4/18 Digital Print Edition

Feature: CSA Day Presentation Spotlight

Celebrating Student Achievement (CSA) Day 2025 was a special occasion filled with thesis presentations, performances, awards ceremonies and more to honor the academic, artistic and leadership accomplishments of the Meredith students over the 2024-2025 academic year. The day was celebrated on Thursday, Apr. 10, with activities packed into a schedule promptly beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

Many students presented research that was nothing short of exceptional. Several Herald writers were scattered throughout campus for the day, viewing presentations and participating in activities. Staff members of The Herald attended several and wanted to highlight some of the student work that was presented. 

The day began with poster presentations at 8:30 a.m. on the ground floor of the Carlyle Campbell Library. The floor was packed with guests, students, faculty, staff and presenters, and the space was filled with the sound of excited and passionate conversation.

Among the poster presenters were Lydia Bonecutter, ‘25, and Isabel Hemric, ‘26. Bonecutter’s thesis, “The Effectiveness and Acceptability of Weighted Vests for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” examined how two individuals responded to wearing weighted vests for four weeks. According to Bonecutter’s findings, one participant out of the two reported reduced stress and disruptive behavior. Bonecutter determined that more inclusive sizing options of the weighted vests were one limitation of her research and that further study is required on the effect of weighted vests.

Hemric presented her research, “An investigation into the Effects of Hairstyle and Headwear on Air Displacement Plethysmography,” with the Nutrition, Health and Human Performance Department. She examined the efficacy of the Bod Pod’s readings of body composition on individuals with various head gear and hair (like a sports hijab or beard), and she found that this “gold standard” of measurement is not accurate with these variants. Hemric explained to The Herald that she “found that the condition with an uncovered beard produced the most unreliable results compared to baseline testing for each individual.” Furthermore, Hermic concluded that they “can call to question the reliability and accuracy of the BOD POD for those with additional terminal hair or headdress.”

The Herald’s Podcasting Co-Director, Grayson Morris, ‘26, visited several oral research presentations throughout the day. She made note of Eliza Lewis’s, ‘26, honors thesis on “Identity and Intellectual Disability,” in which she studied the value different categories such as education, art, sports and employment had on the identities and relationships of people with intellectual disabilities. Lewis presented her research at 1:45 p.m. in Harris 208 as a part of the Explorations of Identity thesis section. Lewis has worked with people with intellectual disabilities since middle school, which is directly relevant to her goal career in disability advocacy. 

Morris also noted Johnna Osborne’s, ‘25, thesis from the Explorations of Identity section, “Carrying the Weight: The Unique Struggles of Minority Women in Primarily White Institutions,” presented at 2 p.m. Morris noted that “this presentation was especially compelling because of the personal connection [Osborne] has to it.” In her research, Osborne was surprised by the high stress levels of Hispanic/Latina students as compared to other groups. As a result of her project, Osborne encouraged her audience to approach conversations about discrimination and minority experiences in academia with an open mind.

The research highlighted in this article is just a fraction of the work presented over the course of the day. Almost 100 research projects were presented over the day’s sections. Each project presented, in 10 minutes or less, embodies a semester’s or several semesters’ worth of work. CSA Day excellently displays Meredith’s commitment to academic excellence and undergraduate research and each student’s commitment to their field. Congratulations to all student presenters!

Written and compiled by Cady Stanley, Associate Editor

Feature: Organization Spotlight: Sport Science Association

Promoting the importance of health and wellness can actually be pretty fun. Meredith’s Sports Science Association (SSA) is a student-run organization on campus, catering to Health, Exercise, and Sports Science majors and minors. Regardless of major, though, SSA welcomes all students on campus to participate. President Isabel Hemric, ‘26, told The Herald that SSA hosts the annual Trick or Trot 5k/fun run in October each year, one of the largest student-run fundraisers on campus, which is in collaboration with the Raleigh community members and students to promote health and wellness.

SSA is also a great resource for students looking to grow professionally. Students can apply for professional development funds that are raised through events like Trick ot Trot. These funds, according to Hemric, help members get certifications like personal training and group fitness instructor.  Hemric shared how SSA “bring[s] in professionals every month like physical therapists, physicians assistants, yoga instructors, surgeons and cardiac specialists to talk to [the] club members about job opportunities, graduate school and internships.” 

