Issue 4 | Volume 103

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MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Emma Eslinger Asst. News Editor

the business manage-

GC’s business man-

way to reach her goals

agement major is a

in an academic setting.

branch of the business

Students take courses

ment major is the perfect

department at GC. It allows students to gain a better understanding Subject to Change | Courtesy of Hannah Gilleon

Battle of the Bobcats

of how to run a company, with a main focus

Three bands, one night and my thoughts as a judge.

on entrepreneurship. It

Kate Verity

Bobcats. Bands can sign

asked me to take part,

away by the talent, vari-

provides hands-on ex-

Editor in Chief

up to participate, and a

and I sat alongside three

ety and work that each

perience in running a

OPINION

panel of judges watches

others: Dr. Dan Nadler,

these performances and

GC’s Interim Vice Pres-

and every band member

business and provides

I was given the oppor-

decides which group did

ident of Student Life;

exhibited on that stage.

students

tunity to be a judge for the

the best job. Each year,

Anslee Temples, CAB

annual Battle of the Bob-

the victor gets the op-

Outreach

cats this year. Last Thurs-

portunity to play at the

and Kylie Gregg, CAB

Garde, Chief and Sub-

day, I spent my evening

homecoming

concert

Hospitality Coordinator.

ject to Change. In that

listening to three bands

as the opening act. This

Admission is free for

order, the three groups

play their hearts out for

year, the winner will be

all GC students, but un-

took the stage, each

the opportunity to be

opening for Quavo and

fortunately, I had not

the opener for the spring

The Stews on March 8!

been to this event before

concert.

This was my first

— a decision I greatly

Each year, the Campus

time attending the Bat-

regret, as this is my last

Activities Board, or CAB,

tle of the Bobcats. I am

homecoming as a GC

puts on the Battle of the

so grateful that CAB

student. I was blown

Homecoming

Coordinator;

Three bands com-

with

lead-

ership roles through

peted this year: Avant

involvement

in

GC

Entrepreneurs, the entrepreneurship

club.

Payton Dromey, a

in accounting, business, management, marketing and logistics. Through these courses, students can gain knowledge and experience in all aspects of a business. There are also three optional concentrations you can add on top of the major: logistics and transportation, human resources and sales. Students also have the option of adding

management

something

sophomore

business

unique and different.

management

major,

as a minor — as long

Here are my thoughts

plans to open up her

as they are a current

on each performance.

own bakery in the fu-

business major at GC.

See BANDS | Page 7

ture. She believes that

See SPOTLIGHT | Page 3

exhibiting

Delaney’s Blackbird Coffee Compilation Delaney Derry

Most coffee connoisseurs have their

est, that would take a great deal of time

vanilla caramel latte while grinding

Opinion Editor

favorite shop. It is a place they go to sip

and money, and of those things, I have

out a paper or other homework. How-

back and relax (pun intended). One

neither. I am also a creature of habit, so

ever, I ask for it with light cream be-

of my favorite coffee spots in Milled-

I do not often stray from what I know

cause I am not partial to a lot of cream

geville has to be Blackbird Coffee.

I already enjoy. What can I say? I like

Blackbird is a wondrous coffee em-

what I like. Altogether, from every-

or sugar in my coffee. I think it masks

porium right in our very own down-

thing I have tried at Blackbird, here is

town Milledgeville. Most days, I take a

a compilation of my top-rated beverag-

straight path to Blackbird from campus

es from this cool and captivating cafe.

after class to get on both the homework

My number one and go-to cof-

grind and coffee grind and order up a

fee order is an iced caramel latte, but

nice cup of joe to get those caffeine jit-

Blackbird has a specialty that is slightly

ters. Coffee is the only thing that gets

different. The vanilla caramel latte is a

latte,” said Harper Mason, a junior

me through the chaos of everyday life.

smart choice, at least for me, when it is

English major. “It’s not too sweet or

I have yet to try every drink on

hard to decide what you want. I so en-

too bitter. It’s a good in-between.”

Blackbird’s menu because, to be hon-

joy slurping up a nice big cup of an iced

See COFFEE | Page 10

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

the rich flavor of a good cup of coffee.

On the topic of luscious lattes, the creme brulee latte is another one of my favorites as well as an iconic Blackbird staple on its specialty menu.

“My favorite is the creme brulee

RUSSIAN OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATER BANNED AFTER POSITIVE DRUG TEST Samantha Birmingham positive drug test. Valie- 2022 Beijing Olympics. The grandfather was said skating for four years. meant to prevent angina va tested positive for a According to the to have used a cutting Valieva tested posiStaff Writer Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva has officially been banned from competing for four years due to a

banned heart medication on Dec. 25, 2021. The test results were not sent back to a lab in Stockholm, Sweden, until six weeks later, during the

Guardian, the positive test was blamed on her grandfather allegedly accidentally dropping a pill into a strawberry dessert he had made.

board that had crushed residue of the pill, and it got into the dessert.

The highest court rejected this statement and banned her from figure

tive for trimetazidine, which was found in the strawberry dessert given to her by her grandpa.

Trimetazidine is a metabolic modulator which is

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 9

NEWS | PG. 2

SPORTS | PG. 6

BASKETBALL UPDATE

CHALKING

GC will partner with the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce this summer.

GC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams fight for a playoff spot as the regular season concludes.

A closer look at a hallmark of GC’s Homecoming week.

NEW WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAM

attacks and help maintain the energy metabolism of the heart muscle cells.

See SKATER | Page 6

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 10

SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW

Where does Usher’s performance rank among recent acts?

2

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

02.20.2024

NEWS

NEW WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAM TARGETS MILLEDGEVILLE HIGH SCHOOLERS Emily Kirkwood Staff Writer GC is in collaboration with the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce to launch a new workforce readiness program.

This program is targeting high school seniors who are interested in local job opportunities.

The program, which is

nated for the program

owners will interview

by their Baldwin County

students at the fair, while

High School counselors.

a committee will match

This program will allow

candidates

with

jobs.

students to learn valu-

“I think it will help stu-

able soft skills for future

dents in the long run be-

career

opportunities.

cause they’ll learn valu-

“I believe that they are

able skills and get real job

offering this new pro-

experiences,”

Matlack

gram for students to get

said. “Students will de-

involved with each other

velop a good work ethic

and create that mentality

and learn how to bal-

Resume review for job

for the young generation

ance work and school.”

an hour working four

them to obtain a perma-

to be aware of how they

While students re-

weeks, with a minimum

nent job, providing them

pays for each student’s

can help and contrib-

ceive instruction from

of 30 hours per week.

with skills such as time

instruction and an award

ute to something,” said

the Georgia Department

Some job opportunities

management, indepen-

ceremony that takes place

Christian Reinhard, a

of Labor’s GeorgiaBEST

available are human re-

dence, problem-solving,

at the end of the summer.

senior exercise science

curriculum,

sources, assembly line,

communication

and

“Gaining these quali-

will be successful because

major. “It would be an

be able to listen to guest

healthcare,

gov-

dedication,” said Shelby

ties will put students on

chosen

will

opportunity for them

speakers, participate in

ernment, retail, trans-

Brown, a junior elemen-

a track towards success

be able to get jobs and

to achieve and make

team-building activities

portation,

construc-

tary education major.

by working towards per-

work,” said Olivia Mat-

goals

themselves

and interact with local

tion and media groups.

This training benefits

sonal goals and uphold-

lack, a senior computer

for later in the future.”

businesses. All of these

“If high school stu-

science major. “Students

A career fair will be

are specific to this pro-

will learn valuable skills,

held on April 9 to present

and

will

intended to help students find permanent jobs, will take place from June 3 to July 26.

