Bettye Craddock Book

A collection of columns dedicated to Bettye Craddock

Memories are made of this...

By Mr. Hobbs

A

lot of memories, some trivial to most people, surface when I think of Van and Bettye. However, they are significant in my memories of them. Even though Bettye is retiring, they are difficult to separate.

Van, his wry humor and Road Runner / Wiley Coyote style cartoons somehow mixed with his sports writing and later pursuit of Bettye. I am sometimes more stupid than Cupid, however, I was observant enough to sense a developing relationship between the two in one of my classes.

I remember an adventurous moment when Van propped his elbow on the chalk rail of the chalkboard at his desk side when he summoned the courage to call Bettye for a date…later verified. They were inseparable from that moment.

Some years later I retrieved the chalk rail for Bettye when the old Birdwell Annex was torn down. I think I added a few bricks for good measure.

Birdwell Annex was the home of SFA Student Publications in the early ‘70s, so their journalism life was spawned there.

For Bettye, there was the announcement that she had obtained a summer internship at the Lufkin News. I am sure she did other significant reporting, however, I best remember a feature on chewing gum that sparkled in the dark. As I recall, she discovered this in the darkroom.

Both Van and Bettye were willing and eager participants in our baby steps to develop a culture of photojournalism on The Pine Log. Miss Bettye Herrington was The Pine Log editor at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1970.

As I recall, they were the architects of a PL supplement which they labeled, The Seedling.

The development of Bettye’s philosophy of pictures as a natural integration in news reporting has been both interesting and exciting to watch over the years.

Over the years I have viewed her work as adviser with The Flare. I am certain the bold use of quality photographs, which she has encouraged, has contributed greatly to the award winning record of students and staff under her tutelage.

I must admit I spent a great deal of time attempting to discourage her from pursuing a teaching career. Many of her students are probably grateful she did not listen to me.

Memories in no particular order: A wedding…. I keep up with their anniversary through my son’s birthday. He was born shortly after the wedding. Van was off to

Van Craddock was the Sports Editor in 1970.

Pine Log praises alumna

By Pat Spence

SFA Pine Log adviser

W

“

Congratulations on a great career...”

the army and Viet Nam, staffing military publications, maybe Stars and Stripes.

Bettye was left behind as a graduate student in Journalism. We were offered a daily briefing on Van’s well being and a daily showering of tears of concern. We became a part of regular cookie shipments, but no samples.

My office became the lengthy storage center of what might have been their first pieces of furniture…purchased at the University auction of surplus dorm furniture.

I guess I would rank Bettye’s supreme coup de gras as a project in PR class in which students were expected to write a letter to a corporate customer service either complementing or complaining about service. She regularly purchased a Heath Bar as a snack. She was dismayed one day when she discovered the candy bar was reduced in size but still displayed in the old full size wrapper.

She wrote the company which produced the candy. They rewarded her with a box of Heath Bars. I am still sort of sulking that she did not offer me one. After all….

Who could forget the report of her first student newspaper… a mimeographed version.

Teaching junior high school English, she listed all of her students in the masthead. As gracious as she is she might have listed all the students in the school!

All good things must come to an end. I apologize for the rambling of my Swiss cheese memory. However, It must be said: Congratulations on a great career, your contributions to the students you have encouraged and deposited within their minds the planting of solid fundamentals of journalism and exciting use of photos.

I am sorry Dr. Francine Hoffman could not be around for the finale. She would certainly be pleased but not surprised. She expected and knew Van and Bettye could do it all along.

hen I first took the student publications job at The Pine Log, I heard lots about Bettye Craddock at Kilgore College—she is an SFA/Pine Log alumna, she met her husband Van in Mr. Hobbs’ class, she’s a great adviser, she puts out a super college newspaper, she’s so NICE. I couldn’t imagine why I would ever want to hang out with someone so accomplished, so perfect.

My first trip to TIPA with our students, Ms. Craddock sought me out and struck up a conversation.

From the beginning, I knew that, despite her many intimidating attributes, we were destined to be friends and professional colleagues.

During my years with The Pine Log, I have been fortunate enough to work with many students who came to SFA after working on The Flare at KC. In almost every

case Ms. Craddock called me to let me know the student was coming to SFA and detailing the student’s strengths and weaknesses. They have come to The Pine Log with solid journalistic skills and true passion for our business and for producing a quality publication. It was always obvious to me that these qualities were nurtured by Bettye Craddock. Almost without exception (and SHE knows who they are!) her students came to SFA prepared and enthusiastic. That didn’t happen by accident.

I am always pleased to welcome Bettye Craddock’s former students, and I give each of them the same bit of advice to help them adjust to their new journalistic environment: I’m not nearly as NICE as she is. But nice or not, I can think of no one more deserving of a peaceful, happy retirement.

Good luck, BC.

10 minutes on the stool

By Jack Stallard

The Flare Columnist, Assistant Sports Editor 1986-87

I

’ve seen Bettye Craddock mad.

Let that sink in for a minute.

Any former or current student of Mrs. Craddock’s can probably say they have seen her concerned, disappointed, frazzled or downright frustrated, but I truly believe I am one of a select few who can say I have actually seen the woman angry.

I’m talking spit-flying, foot-stomping, book-throwing mad, and nearly 27 years later, the incident — and her reaction — are still fresh in my mind for several reasons.

I moved from Tennessee to Texas and began taking classes at Kilgore College in the spring of 1986. After a false start at East Tennessee State University, I was asked by the Dean of Students to ‘‘leave the school and re-think my priorities.’’

During the course of the summer, I moved to Kilgore, sat out a semester and then enrolled at KC after realizing I didn’t want ‘‘You want fries with that?’’ to become a

Curious Bettye has a nose for news. lasting part of my vocabulary.

I had no true battle plan other than getting back into school before the mood went away, so when it was time to sign up for my classes I simply relied on the ‘‘Pretty Girl’’ method of registration. I found the prettiest girl in the room, followed her around and signed up for every class she registered for.

“

I’m talking spit-flying, footstomping, book-throwing mad...”

I’m thankful for several things about that day.

1) The word ‘‘stalking’’ wasn’t yet a part of our everyday language.

2) They let me drop the dance class before I hurt myself or anyone else.

3) The pretty redhead I followed around that day was a communications major, and one of the classes she signed up for was Journalism 101 under Bettye Craddock.

The pretty redhead and I became friends, but nothing romantic ever developed. My love for journalism and Bettye Craddock was instant and is just as strong 27 years later.

It didn’t take me long to test Mrs. Craddock’s love and patience.

When the fall semester rolled around, I became the staff columnist and also the Flare’s Assistant Sports Editor. George Whitley was the Sports Editor, and he covered KC football games. I did some features and advances, and mostly tagged along so I could get into the football games for free.

One particular Saturday, the Rangers were ahead of an opponent 40-0 at halftime, so Whitley and I decided there would be no harm in getting an early start on our evening across the state line in Shreveport.

We were wrong.

When I walked into class on Monday, Mrs. Craddock didn’t even let me sit down before

grabbing me by the arm and leading me into a side room. In the middle of that room was a wooden stool, and she told me to sit.

For the next 10 minutes, she walked circles around me and the stool and let it be known to me and God (I was thankful He was in the room, or I might not have made it out alive) if I ever left another event I was covering before the event was finished she would stomp a mud puddle in my back and walk it dry.

Twelve years later, I walked into her class on a Monday to visit and she grabbed me by the arm, led me to the room and sat me on the same stool.

I quickly did a mental inventory to try and recall any events from which I might have departed early, but this time Mrs. Craddock simply wanted to know what my intentions were with one of her favorite people — the former Rachel Cockrell. Rachel and I, after both of us ignored for months Mrs. Craddock’s not-so-gentle hints that we should meet, finally did so and quickly realized we were supposed to be together.

I told Mrs. Craddock I planned to marry Rachel, if she would have me, and made her the same promise I had made to her 15 years earlier while sitting on that stool.

Good or bad, boring or exciting. ...I ain’t going anywhere until the clock hits :00.

Footware Fury

Discovering her niche Student finds direction in journalism

Craddock unleashes her wrath

By Emily Taravella The Flare Staff Writer 1995

By Chuck Cox The Flare 1990-92

hen I met Mrs. Craddock, I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do with my life.

I graduated from Kilgore High School in 1993, and I joined The Flare staff in 1995 at the urging of some friends who knew I liked to write. Mrs. Craddock was kind, funny, charming … and the best newswoman I’ve ever known. I came to her with no news writing experience, and she introduced me to the wonderful world of journalism.

By the end of my first semester with her, I knew I wanted to be a journalist.

After attending Kilgore College and writing for The Flare, I went on to major in journalism at Stephen F. Austin State University.

I worked as a journalist for 11 years, and then I became certified to teach journalism to high school students. I’ve been a journalism teacher for the past five years.

I

never imagined I would be the main character in the lowlight of Mrs. Craddock’s career biography. But when I strolled into The Flare office a good 90 or so minutes late on production day, that’s exactly what I became. I guess I’m sort of like the answer to some obscure trivia question forever more.

It happened in a flash. As soon as the door creaked open, Mrs. Craddock darted her eyes toward me, yelled out, “Chuck Cox!!!!!” and, in a motion reminiscent of a gunfighter in the old west, whipped off one of her size 11 shoes and whipped it in my direction like she had been possessed by Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown.

Instinct took over. And as that great beast of a piece of footwear came flying toward me with great aerodynamic force, I immediately closed the door again, and assumed the nuclear attack duck-and-cover position as the shoe crashed into the glass pane on the door. Somehow, someway, the

W

glass didn’t break. Luck, if not punctuality was with me that day.

Mrs. Craddock must have apologized to me 25 times before we finished getting the paper out. And she’s apologized to me pretty much every time I’ve seen her since.

Although the moment was far more funny than terrorizing to me, it was something I was happy to be a part of — almost like an immortal snippet in the history of Bettye Craddock’s career at Kilgore College that is forever etched in my mind alongside the lyrics to about 50,000 songs. And talk about fodder for the Blue Sheet. Wow. I know every one of you reading this knows that there is only one Bettye Craddock. She was and still is my mentor, friend, confidant, second mom, and teacher all rolled into one.

And no amount of her hastily trying to injure me with her lethal weapon of a shoe could ever change that. My face will forever be a smiley one because of her.

“

I don’t know what direction my life might have taken if I hadn’t met Mrs. Craddock. She taught me much more than the rules of journalism … she taught me about good decisions and the right way to live. She got me started down the right path.

When I take my students back to Kilgore College for yearbook workshops, the highlight of my day is seeing Mrs. Craddock.

From time to time I hear back from a former student who I taught in newspaper or yearbook. It touches my heart when they tell me they found their niche in one of my classes. It’s extraordinary to realize that these students might have never found their niche in my class, if I hadn’t found my niche in hers. Mrs. Craddock’s influence in the world of journalism is far greater than any of us will ever know.

I don’t know what direction my life might have taken if I hadn’t met Mrs. Craddock.

Wake-up

By Dave Wilson The Flare Editor 1995-96

E

very weekday at 7 a.m., the clunky old handset would ring on the bedside table.

