Don’t lose your mind Tips to keeping your sanity while in college and how to avoid being over stressed.
Christmas concert
— Page 8
e v a e w
dy d a D Big
Big Daddy Weaves their way into Liberal.
January 25 2012
Super Bowl Sunday
Crusader — Page 5
Stats, facts, and snacks for the biggest football game of the year. — Page 6
www.crusadernews.com
Year 43, No. 6
Students learn the truth about financial aid the hard way Hei dy Mol i na Editor
Courtesy photo/Robert Sanchez
SCCC student David Carrillo stands with one of the skids provided by surrounding natural gas compression companies. Carrillo is one of 10 students in the program.
New program launches at technical school Robert S anchez Crusader staff Natural Gas Compression Technology, which joins Corrosion Tech and process technology as one of three newest and unique programs at Seward, begins fresh with 10 students this spring. The program is one of only three Natural Gas Compression programs in the United States, with the other two located at Oklahoma State University and San Juan College in New Mexico. The program has been developed in cooperation with regional gas production, transport and service companies; this will assure that the students will receive the best possible training available. Instructor Ron Garber, who is in his second year as an instructor at Seward, first started off in the military. After completing his service, he worked at Stewart and Stevenson, an oil and gas company in Houston, Texas, as a service manager, and has been working in the field ever since. According to Garber, techni-
cians can start making from $18 to $22 per hour, depending on which direction they go. The course begins in the spring and ends in the fall, which includes a paid internship during the summer. The program has acquired many engines and compressors due to donations of surrounding companies, allowing the students to do some hands on training. “This is one of the best programs offered at the technical school, and is one of the highest paying as well,” Garber said. Last year Garber had eight students, and all of them are now work in the field. David Carrillo, who is a student taking the program, has received an industrial grant provided by local companies, which will pay for all of his tuition and books. “Take this program,” Carrillo said. “It’s a good program, it’s a good career, put yourself to it, take a year, and they will get you a job.” The job market for this program is constantly growing, and they are in much need of highly trained technicians.
Financial aid is a big help for most college students hoping to attain a higher education. Financial aid for a college student can come from federal aid work study programs and federal Pell grants, to local scholarships or tuition grants. Students that choose to attend Seward County Community College have the opportunity to apply for a tuition grant. Students can fill out the tuition grant and a scholarship application. “Everyone has the opportunity to fill out a scholarship application,” Jessica Luallen, financial aid officer said. Scholarship applications are reviewed in the spring and through the first of the fall semester. Financial aid is awarded to students based on different criteria. One key factor that is looked during the process of review is the academic performance of the student. Financial aid is broken down into different levels of scholarships. One of the levels is academics. “As far as academics, that can range from anywhere to $1,000 down to $600 a year,” Luallen said. These scholarships are awarded to students based on their grade point average. Some students believe that after a scholarship has been awarded, it cannot be taken away. That is not correct. A scholarship can be taken away if a student does not meet other requirements that went along with the money awarded to them. The financial aid offices is notified by the registrar’s office when grades have been posted so that financial aid can check the progress for that semester. That is when a student’s GPA is checked and also how many credit hours the student is passing. “You have to pass at least 12 hours,” Luallen said. The tuition grant awarded to students attending Seward has a special requirement that students seem to overlook.
“With a tuition grant, we check to make sure that they are involved in a club or organization,” Luallen said. Every semester, students lose their tuition grant because they did not join a club or became part of an organization on campus. According to Luallen, there has been a trend in communication whether it be via letter or email that students simply do not read the information provided for them. All the students who are awarded a scholarship have to go through the Mycampus portal to accept the financial aid. “All the requirements for each of the scholarships are listed on there as they go through the process of accepting it,” Luallen said. The money that is awarded to students is budgeted by The Foundation Board according to the needs of the different programs that are on campus and how many people they have in the club, team or organization. “We present that to their budgetary so it can be presented to the board,” Luallen said. Last year the college awarded just over $530,00 in financial aid. According to Luallen, it does seem like there are more students enrolled at Seward who are applying for the financial aid. This means that the financial aid priority deadline is enforced more than it had been before. Many students were used to getting the financial aid even though they did not meet the priority deadline. “I think there were a lot of people that were used to getting it every year, but there are more people applying and applying earlier,” Luallen said. Alejandra Gonzalez, freshman, was a student who turned in her scholarship application after the deadline. “I went to talk to the financial office and they told me I missed the deadline,” Gonzalez said. “ I was told I would be put on a waiting list.”
Average Yearly College Costs for Tuition, Room, and Board United States
Public 4-year
Private 4-year
Public 2-year
In-state Total Tuition Room Board Total Tuition Room Board Tuition Only $12,285
$5,703
$3,777
$3,433 $29,925 $21,185
$4,702
$4,036
$1,848
Kansas
Public 4-year
Private 4-year
Public 2-year
In-state Total Tuition Room Board Total Tuition Room Board Tuition Only
News notes JOB WORKSHOP- Assistance with building a resume, mock interviews, and one-on-one help with preparing for an interview will be done tonight, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. in the SCCC library, sponsored by SIFE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL JOB FAIR will take place Thursday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Seward County Activity Center. The Liberal Chamber of Commerce, the High Plains Daily Leader & Times, Seward County Broadcasting Company, SCCC/ATS and local businesses have collaborated to make this event possible. Booths will be set up, and it wil be a great opportunity for students, those unemployed, and local businesses alike. TELOLITH 2011 received First Place/Special Merit from ASPA. COREY WILKINS was recognized by two contest officials for having given the best “Reasons” in sets, and attained 8th high individual overall in the Carload Judging Contest at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo.
$9,738
$3,967
$2,757
$3,015 $21,927 $15,765
$2,707
$3,453
$2,050
Presorted Standard US Postage PAID Liberal, KS Permit NO.114
Liberal, Kansas
Homecoming Week 2012
Monday, February 6 Funny Tees Student Union 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, February 7 Free Donuts Saints Bookstore 7:45 a.m. Totally Tattoos Student Union 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8
Brian Imbus – Mentalist and Hypnotist Show Theater 8 p.m.
