Issue 8 | Volume 107

GLOBAL TERRORISM DECLINES

Terrorism levels fall to a 15-year low

Jane Carr News Editor

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) has fallen to its lowest level in 15 years, with both global terrorist attacks and resulting deaths decreasing, reflecting a significant decline in attacks and deaths worldwide.

Global terrorist attacks dropped 22% while deaths decreased by 28%, suggesting progress in resolving some territorial

and economic conflicts.

According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, which publishes the GTI, the decline is partly due to a shift in how violence is carried out and where it occurs.

While the number of attacks has decreased, terrorism has become more concentrated in specific regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa’s Sahel region, which now accounts for a large share of

The Power of YikYak

Sydney Williams Asst. A&L Editor

At GCSU, students are not just talking in classrooms, residence halls or dining spaces. A lot of the conversation is happening on YikYak, where nobody has a name, but everyone has an opinion.

The app is a location-based, anonymous social media platform where users can post short messages to people nearby. There are no profiles, no usernames, and, as many students describe it, “no strings at-

tached.” That anonymity has turned it into one of the most unpredictable corners of campus life, where jokes, complaints, rumors and the occasional positive post all fight for attention.

For many students, that freedom is exactly the problem.

“I feel like the whole point of it is just to make fun of people in certain groups or organizations,” said Scarlett Jackson, a freshman chemistry major. “It’s just not really my vibe.”

See YIKYAK | Page 8

global terrorism deaths.

Dr. Steve Elliott-Gower, associate professor of international relations at GCSU, said the drop is also tied to how violence is categorized.

“There are several factors behind the drop in the GTI. One of the most significant [has] been the evolution of terrorist groups to insurgency groups, meaning a shift from attacks on civilians to attacks

on military, police, and government targets,” Elliott-Gower said. “Therefore, [there is] a decline in what GTI counts as terrorist attacks.”

Data from the GTI supports this shift, noting that many extremist groups are increasingly engaging in organized conflict rather than isolated attacks, blurring the line between terrorism and insurgency.

See TERRORISM | Page 2

GCSU’s Hillel hosts Passover meal

Elizabeth Kohler Staff Writer

The GCSU Hillel organization invited students and faculty to come to the MAX on the evening of April 1 to participate in a traditional seder, a ritual meal held on the first and second days of Passover, the eightday Jewish holiday.

The event, organized by the campus Hillel club and catered by the MAX, was intended to share the history

and importance of the holiday tradition with the GCSU community.

“It’s really important to have Jewish moments on campus when we can and educate our non-Jewish friends,” said Odeya Atar, a senior biology major and president of the Hillel club.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, a seder, meaning “order” in Hebrew, consists of 15 steps, during which participants read from the Haggadah, the traditional guidebook for

the seder, tell stories and interpretations related to the holiday and sing songs such as the Dayyenu to express gratitude for God’s blessings.

“Passover is a specific holiday in the spring that tells the story of the Jewish people being slaves in Egypt and their path to freedom,” said Netta Benhashal, the director of the Hillel student organization at GCSU.

During this holiday, the consumption of the fermented, or leavened, products of wheat, barley,

oats, rye and spelt is forbidden. In replacement, participants eat matzah, unleavened bread made of flour and water.

The steps of the seder are as follows: the Kadesh, the Urchatz, the Karpas, the Yachatz, the Magid, the Rachtzah (second-hand washing), the Motzi, the Matzah, the Maror, the Korech, the Shulchan Orech, the Tzafun, the Barech, the Hallel and the Nirtzah.

See PASSOVER | Page 8

DUAL PEACH BELT CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Bryan Cade Sports Editor

GCSU Athletics took over the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week awards for the week of March 22, as shortstop Emily Hobbs took home the softball honors and outfielder Luke Boone claimed the baseball honors.

Hobbs, a senior, one of four on the team, is from Ochlocknee, Georgia and helped GCSU softball in five contests during that

week, splitting a pair of games against No. 18

Francis Marion University and winning two of three games against the University of South Carolina-Beaufort (USCB).

“She’s one who does everything the right way,” said Brittany Johnson, head coach of the GCSU softball team. “She leads by example, works extremely hard at her craft, gives it everything she has each and every day, and others follow behind that.”

In the games, Hobbs collected eight hits in her 14 at-bats, leading to a .571 batting average. Her single extra-base hit came in the form of a home run, which came in the final game against USCB, and she drove in five runs and scored four times.

“I felt that I was seeing the ball well during my performances at Francis Marion and USCB,” Hobbs said. “I had been struggling and found ways to get on base by

drag bunts or beating out ground balls. This helped me gain some confidence back until I started hitting the ball hard again.”

In her contests since the award, Hobbs has kept up offensive performances, collecting nine hits in 21 at-bats in her last eight games for a .429 batting average, driving in seven runs, and hitting another home run, this time in a win against Flagler College.

See PBC POTW | Page 4

GCSU Holds “Communication Across Generations”

Maggie Scarbrough Staff Writer

On Wednesday, April 1, the GCSU School of Continuing and Professional Studies hosted an event called “Communication Across Generations” from 5-6 p.m. in the A&S auditorium in collaboration with the Milledgeville Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

This event included an interactive panel discussing cultural, social and digital barriers between generations like Gen Z, Millennials and Boomers. These lessons were intended to provide insight into how, despite these barriers, intergenerational relationships can strengthen communications in the workplace and everyday life.

Each member of the panel took turns sharing their experiences, from digital mannerisms to the rise of social media to the age when they got their own cellphone. The older

TERRORISM

Continued from page 1

According to Our World in Data, a project of Global Change Data Lab, which is a nonprofit based in the UK, most terrorist incidents globally target civilians, military personnel and government institutions, but classification differences and reporting limitations can affect how these events are counted.

Elliott-Gower emphasized that while global numbers are improving, the reality is more complex.

generations recalled first having a flip phone in their twenties, while the younger generations reported having an iPhone in their teens or earlier.

The event had four speakers from different generations. The panel included Bruce Hood (Boomer), Damita Jones (Gen X), Gil Pound (Millennial) and Leah Frazier (Gen Z). Students were encouraged to share their experiences, ask questions, gain practical knowledge and learn how to be a more effective communicator.