After being rattled out of bed, I would hear a chipper voice beaming from the earpiece: “Good mooooorning, Dave! This is your wake-up call!”

For an entire semester, Bettye Craddock called me -- long-distance -- every morning to ensure I made the 8 a.m. class she implored me to take. It was a special five-day-a-week English course where I could get two credits in one semester, something I needed after badly botching my first two years of school at Texas A&M. I made all most of those classes, thanks in part to the calls, and in part to a desire not to disappoint Mrs. Craddock. But in the process, I got more than just two English credits.

I got a different kind of wake-up call.

I was one of those students who wandered into a small, East Texas community college because I really couldn’t go anywhere else. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and had already wasted two years trying to figure it out. Mostly, I didn’t have any idea what I could do. The answer came from Mrs. Craddock: I could do anything.

It started in Mass Communications. I took Mass Comm in College Station, where I’d made an A. Back in Kilgore, I took it again, because the instructor was Bettye Craddock.

call

Growing up in Kilgore, I’d seen the newspaper story every year when The Flare returned from TIPA or TCCJA with its latest haul of awards. I liked to write, was interested in journalism, and was in Kilgore without any other ideas. I figured Mrs. Craddock must know a thing or two.

I sat in the back of the class. The classroom was at the end of the Liberal Arts building, in a perfect location between the Rangerette dorms and the Rangerette gym. Each day, during our class, the ‘Rettes would make the short walk between the two.

Mrs. Craddock started by closing the blinds. She eventually moved me to the front of the room. I became her project. She asked me to come by the paper and see her. This was my wake-up call.

I wrote a story that week. Two weeks later, I was the assistant sports editor. The next semester, I was the sports editor.

I use her lessons every day. I’ve been unbelievably lucky to have a career where I’ve been able to see the country and work in places I would’ve been thrilled only to visit, including ESPN, The New York Times, The Dallas Morning News. I was in newsrooms in San Diego and Las Vegas on days each paper won a Pulitzer Prize. These are newsrooms full of pedigreed journalists, and I was just a guy from Kilgore.

The number of journalism classes I’ve taken from anyone but Bettye Craddock?

Zero.

Her methods were simple, but they taught so much. “Write down everything you know about this can of green beans.” It’s metal.

It’s got a green label. It’s got green beans in it.

She lifted it the can up to reveal an empty vessel. “You NEEEEEEVER assume anything.”

Her boilerplate reminders each semester are legendary. Be prepared: “Don’t forget to take a pencil in case it rains. Be polite: “Take your hat off before you interview the school president.” Be positive: “You can do anything you set your mind to.”

And most important, the one that has made Mrs. Craddock so effective.

“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” And Mrs. Craddock cares.

She wasn’t afraid to let me fail. After becoming editor, I was so proud to have my first front page on the racks. I walked into her classroom to see it cut apart, reassembled by hand, hanging on her board. It was much better than my amateur work. This was my wake-up call.

“Why didn’t you tell me that last night?

You were sitting right next to me!”

“If I showed you how to do it, you wouldn’t learn for yourself.”

Dorothy Estes, the adviser of The Shorthorn, one of the country’s best college newspapers, and a legendary journalism adviser in her own right, walked up to me in a hotel lobby at a journalism convention.

“Dave Wilson,” she said. “You’re one of Bettye’s kids. When are you coming to UTA?” Bettye’s kids. It was a seal of approval.

Two years after wandering into Mrs.

“

Craddock’s classroom, she had molded me into someone with a future. And she devoted that attention and care to every one of her students, folks from White Oak, Gilmer, Overton, Longview, Kilgore and other red-clay, piney wood outposts. The only thing you had to do is to be smart enough to listen.

From my little staff, the stories are inspiring.

Brandon George came to KC from Central Heights, a high school without a football team, and is now the Dallas Cowboys beat writer at The Dallas Morning News, one of the most coveted beats in the country. Hallsville’s Jamie Taylor became Jamie Huckaby, this year’s Dallas Morning News visual journalist of the year. Overton’s Chip Hale directs movies.

Randy Ferguson and Jo Lee Hammer got married, and made a longtime impact on their hometown newspaper, the Longview News-Journal. Hallsville’s Chris Moore is the Director of Communications for Garland ISD, a district with 58,000 students and 71 campuses.

I even tricked Pittsburg’s Alicia Lyle into marrying me 15 years ago, and we have two “Flare babies,” as Mrs. Craddock calls her sort-of grandchildren.

In March 2013, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association gave a Gold Crown award to two institutions in the United States for their college newspapers. One is the University of Indiana, with a powerhouse program that lists 97 members among its journalism department faculty and staff.

The other was Kilgore College, which has one.

On the next level down, the Silver Crown winners included Princeton, Baylor, Alabama and Oklahoma.

It should feel like a shock that Kilgore College would be included in such company. But it’s not.

You NEEEEEEVER assume anything.”

Ohhh Rufus entertains The Flare staff at TIPA dinner.

Left: The Flare staff works into the night in the Student Support building. In 2004, The Flare office moved to the Communications/ Automotive Building across the bridge.

Those students earning such a lofty award all had wake-up calls.

They all learned from Bettye Craddock, the very definition of an educator. She equipped each of us with real-world abilities and the belief that we can do anything.

Her record is impeccable. Her

students won literally thousands of awards. She’s overseen the best community college newspaper in the state for 28 years. If she were a football coach, there would be a statue of her on campus.

She’ll just have to settle for our undying love.

P.S. Yes, Mrs. Craddock, this is long, and you always said writing long was “writing for your mama.” But this time, I was.

The Flare lab in 2007-08.

A smiley face and checks cover the board proving that the 20-page final Flare of the 2012 Spring semester is complete.

The Right Direction

By Brandon George

The Flare Staff Writer 1995-97

A

few years ago, I was faced with the decision of accepting a job offer from ESPN or covering the Dallas Cowboys beat for The Dallas Morning News.

Fortunate to have options in an industry that certainly has seen its better days, I did what every reasonable journalist would do: called fellow Flare alumnus Dave Wilson for advice.

If anyone knows about changing jobs, it’s Wilson, who has somehow found a way to talk his way into the doors of The Dallas Morning News and New York Times and now at ESPN’s headquarters in Connecticut.

Undoubtedly leaned back in his comfy chair in Bristol, with his feet propped up on his desk, Wilson basically told me that I couldn’t go wrong with either choice and to follow my heart.

What you had here were two ex-Kilgore College journalism students who had certainly been blessed more than they ever deserved to be and in their fortunate situations because of one woman.

That would be Bettye Craddock, Kilgore College’s journalism instructor and adviser for The Flare student newspaper who is retiring after 28 years and nine months at KC. Not to get philosophical, but often times it’s those quick moments in life that change our paths forever. For me, running into Mrs. Craddock on KC’s campus in 1995 changed my life forever.

I had no idea what I was even going to eat for lunch that day much less what career

I wanted to pursue. Mrs. Craddock, as has always been the case since the first day I met her, welcomed me with open arms.

She asked me what were some of my interests and I told her sports were near the top. She suggested I come write sports for The Flare and take some of her journalism classes.

Almost 20 years later, I’m still writing. I chose to continue my career at The DMN a few years ago – after the phone call to Wilson – and I’m entering my third full year of covering America’s Team for Texas’ top newspaper. It’s considered the most-competitive and top beat at our newspaper and – by many – one of the most-sought after sports beats in the nation.

I’ve worked full time at The DMN since 2001.

Mrs. Craddock is the person responsible for my success today. Make no mistake, she

pointed me in the right direction and then prepared me for each step in the process, giving me the tools I would need to seriously entertain the idea of pursuing a sports writing career.

Mrs. Craddock is not only a great teacher and leader, but she’s also like a second mom to all of her students. She’s tender-hearted and soft-spoken and is always supportive and optimistic. But she also can be direct, not leading anyone in the wrong direction and telling you what you need to hear and not just what you want to hear.

Mrs. Craddock is that perfect balance, that model teacher, a woman of patience and poise who shows great humility and holds her students to the highest of standards.

I consider her one of the most-influential

people in my life.

Really, she’s what we all aspire to be, someone who leaves her mark wherever she goes and changes people’s lives for the better. If you’ve ever met her, you won’t forget her.

I know I won’t.

And neither will Wilson.

Even after a replacement has been named for Craddock, no one will ever replace what she means to the two of us.

Years from now, when Wilson is president at ESPN and I’m begging him for a job, we’ll still be talking about how much Mrs. Craddock touched our lives and still arguing about who her favorite was during those memorable mid1990s days that changed our paths and warmed our hearts.

More than a Style guide Bettye Craddock teaches life lessons

By Jessica (Williamson) Smith The Flare 1996-98

W

hy do I always have a pencil with me? Why do I always think “if you don’t want it printed, don’t let it happen” when making decisions? Why do I put J’s on everything? It is because of a special lady who so often gave advice in a sing-song voice and who had her priorities in order—Faith, Family, Flare.

When I think of my years at Kilgore College, and while I’m sure I had other classes to go to and other things to do at KC, the images that come to mind are those in The Flare lab. While this was a place of work and learning, it was also a place to hang out with good friends—some of whom I am still very close to today. It was a place to enjoy the collegiate atmosphere and hear many “Craddockisms”— many of which I still say today. J Throughout the years, under Mrs. Craddock’s tutelage, The Flare received more awards and honors than I have space to list. As a former student of Mrs. Craddock’s, I can easily say that I not only learned more journalism skills at KC than anywhere else in my college

education, but I also developed a love for journalism and writing that has continued in the 15 years since. But, more importantly than AP Style or journalism rules, Mrs. Craddock sends her students into the world with an appreciation of life and an excitement to continue telling the world’s stories. Whether we have gone on to be reporters, communications directors, editors or writers, or something completely different, we take a part of Mrs. Craddock with us in our hearts and minds. Former students always have a “Craddockism” running through their minds—whether it is “Don’t forget to take a pencil in case it rains” or “People don’t care what you know until they know you care”—Bettye Craddock is always in our head.

Mrs. Craddock is more than an instructor—she is a mother…a conscience…a cheerleader…and always your biggest supporter. While I had to work several jobs during my college days to help earn money for my family and my college education, I also applied for numerous scholarships—many of which I am absolutely sure I received on Bettye Craddock’s letters of recommendations alone. It seemed that if she put her name on it, I received it.

She would say it was my hard work and determination, but really, I think that when someone saw her name, it was a done deal. For that I am truly grateful.

I have so many happy memories from The Flare days: Tish, Mandy, Colby, Mrs. Craddock and I finishing up another issue, while ordering our favorite Taco Bueno meals; not being allowed to use the cutting blade (I’m a terrible cutter) and trying not to burn myself on the wax machine (cutting and pasting has a whole other meaning when you are doing pasteups); TIPA trips; O. Rufus; MOM and those Macs; summer workshops. Once I was

“

Kathryn Morton and Ashley Austin reunite with their Flare mom, Bettye Craddock at The Flare Reunion.

sleeping in my car outside the old Flare office (trying to get in a few minutes of shut eye between work and class) when I hear a tapping on my window—it was Mrs. Craddock, just “checking to make sure you were alive.”

