Upholding the Spirit of HutchCC Duke continues to bring energy to fans
Pass the Paddle
Ping pong club becomes the largest club on campus
Determination Drives Recovery
Student athlete receives support from team 000-000 Cover-BK Cover.indd 3
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TABLE OF IN THE CLASSROOM 2 Out of the Ordinary
ON CAMPUS
Unique classes on campus Brooke Greene
8 Pass the Paddle
4 Santine
Ping Pong Club becomes the largest club on campus Myranda Stika
Twenty years of changing lives, one student at a time Hannah Brummer
IN THE COMMUNITY 14 Doing Good Does You Good The Volunteer Center makes a positive difference in the lives of others Sydnee Shive
10 Sense of Security
Safety on the HutchCC Campus Sydney Henke
6 Managing Emergencies Taking the steps to save people’s lives Pablo Sanchez
16 Creating Sweet Sounds
12 Upholding the Spirit of HutchCC
Jazz was hopping and swinging on campus for the 45th annual Bryce Luty Jazz Festival Colleen Teter
Duke continues to bring energy to fans Matthew Folkerts
18 Love on Campus The ins and outs of the love that is all around the Hutchinson community Regan Larue
MEET THE STAFF
Hannah Brummer Buhler
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Abigail Egerstaffer Hutchinson
Matthew Folkerts Hutchinson
Regan Larue Kingman
Danae Moser Buhler
Pablo Sanchez Hutchinson
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CONTENTS ON THE COVER
ON THE COURT 20 Dribbling Time The HutchCC men’s basketball players spend an average of three to four hours a day working on their craft Brogen Willich
24 Determination Drives Recovery Student athlete receives support from the team to get back on the court Matthew Folkerts
▲ Duke the Dragon visits with the Prohle family. The family was visiting from out of town and attended the HutchCC basketball games on Feb. 11. Photo by Matthew Folkerts
26 We’ve got the spirit, go big blue! HutchCC Spirit Squad Danae Moser
Myranda Stika Burdick
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Sydney Henke Pratt
Brooke Greene Hutchinson
Colleen Teter Garden Plain
Brogen Willich Derby
Sydnee Shive Publication Editor Mt. Hope
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
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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Out of the Ordinary
Brooke Greene, Reporter & Designer
Unique classes on campus
Sometimes, core classes can begin to get boring after doing the same thing each semester. However, many are unaware of some of the more unique and personalized classes offered at Hutchinson Community College, such as the Psychology of Happiness, the Introduction to Cultural Studies course, also known as the Fairy Tales class, and Death and Dying. These classes crush the normalities of college, as they introduce students to topics suited to their interests and complete electoral credits. If a student wanted a course to help relieve some of the stress from that dreaded algebra exam, talking to an advisor about enrolling in Psychology of Happiness could be beneficial. “Some students don’t take it seriously, but I took it to increase my mindfulness and my control over my emotions and thoughts. It’s your experience and how you choose to use it,” said Payton Fiene, Lake of Ozarks, Mo. In this course, Christopher Lau, Coordinator of Advising, Career Development and Counseling, encourages students to curb destructive behavior through daily meditation. This helps integrate happiness into their daily lives and relieve stress. “Mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, kindness and social connections are the five keys to increasing one’s happiness,” said Lau. This course was actually designed by an honors mentee. For her project, she designed a class that would help students be happier. She composed the curriculum for the course and she and Lau discussed the idea with Ryan Diehl, Curriculum Program Improvement Coordinator to make it an official course on campus.Once it was made appropriate for college level students, the class took off and now has many enrolled
students benefiting from its calming environment. In the Fairy Tales course, English Professor Kelly Clasen opens students’ minds to critiquing stories and films about traditional fairy tales.
“They are magical.” -Kelly Clasen, English Professor “This class is unique not only to critique but to experience,” Clasen said. “I love enlarging students’ perspectives.” The class involves watching movies related to the tales, reading folklore literature and analyzing the origin of the stories themselves. Students who take this class get to see deeper into the tales behind many childhood favorites, such as Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, or Sleeping Beauty. Along with some Bluebeard folklore, which are stories of cinematic horror that greatly revolve around the serial killings of beautiful women. “I enjoy taking the fairy tales class because I am learning so much. Before taking this class, I never really thought about the history and the cultural values in fairy tales. We dive deep into the cultural backgrounds and its very eye-opening,” said Marcail Deters, Wichita. “I love this class, it is teaching me so much, it’s a lot of fun, we talk about the fairy tales, and then we watch the Disney version and discuss the differences. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is remotely interested in taking it,” said Deters. On a more serious note, the Death and Dying course is designed to teach students about what happens after ourselves, or a loved one, dies.
“This class helps students learn how to deal with death. We write obituaries and eulogies and practice funeral planning,” said Charles Kerschen, Religion and Philosophy Professor. “One of the assignments I give to my students is to draw a picture of a dead friend or loved one and explain the death to the class,” While the course may not be the best fit for every student, it can show students more about an inevitable part of life and how to cope after a loss has occurred. “It may have been a touchy subject to go over, but I do believe that most students who come out of that class are somewhat more prepared for when a situation arises where they have to use the skills that they learned in that class,” said Laynee Barlow, Plevna. Death and dying gives students a better understanding of how to take grief by the reins and work through a challenging time. It also prepares them to be able to lend a courteous hand to those who need it when going through the process of losing someone close to them. “The class also talked about different cultures and how they tend to the deceased and the traditional methods of how they ‘send off’ their dead,” said Barlow. Some other unique courses on campus include Stress Management, World Mythology and Vampires in Literature and Film. They are all options for students with a break between core classes that needs filled. The possibilities are endless and most of these electives will transfer to other colleges. Whether a student wishes to take a unique elective as a way to relieve stress or advance their knowledge of Disney’s fairy tales, each one of these professors has a class waiting for interested students next semester.
