NSU Rocks Out NROC is a day full of rock n roll to benefit cancer research.

See page 5

BCM members serve NSUs BCM members helped with Joplin tornado relief efforts.
See page 9

Vo l u m e 1 0 3 , I s s u e 2 7 | Tu e s d a y, A p r i l 1 0 , 2 0 1 2 | Ta h l e q u a h , O k l a . 7 4 4 6 4

April brings awareness

Amy Howe
TNe wriTer April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and those around NSU are gearing up to spread the word about sexual violence. The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate our community and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence, said Sgt. Jim Flores of NSUPD. Sexual assault awareness is not just important for the NSU community -- its important for everyone in any community. The NSU police department offers classes to help members of the community defend themselves against sexual predators. The Rape Aggression Defense system is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women, said Flores. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. Furthermore, NSU offers special counseling for victims of rape and sexual assault. These services can be found through the HawkReach program. Victims should talk with a HawkReach counselor who is trained to assist rape victims. Counseling can help you learn how to cope with the emotional and physical impacts of the assault, said Flores. You can call HawkReach on campus at 918-4442044. In addition to the many beneficial services offered on campus for victims of sexual assault, many

Students prepare for LipDub

Corbin Brown/Contributing Photographer Ryan Beck rehearses for the 2012 NSU LipDub for the broadcast students. The LipDub will be Tuesday, April 24 and is open to all of NSU.

Annual Symposium educates on Native American culture

PATriCK roCHForD
TNe CoNTribuTiNg wriTer

Self Determination and human rights have long been major issues that have overshadowed tribes and nations across the United States for hundreds of years. This year marks the 40th Annual Symposium on the American Indian. The event attracts both Native and Non-Native people from across the country. The symposium will reflect on

four decades of change for American Indians from the 1970s revitalization of tribal governments to the more recent United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, said Dr. Phyllis Fife, director of the Center for Tribal Studies, Tahlequah. Speakers such as Native American Attorney and Author Walter Echo-Hawk, Film Maker Sterlin Harjo and Author LeAnne Howe are just a few at this years symposium.

The symposium is important to me because it brings Native culture, education and contemporary issues to the forefront, said Asa Lewis, student programs coordinator at the Center for Tribal Studies. This is also a way to celebrate being Native; to showcase our diversity and unique tribal cultures in an academic setting. The symposium is not just about speeches and lectures but also includes various cultural activities. Such events as the stick-

ball game and Cherokee marbles are offered to whoever wants to participate, and to wrap up the event; NSU hosts a powwow which attracts both the Native and Non-Native community of Tahlequah. I enjoy the symposium because its our [Native American] biggest event on campus. It brings speakers and guests from across the United States. We get to meet up with friends and family and it feels like one big reunion.

The sessions are always very informative and provide settings for our students to practice their Cherokee language skills, said Eric Marshall, Rocky Mountain senior. The theme of this years symposium is The Journey of Sovereign Nations: Self Determination and Human Rights, and will be April 9-14. For more information contact The Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350.

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SlutWalk empowers survivors

at NSU are hoping to promote a message of non-violence against women through the upcoming NSU SlutWalk. SlutWalk will be on Wednesday, April 11 at 11 a.m., beginning at the Be the Change fountain. Though it has a scary sounding name, the idea behind a SlutWalk is to take the power away from dominant rape culture and rapists and put it in the hands of survivors and people everywhere, said Molly Turner, Tahlequah junior and an organizer of the SlutWalk. Supporters of the upcoming walk believe women are not the only ones who need to be aware of sexual assault and its negative impacts. We should not have to teach women what not to wear to keep from getting raped, said Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford, chair and assistant professor of the department of communication, art and theater. Instead we should teach our boys before they become men that any sexual assault is never OK. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website, www.nsvrc.org, their campaign for this month of awareness is entitled Its time. to talk about it!. Through the various resources available on the website, the campaigns goal is to begin a national conversation on the topic of human sexuality in order to prevent sexual violence. Many at NSU, like Turner, are bringing the NSVRCs message to the local community through events like the SlutWalk. By using this controversial word, supporters are hoping to change the current attitude toward sexual assault. Reclaiming the word slut as part of our movement drives a message home by empowering survivors and building a community of women and men who both stand for a change in our current rape culture. Flores feels the various services for assault victims here at the university are not only efficient, but top-notch. He hopes any who require them take advantage of these services. The resources available to victims are, in my opinion, the best in Cherokee County. From our campus police department, to the HawkReach Counseling Services Program, to Students Affairs our students, staff, and faculty receive nothing but the best attention from our first-rate resources. All are encouraged to seek more information regarding sexual assault, services available for victims, and awareness events and activities. For more information, email howe01@nsuok.edu

News Briefs
Arbor Day Celebration volunteers needed
This event is in conjunction with the Symposium on the American Indian. Volunteers will plant a selection of native trees donated by a local nursery and a second ancestral walnut tree donated by Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Department. NSU has achieved recognition as Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation for a second consecutive year and encourages students, faculty and staff to participate in the event. This celebration is Friday, April 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 pm. Volunteers can sign up in the Student Activities Office UC B01 or call 918-444-2526.

