Feature: Organization Spotlight: Delight
Founded in 2023, Delight is one of the many religious organizations here on campus. According to Meredith's Student Opportunities page, Delight is “a place to be fully known, loved, and challenged.” Outreach Coordinator Jenna Grady, ‘25, tells The Herald that “Delight’s purpose is to foster and create a space for connection with others.” She goes on to say that the organization “wants all women to have a Christ-centered community where they can grow and build upon their foundations in their personal walks with God.”
According to Grady, Delight as an organization upholds five very important key values. These values include invitationals, vulnerable communities, effective innovation, equipping and discipling and spirit led. The purpose of these values is to create an open, honest and vulnerable space for connection with others and to ultimately build a deeper relationship with God. As Grady told The Herald, “It’s all about testimony and transformation!” For Grady, one of the biggest rewards of being a part of Delight is “getting to see the growth that each member experiences and the transformative power of Jesus.”
Alina Avellaneda, ‘26, who is one of Delight’s leaders, told The Herald that, when coming into college, she had “zero intentions of growing a relationship with God” and had a “bitter perspective” on religion. When her freshman year left her feeling “lonely and depressed,” she found Delight. “After each chapter, [she] felt so seen by the girls” because she knew she was “not alone in what [she] was going through.” She believes that it was the best decision she made.
According to Delight’s Instagram page, the organization meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in CHESS 121. Each semester, they study one book of the Bible, host events, worship and spend time together. They also focus on gathering in small groups for a space to share anything individuals may be interested in sharing or talking about.
Grady told The Herald that, “In Delight, [members] have a community of women from all backgrounds and experiences, and Delight is open to anyone. Delight is a fully women-based, women-founded, and women-run organization.”
By Dawn Arnold, Contributing Writer
News: Examining President Trump's Latest Executive Orders
Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Trump has signed numerous executive orders shaping the early days of his presidency. These orders reflect his campaign promises and signal his administration’s policy priorities. The Herald takes a closer look at a few major executive actions and their potential impact on individuals.
Birthright Citizenship Restrictions
One of Trump’s first executive orders challenges birthright citizenship, which is protected under the 14th Amendment. Several interpretations and stipulations lead to variations in citizenship, but one of the combinations is that anyone born on U.S. soil is granted citizenship, regardless of their parent’s immigration status, with the exceptions, like for children of foreign diplomats, as per the American Immigration Council website. The Trump administration argues this law has been misused and seeks to require at least one parent to be a legal U.S. citizen for their child to gain citizenship.
According to AP News, the order states that children of undocumented immigrants “should not be issued passports, Social Security numbers, or be eligible for certain taxpayer-funded welfare benefits.” While the order has been signed, it faces significant legal challenges from Congress and the Supreme Court, according to an AP News article, as altering birthright citizenship would likely require a constitutional amendment rather than an executive action.
U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
Trump also signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), as discussed by CNN. WHO, according to their page, is an “agency dedicated to global health and safety” that looks to work with a variety of communities to “promote health and serve the vulnerable.” The U.S. has historically been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, and according to an interview from Judd Walson with Johns Hopkins University, its departure could have severe consequences for global disease prevention efforts and vaccine research.
Walson stated that health experts warn the decision may hinder America’s public health response, as agencies like the Center of Disease Control (CDC) rely on WHO collaboration for disease tracking, medical research, and vaccination strategies. Defunding the WHO amid ongoing health concerns could set back international health progress for years, according to the previous John Hopkins article.
Elimination of DEI Programs and Gender Policy Changes
Another major executive order eliminates all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, placing federal DEI employees on administrative leave, as discussed by BBC News. These programs, designed to promote workplace diversity and prevent discrimination, have played a key role in ensuring protections based on race, gender, and religion in government agencies and federally funded organizations.
Additionally, Trump signed an order recognizing only two genders—male and female—that cannot be changed. According to BBC News, this policy could have far-reaching effects on transgender Americans, particularly athletes. According to the same BBC article, Trump has been vocal in his opposition to policies allowing transgender athletes to compete on teams that align with their gender identity, arguing that such inclusion disadvantages women’s sports. This decision could lead to increased discrimination against transgender individuals in sports, education, and healthcare.
