Issue 14 - 2-17-2012

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Cheerleading program facing changes KASI DICKERSON Executive Editor The drop in enrollment and the expected $1 million reduction in state funding have forced KC to search for ways to save money. The KC Rahs Cheer Program is one area being restructured to increase savings. Cheerleading sponsor Latane Speer is retiring in August after 41 years of service. Dr. Mike Jenkins, vice president of student development said he began developing alternatives for the

cheer program shortly after Speer announced her retirement. “First and foremost, I wanted to preserve the program that Latane created and devoted her whole heart to,� Jenkins said. “However, in light of tight budget times, I knew some critical changes had to occur in terms of size, expenditures, etc. if the program was to continue.� Melissa Haden, computer science instructor, has been named the new cheer sponsor. The cheer program will be restructured

throughout the remainder of the spring semester and the summer. The squad will be reduced from the average of 20 members to no more than 12 with additional nonscholarship alternates being included at the sponsor’s discretion. Also the squad will be non-competitive, have a limited travel schedule and focus more on acting as ambassadors of the institution. “The focus will not be on competition, but

SPEER RETIRING Employee for 41 years Q Government instructor and cheer sponsor Q Former KC student Q Retirement effective Aug. 31, 2012 LATANE SPEER Q

See CHEER on Page 3

The Flare

Friday, February 17, 2012 Vol. 75 No. 14 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

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uition and fees will increase effective fall 2012. The KC Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to raise rates for the 11th time since 2003. The raise in tuition and fees is one way KC is trying to make up for the proposed $1 million loss in state funding. “The state of Texas put together such a screwy budget,� said Dr. Bill Holda, KC president. “It’s a shame because the state has abandoned its responsibility to cover the cost of instruction.

The reality is the college doesn’t have another source of new revenue.� KC has experienced a 7.8 percent decrease in enrollment which will also affect funding. “Since our enrollment is down, we’re going to lose an additional million dollars going into next year,� Holda said. “The models I saw showed 35 to 40 colleges losing money and 10 to 15 gaining.� James N. Walker, Larry Woodfin and Carlos “Scooter� Griffin were absent at Monday’s meeting, but Holda spoke with them prior to the meeting and all were supportive of the action items. The general education fee will increase $2 per

semester hour. Students within the KC taxing district will have tuition raised by $2 per credit hour. Out-of-district fees will increase $6 per semester credit hour and out-of-state tuition will see an increase of $6 per semester credit hour. In total, the hourly tuition rate will be $57 for indistrict students, $124 for out-of-district students and $174 for out-of-state students. Dual credit students will also see an increase in tuition. KC currently offers dual credit classes to area high school students at about half the rate of tuition and fees. See RAISE on Page 4

February gas prices setting US records 1DWLRQDO DYHUDJH KLWV D JDOORQ ZLWK SURMHFWHG D JDOORQ E\ VXPPHU ASHTON JOHNSON Managing Editor Gas prices are off to a steady increase for 2012. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up more than 8 percent since the end of 2011. Average retail gasoline prices in Texas have risen 8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.45/g. This compares with the national average that has increased 3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.47/g, according to gasoline price website TexasGasPrices.com. Prices were 43.4 cents per gallon lower this time last year and are 17 cents per gallon higher than January. The national average has increased 10.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 31.9 cents per gallon higher than this time last year. U.S. gasoline prices are setting records for this time of year, with current prices being the

highest they have ever been for February. In fact, the monthly average U.S. retail price for unleaded regular has set a new record every month since last October. For PTA Program Director Carla Gleaton, the daily commute to KC is costly. “I live in Lone Star which is 48 miles each way and I drive every day,� Gleaton said. “I put $50-$60 every three days in my tank and that’s if I don’t do any extra driving other than coming and going to work.� While gas prices tend to rise through the first half of the year, this is the earliest the average price per gallon has breached the $3.50 mark. If this pace continues, the national average could easily hit $4 a gallon by summer. “I have had to cut down on other travels and cut down on my gas budget significantly,� Gleaton said. “I try to find See GAS on Page 3

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, SXW HYHU\ WKUHH GD\V LQ P\ WDQN Carla Gleaton, PTA program director

Katie Kuykendall / THE FLARE

Regular gas prices have risen 8 cents per gallon in the past week, making the average price $3.45 per gallon in Texas.

Bre a k i n g n ews, videos an d exten ded cover age at www.thef lareonline. com

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Tuition and fees per semester hour

Refunds dispersed Feb. 27 ASHTON JOHNSON Managing Editor Students who are expecting loan and scholarship reimbursements will be able to access their money from their Ranger Card or personal account on Monday, Feb. 27. Refunds are also given for courses dropped or for withdrawal from school within the first 20 class days of the semester. The college will not give a refund unless students have applied within the same semester as the withdrawal. Students who are not sure of their account status can visit www.kilgore.edu and click on CampusConnect. Students can then click on the financial aid tab to access their account. For more information, students can visit the Financial Aid desk or Cashier’s Offices in the Devall Student Center.


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Age: 19 Hometown: Kilgore *SHZZPÄJH[PVU! Freshman Major: Business

FACE IN THE CROWD

The Flare

Kaliegh Benoit What made you decide to go to KC? ... I’m from Kilgore. Originally I planned on going to TJC after making their cheerleader program, but once they cut it I knew Kilgore would be where I would go. What is your favorite thing about KC? ... Latane Speer’s office. I love that lady. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? ... I love it here. I plan on being in East Texas for the rest of my life. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? ... That I am capable of anything that I set my mind to. Thanks Mom and Dad! What/ who inspires you? ... Honestly, all of the kids that I teach at Tumble-N-Cheer and in the summers with Aaron Crouse Choreography inspire me. I want to have my own competitive cheer gym in the East Texas area, and every day that I go to work is a great day. I am truly blessed. There is never a dull moment when I’m at the gym.

NOTEBOOK Feb. 17 – Feb. 24 FRIDAY, Feb. 17 Q KC Foundation board meeting 10 a.m. DSC Ballroom

SATURDAY, Feb. 18 Q Twirler All-Star Clinic Noon- 4 p.m. Masters Gym/ Parks Fitness Center Q Lady Rangers @

What is your favorite thing about being a KC cheerleader? ... I love everything about being a KC cheerleader. I feel like I am a part of something that’s been here for a very long time. All of my coaches are ex-Rahs, and just about everywhere I go, I meet someone who cheered here in the past. I feel like I was meant to be here and I can’t wait to spend my last year cheering here. Do you plan on making cheerleading a career? ... Most definitely. Ever since 8th grade, I knew I wanted to own my own cheer and tumble gym. I’ve always heard people say “you want to love your job.” I have no desire to be a doctor, lawyer or even a school teacher. I hope to bring out the inner confidence in each and every one of my students when I start my gym. I work for TNC right now and I absolutely love it! I can only hope to have a gym as successful as Melanie’s (my boss).

