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Who is Charles Bolden Jr.? A behind-the-scenes look at this spring’s commencement speaker
By Aria Garcia Lantern Reporter
Charles Bolden Jr. — U.S. Marine
major general, former NASA administrator and the spring 2025 commencement speaker — hopes to impart two lessons to graduating Buckeyes during his May 4 speech.
Never say never, and never underestimate your own abilities.
“Never let anybody tell you what you can and cannot do,” Bolden said. “You decide what your destiny is, and then you make it happen.”
Bolden — announced as this year’s spring commencement speaker March 17 — has a strong connection with university President Ted Carter Jr., as they both graduated from the United States Naval Academy, where Bolden received a Bachelor of Science in electrical science in 1968, per prior Lantern reporting.
“[Carter] was a dear friend and mentor to me while I was an administrator, and so, I’ve been very active with him and the team over at the John Glenn Center,” Bolden said.
Bolden said he is both excited and nervous about being the commencement speaker, especially when it comes to addressing graduates. Despite his own nerves, Bolden said he acknowledges the immense anxiety a new graduate might feel as they leave college and enter the workforce.
“I hope I’ll be able to bring some comfort and hope to the graduates and their families,” Bolden said.
Though Bolden never attended Ohio State himself, he said he has gained various experiences from the academy that can be applied to the typical Buckeye.
Bolden, who traveled to space four
times during his 34 years in the Ma-
Black male administrator, said he didn’t set out to be an astronaut. Initially, Bolden said he believed his passion would come from following in the footsteps of Marine Corps Maj. John Riley and becoming a distinguished military leader.
“[Riley] reminded me of my father,” Bolden said. “He was tough and imminently fair, and four years later, when it came time to graduate and I thought about what I wanted to do, I decided I wanted to be like him.”
According to NASA’s website, after Bolden’s time at the Naval Academy, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, where he
more than 100 combat missions in North and South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Bolden was later nominated by for-
mer President Barack Obama and conadministrator of NASA, according to the NASA website. He began his duties July 17, 2009, and served until January 2017.
His contributions at NASA include an unprecedented landing on Mars with the Curiosity rover, the launch of a spacecraft to Jupiter, the enhanceserving satellites and continued progress toward the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, according to the NASA website.
Bolden said he ultimately found his passion in pursuing a career as an astronaut. Based on his personal experience, he said he wants Ohio State graduates to realize the path they have in mind may not be where they end up.
“I never, ever, ever dreamed or desired to be an astronaut,” Bolden said. “But I met someone who became a
mentor and role model — the late great Dr. Ron McNair, who was an astronaut that we lost in the Challenger accident — and he became an inspiration to me.”
Additionally, Bolden said he wants graduates to realize no one’s opinions should stop them from pursuing their true dreams.
“Everybody wants to tell you what’s gonna be good for you, but there’s one person who knows what’s really good for you, and that’s you,” Bolden said.
Trevor Brown, dean of the John
a friend of Bolden due to their mutual connection with former Ohio Sen. John Glenn, said he feels Bolden has
“education for citizenship.”
Brown also noted that Bolden has a commitment to personal growth through education and service toward the common good.
“He served in the U.S. Marine
was the civilian leader of NASA,” Brown said. “All of this was in service to the greater good. He represents the best of us.”
In a statement provided by university spokesperson Chris Booker, Carter said the university is honored to have Bolden as this year’s commencement speaker, highlighting his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to serving his country.
“In every role throughout his distinguished career, he has elevated the United States’ safety, security and prosperity,” Carter said. “He perfectly embodies the Buckeye mission to serve a purpose greater than ourselves.”
Charles Bolden Jr. in the CDR [Commander] seat on STS-45, which launched March 24, 1992.
Opinion: Four under-the-radar stories from this year’s Campus desk
By Nora Igelnik and Reilly Ackermann Campus Editors
The Ohio State community has witnessed many changes this academic year, whether local, statewide or national.
There is a new U.S. president. New laws. New univer sity policies. A wavering and fragile social and cultural climate.
Through all this, one factor en dures: the Campus desk’s commitment to keeping an eye on what impacts students,
broader Buckeye com munity. However, with so many daily changes, it can
which police say Tengku assaulted Aziz with a hammer. Tengku — a fourthyear in electrical engineering — now faces assault and aggravated menacing charges.
Mindy went missing for nearly a month before being found Oct. 21 in Dublin, which is almost 11
CARLYDAMON|ASST.PHOTO
Zeta, is a fraternity committed to shaping men into intellectual, moral, spiritual and physical leaders.
A community of young individuals -
House actively supports organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Soci-
ground” campus news.
Below, we have listed some of the most notable and underrated stories the Campus desk has produced over the past two semesters, as well as the reasons why you should read them — if you haven’t already.
Kitten’s disappearance leads to pair of Ohio State students facing criminal charges | Bailey Johnston, John R. Oller Special Projects Editor
“Porch camera footage captured an Ohio State student placing his roommate’s kitten into a plastic bag before leaving his home. The student is now
roommate is facing two, including assault with a hammer.
