As the semester comes to an end, we want to make sure our graduates are ready to walk across that stage and celebrate all they’ve accomplished. I want to personally commend the students at Moraine Valley for their hard work and dedication. I know classes can be challenging, but your perseverance has brought you this far. I want to congratulate those who are graduating with their Associates degree or completing a Certificate program. This is a major milestone for the student’s investment in their future. You should be incredibly proud of your achievements.

Michelle Segovia

Student Trustee

2026-27

As we celebrate these accomplishments, it is also important to look ahead. Registration for summer and fall classes is now open for returning studnets, and planning early is key. Registering on time helps ensure you stay on track with your academic goals, secure the classes you need, and continue progressing toward your career path. Taking this step now can make a meaningful difference in your success moving forward.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for the Moraine Valley Foundation Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. The deadline to apply is May 31, and students only need to complete one application to be considered for hundreds of scholarship opportunities. These awards typically range from $250 to $5,000 and are available to both full-time and part-time students. There is a also a 300-500 word essay required for the application. The Speaking and Writing Center can assist students with the preparation of their essays.

Thanks to the generosity of donors including over $80,000 raised through the Employee Giving Campaign alone, there is a significant amount of funding available to support students next year. This is a valuable opportunity to reduce educational costs, so all students are highly encouraged to apply and take advantage of these resources. Other events throughout the year – the Annual Golf Event, the Halloween 5k, and the Spring Gala – raise additional funds for the Foundation. Some scholarships are focused on certain programs and degree programs, or particular demographics, so it is important to fully and completely answer the questions accurately.

As the semester ends, take pride in how far you’ve come. Whether you are graduating or continuing your journey at Moraine Valley, keep pushing forward and striving toward your goals. Your hard work is building a strong foundation for your future.

By Jonah Marshall, Staff Writer

On Tuesday, April 21, student Karolina Granda, 20, studying communication on a pre-law path, switched roles with Dr. Haney and became President for a day.

Haney took over Granda’s role and followed her school, extracurricular, work, and even her mandatory Dunkin’ schedule!

Student’s perspective

Granda attended a Board of Trustees meeting, providing input as Dr. Haney would. The meeting discussed Moraine’s evolution of theater and STEM programs. In particular, Moraine’s Dean of Science, Michael Bates, discussed how engineering majors will no longer have COM-103 as a required course. After the board meeting, Granda met with the MV Scholarship Foundation to discuss providing organization-based scholarships and expanding on volunteer scholarships. Granda also met with Dr. Cynthia Anderson, the dean of liberal arts, to discus promoting in-class showcases for the speech team and The Glacier, especially as a useful substitute to COM-103 for engineering majors. Lastly, Granda expressed her passion for volunteering through her meeting with Student Life. She recommended to Isaiah Perez, Director of Student Life and Kent Marshall, Dean of Students and Compliance Officer, that they institute mandatory service hours, similar to the requirements of many area high schools. Student Life is considering building this suggestion into their College 101 courses.

Granda felt inspired to run for president after attending Moraine’s annual Women in Government panel, recognizing a lack of female representation in high government positions. In addition, Dr. Haney’s role as our college’s president served as empowerment itself for Granda.

Photos provided by MVCC Marketing

“I was inspired by this Women in Government panel that we had, just seeing the impact that women have on government and also their lack of representation in government positions.”

Granda currently works at the FitRec as a fitness floor supervisor, doing so since her sophomore year of high school, is the editor-in chief for The Glacier, is a speech team competitor, and a contributor to the volunteer committee, FLC.

Granda wants other students to do this project because it is a way to get your voice out to your community.

“Whether or not you get this position, it is a good way to get your voice out…it’s a small step towards believing in yourself and believing in the importance and impact of your voice.”

Granda mentioned that the 50 students who submitted written applications, and the 10 students who had in-person interviews still played an important role in student involvement despite their final outcomes.

President’s perspective

Haney took over the role of Granda as a student and got to work at the FitRec where her son trained her. Haney believes that this is a good project that Moraine has with a good goal of helping students become leaders.

“It’s designed to give students a first-hand look at college leadership,” Haney said. “The goal is to empower students to see themselves as leaders. It provides the President with a valuable opportunity to see the college through a student’s lens,” she said.

Haney’s favorite part of this project is it allows her to truly be able to listen to students. “Hearing different students’ perspectives throughout the day, it allows for dialogue with students on a level that I normally would not get on a day-to-day basis,” Haney said.

Photos provided by MVCC Marketing

Haney believes this is a good opportunity for students to see what goes on behind the scenes at Moraine. “It’s an opportunity to see what it’s like to work with the leadership team and just be engaged with some of the things that actually occur on a day-to-day basis.”

How students can apply for President-for-a-day

This is the second student who has been President-for-a-day as this opportunity first presented itself in Spring of 2025. The first student to take on this role was Caroline Song.

