Play Day, pg. 3
Women’s golf, pg. 6
Revival recap, pg. 4
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Volume 164, Issue 6
UMHB holds 80th annual Easter Pageant By Brianna Bullion Assistant Editor
Photo by Brianna Bullion/The Bells
Senior social work major Joey Mainini, who portrayed Jesus in the eightieth annual Easter Pageant, holds up the little girl portraying Jairus’ daughter who is resurrected.
League Cru hosts Play Night
Three wooden crosses lay on the grass by Luther Memorial in preparation for UMHB’s eightieth annual Easter Pageant on Wednesday, April 17. Though the event faced a 10 minute rain delay prior to the 12:30 show, this year’s production was otherwise another success and provided an opportunity for students to minister to members of the community. Junior engineering major Daniel Roberson served as an assistant director for this year’s Easter Pageant. “It really is an honor to be able to not only participate in, but to help direct Easter Pageant this year,” he said. “It is one of the most unique traditions that we have, and I am certain that it is something I will one day tell my children about.”
The tradition of the Easter Pageant began in 1940 when UMHB President Gordon Singleton had an idea to use the ruins of Luther Hall to portray the story of Christ. The event gives students the opportunity to tell the story of the Resurrection and to share the story with the community. Students are encouraged to participate in this event, which also features children and grandchildren of UMHB students and staff. The university president selects students to portray Jesus and Mary for the production, which is student-led and directed. This year, Easter Pageant was directed by senior nursing major Katie Aday. Senior social work major Joey Mainini portrayed Christ and senior music education major Savannah Sepulveda portrayed Mary. See Easter Pageant, pg. 2
“The Music Man” performed at new PAC
By Randi Whalon Staff Writer League Cru has had yet another successful year with their annual Play Night. The night before UMHB’s annual Play Day, the organization typically hosts a game night in Bawcom Student Union that features video games, board games and food. League Cru is about leisurely and competitive gaming with one another, and their mission is to promote the rise of esports, a form of organized multiplayer videogame competition. “The League Cru and Cru Engineering have mutual members between each organization, and a lot of our members were coming to participate in the activities tonight, so I figured it would be great to come and have fun with our members or just to help out,” said sophomore Isaac Newton, President of Cru Engineering. The night kicked off with an icebreaker scavenger hunt between newcomers and frequent participants. In order to win the game, a person had to find others that matched the description on a card. Next came a computer gaming competition. “I enjoy the competitive gaming in general; it’s fun to just come to a place and compete against people that are interested in the same things as you,” said Martinus Counts, a psychology major. League Cru’s Play Night featured a friendly atmosphere that welcomed all types of students who have a passion for gaming with friends. See League Cru, pg. 5
Photo by Madeline Oden/The Bells
Photo by Brianna Bullion/The Bells
Left: Freshman physical education major Kyle Parsons, who played Professor Harold Hill, and Lauren Carlson, who played Marian Paroo, perform in UMHB’s 2019 production of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man.” Right: Parsons leads the children in the musical number “76 Trombones” in the first act of the musical. By Madeline Oden Staff Writer UMHB proudly performed its musical of the year with Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” in the Sue and Frank Mayborn Performing Arts center (PAC) on April 12-14. While other events, such as plays, orchestra ensembles and guest performances, have occurred in the PAC since its opening last year, “The Music Man” was the first Broadway musical to be performed in the center.
Many people were involved with the making of this musical. The entire cast sang, danced and acted as though they were the actual residents of River City, Iowa, where the musical takes place. The cast featured many UMHB students as well as faculty, recent alumni and community members. Many of the extras and child roles were filled by community members who take lessons at the UMHB Music Conservatory. Auditions were held in late Novem-
ber 2018, and students who received roles enrolled in the Opera/Musical Theatre class for the spring semester. Producer Dr. Jonathan Gary knew that there were a lot of non-music majors who had experience and love for theater in high school who would be interested in auditioning, and he encouraged them to participate. As a result, many students from other departments on campus joined the cast and crew. Faculty members such as UMHB’s Provost John Vassar and Alumni Relations Secretary Shelly
Midnight March By Emily Mahan Editor-In-Chief
Each year, UMHB seniors gather on a Friday night at the end of the spring semester for Midnight March. This year’s ceremony was held at midnight on Saturday, April 13. Students gathered near the Sesquicentennial Plaza in the Quad on Friday night in preparation for the seniors to arrive. During the week before Midnight March, members of the senior class decorate candles and distribute them to students and faculty who have impacted them in a positive manner during their time at UMHB. In addition, each senior chooses a member of the junior class to
Claybrook also played small parts in the musical. Art professor Hershall Seals and the Painting I class helped create the backdrops. UMHB brought in Natasha Tolleson, who is the head of Temple High School’s theater arts department, to be Artistic Director for the production. Tolleson had won many awards and directed her fair share of musicals before working with UMHB on “The Music Man.” See Music Man, pg. 2
robe during the ceremony. At the event, students stand in a circle with their candles, and the seniors come around and light them. After all the candles are lit, the seniors robe the junior class. This gesture symbolizes the transition to the next group of seniors. See Midnight March, pg. 2 Right: Senior English education major Bonnie Moriarty (left) lights a candle held by junior Eunice Michaelson (right) at Midnight March. This annual event is held at the Sesquicentennial Plaza in the Quad. This year, Midnight March took place on Saturday, April 13.