So many reasons to love BC! Oh, and of course, my overuse of J on everything. J Having a person as wonderful as Mrs. Craddock around you for two straight years makes it hard to leave KC and move on to the next phase in your life. We always said how we wished it were a four-year university so we could stay with Mrs. Craddock longer. Some linger, but alas! we move on.

But somehow we always end up coming back. What will we do now that you are retiring? Where will we go? J KC and The Flare just won’t be the same without you.

Maybe they should retire that too?

I love you Mrs. Craddock! Thank you for touching my life in so many ways— these words aren’t adequate of the way you have influenced my life, but I hope they will at least shed some light on how important you are to so many. We will miss you!

So many reasons to love BC!”

Bettye Craddock welcomes Flare alumna Anna Peters to the reunion.

Don’t forget to :)

By Mandy Stephens The Flare 1996-98

“If that’s the worst thing you ever do...”

After all was said and done, Mrs. Craddock told me in her trademark sing-song voice that it would all be OK. Just hop on over That would be the theme of my 1 1/2 year to the News Herald. And I did. And it stint in the Flare lab in the “Tudent Services” was all OK because, “if that’s the worst building. Thanks to Bettye Craddock, it is thing I ever do...” a term that has served me well during the What does this story have to do with past 15 years as a mom and a teacher. an amazing journalism instructor who You see, I am a worrier by design. I am a has taught the art of writing, reporting people-pleaser. If I make a mistake, as we and AP style; who has guided her humans are prone to do, I tend to melt. Mrs. students in achieving countless awards Craddock picked up on that very quickly. and honors? Bettye Craddock is more She just has this uncanny way of figuring than a journalism instructor. She is an people out and encouraging their strengths encourager, a friend, at times a mother and helping them own their idiosyncratic figure and an insightful mentor. tendencies. Needless to say, BC chanted that Bettye Craddock has not merely saying several times over the course of my provided a journalism education to so Flare career. many young adults. She has instilled One episode in particular that sticks out in each of us a love for journalism, in my mind was the day that I was asked to a passion for learning, a respect for pick up a photo from Greg Collins, at the differing opinions, empathy, a work ethic time the editor at the Kilgore News Herald. and even an appreciation for good humor.

For some reason I had it in my head that Mr. Her affinity for smiley faces reminds us Collins could be found at the Longview News that no matter what happens, no matter Journal. Well, I got in my car and promptly the circumstances, a smile is essential drove to the Longview News Journal. In to our daily regimen. A smile never hurt Longview. Twenty minutes away. I asked anyone. :) for Greg Collins. As you can imagine that I sincerely hope and pray that request was met with blank stares and students after BC will be given the same shrugged shoulders. I called Mrs. Craddock opportunity to be instructed, supported, and I’ll never forget her response. guided and loved as those of us who have “Where are you, Mandy?” she asked. I told been fortunate enough to have her in our her and I could tell she was trying her best to lives have. keep from laughing. She didn’t accomplish On a personal note, Bettye Craddock’s that task! Of course every journalism smile and guidance are the reasons I student and reporter were in the newsroom chose to become a teacher. It took a few at the time, so I was met with more laughter.

Mrs. Craddock NEEDS some Mr. Happy while proofing feature stories from her freshmen reporters. years for me to come around and for her encouragement and insightfulness to translate into a persistent reminder of her suggestion 15 years ago. I constantly have BC on my mind and think of her compassion, humor and persistence when working with my students. So many times, being human is more important than the lesson. Or maybe that is the big

“lesson.”

And so, with my smiley face hanging above my teacher desk, armed with all sorts of Craddockisms, I love and encourage my students to be the best they can be. If they mess up, I throw in one of those famous sayings into my pep talk and give them a hug. And a smile! We love you, Mrs. Craddock!

Keep it Simple,Silly!!

By Colby Bisetti Commentary Editor 1997; Sports Editor 1997-98

I

t was a non-descript day in the classroom next to The Flare lab in the old Student Services building. If memory serves, it was the commentary and feature story class and we (the current editors) were reading one of Bettye Craddock’s old stories from her days at the Lufkin paper. The story was about a man who was growing and picking what I seem to remember being some kind of berry.

In the story, Mrs. Craddock wrote exactly how this man spoke, not only drawing the reader a perfect picture of what type of Good Ol” Boy she was reporting on, but showing us just how entertaining some of the simplest stories could be if done right. It was because of this story, some of our best writing while at The Flare and beyond were birthed.

When it came to writing on the Commentary page, we found we could entertain with the everyday occurrences in our lives.

Instead of lack parking spaces, we drew parallels between Nyquil and alcoholics.

In our deliriums between classes and long Wednesday production night, we retold the Star Wars Saga, but changed the names

of characters to sodas from our vending machine. Poverty issues in the East Texas Areas; no thanks. Instead we spent a day riding with a man, who with his brother, owned an ice cream truck. Coincidently, that column won at a convention over a woman who had written about single moms graduating at her university.

When the end of semester approached, and the big double issue was published, this approach was used in writing those end of semester feature stories. Whether it was about the equestrian center that used it’s horses as part of physical therapy or showing our custodial staff in their free time.

I could name other instances, but the number of awards Mrs. Craddock has won while advisor to The Flare staff speaks for itself. Thank you for showing us how to take what we saw right in front of us and tell the stories others have enjoyed.

I still have my pencil in case it rains, and can feel the ink on my hands from the Friday morning deliveries. Hope all the best to you in life after Kilgore College.

Left: Ashley Austin, 69th line and Flare managing editor, outside the Bettye Herrington Craddock Journalism Center, in 2010. Right: Kathryn Morton, 60th line and features editor, outside the Student Services Building, former home of The Flare, in 2001.

Rangerettes with The Flare

By Kathryn Morton The Flare Editor 1998-2001

W

e know people don’t care what you know until they know you care.

And we know the most amazing newspaper adviser (with an E!) who does.

We know what it’s like not to see our number.

To dry the tears (with tissue, not Kleenex!), don the pin sign, apply more red lipstick and try again. (We also know there’s no comma before “and” in that series.)

We made it!

We’ve felt the thrill of breaking news.

We know the bond of a sister’s love cannot be broken.

We’ve put in long Wednesday nights perfecting words and images.

We’ve put our hearts on football fields on Saturdays, after perfecting our kicks.

We love what’s black and white and red all over.

We love the red, white and blue.

We will not start a story with “There will be.”

We will start a sentence with “Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

We don’t miss deadlines.

In fact, we’re 10 minutes early, or we’re not on time at all.

We smile when we see a yellow smiley face.

And when we see the twinkle of the SMILE sign in Dodson Auditorium.

Our love of The Flare is eternal.

And we are Rangerettes Forever.

Note: Only my Flare mother will read this

By Kathryn Morton

The Flare Editor 1998-2001

M

y heart sings when the lilting East Texas accent bounces around in my brain.

“If you don’t want it printed, don’t let it happen.

White space is your friend.

Don’t give him the big head.

Be sweet!”

I am so very thankful to have Bettye Craddock in my noggin.

I wish I could replay every class, every conversation, every zany late night working on The Flare. Kathryn Morton, with Flare adviser Bettye Craddock, received Time has faded some of her associate of arts from Kilgore College on May 4, 2001. the exact interactions. But Mrs. Craddock’s lessons Rangerette Revels. I was response to arrive in a week are ones I put to use daily there with my high school or so. But at intermission, — professionally and drill team. I also was Mrs. Craddock appeared in personally. I have to look up editor of my high school a cheerful yellow-and-black the “dimensions” entry in paper. Kilgore’s prestigious ensemble. I hadn’t expected the AP Stylebook every few Rangerettes AND The Flare, her to contact the box office, months, but other tenets are which caught my eye on find out where my team was in my muscle memory. Never racks when I visited the year sitting and to sift through assume. Check your work. before, made the community hoards of giggly teenage Check it again. Accuracy. college my top pick.

It girls to introduce herself.

Accuracy. Accuracy. Be fair. was 1998. The Internet still (When I met Mrs. Craddock, Be respectful. seemed too good to be true. teen-ager still had a hyphen.

I’d already fallen in love I’d fired off a request for Ah, the olden days!) with journalism by the more information about the Months later, I squinted time I met Mrs. Craddock journalism department, and through blistering Texas at Kilgore College’s annual I expected a generic email sunlight outside Dodson

Auditorium.

I’d been living in a Kilgore College residence hall for more than a week. My muscles ached.

My stomach danced — and not in a good way. Dozens upon dozens of anxious young women clustered around the building, waiting to file onto the stage and watch a sign drop from the rafters. Mothers and fathers snapped pictures of their children, fingers crossed, 500-point stenciled letters hanging from their necks.

High school friends carried flowers. My mom was a fourhour drive away, awaiting the results. I had Mrs. Craddock next to me.

She brought red roses wrapped in newspaper.

She apologized for the humbleness of the presentation. I thought it was delightfully perfect.

(Seven years later, I’d have a newspaper-themed wedding, and my altar decorations were red and white roses in similar newsprint cones.)

“What’s your tryout number?” she asked. She wouldn’t be able to enter the frigid auditorium at the same time I did. I told her it was 24.

“Two dozen!” she exclaimed. “I can remember that.”

Turned out she didn’t really need to remember.

The number wasn’t there.

Many girls’ numbers weren’t on the sign, either.

But they did not have Bettye

Craddock.

She whisked me to the Flare lab in the Student Services building.

I’d be stuck in Kilgore for a few more days because I didn’t have a car, but the Flare lab probably was better than curling up on my bed at home. The lab became my home and Mrs. Craddock my second mother.

I met Mrs. Craddock thinking I was pretty hot stuff. But I’d never used an AP Stylebook. I spelled adviser with an O. And toward with an S. And my times, dates and places were not nearly in the proper order on a consistent basis. I’m scared to consult my high school clippings, but I’m sure I committed the sins of “first annual” and “12 noon.” It took Mrs. Craddock ages to

knock serial commas out of me. And, oh, my design. I suffocated my pages in my mission not to leave an inch of white space unfilled.

In my very first class with her, Mrs. Craddock shared a maxim to which her educator mother also subscribed: “People don’t care what you know until they know you care.”

Some lectures are fuzzy, even though the lessons stayed with me. But that morning is one of my pristine memories. I knew Mrs. Craddock cared already.

Meeting me at Revels.

Hugging me tightly the day I felt so disappointing to everyone — the day I didn’t make Rangerettes.

That was a fraction of Mrs. Craddock’s phenomenal

From left, graduating Flare staff members Allison Landry, Jamie Maldonado, Jarrod Evans and Kathryn Morton interviewed for Stephen F. Austin State University’s Pine Log newspaper on May 3, 2001. Four years and four days later, Morton married the Pine Log editor who hired her.

Above: Kathryn Morton, Flare features editor, at her sophomore Rangerette Revels in April 2001.

kindness.

I didn’t have a car that first year. Kilgore’s a small town. It’s possible to walk to the grocery store, the movie theater or the post office.