The speakers were also available after the event was over to answer any additional questions and give advice. Bruce Hood, who was part of the panel as a representative for the Boomer generation, said that the event deepened his understanding of human communication.

“I think [the event] highlights the importance of communication across generations,” he said.

“There’s long been a concentration of terrorism in the so-called ‘arc of instability’ from West Africa through the Middle East to Central Asia,” he said. “However, terrorism is even more concentrated in the Sahel region today. A country like Mali can take no comfort in the decline in the global numbers.”

Recent reporting also highlights that while global deaths have declined, some regions are experiencing worsening violence. According to a 2026 report cited by The Guardian, terrorism deaths have surged

VOLUME 107 | NO. 8

Editorial Board

Mary Ciucevich..............

Editor-in-Chief

Amelia McEwen.............

Julia Jensen......................

Jane Carr............................

Annalie Parker.................

Bryan Cade.......................

Joseph Palmese..............

Kate Walker.......................

Sydney Williams.............

Isabella McComis..........

Reaghan Shehee............

Rebecca Ocampo..........

Haley Quimby..................

Mikkel Christensen.......

Hood said that his own professional experiences have helped him recognize these differences, as well as reflect on the past.

“I have young employees that work for me sometimes, and sometimes they com-

Students from a variety of majors were in attendance. Griffin Johnson, a senior MIS (Management Information Systems) and accounting major, said that he noticed a large gap between generations.

municate a little differently,” he said. “I get it, because I grew up before email was even around.”

in countries like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, even as global totals fall.

Elliott-Gower warned that the decline in terrorism does not necessarily mean a safer world.

“The decline in global terrorism may be a trend, but it does not represent a decline in political violence,” he said. “It’s sort of an accounting issue.”

He added that state actions and retaliation could drive future violence.

“Recent acts or threats of what might be regarded as ‘state terrorism’ are likely to en-

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each other,” Johnson said. “This gap is present, and we have to understand there’s different ways we communicate.”

Johnson’s observation reflects the event’s goal, which was to bridge this gap despite generational differences. Janelle Tyler, a sophomore fine arts major, said that each generation has its own unique experiences. Like Johnson, she believes collaboration strengthens interpersonal relationships across generations.

“I think a lot of different generations kind of hold a superiority complex as to what they had to go through and how they understand the world,” Tyler said. “Communicating with people from different generations helps us understand these differences and work together better.”

“I thought there was a big gap between generations and seeing how we communicate with

gender a whole round of revenge violence,” Elliott-Gower said. “Violence begets violence.”

Josephine Stephens, a sophomore philosophy and interdisciplinary studies major, said she remains skeptical.

“The reality is that terrorism within the West has gone up,” Stephens said. “I will not feel optimistic about the future of America until the American government stops inciting terror against foreign countries.”

An article by Vision for Humanity notes the GTI’s indication that deaths relat-

The event included light-hearted games, including one where members of the panel were presented with a series of text messages and had to

ed to terrorism actually “surged by 280 per cent in 2025” in the West.

Still, Stephens said she finds hope in how younger generations engage with political issues.

“I think that youth radicalization comes from individuals being able to critically think about the political position of both themselves and their government in the global market,” she said. “The fact that this critical thinking is happening brings me hope.”

Elliott-Gower noted that the decline in global terrorism may have limited direct impact

guess which generation wrote each one. There was also an in-depth explanation of each generational era. During this part, the presentation of the slides was informative as to what each era was like and accurately depicted the events that shaped each one. At the event, students listened to the stories of different generations and applied practical knowledge to their academic and personal development. Students had the opportunity to build stronger connections outside of their generation and reflect on the social, cultural and digital differences that shaped each generation.

The panel supported these connections by providing a detailed yet concise summary of the four generations. For more information about the GCSU School of Continuing and Professional Studies, students can visit frontpage.gcsu.edu.

on American students.

“The decline in the GTI does not significantly affect the safety of American students because most terrorism occurs in conflict regions outside the United States,” he said. “The primary concern in recent years has been domestic extremism.” As students prepare to enter adulthood, the report presents a nuanced outlook: global terrorism may be declining on paper, but evolving forms of conflict and regional instability continue to shape the future.

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GEORGIA ALMOST FIRST IN THE NATION TO REQUIRE SCHOOL WEAPON SCREENING

Anakate Cox Staff Writer

The state of Georgia considered becoming the first in the nation to require every public school student to pass through a weapon detection system each day, a safety measure sparked by a 2024 school shooting that continues to shape public policy and opinions, but the proposed legislation ultimately did not pass.

The legislation followed the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, where four people were killed, and nine others were injured after a student brought a rifle to the campus. The tragedy sparked renewed conversations about school safety and prompted lawmakers to consider more efficient measures to prevent incidents in the future.

In response, House Bill 1023 moved through several stages of the state legislature and passed key steps, nearing final approval before ultimately failing to become law. If enacted, the bill would have established

the first statewide mandate of this nature in the United States, requiring daily weapon screening in schools.

Under the proposed policy, public schools would have been required to install these weapon detection systems, costing $10,000 or more per system. The systems are a combination of computer analysis with cameras or an electromagnetic field, like in traditional metal detectors, to detect knives and guns. Supporters argued that the technology offers a more efficient way to screen large numbers of students compared to older security methods.

As the bill approached its final decision, some GCSU students expressed support for the measure and believed it could improve safety and provide peace of mind for students and staff on campuses.

“Overall, I think it would make for safer environments,” said Tyler Appleton, a freshman business management major. “It would make students more

comfortable at school.”

Appleton added that he also believed the impact of the legislation could extend beyond the state of Georgia, as school safety continues to be a nationwide concern.

“I think it would be beneficial for the United States,” Appleton said. “It is a big problem, and if the bill is passed, it will definitely slim down the amount of shootings that are happening.”

Other students echoed similar beliefs and noted that increased security measures in recent years, along with additional precautions, could further decrease overall violence.

“There have been more checks, more cameras, and overall safety in recent years,” said Baylor Lingner, a sophomore finance major. “This bill would result in less violence and safer schools.”

