April 30 Issue

Unwind with The Flor-Ala and Emilio Tarantino

Section B April 30, 2015

Volume 83, Issue 31

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

TOP 10 STORIES OF 2014-15 1. Itʼs Kitts

Campus welcomed Ken Kitts, his wife, Dena, and their sons, Colin and Corbin, as UNA’s new first family. Kitts took office March 31 with big expectations from the community. Falling enrollment and declining state funding top Kitts’s list of issues to turn around.

After William Cale announced his retirement, effective July 1, via email to faculty and staff in March, John Thornell assumed the presidency in a temporary interim role July 1, where he remained until Kitts’ arrival.

Cale remained at UNA in a consulting role as president emeritus until Dec. 31, retaining full compensation and benefits. Under Cale’s 10-year leadership, UNA saw the addition of The Commons, a new science building, two new residence halls and pay increases for faculty and staff. Cale said his proudest moment was when construction crews broke ground on the new science building.

He and his wife, B.J., said they will continue as active members of the UNA community, but much of their retired life will involve traveling, golfing and playing bridge.

2. Officials investigate bandʼs 3. Job application

ʻdiscriminatoryʼ body fat testing raises equality questions A Title IX investigation that began fall 2014 into the Pride of Dixie auxiliary line led to suspension of its body fat testing. Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques said preventing a member from performing based on BFP is a “discriminatory practice.”

The story originated as an investigative report in the spring 2014 COM 356 Advanced Reporting class about unhealthy eating practices among members of the line. Former Pride of Dixie members shared their experiences, and fitness officials explained the testing process. The story was updated when officials said the testing had been permanently suspended.

News Editor Ashley Remkus was named a finalist in the Society of Professional Journalists 2014 Mark of Excellence General News Reporting Category for the report.

INSIDE

this week’s paper

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A TOP 10 . . . . . . 3A LIFE . . . . . . . . . 5A

SPORTS . . . . . . . 6A UNWIND . . . . . . 1B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B

This story prompted removal of two questions from the job application for two local restaurants. The story asked: Does the application for Ricatoni’s Italian Grill and City Hardware violate federal employment law by requesting height and weight? Owner Rick Elliot employs several UNA students, and his restaurants are favorites among many Shoals residents. Employees, students, locals and UNA alumni flooded social media with posts about the restaurants and the application.

for 4-6 see page 3A

OVERCOMING BULLYING ....... 7A

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS

April 30, 2015• The Flor-Ala

DINING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL THE NEWS ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS THE SPORTS DUSTIN POLLARD ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING BUSINESS MANAGER UNDREA RANDOLPH II GRAPHIC DESIGNERS JOHN BAVIS SHILO CUPPLES JORDAN FERRELL CIRCULATION MANAGER LORI BLANKENSOPP CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KATLYN SHANNON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS KAITLIN DOUGLASS AMANDALYN DORNER DEANNA KAMPMEYER

The Flor-Ala file photo

Students eat breakfast in Towers Hall March 19. Officials said changes to meal plan options that will take effect fall 2015 will increase flexibility for students purchasing food on campus.

Number of meal plans decreases; ʻflexibilityʼ spikes ASHLEY REMKUS

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ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

Letters Policy The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

Letters must not exceed 400 words.

Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter.

Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632.

Email: florala@una.edu.

Phone: 256-765-4364

Meal plan options next fall will be fewer and farther between than in the past. But, officials said the goal of cutting the number of meal plans was increasing flexibility and choice for students.

Sound like an oxymoron? Maybe not.

“Increasing flexibility” is the phrase officials from the divisions of Business Affairs and Student Affairs use when referring to giving students the choice to purchase meal plans with more dining dollars.

“We had a long line of meal plans,” said Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields. “It was very confusing because the plans were very similar to one another. We worked with Sodexo to shorten the number of meal plans and to provide what students asked us to provide: more flexibility.”

AT A GLANCE • NUMBER OF MEAL PLANS CUT FROM 16 TO EIGHT. WHY? • TO INCREASE FLEXIBILITY FOR STUDENTS BY INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF AVAILABLE DINING DOLLARS.

• TO

SIMPLIFY THE NUMBER AND

TYPES OF PLANS TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF CONFUSION AND ANXIETY WITH CHOOSING A PLAN.

• KEEP

THE COST PER MEAL

APPROXIMATELY THE SAME.

Shields said students requested having more dining dollars as part of the meal plans.

Freshman Cali Ken said she looks forward to getting more dining dollars because she prefers meals from Chickfil-A and other campus dining facilities over those from Towers Cafeteria.

“We were seeing a lot of waste,” said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter. “Students would quickly run out of dining dollars. But, they would not use all the meals they were paying for in Towers, so we cut the number or plans and added more Dining Dollars.

And, we were able to keep the prices relatively flat, so we’re pretty confident that students will think positively about the changes.”

Incoming freshman Shantell Hall said she looks forward to purchasing a meal plan now that the options allow students more choice about where they will eat.

Carter also said Dining Dollars will roll over from year to year beginning this fall.

Previously the funds have only transferred from fall to spring.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

Sodexo Meal Plans 2015

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

14 meals/wk + 275 Dining Dollars

New Residents

10 meals/wk +500 Dining Dollars

New Residents

8 meals/wk + 625 Dining Dollars

New Residents

6 meals/wk + 750 Dining Dollars

New Residents

5 meals/wk + 275 Dining Dollars

Commuters, Upperclassmen

25 meals/wk +275 Dining Dollars

Commuters, Upperclassmen

$500 DD + 5 guest meals

Commuters, Upperclassmen

$200 DD + 2 guest meals

Commuters, Upperclassmen

TOP 10 3A

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

4. SGA approves gender-neutral bathrooms; officials begin implementation Senators began discussing legislation to provide gender-neutral restrooms on campus early during the fall semester. They received varying opinions and feedback from students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents before taking a vote on the issue. The Student Welfare Committee drafted the resolution and presented it Nov. 20.

