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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Turning Point USA joins campus by Devin Edgar Staff Writer
Wrapping up the process to begin a new collegiate, student chapter, Turning Point USA will soon be active on the Mississippi State University campus. Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012, is a non-profit, activist organization whose mission is to educate, train, and organize students to be able to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government. Although the organization has made its way to over 1,000 school campuses, including high schools, universities, and community colleges, MSU is the only campus in Mississippi to have a student chapter. MSU founder and chapter president Colby Williams said he has always been passionate about free markets and limited government; however, his circle of influence was limited to social media and conversations with close friends. “Turning Point USA has enabled me to be an influential activist on my campus by providing me the support, training, and resources to make a real difference,” Williams said. Williams, senior political science and public policy major, is responsible for planning weekly meetings, organizing school-wide events and creating activism projects to help members get involved on campus. Campus speakers, debates and discussions, and voter registration drives are all common events that Turning Point student chapters host on their campuses. Through activism and peer-to-peer conversations, Turning Point USA activists and members are promoting and re-branding conservative values on college campuses. Junior political science major and Turning Point member Adam Bracey is looking forward to helping other people identify with the concepts of TPUSA.
STIs rank high in Mississippi by Kaitlin O’Dougherty Editor in Chief
Mississippi is ranked 20th out of 50 states in children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV last year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is only one out of the many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) measured per year. According to JuLeigh Baker, health education specialist for Mississippi State University’s Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, the state typically ranks very high in the number of people with STIs. “The state of Mississippi is usually higher than other states, we’re usually in the top five and sometimes even No. 1 or No. 2,” Baker said. Baker said MSU feeds their data on STIs into the local Oktibbeha County Health Department, so there is not an exact number for students with STIs on campus. Baker said the Longest Student Health Center has programs in place to teach
Percentage of Mississippi residents with HIV divided by age groups from 2014.
students about the spread of STIs. “We teach with our promotion programs, the only fully effective way to avoid an STI is not to be sexually active, or even be involved in intimate touching because there are some STIs that are contractible even with touching,” Baker said. Baker said if students are going to be sexually active, they teach about barrier methods such as male and female condoms.
However, none of these are 100 percent risk free. “We make sure that they’re aware it’s not just vaginal sex that there’s a risk–there’s anal sex, oral sex and intimate touching that there’s also risk with all of that,” Baker said. Baker said the health center suggests if students are in a mutually monogamous relationship, they should be tested once a year; or with every new partner, whichever is more frequent.
For students with STIs, Baker suggests visiting the counseling center if they are seeking emotional support. She said the nurse practitioners at the health center are also available to talk to students. “I’ve had students come meet with me one on one that had further questions, or even emailing me with other stuff along that list,” Baker said. According to Baker, the CDC made the distinction between sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) and STIs several years ago because of the negative connotation with the term disease. She said the term infection relays that many of these can be treated or possibly cured. Beth Serigny, a graduate assistant at the health center said although she has not done research on the topic, she feels college students are conscious of STIs. “However, I also feel that college students can never learn enough about safer sex,” Serigny said. “It is an important topic that should be discussed.” According to a Mississippi State Department of Health report from 2010, Mississippi public schools were not required to teach sex education until 2011. House Bill 999 mandated that by June 30, 2012 public schools would teach sex education and implement either an abstinence or abstinence-plus curriculum. A legislation document provided on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ website also shows five bills to revise sex education failed in Mississippi this year.
President Obama invites student to conference at the White House by John Lee Contributing Writer
Daesha Marie Photography | Courtesy Photo
Terence Williams created his phone app Bully Walk in January. The app has been very useful to students and faculty alike and it is the top app for Mississippi State University.
