Vol. 82, No. 16 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
April 26, 2019 www.theflareonline.com
RACE TO THE FINISH LINE TUESDAY OR THURSDAY CLASSES
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY CLASSES Class Start Time
Exam Time
Date
Class Start Time
Exam Time
Date
7:30-8:20 a.m.
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Friday, May 10
8:30-9:50 a.m.
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, May 7
8:30-9:20 a.m.
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 8
10-11:20 a.m.
10 a.m.-noon
Thursday, May 9
9:30-10:20 a.m.
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Monday, May 6
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7
10:30-11:20 a.m.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8
12:30-1:50 p.m.
12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 9
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
11 a.m-1 p.m.
Monday,May 6
2-3:20 p.m.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7
12:30-1:50 p.m. (MW) 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8
3:30-4:50 p.m.
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 9
2-3:20 p.m. (MW)
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 6
5-6:20 p.m.
5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7
3:30-4:50 p.m. (MW)
4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8
6:30-9:20 p.m. (Tu)
7:10-9:10 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7
5-6:20 p.m. (MW)
5-7 p.m.
Monday, May 6
6:30-9:20 p.m. (Th)
7:10-9:10 p.m.
Thursday, May 9
6:30-9:20 p.m. (M)
7:10-9:10 p.m.
Monday, May 6
6:30-9:20 p.m. (W)
7:10-9:10 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8
Grades may be accessed and printed at www.kilgore.edu - click on the myKC link. Grades will be available as soon as they are posted by your instructor. Grades will not be mailed.
All Friday only classes will test at regular class time on Friday, May 3. All Saturday classes will test 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4. Flex classes (classes that follow a different calendar than the regular semester) may test at different times. See course syllabus or instructor to confirm exam date/time. Web class finals are arranged by the instructor.
Photo Illustration by Jamie Hwang and Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
Campus Calendar
Times subject to change
April - May 2019
Ranger Registration - VIP Dual Credit 8 a.m., April 27, Watson Library
News
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PAGE 2 n FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
THE FLARE
KC Game Club presents 2019 Gaming Tournament
Gaming Tournament 11 a.m., April 27, Devall Ballroom Phi Theta Kappa End of Semester Party 5 p.m., April 29, Devall TV Room KC Student Talent Showcase 6 p.m., May 1, Dodson Auditorium KC Choirs Concert, Spring 2019 7 p.m., May 2, St Luke’s United Methodist, 401 E Main St. Dance Concert, Spring 2019 7 p.m., May 3, Van Cliburn Auditorium KC Board of Trustees Election 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., May 4, Kilgore City Hall, 819 N. Kilgore St. Music Honors Concert, Spring 2019 3 p.m., May 5, Van Cliburn Auditorium (Top students from Voice, Piano, Guitar and Instrumental perform) Final Exams May 6-9 (Exams for Saturday-only classes- May 4; Friday-only classes- May 3) East Texas Energy Symposium 11 a.m., May 7, Devall Ballroom
Spring Graduation Ceremony 2 p.m. for AAS and CERT / 6 p.m. for AA, AS, AAT May 10, Dodson Auditorium East Texas NACE Seminar 8 a.m., May 17, Devall Ballroom
The play is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Apr. 25-27, with a matinee performance 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for KC students with a student ID. Discounted pricing is available for groups of 10 or more.
through fifth place will receive $500 KC scholarships. Winners of the tournament will also be eligible to join KC’s new collegiate eSports team next year. “Collegiate eSports competitions are growing nationwide,” said Dr. Ginger Dennis, Program Director for Computer and Information Technology (CIT). “We are hoping to attract students to this tournament who are serious about competitive gaming, and who will help us form a winning, competitive eSports team.” Other featured competitive games at the tournament will include Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Tekken 7.
Non-competitive games will also be played including a chess tournament and card tournaments for Pokemon, Yu-GiOh! and Magic: The Gathering. Door prizes will be provided and tacos will be available for purchase from the KC student organization, Latinos en Accion. For more information, or to register for the tournament, visit www.kilgore.edu/ gaming-tournament or email kcgameclub@kilgore.edu. Mark Stephens (CIT instructor) and Heather Fitch (English instructor) are sponsors of the Game Club at KC. - KCPR
KC Student Government Association hosts a Student Talent Showcase JAMIE HWANG Managing Editor KC Student Government Association (SGA) will present a KC Student Talent Showcase at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, in Dodson Auditorium. A select group of KC faculty members confirmed 14 acts after auditions were held earlier this semester. The majority of performances will feature vocal artists, but there will also be several pianists, guitarists and dancers. Everyone is invited to the showcase and the event is open to the public. Ashley Mason, KC Residence and Student Life Coordinator and SGA Advisor, is taking fliers to the local high schools to invite the students to the event and hopes to see other
community members present on the big night. “Not only do we want to share the diversity and talent that is showcased in this production with the current student body, faculty and staff, but we are also extending an invitation to the public,” Mason said. Admission is free with a donation of non-perishable food items. The food items will be donated to the KC Food Pantry, which serves students enrolled at KC who struggle with food insecurities. Some of the most popular items needed are: spaghetti sauce and dry pasta, macaroni and cheese cups, canned chicken, snack-sized chips and fruit cups. While on a trip to Austin for Community College Day at the beginning of this semester, KC
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MAY
Cafeteria and Residence Halls close early Cafe closes at 6 p.m.; Residence Halls close at 10 p.m. Thursday, May 9. Graduates may spend the night.