After hearing from Equality Alabama representatives and a student who said he was harassed in campus bathrooms, many SGA members said they were ready to take a step toward greater inclusion of all people. Senators said they hoped the restrooms would serve the needs of transgender individuals, parents with young children and people who have health conditions.

5. Officials address poor

condition of campus facilities A series of articles published during the fall semester addressed the quality of facilities, including the Art Department, Music Building, and campus elevators and restrooms. Students and officials from Facilities Administration and Planning participated in the discussion, which led to the cleaning of Memorial Amphitheater and other facilities. SGA members attempted to contact officials about the amphitheater for more than one year with no response prior to the stories’ publication.

Afterward, the university hired a company to wash the structure.

Students said it was important that the campus look its best for events and incoming student tours alike.

6. Residence hall construction progresses; science building nears completion

Construction of a new science building and two new residence halls brought hard hats, yellow equipment and chain-link fences to campus. The Flor-Ala staff toured “Mattielou” Hall and the science building to share the inside scoop.

Construction crews broke ground on the $26.9 million dorm project summer 2014, and officials said they expect the first to open in August when the first-year freshman live-on requirement takes effect. The second hall is expected to open January 2016, allowing UNA to house 764 students in new facilities, collectively.

The $40 million science building is expected to be fully operational by the start of the fall 2015 semester. At 162,000 square feet, the facility boasts more laboratory, office and research space than Floyd Hall. It houses 40 classrooms and laboratories, 42 faculty offices and 15 designated research rooms. Project Manager Jim McGee said each floor is designed specifically with students and professors in mind, as architects asked faculty “what they needed most within a new building — what would help them teach more effectively.”

for 7-10 see page 4A

4A TOP 10 7. Teams topple records, achieve milestones

April 30, 2015• The Flor-Ala

It was another year full of milestones for the Lions. Trailing 29-28 to Valdosta State University, senior placekicker Taylor Pontius connected a school-record 54-yard field goal as time expired to claim UNA’s victory Oct. 2. The football team went on to win the Gulf South Conference title before falling to Valdosta in the first round of the NCAA Division-II playoffs. It was the first time the team won the conference two years in a row since 1994-95. Head coach Bobby Wallace claimed his 100th win at UNA. Head men’s basketball coach Bobby Champagne and head baseball coach Mike Keehn reached their 200th career wins, and head volleyball coach Stephanie Radecki claimed her 250th. The softball team reached its highest ranking in school history at No. 9 in the nation. Junior forward Chloe Richards led D-II soccer in goals scored. Breaking records, claiming victories and achieving goals defined athletic success throughout the year. Expectations for the upcoming year continue raising the bar.

8. Alabama (sort of)

9. Police department

addresses campus safety becomes 37th state to legalize same-sex marriage

Coverage of the UNA Public Safety Division this year meant saying goodbye to five-year Police Chief Bob Pastula, welcoming Interim Chief Mark Parker and updating campus about the search for a new chief. It also brought stories about crime and security.

Officials closed campus after a threat was written in the Collier Library second-floor men’s bathroom Sept. 26 that said four people would die Oct. 9. A series of vehicle-related crimes prompted safety officials to remind students about the importance of locking car doors. Officials announced they will add cameras to the parking deck and several other campus locations.

Campus also mourned the loss of Alumna Sarah Davis, whose body was found in the on-campus parking deck March 18.

10. OʼNeal work complicates driving A federal judge struck Alabama’s same-sex marriage ban Jan. 23, making the “Heart of Dixie” 37th to legalize gay marriage. Confusion arose with statements by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore saying state law trumped federal orders.

U.S. District Judge Callie Granade instituted a stay, postponing the legalization of same-sex marriage until Feb. 9, and a Feb. 8 order from Moore stipulated no Alabama judges should issue licenses or perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples the following day. However, many couples across the state obtained licenses and got married. Local couples were not so fortunate, as Colbert, Lauderdale and Franklin county officials refused to perform ceremonies for any couples or issue licenses to same-sex couples.

Same-sex couples now can marry in 36 states and the District of Columbia, but the future of the issue is now in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. Arguments in the case began this week, and many experts expect the Court to give its ruling in June.

Renovation of O’Neal Bridge caused traffic backups and increased commute times between Colbert and Lauderdale counties. Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler advised drivers to use the Singing River Bridge as an alternate route for the duration of the project, which began March 18. One lane both eastbound and westbound remained closed as construction crews began the refurbishment that includes repainting, replacing lighting, adding a new drainage system and repairing concrete.

photos by Staff Photographers Deanna Kampmeyer, Amandalyn Dorner and Kaitlin Douglass, Managing Editor Kali Daniel, News Editor Ashley Remkus, Graphic Designer Jordan Ferrell Student Photographer Shay Redd, Senior Staff Photographer Dallas Moore and University Photographer Shannon Wells

SPORTS 5A

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

SCOREBOARD

FACILITIES

April 25-26

April 25 Softball Vs. Shorter 5-4 Loss Baseball Vs. Shorter 3-1 Loss April 26 Softball Vs. Shorter 6-3 Loss JEZEBEL DANIEL

Baseball Vs. Shorter 5-4 Loss

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Softball Vs. Shorter 6-5 Win Baseball Vs. Shorter 2-0 Win

Upcoming April 30 Softball GSC Tournament Vs. Delta State @ Valdosta, Georgia

photo courtesy of Sports Information

Former UNA head athletic trainer Johnny O. Long delivers his speech during a ceremony April 22 honoring his service at UNA. The athletic department named the training facility after him. Long spent 1971-1988 as the head athletic trainer for the Lions.