Photo courtesy of Bonnie Moriarty
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Wednesday, April 24, 2019
The Bells
Campus News
Easter Pageant: Students portray life of Christ
Photo by Emily Mahan/The Bells
Photo by Amy Lucas/The Bells
Left: Joey Mainini, who portrayed Jesus in the eightieth annual Easter Pageant, hangs on the cross as he calls out to God. Right: Senior psychology major Schyler Malloy, who portrayed the angel at the event, stands on top of the empty grave. Continued from pg. 1 The event also featured live music performed by UMHB’s One Voice, which consists of Sarah Ash, Kelli Chaka, James Jones, Hannah Killough, Tyler Medelin, Caleb Morrow, Ruben Ortega, Jancarlo Rodrigues, Douglas Stephen, Angel Tolbert, Katelyn White and Cyd-
ney Wilkerson. The songs featured were “In the Name of the Lord,” sung by Wilkerson; “Via Dolorosa,” sung by Sepulveda; “O Praise the Name,” sung by Frederickson; “Joy and Sorrow,” sung by Ray Martin. The performance also featured group renditions of “He is Jehovah” and “Any Other Way.” “Easter Pageant is
my favorite tradition at UMHB and holds some of my most cherished memories,” said junior nursing major Emma Spellings, who was an assistant director for this year’s Easter Pageant. “I was honored to play a role in orchestrating something that so clearly speaks the Gospel.” Spellings encourages students who have not
previously been involved in Easter Pageant to join the tradition in the future. “I would absolutely encourage anyone and everyone to get involved in Easter Pageant,” she said. “One misconception about Easter Pageant is that you have to have theater background or be a perfect Christian. Neither of those things are true. Easter Pag-
eant is for everyone and offers authentic community and fellowship while growing in knowledge of the Gospel and getting the opportunity to share the truth with so many people. There’s a place for everyone at Easter Pageant.” Senior education major Taylor Gusler attended the Easter Pageant this year. “I love the Easter Pag-
eant,” she said. “I love that we choose to share the Gospel in such a cool way and have for so many years. It’s awesome! I love watching the whole community get involved as we come together to honor Christ and the sacrifice He made for us.” See more photos online
Music Man: Students perform first musical in new Performing Arts Center Continued from pg. 1
“It was a large staff that put all of this together under Natisha Tolleson’s artistic direction and Dr. Gary’s producing,” Lisa Clement, UMHB voice professor and the musical’s Music Director, said. Even the new student body president, Sarah Fox, participated in the musical as Mrs. Squires. “It was such a blessing to be involved with the very beginning of a new start here with theater at UMHB,” Fox said. “I am so grateful for everyone who spent so many hours creating something incredible for the campus and the community. I’m so excited to see the future of this program.” The show itself was spectacular. Set designer Erik Vose and his building team did a great job making the movable and interactive sets. Not only were the sets well-designed, but the crew did a great job seamlessly transitioning between at least six different sets. The backdrops and props were cleverly made and vibrant that every detail stood out on stage. The cast did a great job singing the tongue-tying lyrics. It was obvious that the cast and crew had practiced very hard to prepare for opening night. Many of the audience members, myself included, were
tapping our feet and humming along to the wonderful scores and fun lyrics. Senior music major Stassny Bickham played the role of Edith Porter in the musical. “It was a lot of fun being in the musical,” Bickham said. “The cast, crew and directors all loved each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We prayed together, and we supported each other. It was great to be part of a community so wonderful.” Freshman physical education major Kyle Parsons starred in the musical as Professor Harold Hill. “The part of Professor Hill was super fun to play. I have always wanted to portray such an iconic role, and to have the opportunity was fantastic,” Parsons said. “It was a little nerve-wracking being a freshman and coming into such a talented cast and crew, and working with such experienced, professional directors. My worries faded fast though, [as] my fellow cast mates were so welcoming and supportive and made it such a great experience.” “I threw a few just broad ideas at him and he just took it and ran with such talent,” Professor Clements said about Parsons. “[During the April 11 performance] there was an orchestra chord and it was difficult to pull his starting note out of…he sang
a note in the chord, then realized it wasn’t the actual starting note. It was in the same chord, so it still sounded good, but he just morphed the beginning so that the first two notes were incorrect and all the rest of them were correct. His ear let him know— [this is] the mark of a good musician.” The musical took many months of hard work and dedication to prepare, and it was well-received by attendees. Talk of more musicals being held next year are already in the works. One thing the music de-
Photo by Brianna Bullion/The Bells
partment is sure about is that “The Music Man” was only the first of many musicals and plays to be performed in the PAC. See more photos online Above: Several female characters gather around Lauren Carlson, who plays Marian Paroo, during the musical number “Marian the Librarian.” Right: (L-R) Sean Clark, Caleb Morrow, Joshua French and James Jones, who play the quartet members, perform a song during the musical.
