DROP DATE TODAY Students wishing to drop a class must do so by today. See more details on page 4A.
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Senate bill to boost security KC housing director teams with brother to improve background checks JORDAN MOSS Staff Writer KC is working with Texas lawmakers to give colleges the ability to conduct deeper criminal background checks on student housing applicants statewide. Senate Bill 146 will grant schools access to the Department of Public Safety’s secure website. Only a school’s police chief or housing officer would be approved to access the database. KC was influential in bringing the bill to the floor of the Texas Senate. Edward Williams, director of KC housing, and his brother, Texas Senate Finance
Chairman Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands), have worked together to create and promote the bill. Five or six years ago a fight in a KC residential hall prompted Edward Williams to push for deeper background checks on residents. “When they ran his criminal background as a part of the investigation, [the student arrested] had multiple assaults, including assault of a police officer as part of his criminal history,” Williams said. Another incident just last year saw a KC student resident do more than $40,000 in damages on campus.
Edward’s relationship with his brother helped get things moving to create the bill. “He’s heard me talk about it at family gatherings, just with problems we were having,” Edward Williams said. Sen. Williams has heard his brother’s issue and is working to make sure the bill becomes law. “This legislation fits nicely with the school safety measures we are promoting this session,” Sen. Williams said. As of now, colleges can conduct See BACKGROUND on Page 3A
The Flare Rangerette Express
A CLOSER LOOK: Senate Bill 146 Background checks will include an in-depth review of past criminal history and pending charges. With this Senate Bill, only the police chief and campus housing director will have access to the database. Senate Bill 146 was introduced by Senator Tommy Williams (R - The Woodlands), brother of KC housing director Edward Williams.
Friday, April 12, 2013 Vol. 76 No. 19
Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Revels 2013
Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARE
T
he Rangerettes annual spring show continues through Saturday. For behind-the-scenes photographs, personality profiles and more information, see the special section inside.
ABOVE: Freshman Julia Goebel performs her solo “I Follow Rivers” in Act I.
Student publication continues sweepstakes streak FROM STAFF REPORTS KC’s student publications have received top honors in two state competitions, including being named best non-daily college newspaper in the Lone Star State. That honor came at the April 5-7 Texas Associated Press Managing Editors convention in San Antonio. The Flare, KC’s weekly newspaper, earned first place for best nondaily college/university newspaper in Texas for the fourth consecutive year.
Named best daily college/ university paper by APME was The Daily Texan of the University of Texas at Austin. On the same weekend at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention in Fort Worth, The Flare won sweepstakes in Division 23competition for the 23rd time in 27 years. The Kilgore paper scored 113 points in the TIPA contest. Rice University placed second with 70 points. KC student journalists won 25 awards, including 11
first places, at TIPA, which was founded in 1909 and is the oldest collegiate press association in the nation. “I am so proud of our students. They have worked hard to produce publications that Kilgore College can be proud of,” said Bettye Craddock, Flare adviser. For the second consecutive year at TIPA, Kilgore students also received top honors for individual excellence. Kasi Dickerson, from Van, was selected See AWARDS on Page 3A
Flare takes top national honor FROM STAFF REPORTS The Flare, KC’s weekly newspaper, is one of only two college papers in the nation to receive 2013 Gold Crown (first place) awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The Gold Crown awards were presented at the CSPA’s Awards Convocation in March in New York City. Joining Kilgore as a Gold Crown national winner was the Indiana Daily Student newspaper from Indiana University.
Bre a k i n g n ews, videos an d exten ded cover age at www.thef lareonline. com
The Flare’s Gold Crown was awarded for the 11 issues published in Spring 2012 when Kasi Dickerson, of Van, was editor. Newspaper adviser for Kilgore College’s newspaper is Bettye Craddock. Photography adviser is O. Rufus Lovett. Six college newspapers were awarded Silver Crown (second place) awards by Columbia. They included the publications at Baylor University, See COLUMBIA on Page 3A
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013
FACE IN THE CROWD
Rangerette Captain
The Flare
NOTEBOOK April 12 – May 2 FRIDAY, April 12 RANGERETTE REVELS 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium LAST DAY TO DROP CLASS OR WITHDRAW FROM ENROLLMENT WITH A “W” SATURDAY, April 13 RANGERETTE REVELS 1 p.m. & 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium TWIRLER ALUMNI RECEPTION/MEETING 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., DSC Ballroom REVELS RANGERETTE FOREVERS RECEPTION 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rangerette Gym DANCE SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS 11 a.m. P.E. Complex, Room 106 SPRING VOCAL 7:30 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium MONDAY, April 15 SUMMER I ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION - ALL STUDENTS April 15 - May 31 SUMMER II ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION - ALL STUDENTS April 15 - July 5 FALL ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION - ALL STUDENTS April 15 - Aug. 14 FUNNY FOTO’S 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Devall Student Center
Age: 20 Hometown: Beaumont Classification: Sophomore Major: Corporate Communications
Stephanie Aumiller If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?...Gussie Nell Davis because she created Rangerettes and it is what means most to me now. If you had 24 hours to live how would you spend it?... Laughing and having fun with my family and friends. What are three words to describe yourself/ personality?...Loud, awkward and dedicated What is one thing you have accomplished that you are proud of ?...Becoming captain of the Rangerettes Who or what inspired you to dance?...I started dancing when I was 7 just to have something to do and I had some amazing teachers. They pushed me and made me love it more. What made you try out for Rangerettes?...I came to see Revels as a sophomore in high school and after watching the show I knew this was the place for me. What is one thing people do not know about being a Rangerette?...You would think living with 70 girls would get old, but it doesn’t. Living with all of those people is the reason you don’t want it to end.
Where are you going to transfer?...Lamar University in Beaumont. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?...Trying out for the Rockettes in New York. If you could only set one goal for yourself to accomplish what would it be?...To live a full life and by that I mean to have a happy family, a strong relationship with God and be successful. What advice would you give future Rangerettes?...Take in every moment. Everyone wants to be a sophomore so badly, but don’t rush your freshman year. If I could go back I would. What is your greatest memory as a Rangerette?... Performing at the Black Tie and Boots ball in Washington, D.C. Everyone was so Texan and it was so much fun. What is one thing you would want people to remember you by?...When I first got here I told my dance instructors that I wanted to be a big part of my class, organization and leave a legacy. Hopefully they can see all of my hard work, dedication and the love I have for this organization. Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE
Funny photos, crawfish boil coming next week JASMINE CHAPPELL Staff Writer Student activities will host funny pictures and a crawfish boil next week as the semester comes to an end. A photographer from Smith
Agency will take pictures with funny backgrounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 15, in the Devall Student Center Game Room. Funny Foto’s will be printed on T-shirts. The fifth annual crawfish boil is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 17, on the tennis court parking lot behind Parks Fitness Center. Circle M Crawfish will provide about 3,800 pounds of crawfish, and ARAMARK will provide the sides. A DJ will be playing a wide range of music at the event.