Athletics names training facility after Long MIKE EZEKIEL

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The UNA athletic training facility was named in honor of UNA Athletic Hall of Famer Johnny O. Long April 22.

Long, the former head athletic trainer at UNA from 1971-1988 and member of the Alabama Athletic Training Association, is a longtime member of UNA’s faculty and professor in the Health and Physical Education department.

“It’s unbelievable,” Long said. “I would have never dreamed about this happening. When you walk out and see Coach (Bill) Jones on the wall, Coach (Eddie) Flowers, Coach (Mike) Lane and Coach (Hal) Self, that’s pretty awesome.

I don’t compare to those guys, but having my name on here is unbelievable.”

Long celebrated among friends and family Wednesday in front of the newly renovated athletic training facility in the Self Field House.

Long also told a few of his “classic stories” during the speech.

The name on the wall outside of the training room, accompanied by two plaques in Long’s honor, was unveiled after the ceremony.

Long said the most rewarding experience for him is knowing that he has made a difference in helping get players healthy.

“That’s what you work for, to see the athletes get back on the field,” Long said. “I know this past year when (quarterback) Luke Wingo injured his shoulder, and we showed him some exercises and stretching to do and it made a difference. He told me after the

game that he probably could not have played without doing those stretches.

Things like that make it all worthwhile.”

The speakers at the ceremony included Athletic Director Mark Linder, President Ken Kitts, head athletic trainer Josh Penny and football head coach Bobby Wallace.

Wallace introduced Long to the podium and gave a 25-minute speech thanking everyone for help and support.

”

ITʼS UNBELIEVABLE. I WOULD HAVE NEVER DREAMED ABOUT THIS HAPPENING. HAVING MY NAME ON HERE IS UNBELIEVABLE.

JOHNNY LONG FORMER ATHLETIC TRAINER “I’ve developed a tremendous friendship with him,” Wallace said.

“What people don’t realize about Johnny is the compassion he has and how much what he does means to him.”

Wallace also said when he first came to UNA as a coach in 1988, Long would play racquetball with him and afterward, they would talk philosophy. Wallace said those moments helped him gain knowledge as a young coach.

“He goes out of his way to help somebody,” Wallace said. “I’ve learned so much from Johnny, and he’s had an influence on me. I can’t say enough good things about him.”

Linder, who became UNA’s athletic director in 2007, said he has seen the

numerous lives Long has touched.

“Johnny has been a staple of UNA athletics for a while,” Linder said.

“His career and the number of lives he has touched is impressive. I think the dedication of the medical training room in honor of him is well-deserved.”

Linder said he believes Long’s personality and work ethic helped Long keep his job for so many years.

“Johnny is a hard worker and can bring a smile to anyone’s face,” he said.

“I think he has a tremendous ability to create long-lasting relationships with our doctors and our coaching staff. His interest in our student athlete welfares has made him very special to us.”

Penny, who became UNA’s head athletic trainer in 2003 said Long has become his mentor and good friend since he has known him.

“Johnny is Mr. UNA,” Penny said.

“He’s been here for so long and has done so much to start this athletic training program in 1971. He brought me here back in 1999 and helped me start my career, so he means a lot to me.”

Penny said Long’s ability to be straightforward with people and still be liked has made him a one-of-a-kind person.

“Sometimes you need to hear what you don’t want to hear,” Penny said.

“He will tell you what you don’t want to hear, and you’ll still love him. He doesn’t know an enemy.”

Penny said he sees Long as a mentor and appreciates his hard work.

“I have so much respect for what he has done and what he’s accomplished.”

Long started his career as a professor in the HPER department in 1989.

6A SPORTS

April 30, 2015• The Flor-Ala

SOFTBALL

Lions earn postseason tournament berth KADIN POUNDERS

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The UNA softball team has reached the end of the regular season and is gearing up for postseason play. The first order of business is the conference tournament, which UNA has not won in softball since 1987.

The No. 14 Lions clinched a berth in the GSC tournament earlier this season.

Going into the final series of the regular season, the Lions were sitting in third place in the conference behind two more of the nation’s best teams — No. 10 University of Alabama-Huntsville and No. 1 Valdosta State.

“Our mindset for the tournament is just to take it one game at a time,” said senior outfielder Libby Olinger. “We want to come out aggressive and playing to our ability, not our opponents. I believe if we do this we can beat anyone in the tournament.”

UNA still feels the pressure, although it secured the No. 3 seed for the tournament.

“From here on out, everything is so important,” said head coach Ashley Cozart. “Every game matters.”

The format for the GSC tournament changed since last season. Only the top six teams in the conference standings make the postseason. Going into the

final weekend, the final seeding had not yet been determined, but the top six teams have been decided: Valdosta State University, UAH, UNA, Shorter University, Union University, and Delta State University, respectively.

Lee University and Mississippi College — both of which had better conference records than Delta State — are not eligible for the tournament because both are still going through the reclassification process.

