VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 6
DECEMBER 12, 2019
College ends 2019 in national spotlight Awards, news coverage recognize ‘culture of caring’ from coast-to-coast By TITUS GILNER Staff Reporter Amarillo College is wrapping up a year filled with national awards and recognition. “We are becoming the example from Maine to Malibu,” Joe Wyatt, the assistant director of communications and marketing at AC, said. During 2019, AC garnered national attention with articles in well-known publications such as “The Atlantic” and “The Chronicle of Higher Education.” The college also won several prizes recognizing excellence in serving students. Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, AC president, said the reason the college is garnering so much attention is its commitment to creating a culture of caring. “It’s about going above and beyond. It’s about doing whatever it takes to help students live their dream,” he said. The first major accomplishment of the year came Feb. 5, 2019, when AC won the prestigious Bellwether Legacy Award. The Legacy Award recognizes community college that have previously won Bellwether Awards – AC won in 2017 – and have shown five or more years of successful implementation. Next, AC was named corecipient of the 2019 Leah Meyer Austin Award presented by community college reform
SHAWN MCCREA | The Ranger
Amarillo College is one of 150 community colleges in the nation invited to apply for the Aspen Award for Community College Excellence.
group Achieving the Dream Feb. 20, 2019. This award recognizes measurable, datadriven improvements in student welfare On Nov. 7, 2019, AC was named one of the 150 community colleges in the nation that will be eligible for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This heavily-sought-after award recognizes high achievement and performance among community colleges and comes with a $1 million prize. Only 15 percent of community colleges across the nation are even
Grad prepares for the stage By LAUREN EBBEN and RAY GUTIERREZ Staff Reporters Amarillo College will hold the winter commencement ceremony at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20, at the Amarillo Civic Center. Madeline Filsouf, a graduating psychology major, will be the speaker at the event. “I feel honored and proud to represent my peers as well as AC in such a spectacular way. AC allowed me to reach for the stars and in addition made me feel like one,” Filsouf said. Filsouf said she credits AC for being a “vital part” of who she is today. “AC has shown me the importance of mental health and significance of each individual student. The courses and professors have pushed me to reach my best potential, I am lucky to have had such wonderful mentors that care and challenge their students,” she said. While at AC, Filsouf was part of the Presidential Scholars program and Phi Theta Kappa. “Being in the Presidential Scholars has especially shaped my character and brought out the best in me. I am so grateful for the amazing opportunities it, as well as Lesley Ingham and Jill Gibson, have granted me. All
MADELINE FILSOUF
it takes is for special professors to recognize your abilities and strengths that will make you see them as well.” Filsouf said she is excited about graduation. “I cannot wait to start a new chapter and continue my education. AC and the people I got to be surrounded by hold a special place in my heart.” Graduating students need to be at the Civic Center by 6:00 to 6:10 p.m. dressed in caps and gowns and they still have time to purchase commencement regalia at the AC Bookstore. “We have them right up until graduation day. We’ll be open on the 20th and they should still be in stock,” Jacque Young , a bookstore cashier, said. Young also had some advice for what to wear under their regalia. “As long as it fits under the gown it’s OK, I wore suit pants and a shirt. You definitely want to be comfortable sitting throughout the ceremony,” she said.
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invited to apply, and out of the 150 programs that have made it this far only 10 will be named finalists in May 2020. Those finalists will then be evaluated by the Aspen Institute and a jury will decide the winner in spring 2021. Both Wyatt and LoweryHart said this nomination truly sums up all of the things that AC has worked to achieve over the past five years. AC has also been making advancements in democracy, as shown by achieving the Bronze Level Seal of recognition from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
From the 2014 midterms to the 2018 midterms, the AC student body increased voter turnout by nearly 17 percent, up to 26.5 percent in 2018, according to data gathered by the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement. Next, AC received reaccreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for the Child Development Lab School, located at the West Campus, which is only one of two programs for young children in the Texas Panhandle that holds
this accreditation. Finally, Lowery-Hart said the crowning achievement from 2019 came in May when the college celebrated having the largest graduating class in its history. “Which is why all of these awards matter,” he said. “We’re fundamentally changing the economic outlook of our community by giving students a clear pathway to success,” he said. “And the awards are an amazing acknowledgment of all the great work that our students, faculty and staff have done. But ultimately that’s the biggest reward – watching students get their diploma and shaking their hand when they do it.” As the year comes to an end and the curtain falls on this decade, AC continues to look to the future and embrace the culture of caring philosophy. “To make love the foundation of who we are – that we are going to love our students and love each other – is really profound to me,” Lowery-Hart said. “I just have so much hope for this college and this community,” Lowery-Hart said. “I think in the perfect world, the story we would have written gives every institution in the country hope that they can save their community the way we have saved ours. I know we have to improve to make that happen, but I truly believe in the next five years we can make that happen at AC.”
An American writer comes to campus By CAYLEE HANNA Staff Reporter S.C. Gwynne, an American writer, came to Amarillo College Dec. 5 and 6 to kick off the AC Creative Mind Series for 20192020, which revolves around the theme “Reverberations of Conflict: The Legacy of the Civil War.” Gwynne spoke to history classes, gave a free lecture at the Amarillo Globe News Center and held a writer’s workshop to offer advice to young journalists and aspiring writers. “The single most important piece of writing is the transition between the ideas ideally in your outline,” Gwynne said during the workshop. “There’s no way I could ever write transitions without having an outline because good writing is really just moving through these ideas in a sequence.” Gwynne also explained his transition from being a journalist to writing about history. “I would say on a very fundamental level, writing history is just really, really slow journalism,” Gwynne said. “In journalism, you have editors breathing down your neck. You’re on deadline and that’s the way it works. So eventually where I landed was writing a history book. You can write in leisure in the privacy of your own room or a library and it’s what I prefer to do.”
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JESSIKA FULTON | The Ranger
S.C. Gwynne, an historical writer, addresses his audience as the floor is opened up for questions. Gwynne was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his 2010 book “Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Tribe in American History.” His latest book is called “Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War.” Courtney Milleson, associate professor of speech, helped organize this event along with Eric Fauss, assistant professor of social sciences and coordinator of the Creative Mind Series. Milleson said that the goal of the event was to inspire attendees. “I hope the audience knows how incredibly powerful the written word is,” Milleson said. “We have the power to tell our
stories, feelings and emotions. And if we just take the time to hone that craft, we can really begin to be change agents in our entire stratosphere.” Students also learned about upcoming opportunities that Gwynne is exploring. “I found it interesting when Gwynne explained his journey and future opportunities he might have with a possible movie,” Jessika Fulton, a mass media major, said. Along with Gwynne’s visit, an exhibit of photographs titled “Ruins of the Civil War,” on loan from the Library of Congress is on display now through Jan. 8 at AC’s Southern Light Gallery in the Ware Student Commons. Additional events for the Creative Mind Series will take place in the spring.
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Opinion
2 | The Ranger December 12, 2019
What does the season of giving mean to you? “It means that you put other’s needs before yourself. It’s time to celebrate with your family and friends."