It is always exciting to be invited to a nice party or special event, especially if someone famous is going to be there, or if it is an event dedicated to one of your favorite things. But what if you were invited to an event hosted by President Barack Obama himself ? That is exactly what happened to Terence Williams, a fifth year software development and entrepreneurial engineering student at Mississippi State University. This event is known as the White House Frontier Conference. It will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Williams said the conference aims to further innovation in technology and science. “The conference is
inspired by President Obama’s passion for technology and his hope to discuss the future of innovation here in the U.S. and around the world,” Williams said. “It’s the first time for the national conference to be held. It will focus on building U.S. capacity in science, technology and innovation, and the new technologies, challenges and goals that will continue to shape the 21st century and beyond.” According to Williams, he is the only innovator in Mississippi to be invited to the event. Not enough information has been released yet to see just how many invitations were sent out. “While at the Frontier Conference, I plan to network with other great innovators from across the nation and share ideas on how to continue to shape the 21st century,” Williams said. “I also hope
to gain much insight from President Obama and hear his advice on improving innovation here in the United States. One of my biggest goals is to be able to represent minorities in innovation and to continue to give the world my inspiration. And of course, to get a picture with the president himself.” Williams created the Bully Walk app, which was awarded the Worldwide Developer Scholarship by Apple this past June, and is also Mississippi State University’s top app on campus. Williams’ wife of two years, Daesha Williams, said she was thrilled when her husband was invited to the conference. Willaims said a friend he made at the Summer Bridge Program at MSU nominated her husband for the conference, but they did not expect him to be chosen.
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WILLIAMS “Terence being invited to the conference is amazing,” Williams said. “Terence and I sort of forgot about it because we never imagined him being chosen. A few weeks later he received an email saying he had been selected. I was ecstatic for him because he has worked so hard to achieve his goals with Bully Walk and his business Nobility Tech, and I’m so happy he’s being recognized for it.” Williams said she thinks Terence will be able to learn a lot more about technology and expand his skills. “The conference is a
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big deal, and I think it’s president,” Darius said. that awesome President “It shows the amount of Obama is bringing future work ethic and skills, that innovators together to he’s put in to go to this connect, share ideas and offer I think it’s amazing support for one another in such that I know a person a demand field,” who’s going to meet Williams said. the president.” G a l v e z Darius, Terence -Galvez Darius, Williams’ friend friend and colleague and colleague, of Terence Williams met Williams in 2011 when Williams was a freshman and Darius was conference.” “I’m proud to see his counselor. “I think it’s amazing one of my friends get to that I know a person do something like this,” who’s going to meet the Galvez said. “It’s really a
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Sarah Dutton | The Reflector
Pink ribbons may be seen around Mississippi State University’s campus this week in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer.
blessing. He’ll come back from this conference with a new motivation. He already works on numerous projects, but I think he will have a new outlook on his skills. This is the highest point he’s gotten to, and he’ll use this new motivation to build upon his career.” Terence has also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his trip to Pittsburgh. To give, go to GoFundMe. com/MS-WhiteHouse. He also said those wanting to learn more about the White House Frontier Conference, you can visit www.frontiersconference.org.
Mississippi State University will host the Pink Dawg Walk tonight from 4-7 p.m. on the Chadwick Lake Walking Track behing the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. This event is part of breast cancer awareness week on campus. The first 350 people to complete the track will receive a t-shirt and a variety of snacks will also be available. Breast cancer survivors who pre-register will receive a complimentary goodie bag. For additional information contact JuLeigh Baker at 662-325-2141 or jbaker@ saffairs.msstate.edu. Emmalyne Kwasny, News Editor
Thursday September 29, 2016 1:59 p.m. A juvenile reported she was sexually assaulted on MSU’s campus. 3:01 p.m. A student reported her bike stolen from outside Nunnelee Hall. 4:20 p.m. A student was having seizures at the Reflector. The subject was transported to OCH via ambulance. 5:32 p.m. A student reported his bike stolen from the bike rack at the HPC building. 6:08 p.m. A student reported her bike stolen from outside Rice Hall. 6:32 p.m. A student was having seizures at Mitchell Memorial Library. The subject was transported to OCH via ambulance. Friday September 30, 2016 12:09 a.m. An office responded to Ruby Hall for smoke alarm going off. Student referrals were issued to two students for alchohol and marijuana in the room. 1:05 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for DUI on the first and second count of careless driving. 2:25 p.m. A group of students reported being harassed via text message from an unknown female. 5:11 p.m. An employee reported he was bitten by a dog on Bulldog Circle. The subject went to State Urgent Care for medical assistance. 6:00 p.m. A student was arrested on University Drive for possession of marijuana. 6:16 p.m. A student passed out in the parking lot on Bully Boulevard. An ambulance was called, but the subject refused transport. Sunday October 2, 2016 8:54 p.m. An officer responded to Hull Hall for welfare concern for a student.
