Issue 21A 4-26-13

These are the times that try men’s (and women’s) souls FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE

TUESDAY OR THURSDAY CLASSES

Monday, May 6 – Thursday, May 9 MONDAY, WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY CLASSES CLASS TIME

EXAM TIME

7 or 7:30 a.m.

8 or 8:30 a.m.

9 or 9:30 a.m.

10 or 10:30 a.m.

11 or 11:30 a.m.

12 or 12:30 p.m.

1 or 1:30 p.m.

2 or 2:30 p.m.

3, 3:30 or 4 p.m.

5 or 5:30 p.m.

7-9 a.m.

Mon., May 6 8-10 a.m.

Wed., May 8 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Mon., May 6 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wed., May 8 Noon - 2 p.m.

Mon., May 6 1-3 p.m.

Wed., May 8 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Wed., May 8 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Wed., May 8 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Mon., May 6 5-7 p.m.

Mon., May 6

DATE

CLASS TIME

EXAM TIME

DATE

6, 7, 7:30, 8 or 8:30 a.m.

8 - 10 a.m.

Thurs., May 9 9, 9:30, 10 or 10:30 a.m.

8 - 10 a.m.

Tues., May 7 11 a.m. or Noon 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thurs., May 9 12:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Tues., May 7 1 or 1:30 p.m.

1-3 p.m.

Tues., May 7 2 or 2:30 p.m.

1-3 p.m.

Thurs., May 9 3, 3:30 or 4:30 p.m. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Tues., May 7 5 or 5:30 p.m.

5-7 p.m.

Thurs., May 9

EVENING CLASSES* EXAM TIME

DATE

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Mon., May 6 Tues., May 7 Wed., May 8 Thurs., May 9

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

*Classes beginning at 6 p.m. or later

All Friday only classes will test at regular class time on Friday, May 10.

All Saturday classes will test 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4.

Flex classes (classes that follow a di erent calendar than the regular semester) may test at di erent times. See course syllabus or instructor to confirm exam date/time.

Grades will be available Tuesday, May 14. . Grades may be accessed and printed at www. kilgore.edu – click on the Campus Connect link.

Grades will not be mailed.

INSTRUCTORS: Grades must be submitted through Campus Connect by 10 a.m. Friday, May 10.

The Flare

565 students to graduate May 10 Spring graduation is set for 5:30 and 8 p.m. Friday, May 10, in Dodson Auditorium.

Five hundred and sixty-five are candidates for graduation, and officials expect 340 to participate.

The 5:30 p.m. ceremony will award Associate of Applied Science degrees and all certificates of completion. The 8 p.m. ceremony will award Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Arts in Teaching degrees.

The mayor of Kilgore, Ronnie Spradlin, will be the speaker.

Caps, gowns and tassels are on sale for $30 in the bookstore and will be available until 3 p.m. May 10. ~Brittani Pfau

Friday, April 26, 2013 Vol. 76 No. 21 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

R.E. ‘Sonny’ Spradlin Jr.

The

WATCH DOG

Students top priority for longest-serving Trustee MAEGAN MITCHELL • Staff Writer

N

ot everyone can say they have had a job that helped change so many lives. For those who have, they know how rewarding the feeling is.

KC Board of Trustee R.E. “Sonny” Spradlin Jr. has been working to improve the Kilgore community and college for almost 30 years, beginning his service in 1983. He is completing his fifth six-year term and plans to retire after the May election.

“No one has served as long as Mr. Spradlin. His 30 years make him the longest-serving Board member in the history of the college,” said Dr. Bill Holda, KC president.

Spradlin came to Kilgore when he was a baby in May 1931. He graduated from Kilgore High School and then moved on to KC, attending from 1949-1951 until he was drafted into the Army, serving two years.

“I graduated from Kilgore College in 1951 and our graduation ceremony was held in front of the Old Main building on the grass with temporary folding chairs,” Spardlin said as he smiled, reminiscing.

Spradlin married Betty Bird, a former Rangerette. They have four sons, Kilgore mayor R.E. “Ronnie” Spradlin III, Donald “Don” Spradlin, Jon Spradlin and Lon Spradlin.

Spradlin Sr. founded East Texas Lumber in the early 1930s. For over 80 years it’s been in the Spradlin family, being passed down from father to son through three generations.

Spradlin loves KC and continually tries to connect the college to the community.

Looking back, he still remembers being pressured into running for the Board.

“My good friend, Bob Barbee, kept pestering me to run,” Spradlin said. “I See SPRADLIN on Page 4A Cara Herbert / THE FLARE

KC Board of Trustee R.E. “Sonny” Spradlin Jr. is retiring from the Board after 30 years of service.

Downtown Kilgore seeking to attract locals TRAVIS HULL Staff Writer Where does your money go? A better question might be “Where would you LIKE your money to go?”

Would you rather see that paycheck aiding a third vacation home in the Rocky Mountains for a corporate bazillionare or to pay for dance lessons for the daughter of your local business?

In this context the answer for most anyone is simple enough.

So why are so many shopping at WalMart instead of the local mom and pop? Why are people at the mall instead of our local shops? The Central Business District of Downtown Kilgore understands this concept and in 2006 made a commitment to making the downtown area more accessible for local businesses and pedestrians alike.

Before 2006, downtown Kilgore was not in a state of prideful presentation.

“The buildings and infrastructure in downtown were in disrepair and there was not continuity in the businesses,” said Clara Chaffin, Main Street manager.

Sidewalks were cracked and unkempt, sewer mains built in the 1930s were collapsing, handicap access ramps numbered too few and were mostly inadequate and the street lights were unsightly as they were mounted on blistered, wooden poles or rusty iron pipes. In fact, since the ’30s, Kilgore’s downtown area was mostly untouched.

However, when it was decided that changes needed to occur, the City of Kilgore applied to be a Texas Main Street City in See KILGORE on Page 3A

Sonia Garza / THE FLARE

The World’s Richest Acre towers over the downtown Kilgore shopping district. City planners are continuing to upgrade the area to retain patrons.

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

INSIDE Flare Features

See Section B.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

The Flare

FACE IN THE CROWD

Carson Rost Age: 20 Hometown: Giddings Classification: Sophomore Major: Corrosion Technology

NOTEBOOK April 26 – May 27 FRIDAY, April 26 DAVE BUGAY RETIREMENT PARTY 11 a.m. -1 p.m., Devall Room, DSC SPRING STUDENT RECITAL II 2 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium LAST FLARE ISSUE OF SEMESTER TUESDAY, April 30 BETTYE CRADDOCK RETIREMENT PARTY 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m..

DSC Ballroom WEDNESDAY, May 1 FLARE, RANGER AWARDS BANQUET 6:30 p.m., Ballroom THURSDAY, May 2 JAMES STUEART RETIREMENT PARTY 1 - 3 p.m., Devall Room JUDY GROTEFENDT RETIREMENT PARTY 1:30 - 3 p.m., Second floor of McLaurin Administration Building TRIO SPRING BANQUET 5:30 p.m., Ballroom KC WIND SYMPHONY CONCERT 7:30 p.m., Dodson Auditorium FRIDAY, May 3 SPRING DANCE CONCERT 8 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium FACULTY SENATE LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m.