ALLTON MONTANO
Computor Networking
“Growing up it was all about presents and stuff like that. But the older I get and the wiser I get to me it becomes about giving.”
INDYA BAKER Pre-Nursing
“It can mean several things. Spending time with your family or giving back to the community.”
Rethinking gifting animals
CHARLIE COLLINS General Studies
Tis the season for bad music
OPINION By CJ SCOTT
Staff Columnist
Christmas music is adored by many. For me, on the other hand, I hate it. Although it is exciting to get in the spirit of the holidays, it is rather annoying to hear songs like “Jingle Bell Rock” a million times. I know retail employees can back me up on this. Now, before anyone gets confused, no, I do not hate Christmas; I love it. I love looking at the lights, eating Christmas cookies and putting up stockings as much as anyone else does. I just hate the music. That includes Michael Bublé’s famous Christmas album. “Holly Jolly Christmas” does not make me feel holly nor jolly. People like me might hate Christmas music because it is played on the radio, in malls and other places directly after Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Illustration by SHAWN MCREA
EDITORIAL
Hobby Lobby for example is ready for Christmas even before Halloween starts. Personally, I just like to wait until the turkey is eaten before getting excited over Christmas. That way, Christmas will feel more magical, and less forced. Out of all the music there is only one song I really do enjoy every year. Even though I know this is controversial to say, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” is hands down the best Christmas song ever. So, all I want for Christmas this year, is for everyone to not care what people like and to just enjoy what makes them happy. Even if it means playing a horrible song like “Up on the House-top.” Happy holidays.
There is a seemingly harmless tradition surrounding the holidays that can lead to countless ruined lives. The idea of giving animals as gifts has become commonplace for American households, and it is not uncommon to see visuals of a happy family receiving their first puppies and kittens. However, the poor thought and planning put into this tradition can leave many animals, who had the potential for a happy life, to live in abandonment. We at the AC Ranger encourage all to prioritize animal welfare this holiday by rethinking the idea of animals as gifts, as well as, to educate oneself on spaying and neutering their pets. As gift-giving holidays draw closer, the adoption of animals seems to increase as people buy their loved ones a furry companion Now this may seem positive and happy at face value, it masks the true cruelty of the gift-giving season. Though there are some conflicting arguments. In 2013 the American Humane Association estimated that “over half of all dogs and cats no longer in the home are
relinquished to shelters.” In the weeks after the holidays, many shelters have reported an increase in abandonment and overcrowding of pets, many of which were consequently euthanized. Thankfully, in recent years the number of gifted pets returned to shelters has decreased, however, this shouldn’t be dismissed as an irrelevant issue and does not excuse the frivolity of buying a pet as a gift. There are many factors to take into account when buying living things for someone else. The ASPCA gives some recommendations on this issue, for example; it is recommended that “if the recipient is under 12 years old, the child’s parents should be ready and eager to assume care for the animal,” this is expected as young children can easily lose interest. Aside from properly planning one’s living gift exchange, there is another factor in prioritizing animal welfare this holiday; desexing. It is a statistical consensus that spaying and neutering cats and dogs help
in controlling the plague of overpopulation. However, it is shocking to find out that in an older study done on pet owners, 61.1% of male owners and 47.3% of female owners would not have desexed their dogs if it was not already done. The ignorance over desexing has lead to an evergrowing overpopulation and homelessness of domesticated dogs and cats. The ASPCA has shown many benefits to spaying and neutering that go into a more personal level. For example, spaying female pets have lead to longer lifespans as well as an elimination of heat, and for male dogs, neutering prevents testicular cancer and leads to better behavior. Misconceptions, lies, and ignorance spread on the issue of desexing are just as bad as giving unwanted gifts, and both lead to abandonment and overpopulation. Remember to think about animals this holiday, take action to prevent their suffering, and always adopt when ready. More pets that are abandoned means more pets that die.
grades matter. “I got my bachelor’s at WT and I grew more and more frustrated with the whole system," Hicks said. "I did pretty well in school but when I decided that I wanted to pursue a different career path and go back to school, I realized that I was going to have to retake some classes to get into my program because I needed a higher GPA,” he said. Although “C’s get degrees,” they can still affect you in the future. The future is not guaranteed, and the path that you set in front
of you may not be the one you end up taking. Keeping positive relationships with friends, family, classmates and professors will also help encourage students to succeed. Students need to set themselves up to succeed and not settle for less than the best they give. Going into my next semester I am committing myself to striving towards my best and changing the way I look at school and the way I manage myself, even if not an A, a B will be for the better.
C's get degrees: straying away from mediocore mindsets OPINION
By CLAUDIA ZUNIGA Staff Columnist
As students are ending the semester and getting ready for the new decade, many are reflecting on their decisions and accomplishments so far. When reflecting over my college career and talking to other college students, there is a noticeable trend in the attitude toward school as the years go on.
The phrase “C’s get degrees” is one that I have been hearing since the beginning of college, however I never applied that toward myself until about a year and a half into my college career.
The excitement of going into college wears off, and soon students notice their GPA dropping. Comparing the year I started college in 2017 versus now, I am working 40 more hours a month, I have new loans and credit card bills and I am now moved out of my mother’s house and paying rent. This is normal of community college students. Larnce Hicks, a physical therapy assistant major, said he discovered too late that college
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VOLUME 90 | SPECIAL EDITION
August 22, 2019
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Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger is an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, writing, videos and telling us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting is open to the campus community on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in PH 214 or you can reach us via email at therangereditor@gmail.com. The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association. For a complete staff listing, visit us at acranger.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.
News
The Ranger | 3 December 12, 2019
JOE BILL SHERROD
New VP comes from WT
Ride for free with an AC ID
By LAUREN EBBEN
By TITUS GILNER
Editor-in-Cheif
Staff Reporter
Amarillo College recently named Joe Bill Sherrod as the vice president for institutional advancement. Sherrod will also serve as executive director of the AC Foundation. He joins the college Jan. 6, 2020. In this position, Sherrod will be charged with identifying and obtaining donations and other financial support for college initiatives. He will also make sure fundraising efforts by the AC foundation align “with the goals and mission of the College,” according to a news release. “The opportunities which exist for the Texas Panhandle will only grow brighter as the educational institutions in the region become more and more intentional about attracting and graduating students,” Sherrod said in the news release. “Amarillo College plays an extremely critical role in this process. I am really excited about helping advance this idea,” he said. Before coming to AC, Sherrod served as assistant vice president for leadership gifts and development at West Texas A&M University, where he participated in several successful fundraising campaigns for the university. Additionally, he has served as chairman for several boards in the community, including the Harrington Cancer Center, Amarillo Museum of Art, and Amarillo Little Theatre. “Joe Bill Sherrod has an exemplary track record of fundraising success that in and of itself makes him a highly attractive addition to our leadership team,” AC President Russell Lowery-Hart said in the news release. “Yet when you combine his phenomenal professional attributes with his unequivocal commitment to public service, we know the College is fortunate – and I am ecstatic – that he has agreed to join our team.” Sherrod’s position is the result of a recent restructuring in the AC Foundation, according to the news release. This shift in organization established “a model that most of academe now uses to create conditions conducive to attracting significant philanthropy for specific purposes.”
