63rd Year--Vol. 3
Northeast Mississippi Community College--Booneville, Miss.
March 1, 2012
Northeast clears the smoke on policy
By Mary Norris Staff Writer
Northeast cares about the health of its faculty, staff and students. That is why as of January 2012 Northeast became one of three public universities/colleges in the state of Mississippi to have a tobacco-free campus. As Northeast entered into a tobacco-free campus, one may wonder what is in the policy. Northeast’s tobacco policy prohibits the use of any kind of tobacco use on any of Northeast’s three campuses – Booneville, Corinth and New Albany and also includes all campus vehicles, sidewalks, dorms and outside any buildings. One of the keys to the policy is not to anger or confuse students. It was created to make a healthy environment for people while on the campus. It is not only targeting
students but it also prevents tobacco use from faculty, staff, contractors, vendors and visitors. However, one may slip and when one does, what exactly will happen if caught? Northeast’s tobacco policy was not designed to punish anyone. If caught, the person will be asked to dispose of the tobacco product. If someone refuses to dispose of the product, then further action can be taken. No fine can or will be assessed, just a simple please and thank you. This policy was not meant to take away the privilege of smoking, but to give everyone the privilege of being in a tobacco-free environment. Northeast Dean of Students Ricky Ford said that it is everyone’s right to smoke, but it is also everyone’s right to choose whether to breathe in smoke or not. Not only did the policy take effect, but some tobaccocessation classes have started as well. Northeast is offering classes to help inform people how
bad smoking really is and to help people quit. Also, if a person wants more help with quitting smoking or tobacco, contact the Mississippi State Department of Health Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to receive free counseling and medications, like nicotine patches and gum. According to the latest statistics, Mississippi ranks at the top in deaths related to heart disease with 5,250 premature deaths happening every year because of smoking. Smoking causes coronary heart disease, the number one cause of deaths in the United States. Northeast’s tobacco-free policy was not made just to benefit some people or to hurt others. It was designed to help the health of the thousands of people that walk upon our campus. Ford also said that this policy is to help show awareness of the fact that tobacco is bad.
PHI THETA KAPPA INDUCTS 180 Northeast Phi Theta Kappa photographer Lindsey Taylor (right) watches as Kiara Evans of Corinth (center) and Lucas Ferguson of Bruce sign the Iota Zeta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society’s Book of Oath at the 2012 spring initiation ceremony held in Seth Pounds Auditorium on Monday, February 13. Approximately 180 members joined Phi Theta Kappa during the organization’s spring induction ceremony.
Pair makes Memphis Grizzline for second year By Brittni Cox Staff Writer Once again, two of Northeast’s own have been named to the National Basketball League’s (NBA) Memphis Grizzlies Grizzline. Jabari Temple and Steven Strom, both from Corinth were selected for inclusion into the Grizzline for the second straight year. During the 2010-11 season, four member – Randy Slocomb of Ripley, Thomas Kimmons of New Albany, Temple and Strom – of Northeast’s “Showband from Tigerland” were part of the inaugural Grizzline that provides entertainment before, during and after the Memphis Grizzlies games at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. With the lock-out shortened season, the Grizzline did not get to start until January but are looking to make a big splash with eight performances at Grizzlies games this year – even more if Memphis makes the playoffs again. Strom, Temple and the rest of the Grizzline made their initial 2012 appearance at the January 10 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and seven more dates remain with performances on January 21 against the Sacramento Kings, February 8 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, February 17 against the Denver Nuggets, February 29 against the defending NBA champions Dallas Mavericks, March 16 against the Toronto Raptors, April 7 against the Mavericks again and on April 18 against the New Orleans Hornets. “It’s really fun for people like me who are aged out in the drum core and the marching band,” Strom said. “It give you a chance to still play drums.” Strom, who concentrated in music in his first years at Northeast, also gets a chance to step away from his area of concentration now – welding – to provide entertainment to the NBA fans. Temple concentrates in music while at Northeast and both Strom and Temple have lent their area of expertise to
area high schools to help with their percussion sections. However, Temple and Strom have had to work hard to achieve the success that each has achieved. “It takes self determination to be a great a player” said Temple. Both Strom and Temple come from small Alcorn County schools that have smaller marching bands which has meant that both had to put in extra time to reach perfection. “It is harder for small schools than it is for big schools,” Strom said. “At big schools, you have a lot of different directors over each section on the band versus small school who just have one director to do it all.” Strom graduated from Alcorn Central High School while Temple is a Biggerville High School graduate. “It’s a fun experience,” Temple said. Strom also likes the fact that each Grizzline member treats the drumline as a career and are professional about their approach to not only appearances but practices as well. “Everyone is good,” Strom said. “We can get in there, get the job done and have fun doing it.” Temple and Strom must make sacrifices to be on the Grizzline but neither has let their academics slip and both have gained valuable experience in time management while being on the Grizzline. Some Grizzline practices are on the weekends, while others happen during week nights which makes for some long days especially if one has an 8 a.m. Class. Strom and Temple live some 90 miles outside of Memphis so with each performance or practice, a minimum of an hour-and-a-half is needed to make the drive to and from Memphis and with the average NBA game lasting two-and-a-half hours, that means Strom and Temple usually arrive back home after midnight. While the Grizzline might seem like a career, Strom and Temple have been able to foster a variety of memories including some close brushes with celebrities. “Standing next to Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) was one of
Northeast sophomores Jabari Temple (left) and Steven Strom, both of Corinth, are making their trek to Memphis for a second tour of duty with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies Grizzline drum corp. my favorite memories,” Temple said, who stands nearly 18 inches shorter than the former seven-feet, two-inch center. Shaq might be a memory but Strom and Temple have also got the chance to meet other NBA legends such as Boston Celtic coach Doc Rivers and NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki along with the Miami Heat’s LeBron James and Dewayne Wade. Granted the celebrity access is nice, but both Strom and Temple know that to reach their ultimate goals they must remain focused on the end result and that’s providing quality entertainment to the NBA fans.
Opinion
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The Beacon
Extreme Makeover: Tiger Grill Edition be transformed into a coffee shop that students can utilize after or in between classes. Currently, the “Tiger Grill” sits at the heart of the campus and we see this space as a perfect opportunity because it accommodates the needs of every student in one building. Since it is already equipped with basic utilities needed for this new rendition, it offers the ideal layout for “The College Blend.” The “Tiger Grill” is already equipped with several computers that students can use to browse the web or complete homework. Also, it has a station where the coffee and pastries can be served. Another feature available are the tables and chairs for visiting with friends or last minute studying. It is only steps away from the game room making it an ideal college hangout. Along with selling hot/cold drinks, this new cafe would offer pastries and snacks. Students would no longer have to pay $5 for a hot coffee or quick snack in the cafeteria. Aside from using cash or debit, one could just scan
The Beacon Staff Staff Editorial
Ty Pennington might not be saying, “Move that bus!” but the Extreme Makeover host might be chanting, “Move that grill,” with the latest idea for helping students enjoy their time at Northeast. Before or after class students may want a cup of coffee or a place to relax without having to go off campus. Classic coffee shop atmosphere is not easy to come by in Booneville. After taking 10 minutes to find a decent parking spot students are reluctant to give up their spot for a caffeine fix. Other coffee shops have tried opening in the Booneville area and were unsuccessful. However, The Beacon staff may have a more successful solution. The “Tiger Grill” is a valuable space within the Haney Union that could be put to better use. Currently, the “Tiger Grill” sits tucked away in the back of the Haney Union adjacent to the Game Room and sits empty except for a few computers and tables and chairs. We, The Beacon staff, believe that it should
Tigers’ Roar
Question: What song best sums up your high school/college years?