NEWS IN BRIEF
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Registration open for minis
WEDNESDAY, April 17 CRAWFISH BOIL 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Tennis Court Parking Lot INTRAMURAL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, 6 p.m. 7 p.m., Carpeted Gym THURSDAY, April 18 ACADEMIC HONORS CONVOCATION 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium FRIDAY, April 19 SPRING STUDENT RECITAL I 2 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium SATURDAY, April 20 RANGER PREVIEW DAY 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Dodson Auditorium KC CHEER TRYOUT CLINIC 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aerobic Floor MONDAY, April 22 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT APPRECIATION LUNCHEON 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom TUESDAY, April 23 SERVICE RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., DSC Ballroom WEDNESDAY, April 24 INTRAMURAL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, 6 p.m. 7 p.m., Carpeted Gym THURSDAY, April 25 AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY MEETING, 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m., DSC Ballroom SMU VISITING RECRUITER, 10 a.m. 2 p.m., Devall Student Center FRIDAY, April 26 LAST FLARE ISSUE OF SEMESTER SPRING STUDENT RECITAL II 2 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium WEDNESDAY, May 1 FLARE AWARDS BANQUET 6:30 p.m., Ballroom THURSDAY, May 2 TRIO SPRING BANQUET 5:30 p.m., Ballroom KC WIND SYMPHONY CONCERT 7:30 p.m., Dodson Auditorium THURSDAY, May 2 SPRING DANCE CONCERT 8 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium
Classes will not be canceled. These events are free to all students, faculty and staff. “We encourage everyone to come out and just enjoy themselves,” said Ross Costanzo, residential assistant director.
Sonia Garza / THE FLARE
Donned in handmade bunny hats, children at the KC Early Childhood Center rush outside to find Easter eggs on April 1. The ECC was recently reaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
National recognition KC Early Childhood Center reaccredited through NAEYC TORY VAN BLARCUM Staff Writer
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arents of young children should have no worries about sending their children to the KC Early Childhood Center which has been reaccredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals, The ECC has been an accredited program since 1988 and is the only center in East Texas other than the
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Stephen F. Austin State University lab school to have the national accreditation. “By being able to say we are an NAEYC accredited center, parents and others in the community know that we value young children and their families and hold ourselves to a higher standard of care based on sound child development principles,” said ECC Director Katie Moses. The ECC went through a long process to gain its reaccreditation from NAEYC. On Feb. 15 a representative visited the facility
and spent the day observing the events of an average day at the ECC. The representative conducted a safety checklist on the inside and outside of the learning environment and spent a minimum of an hour observing in each classroom. The program does not receive any financial or material incentive for meeting the standard of quality from NAEYC. The reaccreditation is valid until June 2018 and during the next five years the program is subject to unannounced visits by NAEYC representatives.
...parents and others in the community know that we value young children and their families...” Katie Moses, ECC director
Preparatory cheerleading clinic slated April 20 STAFF REPORTS The KC Ranger Cheerleading Program will host a preparatory clinic Saturday, April 20, for students who are planning on trying out to become a KC cheerleader. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Parks Fitness Center on the Kilgore campus. The clinic is for high school juniors, high school seniors and college
freshmen. The cost is $25, cash only. The clinic is not a requirement to try out for cheerleader at KC. Participants must bring a completed clinic registration form, a clinic release form and a photo release form the morning of the clinic. These forms are found at www.kilgore.edu/ kc_cheer_clinics.asp. The clinic will help with guidance on jumps, tumbling and stunts for tryouts.
Individuals participating in the clinic may bring a stunt partner or stunt group to assist in their stunts. Stunt partners are only allowed in the clinic during the stunting time and are not required to pay the fee for the clinic. KC Cheerleader tryouts are set for May 18-19. For more information, contact Melissa Haden, Director of Cheerleading, at (903) 983-8134 or at cheer@kilgore.edu.
A student can earn three to four credit hours in 15 days by completing a May mini-semester class. Registration runs until May 14 in the counseling center in the Devall Student Center, or in the KCLongview Office. Online registration is available at www.kilgore.edu. A student can take only one minisemester class and must meet all the requirements to take the course. Classes are scheduled for May 15-30, 8:30 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. The cost of a mini-semester is charged per credit hour. Students may attend a class after the May 14 deadline if they pay a late fee. Taking a mini-semester is a “way to get something done quickly between spring and summer sessions,” said Pam Gatton, director of counseling. The following classes are offered in the May mini-semester: BCIS-1305, GOVT-2305, HIST-1301, HIST-2311, HRPO-2307, KINE-1238 , MUSI-1306, PHIL-1301, PSYC-2314, SPCH-1318, TECA-1354 and GEOL2407. ~Hunter Huggins
Blood drive goal set for 120 units KC is participating in the 15-Gallon Challenge with Carter BloodCare on April 22-24. The goal for the three day visit is to have 120 units of blood donated. “Each unit can save up to three lives,” said Charlotte Jordan, donor recruitment consultant at Carter BloodCare. “Reaching this goal will touch up to 360 lives.” ~Ashley Morales
High scores benefit freshman Samuel Essary, Gladewater freshman, was awarded a $3,200 scholarship for having the highest scores of any Texas Association of Literacy and Adult Eduction student member in the East Region. “I was really excited when I found out I was receiving the scholarship,” Essary said. “I am thankful I had something to help with school.” His scores were also the highest of all the winners throughout Texas which include 55 adult education programs. “I feel proud. I’m just glad and thankful for the teaching by Adult Preparation Classes,” Essary said. He did not receive a high school diploma since he was home schooled. After his time at KC, Essary plans to transfer to Texas A&M University and be a part of the Corps of Cadets ROTC program. ~Khandice Horn
NEWS
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013
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Background: Bill awaiting House approval FROM PAGE 1A background checks using public sites, but what they don’t have is the ability to see pending charges. This change is important so that someone awaiting trial with a burglary or assault charge cannot live on campus and potentially commit the same crimes.
“Colleges should be aware of pending charges,” Sen. Williams said. This is not the first time a bill of this nature has been considered. During the previous Texas Legislature session a similar bill passed the Senate but died waiting on the House, which never got a chance to discuss it as the session expired.