Thursday, February 9 Dodge Ball League KickOff Gym at 7:30 p.m. (Must pre-register in SU118 by Friday, Feb. 3)
Friday, February 10
Texas Hold ‘Em Tourn. Student Union 7:30 p.m. $1000 in prizes Pre-register in SU118 by Friday, February 3rd
Saturday, February 11
Saints Basketball vs Pratt Women’s @ 6 p.m. Men’s @ 8 p.m. Homecoming Ceremony Following Lady Saints game
Crusader graphic/Levi Adams
Information taken from U.S. Department of Education
People’s Choice Awards boost confidence S andy Al faro Crusader staff Seward County Community College/Visual Arts Program hosted the People’s Choice Awards once again this winter. “The People’s Choice Award has been taking place for approximately 15 years now,” said art instructor Susan Copas. The awards take place each semester. Students enrolled in art courses get the opportunity to enter any of their artwork that was worked on throughout the semester into the art exhibition. Students enter their work into three different art categories: two dimensional, three dimensional and photography. People from around our community come out and vote for their favorite piece. Voting is open to everybody not just the student body and/or faculty. Yesli Rios, Octavio Rodriguez, and Jordan Long were the three winners this fall semester.
“
I am very proud of myself. Three-dimensional art is my favorite type of art. Winning this made me feel very accomplished in the 3D art field. —Yesli Ochoa
”
“
SENIOR SHOOTOUT- Feb. 4, the annual scholarship shootout will be in the Green House at 5 p.m. Seniors can shoot for scholarships, enjoy refreshments, and receive a T-shirt for participating.
Crusader photo/Jose Medrano
Octavio Rodriguez was the People’s Choice Award winner for twodimensional art.
I was really insecure about my painting skills in comparison to my drawing skills throughout the entire semester, and this one showed that all the time alone spent studying for it and hard work paid off. —Octavio Rodriguez
”
CAFETERIA- Steak night dates are Feb. 2 and Feb. 16. AUDITIONS for “Once on this Island” by Flaherty and Ahrens, will be Feb. 1, in the Showcase Theatre, at 6 p.m. All ages welcome, and no need for prior preparation. Show dates will be March 29-31. COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY helps students and parents fill out FAFSA forms, on Feb. 12 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Crusader photo/Ivan Gaytan
“The Light Triangle” by Yesli Ochoa was the People’s Choice Award winner for three-dimensional art.
Crusader photo/Jose Medrano
Jordan Long was the People’s Choice Award winner for photography for the fall semester.
NEWS
2 CRUSADER
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Student from Hong Kong studies at Seward Need a last-minute class? Cel esti na Padi l l a News editor Being on the other side of the world and far from home is “different”, says foreign exchange student Gregory Leung. Leung is a freshman student from Hong Kong who has learned to adapt to changes. He has swapped sushi for corn dogs, the metropolis for a suburban place with “fresher air”, and warm weather for shoveling snow. Leung was born in Hong Kong on March 21, 1993. Prior to attending SCCC/ATS he attended high school as a senior, in a suburban town outside of Chicago, Ill. Though his original plan included going to the University of Chicago, he realized it would be quite expensive and was persuaded to come to Seward instead. His sister, TakYee Leung, was actually the person who recommended SCCC. She attended Seward herself and told him it would be more cost efficient. Leung feels he has adapted well, as does International Student Sponsor Patsy Fischer. “He is very quiet, efficient, and everything he does is precise,” Fischer commented. He has found that the smaller
Crusader photo/Celestina Padilla
International student Greg Leung sits at a piano in the student union. Lueng is an accomplished pianist who plans to major in pharmacy. atmosphere, and more extroverted people means attaining more interaction from classmates and teachers. He currently has two favorite classes, music theory and chemistry. Leung like prioritizing, but does admit that all study, study, study is just “crazy.” He even set a New Year’s resolution to do more fun stuff, though he says he is a bit confined since he doesn’t
have a car. “I want to do my best..I want scholarships, but I like to play too—after studying.” When he has free or leisure time, he enjoys swimming, working out, playing ping pong, and watching movies, like his favorite, “Avatar.” He enjoys watching baseball also, and his favorite team is the Chicago Cubs. Leung is a fan of many types
of music, his favorites include classical, pop, and rock. He is a musician as well, and has played piano since the age of 7. “I remember walking by a music store, seeing the piano, and telling my mom that I wanted to play”. After he began to take lessons, and through diligence and practice he became the skillful musician he is today. He still considers playing piano as a hobby. Though he does miss his friends and family back home, he maintains contact with them through Skype and FaceTime. “A trip home is very expensive,”he explained how the trip was more than 24 hours long, and included multiple stops. From Hong Kong, to San Francisco, Calif., from there to Dallas, Texas, Dallas to Amarillo, Texas, then the trip from Amarillo to Liberal. He plans to attend Seward next year as well, and aims for an associates in science. When he transfers he intends to major in Pharmacy, and make enough money in order to retire early and travel. “I like traveling, I would like to travel to Europe, some countries in Asia, and South America”.
Crusader
2010 KACP Bronze Medalist 2008 ACP National Online Pacemaker Finalist 2003, 2004 National Online Pacemaker Award
editor Heidy Molina news editor Celestina Padilla entertainment editor Megan Spain online editor Raul Lemus sports editor Levi Adams
Matthew Adkins Sandy Alfaro Tonya Loewen Jose Medrano Robert Sanchez Morgan Wills Preston Whisenant
The official student newspaper of Seward County Community College/Area Technical School is published bimonthly by journalism students during the regular college year, except on school holidays and during examination periods. One copy of each issue is distributed free to each student, faculty and staff member, with subsequent copies available for purchase in the Crusader office at 50 cents each. Letters to the editor will be considered for publication if they are signed and the authenticity of the writer’s signature is verified. The staff reserves the right to edit for length. Opinions voiced in letters and editorials are not necessarily those of Seward County Community College/Area Technical School or the Crusader. Staff editorials are decided on and written by members of the editorial board: Heidy Molina, Celestina Padilla, Megan Spain, Raul Lemus, and Levi Adams. Advertising is accepted. Rates are $4 per column inch or $4.80 pci for color ads. Insert rates are $50 per thousand. Classified ads are free to SCCC students, faculty and staff; classified rates for all others are $4 per ad, limit of 20 words. The Crusader staff reserves the right to refuse advertising.
