The Next Miss EGSC contestants See PG. 4 The Wednesday, February 25, 2015 HOOPEEHOOPEE BIRDBIRD THE VOICE OF THE STUDENTS OF EAST GEORGIA STATE COLLEGE WWW.EGA.EDU Volume 40, Number 2 131 College Circle, Swainsboro, Georgia 30401 Price: FREE STUDY ABROAD Costa Rica: A Ticket to Your Future By The Hoopee Bird Travel Team Hours before dawn on a warm June Jose, and students will first travel to La a possible trip to the volcano—before morning, a rented van pulled away Fortuna to experience the hot springs the flight back to Atlanta on June 10. from the Swainsboro campus as stu- at Arenal Volcano. Day Two includes a As they travel, students complete dents set out for a 10-day trip that hike to the waterfall before a drive to coursework in Critical Thinking, Dig- would bring them face to face with the University of Georgia campus at ital Photography, Spanish, and World monkeys and beautiful blue butter- San Luis near the Monteverde Cloud Literature, satisfying portions of Ar- flies. These students from Swainsboro, Forest. When they wake the next morn- eas B, C, and F. “The courses we offer Statesboro, and Augusta had signed up ing, participants have the opportunity are designed to give students a unique to fulfill course requirements in Costa to milk a cow and enjoy the milk in a opportunity to approach the material” Rica, more than 1,600 miles from their cup of the famous Costa Rican coffee. said Jessica Todd, Assistant Professor usual classrooms. After a natural history walk, of Spanish. “For example, where bet- Study Abroad Costa Rica is the longest students learn about ter can one receive language standing study abroad program at East Costa Rican culture instruction than in a coun- Georgia State College, and it is open to and then take a try where the language students on all three campuses. The night hike to dis- is spoken and where 2015 trip will be the team’s fifth visit cover the noc- increased language ability will improve to Central America. Each year offers turnal habits her experience in an a number of courses completed in the of tarantulas immediate way?” streets of San Jose, the beaches of Man- and bats. Assistant Professor On Day Four, uel Antonio, and the mountains sur- of Art Desmal Pur- a tour of a rounding the UGA Ecolodge. cell added, “Where Program Director and Dean of Hu- local coffee better to learn the manities Dr. Carmine Palumbo notes farm fills the nuances of digital that study abroad provides much more morning be- photography than in a than course requirements. “The Costa fore students visit place where everything Rica program offers students experi- Rancho de Lelo for begs to be photographed ence in many of the areas that employ- fresh-caught tilapia and carried home to show ers of the 21st century are looking for from ponds on the proper- others?” in potential employees: a ‘global per- ty and a game of soccer. Flying through The tentative price of the program is spective’ which is informed by actual the rainforest is on the itinerary for the approximately $1,500 including airfare, experiences in another country, the next day, followed by classes on local lodging, and most meals. Tuition, text- ability to adapt to environments and cooking and Latin dance, including book costs, passport fees, and exit fees situations and overcome challenges, merengue, cumbia, and salsa. On the are not included. the ability to work with people of di- last morning at the UGA Ecolodge, The program is now accepting applica- verse backgrounds and with different students observe the birds of San Luis tions and deposits. For more details, at- world views, language skills, creative before traveling to the pristine beaches tend an information session (see times skills, and knowledge of the environ- of Manuel Antonio National Park for pg.2) or contact Program Director Dr. ment and how it changes,” he said. two days. The end of the trip returns Carmine Palumbo (cpalumbo@ega. This year’s adventure begins on June 1 students to the Costa Rican capital, San edu), Jessica Todd ([email protected]), with an early flight from Atlanta to San Jose, for a glimpse of urban life—and or Desmal Purcell ([email protected]). SGA Members Attend Lovelady Signs with KSU to Play by Taylor Edenfield Leadership Conference Division I Baseball Assistant Director of Student Life Article Submitted by Student Life Richard Lovelady, a sophomore from Hinesville, Ga., has the distinction of being the first East Georgia State College baseball player to sign with a Division I team. Beginning this fall, Lovelady will trade in the green and gold of his Bobcats uniform for the black and gold of the Kennesaw State University Owls. Lovelady was born into a military family at Fort Stewart, and