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A Publication of The Chronicle for Centralia College Since 2012 • www.centraliablaze.com

Students to Launch Payload Toward Space By Edward Riley For The Blaze

Students in the Physics and Electronics clubs at Centralia College are spearheading an attempt to launch a vehicle into the upper-stratosphere. Depending on weather conditions, the launch is planned to take place near Moses Lake in late June or early July. The students plan to accomplish this by launching a specialized weather balloon with a 6 pound payload of equipment 20 miles above earth. This altitude is what is commonly referred to as “near space.” Once the balloon reaches a certain atmospheric pressure it will burst, a parachute will deploy and the vehicle will float safely to the ground for retrieval. Finding the vehicle for retrieval will take place with the help of a spot GPS system often used by mountain climbers. A variety of sensors will be on board the vehicle collecting data, including two Go-Pro cameras often used by extreme athletes. These will take high resolution pictures from different angles, said Centralia College robotics instructor and advisor to the project David Peterson. “One of the cameras will be taking shots angled down towards the ground while the other will be angled to the side,” said Peterson. “We should have some incredible pictures showing the curvature of the earth and dramatic overhead shots of

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Physics and Electronics Clubs Team Up for Effort to Send Payload 20 Miles Above Earth

‘‘We should have some incredible pictures showing the curvature of the Earth and dramatic overhead shots of the Earth’s surface.’’ David Peterson,

CC robotics instructor

the Earth’s surface.” The project will collect valuable information that is not typically available at the community college level, said Peterson. “Although this has been accomplished by other schools and universities, to our knowledge it has never been accomplished by a community college in Washington state,” said Peterson. “By doing this we hope to lay the groundwork for similar projects involving younger students in the surrounding communities.” The joint project has created excitement and garnered campus wide support amongst student clubs, faculty and the administration of the college. “I’ve never seen such a wide range of students working together for a common goal,” said Peterson. “This is a project that the whole community can get behind.” For more information contact David Peterson at dpeterson@centralia.edu

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A balloon carrying a payload of a time lapse camera and various other sensors attached by the Centralia College Physics and Electronics clubs floats near Moses Lake in June 2012. After a successful launch, recovery of the balloon failed. Students hope to accomplish the feat of sending and reclaiming a similar device near space this summer.

Summer Volunteering Opportunities Abound for Students After Graduation ing, weeding, etc.). The Greater Chehalis Food Bank can be reached at (360) 748-1226, and the Lewis County Food Bank Coalition can be reached at (360) 330-1519.

By Courtney Simmons The Blaze

With spring quarter coming to an end, the age old question of how to spend one’s summer will soon be upon the students of Centralia College. With a million and one options before them, students may find it difficult to occupy all of the time they may soon be finding themselves with. For some students, fun is the most important factor in choosing an activity. Others want to find more meaningful ways to spend their time. Luckily, there is one option that can span both categories. Volunteering in one’s local community can be both an enjoyable and fulfilling way for a student to use their free time over the summer. Listed below are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities students may choose to pursue this summer. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America — A good fit for students interested in mentoring children in their community

Centralia College Writing Center — For students looking for volunteer opportunities nearby, Centralia College’s very own writing center is always looking for help. The center can be reached at (360) 736-9391, ext 564. Elliott Townsend / The Blaze

Students work and study in the Centralia College Writing Center May 30.

may be Big Brothers and Big Sisters. “Bigs” are matched with a “Little” based on personality and need and take part in a plethora of fun-filled activities year round. Big Brothers Big Sisters is not merely a summer volunteer job though. The organization asks that volunteers be willing to commit to a minimum of one year, as well as pass a background check. The office of the Lewis County branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters can be

reached at (360) 807-4097. Greater Chehalis Food Bank and Lewis County Food Bank Coalition — Volunteering at a local food bank is a great way for students to play a key role in bringing food to those in need in their communities. Volunteer opportunities may include preparing food for distribution, delivering items to the food bank, and working in the Acres of Hope (plant-

Discover! Children’s Museum – For those interested in working with the children of the community, the pilot childrens’ museum in Chehalis might be a good volunteering fit. Offering a fun and positive role to play in the community, Discover! is an exciting and meaningful way to fill the summer hours. Shifts are generally around four hours long, and schedules are flexible. Volunteers must first pass a background check. The children’s museum office number is (360) 990-4011.