Cody Dye Freshman Shannon
DreAnna Harris Frehmen Corinth
Stefun Gill Sophomore Oxford
“Donald Trump” by Mac Miller
“Till its Over” by Drake
“I’m Awesome” by Piles
Taca McCoy Campus Security Sherman
Logan Treadaway Freshman Blue Springs
Ricky Ford Athletic Director Booneville
“We don’t have to take our clothes off” by Jermaine Stewart
“It’s the Best Days” by Graham Colten
“I did it my way” by Elvis Presley
their ID card which could be converted into a “coffee card.” Also, many events could be held at “The College Blend”, including poetry readings, acoustic performances, and karaoke night. After shooting a round of pool or dominating in pingpong, students can walk just a few steps to a more “chill” environment. In case one was wondering how this new shop would be run, we have a proposal for that as well. Although Sodexo will have to be involved in the management, students could have the opportunity to get a work-study position behind the counter of “The College Blend.” This will help reduce cost for Northeast and the customers. As for hours, we propose 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and reopening the doors on certain nights from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. If this new idea goes through, students would no longer spend breaks or nights scrounging the town for hot coffee and a good atmosphere. Instead, it will be a college hangout spot ideal for study groups or an escape from class or your dorm rooms.
Summertime high gas prices coming sooner than expected By Kayla Carpenter Editor
Even though gas prices seem outrages right now, experts say that by the summertime we will be wishing we could go back to these “high” prices. Gas prices have risen to $3.47 per gallon in Mississippi. However, the current national average is $3.52 per gallon. The price of crude oil on the international market went up to $7 a barrel these past two weeks and is currently at $120 a barrel. Some of this is due to the uncertainty over Iran and has threatened to disturb oil supplies. Every $1 rise result in a 2.4 cent a gallon rise at the pump. Prices have risen since last year when regular unleaded sold for $2.81, but are still lower than they were in July 2008 when regular unleaded rose to its highest recorded price of $3.96. After the civil war in Libya reduced oil supplies and the Mississippi River flooding resulted in refinery outages, President Obama released oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to lessen the problem. Some experts expect that gas prices will only rise the first half of the year and then level off. The economy is still in a fairly delicate position. It may not be able to absorb the types of increases that prognosticators of $4 or $5 gas suggest. However, people in the middle part of Florida are already feeling the pinch of the
gas pump. According to the gas site, GasBuddy. com, people in Florida are paying nearly $5.89 for a gallon of regular at a Shell station in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Premium gas at the same station is bordering on the verge of $6 at $5.999. For people near Disney World, the pain at the pump does not get any easier. At the Suncoast Energy station in Orlando, motorists can expect to pay $5.79 for a gallon. A survey of the gas prices in the state of Mississippi for the week of February 24, the lowest gas prices in the Magnolia state was at the Love’s station in Batesville at $3.31 while the highest gas prices in state belong to three Louisville stations with Chevron taking top honors at $3.69. As students, we tend to need transportation to and from jobs, schools, and activities. However, we may have to change our ways as gas prices go up. Thankfully, there are several ways to save gas and money. One way is by changing your driving habits. These habits include breaking the right way, turning off your air conditioner, and driving slower. Another way to save money is by driving less. Carpooling is a great way to save gas. Changing the littlest habits can save you a lot of money. Being conservative with our fuel also helps our environment. Ride a bike or walk when possible. Our campus is very beautiful during the springtime, take the time to enjoy it, save gas, and help the environment.
Editorial Cartoon by Myron Johnson Art Major, Memphis, TN
Hayley Casillas Freshman Union
Gavin Henry Freshman Sherman
Stuart York Sophomore Oxford
“Young, Wild, and Free” by Wiz Kalifa
“Get Back Up” by T.I. and Chris Brown
“Fed up” by D.J Khaled
College Publication Staff
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Northeast Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates. In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX, Educational Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Board of Trustees of Northeast Mississippi Community College hereby adopts a policy assuring that no one shall, on the grounds of race, sex, color, age, creed or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the college. Northeast Mississippi Community College adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, sex, color, age, creed, or national origin. This policy includes the qualified disabled and extends to all programs and activities supported by the college.
Left to Right: (back row) Brandy Webb, Stephanie Luna, Caleb Haney, Mary Norris, Heather Smith (front row) Brittni Cox, Kayla Carpenter, Jessie Perriman, Debbie Luster Advisors: (not pictured) Tony Finch and Michael H. Miller.
News
The Beacon
3
says welcome to By Debbie Friar Staff Writer The doctor is in and it’s time for some “Bar-B-Que Therapy.” Dr. Bar-B-Que became one of the newest restaurants to open in Booneville when the eating establishment occupied the former Outta Town Eatery location at 2005 North Second Street. However, the doctor knew his next patient when he spotted the former Outta Town Eatery building. Owner Ray Nolan’s famous quote of “This is it,” rang true as he chose Booneville for his next restaurant as he spotted the former restaurant on his way through town. In addition to the Booneville location, Nolan, a 35-year veteran of the food service industry, also has businesses in Coldwater, Covington, Tenn., Ripley, Tenn., and Memphis. Memphis serves as Nolan’s headquarters and the business owner makes the 100-plus mile trek from The Bluff City almost daily to feed the nearly 200 customers that frequent his establishment. Being new to the college town, Nolan, a.k.a. the World Famous Dr.
One of Dr. Bar-B-Cue’s best sellers is the pulled pork sandwich. Bar-B-Que, is offering Northeast students a 10-percent discount for eating at his restaurant. During his 35 years in the food service industry, Nolan has been all over the northern hemisphere from Mexico to Canada and everywhere in between. However, Nolan found a niche’ when he got into the barbecue industry and says that he really loves what he does and bleeds barbecue. One of Nolan’s goal is feeding the hungry. Since identifying his patient in Booneville, the doctor-patient relationship has been nothing but great according to Nolan. The Dr. Bar-B-Que owner gives
thanks to God and the Mississippi Development Authority for giving him the opportunity to bring his style of barbecue to the people of Booneville and Prentiss County. Just as with any good doctor or surgeon, a doctor needs a good staff and that’s why Nolan has hired Raymond Foster to be his chief assistant and head cook. Also, Nolan gives most of his success to his head nurse Martha Rogers for assisting him in saving a lot of lives. As with his staff, Nolan strives to produce the best food in the area and that’s what has led the food service veteran to develop a plan for Booneville and Prentiss County. In addition to his main pulled-pork barbecue sandwich, Nolan also plans to offer fish, steak and a lot more delicacies as well as expand and open a new restaurant called “Mama Josie Steakhouse.” However, Nolan is happy with seeing his customers happy. “When you smile, the world smiles back,” said Nolan. In addition to his expansion plans, Nolan wants to also bring a barbecue festival to Booneville in April called the “Pigtails Blues Festival.”
Ray Nolan, better known as the World Famous Dr. Bar-B-Que, is the owner of one of Booneville’s newest restaurants -- Dr. Bar-B-Cue located in the old Outta Town Eatery location at 2005 N. Second Street. Nolan has been in the food industry for 35 years with businesses in Coldwater, Covington,Tenn., Ripley, Tenn., and Memphis. He offers students a 10-percent discount.