Randi Branson/ THE FLARE

San Jacinto College 2 p.m. Q Rangers @ Bossier

Parrish College 4 p.m.

MONDAY, Feb. 20 Q Area VI FFA Convention 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Dodson Auditorium

TUESDAY, Feb. 21 Q ECC 25th Anniversary 6- 8 p.m. Early Childhood Center

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 Q PTK Induction Ceremony

5K run to raise funds to fight childhood obesity MELISSA AOUAD Staff Writer The NFL Play 60 Professional Athletes Against Childhood Obesity and the Spring Hill Health Advisory Council, will be sponsoring a 5K run at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at Spring Hill High School Stadium. Entry fees are $10 for children and $25 for adults. To register, go to www.wetimeraces.com and click

on “Calendar” and “March” then scroll down to March 31 (8 a.m.) and then select “Register Online.” Blue Bell fat-free fruit bars and much more will be given away. The Marine Corps will be there, as well as several NFL players signing autographs. KC football team will also be participating, serving as body guards to the NFL players. Proceeds will to go the Spring Hill Health Advisory Council to invest

in a program to fight childhood obesity. “It is a great way for students to participate in the community, have fun and be a part of a great cause,” said Leslie Goudarzi, KC nutrition instructor. “This is an important cause to the community. One third of children are considered obese in America. Obesity rates reach up to 40 percent for African Americans and Hispanic populations. Getting kids to be active, set goals and

6 p.m.- 8 p.m. DSC Ballroom Q Lady Rangers

Blood drive Feb. 24 to benefit Beach

vs. Trinity Valley Community College 5:30 p.m. Masters Gym Q Rangers vs. Trinity

Valley Community College 7:30 p.m. Masters Gym

FRIDAY, Feb. 24 Q Student Services Staff Development Meeting 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. DSC Ballroom Q NEXT ISSUE OF

THE FLARE

SATURDAY, Feb. 25 Q Gussie Nell Davis Dance Classic 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Masters/ Rangerette Gym Q Lady Rangers @

Blinn College 2 p.m. Q Rangers @ Blinn

College 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, Feb. 28 Q realTalk 4- 5:30 p.m. DSC Ballroom

John Vashey / SPECIAL TO THE FLARE

The KC Early Childhood Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the center located on the Kilgore campus. The program has provided quality child care for more than 800 children in Kilgore and surrounding areas.

ECC celebrates 25 years Center raising money to help enhance program

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 29 Q Lady Rangers vs. Tyler Junior College 5:30 p.m. Masters Gym Q Rangers vs. Tyler

Junior College 7:30 p.m. Masters Gym

STUDENT SUCCESS TIP “College is more than just books, studying and classes. There is a lot of learning that takes place outside of the classroom. .L[ PU]VS]LK" ÄUK HU organization that you are interested in and attend their meeting, or take a class that just sounds interesting or fun. You never know when you might uncover your true passion. Students who are involved in campus activities generally are more successful in college, so take your time, get involved and enjoy your time at KC.” – Leah Gorman Director of Development

follow through on a commitment are all benefits of the program.” Training is available at www. fromcouchto5k.com. The Good Shepherd Healthy Institute is also offering classes on running techniques via Matt Holmes, certified personal trainer. Volunteers are welcome to help with the event. For more information, contact Goudarzi at lgoudarzi@kilgore. edu or call 903-239-1551.

ASHTON JOHNSON Managing Editor

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he KC Early Childhood Center will host a reception to celebrate its 25th anniversary from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the center located on the Kilgore campus. “We invited over 200 people to the reception. All are former ECC children, family of former ECC students, former ECC staff, students or faculty at the college,” said Laura Pauley, ECC director. “It is open to anyone who has had an association with the center or who would like to help us celebrate 25 great years and at least 25 more great years to come.” Since its inception, the program has provided quality child care for more than 800 children in Kilgore and surrounding areas. “We know that the early childhood years are the most important years of a person’s life,” Pauley said. “Research has shown that children, who participate in quality programs such as the ECC, have cognitive, language and social skills beyond those children who do not have such an opportunity.” During the 25-year span, the ECC has become a model of excellence for more than 5,000 KC students. “We know that when students and observers have

the opportunity to see firsthand what the mark of excellence looks like, their learning is enhanced,” Pauley said. As the ECC plans for the next 25 years, A CLOSER LOOK the center is looking WHO: KC Early Childhood to raise funds to Center enhance the program. “The generous WHAT: 25th Anniversary support of alumni, Reception friends and community will WHEN: 6-8 p.m. help us continue Tuesday, Feb. 21 our mission of preparing children, families and college students for success in life by providing high quality, developmentally appropriate child care in a nationally accredited program,” Pauley said. Gifts to the ECC will allow the center to maintain the level of quality and enhance the function of the facility. “We have experienced the budget cuts along with everyone else at the college and have come out ‘leaner’ but strong,” Pauley said. “We are looking forward to maintaining our program to the standard of excellence we have held for the past 25 years.”

Relay Rangers to sponsor Potato Bake NICOLE DISEKER Staff Writer The KC Relay Rangers Potato Bake is scheduled March 2. Deliveries will be made 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for a baked potato, toppings and a slice of cake. A minimum of five tickets is allowed per off-campus location. The deadline for ticket purchases is noon Feb. 27.

The Relay Rangers are one of KC’s teams participating in a local Relay for Life race 7 p.m. April 20 at Kilgore’s Youth Sports Complex, 6499 Highway 135 North. The potatoes and other supplies will be provided by Aramark, and The Ranger Cafe will do the baking and help arrange the event. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. This will mark the 10th year for

the KC Relay Rangers annual Potato Bake fundraiser. Their goal for this year is to raise $115,000. If this goal is reached, it will amount to $1 million dollars raised over 10 years for Relay for Life. The Relay Rangers have always had a team of students, faculty and alumni to participate in the event. “We’re trying to stamp out cancer,” said Jackie Fout, member of the Relay Rangers team.

