Graduation Issue 2013 by SCCC Student Media

Leaving Our Mark 2013

May 2013

Students leave their marks at Seward ll students who attend classes and walk the halls of Seward County Community College/Area Technical School leave their marks on the college, some more than others. Since 2007, the Crusader has published graduation issues highlighting some of the most outgoing graduates. This year, more graduates than ever will be leaving their marks and moving on to the next chapter in their lives. Of the record 395 students graduating, we have selected a handful who will each leave a distinct mark at Seward. Although there are many dedicated graduates, these stand out as active members of the college with diverse skills and merits. Some are elite athletes, some are academic powerhouses and most are leaders at SCCC/ATS. The Crusader would like to introduce these outstanding 2013 graduates and tell about their goals and aspirations, their past experiences and their time at Seward.

Schedule of Events • Friday: Nursing Capping and Pinning, 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday: Phi Theta Kappa Breakfast, 8-9:30 a.m.

• Graduates meet in the Student Union, 9:30 a.m.

• Commencement, 10 a.m. • Reception in the courtyard • GED Graduation, 3 p.m.

Commencement speaker: educator and world traveler Christine Downey-Schmidt, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, is the guest speaker for the 2013 commencement ceremonies at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School. She has visited the campus previously and said she was very impressed by the college as it was presented to her by college president Dr. Duane Dunn. She was impressed with how the enrollment at the college has increased. Downey-Schmidt will address the record number of about 400 Seward County Community College/Area Technical School graduates at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 11 in the college gym. She brings many years of academic experience with her to the stage when she addresses the graduates, friends and family members. “It’s a nerve-racking process when it comes to writing a speech for a commencement. You don’t want to bore the audience. but you still want to make a point.” She was a teacher for 20 years and dealt with students ranging from preschool to college levels. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher at a very young age. My grandmother was a teacher in a oneroom schoolhouse, and, when the schools started consolidating, one

of our upstairs bedrooms was set up with everything from the globe to the desk. With me being the oldest of five children, I was the teacher.” She started her college life at Kansas State University, where she met her first husband who was in the military. They spent four years in Germany and another four years in Mexico. After returning to the United States, her husband was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base. Two weeks after having her third child, she returned to college at Wichita State University. Her final year in college, she worked at a preschool and said that some of the things she was learning in class, she was able to use at work. At the age of 30 years old, she received her bachelor of arts in elementary education. She also received her master’s in education administration and supervision from Wichita State University. After graduating, she taught fourth grade and then later moved to working with sixth graders. During her 20 years of teaching, she also worked at Bethel College in the education department. From 1992 to 2004, she was a Kansas state senator. As a state senator, she served as the Ranking Minority Member of the Ways and Means, Education, and Agriculture

Christine Downey-Schmidt committees. In 2005, former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed her to the Kansas Board of Regents, where she served as the vice chair from 2006 to 2007 and the board chair from 2007 to 2008. Gov. Mark Parkinson reappointed her in 2009. She currently serves as a member of the Board’s Academic Affairs Committee and has previously served as a member of the CEO Assessment and Fiscal Affairs Committees.

Downey-Schmidt serves on the also been to Africa and Europe. As boards of directors for the Dyck far as in the United States, we like Arboretum of the Plains in Hes- to vacation with our family in Colston. She serves as the co-chair of orado, Oklahoma and Missouri.” the Education System CoordinatOf all of her travels, she has ing. She is a member of the Kansas spent the most time in China. Her Institute of Peace and Conflict trips to China were with different Resolution in North Newton and groups of students. Her next travthe American Association of Uni- eling adventure will be to Southversity Women. She has served as west Kansas to give the coma member of the Kansas Educa- mencement speech at Seward tional Leadership Commission and County Community College/Area the Kansas Arts Commission. Technical School. She and her second husband, — Story by Cheree Turley Gordon, now reside in Inman. They have four married children and nine grandchildren that range in age from one month to “It’s 16. Now that she has retired an from teaching, she enjoys proc erve-rac reading, gardening, traveling com ess when king es to and being a grandparent. “I it s want to give my grandchilpeec writing a com dren the love and attention men h for a ceme that my grandmother gave don’ t w me. Having my grandant t nt.You t he a o bo udie mother at my events re n c s e t i . l l wan gave me that extra level but y t o to m of accomplishment.” ake a u p o Downey-Schmidt i n —D owne t.” enjoys travelling. “I y-Sch have traveled to midt China twice and stayed for 22 days each time. I have

May 2013

From long hours of catching ground balls, pop-ups and line drives to exciting and competitive games, Johnny Griffith has proven himself to be an outstanding baseball player on the Seward County Saints team. Athlete Johnny Griffith was born in Littleton, Colo., and raised in Parker, Colo. There he went to an all-boys private Jesuit Catholic High School. His first word to ever say was “ball” and started learning the game of baseball at the age of 3. Every day after school Johnny would be excited to play catch with his father and younger brother. “I would say my father would hit me about 100 to 200 ground balls everyday,” Griffith said. Deciding to come to Liberal from a metropolitan area in Colorado can be seen as a drastic change, but Griffith chose Seward County Community College/Area Technical School. “What really got me to come to Seward was the fact that the year before I came, the Seward team went to the World Series in Grand Junction,” Griffith said. “That really pumped me up and I knew I wanted to be a part of a winning program.” Griffith came to Seward with the intentions of really focusing on baseball and hoping to get

Leaving Our Mark 2013

drafted to play professionally. Even though Seward was a change for him, Griffith said he has really enjoyed his time at Seward. “I really enjoyed baseball. I truly don’t think anything will ever give me as much joy as being able to play baseball. No offense to Liberal or the people here, I don’t honestly don’t know how I would have survived here if I didn’t have baseball. Being from Denver, it’s just so different then back home.” Seward has had the opportunity to have many great memorable athletic signings, but this year Griffith became the very first NJCAA player to re-

“It is all a blessing, and as far as the Army goes, I am glad to be doing that as well. I will step onto the field to play for God, my family, and my team.”

ceive a certificate of appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, where he will play baseball for the Black Knights. As a third-baseman for the Saints, he is part of a team that claimed its10th Jayhawk West Conference Championship this season and was the No. 1 seed in the Region VI Tournament. His batting average is .405 and .493 on-base percentage this season. “I have become a much better hitter and also on the mound I have improved a lot with my velocity. When I first got here I was only throwing like 82-84 mph now I’m 88-91. I have become a smarter player and have learned a lot about the game and how to play it right,” he stated. Griffith wanted to go to West Point for numerous reasons. West Point is a very prestige institution competing academically with schools like Harvard, Yale and Princeton. He also saw that the Army has a good Division I baseball program which made him more convinced in his decision. “If I can make it through West Point and graduate, that degree will do great things for me in the corporate world if I chose to not make military a career,” Griffith said. Griffith said that his inspiration comes from various people. Even

the negative ones saying that he would just be an average player just motivated him to show them he could become whatever he sets his mind to. With a competitive spirit, Griffith finds himself showing people he can do it. His grandpa served in WWII fixing planes, and he saw him as in inspiration. “I feel as though I want to reflect the type of man that he was in my life,” Griffith said. Even though Griffith is moving on and pursuing his dreams, he will not forget how he started. From a little boy to a grown man, Griffith has learned to make choices. “Ever since I realized that people actually got paid to play baseball, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I slept with my glove on my hand, and I would dream of playing in the bigs. I’m not there yet but I am playing at a very high level. It is all a blessing, and as far as the Army goes, I am glad to be doing that as well. I will step onto the field to play for God, my family, and my team.” — Story by Cinthia Serna Photo by Jose Medrano

CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE OF ARTS: Behavioral Science Lizette Avalos Hendrix Emu Melanie Hudson Tyconda Millsap Elizabeth Padilla Education Olga Beltran Steven Chavez Ashley Kirkes Stephanie Mark Quinten Mirabal Journalism Jordan Long Celestina Padilla Liberal Arts Kelsey Blair Angelica Castillo Phyllis Coleman Maria Cuellar Jessica Fowler Azucena Galeas Noel Grajeda Jonathan Griffith Ricquia Jones Alyssa Kirk Anete Kirsteine Terressa Littlefield Tonya Loewen Joshua McMahon Darlene Monge Elmer Montes Deven Nelson AdreAnne Nondorf Marta Oledzka Misty Ortivez Ashlee Ortiz Marisol Pavia Samantha Phelps Karina Raygoza Blanca Richard Maria Roldan Cristal Ruiz Alex Scanlan Rachel Shockley Reanna Tumlinson Alma Varela Tyler Wiedenfeld

Leaving Our Mark 2013

Music Zachary Carpenter Kirsten Morris Daniel Valles Yahaida Zubia Philosophy Phillip Collins Psychology Jessica Alvarado Jasmine Bryant Visual Arts Karem Gallo CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE: Accounting Josefina Alvarado Alyssa Amerin Garrett Anton Angelica Arroyo Pricilla Enriquez Karole Fosdick Iago Goncalves Trevor Gonzales Minerba Gonzalez Teresa Long Laura Michel Lorena Navarro Ana Ramirez Jenny Ryman Savannah Salley Briseyda Urias Jacqueline Wheat Ag Business Lindsay Bulk Payton Fleming Agriculture Aaron Cole David Etzler Kayley Pelfrey Roberto Sanchez Rochelle St. Amand Jeffrey Welch Animal Science Socorro Martinez Biology Rudy Alfaro Alejandra Alonso MagdalenaArenivas Cassi Courkamp Emmanuel Garcia Alan Grajeda

May 2013

Miss The center stage, dance floor, classroom and the yellow brick road have all made Giovanna Baca more than just a graduating sophomore. Baca is a member of TRiO, is the reigning Miss Liberal, a cheerleader, a member of the Saintsations dance team and a pre-med major at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School. “What I like about Seward is the friendliness and how close everyone is,” Baca said. She was born in Liberal, and has called Liberal her home. She graduated from Liberal High School in 2011 and began attending class at Seward County in the fall of 2011. Since the beginning of her freshman year, Baca has been an active member of the academic support organization TRiO and has danced and cheered at Saints and Lady Saints basketball games. Although she is involved in many extracurricular activities, Baca finds the time to work as a Dorothy at Dorothy’s House and

in the registrar’s office at SCCC/ATS. “She’s just so funny, and nice to everyone that she meets,” said Carolina Garcia, a close friend of Baca. She and Baca met last semester. “Giovanna’s very humble, she doesn’t really brag about anything,” Garcia said. During her time at Seward Baca has been a homecoming nominee. “I’m going to miss this place a lot,” Baca said, “I’ve really enjoyed everything about Seward.” In February, Baca was crowned Miss Liberal. “It was pretty awesome, and it was an experience most people don’t get to take part in,” Baca said. She is currently preparing to represent Liberal in the Miss Kansas pageant in early June. “I’m still Giovanna Baca, nothing has really changed, but I am excited about being in the pageant,” Baca said about her experiences as Miss Liberal and competing in the Miss Kansas competition. When she is not in school, taking part in her ex-

Liber al

Chee rlead e

r tracurricular activities or working, Baca works D a nc e out and enjoys going r out with her family. “I T RiO m like to go fishing and embe swimming, and getr ting a tan,” Baca D said. She lives in Doro orothy at Liberal with her thy’s mother and father, Hous e Jesus and Blanca Baca. Her college schedule is focused heavily on science courses since she would like to go into the medical field. “My science courses are my favorite, because there is so much that I’ve learned from them,” Baca said. know that she will make it,” GarAfter two years at SCCC/ATS, cia said. After graduating from she will be graduating with her Seward, Baca plans to transfer associates degree. According to Wichita State University where Baca her proudest accomplish- she will major in biology. After ment is passing calculus. “The receiving her bachelors in biolosmall classes let me talk to in- gy her future plans are to attend structors, and I like how close I the University of Kansas Medical can get to people in my class- School and become a gynecologist. rooms,” Baca said. “She’ll be a great doctor, and I — Story and photo by Jose Medrano

May 2013

He is one of a few students who have made the President’s Honor Roll every semester during his time at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, that honor goes to 20-year-old sophomore Gregory Leung. Leung is an international student who is graduating from Seward. He is the president of the International Student Organization, a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, he has a 4.0 GPA, he’s a "Big" in Big Brothers Big Sisters and is receiving a $10,000 scholarship from KU. Leung is an international student from Hong Kong who attended high school in Chicago and moved to Liberal to attend Seward. He loves the people at the college because they are very friendly and he feels that they care. He is very glad that he chose to come to Seward. According to Leung, he enjoys the relaxed and carefree atmosphere in Liberal even when he sometimes misses the “big city feeling” from home and Chicago. “People here in Kansas are more social than in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, education is always the first priority,” Leung said about his academic experience. He likes Mexican food and country

Leaving Our Mark 2013

music. Leung learned a lot since he came to Seward. “I learned how to interact with people and to contribute to the community and be more open-minded,” Leung said. During his time here, he has also improved his leadership skills. He is a pre-engineering major and has a sister, Tak Yee Leung, 24, and an older brother, Perry Leung, 29. Before he came to Seward he went to the G.T. College in Hong Kong, and then he attended William Fremd High School in Chicago as an international student. He found his way to SCCC/ ATS through his sister who graduated last year with an associate of science in nursing. Tak Yee Leung is proud of her younger brother. They are very close and see each other every week and as often as possible, since she lives in Liberal. According to Tak Yee Leung, their mother taught them from the beginning how important family is, that “family is the only thing that will be always there for you, no matter what happens in life.” Tak Yee added that Gregory loves to help. She describes him “as the kind of guy who would jump out of the car to help an old lady cross the street.” Leung is a young man with

