Gracie Ehrick
About me
Gracie Ehrick is a first year student at Muskingum University majoring in journalism with a minor in pre-law. She found her love for documenting and reporting when she went on her first mission trip to Guatemala. She was given the opportunity to absorb the hidden stories that she slowly uncovered when talking to countless citizens and local workers. Throughout her academic career, Gracie takes a great deal of comfort in the fact that if she decides to continue her journey with journalism, she will love traveling and experiencing hidden gems all over the world, but if she decides to follow the path to law school, she will be able to stay close to home and her loved ones and make a difference right in her own backyard. Gracie is very comfortable with the idea of living in hotels and plane-hopping from one corner of the world to the next while talking to as many people as possible so that she can bring their needs and desires to light. However, Gracie would also be perfectly content working as a lawyer who specializes in helping children while healing her inner child in the process. Despite what her official title will be, Gracie’s true passion is creating a happier, healthier environment for anyone and everyone around her.
Fundamentals of Journalism
Courageous father’s example inspires young student
By: Gracie Ehrick
NEW CONCORD, Ohio- Brayden Speck, a current sports administration and communications major at Muskingum University, speaks vulnerably about the subject of his hero, his father Ryan Speck.
Speck recalls that during his childhood, on a daily basis, his father would come home late at night and still being completely devoted to his family. Despite his fatigue, Ryan Speck would come home and still manage to find the energy to create lasting memories with Speck.
During Speck’s childhood, Ryan selflessly worked multiple occupations. However, Ryan stayed diligent in making fatherhood his first job.
“On the weekends, he worked EMS [Emergency Medical Services],” Speck said. “ He started out young for EMS as a full-time job after college. Then, he started working weekends and did that for, like, 28 years.”
On top of serving the small community of Monessen, PA as an EMS first responder, Ryan also partakes in another form of emergency aid as a firefighter and has influenced his son to follow in his footsteps.
Speck had his fire department debut at about six years old when his father taught him the basics of rope rescue, which he, of course, learned from his father. “It’s always been a passion,” Speck said.
When Ryan eventually retired from serving as an EMS, Speck still continued to serve as a volunteer at his local department.
“I’ve been a firefighter for about six years,” Speck said. “I joined up at 14 and when I turned 18, I became a regular member, and I have no plan of leaving anytime soon.”
Although Speck has an aspiration to stay in his small town and maintain his father’s local legacy, Specks finds himself studying at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, due to his father’s encouragement.
“I mean, he’s always inspired me to want to go to college, get a degree, but I also have a backup plan, which my backup plan is firefighting. I mean, still if I probably even get the degree, I want to be a part-time fireman somewhere. Best job in the world.” Speck said.
Speck feels content with having different options, from chasing his own dream of sports administration, building off his father's aspirations and becoming a local fireman, or having the wonderful experience of pursuing both.
Even if Speck does not pursue the same career as his father, it is without a doubt that Speck will carry the same characteristics of dedication, passion and selflessness throughout the rest of his life and into any career of his choosing. From teaching Speck the basics of simple rope rescue to inspiring Speck to be a volunteer firefighter himself, Ryan lit a fire of inspiration under him that will influence him forever.
Featured: Brayden Speck playing on his local bowling team in his fire department division.
Posted on Oct. 11, 2021
Cambridge celebrates Charles Dicken’s Christmas Story
By: Gracie Ehrick
NEW CONCORD, OH- As the Holiday season approaches, so do the festive traditions and cheerful tidings of the small town, Cambridge, Ohio. The small village has numerous beloved traditions that bring holiday joy to the town. As you walk down the cozy streets of Cambridge during the Christmas season, there are a handful of things that are extremely hard to miss or ignore. For instance, the dozens of classical Christmas characters from Charles Dicken’s classic story, A Christmas Carol.
All along the streets, accompanying every streetlight, are Charles Dicken’s wax characters that are posed differently to perform different tasks. Accompanying the iconic displays, is a horse drawn buggy that trots up and down the street to imitate the iconic carol and add timeless, holiday whimsy to all those who participate. With all of the jolly additions made to the town, the residents are ready to ring in the festivities!
Since 2005, Cambridge has devoted their time and volunteer work to preparing their small town into a Christmas Wonderland. The decorations and warm, merry feeling last from November first to January first.
The origins of this classic Christmas tradition came from the mind of a man and his wife named Bob and Sue Lye. The couple used their idea to bring visitors and tourists to the quaint town of Cambridge.
“Sue was a schoolteacher,” says Nena Green, a worker at Charles Dicken's Victorian Village Welcome Center. “And she had always loved and knew a lot about Charles Dickens. Bob was a writer and author too and he made sketches of her different ideas.”
(Bob Lye’s own Victorian Figure surrounded by his drawings. Taken by Gracie Ehrick)
Almost every part of the village chips into the festivities. Every Sunday before the first of November, volunteers from Cambridge High School help prepare the 96 scenes and 168 characters for their debuts on the streets. The characters and displays create a vintage 1800’s mimic of the classic story. In the earlier years of this project, contributions were even made by Muskingum University!
“They recruited teachers and just different people to help with the structures and they got artists from Muskingum College.” said Green.
The expenses needed to run and support the local tradition are all received through local fundraisers or generous donations. The Cambridge Charles Dicken’s Christmas, including the display figures, activities and numerous volunteers are all working for a non-profit.
