February 23, 2022 Vol. 67, Issue 3
IBlade@Ferrum.edu
Ferrum College
215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum, VA 24088
College enacts screening for all students upon return from break By Marina J. Powell
Editorial
To Vax or Not to Vax
Ron Jones Speaks
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College Made Right Move
Students receive Covid tests before being allowed to move back on campus. At top, Kiana Hardmon, junior, receives a test. Above, Jesper Korkalainen, freshman, gets swabbed. (Photos by Marina J. Powell)
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This semester, the college has undertook a complete testing of students due to the Omicron variant. “This decision was made to protect the health of our community… By identifying those with COVID at the onset of the semester, we are hoping we can minimize the spread of COVID on campus, ultimately for the health of our faculty, staff and students,” explained Angie Dahl, Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life. Students were emailed and notified on social media prior to testing, and several workers were trained in order to administer tests during spring semester move-in. The students were tested in order to keep the campus safe, and many people expressed gratitude for the college’s decision. “We’ve had several families and students email or call saying they were grateful at the steps the college was taking to protect the health of the Ferrum community,” Dahl said. The college has spent $100,000 in total for student testing; this amout was funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds. So far, the college has spent $1.5 million on Covidrelated expenses. “This amount has been funded by federal stimulus, federal stimulus that passed through to the state, and federal funding that passed from the state to the county,” explained Barb Hatcher, Vice President for Business and Finance. Hatcher also said that all funds will be posted on the public website at https://www.ferrum.edu/stronger-together/cares-act-financial-relief-fund/. For now, there are no future test dates scheduled, and the college will continue to follow CDC guidelines and stay safe, admninistration said. “At this point, this is the only blanket testing that is anticipated. Understandably, our athletes will continue to be tested per regulations for their sport. We will continue to adjust our efforts based on our Covid numbers, community spread, and CDC recommendations,” Dahl added. The college held a mobile vaccine and booster clinic on Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the commuter parking lot. Students, families, and community members were invited to participate.
Life’s A Drag
Student Productions
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The Iron Blade
February 23, 2022
Compiled by Staff
I think the fact that with this pandemic and every time you turn around it’s growing another head...I think it’s something we absolutely have to do.” --Tom Steele, Director of Academic Outreach and Athletics Initiatives
Us testing prior to coming on campus was a great idea to help further prevent the spread of Covid and keep us safe. --Haleigh Horne, senior
“I agree with that decision. It’s honestly the best and safest way for everybody to come back on campus as safe as possilbe.” --JaQuan Carey, freshman
"I think it was productive, because Covid is spreading so much. So to have testing before all the students came back helped us not spread and have so many numbers when school started.” --Jasmine White, junior
“I feel like it’s important to test students when they come back to keep everybody safe and on campus. --Rylee Smith, junior
“I think it is important for students to be tested when they get to campus so we can keep everybody safe. --Olivia Turner, freshman Yes. Definitely. It keeps everybody safe. --Michael Hairston, freshman
“I think it’s everybody’s choice, and if you don’t want to do it, don’t do it.”--Noah Smiley, freshman I felt like it was a good idea. Sometimes people can’t get in for testing, like at CVS or other sorts of stores. I know personally for me, it was quite painful because I don’t like having anything stuck up my nose. But I think overall, it was a really good idea. --Layla Freeman, freshman
It has almost been two years since the world changed and went into quarantine regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. “It doesn’t feel like that long ago; on some days it feels like it’s been a very long time,” said Ferrum College’s President David Johns at a Town Hall meeting in November. He was right, and part of what makes it seem so long is all the masking, wiping, spraying, and other safety measures that have been implemented. It’s not that they aren’t necessary, it’s just that they take their toll after a while. So we wondered how it would go in January when students moved back on to campus at the end of winter break. But there was a difference in the process of move-in this time. All students were tested for COVID-19 before bering permitted to move into their registered living areas. Along with being tested, students were also asked to bring their vaccination card. Those who brought in cards had a chance to win some Ferrum bling. Students who tested positive were asked to quarantine on campus for 10 days if they were vaccinated and 14 if they were not. At the end of their quarantine period, students were allowed to return to campus provided they were not showing any symptoms. While on campus, quarantined students were also asked to wear a mask in and outdoors for five days for safety precautions. We believe that while the continued safety measures do have an emotional cost, it is a good thing that the college made testing mandatory. While people may not show symptoms of Covid, they could still contract the virus by being around others who have or had the virus. It is important to test everyone to keep all students and staff safe and not contract the virus. Our positive Covid cases could have increased dramatically if everyone was not tested and just allowed to move in to their dorms. If we keep our positive cases low, this also prevents us from going on lockdown again and possibly having everyone being sent home. We have made big progress in keeping the college in-person for this academic year, and we do not want to stop the streak now. As more people begin to receive the vaccine, everyone on campus has been recommended, but not required, to receive the vaccine as well. “We have been trying to be as flexible and as generous of regulations as possible,” Johns said. While the vaccine is recommended to help, students and faculty are still asked to wear masks and socially distance themselves to keep everyone safe and stop the spread. Even though a majority of people are getting tired of wearing masks and socially distancing, we still have to do everything we can to keep everyone safe. While several may be vaccinated, they can still receive the virus and be sick. However, the vaccine does help people not have as severe conditions while having COVID-19 and helps people not be hospitalized. “COVID-19 vaccines protect everyone ages 5 years and older from getting infected and severely ill, and significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death,” the Center for disease Control said. If you do decide to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, there are vaccination clinics that are held in the Ferrum Fitness Center for the vaccine doses and booster vaccine. Watch your Ferrum emails to find more information.