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Meet the Professor Kelly Clasen- Introduction to Culture: Clasen started working at HutchCC in 2014. She started teaching the Fairy Tales class to experience something new. As an avid reader Disney critic and fanatic , she loves analyzing the historical side of Disney’s fairy tale stories. She is from Nickerson, but has bounced around as she lived in Texas and worked for the Dallas Morning News. When she studied at HutchCC, she was the Collegian’s editor. Later on she studied journalism at The University of Kansas and literature at the University of North Texas. She is married and has a beautiful three year-old daughter.
Christopher Lau- Psychology of Happiness: Lau started working at HutchCC in 2008. He studied at HutchCC to obtain his associate degree, Northwest Missouri State University to get his Bachelors degree in Psychology/Sociology, and his Masters through Friends University. He is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and he and his family enjoys participating in Catholic activities in the community. He is married and has two children which keep him very busy with their activities. He and his family love to travel, they have taken family vacations to England and Canada with plans to visit Disney World this year. He incorporates meditation into his Psychology of Happiness course.
Charles Kerschen- Death and Dying:
My Experience: While sitting in on a 13-minute meditation in this course over love and kindness, I was able to observe the weight being lifted off some of the student’s shoulders as they focused deeply on their breathing and thoughts. The narrator of the meditation had a calming voice that easily guided the students into the practice at hand. It was a relaxing experience for me and encouraged my own thoughts to branch off into wishing myself and others well, as that is what the meditation was going over. This class really seems to open up student’s minds and think more purposefully about their happiness and well-being. -Brooke Greene
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
Charles Kerschen, an Instructor of Death & Dying, started working at HutchCC in 2005 and is retiring this year. He studied at the Graduate Theological Union, an affiliate of UC Berkeley at Berkeley, where he studied to be a Roman Catholic Priest. However, at this time he has been an Episcopal Priest since 2008. He enjoys reading, ministering and helping others. He likes to stay busy and is habitually multitasking. He conducts funerals and the myriad of other liturgical rituals in a parish setting. He enjoys participating in all facets of people’s lives. There have been times during the teaching of Death & Dying that Charles’ outside profession has made it more difficult to deal with the material. But that intimacy in dealing with life and death has made him a better instructor. He has felt blessed in being with someone as they cross that threshold and it is an honor he doesn’t take lightly.
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Santine
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Hannah Brummer, Reporter & Designer
Twenty years of changing lives one student at a time. Seven percent of the U.S. population has glossophobia, which is the fear of public speaking. That is about 27 million Americans. “I was recommended for speech and debate but I was petrified of it, then I realized it was a catharsis for me just like acting was a catharsis for me,” said Speech Professor Rachel Santine. In June of 2000, Santine was hired as a communications professor at Hutchinson Community College. She originally planned to stay for three years and that turned to five, 20 years later she is highly recommended by past and present students. “She definitely helped me become a better student at HutchCC. I have been more outspoken instead of keeping quiet to myself. I am not afraid to stand in my opinion and make a whole speech about a subject or topic,” Emma Liddeke, Buhler, said. Santine did not always want to be a public speaking teacher. “When I got to college, I saw the speech and all the power that it has. Because it still allows you to work with language but it had that extra component, which incorporated
some of the other things I enjoy like theater and voices,” said Santine. Santine is a very unique teacher, she teaches in many different ways so all of her students can understand everything she wants them to learn. “I enjoy Professor Santine’s teaching style because she incorporates a lot of personal stories to better explain her lesson,” said Paige Carlin, Hutchinson. Santine takes time to help students become better speakers. She genuinely cares about the students and helping them with the things they struggle with. “I feel like with her class it gave me an opportunity to really show who I am as a person and it helped me become a
▲ Explaining an upcoming speech to her public speaking class is Rachel Santine. Santine started her career with HutchCC in June of 1999. Photo by Hannah Brummer
better speaker in front of people as well.” McKinley Cross, Buhler, said, “She also helped me with a rough time in my semester and I am so happy that she was my professor.” Everyone has goals but for Santine, it is a little different. “Something inside me always wants to be the best. When I walk into class every morning I see a poster that says ‘Excellence’ and that is something that is internal to me,” Santine said. “My goal before I leave here [HutchCC] is that I want to be known as the best educator on campus.”
