What’s Inside: Music video filmed at Tiger Stadium, page 8
66th Year--Vol. I
Northeast Mississippi Community College--Booneville, Miss.
September 2, 2014
College embraces technological advancement Special to The Beacon
To give their students the best learning environment possible, Northeast Mississippi Community College officials have taken a huge step in the ever-changing world of technology. ONE Northeast … an iPad initiative has as its mission “to better prepare students for tomorrow’s workplace by leveraging technology while providing an engaging learning environment and a cost savings to the student.” Northeast is the first community/junior college in the state of Mississippi to make iPads available to its faculty campus-wide and executive vice president Ricky Ford believes this step puts Northeast at the forefront of technological innovation in higher education in the state. “Northeast is very excited to begin this new phase of learning in the educational process,” said Ford. “As always Northeast is on the cutting edge of classroom instruction. Technology now provides a way for us to aid the student in the learning process by engaging them more in the subject material. Through technology we can now pull in more ideas and instructional techniques from a variety of avenues.
“The most important thing is the fact that Northeast can now engage the student more within the classroom setting,” Ford continued. “We have received many positive comments from the educational community and we are looking forward to implementing this method of instruction. Any student that attends Northeast Mississippi Community College can be assured that they will receive the highest level of classroom instruction that will be superior to any institution of higher learning.” Starting in the fall of 2015, Ford hopes Northeast will place iPads in the hands of every student that enrolls at the school. Students will then have the choice to actively participate in the way the college carries out classroom instruction from a more traditional printed book-based environment or from one that embraces the ever-changing world of technology. “Even though we are integrating a high level of technology in the classroom, we do not want to eliminate the traditional lecture method of teaching,” Ford said. “I don’t think the lecture method would or should ever be eliminated from the teaching process. We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the learning atmosphere
within the classroom.” A few of the college’s programs have already embraced the technology such as the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program, which started with a pilot program of 12 students in 2011 to see how Apple iPad could be integrated into traditional courses. Northeast’s radiology programs and other health science fields soon followed suit. Northeast has been quick to embrace the Apple iPad as one of the essential learning tools of the twenty-first See College, on page 3
Twins donate to Locks of Love
hair cut. According to both twins, it took an “epic paper, rock, scissors match” of over 10 minutes to decide that Michael would be the first in the chair. Twins seem to do everything together. “Doing that with a twin is pretty hard,” Especially identical twins. Thus it was only suiting that identical Matthew Franks said. Since graduating high school in twins Michael and Matthew Franks would Hamilton, Alabama, the twins have been decide to an important event, together. growing their hair out Once known for the four semesters as the redheaded that they have been at twins in the band, Northeast. Michael and However, while their Matthew decided follicle growth was to cut off their spurred by their time red, curly hair for at Northeast -- in a reason that was high school, the twins near to their hearts. were under a dress On Thursday, code and had to keep April 17, both their hair cut, the idea headed to College for the donation came Street Salon for from their varsity something that years. each had waited “We had a couple over two years to of friends that were do. diagnosed with cancer Under the back in high school,” supervision of said Michael Franks. cosmetologist Leah “That really hit home Houston, who for us, so we figured served as the Tiger it was a good thing to Dancer coordinator for 2013-14, the Northeast Mississippi Community College do.” and Franks twins students and identical twins Michael Franks Michael watched as their (left) and Matthew Franks (right) share a Matthew’s donation two-year project moment with cosmetologist Leah Houston to the Locks of Love after the twins were able to donate over 21 helped the duo join came to fruition inches of hair to Locks of Love, due to the with a donation to length of their hair, both twin was able to rare company. First, most donations to Locks of Love. donate over 10.5 inches of hair apiece. Locks of Love come In just under two hours, Michael and Matthew were able to from women and the twins also donated red donate over 21 inches of hair to Locks of and curly hair to the national organization. “If anybody is thinking about doing Love, due to the length of their hair, both twin was able to donate over 10.5 inches of Locks of Love, I would recommend it 110-percent,” said Michael Franks. “It’s hair apiece. Locks of Love is a non-profit charity totally worth it.” However, while the donation to Locks organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the of Love was the end of a two-year plan, United States and Canada under age 21 both said they would miss the amusing suffering from long-term medical hair loss moments their long hair brought them such as getting their hair caught in a car from any diagnosis. Nonetheless, growing up with an identical door, rolling the window up on it, having twin can have its drawbacks as the other it caught in a crash cymbal during band often finishes a sentence and the same was practice or almost getting it caught in a the case on who was to go first to have their ceiling fan.
By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
Northeast Mississippi Community College students and identical twins Michael Franks (left) and Matthew Franks (right) share a moment with cosmetologist Leah Houston after the twins were able to donate over 21 inches of hair to Locks of Love, due to the length of their hair, both twin was able to donate over 10.5 inches of hair apiece.
“We have had some people pretty upset with us,” Matthew Franks said. “Some were in tears when they found out that we cut
it.” Nonetheless, the twins still say it was See Twins, on page 5
Opinion
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The Beacon
Tigers’ Roar
Question: Now that Northeast has moved to a four-day instructional calendar, what are you going to do on Friday?
