2024.04.24

Graduation approaches

As May approaches, seniors count down the days until graduation.

Panthers of the Year

The Editorial and Sports Staff has determined its three Panthers of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year.

EIU celebrates Holi festival of colors

By Aidan Cusack Reporter | atcusack@eiu.edu

Ribbons of dyed water zipped through the springtime air, while clouds of colorful powder enveloped EIU’s Library Quad.

Vibrant music painted the air with lively tunes, as celebrators clad in white danced along, all backdropped by the stately Booth Library.

Eastern’s unofficial Holi celebration was well under way Friday afternoon.

“I would say Holi was definitely a success,” said Ben Reinbolt, one of the organizers for the event.

Reinbolt, who works with the office of international students and scholars, worked with the university board to plan the Holi celebration.

Holi is the Hindu festival of colors, love and spring, traditionally celebrated in March. Eastern’s Holi, however, was scheduled for late April, the reason being weather related, Reinbolt said.

Even at the later date, the temperature was still less than ideal during the event. Friday’s temperature peaked at 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

“There was a lot of concern from students,” said Reinbolt. “This is cold for them, especially because it was in the 80s earlier in the week. I mean, even despite the weather, there is enough interest that people will show.”

And people did show, around 70 in total.

Trustees approve tuition rework

By Zaria Flippin Sports Editor | @zariaflippppin

The EIU board of trustees approved a proposal removing out-of-state tuition charges for US residents, raised tuition and room and board and approved several new majors in its meeting Friday.

This proposal asked for new undergraduate students attending Eastern in fall 2024 who are a legal permanent resident within the United States to receive in-state tuition regardless of state.

This means only international students would be paying out-of-state tuition– 1.25 times the in-state tuition rate.

In-state tuition for incoming undergraduate students increased by $8.25 to $338.35 per credit hour. This change does not affect currenlty enrolled students.

The board unanimously voted to increase the housing and dining costs in all five dining plans:

• Seven Meal Plan Option: $250 increase to a cost of $5,260 per semester (Rm $3,682/Bd $1,578),

• Ten Meal Plan Option: $261 increase to a cost of $5,494 per semester (Rm $3,682/Bd $1,812),

• Twelve Meal Plan Option: $271 increase to a cost of $5,702 per semester (Rm $3,682/Bd $2,020),

• Fifteen Meal Plan Option: $282 increase to a cost of $5,931 per semester (Rm $3,682/Bd $2,249),

• Unlimited Meal Plan Option: $298 increase to a cost of $6,260 per semester (Rm $3,682/Bd $2,578),

There will now be a $50 increase to the cost of a double room as a single per semester. The new total is $950.

(See TRUSTEES PG 2)

(See HOLI PG 3)

BY CAM’RON HARDY | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Students celebrate EIU’s unofficial Holi in the Library Quad. Holi is a festival celebrated in India and is celebrated as the festival of colors, love and spring.

The Daily Eastern News

1811 Buzzard Hall

Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL 61920 217-581-2812

217-581-2923 (fax)

News Staff

Editor-in-Chief Rob Le Cates DENeic@gmail. com

News Editor Cam’ron Hardy dennewsdesk@ gmail.com

Assistant News Editor Audra Gullquist dennewsdesk@ gmail.com

Photo Editor Sia DeyKoontz denphotosdesk@ gmail.com

Design Editor Harper Hancock hahancock2@eiu. edu

Sports Editor Zaria Flippin densportsdesk@ gmail.com

Assistant Sports Editor Luther Yoder densportsdesk@ gmail.com

Opinions Editor Ellen Dooley denop.eds@gmail. com

Copy Chief Alli Hausman athausman@eiu.edu

Faculty Advisers

Editorial Adviser Tim Drachlis

Photo Adviser Greg Cooper

About

Publisher Joe Gisondi

Business Manager Betsy Jewell

The Daily Eastern News is produced by the students of Eastern Illinois University. It is published weekly on Wednesday, in Virden, Ill., during fall and spring semesters and online during the summer term except during university vacations or examinations. One copy per week is free to students and faculty. Additional copies can be obtained for 50 cents each in the Student Publications Office in Buzzard Hall.

Advertising

To place an advertisement or classified ad in The Daily Eastern News, call the ads office at 581-2812 or fax 581-2923. Visit our online advertisements at dailyeasternnews.com/classifieds.

Comments / Story Tips

Contact any of the above staff members if you believe your information is relevant.

Corrections

The Daily Eastern News is committed to accuracy in its coverage of the news. Any factual error the staff finds or is made aware of by its readers will be corrected as promptly as possible. Please report any factual error you find to Editor-in-Chief Rob Le Cates at 581-2812.

Employment

TRUSTEES CONTINUED FROM PG 1 >>

There is also a $25 increase to the cost of a deluxe double per semester, as the new total is $475, and there is a $25 increase to the cost of a triple as a double in Lawson Hall and Andrews Hall. The new total is $725.