- 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom

What brought you to the corrosion technology program?...My senior year in high school I decided I wanted to go to Texas A&M and be a dentist. Then I figured that I would get tired of looking in people’s mouths all day so I needed a back-up plan.

One of my dad’s friends back home encouraged me to go to Kilgore College where they have a corrosion program. At the time, the only corrosion I was familiar with was rust on a bicycle chain. Being a twoyear program with lots of job opportunities, I felt like this was something worthwhile.

What do you plan to do after graduation?...Moving to Corpus Christi where I will be working for Koch Pipeline When I am not working, I hope to spend lots of time offshore fishing and on the golf course.

What influenced you to

pursue a degree in corrosion technology?...I was turned on by the idea of going to college only two years. There are also many high-paying job opportunities once you graduate. The combination of the two was hard to pass up.

What is one thing you have accomplished while at KC?...I have met many great instructors and students here at KC. Being a smalltown boy, it was nice to meet different people and make new friends. The contacts I made with people, especially in my corrosion program, will be contacts I keep close to me the rest of my life.

Who/what has been the biggest influence in life?...I’m going to have to say the late, great John Wayne. Despite all of his fame and publicity, he maintained a humble and honest figure.

Marci Wells/ THE FLARE

Concerto to honor Turk, Cliburn TRAVIS HULL Staff Writer The KC piano students will perform a concerto 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5, in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. This concert will be in memory of Van Cliburn and Anne Dean Turk The five students performing are Brittany Crowe, Alan Zamarron, Shaelyn Baas, Radiance Williams and Melodi King. The chosen pieces are from Beethoven, Mozart and Rahbee concerti.

“I hope through my performance I am able to leave the audience hungry for more classical music,” said Crowe.

"The most difficult part of preparing for this is trying to find the perfect

SATURDAY, May 4 MEN’S BASKETBALL TRYOUTS 1 - 6 p.m., Masters Gym

‘show-stopping’ dress.”

Aran Kim, special guest and former Van Cliburn and Anne Dean Turk Scholarship recipient, will be performing. Kim, of South Korea, attended KC from 2004-2006. She will perform the piece that made Cliburn a world-renown performer, Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor.”

Two distinguished guests – Annette Morgan and Dr. Richard Parrish – will share special memories of Turk and Cliburn.

Morgan, KC's director of financial aid, was a close friend of Cliburn, and Parrish was one of Turk’s students.

Dr. Gene Moon, director of orchestral studies at Stephen F.

Austin State University, will be directing the 40-piece orchestra accompanying the piano performers.

Even thought this is a free concert, it is a formal event and proper attire is required (no shorts, etc.). Sandra Siler, piano instructor, emphasized that those who can not stay for the complete 90-minute concert not come.

Children under the age of 6 and late arrivals will not be admitted. In respect to the focus of the performers, Siler will be enforcing the rules at the door during the concert.

“What better way to honor the memories of Van Cliburn and Anne Dean Turk than to host a first-class piano concert in their memory?”

Siler said. “The legacies they left

KC's Spring Masterworks Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview, 906 Padon St. Combining 80 voices (KC's Chorale and the East Texas Community Chorus) along with a full orchestra, Dr. Jim Taylor, director of choral activities at KC, is excited to bring Brahms "Requiem" to life this semester.

Two vocal soloist, Alyssa Marshall (soprano) and Dr. Eric Thomas (baritone), will be featured throughout the concert.

This is also the largest orchestra KC's Masterworks series has ever had with 36 instruments.

The concert is part of the Trinity Episcopal Church Concert Series and is free and open to the public. ~Travis Hull

TUESDAY, May 7 FINAL EXAMS KILGORE COMMUNITY CONCERT - PRIMA TRIO 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Dodson Auditorium WEDNESDAY, May 8 FINAL EXAMS SUMMER/EARLY REGISTRATION PAYMENT DEADLINE THURSDAY, May 9 FINAL EXAMS END

WEDNESDAY, May 15 MAY MINI BEGINS THURSDAY, May 16 KC FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Devall Room SATURDAY, May 18 NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ballroom KC CHEER TRYOUTS 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Masters Gym/Aerobic Floor SUNDAY, May 19 KC CHEER TRYOUTS 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Masters Gym/Aerobic Floor KC CHEER RECEPTION 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m., Devall Room TUESDAY, May 21 NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ballroom FRIDAY, May 24 CAMPUS CLOSES 2:45 p.m.

MONDAY, May 27 CAMPUS CLOSED Memorial Day

not only Kilgore College, but also the music community world-wide, will never be forgotten. We look forward to honoring them properly—through great music.”

For more information, contact Siler at 903-983-8120.

‘Requiem’ spring masterwork concert

MONDAY, May 6 FINAL EXAMS through May 9 RANGERETTE EXIT TEA 5 - 8:30 p.m., McLaurin Faculty Lounge

FRIDAY, May 11 KC TWIRLING TRYOUTS 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Masters Gym

Van Cliburn

NEWS IN BRIEF

DANCE SHOWCASE

SUNDAY, May 5 CONCERTO PROGRAM 3 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium

FRIDAY, May 10 ADN PINNING CEREMONY 9 a.m.

Dodson Auditorium GRADUATION 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dodson Auditorium CAFETERIA CLOSES 1:15 p.m.

PTA PINNING CEREMONY By invitation only

Anne Dean Turk

Tryouts for cheer, mascot May 18-19 O. Rufus Lovett / Special to THE FLARE

The annual spring Dance Concert will feature ballet, modern, hip-hop, tap, jazz and more. Tickets are sold at the door only, one hour prior to the performance scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, in Van Cliburn Auditorium.

Dance Concert taking stage JASMINE CHAPPELL Staff Writer Different dances and music will be showcase in this year’s annual dance concert, 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, in Van Cliburn Auditorium. Tickets are $10 but $5 for students with a valid KC ID and will also be sold at the box office in the auditorium 7 p.m. the day of

the concert.

Dance students have been preparing and prepping for the concert for weeks. The event is directed by dance instructors Cathy Beckman and Shelley Wayne. Their goal for this event is to give students a chance to participate in a real dance concert, to premiere their choreography skills and perform in all types of dance.

Dances include ballet, modern, hiphop, tap, jazz and more.

“I’m excited for the concert. I’m hoping for a great turn out,” said Caroline Roberts, Waxahachie freshman. “We’ve all put in a lot of time and effort so we hope to see everyone there.”

For more information, contact Beckman at 903-983-8633.

Wesley completes chapel renovation DEZIRAE BURNETT Staff Writer After nearly two and a half years after the idea to update the KC Wesley Foundation Chapel was conceived, the remodel is complete.

The original chapel was constructed in 1974 as part of the main building’s structure.

According to Amy Hodge, KC Wesley Foundation director, the room looked like it was stuck in the 1970s.

From the very beginning, Hodge felt that God was calling her to update the chapel and to transform it into a space that was welcoming to anyone who should want to use it.

In the summer of 2010, Hodge brought her plans to change chapel into a “small intimate chapel,” to the Wesley Board.

That November, a plan for the renovation was prepared and demolition quickly followed, beginning with the removal of the stage.

