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Graphic by Yakira Gurganus
Leigh Tauss
The Super bowl of poliTicS: waTch parTieS acroSS boone
On Tuesday night, voters across Watauga County attended watch parties to view the 2024 election results. These watch parties included the Democratic watch party, the Grand Old Party watch party and the App State Politics Club.
The Democratic watch party occurred at Lost Province Brewing Co. and started at 7 p.m. The event was organized by App State College Democrats.
Sophomore political science major Noelle Johnston shared her thoughts on the night. “I’m here to be around people who have similar views and no matter what, we all come together,” Johnston said.
The GOP watch party occurred at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, starting at approximately 6:30 p.m. Barbecue and other dishes were served in the conference room.
The App State Politics Club held a watch party in Belk Library room 303 at 9 p.m. The watch party was open to all and a crowd of 20 students and Boone locals attended.
All three watch parties ended before the presidential results came in.
The App State Politics Club hosts an election watch party in Belk Library at 9 p.m. on Nov. 5.
as
Liza Constable hugs event attendees
Charlotte Isenberg and Sabrina Sanders at the end of the Democrats watch party at
Brian Juneau, an attendee of the Democratic watch party at Lost Province Brewing Co., cheers as the College Democrats gather for a group photo on Nov. 5. Photog: Kayla Masterman
U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx wears a “Bring Them Home-Now” necklace about the Israeli hostages in Israel, a key issue in the election, on Nov. 5.
Photog: Nicole Evans
Photog: Ashton Woodruff
Gretchen Van De Carr, a volunteer poll worker with the Democratic Party, joins the Democratic watch party on Nov. 5.
Photog: Ava Anzalone
Joel Greer watches election results
they come in at the GOP watch party on Nov. 5. Photog: Hayden Wittenborn
Vice President of App State College Democrats
Lost Province Brewing Co. on Nov. 5.
Photog: Ava Anzalone
Nate Coppenbarger’s journey: From App State student to conservation supervisor
Abigail Eggers | News Reporter private landowners get the education and resources they need relating to their soil and water quality.
Watauga County saw a new candidate on the ballot in the 2024 election cycle: 26-year-old Nate Coppenbarger, who ran unopposed for Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor.
Coppenbarger attended App State as a sustainable development major with a concentration in environmental studies. During his senior year, Coppenbarger went home to Asheville to help his parents take care of his grandparents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I never actually graduated, I got most of the way through my senior seminar and left,” Coppenbarger said.
While Coppenbarger doesn’t plan to finish his degree, he said he feels well-equipped to use what he has learned in his areas of interest.
“I think it’s given me a really good handle on the physical sciences,” Coppenbarger said. “I’m able to interpret and read data quite well and I have an understanding of natural systems and a systems-based approach to thinking about issues.”
Coppenbarger works as a groundskeeper at Daniel Boone Inn, doing jobs like gardening, woodworking and plumbing. He has had this job for three years and plans to continue working for the restaurant while elected as the Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor. Prior to Daniel Boone Inn, he remodeled homes in Asheville.
According to Watauga County’s website, the Soil and Water Conservation District is a subdivision of state government whose job is “planning, executing, and promoting sound conservation practices,” with objectives being accomplished through the “voluntary cooperation” of landowners. Some of the services they list include erosion control, the Agricultural Cost Share program, soil survey information and conservation practices.
“It’s a very nonpolitical board, which I’m looking forward to getting to be a part of,” Coppenbarger said.
Coppenbarger said he has been a member of Down Home for the past two years. Coppenbarger said Down Home is a rural, unaffiliated community organizing group. The organization is a 501(c)(3) and 501(c) (4).
According to the IRS, 501(c)(3) organizations are commonly referred to as charitable organizations, do not serve private interests, and do not attempt to influence legislation or political campaigns.
“He does not care what political party you’re affiliated with. Especially after this hurricane, we are all one, and he recognizes that.” - Katie Maxey, Coppenbarger’s wife
A 501(c)(4) is a tax-exempt social welfare organization that is not organized for profit and operated exclusively to promote social welfare.
Coppenbarger is part of the environmental working group where he did jobs like river cleanups and tabling at the farmers’ market.
Watauga County Board of Commissioners, but lost to Republican Braxton Eggers. Council said Coppenbarger has helped organize river and stream clean-ups and helped with mutual aid in Down Home.
“I have a lot of hands-on experience in construction,” Coppenbarger said. “It’s stuff I really enjoy.”
Coppenbarger said the “gist” of the Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor role is to help
Coppenbarger said he is “really proud” to have worked with Down Home to get transitional housing operators in Watauga County.
Coppenbarger said transitional housing is a place for people who have struggled with addiction to get the resources they need to recover.
Coppenbarger’s wife, Katie Maxey, said she and Coppenbarger worked on relief efforts after Hurricane Helene.
“We were pulling 16-hour days for the first three, four days because it’s important, it’s what you need to do,” Maxey said. “Nate and I are in a position to make it happen, so we’re going to do it.”
Maxey said political affiliation was not a barrier for Coppenbarger.
“He does not care what political party you’re affiliated with. Especially after this hurricane, we are all one, and he recognizes that,” Maxey said.
“He’s able to bridge that gap.”
Coppenbarger called the health of the environment the “groundwork of society,” and said having strong
natural systems provides the best opportunity to navigate a changing climate.
“In terms of the recent storm, that’s one of the things I’m a little nervous about, is to see how much bigger, potentially, the board’s role has gotten since the storm,” Coppenbarger said.
However, Coppenbarger said he is excited about a number of things that come with the position, including using his education and the topics he is interested in, becoming “further ingrained” in the community and being able to get people the help they deserve.
Jon Council met Coppenbarger through Down Home. Council was on the 2024 ballot for
“Me and Nate just became good buddies and we go kayaking together,” Council said. “We have a lot in common, we help each other out when we can. He’s one of the best friends I have in Boone.”
Council described Coppenbarger as kind, community-minded, wellspoken, smart, helpful, driven and hard-working.
“I’m just excited for someone who’s smart and efficient and really canny and savvy about a lot of things to be in a place where he can do the most good,” Council said.
Coppenbarger has been friends with his campaign treasurer, Milo Norlin, since high school. Norlin said Coppenbarger played in Asheville High School’s band with Norlin’s twin brother.
Nate Coppenbarger works on upkeep of the exterior of Daniel Boone Inn on Oct. 31. Photog: Psalter Benbow
Nate Coppenbarger displays his woodworking project in front of Daniel Boone Inn on Oct. 31. Photog: Psalter Benbow
Peak Week disrupted: Boone businesses struggle after Helene
Madalyn Edwards | News Editor
A typical October in the High Country brings the arrival of vibrant leaves, bathing the area in rich colors of red, yellow and orange. With the foliage’s arrival comes the equally vibrant sea of red brake lights dotting the roads up and down Boone.
However, the beginning of this October brought unprecedented damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene — no more was the sea of cars dotting the roads. Instead, seas of floodwater poured over the High Country.
Hurricane Helene’s impact halted Boone’s tourist season, affecting the local economy and many small businesses.
Among the reasons visitors come to the High Country is Peak Week, the time when the fall leaf colors are the most vibrant. Tourists drive along the parkway, visit downtown Boone and attend seasonal events such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches and the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk.
Watauga County’s Peak Week season typically brings the greatest number of visitors by month.
According to Explore Boone’s analytics, over 78,000 nightly visitors stayed in the area during October of 2023.
Emily Neeley, director of marketing and PR for Explore Boone, said two of the main reasons
tourists flock to Boone are for outdoor recreation and wellness.
Other factors that draw guests to the area include its art and culture and music scene, as well as easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which closed due to damage sustained during the hurricane.
She said the Peak Week season has major impacts on the tourism industry and economics of Watauga County.
“That is definitely our busiest season of the year,” Neeley said. “So we are definitely seeing our largest influx of visitors in the month of October.”
Neeley said the “huge economic driver” of tourism influenced the county’s economy by saving taxpayers an average of $649.11 last year, with visitors spending a total of
local businesses during the holiday season, such as choosing to purchase a real Christmas tree from local tree farms in the High Country.
“As a community that relies heavily on the tourist economy, our locally-owned and operated businesses and attractions need visitor support now more than ever,” she wrote in an email.
Neeley said that while many businesses are starting to open their
“As a community that relies heavily on the tourist economy, our locally-owned and operated businesses and attractions need visitor support now more than ever.” - Emily Neeley, director of marketing and PR for Explore Boone
$517 million.
Neeley said with the influx of visitors come economic gains. In addition to saving taxpayer dollars, over 3,000 people are employed by the tourism industry in Watauga County.
At this time, Neeley said it’s too soon to assess the economic impact the storm had on Boone and the surrounding areas. She said one way to support the economy is frequenting
doors to visitors nearly two months after Hurricane Helene, its impact forced them to temporarily close, with some businesses such as hotels offering emergency shelter.
“Hurricane Helene hit the Boone area just before one of the most popular months for visitation, severely impacting Watauga County’s ability to immediately host visitors who look forward to viewing the High Country’s beautiful fall leaf season,” Neeley wrote.
She said Explore Boone encourages visitors to plan ahead, prioritize safety and check road conditions ahead of time on drivenc. gov. Those who wish to support the local economy can do so by visiting the organization’s “Voluntourism” page. She also expressed her
appreciation for those supporting the area during and after the storm.
“On behalf of the Watauga County TDA, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all those, residents and visitors, who have donated their time and money to support our cherished community during these challenging times –thank you!” Neeley wrote.
Howard Neufeld, a professor of plant ecophysiology at App State, tracks the progression of fall leaves leading up to Peak Week, earning him the title of the Fall Color Guy.
Neufeld posts about the leaves and their conditions on his website through App State’s Department of Biology, which he has been running since 2008.
He said the timing of Peak Week depends on several factors, such as climate, temperature and elevation, and the progression of the leaves can speed up or slow down. In late September, his prediction for Peak Week season in Watauga County was from Oct. 10-20, which was less than two weeks after the hurricane hit.
Post-Peak Week, Neufeld posted about the condition of the fall colors on his Fall Color Guy Facebook page.
“This year’s fall leaf color display is, in my opinion, the worst in the ~20 years that I have been doing monitoring. At Grandfather Mt, which usually has great color at this time, even in bad years, nearly all the leaves were gone,” he wrote.
With the main focus of Boone during Peak Week shifting from tourism to rescue and recovery efforts, the economy will be significantly impacted. The North
Carolina Forest Service estimates that 822,000 acres of timberland were damaged, with an estimated $214 million loss.
Sheri Moretz, a storyteller and copy editor with Mast General Store, said Hurricane Helene affected the employee-owned chain of stores.
According to its website, Mast General was originally a retail store established in the 1850s, but now has several locations, many of which are located in Western North Carolina and attract tourists to the area.
Moretz said October is one of the busiest months for the stores, comparable to the holiday season rush. She said a report from Mast General estimates a 24-83% decrease in sales for North Carolina stores compared to last October.