“I think this program

students

for

they

will

city

business-

ing values,” Brown said.

dents don’t plan on at-

es by creating a pool of

After completing the

gram and will benefit

tending a university due

experienced candidates.

course, students will re-

the different types of jobs

students in the long run.

to cost or other factors,

Businesses must com-

ceive a certificate of com-

have more employees.”

available to students this

Students will be earn-

readi-

mit by March 15 to par-

pletion, showing they are

Students are nomi-

summer. Local business

ing a minimum of $8

ness program will allow

ticipate. There is a com-

ready for the workforce.

businesses

VOLUME 103 | NO. 4

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.

this

workforce

Milledgeville

mitment fee of $200 that

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3

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

02.20.2024

NEWS SPOTLIGHT

ey makes sure that she

ey’s biggest pieces of

major, you should be in

deciding on a college.

Continued from page 1

is involved in multiple

advice

leadership

With a smaller campus

Although Dromey is

“The business man-

leadership roles at GC.

size, students are more

a sophomore at GC, she

agement major is the

“I’m the president of

likely to get to know

has ambitious goals for

their professors person-

her future and what she

freshmen.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to people,” Dromey said.

positions.”

GC had a total of 6,811

students

across

major.”

most overarching busi-

the

ness

major,”

club,” Dromey said. “I’m

ally and not just be a

will do with this major.

said.

“Business

man-

also a leader at Kud-

number in a classroom.

“My main career path

agement majors have to

zu, which is a Christian

“I knew I wanted to

is definitely an entre-

take a myriad of busi-

ministry

campus,

come to a school where

preneurship route, with

ness classes versus just

and I’m on the baking

I could be poured into

wanting to renovate a bus

a focus on marketing or

team. I’m also the chap-

versus a school where I’m

into a bakery,” Dromey

something else. We have

lain of Kappa Delta. They

just a number,” Dromey

said. “It will take a lot of

to do a little bit of every-

each allow me to have a

said. “I have the oppor-

work, but it’s definitely

thing, so we know what

place of leadership and

tunity to actually get to

something I’m willing

it looks like to manage a

show me what it looks

know my professors, and

to put the effort into.”

little bit of everything.”

like to run a business/

I’m able to have these re-

company

lationships. They are so

ment at GC has prepared

knowledgeable, and they

Dromey for her future

also have just really good

by providing her with

personalities. I know Dr.

knowledge, connections

Duesing and Dr. Risvold

and

have been very encour-

These attributes of the

aging to me, and they al-

major will set her apart

low opportunities for me

from others in a job set-

to grow in the business

ting when she graduates.

Dromey

With this major, it

entrepreneurship

for

management

on

by

running

is encouraged that stu-

a club. I run meetings,

dents get involved at

keep people on task and

GC through clubs and

keep people feeling like

organizations. Students

they are doing and ac-

can network and gain

complishing something.”

more opportunities to

Gaining connections

learn through involve-

and getting involved on

ment on campus. Drom-

campus is one of Drom-

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

“You can learn from any

both graduate and un-

situation of leadership.

dergraduate

You just have to make

during the Fall 2023 se-

the time to get plugged

mester. Many students,

in and be a leader. If

like

you’re a management

at campus size when

programs

Dromey,

looked

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION NAMES A DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AI SAFETY INSTITUTE

Business

manage-

leadership

roles.

Jack McKinney

ful technology affects

programmed

abilities

These ethically mind-

ical standard for us-

“This [AI regulation] can

Contributing Writer

people and business.”

to replace creative jobs,

ed innovations can take

ing and regulating AI

be a starting place for

threaten

new and better ideas.”

In a recent decision

Kelly’s

appointment

data

privacy

the form of many dif-

— that even AI chat-

produce

by the Biden adminis-

comes as a result of AI’s

and

content

ferent variations of AI

bots could be used to

tration, Elizabeth Kelly, a

rapid expansion within

that can potentially di-

products. However, the

improve the quality of

back to Kelly’s work in

former economic policy

the past decade, where-

minish essential skills

results should, ethical-

education if used as a

developing a code of AI

adviser to current Unit-

by many Americans are

and

understanding.

ly speaking, act as tools

ed States President Joe

directly affected due to

Despite seeming like

meant to improve the

learning tool rather than

regulations, the general

Biden, has been named

the integration of AI in

a setback to AI develop-

quality of services rath-

a replacement teacher.

consensus of AI regu-

a top aid for the Nation-

business and consumer

ment, Hussain Alibra-

er than replace workers.

“There are a lot of re-

lation proponents con-

al Institute of Standards

products. Consequently,

him, a computer science

“One major appre-

dundant assignments in

sider regulation to be

and Technology, or NIST.

healthy

incorporations

professor at GC, con-

hension revolves around

school, but both from the

a necessity instead of a

Within this position,

of AI become all the

siders these safety codes

the loss of jobs due to

students’ and faculty’s

want. The truth is there

Kelly is tasked to devel-

more important, mak-

to lead innovation and

automation,”

perspectives, AI should

are many probabilities

op standardized safety

ing

such

utility to new lengths.

him said. “Roles that in-

be used to boost the qual-

for what AI is capable

tests for Artificial Intel-

as NIST indispensable.

“Regulations play a

volve tasks are especially

ity of education rather

of. With regulation, the

ligence, or AI, technol-

“We must have a firm

role in ensuring that

susceptible, which can

than replace education,”

ability

pose social challenges.”

said Will Turner, a soph-

these probabilities can

omore accounting major.

become highly desirable.

institutions

of

Alibra-

ogies that target busi-

understanding

the

AI applications are de-

nesses and consumers.

technology, its current

veloped and utilized in

“Elizabeth Kelly is a

and emerging capabilities

a manner prioritizing

can be a potent indus-

great choice to lead the

and limitations,” said El-

privacy protection and

try at the forefront of AI

AI Safety Institute, which

ham Tabassi, the chief AI

avoiding any biases or

influences and chang-

is essential for governing

advisor for NIST. “NIST

discrimination,” Alibra-

es

and benefiting from AI,”

is taking the lead to cre-

him said. “Familiarity

This has often been the

said Arati Prabhakar, a

ate the science, practice

with the framework can

subject

White House Office of

and policy of AI safety

guide AI developers in

sy regarding rules and

Science and Technology

and

trustworthiness.”

designing systems that

policies in classrooms,

Policy director and for-

Although Kelly’s spe-

not only fosters innova-

specifically for utilizing

mer NIST director. “She

cific safety codes are un-

tion but also complies

AI chatbots, which can

brings an understanding

known, some predict the

with ethical standards,

construct text respond-

of the real-world im-

codes restrict common

resulting in the creation

ing to a given prompt.

plications of AI — how

ethical concerns relat-

of higher quality and

Some GC students

the use of this power-

ed to AI. These include

sustainable technology.”

share Alibrahim’s eth-

Relatedly,

in

AI

of

education

Nonetheless,

to

calling

concentrate

regulation.

controver-

President Joe Biden

4

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

02.20.2024

Georgia approves a $5 billion boost to state budget Alexis Maddox

161-2 to pass the bill.

