throughout the start of

the rumors are true, it will

Many fear that if base-

dal

betting

the season. Some fans

not be another Rose situ-

ball continues to treat sit-

believe he has been re-

ation resulting in a life-

uations differently based

ceiving

treat-

long ban from the sport

on stardom and talent,

involving

League

er’s office broke its si-

on games in the MLB.

Baseball phenom Sho-

lence on the topic and

Despite a lawsuit and

hei Ohtani has become

revealed what the MLB

investigation being un-

ment due to his fame,

and causing ineligibility

the overall integrity of

a headline in the sports

was planning to do.

derway, fans all over the

as most players dealing

from the Hall of Fame.

baseball will be compro-

world, as his longtime

“Major League Base-

league have many ques-

with a scandal of this

However, many fans

mised. Proving Ohtani’s

ball has been gathering

tions regarding Ohtani’s

magnitude would face a

of baseball are outraged

connection to Mizuha-

er has been accused of

information

we

involvement in the scan-

suspension until the in-

that he is currently able to

ra’s debts may present

stealing

learned about the alle-

dal, with some speculat-

vestigation

concludes.

play because most MLB

challenges, yet it’s im-

from his bank account. gations involving Shohei

ing that Mizuhara took

Mizuhara,

the

players, no matter their

portant for baseball to

now-former

translator

status of stardom, would

honor former players

for the superstar, con-

be held from playing un-

who faced career-ending

fessed to betting but

til their name had been

allegations in the past.

claimed it was within

completely cleared and

As fans of the sport

the rules of the sport

the federal investigation

watch

because he never bet

had concluded. In this

unfold, they will have

on any MLB games.

new scandal, the MLB

to wait and see how

“I never bet on base-

has allowed the two-way

Ohtani’s involvement is

star to continue playing.

revealed. There is always

friend

Major

taken from his account.

and

$4.5

interpret-

million

since

Ohtani initially stat-

Ohtani and Ippei [Mizu-

the fall for the star player

ed that he had agreed

hara] from the news

to avoid tarnishing his

to pay the debt that Ip-

media,” said an anony-

reputation as one of the

pei Mizuhara owed to

mous source within the

main faces of the league.

a bookie, but since his

commissioner’s

office.

Despite the current

initial statement, Ohtani

This is the biggest

has gone on the record

gambling scandal in the

ing Ohtani, he has been

saying he had no idea

MLB since Pete Rose

present on the Los An-

about the money being

agreed to a lifetime ban

geles

investigation

Dodgers’

regard-

roster

ball,”

Mizuhara

said.

“That is 100%. I knew

Clare

that rule. We have a

freshman

meeting

situation

a chance that he may

psychology

be the bettor, but fans

that

and Spanish major, is

cannot overlook the un-

training.”

one of many who be-

fair treatment that the

This statement, while

lieve that the star is get-

superstar has received

confirming that Mizu-

ting special treatment.

during

hara did bet on sports,

“I think it’s unfair

The truth behind the

should weaken a sus-

that Shohei is getting

matter should be re-

pension if Ohtani was

this treatment,” Thoman

vealed soon, but for now,

involved, given that the

said. “All players should

the whole situation is

bets were on internation-

be

treated

equally,

currently up for debate

al soccer instead of base-

not

special

treatment

as to whether it is true or

ball. So, fans can have a

based

on

their

suc-

if people are blowing this

sigh of relief knowing if

cess

and

popularity.”

way out of proportion.

about

spring

Thoman,

this

a

in

Ohtani with former interpreter Mizuhara

unfair

this

scandal.

MEBANE EARNS PBC PLAYER OF THE WEEK Samantha Birmingham

series, he went 6-13 to

ceed,” Mebane said. “I

Staff Writer

drive in six RBIs and

was seeing the pitches

In a great week of

score three times on two

well and taking pitches

baseball, GC junior in-

home runs and a double.

that were balls that they

fielder Matthew Mebane

Mebane

started

wanted me to chase and

was chosen to be the

the three-game series

was hitting the balls that I

Peach Belt Conference

strong by going 2-4

should have been hitting.”

