The Battalion - Oct. 29, 2020 by The Battalion

Silver Taps

Omari ZaReiq Loydrake 1998 - 2020

Erin Noel Novak June 8, 1995 - Oct. 9, 2020

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Brazos County has 25 different Election Day polling places.

Election Day approaches

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Brazos County’s 2020 early voting numbers have surpassed that of 2016 with 57,216 votes cast as of Oct. 27.

Brazos County prepares polling places for Nov. 3 election turnout By Aubrey Vogel @aubrey_vogel Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3 is the last opportunity eligible voters have to cast ballots in the 2020 general election. Brazos County residents can visit any one of the county’s 25 polling locations to vote on Election Day. Many early voting locations will not be in service but will be replaced with larger facilities that can hold more people. The Nov. 3 polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. An identification document, including a voter ID card, valid Texas Driver’s License, ELECTION DAY ON PG. 3

Texas, Brazos County see historic early voter turnout State early voting participation ‘momentous,’ with over 8 million people casting ballots before Election Day By Julia Potts @juliaapotts

he Texas polls have seen millions of early voters in person and by mail with the 2020 Election Day less than a week away. Since the start of the early voting period on Oct. 13, 8,149,296 Texans have voted as of Oct. 27, accounting for 48.1 percent of

all registered voters in the state, according to The Texas Tribune, 5.3 percent of which were mail-in votes. To compare, 2020’s early voting percentage as of Oct. 27 is 11.3 percent higher than 2012’s two-week early voting period and 4.6 percent higher than the 2016 early voting period. With 48.1 percent of all registered voters in Texas having cast a ballot as of Oct. 27, all early voting records have been surpassed, even with days to go in the extended early voting period. According to The Guardian, while concerns for COVID-19 are still present, the number of votes cast so far is momentous. “In a tidal wave of political engagement, more than 7 million Texans have already cast a ballot during the general election, the vast majority in-person,” the article reads.

“The numbers are propelling what is historically one of the lowest voter turnout states to the top of the nation’s leaderboard in terms of the sheer number of people who have voted thus far.” In the same article, Texas A&M associate professor of political science Brittany Perry said she visited more than one polling place until she cast her ballot, and it was the first time she had to wait in line to vote. “It is really quite something that people are turning out in the numbers that they are and that they’re standing in line for hours when this is early voting,” Perry told The Guardian. “This is not Election Day, and many Texans have never done that before because it is such a low voter turnout state.” EARLY VOTING ON PG. 3

A look at Gen Z voting demographics Creative Commons

If elected, Kamala Harris will be the first female, Black and South Asian vice president.

2020 ballot most diverse in US history Hundreds of candidates from various minority groups are on ballot this year

Kaylee Cogbill — THE BATTALION

By Lauren Discher @lauren_discher

The Generation Z voting demographic is the most racially and ethnically diverse group when compared to older generations.

Now more than ever, candidates are breaking the traditional mold in terms of who is represented in governmental positions of power. The percentage of minority groups in government positions does not reflect the percentage of minorities in the country. Women, as well as racial and ethnic minorities, make up more than half of the country’s population, but are underrepresented among the nation’s leaders. The current Congress is more diverse than ever, but is still lacking in appropriate

People aged 18-23 will comprise 10 percent of America’s 2020 electorate

DIVERSE BALLOT ON PG. 2

By Lauren Discher @lauren_discher As the 2020 election approaches, the Generation Z vote will have a significant influence, as this age group will make up 10 percent of all eligible voters this fall. Gen Z voters range from 18-23 years old and are estimated to be about 23 million in number within the U.S. according to the