On Sept. 27, a neighbor’s porch camera recorded who police suspect is Muhammad Aziz putting his roommate Luqman Tengku’s kitten, Mindy, into a bag before leaving their home, according to a police report. Aziz, a fourth-year in civil engineering, returned over 30 minutes later without the bag, leading to a confrontation that escalated into a physical altercation in
lumbus Division of Police and Cap ital Area Humane Society — an organization known as Columbus Humane, the law enforcement agency tasked with investigating animal cruelty cas-
website — have since investigated her disappearance.”
What on the surface may seem like -
took place in students’ own backyards. Originally discovered through the social media website Reddit, then-public safety reporter Johnston gave a
a well-reported, sincere unpacking of what really went down.
In these unprecedented times, it could be easy to feel burned out from reading the news. However, this piece from The Lantern’s campus desk uncovers a compelling story from Columbus’ local news scene.
Brotherhood and parties or violations and sanctions: Inside the hazing culture of Ohio State’s fraternities | Nora Igelnik, Campus Editor, and Brooke Tacsar, Senior Lantern Reporter
And just like 30 other Greek life organizations, it is also a fraternity that has faced hazing violations. In September 2022, the Studentymous report alleging hazing — including activities such as a blood oath, verbal abuse, pornography and forced memorization of songs about rape — had taken place onside the fraternity’s house at 153 E. 14th Ave.
“How did you become aware of this violation?” the report language asks.
“It happened to me,” the anonymous reporter wrote.”
Yes, students may be aware of hazing. But have they ever considered all of its facets, its prevalence at this university and its RADAR continues on Page 5
EDITOR
REILLY ACKERMANN | ASST. CAMPUS EDITOR REID MURRAY | MANAGING EDITOR
CAMPUS
How US policies impact Ohio State’s Iranian student population
ARTS & LIFE
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Momentum Contemporary Ballet dances into its fth year on campus in “ e Nutcracker”
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Ohio State students re ect on their feelings towards the recent presidential election
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men and women?
This special project — which starts with an anecdote but leads into carefully analyzed data — explores the world of fraternities, Greek life and hazing at Ohio State with expert interviews and detailed incident reports. In addition, it is an important read for those interested in the inner-workings of Greek life at a large state school.
Erasing tradition: Knowlton censorship in the School of Architecture | Reilly Ackermann, Asst. Campus Editor
“In the main stairwell of the Knowlton School of Architecture, students encounter bare concrete walls undermake their way to class. If they take a closer look, however, they may see traces of students past. Knowlton’s stairwell was historical-
past and present. But in fall 2023, all preexisting drawings and statements were removed from the passageway after a pro-Palestine message was added to the wall, per prior Lantern reporting.
Sarah AbuDakar — a fourth-year in landscape architecture and vice president of the Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects — said because Knowlton is intended to support and hone students’ voices, she viewed the stairwell as the “inside and the brains” of various academics. She said she remembers when the drawings originally came down in autumn 2023, recalling the scraping and drilling of the concrete as ‘traumatic.’”
In an age of national political turmoil, this story from Ackermann shines a light on the trickle-down effects of federal policies at the campus level.
Putting a magnifying glass on the School of Architecture, readers can see
up for what they believe in — even if it goes against university policy.
Dividing up donations: How the Ohio State community contributes to political candidates | Josie Stewart, former John R. Oller Special Projects Editor -
dents donated to various seats ahead of this year’s election, but one element remained overwhelmingly the same: about 96% went to candidates within the Democratic Party or political action groups that support it.
A Lantern analysis of over 180,000
year alone, Ohio State faculty, students candidates and political action committees nationwide.
This trend remains consistent — even when adjusted for contributions designated for primary and general elections — when expanded to the last-
en almost wholly, about 93%, to Democratic candidates and groups.
These results persist when aggregated by sects of the Ohio State com-ing for just one group — the board that oversees the university.
Contributions among 15 voting members of Ohio State’s Board of Trustees lean more heavily toward bipartisan groups. However, when accounting only for partisan candidates and committees, about 88% of contributions were given to Republican action groups.”
In this clean-cut special project, Stewart went through political contribution disclosures to analyze the
faculty and Board of Trustees members donate to political groups or candidates.
The disparities she uncovers are intriguing to those who are interested in the intersection between politics and higher education — a line that has grown more blurred in recent months.
ARTS&LIFE
Learn more about Brody Alexander, Ohio State football tailgates
Student groups react to university’s recent DEI programming cuts
By Samantha Harden Arts & Life Editor and Reilly Ackermann Asst. Campus Editor
Disclaimer: This story was originally published March 5.
As diversity, equity and inclusion programs face further attack by the federal and state governments,ward removing its own DEI initiatives across campus.
Carter Jr. announced Ohio State would Inclusion and Center for Belonging and Social Change the following day, positions, per prior Lantern reporting. openly shared their outrage by protesting in the days following the decision, mourning what has been lost and calling upon the university to protect its DEI programming from further cutbacks.
Now, student organizations across campus are wondering what will happen to their clubs’ own DEI initiatives following these changes.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at Ohio State
On May 2, 2024, Ohio State’s chapter of the NAACP, along with 33 other student organizations, collaborated to write “A Student Address to University Admin and President Ted Carter Regarding Protection of DEI at The Ohio State University.” The letter — shared to Instagram — discussed why the unito students.
