March 12 Issue by The Flor-Ala

Bishop Legacy page 1B March 12, 2015

Volume 83, Issue 25

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

CIVIL RIGHTS

Selma anniversary sparks racial equality discussions JOHN ED DEARMAN ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ RLMIZUIV(]VI ML]

Thousands gathered in Selma last weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March that helped gain voting rights for AfricanAmericans. Among those present at the ceremony was President Barack Obama, who gave a speech addressing how far America has come in the advancement of racial equality. “Because of campaigns like this, a Voting Rights Act was passed,” Obama said. “Political, economic and social barriers

came down, and the change these men and women wrought is visible here today in the presence of African-Americans who run boardrooms, who sit on the bench, who serve in elected office from small towns to big cities — from the Congressional Black Caucus to the Oval Office.” He continued to say the Selma marchers gave courage to millions of Americans, and they led a nation, even though not one of them held any elected office. He said not only did the marches help the advancement of African-Americans, but Americans of all backgrounds. “It’s absolutely fundamental that we continue to celebrate and reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Selma march and the Voting Rights Act,” said Scottie Hunter, news anchor and reporter for WVAS radio in M o n t g o m e r y,

who covered the Selma anniversary. “It’s a part of our history, not just in the U.S. but globally. It launched the fight for civil rights and equality.”

little more access. There were people everywhere. I met people from all walks of life. There was a sense of togetherness. People were here to celebrate. They were also looking for a way forward in our country.” Caroline Bobo said WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT she Junior was fortunate to attend the ONE DAYʼS COMMEMORATION, NO anniversary gathering. “It was amazing,” Bobo MATTER HOW SPECIAL, IS NOT ENOUGH. said. “I’ve never been in one IF SELMA TAUGHT US ANYTHING, ITʼS place where so many people THAT OUR WORK IS NEVER DONE. were gathered together under the same belief. There were thousands of people there.” Hunter said the atmosphere of the event indicated the U.S. is RESIDENT moving toward racial equality. However, there is still more Hunter said one of the work that needs to happen in the most impressive parts of the fight for equality, Obama said. “Racism is still alive,” said anniversary was the attendance. About 80,000 people went to senior Walter Hartley. “It’s just Selma, which has a population hidden.” Hartley said people should of around 20,000, over the not judge others solely based weekend. “It was absolutely on race, but they need to find phenomenal,” he said. “As part out what they have in common of the working media, I got a and also learn from each other’s

”

BARACK OBAMA U.S. P

differences. Obama said the equality fight will progress, but likely never end. “We have to recognize that one day’s commemoration, no matter how special, is not enough,” he said. “If Selma taught us anything, it’s that our work is never done.” He then said it is a common mistake to say there is no more racism today, and said that he knows the march is not over and the race is not yet won. “On one hand I believe that there has been a great deal of progress, and that’s a beautiful thing, but I also see us regressing in too many ways,” said Tori Bailey, general manager of WZZA. It is the only radio station in the Shoals with a primarily African-American target audience. Bailey went on to say people need to continue to bring attention to events because they get people talking about issues.

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Hands raise in remembrance of the Selma to Montgomery March 50 years ago. “It’s a part of our history, not just in the U.S. but globally,” said Scottie Hunter, news anchor and reporter for WVAS radio in Montgomery. photo courtesy of June Howard

INSIDE

this week’s paper

NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A IMAGES. . . . . . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A

SPORTS . . . . . . . 1B LIFE . . . . . . . . . 5B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B

FLAWLESS......5B

Please recycle your paper.

2A NEWS

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ADMINISTRATION

Governor visits campus, praises growth ANNA BROWN

ROBERT BENTLEY

The information also detailed the plans for a new multimillion dollar nursing building that will double the capacity of UNA’s nursing program. Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter said government funding for UNA increased 7.5 percent last year. “That put us as the third highest increase out of the 14 universities that receive funding from the governor,” Carter said. He said UNA gained a $1 million earmark for the future nursing building and the $800,000 earmark for the science and technology building in the governor’s recommended budget for this year. “I want to caution you guys that we might not be able to keep it, but we may be able to get more,” Carter said. He said the governor makes recommendations for the budget, but the legislature makes the final decisions. When Carter was hired, former President William Cale said Carter’s experience as the Alabama Department of Finance deputy officer for the previous four years would be an asset to the university’s accounting and budget planning. “We need to make sure that this sits well with the legislature,” said President Pro Tempore of the board Marty Abroms. “It’s important that we keep the governor’s proposed budget.” After the luncheon with Gov. Bentley, executive members of the UNA board of trustees approved the purchase of a $299,000 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer for the new science and technology building.

GOVERNOR

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Campus officials received good news during the “Montgomery Update” luncheon with Gov. Robert Bentley at the Marriott March 6. Bentley also visited campus and said he was impressed with the growth of UNA. “The University of North Alabama is a strong educational asset to Alabama,” Bentley said. “The new science and technology building will provide a modern instructional setting that prepares students for the future in the most current scientific techniques.” Interim President John Thornell provided Bentley information about the new science building and plans for a new nursing building. The material highlighted UNA’s new degree program which blends engineering science and computer programming. This new program is focused toward “engineering-light” jobs that drive the growth of North Alabama.

”

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA IS A STRONG EDUCATIONAL ASSET TO ALABAMA.

THE NEW SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING WILL PROVIDE A MODERN INSTRUCTIONAL SETTING THAT PREPARES STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE IN THE MOST CURRENT SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES.

photo courtesy of Shannon Wells

Gov. Robert Bentley addresses UNA’s administration and board of trustees March 6. Bentley praised the university’s new science and technology building and its contribution to education in Alabama.

CRIME

Police: always lock unattended vehicles ASHLEY REMKUS

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Vehicles have become targets for campus crime since the beginning of 2015, and authorities said students are making it easy by leaving their cars unlocked. UNA police officials said they have received multiple reports of theft, criminal mischief and burglary involving vehicles. “This has really been a high-priority crime here lately,” said Interim UNA Police Chief Mark Parker. “We’re doing everything we can here. I’ve even called in volunteer reserve officers to help with extra patrol.” Parker said the most recent incident occurred March 4 when a student’s car was stolen from Willingham Road.

