The Bison Vol. 101 No. 10

@HUStudentPubs

Waddill remembered at student-led vigil

A candlelight vigil was held Feb. 9 to honor the life of Briley Waddill, a student from fall 2020 to spring 2026, who died on Feb. 2 after a long battle with cancer. Briley’s social club, Ko Jo Kai, planned the service with Knights and Sub-T 16, the social clubs of her brothers, freshman Blake and junior Braden Waddill. The Student Government Association (SGA) also helped by primarily handling the operations side, while the social clubs contributed speakers and song leaders. The Office of Student Life guided the students in connecting with family members and the community.

“[SGA’s] goal was to ensure that the people who knew Briley and the Waddill family were the ones helping SGA plan the event,” SGA president senior Grayson Hume said. “Above all, our goal was to create a space where the Waddill family could simply come and be, to hear the voices of students singing and listen to Briley’s friends share about the woman she was.”

The vigil included songs chosen by the Waddill family which were led by freshman Elliot Wilson. President of Ko Jo Kai senior Kylee Colon opened the service followed by an opening prayer by senior Cooper Gordon. Friends of Briley, Ally Murphy (‘25) and senior Emma Iglesias, and Blake and Braden spoke about Briley during the service. The service concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony and time for her friends and members of the community to write memories in a Bible and a notebook for Briley’s family to keep.

“We were so happy to be able to honor her by singing the songs she loved and by her closest Harding friends and family speaking of how amazing she was,” Colon said. “She made an impact on Kojies, Harding, Harding Academy and all of Searcy. It was evident in the turnout of service how many people loved her. It was beautiful to witness and be a part of.”

Emily Hoggard, a sponsor for Ko Jo Kai, said that as soon as the news of Briley’s death reached students, members of Ko Jo Kai were motivated to find a way to honor her. Hoggard found it meaningful for Briley’s family and for those who attended the vigil to be able to hear words from her friends.

“I’m glad [Briley’s family and vigil attendees] got to hear firsthand what an amazing person Briley was,” Hoggard said. “Even if you did not know the family personally, I know people can be encouraged to see how followers of Jesus grieve. We grieve with sadness, but also with hope. We know that Briley is with her maker, and her legacy can live on through events like the vigil.”

Hume also emphasized the way the Harding community comes together in times of grief, saying that that is what makes Harding, Harding.

“When we lose a fellow student, it weighs heavily on so many of us,” Hume said. “What makes Harding different is our shared hope. We believe that one day we will see Briley again, that she is in heaven, healed and whole . . . I hope [the vigil] reminded everyone that they are part of this community, that together, we are one.”

The speakers at the vigil expressed deep admiration for Briley and held confidence that her legacy will be strong and significant.

The curtain opens on ‘Pride and Prejudice’

Last night, the theater department began their two-weekend run of “Pride and Prejudice” on the stage. The play tells the long-loved story of thoughtful Elizabeth Bennet and proud gentleman Fitzwilliam Darcy, set in the countryside of Regency England.

Senior Caleb O’Lynn is the stage manager for the production, which incorporates 22 actors. He praised “the phenomenal cast we have and the community that we have formed, the unique and extravagant set that is different from anything you have ever seen [and] the costumes that really shine beautifully on the stage.”

O’Lynn was involved with the production from the very beginning.

“My favorite part is 100% being at rehearsals and seeing the show really come together,” O’Lynn said. “Starting off in a room where we read lines all the way to seeing the show for the first time, and seeing all the effort the cast and crew have made, this show is an amazing experience.”

The actors make an effort to truthfully connect with their characters, improving their performance. Sophomore Judy Johnston plays Georgiana Darcy, the sister of the male romantic lead.

“I love how [my character] is just a sweet, shy quiet presence; I feel like I’m pretty similar to her,” Johnston said. “And even though she is a small [role], she helps the audience to

show the other side of Mr. Darcy, which is important to the story.”

Junior Ari Chapman plays the lead, Elizabeth Bennet. “The thing I love most about Elizabeth is her heart,” Chapman said. “She is strong-willed, witty and charismatic, but above all she loves fiercely… To me [her character] growth is a reflection of what God’s love will do to a human heart.”

Chapman has worked on the part since last October. “Since [memorizing lines], I try to spend at least an hour in the script every day,” she said. “This semester, we met four

“[Briley] went through so many unfair things in her life and remained one of the most joyful and faithful people that many have ever known,” Colon said. “[Briley’s] strength and trust in the Lord is unforgettable. I hope that people learn to love others like she did and persevere through all of life’s trials and unfairness like she did.”

days of the week for rehearsals, and we’ve since picked up to nightly rehearsals as we approach opening night.”

Chapman connected with her sister-inlaw over the “Pride and Prejudice” story. “I make it a goal to reread the novel at least once every year, although it’s often two or three times… I ardently admire and love the book and movie,” Chapman said.

“Pride and Prejudice” will run this weekend, Feb. 12-14, and the next, Feb 19-21, on the Ulrey stage at seven p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Harding.squadup.com.

Aldi hosts grand opening ceremony

ABBY DAVIDSON features editor

On Feb. 12, the city of Searcy welcomed a brand new supermarket, Aldi. Arkansas may be home to retail giant Walmart, but Aldi is breaking onto the scene with its non-traditional shopping model. Aldi is a budget-friendly supermarket where shoppers bring their own reusable bags and must use a quarter to unlock their shopping cart. The new supermarket also boasts a “Twice-as-Nice” guarantee and products displayed in their original shipping boxes to cut consumer costs. Aldi not only brings new shopping customs to Searcy, but also economic growth to the community. Mayor Mat Faulkner is excited about what this new supermarket means for the community.