“ M y go a l b e f o re I leave here is that I want to be known as the best educator on campus.” ~Rachel Santine
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Na Ed
Job
Resume Name: Rachel Santine Education: Casper College- Associate in Speech Carol College- BA in Human Communication Theory Kansas State University- MA in Rhetorical Criticism Northwest Missouri- MA in English Grand Canyon University- Partial PhD in Adult Learning Theory Rocky Mountain University- Accepted into PhD Program for Psychology Cognition and Learning Theory
Job Experience:
Master Tutor
Radio- KQLA, Q104, Q103.5, WJBC-Bloomington Level 3 Assistant Manager at Target Upward Bound Hutchinson Community College Speech Professor
▲ Top: Rachel Santine tells a story to her public speaking class about a former student’s speech. Santine attended a total of five colleges, and will start a new degree at Rocky Mountain University. Photo by Hannah Brummer ▲ Bottom: Making points about her class’ next speech, Santine guides her public speaking students. Outside of school, Santine is a realtor at Platinum Realty. Photo by Hannah Brummer
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
Real Estate(13 years)- Platinum Realty
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Managing
EMERGENCIES
Pablo Sanchez, Reporter & Designer
Taking steps to save lives
Saving lives can be wonderful or stressful depending on the situation. However students can learn to prepare themselves by taking a course at Hutchinson Community College called Emergency Medical Technician with Wade Kennedy. Wade Kennedy, Emergency Medical Technician instructor, students do not need any prerequisites and anyone can join. The course meets for two four-hour segments on campus for a week and offers weekend sessions. “We also have classes in Newton, we are actually pretty splintered this semester. We have classes in Sterling, Newton, Mount Hope and Hutch,” said Kennedy. The curriculum covers all sorts of emergencies. “The semester starts out covering medical terminology, anatomy, and we get into the physiology, and we get into patient assessment, airway management pharmacology,” Kennedy said. “We are able to start into our medical emergency, trauma emergency, special patient population like OB (obstetrics), geriatrics and pediatrics. We get into operations, how the system works and how to respond to emergencies if it becomes a hazardous material instance.” Being an EMT comes with many challenges, and the instructors cover everything they can to prepare students. “We have a lot of EMT students on campus, whether they are currently in class or they have taken it before, EMT is required for the Fire Science program, so any Fire Science major is going to have to
enroll in EMT,” said Kennedy. Medical emergencies can happen at any time. Even on campus. “Currently on campus we have no first response, and we do not have a team of students that respond to it,” Kennedy said. “Best thing to do is call 911 and get that process going, and the dispatchers are going to be able to explain how to perform CPR . Luckily, when you open the box for the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) it makes a very loud screeching sound alerting everybody, so hopefully we have people trained in CPR on campus that can help for that as well.” For students who want to enroll in the EMT class, schedule a time to speak with Kennedy. “EMT is a very fast-paced class, because the field is very fast-paced as well, but it is a truly rewarding experience,” said Kennedy. Kade Stover, Hutchinson, became a certified EMT after taking the class through HutchCC. “No one says it’s ever going to be easy. It’s a tougher class, 10 credit hours definitely not an easy course, but if you put your mind to it, you can get through it I’ve always wanted to be an EMT and my dad was one and been one for 25 years,” Stover said. “My brother just passed his. He wants to be a firefighter EMT too, so it’s always been on my mind, and I’ve always wanted to do it.” Students must stay on top of their studies if they are serious about wanting to be an EMT and the course will go by quickly. If
they have any questions, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask the instructor. “It will be stressful, but once you get it passed, you are really under a lot of stress,” Stover said. “If I had not picked EMT I had thought about military too. I always wanted to get the action part that’s why firefighting is one of the top things, I just want a lot of action with my job,I just like helping people and it feels nice.” Overall the medical field is difficult. Students need to be dedicated and willing to take part and learn the material. The payoff is being able to help others in their time of need.
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▲ Wade Kennedy, EMT instructor, demonstrates to his students how to insert an advanced airway a the patient. It is important students know how to do this when helping a patient so they can breathe easier through their lungs. Photo by Pablo Sanchez
◄ Luke Schmidt, Buhler, completes patient assessment on Matt Van Dyke, Plainville, to make sure his vital signs are good. Students needed to use the information when helping a patient to make sure that they are heathy. Photo by Pablo Sanchez
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
◄ Kelly Burns, Hutchinson, checks Shelly Makey’s, Hutchinson, blood glucose to make sure it is at the right level. Students practiced this technique in order to pass this course. Photo by Pablo Sanchez
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Pass the paddle Ping Pong Club becomes the largest club on campus. The sound of ping pong balls hitting the tables, chatter amongst friends, and laughter can be heard from the basement of Parker Student Union. The ping pong club is the largest club on the Hutchinson Community College campus with a total of 64 members and growing. The club was formed many years ago but it eventually faded out. Guthrie Turner, Arlington, wanted to see if it would be hard to get the club up and running again. After many people were contacted,Turner found Allen Pinkall, Mathematics Professor, and Sam Ramakrishana,
Instructor of Mathematics, to serve as the Ping Pong Club advisors. The advisors have a straight forward job, which is to help with the budget, take care of buying supplies when needed, and go to the meetings if they have questions. “The students run the meetings and run the tournaments. I’m just there to help them out if they have questions and things,” Pinkall said. The students are a big part of why the club is successful. Turner, the president of the ping pong club, found that
really working hard to recruit has been beneficial. “Where there’s a ping pong table, a couple of paddles, and a ball there’s going to be people there, whether they’re good at ping pong or not,” Turner said. One reason the ping pong club is so successful is because of the benefits that come with being a part of the club. Something many members enjoy is the people they meet. “Just all the friends you make, people that you probably would never talk to you bond through different things like ping pong,” said Grant Graber, Wichita. There is a wide variety of students in the club from all majors including agriculture and engineering. “First of all, there’s like an intermingling of friendships within it,” Turner said. “That’s a game-changer right away, we all become really close in the first place. Once you bring in something that everyone enjoys, it accentuates it even more.” Joining the ping pong club is very simple. “If you have the slightest interest in ping pong whatsoever even if you haven’t played it before, just come talk to me or really any of the other members,” Turner said. “And since there’s no prerequisites, they can just add you in the Group Me and you’ll know information in the future, like when we have our meetings and when tour-
Myranda Stika, Reporter & Designer
◄ Grant Graber, Wichita, plays a game of ping pong as Ben Pankratz, Inman, observes. During club meetings, students played games like “Around the World” in the basement of Parker Student Union. Photo by Myranda Stika
Want to join Ping Pong club? Contact Allen Pinkall pinkalla@hutchcc.edu 620-665-3404
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but it is also a free activity for students to participate in within the college town. “It’s just something to do, especially in Hutchinson,” Turner said. “I mean we do have stuff around town but some things do get old and people just love to come in here and be with friends and play a friendly game of ping pong or maybe not so friendly if it’s really competitive. I think it’s just something to do with friends.” The ping pong club is a great way to be involved on campus, meet new people, and have a great time. Pay attention to the sound of ping pong balls hitting the tables and join in on the fun.
