Legacy, Loss and Leadership The life of Mayor Morty Lloyd
Editor’s note: This article was originally written for the F24 Magazine & Feature Writing class at Southern Adventist University.
Morty Lloyd swayed with the music, hands clasped, as the praise team led worship inside the Chattanooga Church. The voices of singers and the sounds from instruments merged with the response of the congregation. Once the music faded and the members settled,
Lloyd walked up to the pulpit and delivered his sermon, “Confronting Conflict,” a speech that spoke of the hardships in life, both personal and collective.
Lloyd knows firsthand about challenges. On Sundays, he is the senior pastor of the congregation that meets just off Bonny Oaks Drive, but come Monday morning, he’s also mayor of the City of Collegedale, Tenn., and the major gifts officer for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation (AOPA).
Early Life
He was born in 1964 at Chattanooga Memorial Hospital to Marilyn and Mort Lloyd. His father was one of Chattanooga’s first news anchors and worked at WRCB-TV and then WDEF-TV. His mother owned and managed a radio station in nearby Dalton, Ga.
Following the Watergate scandal, his father, Mort Lloyd, went into politics driven by the desire to make real change. The decision bore fruit when he won the Democratic nomination for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District.
To celebrate his victory, Mort Lloyd flew his plane to his parents' house in Shelbyville, Tenn. Usually, his son Morty would accompany him on these flights, but on that day, he was attending a party.
“It was August 20th, 1974,” Lloyd stated in an email to the Accent. “I was in Rome, Ga., at my niece’s birthday party. Otherwise, I would have been in the airplane with my father that day. We always flew together, so it was unusual for me not to be in the plane with him.” Little did young Lloyd
know that while his father was flying, the plane’s propeller broke off, sending its pilot to the ground. He died instantly.
“My sister received a call from my mother in Chattanooga notifying her of the accident and my father’s death,” Lloyd stated. “She kept it quiet and later told me as we were driving to Chattanooga. It was an awful day.”
Lloyd described how the incident still affects him to this day.
“As a 10-year-old child
Sitting at my desk with pencils and paper scattered everywhere, my middle school English teacher forced me to diagram sentences — it felt like prison. I was the student who hated English the most growing up. I wasn’t a “bad” pupil, but I loathed school. My entire lifestyle was built around the outdoors, skateboarding and a sense of adventure.
However, even at that time, there was another side to me. Art and the idea of expression were things I enjoyed, but I had no clue how to share my voice. I can’t paint, and some of my best drawings have a stick figure as the main subject.
Ironically, I naturally loved writing. Looking back, I see now that writing poetry and attempting to capture the ethereal struck a chord with me in high school. This love was subconscious, though; I did not want to be a writer, and I remember often making fun of the profession. Life is funny. Moreover,
There are few times that I felt a greater sense of panic than I did during the final push to get the very first Southern Accent issue of the year ready for publication. As the newly minted editor-in-chief, it was my first time leading “editing night,” when the paper's editors and layout designers get together to prepare the week’s issue of the Accent. Editing nights are often long and grueling, but this one was especially arduous, as more questions, decisions and problems were lobbed my way than I thought I could handle. However, with many calls to Alva James-Johnson, faculty sponsor of the paper, and the hard work of many staff members, we successfully published the first issue. It was hard to imagine going through the same thing for another 20 issues,
but here we are at the end of the semester, and despite countless challenges along the way, the Accent has never missed a publication, even if on several occasions I thought it might.
This May will mark my completion of three years at the Accent. Sophomore year, I had the privilege of working as news editor under Alana Crosby, and junior year, I worked as managing
Mayor and senior pastor Morty Lloyd speaks to a congregation at a Sunday service at the Chattanooga Church.
(Photo by Andrew Boggess)
Hayden Kobza hugs a puppy on the Promenade.
(Photo courtesy of source)
Matthew Orquia (Photo by Preston Waters)
Hayden Kobza Managing Editor
Hayden Kobza Managing Editor
Students praise at La Comunidad Night of Worship
The lights were low. The room filled slowly. Some people slipped into seats near the back, while others made their way up front, where three chairs had been left intentionally empty, a quiet invitation for anyone ready to kneel, raise their hands or simply be still before God. There was no sermon, no children's story and no offertory. Just music and worship.
La Communidad’s Night of Worship wasn’t about filling a program. It was about making space.
“This all started with a simple idea,” Larissa Menezes, one of the organizers of Night of Worship and senior chemistry major, said. “My brother André, who’s also the drummer at our church, just said one day, ‘Why don’t we gather and just worship?’ And that’s how it began.”
"It's not a service. It's worship. "
The first event happened in November 2023. Now, months later, it has become a spiritual anchor for those who attend and the students and church members who help shape it. Unlike a typical Sabbath morning, where a schedule is followed and transitions are timed, these nights offer something else entirely.