KC will be holding a blood drive Friday, Feb 24, in support of Caren Beach, who is hospitalized with acute myeloid leukemia. Caren is the daughter of Dan Beach, internal auditor. The goal of the Carter Blood Care drive is to acquire 45 units of blood. The blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Devall Student Center. Donor appointments can be pre-scheduled for 15-minute intervals with the last appointment at 2:45 p.m. Blood donors will not only be saving lives, but there will also be added incentives. All donors will be eligible to purchase two tickets to a Dallas Stars game for the price of one. In addition, each donor giving blood in February will be entered to win other Dallas Stars experiences, including a chance to sit in the Stars Penalty Box during pre-game warm ups. Fifty donors will win a pair of game-day tickets and one donor will win luxury suite tickets complete with food and beverages. For details, visit GameOnGiveBlood.org. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Barbara Prater, administrative assistant to the vice president of student development, at 903-983-8189 or by email at bprater@kilgore.edu. ~Jimmy Warwick

Dance, drill contest Feb. 25 The Gussie Nell Davis Classic Dance and Drill Team competition is 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in Masters Gym and Dodson Auditorium. High school drill teams and dance companies will compete throughout the day. The Rangerettes and the American Dance/Drill Team Association sponsor the event. The Rangerettes will perform their famous high-kick routine after the awards ceremony. The Rangerette Showcase/ Museum will be open all day. Official Gussie Nell Davis T-shirts and other merchandise will be for sale in the lobby of Masters Gym. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased the day of the event in Masters Gym. Jan Jaynes, Rangerette Showcase director, said the event “supports the Rangerette scholarships, and it’s an opportunity for anyone who is interested in dance to come and enjoy the performances.” The American Dance/Drill Team Association, owned by Joyce and C.R. Pennington, has donated six Rangerette scholarships since 1999. All proceeds from the classic will go into the Rangerette scholarship fund. ~Jasmine Chappell


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Transfer tips available on KC website MOLLEE MCFARLAND Staff Writer “This is my last semester before I transfer to a university!” Does that sound familiar? Of course it does. Now what comes next? There are four steps to becoming a successful transfer student: First, find the right university that suits you by going to Kilgore.edu, clicking on “New and Transfer Students” and selecting ‘Transfer 101.” On this page you will see #1 “Find the right Texas university,” and click ‘Learn why the first step you take may be the most

important.” At the bottom of that page is a list of resources to universities in Texas, as well as, comparisons. Then talk to an adviser. They are available to answer any questions and help determine the best career path for one’s individual needs. Next, seek advice for financial aid. There are many options one may qualify for, such as scholarships, grants, loans or the GI Bill. Last but not least, apply and transfer. Make sure the application stands out. The application should include supplemental materials, such as transcripts, essays and letters of recommendation or portfolios.

Along with the requested material, include details in the essay, such as club membership or other extracurricular activities. “It is best to decide on a major and university as soon as possible,” said Pam Gatton, director of counseling and testing. “Using the degree plan from the university as a guide in the selection of courses at Kilgore College will help in not taking courses that will not transfer for the specific degree the student is pursing.” For those who are unsure of a major, go to Kilgore.edu and click on “Educational Choices” and then select “All Choices A to Z”

which gives an overview of certain careers options, what graduates of the program do, what the job outlook is for graduates, what kind of salary can graduates expect and how long it takes to complete the program. A click on “Courses” shows what classes students are expected to take in order to achieve a degree in a particular field. “This is a good time for transfer students to make an appointment,” Gatton said. For more information, contact one of the five counselors on the Kilgore campus at 903983-8206 or one of the two at KC-Longview at 903-753-2642.

Library offering electronic resources DANIEL GUY Staff Writer

Anup Bhandari / THE FLARE

ADOPT A BOOK De’Marcus Ardison, Shreveport, La., freshman, browses through free books at the Watson Library. The remaining books appear [V TVZ[S` IL OPZ[VY` IPVNYHWO` HUK ÄJ[PVU HJJVYKPUN [V :\ZHU >PSZVU W\ISPJ ZLY]PJLZ SPIYHYPHU )VVRZ HYL SVJH[LK IL[^LLU [OL MYVU[ KVVYZ HUK [OL ZLJ\YP[` NH[LZ VM [OL SPIYHY`

It’s midnight and you have class in eight hours. Why you decided it was a good idea to schedule a class at such an unholy hour will have to wait. Sleep will have to wait. You have a research paper due. You need sources. You need sources relevant to your thesis. And you need to be able to actually read the sources to understand if they are relevant. You can’t go to the library; again it’s midnight, but you can go to the library’s website. The Watson Library provides eBooks, electronic books, on its website for reader convenience. “Ebooks are electronic books that were purchased so students can read from the computer and they don’t

actually have to come to the library,” said Susan Wilson, public services librarian. The books were purchased from the EBSCO host vendor. Recently, EBSCO acquired the ability to provide the full text of a variety of books. This isn’t like what Amazon provides for the Kindle or other such devices. It’s strictly an Internet resource and eBooks can not be downloaded to hard drives, though this may change in the future. The Watson Library provides eBooks from the KC Collection (over 20,000 all together) and from the public domain. One must be a currently enrolled student or faculty to view the eBooks, but they are easily accessed from both EBSCO host and the library catalog. Just go to kcfac. kilgore.edu/library.

Cheer: Restructuring to Operation Application recruiting new students save about $20,000 a year FROM PAGE 1

KRISTINA KUEHN Staff Writer KC Recruitment Services has been visiting 20 area high schools to implement Operation Application by speaking about KC to the dual credit sophomores and juniors as well as to graduating seniors. The students are guided through filling out applications for KC or other colleges and are walked through the process of financial aid. “Recruitment Services has done an excellent job at making this opportunity we have to go to the surrounding schools into a program that will hopefully last for many years to come,” said Trey Hattaway, director of marketing and enrollment management. Participating schools have welcomed Operation Application with open arms. “Going to the surrounding high schools is a privilege and we take it as an opportunity to inform these students on the advantages

and benefits of attending Kilgore College,” said Eloise Ashley, associate director of admissions and recruitment. The Office of Recruitment Services is also hosting Ranger Preview Day from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, in Dodson Auditorium. Prospective students can tour the campus, learn how to navigate the KC website and learn about different majors offered. The students will receive a free T-shirt and a chance to dine in the KC Cafeteria. “Preview Day provides high school students who are exploring their higher education options an opportunity to find out what Kilgore College has to offer,” Ashley said. To register for “Ranger Preview Day,” go to kilgore.edu and search preview day. For more information, contact Ashley at 903-9838198 or email eashley@Kilgore.edu.

