arts
+ entertainment
administration
feature
Local artist hosts events: Art of Kira’s Kira Brant holds campus, Franklin sessions
College searches for new dean: Search committee looks to fill Brailow’s former position
Cycling through the country: Security officer finds release in riding motorcycles
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Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 | TheFranklinNews.com
Megan Powell | The Franklin
Franklin woman ‘leaves a blessing’ for community
Senior Robbie Prather emcees the FCDM date auction, while sophomores Holyn Eldridge and Blaine Fuhs are auctioned off as dates.
SHELBY MULLIS
FCDM raises $1,000+ at new date auction event
shelby.mullis@franklincollege.edu
If you search for Michelle Dahl on Facebook, you’ll discover a woman with a passion for serving her community. The single mother of five has called Franklin her home for more than 40 years. After she learned about the food insecurities of several families in Johnson County, Dahl knew she had to step up. Just outside Dahl’s Franklin home, you can find Michelle’s Little Free Pantry. Located a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from campus, the large wooden cabinet is stocked from top to bottom with boxes of pasta, cans of vegetables and tubes of toothpaste. “I say, ‘Take a blessing or leave a blessing if you can,’” Dahl said about her pantry’s motto. “I really want to help remove the stigma of needing help because if you’re not helping
people, there’s really no reason to be here.” While scrolling through her Facebook news feed in 2015, Dahl came across a post advertising a “mini-food pantry” in a nearby state. She instantly knew she could do something similar. Dahl reached out to her own friends, and the responses were overwhelming. “A friend of mine named Joe McCauley said, ‘I would love to help you,’” she said. “He actually found the cabinet and he salvaged it for me and made it what it is today.” But for Dahl, this is nothing new. In years past, Dahl and her family baked goods for local shelters, assembled care packages for homeless people and cooked freezer meals for those in need. “Food is a center theme here,” Dahl said. “It’s important. If our families are full, then we’re more likely to be able to do all the other things we need to do.” Through a Facebook page, Dahl shares her experiences since making the pantry available to the public. While she said no one has used the pantry as a resource, Dahl is still receiving blessings. “Totally awesome when you are in the Matt Thomas | The Franklin Kroger parking lot Michelle Dahl, founder of Michelle’s Little Free Pantry, stands in front of her pantry stocked with food for people who need it. The organization’s motto is, in your car about to “Take a blessing or leave a blessing if you can.” leave and someone
knocks on your window to give you food for the pantry,” Dahl said in her latest Facebook post. And that’s not all. Earlier this week, Dahl received a check in the mail from a neighbor as a donation to the pantry. “My mailbox had a surprise,” Dahl posted. “I do not encourage monetary donations, but I will use the funds to paint a bright welcoming path up to the pantry and get the curbside version up a lot more quickly if I have the supplies!!!” Dahl said it comes as no surprise when people ask what would happen if someone takes advantage of the pantry or steals it. But she said in that case, she would immediately set another one out. Dahl dreams of seeing more mini-pantries pop up around the city, as well as the state. Her next goal is to create a curbside pantry for people to easily access without walking up the driveway. In Dahl’s most recent post to her Facebook page, she shared a quote with her followers: “Just because you need help doesn’t mean you are needy. No one can live their life without needing help sometimes. Let go of those who make you feel guilty for needing help.” Interested in “leaving a blessing” at Michelle’s Little Free Pantry? The pantry, located at 102 Weber Court, is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/takeblessingleaveblessing.
MEGAN POWELL
megan.powell@franklincollege.edu
Franklin College Dance Marathon members took love at first sight to a new level when they hosted the organization’s first date auction Wednesday. Throughout the night, attendees bid on 17 contestants who were each paired with either a restaurant or attraction gift card. At least $1,000 was raised through door admission, betting and donations during the event. “We were a little nervous honestly on how it would go just because we are all broke college students,” said sophomore Meghan Yencer, the dance marathon’s special events director. “But people went above and beyond my expectations, and individuals paid a lot of money; groups paid a lot of money. And overall, I think we made a lot more than what we were expecting.” Although this is a new event on campus, the FCDM committee has been throwing the idea around for the past two years. The idea for the event came from Delta Gamma’s philanthropy event when the sorority was on campus years ago. Jen Whitson, the dance marathon’s adviser, met the love of her life life at the Delta Gamma event when she was a Franklin College student. See “FCDM” page 2
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Art of Kira hosts campus events, studio paint sessions ASHLEY SHULER ashley.shuler@franklincollege.edu
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OUT & ABOUT 2/24 - 2/26 Indy Wings Week 2017 Get your hands on some grub during the finale of Indianapolis’ first wing week, featuring half-off regular menu price wings. See a list of participating restaurants and prices at indywingsweek. com. 2/25 Social Sketch Indy Artists, doodlers and writers are invited to bring materials, pull up a chair with friends new and old and create. The event runs 1–4 p.m. at the Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis. Admission is free.