Staff Writer

When Kemp proposed

to

prisons,

the budget of $178 mil-

the boost in January,

which are approved by

lion for a dental school at

the current outlays were

the House of Represen-

Georgia Southern Uni-

made clear, as Georgia

tatives, including $451

versity and $50 million

has been holding spend-

million to spend on a

for a medical school at

ing far below the collec-

new prison in Wash-

the University of Geor-

tion in revenue. With

ington County. Kemp

gia. This will not be final-

a $5 billion boost, the

plans to use this large

ized until March, when

current state spending

budget to include tech-

lawmakers will vote on

will push to $37.5 billion,

nology in the prisons,

the upcoming budget.

not including federal aid

hoping it will prevent

Last December, Kemp

and college spending.

contraband cell phones.

ordered bonuses to state

This includes the cost

Prisoners using con-

employees and teach-

of financial aid, tuition,

traband cell phones have

ers. The plan includes

fines and fees. These

been an ongoing issue

$315 million toward bo-

factors will push state

in the past. These con-

nuses and a proposed

spending to $67.5 billion.

traband

phones

have

pay

allowed

prisoners

Governor of Georgia Brian Kemp has received

approval

from

Georgia’s House of Representatives to increase the current budget by $5 billion, in effect on June 30. The added spending will go toward road construction and new roads, dental and medical schools and bonuses for state teachers and employees. The bill has gone to the Senate as of

Kemp has many plans improve

sentatives also approves

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

mary concerns, a large

state needs at the mo-

piece of the budget has

ment. I think the money

been set aside for road

should go to something

repairs. A proposed $200 million increase was allocated by the House

beginning

of Representatives for

to

July 1. This will also

road and bridge aid in

sion left me believing

continue illegal schemes

be finalized in March.

cities. This will benefit

that Kemp planned to

from within the prisons,

use $5 billion just for

such as arranging mur-

where and how much

roads, which I thought

money is going to which project,”

Wednesday, February 7.

“It seems like Kemp

“My

first

impres-

raise

else for the time being, but I would not be surprised if the Senate passes this budget increase.”

The revenue estimate

and

that Kemp set is lower

world and should be

complete the projects

than the actual amount

ders and controlling drug

treated as such,” said

that have already begun.

to be collected this year.

was absurd,” said Addie

deals. With money for

Sydney

a

“I think that hav-

Ayesha

This is due to surplus

Robinson, a sophomore

modern technology, offi-

sophomore mass com-

ing roadwork done will

Kapadia, a junior nurs-

sociology major. “After

cers will be able to iden-

munication

“I

ultimately help Geor-

ing major. “I think this

further discussion, I sup-

tify contraband phones,

think raising state, uni-

gia,” said Greer Harp-

money will help Geor-

port this bill, and I was

with hopes of prevent-

versity and public school

er, a sophomore mass

gia in the long run, and

intrigued by the budget

ing

from

teachers’ salaries is a

communication

the Senate will approve.”

set for Georgia prisons

orchestrating

crimes

much-needed payment.”

jor. “However, I do not

estimated. They can only

With Kemp’s plans in

along with the dental

outside

prison.

infrastructure

think it is the most nec-

rearrange or cut Kemp’s

mind, the House voted

and medical schools.”

being one of Kemp’s pri-

essary thing that our

proposed

has

really

thought

through his plans on

said

prisoners the

The House of Repre-

“Teachers

With

run

Auriemma, major.

the

travel

conditions

ma-

cash, which leaves room for a boost larger than $5 billion. Lawmakers cannot spend more than

spending.

Narcan vending machines made available by Congress Isabelle Gonzales

in crisis and would be

gency settings is key to

mote drug usage, mak-

es, which I believe won’t

going to have a reac-

Staff Writer

free of charge through

being able to adminis-

ing it safer to take the

spike the use of drugs

tion in the body if there

The opioid epidemic is

these vending machines.

ter the Narcan quickly

drugs in the first place.

because

taking

is an opioid present in

ever-growing in Georgia,

“The signs and symp-

to save a person’s life.

“I do think it could

the drugs would have

the body. With that be-

and lawmakers are try-

toms of an opioid over-

“I do know how to

promote drug use since

to go out of their way

ing said, you cannot

ing to figure out a way to

dose are loss of con-

administer Narcan,” said

people wouldn’t have to

to get the Narcan ei-

overdose on naloxone.”

help combat it. The rate

sciousness, less than 10

Alexa Harvey, a junior

worry about overdosing

ther way,” Harvey said.

Anonymity is anoth-

of drug overdoses is ris-

breaths per minute, they

nursing

as a threat to their lives,”

The thought of hav-

er one of the highlights

major.

“The

those

ing fast, being the largest

that comes with the use

cause of accidental deaths

of vending machines, as

in individuals between

no records of who re-

the ages of 18 and 45.

ceived the treatment will

In the state capitol,

be kept. The shelf life of

a bill has been passed

Narcan is two to three

to help fight overdose

years, making the prod-

deaths, allowing for Nar-

uct that does not get used

can vending machines to

immediately sustainable.

be available on college

Since this bill has

campuses. The usage of

passed, these vending

these vending machines

machines will be available

would make it safer in the event of an overdose,

Naloxone

cutting out the need for

might be gurgling or

school

Nar-

said Blake Barker, a soph-

ing to save anyone from

a Narcan prescription.

gasping but not breath-

can training for nurs-

omore nursing major.

a

Naloxone, the medi-

ing, blue lips and fin-

ing students during a

cal name for Narcan, is

gers,

pinpoint-prick

a life-saving drug that

provides

overdose

chase for approximately $4,500-$7,400, and many college campuses

students

is scary, but it is im-

clinical for our class.”

agree with the acces-

portant to know that

are ready to purchase

pupils and vomiting,”

Narcan can be given to

sibility of Narcan be-

you cannot hurt the

them. With the death toll

can be administered to

said Marie Puckett, an

a person through an IV

ing raised because of

patient

Narcan.

caused by opioids rising,

reverse the effects of an

administrative

man-

or nasally, which is most

how it would work.

“If someone is not

especially in the Atlan-

opioid

Us-

ager at GC’s Wellness

common. Some students

“Although Narcan is

having an opioid over-

ta area, access to Nar-

ing Narcan could be

and Recreation center.

worry that too much

more readily available,

dose, the naloxone isn’t

can is something many

the difference between

Knowing the signs

accessibility to Narcan

people still have to pay

going to hurt them,”

schools want to invest in

life and death for those

of an overdose in emer-

could potentially pro-

for Narcan in most cas-

Puckett said. “It is only

for their students’ safety.

overdose.

Other

potential

for companies to pur-

with

5

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

02.20.2024

SPORTS

The Chiefs need to be stopped. Joe Burrow, save us Cale Strickland

quarter, and Mahomes

a star-studded offense

28 years old, he is still in

did not suffer a wrist in-

able to do it. As a fan of

Managing Editor

found a way, as he has

behind him; he alone is

his prime and far from

jury, an injury that would

Jackson and the Balti-

OPINION

in each of the now three

enough to take a team

falling off, let alone retir-

damper him before even-

more Ravens, I do not

Super Bowls he and the

to the Super Bowl. Of

ing. I mean, Tom Brady,

tually sidelining him for

enjoy seeing Burrow and

Chiefs have taken home

course, as long as Kelce

the

pre-

the rest of the season,

the Bengals win. But if

in the past five years.

is on the roster, we will

venting sports analysts

he and the Cincinnati

it comes down to seeing

I did not know what

not know, but right now,

across the country from

Bengals would have met

Jackson lose in anoth-

to say. It felt like if —

it feels like Mahomes,

touting

as

Mahomes in the play-

er AFC Championship

again, if — anybody was

skill-wise, is in a similar

the greatest quarterback

offs. And there is a good

game or Burrow beat-

going to take the belt

place LeBron James was

the game has ever seen,

chance they would have

ing Mahomes in anoth-

from Reid, Mahomes

in the late 2010s, when,

played until he was 45.

come out the other side.

er AFC Championship

and Kelce, this was the

regardless of who else

Only one QB has beat-

The other big-name

game, I am taking the

year. From Week One,

was on the Cleveland

en Mahomes in the play-

quarterbacks in the AFC,

latter every single time.

the story of this Chiefs

Cavaliers, he was able to

offs: Joe Burrow. There is

Lamar Jackson and Josh

Wishing you a speedy

team has been its receiv-

take them to the NBA Fi-

a good chance that if he

Allen, have not been

recovery, Mr. Burrow.

ing core, or lack thereof.

nals each and every year.

