#3 V30April 12, 2013 DeDication with every issue

Rachel’s Challenge impacts Molloy students

Starving for Awareness

Daryn, a motivational speaker from the Rachel’s Challenge Team came to Molloy College to give a presentation on Monday, March 18. Rachel’s Challenge is an anti-bullying organization that aims to create a safer world filled with compassion and love. The entire basis of the organization is inspired by an astounding young woman names Rachel Joy Scott.

Short clips from a documentary of Rachel’s life were shown during the presentation. Rachel was known for being enthusiastic

and kindhearted. Whenever someone was being looked down upon or being picked on Rachel would be the one to defend them. While in school, Rachel positively influenced the lives of other students. She would make a new student feel welcome and become friends with a boy who constantly felt left out. Little did she know that that new student had recently lost her mother and that boy she had just befriended had been coming close to committing suicide.

One day at school, Rachel decided to have lunch with a friend on the front lawn. It was

at that moment that Rachel was tragically shot and killed. She was the first victim in what is now known as the notorious Columbine School shooting. The two gunmen involved in the shooting were students who had been picked on and bullied at the high school.

A few weeks before she was killed, Rachel submitted an essay into one of her classes entitled “My Ethics.” In this essay, Rachel wrote out a framework for making the world a better place. The five guidelines outlined by Rachel that people should live by are as follows:

By Maureen AbogadoForum Reporter

-continued on pg 3

Anna Delgado/ Forum Photographer

Amanda Ammirati /Contributed Photo

After Rachel’s Challenge came to Molloy, a banner was put out for students to sign that were positively im-pacted by the event and hoped to carry out its message.

Students dubbed “low income” at the Hunger Banquet struggle to find a way to eat their cold oatmeal while sitting on the floor. They took part in this exercise in order to understand the troubles of those who are home-less on the streets of New York City.

-continued on pg 3

Roughly 70 people attended the first ever Molloy College Hunger Banquet in Hayes Theatre on March 19. The event was co-sponsored by Campus Ministries and Campus Life. “The purpose of the event was to raise consciousness of the hunger that exists both globally and locally. In other words, how many people actually go hungry everyday,” explained Sister Diane, Associate Director of Campus Ministries.

The way the event works is that as each guest entered the theatre they received a name tag that contained a biography of a person that the individual would take on for the duration of the event. For example, one biography labeled a person as having lost their

job and being lower class while another would place a person as a CEO of a company and an upper class citizen. Jessica Buonfrisco, sophomore, was assigned a lower class persona and commented about how she felt when this occurred. “At first I was happy because I knew that I would be able to get the full experience of the event, but then once I was sitting on the floor eating oats, while everyone else was eating a gourmet meal, it really hit me that people live like this,” she explains.

Once the individuals discovered what socio-economic status they fell into, they were then led to sit by this class distinction. Those in the upper class were few and sat at a decorated table with wait-

By Melissa Cortés & Ryan LarkinGeneral Manager & Forum Reporter

Anna Delgado/ Forum Photographer

While the low income students pick at their cold oats, the high income table is served multiple courses by the wait staff assigned to the table.

According to the latest federal statistics, Hurricane Sandy damaged or destroyed 95,534 buildings in Nassau and Suffolk counties and left 4.4 million cubic yards of debris. Sandy’s devastation caused much hardship for many inhabitants of Long Island and perhaps none more so than the residents of Long Beach and surrounding areas. Sandy flooded homes, destroyed property, and left the area in ruin.

Local businesses have suffered greatly. With many residents still unable to move back into their homes, these local businesses have lost a lot of their customer basis and are struggling to survive. Inez Baron, the owner of Inez Boutique recalls the former glory of the boardwalk, which has now been reduced to shambles. She talks about how difficult it is to operate her business when no one in the area is buying from her shop. There are many more horror stories like Inez’s out in Long Beach, where local businesses

are fighting to survive. This issue of the Molloy Forum is a special one in that most of the advertisements in this issue were given to local businesses free of charge because Hurricane Sandy has affected them. We ask that you take a look at all the different businesses and consider giving them your support. Molloy College Student Media is proud to lend the surrounding community a hand in their time of need, and we sincerely ask that the whole Molloy family do the same.