Player of the Week as

with a run scored in

At the end of the week,

well as Zaxby’s Player of

the opening game. In

Mebane tops the con-

the Week. The PBC Play-

the second matchup, he

ference charts with 14

Courtesy of GC Athletics

er of the Week award rec-

managed a 1-4 perfor-

home runs, ranks fourth

Mebane winds up to throw

ognizes his outstanding

mance, driving in a run.

in slugging percentage

tent during our games.”

skill, teamwork and ded-

Mebane

Mebane’s

watching is what makes

ways uplifting others.”

success

it easier to hit when

The acknowledgment not only honors Me-

showcased

at .768, sits fifth in OPS

ication with the team.

his power in the final

with 1.201 and holds the

on the diamond does

game time rolls around.”

The Zaxby’s Player of the

game, going 3-5 with two

sixth position in RBIs.

not come easily. He

His effect on the team

Week award goes to an

home runs and a double,

“Matthew has been

has had to work hard

goes beyond a gametime

athlete who has shown

resulting in five RBIs and

one of our hottest hit-

to put himself in a po-

to remarkably be the

two runs scored, sealing

ters this season,” said

sition to perform well.

“He brings a lot of

best player for that week.

the series sweep in style.

Lex Kenny, a sophomore

“I think the hard work

positive vibes to our

pitcher.

and dedication to my

offense,” said Braeden

The Bobcats played

“My

play

against

right-handed

performance.

bane’s outstanding individual achievements but also shines a spotlight on the team’s collective talent and skill. Fans can anticipate

witnessing

three contests last week,

Flagler was pretty good

“He’s been competing

craft as a hitter is what

Smith, a freshman out-

all of which were confer-

but not perfect, but I

for the most home runs

brings success,” Mebane

fielder. “Matthew is a

both the team’s ongoing

ence contests with Flagler

think I was putting my-

in the D2 conference

said. “The hard work that

great person to have

success and Mebane’s im-

College. Throughout that

self into places to suc-

and has stayed consis-

is put in when no one is

on your team and is al-

pressive

performances.

8

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.09.2024

ARTS & LIFE

KING & QUEEN OF DIAMONDS ADPI’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING PAGEANT Addison White

king of diamonds. The

The Ronald McDonald

(ATO), and the queen

Contributing Writer

first thing they did was

House, and a winner

of diamonds was Gra-

introduce

themselves

was chosen based on

and explain how they

Alpha Delta Pi held their annual philanthropy pageant, planned by Julia Tipper, the vice president of philanthropy for ADPI on April 2, 2024.​​This pageant is a fun way for ADPI to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in

Macon,

Georgia.

The event was hosted by the president of ADPI, Meadow Etheridge, and another

ADPI

mem-

ber, Madelyn Poss. They cracked jokes and introduced the wonderful contestants of the night.

“It took months of planning,”

Tipper,

a

sophomore exercise science major, said. “We started off by designing the T-shirts and just thinking about the event and all that we wanted to have a part of, and then we started reaching out to the different sororities and fraternities to get contestants.

For the event, I was in charge of everything. I wrote the script, reached out to people to sign up

was

on campus and bring

grateful.

more awareness to AD-

cieLane Bray, who rep-

“It feels so amazing to

PI’s philanthropy. Blood,

who donated the most.

resented Alpha Gamma.

have won,” Bray, a junior

sweat and tears went into

represented the queen

The banner winners

“It feels good to have

early education major,

this pageant. I’ve been

and king of diamonds.

were Pi Kappa Alpha and

won,” Hadden said. “It

said. “I put so much ded-

practicing for a month,

showed

Delta Zeta. The pop-tab

was really fun. I en-

ication and effort into

and it’s been a great dis-

off their unique talents.

winners were also Pi Kap-

joyed it and had a good

my routine and prepa-

traction

The list of talents includ-

pa Alpha and Delta Zeta.

time. I am thankful

ration for this pageant. I

It’s

ed singing, deadlifting,

Next, the audience

for the opportunity. It

am so happy and proud

dedication and effort.”

twirling, keyboard, the

got to enjoy a video on

means a lot to have won

of myself and all of the

Dougie,

elec-

the Ronald McDonald

tric guitar, the trian-

House of Central Georgia

king. I am happy to

other

To

$5,000 for the Ron-

gle, acoustic guitar and

and its impact on ADPI.

have won with the ATO

me, it is an opportunity

ald McDonald House

even a man egging his

According to Ronald

logo on. It is awesome.”

to represent myself well

of

brother from inside a

McDonald House Chari-

trash can and referring

ties, a Ronald McDonald

to it as “pure magic.”