This opportunity is now an annual Spring semester event, although Haney said she is open to doing it in the Fall as well.

The application e-mail is sent through The Buzz (the weekly student newsletter) in March. Students are encouraged to fill out an application, and then a committee of various faculty members at Moraine review the application to see which students can be moved to the next round of qualification – an in-person interview. Finally, the committee decides which student will switch places with Dr. Haney and a day is selected based on the schedules of both the college President and the selected student.

By Angel Ramirez, Staff Writer and Photographer

The 2026 Juried Student Art Exhibition at Moraine Valley, held from March 24 through April 19, showcased a diverse and compelling collection of student artwork across a variety of mediums. The exhibitions highlighted the creativity, technical skill, and conceptual depth of emerging artists, offering people an opportunity to experience a wide range of perspectives and artistic approaches. From traditional drawings and paintings to innovative mixed media and three-dimensional works, the exhibition reflected the evolving nature of contemporary student art.  

One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience was the chance to speak directly with the artists behind each piece. Through these conversations, a deeper understanding of their creative processes, sources of inspiration, and taking a sneak peek at these artists’ next creative step. Listed below is an exploration of ten selected pieces from the exhibition, analyzing their materials, themes, and overall impact, while also including responses from the artists too. 

Little Goonie Foo Foo – Mollie Defosset 

One of the ceramic works featured in the exhibition, which received an Honorable Mention, was created by Mollie Defosset, a first-year student at Moraine Valley. Her piece reflects both technical growth and a developing personal connection to ceramics. When discussing her motivation, Mollie explained, “When I work in ceramics I find that what motivates me most is the fact that I still have a lot to learn. I enjoy working with the clay and am always looking to try new things and improve.” She is dedicated to growing and experimenting in this medium. 

She also reflected on the challenges involved in creating her piece, noting, “The most challenging part of creating this piece was either getting the ears to sit where I wanted them, or being patient while layering on the green Ongobe.” She’s explaining how small details can significantly affect the final outcome. 

In terms of technique, she explained, “I most relied on being able to use my hands but also [a] wooden knife tool in order to smooth out all the small spots [that I] can’t reach.” She wants to develop control over the material and her attention to detail throughout the process. 

Looking forward to the future, she stated, “In five – 10 years, I see myself still learning and creating new projects. I hope to become a teacher and get to share that joy with others and teach them to love it as much as I do.” She has the desire to inspire others through education and creativity. 

Fluid Busyness – Mollie Defosset 

This art piece is made with paper, glue, ink, and a wood frame. When talking to her about this art piece she described the challenges involved in creating this particular piece, explaining, “The most difficult part of making this piece was not just hand drawing all the designs, but also the precise cuts and figuring out the composition I wanted to go with.” She highlighted the level of planning and precision which was required to do this type of art piece. 

In terms of materials and process, Mollie relied on a range of everyday tools stating, “Through the process I mostly relied on tacky glue, paper, exacto knife, and my Paper Mate felt tip pen which lucky for me, made it the whole way through without needing to be replaced.” She demonstrates how the combination of simple materials and how accessible tools can still be used to create highly detailed and intentional artwork. 

Both of Mollie’s pieces were especially striking within the exhibition. The difference between her ceramic work and her mixed media piece demonstrated her range as an artist and her openness to exploring various materials and approaches. In both works, her careful attention to detail and thoughtful creative process made them stand out as meaningful and memorable contributions to the exhibition as a whole. 

AI Can’t Make This – Mariel Lenart 

Another notable piece in the exhibition was created by Mariel Lenart, a second-year student at Moraine Valley. Her work, a paper-based sculpture of a bunny, was developed as part of a specific class project. When asked about her inspiration, Lenart explained, “This was part of a class project where we had to use paper as the main material. I was inspired by other papier-mâché artists such as Chie Hitotsuyama.” 

Lenart also shared her intentions for how viewers might respond to her work, stating, “I hope people feel curious when they see my bunny. I hope it also inspires them to do more art that doesn’t include any use of AI as that is starting to be more frequently used in the art community.” She is reflecting her interest in both emotional engagement on this art piece and broader conversations about the role of technology in art. 

In describing the challenges of her process, she noted, “A big challenge was time. I had to work in small sections with the wet paper and make sure to let it dry fully before continuing, or else the whole section would turn to mush.” She  emphasized how patience and technical care was required for creating the paper bunny   Looking ahead, Lenart expressed a desire to push her work further, saying, “When it comes to risk, I would like to go bigger with my work not just in size but with its message as well.” She wants to make it clear that she has ambition to expand both the physical scale and in conceptual depth of her future artwork. 

