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Alumnus tapped for presidency
Students protest to raise awareness for sexual assault on campus
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Editor’s note: The South Texan has changed the names of some student victims who spoke at the sexual assault protest march held April 29 in order to protect their identities and keep them from being further victimized. Please note some statement below could be triggering for some readers. Be advised.
Javelina Alumnus Dr. -
Ronni Reyna
cials. Students marched in tigation and consequence for sexual assault cases on campus and shed light to
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years to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TA-
don’t. He still prides himan anonymous online
To see video Javelina Media Experience on These are the voices of students on campus who experienced sexual assault at some point in their life. A student-led protest against sexual assault
that allows students to communicate within a ing to the app. Although the creators of these posts that were made involved the women of TAMUK who were planning on participating in Thursday’s protest. Other posts that were made targeted the appearance of women across the university.
DRC assistant director awarded Chancellor’s Medallion !"#"$%&'()" | !"#$%&'()*+,-
silenced. Days prior to the pro-
Multimedia
Susan Cortez
Students march down University Boulevard with posters in hand.
Assistant Director of the Dis-
these allegations have not The protest is credited to freshman Ximena Cantu in response to the sto-
women of the university ion to protest and march across campus.
Resource Center ( D C R )
Martinez and senior Erial we should do something
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5&&+6'7*-/8+,-',2' 7!4 came the ient of the C h a nc ellor’s Medallion for Diver-
regarding sexual assault. “I was hearing stories… everyone in attendance
an athletic team on cam!""#/$012%&'(&&3
Do you not subscribe to !"#$%&!"!#'()*+%,? Catch up on exclusive stories about our campus and community when you sign up for our newsletter. Here’s a sneak peak of what you missed online.
Want more protest content? lina Media Experience more now!
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TA M U K presented to the Chancel!""#!"#$%&'(&&)
This medallion is awarded once a year to a
institution of the Texas A&M University system. The award recognizes and honors people who have demonstrated high levels of engagement in
uity and inclusion at their university and in the higher education community. ership roles actively championed the commitment to promote inclusivity and increase diversity awarerector of Student Health tillo-Alaniz said. “She un-
recognized for a lifetime of achievements and dedence for underrepresented !""#*+##,-.%&'(&&)
, Stories From The Front
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Diversity, equity, inclusion, service
team]. He cornered me in
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after Chancellor John
Carmela Martinez leads students in a chant infornt of College Hall.
“I was followed into my
was one of three candidates the tial Search Advisory C o m mittee
the inaugural launch… she’s our alumnus and it
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Colonel Lisa Carrington Firmin hosted a titled Stories from The Front Pain, Betrayal, and Resilience on the MST Baton the university campus April 26. At the launch she read signed purchased copies and mingled with guests. -
Colonel Firmin is the founder of Carrington which she writes and provides consulting services
Diversity and Inclusion. “La Coronela cused on MST. She is also
Colonel Lisa Carrington Firmin holding her first published book at the Conner Museum
to currently serving and Arts & Science Dean Dr. Dolores Guerrero in partnership with the Texas A&M University- Kingsville (TAMUK) James E. Conner Museum. “It is an honor and
of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and now serves as UTSA’s Military Liaison. ent individual stories that experienced harassment and disparities while serv-
Erik Estrada
spanning from her own experiences to those of
-
She then sold copies of our country for a long time
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Colonel Firmin said. “For lived experiences and this is it. It spans decades
attendees got to hear pow!""#*+#+-"#%&'(&&)
2
Campus
May 2 , 2022
thesouthtexan.com
It doesn’t take a hero to save the planet
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Courtesy of @tamuk_sga on Instagram
President Tylar Larraga, center right, surrounded by college senators.
New presidency brings a new call to order Fresh faces seats !"#"$%"&'(&")*+ |!"#$#%&$%!'(&)*+ !"#"$%#$&'(%)*+,)-'.*/)-)'0"#&1*!
As right hands go up, oaths are made, signifying that change is on its way. The gavel slams the desk as the motion passes to swear in President-Elect Tyler Larraga and Vice President-Elect Jacquelyn Estelle. Student Government Association (SGA) elections were held on April 18 and 19 on Blue and Gold for students. As votes were cast and rolled in, results showed Tyler Larraga as the next TAMUK Student Body President. “I was extremely appreciative. I was amazed because I didn’t know that many people would
get involved and that just goes to show how students can get together to make something happen,” Larraga said. As for a vision for SGA, Larraga plans to promote the association’s visibility around campus. He also would like to get SGA more involved and engaged with the students as well as increase the current vacancies for the upcoming semester. With these plans in mind, Larraga sets out to make the association grow on campus. Aside from transitioning presidents, SGA also gains a new vice Estelle, SGA VP, expresses her gratitude towards her new position. “I’m very excited. To see the vote and see the potential that I can make honored to have been selected, and it’s a good opportunity for me to expand and do some-
thing for our university,” Estelle said. The transition meeting into the 97th Legislative Session for SGA allowed for members and those interested to either nominate or self-nominate positions included Chief Life Commissioner, SOA Liaison and CSAC Representative. Estelle said that SGA is the student body’s voice. The association is how students can get their voice, opinions and concerns out with the intention to be heard and spark change. “I want to engage the students more in our community and our school. I think we can really bring some life back into TAMUK. My parents went to school here and told me how great the student involvement was and how much they enjoyed their time here and that’s exactly what I !""#!"#$%&'%%(
Relieving stress, one booth at a time and have conversations with students regard-
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Chatter surrounded the pavilion as students made their way around attendance of the annual Stress-Free Zone event hosted by Student Health and Wellness and Pep-Talk on April 25. Every semester, organizations set up booths around the pavilion
month’s topic was stress nals coming up, students may feel overwhelmed with the pressure to pass their exams. The StressFree Zone event was created to give students advice on how to relieve the pressure. “This event is about learning how to be stress-free. It is very difhelp as many students as we can,” freshman Eli Garces said. “This is the kind of event where we want to draw a lot of
people in and let them become aware of all the resources available to them.” At the event, Garces oversaw assisting students with signing up and giving them directions. Similar to Tropical Temptations Fair that was held last month, students who attended the Stress-Free Zone event booth and sign up to let the organizations know they attended. After signing up, each student received a slip that contained the names of the organizations that !""#!)*+,,$%&'%%(
As the sun beamed and made its way through to the Memorial Student Ballroom Pavilion, students gradually lined up by the booths awaiting their chance to receive their very own token from the planet they actively work hard to preserve. Engagement and Campus Life hosted an Earth Day celebration open for all students, faculty and versity-Kingsville (TAMUK) on Friday, April 22, Earth Day. Organizations such as the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and University Housing and Residence Life joined in on the event to further promote the planet-friendly day. “We are aware of what is going on and we are trying to get students’ attention in a fun and positive way that brings awareness and encourages students to participate,” CAB Marketing Chair Carmela Martinez said. Although last year’s Earth Day celebration gave students an op-
Courtesy of @tamuk_osa
Students wait in line to pick from a variety of succulents.