Lewis County Animal Shelter — Lewis County is filled with stray dogs and cats, and often they end up at the Lewis County Animal Shelter. While the shelter is a great way for animals to find good homes, they need care while in the shelter as well. The animal shelter is a great volunteer opportunity, because once a student takes the volunteer orientation course, they can stop by to volunteer any time during the shelter’s hours of operation. They can be reached at (360) 740-1290. Students should remember that the above list is not the definitive guide on volunteering in Lewis County, and that there are countless volunteer opportunities all throughout their local communities. Students are encouraged to contact organizations that interest them and ask about potential volunteering opportunities. United Way can also help with matching volunteers to the opportunities best for them. The United Way of Lewis County office can be reached at (360) 748-8100.

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BEAT on the STREET “What’s your favorite memory at Centralia College?”

“Lab in Dr. Norton’s class. Like the day we got to dissect a brain.” - Joe Hahnenkratt, 19, Centralia, Cellular Biology

“Being on stage in Wickstrom Theatre in nothing but a burlap sack and my underwear.” - Aaron Flahout, 18, Tenino, Theology

GROW Farmers Market Opens on Campus Growing: Booth Will be Open Thursdays From Noon to 3 p.m. By Emmalee Baker The Blaze

After many months of planning, and with the help of many enthusiastic Teens Entering Education Now students, the Centralia College GROW farmers market has opened on campus. The booth started out strong, according to Kari Winsor of Blue Earth Farms. The TEEN program farmer’s market booth opened Thursday, May 9. The booth will be open every Thursday from to noon to 3 p.m. Currently, the booth is selling heirloom tomatoes, jalapeño pepper starts, heirloom pole bean starts, marigolds and columbine seeds, raspberry and everbearing strawberry starts, mixed salad greens, farm fresh eggs and many other garden goods. The GROW booth is located on campus across from

the Michael Smith Health and Wellness Center and next to the TEEN program classroom. Blue Earth Farms is providing the produce, starts and eggs for the students to sell at the market. “With enough demand, the booth will be open through summer for CSA deliveries,” said Kari Winsor from Blue Earth Farms. CSA refers to community supported agriculture. The TEEN students helped screen print T-shirts and paint garden signs that are also for sale. The GROW booth is intended to be a long-term program with the help of the community. The current plans are for the market booth to be back on campus in the fall, and to offer more than just produce. “We hope to expand and offer once a week local lunches,” said Winsor. Some of the proposed lunches that will be offered are soups and baked potatoes. The farmers market booth on campus is about more than

Professor Says Networking is Key to Life After College

Details: Participating in Community-Based Organizations, Interviewing for Jobs Are Logical Steps in Development By Courtney Simmons The Blaze

Spring quarter is a time when students begin to think about the future. Graduation is approaching, and the “real world” is not far away. The end of college is an event that often brings about another question: “What’s next?” Though many students have an idea of where they want to be, they may have very little idea of how they are going to get there. One important resource for students to utilize in getting to where they want to be is networking. Networking is something that is already done all around campus. Every day, students meet others and make those connections. The focused interest nature of clubs and organizations around campus makes them a great source for networking, because they can lead to connections in a student’s particular career field of interest. Centralia College professor and business administrator Connie Smejkal stresses the helpfulness of Rotaract in particular in making business connections. “You don’t have to be a Rotaract student to make those connections,” says Smejkal. “There are three rotaries: Centralia, Chehalis, and Twin Cities Rotary. You can contact those rotaries and ask if you can come and be a guest.” Smejkal encourages students to be dressed as if to interview at these meetings. “They tend to be small business owners in the community,” she says, “Or they have those business connections.” Another key point Smejkal talks about is interviewing for jobs. “That helps you in your industry,” she says. “Even if you don’t necessarily think you are qualified in all aspects, just having that interview experience is a good way to make those connections, especially in Lewis County, such a small place. “Make sure you ask your instructors if they have any job postings or any insights to what employers are looking for in that particular industry, if it hasn’t already been addressed in the classroom.” Though networking is a useful and necessary tool in getting