Why Staying Informed Matters
With these and other executive orders shaping national policies, staying informed is crucial. Executive actions have the power to influence immigration, healthcare, civil rights, and more, making it essential for students and citizens alike to stay engaged.
For ongoing updates, sources such as AP News, CNN, The New York Times, and BBC News provide in-depth coverage of policy changes. Official government sites such as the White House website and the Federal Register also publish the latest executive orders and legal challenges.
As these policies continue to unfold, The Herald remains committed to keeping students informed about the latest political developments and their impact on the community.
Enfiniti’ Jones, Staff Writer
A&E: Award Season Wrap Up
Golden Globes
The 82nd Golden Globes were held on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, according to People. The award show celebrated film and television achievements in the past year. Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the event, making her the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo, according to People. There were many notable moments throughout the night, and The Herald has compiled a list of the standout features.
Biggest Winners in Film
In the film categories, “The Brutalist” claimed the coveted Best Motion Picture for drama award, while “Emilia Pérez” took home Best Motion Picture for a Musical or Comedy, according to the Golden Globes website. “Emilia Pérez” emerged as the biggest winner with four awards. Adrien Brody delivered a powerful performance in “The Brutalist,” earning him Best Actor in a Drama, according to the Golden Globes. Fernanda Torres took home Best Actress in a Drama for “I’m Still Here.” The Golden Globes website includes several other winners, including Sebastian Stan, whose role in “A Different Man” secured him the award for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy. Demi Moore’s performance in “The Substance” earned her the award for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy, making this a standout moment for her career since this is Moore’s first Golden Globe win, according to The Washington Post.
Television Wins
On the smaller screen, FX’s “Shōgun” dominated, winning Best Television Series for Drama, according to the Golden Globes. The series stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, both claiming acting awards. “Hacks” reclaimed its place as a fan-favorite by winning Best Television Series for a Musical or Comedy, according to the Golden Globes. Jean Smart took home Best Actress and Jeremy Allen White won Best Actor for “The Bear.” These wins made this year's television categories one for the books.
British Academy Film Awards
The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) took place on Feb. 16, 2025, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, according to Vogue. The ceremony, hosted by David Tennant, showcased a night of film excellence and unexpected triumphs, according to BAFTA. It was marked by standout victories, emotional speeches and a few upsets that set the stage for the Oscars in March.
The Big Winners
Two films dominated the ceremony, “Conclave” and “The Brutalist,” each taking home four BAFTAs, according to the BAFTA website. According to the same website, “Conclave” is directed by Edward Berger and won Best Film and Outstanding British Film, reinforcing its reputation as a masterfully crafted drama. The film also secured awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing, proving that its intricate storytelling resonated with both audiences and critics. Meanwhile, Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” made its mark with wins in Best Director for Corbet, Best Leading Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, according to BAFTA. The film's poetic storytelling and Brody’s emotionally charged performance captivated voters, securing its place among the year’s most celebrated works.
Grammys
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on Feb. 2, 2025, at Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena delivered an evening rich with groundbreaking achievements and standout musical moments. The evening raised funds for the LA wildfires by donating to the Recording Academy and MusiCares to support the Music Professionals, according to the Grammy Awards website. CBS News reported on the evening being hosted by comedian Trevor Noah for the fifth consecutive year, and the ceremony celebrated the industry’s finest, with Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar leading the night’s accolades.
Beyoncé dominated the evening with a historic eleven nominations, ultimately securing three awards, including the prestigious Album of the Year and Best Country Album for “Cowboy Carter,” according to the Grammy Awards website. This achievement marks her as the first Black woman to claim Album of the Year since Lauryn Hill in 1999, according to the Grammy Awards website.
Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” made a clean sweep, winning all five of its nominations, according to the Grammy Awards. Lamar’s song earned Record of the Year and Song of the Year, making Lamar the second rap artist to secure these honors, following Childish Gambino’s 2019 victory, according to the Grammy Awards website.
Emerging Artists Shine
The Best New Artist award was given to Chappell Roan, recognizing her as a rising force in the music industry. After accepting her award, Roan used her time on stage to advocate for the support of musicians. Roan urged record labels to provide liveable wages and health insurance, especially for emerging artists. In response, Roan pledged $25,000 to Blackline’s “We Got You” campaign, a nonprofit offering mental health resources to music professionals, according to USA Today.