Existential Rage – Mariel Lenart 

In addition to her paper sculpture, Mariel Lenart also created a personal ceramic artwork titled Existential Rage. This piece won the Moraine Valley Community College Purchase Award too. The piece was inspired by the loss of her first horse, Sequoia, and reflects a strong emotional connection to that experience. Lenart explained, “For my Existential Rage artwork, I wanted to recreate the first horse that I owned, Sequoia, who suffered from Heaves (Severe Horse Asthma) and passed away too soon. While making it, I decided to make the artwork represent that.” This art piece serves not only as a tribute, but also as an outlet for grief and frustration. 

She further added a personal and expressive layer to her work stating, “I also like to believe she is upset that she no longer is here as well because she always was quite a diva.” This detail, she said, brings more sense of personality and emotional depth to the sculpture, which allows viewers to connect not only with artists’ loss, but also with the animal itself. This piece really stands out as a powerful example of how art can be used to process emotion and preserve meaningful memories. 

Master Study of St. George Standing by Albrecht Durer – Mariel Lenart 

Mariel Lenart, also demonstrated her technical skill through a piece titled Master Study of St. Geroge Standing by Albrecht Durer, created using dry point etching which is an intaglio printmaking technique where an image is incised directly into a plate (metal or plastic). Then the artist uses a sharp needle, creating a burr that holds ink for a soft, velvety line. This work reflects her engagement with historical influences and her willingness to challenge herself artistically. When discussing the piece, Lenart explained, “For my dry point print, I was inspired by Albrecht Durer and his use of line to show light and shape. I wanted to recreate his Saint George Standing print to challenge myself and my skills with dry point printing.” She clearly shows her focus on line work and technique in this art piece which shows her appreciation for traditional printmaking; she also shows her commitment to improving her craft through studying and exploring established artists. 

The Fallen Rhino – Maya Jaronczyk 

Another ceramic work in the exhibition, The Fallen Rhino, was created by Maya Jaronczyk. The piece reflects both personal identity and a connection to nature and movement. When describing the inspiration behind the work, she explained,“This ceramic rhino represents a few things that I see myself in. First, it embodies my love for animals, especially these powerful unique creatures. But it’s also about adventure. Rhinos roam wild landscapes, and that spirit of exploration resonates with my own adventurous personality. It’s a reminder to embrace the wild side of life and to keep exploring.” This sculpture really connects to her personality by using the rhino as a symbol of strength and freedom. 

She also discussed the technical difficulties she faced during the process, stating, “One of the most challenging parts that I faced with this art piece was getting the correct bend in those back two pieces. They constantly wanted to crack and pull down due to gravity.” She highlights the structural challenges involved in working with clay, especially when creating extended forms that must support their own weight. 

A smaller but highly detailed aspect of the piece was the horn’s engraved texture. She noted,“I could see people overlooking the engraved details on the horn of the rhino. In order to get that texture, I actually had to draw out a design, and a 3D print roller. This definitely did make it easier to engrave into the clay, but some of that programming and planning took a while. Especially when you put together the fact that I made the design before I even knew I was sculpting the rhino.”She demonstrates the amount of planning and innovation involved in even subtle elements of the work.  Looking ahead, she expressed interest in expanding her technical approach, saying, “In terms of technique, I’m eager to explore the realm of hyperrealism. I recall seeing a video where somebody transformed a zombie’s head into a functional kettle, and I thought it was the coolest thing. I would love to be able to create artwork like that someday.” She has strong curiosity and ambition to push her ceramic work into more experimental and highly detailed forms. 

Orange clouds – Reanna Chico 

Photographer Reanna Chico presented Orange Clouds, which won the Agree to Degree award. This is an abstract work that invites viewers to explore their own interpretations. “The title is just a starting point,”Reanna said. She added, “It’s not really what the image is, it’s about letting people dive into creativity and see what they feel or intuitively sense in the shapes and colors.” 

Reanna’s inspiration for the piece came from a visit to the Balloon Museum in Chicago. “I wanted to capture something unique, so I experimented with different angles to find the composition that felt right” she commented.

Like many emerging photographers, Reanna faces technical challenges. “[The] camera’s quality, exposure to zoom, and lighting can all be tricky, especially since I use a school rental camera,” she notes. “But I’ve learned to work with what I have and I still manage to create compelling photos.” She is  correct; one doesn’t need an expensive camera to prove one can take great pictures. 

Looking to the future, Reanna envisions growth in both skill and creativity. Reanna says, “In the next 5-10 years, I see my photography getting stronger and more refined, I want to push myself further, experiment more, and eventually invest in a high-quality camera that allows me to fully realize my ideas.” With Orange Clouds, Reanna not only showcases her developing technical skill, but also encourages people to engage their imaginations. 

Untitled – Tobbish Holmes 

Another standout work from the exhibition came from photographer Tobbish Holmes, whose image was awarded Best of Show. The photograph immediately drew attention for its cinematic and unsettling atmosphere. When describing his intention, he explained, “I aimed to capture the unsettling mood of a horror film or small-town murder mystery. The composition invites viewers to feel a sense of unease, as if something is wrong beneath the surface. Ideally, the image makes the audience hesitate and think, ‘I’m not going there.’” He described how constructed visual elements can influence emotional response and create narrative tension within a single frame. 