This time the Williams brothers are determined to make sure the bill gets through. “We’re planning a trip with the housing directors of four colleges, not just community colleges, to go down and see each member of the House of Representatives before it goes to the floor for a vote,”
Edward Williams said. It is important to note that the passing of the bill would not make background checks mandatory. “SB 146 does not require background checks. It simply allows checks when a school deems it is necessary,” Sen. Williams said. While the bill would be
helpful to smaller schools, it should be noted that it would be impractical for large universities such as University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University to run background checks on everybody who applies. Private institutions operating independently from state funding would
not be affected. Those involved hope the bill will make it through the house before the Texas legislative session ends May 27. Edward Williams is a firm believer it will not only pass, but it will improve safety for campus residents. “This will make all the difference in the world,” Edward Williams said.
Awards: Yearbook, magazine bring home honors FROM PAGE 1A Editor/Director of the Year, and Kris Dobbins, of Kilgore, was named Photojournalist of the Year. “Kris Dobbins has earned the TIPA Photojournalist of the Year award with his accomplished work involving a variety of subjects including editorial portraits and sports that reaches beyond that expected of most community college students,” said O. Rufus Lovett, Flare photo adviser. Four Kilgore students placed in the on-site contests: Ashton Johnson of Kilgore, third in newspaper design; Maegan Mitchell
of Longview, third in news writing; Jordan Moss of Gladewater, third in radio sports writing; and Randi Vinson-Davis of Henderson, honorable mention in news photography. Students from universities and community colleges compete against each other in the on-site contests. Two former Flare staffers now attending Stephen F. Austin State University also placed in the live contests: Dickerson, second in magazine design, and Betsy Foreman of Longview, third in advertising. The Flare also won Best of Show for its March 1 Spring Break edition this semester.
Dickerson was the executive editor of The Flare last spring and Johnson and Brittani Pfau of White Oak were co-executive editors in the fall. The Ranger Yearbook received 11 awards, including three firsts in yearbook Division 2. Elizabeth Wisdom of Van was the editor of the 2012 Ranger Yearbook. The Flare Magazine took home seven awards, including two first places. Dickerson and Wisdom were co-editors of The Flare Magazine. Lovett and Craddock coadvise the Ranger yearbook and The Flare Magazine.
Columbia: Setting gold standard FROM PAGE 1A Princeton University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Alabama, Northwest Missouri State University and Santa Ana College (Calif.). A total 1,344 newspapers, digital, magazines and yearbooks published during
the 2011-2012 academic year were eligible for judging in the 2013 Crown Awards program. The publications were judged on writing/editing, design, content, concept, photography, art and graphics. Operated by Columbia University since 1925,
the Columbia Scholastic Press Association is an international student press association uniting student journalists and faculty advisers at schools and colleges through educational conferences, idea exchanges and award programs.
MARCY RHODES
Marcy Rhodes
In the fall of 2011, Mrs. Rhodes received a KC Excellence in Teaching Award. Survivors include her husband, R. David Rhodes of Longview; son and daughter-in-law, Lance Jr. and Kellie Wyatt of Dallas; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Kaitlyn and Chris Glass; two grandchildren, Kylie and Kenzie of El Dorado, Ark.; best friends, Jodie and Ricky Telg, of Gainesville, Fla.; and a very special devoted younger sister, Kathy Boyd of Winter Springs, Fla..
ALAN TRUITT
Alan Truitt
Services for Alan Daniel Truitt, associate dean at KCLongview, were held March 29 at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, Ill., with the Rev. John Brand officiating. Burial was in Palestine Cemetery in Palestine. Mr. Truitt was born on July 4, 1953, and died March 23. He was the son of Daniel Truitt and Mary Kibler Truitt. He was a member of the Outlaws and Crawford County State Bank Fast Pitch Softball Teams. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1971, from
NEWSPAPER CONTEST Sheniece Chappell (Kilgore) – 2nd, sports page design Kasi Dickerson (Van) – 1st, headline; 1st, information graphic; 1st, feature page design; 1st, special edition/section; 1st, in-depth reporting; 2nd, opinion/editorial page design; 3rd, sports page design; HM, feature story; HM, single subject page design Kris Dobbins (Kilgore) – 2nd, sports action; 2nd, picture story Ashley Forrestier (Kilgore) – 1st, editorial cartoon Kelly Gillit (Gladewater) – 1st, illustration; HM, ad design Travis Hull (Kilgore) – 3rd, general column Ashton Johnson (Kilgore) – 2nd, page one design Jamie Maldonado (Longview) – 1st, feature story Brittani Pfau (White Oak) – 2nd, page one design; 1st, editorial; 3rd, news feature story Keira Phipps (Arlington) – 2nd, sports page design Jonathen Ruesch (Gilmer) – 1st, information graphic; 1st opinion/editorial page design; 2nd, news photo Jessica Stovall (Lufkin) – 1st sports feature story; 2nd, sports page design Randi Vinson-Davis (Henderson) – 2nd feature photo; 2nd picture story; 2nd sports action photo; Overall Excellence: tie with Midwestern State University
YEARBOOK CONTEST Anup Bhandari (Kilgore); Matthew Blanchard ( Hallsville), Cara Herbert (Longview), Jake Scarborough (Henderson), Randi Vinson-Davis (Henderson), Elizabeth Wisdom (Van) – 3rd, academics package Briley Boren (Center), Kasi Dickerson (Van), Kris Dobbins (Kilgore), Jamie Maldonado (Longview), Jake Scarborough (Henderson), Randi Vinson-Davis (Henderson) and Elizabeth Wisdom (Van), 3rd academics package Kasi Dickerson (Van) – 2nd, feature/student life package Jamie Maldonado (Longview) – HM, sports action Randi Vinson-Davis (Henderson) – 2nd, academics package Elizabeth Wisdom (Van) – 1st, academic photo; 1st, feature photo; 2nd, cover design; HM, opening package; HM, sports package MAGAZINE CONTEST: Kasi Dickerson (Van) – 1st, news feature; 1st, story package; 2nd, picture story; 3rd column/essay; Daniel Guy (Longview) – 2nd, column/essay Jamie Maldonado (Longview) – 2nd, picture story Randi Vinson-Davis (Henderson) – 2nd, picture story; HM, general news photo Elizabeth Wisdom (Van) – 1st, story package; 2nd, illustration; 2nd, picture story
For the latest scores and news, check us out @
Funeral services held for two KC employees Services for Marcy Rhodes, psychology instructor at KCLongview, were held April 5 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Burial followed in Restland Cemetery in Dallas. Mrs. Rhodes died March 29. She was born Margaret Lillian Boyd on Oct. 28, 1965, in Richardson. She graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and earned a Master of Science in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University.
