e
!
Empty Bowls Full Hearts HutchCC art students participate in Empty Bowls event
Faces of Facilities Department keeps campus running behind the scenes
Bass Yourselves Music programs wow crowd during fall performances
du 000-000 Cover-BK Cover.indd 3
11/18/21 9:25 AM
Rachel Wilson
Publication Co-Editor
Hutchinson
Visual Media Design/
Graphic Design
Mason Poepperling Hutchinson
Major:
Journalism
DRAGON’S TALE
STAFF
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.
Cassidy Smith Haven
Associate of Arts/
General Studies Publication Co-Editor
Kaitlyn Seiwert Kingman
Ag Communications/
Journalism
000-001 Staff-Table of Contents.indd 2
11/18/21 12:43 PM
Photo | Rachel Wilson A HutchCC art student scans
ON THE
the table at the Hutchinson Art Center on Oct. 14. The college art program collaborated
COVER
with the local high school and created bowls that were on display for purchase to event patrons.
Commercial Driver’s License 2
Faces of Facilities
8
Lunch with the Ladies
10
Fuzzy Furry Friends
12
Bass Yourselves
14
Wise Words from Wilper
4
A Truly Chilling Chronicle
6
TABLE OF
CONTENTS In Her Own Words
16
Empty Bowls Full Hearts
18
Building Up Small Businesses 20 Dragons Level Up With XP 24
In the End Zone
26
Meet the Squad
28
Holidaze 32
Table of Contents | 1 000-001 Staff-Table of Contents.indd 1
11/18/21 12:43 PM
commercial drivers license With high demand for drivers, HutchCC CDL thrives. Photos & Story | Rachel Wilson
Dale Baker | Lead Driving Instructor
Photo | Rachel Wilson David Krueger, Business & Industry Professor, asks students a question about the material shown on the slide. He taught the classroom part of the program at South Campus.
On a cold November morning, large gusts of wind blow as a cold front comes in. Through the cold comes the first student driver of the day on South Campus. The Hutchinson Community College Commercial Drivers License course is underway. HutchCC offers a CDL course for students to receive their Class A license. Students must attend the course that spans over two Saturdays as well as pass the written test and driving exam. Driving instructors provide opportunities to practice driving and driving exams Monday through Friday daily. This all may be about to change as the need and want for CDL training increases nationally. “There is an anticipated large number of students coming in, especially after February. The rules are changing, so it’s going to be a longer course, it’s going from a one credit hour to a four credit hour and so I think more people will be in here. So in anticipation for that, I volunteered to take the course so I can help teach it,” Charles Chambers, Business Instructor, said. Students of all ages and careers are present in these classes. “I’m in lineman school, so, well you have to have at least a B, but I’m getting my A,” Chasen Sowell, Wichita, said. “Yeah I’m going to try to work with Evergy, but it’s kind of hard to get hired with them.” This is the catch for many students. Younger students get their required licensing but lack the experience many employers require, making it difficult for them to enter the workforce. “I never went through any of these classes way back in ‘94, ‘95. There were no classes, you just got in the truck and go, not a semi, it was like a fuel truck for the airplanes in Kansas City. And that was your training, get in and do it, don’t run into anything,” Chambers said about working for Ogden Aviation in Kansas City. Even business owners are working to receive their CDL.
2 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 002-003 CDL.indd 2
11/18/21 2:01 PM
“I own a construction company and I need to be able to haul equipment around,” Tyler Kuntz, Abilene, said. “This is the first time I’ve done it, some of the guys that have worked for me have had it, but this is the first time I’ve done it.” Kuntz has owned his construction company, Wildcat Services Inc., since about 1999. For some, getting this license means family and job security. “My dad’s been trucking for 17 years and he’s been able to make a living. He at one point, was the only person in the house with 9 individuals in it with an income,” Tyler Matthews, Windom, said. “I just want to know that no matter where I go, I’ll be able to support my wife and son at all times.” Many are taking the course for their current job, as well as future opportunities. “I actually really need it for my current job, so that I can pull equipment to job sites, operate the vacuum trucks, run the dump trucks and have other opportunities for jobs in the future,” Jessie Morrison, Wellington, said. Although operating a commercial vehicle requires a certain amount of physical strength and several learned skills, anyone is welcome to take the course. Having a CDL has the potential to broaden career opportunities, students just need the drive.
Photo | Rachel Wilson Jessie Morrison, Wellington, studies his notes during his first class. The classroom portion of the CDL course was broken up over two Saturdays.
Photo | Rachel Wilson Baker rides along with a student during a driving exam. Students completed a routine check on the truck prior to driving practice.
CDL | 3 002-003 CDL.indd 3
11/18/21 2:01 PM
Wise words with Wilper Economics instructor speaks to college students about the economy through late night comedy shows Photos & Story | Cassidy Smith
Want to watch “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation” while learning about the study of individuals and looking at the decisions of countries and governments? Macro and Microeconomics with Matt Wilper, Economics Instructor, is the class for you. Economics can be a hard concept to grasp. Using a language that college students understand - comedy - is an art Wilper has mastered. No matter the time of day, Wilper not only has a joke to crack, he also effortlessly puts a smile on students’ faces. Trevor Whiteman, a Microeconomics student from Udall, said, “[He is] a fun and laid back teacher. Wilper is very relatable and always has real world examples relating to our inclass topic. Wilper’s class is very fun and interactive.” During class, Wilper exudes energy and passion for the subject he teaches. Lectures are never boring and he always keeps his students on their toes.
