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SGA holds its
first meeting
By Adam Cole
The Student Government Association
(SGA) held its first meeting Sept. 4. Much
of the meeting focused on clubs. SGA is
looking for a new E-board representative
for clubs and organizations. If you have any
questions or are interested in the position,
contact William Wheeler, SGA president.
There was a discussion about clubs
that are seeking funding for events.
Starting Sept. 4, club members have to
bring a PowerPoint presentation when
they speak about the event or the club
in order to provide more information.
A new club was also introduced to
UPIKE. Leron Gregory, senior, presented
his idea for a club called FAM. This club
will help involve new people who are not
used to the area, or for people who feel
shy. The club plans to throw events and
dining arrangements to help people get to
know each other. More information will
be posted through the media and flyers.
Andrew Reed, associate professor of
film and media arts, approached the stand
to receive funding for three film events.
Two events are for UPIKE students and
faculty only: UPIKE Horror Fest and
U-Parodies. Both of these events will
have food and games for students. UPIKE
Horror Fest is a competition between
students. The top three with the best horror
film will win prizes and have their scene
shown. The final event is the sixth Annual
UPIKE Film and Media Festival. This
event is open to the public. Last year, 20
filmmakers came and students talked with
each of them. The event was awarded the
funds, and it will be held on April 4, 2020.
Junior Amari Matthews, president
of BSU, came to the stand. She wanted
funding for her event, Back to School Bash.
This event had a 1990s-2000s theme. There
was food and games as well as dancing.
Senior Zakary Bray requested funding
for the Communication Honor Society
for two events. The first is an induction
ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 17, On Tuesday,
Sept. 24, they hope to throw a small bonfire,
as well as have food and games for the
students to enjoy at the President’s home.
UPIKE Marching Band prepares for first
performance
By Michalia Lane
Trevor Bailey, director of the UPIKE right atmosphere to learn,” Bailey said.
Marching Band, is excitedly preparing His mother was a teacher and principal.
to take on the new challenge and She taught him how important it is to have
opportunity of lifting the new marching a quality education. This encouraged him
band off the ground. Bailey expressed to pursue his master’s degree in music,
his love for his job and is dedicated which he is currently working on right now.
to making this program a success. “Everyone here is so nice and
His personality was warm and helpful. Dr. Todd Westgate, professor
welcoming as he explained what he has of music, has been supportive. Lori
in store for the blooming marching band. Worth, along with President Burton
Band members have been talking about how Webb and his wife have been helping
excited they are to have marching band. me with being successful,” Bailey said
Some students had been doing marching The UPIKE Marching Band
band throughout their high school and will be playing music from the Blues
middle school careers. Students are excited Brothers, Johnny Cash, The Spencer
that they can continue their marching Davis Group, and many more songs
band careers through college. Bailey said that people will know or recognize
that he enjoys the small town of Pikeville.
“I got my undergraduate degree at Students and faculty can catch its
Northwestern State University, and it’s a first performance at the UPIKE football
small town, and UPIKE is small. I want game Sept.14, during halftime in their
to be able to help build up UPIKE Band, bright new marching uniforms ready to
making sure that the students have the show UPIKE the result of their hard work.
BSU holds its first meeting of the year
By Jazz Parker in the school’s 130-year history. Another
accomplishment for BSU has been its
increased retention rate in the past years. BSU
has watched its community grow steadily.
To find the BSU through social media,
contact them on Instagram and Twitter @
UPIKEBSU. You can also find them on
Facebook @ UPIKE Black Student Union.
Tuesday, Sept. 3 UPIKE had its first
BSU meeting of the year. BSU is the Black
Student Union on campus. It is responsible
for some of the events that are held to bring
diversity to UPIKE. This meeting was
held to get fresh ideas on what direction it
wants to go with parties and other school
events. These ideas ranged from the “Back
2 School Bash,” which was held Saturday
Sept. 7, as well as possible future ideas
such as: barbecues, a possible Greek life on
campus, a majorette team, and collaborating
with other associations, such as CAB
and SGA, to throw a Halloween party.
BSU also acknowledged William
Wheeler, junior, who is now president
of SGA. This is the first time that an
African American student has done this