Senators Isakson, Chambliss visit YHC

Senators Isakson and Chambliss shake hands with students and community members at the Town Hall meeting held in the Recreation and Fitness Center. Photo by Ashton Jones

By Ali Neese, Staff Writer

Georgia’s two senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) came to the Young Harris College campus to host a town hall meeting on August 30.  The senators discussed current issues and gave both students and the townspeople an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions.

YHC President Cathy Cox opened the assembly by greeting the students and members of the community. Rev. Dr. Tim Moore, campus minister, led the invocation and Student Government Association President Emalyn Cork led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Local elected officials from Towns and Union Counties were recognized.

The senators began by sharing a bit of their background. Chambliss and Isakson graduated from the University of Georgia in the same year, both with business degrees. Chambliss received his law degree from the University of Tennessee and Isakson served in the Georgia Air National Guard. Each shared stories about their political careers and their rise to the Senate before the start of the meeting.

Isakson began his address to the audience by saying that town hall meetings are “about you and us listening to you.”

Isakson spoke about the importance of living within one’s means and the U.S. government’s need to do the same, reforming Social Security, fixing Medicare and advocating for tax reform.

Isakson then turned over the floor to Chambliss, who stressed they were “here primarily to hear from you.”

Chambliss went on to say that the United States is in a lot of trouble that had been building up for years. He identified the national debt, as opposed to terrorism, as the number one security concern for the country.  Chambliss said if the debt problem is not fixed, then his will be the first generation in history to leave the country in worse shape than when they received it. Chambliss reiterated they have to find a way to increase revenue in ways other than raising taxes.

His suggestions for increasing revenue included reducing tax rates, invigorating the economy and expanding the tax base of people going to work.

After the senators spoke, they opened up the floor for questions from the audience.

One question, asked by junior history major Ali Manzanares from Chatsworth, dealt with controversy over immigration. Manzanares asked the senators if immigration had  impacted the country at the national level.

The senators said border security needs to be put first and then they need to figure out how to deal with the people who are in the United States illegally. The senators said it is a huge problem in Georgia that they believe that it should be dealt with “quickly and frankly.”

Both senators believe there should not be 50 different immigration laws across the country.

Another question dealt with the Pell Grant, which many YHC students benefit from, and asked if funds for the scholarship would be cut. The senators answered that the government needs to prioritize the money that is spent, investing money in education instead of the Middle East.

Many other questions were covered in this hour-long meeting, including one man making the claim that he knew of more than 20 nuclear bombs west of Mississippi, though his claims were quickly dismissed by the crowd.

After the questions had been asked and the discussion time had come to a close, the senators thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to feel free to contact each of them.

Who do you rep?

By Stephanie Sexton, Staff Writer

Allison Burnham models her jersey for Sigma Delta Chi or Dorcas. Photo by Ashton Jones

The Greek system is a large part of Young Harris College. Some young women and men that walk on to campus will, at some point, become a part of a Greek society, sorority, fraternity or perhaps, all three.

Greeks are special in their own way; however, something that sets each one apart are their jerseys.

Each fraternity, sorority, and organization has their own special set of colors and letters that is put on a jersey for each person to wear once they are finished with their education period. The jersey is the final piece of the puzzle to make someone a true Greek.

There are 12 different Greek systems on campus ranging from sororities and fraternities to organizations and honor societies. Each has their own jersey and all wear them differently.

Gamma Psi is one sorority that has an interesting way of wearing their jerseys. Their colors are navy, burgundy and white; their jerseys display these colors, but some are embellished with little butterflies. “Some lines do the butterfly thing, others don’t. It just runs in the lines,” said Monica Phelps, sophomore psychology major.

It is tradition for these ladies, but they are also known for wearing their jerseys over skirts, which Phelps mentioned was just a fashion statement.

Delta Gamma is one organization that members have interesting ways of wearing their jerseys. Their colors are black and white, and according to Delta Gamma President, Cheyenne Teeple, members are allowed to do whatever they want with their jerseys. Considering all members are somehow related to the dramatics, it makes sense why their jerseys always seem to be torn and tied in interesting ways.

Zeta Pi has the colors of pride, ambition and devotion, which are orange and blue. Their fashion statement is one that is supposed to send a message out to people. “We like to wear our old, tattered jerseys the most because the wear and tear shows that our jerseys are more than just a piece of formal clothing,” said senior biology major Levi Gentle.

Some other organizations, such as Dorcas and Sigma Beta, or SPAT, feel just the opposite. Both are honor societies and are not allowed to cut their jerseys at all. Furthermore, SPAT brothers must tuck in their jerseys while wearing them.