A tribute to local businesses: The Student Media Staff spotlight some of the local businesses that were affected by Hurricane SandyBy Joe AntonyAdvertising Representative

-ads on pg 4

“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” a quote commonly at-tributed to Gandhi, came across my mind the other day. Just to clarify, the quote was never actually uttered by Gandhi but it is a bumper sticker-esque paraphrasing of his words. I chose the paraphrasing because it more closely applied to the direction this column is going. I don’t usually write much about religion, however, this came to me as I was listening to a sermon in church. One of the notions that really grabbed me was that as you grow stronger in your faith you can and should allow yourself to be the instrument used to answer people’s prayers. The first thing that came to mind was the Campus Ministries Office at Molloy.

There are several opportunities that this office offers that allows one to help, in a sense, be the answer to someone’s prayers. Some of these opportunities are: Midnight Run, the Appalachia Project, Camden Urban Challenge, and the Mary Brennan Inn. These allow one to give back and help those less fortunate whether it be running a camp or volunteering at a soup kitchen. When you are per-forming the duties these activities in-volve you may very well be, at that moment, the answer to the prayers of the person you are helping. So if you want to make the world better, using your own actions is certainly a great start. Giving of oneself can allow one to be a change agent and an answer to prayers. I believe I have seen this for myself while participating in the Appala-chia Project. This “project” entails running a camp for underprivileged

children in West Virginia. At the end of the week is not uncommon for the kids to not want to leave and let the counselors know that the camp is the highlight of their summer. The proj-ect allows the participants to, in a sense, “answer the prayers” of these poor kids by giving them a week off from the hardships of their situations and day-to-day life. Doing such things and giving of oneself not only helps others but also helps one grow. Being a “change agent” makes you feel good and that you are making a difference. There are many ways to give back both through Molloy and outside of Molloy. Get involved, be a change agent, be an answer to prayers and—as the catchphrase from Molloy’s commercial says—“Start Something!”

April 12, 2013Molloy Forum2 Opinion

Melissa CortésGeneral Manager

Megan GaskinImpact Editor

Anthony BlancDesign Editor

Joseph AntonyAdvertising Director

Alexa SussmanCopy Editor

Vincent MartinesPhotography Editor

Nick CrispinoSports Editor

Michael Wicelinski Web Editor

Claudia PopovitsCopy Editor

Brandon RizzutoProductions Manager

Joshua McKenzieNews Now Editor

Joseph PlatiaPR Editor

Annie KibortForum Photographer

Toni Marie MartiniForum Photographer

Vivan SteinForum Photographer

Nick WoodSenior Reporter

Bianca AlvaradoSenior Reporter

Lauren Randazzo Forum Reporter

Thomas RochfordForum Reporter

Andrea-Gayle Baltazar Forum Reporter

Ryan LarkinForum Reporter

Heather NewmanForum Reporter

Colleen Coyne Forum Reporter

Megan BuchananForum Reporter

Victoria SorrentinoForum Reporter

JiEun OhForum Reporter

Kevin KempskiForum Reporter

Elizabeth HorunForum Reporter

Arnaud EdjamianForum Reporter

Chantal lockwardForum Design

Sean TroyForum Design

Michael SchultzForum Design

Letter from the General Manager

ABOUT THIS PAPER The Molloy Forum is a monthly student produced newspaper serving Molloy College and the sur-rounding community. It is a First Amendment newspaper. The content of the Opinions page does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mol-loy College, nor the opinions of the entire paper staff. The views expressed by columnists are their own.

The Molloy Forum mission is to be the best source for Molloy news.