TPUSA “The thing that I am most excited about is having a group at MSU that is dedicated to promoting limited government and free markets,” Bracey said, “because we don’t have any other organizations like that on campus.” Unlike groups on campus such as College Republicans and College Democrats, Turning Point USA does not identify with either party. Instead, they focus on pressing issues involving limited government, no matter the party affiliation.
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“It’s not about party or politician, but about advancing free market ideals,” Williams said. Students from various majors and backgrounds are interested in Turning Point and their values, not just those who are involved in the political environment. Adam Sabes, sophomore professional meteorology major, said that TPUSA gives him a voice about issues within our government. “The government has way too much hold on our everyday lives,” Sabes said, “and TPUSA is working to
limit the role of government in people’s lives.” Turning Point USA will have a table set up on the drill field on Thursday to help more students get involved with the chapter and organization. In addition to this, potential members can look forward to voter registration drives and potential campus speakers. For more information on the student chapter or how to get involved visit @ MSU_TPUSA on Twitter or contact Colby Williams directly at cvw50@msstate. edu.
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OPINION THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 4, 2016
NFL Nationalism should not cloud reason Brad Robertson is the managing editor at the Reflector. He can be contacted at managing@reflector.msstate.edu.
The Star Spangled Banner is on a short list of songs that every American knows, even if they just get into the chorus, belting out the rhetorical question we’ve all heard a million times “oh, say, does that star spangled banner still wave.” Nearly every public event, especially those in the sporting world, start with a performance of the tune. I have often wondered why we sing the song so much. Sure, it has vivid imagery, recounting the battle for Fort McHenry in 1814, but where in the song does it talk about the things that make America actually great? Where does it mention the Bill of Rights? The Preamble? Where’s the Chevy, the levee, the whiskey and rye? The short answer is nowhere. The song, like so many other things in our cultural zeitgeist, has become a symbol and taken on a completely new meaning far more abstract than the lyrics would indicate. Hearing the tune is a soft indication that whatever is happening in the world, this is still America. Unfortunately, that
means a lot of different things to different people. For a lot of people, it means they are free, free to say what they want, do what they want—to a degree— and free to achieve anything they want. For other people, it is a reminder of institutions that systemically fail them. It is a symbol of politicians who do not represent their interests. Our country has deeply engrossed problems, and the national anthem only serves to drag those problems squirming into the light of day before a striped man blows his
socially acceptable behavior, except the ones who determine what is and is not acceptable are us, all of us. He disrespected the country directly, and if there is anything Americans hate, it is feeling disrespected. Patriotism so often in this country succumbs to nationalism, a dangerous degree of loving one’s country to the point that it can do no wrong. America is an imperfect beast of a nation, but whenever someone tries to point out the flaws, they are shouted down and accused of hating the infallible
“Decency often compels people to silence rather than action, and that is the real tragedy of a cultural reliance on symbols.” whistle to signal the game has started. Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, shook the hornet’s nest when he sat out the national anthem a few weeks ago. This act was met with sharp criticism from fellow athletes, politicians and media members. However, the criticism was largely misplaced. Kaepernick’s naysayers were far too focused on what he was doing instead of asking themselves why his actions were so offensive. His actions offended because they were dissident. Kaepernick stepped outside the realm of