“It’s not a service,” Menezes
Outgoing Editor
continued from page 1
editor under Amanda Blake. I am immensely grateful for the lessons I learned under the leadership of Alana and Amanda. Their examples helped me understand what it meant to be a student-journalist.
To Amanda, I am especially thankful for the trust she gave me and her unceasing dedication to improving and upholding the standards of the Accent. I could not have asked for a better example of a leader, writer or friend.
I am also thankful for the Student Association Cabinet officers I worked with this year. Despite the floor that separates our offices, I am happy to have been part of the team and proud of the things we accomplished.
Watching the Accent team work together to overcome challenges and pursue hard stories has been the highlight of my time at the paper.
My thanks also extends to Vice President for Student Development Dennis Negrón, Director of Student Life and Activities Alexis Grentz and Administrative Assistant for Student Development Teri Reutebuch, all of whom provided me with
Southern Accent
The Accent encourages readers to write articles and voice their opinions. However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Accent, Southern Adventist University or the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For any questions, comments and article submission information, email the editor at morquia@southern.edu
said. “It’s worship. That’s it. That’s the focus. We even have an open space at the front so people can kneel or dance, just worship as they feel led.”
And people do.
“I’ve seen people I never expected to stand up for a final call,” Menezes said. “You can tell when the Holy Spirit is moving. You can feel it.”
Junior Reis, pianist and singer for La Communidad, agreed.
“There’s something about the consistency of the worship culture in that church, the way they take music seriously. Three languages. Harmonies. Solos. Everyone has a role,” he said. “That foundation really made the night of worship possible.”
invaluable help and were a pleasure to work with this school year.
As cliché as it sounds, one of the most impactful things I have learned while working for the Accent is the beauty of teamwork. Watching the Accent team work together to overcome challenges and pursue hard stories has been the highlight of my time at the paper. I am grateful to each and every staff member that contributed to the Accent this year, and I hope you are proud of the many things you accomplished. Your work is what made the 80th volume of the Accent possible.
We owe a special thanks to this year’s layout designers, Jorge Pontarelli, Ana K. Zelidon and Nyah Jackson — your talents and dedication are much appreciated.
To my managing editor, Hayden Kobza, aka “The Firefighter,” thank you for never being afraid to tackle the biggest and most controversial stories and for stamping out the many fires that sparked at the Accent this year. You are a natural journalist, and I cannot wait to see what you do with the newspaper next year.
Professor Johnson, it is difficult to express on paper how much you have done for me. Thank you for recruiting me to the Accent and thinking I had the potential to be a leader before I ever would have thought so
Editor-in-Chief
Matthew Orquia
Managing Editor Hayden Kobza
News Editor Alissa Flores
Reis, who grew up in Brazil, shared how different this experience has felt from his past.
“In my church back home, it was beautiful, but we didn’t always feel free to express ourselves. I used to worry about how I looked on stage, if people were judging,” he said. “But here, through this, I’ve learned to just sing. To worship. Not to perform.”
The difference, he said, came through intentional community and time. For their most recent event, the team rehearsed for nearly two months.
“Every week we’d meet with singers and instrumentalists separately. Then the last week, we’d all come together,”
myself. You have not only been a mentor to me as a journalist, but you have also made a significant impact on my life that won’t be forgotten. As always, I wish I could have done more to continue pushing the Accent toward bigger and better things, just as previous editors have done, but at the same time, I am so proud of what this year’s team accomplished, and none of that would have been possible without you.
My final thanks must go to those who read the paper and continue to support the Accent and student journalism. This year’s team was dedicated to serving you and informing you to the best of our ability.
I'm no longer consumed with panic or fear, but a sense of satisfaction at the accomplishements of this year's team.
Editing the Accent has been one of the most difficult things I have done thus far in my life. Each issue presented a new challenge, and many left me wondering if I had the capacity to continue. However, as I stare down the last editing night of the school year, I’m no longer consumed with panic or fear, but a sense of satisfaction at the accomplishments of this year’s team and a hope for the future of the paper.
Photo Editor Preston Waters
Opinion Editor Allison Grundy
Lifestyle
While the songs vary, the heart remains the same: worship as a response to who God is.
“We want people to know that worship isn’t just music,” Menezes said. “It’s obedience. It’s a lifestyle.” She referenced a favorite song, "Let My Life Be Worship by Jenn Johnson."
“That song really captures it,” she said. “Letting every part of our lives reflect who He is.”
As La Communidad has grown, so has its vision. Their bilingual, multicultural services reflect the diversity of the congregation and the kingdom.
Reis said. “And André always reminded us: 'Let your heart out. Show God’s character.'”
Rather than center each event on a single theme, the team allows songs to shape the message.
While the songs vary, the heart remains the same: worship as a response to who God is.
“Each song we chose carried its own story, about God’s timing, about surrender, about how He makes a way,” Menezes said. “We shared short reflections before each one, tying in Scripture, just letting the Spirit guide.”