Moretz said the stores have become a staple in the communities they are located in, encouraging visitors to support local businesses in addition to Mast General.
“In most every case, we’re an anchor in every town that we’re in,” she said. “So, the success of our neighbors is dependent a lot on how successful we are in bringing foot traffic downtown.”
Due to the hurricane, the Mast General Annex Store in Valle Crucis remained closed until Oct. 12, and the Mast General Store in Asheville remained closed until Oct. 18 and reopened under shortened hours.
Graphic by Rian Hughes
Graphic by Rian Hughes
Experts address infrastructure, economy, climate change in wake of Hurricane Helene
Three days before Hurricane Helene, a local weatherman wrote his daily headline: “Bring it in, nail it down, shore it up.” Two days before the hurricane, he wrote, “This is not a drill.”
On the morning of the storm, Sept. 27, Ray Russell gave his final warning and wrote, “historic and catastrophic.”
Russell, a self-taught meteorologist and founder of the regional weather website Ray’s Weather Center, wrote those headlines in the days leading up to the storm.
“I got an email from a friend that said ‘You don’t use that kind of language, so I knew that this was big,’” Russell said.
Almost two months have drifted by since the hurricane wreaked havoc across Western North Carolina, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
“It’ll take several months and probably a few years for the scars of the storm not to be visible and seen and felt,” Russell said.
The region is slowly rebuilding with the strength of the Appalachian people and everyone who helped in recovery efforts.
“I don’t know if anybody else felt this, but you know, even though I wasn’t affected that bad personally, just seeing how it destroyed so many lives and so much property was just a sickening feeling,” Russell said.
Geographic Explorer and former professor of climate change in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning, said the power had yet to return to his family farm on Old Beech Mountain Road a month after Helene.
“Roads were completely washed away, bridges were carried away, and that’s gonna take years to rebuild that infrastructure,” Perry said. “The impacts are going to be long-lasting.”
Infrastructure in Boone is in the process of recovery. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, in the five weeks since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, 1,005 roads have been reopened, hundreds more are being repaired and temporary bridges are being constructed.
“Helene made visible the fact that our infrastructure and design standards for roads and bridges and for what we call flood plains are very likely outdated,” Perry said. “The infrastructure is not consistent with the threats and climate we have now.”
Landscape
Known as the Fall Colors Guy for his fall foliage predictions, Howard Neufeld is a professor of plant ecophysiology in App State’s Department of Biology. He said there were hundreds of landslides.
“Roads were completely washed away, bridges were carried away, and that’s gonna take years to rebuild that infrastructure. The impacts are going to be long-lasting.” - Baker Perry, National Geographic Explorer
“It could take years.”
“They’ve left scars on the landscape. It’s going to take a while for them to revegetate,” Neufeld said.
According to the Preliminary Damage and Needs Assessment carried out by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, damage to nursery plants will need multiple seasons to regrow. Natural landscapes at state and national parks may not return to “normal” for years.
In addition to the ecological effects on the community, there are also significant economic ramifications, Neufeld said.
Economy
“Hopefully these mom-and-pop businesses can make it through this bad tourist season,” Neufeld said.
He said he estimates fall color tourism brings in over $1.5 billion just in September, October and November.
“Say we lost two-thirds of that. That’s $700 million lost to the economy,” Neufeld said.
The financial loss is compounded by the disruption of the key tourism season, highlighting the urgent need for governmental support.
“We just lost the biggest tourism season of the year and we need our government leaders to step to the plate and help our tourism industry,” Russell said.
As the winter season approaches, Neufeld explained there is potential for the economy to stabilize and avoid further decline.
“Winter tourism won’t make up for the loss of fall tourism but it will keep it from getting worse,” Neufeld said.
Climate
Weather experts such as Russell and Perry have been discussing the effects climate change had on Hurricane Helene.
Helene would’ve been a very impactful storm, so I don’t want to undermine that.”
Five years ago, Perry wrote in the North Carolina Climate Science Report about the increased “threats of extreme floods, more intense hurricanes impacting the state and the fact that the design standards of our infrastructure are not really there.”
Perry said this is more likely than not going to be a part of the future.
The first time Russell heard of climate change was in the 1980s in his postdoctoral fellowship program at NASA Langley Research Center. He said the scientists who discovered the phenomenon came and spoke to the students.
“And that was the first I’d ever heard of warming,” Russell said.
He said the current generation of people is the first generation in human history to actually have the opportunity to create a sustainable world.
Russell said before there is talk about policy changes, the region needs to recover and “get everybody back to even keel.”
However, Russell advises Boone residents to think about how they can advocate for strengthened policies to make us more resilient.
“We’re going to have to, you know, make decisions in the next year, in the next five years to harden us up to the potential climate change,” Russell said.
He said it’s been expressed from the very beginning that the intensity of storms is going to increase and the extremes of weather are going to get bigger.
Plan. The Boone CCAP updates the municipal and community climate goals to achieve three key goals: carbon neutrality for municipal operation by 2030, reducing community-wide GHG emissions by 54% by 2030 and community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper wrote in the Preliminary Damage and Needs Assessment that the people of Western North Carolina are determined and tough.
“We will recover from this storm,” Cooper wrote.
“There’s going to be a massive amount of spending on rebuilding homes.”
Infrastructure Baker Perry, a National
Neufeld said to wait for winter because not much will grow, but next spring most of the areas will revegetate and people will slowly try to get their lives back.
“It’s hard to say exactly how much of a role climate change played in this, but we know that there’s more water vapor in the atmosphere, so extreme rainfall events have become more common,” Perry said. “Even if we didn’t have a warmer climate,
“That’s the reality of the climate we live in now,” Perry said.
Initiatives have already been implemented to address climate change this year in Boone.
For example, in March 2024, the Boone Town Council adopted the Boone Community Climate Action
Cooper said success for the region will depend upon significant investments in public infrastructure, housing, agriculture, schools and businesses.
“A lot of people are helping other people which is really good,” Neufeld said.
Graphic by Kayla Masterman
Boone’s Bradford Park battles flood damage and barriers
Omar Alvarez Valencia | Translations Editor
Editor’s note: Resident interviews were conducted in Spanish. Direct quotes were translated to English. The translated version of this story can be found online under the Spanish translations tab on theappalachianonline.com.
Following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Town of Boone returned to normalcy with lifted curfews, re-opened shops and restaurants and resumed operations at App State. However, the same cannot be said about one community, Bradford Park, located just a sevenminute drive from downtown.
Over a month after the flooding, wall panels, insulation, appliances and children’s toys like scooters and soccer balls can be found in piles of rubble outside the mobile homes that have been completely gutted and turned inhospitable. The majority-Hispanic community was faced with Helene’s most catastrophic repercussions, leaving many people displaced.
According to FEMA’s Citizenship and Immigration Status Flyer, no disaster assistance can be provided for people who are not considered U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens which include legal permanent residents, those granted asylum or refugee status among other restrictions.
to get the help they need, placing them at a huge disadvantage.
Francisco Ortíz, a resident of Bradford Park, called Sept. 27 “a day I never saw coming.” His mobile home is located alongside Mutton Creek, a tributary of the South Fork New River, which placed him directly in the path of Helene’s flooding.
His family consists of his 2-year-old son, 6-year-old daughter, wife and mother-in-law. He and his family have lived in Boone for over two years.
into the
by providing propane and necessary supplies.
their car for weeks after the storm until they received an RV camper that was donated by a local church.
Despite the severe damages his mobile home suffered, Ramírez said he is still being charged rent for the space by the landlords of Bradford Park.
By 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 27, the water
Ortíz said. “What can I say, so much sacrifice, well, all the work one does here as a Hispanic in the community.”
In the weeks following the flooding, Ortíz and his family have been forced to move in with their relatives in tight living quarters.
“My kids made their home there and we’re battling to return,” he said.
Saraí Ambrosio, another resident of Bradford Park, was out of town the day Helene hit, but when she came back, her community was no longer the same.
“It brought me so much sadness seeing my home destroyed,” she said. “Seeing all the fallen trees, it was sad and shocking at the same time.”
Although the Bradford Park community has received help from local organizations, the language barrier still remains an obstacle for many in the Hispanic community who are unable to reach the right resources
levels reached his mobile home.
“In less than 10, 20 minutes, it was filling with water,” Ortíz said. “We didn’t have time to take more stuff, the only things we were able to get was a little bit of the kids’ clothes.”
As the creek rose, all Ortíz could do was sit back and watch as his home washed away.
“I felt so much helplessness, truly,”
Ortíz, who works in construction and remodeling projects, has dedicated himself to fixing his mobile home and returning to the place he called home. He has ripped out the floors, wall panels and insulation and bought new materials to rebuild the mobile home.
“We’re about 80% done with the repairs,” he said.
While much of the work has been done on his own, Ortíz has received help from local churches who have sent laborers to help him with the repairs. He said he was surprised to find such a helpful community.
“I wanted to do it, repair the trailer, remove the wet floors, the damaged panels,” Ortíz said. “I’m grateful for the community, truly, it’s
given me so much support.”
Martín Ramírez has lived at Bradford Park with his wife for over a decade. He’s been in Boone for 14 years since he moved from Guanajuato, Mexico, in search of “greater job opportunities.”
He described living in Boone as “beautiful” and “tranquil” however, he saw his whole world turn upside down in Helene’s wake.
Ramírez’s home is completely inhabitable after the flood. He lost his mobile home as well as everything inside it including appliances, TVs and clothes. With a broken ankle and undergoing dialysis treatment, there was little Ramírez could do to save his personal belongings in all the chaos.
He and his wife were sleeping in
Ambrosio and her family had no choice but to move to their relatives’ home.
“It’s not the same being in someone else’s home and not your own,” she said.
Over a month after the storm, Ambrosio and her family are still in the process of recovering all of their belongings. Her husband, who is a painter, has been working to “slowly buy all the materials needed to go back into their home.” Their car was also totaled due to water damage.
Martín Ramírez’s home photographed on Oct. 29 after it was damaged by Hurricane Helene. With no place to go, Ramírez lived out of his car until receiving a donated camper. Photog: Nicole Evans
Martín Ramírez stood in front of a donated trailer on Oct. 29 that would serve as his temporary home. Harvest House Church volunteers helped Ramírez settle
camper
Photog: Nicole Evans
Saraí Ambrosio and family stand on their front porch in Bradford Park on Oct. 29. The sudden loss of their home and belongings was devastating to the Ambrosios.
Photog: Nicole Evans
framing The momenTS: 2024 year in phoToS
A look back at some of the most impactful photos from the year.
Photog: Mayesivy Carlson
A student holds a brightlycolored poster expressing frustration at former chancellor Sheri Everts during the Save Our Voice Rally on March 3.
Photog: Ella Adams
Taylor Young sings lead vocals to “Dreams” by Solange at Espresso News on Feb. 24.
89-year-old Joan Hearn takes her 26th plunge at the Blowing Rock WinterFest Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 27. She has taken the plunge every year that Blowing Rock has hosted the festival.