“I didn’t know I wanted to teach until I got my MBA [Master of Business Administration]. I was then offered a part-time job teaching Economics and Intro to Business. After two years of teaching part time, I got the job at HutchCC,” Wilper said. He is a natural when it comes to teaching college students. “I enjoy getting to know all of you. Most of the time my students are really funny,” he said. Cracking jokes during class and getting to know all of his students is what makes Wilper’s class enjoyable. “Even shy students feel comfortable enough to speak up during class. Wilper makes me laugh every day with his brutal honesty and funny analogies about the economic world,” Whiteman said. Wilper is not only a charismatic professor in the classroom, but he also stays involved around campus. This year he became the second advisor for the Student Government Association. This organization helps the student leaders on campus
with various activities throughout the year. During homecoming, they handed out HutchCC giveaways at games. “Get a little more involved, we have many different organizations and clubs on campus,” Wilper said to all students. “Try one out, if you are not a fan, try another one.” Wilper is a cheerful and compassionate professor. He always finds a way to crack a joke, make students laugh, and always make a witty, yet hilarious comment. He continues to show young students how the government is sometimes incompetent, makes the silly late-night shows relate to economics, and be able to teach college students and make them feel as if he is one of them as well. His teaching is lighthearted and easygoing, and he always has the perfect thing to say and is never lacking a clever comment behind it. This makes him a professor that students feel comfortable with, and it is for this reason that so many students enjoy taking his class. Photo | Cassidy Smith Wilper starts his lecture off with a whitty comment on microeconomics. He continued to ask the students about the previous chapter they learned about.
4 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 004-005 Wilper Profile.indd 4
11/19/21 12:40 PM
Photo |Cassidy Smith A HutchCC students takes out his notes for class. He took Macroeconomics with Wilper the previous semester.
Photo | Cassidy Smith Matt Wilper, Economics Instructor, lectures his Microeconomic students. Wilper’s imfamous hourly cup of coffee made an appearance.
In my experience Sometimes taking notes and listening to a lecture can get boring after a while, but Wilper always finds a way to make every class fun. His constant comments on how the government is doing everything wrong, questioning the international students about their government, then telling them they are also doing it wrong, is one way that he makes class so entertaining. Every morning Wilper is on his third cup of coffee and brings lots of energy. There hasn’t been a day during class where I haven’t let out a laugh. He always finds a way to keep every student engaged. His references to late night comedies make lectures more tolerable and fun. Between all the witty comments, Wilper is a great Economics instructor. This is why so many students love taking his class.
Photo | Cassidy Smith Football player, Trevor Whiteman, Udall, asks a queston about supply and demand during a lecture with Wilper. Wilper followed Whiteman’s question with a joke.
Photo | Cassidy Smith This HutchCC student listens to Wilper’s lecture on Microeconomics. She previously took Macroeconomics with Wilper as well.
Wise Words With Wilper| 5 004-005 Wilper Profile.indd 5
11/19/21 12:40 PM
A Truly Chilling Chronicle Photo | Hannah, played by Hannah Hayden, Haven, introduces the stage manager of the decrepid theater the students find themselves in, played by Jo Stropes, Hutchinson. The Stage Manager insisted that she was never an actress, but some hints in the show suggested otherwise.
Hutchinson Community College Theater presents a frightening rendition of Haunted Lives and Ghostly Tales By John Pielmeier and Deidre Mattox
Photos & Page Design | Mason Poepperling
Photo | Hackett, played by Stephen Zook, Buhler; and Oswald, played by Jadon Bell, hunker down in a seemingly abandoned log cabin after a long night of hitchhiking. Unable to fall asleep, Oswald spent the night recalling his life story. Photo | The Stage Manager, played by Jo Stropes, continues to recall frighting stories behind the ageing theater. She recalled how pieces of furniture would mysteriously move around when no one else was around.
Photo | Daed, played by Nicholas Hockett, recites the recipe of what appears to be an innocent stew to his grandchildren Jules, played by Abby Webber, and Tucker, played by Stephen Zook. However, upon closer inspection, Jules and Tucker discovered that this witch’s brew may not be what it seems.
6 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 006-007 Theater.indd 6
11/19/21 12:41 PM
Photo | The Stage Manager, played by Jo Stropes, continues recalling stories from the theaters glory days. The theater troupe rearranged the furniture left in the theater to better reflect her recollections. Photo | After a mostly uneventful Halloween night, Olivia, played by Hannah Hayden; Vanessa, played by Jennifer Wise; and Christy, played by Abby Webb decide to visit an ancient cemetery nearby. Vanessa and Christy soon discovered a blood-chilling tragedy that occurred to those buried underneath them.
Photo | Reuniting with the woman who murdered him in his ghostly form, Hackett, played by Stephen Zook, looks into the eyes of Soma, played Jennifer Wise before she leaves him one last time. Soma revealed she was the owner of the lag cabin to Hackett and Oswald ,played by Jadon Bell, moments earlier.
Photo | Once they arrive at the cemetery, Olivia, played by Hannah Hayden, recalls the story of a woman and her treacherous husband. By the end of the story, Vanessa, played by Jennifer Wise; and Christy, played by Abby Webb, learn that the three of them weren’t alone in the cemetery.
A Truly Chilling Chronicle | 7 006-007 Theater.indd 7
11/19/21 12:41 PM
Photo | Mason Poepperling Director of Facilities Don Rose is seen here at the center of where most of his job happens. Rose directed facility workers to where they need to be at any given time.