Though not traditionally thought of as a city with model public transportation, Amarillo has been making changes in the public transportation department. New City of Amarillo Transit Director Marita Wellage – Reiley has ushered in changes, some of which directly affect Amarillo College students, faculty and staff. Back in August, the city unveiled a program that allowed anyone with a valid AC ID to ride the public buses for free. This initial partnership was brokered by the city, AC and Amarillo National Bank. Details included a $25,000 donation on behalf of Amarillo National Bank and a guaranteed year of free transportation for AC IDholders.
Amarillo College students, faculty and staff have free access to public transportation.
NATHANIEL MONTOYA
| The Ranger
Free access to public transportation for AC is showing promising numbers, according to a news release from city officials. “As of Nov. 23 there have been 2,382 bus trips taken by AC students and staff since the program began Aug. 15,” the release said. In addition to the funding that resulted from the original collaboration, the Kresge Foundation gave the partnership a $75,000 grant. One person who rides the bus frequently is Carley Tucker, an AC adult education student. She rides the bus home and has her sister drop her off at 8 a.m. for her morning class. “I use it,” she said, “but a lot of people have cars. This is really for low income people. It’s really hard to make it out here.” Tucker said she does not mind riding the bus, although she does take some precautions.
Since a large number of the riders are homeless or low income, Tucker said she worries about her safety sometimes. She also said she thinks that making the bus stops better would really increase AC student ridership. As she put it, “I think a lot of people don’t want to stand out here. I think if the stops were maybe covered, especially during the wintertime with rain and snow, I think maybe a lot of people would ride the bus. Because what are you going to do if it rains? Get soaked? Most people just wouldn’t come.” Other recent changes to the public transportation include the first fare increase in 25 years and a citywide ID plan. Until recently, the bus fares have been the same since 1994. The bus fares were raised because the city was no longer bringing in enough money from bus rides to continue funding
and improving the bus system. Starting Oct. 21, 2019, the new fares went into effect, including new additions like day passes in lieu of transfer passes and monthly passes for frequent riders. People who meet the requirements for reducedfares (such as AC students) are required to provide proper identification in order to receive reduced-fare services. In order to help standardize these forms of identification for people like vets, AC students or staff or folks with special needs, the Transit Department is rolling out a bus ID card plan. Eligible passengers can obtain bus ID cards at the Transit Departments office located at 801 SE 23 St. For more information on routes, stops and times, visit amarillo.gov or call the public transportation hotline at 806378-3095.
losing motivation or feel really bad about a class, I’ll call my mom and she’ll just make me feel so much better,” he said. Felix Rodriguez, a music education major said his favorite method of stress relief is shopping. “To cope with stress I usually end up spending a lot of money, which isn’t a good thing but I got a lot of good black Friday deals, but besides spending money I’ll go into some practice room and play the clarinet till I feel better. Cooking is also something I like to do when I feel like my world is going to crazy and cooking just makes it go away for a while,” he said. Rodriguez added, “During finals I study as much as possible if I feel motivated enough, and if I don’t feel motivation whatsoever then I’ll go hang out with some friends.” The payoff for all the stress
and hard work is winter vacation and many students said they are looking forward to the holiday. “For Christmas, I usually have some friends over and when it’s time to open presents we’ll all get together in the living room and just enjoy each other’s company,” Derian Chaparro, a biology major, said. “For New Years, I’ll either hang out with friends or go to a family party and pop fireworks.” “I plan on focusing on my job during the break,” Milagros Trujillo, a pre-med major, said. “If I’m not a school. I am at work so with the break I plan on getting as many hours in as possible.” The AC Student Government Association will celebrate the end of the semester with a lockin end-of-the-year party at Mr. Gatti’s from 10 p.m. to midnight Dec. 13.
Admission is free for students with an AC ID and will include unlimited access to free pizza and free games and guests are welcome to attend for $10 per person. “All events the Student Government Association tries to do are always geared toward helping out students and creating a better college experience for them,” Hector Casanova, a business administration major and Student Government president, said. “The end of year party is purely entertainment. We just want to get as many students there if possible. It’s going to be a really great event,” he said. Amarillo College’s winter break begins Dec. 21 and the college will be closed until Jan. 6. Spring semester classes begin Jan. 21.
Semester ends, break approaches By ERIKA CHAVEZ & DANNTER LABRADOR Staff Reporters
The semester is coming to an end and students are getting ready for a break. At the end of every semester there is always the stress of finals and grades. Luis Gonzales, a forensic science major said he has ways to deal with the pressure. “When I feel stressed I usually play video games and listen to music. Taking a couple of naps every now and then helps a lot too,” he said. Procrastinating is also an end-of-the semester issue. “I procrastinate too much,” Gonzales said. “I am actually procrastinating right now. I should be studying for my finals but I usually do well under pressure. When I feel like I am
News
4 | The Ranger December 12, 2019