Founding Fathersland. This establishes a cultural fear of speaking out against society and makes the jump between nationalism and fascism. A healthy dose of skepticism is crucial for any society, but it is the lifeblood of our country. Those same founding fathers gave us the ability to ask questions, to challenger the status quo and to change society. The Constitution is bendable because it was always ment to be changed and improved upon. I find it hard to believe Colin Kaepernick hates America, just like I find it hard to believe the journalists of Charlie Hebdo
hated Islam. Symbols, while important, should never get in the way of decent human beings asking themselves hard questions, and I do believe most people are basically decent, at the very least. Decency often compels people to silence rather than action, and that is the real tragedy of a cultural reliance on symbols. Too many are content with following the first loud voice they hear, and before long, everyone is doing the same thing with no real notion of why. Colin Kaepernick asked himself why he should stand for the anthem when to him it only represented dark aspects of society, and for that act of civic defiance, he should be applauded. The next time you hear that old anthem, I encourage you to ask yourself what it means to you. Are you standing because you love this country? Are you teary eyed because you are close to the military? Do the words ring so true in your soul that your hat might blow off your head if it was not already over your heart? Do you stand up because everyone else is? Figure out your reasons then look around and consider why everyone else is standing. What aspects of their life compels their patriotism? What does this song mean to everyone else? These are the things we need to wonder about each other in order to understand one another. Welcome to the melting pot, America the beautiful.
Trump’s sexism is unacceptable for the presidency by Sarah Brister Staff Writer
It is no secret that Donald Trump is not a fan of women, due to his history of referring to them as “pigs” and saying they “must be bleeding from somewhere.” This type of chauvinistic flippancy towards women is dangerous to young girls, women and men alike—it is unacceptable as a presidential mindset, because it is diminishing to women as a whole, and encourages the same sort of chauvinism in men. Alternet recently shared an article about Donald Trump lashing-out at former Miss Universe Alicia Machado. The article stated that Trump called her “Miss Housekeeping” because she is a Latina woman. Hillary Clinton stated that she has a name, fought for her citizenship and will be voting this year. The article also stated that Machado, an avid Clinton supporter, has long been dealing with the controversy surrounding her weight gain during her time as Miss Universe. According to the article, 20 years ago, Trump told her, “When you win a beauty pageant... you really have an obligation to stay in a perfect physical state.” While I can understand being concerned about someone gaining a dangerous amount of weight is understandable, I am unable to wrap my mind around the
idea of shaming a woman, or anyone for that matter, because they gained a few pounds. The danger in these types of comments by Trump is they teach the masses that women are objects and physical appearance is the most important thing. As a society, we have to be able to recognize the dangers in Trump’s cruel commentary on women and recognize this as a reason that he should not be the leader of men and women alike in the free world. Refinery 29 published an article glorifying Clintons new ad called “Mirrors,” which features young girls of varying shapes, sizes and ethnicities looking into the mirror and hearing all of Trump’s sexist comments. Regardless of your political preference, it is undeniable that this ad speaks volumes about the dangers young girls could face with Trump as our president. While both candidates have their very legitimate flaws, Trump’s words, actions and perceived notions about women are too harmful to our nation to go unnoticed. As a young woman, I can easily agree to the fact I, and almost every other woman, do not want their young girls or boys to be subjected to this type of sexism. It is not okay, and it is definitely not presidential. Our country cannot progress if our leader tries to hold half of the population back.
