Block It
Volleyball team finishes their season
It’s a Grrrreat Day to Learn All about Coach Nac
Trending in 2019
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MEET THE STAFF
Hannah Brummer Buhler
Abigail Egerstaffer Hutchinson
Matthew Folkerts Hutchinson
Brooke Greene Hutchinson
Sydney Henke Pratt
Regan Larue Kingman
Danae Moser Buhler
Pablo Sanchez Hutchinson
Myranda Stika Burdick
Colleen Teter Garden Plain
Brogen Willich Derby
ShaMonya Young Tampa, Fla.
ON THE COVER
Alexa Flores Photo Editor Hutchinson
Sydnee Shive Publication Editor Mt. Hope
â—„ Eboni Sapien, Holcomb, and Jaydin Schake, Amherst, Neb., block a spike from an Independence Community College player. Sapien received honorable mention selection for the All-Jayhawk West/Region VI postseason setter honors. Photo by Sydnee Shive
The Dragon’s Tale is published four times a year by the Magazine Production class of Hutchinson Community College, 1300 North Plum, Hutchinson, KS, 67501. When compiled, the four issues serve as an overview of the activities and the people of HutchCC during the school year.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
IN THE CLASSROOM 2 Beyond the Flames
What it takes to become a firefighter
Myranda Stika
4 It’s a Grrrreat Day to Learn About Coach Nac
He is in the business of teaching, coaching, commentating and traveling. Alexa Flores
6 Keeping the Cool
Students in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program get hands-on experience. Sydney Henke
8 The Hutchinson Collegian
Getting to know the professor behind the Collegian Abigail Egerstaffer
ON CAMPUS
20 Campus Artisanship
10 Nightmare on Plum Street
Fall homecoming fun on campus
Hannah Brummer
12 Tutors to the Rescue
Tutoring office is an on-campus resources for student who want help with their classes. Colleen Teter
14 RA Life
From providing guidance to enforcing dorm rules, resident assistants live where they work. Brogen Willich
16 Trending in 2019
A variety of fine arts performances held on campus. Regan Larue
6
HutchCC’s Art Classes and Club
Brooke Greene
22 You’re Somebody’s Type
HutchCC Blood Drive
Matthew Folkerts
24 Honoring Their Service
Veteran’s Luncheon and Blue Dragon Warriors Pablo Sanchez
26 Donors Meeting Recipients
Presidential and Leadership scholars meet their donors Danae Moser
ON THE FIELD
Trends seen and used by students on campus Sydnee Shive
18 A Tough Act to Follow
IN THE COMMUNITY
28 Block It
Blue Dragon Volleyball
Sydnee Shive
30 Moving the Chains
Blue Dragon Football
ShaMonya Young
32 Going for the Goal
Blue Dragon Soccer Staff
34 A Race to the End
Blue Dragon Cross Country Staff
10
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
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What it takes to become a firefighter
Myranda Stika, Reporter & Designer
Smoke, fire and flames typically attract new students to the fire science program but what makes it even better is the students, staff, and facilities. Jason Holland, Fire Science Professor and Academy Coordinator, started teaching at Hutchinson Community College in 1994 for a total of 25 years. Five years ago Holland was hired full time. The staff in the program strive to prepare their students for a future career in fire science. “I want them to gain a love for the fire service and a desire to help others,” Holland said. “Of course I want them to get a full-time fire fighting job. Everyone wants that right?” The faculty and students all have a passion for the fire service. Many have had family in fire service and others are first-generation firefighters.
▲ A stained glass fire science maltese hangs in the hallway of the Hutchinson Community College Fire Science Building. Photo by Myranda Stika
Beyond the
FLAMES
“Since an early age, probably since I was five years old I always wanted to be a firefighter. I didn’t have any family in firefighting, I’m a first generation firefighter,” Holland said. For Fire Science Program Coordinator Bobby White, his choice for going into the field of fire science was a bit different. White had gone through college to be an auto mechanic and got his degree in industrial education. He got married and moved to her hometown where they were looking for fire volunteers and he was asked if he wanted to be involved. “It actually kind of chose me. I had never thought about it before so I was like okay I’ll try it, and it just kind of snowballed from there,” White said. “I got in it and loved it and they found out I had a teaching
degree so they asked me to start helping teach classes, so I helped teach classes and one thing led to another and so I started teaching here at the College and it just kind of snowballed from there.” White is currently the chief for Reno County Fire District 3. The Volunteer District in Nickerson is where he still gets to run calls. “I step down and get to do both, I get to help with the program here but I also still go out and run calls and be involved with my department,” White said. The program has many exciting things that make them different from other colleges. A Fire Science Recruitment day is held annually and this year they celebrated the 21st recruitment day. “When I started as full-time faculty there
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were nine degree-seeking students in the program,” White said about the challenge of growing the program. They came up with the field day. It’s evolved over the years as they’ve done it more and more. It’s been a very beneficial event for the program. The field day was the solution and it is not only helpful to the teachers and the program but it is also very beneficial for the students and potential Blue Dragon students. “It gives you a very in-depth look at what you’re going into. We try and get hands-on activities and we show them everything we do, extrication, we show them search and rescue, wildland, rope rescue, stuff like that,” Chandler Van Allen, Sharon Springs, said. “When I went to it, it really helped me lock down that this is where I wanted to go. Just seeing all the trucks and the demonstrations that they did and all the programs they have within the fire program,” said Ian Frost, Salina. The students are very important in this program but the faculty is one of the main reasons this program is so successful. “The teachers are all retired fire chiefs, fire captain. They know their information.
They want the extremely best for you, they adapt the teaching methods to form fit you. They’re available 24/7 for you. The teachers make it 10 times better than what it ever could be,” Van Allen said. The teachers want the best for the students and make sure the students are gaining the knowledge they need to be in the program. “It’s an amazing program. All the instructors love what they do and they know what they’re doing because they’ve all had experience in the fire field,” Frost said. Hands-on opportunities allow fire science students to improve themselves. “Being able to get hands on with my classmates and being around people who are in the same field as me and enthusiastic about it as I am it’s just really cool to be able to relate with other people,” Van Allen said. Some students also choose to get their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) degree while they’re at HutchCC. “EMT that’s a really cool class because we actually get to schedule ride alongs with either Sedgwick or Reno County EMS, a 12-hour shift as well as a 4-hour clinical shift which I just finished up yesterday morning,” Van Allen said. “It’s such a cool freakin’ field.” Continued on page 36
From entry-level to highest position in the fire service.