Fall 2019 English AA Cheyenne M. Chambers Art - Graphic Design ASS Gavin V. Dorman Christa S. Ferril Christopher B. Gilbert Ethan A. Kafka Caleb Morales Kimberly S. Reid Jacqueline Rodriguez Associate Degree Nursing AAS Nancy Aldaco Angelique M. Aragon Jason T. Armstrong Kayla L. Artho Jason M. Barenberg Cecilia R. Borunda Ariana J. Braden Morgan S. Brown Brandon M. Bufkin Amanda D. Cade Lucy M. Cardenas Diana N. Cashman Shania A. Chacon Yadhira Chavoya Mason E. Cheuvront Ashley C. Childs Brittney F. Clark Samantha A. Collins Amber N. Cummings Kelsie M. Daves Rebecca L. Davidson Shelbie L. Ellison Staci N. Finch Tiffany S. Finch David F. Garcia Heather Gavina Makayla L. Gleaves Brooklyn N. Goodner Heather Y. Hague Cristina Haines Kallie N. Heredia Blaine M. Hume Pamela Jimenez Madison J. Jones Tayla C. Kennedy Callan N. Kinnard Victoria D. Lamberson Macy L. Lawler Hannah E. Layman Garry L. Little DeLynda R. Lopez Angela Luangraj Michelle K. Ludiker Kenzie D. Martin Penelope J. Martin Jessica M. Mayes Zannia Mendoza McKenzie O. Montgomery Kayla N. Morton Peyton-Malette Motley Stefhanie Nava Phuong D. Nguyen Shelby T. Noonan Cailee D. O’Grady Anna Orr Natalie Padilla Tawney D. Palmer Erika D. Perez Julie K. Rambin Cristina Ramirez Chelsea N. Reddecopp Caitlin M. Reynolds Delaney B. Riggs Andrea M. Robison Meredith Roper Chisum B. Rutherford Elita M. Salazar Brianna K. Shelton Rylea J. Shepard Tamara S. Smith Deonna K. Spies Dellani J. Spradling Richard D. Tatah Sydney G. Tatum Deborah N. Taylor Tori L. Thrash Cristal Tovar Karina L. Velasco Haley R. Ward Jennifer Watson Jennifer L. Wilson
Kini M. King Laureda E. Sandoval Lacy V. Whipkey
Jesus Ramos Madison M. Swinney Sara T. Vasquez
Child Development - Early Childhood AAS Valerie M. Clemans Callie M. Coleman Kayla R. Edwards Vonda L. Grantham Dawnita S. Ingersoll Christia J. Mull Brandie N. Roberts Michele C. Slagle
Art AS Tasia M. Brown
Computer Information Systems AAS Aram Aldarraji Emily C. Eachen Samantha B. Fulce Timothy G. Henry Julian Jacquez Freddy S. Pavez Christopher J. White Computer Networking/Cyber-Security AAS Margaret E. Akins Criminal Justice Law Enforcement AAS Judd A. Derek Kristopher Dotts Aaron R. Martinez Clayton B. Williams Diesel Technology AAS Jordan R. Cossey Luz B. Hernandez Drafting AAS Joziel Avila Loren S. Lopez Sara V. Olguin Ibarra Noe A. Organista Jr. Stacey D. Parker Hannah M. Patterson Elizabeth Ramirez Isaac O. Rodriguez Isaiah O. Rodriguez Kefren Tarango Industrial Technology AAS Jacob A. Deleon Adan Estrada Andrew M. Suarez Edward Valencia, Jr. Industrial Technology - HVAC and Refrigeration AAS Marcos Mendoza Industrial Technology - Instrument and Electronics AAS Jalen A. Armijo Malone J. Avery Eduardo Godoy Clayton K. Goodwin Damian B. Luna Colton D. Thompson Oladele O. Togbeola Legal Studies AAS Myriam A. Ibarra Ember E. Yarbrough Machining Technology AAS Christopher L. Rodriguez Alan D. Salvio Mass Media AAS Austin R. Ashby Juan C. Rodriguez Dorian M. Sinclair Mortuary Science AAS Mikayla S. Calhoun Jackson R. Harbison Tucson C. Smith Jacey L. Wagner Photography AAS Crystal A. Davis Michael S. Moore Elizabeth N. Silva Radiation Therapy AAS Jasmine M. Williams
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Surgical Technology AAS Samuel D. Del Real
Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS Carlos Lopez Arroyo Jonathan S. Wallace
Education - 4-8 AAT Kimberly E. Long Jonathan X. Quintanilla Amy J. Williamson
Business Management AAS Niki N. Barnes Emma T. Barrientez Jane W. Beery Noah J. Coronado Montel D. Davis Reina P. Flores Amanda J. Gonzales Shayla M. Harris Jolynn L. Ivy Vanessa N. Luna Javier D. Martinez Elaine M. Mitchell Emma N. Mitchell Amanda L. Mountain Fidencio Pena, Jr Clarissa Ramos Stacy A. Ruiz Yuri Y. Sanchez Lucy T. Thongsythavong Victoria G. Vara Patrick D. Villa Business Technology AAS Amanda M. Bridges Jessica L. Fowler
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Education - Elementary Specialist AAT Michaela M. Anderson Christina Ayala Amanda A. Bandera Montaisha D. Brown Karime I. Espino Madison A. Fry Daisy Gutierrez Zabdi E. Hernandez Kayla A. Lunsford Carmen A. Mooring Khoa D. Nguyen Suzet Prieto Vanessa L. Ramos Education - Secondary AAT Ryan C. Butler Katelyn D. Fergerson Kaleigh M. Gollihugh Raegan M. Hernandez Anthony T. Inthirath Willie E. Johnson Ashley M. Knotts Alexia D. Lawrence Israel Quezada
Biology AS Jennifer Borunda Briana E. Regalado Bailee R. Sanders Business Administration AS Lorena Alvarez Georgina Anderson Esmeralda A. Arrasmith Lena M. Balderas Allyson L. Boatman Chelsea L. Cabello Braden G. Cadenhead Brian L. Carmona Desiree L. Castillo Benjamin E. Cochran Clint L. Condren Ryan P. Cooper John E. Criado Christen L. Duke Alysia M. Enriquez Kennedy E. Fassauer Antonio Garcia, Jr. Tyler W. Gross Job Gutierrez Guadalupe H. Guzman McKenzie N. Hampton Bradley R. Harrelson Jeremy D. Hawkins Cassandra M. Hendricks Aspyn S. Hermesmeyer Adrian M. Hernandez Judith V. Hernandez Elizabeth Herrera Jessica J. Holliday Christine L. Johnson Brittany N. Kramer Alejandro Lino Savannah M. Lopez Angela R. Lykens Daniela J. Macias Emily L. Martin Elizabeth Martinez Kaniel M. Maynard Orlando Mayorga Joshua M. Mendoza Omar M. Mendoza Raymond Mendoza Jennifer Nieto Kyna L. O’Neill Nereida Ortiz Destiny N. Osburn Ronit G. Patel Aaron B. Phillips Sheandra L. Polk Davis Sierra C. Poteet Nathaniel R. Pritchet Karina Y. Reyes Paul E. Rhodes Shauna E. Richburg Kelcie J. Ritter Christopher S. Romo Marcos A. Rubio Alejandra Ruiz Peter J. Schmitt Skylar H. Shelley Serena T. Shelton Alex G. Sim Ashley K. Simental Nathan T. Spencer Joseph K. Srader Tauk H. Sung Shawn P. Tilley Veronica A. Vazquez Zaira Y. Villalba Maire K. Wirkus Criminal Justice AS Sarai A. Camargo Jada M. Carr Julissa Castillo Tenia A. Cazares Aida Dorraji McKenzie E. Glenn Hector L. Hernandez Leslye S. Johnson Derek A. Judd Alfredo Lino Shantel E. Martinez Aaron R. Martinez Delshaundra M. Mayhue Isabel Medrano Charles D. Peavey Reymundo Resendez Milagros A. Rosales Avila Briann E. Schenk Genifer K. Schuster Shawn R. Urton Clayton B. Williams Engineering AS Saman Aria Jermiah L. Dorsett Brandon S. Perez Kurry T. Savage Engineering Computer Science AS Nickolas A. Gallegos Shafat Rakin General Studies AS Tanya R. Adams Jody L. Anderson Natalia C. Araiza Kai D. Barela Ashlea C. Bellatty Ryan K. Blackshear Marina S. Boles Eduardo C. Brenes Andrea A. Campbell Megan L. Connell Rogelio De Anda Nicole R. Defreitas Ashley M. Denham Angela D. DeWitt Jacie D. Eudey
