Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer - The Auburn Plainsman

Contributed by Sophia Aulisio

Identities

Sophia Aulisio and Thomas Lester: Two students inventing their own paths

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 25

Sophia Aulisio and Thomas Lester, two Auburn University students, have successfully made new products within the past year. They were also featured in the 2025 Inno Under 25 of the Birmingham Business Journal. With Aulisio’s volleyball gear and Lester’s instant-heat coffee, they are changing the world, one idea at a time.

Inside The Auburn Popcorn Company on Nov. 11, 2025.

Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor

Lifestyle

Pop on in to The Auburn Popcorn Company

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 18

Since opening in 2017, The Auburn Popcorn Company has been gracing downtown Auburn's presence with freshly popped popcorn. With about 14 different flavors, there is a salty and sweet treat for everyone who ventures into the store.

A stylish interior features a dark tiled wall, illuminated sign reading "Olivine," lush green plants, and plush seating.

Wyatt Loftin | Photographer

Lifestyle

Exclusive look at Olivine, downtown Auburn's new rooftop restaurant

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 14

The new rooftop bar and restaurant Olivine hosted an exclusive first look on the evening of Nov. 13. Auburn’s newest rooftop experience offers a menu inspired by Italian cuisine mixed with Southern charm. Although opening officially on Nov. 19, Olivine invited a select few to an exclusive fine dining experience.

A small black dog with expressive eyes and slightly raised ears sits on a soft, patterned blanket.

Roxy Duda | Photographer

Lifestyle

Where every paw matters: The heart of the CARE Humane Society

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 12

For 51 years, the CARE Humane Society has been dedicated to serving the community by sheltering cats and dogs and promoting the humane treatment of animals. The shelter first started as a volunteer establishment, but has grown into an animal shelter that strives to find a home for every adoptable animal.

A woman in a white dress with floral embellishments joyfully holds a pom-pom in front of a red brick building.

Lifestyle

In memory of Lainey Anderson

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 9

Filled with overflowing kindness and a welcoming spirit, Lainey Anderson made an effort to spread love wherever she went. During her time at Auburn, she was dedicated to including everyone at the table, while being a constant friend in her relationships. Anderson graduated from Auburn this past May with a degree in professional flight from the School of Aviation with a minor in finance. She was also a certified flight instructor at Sander’s Aviation in Jasper, Alabama.

A colorful children's book titled "Andy: A Dog's Tale" features a cheerful cartoon dog on the cover, with multiple copies stacked below it.

Contributed by Tami Kelly

Lifestyle

Award-winning animation director Jamy Wheless introduces newest character at Auburn Public Library

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 8

Animator, veteran of Lucasfilm, director and Auburn University alumnus Jamy Wheless hosted an event at the Auburn Public Library on Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. to introduce one of his newest characters: Andy the future service dog. Andy made his debut in a short film directed by Wheless and is now the star of a brand-new children’s book based on the film.

Mia Stamey | Graphics Editor

Lifestyle

The scariest movie of all time: A review of Friedkin's 'The Exorcist'

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | October 25

Once hailed as "the scariest movie of all time," William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” follows the paranormal possession of a young girl and the lengths her worried mother goes to help her. Throughout the movie, Regan (Linda Blair) starts behaving strangely, developing symptoms such as vulgar outbursts, grotesque physical transformations and violent behavior. While I did not necessarily find it scary, the practical effects, the story and the incredible performance by Blair really sold the film for me. It is a movie that just feels evil, with its disturbing scenes and the sinister energy that the young girl possesses.

Contributed by Joshua Race

Lifestyle

Auburn music education student named to Yamaha’s 40 Under 40

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | October 14

Joshua Race, an Auburn grad student and full-time band director in Fountain, Colo., was recently named to Yamaha’s 40 Under 40, a list that recognizes young music educators for their outstanding work. Currently enrolled online at Auburn University pursuing his specialist in education degree, Race spends most of his time teaching his band students using metacognitive strategies.

Sammy Elfanbaum, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Post Sex Nachos, performs the headlining set at AubFest VII on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Contributed by Carrington Allen

Lifestyle

AubFest VII presents a weekend of art, music and fun

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor and Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | October 5

From Oct. 3 to Oct. 5, AubFest hosted an estimated 1,200 attendees for its seventh edition at the local ATV park, Boggin’ On The Plains. Tickets for the biannual festival’s largest year yet sold for $30 online and included access to camping, food trucks, retail vendors and over 30 performances and the headliner, Post Sex Nachos.

Contributed by Carter Zane

Lifestyle

Amped up for AubFest: Upcoming DIY music festival is back and bigger than ever

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | September 26

The seventh edition of AubFest will return from Oct. 3 to 5 at Boggin’ On The Plains, a local ATV recreation park. Hosted twice a year, the local DIY, music festival highlights regional bands and performers of all backgrounds and genres, while offering a place where the community can come together.