University Court apartments will have an estimated 1.4% increase in cost per student and per semester based on double occupancy starting on Aug. 1, 2024:

- Two Bedroom, One Bath, No Balcony: $39 increase to a total of $2,835,

- Two Bedroom, One Bath, Balcony: $42 increase to a total of $3,007,

- Two Bedroom, One 1/2 Bath, No Balcony: $42 increase to a total of $3,051,

- Two Bedroom, One 1/2 Bath, Balcony: $44 increase to a total of $3,160,

- One Bedroom, One Bath, No Balcony: $45 increase to a total of $3,276,

- Studio: $37 increase to a total of $2,685,

- Three Bedroom, One Bath: $50 increase to a total of $3,592.

The board of trustees also unanimously voted on purchase approvals throughout the campus.

Because Eastern athletics has made a switch to Nike through the BSN apparel company, the board of trustees had to approve a revised contract from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029, with an annual cost of $100,000 to move forward with the switch from Adidas to Nike.

Additionally, the board voted on a $400,000 purchase to replace the roof in Lantz Arena.

Along with these purchase approvals, the board unanimously approved of the following purchase approvals: no more than $275,000 on telephone services for a one-year period, a four-anda-half-year total of $394,940 for StarRez housing management software

and maintenance, and a not to exceed of $542,145.18 for the maintenance of parking lots and construction throughout the campus.

Four new academic programs were unanimously approved during the board of trustees meeting.

Provost Ryan Hendrickson announced the commitment of the four new academic programs:

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in health practice

Starting in fall 2024, the program will be held in the department of public health and nutrition.

The program that will require 45 credit hours and “includes courses primarily from the area of public health and also includes internship requirements that allow for working professionals to maintain professional responsibilities while completing undergraduate requirements,” according to the EIU board of trustees report.

Bachelor of Applied Arts in cyber security

Starting in fall 2024, the program will be held in the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology, and it will be housed in the school of technology. The program will require 30 credit hours and “prepares professionals for data and information security, hardware and software security and systems and network security,” according to the EIU board of trustees’ report.

Bachelor of Science in computer engineering

Starting in spring 2025 or earlier pending state approval, this program will be held in the college of liberal arts and sciences and will be housed in the physics department. The program will require 88 credit hours and “prepares graduates for work in computer hardware engineering, software development, quality assurance analysis and testing, as well as web development and

digital designers,” according to the report.

Master of Arts in teaching in elementary education

Starting in summer 2025 or earlier pending state approval, the program will be held in the college of education, and it will be housed in the department of teaching, learning and foundations. The program will require 36 credit hours and has a mission “to provide an accessible, efficient route to teacher licensure for candidates,” according to the report.

All four programs had an 8-0 vote to approve the programs on Eastern’s campus.

Athletic Director Tom Michael was approved of an extending contract renewal for two additional years.

Michael’s contract was set to expire on Aug. 10, 2026, but the board of trustees unanimously voted to renew his contract to Aug. 10, 2028. Michael’s annual salary would be $205,000, and this will be effective July 1, 2024.

Men’s head basketball coach Marty Simmons was approved of an extended contract renewal for two additional years.

Simmons’ contract was set to expire on March 31, 2025, but the board unanimously voted to renew his contract to March 31, 2027.

The board of trustees also elected new officers for the next school year. Christopher Hicks was named the chairperson, Julie Everett was named the vice chairperson, Audrey Edwards was named the secretary and Barb Baurer was named the member pro tempore. Hicks, Everett, Edwards and Baurer were all unanimously chosen for their new and/or same positions.

The board of trustees will meet again on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

Zaria Flippin can be reached at 5812812 or at zhflippin@eiu.edu.

Attention postmaster: Send address changes to: The Daily Eastern News

Buzzard Hall

FRONT PAGE COVER BY ROB LE CATES

NEWS

Seniors prepare for graduation

By Kimberly Carroll Reporter | @DEN_News

Many seniors are starting to feel excitement about graduation, as the 2024 academic year is quickly coming to an end.

While some are experiencing feelings of fear or stress, others know exactly where they’re headed following the milestone.

Daisha Mitchell, a senior studying health administration, hopes to go into graduate school in the human services program at EIU.

“I am also planning on moving into my own apartment just so I have growth outside of Eastern Illinois University’s housing,” Mitchell said.

Along with those goals, she shared her expectations for her post-gradua -

HOLI CONTINUED FROM PG 1 >>

Senior psychology major Michael Mboyo, head of human potential for the university board, acted as Reinbolt’s second half when planning for unofficial Holi.

Mboyo felt Holi is helpful for making international students feel more at home.

“Holi is a Hindu festival, so I think this was a great way to bring out our Indian population to celebrate,” Mboyo said. “I know a lot of them typically can’t go home for winter break or spring break, so these events can bring a piece of home to campus for them. That’s always the best part.”

While the crowd mostly consisted of Indian international students, the festival pulled many others into the festivities.

The festivities started around 1:30

tion life and how she has been figuring it out mentally.

“I’ve been telling myself that I deserve to graduate and that I’ll be okay after leaving school,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said her biggest worry after graduation is what is to come afterwards.

“We’ve been in school all our lives, so we’ve never really not had to go back to school,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell has been enrolled in school for 18 years, starting in pre-school.

She plans to keep going for two-three more years after graduation in going to grad school.

Mitchell also shared some ways she has been preparing herself for the next level.