Photo by Madeline Oden/The Bells
Midnight March: Students robe their friends Continued from pg. 1 After the juniors have been robed, the graduating class and the juniors usually sing the senior song, “Up with the Purple.” However, they did something different this year. Instead of singing the traditional song, all of the students participated in the Cru Spirit Dance, which is a fan favorite at football games and other school events. Senior Kelly Taylor, who is a double major in psy-
chology and criminal justice, thinks that this change was a good one. “While ‘Up with the Purple’ is the senior song and it’s tradition to sing it, I feel that the Cru Spirit Dance was more fitting for this occasion because Midnight March is all about reflecting back on your time at UMHB, while ‘Up with the Purple’ looks more towards the future,” she said. “One of my first memories here is during Welcome Week at Spirit and Traditions, when the Cru Spirit
Dance was played over and over and over again. It was nice to reflect back on that memory during this tradition.” After Midnight March ends, members of the graduating class can ring the Senior Bell. The bell is located near the Parker House, which contains the Musick Alumni Center and Museum. This year, free popcorn was available for students, and seniors were able to take home a commemorative cup. Bonnie Moriarty, a se-
nior English education major, enjoyed being able to participate in Midnight March. “My favorite experience with Midnight March was how everything stayed centered on celebrating friendships at UMHB,” she said. “It was meaningful to light candles of underclassmen who impacted our time here.” Moriarty robed Chloe Poe, a sophomore education major. “I am so blessed to have a friend like Bonnie,” she said. “I hope I am as good [of] a
dorm Resident Assistant as her. I can’t wait for when I am a senior and get to robe someone.” Midnight March is not a new event at UMHB. Traditionally, senior students would walk through the hallways of each dorm carrying candles and singing “Up with the Purple.” Students who lived in the dorms would stand in the doorways of their rooms and wait for the seniors to pass. Members of the graduating class would dip their candles in a sign of
friendship as they passed the doors of their friends. Although this event eventually moved to the Quad, it is no less important for UMHB students. Although it is not known exactly when the robing ceremony first took place, it may have started as early as 1902. For more information about UMHB traditions, such as Midnight March, Charter Day, Easter Pageant, Miss Mary HardinBaylor, Crusader Knights, Stunt Night and many more, visit go.umhb.edu/
Page design by Emily Mahan, front page design by Emily Mahan
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 3
The Bells
Features One
Get your play on at Play Day 1
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1: Visitor Vanessa McVey (right) holds a goat in the petting zoo as her sister, freshman engineering major Amanda McVey, pets it. 2: (L-R) Melissa Bunnell, Taylor Davis and Kiersten Reaves paint flower pots. 3: UMHB Information Technology’s Application Engineer, Bryan Jaronlin, shows freshman international business major Jordon Mailloux how to properly maneuver a drone. 4: Sophomore biology pre-med major Emily Martinez (left) and sophomore biology pre-physician assistant major Hope Brents (right) play lawn games. 5: Seniors Steven Dang (left) and Abraham Magdaleno (right) try to catch catfish. 6: Junior pre-occupational therapy major Gema Vitolas (right) and junior exercise physiology major Jamie Vargas attempt to complete the Ninja Run. 7: Elementary education major Scarlett Jetty (left) and international business major Michaela Wells (right) feed the calf at the petting zoo. Pictures 1, 2 and 5 by Amy Lucas/The Bells. Pictures 3, 4, 6 and 7 by Madeline Oden/The Bells.