ahead in many career fields, it can be destructive when taken too lightly. Online social networking such as Facebook is known for the lack of discretion often shown by its users. “People need to use huge caution,” warns Smejkal. “Most people use Facebook as a form of venting, or what I consider over-sharing, and employers will look at that.” She encourages social media users to keep in mind that what is distributed into the world of social media never truly goes away, even if deleted by the user. “Make sure that what you are saying is the image you want to instill,” she said. “LinkedIn is probably a better business social media site,” says Smejkal, “But once again, be cautious in making sure that you are portraying yourself in the light that you want employers to see you.” Overall, Smejkal does not completely condemn the use of social media. “I think it does have a place,” she admits, “and I think if used correctly they can be a great way to network with people.” Another tip Smejkal has for students is to research those who inspire them. “Find somebody who is successful in what you want to be, and read everything you can about them,” she encourages students. “Let’s say you want to be an entrepreneur, and you’re trying to think, ‘How do I open my own business and what does that look like?’ Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, is a great person to study. He has a book called Delivering Happiness that goes through his adventures from trying to open his very first business when he was little up until how he made Zappos, and Zappos is a billion dollar organization.” Above all, Smejkal stresses the basics. She recalls speaking with small business owners and hearing repeatedly that they were looking for the ability to think critically and solve their own problems in an employee. “Many employers have become overwhelmed with the amount of late, not prepared to work people that seem to be in the market,” she says. She recommends students evaluate their own interviewing behavior. “Are you dressed professionally? Did you show up on time for your interview? Did you shake their hand and make eye contact?” she said. “What we consider the basics, I hear have been lacking a lot in our community.”

Elliott Townsend / The Blaze

The Centralia College GROW farmers market is open on Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m.

just providing fresh produce to the community; it’s about providing students with future opportunities.

With the profits from the booth, the TEEN program hopes to set up a scholarship fund for students in the pro-

gram. GROW also promotes greater job opportunities to the students involved in the program.

Centralia Students’ Academic Achievements Reach Publications

By Emmalee Baker The Blaze

Some people think that their biggest accomplishments come after college. However, there are a few Centralia College students who have surpassed the limits of most students. Both Colleen Suter and Eric Thomas have delved into their areas of study and created published projects that showcase their research. Colleen Suter, a current student at Centralia College, had her scientific abstract published. “What it was was a scientific abstract in the Northwest Scientific Association Annual Meeting Proceedings … It was based on research for establishing an age of a particular landslide in the Cascades, outside of Packwood, which caused the creation of Glacier Lake,” said Suter about her project. It was Suter’s first publication, and she was listed as the primary author on the abstract. Throughout last summer, Suter worked with Pat Pringle, the associate professor of earth sciences at Centralia College, at the site. Suter also plans to continue her research this summer using her new connections from the meeting. As a former accounting major, Suter just didn’t feel satisfied in that field. “I did work in accounting, and I discovered that I hated it,” she said. Suter then switched to being an environmental science major. “I want to get my hands dirty on as much research as possible; it’s what I want to do with my life,” Suter said. One of Suter’s favorite things about her experience is the fact that she has seen her work published. “It’s there, and it’s out there and my name is on it, and that’s a tremendous achievement,” said Suter.

According to Suter, the hardest part of her researching for her abstract was finding time in her busy schedule. To Suter, the work she did was worth it to accumulate experience, have something relevant to put on her resume, and to open networking pathways. Suter hopes to publish more research in the future after she graduates from Centralia College this spring with her A.S. in environmental science. Eric Thomas, a former student of Centralia College, is now attending Portland Community College. Thomas’ scientific work has been shown to president Barack Obama. In high school, Thomas, along with two of his classmates, created part of a vacuum chamber that would create fusion power from a nuclear fusion process. This experiment, which was successful for its size, was recognized by Intel and Obama at the Intel’s International Science and Engineering Fair. Though the research and the project were only partially published, the team of students won first place and best in its category. On May 8, Thomas attended the Humans 2 Mars conference in Washington, D.C. During

this conference, Thomas got the opportunity to attend lectures and presentations by Buzz Aldrin, Dennis Tito, and Bas Lansdrop, all influential figures in space research and exploration. Thomas also got to meet some of these influential figures during the conference. “Getting to meet Buzz was too cool. He is a historic figure, but he is also a human being (which most people forget). He is very old, but still very mentally sharp … Though I guess I am not too surprised this is the man that through rigorous testing was determined to be one of the first to be sent to the moon. Making him the best of the best of the very best,” Thomas said. Growing up, Thomas always had an interest in space. “I did a young astronauts program when I was in elementary school,” he said. “We launched model rockets and met an astronaut. I still have the astronaut’s signature.” Thomas will graduate next year to likely pursue a career in aerospace or nuclear studies. “I am still mulling over the information I learned from the conference and maybe I will get a better fix on the specific field I want,” explained Thomas.

