SERVING BREVARD COLLEGE SINCE 1935. Volume 82, Issue 18 Web Edition. February 8, 2017. BC Theatre students rehearse scen
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Volume 82, Issue 18 Web Edition
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SERVING BREVARD COLLEGE SINCE 1935
February 8, 2017
This week in Trump’s World
By Jordon Morgan
OPINION COMMENTARY
Arts & Life Editor As we head into the third week of the presidency of Donald J. Trump, it can be quite a mind workout to keep up with everything that is happening. Little of it is promising, however. One of the most recent things to have taken place, as reported by The Independent, was a raid in Yemen conducted by U.S. Navy SEALs on a suspected Al-Qaeda camp in Yemen’s Bayda province that resulted in the deaths of one member of the US special forces team and up to 30 Yemeni civilians, among them an eightyear-old girl. To be completely objective and fair to the president, it is tough to judge whether he bears the responsibility for this operation’s failure. The Atlantic reported that the operation, “according to The New York Times, was approved by and recommended to the president by his secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” The article also goes on to state that for said recommendation to go forward, the senior leadership of the Department of Defense would have signed off on the operation. So, if there is one situation where the President doesn’t deserve the full brunt of the backlash, it would be this one. Something he does deserve full backlash on is his continued insistence on his ban from people from seven specific Muslim countries. From numerous protests at multiple airports across the country, untold amounts of families who have no association whatsoever with terrorism are being separated or are unable to reunite with each other, it’s fair to say that the ban has been at best, not very efficient. However, as reported by Aljazeera, US District Judge James Robart of Seattle has put a nationwide block on the President’s executive order. Said block will remain in place nationwide until a full review of a complaint by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Of the decision, Ferguson said, again according to Aljazeera, "The constitution prevailed today. No one is above the law, not even the president.” They also reported that he went on to say that, “Not everybody may like this decision - I'm certain the president will not like this
decision - but it is his job, it is his responsibility, it is his obligation as president to honor it and I'll make sure he does." Trump wasn’t done with this action. In a blurb by CBS News, the President signed yet another executive order on Friday that will direct the Treasury secretary to review the 2010 DoddFrank financial oversight law, which reshaped financial regulation after the 2008-09 financial crisis. According to The New York Times, President Trump also signed a memorandum that will begin reversing a policy known as the fiduciary rule, which requires brokers to act in the client’s best interests, rather than seek the highest profit for themselves, when providing retirement ad-
vice. It’s hard to envision any positive scenario for such a repeal if it were to happen. The New York Times in that same article pointed out how these efforts to loosen regulations on banks and other major financial companies go directly against his campaign theme of being a champion of the working Americans and as a critic of the Wall Street elite. Hopefully Trump realizes, sooner than later, that these sorts of actions and policies will have nothing but negative effects on his constituents, and subsequently, his political reputation, as well as that of the Republican Party. For now, we simply have to hope for the best, but expect the worst.
BC Theatre to present U.S. premiere of ‘There Is a War’
Photos courtesy of BC Media Relations
BC Theatre students rehearse scenes from their upcoming production “There Is a War,” which opens tomorrow night in the Porter Center’s Morrison Playhouse. Read more about this show on page 5.
Campus News Multiple classes President Brevard walk labyrinth Alumna Dona Trump announces Vaughn conservative creates Vocal Supreme Court Scholarship nominee Page 2
The Clarion
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February 8, 2017
By Jeni Welch
for Minority Students By Alex Perri
Staff Writer A newly endowed music scholarship at Brevard College has been created by alumna, Dona D. Vaughn. Since graduating with a vocal degree from Brevard College, Vaughn has gone on to achieve a highly successful career as an actress, singer, educator, director, and producer in New York City. Among her many accolades on the stage are numerous roles on Broadway (“Company,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Seesaw”), many directing credits (including the first production of Tennessee Williams’ “Red Battery Sign”) and countless other international credits working on plays, musicals, and operas. Vaughn is the Artistic Director of Opera at Manhattan School of Music and of PORTopera, a summer festival in Portland, Maine. She is a member of Brevard College’s Board of Trustees, a board member of Opera America and of the Carolina-based Jensen Foundation. “I received a music scholarship to attend Brevard College, and it changed my life,” Vaughn said. “It began the trajectory of my career.” She considers Brevard College the springboard to her subsequent international career and now wants to give back to the school that afforded her these opportunities. “I hope this scholarship helps provide the recipient not only with a sense of encouragement, pride, and empowerment, but also with an incentive to give back one day,” she said. The Dona D. Vaughn Endowed Music Scholarship will provide assistance to an ethnic minority student majoring in music at Brevard College. Vaughn was the first member of her family to attend college, and she wants to help those who need assistance in pursuing a career in music just as she did. “I have created this scholarship because, in all my years of teaching, I often have wished that more minority members were encouraged to pursue a music profession,” Vaughn said.