Scholastic Book Fair arrives at the JVL

This years fair has a more diverse group of books than ever before. There is truly something for everyone. The book fair is open today through Thursday, from Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Symposium features film series, speakers

An American Indian Symposium Film Series available in the NSU Webb Auditorium, today and Wednesday. This event is free, doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.nsuok.edu/symposium Today, Sterlin Harjo speaks. Harjo (Muscogee [Creek]/Seminole), award-winning filmmaker, will discuss his selections for the 2012 American Indian Symposium Film Series. For more information, visit http://thislandpress.com/sterlinharjo/. On Wednesday, the film series presents The Exiles, a 1961 feature film by Kent MacKenzie, chronicles a night in the lives of three young American Indians who left reservation life in the 1950s to live in the Bunker Hill district of Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.milestonefilms.com/the-exiles.

Speaker discusses perspective on recycling

Dr. Daniel K. Benjamin will discuss a controversial perspective on recycling April 18 at 11 a.m. in the Webb Auditorium. Benjamin is alumni distinguished professor emeritus at Clemson University. He also serves as the senior fellow at the Property and Environment Research Center in Bozeman, Mont.

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Muskogee colors come to life at Azalea Festival

JorDyN JorgeNsoN
TNe wriTer A the top annual events in the southern states takes place in a town not far from Tahlequah. Muskogee has many popular events each year in the spring the most popular event in Muskogee Azalea Festival. The festival takes place every year in April. This historical event includes a parade, an annual pageant and a chili cook-off. The Azalea Festival is one of the largest events in Muskogee every year, said Linda Milton, Fort Gibson resident. The Honor Heights Park is located atop a hill overlooking the city and 40 acres of landscaped gardens featuring over 30,000 plants including dogwoods, redbuds, and several other blooming plants. The highlight of the park is its azalea plants, with 625 varieties of azaleas. According to the website ExploreSouthernHistory.com, Honor Heights Park was purchased by the City of Muskogee in 1909 and considered the crown jewel of the citys park system. The Muskogee Azalea Festival features a driving tour that loops through the park and many walking trails that allow the public to get close to nature. Growing up, my parents always took me to the chili cook-off, said Brady Webster, Tahlequah sophomore. I always looked forward to it each spring. They have a lot of activities for the kids, like moon walks and fun games while theres a lot of local bands playing and food tastings for the adults. It really is an all around good time for anyone. The communities local talent will flock the stage once again for this festival. One band that always makes an appearance is the local country music duo The Swon Brothers that is two brothers Colton and Zach Swon. We have been doing music basically our whole lives, said Colton. The chili cook-off is still one of our favorite places to play a show to this day. There is always good food and you get to see just about everyone you know in one place. The Honor Heights Park staff report the azalea blooms are early, meaning the first two weeks in April is the prime viewing time for the flowers. The park is open to the public daily, and the festival will be scheduled for the month of April. The Azalea Festival parade will take place in downtown Muskogee on April 14 at 11 a.m. with the chili cookoff following at the Civic Center from noon until 5 p.m.

There will be several events and activities taking place at the park itself and downtown Muskogee. The Honor Heights Park is located on Honor Heights Drive off North 48 Street. For more information, email jorgenso@nsuok.edu

Courtesy Photo The Azalea Festival is on of Muskogees largest community events. Every year there several activities for family entertainment including the Miss Azalea pageant.

The Northeastern

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Bubba Watson takes over the Masters