He also reflected on what he learned through the process, noting, “I learned how important mood and atmosphere are in storytelling. When lighting, composition and subject placement work together, even a simple scene can feel powerful.” He describes his understanding of photography as a storytelling tool rather than just documentation. 

Interestingly, the location of the image was not staged or planned. He shared, “Discovered on my way to work, this location wasn’t planned, which added to the image authenticity. That spontaneity helped create a more natural feel, enhancing the eerie and unexpected tone I was aiming to capture.” The story of taking the picture is more beautiful than the picture itself. 

Looking ahead, Holmes expressed his artistic goals, stating, “As a photographer, my primary goal is to continually improve my ability to tell meaningful stories through images. Is strive for my photos to evoke emotion and inspire the viewers’ imagination. I also aim to have my work featured in more showcases like this one to reach a wider audience.” Holmes has made a strong commitment to growing and storytelling through photography. 

Winter Northern Lights – Tobbish Holmes 

Another photograph featured in the exhibition by Holmes, titled Winter Northern Lights, continued his focus on storytelling through atmosphere and emotion. Holmes explained, “This photo centers on mood, using cool blue tones and subtle warmth in the sky to create a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The silhouette on the dock adds a calm presence, encouraging the viewer to pause and feel the stillness and emotion captured within the moment.” The composition of this picture draws attention to stillness and balance, allowing viewers to engage with the emotional tone of the landscape. 

He also expressed his broader artistic vision for photography, stating, “But overall, I want all my photographs to feel like scenes pulled straight from a movie and they’re moments that tell a story, capture emotion, and make the viewer feel like they’ve stepped into something larger than just a single frame.” This kind of perspective that he has reinforces his goal of transforming every day or natural scenes into cinematic experiences that extend beyond the photograph itself. 

The City That Never Sleeps – Tobbish Holmes 

Another photograph by Holmes, titled The City That Never Sleeps, continues his exploration of photographic storytelling through everyday scenes. This image depicts a city street after dark.  Holmes explained, “This photo captures movement and everyday city life at night. I wanted to highlight the energy created by people and traffic interacting in a single moment. The contrast between the warm streetlights and the cold surroundings adds realism and atmosphere, giving viewers an authentic glimpse into the rhythm of urban life.” His use of lighting and composition emphasizes the contrast between human activity and the surrounding environment, transforming a busy street scene into a visually engaging narrative. 

Altogether, the 2026 Juried Student Art Exhibition highlighted the range of creativity, skill, and personal expression present among student artists. Across ceramics, mixed media, printmaking, photography and sculpture, each art piece demonstrated a unique approach to storytelling and technique, while also revealing the individual motivations and challenges behind the creative process. 

This exhibition served as a powerful reminder that student art is not only about technical development, but also about expression, exploration, and connection. The diversity of perspectives and the range of artistic approaches made the exhibition engaging and memorable, leaving a lasting impression of the talent and potential within the student community. 

By Lemuel Kemp, Staff Writer

Suddenly, the set cuts to black. The audience is left seated, staring into the abyss as they anticipate live entertainment. Their wait is over when the curtain reveals the start of Moraine Valley’s The Birds.

The Birds play is a combination of inspirations taken from the popular short story “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier and Alfred Hitchcock’s film adaptation of The Birds – all with a little Moraine Valley flair added to it. The play, while sharing the overall themes, feelings, and particular details as the movie and short story do, is a whole new series of characters and events. Its plot focuses on the development of relationships while living under pressure; it asks what people will do and how they will react in the post-apocalyptic world.

The Birds takes place in a black box theater, perfect for a psychological thriller. Throughout the play, the audience is on the edge of their seats – one slip up risking them ending up in The Birds dystopian society. The set is masterfully crafted, invoking a feeling of post-apocalyptic horror, even in the absence of blood or gore. The actual birds are absent from the play as well; the birds in the play are portrayed with the sounds of birds crowing and sounds of desecration. The sound effects are a staple, creating the same effect as Alfred Hitchcock’s film adaptation did.

The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and viewers are introduced to Nate. He is an irritable and disoriented character who’s malicious qualities are only soothed by character Diane tending to him. Throughout the play, their kinship is exemplified. We are then introduced to Julia through mysterious circumstances, causing Diane to be initially hesitant of her. Eventually, they all come along to be very close with one another. Nathan and Julia form a romantic relationship upon Julia’s pregnancy. We are introduced to new relationship developments and deterioration when Nate and Julia leave to search for food. Diane stays behind, only for her home to be broken into by Tierney who gives Diane a proposition. He proposes she sleep with him in exchange for food. Diane declines, and before he leaves, he claims that Julia had obliged his proposition. This shocking statement results in mistrust between Diane and Julia. Diane is furious and locks Julia outside, where she is never to be found. With these unanticipated series of events taking place, Diane and Nathan leave Julia behind in search for something better. 