See more photos online
The Bells University of Mary Hardin-Baylor - Publisher Dr. Randy O’Rear - President Dr. Rebecca McEntee - Adviser Leadership Team Emily Mahan: Editor-In-Chief Brianna Bullion: Assistant Editor Production staff: Editors/Writers/Designers/Photographers/Artists Beau Kemp Randi Whalon Amy Lucas Kayla Williams Madeline Oden Online Coordinator: Katherine Frerich Contributing Writer: Jimmy Boutte
The Bells newspaper is a biweekly publication, owned and published by UMHB. Editorials express the opinion of the author; opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the adviser, staff and/or the university. Feedback from various points of view is encouraged. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name, email address and phone number. The Bells reserves the right to edit grammar, punctuation, length and relevance. The Bells mission is to represent the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor community through print and electronic media. The Bells strives to serve the campus and community through reporting fair, accurate and relevant news. The Bells adheres to the standards, policies and procedures established by UMHB. Email: thebells.umhb@gmail.com
Campus Phone: 4598 Page design by Madeline Oden
4 Wednesday, April 24, 2019
The Bells
Features Two
FYC hosts “Back to the Formal” By Randi Whalon Staff Writer
Multicolored lights, disco balls and a vintage photo booth were just a few characteristics featured at the “Back to the Future” themed formal held in Temple’s Main Street Hall on Saturday evening, April 6. The formal was raised two stories high and was decked out with an array of decorations that acknowledged the different decades of the past, present and future. First Year Collective hosts this annual event. FYC is a campus organization that provides a place of fellowship for first year students through leadership, community service, spiritual growth and school spirit. The formal has a different creative theme every year, and this year topped the rest with its expressive theme that shows off how unique our students can really get. Each student came out dressed to impress in outfits that represented different decades and their most popular fashion Photo by Madeline Oden/The Bells statements, some styled in tutu skirts and Students dance the night away at the “Back to the Future” themed Formal on Satur- neon leggings to represent the 80s and day, April 6. This year’s event, which was hosted by First Year Collective, was held others in bell bottom jeans and flower at Main Street Hall in downtown Temple.
Baptist Student Ministry hosts missions car wash By Brianna Bullion Assistant Editor The UMHB Baptist Student Ministry recently held a car wash to raise money for summer mission trips. They washed cars in the Meyer Christian Studies Center parking lot on Friday, April 12.
Events such as the car wash work to follow the BSM’s motto, which encourages students to “grow in Christ, give in service, and go into the world to share the love of Jesus” by providing opportunities for them to serve their fellow students and by earning funds that allow them to
share the story of Christ with people in need of the Gospel. For more information about UMHB’s Baptist Student Ministry and their events, visit their website at https://go.umhb.edu/students/bsm/home#1845.
crowns to bring a bit of the 70s into the mix. The disco ball lit the floor as students danced the night away with their peers. The area was filled with crowd surfing, eating and tons of laughter, and the vintage photo booth captured the memories of friends and their blast to the past. “This was my last year to attend (Formal), so I really wanted to go and experience my last formal…I really liked the photo booth that they had this year,” said Jimmy Boutte, a senior education major. “I also liked the ‘Back to the Future’ theme. They even had old movies playing on the projector, which was really cool,” Boutte said. Formal was a great way to relax and have a good time with the semester coming to an end. The students at the dance each attended for a variety of reasons, whether it was to show off their rad style, display their great dance moves or just to hang out with their friends. They all can agree that “Back to the Formal” was a night to remember.
Revival 2019
Each spring, UMHB hosts a white tent revival. Over the span of three days, students have the opportunity to participate in worship, hear student testimonies, listen to a speaker share a message and join a small group for prayer and discussions. This year, Revenant Worship helped give God the glory through praise and song. Students were also moved by the messages delivered by Dr. Kneeland Brown.
Photos by Kayla Williams/The Bells
Junior nursing major Vivia Vicuna (left) and sophomore nursing major Hannah Kovalchuk (right) help wash cars during the fundraiser.