Going into the weekend there was a quite a buzz throughout the golf world, as millions tuned in to watch The Masters on CBS. In what is considered the tournament of all tournaments, The Masters takes place at Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia. Fan favorites, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, were among the frontrunners to win the coveted green jacket, which is awarded to each years winner. Coming off of his first PGA tour win in over two years, Tiger Woods seemed poised to take home the victory, and was definitely considered the favorite. However a rough weekend, and a final round (74) kept Tiger from even approaching the top of the leader board by tournaments end. Phil Mickelson on the other hand stayed in contention throughout the entire tournament. After sinking a twenty-foot eagle putt on the 13th hole on Saturday, Mickelson brought the first real roar to the Augusta crowd. Which in turn, set him up for a final round pairing with Peter Hanson. Mickelson, who finished the tournament, (-8) could not overcome a double-bogey early in the fourth and final round, which proved to be the difference in winning the tournament. Right behind Mickelson and Hanson happened to be a pairing of the final two individuals competing for the green jacket. Louis Oosthuizen and Bubba Watson went back and forth on Sunday trying to win their first ever Masters tournament. Oosthuizen set the bar high early on Sunday with the shot of the tournament. From about 250 yards out on the par 5 second hole, Oosthuizen hit a 4-iron that dropped onto, and traveled 80 feet across the green, where it eventually landed in the bottom of the hole, a double eagle being the end result. The double eagle gave Oosthuizen a two-stroke

Courtesy Photo Professional golfer, Bubba Watson, celebrates his Masters championship by hugging his mother. Watson is a self-taught golfer from Bagdad, Florida.

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lead that would stand for most of the afternoon. A strong performance during the final round back nine helped propel Bubba Watson to a playoff with Louis Oosthuizen. Watson was able shave four strokes off of his score by converting birdie putts on four consecutive holes to give him a score of (-10) After all participants in the tournament had finished, the final two individuals were sent back to the 18th tee box to begin the sudden death playoff. Watson had a chance to seal the victory on the 18th green, but missed a birdie putt from 6 feet away that would have won the tournament. Keeping with the sudden death format, the players then traveled to the 10th hole tee box. Watson was first to tee off. He sent a shot down the fairway that wound up veering left into the spectators and pine needles.

Oosthuizens tee shot found itself just outside of the fairway in the rough, but with a clear path to the green. Watson then had to manage the shot of his life. With no visual path to the green, Watson managed to send a shot that hooked 40 yards in the air and landed perfectly onto the green. Oosthuizens second shot landed on the green, but was well away from the hole. Literally moments after sinking the final putt to win The Masters, Bubba Watson broke down into tears. Watson then immediately turned to his wife and mother, who were on hand among spectators, and began crying hysterically. This shows the true passion that Watson had played with throughout the tournament. What a relief to be able to console yourself with loved ones after such an amazing accomplishment.

POSTMASTER: Send PS from 3579 to NSU, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. The Northeastern (USPS # 395-580) is published weekly throughout the year except college holidays by Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. Periodicals postage paid at Tahlequah. Postmaster: send address changes to Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 744642399. For more information about advertising, classified or display, call 444-2890, seven days in advance of desired publication date. Editorial statements in The Northeastern and readers letters reflect those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of The Northeastern, its editors, staff, adviser or the administration of NSU. The opinions and comments therein do not necessarily reflect the policies or beliefs of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges or the regional universities and that the student newspaper is not an official medium or expression of the Board or the regional universities. The Northeastern is a public forum. All submissions become property of The Northeastern. This publication was printed by The Muskogee Phoenix and issued by NSU as authorized by House Bill 1714. Four thousand copies were printed at a total cost of $695 for 32 pages. The Northeastern is a member of the Associated College Press Association, Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association, Society of Collegiate Journalists and College Media Advisers. e-mail address: tne@nsuok.edu.

Letters to the Editor

The Northeastern accepts and encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be relatively short and to the point, and must include your name, and contact information in case we need to contact you about your submission. We also encourage submission of any story ideas or pictures. Email letters, stories or pictures to tne@nsuok.edu.

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NSUBA to host benefit concert to Rock Out Cancer

Northeastern Rocks Out Cancer is a benefit concert featuring local musical talent. It will rock the stage at Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow, 3100 East New Orleans. The concert will be raising money for cancer research and community support for those afflicted. Proceeds from the event will be given to The Gateway for Cancer Research. The inaugural event will take place April 14 in the Auditorium of the Administrative Services Building at NSUBA from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Gateway for Cancer Research is very grateful to NSUBA for their dedication and willingness to help fund cancer research, said Lynette Bisconti, president of The Gateway for Cancer Research. Bisconti said at the Gateway they believe that research to find better treatments and cures is the only way to truly makes a difference. The Gateway for Cancer Research is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Richard J Stephenson. The Gateway is a results-driven and patient-focused organization. The organization gives 99 cents of every dollar to fund and develop cancer research. The Gateway has funded 71 successful cancer research projects helping develop promising treatment innovations to extend and improve the quality of life for cancer patients across the country. NROC is a no cost, fun-filled day of rock bands, the chance to win great prizes, and eat some amazing food, and all while doing our part to fight against cancer, said Nathan Park, junior and vice president of NSGA-BA. Organized by members of the NSUBA student government, four different rock bands from the Tulsa area have signed on to partner with NSUBA in this endeavor to support cancer research. Performances will be given by: Gypsy Train, Rising Redemption, Bennys Little Weasel and Zero Crossing Cancer. Its big. Its personal, said Jason Woodland, singer from Bennys Little Weasel. It has affected everyone, either directly or those close to us. We just want to do our part to help bring needed resources to those that can find the cure. An all day event, fans of rock n roll will take in catchy tunes, enjoy food and drinks and participate in a silent auction in an effort to put an end to raise awareness about cancer. Merchandise will be available on sale benefiting the event as well as various donation drop sites throughout the area. To have college students both aware of this health crisis and willing to devote their time and money to help find a cure, gives renewed hope for the next generation, said Bisconti. For more information about Northeastern Rocks Out Cancer contact student affairs at 918449-6140.