Alexis Butler Belmont Freshman
Anna Gladwell Corinth Freshman
Brandon Henderson South Carolina Freshman
Brieana Sartin Belmont Freshman
Darrell Cain Iuka Freshman
Josh Miller Ripley Sophomore
“Go to work and football games”
“Go to work”
“Stay in my room in the air conditioning”
“Go home and be with family”
“Go to work”
“Go home for the weekend”
Kevin Crumb Lamar Freshman
Keyata Boyd Corinth Freshman
Maria Hernandez New Albany Freshman
ShaQuala Bell Corinth Freshman
Tyler Chills Blue Mountain Sophomore
Will Golding New Albany Freshman
“Go to after parties”
“Go home”
“Go to work”
“Sleep and study”
“Go to football games”
“Go to New Albany football games”
Columnist offers freshmen advice Roommates, positive attitudes By Renee Malone, provide for successful first year Staff Writer
Dear Freshman, First of all, Welcome to Northeast! During my years of higher education, I can honestly say that the time I’ve spent here was the best time of my life, and I hope it will be the same for you. Sure, not every day was the picture perfect college experience you see in the movies, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. As my final hurrah as a member of the Beacon Staff, I’d like to share some of the experiences that I’ve endured and turned into lessons for survival. 1. Don’t abuse your new freedom: I don’t know why I’m telling you not to because everyone does it at some point in their college career. There are difference levels of this, from staying up all night just because you can to skipping your classes, but it can get pretty serious when your health and grades start taking a drop. Your worst enemy will be learning how to take responsibility for yourself, because your parents aren’t going to be waking you up anymore, so don’t go for the crash course in freedom, it WILL end badly. Very, very badly. 2. Ask for help if you need it: Whether its directions to the Administrative Office, or help with classwork, ASK FOR HELP! There are rarely any teachers who don’t have a free period between classes, and the tutorial office is buzzing with a load of people who wouldn’t mind helping you out with your work during a free period. No one’s going to judge you because in college, the only questions that are considered dumb are the ones you don’t ask. 3. Try Not to Procrastinate: You remember that paper that isn’t due till next Friday? It’s Thursday night and you haven’t even written your title. Procrastination might be a close second as a college student’s worst enemy, so don’t worry. Everyone has had to pull at least one, or four, all-nighters during their
college career, but work hard to keep it from becoming a habit. If you have a project that’s due a week or so later, try working on small sections of it at a time instead of trying to finish it all at once. You will get bored. You will stop working on the project and forget about it. And you will cry at the funeral of your GPA. 4. Don’t stretch yourself too far: I am very guilty of this. College is a great time to find new things to do, such as clubs, band, theater, and sports, but the most important thing you should do is make time for YOU. Being involved is great and all, but your health, especially your mental state, is harder to maintain when you can’t catch a break. So have fun, but don’t overload yourself. 5. You will gain and lose friends. It’s all a part of growing up, but it doesn’t have to be that bad. College is very different from high school, and the friendships you have formed may not be healthy for you to hold on to throughout it, but for those that are, cherish them. Your college experience is often based on the people you meet, so value the ones you do, and you won’t regret it. 6. Be Yourself: The most important and hardest lesson I learned while being at Northeast was to be myself. In college, you grow and learn so many things, especially who you want to be down the road. Learning to be comfortable with who you want to be in your life is the most important step to being happy, so don’t hold back. Being yourself not only gives you inner strength , but it empowers others to be who they are, and speaking from personal experience, having bright blue hair does get more positive attention than one would think. So experiment! Be happy, and most importantly, be you I hope these tips have helped you as much as they have helped me during my years here. Take what you need and feel free to add as many as you want, and don’t forget, no matter where you go from here, you’ll always be a Northeast Tiger.
By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
Beginning college can be a very scary time for incoming freshmen. I remember being overwhelmed just trying to figure out where I was supposed to be and when I was supposed to be there. When I finally got to my first class, I didn’t know anyone there. It was strange going from a high school where I knew everyone to not having a single person that I knew to talk to that first day. For a while, college will feel like you have just been dropped on a different planet. If you just stay calm and approach it with an attitude of “I can do this”, then you’ll be fine. That’s not meant to say that you will never get lost or completely flunk a class, but use those things to your advantage. Take that mistake and learn from it. As far as grades go, just remember that you aren’t Albert Einstein. You will not make perfect grades. Even Einstein struggled in school with that genius mind of his. A bad grade isn’t the end of the world. Try your best and if you feel like that still isn’t good enough, Northeast does offer you the option to drop a class. The college also offers programs like the new writing center in the library if you need assistance writing a paper. If you feel helpless, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Please listen closely to this next word of advice. Choose your roommate carefully. You may be best friends in high school but end up not getting along at all when you’re stuck in a room together for an entire semester. On the other hand, you may be paired with a random roommate. Whatever the situation, try your best to get along with them and remember that you can always change roommates next semester. Here are a few qualities to consider when choosing a roommate: honesty, cleanliness, ambition, sharing the same morals. Picking the right roommate can make or break your time in college. If you’re looking to make new friends, there are tons of opportunities. Northeast offers so many activities that you can take part in throughout the school year. The Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors many of events at the first of each school year. Participating in these events and others are a great way to meet new people and get acclimated to life at Northeast. There are also a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities to join from football, basketball and baseball to band, campus country or cheerleading. Northeast has approximately thirty clubs and organizations that are available. I would like to encourage everyone to take part in some sort of activity or club. It adds a lot to your college experience and makes things more interesting. I hope that all incoming freshmen at Northeast have a fun and successful first semester. The most important thing to remember is to approach every day with a positive attitude and you’ll achieve whatever goal you set for yourself.
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Northeast Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates. In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX, Educational Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Board of Trustees of Northeast Mississippi Community College hereby adopts a policy assuring that no one shall, on the grounds of race, sex, color, age, creed or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the college. Northeast Mississippi Community College adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, sex, color, age, creed, or national origin. This policy includes the qualified disabled and extends to all programs and activities supported by the college.