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
Kilgore College, from LeTourneau University with a bachelor’s degree and from the University of Texas at Tyler with a master’s degree in business (industrial technology). He was a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Longview. Survivors include his wife, Tonya; mother Mary Truitt of Robinson Ill.; children, Taylea L. Truitt of San Antonio, Willy (Jennifer) Truitt of Indianapolis, Ind., and Reginald (Jodi) Truitt of Robinson Ill., and two grandchildren.
THEFLAREONLINE.COM
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THE FLARE
ASHLEY MORALES Page Editor
Option available for Fall 2013 MASON MEHRENS Staff Writer
O. Rufus Lovett / THE FLARE
Most Representative students are sophomores Hannah Price and Jackson Threadgill. The two were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership and extracurricular involvement. right after she found out the news. “It was humbling news,” Price said. “I feel blessed and honored to be voted Most Representative.” Price is a Rangerette and vice president of leadership in Phi Theta Kappa. “I went to Kilgore College in fourth grade on a field trip to visit the Oil Museum
‘W’ deadline April 12 HUNTER HUGGINS Staff Writer Friday, April 12, is the final day to withdraw from class with a “W.” To withdraw from a class students must go to the Registrar’s Office in the Devall Student Center or visit the KCLongview office and fill out a drop request form. The Registrar’s Office closes at 3:45 p.m., and the KCLongview Office closes at 2:30 p.m. today. To drop out of all classes, students must fill out a withdraw notice. Students must show photo ID when submitting all drops requests. Drop requests and withdrawal notices must be turned into the Registrar’s Office before
NEWS
Some reading, writing classes integrated
Students elected most rep The votes are in for the most representative students for the 2012-2013 year. Sophomores Hannah Price of Tyler and Jackson Threadgill of Henderson have been named KC’s Most Representative students. The recognition is annually given to one female and male student. Students were chosen by KC faculty and staff based on their academic excellence, leadership abilities and extracurricular involvement. All nominees must be fulltime sophomores and have at least a 2.75 GPA. When Threadgill saw his name on the list he never thought he would be picked. “It’s something that I really didn’t expect,” Threadgill said. “It really is a true honor to be selected.” Price called her parents
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013
the deadline; no requests will be taken after the deadline. Dropping courses may affect financial aid status, and a student may be required to repay a portion of financial aid. Senate Bill 1231, passed by the Texas Legislature in may 2007, limits Texas public education students to six drops in their public college education career. Students taking a course for the third time must pay an additional $70 per credit hour. “Withdrawing does not affect your grade point average. It is always better to withdraw than fail,” said Pam Gatton, director of counseling.
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and the Rangerette Museum,” Price said. “I had made a long-term goal that day to become a worldfamous Kilgore College Rangerette.” She plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler in the fall of 2013 and has already been admitted into the university’s health studies program. Her goal is to become a physician
assistant in pediatrics. Threadgill is president of Phi Theta Kappa, a Ranger Ambassador and a resident assistant. He will attend UT Tyler in the fall of 2013 and plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business. “I will go on to help run my family’s business in Henderson,” Threadgill said.
KC is in the second year of offering integrated courses in developmental reading and writing. Students have the current option to take the classes separately or integrated through Fall 2013; however, as of Fall 2014 students will have to take the integrated class. Students who are eligible for the integrated class are students who qualify for both ENGL 0308 and READ 0308. Instructor Dawn Apple has taught the integrated classes for the past year. “The integrated classes provide a better way to learn two subjects that go hand-in-hand,” Apple said. “I prefer to teach the integrated classes, and I feel the students benefit in several ways by taking
them.” Students can also save money by covering two classes while paying for only one. “Language arts is offered all through grade school covering more than one subject, and it makes sense to do the same for remedial classes at Kilgore College,” Apple said. The downside to taking the integrated class is that there is a heavier workload as the curriculum includes reading and writing in one class. Also, students having to meet hour requirements for financial aid may have to add another class to meet the required hours. Reading and writing are the only integrated subjects currently offered. Students who successfully complete the integrated class are eligible for ENGL 1301.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013
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KC Foundation aims to reach $25 million DEZIRAE BURNETT Staff Writer The KC Foundation serves as the fundraising arm for the college and is a recognized charitable organization by the state of Texas. Generally, the Foundation raises funds for scholarships. Endowed scholarships can be established by a minimum donation of $15,000, and roughly $3.5 to $4 million are allocated by the Foundation for scholarships alone. More recently however, the organization has shifted its focus to growing the money in its general needs funds, or unrestricted funds.
Money raised for general needs funding is put into what is called The Partner and Excellence Fund, which is intended to be used for KC building purposes and covering Foundation office expenses. So far, the money has been used by the Foundation to purchase a fundraising module to help further organize the Foundation’s moneyraising efforts. “Our ultimate goal is to have $25 million in the Foundation,” said Leah Gorman, director of development and executive director of the KC Foundation. Gorman hopes to achieve this goal within the next five to six
years. The Giving Campaign is contributing to the growth of this amount by generating an estimated half a million dollars. Money not allocated into scholarship funds can be organized into grants. Each spring the Foundation accepts applications for a general needs grant, the Habenicht Grant. This grant is typically awarded to a handful of departments on campus. The amount granted can be anywhere from $7,000 to $9,000 which is distributed among the chosen departments to be used for projects not funded by the department budgets.
HONOR SOCIETY
PTK receives regional, international awards Students, administrator, faculty recognized ELLEN REID Staff Writer KC’s Gamma Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, honor society for two-year colleges, recently received three major awards at the Texas Regional Convention in Dallas. Dr. Gerald Stanglin, vice president of instruction, was recognized as the Distinguished College Administrator Award for all the work he has put into PTK. Stanglin was also honored at the International Conference April 3-6 in San Jose, Calif. Susan Yellott, math instructor, also received the Texas Regional Adviser Recognition Award for years of service as PTK adviser. A stone will be placed at the Headquarters in Jackson, Miss., with her name and the dates of service. “We did not know she was getting this award, so it was a nice surprise,” said current PTK adviser Michele Daniels. Two KC students were awarded the Gold Scholar Coca-Cola Scholarship: husband and wife, Kenny and Brittany Knowles. They were recognized in Austin and again at the International Conference. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 gold, 50 silver and 50 bronze scholars and provides $1,500 scholarship for each gold scholar. Community colleges may submit no more than two nominations per campus. PTK will also participate in the 11th annual Kilgore Relay For Life from 6 p.m.6 a.m. starting Friday, April 19, at the Kilgore baseball and soccer fields. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event,
Gorman said donors often have their lawyers call the Foundation office to request establishing a scholarship in honor or memory of some loved one or to notify the Foundation that they have included KC in their wills. As most money for the organization is raised by private donors, the KC Foundation is working on developing a strategy to bring a higher awareness of living scholarships, or scholarships that are established and grown while the donor is still alive. “The one thing people sometimes don’t realize about fundraising is it isn’t always about getting
money, but building relationships,” Gorman said. One of the biggest goals for the Foundation is to make sure donors feel important and that they continually feel involved with the college. This sense of continued need is vitally important. For this reason the college hosts an annual scholarship banquet that allows for scholarship recipients and donors to meet, as well as an opportunity for recipients to thank the donors for their gifts. For more information on the KC Foundation, scholarships or grants, contact Gorman at 903-9887521.