The Northeastern

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JorDyN JorgeNsoN
TNe wriTer The Tahlequah Food Pantry provides food for many families in the Tahlequah community each month, regardless of how much income is within a household. The Tahlequah Food Pantry serves nearly 250 families in an average month. This issue affects the residents of Tahlequah because so many families rely on the food provided by the food pantry. There is never food that goes wasted, and the food pantry is always accepting items with open arms. The public relations campaigns class will hold a dodge ball tournament requiring a minimum of five canned food items in place of entry fees for players. All items will be collected, weighed, and delivered by NSUs Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. The tournament will be on April 24, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the NSU Fitness Center. Trophies will be awarded to first through third place winners along with a Last Man Standing, Best Dressed, and Largest Donation. We are approaching the time of year when we are in our highest demand for donations, said Rebecca Baughman, CARE Food Pantry manager. During the summer months we serve about a thousand people a month. The Tahlequah Food Pantry

Page 6 April 10, 2012

NSU dodges to benefit Tahlequah food pantry

asks that students donate canned milk, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed meals canned soups and meats, along with peanut butter and jelly and any other nonperishable food items. Most of Courtesy Photo The public relations campaigns class will the people we provide for are hold a dodgeball tournament to help the Tahlefamilies and quah food pantry. The tourrnament comes at in the summer a crucial time with summer being the time of year when families need a little extra help. months those children do not have the normal ent a current student ID to partwo meals a day that they nor- ticipate. mally receive from school so there To register, email hamilt03@ is a higher need for food, said nsuok.edu, or sign up at the tables Baughman. This tournament available for registration in the will be a wonderful way to supply UC lobby on April 18-19. our demand. For more information, email Students are required to pres- jorganso@nsuok.edu.

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Students compete for Mr. NSU title

KirA CoKer
TNe wriTer Bring out the men; on Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m., the five final Mr. NSU candidates will compete to see who is a perfect fit for the part. In the Mr. NSU pageant the men will strut their stuff in different categories, doing their best to earn the coveted title. The candidates will be judged on their interview question, swim wear, formal wear, talent and wrestling persona, said Jordyn Jorgenson, NAB concert chair. To apply for Mr. NSU, the men had to have an academic standing of at least a 2.5 GPA, be a full time student, be well rounded and demonstrate the qualities necessary to represent NSU. The final candidates for Mr. NSU are Theron Ogendengbe, Ryan Freeman, Brock Crawford, Jake Barber and Luther Langston. The day of the show the final contestants will battle it out to prove who deserves to be announced as the winner and take the title. Ogendengbe, who will be singing for his talent, decided to apply for Mr. NSU to for the opportunity to represent his community and express this talent. I wanted to showcase my uniqueness, my intelligence and represent the African American community, said Ogendengbe, Boynton sophomore. Once a contestant is named Mr. NSU the glory does not end there. The individual holds the title of Mr. NSU and represents the university throughout the next year. It means that you are an ambassador, said Ogendengbe. You are able to show NSU in a positive light and show respect to all. There is also a scholarship which goes along with winning this title as well and was part of the reason why some applied for this competition. However, the scholarship is not the only reason the competing me applied. I think Mr. NSU should be a leader who is able to do a lot of different things with the school, said Crawford, Salina junior. They should be in leadership roles and represent the school in general. For Crawford this will not be his first time to participant in Mr. NSU. Last year he took home the title of Mr. Congeniality. This was pretty awesome because I got voted by the rest of the Mr. NSU contestants, said Crawford. The title of Mr. NSU is one that means a lot to the men competing, especially with only one being able to take it home. Other than winning the competition, representing NSU is a common goal for all the men. It would mean a lot to be able to represent my school more, said Crawford, And it would be kind of like being of the face of the university. The candidates had to fill out an extensive application in order to participant in the pageant. Students and faculty are encouraged to come show support for their favorite candidate and see who will be Mr. NSU 2012. For more information, email stevensk@nsuok.edu.