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News David A. Long Zackery S. McFarlin Christopher L. Ohara Luke A. Randol David Sosa Basic Business Management CERT Anesha D. Allen Jaqueline Bautista Deborah K. Brown Dan’tavious Dilworth Anahi Gomez Sharon Hammons Brandon D. Harper Kathy A. Hernandez Jordan R. Humphrey Jeremiah S. Marez Cheryl D. Markley Angelique K. Martin Bobby J. Mason, Jr Kendall J. Mcarthur Skyler Olivas Carter G. Perky Kye M. Ramirez Gail S. Saiz Anissa Salas Tammy R. Ward Billy J. Webster Basic Diesel Technology CERT Jordan R. Cossey Andrew J. Cruz Robert T. Flores Gisabelle M. Gonzalez Angel R. Guerra Chance R. Miller Alberto Ordunez Brandon M. Owens Dakota W. Pullen Stephen R. Rhodes Business Tech Systems Certificate CERT Amanda M. Bridges Jessica L. Fowler Kathy Hildalgo Kini M. King Iduvina M. Morris Laureda E. Sandoval Lacy V. Whipkey Business Technology Foundations CERT Amanda M. Bridges Kathy Hildalgo
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Aye M. Kyaw Justin K. Stovall Computer Network Essentials CERT Nicholas L. Foster Lucas E. Mosqueda Kyaw L. Oo Jackson P. Ruiz Jared T. Skrabits Christopher Ward Computer System Support CERT Marilyn M. Ebben Agustin I. Fabela Cristian J. Faure Jealousy J. Hall Karalee Tiller Nathaniel Worthington Drafting Technician CERT David P. Ambs Joziel Avila Jason T. Bilbrey Sara V. Olguin Ibarra Elizabeth Ramirez Industrial Technology Helper - Wind CERT Christopher A. Boemmel Angel J. Ortiz Espino Industrial Technology Tech - Instrument & Electronics CERT Jalen A. Armijo William C. Garrison Eduardo Godoy Clayton K. Goodwin Jacob L. Goodwin Alexi A. Khashan Alexis S. Martinez Kenneth Monden Benjamin Orta Carlos D. Rangel Colton D. Thompson Luis A. Venzor Industrial Technology Technician Certificate CERT Clifton D. Combs Andrew M. Suarez Intermediate Business Management CERT Niki N. Barnes Emma T. Barrientez
Summer 2019 Associate Degree Nursing AAS Jennifer B Hughes-Denny
Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS Julius I Anyasor Irvin A Gonzalez Blakely L Radloff Business Management AAS Eduardo Arceo Monica Chavarria Robert A Lauffer II Rebecca A Sellmyer Gloria A Sisneros Child Development - Early Childhood AAS April C Nelson Computer Networking/Cyber-Security AAS John P Emery James R Salicco Diesel Technology AAS James D Taylor Emergency Medical Services Professions AAS William R Mayes Legal Studies AAS Betty J Martinez Babette C Kelso Medical Assisting AAS Lakeisha P Williams Respiratory Care AAS Brittiany R Arceneaux Andrew M Bentle Criselda Chavez Esmeralda A Dominguez Goran Gubo Veronica Hill Randy D Hoffer Marcie K Leal Cassie D Mason Johnna J Nevarez Mary J Ozuna Jasmine S Pena Jerry D Pond Surgical Technology AAS Somoia J Buchanan Heather P Carlton Jessica I Ceniceros Vanessa E Dominguez Pauline Esparza Ashlee A Hughes Jolyn Johnson Abel Perez Malina A Quezada Johnny P Torres, Jr. Welding Technology AAS Marcos D Mendoza Education - Elementary Specialist AAT Jordan N Bates Laura Cervantes Kassandra L Pina Isabel N Prado Maia S Saenz Janie B Satterfield Ruth Saysana Samantha V Torres Education - Secondary AAT Janice R Chrisman Joseph M Guillen Jr. Lizeth Guzman Marco A Munoz
Art AS Yulissa C Sandoval Biology AS Leonor G Cedillo Paige A Diaz Jacqueline Garcia Heather M Horne Business Administration AS Roman D Baca Briana A Betancourt Evan T Brown Dazlina M Carlos Cole A Davis Kristy L Horn Kevin C Jordan Richard E Keller, Jr. Mark A Mendoza Marcella Mendoza Adriana Morales Beatrize A Murillo Kelsey R Polk Mari C Ramirez Nickolas A Remmel Katlyn M Rogers Jaime Sanchez Yolanda L Scott Madison P Stinson Jeremy A Van Dyke II Tate C Wilkerson Joshua K Wolfe Chemistry AS Erica H Lopez Criminal Justice AS America Baca Jessica N Bedell Faith L Bontke Amber L Brewer Jamilex H Castaneda Marisol Chavez Jackson A Ford Cristina Gonzalez Tracie D Johnson April A King Angela M Portillo Emily L Reed Krystal R Rodriguez General Studies AS Karsen K Anderson Jared S Aragon Nicole M Baker Marleigh M Brown John C Calahan Pedro Castaneda Nicole A Chavez Darleen J Cheverier Elizabeth B Dixon Jennifer E Ferguson Jacklyn N Fite Rafael M Flores Cristina Flores Trina E Frost Myron L Glover John W Gross Jose A Guillen Marti E Hands Mimosa J Hipp Lynzie N Johnston Courtney E Jordan Ya M Ko Alma G Lopez Aaron R Martinez Jason A McClanahan David D Medrano Haley R Miller
Zachary N Molina Gil Molina Brandi D Neie Krista M Orr Elizabeth Parra Macey L Pearson Alexia M Perez Monday Peter Emily M Peters Annette Y Ramon Glenda L Romero Camron T Shelton Brad L Sims Selena M Soliz Carter S Strawn Jared E Thompson Jalen D Toombs Jamie L Wallace Ryan T Whitehead Brenna L Wiles Danielle D Williams Ashley N Williams
General Studies - Dual Degree AS Meghan J Holland General Studies - Education AS Samantha R McClenagan Kenzie M Roberson Kimberlee Soltero Mathematics AS Rosaly Chavira Pre-Nursing AS Maritza Contreras Katelyn J Draper Jared A Garcia Jose L Garcia Reagan L Gilley Lisa M Grisham Jentry B Haskins Shanon D Knutson Aylera K Lansbury Adazia S Lewis Rebecca B Orton Jessica M Ramos Pre-Physical Therapy AS Juan I Camberos Psychology AS Raul A Cortez Kenton S Freeman Benyt I Juarez Mason R Lang Ashley D Petty Bryza T Salinas Jaime M Santillan Social Science AS Karina Correa Terri D Younger Social Work AS Roshanda R Archie Bridgett B Gallegos Advanced Business Management CERT Rebecca A Sellmyer Gloria A Sisneros Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) CERT Samantha T Cabrera Coleton T Camden Evan A Cato Genae L Cone Brian M Cox Ezequiel Hernandez