The absence of the Flames and Choctaws may benefit the Lions. UNA was 1-2 against Lee in the regular season and did not face Mississippi College.

Statistically, the competition may seem to fall off after the three and four seeds, but the girls are not overlooking any team.

“I don’t think (team records) will play a part in it,” Olinger said. “So many teams can get hot at the right time.” We are going to focus on ourselves and what needs to be done to win no matter who we are playing.”

There is a chance UNA could face UAH or Valdosta State. Despite Valdosta State’s consistent ranking as the No. 1 team in the country, the team feels UAH could be the biggest competitor in the tournament.

“We beat them three out of three at our place, so (UAH) is going to be hungry to beat us,” Cozart said.

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Sophomore catcher and utility player Carey Grace Peebles celebrates with assistant coach Whitney Hawkins after getting on base against the University of West Alabama Feb. 28. The Lions are the No. 3 seed in the GSC tournament.

Revenge is a great motivator, but UNA is confident they can dispel any hopes of Charger retribution.

“I think UAH will be out for revenge.

They are a great team and not many teams sweep them,” Olinger said. “I believe they will give us the most trouble, but I know we can handle it.”

The Lions are not just playing in hopes of a GSC championship but also have eyes set on hosting the regional tournament when the NCAA postseason revs up. UNA’s play in the GSC tournament could have an effect on the regional as well.

Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.

BASEBALL

Teamʼs season ends without postseason play DUSTIN POLLARD

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The promising start to the season did not end well for the baseball team.

For the first time since 2009, the UNA Lions will not be competing in the Gulf South Conference Tournament. The Lions finished its season April 26 with a doubleheader against Shorter University, which it split with a 5-4 loss and a 2-0 victory.

“It’s hard that we didn’t do what we wanted to do, what we set out to do, what we were in position to do,” said head coach Mike Keehn. “I have to figure out what went wrong and the direction it went.”

UNA (27-16, 15-14) finished the season with one more win and nine less losses than last year, but it was not enough for the Lions to reach the No. 6 seed in the conference standings and make the tournament for the sixth straight year.

The Lions went on an eight-game

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior infielder Kyle Crabtree gets a hit against Christian Brothers University March 15. The Lions season ended as UNA did not reach the GSC tournament for the first time since 2009.

winning streak in the middle of the season to bring its record to 21-5, 10-4 heading into a three-game series with the University of Alabama-Huntsville starting March 28.

The Lions scored only four runs in three games against UAH. UNA was then swept by the Chargers, starting a five-game losing streak as the Lions limped to a 6-11 finish to the season.

“I think losing that series really hurt our confidence,” said senior first baseman and pitcher Kyle Conkle. “The UAH series was built up a lot and when we lost it we just didn’t recognize we were still sitting in a good spot.”

Hitting was not a strong suit for the Lions this season, as the team finished the year seventh in the conference in hits (394), eighth in home runs (11) and sixth in runs (264).

In a three-game series against Lee University, the Lions only crossed the plate twice.

The Lions did end the year with 69 stolen bases, which was the second most in the conference but the small ball strategy was not as successful due to the inability to move runners around, Keehn said.

Keehn took responsibility for the team’s inability to hit the ball.

“I’m supposed to coach them up,” he

said. “It’s my responsibility to get them ready to win games and I didn’t do it.”

Conkle said the team just had a hard time getting hits with runners in scoring position.

“We had some really good hitters on the team, but we just never got the hits when we needed to,” Conkle said.

Conkle finished the season with a 3.62 ERA in 10 starts.

The pitching and defense was the team’s strength, Keehn said.

“We have some real quality starters and our bullpen was very deep,” he said.

The Lions gave up 192 runs, which is the fourth least amount in the GSC and the defense had the least amount of errors with 40.

Conkle is one of seven seniors to suit up in a Lions uniform for the last time.

“It was special because I’ve never been on a team that cared for each other so much,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade it.”

Other Lions who played their last game: second leading hitter Brett Guzay, who finished the season with a .342 batting average, third baseman and team leader in home runs (6) Dylan Boston, .306 hitter and outfielder Jake Smith, No. 1 pitcher Brantley Claunch, who finished the year with 87.2 innings pitched and a 3.49 ERA, reliever Jacob Westerhouse, who threw 42.1 innings with an 1.49 ERA and starting pitcher Kyle Stephenson.

LIFE 7A

April 30, 2015• The Flor-Ala

BEHAVIOR

Bullying Stories Students discuss overcoming childhood tormentors EMILY KAZUNGU

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“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

While this nursery rhyme is told to children to encourage inner strength, the aggressive tendencies of bullying often lead to long-term serious issues in victims.

In recent years people have begun to speak up and work to change the trend of bullying among young people.

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among schoolage children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance, according to StopBullying.gov. About 28 percent of school-age children are bullied, and the effects can follow them into adulthood, according to the site.

Sophomore Katie Mitchell said she was bullied in middle school because of her quiet demeanor, this later turned into attacks on her appearance.

“They would make fun of my size, and at lunch they would pick on me while I was eating,” she said.

“They would say ‘she’s just pigging out.

She’s going to gain all this weight. She’s so fat,

and she’s so ugly.’”

Although she has forgiven her tormentors, Mitchell said there are times when she still has body image issues.

Title IX Coordinator Tammy Jacques said if there are students who were bullied in high school and still have not healed completely, she would advise students to seek help on from a professional.

”

BEING ABLE TO STAND UP FOR MYSELF WASNʼT REALLY AN OPTION BECAUSE IT WAS HAPPENING ALL AROUND ME.