Entry-level
▼ Hutchinson Community College Fire Science program students watch the extrication at the 21st annual recruitment day. These students also helped guide high school students through the day’s activities. Photo by Myranda Stika
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
◄ Local firefighters demonstrate the extrication at the 21st annual recruitment day. The extrication is a way to show potentional Blue Dragon students what they learn in HutchCC classes. Photo by Myranda Stika
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each other,” said Tyler McClay, Hutchinson. “Coach Nac always screamed ‘It’s a great day to study business, at 8 a.m. I liked his attitude and how he talked about real American Business. Coach Nac stayed away from giving us busy work and focused on helping us understand business and economics” said Logan Miller, Hutchinson, a former HutchCC student. In addition to his teaching role, Naccarato is HutchCC’s Business Management and Entrepreneurship Program Director. He schedules classes and events, recruits students, recommends candidates for scholarship awards, and also serves on the search committee to hire faculty at HutchCC. Another important part of his job is academic advising. Additionally, he “After my MBA was done, Dillons offered serves on several advisory boards for high me a management job at their headquarters schools in the area. here in the center of the garden spot of the He is also a commentator for Eagle universe, Hutchinson Kan., United States, Communications and Blue Dragon Sports. Earth, Milky Way,” said Naccarato. He broadcasts HutchCC’s mens and He and his wife Jean moved to Hutchinwomen’s basketball games along with son in 1985. They had two children, Luke some baseball and football games. and Kylee, both Blue Dragon student Naccarato and Glen Grunwald broadcast athletes. Luke played baseball and Kylee off of Hutchinson High School football and played basketball. “Travel is basketball games. “Jean and I have never seri“It’s a special treat to provide a tremendous ously considered living anycolor analysis on the broadcast for the teacher! It’s where else. We still live in the more fun and NJCAA Men’s National Basketball same house we bought here in affordable to Tournament in March,” said Naccarato. 1985,” said Naccarato. go with a group. Naccarato and Denny Stoecklein In 2004, Naccarato decided it The purpose of plan the Education First tours for was the perfect time to join the life is to make HutchCC. They start planning 24-30 Hutchinson Community College memories!” months prior to the scheduled deparfaculty. He has taught Business ture. They spend hours planning the and Leadership classes ever since. One thing details of destinations, itineraries, flights, most students like about his classes are his hotels, and informing potential explorers. open note tests. The reason behind this is Naccarato said, “Travel is a tremendous because students are expected to use their teacher! It’s more fun and affordable to go resources in the real world. with a group. The purpose of life is to make “In his leadership class, I remember memories!” always getting into groups for projects Out of all the trips he has been on his and he would pair us up depending on our all time favorite would be Florence, Italy. personalities. It was always interesting to “The residents are happy and welcoming. see how different groups would work with The city offers tasty food, abundant history,
It’s A Grrrreat day to learn about
Coach Nac
Alexa Flores, Reporter & Designer
He is in the business of teaching, coaching, commentating, and traveling. “There are only two kinds of people on planet Earth: Those who study business, and those who wish they studied business,” said Dan Naccarato, Business Management and Entrepreneurship Professor. Naccarato happens to be one who chose to study business, and now teach it. His life adventure began in Dodge City, the youngest of five brothers. His dad was a college professor and his mom was a homemaker. At the age of 10, his dad accepted a job as a Business Professor at Emporia State University, moving his family to Emporia. Naccarato attended college at Emporia State University. While he was in graduate school, his dad suffered a stroke, leading him to retire for health reasons. ESU asked him to teach his father’s classes in exchange for completing his Master of Business Administrations at no charge, and he gladly accepted. “It was fun and challenging teaching college students who were my own age while I was also working a full-time job at the local Dillons grocery store,” said Naccarato. Naccarato finished his education at ESU with a major in Business Administration and a minor in English and Economics.
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art, culture, and beauty,” said Naccarato. Naccarato is affectionately called “Coach Nac” by many, due to the many years he spent coaching thousands of athletes on football, basketball, and baseball teams. “Naccarato is a name people hesitate to pronounce, even though it’s really easy. Think of Coach Nac, driving a car, at a street named O; Nac-car-at-o,” said Naccarato. Something Naccarato enjoys most about being a member of the Blue Dragon family is the interactions and connections he has made over the years. “The best parts of college are the frequent opportunities to meet people, build relationships, and make a positive impact,” said Naccarato. Naccarato has been at HutchCC for 15 years and manages to stay on top of all his tasks by getting up early and arriving on campus at 7:00 every morning. He checks emails, Twitter direct messages and tries to reply the same day someone reaches out. He strives to treat every student as his only student. Naccarato said, “When you love what you’re doing, every day seems like a holiday.”
▲Dan Naccarato, Instructor, observes his students attempting to make a square while holding onto the rope blindfolded. The students did not complete the task within the time given. Photo by Alexa Flores
Coach Nac’s favorite phrases “It’s a grrrreaat day to study business” “Every day seems like a holiday here.” There are only two kinds of people on planet Earth: Those who study business, and those who wish they studied business.” Life if an open book, so all quizzes and tests ought to be open note.”
▲ Coach Nac explains the directions for the day’s activity. A reference made to this activity was the blind leading the blind. Photo by Alexa Flores
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
“All I ask of students is for them to cut me in for just a small share of their 2nd dollar million.”
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Students in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program get hands-on experience
F
Sydney Henke, Reporter & Designer
inding the right degree can be hard. Everyone has their own niche when it comes to a career, they just have to find it. The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) certification program at Hutchinson Community College is a hands-on program. The classes for this program are offered during the day but also at night for those who are working and can’t go to class during the day. “No matter what, HVAC guys are always needed,” Dennis Luebbers, Manufacturing Engineering Tech Professor/ Coordinator, said.
There is a very high demand for HVAC techs. Whether it is negative 30 degrees outside or 100 degrees outside, HVAC techs will be needed. HVAC is needed to constantly keep homes and businesses comfortable. They contribute to comfortability by making sure the air is clean. Ventilation is a big deal. “The demand for HVAC Techs is going up by 15% next year,” Luebbers said. They also contribute by making sure the heaters or air conditioners are working. No one wants their air conditioner to stop working in the middle of a hot summer. This is the same when winter rolls around, the heater
◄ Tanner Sipes, Stafford, and Derek Boeken, Sterling, work on the control panel of an air conditioning unit in class. They have to troubleshoot and figure out the problem. Photo by Sydney Henke
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◄ An old cooler from a Dillons store that was donated to the HVAC program at HutchCC. This gives students experience in many different areas. Photo by Sydney Henke
▲ Air conditioning units are used by the students for hands-on experience. Even in student’s first year, they have to start working with the equipment. Photo by Sydney Henke
▼ Reading meters, Trey Fairbank, Hutchinson; Zach Love, Arlington; and Dennis Luebbers, Manufacturing Engineering Tech Professor/ Coordinator, examine an air conditioning unit in class. This is the main thing that happens in the HVAC Fundamentals class. Photo by Sydney Henke
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
needs to work when it is cold. “There is a constant demand but at the same time it’s tedious labor,” Derek Boeken, Sterling, said. Since buildings and homes are never going anywhere, the need for HVAC techs won’t ever go away. The average age of an HVAC tech today is 54 years old. Encouraging younger individuals to join this work-force can be a challenge.
“It is a young man’s job, after having both knees replaced I can’t lift near as much as I used to or get around the same,” Luebbers said. Schooling can be expensive and this may be the reason for lack of HVAC techs. A lot of kids don’t know what they want to do so they go to college, hate it and then drop out. An HVAC tech is a good paying job and it doesn’t take very long to get your degree. “No matter what you make the same amount of money,” Luebbers said. When it comes to how much an HVAC tech makes, it doesn’t matter the amount of degree or experience, everyone makes the same amount of money while being an HVAC tech. “A mechanical mindset is needed,” said Boeken.
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THE HUTCHINSON COLLEGIAN December 5, 2019
Dragons’s Tale
Dec. Issue
▲ Kenneth Ryan, Hutchinson, talks to Journalism Instructor Brad Hallier. Ryan chose to major in journalism after having Hallier his first semester at Hutchinson Community College. Photo by Abigail Egerstaffer
Abigail Egerstaffer, Reporter & Designer
Getting to know the professor behind the Collegian It all started with a phone call. Brad Hallier and his family were on vacation in Branson when he received a phone call that changed the direction of his career. He joined Hutchinson Community College in 2017 to teach journalism classes, oversee the college newspaper, and advise future journalism majors on paths they could pursue at the college. “One day in Branson my phone rang and it was from Hutchinson College and I was like, ‘Oh no call back,” Hallier said. That callback would lead Hallier to his new career. Though teaching was not out of the question, being a teacher was not Hallier’s first pick in the long run, it was just something that happened along the way. “I never really thought of being a teacher until I got laid off from the Hutchinson News
in 2017,” Hallier said. “Though it was always in the back of my mind that being a teacher would be really cool.” Before HutchCC, Hallier had experience with the local community newspaper where he spent the vast majority of his professional time dedicated to reporting sports, first as an assistant, then as an editor. “I was at the Hutchinson News for 14 years and last three years I was the sports editor,” Hallier said. One of his most memorable stories was about a soccer game between Hutchinson and Butler in less than ideal conditions with a full crowd where emotions were running high. “It was a Sunday afternoon, it was a soccer game with Hutchinson and Butler, it was a steady rain. Probably 300 people out there on an NFL day then Hutch won 2-1. Our
coaches got so intense and there was so much drama,” Hallier said about the 2011 community college game. Hallier also recalls how not all stories make for magnificent headlines. His hardest story was reporting on the death of an athletic trainer in 2016. “She was in Sterling College and I went out to the practice the next day and had to cover this story. It’s hard to see the pain and confusion in these teammates’ faces. Reality of what had happened had not set in yet,” Hallier said. As a teacher, Hallier encourages his students to pursue journalism and with his past experience in it, he brings a passion for the subject that inspires students. “He came off as a pretty strong-hearted guy and gradually helped me with my writing and is just very passionate at what he does,” Pablo
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Sanchez, Hutchinson, said. “He’s a good guy and has a warm energy that he brings to class.” Hallier’s passion isn’t the only thing his students like about him. He makes the learning environment open to possibilities for inspiration. “It’s more like I just love the environment and the people,” Kenneth Ryan, Hutchinson, said. “At first I was only going to do photography but now Brad has inspired me to do writing as well. Brad’s love for journalism has rubbed off on me.” Hallier not only makes the environment full of possibilities, but builds up his students for success because he states that’s one of his favorite things about the job. “My favorite job is this one. It’s so rewarding to see your students succeed and doing amazing work,” Hallier said. Even though he didn’t expect to become a teacher in his career, he has found it very rewarding, especially on the HutchCC campus. “I just like the sense of community, especially with my students, I can have smaller classes compared to the core classes. Just getting to know them and seeing them move on,” Hallier said.“You can really develop these relationships here at HutchCC.”