February 23, 2022 Vol. 67, Issue 3
Ferrum College
Ferrum College 215Mountain FerrumRd.Mountain 215 Ferrum Ferrum, VA 24088 VA 24088 Ferrum, IBlade@Ferrum.edu IBlade@Ferrum.edu
Editor: Lindsey M. Foster Assistant Editor: Marina J. Powell Sports Editor: Cody Gibson Social Media Editor: Refentse Maselwa
Staff: Kayla Andersoon Monzelle Campbell Bella Eddy Charles “CJ” Huges Caroline King Anna Rymer
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Cartoonist: Katrina Anderson Advisor: David B. Campbell
The Ferrum College Iron Blade Newspaper is a student-written, student-managed, and studentproduced newspaper. Opinions do not necessarily express the views of all students or the staff. Letters may be emailed to IBlade@ferrum.edu. Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
February 23, 2022
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By Bella Eddy Vaccine mandates are nothing new. Schools have many required vaccinations that students must have to show proof of good health. So what is the difference between a tetanus vaccination requirement and a COVID-19 vaccination requirement? “In January 1777, George Washington mandated inoculations for the soldiers under his command in the Continental Army, writing that if smallpox were to break out, ‘we should have more to dread from it, than from the Sword of the Enemy,’” reported Maggie Astor of The New York Times. I also do not like the words “imposing” and “vaccine mandate”. It can sound authoritarian; however, that does not give anyone the right to give someone COVID-19 just because they chose not to get vaccinated. “The Constitution ‘does not import an absolute right in each person to be, at all times and in all circumstances, wholly freed from restraint. Real liberty for all could not exist under the operation of a principle which recognizes the right of each individual person to use his own,
Commentary By Caroline King What are we supposed to do when the last teacher quits? How will we further the education of the generation that is supposed to take care of us when we are old? Perhaps it’s the end of standard--and real--education. “How do I teach civil discourse if we’re not allowed to disagree anymore? Do we really want a world where we have only three choices: agreement, banalities, or silence?” said Franklin County Education Association (FCEA) President Shannon Brookes. “What kind of adults are we creating with policies like these?” Since the creation of Governor Glen Youngkin’s education tip-line, parents, teachers, and students all across the state have again been divided. While there are some people who are in favor of the tip-line, many are extremely concerned. “As personally offended as I am by the governor’s hotline, I’m even more concerned about the impact it is already having on classroom climate,” stated Brookes, “Measures like this cast a far-reaching pall over every aspect of what happens in the classroom, starting with selection of texts and topics.” As a soon-to-be secondary education English teacher, I have weighed the personal effects of this new tip-line. The ability to speak truth is paramount. “Education is about exposing students to new thoughts and ideas, getting students to look at issues from multiple perspec-
whether in respect of his person or his property, regardless of the injury that may be done to others,’” wrote Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan. Another way to look at this issue is with an analogy. Parents trust doctors who advise them that a serving of vegetables is good for their child’s health. Some people oppose the vaccine mandate similarly to the way some kids oppose a portion of the vegetable “mandate” for dinner. “School vaccination requirements help safeguard children and adolescents by making sure they are protected when they get to school, where potential for vaccine-preventable disease transmission is higher,” reads the CDC’s website. The only categories of people who are exempt from the mandate are those who are immunocompromised and those who are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine. These people depend on herd-immunity from the rest of the population to be able to be safe. “If enough people are vaccinated against dangerous diseases, those who are susceptible and cannot get vaccinated are protected because the germ will not be able to ‘find’ those susceptible individuals,” says the APIC website.
tives,” remarked Franklin County Public Schools Board Member Jon Atchue. Frankly, it is hard for me to understand why the governor is asking an already thinning population of heroes to now walk on a tighter rope. For instance, would it be too risky for me to teach The Crucible in my future classroom? I mean, the book is essentially Arthur Miller’s stab at McCarthyism. Picture this, we are in the classroom. We have just finished reading The Crucible. Now, it is time for our class discussion. I will begin by asking students their interpretation of the book’s meaning, which will eventually direct our conversation toward Arthur Miller’s real intentions. I have no problem with teaching this work or the context behind it, but what if one of my students does? And while that student is explaining to his parents how my opinion threatens him, another is questioning why there are such similarities between The Crucible and the new encouragement toward whistleblowing in the state of Virginia. “Using parents to ‘tip off’ state officials and bypass the normal feedback channels will simply continue to alienate teachers and further divide our communities,” Atchue said. “Talking honestly about slavery, LGBTQ issues, Native Americans, etc., may be uncomfortable for some. Growth occurs when you stretch your boundaries and move out of your comfort zone.” Aside from the disarray that will surely arise in my English
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By Refentse Maselwa There is no need for the college to mandate the vaccine. First, reports have surfaced of young Americans being hospitalized with heart problems after they got the vaccine. Second, students who have already contracted COVID-19 have ample natural antibodies to protect them from the virus. Finally, COVID-19 poses little threat to young people. There have been a disturbing number of young Americans being hospitalized with heart problems after taking the vaccine. CDC and its partners are actively monitoring reports of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination. “A higher-than-usual number of cases of a type of heart inflammation has been reported following COVID-19 vaccination, especially among young men following their second dose of an mRNA vaccine,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Until this problem is fully understood, no school in the country should mandate that students receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, students who have already
contracted Covid have ample antibodies. According to a study from the Cleveland Clinic, not one of the 1,359 previously infected subjects who remained unvaccinated had a SARS-CoV-2 infection over the duration of the study. Yet again, this shows that there is no need to mandate the vaccine--especially here. Last, and perhaps most significantly, is that COVID-19 poses little threat to young people. According to “Pediatrics” (official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics), Children are not significant drivers of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear why documented SARS-CoV-2 transmission from children to other children or adults is so infrequent. So if young people are basically invulnerable to COVID-19 and seldom spread the disease, why should the college push to mandate vaccines for students? To conclude, there are three reasons for Ferrum to not mandate the covid vaccine. The first reason is the reports of heart problems after vaccine. The second reason is that people have ample antibodies. The third reason is that it poses little threat for young people. In no way does the college need to mandate the vaccine for students.