Still, the issue remains personal for many students, especially as school shootings continue to occur. For some, the possibility of violence has become an underlying fear in ev-

eryday academic life, making school safety an increasingly urgent

always that ‘what if,’” Eiland said. “I think this bill could definitely be

issue for students, parents and educators alike.

Addie Eiland, a junior mass communications major, expressed her concerns about the recent occurrence of school shootings.

“It does make going to school a little bit scarier because there is

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beneficial to Georgia schools and could lead to a lot fewer school shootings and incidents.”

While supporters emphasized the potential safety benefits, discussions surrounding the bill also raised questions about cost, implementation and the overall effectiveness of these systems. Schools across the state would have needed to allocate significant funding to meet the mandate. In addition to financial concerns, administrators would have needed to consider staffing, training and how to integrate the systems into daily routines without causing disruptions. Although House Bill 1023 did not pass, Georgia remains part of a growing national debate over the most efficient way to protect students and schoolworkers. The discussions surrounding the bill reflect a continued effort by lawmakers to respond to ongoing challenges regarding school safety. Students, as those most directly impacted by these decisions, still have a crucial role to play in shaping policies that affect their daily lives. Staying informed and engaging in discussions within schools and communities, or reaching out to local government representatives, remains an important part of that process.

ICE officers deployed throughout U.S. airports

The rising concern on airport security

Annalie Parker

Asst. News Editor

On Monday, March 23, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were deployed to several busy U.S. airports as stand-ins for thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents,

Officers are reportedly monitoring entrances, verifying travelers’ identifications and assisting with crowds and logistics, according to National Public Radio (NPR). However, their lack of proper training for both law enforcement and airport security is frightening some GCSU students. Hannah Watkins, a

The agents have quit or called out after having to work without pay for multiple weeks in light of a partial government shutdown involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

freshman biology major, shared her thoughts on the lack of screening for ICE officers and the recent reduction of their training from 8 weeks to 4, along with the removal of Spanish language

safety

training altogether.

“You have these people who are violent and are not mentally stable, who should not have access to guns,” Watkins said. “The lack of training is really scary because you don’t know what these people are capable of.”

The partial government shutdown is a result of disputes among Congress regarding the methods of enforcement of immigration laws. Between its two terms, President Trump’s administration currently holds the record for the most government shutdowns under any president, as well as both of the longest shutdowns in history.

“This administration, this president, is the only president that’s had this many shutdowns. He’s had two in both terms so far,” Watkins said. “Now we have another partial shutdown, and that’s why ICE is in our airports, and that is not okay.”

The DHS has now begun the process of paying displaced TSA agents retroactively, but contingent on how many agents return to their former positions, ICE could potentially be a more permanent installation in the near future.

Matheson Sanchez, an associate professor of Criminal Justice, expressed uncertainty about the true implications of ICE’s deployment in TSA’s place.

“As far as crowd control and stuff like that, I think generally they can provide some sense of security,” Sanchez said. “I also just have to question whether or not they will eventually become more of a problem than they are a solution.”

Sanchez noted the dangers of the agency’s apparent impunity in recent months, questioning whether the true intention behind their presence in airports has more to do with their original purpose than assisting TSA.

“Are they now going to be sort of pursuing their other, more primary mission of locating individuals that are here undocumented?” he said. “Then the cynical question would be, of course, was that the goal all along? I don’t know the answer to that.”

Sanchez feels there is a possibility that this could be the beginning of a larger-scale deployment of ICE to busy, populated areas, such

as banks or universities.

“I just wonder if this is the weirdest place we’re going to see ice deployed to or not. The term slippery slope comes to mind, for sure,” he said.

Since the events of 9/11, the government, specifically the DHS, has been heavily geared toward ensuring the safety of our country through the management and monitoring of airports. However, some students feel that safety is now being threatened.

“People are afraid of them, and they won’t go to their job if they know that ICE is going to be there,” said Allister Stuchel, a sophomore environmental justice major. “If people stop showing up, then the airport is going to suffer.”

Stuchel believes that in addition to scaring workers and travelers away from airports, ICE’s presence is generally synonymous with violence and chaos in any crowded, bustling area they may be deployed to next.

“ICE being anywhere is a major disruption for whatever’s supposed to be going on there,” he said.

Though it is unclear what the future holds for federal involvement in airport security, the length and results of the shutdown may impact the current system.

For more information on the government shutdown, students can stay updated through their preferred news source and the official website of the United States government, usa.gov.

PBC POTW

Continued from page 1

Hobbs has also shown an impressive amount of discipline at the plate, ranking ninth in the conference in walks and striking out only four times on the year. She’s not afraid to play for the team’s victory, tied for seventh in sacrifice bunts this season.

“I have really tried to stay simple in the box,” Hobbs said. “I have focused on telling myself to see the ball big. With that focus in mind, I am able to be a lot more selective in the box.”

GCSU softball’s next opponent is Clark Atlanta University, with a doubleheader home contest Tuesday, April 7, with the first game at 3 p.m. and the night - cap shortly after at 5 p.m.

“The mind is a powerful thing when it box,” Hobbs said. “I am working on my

Boone, a ju nior from Richmond Hill, Georgia, and a transfer from South Georgia State, provided a solid bat as GCSU baseball took down the University of Mount Olive before winning the first game against Augusta University, then falling in the series-finale doubleheader.

“Luke has some really good inner confidence in himself,” said Jeff Pelkey, head coach of the GCSU baseball team. “He holds himself to a very high standard, and he’s a

hard worker. He wants to do well.”

In the contests, Boone managed nine hits in 19 at-bats, resulting in a .474 batting average, but it was his gapto-gap hitting approach that truly impressed the conference. In the games, Boone collected four doubles, driving in eight RBI, and scored twice himself.

“I had been kind of struggling with my approach at the plate leading up to those games,” Boone said. “My focus was not chasing pitches that aren’t in my spot that I’m looking for with less than two strikes and being able to work counts better.”

Since the collection of his award, Boone has entered a bit of a slump, which may also be a big reason for the Bobcats’ most recent losing slide. Yet, with his mechanics and trust in himself at the plate, it can be expected that he steers out of his skid soon.