On top of that, SSA oversees Angels In Motion (AIM), which is Meredith’s free on-campus group fitness program geared towards students. AIM allows SSA members to teach these classes and even offer personal training to other students. Classes include cycling, cardio dance, strength training and much more. “This is a great way to break the barriers surrounding exercise and promote physical activity to all students on campus,” Hemric shared, adding how important it is to create a welcoming space for movement.

SSA is a place for everyone—whether you’re just starting to get into health and wellness, already have a well-established interest or you’re seriously thinking about pursuing a career in the field. It’s a supportive and inclusive space where students from all backgrounds can explore their passions, gain hands-on experience and connect with others who share similar goals. SSA is a resource for students curious about fitness, interested in learning more about the science behind how bodies move, or thinking about becoming a personal trainer, physical therapist or health educator—whatever the case may be, SSA offers the tools, community and opportunities to help its members grow. From informative guest speakers and certification resources to fun campus events and leadership roles, SSA provides an environment to expand your knowledge and make meaningful connections.

SSA meets every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in CHESS 117. Hemric also noted that a professional speaker is followed by all meetings, sharing insight and wisdom. 

By Rebekah-Anne Allen, Contributing Writer

News: President Sapp Inaugeration

On Friday,  April 4 at 10 a.m., Dr. Aimee Sapp was inaugurated as the ninth president of Meredith College. In the nine days leading up to her inauguration, the campus also hosted several events in honor of the occasion. The Herald had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Sapp about the days leading up to her inauguration, as well as hear her reflect on her past year at the college.

When reflecting on her first year at Meredith, President Sapp shared that her biggest takeaway has been the sense of community on campus. She added that the people “really are what makes Meredith so special.” When asked what has surprised her most about Meredith, she shared that it is special to see “so many people who care deeply about Meredith” and that the students across campus are “bright and passionate,” making her excited to see each one’s future impact on the world. 

In the nine days leading up to her inauguration, the number nine became the symbol of her upcoming presidency, with each of the events highlighting and emphasizing the number nine in many ways. In reflection of this, The Herald asked President Sapp what her nine favorite things about Meredith are. Dr. Sapp shared that there are so many “magical and amazing things about Meredith” and that she could not possibly choose. It seems that The Herald was not the only one to get in on the trend, and when the library asked her what her nine favorite books are, she also struggled to narrow it down. Staying with the number nine, Sapp shared that ‘Ninth Night’ “was full of wonderful surprises and will always be a very special memory for [her].” In fact, President Sapp shared that she will “forevermore have a special affinity for the number nine!”

When discussing the community surrounding her, President Sapp had many people to point out. She shared that the Meredith community coming together in celebration of her meant “everything” to her. She also noted special appreciation for several “amazing” people on the Inauguration Steering Committee, including Hilary Allen, Bill Brown, Jean Jackson, Karen Mooney and Amanda Sullivan. Sapp credits her family as her biggest source of support and the greatest cheerleaders. 

When looking back on her favorite parts of the events, she shared that she loved the events that “brought people together from different corners of campus to enjoy some time together.” She used the community coffee as an example, noting that she got to engage with different parts of the community at once, being at a table with students, faculty and staff.

For those who could not attend the inauguration, President Sapp hopes that the Meredith community knows how much she loves Meredith and how excited about the future she is. She added that students will always be “the focal point” of the decisions made and that students will always be the reason behind what she does. 

The Meredith Herald looks forward to keeping you updated on what is happening with the Meredith community and the roles President Sapp will undertake in her new office. With graduation less than a month away, President Sapp will also address her first graduating class as President at the Class of 2025’s commencement ceremony on May 10.

By Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC 

News: CSA Day Award Ceremony Wrap Up

(See digital copy for the list)

A&E: Exploring Feminism In Older Media

When we think of feminism in today’s media, our minds often go to powerful characters like Wonder Woman or Katniss Everdeen, or the trailblazing discussions around gender equality in social media and activism. However, if we look back a bit further, we see that the roots of feminist media activism go much deeper than we often realize. While these works may not have always worn the label “feminist” proudly, many played a key role in laying the foundation for the more visible feminist media we have today. 

