Amarillo College's News Source Since 1930 acranger.com
Volume 91, Issue 11
May 6, 2021
Brittani McGhee
Garrett Miller
Graduation speakers selected By RAYGAN LOPEZ Page Editor
Amarillo College officials have chosen two students to speak at the 2021 commencement ceremonies May 14 at the Hodgetown Stadium. “We want the ceremony to be about students,” Bob Austin, the vice president of enrollment management, said. “We want students to know how much we appreciate them. And that’s why we try to choose one of their peers to deliver the commencement address,” Austin said. Brittani McGhee, an associate degree nursing major will speak at the health services, industry and public service graduation ceremony at 3 p.m. “I’m a get-it-done type of person. Do what you have to do however you have to do it,” McGhee said. “I like to think of myself as somebody who is extremely determined. I’m very ambitious. I might have experienced some stuff but I’m not
going to let that stop me. I keep going,” she said. Although McGhee has faced many challenges she maintained her faith and pushed through her struggles. “Sometimes it’s timing. I feel like God gave me another assignment. I may have wanted to do it at a particular time but at the time my assignment was school or taking care of my family or whatever I had to do,” McGhee said. When McGhee received the confirmation call to give the commencement speech she said she was a little overwhelmed but also teary eyed. “People always say that I speak well and communicate well but I had never been selected on such a magnitude before,” she said. Garrett Miller, a business administration major, will speak at the business, CIS, creative arts, education, liberal arts, STEM and general studies ceremony at 7 p.m. “My first reaction was a little bit nervous but I was very excited of course. But I love
getting in front of people and being in that position,” Miller said. Miller spent his time at AC as a Presidential Scholar, an officer of the Student Government Association and the founder and president of AC’s Rotaract club. He describes himself as a community servant. “I hope my peers see me as a friend and hopefully as a leader,” Miller said. “I’ve always learned and grown up to provide myself as a servant leader. So I hope that they see me as such,” he said. Both speakers said they plan to give speeches that emphasize the adversities everyone has faced during the past year, but also that the difficulties were surpassed. “It’s not over yet. These next years in our lives will bring about their own struggles and that is where success is derived through,” Miller said. “And from that comes wisdom. We begin to build ourselves much stronger than we could ever imagine.”
Campus faces enrollment decrease, budget cuts By RAYGAN LOPEZ Page Editor
Amarillo College is facing budget cuts due to a drop in the number of students attending. “We lost 8% of our enrollment and are projected to lose $2 million in state funding over the next two years as a result,” Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, president of AC, said. Lowery-Hart said the
budget cut will have no effect on students, instruction or staff. The decrease was simply due to the pandemic and its influence on enrollment. “We’ve found ways to ensure the budget cuts do not affect our current employees or our current services to students. It shouldn’t mean anything for our future programs. We will move forward with the programs we have and hopefully
Illustration by SIDNEY WEST | The Ranger
even add something that will grow our enrollment and budgets over the next three years,” Lowery-Hart said. The college is starting several new degrees and certificates. “New programs include VFX, film performance, motion picture production and construction trades/ carpentry,” Frank Sobey, associate vice president of academic affairs, said. Sobey said mortuary science, medical data specialist and pharmacy tech will be closing. The dental assisting program will be deactivated as well. “For each of these programs, the decision to close or deactivate was not a result of budget constraints. No new student cohorts will be accepted. However, current students who are already admitted in these programs will have the opportunity to complete,” Sobey said. Sobey said the chosen programs were being closed due to low enrollment, the opportunities or lack thereof provided to students and via-
bility of programs. “The mortuary science program is closing due to losing its accreditation through the American Board of Funeral Service Education in summer 2020. The medical data specialist program historically has been a small program that no longer meets healthcare needs,” Sobey said. Sobey said the pharmacy tech program has also been historically small and is no longer necessary as there are other options for students to become certified pharmacy technicians. However the dental assistant program is being deactivated because of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners not requiring formal education to work as a dental assistant. “As a community college, particularly one focused on student success, our goal especially for our workforce programs is to give students the ability to find a high or living wage job,” Sobey said. Lowery-Hart said students shouldn’t see any direct impact of the budget cuts.
AC has been preparing for cuts and some CARES ACT funds to help other shortfalls. “We’ve done this by having departments cut their budget by 5%. We are not cutting any personnel,” Chris Sharp, vice president of business affairs, said. “Categories such as travel, supplies, alterations and improvements are areas that we’ve cut. We’re awaiting word from the state as to how much our funding will be for the next two years. We’ll budget for the worst and see where our numbers settle from the state,” Sharp said. Ultimately the decisions being made are with hopes of benefiting current and future students of AC, Lowery-Hart said. “With the vaccine, students will feel more comfortable coming back to Amarillo College. I am confident in our future and am not panicked about our budgets because we’ve been so financially effective,” Lowery-Hart said.
May 6, 2021
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER AC? JOSHUA PAVEZ Chemistry
“Transfer to University of Texas Austin so I can earn my PhD in Chemistry. I want to become a chemical engineer. I want to get rich, that’s the goal.” SHAWN McCREA | The Ranger
HERNAN HERNANDEZ Graphic Design
“I want to leave town in search of a job for graphic design. If not I want to open a comic book store and eventually write my own comics. I then want to become an animator.”
UZIEL MACIAS
Computer Intelligence Systems “I want to finish my IT Tech career and have a shot at the entertainment industry to capture the 806 culture. Amarillo needs more exposure to influence the youth in a positive way.”
Altered smells, tastes after COVID-19 aaap
OPINION
By DANIEL PINEDA Staff Reporter
When I tested positive for COVID-19, I experienced mild symptoms. The strongest symptom that I felt was fatigue and anosmia. I did not give much thought at the time, since most people recovered a week later. After months of not being able to smell or taste food, I thought I started to recover when I was able to perceive faint smells. This didn’t last as I noticed things didn’t smell like they should. The Texas Health Department told me that the anosmia could last up to three months. As time went on my sense of smell wasn’t getting better. By Christmas time, I no longer had an appetite. The only thing that seemed to help was adding chile to meals, so that I could at least have the sensation of spiciness. Despite not being able to enjoy my meals, I could still eat. In a period of two weeks, I went from not being able to smell anything
Editor-in-Chief Caylee Hanna
Design Manager Shawn McCrea
Online Editor Alyssa Fant
Columnists
Raygan Lopez, Sidney West
to constantly smelling foul stenches everywhere. My anosmia had turned into parosmia. Food that I had been able to eat during the first few months after having COVID, had become intolerable. Here are a few examples of what I mean; fried foods make me feel as if I’m about to vomit, chile tastes like rotten onions or garlic, tortillas taste like an old, soggy piece of bread and chicken and bread have smells so odd that I don’t even know how to describe them. Being Mexican, tortillas are a basic yet huge part of my diet and it is depressing not being able to stomach them because of the smell and taste. Despite my problems with smell and taste for almost six months now, I am grateful for never experiencing serious symptoms. Some smells and tastes are slowly coming back and becoming a little bit more normal. The only thing I can do is to be patient and wait until at least things go back to, somewhat, normal.
Page Editors
Cailey Dinga, Ruth Lerma, Raygan Lopez, Jessika Fulton, Dave Clayton
Graphic Designers
Dave Clayton, Shawn McCrea, Sidney West
Photographers
Jessika Fulton, Shawn McCrea
For a complete staff listing, visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, videos at therangereditor@gmail.com. The Ranger is an independent student publication. Material published in the Ranger does not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or employees.