By Asa Gray
Staff writer As the hotly contested first 100 days of office continue, President Donald Trump very recently announced his top nominee for the next Supreme Court judge to be Neil M. Gorsuch. The 49-year-old Gorsuch has had lots of experience in being a federal appeals court judge, which is a key reason President Trump and other elected officials feel strongly that Gorsuch would be the perfect fit to fill a seat that has been vacant for almost a year now. This is practically the first time ever that a Supreme Court contender has been solidly conservative. In addition, he is also surprisingly the youngest Supreme Court nominee since the year 1991. According to an NPR (National Public Radio) website article, “Gorsuch has cultivated a reputation as a memorable and clear author of legal opinions” and is “a popular and approachable judge.” These are, most certainly, qualities that American citizens look up to and want to see in officials that have a direct impact on major issues and governmental concerns. Neil Gorsuch has had a multitude of experience within the governmental field. From 1991 to 1992, he served as a judicial clerk within the D.C. Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals. Following this year-long endeavor, he became a lawyer at the law firm Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel. Gorsuch’s success did not stop there. In 2006, he was nominated by then-president George W. Bush to join the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and was widely credited as being “unanimously well-qualified” for the job. Many Americans are wondering what he will do if he does, in fact, become the next Supreme Court judge. A report brought up in a recent New York Times article says that some of his main goals would include, “voting to limit gay rights, uphold restrictions on abortion and invalidate affirmative action programs.” This same report mentions that Gorsuch, “is estimated to be more conservative than 87 percent of all other federal judges.” Between his strict ideologies and a very conservative edge as well, there is See ‘Supreme Court nominee’ on page 4
Campus News Editor Last week, students from African American Literature and the Environmental Literature and Environmental Theology LINC classes took field trips to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on main street in Brevard to walk a labyrinth. A labyrinth is not a maze. They are not meant to confuse or frustrate but instead used to reduce stress, quiet the mind, open the heart, and foster creativity. There are no dead ends and no way to get lost. They have been found in Crete, France, Norway, India and the British Isles. The ancient designs have been found back 3000 years in a variety of forms and cultures. Some students enjoyed it so much from the Environment LINC courses that they asked for the labyrinth to be open on Saturday as well. A total of 47 students between the classes and 4 guest students, on Saturday, participated in the walk. Environmental LINC student, Luz Hernandez said, “The good thing is it doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not, it’s okay, anyone can do it.” The African American literature class walked the labyrinth twice. The first-class period they focused on a reading about North Africa and its history of being the first area with a Christian labyrinth, and walked to Christian taize chants. During the second class period the students walked twice. The first walk was for healing, accompanied by traditional African music for healing and then the second walk was for celebration. The class is currently learning about African American vernacular traditions, so music and oral tradition is the crux of our current unit. English teacher, Dr. Holland, said, “I have found the labyrinth a unique way to explore many different traditions as well as a way to tap into many different personal emotions.” The LINC classes focused more on connecting with the natural environment and walked to a meditation with nature sounds. Students were encouraged to walk for personal purpose or to connect with nature. The class is following up the experience with discussion about a short story from “The New Yorker,” that retells the Theseus myth. “Before I entered I just wanted to have some of that [weight on my shoulders] lifted off and thinking that hopefully I could think a little more clearly when I finished. As I started walking I reflected on my life struggle, goals, family… everything.” Hernandez said, “It was only me and this path that was ahead of me. As I finally came to the middle everything came together,
See ‘Labyrinth’ on page 6
February 8, 2017 | The Clarion
Opinion
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A country without creativity By Zach Dickerson Staff Writer
Around the end of January, the D.C. newspaper “The Hill” obtained evidence that shows that the Trump Administration plans on completely getting rid of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in order to make room in the federal budget. Both the NEA and the NEH were created as two separate agencies when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act into law on Sept. 29, 1965. Both of these agencies are important to society and even getting rid of just one will have a negative impact on the country. Last year the NEA used almost $148 million to help fund art programs across the entire country. Many of the students and professors on the campus feel that their voices and the voices of everyone involved in the arts should be heard and that Donald Trump should listen to their opinions and beliefs and take them into consideration before making any rash decisions about the agencies. “I feel dejected,” said Haley