many talents and skills. He plays piano and flute, and he is also talented in sports. In Hong Kong, he received a green belt in Judo and he also did canoeing and was took part in fencing. In addition, he enjoys playing tennis, biking, listening to classical music, swimming and watching movies. He is also an R.A. in the Student Living Center on campus. “Gregory is an ambitious, hardworking, but also a humble young man who will become successful,” said Patsy Fischer, sponsor of the International Student Organization, who has known Leung since his freshman year. Fischer stated his strengths are his ability to lead, his self-motivation, organization and his quality to get things done. “Whoever steps in his position as president have some big shoes to fill,” Fischer said. Leung also stated that being elected as president of ISO has been one of his highlights at Seward and interacting with international students is one of his passions. One of Leung’s biggest accomplishments is receiving a $10,000 international scholarship from the University of Kansas that he received for his academic record and

extracurricular activities. There are only 25 international students at KU who are receiving this scholarship. He will transfer to KU after he graduates from Seward. He chose KU because in his opinion it is the best university in Kansas. He will major in chemical engineering and he’s also looking forward to living in Lawrence. “It has been a great honor to contribute to the community at the college and to take part in so many things,” Leung said. After this positive experience, he can imagine becoming a permanent resident of the United States. Fischer stated that she will miss Leung and hopes that he accomplishes everything that he sets to do, because he deserves it. With tears in her eyes she added that “Greg has really been a blessing for me.” But what motivates a young man to work so hard, giving always a 100 percent and be a member in so many organizations without getting any money for it? Leung has just one answer for that question: “I just want to make my parents proud.” —Story by Julia Frey Photo by Jose Medrano

Jaquelinne Herrera Britny Hintergardt Kaela Krueger Melinda Limon Pedro Marquez Jose Medrano Erika Pacheco La'Quecia Parker Maria Perez Selene Perez Marybel Rodriguez Alex Scanlan Lesley Schellenberg Oladele Togbeola Drew Wills Business Katiuska Adarmes Amber Bond Lisa Campbell Javier Campos Michelle Duford Jack Looney Leticia Monteiro Michael Nguyen Troy Owen Ramon Villarreal Justin Pena Business Administration Kimberly Alvarado Alejandro Ayala Beth Beard Liliana Bernabe Federico Bernabe Genesis Enriquez Rebecca Frazier Levan Gabashvili Rony Lopez Leonardo Moraes Sheldon Padilla Donnersson Penna Ana Ramirez Alee Young Business Manag./Marketing Sarahi Miramontes Chemistry Whitney Garinger Aaron Hickert Kurstie Zepeda CIS-Game Design Joshua Hamilton

Leaving Our Mark 2013

CIS-Game Design Alfonso Montes Dylan Sandell Joseph Thottasseril Preston Whisenant CIS-Computer Graphics Megan Spain CIS Bianca Duran Iago Goncalves Daniel Marquez Miguel Rodriguez Criminal Justice Giseelle Arredondo Nestor Carrasco Arlet Estrada Aspen Harvey Tara Murray Osman Rodriguez Graphic Design Sandra Regalado Mathmatices Matthew Adkins Natural Science Megan Kuehler Darlene Monge Nutrition Samantha Darrin P.E. Education Edson Avila Noel Grajeda Bailey McFerren Jabari Peters Kaheem Ransom Leslee Smith Aubree Young Physical Science Christopher Hagman Pre-Architecture Melissa Fraire Pre-Engineering Angel Aguirre Dale Boren Nancy Baez Marco Garcia Alex Mages Allen Semisch Pre-Med Giovanna Baca Oscar DonJuan Alexa Ralstin

He is an All-American, a member of the 1,000 point club and led the Saints basketball team to its third consecutive Jayhawk West title, his name is Kaheem Ransom. Ransom is graduating from Seward County/Area Technical School with an associate of science degree in psychical education. With many accomplishments and successes already under his belt, he will play at Sam Houston State University next year. Ransom was a part of Seward’s men’s basketball team that placed third in the NJCAA National Tournament in 2011-2012. This year Ransom led the team into the Region VI semifinals where the season ended for the Saints. Teammate Jabari Peters also signed with Sam Houston State earlier this semester. “It makes it that much better to have one of my teammates going along with me,” Ransom said. He is also excited for all his teammates’ accomplishments. Ransom is a Kansas native, he grew up in Wichita and attended high school there. He played for Wichita Southeast High’s Buffa-

los before becoming a Saint in the fall of 2011. He was awarded KJCAA Player of the Week multiple times and NJCAA Player of the week once during the season. Ransom was also named an Honorable Mention NJCAA All-American after the season for the Saints had ended. Though the season ended earlier than expected by the team, Ransom had enough time to show excellent performance on the court. He led the team into winning the Jayhawk West Conference Championship for the third straight season. With the team’s success it was expected for a player to win some of these awards. Teammate Edson Avila said, “He is a great teammate, leader, and also a great competitor.” Ransom is a humble recipient of the awards given to him. Seward had four D-I signings this season; Avila signed to the University of Oklahoma, Leslee Smith signed with the University of Nebraska, and Peters will team up with Ransom as they both signed with Sam Houston State. Ransom’s success has made

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All-A m hono erican mentrable ion Mem 1,000 ber of po club int

many people proud: fans, coaches, and family. He comes from a family of eight children, four sisters and three brothers, him being the youngest. His parents died when he was young, so they were never able to see his accomplishments. Ransom has set goals for the team and for himself personally for this upcoming season at Sam Houston. He wants to average more assists and become a double figure scorer. Ransom also has in mind winning a conference championship. There is no doubt that Ransom will continue to strive for success. He has the characteristics that will lead him to where he desires, according to both his teammates and coaches. “He stays focused and on task,” head coach Bryan Zollinger said. “He’s a winner; he doesn’t like to lose,” Avila said. Ransom stated that he has solid plans for his future, playing basketball and staying in school.

Ransom is going to miss Seward and the basketball program. “It’s a great place, with no real distractions.” He is thankful for all the support he received from all the fans and the student body on campus. — Story by Sandy Alfaro Photo by Jose Medrano

May 2013

Leaving Our Mark 2013

“Hon e peop stly, shou ldn’t le give up. It m i be ha ght r pushd, but throuing every gh t worthhing is it.”

For some students college is difficult, but for a nursing student with three kids, multiple clubs memberships and clinicals, overcoming difficulty becomes a dayto-day lifestyle. Liberty Brown is a non-traditional student at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School who has to juggle her classes, children and clubs. “I think I actually get to start studying at about 10:30 at night, and my bed time is usually at two,” Brown said about her hectic schedule. She has three kids, a part-time job waiting tables and is 28-year-old full-time nursing student. Brown was born in Guymon Okla., but grew up in Liberal and graduated from Liberal High School in 2003. Brown is active in Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society on campus, Pathways science club and the

