Grace is a 17-year-old junior at East Knox, and she takes on the role of young Scout in the show. An older version of Scout—Jean Louise—helps tell the story, but Grace says her focus has been figuring out how to bring that younger perspective to life. That’s meant thinking and reacting more like a kid who’s still trying to understand everything going on around her.
She says one of the things she likes most about Scout is how honest she is. Scout says what she’s thinking, asks questions, and doesn’t really hold back. That plays into one of Grace’s favorite moments in the show—the final scene—when Scout begins to see Boo Radley in a different light and realizes she may have had him all wrong.
This is Grace’s 12th production, and she says Beauty and the Beast has been one of her favorites over the years. Even though she plans to pursue a career as a forensic investigator, she still hopes to stay involved in theater when she can.
She also says the cast has made this experience especially memorable. Even with the heavier themes in the show, there’s been a lot of fun behind the scenes, and she’s enjoyed getting to know everyone.
Grace says if someone is thinking about trying theater, they should go for it. Each show is a chance to learn something new and get a little better.
Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.
Click HERE for more information or to buy tickets!
Abby’s path to MVNU came after moving from Augusta, Georgia to Ohio during high school. After visiting campus and connecting with faculty, she knew MVNU was the right fit—moving into her dorm the same day her family moved into their Ohio home.
She arrived undeclared but found her direction, becoming a double major in Communications and Digital Media while also adding English. Along the way, she became deeply involved with WNZR—working afternoon drive, summer staff, marketing photography, and serving as Station Operations Assistant. She also played a key role with the Lakeholm Viewer as editor, helping shape its creative direction.
Abby says one of her biggest takeaways has been learning how to build one-on-one connections and step into leadership, even as someone who considers herself naturally shy. Through her work, she’s grown in confidence and learned to trust both her ideas and her team.
Some of her favorite memories include Lifeline and the strong support from the community, along with unique classroom experiences like an honors “Zombies” course that brought creativity to life in a fun way.
As graduation approaches, Abby says it’s bittersweet. She was recently named Outstanding Staff Member of the Lakeholm Viewer and is grateful for the impact MVNU has had on her life. After graduation, she plans to stay in Mount Vernon and work in ministry with Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center.
She asks for prayer as she steps into this next season—seeking clarity and a continued opportunity to honor God in all she does.
Isaiah is from Butler, Ohio, and says MVNU had always been on his radar. His dad is a graduate, and growing up, Isaiah spent time on campus attending different events. When he heard about the communications program, it felt like a natural fit—even though he admits he wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do at first.
That started to change during his freshman year. After taking Intro to Radio, Isaiah was on the air the very next semester. He says if he could go back and do it all over again, he would in a heartbeat.
During his time with WNZR, Isaiah stayed busy. He worked as an on-air DJ, helped with the video crew, and was involved with Lifeline. Along the way, he learned how to communicate, work as a team, and help run events and fundraisers.
One of his favorite memories is Lifeline itself. Isaiah says the support from upperclassmen and seniors made a big difference, helping calm nerves and build confidence as he stepped into that experience.
Another standout moment goes back to his freshman year during Homecoming weekend. Isaiah helped with eight different events and had the chance to connect with alumni—something he says helped him feel even more a part of the MVNU community.
Looking ahead, Isaiah says he would love to pursue something in journalism or sports photography. He enjoys writing and telling stories, and as he takes the next step, he simply asks for prayer and clarity about what’s ahead.
Ian brings nearly 40 years of theater experience, both on stage and behind the scenes, and says this role gave him the opportunity to step outside his usual comedic characters and take on something much darker. He describes Bob Ewell as the story’s main antagonist—a man driven by attention and influence, no matter the cost.
To prepare, Ian focuses on understanding the character’s motivations and letting the script guide his performance. He says he enjoys how the character is written and hopes audiences clearly see that personality come to life on stage.
Ian has appeared in productions like A Few Good Men, Shrek, and Mary Poppins, and says what keeps him coming back is the audience reaction—whether it’s laughter, surprise, or strong emotional responses.