Grad reflects on time at AC OPINION By CAYLEE HANNA Editor-in-Chief
Change is something that I’ve always had a difficult time with. Some changes in my life have made me feel like I’m on top of the world, while other changes in my life have forced me to take a step back and evaluate how I should handle the situations that I am put through. My time at Amarillo College has changed my life for the better. My college journey started off with a major change. Originally I wanted to begin my college experience at West Texas A&M University. Many of my friends were planning on attending college at WT and I wanted to experience this journey with them at the same university. However, I made the decision to begin my journey at AC because I have the ACE scholarship and it covers everything for my classes at AC, whereas at WT I would have to pay for the things that my scholarship did not cover. I could not have made a better decision for myself at that time. I have had many opportunities at AC that I could not have received anywhere else. One of the opportunities
that I was given at AC was to join the presidential scholars program. This program pushed me to do my best academically and helped me meet amazing people along the way. Lesley Ingham was always by my side when life would get rough and now I have someone in my life that I know I can always count on. If I never went to AC then I never would’ve met people like her and I can not thank them enough. To name a few more impactful people in my life that I met at AC, I definitely have to include Jill Gibson and Maddisun Fowler. They recruited me to become part of student media and I have gained so much from this experience. I received work experience in the media industry as well as the opportunity to come up with ideas for projects and be able to actually do them. It’s important to be involved on campus and I’m lucky that student media was the reason I was involved. Being on student media also allowed me to work on the newspaper staff as well as the magazine staff. I started on the magazine staff as a page editor, but I was able to work my way up to assistant editor by
my second semester. When I joined the newspaper staff I was a page editor and staff reporter with no interest in becoming the editor-in-chief, but after a few semesters of growth and leadership I knew that it wasn’t something that I couldn’t handle. In fact, I wanted nothing more than to become the editor. Being the editor for The Ranger has made me realize how important it is to stay on top of my work and to communicate with my coworkers better. Even though life got stressful at times and I struggled, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. Looking back at the last two years of my life has made me realize how far I have come. When I started my degree I didn’t know what I was doing and where my journey was going to take me, but thanks to AC I now know what my plan is and I cannot be more appreciative. My next step is transferring to WT where I’m sure I will receive many more amazing opportunities. This new change is extremely nerve wracking because I love AC so much, but I am excited to see where my college career will take me.
Our confidence was stolen OPINION By ALEJANDA GARCIA Staff Reporter
Confidence, I believe we all had it at one point. As kids, the ability to climb to the top of an old tree or the courage of riding that bike again with scrapped knees, was never questioned. We were quick to raise our hands in class and always said yes to the wildest antics in the playground. Yet, we’ve turned into adults that fear putting ourselves out there. Over the years, we had something or someone change our minds and steal our fire. I say it is time to take it back. We have the ability to do it ourselves and we shouldn’t rely on anyone else to make us feel as good as we deserve. It’s important to understand where low self-esteem may come from. According to “Psychology Today,” trauma, conflict with authoritative figures
and bullying are amongst the list of possible reasons for a damaging mindset and other mental health issues. I do not believe medicine is the way to cure these diseases. Although I understand that some people need antidepressants or other medications, I think we must stop trying to apply Band-Aids to the issue. As a society, we have been conditioned to believe there’s a pill for everything versus confronting the main issue head on. It has become popular to victimize ourselves. We see it in movies, television shows and the books we read. We hear about it in music and it’s become second nature to compare ourselves to others on social media. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve struggled with issues like these and much of it was due to the environment around
me. I finally realized that some people would rather see me talk down on myself than to feel accomplished. I would concentrate on the negative until it consumed me, which according to “Psychology Today,” is normal. The brain is naturally wired to focus on the negative in order to avoid harm, but the problem lies when it forgets to relax. I believe we all have the ability to accomplish big things. We are more than the boundaries we set for ourselves. Start that business, wear that dress or make the first move; quit thinking you’re not enough. Let go of the people that don’t want to grow with you and most importantly, give yourself a chance. Say affirmations, talk to a professional or do whatever is needed to find love in yourself again.
May 6, 2021
COURTESY PHOTOS
New regents elected John Betancourt
Anette Carlisle
By CAYLEE HANNA Editor-in-chief
The Amarillo College board of regents recently elected three members during May’s general election. Anette Carlisle, John Betancourt and Peggy Carter Thomas will be joining Jay Barrett, Michele Fortunato, Sally Jennings, Johnny Mize, Paul Proffer and David Woodburn on the board. This information about the newly elected members can be found on the League of Women Voters of Texas’ nonpartisan voters guide
Carlisle is a re-elected member of the board and has served for the past six years. She believes that funding is a pressing issue at AC and that building the workforce to be innovative and adaptable, knowledgeable in tech and data use and versatile in their skills would be beneficial. Carlisle wants to continue to make AC one of the premiere locations in Texas and the nation, and one of her goals is to help grow the levels of educational attainment for the populations that AC serves. She would also like to build additional supports to
get students to and through to completion so that they can support themselves as well as their families. Betancourt is an AC alumni who has also attended Wayland Baptist University. He is a former School Board Trustee for Amarillo ISD as well. An issue that is facing AC in his opinion is that many students are one crisis away from dropping out of college. He believes that it is important for the college to continue to provide services to students in order to assist them in their academic success to ensure graduation completion.
Renovation plans Departments on the move By DANIEL PINEDA Staff Reporter
Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus will begin to see some changes in its department locations over the summer. The art department will move from Russell Hall to the basement of the College Union Building, resulting in the temporary relocation of the student life department. Danny Smith, the master plan program manager, said that construction and renovations on Russell Hall will begin soon. “Student life was scheduled to move into Russell Hall. That changed and student services is going to move into Russell Hall, so we can provide a ‘front door’ for them,” Smith Said. “A lot of the people going to student services are going there for their first time to enroll or other various first-time events and we hope this will make that experience much easier for them,” He said. Smith also added that the goal is to have all art facul-
ty moved over to the CUB by August, so that they can start teaching classes for the fall semester. Construction on Russell Hall is expected to begin in the fall with an estimated construction length of 12 months and moving in student services in the fall of 2022. Stephanie Jung, an instructor of visual arts, said she is both sad about the move and excited for what’s to come. “A few weeks ago, a former student dropped by and we sat together in our current painting studio and reminisced about all the great times we had in that room. My best teaching experiences so far happened in that room, so it’s hard to let it go,” Jung said. However, Jung said she is pleased with the new plan and hopes that the new location attracts more attention to the program. “The new design will include four studios and excavating a kiln yard for ceramics at the basement level, which will border 24th Street, so it will change the look of the CUB a lot,” Jung said.
In addition, student life has had to temporarily move out of the CUB and into the fourth floor of the R.E. Byrd Business Building, until their final relocation in the current Student Services Center. Amber Hamilton, director of student life, said that despite the relocation, the move hasn’t affected student life as much due to many events being virtual and students not on campus. “We won’t see what that would look like until the fall when students are back and we’re back in full swing. I think with this space we got we’re going to be able to make it work, and still operate and execute all of our programs and our events and I think we’re going to see some positive changes this coming year,” Hamilton said. After student services moves into Russell Hall, construction of the new student life will begin in the old student services building around late fall of 2022 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023 or early 2024.
Peggy Carter Thomas
He pledges to bring more diversity and inclusion to the board as well as ensuring that every decision made is based on what suits the students and faculty better. Betancourt also wants to focus on implementing degree programs and certificates that will benefit the future workforce of Amarillo. Thomas believes that education attainment, low enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state funding insecurity, keeping construction programs within the budget and the integration of coding and
technology into existing and future programs and A.A.S. degrees are issues that AC is facing. Her goals are to continue traditions at AC, improve outcomes and keep taxes at the current rate. She would also like to reflect the values of the community as well as find creative solutions for AC. Thomas wants to maximize the positive impact of sports on campus on enrollment, retention and funding for all students. Another one of her goals is to support and retain the best professors on campus.
Weighing in on mask wearing By ALYSSA FANT Online Editor
For the past year, masks have been a requirement on all Amarillo College campuses. On April 26, all that changed. Masks are now optional for AC students and faculty, so the question is, will people continue to wear a mask to school, or go the rest of the semester mask-free? Many faculty members said they are greatly concerned for the safety of the people on campus and will continue to wear a mask. “If I am in a group setting indoors I will wear my mask,” said Julie Beyer, the Nursing Resource Center supervisor. “I am surprised that it is optional with a few weeks left in the semester.” Several students also said they feel that masks are just as important now as ever. “My little brother’s school is still doing masks and students are still getting COVID,” aid Kylie Reep, a sonography major. she thinks it’s disrespectful for some of her classmates to come to school without wearing a mask. She said she wishes that everyone could have the chance to go places even if they needed to have a mask on. “I’m so glad we get to
go to school. I want to experience college and not be on a screen.” Some AC students and staff said they are pleased the mask requirement has ended. “I will probably bring a mask just in case,” said Kate Pybus, a mass media major. “I’m honestly more scared of the judgment I will face if I don’t wear one. I also don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but I think it’s good to let people choose.” Many said the people agree that allowing masks to be optional is the most ethical choice. “Making masks optional is an idea that affirms individual freedom,” said Macy Kohler, an algebra instructor. “Our country affirms and values the individual freedoms of its citizens.” Kohler said she believes that to make a blanket mandate on all citizens in every place to do a certain thing, no matter what that thing is, inherently takes away the freedoms that are affirmed in this country. “I support masks being optional. For those who wish to wear a mask, it is their individual freedom to do so. For those who do not wish to wear a mask, it is their individual freedom to choose not to,” Kohler said.