“I’ve never been into the real world outside of school yet, but I think it’s giv-

p.m. and went on until the music was cut off just after 4.

The cleanup process followed shortly after.

“As long as we get the plastic cleaned up, it’s not that big of a deal,” Reinbolt said. “We try to restore it to how it looked before or maybe better than before we came.”

Reinbolt contributed the success of the Holi festivities to the advertising done by himself and the university board.

He said fliers, word of mouth and calendar updates drove attendance at the event.

“Everyone loves it because it’s the end of the semester,” said Reinbolt. “[Students] need something to blow off some steam. So yeah, it’s nice.”

Aidan Cusack can be reached at 581-2812 or at atcusack@eiu.edu.

en me the confidence to make sure I know how many soaps to count,” said Mitchell

Dayo Fatuga, a senior majoring in exercise science, is hopeful about what life will bring her after graduation.

“I do want to pursue my doctorate in physical therapy; however, I feel like I do want a gap year,” Fatuga said.

Fatuga plans to use the gap year to find internships and opportunites, but she also wants to take the time to enjoy life, travel and “discover new sides of myself that I didn’t necessarily tap into in college.”

She shared some ways that she has been mentally preparing herself for what is to come next.

“I feel like lately I’ve been like, ‘Okay well this is different, this is going to be something I’ve never done before,’”

Fatuga said. “It’s basically completely new. I am expecting the unexpected.”

She said she was worried about having a huge change in schedule after leaving school.

“In school, you had next semester to look forward to. Your schedule is kind of planned out for you,” she said

She said that despite having friends and family to help, she still feels on her own and does not know what to expect.

“I don’t know if I’ll take a class on my own, I don’t know if I’ll get a job right away, I don’t know if I’ll keep in contact with all my friends, but it’s something new, and I am excited to see what’s new, but it’s also kind of nerve wracking,” Fatuga said.

Carroll can be reached at 581-2812 or at kacarroll@eiu.edu.

Kimberly

FILE PHOTO | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Eastern will host three separate graduation ceremonies for different groups of students on May 4 at Groniger Arena. Undergraduates for the college of education and college of liberal arts and sciences will walk at 10 a.m., all graduate students at 1:30 p.m. and all Lumpkin college of business and technology and health and human services undergraduates at 5 p.m.

BY CAM’RON HARDY | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

COLUMN

Observing my first Ramadan in solidarity with Palestine

By Jason Farias Columnist

Eid Mubarak to all the Muslims around the world.

Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims practice fasting, prayer, communal gathering and spiritual development. Eid al-Fitr is the holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan.

During Ramadan from sunrise to sunset, observers abstain from food and water (yes, even water) and model pious behavior to the best of their ability.

When dawn broke for prayer, I was reminded of the encouragement I was given by my friends.

My friends were quick to give me tips on how to best get through the fast, lead me through the motions of prayer, loan me copies of scripture and reading materials and share meals when it came time to break our fast.

Little did I know that a fresh dish of

maqluba could get any agnostic to start having second thoughts.

This was my first time participating in Ramadan and observing Islamic religious practices.

The Muslim Student Association was more than welcoming to me seeking interfaith understanding in Islam.

The respect I have gained for those who regularly practice fasting is unspeakable.

My first couple days started off strong, like a sprint.

I quickly realized that I was in for a marathon.

I am reluctant to admit how often I was tempted to quit, break my fast and cease my commitment to endure.

Fasting challenged me to reconcile my daily habits of unfettered consumption, materialism and instant gratification.

I learned to appreciate the food I have after fasting for 14-15 hours only to be satisfied in 10 minutes.

More so, fasting compelled me to focus on something greater than myself.

I learned that Ramadan is more than just giving up food and drink. It is also a time to take in.

Otherwise, you are just going hungry and thirsty.

Surprisingly, fasting was the easy part.

The real challenge was cultivating spiritual discipline, devoting time to study and empathizing with those suffering and oppressed.

“You do not need to be a Palestinian or Muslim to care about what’s happening in Gaza; you only need to be human.”

- Jason Farias

My first Eid al-Fitr was a time to reflect on what I just endured after a month of fasting, extend gratitude toward myself and others and think about those less fortunate, like those in the Gaza Strip.

Considering the ongoing violence against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,

this was an especially solemn Eid alFitr.

You do not need to be a Palestinian or Muslim to care about what’s happening in Gaza; you only need to be human.

Despite the Muslim community in the U.S. and their allies representing the vanguard in the Free Palestine Movement, it is important to emphasize that Israel-Palestine is not a war over religion but one for land.

Yet for many, this struggle is inseparable from its religious dimensions.

For many supporters of a free Palestine, participating in Ramadan has been one act to honor that history of coexistence and express solidarity.

Others have even taken this opportunity to convert to Islam.

As the sun set on the last day of Ramadan, I reflected on how every fast was a reminder of the strength of Palestinian resistance.

Every prayer only made my commitment to the struggle for freedom and liberation more steadfast.

And regardless of faith, more and more breathed life into the words: “Inshallah, Palestine will be free.”

Jason Farias can be reached at 581-2812 or at jsfarias@eiu.edu.