World Economic Forum. Out of these 23 million, about 13-15 million are new voters. Gen Z stands out due to its comparatively diverse population with 55 percent of voters identifying as white, 22 percent as Hispanic, 14 percent as Black, 5 percent as Asian and 5 percent as more than one race. Professor in the Department of Communication and the Public Policy Research Institute Kirby Goidel credits social media for the enthusiasm of the new generation of voters. “Social media will connect people with networks of like-minded individuals,” Goidel said. “It can help mobilize, and it

can be a platform for sharing information with friends and family. On a negative note, it will continue to spread misinformation.” Goidel said Gen Z is more tolerant, educated and open to new ideas than older generations. She said she is optimistic about the potential of this generation, but acknowledges the hardships they will encounter. “This generation will also face unique challenges because my generation is leaving it with less economic security, looming environmental crises from climate change and government debt,” Goidel said. “Like it or not, Gen Z will have to engage as citizens and create not just better lives for themselves but stronger, more resilient communities.” Wildlife and fisheries sciences sophomore Beatriz Gil said she believes Gen Z is different from other generations because of the changes that have been made during their lifetimes. “Being raised in the 2000s, we have seen a great shift in politics, human rights and racism to a point where there is a great intolerance for those who discriminate,” Gil said. “This has brought us to use our voices greatly, which is something that most generations didn’t see at such a young age.” Goidel said politics is highly important to older voters because they tend to receive more benefits from the government, so it is inherent for young people to make their voices heard. “If Gen Z votes at a higher rate, policy will better reflect their interests and

blinnbound@blinn.edu www.blinn.edu Winter Minimester starts Dec.12 and the Spring semester starts Jan.19.

GEN Z VOTERS ON PG. 3

LIFE&ARTS

The Battalion | 10.29.20

Brady Stone, Editor-in-Chief Camryn Lang, Managing Editor Julia Potts, News Editor Myranda Campanella, Asst. News Editor Hannah Underwood, Sports Editor Jenny Streeter, Asst. Sports Editor Shelby McVey, Life & Arts Editor Rebecca Morris, Life & Arts Editor Maroon Life Editor

Henry Mureithi, Opinion Editor Joshua Howell, Asst. Opinion Editor Cole Fowler, Arts Editor Meredith Seaver, Photo Chief Kaylee Cogbill, Asst. Photo Chief Mitchell Beddingfield, Multimedia Editor Annie Wells, Asst. MM Editor Cori Eckert, Page Designer

THE BATTALION is published Thursdays during the 2020 fall semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of StudentAffairs.Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

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A 2019 analysis by the Pew Research Center identifies 78 percent of Congress as white, while only 61 percent of the U.S. population identifies as non-Hispanic white

DIVERSE BALLOT CONTINUED representation of minorities. Candidates such as Kamala Harris, Gina Ortiz Jones, Madeline Eden and Mondaire Jones are aiming to change these statistics by being elected into office this November. This year’s voting ballot is cited to be the most diverse in U.S. history with hundreds of female and LGBTQ candidates — something that is deeply meaningful to many Aggies. Political science junior and off-campus student senator David Garcia said diversity is important in government because it means people from all backgrounds and walks of life have a voice in creating and enacting laws and policies. “Everyone needs to be represented so that there’s less inequality and division in our country,” Garcia said. “The U.S. is composed of people from different backgrounds, and seeing more diverse individuals running for various positions is a reflection of that.” According to a 2019 analysis by the Pew Research Center, 78 percent of Congress is white, while only 61 percent of the population identifies as non-Hispanic white, but some racial and ethic groups are proportionally reflected in government positions. For example, 12 percent of the House members are Black, which is around the same percentage of Americans who are Black, and 1 percent of the House is Native American, which is equal to

the percentage of the populations that identify as such. The issue of inadequate representation lies in the percentage of Hispanic and Asian Americans serving in the House of Representatives. The Hispanic and Asian population comprise 18 percent and 6 percent of the U.S. population respectively, but are only represented in the House at 9 percent and 3 percent. Garcia said he hopes the diversity on the ballot brings significant changes for underrepresented groups. “It truly means a lot to me because I feel that the Hispanic community, along with other minorities, have been ignored,” Garcia said. “[This] gives me hope that things will change for the better.” Computer science sophomore and technical marketing director for the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, Nathan Purwosumarto, said the increase in opportunities for minorities to participate in government is a step in the right direction. “I believe that multiculturalism is one of America’s greatest strengths, and having diversity represented in government is a personal inspiration for myself and many others in SASE,” Purwosumarto said. According to the Pew Research Center, the 116th Congress is the most racially and ethnically diverse, which shows a trend. Each of the last four Congresses have been more racially and ethnically diverse than the previ-