May 5, 2021
Spring 2021 Graduates English AA Drayden J. Hill Tecoa S. Jewell Victoria M. Cano Art - Graphic Design AAS Sergio A. Gutierrez Jr. Michelle Martinez Russell W. McGaha Kajana J. Wallace Associate Degree Nursing AAS Desaree A. Armijo Leticia J. Arreola Julianne Arroyos Nikeol C. Bartosiewicz Madison P. Brass Sara Bustos Ashley B. Butler Peggy M. Cave Anaisa Cedillo Priscilla M. Charles Tiffany M. Cruz Jordan P. Davis Genaro J. Deleon III Audriana D. Dominguez Vicky A. Encinias Maria L. Figueroa Kallie N. Garcia Karenjoy C. Gaylor Tyler S. Gilliland Jake A. Gonzales Lisa M. Grisham Brenda Hernandez Stephanie E. Hernandez Ashleigh N. Hinton Kimberly A. Huval Gabriella M. Jimenez Callie R. Kerby Jeremy T. Latham Iris Lujan Gwendoline K. Manka Mayra I. Marquez Morgan E. Martin Jacqueline R. Mata Austin G. McDonald Brittani J. McGhee-Smith Melissa M. McMann Joey D. Medart LaShonte D. Montague Sierra Moos Amanda N. Murga Monica J. Noltensmeyer Alin G. Nunez Yadira T. Ortega Priscella A. Osby Misty J. Osterkamp Leslie P. Pepper Gabriela I. Quintana Alyssa D. Reilman Vanessa Reyes Bailey E. Rodriguez Kristie J. Romero Griselda Sandoval Jeff O. Schartz Litisha A. Sena Misty K. Sonnier Brantley E. Springer Eloisa M. Tarango Kaylee L. Thomas Angela M. Thongngoen Nicholas V. Turner Amber S. Valeriano Yasmine H. Venzor Juan F. Villalobos-Gonzalez Cassilyn R. Walters Haley R. Ward Sabrina A. Workman Yaney Y. Yebra Mireya Zamarripa Ruoping Zhang Automotive Technology AAS Aaron F. Acosta Said A. Barraza Joseph G. Duran Christian I. Evans Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS Levi C. Johnston Business Management AAS Taylor N. Aduddell Tammy L. Baumgardner Ornelas Richard K. Byers Cody L. Cowart Jessica I. Diaz Trinidad L. Faure Diahann M. Garza Sabrina Gomez Chrystal L. Gonzalez Hien T. Huynh Kye M. Ramirez Tyron D. Riles Edward Robles Alyssa S. Rodriguez Gail S. Saiz Johnny L. Turner Tha Ya Child Development - Early Childhood AAS Estefania G. Guardado Susana Ibarra Merejilda Maldonado Cameron E. Mendez Erica Pina Shiann H. Ruiz Vanessa L. Thomas Kaitlynn G. Vandivere Computer Information Systems - AAS Isela S. Bustos Max F. Clemence Robert F. Johnson Kyaw S. Nyein Ariana Rangel Computer Networking/ Cyber-Security AAS Alexander T. Arce Brandy L. Cruz Brady A. Cunningham Calvin D. Hubbard Tiffany M. Lafleur Nora L. Love
Sam K. Ly Lucas E. Mosqueda Jacqueline Pascacio Erineo Pedroza III Charles K. Reed Emily K. Rickert Chris Ward
Cynthia P. Mendoza Rachel L. Shepard Brianna J. Valdez Marisa I. Vasquez Kiefer T. Waller Madison A. Watson Cheyenne A. Williams
Criminal Justice Law Enforcement AAS Scott L. Joiner Marco Ortiz Crystal Sanchez Gilford L. Strickland Jr.
Radiation Therapy AAS Tina P. Hua Kathryn R. Otoole Criston D. Whitmore
Diesel Technology AAS Henry B. Cazares Brett L. Green David A. Long Braden J. Teltow Diesel Transportation Technician AAS Mike Madrigal Drafting AAS Jared D. Anglen Stephen G. Cook Elizabeth Cuevas-Morales Michael P. Rios Carlos Sanchez Carley J. Smith Gentri N. Zgadzaj Brayan Zubiategma Emergency Medicial Services Professions AAS Carter M. Baustert Samantha T. Cabrera Emilee K. Clark Saira A. Flores Padgy C. Outley Industrial Technology Electromechanical AAS Hayden Z. Mcclure Alejandro De Santiago II Arturo Zuniga Industrial Technology - Instrument and Electronics AAS Andres Chacon Rodrigo Gonzalez Brandon M. Olivas Jonathan Rosales Edgar E. Trujillo Jr. Industrial Technology Wind AAS Erwin G. Chavez John C. Rose, III Legal Studies AAS Christopher R. Garza Itzel D. Esparza Jennifer Morales Jessica M. Sias Latisha M. LaVrar Michelle B. Turner Sierra R. Powell Machining Technology AAS Jose G. Alvarez Adrian J. Cordova Ryan E. Davila Trevor D. Fillip Tanner B. Nail Juan A. San Martin Dela Cruz Mass Media AAS Daniel Pineda Medical Assisting AAS Erica Granillo Mortuary Science AAS Kathrine N. Adams Jessica B. Ayres Alixandria N. Bray Laura Buxkemper Elida E. Galvan Gillian C. Lange Laci C. Moore Jerrell M. Smith Ashley S. Todd Nuclear Medicine AAS Emily A. Adams Inez G. Carrillo Berkley D. Cunningham Evelin Castillo Derma Jessica M. Harper Sandra Makkhavane Kacey N. Mills Sidney R. Morgan Vanessa Sanchez Bryce T. Templeton Mallery L. Warden Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS Elizabeth Byrd Patrick R. Daniel Shannon M. Echelle Thamee Htwe Mayra Lopez Natalia Niave Abygail R. Rosales Yuichi Sakata Geraldine Trejo Joni L. Wagner Photography AAS Shelby Smith Physical Therapist Assistant AAS Thu Z. Aung, III Ariana M. Banda Jordan R. Carrasco Brandy J. Castaneda Jocelyn R. Diercks Haley M. Dobbs Emma L. Garcia Michaelee K. Jeffers Tiffany J. Jella Dionna D. Johnson Ambher E. Longwell Jessica J. Mahurin
Radiography AAS Gabriela B. Bernal Kaitlyn E. Guinn Veronica C. Hernandez Allyson L. Keeton Edgar R. Lopez Jasmin Y. Marquez Taylor A. May Mesa C. McJimsey Megan E. Miller Shelby L. O’Dell Macy L. Palmer Chelsea R. Payne Caroline A. Preston Felix T. Reyes Randi B. Sheffy McKena C. Stambaugh Anita M. Steinmaier Vianney G. Venegas LariNeil K. Webb Sonography AAS Ximena Y. Alonso Laylen M. Black Sugey D. Bustillos Casey D. Clark Rose Darouei Desiree L. Doss Mckenna D. Gill Kayla B. Mayfield Rashonda N. Pena Welding Technology AAS Faith S. Harm Juan Olmos Jr Trent P. Simnacher Emma J. Womack Education - 4-8 AAT Hillary G. Womack Education - Elementary Specialist AAT Sawyer B. Linley Lizeth A. Villagran Education - Secondary AAT Jason J. Manzella Michelle Y. Ruiz Art AS Connor M. Barrera Katrina S. Brock-Shaw Camila Chavez Parker J. Chrzanowski Rodger D. Hardin Whisper C. King Emalee R. Laub Cecilia O. Mendoza Shawnette M. Nettles Biology AS Lynnet Alamo Paris Balfour Mark A. Bella Katherine R. Burrows Jennifer L. Christy Emily M. De Jesus Nathalie G. Fernandez Kalee L. Henderson Brayden C. Jamison Maylee D. Khashan Lynda L. Kim Brittany P. Landry Zing K. Lian Aamy F. Nelson Hazel Nevarez Alyxzandrya Y. Perez Bahram S. Sabti Business Adminstration AS Bang M. Akoi Isela I. Alvarado Jennifer H. Anguiano Christian Aragon Caterina G. Barrientez Brandon T. Black Erik Caldera Nina K. Calhoon Jesus A. Carrillo Mariela Cera Draven M. Cox Maricela DeHoyos Jace T. Dellis Dathan M. Escoto Diana M. Evans Felicia A. Flint Agustin K. Flores Miguel A. Flores Jr Gabriel J. Ford Morgan N. Franz Dorian L. George Nolan G. Gimpel Hannah G. Goss Sugey Grijalva Jessica M. Guajardo McKenna J. Gutierrez Hayden M. Harp Amy S. Hayes Miguel E. Herrera Abrianna R. Kirchofer Hannah M. Kirkwood Brittany N. Kramer Bryce R. Livingston Brittany N. Lowry Morgan M. Mager Lindsey D. Martinez Adam Mendoza Mario L. Mendoza Jr Garrett J. Miller Christy Montanez Avery D. Morales Kristen D. Morales Nicole R. Nava Perla Nunez