The project cost between $4,000 and $5,000. The funding came partly from the Wesley Foundation’s personal savings account; the rest was donated by private sponsors and from a memorial fund for Hodge’s grandfather, Charles Bailey.

The floor was stained and etched with a cross that runs the length of the space. The wall behind the pulpit

is decorated with a stone façade.

The room is now equipped with a 55-inch screen and projector that is used to display slides of song lyrics, Christian music videos and Bible verses.

The walls have been painted and individual sponsors bought chairs for the chapel. The room now has the capacity to seat 30.

Sunday night worship, a service called Catalyst, is held in the chapel each week at 7 p.m.

In the future, the room may serve as a classroom setting for religious study classes.

Hodge also hopes to hold Campus Alpha, the Foundation’s current religious study, in the chapel next

Tryouts for the 2013-2014 KC cheerleading squad and mascot are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in the Parks Fitness Center. Those trying out must submit a video by April 26 to cheer@kilgore.edu with all the requirements online.

Also, registration forms have to be filled out online and received by May 10 to Melissa Haden, director of cheerleading.

Requirements and instructions can be found on the KC website on tryouts under the Athletics and Organizations tab.

For more information contact Haden at cheer@kilgore.edu or 903-983-8134. ~Ellen Reid

Twirling tryouts set for May 11 Auditions for the 2013-2014 twirling line are scheduled Saturday, May 11, in Masters Gym. Between 8:30 and noon, candidates will be taught a fundamental and a field routine.

After an hour lunch break, judging for the line and feature twirlers will begin, followed by a meeting of the new line.

To obtain an audition packet or for more information, go to the KC website and click twirlers under the Athletics and Organizations tab or email twirling sponsor Paige Keitt at keittpaige@yahoo.com or kctwirlers@rocketmail.com. ~Ellen Reid

NEWS

THE FLARE

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

PAGE

3A

Board candidates share views, stories MAEGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer

The race for the Board of Trustees Central Zone Voting Unit 3, Place 9 is down to two candidates, Marion Turner and Brian Nutt, who are vying for the position held by R.E. “Sonny” Spradlin who chose not to run for re-election.

Spradlin served for 30 years, a college record.

Early voting starts April 29 and runs through May 7 at Kilgore City Hall. Election Day is May 11 at City Hall.

Marion Turner, former KC employee and former KC trustee, prefers a traditional approach in reaching his voters.

“I do not have any social media pages because I like speaking directly to people.

I have two daughters as well as a few friends who are posting on my behalf to their personal pages to encourage people to go vote for me,” Turner said. “The key to

running is to get friends and people who believe you are most qualified to go vote for you.”

In comparison, Brian Nutt, pastor at Grace Fellowship Church of Kilgore, has used social media from the very beginning.

“I believe social media is important because it can reach many constituents and many students. My Facebook page is Brian Nutt for Kilgore College Trustee and briannutt is my Twitter as well as Instagram username,” Nutt said. “I repost many things about Kilgore College as frequently as possible.”

Despite the fact the Board requires so much time and effort, Turner and Nutt say they are up for the challenge.

Turner has previously served nine years as a Board member and was head football coach as well as a student at KC. Turner made his decision to resign from the Board

Brian Nutt

Central Zone Voting Unit 3, Place 9 Candidates

when his son, Russell Turner, was offered a job at KC as an AC technician.

“I believe I can contribute to Kilgore College as a Board member having attended KC, worked at KC and having previously been on the Board,” Turner said. “I believe this gives me an insight that I would otherwise not have.”

Nutt has been a pastor at Grace Fellowship of Kilgore and has rebuilt the church from the ground up. He

Photo instructor, writer cook up new book MAEGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer

“B

arbecue Crossroads” by O. Rufus Lovett, KC photography instructor, and Robb Walsh, James Beard Award-winning author, was officially released by UT Press last week.

The book details their journey of discovering well-known and not sowell-known places are still cooking with old-fashioned wood-fired pits.

Lovett has been involved with photography since age 15 apprenticing under his father, a professional photographer for Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala. Walsh, a food writer, and Lovett met for the first time while working on an assignment together several years ago for Gourmet Magazine.

“Later I was asked to work with Robb on another assignment for Savuer (Magazine) and it brought us together again regarding Texas barbecue,” Lovett said. “We decided to extend the project which led us to the book.”

The pair worked on the book for almost a year and a half making a couple of treks across the South, from East Texas to the Carolinas and back. They traveled the barbecue trail through Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama.

The book tells the stories of many pit masters and the changing Southern culture.

Over the course of the journey, Lovett and Walsh did not judge the best and worst barbecue since the book is not about that.

“We were documenting the barbecue joints that still use the wood-burning pits

Lauren LaBoyteaux / THE FLARE

O. Rufus Lovett portrays his new book. Lovett, with co-writer Robb Walsh, traveled around the country visiting BBQ joints. and not the stainless ovencooked barbecue,” Lovett said. “We were interested in the history of the barbecue and celebrated the barbecue culture and its connection with religion, beer joints and communities.”

Walsh supplied most of the destinations which Lovett credits to his research and years of being in the food business industry. They also stopped at lesser-known places along the way when they spotted them.

While in Lovett’s home state of Alabama, he chose to stop at some he remembered from his childhood.

“I knew of barbecue in Jacksonville, Gadsden and North Port, a small town outside of Tuscaloosa.

Many of the places we visited are steeped in family history as many of the establishments are handed down from one generation to the next,” Lovett said. “Again, the stipulation for our interest in barbecue joints in our

Marion Turner

path was it had to be a wood-burning pit.”

The trip totaled approximately 3,000 miles and when asked how many photographs were taken over the journey, Lovett responded, “Did anyone ever ask how much paint Picaso used to do a painting?”

Not only is this book a cookbook, but also a history lesson and road trip memoir. The book doesn’t tell just one story, but many, of those who consider slowcooked barbecue a part of their heritage.

“It was all fun.

Photographing some of the barbecue environments presented problem-solving issues regarding lighting,” Lovett said. “Other than that it was a matter of being patient to document the variety of processes involved in the day-to-day regiment of barbecue.

Experiencing the trip with Robb and the unique barbecue culture was most rewarding.”

For videos and the latest news, keep in touch at

theflareonline.com

filed to run because he felt his skills as a leader and educator, as well as fulfilling his desire to serve the community, would benefit the Board.

“I teach the importance of service at Grace Fellowship of Kilgore, and believe it is healthy for Christians to be involved locally,” Nutt said.

“As a citizen of Kilgore, I feel we are all connected to Kilgore College because of its tremendous value and impact on our community.”

Many of the talents and skills Turner believes he can bring to the Board originate from attending and working at KC. “From being in education for 33 years, I know the role of the Board and what is expected,” Turner said.

Nutt believes that one of his greatest strengths is his people skills which come from his participation in the church and local organizations, such as the Kilgore Ministerial Alliance and the Helping Hands Board of Kilgore.

“I am a good communicator and I genuinely like people and enjoy spending time with them," Nutt said.” As a pastor, I have spent many hours on countless boards and on different committees related to my ministerial duties."

Turner and Nutt want to help lead KC into the coming years and wish to fulfill the many ambitious goals laid out by Dr. Bill Holda, KC president, and the Board.