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sTACie guTHrie
TNe wriTer If students like a mystery the upcoming social dance event might just be something to check out. The Clue Ball is a dance, which takes the board game Clue and brings it to life. Everyone who enters receives a clue card just like the ones out of the board game. Individuals will dance with partners and switch partners and clues throughout the event to try to find out who actually committed the crime. The first person to solve the mystery of the murderer, weapon, and location gets a prize, said Amy Mattingly, Sallisaw senior. Last year, we used the traditional Clue theme, for example, Mrs. Scarlet in the Ballroom with the candlestick. The year before was a Disney theme Snow White in the Treasure room with an arrow. This year the Clue Ball theme is Harry Potter. With a theme like this people of all ages can jump into the action. The rooms, items and people will all be based off of the Harry Potter series. Individuals who attend be sure to show off your inner wizard. This theme should prove to be interesting with the Harry Potter movie series recently coming to an end. I am excited about this years Clue Ball, said April Potts, Tahlequah freshmen. With Harry Potter as the theme how could I not be, I pretty much grew up with the Harry Potter book and movie series. This dance should be fun since we are able to dress up like the characters of the movies. Individuals who attend the event do not have to know how to dance. This is a plus for those who want to have fun at the Clue Ball but have no idea what they are doing dance wise. There is usually swing dancing at the Clue Ball. The Clue Ball also helps those less experienced dancers learn from all of the different partners they will encounter. This event is a vast dance to put on and it takes a lot of hard work but is well worth it in the end. There is tons of stuff that goes in to planning this event, said Mattingly. We try to meet up with NEWTS to plan everything. We have to make fliers and get the word out, find instructors to teach the lessons, raise money, make sure we have a room, order food and drinks from Sodexo and get decorations. Individuals who attend this event can expect to have tons of fun and even, if they are lucky, be able to learn how to dance a little. It is said by Mattingly that there might even be cake at the event. She intends to have lots of fun

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The wizarding world comes to NSU for Clue Ball

like at previous Clue Ball events and expects everyone who comes out will too. Another thing which stands out about this event is that virtually anyone can attend. Anyone can attend this dance. Students, faculty, grandma and even grandpa are welcome, said Mattingly. It is $10 a couple and $6 a person. We will also be doing a cakewalk. Members of both organizations will bake delicious goodies. To participate in that, the admission is one article of clothing. They clothing will be donated to a shelter. Everyone is encouraged to help spread the word about the upcoming Clue Ball with the Harry Potter theme. It is sure to excite and maybe even teach some to dance. Everyone is welcome so be sure to bring the A game when trying to solve these wizardly findings. Patrons should not leave prints behind, as they could be seen on Marauders Map. For more information, email guthries@nsuok.edu.

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NSUs BCM members volunteer to serve Mission Joplin

HAley sToCKs
TNe CoNTribuTiNg wriTer

On May 22, 2011, a tornado devastated Joplin. 10 months later, Joplin has hope. In March 2012, groups from all over the Midwest sacrificed their spring breaks to volunteer with disaster relief in Joplin. Some groups worked with the Samaritans Purse, while others worked with Joplins very own organization, Mission Joplin. According to their website, Mission Joplin began as a desire to mobilize volunteers to serve the city. When the tornado struck in May 2011 they seized the opportunity to begin that mission. To date Mission Joplin has helped more than 250 families. Lisa Bushnell, Mission Joplin office manager, has worked with relief efforts and volunteers with Mission Joplin for five months. Mission Joplin began before the tornado hit with the intent of working similarly to Mission Ar-

lington, which does service projects and backyard bible clubs, said Bushnell. After the tornado hit, everything was sheer chaos for a while, but we already had prepared hearts and were ready to jump into action.. What Mission Joplin has essentially done, apart from being the main resource center for recovery and rebuilding, is become a hub of hope for the Joplin community. Mission Joplin is a really focused ministry specializing for Joplin tornado victims and specific to the Joplin community, said Zachary Fierro, NSU senior. I really liked being involved in something like that. Fierro and 22 other students travelled from the Baptist Collegiate Ministry of NSU to Joplin

during their spring break. They didnt know where they were going until they arrived in Joplin, just two hours from their college campus, which proved a challenge to many of the students to overcome. Honestly, it was hard when we realized we were just going to Joplin, but there was a reason we came, said Tristin Dean, NSU sophomore. We looked for Gods movement, and he definitely moved. Dean is hopeful for Joplin and for the progress being made. After being a part of the behindthe-scenes work due to the rainy weather during that spring break week, these students really got to experience what being a part of Mission Joplin is like on a day-to-