Gas: Prices rise due to crude oil expense, military concerns FROM PAGE 1 where the cheapest gas is on the route, but they are not there.” High gas prices are usually caused by high prices of crude oil, which accounts for 55 percent of the price of gasoline. Concerns about a potential military action, by Israel or even the U.S., against Iran are causing oil prices to steadily increase. Although price levels vary over time, average retail gasoline prices are often highest in certain states or regions. “We crossed over into Oklahoma and the gas

dropped 20-30 cents a gallon,” Gleaton said. “Why do we have such high prices here when it is only one state away?” Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana are home to the vast majority of the nation’s fuel processing plants, and prices are notably lower in these states compared to others. The final factor affecting state and regional gas prices is how much people can afford to pay. There is a high correlation between states with low median household incomes and states with low gas prices. The prices residents can

afford, in turn, affect the state’s cost of living. Retail gasoline prices tend to be higher the farthest it is sold from the source, such as ports, refineries, and pipeline and blending terminals. About 65 percent of the crude oil processed by U.S. refineries is imported. The U.S. Gulf Coast was the source of about 26 percent of the gasoline produced in the U.S. in 2010. The U.S., which imports roughly 21 million barrels a day, consumes more gasoline than South America, Europe, Africa and Asia combined.

Calling All Kilgore College Students:

Cash For Textbooks!

Cherokee Pawn 816 US Highway 259 N

rather on supporting events at the college and energizing the college community, fans and athletic teams,” Jenkins said. As of now, the cheer program reports directly to Jenkins, but with the restructuring the program will become part of the athletic department, reporting directly to Jimmy Rieves, athletic director and director of student development/ student success.

“By moving the cheer program to report to the athletic director, a mutually beneficial relationship will be created,” Jenkins said. “The cheer program will be able to help support and participate in athletic fundraisers, such as the annual hall of fame golf tournament. In return, the program will be eligible to receive some of the proceeds from those fundraisers.” KC anticipates saving approximately $20,000 a year by restructuring the program.

“I can’t say enough about the dedication, commitment and love Latane Speer poured into the KC Rahs Cheer program,” Jenkins said. “She was more than the squad’s sponsor; she was a mentor, a friend and surrogate mother to the cheerleaders. It was her passion and generosity that has sustained a program that boasts so many alumni. We are excited and so fortunate to have Melissa Haden continue the tradition of excellence.”


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THE FLARE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

NEWS

Raise: Campus housing rates climb along tuition rates FROM PAGE 1 Tuition for in-district dual credit students will increase from $30 to $35 per semester credit hour. Out-of-district dual credit tuition will increase from $60 to $70 per semester credit hour. Housing rates will also increase. Nolen Hall rates will increase by $50 per semester making the total $900 per semester. Nolen Hall premium rooms will be $1,100. The Quads will increase from $900 to $1,000 per semester. These are all based on double occupancy. Stark Hall and the Gussie Nell Davis Hall will not experience any rate changes for the fall 2012 semester. Summer I and II room and board will go up from $700 to $750 per term. May Mini will cost $200. Enrollment cost at the Early Childhood Center will increase from $135 to $138 a week and the day care annual enrollment fee will increase from $160 to $180. In addition to tuition and fees being raised, the Board also approved recommendations given by the Investment Committee. These recommendations included the reallocation

of expendable balances from various scholarship accounts and the transfer of funds to the Texas Presbyterian Foundation. The Board voted that the most appropriate investment strategy would be 50 percent equity and 50 percent fixed. KC has about $5.8 million in 147 endowment accounts and about $1.4 million in the presidential endowment. Trustees also authorized to move forward with several capital projects. The projects include new turf at the football stadium, that is also shared with Kilgore Independent School District; heat, ventilation and air conditioner repairs for the Devall Student Center; renovations at the Quad dorms; a new fry grill in the DSC; AEC work at Woodruff Building; new kitchen equipment, new benches and tables for the new smoking areas and the renovation of the welding shop for a new grant program. The total cost of these expenditures is estimated to be $566,000. In other action, the board approved the following: Q Resignations for Sara Eskridge, history instructor, Linda Taylor, East Texas Police Academy

Tuition comparison with area community colleges, universities for 12 credit hours

In-District Out-of-District Out-of-State

In-District Out-of-District Out-of-State

administrative assistant; Joseph Savoie, student life assistant director; Justin Rice, student accounts coordinator; Maureen Faulkner, accounts payable administrative assistant;

and Margarita Talavera Hoferer, Spanish instructor. Q Retirements for Barbara Bishop, associate degree nursing administrative assistant; Dean Kinney, criminal justice instructor;

Karol Pruett, assistant to the president; Charles Fricks, computer science instructor; and Latane Speer, government instructor and cheerleader sponsor. Q Employment for

Elease Haywood, assistant controller; Christie Farrar, administrative assistant II. Q Change in employment for Lou Ann Parrott from administrative assistant II to administrative assistant III.

Chinese classes begin March 22 JONATHEN RUESCH Web Editor Mandarin Chinese classes will be offered at KC beginning March 22. Classes are 6:30 - 9:20 p.m. on Thursdays in the Hendrix Building, Room 112 at the KC-Longview campus. Cindy Xin Huang, native of Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, will be the

instructor. The course is $145 and a textbook is required. The textbook can be found at the KC-Longview Bookstore. A meet-the-teacher meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the Hendrix Building, Room 112. Emphasis will be placed on developing conversational vocabulary and phraseology that would

be used for business, travel and other communication needs. To register, go to the Business Office at KCLongview and pick up one of the continuing education registration forms. The class is non-credited. For more information, call 903-753-2642, then dial 3, which will forward callers to the non-credited classes.

Employee parking sticker stolen Chellie Sparks / THE FLARE

Tax information is on display at KC-Longview, where the American Association of Retired Persons is offering free tax preparation at the North Building of the campus.