The Beacon
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Hybrid class applies unique learning environment By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
For students wanting to experience something other than a tradition or online class, Northeast introduced a new hybrid speech class for the 2014 spring semester. Northeast’s hybrid speech class is a 16week course that mixes the best aspects of an online and traditional speech class together. Students meet in a classroom environment once a week to present speeches in front of their peers just as a traditional course, but instructors have made it easier on the student by incorporating part of the online environment into the course as well. Class participants are able to give their speeches to their peers in the classroom environment and receive real-time feedback instead of having to record a
speech in front of five friends and submit the recording to an online instructor. Online learning tools include tests, quizzes and other materials available through Northeast’s Learning Management System (LMS) – Canvas – and that advancement in technology allows for better interactivity between students and faculty. Northeast speech instructor Bill Stone, who is credited with the idea of a hybrid speech course, said that some ideas could not be properly conveyed via an online course as they can through a traditional class, however, instead of giving lectures in class, the teacher will act more like a coach. Stone said that teachers would be there to guide students in the right direction based on the knowledge that he or she has already gleaned online. “I hope the hybrid class will bring together the best of both worlds,” said
“I hope the hybrid class will bring together the best of both worlds.” Dr. Bill Stone Northeast Speech Instructor
Stone. Another advantage for students who decided to enroll in the hybrid course is the opportunity of a ‘re-do’ – being able to regive a speech in front of his or her peers on which the presenter may not have done so well on – unlike the one-time chance a student receives in a traditional class.
However, one of the main advantages to the hybrid class is scheduling. Students receive the benefits of having the best of both worlds – a traditional class and an online course – with the ease of working at their own pace through the online course with the added classroom time to help reinforce their learning.
TIP/TOP Awards
Northeast Mississippi Community College Development Foundation executive director Patrick Eaton and the Foundation Board of Trustees announced the winners of the 2013 T.I.P. and T.O.P. awards during the 2014 spring term. Because of the continued dedication and commitment shown to the college, the Development Foundation created Tremendous Individual Performance (TIP) and the Teaching Outstanding Performance (TOP) awards. The TIP Award is designed to recognized “Tremendous Individual Performance” of the college’s nonadministrative staff members while the TOP award is given to one outstanding faculty member from each of the college’s academic divisions for showing innovative teaching methods. Honorees at the luncheon included (front row l-r) Kristi Reece, Award for the Division of Health Sciences, Janet Cox, Award for the Division of Business and Business Technology, Carlena Benjamin, Award for the Division of Mathematics and Science, Ann Smith, TIP Award honoree, Mike Snowden, Award for the Division of Engineering Technology and Occupational Education, Molly Goodson, Award for the Division of Humanities and Jada Presley-Forsythe, Award for the Division of Fine Arts along with (back row l-r) Northeast Development Foundation executive director Patrick Eaton, Northeast Board of Trustees chairperson T. Jack Ramsey and Northeast president Dr. Johnny L. Allen. Lori Rinehart, Northeast’s second TIP Award honoree was not available for the photo.
Students place in writing competition
All winners will have works published in the Tyger Symmetry’s online annual journal Special to The Beacon
Nine individuals placed in the annual Northeast Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Competition held on the college’s Booneville campus earlier this year. Sponsored by the college’s Tyger Symmetry, the annual competition gives students a chance to express their creativity through writing and allows for winners to compete in the Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association’s (MCCCWA) State Competition on behalf of the college. Cherokee, Alabama’s Jo Bennett captured
top honors in the 2014 competition. Bennett scored a pair of first place finishes – non-fiction and short fiction – and finished with an honorable mention in the short fiction as well with a second entry into the category. New Albany’s Madi VanZile had two of her entries place – third in literary essay and third in short fiction with Bennett, while Rienzi’s Gracie Cheek with the third multiple winner of the event when Cheek took the top two spots in the literary essay category. Katie Larson Jones of Booneville’s piece, “An Ode to Poetry” captured top honors in the Poetry category while Andrew
“Smokey” Alexander of Tishomingo came in second with “Words Not Spoken.” Corinth’s Mikaela Hancock took home top honors in the Dramatic Writing category with “The Exit Wound,” while Cheek and VanZile swept the Literary Essay event. Chee’s “Dante versus Shakespeare,” literary essay finished first in the category while the Rienzi native’s “What is Left,” came in one place below. VanZile’s “The Love of Evolution,” finished the literary essay category in third place. Bennett, who took home three awards, captured the top spots in the NonFiction category with “Cup of Joe,” and in the Short Fiction category with “The Undreamt Woman.” Booneville’s Tyson Mackin finished
Northeast offers free gym College... membership/fitness class
second to Bennett in the Non-Fiction category with “The Escape Route,” while Randolph’s Jarod Britt was third with “Then and Now.” In the short fiction category, Jessica Espindola of Ripley was the runnerup with “Foreigner,” while VanZile and Bennett tied for third in the event. VanZile entered “Somebody,” while Bennett claimed honorable mention with “Real Shootin’.” First and second place winners will represent the college at the annual Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association’s (MCCCWA) State Competition while all winners will have their works published in the Tyger Symmetry’s online annual journal at http:// tygersymmetry.org.
From page 1
By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
Why pay for a gym membership when Northeast offers students a workout course free? At the beginning of the spring semester, Northeast administers made changes to the Fitness Class that is housed in the Burgess Activity Center in order to make it more student-friendly. Students enrolled in Fitness Center I (HPR 1551 – 40465) or Fitness Center II (HPR 1561 – 40466) now have the option between working out once a week for an hour (60 minutes) or twice a week for two 30-minute sessions. According to Northeast head softball coach and fitness center instructor Jody Long, the change was made to allow more flexibility for students making schedules. “Under the previous Dean of Instruction, classes were set up for two times a week for 16 weeks,” Long said. “But the new Dean of Instruction (Rilla Jones) wanted to offer students an option more in line with one-hour activity classes.” To receive an “A” in the course, students are expected to either work out 15 times for 60 minutes during the 15-week semester or clock in for 30 30-minute workouts. Anything less than the minimum one hour per week workout will result in a lower grade for the course.