House provides a place

Next,

they

violin,

“I

started

guitar

last

playing July

so they can stay close to

have worked every day

their hospitalized child

since then,” said Re-

at little to no cost. They

ese Hadden, a sopho-

believe that “home” is

more management ma-

more than four walls and

jor. “It was awesome to

a roof over your head.

show off that talent.”

That is why every Ron-

Lastly, they were asked

ald McDonald House

to pull random questions

is a haven for families

and answer them as best

with children in the hos-

they could onstage. They

pital. It provides all the

were asked silly ques-

comforts of home, plus

tions like “If you were a

the compassion of staff,

food, what would you

volunteers

be?” or “If you could

families, all just steps

have dinner with any-

away from the hospital.

one in the world, who

“For me, it’s really

would it be and why?”

important because our philanthropy

and

is

worked backstage along-

the judges to determine

per said. “And being

side

roommates.”

the queen and king of di-

able to raise money and

There were 14 con-

amonds, the banner and

help such a great char-

testants: seven girls and

pop-tab winners were

ity is really special.”

seven boys. There were

announced first. Every

Lastly was the big re-

also three judges, who

sorority and fraternity

veal of this year’s king and

judged

answers

decorated a banner, and

queen of diamonds. This

and talents to make a

the judges chose which

year’s king of diamonds

final decision on who

one was best. They also

was Hadden who repre-

should win queen and

all donated pop tabs to

sented Alpha Tau Omega

their

GUTS (spilled)

GC “obsessed” with Rodrigo’s deluxe release Ellie Smith

you don’t love as much as

Staff Writer

they love you looks like,

At Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS Tour in Chicago, Illinois, on March 19, 2024, the singer announced in the middle of her hit song “get him back!,” that “GUTS (spilled),” the deluxe version of her latest album, would be released the following Friday.

The deluxe version would include five songs: one that was previously released only on vinyl and the rest brand new. “‘GUTS (spilled)’ put into words what healing from a toxic situation looks like,” said Bailey Parker, a junior English major. “It also puts into words what being in a relationship with someone

your boyfriend looks like

what having a crush on and what jealousy looks like in such a beautiful and

emotionally

vul-

nerable way that most girls either can relate to or put themselves into.”

Many

of

Courtesy of Addison White

absolutely emotionally brilliant,” Parker said.

“She is one of the greatest songwriters of our time, and these songs, specifically ‘stranger,’ my favorite, are testaments to that.”

The most streamed song on the album was “obsessed,” which Ro-

Reese Hadden & GracieLane Bray | 2024 King & Queen of Diamonds

drigo revealed she and collaborator Daniel Nigro wrote three years ago. The song received 23,030,275 streams on Spotify alone and included a music video release on YouTube with over 7 million views.

The second most famous song was “so american,” which received 13,760,966 streams and the artist stated on her

Rodrigo’s

fans were quick to show support for the album.

The

songs

associated

with the deluxe release got 59,820,552 streams in the first week. The deluxe version of Rodrigo’s sophomore album won Billboard’s Top New Music of the Week only a day after release, winning 43% of the vote.

“They were some of her most well-written songs to date and were

candidates.

from

even ADPI

school.

taught raised

Central

me over

Georgia.

Courtesy of Molly Geraci

real-

ly special to me,” Tip-

my

as

other

waited in suspense for

for the event and then

just

queen

for families to call home

and

Then, as the audience

The

Courtesy of Kylie Rowe | Asst. A&L Editor

Instagram account she was “especiallyyy excited about.” Many fans were quick to realize the song was about Rodrigo’s relationship with English actor Louis Partridge. The two were confirmed to be dating in October 2023, when Partridge was spotted at many of Rodrigo’s tour stops. The two are a fan-favorite pairing, with many fans showing support for the young star-studded couple.

Even with “obsessed” and “so american” winning in terms of streaming numbers, fans showed much love for all of the artist’s new songs, which showed a variety of emotions through a relationship.