Sure, rookie wide re-

It is starting to get

ceiver Rashee Rice is a

boring, and there is no

stud, and Kelce is Kelce,

reason to believe it is

but Mahomes does not

going to change anytime

have anywhere near as

soon. Kelce, at 34 years

tle, Deebo Samuel and

many, or as talented,

old, will likely be the first

company

beat

targets as he did during

major piece of this Chiefs

the Chiefs. I did. And

his first Super Bowl run.

dynasty to fall to the

through the first half, I

But it did not matter,

wayside. But based on

was feeling pretty good

which is all the more

Mahomes’s ability to win

about

prediction.

frustrating and makes the

two Super Bowls without

And then, the 49ers’

situation at hand feel all

Tyreek Hill, who is to say

complete-

the more dire. It does not

he would not be able to

ly stalled in the third

matter if Mahomes has

do it without Kelce? At

At around 11 p.m.

EST on Sunday, Feb. 11, I sat, empty, in disbelief, as Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. After hours of sitting on the edge of my seat, my nerves were shot, to say the least.

Maybe I was being naive, but I genuinely believed Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kit-

my

offense

could

only

name

Mahomes

Joe Burrow

GC basketball teams hope for post-season runs Ty Karraker

versity, the team crack-

out in a game like that

Staff Writer

ing into the top 25 early

really shows that we are

Over the course of

in the year, along with

committed to playing

the season, the GC men’s

Brendan Rigsbee and

for each other and that

and women’s basketball

Brady Spence both be-

we are not done yet.”

teams have had their ups

ing awarded Peach Belt

This statement is a

and downs, filled with

Conference Player of the

true testament to the

stellar performances and

Week awards for some

team-first mentality that

winning streaks. Both

stellar

performances.

the Bobcats have had

teams currently sit with

A recent overtime win

all year, and even if the

an identical record of 11-

has given the men’s team

team was struggling, the

12 with five more games

a spark to work off of.

trust they had for one

left on the schedule.

“It definitely gave our

another was a big con-

Just a few notable mo-

team a morale boost,” said

tributor that has helped

ments for the men’s team

Oscar Lynch, a freshman

the entire roster feel that

that have truly made this

forward. “Winning in a

they can keep this going

Freshman guard Hannah Cail shoots over a defender

season incredible have

game like that showed

for a possible deep run.

six players were in dou-

for her. She said that be-

teams have proven time

been the men’s overtime

us that if we play togeth-

For the women’s team,

ble figures in their big

ing able to contribute

and time again that they

thriller versus Georgia

er, we can beat anyone.

the Bobcats had a special

win over Flagler College.

to history for a team-

are capable of doing this

Southwestern State Uni-

Being able to pull a win

performance in which

Just like the men’s team,

mate was her highlight.

at the collegiate level.

Courtesy of GC Athletics

our lady Bobcats had

my

Consistency will be

their fair share of awards,

highlight of the sea-

key for the Bobcats as

with Geary and Strick-

son so far would be

they play out the remain-

land both bringing home

when Myra scored her

der of their schedule.

the GC Zaxby’s Player

1000th point,” Vick said.

“We play some good

of the Week, and anoth-

Courtesy of GC Athletics

Graduate student center Brady Spence moves the ball down the court

“I

would

say

that

teams during this stretch,

er big accomplishment

the season is filled with

so winning those big

was

scor-

a variety of challenges

games would be huge

ing 1000 career points.

is a crucial part of any

for us and our mo-

Bailey Vick, a soph-

sport, but taking the

mentum, as we hope to

omore guard for the

strides needed to suc-

make a run in the post-

Bobcats, spoke of the

ceed at this level is a very

season,”

best part of her season

important skill, and both

Cail, a freshman guard.

Strickland

Understanding

said

Hannah

6

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

02.20.2024

SPORTS SKATER

Continued from page 1 It allows more blood flow to your heart. This drug is said to increase physical

performance.

“I think the situation is not great,” said Brooke

judges made it clear that

women’s

individual

“They should test or

Russia. In the 2014 Sochi

Olympic Committee to

there were too many un-

competition. The gold

continue drug testing be-

Winter Olympics, it was

still allow Russian ath-

answered questions and

title was stripped from

fore every event so that

reported that dozens of

not

the Russian team by the

if there is any thought of

Russian athletes, includ-

International

Skating

drugs being used, they

ing gold medal winners,

Union after the positive

can take care of it,” said

were a part of a state-

event,

test. This then made the

Alexa Geary, a senior ex-

run

which helped her team

United States gold cham-

ercise science major and

enough

evidence

to believe the story.

Valieva had already skated

in

the

doping

program.

In 2020, the Court of

was supposed to be four years, but it was shortened to two years, making the athletes eligible to play in international

Mooney, a senior mass communication

letes to compete. The ban

sporting events in 2022.

major

“I think it portrays a

and cross country run-

bad image of Russia since

ner. “As an athlete, with

their athletes have been

strict rules from the NCAA, I can see how

caught multiple times,”

serious this situation is.

Mooney said. “I believe

The rules athletes are re-

they have strong and

quired to comply with are

amazing athletes, but out-

there to keep the authen-

side pressures can cause

ticity of the sport and

athletes to feel the need

make sure all athletes are

to use prohibited drugs.”

on a fair playing field.”

The suspension of Va-

The Court of Arbi-

lieva from Russian fig-

tration for Sport posted

ure skating amid doping

their ruling, and it explained why the judges refused the argument and chose to ban her

Kamila Valieva

win the gold. She was

pions,

also allowed to continue to compete in the

Japan

received

GC

basketball

player.

Arbitration upheld these

silver and Valieva’s team

This is not the first

sanctions. This led to the

was given the bronze.

time this has happened to

creation of the Russian

from her sport. The

accusations emphasizes the significance of upholding the integrity and equity of sporting events.

Baseball begins season hot NBA standings and update Christian Castillo

Christian Castillo

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Baseball season has

The NBA season has

started for GC, and the

reached All-Star Week-

team currently sits at

end, and teams are

5-3, with all three losses

gearing up to fight in

coming in a series with

the coming weeks for

Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. The

Courtesy of GC Athletics

Sophomore outfielder Evan Cowan waits for the pitch

Bobcats have not been lucky on the road, but every other game has been a GC win on home turf.

The Bobcats swept Tuskegee University in a three-game series ending in a combined score of

In game three, junior right-handed

4-2 to win 6-5. The game

pitch-

was closely contested,

McConnell

the difference being a

faced 19 batters and tal-

solo homer to center

lied five strikeouts, al-

by junior infielder Mat-

lowing only four hits.

thew Mebane. Senior

er

Aidan

“I think we work

right-handed

pitch-

a spot in the playoffs.

As

it

currently

stands, the Boston Celtics (43-12) sit atop the Eastern

Conference,

followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-17), Milwaukee Bucks (3521), New York Knicks

great together as a team

er Jacob Ryan got the

and all have each other’s

pitching win, striking

backs,” Smith said. “Each

out three of 17 batters

player knows their role

and allowing three hits.

The Celtics are no

on the team and strives

Despite their poor

strangers to the top, and

performance in Florida,

it is no different this year,

the

GC has shown prom-

as they have maintained

University of West Geor-

ise at John Kurtz Field.

a stacked roster. Jayson

gia in a one-off game,

“Our goals are to

Tatum has averaged 27

Junior

win the PBC regu-

points per game so far

shortstop Mason Poole

lar season and tour-

heated up with a two-

nament, win regional

this season and has a

run homer in the sixth

and

inning and an RBI in the

and national champi-

eighth. Poole went 4-5

onship,”

Smith

said.

on the day batting and

With

Peach

Belt

scored two runs. Sopho-

Conference

more right-hander John

ginning in March, the

Luke Glanton got the

Raines picked up the

Bobcats will look to

pitching win. Glanton

pitching win, allowing

maintain their strong

faced 20 batters, tallying

four hits from 16 batters.

record at home and

four strikeouts and only

Albany State Universi-

allowing four hits. Freshman

26-1. GC won the second and third games 11-0.