AARP aides available for tax help at KC-Longview MOLLEE MCFARLAND Staff Writer It is income tax season. That means extra money back in pockets as soon as the time is taken to file taxes, and the American Association of Retired Persons is offering free tax help. AARP aides are available from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding Spring Break, in the Special Events Room located inside the North Building of the KC-Longview campus, 209 S. Center St. Don Martin, a volunteer of 13 years, is a major part of the AARP services. He works to get everything set up and recruits new volunteers each year from November until Feb. 1 when they begin volunteering for the public. “We end up doing close to 1,500 returns by the end of tax season which is 10 weeks long,” Martin said. Pat White has been volunteering for 33 years. “This is the best group to work with; I’ve ever been associated with,” White said. Ronald Allen, a Longview resident who has used the tax services offered on campus for six years said they always do a good job. Approximately 10 AARP volunteers help around 50 clients a day. Martin said the volunteers want to help people understand basic tax code. He encourages college students requiring assistance to seek help from them. Appointments are not available but those seeking help should bring the following: Q Copy of last year’s income tax return Q W-2 Forms from employer Q SSA-1099 form if you receive Social Security benefits Q All 1099 forms showing interest and/or dividends and documents showing original purchase price of sold assets Q 1099-misc. showing any miscellaneous income Q 1099-R form if you received pension or annuity Q All forms indicating

Chellie Sparks / THE FLARE

AARP tax aide, Robert Dendy, helps a couple prepare their 2011 tax refund at the KC-Longview North Building. federal income tax paid Q Dependent care provider information (name, employer, ID, SS#) Q All receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions Q Social Security cards or other official documentation for you and dependents

For more information on AARP services, call 1-888-AARPNOW or log on to www.AARP.org/taxaide

KATIE KUYKENDALL Staff Writer Recently, an instructor noticed her employee parking sticker was missing and alerted the KC Police Department. A week later, KCPD located the sticker on the back of a vehicle that did not belong to the instructor, though it was on a car parked near the instructor’s normal parking spot. The vehicle with the employee parking sticker on it belonged to a KC student. The penalty for stealing an employee sticker is a Class C citation for theft under $50, and an appearance in municipal court. A fine no greater than $500 may be issued. “Every semester we get

complaints that close-up parking fills up quickly,” said Martin Pessink, KCPD chief. Extra gravel lots have been designated for student parking, Pessink said. These lots have not been filling up this semester. “Too many students, too many cars. It takes too much time,” Romelia Seilhean, Gabon, Africa, freshman said about finding a place to park. There also is a small parking lot for students by the Back Porch and the realTalk house; however, it is important to park in the section marked for students and not for the Back Porch or other local buildings. “You’re not going to get front-door parking. At other

institutions you’re going to have to park and walk a lot farther than what you have here,” Pessink said.


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Lady Rangers run streak to sixth win SHENIECE CHAPPELL Staff Writer The Lady Rangers pulled off a 72-68 victory against the Panola Fillies Saturday, giving them a six-game winning streak. “Being on this winning streak feels pretty good, because we were looked at as the underdogs,” said Aundrea Gamble, Paris freshman. Both teams were neck-inneck at halftime, tied 33-33. In the second half, the Lady Rangers added 39 points to the scoreboard and gave up 35 to the Fillies. Lauren McKinney was the leading scorer for the Lady Rangers with 24 points. She also had two blocks and three offensive rebounds. Not far behind were Aundrea Gamble and Bianca McGee with 13 points each for KC. Gamble also contributed two blocks along with two steals, seven rebounds and

seven assists. McGee had eight rebounds, five assists and a steal. Also standing out for KC was Alicia Johnson adding 10 points, two rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal. Victoria Billingsley led the Lady Rangers in rebounds with nine. Billingsley also had six points, two steals and a block. The Lady Rangers had a rough start to the season which had some worried about what season might hold. Through all the struggles and losses the Lady Rangers have gained momentum. “I didn’t really have any worries because you have to get used to your team and take time to develop,” Gamble said. And that’s exactly what the Lady Rangers did, and that’s why they are 14-8 overall and have an 8-5 record in Region XIV play.

:H VKRZ XS WR ˔JKW LW RXW QR PDWWHU ZKDW Aundrea Gamble, Paris Freshman

“On a scale of one to 10 [with 10 being the most], I think we’re a five or six. We still need more improvement, intensity on defense and to get more rebounds,” Gamble said. “I also hope to take care of the ball better and execute on offense.” The Lady Rangers will travel to Houston Saturday to take on San Jacinto College at 2 p.m. with hopes of keeping their winning streak alive. “We show up to fight it out no matter what,” Gamble said.

2012 KC Basketball Lady Rangers (14-8, 8-5)

Heather Sims / THE FLARE

Sophomore Alicia Johnson searches for an open teammate in Saturday’s game against the Panola Fillies. The Lady Rangers defeated the Fillies, 72-68, giving the women a six-game winning streak. KC will face San Jacinto College 2 p.m. Saturday in Houston.

Heather Sims / THE FLARE

Tre Potter is surrounded by Navaroo defenders as he tries to shoot a basket Wednesday night in Masters Gym. The Rangers defeated the Bulldogs, 61-57.

Rangers rebound; now face Bossier JESSICA STOVALL Staff Writer Looking for a third straight win, the Rangers will travel to Louisiana Saturday to play the Bossier Parish Community College Cavaliers at 4 p.m. “We have a lot of momentum going into this game,” said Brian Hoberecht, head coach. “We feel good about ourselves.” The momentum buildup partially comes from a big win Wednesday night against Navarro College. In a hard-fought battle in Masters Gym, KC defeated the Bulldogs in the last minutes of the game, 61-57. The nail-biting, fast-paced atmosphere had every player in a constant rush to put points on the board or defend the opposing score from rising. Three players led the Rangers by scoring in double digits: Travis Betran and Fred Mattison made 12 points each, followed by Braylon Lazare with 11 points. “The team had perseverance and determination tonight,” Hoberecht said. “We stayed with it and were off the top.” With the quick abilities of

the Bulldogs, the Rangers seemed to keep calm and focused throughout a game of high tension and pressure. “Tonight had two teams that played awful hard and awful well, and I’m proud of them for grinding out a few things to win,” Hoberecht said. After defeating the Panola College Ponies Saturday, Feb. 11, the men have the confidence needed to keep the winning streak alive. Shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from the 3-point line, the Rangers came out on top of the Ponies, 79-72. Even though Betran and Mattison were lead scorers in this game as well, many contributions came from the background. “The bench contributed the most in this one,” Hoberecht said. “They were able to give the starters a break.” Hoberecht also stated that the team played as closely to their identity offensively as they have in awhile. “There was a complete offensive effort,” he said. “Contributions came from all over, and we’re looking to keep things moving in a positive direction.”