Memes such as these above have appeared on Tic Tok and other social media. (Images used under the Fair Use Provision of the U.S. Copyright code.) classroom, let’s consider the history classroom. Where in the history books do you suggest we begin, Mr. Youngkin? Since we can no longer talk about slavery as evil, should we only teach children about the privileged white man? Or might you advocate some “Lost Cause” type of curriculum, where we literally whitewash history? Should we start with this century's history? Oh, that’s right. Teachers can’t talk about the present day because society is still fighting the same issues it was fighting 100 years ago. Certain topics will be too controversial for our young ears, so let's just pretend they don’t exist. It is so sad that the most powerful people in our country are the ones who choose
to be blinder than the people following them. Predictably, the Twitterverse erupted: “ALBUS DUMBLEDOR WAS TEACHING THAT FULL BLOODED WIZARDS DISCRIMINATED AGAINST MUDBLOODS! FIRE HIM IMMEDIATELY!” wrote @ dshwa76. And then there was @ Jenn5005: “My teenage son came home from school and told me his teachers are attempting to teach him! Who do these teachers think they are?... “We can’t have students start to examine all the ways in which race influcences American politics, culture, and the law. That would be a step in eliminating
racism, and the people in the government couldn’t afford that.” I’m hoping that the governor sees more of those kinds of posts than the Gestapo reporting he wants. How is the educational system supposed to help create independent thinkers when the voice of the educator has been silenced out of fear and ignorance? What year is it? What country is this? It sounds a lot like Germany during World War II. “Of course, there’s always teachers who’ll stand up for kids ...but measures like this hotline only serve to ensure that those who are most likely to take those costly stances don’t get to keep teaching for very long,” claimed Brooks.
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By Lindsey M. Foster Editor To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Poor People Campaign” with a presentation titled “MLK and the Strength of Shared Dreams”, Emmy-Award winner Ron Jones visited campus and presented in Vaughn Chapel on Jan. 27. The event was postponed due to a recent snowstorm affecting Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 17. Jones received an invitation to present from Ferrum College’s Director of Student Activities, Justin Muse, as he thought the presentation would be a great way to represent the historical figure. “Ron has done an amazing job with his thought-provoking presentations on diversity and hot topics,” Muse said. The event was also sponsored by Ferrum College; the Black Student Union; and the Committee on Diversity, Inclusion & Equity. Jones is the director of the Dialogues on Diversity Company. It has produced several programs regarding different historical happenings, such as Juneteenth, contemporary Black history, and the busing crisis in Boston during the mid-1950s. Jones described the program as depicting the final third of King’s life and how it still has resonance and meaning today. With a total of 36 audience members, the atmosphere of the event was very receptive to Jones’ presentation and King’s impact on America, even if it was for a short amount of time. “His program was great because you got a chance to see King from a different perspective and learn more about his transformation to equality for all of us,” Muse said. Audience members were also invited to discuss any questions or comments they wanted to make to Jones regarding the subject of his presentation. “Attending this event made me really open my eyes and understand that we must pay attention to the things going around the world. Then, hopefully, changes will
begin with all of us,” audience member and senior Elexus Chamberliss said. Starting off the presentation, Jones discussed his thoughts about King and how he had an impact on the country. “I believe that Martin Luther King was arguably the greatest single non-elected American ever,” Jones said. He proceeded to speak about King’s visions for America and how King preached equality for everyone. “It’s easier to make Martin Luther King the champion of the Black people, rather than the champion of all people,” Jones said. To continue the presentation, Jones mentioned the current generation is the same now as it was then regarding issues involving diversity. Jones also commented about events happening in and around the world. “It makes us believe that we are far more of a divided country than we actually and honestly are,” he commented. Jones continued the subject, saying that people thought America was ending then, as people do today. “I would assert that we’ve gotten better but haven’t figured out the way I believe we should,” he said. To compare the past with today, Jones also recalled that there were people who then–and still are–laying back and watching what is happening in the world and not taking action. The presentation then transitioned, and Jones went into detail about how King wanted to be diverse toward everyone and talk about different issues affecting different groups, not just one specific group, starting with King’s “Poor People Campaign”. “He understood that the issue has to be bigger than just a single touchpoint,” Jones said. Within the campaign, King brought to people’s attention issues regarding poverty no one had seen, including women who were disproportionately affected by poverty and how young children at times had to work hard like their parents. King gave voices to those who did not have one previously, Jones said. “I believe that’s the King we need to focus on, the King
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Emmy-Award winning actor Ron Jones delivers his MLK presentation in Vaughan Chapel. (Photo by Lindsey M. Foster) who was an advocate for intersectional dignity,” Jones said. From King’s “Poor People Campaign” to the Mother’s Day brunch, King held what was called his “Minority People’s Conference”. “It was oddly the first multicultural conference in American history,” Jones said. A month after the conference was held, King was then assassinated. “I believe that King’s intersectional advocacy is the blueprint we all need to follow now for how we need to intersect and deal with real issues,” Jones said, regarding contemporary issues.
