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Revels Men for
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The Flare
Friday, April 13, 2012
THE FLARE
he Rangerettes’ annual variety show continues through Saturday. For behind-the-scenes photographs, personality profiles and more, see special section inside.
Vol. 75 No. 18 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Suspect sought in possible gun incident KATIE KUYKENDALL Staff Writers Kilgore College Police Department is still looking for a suspect who allegedly had a gun on campus April 4. “We have not yet been able to identify
this person and don’t know whether he is a student or not,” said Martin Pessink, KC chief of police. At approximately 9:20 p.m. April 4, the KCPD officer on duty received a call about a suspect who supposedly had a handgun near the Quads. The suspect fled before police could apprehend him. Kilgore PD used K-9 teams and the DPS brought in a helicopter with infrared lighting to track the suspect, but he was not located. The suspect is described as a black male, 1819 years old, 5’7”- 5’10” and 140-150 pounds.
“We are encountering some issues with getting folks to communicate what happened, and those who know who he is and what took place need to come forward so we can get this guy identified and get him picked up,” Pessink said. Witnesses gave conflicting information. “It was more rumor than fact,” Pessink said. Surveillance videos have been searched, and KCPD believes it located the suspect. “We believe whatever is going on is a personal dispute between this actor and specific individuals and that he wasn’t coming up here to commit some random act
of violence,” Pessink said. KCPD has since increased patrols in the housing area and Kilgore PD has also increased patrols in the surrounding neighborhood. “Normally if we have some kind of event like this we try to communicate with the campus community to let folks know what is going on,” Pessink said. “It wasn’t until after everyone left for the (Easter) holiday that our officer’s due diligence discovered that there may be something to this.” To keep updated with events, like the KCPD Facebook page.
Abuse shatters
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family
structure THE FLARE
Editor’s note:
of student sources to ensure honest discussion on these
I
t comes in many forms. It lurks in the shadows behind closed doors. It is unpredictable and destructive. Child abuse is a parasite eating away at the heart of the family structure. Every 10 seconds a report of child abuse is made and more than five children die every
day as a result of child abuse, according to National Child Abuse Statistics on ChildHelp. org. About 80 percent of the children who die from abuse are said to be under the age of 4. Child abuse can be mental, physical or sexual. Child abuse shatters the “Leave it to Beaver” or “Brady Bunch” family illusion, causing families to become dysfunctional and
Trustees pitched softball, culinary arts programs DANIEL GUY Staff Writer The KC Board of Trustees heard proposals Monday night for two new programs–culinary arts and women’s softball–that could start as early as next fall. Dr. Julie Fowler, executive dean of KC–Longview, presented the culinary arts proposal.
Food service positions are “the second largest private industry in the country… over 14.1 million positions,” Fowler said, “and it’s a growing industry in Texas.” By next year Texas is expected to be No. 1 in the country for food service positions. Because of the area’s need for people trained in culinary arts, Longview
Economic Development Corporation helped secure a partnership between KC and Longview Independent School District to provide dual course credits for culinary classes. The proposal also allows KC to use Longview High School’s state-of-the-art facility for See BOARD on Page 3A
claiming innocent victims. Amanda is a victim of child abuse known as Shaken Baby Syndrome. At 2 months old, Amanda was hospitalized for a month after her mom or dad violently shook her causing internal bleeding in the back of her head. Within hours of being in the hospital, See ABUSE on Page 6A
Student publications sweep state contests Staff Reports KC’s student publications recently received top honors in state and national competitions. The Flare was named non-daily university/college newspaper of the year in the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors competition for the third consecutive year.
Bre a k i n g n ews, videos an d exten ded cover age at www.thef lareonline. com
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The Daily Texan of the University of Texas at Austin won first in the daily category. The Flare also won sweepstakes in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association competition for the 22nd time in 26 years, and The Flare online received a Silver Crown from the Columbia See CONTESTS on Page 3A
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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012
The Flare
NOTEBOOK April 13 – April 25 FRIDAY April 13 Rangerette Revels 7 p.m. Dodson Auditorium
SATURDAY, April 14 BSM Garage Sale 7 a.m. BSM Building
Dance Scholarship Audition
FACE IN THE CROWD
Preston Fincher How did you become involved in the Rangerette organization? ... When I was in my second semester at KC, I was told to try out to be a manager by the lovely Cassie Rowland, who is now a cheerleader for the greatest NFL team known to man, the Dallas Cowboys. What is one thing people don’t know about being a Rangerette manager? ... It’s not always fun and games. When there’s work to be done, we’re the ones who step in and do it. We help build/ transport props to wherever they need to go. If there is a large Sonic unsweet tea with extra ice that needs to be purchased for a certain individual, we’re your guys. What is your favorite place you have traveled with the Rangerettes? Why? ... Definitely Hawaii. Not only did it feel like I was trapped inside of a post card the entire time, but just getting to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial and
talking with veterans who were actually there when it was attacked was such an amazing experience that I’ll never forget. What is your most interesting Rangerette duty? ... Besides picking up Ryan Wayne from school every day, it would probably have to be taking the director’s cars to be washed whenever they get dirty. What advice would you give to future Rangerette managers? ... It is such an awesome experience; enjoy every single second of it. It seems like just yesterday I was putting on my slacks and buttoning up my shirt to go try out for manager. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be? ... Besides Will Ferrell, it would have to be Gussie Nell Davis. To meet the person who established the Rangerettes and created this amazing world within the organization would be an honor.