Seward County Community College Area Technical School Barton County, Colby, Dodge City, Garden City and Pratt community colleges $125 per credit hour Session II—Feb. 13-May 4 Accounting II American History to 1865 American Literature I Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II Anatomy & Physiology Art Appreciation Business & Economic Statistics Business Management Children’s Literature College Algebra Criminology Digital Photography Elementary Spanish I English Composition I English Composition II
3 3 3 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 3 3
General Psychology Horse Production Human Relations Introduction to Business Introduction to Law Enforcement Introduction to Music Introduction to Philosophy Introduction to Sociology Orientation Personal Finance Principles of Biology Principles of Microbiology Principle of Microeconomics Public Speaking Salesmanship Sociology of Families
Ground Hog Supper
Friday, January 27 5-8 p.m.
SCCC Calendar of Events 1/25 Lady Saints/Saints basketball v. Garden City, 6 & 8 p.m. in the Green House 1/25 Job Workshop with SIFE, 5 p.m. in the library 1/26 Southwest Regional Job Fair, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Seward County Activity Center, sponsored by SIFE and others 1/28 Lady Saints/Saints basketball at Butler, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. at El Dorado 2/1 Lady Saints/Saints basketball v. Hutchinson, 6 & 8 p.m. in the Green House. 2/4 Lady Saints/Saints basketball v. Barton, 6 & 8 p.m. in the Green House. Senior Scholarship Shootout event starts at 5 p.m. in SW229C with refreshments and T-shirts. 2/28 and 2/29 Career Days for area high schools and LHS students
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NEWS
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
CRUSADER 3
2012: A look at the PRESENT Southwest Medical Center renovation under way
Courtesy photos/SWMC-Nancy Kletecka
In 2011, a major renovation begins at Southwest Medical Center.
Southwest Medical Center renovation builds interest The look of Southwest Medical Center has undergone a transformation, and is still a work in progress, as renovations started in 2011 aim for a completion in August of 2012. Liberal residents, along with Seward students driving by the hospital on their way to classes, have watched as the renovations have changed the look of
this local landmark. Updates in the renovation, which were part of a $22 million bond project, will expand the hospital campus facilities, doctors’ offices, and improve hospital services. Although not part of the bond, new modern equipment such as an MRI in the radiology department has also been part of this project.
Courtesy photos/SWMC-Nancy Kletecka
Workers add a new look to the entrance of Southwest Medical Center as part of the renovation which, upon completion, will improve service in several areas of the hospital, including the admissions and ER departments. The infrastructure, much of which was implemented in 1964, has also been updated as part of the recent changes.
1964: A look at the PAST Southwest Medical Center was constructed in 1964.
1991: The first major renovation
Courtesy photos/SWMC-Nancy Kletecka
Structural changes include the new Medical Office Building which is set to be ready for five physicians to move offices into in February. The hospital expansion is expected to be finished sometime in mid-2012.
Twenty-seven years after original construction, a remodeling project was put in motion and completed in 1991. In 1991, the “tower” was built and is still in service today.
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OPINION
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
CRUSADER 4
OUR VIEW —
Speak no finance
Q:
What is your New Year’s resolution? Nakita Martinez “To get all A’s and B’s, pass College Algebra, keep up with everything and to work out everyday.”
See no finance
Antolin Ortiz “To not drop classes and to save money.”
Juwon Togpeola “I just want to get A’s and B’s throughout the semester.” Crusader photos/Celestina Padilla
LIFE —
Resolutions not just for the New Year Hear no finance Megan Spain Entertainment editor Spain@crusadernews.com
Crusader illustration/Jose Medrano
Financial ignorance leads to monetary woes for students Financial aid is awarded to students that meet the requirement when ever the financial aid office reviews the applications in the spring and in the fall semester. Many students do not even think about the money that they are going to receive until they get the bill in the mail after the semester has already began. Some of the students don’t worry because they owe a small amount. Others realize that maybe they should have read the information provided by the financial aid office when ever they enrolled. College students sometimes forget that they have bills, loans or maybe rent to pay. That means that it is time for them to start learning about finances. Even when in college you still have someone telling you that you didn’t fill something out so you are going to lose grant money. It seems like at semester there are a few students complaining about losing scholarship money or their pell grant.
Most of these students, when they accepted their award skimmed over the requirements that came with the money that they had been awarded. “They just don’t read,” Jessica Luallen, financial officer said. These are the students that lose their financial aid. The requirements are there for the students to read so why not read them and avoid an embarrassing situation of losing financial aid because a Thank you card was not sent. Some students do not even have the common sense to go into the financial aid office to see why their financial aid was rejected. Being ignorant to the fact that you can lose your financial aid does not make the problem go away. It only means that someone else is going to end up with that tuition grant. It is better to go and see if there is anything that you can do to get the financial aid that you want because there are many others who are willing to speak up for their finances.