McGavin, Art Major with a Sculpture Concentration. “It feels like he’s invalidating the skills that I have and what I want to learn and I hate that he’s doing that. If the government doesn’t care then why would anyone else? If something does happen then hopefully there will be a revolution of artists making their own coalition.” “It feels awful that he’s getting rid of something so close to me that has existed in my life since a young age,” said Heather Kirkland, Vocal Major. “He’s basically defunding creativity and it’s just difficult to comprehend. If the government defunds it then no one will support it. Plus, if he defunds it then people will lose the chance to meet others with similar likes and interests in things like school programs.” “It’s ridiculous that people don’t think art is important because basically everything is art. From television shows to advertising. You can’t go anywhere without seeing art,” said Karen MacKillop, Technical Theater Major with Costume Emphasis. “It’s insane that people don’t realize how vital it is because if you get rid of art you basically get rid of life.” MacKillop had this to say about the future artists if the endowment is taken away, “The next generation is going to be royally screwed over if the NEA gets defunded because people in the arts already have a hard-enough time getting support from family and economic stability. Sometimes it’s hard to fight for it with
the circumstances you grow up in. I’m lucky to have support from my parents. Other families sometimes cut ties from their children and then don’t have a place to go. I know some people that that has happened to.” The students aren’t the only ones who want to be vocal in this fight. Many of the professors had their own opinions on the matter at hand. “It’s sad and disheartening because art has been a part of society as far back as history goes,” said Kyle Lusk, Associate Professor of Art. “It shapes everything about history whether it’s good or not,” added Jo Pumphrey, Professor of Art. “The endowment is usually associated negatively in the news due to its funding of controversial artists and art shows,” Lusk continued. “The endowment does many other things like funding children’s ballet, museums of all kinds, music festivals, and school programs and all that would lose support and just be gone if the endowment goes away.” “Learning art is important for growing and expanding creativity and all that will be lost not to mention it will also be a major economic loss as well,” said Pumphrey. “It’s complete idiocy to get rid of the endowment because art is vital whether we know it or not,” said Laura Mcdowell, Professor of Music. “The population is so involved in the arts that getting rid of it would be getting rid of a big influence on society.” “The government is supposed to mirror its people so I hope they keep it and mirror our core values. Advocates fighting for the arts is an old
battle and even when things are going well we have to continue to remind people that the arts are expensive to practice and present. Ticket sales don’t cover performances so outside funding is essential,” said Mcdowell. “Also, someone can’t just pick up a violin one day and be able to play it after a short period of practice. It takes months, even years of practice and execution in order to do that and will be a lot harder for children to do that if all the funding goes away.” “There are already enough roadblocks in front of educators and at times it makes us ask ourselves, ‘Do we live in a society that values art?’” said Brandon Smith, Assistant Professor of Theater. “There isn’t really a whole lot of respect for the arts and a lot of times it’s taken for granted. I hope it doesn’t get cut, but if it does people will rally in support to bring it back or come together to make something to take its place. It’s already hard enough to get a proper education in the arts, to get proper educators to teach it, and to get sufficient funding. Getting rid of the endowment will only make it impossible for the next generation of artists.” On Jan. 25, 2017, Trump’s Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, voiced his response to the possible budget cuts in a series of two tweets by writing, “An artless nation is a spiritless nation, which is detrimental to the wisdom required for int’l diplomacy and govt. I encourage @POTUS to continue funding the @NEAarts and @NEHgov so we may represent the great American spirit abroad in the years to come. #MAGA.” There are also multiple petitions on WhiteHouse.gov that anyone can sign in order to help keep the NEA and NEH.
By Florian Peyssonneaux
Wednesdays, at 8pm in MG 232. The meetings are mandatory for the peer elected students, the club presidents and representatives. Those gatherings are also open to every student who has a proposition or project to submit for the board. However, the communication on those reunions is not always clear for students who are not involved in a club. In the meetings that were conducted this year many topics and issues were discussed, but in the end most decisions that are taken are just pointless. The SGA is supposed to be an organization that serves Brevard College and it’s students, not just the personal want for the members of the meetings. From what I was able to witness, the SGA’s main goal is to complement each other on how cute a project can be. Not to sound rude, but committees like the Random Act of Kindness
SGA: Focus on the real issues