The Student Media Director, Cody Snapp, can be reached at 516.678.5000 x6594 or by emailing him at csnapp@molloy.edu

CONTACTStudent Media, (516) 678-5000 x6594

Dear Readers,

Spring break has come and gone. When we were in High School we thought that Spring Break meant that college students flew to Mexico for a week where they only stopped dancing to change into their bathing suit for the next day. However, as current college students, we understand that Spring Break actually means a week where we lay sprawled across our bed with barely enough energy to turn the television on or off. This Spring Break, I was lucky enough to spend the week in Germany with some of my best friends thanks to the Global Learning Department. Unfortunately, now I need a week just to recuperate after my week abroad, but it was all worth it just based on the memories alone. Which is why this made me think, we’re young college students! Why are we wasting our time veg’ing out on the couch? Gather up your best friends and plan to make some memories during any break you get! It doesn’t matter whether you all go across country to sight see, or if you just plan a weekend in the city. This is precious time that will mean the world to all of us when we look back in 10 or 20 years. Be creative, the only thing that truly matters is the people that you will have next to you. Have fun making memories, Melissa

by Melissa CortésGeneral Manager

You can be the change for the betterBy Nick WoodSenior Reporter

Dear Working Student,

Maintaining a balanced life is a common dilemma for many college students. Determine your personal priority list. Does school or work have a greater importance in your life at this point? If ever you need to decide between the two, realizing which is most important to you ahead of time can help guide your future decision.

1. Use a calendar to keep track of important due dates for schoolwork. Try to allot yourself enough time leading up to those due dates to get your work done in advance. Take these dates into account when planning your work schedule for the week with your

manager or boss. If you schedule time for homework and assignments in advance, you are more likely to have extra time on the weekends to hang out with friends.

2. Bring reading assignments to work to maximize break times. Breaks at work are usually not long enough for you to go out for more than a quick sandwich. Instead, take that time to sit by yourself in the breakroom and catch up on some reading for your classes.

Managers are usually understanding about college students and their responsibilities, so if you ever have a particularly challenging schedule one week, talk to your manager. This can be easier if you

have already established a repoir with him.Finally, realize that your time available for school, work, and friends will vary from week to week. If this week was busy with a term paper and an extra shift, but next week you have more days off, your friends will understand if you postpone making plans until the next week.

If you would like to submit your “Current Issue” to the staff to receive advice, simply drop the question off in the Student Media Office in the Public Square, room 375.

“The Current Issue”I just started a part-time job and am also a full-time student. How can I maintain a balance between the two while also keeping up with friends?

-Working Student

Molloy ForumApril 12, 2013 3

Molloy Problems

“So how long do we have to stay here?”

Stor

y by

Bra

ndon

Riz

zuto

/Illu

stra

ted

by M

elis

sa C

orté

s

Social Media brings students and professors together outside of the classroom

The Communications Department hosted a “second screen” experience for all members of the Molloy community through their Twitter account, @molloycomdept, during the 85th Annual Academy Awards.

For those of you who don’t know what the term “second screen” means, it refers to using an additional electronic device, such as a tablet or smartphone, which allows a television audience to interact with the content they’re watching. For example, you text a friend or comment on your Facebook about a television show while it’s airing.

Chairperson of the Communications Department,

Dr. Deidre Pribram, Professor Tom Kenny and Administrative Assistant Matthew Rizzo contributed their thoughts during the entire broadcast of the Oscars on Twitter. “Students love to hear our thoughts and opinions on who’s going to win and we also want to hear what our students think,” said Kenny. “In addition, we wanted to do something more interactive with the students to get followers for our Twitter page.”

Kenny, who made the idea of a “live tweet” possible for the Molloy community, said it will be a great avenue to partake in the discussions about the Oscars, especially for communications students who want to work in the film industry. “We have many students with a media major

trying to be the best director or film editor,” said Kenny. “We want to engage in a dialogue on the subject matter that’s inside the classroom while doing so on another medium and platform.”

One of the main goals of the Communications Department is to shine a positive light on using social media as a tool for conversations while at the same time enhancing the department’s use of new media. Dr. Pribram explained, “As we’re studying it [media] I think it’s important to remember what a popular force it [media] is in our culture and the many ways people use it.”

This isn’t the first time the Communications Department held a “second screen” experience for the Molloy community. During the Screen Actor’s Guild

Awards, students, alumni and faculty participated, tweeting back and forth to each other. When asked about why she decided to participate in the twitter conversations, Dr. Pribram said, “I think it was the idea of having a conversation while watching the show with members in your field.”