Student Nurse’s Association. Although she is busy, she makes time for her children and family life. “We go bowling and go out to the movies. I try to spend as much time with them as I can,” Brown said. If time allows, Brown picks up waitressing jobs on a part-time basis. Brown had a part-time job at a nursing home, but being an overloaded college student and working there overwhelmed her. During the little free time that she gets, she enjoys reading and writing poetry. “She’ll be an awesome nurse because she is such a motivated individual,” said PTK adviser Debbie Stafford. Stafford has had an impact on Brown’s success at Seward, according to Brown. Brown was selected as an All-Kansas Academic Team member earlier this

year. “I’ve made the most out of my college experience, winning AllKansas was a huge shock to me,” Brown said. Brown was one of two SCCC/ATS students nominated for the All-Kansas Academic Team. Brown will receive her LPN and plans to receive her RN next year. “I had my first meltdown when I got my first care plan,” Brown said about her first clinical as a nursing student. “It was really cool and I learned a lot of stuff. Even though it was fun getting into the program, it was the best decision I’ve made in my life.” Although she is graduating this year Brown will return next year in order to get her RN next year. “It’ll be hard, but I think I’ll make it through.” Brown will be staying in the

nursing program another year and she looks forward to get her bachelors from a four-year university in the future. She plans on attending Wichita State University or the University of Kansas for her bachelor’s in nursing. “Liberty will be successful at whatever she chooses to do. Her personality and her hard work will pay off,” said Stafford. “My mother was a nurse, so it was kind of in the blood, and that’s one of the reason that I went into the nursing program,” said Brown about applying for the nursing program. “Honestly, people shouldn’t give up. It might be hard, but pushing through everything is worth it,” Brown said. — Story and photo by Jose Medrano

7 Garret Smith Pre-Pharmacy Gregory Leung Pre-Vet Megan Campbell Programming Van Vo Science Kelsey Blair Janelle Chavez Kingsley Emuedue Erica Fowler Jacobo Jacquez Deven Nelson Misty Ortivez Lilian Sobalvarro Sports Medicine Kennisha Montgomery Ramon Sanchez Associate in General Studies: Angelina McMahon CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFACTION: ABM Shelby Glenn Ricardo Isais Dario Salcedo Auto Body Repair Chris Ghumm Joshua Hurtado Matthew Luera Cody Maness Michael Nguyen Omar Parra Oscar Solis Adrian Vasquez Auto Mechanics Adrian Amado Austin Arnold Dakota Arnold Brady Bell Magdiel Cobieya Joshua DeLeon Jonatan Delgado Emmanuel Hernandez Jose Hernandez Hector Ibarra Luis Martinez Cesar Mendoza Wesley Passmore

Leaving Our Mark 2013

8 Jose Sandoval Charles Turner Joshua Turner Derek Vose Clifford Wilkerson Coding and Reimbursement Stephanie Finn Cindy Olivas Cosmetology Gabrielle Costilla Morgan Eichman Huston Garcia Nohemi Hernandez Eric Mercado Paola Neave Rachel North Maria Ortiz Andrea Pedroza Danna Pulido Susan Rector Jarely Ruiz Johnette Schwab Karessa Schwindt Kelsie Stephens Mayra Vasquez Kimberly Yara Diesel Tech Sebastian Castaneda Omar Chaparro Jose Chavira Luis Cruz Shawn Kolb Christopher Mann Ricardo Martinez Elias Medina Antonio Olvera Carlos Oropeza Pedro Orozco Aaron Rincon Kahlen Sanchez Austin Schroder Rodolfo Terrazas Drafting/Design Manuel Bustillos Cesar Zarate HVAC Jenny Fierro Avilez Bryan Guaderrama Christopher Ruiz Cipriano Santos Russell Thompson

Running a newspaper is hard. Leading a nationally recognized student-lead newspaper, while being a biology major, participating in multiple clubs and having 8 a.m. labs is even harder. Yet Crusader editor Jose Medrano has done just that. Medrano will be graduating with an associate of science from Seward County after his most successful year in his academic career thus far. Not only is he the editor for a newspaper that won the Kansas Collegiate Media AllKansas Award for two-year colleges, but he also received Kansas Journalist of the Year. Under his leadership, the Crusader has won four national awards, its first AllKansas since 2001, a gold medal and a first-place online award. “Accolades and awards are nice, but I don’t need awards or certificates to let me know that the staff that I have is best I could’ve asked for,” Medrano said, “The people I’ve met here, and the memories that I’ve made make it really hard to leave.” In addition to being involved in the Crusader, Medrano is an active member in several other school organizations and clubs, including Phi Theta Kappa, the International Student Organization and the Student Government Association. “Everything about Seward has just been amazing. I’ve really opened up. It’s pretty awesome

when people recognize you from being on the newspaper and other clubs,” Medrano said. Excellence in journalism, plus involvement in community and clubs helped Medrano achieve Journalist of the Year. His membership in ISO is just one of the many examples of this. Medrano is also very active in PTK and attends most of the organization’s events. In SGA, he has served as a representative for the Crusader newspaper. “I came in here not really knowing anything about the newspaper,” Medrano said; he had only had one newspaper class in high school. It didn’t take long for him to start learning. “I remember the first print night where we stayed until one in the morning, and I was surprised we were doing that,” but it wasn’t the last time that Medrano worked long hours to make the newspaper what it is today. ”It never got easier, I only got better at what I was doing, and there were plenty of people who’ve helped me get here,” Medrano said. Newspaper adviser Anita Reed has gotten to know Medrano since he first started at Seward and the Crusader in the fall of 2011. “He’s very civic minded and really cares about so many types of things. Not only the Crusader, but the college; he cares about the clubs and other students and the community,” Reed said. And she said he has an “inner drive to better and

promote the people around him.” Medrano was born in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1993. When he was 10, he moved to Liberal, where he lives with his mother, Leonor Romero and step-father Miguel Romero. He has two sisters and several step-siblings. He graduated from Liberal High School in 2011. Medrano originally attended Seward in order to figure out what he wanted to do. He switched his major three times. Originally he was interested in graphic design and then computer science. He finally settled on biology and eventually medicine. After transferring to the University of Kansas in the fall of 2013, Medrano plans to major in chemistry and biology. Afterwards he plans on attending KU med to become a doctor. He is a recipient of the Ella Kennedy Memorial Scholarship to KU. With the little free time that he gets, Medrano enjoys playing RPG video games, looking at grumpy cat memes and listening to music. He is a self-described introvert, and enjoys drinking coffee and has a thing for owls. After finishing his education, Medrano would also like to join the Peace Corps. ”I really like to help people and I want to find ways to help them,” he said. “Becoming a doctor became clear after I discovered that science classes weren’t as difficult as I

Crusader Edit

PTK member ISO member SGA representative

thought they were going to be.” Beyond that, Medrano just wants to live a simple life. He would like to move to a place that is quiet but not as weather crazed as Kansas. “I’d like to end up in a sleepy, wet suburb of Seattle.” Medrano would also like to get married and have children one day. No matter what Jose Medrano ends up doing, he’s likely to be successful because he’s a hard worker and sees things through to the end. “College is the time when people should open up and really find who they are. Explore every nook and cranny of their self being,” Medrano said. “If I had the chance to do this all again, well, I would change some design ideas we’ve had, but I wouldn’t change much.” — Story by Matthew Adkins Photo by Jakub Stepanovic

