BY JOSH MERLO
LIBERAL COLUMNIST  

Fifty years ago on Nov. 22, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated. Charismatic and charming, a PT boat commander, a Democratic Catholic and the leader of the free world during some of the most trying moments of the Cold War, Kennedy is, unfortunately, not usually remembered for his many accomplishments. Rather, JFK – as he is popularly referred to – has a negative stigma associated with his name. Whether criticized for his marital infidelities, his religious orientation, or the few major mistakes of his presidency, Kennedy is not given the credit – or respect – that is his due.

So, as America solemnly looks back at the day that marked the extinguishing of one of the brightest lights of the 20th century, I ask you to do the same. Remember JFK; remember the man who wrought so many works that have distinguished America long after his death.

Three things bear highlighting from the short-but-storied presidency of Kennedy: the Cuban missile crisis, the Apollo program and the beginnings of the civil rights movement. The first forestalled what could have led to the violent, bloody conclusion of the Cold War. The second lifted science from its terrestrial limits. The final continued the work of Eisenhower (and ultimately Lincoln), corralling an ugly sentiment of racism and bigotry with federal strength.

BY JACINTA DYKE
STAFF WRITER 

On Friday, Nov. 22, Children of the Lord's Superheroes Dance rescued Franciscan University of Steubenville students from the true villain: a boring Friday night.

The dance began at 8 p.m. with about 10 people. But as the night progressed, more than 50 superheroes, civilians and even villains flocked into the J.C. Williams Center to liven up the dance floor.

Casey Boerner, a co-coordinator of Children of the Lord, explained the household's inspiration for this "crazy fun dance idea," she said.

"A lot of people in our household like superheroes," Boerner said. "For example, in the household Olympics, our two teams were the 'Avengers of the Lord' and the 'Justice League of the Lord.' It's kind of like our theme for this year."

BY KATHLEEN STUBBS
STAFF WRITER  

Nicholas Will seeks to teach sacred music students all they need to know about leading music, including the non-musical skills they will need in their careers.

As a professor, Will conducts Franciscan University of Steubenville's two choirs, the Schola Cantorum Franciscana and the Franciscan University Chorale, and teaches various courses in the sacred music program. Will also serves as the director of music at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Carnegie, Penn.

A graduate of Duquesne University and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Will recently became a full-time teacher at Franciscan. However, he has been involved with Franciscan's sacred music program for a few years.

Will has worked with Franciscan's two choirs as an accompanist and presented a guest lecture this past spring in a conducting class, speaking about life as a parish musician and aspects of leading music at a parish. Through his interaction with the University, Will became familiar with the high quality of Franciscan's sacred music program and was impressed with the achievements of both choirs and the alumni of the program.

"When the position came open, I naturally wanted to become a professor in the sacred music program (of Franciscan University)," said Will.

BY LAUREN RAMSEYER
STAFF WRITER  

When students fail to devote time to personal prayer, it is an indication of a shallow life in the Lord, said Joanne Storm on the evening of Nov. 18 at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Storm is a professor of mental health and human services at Franciscan University. She spoke to a small group of students at an event sponsored by the Warriors of the Word household.

The first beatitude, "blessed are the poor in spirit," is really a gateway to the rest of the Beatitudes, said Storm.

"The idea that you have to be dependent on the Lord and trust in the Lord is the (Beatitude) that makes the other Beatitudes possible," said Storm. "Saying 'yes' to God not only transforms us, but it transforms the whole world."

Storm has noticed two things on campus that show how students tend to fight against this poverty of spirit: a lack of prayer and the illusion of never having enough or needing more to be happy.