RICKY VILLARREAL SENIOR “I would encourage them to visit student counseling services on campus,” she said. “They also have reporting options depending on the situation.”

Senior Ricky Villarreal said he was verbally abused from seventh grade to 11th grade because of his ethnicity.

Villarreal said he was the only Hispanic at his middle school and high school.

“It was basically name calling and degrading comments like tomato picker, beaner and spick,” he said.

He said he found it hard to stand up for himself because he did not have

anyone to lean on.

“I didn’t have Hispanic friends with whom I would have been able to connect with if they had the same experience as me,” he said. “Being able to stand up for myself wasn’t really an option because it was happening all around me.”

Villarreal said he chose to overcome the bullying and insults.

“I decided I was going to laugh at myself and joke about it,” he said. “In the end, it is just words. And it’s only offensive if you take them. When they realized it wasn’t doing anything to me and I was laughing back, I gained respect from them, and they stopped bothering me.”

Villarreal said bullying bothered him because he did not understand it. He did not know he was different until he went to middle school.

“I don’t regret it happening, because it built me up,” he said. “It built my strength up to be able to face it in the real world.”

Villareal has simple advice to students being bullied.

“Don’t be physical about it,” he said.

“That’s the worst you can do because it can go back and forth.”

Senior Sena Shell said she was bullied by a close friend in high school.

“She got upset because I got a better position on the cheerleading squad than she did,” she said.

70% of students have witnessed bullying.

30% of students have admitted to bullying someone. information gathered from nobullying.com

“She started making up rumors that I was a lesbian, and it was really hurtful because she knew that wasn’t true.”

She said she encountered cyberbullying because the negative comments extended to Facebook.

Shell said the bullying experience made it hard for her to trust people. “(The other students) knew me and they just believed her,” she said.

Shell said her experience did not affect how she treats people, but it merely made her see bullying from a different perspective.

“When I see someone else being bullied, I can say, ‘I’ve been where you are,’” she said. “Don’t let it affect you because they probably have a reason for doing this, and they’re trying to make themselves feel right.”

Shell said she forgave the girl who bullied her in high school.

“I would tell other girls going through this to not let anyone define who you are,” she said.

8A LIFE

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

REVIEW

Local pizzeria serves Italian classics at college-friendly price

MELISSA PARKER

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About 10 minutes from campus is a pizza paradise in Florence known as Primo’s Pizzeria. Since pizza is a typical meal at my house on any given day of the week, I decided to give the restaurant a try.

I entered the establishment through the double doors and was immediately greeted by the smells of garlic and marinara sauce. The friendly staff welcomed me with a smile and asked to take my order.

Having never tried their particular Italian fare, I decided to stick with what I knew and ordered two types of pizzas I normally order at other places. For $24.99 I ordered the Primo’s Family Special consisting of a Meat Lovers specialty pizza and a two-topping Canadian bacon and pineapple.

While waiting for my pizzas to cook, I strolled through the restaurant.

The brown walls were decorated with pictures of mobsters, and standing guard in the rear was a life-sized Godfather

himself. The establishment also houses an old, wooden phone booth in the back for patrons to experience what it must have been like to make a call from a box.

After approximately 15 minutes, my pizzas were ready. I gathered my order and headed to my car. The wonderful aroma of the food was torturous during my nearly 40-minute drive home. When I finally made it to my house and was able to peer at my delectable dinner, I was not disappointed. The pizzas were both cut into 16 slices, which was plenty to feed my small crowd of four. The cheese was melted and slightly browned, just how I like it.

When I took my first bite of the Meat Lovers, I was instantly happy with my decision to order this style of pizza. It was topped with plenty of meat toppings, and the crust was cooked to perfection.

Comparing Primo’s crust to Pizza Hut’s pan-style crust, I would say I liked this crust more because of its crispiness. The Canadian bacon and pineapple did not disappoint either. The pineapple was juicy, and the bacon was crisp. I was also glad I had accepted the free garlic butter sauce offered to me at the restaurant.

This garlic butter sauce was comparable to Papa John’s sauce and perfect to dip the crispy crust in.

Primo’s offers plenty of other options on the menu, including pastas, strombolis, paninis and desserts.

Having spent a lot of money on pizzas at other restaurants, I feel like my purchase was a good value at $24.99.

Two pizzas cut into 32 slices and a twoliter drink offers a lot of bang for the buck. The short distance from campus also makes it a good choice for lunch,

and the nighttime delivery service makes it perfect for those late-night exam study sessions. With finals looming overhead, I suggest giving Primo’s Pizzeria a call.

photo by MELISSA PARKER I Staff Writer

Primo’s Meat Lovers and Canadian bacon and pineapple pizzas provided a delicious and satisfying meal. Primo’s also delivers locally and offers several meal options as well as dessert.

EMPLOYMENT

Online Job searching

Students deem websites valuable job search tools MONDAY SANDERSON

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For college students, finding employment is often difficult. Not only is it challenging to beat the competition, it is hard to find a job in the first place.

As a generation that grew up with the Internet and computers, searching online for a job can be the most reasonable option.

Some students said they go to specific websites such as Monster.com or Jobs.com.

“I got a job at Cracker Barrel after applying online,” said freshman Stephanie Waybright. “I came across it on Jobs.com. The process was easy and after I applied, they got in contact with me pretty quickly over the phone.”

While conducting a blanket search for jobs on Google or a job-specific website might be the instinctive thing to do, it is not what some professionals recommend.