It’s difficult for many students to leave a place where they have connected with for two years. Tonya Loewen, however, has such an adventurous spirit and passion for life that she is ready to take on the world one new experience at a time. From the time of her arrival at Seward County Community College, she has been an involved student. Loewen was awarded with Seward’s coveted Presidential Scholarship in 2011 at Meade High School for having leadership skills and displaying excellence inside the classroom. Thus, she was an active Presidential Scholar, a member of concert band her freshman year, editor of the Crusader, Phi Theta Kappa member, and a participant in two or three Bible studies at any given time. Loewen was not really sure where to attend college, but the prestigious scholarship award and the fact that her sister had chosen SCCC contributed greatly to Loewen’s decision. “I figured I would come get my gen. eds. out of the way, and I wouldn’t have to pay so much at a four year,” Loewen said. And, even though Loewen has been on Crusader staff since her freshman year, she didn’t become co-editor until her sophomore year. Her sister, Dana Loewen, had also been a Presidential Scholar from 2009-2011, and was also co-editor of the Crusader. “The reason I was on staff here was my sister who convinced me, because she was co-editor here, and so I did it too,” Loewen said. Tonya’s older sister Dana graduated from Seward in 2011 with a journalism degree. She will graduate this spring from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in English. Tonya’s younger sister Heather will gradu-

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ate from Meade High School this year as well. Verle and Sharon Loewen are the proud parents of these three graduating “Loewen girls.” “I encouraged Tonya to join the Crusader when she decided to go to Seward because I had a really good experience with it and Anita (Reed) was such a great adviser, and I wanted Tonya to be able to experience that too,” Dana said. “I knew she would be good at the design and photography aspects of it, so I thought she would enjoy it and get to practice her skills. It’s also a great way to meet people and feel a part of the school so it helps with the transition to college.”

different times, I don’t feel like she was just following or copying me because we still had completely different experiences,” Dana said. “Every two years everything changes. The students are different, which means the staff is different, which means the Crusader is different. Every year the students have the chance to try new things and do things differently. So even though technically we did the same thing, Tonya has a different perspective than me and a unique experience.” Dana recommended Tonya to join Crusader, but said that her experiences and accomplishments were her own. Tonya said she is proud of all

“Traveling is one of the things I really love, whether it be across the world or across the country.” —Tonya Loewen “I’m not surprised Tonya ended up co-editor. She has a lot of talent and is responsible, but she never gives herself enough credit,” Dana said. “She has a good eye for design and beauty, from photography to fashion. She’s always been the one we go to for fashion advice and hair style ideas; she’s always taking pictures of the beautiful Kansas sunsets; and she’s always the first to cringe at a horrible font choice like papyrus.” Tonya has contributed so much more than just following her sister’s footsteps. “Even though we did go to the same community college and end up being editors of the Crusader at

the hard work even though it meant a lot of late nights. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it’ll be worth it,” Tonya said. “But when we get all the awards and recognition, I like that because it seems we did a good job.” “I like to do more of behind the scenes stuff. I do more of design and editing,” Tonya said. Dana had confidence in Tonya’s skills. “I knew if she stuck with it she could do really well, and look at what happened. She helped the Crusader win the All-Kansas Award and a bunch of other awards,” Dana said. As a freshman, Tonya won the first place interior page design at the Best of the Midwest in Min-

neapolis in competition against two- and four-year college students. As a sophomore, among other awards, she helped her staff claim the All-Kansas Award, which is the top honor in the state. Outside of the newsroom, Tonya enjoys science-fiction shows, such as “Doctor Who,” “Merlin,” and the Avenger movies. “She also loves travel, and we’re constantly planning our around-the-world trips when we’re not discussing ‘Doctor Who,’” Dana said. Tonya has gone to Mexico, Ecuador and to Japan along with many other places inside the United States, such as Alaska, Florida, Virginia and Washington, D.C. “I love traveling. I hope to be able to travel all around the world in my lifetime. Traveling is one of the things I really love, whether it be across the world or across the country,” Tonya said. “These trips have changed my life, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to go on them. I’ve had so many great memories from each one. It is so interesting experiencing new cultures and completely different ways of life. I think that’s why I love to travel so much. The beauty of nature and the people make me awestruck every time, from climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan to the being in the jungle with natives in Ecuador. Each trip brings something new into my life and I love it.” Tonya said she has enjoyed getting to know lots of people at Seward since it feels small, and being personal with teachers and classmates. Tonya plans to attend Pittsburg State University and major in graphic design. — Story and photo by Giseelle Arredondo

Joel Valenzuela Machine Tool Nolan Lobley Diego Martinez Alan Meacham Medical Assistant Patricia Alsdurf Dulce Contreras Melissa Dearing Sugey Garay Elizabeth Glave Kelly Lopez Mayte Lopez Karime Lozano Becky Moore Angela Mullins Annette Mullins Robin Randle Juana Rivero S. Santillan-Garibay S. Serna-Martinez Cheyenne Talley Practical Nursing Beatriz Alaniz Yvette Alaniz Isela Alvarado Lindsay Alvarado Kristen Binney Liberty Brown Brenda Carrillo Rodney Clements Noelia Contreras Serena Erpelding Rubi Estrada Charisse Harp Conny Hernandez Destinee Hoffman Robin Hull Christa Kopel Ashley Martin Heather McElroy Marivell Mendoza Alicia Moreno Benjamin Munoz C. Nightingale GuadalupeRamirez Shaina Rodriguez Angie Schieber Angela Tarango Gina Vargas Tammi Young Process Tech Osman Rodriguez

Leaving Our Mark 2013

Crusader Edit

PTK member ISO member SGA representative

May 2013

Leaving Our Mark 2013

10 Surgical Technology Amanda Archer Jason Ediger Amber Gonzalez KeriAnne Layman Genesis Luevano Mayra Maynez Theodore Winter Welding Technology Jesus Aguero Gabriel Beltran Alan Borunda Luis Chavira Jorge Fraire Salvador Medina Edgar Mesta Alejandro Norez Matthew Reyes Rodolfo Thomas Francisco Urquidi Juan Vieza CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Accounting Elizabeth Baker Maria Casas Gloria Fisher Associate of Nursing Degree Karleigh Bennett Julia Burris Maria Carrillo Heather Casebeer Ronald Crist Carla DeVellen Paul Donovan III Ashley Duncan Meagan Elliot Laura Garcia Diana Guillen Rebekah Kilbourne Danielle Lozano Mabon Maxey Juan Mercado Natasha Ming Jasmine Mitchell Sara Moreno Valeria Pando Austin Parnell Kristen Sadler

If you have ever walked into the student union and witnessed a guy in a suit getting loud and rowdy at the ping pong table, you’ve just experienced Oscar DonJuan. However, the student union is not the only place you could find DonJuan. Depending on the time he can be found just about anywhere on the Seward campus. In his time at Seward County Community College, DonJuan has been involved with many clubs and activities. He has taken full opportunity of everything that SCCC has to offer and has not let his time at the college go to waste. Not only is DonJuan is the president of the Student Government Association, but he is also a member of the spirit squad as well as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and formerly the SCCC wind ensemble. DonJuan will graduate from SCCC with an associates of arts in biology. From here he will go to Wichita State University, where he will pursue his bachelor’s degree in biology. He will also be on the spirit squad while attending WSU. From there, he intends to attend Cleveland Chiropractic University for med school. DonJuan says going into the medical field is something he has

“My time here at SCCC has been memorable and satisfactory to the highest degree. I believe that it is the best community college in the nation.” — Oscar DonJuan always wanted to do. In 10 years he imagines himself being a wellrespected doctor practicing in his own business in a suburb of a city such as Wichita, Kansas City or Salina. So what is it that drives DonJuan to be so successful and conquer every obstacle that life may throw at him? His friend and fellow SCCC student Giseelle Arredondo said, “He has passion and drive to meet the goals he has because he wants to be somebody in life and wants a better future for his family.” Family is an important and influential part of DonJuan’s life. He said his parents have been the biggest influence in his life.