▲ Guthrie Turner, Arlington, winds up to hit the ball just right to get his signiture spin on it. Graber calls Turner “The Chef”. Photo by Myranda Stika ▼Bo Tolbert, Hutchinson, plays a game of ping pong at the new location of the ping pong tables in Parker Student Union basement. The tables were moved due to the remodeling of PSU. Photo by Myranda Stika
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members meet every second and fourth
Thursday 4:00pm
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
naments are starting.” Many students enjoy ping pong because it is something to do in between classes and a stress reliever. “You’ll have a ping pong kid walk down these stairs and hear ping pong balls and then just automatically they’re drawn towards the room. They’ll just go play especially if they don’t have class for another 10-15 minutes,” Turner said. “You gain new friends and a relief of stress from school for a little bit,” Brooke Butler, Larned, said. If you have not played ping pong but would like to join,” Turner said,“I would like to say if you’re not in the club already, even if you’re maybe not interested in being in the club, come check out one of our meetings. Just come down when there’s people playing ping pong down here and pick up a paddle. Challenge somebody to a game of ping pong, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.” Benefits can include being a part of a group. “I think it puts a whole new perspective on the college life. You meet a lot of people through it and it’s just a great way to socialize throughout the campus,” Graber said. The ping pong club is a way for students who live on campus and off campus to get to know each other. “It’s really friendly and it’s the best way to be in an easy club and still enjoy the people around you,” Butler, said. Being in the ping pong club is also a great way to use up some of your free time. “I enjoy having something to do in my free time and the people are great,” Butler said. The renovation of Parker Student Union has not had very much affect on the club. “The only thing it’s affected is the location. I would say people are down there as much as they were before,” Butler said. “It’s about the people, not the place.” Being involved in the ping pong club is not only a great way to meet new people
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Safety on the HutchCC campus ◄ In order to evaluate campus lighting, the Student Government Association and Campus Security conducts a safety walk. The annual walk was planned for Feb. 26. Photo by Sydney Henke
Sydney Henke, Reporter & Designer
S
afety is an important thing, whenever one goes anywhere they want to be safe. When choosing a college, safety can be a deciding factor. If students don’t feel safe, they cannot be comfortable. When 45 students were asked if they ever felt uncomfortable on the Hutchinson Community College campus, 44.4% said yes. There is currently a student cadet program, but HutchCC does not have any student cadets. Anyone interested can put in an application through Human Resources. A student cadet is similar to a part-time
student working in HR or admissions, but a cadet is a student who works part time for the security department. Student cadets conduct walking patrols around campus assisting staff, students, and visitors. They observe what is occurring around campus and report to the proper department concerning safety issues. If they discover suspicious activity occurring, they are not expected to address the activity themselves, but report it to the police or campus security. After hours they can escort students or staff to the dorms or their vehicles if they don’t feel
safe walking alone. “Once a year, a campus safety walk is conducted with staff and students from SGA [Student Government Association] to hear firsthand what safety concerns they have and their ideas to solve them,” David Maness, Coordinator of Campus Safety, said. Safety is taken seriously at HutchCC. There are many ways students can stay safe on campus. During the fall semester, a selfdefense class was put on by members of the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. “HutchCC has a safety and security committee that meets once a month. Safety concerns are brought before the committee who prioritize those concerns and find solutions to them,” Maness said. Out of the 45 students surveyed, 37 percent said they carried a self-defense weapon. “I carry pepper spray with me,” Madison Richards, Wichita, said. “Generally speaking, from a personal safety standpoint, students should always be aware of their surroundings,” Sheldon Stewart, Criminal Justice Instructor and
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◄ A student keychain showcases examples of common self defense weapons. The whistles were given out at the self-defense seminar held by the Student Government Association during the fall semester. Photo by Sydney Henke
E F A S STAY HutchCC Campus Security 620-665-3379 Day & Evening HutchCC Counseling Services 620-665-3377 Regular business hours, M-F ▼ David Maness, Coordinator of Campus Safety, gives out a ticket to a dorm student. Dorm students cannot park in the main lot until after 1:00 pm. Photo by Sydney Henke
HutchCC Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 620-665-3512 Regular business hours, M-F
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
Coordinator, said. A sense of security is always a nice thing and that is HutchCC’s mission. At their monthly meetings, the safety and security committee discusses about things they want to add to HutchCC. “One of the most recent additions, with the increased number of active shootings, are ‘Stop the Bleed’ kits. These kits contain first aid supplies aimed towards bleeding control. One of these kits has been added to each campus building which are located near the AED’s. We will be discussing basic first aid and CPR training for staff covering the use of these kits and AEDs,” Maness said. Besides classes, self-defense weapons and being aware of surroundings, there are also security officers on campus. “During normal business hours, there is one security officer on duty. After hours and on weekends, there is one security officer on campus and one security officer assigned to the dorms,” Maness said. HutchCC strives to make campus a safe place for all.
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Upholding the
Spirit of HutchCC
Matthew Folkerts • Reporter & Designer
Duke continues to bring energy to fans Duke’s presence at Hutchinson Community College games is important to players, cheerleaders and fans. Duke brings fun and encouraging energy to those attending sporting events. His loving spirit can be seen when connecting with fans, especially children. “I enjoy being Duke because of the interactions I have with kids, fans, and other students. These interactions are beautiful,” said Duke. Duke affects fans and students’ energy at games more than one might realize.It would not be as lively and positive if Duke’s presence was missing. “Duke brings his unique energy that the whole band can feel. The pep band would not be the same if he didn’t make an appearance,” said Hunter Spoon, Yates Center. Not only is Duke known for interacting with fans of all ages, he is also known for being fun and goofy. He can be seen with the cheer squad, players, and dance team. Duke danced with the Dragon Dolls during a halftime show on Jan. 29. “Duke often inspires the cheer squad,” said Kala McElhaney, Spirit Squad Head Coach. “He often interacts with players before games, they love interacting with Duke.”