Age: 21 Hometown: Kilgore : Sophomore Major: Occupational Therapy
11 a.m., PE 106
Rangerette Forevers- Class Reunion 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. McLaurin Faculty Lounge
Rangerette Revels 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dodson Auditorium
TUESDAY, April 17 Upward Bound Information Night 6:30- 8 p.m. DSC Ballroom
WEDNESDAY, April 18 UT Tyler Visiting Recruiter
Ali Henderson/ THE FLARE
Service learning recognition Thursday MelIssa aouad Staff Writer In observance of National Volunteer week April 15-21, KC’s Service Learning department is hosting a service recognition ceremony 1-3 p.m., Thursday, April 19, in the Devall Student Center ballroom. Students, faculty, staff
and organizations who have participated in service learning and community services will be recognized. “This is an opportunity for Kilgore College to celebrate how our students, faculty and staff give back to our communities,” said Patty Bell, director of career services and service learning. All students and employees are
invited to attend. “I am looking forward to sharing stories and accomplishments of those who have participated in service this year,” Bell said. “This event would not be possible without the opportunities that the instructors and staff members give our students. “Our Service learning instructors are not only giving their students
instruction, but they are providing these students with an opportunity to make a positive impact in our world,” Bell said. “Our club and organization sponsors also provide opportunities for our students to grow and give back. I believe our students are at an advantage because of these committed faculty and staff members.”
9 a.m.- noon, DSC
THURSDAY, April 19 Service Recognition Assembly 1-3 p.m., DSC Ballroom
Academic Honors Convocation 7 p.m. Dodson Auditorium
FRIDAY, April 20 NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE SATURDAY, April 21 Ranger Preview Day 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Dodson Auditorium/ DSC Ballroom
MONDAY, April 23 Administration Assistant Appreciation luncheon 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. DSC Ballroom
WEDNESDAY, April 25 TRIO Spring banquet 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. DSC Ballroom
STUDENT SUCCESS TIP “1. Don’t study when you “have time”; make time to study. In other words, schedule your study time. It just doesn’t appear. 2. Perhaps deal with homework for the course you dislike FIRST. You have to do it sometime; why not get it out of the way? uninteresting, commit to reading or studying for a set, but brief period of time--perhaps 15 or 20 minutes. Then stop and take a break, and commit to studying or doing homework. Reward yourself if you complete a few segments of concentrated study time. 4. I tell my students that I know that they are very busy and that time is important to them, so I suggest that they can SAVE time by being more productive when they study if they lose the distractions, turn off the cell phone, the TV, etc. A half hour of concentrated study is two hours of interrupted time.” – Becky Johnson Dept. Chair/ Language Development Department
Victoria Baker/ THE FLARE
Richard Fothergill, docent for the East Texas Oil Museum, introduces “Buddy,” the museum’s latest exhibit. The motion-activated lineman enlightens visitors with his tales of the Oil Boom days.
Oil Museum opens new exhibit BRITTanI Pfau Assistant Editor A new exhibit is open at the East Texas Oil Museum. “Buddy” is a ’30s era, life-size animatronic Rural Electric Association lineman who greets museum visitors with programmed monologues as they enter Boomtown USA. These monologues were originally written by Joe White, ETOM director, and were later revised for historical authenticity by Buddy Bankhead, general manager of Rusk County Electric Co-op, and Bill Anderson, owner of Sabine Pipe and vice president of the RCEC Board. “Buddy and Bill were prime movers in getting the project off the ground and brought to fruition,” White said. “Oh, he’s the tops,” White said. “It really is state of the art.” Buddy the lineman represents an overseer who put electric poles in the ground and attached insulation on wires to keep them from shorting out. Every lineman had a helper on the ground, one who would send up tools and supplies in a bucket from a rope attached to the pole. As museum visitors walk through Boomtown USA, they will hear
narratives by Buddy whose monologues are triggered by movement. Museum Arts, Inc. from Dallas, which also designed the Rangerette Showcase, created several models and idea concepts for Buddy “We thought this was the best idea for his historical background and decided it represented that pretty well,” White said. Buddy originated from the minds of the museum committee and eventually grew to become a tangible experience. “We actually dreamed it was a possibility some six or seven years ago, as we broke the sidewalk, dug a hole for the utility pole and covered it over with a thin layer of cement. Now the dream has become a reality, as Buddy has become the most popular exhibit in the museum,” White said. “It took seven years to bring that dream to fruition. We now continue to dream and develop new concepts for additional exhibits to be added in the near future.” The museum is now operating on its spring schedule which is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is $5 for ages 3-11 and $8 for ages 12 and under. For more information, call 903-983-8295 or visit the museum’s website at easttexasoilmuseum.com.