The New Year and resolutions go hand in hand. It seems like they always have. Apparently, the Babylonians used to make resolutions to their gods at the start of every year, as well. I’m not really sure how valid this information is, mainly because my source for this fact is Wikipedia. Honestly, I used to be a big believer in New Year’s resolutions. As a kid, I thought that whatever I made my New Year’s resolution
would some how be more likely to come true. My New Year’s resolutions were incredible. I would make perfect grades. I would grow twelve inches. I would diligently work on nothing but homework. I would cut TV out of my life entirely. As time has progressed, my New Year’s resolutions have become more realistic. I’ll study the day before a test, as opposed to the morning of. I’ll lose 15 pounds. I’ll be nicer and less sarcastic. Just because my resolutions have progressively become easier to achieve doesn’t mean that I’m going to do them. This year, my resolution was to stop being so lazy. I slept until noon on January 1.
This is basically how all of my resolutions have ended up. I think of something reasonable and achievable, get caught up in the big spirit of having a New Year’s resolution and then I don’t do anything about it. However, some people have more drive than I do. They work toward their goal for the first three months of the year, then slowly lose steam and revert to their old ways. Gyms see an increase in membership at the beginning of the year, but according to a fitness center owner in South Carolina, the new members are mostly gone by Valentine’s Day. I think as I’ve become older and progressively more cynical, I
don’t see the point in New Year’s resolutions. I’ll keep making them (sure) but I don’t expect myself to achieve them. If I wanted to make a significant change in my lifestyle, I would do it. I wouldn’t wait until New Year’s to be pressured into making an extravagant promise and then end up breaking it a month later. If you’d like, make a New Year’s resolution to become a better you. If you break it and find yourself itching for change in September go for it anyway, even if it’s not January. If you want to do something, then do it when you want to.
POLITICS–
Keeping hope alive with broken promises Jose Medrano Crusader staff Medrano@crusadernews.com
Four years ago, America held its most historic presidential election. Now we are only months away from elections, and a lot has changed between those four years. Looking back, I remember a young, vibrate politician during the campaign that gave me the drive to be more pro-active with politics. With his charisma, hope, and motivation, President Barack Obama made the path
ahead look brighter. Many plans, ideas, and promises were made to us during the campaign, but few were delivered. A fast and speedy economic recovery, closing Guantanamo, immigration reform, and a transparent administration were a few of the promises that weren’t delivered. What the president has caused by breaking some of his promises is a jaded group of supporters who are not as static as they were four years ago, and a strong opposition who wants to watch him fall. There is a deficit of support for Barack Obama because of his actions. Personally, I am not a big fan of the president’s war strategy or his non aggressive behavior to-
wards Wall Street, and I’m partly dissatisfied with all the compromises that he has allowed. I may be disappointed with the president at times, but there has been much success in President Obama’s first term. Barack Obama did pull us out of a near depression and the economy is no longer digging the hole that it was when he was first elected into office. Although I may not agree with some of the policies and plans that President Obama has implemented, he has been very successful and has done things that keep me from losing my faith in him. President Obama’s war strategy has taken out targets that the previous administration could not, troops are now out of Iraq,
and the fighting is now concentrated on more serious targets that should have been taken out earlier in the conflict. The healthcare law passed by the president’s administration contains many more benefits than people are lead on to believe. Sometimes things need a little more time to get better, and looking back, things are better than they were four years ago. He is trying his best and more people are starting to realize that. No “Average Joe” can take the responsibility of being president of the United States. I believe that there are very few people that could’ve taken the role of being president during the last four years and kept the country intact like Barack Obama did.
LIFE —
Sacrificing experiences for the greater good Morgan Wills Crusader staff Wills@crusadernews.com
College is an opportunity to gain a higher education and set the ground for a successful future, but it is also thought to be a young adult’s first chance at freedom. Typically, college is a person’s first opportunity to truly govern themselves void of any unwanted influences. Consequently, this means that for the average college student, wearing jeans is getting dressing up, nap time is a scheduled part of the day, and waking up before 10 a.m. is an early morning. As lovely as college life is, there are actually those who choose to forgo it to attend the country’s military academies. West Point, located in New York,
is the Army military academy. It is also the home of Tyler Sutherland, Liberal resident and my boyfriend. This is how I have come to understand the unique lifestyle of a West Point Cadet. After living the good life of a normal college student for a semester, I was shocked by what I saw as I toured his campus. The reoccurring theme was gray. Gray buildings, gray uniforms, and a gray sky; a somewhat ironic yet fitting setting for students who will soon be joining the long gray line. Students wore the same uniforms with shined shoes and triangular hats. Every single cadet whom we passed saluted our tour guide as a sign of respect for his rank, and also to avoid being severely punished. Not only were the students’ behavior extremely unique, the architecture of the campus looked exactly like a castle. There were guards standing at the gate, stat-
ues of historical figures, and gargoyles protruding from the buildings. Possibly the only thing missing was a draw bridge. Naturally cadets are forced to live a very structured life, in preparation for the regimented life of a soldier, which they will eventually all be leading. For example, every morning they are awake by 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m. Then they are then required to attend breakfast, told when to come, where to sit, and how long they have. A West Point education costs an upwards of $250,000, but no one who attends pays for their education. Instead, they are expected to pay it back through five years of service following their time at West Point. So the question is simple, is the sacrifice of missing out on a normal college experience worth the gain of being able to serve while also earning a first class education? Tyler believes so.
ENVIRONMENT —
Plastic waste trashes the environment Preston Whisenant Crusader staff Whisenant@crusadernews.com
The environment is being destroyed by metric tons of plastic that is just lying around in junkyards and across fields all over the world. As a cashier at Wal-Mart, I find myself concerned over the inevitable doom of the environment that looms in the future if everything stays the same as it is now. I use at least several hundred bags a day while working and that’s on a half-day. That’s just
one way that plastic, which doesn’t deteriorate, is currently being used in tremendous amounts in modern day societies. It makes me wonder what will happen to the world in a couple of centuries if modern day societies don’t figure out a way to eliminate or heavily reduce plastic consumption per person. What’s worse, plastic is often eaten by wild animals that don’t know better. This can potentially increase the endangered species list by causing many creatures to die when they eat the indigestible substances of plastic. This can cause the environment to further plummet into chaos and cause increased damage to the suffering ecosystems of the world. There doesn’t seem to be any-
thing we can do about it because our society is dependent on plastic just to function. At this rate, I don’t see any hope for the environment; pretty soon people will just be shipping plastic junk into the sun, but who knows what effects that could have on our solar system. Plastic isn’t even the only problem. Styrofoam produces potent toxins when it finally decomposes that it can destroy the soil’s ability to support life for a long time. At this point, I’m not sure if there’s anything that can be done about the environment, but maybe as it becomes a more pressing issue, humans may adapt and finally do something about the mass consumption of styrofoam and especially plastic.