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“All the time I’ve spent in the green room, which is a lot.” - Catherine Brassey, 18, Centralia, Theatre

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“Springfest, because it was something besides school.” - Blake Wiley, 18, Centralia, Engineering

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Protecting Civil Rights is an Important Duty for All Protecting basic civil rights is at the heart of everything we do. We need to ensure that our college is safe and bias-free for all students and staff. That includes students and staff of color, those with disabilities or of any sexual orientation. Our job is to protect everyone’s right to free expression, and the right to be taught in an environment respectful of each person as an individual regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, culture or disability. Fighting for civil rights means not just persuading judges but ultimately changing society for the better. We need to make this world a more accepting place for

everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation. Some of the greatest victories for equality have occurred in the workplace and at colleges and Dr. James Walton college president universities where employers and educators understand that creating a discriminationfree environment is in the best interest of everyone. I challenge you, who are members and friends of the Centralia College Gay/Straight

Alliance to work with faculty and staff to create a safe, welcoming and accepting school environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We need a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, as well as students of color, students of other cultures and students with disabilities. Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1964, the college is responsible to ensure that we are free of sexual harassment. In fact, in April 2003 a second federal appeals court ruled that teachers and administrators must take steps to eliminate harassment when we

learn that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students are being abused at school. Every school should want to prevent harassment of any student on campus. Numerous studies, media accounts, and court cases have documented that this is a serious nationwide problem. Harassment deprives students of the basic right to an education. Our policies at the college prohibit harassment of students, faculty and staff. If you feel harassment has occurred we want to know about it immediately. As a student you should talk to Lucretia Folks, Interim VP of Student Services. Faculty and staff should talk to

Julie Ledford, VP of Human Relations and Legal Affairs. My belief is that it is necessary to establish an environment that respects individual differences and promotes appreciation of diversity in all people. It is incumbent on us to heighten awareness of the dangers of prejudice and harassment, ameliorate antagonisms or fears, counteract stereotypes, enrich student relationships, and prepare students to be positive participants in a diverse adult society. ••• James Walton is the president of Centralia College. This speech was delivered May 29 at the Pride celebration.

The Adventures of Blazer Bill

Got Skills? The Blaze is always accepting submissions from Centralia College students for the opinion page, photos of events, or even comics. Think you’ve got what it takes to write for The Blaze? Email Editor-in-Chief Hallie Simons at editor@ centraliablaze.com, or call The Blaze World Headquarters at (360) 807-8250.

B THE BLAZE STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Hallie Simons Web/Print Design: Dakota Rakestraw

Comic by Ely Tilley

Students Travel to Belize and Guatemala

Elliott Townsend / The Blaze

Students pose for a photograph during a trip that took them to Belize and Guatemala.

vesting your crops, then leaving the ground for up to eight years before planting there again. Once we left the village, we headed to Punta Gorda to catch a boat to Livingston. Once in Livingston, we were once again in Guatemala, a Spanish speaking nation. Unlike Belize, English is not a common language in Guatemala and Spanish is far more prevalent. At first it was difficult to communicate with people in restaurants and markets. It became easier as my memory was quickly refreshed by the heavily Spanish dominated environment we were in. It was my first time in a place were my native language wasn’t going to get me anywhere easily, which is a very uncomfortable experience at first. We stayed for two days at a hotel named Finca Tatin located on Rio Tatin, which is a tributary of Rio Dulce. During that time I was able to kayak with a group 4 miles up the river and chat with some locals at the hot springs along the way. We also came across many local people paddling their long skinny

boats along the river. They were always very friendly and would wave to us and shout greetings across the water. Our final stay was back in Belize at Hopkins, a small village along the beach. Hopkins was a very friendly place to stay. The people there were quite hospitable and would welcome you to join them on the beach or show you how to open a co-

Sports: Janice Knutz Comic Artist: Ely Tilley Reporters: Edward Riley Delanie Willows Contact us at: (360) 807-8250 editor@ centraliablaze.com Visit us at... centraliablaze.com

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BEAT on the STREET CONTINUED

Congratulations, Grads!

What advice would you give to students returning in the fall?