▲ Brad Hallier, Journalism Instructor, listens to what his students have to say. Hallier came to Hutchinson Community College after serving as the sports editor at the Hutchinson News. Photo by Abigail Egerstaffer
▼Hallier and Kenneth Ryan during publication night. Publication night was on October 23rd. Photo by Student Publications
Fun Facts about Brad
• Likes Circus Peanuts
• Broke both
arms in the
• Referees soccer • Loves Music
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
same place
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Hannah Brummer, Reporter & Designer
One, two, Duke’s coming for you. Three, four, better lock your dorm. Five, six, lace up your kicks. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again. How long has it been since you’ve been on Plum Street? This year’s homecoming theme was “Nightmare on Plum Street,” because the festivities were the week before Halloween. Homecoming week was filled with activities available for students to join in on. These various activities were planned and hosted by the Campus Activity Board. A movie night kicked off homecoming week on October 14th. Students gathered in the courtyard outside the dorms to watch “Annabelle Comes Home.” Preliminary voting began Monday as well. There were 15 pairs of candidates, and students voted for the seven finalists. Costume Night was held at Skateland on
Monday Fright Night
Movie on the Courtyard
October 15th. There were many students who came dressed in costume. Some dressed up as pumpkins, tigers, Dillon’s employees and so much more. Students who wore costumes were entered in a drawing to win prizes. On Wednesday, October 16th, students filled the stands at Gowans Stadium for the homecoming assembly. Students in attendance received raffle tickets for a chance to win gift cards. The Campus Activity Board also gave away shirts at the assembly. Seven candidates were announced as finalists to be voted on by their peers. Later that night, students gathered at the Sports Arena to watch the Blue Dragon volleyball team play Colby Community College. Bowling night was held at The Alley on October 17th. Students were able to relax and have fun with their friends. Bowling,
Tuesday Costume Night at the Skating Rink
laser tag, bumper cars, and arcade games were available to students in attendance. The following morning there was a caramel apple bar set up in the Parker Student Union for students to enjoy between classes. Festivities came to a conclusion on Saturday, October 19th, when the Blue Dragon football team beat Dodge City Community College 85-3. The homecoming king and queen were also announced during the game. “I was pretty excited to be nominated. Brad has asked if I wanted to be the publications’ male candidate and I was all in,” said Jake Brown, Hutchinson. During halftime of the game, the seven finalists lined up on the field waiting for the announcement. “As being Editor in Chief, I was automatically inducted into being a nominee. I was not necessarily excited because I’m so anxious with crowds, but it came with
Wednesday Homecoming Assembly
HutchCC vs Colby- Volleyball
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ball
the job. Being a finalist was definitely a surprise. I was so anxious and scared but my co-candidate was so happy for us.” said Tabitha Barr, Nickerson. HutchCC students voted and crowned the 2019 Fall Homecoming King and Queen, Jake Brown and Tabitha Barr, both representing the Hutchinson Collegian and student publications. “When we were announced, my brain couldn’t comprehend anything. I still don’t understand how we won. It was a mix of emotions of happiness and utter insanity. I literally don’t understand how we won, but I’m just happy student publications got to represent!” said Barr.
Thursday HutchCC Night at The Alley
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▲ Jake Brown, Hutchinson, and Tabitha Barr, Nickerson, walk towards the front of the field as they are announced homecoming King and Queen. Brown and Barr represented student publications. Photo by Myranda Stika
Friday Caramel Apple Bar in
the Parker Student Union
▼Duke the Dragon dances with the Dragon Doll dance team at the fall homecoming assembly. They were part of the pep rally entertainment. Photo by Hannah Brummer
Saturday HutchCC Community
Open House Blue Dragon Football Game King & Queen Crowning
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
y y
▲ Holding each other up while skating at the costume night is Kailynn Iske, Glen Elder, and Destiny ReQua, Valley Center. Students who showed up in a costume were entered to win different prizes. Photo by Hannah Brummer
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Tutors
To the Rescue
Colleen Teter, Reporter & Designer
The tutoring office is an on-campus resource for students who want help with their classes A diploma is just the beginning and Hutchinson Community College wants all students to succeed. In order to accomplish that, the college has set up many ways for students to get extra help if they need it. One of the most helpful resources is the tutoring office. The tutors are patient and willing to help students any way they can. Many students have taken advantage of this resource and are benefiting greatly from it. The best thing about this resource for college students is, it’s free. According to Leanna Coon, Writing Paraprofessional, the goal of a tutor is to help them get independent study skills so that they are able to apply it to any course. There are many different ways to receive tutoring, from just emailing questions to scheduling one-on-one tutoring for specific subjects. There is even tutoring specifically for athletes. All of these details can be found on the HutchCC website under the “Student Life” tab. Information from the website includes all the types of tutoring, the schedule, and which classes you can drop into. Tutoring services on campus can be found in the Rimmer Learning Center. Coon said, “Once people realize how much help they can get, they often do return.” The tutoring office is a frequent stop on potential student tours and there are signs for it displayed at the Rimmer Learning Center, where most of the tutoring is held. “The environment is always super friendly. They always say ‘hi’ whenever I come in and they always have inspirational quotes up
everywhere and they often have little buckets of candy for the students to have,” Jamison Dingler, Buhler, said. “I always feel really comfortable in there.” Sometimes students are confused in class and don’t feel like they know what to ask. Coon said her help varies on how much help they need and what type of issue it is. From a quick citation question to reviewing an entire paper. She tries to use handouts and go over the concepts with them. “I went to the writing tutor to ask about a citation, I am always worried that I am going to get it wrong,” Dingler said. Having a tutor who can help ease students’ worries is a good thing. Allison Mckown, Math Tutor, said, “We have people in here every single day.” The office is even open for tutoring on Sundays. There are all kinds of classes that go to the lab. Services the math lab provides, depending on the semester vary, but according to Mckown, Statistics is a big one as well as Basic and Intermediate Algebra. “It’s very helpful to get a whiteboard and just sit there and help them work through the problems, and direct them to places in their book and other resources where they can find the answers themselves,” Mckown said. All the tutors who work at Rimmer are passionate about their job and enjoy being able to help the students. Mckown said it is rewarding when she is helping a concept click with someone and seeing the
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◄ Allison Mckown and Hannah Funk, both from Hutchinson, try to work out a difficult problem. The tutors worked through problems sometimes before the students come in. Photo by Colleen Teter ▼ Gillermo Hernandez, Riverside, Calif., and Ricardo Herrera, Hutchinson, discuss their homework answers in the tutoring office. The enviroment at the tutoring office allowed students to learn together and compare ideas. Photo by Colleen Teter
Total Visits in the Spring of 2019 (Labs & Athletic)
light bulb moment occur. Coon feels the same, she said it feels good to see students “apply it without having to remind them.” According to the tutoring page on the HutchCC website, over the 2016-2017 school year, around 80% of students who received tutoring in math or writing earned an A, B, or C in their class. Dingler said she heard about the tutoring office from the campus tours and “people just let it be known that the tutoring offices really do help and that you shouldn’t be afraid to go to them.” She also said the tutors “really helped me understand my statistics homework when I had trouble in the past.” Another student, Pablo Sānchez, Hutchinson, said he heard about it from several instructors. “There were a couple incidents where I needed to study for a human growth test and it was like a very last minute thing. She went with me through the material,” Sanchez said. “If I really didn’t understand something, she would kind of notice it.” Sanchez said his tutor used flashcards and comparisons to help him remember certain things during the test. “It’s like a non-judgmental place,” he said. Both Dingler and Sānchez said they would use the tutoring services again. The office is flexible and continues to be a viable and significant resource for students.