“I tend to enjoy her slower songs, so I was a big fan of ‘scared of my guitar,’” said Kara May, a junior nursing major. “Her fast-paced

Courtesy of Addison White

stuff is fantastic too, but I love how she expresses her emotions during her slower pieces. ‘scared of my guitar’ is just so emotional and gut-wrenching that you can’t help but love it.”

At just 21, Rodrigo jumped to No. 2 in the charts, sold over 73,000 copies of the deluxe edition, and had the second biggest release week on Spotify in 2024, just behind Ariana Grande. All of this was achieved by releasing only five songs.

The three-time Grammy Award winner still has much to look forward to in her career. Only into month two of her seven-month tour, when the artist has received over $4 million in revenue, Livies, a name for Rodrigo fans, can look forward to what promises to be a very successful career for Rodrigo.

9

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.09.2024

ARTS & LIFE ECLIPSE

Continued from page 1 Some Christian biblical philosophers take the eclipse as a time to

serve the eclipse for

all that is visible is a

the Moon’s shadow, but

of totality, students could

not change the danger

only the second time in

whitish

around

they get their name be-

still feel the difference in

that can be caused by

most of their lifetimes.

the face of the Moon.

cause the effect mir-

the temperature when the

viewing any part of the

“I love it; unfortunate-

Baily’s beads are simi-

rors little beads of light.

eclipse was taking place.

Sun without protection.

“It got cold for a lit-

“The Sun looks like

ly, it is not going to be

light

in totality, so I cannot

tle bit at the peak time

see the corona or Bai-

of 3:05:43,” Cusick said.

ly’s beads, but I am glad

The Physics Club was

that “ ...the skies pro-

we can see it now,” said

handing out glasses for

claim the work of His

Peyton Cusick, a senior

safe viewing of the eclipse

hands.” Several Muslims

computer science major.

so that students who

observe a similar belief,

The corona is the halo

wanted to take part in the

feel awe and thank God, referencing Psalm 19:1

taking the eclipse as time

effect

to reconnect and re-

a total eclipse. It de-

member God’s creation.

scribes when the Moon

At

GC,

students

went outside to ob-

is

created

completely

during

aligned

in front of the sun and

Courtesy of Kylie Rowe | Asst. A&L Editor

lar, in that they appear

Though Milledgeville

poking out from around

was far from the effects

the Moon right now,” said Sydney Logan, a junior management information systems major.

Even

though

the

shape that the Sun makes

viewing would be able to

behind the Moon ap-

do so safely. An eclipse

pears the same as a cres-

is a great astronomical

cent Moon in the night

wonder, but according to

sky, it is not safe to view

NASA, the eclipse does

with the naked eye.

Camila Cabello - “I LUV IT (feat Playboi Carti)” Cale Strickland

something created by

Managing Editor

artificial

OPINION In

recent

memory,

I still cannot believe

former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello’s “I LUV IT,” which features Opium ring leader Playboi Carti, exists.

The

track,

which

samples Atlanta legend

was still making music.

who is a huge fan of SO-

the full-fledged launch

is always interesting; it

intelligence.

Carti is one of my fa-

PHIE, Charli XCX, 100

of his new deep-voice,

sounds different from

Before “I LUV IT,”

vorite working artists,

gecs and all of the other

Future-inspired

sound

other hip-hop, as corny

I would not have been

not just rappers. But

boundary-breaking art-

— was filmed at. As Car-

and cliché as that is.

able to tell you a single

this is the man who calls

ists who have worked to

ti delivers his verse, Ca-

Camila Cabello song be-

himself

Vamp”

push pop in new, excit-

bello is seen sitting on

But who knows? May-

sides “Havana,” which is

and wears all black — at

ing directions, it is frus-

a freezer, making awk-

a good track in its own

all times. As an artist, his

trating to see Cabello

ward gestures, in the

vibe is completely differ-

rip off the “aesthetics” of

background.

ent from Cabello’s, which

their music without add-

and a half minutes, it

is why I am still confused

ing anything of her own.

is clear the two have

as to how this song came

The music video for

to be. And his verse,

the song is even more of

ing their collaboration

which is OK, I guess, feels

a jarring experience than

all the more puzzling.

completely out of place

listening to the track it-

At the end of all

against Cabello’s pitched-

self. Every shot — Ca-

this, I am left wonder-

up refrain of “I love it.”

bello dancing blindfold-

ing what the point was.

ed,

drinking

Who thought this was a

I love it; I love it; I love

a cup full of gasoline

good idea? It comes off

it,” is capital-‘A’ annoy-

— is a vapid attempt

as nothing more than an

ing and what I imagine

at

provocative.

attempt to be “#quirky,”

The second half, in

trying far too hard to

right but also features my favorite rapper of all time, Young Thug — unless you count Fifth Harmony’s “Work From Home.”