day basis. During the BCMs time in Joplin, the theme of being a light emerged for them as well, especially for Dean, who was reminded to be a light, letting her faith be known. Its not just sitting in the back and letting someone else do what I should be doing, , said Dean. Its about letting my light shine. A part of serving on a mission trip is that God not only moves through the workers where they are, but also speaks into the hearts of those volunteering. NSU senior Kevin Voigt experienced feelings

of guilt that he could have sooner gotten involved. You know when you hear about people sending a care package of some items to help a relief, I realize what its like to be on the receiving side of those care packages and I see the value in them and in donating, said Voigt. Mission Joplins efforts transpire not only to Joplin, but have the mission and passion to carry on through the volunteers involved. For more information, email stocksh@nsuok.edu.

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AliCiA Demellier
TNe CoNTribuTiNg wriTer

Page 10 April 10, 2012

GoVertigo presents Dance is Forever

Each semester at NSU the GoVertigo Dance Company has their semiannual concert. There are many styles of dance to be seen at this semesters concert, Dance is Forever. GoVertigo is a dance company created by the students who wanted to continue dancing after dance was removes as a degree option. I love when I hit the stage and am able to just dance, said Brianna Lane, McAlester junior. I love that GoVertigo gives me the opportunity to continue my dream to dance. As student director of GoVertigo Dance Company it is up to Lane to delegate the many responsibilities that come with her position in the company. GoVertigo consists of twentyone members this semester, eight of whom have choreographed the dances in the upcoming show. My favorite part of preparing and performing is choreographing and having my dances on stage, said Ashlyn Million, Tulsa senior. I never thought I would choreograph, ever, so teaching the dancers and seeing them work so hard to perform my dances is really rewarding. For others, their favorite part is more about the payoff of the time dedicated. My favorite part of the concert is showing the audience why Ive had no free time the last 3 months, said Elaina Ross, Tulsa graduate student. Its been worth every missed event. Ross said after working on the dances all semester, the dancers hard work on stage will be evident to those in the audience. The most challenging thing is preparing our bodies for a week of a minimum of 6 hours of dance a day, said Ross. During the concert week, the dancers spend every evening in the Tahlequah High School Performing Arts Center where they perfect spacing, timing, make minor adjustments and spend time with their fellow dancers. Million said for some it is their last concert and they look forward to spending a lot of time with the other members and performing with them for the last time. The members of GoVertigo work particularly hard during

Courtesy Photo Members of GoVertigo spend countless hours perfecting their choreography for each show. Every member must be one hundred percent devoted to the success of the concert.

concert week to present their audience with an incredible show. The week of the performance is a very challenging week because we are practicing every night, said Lane. It all pays off when we hit the stage for our shows on Friday and Saturday nights. The GoVertigo Dance Companys concert, Dance is Forever, will be Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14 at 7 p.m. Both shows are at 7 p.m. and will take

place at the Tahlequah High School Performing Arts Center. Guests should expect to see NSU students having fun and doing what they love to do, said Million. We all auditioned and became a part of the company because we wanted to dance and be a part of something that allows us to express ourselves in that way, and I think thats what people will obviously see when they come to the concert.

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World kickboxing champion visits Dawg Pound

JAmes Cosby
TNe CoNTribuTiNg wriTer

Five-time World kickboxing champion Kathy Long will be gracing Tahlequahs Dawg Pound Fighting Academy with her presence. Long will be in town Sept. 8 and 9, and will be doing a seminar and training program. Melissa Drywater 5th degree black belt and owner of the Fighting Academy is very anxious for all of the educational opportunities with Longs visit. Its going to be awesome to have Ms. Long here, said Drywater. She is Tap Outs Muay Thai instructor in LA. For those who have had training but felt they have more to learn, this may be the opportunity they have been searching for. She is 1-0 in pro MMA, 18-1 in pro kickboxing, a Kung Fu master and was a commentator on the very first UFC competition, what more is there to say, said Drywater. Drywater also added that Longs seminar and training program is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Long is very interested in getting as many NSU students involved on that weekend as possible. Drywater said the event will be $160 per person for those interested in attending. The event is not until September and I am accepting $25 payment plans from now until then to make sure as many people get to take advantage of this opportunity as possible, said Drywater. Tishia Sewell, NSU graduate and member of Dawg Pound Fighting Academy is also eager for this opportunity. I feel very fortunate for this opportunity, its not every day a mother of three can learn fighting techniques from someone of that stature, said Sewell. These hard workouts make the day a lot less

stressful and kind of reassures me that women can kick butt too. The gym has a large variety of different workout equipment and is spacious and accommodating for women and men wanting to master the arts. The Dawg Pound has a professional ring and 20 plus bags and all the pads and gloves you can think of, said Sewell. It makes it easier to stay active. Struggling with dedication to a personal workout is not uncommon. Tommy Rogers, former NSU student, has been training off and on for Muay Thai and Brazilian Jujitsu for a large portion of his life. I have wanted to train at the Fighting Academy for a while and

this may be the thing that helps me decide to finally go, said Rogers. I have wanted to go anyway not just because I heard Ms. Long was coming but because training with Ms. Drywater is a great honor in its self. For most people a chance such as this is not one that presents itsself very often.