Staff Writer “The Brevard College Student Government Association (SGA) is an organization of peer elected student leaders and exists to be the link between students and administration in academic and campus wide affairs” according to my.brevard.edu. Brevard College is a small private college where the clubs and organizations could have a huge impact on the student life. However, the lack of actions by most clubs doesn’t serve the campus like it should. The SGA is responsible for action, project and clubs on campus. This association is a way for Brevard College students to raise their voice on campus. In order to decide what is going to be done with the funds allocated to the student organizations, the SGA hold a meeting once a week, on
See ‘SGA,’ page 6
Arts & Life
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February 8, 2017
Deadline for London Donor Appreciation Study Abroad program Day fast approaching By Jeni Welch
Campus News Editor
The deadline for studying abroad in London is March 1. The program begins on July 6 and ends on Aug. 7. Students have a variety of classes to choose from including international business and criminal justice. Unfortunately, the public heath class is already at its max limit for the trip. All the classes being offered meet an exact credit at Brevard College and has a six-hour credit total. International business would meet the requirements of ORG 320, criminal justice would match CRJ 205, Shakespeare in London is equivalent to ENG 322 or THE 323 and British Literature meets the requirements of ENG 205. Along with meeting a general education the class would also fulfill part of the Critical Understanding of Western Society within a Global Context. Theatre teacher Dr. Brandon Smith taught last with the program. Smith said, “I think it is one of the single most significant opportunities available to our students.” The cost of $6,900 includes roundtrip airfare from Charlotte to Heathrow, London, lodging and the cost associated with each class including tuition and fees. The gated campus is located in East London at the Queen Mary campus. Each student has a private room and share a bathroom and kitchen with five other participants. The classes are held from Monday to Thursday. They begin in the morning and are followed by fieldtrips pertaining to the class discussions in the evenings. The three-day weekend offers students a chance to explore the West End Theatre district, Trafalgar Square and the Piccadilly Circus which are all easily accessible from the campus. Students are also given a “mini-break” of five days during the four-week course where they have the freedom to explore surrounding areas. The class sizes have an average size of 10 students and in the program last year there
was a total of 60 participants. This year, English teacher Dr. Ken Chamlee will be teaching the British Literature class with the program. “The immediate application of history and the connection of the literature is the best part of teaching abroad,” said Chamlee. Some of the fieldtrips for British literature could include the British museum, Westminster Abbey, and a trip to Canterbury. The Criminal Justice class takes trips to Nottingham and the Tower of London, while the Theatre class takes trips to the Globe Theatre and have professionals visit the classrooms. Financial Aid is available to the trip and more information can be found by contacting, Curriculum Enrichment Coordinatior, Nacole Potts. Students will need a valid U.S. passport, an international student I.D. and extra funds for food, personal travel money, and the tube pass (subway). More information or questions can be directed to Nacole Potts or Chamlee.
Supreme Court nominee Continued from Page 2
likely to be a plethora of controversy among American citizens. Gorsuch has a family member who has played a rather significant role in American politics. His mother, Anne, was a key player in running the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the Reagan Administration. However, she was forced to resign due to an ongoing criminal investigation based on some of her work during the Reagan era. Neil Gorsuch has proved to men and women alike that he has got the skills necessary to pursue a career as a Supreme Court judge. If he is able to support the majority of citizens with this powerful platform he may soon have, he will gain even more positive recognition than ever before. He will then be able to leave a positive impact on the nation from coast to coast.
Donor Appreciation Day offers Brevard College students a chance to sign Thank You cards on Feb. 14 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Myers Dining Hall to send to donors. 99 percent of BC students receive scholarship support. The scholarships are created by the supporters of the college through their generous donations. A Thank You note can go a long way to show appreciation for the donor’s support. In the past, relationships between students and donors have led to postgraduate employment and graduate school opportunities. The first 100 students to sign a Thank You note will receive a chocolate covered strawberry courtesy of Downtown Chocolates.
the Clarion Senior Staff Editor in Chief . . . . Calum McAndrew Managing Editor . . . Copy Editor . . . . . . Opinion . . . . . . . . Michael Heiskell Arts & Life . . . . . . Jordon Morgan Sports . . . . . . . . Campus News . . . . Jeni Welch Layout & Design . . . Emma Moore Faculty Advisor . . . . John B. Padgett Other Staff Hayleigh Mann Alex Perri Florian Peyssonneaux Bryant Baucom Amanda Heskett Alexis Henley Asa Gray Zach Dickerson Tyler Thompkins Caro Addams The Clarion is a student-run college newspaper produced by student journalists enrolled at Brevard College. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of the staff of The Clarion. Other opinions expressed in this newspaper are those of respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff or administration of Brevard College.