Internet darkens over SOPA bill status By Caleb Haney Staff Writer
Don’t mess with the Internet. Wikipedia, Google, Reddit, Mozilla, WordPress.org, Twitpic and Craigslist along with a variety of other websites ‘blacked out’ in protest of a pair of bills in front of the United States Congress that looked at censoring certain parts of the Internet. The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) were two bills set for deliberation when the U.S. Congress returned from its winter recess but due to the protest on January 18 the deliberation of those bills have been put off. PIPA was the U.S. Senate’s version of the technology bill while SOPA was the House of Representative’s bill. These websites along with others like O’Reilly Media, Wired, Fark.com, Flickr, Pressthink.org, Failblog, Moveon.org and Ars Technica either blacked out their entire home pages or logos, replacing them with information about SOPA, and links to sign online petitions urging Congress to repel the bill. If passed, SOPA would work in
conjunction with PIPA. SOPA would give the U.S. government and private corporations a way of black-listing websites. On the U.S. government’s side, the U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder would have the power to seek a court order that would inhibit any search engines, payment processors, servers and advertisers from having any dealings with the ‘infringing’ websites. On the private side of SOPA, private corporations would be able to make a black list of websites that it feels is breaking their copyright policies. Under SOPA, the private corporations would not have to directly contact the ‘infringing’ website but would be able to go after the website’s payment processors and issue a notice to cut off any and all payment involved with the targeted website. Without contacting the ‘infringing’ website, payment processors would have five days to act before it would be taken down as well. While SOPA attacked the proposed use of copyrighted material, PIPA, if passed would help the U.S. government and corporations seek legal actions against ‘infringing’ websites.
Death of an American tradition Lunch breaks threatened for number of reasons By Heather Smith Staff Writer
Americans are losing lunch breaks at an alarming rate throughout offices nationwide in order to increase production. Lunch breaks are not actually being threatened by any certain group of people, but by the work habits of the typical American employee. Most people work all throughout the day and do not have time to take an appropriate lunch break. Most working Americans holding part-time and/or full-time jobs are at risk for losing this much-needed and underappreciated lunch break due to pressure to complete tasks at work. This workplace privilege has been an American tradition for many years. Employees have almost always been allowed at least one hour off in order to eat lunch and now that tradition is being threatened. Workers should be aware that this could happen in many situations. One is where the company decides to increase daily production and reduces or eliminates employee’s lunch breaks. Another would be where workers are so busy during the day that they do not
have time to take a ten-minute break to eat lunch. Lunch breaks will most likely be in jeopardy in larger companies or places with a rapid work pace during the day. One example would be anyone working in a hospital. Hospital employees have a job where they may not sit down from the time they enter the office to the time they go home. A lunch break may not be possible due to their unscheduled workload from day to day. A regular lunch break in America is in danger because most companies only care about how much money the business is making or losing on a daily basis if their employees take an hour off for lunch. Businesses tend to value earnings more than the health of hard-working employees. College students are not immune to the lack of a lunch break either. Most college students hold down either part-time or full-time jobs while obtaining an education. With this type of schedule, lunch is hard to come by. For those that work and go to school, the lack of proper nourishment is a major issue. Both students and workers need to be able to concentrate during the day and being hungry makes concentration harder when one is worried about a growling stomach instead of the work at hand. A student needs to eat between the time they leave school and go to work. Otherwise, the quality of their work will be poor.
Under PIPA, a website would not have to be of U.S. origin to be targeted – all the website has to do is be seen as enabling copyright infringement. They can also seek legal action by suing blog sites, directories, search engines, or any site to have the black listed sites removed from their website. Also, under PIPA advertising services can be forced on ‘infringing websites’ and their supporters, to remove them from their advertising accounts. Another thing is that companies will also have the ability to sue, if they believe they are not doing a good job of preventing infringement on your website, any new websites that get started after the bill is passed. Many people and websites have spoken out against PIPA and SOPA. Wikipedia, which bills itself as a free, collaborative, multilingual Internet encyclopedia, posted the following note after the Internet on January 18. “‘More than 162 million people saw our message asking if you could imagine a world without free knowledge. You said no. ‘You shut down Congress’s switchboards. You melted their servers. From all around the world your messages
dominated social media and the news. ‘Millions of people have spoken in defense of a free and open Internet. ‘For us, this is not about money. It’s about knowledge. As a community of authors, editors, photographers, and programmers, we invite everyone to share and build upon our work. ‘Our mission is to empower and engage people to document the sum of all human knowledge, and to make it available to all humanity, in perpetuity. We care passionately about the rights of authors, because we are authors. ‘SOPA and PIPA are not dead: they are waiting in the shadows. What’s happened in the last 24 hours, though, is extraordinary. ‘The internet has enabled creativity, knowledge, and innovation to shine, and as Wikipedia went dark, you’ve directed your energy to protecting it. ‘We’re turning the lights back on. Help us keep them shining brightly.’” Media reports list that over 75,000 websites were blacked out during the January 18 protest. Some 160 million people witnessed Wikipedia’s message and 4.5 million people signed Google’s petition.
Spring marks beginning of tornado season By Heather Smith Staff Writer
As the spring months approach, it will soon be tornado season again and college students could benefit by taking certain precautions in case of a tornado. Students should find a credible source of local weather information. This could be a dependable, local news television station or they could also tune into a local radio station with an accurate news forecast system. If a student is caught at home during a tornado, one should know where to go. Go to the lowest area of the building with no windows or glass doors, such as a closet or basement. If a storm shelter is available, use this as the first area of safety. A student at home should also take tornado safety actions. There are certain items that should be at hand. A flashlight should be available in case of a power outage. Make sure to have a battery-powered weather radio with fresh batteries and have it tuned into a local weather radio station. Be sure to have a cell phone to call family and in case of an injury, it would be important to be able to call for emergency medical assistance. If there is an injury it would be helpful to have a first-aid kit to treat minor injuries until help arrives. For electronic devices, make sure batteries are charged before disaster strikes and the power goes out. Many students still do not understand
the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. If a tornado watch is issued, prepare to go to a safe place and have all essential items at hand. It would also be a good idea to put on a pair of comfortable shoes and if pets or children are involved prepare them to go to a safe area. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted in a certain area. This is when all children and pets should be gathered and anyone in this area should go to a safe place immediately. There are many people who stand outside and watch tornados as they happen. This is sometimes how video of tornados ends up on the local news. Although these amazing video images captivate viewers, those videos are not worth the risk. Following all tornado safety precautions is important. Ignoring these warnings could be life threatening. One of the most dangerous tornado situations is being caught on a college campus when one hits. If a tornado is heading towards campus, go to a building with a basement. If there is no time to go to a safer building, get in the hallway of the building you are in. Students who are caught outside when the sirens go off should go to the nearest building and get in the safest part of that building.