In his words, “Without the sacrifices they made and work ethic they taught me, I would not be as successful in school as I am.” Using the work ethic he was taught, he dedicated a lot of his time to studying. To get an idea of just how seriously DonJuan takes academia, consider the fact that every time he would take a test he would wear a suit to school. He wanted to be prepared in every way that he could be for every test. “If he wasn’t ranked first in a class, he would use that as fuel to do better in the future,” Arredondo said. Don’t be fooled though, DonJuan knows how to have a good

May 2013

time. He describes himself as being someone that loves having fun, messing around, laughing and laughing with other people. Arredondo describes him as having a “great sense of humor, hardworking and just fun.” He says that the one thing he will remember most about his time at SCCC is the time spent with the regulars of the union. “From ping pong to pool or just lounging, there was never a dull moment with those guys.” The simple fact is, DonJuan knows how to liven up just about any crowd. Anybody who carries around a stuffed Yoshi in his backpack has got to know what fun is. It seems that anywhere on the SCCC campus, people have had the privilege of experiencing DonJuan. From the union to the gym to the classroom, he has made his presence felt. He feels as though he has gained much from his time here, saying, “My time here at SCCC has been memorable and satisfactory to the highest degree. I believe that it is the best community college in the nation.” With seemingly nothing being able to hold him down, DonJuan has a bright future in front of him. — Story and photo by Jeremiah Wilson

May 2013

Traveling day-in and day-out on the livestock judging team is a handful for most students, but for sophomore Lindsey Bulk it is not enough. She is also president of Kappa Beta Delta, a active member of Phi Theta Kappa and is on the livestock judging team. Bulk is graduating with an associate of science in agribusiness.

Leaving Our Mark 2013

Bulk was born to Vern and Kim Bulk in 1993. She grew up in Riley and graduated from Riley High School in 2011. Although Bulk’s parents aren’t farmers, they are somewhat involved in the agriculture business as they raise Angus and Shorthorn cattle. Her parents and life in Kansas contributed to her interest in agriculture. A major part of Bulk’s experience at SCCC came from being on the livestock ta l e judging team. D a t Be “I think I’ll miss travelKappa t ing with the livestock n e presid judging team. I don’t think I’ll miss the wind.” Kappa Beta Delta is pa p a an honor society for K a t students who are purPhi The suing degrees in business, management g in g d and administration. u J ck As a member and Livesto president of Kappa m Tea Beta Delta, Bulk applied for and received the Dr. Andrew V. Stevenson Merit Scholarship

for $1,000. Bulk was one out of 11 students in the KBD International Honor Society who received the scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to individuals to recognize their commitment to academic excellence and community involvement. Recipients of the scholarship must be a member of KBD and have a GPA of at least 3.0. On the business side of things, Bulk discovered she had some talent in math so she decided to apply that to the business side of agriculture. “Growing up I was always pretty good at math, but it wasn’t until I competed at the Future Farmers of America State Agribusiness Competition that I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I could combine my math skills with my passion for agriculture.” Bulk has had a history for being involved in the community. In addition to being involved with the FFA, she also did quite a bit of community service in the past. Bulk continued to be active in the community while attending SCCC with her leadership role in

Kappa Beta Delta and activities in Phi Theta Kappa. The Dr. Andrew V. Stevenson Merit Scholarship is not the only scholarship that Bulk will be receiving as she continues her education at Kansas State University. Bulk will also be receiving the KSU transfer scholarship, the KSU college of agriculture scholarship and the KSU student union scholarship. Bulk will attend KSU next year to continue her degree in business and agriculture. After college Bulk would like to have a career in finance or banking dealing with agriculture. Besides her career, she would also like to continue raising livestock and supporting youth agricultural programs like 4-H and FFA. Bulk would like people to know that she has a special love in her heart for Christ which her parents gave her and that she is very thankful for that love and for her parents. —Story by Matthew Adkins Photo by Jakub Stepanovic

11 Megan Scheurer Melissa Schulte Samantha Sharp Ginger Strong Yadira Ugarte Alexa Varnes Ashley Wilson Haydee Zeledon Auto Body Collision Repair Matthew Luera Michael Nguyen David Ratzlaff ABM Thomas Cunha Shelby Glenn Dario Salcedo Nathan Brennon Jonatan Delgado Hector Ibarra Business Administrative Technology Edith Acosta Daisy Heredia Business Managagement Rene Boaldin Karina Hernandez Magdalena Rivera Eric Shironaka Daylyn Young Corrosion Technology Derek Fuller Devin Hagman Jimmy Kirkland, Jr. Alexander McBride BrookLynn Oxford Cosmetology Mui Chi Gabrielle Costilla Jodi Kent Maria Ortiz Criminal Justice Emily Banning Nikki Carpenter Diesel Technology Darrell Magwire Nikolas Mihelic Austin Schmitz

Leaving Our Mark 2013

12 Drafting/Design Marco Garcia Allen Semisch Bryce Warre HVAC Jesus Cordova Fabian Perea Machine Tool Tech Jacob Thompson Medical Assistant Elizabeth Glave Robin Randle Juana Rivero Devery Shaddy Cheyenne Talley Med Lab Technician Heidi Brehms Cody Huxman Francis Martinez Tara Mora Amber Myer Amber Painter Kayla Ranzau Nyra Rin Respiratory Therapy Jessica Alexander Kendra Estrada Jessica Gonzalez Ashley Hahn Brian Lewis Oscar Ortiz Justin Parish Seth Rider Dawn Shultz Cristina Chavez Lauren Miller Kelsi Moree Lucas Bustillos Dustin Wooldridge

Graduate list provided by registrar’s office.