Another sorority that stands out from the rest is Phi Alpha Phi, or PAPs. With their white jerseys, one might notice that sometimes they are tie-dyed, instead of just white and orange. “I don’t think there’s any particular reason for it. We just like tie-dye,” said junior media communication major Ali Neese.

Whatever the trend or reason for each Greek, their colors shine proudly each time they wear their jerseys around campus.
This post copyedited on April 18, 2011.

Armadillo Grill will satisfy appetite

By Kyle Huneycutt, A&E Editor

The Armadillo Grill is located on the Murphy Highway on the west side of the road just north of the 515/129 intersection. Photo by Ashton Jones

When I first heard that there was a new Restaurant opening called “The Armadillo Grill,” I will admit that I was having doubts. I suppose the reasoning behind that is because I have been hoping that since Blairsville is now able to serve alcohol, that we would get some popular food chains’ restaurants, but instead we get another locally owned place with a name that makes you suspicious of what they serve. However, I stand corrected. Eating at “The Armadillo Grill” was actually a very satisfying dining experience.

When I first pulled up to the restaurant, I was not extremely impressed due to the lack of parking options and landscaping; although I am willing to forgive that, acknowledging that they are brand new and are no doubt still making important decisions. It should be noted that the place was packed, cars parked in the adjacent field, and many groups of people waiting to be seated.

Upon entering the establishment I thought it had an altogether pleasant atmosphere. Multiple pieces of local art adorned the walls, which are painted a dark red contrasted with natural wood trim, and dim lights hover over the well-spaced tables and booths that are all centered around a rustic fireplace.

About 25 minutes passed before I was seated, and I thought the service was great. Our waitress was polite and well-spoken and ensured that our glasses remained full and our table clear of dirty dishes. The food came out surprisingly fast considering how they busy they were at the time.

The menu consisted of a large variety of items including seafood, pastas, burgers, steaks and an assortment of selections with a southern flare, and some that were refreshingly unique.

I indulged in the “Pecos chicken Parm” which consisted of a large flour tortilla shell full of penne pasta with Alfredo sauce topped with three large portions of fried chicken and provolone cheese, served with an assortment of other spices that made for a delicious and filling meal at a decent price of $11.99.

Altogether, I had a very enjoyable experience and left full and content. The “Armadillo Grill” appears to have a bright future ahead of itself, and based on my personal dining experience I give it an A and look forward to going again soon.

SPLOST gets the green light

By Emily Hadden, Staff Writer

SPLOST is a one percent local option sales tax that is often compared to a penny, since a penny is one percent of a dollar. Photo by Ashton Jones

On March 15, Towns County voted for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. With votes from nearly 1,500 Towns County residents, SPLOST passed with 90 percent approval.

SPLOST goes into effect July 1, and is a one percent sales tax that applies to property owners in Towns County, visitors and local citizens.

Revenue from SPLOST will provide funding for constructing school facilities. SPLOST will not cause a tax increase and will allow the current sales tax rate to stay the same. SPLOST expires on June 30 and was voted not to renew. SPLOST will benefit both Hiawassee and the city of Young Harris by funding capital outlay projects in the county.

County projects include recreation improvements, such as a multi-purpose recreational and community building and walking trails for citizens of all ages. Road improvements are included with intentions for bridge improvements, cross walks and parking areas.

SPLOST will also provide funds for ambulances, public safety vehicles and improvements for public libraries. Water and sewage developments, which will remove phosphorus, nitrogen, and other harmful wastes in Lake Chatuge, are included as well.

Commissioner Bill Kendall excitedly stated, “We started planning for SPLOST in January 2010, [and] 15 months later the vote finally passed.”

The first SPLOST project the county has planned is funding for the Towns County Fire Department. New equipment such as hoses and fire hydrants will be provided. These will not only benefit the fire department, but will allow lower insurance prices for some Towns County residents.

Local residents seem excited about SPLOST and what it will bring to the community. “It is a very good thing. SPLOST will provide funding for parks and recreational purposes. Without it, we wouldn’t have all of these things,” said Miranda Woody, a resident of Hiawassee.

SPLOST will last for six years and is estimated to raise $12.7 million. The cities of Hiawassee and Young Harris will each receive nine percent of the funds. When the intended projects are complete, SPLOST will be used to decrease county property taxes. Nine percent of SPLOST funding is allotted to the city of Young Harris and may financially aid parts of Young Harris College construction. A statement from YHC is not available at this time.
This post copyedited on April 18, 2011.

YHC softball splits series with Tennessee Wesleyan

By Ethan Burch, Sports Editor
with information from wire reports

Athens, Tenn.– On Wednesday, the Young Harris College softball team ended the night with one win and one loss against Tennessee Wesleyan.