Letter to the Editor —
Religious opinion leads to scientific rebuttal This rebuttal is in response to Zach Carpenter’s opinion articles under the heading of “Philosophy” in the October 18, 2011 and November 9, 2011 editions of The Crusader. Upon first glance, Mr. Carpenter seems to be addressing critical thinking and how students here at SCCC/ATS are being held to this expectation in all classes but science. His claim is that science classes only present one side of an explanation because religion is excluded. Our interpretation of his argument is that because SCCC/ATS does not incorporate religious explanations specific to his beliefs into their science classes, the teaching is biased. It is our observation that taking religious stances on any subject would include many different ideas and beliefs, not just one. The college offers a course in World Religions to explore the diversity of these belief systems which is beyond what a science course should address. Science is the study of facts and testable explanations about our universe. The science classes at SCCC/ATS do not give information that is one sided or leave out any information. The reason why SCCC/ATS science classes are taught without explanations attributed to a higher being is because these explanations are philosophical, unchangeable, and untestable, i.e. not science. In specific reference to Mr. Carpenter’s comment about evolution, the science classes at SCCC/ATS do not give the im-
publications by Mr. Riddle or any peer reviewed evidence in his explanation of Carbon-14 dating methods. What we did find was that he holds a degree in mathematics and a graduate degree in education. He has been heavily involved in creation ministry for more than twenty years. Mr. Riddle is president of Creation Training Initiative (CTI) which trains Christians of a specific philosophy and belief system (young-earth creationists) to teach biblical truth. According to Riddle’s website, “We believe..... the authority [of “...classes at SCCC/ATS do the Bible] is not limited to spiritual, religious, or redemptive no give the impression themes but includes its asserthat evolution is right and tions in such fields as history and science.” creation by a higher being Because we chose to take a is wrong, they just teach critical thinking approach, we now understand Mr. Carpenter’s what is based on testable issue with science class; howevfacts and observations.”-- er, we could find no support his claim that SCCC/ATS does not Independent Studies of encourage critical thinking in science courses. The evidence we Biology students have provided exposes his bias charismatic person arguing that and his own inability to think after 60,000 years there is not critically with this topic. On a final note, if this was a enough C-14 left to accurately date a fossil leading to “bogus ploy to see if students would read dates of millions and billions of and respond by “critically thinking”, well played. If not, then we years”. What he failed to investigate is give a rubric score of 1-1-1. This response was compiled that the actual window for Carbon-14 dating is 20,000 years be- by the students of the “Indepencause background radiation will dent Studies of Biology” class. swamp the beta radiation released Students include Daniela Frausto, Selene Perez, Megan Campthrough Carbon-14 decay. We’re not sure how Mr. Car- bell, Emmanuel Garcia, Obdulia penter made the leap to millions Covarrubias, Marco Herrera, Cesar Garcia, and Kaisha Pittser. and billions. We could find no scientific pression that evolution is right and creation by a higher being is wrong, they just teach what is based on testable facts and observations. The evidence that he loosely presents in his second article is a self-confirmation of his statement that most people assume what they are told to be fact. Mr. Carpenter writes that Mike Riddle debunks the practice of Carbon-14 dating in a way that reveals a science conspiracy. It is apparent that Mr. Carpenter was won over by a very
weave
ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
MOST POPULAR APPS OF
CRUSADER 5
Big Daddy
2011 Christian singers make holiday stop in Liberal
Tonya Loewen Crusader staff
Social networking. 100 million to 500 million installs.
ANGRY BIRDS Video game. 50 million to 100 million installs.
PANDORA
Internet radio. 10 million to 50 million installs.
As others were preparing for the Christmas season by putting up decorations, baking, and buying gifts, Christian music artists Big Daddy Weave and Dara Maclean were bringing Christmas joy by performing across the Midwest. The musicians performed in five locations across Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma, finishing in Liberal for a free concert on Dec. 18, 2011. The local Christian radio station, KJIL 99.1 FM, located in Meade, sponsored the concert in order for it to be free. The “Christ is Come” tour featured songs such as the traditional carols, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” as well as new Christmas songs, such as “Glory,” “I’ll Be Brave This Christmas,” and “The Day Love Was Born.” Maclean started off the show with various acoustic Christmas carols, ending with “Suitcases.” Her soulful voice and unique style made even the traditional songs interesting and inviting. Maclean said she feels honored to be able to tour with Big Daddy Weave and write her own Christmas carol, especially since this is really her first year in the spotlight. As much as Maclean enjoys being on tour, she was also excited to go back home. “I haven’t been home in two months, so I’m excited to go home for Christmas. I love being home with my family.” Maclean was also looking forward to her family traditions, such as hanging up stockings and gathering by the fire. After Maclean finished her set, Big Daddy Weave brought the crowd heart-warming Christmas
carols and some of their hit songs. Big Daddy Weave brought both humor and down-to-earth talks in between songs, along with inspiring testimonies. The five members of Big Daddy Weave have performed together for 13 years, ever since they were friends in college, and have stayed together through the joys and trials. Big Daddy Weave’s drummer, Jeff Jones, says “This is an opportunity I’ve dreamed about my entire life. I’m so glad that I’m able to travel the country and world proclaiming God’s love through our music.” The “Christ is Come” tour partnered with World Vision International, a non-profit relief and developmental organization that stretches throughout 97 countries worldwide. Big Daddy Weave chose to partner with World Vision because of the organization’s efforts in child sponsorship. The organization also hit close to home with the group because all of the members have sponsored children for five years, and even went on a trip to Ecuador with World Vision a few years ago. Big Daddy Weave is planning on going with World Vision to Tanzania, Africa, this February to help impoverished families in the communities. This March, Big Daddy Weave will have its “Love Come to Life Tour” with Kerrie Roberts and Luminate. Tour dates for the tour can be found on their website, bigdaddyweave.com/shows. Dara Maclean is part of Newsong’s “Winter Jam 2012” tour, along with Skillet, Group 1 Crew, Sanctus Real, and more. Winter Jam started on Jan. 6 and will end on April 1. Tour dates for “Winter Jam 2012” can be found on jamtour.com.