Take “Miss Congeniality,” for instance. Released in 2000, it stars Sandra Bullock as Gracie Hart, a tough, no-nonsense FBI agent who is forced to go undercover at a beauty pageant, according to IMDb. On the surface, it is a fun comedy with a classic makeover plot as Gracie is forced to trade her pantsuits in for fancy dresses. But if you look closer, it is actually grappling with some serious feminist themes about the different sides of womanhood. Gracie starts out as a woman who feels she has to choose between being tough and being beautiful. By the end of the movie, she learns she does not have to pick, that she can be both strong and feminine, complex and multidimensional. The film is funny and lighthearted, yes, but it also sends a powerful message that women can be competent, capable and beautiful all at the same time.

It’s not just “Miss Congeniality” that helped push these ideas, think about how Elle Woods realizes her true potential in “Legally Blonde.” The film, released in 2001, stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a sorority girl who defies expectations by getting into Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, according to IMDb. Elle is the perfect example of how to break the “dumb blonde” stereotype. She is stylish, ambitious and way smarter than anyone gives her credit for. The movie challenges the idea that femininity and intelligence cannot go hand in hand, which shows how embracing who you are can be the key to succeeding in a world that often tries to confine women to narrow boxes.

These films did not just promote the idea that women could do anything. They also showed that feminism could be funny, relatable and accessible. The idea that women do not have to fight against the system, but can instead choose to embrace their individual identities while navigating the complexities of gender, power and self-worth, was a powerful takeaway for many.

Movies are not the only place where feminist ideas were stirring in the late 20th century. Music, too, was a major force in pushing boundaries and redefining what it meant to be a woman. One of the biggest cultural movements was the rise of ‘Girl Power’ in the ‘90s, thanks in large part to the Spice Girls. Their catchy songs and bold messages about female friendship, independence and having fun gave young girls across the world something to cheer about. Although the Spice Girls were often dismissed as pop fluff, their music carried a serious message of empowerment by encouraging women to support each other, break free from traditional gender norms and never apologize for enjoying life to the fullest. Songs like “Wannabe” flipped the script on what relationships should be about, showing that loyalty and friendship between women should always come first.

Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album, “Jagged Little Pill,” became an anthem for women dealing with anger, frustration and betrayal. These were emotions that had been too long brushed aside or even vilified in women’s experiences. With songs like “You Oughta Know” and “Hand in My Pocket,” Morissette arguably gave a voice to the feelings many women were afraid to express. She made anger empowering, and in doing so, she helped break down the silencing of women’s emotions in a patriarchal society.

Books, too, have played a crucial role in shaping feminist thought. Writers like Margaret Atwood, Sylvia Plath and Audre Lorde used their words to challenge societal expectations and delve deeply into the inner lives of women navigating a patriarchal world.

Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” is an excellent example of this. This book is a chilling dystopian novel that imagines a society where women are stripped of their autonomy and reduced to reproductive vessels, according to Goodreads. Even though the book was first published in 1985, its themes around bodily autonomy and women’s rights are more relevant today than ever before. Atwood’s story has become a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations about power, control and how far people are willing to go to protect women’s rights.

Another powerful read is “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath. Released in 1963, it was groundbreaking for its unflinching portrayal of a woman's internal struggle, according to Goodreads. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, is a woman trying to balance society’s expectations with her own desires for freedom and ambition. At the time of its release, “The Bell Jar” was an eye-opener, showing the complexity of a woman’s mental health and the way social pressures can weigh heavily on her. 

Other feminist writers, like Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Audre Lorde, tackled issues like race, identity and resistance. Lorde’s “Sister Outsider,” released in 1984, and Morrison’s “Beloved,” released in 1987, explored how racism and sexism intersect to create unique challenges for women of color. These works helped to deepen feminist discourse by adding layers of intersectionality and showed that the experience of being a woman is not universal, but shaped by class, race and many other factors. 

What makes these older works, whether it's films like “Miss Congeniality,” music by the Spice Girls, or books like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” so significant is that they reached massive audiences. They opened the door for people, especially young women, to begin exploring feminist ideas in a way that felt personal and accessible. They encouraged people to question traditional gender roles, rethink what it meant to be a woman and celebrate the complexity of womanhood

We may be living in a time when feminism is evolving quickly and becoming more mainstream but it is important to also remember how these earlier works truly paved the way. These works were not radical in the sense of demanding immediate, large-scale societal change, but they laid the foundation for the more radical feminist movements that followed. They helped us redefine what it means to be a woman in a world that too often tries to limit us. As we look back at how far our society has come, we see that feminist progress often does not have to be loud or confrontational; it can be subtle, quiet and embedded in the stories we’ve been hearing for years. 