Journalism is not just for journalism majors

By Ellen Dooley Opinions Editor

The field of journalism is a lot broader than what people normally think.

When I first joined The News my freshman year, I did not think I would be sitting here writing my last column as a second-year editor. I am an education major. What does journalism have to do with teaching? A lot. I cannot tell you how much journalism and the act of putting pen to paper, well finger to the keys, can do for one’s advocacy skills.

I have learned so much about what putting your thoughts down on paper and sharing it can do to other people.

Over the years as an editor and columnist, I have gotten random emails from people saying how my columns have impacted them.

One was a school district saying to check them out when I got done with college.

Another one was a nursing professor saying that my flu shot column helped get the word out.

Journalism is a lot more than reporting on a story or watching the news on TV.

One thing taught in special education is advocacy. If there is not a better place than journalism to use advocacy skills, I do not know where else would be better.

I have written countless columns on education and have a call to action for a change in the system.

Now, sometimes it is just my mom liking it on The News’s Facebook page, but sometimes it gains traction and starts a conversation.

whether band was a sport or not? was a simple discussion, but it got peo ple talking.

It can get people talking. majors.

learning about good reporting and put ting into writing and using facts and ideas to make one concrete concept.

so many different ideals and perspec tives into my life.

from the inside and outside. How could I explain this concept to someone who was never there to witness it?

I am involved in something, but still see the other side and views.

needing columnists for next year, but being in the world of journalism is ben

The Lord will provide

Photo Story by Ashanti Thomas

The owner of Revival City Doughnuts, Marschelle McCoy, takes out a tray of doughnuts from the cart and gives advice on what went wrong and what could have been better with the doughnuts to her employee Bronica Bazzano at Revival City Doughnuts on Feb. 8.

A pin on the side of Marschelle McCoy’s desk on Thursday afternoon in the Biological Sciences Building on Feb. 22.

McCoy, the office manager in the biology department, talks with Professor Robert Colombo at her desk on Thursday afternoon in the Biological Sciences Building on Feb. 22.

Top: McCoy helps Devika Jaiswal, a biological sciences graduate student, put on her handkerchief for the United Pentecostal Tabernacle church’s western themed lunch event on Saturday morning on April 6.

Left: McCoy searches for mint chocolate cookies in order to test out a new recipe she has been working on at her doughnut shop at Walmart Wednesday afternoon, March 6.

McCoy raises her arms in praise during Wisdom Wednesday service at United Pentecostal Tabernacle church Feb. 28.

Start of spring in Alto Pass

Photos by Ashanti Thomas, Rob Le Cates, Sia DeyKoontz and Tyriq Johnson

BY ROB LE CATES | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

One of the managers, Juan Vicente, follows the worker van to the strawberry fields with his pickup truck on the first day of strawberry season at Flamm Orchards in Cobden April 13. Vicente has worked at Flamms since he was 15 around 40 years ago.

BY TYRIQ JOHNSON | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS Stephen Grimmer, owner of Alto Clay Works, dips one of his pots into a glaze that gives it a specfic color once fired on April 12, Alto Pass.

BY TYRIQ JOHNSON | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Grimmer creates wadding for his pots, which allows for pieces/pots to not stick to each other on the kiln shelves on April 13, in Alto Pass.

BY ROB LE CATES | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Janice Judd pays for two flats of strawberries as her great grandson Walter Strandquist, 5, steals a bite at Flamm Orchard on the opening day of strawberry season, April 13, in Cobden. Judd said she has made it a habit to shop from Flamm’s every harvest season.

BY TYRIQ JOHNSON | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Grimmer lifts an open flag on his sign to let people know he is open for business on April 13, in Alto Pass.

BY SIA DEYKOONTZ | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Peachbarn Winery and cafe co-owner Scott Schroeder prunes the grape vines April 12 in Alto Pass.

BY ASHANTI THOMAS | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Mandy Bell poses for a photograph on her motorcycle on April 12, in Alto Pass.

BY SIA DEYKOONTZ | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Schroeder bought the farm in 2019 and has contuined to grow the vineyard with his family.

BY ASHANTI THOMAS | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

From left, Christina Hogendobler holds her best friend since high school, Stacie Jones, as she lays on top of her after they have been drinking wine at the Starview Winery Saturday afternoon, April 13, in Cobden.

BY ROB LE CATES | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Flamm Orchards hires around 130 to 150 workers per season to plant, tend to and process crops for thousands of families. Flamm Orchards is one of many farms in cooperation with Illinois’ statewide program to curb hunger and help stock food banks. Crops are sorted into categories where lesser-rated produce is donated to food banks.

By Cam’ron Hardy News Editor

Alex Garland’s newest film ‘Civil War’ explores the war of dystopian future America as journalists race against each other to gather stories and photos during a war.

‘Civil War:’ Journalists have their own wars

Dunst’s character, to add onto the responsibility of taking care of a child. Smith seems like the kind of person to just do what she needs to do and not have to worry about other characters.

Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), Joel (Wagner Moura) and Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) take lead in walking us through this unknown America.

This was an interesting approach by director Garland, as the role of journalists is sometimes overlooked, especially in the position of war.