BSM to host garage sale Crawfish boil Wednesday dIllon sandIfeR Staff Writer The Baptist Student Ministry is having a garage sale beginning 7 a.m. Saturday, April 14, on the front lawn of the BSM building, located at 809 Nolen St. Cash donations or sale items are being accepted. Artwork from the BSM art night a few weeks ago is on exhibit in the
Watson Library. The artwork is part of a silent auction to raise additional funds for mission trips. Proceeds from the auction will also go to send students on mission trips. Those who wish to bid on the art or need more information or to drop off donations can contact Shelly Webb, BSM director, at swebb@ kilgore.edu or call 903-984-7146 or visit the BSM.
sHenIeCe CHaPPell Staff Writer The fourth annual crawfish boil is scheduled 11 a.m-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, on the tennis court parking lot behind the Parks Fitness Center. This event is free for students, faculty and staff members. Classes will not be canceled so students wanting to attend will need
to schedule the boil between classes. Circle M Crawfish will cook between 2,800 to 3,200 pounds of crawfish and a disc jockey will provide entertainment. “This event was developed and sponsored by the Office of Student Life along with ARAMARK to bring the entire campus community together for a spring activity,” said Edward Williams, director of residential life.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012
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Theatre students see ‘Red’ as part of down time JESSICA TOLLE Staff Writer KC Theatre Department is ending the school year with three plays instead of the usual four. Taking advantage of the time off, theatre instructors Kathy Barber and Michael Atkins and about 20 students, including those taking theatre history and students who participated in the production of the three plays for this school year, traveled to Houston March 23-24. Students attended a Tony Award-winning play “Red,” written by John Logan, which focuses on the life of abstract artist, Mark Rothko, presented at the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre. Dennis Draper, one of Barber’s former students, works at the Alley Theatre
Deadline today to drop with ‘W’
and was able to arrange for the group to meet the actors from the play and tour all aspects of the theatre. Barber said the trip would help enrich and educate the students by giving them a glimpse of professional theatre. “Red” was the first professional production seen for many of the students, including Dale Shelton, Van sophomore, who said the experience was, “eye opening” and overall “a valued experience.” Many students said they benefitted from the trip and were able to bring back knowledge and a new perspective of theatre. Josh Wallace, Van sophomore, said the opportunity was “really inspiring” and seeing all aspects of professional theatre “made what we’re working for tangible.”
Staff Writer Today is the last day to drop classes with a “W.” Students must visit the Registrar’s Office upstairs in the Devall Student Center or the KC-Longview office to fill out a drop request form and indicate their reason for dropping. A photo I.D. is required at the time of filling out form. The Registrar’s Office closes 3:45 p.m. on the KC campus and 2:30 p.m. on the KC-Longview campus. No drops will be allowed after these times except for cases in which the divisional dean approves extenuating circumstances. Drop dates vary for Flex classes and other courses that do not follow the standard semester calendar. Students who drop a class with a “W” will receive a grade of a “W” on their transcript which does not hurt their GPA; but keep in mind, according to a state law passed in 2007, students are only allowed six drops in their entire college career.
Board: Title IX cited in softball proposal FROM PAGE 1A evening classes at the college level. Prospective students can earn a Culinary Arts or Culinary Management Certificate as well as an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Fowler also mentioned that there is an interest in helping KC secure equipment for classes on the KC campus, should the program prove successful. Classes could start as soon as August. The women’s softball proposal was presented by Dr. Mike Jenkins, vice president of student development. Title IX, originally passed in 1972 but only more recently enforced, guarantees equal access to programs regardless of gender. Its primary goal is to prohibit gender-based discrimination, but it also
advocates for equality in athletics. Since dance (and by extension, the Rangerettes) and cheer programs are not considered athletics, KC may need more athletic programs for women. Softball was presented as the best strategy for compliance as well as a profitable addition to the curriculum. There may be as many as 13 young women in KC’s service area who are already playing for colleges outside of it. Jenkins also mention that “for every player, you bring in one point five additional students.” The question as to whether a KC women’s softball team would have a significant number of other teams to play against was raised and Jenkins answered, “Yes. There are 14.” The Board of Trustees will vote on both proposals in May.