Reports indicate the vehicle was unlocked and the keys were left inside. “Please lock your doors,” Parker said. “Do not leave valuables in the vehicle. Never leave keys in your vehicle unattended, even for a short time. Open vehicles and visible items only encourage theft. “ Parker said this is the third report of a stolen vehicle in 2015. An automobile was also stolen at Grandview Apartments March 3 and found by its owner later that day on Nance Street, according to reports. Parker said another car was reported stolen Jan. 30 from the on-campus parking deck and later recovered in the Rivers Hall parking lot. He said police have made no arrests, but a suspect has been identified. Motor vehicle theft is defined as the theft or attempted theft of a motor

vehicle, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. During 2013, an estimated 699,594 motor vehicles were reported stolen, and 73.9 percent of those were cars, the FBI reported fall during 2014.

”

PLEASE LOCK YOUR DOORS. NEVER LEAVE KEYS IN YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED, EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME. OPEN VEHICLES AND VISIBLE ITEMS ONLY ENCOURAGE THEFT.

MARK PARKER INTERIM UNA POLICE CHIEF

The U.S. arrest rate for motor vehicle theft was 21.4 per 100,000 inhabitants during 2013, according to the FBI At least six vehicle burglaries have occurred on campus this year, and five of those crimes included theft of property, according to UNA police crime logs. Reports indicate items stolen include textbooks, money and stereo equipment. Parker said criminal mischief involving vehicles has spiked this year, as well. Police received six reports of vehicle damage during January and February, including a tire being slashed Feb. 19. Other reports indicated a hood was damaged Jan. 24, a car window was broken Jan. 25 and a car was egged Jan. 26.

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NEWS 3A

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

ENTERTAINMENT

GEORGE LINDSEY RECAP

photos by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

Sean Cox (left) accepts an award for a film he helped create, “Dead Hearts.” The short film won Best in Show. Hunter Nichols (right) receives the award for the Alabama Films category. He entered his film “River Dreams” and won $2,000.

Organizers deem film festival success despite setbacks ASHLEY GABALDON

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Organizers of the 18th annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival said nothing stood in the way of putting on successful events March 5-7. Judges granted awards for eight categories and the Best in Show after reviewing more than 3,000 submissions. “We had one of our best festivals ever despite having to weather the ice storm on Thursday,” said Chair of the English Department Cynthia Burkhead. “Our special guests and visiting filmmakers were extremely pleased with the festival and with UNA. We look forward to an even better year next year.” Prior to the festival’s start, organizers

indicated more submissions were made this year than ever before. “(Judges) started watching in July,” Burkhead said. “Each preliminary judge had 200 to 500 films. Once the finalists were determined, the judging process was much easier and more manageable.” Removal of the entry fee for this year’s submissions likely led to the large number of submissions, she said. “We need to look at charging a very small fee just as a way of controlling and managing the number of submissions,” she said. Director and actor Aaron Wolf, and producer Ethan Marten hosted the festival’s activities, which included screenings of 30 films with representation from 13 nations. The festival also included a presentation by award-winning, 15-year-

old scientist Michelle Marquez, a special screening of Aaron Wolf’s latest film, “The Walk,” and a music supervision panel with four Hollywood music supervisors hosted by John Paul White. Several award-winners were in attendance, but for those who were not, videos of their acceptance speeches were played on-screen. The winner in each category received an award statuette, and “Best in Show” received a cash award of $500. “Thank you to the George Lindsey Film Festival. This is phenomenal, incredible,” said Sean Cox, cinematographer for “Dead Hearts,” which took home the award for Professional Narrative: Short and Best of Show. The Clyde “Sappo” Black award,

which went to “River Dreams” directed by Hunter Nichols of Birmingham, Alabama, included a $2,000 award to an outstanding director who shot a film all or in-part in Alabama. “Long live cinema, and long live the George Lindsey Film Festival,” said Alexis Barbosa of France in his acceptance video for the Young Filmmaker award for his short “Mona.” The award-winners happily accepted their honors and thanked the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival for its showing and appreciation of their work. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by UNA’s culinary department precluded the award show. The culinary department also set up props for guests to use in the photo booth.

AND THE WINNERS ARE... STUDENT DOCUMENTARY: “SOUND THIEF” BY ADITYA KAPUR

PROFESSIONAL NARRATIVE- SHORT: “DEAD HEARTS” DIRECTED BY STEPHEN MARTIN

YOUNG FILMMAKER: “MONA” DIRECTED BY ALEXIS BARBOSA

STUDENT NARRATIVE: “HOME” DIRECTED BY CARLOS ALONSO OJEA

PROFESSIONAL NARRATIVE- FEATURE: “STORIES FORLORN” DIRECTED BY URI SCHWARZ

CLYDE “SAPPO” BLACK AWARD FOR A FILM MADE IN ALABAMA: HUNTER NICHOLS

PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTARY: “SOMETHING YOU CAN CALL HOME” DIRECTED BY REBECCA KENYON

VANGUARD: “THE GLASS HEDGEHOG” DIRECTED BY JEAN-SEBASTIEN BERNARD

BEST IN SHOW: SEAN COX, CINEMATOGRAPHER FOR “DEAD HEARTS”

4A IMAGES

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

photos by MEIYAN SONG I Student Photographer

▶

Nick Lang SGA Presidential candidate Nick Lang responds to audience questions during “Meat the Candidates” March 4 in the GUC Loft. SGA’s Elections and Recruitment Committee hosted the town-hall style event for students to hear the candidates debate and learn about their platforms.

ASHLEY REMKUS

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Elections are vital to a healthy democracy. Once every four years, voters can kick out the president, and every two years they can replace Congress. The best benefit of democracy on campus is students elect their representatives every year. While student government elections may seem less important than those on the state and national levels, the

impact they have on the campus community is huge. Last year, SGA began hosting “Meat the Candidates,” an event that allows UNA students to ask questions and interact with the people who will represent them. Seeing the GUC Loft packed with students eager to learn about the candidates brought a smile to my face. As candidates look to the new year, I hope they will remember those students they made promises to. UNA students deserve the best leadership.

Election results at www.florala.net ▶ ▶

Listening After finishing their barbecue dinner, students listen to candidates deliver their platforms and explain what they will do if elected to office.

Reppin’ SGA Former UPC Vice President Walter Hartley, who serves as a delegate on the council, asks candidates a questions during “Meat the Candidates.” Hartley asked what they wanted to change within SGA. Candidates (above) SGA office hopefuls stand together as they take turns at the microphone answering Hartley’s question about change within SGA. Fifteen names appeared on ballots for this year’s election.