“When we talk to students about job searching, we encourage them to use the resources we have here, for example Lion Jobs,” said Director of Career Planning and Development Melissa Medlin. “We don’t tend to encourage students to look at websites such as Monster and others like it.”

”

YOU SHOULD INVESTIGATE ANY JOB THAT YOU FIND. YOU SHOULDNʼT JUST APPLY FOR THE JOB AND BE DONE WITH IT.

MELISSA MEDLIN DIRECTOR OF CAREER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Some graduating seniors looking for jobs in various locations do not agree Lion Jobs is better than other more popular job search engines.

“Lion Jobs doesn’t give me a broad

range,” said senior Paige Hauck. “The positions offered normally focus on those in Florence or Muscle Shoals.”

Senior Noah Barringer said he also would not use Lion Jobs because the site does not tell a person if the position is still available.

“I wouldn’t go to a particular site,” he said. “I would honestly just Google search for jobs and just go to the first site I come across.”

Although Lion Jobs is the preferred job database online for students, Medlin offers another recommendation.

“Indeed can be beneficial, but we encourage students that if they see something on Indeed they should go and research the company themselves,” she said. “It’s better to see if you can apply directly to the website instead of going through Indeed.”

Hauck has used a mixture of original websites and also job search engines like USA Jobs. She said so far this has worked for her.

“I have previously found a job on

USA Jobs, but right now most of the jobs I’m applying for don’t close until the end of May,” she said. “I’ve got an interview in Montgomery and one in Pennsylvania, but I haven’t got a job yet.”

No matter what method is chosen — choosing the company’s website or searching through the job-focused websites — there are certain tips everyone should follow, Medlin said.

“You should investigate any job that you find,” she said. “You shouldn’t just apply for the job and be done with it. You should write a targeted cover letter and make sure your resume emphasizes the skills that the company is looking for.

Make sure to keep track of where you apply so that you can follow up.”

POPULAR JOB SEARCH ENGINES

• INDEED.COM • CAREERBUILDER.COM • MONSTER.COM

UNWIND F Daniel

Mary

SECTION B

April 30, 2015• The Flor-Ala

AG

The News

Unwind with

Swaggy

the 2014-15 Flor-Ala Staff Shiro

Worst parking ticket excuses 2B

Jazzy Jazz

Best and worst places to poop on campus 4B

The Glue

Science Club 5B

2B UNWIND

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

TRANSPORTATION

SEEKING OWNER ANNA BROWN

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Missing: February 2015 Make: Hyundai Model: Elantra Color: Silver Missing from: UNA Parking Lot Z

photo by ASHLEY REMKUS I News Editor

The car was abandoned late February 2015. The bewildered, lonely Elantra haphazardly parked itself in two parking spaces in UNA Lot Z, behind Appleby East and West apartments. It has several distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from the other cars frequently parked in Lot Z. The left front bumper is partially detached, giving the car a solemn frown when viewed from the front. Despite the car’s droopy bumper, a bright yellow smiley face air freshener hangs from the rear view mirror, giving the car a false sense of contentment and peace. It does not have many personal possessions. Only a stray Sonic cup, crumpled fast food bag and lantern are inside the car. The lonely Elantra has chosen to make UNA Lot Z its home until its rightful owner rescues it from the perils of weather, student harassment and parking tickets. The UNA Police Department ticketed the car last week for no valid parking permit.

FINES

Police department shares ʻcrappiestʼ parking ticket excuses ASHLEY REMKUS

6M_[ -LQ\WZ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\

5.

There is a boot on your vehicle.

“But I didn’t ever get any tickets.”

4.

Why did you move the cone?

3.

You parked blocking traffic. Why would you do that?

2.

Are you handicapped?

1.

Did you not know you can’t park on yellow curbs?

“I thought someone was pulling a prank like in high school.”

“I couldn’t be late for class.”

“No, but my grandmother is.”

“Why? But I’m from Mississippi.”

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

UNWIND 3B

ADMINISTRATION

ʻThe Stacheʼ shares tips on obtaining perfect ʻmaneʼ THE STACHE

5][\IKPM WN 8ZM[QLMV\ 3Q\\[ [\IKPQW(]VI ML] edited by ASHLEY REMKUS I News Editor

Since the day Prezzy Kitts and I first visited UNA and the Shoals, students, faculty, staff and community members have all begged one simple question: How does Kitts do it?

What they’re referring to are the awesome stache and hair the guy manages. Nobody else rocks it like the big man on campus.

Even ol’ Leo is jealous. Since the day Kitts, the hair and I rolled into town, the lion has been a little down in the dumps. We make his mane look like Emilio Tarantino before he hit puberty at 18 years old (see page 5B). Anyway, to get to the point, if you plan on hitting up the party scene anytime soon, here is a list of tips for ‘mane-taining’ your ‘do.

Never, I repeat, never repeat If you watched Lizzie McGuire back in the middle school days, you’ve already got a leg up on some of the other crazies who are reading this. The world learned the secret to having the most rad hairdo in town, and my boy Kitts is no exception. Well, most people learned.

Anyway, like Ethan said in season two, episode six, even though the shampoo bottle says lather, rinse, repeat; DON’T repeat.

Follow this simple piece of advice and you’ll have Shakira disappearing from The Flor-Ala Sports Editor’s direct messages and falling straight into those arms. After all, it obviously works for Kitts.

Grow a stache: Ask the expert Everybody knows that one guy — or girl — who just can’t manage a nice stache (looking at you, Emilio). Simply put, there really is no secret. You have to be awesome like my boy Kitts, or you’re probably just shit out of luck (see page 4B).