portunity to create herbarium kits, the organizations hosting this time around wanted to choose something different while maintaining the earth friendly aspect. While students looked forward to creating DIY succulents and DIY Jelbooths at attendance gave away earth-friendly products and healthy snacks like vegetables. Since previous Earth Day events like last year’s was a hit, students were excited to check out what this year’s event “I came to this event last year and it was really fun, so I wanted to do it again,” senior architectural engineering major Cristian Miranda said. Besides supporting the on-campus event, Miranda shows his support for the planet in other ways daily by recycling, using a reusable water bottle and walking. The annual Earth Day event was created to demonstrate support for
environmental protection by acting, whether big or small. Junior architectural engineer Fernando Garcia makes note of the recycling bins around campus and takes advantage of them when needing to dispose of paper or plastic. “Earth Day is important because we need to preserve the planet as much as possible. Earth day should be advocated, students should support it and celebrate it not just on April 22, but every day,” Garcia said. With events like the Earth Day celebration on campus, students can continue to learn about ways they can make a
“Coming to these events gets you thinking and we need to take it upon ourselves to educate ourselves on this one planet. The small choices we make will determine how much we are willing to put in to keeping our Earth sustainable,” Martinez said.
‘She doesn’t even go here,’ but he did for movie night Franzese makes
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entrance of Jones Auditorium as students made their way inside for the Mean Girls movie night event hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB) and UNITY. Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) students are no strangers to movie night events hosted by CAB. However, this one came with a twist. Not only did students get to watch the movie, but they also got to hear from one of the actors themselves. Actor Daniel Franzese, who plays a character named Damian in the movie, made an appearance. The event was held 100 students to arrive received a free shirt along with a snack pack. Once everyone was seated, Jacqueline McClendon, our newest Miss TAMUK, introduced the event, making pearance. Shortly after, Franzese made his way to the stage and the movie began. Throughout the movie, the audience got to hear commentary from Franzese. He would comment on what it was
Carmela Martinez Franzese gives audience commentary on Mean Girls.
like to work alongside actors like Lindsey Lohan, Rachel McAdams and Jonathan Bennet. He also talked about his ing and how the creators managed to pull scenes After the movie was over, fans got to stick around for a Q&A with Franzese. Everything from what he does now, to the organizations he works for, what McAdams smells like and other questions were asked. “[It makes me feel] awesome,” Franzese said of his appearance and student support. “What’s better than this? The thing I love the most is that it brings people so much joy. It is such a blessing; I am so grateful I get to be a part of it.” ished, Franzese held a meet and greet at which students got the opportunity to buy his merchandise, get an autowith him. Isn’t that so fetch?
“Mean Girls is one of my favorite movies, I grew up watching it with my sister,” freshman Lindsey Jaime said. “I really enjoyed hearing his input on the movie and being able to hear him answer questions. This event was really nice.” The idea of bringing Franzese came up when the organization was away for a conference. Erial Hawkins mentioned that CAB had originally agreed to preview Mean Girls this semester and it just so happened that Franzese was one of the acts that performed at the conference. A few arrangements later, and Franzese made his way to Javelina Nation. “That is our plan. We do have a meeting where we talk about these events and if we continue with these Javelina movie nights, that could be something we do in the future if that is what the students want on campus,” Hawkins said.
Campus
May 2, 2022 thesouthtexan.com
Photo by Ronni Reyna
3
Courtesy of @Tamukdm on Instagram
Photo by Ronni Reyna
Photo by Ronni Reyna
Left to right: Sigma Chi participating in lip synch battle; Dance Marathon Board and Morale Commitee members holding up total amount raised from fundraiser, Jessica Montenegro initiating a dance battle between Interim president Dr. James Hallmark and Dr. Rito Silva, and Juliet Liguez and Katie Pedraza painting a banner to commemorate Juliets first Dance Marathon.