According to Kenny, the first trial was a success as the Communications Department received ten more followers. “There was a huge interaction within the whole community,” said Kenny.

The communications department would also like to let you know that students need not fear about their comments being used against them. Even though there are no repercussions

for students who want to express their opinions, Professor Kenny does ask that followers act in a kind manner, stating “I would use social media etiquette, don’t say something your mother wouldn’t say.”

Dr. Pribram also acknowledges that student comments won’t be held against them in the classroom, explaining, “this has nothing to do with their academic standing, they can say whatever they want and it will not affect how we see them as students and people.” Dr. Pribram went as far as to say she wouldn’t even participate if students weren’t allowed to freely express themselves.

By Nick CrispinoSports Editor

staff, where they were served a three-course meal of salad, pasta, and chicken parmesan. A greater number of people were designated a part of the middle class and sat at a family style table, where they were given a tray of rice and beans, a serving spoon and a can of soda for the table. Lastly, there were the greatest number of people, the lower class, who sat on the floor in the back of Hays Theatre and were served cold oatmeal with no utensils to make the experience more realistic.

Once everyone had been seated, Sister Diane began to explain how serious poverty is. Some information that was shared at the event was that “2.5 billion people live in poverty throughout the world” and that “1.2 billion live on less than a dollar a day.”

To drive the message further, the night also hosted guest speakers Malcolm and Tammy. Both speakers experienced life on the street and have worked closely with Molloy on events such as the Midnight Runs and Boxtown. “People don’t choose to live on the street. My case was one of domestic violence and I just had to leave but I had nowhere and nobody to turn to so I ended up on the streets,” explained Tammy.

Along with the guest speakers, Molloy’s own Tim O’ Hagan, women’s basketball coach, and Sarah Gochez, senior, braved the stage to share how Hurricane Sandy left them in a situation that they had never been expecting. “I decided to have a Hurricane Party because I figured that the extent of the storm was just an exaggeration…when the water was rising up through the first floor of my house I was left with the most terrorizing feeling that I may have just put my family’s lives in danger. As a father it is my job to keep them safe and all I could do was watch as the water rose up the steps to the floor that we were all on,” explained Tim O’Hagan. This is a perfect example of how, in an instant, one’s life could go from normal to struggling without a moment’s notice.

Buonfrisco comments further by saying, “after hearing people speak about their personal experiences it really hit home because you never know what could happen in your life that could change everything.”

But the night was not all about the horrifying truth of poverty. There were also musical and vocal performances to enjoy during dinner by Molloy’s own “Sons of Pitches” and an acoustic performance by Francesca Pisano. “We also did a carry-over from Rachel’s Challenge. We made a chain that night of acts of kindness that we will continue to build off of. It’s going to keep evolving; we’re going to do it again at Boxtown, we did it at Camden,” comments Sister Diane.

“I think that it was a very powerful experience for everyone that came. Hopefully we can hold more events like this that really raise awareness of poverty in the world,” explains Sister Diane. If this type of service event is something that you are interested in, visit Sister Diane Capuano in Public Square, room 390 for a list of similar upcoming events.

-continued from Page 1Hunger Banquet-continued from Page 1Rachel’s Challenge

1. Eliminate Prejudice and look for the best in others; 2. Dare to Dream. Set goals and keep a journal; 3. Choose Positive Influences; 4. Use Kind Words. A little kindness goes a long way!; 5. Start a Chain Reaction of Kindness.

Rachel’s philosophy is that being kind to someone will in turn cause them to be kind to those he or she may encounter, thus causing a chain reaction of kindness. The Challenge is to follow these five parameters.

The attendance was great, almost every seat in Madison Theatre was taken; the mayor of Rockville Centre, Francis X. Murray; also attended. “It was a great message that made me realize what a big difference one person can make,” explained Chelsea Byrne, sophomore.

Bullying is a very serious issue that has even been displayed on our very own campus. Hopefully people will follow Rachel’s Challenge and start a chain reaction of kindness at Molloy College. One small gesture could change a person’s whole outlook on life. For more information about Rachel and her legacy, go to rachelschallenge.org.