► Jamison Dingler, Buhler, reviews her notes from class. Students often get help from tutors by sharing their notes, so the tutors can fill in gaps. Photo by Colleen Teter
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
1,128 Visits 214 Separate Students
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RA LIFE
Brogen Willich, Reporter & Designer
From providing guidance to enforcing dorm rules, resident assistants live where they work.
▲ Resident Assistant Steven Espinosa helping out in the Residence Life office. Steven works part time in the office. Photo by Brogen Willich
The job comes with joys, pains, and dilemmas of dealing with students living on campus. Resident assistants are required to go to meetings, attend school events, and regularly unlock doors for students. Not only do they have to provide assistance, but they must enforce dorm rules and make sure everybody is safe and happy with their living conditions at Hutchinson Community College. It might sound like a lot of work, but being a RA can open doors to meet new people and even pay for on-campus living. “They train with me, Darrel (Lead Residence Hall Superior), and Dana (Resident Life Director) , they train with the Title 9 Coordinator, Health and Counseling Services, and we bring people in from the outside community so they know the outside resources,” Shelby Branting, Resident Life, who oversees RAs. Every fall semester, RAs move in earlier than other students to get training before the school year begins. “The RAs report to us about 10 days before general students come and we train for six days, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” said Branting. After all the training RAs must go on duty one day a month and sign up for one weekend a semester. “We cover all of their housing and half of
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their meals, so it’s about $6000 a semester,’’ Branting said. So, with all the work comes the benefits, plus they can meet new people on the job. Usually students that want to be a RA submit an application and are selected by Residence Life, but in some cases students are asked to be one. Taygen Watson, Bennington, didn’t submit an application, he was asked to be a RA. “Shelby just emailed me about it. I guess it was because I had good grades,” Watson said. After he was told about the jobs he would have to do and the benefits, he decided being a RA would pay off. Watson believes the leadership and responsibility given to RAs is important for life skills. After understanding the job and training ▲ Resident Assistant Kristin Kaiser, works in the Residence Life office. She, as well as other RAs spend time in the office helping out. Photo by Brogen Willich ◄Assistant Director of Residence Life and Student Activities Shelby Branting works in her office. Branting is the first person RAs go to for questions. Photo by Brogen Willich
400
Over students live in the HutchCC dorms. “Mostly when we’re on duty we unlock doors for students who lock themselves out, or every so often we help students unlock mailboxes,” said Espinosa. Kristin Kaiser, Billings, Montana, said, “I really liked all my RA’s my first year so I thought it would be kind of cool to be one this year, plus they pay for all our housing and half of our food.” RAs have to know the rules and get to know the people around them so they can help guide students to the proper resources.
21
There are RA’S working in the dorms and apartments. Every RA goes on duty
1
Wknd/semester day/month
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
RAs are required to do, it is a decision the students must make. All of the RAs interviewed said they enjoy being a RA because it doesn’t interfere with school as much as other jobs would. They also enjoy the opportunities it brings to meet new people on campus. “It’s pretty much the same as being a regular student, there’s just some other stuff we have to take care of with other students and we help them out,” Steven Espinosa, Derby, said.
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a l l d e n i m
E v e r y t h i n g
The Canadian tuxedo. Double denim. No matter how it’s phrased, there’s no denying denim as trendy. It can be a cute denim jacket to add a little flare or match a pair of jeans with anything. Flare jeans, denim jackets, mom jeans, and denim skirts have all been spotted on campus. “My favorite would probably be a denim jacket because they’re a classic and you can just throw it on over a hoodie. Flare jeans are super cute too, but I haven’t invested in a pair yet. Mom jeans are pretty popular too, my favorite kind are from American Eagle,” said Schwertfeger. Denim is a versatile trend that can be dressed up or down. Denim is comfortable to wear and goes with anything and everything. “I think it’s trendy because it’s kind of like a neutral print and it can be paired with a lot of things. It’s also kind of vintage, and a lot of old-fashioned things are coming back in style,” said Schwertfeger.
Steve Student, Sydnee Shive, Reporter Reporter &• Designer Steve Student, Designer
Trending in What’s trending in 2019? Trends from past decades are reappearing in the form of brightly colored scrunchies and fanny packs, denim jackets and varying styles of jeans. Social media is ever changing, with Tik Tok, VSCO, and presets taking over Instagram and Twitter. Photos washed in faded tones of orange and pink are taking Instagram feeds by storm. Made popular by influencers, presets, filters, and other edits are becoming a trend. Apps like Lightroom, VSCO, and PicsArt can all be used to create the look desired. “They are ‘screens’ to put over your picture, digitally to enhance or add color or to remove color. I like to use them because I’m not good at taking pictures so when I use them my picture looks better,” said Taylor Bredfeldt, Haven. Lightroom and VSCO are both widely used by social media users on Hutchinson Community College campus. Other apps of popularity include Huji Cam, an app with a filter similar to a disposable camera. Ellie Schwertfeger, Turon, said, “I use VSCO and I actually paid the $20 fee for all of the filters. I then edited photos on there I could print off and put on my wall in my dorm room. I liked doing that because I could use a lot of different filters that compliment each other.”
2019 Trends seen and used by students on campus
Filtering the bad
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TAKing over social media
vs. Launched in 2011 30 million active users Pictures
Launched in 2017 500 million active users Videos
5 billion images seen each month
1 million videos viewed every day
Number of accounts up 802% in the past year
Number of downloads up 70% in the past year
Available in 98 countries
Available in 155 countries
Those who say they have not spent hours watching Tik Toks are simply not telling the truth. Tik Tok, formerly known as musical.ly, is a social media site where users can create and share videos of themselves lip syncing, dancing, or being comedic. Some of the viral videos can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. “I love watching Tik Tok. I got it as a joke at first because I thought it was dumb, but now I’m addicted to it and I always send my friends Tik Toks and they get annoyed,” said Schwertfeger. Tik Tok also helped the stereotypical ‘VSCO girl’ rise to stardom. VSCO is used by many to strictly edit photos, but users can also post their own photos on the website. Bredfeldt said, “I see VSCO as somewhere you post everything, not only pictures of your family and friends but things you do, places you go, things you eat, quotes and feelings, things you would not post on Instagram or other social media networks, not because it is bad but because it is common. It’s kind of a place of inspiration.” What’s next for 2020? What trends from past decades will reappear? With the rise of Tik Tok and VSCO, the next big social media channel could be anything. It’s up to the students at HutchCC to decide what the next big thing is.
Scrunchies, velvet, fanny packs, and chokers are in. Is it 1989 again? Scrunchies are a simple way to spice up an outfit while keeping hair out of the wearer’s face. Chokers are a trend dating back to the 90s, when celebrities like Jessica Alba and Britney Spears took to the latest style. Now, they can be seen all over the HutchCC campus. “I for sure prefer chokers and scrunchies. I wear scrunchies the most for a few reasons, they don’t damage your hair as much, nor do they leave a distinct line in you hair,” Bredfeldt said. “And because they are cute!” While velvet is considered more of a seasonal item, seen in the fall and winter months, fanny packs are a trend everyone can enjoy during all seasons. “I like fanny packs because they’re so handy. If I ever need my chapstick, cell phone, or a snack it’s like boom I can just unzip my fanny pack and it’s there,” said Schwertfeger.
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
blast from the past
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A Tough Act to Follow A variety of fine arts performances held on campus.
Regan LaRue, Reporter & Designer
Students take their first steps into the spotlight on stage for the first time during the fall semester at Hutchinson Community College. Performing in campus productions is one of the many exciting things HutchCC has to offer students. Numerous opportunities throughout the year include first-hand experience performing in an evening jazz dinner atmosphere and producing an entire theatre production.