The cast did an amazing job with seasonal actors Rafael Garcia, Emma Foster, and Sarah Matchen who exemplify play sell-out rates. Additionally, Saul Delgadillo made a remarkable debut on the Moraine Valley stage, portraying his character exceptionally well. Each actor truly presented their A game, granting us a performance to remember. 

Cast member Rafael Garcia provided thoughtful remarks that encapsulated the whole play in a concise statement. He said, “It truly is the kind of show where you shouldn’t expect one thing to occur, because the real magic of the story and visuals spawns out like a flock of birds. An intense and realistic experience. Nothing better could describe this play.”

All photos provided by the MVCC Marketing Department

By Sarah Almeida, Staff Writer and photographer

“It’s been number one in my life above everything else.” Tony Gura is talking about baseball and the way it has dominated his life.

At just seven years old, Tony Gura started his lifelong journey into baseball. It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, however. The beginning—just like every new activity—proved difficult. Being unsuccessful initially only egged on onlookers to try and persuade him to stop. Well, he kept going. Practicing nonstop, he eventually improved. Gura says that getting better at baseball was even more exciting because of his poor start. It was a way of telling people he made it.  

Currently a 19-year-old sophomore at Moraine Valley Community College, Gura has developed valuable characteristics from the sport. The most prominent is how optimistic he has become. Coinciding with this transformation, he believes this outlook is crucial for being a baseball player. Besides looking for the positive, he also says that “being coachable and having a good work ethic” are vital to the sport.  

When asked about what his favorite activity during practice is, Gura said he “loves to hit B.P.” (batting practice). This makes sense since he strives to improve low land drives every practice, which are batted balls that travel straight with a low trajectory in order to make it harder for the outfielders to catch it.  

What about games? Well, being a visual learner has helped him hone his baseball abilities. In Fall 2025, Gura curated his pre-game ritual. He has started visualizing himself executing plays and performing well—such as hitting home runs—the night before. 

Whether it be building grit and perseverance, or having a more positive outlook on life, Tony has been undoubtedly transformed from when he first started the sport. Baseball is truly his North star, as he states, “I don’t know where I’d be without baseball, to be honest.” Hopefully, he keeps at it and maintains a good relationship with baseball. 

(Gura is currently not able to play due to an injury.)

Baseball at Moraine Valley Community College 

Presently, Tyler Zunkel is the head coach of Moraine Valley Men’s baseball team. He has played the sport his whole life and has been coaching for seven years. Zunkel has stated repeatedly that practice is the most important factor to improving in baseball, which is why practices are Monday through Sunday for three hours. This excludes game days, of course. During these practices, he strives to improve the players’ skills in “the little things” such as “bunting, [a technique of hitting the ball softly so as to help the runner advance to the next base], making plays, and understanding the game.” To assist in this learning process, he consistently has the players practice batting, base running, and do fun games such as Four Corners or going against each other in competitive mini baseball games. In the short time Coach Zunkel has been here, he’s helped Moraine’s team not only go to playoffs last year, but he also enjoyed a walk-off homerun (a homerun that ends the game) during the last game he oversaw. Considering he is only in his second year coaching baseball at Moraine, these are pretty big accomplishments.  

 I would like to begin by thanking everyone who voted in the process, especially those who selected me as their candidate, and gave me the opportunity to represent Moraine Valley Community College to be the voice for all students. This first column give me the opportunity to share my story and the journey that has brought me here today.

I am a first generation Mexican-American college student, and I have been attending Moraine Valley for the past three years. While it may seem like a long time, these years have shaped me in ways I’ve never expected. Moraine Valley taught me strength, growth, and what it truly takes to overcome challenges. During my time here, I’ve had the honor of making incredible friends and meeting supportive staff members who have helped guide me along the way.

Michelle Segovia

Student Trustee

2026-27

My first two semesters were a work in progress, but I was proud to earn A’s and B’s. However, as time went by, things began to change. My mental health plummeted, and I struggled to stay motivated, and at times, I felt completely alone. But through this difficult phase, I kept pushing forward. This journey has not been easy, but it has made me stronger, even when it felt impossible to continue. Becoming your Student Trustee is not just an achievement for me but it is a reflection of perseverance, resilience, and the support of this community. I am here today not just for myself, but for every student who has ever felt unheard, unmotivated, or unsure of their path. I want you to know that you’re not alone. As your Student Trustee, my goal is to listen to your voices, advocate for your needs, and ensure that every student feels seen, supported , and empowered. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community at Moraine Valley. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to represent you.

By Jonah Marshall, Staff Writer

Last week, Moraine Valley’s student body elected a new Student Trustee. Michelle Segovia will take on this role until next Spring; she will be sworn in at the April Board meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m. She will be replacing last year’s Trustee, Garrett Weigel.