“Give more advice, wake up early, go to school, you know; the usual stuff.” Griffen Russell, 20, Chehalis, Graphic Design

Make YOUR dreams come true at Centralia College!

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once a place where Classic Mayans (300-900 A.D.) sought after the gods in an attempt to receive rain. After many of their other religious rituals failed to bring relief from their drought, they went farther into the cave and sacrificed humans. The skeletal remain of 14 of the sacrificed humans have been discovered. Returning for one last night in San Ignacio, we then embarked the next morning on a very long, very bumpy, drive to San Benito. San Benito is a very small, remote village in southwest Belize. There we really were able to experience traditional Mayan culture. Life seemed much slower in San Benito than in the U.S. The people seemed quite content without all the modern conveniences many in the U.S. consider essential. The kids were happy helping to cook and playing in the nearby river. The houses in San Benito were very different from any places we had previously stayed. Because of the warm climate, the houses were very open. They had large gaps between the horizontal boards that made up the walls, and open triangles on each end of the roof; this allowed for relatively easy airflow through the building. This was especially important because the women would cook using indoor fires which would make an airtight house in that region unbearably hot and smokey. San Benito was relatively spread out. There certainly were no apartment complexes. The houses I saw all had yards or fields surrounding them. The food they prepared was very natural. They made corn tortillas with corn and water. That was it. And right before they cooked it, it was still on an ear of corn instead of in a can. The people growing the corn and other crops used a shifting cultivation technique to deal with the poor soil conditions. Shifting cultivation means har-

conut. There were a collection of talented drummers there who would give lessons in traditional Garifuna rhythms and perform for visitors. Being there the day before Easter, the village was relatively quiet. We were told there would be a large parade early the next day in celebration of Easter and many people were expected to turn out. We left Hopkins and headed for the airport, excited to return home but sad to leave such a beautiful country. We once again lined up and filed into our seats only to come face to face, once again with the all too familiar sight of tray tables. What a change from the beautiful beaches where we had watched the sunrise just hours ago. I arrived back in Portland not only with a new appreciation for the comforts I have in the U.S., but also an understanding and appreciation for the way of life in the villages of San Benito and Hopkins.

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Editor’s Note: Blaze photographer Elliott Townsend recently took a trip to Belize and Guatemala with fellow Centralia College students. This is a story he submitted about his trip Sleeping across, under and around seats at the gate for our final flight to Belize City, my group of fellow travelers took a much needed break from moving. I didn’t feel like sleeping; instead I grabbed breakfast, some bad coffee, and watched the sun come up over the tarmac. During the night we had flown from Portland to Atlanta, and in a few hours we would be in the air once again on our way to Central America. As our zone was directed to board, we scanned our passes and boarded the plane to Belize City. We all slept for most of that flight. Finally, we got off! We didn’t have to see another tray table for over a week. It was warm, about 85 degrees, and quite humid. We breezed through customs, picked up a van, and set off for San Ignacio, a small town of about 17,000, located in western Belize. It is very popular among tourists because of its close proximity to Mayan ruins and nature reserves. Our 14 passenger van navigated the narrow city streets of San Ignacio and we settled into our hotel to prepare for the coming day. After a hot night, we ate breakfast and piled into the van once more. We headed to Xunantunich. Xunantunich was our first Mayan archeological site. It was active as a ceremonial center for the surrounding area from 650 A.D. until 1000 A.D. and rediscovered in 1931. While there, we climbed El Castillo. El Castillo is a pyramid, around 130 feet tall, that marks the axis mundi of the site. From the top we could see much of the surrounding area, including Guatemala. Later that day, after many hours spent crossing the border into Guatemala, we arrived in Tikal. One of the largest sites of Mayan civilization, Tikal and the surrounding area is thought to have had around 70,000 people during its peak. While there, we ascended Temple IV, the tallest structure in Tikal. Temple IV is not only the tallest structure in Tikal, but one the tallest in the entire Mayan world. The temple was built around 741 A.D. for Yik’in Chan K’awiil, one of Tikal’s kings. Some archeologists believe his tomb to be underneath the temple. We went back to San Ignacio after two nights in Tikal and visited a cave known as Actun Tunichil Muknal. This cave was

Photographer: Elliott Townsend

“Figure out what kind of degree you want early on so you don’t waste any time.” Kolton Grimm, 19, Rochester, AA

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