Rangers (15-8, 7-7)

Jan. 14

@ Tyler Jr. College

L 71-65

Jan. 14

@ Tyler

L 57-50

Jan. 18

@ Paris

L 62-48

Jan. 18

@ Paris

L 68-64 (OT)

Jan. 21

vs. Angelina

L 64-56 (OT)

Jan. 21

vs. Angelina

W 61-48

Jan. 25

@ Jacksonville

W 63-46

Jan. 25

@ Jacksonville

L 65-51

Jan. 28

vs. San Jacinto

W 81-60

Jan. 28

vs. San Jacinto

L 74-63

Feb. 1

@ Lon Morris

W 74-70 (OT)

Feb. 1

@ Lon Morris

W 63-40

Feb. 4

vs. Blinn

W 50-49

Feb. 4

vs. Lee

L 50-49

@ Lamar-Port Arthur

Feb. 8

vs. Jacksonville

W 56-42

Feb. 8

Feb. 11

@ Panola

W 72-68

Feb. 11 @ Panola

W 79-72

Feb. 18

@ San Jacinto

2 p.m.

Feb. 15 vs. Navarro

W 61-57

Feb. 22

vs. Trinity Valley

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 18 @ Bossier Parish, La.

Feb. 25

@ Blinn

2 p.m.

Feb. 22 vs. Trinity Valley

Feb. 29

vs. Tyler Jr. College

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 @ Blinn

March 3 vs. Paris

4 p.m.

Feb. 29 vs. Tyler Jr. College March 3 vs. Paris

March 8-11 Region XIV Tournament

L 75-50

4 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m.

March 7-11 Region XIV Tournament


PAGE

6

“

THE FLARE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

NEWS

, NQRZ WKH 8 6 $ LV WKH EHVW FRXQWU\ IRU DQ\RQH ZKR ZDQWV WR LPSURYH KLV HGXFDWLRQ Kahlid Al Saleem, Saudi Arabian freshman

List of International Students by Country (* indicates new students) Belize Veronica Lopez Benin Abake Koukpoliyi *Pirriane Mevo Cameroon Michel Loic Kewou Canada Ashton Kahn

Paulin Libebele

Romelia Seilhan

Hotaru Ogasawara

Joon Woong Moon

Jese Epa

China Junjie Huang Hou Si Wong Tsz Tik Yeung Congo Jessica Kabala, Christian Libebele, Paulin Libebele England Yasmine Aouad

Chigusa Kohatsu

Ada Duarte Dubon

Thanh Nguyen Trinh

Kazuma Miyagi

Hoyoung Jung

Gabon *Murielle Boum Ndimal Serge Koukpoliyi Ekouaghe Jese Epa Anansambi Katako Constant Koukpoliyi Lubin Koukpoliyi Igor Mabika Mourambou Mickalat Owono Ndzoghe Kalala Ngari Romelia Seilhan Guillaume Seilhan The Gambia *Maria Johnson Germany Robert Habbecke Honduras Ada Duarte Dubon

Jessica Kabala

Hoang Trinh

Quan Vu

Daria Yusapova

Yasmine Aouad

Iraq *Noor Bilal Ivory Coast Patrick Gnagbo *Brou N’goran Jessica Sinte Yannick Sinte

Wakako Yonaha

Brenda Rangel

Hisha Saidi Rashidi

Guillaume Seilhean

Yuta Suganuma

Matthew Blanchard, Brandy Eubanks, LaTosha Morgan / THE FLARE

These 20 international students are among 80 from 28 countries from across the world.

New

,QWHUQDWLRQDO VWXGHQWV WUDYHO IURP DOO RYHU WKH JOREH

Beginnings TIMOTHY STUCKEY Web Editor

K

C’s international student program now includes 80 students from all corners of the globe. Japan is the most represented country on campus with 16 students. Thirty-four international students are from the continent of Africa. International students like Khalid Al Saleem, occupational health and safety freshman from Saudi Arabia, must deal with the many challenges that any college student would face, while also having to adjust to a culture unfamiliar to them. “I miss my family,� said Al Saleem, who left most of his family behind in his hometown of Al Hasa. Al Saleem first came to the U.S. two years ago with his wife and two sons. His employer, Saudi Aramco, an oil and gas company, is sponsoring him as well as another employee to travel overseas and earn degrees. The company, according to Al Saleem, is Saudi Arabia’s biggest energy company and focuses on safety, health and environment. Al Saleem said that the company gave him a choice between San Diego, Baltimore or Texas. “I chose Texas because the Aramco office and American consulate are in Houston,� Al Saleem said. “The weather is close to Saudi Arabia also.� Before Al Saleem was able to study in the U.S. however, he had to complete an application process. The process that the students must complete to study abroad may vary in their home countries, but ultimately each student will need a F1 visa, or student visa, in order to study overseas. To acquire an F1

visa, the American consulate in their home country must have an I20 document from the college they want to attend. KC requires that all international students have at least 12 years of high school education, an application for admission and a financial statement showing that they can pay their living expenses. Once a student has all three, that student must give all documentation to Brenda Thornhill, director of international students, who will then give the student the I20 document. “Visas are becoming a little more difficult to obtain,� Thornhill said. The cause, according to Thornhill, stems from heightened security measures by Homeland Security. For some countries, this lengthens the times that it takes students to get their visas. “In countries like Brazil, it could be over 40 days to get an appointment for a visa,� Thornhill said. For Al Saleem the process was a bit smoother, as the American consulate in Saudi Arabia works closely with Saudi Aramco, and Al Saleem was able to receive his visa in three days. His only concern in traveling was airport security. “I was scared about the security,� Al Saleem said. His worries soon dissipated because of the general friendliness of people here. “American people are very nice,� Al Saleem said. “I ask anybody for anything and they help me immediately.� In order to stay focused on his education, Al Saleem said that his wife, sons and the cooperation of the KC teachers have been the most influential. “I know the USA is the best country for anyone who wants to improve his education,� Al Saleem said.