Students prepare for summer missions By Amy Lucas Staff Writer
Summer break is just a few weeks away, and UMHB students are gearing up for various trips and adventures during their time off. Many people choose to spend their time serving others and spreading the love of God with people on summer mission trips. Here are four students’ plans for participating in mission trips this summer and next summer, and why they decided to serve. Robin Ontiveros, sophomore clinical psychology major: “I am going to East Islip, New York! I will be working as a summer recreation staff member with Crossroads Church. Overall, I will spend the whole summer there working with kids through sports ministries. I will have the opportunity to teach them volleyball, soccer and basketball while also having gospel activities. We will also be going out in the community and building relationships with people who may or may not know Christ. I am doing this through GoNow, and it was a completely last minute thing. I had been feeling called to mission for quite some time, but I kept ignoring it. Finally, I met with
Mary [Hebison], who is in charge of [the] BSM here on campus, and she told me about GoNow. I prayed about it and felt God telling me to just fill out the application, so I did. He really took hold of everything and placed me in New York. It wasn’t one of my options, but after praying and hearing about it, I knew God was calling me there. I grew up Catholic, and East Islip is [a] majority Catholic community. Even now as I am fundraising and preparing to go this summer, He keeps on leading me and opening doors that seem difficult. I have never done missions before, so God has really been giving me peace, guidance and community through this new journey!” Sarah Ifft, junior public relations major: “I am going to Middlesbrough, England in May. This will be the first time I’ve ever left the country, so I am very excited about the trip! This will also be the first time I’ve gone on a mission trip, so I am thrilled to see how the Lord will use His team for His glory firsthand. The team and I will be going around public schools in the Tees Valley area and sharing our testimonies as well as helping with after-school programs and local churches. We’ll [UMHB] be
partnering with Stephen Corner of Big Kids and Mike Taylor of UK-USA ministries.” Alexys Wharton, junior nursing major: “I am going to Middlesbrough, England, and we will be going into schools and sharing the Gospel with children and adults. Only about 3 percent of people in England are Christians, so it is a very dark country that is in need of the Gospel. This is actually my second time to go on the mission trip, and I feel led to go because of how dark that country is, and getting to share how awesome our God is is life-changing. I will also get to catch up with people I met last year who accepted Christ and see how their lives have changed since.”
Photos by Kayla Williams/The Bells
Top: Dallas based band Revenant Worship returns to Revival and leads the music for students all three nights. Top middle: Students particpate in a powerful worship service during the annual Revival event. Bottom middle: Dr. Kneeland Brown, Dean of the DeVoe School of Business at Indiana Wesleyan University, preaches messages from Psalms all three nights, following the theme ‘Faith to Follow.’ Bottom: Students pray together before the Monday service.
Nathan Duane, junior psychology major “I am returning to the Middle East for three months. I will be going through a two week immersion training in Germany first and then going to the Middle East to build relationships and share the Gospel while also looking to pave the way for me to move there full time in May 2020.”
Page design by Amy Lucas
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 5
The Bells
Life & Arts
The Bells editors bid farewell By Emily Mahan Editor-In-Chief
By Brianna Bullion Assistant Editor
This May, I will be graduating from UMHB, bringing my time as Editor-In-Chief of The Bells to a close. Although I have only held this title for one semester, I have learned so much. Not only have I improved practical skills such as writing, editing, photography and newspaper design, but I have also had the opportunity to learn from and work with the best staff I could ask for. First and foremost, I want to thank Dr. Rebecca McEntee, adviser to The Bells. Not only did you teach me everything I need to know about working for a newspaper, but you also encouraged me throughout every step of my journey from staff writer to editor. I truly could not have done this without you. Second, I want to thank the professors in UMHB’s English and communication departments. As a double major in English and public relations, most of my classes have been in these fields, and I am inspired by each of the wonderful professors who helped me succeed. I would especially like to thank my advisers, Dr. Nathaniel Hansen and professor Avery Green, department chairs Dr. Joey Tabarlet and Dr. Laura Bedwell, and Associate Dean of Humanities Dr. Jacky Dumas. I would also like to thank Bri Bullion, Assistant Editor of The Bells. Not only are you an amazing editor, but you’re also an amazing friend. Thank you for always being there for me, going on coffee runs with me, having latenight homework parties and obsessing over cats with me. In addition, I would like to thank the incredible Bells staff. Madi, thank you for helping me learn how to use Adobe InDesign and always letting me cuddle Moses, your adorable dog. Beau, thank you for dealing with my lack of sports knowledge and, more importantly, being one of my best friends. Amy, Kayla, Randi and Kate—thank you for always being so enthusiastic and bringing so much fun to the newsroom. I also want to thank Lauren Lum, former Editor-In-Chief, as well as Jimmy, Sarah, Bria and Jasmin. Finally, I would like to thank the students, alumni, faculty and staff for reading The Bells. Our paper truly could not exist without your support. Thank you for walking with us through our journey. As I step into the future and embrace life after graduation, I will keep in mind all of the knowledge I gained at UMHB, and I will cherish the lifelong friendships I have made here. I am so grateful for everything I have experienced in college. These past three years could not have been any better, and I will never stop calling this amazing school my home.