Library to host motivational video Tuesday Staff Writer
Randi Branson / THE FLARE
EGGSTATIC Kason Henry, 3-year-old son of Brandy and Daniel Henry of Kilgore, shows off his prize egg in the KC Early Childhood Center Easter egg hunt on campus prior April 5.
Contests: TIPA winnings include Sweepstakes, Best of Show FROM PAGE 1A Scholastic Journalism Association, a national competition. The Flare earned 111 points in the TIPA contest, 44 more than second place Texas A&M University Commerce. Last year, The Flare beat Commerce by seven points. Texas A&M University - Kingsville came in third. Judges’ comments said, “The staff is to be congratulated for producing a newspaper that stands head and shoulders above its competition. Quality was evident in virtually every aspect – writing, photography, graphic design and layout and breadth and depth of coverage. This publication compares well with many professional newspapers today. A clear winner.” The Flare also won Best of Show for its March 9 Spring Break edition. Student journalists won 24 awards, including first in general excellence and nine first places in Newspaper Division 3. Thirteen weekly newspapers from 11 universities and two community colleges with comparable enrollment compete in Division 3. Meagan Brown was the executive editor of The Flare in the spring, and Kasi Dickerson was the executive editor in the fall. Brandy Eubanks was named photojournalist of the year for two-year colleges. Judges’ comments said, “Outstanding work. Student represented a variety of work that illustrates her versatility and creative eye. Regardless of the assignment, the photos were of high quality. Excellent work.”
Kasi Dickerson won the top scholarship in the state: $1,000. She also tied for Reporter of the Year for 2-year colleges with Bethany Peterson from Tarrant County College. Judges said both had “outstanding credentials and support” and are “excellent journalists.” The Ranger yearbook received 16 awards, two first and third in overall excellence in yearbook Division 2. The yearbook ranked second in the Sweepstakes behind Mary Hardin Baylor University. Elizabeth Wisdom was the editor of the 2011 Ranger Yearbook. The Flare Magazine received eight awards, including third in overall excellence. Kasi Dickerson and Elizabeth Wisdom were co-editors of The Flare Magazine. Two students placed in the live on-site contests. O. Rufus Lovett serves as photo adviser and Bettye Craddock is the newspaper adviser. Craddock and Lovett coadvise the Ranger yearbook and magazine. TIPA LIVE ON-SITE CONTEST WINNERS: Betsy Foreman (Longview) 1st in Advertising Elizabeth Wisdom (Van)- 3rd in Feature Photo NEWSPAPER CONTEST WINNERS: Meagan Brown (Kilgore) 1st News Story, 1st In-Depth Reporting, 1st Sports Page Design, 3rd Special Section/ Edition Jarred Crenshaw (Hallsville) 1st News Story Kasi Dickerson (Van) - 1st and 3rd Feature Story,1st Page One Design, 2nd News Feature Story, 2nd Information Graphic, 2nd Feature Page Design, 3rd Single Subject Design, 3rd Critical Review, 3rd Editorial Brandy Eubanks (Longview) -
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1st Picture Story Betsy Foreman (Longview) Honorable mention Ad Design Ashley Forrestier (Kilgore) 2nd Illustration, 3rd Editorial Cartoon Jamie Maldonado (Longview) - 1st Picture Story Sebastion Mauldin (Kilgore) - Honorable mention Sports New Story Mark Nelson (White Oak) - 1st Ad Design Carlos Peña (Longview) - 1st Picture Story Taylon Sharer (Powder Springs, Ga.) - Honorable mention Sports Page Design, 1st Picture Story Tim Stuckey (White Oak) - 1st Op/Ed Page Design Randi Vinson (Henderson) 2nd News Photo Elizabeth Wisdom (Van) - 1st Feature Photo, 1st Picture Story YEARBOOK CONTEST WINNERS: Taylor Cammack (Longview) - 1st Photo Story Brandy Eubanks (Longview) - 3rd Sports Package, 3rd Feature Photo Promise Gurley (Overton) - 1st Photo Story, 2nd Organizations Package Emily Hale (Center) - Honorable mention Organizations Package Amanda Lattery (Longview) 1st Photo Story Sheldon Lattery (Longview) 1st Sports Feature Photo, 3rd Sports Package, 3rd Sports Action Photo, 1st Photo Story, 2nd Organizations Package, 2nd Academics Package Jamie Maldonado (Longview) - Honorable mention Title Page, Honorable mention Organizations Package, 2nd Information Graphic, 3rd Feature/Student Life Package Danielle Mobbs (Kilgore) - 1st Photo Story Carlos Peña (Longview) - 2nd Academics Package Jonathen Ruesch (Gladewater) - 2nd Student Life Copy Carolyn Terrell (Laneville) 1st Photo Story Elizabeth Wisdom