Segovia won the election with 110 votes or 42.9% of the total number cast. As of Thursday, April 4, Moraine Valley had about 12,742 students enrolled for the semester who were eligible to cast a vote. Unfortunately, only 2%, being 256 students, actually cast their vote.

Mia Poland came in second with 96 votes (37.5%). Dalayna Stevenson came in third with 29 votes (11.33%). Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza came in fourth with 21 votes (8.2%).

Segovia is in her third year at Moraine and is dual-majoring in Dental Assistance and Marketing/Business. Segovia has made expanding the social connections within clubs and organizations her top priority.

By Angel Ramirez, Staff Writer

The 2026 Academy Awards delivered a night of allure and cultural narration of Hollywood’s iconic influence on global entertainment. The Academy Awards were held in early March at the iconic Dolby Theatre. This year’s Oscars blended tradition with glamour, offering a ceremony that was presently and futuristically celebratory. From the stylish red carpet looks to emotional acceptance speeches, the event captured worldwide phenomena. 

The evening began with a red carpet that was nothing short of stunning. Celebrities arrived in a remarkable array of fashion choices that balanced elegance with bold experimentation. Standout appearances included Zendaya, who turned heads in a sculpture couture gown that really blended classic Hollywood elegance with futuristic design, and Timothee Chalamet, whose bold, unique tailoring challenged classic men’s fashion standards. Margot Robbie put a modern spin on traditional Hollywood Glamour, while Coleman Domingo here stood out in a richly textured suit that really highlighted the growing innovation of men’s fashion. Michael B. Jordan also made a commanding impression, wearing a sharply tailored ensemble made by Louis Vuitton that combined refined style with modern edge, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most stylish figures on the carpet. 

As the ceremony began, attention shifted from exterior allure to the commemoration of outstanding cinematic work. Hosted once again by Conan O Brien, the night exemplified musical performances from films such as Sinners and K pop: Demon Hunters and even Conan O’Brien himself and singer Josh Groban performed a comedic, operatic style song titled “I won.” 

A central highlight of the night was undoubtably the filmmaking achievements. The epic drama One Battle After Another led the ceremony with six wins, including the coveted “Best Picture” award. Its rich storytelling and technical mastery resonated deeply with both critics and peers, making it the defining film of the year. Meanwhile, the genre blending film, Sinners, also earned major honors as it was awarded four Oscars including “Best Original Screenplay” for Ryan Coogler and “Best Actor” for Michael B. Jordan. Jessie Buckley was also awarded “Best Actress” for her powerful performance in Hamnet, and Best Supporting Actor was claimed by Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another. 

Michael B. Jordan’s acceptance speech for winning “Best Actor” was one of the evening’s most memorable moments. He thanked his mentors, castmates, and film making collaborators, emphasizing the collective effort the whole team made to create this special film. He also honored the legacy of black actors who paved way before him, delivering his remarks with gratitude. 

The Oscars featured more unforgettable presenter moments. Robert Downey Jr. And Chris Evans drew laughter when they took the stage to present a screenplay award, adding the ceremony with witty exchanges that reminded us why their friendships on and off screen continue to resonate. 

Cameras also caught Leonardo DiCaprio reacting humorously puzzled after being teased by Conan O’ Brein. Conan O’ Brein wanted to create a new meme and Leonardo DiCaprio’s reaction was turned into one captioned “TFW (That Feeling When) you didn’t agree to this.” The brief clip quickly went viral, becoming a meme sensation that spread on social media throughout the evening and continues to circulate today. 

This year’s 98^th Academy Awards served as a testament to the enduring power of film to inspire, entertain, and emphasize community. With red carpet fashion, memorable performances, and heart felt recognition of artistic achievement, this ceremony highlighted Hollywood’s role as a cultural touchstone while celebrating the stories and artists that continue to shape the global cinematic landscape. 

Graphic by Logan McQuaid, Graphic Design Intern

By Jonah Marshall, Staff Writer

On March 25 in U111 Dean of Students and Compliance Officer Kent Marshall moderated a candidate forum for the four candidates campaigning to be the Student Trustee of Moraine for the 2026-27 term. They answered a series of questions from Marshall and audience members. The Glacier is providing a summary of their responses below to help students decide who they want to vote for in next week’s Student Trustee elections.

What does the Student Trustee do?

The Student Trustee of Moraine is the voice for the entire 12,000+ Moraine student body. The Student Trustee reports to the Moraine Board of Trustees to voice concerns, needs, and wanted changes of Moraine students. The Student Trustee has certain duties as well: Write an article for The Glacier once a month on what they are doing and what they are focusing on, hold office hours to hear students concerns, and attend all Board meetings which are held monthly with the exception of January.

When is voting and how do I vote?