“My goal is to be the best Board member I can and strive to keep Kilgore College a great place to be employed and to attend college,” Turner said.

Nutt wants to prepare KC for future generations saying his two children, Colin and Emily, will most likely be attending once they graduate from Kilgore ISD. “I hope to bring a fresh new perspective to the Board… I am all for promoting within and placing known people in positions, but… we can become comfortable and we can lose objectivity and become blind to the obvious.

I hope to bring common sense, fair and rational judgment, transparency and accountability… I just want to see the Kilgore College motto fulfilled, ‘Excellence in Education,’” Nutt said.

Editor's Note: For complete answers to the candidates' questionnaire, go to theflareonline.com.

Kilgore: Downtown revamped FROM PAGE 1A 2006. This is a state-wide program operating through the Texas Historical Commission designed to revitalize and preserve historical downtown areas in Texas.

In the application to become a TMSC, Kilgore stakeholder wrote, “A new Main Street program for Kilgore will unify the community and give impetus for a resurgence in activities to improve, enhance and preserve the downtown commercial core.”

When a sizable population spike occurred in Kilgore during the early 2000s, the city took advantage of the opportunity for growth .

Over the past five years Downtown has experienced a net gain of 20 business starts, expansion and relocations, and a net gain of 89 jobs were created for

the City of Kilgore.

The Main Street Program facilitated a $4.1 million investment into the Main Street Overlay District, including $2.8 million in streetscape improvements, assisting with 34 private/ public joint ventures totaling more than $475,000 and 14 private sector reinvestment projects totaling more than $825,000.

In 2008 the Main Street Advisory Board urged all to “envision downtown as an inviting shopping, dining, meeting and entertainment destination that offers a sense of history and a window to tomorrow’s economy.”

“Overall downtown is much more alive that it has been in the past. New entrepreneurs are constantly looking for space downtown and parking is often limited – both good problems to have,” Chaffin said.

If you are a native of Kilgore, you have probably wondered what will become of the old and beautiful Crim Theater and Texan Theater.

Both are being restored for various intentions (unfortunately not as remodeled theaters) and have plans that are not yet known to the public. The old U.S. Post Office, now called the History and Arts Center, is also being revitalized.

“The overall vision and success of downtown requires investment from the whole community. I would stress the importance of supporting our small businesses downtown because without the support of the community, those businesses may not be around in the future – everyone needs to make a point of eating downtown, shopping downtown and utilizing the services downtown,” Chaffin said.

PAGE

4A

THE FLARE

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

Spradlin: Longest serving board member FROM PAGE 1 told him ‘no’ at least 10 times, but he kept coming back.”

Prior to his service as a KC trustee, Spradlin, served on the Kilgore ISD Board for five years.

He is a fiscal conservative who truly has a heart to serve.

“My daddy told me when I was a kid that if you can help one young person in your lifetime you’ve paid some rent on your trip through this old life,” Spradlin said.

He has served under four of the eight presidents in KC history: Stewart McLaurin, Bert Woodruff, Frank Thornton and Holda.

“Mr. Spradlin has always been an avid supporter of mine and was instrumental in me being named president,” Holda said. “I have considered him more than a Board member; I consider him a friend.”

Spradlin’s goal for being on the Board was to help students, making sure every dime of KC’s money was spent with the students’ best interest in mind. He credits his meticulous studying of the budget to his passion for arithmetic.

“My daddy always told me if you look after the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves,” Spradlin said.

Being the modest man that he is, Spradlin recognizes that he couldn’t have accomplished anything alone. The Board has always had nine members and they act as one. He stressed he was only a small part of each good thing that has happened at the college.

“Moving (some classes) to Longview was a good move because it increased our student numbers,” Spradlin said. “Hiring Dr. Holda was one of the best things I can remember doing while on the Board.”

He was most proud of the college students graduating and going on to other places and being successful.

However, he is disappointed more students do not take advantage of the higher education offered in their own hometown.

“These kids have a wonderful golden opportunity to get an education here and a lot of them don’t take advantage of it,”

Spradlin said. “So many students don’t come back once they have their money, such as financial aid.”

Spradlin also mentioned he was very proud of the dual-credit classes high school students are allowed to take. He believes it can speed up a student’s time in college and save a lot of money.

“I think it is wonderful that a kid can come out of high school and know they have saved 10 to 30 thousand dollars. It’s crazy to me and I don’t see why they don’t all do it,” he said.

His love for saving money and covering the budget from beginning to end has earned Spradlin the title of “watch dog” among his fellow trustees. He wasn’t particularly in charge of the finances, but he was the most interested.

“A lot of things go on here at Kilgore College and if you don’t look at that budget closely, you lose track of what is happening,” Spradlin said. “The budget is quite lengthy if you go through all of it and I always did. Trust me, I have looked at a few budgets the last 30 years.”

Over the years, he has gone from a KC student to KC Board member, helping to improve the college along the way.

“He will be an enduring part of the history of this institution. I am proud to be his friend and… I thank Sonny for his service, for his love of Kilgore College, for being consistently vigilant regarding the role of the Board, for always looking out for the finances and for spending countless hours pouring over the budgets,” Holda said.

After the May election, Spradlin plans to retire and spend all his newly found free time with his wife at home.

“My wife is a sweet lady. She has put up with me for all these years, and I want to stay home and enjoy my time with her,” Spradlin said.

Spradlin may be stepping down from the Board, but he still cares about KC. “I’ll miss it every day after I leave.

I like to see the young people and for them to do well,” Spradlin said.

“My goal was to help at least one student during my time on the Board, and I feel I have.”

NEWS

KC losing 132 years of experience BRITTANI PFAU Co-Executive Editor Five KC instructors will retire May 31 after a combined service of 132 years: Patti Alford, vocational nursing instructor, 25 years; Dave Bugay, chemistry instructor, 36 years; Bettye Craddock, department chair and journalism, Flare and yearbook instructor, 29 years; Judy Grotefendt, department head and computer science instructor, 23 years; James Stueart, math instructor, 19 years.

“This is a huge loss to the institution,” said Dr. Bill Holda, KC president. “I’m glad for them and I’m glad they’re eligible for retirement. As the Baby-Boomer generation comes to retirement eligibility age, we will see a large influx of retirees.”

SPORTS

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

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Softball strikes out Rangers finish their inaugural season on a good note, miss playo s with an 8-12 conference record KEIRA PHIPPS Staff Writer The Rangers ended their inaugural season going three for four in back-toback doubleheaders over the weekend.

KC defeated Bossier Parish Community College Saturday in both games, 6-1 and 4-3.

“We ended the season on a grateful and high note,” said head coach Leslie Messina.

“There were great performances by the freshmen and we have a promising future.”

Saturday’s doubleheader included the “StrikeOut Cancer” fundraiser. The Rangers joined with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to honor and raise money for the men and women who have fought and/or are still fighting the disease. KC players autographed and gave out pink softballs to fans in the pre-game ceremony.

“I want to thank the community for their support,” Messina said.

“We raised nearly $1,500 and all the money will be donated to the American Cancer Society.”

BPCC came out ready to roll. The Cavaliers tacked on their first and only score of the game early in the top of the first inning. The Ranger defense kept BPCC on its toes until the bottom of the second, when KC fought back.