Molloy Forum4 April 12, 2013

Molloy ForumApril 12, 2013 5

April 12, 20136 Molloy Forum

Stay Connected at Molloy College

An important part of the college experience includes getting in-volved on campus. Unfortunately, with so many special days and events to keep track of, it’s easy to miss some fun activities Mol-loy has planned. Keep up with Campus Life all over social media and don’t miss out on all the fun. Share photos, tweets, videos, and more with #molloylife. Highlights from some of these posts

may even be featured on Campus Life’s pages.

Facebook: MolloyCollegeCampusLifeTwitter: molloylifeInstagram: molloylifeYouTube: molloylifeVimeo: molloylifeFlickr: molloylife

Silver Linings Playbook is a movie that has something for everyone - romance, drama, football, humor, dancing, family, and above all the chance to start over again in life.

Silver Linings Playbooks centers on the character Pat, played by Bradley Cooper, who has spent the last eight months in a mental hospital due to his violent reaction when he discovered his wife’s affair. After this, he is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The opening scene includes his mother Dolores, played by Jacki Weaver, bringing him home against the doctor’s wishes. On the car ride home, he promises he is going to make himself more positive and a better man so he can win back his estranged wife, who currently has a restraining order against him. Despite this, things do not go according to plan. After he has been home for a few weeks, he meets Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence, a young widow who is struggling to keep her head above water just like Pat. Despite getting off to a bumpy start, they become friends after they decide to help each other

out. Pat agrees to participate with her in a dance competition in exchange for delivering letters to his wife. They soon see that despite the emotional baggage they both have, they have found the only person who will truly understand them in each other.

This movie has been nominated for Best Actor and Actress with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, Supporting Actor and Actress with Robert DeNiro and Jacki Weaver, Best Director as David O. Russell, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture. This is the first time in nearly three decades a film has achieved this in the Academy Awards. This movie has become so popular because it shows us that no matter what you go through in life, if you stay positive and have your family behind you then you will be able to succeed. The character Pat says it best, “You have to do everything you can. If you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining.” Despite all that Pat went through with his wife’s affair, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and spending eight months in a mental hospital, he was always able to see the silver linings in his life and created his own happy ending with Tiffany. T

he

Bo

ok

Re

vie

w

Since the advent of film, many Hollywood hits are adaptations from popular or little known novels. One of this year’s biggest Oscar buzz is no exception. Silver Linings Playbook directed by David O. Russell, and staring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, originally came to life in the 2008 novel of the same name (plus a “The”) by Matthew Quick.

Coming from the writer’s own experience with mental health concerns, The Silver Linings Playbook gives readers the sometimes unreliable narrator Pat Peoples, who after spending four years in a mental institution is released into the care of his parents. Finally, out of what Pat calls “the bad place,” he is on a quest to reunite with his ex-wife Nikki so they can start anew, as he is now practicing “being kind over

being right.” Pat believes life is a movie written by God and no matter how rough it gets, the silver lining is that there will always be a happy ending—his being getting back together with Nikki. Throughout his journey, Pat experiences violent outbursts, working out and dancing with the older

and unconventional Tiffany as well as being haunted by a Kenny G hallucination and rooting for his favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Silver Linings Playbook can be described as an adult Perks of Being a Wallflower as the main

characters voices are similar with the same conversational, sometimes ranting, and breezy prose that makes you feel deeply for the character while also quietly analyzing him. Quick’s writing is both funny and touching as Pat’s love for his ex-wife is as strong as he is flawed and only the eccentric Tiffany and the Philadelphia Eagles can help Pat through his journey to mental stability.

Molloy Forum

The Book Version The Movie VersionMental Hospital In the book, Pat was in the mental hospital for four years. In the movie, he was only there for eight months before his

mom took him out. The Dance Compe-

titionIn the book, it wasn’t a competition and no one in the family was betting on it. It was a dance event run by a company

for dancers struggling with depression and most of the competitors were teenage girls.

In the movie, it was a big competition and Pat’s father bet almost all of his money on that along with the Eagles’ game.

There were also professional dancers competing.