GED preparation available Chances for GED testing series coming to an end KHANDICE HORN Staff Writer
GED FACTS
The chances to take the current GED testing series are slowly running out. The 2002 GED Testing Series will be replaced beginning Jan. 2, 2014 with testing on computers. Incomplete or insufficient GED scores from the 2002 series will no longer be valid after Dec. 31, 2013. The five remaining testing opportunities are now through April 17, June 11-12, Sept. 10-11, Oct. 8-9 and Nov. 5-6. Candidates taking the whole test must pay an $80 non-refundable test fee to the Cashier’s Office by money order, cash or credit card (no personal checks) by the published registration deadline. For a re-test, a $15 per test section fee also be paid at the Cashier’s Office. The GED is given on both the Kilgore and Longview campuses. To obtain 2013 test schedule, registration procedures, registration deadlines and the latest GED information, visit www.kilgore. edu/testing.asp Adult Basic Education GED Preparation Services are available for those planning to take the test. Although attending a preparation course is not required in order to take the GED test initially, it is strongly recommended. No fees are charged for attending GED classes offered at this time. The classes are year around. Registration is either the first Monday or Tuesday of each month. Students should be prepared to stay after registration since that is also the first day of class. A class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MondayFriday is offered in Kilgore at the Woodruff Adult Education Center, Room 109 A. An evening class is offered 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on
Eligibility for the GED test are as follows: withdrawn from high school. A 17-year-old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and have a high school withdrawal form. A 16-year-old must be court ordered.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Woodruff Adult Education Center. There are also classes available at KCLongview. The day class is held 8 a.m.- noon Monday - Friday and the evening class is from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. For more information, contact the Adult Basic Education Department at 903-988-3738 or visit the college website at www.kilgore. edu/abe.asp. For a candidate to officially pass, the GED test overall average score must be greater than or equal to 2250 with at least 410 on each individual test. Candidates must take all five GED tests: Language Arts-Writing, Language Arts Reading, Science, Social Studies and Mathematics. Texas Education Agency in Austin mails official scores two to three weeks after the test. A copy of the “Official GED Test Results” can be received online. Candidates who do not receive at least a 410 on a section must wait six months or attend a GED preparation course/tutorial program before attempting to retest. For more information, contact Kilgore Testing Center at 903-983-8215 or email testing@kilgore.edu.
O. Rufus Lovett / Special to THE FLARE
KENNY AND BRITTANY KNOWLES
Winners of the Gold Scholar Coca-Cola Scholarship
GERALD STANGLIN Honored by PTK
SUSAN YELLOTT
Honored by PTK
with all proceeds going to find a cure for cancer. The Kilgore Relay For Life is hoping to hit the $1 million mark this year with
money raised the past 11 years. The event is open to anyone who wants to attend, and it has no participation fee. The PTK team has been asked for each person to raise a minimum of $100. Anyone who would like to donate to the relay can email Daniels at mdaniels@kilgore.edu. For more information or to participate, go to www. relayforlife.org/kilgoretx. PTK’s new members from this spring have until April 30 to pay membership fees.
O. Rufus Lovett / Special to THE FLARE
Jason Graves, English instructor, congratulates newest members of Sigma Kappa Delta, English honor society for two-year colleges, during the induction ceremony March 26. SKD INDUCTEES Allison Brown Thomas Campitello Kelsey Canon Marcheal Cleaver LuAnn Duncan
William Massey Estefania Montano Autumn Pike Matthew Price Caroline Roberts Neha Singh Stevi Slaughter
Elizabeth Smith-Field Shelli Stargell Spencer Youngblood Jason Graves, English instructor and assistant chair (sponsor) Dr. Richard Harrison, dean of
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THE FLARE
FRIDAY, April 12, 2013
SPORTS
Cody Hand / THE FLARE
Rangers head coach Brian Hoberecht led the men’s basketball team to its best season in 55 years. This is his fifth season at KC and the first time he has received Coach of the Year honors.
Road to Glory Brian Hoberecht named 2013 Region XIV Coach of the Year KADE MORRISON Staff Writer
KC
men’s basketball head coach Brian Hoberecht has been named Coach of the Year in the Region XIV conference. The KC basketball program is coming off one of its best seasons the college has seen in 55 years. The coaching staff is working hard to prepare for next season, but is also enjoying what the success of this season has already brought to the program. The Rangers finished with a 27-6 overall record and won the Region XIV regular season conference championship. That allowed them to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. They came up short in the second round, losing 53-51 to No. 2 seed Spartanburg Methodist. The list of accomplishments for this team is long and every great team has a great leader. Hoberecht had one of his best seasons as a coach, but his history has led him to this point. Hoberecht played four years of college
“
basketball at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan. He then moved to Emporia State University as a graduate assistant and was promoted to the assistant coaching position at the university. In 1997, he became the assistant coach at Dodge City Community College and took over the head-coaching job in 2000. He coached at Dodge City for eight years before accepting the head-coaching job at KC. Hoberecht has a rich history of experience that has influenced his success as a coach. Being a former player has helped Hoberecht relate well with his teams. “It helps me understand where they are coming from and really understand some of their frustration,” Hoberecht said. “I have been where most of them are in the game at some point.” Junior college basketball programs can bring a lot of pressure because of the quick turnover ratio. Hoberecht thinks his coaching staff has really been good at accepting the responsibilities that have been given to them. “This allows me to focus on our team
-Brian Hoberecht, Head coach of men’s basketball
Celebration weekend scheduled Oct. 18-19
KC will honor former standout athletes and contributors at its annual Hall of Fame Weekend in the fall. A benefit golf tournament is set for Friday, Oct. 18, and Hall of Fame inductees will be introduced during a luncheon 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, in the Devall Ballroom on the Kilgore campus. Hall of Fame members will be recognized during halftime of the KC versus Southeast Prep football game at 3 p.m. that afternoon. “I always look forward to the Hall of Fame event because it is one of the most inspirational and motivational events of the year,” said Jimmy Rieves, athletic director.
graciously accepted the team in this role. He tries throughout the year to find alone time with his wife and kids. “Having good communication at home is just as important as having it on our team,” Hoberecht said. As Hoberecht looks back on this season and the honor it brought in being Coach of the Year, he wants to keep things in a coach’s perspective. Hoberecht knows his players are what brought the success in this season and he has reaped the reward of their hard work. “Great teams and great players get better through accomplishments, not by being average,” he said. “My appreciation and respect for our players and coaches is at the ultimate highest level this year.” The community surrounded this team in support of its successful season. “I want the KC basketball program to have a positive influence within our community,” Hoberecht said. Hoberecht is thankful for all of the support. He felt that the success of the KC Rangers basketball team really brought the whole community together and gave Kilgore something to rally around.