The Mountain Lions won the opener 8-7, but fell 6-4 in the second game of the series.

Lisa Wilson started on the mound for the Mountain Lions in the first game and earned the win. Brittany Allen and Emily Wilson each hit home runs in the win. Wilson’s home run drove in three runs.

Sophomore Victoria Sink started on the mound for YHC in game two, taking the loss.

Kayla Jones and Victoria Hilton each accounted for a home run in the second game.

YHC (9-17) returns to action at 3 p.m. on Thursday in Cleveland as the Mountain Lions take on Truett McConnell.

YHC student hit by truck, no major injuries

Cathy Cox, president of YHC, YHC Police and YHC administration rush to the intersection at School Street and Duckworth Street to where a YHC student was hit by a truck. The nose of the truck can be seen in the right-hand side of the photo. Photo by Ashton Jones.

By Kathleen Layton, Editor-in-Chief

While leaving her Design I art class from the Fine Arts Annex, a female Young Harris College student was hit by a truck while crossing Highway 76. The truck was driven by a male YHC student.

Students leaving the Fine Arts Annex typically return to campus by using the crosswalk from School Street onto Duckworth Street. Erica Ware, a student at YHC, followed this same route when she was hit by a dark blue 2005 Chevrolet Colorado.

According to Georgia State Trooper Lovell, after being struck by the truck, she walked around 15 feet towards the annex and before sitting down on the north shoulder of the highway. The driver was turning left towards Blairsville from Duckworth Street when he hit Ware in the middle of the crosswalk.

Lovell stated that the driver did not see Ware in the crosswalk, but when he hit her he immediately stopped.

Classmates Kelli Denning, a freshman from Fanning County, and Luis Arteaga, a junior from Union County, witnessed the accident. According to Denning and Arteaga, they were walking a few feet in front of Ware when they heard tires screeching. They turned around in time to see their classmate hit by the truck and scream as the truck hit Ware.

“We heard her screaming,” said Denning. “It was just God-awful hearing her scream.”

Among other law enforcement and emergency respondents was Towns County fire and rescue and EMS Captain Terry Parker.

Although Ware was taken by ambulance to the hospital, Parker said that, “It appeared as if she was going to be alright.”

Both Arteaga and Denning said that Young Harris College police happened to be on Duckworth Street when the incident occurred and responded immediately.

However, since the accident occurred on a state highway, the accident was ultimately turned over to the Georgia State Patrol.

It is not known at this time if charges will be filed against either party as a result of the incident.

Cathy Cox, president of YHC, was on scene consoling a student believed to be a relative of Ware’s. Cox announced to curious onlookers while leaving the scene that Ware never lost consciousness and was being transferred to a local hospital.

The College released an official statement about the incident saying, “At this time, it does not appear that any major injuries were sustained. The student was treated at the scene and transported to Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee for further examination. Young Harris College staff members remain with the student and are monitoring the student’s progress.”

The male driver of the truck wished to be anonymous and did not want to be interviewed.  He was visibly upset and mentioned he felt badly about the accident.

Spring break fashion gets vibrant

By Stephanie Sexton, Staff Writer

Colorful string bikinis are among the top fashions for 2011's spring break. Photo by Ashton Jones

Spring break is a time for students to just get away from school, classes, homework and the midterms.

This year, spring break comes early in the calendar year for Young Harris College students; however, that does not mean that students will not be venturing to the beach for their vacation.

Even at the beach though, people have to be fashionable. So what are the fashions for spring break 2011?

For the ladies, the bikini is still popular, string bikini to be exact. The string bikinis that sit right on the hips and halters around the neck seem most popular; although, a strapless top is popular as well. Polka dots, bright colors and embroidery are in style, with some stripes still looking good also.

When you are not lounging on the beach or sitting poolside, ladies shorts and skirts are most in season. Jean shorts and skirts with floral, a bright solid or some pattern are most fashionable. Capri’s are coming back as well, but mostly only jean Capri’s. For your feet, flip-flops of course, but do not forget about the wedged heels as well.

Gentlemen, out on the beach or by the pool, board shorts are fashionable this season. Shorts that have floral patterns, plaid or solids are hot this spring.

Once you leave the beach, your board shorts are appropriate bottoms to wear around. As far as shirts go, solid polo shirts are best and definitely flip-flops on your feet.

Of course not everyone will be going to the beach this spring break. Some people will be traveling up North or into colder climates. For those people, pants, long sleeves, closed toed shoes and jackets are suitable.

No matter where you will be this spring break, being fashionable is always important to impress.