My journey at UMHB began three years ago when I first set foot on campus for Cru Camp and was immediately greeted by the friendly faces that I have grown to love. I remember being so excited to be surrounded by so many people who loved Jesus as much as I do! I want to thank all of the people who have supported me since I first came to UMHB and the friends I have made along the way. I would not be where I am today without their help and support. I would especially like to thank my best friend and Editor-in-Chief Emily Mahan. Thank you for all of your help, constant jokes, hugs and patient ears. I am so thankful for your friendship and cannot wait to see where our friendship takes us after we graduate! I also want to thank the professors in the English department for their constant support and encouraging words, and for sharing their knowledge with me during my time at UMHB. I especially want to thank my adviser, Dr. Stephen Barnes, for being a fantastic guide and for sharing his knowledge about classical literature with me. I would also like to say thank you to Dr. Nathaniel Hansen for being my honors project adviser and making me a better writer—I will always remember the creative writing tips you gave me. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Jacky Dumas and Dr. Laura Bedwell for their guidance and encouraging words. I truly appreciate their help and encouragement. I also want to say thank you to the professors of the Honors Program for their guidance. I would especially like to thank Dr. David Holcomb for helping me navigate the program and for his guidance on my senior honors project. I will always remember their kindness. I would also like to thank the members of The Bells staff for their hard work and dedication. Our paper wouldn’t be where it is now without all of your work and positive energy. I am always excited to come to work with you all! Photo by Beau Kemp/The Bells Thank you Dr. Rebecca McEntee for all of your help and support as we took on the task of running this newspaper. From Emily Nicole Mahan (left) is a senior English and public late night production in the newsroom to the conference at Tarrelations double major. This semester, she has held the leton, I will always remember your fun nature and knowledge title of Editor-in-Chief of The Bells. Brianna Nicole Bullion (right) is a senior English major with a writing minor. of journalism. Thank you for being a great adviser! All of these people and experiences have one thing in This semester, she has held the title of Assistant Editor of common: they all started at UMHB. So, I want to extend my The Bells. Both Mahan and Bullion will be graduating this May. After graduation, Mahan plans to move to Houston to gratitude to this fantastic university for the opportunities it has given me and the people it has helped me meet. I will always pursue a career in either editing or public relations, while Bullion plans to move to the Rio Grande Valley to pursue a cherish the three years I spent at this Christ-centered university and can’t wait to tell my children about my college years at career in journalism while enhancing her creative writing the best university in Texas. Thank you UMHB for providing portfolio. “education for life” and the “experience of a lifetime.”
Summer break ideas
League Cru: UMHB students participate in gaming competition
Photo courtesy of TNS
By Kayla Williams Staff Writer Summer is almost here, so get ready to set aside those textbooks and have some fun in the sun. Whether it’s hanging out with friends or exploring someplace new, this is a great time of year to get out and try something different. You might be one of the many people who are stuck without summer plans, or maybe you just don’t know what to do yet. However, don’t be alarmed because there are many fun and adventurous activities out there for you do, and many of them are right at your fingertips. 1. Take a road trip. Gather some friends together and explore a new city or town. Texas is known for many things from the Austin hill country to fascinating historic monuments, and there is always something new to discover here. Not only that, but there are also many other states just waiting to be explored. After all, there is nothing quite like taking a drive on an open American road. 2. Have a bonfire. Summer is a great time to gather around the campfire and spend the evening singing and roasting s’mores. Playing games is also a popular bonfire
activity, and it will ensure that everyone has a great time. Having a bonfire is a great idea for bonding with the family. It’s also a great way to reconnect and spend time with the ones you love. 3. Take a trip to the zoo. Take a day out the house to go visit some furry friends at your local zoo. Most zoos even offer annual passes which include year-round admission. Besides that, what’s cooler than seeing lions relaxing in the sun or a bear drinking from a stream? 4. Attend a festival. Do you enjoy live music, fun contests and food trucks? Summer festivals offer every one of these things and are always full of excitement. They are also a great way to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Typically, they go on for several days at a time, which guarantees you plenty of time to have tons of fun. 5. Spend the weekend camping. Camping is a great way to have fun and get in touch with nature for a few days. Whether it’s jumping in a lake, going for a hike or relaxing by the fire, this option will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors and wind down for a bit. So what are you waiting for? Find your sleeping bag and start planning!
Continued from pg. 1 “I was always interested in video games, influenced by my parents and strived to be a leader. I combined the two, and now I’ve been president for three years. It’s the difficulties that women face in the gaming industry that always made me want to strive and break down barriers; this led me to become president,” said League Cru President
Magdalena Rodriguez. For more information about League Cru, visit their Facebook page or go.umhb.edu/students/ orgs/organizations/ league-cru. Right: Aaron Leal (left) and an unidentified student play League of Legends at the annual Play Night hosted by League Cru. This year’s event was held on Wednesday, April 10 in Bawcom Student Union.