(Van) - 2nd Organizations Package, Honorable mention Organizations Package, 2nd Information Graphic, 3rd Feature/Student Life Package, 2nd Academics Photo, Honorable mention Academics Package Staff - 3rd Cover Design, 3rd Overall Excellence GENERAL MAGAZINE WINNERS: Meagan Brown (Kilgore) - Honorable mention news Feature Story Kasi Dickerson (Van) -
Honorable mention Cover Design, 2nd Story Package Brandy Eubanks (Longview) - Honorable mention Picture Story Betsy Foreman (Longview) 2nd Story Package Jamie Maldonado (Longview) - 2nd Column/Essay and General News Photo Elizabeth Wisdom (Van) - 1st Feature Photo, Honorable mention Cover Design Staff - 3rd Overall Excellence (1st: Texas Christian University; 2nd UT-Pan American)
“How To Get What You Want--In The REAL World,” a 60-minute video seminar starring Mel Robbins, lawyer, columnist and host of A&E’s television show “Monster in Laws,” will be playing in the Watson Library’s Instruction Room 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 17. The presentation will focus on “maximizing your best resources, setting yourself up for success, and learning how to outsmart your brain.” “It seems like a cool video,” says Susan Black. She points out the parts that talk about tricking one’s brain out of its propensity to hoist limitations on itself. “I’d want to share that with all my students,” Black said. The library staff hopes to have 20-30 people in attendance. The video will be projected on a big screen. Admission is free.
Coming in
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Flare Magazine & Ranger Yearbook
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Aundrea Gamble
Fueled
passion SHENIECE CHAPPELL Staff Writer
I
Heather Sims / THE FLARE
Aundrea Gamble, McKinney freshman, is the top player for the Lady Rangers’ with 436 points, 99 assists, 53 steals and 169 rebounds.
Ranger duo earn accolades JESSICA STOVALL Staff Writer The Rangers basketball team may have finished fifth place in the Region XIV North Zone, but that didn’t stop the team from moving forward or two players from being acknowledged for the 2011-12 season. Sophomore Travis Betran and freshman Fred Mattison were recognized for their efforts on the court. Betran received Second Team All-Region and First Team All-Conference, which is only given to the top 15 players in Region XIV. Averaging almost 17 points per game, Betran was a valuable player for the Rangers. “I think I got my awards because my game improved,” Betran said. “My hard work paid off.” Even with an ankle injury, Betran was able to rise to the occasion for the Rangers and earned the awards to prove it. Mattison was awarded Third Team All-Conference. Mattison led the team with 223 rebounds. His three-point percentage was 66.7 percent. “I felt really honored on getting the award because it was an award only a couple of freshmen accomplished,”
Mattison said. “I know minutes of the if I keep working then game.” there will be many Betran said more awards to come he, too, was next year.” disappointed Hopefully, Mattison because he felt will progress as a they were a good leader during spring team that could training, which have gone far in Travis started April 2. the post season. Betran “We will be working Despite the Second team Allon developing each Region, First Team first-round All-Conference player individually,” tournament said Brian Hoberecht, loss, the men head coach. learned from the Every player will experience. have the opportunity “We had a good to rise as a leader enough team that and push the team to could’ve gone success. even farther, “I want to work on but then again every aspect of my through all the Fred game,” said freshman adversity we Mattison Chinedu “Chin” did our best to Third Team AllAmajoyi. compete every Conference Chin is looking for night,” Chin said. nothing less than The Rangers success for the future team, worked hard and played with and he hopes to be one of the heart and determination. big dogs helping every step “A solid foundation was laid of the way. for next year and we were The 67-62 loss to Tyler unselfish,” Hoberecht said. Junior College in the first The men may have learned round of the Region XIV many valuable skills on Tournament ended the offense and defense, but Rangers’ season. The loss bigger lessons and memories was not taken lightly. were made off the court. “We left a few games out “My favorite part of the there that could have been season was having the won,” Hoberecht said. “We opportunity to bond with my couldn’t finish in the last five teammates,” Chin said.