“Aldi’s decision to locate in Searcy is a strong indicator of our community’s steady growth and long-term potential,” Faulkner said. “National retailers like Aldi rely heavily on data and trends, and their investment reflects confidence in Searcy’s population, workforce and overall quality of life.”

Members of the community are also interested in the new Aldi. Searcy resident Regan Featherston is looking forward to Aldi bringing affordable options to the

“I’ve heard good things about Aldi from people in other towns,” Featherston said. “This felt like a big win for Searcy to have another affordable grocery option. I will probably use Aldi for basic groceries and everyday things, especially if the prices are better.”

Locals who have shopped at an Aldi before are eager for the supermarket to open its doors.

“I love to shop at Aldi,” Searcy resident Amy Reiser said. “You can find me there on opening day. I am never going back to Walmart.”

Along with locals, some Harding students are happy to have a new place to shop. Junior special education major Larah Rush has never shopped at Aldi but is eager for its doors to open.

“I had heard of Aldi before, but I had never been to one,” Rush said. “I was excited when I heard Searcy was getting one, and I think I’ll start going there pretty often.”

Rush has also spoken to friends and family about the new Aldi and its non-traditional approach.

“I have had conversations about Aldi with my husband and my parents,” Rush said. “We talked about how organized it will be because you put your cart back when you

The new Aldi hosted a sneak peek on Feb. 11, where shoppers could tour the entire store before the grand opening on Feb. 12. At the grand opening, the first 200 shoppers received a free reusable shopping bag filled with Aldi-branded products and a golden ticket worth up to $100. Not only does Aldi bring lower prices, reusable bags and a new

shopping experience to Searcy, but it also brings momentum.

“To me, this development represents continued momentum,” Faulkner said.

“Each new investment builds on the last and reinforces that Searcy is a place where people want to live, work and do business. It’s another step forward as we plan intentionally

Students lead classes about rest at the Bloom conference

Four students led breakout classes at the Bloom Women’s Conference this past weekend.

Harding University hosted the annual event on Friday, Feb. 6. and Saturday, Feb. 7 in the Heritage building.

The conference included worship, keynotes, breakout sessions and a Q&A time with the keynote speaker. The classes and keynotes were led by Harding faculty and staff, students, and guests, and wrestled with women’s struggle to find rest with the theme “Rested(ish): Chasing Peace in a World of Hustle”. The keynote speaker was Jess Connolly, author of Tired of Being Tired.

Junior psychology major Emma Gaskill co-lead one of the breakout sessions on rest. She said that Bloom is an opportunity to cultivate a space for women to grow closer to the Lord and each other.

“Bloom is an annual women’s conference that Harding hosts as a part of the Inspired Lectureship series,” Gaskill said. “The purpose is just to bring women from across the US and bring them to

Harding for a weekend of encouragement and fellowship.”

Bloom focused on three main categories of rest: physical, mental and spiritual. Lauren Stewart, member of Harding’s kinesiology department and Harding alumna, led a breakout session about physical rest, specifically on sleep and its importance to overall health.

“Sleep is such a gift,” Stewart said. “So many amazing things are happening when we sleep and it’s incredible to see how the details of God’s design for sleep benefit us in many ways.”

Anna Cherry, a sophomore elementary education major, co-led a breakout session about the importance of spiritual rest and how it should be incorporated into daily life. She said that the conference was designed to draw women closer together and to the Lord through revealing the truth about rest. Not only did Cherry speak at the conference but she also was very impacted by attending.

“I learned that rest is so important,” Cherry said. “As humans we are not created to do life without rest. When we do not accept God’s gift of rest we have to deal with worry,

Arts and Life performer brings jazz to Harding’s campus

guest writer

Rosanna Eckert, an internationally renowned jazz artist, composer and educator, brought rhythm and improvisation to Harding’s campus on Feb. 10 as part of the Arts and Life Valentine’s Day event. Both students and the surrounding Searcy community gathered for dinner and a concert. Eckert taught a scatting masterclass to students on Tuesday afternoon, which is a type of improvisational singing in the jazz world, that focuses more on sounds than typical lyrics. In this class she brought students on stage and encouraged audience feedback and participation. Carson Clark, a sophomore music education major, was one of the students who got called up on stage. “It was a lot of fun; I love doing jazz things, so it was a cool experience,” Clark said. “I started doing jazz around 8th grade, and I started taking improv lessons around 11th grade, so I always try to give myself as many opportunities as I can.” Clark said the experience allowed him to practice thinking on his feet while performing

— a skill essential to jazz musicians. Miriam Bennett, a junior who is heavily involved in music and theatre on Harding’s campus, said that she really enjoyed the audience participation aspect that Eckert offered.

“I loved how much she involved the whole group, while still having individuals work with her,” Bennett said. “It was really nice to be involved and get all of the benefits of the masterclass without standing in front of everyone.”

Junior music major Quin Tindle added that “It allowed for a fun lighthearted atmosphere in which everyone could participate without feeling like they were singled out.”

Clark, Bennett, Tindle and other music majors who attended the class said the experience was helpful.

“I have always enjoyed scatting and jazz music, but being able to hear the details on how to improvise and be confident in it really helped me in working on this style myself,” Bennett said.

Concertgoers enjoyed a dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Cone Chapel, followed by Eckert’s concert with pianist Brian Piper at 7:30 p.m. in the Administration Auditorium.

In October of 2024, I suddenly felt the urge to buy a pair of Mary Jane shoes. I thought about them all day and planned trips to Goodwill once or twice a week, just in case someone donated the perfect pair of black Mary Janes in a women’s size eight. One day, the miracle happened. As I scanned the shoe rack at the Searcy Goodwill, I spotted them. The most perfect shoes I had ever laid my eyes on. I immediately FaceTimed my mom to get her opinion, and, of course, she told me I needed to buy them right away. It was love at first try-on. That same week, I was eager to plan an outfit, one that combined the Polly Pocket and American Girl doll style of my dreams. Naturally, I wore the outfit to class, and this is where the Mary Jane magic wore off.