All correspondence should be mailed to: The Clarion, Brevard College, One Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712, or send E-mail to
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February 8, 2017 | The Clarion
BC Theatre presents
Arts & Life
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‘There is a War’ opening night Feb. 9 By Alex Webster
Contributor Brevard College Theatre presents the United States premiere of “There Is A War” by Tom Basden. The show will run in The Porter Center for Performing Arts’ black box theatre, the Morrison Playhouse, Feb. 9-11 at 7:00 p.m. and Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. “There Is a War” is directed by Brandon Smith and features a diverse cast of over 20 BC students. It is a poignant work that blends tragedy and comedy in an eye-opening way. All opinions and views are exposed, and the characters attempt to find what it means to be human in a society of perpetual warfare. The play follows a doctor, Anne, beginning on her first day at war. In two powerful, fastmoving acts, Anne challenges her own beliefs about right and wrong as she attempts to fulfill her role as a doctor, despite adversity. The production is the result of the collaborative senior capstone project. The collaborative
senior capstone is a concept that is a part of the new theatre degree plan that began in the 2014-2015 academic year, and the project serves as a demonstration of knowledge and skills that students have acquired during their time studying theatre. Within the collaborative capstone project, students can focus on different disciplines of theatre, including design, performance, and management opportunities. Each senior designs or oversees a different aspect of the production. The collaborative senior capstone course is the result of four years of training and experience in the department, and is the complement to the first-year theatre course, “Collaboration in Theatre.” There are discussions about teamwork in different departments of theatre and the importance of collaboration in design. The courses offer a more in-depth look at professional development. Each course requires demonstration of knowledge and skill with direct feedback to imitate real-world experience. To prepare for summer work in theatre, or for
graduate school and jobs following graduation, emphasis is placed on mindful goal setting and communication with professors and other theatre professionals. Josh Goldstein is the sound designer for “There Is a War,” Karen Mackillop is the costume shop manager, and Logan Taylor is the lighting designer. Ian Hueston is the makeup designer and properties co-designer, and is playing the role of Dr. Moore. Garrett Rhodes is the technical director, and is playing the role of Dr. Holmes. Alex Webster is the assistant director, head of publicity, and is playing the role of Gordon. Other members of the production team include Courtney Sharp as the stage manager, Malynne Petoia as the assistant stage manager, Thomas Cox as the master carpenter, and Teila Vochatzer as the properties co-designer. Tickets are $10 and are available online at etix.com, at Southern Comfort Records on Main Street Brevard, and at the box office thirty minutes before each show.
along the night only seemed to get better. Along with well-crafted covers, Beilis also performed several original songs. Some were from his two albums “Famous” and “Overdrawn” or were singles. Each song was beautifully composed and Beilis sang every piece with incredible passion and energy. Each original piece of music has a message or unique story behind it. “Whatever We Are” spreads the message of being true to yourself and telling people that it’s okay to be who they are because everyone is unique. “Guilty Pleasure” is a song about that one relationship that you know is bad for you and yet you keep going back to it. “Perfect for Me” is a love song about how when you meet the one, they are perfect in your eyes. Each song struck the audience members differently whether it being because they related to the message that the song conveyed or they
just were overcome by emotions due to the content in the song. Beilis even had the audience echo whatever he sung throughout the night. Overall, he did a delightful job making the audience feel engaged. Two members of the audience even got up on stage with him and sung a harmony part for the song Let It Go. The talent in the room was incredible that night. Overall, the concert was superb. Beilis is such a talented musician and just a good-hearted guy all around. Everyone in the audience had a great time listening to some quality music and if anyone wishes to hear any of Matt Beilis’s music they should head over to his website http://www.mattbeilis.com/, his Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/mattbeilis/ featured, on ITunes, or Spotify. Autographed CD albums can be purchased on his website.
Matt Beilis delivers stunning performance By Alexis Henley Staff writer
On Wednesday Feb. 1, Matt Beilis delivered a fantastic performance to his audience in Dunham Auditorium. With just his voice and piano he swept the audience away with each song. This has been just one of his many stops on his tour this year. He started his tour back on Friday Jan. 13 and will continue until Thursday Feb. 23. He has performed at colleges and theatres all over the country in places such as Newport News, Virginia, Memphis, Tennessee, and of course, our town of Brevard. His performance included several covers from popular singers and bands such as Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, Let It Go by James Bay, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, and Use Somebody by Kings of Leon. Each unique cover drew the audience in and as they sung