Crusader photo/Tonya Loewen
Joe Shirk plays saxophone as Jeremy Redmon accompanies him with a bass guitar at the free Big Daddy Weave concert on Dec. 18.
Courtesy photo/Verle Loewen
Singer Dara Maclean poses with Crusader staff member Tonya Loewen after the concert. “You should always keep dreaming, and dream impossible things.” - Dara Maclean
Crusader photo/Tonya Loewen
Mike Weaver sings and plays acoustic guitar during the concert.
Pancake Day races, contests heating up Megan S pai n Entertainment editor
NETFLIX
Video streaming. 10 million to 50 million installs. Crusader photo/Alfredo Anaya
Deena Fuller is the first runner to approach the finish line during the 2010 International Pancake Day Race. Tues., Feb. 21
Sat., Feb. 18 Sun., Feb. 19 Merchandise Sale, 9am - 1pm Knights of Columbus Hall 323 N. Kansas
INSTAGRAM Photo editing. More than 15 million installs.
Miss Liberal Pageant 2:00 pm LHS Auditorium
Pancake Chase, 2:00 pm Pancake Day Hall of Fame 318 N. Lincoln (Register at 1 pm) Christian Art Showcase, 7 pm LHS Auditorium
Youth Races 10:00 am, 4th and Lincoln Last Chance Race 11:30 am, 4th and Lincoln
Eating/flipping contests 10:00 am, Rine’s Karate (Register from 8-9:30 am) Recipe/Cooking Contest 11:30 am, Rine’s Karate
Pancake Breakfast 6-10:00 am, Activity Center
Men’s Pacer Race 11:45 am, 6th and Kansas Mon., Feb. 20 Dignitary Tea Reception 5-7:00 pm Baker Arts Center 624 N. Pershing Talent Show 7:30 p.m. LHS Auditorium
International Race 11:55 am, 6th and Kansas Shriving Service 12:15 am, First United Methodist Church Live Video Conference 1:30 pm, First United Methodist Church Parade 3:00 pm, 11th and Kansas
If asked to name all of the holidays in February, residents of Liberal would be able to name off one more than most people: Pancake Day. Since 1950, Liberal has been competing against the English town of Olney in foot races with a twist – entrants must wear a headscarf and apron while carrying a skillet containing a pancake. The pancake must be flipped once at the beginning of the race and once at the end. This tradition is relatively new to Liberal when compared to the history that Olney, England, holds. As the story goes, in 1445, a woman was using up her cooking fats before Lent by making pancakes for breakfast. When the church bells began to ring, she dashed out of her front door with her skillet. In the following years, the woman’s neighbors adopted her impromptu pancake race and began to run, too. In 1950, Liberal Jaycee President R.J. Leete heard about the Olney tradition of running
the races and decided that Liberal should do it, too. Ever since then, Liberal and Olney have competed nearly every year (the one exception is in 1980, when a media truck was blocking the finish line in Olney so the scores didn’t count) in the Pancake Day Races. However, the race isn’t the only event that occurs during the multi-day celebration. There are numerous events stretching from Saturday to Tuesday, Feb. 21. Between pancake eating contests and cooking competitions, Pancake Day weekend is filled with activities and competitive events. The holiday has even caught the eye of Food Network Magazine, which included Pancake Day its list of “dine and dash” events where participants are asked to run in food-themed races. A special guest at this year’s Pancake Day events will be Mike Hughes, mayor of Olney, England, and his wife, Susan. Seward’s campus will be closed all day Tuesday, Feb. 21 in observance of Pancake Day.
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SPORTS
6 CRUSADER
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Patriots
Giants 13-3-0 428 318 110 32
Season Total Yards Avg. Passing Yards Avg. Rushing Yards Avg. Avg. Points per Game
Season Total Yards Avg. Passing Yards Avg. Rushing Yards Avg. Avg. Points per Game
9-7-0 385 296 89 25
The bigger they are...
Laughing ’til the last yard
...the harder they will fall
Super Bowl ads will be as enjoyable as the game
Levi Adams Sports editor
Past Super Bowls
Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the league, so it stands to reason he will be the best quarterback on the field Super Bowl XLVI. Brady has a great arsenal around him, from Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco. BenJarvus GreenEllis even got it done on the ground against the Baltimore Ravens last week. The offensive line is also pretty stacked. The defense really does not have one stand-out player, but as a group the Patriots are very effective against the opposing offense which will prove
critical in order to stop the New York Giants. The Giants front four on defense will give Brady and company trouble, but I do not think Justin Tuck, Linval Joseph, Chris Canty and Jason Pierre-Paul will give the Patriots enough trouble. Eli Manning is playing extremely well in the postseason, but he just will not be able to outscore the Patriots offense Manning will not get much help from the Giants running game, either, which ranks dead last, at 32nd in the league. I do not think the Patriots will let the Giants pull off another upset. My prediction: the New England Patriots will double the New York Giants score, 28-14.