Japan Mamika Fujimoto Tai Ikehata Chigusa Kohatsu Kazumi Miyagi Yasuyuki Miyaki *Emika Nakama Hotaru Ogasawara Yuta Suganuma Yoshiya Taira Momoko Toma Satoshi Tomonaga Marina Tou Kanako Uchihara Yuri Yamamoto Yusuke Yamauchi Wakako Yonaha Korea Sehyun Ahn Jong-Seok Han Hoyoung Jung Hong Bae Kim Sungyeol Kim Won Lee Joon Woong Moon Du Sung Youn-Je Sung Kenya Bestina Ongubo *Rodah Symekah Mexico Diaz Roberto Pimentel Nigeria Olajumoke Awe Arinzechukwu Eneh Nepal Anup Bhandari Bishwo Pandey Russia Dimitri Kondratev Daria Yusapova Saudi Arabia Khalid Al Saleem Khalid Alnaimi Ahmed Alsaayed Senegal Mame Diagne *ElHadj Dieye Sri Lanka Ramon Withanage Tanzania Aisha Rashidi Uganda Namitala Kiyingi Rachel Nakayenga Vietnam Nga Dinh Venezuela Mariana Morao Zimbabwe James Banga Fungai Peta Shingairayi Shumba


OPINION

THE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

PAGE

7

Illustration by Ashley Forrestier/THE FLARE

Is media walking the plank? W

hy pay for it when I can get it for free? Besides, I deserve it and everybody does it. This “free-for-all� opinion seems to be the driving force behind Internet piracy. The recent protests of the Stop Online Piracy Act, known as SOPA, and Protect Intellectual Property Act, known as PIPA, have highlighted the issue of Internet piracy. While we at The Flare believe piracy is unethical, we also think that there needs to be a compromise between the entertainment industries and consumers. In other words, entertainment industries need to find an easier, legal and more affordable way of marketing their products. The U.S. economy loses a staggering $12.5 billion annually due to piracy, according to a study done in 2007 by ipi.org. Since Napster was released in 1999, music sales dropped from $14.4 billion to $7.7 billion, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). From 2004 to 2009 alone more than 30 billion songs were downloaded illegally and only 37 percent of music acquired in the U.S. was done legally, according to RIAA. Piracy is a crime. If caught pirating music one may face criminal charges

including five years in jail and a fine up to $250,000. In the industries’ defense, piracy interrupts the business cycle because it steals part of their revenue, and without money the industries have no way of supplying products to society. iTunes charges $1.29 for a song and Amazon charges 99 cents, but still there has to be an easier and cheaper way to get music to the public. We live in a fast-paced world and people don’t like waiting for an album or movie release especially if one can just download it now for free and avoid pricey movie rentals. For example, on iTunes one can rent a movie for $3.99, buy a movie $12.99, rent in HD $4.99 or buy in HD for $15.99-$19.99. Moreover, according to the International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the digital music industry has grown globally by 8 percent; therefore, would it really be so bad if the industry lowered music prices to encourage legal purchases? Entertainment as we know it may sink into oblivion if a middle ground is not found.

YOUR VIEW Is Internet piracy an issue to you? RESULTS YES 32% NO 68% 102 POLLED View more responses at [OLĂ…HYLVUSPUL com

Photos by Ali Henderson/THE FLARE

NO

YES

“I do not care about it.�

“Because it’s basically stealing money from great artists and actors. If you really love them and are a fan of them then you should support them by actually buying their works.�

Robert Beau Tomball freshman

Shemeca Scott Kilgore sophomore

NO

NO

“I buy all my music from iTunes.�

“I always purchase my music through iTunes because I feel better about giving credit where credit is due; however, if other people want to partake in piracy, it doesn’t bother me.�

Anthony Moore Beaumont sophomore

Chelsi Borders Kilgore sophomore

“YES. As the economy continues to be in recovery more and more people are pulling toward piracy rather than doing the right thing.� -Ashanti Montgomery, Tatum freshman

ANONYMOUS SURVEY Do you participate in Internet piracy?

RESULTS

“YES. It takes away from the people that deserve to make money on productions that get reproduced illegally.� -Josh Riddles, Kilgore freshman

YES 44% | NO 56% 100 POLLED

“NO. Once you release a song it’s out there and everybody will download it illegally if they like it. That’s just the nature of the market.� -Nick Fuller, Hallsville sophomore

Grandfather’s eternal light gives strength O

ne defining moment in my life will stand out forever. This moment gives me comfort through the rough times and also makes chills run through my spine. This moment happened when I was young, 6 to be exact. My JESSICA grandfather STOVALL was my role Staff Writer model. He was my go-to guy, who with a simple hug could turn any frown upside down. His smile lit the world for miles, and I’ll never forget the flat hair on his head, due to the trucker hats he wore.

He had a love for life that shined through every stride he made, and every situation he came across was handled with humor and grace. He was that consistent light in my life, and I never wanted to disappoint him. Pawpaw Larry was my best friend. My favorite part of my childhood was traveling to Dallas and staying at my grandparents’ home on Carver Lane. A backyard swing was set up just for me alongside Pawpaw’s hammock – it was our special place. We would lounge for hours and stare at the sky, while contemplating life as I knew it through a 6-year-old’s eyes. It was where he told me stories about his experiences in the School of Architecture

The Flare

at The University of Texas in Austin, igniting the spark behind my love, my passion, for UT. I spent all of my Christmases, many birthdays and some of the most special moments of my life in that home. Conversely, I also experienced one of the most piercing moments I will ever feel, while on one of my last visits there. His body had become weak because of cancer, and he was becoming more fragile with every waking second. The walker he had been using to help him move about came out from under him, and my grandfather fell at the front door of the house. At the time, I was in my grandparents’ bedroom watching “I Love Lucy,�

and I jumped and ran to the front entrance at the sound of his struggle. I felt numb, as I watched my mother and uncle help him to his feet. It was so painful to watch; something had changed. My mom spent an extra week at my grandparents’ home, telling me and my little brother she didn’t feel it was time for her to return to Lufkin‌.sometimes I wish she had never let me leave. The whole week I felt something in my bones, the scary something that you can’t shake off whenever you know the world isn’t right, but you have no idea what is coming. A little over a week after coming home, it was early in the morning and I was awakened by a bright light

=63 56 Q Friday, February 17, 2012 *VW`YPNO[ ;OL -SHYL (SS YPNO[Z YLZLY]LK

2011 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association 2011 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors – Non-Daily College-University Division

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kasi Dickerson MANAGING EDITOR Ashton Johnson ASSISTANT EDITOR Brittani Pfau WEB EDITORS Jonathen Ruesch Timothy Stuckey VIDEOGRAPHER Kade Bittick

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Sarah Sullivan ARTIST Ashley Forrestier LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado ADVISER Bettye Craddock PHOTO ADVISER 6 9\M\Z 3V]L[[