Voting is open to all Moraine Valley students regardless of full-time, part-time, or online status. Voting will be done online, and Moraine students will receive an email to cast their vote on Monday morning on March 30 and have until Thursday, April 2 at 3 p.m. to vote for a single candidate once. The link be disabled after 3 p.m. on Thursday. The candidates are listed below with their responses.

Who are the candidates?

Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

2nd semester at Moraine.

Major: Architecture

Leadership Experience: Part of National Honor Society in High School.

Participates in volunteer service for church.

The older sibling of two younger sibling shapes Mendoza into being in charge of people and different tasks such as groceries.

Mia Poland

1st year at Moraine

Major: Nursing

Leadership Experience: former Girl Scout for 12 years

PROUD member (respect organization)

Michelle Segovia

3rd year at Moraine

Major: Dual major in Dental assistance, and Marketing and Business.

Leadership Experience: Worked her way up in fast food environment and volunteered at her church which she said made her better understand people’s emotional state.

Dalayna Stevenson

2nd year at Moraine

Major: Nursing

Leadership Experience: mother of a 4 year-old daughter.

Current paramedic which has taught her how to be in charge of and help direct others in emergency situations.

Former dance teacher at her church

How would you represent every student including those from different backgrounds?

• Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

Delgado Mendoza’s stated she would like to be able to share varied cultures and beliefs through campus events and experiences that can help her represent everyone.

• Mia Poland

Poland touched on how diversity is a beautiful thing and that the best way to represent students is through connecting with them through in-person events on campus.

• Michelle Segovia

Segovia feels students have more in common than they may realize, and that all should be and feel included.

• Dalayna Stevenson

Stevenson touched on how her experience growing up in Chicago taught her the importance of diversity, and that she has been exposed to a wide variety of cultures.

How will you manage both school and the responsibilities of being Student Trustee?

• Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

Mendoza touched on her experience as an older sibling and how that has taught her to manage her time.

• Mia Poland

Poland mentioned her ability to multi-task and the importance of scheduling.

• Michelle Segovia

Segovia mentioned how she is good at multi-tasking and how she has already worked on balancing time campaigning.

• Dalayna Stevenson

Stevenson mentioned how being a mother and a paramedic working 24 hour shifts has taught her how to manage her time properly.

Why do you feel you would make a good Student Trustee?

• Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

Mendoza said she wants to share more with students and wants students to feel like they have a second home at Moraine. 

• Mia Poland

Poland mentioned that her main goal is to see students succeed and also touched on her experience being a part of PROUD.

• Michelle Segovia

Segovia said she would be the voice for students that need to be heard and mentioned the importance of getting to know people on a deeper, more personal level.

• Dalayna Stevenson

Stevenson mentioned that through her empathy, advocacy, voice for voiceless, and advocacy for child and patients in her life that will make her a good Trustee. Stevenson gave an example of being in a group setting and how she is the voice that speaks up. She told of taking an 8-week Anatomy and physiology class that was intense. Some of her classmates had to drop out, either because the pace was too fast or the financial strain. Her plan is to advocate for people going back to school and help them find financial resources to continue their education and training. 

What is one of your first things you will do when elected?

• Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

Plan workshops or forums to help new students connect with student services like the Tutoring Center. 

• Mia Poland

Help make the enrollment process easier for new students by hosting workshops. She felt that some students were bounced around to various departments and people, and it was confusing and chaotic. She wants to make good impression of Moraine for potential students. 

• Michelle Segovia

Segovia stated that she would promote a better sense of communication with students through workshops, and trying to connect clubs and organizations to each other. (Student Life holds bi-weekly Inter-Club Council meetings.)

• Dalayna Stevenson

Expand financial resources. Stevenson mentioned her experience of seeing her fellow students drop out because they were struggling with balancing courses and how to pay for them. It was disheartening for her to see good students struggling. She wants to provide programs to help students with financial resources. (The MV Foundation awards over $80,000 in scholarships annually.)

What factors helped you choose Moraine Valley over other schools?

• Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

Moraine is close to home, has easy access to higher education, and has a beautiful campus.

• Mia Poland

Poland touched on the point in her life where she had to figure out what she wanted to do and how she originally wanted to join the Army. Her mother suggested she look at alternate routes, and they did several college visits. Moraine was their last visit, and she felt a homey and open atmosphere. She also realized that there were great resources here.

• Michelle Segovia

The campus itself and the environment attracted her. She mentioned she had lower GPA than she would have liked, and as a result did not have many other options for a university. Segovia touched on how this place is like a home for her and that she owes credit to the staff she works with and her friends for where she is today.

• Dalayna Stevenson

Stevenson touched on the kind people that come here and how she recently moved to Palos Hills two years ago. She also touched on how great the nursing program is at Moraine with top-tier professors who really care about their students. She also appreciates that the campus does not look like a community college, but more like that of a four-year university because of the spaces and number of buildings at the main campus.

Who inspired you to run for Student Trustee?

• Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

Her mother is her inspiration. Asked the next day to follow up on details, she responded with the following:

My mother has always been by my side supporting me through every step of the way. Encouraging me to step forward and show my potential and creativity I have. When I first read that message of having the opportunity to run for student trustee, it was quite a surprise yet was happy for the opportunity and my mother only encouraged me more. Taking that extra step to attend board meetings, fill out the form, and be here that day for a chance to make an impact on campus. As I said, she knows my potential and it’s where I get my confidence to continue forward in running for student trustee. Now with this confidence in myself I hope to make Moraine valley comfortable and inviting for all staff and students and enjoy their time here.

• Mia Poland

Poland stated she was inspired by herself. Poland then went on to explain she always had one foot in the door and wanted to do something that combines both helping people and then wanted to do something big.

• Michelle Segovia

Friends and co-workers encouraged her. Segovia mentioned how if it was not for them she wouldn’t know where she would be today.

• Dalayna Stevenson

Her 4-year old daughter, Dream, who looks up to her, tells her she is a “great mommy” and for whom she feels she is a strong role model.

What will you do to help Moraine students get out and vote in state and federal elections?

• Esmeralda Delgado-Mendoza

She stressed that every vote counts and that there should be workshops to help spread the word on the importance of voting.

• Mia Poland

She would like to host events with food and beverages (always a huge draw) to make students aware of when elections are and why their vote is important.

• Michelle Segovia

Segovia would host hands-on activities, and promote elections on social media, including videos on how the voting process works, how to register to vote, and how to cast a vote in elections. She would also host workshops, events, and information tables.  

• Dalayna Stevenson

Stevenson would like to see Moraine offer additional classes to highlight voting. Gen Z is built on social media, but she would also utilize old school methods of things like information tables with people to help promote voting to younger generations.

Are there any clubs or organizations that you are a part of that will help you for this role?

• Esmeralda Delgado Mendoza

Delgado Mendoza is part of STEM club. She is currently working on a team project for middle schoolers for the STEM expo in April. 

• Mia Poland

Poland has been involved in theater at Moraine which helped her work with a team of cast and crew to put on a production.

• Michelle Segovia

Part of the Tennis Team while at Moraine, and stated that team members encouraged each other in matches, especially when there was no one else to watch games,

• Dalayna Stevenson

Stevenson is not in extracurriculars due to her current school and work schedule. She does go to FitRec to work out early in the morning which taught her discipline, and helped her build rapport and relationships with others she has met there. Part of the reasons she is not in any clubs is her life outside of Moraine, including her 24 hour shifts as a paramedic.

By Karolina Granda, Editor-in-Chief

One of the biggest hurdles of higher education is the ballooning costs of achieving more than just a high school diploma. Millions of students and their parents take on huge debts in order to finance the cost of a college degree. Community colleges like Moraine Valley offer lower costs for local students, as well as a variety of certificate and non-degree options. Yet, some students struggle even with the costs associated with starting their post-high school education closer to home. The Moraine Valley Foundation assists students every year with over $80,000 in scholarship opportunities to help ease that financial strain.

Scholarship significance

Tuition and book scholarships support of the concept that education should be based on willingness to learn without financial impositions. Moraine Valley provides its students with a diverse access to such opportunities through scholarly, employment, skillsets, and financial needs, amongst others. Specifically, information technology major, Aylin Lopez explains that her reception of the Kiwanis scholarship has “become a stepping stone toward the future I’m working for, making my goals feel a lot more within reach.” 

2026-2027 school year scholarships

By accessing the scholarship link, students can browse a variety of these scholarships and apply to those that align with themselves. The start of applications for the upcoming school year is open now through May 31 for the 2026-2027 school year. Donors offer over 300 scholarships ranging from $250 to $5,000. Most students already have the qualities necessary to be considered for these scholarships; all that remains is the expression of such qualities in an essay format that will be reviewed by volunteer faculty and staff members. Only a single application and essay are required for the MV Foundation Scholarships. Based on applicant responses, each is automatically slotted in to all scholarships for which they are eligible. Many are niche scholarships for specific programs, based on first-generation student status, or an interruption in collegiate education of five years or more. Others take into consideration one’s racial demographic, so it is important to answer each question accurately, and not select a “Prefer not to answer” option.

External scholarships

Don’t limit yourself – apply to external scholarships, too! These scholarships are provided by external associations, and the aid students are granted can be utilized toward their Moraine tuition. For example, students can apply to scholarships through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission where they can access aid based on volunteer experience, academic achievements, demographic affiliation, and more. In addition, Moraine Valley offers virtual and in-person assistance for writing scholarship essays. Remote assistance is located here: Moraine-Scholarships or by contacting the scholarship director, Patti Mehallick @ mehallickp@morainevalley.edu. Additionally, students can stop by the Speaking and Writing Center located in Building A to obtain a greater grasp on how to properly formulate the required 300–500-word scholarship essay.

Apply today for your future.