Jose Medrano Crusader staff Every year more and more people tune into the Super Bowl. Although the game is important what most people seem to talk about the day after is not the game itself, but the commercials. The Super Bowl commercials themselves have become a yearly tradition of the game. So it is no wonder that companies are willing to pay up to 3.5 million dollars just for a thirty second time slot during the Super Bowl. It is also not a surprise that companies are spending so much on just one ad, because people always tend to remember Super Bowl ads for quite some time. The Super Bowl is most likely the only time of
Patriots
Giants
Wins:3
Wins:3
Losses:3
Loss:1
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year that people actually enjoy watching advertisements because the commercials are sometimes more entertaining than the game. Super Bowl commercials have also become a part of the game day itself. No one can forget last year’s Volkswagen’s mini Darth Vader, Doritos’s ads that tend to be hilarious, or the Go Daddy commercials that are always provocative. This year, companies are not holding back, and have already released some of the ads that will be airing during the Super Bowl. Sneak peeks to some Super Bowl ads have been posted online for those who cannot wait until the big day. So while some people may be waiting for the game others will most definitely be waiting for the commercials.
Super Bowl Snack Facts
Seward Saints are welcome - come enjoy the Spencer Browne’s atmosphere for college students, and ask about your ID discount!
1 Billon Pieces of chicken will be consumed by viewers.
It’s time to go to Spencer Browne’s! Open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends
325 Million Gallons of beer will be drunk.
At least least four soups to choose from every day!
28 Millon Pounds of chips and 8 Million Pounds of popcorn will be eaten.
Be responsible. Be smart.
• Your SCCC ID saves you 15% on food and drinks.
• Wi-Fi is free!
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Don’t sell or provide alcohol to minors.
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SPORTS
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Lady Saint bounces back from crash Sophomore Ashlynn Knoll speaks of basketball, friends and wreck Tonya Loewen Crusader staff During Christmas break, Lady Saints basektball players Ashlynn Knoll and Kayla Thomas were in a car wreck while on vacation. Neither were seriously injured, but it kept Knoll from playing basketball at the start of the semester. The two were going down a hill near Wheeler, Texas, on their way to an anniversary when a truck failed to stop at a stop sign. Knoll was driving. She hit her brakes and the car slid sideways into the semi. The two walked away with minor cuts and bruises. Missing a few games after the wreck certainly did not keep Knoll from playing at her best when she returned, and she received her third KJCCC Player of the Week award for Jan. 9-15. Knoll was humbled to receive the award again this season, and said, “It’s really cool that I received KJCCC
Player of the Week the first week back from break. It’s always such a great honor to receive awards.” This is the second time this season that she has been awarded with Player of the Week. Knoll has received many awards for basketball, both while in high school and during her two years at Seward. During high school, Knoll was first team AllState, first team All-Region, and her district’s MVP. Currently in her career as a Lady Saint, Knoll has been awarded with 2011 Honorable Mention WBCA All-American, 2011 first Team All-Jayhawk West, and the honor of being a three-time KJCCC Player of the Week, among others. These impressive basketball skills were inherited from her mother,who played basketball at West Texas A&M University, previously called West Texas State
University. Knoll has been playing basketball since the second grade, when her mother started a girls basketball team. She’s played ever since, although it wasn’t until middle school her passion developed for the sport. Part of the reason why Knoll believes she enjoys basketball so much is because of the team. Knoll said, “We have really good chemistry and play well together. I love being with them.” She also looks forward to the support from the other players, such as LaQuecia “Bon Que Que” Parker. The Lady Saints have proved that they support each other with their currently undefeated conference record. The “intensity and exhilaration” of the games are Knoll’s favorite part of basketball. “The games are what makes basketball awesome,” Knoll said. “I love
the feeling of it all, like being able to show the other team how well your team plays together.” Some of Knoll’s close friends and suitemates are fellow teammates Kayla Thomas and Mattie Yanke. According to Knoll, the three are inseparable and have a lot in common, other than playing basketball together. “I love being with them. We’re always together and people can tell when we’re coming because we laugh so much,” says Knoll. Knoll is also very outgoing, and enjoys meeting new people. She uses her sociable personality by working in the admissions office and giving tours to prospective students. Knoll loves outdoor activities too, such as bike riding, hiking, cliff jumping, and rip-sticking, which is similar to skateboarding. Knoll also often climbs Palo Duro Canyon with her friends.
Courtesy photos
Courtesy photo/Ashlynn Knoll
Seward County Lady Saints Basketball teammates, suitemates and friends, Kayla Thomas, Ashlynn Knoll, and Mattie Yanke.
CRUSADER 7
Lady Saints Basketball
Opponent vs. Barclay vs. State Fair vs. Northeastern vs. Trinidad State @ Barton vs. Colby @ Pratt vs. Cloud County @ Dodge City
Score 120-25 70-65 71-55 78-32 75-57 96-49 66-48 79-76 89-44
Levi Adams Sports editor The Lady Saints have not lost a game since Nov. 26, when the team fell to New Mexico, 60-71. Since that time, the Lady Saints have built up a No. 8 ranking (as of Jan. 21) in the NJCAA national polls with a nine-game winning streak. The Lady Saints are undefeated in
Date Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 9 Dec. 10 Jan. 4 Jan. 7 Jan. 11 Jan. 14 Jan. 21
conference play. At this just-past-halfway mark in the season, the Lady Saints are scoring 79.9 points per game to their opponents’ 53.1, which is a 26.8 point margin. The Lady Saints’ field goal percentage is .429, compared to their opponents’ .319. In fact, the Lady Saints lead their opponents in every recordable team statistic this season.