But Mrs. Craddock insisted on chauffeuring me. (Even after I had my own set of wheels, she would not let me walk the 300 feet back to the dorm on Wednesday production nights.)

Fifteen years later, it still astounds me that supremely busy Mrs. Craddock dedicated her Thursday afternoons to shuttling me to the grocery store, to the post office, even to a doctor’s appointment. We’d drop off Flare pages at the Kilgore News Herald on the way to my errands. Seriously, who with tests to grade and a home to clean and a newspaper to advise gives so generously like that?

Bettye Craddock does.

I’ve approached the point where only my (Flare) mother will read the rest. (At least it’s not as long as the Rangerette Revels Special Edition Odyssey of 1999!) I could type for hours, days, months about how my eyes well up and my nose tingles when I think about how different my life would be if I hadn’t met Mrs. Craddock. She never once made me feel less intelligent or serious for wanting to be a Rangerette. Or less strong and independent because of stupid choices I’d made. Or less dedicated when I did earn the right to wear the Red, White and Blue and wasn’t in the Flare lab as often as I thought I should be.

At tiny Kilgore College, I was blessed with the best journalism foundation in Texas — and for a bargain price. That alone changed my life. But knowing, seeing, experiencing

Left: Bettye Craddock attended the newspaper-themed wedding of Kathryn Morton and Chris Anderson on May 7, 2005. Anderson’s father, Don, was a college roommate of Van Craddock.

Right: Kathryn Morton with her favorite Friday-afternoon companion, Helen Whitton Herrington, at Herrington’s home on Moody Street in Lufkin, Texas, in November 2001.

how much Mrs. Craddock cared sparked my transformation from a slightly cocky but oddly introverted teenager (no more hyphen!) into a more-confident journalist and human.

Three years at Kilgore was a blissful adventure. BUT THEN the blessings of Mrs. Craddock continued.

After struggling to decide where I should go to big school, Mrs. Craddock offered me a spot in her car with other Flare family members to interview for SFA’s Pine Log. It was the day before KC graduation. It was the day I finally found a place where I felt just as at home as I did in tiny Kilgore. It was the day I met my third mom. And my future husband.

Later, I teased Mrs. Craddock about why she didn’t suggest SFA to me months earlier. She insisted she didn’t want to pressure me just

because she’d gone to school there, too.

BUT THEN Mrs. Craddock gave me an additional, amazing gift. She introduced me to another kindred spirit: her mother.

I was wearing a white Rangerette T-shirt and beige capris the day I met Helen Whitton Herrington, the cheerful woman from the photo in the Flare lab. One of my favorite columns I’ve written compiled the life lessons I learned from Mrs. Herrington. Once a week, I spent joyful time in the kitchen of Mrs. Craddock’s childhood home — writing cards, logging dividend checks, opening cans. I made my own grocery-store trips for someone who couldn’t drive herself (but mine were to Brookshire’s instead of Winn-Dixie). Those Friday afternoons (and Saturday mornings, sometimes) were treasured moments. “Be

Taking a chance

Kathryn Morton sporting her favorite outfit — her Rangerette uniform — in one of her favorite spots on campus, the Flare lab, in spring 2001.

careful!” Mrs. Herrington chimed as I headed to my red Ranger.

After her funeral in 2004, I drove to that modest house on Moody Street one last time to take a few pictures and to say a prayer of thanks for the lessons and love I’d found there.

By then, I’d also found love with the Pine Log editor who flipped through the colorcoded string book I assembled before Mrs. Craddock’s SFA road trip. And how’s this for destiny? His father and Mrs. Craddock’s husband’s are longtime friends. I adore that coincidence.

Chris Anderson and I now live in Pennsylvania, where I’ve met exactly one person who’s even heard of KC. I am immensely proud of my community college upbringing.

(I’m sure co-workers are tired of hearing about my escapades with Mrs. Craddock and the newspaper she has led.) At The Flare, I

was an assistant editor my first semester. I dabbled in features writing and design and whatever I fancied. I left Kilgore well-rounded and ready to spend my summers at daily papers alongside veteran reporters. I’m now managing editor of design for a business newspaper in Pennsylvania’s capital.

My story is one of hundreds. Mrs. Craddock inspires and pushes each of her students to pour their hearts into the best journalism they can muster. My confidence waivers some days, but I push toward my goal of being the journalist and woman Mrs. Craddock thinks I can be. When she told me she planned to retire, I was elated for her and the time she would spend with her grandchildren and family. I also felt profoundly thankful that, 15 years ago, I learned she cared and that she shared what she knew.

From right: Flare editor Kasi Dickerson, Jonathen Ruesch, Flare adviser Bettye Craddock and lab manager Jamie Maldonado display the front pages of the final 20-page paper in the print shop in May 2012.

Working on The Flare provides a lifetime of lessons

By Jamie Maldonado

The Flare Cartoonist 1998-2001, Staff Writer 1999, Commentary Editor 1999-2000, Managing Editor 2000-2001, Design Editor 2009-2010, Photo Editor 2010-2011, Lab Manager 2011-Present

I’m pretty sure Bettye Craddock thought I was a lunatic.

I had been a reader of The Flare for nearly eight years when I first enrolled at Kilgore College. My mother and older brother frequently brought it home when they were KC students. I intently read the first issue of the Fall 1998 semester as I waited in class for Photo I to start, and I noticed a want ad for

the cartoonist position. It was at that point when I had that kind of feeling that changes your life. You know, that overwhelming and irrational urge to dive into something you barely even understand, or maybe don’t even understand at all.

I can’t really remember if I made a visit to

entrance into The Flare Lab, and met Bettye Herrington Craddock. I could see the horror in her eyes.

Yet, despite any misgiving she might have had about my hair, she treated me fairly. She looked at my drawings, and introduced me to Matt Johnson and Emily Harrison, the co-editors.

Matt would take From right: Elizabeth Wisdom, Brittani Pfau and Jamie Maldonado walk the Corpus Christi a closer look at beach at the 2012 TIPA convention. my work, and he gave a thumbs up set up an interview, or if I had just marched myself in to my classic/cliché parking there the next day with every cartoon for the next issue. drawing I could muster in a (He would also go on to be my night. Regardless, I first met first college friend.)

It was official, I was on Bettye Craddock shortly after staff. Plum hair and all. I was reading that ad on Page 3.

At this point, I should overjoyed.

Then Craddock grabbed me mention my hair was very purple.

Vivid, glowing, by the ear and dragged me purple. Actually, it was Plum, down the hall. Literally.

I should add that I had according to the dye bottle. mentioned my high school My plum hair was born In experience to the spirit of taking advantage yearbook of adult freedom after having her, and she was merely wanted to do something with introducing me to Kyle Dalpe, hair color and never being the yearbook adviser. Despite able to in high school. I was my misgivings from a rather 18, in college and I could stressful turn as yearbook be myself. I dare say it was photographer at Kilgore High School, I cautiously joined patriotic and life-affirming.

And so the eagles of the Ranger staff.

The shy and socially freedom soared overhead somewhere as I made my first awkward high schooler was

being pulled full-force into a college experience intended to be as brief as possible.

What followed were three of the best years of my life.

There were ups and downs, but I learned more than I could have fathomed, about more things than I could have fathomed. And then things got even crazier.

After years of journalism branched into a life of photography and then what I thought was catastrophic failure, I came back to Kilgore College and The Flare at 29, this time as a student of photography. I was supposed to lend advice to the staff as I took photography classes.

Being back on The Flare was a fun idea that we all secretly fantasize about in some way at some point (admit it).

Except I felt like I was an embarrassing failure.

And once again, against all reason, I had an amazing time and learned more than I could have ever imagined. I learned how much of a failure I wasn’t and how great of an idea it was to come back. I grew more than I think some people ever allow themselves to. I accomplished things I will be proud of forever. I am not yet even capable of understanding exactly what has happened the last few years of my life.

I met Bettye Craddock when I was 18, and as of 17 minutes ago, I am 33. I can’t imagine my adult life without her

From right: Kasi Dickerson, Jamie Maldonado and Elizabeth Wisdom celebrate the end of the 2012 school year at The Flare Banquet in May 2012.

influence or presence. The maturity, poise, faith, compassion, drive, curiosity, discipline … A handful of paragraphs seem wholly insufficient for describing her influence in my life. That’s not even counting the vast skill set I have acquired and refined under her influence. And yet, I still feel I could learn another lifetime of lessons from her.

All I can do is what I have tried to do since I left KC the first time – pass it all on as much as possible, and to refine what I have learned endlessly. It may be the only suitable way to honor the legacy of excellence and compassion Bettye Craddock has left at KC and in the lives of her students.

I am entirely thankful that Bettye will continue to be a part of my life, and I eternally thankful for the rewards she is only just now getting to savor when she will get to read

this. More time with her devoted husband, loving family and cherished friends. More time on Wednesday nights, and especially so much less stress from so many aspects of her various duties.

I hope maybe she will also take the time to look back on what she has helped build, too.

To understand why she won that one Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Adviser of the Year award, and why she should have rightfully won about 20-something in a row by now.

But I know what she will be proudest of are the generations of people who she guided to purpose, poise, discipline, compassion and passion like they never would have known without her. I am just one of the many, and I am blessed to have been one of her students.

You don’t really need a Pencil

By Wes Ferguson

The Flare Sports Reporter, Sports Editor, Co-Executive Editor 1998-2000

I

owe my career to Mrs. Craddock.

Before meeting her, I was an aimless kid who thought reading and writing were hobbies and real men worked in the oil field. Somehow she knew I’d be a journalist before I knew it myself, and she gave me a scholarship to work for The Flare. (My high school guidance counselor had filled out the scholarship application on my behalf). Three weeks into my freshman year, I was certain I’d found my life’s work.

No other instructor, before or since, has had a bigger hand in my development as a reporter and editor. Her encouragement and instruction laid the foundation for my future career, and although I left The Flare more than a decade ago, Mrs. Craddock remains one of my biggest supporters and a cherished mentor.

We tease Mrs. Craddock about all her little mottos and sayings — bring a pencil in case it rains; if you don’t want it printed, don’t let it happen — but one of her quotes that I thought was the cheesiest turns out to be the truest: “They won’t care

until they know you care.”

Not long after I had moved into the Kilgore College dorm, I passed out dogdrunk and woke up to find that most of my clothes had been stolen in the night.

A week or so passed before KC police apprehended the two thieves. The police chief called me into his office to scold me for drinking and having girls in Stark Hall.

Then he allowed me to gather my clothes and other items from a pile on the floor, and I carried them back to The Flare lab, where I had been trying to finish a sports story. Mrs. Craddock took one look at my dirty laundry and started crying. She took the clothes from me, washed and ironed them that night, and the next morning she gave them back to me neater and cleaner than they had ever been.

Over the span of two years, Mrs. Craddock taught me to write. She hammered AP style into my head and guided me as I grew into an editor role.

But her essential kindness has had an even greater impact on the way I try to lead my life. I care because I know she cares.