Photog: Leah Matney
A recent graduate embraces their father after the commencement ceremony on May 11 on the skywalk bridge.
Photog: Evan Bates
Wide receiver Christan Horn hypes up his teammates during warm-ups at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Oct. 26. Photog: Max Sanborn
Brad Paisley on guitar performing for The Appalachian Summer Festival on July 27. Photog: Emily Simpson
The Appalachian A YEAR IN PHOTOS
Marlene Vert stands outside of her home in Bavarian Village on Sept. 28. Residents were displaced due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. Photog: Nicole Evans
Yosef poses with the May 2023 edition of The Appalachian in front of the Founders Plaza on April 23. Photog: Sam Fleming
Educated Guess’ bassist Alvin Carlisle delivers with a night full of funky basslines on April 4.
Photog: Sam Fleming
Students share their frustrations with the administration’s efforts to support athletics on campus but not the arts on March 28. Photog: Ashton Woodruff
Missy V. Sour’s silver dress was a crowd favorite of the night with its sparkles on Feb. 17. She was the cohost for the night alongside Bubbles Liqueur and ended the night with her dance to “CUFF IT” by Beyoncé. Photog: Hayden Wittenborn
Cold Front drummer Joe Whallen jams in front of Off The Rack’s vintage shoe wall on April 19. Photog: Nicole Evans
Campus organizations’ goals for a ‘mighty’ New Year
Rebekah Mann | A&C Reporter
Before the fall semester comes to an end, campus organizations are planning ahead to enter the new year with forward-facing goals.
Jordan Kessler, Mountaineer Recovery community coordinator, said one of Mountaineer Recovery’s missions is to make campus more recovery friendly.
Kessler said since the college environment can make students susceptible to developing or relapsing addiction, the community hosts events like an annual sober tailgate to ensure students who are recovering from addiction can safely participate in college experiences.
Additionally, they focus on destigmatizing addiction by informing people about how recovery applies to more than just substance use.
“It’s an invisible disability essentially,” Kessler said. “We just want people to see that it can happen to anyone.”
Kessler said a big part of achieving that goal is simply growing their participation in weekly support groups. She said the organization has seen growth in the community each semester since she joined about a year and a half ago, and continuing that trend is a priority.
“We had no participation at first, and now we have, you know, somebody in almost every one of our groups,” Kessler said.
Their All-Recovery group offers help to students who are looking
to start or maintain their recovery journey for substance and/or behavioral addictions, like disordered eating.
They also offer a Friends and Family group, which provides attendees with skills to help communicate with their loved ones who are struggling with addiction, and to understand more about what their loved ones are experiencing.
Their support groups use SelfManagement and Recovery Training Recovery techniques, which is an evidence-based program designed to help attendees manage cravings, cope with triggers and build a balanced, fulfilling life.
“The only caveat is that people ideally go to the group that fits best with them,” Kessler said. “Someone going to SMART Recovery Friends and Family wouldn’t go to an AllRecovery meeting unless they’re also in recovery.”
On their Engage roster, the community has 16 registered members, but group attendance varies.
“We’re small, but we’re mighty,” Kessler said.
Looking at another on-campus organization, Edgar Jaimes-Ramos, vice president of the Latin Hispanic Alliance, said one of their goals also involves destigmatization.
He said people outside of the organization often view them as “the Mexican club,” so they’re aiming to move away from that misconception
The campus manager of StudentMade App State Bella Ladue poses outside of Belk Library on Nov. 1. Photog: Mady Helt
to foster more engagement.
“We really try to be inclusive to everybody, so we’ve been inviting our personal friends that are from different ethnicities,” Jaimes-Ramos said. “We’ve tried to tailor it more towards a more broad, open general public.”
Jaimes-Ramos said two of their executive board members are not of Hispanic ethnicity and help offer an outside perspective while planning events and meetings.
Ramos said. “It takes a lot of people, and it takes somebody that is an alumni that’s willing to put in that work outside of it.”
Bella Ladue, campus manager of Student-Made App State, said her organization also takes alumni into consideration. Since student-creators are registered as their own business, Student-Made’s campus-wide headquarters has an alumni program so graduates still have a way to sell their products.
percentage out of their creators’ pay. Additionally, if a buyer does not select on-campus pick up, the organization pays for the shipping labels of all online orders.
“That is such a different thing, and this club gives people the resources to do it,” Ladue said.
Ladue said there is no cap on the amount of creators StudentMade can have, and people who are interested in joining can do so through their website.
“Overall, we want our creators to be as successful as possible,” Ladue said. “And I think that is like the number one thing.”
“I’m nowhere near the arts, so it gives me an outlet to still have that part of myself,” Ladue said. “This makes you make time for it.”
“I think with us having them up there, and showing that they do have a voice and that they can be part of us, brings in more people,” JaimesRamos said.
Along with their general mission of providing a space for students to experience Hispanic culture on campus, Jaimes-Ramos said the organization has been in contact with the Alumni Center about starting a Hispanic and Latin-based alumni group.
Ladue said a big part of what dictates success for their creators is sales, which are heavily reliant on the organization’s website logistics and traffic.
“We want as much positive traffic as we can get, so we’ve really been trying to promote it more,” Ladue said.
President of Appalachian Educators Katlyn Poole said her club aims to provide future teachers stills they can use both inside and outside the classroom.
“That’s kind of something big that we’re working on,” Jaimes-
Beyond the joining fee, Ladue said Student-Made doesn’t take any
Mountaineer Recovery Community Coordinator Jordan Kessler sits inside of Wellness and Prevention Services on Oct. 29. Photog: Mady Helt
Vice President of the Latin Hispanic Alliance Edgar Jaimes-Ramos poses in Plemmons Student Union on Aug. 23. Photog: Taylor Ward
The Appalachian ARTS & CULTURE
From Friendsgiving to fireworks: Celebrating the holidays in Boone
Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, there are plenty of ways to create your own sense of tradition this season. Whether you’re working full time, are an out of state student or you’re spending the holidays in Boone, here is a list of ways to make your own traditions with your chosen college family.
Thanksgiving
During the giving season, community-oriented activities like volunteering, clothing swaps, Friendsgiving and craft nights offer ways to stay engaged.
Friendsgiving is for those who are spending the holiday with their friends and still want to have a dinner or celebration. For the meal you can have traditional Thanksgiving food or switch it up and choose a different food theme.
Each person can bring their own dish, dessert or drink. You can go around the table and ask everyone what they are thankful for or make a poster that everyone can write on.
With the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade blaring in the background and the smell of a home-cooked, or takeout, meal wafting through your home, host a Friendsgiving this year.
Swing by the farmers’ market for local produce or baked goods and have a card or board game night. Or play touch football like that one “Friends” episode.
Grab that pile of clothes that’s been sitting in the backseat of your car for months and trade them for something new with a clothing swap. Revamp your closet at no cost by hosting a sustainable shopping spree with friends.
Give your thanks back to the community by volunteering at non-profits in town. Some include Hospitality House, FARM Cafe and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. According to their website, BRWIA has an online market, The
High Country Food Hub, which is always looking for community volunteers every Wednesday from 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. to help prepare and hand out customer orders. Learn more about volunteer opportunities for the food hub on their website.
Christmas, Hanukkah and other winter festivities
Celebrate the holiday season in Watauga County with festivals, parades, barhopping, ice skating and holiday-themed events in town.
Attend the Festive First Friday and Solar Tree Lighting on Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m.
Lane Moody, the Town of Boone’s downtown development coordinator, said First Friday has horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, a snowball fight, letter writing to Santa and face painting.
“I feel like for Festive First Friday it’s one of those sweet opportunities to bring together our community and downtown and we encourage people to shop local and get those unique presents for your family members,” she said.
Additionally, community members are encouraged to watch the solar tree lighting on the lawn of the Jones House Community Center and hang out downtown, she said.
There’s always opportunities for help and volunteer work, Moody said.
An article published in The Appalachian in 1979 reported on kicking off the holiday season with the annual Boone parade and the winning float of that year.
The article, written by Virginia Myers, described members of the Home Economics club dressed as walking gift boxes, clowns and Yosef Club Mountaineer members handing out candy.
Many other community members turned out for the event including clowns, Girl and Boy Scouts, cloggers and more.
Local dignitaries and beauty queens rode by in Corvettes, and antique car horns tooted at the bystanders.
Although it may look a bit different than it did in the 1970s - no clowns this time - Boone is keeping the holiday spirit alive with the Town
of Boone Holiday Parade this year from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 14.
“Proceeding east down King Street, the parade features local businesses and organizations showing off their Christmas and holiday best with floats, marchers, costumes and performances - with Santa Claus himself making an appearance at the finale!” reads the Town of Boone website.
After the parade, visit the festively-decorated Jones House for a cup of hot chocolate and holiday cookies, the Town of Boone website reads.
The Chetola Resort is hosting its annual festival of lights from Nov. 29 to Jan. 26 in Blowing Rock at no cost, the displays illuminating at dusk each night.
“As you drive or stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, ‘Rudolph’ reeling in a big fish, strolling carolers and many more captivating holiday scenes,” Chetola Resort’s website reads.
Riley Proserpi | A&C Reporter
The lighting of the Menorah held during Boone’s Festive First Friday at the Jones House Community Center on Dec. 1, 2023. Courtesy of Lane Moody
Horse-drawn carriages make their way through downtown Boone during Festive First Friday on Dec. 1, 2023. Photog: Courtesy of Lane Moody
Face painting festivities at Boone’s Festive First Friday celebration on Dec. 1, 2023. Photog: Courtesy of Lane Moody
& CULTURE
Function meets fashion on the slopes of Appalachia
Owen Marcellino | A&C Reporter
Throughout the decades, student life at App State has been propelled by the opportunities and community the surrounding outdoors provide. As the leaves fall and the creeks freeze, it is crucial to find ways to stay active and comfortable.
Winning “Best Elective” in the 2023 edition of “Best of Boone,”skiing, as well as snowboarding, have been immensely popular as students’ winter sports of
winter students at App State race to the slopes, or in some cases, onto AppalNet to register for one of the fleeting spots in a beginner ski or snowboarding class.
In the Feb. 7, 1980, edition of The Appalachian, it was reported nearly 80% of students had never met the slopes before attending App State. In an effort to aid inexperienced students, Staff Writer John Kirk explored the do’s and don’ts of ski clothing.
“To fully enjoy skiing, proper clothing is essential,” Kirk wrote.
As one layers up and piles on as many pairs of socks as possible for warmth, it’s necessary to find a balance between fashion
and safety on the slopes.
Junior recreation management major Sophia Eberly loves tackling the slopes in an assortment of winter clothing.
When preparing for a day of adventuring down black diamonds, she is primarily concerned with how warm she will be.
“Layering is such a big part of everyday fashion, but I’m not thinking of it the same way when I’m going skiing because I just want to be warm,” Eberly said.
In the Jan. 23, 1996, edition of The Appalachian, reporter Leah Rubin wrote, “I enjoy the ski pants because they keep me from freezing my butt off when I fall.”