In defense of mandatory attendance by Roy Jafari Staff Writer
About two weeks ago, there was an article in the Reflector titled Attendance should be optional. As a student, I understand that it is very easy to relate to an article arguing in favor of freedom from attending class. It may have seemed like the exact story of your life— unjust professors taking away your precious points because you were not present for lectures. While I related to this article in favor of optional attendance, I also started considering different sides of the mandatory attendance issue and decided to look a little further into the issue. Unlike what the initial article suggested, attendance is not completely and strictly enforced for every class. Within the school policies, it is possible for a student not to attend the classes and still pass all of their courses. The AOP 12.09 Class Attendance & Reporting Absences Policy approved by Dr. Keenum clearly specifies that “passing or failing a course should not rest solely on class attendance and participation.” Furthermore, in no part does the policy imply that students shooting for grades better than merely a passing
grade must attend and participate in class. Basically, the decision for how strict or loose of an attendance policy each class has rests squarely on the shoulders of the instructor. This sounds like a very fair policy because the instructor is the person in charge of evaluating what the students gain from the course in different ways. There is no one better than the instructor of a class to decide if attendance or participation are necessary for students to benefit from the lectures. Upon registration for a class, students nonverbally accept the instructor’s expertise in deciding what the best practice is to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the material. However, even when we accept this to be true, it is hard not to wonder why a stricter attendance policy is popular with most class instructors. A quick response to this query was mentioned in the Lowe’s article—statistically, students who attend class more often perform better on tests and quizzes. The crux of the Chris Lowe’s argument in his article lies exactly here: He correctly argues that students are adults, and they should be given the choice to decide for themselves if they think class attendance will or will
not help them. While personally I cannot deny the importance of the university providing choices for college-aged adults to learn from, I cannot deny that we tend not to make the best decisions for ourselves. Dan Ariely, in his book Predictably Irrational, did some very interesting research that shows how students do not always choose well for themselves. In the start of one of his classes, Ariely, a professor, gave his
“In Iran, most instructors do not go out of their way to restrict students so that they will perform better.” students the choice to select an attendance policy they feel is reasonable. He found that students whom recognized their own vulnerability to shirking work and opted for a stricter policy based on this performed the best. On the other hand, students who failed to acknowledge their aversion to attending class left themselves too much freedom, which ended up hurting their grades. Ariely later on compares the performance of this very liberal class structure to a
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more dictatorial structure, where he expected attendance and submissions on pre-specified days, to find out if forcing more structure on a class leads to better performance. While more structured classes certainly takes away students’ choices in how they go about their own learning, for students in Ariely’s class, a more deadline-based class with mandatory attendance only helped their grades. Dr. Thomas Bourgeois,
dean of students, told me in casual conversation one day that a university education is not just about what you learn in class—it is also about gaining valuable life skills to help in your career. Like it or not, part of keeping your career is showing up every day. One could argue making the right decisions for students in the form of attendance policies does not teach them to make correct decisions on their own, without added pressure. Basically, if the university
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were to work under a completely liberal attendance and participation policy, the performance of the students on average would suffer; however, students who succeed in receiving a degree would be proven better at managing themselves. I believe mandatory attendance still helps students to manage themselves—they must manage to make it to all their classes in addition to completing assignments, which prepares them for a future of showing up every day to work. I have experienced class in universities with little to no attendance and homework policies in my home country, Iran. In Iran, most instructors do not go out of their way to restrict students so that they will perform better. Instead, there are only one or two exams, and one’s score is decided solely based on those test grades. At the end of the day, it is easier for an instructor to worry only about one or two exams instead of trying to keep up with students’ attendance, homework assignments and quizzes. I would state that at MSU, as well as other American universities, instructors put in more effort and energy to lead students in the right direction. They want students to achieve more in their classes. Regardless
of the reasons behind this, these extra efforts merit recognition and appreciation from students. At the campus level, AOP 12.09 Class Attendance & Reporting Absences Policy is very strong. In my mind, it walks an almost perfect line between giving instructors leeway to mold their course requirements and still making sure those attendance requirements are not too harsh on students. While I am not presenting a hard stance on mandatory attendance either way in this article, I am simply presenting the side of the instructor in a way I feel Lowe’s attendance article did not. I felt more light could be shined on the other side of the attendance policy debate. As it happens, I have been on both sides of this conundrum as a grad student. In different stages of my college life, I have participated in classes as both student and teacher. As a student, I would rather take a very structured class that gives me a roadmap of what I need to do during a semester. As a teacher, I prefer to lead a semi-structured class while encouraging students to attend and participate through extra points, rather than necessary ones.