ous Congress. Purwosumarto explained that having candidates who are aware of different ideas and cultures can help them stay connected to their constituents. “By having diversity in government, policymakers are able to better represent and understand varying perspectives within American society, which, in turn allows them to make more informed decisions for our nation,” Purwosumarto said. Biological and agricultural engineering senior and president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Anais Baca emphasized the importance of a ballot that represents all. “With over 60 million Hispanics in the U.S., having diversity in our government is more important than ever,” Baca said. “By having the leadership truly represent the people, the needs of all are addressed.” Sarah Akhtar, Class of 2020, said diversifying leadership gives minority groups representatives that advocate for their unique issues. “There are instances and circumstances that occur every day that a majority of the people that run our government cannot and will not ever be able to understand,” Akhtar said. “Being able to have diversity in our government ensures that minorities and people who cannot fight for themselves have an option to exercise their freedoms and can lean on someone who can help them defend those freedoms.”

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NEWS

The Battalion | 10.29.20

ELECTION DAY CONTINUED passport or one of the other approved identification documents, is required to vote. Voters who would like to see everything on the ballot before entering the polling place may request one from a polling official to ensure a quick and easy process. Below are the list of polling locations for Nov. 3: Abbey Santoro — THE BATTALION

According to The Eagle, the College Station Utilities and Training Facility is the most frequently visited polling location in Brazos County.

EARLY VOTING CONTINUED According to The Eagle, the most popular location for early voting in the county saw over 1,000 voters on Oct. 24. “Brazos County’s most popular poll location throughout early voting has been the College Station Utilities and Training Facility, which saw 1,428 voters Saturday, by far its largest turnout,” the article reads. “Through eleven days of early voting, 12,900 people have voted at the utilities and training facility.” In an Oct. 28 tweet, CNN political correspondent Abby Phillip said with only a

GEN Z VOTERS CONTINUED concerns,” Goidel said. “For example, many college students want tuition decreased, but in order for this to happen, they need to show up to the polls.” Political science professor Dwight Robyler said he attributes the increased interest in voting to the picture both parties have painted of this election. “The supporters of both candidates make it seem like if the wrong side wins, the world ends,” Robyler said. “If one side is good, the other is evil. Pretty basic stuff, although these are images that are often used by both parties in elections. Of course, many Gen Zers don’t probably recognize that because this is their first or second presidential election.” The democratic republic only works properly if everyone votes, Robyler said; the officials who represent the people cannot truly do so if the people do not speak up. “Young adults often have a different perspective than older voters on the challenges and promises of our nation,” Robyler said.

few days until the election, Texans are still heavily participating in early voting. “Texas voters [have] cast more than 8.1 million votes, 91 percent of [the] total 2016 vote, so far according to data posted on the Texas Secretary of State website Wednesday morning,” Phillip tweeted. Closer to home in Brazos County, early voting poll numbers have already surpassed those of 2016, with only a few more days of early voting to go. As of Oct. 27, 57,216 people have voted in the county. Combined with a few thousand mail-in ballots, a total of about 46.9 percent of all registered voters in Brazos County have already cast their ballots in the 2020 election. “They look on old problems with fresh eyes, sometimes with optimism and sometimes recognizing impending disasters for them and future generations.” Robyler said he wants members of Gen Z to know the key to making decisions regarding voting is to share their insights and desires, but also carefully listen to the council of those in prior generations, even though that council will sometimes hold wisdom built on facts, errors or untruths. “For Gen Z, they may face a harder time than the rest of us in being able to tell the difference, yet for the good of all of us, it is imperative that they do it better than we have,” Robyler said. “They have a stake in the election and this election is very much about the future.” Gil said 2020 has been a motivation for Gen Z to make changes, and with the individuals of this generation coming of age, their effect is being noticed. “This year has been a roller coaster with politics, fights for rights and a global pandemic,” Gil said. “We are enthusiastic to use our vote and finally make our voices heard.”