“Every swing he takes, he’s not overanalyzing,” Pelkey said. “His at-bats have been really great, and whenever he’s up there, he’ll make sure he gets the pitch he wants to hit.”

This is not Boone’s only Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week award, either, as he took home the honors on March 2nd, a week in which he shared a Peach Belt Conference award with teammate Keaton Prior, who won the Pitcher of the Week award.

“Once I got on campus and got to know Coach Pelkey and his staff, I knew right away that everything would work,

and I have loved it this year,” Boone said.

GCSU baseball finishes a long road trip with a single game against Southern Wesleyan University on Wednesday, April 8, at 5 p.m. at Dr. C. Keith Conor Field.

How much do Spring Training games impact a team?

How 28 games could change 162 games

Rosalie Ritz Staff Writer

With the conclusion of the 2026 Major League Baseball Spring Training, the regular season is right around the corner, although it is unsure how a team’s practice performance will impact them across the 162-game season.

The Braves were

on to win around 84 games, yet only 17 of the 40, or 44.7% of teams, have made the playoffs.

In the 2025 season, the Dodgers won the World Series, finishing third in the Cactus League with a record of 14-9, while the Braves missed the playoffs, winning half their spring training games and finishing sixth with a record

crowned the winners of the Grapefruit League with a record of 21-7, followed by the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Dodgers won the Cactus League with a record of 20-9, followed by the San Francisco Giants.

While statistics show there may not necessarily be a correlation between Spring Training Game performance and regular season performance, over the past 14 years, winners of their respective Spring Training leagues have gone

of 13-13. This season, both are looking to make it back to the playoffs.

Teams that don’t succeed in Spring Training are evenly less likely to succeed in the regular season, with the worst team expected to win about 73 games, leading to only seven of the forty teams in the last ten years to make a postseason appearance.

Spring Training games offer many benefits other than to potentially see how the season plays out. Spring Training al-

lows teams to develop players’ skills and to warm up for the season. Another benefit is to see how new prospects are doing. Some players in Spring Training games are new draft picks adjusting to the team or developing new skills. Additionally, it allows for older, more seasoned players to play and learn different positions.

However, Meaders is uncertain that the Braves’ Grapefruit League win will indicate a shot at the playoffs.

The Braves, in their 28 spring training games, made sure to use the games to see how their prospect depth could perform against Major League pitching, yet while the unexpected offensive output from the prospects helped them win their Spring Training league, predictive statistics show that it is unlikely a majority of the Braves players will come close to the numbers they had in the practice stint.

“I always was told that it’s not very good if you do good in the spring training, but our season hasn’t started off bad,” Meaders said. “I don’t think we’re gonna be bad this season,

we’ll be good, per se.” Catie Buchanan, a freshman environmental science major, is also a Braves fan.

Spring Training games also help fans. The short month of games allows fans to readjust for the regular season and helps them start preparing to keep up with a 162-game season.

“I watched a couple games for a bit, and then I would check the scores of pretty much every game,” Buchanan said.

Stephen Coulter, a freshman finance major, has also been keeping up with the games.

“I think it’s important for [the players] to have a month to warm up to the season,” Coulter said. “It’s a long run.”

Spring Training also allows players on a team’s injured list to get back into the baseball environment. With some teams allowing players to pitch during games, such as the Yankees with Gerrit Cole, or, as the Braves did, allowing catcher Sean Murphy and former ace pitcher Spencer Strider to participate in simulated games.

Simulated games allow injured players to adjust their mechanics in

preparation for returning to the team a few months into the season, but can do more than just a generic bullpen session, with someone in the batter’s box or even a defense behind the pitcher.

As far as playoff chances, Coulter is unsure.

“I think once we get some of our pitchers back, we might be able to [make the playoffs], but it’s gonna be tough until we have our whole, healthy lineup,” Coulter said.

While the Braves were able to succeed during Spring Training without a majority of their top pitching staff, and start to expedite the return of Sean Murphy and Spen cer Strider during the March season, due to predictive metrics, the Spring Training record still does not confirm a

to re-strategize for the upcoming season. For example, the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System allows the hitter, pitcher, or catcher to challenge a strike using hightech, high-speed tracking technology, keeping the flow of the game. During the previous season, it was common for an umpire to miss 11 to 14, with umpires such as CB Bucknor missing an impressive 28 calls in a game. ABS aims to eliminate key missed calls, but each team will receive only two challenges per game to avoid slowing the contest.

playoff appearance, especially with the Braves having so many players on the injured list.

“I think [Spring Training games] are definitely a good thing for them and maybe give them a good start to the season,” Buchanan said.

The spring games also forced all teams

While the Braves and Dodgers took home the

tive Spring Training leagues, their rosters are not necessarily in their favor, even after winning their leagues. It really comes down to their performance in the regular season, if they used Spring Training to prepare enough, and if their general manager will make the right moves to push them towards the postseason.

Students thoughts ahead of MLB season

Joe Palmese Asst. Sports Editor

Spring has officially sprung, which means the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is underway and is full-steam ahead with fans from all over the world watching, including GCSU students.

From late March to November, 30 teams have a new hope of raising a World Series trophy at the end of the season, but only one team will get to hoist the trophy. Each team will play 162 games throughout the course of the season, and only 12 teams will get the chance to play playoff baseball.

The majority of GCSU’s student body supports the hometown franchise, the Atlanta Braves.

“As a Georgia-native, I am a life-long Braves fan,” said Cade Funderburk, a senior business

major. “This team has the lineup to do some damage and make the playoffs, but my worry is the pitching staff.

With Strider, Schwellenback and Smith-Shawver starting the season on the IL [injured list], I wonder how far our pitching can take us.”

This 125th MLB season will feature technology and rule changes that the sport has never seen before. The newly introduced Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) is now in place.

Hitters, pitchers and catchers are now allowed to challenge the homeplate umpire’s judgment of a ball and a strike.

Teams across the league are seemingly chasing the Los Angeles Dodgers, winners of the previous two World Series Championships. The Dodgers have the highest payroll in the MLB,

The Masters

spending about $413 million dollars on their team this season, according to Spotrac, an online sports financial database.