▶

NEWS 5A

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

RELIGION

Students observe Lent to strengthen relationship with God ANNA BROWN

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Lent is getting a facelift as people find new ways to observe the traditional Christian season of fasting and reflection. When someone observes Lent, they typically give something up or take something on, said Rev. Andrew Keyse of Trinity Episcopal Church. “The key is becoming more aware of the world in which you live,” said Jeffrey Bibbee, chair of the history department. “I don’t think it has to be religiously motivated. It can just be selfimprovement.” Food does not have to be the main focus of Lent. Many people are now giving up bad habits and taking on new healthier habits instead, Bibbee said. “The easy thing is to give up chocolate or soda,” Keyse said. “We hope it’s something a little more sacrificial than that. Give up something that really bothers you to go without or take on something that is a big deal to take on.” Keyse said the void created by

giving something up during Lent is filled through Christ’s resurrection at Easter. Junior Will Chaney said he believes a Lenten devotion should be a difficult practice rather than just taking something away, like food. “I really felt called to try to avoid talking about other people and trying to see the best in everyone I meet or in my life during this Lent,” he said. The 40-day tradition derives from the story of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness for 40 days found in Matthew 4 of the Bible, Keyse said. Orthodox Christians, Catholics and Protestant Christians most commonly observe the tradition in preparation for the Easter celebration. “Why we do Lent is to get closer to Christ through sacrifice or through adding something,” Chaney said. “It’s the intention of what you do that matters. So if you fail to keep up a practice or slip up, and you recognize it, learn something about your faith, or grow as a Christian, then you’ve had a successful Lent.” Chaney said actions mean nothing unless they are spiritually motivated.

Senior Sarah Swafford said she believes it is important to observe Lent because it is a time of self-reflection and bettering oneself.

”

GIVE UP SOMETHING THAT REALLY BOTHERS

YOU TO GO WITHOUT OR TAKE ON SOMETHING THAT IS A BIG DEAL TO TAKE ON.

ANDREW KEYSE REVEREND TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH Swafford said she is giving up all sweets, soft drinks and sweet tea for Lent. She is also refraining from eating meat, except fish on Fridays. “The part about giving up something or restraining from something is

important to me because it reminds me that God gave his only son to die on the cross for me,” Swafford said. “I can sacrifice something as small as a Mountain Dew for him.” Seventeen percent of adults practiced Lenten fasting during the past three years, according to a Barna Group study. Bibbee said he suggests those participating in Lent find a group also observing the season. He said people who have a support group are more likely to be successful with their fast or new habit. “If I fail to follow through on the commitment, I think I will personally feel like I have failed God,” Swafford said. “It is a time to reflect on myself and be a better person. The church won’t kick me out, and I don’t think God will strike me with lightning or anything. It would just be a personal failure between me and God.” Editor’s note: Student Writer Chloe Allen contributed to this report.

photo illustration by ASHLEY REMKUS | News Editor

Lent is a season within the Christian faith during which people give up something or take on something new. Many UNA students said they are observing the season and using the time to grow their relationships with God. “I really felt called to try to avoid talking about other people and trying to see the best in everyone I meet or in my life during this Lent,” junior Will Chaney said.

6A NEWS

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

RSO

Organization offers service opportunities WENDIE ROBINSON

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A new set of Lions is in town and ready to serve the community. Lions Club International is a worldwide service organization that not only helps people globally, but is benefiting people and students close to home, as it has become UNA’s newest organization. Part of the club’s mission is “to Encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors,” according to Lions Club International. “Unlike other campus organizations, UNA Lions Club is open to students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said Barbie Terry, UNA’s college development officer and Lions Club adviser. The Lions Club chapter at UNA was recently recognized as an official organization, as it met the national organization’s 20-member requirement and the campus requirement of 10 members. Freshman Garrett Grigsby said he is

proud to become one of the first students to join the organization. “I joined because it would look good on my resume, and it is communityoriented,” Grigsby said. “It helps me and the community.”

”

UNLIKE OTHER CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS, UNA LIONS CLUB IS OPEN TO STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF.

BARBIE TERRY COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Terry said she is most excited because the organization will allow students to work with faculty, staff and alumni directly. She said it will also offer students a sense of belonging at UNA and encourage them to become active alumni after graduation. The idea for a Lions Club at UNA began approximately two years ago when Don Moore, secretary of Florence Downtown Lions Club, met with UNA officials. Moore said he mentioned a Lions

Club International chapter at UNA, but not much was done to start the project. The idea had been in the air until several months ago when Jerome Thompson, a UNA alumnus, pushed to get a Lions Club on campus. Thompson spoke with administrators and soon the possibility became more conceivable, Moore said. He said the Florence chapter will mentor UNA’s members as they work together and meet for the next two years. “Not all students are interested in joining a sorority or a fraternity,” Moore said. “A UNA Lions Club would give other students a chance to be active in the community.” Terry said helping individuals and the community are not all this organization will accomplish. “As a fundraiser for UNA, I see the need firsthand for networking opportunities for our students with alumni,” she said. President of Circle K International Kayla Land said her organization hopes to partner with the Lions Club to grow community service efforts on campus. Circle K International is a universitybased service club that is self-governed by college students. Each year, Circle K participates in the March of Dimes March for Babies and

organizes a food drive for Students Team Up to Fight Hunger . “With another club focused on service, it will provide more opportunities for students to serve and will surely benefit the campus and community,” Land said. “I believe in the future, Circle K and Lions Club could work together and do great things. I can’t wait to serve with them and hopefully they will serve with us as well.” Freshman Abby Cox said, “I’ve always heard good things about the Lions Club (and) I look forward to all of the

WANT TO JOIN? • MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF

AND

ALUMNI

• ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING MARCH 31 AT 12:15 P.M. IN THE OLD GUC BOOKSTORE LOCATION. • EMAIL BARBIE TERRY BTERRY5@UNA.EDU

Your Ad Here Advertisting and Marketing For more information call 256-765-4427

Email advertising@florala.net

VIEWPOINTS 7A

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

Country should strive for equal treatment EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANNA GRACE USERY MANAGING EDITOR KALI DANIEL NEWS EDITOR ASHLEY REMKUS LIFE EDITOR MARI WILLIAMS SPORTS EDITOR DUSTIN POLLARD ONLINE EDITOR JASMINE FLEMING BUSINESS MANAGER UNDREA RANDOLPH II GRAPHIC DESIGNERS JOHN BAVIS SHILO CUPPLES JORDAN FERRELL CIRCULATION MANAGER LORI BLANKENSOPP