Incoming
continued from page 1
with my desired profession? Honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking, but I know now that if I hadn’t made that decision, I wouldn’t be the Southern Accent editor-in-chief next year.
I’m here because Professor Johnson stopped me in the hallway at Brock and told me I should apply to be the editor-in-chief a year ago. I had no idea what I was doing back then. I barely understood AP style, let alone how to run a $50,000 company. I wasn’t ready then, but I am now.
Over my past three semesters with the Accent, I have written nearly 20 articles for the paper. This school year alone, I wrote 15 stories, eight of which were featured on the front-page. It’s now safe to say that I love writing, and that I cannot get enough of it (I love it so much that I now want to go to law school).
Writing is one of the most important inventions humans have ever created. Having unbiased, accurate and timely news is something we should never take for granted.
My vision for next year is to maintain what my talented predecessors have done and push it to the next step. Journalistic integrity with detailed reporting is our standard. However, I will raise the bar with more student voices.
I want to make the paper more than just words on a page, but a stand-alone art piece that demands the view-
For all advertising inquiries, email studentadmgr@southern.edu. Social
Collegedale News Editor Emma Rodriguez
“We’ve done songs in Portuguese, Spanish, English — sometimes we even translate them ourselves,” Reis said. “It’s beautiful to hear so many languages lifting up the same God.”
And it’s not just about languages — it’s about belonging.
“We want someone who walks in, not knowing what to expect, to feel safe,” Menezes said. “To feel seen. To feel joy. And most of all, to see Christ in us.”
With both Menezes siblings graduating soon, the future of the event is uncertain, but hopeful.
“We’re already looking for people to take our place,” Larissa said. “We believe in passing it on. And if God wants it to continue, it will.”
er's attention. I want to have graphics and photos that help to tell the story, not hinder it. Professional journalism is hard and very time-consuming, but it’s just as necessary as water or oxygen, as it helps preserve us and those who need to express their voice.
My thanks goes out to my boss and friend, the outgoing editor, Matthew Orquia, who believed in me at times when I did not believe in myself and pushed me to be a better writer and editor. I will not disappoint you, Matthew. I know God has great plans for you.
We are here to serve you first.
For my team, we got this! We will have long nights, questioning if we can do this, but I know we can do this, every one of us. I have seen you grow as writers and editors, and you are more than qualified for this job.
To Professor Johnson, the advisor for the Accent, I would have never applied for this position if it weren't for you. You have helped me find my way in this journey called life, and I am truly grateful. A final thought to my readers: Journalism is supported by you. There is no student newspaper if we don’t have students to write for. We are here to serve you first. As Editor, I will support, serve and maintain the Accent — The Student Voice.
Singers and congregation worship together at La Comunidad church.
(Photo by Alissa Flores)
Jehiely Balabarca Reporter
continued from page 1
who lost his father and best friend, I was devastated. He and I mutually enjoyed aviation and flying together. It was a tough loss that I still feel 50 years later.”
While Lloyd still feels the pain of his father's death, he believes that God protected him that day for a greater purpose.
"I know that God has a plan for everyone's life. By His Godprovidence, didn't intend for me to be in the plane that day."
“I know that God has a plan for everyone's life. By His providence, God didn't intend for me to be in the plane that day.”
Following his father’s death, Lloyd’s mother, Marilyn, took up her husband’s political torch, becoming the first woman in Tennessee elected to a full term in Congress. She served 10 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 until 1995.
Confronting Conflict
In his sermon on Sept. 29, 2024, Lloyd applied the weight of real-world struggles. “We’ve seen the stories in the news this week about the conflict going on and all the different school shootings — the violence that’s going on, the breakdown of the home and where that has led,” he said from the pulpit.
“Our lives are shaped by conflict,” he continued. “Some enjoy conflict. … Others avoid conflict altogether.” Lloyd balanced his sermon with humor and seriousness. He said light-heartedly about the background of Christians, “I mean, we are a bunch of mutts.”
Most of the congregation laughed or smirked. He continued, more seriously, “We all come from different backgrounds, different family history, education and work backgrounds.” Then, with even more diligence, he added, “We are a bunch of mutts. But God put this group of people together … and said, ‘I want you to become more like me.’”
Lloyd’s words resonated with Barbra Woods, an older woman who has been attending the church for 10 years.
“Because, like he said, we are mutt here — different backgrounds," Woods said.
Woods is drawn to the mayor’s church because “it’s real,” she said. For her, “real” meant more than just authenticity; it was the connection to someone she considers a genuine, hands-on leader in the community.
“That’s why I’m here,” she said. “I love the Word. I love the Gospel.” Over the years, Woods has volunteered with Lloyd, accompanying him on two mission trips—one to Haiti and another to Suriname, where they administered missionary work to the Tepu Indians.
While reminiscing about Haiti, Woods recalled that while she was working with the families, Lloyd worked with the airplanes.