As I strutted into the library after class, I found my friends and excitedly asked them if they liked my new shoes. I was met with silence, slight smiles, and comments such as, “Well, they definitely aren’t my style, but I’m glad you like them!” Ouch! Suddenly, just like that, my confidence was gone, and I became acutely aware that my shoes might be ugly. Yet, I absolutely loved them. These were my dream shoes, the crown jewels I had been searching for to bring my style dreams to life, and yet, I was cowering in the library wishing I could run back to my dorm and take them off.

“Where did I go from here?” you might be asking. Of course, I consulted Pinterest searching for black Mary Jane’s outfit inspiration. I realized one thing: my shoes were not ugly; the people who did not like them simply did not get it, and that is ok, because they do not have to.

Style is subjective, yet it is incredibly difficult not to care about what everyone else thinks about what you are wearing. While Harding has its own unique fashion culture full of vibrant colors

Rest in peace to my purple bike. She was taken from me so young, but in her lifetime she touched so many lives. We first met online, as so many do. Her purple hue and reasonable price captured my heart. I rode her for the first time while moving in my freshman year. My parents pulled her out of the trunk and watched me giddily ride around a parking lot after a sweaty day of moving me into Cathcart. Together, my bike and I went on many dates: Sonic, Dairy Queen, the repair shop, the GAC and the Ulrey. She was there for sophomore year’s early morning MO runs and junior year’s late night rides back from studying all night in the Pryor. What were her best qualities? There were too many to count. Her basket carried packages and food, her cup holder held many iced lattes, her bell rang with a beautiful trill. She was a friend to all. My friend Katie rode her for a function, Lindsey pushed her pedals during club week, and Randi gripped her handlebars tightly as she tried to learn to ride a bike again. She was also resilient. I rode her through sunshine, rain, wind, gravel,

Wearing what I love (even when you don’t)

and patterns, I am sure that many of us still wonder if the people around us like what we are wearing. Yet, who really cares? So what if some of my friends did not like my Mary Janes? So what if people called them grandma shoes? I love them! I even went out and bought five more pairs! I pick certain outfits simply because they will look good with a specific pair of Mary Janes in my closet. I buy

Next time you put together an outfit and think, “What if someone does not like this?” I challenge you to think, “Who actually cares?” When was the last time you stopped being friends with someone because you did not like their shoes? I am hoping the answer is never. Style is personal and unique to you, and only you. Sure, some colors and patterns clash, but in reality, that’s

particular colors that will complement my burgundy pair or match well with my iconic Samba Janes. Every time I see a girl wearing cool shoes, Mary Janes or not, I feel like we have a connection. Seeing someone wear what they want, without caring what anyone else thinks, instills in me a confidence that nothing else can. Answer this question for me: Is the joy of approval from others better than the joy you get from wearing your favorite piece of clothing? Hearing someone say they like my shoes is great, yet not as great as the feeling of putting together a perfect outfit to match my perfect Mary Janes.

just my opinion. Sure, some people might have told me they didn’t like my beautiful black Mary Janes, but in fact, that was just their opinion (a wrong one, but that’s ok!). The joy of approval from random people on campus is fleeting, but the joy of finding the perfect pair of Mary Janes to match an outfit lasts a lifetime.

P.S. If you have a fabulous pair of Mary Janes, please find me and show them to me, I am begging.

A eulogy for my bike

dirt and pavement. What happened to her? Well, despite my love for this manual vehicle, I tended to leave her unlocked. This started innocently enough. When I first got her, my dad gave me two bike locks and warned me of theft.

I used both locks for about a week, and got annoyed so I went down to just one. Then one night, in a rush, I forgot to lock her and hours later, no one took her. Slowly I kept testing this theory and eventually never locked her

A short plea

for a solid two years. People called me crazy, but I reasoned that a bike thief wouldn’t want a purple bike.

The kidnapping occurred on a fateful November afternoon. I left for a weekend trip with my bike leaning against a tree in front of my apartment. When I came back, she was gone. I looked for her everywhere and even followed her airtag location to a landfill, with no bikes in sight. I assume she has probably been sold for parts and is long gone by now. I just wish I could see her one more time and thank her. I wish I could tell her that she literally carried me through college. Anytime I hopped on the bike, I felt like maybe I could get through that test, I could get through the day, and I could just enjoy an afternoon coasting on the pavement.

I plan to buy a new bike after graduation, and I have learned my lesson about bike locks. But I will never forget her, because as they say, you never forget your first love.

I’ll keep it snappy; you have classes. If you don’t know already, the opinions section doesn’t write itself. I know somewhere in that heart you have convictions, and if you don’t tell them, who will? Whether you have an idea for a Bison opinion, or you want to write one yourself, let me know! I won’t bite. I’d bet your name looks great in a byline. -Andrew

That joke sticks

Time of writing: the witching hour.

As of Feb. 9, over 400 students from several Little Rock-area schools have staged walk-outs that protest arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Hearing word of the planned protests, the North Little Rock School District released a preliminary statement Feb. 4, reminding families and students that actions that disrupt school days are prohibited, including lawful and civic discourse. The students marched anyway.

Nearly 300 students marched out of Central High School on Friday morning, many holding sharpied posters critiquing ICE. Some even made it to the Capitol building.

Those high schoolers took a stand and joined together, perhaps understanding the risks that accompany protestors, perhaps just following the bandwagon. But nobody can doubt their mission. That day, they wore hats that critiqued a system that threatened their community and fellow students.