Day of dancing, donations for the children
Student organizations raise over $12,000 !"##$%!&'(# |!"#$%&'($)(*+$,!"#$%&$'#()*+("$,)-("($./0&1)2
Thee, two, one! Posters were lifted high revealing $12,399 had been raised for Driscoll Children’s Hospital (DCH). The music blared from the Memorial Student Union Building (MSUB) ballrooms as students adorned in tutus, Disney costumes and hospital bands danced and cheered. With lip sync and dance battle competitions happening throughout the day, students pushed to raise money for DCH at the annual Dance Marathon (DM) Saturday, April 23. DM is an event hosted at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, (TAMUK) led by an executive board student organizations on campus. The event lasts several weeks and ends with a day in which students gather to dance, do not sit and wear hospital wrist bands. The bright yellow hospital bands remind students that the event, during which sitting isn’t allowed, is temporary and they can remove their bands at the end of the day, but the children at DCH are still to remove their bands as
easily. “Dance Marathon is a Greek Life led philanthropy where we strive to raise funds, provide emotional support to our families, and bring awareness for pediatric patients and families treated at DCH at Corpus Christi,” Junior Executive Director of DM Faith Escamilla said. Students and teams fundraise all semester leading up to the DM event. This year’s goal was $10,000. “The day of our event is usually six hours long where we continue to fundraise and invite our miracle families to come to our campus held event and have them tell their stories. All throughout the event, our dancers are dancing, playing games and interacting with our miracle kids,” she said. Each year DM invites Miracle Families to join students as they dance and continue to raise money. “Miracle Families are current patients of Driscoll’s Children’s Hospital. The hospital chooses the families that get to participate in our event. The families choose to share their stories and serve as advocates for Dance
Marathon and the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital,” Senior Director of Family and Hospital Relations Clarissa Benavides. One Miracle Family in attendance was the Liguez family. Eleven-yearold Juliet Liguez and her family participated in this year’s event. “She had a cleft palate, gum line and lip. She had her pallet closed when she came to us and then from there she had her lip closed. After her lip was closed, we’ve been working on her gum line since she was about nine. Next month she’ll have her third bone graft,” Amanda Liguez said. Juliet Liguez was adopted when she was almost three years old and already had partial surgery by the time she was adopted. The Liguez family spends a lot of time with Juliet’s surgeon and says DCH takes care of any need they have while there. “Oh, this is great. It was so much fun and we had a great time. It’s good that these things happen,” Amanda Liguez said. “I would love to come back to this. My kids – both of them – have really enjoyed it. My daughter she’s real shy and she really en-
Interim President Dr. James Hallmark dancing with students at the Dance Marathon fundraiser.
Courtesy of @Tamukdm on Instagram
Dance Marathon Director’s Board with Miracle Families and TAMUK Interim President. From left to right, Clarissa Benavides, Brissa Acevedo, Dr. James Hallmark, Juliet Liguez, John Matthew Perez, Faith Escamilla, Anna Vela and Joseph Cruz.
joyed getting to be a part of it.” As well as serving as a liaison between DCH, Miracle Families and TAMUK, Benavides was also the top female donor this year. “I was a participant of Dance Marathon for four years. Every year, I found a deeper passion for this cause,” Benavides said. “As someone who is majoring in the clinical health sciences, I was able to learn more about Driscoll’s Children’s Hospital and the impacts that it makes on children and their families’ lives within our local community as well as my own hometown area. Now more than ever, kids can’t wait, so neither did I. That is why this year I talked to my family members, friends, and co-workers about this cause and was able to be the top female donor.” In her four years participating in DM Benavides raised $1,772 towards DCH. “My goal was never to be the top donor, but to inform others and inspire them to be passionate about the kids and
this project. Being an advocate and active participant in DM was by far the highlight of my time here at TAMUK as an undergraduate student, and I encourage everyone to get involved in any way that they can,” she said. The top male donor was DM’s Director of Dancer Relations Sophomore Joseph Cruz. Cruz raised over $1,000 for this year’s DM. The top three teams for this year were the Directors Board, Theta Phi Alpha and Alpha Sigma Alpha. While pushing for donations throughout the event students gather to learn a dance together. This year’s song was a mash up of Disney and Pixar music including songs from Encanto, Turning Red, Cars and more. Alpha Sigma Phi Member Cristian Miranda was voted on by the DM board as having the best moves of the day. “I thought it was hilarious that I won the Best Dance Moves award because I was being myself and having fun with the Collegiate Panhellenic Council President, Micaela Garcia. We were
just having a good time with each other throughout the whole day,” he said. This was Miranda’s third time participating in dance marathon. “The event is important to me because we are raising money for children who need it at DCH. It feels good knowing that I am advocating for something bigger than myself,” he said. If anyone is interested in getting involved, whether it be an organization or individual in next year’s DM, send a message to their Instagram @TAMUKDM. Dance Marathon has multiple ways to get involved. Students can join any one of the director’s committees or can become a director themselves. Executive board applications opened Friday, April 29, and will stay open until May 16. “Just because our event is over does not mean our miracle kids’ battle is. It is our responsibility not only as a Javelina but as a gen-
who can’t, and we have the power to do so. It’s time to act,” Escamilla concluded.
EntErtainmEnt
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May 2, 2022
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Review: The blue blur returns to the silver screen Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hits theaters at a fast pace
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Spoilers ahead Everyone’s favorite little blue hedgehog from outer space returns to the theater for another adventure that audiences of all ages can enjoy. Paramount Pictures’ Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a fun and family friendsees the titular Sonic the Hedgehog once again niacal Dr. Robotnik (Alternatively known as Dr. Eggman).
movie, this sequel sees Sonic making new friends for throughout the adventure. Accompanying Sonic on this journey is Tails, an inventive yellow fox and Knuckles who is a red and powerful echidna warrior seeking the Master Emerald. Knuckles initially sides with Dr. Robotnik for misguided reasons but he saw the error of ment of the movie. In the end, the Sonic heroes defeated Eggman and secured the Master Emerald. It is a straightforward and easy to follow plot, but that does not make it any less entertaining
of an experience. There were a good number of references for longstanding fans of the franchise (especially if you stay for the post credits scene) but nothing that would alienate newcomers. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is get to see Sonic develop more as a character and grow into his role as a hero. It is a big step for him as he makes lifelong friends and learns to embrace his new family on Earth.
Tails and Knuckles. There were a couple felt like they could have been cut a bit shorter for a tighter story. The most noteworthy examples being the dance battle sequence and a couple parts in the Hawaii subplot, but these moments do not overall quality. Although those could be considered low points, there were plenty of high points in characto moments from the
where we see Sonic having a great time playing baseball with his family,
action sequences. A favorite moment of mine was when the trio had an unplanned yet well-coordinated
Screenshot from @sonicmovie on Instagram.
each of their respective
not require you to have some machines which showed that they have come to understand and fully trust one another.