2/25 Museum by Moonlight Get access for the world’s largest children’s museum — exclusively for adults. Tickets are $75 online at childrensmuseum.org and $85 at the door. Ticket prices include a free alcoholic drink, food samples from local restaurants, and other entertainment.
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Issue 13, Volume 113
Executive Editor Leigh Durphey Opinion Editor Christina Ramey News Editor Ashley Shuler Sports Editor Quinn Fitzgerald Copy Chief Shelby Mullis Photo Editor Zoie Richey Web Editor Nicole Hernandez Ads Manager Jonna Kauffman Adviser Chelsea Schneider Publisher John Krull
@TheFranklinNews @TheFranklinNews
The Franklin
CORRECTION On page 3 of the Feb. 17 issue, the master’s program brief should have said that the college’s master program is in athletic training.
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FRIDAY, FEB. 24, 2017
Kira Brant knew she wanted to go to art school in fifth grade. Infatuated with cartoons and sketching, she wanted to be a Disney animator one day. So Brant, who has always lived in Franklin, shipped herself off to the Ohio School of Art and Design on the promise of an internship with Disney. But the school ended its internship program with the company, and Brant fell out of love with animation altogether. She said it just wasn’t being done how it used to be. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “I just missed home a lot.” She moved back to Indiana, started her own greeting card line and graduated from the Herron School of Art at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. As soon as she graduated from art school, she hosted one-on-one and small group private lessons from timeto-time inside a Christian bookstore she opened in downtown Franklin. The store closed nearly five years ago — a move she didn’t want to make. “But if it wouldn’t have been for that business, I don’t think my business now would be thriving like it is,” she said. In the summer of 2012, Brant opened her second business venture — The Art of Kira, a group-art class business that she owns and operates in Franklin today. At the time of her initial studio opening, Brant was the only employee. She now has three instructors and various helpers and has since upgraded her studio space multiple times. Outside of teaching classes inside her studio and out, as well as managing her two children, Brant said she doesn’t
make any of her own art. “I have a desire, but I don’t have time,” she said. “It’s just not going to happen.” Between adult classes, kid classes, kid parties, private parties, gigs at the city’s recreation center and preschool events, Brant said she has “a lot of different things going on” at least five days a week. There are weeks when Art of Kira has something going on Zoie Richey l The Franklin every day, Monday Franklin native Kira Brant is the owner of Art of Kira, located at 154 E. through Saturday. Jefferson St. Brant hosts arts classes, parties and events around the city In the summer, Brant ofFranklinonadailybasis.Mostrecently,shecouldbefoundatFranklin adds student summer art College for a cookies and canvas event. camps to her schedule. time of year to teach a class that’s free But despite the busy schedule year- of charge to students and lets them round, Brant said she likes being able sign up on a first come, first serve to teach a wide range of students, from basis. toddlers to the elderly. “I try to make it fun,” she said. “What I like the most is just the “Most kids have had class that day. I people, really,” she said. “I love being try to make it so it’s not like going to a around different kinds of people. I like normal classroom.” being able to show people how to have Most of her classes deal with acrylic fun and realize art is not a stressful on canvas, but she’s been doing more thing. They have fun. They can be with and more wood sign art, as well. She their friends, family, make memories said her older students are harder on together.” themselves than the children, who are She said the funniest part of teaching very free spirited about their art. is when someone mistakes their paint “Most of the time people leave happy, water for their drink—something that even if theirs don’t look great,” she happens more often than one would said. “It’s just fun for them to get out think. with their friends for an evening and “I think it’s hysterical,” she said. do something new.” “The adults do it more than the kids.” The Art of Kira is located at 154 E. Although she can rarely be found in Jefferson St. in downtown Franklin, one place, Brant was recently at the next to Middle Davids Artisan college hosting a cookies and canvas Candles. Find upcoming classes on event. The college hires her during this www.theartofkira.com.