Being a journalist, the start of the movie was already raising some flags. In no situation, would a journalist bring along a random kid just to gain experience. That’s what jobs and internships are for.

It was possible that it was the easiest way to introduce Jessie and keep her along, but the way it happened was impossible. It also seemed unfitting for

Dunst’s character does not require a wide range of emotion. She has a stern personality, which is fitting and shows us that she takes her job seriously. She is recognized by many, as her work is evidently a staple in the photojournalism realm.

Moura’s character, Joel, displays more emotion, which seems more fitting especially due to the establishing chain of events. He watches four of his peers die, and by the fourth one, it seemingly doesn’t impact him, possibly due to the number of casualties he’s experienced by that point.

Joel makes me want to know his back story and understand how he got to where he’s at. I got the feeling that he has a child back home, which is why he connected with Jessie.

Jessie really just wants to learn from her hero but forces her way into Lee and Joel’s journey.

Jessie is such an inconvenience in the latter half of the film. She risks her safety by trying capture moments but being that she is young and not with

any real organization, people have to keep watching after her.

The ending was not unsuspected either. Things got more intense by the end

The entire film felt like a video game, especially the ending. Unfortunately, there was not as much action as I would have liked. The majority of the film felt like we were on a road trip, but the stops they made led to other interactions and led to good moments for both the audience members and for the journalists’ stories.

I wish we would have been shown more of the reporting after they returned to the newsroom. I would have liked to see what stories would have run and how the coverage turned out. Maybe its just because it would have been a learning experience to me.

Since the movie focuses on the photography aspect of journalism and war, it was only right that the stills were cinematic, and they definitely were. There was only one scene in particular that incorporated color, which was visually striking.

I really loved when Jessie or Lee took photos and we would be shown the stills.

There were some times when Jessie’s

photos were simply breathtaking, especially at the end with the horrific tragedies.

The sound design had a noble contribution to the film. Gunshots could be faintly heard, which was a great addition.

Although there were some highs and the movie, there isn’t much that allows the film to stand out.

Jessie has minor character progression by taking photos of Lee’s death at the end, leaving me with a sense of heartbreak and devastation to know that she is the reason why her hero was killed.

The opening credits of the film introduced us to the multiple areas that audience members would hear different sounds around the theatre.

The lack of character development and not much progression with the plot left me wanting more.

The movie does put into perspective how much journalist encounter when they are out reporting or photographing.

Rate: 3/5

Cam’ron Hardy can be reached at 581-2812 or cahardy@eiu.edu.

Art revolves around McClellan

By Rylee Kurth Reporter | rbkurth@eiu.edu

Grace McClellan, a senior majoring in art education, was named Blue Room Magazine’s Artist of the Year during a ceremony at Doudna Fine Arts Center April 1.

McClellan was nominated for the award by the faculty and voted on by her peers.

During her time at Eastern, McClellan has been active in many aspects of the art program.

She became president of the art education chapter at Eastern her senior year, and she has been responsible for organizing several different showcase events.

As the Illinois Art Education Association chapter president, McClellan is responsible for completing tasks such as scheduling meetings, sending emails regarding reminders such as blue room submission and the Tarble undergraduate show submissions.

A recent showcase that McClellan helped organize opened March 26 titled, Those Who Can Do, Teach. It was the art show in the Glenn Hild Student Art Gallery, and the title was chosen to oppose the saying, “those who can’t do, teach.” The particular showcase had been anticipated since McClellan’s freshman year of college.

McClellan and her friend, fellow art student Rachel Perino, were dedicated to keeping the tradition of this showcase alive to display art from all the art education majors at Eastern.

COLUMN

“With around 60 pieces in the show, it was our responsibility to display the work in an appealing way,” McClellan said. “I loved getting the opportunity to set up work in a gallery setting as it gives me experience and insight for when I will be setting up my future students works.”

When given the choice, McClellan prefers to use lithography for her art.

“At EIU, I have the opportunity to take printmaking classes, which allows

me to work with linoleum relief printing, screen, printing and lithography,” she said. “Out of these, my favorite would be lithography, a drawing on stone style of printmaking. Outside of printmaking, my favorite medium would be chalk pastels.”

The piece that McClellan is proudest of is called ‘A Second at the Hearth,’ a lithography print from fall of 2023.

McClellan is planning to graduate in the spring.

After graduation, she hopes to teach middle level to elementary school because of their creativity, but also how they constantly challenge themselves, she said.

“The crazy imaginative brains of elementary schoolers keep me on my toes, and I love to see what they create,” McClellan said. “Middle school is the time right before high school where students are settling into their interests and deciding if they want to continue art or not. In my experience, we lost a lot of students in the art program from the transition of middle to high school and I want to make a change in that.”

McClellan’s favorite part about being here at EIU is the relationships that she has created along the way.

“In my art education classes, there are only six of us, and I am happy to call all of them my friends,” she said. “I know that in the future I can reach out to all of them for any help necessary. I have met an amazing group of girls through the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority that I am part of, and I have also met my partner who supports me and encourages me to do my best every single day.”

Rylee Kurth can be reached at 5812812 or at rbkurth@eiu.edu

“This piece proved my development of craft and understanding of the medium,” she said. “It incorporates my interest and brings a homey feeling that my friends tend to describe me with. The piece also includes my cat, Stan, and I love him very much.”

‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers:’ a forgotten sci-fi/horror gem

By Drew Coffey Reporter

No film has portrayed the feeling of public isolation and warped realism better than the 1978 classic “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” directed by Philip Kaufman.

The film is a remake of the 1956 movie of the same name and tells the story of a group of people who begin to notice other people acting strangely within their city.

They soon learn that a planetary alien invasion is occurring, completely cloning people all over the world.

The 1978 version stars Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, and a very, very young Jeff Goldblum (hard to believe, I know).

To start, the cinematography is very frantic and really gets you in the mind of the characters.

For example, there is a scene where Sutherland’s character Matthew is calling people and sensing that something is wrong.

As he does this, the camera crashes around the phone booth, switching from quick closeups and shots of the busy city street.

Scenes like this really show the inhuman nature of the alien clones and make it feel like with every word the character says more and more people are being replicated.

Speaking of humans being replicated, the effects of the alien pods are very realistic and innovative.

The detail that was used to show the gradual replication of human beings through makeup and prosthetic really sells the other-worldly aspect of the film.

The scene that stuck with me the most was when Matthew was watching

guard for his friends as they hid from the alien clones.

However, he falls leaving him vulnerable to being cloned himself.

The sequence where we see the full transformation of the alien pods is really impressive, especially in a film from the 1970s.

One thing about the film that was unrealistic was the time it took for people to notice something was wrong. Now I understand that the behaviors of the replicated people were very strange, but I feel like people in the film were very quick to think that their family members or friends were somehow “not themselves.”

I think characters starting to notice small and seemingly insignificant things about their closest friends or spouses would have added to the mystery aspect of the film a lot more.

The acting is pretty good throughout except for some wooden performances that fell flat in the occasional spurts of the film.

I don’t know about you, but if I realized I was one of the only real people in a big city, I honestly wouldn’t leave my bed.

I definitely would not go outside, that’s for sure.

Despite these slight negative aspects, the film’s atmosphere and tone really make you feel uneasy and awkward in a very effective way.

Overall, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” demonstrates an established feeling that makes viewers curious as to how our main characters will overcome this seemingly impossible escape.

Therefore, I view this film as an underrated sci-fi classic as it puts us in the eyes of the characters as a hauntingly realistic alien invasion overtakes their world.

My overall rating: 3.5/5

Drew Coffey can be reached at 5812812 or at akcoffey@eiu.edu.

SUBMITTED PHOTO | BLUE ROOM MAGAZINE Out of every medium, Grace McClellan prefers creating art through lithography.

Lance Stroll should take a walk

By Alli Hausman Copy Chief

The year is 2016, Italy.

Thousands filled the crowd, packed together to see one of the final races of the Formula 3 season.

Engines roared in the distance, approaching at an ever-increasing speed. There in the front was Lance Stroll, the then 17-year-old Canadian racer driving for Prema Powerteam. This was the second race of the first day of the Imola Circuit with a third race to come the following day.

By the end of the first day, the 2016 FIA Formula 3 Championship was already decided.

Lance Stroll had done so well that season that even if he had crashed out and gotten dead last in every race moving forward, he would still be in first place.

Stroll won with 507 points. Second place Maximillion Gunther only had 320, with the average point gap between first and second place being roughly 60 in F3.

Lance Stroll went on to skip F2 and debut in F1 in 2017. One would think it was due to his performance.

The catch? Stroll’s billionaire father reportedly paid $80 million for his son’s seat.

And Stroll has not lived up to the hype.

Across Stroll’s now seven completed years in F1, only once has he placed higher than halfway, placing 10th in the 2022 season.

Stroll started out racing for Williams, a team that has been struggling in recent years.

In 2017, he finished 12th out of 23 with one podium finish. 2018, he gets 18th of 20.

By 2019, Stroll left Williams for Racing Point—a team now owned in part by his father Lawrence Stroll.

2020, Stroll takes 11th with one absence, and his teammate takes fourth despite being out for two races and the final round of the final race.

By 2021, Racing Point transitions to Aston Martin, still under Lance Stroll’s father. Stroll raced with Sebastian Vettel this season, twilighting amazing career. Stroll again placed in the middle of the barrel. 2022 was about the same.

2023 was Stroll’s best season yet, and it still left a lot to cry home about, as Stroll placed an improved 10th.

It is normal for new drivers to struggle in their first seasons in F1, but Stroll’s results just haven’t improved.

He has consistently done worse than his teammates, even as an F2 skipper.

Skipping F2 is a daunting challenge in and of itself. It calls for an incredible performance in F1.

The most recent player to skip F2 aside from Stroll was Max Verstappen, who was offered a seat on the Red Bull Jr. Team in 2016.

From the start, Verstappen performed

Lance Stroll’s Formula 1 performance thus far.

12th 2023 10th 22

well. He got 12th in 2016, but for every year after that, he has not placed under sixth.

Most recently, Verstappen completely dominated the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons—winning all three. Back to back to back.

Last year, he got first place overall with 19 wins and 21 podiums. There were 22 total races. Verstappen won 10 races in a row that season and broke at least 18 records.