magine turning your dream into a reality–you strive to be the best that you can be no matter what comes your way. This basketball season, Aundrea Gamble brought her dreams to life by making the Region XIV All-Region and All-Conference teams. Gamble was the Lady Rangers’ top player, leading with 436 points, 99 assists, 53 steals and 169 rebounds. Women’s head basketball coach Roy Thomas described Gamble as an ideal junior college player. “She’s a sweetheart, works hard and is a solid player, but she must improve on outside shooting, strength and on the defensive end,” Thomas said. “She’s an all-conference player and she will be a major college basketball player.” Growing up in McKinney, Gamble played basketball with her brother and his friends, fueling her interest in the sport. Her family and friends say that she’s very determined and athletic considering she played three sports in high school. “I played volleyball, basketball and ran track; I guess you can say I was very proactive and productive,” Gamble said. But there’s more to her than basketball. Similar to other teens, Gamble enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the movies, bowling and listening to music. She is also passionate about music and poetry. “I love all kinds of music, believe
it or not, from jazz all the way to fist pumping; but someday I hope to turn my poetry into a song or something,” she said. Her goal in life is to do her best and to have an impact on people’s lives. That’s why after KC she plans on going to a Division I university to continue her basketball career. She also plans to continue majoring in psychology and minoring in exercise science. “Nobody knows where they will actually be in five to 10 years, but I hope to be somewhere overseas playing basketball or in an atmosphere teaching kids in some kind of way,” Gamble said. She doesn’t really have a favorite basketball team but the pro player she would like to meet would be Women’s National Basketball Association player Tamika Catchings. “The reason I would want to meet her is because she was always made fun of and constantly put down but she never let that affect who she really wanted to be,” Gamble said. Gamble’s family and friends are her moral support. They keep her motivated to keep up the good work and to keep going. “The best advice that I’ve been given was to leave all of your blood, sweat and tears on the court. Because in the end you will always know you fought your hardest,” Gamble said. “You would never want to have that ‘I should have done this or I should have done that’ feeling because at the end of the day you never know if it’s your last time to lace up a pair of basketball shoes.”
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Abuse: Victims recall heartbreak FROM PAGE 1A her twin brother came in after being shaken. “The doctors kept saying I was probably not going to come out of it. I was not going to be able to walk, talk or do any of the things I do today,” Amanda said. “A lot do not survive so I’m very lucky.” Immediately after their release, Amanda and her brother were put into foster care. Unlike Amanda, her brother became blind, couldn’t talk, was tube fed and was in a wheelchair until he died at 16. Amanda, did, however suffer a brain injury and visual impairment. Throughout her childhood, Amanda lived on-and-off with her grandmother, mom and at the school for the blind in South Dakota. For three years, she lived with her mom who was abusive both physically and mentally. “There were times when my mother would hit me. One time she pulled my hair so hard that it actually removed the skin from the bone. It took about a year to heal,” Amanda said. “The mental part of it was basically she would tell me over and over that ‘you’re not going to be able to do anything. You’re stupid.’ It was very hard to deal with.” At 13, she lived with her parents for a short time due to problems at her school; however, Amanda’s mom continued to abuse her. “She isolated me. I was very close to my grandma and she (her mother) would tell me that ‘Your grandma dropped you off because she can’t deal with you anymore,’” Amanda said. “It was very difficult because I was by myself pretty much all the time.” While staying with her mom in the middle of a South Dakota winter with 50-below temperatures, Amanda was grounded to her room with only blankets to stay warm. “She didn’t feed me for a week. I only had candy to eat– nothing but chocolate. How I like it today I’ll never know,” Amanda said. “I drank water from a spray bottle. It was safer to stay in my room and eat candy because my mom and dad got into fights and would have to go to jail sometimes.” Before she went to court and chose to live with her grandmother when she was 16, the only way Amanda could escape her mother’s abuse was to sleep. “I guess instinct took over. You had to survive. You couldn’t let them win in a sense,” Amanda said. “My grandma supported me. She didn’t treat me like someone with a disability. She would say, ‘You’re gonna do it.’ You need someone to believe in you and you need to believe in yourself. I would refuse to believe that they were going to win.” Despite all odds, Amanda escaped her mother’s entrapment when she moved to Texas. Now, she is studying to become a counselor for abused people or families dealing with children with physical or mental disabilities and she sincerely thanks her mom for giving her the experience to fuel her passion for counseling. “I can say I’ve been through it. There is always a way out. It may not always be easy to see it, but I would certainly look very hard for that even if it takes standing up to the darkness,” Amanda said. “Everybody in my life told me ‘you’re not college material’ and ‘you can’t do it.’ I kept telling them I have to at least try and I’ve done very well.” Similar to Amanda, Emma uses her family experiences as motivation to becoming a psychologist. “I want to understand the human mind and what causes people to do the things that they do,” Emma said. Emma is one of the millions of people who suffered from child abuse. Her perpetrator? Her father. “He was very verbally, emotionally and physically abusive. If you can be abusive in any way that’s how he was,” Emma
F E AT U R E
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KC Student Survey 53 out of 103 polled answered yes with the following results:
Mentally said. “When I was 3 years old, I was supposed to be standing still so he could brush my hair and I was 3 – 3-year-olds don’t stand still. He got so mad that he picked up a piece of 2-by-4 sheet metal and spanked my butt with that.” Bruises, scratches and scrapes can all be evidence of physical abuse which