“From the head coordinator that runs the show all the way, you know, to us ‘minions’ and volunteers that work at the everyday shops and all of our funds are paid through donations and fundraisers” says Donna Rowe, Green’s colleague.
(The Charles Dickens’ Victorian Village Welcome Center on Wheeling Av. Taken by Gracie Ehrick.)
Not only does the celebration bring visitors into town, but it also livens up business in the local shops, restaurants and businesses.
“It’s only open November and December, but the restaurants and stores say that helps them stay in business all year long.” says Rowe.
Despite the numerous festive characters to see on the street, there is also an opportunity for visitors to become a character themself! In the Cambridge Welcome Center, there is a venue to find all sorts of souvenirs, hats and ornaments while being told the classical tail of Charles Dicken’s Christmas Story. There is also a photo booth where people can get their picture taken in Victorian attire for their Christmas card!
Along with engaging with the characters from the story, there are also chances to actually meet and converse with those imitating the characters. For instance, at the Cambridge Country Club, those who are interested can sit down for a cup of tea (or hot chocolate) and scones with Queen Victoria.
There is also a caroling performance that is done by some townhall volunteers and a horse drawn buggy that can elevate riders’ Christmas cheer!
“I always think of it as more like family get-togethers, because they have the carriage rides!” says Green.
“It’s like a Hallmark scene, when they light the Christmas tree! Now on opening night, the Cambridge singers come, and carol and they always do a candlelight on the opening evening.” says Green.
With continuous cheerful carols and seasonal greetings, Cambridge warms the hearts of everyone who has the benefit of witnessing the Christmas festivities and enjoying the cheerful climate of the season.
Embracing essential religious change on campus
By: Gracie Ehrick
NEW CONCORD, Ohio- Muskingum University is a Presbyterian college founded in 1837. During the college’s earlier years, the campus flourished with bright, fruitful and faithful faces of young students eager to expand their knowledge of their religion. However, since those beginning years, there has been an abundance of religious change not only on campus, but also with the incoming students and their interests.
As the years pass by, the prominence of the Presbyterian faith has overshadowed by the constant fluctuation of fascination not only amongst new classes on campus, but also in America. According to Pew Research, the influx of new religions in America originates from the spike in immigration and the average adult moving away from the religion they were raised in and becoming religiously unaffiliated.
Journalism
Practicum
According to an email sent to Dr. Melissa Conroy, who is Chair of the Religion and Philosophy department, from Chaplin Derek Wadlington, of the incoming class of 2028, there are expected to be 25 diverse religions practiced on campus. To manage the change of pace in the religious field, Muskingum University is taking a multitude of ambitious strides to make all religions feel safe and welcomed. To make such aspirations possible, the university requires regular participation and critique from the student body.
Among the diverse religions, Christianity is the most popular among Muskingum students along, with its different denominations of the religion including Baptism, Catholicism, Methodism and Pentecostal. However, if students are choosing to practice Christianity, the more popular branch on campus seems to be leaning towards more non-denominational.
Despite the somewhat dominant presence of Christianity on campus, there are still many present religions, such as Hindu, Shinto, Muslim and Jewish. These religions are still pursuable through the considerate accommodations that have been made throughout the years by the cooperation of helpful staff members and eager students who were willing to speak up for their religious needs and saw results.
For instance, multiple changes have been applied to the dining hall and its menu. Fish is served on a weekly basis, every Friday, to those who practice lent. Also, for Muslim students who partake in Ramadan, Halal meals are available for the holiday arises.
“These are small, but important steps,” said Chaplin Derek Wadlington. “The dining hall and other offices are interested in learning and helping, but we need feedback. We want to put these things in place.”
Another accommodation that is currently being secured is the opportunity for diverse spaces for prayer and worship. For instance, Muslims cannot worship in mixed sex spaces.
“Even putting one of those dividers in, so if you have Muslim students, it’s important for them to have a break between men and women,” Wadlington said. “Which is one of the big tenets in their worship time.”
Along with making exceptions for the use of space for worship, there are also instances in which burning candles or incense for religious use is allowed. For such occasions, the process needs to be acknowledged and approved by higher administration, such as Wadlington. Candles, incense or any substance that is primarily used by burning is not permissible anywhere on campus, but that does not mean it is permanently banned or forbidden for religious use. The flammable substances can be used if permission is given by Wadlington.
In addition to the alterations being made for those who practice their religion individually, there are also gatherings in which congregations can meet and worship or celebrate their religions. One of these events includes the upcoming Festival of Lights. The Festival of Lights will take place on November 25th and will include copious amounts of holiday fun like hot chocolate, cookies and turning on the festive lights that will stay on throughout the holiday season. The festival of lights will also be an opportunity for those who are interested to learn of the significance of light in other religions.
“What does light represent in your faith tradition?” Asked Wadligton. “How does it matter?”
(Poster provided by Derek Wadlington.)
Chaplin Derek Wadlington along with his colleagues, Dr. Melissa Conroy and Valarie Smith, are constantly working to provide a safe and courteous environment for students of all religions, by offering flexible times to contact or meet with them privately during their office hours and doing their best to accommodate specific requests made for the requirements of specific practices. The religious team on campus is very open-minded, welcoming and diligent, they just need feedback from the student body about what they can expand on and help with. It takes a village to make a change, but faith comes first.
Derek Wadlington, Chaplin. Phone: (740)826-6159.
Email: derekw@muskingu.edu. Office: 5 Brown Chapel