The Ranger | 5 December 12, 2019 Edward A. Butler Montel D. Davis Joana Escobar Jessica M. Fierro Reina P. Flores Amanda J. Gonzales Shayla M. Harris Candace J. Martinez Elaine M. Mitchell Emma N. Mitchell Amanda L. Mountain Roxy M. Munoz Fidencio Pena, Jr Clarissa Ramos Barbara J. Rhodes Johnny L. Turner Casey J. Upton Victoria G. Vara Patrick D. Villa Logistics Training - Truck Driving CERT Armando Aranda Christopher A. Burleson Jeremy R. Gomez Adam L. Raymond Jayden C. Richardson Nicholas D. Stevens Jovan I. Valles Nathan A. Williams Machining Fundamentals CERT Kevin Alanis Jose G. Alvarez Eduardo Castaneda Fabian Zubia Leyva Medical Data Specialist CERT Vanessa Gomez Mortuary Science CERT Joetta T. Augenstine Kelly M. Beckworth Blakely B. Boxwell Morgan S. Dowdy Ashley K. Hearn Brenda E. Lira Campbell A. Ringel Online Marketing CERT Madison A. Goodman Pharmacy Technology CERT Htee T. Paw
Katherine C Koepp Maria G Medrano Abbygale M Sechrist Alanna Stephens Brayden J Taylor-Hardie Richard B Todd Marann L Vasquez Aviation Maintenance Technology - Airframe Mechanic CERT Daniel Acosta Julius I Anyasor Bradley A Devine Hunter A Doty Kelsey M Freelen Irvin A Gonzalez Maverick R Hess Gabriel J Kubitscheck Nathan L Lopez Carlos Lopez Arroyo Eric Monroe Blakely L Radloff Jose A Rios, Jr. Ricky L Shreffler Hayden D Southall Drake T Valenzuela Jonathan S Wallace Basic Business Management CERT Tammy L Baumgardner Ornelas Trinidad L Faure Brennan V Gerdes Chrystal L Gonzalez Tindol P Hereford Alicia Jackson Madison A Kellerman Roxana M Munoz Jaqueline Salgado Shania J Schacher Helena I Toquinto Tha Ya Certified Nursing Assistant CERT Hsar L Eh Amy A Gonzalez CIS - Web Developer Specialist CERT Emily C Eachen Computer Cyber Security CERT John P Emery Computer Digital Forensics CERT Babette C Kelso Sophia L Munoz Bodey B Scott Computer Network Administration CERT Sophia L Munoz Computer Network Essentials CERT James T McClenny Criminal Justice Law Enforcement CERT Dylan J Baker Sean M Brinson Tommye D Cole Kalan C Cox Dustin T Diaz Brett G Eggers Michael T Foreman John H Gerald Ismael Granda, III Dan M Harris Amber M King Ramon Magallanes Lauren B McMahon Krystal D Moreno Kensley Nutt Dustin H Owens
Photography CERT Crystal A. Davis Plant Science and Cultivation CERT Isaiah M. Sandoval Precision Metalworking Technology Advanced CERT Ryan T. Piercy Alan D. Salvio Recording Arts CERT Nicholas C. Gunn Adam J. Rodriguez Vocational Nursing CERT Denisse Arreola Lynzi R. Bragg Brenna Castillo Anahi Chacon Karleigh Y. Diaz Stephanie Dominguez Elsa D. Galvan Jesse C. Garcia Ashley E. Garcia Ashley E. Gonzales Margarita Gonzalez Michelle D. Hill Bailee Irvin Saeje R. Jameson Heather F. Jeter Audra G. Leighton Carmen L. Magallanes Ruby A. Marez Stephanie Y. Martinez Lindsay N. Miller Jacqueline J. Moore Natalie M. Moreno Kaleigh M. Newcomb Lillian J. Nguyen Nallely I. Ortega Karina Patino Cindy L. Peoples Sarahi L. Perez Monique N. Perez Jessica Ramirez Hilda L. Sandoval Yulia I. Valdez Emily A. Weddige Addie B. Whisennand Christopher W. Wood Shawnty Wynne
Layton D Parrish Elijah P Tompkins Industrial Technology - Helper CERT Brian A Diaz Industrial Technology Helper - HVAC and Refrigeration CERT Dylon B Simpson Industrial Technology Helper - Instrument & Electronics CERT Matthew A Anderson Luis Cadena William C Garrison Clayton K Goodwin Jacob L Goodwin Joe Hernandez Alexi A Khashan Mason B Khashan Rosalia Lerma Damian B Luna Avery J Malone Alexis S Martinez Kenneth Monden Benjamin Orta Fidel Ortiz Bryan L Peacock Carlos D Rangel Colton D Thompson Oladele O Togbeola Luis A Venzor Yolanda F Wall Intermediate Business Management CERT Eduardo Arceo Rebecca A Sellmyer Gloria A Sisneros Medical Assisting CERT Skylar S Jones Kendra M Lee Dalia G Macias Dulce E Roacho Alyssa C Strack Lakeisha P Williams Estefanie V Zuniga Medical Data Specialist CERT Emily L Fairweather Charley J Hill Nilda J Mejia Heather A Smith Mortuary Science CERT Joe M Rodriguez Judy Wolfe Surgical Technology CERT Taylor L Becker Somoia J Buchanan Ashli B Cano Heather P Carlton Jessica I Ceniceros Samuel D Del Real Vanessa E Dominguez Pauline Esparza Alyssa A Flores Julia B Gallegos Mindy N Hinders Ashlee A Hughes Jolyn Johnson Lluvia J Lopez Sarah Mata Abel Perez Malina A Quezada Michelle R Ragsdale Rene Silva Chaylee R Snyder Johnny P Torres, Jr.
News
6 | The Ranger December 12, 2019
The season of giving By ANDREW ROBINSON Staff Reporter
The holiday season is arriving in a hurry and this is a time when many people’s thoughts turn to gifts. Everyone has their own ideas regarding gifts they would like to receive, as well as gifts they will be giving. Everybody always says that it’s the thought that counts, but is that really the case? “I completely agree with the statement that the thought counts, even if the gift is not what the person ideally expected, it is still a way of stepping out of your comfort zone and or just being generous and passing on joy,” Connor Newcomb, a nursing major said. “I would say gift giving is more stressful than receiving but going both ways it’s a true act of humanity and kindness.” Another common saying is that people enjoy gift giving, while this may be true, there is
also reason to believe that it is more stressful than enjoyable. For example, not knowing if the person is going to like what you got them, or if you got them the wrong item. “I’ve never gotten a bad Christmas present. Every gift is amazing because of what’s behind it, not the actual object,” Nathan Betts, a business major, said. What makes it more stressful is putting a lot of thought into a gift and that gift not turning out to be what you thought it would. There are so many factors of gift giving that go into the holidays that many people seem to overlook. “My favorite part of giving gifts is seeing the reaction of the other person, because when they’re happy, it makes me happy,” Kyett Prather, a biology major said. “It can be stressful sometimes because you have to make sure they like what you got them and that it isn’t a waste of money.”
Giving gifts during the holiday season can be stressful, yet relieving.
COURTESY PHOTO
AC honors students By DANNTER LABRADOR Staff Reporter
Larry Adams teaches social sciences at Amarillo College.