FACES
of Facilities A look at the department that keeps Hutchinson Community College running Photos & Story | Mason Poepperling
They are the unsung heroes of the college campus. They’re the ones who do the work that needs to be done when no one else can. They are the Hutchinson Community College facility workers. From custodians to mechanics, grounds keepers to locksmiths, these are the people who are always there to keep the campus running, even if their work is done behind the scenes. At the center of campus facilities is Director of Facilities Don Rose. As the director, Rose oversees all building systems including mechanical, electrical, fire/life safety, plumbing, and waste management. These
responsibilities lead to a very busy day-to-day schedule for Rose. “I have a lot of meetings,” he said. “It always seems like one meeting after another some days. We do a lot of work with our employees. We have several building projects as well as maintenance projects that come through this office. Any time that we are soliciting bids from contractors to do jobs, it’s coming out of this office.” This all seems like a lot for one man to handle, which is why Rose has to communicate with many different coordinators for certain maintenance aspects, which certainly makes his job a whole lot easier.
“We have several coordinators who are in supervisory positions as well. We have five different coordinators working within this department, supervising and directing the dayto-day action. Everything from custodial, grounds maintenance, security, bus driving, bus repair, comes out of this office as well,” Rose said. One of the coordinators that Rose works with is David Maness, Coordinator of Campus Safety. It’s his job to take care of anything concerning the safety and security of everyone on campus. “After I retired from the police department, I needed a job for insur-
8 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 008-009 Facilities.indd 8
11/18/21 12:49 PM
ance. The old coordinator left and I thought it might be an interesting thing to do,” Maness said. As a coordinator, Maness has one of the most important responsibilities when it comes to the campus: student security. “One of the biggest concerns with parents that are sending their students to college is that, since this is a two-year college, this is the first time that they’ve actually left home,” Maness said. “It’s more concerning to parents than it is to students because they want to make sure that they’re sending their child some place that is safe.” Of course, there’s always the eventual issues one might come across with a job as complex as Rose’s. While some may want a quick fix with maintenance issues, in today’s times, that might not be as simple. “We’re not magicians, I will say that,” Rose said. “We can’t always have the right answer that people would like.” Despite this however, it is impossible to deny that those in the facilities department are doing what they can to keep the campus running as smoothly as possible. One person that is a part of this process is Duke Burgey, who does General Maintenance. “I’m a Journeyman Electrician already,” Burgey said, which refers to an electrician who is adaptable to many different situations. “I’ve been in the field for around 40 years. I’ve been around all kinds of stuff, mostly electrical.” Burgey’s adaptability to many different situations and maintenance types is a skill that he would describe as vital to anyone starting in a similar position. “There’s a lot of different things.
It’s not just one thing you take care of. You take care of windows, you take care of screens, moving furniture, ect. There’s a wide variety of different things that the maintenance department does. In my area, I hit on everything, so I gotta know a little bit about what’s going on,” Burgey Said. People like Burgey who can tackle many different maintenance issues are exactly the type of people the maintenance department is looking for. It’s this sort of adaptability, the ability to be able to maintain every facet of the campus when it is needed that, according to Don Rose, is the most important aspect of someone who’s good at their maintenance job.
“The best custodian or the best maintenance person is one that you never knew was already there,” Rose said. “Because if the place is clean that’s something you would expect. You never think when something is working about this department.” At the end of the day, when it comes to maintenance, what is seen is usually much simpler than what goes on underneath the surface. So, whenever we see a custodian cleaning the windows of the classroom, mopping the floor, or whatever else they might be doing, let’s take a moment to think about the facilities department and everything they do for this institution.
Photo | Mason Poepperling Seen here at his desk in the campus saftey office on the opposite side of the Lockman Hall Parking Lot is security coordinator David Maness. It is here that Mannes takes care of any security issue that arrise on campus.
Faces of Facilities | 9 008-009 Facilities.indd 9
11/18/21 12:49 PM
Lunch with the
Ladies
Cafeteria duo continues serving smiles Photos & Story | Cassidy Smith
The cafeteria is one place on campus that students leave with a full belly and smiles on their faces. From the moment a student walks in, they are welcomed with open arms. Not only is the delicious food being served giving the students a smile on their faces, but the warm welcomes from Eddie Mae Robinson and Caroline Blackburn are too contagious not to smile back. These amazing ladies have been the face of the Hutchinson Community College cafeteria for the past 20 years. They have seen their fair share of hangry and stressed college students and continue to greet them with a welcoming smile. Their job includes taking the money and meal cards from students, helping clean the cafeteria, answering the phone and greeting everyone that walks into the cafeteria. “It’s a good place to work, the kids are great, they make my day,” Caroline said. “The respect I get from all the other workers, and the respect and love I get from the youth,” Eddie Mae said about what she enjoys about her job. The students love these ladies like they are family. Some even call them mom, grandma, and memaw. Every year, a new group of students flow in and out of the cafeteria. Being away from friends and family can be tough for some students, everything is differ-
Photo | Cassidy Smith Eddie Mae Robinson lights up the HutchCC Cafeteria with her contagous smile. Eddie Mae has been at HutchCC for 20 years now.
ent and some students miss the familiarity as well as a good home-cooked meal. “Miss Mae and Caroline always have smiles on their faces, it’s nice to see after a long day at class,” Christian Sampson, Maize, said. Every year hundreds of students enter the cafeteria and Caroline and Eddie Mae have made it a point to try to get to know as many as possible. They make it a point to ask their names, where they are from, how they ended up at HutchCC and just get to know a little bit about each of them. Eddie Mae even takes a student to church every Sunday, they hang out with Eddie Mae and her family. Eddie Mae takes this particular student to church and feeds them breakfast, lunch, and dinner because they miss the meals that the college provides.