Campus
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The Beacon
Students should start transfer process early By Kayla Carpenter Editor With the spring semester starting, it is time for some students at Northeast to start preparing for their transfer to four-year universities. While students should still focus on finishing up their last semester at Northeast, each must also start preparing to transfer to their respective school of choice. One important thing that students should keep in mind is graduating from Northeast. Graduating from Northeast is important and offers students an associate of arts or associate of applied science degree for their major if one is not in a certificate program. By now, students should have already started the process for applying the college of their choosing and most are probably waiting to receive that well-anticipated acceptance letter if one has not already. For those that have waited until the spring semester of their sophomore year to start the process, not only is filling out the admissions application important, students should also fill out scholarship applications as well. Many universities court community college transfer students with transfer scholarships and even specific organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa offer scholarships when transferring from one institution to another. Scholarships for specific majors and other scholarships are also available by talking to the school’s community college recruitment representative. One other thing to keep in mind is filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as one has done his or her taxes for the year. Doing one’s FAFSA at this time allows easy access to information on one’s tax form and FAFSA has also streamlined the process by linking to the Internal Revenue Service’s site through a secure connection if one does not have tax information in front of them. Students must also reapply for FAFSA for the upcoming school year. Some scholarships require FAFSA to be completed before one can be considered. Therefore, the sooner the FAFSA is completed the easier the process
room in or closely located to your house or apartment?” “How far from campus will you be willing to live?” Once all the roommates have answered these questions and the myriad of others that will arise, it is time to start searching. Today’s technologically savvy student will most likely rely on what they are comfortable with when it comes to searching for a place to live off campus – the Internet. A quick search of a major search engine turned up a variety of results in Starkville, Oxford,Florence, Cleveland, Jackson, Hattiesburg and around the University of Memphis campus. However, one needs not to just rely on the Internet alone. Some gems may not make it to the Internet and are listed on flyers around the prospective campus and in newspaper classified ads. When making such a big leap, it is best to study all options before proceeding. Once one has picked out a few houses or apartment complexes, a trip to the town of choice is in store. So call ahead and set up a tour of each to see which would be best suited for one’s taste. While touring, take pictures and get as much information as one can about each place, along with features they liked the most. Some important questions to ask while looking at apartments and houses are inquires about rules for tenants, rent, and cost of utilities and if a parent is needed to sign for a place if the student is under the age of 21. Also, one should ask about decorating the walls and if one can hang things up with nails. After touring all the possibilities, get together with other roommates and discuss each apartment or house and the pros and cons of each. After deciding on a final place, it is important to call and set up a time to sign the lease or rental agreement. Signing early is important because rates could go up anytime and apartments and houses can go off the market quickly. Finally, after all that is done, students should enjoy their time at Northeast and look forward to a new year at a new school with the confidence of knowing that all of that is taken care of before one hits the summer rush.
is for students. In the majority of cases, to be accepted to a school, a student must have their college transcripts sent to the school’s admissions office from Northeast. Northeast has streamlined the process of sending a transcript by joining with other colleges at Transcripts on Demand by ScripSafe at https://iwantmytranscript.com/ or one may see all the options for having a transcript sent from Northeast by clicking the “Transcript” link on the front of the Northeast homepage. Transcripts on Demand allows a student that may be doing his or her application on a weekend to have his or her transcript sent safely and securely to another institution of higher learning without visiting campus. However, for those that are on campus or still like a face-to-face conversation, a stop by the Records Office in Estes Hall can accomplish the goal. When moving away from home, a little research is required to find a place to live at a four-year college or university. If a student is planning on living in the dormitories at their next step of the education process, he or she must complete a housing application as well. If a student is planning on living in either an apartment or a house while pursuing their education, then a little more research is required. First off, one should find a roommate or find apartments who will assign you roommates. The best way to be with someone that you know is to house/apartment-hunt together. That way one does not have the fear of an ‘Odd Couple’ roommate situation. However, if one does not have a roommate, websites are now designated to finding roommates and pairing them with their future domicile dwellers. Such websites include http://www.easyroommate.com/ and http://www. roomsurf.com/ If one does have roommates already aligned all the roommates should meet and talk about what each wants in a house or apartment. Certain questions to ask are, “How many bedrooms will you need?,” “Is it important to have a big living space or a big kitchen?,” “Do you need a laundry
Culinary Café offers unique dining experience By Kayla Carpenter Editor
Northeast’s culinary students invite all to enjoy a superb three-course meal for only $8 at the Culinary Cafés on March 8, March 29, and April 26. Culinary Café meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Waller Hall Hospitality Management Dining Room. After having very successful Culinary Cafés the last few semesters, the culinary students encourage students to attend again this semester. Last semester each meal featured a unique national dish. However, this semester they are featuring dishes from all over the world. On March 8th the menu will include foods from Latin America. The meal will start off with Pork Empanadas with salsa. Entrée will be Peruvian marinated chicken with Mexican corn salad and Quinoa sausage casserole as the sides. For dessert the culinary students offer Brazilian “Raindrop” doughnuts, and the bread will be Argentine Chimichurri bread. “The students are experimenting with different types of dishes, so the food is more expensive,” said hotel and restaurant & culinary arts instructor Tim Gilmore, “We offer the Culinary Café in order to cover the cost for the ingredients used in these distinctive dishes.” Although the students cater to many regions, the Culinary Café gives students a chance to experiment with new foods and recipes not typical to ordinary catering menus.
Culinary students are divided into different groups with each group in charge of creating the menu, preparing the meal and cleaning up afterward for each Culinary Café. For this semester the menu is based on American Nations cuisine, while next semester the menu will be filled with international cuisine. “In order for us to prepare enough food, we need to know ahead of time who will be able to attend the Culinary Café,”Gilmore noted. Reservations should be made the Tuesday before each café. March 29’s menu features a Middle Eastern theme. The meal will start off with a beet and yogurt salad. Main dishes for the Culinary Café will be spiced chicken and vegetables. Also, muaddas-rice and lentils, spiced carrots, raisins, and cashews will be available. They will serve flat bread and Middle Eastern cake will be the dessert. April 26’s menu will feature an Asian feel. The Asian Culinary Café will feature sushi as an appetizer, and grilled Asian chicken will serve as the entrée while potatoes Madras ( potatoes and lentils) and stir fried vegetables will be available. Participants will also be treated to yeast Rolls and coconut jasmine rice pudding for desert. Reservations are needed to make sure enough food is provided for those in attendance and are due the Tuesday before each Culinary Café. To make reservations contact Tim Gilmore by emailing him at tdgilmore@nemcc.edu
What’s so great about
CAREY?
Transfer friendly with generous financial aid Service and mission opportunities
Caring, Christian environment
Designated a “College of Distinction” and a “Military Friendly School”
Placed on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY Hattiesburg • Biloxi • New Orleans www.wmcarey.edu
Culinary Café menus March 8th
Latin American Appetizer - Pork Empanadas with Salsa Entrée - Peruvian Marinated Chicken Side - Mexican Corn Salad Side - Quinoa Sausage Casserole Dessert - Brazilian “Raindrop” Doughnuts Bread - Argentine Chimichurri Bread March 29th Middle Eastern Appetizer - Beet and Yogurt Salad Entrée - Spiced Chicken and Vegetables Side - Muaddas - Rice and Lentils Side - Spiced Carrots, Raisins, and Cashews Dessert - Basboosa – Middle Eastern Cake Bread - Nane Lavash – Flat bread April 26th Asian Appetizer - Sushi Entrée - Grilled Asian Chicken Side - Potatoes Madras (potatoes and lentils) Side - Stir Fried Vegetables Dessert - Coconut Jasmine Rice Pudding Bread - Yeast Rolls
New meal ticket solves cash-only problem By Brittni Cox Staff Writer Sodexo now offers Northeast students, faculty and staff an easier way of eating in the cafeteria during lunch time or anytime meals are served. Participants have a choice of purchasing a commuter meal ticket that consists of three different meal packages. Sodexo offers 10 meals for $50, 20 meals for $98 or 30 meals for $145.50. By purchasing a 10-meal plan participants would be paying $5 per meal while a 20-meal plan averages $4.90 per a meal, a savings of 10 cents per meal over the normal cost of $5. A 30-meal plan gives participants a 15cent break on meals with the average of $4.85 per meal. “The commuter meal tickets was brought in so we can offer more options to commuters that we never had before,” said Sodexo area manager Steve Miller.