Photo by Randi Whalon/The Bells
DC’s new film “Shazam” slams into box office By Jimmy Boutte Contributing Writer
“Shazam” is the newest movie from the DC Cinematic Universe. It is about a fourteen-year-old foster boy named Billy Batson and his amazing journey to becoming a superhero. He finds a wizard named Shazam who gives him amazing powers that Batson must get the hang of. While he is still learning to use his powers, he must face an evil villain named Dr. Sivana. Asher Angel plays Batson in this movie and does a great job. He plays a boy who is looking to belong to a family. He got separated from his mom and has been searching for her ever since. When he gives up on finding his mom, he feels like he does not need a family until he is adopted by the Freemans and learns a valuable lesson about family. When Batson transforms into a superhero, he is an older man. This man is played by Zachary Levi. This is not Levi’s first role. He played a minor character named Fandral
in “Thor: The Dark World” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” He also played Flynn Rider in Disney’s “Tangled,” as well as Chuck Bartowski on the hit spy show “Chuck.” He always gives the audience a great performance. He had to portray a fourteen-year-old boy in an adult body, and he did well. The performance was very believable. My favorite character is Batson’s best friend in the movie, Freddy Freeman, played by Jack Dylan Grazer, who played Eddie Photo courtesy of TNS Kaspbrak in the hit horror movie “It.” Freeman’s “Shazam” hit theaters on Friday, April 5. The film stars character loves to geek out Asher Angel (left) as the young Billy Batson and Jack about superheroes, and he Dylan Grazer (right) as Freddy Freeman. becomes Batson’s personal manager. He helps him movie. I just wish that the giving Batson his power. control his powers, and he director gave him more The wizard tells Batson that only one pure of heart is a great friend to Batson. screen time. This movie was great, can have the power. I did Sivana, played by Mark Strong, was the villain but it had some problems not think he was pure of in the movie. He was go- as well. Batson was a very heart (or that anyone is). ing to wield the power of reserved person, but when The wizard had unrealistic Shazam, but was found he became the super hero expectations. This movie had great acunworthy, so he went Shazam, he was way more down a dark path. I think joyful and silly. This is tion sequences, and it had that people could relate to kind of strange to me, be- a great message about famthis character a lot because cause they are supposed to ily. Family will always be sometimes we all feel un- be the same person even with you no matter what. I worthy. Mark Strong gave when he transforms. I also cannot wait to see Shazam a fine performance in this did not like the wizard in his next movie. Page design by Emily Mahan and Brianna Bullion
6 Wednesday, April 24, 2019
The Bells
Sports
Women’s golf wins conference championship By Beau Kemp Staff Writer During the weekend of Friday, April 12, UMHB’s women’s golf team won its twelfth conference championship in program history. The championship was held in Glen Rose on the Comanche Lakes Course at the Squaw Valley Golf Club. The tournament lasted three days and had a total of 54 holes. Nine different teams competed in the tournament, including teams from Hardin-Simmons University, Concordia University and Howard Payne University. The Cru finished the conference championship with a team total of 953, taking them to first place and securing the championship title. This was an outstanding performance by the women’s team. Olivia Robinson, a senior public relations major from Deer Park, won an individual medal for her outstanding performance and was named ASC Golfer of the Year. Freshman Victoria Gleghorn from Nacogdoches tied for fourth place with a score of 241. Senior Cassidy Rawls from Snyder finished in ninth place with a score of 243. Freshman Jade Ming and sophomore Annie Hasselbach tied for sixteenth place with scores of 252. This fantastic performance by the women’s team carried them into the NCAA Division III National Championship. This tournament will be held at the Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston from Tuesday, May 14 to Friday, May 17. UMHB will co-host the tournament.
Photo courtesy of UTD Sports Information
Senior Olivia Robinson won an individual medal for her performance at the tournament in Glen Rose. In addition, she was named ASC Golfer of the Year. The team will travel to Houston for the NCAA Division III National Championship in May. This tournament will be held from May 14 to 17.