10 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 010-011 Cafeteria Ladies.indd 11
11/19/21 12:47 PM
For 20 years Caroline Blackburn and Eddie Mae Robinson have served approximately
8,860 students & 26,580 meals Photo |Cassidy Smith Andrea Serreno, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, greets Eddie Mae at the register during dinner with a smile. Serreno was also a part of the HuthCC volleyball team.
“This student told me that they just want to go to church, he hadn’t been to church since they arrived,” Eddue Mae said. “We exchanged contacts and every they attend church me and my folks every. single. Sunday.” This is just one of the small gestures that these ladies have done that continue to impact the students at HutchCC. They don’t just take the money in line and send students on their way. Caroline and Eddie Mae want students to feel like they are family. They want to bond with them, check in, make sure classes are going well. They care. For 20 years, they have seen thousands of students and never failed to make every single one feel welcomed. Without them, the cafeteria would not be the same.
Photo | Cassidy Smith C.J. Moya, Naples, hands Eddie Mae his student ID to get breakfast in the cafeteria. Moya was part of the Blue Dragon football team.
Photo | HutchCC Collegian Archives Caroline Blackburn gets ready to greet students with a welcomeing grin. Caroline has been a part of the HutchCC staff for 20 years.
Lunch with the Ladies | 11 010-011 Cafeteria Ladies.indd 12
11/19/21 12:47 PM
FRIENDS Shining a light on the pets that keep students company Photos & Story | Mason Poepperling
Let’s face it: college is stressful. The combined stress of an unfamiliar environment, an unhealthy workload, and other stressors inside or outside of college can become too much for many students. So, where do some students find themselves whenever they need to relieve their stress - in the presence of a loving and supportive pet. When it comes to a pet’s impact on mental health, science barks for itself. In a survey by Mental Health America, 74% of pet owners reported that owning a pet resulted in a noticeable increase in their mental state. This can be attributed to a mutual bond between a pet and their owner that positively impacts the wellbeing and health of both, commonly referred to as The Pet Effect, an aspect of pet ownership that is incredibly noticeable when referring to college students especially.
Ryker Douglas, Hutchinson, has two dogs of his own and is a perfect example of The Pet Effect. “They’re there when you need them,” Douglas said. “[They] bring a sense of comfort when things can be wild.” Another example of how The Pet Effect can be seen is in the form of personification. Pet owners tend to project humanistic characteristics onto their pets, like giving them their own voices and personalities. “Midge wouldn’t say anything, she just sleeps all the time. Gracie is really scared of any less than quiet sounds so she would probably be yelling in surprise all the time,” Douglas said about his dogs. Of course, not everyone is a dog person. They can be too hyperactive for some people who just want something to chill out with. That’s where cats come into play. Just like
dogs, cats can offer many different mental health benefits. In fact, many studies have shown that the purring of cats can lower blood pressure and increase the production of stress reducing hormones. “My pets have truly helped my anxiety as well as my depression, especially during flare ups with my health,” Maddison Wright, Hutchinson, said about her cats. “The stereotype for cats has always been big mean jerks,” Braedon Martin, Hutchinson, said, “and sometimes that held true with Alfred, but when it was just me and her, she was the sweetest ball of fur ever known.” With the stress of college courses building, for some it may be too hard to handle. So, if students need help with maintaining your mental health in these trying times, it may help to find a furry companion.
12 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 0012-013 Pets.indd 12
11/18/21 12:54 PM
Photo | Mason Poepperling Maddison Wright, Huchinson, poses with one of her many cats. She adopted most of her cats from previous owners, apart from one who was found outside.
The People’s Purrfect Pets 66 HutchCC Students were asked what their favorite type of pets are. These were the results.
70%
23%
2%
6%
s in s t tu pe de f o nt r s’ be ho m u m N
4+: 24% pets
3: 17%
pets
1: 20%
pets
es
2: 20%
pets
0: 20%
pets
Photo | Mason Poepperling Pictured here with his dogs Midge and Gracie is Ryker Douglas, Hutchinson. Midge belonged to Douglas’ grandmother before gracing the Douglas house with her presence, and Gracie was adopted from the Lucky Dogs program when she was younger.
Fuzzy Furry Friends | 13 0012-013 Pets.indd 13
11/18/21 12:54 PM
b u as
Yo
s lve
rse
s
HutchCC’s music programs wow crowd during fall performances Photos & Story | Kaitlyn Seiwert
14 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 014-015 Music.indd 14
11/18/21 12:22 PM
HutchCC’s Wind Symphony & Concert Chorale showcased their work from the fall semester during the Autumn Melody Concert. The Concert Chorale was directed by Neal Allsup and accompanied by Natalie Schweizer. Made up of 43 students, the Concert Chorale sang a total of four songs. The Wind Symphony was conducted by Heather Gering. Made of up 22 students, the Wind Symphony also performed four songs on October 22. On November 5, HutchCC’s jazz programs performed during the Singin’ & Swingin’ concert. Neal Allsup directed the Badinage & Sonance vocal performances. Five students performed a solo and the group performed four songs together. A total of 11 students performed vocally. The Concert Jazz Band was directed by Trevor Landreth with a few special guests from Landreth’s previous career works. Seventeen students performed with the Concert Jazz Band, where they performed three songs and then finished with an encore.
Bass Yourselves | 15 014-015 Music.indd 15
11/18/21 12:22 PM
Amanda Knox:
In her words
Exonree Amanda Knox describes the details of her case to the community during the last Dillon Lecture Series of 2021.
