THE
I S S U E DAT E 3•27•18
SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BEACON
VOLUME 14 NO. 11
BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS
Gun Violence Sparks Debate and Activism in Southern Maine By Troy Hudson In the aftermath of the Feb. 14 Parkland, Florida, shooting that left 17 people dead, a national discussion around gun violence has ignited passionate debate in this country. This debate is playing out in social media, television and newspapers — and on Thursday, March 22, in Jewett Auditorium on the SMCC South Portland Campus. Students and faculty came together there to share their opinions at a forum hosted by the Southern Poverty Law Center Student Group as part of their “Real Talk” series. SPLC members Dorcas Ngaliema and David Plouffe moderated the event. Illustration by Vanessa Poirier
The forum presented two questions, “What problems does America face regarding gun violence?” and “Do you have any suggestions for how to fix it?” before opening the floor to those in attendance. The conversation mostly centered around legislation, although a few students shared more personal perspectives. While a variety of opinions were expressed, the tone of the event remained respectful. Some argued that legislation was ultimately an ineffective means of reducing gun violence, while others pointed out that focusing on guns doesn’t address the larger problem of violence and abuse in our culture. Others expressed frustration at the ease of access to guns and talked about the need for universal mental-health care.
The final speaker at the forum, an instructor, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared a personal story about a shooting that took place at Montana State University in 1990. A 19-yearold student who was demonstrating clear signs of mental distress ended up murdering two fellow freshmen in their dorm rooms with a shotgun. “There is an immediate, incredibly intimate, personal level that wreaks havoc when that happens,” s/he said. “Three families in Montana were ripped apart by that murder.” The instructor emphasized that the real-world, human impacts of gun violence must not be forgotten as we seek for a solution to this contentious issue.
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On the Diamonds With the SeaWolves Squads Open Spring Season in Florida
Photo Courtesy of Jody Kenna
While the softball and baseball diamonds were covered in snow and the Southern Maine region was suffering through a few winter “bomb cyclones” over spring break, the SMCC softball and
Emma Burns and Madison Eastman
baseball teams where in Florida taking to the diamonds. The SeaWolves softball team returned to Florida after a three-year hiatus from traveling during spring break, while the baseball squad made it to Florida after making it to South Carolina two seasons. The teams would combine winning five games and dropping 12 (the Lady Seawolves would post a 2-6 record, as the men would go 3-6); regardless, both head coaches Magnant and Yanni agreed that the trip was well worth the time and energy making it happen. Head Softball Coach Magnant reflected upon the trip as, “a great opportunity to expose our players/ladies and compete against some very talented teams. Our trip was a bonding experience and we are ready and confident to take on the rest of our Spring Season.” Baseball Head Coach Yanni stated that the trip was, “a learning experience that I feel will go a long way when we get
into our games here in the Northeast and in the YSCC.” When asked what made this trip special, Meranda Martin shared, “I think what made this trip so special was being able to play softball outside in warm weather instead of being in a gym,” as Sara Ring added, “There were a lot of laughs on and off the field.” The baseball squad started their springbreak games with a double header against Waubonsee from Illinois, splitting a double header. They would lose the opener 4-2 and win the second game 5-0. The win would come courtesy of the arm of junior pitcher Amos Herrin, who opened his spring season by pitching a complete game, having to throw 90 pitches while striking out 11. A day later, the Lady SeaWolves started their spring-break games, also splitting a double header. The Ladies’ double header was a non-traditional one, as they would beat Northland Community & Technical College from Minnesota in the opener, 11-0, and drop the second game against Spoon River College from Illinois, 0-9. Planning for the trip started last summer for the softball team and last fall season for the baseball team. The goal for both teams was to do as much fundraising as possible in order to keep the out-of-pocket cost for the student athletes as low as possible. According to Coach Magnant, “The team did a great job fundraising,” as the main goal Magnat had was to make (Continued on page 11)
Photo Courtesy of Mackenzie Smith
By THe Beacon Sports Staff
Caleb Chambers