Tiffany’s Marriage In the book, she was married to Tommy for ten years before he died. Although it does not mention her age, this implies

that she would have been much older.

In the movie, she was only married for three years before Tommy died.

Pat’s Dad In the book, he barely talks to Pat for the first few weeks he is home. Also, while he doesn’t bond with him over football,

he still believes that Pat will bring his team good luck.

In the movie, Pat Sr. talks to Pat in the opening scene and makes an effort to connect with him through the whole movie

over football. Pat’s Mental Health In the book, Pat has much worse and more often reactions

in response to his sickness, including memory loss (He does not remember attacking the teacher his wife had an

affair with or how long he had been in the mental hospital). Even at the end of the book, it is still not evident that he is better as a result of medication and therapy. Also, he has

hallucinations of the musical artist Kenny G.

In the movie, Pat really only has one or two bad days due to his sickness, which is early on in the movie, no memory loss,

and no hallucinations, although one Stevie Wonder song causes him to have violent outbursts. As the movie goes on,

you can see he is getting much better.

Nicki In the book, she divorces Pat while he is in the mental hos-pital without him really knowing and gets remarried and has

two kids.

In the movie, she only has a restraining order against him for her own safety. She even goes to his dance competition and

appears to be happy to see him. Pat’s Parents In the book, they argue a lot and Pat’s mother feels as

though she does everything around the house. There is seldom a scene in which they are happy together.

In the movie, they only fight about little things and try to work together to improve Pat’s health. Also, Pat’s Dad has Obses-

sive Compulsive tendencies, which are not evident in the book.

April 12, 2013 7Silver Linings Playbook

The staff takes the liberty of reading the book and watching the movie in order to find out which one was better By Colleen CoyneForum Reporter

By Brandon RizzutoForum Reporter

The

Mo

vie

Rev

iew

Some major differences between the book and the movie

“The book went deeper into Pat’s

psychosis, making you realize his

actions were not justifiable.”

sports April 12, 2013Molloy Forum 8

Two of a Kind: An inside look into the first set of males to join the cheerleading squadBy Megan Buchanan Forum Reporter

By Diana ShorthouseForum Reporter

F r e s h m a n s t a r m a k e s a n i m p a c t

Lion Cheerleading has opened the season with two new additions to the team, Ryan Lane and Joe Platia. These are the first male names to be seen on the roster here at Molloy. So far, the incorporation of these two students has lifted the team’s spirit (as well as allowed for higher lifts during performances, especially when they form a basket together to launch a teammate in the air). Joe feels that the girls have really welcomed them and stated, “the team feels like it has more potential. The company is good, and there’s a great sense of humor and a new team dynamic that the team needed.” From the first practice both new members fell in love with the sport and, although it’s hard work, really enjoyed getting to know how to do the different stunts and

moves involved. Both recognized that the coach, Caitlin Donach, has been a huge part of their incorporation by being “inspiring and positive”. Both feel that there is a great team atmosphere and that everyone wants to do more for the team in general. Though many people may think of Bring it on and other such teen comedies where the cheer team is full of drama, Joe notes that that couldn’t be further from the truth: “It pays to be on a team, to have people to confide in and share inside jokes and get to know their thoughts.”

One of the things that brought the boys to joining the club was their interest in dance. Ryan is directing and choreographing the musical Grease this semester and did the same last semester with the musical RENT, which has helped him pick up the rhythm and counts in routines. Joe has held a general interest in dance

for as long as he can remember along with working out, so with a little boost of confidence and some inspiration from the lyrics of his idol, Lady Gaga, he decided to try out.

The team in itself allows for creative release. Any of the teammates can give their input on choreography from the music used to how to perform moves and stunts to that music. One of the names mentioned in the creative process was Rebecca Desormeaux who was also very involved in cheer while at Kellenberg High School which reflects in her dedication and inspiration to her new teammates.

Both seem to have made a good impression on their teammates but Joe surprised the audience at the Molloy Fashion Show earlier this month by showing off his toe touch onstage, a move he had already practiced before joining the team. He has found it

intriguing to learn the names of the different moves involved such as the pike, a variation of the toe touch but done with both feet aiming straight forward.