grew up in Hinesville as the youngest of four children. He began playing sports at a very young age with his father, SFC Richard Lovelady, and after trying baseball, soc- cer, and football, the younger Richard decided to focus primarily on baseball. However, his road to the collegiate pitcher’s mound was not an easy one. In Little League, he played third base, a difficult position for a lefty like Richard. At age 11, he started his first game as a pitch- Richard Lovelady, EGSC Sophomore er and consequently hit 11 batters. This disas- Pictured in front of the UGA Bulldogs’ stadium from left to right are Whitney Pope, SGA Secretary; Lucas Frink, Sophomore Senator; Caitlan trous first appearance on the mound shook his While at East Georgia, Richard has been a Coleman, Freshman Senator; Taliyah Campbell, Sophomore Senator; Harina Kesete, Sophomore Senator; Kathy Carpenter, SGA Vice President. confidence, but instead of giving up, Richard’s stand-out on the field and in the classroom. parents hired a pitching coach with whom he “Richard works hard on and off the field,” said On February 6 and 7, six nationally renowned college the Chief Leadership Officer worked constantly over the next year. East Georgia Head Baseball Coach Matthew members of EGSC’s Student agency, CAMPUSPEAK. Be- of the Leading Through Living “I have lived by the motto that you have to Passauer. “There has yet to be a hiatus in time Government Association coming a professional speaker Community (LTLC) in Atlan- believe in yourself even if no one else does,” said when he is not making significant strides on the mound, and he has maintained over 3.0 GPA along with Advisor Vicki Sher- has allowed James to do the ta, Ga. She designs, leads and Richard. “I’m lucky to have had strong support while doing so. Richard is a great sign for Ken- rod attended the 19th annual from my family and coaches along the way.” Af- two things he loves the most: executes workshops, seminars nesaw, and I have very high expectations for Georgia Collegiate Leader- having a positive impact on and motivational speeches ter a year of professional pitching lessons, Rich- ship Conference (GCLC) at him moving forward.” individuals’ (especially college that position emerging lead- ard took to the mound again and threw his first It was during the Darton Extravaganza in the Tate Student Center on the students’) lives and making ers for success. Based on her no hitter. October 2014 that Richard first caught the eye University of Georgia’s campus people laugh. East Georgia work and service to the com- At only 5’3”, Richard entered his freshman year of Kennesaw State Head Coach Mike Sansing, in Athens. The theme of the even got a “shout out” from munity, Mitchell-Blackwell of high school as one of the smallest players on who urged his Pitching Coach Kevin Erminio conference was “Be Bold,” and the team, which propelled him to start work- James during his presenta- has received many national to contact Richard. An official visit was sched- the event offered a dynamic ing out. A combination of time at the gym and tion. The evening was full of and international awards. She uled, and shortly after, Richard Lovelady be- way to allow maximum lead- a growth spurt (he now stands 6’1”) saw him came the first Bobcat Baseball player to commit ership development for college networking, entertainment both challenged and inspired starting on Liberty County High School’s varsi- by the legendary “Acciden- the group to “Be Bold” and be- to a Division I school. He has even been con- students from around Georgia. ty team as a sophomore. During his first home tacted by Major League scouts but for now in- Over 25 colleges from tals” from UGA, lots and lots come great leaders. The rest of opener as a varsity player, Richard came in as a tends to finish his education first. Georgia and one from South of pizza and exciting and fun the day was full of leadership reliever when his team was losing 9-6, pitched While excited about what the future holds, Carolina sent participants to leadership development activi- workshops and competitions three scoreless innings, and turned the ball- Richard remains focused and grounded. “Going the conference. The event be- ties. Everyone had a great time that included New Emerging game around for a win. to the league would obviously be a dream come gan Friday evening with an ex- and then had plenty of time to Leader, Poster, and “Steal This In his junior year of high school, Richard true for me,” he said. “I think most athletes citing speaker, James Robilotta walk downtown Athens to top Program” contests. The group transferred to First Presbyterian Christian dream of one day being able to play their sport of New York, Ny.