After learning how to ski while attending ski school when she was young, Eberly reflects on the changes in style she’s noticed on the slopes.
“I feel like I see a lot more people wearing baggy ski pants,” Eberly said.
Baggy pants aren’t just a trend on the slopes, rather there has been a rapid shift towards baggy clothing in streetwear and everyday clothing throughout the 2020s.
“My mom will see my ski pants and be like, ‘Those are too big on you,’ and I’m like no they’re just comfortable,” Eberly said.
When it comes to the correct pants to wear on the slopes, many people have differing opinions. Due to the unreliable weather in North Carolina, you might even find people skiing shirtless with nothing on but a pair of shorts.
Eberly insists as long as one is comfortable on the slopes, they are guaranteed an enjoyable adventure, regardless of what they wear.
“I’ll see people in jeans or something funny like a onesie,” Eberly said.
One of the most vital parts of one’s ski wear is what protects their head. Under a helmet, beanies of all styles and colors are speeding down
the slopes. In the same 1996 article, Rubin interviewed student Patrick Foggiamo, who said, “You can wear all sorts of crazy-looking hats.”
Besides the warm clothing needed for any outdoor adventure, the gear you bring to the slopes is equally important. Finding the right pair of ski boots can be the difference between a good time and a bad time on the mountain.
Buying her first pair of skis at 15, Eberly hasn’t thought twice about investing in her own gear. Eberly argues the most important part of her gear is the combination of her boots and the skis themselves.
“If you have a bad pair of boots, you’re cooked,” Eberly said.
To ensure a successful time on the
slopes, proper gear is essential. Other than purchasing the gear itself, many ski resorts and outdoor equipment shops provide rental programs.
Just down NC-105, 1st Tracks Ski & Snowboard Shop offers inperson and online rental programs. Appalachian Ski and the Student Recreation Center offer numerous student and group discounts on rentals that include the essentials: skis, boots, poles and a helmet.
As one layers through the changing weather, a set of skis or a snowboard awaits them at the top of the slopes, providing a memorable experience for any student at App State.
A photo of skiers in a Jan. 19, 1973, edition of The Appalachian.
An ad for Alpine Ski Center in the Dec. 4, 1984, edition of The Appalachian.
Employee of 1st Tracks Ski & Snowboard Shop Mike Novacek poses with the shop's ski apparel on Nov. 9. Photog: Hayden Wittenborn
Mike Novacek sports ski gear sold at 1st Tracks Ski & Snowboard Shop on Nov. 9. Photog: Hayden Wittenborn
13 The Appalachian SPORTS
The App State Alpine Ski team competes at Wintergreen Resort in V.A. on Feb. 11, 2023. Courtesy of Grace Houle
App State’s growing ski team prepares for competitive season
Fran Murphy | Sports Reporter
Skiing in Boone has strengthened within the last year due to increased interest in the App State Alpine Ski Team. The club interest meeting in 2023 doubled this year, jumping from 35 to 70 students.
Daniel Jones was a member of the App State ski club from 2013-17. After graduating, he returned in 2018 as the head coach and has been in the position ever since.
“It meant a lot to me while I was a student on the team,” Jones said.
“I wanted to make sure the team had the resources, guidance and advising that I kind of wished we would’ve had when I was a student, and I felt like I had a good means to provide that kind of resource for the team.”
App State races with an organization called the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association. They race in the
southeast division, competing against teams like Virginia Tech, James Madison, Duke, NC State and UNCChapel Hill.
The team does not have a win and loss record like other sports. Instead, they accumulate points during each meet which can qualify them to compete in regionals.
Individual skiers compete in the conference and have the opportunity to qualify for regionals and nationals.
“Pretty typically, year after year, we usually qualify for regionals and then there’s a few individuals who qualify for nationals,” Jones said.
Grace Houle is vice president of the ski club and this will be her third season as a member of the club.
“After my first year on the team I started to really realize the quality of the connections we were making,” Houle said. “There’s this vibe of, we want there to be lasting connections afterwards.”
The ski club builds on their sense
of community by participating in activities spread out throughout the year.
“We have our drylands where we’ll do campfires, we’ll do picnics, we’ll do hikes out on the Blue Ridge,” Houle said.
The club goes to travel races throughout the season.
“Once the ski season does come around, we’re basically living in a house together for several weeks in a row,” Houle said. “So, it’s nice to be able to know who you’re going to be living with.”
Aspiring members can reach out through the clubs website, email or Instagram.
“People interested in joining should contact us as soon as possible,” Houle said.
Fees are due for new members before Nov. 23.
“There’s significantly more people that join the team now that are really serious about
competition,” Jones said.
While the club invites members to bring this high level of competition, people who lean closer to recreational skiing are also welcome.
“We would rather people are safe and having a good time, instead of being overly stressed out and really worried about how they’re doing,” Houle said.
Although official dates are not yet announced, the team intends to start practice mid- January, and meets will begin shortly after. The team holds private practices at Sugar Mountain on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Mountaineer Makeover: Fresh Faces Fuel
App State’s New Season
Parker Egeland | Sports Reporter
On March 20, the App State men’s basketball team had its season ended by Wake Forest in the first round of the NIT. It was a strong season for the Black and Gold, highlighted by an undefeated record in the Holmes Convocation Center and a regular season Sun Belt
Championship.
Not a single starter from that game has returned for this season.
In total, the Mountaineers lost 60.8 points per game of their season total 78.5 points to either the transfer portal or through running out of eligibility. Head coach Dustin Kerns combated that, getting players from all different levels.
Kerns brought in six freshmen and seven transfers, 13 players who will be new to the
program wanting to leave their mark on the High Country.
“We are going to rely on our championship culture,” Kerns said in a press conference on Oct. 22. “In five years here, we have won two championships.
is one of the headlines of the Mountaineers’ transfer portal class.
Redshirt freshman center Luke Wilson looks for a pass during the App State vs. Miami-Ohio RedHawks game on Nov. 4.
Photog: Landon Williams
I think today, rosters come and go, that’s just the way things go. You can look at Alabama, a Final Four team last year; they have eight new players themselves. I just think that us coaches try and rely on our culture, rely on the things we’ve established.”
Kerns is familiar with the transfer portal and its workings. App State’s leading returner in points and minutes, senior guard Myles Tate, transferred from Butler in the 202223 season.
“It’s a lot of hours in this room here. It’s a lot of visits and a lot of time,” Kerns said. “As a staff, you gotta know what works here, you gotta know our core values from a character standpoint and obviously from a basketball standpoint whether it’s shooting, whether it’s ball handling.
Certainly today in college athletics, there are a lot of factors that go in. I think it has to be a mix and match of everything.”
Graduate student guard Jackson Threadgill
Threadgill transferred to App State from Charlotte after four years with the program. In those four years, Threadgill averaged 5.7 points per game on over 40% shooting. In his time at Charlotte, he never played fewer than 20 minutes per game in a single season. This past season, he struggled from behind the arc, averaging 28% from three-point range, but he is a career 33% threepoint shooter.
Threadgill is planning on being one of the leaders of a new team that also has six new freshmen on it, being in his fifth and final year of college basketball.
“I hope to bring experience, leadership and a veteran presence to this year’s team,” Threadgill said. “We have a lot of new faces and young guys on the team, and I think I can help lead the charge with my prior experience in college basketball.”
“You gotta know our core values from a character standpoint and obviously from a basketball standpoint whether it’s shooting, whether it’s ball handling. Certainly today in college athletics, there are a lot of factors that go in. I think it has to be a mix and match of everything.”
- Dustin Kerns, men’s basketball head coach
Threadgill will be playing with two of his former high school teammates at Davidson Day in Davidson: graduate student forward CJ Huntley and fellow transfer graduate student guard Will Coble. Coble came from Division III Randolph-Macon, where he averaged 5.9 points per game on 41% from the field.
Playing with old teammates was a major factor in Threadgill’s decision.
“Will committed after me, so CJ being here definitely impacted my decision, and I think me coming and CJ already being here impacted Will coming here,” Threadgill said in a press conference on Oct. 22. “But the familiarity piece was very important for me, just ‘cause it’s my fifth year here, and it’s only gonna be one year here. I think that having those people around has made the transition easier for me.”
There are two other Division I transfers coming to the High Country this season, and they both come from Texas schools. Senior forward Jalil Beaubrun averaged 8 points a game last season at Stephen F. Austin, shooting 52.8% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. Junior guard Alonzo Dodd came from Texas A&M Commerce where he averaged 6.6 points and shot 39.3% from the field last year.
“Some of my strengths include getting my teammates involved at a high level and taking what the defense gives me. I can see the floor very well. I hope to bring energy, knowledge and leadership to this team and help us win in any way possible,” Dodd said.
Kerns was able to get players from numerous places at the lower levels of college athletics. There is Coble from Randolph-Macon, but there also will
15 The Appalachian SPORTS
be a number of players who come from junior colleges and community colleges who will be very impactful for the Mountaineers.
Of those players, there is junior guard Dior Conners, who averaged 14 points per game at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, shooting 44% from the field.
“I would describe myself as an impact player and I hope I can build off the team’s success from last season and help bring more this season,” Conners said.
Junior forward Ben Ezeagu averaged 12.8 points per game at Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas, shooting 63% from the field. Ezeagu is the first Canadian-born player to play for the Mountaineers since Jake Babic in 2017.
“I’m a coachable player who will do whatever it takes to help my team win games,” Ezeagu said. “I hope to bring energy and toughness to the team that will help impact winning.”
Junior guard Jamil Muttilib averaged 19.2 points at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas, which is the second highest scoring transfer the Mountaineers have gotten in Kerns’ time at App State, only behind Tyree Boykin in 2022.
“I’m a player willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Muttilib said. “I’m going to bring energy, tenacity and excitement to App State both offensively and defensively.”
This upcoming team is tied with the 2019-20 team for the most freshmen in Kerns’ tenure with the Black and Gold with six newcomers who have now played their first games for the Mountaineers.
Forward Michael Marcus Jr. is from Indian Trail and Covenant Day High School. In his senior season at Covenant Day, Marcus averaged 14.9 points in 23 games and led his team to a 4A semifinal appearance.
Hailing from Winterthur, Switzerland, forward Andrin Njock is the first Swiss-born player to ever play for the Mountaineers. During the U18 world championships, Njock averaged 14 points while shooting 60.6% from the field. His best game was against Iceland, where he finished the game with 18 points and 11 rebounds, his only double-double of the tournament.
Guard Jonah Long is from Hickory, just down the road from App State. In Long’s final season at University Christian High School, he averaged 19.1 points on 42%
in Charlottesville, Virginia, he averaged 17.5 points per game and led his school to a Virginia Division II state championship, winning every game in the tournament by more than 20 points. Clarke averaged 21.3 points per game in the state tournament.