DUSTIN POLLARD

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Apparently America is going to hell. Fifty-eight percent of Americans believe this country is “going to hell in a hand basket” and 61 percent are not hopeful about he direction of this nation, according to a poll conducted by Fox News in October. The other 42 percent believe America is going to

hell in a Prius (just kidding). First off, referencing Fox News as a journalist is about as comfortable as meeting your girlfriend’s father for the first time. Second, since when exactly was America going to heaven? With our history of slavery, Trail of Tears, internment camps, hating on immigrants, lack of women’s rights issues and many other problems, why now are the issues America has going to send us to hell? I actually still yell “free Sacco and Vanzetti” whenever I hop on the track to spit some rhymes. Saturday, thousands of people gathered in Selma to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. This was a reminder of America’s bruised — past

more bruised than Rocky Balboa’s face after every fight — and also how much more work we all need to do to help race relations. The Edmund Pettus Bridge got me thinking, and thinking is actually what I tried to give up for Lent. If I had been born several decades earlier I never would have been able to meet one of my best friends in third grade, graduate together, go to UNA and be the best rap duo since Outkast. And in the same time frame to think the U.S. would elect a black man named Barack Hussein Obama II would be as unthinkable as a Shakira album that is not amazingly awesome. Believe it or not, America has come a long way as far as doing the right thing. But there

is still more work to do. One can just look at Ferguson, Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin to see we have to do better. But to think America was goody-two-shoes before and is now destined to hell is ludicrous. So let us strap up our boots (or in my case tie up my Kobe’s) and keep working toward treating people better regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or if they are a fan of the Pittsburg Steelers. (Go Ravens!) I love America so I want America to love everybody, too. In the words of the great Jackie Moon: “E-L-E, everybody love everybody.”

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KATLYN SHANNON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS AMANDALYN DORNER KAITLIN DOUGLASS DEANNA KAMPMEYER

Congratulations to our 2015–2016 staff!

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.

KALI DANIEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JASMINE FLEMING MANAGING EDITOR

ANNA BROWN NEWS EDITOR

MELISSA PARKER LIFE EDITOR

MIKE EZEKIEL SPORTS EDITOR

EMILY KAZUNGU ONLINE EDITOR

JORDAN BYRD BUSINESS MANAGER

KAITLIN DOUGLASS CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Congratulations to our Writer and JOIN OUR WEEKLY WRITERS MEETINGS SUNDAYS AT 4 P.M. Photographer of the IN THE STUDENT PUBLICATIONS OFFICE Week! BEHIND WILLINGHAM HALL Anna Brown and 643 N. WOOD AVE.

Kaitlin Douglass

8A NEWS

March 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala

*7):, KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) The board unanimously approved the donor-funded purchase in a meeting at the Marriott Conference Center March 6. Assistant professor of chemistry and industrial hygiene Frank Diaz said the university needs a new NMR, as the current one is 20 years old and was purchased used and refurbished. “The NMR is the only instrument that the American Chemical Society absolutely requires us to have so we can maintain our ACS certification,” Diaz said. “Students use it in class and the department uses it for research purposes.” Diaz said the NMR is used to look at molecules and is essential to the teaching and research of organic chemistry. UNA alumnus Mitch Burford is funding the purchase of the equipment. The NMR costs $299,000 plus an additional $11,000 to ship the equipment to UNA. The cost for purchase and transportation of the equipment is approximately $310,000. The UNA board bylaws state for any purchases that exceed $250,000, the university president must obtain board approval. Interim University President John Thornell said this decision was brought to the executive board because of the sixmonth turnaround time for the equipment to be delivered. “We need the equipment in place for the fall semester,” he said. “This will give us a two-week head start on this process. Abroms said he is amazed by the generosity of Dr. Burford. “Dr. Burford’s significant investment in our new science and technology building and programs shows his incredible commitment to UNA and its students,” he said.

;-45) KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) Destiny Battles, president of UNA NAACP, said people can reach equality, but to do that they need to be self-aware, because a lot of times people deny racism and discrimination because they do not want to deal with it. “Equality will be reached the day that every single person realizes it exists and does everything they can to put that behind them” Battles said. Obama went on to say even though the Voting Rights Act was passed because of the marches, there are still many obstacles that get in the way to make it hard to vote. Bailey said she has seen over the past few years more and more people are not getting out to vote like they should, and because of that she does not understand why there should be any more obstacles

+:15- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “We’re pretty sure at least some of these crimes are related,” Parker said. “We’re going to continue investigating.” He said police are conducting extra

SGA in Review • SGA - Held elections for the 2015-16 President, Senate Vice President, UPC Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Results are available at www. florala.net. Runoff elections will be held March 16-18. • Senate - Allocated $212.91 to purchase refreshments for its postelection party, which will be held March 18 in GUC Banquet Hall A at 7 p.m. photo courtesy of Shannon Wells

President elect Kenneth Kitts reviews information provided at the board of trustees’ meeting with Gov. Robert Bentley March 6. Bentley gave Kitts good news when he spoke positively of UNA’s contribution to Alabama education.

to get people to vote. “There has to be a motive behind that kind of action,” she said. Hartley said it is important to vote not only because of the fact 50 years ago African Americans could not vote, but because people are voting for the president, their representatives and the others who are running the country. Battles said many people started to realize the importance of voting when Obama won the presidency in 2008. “When you vote and put your opinion out there it matters,” she said. “There is somebody that is standing for exactly what you’re standing for. How can I change the world that I’m living in? Voting is the way to do that.” Hunter said while an AfricanAmerican being elected to the highest office is a sign of the country moving forward, there are still negative attitudes surrounding Obama based on his race. “The VRA was about the right to patrols in the on-campus parking deck and in the areas surrounding campus where students and other residents typically park. AUTHORITIES REQUEST ANYONE WHO SEES ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS IN PARKING AREAS CALL

UNA POLICE

256-765-4357,

SEND AN EMAIL TO POLICE@UNA.EDU.

vote, and so many people do not take advantage of that fundamental right,” he said. “But when you look at many of the criticisms President Obama has taken, it’s almost like we’ve taken a step back. The attitude shows that clearly we haven’t moved as forward as we thought.” Bailey said everybody needs to go register to vote. “Voting is the solution,” she said.

”

EQUALITY WILL BE REACHED THE DAY THAT

EVERY SINGLE PERSON REALIZES IT EXISTS AND

DOES EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO PUT THAT BEHIND THEM.