The Dodgers added household names to their roster this offseason, spending $420 mil-

nitely have what it takes to win another World Series this season.”

One critique many students raised about the MLB going into the 2026 season is the accessibility to the sport itself.

The Atlanta Braves

Braves’ previous media rights belonged to Bally Sports Network. In 2025, the company went bankrupt, which triggered the Braves to pivot in a different direction, according to Sports Illustrated, an American

lion on outfielder Kyle Tucker and $70 million on closer Edwin Diaz.

“I like our [the Dodgers] chances to repeat this season,” said Chance Phillips, a junior finance major. “Our lineup has the depth from the leadoff hitter to the nine-hole hitter along with our pitching staff. They defi-

GCSU’s opinions ahead of the tournament

Lily Mahaffey Staff Writer

The 90th annual Masters Tournament will take place from April 9-12 at Augusta National Golf Club, continuing a legacy renowned as one of the most iconic events in sports.

Known for its traditions, breathtaking course and lively atmosphere, the Masters continues to stand apart from any other golf tournament. Some describe the event as more than just a competition; they explain the parts of the Masters that make it so important to so many fans across the world.

Kenzie Sauter, a sophomore finance major, has attended the tournament and explains how being there in person creates a different experience than watching it from home.

“I would say the Masters in per-

No running around, no phones, it’s just a very surreal experience.

-Brady Macaw

son is so special because there is so much to do there,” Sauter said. “It’s not like watching it on TV because you can walk around and truly admire the landscape for its beauty.”

For Sauter, the event is also meaningful on a personal level.

“It is really special to me because I get to go with my dad every year and spend time with him,” Sauter said.

For students like Sauter, the Masters is not just about golf, but about the lasting memories people can create for themselves and for their families.

While the atmosphere plays a big role in determining attendees’ experiences, so do the traditional rules that come with attending the tournament.

“I’ve been to the Masters twice, and the most unique experience is the rules,” said Brady Macaw, a freshman nursing major. “No running around, no phones, it’s just a very surreal experience.”

These rules help create a respectful and controlled environment for spectators. Letting the crowd just be in the moment and ad-

recently reached a new agreement on their media rights before the start of the 2026 season. All Braves games will be streamed on Braves Vision, a new platform created for fans to have access to all 162 games. The price of the streaming service is $99.99. This comes after the

sports media brand.

“As a Braves fan, I just want to be able to watch them play on T.V.,” said Aden Pasucal, a senior marketing major. “But when it becomes this complicated, it kind of sucks. You have to cough up $100 bucks just to have access to them. I miss when I

was a kid and they had a deal with cable and you did not have to pay this price just to watch. I know not every Braves fan will pay that which is a crappy situation.” Baseball has evolved in the past decade. Additions such as the pitch clock, a base-runner on second base for extra innings and now the newly introduced ABS have changed how the game is played.

“As a [Red] Sox fan, I am not happy at all with the product they have put on the field,” said Walker Martin, a senior business major. “Our pitching staff is solid, but our lineup just is not good enough to compete for a World Series. Our cheap ownership has decided not to pay certain players and it is already evident in the lineup’s inability to score runs.”

mire the gameplay and the scenery.

When it comes to players, Macaw named Justin Thomas as one to look out for.

“He carries himself very well,” said Macaw. “He’s not boring to watch, he is a very outgoing and fun player.”

On the other hand, Mayes Marchetti, a junior marketing information systems major, mentioned Scottie Scheffler as a strong player in this year’s tournament.

“He is American and the Masters is a staple in American golf,” Marchetti said. “He’s also the best player in the world right now.”

Together, their choices can show how fans are drawn to different players for different reasons. Keeping the golf community unique, but still having a similar passion for the same sport.

The traditions of the event help keep the tournament special and alive.

Having its own set of unique events and ceremonies keeps the Masters set apart from all other golf tournaments.

“They have traditions like no other golf tournament, including the green jacket ceremony, the champions dinner, and having honorary teeoffs for golf legends,” Marchetti said.

These rituals, paired with recognizable elements such as the azalea-lined course and pimento cheese sandwiches, support the tournament’s charm.

As anticipation builds across the world, the Masters continues to grow as a defining event in golf. Fans look ahead to see what this year will bring and which moments will contribute to the tournament’s long-lasting impact and legacy.

The MAX hosts premium seafood boil dinner

Maggie Hinton Staff Writer

The MAX at GCSU hosted a low-country boil night on March 31 from 5 to 7 p.m., offering students a premium, restaurant-style experience with limited reservations and special pricing options.

The event was designed to give students something different from a typical night at the MAX while also creating a social and engaging environment.

“It was a combined dining team effort on the idea,” said Anika Dadhick, marketing manager for the MAX. “We were looking for something that’s familiar, that gives students something different from the dining experience with something that they would look forward to attending.”

The dining space was transformed to match the theme, creating a more elevated experience for students as soon as they walked in.

“We had gingham tablecloths set up, folded cutlery and we had bibs for each and every student,” Dadhick said.

She described details like themed decorations

and music that helped bring the event together. Students checked in upon arrival, received a

to make sure that we have everything that we need in the kitchen and making sure that everything

welcome drink and were seated at decorated tables where their meals were served directly to them instead of going through the usual dining line. For students with a meal plan, the dinner cost a meal swipe plus $15, while students without a meal plan paid $23.

Chef Clinton Amason said preparation for the event focused on organization and timing to ensure everything was cooked and served properly.

“My part of the job is

is being cooked properly and also at the correct time,” Amason said.

He explained that building a low country boil requires a specific process, starting with items like potatoes and corn before adding meats like sausage, shrimp and crawfish to complete the dish.

Amason said the event also aligned well with the time of year, as low country boils are often associated with spring and summer gatherings.

“I think it was a great

way to kick off the swipe plus events that we’re going to be continuing to do,” Amason said.

While low country boils are traditionally held outdoors, this event took place inside the dining hall, allowing the team to adapt to the experience to fit the campus setting while still maintaining the overall theme.

Students who attended said the event stood out from a typical dining experience at the MAX and appreciated the added effort put into both the atmosphere and the food.