Bryan A. Padilla Edgar A. Perdomo Angie Ramirez Jennifer L. Richardson-Swenk Yulibeth M. Rocha Daniela Rodela Jacqueline A. Rodriguez Wendy C. Rodriguez Eryck Z. Ross Maricruz Rubio Joe N. Sessions Sydney J. Slayter Monica Y. Torres Paulene R. Torres Isabel M. Trujillo Alyssa R. Vasquez Adam J. Verner Angela M. Warren Blake A. Wathen Rodrick J. Williams Veronica D. Williams Michael- Ann Woods Gabriella S. Young Matthew J. Zamora Chemistry AS Emily R. Garcia Carmela Marin Alondra Ortiz Criminal Justice AS Amina M. Abdullahi Caleb J. Andresen Alexia M. Banda Cindy Camacho-Lugo Erika L. Caudillo Paulina R. Chavez Madrid Ricardo N. Garcia Aruei Garang Tommy Gonzales Laiza A. Guillen Faviola A. Haro Laura Hernandez Faith Keelin Luis A. Ibarra Killashandra R. Kindrick Emily Lopez Kolin A. Larson Leslie Martinez Bryan Perez Veeon A. Pizarro Fatima Ramirez Adrianna A. Samarron Sabrina R. Snead Johan A. Soto Diaz Tara D. Thomas Janel N. Vargas Soronja L. Vaughn Data Science AS Andrew S. Fierro Engineering AS Caleb B. Dunham Diana L. Fernandez Ryann L. Kimbley Angelica R. Magallanes William J. Pergrem Jayden M. Preciado David J. Stephens Dillon S. Thomas Engineering Computer Science AS Breanna M. Bassett Joshua M. Gallardo Chase L. Raymer General Studies AS Stephanie L. Alcala Maeghan A. Arledge Cassandra L. Ballard McKaye Bedwell Natasha R. Bilson Kaitlyn A. Bond Jeremiah D. Bowles Marissa M. Bridgwater Nestor E. Briseno Avitia Ethan C. Brotherton Madyson C. Bruno La Verna J. Bull Ronald W. Cannon III Ryleigh Cady Abrianna C. Castillo Katie A. Catoe Brianna A. Coombs Timothy F. Chunn Elizabeth N. Crawford Rosie E. Cruz Dale Andre B. Descallar Rachel A. Ditto Phillip S. Edwards Brianna N. Farni Daisha D. Ferrell Shelby R. Fierro-Gibbs Jayda F. Fiola Maria K. Flores Hannah R. Fuller Alison R. Gallegos Jacquelyne Gallegos Aldo N. Garcia Veronica K. Gardner Alexis M. Garza Debra S. Gonzales Elizabeth E. Gutierrez Monica E. Hernandez-Olivo Bailey G. Herring Kenda K. Hickmott Summer M. Jones Gloria M. Juarez Julienne S. Kamegne Shamika S. Kariem Brailey S. Lehning Christopher J. Lemley Paulina Loya Blake A. Lundy Samuel Mandujano Jr Colbee E. Martin Steffanie A. McAnarney Natasha D. McNeilz Tucker Z. Mitchell Kylee D. Olson Sylvia Ortega Hanna J. Patterson Katelynn M. Perry Selina A. Pompa Joseph C. Pope Chandra Powell Colton D. Powell
Katie L. Quackenbush Jaime N. Radford Carlos D. Rangel Jaida C. Rangel Dalton M. Rickwartz Amanda M. Rigdon Berkley I. Risner Robbi D. Rivers Jacqueline A. Rodriguez Alizaye C. Sanchez Sean Sanders Michelle L. Solis Paloma L. Soliz Zachary Soliz Sandy Sturgeon Kristen L. Tatro Sarah J. Thornburg Lindsey Vital Kara M. Weaver Kyra J. Williams Hillary G. Womack
Stormie F. Sanchez Melissa Sandoval
General Studies - Dual Degree AS Cas D. Barker III Hannah J. Bridges Corley S. Carr Isabel R. Carrillo Karime Cervantes Amaia J. Chiles Kaylee A. Daosavanh Brianna R. Davis Kushal P. Desai Asia M. Diaz Erica Elizondo-Carrillo Leah K. Goguen Tyler B. Hawk Gigi Z. Jackson Michael A. Jasso Logan N. Johnson Macie P. Le Jonathan Malota Alexus Mariscal Andrew A. Miller Jocelyn K. Morales Ashley E. Morgan Adarsh Nambiar Kinsey A. Newman Peter P. Nguyen Edira I. Olivas Aaliyah F. Perez Joylinn M. Ramos Desmond A. Robinson Devon A. Robinson Kinley P. Rudder Aidan Sanders Morning D. Slaughter Haylee Sessions Baylee A. Sides Taryn Shultz Hallie R. Smith Blain A. Thomas Summit R. Trout Ja’mareah Tudman Caitlin F. Van Ongevalle Kobe Williams Brazlyn M. Woodard Maddlyn A. Worley Bronwyn A. Wright
Physics AS Sabrina F. Lundegreen
General Studies - Education AS Shantha Ackors Yessenia A. Arroyo Mayra Barba Xitlaly Barba Ashtyn T. Barrow Alejandra Blanco Heather I. Brau Briana E. Cervantes-Gallegos Sarah E. Coe Clarissa N. Correa Stephanie Daniels Hunter E. Eddleman Kortney E. England Madeline A. Ervin Taylor V. Fulgham Faith K. Grantom-Seemann Rayna M. Grim Sasha M. Hicks Jacy R. Hughes Ryleigh M. James Emaly L. Jansa Arezo Khamisi Sawyer B. Linley Josephine A. Logan Daniela O. Lopez Sydney K. Mahlin Jessica A. Maldonado MaRae E. McKinley Nicole S. Mejia Riley J. Miller Hallee E. Miner Madina Mohamed Candace J. Novak Jordon S. O’dell Salem M. Parker Kristen M. Peterson Lisett Pina Deeanna P. Pollock Cole D. Pope Mackenzie L. Pugh Angelica Regalado Lara E. Rice Ashlynn K. Roby Sara K. Rodriguez Brenna P. Rouse Shelby L. Scheets David M. Schieferstein Adriana Silva Jordan L. Sims Cassidee C. Standlee Keyla R. Streat Latravia R. Taylor Shelbi L. Taylor Heidi A. Tiffin Audry M. Travis Trinity G. Valverde Luna K. Vazquez Kari J. Wardlaw Breezy-Brianna A. Watson Kinlee A. Wood Horticulture AS Kristopher A. Tyler Mass Media AS Cailey M. Dinga Jessika R. Fulton Caylee L. Hanna
Mathmatics AS Correllia Benderman Alvaro Gardea Jr Tannia Gonzalez Mason W. Henderson Niang S. Lun Jesse A. Putman Erick Trejo Music AS Anna J. Bahn Raiden F. Fore Sheridan R. Lillico Angelo C. Mincey Coral R. Parks Photography AS Kristian A. Smith
Pre-Health Care Professional AS Elvis T. Acha Saranda Afizi Indya A. Baker Kayla M. Beagles Chloe C. Beavers Citlali Botello Cierra N. Burnett Adriana Cavazos Laura L. Correa Desiree C. Kinney Ariana Y. Garcia Mayra A. Garcia Rafaela Garcia Vela Sondra D. Glenn Greg R. Grice Jayline Gutierrez Emily M. Leblanc Sonia Lopez Elizabeth Martinez Uriel A. Martinez Victoria G. Martinez Angel J. Mills Selina Rael Ethen Rattana Erica D. Rivas Jazmin Rubio Adriana M. Urbina Brandon L. Valdivia Abagayle S. Velasquez Alyssa A. Williams Angel M. Zepeda Psychology AS Alejandra I. Aguilar Ezequiel Arjon Sierra R. Caldwell Ana L. Carrizo Desiree U. Cigarroa Alexia L. Childs Sarah E. Clifford Kyla M. Cloud Kayla M. Cook Hope M. Demery Kimberly A. Dunn Amber L. Estrada Condra D. Fox Draven F. Gore Morgan E. Holt James P. Leeson Kayla A. Lunsford Brittany G. Mendez Sarah A. Moore Lakrisa D. Owens Gia Phung Carlos M. Ramos Garcia Abigail R. Schleis Kerri C. Sigler Sarah V. Smoot Justin L. Taylor Rosemary Villanueva Veronica N. Villarreal Annttwanetta N. Wilson Karma N. Young Social Work AS Destiny S. Frazier Danielle M. Graham Samara R. Hill Taylor J. Holman Brittany N. Link Stephanie A. Mitchell Mercedes L. Moomaw Theatre AS Edgar Camarena Lauren D. Cotton Advanced Automotive CERT Shwe Ai Christopher B. Arriazola Said A. Barraza Caden C. Cooper Sa Din Loyd Drenon August Na Laura Navarrete Advanved Business Management CERT Tammy L. Baumgardner Ornelas Jeannie A. Lira Tyron D. Riles Edward Robles Alyssa S. Rodriguez Advanced Diesel Technology CERT Jaime Gabriel David A. Long Brandon O. Murillo Dylan Sanders Braden J. Teltow Advanced Machining Technology CERT Tanner B. Nail Advanced Mass Media CERT Reuben J. Day