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Brazos County Administration Building

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Rudder Tower - Rudder Exhibit Hall

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GW Williams Tabernacle

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Texas A&M College of Medicine

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Lincoln Center

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College Station ISD Admin. Bldg

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Millican Community Center

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College Station Meeting and Training

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Living Hope Baptist Church

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Church Of The Nazarene

LIFE&ARTS

The Battalion | 10.29.20

Via Fright Nights Downtown Facebook

Fright Nights Haunted House in Bryan and Wicked Woods trail in College Station are two ways students and families can celebrate Halloween.

Celebrating Halloween in Bryan-College Station Local community offering creative ways to celebrate Halloween safely By Jacob Gauthier @StoryweaverJRG Bryan-College Station offers plenty of events for students and families in celebration of Halloween. Students can walk the Wicked Woods trail in College Station from Oct. 27 to 31, visit Fright Nights Haunted House in Bryan on Oct. 30 and 31 or attend Halloweentown in Downtown Bryan on Oct. 30. Prices range from free admission to $10 per person. For those looking to be frightened, Kappa Sigma Fraternity’s Wicked Woods may be the Halloween event to attend. Ecological restoration junior and philanthropy chair Zach Mansour said Wicked Woods differs from a traditional haunted house.

“It’s usually a seven to 10-minute event,” Mansour said. “We’re walking you in and out of these scenes that we basically made in the woods, so it’s like a haunted house, but it’s all strung out along the trail.” All proceeds go to the local Brazos Valley Food Bank. Mansour said there are precautionary measures in place to protect guests, which include face coverings being required at all times on the property and a designated sanitation crew that will frequently clean high-contact surfaces along the trail. Another spooky destination, the Fright Nights Haunted House, is run by Stagecenter Community Theatre. Board president Cindy Burr said the haunted house started 10 years ago but has changed locations for 2020. “This year we wanted a bigger location because of COVID-19,” Burr said. “We were lucky enough to find a bigger location, so our rooms are bigger and we can social distance.” Along with social distancing, Burr said

Fright Nights is taking other precautions such as limiting the number of guests in a group to six and requiring masks to be worn by both guests and the haunted house actors. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10, and the proceeds support more than just Stagecenter. “We’re also teaming with Trinity Oaks and Starkids, another wonderful 501c-3 that COVID-19 has also affected,” Burr said. “They take children of fallen heroes and police officers — and also people that are terminally ill — that would like to go on a fishing trip and a hunting trip.” Halloweentown in Downtown Bryan will allow members of the community to have a safe trick-or-treating event. Public relations and communications manager of Destination Bryan Abigail Noel said Candy 95, a radio station, usually hosts the event at the George Bush Library, but had to change locations this year. “They reached out to us a couple months

ago and wanted to bring the Halloween event to downtown,” Noel said. “[Halloweentown] will be outside on the streets of downtown Bryan, so we’ll have the streets closed off. We’ll have booth spaces set up in parking spaces that will be six to eight feet apart.” Masks are required at the event, and booth attendees will place candy on their tables for guests to pick up without any contact. Noel said there will be more than 15 booths at the event. “I know Halloween is looking so different this year for everyone and especially for families with little kids,” Noel said. “We’re just wanting to provide a very safe, outdoor event that’s free for the community to come and enjoy.” More information about these events can be found on the Wicked Woods Facebook page, Fright Nights Downtown Facebook page and Downtown Bryan’s website.