Isaac Wilson, a fourth-year in aerospace engineering, president of Ohio
State’s NAACP chapter and a key leader in drafting the address, said the document’s goal was to bring attention to concerns surrounding Ohio Senate Bill 83, while also informing Carter —
the university’s DEI initiatives.
Senate Bill 83, essentially the ideological predecessor of Senate Bill 1, aimed to eliminate DEI course and training requirements for Ohio’s higher education institutions, per prior Lantern reporting. SB 83 was heavily criticized by students and faculty at Ohio State, passing in the state Senate but failing to gain approval from the House of Representatives.
“[Carter] was very new to the university, so I think it was very informative to him — hoping that he read it —
a strong coalition of students, having over 30 organizations come together to sign something so impactful,” Wilson
perspectives, so I think that was something that [Carter] just needed to hear.”
Wilson said when he learned the
ed but not surprised.”
“A university of this size, the one thing they’re going to try and protect is their money,” Wilson said. “All I’ll say is a leader that supports [their] community will be supported by [their] community, and it’s unfortunate because I thought that [Carter] would have fought harder.”
Wilson said the news of Ohio State’s programming cuts is especially disheartening because the NAACP’s primary goal is to raise awareness about DEI-related issues.
“We focus our programming [on] ensuring that students on this campus know how to vote, know who is on the ballot, understand the disparities that
happen within the health sector, understand how different businesses may not choose you because of the push back on affirmative action,” Wilson said. “Being able to educate the community about DEI has been our main mission on this campus.”
Wilson said since Ohio State’s NAACP chapter is part of a larger national organization, it won’t need to change its name, programming or mission statement. However, he said the organization has discussed the potential of federal funding cuts.
“We’re just trying to outsource with a lot of alumni, as well as the NAACP Columbus chapter, and trying to gain funds that way so that we can operate as we please and continue the programming that the students need,” Wilson said.
Scarlette Magazine
Scarlette Magazine — a student-ledmester.
As Scarlette has grown over the year in psychology and the magazine’s DEI chair — said having a formal DEI executive position was a must for the organization in order to cement the
importance of diversity. Since taking she makes sure the magazine features ethical photography and inclusivity in hair, makeup and skin and body types.
DEI changes are disappointing for both the club and her personally, as she is a recipient of the Morrill Scholarship. Although the Morrill Scholarship will continue, its eligibility criteria “may
State News article.
Beyond the Morrill Scholarship
she is concerned the elimination of ODI will limit future students’ access to on-campus resources.
“Hearing all of the changes go back and, like, hearing that some students moving forward aren’t going to be able to have the same opportunities that I would have is really frustrating to me because it feels like we’re taking so many steps back and not progressing,”
DEI continues on Page 9
Meet Brody Alexander, the 18-year-old bagpiper performing at Ohio State tailgates and more
By Raghav Raj Senior Lantern Reporter
Disclaimer: This story was originally published Nov. 26, 2024, and updated for the Commencement Edition.
At Ohio State, Saturday football games bring a wide range of sounds to the tailgates outside Ohio Stadium — speakers blaring music; empty beer cans rattling on the asphalt; throngs of people cheering, “Go Bucks,” or “O-H” and “I-O” back and forth at each other; and of course, bagpipes.
That last sound usually comes courtesy of 18-year-old bagpipe player Brody Alexander, who said he’s been performing at home football tailgates for the past three years.
“A lot of them ask me if I’m going to be the halftime show, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I wish, hopefully someday.’ They always just come up to talk to me and say,
‘Oh, I’ve seen you play here and here and here,’ or they ask me to come back to their tailgate, so it’s really nice,” said Alexander, a senior at Columbus City
always get to see people that I know, and they know me, and they’re happy to see me there.”
— whether at tailgates or at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, where he performed on Veterans Day in November 2024 — is a way for him to connect with people through his love for the instrument.
CONGRATS, GRADS!
EDITOR
Brody Alexander, AKA “Brody the Bagpiper,” plays “Carmen Ohio” on his bagpipes amongst tailgaters before the Ohio State football game Nov. 9, 2024.
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lot of people.”
said DEI is a value it will continue to uphold, as it is embedded in Scarlette’s club constitution. However, she said many members are worried there could be issues with receiving university funding in the future.
“If it becomes a problem in receiving funding or support from the university, then we have discussed potentially changing the name of what our chair would be to either like a ‘photography ethics chair,’ or something of not fundamentally changing what our goals are or what our values are as a club.”
When asked if student organizations would lose their university funding if their name, mission or executive positions were DEI-centered, university spokesperson Ben Johnson said because student organizations are, by changes needed at this time.”
student organizations are doing the best they can to adapt to changes without compromising their club’s values.
“Hopefully, it’s not like this forever, and we can keep DEI chairs, and DEI implementations and everything, but for the moment, we’re just going to
Minority Collegiate Outreach and Support Team
Ayana Runyan, a third-year in anthropological sciences and vice president of the Minority Collegiate Outreach and Support Team — or MCOST — said she worries not only for the future of current Ohio State students, but also for students who are planning to attend the university in the future.
“I feel like it can be a little detrimental to our youth education and rights for equality and equity,” Runyan said. “I feel like we’re kind of moving backwards in history for everything that the people who came before us have fought for — our rights that we have today.”
underrepresented students in middle
and high school by providing them with mentors who represent them, Runyan said the rollback of DEI pro -
the organization to serve its community.