Jazz and BBQ
subtle twist into the evening. This jazz concert is meant to showcase the talented students and how hard they and Director of Choral Activities Neil Allsup have been working towards bettering the students’ vocals and their ability to perform jazz music. Bailey Taylor, Kingman, said, “Singing with my peers and hearing how they perform different then me is one of my favorite things about my class. It drives me to be better.”
▼Sonance, the jazz group, performs one of their many hits. The group practiced weekly in preparation for the Jazz and BBQ event. Photo by Regan LaRue
The Jazz and BBQ is an annual concert with a tangy twist. A ticket to the event allows patrons to experience the talented singers of HutchCC. While enjoying the upbeat concert, a classic barbecue meal is served to everyone, this is what adds the
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◄Keely Schmidt, Pretty Prairie, who plays Titania tells the fairies something of sorrow. The fairies were played by Veda Mansur and Abigail Lemonds, both from Hutchinson; Pepper Unruh, Pretty Prairie; and Molly Strickler, Wichita. Photo by Regan LaRue
▼ Dafne Oliva, Hutchinson, who plays Helena, performs her ballad in the spotlight. She performed this ballad alone on stage. Photo by Regan LaRue
◄ Bailey Taylor, Kingman, performs her jazz solo at the annual Jazz and BBQ. She showcased her talent with every note. Photo by Regan LaRue ▼Veronica Ratzloff, Hutchinson, who plays Hermia, listens as Preston Davis, Wichita, who plays Lysander, declares his love. They were two of the four main characters in the play. Photo by Regan LaRue
Each semester, the HutchCC theater program produces a play. In Nov., “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare was prepared and rehearsed to perform live on stage for three nights. Deidre Enzs-Mattox, Director of Theatre, said, “We rehearsed three hours a day five days a week, we have to design the different areas of production so there is a set design, costume design, sound design, have to be built, and that usually starts months before we put the show up.” The students and Ensz-Mattox spend as much time as possible perfecting each play they perform. One of the unique things about producing a college performance is the creative liberties the HutchCC theatre director takes when presenting it to an audience. The version performed in front of the live audience was quite different from the normal. EnszMattox said the ways they’ve added their twist and turns to the play. “We’ve updated it [the costumes] visually to sort of the 90s, modern music, and we’re kinda playing around the gender politics.” Ensz-Mattox said, “Whenever I can see a way to sneak it in I allow the women to have some power.” In the original play, the scenery is incredibly whimsical with a light color scheme. The HutchCC version is dark with a somewhat graffiti-like color palette. The original play takes place in a mystical forest while HutchCC’s version is in a modern forest setting with graffiti and abandoned buildings. When Ensz-Mattox first had the idea to do the play she wanted to add her own twist into the mix. She said, “Our student costume designer’s designs had actually helped me realize oh my God they have to wear skates.” This helped bring the lighting and other concepts of the
modern aspect to life. Time is of the essence and every hour counts in theatre production. In order to bring a play to life, actors must learn their lines and the stage needs to set each scene. The students and directors began planning for this production in April. Each play was decided early so that auditions could start as early in the fall semester as possible. EnszMattox said “We usually do two auditions per semester,I believe the first Friday of the semester we begin auditions.” Once roles were assigned, students had to begin learning and memorizing the numerous Shakespearean lines. Simultaneously, the crew began working on costumes, setting pieces, lighting, music, and countless other items. “Probably the language, lots of words we don’t use anymore and mythological references that they don’t understand so we worked our way through it.” Ensz-Mattox said about what the students had to persevere through while practicing. As the final curtain is pulled, the students, directors and stage hands can all breathe a sigh of relief and be proud of what they created.
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
A Midsummer Night ’s Dream
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Campus Artisanship
Brooke Greene • Reporter & Designer
HutchCC s Art C lasses and C lub
When taking a walk through the Stringer Fine Arts building, one can find halls decorated with drawings, paintings, and sculptures made by the talented art students on campus. Each piece varies in size, color, shape, depth, and style, as each student expresses their creativity differently. Behind every great student is a great instructor. Kimberly Parsons, Art Instructor, is a Sponsor of the Artists’ Coalition, while Scott Brown, Fine Arts Professor, teaches drawing and painting classes and hosts workshops. “The students are here because they want to be here, there is a joy to be had,” said Parsons. Many students in the art classes and Artists’ Coalition state making art and participating in communal activities the club organizes has encouraged them to be more involved around campus. Other remarks are aimed at bonds forming between students and instructors in the classes, which creates a very open and welcoming environment geared towards the promotion of clear minds and creativity. This environment helps many students relieve some of the stress of college life. Brannon Cruiel, Hutchinson, is a student enrolled in various drawing and painting classes. Cruiel is seeking his associate’s degree through Hutchinson Community College as an art major. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1994, where his passion for art began when he took art classes such as 3-D art and jewelry making. From there, he discovered clay work was one of his favorite forms of media.
“It’s art, and there is still stress in art but people do it because they love doing it which makes the stress worth it. Short of making the pens and paper, we make everything from scratch and learn so much from the instructor,” Cruiel said. Koji Liby, Hutchinson, uses the art classes offered on campus to enhance his painting skills. Liby’s work focuses greatly on depth, which is obtained by his ability to beautifully represent where the light touches the subject of his paintings. His favorite media is watercolor, and although it is difficult to work with such thin paint, Liby boldly accepts the challenge. “I like learning more about art, the new mediums, and subject matter. This class is nice because school is already stressful, but the friends made here and the community we all partake in relieves so much stress,” Liby said. While some students want to make a career out of being an artist, others are there simply to enjoy the experience. Rachel Hoyt, New Orleans, La., is currently taking a painting class to learn more about color palettes in order to learn more about photographic opportunities and for her own personal skill set. “The class relieves real-world stress, provides good critique, and allows you to meet fun and different personalities. It gets ►Jennifer Wise, South Hutchinson, works on her black and white self-portrait on cardboard. The class later submited their work for critique. Photo by Brooke Greene
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““The students are here because they want to be here,, there is joy to be had,””
-Kimberly Parsons
◄ Lylia Fernandez, Newton, works on adding white paint to her self-portrait to represent where the light shines on her face. The addition of the white paint will make the piece appear more 3D. Photo by Brooke Greene
you involved with people, this class really is a mixing pot with all kinds of students,” Hoyt said. The passion for art is deeper than merely creating it. Jennifer Wise, South Hutchinson, is working towards her degree in art education in addition to a minor in art history. With a vast knowledge of what it means to be an artist, Wise will one day take on the responsibility of helping other young artists with their abilities. “I love maintaining and growing in creativity, it sets you apart from others with the same idea,” Wise said. Wise is the current president of the Artists’ Coalition, which entails being responsible for helping Parsons plan community projects and trips for club members. The club typically meets on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm once or twice a month, to follow through
with plans previously set. The Artists’ Coalition has organized and engaged in events such as the face painting at the Heart Walk last September, and they have upcoming plans to paint a drum set for the HutchCC wind symphony. They will also be taking a trip to Kansas City on November 9th to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. “You meet more like-minded people and experience a sense of community and accomplishment, whether you’re a part of the club or in the classroom,” Wise said.
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
▼ Rachel Hoyt, New Orleans, La., focuses on her line work in her geometric piece between classes. She used a strong gradient between black and white in her piece. Photo by Brooke Greene
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You’re Somebody’s Type WHAT DOES BLOOD CONSIST OF?