century with a variety of different college divisions taking advantage of the devices’ versatility. Apple’s iPad has also been the emphasis of the college’s Mobile Learning Conference, which focuses on technology in the classroom. ‘ONE Northeast’ will help students embrace cutting-edge technology that not only provides a quality educational experience but also allows the student to develop his or her own individualized learning style. However, while students’ develop their own learning styles, the college’s goal with the initiative is to not only prepare a student for a life inside a
technological classroom but for life in the workforce as well. With increasingly more jobs requiring technical knowledge, Northeast provides students with a key advantage by enabling students to work together in teams, adapt to an ever-changing work environment, communicate well and leave the college technologically adept. Northeast’s iPad initiative will give students a chance to prepare for whatever the challenges that a student or employee might face and provides them with the necessary preparations for those challenges in an exciting educational experience.
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The Beacon
Northeast heads to a four-day week in fall College becomes fifth in state to operate classes on Monday-Thursday schedule By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
In an effort to offer its students more flexible scheduling options, Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a four-day-perweek instructional calendar for the 2014-15 academic year at its monthly meeting on December 17, 2013. In his recommendation to the Board, Northeast president Dr. Johnny L. Allen said the affect that the alternate schedule would have on Northeast students was the main concern he and his staff had while working to develop the new calendar. “Originally, we looked at the four-day work week as an avenue by which we could conserve energy and therefore save on utilities,” Allen explained, “however, as we continued to conduct research and have discussions, we continued to ask ourselves how the change would affect our students. We feel the four-day class schedule will allow students more time to prepare for those classes, as well as tend to their business on campus or outside the educational realm such as taking on more employment hours.” Northeast became the fifth community college in the state to operate on some sort of a four-day work week when it started its four-day week in the fall of 2014. Other community colleges on the four-day schedule include Meridian, East Mississippi, Holmes, and Mississippi Delta.
Period 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
2014 Fall Class Schedule Start Time 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:55 p.m. 3:15 p.m.
“It’s a combination of several different people on administrative staff that just threw out the idea one day that said let’s talk about this and see if we can’t make it become a reality,” said Northeast Executive Vice President Ricky Ford. Northeast began the four-day instructional week when classes returned to campus on Monday, August 18. There will be no classes scheduled on Fridays, however, the college administrative offices will be open and maintenance staff will use the day free of the student population to work on projects that would have to be postponed otherwise. That means teachers will use this time for office work and also to meet with students that may be having trouble in class or that need help. While a slight change occurred in the times that the cafeteria is open, students who must stay on campus on Fridays due to various reasons will still find the cafeteria open.
End Time 9:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 1:45 p.m. 3:10 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
With only four days in the week for classes, both the school day and class periods will be longer. Classes will go from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day. Activity period will be removed and an extra class period will be tacked on to the end of the day. There will now be time allowed for students to have six class periods each day. Ford said that extracurricular activities should not be affected because they will be worked into the schedule. Since Friday will now be a free day, it can be used for practice, rest, club and organizational meetings if necessary. Pep rallies before the home football games have traditionally been held during activity period (10:40 a.m.12:10 p.m.) the day of the game, but due to the removal of activity period, pep rallies will likely be held during the noon time period on the day of the game. “We were looking for ways that we could attract students and at the same time build up a little bit of morale with our faculty and staff,” explained Ford.
Northeast’s cafeteria underwent a major facelift during the summer of 2014. In addition to a more open dining experience, the cafeteria features an updated dining plan along with expanded seating for the college’s faculty, staff and student population. Northeast and Sodexo officials cut the ceremonial ribbon on Tuesday, August 19 as Booneville’s Miss Hospitality and current student Lexie Gamble of Booneville cut the ribbon. Joining Gamble at the event were (from left) Rich Bosia, senior construction project manager; Dave Tucker, chef; Don Knowles, operations manager; Northeast president Dr. Johnny L. Allen; Northeast sophomore and Booneville’s Miss Hospitality Lexi Gamble of Booneville; Steve Miller, Sodexo general manager; Kelsey Micks, construction manager; Northeast director of finance Chris Murphy and Terry Woodard, Sodexo district manager.
Northeast christens writing center By Renee’ Malone, Staff Writer
Northeast is offering the write stuff at the right time. Err…. Northeast is offering the right stuff at the right time. In an attempt to help foster learning and aid students in finding their own authorial role in writing, Northeast has founded a writing center in the Eula Dees Memorial Library on the Booneville campus. Under the direction of Northeast English instructor Deborah Kehoe, the writing center offers peer consulting on writing assignments and/or projects for students seeking extra help. For Kehoe, the value of the writing center is immense and the 20-plus year Northeast instructor holds a special place in her heart for writing centers after working at a writing center as a teaching assistant in the early stages of her career. “That experience showed me just how important writing centers are to promoting writing across the curriculum and strengthening writing skills, not just
in composition classes, but for all learners,” said Kehoe. “So that planted the seed.” While walk-ins are welcome in the Northeast Writing Center, students are encouraged to bring a referral form to the writing center so members of the center know where the student needs work and can focus on problem areas. After consulting with the student, the Writing Center will also complete a report one each session designating the progress and return it to the referring instructor. Northeast’s Writing Center also allows students a place to come and enjoy the writing process. Whether a student is trying to generate an idea for a paper, formulating a thesis, or working one’s self through the writing the process of writing an introduction and/or logical paragraphs, the Northeast Writing Center can help. While helping a student write, the staff is also on hand to help with the generation of ideas and are able to help a writer choose which diction is appropriate for the given tone of the paper all while observing the conventions of standard English in mechanics and punctuations.