Men’s fashion mirrors country club lifestyle

By Stephanie Sexton, Staff Writer

Jeremiah Gulley, Brand Driver and Lanne Peck are among the rising trend of young men dressing for success on a daily basis. Photo by Ashton Jones

The best way to describe what some of the men on campus have been sporting includes the words country club. Men out at the country club sport their golf gear out on the course and sports coats inside the club.

The male students, or the ‘Young Harris Country Club members’ who are dressing this way, have been wearing things such as sweater vests, button down shirts, polo’s, plaid shorts,  jeans without discoloration or holes, sports coats, Sperry’s, dress shoes and even some pastel colored shorts and pants.

The faculty has certainly noticed this change, and have nothing but positive things to say about it. Most professors interviewed mentioned what a professional look it gives the gentlemen and the college It allows professors to take the guys more seriously in class as students. Several professors also mentioned that it is good practice for the young men to get themselves ready for the real world.

“I don’t like wearing ties, I don’t like wearing jackets, but I do it to remind myself that I am at work,” said Jamie Watson, assistant professor of philosophy, when recalling something the president of his undergraduate college had said.

It is a great way to look at dressing cleanly, do it to remind yourself to be professional.

Of course the students themselves may not really look at it that way. Maybe they have always dressed nicely.

“I dress nice because it was how I was raised; my mom always taught me to present myself well. However, it gives a good first impression before any verbal communication can occur,” said Dane Knudsen, a sophomore biology major from Savannah.

Whatever their motive, the members of the ‘Young Harris Country Club’ have definitely added a touch of class to campus; and hopefully the trend will continue to catch on.

Seniors pave way for grad school

By Annie Hunter, Campus Life Editor

Katie Dyer gets hands-on experience to prepare her for graduate school. Photo by Ashton Jones

As Young Harris College’s first year as four-year school comes to end, three of its seniors have already been accepted into graduate schools programs. Kyle Hatley of Kennesaw will pursue Physical Therapy at North Georgia College & State University.  Meg Ruth Patterson of Toccoa and Katie Dyer of Hiawassee will both go on to the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry.  Their success is a testament to these students’ hard work and YHC’s ability to prepare its undergrads for a promising future.

Hatley, Patterson and Dyer each put in extensive hours interning with professionals in their given fields.  In addition, they took a standardized test, similar to the SAT but geared toward their respective graduate programs.  Also varying from undergraduate admissions, applicants had to be interviewed by their prospective schools. These graduate programs are highly selective with some only offering 18-24 spots for incoming cohorts.  YHC professors assisted these students by connecting them with internship opportunities, writing letters of recommendation and being available to answer any questions.

Patterson feels as though YHC’s undergraduate science program has given her the tools necessary to succeed at the next level in her academic career.

Hatley agreed, “I definitely feel prepared to handle the course load in graduate school because the curriculum at Young Harris has been very challenging.”

Dyer attributes much of her success to YHC’s strong academic programs and the dedication of its faculty.

“Young Harris has been the best decision of my life,” said Dyer. “Young Harris has provided me with the foundation of not only studies but also confidence. I appreciate all the professors and faculty that have helped me and inspired me along the path to my career. I love that YHC challenges us and pushes us to be the best we can be.”

The Academic Advising Center mirrors the campus’ willingness to help and can aid students in every step of the graduate process, beginning with discussing various options with an advisor to preparing students for mock graduate program interviews.

“In one-on-one and group settings, the Academic Advising Center is actively working with students to explore graduate schools and programs, prepare applications and personal statements, locate internships and observation experiences, study for graduate school entrance exams and prepare for the graduate school interview,” said Debbie Roach, director of the Academic Advising Center.  “The Center has a collection of resources to assist students in all of these areas.”

For students looking into certain professions, a master’s degree may be necessary or beneficial; a bachelor’s degree may suffice for others.  Students contemplating grad school should speak with an advisor from the Center on the most appropriate path to take.

“Applying to graduate school is a personal decision, and the process is individualized,” said Roach.  “Perhaps the most important advice for a student considering graduate school is for them to talk with their academic advisor as early as possible to begin exploring the process.”

Acceptance into a competitive graduate program is a major accomplishment, something that all three students and the college should be very proud of.  As more seniors await their acceptance letters from their graduate schools, underclassmen can get a jump start on their own futures by doing their research and taking advantage of the college’s many resources.

Dyer puts it best, “YHC has given me opportunities that I would not have had anywhere else.”