FCDM continued from page 1
What Whitson didn’t know that night was the then-president of Tau Kappa Epsilon would be not only her highest bidder — but a husband of almost nine years. “He thought she was really cute and knew she was going to be in the date auction, so he had all of his fraternity brothers chip in money,” said senior Jaime Robbins, president and founder of FCDM. “They bought her for $200 and now they are married and have three kids.” That $200 bet stands as the largest single bet in the event’s history. For FCDM’s event this year, two
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contestants, sophomores Taylor Brown and Chase Loyd, were auctioned off for $100 each. “I did not expect my friends to pay $100,” Brown said. “I did not even think someone was going to pay $20, and then my friends put down $100. It’s just amazing because they spend every day with me, but they’re still willing to donate their money to a good cause.” All of the proceeds from the date auction will go to the committee’s grand total for Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. Like usual, the organization hopes
to see large numbers at the end, but this year’s goal is to raise $23,000. “We look at how much we raised last year and how much we have raised in the past three years and figure out what is a logical goal that we can raise where it will be a big enough number that it’s exciting and impressive, but not such a large goal that it’s impossible to reach,” Robbins said. FCDM will take place on Saturday, March 18 from 6 p.m. to midnight in Spurlock this year. Dancers must raise at least $20 to participate.
College launches committee to find new Brailow ABRAHM HURT abrahm.hurt@franklincollege.edu
President Thomas Minar has formed a search committee to replace former Dean David Brailow. The search committee includes five faculty members, two staff members and one student representative. Denise Baird, an associate provost and sociology professor at the college, is in charge of the committee. Brailow retired from the college in June 2016 after 15 years at Franklin College. During his tenure, Brailow hired 51 of the 75 full-time faculty members, restored art and music as degree majors and created the first master’s degree program Franklin College offers, athletic training. Committee head Baird said her first priority was distributing and publicizing the new open position in as many channels as possible so they could create a strong pool of applicants. “As part of chairing this committee, I helped to ensure that the advertisement got pulled together a complete, thorough, polished and professional looking document that describes what’s known in this field as ‘an opportunity for leadership,’” she said. The advertisement reads: “The provost will work closely with dedicated faculty and strong academic leadership to advance student learning
rooted in the liberal arts tradition. In collaboration with campus stakeholders, the provost will also support efforts to provide a dynamic campus experience resulting in holistic intellectual, personal and professional growth for all Franklin College students. Reporting to the president, the provost and dean of the college will be the second officer of the college.” Candidates who submit the materials by March 13, 2017 will be considered. After that, the next step for the committee is to review the applications and decide who to interview and bring out to the college. “This committee takes time to review the materials that they submit, determine who rises to the top of our candidate pool, and we’ll go through a series of interview rounds with candidates we are interested in and eventually bring them to the campus for some campus visits and interview with people,” Baird said. Baird said the committee would like to have candidates on campus before the end of the semester. The college would, ideally, have a new person in the position on July 1, 2017. Baird said that date could be pushed further because of the process of interviews, offers and negotiating. “That might even be a stretch because people have to move,” she said.
IN BRIEF: SIMILAR KKK FLYER FOUND IN GREENWOOD
The Franklin file photo
DavidBrailow,thecollege’sformervicepresidentof academic affairs and dean of the college, retired in 2016 after 15 years at Franklin College.
“They’re selling houses and moving entire families and cleaning out offices that they’ve been in for the last five, 10, 20 years sometimes when they make a move like this. So, that is potentially doable but also an ambitious target.”