“It kind of hinders our ability to properly have a voice — on campus and -
dle schools — and then also acting on the things we believe in regarding the DEI,” Runyan said.
Many of the students MCOST works with are recipients of the university’s Young Scholars Program, which students from nine districts across the its website.
The scholarship — previously housed under ODI — provides over aid. Runyan said the organization is concerned that if the scholarship was to be removed in the future, the students they work with will lose their access to higher education.
“A lot of the high school students have YSP scholarships, and with the removal of DEI and ODI, it’s kind of like, ‘Where do we stand with this key [issue], and being underrepresented [would] have less access to college because they have to pay for school versus the scholarship.”
The Young Scholars Program will continue, though its eligibility criteria -
27 Ohio State News article.
Runyan said ultimately, the organization fears that marginalized students will not have the opportunity tosity community.
“Overall, I’m just really concerned about not being able to show underrepresented students that there are people who look like them and that are them, so that they’re more comfortable being in spaces like a [predominately white institution],” Runyan said.
African American Voices Gospel Choir
Shawnta Hunter, a fourth-year in music performance and alto section
leader of the African American Voices Gospel Choir, said though the organization’s mission statement doesn’t explicitly include DEI initiatives, its key goal is to create a space where Black students in the arts can showcase their voices. However, Hunter did note the choir is inclusive and allows anyone to join, regardless of race.
“With me being in music and being in the arts for as long as I have, there is a lack of diversity, and equity and inclusion,” Hunter said. “Especially in orchestras, I don’t see enough people
don’t see enough women in orchestras. Having these people have this access is just so important to me.”
on-campus space where students can authentically be themselves — a place to connect, build community and immerse oneself in the rich culture of gospel music. She said she hopes the group’s atmosphere will remain unchanged, despite the initial removals of DEI programming.
“Gospel music has a deep culture to it, and we’re not erasing that — that’s not negotiable,” Hunter said. “They can’t get rid of us. I refuse to let that happen.”
continuation of the university’s DEI programming is both upsetting and alarming, she believes those committed to preserving its goals and mission will demonstrate that DEI cannot be easily dismissed.
“This is not something that we can just get rid of,” Hunter said. “It is not going to happen that easily. You can say, ‘Stop using these words, and stop doing this and that,’ but it’s not as easy as people are making it out to seem.”
Hunter said in a recent executive board meeting, members discussed the possible changes they would need
27 announcement.
“Really, we’re just not trying to go anywhere,” Hunter said. “Even if they get rid of the words DEI, we’re going to rearrange our constitution, and we can change our names if that’s what they want, but we’re not going anywhere.”
Black Mental Health Coalition
Samuela Osae, a third-year in molecular genetics and co-president of the Black Mental Health Coalition, said the organization’s mission is to provide students with opportunities to engage in discussions and activities aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community, a goal deeply rooted in DEI values.
“What we do really tackles that point of helping students, especially ones who struggle with mental health — particularly in the Black community — get acclimated to the school setting because that is where changes in mental health tend to happen the most,” Osae said. “In my experience, it was not something that was embraced in my community, in my home life, before college, and [the Black Mental Health Coalition] was really helpful to me.”
Osae said the organization has discussed making potential alterations to its mission statement and advisor support network, as well as the possibility of a name change in the near future.
“I’m assuming we’re going to have to change it to a general mental health club, and I feel like that defeats our initial purpose of ending the stigma with-
said. “That stigma isn’t experienced the same way in other communities. It just feels like that identity aspect is being stripped away.”
Without ODI and CBSC supporting the university’s shared mission to maintain a commitment to diversity, Osae said it feels less meaningful. Osae also pointed out that on the steps of the Ohio Union’s main staircase, “diversity” is printed as one of Ohio State’s core values.
“I just feel like the integrity of the values are not being upheld if DEI programming is not upheld because I feel like that is a core value for why a lot of
Osae said. “It just felt like if I came here, I knew there was going to be a place for me, and it doesn’t feel that way anymore.”
Ultimately, Osae said DEI can be the determining factor in shaping a student’s college experience.
“DEI saves lives,” Osae said. “We had that on a poster, but it really is true.”
From newsroom to stage: Exploring Ohio State alum Hayden Grove’s journey on ‘ e Voice’ and emerging music career
By Nick DeSantis Asst. Arts & Life Editor
Disclaimer: This story was originally published March 27.
It was July 2024, and Hayden Grove was doing what he loves best: singing a song.
“Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin — a track he’d known since childhood. But this Los Angeles performance came for a spot on one of the four teams of NBC’s music-reality show, “The Voice.”
Toward the end of the song, no celebrity coach had turned around in their chair, and it seemed as though Grove’s time on this stage might be short-lived. But not even a minute later, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine decided to take a chance on Grove, securing his spot on the popular competition show.
“To actually get on a team, and then have Adam Levine turn around, was truly, truly a dream come true and a blessing from God,” Grove said.
Grove, an Ohio State journalismber, said he has balanced careers in journalism and music for years. After participating in “The Voice” and being eliminated during the battle rounds, he is now allowing music to take center
Grove said he has been passionate about music for his entire life. Whileda, he was surrounded by music.