In the first and closest of the three, Tuskegee scored first, but the Bobcats slammed the door shut with good pitching.

Sophomore

right-handed

pitcher

Lex Kenny struck out seven of 14 batters, and junior

right-handed

pitcher

Bradley

Wil-

son added three more strikeouts

while

only

giving up a single run.

In the second game, sophomore pitcher John

to do their best at it.”

GC

winning

destroyed

14-5.

Super

Regional

play

be-

(33-22) and the Philadelphia 76ers (32-22).

great supporting cast in Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and recently acquired Kristaps

Porzingis.

The Cavaliers, led

NBA logo

year, and hopefully, we

six games back, equal

can catch Boston,” said

to

Ryan Collins, a sopho-

team

the

second-place

in

the

East.

more mass communi-

The Nuggets will look

cation major and Cav-

to defend their title be-

aliers fan. “Hopefully,

hind their main man

the team will stay hot

and

as we get into the home

the Joker, Nikola Jokic.

stretch to the playoffs.”

If the season ended

In the Western Con-

today, the Celtics, Cav-

two-time

Bucks,

MVP,

ference, the Minnesota

aliers,

Knicks,

Timberwolves

(39-16)

76ers, Indiana Pacers,

currently sit at the No.

Miami Heat and Orlan-

1 seed. They are fol-

do Magic would make

lowed by the Oklahoma

the playoffs in the East.

City Thunder (37-17),

In the West, the Tim-

by Donovan Mitchell,

the Los Angeles Clip-

berwolves,

are currently the hot-

pers (36-17), the Denver

Clippers, Nuggets, Suns,

test team in the league,

Nuggets (36-19) and the

New Orleans Pelicans,

learn to shake their

winning 17 of their last

Phoenix Suns (33-22).

Dallas Mavericks and

ty gave GC their biggest

road woes. May will

18 games and only los-

The Western Confer-

the Sacramento Kings

Smith

challenge at home yet.

bring the conference

ing twice so far in 2024.

ence is closer than the

would make the playoffs.

went 3-3 batting, scor-

However the Bobcats

tournament, when the

ing three runs himself.

came back from down

team will have to shine.

Braeden

the

Eastern Conference, as

way we have started the

the fifth-place team is

“It’s

amazing

The

Thunder,

playoffs

begin

on Saturday, April 20.

7

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

02.20.2024

ARTS & LIFE BANDS

Continued from page 1 First up was Avant Garde. For those unfamiliar, the Oxford English Dictionary defines “avant garde” as “the pioneers or innovators in any art in a particular period.” Essentially, Avant Garde aims to be experimental, unusual and unique, and I can attest that their performance lived up to their name.

Avant Garde was also the smallest group that night — in quantity but not presence. The two members, Tommy Creekmore as pianist and Daniel Hastings on vocals, took the stage and shocked the crowd.

With Creekmore playing skillfully, Hastings took to the microphone in what I can only describe as an aggressive form of slam poetry that left me taken aback. The two styles – Creekmore playing carefully and impressively while Hastings hoarsely delivered his work – seem so different yet complement one another quite well.

It was an interesting but not at all bad mix of sounds, and I mean to deliver that as a compliment because I believe this to be precisely their intent. Neither seemed to outshine the other in performance or presence, and the audience responded to this unique performance with nothing short of interest, excitement and rapt attention — particularly when Creekmore and Hastings pulled out blindfolds and continued to skillfully deliver

while lacking a key sense.

“I think it would be, to be honest, a little fun to have an act like ours open for an artist like Quavo,” Hastings said. “If we win, that would be — Georgia College would — I have no idea what would even happen, to be honest.”

“It would certainly be exposing a lot of people to some much more experimental music than they’re used to,” Creekmore said.

After watching Avant Garde perform, I cannot help but agree with this assessment. Frankly, their style of music is not my personal preference, but I will always give credit where credit is due and can attest that it was an amazing representation of a niche style that, as Creekmore said, most GC students are not used to. Personal music tastes aside, I enjoyed this exposure and think Hastings and Creekmore kicked off the Battle of the Bobcats spectacularly.

The next performance was Chief, a local group that has performed around Milledgeville at house parties and is what I would consider a semi-well-known group around GC. “We really want Quavo, so we’re going to do whatever it takes to get Quavo,” said Dylan Shelnutt, drummer.

This performance was very well put together, and vocalist James Carter brought strong stage presence, dancing and moving throughout the whole set. Chief kicked off their show with a cover of “Take Me Out” by Franz Fer-

Chief | Courtesy of Hannah Gilleon

dinand, which instantly set a fun and party-like tone for their group.

My biggest observation of Chief is how much fun they were having. The camaraderie on that stage was visible, and every member of the group genuinely seemed to be having a blast. If you have the opportunity to catch a Chief concert in the future, I recommend going because if it is anything like their Battle of the Bobcats performance, you are going to have a great time.

I spoke with Chief before their performance, and I asked them a question I asked every group: What do you think is your greatest strength as a band, particularly compared to your competitors? Chief ’s energy throughout their interview was very much like that of their performance, which is full of brotherly camaraderie and fun, as evident in Carter’s response, where he instantly named their guitarist.

“Mason Wiley,” Carter said. “Mason is also the drummer for Andalusia, so he brings some experience for playing harder stuff like this as opposed to just house shows and frats and what we normally do. I feel like we all get along really well and,

like, money aside and music aside, we just have a good time together, and it sounds kind of corny, but we bring charisma.”

After Chief ’s set, I was left with one simple but important note: Their performance made me happy. I like their energy, their music selection and the environment their set created in Magnolia Ballroom.

The third and final group that took to the stage was Subject to Change, who also happens to be the winner of Battle of the Bobcats, meaning they will open for Quavo and The Stews next month. Avant Garde was intriguing, and Chief was fun, but in my personal opinion, Subject to Change stole the show.

Subject to Change is a more alternative rock group than either of their predecessors, and they played what I call “headbangers” (and yes, there was literal headbanging happening around the room). I loved it instantly.

Their performance embodied speeding ticket music. Speeding ticket music is any song that, if played in the war while I’m driving, practically guarantees that I will earn myself a much-deserved speeding ticket before the song ends.

Avant Garde | Courtesy of Hannah Gilleon

Subject to Change | Courtesy of Hannah Gilleon

They played four songs: “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zepplin, “Everlong”

by Foo Fighters, “No Rain” by Blind Melon (which was my personal favorite track of their performance) and ended with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana.

The room could not help but dance. The performance enveloped precisely what I felt a Homecoming opener should be: high energy, recognizable songs and a band that plays with a fervor that seems almost painful. If you have ever seen the Muppets’ Animal on the drums, trust that he would fit in perfectly with Subject to Change, not that they are in need of a drummer, as Devin Robinson’s effort and energy would make Animal proud.

Alongside Robinson, Subject to Change had Andre Molina on bass, Nick Conzett on guitar and Sam Daly

singing, all of whom deserve recognition for a performance that took each of them to pull off.

“I think that our biggest strength is that we have a really good way of just having fun while we’re up there,” Robinson said. “It’s really hard for us to not have a good time.”

Regardless of who won and who did not, this sentiment of excitement and enjoyment was a commonality between all three groups.

Each band supported and congratulated one another throughout and after their sets, and the entire environment was one of healthy competition rooted in sharing what we all love: music.

If you have never been to a Battle of the Bobcats, you really ought to make it for next year’s Homecoming, and go see Subject to Change open for Quavo and The Stews on March 8 in the Centennial Center!

gia’s most selective universities is a great accomplishment, but it does not always come with easy decisions.

“It’s important to understand that even being test-required and selective, admissions also practice a holistic review process,” Myers said. “We want people at GCSU who add to the culture and values of this institution. As a liberal arts institution,

we are in the business of

SAT Changes post COVID-19 Addison White

Contributing Writer COVID-19

changed

the way everyone lives their daily lives. Everything, from school to work to concerts, has changed greatly from the way it was prior to the pandemic. One of the things that changed the most is the way universities

are

run.