Keeping Duke’s identity a secret is important to the spirit of the Blue Dragon mascot and the energy he brings to games. To children, Duke is Duke. “I feel like since Duke is anonymous it allows him to get into it and hype everything up. That allows people to get into it as well and feel a part of it. Games wouldn’t be as fun without him. The band also likes him which allows us to put a lot of energy into what we do,” said Martha Titus, Copeland. Duke has played a big role in the spirit of HutchCC. For 92 years, Duke has kept the spirit of HutchCC bright and lively. There isn’t a list of requirements to be Duke, but there are some qualities one would have to have. According to McElhaney, some characteristics of becoming a mascot are being outgoing and uplifting. Advising future mascots, McElhaney said, “They’d have to get into character and be committed.” Duke’s presence at sporting events is important to the fans, players, band, and the cheer squad. The spirit of HutchCC would not be the same without Duke the Dragon.
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► Duke visits with the Prohle family. The Prohle family was visiting from out of town. Photo by Matthew Folkerts
▼Duke entertains fans by posing for a picture. Duke’s fun and encouraging energy brings joy to fans. Photo by Matthew Folkerts
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
◄ Duke cheers and supports the women’s basketball team. HutchCC won against Garden City with a score of 103-61 on Feb 8. Photo by Matthew Folkerts
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Doing
The Volunteer Center makes a positive difference in the lives of others through HutchCC student and community volunteers
Sydnee Shive, Reporter & Designer
Does You Dogs at the local animal shelter without anyone to walk or play with them. Blood drives held without any assistance after a natural disaster. Food banks without workers. What does all this equal? A glimpse into a world without volunteers. “There’s just a lot of behind the scenes that people don’t see,” said Jenna Martin, Assistant Director of the Volunteer Center. “The food bank is generally all staffed by volunteers. If there weren’t volunteers there wouldn’t be a food bank. There’s lots of programs like that in town that people don’t realize would cease to exist without volunteer help.” The Volunteer Center is a service provided to both students and members of the community by Hutchinson Community College. Located in Davis Hall, the center matches volunteers from HutchCC and the surrounding community with various groups in need. “The volunteer center places volunteers
with nonprofit and governmental organizations. We have RSVP, which is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and that’s for people 55 and older. Then we have the Volunteer Action Corps, 54 and younger,” said Leah Chandler, Director of the Volunteer Center. “We recruit volunteers for almost 100 different nonprofit and government organizations.” In order to do service through the Volunteer Center, prospective volunteers must fill out an application and be interviewed, similar to applying for a job. Volunteer opportunities are available for everyone. “People of all ages use the volunteer center, anywhere from zero on up. Anyone can come in and register and do an application process, and then we discuss their interests, their schedules, and we go from there. There are so many volunteer opportunities,” Martin said. “It’s kind of based on your schedule and if you want a long-term commitment, where it’s a weekly
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thing, or if you just want a short-term commitment.” Volunteering is not only good for the surrounding community, but good for the volunteer as well. Volunteers can make new friends, find a sense of purpose and build their resumes while making a positive difference in the lives of others. “The community benefits from the volunteer center, we can put the volunteers in those nonprofit organizations, and it helps them expand their capacity to provide their services. A lot of nonprofits are seeing cuts in their funding and we can provide extra help for them to provide their services,” Chandler said. “The volunteers also benefit, it’s been proven that service helps with anxiety, depression and all kinds of physical and mental needs.” Students at HutchCC actively volunteer through the Volunteer Center. Presidential Leadership Scholars, Presidential Scholars, and the Honors program are all
▲ Melinda Crossman, Hutchinson, cleans a table at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter. Volunteers from the center work with many different organizations. Photo by Sydnee Shive
examples of organizations doing service through the center. “College students can use volunteering to make a positive influence on the community around them. Sometimes, I find volunteering helpful, especially as a way to destress and focus on something other than school work,” said Kailey Seiler, Mount Hope. There is always a need for volunteers and the center is constantly looking for applicants. Volunteering in Reno County benefits a diverse group of people and organizations. Chandler said, “There’s never enough volunteers. Nonprofits always have needs. They’re always needing more volunteers and there just aren’t enough folks. We’ve noticed the past few years it’s getting harder to find volunteers.” “It is important to volunteer because it gives you the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” Seiler said.
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
▲ Charolette Smith, Buhler, checks out a patron at the Et Cetera Shop. The Volunteer Center connects volunteers with organizations in need. Photo by Sydnee Shive
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T I NG R EA E C T E SW N S OU D S
Colleen Teter, Reporter & Designer
Jazz was hopping and swinging on campus for the 45th annual Bryce Luty Jazz Festival.