Notably, Grove said his father and grandmother played the piano and sang, and that his parents had a massive CD collection — all of which would serve as the catalyst for his love of music
“I was rummaging through my par-
ents’ CD collection growing up, and listening to some amazing artists and
said. “And I kind of happened upon the Sinatra, and it really just connected with me completely.”
Around the same time, famous crooner Michael Bublé’s career began
the jazz and pop genres.
“It just so happened that my voice kind of gravitated towards the lower register, and it just kind of all came into place,” Grove said. “So, I’ve been was probably in sixth grade.”
Grove’s father, Mark Grove, said his son was involved in various activities as a young child; however, music was certainly a focal point.
“Once he got into middle school and upper school, he did a lot more things,” Mark Grove said. “He was in the cho -
ruses, he was doing vocal work with the jazz band in high school and was in pretty much almost all of the musicals throughout his high school years.”
In addition, Mark Grove said that although Hayden played numerous sports growing up, it didn’t stop him from pursuing music.
“He was one of the quarterbacks for his high school football team, and on one occasion, he sang ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ before the game with his pads and cleats on, and went out and played the game,” Mark Grove said.
Hayden Grove’s love for music eventually took him to Miami University of Ohio, where he pursued a degree in jazz vocal performance. Notably, Hayden Grove said his experience at Miami just wasn’t what he wanted out of college.
“It was a good opportunity to go to a good school, but I just didn’t think it
The College of Social Work wishes to congratulate its outstanding Class of 2025!
Thank you for accepting the challenge to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of our society.
said.
In truth, what Hayden Grove really wanted was to be a Buckeye.
“I had always dreamed of going to Ohio State; that was my dream school,” Hayden Grove said. “That was a school that I grew up loving, and [I] grew up wanting to be a Buckeye, honestly.”
After spending a semester and a half at Miami University, Hayden Grove transferred to Ohio State and switched his major to journalism. While at the university, he said he decided to take advantage of his previous athletic experiences to become The Lantern’s “asst. sports director” — a position now known as “asst. sports Lantern TV producer.”
“We did a lot of work,” Hayden Grove said. “We covered the [football] team, just as any other reporter would. were in every press conference, we were at every game, we were at everything we could be at, and we just presented it more as a newscast than an article.”
After he graduated, Hayden Grove got a job as a sports reporter with Cleveland.com, covering the Browns, the Guardians and the Cavaliers. His
mother, Karen Grove, said music was pushed to the side due to his demanding and hectic work schedule.
com, he was doing social media, and it was kind of new to him,” Karen Grove said. “And so, he really put two feet forward and gave it all he had.”
Personally, Hayden Grove said he felt like the musical part of his life had come to an end.
of gotten rid of music,” Hayden Grove said. “I still listened to it, but I didn’t really sing much. I just thought that part of my life was fun, and it was over.”
Around this time, Hayden Grove met Mike Petrone, an entertainer and pianist in the Cleveland area, Karen Grove said.
“He took a liking to Hayden and heard his voice, and [Hayden Grove] kind of owes [his career] to Mike [Petrone], because he said, ‘You know, you need to keep going with this,’” Karen Grove said.
Petrone said he distinctly remembers meeting Hayden Grove at Johnny’s Downtown, an Italian restaurant he sometimes plays at in Cleveland.
That night, Hayden Grove sang
a few songs, giving him and Petrone a chance to get to know each other. Almost immediately, Petrone said he knew Hayden Grove was special
“I mean, plenty of people have beautiful voices, right?” Petrone said. “But do they understand how to deliver a song? Do they have a repertoire of songs? And he had all of that.”
Essentially, Hayden Grove said that Petrone’s praise and encouragement reignited his passion for pursuing music.
“To have him ignite that passion, it
start to pursue it again,” Hayden Grove said. “It took a little while; slowly but surely, I got to performing — you know, just [a] little here and there — and then soon enough, it became bigger and bigger, and it still grows to this day.”
vamped music career gained more traction after Bublé gave him a shoutout at his Sept. 1, 2022 concert in Pittsburgh, Karen Grove said.
“[Bublé] was at a concert and called [Hayden Grove] out in front of, what, 30,000 people,” Karen Grove said. “And, you know, [Hayden Grove] was just dumbfounded and [Bublé] said, ‘I see this guy in the audience; you should follow him on TikTok,’” Karen Grove said.
Hayden Grove said since then, he’s had an amazing relationship with Bublé.
“I just can assure you that [Bublé] has been a wonderful, wonderful mentor, role model, friend, all that good
incredible to me, and I’m so grateful.”
Eventually, Hayden Grove was given the opportunity to audition for “The Voice” and earned a spot on Levine’stle rounds to face his teammate, Lucia give it his all.
was amazing,” Hayden Grove said. “She’s just an incredible, incredible artist, and she’s a really kind person, so that was a blessing in and of itself.”
Sinatra in their battle, which to Grove, didn’t truly feel like a battle at all.
“I get it’s the battle round, but our goal was to sing together and to make it beautiful,” Hayden Grove said. “It wasn’t about competition for us. It was about making the best possible version and best possible duet of the song that we could.”
Levine ultimately picked show with him. When Hayden Grove returned to his hotel, he said he felt a
“I was pretty upset for about 30 minutes,” Hayden Grove said. “It was not so much that I lost, it was just the fact that it was over, you know, like, the fact that I just really wanted one more round.”