Miller also said that before the addition of the commuter meal tickets, Northeast had just one meal program that was offered only during lunch. For those early commuters, faculty, staff and students can use their commuter meal tickets for breakfast while those that stay during the late afternoon can take part in dinner. The meal ticket is only good for the current semester. Meal programs can be purchased in Stringer Hall and placed on one’s financial aid or one can purchase commuter meal tickets at the Dining Service office located in the Haney Union. Miller would also like to invite faculty, staff and students to take part in a survey about the services offered by Sodexo in the cafeteria at Northeast. To take the survey go to http://synovate. net/dining2012 Once on the website page, enter the following 5-digit Log-in ID to begin survey Log-in ID: 94183
The Beacon
Campus
5
Northeast alumni Wavorly rocks BSU’s Big Show By Mary Norris Staff Writer
A familiar face graced the stage of the Baptist Student Union on Thursday, January 26. While many bands have formed during their time at Northeast, only a few have lasted as long as Wavorly. Wavorly started out as Freshman 15 in 2002 when Dave Stovall and Matt Lott met their first day at Northeast. Stovall taught Lott to play guitar and the duo started finding other people to play with. Ryan Coon and Seth Farmer soon joined Stovall and Lott and together they created Freshman 15 with former drummer Jaime Hays. A few years later (2006), Freshman 15 signed to Flicker Records. While starting out as a funny, punk band, Freshman 15 started to change its style of music and Flicker suggested that if there was any time they wanted to change their name it would be early on. So the band members got together and decided to change it to Wavorly because of the Waverly Mansion in West Point. However, the name change was not the only change. The band members decided to change the spelling of the name so it would not be the same as the mansion. In April 2011, Wavorly made a change to its lineup when Californian Teddy Boldt joined the group as a drummer. All the members, but one, live in Nashville and the band has played in such places as Alburquerque, New Mexico, Milwaulkee, Wisc., Chicago and New York. For the band members, being part of a band is more than just playing music together. “We are all Christians,” Lott said. “But we play music for everyone.” Each band member has his own way and tries to portray himself through their respective instruments. For Lott, a 28-year-old from Tupleo, he did not play the bass all his life, but started out actually with the guitar in high school. When he came to Northeast in 2001, Stovall showed him how to play the bass. Lott has a variety of music that he listens to including Coldplay, One Republic,
Jimmy Eat World, and Blink 182. Lott’s goals for Wavorly is to get a new record deal and to tour the world as the Northeast alumni would love to play in London one day. Boldt is the only non-Northeast alum in the band and is the youngest of all the band members at 22 years of age. Prior to joining Wavorly in April 2011, Boldt was a native of Orange County, California Boldt started playing drums at 12 and was in about ten bands before committing to Wavorly. However, Boldt made the musician’s sacrifice of living in his car before finding Wavorly. Boldt sent the band members tons of videos after hearing that the band was in need of a drummer and drove all the way from California to Nashville to pursue his dream. Boldt likes an array of bands like Shakira, Shiny Toy Guns, and the Alarm. No matter what he is doing, Boldt always wants to stay in music but would love to pursue a career as a fashion designer. Like Lott, Boldt wants Wavorly to tour in London. Coon lives up to the moniker that good keyboardists are hard to come by and while most people can play, but do not excel. Coon, is a 29-year-old from Adamsville, Tenn., who started playing the keyboard when he came to Northeast at 20. Coon took classes to learn and met Stovall and Lott. Other things besides music that interests Coon is photography, basketball, and baseball. Some bands that Coon likes is Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Mutemath, and Coldplay. Coon’s goal for the band is to tour overseas. However, Coon is the only member that does not live in Nashville. He and his wife stay in Tupelo with their newborn. A guitarist is essential for every band and that’s where Farmer comes into play for Wavorly. Famer, a 24-year-old from Saltillo, started out playing drums when he was nine before picking up the guitar at age 12. His dad was a band director and his uncle a drummer so music was always all around him. When Farmer arrived at Northeast, he had the opportunity to play guitar with Stovall and Lott, so he took it.
Staff photo by Mary Norris
Northeast alumni Matt Lott (left) and Dave Stovall (right) formed the band Freshman 15 while at Northeast in 2002 before changing the name to Wavorly and touring the country. Farmer likes many bands like Jimmy at Northeast and the two together formed eat World, U2, Foo Fighters, and John Wavorly. Mayer and looks up to a few people like Joe Stovall likes to do other things like disc Banamassa, Van Halen, and John Mayer. golf, video games, and watching movies. Wavorly’s front man is 28-year-old Stovall loves many bands like Coldplay, Dave Stovall from Red Bay, Alabama. Imogen Heep, Foster the People, Daftpunk, While leading the band along with Lott, and the TRON soundtrack. Stovall serves as Wavorly’s vocalist and Stovall has many influences in his life guitarist. like his brother, DC talk, and the Jeter Stovall stated out on drums when he family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. was five and started playing guitar at age As for growing up, Stovall wants to stay 15. Everyone is his family plays music. His in music and become a famous songwriter. father plays piano and his family would One of his goals is to discover someone always play and sing together. He met Lott and make them successful.
Northeast ROTC hosts Early class teaches tuition extravaganza photography basics By Caleb Haney Staff Writer
Northeast’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) put on a show in its “Tuition Extravaganza” on Thursday, February 2. Members of the local ROTC helped to inform prospective students on the program by offering free food, souvenirs and information inside Holliday Hall. The ROTC program also garnered attention when it landed an Apache helicopter on the football practice field next to North Second Street and put up a rock-climbing wall in the west parking lot next to Bonner Arnold Coliseum. Northeast’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is designed to help members achieve their academic goals, while preparing them to serve in the army. The course teaches hard work and discipline as well as leadership skills. Many different scholarship options are available for those involved in the program, including the Leadership Training Course (LTC), which is available to college students going into their junior year of college. The Leadership Training Course program is a 28-day course designed to improve self-confidence and leadership skills. The camp teaches skills such as rappelling, land navigation, basic rifle marksmanship, drill and ceremony, and obstacle courses. Qualifying for this program requires a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, 60 hours of college courses, the student must pass a medical examination, and must have an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) score of at least 240. The LTC program also offers full paid tuition, a monthly stipend of $450 month for juniors and $500 for seniors
as well as a $5,000 bonus for contracting into the Army-ROTC at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and almost $790 for completing the LTC. Another program is the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), which is a sophomore or junior entry program. Participants in the SMP will join the Army National Guard as cadets, as well as ROTC at Ole Miss or Northeast. Cadets are required to attend monthly drills with their respective units, however due to their training role SMP cadets are not deployable. Requirements for the SMP include an ACT score of at least 20 as well as a GPA of 2.5 or higher, 30 hours of college courses, and that the student pass the medical exam and APFT. Benefits include $4,500 in federal tuition aid, waiver of out-of-state tuition, a monthly drill pay of $275, an E-5 monthly stipend ranging from $350 for freshmen to $500 for seniors. Also, time in service will be counted for pay purposes. The Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) is a program that guarantees that contracted cadets will serve in the Reserve Components of either the National Guard or the U.S. Army reserves. Benefits include $4,500 per year federal tuition aid, a waiving of out-of-state tuition, a monthly drill pay of $275, a monthly stipend ranging from $300 for freshmen to $500 for seniors, a $3500 per semester housing allowance, and a $600 per semester book allowance. The Student Loan Repayment Plan (SLRP) is a contract in which a student can repay their student loans by signing an Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO). This means that the student will use years of service to pay off an educational loan.