45% Blood cells
Matthew Folkerts, Reporter & Designer
55% Plasma
F
Students, staff, and community members help save lives by donating blood
rom cancer to trauma patients, with cancer in 2017 and many of them will blood donations are needed in need blood, sometimes daily, during their hospitals around the country. According to chemotherapy treatment. the American Red Cross, blood and platelets “I’ve had six blood transfusions and can only come from blood donations. That’s for each transfusion I had to get two units why blood drives like the ones hosted at of blood, so I have used 12 units of blood Hutchinson Community College are so total,” said Brooke Engelland, Nickerson. important to patients and hospitals. It’s important for blood drives to be hosted “Unfortunately there has not been more often. These blood drives should enough blood donations recently. also be advertised more frequently, so Did you know three in 100 people individuals would be more inclined donate blood, meanwhile, every to donate. Michelle Nuss, Coorditwo seconds an individual needs nator of Outreach Services, said blood? That’s why partners like that if more blood drives were Hutchinson Community Colhosted and advertised more lege are so important to us at frequently then she would Red Cross,” said Jan Hale, of HutchCC students donate. Red Cross External ComBlood drives are have donated blood munications Manager. extremely important to The American Red millions of American citiCross cites that less than zens nationwide, including 38 percent of the population citizens like Gavin who is can donate. Statistics like these only four months old and batonly prove how much each donation is tling cancer. needed. Every donation is used to save up “Every time I donate blood, I like to to three individuals. think about a recipient I’ve met. The first “I can’t donate now because of certain recipient I ever met was Gavin. He was four medications,” said Dave DuKart, Director years old when I met him. He needed blood of Quest Center for Entrepreneurs. to fight cancer when he was four months According to the Red Cross, over one old. Thanks to blood donors, Gavin is now million people are expected to be diagnosed about 12 years old and able to do what he
51.7%
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Received Donations
The Blood Journey
Provided by the American Red Cross
Blood
Step 1: Your donation is kept on ice before being taken to a Red Cross center for processing; the test tubes go to the lab.
Platelets 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
43% of HutchCC students have recieved the following donations: 28 students have recieved blood, 12 have recieved plasma, and 7 have recieved platelets.
loves, like playing video games,” said Hale. The Red Cross collects 13.6 million whole blood donations a year, of which Kansas collected 97,000 blood donations in 2018. Blood drives around Kansas like the ones HutchCC and several Reno County high schools have hosted are important to the Organization. These blood drives play a big role in Kansas donations. Unfortunately the blood journey, starting from the donation itself, can be long. According to the Red Cross, the donation is kept on ice before being taken to a Red Cross center for processing. The next step includes most whole blood donations, which are spun in centrifuges to separate it into transfusable components like red cells, platelets, and plasma. Step three includes a dozen tests that establish the blood type and detect infectious diseases. When test results are received, units suitable for transfusion are labeled and stored. Blood is then available to be shipped to hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “I nearly passed out when I first donated blood,” said Annette Kershaw, Administrative Assistant. There are a lot of concerns when it comes to donating blood. The process starts by signing in with an ID and filling out required information. The donator then answers ques-
tions online or in a private interview. They receive a health check to make sure they are healthy enough to donate that day. The actual donation is next and a pint of blood is drawn which can take only 8 to 10 minutes. After donating, the individual will then be asked to enjoy a snack and drink. The whole donation process can take an hour. There are also quite a few concerns with being eligible to donate. There are some rules and regulations of blood donations. The donator will be asked if they are feeling well and healthy that day. Be 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states). The minimum weight is 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors. Finally, if the donator has not donated within the last 56 days. HutchCC is an important partner to the Red Cross. Over 50 students and staff donated during the Nov. 1 blood drive. Plans for the next drive on campus are already in progress and scheduled for Jan. 24.
► Jan Hale, Red Cross External Communications Manager, donates blood on a regular basis. When donating blood, she thought about the recipient that would eventually receive her donation. Photo courtesy of American Red Cross
Step 2: Most whole blood donations are spun in centrifuges to separate it into transfusable components: red cells, platelets, and plasma.
Step 3: This step includes a dozen tests that establish the blood type and detect infectious diseases.
Step 4: When test results are received, units suitable for transfusion are labeled and stored.
Step 5: Blood is available to be shipped to hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
Plasma
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Honoring their service
Pablo Sanchez, Reporter & Designer
Veteran’s luncheon and Blue Dragon Warriors Celebrating those who have served our country, several across the Hutchinson Community College campus welcomed Veterans to the annual Veteran’s luncheon on Nov. 11. The event was held in the Parker Student Union and originally organized by Vice President of Student Services, Brett Bright who hosted the first luncheon in 2015. “Vice President Bright has always had a strong appreciation for our Veterans and wanted to show his appreciation to any of our students and staff that are/were active duty,” Michelle Wortham, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Student Services, said. “The first event was rather intimate with about 15 people in attendance. To reach more Veterans, we have invited first responders in Hutchinson and Reno County as well as residents of local nursing and assisted care facilities.” Their main goal is to show how much HutchCC appreciates the Veterans in the community. “The American Legion Post 68 of Hutchinson has come every year with their Legion Riders,” Wortham said. “Last year we had over 85 in attendance.” Other programs from around campus are involved to showcase the College’s gratitude. “This year’s program will consist of opening prayer lead by Shaen Marks,
Pastor of Cross Point Church, the HutchCC Low Brass Choir will play the National Anthem, SGA President Ashton Baxa will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and former HutchCC President, Senator Edward Berger, will lead the keynote speech,” Wortham said. Several students on campus wanted to start an organization for Veterans to help provide friendships and connections. HutchCC Director of Marketing DennyStoecklein and Baxa both loved the idea of having a Veterans club here on campus for students to connect and make friends after getting out of the service. Cory Sherbon, Albuquerque, N.M., and Ky Washington,, Queens, N.Y., joined together to propose a new student club that would support Veterans. According to Stoeklein who is also a cosponsor for Student Government, “There is criterions they have to meet that are outlined in the SGA constitution in terms of membership of the club, how they operate, how they meet, how they elect their people, and when it comes to chartering them there is a series of questions they have to answer.” SGA’s role is making sure if a club wants to be active on campus, they have to meet at least every month and have a club sponsor “We had met previously with Denny, but we had a few differences in their constitution, and we had to have them go and revise it and fix some of it after all, then it was approved,” Baxa said.
▲Hutchinson Community College shows apprication to Veteransand to their families. Photo by Pablo Sanchez
▲ HutchCC low brass plays the national anthem for Veteran’s day. Photo by Pablo Sanchez
▲ Veterans and first responders enjoy a hot meal and talk with one another. Photo by Pablo Sanchez
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Cory Sherbon Albuquerque, New Mexico
Q: How do you want to help out students here on campus that are Veterans. Ky: I’m a Veteran myself, so when I got here, there wasn’t a veteran group presence so to speak like organization or club, so a student named Cory Sherbon he came to me, and he was interested in starting the organization some veterans like support or have some kind of question because when they just get out of the military most of them are older a lot of us are here for students who are a lot younger don’t really have a friendship bond something they can relate to so that’s what Corey mentioned to me. Q: I did have the privilege of talking with Cory and how he obtained his Veteran status would you be okay with sharing yours? Ky: I joined in 2011 I was in the Army I was infantry for five years, I first was station at Fort Knox I deployed in Afghanistan was there for nine months and came back and was stationed at Fort Riley, I deployed Kuwait for another nine months and when I came back I finished my contract out and started school the following month here at Hutchinson Community College, and then I graduated in last May I then got this job here where I started working in May. Q: For any Veterans that are struggling with any challenges with something for whatever that they are stuck through, what advice can you give them? Ky: I would definitely advise them first to understand what their entitlement is because when I got here I was using 9/11 G.I Bill, but I really didn’t dig into what they really meant I just understood that my school would be paid for, and I would get a check every month but students who are not in my case because I’m married with kids so I don’t have as much time but I was a full-time student, students who don’t have a family who are just focused on school they can really take advantage of the benefit I had so they tell you that you have 36 months of schooling, but they pay for 36 months period. So, if you want to take 18 hours they will pay for it, and if you want to take 6 hours they will pay for it how you use your 36 months is up to you, so a student could potentially get close to a masters in 36 months if they are committed.