Research event showcases original work of students, faculty ASHLEY STEEB ashley.steeb@franklincollege.edu
The first ever Research Lightning Round, held earlier this month, showcased original research and creative work projects by 10 presenters. The presenters included students and faculty members from varying fields of study. “It was important to us that we invited scholars from various departments because the fact is that we have a tremendous number of talented faculty and students all across the college doing original research and creating creative works,” said Allison Fetter-Harrott, assistant professor of political science who organized the event. The hour-long event included presentations that lasted for five minutes on the topic of the presenter’s choice. Fetter-Harrott said the purpose for the shorter presentations was to ensure the presenters were not burdened with too much additional work to perform.
Members of the faculty development committee asked students and faculty they knew were already working on projects to present at the event. David Carlson, professor of Philosophy and Religion, said he found the event challenging, but enjoyed the feeling of sharing what he found during his research. The best part of the event for Carlson was the research presented by the students. “If you closed your eyes and you didn’t know anything about the presenters, and were just listening to the presentations, the student presenters were at least as well prepared and as fascinating as the faculty, if not more,” Carlson said. He said he has always seen Franklin College students perform well in these event forms, but he offered some advice to students who may want to participate in the next Research Lightning Round and may be nervous
about presenting in the event. He said it’s okay to feel nervous because almost everyone feels nervous about public presentations, but topics can make presenting a little bit easier. “What you get to do, particularly if you chose the research for yourself, which is different from having an assignment from a class, it’s a little like you’re sharing something you love,” Carlson said. “It turns out to be a lot of fun.” Fetter-Harrott said she’d like the event to be more highly attended in the future. She also wants to include everyone on campus and hold the event every semester. “There are a lot of smart, innovative people engaging in inquiry and creative work on campus,” she said. “We should have as many opportunities as possible on campus to showcase that and share that with each other.”
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A flyer pushing the Ku Klux Klan rhetoric was found on a parked car in a Greenwood apartment complex the same day that similar flyers were found at Franklin College. Greenwood police responded to Emerald Lakes Apartments, off Sheek Road, south of Main Street, just after 3 p.m. on the same day the fliers were discovered at the college. Police aren’t sure whether the flyer is the same as the ones found scattered around Franklin College parking lots, according to a Daily Journal article. Fliers with phrases like “love your own race” and “stop homosexuality and race mixing” inside heart clipart were placed on vehicles’ windshields and on the ground early Tuesday morning, Feb. 14. Security director Steve Leonard said there’s “no reason” to think the 18 fliers found on campus were distributed by someone locally or were targeting any particular person.
BLOOMINGTON ART NOW ON DISPLAY IN JCFA
Bloomington artist David Wolske’s bright and modern letterpress work now lines the walls of the Johnson Center for Fine Arts. Wolske received a studio art degree from Marian University in Indianapolis and a master’s degree in fine arts and graphic design from Indiana University in Bloomington. His work has been exhibited and collected around the world. He often teaches typography, graphic design, letterpress printing and book arts classes across the nation. In his art, Wolske shows an affinity for handset wood and metal type, but also incorporates digital tools and computer software into his manual workflow. His process draws heavily on the traditions of letterpress and fine art printmaking. Wolkske spoke about his art in a lecture titled “Lexicology” last week during the exhibit opening. His art will be on display in the JCFA atrium until Thursday, March 23. Admission is free.