By Debbie Friar Staff Writer
Today, photography has become a powerful means of communication and a mode that touches human life in many ways. Photography is an art and has become a popular means of crystallizing memories, such as weddings, vacations and birthdays. Northeast offers students a chance to learn the basics of photography in a class taught by Northeast art instructor Terry Anderson from 8-10:40 a.m. Under Anderson’s guidance, students are taught the basics of operating a camera from starting out on black-and-white film to understanding the settings on a camera from what shutter speed one needs to set to stop action and so forth. Students are also taught how the different amount of light – aperture – affects the photo as it pertains to the highlights and shadows and the amount of light that is applied to a subject. Students also get a chance to learn about the true meaning of being a photographer and giving life to a photo when each step into the darkroom inside Anderson Hall and develop their own prints. While many people are using digital cameras that some do not understand and using printers that produce generic prints, Anderson’s course allows a student to have an advantage on the competition when it comes to understanding one’s equipment and how to use it. While many are using digital cameras nowadays, students are able to understand the certain nuances of a photograph and are taught what to look for on negatives to make their product better. When processing prints, aspiring photographers are also able to make a contact sheet from their negatives as a quick-reference guide for locating a photo. However, for those wanting to take the photography course, one should sign up on Advising Day because the course is limited to 10 due to space limitations so early signup is recommended.
All Northeast campuses are tobacco-free
Sports
6
The Beacon
Love of rodeo starts with borrowed rope for NEMCC cowboy
semester. His first semester of independent riding for Northeast was short of ideal. On his first It all started with a fascination and a ride, Rinehart was bucked off and suffered a concussion, putting him out for the rest borrowed rope. Northeast freshman Kody Rinehart is an of the semester. “It was a sad feeling,” Rinehart said. independent rider in rodeos for Northeast. Rinehart’s interest in rodeos sparked at “God gave me this desire and passion to rodeo so when someone tells you that you an early age after his first rodeo. Seats in the back of the arena did not can’t do what you love, it’s heartbreaking. keep young Rinehart, a Rienzi native, from It’s not if you get hurt, it’s when and how bad however to chase your dream you’ve getting front-row entertainment. After his mother, Patsy, finally granted got to be willing to pay the price.” Rinehart’s first rodeo this semester will him permission to move to the front, Rinehart was so infatuated that he recalls be February 23 in Texarkana, Arkansas. His next four events are March 29 in having the best manners he had ever had. Watching one eight-second ride was all Monticello, Arkansas; April 12 in Martin, Tenn.; April 19 in Senatobia it took for Rinehart to fall and April 26 in Centerton, in love with the sport and Arkansas. that’s when he realized bull “Riding for Northeast and bronco riding was the is a lot of fun,” Rinehart life for him. said. “College rodeos are Although Rinehart was more competitive and have brought up in a traditional a better atmosphere than Southern family, he was the small rodeos. It’s like when first to take up rodeo riding. a football player walks onto At 15 years old, Rinehart a pee-wee field then walks rode his first bull at what he onto a field where his thought was a youth ride favorite players perform.” in Lexington, Tennessee. Competing at a college Surprisingly, it was a Kody Rinehart level is not all fun and Professional Cowboy Association (PCA) event with professional games though. All members must meet requirements in order to participate. bulls and riders. After studying the other cowboys, Student must be in good standing while the Rienzi native finally made his way to taking at least 12 academic credit hours (9 the bucking chute. With white knuckles of which are passed credits) each term and gripping a borrowed rope, Rinehart maintaining a 2.0 grade point average at all recalled, “I just got calm and said, ‘This is times. Rinehart says that competing for it,’ gave my nod…after two violent jumps Northeast has motivated him to buckle I hit the dirt.” Until recently, the rodeo lifestyle was down and turn it up to a whole new level mostly fun for Rinehart, he began to take of dedication. In the future, Rinehart plans on his love a bit more seriously. No longer was Rinehart practicing on a barrel tied intertwining his surrender into the ministry between trees instead, he began attending with his passion for riding in rodeos. “My Faith in God and what he wants bull riding schools in Arkansas and to do in my life is a big thing,” Rinehart Georgia. Northwest Mississippi Community said. “I know God has given me a passion College offered him a scholarship to come for the rodeo. I can be a witness at all these to Senatobia and ride, but Rinehart went rodeos and be a stepping stone and not a with his heart and his gut and came to stumbling block for someone.” Rinehart hopes to go to Blue Mountain Northeast. Rinehart represents Northeast in the College after Northeast, but not before National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association his attempt to put together a Northeast (NIRA) where he rides in five rodeos per rodeo team. It takes six people to have a
By Jessie Perriman Staff Writer
Northeast freshman Kody Rinehart started out with a borrowed rope and now is competing as an independent rider for Northeast on the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association circuit. team and the sophomore said that a few people have shown interest in putting this team together. If one is interested, contact Northeast Athletic Director Ricky Ford in
Estes Hall. Nevertheless, all it took was a borrowed rope to help Rinehart lasso his fascination and turn it into reality.