“I would describe myself as a high-energy point guard who brings intensity on both ends of the floor and makes plays for the team,” Clarke said. “What I hope to bring to our team is a mindset that I’ll do what it takes to win while playing alongside guys who have won in the past.”
days. He is a guy we really expect to be in the rotation,” Kerns said. “He has got great size and shot-blocking ability, but he’s also got some really good athleticism. So he just needs some reps.”
The new roster is off to a strong start for the Mountaineers. The game against St. Andrews was an important win for team chemistry. Fifteen different players got into the game, and each scored at least once. Marcus was the highest point in a game full of them, with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
shooting from the field.
Guard Anthony Alston is from Fayetteville. Alston helped Grayson High School receive a top-five national ranking and the number one rank in the state of Georgia in his final season at the school.
Guard Cameron O’Kelly is from Seneca, South Carolina. In O’Kelly’s final season at Seneca High School, he averaged 16.9 points per game on 40% shooting from the field.
Guard Jason Clarke Jr. is from Silver Spring, Maryland. In Clarke’s final season at Miller School of Albemarle
Center Luke Wilson is a redshirt freshman who was with the Mountaineers last year but did not appear in a single game. Wilson expects to receive an increase in role in this upcoming season, and he is someone Kerns thinks of highly.
“You can now see it, and he has had some really good
Graduate student guard Jackson Threadgill looks for play options while defending the ball against the Miami-Ohio RedHawks on Nov. 4.
Photog: Landon Williams
App State men’s basketball team warms up before their game against St. Andrews on Nov. 6.
Photog: Emily Simpson
Leah’s Lens: How the 2024 election season made history
Leah Boone | Opinion Editor
Election season this year has been nothing short of eventful, with unexpected twists and turns all along the way.
Whether it was Joe Biden dropping out, Donald Trump being found guilty on all 34 felony counts or Kamala Harris quickly exceeding all expectations, there were a multitude of events this season no one could have predicted. However, regardless of the countless memes and jokes that have come out of the events, it is important to keep emphasis on the historical occurrences and what they mean for the future.
The 2024 presidential election could very well be the most important and terrifying election of all time, with thousands of peoples’ livelihoods and rights on the line.
The stress felt by thousands of people throughout the season should spark a question in everyone’s mind: why?
The answer, though can be stated simply, is actually far deeper than meets the eye — the entire future is riding on it.
When the two-party system was emerged in the1820s, there was absolutely no way the founders could have predicted the 2024 election would be between a biracial woman and a convicted felon. While the founding fathers are most likely rolling in their graves over Harris’ candidacy, what is truly appalling is the leniency with which Trump’s felonies are being treated.
Trump already made history during his presidency as the only president to be impeached twice. He will be the only president to have been convicted of a felony, much less 34 of them.
On the other hand, Harris has also made history — she was the first Black and South Asian woman to be vice president, as well as the first to win the Democratic nomination. As you can see, one of these things is not like the other.
Biden dropping out served as a monumental game changer for the 2024 election. With the loss of support from young voters throughout his campaigning, it was
clear many citizens did not feel confident in either candidate.
Harris lit a fire under young voters, giving them a candidate they were truly excited to vote for. This was evident through Harris’ record-breaking fundraising efforts during the beginning of her campaign.
Additionally, some of the biggest names in pop culture right now publicly endorsed Harris — Taylor Swift, “The Avengers” cast, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Beyoncé and many more are among the top names. Trump, on the other hand? Jake Paul, Bryce Hall, Kid Rock and Elon Musk. A sad list for a sad man.
In Oregon and Washington, there were multiple cases of ballot drop boxes being set on fire, subsequently ruining hundreds of people’s ballots and forcing many voters to go to lengths to ensure their vote is still being counted.
It is a truly devastating reality that a presidential race between a narcissistic bigot and a devoted and truthful politician has remained nail-bitingly close throughout the whole season. The U.S. political system becoming increasingly more
polarized has served only as a hindrance to true democracy, alienating more and more people along the way.
On Nov. 6, as millions of U.S. residents woke up, their worlds were turned upside down. Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States, winning both the popular vote and the electoral college vote.
This election was historic in many ways, but the results bring an entirely new definition to the word. Not only was Trump the first convicted felon to be on the presidential ballot, he is now the first convicted felon to win the presidency.
For the second time in eight years, a strong and capable candidate has lost against this man. In 2016, the argument was that Hillary Clinton lost because of the email controversy. Today, it is clear why she actually lost: She is a woman.
If the overall reasoning was
something other than the Democratic candidate’s gender, the pattern would have continued in the 2020 election. Instead, Biden beat Trump in both the popular vote and the electoral college vote.
At the end of the day, it is clear a candidate’s gender was prioritized over her qualifications not once, but twice. In a country that claims to be based on equality and fundamental freedoms, thousands of people continue to fall short in that regard.
Harris gave her concession speech on Nov. 6 at Howard University, her alma mater. It was a speech full of life, love and respect — three things Trump has never given. In her speech, she reminded citizens that the fight was not over.
“Hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright,” Harris said. “As long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”
It is extremely easy to get caught up in the anger and sadness of the
election results, especially knowing how Trump’s last presidency went and what he plans to do in his next term. It is also natural to spend hours wondering what went wrong. Unfortunately, a set answer will never be known for this question. Maybe if Harris had more time to campaign, made her stance on certain issues more known or was able to debate Trump again, things would be different. However, a life spent asking questions will do nothing but cause more strife.
As this historical election season comes to an end, it is important to remember the positive things that occurred — Josh Stein beat Mark Robinson for North Carolina governor, the first openly transgender person, Sarah McBride, was elected to Congress and Harris, a Black and South Asian woman, still received almost half of the popular vote.
Harris ended her concession speech with an adage that has been around for centuries: Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. She went on to say “But here’s the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars.”
As the U.S. prepares for the next four years, regardless of the darkness you may feel right now, remember Harris’ words — there will always be light.
Graphic by Bobby Carter
17 The Appalachian OPINION
OPINION: No, climate change is not Gen Z’s problem
Allison Lehan | Associate Opinion Editor
With each passing year, scientific reports on the state of the planet’s ecological processes become increasingly harrowing.
Climate change has proven to fulfill and exceed decades worth of terrifying projections for the kind of environmental degradation people will experience should historic changes not be made to correct harmful human lifestyle practices.
Despite the actualization of predictions such as lethal “natural” disasters, ocean acidification and atmospheric warming, human response has not only failed to improve; it’s gotten worse, and part of the problem is diversion of responsibility.
The idea of the future “lying in the hands of the youth” has been taken to a dangerous extreme in the form of apathy amongst older generations. The notion of climate change being a problem strictly for Generation Z to solve has been suggested too often and perpetuated for far too long within everyday discourse.
This idea is a sorry excuse for inaction disguised as a kind of admirable faith in the ability of today’s young people to clean up a deadly mess they didn’t spend decades aggravating.
It is a diversion of responsibility and redirection of blame out of either ignorance and selfishness or perceived helplessness, and it perpetuates the misconception that people past a certain age are unable to change and positively contribute to society.
Science has known about the devastating effect human activities have on the natural environment as we now understand it since the 1950s, but only within recent decades have conditions accelerated enough for more of the general public to begin caring.
The fact that this information
has been available for so long, such that the degradation the planet has to face and will continue facing indefinitely could have been even partially prevented, is indescribably disheartening. Considering the apathy that continues to plague the mentalities of those who have the tools to make a difference, though, it’s unfortunately not that hard to understand.
A harmful pattern of thinking exists among people of all ages regarding how age affects one’s place in society, primarily in the West. Many think the future of change lies almost exclusively in the paths of college students and unattached people in their twenties with no families or advantageous careers to consume their time, because for older adults, that ship has already sailed.
If children are not mature enough to inflict societal change and most adults are too mature to do the same, then that leaves an incredibly small window in a person’s life to be eligible to make a difference. It sounds ridiculous because it is.
The life experience and wisdom older people tend to have could prove
understand how to go about achieving change. Instead, older people are revered in positions of power for that very same experience and wisdom, but absolved of guilt when it comes time to address uncomfortable, fairly unfamiliar issues like climate change and other still-emerging consequences of longterm capitalism.
The average age of a U.S. Congress member is 58 years old. The median age for a world leader is 62. How long must the Earth wait before someone young enough comes along to inflict climate change reform, stop global humanitarian crises and make an actual attempt at preserving some semblance of a future for their children instead of their wealth and power? How long before it’s too late?
The assertion that young people should carry most of the responsibility for responding to climate change is also a primary driving force behind a high concentration of climate anxiety amongst Gen Z. The daily barrage
of news covering climate change catastrophes and political inaction is enough to send any otherwise mentally-stable person into an existential crisis –– it’s worse when one is told that they also have to fix it. Gen Z only makes up about 20% of the global population. By 2050, there will be around double the amount of people over 50 as there are today, approximately 3.2 billion. This 20% of the
is organized and operates. Everyone must work to educate themselves politically and strive to understand the way disparity affects people, to understand how their lifestyle will change the future and to understand that today’s fight will be tomorrow’s success. Failing to understand the consequences one’s actions have on the planet is irresponsible and reckless. Life doesn’t stop after 40, but it might after climate change.
Graphics by Emma Getz
Click the link in bio
Julia Woodring | Director of Marketing and PR
I have been a part of The Appalachian since the first semester of my freshman year. I started off as a nervous, quiet marketing representative desperate to make a good impression. Then, when the Director of Marketing and PR position opened up that spring, I decided to apply, even though I felt that I was wildly underqualified — I was.
My sophomore year, I had the privilege of being the Associate Director of Marketing and PR, or as I like to
say, getting all the experience with way less responsibility. Finally, at the end of my sophomore year, I took over as the Director of Marketing and PR.
Being a part of four full staffs and three editorial boards has given me so many amazing memories. Some bright spots include staying up late in the newsroom reporting on the 2022 midterm elections, learning a dance for the Homecoming lip sync battle, getting The Appalachian’s name and logo tattooed on
my arm forever — I did it for the gram — group dinners with ed board and the marketing desk and countless meetings that have dissolved into fits of giggles.
After three and a half years, I have no idea what my life looks like without The Appalachian in it. But, although I will be logging off for the last time very soon, I know that I can always find The Appalachian in my email inbox, my Instagram feed and my bookmarked web pages. So whenever I feel too far from this place I’ve come to call home, I’ll just click the link in bio.
Leaving with fear in my heart and a smile on my face
Thomas Turner | Associate Multimedia Editor
I graduated high school in spring of 2022 at the age of 18. I said goodbye to the people I’d seen every day for more than a decade, and drove my car to a hiking trail about 30 miles away. Halfway through that hike I flipped a coin, letting it decide my fate. I never saw what side it landed on.
Two and a half years later, I’m graduating college in fall of 2024 at the age of 21, and I feel the exact same way. I’m counting down each day until the day comes that my life changes forever. In all honesty, the thought terrifies me.
I’m writing this column on Nov. 4, 2024, the night before our wonderful country decides its fate as well, and I feel the same sense of anxiety I felt when I flipped that coin on my hike two and a half years ago. I think about that coin a lot, and I’ve come to this conclusion. Regardless of what side the coin lands on, I have to keep moving forward.
