The Hindu Holi Festival

On Saturday, June 25, a group of 45 scholars celebrated Holi, an annual religious festival celebrated by Hindus. It is celebrated by throwing colored powder and water at each other. Along with covering friends with bright colors, scholars also learned the history behind Holi.

The origin of the Holi festival is the legend of Prince Prahalad. Prahalad's father, the king, was against the worship of any god. He wanted the people to worship him. However, his son was a devout follower of the god Vishnu and refused to worship his father. His father became angry and attempted to kill his son multiple times. However, each time Prahalad was saved by Vishnu. Once, the king ordered Holika, a demoness invincible to fire, to drag Prahalad through fire. Vishnu intervened, saved Prahalad from the fire and allowed Holika to burn.

The Holi festival is the celebration of the death of Holika, and the triumph of good over evil.

By Claire Banderas

Special thanks to Adithi Vellore for sharing the legend of Prince Prahalad.

Talent Show 2011

Here's an equation for you: 330 scholars + extraordinary talent + a supercharged atmosphere = an overwhelming success.

MSA 2011's talent show consisted of 32 acts, each unique and spectacular, performed in front of the entire Academy.  This year's show generated an atmosphere of anticipation and appreciation for all of the crazy things that Missouri Scholars can do.

Renowned faculty member Brian Stuhlman detailed just a few things that makes MSA's talent show a truly unique experience.  "Watch for many talented students putting their various skills on display, as well as many energetic students truly working together." However, to Brian, there was one overarching theme.  "These students will perform in front of the best audience they will ever experience.  It's like Madison Square Garden, but in front of all your friends."

Aside from the talent itself, the audience "made" the experience.  After every one of the 32 acts, the audience gave a resounding standing ovation.  The scholars showed genuine appreciation for every performer, making the experience unforgettable.

Let's not forget about the talent itself!  Here's just a snapshot of what went on display:
Hannah Carter and Ashley Muench: Tap Dance - "Forget You"
Deja Bluu: Guitar/Vocal - "Heartless"
Blake Stephens, accomp. Alicia Coronado: Vocal - "Caro Mio Ben"
Robert Branson: Trombone Solo - "Blue Skies", "Flight of the Bumblebee"
Christian Alten: Glowstringing - "Dreamin'"
John Bentley: Banjo Solo - Original Compilation
Darby Dachroeden, Katelyn G., Martha Weilert, Dani Eschweiler, Ryan Link: Vocal/Guitar/Ukelele Ensemble - "The Lazy Song"
Allie Pierce, Avery Welker, Matt Tucker: Original Drum Stomp

You can find video clips of the above acts, as well as pictures of all the acts on "Nerd Camp".

Lou Jobst, talent show organizer extraordinaire, summarized the talent show, as well as the day in general.  "I loved this entire day.  It's a great time to celebrate art and talent.  Besides the talent show, it was Poem in Your Pocket Day. . . This is the first, and maybe the last time these kids will perform in front of an audience like this.  It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

By Nick Benham

"Nerd Camp" extends sincere thanks to reporters Anjali Fernandes and Laura Grisham for photo, video, and interview assistance.

RA of the Day: Jen Nadler

Question #1: What is your hometown, and where did you go to high school?

Jen: I'm from north St. Louis County, and I went to Trinity Catholic High School.

Question #2: What year did you attend MSA?

Jen: I went to MSA in 2006.

Question #3: Where did you go to college, and what did you study?

Jen: I just graduated from Mizzou, and I was a communications major.

Question #4: What classes were your major and minor at MSA?

Jen: Music Video was my major, and a civil rights government class was my minor.

Question #5: What is your favorite memory of MSA?

Jen: Hanging out with other people.

Question #6: What is your favorite book and/or movie?

Jen: My attitude on my favorite books comes from the quote, "My favorite book is always the most recent one I've read."  My favorite movie is Forrest Gump because of the acting and the issues with which it deals.

Question #7: If you could travel to any destination in the world, where would you go?

Jen: I would travel to any place that has historical things that I don't know about.

Question #8: If you could be any flavor of ice cream, which one would you be and why?

Jen: I would be mint chocolate chip because it's different.  It has a different look and taste, but people still love it.

Question #9: What are five words that describe you?

Jen: Empathetic, inquiring, active, and respectful.  [Jen did not have a fifth single word, but she described that she was currently determining what she would like to do in life.]

Question #10: What career would you like to have when you are older?

Jen: I'm looking to work for a non-profit organization.

By Carolyn Heger

Talent Show Preview: A Show Worth Seeing

            A nerd’s talent is not simply limited to math and writing.

Dozens of scholars put their wide variety of talents and skills on display at last Friday’s Talent Show Auditions. Lou and Joan met the participants in the Geology Auditorium for snapshots of extraordinary talent.  Here are just a few noteworthy acts among many to look forward to.

Robert G. – Trombone Solo, “Flight of the Bumblebee”

Darby, Katelyn, Martha, Ryan, Dani – Vocal Ensemble, “The Lazy Song”

Kevin M. – Drum Solo

Hannah C. and Ashley M. – Tap Routine to “Forget You”

Christian – Glowstick Routine

David T. –Piano Solo

That’s just the beginning! All of the acts are worth watching. The MSA 2011 Talent Show will take place on Friday evening, June 24^th, in the Geology Auditorium. Keep up with “Nerd Camp” for Talent Show reviews, highlights, backstage interviews, and more!

By Nick Benham

Masthead

Journalists:
Claire Banderas
Nick Benham
Darcy Cochran
Anjali Fernandes
Laura Grisham
Carolyn Heger
Clara Hughes
Mary Humphrey
Gabriel Lawton
Doraida Perez
Spenser Pulleyking
Tess Rawlins
Kathryn Rodman
Taylor Stevens

Advisor:
Chad Painter

RA of the Day: Laura Ebone

 Name: Laura Ebone

Hometown: Arkansas

College: Mizzou!

Major: Health Sciences and Biology

Current House Name: S.F.O.N. (Spoon Full of Nutella)

Goals in Life:
Become a doctor, of some sort
Be a missionary in Africa
Be that crazy aunt in the family

Favorite things:

“I love the outdoors, adventures, and being awkward. That’s why I’m here!”

Favorite activities:
Smiling and laughing, simultaneously. Yes, they are sports.
Dancing. If you saw her at the street dance, you’ll understand.

MSA experience: “I’m not a former scholar, but my friend was an RA.” 

Advice to scholars: “Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself. And I practice what I preach.”

By Anjali Fernandes

RA of the Day: Olivia Pener

Name: Olivia Jean Pener

College: University of Missouri - St. Louis

Hometown: University City, MO

MSA year: 2004

Current House Name: the CHarIsmatic Cicada-Killing ninEteeN

Major/Minor: Spanish & Latin American Studies

Favorite thing at MSA: TAISO!!!

Advice to Scholars: "Try to take advantage of a many opportunities as you can. Also, make it a priority to keep in touch with the friends you make at MSA. In my experience, those friendships have been the most impacting."

Additional Information: "Not gonna lie, I have the best house in the history of MSA! Also, I really like owls. P.S. I know what the face under Adam Campbell's beard looks like!"

By Taylor Stevens