“I was so excited to see that I won the seafood boil,” Talia Hayes, a junior mass communication and Spanish major who received two tickets through President Cathy Cox’s giveaway. “I love seafood, and it was exciting because I didn’t think I was actually going to win.”

She said the atmosphere was one of the most memorable parts of the night.

“I loved it when we walked in and was surprised to see they had tablecloths and music playing,” Hayes said. “We were handed welcome drinks before heading to our table. There were bibs

and rolled silverware at our table. It was like your own private experience.”

Hayes also noted that the quality and portion size of the meal exceeded her expectations, especially compared to what students might typically expect from campus dining.

“I think what surprised me the most was the quality of the flavor

The experience felt premium. You could tell that they’re putting effort into switching it up, and I really liked it.” Due to strong participation and positive feedback, more themed or premium dining events will be planned for the future, though they may vary in size or format depending on the themed dinner.

and the amount of effort put into it,” Hayes said. They loaded it up with food, and everything tasted really good.”

Hayes said she would attend similar events again in the future and encouraged other students to take advantage of opportunities like this.

“I definitely would attend something like this again,” Hayes said.

With limited availability and growing interest, events like the low-country boil highlight a shift toward more interactive and elevated dining options at GCSU. Students interested in attending future premium dinners are encouraged to make reservations early and stay updated on upcoming events hosted by the MAX.

STEM Club celebrates the Artemis II Mission

Jadyn Howson Contributing Writer

On April 1, 2026, NASA launched Artemis II from Kennedy Space Center, marking the first time humans have been sent to the moon since 1972 and including the first women and first person of color, an achievement the GCSU STEM Club celebrated with a special Science Cafe event at Allen’s Market on March 31 at 6:30 p.m.

Alexandra Lopez-Martinez, president of the STEM Club, eagerly discussed the organization.

“It’s not specialized majors like physics or chemistry, but the engagement with discovery,” Lopez-Martinez said.

“Most of us are learning on the way and building connections with each other. This university club is special because it shows a small group of people are passionate about science and it’s recognized by others.”

Artemis I was launched in 2022 as an uncrewed mission, preparing for future human missions around the moon. According to space.com, “The name Artemis, curated

after Apollo 11, the first moon landing for the United States.”

Ada, Mann said. “Artemis II will orbit 8,000 km away from the moon’s surface for roughly ten days, the farthest away from Earth a human has ever traveled. One of the main goals is testing Orion’s spacecraft’s vehicle designed to carry astronauts into deep space.”

The mission will test life support systems of air, water and thermal control for four astronauts, testing reentry and recovery, human performance and radiation modeling. Artemis II uses “free-return trajectory,” harnessing the moon’s gravity to help return to Earth without major propulsion. The takeaway is observing the spacecraft and concluding if it can withstand longer duration missions like the Artemis III mission.

NASA claims to “reboot” the moon, applying new technologies to improve future living conditions on the moon.

According to nasa.gov, “To achieve an enduring human presence on the Moon, NASA also announced a phased approach to building a lunar base,

while observing the moon and learning new information from the lunar southern pole regions,” Lauren E. Low said.

The four astronauts are

member of the GCSU faculty and a NASA scholar, presented the importance of Artmesis II.

NASA aims to see if the spacecraft supports living

Reid Wiseman, commander, Victor Glover, pilot, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hensen, the first Canadian selected for a lunar mission.

The GCSU STEM Club hosted an event that engaged peers through a Science Cafe, where students gathered over tea and hot chocolate. Theater professor Beate Czogalla, a

conditions, but also studies the body’s reactions to microgravity and the immune system. Artemis II helps scientists understand and learn more about the moon for future adventures and potential lunar space stations.

Research also plays a role as Cube Satellites clubs are sent on aircraft and released

to conduct evaluation studies on space and the unknown. The environment engaged students eager to learn, but also acknowledged that anyone can participate in the STEM Cafe.

Ave Harbeson, the vice president of STEM Cafe, and a freshman physics major explained that everyone is welcome to these events.

”It’s really fun because we do science-based things to learn about, but you don’t necessarily have to know anything about it,” Harbeson said. “You should not feel intimidated to come to the meetings, we do many hands-on activities which you do not need prior experience for, and it’s very fun.”

The STEM Club engages all areas of science and makes connections with peers from passions in biology to environmental science. The club is beginner-friendly and includes hands-on activities.

Meetings are held every Tuesday at Allen’s Market, where students have the opportunity to learn more about science and participate in engaging experiments, including Strawberry DNA on April 7.

The Bachelorette CANCELLED

Rosalyn Chapman Staff Writer

ABC has pulled “The Bachelorette” season starring Taylor Frankie Paul, known for “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” off of Hulu and Disney +, just days before its premiere amid reports of a domestic violence investigation involving her and her ex.

With the season premiere set to air in March, the decision was made after the resurfacing of a video taken in 2023 that reveals a violent assault involving her ex, Dakota Mortensen.

The recent news has not been much of a shock to GCSU students who were waiting to see Paul as the newest bachelorette.

“I was pretty upset about the whole thing,” said Haley Broadnax, a senior exercise science major. “It’s very sad for Taylor and the men that were on the season because this video resurfaced from years ago and she already paid her debt for that.”

Back in 2023, Paul was arrested for felony aggravated assault, child abuse and criminal mischief because of the video recording of her throwing metal chairs at Mortensen, which reportedly hit her then 5-year-old daughter.

“For this to come back up and her season to be taken away from her is just sad,” Broadnax said. “She’s getting so much hate when it seems like Dakota’s getting no hate for anything that he’s done.”

Besides, in the reality TV series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Paul’s relationship with her ex, Mortensen, has been public for years now.

“Dakota and Taylor’s relationship is so tox-

ic and manipulative,” Broadnax said. “Most people think that Dakota did all of this right before her season on ‘The Bachelorette’ so that it would get canceled and ruin everything for her.”

Since Paul and Mortensen’s relationship is highlighted throughout the series, Broadnax says it is best to watch in order to understand the context of the situation.

“I personally love the show, but it can be a lot of drama at times,” Broadnax said. “If you want to know more about the situation, I would watch the show because there’s a lot more details to it.”