By Ellie Phillips, Staff Writer

A&E: "Rust" Trailer and Release Date Brings Back Its History

The first official trailer for the “Rust” film was released online on Mar. 26 after the film’s release was delayed due to a gun accident on set, according to People. One person lost their life as inflicted by a gunshot wound, and another was injured, according to CNN. CNN also notes, two people involved in the film faced criminal charges and  another person involved agreed to a plea deal. 

According to IMDb, “Rust” is a Western that follows “a boy left to fend for himself and his younger brother following their parents' deaths in 1880s Wyoming.” The main character, played by Patrick Scott McDermott, “goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather after he is sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher,” according to IMDb. Alec Baldwin plays the grandfather, Harland Rust and Travis Fimmel plays the bounty hunter Fenton "Preacher" Lang. Joel Souza directed the film and wrote the screenplay. The story of the film was created by Souza and Baldwin.

Halyna Hutchins was the cinematographer for the film. According to CNN, Hutchins “was standing behind the camera when she was struck by a live round of ammunition fired from a prop gun held by Baldwin. She was airlifted to a hospital some 55 miles away in Albuquerque, where she was pronounced dead.” Souza survived a gunshot wound to the shoulder by the same shot that killed Hutchins. 

Baldwin was set to face involuntary manslaughter charges after he was the one to pull the trigger of the gun. According to CNN, Hutchins’ family supported these charges. Baldwin’s charges were “later dismissed over prosecutorial misconduct,” according to Vanity Fair.

Armorer and prop assistant for the film, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for her involvement in loading the firearm, according to CNN. Gutierrez Reed sued the gun and ammunition supplier of the film and alleged that she was sold “a cache of dummy ammunition with live rounds mixed in,” according to CNN. Gutierrez Reed was sentenced to a year and half in prison. 

“Assistant director Dave Halls, who failed to check the rounds in the prop, accepted a plea bargain for negligent use of a deadly weapon and received a suspended sentence and six months of probation,” according to Vanity Fair.

The film is set to be released in theaters and on streaming services on May 2, 2025.

By Kailey Wurr, A&E Editor

OPINION: Is Passion "Cringe?"

Passion is cringe, and it shouldn’t be. I think the origin of this criticism of passion and excitement began somewhere along with the term “try hard.” People tend to throw this phrase at individuals who put in effort in games, sports, school, work, politics and other things that a person can apply themselves to. Since then, other insults have formed to mean the same thing, like “sweat,”  which is typically used in the gaming community to describe someone who is focused on winning and knows many techniques to achieve that goal, as further elaborate on by Game Tree, or a “yapper” can also be used as an insult while people are attempting to share their passions with others. 

Current trends emphasize that individuals are “nonchalant” for the sake of being cool or “aura farming.” People are arguably expected to be indifferent about most things, especially compliments or pain, whether it be physical or emotional. The concept sounds a little silly, but individuals who manage to pull off nonchalance are awarded with “aura,” which is essentially just cool points, or they can lose aura by being chalant.

I explain all this to say that I feel like we keep creating a system to dampen our passionate interests and refrain from sharing them with others. Being seen as “other” in many contexts is humiliating, so being labeled as a “yapper” or a “try hard” or being told you’ve “lost aura” in the midst of being excited and sharing your knowledge and excitement with others can be a real self-esteem killer. The fear of being labeled as such or being called out about it is enough to stop an individual from wanting to share anything else they’re passionate about, leaving them stuck with many things to talk about and no safe outlet. I feel like it happens too often that people feel the need to apologize for being “annoying” when they are excited to talk about something or even when they are experiencing emotions because I am guilty of the same behavior. 

I feel like the fear of these labels make people afraid to speak out about issues they care about. Being labeled some form of “try hard” makes whatever you’re talking about invalid to some degree and people may feel less inclined to listen. On the other hand, I think it’s kind of funny because wouldn’t someone know more about topics they are passionate about? 