Iron Blade Staff Seeks ‘Escapeism’
Above and at right, fall semester’s Iron Blade staff take the Escape Room challenge in Stanley Library as a team-building exercise. (Staff photos) By Lindsey M. Foster Editor Stanley Library staff built an escape room so students could learn about keeping the environment safe. The IB staff used it as an opportunity for bonding. This idea was created by Stanley Library’s Collection Development and Technical Services Librarian, Sierra Alley and Interlibrary Loan Coordinator and Technical Services Library Assistant
Rachel Walton. Students were able to sign up for times for the escape room and participate in groups if they wanted. “Each group responded very differently, and each time we go through it, we learn more about how the room works, itself,” Walton said. When a group participated, it had to complete a certain activities before it could continue to the next section of the room.
The activities included creating a map from puzzle pieces and finding totems during the quest that had questions about the environment. Once the group found all of the totems, it stacked them together and created a complete totem pole, marking the end of the escape room. Each group that participated went through it differently and worked together and individually to solve the questions. “It was very fun and educational. It kept us entertained the whole time,” freshman IB staffer De’amber Riddle said. The project began with Ferrum College’s Associate Professor of Ecotourism, Chris Mayer coming to the library staff. Mayer came to them pre-Covid, wanting to do something for Earth Day. “It’s taken every bit of 18 months to get
this to where we could do the three-week building stage,” Walton said. The making of the escape room was mapped out by the staff on a whiteboard in their office. “We map it out as ‘here’s the story, here’s what we want to do, here’s our thoughts’, and then just put the pieces together,” Alley said. Materials used to make the room included cardboard, paper, fabrics, and items that were around the library. “Aaron Conover (Director of Norton Outdoor Adventures) let us borrow the poly spots, and we borrowed the larger of the Christmas trees from HHP,” Walton said. While student workers in the library helped with the building and design of the escape room, many students taking Recreation courses also participated. “After seeing the ending result, I was very impressed and felt accomplished when it all came together,” library student worker Riley Church, junior, said. There have been six previous escape rooms, and the staff hopes to create one regarding misinformation. The environmental escape room ran last semester until break and then returned on Feb. 3 and ran through Feb. 14. Stanley Library is planning to have its next new escape room sometime in the fall of 2022.
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Volunteers ‘fired’ up for annual Panther Pack service project
By Marina J. Powell Assistant Editor “The Usefulness of a Bowl Lies in its Emptiness.” --Chinese Proverb Empty Bowls, a longstanding tradition here, returns this year on March 13. During this event, students, faculty, and community members can purchase handmade bowls and a meal to support the Panther Pack Program. The program supports children at Ferrum Elementary School who are in need of food and sends qualifying students home with food each weekend. “An empty bowl is a sign of hunger. So the Empty Bowls projects always tends to support some kind of soup kitchen or food bank,” explained Nell Fredericksen, cocoordinator of the program. Fredericksen has already led several sessions of bowl-making for this year’s event, one on Jan. 8, the other on Jan. 15. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Ridge
Mountain Room. The cost is $15 for a handmade bowl, soup, bread, and dessert and everyone is strongly encouraged to attend. Students with ID receive a $5 discount. Cash, cards, and checks are accepted as payment. A silent auction will be held featuring works from local artisans and donations from the event sponsor, the Blue Ridge Potters Guild. “It’s exciting to see that Ferrum and the community see the value in the event, and there’s love for it,” said Jeff Dalton, originator of Empty Bowls on campus. Dalton, a former art professor here, started the program in 2010 and believes the program fulfills the Ferrum motto, “Not Self, but Others”. “I had a lot of people jump in and help it come to life, starting with the students, of course,” Dalton recounted. Empty Bowls is a national program designed to help people in various forms of need. “Some use the monies for ceramic program scholarships; many are set up to support local food banks. They happen all over the country,” Dalton explained. “The response and
First-annual event brings large numbers
Nate Hinkle, right, teaches blacksmithing techniques at the Hammer-In. (Courtesy photo)
support from the community and everyone at Ferrum was always overwhelming.” Since Dalton’s departure, Fredericksen has handled planning and promotion for the event. Frederiksen is a professional potter and jewelry maker, as well as a member of the Blue Ridge Potters Guild. “Folks can see bowl-making progress, preview auction items, and stay up to date on the event at our Facebook Event page,” Fredericksen said. The link is: https://www.facebook. com/events/631359701494007?ref= newsfeed “Masking will be required while not sitting at a table and eating,” Fredericksen said. “The college will provide a lovely homemade soup and bread to fill the bowls selected. Folks can purchase as many bowls as they would like at the event.”