is why this type of abuse is the most recognizable; however, underneath the physical scars, mental and emotional abuse hides devouring the mental stability of its victim. “I’m the older sister and he put me on a pedestal. I was perfect; I had to be perfect, there was no exception otherwise. I had to
be smart. I had to be polite. I had to be just the perfect example,” Emma said. “The constant need to be perfect still affects me today.” When Emma was 8-years-old her father molested her while he was in a supposed drunken state. “It didn’t come out till I was 10,” Emma said. “When my mom confronted him about it he said ‘he wouldn’t do that, didn’t remember it,’ so it kind of just got pushed under the rug. It’s something we don’t talk about.” The National Child Abuse Statistics say that more than 90 percent of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrators in some way. They also show that abused teens are less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Abuse affects children physically, psychologically, societally and behaviorally. “I became sexually active very early and it was because I wanted to feel the attention. I wanted the love I didn’t get at home,” Emma said. Studies conducted in 1996 show about 52 percent of victims of maltreatment were female and 48 percent were male. Girls are sexually abused three times more often than boys, whereas boys are more likely to die or be seriously injured from their abuse, as documented by the Third National Incidence Study. Many sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator like Scott who was molested by one of his male cousins. “When I was like 5 years old I was molested and a strong sexual urge after that just came into me,” Scott said. “I watched pornography constantly– if not daily, every other day. I became hooked on pornography and that’s how I would medicate the pain, that and rap music.” The first few years of a person’s life are important in shaping their character. Everything a child sees, hears or does impacts them in a different way and eventually acts as the building blocks to their moral foundation. As Scott grew up in an unstable, abusive environment he turned to aggression and drugs. “I didn’t know if I was loved,” Scott said. Child abuse is a vicious cycle. The National Child Abuse Statistics show that 30 percent of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children. Scott’s father is an example of this self-destructive cycle. “A lot of it is because he was abused as a child. His dad was an alcoholic and he almost died several times from alcoholism,” Scott said. “I guess it just stemmed from the hurts and pains he had never dealt with.” The struggles Amanda, Emma and Scott experienced make them who they are today. “Emotionally, there is a strength there and I’m ascribing all credit and worth to Jesus Christ,” Scott said. “In Isaiah 53, it says that Jesus took the strikes for our healing meaning He was beaten to heal us, heal our wounds. I believe it goes beyond our physical afflictions. I believe it is emotional, spiritual, inner healings. We live in a world of hurt people. I believe the only way to truly be healed and experience wholeness in your heart and the fullness of joy and true pleasure, intimacy, connection and love is through Jesus.” The “perfect” family may not exist. Every family has its faults and secrets. But it is these relationships, situations and memories that mold characters. As college kids, we are told college is the time to “find ourselves,” and for many college is the first time away from home. Influences within the family decrease, but do not disappear. Next time you’re in a classroom remember that child abuse has no boundaries. It is blind to race. It can’t be paid off with a fat check. It can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Next Week: Part II
OPINION
THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012
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OUR VIEW
Texting, driving: fatality at fingertips F
Photo illustration by Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE
ive seconds can determine life or death. Sending or receiving a text while driving takes the driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, which is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field at 55 mph blind, according to Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. As cellphone use advances to the roads, texting and driving has become an increasingly fatal problem in the percentage of vehicle related crashes. More and more drivers are endangering their lives and the lives of others on the road by distracted driving. Defined as “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving,” distracted driving encompasses many diversions, including texting, talking on the phone, eating and drinking, grooming, using a navigation system and adjusting the radio. Though all of these distractions can be detrimental, texting and driving is the most dangerous as it requires visual, manual and cognitive attention. According to Carnegie Mellon (a global research university), driving while using a cellphone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. This decrease in available brain resources can cause drivers to commit error similar to those committed while under the influence of alcohol. Neuroscientist Marcel Just and his colleagues used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study volunteers using a driver simulator. Using a cellphone while driving, whether it be handheld or hands-free, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent, according to University of Utah. The National Safety Council estimates 307,753 car accidents this year involved drivers using cellphones and texting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that the youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk, with 16 percent of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20. Government officials have also taken notice of the effects of texting and driving. Two new Texas distracted driving laws are now in effect: one bans teen drivers from using cellphones and text messaging devices; the other prohibits drivers from using handheld cellphones in school crossing zones. Prevent distracted driving by planning trips in advance, staying focused, putting your phone on silent or if you absolutely need to, pulling over to use your phone. Check your email, and make calls or texts before you drive off. Know your route before you start on your way. If you need to pull over for a phone call, be sure to find a safe, well lit spot. Slamming into the rear end of the car ahead, wrapping your car around the bottom trunk of a tree or wedging yourself underneath an 18-wheeler is not the last thing you want to remember. Next time you get into your vehicle, question whether that text or phone call is important enough to risk your life. Put the phone down. It can wait.