Photos & Story | Kaitlyn Seiwert
Amanda Knox, a name that came to be known as the girl who killed her roommate in Italy. But can you describe anything else about her? Mother, wife, journalist, author, human are a few that come to mind after her Dillon Lecture speech at Hutchinson Community College on Nov. 9. Knox’s book, “Waiting to Be Heard,” recounts her time spent in Italy’s judicial system. While she has been free and explaining her innocence for over ten years, she constantly finds people who still do not accept that she did not murder her roommate. “And immediately when I walked in, these two men ran up to me, and hugged me, and said, ‘You don’t have to worry about a thing, little sister, we know,’” Knox said about her innocence. As an American study abroad student, Knox described how she found solace in meeting with other wronglyconvicted Americans during an Innocence Project conference. It was the first event that she went to after being released. Her time spent in Italy not only impacted her mental health, but also impacted her parents and family. “Wrongful convictions impact not just the individual who
ends up getting accused,” said Knox. “But also everyone around them who loves them.” During the lecture, Knox retold how one of her sisters dropped out of school during this time. At one point during the jail time she served in Italy, she broke down to her dad, and in return saw her dad cry for the first time. In her time spent in prison, Knox discovered the world does not have many unbiased journalists, especially unbiased true crime journalists. “One of the reasons why I went into journalism is because I saw what it felt like on the other side, and I know what ethical humanistic reporting feels like,” said Knox. She begged audience members to listen not only to the victim, but all parties involved. Journalists can play a big role in true crime convictions. Headlines like “Foxy Knoxy” and “The Ice Maiden” drew an illustration for readers of Knox being a cold-hearted killer before she even went to trial. “You were framed as a monster and everyone believed it, so too bad for you,” Knox said. Knox was the 159th speaker for the Dillon Lecture
16 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 016-017 Amanda Knox.indd 16
11/18/21 12:28 PM
Knox describes how each tattoo has meaning to her during the press conference before her lecture began. She was the 159th speaker for the Dillon Lecture Series.
During her lecture, Knox paused and looked at her daughter’s stroller that sat next to her husband in the front row. Knox recounted how she thought she’d never be a mom.
Knox explains how she began to restart her life after her wrongful conviction was overturned. One of the most important steps in healing was meeting her husband.
Series. The series is a local lecture series dedicated to the try to help other people establish what their story is, to students of HutchCC and the community. Robin Woodunderstand what their experience means to them,” said worth, Administrative Assistant to the HutchCC President, Knox. is also the coordinator for the Dillon Lecture Series. When Knox has implemented her story and experience into reviewing potential speaker names, someone on the comher everyday life by getting tattoos to help her remember mittee said Amanda Knox. a few of the good outcomes. “I think because they felt like she had an interesting “This is my recipe for success. When I am encounterstory to tell, and that she was a name that people would ing someone who may have a differing opinion or idea recognize. And she was in our budget,” said Woodworth. than I do, the first step is to find common ground,” Knox “I think it was just something different.” said, “The second step is to steal man, the other person’s When selecting speakers, Woodworth commented on argument. [The third step is] having compassion and [the how the committee tries to closely follow the series misfourth step would] be willing to change.” sion statement. The committee looks for four lecturers Knox may have been convicted twice of murder but each year, with two per semester. her convictions were overturned each time. Is it possible “If your plan is for one year, plant rice; for 10 years, Meredith Kercher’s case was just in the hands of some plant trees; for 100 years, educate men.’ So basically, it’s hasty investigators looking for an easy to solve murder? geared towards students to bring in something informaAnother man was eventually caught, tried and convicted for tive and educational,” said Woodworth about the series Kercher’s assault and murder after Knox was exonerated. mission statement. “So that’s always our mission when Crime we are selecting speakers.” Junkie is Although Knox’s case didn’t happen in America, she noted a few pieces of change she would like to Knox’s favorsee happen. 66 students surveyed ite podcast “People to become more media literate, and to Enjoy Learn about understand what it is they’re consuming,” Knox said. “So listening to true crime Crime Junkie from the news that they can be the arbiters of what is valuable and what is not, and what is in the public interest and what is not.” Had never Listen to 6-8 heard of In order to help people become more media literate, hours of true Amanda Knox especially those interested in true crime, Knox recomcrime/week Believe true crime mends her own podcast, “Labyrinths.” Think people dramatizes can learn from “I worked really hard to find ways to articulate my people’s lives true crime experience. It has taken me a long time to do so. And I
True Crime
15% 53% 11%
40% 9% 93%
In Her Own Words | 17 016-017 Amanda Knox.indd 17
11/18/21 12:28 PM
co
In
st
r
to r
Ki m b e r
vi c h | A rt
uc
ly
I
n va
EMPTY Bowls FULL
He RTs A HutchCC Art students participate in the Empty Bowl Supper hosted by the Art Center of Hutchinson.
Page Design & Photos | Rachel Wilson
18 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 018-019 Empty Bowls Full Hearts.indd 18
11/18/21 2:02 PM
People from around the community swarmed to the Hutchinson Art Center to admire and purchase ceramic bowls created by students from Hutchinson Community College and Hutchinson High School on October 14. Professional artists also donated pieces which were showcased near the entrance of the gallery. Over 500 bowls were displayed for purchase. Student bowls were sold for a donation of $10, and with that donation, patrons received a bowl and a meal provided by Val’s Berry Bowls food truck. Empty Bowls is a national event held annually in September. Artists sell their bowls for donations, raising funds for food banks, as well as raising hunger awareness.