But, if you decided to give it a shot, Miracle-Gro is the answer. Right after you trim that wannabe stache, just lather up with the blue stuff. Unlike the tip for maintaining nice hair, you’ll definitely want to repeat this time — over and over and over and over again. That stache will be screaming “Hit me baby one more time.” You’ll know you’ve got it right when Britney finally realizes nobody cares.

I wo would uld love to stay and c but I really chat,

4B UNWIND

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

FACILITIES

BEST AND WORST PLACES TO

POOP ON CAMPUS MIKE EZEKIEL

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5 places to avoid using the bathroom at UNA 1. The Lion’s Cage This is not the place to be caught with your pants down.

2. President Kitts’s house Don’t break into the president’s house just to find out if he really has a bidet or not.

3. The Math Building Unless you like hot and humid places to take a hot one, avoid this bathroom by any means. Besides, has it even been renovated since the Civil War?

4. The Flor-Ala bathroom Trust me, you don’t want to go in there. I actually wrote this story in the Student Media Office.

5. Anywhere in Rice or Rivers halls In most cases, the best place to go is in the comfort of your own home. In this case, you’re better off going to a Golden Corral.

5 best UNA places to stop for a bathroom break 1. Third Floor of Collier Library During finals week, expect the first floor of the library to be full of students studying for exams. The third floor has a lot less traffic. It’s worth the elevator ride.

2. Anywhere in The Commons It’s hard to beat a building that isn’t even a year old to take a load off.

3. Second floor of the GUC Most of the students in this building will be in the atrium eating Chinese food, so avoid the first floor. The second floor, meanwhile, is clean and quiet.

4. Flowers Hall basement One of UNA’s most well-kept secrets is the bathroom below Flowers Hall. The secret is so well-kept, the janitors even forget, so bring your own toilet paper.

It’s literally a “crapshoot.”

5. Keller Hall second floor Are you starting to see a pattern? The top floor of Keller isn’t as convenient as the ground floor many times, but the spacious stall makes it worth the effort.

UNWIND 5B

April 30, 2015• The Flor-Ala

GET TURNT

CLUB TARANTINO OLD SCIENCE BUILDING BECOMES DANCE CLUB DUSTIN EMILIO TARANTINO POLLARD ;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ [XWZ\[(NTWZITI VM\

It is the weekend, and it is time to party because everybody loves to party — especially me, Emilio Tarantino aka Swaggy P, aka the Spicy Italian.

And if you like to listen to club music and shake those hips (and just like Shakira, my hips don’t lie) you are in luck, baby, because Floyd Hall will become a dance club when the new science building opens.

That is right. Is there a better way to use the old science building than making it a dance club? That is a rhetorical question, by the way.

The good news is I will be running the club.

Why me? I did my best Don Corleone impression and made an offer to UNA they could not refuse.

It is just too hard to say no to somebody smoking a cigar. For some reason a person smoking a cigar looks important and confident.

My advice to Hillary Clinton as she starts her presidential campaign is to smoke a Cuban during all of her speeches. Talk about a runaway election.

And I have so many plans for this club we should call the New Deal 2.0, because this is the most important event happening in the Shoals area since the original New Deal.

If we want to make Florence more like a college town, this is the way to do it. Trust me ladies and gentlemen. I am wearing a suit and smoking a cigar, remember?

In the annals of history, people are going to be talking about three things: discovery of fire, how Leonardo DiCaprio never won an Oscar and Emilio Tarantino’s nightclub.

Now, let’s dive into what I am going to do with this massive building.

The first floor will be the lounge area for people wanting to chill and keep it trill at the same time.

The second floor is where the fun does not stop, with a dance floor, stage and a bar.

The third floor is reserved for private parties. Jerry Seinfeld wants his two sons to have their Bar Mitzvah’s on the third floor.

I told Jerry if there is one place to become a man, it is Club Tarantino.

And finally we reach the top floor where my marvelous Italian food will be. It is so good you will want to slap

the CEO of Olive Garden.

I know you are already excited by now — almost as excited as I was when I slid into Shakira’s DM’s and she messaged back saying she wanted to butter me up like Wonder bread.

Every week’s lineup will offer the best time of our lives. The lineup is so good it makes the Dream Team look like your church-league team.

Friday it is “Let’s get crunk like a 40-year-old mom at a Coldplay concert night.” The latest hip-hop and pop hits will blare over the speakers all night long. And around here, the party does not stop until 6 a.m.

Just make sure to bring the energy because the dance floor will be rowdy — almost as rowdy as Tiger Woods’ wife when she found out he was cheating on her.

Saturday is “Live it up like Al Gore at a Prius car show night,” featuring live shows from the hottest artists in the game. Drake, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake among others will make appearances in the fall.

And I am convinced Justin Timberlake is the most talented person in the world (sorry President Kitts, you are second on my list) so who would not want to see him perform?

Celebrities — from John Stamos to Jennifer Lopez — have already contacted me wanting to come hang out at Tarantino’s dance club.

Of course JLo can come (she is like fine wine, just getting better with time) but Stamos needs to do some serious convincing, saying “come on, I was on Full House” is just not good enough anymore, John.

The weekdays will be filled with different activities, so you do not have to wait so eagerly to have the best time of your life again.

Karaoke night is a must, where I will be performing an Outkast or Bruno Mars song every week. Other features throughout the week include open mic night and Latin night.