To quote my favorite game, “Xenoblade Chronicles 3,” “This is the truth of our world. Memories melt in the morning light, and then, a new day begins. Roads stretch out before us.
a smile on my face, I will walk toward my chosen horizon, because that is the future I decide for myself.
A tribute to those along the way
Andrew Rice | Political Editor
In August of 2021, a shy freshman with an interest in politics fell out of a coconut tree and into The Appalachian’s newsroom. He wrote with oxford commas, didn’t know how to attribute a quote and found his way into photos of protests that he wasn’t allowed to be in.
That freshman is me, now a senior with four election cycles, hundreds of stories, hours of late nights and one college journalism career I am proud to call my own.
I didn’t know anyone when I first joined The Appalachian. However, when I reflect on my time here, the memories that come to me the most are those made
with the people I now call close friends.
I remember late night Waffle House debriefs after long meetings with Jenna Guzman and Siri Patterson. I remember the laughs with Ashton Woodruff and El Shedrick, giggling conversations with Mia Seligman and the texts with Vivian Parks and Leah Boone while we were literally in the same room. I remember the silly conversations and jokes with Hayden Wittenborn and the comforting consolations with Kaitlyn Close.
My time at The Appalachian doesn’t feel like my own; it feels like a shared experience with all the people around me — the people to whom I will say goodbye.
My favorite author, C.S. Lewis, said
friendship had no “survival value” but that it was “one of those things that gives value to survival.”
The friends I have made gave value to my survival, they walked me through times of great joy, stress and sadness. I am forever grateful to the people who have been with me through this time because they have given me the greatest blessing in my life.
I now have another tree to fall out of and although I am not sure where I will land, my experience at The Appalachian has taught me to embrace whatever is next.
19 The Appalachian FAREWELL
Peace and love
Kaitlyn Close | Visual Managing Editor
Peace and love. Instead of the usual story about how young and terrified I was stepping into the newsroom, I’ll just say this: I walked in that day wondering, “Do I belong here?” I’ve often felt misunderstood, but over time, I’ve realized that feeling out of place is part of the journey. What matters most is the people you surround yourself with.
When I transferred to App State, Jade Ogle, our former chief copy editor, was one of my first friends. She convinced me during a Thursday night Wendy’s run to join the graphics desk as an illustrator.
Without her encouragement, I would never have entered the wild world of The Appalachian.
Special thanks to McNeil Johnston for trusting me to take on the storm that is the graphics editor role — it was like being thrown into a tornado with a crayon in one hand and a deadline in the
other. It was a thrill and a constant lesson, especially during those late nights working on layouts and laughing over typos like “memeber” on the front page — after the PDF was printed.
To K. Slade, my former visual managing editor, thank you for always supporting my ideas. I miss your humor and confidence; you left big shoes to fill.
To my visual family this semester, words can’t express how grateful I am to have worked with each of you. Peace and love — I’m glad you see me as “more of a friend than just a manager,” as Gabe Plitt, our multimedia editor, put it.
To everyone I’m leaving behind, I salute you. I never realized that college newspapers are like tiny universes, where each issue is a small big bang and the stars are all the editors, writers, copy editors, photographers, illustrators and the business manager who make it
happen. I have deep respect for everyone who’s pitched a story, captured a photo or simply endured my senior moments (*wink*). It’s been real, it’s been chaotic and it’s been an absolute honor. See you around — hopefully at Lily’s Snack Bar. Peace and love,
Kaitlyn aka Mother P.S. Thank you Rian Hughes for allowing me to design this last print edition <3
9 semesters, more than 50 articles, endless memories
Fall of 2020 was a weird time to start college. The initial shock of the pandemic had passed, but we were still in the thick of it — and I was left to open a new chapter of my life. My days were spent in my dorm room in White Hall attending classes online. This was certainly not the college experience I had imagined.
Club rush came around, online of course, and The Appalachian was one of the few organizations that showed up. I didn’t know anything about journalism, but isn’t college the time to try new things? I popped into the Zoom meeting room. By the end of the day, I was The Appalachian’s newest opinion writer and I’m still here, four and a half years later.
I learned how to be a journalist with every byline I published. I moved up in the ranks, from associate opinion editor to opinion editor to managing editor to community editor. Still, with over 60 bylines published across The Appalachian and other publications,
I have never taken a journalism class. Everything I learned was in The Appalachian’s newsroom.
I not only learned how to be a journalist, but also what it means to be a journalist. The Appalachian has challenged me to consider my responsibility to the public as a member of the press. At its core, journalism is community service. As one of the few print publications in the High Country, The Appalachian is in a unique position.
As rural journalists and dedicated college students, we serve communities who may not have another source of local news. I am deeply proud of being part of The Appalachian’s mission to ensure free and fair information for its community.
Every student who joins the organization is motivated by the goals of journalism — truth, accountability, transparency and independence. The people who make up The Appalachian embody these ideals as some of the most
hardworking, passionate, driven and inspired individuals I have ever met. I am endlessly amazed, and sometimes a little scared, by the love and commitment my fellow student journalists show for their work and community.
Looking back on nine semesters, The Appalachian has fundamentally shaped my college experience and changed the trajectory of my life. I spent long hours in the newsroom and even longer ones in Google Docs. I met friends who will be in my life long after graduation. I discovered a passion I didn’t know I had and one that will carry me through the rest of my life.
Ella Adams | Community Editor
Graphic by Chloe Pound
Graphic by Chloe Pound
2024 FALL GRADS
Congrats to our Fall 2024 Graduates
College of Arts and Sciences
Actuarial Science
Monica Cazares Lopez - B.S.
Luke Moore - B.S.
Anthropology
Baylor Hyde Christian Abbott - B.S.
Margaret Ella Adams - B.S.
Emma Joy Ammons - B.A.
Dakota Michael Bolyard - B.S.
Olivia Lyn Cassese - B.S.
Nicholas Brian Ferguson - B.S.
Skyler Brianna Geer - B.A.
Morrigan Elizabeth Aster Halstead - B.S.
Madeline Ruth Hill - B.S.
Julia Simone Latter - B.A.
Roan Lamar Mauney - B.S.
Kloe Michele McGranahan - B.S.
Caitrin Julianna Sturdahl - B.S.
Matthew Hudson Till - B.S.
Biology
Francis Adu Asare Boafo - B.S.
Shenandoah Elizabeth Boyd - B.S.
Johnathan Collins Barefoot - B.S.
Jadon Alexander Bumgarner - B.S.
Jacob Donald Burgess - B.S.
Avery Finn Cannon - B.S.
Ethan Scott Campbell - B.S.
Kimberly Rose Carter - B.S.
Hunter Anthony Comeford - B.S.
James Thomas Connolly - B.S.
Braxton James Cox - B.S.
Morgan Leah Craig - B.S.
Evan William Curth - B.S.
Abigail Nicole D’Amico - B.S.
Joseph Ethan Diaz - B.S.
Brooke Ann Edenfield - B.S.
Payton Wilder Edenfield - B.S.
Amelia Robinson Evans - B.S.
Andrew Mason Fant - B.S.
Hope Sophia Freshwater - B.S.
Ethan Charles Furr - B.S.
Lily Ann Gardner - B.S.
Gabriela Gonzalez - B.S.
Lauren Ann Gray - B.S.
Kandrea Lanicee Hamilton - B.S.
Lindsey Alexandra Hancock - B.S.
Valen Forest Hargett - B.S.
Harley Grace Heavner - B.S.
John Edwin Holsopple - B.S.
Samuel Haywood Howard - B.S.
Kate Elizabeth Huffman - B.S.
Laura Kathryn Joslin - B.S.
Kelsey Rae Lankford - B.S.
Reece Andrew Lovingood - B.S.
France Joshua Mamerto Montecalvo - B.S.
Elizabeth Mattie May - B.S.
Sarah Kay Mayo - B.A.
Molly Donna McDonald - B.S.
Emma D. Meeks - B.S.
Breckyn J. Monteith - B.S.
Marlene Moock - B.S.
Olivia Paige Morrow - B.S.
Haley Kendall Munsie - B.S.
Melissa Marie Muntyan - B.A.
Daniella Chidera Ogbonna - B.S.
Rosemarie Persampieri - B.S.
Lindsey Ann Pleasant - B.S.
Hannah Kathryne Rose - B.S.
Maria Carolina Rojas - B.S.
Kristin Kaye Rupp - B.S.
Abigail Louise Savage - B.S.
Alexandria Natasha Sexton - B.S.
Chloe Elizabeth Smith - B.S.
Katie Denise Stancel - B.S.
Zariya Marquita Stewart - B.S.
William Gabriel Strickland - B.S.
Sara Elisabeth Teasdale - B.S.
Jordan Marie Ulmer - B.S.
Josiah James Walker - B.S.
Skylar Rayne Walker - B.S.
William Tyler Ward - B.S.
Stacey Cate Watson - B.A.
Kennedy Jade Wiley - B.S.
Lara Lee Wood - B.S. Chemistry
Magdalen Elizabeth Begick - B.S.
Joseph Austin Clark - B.S.
Charles Deal - B.S.
Alyson Daniela Gonzalez-Torres - B.S.
Dylan Alexander Goliber - B.S.
Andrew Harlin Grimes - B.S.
Katherine Rose Provost - B.S.
Ka’lindria Dy’shae Ramseur - B.S.
Jacob Adam Rye - B.S.
Zachary D. Wood - B.S. Community & Regional Planning
Nicholas Clague Schrum - B.S. Computer Science
Zachary Henson Alford - B.S.
Kristen Genevieve Applebaum - B.S.
Nicholas Andrew Barrows - B.S.
Joseph Rae Basile - B.S.
Austin Tyler Blaylock - B.S.
Sam Brown - B.S.
Trenton Davis Butler - B.S.
Jason Thomas Dandeneau - B.S.
James Richard Davis - B.S.
Luke Randall Davis - B.S.
Brice Anders Evans - B.S.
Jonathan M. Fielder - B.S.
Matthew Gabriel Fox - B.S.
Robert Bryce Gerdeman - B.S.
Eulices Gomez - B.S.
Aron Louis Herba - B.S.
Holden Scott Hess - B.S.
Evan Jackson Howell - B.S.
Robert Edward Hutchins - B.S.
Linjun Jiang - B.S.
Jacob Allen Leblanc - B.S.
Benjamin Eli Lenox - B.S.
Johana Raquel Meyer - B.S.
Jonathan Tristan Merritt - B.S.
Finnegan Edward McGuire - B.S.
Brandon Augustus McKee - B.S.
Trenton Corey Miller - B.S.
Leif Matthew Nyland - B.S.
Temitayo Adebukola Olofintuyi - B.S.
Dustin Keith Osborne - B.S.
Noah Cashion Salam - B.S.
Michael Emidio Sciole - B.S.
Henry Hardaway Seitz - B.S.
Kylie Sage Siler - B.S.