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Shows and music venues in Brevard this week By Alex Perri Staff Writer
Oskar Blues Brewery: Thursday 6-8pm: Circus Mutt, Bluegrass Friday 6-8pm: J.J. Hipps, Blues Saturday 6-8pm: Calvin Get Down, Funk Monday 6pm: Mountain Music Mondays Open Jam, Bluegrass 185 King Street: Friday 8-11pm: Dalton Monroe (A BC Alum!) Saturday 8-11pm: Ray Adams and Elizabeth Galloway, Classic, Early Country Sunday 12pm- 8pm: Open Jam Session hosted by Mike Guggino and Mike Ashworth of Steep Canyon Rangers Monday: Open Mic Night The Phoenix Lounge: Wednesday 7pm: Jazz Night hosted by Jason DeCristofaro Thursday 7pm: Dave Desmelik, Americana Friday 9pm: Shotgun Gypsies, Original Americana Rock Saturday 9pm: Jeff Thompson, Americana Sunday 12pm: Mike Sweet, 60’s/70’s Covers Wine Down On Main: Friday 6-9pm: Eric Congdon, Acoustic Country Saturday 6-9pm: Letters to Abigail, Americana The DFR Room Saturday 9pm: Free Flow, Funk Soul
Arts & Life
2017 Great Decisions lecture series at BC By Elizabeth Harrison
Director of Communications and Media Relations
Six upcoming lectures will explore U.S. foreign relations via topics such as Nuclear Security and Saudi Arabia in Transition during the annual Great Decisions Lecture Series at Brevard College. The talks are scheduled on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8 and 15 in McLarty-Goodson Room 125 on the Brevard College campus. The series at Brevard College begins Wednesday, Feb. 8, with “Latin America’s Political Pendulum,” a talk by Venezuelan native and Mars Hill University Associate Professor of French Dr. Maria Moreno. Relationships between Latin countries and the U.S. have fluctuated over the last few decades, according to Moreno. “Today, as many appear to be moving toward more centrist forms of governments – with added opportunities for shifts toward Cuba, Colombia and Venezuela – the U.S. may be able to foster improved relationships with its neighbors to the south,” Moreno says. “Great Decisions” is a nationwide discussion program on world affairs founded in 1954 by the Foreign Policy Association. The group was based on the “Avon” model of face-to-face, active and informal conversation – participants would read a fact sheet on each of the topics before meetings, where they aired their respective views and opinions. FPA would tally up opinion ballots and report the results to the Department of State. Each year, eight topics are chosen by a panel of experts – in addition to the topics listed above, this year’s issues range from Trade and Politics to U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum. The fee to attend one lecture is $10 and $35 for all six. Contact Beverly Smith at Brevard College to preregister: 828.884.8251 or
[email protected]. Great Decisions Lecture Series booklets are available through the Foreign Policy Association website.
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February 8, 2017
Unfocussed SGA Continued from Page 3
(RAK), are just worthless events that do not achieve anything, and at the same time waste money that could be used for actual improvements for the college. There is a real issue on the involvement of students on clubs and associations, for example the SGA is looking for new senators to represent the students, but only few students want to take the time to participate. Concrete action is something that is desperately missing in the Student Government Association and for the clubs, like B.C Greens, who took half a semester to install a couple trash cans for recycling, which are unfortunately always full. For as long as I can remember the lighting on campus has been terrible, but to change a couple light bulbs, voting and creating a committee is necessary instead of just doing it. Some practical decisions initiated by Brevard College students sometimes lead to real projects like the installation of ENO pods a couple weeks ago. Those actually benefit the students, who seem to enjoy the latest upgrade. Also events like Springfest, and Grassical are possible because of the actions of the SGA, which is what associations should be focused on: direct action on campus instead of serving projects that are a required constraint for all clubs. If all the clubs were more trusted to do actions like this they would show spontaneous will to create events in a responsible manner. On the other hand, the SGA got involved in a very important project like Standing Rock, by supporting blocking the Dakota Access pipeline to support Native Americans. This kind of action is symbolic, but it is also something that brings together the students. Actions like this are very different from planting flowers on campus, or giving free hugs. That is what the Clubs and Associations on campus should strive for, real actions that make a difference for us and for others. If students see that the decisions that are taken have an impact on their life, or environment they will more likely be involved, and believe that their voice can make a difference.
Labyrinth
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as I walked back the same way I came from I knew my worries had been lifted. As I walked back I felt like that was the beginning of a new journey.” Student Daniel Taylor even suggested to have a labyrinth walk during the hard times in the semester that need contemplation and decision making.