“Pastor Morty worked in the hangar, you know, and he’s an airplane pilot. ... You didn’t know?” She laughed, “Lord Jesus, he loves to fly!”
Love for the Skies
In 2024, following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a group of dedicated pilots led by Lloyd flew several missions, transporting
essential supplies to hard-hit areas in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Ryan Byford, director of airport operations at the Collegedale Airport, said the pilots had a significant impact on areas devastated by the hurricane.
“[In] a lot of the communities that were affected, there [are] a lot of outlying areas that did not have access,” he said in an interview with the Accent. “Roads were closed; the only way in was through air – helicopters and stuff like that.”
Aviation has been a joy of Lloyd’s since childhood, as his wife, Joyce Lloyd, explained. “His dad was a pilot,” she said. “He started flying with his dad when he was two weeks old.”
"It's
always been in my blood. As a child, I always looked up at the sky, watching airplanes."
Reflecting on this lifelong passion, Lloyd shared, “It’s always been in my blood. As a child, I always looked up at the sky, watching airplanes.”
Lloyd did not let the death of his father keep him from flying.
“God revealed to me that he made me passionate about aviation,” he said. “I know that my father would be thrilled that I’ve continued to pursue aviation, both personally and professionally.”
Lloyd spent many years as an air show director and coordinator. He started fundraising by doing Air Show Chattanooga from 1992 to 2005.
“We did it as a fundraiser for … the TC Thompson Children’s Hospital, now the Erlanger Children’s Hospital,” Lloyd said. After Air Show Chatta -
nooga, he became the major gifts officer with Mission Aviation Fellowship. He then served for two years as vice president of development with Mission Eurasia. Three years ago, he took his present job with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation.
His work with AOPA involves fundraising for high school aviation science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum.
AOPA launched the project seven years ago, initially reaching 700 students.
“Two years ago, we had 600 high schools using our curriculum,” Lloyd noted. “Last school year, it jumped to 1,000, and this year, we expect to exceed 1,300 high schools.”
One of Lloyd’s favorite parts about working for AOPA is student testimonies.
He told the story of a young student who grew up in Teterboro, N.J.
“He would ride his bike to the Teterboro airport and watch the jets fly over and said, ‘I’ll never be smart enough or rich enough to ever do that,’ but thanks to our curriculum and the scholarships that we offer … that young man is now on a path to become a professional pilot,” Lloyd said.
Political Career
Lloyd was never set on getting into politics. After graduating in 1986 from Lipscomb University with a degree in theology, he explored various paths—working in the air show industry, owning a wedding business and pastoring a church.
Lloyd said he even resisted the influence of his mother to pursue a political career.
“My mother, for many years, tried to encourage me to get into politics,” he said,
his most important concern for the city.
“There is a lot of development going on right now, and two years ago when I ran for commission, I made that my number one priority, because the decisions that are made concerning future development will shape this city forever,” Lloyd said. “Once a subdivision goes in, it’s there forever. Once a business goes in, if it’s a large business, it may be there for many [years].”
In an interview with the Accent, City Manager Wayon Hines talked about the impact that Lloyd wants to bring to his city.
“He has a fairly specific vision for the community he wants to live in,” Hines said. “He wants a very clean and safe community.”
In his long-term plan, the mayor wants to see quality developments both in housing and in a better downtown that raise the property and livability value of the city.
"We want to see families moving here. We want to see families enjoy- ing our parks, families being able to walk to a restaurant and having a nice meal."
“We want to see families moving here. We want to see families enjoying our parks, families being able to walk to a restaurant and having a nice meal,” Lloyd said. “We’re looking at a five- to 10-year plan, and it’s a matter of finding a developer whose goals and mission align with ours.”
Hines believes that Lloyd has been successful in his vision. He talked about how this year has been “pretty historic” for the city regarding capital projects.
“and I told her that I didn’t feel called to get into politics at that point in my life.”
In an interview with the Accent, his wife recollected the persistent push for her husband to enter politics.
“People have always tried to talk him into running for something,” said Joyce Lloyd. " … He was always like ‘no.’ But he did tell me years ago, ‘You know, people have always tried to get me to run for political office, but the only thing I might consider is running for the Collegedale commission.’”
Lloyd’s wife had tucked his reluctance into the back of her mind. So, when people urged him to run for the Collegedale Board of Commissioners, she recalled, “His first answer was 'no.' But when he came to talk to me about it, I said, ‘Well, remember when you said [you would consider it]?’ And he replied, ‘You’re right.’”
Lloyd was elected as a City of Collegedale commissioner in 2022.
Lloyd was elected as a City of Collegedale commissioner in 2022. He took office as mayor on Jan. 23, 2023, following his nomination by Vice Mayor Tim Johnson just a month after joining the Board of Commissioners. He succeeded Katie Lamb, who had served as mayor for eight years.