Northeast’s Writing Center helps students address needs in: • • • • • • • •
Getting an idea for a paper Formulating a thesis Writing an effective introduction Constructing logical paragraphs Developing ideas Phrasing meaningful sentences Choosing appropriate diction Observing conventions of Standard English in mechanics and punctuation
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Students earn Merit through Northeast College aids students with convenient, verified online profile of accomplishments By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
Students may have noticed an unusual email in their Northeast email accounts about Merit Pages. Merit is an online application produced by readMedia. It serves as a tool to allow students to share their college achievements with friends and family via email, Facebook, Twitter, and other popular social media websites. Any time a student is named to an academic or leadership position, joins a team, volunteers in the community, studies abroad, makes the dean’s list, or earns a scholarship, the school can issue a release and the students receive a “badge”, which is simply an achievement that has been rewarded. One of the main points of having a Merit Page is to have all of a student’s achievements together in one convenient, college-verified online profile that can be shared when applying for jobs, internships, or used as references after graduation. Merit is simple to use and requires no effort from students other than the first step of setting up their own Merit Page.
Students have the opportunity to add profile pictures, academic activities and work experience. After that, Northeast essentially keeps the page updated by adding achievements to a student’s page as they are awarded. One big advantage of using Merit is that a list of students who make the Dean’s List and President’s List can automatically be sent out to hometown newspapers for publication. To sum it all up, a student’s Merit Page is a place where all of their successes will be listed in one place to make for an easy reference when applying for jobs and scholarships to other colleges. For those not wanting their achievements or acknowledgements known, there is a simple opt-out process on the Merit Pages that takes a user through the steps of opting out of Merit and future achievement posts. To set up your own Merit Page, click the personalized link that was sent to the official tigers.nemcc.edu Northeast email or if that email has been deleted the email or never received one, one can still visit http://nemcc.meritpages.
Burgess receives face lift By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
Students may have a more flexible way of scheduling workouts in Burgess Activity Center and now, Northeast faculty, staff, and students are able to work out on new equipment. Several changes were made to the Burgess Activity Center during the latter stages of the 2013 fall semester and one of the biggest was the addition of new equipment in the workout center adjacent to the basketball court. Northeast added new treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes and cardio equipment to help faculty, staff and students keep their commitment to a healthier lifestyle. “I was proud to see the college make a commitment like this to the students,” said Northeast head softball coach and fitness center instructor Jody Long. According to Long, the new equipment was one of the first major equipment upgrades since he began working at the college in 1997 and that the college spent almost $50,000 on upgrading and replacing equipment. In addition to replacing equipment in
the workout area of the Burgess Activity Center, Northeast took a step to bring some stability to those that frequent the building on a nightly basis. Former Lady Tiger assistant basketball coach Maurice Stafford is now an Assistant Director of Residential Student Services and oversees Burgess Activity Center from 1-9 p.m. on a daily basis. Stafford, a former All-American for the Tiger basketball team, aids with events in the Burgess Activity Center and provides guidance during basketball games and intramural contests in the gymnasium. Burgess’ outside also received a facelift during the fall semester as a new roof was laid on the building during the latter portions of the first six months of the academic year. With the addition of Stafford and the improvements made to both the inside and outside of the Burgess Activity Center, Northeast has made Burgess more than just a fitness center. Burgess has transitioned into a multipurpose center with lockers, dressing rooms, showers and even a sauna and steam baths available for Northeast students who want to focus on a healthier lifestyle.
com and typing their first and last name into the search bar. One should be able to find their page and claim it by signing in through Facebook, Twitter, or your email.
Twins... From page 1
worth it to help someone and encourage everyone else to do the same. One thing that the brothers said they looked forward to the most from the haircut was taking quick showers instead of caring for the hair. Matthew and Michael Franks’ journey to their donation and Northeast winds its way through the hill country of Mississippi. From never hearing of Northeast to almost ending up at Northeast’s rival school – Itawamba, the twins have found a home in the City of Hospitality. The two brothers had originally planned to go to Itawamba Community College in Fulton, just 27 miles from their hometown of Hamilton, Alabama, but the day after graduation they received an email from Itawamba telling them that their scholarships had been cut due to funding. Hamilton High School band director Nathan Garner helped get their names to the Northeast band directors. “We had no idea where we were going to go,” said Matthew Franks. “Some how or another, Mr. (Bryan) Mitchell, Mr. ( Jason) Beghtol and Mrs. ( Jada) Forsythe up here heard about us.” Northeast director of bands Bryan Mitchell invited the twins to Booneville and both instantly fell in love with the feel of the campus. From then on, the twins became a mainstay at Northeast. Michael and Matthew became members of the ‘Showband from Tigerland’ with Michael playing the tenors and Matthew playing the snare drum. Over the past two years, Northeast has become the twins’ home away from home even though it is 70-plus miles from their original hometown. “It may be an hour and forty minutes away, but it’s totally worth it,” said Matthew Franks. While Michael and Matthew became known for their curly red hair, many have also said the brothers are probably the two nicest guys that anyone will meet at Northeast. And, yes, they have fell in love with Northeast so much; the twins plan to return for another year in the City of Hospitality.
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Athletics bring action, excitement to Northeast By Blake D. Long, Special to The Beacon
Supporters of Northeast Mississippi Community College’s nine intercollegiate sports programs once again had plenty of reasons to cheer for the Lady Tigers and Tigers during the institution’s 65th year of athletic competition. Northeast recorded yet another successful overall campaign that featured two Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) North Division runner-up finishes, five teams seeing action in the postseason and a number of fantastic victories in a span of 10 months.