February 8, 2017 | The Clarion
Sports
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Super Bowl review
New England caps off historic Super Bowl comeback By Bryant Baucom Staff Writer
Tom Brady started off the NFL season with a four game suspension, but he finished it with a Super Bowl ring. In one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, Brady and the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Super Bowl MVP completed the historic game with 466 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a fifth Super Bowl ring. Brady led the New England Patriots on a game-winning drive in the first overtime game in Super Bowl history to clinch his fifth title with the Patriots. Running back James White took the pitch from Brady on 2nd and goal to the outside and dove into the endzone to capture the title for New England. Although New England came out on top, their hope of victory seemed bleak entering the fourth quarter. The Falcons were leading 28-9 heading into what appeared to be the final quarter of the NFL season with a 98.9 percent chance to win according to ESPN. Following a defensive stop, the Patriots added on a Stephen Gostowski field goal to cut it to a two possession game with 9:44 left in the contest. With their backs against the wall, the New England defense came up big. On the ensuing Falcons possession, linebacker Dont’a Hightower recorded a sack fumble on MVP and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan that allowed defensive tackle Alan Branch to recover the ball for New England. The Patriots would then cap off a five play, 25-yard drive with a five yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Danny Amendola. Down 10 after the touchdown, New England would need a two-point conversion to make it a one possession game. They were able to convert the two-point conversion on a direct snap to James White that Tom Brady made appear to have sailed over his head. After allowing seventeen unanswered points, the Atlanta Falcons were still up eight and would regain possession with a little under six minutes left in regulation. Despite one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history by Julio
Jones, the Atlanta offense was stifled by a sack and a holding penalty. A Falcons punt gave Brady a chance to work his magic and tie the contest up. Brady would do just that as he used one of the biggest catches in Super Bowl history by Julian Edelman to march his troops 10 plays and 91 yards down the field to bring the game within two. Down by two, Brady took the snap and fired a missile to Danny Amendola on the left side of the goal line to tie the game at 28. Regulation would end just the way it started. Super Bowl LI started off in a defensive battle as the first quarter ended scoreless. The Falcons would get on the board first on a five yard touchdown run by Devonta Freeman that gave them a 7-0 lead. The Falcons extended their lead to 14 when Matt Ryan connected with Austin Hooper for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 8:48 left in the second quarter after a LeGarrette Blount fumble on the previous New England drive. The Patriots’ ensuing drive was extended by three different holding penalties on the Falcons, two of which occurred on third down after the Falcons had made a stop. Although the Falcons were the ones to extend the New England drive, they would also be the ones to end. Cornerback Robert Alford jumped in front of Tom Brady’s pass in the red zone to return the interception 82 yards and give the Falcons a 21-0 lead with just over two minutes to play in the half. In what seemed like a meaningless play at the time, Patriots kicker Stephen Gostowski knocked in a 41-yard field goal at the end of the first half to cut the Atlanta lead to 21-3. Both defenses opened up the second half with stops, forcing punts from each team. With a three possession lead, the Falcons began their second drive of the third quarter on their own their own 14 yard line. They would use an eight play, 85-yard drive to extend their lead to 28-3 on a six-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Tevin Coleman. Facing their biggest deficit since their 2014 regular season matchup against the Chiefs, the Patriots were up to the task. Tom Brady marched his offense down the field for a five
yard touchdown pass to James White that capped off a 13 play, 75-yard drive. The Patriots seemed to have cut the lead to 18 until Stephen Gostowoski missed his fifth extra point of the season, leaving the score at 28-9. After being named the NFL’s MVP on Saturday night, Matt Ryan played like it for a majority of the football game. He completed his first Super Bowl appearance with 17 completions on 23 attempts for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Superstar Julio Jones led the Falcons in receiving yards with 87 yards on four catches while Taylor Gabriel hauled in three passes for 76 yards and Malcolm Butler’s ankles. Devonta Freeman excelled in his Super Bowl debut as he aided the Falcons passing offense with 46 receiving yards and their ground game with 75 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons defense recorded a season-high five sacks in the game while forcing two Patriot turnovers. Grady Jarrett accounted for three of Atlanta’s five sacks while Keanu Neal tallied a game-high 13 tackles. Entering the fourth quarter, Atlanta had held the New England offense to over 18 points below their season average of 27.6 points per game. With Tom Brady throwing for 466 yards, there was bound to be a receiver who had an impactful performance. The only problem is James White isn’t a receiver. The running back, in his third season out of Wisconsin, was able to bring in 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. White’s 14 receptions set the Super Bowl record for the most in a game. He flourished on the ground as well with six carries for 29 yards and two touchdowns. Although they gave up three touchdowns in the game, New England’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. They racked up five sacks on Matt Ryan while Trey Flowers collected 2 ½ of the five. They collected 12 quarterback hits and forced one turnover in the contest. The Patriots may have went into the fourth quarter deflated but they finished the Super Bowl in soaring fashion. The New England Patriots ended their season on a 10 game-winning streak while the Falcons dropped their Super Bowl record to 0-2.