Jalla Johnson earned the first run for the Rangers.

Johnson’s score was immediately accompanied by a repeat from Kathryn Lambert off a BPCC error when Kaitlyn Hipsher doubled to center field.

Hipsher followed suit and

scored for a third time off teammate Laura Martinez’s RBI single in the bottom of the second.

KC never trailed after it picked up steam in the second inning. Tricia Hock, Holly Von Ehrenfried and Johnson combined for six hits and three RBIs. Pitcher Jessica Simon allowed one earned run, no walks, six hits and one strikeout in seven innings.

The Rangers ended the game with two runs in the fourth. Hipsher scored off a Hock double and Johnson singled to bring home Hock. KC defeated BPCC in winning fashion, 6-1.

Despite the Cavalier rally KC defeated BPCC 4-3.

The Rangers kept up steam from Saturday’s first match against BPCC and carried it over into the final game of the day.

Hock scored first for the Rangers after tagging up in the first inning, 1-0. KC held BPCC to no runs while they tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the second.

Johnson scored off of an Alex Aguilar double, followed by a Lambert run on the last play in the bottom of the second, 3-0.

It was not until the top of the fourth that BPCC scored their first two runs of the game making the score, 3-2.

BPCC tied the score in the top of the fifth, 3-3.

Betsy Woodall was part of the problem for BPCC. She held BPCC hitless over three innings, walked two, struck out two and allowed no earned runs.

Von Ehrenfried walked to get on base in the sixth. She went from first to second on a groundout by Lambert, but it was Jessica Long who gave the Rangers the lead

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

Rangers softball freshman pitcher Kayla Calvert hurls a pitch toward the plate in the game against Navarro College on Sunday, April 21. KC went 1-1 in the doubleheader losing 11-1 and winning 2-0. The Rangers ended their inaugural season with a 20-34 overall record and 8-12 conference record. and win on a go-ahead run in the sixth inning, 4-3.

The Rangers fought hard and finished the Cavs, 4-3 in seven innings.

KC vs. NC (11-1 L, 2-0 W) The

KC

vs.

Navarro

Former KC star named OVC All-Newcomer SHENIECE CHAPPELL Sports Editor Former KC basketball player Travis Betran has been named to the Ohio Valley Conference’s AllNewcomer Team.

Betran played for KC from 2010-2012. This is his first year playing for the Austin Peay State University Governors in Clarksville, Tenn. He is the leading scorer for the Governors, averaging 17.2 points per game. That is the best average since the 2008-09 season for the Governors.

“It was an honor to be chosen on the OVC team,” Betran said. “I was nominated for OVC newcomer of the week six times this season and each time felt great.”

Betran, a junior guard from Harlem, N.Y., scored in double figures in 27 of 31 games for APU. He scored 20 points or more in 11 of those games. His seasonhigh of 30 points came in January against Southeast Missouri.

“When I started playing basketball in 10th grade one of the first things I was taught was to be a scorer,”

TRAVIS BETRAN 2012-2013 STATS 17.2 Points per game *Led team 31st in nation in 3pt percentage 40th in nation 3pt average per game Season high 30 points against Southeast Missouri 54th in nation for free throw percentage

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

he said.

Betran finished the season ranked 31 nationally in three-point shooting with a 41.2 percentage and 54 nationally with a 84.4 freethrow percentage.

Coming from a junior college Betran understands

the hard work it takes to transfer to a university.

“My advice to junior college players is to compete all the time in every game and stay on top of your books because you never know who’s watching,” Betran said.

Men’s basketball host tryouts JORDAN MOSS Staff Writer The KC men’s basketball team will hold tryouts for walk-on players May 4 in Masters Gym. The event will be open to the public with registration

for prospective players wishing to try out at noon.

Registration can also be completed online via the KC website. Either method of registration will require a $20 payment to complete.

Head coach Brian Hoberecht said there is a chance KC will

try to fill one scholarship vacancy through the tryouts.

The Rangers are coming off of their best season in 20 years, which ended with KC’s first appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament since the 1994-95 season.

Keep in touch with the latest KC sports news at

theflareonline.com

doubleheader was postponed until Sunday, April 21. The Rangers went 1-1 on the day against the Navarro Bulldogs.

Navarro had four players who combined for 12 hits and five RBIs to help lead the Bulldogs to an 11-1 victory over the Rangers.

KC pushed across its only run of the day in the third inning on a passed ball.

Hock went 2-3 at the plate but it was not enough. The Rangers fell 11-1.

The Rangers used the built-up aggression from the first game’s loss to rally back and defeat the

Bulldogs, 2-0.

Kayla Calvert pitched seven strong innings for the Rangers holding Navarro scoreless.

Heather Bunn earned the only two runs for the Rangers. She singled in the first inning and homered in the third inning.

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

G R A D U AT I O N

MAY

graduation candidates

565 students eligible to graduate When: 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

May 10, 2013 Where: Dodson Auditorium Speaker: Ronnie Spradlin -Mayor of Kilgore

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS Jacquelynn A. Abamu Whitney M. Abel Roberto Aguilar Callistus C. Amajoyi Yasmine M. Aouad Stephanie M. Aumiller Sarah Renae Awbrey Camilo A. Baracaldo Laeva S. Barryer Amanda M. Belew Morgan Brittaney Berger Jonte L. Berry Ashley M. Bonner Briley R. Boren Ashley M. Boswell Kristin D. Bowlin Juana Ilse Tovar Briones Deangelo J. Brooks Kala A. Brown Myriah A. Brown Tameka M. Bullard Sharon Hope Burnett Michael Butler Na’Keya Simone Callaway Scott P. Campbell Andrew S. Cannon Giselle Cardenas William C. Carson April M. Chapman Jasmine C. Chappell Sheniece L. Chappell Evan H. Chastain Karene R. Chavez Lea D. Childress Meeka Nicole Christilles La Sheila Y. Coffer Latoya R. Cornelius Daria O. Crenshaw Angelia Fulton Crews Erik R. Cunningham Keant’e Marie Davis Lauren L. Davis Meagan R. Dean Kimberli A. Denton Deanna Janae Donahue Brittney R. Dougan Sean L. Downey Emma M. Dutton Whitney Lauren Early Matthew T. Evans Jordyn P. Ewing Kathy L. Falconer Brad G. Fountain Nikki J. Fulps Brila S. Funchess Sam R. Funderburk Caitlyn Danielle Glorioso Dawn E. Goodeman Jamie L. Graham Jennifer L. Granger Troy A. Green Whitney Paige Green Meredith L. Gregg Joshua K. Hahn Alisha B. Hall Audrey J. Ham Samantha L. Hargett Ciera N. Haskins Savannah L. Hayes Shonna Gene’ Hearn Lisa Moore Hemus Christine S. Hernandez Samantha L. Hicks Susan Marie Hilton Danielle C. D. Holte Kimberly C. Hortman Crystal L. Hubbard Stephanie L. Hunt Joshua C. Hyde Josue A. Jaime Mackenzie E. Jardell Ashton D. Johnson Geneva A. Johnson Laneater A. Johnson Cindy A. Jones Timothy Jordan-Moore David M. Kaufman Juli M. Kirby Kirsty A. Kissell Brittany Summer Krummen Chastity L. Larson Christin V. Latus Michael T. Leslie

