If you have ever been walking around Avila's campus and heard a beautiful heavenly sound coming from a piano, its probably being played by Javon Goodman. The infamous pianist has only been playing the piano for a year but from listening to him play you'd think he has many years of experience. Javon's love for playing music roots back to when he was a kid listening to artists such as Ray Charles, Charles Mingus, and Oscar Peterson. Javon says that he is a bit of an old soul because not many kids at the age of ten listened to Doo-wop, Old Blues, and Free Jazz like he did. All of these genres of music are what laid the path for Javon's music career. While Javon isn't playing the piano he devotes his time to being a football player but don't let Javon's ability to play beautiful music distract you from his aggressive ball carrying skills on the field. Javon plays the full back position here at Avila where he plows through defenders and makes key blocks. Football is very important to Javon and is one of the big reasons why he is here at Avila. Balancing school work, social life, and football Javon seems to always take time out of his day to play the piano or pick up one of his many guitars to create musical perfection for all to hear. Music is a great way for Javon to release the many stresses of a typical college student and uses music to display his creative side. When Javon isn't busy on the weekends he goes and plays for his church along side his father who sings, with both of their talents they bring together congregations of people to rejoice their faith. If you are ever in Goppert theater or passing through the chapel and see or hear Javon playing don't be afraid to take some time out of your day to stop and listen to the wonderful sounds Javon has to offer, you won't regret it.
Finally, He did it. Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar for his performance in the Revenant. In the film Leonardo portrays an American frontiersman who is left behind by his brothers after being attacked by a bear while on an expedition. This riveting role earned Leonardo his first Oscar for actor in a leading role. This was a huge win for not only Leonardo but the fans as well, Previously Leonardo had been nominated 5 times for his roles in The Aviator, Blood Diamond, Wolf of Wall Street, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape where he he played many diverse roles that many think he deserved to win. This was a long time coming for this 41 year old actor and In his case the 6th time was the charm. As his name was called to receive the award many knew that he would have a lot to say about the hardship of making the film and of course all of the thank you's that follow but no one was expecting what Leonardo ended on.
Leonardo on the Red Carpet Photo: Jason Merrit
After all recognition was rightfully given Leonardo went to the subject of climate change. The Revenant is a film that shows the connection between man and nature, Leonardo's experiences while making this film opened up his eyes to the real world problem of global warming that he explained by stating "Our Production team needed to go to the southern tip of this planet just to be able to find snow; climate change is real and it is happening right now. " If this doesn't open every human being's eyes there is a serious problem. Leonardo goes on to say that we all should support world leaders who do not support polluters and big corporations. This speech brings our worldly predicament to light and is meant to stop the procrastination and carelessness when dealing with our environment. Climate change isn't something we can't talk about or shove to the side, if we do not take actions to change our ways we will put the future of humanity in jeopardy.