DESTINY BATTLES

• Senate - Allocated $73.98 to purchase food and drinks for students who attend its safety forum March 19 in the Stone Lodge. • UPC - Sought student opinion for its SOAR and Welcome Week plans for the upcoming year.

• Freshman Forum UNA NAACP PRESIDENT Announced it will host a kickball tournament T LANCE to benefit Multiple Sclerosis charities 3 VEHICLE THEFTS ON CAMPUS March 14 at 8 a.m. AT LEAST 6 VEHICLE BURGLARIES

A AG

• • • AT LEAST 3 CARS DAMAGED • MOST CARS WERE UNLOCKED

SPORTS

SECTION B 1985-87

LEGACY

1982-85

2014-

2011-13

March 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala

photos courtesy Sports Information

The Bishop family, Carol (top left), Brice (top right), Mackenzie (bottom left) and Will (center), have all played athletics at UNA. Brice is currently the men’s and women’s tennis coach. He said having his family play athletics at UNA is rewarding.

Family enjoying success suiting up for the Lions DUSTIN POLLARD

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They say the apple does not fall far from the tree, and the phrase could not be more true for the Bishop family. Men’s and women’s tennis coach Brice Bishop played tennis, his wife, Carol, ran cross-country, his daughter, Mackenzie, played tennis and his son, Will, is on the baseball team, all four playing for UNA. “Having four of the five make it to play college athletics is very rewarding and even more rewarding that it’s been UNA,” Brice said. “It’s special because we’re both from this area, so to do it at the same place is great. The fifth one is in eighth grade so who knows yet.” The Bishop family’s athletic success is due to the hard work put in by each one and not necessarily the genes, Brice said. “The real story is the amount of time and effort put in to play college athletics,” he said. “We made athletics important

IN THIS SECTION

because there’s so many life lessons you can learn on the athletic field. You can learn team work and overcoming frustration and more.” Brice was a four-year letterman tennis player for the Lions from 1982-85. He won back-to-back Gulf South Conference singles championships in 1984-85 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA D-II tennis championships in 1985. Brice became UNA’s first tennis AllAmerican as a senior. “Looking back it’s very special,” Brice said about being first All-American. “Back then it wasn’t anything I thought about. I was focusing on winning matches, so it didn’t hit me until several years later.” Carol ran cross-country for the Lions from 1985-87. She was a three-time All-GSC performer and All-Southeast Region in 1986 and 1987. She qualified for the NCAA D-II National Championship in 1987 but was unable to run due to injury.

Carol helped UNA win its first GSC women’s cross-country title in 1987 and also won the conference individual championship. She was unable to run her senior year due to her stress fracture injury. Brice said he met Carol when he was coaching the UNA cross-country team in 1988. The two became the first couple elected into the UNA Athletics Hall of Fame. Brice was elected in 2001, and Carol was honored in 2005. Will, a redshirt freshman pitcher, said the success of his parents made him want to work harder to improve his game. “It definitely put some pressure because they raised the bar high,” he said. “Whenever you lost, you just wanted to do whatever you can to get better.” The opportunity to play for the Lions is exceptional, Will said. “We were always around UNA athletics growing up,” he said. “I just love the atmosphere, so when UNA showed interest in me, I knew that was

SPORTS Softball player on ﬁre at the plate See page 2B

where I was going.” Mackenzie played tennis at UNA from 2011-13 and made first-team All-GSC all three years. She was also Academic AllGSC in 2012 and 2013. After leaving UNA in 2004 to become the head tennis coach and director of women’s athletics at Shoals Christian School, Brice returned to coach tennis at UNA in 2010. This led to his opportunity to coach his daughter his second year back at his alma mater. “It was nice because he was always my coach,” Mackenzie said. “The only time he wasn’t my coach was when I was at Lipscomb (University). Having my dad as a coach was a major advantage because we could go hit whenever we wanted.” Having her father as her coach served as motivation, too, because they were both under the same roof, she said.

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LIFE Track season report See page 4B

Campus talks photoshopping

Bowling for Kidsʼ Sake

See page 5B

See page 7B

2B SPORTS

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

REGULATIONS

MLB making rule changes to shorten game time KADIN POUNDERS

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Change is inevitable and change is what is coming to MLB this season. As the National Football League increases in popularity, MLB and its players association officials had to make decisions to combat the “boring” label

many fans started to place on “America’s Pastime.” Unlike most sports, there is no running clock in baseball. There are no ties. A game goes nine innings or more until there is a victor. The MLB games are steadily getting longer despite the decrease in runs scored from an average of 5.14 runs per team per game in 2000 to 4.07 in 2014,

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Junior second baseman Kyle Crabtree connects on a pitch against Stillman College Feb. 7. The MLB is making rule changes to help speed up the game of baseball.

according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Games lasted two hours and 55 minutes in 2010 and three hours and three hours and eight minutes in 2014 on average, according to USA Today. The changes include putting the pitcher on a clock, a new batter’s box rule, eliminating the four-pitch intentional walk, instant replay modifications and a three “time out” rule. John Schuerholz, President of the Atlanta Braves and Chairman of the Pace of Game Committee released a statement regarding the new rules. “The Pace of Game Committee wants to take measured steps as we address this industry goal to quicken the pace of our great game,” he said. “It is not an objective of ours to achieve a dramatic time reduction right away; it is more important to develop a culture of better habits and a structure with more exact timings for nongame action.” In most sports, there is a trickle-down effect, but college baseball has been ahead of the curve in terms of speeding up the game, said UNA head coach Mike Keehn. “College has been in the forefront of this,” Keehn said. “There’s actually a time period between innings to help speed (the game) up. It never was really enforced because (players) went quick enough.” Keehn said pitching changes in the MLB is the one factor that slows the game down the most. “The game flows well until it gets to when you start changing pitchers,” he

said. “That is what prolongs the game at the Major League level because they are so specialized in the bullpen.” After experimenting in the Arizona Fall League, the somewhat controversial changes officially began at the start of spring training in the form of new paceof-play rules. The experimental rules used in the Arizona Fall League cut the average game time by ten minutes from two hours and 52 minutes to two hours and 42 minutes, according to the MLB’s website. Some MLB players said they have a problem with the new rules, while other do not. Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, more affectionately known as “Big Papi,” has spoke against the new rules. “It doesn’t matter what they do, the game is not going to speed up. That’s the bottom line,” Ortiz said in an ESPN interview Feb. 25. “The game has been going on for over 100 years. I don’t care who you are, you’re not going to change it.” In an interview with The Providence Journal, Ortiz said he believes the rules are aimed more toward hitters than pitchers. “It seems like every time they want to speed up the game, they focus on the hitters,” he said. “How about the guy on the mound like this (imitating a pitcher shaking off signs) for three hours? Nobody talks about that.” The penalty for breaking the new rules will be warnings and minor fines.