Just keeping up with classes while being in any athletic program can be hard. But maintaining straight A’s while being a Lady Saints volleyball player adds a special degree of toughness. Jasmine Bryant is a 20-year-old sophomore at Seward County Community College and is ready to step into the next chapter of her life. At Seward, Bryant played as a libero and outside hitter for the Lady Saints both her freshman and sophomore years. After attending Seward County Community College for the past two years, Bryant is graduating with an associate of arts and plans to major in psychology after she transfers. Keeping a perfect GPA while playing volleyball throughout her two years of junior college has been one of her proudest accomplishments. “It’s not hard to keep because I’m very mindful when it comes to school, and it comes down to what I have to do.” Because of her high GPA, she is a candidate for the W.A. Shuffle-

burger Award, which is awarded to the male and female student athlete from Seward with the highest GPA. The award will be given to the winners after finals. Kourtney Moreland is one of Jasmine’s teammates on the Lady Saints volleyball team. “She is a very nice, motivated person. I look up to her, since she makes me want

Bryant’s personality. Bryant originates from El Paso, Texas, where she played volleyball at Canutillo High School. Bryant came to Seward County Community College on a volleyball scholarship in the fall of 2011. Bert Luallen, head volleyball coach at SCCC/ATS, has seen Bryant excel.

p be“It’s not hard to kee ful when it cause I’m very mind d it comes comes to school, an to do.” down to what I have —Jasmine Bryant to strive to be more successful academically,” Moreland said. “She is a loyal friend but she has a small circle. Being as organized as she is, is a skill she carries, helping her focus and stay on top of things,” Moreland said about

“She is a positive person, even though she is an introvert,” Luallen said. He also stated that a person has to get to know Bryant in order to fully understand the outgoing person she is. Playing as a libero and occasionally an outside hitter, Bryant

May 2013

has loved the experience and loved the friends she has made. “I have grown as a person, and I feel a lot better,” Bryant said. As Bryant grew up, she and her family moved around a lot due to her father being in the Army. “I want to join the Army,” Bryant said. But Bryant will put her military plans on hold and just go to school next year if her best friend decides to get married. “If I choose to join the Army, the day I get deployed might be during the same time as Rachael’s wedding, if she does get married this next year.” She does plan to attend the University of Florida next year, and she is excited about moving on and focusing more on her career. However, she is a little bit nervous. “I don’t do well with new people, so it’s a little harder.” If her grades are any indication of her future, her outlook is good. — Story and photo by Morgan Riley

May 2013

Leaving Our Mark 2013

Blanca Richard has been a “Big” sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters, homecoming queen, a dancer and cheerleader, an R.A. at the Student Living Center, a member of TRiO, a member of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization and many more things. She moved from California to Liberal eight years ago. Now, Richard will say her goodbyes to Seward County Community College/Area Technical School as she will be graduating. She will start a new chapter in her life in Oklahoma City, where her family will be moving to reside with her. Richard will be attending Oklahoma City University, and she will major in biology to become a children’s or military psychiatrist. “I chose my major because I watch a lot of ‘CSI,’ and I want to help little kids that are going through physical, emotional and mental abuse,” Richard said. Being on the dance and cheer team for two years has created many great memories for Richard. “I loved cheering for the college, because I got the chance to go to nationals in Hutchinson. This really was a great experience for me,” Richard said. She has been on the cheer and dance teams since she arrived at Seward. “I love Blanca. She always knows how to brighten my day, when it’s rough,” Giovanna Baca, fellow cheerleader and peer, said. Richard was crowned 2013 homecoming queen this year. “It was a great honor because I got an awesome crown. I was so excited,” Richard said. Richard was also a “Big” sister for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and according to her it changed her outlook on many things. Richard mentioned that she felt she really influenced her sister from the organization to attend college someday. Other clubs that she was involved with included TRiO, an academic club at Seward, HALO and played in band. Richard plays the clarinet and guitar. “I am a band nerd, and I love music,” Richard said. “Her talents are out of this world. She is just so talented because she knows how to play various instruments,” Baca said. One of Blanca’s favorite classes was anatomy. She loves learning about the body, and how it functions. Also, Blanca is currently taking a firearms class. “I love guns so much,” Richard said. She also has favorite instructors, including Debbie Stafford and Troy Bowles. “I love Debbie so much, and Mr. Bowles and I enjoy picking on each other. It’s very fun,” Richard said. Richard’s years at Seward are coming to a sad — but exciting—ending. She leaves behind friends who she has come to know and cherish. “When I was living in California, and I knew that we had to move to Liberal, I was so upset. I did not want to move down here at all. Now that I have made friends, and met so many from all over the world, I do not want to leave,” Richard said. “I will miss everyone I have met. I will most of all miss my friends but also the basketball games,” Richard said. “I want to let the upcoming freshmen know that you should not be shy, or seclude yourself from others. Be the best you can be.” —Story and photo by Fabi Pena

“I loved cheering for the college, because I got the change to go to nationals in Hutchinson. This really was a great experience for me.” —Blanca Richard

Leaving Our Mark 2013

For the general full-time college student, being involved in one or two clubs and extracurricular activities is plenty. For sophomore Tyconda Millsap, that would have been just too easy. Instead, Millsap is involved in 10 Seward County Community College/ Area Technical School clubs and activities, along with working two parttime jobs. Millsap is the president of Drama Club and involved in Kylix art club, Student Government Association, TRiO, Ceramics Club and Brave (Gay and Straight Alliance). She is also the humanities ambassador and student worker, stage manager for theater productions, and a member of the choir. She has also been on the committees to find a new counselor and the committee to determine the Student of the Year and Instructor of the Year awards. “Everyone needs to be a part of something. For me, being part of so many things is what makes me who I am,” Millsap said. This spring, Millsap was involved in so many activities that she struggles to remember them all. Millsap was the stage manager for the “Assassins” mu-

When Allen Semisch graduates, he will be receiving two associate degrees; associate of applied science in pre engineering and an associate of science in drafting and design. Semisch plays the clarinet in concert band and had the opportunity to play in the pit for the spring musical “Assassins.” Semisch is also a member of the concert choir and works part-time in the campus library. A resident of Plains, Semisch recently received recognition by placing fifth in the Kansas SkillsUSA Championship. The competition included Kansas colleges and post-secondary schools, and Semisch stated that he is humbled by the honor. “Thanks to all my instructors, who have been so warm and friendly. They helped me grow to who I am now,” Semisch said. Many of his instructors describe Semisch as shy and quiet. “He is

an avid reader,” Seward County Community College /Area Technical School math instructor Bonnie Merrihew said, “Every time I came into class, I would see him reading — not math like I would have preferred him to read — but Steven King.” SCCC/ATS instructor of drafting and design Steve Merz said, “Semisch is rock steady. He is a deep thinker, pays attention to details and is very reliable. I see him as a project manager, engineer but definitely a leader no matters where he goes.” Semisch admits that he doesn’t have any real plans after graduation. “I plan on getting a job as an architect or a civil engineer, that way I can get experience in each area and decide which I like best,” Semisch said, “then after I decide, I will go back to school to earn a master’s.” Semisch says that it will depend on where he is at the

time, but plans on attending a four-year university to further his education. While Semisch acknowledges his shyness, he said his experience at SCCC/ATS has helped him “become less shy and more open.” However, Semisch is not shy about offering advice to other students. “It’s all about responsibility,” Semisch said, “You chose this path, now have the responsibility and perseverance to finish the journey. Try not to get overwhelmed by assignments and remember all obstacles can be overcome with a little dedication.” Semisch’s instructors have positive responses when asked about Semisch’s future. “If he remains as committed as he is, I have no doubt that he will excel at anything he tries,” Merrihew said. — Story and photo by Dawn Shouse

sical, musical recitals, Poetry Night, and for the upcoming “Never the Sinner” play. She sang in the spring concert, helped with the Phonathon and humanities’ chili fundraiser, and went on the Ceramics club trip last March.