May 5, 2021 Advanced Welding Technology CERT Talyn M. Kuster Eric S. Squires Emma J. Womack Automotive Collision Technology - Intermediate CERT Bryan Flores Maria D. Garza Dennis A. Lara Ruiz Wade F. Trost Michael S. Zepeda Aviation Maintenance Technology - Powerplant Mechanic CERT Jacob S. Ives Trey S. Mcpherson Terrance D. Moore Thanh L. Nguyen Ryan M. Reynolds Basic Business Management CERT Olivia D. Alvarez Clayton W. Gambrell Jonathan L. Heiskell Zachary Henderson Ibrahim A. Hernandez Daniel J. Jungmayer-Green Destiny N. Landes Regina C. Lopez Samantha A. Martinez Andrea Mendoza Israel Moreno Jr Rosita S. Nickerson Hope R. Ozier Joey Pantoja Brittney C. Philley Joshua O. Sirmans Kevin W. Stout Tammy K. Thomas Cynthia Wallace Matthew Q. Walls Business Technology Professional CERT Robin C. Alexander Annalisa Bailey Rochelle O. Cobos Tessa A. Moore Marija A. Rollema Anissa Salas Amanda R. Sanchez Pornthip Syribouth Business Technology Systems CERT Shawna L. Nichols Anissa Salas Krystal D. San Miguel
Child Development - Early Childhood Administrator CERT Cameron E. Mendez Latasha R. Vinson Child Development - Early Childhood Provider CERT Cameron E. Mendez CIS - Web Developer Specialist CERT Parker J. Jicha Robert F. Johnson Desiree H. Perez Willy W. Sipes Clayton W. Willimon Coding and Design CERT Jean Claude Ngirakwizera Bryan A. Rodriguez Karalee Tiller Clayton W. Willimon Computer Cyber Security CERT Alexander T. Arce Brandy L. Cruz Calvin D. Hubbard Tiffany M. Lafleur Nora L. Love Sam K. Ly Lucas E. Mosqueda Jacqueline Pascacio Erineo Pedroza III Charles K. Reed Emily K. Rickert Patrick W. Sanders Chris Ward Computer Digital Forensics CERT Alexander T. Arce Garrett M. Comerford Brandy L. Cruz Calvin D. Hubbard Tiffany M. Lafleur Latisha M. LaVrar Patrick W. Sanders Computer Game Design CERT Robert F. Johnson Roberto Olivares Jr Isaac J. Vela Sidney C. West Computer Network Administration CERT Alexander T. Arce Brandy L. Cruz Brady A. Cunningham Nora L. Love Sam K. Ly Jacqueline Pascacio
Erineo Pedroza III Charles K. Reed Emily K. Rickert Patrick W. Sanders Phillip J. Sauceda Mason T. Stewart Jared T. Skrabits Computer Network Essentials CERT Gabriel Anderson Kaili D. Atchison Garrett M. Comerford Tidus Corrigan Kenneth A. Flores Brandon C. Harvard Michael Journey Sean Kinoff Adan Reynaga Andrew C. Trinh Computer System Support CERT Pete Gutierrez Brody T. Jackson James H. Swihart Criminal Justice Law Enforcement CERT Leslie Arredondo Wesley Christopher Marcos Diaz Christopher Dizer Javier Galvan Amos Huffman Cheyanne Jones Ronna McBroom Marco Ortiz Ricardo Perez Crystal Sanchez Mason Turner Marcus Vaughn Dental Assisting CERT Erin D. Bailey Lauren A. Bentley Daisy S. Flores Lyndzi E. Ford Kathy D. Garay Daivanie A. Garcia Kacie N. Luther Gabrielle R. Moreno Roma Muhammad - Ishaq Kaw T. Paw Shirlee Porras Whittany L. Silva Kennedy Swopes Taylor L. Thompson Drafting Technician CERT Edgar E. Colon Emergency Medical Services Professions CERT
Lammy A. Ahmed Michael L. Cady Zane T. Clark Lauren L. Hammons Jorge A. Soriano
Cesario Lopez Ethan J. Nelson Gustavo Pena Aaron C. Salazar Enrique A. Sanchez
Industrial Technology Helper - Instrument & Electronics CERT Jessika L. Trevino
Legal Studies - Paralegal Professional CERT Kelly S. Deaton Brent B. Howard Terri A. Zuniga
Industrial Technology Helper - Wind Rogelio Almanza Jose G. Chavez Industrial Technology Tech - Electromechanical CERT Jett. R. Black Industrial Technology Technician - Wind CERT Erwin G. Chavez Jose G. Chavez John C. Rose, III Intermediate Automotive CERT Christopher B. Arriazola Lacey Beals Austin M. Bustos Erick D. Carrasco Viviana Herrera Tom A. Hoot August Na Nayib O. Ramirez Jimmy Rodriguez Intermediate Business Management CERT Taylor N. Aduddell Tammy L. Baumgardner Ornelas Cody L. Cowart Jessica I. Diaz Daniela Flores Diahann M. Garza Hien T. Huynh Jeannie A. Lira Samantha A. Martinez Kye M. Ramirez Tyron D. Riles Alyssa S. Rodriguez Intermediate Diesel Technology CERT Andres Castaneda Matt De la Paz Kevin A. Diaz Ricardo Elizondo Jr Hasan A. Garcia Franco Luis G. Herrera Jonathan W. Hess Savannah J. Lowe Shaeley F. Lowe
Logistics Training CERT Devin L. Armijo Sr Benjamin B. Bustos Jr Richard J. Chapa Trestin M. Clay Bryce A. Cross Eloy T. Fuentes Travis W. Green Dylan B. Hernandez Shawn W. Hudson Jonathan Licerio Miguel Lopez Jorge A. Montoya Jorge Palacios Leslie Price Holden L. Ragan Donquinn A. Swift Jake Waller Machining Fundamentals CERT Jerardo J. Arce Matthew L. Cortez Carter M. Heiselman Ryan W. Mayberry Elijah N. Pantoja Massage Therapy CERT Sara D. Elston Steve M. Garcia Vanessa R. Gavina Andrea M. Gines Jennifer E. Gonzales Isabella Porras Rachel Rubalcaba Amber V. Sapp Kayla B. Wilhelm Media Production CERT Carolyn J. Scott Mortuary Science CERT Uriah Cepeda Kristopher Cisneros Unique M. Green Arnoldo Gutierrez Sarah A. Haass Jeffery C. Lane Cinder C. Leblanc Nathan Ohsfeldt Nicholas R. Sammons Kaitlyn M. Utter
Online Marketing CERT Macki C. Edwards Pharmacy Technology CERT Ahmed H. Abdille Collette Alejandro Berenice Arceo Jiny E. Crenshaw Justin D. Greer Brenna J. Helton Lynzi R. Howard Kelli J. Maloy Andrew R. Mendoza Ebony N. Thomas Jodelle Y. Yazzie Photography CERT Sierra N. Cortez Recording Arts CERT Reuben J. Day Nazario I. Maestas Vocational Nursing CERT Ivonne Alvarado Leslie A. Briones Camisha D. Burgardt Melinda C. Claudio Allyssa L. Curry Cierra M. Darnell Abagail L. Dyer Viviana Ellis Christina L. Garcia Derek J. Gibbs Liliana A. Godinez Maria C. Hernandez Keshia L. Johnson Abigail M. Kowalewski Kaitlyn L. Lard Montana M. Lee Amber M. Lopez Sonia Lugo Berta Alysia Ornelas Megan M. Perez Monica Perez Delaney B. Riggs Chasity C. Rozell Ashley N. Thomas Janely Torres Hailee M. Turlington Makelti R. Weatherford Journee M. Widowski Maria G. Williams Welding Fundamentals CERT Alexis V. Padilla Anthony E. Thompson Carl E. Troutman III Tre Ward Emma J. Womack
Summer 2021 Graduates English AA Laura K. Danley
Grace E. Denny Ariel M. Michalenko