After those 30 minutes, Grove said he realized how grateful he was for the experience.
“After that, it was all love, and just going in and really paying appreciation to those people who helped me out along the way, and the people who I got to know and got to become friends with,” Hayden Grove said.
story ends. But for Hayden Grove, it’s just the beginning.
Since his time on “The Voice,” Hayden Grove said he has left Cleveland.com and is now pursuing music full time, recording and performing three to four times every week.
“My schedule for this year is comI’m going to do a lot of singing, and I view all these gigs as opportunities to practice and get better,” Hayden Grove said. “So, yeah, working on recording
JOSHUA GUNTER VIA TNS Hayden Grove sings National Anthem at Cleveland Guardians game.
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Against all odds: How the Buckeye seniors seized their nal opportunity to settle un nished business
By Sam Cipriani Asst. Sports Editor
Disclaimer: This story was originally published Jan. 23.
The Buckeyes’ journey to the national title started long before their season opener against Akron in August 2024.
On Dec. 29, 2023, Ohio State suffered a disappointing 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.
Even before the bowl game, Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer expressed to head coach Ryan Day and his team that he’d be returning for his senior season.
Sawyer hoped many of his teammates in the recruiting class of 2021 would follow suit. And though many
other upperclassmen jumped ship im-
season wasn’t as straightforward for others, especially those who hadn’t experienced a major team achievement since the 2020 Big Ten Championship.
Just days before the deadline to declare for the NFL draft, the Pickerington, Ohio, native received a callson.
“He’s like, ‘Jack, I think I gotta, I gotta go; I gotta leave. It’s too good of a [draft] grade not to go,’” Sawyer said. “[I said] ‘Man, I completely understand. Donnie, we love you. We’re gonna miss you.’”
Jackson took a few nights to sleep on it. And just days after he told Sawyer he wouldn’t be returning, Sawyer got another call.
Someone is Looking for You!
There IS a superior intelligence “out there” – and a loving one too. Your Creator wants you to acknowledge Him, and come to know Him and His ways. Don’t be deceived by evolutionism. All creation screams of intelligent design! The odds alone of DNA evolving are virtually nil. Evolutionism is the only “science” that denies the law of degeneration (entropy). God alone is the origin of life, and the true God wants/needs no one to take away life for Him – beware the “god” that does! What is unique about the Bible? It is the only 46:9-10). Try (current situation) Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12; (reformation of Israel after nearly 1900 years) Isaiah 66:8, Jeremiah 16:14-15, Amos 9:9-15, and Isaiah 53; (future situation) Zechariah 13:7 – 14:21; (timing of the 2nd Coming of Christ) Joel 3:1-2, 2Peter 3:8/Hosea 5:14 – 6:2. “No one knows the day or the hour!” you cry? The Word says: 1Thessalonians 5:1-6. “Too
Jewish parallel bible (biblegateway.com). “It’s all in how you interpret it” you say? The Bible, despite numerous transcribers over hundreds of years, is remarkably consistent/coherent and interprets itself (2Peter 1:1621). Beware of modern, liberal translations from “the higher critics” which seriously distort the Word! Finally, if there is a God, why is there so much evil? We have rejected God, and now see what it is like to live in a world where God has permitted us (temporarily) to rule ourselves. Give up your lusts, and come to your Creator and follow His ways (Jude 1:18-25). All that this world has to offer is as nothing compared to what He has in store for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9, John 14:15). Isaiah 55:6-7!
“Donnie called me at 7 a.m. and he’s crying,” Sawyer said. “He’s like, ‘I’m coming back.’ I’m like, ‘What? You just told me nine hours ago you’re leaving.’ He’s like, ‘Yeah. I’ve prayed about it, [talked to] my family. I can’t leave you guys all behind.’”
announced his return to the Buckeyes, citing that “there is still more to do,” via an X post.
Buckeyes would return nearly all of their eligible returning starters. And though nobody knew it yet, with injuries to two starting linemen during the regular season, the decision proved to be one of the most impactful in the Buckeyes’ run.
Ohio State’s journey to winning the National Championship wasn’t a straight-line drive, but rather a winding journey full of roadblocks, twists and turns.
And without the early discussions about returning and the determination
what its members started, the Buckeyes might’ve never embarked on the rollercoaster ride that ultimately led them to the national title.
nearly 15 starters, the transfers began to roll in. In the span of a week, quarterback Will Howard, center
Seth McLaughlin and running back Quinshon Judkins committed. To top player in the transfer portal, safety Caleb Downs, announced his transfer to Ohio State.
Widely regarded as the best returning class in the country, combined withlions spent on Name, Image and Likeness deals, the team was dubbed the “20 million dollar roster.”
Despite the preseason hype and dominant play throughout most of the season, Ohio State was practically 32-31 loss against Oregon at Autzen Stadium Oct. 12, 2024. And though the failure to beat the Ducks was a challenging hump to overcome, the second — a 13-10 loss to rival Michigan Nov. 30, 2024 — was an even tougher pill to swallow.
Day acknowledged the loss to the himself and his family. However, he said he doesn’t measure joy and success by a single game, noting that he’s always proud of his Buckeyes, regardless of the outcome.
ness by the results, then, yeah, you can
Day said in his CFP Champions press conference Tuesday. “I don’t. I’m just as proud of this team, no matter what happened.”