“I believe that being a pastor has prepared me for being mayor, he said.” “You’re not going to please all the people all the time. You’re going to make people mad. But I believe [that] as long as people know that you’re listening to them, it makes a difference.”
Collegedale’s Future Planning for the future is
“We’ve made a major investment in the airport this year and received a grant … to remodel the interior at the library,” Hines said.
In addition to the airport and library, Hines said the City of Collegedale has set aside money for a Greenway expansion and rebuilding Imagination Station.
“We have a great working relationship, a pretty honest relationship … [and] anything we need to discuss, we discuss very directly, very honestly and openly,” Hines said.
Acknowledging that her husband’s life has been shaped by both legacy and loss, Joyce Lloyd said, “Adversity is just part of life, and I think he takes [adversity] in stride really well. Of course, on some level, adversity always upsets you a little bit … in that [at] heart, nobody likes it. He handles it well, and he, you know, tries to look for that root cause.”
"As a pastor, as a mayor, you're making decisionslong-term that affect your city [for years]. I take it very seriously."
Lloyd emphasized the significance of his responsibilities: “As a pastor, as a mayor, you’re making long-term decisions that affect your city [for years]. I take it very seriously. Being a mayor is a very weighty responsibility, but I enjoy it. I enjoy the impact that I can have in preparing Collegedale for its future.”
He then offered his perspective on work: “Go enjoy life! I can honestly say that I enjoy all three of my jobs. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t do them. When the enjoyment goes away, it’s time to go do something different.”
Mayor Morty
Morty Lloyd preaches to congregants at Chattanooga Church.
(Photo by Andrew Boggess)
Morty Lloyd poses in front of an airplane at the Collegedale Airport.
(Photo courtesy of Jason Allin)
SonRise Easter Pageant
SonRise volunteers portray the scene of Jesus' crucifixion.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 (Photo by Bryan Veloz)
A Pharisee laughs as Jesus is being judged by Pilate. Saturday, April 19, 2025 (Photo by Bryan Veloz)
The actor for Satan watches Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 (Photo by Bryan Veloz)
Jesus performs the Passover in front of a crowd and the disciples.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 (Photo by Bryan Veloz)
Seth Mace acts as a Roman soldier near Wright Hall. Saturday, April 19, 2025 (Photo by Bryan Veloz)
Jesus and the Roman soldiers parade through Southern's campus as they travel to the scene of the crucifixion.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 (Photo by Bryan Veloz)
MENTAL HEALTH
So, what am I supposed to do now?
Edward Backer
Contributor
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals and students from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern
As the final exams loom ever closer, and graduation gowns are getting delivered, a new kind of test begins — the test of entering the real world. Let’s face it, the transition from being a student to entering the job market can be downright scary.
You’re suddenly expected to switch from a well-planned schedule of classes and extracurriculars to the unpredictability of job hunting and adulting. This can bring on a wave of anxiety for many of us. So, how do we tackle these post-grad challenges head-on? Well, you’re in luck, because I have some answers for you.
Probably the largest source of anxiety post-grad is job hunting. Not having classes to attend everyday can feel freeing initially, but eventually the realization that you have to fill that free time with a 9-5 hits, and it hits hard. So how do you navigate that challenge?
First, create a structured routine. Dedicate specific hours each day to job search activities like scouring job boards, tweaking your resume or networking.
Speaking of which, don’t underestimate the power of a good connection — tap into alumni networks, attend business fairs and conventions and don’t be shy to reach out
on job board sites (i.e. LinkedIn, GlassDoor, Indeed).
If you don’t already have a network and don’t know where to start, past professors and job supervisors may be able to point you in the right direction. This can be a solid way to start building your network in a familiar place. College was more than classrooms; it was coffee shops, libraries and the student lounge—places where you could chill and connect with friends. Unfortunately, quick
and easy access to community like that can be difficult to find after graduation. Otherwise known as “third spaces,” these are places outside of home and work where you can find and build community, according to an article from the University of Chicago. Finding your new “third space” can be crucial for mental well-being.
Whether it’s the local café, park, run club or your local YMCA, these spaces can provide a sense of belonging and community outside your work or home.
Going from being surrounded by green spaces to now having to make green paper, the thought of managing your finances post-grad can be a stressful one. Whether it’s budgeting, making an emergency fund or figuring out what type of IRA to use or how to pay off student loans, every choice matters.
Using resources such as Investopedia, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your Uncle Bill who’s crazy good at investing can help mitigate
the stress that comes with financial literacy. Navigating life after graduation doesn’t have to feel like a plunge into the unknown. With a bit of planning and a lot of patience, you can manage this transition. Think of it as your next big project, and you’re the project manager. If things get tough, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Here’s to turning those postgrad jitters into excitement for the future.