By Caroline King Sparks fly. Blacksmiths compete in the Hammer-Off to see how long they can work a single piece of metal. As their hammers smack the glowing metal, powerful thuds ring in the ears of more than 100 guests. “It took about a month to put together,” said Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (BRIM) director Bethany Worley, reflecting on the event. “We partnered with the Old Dominion Blacksmith Association (ODBSA).” The overall event--the First Annual Hammer-In--took place after the end of last semester in November, and most studetns were gone. Even so, attendance was high. “I never expected so many Ferrum College students and young children to be interested in participating,” Worley said. “Attendance was much larger than we thought since it was our first event of this kind.” The main focus of the occasion was to showcase the skill and tradition of blacksmithing. The partners also wanted to create an outing that encouraged all to participate in and appreciate the craftsmanship. The event featured a number of
Clockwise from left: Completed bowls await firing and glazing; President David Johns and his wife, Susan Johns, mold bowls; Nell Fredericksen (right) gives Evelyn Jones some pointers; Fredericksen’s hands shape a bowl for for firing. (Photos by Marina J. Powell)
attractions. From the Hammer-Off to “learners” areas, which allowed participants to forge their own items from start to finish, there were several different pieces From left, the Werner-Helms Edition: Adam Cecil, to the BRIM Ham- Stewert Werner, and Colby Helms perform at the mer-In puzzle. Hammer-In. (Courtesy photo) “We had no the ODBSA and the BRIM called official schedule,” “Iron in the Hat” where blacksmiths Worley said. “We also had vendors donated items, and folks purchased selling blacksmith tools and ornatickets to win the donated prizes. mental items.” The final piece of the BRIM Along with the blacksmith vendors, Hammer-In puzzle was the barbeque, the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum provided by Aladdin Food Services, sold merchandise, which included to fill the stomachs of the blackHammer-In stickers made specifismiths and the participants. cally for the day. The Blue Ridge Institute and MuSome of the other events included seum and Old Dominion Blacksmith a horseshoe contest and an anvilAssociation have deemed that this carrying contest where participants will be an annual event held on the were tasked to see who could carry Saturday before Thanksgiving. the anvil the furthest distance. This year, it will be Nov. 19. “The blacksmiths were demonstrat“It was great to see everyone of all ing all day long,” Worley said. ages getting involved and creating To accompany all of the activities something to carry home,” Worley and the vendors, music was provided stated, “And many thanks to ODBSA by the Werner-Helms Edition. for being our partner.” There was also a fundraiser for
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SPORTS
February 23, 2022
By Cody Gibson Sports Editor People have their own hobbies and activities they like to pursue outside of school, but Dawson Wiggins, freshman, likes the fast life. He grew up around the race track watching his dad drag race. “Once I turned eight years old I got a dragster and raced in the Junior Dragster class until I was 16” Dawson said. When he turned 16, his dad bought him a 1973 Nova, and they completed a lot of engine, body, and paint work. “I have been racing with the Nova in the Top ET Class and Footbrake Class, and I run 5.80s in the 1/8th mile at 116 mph,” Wiggins said. The races are run on the weekends most of the time, and they have point races throughout the season. Then by the end of the season, a points champion is crowned. Wiggins went on to say that all his cars are preowned, but he and his dad have put a lot of work into the Nova in order to get the car where it is today. Wiggins also said that he travels up and down the East Coast. He mostly races in North Carolina but has also raced quite a bit in Virginia, South Carolina, and Tenesesse. “I’m not sure on how many races I have won through the years, but I have won two track championships and have qualified to go to the World Finals in Memphis, TN. In 2013 and 2014, I qualified in the top 16 in the world, which were the years I won the track championship,” he said.
Dawson Wiggins, freshman, sits befhind the wheel of a dragster he and his father restored. Wiggins has been drag racing since he was eight and has tallied several chamionships. (Courtesy photo)
Senior swimmer and golfer cherishes time on campus
Hunter Tharpe, senior, cuts through the water in a recent freestyle competition. (Photo courtesy Ferrum Athletic Department) By Anna Rymer After swimming for four years here, record setter Hunter Tharpe’s final swim season has come to a close. Coaches and teammates agree that the senior’s dedication has made a lasting impact on the team. “She’s relentless when it comes to achieving her goals and pushes herself to be a better athlete,” Head Swim Coach Margaret Bisnett said.
Tharpe’s teammates echo their coach’s words. Swimmer Laurynn Hackett, junior, said that Tharpe leads by example. “She’s a positive role model for us to follow because of her own determination and motivation that is contagious,” Hackett said. Years before coming to Ferrum, at the age of eight, Tharpe’s parents signed her up for swimming, and the rest is history. “I was very accident-prone when I was younger, so my parents wanted me to try
a non-contact sport. They signed me up for swim, and I fell in love with it,” Tharpe said. She learned about Ferrum during her senior year of high school in the town of Roaring River, NC. She knew that Ferrum was the right school for her after she came for a visit. Both the academics and athletics made for a perfect fit, Tharpe said. “As soon as I arrived on campus, I fell in love with the atmosphere. It was not like any other school I had considered,” she said. Along with swimming, Tharpe is a member of the golf team, as well as the Boone Honors Program and several student organizations on campus. “Hunter juggles golf and academics while swimming at Ferrum and puts her best self forward, no matter the sport or class,” said Hackett. Outside of swimming, Tharpe likes to hike and be outdoors. She also loves to read and spend time with friends, she added. During her four seasons as a swimmer here, Tharpe has accomplished a lot, including holding six swim records. She swims mid-distance freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley (IM).
“I currently hold two individual records in the 200 backstroke and 400IM, and I am part of four relay records in the 200 and 800 freestyle relays, as well as the 200 and 400 medley relays,” Tharpe said. She’s one of Ferrum’s top scorers and the women’s team captain. Tharpe said she was excited to compete for the last time at the ODAC Championship meet that took place Feb. 10-13th. On the first day of the championships, the foursome of Emilie Fairman, Elizabeth Montgomery, Laurynn Hackett and Tharpe swam the women’s 200-yard freestyle relay and made a trip to the podium with an 8th-place finish. On Day 2, the foursome of Tharpe, Hackett, Fairman, and Montgomery finished ninth in the women’s 200-yard medley relay with a time of 2:05.63. And on Day 3, the four closed things out with a 10th-place finish in the women’s 400-yard freestyle relay. Tharpe and her positive influence will be missed next season, Bisnett stated. “Hunter's made a big impact on our women's team, so it is bittersweet to coach her one last year. She'll do incredible things as a Ferrum alumna,” she said. Tharpe added that she is grateful for all the friendships and experiences she’s had. “Coming to Ferrum has been one of my best decisions, and I am so thankful for all of the people I have met throughout my time here,” Tharpe said.