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STORY AND DESIGN LEIGH DURPHEY
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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED NELSON PRESTON
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motorcycle Security officer Nelson Preston finds freedom on a motorcycle
F
MAN
or a man who works hard to ensure a safe and secure campus for its students, security officer Nelson Preston sure does value his freedom. How does he find that freedom? By riding a motorcycle. Preston was involved with motorcycle riding long before he started his job at the college more than 16 years ago — and long before his previous position in Indianapolis. Before starting at the college in 2000, Preston was an operations manager for a local security agency. When the company downsized, Preston had to look for other work. “I liked the work up there, but I got tired of the bad side of life,” he said. “Some of the places we worked were pretty tough. I didn’t want to carry a gun anymore and have all those bad, negative things that happen when you carry a gun.” After working at an Indianapolis hotel for a year, he saw an advertisement in the newspaper for a security officer position at Franklin College. “I thought it would be kinder and gentler than carrying a gun and working in Indianapolis, so I thought, ‘Let’s check that out,’” Preston said. Sure enough, the position worked out perfectly for Preston’s lifestyle and family. One of his daughters graduated from Franklin College, thanks to the tuition remission for college employees. After Preston utilized that resource, he figured he would end up looking for another security management position. “Well, gosh darn it, I fell in love with the place and I like students,” he said. “It just is a good fit for me.” Preston said a lot of students have misconceptions about campus security and assume the officers are out to get students. “We are truly here to serve and help people — all students and anybody on this campus,” he said. “So many look at it in more of a negative light, but we’re really service-oriented here at Franklin.” It’s a busy job: Security officers must handle all issues with parking, incident reports, daily tours, security cards, and sometimes, there’s only one person
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there during a shift. But when Preston has a day or two off and the weather is nice, he can usually be found on his Yamaha Road Star. He’s been on a motorcycle since he was fourmonths-old when his dad put him in a milk crate strapped to the front of his Indian Chief motorcycle. Since then, he’s logged countless miles and rode through 36 of the continental states — even leaving the continental U.S. to hop the Outer Banks, a group of islands off the coast of North Carolina. “Just the freedom of it is what I like,” he said. “The air blowing through your hair — what hair I have left. It kind of gives me still the feeling of a young man, being free and easy.” While he used to frequently do poker runs, or rallies for different causes and charities, he now mostly rides with his partner and close inner circle groups. Preston said motorcycles are a family affair, from back when his father was an Indian motorcycle dealer who rode with Harley and Davidson, the creators of the well-known Harley-Davidson motorcycles, to now with his two oldest daughters who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. Preston said he will ride until his health doesn’t allow him to ride anymore. “It’s a euphoric feeling,” he said. “It’s freedom.”
IT KIND OF GIVES ME STILL THE FEELING OF A YOUNG MAN, BEING FREE AND EASY.
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Freedom of the student press?
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EDITORIAL
OPINION
“At a time when we are faced daily with conversations about media bias, internet hoaxes, social media, fake news and alternative facts, journalist education is more important today than ever,” said Indiana Republican Rep. Ed Clere. One House bill would offer more protections to student journalists across the state, from middle school to college. State lawmakers debated these rights Tuesday. Discussion of new legislation that would ultimately offer more rights to student journalists leads to another topic: Should student journalists have the right to publish such controversial articles? While one may disagree, The Franklin staff believes students should be able to cover what the public has a right to know. It is the duty of high schools and colleges to prepare their student journalists for the real world.
How can these students “be prepared” it? when administrators censor articles By giving students the opportunity and the budding journalists behind to write about such topics, they them? can provide information that may The real world is not censored. otherwise be unknown. For example, What happens on a daily basis and is in the incident of a suicide, an article covered in a about the newspaper the s i t u a t i o n OUR POSITION following day could prevent The staff believes student rumors and can be much worse than journalists should not be provide the what could ommunity censored, and should have cwith be published tips for the right to write what they grieving. in a school newspaper. Students deem appropriate. Wouldn’t should be it be more allowed to logical to allow students to write explore real world issues. Fluff stories more relevant stories pertaining to about the best place to buy a formal their school and the surrounding dress are not sample-story worthy for community than about the basketball internship applications. team’s latest loss? If a community is Several student journalists get affected by teen pregnancy or suicide, internships where they immediately why not allow students to write about jump into the job. They are expected to
around campus: SHOULD STUDENT JOURNALISTS BE CENSORED IN THEIR WRITING?
OUR BOARD The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect theopinions,beliefsandviewpointsofthe entire The Franklin staff. Opinion editor ChristinaRameymoderatestheboardand its members, including Brittney Corum, AdriannaPitrelli,MattThomasand Ashley Steeb.LeighDurphey,theexecutiveeditor, sits on the board. If you have an issue you wouldliketheboardtocover,emailchristina. ramey@franklincollege.edu.
TWITTER POLL We asked Franklin College students on Twitter: Should student journalists have the same rights as professional journalists? To participate in future polls, follow TheFranklinNews on
Jayla Stigall, freshman “Middle, high, and college journalists should not be censored because freedom of speech and press should apply to all individuals.”
Should student journalists have the same rights as professional journalists?
Dakota Deiwert, freshman “There should be no censorship because it does not prepare students for real-world topics.”
Chelsey Arvin, freshman “Student journalists should not experience censorship because age and limited life experience should not determine one’s freedom to voice a fair opinion.”