Great teams and great players get better through accomplishments, not by being average. My appreciation and respect for our players and coaches is at the ultimate highest level this year.”
Hall of Fame chosen MASON MEHRENS Staff Writer
and focus on the individual pieces of the program,” Hoberecht said. Hoberecht has learned many lessons over the years in coaching, but has prided every basketball program on one thing: “Character matters.” “I love the opportunity to watch my team grow up as people, students and players,” Hoberecht said. “I love teaching and preparing each week as a coach. Being a part of the whole growth process as a coach is extremely rewarding.” Coaching comes with many challenges throughout the year. “I try to constantly challenge my players to get out of their comfort zone. I want them to be a better player than what they have pictured of themselves,” Hoberecht said. “I want to help players understand they have a lot more to give than when they first enter into the Kilgore College program. It is a true challenge to get them to this point as a player.” People forget the time that it takes to be a good coach and the time it takes away from family. Hoberecht believes in the team becoming part of his extended family, and his personal family has
“It is such a hard task to narrow down all of the great student-athletes and contributors who have come through our doors over the years to select a few outstanding people each year to honor.” The golf tournament will be a two-man scramble at Southern Hills Golf Course in Gladewater, sponsored by KC and Trinity Mother Francis Hospital. All proceeds will benefit KC athletics. Rieves says there is still plenty of time to register a team. The college is also looking for hole sponsors for the golf tournament and businesses to donate door prizes. For more information, contact Gail Jackson, athletic secretary, at 903988-7537.
2013 Hall of Fame inductees FOOTBALL: •Kyle Cunningham (player from 1978-79) •C.G. Mata (player from 1961-62) •Leonard Carey (player in 1969) MEN’S BASKETBALL: •Tom Farrell (player in 1966) WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: •Cheron Wells (player in 1989) TEAM: •1993-94 Men’s Basketball Team CONTRIBUTOR: •David Castles: KC instructor, former coach and athletic director
SPORTS
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Lonnie McClanahan was named an honorable mention All American, First Team All-Region, the All-Tournament Team and First Team All-Conference. Photo by: Jonathen Ruesch
McClanahan KC’s first All-American since 2007 JORDAN MOSS Staff Writer
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our KC basketball players have received post-season honors for their performance on the court this year. Lonnie McClanahan has been named an honorable mention All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association. McClanahan also has been named First Team All-Region, All-Tournament Team and First Team All-Conference North Zone. McClanahan spoke of how playing for head coach Brian Hoberecht helped him elevate his game. “He taught me how to be a leader so that all my teammates can count on me,” McClanahan said. Others receiving honors were Quinton Upshur, named First Team All-Region and First Team All-Conference North Zone, while Maurice
Taylor and Erik Diouf were named Third Team All-Conference North Zone. Coach Hoberecht is proud of what his players were able to accomplish this season. “When teams have success at the level we did, players get individual awards. I’m excited for what they did individually,” Hoberecht said. “But those awards aren’t obtainable without teammates who are unselfish and want to win as much as they do.” All the players honored said that without the guidance of the coaching staff and the privilege of playing with all the members of the team, none of it would have been possible. The four honored players are looking to their futures. Upshur has committed to play for Northern Arizona University next season, McClanahan and Taylor are still exploring their options and Diouf has one year of eligibility remaining at KC.
Erik Diouf was named Third Team AllConference North Zone. Photo by Kris Dobbins
Quinton Upshur was named First Team All-Region and First Team All-Conference North Zone.
Maurice Taylor was named Third Team All-Conference North Zone. Photo by Marci Wells
Photo by Jonathen Ruesch
Softball splits KEIRA PHIPPS Page Editor KC VS. TRINITY VALLEY (8-7 W, 8-2 L) The Rangers rallied to split the doubleheader, winning 8-7 and losing 8-2 to Trinity Valley Community College April 6, in Athens. KC is 2-0 in previous games against TVCC. In the first game KC proved to be too much for the Cards as they took the lead for good in the fifth inning after eight lead changes. An RBI single by Kaitlyn Hipsher brought home Kat Lambert and sealed TVCC’s fate. The Cards shot out in the bottom of the first to an early 1-0 lead over the Rangers after an RBI single. The Rangers used this as fuel as they made a comeback with an RBI single by Laura Martinez, quickly followed by a single from Lambert in the bottom of the second making the score 2-1 in KC’s favor. An RBI single by Martinez scored Lakin Kerby in the fifth. The Rangers laid it on thick as they matched their three-run second inning with three more runs in the fifth. TVCC answered scoring two runs in the fourth, but it was not enough as KC secured the lead in the fifth. Sophomore pitcher Kara Sutton got the win for KC as she pitched three and one-third shutout innings for the Rangers. Sutton gave up two hits, struck out none and walked one. KC defeated the Cards in a close 8-7 match up.