One of the things that the squad is most looking forward to this semester is the showcase at Suffolk Community College on February 23 in collaboration with the Make A Wish Foundation.

Since there were no male members before, team uniforms were ordered and are on their way. For the moment, the new incorporations have been using Molloy sport gear that they already owned. Ryan has been deeply involved in the new group Fitz Fitness, targeting healthy habits for the students living in Fitzgerald Hall. Joe defines himself as a “fitness freak” and swears by vitamins to keep himself physically fit and energized.

The duo lead a busy lifestyle before joining the team but are

finding a way to balance their time. Ryan majors in Biology and Child Education and is President of MPAC, Secretary of Student Government and is an RA in Fitzgerald Hall. Joe is double majoring in Philosophy and Business Management while finding time for his duties as PR editor in Student Media, Sophomore Class President, Vice-President of the Business and Accounting Club and Student Ambassador. And yet they still strive for more. Joe mentioned that this summer he already has cheer-related plans: “ I want to take tumbling classes over the summer and learn new stunts and perfect the moves I know so that we can make our routines tight.”

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “star athlete?” Freshman Brandon Williams, of Baldwin, is who most are thinking of. Williams is the point guard on the Molloy Men’s Basketball team. Williams stated, “I am extremely honored to be named Point Guard. It takes a lot to make an impact as a freshman and gain the trust of the coaches to let me run the show and be the coach on the floor.” He entered Molloy with a full scholarship, and hoped to make his presence felt in the basketball world. Williams helped lead the Lions to unforgettable season amassing an overall record of 18-10 and advancing to the semi-finals of the East Coast Conference Championship.

Brandon has earned many

awards for basketball since he started playing when he was younger. A few of Brandon’s

life changing awards are All-Conference, First Recipient of the Verizon Fios Nassau County Player of the Year, and All-County. To add onto Brandon’s success, he averaged a team-high 12.5 points per game during high school. He is known for multiple steals, assists, and starts. Williams stated, “I am very grateful and thankful for having my hard work finally pay off.”As a freshman, Brandon has already experienced his highlight moment during the basketball season. He was named Rookie of the Week four times this season. The men’s basketball team also broke the school record for the most consecutive wins during that time.

Williams’ passion for basketball came from growing up in a house full of basketball players.

Brandon has been playing basketball ever since he started walking. Playing basketball is a gift for Brandon because he fell in love with basketball the first time a ball touched his hands. Williams was named “MVP” in both 7th and 8th grade at Baldwin Middle School. As he went onto high school, Brandon was the only sophomore to make Varsity. He also started off junior and senior year as captain of his team during both seasons.

After graduation, Brandon has big plans for his basketball career. He plans on playing professionally overseas for a couple of years. He is also planning on visiting Argentina, Italy, and Spain. Brandon’s success has come a long way and will continue to be recognized in the Molloy community. The “star athlete” will definitely go down in history. 

Molloy College Home Games Schedule

Womens Lacrosse Softball Baseball Apr. 13 Southern N.H. @ Oceanside High School 11:00 AM Apr. 9 Bridgeport 3:00 PM Apr. 12 LIU Post @ St. Joseph’s (L.I.) 6:00 PM Apr. 17 Bridgeport 7:00 PM Apr. 11 Queens 3:00 PM Apr. 14 LIU Post @ St. Joseph’s (L.I.) 1:00 PM Apr. 24 LIU Post 7:00 PM Apr. 13 LIU Post 12:00 PM Apr. 16 Bloomfield @ Hofstra 3:30 PM Apr. 20 Bloomsburg 12:00 PM Apr. 27 Bridgeport @ St. John’s Senior Night 12:00 PMMens Lacrosse Apr. 23 Mercy 5:00 PM May. 4 Queens (N.Y.) @ St. John’s 12:00 PMApr. 10 Dowling 7:00 PM Apr. 26 Caldwell 3:00 PM Apr. 17 NYIT 4:00 PM Lacrosse and Softball games are played at Dean G. Skelos Sports Complex. For the location of the Baseball games please refer to above schedule.

Vincent Martines/ Photography Editor