Long Road Home

By Meredith Wilson French

The Flare Associate Editor, Assistant Editor, Circulation manager etc.1998-2000

N

EVER!!! I will NEVER go to Kilgore College and I will NEVER be a journalist!!!! These were the famous last words of a graduating high school student without any plans except to get as far away from her parents and leave East Texas in the rear view mirror. A few short hours before my scholarship assembly, I received a phone call in the journalism room that would change my life forever.

The relentless Bettye Craddock gave me the sales pitch of the century and offered me a Presidential Scholarship. I hesitated, but eventually gave in to her wonderful life, rainbow and puppies promises. Little did I know I would find much more than I bargained for. I found a home, a mentor, the best of friends, and love.

So, some of this I said on Facebook, but there is still nothing like sitting down and writing. I will never be able to fully express all the gratitude that you deserve or relate all of the lessons that you have taught me.

Unlike many of my colleagues, I did not become a journalist. In fact, as you can probably tell by all the tense changes, and “there are” and “there is,” I have stopped writing all together for a while. I wanted to be one of the graduates that kept in touch and came back often to visit. Unfortunately, life got in the way. When Matt passed away and then the Flare moved to the other side of campus it just felt like two really big chunks of my heart had disappeared.

I know that Matt is looking down and wishing that he could be a part of all this.

The Flare was his family and his life. I would like to think that he stayed the last year for me, but I know I was only part of it.

The Flare Family 1999-2000.

He stayed because of the Flare and because he cared so much about you. He didn’t want to let you down. The legacy you are leaving is all of your students who don’t want to leave because they feel like they are home.

I want to say so much, but I am not even sure where to begin. You have taught me so much. You believed in me and my abilities when I didn’t believe in myself. You provided me a safe place to begin finding myself. You taught me to respect myself and you kept an eye on me and offered sage advice when I needed it the most! You taught me that happiness is a choice and that it truly is “A Wonderful Life!” I am blessed beyond measure. The college and journalism program will never be the same.

My favorite memories will always be of Angels in Kilgore!!! I think that is when I learned the most about being a real journalist. I will also remember the gentleman that fought in WWII that I got to interview. That was such a special thing for me. Thank you for making us keep string books. I have looked at them many times.

Congratulations on your retirement!

Matt Johnson and Meredith French hanging out in The Flare Office.

Emily Harrison, Meredith Wilson and Tracy May compete in TIPA.

Above: Meredith Wilson and Leslie George celebrate a Flare Christmas with Sesame Street.

Left: Meredith Wilson and Matt Johnson.

The Flare staff travel to Corpus Christi for TIPA.

Writing with a smile

By Jarrod Evans

The Flare Sports Editor 1999-2001

M

rs. Craddock is more than a teacher to me. She is a mentor. She is a guardian.

She is a counselor. She is a friend.

The most incredible thing about her is that she was willing to be all of these things with every single one of her students. All we had to do was listen and be receptive to all she had to offer. Those of us who acknowledged her greatness and her wealth of knowledge chose to listen to her guidance and wisdom. As a result, many of us have gone on to have very successful careers.

As Mrs. Craddock would say, “The proof is in the pudding.” Her students have worked for very prestigious publications such as: Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, San Diego Tribune, San Antonio Express News, USA Today, Denver Post and Austin American Statesman.

I probably left out some other key publications, but that is an extremely impressive track record nonetheless.

In addition to the newspaper industry, she has had students go on to successful careers in marketing, public relations, advertising, book writing, photography, radio and TV broadcasting. There are not many community college educators who have produced this many successful and diverse careers.

Mrs. Craddock has done much more for me than help guide me to a successful career. Of course, I learned lessons in

editing, reporting, and the AP Style Guide (which I still know by heart today). However, she taught me how to be the best person I can be. She passed along lessons in family values, integrity, moral code, and self-confidence. I will never forget the “cuss cup” and having to put a quarter in if a dirty word slipped out. Something like this might seem elementary for college students, but it was her way of teaching us how to be professional in a work setting – and it worked.

She was a counselor to many of us when we had struggles in our personal lives. I was dumped by a girl I had dated for three years, and Mrs. Craddock was probably the easiest person to talk to about it. We sat on that ugly yellow couch and she let me pour my puppy love heart out.

More than anything, I am grateful to

The Flare staff plans TIPA activities.

Jamie Maldonado, Tracy May, Emily Harrison and Meredith Wilson chill on the curb side.

Mrs. Craddock because she saw potential in me and guided me to take that potential and build on it. She gave me a scholarship because she saw my work in my high school newspaper and saw something special. I had never had anyone other my parents show that kind of faith in me before. It is amazing what happens to you when you build confidence based on what others see in you. That confidence gave me a drive and a determination to succeed that I had never had before.

I am not in the newspaper industry anymore, but I was successful as a designer and writer for The Daily Sentinel, The Wichita Eagle, and the Houston Chronicle.

I have now taken my experience and education and become extremely successful in the business-to-business marketing world. I still use Mrs. Craddock’s teachings on a daily basis, both in my professional life and my personal life. She always thought I was a great writer, so I often write on my own in a personal journal or a blog. Every time I write, I write as if Mrs. Craddock is going to read it, hoping that I deserve a good grade.

To Mrs. Craddock (or “Bettye C” as we liked to call you): I can’t thank you enough for your wisdom, kindness, and love.

Congratulations on retirement!

The measure of a mentor

By Allan Johnson

The Flare Sports Editor 2003-2006

F

Emily Jackson, Mrs. Craddock and Reneé (Gatons)Fujii in Galveston for the TIPA 2003 convention.

Life Lessons

By Reneé (Gatons) Fujii

The Flare Feature Editor 2002-03, Executive Editor 2003-04

W

hen I was in high school, my grandparents saved copies of The Flare for me. They knew I wanted to be a journalist, and they were sure the path to professional journalism went through Kilgore College. I attended KC after graduation and was excited to work with Bettye Craddock and The Flare staff.

I thought she was going to teach me to be a journalist. She did. But more than that, she taught me about life.

While life hasn’t lead me to become a journalist, I’m still so thankful for all that I learned from Mrs. Craddock. I learned not to judge people based on first impressions because she can see the good in everyone. I learned that family is more important than work. I learned to take chances and to stand up for what I believe in. And, of course, I always take a pencil in case it rains.

I can’t even begin to put into words how

much Mrs. Craddock means to me. I’m so blessed to know her and thankful for every time I get to see her or talk to her. She has made a huge impact on me and everyone else fortunate enough to meet her.

Almost 10 years ago, I wrote my final column as editor of The Flare. The end is as true today as it was then: Mrs. Craddock is one of the best, most caring people I have ever met. Even before I came to KC, she took the time to meet me at my high school after an award assembly.

She has been a mentor, an inspiration and a friend to me. She was there to help me through the tough times, and she was there to share my joy in the good times.

I love KC. I love the memories I’ve made and the people I’ve met. My life is more complete because of my experience here, and I’m going to miss it.

Flarewell.

or my time with Craddock, much of my success was measured by inches. Now charged with describing Craddock’s influence, I find myself wanting to write in feet.

Throw out the years of awards for stellar quality publications. Throw out all the students who got into college and got jobs based on her work. Throw out the commitment and dedication that had her be the first person in and the last person to leave. What you have left is still the best person I have ever known.

Craddock cares for people in a way that is foreign to most. I remember in my first encounters with her, I thought she was a bit of a lunatic. As time went on, that passion and commitment reveals itself as a fantastic trait.

Now everyone has their Craddock stories and some are better than others, but these are the ones that will stay with me for the rest of my days.

At a journalism convention, I got her an autograph from ABC

newsman Sam Donaldson.

Upon presenting it to her, she wanted to hug me, but didn’t feel she had the proper height. She stood on a rolling chair and as one might imagine, it slipped, she fell. Everyone was fine, and she did eventually get her hug.

Looking at a bigger picture, my dream in life was to go to the University of Texas. I wanted it so much that I ended up getting rejected six times.

I spent an extra year at KC just trying to get into Texas. In the end, I failed.

I quit. Craddock didn’t.

She talked to the office of admissions about my application and asked if there is anyway I could reapply. She helped me put together a new application.

In December 2008, I earned my Bachelors of Journalism from UT. Surprisingly that was not my biggest Craddock moment.

My grandfather raised me for a good deal of my life and he also came to be a huge Craddock fan as well. In fact, after a year at the Flare, anytime I had

to make a life decision, he always asked, “Did you ask Craddock what you should do?” They bonded at Flare banquets and he was so grateful for everything she did for me.

My grandfather passed away on Feb. 15, 2010. I returned to Kilgore once again. The woman who taught me how to cover basketball, interview people, and write stories on everything from attacking mockingbirds to city council meetings had to help me write one last obituary. With tears in my eyes, Craddock helped me pound out a brief (shockingly short for something I wrote) and poignant farewell.

Looking back it is amazing how much impact someone can have, and if you didn’t know Craddock, you would say it is impossible.

All I know is that I was an 18 year old kid who had never written anything who become Journalist of the Year. That award means a lot to me, but it pales in comparison to the spot that Craddock forever holds in my heart.

Tribute to Bettye Craddock

By Jamie Livingston (nee Jeffus) The Flare Staff Writer 2005

I

will never forget my first day of my freshman year of college. I was in a town unfamiliar to me. I lived in the dorm at KC and I didn’t know a soul.

My first class Jamie Livingston; The Flare Staff Writer 2005 of the day was Intro to Comm with Bettye Craddock. I was a broadcast journalism major- knew I wanted to be a journalist since I was little. That first day of class was great! I instantly loved Mrs. Craddock and knew she was going to change my life.

It was nerve racking being in a place without my family and friends I’d grown up with. But I made new ones and life went on.

Mrs. Craddock had a lot of confidence in me and my work and quelled any doubt I had on whether I’d become a successful journalist.

Throughout that year, I excelled in her classes. When it was time to join The Flare, I was nervous at first, but Mrs. Craddock always gave me positive feedback, and the newspaper began to be the best extracurricular I got involved in.

I really can’t put into words how Bettye Craddock changed me. She just did. One of the things she always said was to ‘smile.’

So that is what I try to do every day. If you were to go to my About Me section on my

Facebook page, you’ll see Bettye Craddock listed as my Number 1 mentor. Through her instruction and wisdom, I carried on my love and ambition for journalism. I later attended SFA and wrote for The Pine Log and now, at 27, I am a news producer for a FOX affiliate in Lubbock, Texas. My husband and I moved here so he could attend law school. We have a little girl together and being one of Mrs. Craddock’s pupils is the second best thing to ever happen to me, next to being a mother, respectively.

When I initially heard of Bettye’s retiring, I was sad at first because there are so many other students who won’t get the chance to have such an influential person in their life.

But she’s impacted so many people, I think she deserves a rest.

Mrs. Craddock, you were only my teacher for a year, but you’ve remained a constant inspiration in my life even after college.

I don’t even know if you truly remember me, but you paved the way for me in this industry and for that I will always be grateful. Enjoy your retirement for this isn’t the end, it’s a new beginning. You will always have my respect and love through and through.