In the second of Saturday’s doubleheader, the Rangers were unable to bounce back as they fell to the Cards 8-2. KC jumped off to an early lead as it scored its only two runs of the game in the top of the first. Martinez was brought home off of a walk by Jalla Johnson that moved Molly Mackey to second and Tricia Hock to third. The Rangers led until the bottom of the third when TVCC scored off a single to right field. The Cards got on a roll scoring seven runs in the bottom of the third. KC was unable to rally back as the Cards’ defense was too much. TVCC scored once more in the top of the seventh to knock down the Rangers, 8-2. KC VS. BOSSIER PARISH (13-8 W, 8-7 L) March 27 saw a hitting clinic put on by both KC and Bossier Parish Community College as the teams split a doubleheader, winning 13-8 and losing 8-7. In the first matchup, the two teams put up 32 hits, including eight extra base hits, and combined for 21 runs. The Rangers hit well against BPCC as seven batters combined for 19 hits, 12 RBI’s and 11 runs. Kaitlyn Hipsher along with three other Rangers homered in the game: Heather Bunn in the second, Molly Mackey and Lakin Kerby both in the seventh. BPCC took the lead early in the bottom of the first, 2-0. KC captured the lead
after scoring six runs in the second on a home run by Bunn, an RBI single by Tricia Hock and a fielder’s choice by Laura Martinez. Jalla Johnson scored the first run of the fourth on a sacrifice fly ball followed by a two-run blast by Hipsher that brought home Kerby. BPCC fought back with a little offense of its own but was quickly halted by Kara Sutton who forced a BPCC groundout. Mackey cued four Ranger runs in the seventh to defeat BPCC, 13-8. In the second of the two games, the Rangers fell short of a win in Bossier City. KC led a tough offensive game, but it was not enough to defeat BPCC. Martinez led the Rangers as she got on base three times, with a single in the fourth and eighth innings. She also scored one run and one RBI. The Rangers took an early lead when Johnson hit a single that brought home Hock. The Ranger single wasn’t enough as BPCC rallied back and scored on a two-run single of its own in the first. BPCC scored another two runs in the eighth to defeat the Rangers, 8-7. KC VS. NTCC RESCHEDULED The April 10 doubleheader against Northeast Texas Community College was postponed until April 11, due to bad weather conditions. Scores were not available by press deadline. For results, visit The Flare online.com
2013 Ranger Softball Schedule Date April 13 April 17 April 19 April 20 April 23
Location
Time
Paris Junior College
Opponent
Paris
1 p.m. 3 p.m.
Northeast Texas CC
Mt. Pleasant
2 p.m. 4 p.m.
Navarro
Kilgore
1 p.m. 3 p.m.
Bossier Parish CC
Kilgore
1 p.m. 3 p.m.
Longview
3 p.m. 5 p.m.
Letourneau
Lady Rangers recognized Lawson makes All-Region and All-Conference; Phipps and Jackson receive honorable mention SHENIECE CHAPPELL Sports Editor
AMANDA LAWSON All-Region All-Conference
KEIRA PHIPPS Honorable Mention
GABRIELLE JACKSON Honorable Mention Photos by Jon Vashey
The Lady Rangers had a bumpy season, but that did not stop Amanda Lawson, Bryan sophomore, from making the Region XIV All-Region and All-Conference team. Lawson plays center for the Lady Rangers and scored 303 points this season. She averaged 12.6 points a game and 6.5 rebounds. Lawson shot for 46.9 percent this season in field goal range and 64.3 percent at the free-throw line. This is not the first time she has received this honor. “I made the AllFreshman Team and AllDistrict in high school and at the University of Houston,” Lawson said. “This makes me feel like all of my hard work is paying off, but without my coach and teammates none of this would be possible.” Lawson is still undecided on what school she is going to attend next year. “She deserves it,” said head coach Roy
Thomas.”No matter what good, bad, or different she gave it her all.” Sophomore guards Keira Phipps and Gabrielle Jackson received an honorable mention. “I am very thankful and did not find out about this until recently,” Phipps said. “It is truly a blessing.” Phipps averaged 8.5 points a game, scoring 203 points this season. She shot 33.8 percent from the field and 68.8 percent from the free-throw line. Jackson said getting an honorable mention feels great. “This was unexpected, but exciting at the same time,” Jackson said. She racked up 188 points, averaging nine points a game. Jackson shot 41.2 percent from the field and 56.4 percent from the freethrow line this season. She also led the Lady Rangers in steals with 66. Phipps and Jackson are undecided on where they are going to attend next year, but hope to take what they learned from KC and apply it to their new team.
Report clears KCPD officers JORDAN MOSS Staff Writer Reports have concluded that KC police officers did not use excessive force in their handling of the events following the Feb. 23 basketball game between KC and Navarro College. After the contest between the two schools, KCPD officers pepper-sprayed members of the Navarro team and coaching staff as the Navarro players tried to return to the court. Navarro players were warned to go into their locker room several times. After threatening KCPD officer and fans, KCPD used pepper spray.
Two investigations were conducted into the conduct of the KCPD officers, one internally by KCPD Chief Martin Pessink and the other by a Dallas/Fort Worth security firm. One of the larger factors in the incident was the behavior of a female Navarro employee. Pessink’s report states that had the offensive behavior of the woman been observed by KCPD officers it would have been addressed. Pessink does believe that future incidents like this can be prevented. “We cannot control the pre-existing attitudes or emotions of individuals
who are coming to our athletic events,” Pessink’s report said. “I believe we can do a better job of reigning in some of the factors that contributed to this incident, however.” Pessink’s report also suggests the installation of cameras in the gym to serve as witnesses. The use of off-duty Kilgore Police Department officers to help supplement KCPD officers is expected in the future during hightension rivalry games. Navarro school officials have launched their own investigation into the incident, citing perceived bias in the two KC reports.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
K I L G O R E
S P R I N G
Local theater to host art films ASHLEY MORALES Page Editor
T
he Kilgore Spring Film Festival held at Four Star Cinema will host six films consisting of award-winning casts and directors April 17 through May 9.
The festival continues to bring quality films to East Texas that would not normally be seen in theaters. Show times during the week are 4:15 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Weekend shows are 2 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Four Star Cinema is located at 1607 Highway 259 N.
Plays: 4/17-4/20 Rating: PG-13 Director: Dustin Hoffman Writers: Ronald Harwood Cast: Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Story: At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.
Plays: 4/21-4/23 Rating: R Director: Jacques Audiard Writers: Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain Cast: Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Amand Verdure, Céline Sallette Story: Put in charge of his young son, Alain leaves Belgium for Antibes to live with his sister and her husband as a family. Alain’s bond with Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, grows deeper after she suffers a horrible accident.
Plays: 4/28-4/30 Rating: R Director: Nikolaj Arcel Writers: Rasmus Heisterberg, Nikolaj Arcel Cast: Alicia Vikander, Mads Mikkelsen, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Trine Dyrholm Story: A young queen, who is married to an insane king, falls secretly in love with her physician - and together they start a revolution that changes a nation forever.
Plays: 5/1-5/4 Rating: R Director: Peter Webber Writers: Vera Blasi, David Klass Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Matthew Fox, Eriko Hatsune, Kaori Momoi Story: As the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII, Gen. Fellers is tasked with deciding if Emperor Hirohito will be hanged as a war criminal. Influencing his ruling is his quest to find Aya, an exchange student he met years earlier in the U.S.