I recommend Sonic the Hedgehog 2 wholeheartedly.
Review: Satisfying that summer craving Starbucks Refreshers as the go-to drink !"#"$%"&'(&")*+|!"#"$%#$&'(%)*+ !"#"$%#$&'(%)*+,)-'.*/)-)'0"#&1*!
By no surprise, this summer is going to be a brutally hot one. When the scorching, bright sun hits you, so does the dehydration and crave for something, anything to freshen you up. Lo and behold, just around the corner is your saving grace, otherwise known as Starbucks. chain has an endless amount of menu items to choose from, some more popular than others. However, a typically overlooked classic is at the top of my list every time, and hopefully by the end of this article, it’s at the top of yours, too. Starbucks refreshers are the go-to drink to quench your thirst this summer. Just as the name suggests, refreshers are refreshing, but they are so much more than that, as well. Refreshers are just the right amount of sweet mixed with just the right amount of health. They drinks made with real fruit added in.
Screenshot from @heartstoppertv on Instagram.
Photo by Makaylah Chavez Starbucks Refreshers.
As the cherry on top, the drinks are one of the most inexpensive items on the menu, making both your stomach, your wallet and your bad decisions feel good. There are four main ones to choose from on the menu: Strawberry Acai, Mango Dragonfruit, Kiwi Starfruit and the Pink Drink. As a customer, you have the option to get it with lemonade or just regular water. After trying each one multiple times, the greatest by a landslide is the Strawberry Acai refresher with lemonade. If I could describe it in pictures, just imagine running in slow motion on the beach by the ocean on a not too cold, not too hot day. After a long day’s work, the only thing on my mind is to reward myself with the only drink that deems acceptable. That drink is life changing, but it is also dangerous because it is
addicting. That’s right. Whether it’s the little ounce of in the cup, something about those refreshers is seriously concerning. Once you try it for yourself and have a little sip, you’ll want another, and another, and before you know it, you’ll be checking your bank achas a negative balance (this is totally not based on a personal story). As much as I despise how these delicious, savory refreshers hurt my bank account and steal a good chunk of my hardearned paycheck, I’m willing to look past that due to the unmatched joy every sip brings me, especially on those hot days when both you and I are going to need it the most. You can get your sweet, savory Refresher way 77.
Review: Heartstopper series will leave you teary 3-/#'34.-"5"|2%$%)"3&'(%)*+ (%$%)"2&'(%)*+,)-'.*/)-)'0"#&1*!
For those who want to shed a tear because they never had their chance at themselves alone, Heartstopper is the perfect series for you. This series hits close to home for many in the LGBTQ+ community. It shows what it is like to be alone in school, to never feel like you are enough and what it is like to get bullied for your sexuality. People in the LGBTQ+ community face so many challenges growing up, one thing that gets overlooked is how lonely it can be. feelings to the surface with the story they told. We get to see the story of a young boy, Char-
lie, navigating love in a school where he is the only person who is gay. We eventually get to see him become best friends with the school’s star rugby player, Nick. They become close and start to spend every day with each other. After a few episodes we start to see Nick discover his sexuality and see him breakdown over gay. These very moments in a queer person’s life are fundamental to who that person grows up to be. Getting to see someone go through the panic all too relatable to those in the LGBTQ+ community. Through these moments you can’t help but think about how your life would change and the relationships you might lose because being gay is something people don’t agree with. What really brought
tears to my eyes was seeing all the things that many of us who are queer, couldn’t have growing up. So many of us go without experiencing love at an early age, the support of friends who also identify as LGBTQ+, or even just getting the opportunity to come out and be our authentic selves at a youthful age. This series presents a diverse cast and list of characters. There are people from a wide variety of races, ethnicities, sexualities, and even viewers get to see the life of a transgender girl. It’s nice to see that big companies like Net-
more recognition to their audience and bring more representation to the screen. Overall, this show has been one of the best ones I have seen this year. I rate it a 9/10, and highly encourage all users to watch it.
How to Adult: Successful study suggestions for guaranteed success ,"*'!"-./0*+'|'#),+)"%#-,#)&'(%)*+ '#)'+)"%#!'#)&'(%)*+,)-'.*/)-)'0"#&1*!
As another semester comes to an end, it is and show what you have learned. It can be overwhelmpecially when you have to take multiple at once. While there is a lot of pressure to ace your exams, there are multiple ways to prepare for it, relieve some pressure and guarantee good grades. Before I begin, I must tell you to take advantage of class time. Pay close attention,
take notes in a way that makes sense for you. If that is not enough, here are a few study tips that can help you prepare for
by creating a plan. Make a list of all the exams you need to take, a to-do list if you will. Creating a plan allows you to prisee what you need to foStart studying as early as possible. Think about how much time you have before your exams come up. Set some time aside just for this. It does not matter how much you study as long as you do it. Find a good study spot. Whether it is a quiet library, a busy café or
place that helps you concentrate. It is recommended that you leave your room, seeing as you will want to lay in bed and fall asleep. However, if studying in your room works for you, go for it. Study with a partner or a group. Studying with someone else can They can help clarify any problems you may encounter, and they can test your knowledge on Beware of getting sidetracked. It is okay to tions here and there so long as you go back to studying. can use regular index cards or use websites
cards, you are rereading and rewriting important information, this is already helping you become familiar with the terms. Once you are done and see what you have
the cards you have not Try not to spend too much time on one subject, this could burn you out or make you lose your concentration. Make sure to take a few breaks here and there. Give your body and
brain a time to refresh and relax for a bit. Try studying for 25 minutes
It is important to remember that not all study tips work for everyone. Experiment with a few and see what works best for you. Good luck!