Gucci Mane’s 2009 song

If I am being honest, I

“Lemonade,” feels like

did not even know she

“King

That refrain, “I love it;

people who do not lis-

Camila Cabello

Cabello

being

Carti

zero

In

chemistry,

three

mak-

be “I LUV IT” will get in front of as many faces as it needs to, get as many clicks as it needs to, to make it a hit and make it worth it for Cabello and her team to build an entire album around

this

“sound.”

And, above all else, I am left wondering why Carti is spending his time on things like this instead of promoting — and releasing — “MUSIC,” his upcoming album. Seemingly everyone thought

ten to hyperpop think

which

appears,

garner attention and far

the genre is: peppy bub-

takes place in a gas sta-

too little to produce any-

it was coming out in

blegum-pop vocals over

tion, seemingly the same

thing of substance. And

January; it is April. Will

a fast, glitchy instru-

one the video for Carti’s

I know Carti’s music is

it come out this year?

mental — and nothing

recent single “2024” —

not high art, but his beat

Will it ever come out? I

more. And as someone

the song which served as

selection and delivery

do not know anymore.

BALDWIN COUNTY’S NEW AQUATIC CENTER Alexis Maddox

current-

offer, such as a large

ly have nothing like it

parking lot for local and

here or anywhere near

out-of-town visitors. The

here,” said Cami Willis,

park

a sophomore marketing

ample lighting, which

major. “I went to a few

provides after-hour rent-

water parks growing up,

al

and I have many fond

private birthday parties

memories from them.”

and other group events.

The goal of this proj-

The hours have not

ect is to boost the local

been finalized, but they

ter the city rather than

ing, swimming or being

major. “I think that the

economy and provide

currently stand at open-

putting in a water park.

outside in general, this

money should have been

more summer jobs, not

ing at 11 a.m. and clos-

I don’t believe that a

new park just might be-

put towards the Baldwin

to mention summer fun

ing around 5 p.m. Aside

water park would entice

come a new hangout

County School System.”

for Milledgeville locals

from the fun, free swim-

more students to come to

spot. Having an aquat-

This water park could

amenities, including a

and

students.

ming lessons will be

Georgia College because

ic center a couple min-

become

large pool, water slides, a

The central location will

open to the public from

some current students are

utes from campus could

ic engine for Baldwin

lazy river, splash pads and

also provide easy access

8 a.m. to 10 a.m., along

not enticed by the idea.”

possibly attract future

County. It will provide

concessions. After sev-

for the Baldwin County

with the lazy river for se-

College students do

students to the campus.

more jobs and tax dol-

en years, the county has

community but also for

nior citizens at the same

not get much down-

“A water park is a fun

lars, which in turn will

selected Dyer Construc-

surrounding

counties.

time. After-hours events

time, and there are not

idea and can provide

benefit the county as

tion to begin the process.

The water park is a

will be held after 6 p.m.

many places to spend off

something fun for a sum-

a

Phase one is scheduled to

big investment. Howev-

“5 million is a lot of

days in Baldwin Coun-

mer afternoon, but I just

like these are always

be complete by Memori-

er, Baldwin County of-

money,” said Macken-

ty. Similarly, not every

don’t see how that could

tricky, but with phase

al Day Weekend 2025.

ficials have hopes that it

zie Day, a sophomore

student has access to

benefit the county more

one in the works, stu-

“I think a water park

will become a large rev-

nursing major. “I believe

a pool. Whether stu-

than money for schools,”

dents, locals and visitors

will be an excellent ad-

enue generator through

that there are other ways

dents prefer to spend

said Grace Wallace, a

can look forward to the

dition to Milledgeville

the many features it will

to use 5 million to bet-

free time tanning, read-

sophomore

many pool days to come.

