Stories

The importance of positivity in life

By Haley M. Walker | gargoyle@flagler.edu

In the past year, since I began college, I have recognized the importance of being positive about your downfalls.

This year I have met many new people, been surprised, been intrigued, been let down, been frustrated and fallen on my face more times than I have ever had during the rest of my 18 years.

However, I have discovered something that is quite underrated in society today, but has helped me to see the world in a beautiful light. With this, I have learned to embrace these things that we all label as mistakes.

I first learned the importance of positivity through my uncle at a very early age. When he was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school, he dove off a diving board, broke his neck and was immediately paralyzed.


New parking rates make for bad present

By Marella Flynn| gargoyle@flagler.edu

Christmas wish list: rolls of quarters. Starting Dec. 10, prices for the beloved street parking meters around St. Augustine will sky rocket to $1.50 per hour.

This dramatic change seems to come from the city’s lack of profit from the parking garage on Castillo Drive.
There will be 12 new solar powered parking meters installed around the plaza downtown.

Essentially, what was once free will now cost an astounding $1.50 per hour.


Is there such a thing as dog discrimination?

By Bethany Coates | gargoyle@flagler.edu

About two weeks ago, The St. Augustine Record had a front page article about pit bulls and the problem with them in St. Johns County.

John Studivant, the director of animal control in St. Johns County, referred to adoption of pit bulls as an “adoption of a loaded shotgun.”

Many people have an idea of pit bulls being ferocious, dangerous and a type of fighting breed, but are all pit bulls really that bad?


Supporting the troops hits home

Troops in Kuwait to enjoy Super Bowl party courtesy of DOW Advantage

By Rosanna Gill | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The DOW Advantage Public Relations Group sponsored Tailgate for the Troops before the first home games for the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The chilly night did not stop people from supporting their Saints or their troops in Kuwait.

Bailey Toombs, a senior at Flagler, first brought up the idea for Tailgate for the Troops to the DOW group when the Flagler student-run public relations firm was thinking of a fundraiser or form of volunteer work to do together.

“Since DOW is a public relations agency, we have a tendency to all get caught up in our individual clients,” Toombs said. “By doing something like this as a group we are more cohesive.”


Flagler alumna to speak at commencement

By Capri Martinez | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Dr. Mignonne Pollard is this year’s commencement speaker. Originally from St. Augustine, Pollard is also a Flagler College alumna.

Pollard received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish/Latin American studies from Flagler.

“What made my stay at Flagler most enjoyable was the people I met and friends I made who are still my friends today,” Pollard said.


Senior class ring ceremony a hit

By Julie Hirshan | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Tradition. Purpose. Symbolism.

The Flagler College class ring exemplifies all of these values. At the Ring Ceremony on Nov. 15, more than 30 students gathered in the rotunda at 6 p.m. for a candle lighting ceremony and a procession to Markland House to receive their class rings.

Flagler President William T. Abare, Jr. opened the ceremony with remarks about what the Flagler College class ring stands for.


Alumni Association reaches out to students

By Kayla Hrynyk | gargoyle@flagler.edu

There are a few words that will guarantee an instant response from almost any college student: free, caffeine, and food.

This semester, the Flagler Alumni Association has begun providing all of the above every Wednesday morning during “The Coffee Break.” As a new weekly ritual, students have been swarming the tables filled with fresh brewed coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts between their 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. classes.


A wonderland of downtown lights

Downtown St. Augustine is lit up during annual Nights of Lights

By Marella Flynn | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Thousands of tiny white lights have been illuminating the Nation’s Oldest City during the holiday season for the past 14 years.

“Did you know there use to be two movie theaters in the center of town? [They] only cost $1,” Flagler Assistant Professor Nicholas Panepinto said. Full of interesting St. Augustine tidbits, he is a proud former Saint. He was describing the historical downtown scenery before the tradition of Nights of Lights started.


Curtain closes with senior conservatories

Theatre arts seniors direct final performances at Flagler College Auditorium

By Amanda Hughlett | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Ten theatre majors are going to give their final bow on the Flagler stage December 5-8, figuratively speaking.

Brad Backman, Rachael Davis, Emiy Gerbino, Beckie Hawkins, Audrey Holeman, Paul Holzmeyer, Amanda Hughlett, Kevin McNeal, Ericka McThenia and Zephian Michaels are directing this semester’s senior conservatories known as “In Relation To…”

The shows are mostly absurd and deal with human relationships and interactions, as well as showcase famous playwrights such as David Ives, Samuel Beckett, Edward Albee, and Landford Wilson.