ADVERTISING MANAGER Betsy Foreman STAFF WRITERS Melissa Aouad, Jessica Blake, Jasmine Chappell, Sheniece Chappell, Nicole Diseker, Daniel Guy, Victoria Kelley, Kristina Kuehn, Katie Kuykendall, Mollee McFarland, Dillon Sandifer, Jessica Stovall, Kyle Swearingen, Jessica Tolle, John Walsh and Jimmy Warwick PHOTOGRAPHERS Anup Bhandari, Matthew Blanchard, Randi Branson, Kris Dobbins, Katie Kuykendall, LaTosha Morgan, Chellie Sparks, Heather Sims, Randi Vinson

in the hallway. Without feeling like I had ever slept, I jumped up and went to my parents’ room, waking my dad because I was scared of the bright light. I was wondering if for any reason he had turned on all the hallway lights. My dad hadn’t turned them on nor could he see the bright light I was trying to describe. He put me back to bed and told me everything would be all right. Soon after, mom finally came home. She called us into the living room, and in a downpour of tears, she just shook her head. Without saying a word, she told me I had lost my best friend. I went to bed shaking and unable to understand how my

God could take such an influential person from me someone I so greatly aspired to be. I later learned that at the exact time my grandfather had passed away was when I was awakened by the bright hallway lights that only my eyes could see. To this day, I firmly believe that my grandfather had stopped by on his way to the greatest “calm� anyone could ever know. Today, I find comfort in looking at the sky, knowing he is my angel. He’s my light at the end of the tunnel. He’s my best friend. He’s my Pawpaw Larry. Jessica Stovall is a freshman communications major from Lufkin.

LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as H ZV\UKPUN IVHYK [V L_WYLZZ [OV\NO[Z HUK VWPUPVUZ VU J\YYLU[ JHTW\Z YLSH[LK [VWPJZ >L HSZV ^LSJVTL UL^Z VY MLH[\YL PKLHZ +\L [V ZWHJL SPTP[H[PVUZ SL[[LYZ ZOV\SK IL HZ JVUJPZL HZ WVZZPISL HUK TH` Z[PSS IL LKP[LK MVY ZWHJL 3L[[LYZ T\Z[ IL ZPNULK HUK PUJS\KL HU HKKYLZZ HUK [LSLWOVUL U\TILY ZV [OH[ ^L JHU ]LYPM` [OLPY H\[OLU[PJP[` 3L[[LYZ ZOV\SK IL delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to ;OL -SHYL )YVHK^H` 2PSNVYL ;? VY LTHPSLK [V! RJFĂ…HYL'`HOVV JVT

DISCLAIMER THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by [OL QV\YUHSPZT KLWHY[TLU[ L_JLW[ K\YPUN L_HTPUH[PVU WLYPVKZ HUK ]HJH[PVUZ -PYZ[ JVW` PZ MYLL Z\IZLX\LU[ JVWPLZ HYL H]HPSHISL MVY JLU[Z ;/, -3(9, PZ H TLTILY VM [OL ;L_HZ *VTT\UP[` *VSSLNL 1V\YUHSPZT (ZZVJPH[PVU HUK [OL ;L_HZ 0U[LYJVSSLNPH[L 7YLZZ (ZZVJPH[PVU (SS WLVWSL OVSKPUN LKP[VYPHS Z[HMM WVZP[PVUZ HYL 2PSNVYL *VSSLNL QV\YUHSPZT Z[\KLU[Z *VTTLU[Z HUK ]PL^Z L_WYLZZLK PU ;/, -3(9, YLĂ…LJ[ [OL [OV\NO[Z VM [OL PUKP]PK\HS ^YP[LYZ HUK KV UV[ ULJLZZHYPS` YLĂ…LJ[ [OL ILSPLMZ VY VWPUPVUZ VM V[OLY Z[\KLU[Z Z[HMM TLTILYZ MHJ\S[` TLTILYZ HKTPUPZ[YH[P]L VMĂ„JLYZ VY [OL )VHYK VM ;Y\Z[LLZ


+ PAGE

P

8

THE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

H O T O G R A P H

SPOTLIGHT

S

LIZ WISDOM There is something surprisingly unique and interesting to be found in every portrait subject. This selection of photographs captures the individuality + that each person possesses. Just as the eyes are truly WKH ZLQGRZV WR WKH VRXO P\ OHQV UHÓżHFWV P\ HPRWLRQDO response toward my subjects and their relationship to the specially chosen environments. VICTORIA KELLEY Staff Writer

A

selection of 21 photographs have been chosen from Elizabeth Wisdom’s study of portraiture for display in the Matthew Dean Johnson Photography Gallery in the Communications Automotive Building. The Mineola sophomore describes her work and her passion for photography in the following interview:

Question: Have you always wanted to be a photographer?

Answer: “No, I

first became interested in photography my junior year of high school. My senior year was when I decided to major in photography and later pursue it as my career.�

Q. Who has most

inspired you to become a photographer?

A. “My mom. She’s not a

photographer, but she was an art major. My love of art and eye for detail come from her. Her artwork has inspired me to capture the beauty around me, but in a different medium.�

Q. Do you consider yourself a portrait photographer?

A. “Yes, I like

photographing people the most, but I like to experiment with other things as well.�

Q. How would you define your work?

A. “As I capture each

photograph, I learn what is unique and beautiful in every one of my subjects.�

Q. Do you try to

match the person to the environment or the environment to the person?

A. “One of my personal

favorites is one that I made at my grandma’s barn. I grew up playing in the barn and around the woods of that area, and as I grew older, I began to see the raw beauty that surrounded the property and immediately began photographing. The people I photograph there help capture the spirit of innocence and beauty that I found years ago.�

Q. What is it about

A. “I had heard about

place my subjects into the environment, but when I see a particular environment that I like I will find a specific person to fit in it.�

Q. What is the most

Q. What is one of the

A. “I’m very critical of

A. “As well as

important aspect of your photography?

my own work, but the most important thing is the direction and quality of light on my subjects.�

NEW!!!

KC that brought you here instead of a major university?

the fantastic photography department, and decided it was the best choice for me. I liked that Kilgore has a specific program that applies to photography majors.�

A. “Most of the time I

+

SATURDAY BUFFET 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.

most important things you have learned here at KC?

4

improving my skills in photography technically and aesthetically, I have discovered my passion for portrait photography.�

Q. Which photograph do you consider to be your favorite and why?

+


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