FOOTBALL

The Battalion | 10.29.20

After a road win at Mississippi State, Texas A&M returns to Kyle Field to face the Arkansas Razorbacks. Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Aggies have high hopes, home field advantage A&M carries eight-game win streak over Arkansas into weekend matchup By Meghan Sharber @meghan_olivia02 For the first time since 2012, No. 8 Texas A&M will host Arkansas at Kyle Field on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Aggies enter this matchup after a 2814 win over Mississippi State on Oct. 17, while the Razorbacks sit at 2-2 on the season. Since moving to the SEC in 2012, the Aggies have accumulated an eight-game win streak against the Razorbacks. “Arkansas and A&M have played for so many years, they know each other so well,” A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said. “It means a lot to the alums and everybody else that it just becomes that game.” Last season, the Aggies came out on top

with a 31-27 win over the Razorbacks. Senior quarterback Kellen Mond went 23-of-35, passing for 251 yards, and senior safety Keldrick Carper led the team with a career-high 10 tackles. Offensively, Mond said he is proud of the progress A&M has made. “I think each week that we continue to critique ourselves and look back on the film, just how many plays were left on the field, and whether it’s chemistry, or just lack of focus, or a missed throw, or a missed route by a couple of feet, that can change a whole entire game,” Mond said. “I think we’ve played really well but we have so much more room to grow and a lot more potential.” Arkansas senior quarterback Feleipe Franks leads the Razorbacks with 974 passing yards this season and eight passing touchdowns. “Feleipe Franks is a big, strong, athletic guy who can get the ball so vertical,” Fisher said.

“He has a cannon. Knew him in high school, he grew up right there below Florida State in Tallahassee at Wakulla High School. Strong, athletic, hard to get him on the ground, makes a lot of plays.” Arkansas has 10 interceptions so far this season, and Fisher said Mond should be cautious of this, but it is not something to constantly bring up. “I mean you make him aware of what they do well, these guys play the ball well, they see the ball with their eyes very well, they see the quarterback very well, they understand routes, they match routes,” Fisher said. “You don’t scare a guy but you’ve got to make him aware of what that team does, how they play, how they’ll play him and why they’re having success on the plays and which they’re having it on, and what you’ll do to counter that.” Mond said the A&M passing game is continuing to improve every week.

“With Caleb Chapman going down and then us getting a bye week, we’re able to get some guys back healthy and then also continue to build that chemistry,” Mond said. “Having Hezekiah Jones back, giving some guys a breather and just adding more depth to that receiver room, and also playmaking ability, is going to be big for us. I’m excited about this weekend and continuing to grow with those guys and I’m looking for them to have another big-time weekend.” Senior offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. said Arkansas’ defense is very disciplined. “I see a team that fights to the last whistle,” Moore said. “They’re physical, for sure, and they play as a team. So, it’s gonna be huge this week for us to rally and be able to execute.” A&M will face the Razorbacks on Oct. 31 at Kyle Field in College Station. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be televised on the SEC Network.

5 things to watch for during A&M-Arkansas

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Texas A&M has yet to lose to Arkansas since joining the SEC. However, unlike the last six matchups, this week’s game will not be played in neutral territory at AT&T Stadium. With both teams coming off of a bye-week, the

Razorbacks’ defense

Arkansas’ defense is largely credited for the team’s recent success. The defense has put up impressive numbers, including the creation of 13 turnovers and nine sacks for a loss of 72 yards thus far. The diversity has allowed the defense to be disruptive, in addition to its weapon in senior linebacker Grant Morgan who leads the team with 52 tackles — the second-highest in the NCAA. The Razorbacks’ fifth-ranked defense will be looking to cripple the Aggies’ offense, both on the ground and in the air.

Indeterminate injuries Both the Aggies and Razorbacks have lost several players to injury this season. However, according to the press conference on Monday, Oct. 26, a handful of players could move from the sideline to the field this week for the Aggies. A&M’s junior wide receiver Hezekiah Jones and sophomore safety Erick Young could be among those returning, as well as Arkansas defensive starters Dorian Gerals, Bumper Pool and Montaric Brown. The Razorbacks also lost senior cornerback Jerry Jacobs with his recent announcement to opt out of the remainder of the season.

Pittman is a perfect pick Arkansas broke its 20-conference game losing streak with a win over Mississippi State in Week 2 of the season, under new head coach Sam Pittman. Although new to Arkansas, Pittman is familiar with the SEC as he was on staff at Georgia for four years prior. While Arkansas currently sits at 2-2, a win over a top-10 team this week would create huge momentum for the developing program.