BASEBALL
The Tiger baseball squad made history once again in 2014 by hosting the MACJC State Tournament for the first time in its current format. East Central Community College, Hinds Community College and then-top ranked Jones County Junior College ventured to the City of Hospitality for a great weekend of action on the diamond. Approximately 1,250 fans packed Harold T. White Field over a three-day period that featured seven games. Three of the teams that qualified for the event either appeared in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) countrywide poll or were receiving votes. Northeast, which rose as high as No. 19 in the NJCAA’s rankings during the regular season, finished with a 27-20 record. The Tigers also swept rival Itawamba Community College in its annual fourgame series. Six members of the 2014 baseball squad were selected for postseason honors. Trent Turner led the group with NJCAA AllRegion 23 recognition while Luke Stanley, Heath Wood, Riley Alef, Easton Hall and Evan Hickman each earned a spot on the MACJC All-State team. Turner, who hails from Brandon, placed himself among the best in the country and state in multiple offensive categories. He was tops in the NJCAA with nine sacrifice flies, 12th in slugging percentage (.701) and 23rd in batting average (.423). Wood concluded his career at Northeast with 100 hits and 100 runs scored. The Kossuth High School product made perhaps the most memorable play of the year as well when he climbed the left field wall and robbed Itawamba of a two-run homer to propel the Tigers to a sweep of the Indians in Booneville. New Albany’s Alef developed into one of the best catchers in the entire country as a sophomore. He caught 21 men attempting to steal, more than any other athlete in the Magnolia State and third most in the NJCAA, and held an even 50 percent
Northeast’s baseball team (above) took top honors for the 2014-15 academic year as the Tigers finished as the Mississippi Association of Community/Junior Colleges (MACJC) North Division runner-up and were able to host the MACJC State Baseball Tournament in May at Harold T. White Field. Northeast’s softball team (left) continued its march to the playoffs with its twelfth appearance in the postseason in just the program’s thirteenthyear of existence.
success rate of nailing runners from behind the plate. Hickman was the most reliable arm out of Northeast’s bullpen with a 1.74 earned run average (ERA) in 20.2 innings of work. The Marshall Academy graduate accumulated eight saves, which was ninth best in the nation, in nine opportunities and compiled a perfect 4-0 record.
Eighth-year head coach Kent Farris also etched his name into the Northeast record books after garnering his 200th victory in a Tiger uniform on May 2 in a 9-8 decision against Pearl River Community College in the MACJC State Playoffs.
SOFTBALL
Jody Long’s softball program made its fourth consecutive playoff appearance and
the 12th trip in the 13-year history of the fast-pitch program during the 2014 campaign. Under a new format that featured a two out of three series to start the postseason, the Tigers traveled to eventual national runner-up Jones County in the opening round and made their mark before falling See Athletics, on page 7
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FOOTBALL ARRIVES
Northeast sophomore Corbin White takes a handoff from quarterback Jay Vanderford during a drill session on Tuesday, August 12. White and the Tigers began their preparations for the upcoming 2014 season earlier in the month on the Booneville campus. Northeast opens its 2014 season on the road in Perkinston as the Tigers take on the Bulldogs of Mississippi Gulf Coast at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 28 before opening a two-game home slate against Hinds and Northwest on Thursday, September 4 and 11 at Tiger Stadium in Booneville. Both home contests are set for 6:30 p.m. kickoffs.
Athletics... From page 6
to the Bobcats. Yasmeen Cooper (Houston) blasted a solo home run just to the side of the scoreboard in left field while Bianca Chagolla (Riverside, Calif.) collected the 100th hit of her illustrious career with a RBI double in the second contest of the series. Northeast also upset then nationally ranked Itawamba in Fulton on March 31 behind a brilliant performance in the circle from Alcorn Central High School alumnus Chelsea Buntin and a game winning RBI single by Houston’s Avery Springer in the seventh inning. The Tigers earned weekly conference honors five times this year. Bre Agnew (Booneville) claimed MACJC Player of the Week designation after smashing three home runs in one game versus Chattahoochee Valley (Ala.) Community College on March 8 in the Cardinal Spring Fling. Buntin and Chagolla both received MACJC Pitcher of the Week accolades twice throughout the season. The duo also tossed one no-hitter apiece during the campaign as well. Buntin conceded only one base runner on a fielding error and struck out four in a run-rule triumph over MACJC North Division foe Coahoma Community College while Chagolla kept Jackson State (Tenn.) Community College out of rhythm with an even seven groundouts and seven flyouts to complete the no-hitter in her final pitching performance ever at David Carnell Memorial Field. Wesley Tye (above) helped the Tiger tennis team make a run during the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Six Tigers garnered postseason awards, topped by a pair College’s State Tournament during the spring semester. of MACJC All-State selections in Buntin and Chagolla. Both squads had a positive ending to the campaign Buntin was also named the MACJC North Division the 2013 campaign. The Tigers carried a 4-5 overall record, but all five losses after sweeping Holmes on sophomore night. Hometown Most Valuable Player while Trenisha King, Whittney Gee, came to opponents ranked by the NJCAA at some point. product Keldrick Lesley of Booneville scored a careerAgnew, Chagolla and Cooper each achieved MACJC AllNortheast was 4-2 in the MACJC North Division, which high 19 points to help the Tigers down the Bulldogs 68North Division status. included back-to-back victories against Holmes and 67 while Antionette Riddle added 24 points to the Lady MEN’S TENNIS Northwest Mississippi Community College. Tigers’ 83-77 victory. Northeast improved on the tennis courts under the A pair of freshmen in Jamel Dennis (Oxford) and Marcus Belmont’s Angelia Allen, who averaged a double-double tutelage of Ben Shappley and advanced multiple men Robinson (Memphis, Tenn.) paced Ricky Smither’s Tigers from November 18-24, and Aushiana Ivy, who tallied 18 and women to the second round of the 2014 MACJC on defense with a combined 160 tackles. Dennis tallied the points and 13 rebounds against Columbia State (Tenn.) State Tournament at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community seventh most tackles in the entire country at 96. Community College on November 25, both earned College. Nettleton’s Corbin White was the lone Northeast MACJC Player of the Week on the women’s side while In singles action, No. 5 Wesley Tye downed Connor gridiron star to earn MACJC