Sabrina Carpenter, who took home two Grammys for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album with her album “Short n’ Sweet,” shared heartfelt moments backstage, including a warm embrace with Taylor Swift, highlighting the camaraderie among artists, according to People.
What to Expect at the Oscars 2025
The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and the excitement is at an all-time high. According to the Oscars website, the event is scheduled to take place on Mar. 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The biggest night in Hollywood is set to celebrate the best in film from the past year with a mix of expected front-runners, potential upsets, and likely cultural moments. Here's what we can look forward to at the Oscars this year.
The Biggest Contenders
So far, several films have dominated the award season, making them strong candidates for Oscar gold. “The Brutalist,” a sweeping period drama starring Adrien Brody, is considered a significant favorite in the Best Picture and Best Actor categories at the Oscars. “Oppenheimer” may have swept last year’s awards, but “Emilia Pérez,” an innovative musical thriller, could follow in its footsteps with a shot at Best Picture and Best Director for Jacques Audiard, according to the Oscars website. “Poor Things” star Emma Stone is vying for another Best Actress win, but she faces stiff competition from Demi Moore for “The Substance” and relative newcomer Fernanda Torres in “I’m Still Here,” according to the Oscars. With the Oscars approaching, anticipation builds. All eyes are on the Academy to see which films and performances will take home gold.
You can watch the Oscars on Mar. 2 on ABS at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. For those without cable, it will also be available on Hulu for viewing, according to USA Today. So grab some popcorn, place your bets on the winners and prepare for a cinematics celebration night.
More of the Award Season to Capture
Golden Globes: Memorable Moments and Red Carpet Buzz
The night was filled with heartfelt speeches and standout fashion. “Emilia Pérez”’s unexpected sweep left the audiences in awe by winning four awards, according to Technicolor Group. While Demi Moore’s win had social media buzzing with praise for her career resurgence, according to NPR. This marks her first ever acting award in her career, which started in 1981, according to the same NPR article. People recognized Nikki Glaser’s sharp humor and how she kept the crowd laughing, proving she was the right choice for hosting the awards.
The red carpet is always a hot topic for the award season, and the Golden Globes has arguably set the standard for this year. Vogue featured several actors and their outfits, displaying their photos from Getty Images. Some memorable mentions include, but are certainly not limited to, Nicole Kidman wearing a stunning silver sparkly dress with a halter neckline and a fully exposed back that was Balenciaga, according to Vogue. Kidman stunned the red carpet with her long blonde hair down styled in a half-up high ponytail. According to Vogue, Ariana Grande wore a vintage Givenchy that was a strapless yellow dress with embellishments at the top and elbow-length white gloves. Timothée Chalamet wore a Tom Ford suit with a glimpse of shine and a blue necktie worn as a scarf, as per the images from the Vogue article. The Golden Globes set the stage for what was and is to come in this award season. As the night came to an end, the Golden Globes once again showed why they remain a pinnacle of Hollywood’s award season. From unexpected wins to unforgettable fashion moments, the evening celebrated talent and style. With such a strong start, the rest of the award season promises even more excitement, surprises and red carpet fun.
Baftas: Memorable Moments
One of the most talked about moments of the night was Mikey Madison’s win for Best Leading Actress in Sean Baker’s “Anora,” according to Variety. As per IMDb, the indie drama, which explores themes of survival and resilience, gave Madison a role that she executed with intensity. Madison’s win marks a huge career breakthrough, with many believing that she will be a strong contender at the Oscars, according to Variety. The acting categories saw high competition, but Kieran Culkin’s performance in “A Real Pain” earned him the award for Best Supporting Actor,as per the BAFTA website, cementing his reputation as a powerful performer. Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” a musical crime drama that exceeded expectations, according to Netflix. This year also marked the introduction of the new Best Children’s and Family Film category, with the award going to “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” according to BAFTA. The BAFTA Fellowship award, the British Academy's highest honor, was given to Warwick Davis, as per an Alex Ritman article for Variety. Davis has a career spanning over four decades, according to Daily Mail, and has become an iconic figure in British cinema for his roles in “Willow,” “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter,” according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Red Carpet Must Sees
Beyond the awards, the BAFTA red carpet was a sight to be seen, full of A-listers serving up some of the most beautiful designs. Once again, Vogue covered the fashion for the evening and highlighted several images from a variety of sources. According to the Vogue article, Mikey Madison turned heads in a custom Valentino gown–a sleek black ensemble with a structured silhouette. Adrien Brody exuded classic Hollywood charm in a sharply tailed Tom Ford tux with velvet detailing that was a nod to timeless elegance, according to Vogue. Kieran Culkin opted for a more relaxed but equally stylish look by sporting a monochrome Prada suit with a playful pop of color in his accessories, according to Vogue. The BAFTA red carpet was more than a celebration of style but also a showcase of individuality and confidence. Each celebrity brought flair, from bold silhouettes to classic tailoring and outstanding details, making the red carpet a show in itself.