▲ The Vocal Jazz Ensemble gets into the music and hit their notes. The ensemble sang at the Stringer Fine Arts Center. Photo by Colleen Teter
It may have been cold on Jan. 30 and 31, but the warm tones of jazz sounded through the Stringer Fine Arts Center at Hutchinson Community College. The Bryce Luty Jazz Festival attracted music lovers of all kinds to listen and enjoy. This festival has been going on for 45 years, and they still find a way to be different and draw people each year. Jazz Coordinator of seven years and head of the festival’s preparations, Nicholas Schroeder, said, “I love the support that these high schoolers and middle schoolers give their peers from ‘rival’ schools.” There was much excitement in coordinating the 45th festival. Schroder said, “They always have different schools that end up participating and each year they have a different celebrity guest artist.” Schroder said, “We secured grant funding to do it up big and bring a band of 20 amazing musicians instead of the typical one celebrity.” The festival has two parts. “On Thursday and Friday are high school and middle school bands performing in the Recital Hall where they receive recorded comments from some world-class adjudicators. That is all open and free to the public,” Schroeder said. “The other part is our Celebrity Concert, which is on Thursday night and this year will feature our two big bands opening for the Marcus Lewis Big Band, Brass and Boujee.” There was difficulty with weather last year, but this year there was no trouble for Schroder and Susan Evans, Fine Arts secretary, to bring the bands to perform. She has been assisting in the preparations for the festivals since 2005. “Variety, big time,” Schroeder said about the biggest draw for the Jazz Festival. “I program my concerts to represent as many subgenres of jazz as possible and during the day you will hear some incredibly tight [well prepared, polished] groups and others that are struggling to learn the style.” Evans agreed and said, “I love listening to the different bands.” Students each year contribute to the success of the festival. Schroeder said “My jazz band students help out in virtually all aspects on top of their performance responsibilities: stage managing, hosting, problem solving, recording, generally being good ambassadors for HCC.” Sydney Goodwin, Buhler, was lead Alto Saxophone in the Jazz Lab Band. “I was excited to show my family what my jazz band has been working on for a while and the different songs that we were playing,” Goodwin said. She said the best part to her was “the atmosphere and the jazz band instructor. Nick Schroeder is a really great guy and it’s fun learning new jazz techniques from him.”
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FESTIVAL NUMBERS 14 High School Bands 4 Middle School Bands
1 Guest Band
▼ Brailen Martin, Buhler, takes his solo with ease. The other singers back him up to create the desired sounds. Photo by Colleen Teter
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
Those who do not work to make the festival a fun and unique event, enjoy coming to listen. “I think every music appreciation and intro to jazz student, our two non-major music lecture classes, also attends the festival for an authentic music experience. It’s kinda like the laboratory for that class is right down the hall,” Schroeder said. The reason for this festival was in honor of Bryce Luty, who helped bring people together to create the jazz program in the 70’s and 80’s. Through his work, Schroder said, “he was able to create an amazing scholarship program and bring in celebrity jazz musician guest artists every year, which in turn, brought some immensely talented students to the program.” Luty’s somewhat recent passing in 2014 leaves all those in the Jazz program still aware of him and his impact. Goodwin said Luty’s program is something she enjoys being a part of. “I’ve always loved jazz band and that was the reason I chose to play the alto saxophone, so I got a scholarship for the jazz program and I thought it was just a great way to continue my love of playing the saxophone and jazz music,” said Goodwin. Even those who don’t necessarily volunteer jazz as a favorite music genre can enjoy jazz and what its sound has to offer. “It’s great, because attending this festival is the perfect medicine for them, trust me, I’m a doctor,” said Schroeder. “Being able to listen to the different jazz music that the groups play probably helps some people find their love of jazz in some way or another,” said Goodwin. The great turnout and exciting sounds that the spectators come to see has people finding new love in an old genre and waiting patiently for the festival next year.
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Love on Campus Students find time outside of class to make love connections.
Regan LaRue, Reporter & Designer
◄Justin Harbert, Kingman, and Bailey Taylor, Kingman, laugh about their conversation. The couple reminisced about their fun times. Photo by Regan LaRue
Love is in the air on HutchCC campus. Students are experiencing love in many ways, whether it’s swiping right on Tinder, going out on dates every other weekend or working to keep their current significant other happy. With a new semester under their belts, students get a touch of being on their own and that means new relationships start to form all around. For others on campus, their relationships are moving to the next level. For Bailey Taylor, Kingman, that meant moving in with her high school sweetheart at the beginning of last semester. “Moving in with my significant other made school a little more stressful because it was hard to make friends at first,” Taylor
said. “Though I wouldn’t change it for the world.” While it can be quite cliche to hear, one of the most important parts of keeping a happy, healthy relationship is communication. Michael Mains, Pretty Prairie, has been in his relationship for almost three years. Mains said, “Having a relationship throughout college has helped so much with keeping me sane as I’m in my homestretch to graduate. I don’t think it’s necessary to be in a relationship but it’s an added piece of fun and it helps keep home close.” Some students, however, are still figuring things out. With today’s technology, there are more options available, other than pure chance. They take the power into their
▲ Aly Beaman, Pretty Prairie, shows her tinder app. She discussed the ups and downs of Tinder. Photo by Regan LaRue
“It’s a good way to meet people whether you’re looking for friends, random relationships, or just new people to snapchat.”
- Aly Beaman
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hands by using dating apps such as Tinder or Bumble. Aly Beaman, Pretty Prairie, uses dating apps to reach out to other people in an easier way for her busy schedule. “It’s a good way to meet people whether you’re looking for friends, random relationships, or just new people to snapchat,” Beaman said. “It does get old pretty quick though in my opinion, I get on maybe once a month.” Some students may choose to take more of an old fashioned approach to dating. If they see someone across the library, the cafeteria or even the classroom, they may
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take a chance to win them over. “My freshman year of high school I was a football manager and Justin was a player on the team.” Taylor said. “He had just had surgery on his shoulder so he wasn’t able to play, which allowed him to help me with filming and that’s how we got to know one another.” ww wwwwThis then grew into the strong relationship they have now. Whether it’s old fashioned communication or new-aged technology playing a part in the match-making process, students find their way to love on campus.
L O V E
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
▼ Michael Mains, Pretty Prairie,does the dishes in his apartment he shares with his girlfriend. Mains called himself the clean freak of the relationship. Photo by Regan LaRue
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▼ Head Coach Steve Eck calls out plays from the sideline. Last year, Coach Eck was named in the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame for junior college basketball coaches. Photo by Brogen Willich
Brogen Willich, Reporter & Designer
The Hutch CC men's basketball players spend an average of three to four hours a day working on their craft.