When you look back at your career, all the students you’ve taught and all the colleagues you’ve inspired, I hope you take nothing out of it but servitude and knowledge that you are an amazing human being! I am honored to have been one of your students.

Happy we met

By Ana (Katzkova) Peters

The Flare Staff Writer, Page Editor and Assistant Editor 2007-2008

“M

ost of us end up with no more than five or six people who remember us. Teachers have thousands of people who remember them for the rest of their lives,” said the late Andy Rooney.

He was talking about you.

I am sure you are aware that I love all my teachers. Through my entire student journey, I had only one educator that I did not agree with (I think you might just remember – I called you one Friday afternoon crying about my 4000-level feature writing teacher, and you told me to drop the class, so I did).

Now, in my 22 years of school, I will always have only one teacher that means more to me that words can describe – Mrs. Bettye Craddock; Bettye with y-e. You made me a stickler for spelling people’s names properly.

I am borderline terrified from misspelling someone’s name. No, really, sometimes when I message my Facebook friends I’ll copy and paste their names from the message headline so that I don’t accidentally misspell them.

I’m rambling.

I remember the first time that I heard about you. I sat in Mr. Stroud’s class, and another student told me that since I’m a journalism major, I should come by your office before taking classes and meet you.

“She’s really nice,” the girl told me. So, I stopped by and talked to you, and I would be lying if I said that I remember that conversation. I do, however, remember my first Flare story. It was a pathetic, five-line

From left to right: Sara Knight, Mrs. Craddock, Anna Peters, Jacob Adkisson and Kyle Shipp are all smiles in The Flare lab before Spring Graduation 2008.

From left: Sarah Fields-Thomas, Melissa Greene, Anna Peters and Jacob Adkisson reunite for Homecoming 2009. paragraph with run-on sentences and a billion clauses. The page had more red than black ink. I was upset, but you sat me down, looked at me and told me that everyone starts like this and that I will learn. So, I believed you and let you teach me.

Mrs. Craddock, I still have The Flare Handbook at my work desk today. As a handbook tangent – I will never forget you explaining the string book directions in class.

“You will cut out your clips and glue them to the pages. And if you don’t know how to cut, ask someone who can help you. *classroom laughter* Don’t laugh, some people have difficulty cutting.”

You know, I was mortified that I will be one of those people and was beyond careful cutting out my stories in perfectly straight lines. Later, I think I figured out you just wanted to nicely tell all the slackers that you won’t accept them just tearing out paper

pieces and turning them in.

Rambling again.

Going back to the initial quote, I’m sure you know you made a difference in your students’ lives. I’m not positive, however, you truly know how much. My entire family was distressed that you’re retiring. Mrs. Craddock – they are in Bulgaria!

I don’t think an acquaintance of mine exists who hasn’t been told how you are amazingly awesome. You know, indirectly, you’re the reason why I met my husband and we are as happy as we are? You arranged for Lloyd to talk to me that morning at breakfast at TCCJA, so I, very fortunately, ended up at UT Arlington with a scholarship and a reporting job.

Not only that, but you listened to me nearly every Friday calling and wailing about how much I miss you and Kilgore and hate The Shorthorn. You didn’t complain once, and I cannot describe how much you helped me in a time when

I had nobody else to talk to.

It’s not just me – this May 11th gathering has been organized through Facebook. Well, that group – “Operation Smile” – took just three hours to get more than 100 responses with people volunteering to do things, help out and be part of this event.

An example of your influence from my married life: do you remember that Valentine’s Day column I wrote? You were in the lab when we were laying out pages, and you made a card for your husband. You said you and Van always make cards for each other for Valentine’s Day instead of buying things. I loved that, so it’s a tradition for my family as well.

Mrs. Craddock, I can seriously go on forever.

That wouldn’t be a column, though: more like a novel – a poorly organized, rambling novel.

I will stop here saying that I feel sorry for all the future Kilgore College journalism students, because they will never experience the greatness, compassion, care and love of Bettye Craddock.

But I’m sure as [a very warm place under the ground] happy that I did.

Mrs. Craddock laughs as Rufus sports a $1 bill tucked in his pants.

From left: Anna Peters, Sarah Fields-Thomas, Melissa Greene, Rufus and Jacob Adkisson join in the Homecoming festivities in 2008.

From left: Jacob Adkisson, Sarah Fields-Thomas, Melissa Greene, Anna (Katzkova) Peters, Sara Knight and Kyle Shipp attend the Flare Awards Banquet April 28, 2008.

Dollar bills become a part of Rufus Lovett’s wardrobe.

From left: Mrs. Craddock, Meredith McAlister, Anna Peters, Jacob Adkisson and Sarah Fields-Thomas enjoy some ice cream at TIPA 2007.

Great Teachers: The True Inspiration of a Student

By Jasmine Brazile

The Flare Staff Writer 2008-09, Yearbook Staff 2009

D

ear Jasmine, I’m an 18-year-old girl about to be a freshman at Kilgore College. I don’t know anything about the campus. I do know that I’m interested in journalism. I’ve signed up for several journalism classes with Bettye Craddock. Can you please give me some advice about being her student?

Signed, Unsure Student in Longview (me prior to attending KC) Dear Unsure Student in Longview, Ask anyone to name the most influential person in their life, and most often, a college professor makes the list. I can recall without a doubt my favorite college teacher, Mrs. Craddock (BC), my journalism instructor.

Mrs. Craddock is really more than a teacher, mother, wife or grandmother…she is an inspirer and encourager.

One August morning, Bettye Craddock’s classroom door flew open, and an 18-year-old loaded with books, unknown expectations and high aspirations entered the room. Mrs. Craddock worked day in and day out to ensure that each student that entered those doors was not only learning, but thriving to be the best they could be, and this student was about to discover this principle in action.

As this student continued enrolling in Mrs.

Craddock’s classes’ semester after semester, she learned what it meant to be a great teacher.

Great teachers, like Mrs. Craddock inspire career choices.

“Jasmine, you will make a wonderful PR practitioner one day,” said Mrs. Craddock while I was balling my eyes out due to life’s uncertainty. That is when I realized I should consider Public Relations as a degree. I mastered a dual degree in Public Relations and Broadcasting from the University of Texas at Arlington. Although, I haven’t pursued the PR industry (yet), I do get to use all my skills Mrs. Craddock taught me on a regular basis.

Great teachers, like Mrs. Craddock encourage students to overcome their present situations and realize their valuable contributions to the world.

“Smile for me ! :), Keep your chin up, and your precious,” signed Mrs. Craddock on each email sent to a recent grad struggling to land her first job.

Those small words of encouragement meant the world to me as I faced a challenging time in my life. I cannot think of a time when Mrs. Craddock was not there to lend a helping hand whether it was filling out multiple references, proofing cover letters or editing assignments.

Never once did she not close an email without

March 21, 2007, TIPA in San Antonio; from left: Melissa Greene, Ryan Perry, Micheal Cavazos, Jacob Adkisson and Mrs. Craddock taking picture of me taking the picture (she always had her camera and so did I).

stating, “I’m proud of you, and I love you.”

As you can tell by now, that 18-year-old old girl loaded with books, unknown expectations and high aspirations was me, Jasmine Brazile. I’m most certain that Mrs. Craddock contributed greatly to where I am today in my career.

Not only did she teach me about inverted pyramids, the art of a feature article and the designs of layouts, but she taught me life lessons that I will cherish forever. That

eighteen-year-old, now twenty-four still glances back at past assignments and smiles when she sees that big smiley face on that paper. Her classes taught me so much more than I could have learned in any book.

Great teachers are ones who can teach every student to reach their full potential and believes that every student’s talent and interests can be developed to reach greatness.

That is exactly what Bettye Craddock was and will always be, a GREAT TEACHER!

Unmatched

e c a r G

Craddock inspires student’s career

By J.C. Derrick

The Flare Staff Writer 2008, Executive Editor 2008-09, Associate Editor 2010 WASHINGTON—At some point in 2007 I received an email from Bettye Craddock. We had never met, but I had heard her name, and I found out she’d heard mine. She wanted me to come study journalism at Kilgore College.

The following January, 2008, at age 24, I enrolled at Kilgore College. Since I had been homeschooled my entire life, Mrs. Craddock was the first non-parental teacher I’d ever had, so she taught me things I would guess she never taught anyone else—like explaining these things calls “scantrons” for tests. From there, we moved on to more traditional topics such as the inverted pyramid and New York

Times vs. Sullivan.

I have two major memories from my first week: First, in watching how much she cared about her students, I quickly understood why Mrs. Craddock had never gone on to teach at a major university—she stayed where she could have the most impact on individual students.

Second, I remember her telling me she wanted me to get a four-year degree, which didn’t jive with my plan to take some classes in order to be a better freelance journalist. I nodded politely and thought, “That’ll never happen.”

Five years later, I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism and I’m working as a reporter on Capitol Hill. Both of those facts are a direct result of Mrs. Craddock’s influence in my life, and that influence continues to daily shape who I am as a person and a journalist.

The cuss cup was long gone by the time I arrived at Kilgore College, but Mrs. Craddock’s strong moral compass—the one we all know and love—was always present.

Mrs. Craddock appealed to the good in all of us: When anybody started acting up, or even threatened to, the shame of disappointing her did more to motivate us than an angry tirade ever would have. No one—and I mean no one—spoke louder in silence than Mrs. Craddock.

In my five semesters at KC, Mrs. Craddock taught me about AP Style, yellow journalism, leading, kerning and gutters, but she also taught me about life, love, hard work and

“

leadership. Her amazing style of servant leadership was and is an example to us all, and she did it with unmatched grace and dignity.

One of the marks of the Bettye Herrington Craddock Journalism Center (I still think they should have named the whole building after her) was the laughter that almost always filled it. Laughter was one of my favorite parts about the lab, and it continues to fill the life-long friendships I formed with my fellow Flare editors, Taylor Cammack, Christian Keitt and Ashley (Austin) Phelps.

It’s also why—I’m proud to say—we revived the Blue Sheet after an absence of several years. We believed it was absolutely necessary to commemorate the priceless blunders, inside jokes, and ridiculous boyfriend/girlfriend advice that passed through the lab.

A week doesn’t go by that I don’t reflect on those priceless memories from 2008 to 2010, when it was our privilege to carry on the tradition started 25 years earlier. My university experience was good, but I learned more from Mrs. Craddock—my journalism mentor—than anybody else.

I’m forever indebted to her for all that she poured into me, and she deserves the credit for anything I ever have a chance to accomplish in journalism.

Mrs. Craddock appealed to the good in all of us.”

During a TIPA trip in College Station, Mrs. Craddock, Rufus, Sara Knight and Taylor Cammack enjoy a sugar rush at a local ice cream shop on April 3, 2008.

Flare Family is Forever

By Ashley Austin

The Flare Staff Writer 2009, Copy Editor 2009, Managing Editor 2010

“D

on’t we all want to go to a place where everyone knows our name?

Where our friends are closer than just a phone call away- they’re down the hall or around the corner. Places where you walk in and can’t help but think, ‘I’m home.’”