On a similar note, several Harding students and faculty have also worn hats.

On Feb. 2, I received a text from a friend. I clicked the notification and saw a sticker passed out by the Young America’s Foundation (YAF). The sticker was captioned “ICE ICE BABY,” and pictured two animated blue figures holding guns with “ICE” written on their black shirts. I learned that YAF representatives set up a stand in the Stu and handed these stickers to anyone who walked by.

I tell these two stories because, similar to those high schoolers in Little Rock, Harding’s student body has a choice. A choice between accepting animated stickers as a real way to promote civil discourse on ICE, or denouncing them as fraudulent, and frankly, tacky.

To their credit, YAF knows how to have productive conversations — or at least, they should. A YAF representative ascended the chapel stage Feb. 3 to introduce Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector and activist. His short introduction harkened back to an earlier time, when nuclear headlines and red scares were common, but it fit the context of the event. He was respectful and passionate — it cultivated a space where someone could speak and be heard without fear of rebuke or insult.

Perhaps YAF thought the stickers would serve a similar purpose, bringing civil discourse on a harsh topic. Unfortunately, any potential those stickers carry to generate conversation is overshadowed by sheer tackiness.

The stickers also raise questions of institutional thoroughness. Did Harding approve YAF’s presence in the Stu? If they did, it is certainly odd for a University to approve content frivolously glorifying an organization that, in the recent past, has arrested and deported students from other universities. If they didn’t, it means we have a rogue sticker-passer on our hands.

Either way, the student body has a duty to respond with civility. I’m challenging you to be like the high schoolers in Little Rock. As they stood with their own to fight injustice in their community, you stand with your own to protest content that delegitimizes a real struggle. I’m asking you to pursue conversation in a manner that upholds Harding’s values; the ones you said you’d uphold when you joined the student body.

Handing out ICE stickers may be a mild and small action; people will see them, and either their heads will nod, or their eyes will roll, but nobody will drop dead. But does that action make Harding feel safer? Will that action ease the conversation surrounding a charged topic?

Host as many speakers as you will, YAF. But passing out ICE stickers — betraying Harding’s value of civility — makes me question your motives. You cannot bring speakers onto Harding’s stage while handing out those stickers. That’s just hypocrisy.

Samples of gold

Editor-in-chief Randi Tubbs

A love letter to pepperoncinis

I am always on the hunt for small treasures—the overlooked glimmers hiding in plain sight. Pepperoncinis are exactly that. I discovered pepperoncinis years ago, the first time I ventured past Olive Garden’s neverending bread sticks and onto the more mature option: neverending salad. Pepperoncinis are at first an unassuming garnish on the italian salads. Most of the time they’re shoved to the side with the tongs or picked out and put to the side completely. What the perpetrator of these acts don’t understand is that pepperoncinis are nature’s Gushers, and should be treated with as much love as we give their gummy counterparts.

For many years my relationship with pepperoncinis was, regrettably, only something I had in an Olive Garden booth. I would forget about them for months at a time; I would remember them when the salad came to the table and I could feel my mouth begin to water. I didn’t even know their name for so long. I thought they were banana peppers. I would order banana peppers on my pizza to try and feel the same rush, but it was never quite the same. Pepperoncinis are smaller, greener, spicier, better than banana peppers. Banana peppers are bigger, yellower, sweeter and an overall more boring version of the pepperoncini. Despite these obvious qualities, banana peppers are more well known and accepted as a part of ingredients in everyday food fixings (pickling, pizza toppings, subsandwhich fillings, salad garnishes, etc.).

I have always had the type of taste buds that seek out intense experiences. Ever since I was in elementary school I have been chugging carbonated drinks because I love that fiery, burning fizz. I get a level 5 spice at Whilma’s Filipino Restaurant! I could drink Zaxby’s tongue torch wing sauce! Pepperoncinis give me the perfect thrill of flavor that I seek out. They’re a spicy, acidic, pickly burst of gold.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve cared about politics. From Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign against Mitt Romney, to Donald Trump’s campaign against Hillary Clinton, I’ve been an active viewer. I have witnessed, for a very long time, the divisiveness and (extremely) occasional togetherness of politics.

When George Floyd was murdered in 2020, I dove head first into research. I was tired of just hearing things, so I sought to find the truth. Sadly, instead of truth, all I found was a mess.

Republican or Democrat, I truly believe we have reached a point where we all need to be humbled and admit that the issues our country is facing is greater than any political party will ever be, or at least, ever should be. ICE is in Minneapolis taking people from their homes, dining at restaurants and then arresting their staff, and ultimately creating a very dangerous situation for Americans and American immigrants alike.

As I witness this, I can’t help but wonder, is this the best we can do?

When Obama was president, he deported around 3.1 million people (including both of his terms). The difference is

Loving my neighbor

that he did so with due process and humility. He, in my opinion, shone in so many ways that President Trump is failing. Obama was careful, measured and, most important, willing to be wrong.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Obama was not a perfect president, and this is not an analysis on previous presidents, or even the one we have today. Rather, I want to bring attention to the fact that it doesn’t have to be this way–we have just grown so complacent that I fear we are losing all sense of our humanity.

When Jesus came down to earth, he was the example of all examples. No one can top him. He was hungry for goodness and eager for change. He followed God’s plan and never misconstrued his words. Jesus was a fighter, a lover, an advocate and a humble servant all in one. In Matthew 25:35-36 Jesus spoke, and said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Honestly,

How pencils won a war

I don’t know how he could have been any clearer. We are called to not only welcome the stranger, but to love them as our family, and accept them as our own. I fail at this every day. Every single day I think about people I don’t like and don’t get along with. I disappoint myself, and Jesus, on a daily basis. But, I don’t want to grow complacent. I want to challenge myself to love those who seem unloveable and care for anyone who needs help. Let me remind you, you can believe there needs to be immigration reform without agreeing with how it’s currently being done. We are not hopeless; in fact, I think we are at such a pivotal point in history. We have a choice to truly be different from the world. We have a unique opportunity to speak up for those who can’t currently speak for themselves. We have an opportunity to be better, and I pray every day for a more united and thoughtful community–which will eventually shape our country. The government may be powerful, but it is still no greater than my neighbor.