Basketball makes final push toward postseason play By Jessie Perriman Staff Writer
In their final division game of the season, Northeast’s Lady Tiger basketball team made one final push for the state playoffs. First-year head coach Brian Alexander saw his club secure the coveted playoff berth on Monday, February 20 as the Lady Tigers knocked off the Mississippi Delta Lady Trojans 104-102 in double overtime. David Robbins’ Tigers made it a clean sweep on Sophomore Night at Bonner Arnold Coliseum as the Tigers dispatched the Trojans 84-63. Lady Tiger sophomore Anna Brooke Page of Belmont dominated the hardwood in her last appearance at Bonner Arnold Coliseum finishing with a career-high 33 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore Bree Harris also capped her career with a personal best at Northeast finishing with 23 points and four rebounds. Harris made the most of her time behind the three-point arc connecting on five three-pointers in her final home game. “It was all God,” Harris said. “I was praying the whole second half.” Also adding to the win were sophomores Amber Jackson with 13, Olive Branch’s Tiffany Martin chipped in 10 while Breanna Howard finished with four points in her final home contest. Northeast was able to control the game at the charity stripe and was led by freshman Kebrina Lucas of New Albany. Lucas’ biggest freebies came in the final seconds of double overtime when Alexander put the ball and the game in the freshman’s hands. Lucas was fouled while going to the hoop and was able to convert on the two free throws to give the Lady Tigers the win and the playoff spot. On the night, Northeast faired better at the free throw line knocking down 79.1 percent of its free throw attempts compared to the Lady Trojans 66.7 percent. Lucas, who was the third leading scorer for the Lady Tigers with 18 markers, made the most of her points at the charity stripe. The Northeast freshman hit 87.5 percent of her attempts on the night (14of-16) and combined with Page to hit five more free throws than the entire Mississippi Delta team. Lucas and Page were a combined 25-for-31 from the charity stripe in the double overtime game while Mississippi Delta could
only muster a 20-for-30 showing from the line. “They came out tonight and fought,” said Alexander. “The good Lord smiled on us for a playoff spot.” Northeast now turns its focus to the Mississippi Association of Community/Junior Colleges (MACJC) State Basketball Tournament being held at Itawamba Community College in Fulton. Northeast, which finished as the fourth seed from the North Division, plays South Division champion Copiah-Lincoln on February 28 at 1 p.m. Even though the Tigers did not make the playoff cut this year, Northeast was able to cap its home season with a blowout win against Mississippi Delta 84-63. In the win, Tiger freshman Acie Vance of Ripley led Northeast with 15 points and six rebounds while Tiger football standout J.R. Jennings of Calhoun City chipped in 11 markers as well. Lavon Hooks, who was a sophomore on the hardwood, finished his Northeast basketball career with 10 rebounds and crashed the boards for eight rebounds while Demetrious Malone chalked up 10 points and six rebounds in the win for the Tigers. Freshmen Tadarious Coburn and Marcell Lucas just barely missed the double-digit scoring mark in their final regular season game at Bonner Arnold Coliseum. Coburn finished the night with nine points while Lucas had eight. Devin Tillman knocked down five points in the win for the Tigers. Sophomores Jermaine Hollimon, Cedric Janes and Tyrie Berry set the stage for a good returning group during the 2012-13 season when the three sophomores helped the freshmen to the 21-point win with 16 combined points. With the win, the Lady Tigers finished the regular season with an overall record of 9-14 and a 5-7 mark in the North Division securing the fourth-seed in their final home game. Northeast’s men’s basketball team, which was ranked as high as No. 13 in the country, capped its season at the University of Missouri-West Plains on Thursday, February 23. Northeast finished the season with an overall record of 14-9 and matched the Lady Tigers with a 5-7 division record. Going into its final home game, Northeast had two of the most prolific scorers in the entire Mississippi Association of Community/Junior Colleges (MACJC). Both Vance and Page were the North Division’s leading scorer for their respective classes while Vance was second in the league with 16.9 points a game and Page was third
Sophomore Amber Jackson of Tupelo helped lead the Lady Tiger basketball team to the MACJC State Tournament in Fulton during the 2011-12 year. at 17.8 points per outing. With the final regular season home game, Northeast also saw nine players finish their careers in the black and gold. Alexander’s Lady Tigers will have to replace Harris, Howard, Jackson Martin and Page while Robbins’ Tigers will have to find replacements for Hollimon, Janes, Berry and Hooks. “I just hope everyone remembers the way we played this game,” Page said about her final home game as a Lady Tiger. “We always played hard in games and practice and tried our best to leave everything on the court.” “It’s hard to say goodbye to this team,” Hooks said. “I just had so much fun playing the game I love with them.” For Alexander, the moment was somewhat bittersweet because of the fact that he is capping his first-year at the helm of the Lady Tigers. “They’ve put in a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears,” Alexander said. “They’ve been through a lot, but overcame it all. They will be greatly missed.”
The Beacon
Sports
A Family Affair
Kebrina Lucas
7
Marcell Lucas
Brother, sister enjoy playing, time together at Northeast By Jessie Perriman Staff Writer College athletes are known for their strong, sibling-like bond they share with each other, but for Northeast freshmen basketball players Kebrina and Marcell Lucas, it truly is a family affair. It all started when the pair was kids just playing around in the yard, and now they share the same college court. “It’s a lot of fun playing with him because we grew up playing together in our grandparent’s backyard,” Kebrina said. “Before the games, he’s always hyping me up. It really means a lot to hear my brother cheering for me from up in the stands which motivates me to be better and play even better.” Another advantage Kebrina explains is the fact that they can help each other improve on their game. “When we get done practicing we work with each other and try to make ourselves better,” Kebrina said. “We just feed off of each other.” Marcell Lucas is not ashamed of taking pointers from his sister. “She’s always helping me improve on my shooting and dribbling,” Marcell said. Although they use each other’s talent to improve them-
selves, there was a time when losing led to embarrassment. “We would always go out in the back yard and play basketball and we played against each other one day and I beat him,” Kebrina fondly recalled. “I was so excited because I did stuff he could not do so I really embarrassed him which made him cry.” Marcell, while laughing, does not deny that embarrassing memory and even says that it was not uncommon for Kebrina to beat him in one-on-one. Kebrina, with her strong personality and dominating basketball skills, said that she was not always this confident. “Back in middle school, I was very scared and nervous to play at first,” Kebrina said, “but after I started working at my game and playing AAU, it just got better from there.” Because Marcell graduated from Baldwyn High School and Kebrina graduated from New Albany High School they did not get to see each other play much. “I really never got to see my sister play basketball in high school,” Marcell said. “Now that we go to the same college, I really enjoy watching her play.” Although they do not have to worry about helping each other study, Kebrina jokingly claims that she is the ‘smarter one’.
However, both athletes said that they use basketball as discipline to study more. Kebrina and Marcell both credit their love of basketball to their family members that have inspired and motivated them along the way. Kebrina’s motivation comes from the women closest to her. “My mother and grandmother come to all the games and are such an inspiration to me,” Kebrina said. Marcell is encouraged with the knowledge of his family’s past accomplishment and success. “Hearing about my relatives playing ball and achieving a lot has inspired me to achieve something in my lifetime, too,” Marcell said. The Lucas duo say they both tried many different sports growing up, but nothing comes close to their love of basketball. After their time here, they both plan on moving up to the next level of basketball and continuing their pursuit towards a degree in athletic training. However, it’s the journey from backyard basketball to college crowds and hardwood courts that has only strengthened the bond between Kebrina and Marcell Lucas, and will carry on no matter what goals they pursue or shoot on.
Baseball, softball, golf and tennis serve up action in spring By Jessie Perriman Staff Writer Spring sports are back in action with great starts in tennis, baseball and softball. Golf was yet to tee off as of presstime. Tennis coach Lynn Smither and the Northeast tennis team set the bar for the season early on with an upset win over twenty-fifth ranked Hinds Community College. Although the Lady Tigers and Tigers fell short the day before against Copiah-Lincoln (men 5-4 /women 8-0), Northeast was sure to battle harder for a win the next day and were rewarded with a 5-4 win in the women’s match and a 6-3 decision in the men’s match. Amanda Rorie, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Leighann Mock all grabbed wins in the third-, fifth-, and sixthseeded singles matches for the women. Rorie finished her match with 7-6 and into a 10-2 tiebreaker and a 6-2 second set for the win. Mitchell finished with twin wins 6-2, 6-2, and Mock cleanly took her match 7-5, 6-1. Winning the majority of the doubles ensured the Lady Tigers’ success as Rorie and Emily Burk grabbed the second-seeded double match 8-3 followed by another victory from Mitchell and Mock with a perfect 8-0 win in the third-seeded match. Northeast also fought hard against the Hinds Eagles and walked away with a 6-3 win. Ben Nhek cleared the third-seeded singles event with an identical 6-3, 6-3 while Brandon Gardner helped the Tigers with a 6-0, 6-2 decision in the fourth-seeded men’s singles event. Taylor Dees pushed the Tigers to victory with a 7-5, 6-3 decision in his fifth-seeded singles match and Nhek
and Gardner cleared the second-seeded doubles match 8-2. Dees and Preston Wade locked up the Tigers’ fourth win of the match snatching a 8-5 victory in their doubles match. “The season is going really well,” Smither said. “We have a lot of returning sophomores that are strong leaders and players. Injury hit us early but they’re recovering. They are just a great group of kids and easy to coach. We’re facing some tough teams but they are up to the challenge. I’m really proud of them.” Off the court and into the dugouts, baseball and softball have finally kicked off. Northeast’s Lady Tiger softball team is currently 3-3 for the season. Head Coach Jody Long celebrated his 150th career head coaching win with a blowout, defeating Meridian 16-1 on February 18. Freshman Andrea Cutts started out the game with a three-run blast. By the time the fifth inning came around, New Yorker Erin Dixson capped the Lady Tigers scoring with a grand slam. Earlier in the year, the Lady Tigers also grabbed their 300th fast-pitch win over Calhoun on February 9, defeating the Lady Warhawks 1-0. Ohio native Jaisa Fox drove in Haley Knepp with a line drive double for the only score of the ballgame. “Every day that we go out, we are concentrating on the next game,” Long said. “It’s a game-by-game mindset. If we happen to pass a certain win milestone, that is great. It is great for the program.” Whether it was the peanuts or crackerjacks, the Northeast baseball team clutched a huge 11-1 run-rule victory over Calhoun in a quick five innings on February
21.