Empty Bowls, Full Hearts | 19 018-019 Empty Bowls Full Hearts.indd 19
11/18/21 2:02 PM
BUILDING
UP
small businesses Local business looks to help small businesses and entrepreneurs Photos & Story | Kaitlyn Seiwert
Business plans, projections, gap loans, what’s all of it mean? Entrepreneurs looking to start their own business or take their idea further don’t always understand all the necessary paperwork and administrative details needed to successfully start their business. Located in Reno County, StartUp Hutch is looking to help entrepreneurs support the local economy and showcase their talents. “I think that someone who wants to be an entrepreneur needs to ask themselves, do they really not want to work for someone else? Or do they just not want to work? Being an entrepreneur means you’re going to do a lot more work than you would do if you were working for somebody else,” said Jackson Swearer, StartUp Hutch Program Director. The 2020 US Census Bureau reported 4.4 million new businesses surfaced during 2020. As new busi-
nesses surge and the entrepreneurial opportunities for entrepreneurs and wave hits Americans, many people other resources for entrepreneurs,” look for support from their comsaid Swearer. munity. While his team offers “Entrepreneurship is a multiple resources and Entrepreneurship team sport,” Swearer said. advice to local entrepreis a team sport. ”(If) you think that you neurs, some keys to a succan do it all yourself, you cessful business can not be probably can’t, you probably won’t found in a resource or bank loans. be successful. The trick is to figure “Really, one of the secrets of entreout what are you passionate about, preneurship is the most successful and what are you good at...figure entrepreneurs are people who are out what you’re bad at and what you just passionate about what they’re don’t like, and get somebody else to doing,” said Swearer. “And they sort do that stuff for you.” of don’t know what they could fail.” StartUp Hutch, previously known StartUp Hutch also offers philas the Quest Center and rebranded anthropic outlets for community in 2020, is bringing support and members like investors. resources together for entrepreneurs “Somebody like an investor for across Reno County. Many entrepreexample, who takes somethings that’s neurs look to StartUp Hutch’s mentors probably a pretty sure...and they for encouragement. invest their money in that. Entre“Our primary function is to help preneurs are people who are taking local entrepreneurs start and grow risks. And we want to help people do their businesses. We try to provide that,” Swearer said.
“
20 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 020-021 StartUp Hutch.indd 20
11/18/21 12:30 PM
He shares that investors across the Hutch has been able to help entrecounty are ready to help entreprepreneurs across the state. neurs and business owners “We’re doing a few launch their ideas. things that are pretty “Since July of this year, We’ve talked to creative,” said Swearer. we’ve talked to at least 50 at least 50 clients “Historically, one of the different clients, and loaned and loaned out biggest success stories was out over $400,000 in loan Midwest Malibu, which is over $400,000 funds in 2021,” Swearer in loan funds in out at the airport.” said. Midwest Malibu is a 2021. While StartUp Hutch local company that speoffers monetary assistance cializes in aircraft servicto local business proprietors, they ing. Since Swearer came on board in also offer lots of advice. They offer 2020 and helped with the rebrand, help in writing business projections another huge success story for and plans. StartUp Hutch has started to surface. “There are probably some folks “One of the things I am most who we have helped avoid making excited about is the Hoke Hotel a mistake, whether that’s making a Project. [It’s] a new boutique hotel mistake in their business or starting and building which probably needed something where, really the math torn down or gutted,” Swearer said. wasn’t going to work out very well,” “We had some creative people come Swearer said. in and they wanted to develop that Because of StartUp Hutch’s building.” resources and investors, StartUp Swearer explained that the Hoke
“
Hotel Project included a huge team effort, one of the keys to a successful business plan. “That was really one that we were able to bring together a lot of different resources and make something happen,” said Swearer. “I think [it] could have a significant impact on downtown Hutchinson in the long run and on tourism for Hutchinson and Reno County.” New businesses offer Reno County new tourism opportunities and activities. “They [Mark and Phoebe Davenport] bought the Plaza Towers and the Leon Place also in downtown Hutch. And then they bought this other building,” said Swearer. “They’ve taken a real substantial interest in downtown Hutchinson, and taking on some of these older buildings, and really trying to lift them up bringing them back to life. They have a real passion for it.”
Photo | Kaitlyn Seiwert The Hoke Hotel building is located on the corner of Walnut and First Street. Renovations have already began on the inside.
Building Up Small Businesses | 21 020-021 StartUp Hutch.indd 21
11/18/21 12:30 PM
Swearer enjoys working with entrepreneurs such as the Davenports and likes to see the ways they can change the community. “We have a mental image in our heads and in our culture of the entrepreneur being like a solo person who is individually brilliant, who makes something amazing happen. And in my experience, the entrepreneurs who are successful are successful because they have built good teams around them,” he said. As Swearer explains, entrepreneurs can’t do everything themselves and must look for team effort. Entrepreneurs are the people who take risks and have to put in lots of effort to look like the successful business
owners seen across the globe. “There are people who are business owners who’ve been very successful who were at the golf course everyday. But that wasn’t what their life looked like for the first five or ten years when they were building that business,” said Swearer. Entrepreneurs can expect to put in more work than others, and that scares some people. But others, as Swearer explained, have the unique ability to look past the possibility of failure and instead see work filled with their passion. “It’s gonna be a lot of work, it’s going to be hard. And you might fail. Make sure that you are getting into it because you have a passion for what
you want to do, and passion for this process of building a business.” Swearer described passion being important for entrepreneurs, but has also alluded to team work being equally important. “One of the keys to really longterm success is being able to put together a good team, not being able to do it all yourself,” said Swearer. Swearer offers some advice to not only entrepreneurs, but everyone, who’s looking to create their team of supporters. He said, “Put people around you and trust them and rely on them.”