So what better way to enjoy your college experience than taking advantage of the awesome time at Emilio’s dance club?

From the awesome music and people, dance floor, lounge, Italian food, and drinks served on a petri dishes, the club has all the essentials for a heck of a time. I guarantee.

This is my graduation present to you, UNA students.

You can thank me later.

6B UNWIND

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

QUIZ

WhTIn o sUiRe aEOu

1. How do you feel about sharing your nuts?

5. How often do you scamper across campus? a) Yay! I love scampering a) Yay! Nuts for everybody! through the trees and flowers! b) There are many types of nuts. b) I would rather read a book.

Which are you referring to? c) I don’t scamper unless it’s c) Hands off my nuts! directly in front of students. I d) I only share my nuts with hope I trip them! people I like, and I don’t like d) I would rather watch from a people. So, NO! quiet place.

6. Do you ever think about pouncing on students from the trees above? a) Yay! It’s like a treasure hunt! a) Yay! I just want to hug b) Do you know the things you them all! could catch from digging in the b) Pouncing seems a bit risky. trash? c) I will claw their eyes out! c) Why would I want to dig in the d) Students = people. What are trash? You’re an idiot. you not understanding here? d) I don’t go near the trash.

People have been there.

HaPySqIrEl You love life and everything about it!

2. Do you dig through the trash for food?

SmRtSqIrEl Learning and the pursuit of knowledge are important to you.

3. Do you enjoy teasing Leo and Una?

7. What is your favorite thing about UNA? a) Yay! I love everything about a) Yay! I love Leo and Una! UNA! What’s not to love?

Such soft kitties! b) The wonderful learning b) Teasing lions often results in experience, of course. death. I don’t think this is a good c) I hate it all. idea. d) When all of the people c) I hate cats. are gone. d) I don’t go near the lions.

People have been there.

4. Do you stare down UNA students until they give you their food? a) Yay! I love the students! They are so nice! b) I would prefer they share their books with me. Learning is important. c) I will bite them! d) UNA students = people.

Enough said.

AnRySqIrEl You hate everything equally, all of the time.

MoTl: A’s Happy Squirrel B’s Smart Squirrel C’s Angry Squirrel D’s Anti-Social Squirrel written by MELISSA PARKER I Staff Writer

AnI-sCiLQuRrL You don’t like people and wish they would go away.

UNWIND 7B

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

PROCRASTINATION

15 ways to not study ANNA BROWN

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1.

Refresh your Twitter feed‌ again.

UberFacts is super educational, right?

Twitter is definitely the best place to go for quick, brief snippets of information.

6.

Watch an entire season of your favorite show on Netflix. Just one more episode‌.

2.

Search “study tips� on Pinterest. There are all sorts of great organizational tips and suggestions.

11.

Calculate the lowest grade you can make to pass the class. This can easily be done on Canvas under “grades.�

7.

Make a to-do list. There is nothing more satisfying than checking off that last item on a list.

12.

Learn sign language. Sign language is a beautiful way to express yourself without words.

3.

Bake cookies. You can find a scrumptious cookie recipe while you are on Pinterest.

8.

Call a loved one. Family and friends back home miss you, right?

13.

Look for a place to park on campus.

Stroll the campus parking lots after hours to find that perfect space.

4.

Eat a whole pan of cookies. You need all the energy you can get to study for these finals.

9.

Exercise. Going for a quick jog might help you remember the information you learned.

14.

Read a book. Reading is a great mental exercise.

5.

Catch up on the latest campus gossip on YikYak and Whisper. There is no telling what juicy news will show up.

10.

15.

Take a nap. When all else fails, sleep.

SLEEP

Go outside. Treat yourself to a walk on the TVA reservation trails in Muscle Shoals.

Best campus locales to get some shut-eye CHLOE ALLEN

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While some students choose to catch up on sleep during their classes, UNA has several other viable napping options around campus.

With the springtime sunshine, a new napping trend has emerged in the form of Eno hammocks. Enos are the brightly colored, hang-it-up-anywhere, human-shaped slings that are popping up around the country and the campus. One of the prime places to hang one is in the trees surrounding the Memorial Amphitheater.

If no hammock is available, there are other

outdoor options. Though probably less comfortable without proper preparations, there are the benches, the ground beneath the trees or even a picnic table. These outdoor options provide shade, and students can be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the fountain or Leo’s roar.

In the event of poor weather or a psychotic pastor, Collier Library provides a quiet atmosphere and a roof.

While primarily used for cramming, the library can offer a place to rest on one of its various couches or chairs.

If students are worried about being judged for sleeping in the lobby, the second and third floors provide less scrutiny and more privacy.

Sophomore Casey Wright said the couches on the reading section floor are a comfortable option. “Depending on how many people are in there, it’s sometimes better to nap in your car,�

she said.

If students prefer the smell of chicken to soothe them to sleep, The Commons’ couches are available. However, The Commons is a higher traffic area, so it may not be as peaceful.

If you absolutely have to sleep during class, here are a few tips: 1. Wear a hat that can be pulled over your eyes as if you are looking at your desk.

2. Prop yourself up with your nondominant hand so you can still hold your pencil as if you are writing.

3. Auditorium classes work best for sleeping sitting up due to their high-backed, padded chairs.

4. Finally, if caught, simply raise your head slowly and say, “Amen.�

8B EXTRA

April 30, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

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Over 50 toppings to choose

Mix and match to create a one of a kind taste that you love! facebook.com/frostbitetreats | twitter.com/frostbitefroyo | frostbite-treats.com