Daymon Eriksen (1-0) started game one on the mound for the Tigers and struck out the last two hitters of the second inning with the bases loaded before giving way to reliever Josh Drake. Drake allowed a solo home run to T. J. Eifert in the third for the only score in game one for Calhoun. Kyle Stephenson finished the opener for Northeast from the mound and only allowed one hit while the Tigers closed out the game with seven runs in the fifth frame. Eriksen picked up his first win while Calhoun’s Taylor Shields fell to 1-1. Justin Neal had a two-run single while Drew Chisholm and Eric Wilson added on runs batted in for a final score of 11-1. The second game was a battle but the Warhawks came out on top by one run 7-6. The week before, February 15, the Tigers took on Wallace State-Hanceville and played a pair of long nine inning games. Although it was a drawn-out battle, Wallace State took both wins 11-6 and 9-7.
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Entertainment
The Beacon
Movies touch everyone in different ways By Brittni Cox Staff Writer
Whether it’s a night by oneself at the house, a night out with the girls or a date night with the person that one loves, ‘chick flicks’ can always be used to help one cope with the troubles in life. For those that need a little spice in life, the first two deal with the fearsome foursome of the ladies of “Sex and the City,” while the last three are classics that will help anyone overcome troubles in life. “Sex and the City”- (2008) Rated- R 145 min The movie is about Carrie Bradshaw, a writer on love, sex and relationships who finally decides that she wants to get married to the love of her life John Preston. During the planning of the wedding, the groom gets lost in everything and gets cold feet the day of the wedding and leaves the bride at the alter. Her friends Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha take Carrie on a trip to Mexico to get her mind of things but in the end true love wins out. “Sex and the City 2” (2010) Rated- R 146 min Two years after Carrie Bradshaw and John Preston
are married, Carrie feels that things are becoming a bit boring in her marriage. Charlotte is dealing with raising two daughters and one is going through the ‘Terrible Twos’ stage. Miranda is dealing with the pressure of a demanding boss and after years of being a lawyer, she decided that she wants to be a stay at home mom. Samantha is at the peak of her career in public relations. As a get-away from it all, Samantha comes up with a girls’ trip idea to help them each deal with the stresses of life. With pressure mounting from life, love and work, the foursome head off to Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates in search of peace and relaxation. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) 115 min. A struggling writer Paul moves into a New York City apartment building and becomes intrigued by his neighbor Holly Golightly who is a quirky young lady who lives a very social and eventful lifestyle. During his time in New York City, Paul and Holly become close after Paul sees that Holly’s social lifestyle is hiding a sweet, kind caring side. Soon the pair become more than just friends but the social life does not leave Holly because one day she decides that she is tired of the hustle and bustle of New York City and wants to move to Brazil.
Journey 2 provides fans with action, adventure and Atlantis By Heather Smith Staff Writer
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has done it again with another action movie that puts a new spin on a decades’ old mystery. In this action-packed film Josh Hutcherson plays Sean Anderson, the stepson of Hank played by Dwayne Johnson who team up with Kailani, played by Vanessa Hudgens, and her father Gabato played by Luis Guzman, to find Anderson’s missing grandfather Alexander played by Michael Caine. “Journey 2” is about a mysterious island which turned out to be the lost city of Atlantis. Four main characters set out to find the mysterious island and to rescue Anderson’s lost grandfather Alexander, whose family believes to have abandoned them, when in reality he became lost while searching for the island. Anderson is joined by his stepfather Hank, who throughout the movie is
constantly trying to find a way to connect to his new son and fill the void he has lost with his father. During their search for Alexander, theyare guided by a beautiful girl named Kailani and her father Gabato who are thrown into this search-and-rescue mission when their helicopter is taken down while searching for the island. This film was an amazing adventure movie. Not long after arriving on the island the party soon discover that they have found the lost city of Atlantis, which breaks the surface every 40 years. Although Atlantis has never been proven to be real, the story is a classic and has captivated the minds of children for decades. Although this movie is for younger children, Northeast students can also relate to the story. Many heard of “local legends” and many have tried to solve them as children. This story is about two teenagers who proved a legend to be true.
Waiting to Exhale (1995) Rated- R 127min Starring the late Whitney Houston and based of Terry McMillians novel, this movie follows four African American women: Savannah, Bernadine, Gloria and Robin. Four friends determined to face reality. Determined to find true love and take control over their lives and to make dreams come true. For the four, friendship becomes the bond that holds them together as each deal with their own problems as it concerns men, careers and their families. Waiting to Exhale is a story of the challenges that make us strong and the friends that get us through it all. Pretty Woman (1990) Rated-R 119 min A very rich and successful business man finds himself in need of accompaniment to some social events and that’s where this story takes a turn. Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) finds the need for Vivivan Ward (Julia Roberts) as his accompaniment for a week of Los Angeles functions. Each take a liking to one another and Lewis offers Ward money if she will stay the entire week with him and accompany him as he makes his rounds on the ‘rich and famous’ scene since it is not proper for a man to be seen solo at social parties and polo matches.
Hunger Games fills Harry Potter void By Stephanie Luna Staff Writer
Avid fans of Harry Potter and Twilight should look forward to a new name in Hollywood: The Hunger Games. Written by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is an epic, fastspreading phenomenon that is already posing a threat to the popularity of previous novel-based movie series. The trilogy is “catching fire” amongst all ages across the nation. In a post-apocalyptic setting, North America has been reconstructed into a country known as Panem, governed by the audacious Capitol. Each year, the twelve districts must sacrifice a boy and a girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen, called tributes, to compete in an unorthodox battle to the death. Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year-old girl from District Twelve, volunteers herself for the Hunger Games after the unfortunate reaping of her younger sister, Primrose. She is one of the strongest heroines the world of young adult fiction has ever seen, skilled with a bow and arrow, quick wit and
deadly hunting instinct. Peeta Mellark, the son of a baker, joins her, leaving her longtime hunting partner, Gale Hawthorne, at home. Sounds like the makings of a love triangle? The story revolves around Katniss and her fight in the arena, constantly forced to choose between her heart and her will to survive. Stephenie Meyer, author of the famous Twilight saga, referred her readers to The Hunger Games on her website, recounting how she has “been recommending it to total strangers in Target.” “As close to a perfect adventure novel as I’ve ever read,” said Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series and The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones. All three books (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay) are heartgripping and perfectly paced. They are almost impossible to put down, and with the premiere date of the first movie fast-approaching, the books continues to gain more attention. The Hunger Games is set to release in theaters on March 23,2012.