Rogers said he wants people to realize this is their chance to learn from great athletes and he does not want any one to miss out. Ms. Drywater is an undefeated kick boxer and boxer and she has a black belt, I would train under her any day, said Rogers. For more information, email cosby@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

FE AT URE
sTACie guTHrie
TNe wriTer Tryouts for the Sassy Hawks dance team are approaching. The women wanted to make a classy dance team which would be successful. The event is taking place on the 14 and 15 it is a basic tryout for fall semester, said Alyssa Wilkins, Frogville junior. The girls get to come and checkout what Sassy Hawks are about dance wise. They will learn a couple of eight counts from the captains and possibly a full dance routine that will be performed at Rookie Bridge Camp. Also if we have enough time in the two day tryout they shall learn the dance to the fight song for NSU which will be performed in the stands at the upcoming football games. Participants can come to the tryouts with an open mind. Sassy Hawks are about the love for dance but also have a backing in leadership and determination. Students who want to try out need to be comfortable in their own skin and be willing to go above and beyond to really make an impression on the current Sassy Hawk team. Attitude says a lot about a person. Hip-hop with a twist dance ability is expected out of each dancer with a sense of leadership and dedication, said James Parker, Broken Arrow sophomore. She has to be willing to dance with not only her feet but also with her heart. She doesnt have to be the best dancer at the school but have an understanding of what type of dance it is. Sassy Hawks is a unique name and fits the group perfectly. The name was thought up by Wilkins one night after her and a group of friends including Parker decided they wanted to make this new type of dance team. James Parker and I have been a part of the team for a while now, said Wilkins. The idea all started one day while visiting at OU, we were talking about starting a classy girls dance team that would be successful. I was lying

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Dancers encouraged to try out for Sassy Hawks

Courtesy Photo The Sassy Hawks dance team is an all womens dance team aspiring to stand out from any other dance team on campus. They are all about being classy and having fun while enjoying what they love to do.

in bed thinking of a name for the team and I chose the Sassy Hawks or Sassy Hawkettes. Sassy Hawks won as all can see. Credit goes to James though because he said we should start it up and he made it happen.

Sassy Hawks are a group of well-rounded individuals who dance and strive for things which they believe and put respect into. If students have a strong sense of pride and love for dance this group would be perfect from them. A future Sassy Hawk in my eyes consists of a person with a love to dance, no attitude, an open mind, respect, responsibility and dedication to strive for the best no matter what, said Wilkins. If you have that then you are OK in my book. Women who have a love of dance and want to join a unique take on dance, tryouts to be a Sassy Hawk are on the 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the NSU Jack Dobbins Field House. Potentials should leave any problems and frustrations at the door and give it their everything. The Sassy Hawks want new additions to their team, which will continue to make them standout as a dance team. For more information, email guthries@nsuok.edu.

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A&E
of an actual film crew, said Matt Eubanks, Fayetteville, Arkansas junior. I enjoy doing what we do, like the planning, research, production and post production. I cant see myself doing anything else. Lehnick feels being a part of the show has led to a path to a possible long-term career. Northeastern Gaming has opened my eyes to the kind of career I want to have, which I never would have thought of, said Lehnick. The group behind Northeastern Gaming produces the show completely on their own, providing objective experience and a true sense of accomplishment for those involved. My team and I plan out our shows, write our scripts and do all the work independent of our instructor, who is there to help mainly when we really do not know how to do something, said Grady. This gives me a sense of real world independence, experience, and confidence. I think if other programs gave this kind of hands on experience then students would see improvement in the quality of work they produce. The producers of Northeastern Gaming are determined to get more real gamers involved. A few recent additions to the show are doing just that. We recently started Real Talk with Stacie which I think was a great aspect added to the show, said Guthrie. It lets us tell our true opinions about how we feel about certain things in the gaming world and it also gets gamers involved which is awesome. As for upcoming shows, gamers will simply have to tune in. We have Xbox month coming up and we are all thrilled because, yes, we all love Xbox, said Guthrie. We are going to try for a big finale and just really let loose. We want to make it a real stand-out episode, but you have to watch to see what all will happen. More information and episodes of Northeastern Gaming can be found at the groups Facebook page. For more information, email howe01@nsuok.edu.