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The Clarion
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February 8, 2017
Tornados split Sunday doubleheader with King By Bryant Baucom Staff Writer
The Brevard College Tornados (1-3) split a doubleheader on Sunday with the King Tornado (3-1) by winning the first game 10-8 and dropping the series finale by the final score of 7-3. The Brevard pitching staff saw strong outings from Drake Black (Williamston, S.C.) and Tyler Timms (Williamston, S.C) while the offense used the hot bats of Blaine Durham (Westfield, N.C.) and Donny Carsillo (Waxhaw, N.C.) to earn a win on the afternoon. Game One: The Brevard College Tornados took game one of a doubleheader against the King Tornado by the final of 10-8 on Sunday at Gil Coan Field. Drake Black earned the win on the mound for the Tornados after going 3 ⅓ innings out of the bullpen while Blaine Durham propelled the Tornado offense to victory with three hits and four RBI. Senior Teke Scudder (Cornell, Ill.) took the mound for his first appearance of the season, starting off strong and striking out the side in the top of the first. Scudder would battle through a six run second inning for King and settle down to throw a scoreless third frame. Scudder exited the game with 2 outs in the fourth inning after going 3 ⅔ innings and allowing 3 earned runs and six runs total. Brevard would get on the board in the bottom of the third with a five run inning. Senior Kyle Morrison (Greensboro, N.C.) would get the scoring started with his second and third RBI of the season on a double down the right field line that brought home Schuyler Martie (Pine Brush, N.Y.) and Parker Hubbard (Salisbury, N.C.). Durham would bring home Morrison with his first RBI of the game on a single up the middle. On the following at-bat, senior Tyler Konzen (Orlando, Fla.) would collect his first RBI of the season on a double to left center that drove Durham across home plate from second. Junior Josh Hall (Asheville, N.C) would finish off the scoring in the third inning with his first RBI of the season on a single to right center that knocked in Konzen. The Tornados would take their first lead of the season in the bottom of the fourth as they tacked on two runs. Brevard would go on top when Durham took the outside pitch down the left field line for his second and third RBI of the game as Carsillo and Martire came around to score. King would even up the score in the top half of the fifth on a Nicolas Keister single that
brought home Tyler Bailey. Brevard took the lead and never looked back in the bottom of the fifth. A sac bunt by Hall allowed freshman Wyatt Farrior (Decatur, Ala.) to tally his first collegiate hit and RBI to bring home Brayden Morris (Pulaski, Va.) and give the Tornados the 8-7 lead. The Tornados extended their lead to three in the bottom of the sixth on a double by Durham for his fourth RBI of the game and a single by Morris that drove home Durham. King tacked on one run in the final frame before Black shut the door to give Brevard their first win of the season. Offensively, Kyle Morrison bolstered the bats for the Tornados with a two hit, 2 RBI performance. Konzen and Morris would both record two hits and an RBI for Brevard. Game Two: The Brevard College Tornados (1-3) dropped the backend of a doubleheader to the King Tornado (3-1) by the score of 7-3. Junior Tyler Timms got the start for the Tornados in the second game of the doubleheader. Timms would go four innings plus in his first start of the season, giving up six runs, five earned on five hits. King scored the first run of the game in the top of the second on a wild pitch that allowed Dylan Sligh to cross the plate.
In the bottom of the third, Brevard would use a triple down the left field line by Carsillo to score Martire and give the Tornados their first run of the game. Morrison would even up the score at two with a single through the right side that allowed Carsillo to scamper home. The Tornado of King proceeded to add a run in the third and score two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. In the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Roon (Dallas, Ga.) would use a double down the right field line to drive in freshman Joe Nelms (Malabar, Fla.) and notch his first collegiate hit and RBI. The Tornado offense was led by Carsillo who tallied two hits and an RBI. Six different Tornados recorded a hit in the ballgame while freshman Joe Nelms collected his first collegiate hit on a double to right center. Freshmen Kris Yarbrough (Monroe, N.C.) and Kross Robinson (Morganton, N.C.) made relief appearances for the Tornados. Yarbrough gave up one run on one hit in two innings of work while Robinson threw a scoreless frame, allowing just one hit. The Tornados will return to the diamond on Tuesday, Feb. 7th as they travel to the Peach State to take on nonconference opponent Toccoa Falls with first pitch scheduled for 2:00pm.
Athlete of the week:
Blaine Durham
Following the opening weekend of spring sports at Brevard, senior outfielder Blaine Durham is the Tornado Athlete of the Week. Durham is a senior from West Wilkes high school and joined the Brevard College baseball team prior to the 2013 season. In 2014, he led the Tornados in slugging percentage at .526 and hit for a .263 average with 2 RBI. The 2016 season for Durham was his best since he joined the program as he started 21 games and appeared in 25 while hitting .244 with 19 RBI. He also made two appearances on the mound for a total of 3 ⅔ innings. His best outing came against Carson-Newman where he pitched two scoreless innings. The season started off strong for Durham during the season opening four game series against King University. Durham hit an impressive
.400 (6-15) on the weekend while driving in five runs. Three of his hits were doubles and he helped propel the Tornados to their first win of the season on Sunday. While getting things done at the plate, Durham also shined in the outfield for Brevard. He posted a .1000 fielding percentage on the weekend and got an outfield assist when throwing out a runner who was attempting to score on a fly ball in Sunday’s doubleheader. Durham and the Tornados will return to action this weekend when they face Shorter University in a two game series beginning on Friday afternoon in Shorter, Ga. at 2:00pm. Brevard will return to Gil Coan Field on Wednesday, February 14 for a midweek nonconference matchup against Young Harris College at 2:00pm.