Heidi R. Leveritt Marina D. Linkinhoker Allison Elizabeth Linsteadt Connie V. Lopez Yana Mabry Molly K. Mackey Katrina M. Major Natalie D. Margraves Alexandra R. Marroquin Ashley B. Mathis Kelsea A. Maxwell Jessica N. Maynard Terry L. McCord Jr Patricia M. McDonald Shelby L. McFadden Emily S. McFarland K C J. McKinney Ashley E. McMurray Leina A. McQuigg Carlos I. Medrano Ashlyn A. Metcalf Deborah E. Metcalf Bethaney R. Metreyeon Jane L. Metz April R. Moore Jordan F. Moss Daryl L. Mumford II Ashlea A. Neugebauer Sandra L. Nino Elizabeth P. Norris Linda Gonzales Onofre’ Michael P. Owens Chelsie D. Padgett Sherry C. Pate Lee Francis Payne Tashae’ S. Pegues Fungai Peta Brittani Nicole Pfau Bethany M. Phelps Mary Leann Phillips Stephanie Phillips Keira M. Phipps Robert M. Poland Lesly Ray Powell Hannah Price Steven R. Prince Nancy O. Ramos Lyndzie K. Reid Roberto Rios Jr. Whitney F. Robertson Brittany Nicole Rodriguez Danny Rodriguez Adriana Salgado Bethany Shariah Sanders Kandice J. Scott Tony D. Sedberry Sean S. Seelbach Tramon K. Shead Rodney D. Shepherd Jessica L. Simon Austin A. Singer Neha Singh Jessica M. Sinte Liza C. Stanley Miranda A. Stephenson Matthew J. Sullivan Shannon Kay Sullivan Du H. Sung Youn-Je Sung Jessica D. Tolle Thanh-Nguyen T. Trinh Reginald M. Turner Danielle N. Vaughn Rebecca D. Waller Nysha K. Ward John P. Wells Heather C. White Teresa M. White Dakota C. Whyte Jeramie L. Williams Radiance M. Williams Jessica D. Wright Jessica R. Wynn Conner S. Young

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Casie D. Ackerman Carmen L. Anderson Nathan H. Anderson Olajumoke Adejoke Awe Ashley L. Ayers Donna K. Barnett Brigitte B. Baucom Scott M. Bennett Stephen J. Benson

Meagan F. Beshears Lindsay R. Bessette Jeffrey W. Bowden Chloe A. Brady John R. Brown Whitney L. Brown Robin Skinner Burgess Tonya T. Butler Brittani N. Carnes Jocelyn A. Carrizales Patrick B. Carroll Brantsen J. Castloo Heather E. Caviness Eliana B. Chavez Austin W. Clayton Andrea L. Claytor Whitney L. Clevenger Shelby N. Clifton Sarah L. Cole Katherine Turner Conner Elisa A. Correia Stacie D. Cox Hannah L. Craig Candace Megan Craver Morgan Lee Crittenden Adarius Q. Davenport Yezenia Davila Donna L. Davis Greaker M. Davis Kimberly A. Davis Monica L. Davis Michele L. Dawson Amy R. Dean Rebakah A. Dees Chadwick F. Dice Justin David Dirla Noel B. Donaghy Wendy N. Dougherty Joel W. Duraso Emily J. Enoch Samantha J. Falk Rhiannon Leigh Farrell Gregory L. Fiddick Claudia D. Fobb Aston Ford Mark A. Ford Jennifer R. Franklin Cindy Michelle Gill Jason W. Goza Erica Nicole Gray Susan Gray Michelle Lee Green Guadalupe Guzman-Salazar Donya L. Hagler Crystalyn Danell Hahn Audrey J. Ham Pamela L. Hampton Preverties O. Harris Tasha L. Hathorn Kelly A. Hawk Savannah L. Hayes Jamie D’ette Heiermann John R. Hemus Regina A. Henson Cara R. Herbert Joshua D. Holland Meshell T. Horton Wiley Davis Howard Megan G. Hynes Merriah S. Jackson Riya Raichel Jacob Angelique Maria Christine James Bryan R. Jarolim Tracy R. Jaynes David P. Jester Kimberly N. Johns Alice M. Johnson Kaila Beth Johnson Kelli D. Johnson Ryan D. Johnston Bianca L. Jones Cory J. Jones Linda D. Jones Myeshia T. Jones Taryn Lanette Jones David M. Kaufman Danelle L. Kenney Sungyeol Kim Brittany L. Knowles Jonathan D. LaMaster Michael P. Lambert Ashley P. LaPrairie Patricia E. Ledbetter Taylor D. Lingle James L. Lomax II Isai Aziel Luna Kerry L. Luther

Vanessa K. Mahfood Robert C. Marsh Daniel J. Martin Hailey S. Matchett Nathan A. Matter Stefanie Monique Matthews Jordan Allen McCraven Steven L. McDowell Shelby L. McFadden Dayna F. McKey K C J. McKinney Jonica Michelle Miller Logan J. Miller Alia B. Mohammed Joseph Matthew Mooney April R. Moore Caitlin Moore Chelsey I. Moore Shelia M. Moore Malyssa G. Morgan Sarah N. Morgan Brittney A. Morton Cedric Mickalat Mourambou Heather D. Mullins Bridget L. Murphy Evan J. Newby Okechukwu J. Nwosu Omar Eduardo Olivas Joshua J. Orzech Austin Lee Padilla Karen M. Parker Katie M. Parks Sherry C. Pate Khushboo J. Patel Michele L. Peden Sandra J. Perryman Dairisha A. Petitjean Dylan P. Petty Katie L. Pickard Eric G. Pope Darla R. Porter Melissa K. Prothro Nancy Olivia Ramos Curtiss W. Rash Crystal D. Reaume Elizabeth L. Reed Mallory N. Reed Barbara J. Roberts Jaime Rollins Roppolo Carson H. Rost William A. Runnels Carrie D. Schimmels Katelyn D. Scott Robin F. Serfass Tyler A. Simmons Hunter J. Skelton Adam K. Smith Jerod E. Smith Jountia L. Smith Charles W. Snoek Whitney T. Sowell Matthew T. Sparks Simon Stephens Joshua John Tanner Kristi R. Tilley Markes W. Tippitt Armando Tovar Karen D. Turner Nikki N. Turner Katelyn G. Underwood Kimberly A. Utley Erica M. Washington Billy W. Watson Samuel Watson Weaver Marley J. Webster Falin N. Wehmeir Wealthy Nesbitt Whaley Norma N. Wheeler Miranda L. Wiggins Bryce D. Williams Timothy M. Williams Ashley N. Williamson Lacy M. Wolf William A. Womack Leonard B. Yowell

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN TEACHING Sandie M. Anderson Briley R. Boren Kimberly K. Bozarth Maigan L. Clement Leslie M. Estrada Kasey R. Gibson Brandie N. Haley Crystal L. Post Lindsay L. Shipley