It’d take a prodigy to skip F2 under today’s ruleset—just as Verstappen has proven to be. Stroll is simply not, at least not anymore.

But Verstappen is just that: a prodigy in this sport.

Another racer comparable to Lance Stroll is George Russell, currently with Mercedes.

Russell met Stroll in F3, racing against Stroll in his 2016 winning year. Russell got third that year and eventually moved to F2 in the 2018 season, which he won.

4th

Russell started out with Williams in F1 in 2019, getting dead last.

By 2020, Russell was still performing generally poorly, getting 18th out of 23. However, there was an opportunity opened up for Russell this season.

At the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain in 2020, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was out with COVID-19, giving Russell the spot for this race.

It essentially was Russell’s trial run for Mercedes.

While Russell placed ninth, he lead for the majority of the race and was second in qualifying—only behind the other Mercedes driver. He lost time from pit stops, not as much from driving mistakes.

2021, still with Williams, Russell places 15th with one second place podium.

Things started to change right around 2022, when Russell moved to Mercedes.

Russell placed fourth, beating his teammate Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in F1 history.

Stroll had this opportunity when he moved to Racing Point, funded by his father.

But the results did not follow him.

For as long as Stroll has been racing in F1, his results should be inexcusable.

Every step of Stroll’s career has been pathed in money. Even back in F3, Lawrence Stroll bought in to Prema and installed legendary engineer Luca Baldisseri to mentor Lance Stroll.

Even with some of the best resources available handed to him every step of the way, Stroll has underperformed.

This year is Stroll’s last chance, one he would not have had without his father’s pocket change.

If he does not prove himself in this final, undeserved chance, Stroll must be removed from Formula 1.

Alli Hausman can be reached at 581-2812 or athausman@eiu.edu

CREATIVE COMMONS | DAVE WILSON

Lance Stroll of Williams Martini Racing negotiates turn eight at Circuit of the Americas during the United States Grand Prix on Oct. 21, 2018.

CREATIVE COMMONS | MORIO

Panthers of the Year

Selected from Editorial and Sports Staff

Sara Thomas

The Panther coach of the Year is going to Sara Thomas from the volleyball team.

Thomas, the 13th head coach in program history, went from a 16-16 overall record in 2022 to a 28-5 overall record in 2023.

Thomas coached the Panthers to record 15 3-0 wins this season.

Thomas also coached the Panthers to win the OVC regular season title and the OVC Tournament.

With the tournament win, the Panthers clinched a spot in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament for the first time since 2001.

Thomas coached OVC Player of the Year senior outside hitter Giovana Larregui López along with sophomore setter Catalina Rochaix, who was named OVC Setter of the Year after the regular 2023 season.

Along with Larregui López and Rochaix, Thomas coached two other All-OVC First Team players: senior libero/defensive specialist Christina Martinez Mundo and graduate right side hitter Natalie Mitchem.

Thomas was also named OVC Coach of the Year at the end of the 2023 regular season.

McGlone (33) was named the 2023-2024 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and the 2023-2024 Defensive Player of the Year.

Macy McGlone

The female Panther of the Year is going to Macy McGlone from the basketball team.

The junior forward from Greenville, Wisconsin, helped lead the Panthers to a 15-18 overall record, an 11-7 conference record and their fifth straight appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

McGlone was also named the 20232024 OVC Player of the Year, the 20232024 Defensive Player of the Year, and McGlone was also named part of the 2023-2024 First Team All-OVC at the end of the regular season.

While at Eastern this season, McGlone recorded a career-high 33 points against Morehead State as she had 14 games where she scored 20 or more points for the Panthers.

McGlone recorded a total of 588 points this season as she averaged 17.8 points per game.

McGlone also recorded a total of 392 rebounds, 55 assists and 35 steals throughout the 2023-2024 season.

McGlone also recorded 26 double-doubles throughout the 2023-2024 season at Eastern.

MJ Flowers

The male Panther of the Year is going to MJ Flowers from the football team.

The redshirt freshman running back from Cincinnati, Ohio, rushed for 854 yards and had 1,046 all-purpose yards.

Both are the most in a season since 2016 when Devin Church ran for 1,066 yards and had 1,526 all-purpose yards.

Flowers’ 854 rushing yards are second among Football Champion Subdivision freshman running backs.

Flowers also recorded four rushing touchdowns in a game against Tennessee State this season.

The last time a Panther had four

rushing touchdowns in a game was J.R Taylor against Florida Atlantic University in 2002.

Flowers earned Big South-OVC Offensive Freshman of the Year and firstteam All-Big South-OVC.

Flowers is also an FCS Freshman All-American, a first team freshman All-American via Stats Perform and a first team freshman All-American via Phil Steele.

Flowers was also the runner-up for the Jerry Rice FCS Freshman of the Year Award.

FILE PHOTO | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Redshirt freshman running back MJ Flowers (20) earned FCS Freshman All-American honors.

FILE PHOTO | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Forward Macy

FILE PHOTO | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Volleyball head coach Sara Thomas was named the Ohio Valley Coach of the year at the end of the 2023 regular season.