SPORTS
Tinikling: Interweaving dance and sport
Tinikling, a national folk dance from the Philippines, has become well-known throughout Filipino social media and pop culture and has even been incorporated into some school systems in the United States. In my opinion, tinikling should be classified as a sport because of its intensity. For those not aware, tinikling is a rhythmic dance that requires two bamboo poles held by two people who are kneeling or sitting. They follow the rhythm of traditional Filipino music by raising and dropping the poles on the first and second beat, then clapping the poles together to make the music’s signature beat.
The dancers respond by jumping, hopping and turning in sequence with each other and the music, as they try not to get their feet caught between the clapping poles. The coordination required makes the rhythmic dance very challenging. I can say from experience that tinikling is very intense and requires rhythm, cardio and confidence to pull off. My connection with this dance goes back a long way. In middle school, my friends and I tried to execute this athletic performance for a showcase during an annual International Day celebration. It was a very interesting experience that humbled my ability to dance and be confident.
When the music started, I forgot all of my practiced choreography and stood immobilized. When I tried to cross the bamboo poles, my feet were constantly caught between them when they came together. By the end of the song, I was tired, sweaty and bruised around my ankles, but it was okay, because it was a learning experience that I got to share with my friends. Back in February, I had the blessing and opportunity to participate in the annual Chattanooga Chinese New Year event, a local event I recommend supporting. This event was a compilation of amazing performances and delicious Asian food from vendors. The performances showcased and
represented other countries, and I had the blessing of participating in tinikling.
The preparation for this dance was intense, but worth the experience. Initially, the rehearsals started with planning the dance and what we wanted to showcase. The footwork was very involved and required a lot of coordination. We practiced for hours on end, and since we all had prior experience with tinikling, it was easy to get the gist of the sequencing of the dance.
At the Chinese New Year event, the music started, and then it all went by in a blur. Everyone in the dance group was locked into executing the performance. Due to those countless hours of rehearsal, we
6 p.m.
knew what we were doing and were enjoying the moment. During practices, our feet would get caught between the poles, but during the performance, they were jumping with more ease. Once the dance was finished, we felt great even though we were sweaty and tired. Tinikling got our hearts pumping! The performance went very well!
We endured lots of sweat, bruises and sometimes even tripping during the practices. However, at the end, our collective work was successfully representing our country, which was such a blessing that still connects with me. If I could do it again, I would, and I probably will next year.
- bola bola vs Nuestro Equipo (Ladies B)
- Barely Atlético FC vs Monarcas FC (Mens B)
- Queens FC vs Christian Pulisic FC (Mens B)
7 p.m.
- Crudinhos FC vs Calebs Ankle (Mens A)
- Sweet Kicks vs Goalden Girls (Ladies B)
- Always Offside vs 2008 Antony (Mens B)
8 p.m.
- Mong’s Disciples vs Vannis2Fast (Mens B)
- Perfectly Aged vs Cristiano Ronaldo FC (Mens B)
- SALTshakers FC vs Yellow Lock (Mens B)
9 p.m.
- sam and friends vs Zo-Khaw Thunder FC (Mens A)
- Juan on Juan vs wiz khafifa (Ladies A)
Badminton Tournament Playoffs: 5 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Pickleball Tournament FINAL: 6 p.m.
Tennis Tournament Playoffs: 6 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Jeremy Zamora Contributor
Julianna Dumanon, Danerose Sanford, Jerleine Capobres and Jeremy Zamora danced the tinikling at the Chattanooga Chinese New Year event this past February. (Photo courtesy of source)
OPINION
Buc-ee’s: Southern hospitality or another example of our excessive consumerism?
Allison
Grundy Opinion Editor
If you’ve ever been on a road trip in the South, maybe even taken Interstate 75 toward Atlanta, you’ve probably seen advertisements for Buc-ee’s.
The looming signs remind parents that the next stop is no less than 57 miles, so they can tell the kids in the back to cross their legs and set the cruise control on their American-made truck to 80 mph.
In the South, even a gas station is not just a stop, but a destination. Buc-ee’s, which thrives on being the biggest and the best, is a record holder for the world’s largest convenience store in Luling, Texas, at 75,000 square feet.
Buc-ee’s stores sell pre-packaged snacks and drinks, made-to-order foods, Buc-ee’s branded merchandise and Southern-esque novelties. Thanks to its reputation for clean bathrooms and cheap gas, many travelers go out of their way to stop there.
Making a quick stop at Bucee’s may be fun, but when looking deeper, its success and popularity reveal a lot about Southern culture. One may ask why such a big gas station is so popular. Why don’t the many businesses that sell fresh produce and high-quality meals have the same level of popularity?
It isn’t about personal choice; it’s about a culture that prioritizes convenience over wellness. Yet, this typically isn’t questioned at an establishment like Buc-ee’s, because in
the South, we’ve normalized this type of excess.
In addition to processed foods, Buc-ee’s offers a commodified version of Southern identity. Merchandise (without Buc-ee’s logos) features patriotic slogans, and their Love and Faith brand offers women’s T-shirts with sayings like “I love Jesus & Coffee.” It’s not overly political, but it doesn’t have to be.