Developing Strategies StartUp Hutch offers services to all local entrepreneurs, including students. Two students in Coach Nac’s class have a rare type of entrepreneurship hard to find in students. StartUp Hutch originally began as the Quest Center in the 1980s, and at the minimum, had a partnership with HutchCC. After StartUp Hutch’s rebranding, they still sit in some office space owned by HutchCC in the Allied Health building. Branton Hutchinson has an ambition to sell high quality furniture to low and mid-income families at a fraction of the cost offered by big furniture corporations. Hutchinson already sees challenges when starting and trying to grow his business. Learning people skills, every position throughout the LLC that I’ll be owning, building up clientele by reputation are a few of Hutchinson’s challenges he sees in his future. While Hutchinson isn’t sure exactly what he’ll need to do to solve his challenges or what resources he needs when building his business, he describes how he already has a partial plan to his success. “There’s a lot of services I need and some of them I don’t know yet but I’ll find out as next year moves on,” said Hutchinson. “I’ve already started the journey towards
learning and growing knowledge of what I need to do and slowly grow.” Another HutchCC student, Cooper Blackledge, has successfully started his business. “I own my own business, you can find me on social media @Blackledge Bones,” said Blackledge. When starting his own business, Blackledge used other small businesses to aid in certain areas. “I used a small business that makes my t-shirts at a low cost, this allows me to allocate my budget in different areas of my business since saving money on apparel,” Blackledge said. Blackledge went on to describe how one of his biggest challenges was money. “Another challenge would have been getting enough money to startup, for this I had to just save until I had enough to get the bare minimum supplies, from then on I am able to buy more with the business I get,” said Blackledge. “Just like anything else, good times come after hard work,” said Blackledge. “There are many challenges when starting a business but don’t let that scare you, good things will come.”
22 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 020-021 StartUp Hutch.indd 22
11/18/21 12:30 PM
StartUp Hutch Success Stories
Holly’s Sweet Treats Locally known in Hutch for custom cakes, cookies, fresh bread and more Started in 2013 Used StartUp Hutch resources in 2016 to write business plan, fund cabinets, sign
sheStrength
The Etc Shop
u
Midwest Malib
Tarh
un 3
ffee
Co itian
pol
ro Met
Ap
ron
s cle
Str
D
ing
s
y
ic B s ’
ey
rl Ha
Building Up Small Businesses | 23 020-021 StartUp Hutch.indd 23
11/18/21 12:30 PM
dragons level-up with XP The Ins and Outs of E-sports on Campus. Photo | Rachel Wilson Jennifer Flores-Mendoza, Los Angeles, Calif.; Ethan Pearson, Kingman; Christyn Howard, Nickerson, play Call Of Duty: Cold War, Crimson team. They lost 3-0 on Nov. 8.
Photo | Rachel Wilson Hayley Berry, Pretty Prairie; Zoe Barta, Ellsworth; Trevor Beaird, Nickerson; Beniah Yoder, Haven, play Call Of Duty: Cold War, Blue team. They won 3-0 on Nov. 8.
Photo | Rachel Wilson Colton Fast, Nickerson, does commentary on Twitch during the Call Of Duty: Cold War games. Fast also played NBA2K21, Rainbow Six Siege, as well as Rocket League during the fall season.
Photos & Story | Rachel Wilson
Past the pool tables in the basement of Parker Student Union, is a dark-lit room with a crimson and blue glow. Inside you find students communicating with each other, artillery drawn, strategizing their next move in this warzone. The intense moment passes as “VICTORY” comes across the PC monitors and celebration hits. The Hutchinson Community College E-sports Blue team wins their match of Call of Duty: Cold War. This is just one of the many games HutchCC E-sports competes in weekly. This room is their arena. “For all of our games we play in the arena,” Skylar Franklin, Burlington, Iowa, said. “Each school has their own arena or area that they play games.” In the arena they utilize a variety of consoles and monitors for game play. “We mostly use PCs and Switches and also Playstation 4,” Jennifer Flores-Mendoza, Los Angeles, Calif., said. “In special conditions they can play from home, from an Xbox, Playstation or PC,” Franklin said. How does a student join? “For me personally, I was in contact with the coach by email,” Aidan McGillivray, Hutchinson, said. “That’s how it worked for most of
24 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 024-025 E-Sports.indd 24
11/18/21 2:16 PM
us,” Hayley Berry, Pretty Prairie, said. But there are requirements to make the team. “You need to have a 2.0 GPA and you have to be a full-time student,” McGillivray said. “You also have to pass the tryout.” To try out, students played a game to determine their skill level. “Basically when you fill out the application, you put what game you’re wanting to play,” Berry said. Games that can be played are NBA2K21, Call Of Duty: Cold War, Super Smash Bros, Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege as well as several others. Some are single player and some require multiple players, but all are team games. “Always a team effort, if you plan on playing solo, you shouldn’t be part of a team,” Franklin said. Many on the team are seasoned players. “I’ve played my whole life,” said McGillivray. “I’ve been playing since I was five,” Christyn Howard, Nickerson, said. The HutchCC E-sports team is committed and this doesn’t stop at game play. “We have practices on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for Overwatch,” Franklin said. “We have other sub practices that are more optional, but on Wednesdays you have to. Even
Photo | Rachel Wilson Berry, Barta and Beaird gaze intensely at the moniters while playing Call Of Duty: Cold War. The Blue team qualified for the NJCAA Cold War playoffs.
if you’re dying, you’re coming to that practice.” If an athlete is sick, the team has accommodations so they can still practice and compete. “We can also practice from home too,” Howard said. “We log into our consoles, most of our games are cross platform.” E-sports teams have team captains, strategies and are recognized by the NJCAA. “I play overwatch. Our strategy is to dictate or counter the meta. Which the meta in normal peoples’ tone is what everyone is doing and what is working. Like something that’s
popular,” Franklin said. Franklin is one of the HutchCC E-sports team captains. “I play Call Of Duty: Cold War, I’m team captain and my strategy is to adapt to the other team. If they play aggressive, we play aggressive, if they play passive, we play passive, it’s overall just go with the flow,” Flores-Mendoza said. This year, the HutchCC E-sports team has shown much potential, with many athletes qualifying for playoffs. If a student enjoys video games and want to be more involved on campus, or even make new friends, E-sports is calling. Ready Player One.