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By Kayla Anderson
Senior James Smith directs traffic against Randolph College, top, and drives against a Bridgewater College defender, above. (Photos courtesy Ferrum Athletic Department)
By Anna Rymer Senior women’s basketball player, Cameron Hawkins, is making the most out of her final season here. Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Bryan Harvey, says that this has been Hawkins’s strongest season so far, especially statistically speaking. “Cameron has had a really good year individually. Statistically, she has put up really good numbers. It’s been great to see her progress over the past several years,” he said. Hawkins is notching 11.4 points per game, leads the team with an average of 7.6 rebounds, and averages the most minutes per game of any Panther. Her teammate, Aisha Martin, thinks that Hawkins’s contribution to the team goes beyond the tallies. “Not only does she put up great numbers on the stat sheet, she also motivates us to be better and to communicate together on the floor,” Martin says. However, the 6’1’’ senior from Sparta, NC, didn’t originally start out playing basketball. “In third grade, I quit dance because it did not fit my interests. One of my favorite coaches suggested I should play basketball. Once I started playing, I couldn't put the ball down, and it has consumed my life ever since,” Hawkins said. She decided to attend Ferrum because the small campus reminded her of home, and she wanted to play the sport she loved for Harvey’s team, Hawkins
said. “It’s been a great opportunity to meet people who I love going to battle with every day,” she said. Hawkins is majoring in psychology, with a minor in biology. She stays involved on campus as treasurer of her class and is a member of Psi Chi. She plans to work for a year after graduating and then apply for occupational therapy school. Harvey and Martin say they will miss Hawkins’s work ethic and contributions to the team. “Cameron is a coach’s dream. She does everything the right way. As a coach, we want good people in our program that work hard and give their best everyday. She does that and then some,” Harvey said. Martin concurs with her coach. “Cameron told us that she and her father worked all summer in the gym, and it definitely shows. I think she really dedicated her time this summer to get ready for her senior season. We will definitely miss Cameron next year; she’s a great teammate and captain,” she said. Being a captain this year was a change. “I had the opportunity to step into a leadership role, which has been both challenging and rewarding. Although our record may not be ideal, as a team, we have grown and made personal progress in hopes to build a better foundation for next year's team,” Hawkins stated. Hawkins’s last home game was Feb. 19 against Shenandoah.
Scheds/Results Swimming Jan. 14, F. Women 46, WPU Women 120--F. Men 15, WPU Men 119 Jan 21, F. Men 23--Randolph 81 F. Women 81--Randolph 132 Jan. 22, F. Men 15-- HampdenSydney 94; F. Women 55-Sweet Briar 113 Feb. 10-13--ODAC Championship Men’s Wrestling Jan. 7, Budd Whitehill National Duels Ferrum 18--York 27 Ferrum 6--45 Ohio Northern Jan. 8, Budd Whitehill National Duals, Ferrum 22--Ohio Northern B 19 Ferrum 15--Castleton B Jan. 21, Averett Dual Ferrum 3--35 Averett Jan. 29, Pete Wilson Invitational Ferrum placed 4th Feb. 5, Southeast Wrestling Conference Championships Ferrum placed 5th
James Smith Jr. catches an in-bound pass and dribbles the length of the court. He spins, darts, and weaves his way toward the basket. He fakes left, drives right and lays the ball through the hoop over an outstretched Randoplph College defender. The crowd cheers, and Smith trots back on defense flashing a trademark smile. Smith, captain and a senior, is majoring in personal training and is from from Halifax, VA. Growing up, Smith says he always knew he wanted to play basketball. He started playing at the age of 5. “My dad was really good at playing basketball. He is my biggest inspiration and driver,” said Smith. But Ferrum was not the first choice. Smith spent one Year at Virginia State University, had what he called an “okay” year and decided he was ready for a change. Panther Head Coach Tyler Sandborn was recruiting Smith’s high school teammate and now-Panther Michael Spraggins. “He (Smith) inquired about coming on a visit,” Sandborn said. “We set it up and recruited him.” From that point on, Smith was a Panther. He took time recenlty to reflect on basketball and his time here.