It wasn’t until last semester that I realized I did not have to leave myself waiting around, wondering when my next trip to Olive Garden would be. I can actually buy pepperoncinis by the jar! I found this out one night while I was watching cooking videos on YouTube. I was learning about the world of savory snack plates when the host picked up her jar of pepperoncinis and they looked awfully familiar. When it struck me how I knew these peppers, I set an alarm for 7 a.m. the next morning, woke up, drove to Walmart and bought my very first jar. They were gone by dinner time. Pepperoncinis are a flavor gold mine tucked between romaine leaves. They’re prizes most people push aside without realizing they’ve just discarded gold. Pepperoncinis are my newest Sample of gold—small, bright, sharp and unexpectedly tasty.

So this Valentine’s Day, while the world writes love letters to significant others, I am writing mine to a jar of pickled peppers. (I’ll also be writing one to you, Eli Olree!)

I had never heard of Charles Fraser Smith until last month. Some say he was the original “Q” of James Bond fame. In 1942, this civil servant working for British Intelligence was given a secret mission. He had created numerous deceptive devices—cameras hidden inside of cigarette lighters, steel shoelaces that doubled as saws—and now he was sent to the Cumberland Pencil Company in Keswick.

If airmen were shot down over enemy territory and captured, what would they do? If they escaped, how could they find their way across the lines? Any maps found on their persons would be confiscated and destroyed. Many of the tricks for disguising maps were known to the enemy. But what if the instruments of freedom could hide somewhere they would never be suspected?

Enter Charles Fraser Smith. His task was to stick a map and compass inside a pencil.

A half century later, after the embargo on this official state secret had expired, the Cumberland Pencil Company wanted to recreate this marvelous feat. Smith had died in 1992 and taken his secret to the grave. So, the staff had to reverse-engineer a remarkable writing tool. They had to create a compass less than one-fourth inch in diameter and fit it inside the brass piece that held the eraser. Then they had to print a map on a piece of tissue paper and roll it so tight that it could fit inside a slightly oversized pencil. It took a team of engineers working with late 20th century equipment months to produce what Mr. Smith had made with much simpler tools and with much less help.

If you’ll recall, the Allies won the war. Maybe other factors were involved, but we cannot discount the pencil map.

My friends and I learned all this at the Pencil Museum during a stay in Keswick last month. When we asked the young clerk at our hotel what there was to do in Keswick, he

thought for a minute and suggested snooker and go-carts. When we asked about the Pencil Museum right across the street, he shrugged and said, “Not been there myself.”

We are brilliant at missing the gems right under our noses. The Cumberland Pencil Company has been operating since 1792, and the museum charts its history, shows the process of making the classic writing tools, and possesses what must be one of the finest collections of pencil sharpeners around. The moment we walked in, all thoughts of go-carts were banished.

We learned that the discovery of a rich graphite mine in the area gave birth to the company. Miners would go down every day in search of the valuable mineral. They often worked for days without a discovery, but one black chunk the size of a fist could be worth a month’s pay. Used in cannonballs and pencils, graphite was so prized in those days that the workers would be searched for contraband as they left the mine. Thieves often stole graphite and sold it illegally. Some suspect that’s where the term “black market” came from.

How are pencils made? Slats of wood are placed into a feeder and pushed along a conveyer belt into the groover, which cuts grooves into the wood where the pencil lead is glued down. A second slat is placed on top to sandwich the lead into place.

The visit brought back memories of the episode when Mr. Rogers went to the Crayola Crayon Company. I never looked at my “burnt

sienna” crayon the same way after that. At the Museum I took a picture beside one of the world’s largest pencils. I was going to suggest to the staff that they should place it atop the world’s largest scantron form, but I didn’t want to be ejected from the premises. I’m guessing they were already weary of American tourists asking for the bathroom and cracking wise about going number two.

I learned so much pencil trivia. Over 14 billion pencils are made each year, and they could go around the world 40 times. I did not know that pencils could be used underwater and in space. With just one pencil, you can either write 15,000 words or draw a line 35 miles long before the lead runs out. How many times can you sharpen a standard pencil? The answer is 17.

Do elementary school students still vie for the privilege of emptying the shavings out of the pencil sharpener? It may be hard to explain to today’s kids why that was one of the great honors of third-grade life. Right next to dusting erasers and wiping chalk boards.

The next time you’re in Keswick, skip the go-carts. Don’t bother with the snooker halls. Go straight to the Pencil Museum, and

Rhodes revived as Bisons defeat OBU

Campus Life issued a call to the student body to Revive the Rhodes Feb. 9, seeking to restore historically infectious energy to the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. The event aimed at packing the stands for the conference clash against Ouachita Baptist University, which the Bisons won 79-69. By mobilizing the student body, organizers hoped to rekindle the high energy that has historically made the converted World War II airplane hangar a daunting destination for visiting teams.

To bolster that energy, Campus Life introduced a series of activities. Senior sports engagement director Julia Lewis said the goal was to keep the momentum high even when the ball is not in play.

“We are doing little games during the media breaks for fan engagement and to involve the students in the crowd,” Lewis said. “The games are quick and fast-paced races, ‘Minute to Win It’ type games. This includes a relay race, scooter races and a putt-putt game.”