Staff Writer Phase one of Baldwin County’s new aquatic center is officially underway. After a contract of almost $5 million was recently approved, construction has begun at the Walter B. Williams Junior Park, the site of the old prison property along GA-22 West.

The new aquatic center will contain many

because

we

college

design

includes

opportunities,

like

Courtesy of Kylie Rowe | Asst. A&L Editor

nursing

whole.

an

econom-

Investments

10

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.09.2024

ARTS & LIFE

NOTES FROM PAIGE’S PLAYBILL: “THE FEAST” DIRECTED BY MARY MORGAN COLLIER Paige Blakemore A&L Editor

OPINION

gun to hear screaming

“Sometimes, he does so

heard of ‘The Feast.’”

him, including his girl-

painting,” Collier said.

in his sewer pipes, spe-

very literally. As a the-

Matt begins to paint

friend. Amid the chaos,

“After all, Matt’s paint-

atrical artist and writer,

the Creatures he has

Anna admits to having

ing is placed at the bor-

he can heavily relate to

encountered but fears

an affair with a co-work-

der of the fourth wall.

Matt’s life. I also love to

that he has disturbed

er

sends

Not everyone is a paint-

Matt spiraling further.

er, but everyone has a toilet and pipes that

cifically from his toilet.

In

recent

memory,

The Black Box Theatre

His

at GC has housed some

played by Dawson Ba-

girlfriend

Anna,

that

only

of the theatre depart-

bischkin, a senior theatre

ment’s most eclectic and

major, writes the matter

As with everything I

engaging shows for their

off as a plumbing issue.

have seen her in, a trib-

occasionally

creak.”

When a plumber un-

ute to her brilliance and

While

seems

college

demographic

Matt

despite the limited seat-

expectedly

up

versatility as an actor,

to have regained con-

ing and space. There

at Matt’s door offering

Babischkin was a per-

trol of his mental state

is a certain electricity

assistance, Matt’s stark

fect casting choice. Ba-

by the end of the show,

housed in the four walls

decline is made evident.

bischkin’s portrayal of

it is evident he has not

that performers seem

The plumber, played by

Anna is strong-willed

when

to effortlessly tap into.

Chaps Schremmer, a se-

and determined enough

make their way out of

“The Feast,” by Cory

nior theatre major, takes

to love Matt but also

the shadows to hold

Finley and directed by

on

strong enough to leave

Matt’s hand. Matt is now

Mary Morgan Collier, a

roles

him for her own sake.

one with the Creatures.

senior theatre and En-

play as The Man. Collier

During the climax of

Collier has somewhat

glish major, is another

describes the character

the show, Matt’s painting

of a track record for ef-

testament to this. From

as a human manifes-

appears to be not only

fectively presenting dis-

April

audiences

tation or extension of

controlling him but also

mal stories, specifically

were fed the psycho-

Matt’s own insecurities.

the world around him.

ones focused on making

an

With eerie lighting de-

art. She credits works

of a struggling artist.

impossible-to-ignore

sign by Patrick Schoen, a

such as “Donnie Darko”

“I was really excited

force while on stage. He

junior theatre major, the

and “Inland Empire” for

to bring this to Georgia

commands

attention

audience sees glimpses

inspiration in her di-

College because it is so

in each character he

of the Creatures from the

rection for this project.

different from anything

takes on during the play.

pipes and the painting

“‘The Feast’ is rather

I have ever read,” Collier

As a self-proclaimed

that have now material-

dark and upsetting, but I

said. “We have a lot of

mega fan of Roberts’ per-

ized in Matt’s apartment.

think it has a lot of com-

great theatre happening

formances, his portray-

around here, but I can’t

al of Matt is a triumph

think of a show in recent

3-6,

logical

deterioration

shows

multiple

ominous

throughout

Schremmer

is

the

Courtesy of Mary Morgan Collier

Dawson Babischkin, Spencer Roberts and Creatures

edy and joy in it,” Collier

known and sitting in

said. “I think the end is

and one to be applauded.

flashing lights, it is a

particularly real and up-

memory that involved an

During a scene in which

similar feeling to enter-

lifting despite its visual

audience quite like this.”