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know what they are doing in order to receive the same respect as those they work alongside. In a world where the media is scrutinized and criticized daily, all journalists must have the ability to write the stories that need to be told without the fear of being censored.
91% 9% *45 people responded to the poll.
FRIDAY, FEB. 24, 2017
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the last word
ASHLEY STEEB
Cliché or not, the book really is better than the movie
MATT THOMAS matthew.thomas@franklincollege.edu
We’ve all heard it: “The book is better than the movie.” While some beg to differ with this sentiment, I find it to be very true. Even though I am not the most avid reader, there is something about getting to figure out a story at your own pace, on your own time.
I’m going to be very frank, I don’t like the time-commitment that movies require. There is something about sitting in front of one screen for multiple hours to follow the plot of a movie that just turns me away. Sure, I love a good movie every once in a while as a way to take a break from the outside world, but it’s not something I can do often. Books, on the other hand, allow you to digest a portion of the plot, set the book down, and pick it back up when you get the chance. I can read a book in four days, or even four weeks if I so choose. I also wholeheartedly agree with the belief that movie interpretations lack the important details that are included
in books. It’s understandable that you can’t incorporate all elements of the book into the movie – you would have an eight-hour long movie. However, this is why books have the advantage over movies, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong: movies are great. I even worked at a movie rental store for a short period of time. But there is something about sitting down with a good book to escape from the world that also strengthens your brain at the same time. No matter which entertainment outlet you find better prefer, it’s always good to give yourself a break from studying to read for pleasure or watch a movie every once in a while.
Let me relax: Why movies are better than books
ADRIANNA PITRELLI adrianna.pitrelli@franklincollege.edu
Your friends ask you to hang out this weekend. You want a form of cheap, but fun entertainment. Do you head to your bookshelf, grab a book and read together? I know my friends and I don’t. For entertainment purposes, movies are much better than books. Whether you’re with a group of friends or alone,
movies are much easier to absorb. You can multitask while watching a movie and still get enjoyment out of it. With a book, you must give it your undivided attention. However, even with giving a book your attention, the possibility of getting confused or lost is much greater because of hidden messages. I don’t know about you, but if I’m on the hunt for entertainment, I don’t want to have to think too much. Time is of the essence. A good flick lasts three hours at most, leaving your desire for entertainment fulfilled. With a book, you can start it one day and finish it weeks later. How many times have you picked up a book and never finished it? Movies are also a lot more visually appealing, especially with all that can
now be done using special effects. Special effects aren’t the only aspect that categorizes itself into visually appealing. From Zac Efron to Gerard Butler, watching movies with attractive actors can give you even more to visually appreciate. Some books, like “Lord of the Rings,” have far too much detail. Why sit through 30 pages worth of boring description of what a town looks like when you can simply see it and not have to remember every detail? I don’t want to be bored when I want to be entertained. Plus, fresh buttery popcorn, overpriced box candy and comfy recliners help fully satisfy the movie viewing experience. I don’t see people reading books that way. @THEFRANKLINNEWS
Why ‘Hidden Figures’ deserves an Oscar
“Hidden Figures” is just what the country needs this year. The Oscar-nominated film focuses on three African American women involved in NASA’s launch of the first American man into outer space. Director Theodore Melfi takes viewers on a trip down south in the early 1960s when racial discrimination was a normality. The movie follows three women, played by actresses Tarahi P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, as they battle racial and gender discrimination, and eventually win the respect they deserve. The movie is nominated for three Oscar awards — Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. I must agree with the Academy — the movie is deserving of an Oscar. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie for multiple reasons, and it is actually a little difficult to explain everything clearly. Shows, documentaries and movies following historical figures or historical events are a guilty pleasure of mine. I am a huge history nerd, and have watched every history documentary on Netflix. That may explain why I loved this movie. I find it to be great that three historical figures are now known by more people, but as a woman, I find it even more exciting for the movie to tell the story of these three women. It is difficult to find good non-fictional movies about females, and it can be just as straining to find a historical documentary about females. When “Hidden Figures” portrayed women supporting and encouraging each other, it made me want to stand up and cheer during those scenes of the movie — which never happens during other movies I watch. If you need a feel-good movie with a message that speaks to the heart, I recommend “Hidden Figures” with a 10 out of 10 rating.