Before the pandemic, online classes were very sparse and not very common. Now, if a professor misses a class, that class is not canceled. It is now online.

But it is not just those things that have changed.

Standardized

tests have changed as well. Since COVID-19, the SAT has been an optional test until recently,

when Dartmouth College reinstated its policy.

The college’s change also suggested that standardized test scores are a better indicator of long-term academic success than GPA. “I think the reinstatement of SAT scores as a requirement for college admissions will negatively impact GCSU,” said Hagan Vinson, a freshman biology major. “I think by doing this, you lose so many academic-inclined students who are simply not good test-takers. I believe we are losing so much diversity on campus, which will show in the future and have many negative consequences.”

Fall admissions are making major changes. Not only has the

SAT been reinstated, but starting in March, it will also be digital.

According to USA Today, the SAT will move to a completely digital format starting in March.

The traditional format will no longer be available, with exceptions for students with vision or reading disabilities.

“Being test-required is a double-edged sword,” said Clark Myers, the Assistant Director of New Student Programs and the GC Welcome Center. “On one hand, the students who are completing their SAT/ACT and applying to GCSU seem to be much more committed to enrolling in the fall. However, it does limit the pool of applicants we get.”

As one of the three

most selective universities in Georgia, GC will be one of the schools to require standardized test scores for fall admissions. In the future, GC hopes to not require test scores, as it does limit the population of applicants, including more diverse applicants. This decision could hinder students who do not have access to test preparation materials and resources.

The phrase “test-optional” is often misleading because applicants who are below an established GPA are still required to take the SAT or ACT, meaning applications are only test-optional for high-achieving students, who often have the greatest access to additional support.

Being one of Geor-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

developing people who contribute positively to both

their

profession

and their communities.”

It is true that students’ SAT and ACT scores and GPAs are great indicators of their academics, but they do not completely reflect them as a person.

GC has a big future ahead of them when it comes to admissions.

8

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

02.20.2024

ARTS & LIFE

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE DISNEY+ SERIES EVERYONE LOVES Izzy Nicklas

Many fans seem to

sters.” With how well

“There were a few

Contributing Writer

have loved the casting

the first season did, fans

changes I didn’t nec-

for the new show for

are already captivated

essarily

love,

and

how similar the char-

and starting to specu-

thought

the

acters’

personalities

late interesting add-ins

and style are to how

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” a show recently added to the popular streaming service Disney+, was renewed for a second season as of Feb. 7. The first season of the show follows Rick Riordan’s first book in the “Percy Jackson” series, “The

Lighting

Thief.”

The show was highly anticipated by fans from all over for its shockingly similar adaptation to the book. With so

cent, I feel like many parts

were

rushed.”

“I feel like make-

I

In some cases, fans

up plays a huge role in

pacing

seemed the opposite of

it,” said Sofia Wilson, a

could have been much

thrilled

watch-

freshman theatre major.

for the second season,

better,” Chastain said.

ing the show because

“I myself have played

they are in the book.

turning the show into

“I thought their bud-

of

characters.

characters seven years

“I really enjoyed the

an even bigger event.

get could’ve been spent

“The actors are very

younger than me, and

when

certain

show and its casting,”

young and don’t really

said Kellen O’Neil, a

share the personalities

sophomore mass com-

of the original charac-

munication major. “Leah

ters,” said Juliana Sim-

and Walker played An-

mons, a sophomore mass

nabeth and Percy re-

communication

ally well. They felt like

“I

hated

major.

Lin-Man-

actual portrayals of the

uel Miranda’s casting,”

characters in the book.”

O’Neil said. “It felt like

“Waler Scobell, I feel,

I could only see him as

is just a very likable actor

Lin-Manuel

and brings out the fun-

from ‘Hamilton,’ so it

ny and charismatic side

threw me off compared

of Percy Jackson,” said

to most of the actors,

Ansley Herrin, a fresh-

being unknown faces.”

er season is coming out.

man art major. “He fits

One thing worth not-

“Ultimately, I loved

the role perfectly, and al-

ing is that Percy Jack-

the new ‘Percy Jack-

though he may not have

son’ show,” said Lauren

been a direct resem-

Chastain, a freshman

blance of Percy in the

mass

communication

books, I think person-

major. “I loved the books

ality-wise, he killed it.”

when I was younger, and

Season two of “Percy

the show did a much

Jackson and the Olym-

better job at portraying

pians’’ will be based

the plot and characters

on

than the movies did.”

book, “The Sea of Mon-

much anticipation for the new show and great streaming numbers, it is only fitting that anoth-

book, Jackson is only 13.

Riordan’s

second

Kylie Rowe | Asst. A&L Editor

While production for

better — like the last

season two has been ap-

episode, when he pulls

proved, certain aspects

out the pen, and it trans-

of the first season seem

forms into a sword, it

to have fallen short. Fans

didn’t look good,” said

have become meticulous

Bobby Johnson, a fresh-

about certain details that

man

did not seem to quite fit.

“While casting was de-

business

major.

Miranda

son is 12 years old in the books, but Walker

it’s all about how you stand and move your body. Practicing helped me achieve the look of being

younger.

Cos-

tumes, as well, can help.”

“I’m

like

halfway

through, and it’s a good show, but I definitely do not like how young they made the characters this time,” Simmons said. “I would assume it would hold restrictions in a similar way that this season did.”

With

very

mixed

emotions coming from

Scobell was 14 during

fans, the show’s produc-

filming of season one.

ers might have some

With no confirmation

things to tweak ever so

of when season two will

slightly.

air, fans worry about

the first season did well,

how much older Sco-

and season two will con-

bell will look, especially

tinue to enhance this

because in the second

franchise

Nonetheless,

even

more.

The importance of Black History Month Kylie Rowe

Asst. A&L Editor February is nationally recognized and celebrated as Black History Month. At GC, the importance of Black History Month is expressed through a series of activities put on by GC’s Cultural Center as well as other organizations.

Black History Month

This article was revised on Feb. 21 to correct inaccurate information regarding the Black Student Alliance’s involvement with planning Black History Month events and the position title of a source. The Colonnade apologizes for any confusion and inaccurate information we presented.

and was celebrated from

brates all the traditions

Zeta Phi Beta Sorori-

with

Jan 2 to Feb 28. From

that have led to who we

ty, Inc., a Divine Nine

Truman signing Execu-

including

the Kent State cam-

are, inventions, change

organization,

GC.

tive Order 9981, putting

Luther King Jr., Rosa

pus in 1969 to the GC

and so much more.”

Black History Month

an end to segregation in

Parks, Marsha P. John-

campus in 2024, Black

GC’s Cultural Center,

allows people to learn

the Armed Services, and

son and many others.

in partnership with oth-

more about the impact

ending in 1968 when

“It’s a month to en-

er campus organizations,

that Black Americans

President

B.

lighten people on how

hosts events throughout

have had on our history,

Johnson signed the Civ-

far the African Amer-

February to get campus

in fact, that is why Wood-

il Rights Act, to provide

ican race has come to

involved in celebrating

son found it important

equal housing opportu-

gain

Black History Month.

to observe the month.

nities regardless of race.

the world,” said Wil-

This includes a series

“One of my favorite

However, the Civil

of “Amplifying Voices”

analogies is that our an-

Rights movement con-

that brings families to-

lunch and learns on Feb.

cestors went through the

tinues today with the

gether to truly under-

2, 9, 16 and 23. Other

woods first and bared

Black Lives Matter, or

stand

events taking place this

the wounds so that the

BLM, movement, which

Many modern styles

month include a trip to

newer generations can

was established in 2013.

of music, dance, art and

the Tubman Museum,

succeed,” said Lambert.