Men Saints Basketball Opponent vs. Colorado Kings vs. McCook vs. Quakerdale vs. North. Okla.-Tonkawa vs. Neosho County vs. Johnson County @ Barton vs. Colby @ Pratt vs. Cloud County @ Dodge City
Score 90-102 109-71 91-48 72-45 66-65 66-63 73-67 82-65 75-68 86-63 81-75
Levi Adams Sports editor Similar to the Lady Saints, the Saints have not lost a game since Dec. 2, when they were defeated by the Colorado Kings, in the Green House, 90-102. The Saints did not have a NJCAA national ranking after the loss until the team recieved a no. 20 ranking. The Saints are current-
Date Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 9 Dec. 10 Dec. 30 Dec. 31 Jan. 4 Jan. 7 Jan. 11 Jan. 14 Jan. 21
ly sitting on a no. 12 ranking. The Saints are also undefeated in conference play. At this mark in the season, the Saints are scoring 84.9 points per game to their opponents’ 64.1. The Saints are shooting an even percentage of .500 per game to their opponents’ .410. The Saints are also leading opponents in every recordable team statistic at this point in the season.
2012 Inaugural Hall of Fame class elected Galen McSpadden
Jim Littell
Cory Patton
Kim Ortega
2001-2002 Women’s Basketball Team
Photos provided by Seward Sports Information
The cafeteria at Southwest Medical Center is currently undergoing a “facelift.” During remodeling, a limited menu of food items will be served. A portion of the kitchen & dining area will be closed during this time. Customers will order and pick-up their selections through a service window in the dining area. We appreciate your patience and your patronage during this remodeling project.
Levi Adams Crusader staff On Jan. 7, when the Saints and Lady Saints basketball teams played Colby in the Greenhouse, those elected into the 2012 Inagural Hall of Fame class were announced. Because of users voting at Seward’s sports website, scccsaints.com, four individual players and one sports team were selected to the 2012 class. Those selected are former Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jim Littell, Head Baseball Coach/Athletic Director Galen McSpadden, 20002002 Women’s Basketball player Kim Ortega, 2000-2002 Baseball player Cory Patton, and the 20012002 women’s basketball team. The first official banquet will be held April 20. Former Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jim Littell took the Lady Saints to the NJCAA National Tournament four times, winning the championship in 2002. Littell racked up a .873 winning percentage in his 14 years with the Lady Saints. Head Baseball Coach/Athletic Director Galen McSpadden will be entering his 31st season with the
Saints during the 2012 season. During his time as head coach, McSpadden has had 26 winning seasons, and has not had a losing season since 1990. During that time, McSpadden has managed to achieve 1,000 wins over his career. McSpadden has also served as the Athletic Director for 28 years, during which, 23 Saints teams have won the Region VI championship. Lady Saints Basketball player Kim Ortega racked up 1,267 points in her 2000-2002 seasons, and helped the 2001-2002 Lady Saints team win the NJCAA National Championship. Ortega earned an NJCAA Player of the Year award during the 2001-2002 season, as well as being a two-time NJCAA All-American. In 2002, baseball player Cory Patton was both the NJCAA Player of the Year and NJCAA Student-Athlete of the Year. Patton leads Saints Baseball all-time in runs scored (128), base hits (170), and RBIs (168). The 2001-2002 Lady Saints Basketball Team won the 2002 NJCAA National championship, going 38-0.
INFOPAGE
8 CRUSADER
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Keeping your mind in mind Matthew Adki ns Crusader staff There are a lot of challenges to face when attending college in present times. An average student has to deal with many problems on a day-to-day basis. On top of school, most college students have to hold down a part time and even a full-time job in order to attend and pay for schooling. Tests, homework, a job, friends, being away from family are all problems which many attending college today face. Depending on the circumstances, a student is likely to face even more problems. It’s no surprise that colleges and universities across the country are seeing ever more psychological problems among the student population. Almost any given survey regarding psychological health at a university will show an increase over the last 20 years in the number of students either suffering from a psychological condition, or starting up school with a pre-existing condition with the most common showcase of illness being depression. Depression should not be confused with being extremely sad and sleeping too much. In fact,
lack of sleep and emotion are more likely to be symptoms. Why is the mental health of students across the country declining? Most hypothesize that there are several factors that attribute to the worsening conditions. Researchers say that it’s simply due to the increased amount of students that come from different backgrounds while advances in diagnosing mental disorders have made it easier to notice problems in an individuals health. The main consensus is that stress is the main cause of mental health degradation. Stress has been attributed to causing depression, anxiety disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as increasing the likelihood of developing cancer. Stress is experienced everyday by everyone. There is good stress as well as bad stress, and both are necessary in maintaining a healthy psyche. In order to keep a healthy mind, a person must keep stress levels in a reasonable zone. Because it is so easy to become overwhelmed in college life, students must manage their stress on a day-to-day basis. This can be done in a variety
ways. One very important thing to prevent stress is to be prepared and know what you are capable of. If you are over worked or suspect you might become exhausted by your schedule then you might want to consider working less or dropping a class. In order to deal with stress on a day-to-day basis it’s important to do something that is both relaxing as well as something you enjoy. If you ever feel overwhelmed or consistently underwhelmed, it can be a potential slippery slope towards poor mental health, so you should talk to a counselor or adviser to get help. Many university counselors have special guidelines to help recognize when a student has a problem. A list made in 2005 at the NACADA conference for educational advisers includes sypmtoms like unresponsiveness, excessive procrastination, noticable change in behavior, impaired speech or disjointed thought, and inability to describe their own emotions. Universities everywhere have responded to the problem by enacting policies that help those affected by mental illness early on, before their condition worsens.
Ways to reduce stress:
Things to think about In colleges across the country:
60% of freshmen say they 85% spent less than six hours of college a week on studying. counseling 25% centers saw more of college students severe say they are psychological overwhelmed. problems.
Manage your time
Take short breaks while studying
Go for a walk or jog
Take up a low energy hobby
Take a nap
Take a fun class like yoga
Meditation
Low impact exercise
Things to avoid:
Between 1997 and 2009
The number The number of students of students with a diagnosed with more mental disorder The number of than one mental receiving counselsuicidal thoughts in disorder increased by ing raised by students declined by 37% 3% 15%
Overly stimulating activities
Intense video games
Energy drinks and caffeine
Extremely late nights
Work overload
Statistics and figures by Live Science and NACADA Journal.
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