Northeastern Gaming offers engaging entertainment

Amy Howe
TNe wriTer Gamers need to make sure their controller is fully charged and have their trigger finger ready. Gaming fans now have a new source of up-to-date information at NSU. Northeastern Gaming is a live show consisting of reviews of video games as well as other aspects to gaming, like the history of gaming and opinions about different consoles. The group consists of a few mass communication students who are passionate for all things gaming. Northeastern Gaming allows mass communication students to produce a television show, control the script and get hands on experience, said Misty Grady, Jay junior. For Grady, gaming is more than just frivolous entertainment. It is a way to stay sane when university coursework starts to pile up. Games allow you a release from the stress and conflicts of the world, giving you a portal into an alternative universe where you can focus on puzzles, fighting evil enemies and saving the world, said Grady. I think of gaming as a healthy outlet for negative emotions. All involved with the show find the teamwork and cooperation within the group enjoyable and entertaining. I love working with an amazing group of people that have the same interest as me, said Nichole Lehnick, Tahlequah junior. Its awesome to have the opportunity to collaborate with other gamers to make our visions become reality. Other members simply look forward to the overall production process and enjoy the experience of producing a live show. This is my first time being part

The Northeastern

A&E
JoNATHAN DAllis
TNe eDiTor-iN-CHieF Tahlequah is about to receive a taste of homegrown country music. Hailing from Skiatook, musician Thomas Martinez is gearing up to perform with his band, the Wild Frontier. They soon will kick off a benefit concert at the Tahlequah high school track for Tahlequah Public Schools Foundation on April 26. Martinez is calling the show the Rockin for Kids concert and is donating his talent for the children. The concert is also featuring the local talented artist Matt Farinelli and his band Austin Cobb. I just want to give back to the community, said Martinez. My wife and I have talked about this several times and we decided to bring the music to Tahlequah. I see so many needs in the schools and I just want to do all I can to help. The self-made artist has been playing music seriously for close to 12 years and is bringing his experience to the Tahlequah. When Martinez is not rocking on stage, he is a lineman, keeping the power on for folks in need. Its a dangerous job, said Martinez. But its the only job Ive found where I can get an adrenaline rush similar to when Im on stage. Martinez takes his work seriously, saying he has even cancelled shows to go out in a storm and work, just to keep the power on for the good people. For Martinez, the concert could prove to be a pivotal point in his career. With the area high school students and the college crowd, Tahlequah could be the kick-start, which sends him into country stardom. The concert on the 26 is not the first of its kind, but Martinez believes it will be the best one yet. Ive never seen a board work as hard as these guys have, said Martinez, speaking of Tahlequah Public Schools Foundation. The community is outstanding and

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Martinez donates time by Rockin for Kids

they have worked hard for this. Josh Reasor, President of Tahlequah Public Schools Foundation said the community and NSU have put in hard work, which is about to pay off. Its a lot of work getting everyone on the same page, said Reasor. But having Thomas donate his time and talent to us is a win-win. Reasor gave compliments to TPS SuperinCourtesy Photo tendent Shannon GoodThomas Martinez has chosen to sell saying how much he has worked with the give back to the community with a benefit concert April 26. The show foundation to bring Marwill also feature local artist Matt Faritinez here. nelli and his band Austin Cobb. There has been a lot of volunteer work put into this, Tahlequah as a place to give said Reasor. NSU has put in a back, because of the community. substantial amount of time and Everyone is nice and friendly, effort into this, including design- people are involved and we have ing the artwork of the posters, a fan base here, said Martinez. After the show on the 26 a VIP tickets and CD order forms. Martinez said they chose after party will take place at the Betsy B Ranch, hosted by Chris and Brian Berry, which costs $100, including food and drinks. The event will raise additional funds for the Foundation. Lasting from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., the party also gives people an opportunity to meet Martinez and enjoy some music from a few NSU artists as well. The show on the 26 is $5 in advance and $7 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased at the Hit-N-Run, the Paceline Cyclery and the NSU Student Activities office. More information can be found on Facebook at the Thomas Martinez fan page and online at thomasmartinez.com Eager fans can catch Martinez performing at live T-Bones Place on April 21 and on KTUL channel 8, at 8 a.m. on April 23. For more information, email dallis01@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

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SPORT S

Jon Dallis/TNE The baseball team has been practicing hard for a successful season and for Green and White Weekend. During Green and White Weekend there will be a baseball game, softball game and a spring football game.

The Northeastern