Player of the Week honors. Azulphar blocked 12 shots in a two-game stretch from Wilson of Holmes Community College 6-1, 6-4 while He ran for 161 yards on 13 carries and cut down the November 18-24 to pick up the league honor as well. No. 6 Noah Wright bested Hinds representative Melvin sidelines for a 63-yard touchdown in a 30-9 victory by the Riddle reached double figures in 18 matchups in a row McNair 6-3, 6-1. The two Booneville natives earned a first Tigers against Mississippi Delta Community College in to conclude the year and was named to the MACJC Allround bye in No. 3 doubles competition as well. the season finale. State team alongside fellow Tupelo native Ivy. Riddle, who Top seeded doubles players Micah Page and Wesley Eight men were named MACJC All-North Division signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) with Delta State Brandon, both of Belmont, defeated Juan Miranda and for their part in the historical campaign. Kortilous University, compiled a total of 596 points in two seasons Daniel Giles of East Central 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. Ellis (Charleston) and Mitchell Cunningham (Ecru) at Northeast. WOMEN’S TENNIS received first-team status while Chris Cooper (Madison), Dimario Jackson (Brusly, La.), who topped the Tigers On the women’s side, the No. 2 doubles team of Haley Dequinten Spraggins (West Point), Khalil Stinson Brown (Iuka) and Erica Whitten (Booneville) edged past (College Park, Ga.), Daniel Ross (Louisville, Ky.), Dennis with 15.2 points per game and a field goal percentage of 41.5 as a freshman, also collected MACJC All-State the Holmes pair of Jennifer Rule and Katherine Wood 6-6 and Robinson each grabbed second-team recognition. prestige. (8-6), 4-6, 6-4. Nikki Baird (Houston) and Lindsey Clark Twelve Tigers signed scholarships to continue their CHEERLEADING (Olive Branch) also narrowly triumphed over Lauren careers at four-year schools. They include Martice Buckley Karri Davis entered her second year as coach of the Peterson and Kristine Jenkins of East Central 3-6, 6-6 (7- (Missouri Southern State), Ellis (Arkansas Tech), Miguel 2), 7-5. Graham (Northwestern State), Parrish Huddleston cheerleading squad, which continued to provide constant GOLF (UAB), Nick Johnson (North Alabama), Gregdrecus support for the Northeast football and basketball programs. From pep rallies on Thursday afternoons in the fall to the Headman Nick Coln and the Northeast golf program Leland (West Alabama), Jeremy Liggins (Ole Miss), came close to advancing to the NJCAA Region 23 Razean Prather (Missouri Southern State), Jerrard Randall final whistle inside legendary Bonner Arnold Coliseum, Tournament after a strong opening afternoon on the (Arizona), Spraggins (Murray State), Jaquille White (UT Northeast’s cheerleaders were on duty to encourage the home crowds to cheer on the Lady Tigers and Tigers. links at the 2014 MACJC State Tournament at Pine Burr Martin) and Romia Wilson (Bethune-Cookman). Country Club in Wiggins. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS MEN & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Tigers were in a tie with East Central for sixth place Seventeen student-athletes received academic honors Northeast’s tradition-rich basketball programs compiled following day one of the event, but a strong push by Jones a number of thrilling wins and moments during the 2013- from either the MACJC or NJCAA for their efforts in the County on the second morning pushed Northeast to 14 season. classroom during the 2013-14 school year. eighth place. Booneville’s Allie Downs, who was one of only five The Lady Tigers with coach Brian Alexander at the helm Chase Little carded a two-day total of 15-over-par 159 snapped a 10-game winning streak by Wallace State (Ala.) women’s tennis players in the nation to hold a flawless 4.0 to tie for 26th place individually while another Corinth Community College at Hanceville with a 61-56 triumph grade point average (GPA), led the group while nine others standout in Blake Farris followed close behind at 74-87- inside Bonner Arnold Coliseum on January 9. notched NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Awards as 161. The Tigers delivered first-year headman Cord Wright’s well. In addition, six of Northeast’s eight sports that are FOOTBALL first MACJC North Division victory in exciting fashion. Northeast’s football club claimed the runner-up position Northeast scored the final five points of overtime, four of sanctioned by the NJCAA garnered recognition as an Allin the MACJC North Division for the seventh time in them from center Al Azulphar (Norwalk, Conn.), to claim Academic Team for maintaining a GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. school history and the third occasion in four years during a 90-89 battle with Mississippi Delta.
Entertainment
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The Beacon
Rossell shoots music video at Tiger Stadium By Blake D. Long, Special to The Beacon
Country music fans gathered in droves to the campus of Northeast Mississippi Community College this summmer to participate in an once-in-a-lifetime event. Rising star Mitch Rossell and his band filmed the music video for their new single “God, Girls, and Football” over a two-night period from July 10-11 at Tiger Stadium. “Things have been unbelievable,” said Rossell. “Everybody has been so supportive. The enthusiasm is awesome. We’ve been welcomed with open arms and it’s been great.” The Tigers suited up each evening and were the guests in their own venue. Booneville High School served as the home team in a fictitious game that featured big plays and some hard hits to make the video as authentic as possible. Northeast’s defense stayed on the field a majority of the time on Thursday while Booneville ran its set of scripted offensive plays. The Tigers did conclude the opening night with a grand celebration following a 70-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brady Allen. Shooting resumed around 9 p.m. on Friday with the Northeast special teams unit lined up in kickoff formation. Kyoshi Agnew and the Tiger backfield saw action moments later with a few orchestrated rushes towards the visiting bench. The event wrapped up when field goal kickers from both squads connected on a series of short-range opportunities at the south end zone. “Both teams are really talented,” Rossell said. “Northeast obviously being a college program definitely has some really athletic guys out there. It’s been a pleasure and an honor to be on the field with them.” The nearly 40 Tigers that dressed out for the pair of filming sessions were excited about the opportunity to put on their uniforms and full pads with over one month remaining before the start of the regular season. “It’s always a privilege when you can do something like this,” said Northeast sophomore tight end Chandler Dexter. “It’s good for the community and the
Approximately 1,000 people passed through the gates of Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Tiger Stadium over a two-day period to see Mitch Rossell perform and film his music video for his single “God, Girls, and Football.