Feb. 11 Shenandoah Dual Feb. 25-26, NCAA D3 Southeast Regionals Mar. 11-12, NCAA D3 Championships Women Wrestling Jan. 23, Ferrum 5--Liberty 10 Ferrum 5--St. Andrews 15 Feb. 5, Ferrum 8--Del. Valley 26 Feb. 19, NCWWC Southeast Regional Championships @ Emmanuel College Mar. 4, NCWWC National Championships Women’s Basketball Jan. 5, Ferrum 55--Randolph 58 Jan. 8, Ferrum 45--R-Macon 75 Jan. 12, Ferrum 63--Guilford 89 Jan. 15, Ferrum 53--Bridgewater 79 Jan. 19, Ferrum 59--Hollins 48 Jan. 22, Ferrum 59--Shenandoah 94 Jan. 26, Ferrum 65--Roanoke 73 Jan. 29, Ferrum 47--R-Macon 67
Feb. 2, Ferrum 43--Guilford 63 Feb. 5, Ferrum 58-W&L 88 Feb. 16, Ferrum vs Lynchburg Feb. 19, Ferrum vs Shenandoah Men’s Basketball Jan. 15, Ferrum 72--Va. Wesleyan 89 Jan. 18, Ferrum 60--Roanoke 84 Jan. 20, Ferrum 81--Randolph 86 Jan. 22, Ferrum 48--R-Macon 86 Jan. 24, Ferrum 74--Bridgewater 82 Jan. 26, Ferrum 72--W&L 76 Jan. 29, Ferrum 65--E. Mennonite 73 Feb. 1, Ferrum 73--Guilford 91 Feb. 3, Ferrum 68--Lynchburg 73 Feb. 5, Ferrum 64--Randolph 88 Feb. 9, Ferrum vs W&L Feb. 12, Ferrum vs Va. Wesleyan Feb. 16, Ferrum vs Lynchburg Feb. 19, Ferrum vs E. Mennonite Men’s Baseball Feb. 15, Ferrum vs N.C. Wesleyan Feb. 19, Ferrum vs Alfred St. Feb. 19, Ferrum vs Alfred St. Feb. 20, Ferrum vs Alfred St. Feb 26 Ferrum vs Penn St.-Har-
“The game just comes easy to me,” said Smith. Even though this sport is second nature to him, he gives the credit to God. “I have wanted to give up, (but) I cannot let that take a toll on my game. It is by God’s grace that I am still going,” he said. Sanborn praises Smith’s efforts. “He is a team captain for us. He works hard to keep the spirits of others up. He is very communicative,” said Sandborn. Smith was honest in his assesment of the season. He said it wasn’t what he expected with the amount of losses that the team suffered. But he said he has a great support system around him and tries to make sure his teammates have one in him. “He is well liked by his teammates; he brings good energy. He is a good scorer and has a good basketball IQ,” said Sandborn. Fellow teammate and senior Taqwain Drummond also gives Smith props. “He is very energetic and brings a lot of energy…positive energy within the team.” Smith has other intersts outside of hooping it up. Those include fishing and riding four wheelers with his family. Family and friend time is important to him. “I feel that I am successful because I always have people from the outside looking in, and it helps me to look at myself differently,” he said.
Cameron Hawkins, senior, drives low in a game against Salem College. (Photo courtesy Ferrum Athletic Department)
risburg Feb. 26-27, Ferrum vs Penn St.Harrisburg Mar. 4-5, Ferrum vs Covenant . Mar. 8, Ferrum vs Southern Virginia Mar. 12, Ferrum vs HampdenSidney Mar. 15, Ferrum vs Southern Va. Women’s Softball Feb. 19, Ferrum vs Greensboro Feb. 27 Ferrum vs Greensboro Mar. 5, Ferrum vs Fredonia Mar. 5, Ferrum vs Oneota Mar. 6, Ferrum vs Methodist Mar. 9, Ferrum vs Mary Baldwin Mar. 12, Ferrum vs William Peace Mar. 16, Ferrum vs Southern Va. Men’s Golf Mar 19-20 Ferrum vs Ruckus Men’s LAX Feb. 12, Ferrum vs Lynchburg Feb. 19, Ferrum vs Brevard Feb. 26, Ferrum vs Greensboro Mar. 4, Ferrum vs Averett Mar. 6, Ferrum vs Wilkes Mar. 12, Ferrum vs Shenandoah
Men’s Tennis Feb. 18, Ferrum vs Bridgewater Feb. 19, Ferrum vs Guilford Feb. 25, Ferrum vs Methodist Feb. 26, Ferrum vs Lynchburg Mar. 9, Ferrum vs Randolph Mar. 11, Ferrum vs Johnson(TN) Mar. 12, Ferrum vs Maryville (Tenn) Men’s Track Feb. 5, Liberty Invite Feb. 12, Roanoke Invitational Challenge Feb. 19, JDL Invitational Feb. 25, ODAC Championship Feb. 26, ODAC Championship Mar. 11, NCAA D3 National championship Mar. 12, NCAA D3 NAtional championship Women’s Golf Mar. 14, Hill City invitational Mar. 15, Hill City invitational Women’s Lax Feb. 25, Ferrum vs Methodist Feb. 27, Ferrum vs Averett
Mar. 2, Ferrum vs N.C. Wesleyan Mar. 5, Ferrum vs Pfeiffer Mar. 8, Ferrum vs Ohio Wesleyan Mar. 15, Ferrum vs W&L Women’s Tennis Feb. 26, Ferrum vs Sweet Briar Feb. 27, Ferrum vs Guilford Mar. 9, Ferrum vs Randolph Mar. 11, Ferrum vs Johnson (TN) Mar. 12, Ferrum vs Maryville (Tenn) Women’s Track Jan. 23, JDL Flat is Fast Invitational Jan. 28, VMI Winter Relays Jan. 29, VMI Winter Realys Feb. 4, Liberty Invite Feb. 5, Liberty Invite Feb. 12, Roanoke Invitational Challenge Feb. 19, JDL Invitational Feb. 25, ODAC Championship Feb. 26, ODAC Championship Mar. 11, NCAA D3 National Championship Mar. 12, NCAA D3 National Championship
Page 8
The Iron Blade
Entertainment By Marina J. Powell Assistant Editor
From left, Sarah Laliberte, junior; Sean Makle, freshman; and T.J. Baker, sophomore, perform a production of Murder by Midnight. (Photo by Marina J. Powell)
*Feb 22--Intramural basketball *Feb. 22--Women’s Bible study *Feb. 23--Inquiring Minds *Feb. 23--Intramural basketball *Feb. 25--Last day of classes (7-week) * Feb. 28 and Tues., March 1--Exams (7week) * March 2-6--Spring Break *March 8--Women’s Bible study *March 9--Inquiring Minds * March 10--Last day to add a class (7-week) *March 16--Inquiring Minds *March 17--Last day to drop w/out penalty *March 23--Inquiring Minds *March 30--Inquiring Minds *March 31--Last Day to Drop with a WP/WF (14-wk, 7-wk classes) *April 1, 2, 3--The Wizard of Oz production April 6--Inquiring Minds *April 15--Easter Break *April 18--Last Day of Classes *April 19-20--Exams *April 22--Baccalaureate *April 23--Commencement
February 23, 2022
For the first time since Covid, the Theatre Department has been able to perform indoors. Five student-directed plays were staged at the end of the fall semester, all with Justice as the theme. “Watching them come together and be able to pull it off in a way that everybody could understand… and actually seeing them with the lights, seeing them with the all the sounds and having someone to play off and tell the story to was something really great for me to watch,” said Rebecca Crocker, Beginning Directing Instructor. Both students and actors say they learned a lot. “I had two community members that I worked with, and part of the challenge was working with their schedules, fully knowing that they are not on campus, and just allowing that time and…trusting your actors. They know the due date. If things don’t look like they are going to