May 2, 2022
thesouthtexan.com
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SPORTS
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May 2, 2022
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Numbers to strive for from Housler
Standout ends career with multiple accolades /0,.1*2.13")4| !"#$%&'+,)%#$ &"#$%&-*,)%#$.%/*&#0%/%*123-4#5$
year senior from Bullina in Beach Volleyball and the minute she arrived in Kingsville, she produced at an important level for Head Coach Tanya Allen. season, Housler would team up with Erin Umbel for a team high 23 victories while on the go undefeated in 12 home matches along with nine total victories against Division I oppo-
nents and going 4-0 in the AVCA Champion-
but more importantly from Tenley Housler.
fact, came against TCU
years, I have developed a great respect and appreciation for Coach Allen, and I believe we have developed more than a coach-athlete relationship,” said Housler about Coach Allen. “We have very similar personalities and as long as I have been in the program, I knew what she wanted and expected from us as individuals and as a team and was able to relay that to my teammates by my sophomore year.” After a 2020 season, cut short by COVID-19, she would add seven more victories to her career total. This is the year the Javelina tied Macy Berg for the third-most victories in Javelina history. When the 2021 season eventually came around, Housler would not miss a single match for the Hogs. She teamed up with Macie Satterwhite for nine out of the 17 victories she accumulated in the 2021 spring season. Since then, Satterwhite and Housler have been in tandem. “Tenley is very knowledgeable about the game. She has had a lot of experience and so she
collegiate match. “It’s been a privilege to work with Tenley all these years,” Coach Allen said. “She’s a hard worker and she is very talented.” Housler would then go on to join Whitney Walker in 2019 to collect 21 wins, including 17 in two years of her competing, Housler racked up a total of 44 victories and quickly rose in the ranks of wins in the Javelina record books. Coach Allen has been the coach of the Javelinas for a long time now and has gained the respect of every team in the LSC
Javelina Athletics
Tenley Housler.
Emeri Drewry
Tenley Housler, most wins in Javelina Beach Volleyball history.
knows just how to adjust our side of the court when we need to make changes,” Satterwhite said. “In moments where we would play top teams in D1, Tenley was always ready to go to battle with a strategy and high conIn the 2021 season, the Javelinas had to rewrite the history book. Housler became TAMUK’s all-time win leader with 69 wins, and in the 2022 season, with Satterwhite as her partner, she would go on to break another record. She now has the most ca-
tory in a match against Saint Leo in the AVCA Championships in Florida. Housler played her na against Palm Beach Atlantic, but despite the unfortunate loss to end the season, Housler looks back on the help from Satterwhite, and the time that went into becoming a record holder for the Javelinas. “I’ve had my fair share of partners, all who I am grateful for because a record-breaking career
wouldn’t be possible without them, but Macie is my girl,” Housler said. “We found our way to each other towards the end of last season and this year was like pick-
There were times during games where I landed from blocking expecting the ball to have hit the sand, but Macie would
it. Despite not ending the season the way, we wanted, Macie and I shared a lot of sweet moments of friendship and success in our time together.”
Records broken for the Javelinas
Ryan Dall, the Hogs host annual Cactus Cup
Leo Garcia
Javelina White Team and Blue Team going head to head on a play..
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On April 15, the Javelina track team hosted and competed in the 14th annual Cactus Cup. ished second overall each of them did their very best and put in as sibly could. cord was broken and another was tied. Senior Kimberly Ortolon tied Sophia Morrow’s record of 3.75m in pole vaulting, claiming gold in her event. After originally tying the record at the Cactus Cup, Ortolon went on to surpass Morrow’s record
meet at Rice University one week later. cially have the record, but I have a goal in mind of 4.0 meters,” Ortolon said. “I’m just not satisuating in May I have a few meets left to get to nationals, which is my other goal.” Alongside her in pole vault, sophomore Bianca
a 3.35m clearance on her
third. Moving on to the other record, senior Stephen Cardenas made history for himself in the ham-
Javelina Spring Game Leo Garcia
Kimberly Ortolon snaps pole vault record.
mer throw. launched the implement 55.95m, passing Angelo State’s Canon Andrew, taking home the gold. Another Senior, Gertrudis Balli, won the women’s discus event with a new personal best of 49.57m. “I feel like I have more potential to do better down the road,” Balli said. “I am currently trying to make it to the
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talked about the recent success her teammates have had as well as what this brings to the team moving forward. “I feel like the recent success my team has experienced is putting us in a more positive mindset,” Hernandez said. “It dent in our events and is helping us feel more prepared for conference.”
Mexico.” Along with this accomplishment, she asthe NCAA Division II performance list. Not far from her was Devon Wila distance of 45.89m and took second place for consecutive podium performances. A fellow teammate of Orton and Cardenas, Kat Hernandez who is a record holder herself,
Leo Garcia
Kat Hernandez.
The Javelinas finish spring semester with team scrimmage Saturday, April 23, the Javelina football team na Stadium for their last Spring scrimmage for this season. The Javelinas took their sides as White Team against Blue Team, and the team combined two defenses split between the teams. The Javelinas were pumped to get a chance to show their fans all the hard work they’ve put in leading up to this last scrimmage and their opportunity to put on the pads for the last time for this Spring season. “I thought it was really good. We split teams today so we had a Blue team and a White team, but I thought both sides played really well and [executed]…obviously we can get a little betand energy I thought our guys did a really great
job,” Head Coach Mike Salinas said. “We’re thankful that we got through 15 practices with no major injuries. We culminated with our Spring game today. Our guys did a really good job today representing our program… in the classroom with ly good summer, and I think we’re on the right trajectory for the Fall. Our players and our coaches are excited for what’s to come in the Fall.” The Javelinas are rest of this semester with a bang as they now game of the Fall season. “Spring ball is over. The coaches will get on the road; we’ll have our exit meetings before we leave. We’ll get on the road and recruit, contines that will help us win games in the Fall. And, for our guys they will ue to work and workout to get themselves ready to go through the upcoming summer program,” Defensive Coor-
dinator Jonathan Petty said. “For us it’s just trying to chip away until we can get back in August and be ready to go.” The Javelina team members and coaches are all set to show their fans and family what’s planned for them this upcoming season. “We feel good, we feel what we got coming for the Fall. You know we have been working really hard; we’re putting it together. It’s going to be a nice Fall season,” Ezrah Thibodeaux, a team member, said. Other players agree. “I think in the beginning it all starts with the plan the coaches have for us. I think their plan is going to be very adamant. They’re going to be adamant about certain things, they’re going to have us well prepared as the opening game of the season our fans will have to come out and see,” Rodd Hudson III, a team member, said. game for the Fall season is set for Sept. 3 against North American University at Javelina Stadium.