For senior players like Corban Mora, the timing of the revival was critical as the Bisons enter the final stretch of the home schedule, where every possession carries postseason implications.

“The atmosphere that is created in the Rhodes when the gym gets packed out is nothing short of incredible,” Mora said. “As a senior, it really produces a special feeling to have the full support of our home crowd for one of our final home games.”

Lewis emphasized that student involvement is the heartbeat of the athletic experience, extending far beyond the final score.

“Having the student body involved is important because it brings energy and excitement to campus life and the basketball arena,” Lewis said. “Student enthusiasm creates a fun atmosphere, motivates the teams and makes game days more meaningful for everyone. Full stands and loud support help turn games into true campus experiences.”

Senior team manager Noah Hirscheider has witnessed the evolution of that energy firsthand, noting that the program has undergone a significant culture shift since his arrival.

The stakes at Monday’s game were particularly high following a narrow 78-73 loss to #10 Oklahoma Baptist that snapped a historic 13-game home winning streak. Mora noted that the team’s preparation has been laser-focused on the physical and mental details necessary to continue their strong second half of the year.

“We intend to physically and mentally prepare with the utmost attention to detail to give ourselves an edge,” Mora said. “A win against Ouachita is a big deal for all of us, so we will bring out our full intensity.”

“Starting out my freshman year, we were at the bottom of our league, with hardly anyone coming to games,” Hirscheider said. “Coach Jameson and Coach Spencer have done an amazing job building up the atmosphere from the second they got here.”

Harding announces new men’s and women’s soccer

Harding University has announced the appointment of new head coaches for its men’s and women’s soccer programs, marking a significant leadership transition for Bison athletics. The hires come in as both teams prepare for upcoming seasons and aim to enhance the competition within the Great American Conference.

The introduction of new leadership reflects Harding’s commitment to developing successful athletic programs while maintaining spiritual growth, teamwork and sportsmanship.

The men’s soccer program will be under the guidance of new head coach Thom Jacquet, a Harding alum with 35 years of coaching experience at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Tasked with guiding the team through conference competition, Jacquet brings personal investment into the program while cultivating a culture of accountability and teamwork.

“This is a transformation of how we think, how we feel, how we act and how we

present ourselves,” Jacquet said. “It’s about discipline, belief, how we train and what the locker room is like. If the locker room is not good, then the team is not going to be good. We are focused on building the energy, the belief in the team and in the guys.”

Players have responded to the transition with enthusiasm and renewed energy. Junior Jimmy Tuyishim described the adjustment to the program as a time to focus on communication and consistency, both on and off the field.

“As soon as he got the job, he wanted to meet and was real with me about what his plans are for the team and how he wants to change the program,” Tuyishime said. “You can tell that he wants change and is really passionate about Harding.”

Similarly, the women’s soccer program welcomes a new head coach, Audrey Adkison, who emphasizes building trust within the team, strengthening relationships and setting measurable goals for the season ahead. A former Harding soccer player, Adkison returns with experience in a winning program and a strong understanding of the culture surrounding Bison soccer.

“I want to honor this program by holding a standard of excellence,” Adkison said. “This spring, we’re focused on our unity and development. We want to unify the group at a deeper level.”

Players on the women’s team have expressed excitement about the direction of the program. Early initiatives have included small-group meetings and off-field challenges to reinforce discipline and promote accountability.

Returning junior Kendall Jerkins noted that the program aims to build momentum while maintaining a strong sense of identity within the conference.

“When she first got introduced as coach, she wrote us all letters and made time to call all of us individually,” Jerkins said. “She wants to get to know us as people, not just players, which has helped build trust.”

NCAA champion Malykin reflects on pole vaulting journey

Harding University is home to several nationally recognized student-athletes, including senior Vlad Malykin. Malykin is a junior-record holder from Ukraine and a six-time NCAA Division II champion, competing for the University.

Malykin is part of a large pole vaulting team at Harding which is uncommon at the collegiate level.

“Harding is like a second home for me,” Malykin said. “I really like my team, coaches and the support I feel. Coach Don Hood listens to each member of the team and tries to create the best conditions. I feel the team spirit, how everyone is cheering and wants a better result. As an athlete, this plays a big role and makes this path much easier.”

Hood serves as the head cross country and track coach, as well as the head coach of the pole vault team. He noted that Malykin demonstrated talent at a young age, which caught his attention.

“Vlad is extremely committed and determined to be the best he can be,” Hood said. “He refuses to be mediocre and is a warrior in everything he does.”

Malykin is known for his dedication both on and off the field. He earned the title of national academic athlete of the year twice and is set to graduate at the end of this semester with his second master’s degree.

“In six months, after I graduate, I plan to stay here to prepare for the next Olympic Games and hope for Harding’s support,” Malykin said. “After that, I am thinking of starting a coaching career.”

Malykin’s talent and hard work have not come without challenges. At one point, he suffered a hernia in his spine that compressed a nerve and caused paralysis in his right leg. It took an extended period of recovery following surgery to regain full function.

“The most difficult thing in sports is rehabilitation after an injury or surgery,” Malykin said. “I went through this path twice and it cost me three most important years. But I didn’t stop, and I gave everything to achieve recovery faster. It made me stronger and taught me to take care of my body.”

Though fewer than 30 students currently compete in pole vaulting for Harding, others who have participated in the sport in the past understand its challenges. Junior Lydia Hawley, who competed in pole vault during her high school years, commented on the difficulty of the event.