Catcher talks about being a black belt

By Zaria Flippin Sports Editor | @zariaflippppin

Freshman catcher Sophia Olman discussed how she is a second-degree black belt and why she ended up choosing Eastern.

Q: When did you start playing softball?

A: “I started playing softball around 7 years old. I started a little later than some of my friends but got to the same place as them.”

Q: What is your goal for the season at this midway point?

A: “I think just focusing on the team’s plan. Like you got to trust the coaches and especially the preparation you put in for every series, like our series versus USI this weekend. It’s definitely a big one. So, we just have to trust all the work we’ve put in this week and all the coach’s plans they have.”

Q: Did you play any other sports as a kid or was it just softball?

A: “I actually am a second-degree black belt in karate.”

Q: How did you get into karate?

A: “My mom just wanted me to defend myself if there was something to happen. So, I’ve made it all the way up there. It’s always cool when no one expects me to say that.”

Q: Why do you play the catcher position?

BASEBALL

BY SIA DEYKOONTZ | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Freshman catcher Sophia Olman catches a pitch on Saturday against Tennessee Tech.

A: “Actually, funny story. My dad wanted me to be a third baseman full time. But when I was in rec ball, it was boring because people don’t hit the ball anywhere.

So, I thought why not be a catcher because they get to do everything every pitch. So, I just decided to do it because it’s always action filled, and you’re always doing something.”

Q: If you had to play another position, what would it be?

A: “Probably shortstop. I just like to be a captain on the field and get to move around and make cool plays.”

Q: What is the hardest part about being a catcher?

A: “Getting beat up. If someone fouls it wrong, it goes into your head. It goes where the pads aren’t. So definitely just getting beat up and I think also learning your pitcher’s tendencies is pretty tough sometimes too.”

Q: Pancakes or waffles?

A: “I gotta go pancakes. My mom makes really good pancakes, so I’ve always been a pancake girl.”

Q: Do you think the earth is flat or round?

A: “Definitely round.”

Q: Did you have a softball or baseball player that you looked up to when you were younger?

A: “Growing up, my dad always had me watching José Abreu because he could literally hit any pitch ever. So, my dad was always like, watch how he went down for this ball. Watch how his hand stayed up. Probably José Abreu.”

Q: Favorite baseball team?

A: “White Sox.”

Q: Why did you choose Eastern?

A: “Definitely coach Tara [Archibald]. I knew she was going to push me to be better than I was. And I’ve definitely seen a difference in my game and my mental game as well.”

Q: What teammate would get the AUX?

A: “Oh, probably Karson Davey. She’s got playlists for every mood. We hit to country. We hit to rap. We hit to R&B. We’ve got everything when Karson’s on aux.”

Q: What would you tell your younger self?

A: “Oh, probably you can do it, don’t doubt yourself and prove the people who did doubt you wrong.”

Patrick Schmitz can be reached at 581-2812 or at pfschmitz@eiu. edu.

Panthers lose chance for positive season

By Aidan Cusack Sports Reporter | atcusack@eiu.edu

Eastern baseball not only lost their weekend series with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock but also lost the chance to improve to a positive record in the Ohio Valley Conference in the 2024 season.

The Panthers went 1-2 at Little Rock, falling to 13-23 on the season and 7-8 in the OVC. This loss marked the first negative series since the team went 1-2 against the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks on March 30.

The weekend began strong for Eastern, starting with a decisive 9-4 win Friday afternoon. Junior right-handed pitcher Casey Perrenoud got his second win of the season with this first game, his record now at 2-2.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by senior shortstop Lucas Loos who scored twice. Loos went three for four with a double, a home run and two RBIs.

The second game saw Little Rock retaliate with an 8-6 win over Eastern. Little Rock’s victory is owed to a dominant fifth inning, wherein they scored five times bringing the score to 8-5. Redshirt junior outfielder Dylan

Drumke showed some late game heroics with a ninth inning home run, putting the score at 8-6.

With the series tied, a positive record on the line and playoff positioning in the balance, both teams locked horns for the final game of the series, held Sunday afternoon.

Eastern started off big, scoring four runs in the third. Little Rock, however, chipped away at their lead. By the bottom of the ninth, the score was 4-3 in Eastern’s favor.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, a single from Little Rock’s senior third baseman Nico Baumbach drove in senior second baseman Skyler Trevino for the tying run.

It took five more innings for the two teams to settle this back-and-forth affair.

No team scored until the bottom of the 14th when sophomore right-handed pitcher Jack Potteiger walked Little Rock’s fifth year senior outfielder Tyler Williams for the winning run. Little Rock won 5-4

The series loss moved Eastern down to seventh in the OVC, while Little Rock is tied with Tennessee Tech University for first.

The Panthers next OVC series will be against the University of Southern Indiana, in Charleston. Southern Indiana is sitting eighth in the OVC, one notch below Eastern.

The first game with Southern Indiana will be held Friday at 3 p.m.

Aidan Cusack can be reached at 5812812 or at atcusack@eiu.edu.

There is some extra intrigue to this match, being that eighth is the final spot that gets into the OVC tournament in late May.

FILE PHOTO | THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS Eastern’s baseball team lost its chance to improve for a positive season during its weekend series against University