Burch in the paint pt. 1

By Ethan Burch, Sports Editor

Enotah Echoes Sports Editor Ethan Burch joined the men's basketball team in early January. Burch was a four-year player at Towns County High School in Hiawassee. Photo by Ashton Jones

As a senior shooting guard for my hometown high school basketball team, I enjoyed playing for a team in front of my friends and family. I played at local Towns County High School, and the Indians were never really known as a Georgia basketball powerhouse. I recall my last game – a region tournament game against Lakeview Academy where my 16 points and defensive play earned me Player of the Game honors in a losing effort. So far as I knew, this was the last basketball game of my very young career. In short, if someone would have asked me a year ago today if I had plans to play college basketball, my answer would have been a definitive “no way.”

It seems that nothing is set in stone.

As north Georgia was facing an unseasonable – and unreasonable – amount of snow and ice, I received an equally improbable call from Young Harris College men’s basketball coach Pete Herrmann about a roster spot. Having shifted my attention from student-athlete to student-reporter in college, the call was a surprise. Nonetheless, I found myself reporting to practice at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7. On that day, I became a paper Mountain Lion — a sports reporter who doesn’t just write from the sidelines, but writes from the court.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to write about what it’s like to play college basketball by providing you with an inside look at the first men’s basketball team at YHC since the late 1960s. The idea for this article came from the book Paper Lion by George Plimpton. Plimpton was a writer for Sports Illustrated who, in 1963, decided that he would try out for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League as a backup quarterback in order to tell a story of what it is like to be a player in the NFL.

Consider these articles as a “behind the scenes” look at what goes into the making of a college athlete. This story is not being written to mimic the lives of college basketball players – or to suggest that anyone with “hoop dreams” can walk onto a court and compete. Instead, this is my way of showing respect to those who are able to balance the rigors of college athletics and college classes; that is, the true student-athletes. The following is the first entry of many in my quest to become a paper Mountain Lion.

Thursday, January 6

It is the morning after a game, and I am on an assignment to interview Young Harris College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Pete Herrmann. Keep in mind that Herrmann has coached at programs such as Navy and the University of Georgia. I enter the room and come face-to-face with a coach that has led NBA all-stars such as David Robinson.

The only thought in your mind is do not screw up and ask the right questions. What happens when, instead, he asks you a question that you think about as a child or a student-athlete in high school, but never thought to hear at this point in college?

The question, can you play for the team? My answer, anything you want. It was there that an interview that I was conducting for a career in broadcasting and journalism turned my role to college basketball player for the remainder of the season.

Of course I knew that playing in college would be no easy task. I had played from the time I was a child up until my senior year in high school, but never was I recruited to play at a higher level. However, a lack in depth on the Mountain Lions roster opened up a spot that Coach Herrmann chose to offer me.

So I did think about it. I thought about the large time commitment that I was making, but in the end I felt that it was an opportunity that I could not pass up. To play a sport that I love in college, to gain experience that would potentially help me down the road as a writer or broadcaster, and to play under a coach that has developed so many talented players were too many reasons to not pass on this.

This decision is one that was not only difficult for me, but for all college athletes. In many cases, college sports fans only see the athlete that plays on game day. Being a college athlete is much more than that, though.

The college athlete is on the road for nearly three days out of his or her week. For YHC basketball players, the trip usually begins at 1 in the afternoon and the bus returns at midnight. Where in this span do the players have time to work on school assignments? There is the dilemma that student-athletes face.

Though I did think of this time commitment that playing basketball would bring, I didn’t realize just how much work it would take to juggle all of the tasks until I joined the team. After I thought out the decision that every student athlete has to make, I informed Coach Herrmann and began practice the next day.

My feelings were still uneasy, though. The coaching staff was very courteous and highly appreciative, but how would the players respond to my joining the team? These guys had been battling all season to upset teams, fall in close losses, and come away with tight victories. I did not want them to think that I was simply waltzing in and expecting to be part of their team immediately.

As intimidating as it was to practice amongst the college’s best practice players, I stepped in and began to participate in the drills. In doing this, I noticed just how much work these guys had put in to their games. From lifting to individual workouts, the time that each player had spent practicing showed during these drills. As practice concluded, we made our way to the film room. These sessions are developed to help game plan for the upcoming opponent. Studying game film is yet another way that student-athletes must prepare themselves for competition.

After practice, I made my way out of the gym with thoughts of what I had just experienced fresh on my mind. I learned that day that playing college basketball was no simple act, and that my teammates are a great group of players. They came to YHC for the opportunity to win games under Coach Herrmann, and that was a goal that they were set on accomplishing.

The following day would feature a home match-up against Berry College. Not only that, it would be my first college basketball game. This would begin my run at college basketball. How would I fare against the Vikings in the Valley of Doom?