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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” Our Opinion
The State of Texas v. Melissa- A possibly wrong conviction
Social media Yik Yak threats
Melissa Elizabeth Lucio would have been modern era, and
It begins as all online harassment does; four anonymous social media posts were shared on the platform Yik Yak recently, mocking women on topics such as physical appearance and disdainful jokes regarding rassment did not yield when these people proceeded to threaten any protester who wished to participate in
Victims of sexual assault should not be made to feel victims again with unnecessary hatred and threats
woman executed in nearly a de!"#$% cade. On &$#'$( February !"#$%& 17, 2007, '"(%&)"& paramedics were called to the Lucio family residence after they claimed Mariah, Lucio’s two-year-old daughter, was found unresponsive at Lucio’s Harlingen,
According to the Cameron County District Atwas found at the home with signs of abuse on her body. Lucio claimed the injuries were from two days prior when Mariah had fallen down a set of stairs. In 2008, Lucio was convicted of capital murder for the death of her daughter, Mariah. Court of Criminal Appeals granted on Monday, April 25, a stay of execution for Melissa Lucio, halting her execution scheduled for Wednes-
day, April 27, and sending her case back to the trial court to review new evidence. I believe Lucio is innocent on the charge of capital murder. Lucio is innocent because there is no factual evidence from CPS at the time of the death or even prior to the incident that Lucio was at fault for her daughter’s injuries. Aside from this, Lucio’s own children stated in interrogation that it was was abusive. If there is no evidence that can state that Lucio is guilty, then she must be set free. According
to the Death Penalty Information Center, “Since 1973, at least 187 people who had been wrongly convicted and sentenced to death in the U.S. have been exonerated.” Let’s not make it 188 individuals. Lucio has already spent her last 15 years on death row and is now set for lethal injection. I don’t see why she should still be punished; isn’t 15 years enough? If you would like more information on the lissa documentary on Amazon Prime, VUDU,
made against their right to speak their truth. Peaceful protests are protected under a student’s First Amendolence because of a desire to join an impactful and protected protest should not be something students
because of the app’s anonymity feature. However, it should not remain that way. Even if the threats are being made anonymously, they are threats nonetheless. As threats made possibly by students against students, the university
know followed by an in-depth investigation using
university already lacks the timely action of alerting its students of anything that is deemed unsafe or that students should raise concerns over.
The constant plea for a more humane society Four million is a big number; it’s also a devastating reality. As of live below the poverty line. A main cause of this comes from the continued untaken action of constant pleas and
1*2*(3*4 )4*5#0 -.#./$#/ +,$)%&
raise the minimum wage. In 2019, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of the “2019 Raise the Wage Act” which would gradually increase the mini-
mum wage from the current $7.25 to $15 by 2025. However, the amended act did not pass the Senate, therefore it made no progress. President Biden’s political agenda includes raising the minimum wage nationally, however many state and national leaders must agree before what sounds like a dream can turn into a new reality. mum wage should be increased because it would dard of living. It would help not only those who fall just below the poverty line, but everybody with a standard paycheck to have a more ap-
propriate income to handle new costs of living. A 2019 Congressional Budget report projected that if the hourly minimum wage increased to $15 by 2025, 17 million people nationally would proved standard of living and 1.3 million people would be elevated above the poverty line. When people have more money coming in, they have more money to spend, thus stimulating our economy. When businesses were shut down in the early stages of COVID-19, we were given money from the government for the sole purpose to spend it because that’s
what keeps everything tionship. If employees get paid a decent minimum wage, they are likely to stay at the company longer. duce hiring and training costs while simultaneously boosting employee performance entirely. We should raise the minimum wage because it is not only the right thing to do; it is the humane thing to do. Creating legislation to help our people survive should not be a topic that is up for debate. ing and minimum wage ceases to follow.
tigate and discipline the perpetrators of these anonymous attacks as their actions are against Yik Yak’s
The portrayal of animation as the heart of cinema
reported a college student to Lancaster County police
Picture it. It’s 2010 and you’re watching animat-
authorities as they posted terroristic threats toward a ymous to each other on the app, Yik Yak can determine the identity of the harasser if they break their guidelines. With campus UPD using this information over Yik Yak’s policy to its advantage, more survivors
occurring and campus would be a safer place, not just for women but for every Javelina.
the university’s time. And, after everything that has occurred as of late, students deserve this decency, at the least.
the screen with a beautiful music score playing throughout. Despite the m e r e b e a u )*++*,-$* ty, you ./"#0 also learn *($#$%# valuable +,$)%& lessons, watching the small, weak protagonist learn self-love and inner strength. Now, to most people, that sounds like a fan-
it’s children’s entertainment. How to Train Your Dragon is one of the many examples of animation getting dismissed as a cinematic medium. More often than not, animation gets ridiculed for its lack of “seriousness” and is plagued with the curse of being reduced to the children’s genre. At the 2022 Oscars, the academy mocked the animation industry by insinuating that all ansively made for children. As a result, the academy belittled and insulted the art of thousands
who pour their entire souls into a society that dismisses them, inferring that their work is minuscule compared to However, animation is more than that. Of course, animation companies like Disney, Pixar, Dreamwork and Illumination are aware that their target demographic is children. However, to assume that every single project that is created by an array of thousands of artists is primarily for children is chosen ignorance. ber of choices for chil-
Makaylah Chavez Managing Editor
Sarah Reyna
dren’s entertainment, why spend millions and millions of dollars on animation when there are less expensive means? It does not make sense,; there must be a reason animation is chosen. portray hundreds of themes in a way real-life in their wildest dreams. sibilities only increase with time as technology further allows them to convey the themes we spent our entire lives enduring. Animation is not just cinema; it is the heart of it.