Q: How did you obtain your Veteran status? Cory: My grandpa on my mom’s side is retired from the Navy, my grandpa on my dad’s side is retired from the Air Force, and my dad was an Army brat and so I knew growing up I was going to join the military. My dad preached, preached, and preached we’re [a] military family, we always fought for this country. C: I was actually started talking with the Navy first began to talk with them telling them what I was interested in what they had offered and I was thinking about it one day my buddy walked in the house cause we all carpool together to the high school, and he goes ‘just joined the Marine Core yesterday.’ You know what I’m going to do it to dude, so later that day after school, I went to the recruiter’s office, and he shipped me down to Oklahoma to the MEPS station. I swore an oath signed a paper, It would have been Aug. 13 I went to boot camp and spent eight years in the marine core I got out September Ninth it was the end of my contract 2015 just over four years ago now, and here I am it’s been a struggle finding a good fit, I struggle working for the people. Outside working for the military, it’s not quite as strict, I’m trying to stay in my lane without tripping in other people lane, and I struggle with that. Q: For any Veterans that are here that are struggling, what advice would you like to give them? C: So I think some of the big struggles that I had and can easily relate to these Veterans is that it’s not easy to cope I have drowned in alcohol I drowned in various things that are detrimental to my life I came very very close to realization that my family loves me I can’t keep killing them like, I have children to raise and set a good example, so I got my shit together. We actually have a member I met him, and he was going through a dark time, and he’s interested in starting the program to, and he was struggling battling some demons very badly to the point where if we hadn’t shown up he wouldn’t have been there the next day. The moral of the story is reach out to those around you. Don’t be afraid to lean on someone’s shoulder. The biggest idea behind the organization is to give Veterans here that comfort zone. It’s hard to talk to non-Veterans what you seen, what you done, but when you talk with other Veterans, you don’t have to know this guy’s name, and you guys become best friends.
◄ SGA President Ashton Baxa, Osborne, serves a hot meal for veterans. The lunch consisted of chicken and noodles, chili, hot dogs and beans. Photo by Pablo Sanchez
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Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
Ky Washington Queens, New York
25 11/21/19 12:50 PM
Donors Meeting
Recipients
Danae Moser, Reporter & Designer
Presidential and Leadership scholars meet their donors. A large student bill can sometimes scare students. Luckily, the Endowment Office at Hutchinson Community College. According to the Endowment Office, you can make a difference in the life of a student through your support. Every gift impacts a student no matter the size. “Donors provide scholarship opportunities to students by making gifts to the Endowment Association’s scholarship program which they have designated their donation to the Presidential and Leadership Programs” Cindy Keast, Endowment Association said. At an annual Donors Reception, the students and donors get to introduce themselves to each other. “My name is Thomas Maldonado, I graduated from Trinity Catholic here in Hutchinson, Kansas. The reason why I chose HutchCC was because of the affordable aspect and all of my brothers and sisters went here so I thought it was a good place for me.” Thomas Maldonado, Hutchinson, said. “During the fall reception we have donors, scholars and family members join together for lunch to continue building life-long friendships. The spring reception which is the ‘Celebration of Academic Excellence’ provides the experience for donors and family members to see the various academic
projects our Presidential scholars and faculty mentors have prepared.” Cindy Keast, Endowment Association. Both receptions provide an opportunity for donors and scholars to meet one another, “It is also gives scholars an opportunity to network and receive mentoring experiences” Keast, said. “Donors truly enjoy meeting the scholars and hearing their educational goals and learning about them as individuals. A chance for the scholars to say thank you to the many donors who provide support while they are attending HutchCC.”
► Thomas Maldonado, Hutchinson, introduces himself to the donors, recipients and families on Oct. 19. Maldonado is majoring in pre-pharmacy Photo by Danae Moser
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◄Carson White, Oakley, and her family thank Donor F.E. Schoepf for his generous donation to the Hutchinson Community College Endowment on Oct. 19. Schoepf, told the scholars about the stories of how hutchcc come to be. Photo by Danae Moser
HutchCC and the Endowment Association have been continuing this tradition since its inception in 1993. Alumni, friends of the college, foundations and businesses are helping students reach the graduation date without the impact of tuition costs and decrease the number and amount of student loans needed for the college.
▲ Donor Londa Hinshaw and recipient Brooke Butler, Larned, talk about her interests. Butler is majoring in pre-pharmacy. Photo by Danae Moser
◄Lisa Jolliff, Coordinator Of Accessibility Services, speaking to all of the donors and recipients about The Leadership Program. Many students in The Leadership program are making a difference in the community. Photo by Danae Moser
Personal statement Reference letters
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
Application
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The Blue Dragon volleyball team finishes their season 14-19 and three Blue Dragons earn All-Jayhawk West Honors
Sydnee Shive, Reporter & Designer
▲ Jenna Thorne, Karitane, New Zealand, spikes the ball towards an Independence Community College player. The Blue Dragons won the game in 3 sets. Photo by Sydnee Shive ◄ A spike from Independence Community College is blocked by Eboni Sapien, Holcomb, and Jaydin Schake, Amherst, Neb. Sapien finished the game with 29 assists while Schake scored a total of 18.5 points. Photo by Sydnee Shive
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▼ The Blue Dragon volleyball team celebrates a point scored against Butler Community College. The Blue Dragons won the game 3-0. Photo by Sydnee Shive
▲ Myracle Lettries, Houston, Texas, and Thorne block a spike from a Butler Community College player. Lettries and Thorne finished the game with a combined 20 points. Photo by Sydnee Shive
Date Aug 23 Aug 24 Aug 30 Sept 2 Sept 7 Sept 11 Sept 16 Sept 18 Sept 20 Sept 21 Sept 23 Sept 25 Sept 27
Opponent Pima CC New Mexico Military Institute South Mountain CC Odessa College Dodge City CC Garden City CC Seward County CC Pratt CC Barton CC Colby CC Navarro College Jefferson College Mineral Area College Indian Hills CC Butler CC Independence CC Missouri State University
Result L L W L W W L W L L L L W W L W W
Score 3-0 3-1 3-1 3-1 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-2 3-2 3-1 3-0 3-1 2-0 3-2 3-0 3-0 3-2
Date Sept 28 Oct 1 Oct 7 Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 28 Nov 5 Nov 10
Opponent Tyler Junior College Panola College Dodge City CC Pratt CC Seward County CC Jefferson College Tyler Junior College Indian Hills CC Missouri State University Colby CC Garden City CC Butler CC Independence CC Barton CC Butler CC Seward CC
Result L L W W L L L L L L W W W L W L
Score 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-1 3-1 3-2 3-0 3-0 3-1 3-2 3-0 3-0 3-0 3-2 3-1 3-0
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
◄ Camila Espejo, Bogota, Colombia, passes the ball. Espejo scored a total of 20 points against Butler Community College. Photo by Sydnee Shive
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Moving the chains THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THIS year's FOOTBALL SEASON
ShaMonya Young, Reporter & Designer
“You couldn’t tell us nothing. We was on top,” said Defensive Tackle Lewis Wallace, Sylvania, Ga. Ranked as the number one team in the nation for five consecutive games in a row, the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons felt great being at the top of their conference. However, this team did not need a ranking to exude the confidence that is displayed on the field. “We viewed ourselves as the No. 1 team from the start of the season. We didn’t need to see it,” said Alex Farah, Offensive Line Coach. “We just felt like that’s what we were.”
Offensive execution started out a bit slow during the game against Highland Community College on Oct. 5, causing the Blue Dragons to drop down to a nNo. 4 ranking. “You can’t start slow when you’re playing against good football teams. You have to start fast every week,” said Farah. There were many away games this season and players enjoyed taking the ride. “We get to go to other teams’ fields and beat them,” said Defensive Tackle Lewis Wallace, Sylvania, Ga. It feels good defeating their competition on their own fields. The Blue Dragons had a
▲ Fully focused, Offensive Line Coach Alex Farah warms up with players before the game. Charles Johnson, Huntersville, N.C., demonstrated defensive line blocking techniques. Photo by ShaMonya Young
2019 BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL RESULTS AUG. 22 Ellsworth
W, 41-16
AUG. 31 Independence W, 31-21 SEPT. 7
Iowa Western
W, 34-27
SEPT. 14
Fort Scott
W, 27-7
SEPT. 28 Butler
W, 35-27
OCT. 5 Highland
L, 29-27
OCT. 12
Coffeyville
W, 49-7
OCT. 19
Dodge City
W, 85-3
OCT. 24
RPA
W, 89-0
NOV. 2
Garden City
L, 20-19
NOV. 9
Iowa Central
W, 56-0
lot on the line playing against Garden City. This was one of the toughest away games played so far. Although the Dragons had an 89-0 home game blowout against RPA College the week before, every game is always a fight to the finish. Players have a full week schedule consisting of classes, practice, watching film, meetings, tutoring, and much more. The coaches at HutchCC ensure their players stay focused not just on the field but off the field as well. “Seeing them grow, understand, and mature in life and in football is cool,” Farah said about what makes him most proud of his players.