CLAUDIA ZUNIGA | The Ranger
Professor Profile: Larry Adams By CLAUDIA ZUNIGA Staff Reporter
Larry Adams sat in his home a few blocks from Amarillo College and adjusted a mountain of papers on the side table next to his recliner. He had been grading papers by the students that he teaches at AC, working on a law case for one of his clients and finalizing details on the home he is remodeling. “I’ve been keeping myself busy,” Adams said as he muted the basketball game on the TV. Larry Adams has been a professor at AC for 20 years and is also a practicing lawyer. However, he didn’t start off his adult career thinking he was going to become a lawyer and professor. He started as a police officer in Amarillo in 1984. During his five year career as a police officer, Adams received the Carver award for graduating top of his class in the academy, he received several commendations for work above and beyond and also received the life saving award. “Before I went through the police academy I didn’t feel like I could be successful in college, and then when I went through the police academy I did really well and I was finally
determined to do something and the confidence to do it, so I thought I would go back to school,” said Adams. Adams began attending AC and transferred to West Texas A&M University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history in 1989. He moved his family to Austin to attend the University of Texas Law School. During his third year of law school he began teaching as a teacher’s assistant. “I’ve always liked teaching. It was something that I was good at and my professors recognized that and that is why I was selected to be one of the teacher’s assistants,” he said. His interest in teaching was ignited in law school. “When I was in law school I thought about teaching but I didn’t really seriously think that I would be able to it, but when I was able too I felt very fortunate, especially being at Amarillo College,” Adams said. Adams graduated from law school in 1992 and eventually chose to come back to the city he used to serve as a police officer. “When I went to law school and moved to Austin I thought that I would probably go to a big city like Dallas or Houston and work in a big law firm, but I worked in those big cities and law firms in between my years in law school
and didn’t really like living in the big cities. I realized I had support, family friends, contacts in Amarillo that would help me with whatever I chose to do. Also it’s a great place to raise a family.” Adams is a father to three and a grandfather to one. During his college career he balanced work, school and being a husband and father. “There are a lot of students at the Amarillo College that are juggling work and family and it can be really difficult, and I understand because I experienced it firsthand, so I’m very proud of those students,” he said. Adams continues to practice law along with teaching and he decided to add another accomplishment to his list by getting his masters in history at West Texas A&M University in 2006. “I went to college and I guess I never stopped,” said Adams. With all of the big accomplishments under his belt, Adams relishes in the small ones that come from teaching his students, “It’s always when students come back and they’ve had other successes and they thank you for being a part of their educational journey. I mean I don’t think it’s with any one particular event. It always has to do with students and seeing their successes,” Adams said.
Amarillo College’s fourth annual National Adult Honor Society ceremony and reception will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in the Oak Room of the College Union Building on the Washington Street Campus. The event will “recognize students who show exemplary character in the classroom, have cooperation, good attendance and a way to celebrate students who work really hard in class,” said Ronetta Urton, assistant ESL coordinator. “All of Amarillo College’s students are fantastic, but the ones who qualify are our shining stars, are the ones who go out of their way to do the extra, to help other students, to help the teachers,” Urton said. For example, some students stay before and after classes to tutor other students who have trouble grasping information during the lecture, Urton said. Keynote speakers will be Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, president of Amarillo College, and Edythe Carter, dean of academic success.
AC has a handful of programs whose students are eligible for the NAEHS induction: English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education Degree (GED) or High School Equivalence (HSE), Health and Science Division (HSD, and/or any Adult Education Program (ABE). The students honored will receive an NAEHS membership certificate, NAEHS letters of recommendation for employment, scholarships and grants and an NAEHS pin. The “Pinning Ceremony” of a new member is done by having a family member or professor do the honors. Urton said the Inductees are nominated by their instructors. A teacher can recommend up to one to two students “per session” and “used to do it once per semester but that has recently changed to once per year.” To be recognized by faculty for an award, a student must reflect dependable attendance, cooperative attitude and a strong work ethic, she said. This year the National Adult Education Honor Society will have 21 inductees.
Wrestling begins
By TATHEANA FINNEY Staff Reporter
With the stress of finals weighing on students, Amarillo College hosted its first wrestling tournament Dec. 7 on the Washington Street Campus in the Carter Fitness Center. “It’s the first ever wrestling tournament for Amarillo College and we are incorporating folk style wrestling,” Trent Oneal, the intramurals coordinator, said. The weight classes were separated into five different categories for both men and women. “It gives students something to do. We know students are stressed out. One of the best ways to relieve stress is through exercise and competition,” Oneal said. Jasper Divina, a drafting major who has been wrestling since he was seven, was one of the champions at the tournament winning 12-0. Dudelia Leon, a criminal
justice major, won the tournament for the women’s league with a score of 3-2. AC intramurals offers a variety of tournaments including basketball, softball, sand volleyball, soccer and Thursday events that do not require sign ups and feature activities ranging from yoga to dodgeball. “It’s a really good place to meet new people and just grow your circle and reach out to people and it’s fun,” Leon said. Divina agreed, saying the tournament gives students an outlet for competition in an environment for friends and family to watch. “I like how involved AC is to students that didn’t get athletic scholarships. I really like how they support students,” he said. For more information about upcoming tournaments and different activities, email Oneal at taoneal@actx.edu or visit the student life calendar to see the different sports available: https://www.actx.edu/ studentlife/intramural-sports.
Culture
The Ranger | 7 December 12, 2019
The Botanical Garden features more than 300,000 lights this year for its ‘Christmas in the Gardens.’
ISABELLE LINK
| The Ranger
Botanical Gardens lights up Amarillo REVIEW By ISABELLE LINK Staff Reporter
Amarillo Botanical Gardens have more than 300,000 lights strung up around their gardens, including the rose walks outside to the indoor oasis for ‘Christmas in the Gardens.’ The light show is impossible to miss as you drive up to it from any road along MediPark. A beautiful array of multicolor string lights and decorations flood the night sky with the definition of what Christmas looks like. Upon entering the venue,
you are greeted with smiling faces dressed up for the holidays and hot cocoa and coffee are available. It’s not Christmas without a meet-and-greet with Santa himself, or if you want to mail your wish list instead, the Gardens offers a mailbox that will be mailed to Santa after his time at the Gardens is up. All outside, the lights offer different themes and colors, the Butterfly Garden features a steel arch with lights strung around it that open up to a walkway that leads you around the path directly to Santa. Then changing over to a Japanese style display at the
Dusty McGuire Gardens, the wooden pathway is lined with paper lanterns and little sitting areas to be able to hang out to watch the lanterns dance in the wind and listen to the peaceful sounds of the waterfall. Following the path up at Bev’s garden is Santa projected on the wall “conducting” an orchestra, with traditional music playing through the speakers. It really does feel like Santa is creating the music himself. Ranging from a beautiful tunnel of lights, statues dressed as Santa and a skillfully-placed Nativity scene featuring an angel and the northern star, the Botanical Gardens covers
every possible way someone can celebrate Christmas. While the outside is jaw-dropping, the inside is equally beautiful, despite the lack of space they have in comparison to outside. The oasis has a blooming green path that leads you through a warm light show, reaching the bottom of the path, the guests are greeted with a waterfall and some ducks in the pond below. The Botanical Gardens went all-out on their display. It is obvious that they really enjoy bringing this to the community and that they put in a lot of work to get it done. I would recommend going
and supporting the work these people did, because it does not look like it was easy to create this amazing display. For the price of a cup of coffee you can support local business and enjoy the lights on display.
CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS ENDS DECEMBER 22
Extended weekends Thursdays through Sunday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Admission $5
COURTESY PHOTO
Tarantino travels back REVIEW TITUS GILNER
| The Ranger
Pianist, Andrey Ponochevny, played non-stop for over an hour without looking at the music.
Piano performance captivates listeners REVIEW By RAY GUTIERREZ & TITUS GILNER Staff Reporter Amarillo College held a piano performance by Andrey Ponochevny, prize winner at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow and the William Kappell Piano Competition. On Dec. 3 in the Concert Hall Theatre, Ponochevny delivered a beautiful execution of Beethoven’s Sonatas No. 30, 31 and 32. The performance was part of the Art Force presents AC Piano Series. This concert in honor of Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary was not simply good, but fantastic and I truly commend AC for putting together such a series. This truly compelling performance displayed not only skill, but passion. The fluidity and ease, combined with storytelling-like timing. made this performance wonderful. The audience was impressed with Ponochevny’s
performance. The memorizing melodies captivated the listeners. “I thought it was wonderful, very good,” Candace Thomas, an audience member, said. “It was refreshing. It was nice to just sit down for a couple of minutes and enjoy the music,” she said. “I felt inspired after the show,” Bonnie Stephenson, another audience member, said. Ponochevny played nonstop for an hour. Locked in a trance, he seemed to be playing as if he were the only person in the room. It was almost as if he was breathing in every note, often times with his eyes shut, as he danced across the keys. “I was floored he didn’t read any music. It was beautiful,” Valerie Nogel, an audience member, said. Ponochevny said he enjoyed performing for AC and playing Beethoven. “I like many composers. It could be classical, contemporary, romantic, Russian or German. I try to play as much as I can and explore different styles. At this point I mainly focus on romantic classical and 20th
century,” he said. Ponochevny added that he appreciated having a great audience. “If there’s a chance I would love to come back. A wonderful audience, good piano, yes, it would be nice,” he said I do not normally find myself at events like this simply because they are rare in Amarillo, and even rarer is experiencing such quality. I found the modesty of this performance strikingly compelling. Beethoven’s sonatas are full of ups and downs. The sounds of silence between key transitions amplify the roaring breakdowns, to put them in 21st century terms. I often compare modern day instrumental artists to the great composers of the past and this performance has made me second think that comparison. As a casual classical music observer, I found myself feeling happiness and sadness, passion and apathy. Music that can evoke any feeling is good music, but music that makes you evaluate yourself and your position in life is hard to find.
By COLTON SCHWALK Staff Reporter Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” calls back to the nostalgic era of the 1960s when Hollywood was truly the superpower we know it as today. The story follows Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) as they work to find their way in a town that is constantly moving forward. The film itself is designed to be a distant snapshot of what life was like in the city of broken dreams at that time in history, and that is what we see. In classic Tarantino style, this movie is a long one. The story is slow to start, but that is not to take away from the quality of the film. The characters’ dialogue, the jingles on the radio in the car, the outfits, all of it is what keeps you interested. You genuinely feel as if you are in Hollywood with these actors. Tarantino does an excellent job with submerging the viewer in this time period, something that he is wellknown for, and something he obviously strives for in his films. Tarantino created an excellent, genuine atmosphere for this
particular film. With total demand of the audience’s attention in the form of all the details in the film, Tarantino practices the easygoing form of cinema. The scenes flow with rhythm until the final act of the film itself. The real story lies in the friendship of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth, as that is what we see through most of the movie. This premise is also the theme of the movie itself - that being that it doesn’t matter if the camera lights are fading on someone as long as there is someone in that person’s life that the lights will never fade off. This friendship is a strong source of meaning throughout the film. With Booth’s duties including driving Dalton around to his auditions and taking care of his home, it is evident to the viewer that the main point of the film is to elaborate on the point that the people behind you is more important than the people paying you. Overall, this film is a mustsee. It delivers the message of the film efficiently and precisely while also offering a “slice-oflife” for the era itself. If the viewer can handle suspense until the final part of the film, they will enjoy it thoroughly. I would personally give this film an 8/10.
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8 | The Ranger December 12, 2019
the
TAKING
NEXT
STEP
By CLIFTON SARTOR Staff Reporter
Nathaniel Montoya (pictured left), mass media major Next Step: transfering to WTAMU “I like how Amarillo College gave me the opportunity as a first generation college student to get an affordable college experience. All the hands-on learning kept me involved and I feel that if I had started anywhere else, I wouldn’t have finished.”
Jesus Ramos, education major Next Step: transferring to WTAMU
PHOTO by JOHNNY LAWHON | The Ranger
“Amarillo College has prepared me for university in various ways. AC has helped me develop better and different study skills through their tutoring services offered to students. Speaking to advisers in the advising centers also helped me plan out the future and have goals that I wanted to meet not only while at AC, but also after I left. There are multiple clubs and social events that AC holds that have given me the opportunity to get involved with the school community.”
Daniela Macias, business administration major Next Step: transferring to WTAMU “My accomplishment at AC is the knowledge I have gained and my ability to interact with others better. I have a sense of relief and excitement. I hope to find an internship while I am working on my bachelor’s degree in accounting at WTAMU.”
Bailee Hart, pre-nursing major Next Step: transferring to WTAMU “I believe the biggest way that AC has prepared me for the university experience is that is has made me a confident student. Starting college at a smaller scale has been extremely helpful for me. I have learned to make connections and be my own advocate and I am confident the university experience will be much easier and pleasant because of it.”
Judith Hernandez, business administration major Next Step: transferring to WTAMU “Through Amarillo College, I was able to obtain my associate degree in business administration. The convenience of having classes close to home was a plus. Although I am a little nervous, I must say that I am ready for this new chapter of my life. Thanks to Amarillo College, I am now prepared to continue my education at WTAMU.”
Angelique Martin, business major Next Step: pursuing a degree in cybersecurity networking and digital forensics “I feel like I have accomplished a lot. In 2015, I couldn’t even make it to a class. Now I am closer to my dream of obtaining a doctoral degree in organization and education leadership. It is exciting and surreal. I feel like I’m more grown up now, I feel more like an adult and a responsible person. You just push and push until you get there because it pays off.”
Austin Ashby, mass media major Next Step: seeking employment in his career field “I think I’ve gained the skills and found the perfect balance in my love of technology and my creative side. The things I have had the chance to work on, I don’t think I could have achieved elsewhere. I can now say, I’ve helped shoot and do lighting for two seasons of a TV show working with PBS. It’s time to leverage all that hard work and skills.”