Zena Desouza Sports Reporter
Chris Olivarez Sports Reporter
Campus Editor
Dylan Sanchez
Nicole Perez Morris Adviser
Sports Editor The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do Texas A&M University system. The
Rae Martinez Entertainment Editor
Erik Estrada Digital Editor
the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).
STAFF Ronni Reyna
Cassandra Gomez Opinion Editor
Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at advertising.manager or call (361) 593-4370.
Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters
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emailed to
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The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363
Senior Reporter
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and expressed their purpose for gathering. Soon after, a chorus of chants followed the students as they made their way towards College Hall, University Boulevard and through campus, while holding an array of signs that were raised up as they walked. ished marching, they made their way back to the pavilion where they gathered. A few women shared their stories of assault, others expressed their sentiments, and all were supported. “When are these changes going to happen? I’m just a freshman and it is already enough for me. This [change] should happen quickly. Now, not later, not next year - now,” said Cantu, with tears streaming down her face as she placed herself in the middle of the gathering and spoke into a bullhorn. Students hugged and cried on each other’s shoulders to show support for each other. Other students engaged in conver-
no one was left out. A notable statement was given by a student in who mentioned they checked the Clery Crime Log that is managed by the University Police Department and noticed the log has not been updated since August 2021. “This semester alone we have received multiple right-to-know emails and none of that has been logged in the reports. What’s up with that?” Heather* said. “We deserve transparency. I’m tired of hearing ‘it’s under investigation,’ because what does that mean?
May 2, 2022
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What are you doing? It is not an accurate answer, it should not be an answer.” The South Texan reached out to UPD to determine why logs are outdated online. As seen on the TAMUK UPD website, the Crime Log has not been updated since 2021 and the Crime Blotter has not been updated online not comment. UPD was in attendance at the protest to ensure student safety. “We expected a safe protest and we had other shift, just in case anything happened for the safety of the students,” Interim Police Chief Gabriel Gonzalez said. “We want to make sure these people are safe, and these people don’t carry out the threat because we don’t know what people are capable of.” Along with UPD, Title IX Coordinator Tasha Clark was seen at the event sharing information as well as giving away bracelets. Clark said that Title IX does have a process in a complaint and return it tive process then begins and will ultimately go to a hearing panel that would make any determination on the complaint. “I would like to say, from the university perspective that one incident of sexual assault is too many,” Clark said. “My role here is to make sure that we are connecting students to resources and supportive measures as well as talk to them about what the formal complaint process [is] and facilitate that process.” Executive Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Steve Roach and Assistant Director for
Sam Salazar posed with a poster she made for the protest.
Ronni Reyna
Students share stories of survival.
Compliance and Academics Hanna Lantz were also seen at the protest but did not march with the students. The South Texan was asked to speak with student athletes who were in attendance, but were told by Roach and Lantz that they could not comment on the situation. Roach did say that student athletes are expected to comply with a high standard of conduct. “We expect our student athletes to handle themselves always in a manner that is above approach,” Roach said. “It is continual education, it is continual ‘be a good teammate,’ ‘help a teammate out,’ they hear it daily from our coaches. Not just about their sport performance but about how
the program when they go around. We are consistently sending that message.” Interim President James Hallmark issued out an email in which he recaps the events that took place across Javelina Nation this week. Hallmark addresses the protest by saying that, “a group of courageous students gathered to raise sexual assault awareness on campus.” He also states that while he was sorry to miss the event, he wants to let students know they have been heard and will continue to work with them to ensure the campus is a safe environment for all. If any student wishes to report sexual assault cases, visit Title IX in Lewis Hall, Room 130 or contact them at (361) 592-4758. Students can also make reports to UPD in Lewis Hall or by contacting them at (361)
Students Marching towards the pavilion
593-2611 “You do not expect somebody that you love to hurt you like that and it hurts a lot. I just say that if you are in a relationship, male or female whatever, you need to listen to your partner if they’re uncomfortable,” Jane* said. “You
Susan Cortez
are not to blame [for what has happened to you], the person who hurts you is to blame, and it took a long time for me to realize that.” *Not her real name.
Ronni Reyna
Ximena Cantu speaks to the crowd after the protest while Carmela Martinez comforts her.
Susan Cortez
Carmela Martinez, X5.2imena Cantu and Erial Hawkins embrace after survivors shared their stories.
Patrol Sargent and interim Police Chief Gabriel Gonzalez watches over students protesting.