The BLM group web-

inventions are direct-

a Black Women Au-

“It is important to recog-

site focuses on ending

ly rooted in Black cul-

thors Readout, a Black

nize everything our an-

police

and

ture, and Black Histo-

History throughout the

cestors did to allow us to

supports the vision of

ry Month gives people

Decades

a

do things today like to be

defunding the police.

who enjoy that culture

community building cir-

able to go to school and

Black history can be a

a chance to celebrate

cle, a Black HIV/AIDS

get a good education.”

messy topic when look-

where it originated from.

a

ing at slavery and the in-

The achievements made

“It is important to

page dedicated to Black

justices that Black Amer-

by Black Americans who

celebrate Black histo-

History and emphasiz-

icans still face, however,

came before this gener-

ry because of the many

es the role that African

some sources are deter-

ation are important to

trailblazers that paved

Americans have played

mined to focus on the

how the U.S. lives today.

the way for Black peo-

in United States history.

positive outcomes rather

“We should also re-

ple today,” said Briana

The articles that History.

than what African Amer-

member that we are now

Lambert, a junior MIS

com is spotlighting in-

icans have faced. Oprah

the pavers and should en-

major, the BSA Presi-

clude a comprehensive

Daily published an article

sure that we continue to

dent and the President

Civil Rights Movement

highlighting 31 amazing

pave the way for new gen-

of the Eta Xi chapter of

Timeline starting in 1948

African Americans and

erations,” said Lambert.

History

Month

con-

tinues to be a sacred month about honoring the amazing Black men and women in America.

estab-

“To me Black His-

lished in 1976 by Carter

tory Month is not only

G. Woodson, who was

about history, but about

dedicated to celebrating

tradition,” said Kenda

Black people’s historic

Williams, a senior exer-

contributions. The origi-

cise science major, and

nal Black History Month

Black Student Alliance,

was

officially

Kent

or BSA, Vice President.

State University in 1969

“It’s a month that cele-

originated

at

Showcase,

awareness day and more!

Julia Jensen | Art Director

History.com

at

has

President

Harry

Lyndon

brutality

their accomplishments,

liams.

Dr.

equality “It’s

their

a

Martin

around month

heritage.”

9

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

02.20.2024

ARTS & LIFE

CHALK CITY! GC’S MOST COLORFUL TRADITION Rebecca Ocampo

the rest of GC. While the

gin until midnight on

The University of Tennes-

Staff Writer

idea of chalking up cam-

the dot and that they are

see, however, puts their

pus at midnight might

not allowed to use their

own spin on the chalking

sound daunting to some,

chalk on the brick walls

Homecoming tradition.

that has never stopped

or any elevated surfac-

“Student clubs and

sororities and fraterni-

es on campus, such as

organizations

ties from spending their

benches and stairs. The

signed spaces on Pedes-

Monday night writing

sidewalks, however, are

trian Walkway to create a

all along the campus.

free game. In the past,

chalk design to promote

Grace Farrell, a ju-

there have been breach-

Homecoming week,” said

nior marketing major, is

es of protocol, but for

Sarah Portanka, a writer

Zeta Tau Alpha’s Home-

the most part, every-

at The Daily Beacon, the

coming chair for the

body tends to follow the

University of Tennes-

As soon as midnight hits on the first day of Homecoming week, the GCSU

campus

turns

into a rainbow chalk city.

The sidewalks all around campus get filled with messages about who to vote for and which candidates to support. This tradition of chalking up

are

as-

campus has existed for

see’s campus newspaper.

many years and has be-

Customary events at

Just by having people see those names and their affiliations impacts their choice at the end of the day when voting comes around.

come a staple in GC’s Homecoming festivities.

By midnight on the day before Homecoming

officially

begins,

other schools often include a Homecoming parade and a Homecoming football game, if applicable to the school.

-Mallory Irvin

there are many girls

GC closes out Home-

Courtesy of Brinkley Bolton

The chalking difficul-

of Homecoming week.

ties that other schools

The amount of chalk-

might face include hav-

ing a sorority does also

ing too large of a campus

plays a role in getting

to cover every corner

their name out there,

with chalk, or their cam-

so by the time voting

pus could be in the city,

rolls around, they are

making it difficult for

making sure they are

them to write anywhere.

being

remembered.

“Chalking works re-

“Just by having people

ally well on our cam-

see those names and their

pus because our cam-

affiliations impacts their

pus is small, and you

choice at the end of the

don’t have to go super

day when voting comes

far to get your mes-

around,” said Mallory

sage across,” Farell said.

Irvin, a sophomore mass

all

coming week by holding

across campus vying for

its Homecoming parade,

goes into chalking up

and Kappa Delta’s Vice

the best and most vis-

second year in a row.

rules of this tradition.

where each candidate

campus is that sororities

President

ible spots to chalk up.

“I try to stress to our

If a sorority or fra-

and their affiliating orga-

and fraternities want to

ment

In past years, the spots

girls that if you don’t

ternity does break the

nization are recognized.

get people excited for

most filled with chalk

seem

sup-

rules, they could po-

The weekend following

Homecoming

all

turning the GC campus

tended to be the foun-

port your candidates,

tentially get fined or

the parade, GC has its an-

its festivities. Covering

into a rainbow road of

tain area and the main

why would anyone else

even suspended from

nual Homecoming bas-

the campus with rain-

Homecoming advertise-

campus sidewalks. This

want to?” Farrell said.

the

festivities.

ketball games and Tent

bow

advertisements

ments is a long-stand-

tradition serves as a way

The two official rules

Homecoming

City tailgating event. It

gives the students and

ing tradition that has

for Greek Life sororities

and regulations of cam-

chalking tradition is one

is the chalking tradition,

faculty of GC a shock

been and will continue

to market their cam-

pus chalking are that

of a kind and not typical-

however, which official-

factor when they step

to be a part of the week’s

paigns and candidates to

the groups cannot be-

ly done at other colleges.

ly starts off the week.

on campus that first day

campaigning festivities.

already

scattered

like

you

week’s

GC’s

Another factor that

and

communication of

and

major Recruit-

Marketing.

At the end of the day,

Taylor Swift & the 2024 election

Can the opinions of Swifties determine the outcome?

Olivia DeRosa

the Biden camp has been

for most of her career.

Staff Writer

hunting for that covet-

The first time Swift open-

ed endorsement, with

ly endorsed a political

a huge impact on me

Trump’s team calling it

candidate was in 2018,

personally but also on

a “holy war” if Swift en-

when she endorsed Dem-

a lot of young wom-

dorses Biden. Fox News

ocratic candidates in her

en,” said Ansley Tala-

commentators are go-

home state of Tennessee.

fous, a senior middle

ing as far to urge Swift

“I always have and

grades education major.

to stay out of politics.

always will cast my vote

Swift has a large fan

right-wing-

based on which candi-

base in America, with al-

been

pro-

date will protect and fight

most 53% of Americans

theories

that

for the human rights I

saying they are fans of

range from “holy war”

believe we all deserve in

her, according to a March

to Swift and her boy-

this country,” Swift said

2023 Morning Consult

friend,

in an Instagram post.

poll. Her Eras Tour has

Over the past decade, Taylor Swift has become

a

household

name, currently on her record-breaking worldwide tour, the Eras Tour, and releasing a blockbuster concert film to go along with it. She has become a symbol of women’s empowerment as well as an advocate for musicians’ rights. With

The ers

have

moting

Travis

Kelce,

Swift

has

support-

lion and generated over

has been used in political

ing to win the Super

ed women’s rights and

$1 billion dollars for the

conversations, with Unit-

Bowl next month,” said

LGBTQ+ laws and has

global economy, mak-

ed States President Joe

Vivek

a

been a vocal critique of

ing it the highest-gross-

Biden’s campaign hoping

former Republican pres-

police brutality, racism

ing tour in history, de-

for a major endorsement

idential candidate, on

and homophobia. Many

throning

from the global popstar.

social media in January.

fans

multi-year Yellow Brick

Biden will seemingly

“And I wonder if there

she will endorse Biden

face an energized cam-

is a major presiden-

— if she endorses any-

The global popstar

paign from former Pres-

tial endorsement com-

one — as she has voiced

has an expansive reach

ident Donald Trump in

ing from an artificially

her dislike for Trump.

the upcoming election

culturally

propped-up

“I’m sad I didn’t say

and is searching for some

couple

this

major endorsements, in-

The

2024

elections, Swift’s name

“I wonder who’s go-

Ramaswamy,

fall.”

multi-Grammy

has

then,

“Taylor

accumulated $1.04 bil-

impending

Since

documentary.