Arkansas’ offensive duo

A&M’s dominant defense

Arkansas has playmakers in sophomore wide receiver Treylon Burks and senior running back Rakeem Boyd. Although both recently suffered injuries, Burks and Boyd were back on the field last week and helped contribute to the team’s 33-21 win over Ole Miss. Burks leads the Razorbacks in both rushing and receiving yards, and Boyd, who spent his freshman year as an Aggie, isn’t far behind him. A&M’s defense will have to execute its game plan well in order to contain these two on Saturday.

A&M’s defense played exceptionally well in the team’s most recent game, a 28-14 win over Mississippi State, constantly applying pressure to the Bulldogs’ quarterback and accumulating six sacks. Senior defensive tackle Jayden Peevy was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after recording five tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery against Mississippi State. The Aggies have another opportunity for a great performance against Arkansas’ offense, which averages only 373 total offensive yards per game.

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SILVERTAPS

The Battalion | 10.29.20

Silver Taps June 8, 1995 - October 9, 2020

ERIN NOEL NOVAK

‘Genuine, authentic and completely herself’ By Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_

devout Catholic, Erin Noel Novak will be remembered as a downto-earth individual who was focused on the world around her. A Hurricane Harry’s regular, Erin loved country and western dancing almost as much as she loved Jesus. Rachael Shudde, a statistics Ph.D. student and Erin’s roommate, said those two passions made Erin a fun and caring person to be around. “She was so good. I lived with her, and I never heard her say anything mean about anyone,” Shudde said. “She was just really kind and, I think, just an inspiration to be a better person.” Erin’s former roommate, Abigail Trahan, Class of 2020, said Erin was the most downto-earth person she knew. “[She was] really genuine and authentic — completely herself. I can’t explain it any other way,” Trahan said. “I can’t think of someone that’s more genuine than her.” Erin came to Texas A&M for the graduate program in ecosystem science and management, with the dream of working in conservation and research someday. Her mother, Noel Novak, said the environment was important to her. “The whole reason she picked what she picked to study was because she loved Texas, the landscapes, the plant life, things like that,” Noel said. “She wanted to preserve that and the natural habitat.” Trahan said Erin enjoyed participating in the universities’ traditions and had purchased her Aggie Ring only a couple of weeks before her passing. “She loved A&M traditions,” Trahan said. “The idea of Muster and Silver Taps was something she really thought was important. It’s … unfortunate that she gets both, but neat because they meant so much to her.” Noel said one of Erin’s main hobbies was making her own food and drinks, like mead. Erin was also very involved at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. “That was probably the most important

PROVIDED

Erin Novak (left) loved Aggie traditions according to her former roommate Abigail Trahan (right).

thing to her, was her Catholic faith,” Noel said. “She also liked to make a lot of her own stuff, like kombucha, sourdough [and] she made her own soap.” Trahan said in addition to cooking, Erin loved to go to Hurricane Harry’s for fun. Shudde said Erin recently admitted to her that it was probably good bars were closed

due to the COVID-19 pandemic because Erin thought she might be addicted to country western dancing. “She would stay out at Harry’s until like 2 a.m. and maybe go to Fuego after, and she would still be up the next morning making sourdough pancakes at like 9 [a.m.],” Trahan said. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s a true Ag’.”

Shudde said Erin also made the effort to call one of her family members once every evening because her family, including her younger sister Audrey and younger brother Ian, was very important to her. “She didn’t care about things, she cared about people,” Shudde said.