He also highlights working alongside the cast, especially Jeff Scott as Atticus Finch, saying their courtroom scenes feel like a true clash between good and evil.
Ian says audiences can expect a faithful and powerful retelling of To Kill a Mockingbird, tackling themes of justice, family, and moral responsibility. He encourages others to get involved in theater, whether on stage or behind the scenes, and says seeing a live performance—especially with familiar faces—offers a unique experience.
Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.
Naomi is from Circleville, Ohio, and says MVNU had been on her radar for a long time. Growing up, she heard about the university often through her Nazarene church, which made the decision to come here feel like a natural one.
She’s a Graphic Design major with a minor in Communications—something that fits her well. Naomi says she’s always been creative and enjoyed making things, even contributing graphics to her high school yearbook. So pursuing graphic design in college just made sense.
That creativity carried over into her work at WNZR. Naomi applied to be the station’s graphic designer last year and has been part of the team ever since. Along with her design work, she’s also been on-air and involved with the video team—helping with graphics, cameras, and production as needed.
When it comes to sports, Naomi says football is her favorite overall, but she especially enjoys being part of WNZR’s basketball streams.
Looking back, one of her favorite memories is simple—being at block party, enjoying free food, and spending time with friends.
As graduation approaches, Naomi says her next steps include staying on campus through May, attending CMB Momentum, and continuing the job search over the summer. She’s also considering a possible internship in Florida.
As she looks ahead, Naomi asks for prayers—for clarity, direction, and trust in what God has next, both for her and for her family back home.
Traven grew up right here in Mount Vernon and says coming to MVNU was largely about one thing: getting the chance to be on WNZR, a station he’d been listening to for nearly a decade.
Now a Communications and Digital Media major, he’s spent the past three years doing just that. You’ve likely heard him on-air as a DJ, or behind the scenes helping with events, games, and summer shifts. For the past two years, he’s also served as Music Director—something he didn’t originally expect.
Traven thought he might go into production, but after a conversation, Marcy saw leadership potential and tapped him for the Music Director role. It’s an experience he says helped him better understand how a radio station operates day-to-day.
Looking back, Traven says it’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone. One of his favorite memories is freshman year—meeting people in the department and finally getting to live out his childhood dream of being a DJ. He even remembers calling into the radio as an 8-year-old and being thrilled just to be part of it.
There are also some unforgettable moments along the way—like the 2024 Dog Parade, when a storm rolled in right before things started. Traven laughs about scrambling to dump water out of the tent and getting soaked, but still having a great time.
As Music Director, he’s enjoyed working with artists like TobyMac and for KING & COUNTRY, while also helping introduce new music to listeners.
Next up, Traven is looking toward a career in video editing—something he’s loved even longer than radio. As he starts that job search, he’s asking for prayers and direction for what’s ahead.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sits down with Dr. Carson Castleman for the latest MVNU Update, and as the semester winds down, there’s a mix of celebration, momentum, and a look ahead.
Dr. Castleman shares a personal highlight to start—the arrival of his new granddaughter, Nora Gene—while also looking forward to wrapping up the spring semester and a well-earned break for students and staff.
Before that, MVNU is preparing for a full graduation weekend on May 8th and 9th, including a ribbon cutting, baccalaureate, the President’s Dessert Reception, and commencement. Reverend Nathan Ward will speak at baccalaureate, and Dr. Randle Davie will deliver the commencement address. The weekend will also include special recognitions like honorary doctorates and the Service Above Self award.
Dr. Castleman says the university continues to see encouraging growth, with strong enrollment trends and a welcoming campus environment. Academically, MVNU is exploring new graduate programs through CAPS, including a Doctor of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Education, while the College of Arts and Sciences looks ahead to a possible Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
Over the summer, several campus projects are planned—from apartment air conditioning upgrades to continued chapel renovations and general maintenance—alongside camps and district events.
Looking ahead, MVNU is also preparing for future enrollment cycles and an upcoming 2028 accreditation review, with Dr. Castleman noting continued progress in fulfilling the university’s mission.
He closes with a simple message: “Well done” to students, encouragement for faculty and staff to rest, and a reminder to graduates from Habakkuk 1:5 to stay open to what God is doing next.