“I started pole vaulting alongside running just for fun,” Hawley said. “It was hard in how technical it was. Every single movement was intentional, from the

to the

to being able to fall without getting

MO hosts second annual ‘Ladies’ Night

Women in Searcy hit the dance floor this past Saturday as Midnight Oil Coffeehouse (MO) kicked off their second annual “Ladies’ Night” event. The doors opened at 8 p.m., but women lined up in advance, waiting to get in as early as 20 minutes beforehand. The cover charge was $10, giving attendees entrance as well as chicken wings and nachos served on platters throughout the night and a selection of mocktails available at the coffee bar.

The only men allowed at the event were the male Midnight Oil baristas, which gave the women on the MO team a night off to get out on the dance floor. The baristas dressed up and served food and drinks the whole night, experimenting with different mocktail combinations, as well as getting a little goofy.

“They gave me milk,” freshman Zoe Ragsdale said.

Midnight Oil Coffeehouse was decorated, and a lot of the couches and chairs were removed to make room for the dancefloor. Candy was scattered around the few tables that remained.

“I love dancing around with the girls and eating lollipops,” junior Sarah Crooks said.

As the night went on, the energy continued to build. Many women danced on tables or jumped into crowd surfing waves. Even the baristas joined in, getting on each other’s shoulders on the dance floor when they were running out of food.

“It was a pleasure to serve the beautiful women of Harding University,” MO barista

and senior Jake Nelms said. “Top 10 realest nights of my life.”

Several familiar faces were spotted throughout the night, including Hannah Carpenter, the current co-manager of MO, and Willy, an

iconic face at MO who is known for feeding the cats around the coffeehouse. Carpenter stayed involved throughout the night, getting up on the main table and dancing with the crowd. Willy danced outside with many of the baristas when much of the crowd migrated outside as the dance floor got hot and crowded.

“It definitely was a one-of-a-kind experience with the girlies,” freshman Selah Galyean said.

New Life Church launches second Midweek class series

New Life Church (NLC) announced the launch of its second round of Midweek, a six-week class series that meets on Tuesday nights, designed to foster spiritual growth and community in a small, interactive group setting.

The NLC Searcy campus is transformed at 6:00 p.m. every Tuesday into a space where members can choose from six class types tailored to various stages of life and Biblical interests. The program is designed to provide discipleship opportunities and a place to grow your faith beyond the traditional Sunday morning service.

Head Pastor Kevin Atkinson emphasized how the idea for Midweek grew out of a need for deeper connection within a younger and growing congregation.

“The larger we got as a church, the more we lost the intimacy of discipleship groups,” Atkinson said. “The ability for people to ask questions and it be answered on the spot. It is something that is different than a Sunday morning being preached at.”

Atkinson explained that New Life’s physical building is designed for a Sunday morning worship service and does not accommodate a Sunday school setting. Thus, Midweek offers

an alternative where people gather in groups of 12 to 20 to seek biblical answers, build relationships and be spiritually reformed.

“Our heart behind it was to create a space where people could ask questions, be disciples and talk about different topics that they could select themselves,” Atkinson said.

Previously a 10-week class series, Midweek

As Valentine’s Day approaches, local studios WellBar and Nooma are offering couple focused workout classes and challenges this February, blending fitness with connection during the season of love.

The WellBar fitness studio will host the “LoveWell-Sweeter Together” challenge on Feb. 8-14, where attendees can attend four classes with a friend in order to win a free smoothie. After visiting the front desk with your fitness partner and signing up for the challenge, partners will receive a postcard which can be stamped after each workout, and turned in for the final reward at the end of the challenge.

Senior and Wellbar employee Wesley Lamberson has participated in classes with her school social club, Ju Go Ju.

“WellBar is celebrating Valentine’s week with a series of fun, themed classes centered around our LoveWELL Challenge,”Lamberson said. “This encourages participants to show up for their wellness together - because we are sweeter together.”

The week-long challenge will invite attendees to grow their relationships and provide a bonding experience with others.

“Students can participate in the love WELL Challenge throughout the week by attending classes with a partner, emphasizing community, connection, and wellness together.”

A few blocks away at Nooma’s Searcy location, a couples fitness class will take place on Feb. 13 at 5:45 p.m. by fitness instructor

Charise McMullin.

Nooma manager and class instructor

Emma Jade Porter shared what class attendees can expect.

“This class will feel just like a classic Nooma workout; challenging, empowering,and intentional–just with your significant other right beside you,” Porter said. “Our classes are designed to be tough, but always adaptable. We encourage all possibilities of movement, so each workout can be molded to meet you exactly where you are in your journey.”

Sophomore Mckenna Counts, who majors in health studies and is a Nooma regular,

was introduced by NLC in the fall of 2025 to gauge interest among church members. Following a high attendance, the church leaders decided to bring the program back in a six-week format that will end before spring break.

One class this semester is on Spiritual Gifts, and is taught by Atkinson and Youth Minister

Johnson Gutherie. By exploring passages in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12 and Philippians 4 that emphasize spiritual gifts, the class will encourage open discussion and Christian formation among attendees.

For participants, Midweek is more than just a Tuesday night class; it is a program that helps create meaningful connections within a large congregation. Duchess Butler, an NLC member and Midweek attendee, shared her own experience of growing relationships.

“It makes the big church small,” Butler said. “We may have been going to the same service, but now we’re friends. We check in with each other and notice if they’re at church or not.”

In addition to the building of authentic relationships, Butler added that the commitment to Midweek encouraged consistency for her.

“It’s a commitment not only to God, but also to the people that are in your Midweek group,” Butler said.

Midweek creates a unique space for connection across different generations, ages, and stages of life.

“It creates a space for everyone to learn from each other and to be in community with each other.” Gutherie said.

will attend the class and is hoping for a meaningful and challenging night. Counts hopes the night will live up to Nooma’s brand motto, “What if we moved our bodies not to change the way they look, but for how it makes us feel?”