Grammys: Red Carpet Highlights
There were several must-see looks that Vogue covered for the Grammys and the Getty Images that go with it, gives insight into the looks of the night. Billie Eilish walked in style down the carpet in a Prada suit, according to Vogue. Chappell Roan wore one of the most glamorous and true works of art, a 2003 Jean Paul Gaultier couture collection, and completed the look with a feather-like hat, according to People. According to Vogue, Chase Stokes walked the carpet in a Dolce and Gabbana green and cream relaxed suit.
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Grammy Awards not only honored musical excellence but also highlighted the industry's evolving landscape, with artists breaking barriers and setting new precedents. As the night concluded, it was evident that the future of music is in capable and innovative hands.
By Rebekah Anne Allen, Contributing Writer
Opinion: Overwhelmed to Recharged: Wellness Days on Campus
I recently looked at the academic calendar for Meredith College in the 2025-2026 academic year to see what date classes begin on. To my surprise, I was welcomed with the introduction of two wellness days where school will not take place on Nov. 4, 2025, and Feb. 20, 2026.
When I first saw these days, I was taken aback, but then suddenly it struck my mind: this is an example of a recent trend among college campuses on focusing on the well-being of their students. In my opinion, this shift is long overdue, and I am grateful for it. Allowing students a formal wellness break is part of a broader trend in which colleges are finally taking mental health as seriously as they should. As I am sure many college students will tell you, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with coursework, activities and the need to "have it all together." It is little surprise that more and more students are battling stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns, as discussed by the National Education Association. According to the National Education Association, “44 percent of students reported symptoms of depression; 37 percent said they experienced anxiety; and 15 percent said they were considering suicide.” Colleges are finally waking up to this fact—and they are finally taking action.
As TimelyCare puts it, for decades, mental health was something students were expected to quietly get along with on their own, usually hidden behind the stress of performing well academically. If you were stressed or having a tough time emotionally, it was assumed that you simply were not working hard enough. In the past, students were simply expected to push through. In my opinion, that has been changing in recent years. Colleges are taking anticipated steps that explore an understanding that college attendees are first and foremost human beings before they are students, and certainly more than just a number. I believe that this shows recognition of the strain that college life puts on students’ mental health. The addition of wellness days is just one reflection of that shift. These are not just days off—they are a sign that schools acknowledge the prioritization t of student mental health. Meredith College is not alone in this shift. According to Time, many other schools have begun incorporating mental health resources into their campuses in more creative ways, including training staff, faculty, and students in Mental Health First Aid. It is no longer an afterthought. The conversation around mental health is no longer hidden in the background—it is right up front, which I believe is as important as anything else we are learning in class.
Wellness days may come across as such a simple concept—a couple extra days off a year—but my experience has found that their reach will be much more profound. Firstly, they offer students the opportunity to step outside the constant grind of exams, papers, and the general buzz of college life. As a student myself, I can say it is nice to have space to breathe, even if only for a few hours. These breaks will provide me with a much-needed mental reboot and give me a chance to unwind, rejuvenate and avoid the burnout that often comes with a growing to-do list. The idea is simple: when we are weighed down and stressed out, we can not deliver our best. Getting time off to take a break and rest is not a luxury—it is a necessity. According to the National Library of Medicine, research shows that stress and burnout can impair thinking, affect memory and reduce academic achievement overall. So these wellness days are not just days off—they are preventative actions. The reality that schools like Meredith are carving space for mental health conveys that students' emotional well-being is as important as their academic performance.