Austin Lynn Singer - B.S.
John Boston Straw - B.S.
Matthew Eric Taylor - B.S.
John Michael Waite - B.S.
Lawrence David Whittington - B.S.
Christiana Noelle Wright - B.S.
Oscar Joel Verrico - B.S.
Jack Valentine Yordy - B.S.
Amy Nicole Zal - B.S.
Criminal Justice
Sarah Olivia Al-Zaid - B.S.
Addison Leigh Batewell - B.S.
Kayla Andrea Bostic - B.S.
Jessica Taylor Brill - B.S.
Faith Marie Crews - B.S.
Christopher John Dolan - B.S.
Allie Melinda Ann Dotson - B.S.
Noelle Audrey Elder - B.S.
Timothy James Fitzgerald - B.S.
Zhamárea Zhamiesha Greer - B.S.
Kason N. Hall - B.S.
Montana Glen-Nelson Hall - B.S.
Alexandra Patrice Haslam - B.S.
John Alexander Henson - B.S.
Faith Elizabeth Himmel - B.S.
Caitlyn Noel Howell - B.S.
Austin Jeffery Keever - B.S.
Dylan Chase Lewis - B.S.
David Ross Lukan - B.S.
Sydney Wade McKee - B.S.
Xavier Dylan Michael McMurtry - B.S.
Jonatan A. Medrano - B.S.
Jirah Quincia Montgomery - B.S. Holland
Mulkerrins - B.S.
Tye Christopher Needham - B.S.
Savannah Danielle Nichols - B.S.
Mateo Dylan Oropesa Urzagaste - B.S.
Christina Evangeline Palumbo - B.S.
Bailee Marie Paxton - B.S.
Daisy Vanessa Panuco Popocatl - B.S.
Anthony Dwayne Sawyers - B.S.
Antonius D’marcus Sims - B.S.
Kayleigh Annette Snow - B.S.
Hunter Edward Stanley - B.S.
Rebecca Grace Tyson - B.S.
Drew Thomas Van Hise - B.S.
Mackenzie Ellen Waugh - B.S.
English
Cathryn Margaret Adams - B.A.
Madison Morgan Ball - B.A.
Brooke Elizabeth Bandy - B.A.
Charis E. Barry - B.A.
Christopher John Dickson - B.A.
Lilly Lauren Edwards - B.A.
Morgan Jeane Edwards - B.A.
Shaelynn Brooke Evans - B.A.
Isaac M. Ford - B.A.
Jaime Alfredo Garcia - B.A.
Anna-Marie Gavlak - B.A.
Rachel Gabrielle Graham - B.A.
Spencer Alexander Hoke - B.A.
Dorothy L. Howard - B.A.
Albert Haitreu Huynh - B.A.
Nicole Iancu - B.A.
Mason Hall Langdon - B.A.
Sarah Katelynn Mathis - B.A.
Jocelyn Marie Morrison - B.A.
Shagnik Nandi - B.A.
Nicholas Peter Nelson - B.A.
Luke Montague Phillips - B.A.
John Dickey Preacher - B.A.
Jack Ray - B.A.
Jaxon Robert Schock - B.A.
Margaret O’Neal Talton - B.A.
Paige Victoria Troscher - B.A.
Madilynne Audrey Wenger - B.A.
Julia Grace Woodring - B.A.
English, Seondary Education
Josie Karson Brock - B.S.
Alexandria Marie Hoover - B.S.
Seth Allen Kegley - B.S.
Alonha Juanita Ketchum - B.S.
Gabriella Anne Paonessa - B.S.
Madeline Mae Shore - B.S.
Elijah Patrick Stamey - B.S.
Environmental Science
Lauren Nicole Best - B.S.
Alexander Ryan Brodie - B.S.
Robert Augustus Hamrick - B.S.
Samuel Zeke Palmer Howard - B.S.
Michele Hope Sperduto - B.S.
Eryn Leigh Stowe - B.S.
Jason Davis Wright - B.S.
Jordan Marie Ulmer - B.S.
Fermentation Sciences
Breanna Allene Williams - B.S.
Geography
Amelia Claire Barwick - B.S.
Owen Kent Elliott - B.A.
Liam James Holtham - B.S.
Peter Torrance Legrand - B.S.
Omar Nunez - B.S.
Dillon W. Ray - B.S.
Ethan Hayes Tilley - B.S.
Geology
Kaitlyn Elise Anthony - B.S. Cameron
Brooks Avery - B.S.
Ashley Grace Berry - B.S.
Caeden Waters Carter - B.S.
Caitlin Ann McCarthy - B.S.
Evan Reed Mickey - B.S.
Zachary Paul Park - B.S.
Caleb J. Topper - B.S.
Ethan C. Thompson - B.S.
Gerald Raymond Tripp - B.S.
Global Studies
Katie Selene Campana - B.A.
Zachery Taylor Crain - B.A.
Rachel Carolyn Goehner - B.A.
History
Caleb John Abernethy - B.S.
Archie Adams - B.S.
Kaitlin Lane Andrews - B.S.
Kyle William Arnholt - B.A.
Katherine Marie Buchanan - B.S.
Georgia Claire Burgess - B.S.
Wesley Christopher Dabek - B.S.
Sarah Ellen Davis - B.S.
Andrew Shane Dye - B.S.
Eleanor Elizabeth Holter - B.S.
Christina Faith Lancaster - B.A.
Joshua Jay Lewis - B.S.
Sara K. Marshburn - B.A.
Abigail Rena McCauley - B.S.
Caitlain Kathleen McGuire - B.S.
Nicholas Peter Nelson - B.A.
Seth Christopher Potter - B.A.
David Roberts - B.A.
Chase Elizabeth Scott - B.S.
Wesley Christopher Sheffield - B.S.
Garrett William Spencer - B.A.
William Rasheed Watt - B.S.
Gabriella Elizabeth White - B.S.
Adrienne Renee Zwieback - B.S.
History, Social Studies
Education
Nathan Alexander Blevins - B.S.
Gabrielle Kaytlin Buck - B.S.
Luke Abram Dowell - B.S.
Logan Alexander Garmon - B.S.
Joshua Dean Joyce - B.S.
Matthew B. Marston - B.S.
Nathaniel James Mashburn-Salazar - B.S.
Katherine Elizabeth Mayhew - B.S.
Melissa Sue Anne McElwee - B.S.
Hunter Blaine Miller - B.S.
Louise Parker Mills - B.S.
Jackson A. Payne - B.S.
Brandon Paul Sumner -B.S.
Seth Coleman Trottier - B.S.
Isaiah Thomas Watts - B.S.
Interdisciplinary
Studies
Molly Ruth Kamstra - B.A.
Shelby Kate Pincheon - B.S.
Benjahmin Judah Pruitt - B.S.
Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Aidan P. Feehan - B.A.
Jaime Alfredo Garcia - B.A.
Sabai Ocean Hartwiger - B.A.
Gabriel Thomas Hernandez - B.A.
Cammi Leigh Jenkins - B.A.
Esme Christiane Merritt-Dorosin - B.A.
Ashton Kay Leigh Sigmon - B.S.
Caitrin Julianna Sturdahl - B.A.
Caroline Lourdes Rotela - B.S.
Audrey Louisa Wall - B.S.
Mathematics
David Yataro Carr - B.S.
John Michael Christiansen - B.S.
Matthew Louis Cvach - B.S.
Benjamin Michael Glickauf - B.S.
Alex Tyler Johnson - B.S.
Jacob Allen Leblanc - B.S.
Emma Elizabeth Oliver - B.S.
Grant Marston Powell - B.S.
Anna Elizabeth Silva - B.S.
Philosophy
Ella Perry Christian - B.A.
Sabai Ocean Hartwiger - B.A.
Matthew Lee Mork - B.A.
Physics
Lucas James Barker - B.S.
Forrest Samuel Price - B.S.
John Christopher Rabb - B.S.
Amber Dawn Shirley - B.S.
Tanner Blake Walston - B.S.
Political Science
Clarice Burgess Atkins - B.S.
Hannah Elizabeth Brown - B.S.
Michael Thomas Bugge - B.S.
Kaleb Matthew Carpenter - B.S.
Elizabeth Caroline Constable - B.A.
Tori Renee Cole - B.S.
Olivia Marie Dubois - B.S.
Bryan Escalante-Gonzalez - B.S.
Brady Christian Everhart - B.S.
Evan Michael Flaherty - B.S.
Jack Michael Fortin - B.S.
Jackson Harless Futch -B.S.
Anna Calista Gantt - B.S.
Sherlyn Gonzalez - B.S.
La’Tasia Tiara Gross - B.S.
Emma Jane Heaney - B.S.
Peyton Kendall Herring - B.S.
Drew Benjamin Holmes - B.S.
John Nicholas Jackson - B.S.
Christina Faith Lancaster - B.A.
Zachary McGinnis - B.S.
Elijah William Mendys - B.S.
Madison McClure Miller - B.S.
Ella Grace Ryan - B.S.
Molly Mackenzie Spruill -B.S.
Presley Love Turner - B.S.
Mackenzie Ellen Waugh - B.S.
Psychology
Cassidy Faith Acosta - B.S.
Amanda Aguiar - B.S.
Luz Veronica Arias Aguirre - B.S.
Jacqueline Brooke Aiello - B.A.
Sarah Elizabeth Alvarez - B.S.
Evan Berkely Anderson - B.S.
Connor Angelo Austin - B.S.
Nina Paige Baird - B.S.
Elizabeth Dell Baldwin - B.S.
Jessica Claire Barker - B.A.
Morgan A. Best - B.S.
Mackenzie Brooke Bible - B.S.
Tiana Dominic Brooks - B.S.
James Dakota Blair - B.S.
The Appalachian 2024 FALL GRADS
Patrick Scott Bloomingburg - B.S.
Hailey Ann Bolles - B.S.
Jessica Taylor Brill - B.S.
Christine Elizabeth Case - B.S.
Lilyana Castillo-Becerra - B.S.
Peyton Gabrielle Causby - B.S.
Ella Skye Chancey - B.S.
Meisha Catherine Chromey - B.S.
Eden Michelle Cline - B.A.
Liberty Marina Cochran - B.S.
Elisabeth Morgan Collie - B.S.
Brittany Ann Collins - B.S.
Lakyn Nicole Curry - B.S.
Kate Noel Davis - B.A.
Calista Zaneta Dewberry - B.S.
Karen Elizabeth Donnelly - B.S.
Caroline Grace Dozier - B.S.
Lanier Easter - B.S.
Emily Elizabeth Edwards - B.S.
John Austin Everitt - B.S.
Isaac Cole Franklin-Williams - B.S.
Savannah Paige Furr - B.A.
Grace Cameron Ghent - B.S.
Hope Bryanna Gillispie - B.S.
Rachel Makenna Gillespie - B.S.
Lauren Grace Gleason - B.S.
Zoe Becca Gravitt - B.S.
Joseph Robert Hair -B.S.
Kristina Louise Hall - B.S.