“Nooma is typically both a really fun experience while also being really challenging,”

Counts said. “So I’m hoping for and expecting that the class will be a good mix of both!”.

Studios like

how giving couples and

and

strengthen themselves can also help strengthen their relationship and connections during the season of love.

Elijah Hawk sets up shop in Stu

The student center at Harding is a hub for social gathering. But for one student, it has become a place of business. Sophomore Elijah Hawk is the owner of Handmade by Hawk, a business he created with his siblings in high school.

“Because we’re all into crafts, we decided to kind of create a small business to sell our crafts and earn a little money on the side,” Hawk said.

While he and his siblings sell a variety of handmade items, Hawk mainly sells crochet animals here at Harding. His bestseller? Multi-colored crochet turtles. He sells the turtles for $5, and said they take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to make. Hawk said he tries to set up in the Stu about once a week during high traffic times, as well as participating in the various student markets that happen over the year. He sold over 110 turtles last semester alone.

Senior art major Brooklyn Yoder has bought eight or nine turtles from Hawk after seeing him set up in the Stu, and said she has given several items as gifts for friends and family.

“They were very cute and affordable, and I get really excited about collecting that sort of thing…I love the joy that comes out of the things he creates,” Yoder said.

“I think it’s cool,” junior Adam Anderson said. “He makes some fun animals and they always look well done and creative. Elijah is a really great guy who’s fun to have around, and he’s willing to help out when we need him.”

Hawk’s passion for fiber arts originally started with knitting, which then led to him learning how to crochet due to its more simple nature.

“Using YouTube and the instruction booklet I learned how to crochet, and from there fell in love with it, because it was easier to make

stuffed animals, which is my preferred thing to make,” Hawk said. Hawk said he had sold his creations at various locations when he was in high school, so it was an easy decision to continue at Harding. After receiving permission from Dean Zach Neal, he began selling in the

Stu. As far as future plans go, Hawk has no intentions of stopping his business and encourages students to stop by when they see him in the Stu.

“I’ll never stop crocheting, because it’s a great way to sit and relax,” Hawk said.

Soup cookoff feeds students, local ministry

Harding’s political science and history departments got together Monday for their annual soup and chili cookoff to benefit the University’s food ministry, The Table. The event was hosted in the Holland-Waller Center, where eight staff and faculty members from the two departments prepared homemade soups to share with the Harding community, and for a chance to win the award for best soup. Students and Harding employees from all majors and positions were encouraged to attend

The event was started last year by history and political science department chair Kim Laing along with associate professor of political science Liann Gallagher. Entry is free but donations are accepted, and a donation of $1 allots the participant a ballot to cast for their favorite soup. All money collected at the end of the meal goes to The Table’s cause.

According to Harding’s website, The Table’s mission is “to meet each Harding community member where they are and walk with them toward wholeness. Our goal is to remove the stigma associated with being

food insecure and to maintain the dignity of everyone who is in need.”

Laing, who prepared a roasted pepper and tomato soup, shared her thoughts on the event.

“This is an opportunity to try a variety of different kinds of soups cooked by the faculty and staff of the University and for just a dollar, help The Table support our community where it means the most, in basic necessities,” Laing said. “One dollar buys a token to vote on your favorite soup, which adds a bit of fun competition to the day. If you have more than a dollar, you can buy as many tokens as you like to support your favorite soup and The Table at the same time.” Gallagher brought her tamale soup and shared her perspective on The Table.

“I think that The Table is a very important program on this campus,” Gallagher said. “We wanted to create a way for the students, faculty and staff to fill themselves with yummy food today, as well as filling students in need tomorrow.”

The Table is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and is located on the east side of Kendall Hall.

The Bison Crossword

By JACOB BRANSON

Harding swings connect generations of students

Perhaps no symbol of Harding University is as recognizable, or as romantic, as the iconic white swingset. For decades, the Harding swing has served as a place for students to rest, talk and share moments together. Over time, it has also become the center of a well-known campus legend. According to the legend, if a guy and a girl swing three times, a ring and marriage is sure to follow.

While the “three swings and a ring” myth has been passed down through generations of students, the history of the Harding swing itself dates back to the university’s earliest years in Searcy, Arkansas. When Harding moved its main campus from Morrilton to Searcy in 1934, maintenance employee Harvey Dykes and his wife, Bertha, relocated with the school. Shortly after the move, Dykes designed and built the first Harding swing, creating a campus fixture that would soon become a lasting tradition.

The influence of the Harding swing continues across generations. Alumni often carry the traditions through stories, shared

the swing itself. These gestures reflect how deeply the tradition has become woven into the culture of Harding.

Harding alum Nancy Lamb, who graduated from Harding in 1969, said the swing has remained meaningful even after graduation.

“After graduation, my husband built us our own Harding swing to be able to bring the tradition with us,” Lamb said.

For many alumni, the memory of the Harding swing has become a reflection of the memories they made while on campus.

Alum Natalie Mooney, who graduated in May 2025, reflected on how the swing connects students after they leave campus.

“The Harding swing is one of those traditions that every student knows about, whether they believe in the legend or not,” Mooney said. “It connects people who graduated years apart through the same stories and experiences.”

Mooney’s reflection highlights how the Harding swing serves as a bridge between the past and present, keeping alumni connected to campus traditions even after graduation. Today, the Harding swing still holds a special place on campus. For current students, it has

served as both a landmark and a reminder of shared history.

Junior Mary Palmer shared how the swing will forever be a part of Harding.

“The Harding swing has been a part of so many Harding generations that it’s become a symbol that reminds people of Harding,” Palmer said.

Whether students approach the legend playfully or seriously, the Harding swing remains a symbol of connection. No matter the season, the tradition continues to bring students together, one swing, three pushes and a story that has endured for generations.

LOVE, THE BISON