Another student comments on the unfairness regarding how many well-known men are treated differently from women for their crimes.

“I think the decision to cancel the season was correct, but unfortunately, it seems unfair to count-

less women who see their abusers on TV when the networks don’t care about that,” said Maggie Strickland, a sophomore sociology major.

She continues to note that many abusers still maintain jobs even when they do not take accountability for their actions.

“It is a double standard because many men in the NFL, MLB and other sports organizations have arrest records for things ranging from DUIs to aggravated assaults,” Strickland said. “If we want true accountability for all public figures, we have to punish them the same way.”

Media scandals, such as this one, shape the way people view influencers, relationships and accountability.

“I think this scandal reinforces the idea that influencers are not always what they present themselves to be online,” said Savannah Carley, a senior graphic design major. “It shows how curated social media can be and how much can be hidden behind a certain image.”

Carley comments on the result of having a large platform, like Paul has, when a scandal like this occurs.

“This situation highlights the importance of accountability,” Carley said. “Just because someone has a platform, doesn’t mean they should be exempt from consequences.”

Ultimately, this scandal has started a controversial discussion amongst students that will impact the future of reality TV.

For students interested in seeing Paul’s response to the cancellation, one of her representatives has spoken to The Hollywood Reporter and E! News regarding her gratitude to ABC.

GCSU hosts Fulbright Scholarship kickoff event

Kate Walker

A&L Editor

On March 30, GCSU’s Honors College and National Scholarships Office hosted a dinner seminar at the Humber White House for students to learn more about the opportunity to study, research or teach abroad through the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program offers a wide range of awards for undergraduate and graduate students, professors, teachers and career professionals.

The U.S. Fulbright Student Program, however, is specifically designed for recent graduates to go abroad to study, research or serve as English teaching assistants.

“The goal of Fulbright is for recent grads to go abroad and serve as unofficial cultural ambassadors, to get to know people in other countries, to teach them about what Americans are like and then bring that knowledge back to the U.S.,”

said Anna Whiteside, GCSU’s National Scholarships Coordinator.

“One phrase Fulbright uses a lot is mutual cultural exchange, and that’s really what’s at the heart.”

According to the U.S. Fulbright Program website, the United States Congress established the Fulbright Program in 1946 following World War II as an investment in global peace and American prosperity through educational and cultural exchange. Today, the program awards more than 1,800 scholarships annually to over 140 countries.

Although applications are evaluated holistically, based on academic and leadership qualities rather than GPA, the program is highly competitive. Whiteside works directly with students to polish their applications as much as possible.

“It’s a very competitive program, so it’s one that people want to do several drafts of,” Whiteside said.

“I think that at least five drafts is a good number, if not more. I have had

applicants do up to 20.”

Whiteside also noted that GCSU has a strong history with the Fulbright program, including alumni who have received awards in Mongolia, South Korea, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Greece, North

tural background, any opportunity where you are put in an uncomfortable situation and have to figure out how to live in that situation, is a good opportunity for growth.”

Fulbright participants join an elite global network of alumni spanning

be a significant advantage in the job market.

“Fulbright has been around for a long time and is a really well-respected program,” Whiteside said. “It’s a very well-regarded program and people recognize that name, so it’s certain-

Macedonia and Finland. Whiteside emphasized that these experiences foster significant professional, personal and academic growth.

“We’re living in an increasingly globalized world,” Whiteside said.

“Any opportunity where you are forced to go and learn how to communicate with people who are from a different cul-

fields such as literature, music, economics, science, government and public service. Many alumni have gone on to earn numerous Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes and serve as heads of state all over the world. Whiteside noted that no matter where alumni go after their program, the name recognition and networking available can

ly beneficial for jobs.”

Crystabel Kwarteng, a junior psychology major, said her interest in the program was sparked by the prospect of a scholarship that aligns with her personal and academic goals.

“I just heard about the fact that, one, it’s a scholarship, two, I’m graduating soon, and I knew there would be an

opportunity to maybe go overseas,” Kwarteng said. “Something that I would want to do is pairing either teaching English or the medical field with sharing the Gospel overseas.”

Kwarteng said she’s especially interested in opportunities in Africa or Europe but hopes to pursue a less common destination to experience a culture she might not otherwise encounter.

“I’ve been to Zambia before, so it’d be a blessing to go somewhere in Africa, but Europe would also be super cool,” Kwarteng said. “But I know that most people want to go to Europe, so I’d want to go somewhere that not everyone already wants to go to, because then it would be a totally different culture.”

For more information on the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship, visit https://us.fulbrightonline.org/ or contact GCSU’s National Scholarships Office at anna. whiteside@gcsu.edu.

ARTS & LIFE

YIKYAK

Continued from page 1

She said the humor on the app can come at the expense of students who are simply trying to enjoy their college experience.

“I think it’s a bit unnecessary because I feel like college is hard as is, so we don’t need an app that’s literally just made for bullying people,” Jackson said.

Greek organizations, student clubs, professors and even individuals walking across campus can become the subject of these posts. Since identities are hidden, users can say almost anything without facing consequences, and can change how people behave online compared to real life.

“I did have a buddy of mine show me someone who had a picture taken of them, and they were being made fun of in the picture,” said Lucas Fernandes, a sophomore finance major. “It’s just not right.”

Still, students admit the app is hard to ignore. Many

say they open it out of curiosity, even when they know the content might be negative. It becomes a digital habit, refreshing it just to see what people are saying next.

But not everything on YikYak is harsh commentary or campus drama. Some posts try to be helpful, lighthearted or even encouraging.

“I think it can be used for good and bad,” said Robert Keck, a freshman business management major. “Unfortunately, recently, I’ve seen a lot of bad things, so that’s kind of straying me away from it.”

Keck said he has seen students use the platform to share class recommendations, supportive messages and even small daily updates.

“Sometimes people will share positive messages or post certain teachers that may be good to take,” Keck said. “I’ve also seen posts of daily Bible quotes or the weather that day and it’s just like, keep doing what you’re doing.” Posts spread quickly, and because there is no ac-

countability, rumors and jokes can escalate fast. What might start as a passing comment can turn into a campus-wide conversation within minutes. That mix of humor and honesty is what keeps students coming back. Many say they recognize the negativity but still scroll, caught between entertainment and unease.