Jeff Scott returns to the stage as Atticus Finch in MTVArts’ To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House. He shares with WNZR why this iconic role—and its message about doing the right thing—still matters today.
WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Jeff Scott, who is stepping into the role of Atticus Finch in MTVArts’ upcoming production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.
Jeff has lived in Mount Vernon since 2011 and serves as Executive Director of the Knox County Foundation. While he was involved in theater in college, he took nearly a 30-year break before returning to the stage in recent years.
He says Atticus is both iconic and challenging—a character defined by integrity and a commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. Preparing for the role has meant learning a large number of lines and leaning on his familiarity with the story. Jeff says some of his favorite moments are the quieter scenes with Scout and Jem, which connect with him personally as a father.
Jeff has also enjoyed working with the young cast members, building relationships that help those family moments feel natural on stage. His own children have been involved with MTVArts for years, and he’s appeared in productions like The Sound of Music, Our Town, and A Few Good Men. For him, theater provides a creative outlet and a sense of balance.
Audiences can expect a faithful adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, tackling themes of racism, injustice, and courage, while still offering a message of hope. Jeff says that message—doing the right thing even when it’s hard—still resonates today.
Performances will be held Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodward Opera House.
Grief has a way of changing everything—and for many families in our community, it’s a reality they’re learning to live with each day. In the middle of that journey, a group called Common Ground is offering something simple but powerful: a place to come together, share, and be reminded that no one has to walk through loss alone.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently sat down with Kathy Wantland, Kathleen Swanger, and Wendi Lahmon—three women who know that journey firsthand and are now helping others navigate it together.
Common Ground is a support group that meets the second Tuesday of every month, focused on those grieving the loss of loved ones—especially parents who have lost children. The group began last year after Kathy Wantland lost her son. In the midst of her own grief, she felt a calling to create a space where others could come together, share, and simply not feel alone.
Kathleen Swanger, a licensed social worker with a background in hospice care, helped shape that vision. Having walked through the loss of her own son, Kevin, nearly 5 years ago, she understood the importance of connection. She shared that one of the biggest needs in grief is knowing that someone else understands—because every story is different, but the pain is something many share.
Wendi Lahmon echoed that sentiment. After losing both her husband, Tim, and her son Ryan, she says the support she’s found has been essential. She shared Ryan’s story—how he pushed through life after a devastating construction accident left him paralyzed, how he rebuilt his life in Florida, and how unexpectedly, a pulmonary embolism took him far too soon. Wendi was there through those final moments, and she says the days that followed were filled with both heartbreak and incredible support from others.
That’s what Common Ground is all about.
It’s a place where people can come as they are—where it’s okay to cry, okay to be vulnerable, and okay to not have all the answers. The group emphasizes confidentiality and compassion. There’s no pressure to speak—just the opportunity to listen, to share, and to be surrounded by people who truly understand.
Faith has also played a role for many in the group. Kathleen shared how prayer and reading the Psalms helped carry her through the darkest days, reminding her that even in loss, there is still purpose. Wendi admitted there were moments of anger in her grief—but even in those moments, she found that God never left her.
The support doesn’t stop at the monthly meetings. Kathy also offers additional connection opportunities, including a summer restaurant gathering (currently on break) and personal conversations for anyone who needs to talk. She emphasizes that grief can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.
The next Common Ground meeting is set for May 12th at 6 p.m. at Newlife Community Church, located at 9955 Mount Gilead Road in Fredericktown. There’s no sign-up required—just show up.
Beyond the group, these women are also helping bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. A 5K/10K run is planned for September 12th at 5 p.m. at Ariel Park, followed by a memorial to honor lives lost and remind others that help is available. They’re also involved in community outreach events like First Fridays and the Rod Masters Car Show, where proceeds go toward suicide awareness efforts.
At its heart, Common Ground is exactly what the name suggests—a place where people can meet in the middle of their grief, find connection, and begin to heal together.
Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can hear is this: you’re not alone.
Click HERE on how you can find out more through the New Life Community Church in Fredericktown.
Rise and Shine 