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1 “La Vie en Rose” singer 5 Phial 10 Polish language 14 Baal, e.g. 15 Hollow gourd musical instrument 16 Rum-soaked cake 17 Jolly Roger 19 This and that 20 Chemistry Nobelist Hahn 21 Address book abbr. 22 Feathery scarves 23 Newspaper type 25 ___pedia 26 Poet’s contraction 27 Like hand-medowns 29 Court ruling? 32 Capital of Latvia 35 Parti-colored 37 Chef’s phrase 38 First 40 Last syllable in a word 42 On vacation 43 Some joints 45 Billiard cushion 46 Little squirt 47 Ever’s partner 48 Farm mother 50 Fairy tale figures 52 Ex-military man 56 Extinct bird 57 Annoy 58 Palm type 59 Fat 60 Amateur

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Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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Violist’s clef Insect stage Caucasus natives Wrap Hit the road Extension Decision makers, briefly Breathing problem Birth-related Broad valley Trattoria drink Napkin’s place Holiday mo. Everyday article Before, in verse

SILVERTAPS

The Battalion | 10.29.20

1998 — 2020

OMARI ZAREIQ LOYDRAKE A dedicated friend who loved his family By Shelby McVey @shelbyxbreann

i th a loving heart, Omari ZaReiq Loydrake will be remembered by loved ones and friends for his infectious personality and love for living in the moment.

After graduating from Clear Springs High School in League City, Omari attended Texas A&M at Galveston before transferring to A&M’s flagship campus to study industrial distribution. Civil engineering senior Binh Vo, a longtime friend of Omari’s, said what drew Omari to the A&M system was the overall sense of camaraderie. “He did start off at Texas A&M Galveston with me, so [we had] that small, tight-knit group on the smaller campus [and] he looked forward to moving up to College Station after that,” Vo said. “He just knew that Texas A&M as a whole was where he wanted to be.” Omari’s parents said the only thing larger than Omari’s thirst for knowledge was his love for the Lord. “Omari committed himself to being a humble and faithful servant for the Lord and he lived his days to hear the words, ‘Well done,’” his parents said. Described by his friends as hard-working, a peacemaker and intelligent beyond his years, Omari embodied the Aggie Spirit through the love he showed in his relationships with his friends and family. “Omari’s pursuit of excellence led him to Texas A&M because the Aggie core values aligned with his beliefs,” Omari’s parents said. “He was a true believer in service before self, [he] frequented the narrow, less traveled roads and lit torches along the way.” A lover of all things basketball, fitness and healthy eating, Vo said it was rare that Omari let his friends skip a workout. “My favorite memory with him is when I had just worked an eight hour shift and then I came home and studied for another six hours,” Vo said. “It was then [9 p.m.] and he knew that earlier that day I had wanted to bench a certain amount of weights and when I told Omari that I couldn’t make it to the gym because I was so burnt out... Omari being Omari, he showed up at my doorstep and literally dragged me out of bed and took me to the Rec so we could get some work

PROVIDED

Family and friends describe Omari Loydrake as a caring individual who made everyone feel important.

in. Then he literally stayed up even longer with me to help me study after that.” Another friend of Omari’s, AJ Smith, said it was hard to take the easy route in any situation during their friendship because Omari wanted the best for his friends. “That dude was definitely the most straightforward, honest person you’d ever meet in your life,” Smith said. “He would tell you how it is and he’d be honest about every last word of it too. He would make sure that you would not cut corners — you did everything the way it was supposed to be done. He wanted you to be more than mediocre.” With a passion for helping those in need, Zeke Levy, a close friend of Omari’s, said

Omari would go out of his way on multiple occasions to help anyone and everyone, whether he knew them or not. “He was such a strong guy, not just physically, but mentally,” Levy said. “He was just so smart, and very wise beyond his years. He was very selfless. He really did love to help people. I’m not talking about just academically but in life situations. He always wanted to be there for people.” Smith said he remembers Omari coming to his rescue when he was going through a rough patch, bringing $100 worth of groceries to his doorstep when Omari knew he was struggling — all without being asked. “He has a way of making everyone feel important and was everyone’s number one

fan,” Omari’s parents said. “He was a true beacon of light for everyone he encountered, spreading love, knowledge and joy.” Although he often kept to himself, Vo said Omari’s love for his family was evident. On multiple occasions, Vo said Omari would pick up in the middle of a busy week and drive home to be with his family. “He spoke a lot about how close he was with his family,” Vo said. “He was a very private person, but he was very close with his siblings and his niece. He was always going back home to help her with school or birthdays or whatever it might be, he was there.”

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