After the crushing defeat at the hands of Michigan, the Buckeyes
CARLY DAMON | ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
The Buckeyes hoist the College Football National Championship trophy after defeating Notre Dame 34-23 Jan. 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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found themselves as the No. 8 seed in the inaugural 12-team CFP, needing four straight wins to be crowned champions.
Ohio State faced a split in the road: their season. The Buckeyes chose the latter, and did so in emphatic fashion.
Day emphasized how his team overcame adversity time and time again this season, believing that to be what separated this team from that of years past.
“Nothing great was ever achieved without going through adversity along the way, and that’s what makes this team special,” Day said in his Tuesday press conference.
The Buckeyes began their run with a matchup against the SEC’s Tennessee game at the ‘Shoe. Ohio State raced out to a 42-17 victory powered by two touchdown performances from wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and running back TreVeyon Henderson.
umph, the Buckeyes headed to Pasadena, California, to avenge their previous loss to No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks were swept up in an early scarlet and gray maelstrom, trailing 34-0 by the second quarter and allowing Ohio State to cruise to a 41-21 Rose Bowl win.
Ohio State then faced the Longhorns in Arlington, Texas, for the Cotton Bowl, which — despite being in a neutral venue — Day called a “road game” due to the overwhelming presence of Texas fans.
And though it looked grim for the Buckeyes late in the game, on Tex-
tunity, Sawyer stripped Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers, taking the fumble back 83 yards for a touchdown to seal Ohio State’s 28-14 victory.
cementing the Buckeyes in history.
The win marked the Buckeyes’ third-straight victory over an AP top-
Day to call the run the greatest of all time.
“It can be argued that this was the best run in the history of college football,” Day said in his Tuesday press conference.
Ohio State culminated its season with a 34-23 championship-winning performance over Notre Dame, forever
After the game, Sawyer appeared at a loss for words, but said he was honored to leave a legacy
with the Buckeyes and bring a championship back to Columbus.
“To do what we’re doing right now, [what] we just did, and [to] leave a legacy that we just left is something that you can’t put into words how much it means,” Sawyer said in his CFP National Championship post-game press conference Monday.
Howard shared a similar testament.
“There were ups and downs; there were trials and tribulations,” Howard said in his Tuesday press conference. “Ultimately, we were able to overcome them and win the big one at the end.”
CHECK OUT OUR BOOK RECAPPING THE FOOTBALL TEAM’S HISTORIC RUN TO THE 2025 CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
To the College of Nursing graduates of the Class of 2025:
When you answer a calling to care, you bring your
MEN’S SOCCER
No. 1 Ohio State secures Big Ten Championship after beating Michigan 1-0
By Jack O’Callaghan Lantern Reporter
Disclaimer: This story was originally published Nov. 17, 2024.
It took 76 minutes to get on the board, but the Buckeyes are Big Ten cham-
No. 1 Ohio State defeated its archrival Michigan Wolverines 1-0 to secure the Big Ten Championship in front of a program record 8,938 fans thanks to a second-half goal from mid-
se Owens Memorial Stadium. hasn’t gone our way throughout that the program’s in a good spot, and I’m just so happy for the team, for the program, for the coaches, for the school,”some.”
The Buckeyes showed their defensive prowess early in the half, blocking two back-to-back shots from the Wolverines to keep the match scoreless in
Ohio State struggled
You’ve got this.
shot in the 16th minute, with mid-no Pechota targeting the bottom right of the Wolverines’ net but narrowly missing wide right.
Michigan almost found its opening in the 35th minute, with a shot from
the line by defender Nathan Demian.
By the end of the half, the Buckeyes had a season-low of one shot against Michigan’s eight, with three saved by goalkeeper Max Trejo while accruing nine fouls and two yellow cards, com-
Buckeyes in the 76th minute, drilling the ball into the upper middle of the Wolverines’ goal.
“The ball came over top, our coach, Trav [Travis Morris], he drew a play for me to go back post on it, and it felt
In the second half, Ohio State had 12 shots across 15 fouls, compared to the Wolverines’ 12 shots and 11 fouls.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Maisonneuve said. “I’m just proud of these guys. I mean, they battled.”
Next up, the Buckeyes will prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State will learn their seed when they’re released Mon
After a collision with Wolverinelow card of the afternoon was issued minute.
SANDRA FU | PHOTO EDITOR
The Ohio State men’s soccer team poses for a picture after beating Michigan 1-0 in the Big Ten Championship match Nov. 17, 2024 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
DOORS continued from Page 16
Emotions ran high. Matthews and Jackson were angry. They were frustrated. They cried.
“Harsh things were said about each unit, what they need to get better on,” defensive back Jordan Hancock said. “We all took the criticism, we all loved each other. It was positivity, it was tears, it was every emotion you could imagine in one meeting.”
Minutes went by. Then an hour. Day challenged the team that had crumbled against Michigan to move on and face run that would require them to crisscross the country, play elite opponents for four more weeks and hopefully be crowned the champion of all.
Before the meeting ended, Day left his players alone in the room. His words hung heavy like a thick fog, clinging to every surface.
What formed among that weight was resolve.
This team would go on. This team
a battle of Ohio against the world, the Buckeyes would be victorious.