work out, 10/12 times they are going to,” said Erica Leed, senior, and one of the student directors. Crocker said she encourages more students to join the program and also said students outside the department are allowed to audition and perform for productions. “In our department, we really pride ourselves on making sure that everybody gets time on stage, whether you're a major or not. And it definitely is a student-led department… and a huge part of the success for us is the students that are doing what they're doing.” The Theatre Department is looking forward to future performances and is excited to keep working together. Auditions for Spring 2022 took place on Jan. 25, and performance dates have been announced for this March and April. “The Theatre Department here…we are always together. We are just one giant family that is always here,” Sarah Laliberte, junior, said.
Nia McAdoo, left, brought the Homage Exhibit to the Panther’s Den to showcase Black history. (Courtesy photo)
By Bella Eddy The Homage Exhibit, a traveling collection of artifacts from the era of slavery to the presidency of Barack Obama, came to the Panther’s Den Feb. 9. The exhibit, curated by Nia McAdoo, is an archive displaying a collection of historical documents, artwork, newspapers, photos, letters and artifacts that focus on African American history and culture. McAdoo and her husband span the country from college to college displaying the exhibit, which gives an up-close and personal look at artifacts and documents that tell the story of Black struggle and triumph. The exhibit was founded to take back the narrative of how Black history should be included in American history because of how heavily involved
each are with one another. “What we try to do through the collection is to let everybody understand that Black history is very much a part of American history, and you can’t tell that story, or you shouldn’t be telling that story, of American history if you exclude Black history,” McAdoo said. The collection was started a decade and a half ago with the idea of it simply being a private collection. But with the mission to teach Black history through original artifacts, the collection has grown to contain more than 557 pieces, 200 of which were displayed at the Homage. “We only tell the story through an original artifact or document. It’s been about 15 years in the making, and we were collecting with no real intentions because we did not know we would start a traveling
exhibit,” McAdoo said. The pieces displayed cover a wide variety of people and history. From plates adorned with a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr, to Life magazines’s front-page coverage of the death of Medgar Evers, the Homage was a time capsule of seldomtaught history. A letter of Coretta Scott King’s that discusses events leading up to the assassination of MLK in 1968 was also shown. “(The) letter...(is) dated from Oct. 1, 1968, and this is on her letterhead, ‘Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr.,’ with her Atlanta address,” McAdoo said. “What Coretta Scott King did was individually respond to every offer of prayer, flowers, condolence cards that were sent. And we know she did that well into 1970.” She also said that she and her grandmother were
having a conversation about the importance of Black history being told by people of color. “My grandmother said, ‘In 50 years, you’re going to talk to your grandchildren about the work you did to help get him (Barack Obama) elected.’ She told me the person who holds the artifact is going to be the person who can craft the story around it,” McAdoo said. She also said a lot of what’s taught in middle and high school is incomplete andthat people don;t get the accurate understanding of Black history and how it ties in to the history of the United States. “People aren’t really able to tie together people and movements in time frames to get a complete picture of what we’ve contributed and what we’ve gone through,” she said.
Panther Briefs Compiled by Staff
Summer Jobs Are Available
Students interested in summer employment can find work as Water Quality Technicians. The Ferrum College/ Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Project has job opportunities for students and recent graduates. Applications are in Garber 223. Interviews will begin in the coming weeks for these positions. See Delia Heck, Clay Britton, or Carol Love for more information.
Inquiring Minds Schedule Slated for Spring ‘22 The schedule for this semester’s Inquiring Minds presentations has been released. All presentations will be held in the Learning, Engagement, and Practice (LEaP) studio in Stanley Library at 4 p.m. Feb. 23 Dialoguing with Picture Books: Examining How Picture Books Create Space for Discussing the Hard Things with Ashley Atkinson. Atkinson will share her experiences using picture books to create spaces for individuals who have experienced trauma to dialogue and envision a new future. March 9 The Evolution of Karate with Dave “Chopper” Campbell. Campbell will discuss the evolution and migration of Karate from Asia to the United States. March 16 Rock Steady Boxing: Knocking Out Parkinson’s One Jab at a Time with Abigail Jamison. Jamison will discuss her volunteer experiences with a Parkinson’s boxing program. March 23 Media Landscape with Ahmad Hayat. Hayat will share his expertise about today’s media. March 30 Lessons From an Adopted Kitten with Clay Britton. Britton will present through the eyes of a “dog person”. April 6 What Is In Your Everyday Products? with Dr. Dana Ghioca-Robrecht. Ghioca-Robrecht will discuss making sense of product labels and regulations.