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Fall enrichment classes offer creative outlet for students by Courtney O’Brien Staff Writer
Mississippi State University is now offering personal fall enrichment classes. The classes are put on by the Center for Continuing Education and are open to everyone. The classes range from acrylic painting, to wine tasting. To register, folks can contact Dixie Cartwright, the manager for the Center for Continuing Education at 662-325-2702 or https://ce.msucares.com/ pers_enrich_current.php. Registration for each class ends three days before the class starts meeting. Cartwright has been in charge of the Fall Enrichment classes since the early 2000s and is excited about the new season of programs. “I’m most excited about reaching out to the students,” Cartwright said. This semester, the classes will be keeping an Instagram and Twitter following to keep up
with record numbers of enrollment. The classes range in price from $25 to $125 per class, depending on how many times the class meets. All the classes are in the evening, at various buildings on campus, with the exception of the wine class. The classes are taught by teachers who are very confident in their fields. Lynette McDougald, teacherandadviseroffloral affairs, will be teaching her third semester of Fall Enrichment. “Classes are very relaxed; I like to refer to the time as ‘flower talk,’” Mcdougald said. “I talk the technical, but any time people work with flowers, a wide array of conversation ensues. I love to hear about their mother’s decorating or their grandmother’s garden. Flowers, gardening are such a large part of the Southern experience. It’s in our blood.” McDougald will be teaching all three classes in the floral design sector
of Fall Enrichment, which includes a class in fall wreaths, a class in planting flowers in pumpkins and a demonstration on making a personal cornucopia. Classes can be charged to an online MSU account, a credit card or a debit card. Since there’s no academic credit for these courses, you cannot use scholarship or government funding to help pay for the classes. However, payment is convenient and can be made over the phone, in person or online. The classes have a wide age-range allowed, with the youngest age being nine-years-old. Five of the sixteen classes require a supply list. All the supply lists can be accessed online, right under the caption of the class. Not only is the Center for Continuing Education looking for students, but also teachers. Some of the teachers included in this year’s semester of classes are actual MSU students. If anyone is interested in teaching a class or creating a course proposal
Fall Enrichment Classes Art in the Park conjures • DIY Holiday Door Hanger
• Intermediate/Advanced Crochet • Intermediate/Advanced Knitting • Modern Calligraphy • MSU Door Hanger • Soap Making • Fall Wreaths • Guitar
for one of the classes or a completely different one, they can contact the office or go online. Requests are currently being taken for next semester’s classes. Cartwright is looking for community participation.
“We’d love to have people from the community and campus to participate,” Cartwright said. “We have a great group of instructors. We’re trying to get some new classes out there. We just want it to grow and
continually get bigger and better.” Classes are filling up fast, and there are only so many spaces this semester. While one might see a few of the classes return next semester, it is a good plan to get a jump on it now.
International Institute of Study Abroad holds annual fair by Shelby Poindexter Staff Writer
The Mississippi State International Institute’s Office of Study Abroad will host its fall Study Abroad Fair Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first floor of the Colvard Student Union. The fair will feature all exchange programs that can earn students academic credit towards majors, minors and elective requirements.
Students can study in many different parts of the world, including countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and more. Studying abroad allows students to visit places all around the world that they have never been to before. It allows them to study at distinguished universities throughout the world and immerse themselves in different cultures. Alex Mazzola, junior biology pre-med major, said her experience in the Summer 1 Alcalá de
Henares study abroad program in Spain was amazing. “My program was centered on learning the Spanish language and culture,” Mazzola said. “My favorite part of studying abroad in Spain was the ability to travel the country, particularly being only 40 minutes from Madrid, which is centrally located, and experiencing the rich culture in different cities.” Mazzola said the classes she took while in Spain, as well as the experience she
had visiting the country, helped her with the Spanish language. “My confidence in understanding and speaking Spanish has greatly increased with this experience,” Mazzola said, “and I know it will help others who want to learn another language and who want to become more cultured. I highly recommend studying abroad.” Kelley Mazzola, junior history major, said she also had a great experience during her six-week
program in Berlin. “My program was focused on improving German language and learning German culture through immersion,” Kelley said. “One of my favorite parts was exploring the culture and learning the language along side so many other students of different nationalities and backgrounds.” She also said studying abroad helped her in more ways then simply receiving college credit. “This experience has helped me improve my
German and given me invaluable experiences,” Mazzola said. “I would most certainly do it again.” Students interested in studying abroad should bring any questions they have about the classes, countries, scholarships, or anything else to ask the faculty and staff at the Study Abroad Fair. Students unable to attend the fair can contact the International Institute by calling 662-325-8929, or visiting the International Institute office in 116 Allen Hall.