Kacey D. Templeton

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE Roberto Aguilar Stephanie Lauren Arino Ashley M. Bonner Juana Ilse Tovar Briones Teri L. Brittain Kala A. Brown Sharon H. Burnett Kristin Kay Calvert Meeka Nicole Christiles Dennis D. Davis Christi M. DeGrasse Uyen V. Dong Julie Anne Foster-Slocum Ramon Guerrero Kaitlyn M. Guillory Audrey J. Ham Julia R. Harkness Brittany L. Harris Samantha L. Hicks Brittany Y. Hutchings Laura M. Knapps Brittany Summer Krummen Christin V. Latus Laura Renee Martinez Kelsea A. Maxwell Terry L. McCord Jr Sarah J. McDonald Emily S. McFarland Ashley E. McMurray Jane L. Metz Kathryne Elizabeth Mize April R. Moore Kalala T. Ngari Bishwo Pandey Tashae’ S. Pegues Christopher J. Ramey Nancy O. Ramos Kevin Michael Shaw Austin A. Singer Miranda A. Stephenson Amit B. Thapa Tanya M. Thomas Satoshi Tomonaga Hannah L. Trimble Tynesia T. Tucker Kayla D. Westbrook Emilee J. Whatley Andrew R. Willey Kyle R. Woodall Tami Williams Yates Phillip A. Yellott, Jr.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION Kevin B. Akers Sheri L. Alston Daniel Travis Barnes Brandon L. Barron Amanda L. Bashore Shelley N. Bass Margaret L. Benton Chabrea E. Blackmon Jennifer L. Bolton Michael P. Bolwerk Rachel L. Boudreaux Trisha R. Bradford Sensiria B. Brown Chelcy A. Bryant Jerrell J. Burst John C. Capps Andrew P. Carnes Patrick B. Carroll John R. Castellano Vianney Castro Brittney R. Choate Austin W. Clayton Marcheal B. Cleaver Cort A. Clements William H. Cloyd Catherine H. Collett Robert I. Collins David J. Colteaux Edwyn O. Contreras Allen L. Cooper Elisa A. Correia Stacie D. Cox Gabriel De JesusEspinosa Cravioto Michael S. Daughtry Donna L. Davis Kimberly A. Davis

Tyler Patrick Davis Justin David Dirla Noel B. Donaghy CoTina V. Dotrey Thomas L. Fierros Mark A. Ford Ashley S. Freeman Josue Gallegos Tyler S. Glezen Erin E. Gray Traci A. Gray Don M. Gregory Everett L. Hackworth Chere DeAnn Hall Sydney M. Hammonds Cody P. Hand Richard L. Hanson Marcus L. Harry Lindsey M. Harvey Willie J. Hawkins Cody L. Hemus John R. Hemus Jenny May Henderson Dulce D. Hernandez Christopher S. High Kaye L. Hodges Steven N. Hopson Cameron S. Horton Meshell T. Horton Valentin Huerta Joseph K. Innerarity Adrienne D. Jackson Betty J. James Bryan R. Jarolim Christina Lea “Cricket”Jewkes Holly Evette’ Jones Lindsay Rose Jordan Sungyeol Kim Jammie L. Knox Siripat A. Kumlangngam Joshua O. Lundy Kerry L. Luther Taylor E. Mauney Caitlin M. McClendon Jordan Allen McCraven Terry McKnight Annette Celerier Moore April D. Morey Lexy M. Mullikin Erik A. Navarro Omar Eduardo Olivas Eva Carolina Urbizo Ortiz Herman Paley Jr. Tina G. Pardo Sherry C. Pate Dequan P. Patterson Shedrica L. Pickett Tommy G. Price April E. Procell Rusti-Lena C. Ramsay Ashley M. Ray Lisa R. Renner Aaron H. Rice Aaron D. Robinson Carson H. Rost Nikki N. Salazar Hayley K. Shafer Traci E. Sharp Terry L. Shelly Tayelar Austin Sheridan Hunter J. Skelton Shelby L. Sloan Sean T. Smith Whitney T. Sowell Simon Stephens Matthew A. Stephenson Asa Stine III Jeremy Q. Teague Kevin W. Temple Armando Tovar Sara L. True Mark A. Trusty Joshua M. Turner Sally J. Turner Tyler L. Tyson Katelyn G. Underwood Florence E. West Levi D. West Codi D. Weston Heather C. White Joseph E. White A’Lillian T. Williams Bryce D. Williams Whitney N. Williams James E. Wright

OPINION

7A

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

PAGE

KC gives step to bigger future

EXPAND

A

need to mention one of the tutors here at KC Longview, Cheryl Williams. I certainly appreciate everything she has done for me.

I want everyone at Kilgore College to know that my journey here has been lifechanging. It has not always been easy, but it has been an amazing trip. I must leave KC on May 10, which is coming very soon! It has been an awesome journey.

Thanks again for the memories.

Matthew T. Evans Longview sophomore

s the ending of my days at Kilgore College draw near, and as I prepare to walk across the stage in Dodson Auditorium, my feelings of the last two years here are coming to a bittersweet ending.

It is hard to believe that in just 15 days, I will no longer be a student at the place that has pretty much become my second home. KC has shaped and molded me into the person I am today, and for that I am truly thankful.

It was my ASHTON third day JOHNSON at KC, I had Co-Executive just left my Editor Reporting I class when my instructor, Bettye Craddock, stopped me just before I walked into the lab. She smiled the sweetest smile and before I could even say anything, she was asking me to be the managing editor of The Flare.

I remember looking at her for a few seconds, hesitant, and before I could say yes or no, she was already convincing me. I will always remember how reassuring she was and because of that my life has never been the same.

We rarely encounter people like Bettye Craddock, but when we do they become a part of our lives forever.

Mrs. Craddock leads by example. She has set high standards and she has demanded excellence.

Her compassion and understanding are heartwarming.

Before I came to KC she made a promise to “never leave me” and she has fulfilled that promise. I am honored and humbled to be one of her last editors.

I have spent countless hours in the Communications/ Automotive Building completing my duties as a student and editor of The Flare. After two wonderful, stressful, fun years on staff, I am proud to have now reached the pinnacle of my newspaper career, and I could not be happier with the results. I will treasure all 41 issues forever.

My experiences at KC have taught me to create my life with vision, persistence and patience, because what I have learned so far is only a stepping stone to what lies ahead.

I have been beyond blessed to work with such talented people.

To my Flare family, I want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to this publication, especially on those crazy deadline days.

Working with you all has given me the ability to develop ideas and find a passion for something I love to do.

God has blessed me with such an amazing college experience, and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for me in the many years to come.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Read the entire letter online: theflareonline.com

Ashton Johnson is a sophomore communications major from Kilgore.

PLAN 2013 Illustration by Jonathen Ruesch / THE FLARE

Full potential yet to be reached in Student Government Association

O

ut of about 6,000 students, 16 of those students make up the Student Government Association, five officers and 11 members.

SGA needs more of a presence on campus.

SGA should work toward the common goal of making KC even better than what it is today.

The KC SGA comprises of elected student representatives who provide a forum for student input, assist in the coordination of student activities and voice opinions to the administration in developing policies that affect students.

The SGA provides support to student clubs and organizations.

Current SGA officers elect new officers every spring semester to fill vacancies.