Sawyer stood up one last time. Again, he asked his teammates, “Do you guys still believe?”
This time the response left no doubt.
“The consensus agreement at the end of it [was] we can still win this thing,” Matthews said. “We’ve got four to go.”
Before leaving the room, The team came together — as they had all season — for a group prayer. Their heads bowed, their arms linked, their spirits lifted.
The team that left the room bore little resemblance to the one that entered. Players tempted by the transfer portal the program. Players who did enter the portal vowed to be Buckeyes until the journey was complete and the job was and end their careers wearing the scarlet and gray forged a bond that could never be broken.
“After we closed the doors behind us, we were just like, ‘That’s in the past, we’re moving forward,” tight end Will Kacmaek said. “There’s only one way up.”
That journey carried them to a 42round.
It carried them to a 41-21 Rose Bowl thumping of Oregon.
It carried them to 28-14 wrangling of Texas in the Cotton Bowl, capped by Sawyer’s legendary scoop-and-score with 2:13 left.
In the post-Cotton Bowl press conference, Day sat with quarterback Will Howard and Sawyer. They were now one step from their ultimate goal of a national championship.
Day wore a Cotton Bowl champions hat low on his forehead, as he hunched over a microphone. His voice was calm
They had come so far.
They had silenced some doubters. They still had more to do.
“The story of this team is yet to be told,” he said. “No great accomplish-
ments are ever achieved without going through adversity. That’s just the truth.
“In the end we want to be able to tell the story of this team.”
A week later, Ohio State lifted the National Championship trophy in Atlanta after defeating a tough Notre Dame team 34-23 to cement their legacy.
The same players who confronted the reality of the humiliating Michigan loss now celebrated a victory without equal. Once again, they cried together, this time tears of joy.
They cried, and they remembered.
“That was the reason why we won, that meeting right there,” Innis said. “Everybody’s whole mindset changed.”
This was a team that had overcome agonizing public pain. This was a team that had come together with a belief few others shared. This was a team that had found a way to win and lift a university, a city, a state, a sport to championship heights.
Now their story could be told, a story that truly began at high noon in the team meeting room.
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Behind closed doors: e meeting that transformed Ohio State into National Champions
By Noah Weiskopf Sports Editor
Disclaimer: This story was originally published Feb. 5.
It was high noon when the Ohio State team meeting room as they had countless times before.
The date was Dec. 2, 2024, 48 hours after one of the worst fails in program history — a 13-10 loss to Michigan, the fourth straight to the Buckeyes’ biggest rival.
The seniors had four years to earn the coveted gold pants.
Four times they tried.
Four times they failed.
There were no chances left, and the season was over.
Or was it?
The team was the No. 8 seed in thevancement were anything but bright if the Michigan game was any indication. that could be maximized–or squandered–and players like Seth McLaughlin knew it.
“We can still win it with this new format, and we [are] still one of the
would seal this team’s place in Buckeye history.
Six weeks later, the 2024 Ohio State team stood atop college football as the
Top 10 teams, won every game by double digits and silenced every doubter.
Ohio against the world, indeed.
“It was a very uplifting meeting for
McLaughlin said, “ and just having faith in one another to keep going and keep working toward something.
“I don’t think we’d be here today if it wasn’t for the men who stepped up in that room and talked.”
In the 100-plus seat, Buckeye foot-
LOVE” are painted between two white wall.
Those words came to life on that Monday.
“The only way you get to win championships,” cornerback Jermaine Matthews said, “it’s a lot of tough love, a lot of tough conversations you’ve got to have with each other.”
The meeting was primarily for players, but head coach Ryan Day also attended. Athletes’ murmuring drew quiet when their coach stood to speak.
Day had taken the brunt of public scorn for the Michigan loss. There were calls for him to die. There were threats against him and his family. But in this room, all he had was love for the players who followed him into
He told the team this was the time for everyone to speak. About their feelings, their disappointments, their fears, their an-
ger.
But it was also time to talk about hopes and dreams for the challenges ahead.
“He told us to ask him questions that are hard to answer, even though it might not be what I want to hear,” wide receiver Brandon Inniss said. “We’ve got to get through this as a team.”
When he was done talking, Day sat down in a chair in the corner of the
for players to speak, his back against the wall.
captain Jack Sawyer, whose message was simple:
“That’s a hard game to get over, but now that it’s over we’ve got to move on,” Sawyer said.
“I still think we have the team to win the national championship.”
Sawyer asked if the team still be -
lieved in each other. The response was, uh, underwhelming.
“Everybody kind of said yes, but it wasn’t huge… you didn’t believe it if you heard it,” Inniss said.
The players sat and spoke in their position groups. When it was the wide receivers’ turn, Inniss stood and looked at Day. He asked for answers about how the plays of the Michigan game were called, especially since so many failed.
“I asked him, during the game, why did we make certain calls…and he gave me an explanation,” Inniss said. “He explained why it went down and his thought process behind that.”
Day’s candor made a mark on the players, with senior defensive tackle Ty Hamilton calling their coach “prideless.”
DOORS continues on Page 15
SANDRA FU | PHOTO EDITOR
The Ohio State football team met in this room after its loss to Michigan Nov. 30, 2024. The conversations in this room set the tone for the Buckeyes’