The best part is that by institutionalizing these breaks, I believe that colleges are normalizing the idea that mental health is not something students have to deal with on their own. When students feel they can take a break without worrying about falling behind or being judged, it starts to break the stigma that so heavily blankets mental health issues. They are spreading the message that it is okay to not be okay, and it is okay to give yourself time to mend. However, as beneficial as wellness days are, they should not be confused with a “silver bullet.” Mental health campaigns on campuses need to become part of a larger conversation. I believe that colleges need to continue funding mental health care that is accessible to all students—not just those who can afford private therapy or have time to attend weekly sessions. Access to support needs to be equitable. Besides offering resources, colleges need to assist in changing the campus culture. Mental health care should not be something you only talk about when you are in crisis. It should be something that is made a part of everyday life, especially for students. That means encouraging students to put their mental health first as naturally as they would their physical health. Just as you would not ignore a sprained ankle, you should not ignore feelings of stress or anxiety. Personally, finding out that wellness days are in Meredith’s 2025-2026 calendar was not just a pleasant surprise, it is an indication that we are moving toward a world in which our well-being, mental, physical and emotional health, is an investment, not an afterthought. And as college students, we should not accept anything less.
By Ellie Phillips, Contributing Writer
Opinion: Is Football Rigged?
Football is arguably a staple of American culture and pop culture, but could this new era of football be rigged? There is growing speculation, especially amongst internet users, that football could be rigged.
Referees and officials can keep the game fair and on track, or they can influence it unfairly. There are many times in the history of American football when officials have made controversial calls, and these calls can change the outcome of the game. Referees' decisions can increase or decrease momentum for teams and add to frustrated feelings of the losing team, according to Refr Sports. In addition to controversial calls, officials have been called out before for being biased. The Kansas City Chiefs have had calls by officials go their way a few times before, which ultimately led to the NFL referees having to respond to these claims, according to NBC News. The bias of the officials can sway the outcome of any football game and make their calls look suspicious.
A significant amount of money is involved in sports, especially major football games. According to Statistica, the total revenue for the NFL was over $20 billion in 2023. Sports betting is built on American football and advertisers certainly have high stakes in football. According to GlobalEdge, “Americans legally bet a massive $120 billion on sports” in 2023 and most advertisers paid $8 million for ads to air during the 2025 Super Bowl, according to CBS News. Commercials and the halftime performer(s) are usually what people across America are the most interested in. Super Bowl commercials trend on the internet for weeks after the big game which gives advertisers a high stake in the viewership of the Super Bowl.
I may be buying into a conspiracy theory, but I believe that American football, or at least certain aspects of it, is rigged and partially scripted. It’s pretty ironic coming from a pro wrestling fan, but on the other hand, maybe I just know how to spot fake sports. As we say in “wrasslin’ terms,” it's a work (AKA it's fake and scripted). I will always argue that pro-wrestling is real but scripted. Pro-wrestlers are really in a wrestling ring doing moves, getting hurt, throwing punches, jumping off of high places and more, but the outcome of matches is scripted and if you’re a good wrestler then you are trying not to injure your opponent. Football coaches and teams already strategize their moves so in my opinion it would be very easy for teams to collaborate to script parts of the game. The most outlandish form of this opinion would be to say that officials, coaches and players are instructed by higher-ups to follow scripts for games to have certain outcomes. This is not to take away from the physicality of the sport or their hard work in any way, the likelihood of it being scripted is slim, but there is fun in speculating that such a popular sport built on that physicality can be believed by so many to be scripted. While I don’t fully agree with all of these opinions, I enjoy hearing the conspiracy theories and have fun thinking of football differently.
Do I have an abundance of reliable evidence to back up my claims? For sure no, but it’s just my gut opinion. My opinion would be easier to argue if the Chiefs had won the 2025 Superbowl when halfway through the game they were in fact down by over 20 points. I was 90% sure that the Chiefs would take home yet another Superbowl win because of the heavy influence of big names like Taylor Swift and President Trump supporting them, according to The New York Times. After over two weeks past the 2025 Super Bowl what I remember most is Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, the weird and outlandish commercials, Taylor Swift getting booed, the Eagles destroying the Chiefs and Travis Kelce’s sparkly shirt.
By Kailey Wurr, A&E Editor