The branding reinforces a vision of the South where
consumerism, nationalism and religion blend together. No one has to stop to think, who would Buc-ee the beaver vote for?
The South is known for many things: hospitality, notable recipes and simple living. From anywhere that Buc-ee’s gas stations have flown the American flag, nearby you’ll find soulful food and music, beautiful farms and rolling landscapes.
Buc-ee’s may reflect parts
of the Southern identity, but its success also shows what’s being lost to consumerism rather than improved as time passes. You won’t find the community or charity in helping others that the South is known for there. There is much more to aspire to that can’t be found there.
Buc-ee’s is, admittedly, pretty good for a gas station.
The bathrooms are surprisingly clean, gas is cheap and it provides jobs for local commu-
nities. But what if we questioned it instead of celebrating a gas station for its extravagance? Buc-ee’s isn’t just a case of successful marketing, but an altar to consumerism disguised as good ol’ Southern hospitality.
Editor’s Note: The Opinion Section encourages multiple perspectives, so please feel free to send a response or other opinions for future articles to allisongrundy@southern.edu.
RELIGION
Grief Observed: Thoughts & Ramblings
Ana K. Zelidon Copy Editor
God, the “great iconoclast.”. I can’t stop thinking about this passage from A Grief Observed. There’s something so jarring—yet so true—about the idea that God isn’t just some eternal comfort blanket, but one that actively breaks apart the images we build of Him. It makes belief feel almost dangerous, like walking on shifting ground. And maybe that’s the point. As Christians, we love our images — the stained-glass pictures, the gentle shepherd metaphors — all developed to make God feel manageable, the
boxed-in and limited Creator. And C.S. Lewis understands their origin—he even acknowledges their usefulness.
But then he drops this line: “Images of the Holy easily become holy images—sacrosanct.” Suddenly, the things meant to redirect us to God end up replacing Him. That’s terrifying, but it’s also so very human.
Of course, Lewis doesn’t arrive at this realization in a vacuum. His wife dies, and the God he thought he knew vanishes. Here he is, one of the greatest Christian authors of his lifetime, and he’s stuck questioning the love of God. From an outsider’s point of
view, one wonders how authentic his theological foundation really was.
He says, “My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered time after time. He shatters it Himself.” That’s the thing about faith—it’s not static. It’s this constant process of unlearning of God, with Him at the forefront of the destruction of the false versions of Himself we’ve built, so that we can start to see Him as He truly is.
If God is the great iconoclast, then belief is this terrifying act of letting go. We don’t get to have the final word on who He is, no matter how frustrating or comfortable
that image is. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, it states that we only see “a reflection as in a mirror,” like we’re grasping at shadows of something too vast to hold.
And yet, we keep trying. We want all the certainty and answers, but belief isn’t about that. It seems that our relationship with God is about being willing to have our illusions shattered, over and over again, until all that’s left under the dust and broken glass is Himself.
So here’s where I land: Lewis’ description of God as the great iconoclast is unsettling, but it feels true. Our spiritual relationship with God is a
mixture of human and divine, the deeper we step into His presence, the more we have to learn.
Faith and belief is not a rendering of tradition and biblical jargon or even a denominational church but about a belief in a God that constantly asks us to let Him tear down our incomplete understanding of His will and character.
To me, that’s equally terrifying and thrilling. Because, if God is constantly shattering my expectations, then He must be far greater than anything I could ever conjure on my own. And that’s a God worth knowing.
“Buc-ee’s offers more than processed foods, but a commodified version of Southern identity.” (Photo sourced from Pexels)
God constantly destroys our images of Him. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
The joys of making unwise decisions
Matthew Orquia Editor-in-chief
Two summers ago, my older brother and I made what can only be described as a terrible, foolish decision. No reasonable person would have made the choices we made. As a result of this, I now have one of my favorite summer memories of all time.
It started in the garage of my parents’ home in Atlanta, Georgia. Inside the garage was a 1986 Nissan 300zx that my brother purchased during his senior year of high school.
The car had seen better days; it was coated in an acrid yellow that sparingly covered the decades of previous paint jobs. On the door jambs and the roof of the interior, where the trim had fallen off, you could see the original color: a brilliant, metallic gray that offered a brief glimpse into the car’s past lives.
After performing several unorthodox and probably unadvisable repairs on the car, we fired up the car to test our handiwork, and the familiar low drone of the engine filled the garage. Surprisingly, our fixes had worked, as did the makeshift switch to control the car’s fan, which was held in place on the dash with a bread clip.
This was the night before my brother and I planned to drive to San Diego, a more than 2,000 mile journey, in his wellloved and decades-old Nissan.
The next day, we cruised through the first hours of the trip on the highway with a blind
confidence that we both held out of willful naivety. Within six hours, the droning of the engine dropped out from around us, and the car meandered down the highway for a few hundred feet before we were stopped on the side of the road beneath an underpass.