YOUR VIEW
Photos by Kris Dobbins and Cara Herbert/THE FLARE
“NO. I’m worried I could take my life or someone else’s when I look down for two seconds. A text isn’t that important. It can wait.” -Kourtney Money, Gilmer freshman
Do you text and drive? RESULTS YES 45% NO 55% 100 POLLED
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
“I almost got in an accident one time because of texting while driving and it was definitely a reality check.”
“Because of crazy drivers and I heard about a girl getting killed because of it.”
“I just lost a close friend to texting and driving so I know it’s not worth it.”
“I do it when there is no traffic.”
Adonnis Centers
Whitney Gage
Khalid Alnaimi
Overton freshman
Tyler freshman
“It takes away your attention. Driving, even at a red light, includes your full attention. If you have your face in a phone you are placing yourself and everyone else in danger.”
Karina Figueroa
Longview sophomore
Longview freshman
View more responses from students at the com
Kimberly Hortman Mineola freshman
It takes 4.6 seconds to drive 100 yards
Driving 55 mph
Illustration by Ashley Forrestier / THE
The Flare
Friday, April 13, 2012
LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as
2011 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors – Non-Daily College-University Division
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8A
THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Friday the
Jake Scarborough / THE FLARE
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13th
KADE BITTICK Videographer/Staff Writer
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his day of “bad luck and curses” has always been accompanied by the long-running horror film franchise of the same name, the “Friday the 13th” films. There are actually 12 films in the series— 12. That’s one of the longest-running horror film franchises in history, as well as one of the longest-running film franchises in general. The “Friday the 13th” films have been ongoing since the release of the first film in 1980 all the way to the newest 2009 reboot. The first film, simply “Friday the 13th,” is hailed as one of the greatest horror movies of all-time. This film pretty much initiated the whole “teen slasher” genre of horror films. The main reason for making the first film was to compete with the recently popular “Halloween” of 1978. Filmmakers wanted “Friday the 13th” to be “shocking, visually stunning and make you jump out of your seat,” according to David Grove in, “Making Friday the 13th: The Legend of Camp Blood.” That “shocking” aspect turned out to be very successful for the franchise as a whole. The “Friday the 13th” films collectively grossed more than $465 million in the worldwide box office. Some did poorly at the box office, while others were rather successful, leading to more and more
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sequels. Although the overall success of the films is significant, the lack of big budgets and the thin line of realism have made the films seem old in some eyes. For instance, Jason Voorhees, the main character of the series (who by the way did not appear in most of the first movie) is killed off in most of the films, only to be resurrected over and over again to enable more sequels. The success of these films has in large part to do with one, very famous and recognizable part of the killer’s wardrobe…a hockey mask. The impact of this hockey mask on pop culture was, and still is, huge. A large amount of people would probably think of “Friday the 13th” if they were to see a hockey mask. Believe it or not, this trademark mask did not appear on screen until 1983 in the third film, “Friday the 13th: Part III.” The films also had an outstanding merchandising profit with a total of more than $125 million that included TV shows, comic books and novels. Even the music in the films is deemed classic, with the iconic, “ki ki ki, ma, ma, ma,” which always alerts the audience that the killer is present. Overall, the “Friday the 13th” films have had a significant impact on pop culture and horror films. And based on the sequels’ constant need to resurrect Jason, we may never see this film franchise truly die.
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A CLOSER LOOK 1. Friday the 13th (1980) - Directed by Sean S. Cunningham 2. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) Directed by Steve Miner 3. Friday the 13th Part III (1982) Directed by Steve Miner 4. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) - Directed by Joseph Zito 5. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985) - Directed by Danny Steinmann 6. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) - Directed by Tom McLoughlin 7. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) - Directed by John Carl Buechler 8. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) - Directed by Rob Hedden
9. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) - Directed by Adam Marcus 10. Jason X (2002) - Directed by James Isaac 11. Freddy vs. Jason (2003) - Directed by Ronny Yu 12. Friday the 13th (2009) - Directed by Marcus Nispel
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