Swift

the

rigging the Super Bowl.

cana”

openly

have

speculated

ues, so I would think that

one vote for one can-

whoever she is endorsing

didate over the other.

would be someone that I

“If in fact it turns out

would also vote for,” said

to be a Biden-Trump re-

Jordan Trippany, a junior

match, how many peo-

early childhood educa-

ple really haven’t formed

tion major and self-pro-

an opinion about either

claimed “Swiftie.” “If she

of those two?” said Da-

endorsed someone really

vid James Jackson, a

terrible, I would not vote

professor

over millions of peo-

for them just because

Green State University.

ple yet does not seem

she is endorsing them.”

In an unusual election,

Road

to

Swift

opinions

referring

Elton

John’s

Farewell

anything two years ago,” said,

Julia Jensen | Art Director

fully

Tour.

Bowling

that

a president versus a for-

politics.

there is no sure way

mer president, this young

affect on

at

their

Experts

warn

cluding one from Swift.

Award winner has stayed

to the 2016 election,

“I think that me and

to pinpoint the exact

fan base could be the

Over the past few weeks,

out of the political arena

in her “Miss Ameri-

Taylor have similar val-

thing that makes some-

edge that Biden needs.

10

DELANEY DERRY, OPINION EDITOR

02.20.2024

OPINION COFFEE

ny day, and I can make

alas, it is no longer the

drinking Brazilian pour-

a stop at Blackbird for

holiday season, so I must

overs,” said Elias Bennett,

wholeheartedly

an iced white mocha,

move on to other tastes.

a barista at Blackbird.

agree. The creme brulee

but I also love when it

I have heard of other

“They are dark roast, and

is a very popular cof-

is a chilly fall day, and I

cinnamon-inspired cof-

they’re

fee from Blackbird. The

stop for a moment to sip

fees that they make as

with a really good flavor.”

name makes it sound

on a hot white mocha. It

well, so their cinnamon

I, of course, had to

like it is really sweet,

is a universal coffee that

coffee options are still

try this roast for myself

but it is actually a great

I enjoy in any season.

under my investigation.

because the description

Continued from page 1 I

really

smooth

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

blend of both sweetness

Last year, over the

The next and final

was just too convincing,

when going to Blackbird.

and bitterness. It has a

holidays, I tried their

favorite on my main

although I am easily con-

It was so unbelievably

great flavor but also a

cinnamon roll latte hol-

menu is a simple pour-

vinced when it comes to

smooth, and I do mean

great coffee taste that I

iday drink, and it has

over. I love a good

coffee. I will say the de-

that with full dramat-

look for in a good cup.

to be one of my top all-

pour-over, especially a

scription was in no sense

ic effect. Not only was

I am a latte lover, and

time favorites. I am not

dark roast, which real-

inaccurate. I completely

the taste great, but the

the specialty white mo-

partial

ly is the only way to go,

agree and can attest that

smell

cha latte from Blackbird

but Blackbird’s mix of

and

Blackbird

always

a simple pour-over, Bra-

as well. I could sit and

is another go-to for me.

cinnamon and coffee is

has

good

pour-overs.

zilian style, with room

sip and breathe in that

I like this delicious drink

an

“Right now, we just

for cream (we are not

dark, rich scent all day

animals here) is one of

long. It is simply the best.

to

cinnamon,

impeccable

flavor.

both hot and cold. I love

It is one I wish to or-

when it is a warm, sun-

der again and again, but

switched

to

Brazilian

beans, and I’ve been

my

main

preferences

was

wonderful

I am very particu-

Yeah! Usher rocks Superbowl halftime show Delaney Derry Opinion Editor Another Super Bowl Sunday has passed, when people gathered together to, yet again, root for their favorite team and eat their weight in Buffalo chicken dip. Super Bowl LVIII was filled with

lar about my coffee and enjoy various different kinds, but this is a compilation of my favorite ones

from

Blackbird

that I have tried so far.

I truly do look forward to spending ludicrous amounts of money on many

more

cups

of

these delectable drinks.

Many great artists have

ticulous protagonist at

her presence overshad-

all the glitz, glam and

Just when I thought

headlined the halftime

its center, singing and

ow Usher’s. I had a lot

high-energy

hip-hop.

things could not get any

shows in the last couple

dancing with exactitude

of faith in Usher and

The amount of enthusi-

better with the music and

of years, like Rhianna

and purpose, working

his showmanship, but I

asm that Usher brought

lights and special guests,

and Snoop Dogg, but in

hard to cram more than

was hesitant since recent

is nothing less than

Usher comes out in roller

my opinion, the shows

a dozen songs into just

halftime shows have not

what I expect of a Su-

skates! When I tell you

themselves were not par-

as many minutes,” said

been as spectacular as

per Bowl halftime show.

ticularly great. I am not

Chris Richards, a pop

halftime performances in

I was very happy with

saying I do not like the

music critic at The Wash-

the past. Thankfully, he

the songs he played be-

my jaw dropped, it is not an exaggeration. I was in utter shock and could not

artists. I just did not like

cause he played a lot of his

their shows. However,

older songs rather than

I think Usher has real-

his newer ones, and I feel

ly turned things around

like that made it so much

and brought back what

better because more peo-

the Super Bowl halftime

ple would know them.

performance.

show is really all about.

Then, he performed

I personally thought

The Super Bowl half-

a song with Alicia Keys

that Usher did a great job

time show is pop’s biggest

and recreated a perfor-

with this year’s halftime

stage. It is a great honor

mance with her that he

show. As someone who

and a huge deal to per-

is not a huge football

form for this big event.

ington Post, in his re-

made his mark, for sure.

When she came out, I

fan — not that I would

It is supposed to be spec-

view of the performance.

When Usher first be-

thought he had to have

necessarily call myself a

tacular. It is supposed to

I had wondered before

gan, I already knew the

Justin Bieber come out

fan at all — I thoroughly

be the performance of

the game if Swift would

whole performance was

too. I was hoping they

enjoy watching the Super

the year, and I think that

have the spotlight over

going to be great. Usher is

would

their

is a big Usher fan, so we

Bowl halftime show each

Usher really brought that

the whole Super Bowl,

already an amazing sing-

iconic performance of

were hopeful for a great

year. However, I feel like

energy to this year’s show.

and Usher’s performance,

er, but he is also known

“Somebody to Love,” but

performance.

the performances for the

“This halftime show

because of the Swift and

as an amazing dancer.

by the end, much to my

it was all over, I said,

last few years have been

was a blitz of retinal

Kelce dating drama. I

He really brought it with

disappointment, I re-

“YEAH! Usher just killed

slightly

maximalism with a me-

think by no means did

this performance, with

alized it was not to be.

it at Super Bowl 2024.”

many new pop culture ties, like with the whole Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance but also with Usher’s big-time halftime

disappointing.

Usher

did nearly 20 years ago.

recreate

have been more pleased.

I was dumbfounded for the entire performance.

Usher has always been known for his great singing and incredible dancing, but for someone who has come so far in his career and can still do all the things he did 20 years ago and more, it is just astounding.

I watched the whole thing with my mom. She

When