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Being a college athlete comes with responsibilities. All student athletes have to balance their time inside and out of the classroom. Playing basketball and keeping up in the classroom is the student athlete’s job. The Hutchinson Community College players explain how much of that free time is taken by the sport and how it affects their lifestyle. “This upcoming summer I was going to try to get a job but I don’t think I’m going to have time because Division 1 you have to go a lot sooner,” said DJ Mitchell, Washington, D.C. “I don’t really have any free time, my free time is watching film and studying the game so I can get better. I’m always watching basketball, it’s the only thing in my mind,” said Mitchell. This Blue Dragon athlete wants to take his talents to the next level after HutchCC. Though this is no small task, Mitchell and other players live for the sport. “I would say I spend about four to six hours a day between practice and watching film for the team,” Mitchell said. Izaiah Hale, Wichita, had similar things to say. He explained how they spent most of the summer at the college practicing. “In June, we were here for the whole month doing practice and scrimmaging,” Hale said. “During the season I probably spend about two and a half to three hours a day doing stuff for the team.” The athletes spend a lot of time practicing and doing stuff for the team, however they still have a little free time. In their free time some athletes like to play pickup ball, video games, and hang out with their friends and teammates off the court. “In my free time I play basketball, sometimes video games, and do my homework and that’s about it. I don’t really have enough time to get a job,” said Hale. Being on the team takes a lot of time, not just for the players but for the coaches too. Head Coach Steve Eck said that he can spend upwards of 16 hours a day between practice, scheduling, and recruiting. “Sometimes I don’t eat dinner until 10 to 10:30, because we have to contact recruits, check classes to make sure our players are getting their homework done, and we watch a lot of film,” said Eck. He understands that playing sports in college can take a lot out of the students. They have busy schedules and sometimes need rest
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between practice, games, and classes. “Sometimes we play Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday and sometimes we don’t get back until around two in the morning, so we have to give them a few days off to rest and catch up on homework,” said Eck. It may be harder for some athletes depending on their class schedule. Though they are all committed to the team and achieving their goals, the basketball schedule can take a toll on the players. “I’d say it can definitely be stressful on us at times, waking up at 8 a.m. going to class and straight to practice and games during the week and weekend can catch up to you and take a toll on you,” Mitchell said. “It’s hard to manage but after a while you get used to it.” The student athletes worked hard to get to the college level. For them it is something they enjoy doing. Passion is what drives most student athletes, they love their sport. Most student athletes would agree that sports and school is their job, so it is very important for them to manage their time.
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◄Matt Mayers, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY, goes up for a shot against a Barton Community College defender. Mayers played six minutes and went two for two with one and-one play. Photo by Brogen Willich
▼ DJ Mitchell, Washington, D.C., shoots a three point shot against Barton CC. Mitchell led the team with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. Photo by Brogen Willich
Nov 1 Nov 2 Nov 8 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 16 Nov 19 Nov 27 Nov 30 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 11 Jan 4 Jan 8 Jan 11 Jan 13 Jan 15 Jan 18 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 1 Feb 5 Feb 8 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 15 Feb 19 Feb 22
Eastern Oklahoma State Midland College Murray State Labette CC Northeastern Oklahoma Monroe College Iowa Western CC Hesston College Coffeyville CC Independence CC Neosho CC Butler CC Cloud County CC Allen County CC Kansas City Kansas CC Cowley County CC Northwest Ks Tech Garden City CC Pratt CC Dodge City CC Colby CC Barton CC Seward County CC Northwest Ks Tech Garden City CC Pratt CC Dodge City CC Colby CC Barton CC Seward County CC
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W, 93-74 W, 79-59 W, 92-64 W, 100-54 W, 85-65 W, 114-91 W, 91-70 W, 87-53 W, 92-71 W, 85-83 W, 101-78 L, 73-63 W, 90-75 L, 87-80 W, 98-67 L, 84-83 W, 88-79 W, 91-72 L, 94-91 W, 92-75 L, 83-79 L, 102-95 W, 68-67 L, 105-102 W, 82-68 W, 75-51 W, 71-64 L, 76-63 W, 96-91 W, 67-47
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
Blue Dragons Basketball 2019-2020 Results
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â–˛ Tyler Brown, Derby, takes the ball down the court in the game against Cloud County Community College. Brown scored 16 points in this game. Photo by Bre Rogers
Brogen Willich, Reporter & Designer
â–ş Sequan Singleton, Bronx, NY, shoots the ball during the game against Northwest Tech. The Blue Dragons won the game 88-79. Photo by Bre Rogers
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Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
Josh Baker, Tempe, AZ, shoots a three pointer in the game against Hesston College. The Blue Dragons won the game 87-53. Photo by Bre Rogers
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Determination
DRIVES Recovery
Abigail Egerstaffer, Reporter • Matthew Folkerts, Designer
Student athlete receives support from the team to get back on the court Being a student and playing basketball is hard enough as it is; when an injury is added to the equation, it proves to be even harder. Tor ’e Alford, Derby, a freshman basketball player, shares her tips on how to stay in the game after an injury. Alford sustained a stress fracture of the second metatarsal in her foot during one of HutchCC’s basketball games this season. She has recently returned to playing after injuring herself. “Yeah, it’s pretty difficult to be a basketball player and a student but as long as you stay focused, be where you’re supposed to be at, and show up to classes when you can,” said Alford. Every injury is different. It is essential student-athletes talk to athletic trainers before taking any steps. “Our athletics trainers said baby steps,” Alford said. “Especially with my injury with the repeated stress. If I would have come back too fast then it would have made my injury reoccur.” Her injury took many weeks to heal. It wasn’t until the second home game of the
season that she was able to play limited minutes in the game. The whole process took time and motivation to complete. Alford was sure to not aggravate the injury any further and work at a well-suited pace. “I stayed off of it for three to four weeks with no weight,” said Alford. “Then over Christmas break I got rid of crutches and was only in the boot. After that I started jogging on the treadmill and had limited practice.” Alford credits her team for aiding her recovery. Even when hurt, it is important to keep up with the team. “I was excited to be on the bench and doing the workouts that didn’t require my foot and staying engaged with my team,” said Alford. “The team makes sure I’m where I’m supposed to be and makes sure I stay motivated.” Beyond team motivation, personal motivation plays a big part in the injury recovery process. “Don’t give up is the biggest thing, being hurt could really put you down,” said Alford.