“Everyone needs to be a part of something. For me, being part of so many things is what makes me who I am.”

— Tyconda Millsap The average school day for Millsap is around 14 hours long, all spent in the Shank Humanities Building. When she has free time, she says she would rather spend it helping others. “I’ve always been involved in this sort of thing, so I knew that I would be involved, but I didn’t think I would do this much,” Millsap said. Millsap originally received a book scholarship for joining choir. On Welcome Day, she was offered a student

May 2013

worker job for the theater department by Alison Chambers. After Millsap began these, she realized how much she enjoyed them and began adding more. “I feel like I need to give back because of the scholarship and the opportunity from the great schooling,” Millsap said. After graduating with an associates of art in behavioral science, Millsap plans to attend West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas, and major in psychology. Millsap said she plans to focus more on her academics next year, instead of being involved with so many extracurricular activities, although she will join several clubs. “My favorite part is being so involved and not just sitting at home doing nothing. I feel very lucky to meet so many people and know instructors at a different level. It’s been a great experience,” Millsap said. “If you ask Tyconda to do anything, she does it and does it to the best of her abilities,” Humanities Secretary Terri Barnes said, “Her shoes will be hard to fill.” — Story by Tonya Loewen Photo by Jose Medrano

May 2013

Leaving Our Mark 2013 Alex Mages returned to civilian life from the military, and now he will graduate with his associates in science from Seward and pursue a major in engineering at Wichita State University. The road to this graduation has taken many turns. His senior year, in 2004, Mages moved to Tulsa and graduated from there. He came back to Liberal, began a semester at Seward, then left to join the Army. He was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. During his time there, Mages was part of the intelligence field and operated drone planes. Afterwards he spent a year in Tikrit, Iraq, then remained in the military a few more years. He came back to the area when his mother fell ill. “I decided to come back home and take care of her. While here, I decided I was going to come back to school.” Mages chose to stay local to care for his mother and felt simultaneously that a junior college would make for a good transition from military to a university. He intends to pursue his engineering degree at Wichita State University while caring for his mother. At the first of this year, Mages

Matthew Adkins is a college sophomore who will graduate with his associate of science and plans to major in engineering in the future. Adkins has been an active staff member of the Crusader newspaper and played with the band in his first two years of college. He is interested in several math and science related fields, so engineering suited him well. “I thought it was a good mix between math and science, and it’s also more hands on, in that way it will have a more physical effect on the world.” Adkins was born in Guymon, Okla., Feb. 18, 1993. He grew up in Missouri due to his father’s job in Kansas City, and later moved to Liberal with his mother where he graduated from Liberal High School in 2011. Adkins has four siblings, Marie, 24, Michael, 21, and twin sisters Alex and Alyssa, 9. His intense curiosity and love of knowledge has made him decide to stay another year at SCCC/ATS to

be a part of the Process Technology program. Throughout his time at the college, Adkins has been the news editor for the student newspaper, the Crusader, and a part of the music program where he plays the euphonium. As for his involvement in the newspaper, he describes it as a good learning experience. “I wouldn’t have done as much or been very active if not for it. It was definitely an improvement to my life and knowledge, even if I don’t intend to become a journalist.” Adkins has a passion for music, and took up playing the euphonium in the fifth grade. “Not many people know about it, so playing it is kind of special.” He also plays guitar, which is one of his favorite instruments in music. “He is really quiet but one of my top kids. He’s a neat kid to be around and one of my favorites I’ve ever had,” said Darin Workman, music instructor at SCCC/ ATS. Adkins has been a part of the band for two years.

He is an avid fan of rock music, but enjoys all kinds of music. He is extremely interested in finding unique and complex music. “Anything with a good guitarist is my favorite type.” He notes that he has very similar tastes in music to his father. His father, David Adkins, is his role model. “My dad is really smart, he knows a lot about life, what’s more is that most is selftaught.” His dad and grandfather’s love of knowledge is a trait he feels to have inherited. “In years to come, I anticipate to always be active in school and education. It’s always good to keep on learning.” Outside of school, Adkins enjoys rollerblading and has developed an interest in computers and cars. From how to build them, to how they work, and more importantly how to fix them. His graduation from SCCC/ATS is just another step toward reaching the goals he has for his future. — Story by Celestina Padilla Photo by Jakub Stepanovic

was a part of the Computer Information Technology club. He serves as a tutor in the Student Success Center. He also started a tutoring program for the city. It’s based out of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. “I realized one night that as an intelligent person it’s your responsibility to help kids and other people improve their lives.” He later discussed his idea with the church members and since has been tutoring every other weekend. Other than school, tutoring and caring for his mother, Mages also works 50 hours a week. He has a busy schedule to adhere to. His major interest is learning, and a hobby he has is reading. He remembers reading more than 500 books throughout his time in the Army. He is intrigued by technological things and likes to take things apart and put them back together. Although Mages is an engineering major, he enjoys creative classes like speech and English. He also performed a poetry reading recently at the campus Poetry Night. After transferring to WSU, he hopes to attain a dual degree in En-

gineering and Electrical, for computers, ultimately he hopes to actually help create technology to improve people’s lives. “Alex is a great guy,” said Derric Moore, STEM and math lab instructor. “He has a great sense of determination to get things done,” Moore said, “He’ll be able to do whatever he sets out to do.” Mages is excited about graduation, and describes it as a “step to a bigger place.” Mages describes his role models as intellectuals like Einstein, but also his own grandfather. His grandfather had served as a colonel in the Army, and got to his place through perseverance and hard work, traits he believes to have inherited. Mages has one brother, Michael, who he describes as “artsy.” As for his own artistic tastes, he enjoys techno, dubstep and Offspring type music. He enjoys sci-fi and comedy movies, also. “Although the environment, or rather landscape, isn’t great, the people here are awesome.” — Story by Celestina Padilla Photo by Jose Medrano

Leaving Our Mark 2013

May 2013

The Crusader thanks these advertisers for their support during 2012-2013. SCCC/ATS Cosmetology Saints Bookstore Leader & Times The Community Bank First National Bank Girlfriends Flowers & Gifts Little Caesars Pizza Al Shank Insurance Birthline C. Dean Riney Insurance Carroll Auto Glass Edward Jones EduKan Farm Credit

Crusader Staff 2012-2013

The Flower Basket Gorditos to Go

Jose Medrano

Tonya Loewen

Matthew Adkins

Sandy Alfaro

Celestina Padilla

Hay Rice & Associates

(co-editor)

(news-editor)

(sports-editor)

(ad manager)

Heritage Real Estate KSCB Radio Koochel’s, Inc. Mead Lumber Mortgages Unlimited

Morgan Riley

Cinthia Serna Giseelle Arrendondo Dawn Shouse

(entertainment editor) (online editor)

Jakub Stepanovic

(staff member)

Fabi Pena

Julia Frey

Cheree Turley

Jeremiah Wilson

Jordan Long

(staff member)

OPSU Ruano’s Salty Dog Smoke Hoss Southern Office Supply Spencer Browne’s Sunflower Bank Scantlin’s Furniture Southwest Medical Center

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