Automotive Technology AAS Loyd Drenon
Medical Assisting AAS Sarah Alexander Na’tava C. Campbell Hae L. Htoo Amy M. Johnson Valeria Mena Marian A. Musa Karyme I. Nevarez Ilse J. Perez La’Tavia S. Stovall
Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS Cody S. Eastep Israel J. Martinez Kade M. Upshaw Max S. Webster Hayden D. York Business Management AAS Aracely Acosta Anesha D. Allen Lyndsey M. Counterman Jessica M. Fierro Bertina U. Hill Jeannie A. Lira James H. Lower Samantha A. Martinez Aimee Rendon Business Technology AAS Amanda R. Sanchez Child Development - Early Childhood AAS Erica D. Cardoza Computer Networking/ Cyber-Security AAS Jared T. Skrabits Dental Hygiene AAS Braxton B. Alvey Sara L. Ballard Summer L. Barker Rylee S. Cummings Jungyoun Eickmeyer McKenzee J. Esparza Wendy J. Garay Ashley B. Garcia Ashlyn B. Gilstrap Abby K. Gouldy Madisen J. Griego Aryal L. Lawrence Kalin M. Lesperance Myrka Lino Ana R. Lopez Macalle A. Melton Serena R. Mendoza Thanh N. Nguyen Yesenia Y. Ortega Isai B. Ramirez Michelle Reyes Ramirez Esperanza N. Reyes Daniela Rodriguez Heather E. Schwartz Brooke N. Teeter Bianet Urizar Kristin D. Yanke Laura Y. Zubia Emergency Medical Services Professions AAS Bryan M. Herrington Marysa C. Tijerina Casas Industrial Technology - Instrument and Electronics AAS Alex B. Cunningham Daniel Garcia Jessika L. Trevino Legal Studies AAS
Medical Laboratory Technology AAS Michelle L. Bailey Mary E. Camacho Kimberly Y. Guerrero Tara R. Hopkins Walter L. King Logan M. Meyer Diem K. Nguyen Rosita S. Ortiz Lily J. Ratsavong Danielle M. Salas Carla J. Shannon Mortuary Science AAS Olivia L. Blevins Brittney N. Kilgore Linda E. Langford Martha S. Lee Respiratory Care AAS Alyson S. Avalos Anais Erives-Villela Clarissa D. Galvan Braxton S. Gerald Serenity F. Hofmann Ajuong A. Maluo Ashley A. Neville Alejandra Ramirez Airan J. Romero Jayden R. Snider Christian I. Yanez Surgical Technology AAS Edgar J. Arriaga Pawlina Barrera Amy V. Cigarroa Tesslynn D. Escamilla George Galvan Aubrey N. Gammage Abagayle M. Garcia Karina Garcia Ebony N. Lewis Vivianna Rivera Ricardo Rodriguez Demetria S. Ruiz Tawni R. Smalley Tamara L. Yara Hanna M. York Education - Secondary AAT Karissa D. Reyes Carson L. Thomas Biology AS Marina Arenivar Samuel A. Blankenburg Erica N. Gonzales Catalina O. Jordan Larissa Oliva Business Administration AS Mason Z. Ackerman Estefania Avitia
Marisa E. Bella Ashley R. Burns Amanda B. Cantrell Amanda K. Christopher Seth M. Cisneros Meliea M. Cox Joaquin Cruz, Jr Colby Z. Diaz Blanca V. Escajeda Caro L. Evans Heaven L. Fjetland Zackery D. Githens Arely D. Gonzalez-Vega Elijah N. Gutierrez Jaime Hernandez, Jr Rayven M. Houston Angela M. Hunley Castina M. Jowers Kaylee D. Knight Skyler M. Kutsukos Lauren M. Lancaster Aaron M. Levario Elizabeth A. Martinez Chandler B. Mayes Jonathan D. Mays Lauren R. Medina Jonathan R. Medrano Joseph J. Moore Rudy J. Morales Myra A. Munoz Abigail L. Parton James R. Pearson Jasmine Reyes Baheer S. Rhema Estefania Trejo Johnny L. Turner Maegan A. Valdez Hillary R. Wells McKay D. Wilkerson Mang S. Zun Chemistry AS Darrian L. Ward Criminal Justice AS Mariah B. Austin Shaila M. Bradley Andrew M. Davis Diana A. Fontes Braden D. Huyck Yan M. Naing Carmen A. Nava Jesus Ramirez-Guzman Joanna Rivero Sigala Benjamin A. Rojas Sarai Urias General Studies AS Luciana D. Avalos Bryeton A. Cagle Amanda M. Clayton Bethany A. Dominguez Cassandra G. Edwards Alexia M. Fierro Grace Hames Christa A. Hernandez Halee E. Howle Charles P. Hughes Jeff D. Jackson Lauren C. Lee Magali Medina Madai Montoya Robert A. Perez Rojelio Reyes, Jr Alexis N. Schaben Trasia Y. Sims Shelbie P. Stashi Trent L. Vessel
Lukas S. Weyrauch Justin R. Wiechec General Studies - Education AS Jennifer M. Acosta Rebecca C. Bailey Jessica H. Bramblett Justin J. Coronado Hollie A. Daniel Vanessa R. Dominguez Joshua D. Garcia Amber R. Hamilton Kaeley H. Hamilton Arturo Hernandez Mattie L. Lynch Sydney N. Mccoll Baw Meh Elizabeth Parra Victoria R. Plasencio Tiffany C. Reyes Gabriela S. Ruiz Alanna L. Smith Patrick J. Soto Robert A. Stashi Fam M. Tial Lynzee K. Turner Ashlynn M. Walden Reese Wilson Horticulture AS Jessica F. Hamner Ericka Rodriguez Mass Media AS Evan L. Staton Music AS Holly G. Holcomb Elena Pearson Pre-Health Care Professional AS Lenny N. Blanton Christy-Marie M. Cantu Haydee H. Cassidy Crystal G. Dumas Carl O. Evans Carly O. Evans Breana N. Garcia Crystal M. Guillen Aubrey Lewis Kitawny S. Molina Kiven P. Nsameluh Jared C. Rice Pre-Physical Therapy AS Maddyson A. McClain Psychology AS Mckenna M. Benegas Josey R. Clifton Carter E. Cluck Naomi M. De la Paz Emily J. Diaz Kenda M. Fawell Myha S. Frederic Krissie B. Janow Katelyn S. Jones Karina R. Pena Yvette R. Smallwood Jayson L. Tisdale Maia Tress Kambri D. White Social Science AS Jacqueline A. Landry Karisa C. Stuart
Administrative Medical Assisting CERT Virgilene L. Gonzalez
Computer System Support CERT Amber D. Naranjo
Advanced Business Management CERT Aracely Acosta Anesha D. Allen Lyndsey M. Counterman Bertina U. Hill James H. Lower Samantha A. Martinez Aimee Rendon Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) CERT Sammy L. Perez Alejandro E. Velasco
Criminal Justice Law Enforcement CERT Lori Arredondo Brandon R. Brewer Martin G. Castaneda Matthew T. Castaneda Colton B. Daniels Jesus R. Garcia Jabril Hill Anthony R. Lopez Brandon G. Ontiveros Santanna M. Tovar Cassandra S. Villarreal Jacie M. White Steven R. Yeager
Advanced Welding Technology CERT Robert C. Wilson
Industrial Technology Tech - Instrument & Electronics CERT Jessika L. Trevino
Automotive Collision Technology - Basic CERT Dennis A. Lara Ruiz
Intermediate Business Management CERT Aracely Acosta Anesha D. Allen Autumn M. Captain Bertina U. Hill Brianna L. King James H. Lower Lyndsey M. Counterman Aimee Rendon Tammy K. Thomas
Aviation Maintenance Technology - Airframe Mechanic CERT Clifford Cawthon, III Payton T. Clear Noah B. Conger Anthony T. Daugherty Hector Decasas Cody S. Eastep Farren C. Fernandez Benjamin E. Gonzalez Christopher N. Huffman Ditto Joseph P. Huffman Israel J. Martinez Anastasia N. Palomino Benjamin J. Trahan Kade M. Upshaw Max S. Webster Hayden D. York Aviation Maintenance Technology - Powerplant Mechanic CERT Drew M. Carman Austin W. Conner Levi C. Johnston Cassandra D. Meers Amanda A. Motes Basic Business Management CERT Bertina U. Hill Sydnee M. Horton Brianna L. King Patricia J. Melton Business Technology Systems CERT Amanda R. Sanchez Child Development - Early Childhood Administrator CERT Erica D. Cardoza Child Development - Early Childhood Provider CERT Erica D. Cardoza