PROFILE

Senior softball player collects hits, wins for Lions KADIN POUNDERS

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The softball team’s season started spectacular, cranking out 16 wins in the first 20 games. The success of the team has not gone unnoticed, and neither has one of the players responsible for helping the Lions get off to such a great start. Senior first baseman Brittany Gillison is an offensive catalyst for the Lions this season. Through the first 20 games, Gillison batted .443, the best average on the team among players with 30 or more at-bats. Gillison is second on the team in home runs (3) and RBIs (23). She is also third in the conference in hits (27) and second in RBIs. “I think the key to our success at the plate is making sure we let the ball get deep and our pitch selection,” Gillison said. “We practice a lot making sure our swing is as close to perfect as possible.” Officials named Gillison Gulf South Conference Player of the Week March 3. In the last week of February, she hit .692 with two home runs and seven RBIs. “I think she is hitting so well because she has the confidence, and she’s seeing

herself be successful,” said head coach Ashley Cozart. “She’s not thinking too much at the plate. She’s just playing the game how it’s supposed to be played.” Gillison, a native of Pell City, was on the diamond almost as soon as she could walk, but not as a softball player.

”

I THINK SHE IS HITTING SO WELL BECAUSE SHE HAS THE CONFIDENCE, AND SHEʼS SEEING HERSELF BE SUCCESSFUL.

ASHLEY COZART SOFTBALL HEAD COACH “I started playing baseball when I was 3 years old because my Dad was in charge of city league baseball,” she said. “I switched to softball when I was 10 years old so I could begin playing travel softball.” Gillison transferred from Wallace State Community College after two years with the Governors and brought other talented players with her. “Bree (Blevins), Libby (Ollinger) and I all heard good things about UNA, and we loved the campus when we came on a

visit,” she said. “Also, I am an education major, and I heard excellent things about the education program at UNA.” Olinger, a former teammate at Wallace State, said Gillison is one of the best teammates she has ever been around. “She is always encouraging others and always has a positive attitude,” Ollinger said. “She knows how to calm everyone down and pick up the team. She is a great leader not only by what she does on the field but off it also.” Gillison’s team attitude and charisma have made her a favorite among her teammates and coaches, Cozart said. “Brittany is one of those selfless players. She would do anything you ask her and whatever is best for the team,” she said. “She is one of our most likable players and gets along with anyone.” Gillison said she has bonded well with her teammates she has UNA. “One of my favorite things about playing softball at UNA is the friendships I have made with my teammates,” she said. “I have met some of the best people here who have made my last two years of softball amazing.” The Lions host Christian Brothers University March 14 in a double-header at 4 p.m. The series wraps up March 15 at 1 p.m.

photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer

Senior first baseman Brittany Gillison awaits a pitch against the University of West Alabama Feb. 28. Gillison leads the team in batting average and is second in home runs and RBIs.

SPORTS 3B

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

FOOTBALL

SCOREBOARD March 7-10 March 7

Baseball @ Valdosta State 7-6 Win Baseball @ Valdosta State 3-1 Loss

Softball @ Valdosta State 5-0 Loss Softball @ Valdosta State 6-1 Loss March 8 Softball @ Valdosta State 1-0 Loss Baseball @ Valdosta State 5-2 Win Baseball Vs Trevecca Nazarene Results @ www.ﬂorala.net Menʼs/Womenʼs Tennis Vs South Dakota State results @ www.roarlions.com

Upcoming March 12 Baseball Vs Miles @ 2 p.m. March 13 Menʼs/Womenʼs Tennis Vs UAH @ 1 p.m. March 14 Baseball Vs Christian Brothers @ 2 p.m. (DH) Softball Vs Christian Brothers @ 4 p.m. (DH) March 15 Softball @ Christian Brothers @ 1 p.m. Baseball Vs Christian Brothers @ 1 p.m.

photo by WILL COREY I Student Photographer

Former Lions linebacker Brion James bench presses 225 pounds as NFL scouts and UNA players watch. James is one of eight UNA players to perform NFL combine drills for the UNA Pro Day March 9.

Lions participate in Pro Day drills MIKE EZEKIEL

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Scouts from the Green Bay Packers and the Washington Redskins visited Florence to watch eight former UNA football players perform NFL combine drills March 9. The NFL prospects started Pro Day by weighing in before going through bench press drills, broad jumps, agility drills, the Wonderlick examination and the 40-yard dash. “I’ve been waiting on this day for a long time,” said former offensive lineman Keith Jones. “It feels great, I’ve been working for this a long time and to finally be here is overwhelming.” Jones, who went into the workout at 6-foot-5-inches and 313 pounds, said the agility drills would be no problem for him, but the 40-yard dash may become his Achilles heel. “One of my weaknesses would be my 40 (yard dash),” Jones said. “I pulled my quad a few weeks back during training. As far as the rest of the drills, my quick feet will be my best asset, being as big as I am.” Jones limped to a 6.01 40-yard dash, as he grunted in pain 30 yards in, holding his right quad muscle through the finish line. Jones then went into the weight room and totaled 20 reps in the bench press. Jones was named to the first-team All-Gulf South Conference in 2014 and second-team in 2013.

Taylor Carney, a four-year defensive lineman for the Lions, said he has been in contact with Canadian Football League teams since his graduation in December 2014. He also performed in front of NFL scouts prior to Pro Day. “Any recognition is great,” Carney said. “I’ve had Canadian teams talk to me and NFL teams come throughout the season and talk to the coaches about me. It’s been great so far, and I love the atmosphere.” Carney finished his combine workout with 19 bench press reps and a 5.41 40yard dash.

”

IʼVE HAD CANADIAN TEAMS TALK TO ME

NFL TEAMS COME THROUGHOUT THE SEASON AND TALK TO THE COACHES ABOUT ME. ITʼS BEEN GREAT SO FAR, AND I LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE.

AND

TAYLOR CARNEY FORMER UNA DEFENSIVE LINEMAN Carney graduated with a degree in business management and plans to be a pharmaceutical representative. But beforehand would like to see what his future holds in football. “But let’s see how this football thing turns out first,” he said. “I can use my degree later on.” Carney was selected to the first-team All-GSC team as a junior and senior.