college and all the students. We have good supporters around here. It’s just a really good feeling.” Ricky Smither, who enters his seventh year as head coach of the Tigers, welcomed the chance to be around his players and staff members in a loose and relaxed setting. “The grind of the season is always so stressful and so tense. This gives us a chance to get out and hang with the guys in a football setting but not in a real live deal,” he said. “It’s been fun. The kids and coaches are running around laughing and enjoying themselves. I think it’s all positive and I’m thrilled that Northeast and Booneville was a part of this.” Rossell, who performed a free one-hour concert before filming continued on Friday, recently released a collection of twelve
songs entitled I Got Dressed Up For This, which debuted at No. 27 on the iTunes Top 100 Country Albums list. “God, Girls, and Football” is the premier single from his new album. Both the song and video are scheduled for promotion through radio and television stations countrywide beginning in August. “It’s just about reminiscing about simpler times,” said Rossell. “Everybody who is out of high school and has some perspective on it, you can’t tell me that you wouldn’t want to go back. It’s one of those songs that hopefully put a smile on people’s faces.” The Chattanooga, Tenn., product brought his production crew and band to Prentiss County upon the request of his longtime friend and Booneville native Trevor George.
“We had a few locations that we were scouting and some things that we thought about doing with other towns,” Rossell said. “My buddy Trevor text me one day and said, ‘I’d be so honored and I’d really appreciate it if you’d come at least check out Booneville and talk to everybody.’ We had no idea that the support would be what it is. It just all fell right into place.” The approximately 1,000 people that entered the gates of Tiger Stadium helped the 25-year-old hold Northeast in high regards after a wild, but successful stay in the City of Hospitality. “The last few days have been crazy and super, super busy,” said Rossell. “But I’ll never forget these moments. These have been some really special times for me personally.”
Former band member witnesses history as Shocker Sound leader By Blake Alsup, Staff Writer
Former Northeast student Michael Berryhill has seen the world since becoming a member of the “Showband from Tigerland” over 10 years ago. Berryhill recently completed a year as the director of the Shocker Sound Basketball Band for Wichita State University while completing his first year of graduate teaching at the Kansas-based university. During his year with the Shocker Sound, Berry got to witness basketball history from a prime location as the Wichita State Shocker men’s basketball team finished the regular season undefeated and went on to sweep their way through the Missouri Valley Conference and carry a perfect 34-0 record in to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. Berryhill and his Shocker Sound were also on hand for the Shocker’s first round win against the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) before the magical dream season came to an end at the hands of the University of Kentucky Wildcats – who advanced to the national championship game. “The Shocker Sound is a little different than just a traditional pep band,” Berryhill said. Berryhill’s Shocker Sound are specifically a basketball band and have a jazz band type of setup that includes a drum set. The music that band plays is a mixture of rock, funk, and jazz and includes such songs as “War” and their fight song “Hail Wichita”. During his time directing the Shocker Sound, Berryhill faced the responsibility of not only completing his graduate teaching but also personally watching over the Shocker Sound and complying with all the rules associated with artificial noisemakers. However, Berryhill was up for the challenge and felt that his prior experience had helped him prepare for the challenge. “I was able to gain and be fully prepared for that four year institution, you know taking that next step, just from what I experienced at Northeast.” said Berryhill. Berryhill credits Northeast for being the first step on the long road that lead to the Shocker Sound. “One of my best memories was the time when Mr. Plunkett took over the jazz band,” said Berryhill, “Our jazz band group that year, really bonded.” After leaving Northeast, he continued his education at Mississippi State University where he obtained a Bachelor
Former Northeast “Showband from Tigerland” member Michael Berryhill (above, left) witnessed history from a unique perspective during the 201314 basketball season as the former Northeast band member led the Wichita State University Shocker Sound pep band at each of the Shocker home games, Missouri Valley Conference tournament games and NCAA Tournament events.
of Music Education and was a chapter president of the Music Educators National Conference, a warden with the MSU chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and found time to be a member of the wind ensemble, marching band, jazz band, clarinet choir, saxophone choir, and vocal choir while in Starkville. After a brief stop at DeSoto Central High School as student teacher, Berryhill began his assentation through musical ranks as an assistant and then director at the Southern Baptist Educational Center in DeSoto County. However, when the opportunity came to become a part of the Wichita State University music department, Berryhill knew he had to get to Kansas.
“I knew for my career one of my goals was to eventually get my foot in the door working in college.” said Berryhill. Nonetheless, after his magical run with the Shocker Sound, Berryhill returned to Mississippi in the summer of 2014 to be closer to home and accepted a job with Horn Lake Middle School as a music/band/choir teacher. Berryhill’s shows have been honored across the MidSouth and in national competitions including the Bands of America and the Memphis Bandmasters’ Championship. Berryhill and his family have settle into DeSoto County where his wife, Joy, teaches English at Olive Branch High School.