Susan Cortez
Susan Cortez
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May 2, 2022 thesouthtexan.com
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by the university, included members, TAMUK’s Student Body President and several community members. “We actually had a large pool of very talented candidates for the position,” Faculty Senate President and PSAC member Dr. Jieming Chen said. “My personal impression of Dr. Vela during the interview is that he is articulate, energetic and very passionate about making to our university and the South Texas region. At the same time, Dr. Vela is very thoughtful and well organized in answering questions from the members of the committee.” Chen also said Vela’s strong administrative background shows he can lead our university to growth and academic excellence. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee was announced in early Janudiately, with the goal of recommending candidates to the Chancellor by April. Dr. Vela currently serves as the 12th president of San Antonio College and helped the college receive the 2021 Aspen Prize for
Solo finalist Dr. Robert Vela
Community College Excellence. “It’s one thing that we have a [president] that understands our student body, our community, and it’s another thing to have somebody who is from the community and who was actually part of the community and Dr. Vela hits both marks,” PSAC member Dr. Alberto Rodriguez said. Vela received his bachelor’s and graduate degrees from TAMUK and was named a Distinguished Alumni of the university in 2015. “He understood our students, our location, our community, our demographics probably better than any other person because he was from the area. He was an alumnus;
Courtesy alamo.edu
all the candidates were great don’t get me wrong, but Dr. Vela was able to to us,” Rodriguez said. Vela is set to visit TAMUK Tuesday, May 3, to position until early June. “Dr. Vela has extensive leadership experience at various colleges, and as President of San Antonio College, he was able to lead that institution into a nationally recognized college of excellence. Our university has enormous potential, and having someone like Dr. Vela will allow us to continue to provide an excellent university experience for all our students,” PSAC member Dr. Elda Sanchez said.
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want to bring to the table for my fellow students,” Estelle said. The SGA board for the upcoming semester in new positions. These positions are made to develop leaders and make change for the legislation bills the group wants to pass for students. “I think if students have an interest in being a voice for their college or their class or even - SGA members being sworn in. ence on campus, this asked is that the student association is perfect for must run for their colthem. SGA is the voice lege and year. All stuof the students, so if that dents can apply to SGA is something they are and the association will interested in, I strongly be tabling and opening recommend they come applications this fall to a meeting to see if with hope of more stuthey would like to be dent involvement. SGA involved the following will be hosting bi-weeksemester. If seats are ly meetings every other open, you can apply,” Wednesday. “I will represent and SGA co-advisor Erin be a voice for TAMUK McClure said. students and organiTo apply as a senator, zations by listening to the only requirement them, making sure that
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attended. Upon gaining information from members of the organizations, the students
got their slips signed, took it to the last booth where they dropped out a free prize in return. Besides the free prize, students received a free shirt and and informational brochures.
attend feel.” Along with Student Health and Wellness and Pep-Talk, resources like Counseling Services, Women’s and Men’s Health Service Clinic and CAB also set up booths around the pavilion, all prepared to inform students on ways to relieve stress and give them free prizes after. “As a student, a lot of things are going on, [like] some things that we cannot share in pub-
Courtesy of @tamuk_sga
everything is running smoothly, making sure that they are comfortable and not only safe but that they are happy. I will relay their concerns to the administration and use my voice as strongly as I can,” Larraga said. If students have any questions or concerns regarding the university or SGA, contact Student Body President Larraga tyler.larraga@students.tamuk.edu. lic,” Mechanical Engineer student Akshay Thakur said. “These resources out here do a great job in making sure we get the help we need; all we have to do is reach out to them.” For more information on resources available for students, contact the Student Health and Wellness Center at (361) 593-2611 or visit their ofBusiness Administration Building.
“It can get stressful around this time for students. All your schoolwork starts piling up and all that pressure can make you crumble,” junior Carolina Galaviz said. “Sometimes it is nice to hear someone tell you ‘Hey, everything is going to do great and this is how we can help you,’ that is the comfort we hope students who
9
Courtesy of @tamukpeptalk
Student Health and Wellness share counseling service information.
individuals.” As the co-chair of the Black Heritage Committee for more than five years, Collins began her journey of creating a culture in which individuals can come together to connect with each other, learn about black history and feel a sense of belonging and acceptance from the community. She developed unique workshops and events that included the TAMUK and the City of Kingsville communities. Her passion and commitment to making a difference also led her to become the 2000-2003 advisor to the Black Student Union organization. During this time, Collins became a mentor to the students of color as a Javelina alumnus and a former Javelina athlete, because she had strong ties to the community and was willing to help the students feel at home. “My initial reaction [to winning the medallion] was very emotional, because I have been here for 32 years and this is
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those who wanted to remember the event. “I think it’s a momentous occasion really for the topic. I’ve known Lisa for the last two years; she’s a strong person and I think it’s good for someone like her to be able to address a topic that is still a big issue of humanity. Overall, there was a great show out tonight,” John Lawrence, TAMUK alumnus, said. To purchase Car-
the highest honor/award I have received,” Collins said. “I feel like all my effort and work I have done working with students, munity was recognized.” In 2010, Collins expanded her mission to include advocating for students ing solutions to create an environment that was free from any additional barriers. As the Disability Services Coordinator and now the Assistant Director of the DRC, Collins began educating the university on inclusivity, which extended to a wide range of areas, such as including students with disabilities in marketing and recruitment materials, sponsoring role models such as speakers with disabilities and/or incorporating accessibility in student activities to engage and welcome everyone. Collins’ passion was evident in the emails she received from students thanking her for her commitment. A selection committee was tasked with choosing this year’s recipients.
rington’s book, Stories from the Front, visit Amazon, Lulu or by sending a check for $22.90 payable to Blue Ear Books to 7511 Greenwood Ave. N, Box 400, Seattle, Wash., 98103. Please make sure to include a shipping address with your check. Firmin hopes in the coming months to have a website up and running with not only her poems but also information to help others who have gone through what she has. TA-
“We were looking for someone who understood diversity and had taken part in actions to promote diversity on our campus primarily, and Barbara certainly met those qualtions and Journalism Professor and member of the selection committee Dr. Manuel Flores said. Collins also became co-chair of the university’s Climate, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and created a Diversity and Equity Climate survey, public art renditions to enrich the campus and formed a committee to organize an annual symposium, which focuses on issues of social justice and equity. “Throughout her various roles, she has actively promoted inclusivity and increased diversity awareness,” Castillo-Alaniz said. “Overall, there was so much she did, whether she was committed in student success or mentoring students of color. It was easy for me to choose her and nominate her for this award.”
of 10 book releases across the country.
Submitted Photo
Colonel Lisa Carrington Firmin signing her new book.
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