Miss MSU helps further education through scholarships by Brooke Matusiak Staff Writer
On Sept. 23, 16 women, ranging from freshmen to seniors, competed for the title of Miss Mississippi State University 2017. Miss MSU is a preliminary pageant for Miss Mississippi and Miss America. Brad Hill, the pageant director, stated that, “Win or lose, these women are role models.” Each of the 16 women was scored on five categories, every category comprising a certain percentage of their score. Each contestant completed an interview on Friday afternoon before the pageant. During the pageant, the women were scored on Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit, Talent, Evening Wear and On-Stage Question. A panel of professional judges who have all previously participated in pageants, judged, coached,
or organized pageants scored the women. The emcee for the night was Mr. Jeremiah Dumas, director of parking services. This year, the pageant’s theme was ‘The Roaring 20’s,’ when flappers defied social norms to become young, empowered women. As the pageant began, the 16 contestants along with Miss MSU 2016, Meredith Thomas, performed a dance number to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody, featured on the Great Gatsby soundtrack. Each of the women wore bright, colorful flapper dresses. As the night continued, the Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear competition ensued. Each woman bravely and boldly stepped out wearing swimwear that showcased her fitness. As the contestants prepared for the talent portion, Thomas performed her talent from the Miss Mississippi competition, playing “Great Balls of Fire” on piano. Talents of the contestants included
color guard, twirling, vocal performance, dance, ballet en pointe, trombone, violin, piano, drama and a poetry reading. The Evening Wear and On-Stage Question competitions were combined. Each woman wore her best contemporary evening wear style and was judged not only on her dress but on how graceful and poised she was. Each contestant then picked a question from a bowl. Questions were comprised of elements designed to show the judges a contestant’s personality. For example, one question asked why the contestant wanted to be Miss MSU. Another asked about the contestant’s philanthropic platform. A different contestant was asked what day in her life she would do over again. While scores were calculated and final details were prepared, former Miss MSU and current Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis took to the stage and performed a vocal number.
A farewell presentation was given for Miss MSU 2016. After much anticipation, the results were calculated. Each of the 16 contestants appeared on stage wearing their evening gowns once more. The results are as follows: Fan favorite: Hannah Lynn Daugherty Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear: Anne Elizabeth Buys Talent: Molly May 3rd runner up: Anne Taylor Robbins | The Reflector Elizabeth Buys Molly May, Miss MSU 2017, shows off her crown and sash to the audeince after her win. 2nd runner up: Callie Brown Miss MSU 2017 marks 1st runner up: Alivia Hill said. “With these scholarships, some women the 61st year of the Roberts Miss MSU 2017: Molly have been able to graduate scholarship pageant. Past college debt-free.” Miss MSU representatives May The overall winner also have proceeded to win Miss Each of the winners received a scholarship of has the ability to promote Mississippi and even Miss varying amounts. Molly May, a platform of her choosing America. Most recently, the overall winner, won a sponsored in part by the Laura Lee Lewis (Miss university. May’s platform is MSU 2014) and Jasmine full-tuition scholarship. Murray (Miss MSU 2013,) Hill said the pageant helps Breast Cancer Awareness. Thomas, wrote “this has advanced to the title of Miss further women’s education been the experience of a Mississippi. Laura Lee Lewis, by financial means. “Miss MSU is a scholarship lifetime…I am extremely current Miss Mississippi, pageant designed to further honored to have been able placed fourth runner up education, earn money and to represent this wonderful in this year’s Miss America competition. foster good will and causes,” school.”