According to the KC SGA Constitution, this organization should be made up of an “Executive Board, a House of Representatives and members.” If you ask us, 16 members do not seem adequate to voice the opinions of the students, but how can SGA help our college if our students will not get involved?

YOUR VIEW

SGA meets every week during the semester. Members gather to talk about issues concerning the college and discuss plans for events on campus. Students are always welcomed and encouraged to attend these meetings to allow the Executive Board to listen to concerns or suggestions.

We believe a strong SGA will make our entire institution stronger.

A more student-involved SGA can help KC recruit new students, retain existing students and improve overall student and alumni involvement.

Ross Costanzo, assistant director of student life, says next year he hopes SGA will reach out to other students by having representatives from each club and organization on campus.

We need leaders, students who take pride in the KC community, students who want to be involved and students who want to better the college as a whole.

We hope that SGA members will work to involve their peers in some form of extracurricular activities with the ultimate goal of enhancing the college experience and instilling more school spirit.

Are you aware of the Student Government Association and its role on campus?

Photographs by Lauren LaBoyteaux and Taylon Sharer / THE FLARE

Poll Results 118 Polled 24% YES 76% NO

NO. “The [SGA] is not well advertised and the [SGA] Public Relations o cer is obviously not doing his job to his full potential.”

YES. “I knew someone in it and they told me about it.”

Katy Hunter

Dallas sophomore

Chris Gracela

Fort Worth freshman

YES. “I know a couple of the people in SGA. They organize game night and do school events but other than that they don’t do much. I hope we can build the SGA group and have them do more around campus and in the community.”

NO. “I have never been informed.”

Mary Van Natta

Carrollton sophomore

Dustin Kincaide

Longview freshman

Letters to the Editor I am a 37-year-old nontraditional student who primarily attends classes at the Longview campus. On Thursday, April 18, I was able to attend the Annual Crawfish Boil in Kilgore. I really appreciated the gesture the administration made toward the students and faculty with this free event.

However, I am perplexed as to why nothing is ever planned or initiated at the campus in Longview. There are dedicated students, faculty and staff that deserve the same honors as those in Kilgore. Matter of fact, many of the students that attend KC-Longview have families and jobs that

they must attend with, as well as making sure to keep up with their studies. This should be an extra incentive for the KC Administration to provide the same thing for those in Longview as they did in Kilgore. 3,800 pounds of crawfish as well as numerous drinks and snow cones were given away in Kilgore. What would be the problem with taking a few hundred pounds of that crawfish and showing some love and respect to the men and women that make up the Longview campus? Not everyone has the opportunity to be able to skip a class and make it to Kilgore unless, of course, that is what the

The Flare

administration wants…just saying!

William E. Massey Longview freshman

T

his account is a followup to the article about me which appeared in the Flare during the fall semester of 2011.

When I first arrived at Kilgore College, I wasn’t sure of the challenges that waited me in my new environment. When I entered my classes, I encountered faculty who embraced me not merely on my disability, but rather on the basis of just being me.

One such instructor whom I admired deeply was Marcy

VOL. 76, NO. 21

Rhodes. When I took her classes, she always had a smile on her face and always had ways to encourage me.

Another person whom I have really admired these past three years has been Frank Mosley, director of instructional student support, who has been with me through all of my time here at KC. He has told me many times that he expects to see me graduate from Kilgore College. Finally, one such person I truly admired was Bennie Brown, English instructor at Kilgore College. Along with helping me, she would always encourage me and give me good comments about how much I meant to her. I also

Friday, April 26, 2013

Copyright 2013, The Flare. All rights reserved.

2012 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association Spring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors

CO-EXECUTIVE EDITORS Ashton Johnson Brittani Pfau WEB EDITOR Jonathen Ruesch ILLUSTRATOR Kelly Gillit ADVERTISING MANAGER Jonathen Ruesch

SPORTS EDITOR Sheniece Chappell PAGE EDITORS Ashley Morales Keira Phipps LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado ADVISER Bettye Craddock PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett

STAFF WRITERS Tameka Bullard, Jasmine Chappell, Dezirae Burnett, Jeremy Garza, Khandice Horn, Hunter Huggins, Travis Hull, Miles Marable, Mason Mehrens, Maegan Mitchell, Kade Morrison, Jordan Moss, Ellen Reid, Jessica Tolle and Tory Van Blarcum PHOTOGRAPHERS Anup Bhandari, Shelbi Crews, Kris Dobbins, Gabriel Espinosa, Sonia Garza, Sydney Hammonds, Cody Hand, Cara Herbert, Lauren LaBoyteaux, Elizabeth Martinez, Jonathen Ruesch, Taylon Sharer, Dylan Thomas, Randi Vinson-Davis and Marci Wells

LETTERS LETTERS

THE THEFLARE FLAREwelcomes welcomesany anyletter lettertotothe theeditor editorand andencourages encouragesallallreaders readerstotouse usethis thisas as aasounding soundingboard boardtotoexpress expressthoughts thoughtsand andopinions opinionson oncurrent currentcampus-related campus-relatedtopics. topics.We We also alsowelcome welcomenews newsororfeature featureideas. ideas.Due Duetotospace spacelimitations, limitations,letters lettersshould shouldbe beas asconcise concise as aspossible possibleand andmay maystill stillbe beedited editedfor forspace. space.Letters Lettersmust mustbe besigned signedand andinclude includean an address addressand andtelephone telephonenumber numberso sothat thatwe wecan canverify verifytheir theirauthenticity. authenticity.Letters Lettersshould shouldbe be delivered deliveredtotothe thenewsroom newsroomininCommunications-Automotive Communications-AutomotiveBuilding, Building,Room Room125, 125,mailed mailedtoto The are@yahoo.com TheFlare, Flare,1100 1100Broadway, Broadway,Kilgore KilgoreTX TX75662 75662ororemailed emailedto: to:kc_fl kc_fl are@yahoo.com

DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER

THE THEFLARE FLAREisisthe thestudent studentnewspaper newspaperofofKilgore KilgoreCollege Collegeand andisispublished publishedevery everyFriday Fridayby by the thejournalism journalismdepartment, department,except exceptduring duringexamination examinationperiods periodsand andvacations. vacations.First Firstcopy copyisis free, free,subsequent subsequentcopies copiesare areavailable availablefor for50 50cents. cents.THE THEFLARE FLAREisisaamember memberofofthe theTexas Texas Community CommunityCollege CollegeJournalism JournalismAssociation Associationand andthe theTexas TexasIntercollegiate IntercollegiatePress PressAssociation.

Association.

All Allpeople peopleholding holdingeditorial editorialsta sta positions positionsare areKilgore KilgoreCollege Collegejournalism journalismstudents. students.

Comments Commentsand andviews viewsexpressed expressedininTHE THEFLARE FLARErefl reflect ectthe thethoughts thoughtsofofthe theindividual individual writers, writers,and anddo donot notnecessarily necessarilyrefl reflect ectthe thebeliefs beliefsororopinions opinionsofofother otherstudents, students,sta sta members, members,faculty facultymembers, members,administrative administrativeoo cers cersororthe theBoard BoardofofTrustees.

Trustees.

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THE FLARE

FRIDAY APRIL 26, 2013

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