Logistics Training CERT Carlos Aleman Blanca O. Alvarez-Contre ras Rene Archuleta Daymien N. Arellano Nehemias B. Castro Jason T. Griego John D. Keesee Bryant C. Masse Annamarie N. Morales Chad R. Pendleton Hugo E. Pereda Luis J. Quinones Adrian D. Rodriguez Aaron Torres Tony P. Unkeowannulack Omar Zepeda Medina Medical Assisting CERT Brenda A. Castorena Nakia M. Cruz Apryl M. Escobedo Yalina A. Flores Virgilene L. Gonzalez Dana L. Guy Valeria Mena Karyme I. Nevarez Pharmacy Technology CERT Karla J. Baca Jordan S. Chadick Surgical Technology CERT Lemisia F. Adams Analie Carroll Amy V. Cigarroa Richard Ellis II Jose R. Fernandez Diana E. Lira Mariah J. Romero
May 6, 2021
CAILEY DINGA | The Ranger
Badger Cafe and Amarillo Zoo teamed up with the STEM research building to provide vegetables for new Greenhouse Bagel and animals.
Lettuce be thankful for greenhouse produce By CAILEY DINGA Page Editor
The STEM research building has four main programs, environmental science, biotechnology, horticulture and data science. The STEM research building was built almost five years ago. It is filled with different scientific equipment, a greenhouse, biotechnology equipment. There is also a water distiller system. They use it to purify their water for the greenhouse plants, “The city water is not great, especially for plants,” Clarrisa Chavez, director of the STEM Research center said. In the STEM research building, they have four separate greenhouses, “Each greenhouse has something different for you to see,” Jenny Lemley, a horticulture major, said. The first one is filled with miscellaneous items. It is treated like a plant daycare. Professors bring their plants up during the cold season. They also have plants donated such as paypays and succulent plants that the students can propagate. The second one is the research greenhouse. They grow various plants, showcasing how different plants grow with different techniques. Above the plants,
they have red and blue lights that coloration promotes root growth and helps the plant grow overall. Number three is the student-run greenhouse, where students are asked to grow and take care of a plant all on their own.They are allowed to choose different methods of planting as well as watering. “I had the privilege of growing sweet corn. When my pollen dried out I pollinated it with cucumber flowers. Getting to experiment has been all the fun!” Lemley said. The fourth and final greenhouse is for hydroponics. Hydroponics is where they grow plants without soil, you add all the nutrients to the water and the roots get sprayed directly onto the roots. With this method, it is easier for the plant to get the nutrients it needs instead of absorbing them from the soil, meaning it can grow faster. Another method used in the fourth greenhouse is called the NFT system, the nutrient film technique. Chavez got this technique from when she worked for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando. “I think it is fun to kind of innovate those different kinds of techniques,” Chavez, said. In the NFT system, the water will come in at the top
and flow down and will drain out and flow back, sort of recycling the water that was not fully absorbed. There is also a pond behind the STEM building, which is filled with fish. They are hoping to renovate the area making it available for students to hang out and relax while doing their homework. Biology and the environmental science classes will work with the pond, using an underwater drone to research it, check the PH levels and test the water compared to a typical pound. Also in greenhouse four, they have an aquaponic which is farming with the fishs’ waste and using it as fertilizer. Chavez said they have a farm to fork concept. This means what they produce in the greenhouse is given away to the Badger cafe and the extras are given to the Amarillo Zoo. Currently, the Badger Cafe and the greenhouse have teamed up and created a greenhouse bagel. It has lettuce, tomato, cucumber, different types of herbs, a slab of mozzarella cheese and a spread on top. “I love the greenhouse bagel! Knowing that the produce is from the AC greenhouse is really cool.” Alana Ramirez, a psychology major, said.
CAILEY DINGA | The Ranger
First year classes plan for changes By DANIEL PINEDA Staff Reporter
Amarillo College’s First Year Seminar class, EDUC 1100, is making some changes. AC officials say that the curriculum changes will better prepare students for their life after graduating. Becky Burton, the associate vice president of academic learning, said “This course has always been updated to meet the needs of students.” Successful schools have to learn to adapt to new situations and ideas, to be able to be the best that they can be, she said. “FYS was originally a study skills-based course, but what we have found out over the years is that students need opportunities to do more career related re-
search and exploration. So, over the last year it has transitioned to a career focused course.” One of the opportunities students in this class will learn is the skill of computer coding. “Exposing all students to the idea of coding is a goal AC has set for our 2025 strategic plan. At this time, we are still exploring coding and adding it to the curriculum and how it will be embedded into FYS is still under consideration,” Burton said. With technology becoming more intertwined within different careers, students will have to learn about how technology works, and how they can use that knowledge within their chosen career path. Burton said all changes in the class will be based on preparing students for the future.
“We will use our partnerships with various industries, and local career data to help inform our decisions on how and what we implement in our course.” Amy Pifer, the first-year experience coordinator, said that changes for FYS are coming, but as of this moment things are still in a work in progress. “I think the first initiative with FYS is that it becomes an institutional requirement for all degree programs. That’s the first thing that happened this fall,” Pifer said. She also added that, “the course was a redesign, to a more education focused career versus a study skills college prep kind of course. It became more of a kind of self-efficacy course that solidified the educational pathway and personal growth.”