E-Sports | 25 024-025 E-Sports.indd 25
11/18/21 2:16 PM
2
1
3
4
1
5
HutchCC defensive linemen stops Independence CC on home turf. The Blue Dragons had one interception on the Pirates.
2
Leo Clennan, Overland Park, prepares to tackle a Coffeyville CC player. Clennan averaged 1.4 tackles per game.
3
26 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 026-027 Football PS.indd 26
6
Trevor Whiteman, Udall; C.J. Moya, Naples, Fla.; and Alfonso Deleon, Shreveport, La., celebrate getting the championship rings. The three returned for another season.
7
4
Rashan Williams, Detroit, Mich., poses as the team is running out during the first game of the year vs CoffeyvilleCC. Williams is a wide reciever for the Blue dragons. 11/18/21 1:18 PM
2
5
men home one
Park, ville d 1.4
l; C.J. fonso ebrate rings. nother
etroit, nning of the ms is a agons.
In the end Zone
2020 National Champions
fight for their title once again
ith
dy
i ss
Sm
2021 Football Season Scoreboard
a
|C y
or
s to
&
St
o
Ph
5
#55, Jaylon Bass, Ashland, Ala., celebrates getting a tackle versus CoffeyvilleCC. Bass has 30 tackles for the season.
6
Nadame Tucker, New York, N.Y., flexes after getting a sac versus ButlerCC. Tucker has 9 sacs for the season.
8
Date Opponent Result Sep. 4
Coffeyville CC
Sep. 11
Butler CC
L, 17-10
Sep. 25
Fort Scott CC
Oct. 2
Garden City CC
W, 24-16
Oct. 9
Independence CC
L, 33-28
Oct. 16
Highland CC
Oct. 23
Dodge City CC
Nov. 7
Highland CC
W, 77-0
Nov. 14
Independence CC
W, 42-0
W, 1-0 W, 55-6
W, 20-7 W, 49-17
Nov. 21 Garden City CC TBD Results as of November 16, 2021
7
Malik Benson, Lansing, cheers after getting a touchdown. Benson has 640 receiving yards for the season.
8
Daisean Cash, West Valley City, Utah., roars at the crowd after the play. Cash has 3 touchdowns for the year.
9
Jalik Thomas, Macon, Ga., flaunts after tackling an Independence player. Thomas has 21 tackles for the season.
026-027 Football PS.indd 27
9
Football | 27 11/18/21 1:18 PM
MEET T
The Hutchinson Community College Spirit Squa
Photos | Cassidy Smith Page Design | Rachel Wilson
28 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 028-031 Meet the Squad.indd 28
11/18/21 2:26 PM
THE SQUAD
pirit Squad is made up of HutchCC Cheerleaders and the Dragon Dolls Dance team.
Toria Thaw | Newton
Xavier Acebedo | Protection
Ellie Flynn | Lindsborg
Meet the Squad | 29 028-031 Meet the Squad.indd 29
11/18/21 2:26 PM
D U K E Kaitlynn Godsey | Smith Center
Julia Fillinger | Emporia
Ellie Flynn | Lindsborg
Brooklyn Koger | Belvidere
30 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 028-031 Meet the Squad.indd 30
Maggie Strobel | Hutchinson
11/18/21 2:26 PM
D U K E
Victor Garza | Protection
Emily Silhan | Marion
Cassidy Gregg | Hutchinson
Hailee Brigman-Reed | Hutchinson Victor Garza | Protection
028-031 Meet the Squad.indd 31
Meet the Squad | 31 11/18/21 2:26 PM
THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS... ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS. 66 STUDENTS WERE SURVEYED.
HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PATCHES (7) DECORATIONS (7) SWEATER WEATHER (18) HAUNTED HOUSES (3) SPOOKY MOVIES (7) PARTIES (6) COSTUMES (14) CANDY (4)
THANKSGIVING FOOD (26) BLACK FRIDAY (3)
MACY’S PARADE (1)
FOOTBALL (4)
FAMILY GATHERINGS (32)
CHRISTMAS HRISTMAS MUSIC (7) HOLIDAY MOVIES (5) TRADITIONS (13) FAMILY GATHERINGS (27) DECORATIONS (3) FOOD (5) PRESENTS (6)
32 | Dragon’s Tale | December 2021 032-033 Holidays.indd 32
11/18/21 2:27 PM
Page Topic | 33 032-033 Holidays.indd 33
11/18/21 2:27 PM
HutchCC Campus Store buy your We’Weell buy your BOOKS! Didn’t buy from us?
No problem!
Dec. 6 - Dec. 9 8am-5pm
Dec. 10 8am-4pm
During normal store
Buyback @ Hutchinson location only
Student ID required 000-000 Cover-BK Cover.indd 2
campusstore@hutchcc.edu 11/18/21 9:26 AM