Maria Margaret Harbaugh - B.S.
Aubrey Serenity Harris - B.S.
Asa Emmanuel Hart - B.S.
Anna Beatrice Harville - B.S.
Tharon James Heath - B.S.
Zoe Elizabeth Henegar - B.S.
Natalie Charlotte Henn - B.A.
Kiara Amaya Hernandez - B.A.
Jacob Austin Hill - B.S.
Kaylea Grace Hodge - B.S.
Ashleigh Marie Holder-Scharff - B.A.
Ashleigh Kaylan Holman - B.S.
Sydney Alyssa House - B.S.
Matthew Wilson Huffman - B.S.
Andrew Jabe Hunter - B.S.
Walker Elizabeth Iglio - B.S.
Elizabeth A. Jahns - B.S.
Daisy Carolina Jantes Moya - B.S.
Madison Lindsay Jennes - B.S.
Linjun Jiang -B.S.
Faithe Jennifer Johnson - B.S.
Alexis Lauren Jones - B.S.
Magdalyn Grace Kluttz - B.S.
Elizabeth Augustine Kreshon -B.S.
Abby M. Lewis - B.S.
Elizabeth Amber Liotard - B.S.
Clara Catherine Lobsiger - B.S.
Chloe Devon Mann - B.S.
Olivia Carolyn Marshall - B.S.
Landry Anna Mazzarell - B.A.
Jana Lynn McManus - B.S.
Addison-Jae Gabrielle Mikell-GeorgeB.S.
Autumn Leigh Mikolaitis - B.S.
Tristen Matthew Mitchell - B.S.
Malcolm Gibson Monroe - B.S.
Lauren Elizabeth Nelson - B.A.
Émilie Pierrepont Newsome - B.S.
Heather Rose Odum - B.S.
Anslee Jane Palmer -B.S.
Angelina Grace Parker-Lewis - B.A.
Blu Castilia Parker - B.S.
Meredith Paige Phillips - B.A.
Jimena Resendiz-Martinez - B.A.
Keeli Dowd Morgan - B.S.
Lanie Beth Roberson - B.A.
Shelby Elaine Roberts - B.A.
Joseph Donald Royster - B.A.
Jackson Scott Safrit - B.S.
Kathryn Joy Schleimer - B.S.
Paige Elizabeth Scott - B.S.
Malcolm Kelly Sessoms - B.S.
Elizabeth Mary Sherwood - B.S.
Audrey Eliesse Shore - B.A.
Mariana Solanilla - B.S.
Rylee M. Souders - B.S.
Sarah Grace Spratt - B.S.
Trista M. Strong - B.S.
Cadee Reid Tate - B.S.
Chase Jordan Taylor - B.S.
Sahana Maggie Thilak - B.S.
Kaylee Rose Turner - B.S.
Brittany Lei Tyson - B.A.
Abigail Anne Van Kula - B.S.
Kelly Faith Watkins - B.S.
Tyrianna S. Watson - B.S.
Iliana B. Weinbaum - B.S.
Cora Rose Williams - B.S.
Penelope Rose Williams - B.S.
Tyler Nicole Wilson - B.S.
Madison Anne Wyland - B.S.
Nicholas Satao Yang - B.S.
Religious Studies
Paul Edward McManus - B.A.
Sociology
Abbigail Hazel Ngo - B.S.
Allie Nicole Davis - B.S.
Annelies Munroe West - B.A.
Dustin Tyler Moss - B.S.
Hannah Mills - B.S.
Harley Alexandra Pensky - B.A.
Hayden Martin Williams - B.S.
Isabella Elise Dieguez - B.A.
Jaycee Brianna Carter - B.S.
Jillian Tae-seon Hall - B.S.
Jordan Brianna Deloatch - B.S.
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Kornbluth - B.S.
Katherine Rose Williams - B.S.
Megan Elizabeth Brailey - B.S.
Neshelle Ondrise Matthews - B.S.
Riley Elizabeth Lowe - B.A.
Thomas E. Reuteler - B.S.
Veterinary Technology
Alisea Kelly Ayres - B.S.
Justin Dallas Blanton - B.S.
Eva J. Brown - B.S.
Margaret Rachel Burgin - B.S.
Kasey Erin Cook - B.S.
Patricia Hampton Davis - B.S.
Hansen M. Dendinger - B.S.
Lauren Ashley Eller - B.S.
Jennifer Nicole Ennis - B.S.
Charlotte Rachel-Lea Flake - B.S.
Alena Marie Gage - B.S.
Katelyn Ashley Hawes - B.S.
Rachel Kinsey Masters - B.S.
Mandy Lynn Morgan - B.S.
Samantha Moshogianes - B.S.
Michelle Elizabeth Patterson - B.S.
Chelsea Nicole Phillips - B.S.
Krystina Michelle Phillips - B.S. Jonathan
Lee Tabor - B.S.
Mackenzie Ann Wilson - B.S.
Walker College of Business
Accounting
Cole Parker Blake - B.S.B.A.
Mitchell J. Blevins - B.S.B.A.
Chloe Patterson Borchers - B.S.B.A.
James Richard Daiker - B.S.B.A.
John David Dieffenbacher - B.S.B.A.
Luke Stavros Nicholas Economou - B.S.B.A.
Jacob William Felcher - B.S.B.A.
Grace Dianne Ford - B.S.B.A.
Emmaleigh Grace Goodwin - B.S.B.A.
Casey Andrew Hagaman - B.S.B.A.
Lucas Seth Jenkins - B.S.B.A.
Zachary Thomas Martlock - B.S.B.A.
Francisco Mateo-Miguel - B.S.B.A.
Jennie Elizabeth Melton - B.S.B.A.
Samuel Graves Nester - B.S.B.A.
Taylor Scott Nicol - B.S.B.A.
Reagan Elizabeth Nichols - B.S.B.A.
Isabelle Grace Pizarro - B.S.B.A.
Jackson Phillip Price - B.S.B.A.
Khalilah Razzak - B.S.B.A.
Olivia Lauren Rollins - B.S.B.A.
Anna Elizabeth Ross - B.S.B.A.
Cristina Maria Sanchez - B.S.B.A.
Samuel Eric Sawyers - B.S.B.A.
Olivia Ann Snyder - B.S.B.A.
Nathan Edward Spangler - B.S.B.A.
Keenan M. Steckler - B.S.B.A.
Davis Stegall - B.S.B.A.
Joshua Oliver Stottlemyer - B.S.B.A.
Rachel Lauren Trantham - B.S.B.A.
David Fabricio Ulloa - B.S.B.A.
Nathan James van den Berg - B.S.B.A.
Bryan Lee Walker - B.S.B.A.
Kelsey Lynn Walker - B.S.B.A.
Hayleigh Brianne White - B.S.B.A.
Computer Information Systems
Daniel Ahmedoff - B.S.B.A.
Austin Kent Andrews - B.S.B.A.
Stephen Luke Brewer - B.S.B.A.
Madison Leigh Canipe - B.S.B.A.
Grant Llewellyn Ceccato - B.S.B.A.
Alexia Paige Chapman - B.S.B.A.
Tyler Evan Christensen - B.S.B.A
Calvin Levi Church - B.S.B.A.
Trevor Benson Crump - B.S.B.A.
Hunter Matisse Forsythe - B.S.B.A.
Aidan Noble Fratcher - B.S.B.A.
Jacob Alexander Gover - B.S.B.A.
Cian Mark Gresser - B.S.B.A.
Joshua Luis Guia - B.S.B.A.
Richard L. Handy - B.S.B.A.
John L. Jernigan - B.S.B.A.
Robert Lars Johnson - B.S.B.A.
Hope Ya Yan Lessig - B.S.B.A.
Caleb Lee Long - B.S.B.A.
Collin Stuart MacPherson - B.S.B.A.
Caleb Marc McIntosh - B.S.B.A.
Matthew Philippe Nieto - B.S.B.A.
Christopher Henry Otten - B.S.B.A.
Trenton Mathieu Ostrander - B.S.B.A.
Andrew English Ridgell - B.S.B.A.
Liliana Capri Sarian - B.S.B.A.
William Kenneth Sebastian - B.S.B.A.
Aidan B. Shelton - B.S.B.A.
Ryan J. Smith - B.S.B.A.
Hunter Scott Stanley - B.S.B.A.
Kale Severin Strickland - B.S.B.A.
Mark Christopher Smith - B.S.B.A.
Liza E. Wiles - B.S.B.A.
Paul Wesley Wilson - B.S.B.A.
Cybersecurity
Christopher Henry Otten - BS
Economics
Davis Wade Bennett - B.S.B.A.
Jackson Mitchell Bots - B.A.
Haley Patricia Hayes - B.A.
Geoffrey George Holler - B.A.
Maxwell James Maguire - B.A.
Cassidy Sue Rogers - B.S.B.A.
Ruby M Munro-Tavormina - B.S.B.A.
Tony Van - B.A.
Finance and Banking
Saurav Adhikari - B.S.B.A.
Jorge Daniel Altamirano - B.S.B.A.
Jake Cameron Amendola - B.S.B.A.
Andy Glenn Arndt - B.S.B.A.
Davis Lehman Blackwell - B.S.B.A.
Travis Tucker Crowell - B.S.B.A.
Caroline McKenzie Curtis - B.S.B.A.
Matthew Alan Dunlap - B.S.B.A.
Chris Evans Folk - B.S.B.A.
Maggie Vaughn Godwin - B.S.B.A.
Carter Davis Gregory - B.S.B.A.
Wyatt Gage Gunter - B.S.B.A.
Shaan Halder - B.S.B.A.
Michael Grant Hickey - B.S.B.A.
Brandon Tate Holshouser - B.S.B.A.
James Richard Hoogendorn - B.S.B.A.
William Scott Hurt - B.S.B.A.
Andrew Richard La Bar - B.S.B.A.
Caleb Michael Langston - B.S.B.A.
Alex Manuel Levario - B.S.B.A.
Terry Robert Moore - B.S.B.A.
Jackson Joseph Munday - B.S.B.A.
Keaton Clark Roach - B.S.B.A.
Cassidy Sue Rogers - B.S.B.A.
Samuel Lewis Romanik - B.S.B.A.
Ethan James Ryan - B.S.B.A.
Cameron Michael Shaw - B.S.B.A.
Sasha Nicole Sterling - B.S.B.A.
Devyn John Turner - B.S.B.A.
Ethan Grant Turner - B.S.B.A.
Brenner Harold White - B.S.B.A.
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Savannah Jane Hicks - B.S.B.A.
Katherine Rose Lessin - B.S.B.A.
Christian Price Styron - B.S.B.A.
Murphy Alexander Sink - B.S.B.A.
Spencer Ian Teasley - B.S.B.A. International Business
Reyes Ostos Barra - B.S.B.A.
Nicholas Foster Hess - B.S.B.A.
Riley Christopher Hudson - B.S.B.A.
Kevin Anthony Zambrano-GonzalesB.S.B.A. Management
