Feb. 27, 2026 Vol. 101, No. 11
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B
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HUF attends 2026 Milano Winter Olympics
Photo provided by LORELAI CURTIS
Students attending Harding University in Florence pose with the Olympic rings at the 2026 Milano Winter Olympics. The group watched a women’s hockey game between Germany and France Feb. 9. LORELAI CURTIS guest writer On Feb. 9, the HUF students got the opportunity to attend the 2026 Milano Winter Olympics taking place in Milan, Italy. The group watched a women’s hockey game between Germany and France, with Germany taking the win in overtime. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the group to witness history. Audra Pleasant, executive director of International Programs, is part of the team that made it possible for HUF students to see
the Olympics. The HUG program attended the Summer Games in Paris on their way back from their studies in 2024. This sparked an idea for Pleasant. “The idea of HUF visiting the Winter Olympics in Italy in 2026 first came on my radar in the summer of 2024, after the Paris Olympics,” Pleasant said.“I started looking up when the next games were and their locations and saw that in 2026, they would be in Italy, and it seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up.” For most of the students, this was their first in-person hockey experience and first
Olympic Games. Although the group did not get to see Team USA compete, the energy expressed by France and Germany was unprecedented. Sophomores Ethan Cutts, Mason Cutts and Jake Miller attended a speed skating match the day before the hockey game when the group was in Milan. Ethan Cutts described the atmosphere in the arena during the match. “It was super cool, there were a ton of different countries and fans, and they were all supportive of each other,” Cutts said. “There were 20 competitors the whole night, but only two at a time.”
BSA celebrates Black History Month ETHAN FARMER guest writer The Harding Black Student Association is celebrating 100 years of Black History Month by hosting numerous events celebrating the anniversary throughout February. The month celebrates the central role of African Americans in the United States, honoring their contributions and achievements, and offers a moment to reflect on the struggle towards racial equality while showing the resilience of Black people. In previous years the BSA has hosted events such as guest speakers and historical displays in certain parts of the campus, though celebrations this year look a little different. The BSA has hosted several events across campus to start Black History Month, and will continue to do so across the rest of the month. Some events include a presentation with the Harding Film Club of the Blackkklansman, Tea+ Talk, Canvas and Coffee and a Black history jeopardy night. An officer with the BSA, senior Victoria Kirwa has shared their experiences with the club during this season, and what it means to them. “We want to educate the student body about Black history and encourage other students of color to feel represented and welcomed at Harding,” Kirwa said. “Lack of education leads to ignorance, and change can only happen through learning.” Although not hosting their own events, the Harding University Young Democrats are supporting BSA events by attending and standing alongside fellow students. Sophomore Carmen Campbell is a member of and secretary for the HUYD as well as secretary to the College Democrats of Arkansas. Campbell said several members of the HUYD are excited to attend the remaining events hosted by the BSA this month.
“We have decided to allot time as a group to attend the Black Students Association’s events in an effort to amplify their voices rather than our own,” Campbell said. “They have already had some amazing events this month, and several of us are looking forward to attending future events that are open to the entire Harding community.” One Harding student is celebrating Black History Month even further, demonstrating her skill and own experiences through painting. Junior Madison Smith showcased her talents on Feb. 7 in the Irving Black Arts Council Annual Black History Month Visual Art Exhibition in Irving, Texas. Smith took part in the “Reflection and Inspiration” exhibition,
where she portrayed her identity as a black woman through her art. “If it takes works of art for others to learn the value, history and irreplaceability of minorities, then I and many others will continue producing such works,” Smith said. “Create for those who came before you who never had the opportunity to do so.” To Smith, art is a pathway for her to highlight her history, and shine a light on others in her community. “You are the product of perseverance, resilience and excellence; honor that fact however you can, and help humanity make a better future,” Smith said.
“It was a cool experience to get to see people’s pride for their country expressed through sports,” sophomore Aniston Risinger said. “You could see everyone’s different culture in how they celebrate their country through supporting them in sporting events.” Risinger explained taking the trip was a good choice. “Yes, it was definitely something that I wouldn’t normally do on my own, but now that I’ve experienced it, I want to go to more games.”
In this issue Lunar New Year, 2A
YA F R e s p o n s e , 3 A
Twilight remake, 4B
Photo provided by VICTORIA KIRWA
BSA officers senior Victoria Kirwa (vice president), junior Yasha Reynolds (event coordinator), and sophomore Ahmad Jenkins (president) hold up their paintings at a Black History Month event hosted by the BSA. The event was one of multiple that were held to celebrate 100 years of Black History Month.