N ADMISSIO 8 Adults - $ 6 Senior - $ 6 $ Matinée -
Plays: 4/24-4/27 Rating: PG-13 Director: Michael Haneke Writers: Michael Haneke Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud Story: Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple’s bond of love is severely tested.
Plays: 5/5-5/9 Rating: R Director: Yaron Zilberman Writers: Seth Grossman, Yaron Zilberman Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener Story: Members of a world-reowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos and insuppressible lust.
OPINION
THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013
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OUR VIEW
Illustration by Kelly Gillit / THE FLARE
Web of LIES
Debug online myths; double-check Internet sources
T
Online dating may be beneficial to some but how safe can it really be? Who is to say that the person you are communicating with actually shares the same face as his/her profile picture? In recent news, the media went into a frenzy over Notre Dame’s linebacker Manti Te’o’s three-year relationship with a nonexistent female. Te’o admitted that he fell in love with this woman he had never met in person and shared an emotional connection over the phone and online with her. The woman turned out to be a hoax, a plot to trick Te’o into false love. According to the National Sex Offender Public Website, the majority of juvenile sex crime victims meet their predator willingly. The most common first-encounter of a predator with a victim take place in an online chat room. This is not to frighten or stray people into deactivating their social accounts but to inform of what dangers could be lurking behind the mouse. To stay better aware of actual facts there are Internet reference sites such as Snopes.com that provide a definitive source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors and misinformation. Major newspapers and news networks such as USA Today, The Huffington Post, CNN, The New York Times or FOX News can also be useful for fact checking. People use social sites to impress the likings of their peers when in actuality they could be pretending to be someone they’re not and of course we believe what we see, right? In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.”
Do you verify information you read on the Internet with other sources? Why or why not?
YES. “Because you cannot believe everything on the Internet.
NO. “I don’t really get on the Internet and read.
Dee Harris
Lauren Metz
Overton freshman
NO. “I often look [at] FOX News, so it has to be relevant.”
Jonas Hernandez Center freshman
Kilgore freshman
YES. “So many sites have incorrect information. I don’t want to be misled by someone’s opinions instead of reporting the facts as they are.”
James Thomas
Gladewater sophomore
Poll Results • 114 Polled • 66% YES, 44% NO
Photographs by Lauren LaBoyteaux and Taylon Sharer / THE FLARE
he World Wide Web is filled with facts and information we rely on to complete assignments, conduct research and stay informed with the world around us but it is also contaminated with opinion and false statements. Social media are bombarded with lies and theories people concoct to gain attention or to confuse people into believing the unbelievable. Take for instance the daily status updates that we may see as we scroll down our newsfeed from Facebook or Twitter that pertain to legendary creatures, fraudulent money schemes or weightloss myths. Do we really believe that there are real life big foots or that you will receive thousands of dollars just by participating in a company or even that a single pill can make you lose 30 pounds overnight? Of course there are things out there that we may be unfamiliar with or that might seem foreign to us, but most have an explanation. Don’t you think that if big foot were real, some crazed scientist or gun-carrying lunatic would have captured the creature by now or that if a 250-pound woman could take a single pill and awake the next morning with the figure of Beyonce more people would be doing it? Dating sites also fit into this category. We may all have heard or witnessed stories of couples meeting online and falling madly in love, but what we don’t realize is the risk that they take to share that special connection. Dating sites are advertised as safe, effective ways to meet friendly people without experiencing the awkwardness of face-to-face greetings.
YOUR VIEW
Accepting moving on hardest part of growing up A few weeks ago, my mom and I were sitting on my bed laughing and talking about the event she had just attended. After we talked and she left the room, my heart began to feel heavy and tears began to fill my eyes. To keep myself from letting the tears fall, I told myself “I have plenty of time to cry later.” If there is one thing I’ve realized in the last week, it is that being a sophomore at a community college is a lot like being a senior in high school. In August my life will forever change. Receiving my acceptance letter to Texas Tech University, signing a lease on my very first apartment and scheduling orientation has been such an exciting experience so far. It’s been convenient to wrap up all
the emotions I don’t want to face in a box and put it on the top shelf of my mind, telling myself that I’ll go through it eventually. After all, I have plenty of time. Except I’m starting to realize that I don’t. March slipped through my fingers and now it’s April. The semester is coming to an end and graduation is just ASHTON JOHNSON a little less than Executive Editor a month away. It has all turned into an exciting, emotional and scary experience. I believe that is why I am writing this column: writing this means I have to confront the changes in my
The Flare
VOL. 76, NO. 19
life. It’s hard for me to accept that I soon won’t wake up in my own bedroom. I won’t make the 15-minute drive home every day. I won’t be able to have “Monday night dinner’” at El Sombrero. I won’t spend my hours after school working on The Flare or teaching dance. I won’t even have the opportunity to see my youngest brother go to his first day of kindergarten. Downtown Kilgore will become a place I only go during breaks, instead of a daily destination. KC will become just buildings where I used to spend all of my time. The friendships I’ve built over the last two years will be reduced to Facebook wall posts, phone calls and visits every few months. In some ways, it’s not really fair
Friday, April 12, 2013
Copyright 2013, The Flare. All rights reserved.
2012 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors – Non-Daily College-University Division
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, Dawn Dearion, Jeremy Garza, Kelly Gillit, 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 Kris Dobbins, Sonia Garza, Cody Hand, Cara Herbert, Lauren LaBoyteaux, Jonathen Ruesch, Taylon Sharer, Dylan Thomas and Randi Vinson-Davis
that college requires this kind of sacrifice. You have to trade in one life to get a new one. Don’t get me wrong; I am very happy with the decision I have made. Texas Tech is beautifully situated in the heart of Lubbock. It offers an excellent communications program and the people I’ve met share my enthusiasm. Even though it is a seven-hour drive home, Tech has everything I have ever wanted out of a university. I have this clear picture in my mind of what I expect the next two years to be, but I can’t help but think more about what I’ll miss and the new changes I have to make. I’ll be thrust into adulthood even though, right now, I’m still tackling the problems of a young adult. That’s the fear none of us want
to acknowledge: the impending idea of embracing our passion and letting go of our comforts. I love the world of journalism, but knowing that it is soon to turn into more than just extracurricular is daunting. I start to ask myself: Is this what I want to do? Am I cut out for this? In two years, will I be better? I believe that the answer to those questions is yes. Yes, I’ll be good enough because I know that this is what I want. My life will change, but if we always stayed the same, we would never move forward. I have to accept the fact that from now on my life will be constantly changing. I have to believe that all this change will be for the best. Ashton Johnson is a sophomore communication major from Kilgore.
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