In a campus environment where reputation and relationships matter, YikYak has created a space where nothing is filtered and everything is fair game. Students can say what they want, when they want, without their name attached. For some, that is the appeal. For others, it is exactly the problem.

As GCSU students keep using the app around campus, YikYak still shows both sides of anony-

mous communication, influencing what people talk about while leaving it up to users to think about the impact of posting without a name attached.

How GCSU students celebrate Easter

On Sunday, April 5, students prepared to celebrate Easter weekend in a variety of ways, from attending church services and observing religious traditions to spending time with family and enjoying seasonal springtime activities.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Easter is known as the “principal festival of the Christian church, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion.”

The encyclopedia expands into the Christian history of the holiday, explaining that Easter is the celebration of “a joyful affirmation of the belief that through Christ’s conquering of death all Christians will subsequently share in his victory over ‘sin, death, and the Devil.’”

The faith-based aspect of Easter is a very important time of celebration to Mallory McKee, a freshman education major. She shared her personal reason for her love of the holiday.

“It shows us the reason for the Lord dying for our sins, taking the price for us and rising again on the third

Continued from page 1

Each step is symbolic of the journey of the Jews in Egypt from slavery to freedom, such as the Matzah, the bread of slavery, which symbolizes the haste of the slaves to leave as it is a simple and hardy bread, and the Karpas, eating the green vegetable with salt water, which symbolizes the tears of the slaves.

“It’s a yearly Jewish tradition, but we decided that it would be really fun to be able to host our ceremony and our traditional meal here on campus,” Benhashal said.

The seder at the MAX was a condensed version of the traditional meal, featuring only the Kadesh, Karpas, Magid, Korech, Shulchan Orech and Tzafun steps. During the breaks, Benhashal spoke about the history of Passover and the im-

day to show God’s glory,” McKee said. McKee shared that her church holds multiple services throughout Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday. She recalled attending services

starting as early as Monday, and continuing up to Good Friday and Sunday.

Easter has been celebrated across the world for centuries. However, while other holidays remain on the same calendar date yearly, the specific date of

portance and meaning of each step.

The Shulchan Orech, or the main meal, consisted of salmon, roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots, raisin and pineapple salad, various fruits and vegetables and gluten free brownies and was served to the students, who afterward participated in a scavenger hunt, the Tzafun, to find a piece of matzah hidden on campus in an envelope to win a $30 gift card.

The members of the Hillel organization wanted to host this traditional meal on campus to encourage other students to participate in the holiday and provide a space on campus for Jewish students to partake in their religion in an area where there are few Jewish spaces.

“The majority of our school is not Jewish, and Hillel is really the only Jewish community we have in Milledgeville,” Atar said. “The closest synagogue is a good 45 minutes to an hour away.”

Easter varies from year to year in accordance with the spring equinox. Easter is typically observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, and can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25.

Many GCSU students choose to go home for the weekend. Madelyn Bynum, a sophomore education major, shared what her upcoming Easter weekend will look like in her hometown.

“My family normally attends an Easter service at Southside church in Newnan,” Bynum said, adding that the service is a sweet time to be with her family and a reminder of her Christian faith.

Easter is primarily a faith-based holiday, yet it is also a time in which people plan events and spend time with loved ones. Some families choose to celebrate through various traditions and time spent together.

“I’m 20 and my brother is 12, but we still do an Easter egg hunt, which I think is a fun time for us to spend together,” Bynum said. “Usually my extended family will come over to my house and have a meal together as well.”

Along with springtime activities,

By hosting at the MAX, students were able to participate in the event with their community without having to go home for the evening.

“I actually love that they had

students said that food plays a key part in the celebration. Many families share meals together and make seasonal recipes. McKee shared a family tradition that she values during the celebration every year.

“My mom and I make divinity cookies,” McKee said.

She explained that these cookies represent Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection in that the dessert is meringue-based, leaving a hollow center to represent an empty tomb.

The implementation of these fun activities and traditions allows for people of different beliefs and backgrounds to celebrate and enjoy the spring season. In some places, customs such as egg hunts and treat-filled baskets from the Easter bunny have gradually led to the holiday being celebrated by both Christian and secular communities.

Students interested in learning more about Easter’s religious significance can explore biblical accounts in Matthew 26-28, Mark 1516, Luke 22-24, and John 17-20 in the New Testament of the Holy Bible.

seder hosted at the Max. Benhashal and other Hillel members hope to make this an annual event.

“We have loved working with the MAX, and it haks been so fun,

it at the MAX, because then I could stay here and do it with my friends,” said Lia Shelnutt, a sophomore environmental science major. “Hopefully they do it again.”

Although a Rosh Hashanah meal was held last fall, this was the first

so we are definitely hoping to do other Jewish holidays and events through here,” Benhashal said.

For students who would like to get involved with Hillel, visit their Instagram page, @gc_hillel, to stay informed about upcoming events.

The Caterwaul

CATERWAUL: a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat; commonly associated with a bobcat

A message from the Colonnade staff

On behalf of The Colonnade staff we would like to present our newest submission column, “The Caterwaul.” This is an opportunity for students to share their poetry, flash fiction, photography, drawing, comic strips and more. We are extremely excited to give students more of a place in the paper and for their creativity to be acknowledged and published. We encourage any and all students to reach out and ask questions. In the spirit of GCSU’s mascot, Thunder, the name of this column takes inspiration from all that is a bobcat. Caterwauling is the noise bobcats make often, and that is what The Colonnade intends to do with this column: make noise with your voice.

Interested in submitting?

Follow our instagram @thecolonnade or scan the QR code

If you are interested in submitting your work to be featured in The Caterwaul, consider this general info!

1. The content relates to or is catered toward GCSU students.

2. Your specific piece has not been published anywhere else.

3. Examples of submissions include; Photography, drawing, flash fiction, comic strips, poetry and more!

4. Submissions are due on Fridays to be included in the following Issue.