I wrote these lines as the introduction to my very last column for The Flare in April 2010. The headline read, “All roads lead home as college days dwindle.” For some reason, I keep coming back to the mindset I had while writing this column in considering what to write about our dear, sweet Mrs. Craddock’s retirement.

For Mrs. Craddock, KC is home. At least that’s what we’d all like to think! Some days, I still wonder where on earth she found the time to raise her children (Not kids. Kids are baby goats), have a successful marriage, and become the ever-present Flare matriarch that she is. It seems like she never leaves the building, let alone the lab itself !

During my time at KC, we hardly did either.

The group of editors that I worked with for the two years I was on The Flare staff are friends that I will have for life. We take road trips together for crying out loud! We may be far apart, but we’re still Flare family. I wouldn’t have gotten through my two years at KC without them. They were my sanity. The lab was my safe haven away from the trials and tribulations of life as a Rangerette. If it weren’t for B.C., I wouldn’t have had any of that.

Nobody in our group knew when to stop typing. Need to fill some space? Call one of us! Taylor Cammack created mesmerizing manifestos, J.C. Derrick commented on controversial subjects big and small, Christian Keitt’s headlines broke hearts and I gave everyone advice about everything. Our verbiage may have made students’ eyes glaze over, but we didn’t care. We loved what we did.

We loved that we were allowed to do things our way. Why Bettye Craddock allowed me to write columns that took up half of the inside back page, an epic Angels in America anniversary extravaganza piece, or a college survival guide that nobody ever took seriously, I will never understand! But she loved us and we loved her.

She loved us so much, she even knew when to withhold information from us. Who knew that I had a near twin living halfway across the country? Bettye Craddock, that’s who!

Somehow she knew that one day the great Kathryn Morton and I would connect. She never said a word to me about the former secondtime’s-a-charm Rangerette and Flare editor with whom I share countless commonalties.

B.C. let my path cross Kathryn’s naturally (with the help of Jamie Maldonado, of course), taking no credit for bringing our kindred

Ashley Austin and Bettye Craddock relaxing outside after a pre-contest dinner during the 2010 TIPA trip to Kerville, TX. spirits together. Little did I know, Mrs. Craddock knew way before I did that Kathryn would be my friend, my Forever, and my son’s Godmother.

In so many ways, The Flare is like a family. We used to call Mrs. Craddock and Rufus mom and dad when they would make the long van rides with us to TIPA and TCCJA. If you can call us a family, then you can call the lab our home. Every year, our “mother’s” children leave her nest and fly away. Some may no longer consider The Flare home, but those of us who do, still consider B.C. a mom. If we could, we’d all be those post-college kids who move back home after graduation.

That’s just how much we love her.

Now, it’s time for Mrs. Craddock to leave our home. She’s given us her time, energy and love year after year without missing a beat. I have seen her on the worst days still smile and encourage her students.

Life will go on at KC without Mrs. Craddock,

but it will never be the same. I am so sad to know that my baby boy will not have the chance to grow up and stay up late on a Wednesday night putting together The Flare with B.C. However, he will most definitely learn the lessons that my Flare family and I pass on to him. He will always remember to bring a pencil in case it rains.

I have faith that Mrs. Craddock will not leave the “Bettye Herrington Craddock Center for Journalistic Excellence” without a strong, capable replacement. The Flare will always bear her mark because of the lasting lessons that she leaves with each and every student she teaches. Our family will take care of our “mother’s” legacy. Because I know that, I still stand behind what I wrote almost three years ago, “I encourage any student with even a slight interest in communication to take a chance and join our staff. I promise, you wont regret it - and a Rangerette never breaks her promise!”

A smiling face behind smiley faces

By Meagan Brown The Flare Executive Editor 2011 It’s hard to believe that it’s time for me to leave Kilgore, my beloved home for pretty much the last 20 years. It’s even harder to believe that this is my last time working in The Flare lab, which has become not just my home, but my stronghold.

I’ve been through a lot to get to this point in my life, but that’s not the last thing I want to write about before I go.

I could say a lot about my experiences and how thankful I am, but I feel that it’s only fair to shine the spotlight on someone who has done more for me and other students than anyone could ever imagine. This instructor does more than teach and care about her students, she loves them with a heart of pure gold.

Every semester The Flare does stories over everyone under the sun here at KC, but one instructor gets left out year after year: Bettye Craddock, journalism instructor, Flare adviser and one of the most amazing people you could ever have the chance of

Above: Executive Editor Maegan Brown displays her completed sports page with pride.

Left: Jamie Barr and Maegan Brown chill in The Flare lab.

Kasi Dickerson and Meagan Brown share in the honor of being named Flare Reporter of The Year for 2011. meeting.

Craddock began her lifetime affair with The Flare in 1984 and has accomplished a lot in the past 27 years. The Flare lab is even named in her honor, The Bettye Herrington Craddock Journalism Center.

I can see her cringing now as she’s reading this for the first time; Craddock is so selfless that she can’t stand to see anything about herself.

One previous student of her’s recently recalled how difficult she made it to get a picture of her when the

lab was being named in her honor and how mortified she was when the picture ran on the front page, even though it was hidden at the bottom.

Last year she was recognized with an Excellence in Education award from the Texas Alpha Delta Kappa, and international organization for female educators.

I think that maybe the reason there’s never been a story written about her is because there’s no way to capture her essence. No words or pictures could ever

describe her in a way that a reader could understand her.

In 1994, Craddock was named the Adviser of the Year by the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

In my and many other students’ opinions, Craddock is the adviser of the year every year in our hearts. I don’t know if I’ll ever meet another instructor that is as powerful, loving and thoughtful as she is.

May 18, 2009 was declared “Betty Craddock Day” in Kilgore to honor her 25 years

of teaching.

I’m sure I could continue to list awards and honors for the woman, but she’s more than that.

She’s a bright smile. Her office is completely plastered in smiley faces, which are her favorite things on the planet.

Smiley faces suit her; she always has one on.

She’s a breath of fresh air. If you go to www. ratemyprofessors.com she has a 4.7 out of five rating for overall quality. One rater said, “Best teacher at Kilgore.

Will DO ANYTHING for a student! Awesome lady.” That couldn’t be more true.

She’s more than an educator; she’s a mother, she’s a mentor and she’s a support system.

Craddock has an innate ability to guide students along their own paths. She doesn’t care that I’m covered in tattoos despite the fact that she doesn’t like them; she’s going to guide me so that my tattoos do not become a hindrance to my future.

That’s the beauty of Bettye Craddock: she doesn’t care

Mrs. Craddock: Most Influential Teacher

By Stephanie Shipp

The Flare Managing Editor 2010-2011

W

The 2010-2011 Flare Staff join in celebrating the end of the semester at the 2011 Flare Awards Banquet.

about your situation or how you present yourself, she cares about who you are and will help you do anything.

Another comment from ratemyprofessors.com says, “I still consider her a mentor to this very day, and I’m graduating in May.” Craddock is a mother figure to all of us, whether we are close with our biological mom or not. She always makes sure we are well fed, well rested and well kept.

I’ll never forget when I wore the same sweat pants for God knows how long and she sat me down to talk to me about my appearance. Her approach

was not one of a scolding teacher, but instead it was one of a loving, caring parent who only wanted the best for me. She would’ve done that for anyone. Yet another comment says, “She’s the journalism department’s second mother to everyone.”

Craddock is a support system all of her own. She’s helped me quit smoking cigarettes, and God bless her for that. She will support any student through any situation, no matter what the circumstances. I’m not the only person that knows that; you can ask any one of the other hundreds of students

that have come through the journalism department and KC and they would tell you the same.

This column doesn’t even do her justice, but neither did the special 12-page tabloid newspaper that was printed for her in 2009, nor the many awards that deck the halls of Old Main or that don the wall in The Flare lab.

There aren’t words, thoughts or even pictures that could ever encompass this woman. I thank God for her everyday, and you would too if you knew her.

ords cannot describe how heartbroken I was when I heard Mrs. Craddock was retiring. Even though I know she will enjoy spending more time with her grandbabies, Kilgore College is losing a miraculous woman.

Out of my 16 years of education, Mrs. Craddock has been one of the most influential teachers in my life. I have never had someone in my life care about me like Mrs. Craddock did. From school business to family business, I could always count on her to put a SMILE on my face!

Starting out as a freshman in college, I became one of Mrs. Craddock’s journalism babies. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher to help me when transitioning from high school to college. Even though college was tough sometimes when I was at Kilgore College, I always knew Mrs. Craddock would be there for me to simply sit down and listen to me speak about my problems. I can honestly say Mrs. Craddock changed my life whether it has been personal experiences or school experiences.

Being under Mrs. Craddock’s journalism umbrella, I was able to open my mind to new things and become more of a people person.

I was offered Who’s Who Among College Students, and I could not have been able to

Jamie Barr and Stephanie Shipp supporting the KC Rangers. receive this opportunity if it had not been for Mrs. Craddock.

Throughout my Kilgore College education, I learned many new things about myself, but being around Mrs. Craddock and her loving self, I learned so many different things I would have never thought I knew about myself. I became a stronger woman because of Mrs. Craddock, and no matter what, Mrs. Craddock will always be a part of my life. I will carry a piece of her smile everywhere I go, to remind myself to be happy no matter what I am going through. Mrs. Craddock has definitely had a positive impact on the woman I am today because of her role in my life. My family and I could not be more thankful for God placing Mrs. Craddock in our lives.

s e l i Sm all around

By Jonathen Ruesch The Flare Assistant Editor 2010, Web Editor 2011-13, Circulation Manager 2011-13, Advertising Manager 2012-13

A

collection of smiley faces that would make the emoticon options jealous, that is one of the first things I think when I think of Bettye Craddock. I can still remember walking into the Bettye Herrington Craddock Journalism Center at the beginning of the Fall 2010 semester and looking to the right and BAM! Yellow faces with the iconic half-circle for a smile looking right at me. I quickly decided that it fit the journalism instructor to a T. I have seen that woman smile through even the dimmest moments, like around noon on a Flare Thursday and there are still headlines to be written. Of course, those moments are paired with the laughter of a halfinsane person who received only a few hours of sleep the night before after proof-reading and waking up just to finish the work from the night before.

When I first started to work with Mrs. Craddock, and she’s always made it feel like you were working with her instead of under her or for her, I was not quite sure what to think. I had never had such a bright, energetic teacher before, not even my 6th and 7th grade choir teacher, who had a rather sunny disposition herself. I didn’t know that she was anything else until she barked at a student, literally, it sounded like someone had crossed a peacock and a dog and all of us in the classroom went wide-eyed, then we laughed.

It was in response to a question, and I can’t even remember what the question was.

Then whenever she was paired

with Rufus Lovett, you couldn’t write better stuff. It was hilarious to watch those two interact. I don’t think a day went by that I was not in that lab with the two of them that I did not hear either a “now Bettye” from Rufus or a “oh Rufus” from Mrs. Craddock. I can remember jokes flying right over Mrs. Craddock’s head, but then after a while she’d get them, and you could see it on her face, and it was usually followed with a “Rufus, not in front of the children.”