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Prather: Recruitment reason for low performance QUINN FITZGERALD elizabeth.fitzgerald@franklincollege.edu
SPORTS
IN BRIEF: WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM WINS FIRST ROUND OF HCAC TOURNAMENT The women’s basketball team played an exciting first game in their tournament, winning by one point. In the first round of the Heartland Collegiate Tournament on Tuesday, the women’s team won 65-64 against Hanover College. The leading players of the team in Tuesday’s game were seniors Emily Alfrey and Mandy Fisher and junior Riley Achenbach. Alfrey scored a team-high of 17 points and had a team-high-tying five rebounds. Achenbach scored 15 points for the Grizzlies and had four rebounds and four assists. Fisher contributed 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Tonight, the fifth-seed team will play Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, the No. 1 seed and host of the tournament. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.
BASEBALL TEAM RETURNS WITH 14 NEWCOMERS The baseball team will feature a combination of youth and experience this season. The team consists of 17 returning players and 14 newcomers. Of the first-year players, 10 are freshmen and four have previous college baseball experience. The team features new faces at all four infield position, as well as a number of new players in the outfield. Freshmen pitchers include Wright, E. Jones, Dexter Shuler and Jared Schoen. The 2017 season begins on Feb. 25, with a four-game trip to Winter Haven, Florida. The Grizzlies open the season with defending Ohio Athletic Conference regular season champion Otterbein University. Source: Franklin College Athletics
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FRIDAY, FEB. 24, 2017
Quinn Fitzgerald | The Franklin
Freshman Braxton Day shoots the ball from mid-air during the men’s basketball game last weekend.
In its final game of the season last weekend, the men’s basketball team lost 104-66 against Anderson University.
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the team found it difficult to score this season. “I thought we could rebound our way out of that, but the truth is, rebounding kind of reveals competitiveness, and that is at a deficit,” Prather said. Overall, Prather said the team was inconsistent in several aspects of the game. Aside from talent, Prather said he looks for competitiveness and genuine passion in a player, which he said the team lacked this year. Prather said this combination of factors indicates a recruiting dilemma. Historically, the athletic department has been successful in recruitment, but the last three years have been hitand-miss, he said. “What you thought you had didn’t turn out to be what you really had,” Prather said. He attributed the recruitment issue to encouraging high school players to compete at the collegiate level. “You can play a lot of high school basketball and be marginally talented and marginally competitive, but that’s not going to work in college,” he said. Prather explained that the players who thrive at the collegiate level are the overachievers, which he said represent a small percentage of ones
ith the men’s basketball team ending its season with a 6-19 record, head coach Kerry Prather is reflecting on areas that need improvement in the seasons to follow, focusing heavily on recruitment. “It’s been a major disappointment,” Prather said. The team re-lived a large portion of last season as far as losing a number of close games, Prather said. He said they didn’t make nearly the same amount of progress they had set out to accomplish this season. “There’s an analytical part of this that you can say, ‘Literally if the ball had bounced differently you would have won more games,’” Prather said. “We sat down with the boys at the end of last season and said, ‘We’re so close. We’re literally a bounce away this game and double overtime this game, but a lot of improvement has to take place between now and next season because you really don’t want to be playing for that last bounce. You want to be able to win with some room to spare.’” Prather said the technical areas that need improvement are post play, inside play and shooting, adding that
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who play basketball in general. “They explode because they are driven to explode. Because they can’t imagine not becoming as good as they can,” Prather said. The formula Prather has relied on for recruitment starts with finding a player who is talented in his skills, then ultimately determining whether there is a real competitiveness in him. From there, he said it’s a matter of banking on the players to work their tails off for four years to become as good as they can. “I wish I knew a better formula for how to put those pieces together,” he said. “But in our sport, that’s the way it works,” he said. “This is a really competitive league. Competitive guys defend, competitive guys rebound, competitive guys cry when they lose. We’ve got to find a bigger dose of that.” Junior John Beineke said the team has high goals for his senior year season. “We really want to make some noise in the conference tournament and ultimately win a conference championship. I think every team is playing to be the best. We are going to work our tails off to make that happen.”