Feb. 13, 2025 Vol. 101, No. 10
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B
@HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications
Waddill remembered at student-led vigil
RANDI TUBBS editor-in-chief 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.”
Photo provided by KYLEE COLON
Students gather Feb. 9 for a candlelight vigil in honor of former student Briley Waddill, who recently died from cancer. Social clubs Ko Jo Kai, Knights and Sub-T 16, and the Student Government Association collaborated to plan and execute the ceremony. 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.
“[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.”
In this issue Aldi grand opening, 2A
The curtain opens on ‘Pride and Prejudice’ CLARA KERNODLE assistant copy editor 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
Graphic by MELANIE GUYETTE
MO Ladies’ Night, 2B
Photo by KENZIE JAMES
Sophomore Daniel Burks and junior Arianna Chapman perform “Pride and Prejudice” during a dress rehersal Feb. 11. The show will run the weekends of Feb. 12-14 and Feb. 19-21. show the other side of Mr. Darcy, which is days of the week for rehearsals, and we’ve important to the story.” since picked up to nightly rehearsals as we Junior Ari Chapman plays the lead, approach opening night.” Elizabeth Bennet. “The thing I love most Chapman connected with her sister-inabout Elizabeth is her heart,” Chapman said. law over the “Pride and Prejudice” story. “I “She is strong-willed, witty and charismatic, make it a goal to reread the novel at least but above all she loves fiercely… To me [her once every year, although it’s often two or character] growth is a reflection of what God’s three times… I ardently admire and love the love will do to a human heart.” book and movie,” Chapman said. Chapman has worked on the part since “Pride and Prejudice” will run this weekend, last October. “Since [memorizing lines], I try Feb. 12-14, and the next, Feb 19-21, on the to spend at least an hour in the script every Ulrey stage at seven p.m. Tickets are available day,” she said. “This semester, we met four for purchase at Harding.squadup.com.
Candy grams, 4B