Matt is confessing to his

ing a haunted house at-

strangeness. We spend

the

therapist about traveling

traction. No one knows

so much time with a

theatre, before the show

down the pipes to vis-

what is coming next

haunted man who denies

starts, the audience is

it the screaming souls,

or where the Creatures

every person who wants

met with a pre-show

Roberts is so disturb-

might be. For an audi-

to help him. He doesn’t

performance of Spencer

ingly

and

ence member, it is fright-

escape his demons, but

Roberts, a senior theatre

urgently truthful that

ening and exhilarating.

he learns to live with

major, entranced while

you forget you are watch-

I, personally, have never

them as best as he can.”

working on a painting.

ing someone slowly be-

experienced a theatrical

From the storyline

This painting becomes es-

coming

experience quite like it.

to the performances to

sential to the story’s plot.

not a work of fantasy.

“The audience them-

the lighting to the in-

Roberts plays Matt,

“Spencer is truly an

selves are at a feast; they

tentional directing, “The

voyeuristically

Feast” is sure to capture

the

entering

protagonist

artist

convincing

incredible

unstable

actor

Courtesy of GC Theatre Department

and

who

on the brink of insani-

knows how to authenti-

ty. Prior to meeting the

cally submerge himself

characters, Matt has be-

in a role,” Collier said.

Courtesy of Mary Morgan Collier

Spencer Roberts and Dawson Babischkin

tell everyone about how

them. His obsessive and

he had an eerie painting

compulsive

hanging over his toilet

towards his painting af-

years before he had ever

fects everyone around

behavior

the

Creatures

un-

Upon

Between

the

watch

the characters, who are

the

twisted

imagina-

limited to a frame like

tions and darker cu-

the subjects of Matt’s

riosity of its viewers.

11

DELANEY DERRY, OPINION EDITOR

04.09.2024

OPINION POST-GRAD growth and prosperity.” go where there are the town charm we so love.

Continued from page 1

It is just a fact that ed-

most job opportunities?

Plenty of people want

“A certain density of

ucated workers tend to

When I say it is more

to say that they would

educated workers also

have greater opportuni-

enticing to live in a city

love to live in a small

makes a place attractive

ties in cities. Employers

post-college, I am not

town, but there is only so

are often looking to hire

talking about a big city,

much that a small town

people who have at least

like New York City, un-

can offer young people

a four-year degree. With

less that just has exactly

who have big dreams.

the abundance of hir-

what you are looking for.

However, there is no

ing employers in a city,

I mean a smaller city; a

need to plant roots just

there is less job compe-

little country city, like

yet. We are young! We

tition too. If the point

Charlotte, North Car-

are exploring the world

see why cities fret over

of going to college is to

olina. You get the city

and ourselves as adults!

you are married or have

why living in the city

talent, which tends to

have a better opportuni-

experience

still

We are still searching

a job already lined up,

would not be anything

go hand-in-hand with

ty to get a job, why not

getting that small(ish)

for our passions! Unless

I personally do not see

but a great experience.

for

businesses,

which

create jobs that attract more talented people, and so forth,” said Jeff Guo at The Washington Post. “So it’s not hard to

while

From pop icon to country superstar: Beyoncé releases country album

Julia Jensen | Art Director

Delaney Derry

Beyoncé has received a

raised in Houston. At her

gory. She is just looking

mad that he made an ap-

long as it is done tasteful-

Opinion Editor

lot of positive feedback

core, she is a southern

into a new sound and

pearance at the CMAs,

ly. I think country mu-

on her new album despite

soul. So, why can she not

people are mad about it?

singing Joe Diffie’s “John

sic should be something

the hate towards it at first.

produce country music?

“Not even 24 hours

Deere Green” and “Pick-

shared and that it can be

“It’s a warmup for

Country legend Dol-

after its release, Spo-

up Man” with Morgan

a genre that everyone can

her new song “TEX-

what follows, which is

ly Parton recently took

tify revealed that the

Wallen

HARDY.

love and be a part of. Like

AS HOLD ‘EM” just

some of Beyoncé’s best

to Instagram to support

Grammy-winning

to

most things, it should not

a week after it was re-

vocal work on record,

Beyoncé.

her-

ist’s country album be-

CMA Awards perfor-

leased.

self is also featured on

came its most-streamed

mance have been over-

Iconic superstar Beyoncé hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with

“Reactions

his

Shortly

after,

produced

announced

that

and at the forefront of

“COWBOY

CARTER,”

album in a single day in

whelmingly

she would be dropping

each track,” said Brit-

and Beyoncé covered/

2024 so far,” said Carly

on X, the social media

an entire country al-

tany Spanos, a writ-

remixed Parton’s hit song

Thomas with The Hol-

site formerly known as

bum, “COWBOY CAR-

er for Rolling Stone.