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◄ Hutchinson Blue Dragons Latrell Bankston, Woodstock, Ga., stopped a Garden City player. He landed a sack against the Bronc Busters. Photo by Bre Rogers
▼ Lavar Gardner, Atlanta, Ga., gives it all he has to complete tackles. He displayed leadership skills on and off the field. Photo by Bre Rogers
Mark Wright Quarterback Sophomore 5’10 186 lbs
Ronald Williams Defensive Back Sophomore 6’2 188 lbs
Connor Lierz Offensive Lineman Sophomore 6’2 300 lbs
Lavar Gardner Linebacker Sophomore 5’11 193 lbs Acknowledged for their leadership skills on and off the field, Farah recognizes Quarterback Mark Wright, Douglasville, Ga.; Defensive Back Ronald Williams, Ferriday, La.; Offensive Lineman Connor Lierz, Manhattan; Wingback Mitchell Tinsley, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Linebacker Lavar Gardner, Atlanta, Ga.; and Defensive Lineman Latrell Bankston, Woodstock, Ga. The Blue Dragons are currently ranked at No. 3 in the nation, but overall, they have grown and accomplished many goals as a team. ▲ Lewis Wallace, Sylvania, Ga., stops and poses just before the game. He completed 29 tackles this season. Photo by ShaMonya Young
Latrell Bankston Defensive Lineman Sophomore 6’1 299 lbs
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
Mitchell Tinsley Wingback Sophomore 6’0 183 lbs
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for the
The Blue Dragons end their season with a 12-4 record
▲Macy Smith, Topeka, kicks the ball during a game against Redlands Community College. Smith had two goals and three assists during the game. Photo by Bre Rogers ▲Top Right: Chaevelle Henry, Kingston, Jamaica, moves the ball during a game against Pratt Community College. Henry ended the season with eight goals and two assists. Photo by Bre Rogers
Staff, Designer
► Addi White, Buhler, fights for the ball during the Jayhawk West championship game against Cloud County Community College. The Blue Dragons lost the game 3-1. Photo by Bre Rogers
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◄ Samantha Vaughn, Wichita, attempts to score a goal during a game against Indian Hills Community College. Vaughn ended the season with 16 goals and 9 assists. Photo by Bre Rogers ▼Angela Rader, Wichita, head-butts the ball during a game agaist Indian Hills Community College. The Blue Dragons lost the game 1-0. Photo by Bre Rogers
2019 Season Scoreboard Opponent
Result Score
Aug. 22
Trinidad State Junior College
W
4-0
Aug. 24
Indian Hills CC
L
1-0
Aug. 30
Redlands CC
W
13-0
Sept. 7
Barton CC
W
2-0
Sept. 11
Garden City CC
W
2-0
Sept. 14
Hesston College
W
19-0
Sept. 18
Dodge City CC
W
3-0
Sept. 21
Pratt CC
W
5-0
Sept. 25
Cloud County CC
L
2-1
Oct. 2
Barton CC
W
2-0
Oct. 5
Garden City CC
W
3-0
Oct. 9
Hesston College
W
8-0
Oct. 12
Dodge City CC
W
6-0
Oct. 16
Pratt CC
W
4-0
Oct. 19
Cloud County CC
L
3-1
Oct. 26
Region VI Quarterfinals vs Butler CC
L
3-2
▲ Esther Karhayu, Mombassa, Kenya, chases after the ball during a game against Redlands Community College. The Blue Dragons won the game 13-0. Photo by Bre Rogers
Dragon’s Tale • December 2019
Date
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A Race to the End Blue Dragon Cross Country finish the season at the NJCAA championship with women placing 20th and men placing 7th.
► Side by side, Natalie Schroeder, Hutchinson, and Christina Bruce, Newton, compe te a t the Terr y Masterson Twilight Classic. The Blue Dragon women placed third as a team at the meet. Photo provided by Nathan Addis
Hannah Brummer, Designer
▼ Leading the men’s cross country team at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic are Jeffrey Klopf II, Flint, Mich., Andrew Kibet and Sylvestre Kibrarar, both from Eldoret, Kenya. The Blue Dragon men placed second as a team with seven placing in the top 20. Photo provided by Nathan Addis
34
▼ Kibet and Kibrarar run ahead of their competitors. Kibet finished second with Sylvestre finishing third at the evening meet. Photo provided by Travis Morisse
2019 Cross Country Results Women 3rd Place 6th Sheila Too
Men 2nd Place 2nd Andrew Kibet 3rd Sylvestre Kibarar 9th Teagan Flanagan
Sept. 21 Missouri Southern Stampede
Women 11th Place
Men 4th Place 4th Andrew Kibet 5th Sylvestre Kibarar
Sept. 28 Emporia State Invitational
Women 5th Place
Men 3rd Place 2nd Sylvestre Kibrarar 3rd Andrew Kibet
Women 2nd Place 7th Sheila Too 8th Gabby Collins
Men 2nd Place 4th Sylvestre Kibarar 6th Teagan Flanagan
Oct. 26 Regional VI Cross Country Championship
Women 4 Place 7th Sheila Too 10th Gabby Collins
Men 2 Place 4th Sylvestre Kibarar 5th Andrew Kibet 10th Teagan Flanagan
Nov. 9 NJCAA Cross Country Championship
Women 20th Place
Men 7th Place 4th Andrew Kibet 7th Sylvestre Kibarar
Oct. 12 Fort Hays State Tiger Open
th
nd
◄ Focusing on finishing at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic is Sheila Too, Eldoret, Kenya. Too finished in 15th place with a time of 19 minutes, 39.45 seconds. Photo provided by Nathan Addis
Dragon’s Tale • October 2019
Aug. 30 Terry Masterson Twilight Classic
35
Beyond the Flames
(cont’d from page 3)
Many students go into this program because of their passion, their connections to the service, or they just want to give back. “Growing up as a kid a lot of my family they were in the fire service. In Herington, my dad is a firefighter so I went to the fire station a lot and I grew up around all the guys there,” Mark Stokes, Herington, said. “My mom is an EMT as well as my grandma. So I already had the stories growing up but life saving and anything that would make someone’s day better is just something I’ve wanted to do. That and it’s pretty cool,” Van Allen said. Life events can also be a deciding factor for potential fire science students.
“My grandfather’s house burnt down and then shortly after my uncle’s house burned down, you could say those are big influencers for me. Just seeing the firefighters and EMTs and what they did for them, helping them out as much as they could. My best friend’s dad was also an EMT and fire investigator and he helped lead me on the path to make me the most successful in fire service,” Frost said. Joining in the fire service can be scary and a big decision. Van Allen said, “I know it’s nerve racking, but go for it. I mean you don’t really know until you try it. So I mean it’s just a surreal experience.” “It’s the best program at Hutch. And if
you don’t know what you want to do in life just become a firefighter. It’s a whole other family,” said Stokes. Some challenges come along with being in the fire service. For students, it’s all about studying the material they will need to know out in the field. “It kind of goes back to the studying, trying to gather all that information and keeping it retained. There’s a lot of stuff to remember being in fire and emergency medical science,” Van Allen said. The faculty also face their own challenges. “Talking about the hard things. We’re responding on someone’s worst day. So as an instructor we have to bring up the good in with the bad,” Holland said. One issue out in the field is that most area fire departments don’t have enough qualified candidates to fill positions. “We’re looking to get quality people into the job. There’s a lot of knowledge you have to have, a lot of technology involved,” White said. The program is only the beginning for students. “It’s a chance to get people started in the career and watch them grow,” White said. The students get excited about this program because of the people around and that you don’t know what to expect. “There’s going to be something different, new every day, it’s not going to be the same sit-behind-a-desk-all-day job. You never know what to expect,” Stokes said. The instructors’ main goals are to prepare their students for the real world in fire service. Applying what the students learn to real life situations helps them adapt and understand what they learn in class. “Being able to put what I’m learning into use,” Van Allen said.“Because it’s one thing to read it and go over it in class, but when you put it into use and realize ‘man this is kind of cool.”
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Dragon’s Tale • October 2019
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