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SPORTS
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 4, 2016
Volleyball has best start in school history by Amber Dodd Staff Writer
The Mississippi State volleyball team showed their true talent and heart through competition and by making school history this season. This weekend the team played two important conference ranking matches against Auburn and Alabama. Despite the slow yet undeniable 3-1 comeback win against Auburn and putting Alabama’s late surge to an exciting halt (3-2), the Bulldogs continue to prevail victorious, getting fans on their feet to congratulate each win in Newell-Grissom. This weekend’s wins solidified an important milestone for head coach David McFatrich and the
team: their best start in program history at Mississippi State. “Best start in all 41 years of Mississippi State volleyball,” McFatrich said. “The players and assistant coaches have worked incredibly hard. I’m just glad I get to steer the ship every once in a while.” The Bulldogs are starting their 2016 season on a good note with an overall record of 11-7 with the help of new members and elite veterans to pace them to the top. Currently in the SEC standings, Mississippi State sits at fourth place in the conference with a 3-1 record. Individually, Bulldogs are at peaking spots throughout the conference rankings. Senior Evie Grace Singleton places fourth in kills (.45 avg/s), service aces (.45 avg/s) and third in
points (4.51 avg/s). Senior Jazmyn Johnson ranks seventh in blocks (1.21 avg/s), and senior Payton Harris places eighth in digs (3.53 avg/s). These notable attributions from players do not include powerhouse freshman Emily Hill, who dominated during the Auburn game with 24 kills and 11 digs, or sophomore Blossom Sato with 45 assists in the Auburn game and 49 against Alabama. The team’s bond and consistent work ethic keeps them moving forward and running through competition. They exemplified their toughness Sunday against Alabama. In the fifth set, the team successfully performed a crucial comeback with unbelievable game savers from Peyton Harris in the back and surveillance upfront by Jelena Vujcin and
Jazmyn Johnson. Vujcin completed the game with the most kills at 16. McFatrich expressed his thoughts on the close win and what it means for the team’s future. “We knew how great Alabama was and saw they came out flat. This isn’t the team that was second in hitting. I do feel like we came out too at ease to open the third set.” McFatrich said, laughing at the double entendre of describing the dangerous momentum swing and the team’s late but fitting response against Alabama. “They got aggressive and had nothing to lose.” McFatrich said. “The tide definitely turned, but it shows a lot about our team winning the fifth set. I feel like we starting playing
with grit.” The Bulldogs look to keep their historical start afloat as they play the Kentucky Wildcats Oct. 7 at Newell Grissom in a rematch from their 3 - 1 loss on Sept. 25.
McFatrich expressed some pointers that need to be addressed in order for the Bulldogs to keep succeeding throughout the season. “We have to be better mentally and play with grit at all times,” McFatrich said. “We’re doubting ourselves a bit. You can’t do that when everyone you’re playing is great too. When you realize you’re great, all doubt should disappear.”
2016 SCORES 11-7 (3-1 SEC)
MSU vs. Kansas: Loss 0-3 MSU vs. Loyola-Chicago: MSU vs. Lamar: Win 3-2 Loss 2-3 MSU vs. Eastern WashingMSU vs. Miami: Loss 1-3 ton: Win 3-0 MSU vs. Florida InternaMSU vs. McNeese State: Win tional: Win 3-2 3-2 MSU vs. Troy: Win 3-0 MSU vs. UT Martin: Win MSU vs. Eastern Illinois: 3-0 Win 3-0 MSU vs. Arkansas Little MSU vs. Portland: Loss 2-3 Rock: Win 3-1 MSU vs. Tennessee: Win 3-0 MSU vs. Oklahoma: Loss MSU vs. Kentucky: Loss 1-3 2-3 MSU vs. Auburn: Win 3-1 MSU vs. KSU: Loss 1-3 MSU vs. Alabama: Win 3-2
Get ready to take on Auburn this Saturday, Oct. 7 for the annual Bulldog Bash game at 11 a.m.
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