He finished his Lions career with 119 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Brion James, an outside linebacker on the 2013 UNA football team, has been recovering from a knee injury and performed in front of scouts after a oneyear absence from football. “I feel very healthy,” James said. “I feel like my 40 – (yard dash) will be better, and I feel very good about it.” James ran a 4.85 40-yard dash, which was in the neighborhood of what he was shooting for, he said. He also bench pressed 13 times and jumped farther than nine feet in the broad jump. James totaled 106 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 2013. Other prospects who participated in Pro Day include three players from last year’s squad: Ixavier Tripplett, Shaquille Smith and Justin Sims. Sims had the fastest 40-yard dash amongst the eight, racing to a 4.53 time. Marquez Strickland, a member on the 2013 football team, also participated in drills. Delvin Ervin, a member of the 2012 UNA football team, who later transferred to Faulkner State Community College, rounded out the lineup for this year’s Pro Day. The 2013 D-II Defensive Player of the Year, Tavarius Wilson, was the star of last year’s Pro Day in Florence and earned an NFL contract with the St. Louis Rams. The NFL draft begins April 30.

4B SPORTS

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

TRACK

Lions look to finish second half of season strong DUSTIN POLLARD

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Midway through the season, the track team is facing a disappointing year, but not because of its performance. The team was unable to compete in two events last weekend due to inclement weather. Icy roads forced a cancelation of the Alabama A&M Invite March 6, and due to lack of teams participating, the University of Alabama-Huntsville Invitational was canceled March 7. “This weather has just been awful for us,” said head coach Scott Trimble. “Because of it, we’re way behind with what we can do. What can we do, but roll with it, though?” Junior runner Olivia Brady said the weather has not only affected the meets but the practices as well. “It has made it almost twice as difficult in practice,” she said. “Since the roads are still icy, we have to worry about slipping and falling. We just have to gut it out.” Trimble said he is happy to see the way his team is handling the weather conditions. “They hate running on the treadmill, so they choose to run outside,” he said. “It makes me look like I’m a bad coach, but they want to do it. They’re a lot tougher than their coach.” The Lions competed in three events – the University of Alabama-Birmingham Vulcan Invitational, Tiger Invitational and Sewanee Invitational – all three indoor complexes. “I was so pleased with them last week at Sewanee,” Trimble said. “They all special in one event so they can concentrate on one thing. And running distance is our strongest area on the team.” Brady said considering the

4-/)+A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * Mackenzie left Lipscomb to come to UNA after her freshman year. “It just wasn’t the right fit there,” she said. “It was a happy coincidence that he came back to UNA. Him coming back to coaching did make the transition a lot easier.” Brice said coaching his daughter was a blessing. “She was easy to coach because she was the hardest worker on the team,” he said. “When your best player is your hardest worker, it makes it easier as a coach.” Brice coached against Mackenzie her freshman year when she was played for Lipscomb. “It really helped me to coach against her because I found out her weaknesses

weather conditions, the team has done phenomenally and looks forward to the upcoming meets. “We have some good meets coming up with better competition,” she said. “There’s going to be a lot of D-I schools competing, which will push us to run faster. These events will make it a lot easier for us to improve.” Brady said she is looking to break her personal best in the 5K. The team travels to Jacksonville State University March 14 for the Jacksonville State Quad Meet. “This meet will be great to see where we are and where we need to improve,” Trimble said. “I just hope it’s warm and the sun is shinning because that’s a victory itself.” Trimble said he could not be more proud of the way his team is performing this year and says they never back down from a challenge.

”

WE HAVE SOME GOOD MEETS COMING UP WITH BETTER COMPETITION. THEREʼS GOING TO BE A LOT OF D-I SCHOOLS, WHICH WILL PUSH US TO RUN FASTER.

OLIVIA BRADY JUNIOR “I’ve been coaching for a very long time and this is 14 of the best girls I’ve ever coach,” he said. “I’m extremely blessed.” The Lions have the Falcon Classic March 21 in Montevallo, the Mississippi College Invitational in Clinton, Mississippi April 3 and wrap up the season in the Mt. Laurel Invitational April 17 in Sewanee, Tennessee.

and how she could get better in those areas,” he said. Having both his children choose to play at UNA says a lot about the type of school it is, Brice said. Mackenzie said her father’s AllAmerican status did not phase her. “The time I hit college is when it finally hit me that he was an AllAmerican,” she said. “But I don’t think it ever intimidated me. I just wanted to work really hard.” Brice said he does not put any pressure on his children to play sports or talk about he and his wife’s athletic successes. “Our career has no bearing on their success except for coaching,” he said. “The experience me and Carol have is good, but it’s still about them. I never put pressure on them to play. They just wanted to, but I did pressure them to play the right way. Too may kids are not playing the right way.”

LIFE 5B

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

TECHNOLOGY

Flawless? Campus criticizes popularization of Photoshop CHLOE ALLEN

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Have you heard? Beyonce Knowles is not flawless after all. Despite the rumors, she is a human being like the rest of the world. Recently, various campaigns released 224 untouched photographs of Beyonce onto what is accredited as the biggest fan site dedicated to her, The Beyonce World. Her fans, commonly known as “The BeyHive” were outraged. The site chose to take the photos down and issued an apology. Sophomore Brandon Crowder said he thinks Knowles should appreciate herself and her fans should respect her flaws. “She’s a normal human being,” he said. “Photoshop makes people think they have to look like that, and they can’t because you can’t look like something that isn’t real.” There is a large amount of emphasis on beauty standards in every culture, said Assistant Professor of Sociology and Family Studies Andrea Hunt. “I think sometimes we — young people in particular — don’t realize how much work goes in to making celebrities look that way,” Hunt said. “It gives us a

false sense of what people really look like.” Although Photoshop is common, it crosses the line when a person’s physical appearance is manipulated or a person’s body shape is altered, she said. Senior Genna Bradley, history major with a minor in women’s studies, said she believes there should be a disclaimer that accompanies the art of photoshopping. “What is Photoshop telling a 14-year-old going through puberty who has acne?” Bradley said.

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

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6B LIFE

March 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala

School's Out

WEATHER

photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer

Allison Tucker (left), Austin Meadows (center), and Frankie Miller build a snowman Feb. 25 on the soccer field. The campus has been shut down due to inclement weather three times this semester.