I have so many fond memories of the woman that I have come to care for and see as more than just an instructor. I will always remember her giving me part of her foot-long Subway sandwich now and then, most Wednesday nights.

I will always remember her flying F’s just to make an ugly grade look better. I will remember how the woman never seemed to stop throughout the semester, there was always something for her to do. I will remember how she would never swear, unless you count her “oh crunch.” I will remember Betsy Foreman and I in the lab without her, and yet we still corrected ourselves after we said me and so-and-so, quickly reverting to the proper so-and-so and I that she always got onto us for.

Even though Mrs. Craddock was an instructor, she didn’t make it feel like we were just her students. I remember, sitting in the Bones Learning Center at the age of 15, signing up for classes with Mrs. Craddock. I can remember her telling my dad and I that the Flare group was not just an organization, but a family. I was skeptical at first, but it only took a few weeks to realize that she was right, the Flare was a family, and Mrs. Craddock was the head of it.

Every little thing t h g is gonna bealri

By Kasi Dickerson

The Flare Staff Writer 2010, Design Editor 2011, Executive Editor 2011-12, The Flare Magazine Co-Editor 2011/12

H

umming Mac monitors welcome me to the deserted Flare Lab early each Thursday morning.

Ink splattered papers decorate the once useful tables showing the aftermath of last night’s publication battle. With less than four hours of sleep, I groggily settle into my desk holding my stack of proofs. Panic sets in as I scan over my proofs; there is so much blue ink! How am I going to fix all this before noon?

As I begin making corrections, I hear Mrs. Craddock’s echoing footsteps down the hall.

With a mountain of papers in hand and a warm smile on her face, she enters the Flare lab with a cheery “Good Morning,” and concerned “How are you?” I tell her the usual, “Good but stressed,” and she tells me Kasi Dickerson was named Editor of The Year at the 2013 TIPA for her work at Kilgore College some advice I will never forget.

“God divided the days into 24 hours because under Bettye Craddock.

He knew we couldn’t handle more than that. dropping me off at my apartment every We shouldn’t complain or worry about our Wednesday night and her reminding me to circumstances because God made this day lock the door. I will often think back to us so we should rejoice.” And with a smile she jamming to Bob Marley’s “Don’t worry” on handed me her stack of bleeding proofs and production night when things plummeted we begin our Thursday morning routine. out of control. I remember dancing with Moments like this are what I remember Elizabeth and Mrs. Craddock after we sent most about working with Mrs. Craddock off our first magazine and yearbook that we and The Flare. I remember walking into the finished at about 2 a.m. But most of all I will Flare lab and immediately feeling at home. I always cherish the love of The Flare Family. will never forget singing “Down by The Bay” Mrs. Craddock, today I am rejoicing. I know on the bus ride to TIPA with Mrs. Craddock that I have been blessed beyond measure laughing and Rufus rolling his eyes. I will to have you in my life. I’m so thankful God always be grateful for Mrs. Craddock opened the doors for me to attend Kilgore

Bettye Craddock and Kasi Dickerson share smiles in their happy sweatshirts.

Kasi Dickerson and Elizabeth Wisdom smother Bettye Craddock with love.

Bettye Craddock presents Kasi Dickerson with The Flare Reporter of the Year award for the 2012 semester.

Bettye Craddock hugs Kasi Dickerson after her graduation.

Rufus feels free out on the ocean pier.

Bettye Craddock and Kasi Dickerson enjoy the ocean breeze in Corpus Christi during a TIPA break.

College. Ever since you introduced me to The Flare, my life has forever changed. I might have started college with the intent to teach elementary school, but I quickly found my passion for journalism after meeting you.

Your humble spirit, dedication, compassion and love encourage me to enjoy life’s stressful, crazy, exciting moments and everything in between. Thank you for always believing in me and challenging me.

You taught me to lead with grace and to always place others before myself.

I admire your genuine character. It didn’t matter what you had going on, if a student walked in with a problem you were there to help. You turned students into friends and

then transformed those friends into family.

You are an incredible teacher, woman, mentor and friend. I can truly say that without you, I would not be who I am today.

Nothing I could ever write would fully express how much you mean to me and how much you have impacted my life. I love you so much and will always cherish our friendship.

I pray that as God opens this next chapter of your life He continues to shower you with blessings. I pray you will enjoy every hour and moment of retirement. Soak up every minute with your grandbabies! You deserve it. Now as you say your Flarewell remember that “No, you may not cry...you can smile though because every little thing is gonna be alright!”

Ashton Johnson, Bettye Craddock, Brittani Pfau and Kasi Dickerson at the 2012 Flare Banquet.

The 2011-12 Flare Staff finished TCCJA strong with top honors.

The Flare staff stops for an ice cream treat during the 2011 TCCJA trip .

Rufus Lovett is clueless to the shenanigans of Kasi Dickerson and Elizabeth Wisdom.

Bettye Craddock with Kasi Dickerson who was named TIPA’s Reporter of the Year for Division 2.

Randi Vinson and Rufus Lovett at TIPA.

Elizabeth Wisdom and Kasi Dickerson display their first completed Flare Magazine with Bettye Craddock.

Rufus looking for the waiter during an Italian TIPA dinner.

Learning beyond a lesson plan

By Brittani Pfau The Flare Assistant Editor 2012; Co-Executive Editor 2012-13

B

ettye Craddock has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I came into KC’s journalism program feeling like I had just jumped into the deep end without knowing how to swim. But just as I grew in my relationship with her, I also grew into what I realized was my niche. She gave me confidence in my ability, something that is much more powerful than any academic lesson she could have taught me.

Choosing to attend KC before transferring to a university was one of the best decisions I could have made. Had I not, I would have never had the privilege to have been a part of such a wonderful organization as The Flare. I have been so blessed to have been taught by Mrs. Craddock. I truly feel that I learned much more from her than I could have from anyone, anywhere else. She hasn’t just prepared me in the academic sense but has also prepared me for life.

She has become so many things in my life: a confidante, an encourager, a mother figure, a spiritual leader, an example of what a godly woman, mother and wife should look like, an instructor and most importantly, she has been herself. She’s shown that being yourself, the person that God has created you to be, using the abilities he gave you and loving others is important. The love of the Lord shines through her.

God planted Mrs. Craddock at KC for

Co-Editors Brittani Pfau and Ashton Johnson with Bettye Craddock in The Flare Lab before taking off on Craddock’s last Spring Break.

An unplanned twinkie day for Co-Executive Editor Brittani Pfau and Bettye Craddock. a reason and I’m so grateful that He did. She’s left a mark on all of our hearts in a way that not many people can and for that I say thank you, Mrs. Craddock. You have meant more to me than you’ll ever know. I credit you with helping to shape me into the woman I am today. Love you, BC!  Co-Editors Brittani Pfau, Ashton Johnson and adviser Bettye Craddock celebrate Pfau’s 20th birthday in Craddock’s office.

One woman, one semester

By Maegan Mitchell

The 2012-2013 Flare Staff won sweepstakes for the 23rd time in 27 years at TIPA in Fort Worth.

The Flare Staff Writer 2013

O

ver the past year of my life, so many things I have always counted on have slowly changed and faded away.

I suddenly found myself a single mother of two beautiful children just trying to find our place in this world; struggling to get by and keep my head above water.

The many life changing events I have experienced have led to the reflection on myself as a person as well as much time spent reconfiguring my future.

As I began to look back on my life and the choices I have made, I have surprisingly found myself in awe of the amount of people who have believed in me at the times I have felt my lowest.

This past semester, I hesitantly changed my major to journalism solely based on a spur of the moment decision. Not only myself, but also many family and friends, believe it is possibly the best one I’ve ever made.

Finally, I have found my life’s calling in one semester and I credit it all to one amazing woman, Bettye Craddock.

I have always had a passion for writing, but I have never known anyone with the ability to pull it out of me the way Craddock has.

It took a dedicated, caring, loving and gifted person to do so; something very hard to find in today’s harsh world.

Craddock treats her students as her children, guiding them through their time at Kilgore College, teaching them the importance of communication.

She encourages each and every one of us, day in and day out, to strive to be the best we can be and chase our dreams with undying determination.

In my eyes, this extraordinary woman has transformed from a complete stranger to a second mother, but more importantly, a lifelong friend.

I have personally witnessed the impact she has had on people as a room full of students and teachers from all over the state stood to applaud the time, love and effort she has graciously given. She has taught so many by example what it means to have a pure heart.

Craddock is not only someone who has impacted my life in an unforgettable way, but also someone who has helped pave the way for an incredible future.

Her time spent at KC has left an impression on each and every student whose path she has crossed and she will be remembered as a woman of integrity, honesty and dependability.

During the brief time I was privileged to have Craddock as an instructor she touched my life in a way I will forever be grateful for.

UnexpectedBlessings

By Jordan Moss

The Flare Staff Writer 2013

I

t is not everyday you meet someone who changes your life for the better. Someone who makes an impact that will last a lifetime. Someone you know you are a better person for having known.

Bettye Craddock has spent nearly 30 years changing the lives of young people. During her time as an instructor at Kilgore College she set a standard for excellence in running her department that is unmatched.

I consider it a blessing I even met Craddock, if it weren’t for one of the biggest mistakes I ever made I wouldn’t have.

I was all set to move anywhere else to finish school, my DUI changed that. Having my savings wiped out in legal fees and fines hurt, but it kept me at KC longer, which gave me one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had, meeting Craddock.

Taking her Mass Communications class peaked my interest in journalism, taking her Reporting I class changed my life.

Through her teaching I developed a solid foundation in news writing. Trust me when I say as long as I live I will never use the word

“would” in sports reporting or confuse “lead” and “led” again.

She gave me opportunities that gave me a leg up in my career field. Allowing me to cover basketball and go to the national tournament with our team got me published in my first non-student run publications, for that I am forever grateful.

I know I am not the first to walk away from her program at KC feeling lucky to have been apart of it, and I am thrilled to be fortunate enough to have been part of her last semester.

Bettye Craddock has spent a lifetime changing lives, even though she will no longer be teaching I know that she’s not done.

I’ve talked to many who say they still call upon her for guidance, both personally and professionally.

I want her to enjoy her retirement, to walk away knowing that the impact she had on the kids she taught, and the industry she prepared them for is immeasurable. Both every student to walk through her doors and the journalism world is a better place because of her.

Brittani Pfau and Ashton Johnson at the TIPA awards brunch.

Kris Dobbins, Sheniece Chappell and Maegan Mitchell at the 2013 TIPA Convention.

Former Flare Ad Manager BeBe Foreman and Bettye Craddock at Razoo’s in Fort Worth.

Laura Krantz, Bettye Craddock and Eddye Gallagher at TIPA 2013.

Kris Dobbins was named 2013 TIPA Photojournalist of the Year.

Jordan Moss, Jamie Maldonado and Bettye Craddock await the TIPA 2013 awards ceremony.

The 2012-2013 Flare Staff get in touch with their Cajun side as they eat at Razoo’s in Fort Worth.

Flarewell!

God Bless