▲ Tor’e Alford,Derby, wkeeps an eye on the basketball. Tor’e has recently returned to playing after sustaining an injury. Photo byAbigail Egerstaffer
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◄ Far left: Brooklyn Betham, Queensland Australia, shoots a free throw. After being fouled, Betham made the point for her team. Photo by Abigail Egerstaffer
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◄ Lauren Mapusa,Queensland, Austrailia, goes up for a layup during the game against Neosho. The Blue Dragons won this game 111-53. Photo by Bre Rogers
Womens Blue Dragons Basketball Nov 2 Nov 8 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 16 Nov 21 Nov 23 Nov 27 Nov 30 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 11 Jan 4 Jan 8 Jan 11 Jan 13 Jan 15 Jan 18 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 1 Feb 5 Feb 8 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 15 Feb 19 Feb 22 ▲ Gelecia Cooper, Norfolk, Va., goes up for a basket. Teammates looked on as Cooper made the shot. Photo by Abigail Egerstaffer
Washburn JV Western Nebraska CC Northeastern Oklahoma Hesston college Labette cc Jefferson College New Mexico JC Iowa Western CC Coffeyville CC Independence CC Neosho County CC Butler CC Cloud county CC Allen county CC Bethany College JV Cowley county CC Northwest KS Tech Garden City CC Pratt CC Dodge city CC Colby CC Barton CC Seward County CC Northwest KS TECH Garden City CC Pratt CC Dodge City CC Colby CC Barton CC Seward County CC
W, 65-34 W, 64-59 W, 74-46 W, 127-37 W, 64-49 W, 90-55 L, 66-58 W,68-63 W, 71-53 W,61-51 w, 111-53 W, 73-55 W, 101-35 W, 81-51 w, 77-27 L, 72-70 W, 67-48 W, 77-67 W, 74-44 w, 83-50 W, 77-36 W, 67-43 w, 72-70 W, 73-53 W, 103-61 W, 75-41 L, 69-55 W, 53-38 w, 86-67 5;30 pm
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
2019-2020 Results
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We’ve got the Spirit, Go Big Blue!
Danae Moser, Reporter & Designer
The Blue Dragon Spirit Squad brings a lot of football to basketball and volleyball gams, preforming stunts and dance routines during half-time shows and time outs. “My favorite part about cheering at Blue Dragon events would be the energy that I feel from others,” Tyra Snyder, Coldwater, said. “I can tell when I am cheering with my teammates, we get the crowd excited and eager to watch.” Blue Dragon Cheerleaders lead the Blue Dragons to victory by yelling catchy chants and inspiring people to cheer with them. They often organize fun activities for time outs, like sumo baskets, where two people dress up in sumo wrestler outfits and try to make a basket. Duke said, “I love the fans and our students, they make me laugh. The people at Hutchinson Community College are
from all walks of life and often offer me wisdom.” The Dragon Dolls held a “Bitty Blue Dance Clinic” on February 15th at 6:30 in the Hutchinson Sports Arena. They performed during halftime of the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball game versus Colby Community College. The spirit squad extended their energy to help teach children about what they do in front of the crowd. “My favorite part is getting to do what I love, I’ve been dancing since I was two years old and it is a blessing that I get to continue my dancing career in college,” Sabrina Gomes, São Paulo, Brazil, said. Many kids that go to Blue Dragon events idolize the students on the Spirit Squad, game days are a blast for every one involved.
◄Blue Dragon cheerleaders pump up the crowd at the rainy football game against the Butler Grizzlies on Sept. 27. Photo by Hannah Brummer
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◄ Dragon Dolls preform to “Our Type” choreographed by Pro Action Dance and Shandon Perez. Dance team works all week to perform during Blue Dragon games. Photo by Danae Moser
▲ The Dragon Dolls dance at the fall homecoming assembly on Oct. 15. They dance to songs that the band played. Photo by Hannah Brummer ◄ Kaylee Baumann, Inman, and Tyra Snyder, Coldwater, perform stunts during a time out at the men’s basketball game against Garden City Community College on Feb. 8. Photo by Danae Moser
Spirit Numbers
▲Duke joins the cheerleaders to help excite the crowd. Students watched the spirt squad cheer and dance at the fall homecoming assembly on October 15. Photo by Hannah Brummer
Dragon’s Tale • March 2020
25 Cheerleaders 11 Dancers 1 Dragon
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HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Fifth Annual
CAREER
Connections JOB FAIR
THURSDAY,
APRIL 2, 2020 10:00AM-2:00PM HUTCHINSON SPORTS ARENA REGISTER TODAY AT
WWW.HUTCHCC.EDU/CAREERFAIR Questions? Email CareerZone at careerzone@hutchcc.edu SPONSORED BY:
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REGISTER FOR TRANSFER ORIENTATION ONLINE AND ATTEND DURING THE SPRING/ SUMMER.
APPLY AND GET ADMITTED AT WICHITA.EDU/APPLY.
MEET WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR. CONTACT INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WICHITA.EDU/ADVISING.
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID USING THE FAFSA. ENTER WSU’S SCHOOL CODE (001950).
ENROLL FOR COURSES BASED ON ACADEMIC ADVISING APPOINTMENT.
Dragon’s Tale • October 2019
SEE HOW YOUR CREDITS TRANSFER TO WICHITA STATE ON THE TRANSFER GATEWAY AT WICHITA.EDU/TRANSFER.
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