Students, professors debate university closings MONDAY SANDERSON

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With highs in the 60s during the day and sleet at night, Alabama weather has not failed to show its wild side, especially the past few weeks. Officials delayed and canceled classes due to extreme weather. Students and professors said they are split in their opinions on these decisions. “I actually feel bittersweet about missing classes,” said sophomore Trevor Kurzhal. “I very much enjoyed the time off, but I certainly don’t enjoy having to catch up on monumental amounts of work.” Freshman Stephanie Waybright said she disagrees. Not only was she happy to

miss her classes, she is not worried about the workload. “We have traditionally had students who commute, sometimes long drives, and the sudden changes in weather are a safety issue,” said English Instructor Pamela Kingsbury. “It’s better to err on the side of caution.” Despite the fact most people enjoyed the time off, some students see canceled classes as a waste of money. “I think a few times they were delaying or canceling classes wasn’t really necessary, because sometimes the roads were fine and we could’ve gotten to class OK,” said sophomore Casey Wright. “I have missed two weeks of Spanish, and Spanish is my major. Now we’re all trying to catch up and it’s really hard.”

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Kurzhal said he does not see canceling classes as bad thing, but as additional vacation time. “While it may seem like a waste of money to some, those students will make up the work that was initially scheduled in due time,” Kurzhal said. “So, really, the students aren’t actually losing any money on it.” While there are some students focusing on the financial side of classes missed, a majority of students are worried about makeup classes, they said. “My chemistry class will be the hardest to make up,” said junior Emily Murphy. “This is because we cover so much material during our class periods, and missing classes makes it hard to stay caught up and on track.” Students are not the only ones

worried. Due to certain classes being missed, professors have to revise their coursework and catch classes up on coursework. “In Biology we have multiple sections,” said Lisa Blankinship, assistant professor of biology. “When we have one class or two classes miss it throws everybody off.” While classes might be different for every student, many class schedules will more than likely be rearranged and adjusted. “I think students adjust well to changed schedules,” Kingsbury said. “By college, most students have experienced at least one or two school years with schedules that have been adjusted because of the weather. It’s probably a good lesson in the value of flexibility.”

.4)?4-;; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM *

appearance and turn them into something they’re not, that’s lying, and that’s wrong,” she said. Hunt said the change starts with education. “We’re not going to totally escape media’s influence, but we want to educate people on how to look at the media and see this is an image that is being portrayed,” she said. It will take a culture shift to stop the trend, Hunt said. “It takes celebrities being involved,” she said. “It takes parents of young children being involved because children are being socialized to this, and everyone that is a consumer of this media to say ‘Yeah that is one image that is portrayed, but beauty comes in all kinds of different packages.’”

Young girls see celebrities as role models and assume they need to look like them, said senior Lesley Pounders. “God created you unique,” she said. “You shouldn’t feel like you have to cover up what he gave you.” Junior Rashad Thompson said he sees it as a problem, but does not think it will stop because it sells. “I don’t think it bothers some people, but I do feel like a lot of people feel like they have to reach that goal when they shouldn’t,” he said. Tomlinson said she is against photoshopping entirely. “If you completely alter their

LIFE 7B

March 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala

COMMUNITY

Strike for a Cause Big Brothers Big Sisters holds annual charity bowling event MELISSA PARKER

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Sixty-seven percent of former Littles surveyed agree their Big played a role in their decision to attend college, according to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website. Unfortunately, the Shoals chapter does not have enough funding to match all the children coming in with a Big. Students have the opportunity to help by participating in Bowl for Kids’ Sake. “This is our 30th year doing Bowl for Kids’ Sake,” said Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoals Gina Mashburn. The fundraiser is a great way to have fun while supporting a local organization, she said. Participants form teams, collect donations and come to Lauderdale Lanes to bowl for free and possibly win a prize. All the money raised goes to matching the children. T h e

fundraiser starts Mar. 13 at 5 p.m. with the Kaleidoscope Bowl, Mashburn said. “They have the black lights and the strobe lights going, and everything glows in the dark,” she said. Last year, Friday night was busy, she said. Everyone loved the music and the free T-shirts. Children looking for an extra role model come to Big Brothers Big Sisters with their parents, she said. Right now the Shoals chapter has 80 children matched and another 67 are ready to be matched. “We probably make about 55 new matches every year,” she said. “We can’t meet our demand right now.” The average national cost to match a child is approximately $1,000 per child, Mashburn said, the Shoals’ agency cost is lower. “The past three years that I’ve been here as CEO we’ve had an average of 159 kids matched,” she said. “Our agency is a little under $800 per year to match a child with a volunteer. We depend on donations.” The agency hosts four fundraisers per year, she said. “Sometimes other entities will have events for us like the ATOs at UNA,” she said. “We’re their national philanthropy.” Alpha Tau Omega, raises $2,000 to $3,000 dollars for Big Brothers Big Sisters annually and will be

participating in the bowl this year, said ATO Vice President Samuel Satterfield. “We decided to do this event because Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoals is our philanthropy, so a majority of our fundraising efforts go to support them,” he said. Last year’s event raised $21,112, and this year the Shoals agency hopes to raise $22,000, Mashburn said. UNA organizations used to be actively involved, but last year none came to support the event, she said. “We would love to get the UNA groups involved,” she said. “This is a great way to get community service hours.” The team that raises the most donations from UNA will win a bowling ball to put in its trophy case, she said. Junior Hannah Underwood said she volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters when she needed observation hours for a class. “It is just an awesome opportunity,” she said. “I love how Big Brothers Big Sisters actually takes a part and invests in each child’s or adult’s life.” During the three-day event, each team bowls two games for free and if a participant raises at least $25, he or she will receive a free T-shirt, Mashburn said. Door prizes are given every hour during the three-day period, and the top individual donation raiser wins the grand prize. At this time the

grand prize has not been announced. Though the organization does have to cover some of the costs, she said, corporate sponsors help, and Lauderdale Lanes has only charged $1 per game since the event’s beginning 30 years ago. Janis Collett, general manager of Lauderdale Lanes, said giving back to the community is important to the business and the cost per game is not. Mashburn said if everyone who bowled asked five people for $5, it would make a big difference to the organization. Teams are encouraged to register at www.bbbsshoals.org, she said, but there are usually enough lanes for those who just show up. Collett said the bowling alley has always been happy to help Big Brothers Big Sisters with the event. “We’re just glad that we can do that for them,” she said. “We enjoy having them.”

8B EXTRA

March 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

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