For a moment, we sat in silence and heard the rush of cars blasting by us. Then both of us laughed at the absurdity of the situation; deep down we had known that this road trip would be anything but trouble-free.
Based on the sights and sounds of our breakdown, we suspected that a dead battery was our problem, and luckily we had brought a spare.
Within a few minutes we were headed toward our destination once again, only now it had been revised to the nearest auto parts store.
As we slowed to a stop in the AutoZone parking lot, the sudden lack of cooling air flow revealed to us the horrible truth that it was summer in the South, and we were gonna be stopped in the heat for a while.
My brother walked out of the store with a collection of various items including a new alternator, and we stared at the troublesome part in the car for a few moments before starting our repair efforts.
Several hours later the engine cranked to life successfully, and we were back on the road.
At a stoplight right by the shop, passengers in a car that was stopped next to us rolled their window down and peered at our recently-repaired vehicle.
“Nice car,” they said. “Where are you headed?”
We told them of our lofty expectations to reach California and they chuckled in response.
“In that thing? Good luck,” they said as they rolled their window back down.
We knew it was crazy, but this emergency repair pit stop made us even more determined to make it to our final destination. As we pulled away from the stoplight, both of us smiled in anticipation for the
rest of our journey.
Our remaining miles were full of many more repairs and an ever-so brief moment where the car caught on fire, but miraculously, we pulled into San Diego unharmed and on all four wheels.
Although my parents may not be thrilled with it, I did learn a lesson from this ill-conceived road trip, albeit one that should be applied in moderation: Do crazy things. Try achieving the nearly impossible. It won’t always work out, and there are bound to be breakdowns and broken alternators along the way, but I promise that the memories are worth it.
Created by Ana K. Zelidon
Aaron Orquia replaces an alternator in an AutoZone parking lot. (Photo by Matthew Orquia)
pedro.aragon.vega Se entrenó, se sufrió y se logró IRONMAN70.3 El primero de muchos
Photo Credit: Eduardo Dorame
lauren.giegle podcast shenanigans
Photo Credit: Lily Mutai
Pedro Aragon
Lauren Geigle
L
lunajrendon Photo Credit: Christian Barrera
Rendon
matthewtaylor21 One year with you!
Photo Credit: Mila Balis
Matthew Taylor M
maliaknowlton as of late... <3
Photo Credit: Makayla Wright
Malia Knowlton M
gia_.nelli
Photo Credit: self
Gianelli Baluchi G
Room
Student Association: Surprise Day
• 3:00 pm Fit for Eternity 5K
• 6:30 pm Vespers: Asian Club, Xander Assa @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 8:22 pm Sunset
• 8:30 pm Vespers: Asian Club, Xander Assa @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
9:00 am - 5:00 pm SOAP: Ocoee Whitewater Rafting @ Wright Hall 9:00 am - 5:00 pm SOAP: SCUBA Day Trip (Must have unexpired SCUBA license and attend pre trip meetings, $25.00)
• 3:00 pm Recital: Gabriella Schlueter, Rosa Plasencia, piano @ Ackerman Auditorium
• 7:30 pm Concert: Symphony Orchestra, conductor: Laurie Cadwallader (2 cultural credits) @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
Nothing Scheduled
Campus Research Day
11:00 am Convocation: Asian Club, Xander Assa @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Dean’s Luncheon @ Presidential Banquet Room
• 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Convocation: Research Day @ Lynn Wood Chapel
• 7:30 pm Recital: Summer Nichols, violin (Senior Recital) @ Ackerman Auditorium
Weekly Birthdays
10:00 am - 5:00 pm SOAP: Outdoor
Church, Hiwassee Rafting @ Wright Hall 10:00 am - 11:30 am French Sabbath School 11:45 am Merge Worship @ Collegedale Academy Elementary Gym 11:45 am Renewal @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 7:30 pm Evensong: Harp Ensemble @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists • 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm Asian Cultural Night @ Iles P.E. Center
• 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Faculty Senate @ Wright Hall Robert Merchant Room
7:00 pm EA Anderson Lecture Series: Rod and Donna Willey @ Brock Hall Room 3205
7:30 pm Concert: Horn Ensemble, conductor: Gordon James (2 cultural credits) @ Ackerman Auditorium
MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS
Southern’s Master of Business Administration degree helps you acquire the skills you need to be successful in today’s workforce—based on the biblical principles of honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards.
It’s convenient
All classes are online. Full- and part-time tracks are available, and the MBA can be completed in as little as one year. With careful planning, you can complete a bachelor’s degree AND a master’s degree in five years!
It’s affordable Southern’s competitively priced program is a valuable investment in your future
Prep for CPA Review. Students with an MBA Accounting emphasis may take the Wiley CPAexcel review courses for six of their 12 elective hours.