Allie Dalle pursues military and softball dreams
Photo courtesy of Cru Athletics
Photo courtesy of Allie Dalle
Left: UMHB sophomore Allie Dalle steps up to bat during the Feb. 16 game against UT Dallas. Right: Dalle stands outside a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter during an ROTC Field Training Exercise (FTX) on the weekend of March 29. The cadets traveled from Stephenville to Camp Bowie Army Reserve in Brownwood in the helicopter for the training. By Emily Mahan Editor-In-Chief UMHB sophomore Allie Dalle has a clear vision of what she wants to do with her life. Dalle, who is a criminal justice major from Lake Travis, wants to fly Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for the United States Army. Dalle has known that she wanted to join the military since she was around eight years old. In order to prepare for life in the Army, she is a part of UMHB’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. This will allow her to join the Army as a Second Lieutenant after graduation. She has had a great experience with UMHB’s ROTC program. She originally planned to join a larger military program in college, such as Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets. How-
ever, after finding out about UMHB’s ROTC program, she realized that she was supposed to be a Crusader. “I love it,” she said in reference to the school’s ROTC program. “It’s more of a personal experience rather than being thrown out into a big group of random people. I get to be closer with all the cadets in the program.” While earning her degree at UMHB, Dalle is fulfilling another lifelong passion—softball. “I’ve been playing softball since I was about four or five years old,” she said. “I’ve always loved it, and [I’ve] wanted to play college ball since I was probably 10.” Here at UMHB, Dalle has served as a utility player, playing a variety of positions on the team. She has played at first and third base, as well as centerfield. “Wherever they need a spot to be filled, I’ll
play,” she said. Her impressive statistics for this season include a .405 batting average and a .957 fielding percentage. Softball Head Coach Larry Hennig is proud of everything Dalle has accomplished. “Allie has been a huge catalyst for our program this year. We have asked her to play several positions and she always performs well. She is one of our hardest workers at practice, and she has made herself into one of the top hitters in our conference.” According to Hennig, Dalle is a valuable member of the team not just for her softball skills, but also for her personal characteristics. “She is highly respected and loved by everyone that she comes in contact [with]. She has all of her priorities in the right place. We are so fortunate to have her in our program.” Balancing ROTC, softball and college class-
Campus picks for NBA MVP Left: Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball during the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte, N.C. in February 2019. Right: James Harden of the Houston Rockets prepares to shoot the ball in March 2019.
es can be difficult. Dalle begins her weekdays with early morning ROTC workouts. Afterwards, she heads to class, and when her classes are over for the day, she goes to softball practice. After practice, she makes time for homework before starting the cycle all over again the next day. Despite her busy schedule, Dalle loves having the opportunity to pursue her goals at UMHB. “It does get really hard sometimes, but it’s definitely worth it,” she said. Senior Cadet Chris Hirsh thinks so. “Dalle is an extraordinary member of our program who displays selfless leadership on a daily basis,” Hirsh said. “I can confidently say that she is and will continue to be an excellent role model worthy of praise and recognition. She is the future of the ROTC program and the Army.”
Cru baseball falls to ETBU
Photos courtesy of TNS
who should win the prestigious award. This is what a couple of students on campus had to say. By Beau Kemp Staff Writer This year’s NBA MVP race has been closer than ever. Since being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo has improved not only his own talent, but the team’s overall record as well. In his sixth season, he has taken the Bucks to the highest record in
the Eastern Conference. He has been putting up great numbers all season long on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Another strong candidate for MVP is James Harden of the Houston Rockets. This season, he has helped the team achieve historic numbers while scoring 50 to 60 points in a game on several occasions. Fans of the sport are split as to
Seth Blankenship, junior pre-physical therapy major: “I think James Harden should win MVP. Statistically he has more winning categories than the next man up, Giannis. He has more minutes, points and assists per game. Also, I’d say he’s more valuable to his team on the floor than off. Houston wouldn’t be
in as good of a position as they are without him than Milwaukee would be. Plus, the western conference is harder than the eastern conference.” Jimmy Boutte, senior education major: “Giannis should definitely be MVP. He is arguably the best all-around player in the league. If you take him off the roster, they can still get wins, but they are not the same without him. The Bucks do have talent outside of Giannis, like Eric
Bledsoe for example, but Bledsoe doesn’t match up to the Rockets equivalent, Chris Paul. Although Paul has been dealing with injuries, I would still take him over Bledsoe. Harden has been putting up historic scoring numbers, but this is with him taking 30 plus shots throughout the game. Also, he didn’t start the season like this. He started off the season with terrible numbers, and Giannis has been consistent all season long on the best team in the Eastern Conference.”
Photo courtesy of Cru Athletics
During the weekend of April 19, the Cru baseball team traveled to Marshall to face East Texas Baptist University in a three-game tournament. After losing the first two games, both of which were shutouts, UMHB was able to score four runs in the final game of the series. However, they were edged out by the Tigers, and the Cru lost 4-5. On Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m., the Cru will face the Concordia University Tornados at home in the start of another three-game tournament. Page design by Beau Kemp