May 6, 2021
“Ladybird” a relatable, feel-good movie REVIEW By KENNA MOSS Staff Reporter
“The end of the school year and the approach of college and high school graduations create the ideal time to re-watch the 2017 coming-of-age comedydrama, “Ladybird.” This movie illustrates the trials and tribulations of the end of adolescence as a high school senior makes plans for her future. As Christine, (Saoirse Ronan) experiences her last year of high school, she is seen applying to several universities all on the East Coast of America. She’s sick of living in Sacramento, California, and wants to “live through
something.” Christine, who calls herself Ladybird, experiences many firsts: hanging out with people much different from her, an intimate relationship, as well as her first encounter with alcohol and other substances. In an attempt to express her feelings of hatred for the current place she’s in, she tends to put herself in situations where she discovers that things around her are not always as they seem. Ladybird depicts what it feels like to try new things and learn from mistakes, all in a dreamy aesthetic with unconventional mannerisms and dialogue. The movie paints a picture of realistic dynamics of adolescence, other than the
traditional happy nuclearfamily trope. I have seen “Ladybird” time and time again and have loved it just as much as the last time I watched it. This movie is near and dear to my heart because I have had similar feelings about my own life… the desire to leave my hometown, to be someplace new, to feel as though I could be my true self and not be suppressed by the reputation of myself and the people around me. I know what it is like to be so frustrated by something that it turns into an obsession. Some of the strengths of “Ladybird” are that, for the most part, it’s pretty realistic in terms of the things that happen to be Christine.
Another strength this film has is that there are a few places in the film that could be open to interpretation. It doesn’t answer every single question the viewers might ask themselves. I feel as though by doing this, the film is more malleable to what the viewers want it to mean to them. It has a much deeper meaning than many movies do. Christine says things that aren’t heard every day, she has her way of talking to people and doing things. She named herself Ladybird, she listens to music that her classmates don’t like, she doesn’t like living in Sacramento. The film is not shallow and it does not revolve around a
romantic relationship or sex, it is just about a girl experiencing and finding herself. Because of this, it may not be as easily understood or depicted by every viewer. Overall, the impact of “Ladybird” is that it is relatable to people who have wanted nothing more than to start anew. This film is an indie coming-of-age story that many people, including myself, understand deeply. While it is not based on a true story, it is believable. I admire the director Greta Gerwig for piecing together what many teenagers have experienced in their lives and making it into something entertaining and enjoyable to watch.
COURTESY PHOTO
COURTESY PHOTO
“Thief” a confusing yet thrilling game REVIEW By SIDNEY WEST Reviewer
“Thief: The Dark Project” is a PC game from 1998 that I have a major love/hate relationship with. I can’t pinpoint how I feel about it most of the time because it does a lot of things I love but it also causes me so much agony when I play it. The premise is that you’re a thief named Garret who’s just trying to pay his rent the only way he knows how, by robbing people blind. You sneak around stealing things but eventually you get wrapped up in a nefarious plot unraveling before your eyes. It’s a game where you really have to pay close attention to your surroundings. You need to watch for shadowy areas to hide in and observe the surfaces you’re walking on to make sure you’re not making too much noise. Because the moment you attract attention, you’re screwed. The tension will rise as suspicious guards begin searching through
the shadows. Like old men trying to find their way to the bathroom in the dead of the night, they creep around ever so slowly, while you try desperately to stay out of their line of sight. It is a really thrilling experience, which unfortunately is bogged down by the game’s other aspects. Thanks to the overly complex level design, most missions in the game are a pain to navigate, some of them taking me over two hours to beat due to how hard it is to remember where everything is. I haven’t felt so lost since I graduated. And to make things worse, you will have to meet a criteria of goods to steal on higher difficulties. You could always play in easy mode, but it locks you out of some objectives. The funny thing is this issue is also my favorite aspect of the game. The weird, nonsensical layouts of these levels make me feel like I’m walking in a dream. I can’t say any other game has given me a
New Marvel series flies high REVIEW By ALYSSA FANT
sensation like that, not even ones that purposely try to invoke that feeling. The game is filled with odd quirks that add to the strange atmosphere. Weird clashing textures for floors and walls, NPCs with unmoving faces who move so naturally, making them feel like people inside costumes. This is such an unintentionally surreal game and I don’t know if I’ll ever experience anything like it again. My opinion feels like a constant tug of war, but ultimately I really love this game. “Thief” has many issues, but honestly I wouldn’t fix any of them if given the chance. If you want to try this game for yourself, play it on easy during your first playthrough, don’t be a hero like me. If you do get it make sure you install the Taffer Patch from The Looking Glass forums. It will make the game playable on modern machines. It’s available on steam and GOG for $6.99, and it often goes on sale for $1.99.
Online Editor
The first few episodes of “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” are available on Disney+, and it’s exactly what we’ve all come to expect from Marvel. The story takes place after the events of “Endgame,” following the stories of Sam Wilson (Falcon) and Bucky Barns (the Winter Soldier) as they deal with their independent issues. Sam is struggling with providing for his family while also being the Falcon and Bucky is dealing with his inner demons as memories of the past still traumatize him. However, they inevitably come together to face a much bigger problem. The villains of the show think that superheroes “shouldn’t be allowed to exist” and want the world to go back to how it was during the blimp, or when half of all life in the universe was eliminated. They pose a serious threat to the unlikely duo and force them to learn how to work together to overcome the odds.
The writing, humor and characters are very similar to what we’ve gotten in the past in Marvel movies, so if you enjoyed what Marvel has created so far, I’d highly recommend it. The show is written by Malcolm Spellman, who also wrote “Empire” (2015-2017) and directed by Kari Skogland, who is also known for directing “A Handmaid’s Tale.” The acting from the main characters is solid, the comedy in the show is exactly what I’ve come to know and love from Marvel studios and the story strengthens in intensity over time as our heroes are forced to face one challenge after the next. I will say though that each episode is rather long. An episode ranges anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour. I would personally prefer my television shows in small chunks, but if you don’t mind the episode length, I suggest you watch it. Overall, I really enjoyed watching the show and am excited for the next episodes to release.
May 6, 2021
By Summer Tessneer and Ruth Martinez Staff Reporters
As the semester draws to a close, Amarillo College students are making plans for the future. Many are preparing for a new era as graduation approaches. For some students, the next step is continuing their education at a university. “I plan on transferring to WT to finish up my bachelor’s. However, I would like to start looking for potential jobs after graduating at AC as well,” Taylor Burton, a graphic design major, said. “I am majoring in graphic design, and getting a certificate in photography. When I transfer, I believe I’ll be continuing my degree in graphic design. But I haven’t fully explored those options yet.” Pamela Valdez, an academic adviser, says many of the students she talks to end up transferring. “What I do is start a conversation about their hobbies, interests, what excites them. It is magical to witness a student talk about what they are passionate about. This usually leads to discussing plans for the future,” she said. Other students are looking to begin their careers after graduating. “I have students that are ready to work in their fields. They have the skills and foundation to do that as well,” Valdez said. “If students are looking for a job after AC, my first suggestion would be to get on our Amarillo College Job Board, College Central Network,” Taylor Bingham, a career and employment services coordinator, said. “We have tons of active jobs with employers that are looking for Amarillo College students. Once a student has made an account, I would highly encourage them to come to Career Services for a resume critique, mock
interview, cover letter critique and any possible questions they may have concerning the application process.” Bingham said that successfully landing a first job or transferring both begin with preparation. “To prepare for graduation effectively, I would suggest crafting a resume for the field you want to go in, and/or start researching schools to transfer to,” Bingham said. “Jamie Perez is our director of transfer, and I know he would be just as happy as I would be to meet with any student. So, craft a resume, if you are unsure of your plan come visit Career Services, and once you have that plan forward we can help you achieve that plan either by transfer, or helping you find that job of your dreams.” For students who aren’t graduating, the end of spring semester means it is time to register for summer classes. “Taking classes in the summer can help the students get ahead in completing their degrees. Also, students need summer classes for different circumstances,” Valdez. Summer classes are delivered in two six week sessions and one online eight week session. Professors say summer classes move quickly and students should be prepared. “It’s important to keep up with the work from the very beginning of the semester. The best advice is not to let it become a challenge, but to work ahead if you can,” said Dr. Bill Netherton, an English professor. The first session for summer classes starts May 24 and ends July 1. Online summer classes start June 7. The second session for summer classes starts July 6. Fall classes begin Aug. 23. Many students choose summer classes in order to graduate earlier. Janel Vargas, a criminal justice major, said she enjoyed being able to have her summer classes accessible online. “It allowed me to be busy during the summer doing what I love.” Vargas graduates this May.
Illustrations by DAVE CLAYTON | The Ranger