Most articles that come up when you search the benefits of passion are various blogs, forums and business magazines, however, regardless of their legitimacy they share a common theme. As I mentioned before, when describing the meaning of a “sweat,” having passion about something is often what motivates people to achieve whatever goal they have in mind and I feel like people are more inspired by those who are passionate about a topic because it shows that you care. Also, the goal-oriented nature of passion gives people a feeling of purpose which is beneficial to one’s mental health, according to a blog from the American Psychiatric Association. This blog explains how a sense of purpose, which I am associating with passion, makes people more resilient in the face of adversity. 

All in all, I don’t think people should be ashamed to feel passionate about whatever subject it is they enjoy, nor do I think they should stop sharing these things with others. I think the real issue is when others put people down for being passionate about something because maybe they just need a hobby too. 

By Elaina Irving, Opinion Editor 

OPINION: Bring Indie Comedies Back to Theatres!

As a film nerd whose favorite place in the world is the movie theater, I long for the days when indie films reigned supreme in the theater. In the years where I was too young to understand it, indie comedies were a vibrant part of the theatrical landscape, offering us fresh voices and unconventional humor that didn’t rely on big budgets and CGI. In the early 2000s, indie comedies weren’t heading straight to streaming so quickly you don’t even consider going to the movies. They filled seats and sparked cultural references. With my experience as a professional movie watcher and observer, here is my case to bring back the indie comedy in movie theaters.

In 2004, films like “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Juno” were unconventional, weird, heartfelt and downright hilarious and we loved them! Not only were they arguably successful in the theaters, they brought a sense of community to audiences. As laughter echoed through auditoriums and quotes like “Vote for Pedro” were repeated among friends. When was the last time a true comedy film you saw in the movies took a hold of you, your friends, family and even strangers? Have you even seen a comedy in the movies in the past 5 years? Probably not, why would you? Today, streaming has become the primary home for indie comedies, depriving us of the communal joy that only the movie going experience can give us. 

Over the past decade, I feel like I have seen major studios increasingly prioritize big-budget blockbusters and franchise sequels, neglecting the lower budget new films that have the same unique premise and character driven stories that we onced loved. Never getting the chance to be successful, financially and culturally. As a result, many indie comedies now go straight to streaming, skipping the movies altogether, where there is no more opportunity for collective viewing and enthusiasm. So, why do we need indie comedies back in the movie theater? Here’s why:

1. To showcase new talent! The release of an indie comedy can launch the careers of new and exciting filmmakers and actors. With a small budget, filmmakers and actors have the room to experiment and innovate what we know as storytelling. We need to nurture and promote this!

2. To diversify and bring back the movie going experience! Indie comedies bring fresh perspectives, quirkiness, unexpected storylines and humor rooted in real life experiences that enrich the cinematic experience.

3. To refresh our cinematic culture! Streaming, to me, has created a culture where we are all watching so many different things at all times, where we don’t have the opportunity to share and understand movie references. Indie comedies have the power to unite us in silly movie quotes, making that initial connection outside of streaming and social media. I believe this part of the experience is the greatest thing about the movie going experience: sharing in something that lasts.

Movie theater exhibitors, programmers and distributors must rediscover the value in indie comedies. Dedicate auditoriums to low budget comedies or partner with film festivals to do special showings. Even movie producers and investors need to invest in indie filmmakers to bring the indie comedy into the theaters. As audiences, we need to seek out the indie comedies that are showing, share your experience and encourage friends and family to join you! The bummer about the movie going experience today is how expensive it can be for even one person. Additionally, movie theater etiquette is going into decline (get off your phones people!) Despite this, I believe we can rekindle the cultural excitement that once surrounded films like “Napoleon Dynamite”. 

In my last movie theater experience, I found hope in the indie comedy! In January, the film produced by Issa Rae, “One of Them Days,” came out in theaters. The film starring Keke Palmer and SZA was a hilarious and authentic buddy comedy that deserves much more recognition than it has received. It isn’t a low budget film, but it had the spirit of one because of the aspects I have listed. If this great film made it in the theaters, an indie comedy can too!

Let’s bring the indie comedy back to its rightful place, where laughter is shared, surprises await and the next cult classic is waiting to take hold. 

By Destiny Calvin, Co-Podcasting Director