“Jolene,” spicing up the

lywood Reporter. “The

Twitter,” said Eva Ter-

The reason I think she

lyrics and giving the clas-

music giant also noted

ry, a writer for Deseret

29.

is receiving hate for cre-

sic her own soulful flair.

that it was the first time

News. “One user wrote,

The new singles she

ating a country album is

“I’m a big fan of Be-

a country album had

‘Dear Post Malone, Go

recently released became

that it is purely because

yoncé and very excit-

held that title this year.”

make that country al-

very popular in a very

she is not a country sing-

ed she’s done a coun-

I did not hear any-

bum. Call up Sturgill to

short amount of time

er. She is mainly known

try

album,”

proving, yet again, she

for writing in the R&B

said

on

she

TER,”

which

available

became

March

flawlessly

Parton

art-

and

Parton

Instagram.

one

complain

positive

about

produce it. Get Dwight

Post Malone perform-

Yoakam’s band. What-

is one of the greats of

be held into a specific category of people. Music is something that is meant to be shared among various types of people, and it should not matter where you come from to enjoy music. In other words, you do not need to be from the country in order to enjoy country music, so why do you have to be a country-music star in order to create good

the music industry. I can

country

music?

“Although music can

see why “TEXAS HOLD

certainly be played and

‘EM” was so talked about

listened to alone, in the

too. When I first heard

shower or on your iPod,

this song, I loved it right

it is also a powerful so-

off the bat. I thought it

cial magnet,” said Jill

was a very fun and up-

Suite, a writer for Great-

beat song to just get up

er Good magazine. “Af-

and dance to and have

ter all, a music concert

a good time. Beyoncé

is one of the few times

never fails to produce

when we will gather to-

entertaining and catchy

gether with thousands

songs, and that can even

of other people to en-

be seen through her large

gage in a shared activity.”

collection of Grammy’s.

There is so much truth

Beyoncé is a huge

in that quote. People can

public figure and well

enjoy music on their own,

known for being a great vocalist and for her amazing artistry. However, the first news of

but music is something Photo by Blair Caldwell Beyoncé Press Kit | COWBOY CARTER album cover art

that can bring people together who are from various backgrounds or

genre, and that genre is

An icon of country

ing at the Country Mu-

ever you gotta do, make

what she has won all of

music herself said that

sic Awards, or CMAs. If

it happen. Sincerely, Ev-

her Grammy’s in. She is

she is a fan of Beyon-

anything, he got a lot of

erybody. #CMAawards.’”

icon to country superstar

not known for country

cé and that she is happy

positive feedback and

If anything, I think

has people perplexed.

music and people were

she is making a country

support. After his per-

country

Some fans were initial-

not loving the switch.

album. If Parton, as a

formance,

fans

should be happy that

ly concerned with her

However, why would

country music artist her-

wanted him to embrace

musicians can shuffle

her roots and share her

releasing a whole coun-

any singer need to ap-

self, welcomes Beyoncé,

the sound and come out

between genres. In my

music with the world

try album because she is

pear exclusively a coun-

then so should country

with a country album.

opinion, as a country

no matter what catego-

not a country artist, and

try artist to enjoy and

listeners. Beyoncé is sim-

Malone is more known

music lover myself, I

ry it is placed in because

she has been receiving a

produce country music?

ply embracing a new style

for being in the hip-hop

think it is awesome that

music is supposed to

lot of negative feedback.

Beyoncé herself is from

of music in what I would

or rap genres, and yet

other artists want to em-

bring

It goes to show that

Texas. She was born and

call a rock-country cate-

very few people were

brace country music, as

er, not tear them apart.

a country album had some people in shock.

Her switch from pop

many

music

lovers

different walks of life. So, why are people upset that Beyoncé wants to reach a wider variety of people? All love to Beyoncé for wanting to embrace

people

togeth-