The KC Gamers Guild will host a gaming tournament Saturday awarding $4,000 in scholarships as prizes for the top five winners of the tournament. The tournament, open to KC students and high school juniors and seniors, is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the Devall Student Center Ballroom. Registration for contestants will begin at 10 a.m. in the ballroom. The tournament will feature Overwatch for Xbox in a oneversus-one double-elimination format. First place in Saturday’s tournament will receive a $1,500 scholarship to KC, second place will receive $1,000 and third
SGA members had a conversation about hosting an “Open-Mic” night. They began planning to recruit talent from all over campus and early in the planning stages “Open-Mic” evolved into the Talent Showcase. Mason is passionate about developing student leaders and is proud to be a SGA advisor. “The Talent Showcase is completely student-led. KC SGA officers, Mireya Perez, Tori Miller, Elizabeth Luis and Alexis Chandler have worked very hard. They have handled every detail for the Talent Showcase – from marketing and facilities requests to coordinating meetings and dressed rehearsals. It has been a joy to watch these young ladies grow through this process,” Mason said.
News
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 3
College class prepares young professionals for real world Dual Credit speech course a success with Sabine High School students CATIE DENFELD Staff Writer
After experiencing a collegelevel course, dual credit students from Sabine High School understand the importance of preparing for college life after taking speech with instructor Jeanine Tagg. “You need good communication in your everyday life,” said Sidney Parker, Sabine junior. Parker is taking both history and speech dual credit courses this year. She said that taking speech as a dual credit course has helped with her confidence in speaking with people, as well as preparing her for life after high school. “In high school, it gets you prepared for college and jobs before you graduate high school,” Parker said. Trevor Williams, Sabine junior, is now better prepared for life experiences such as “job
interviews, speaking in front of others and sounding more professional in the work place.” Despite the fact that some prefer taking speech with strangers versus taking the class with those they’ve grown up with, the class benefits students regardless of when they take it. “The dual credit students are usually among my strongest students each semester,” Tagg said. “They typically have a strong support system that helps guide them toward a successful finish.” Speech is one of nine dual credit classes offered at Sabine High School. As part of a new incentive program called KC Connection, area students who have taken at least 12 hours of dual credit at the high school level and meet other criteria can qualify for discounted classes when they come to KC. Visit www.kilgore.edu for more information on this program.
Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
Sabrina Som, Sabine High School junior, presents a speech to her classmates during her dual credit course, taught by Jeanine Tagg, KC communications department chair. This is one of nine classes offered at Sabine High School where students can also get credit through Kilgore College.
DC Corner ||
This is part of an on-going series about dual credit students enrolled in classes through KC. Sabine is one of seven school districts in the college’s taxing district in East Texas.
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PAGE 4 n FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
THE FLARE
Why did you choose this major? I chose it because I have been doing it my entire life and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I would like to hopefully either go to New York or Los Angeles to become an actress but I would also like to either write, direct, or do costumes. What’s your all-time favorite movie? “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. What do you do in your free time? I read or write. I also am on YouTube. Who’s your celebrity crush? Hero Beauregard Faulkner Fiennes-Tiffin What are you doing for the upcoming play? I’m the custom designer. I love it because I did it for our last play, 39 Steps, as well. I wouldn’t say I like it more than being on stage, but I like getting to really understand the play and each character more.
Adriana Cisneros Emerson / THE FLARE
Sierra Byrd
What has been your favorite play you’ve been a part of and why? I want to say “Glass Menagerie” but I also want to say “39 Steps.” “Glass Menagerie” because it was my first leadrole ever. “39 Steps” because that was my first time really behind the scenes of a
major production; and doing the costumes for that was very entertaining and fun to do. Is there a particular character from any play that you dream of interpreting? Elizabeth Bennet from “Pride and Prejudice.” What do you like the most about theatre? The open-mindedness and the ability to try new things. What do you enjoy the most about acting? You can one day be playing this very shy and innocent character, for example, and then the following you can play a mean girl. There are so many things you can do; you don’t have to be just one thing. I think many people want to become actors because they have so many different things inside of them that they want to experience. What do you enjoy the least about acting? It is hard to get invested in one story and one character for a certain period of time and then just having to move on from it when it’s over. -Compiled by Adriana Cisneros Emerson
Age: 18 Major: Theatre Hometown: Kilgore
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MONDAYTHURSDAY 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. FRIDAY 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. FOR MORE INFO, CALL 903.236.2031 OR EMAIL US edennis@ kilgore.edu or mstephens@ kilgore.edu Partial funding is provided by Public Law 191-932, the Carl. D Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 2006. Kilgore College seeks to provide equal education and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion national origin, sex, age, disability status or veteran status.
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THE FLARE
News Follow the path to success
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 5
KC’s redefines system to ensure student success in academic goals CLAIRE FENG Staff Writer
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esearch and data by Community College Research Center (CCRC) over the past decade shows that students could be more successful and finish their degree on time or sooner if clear directions were offered. Thus, the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AACU) proposed a pathway model with the goal to increase student success and called on colleges to get involve in student leaning progress in 2015. Now, more than 250 colleges throughout the United States, including KC, participate in the movement on reforming the school based on three main focuses. 1. Provide clear pathways for students to achieve educational and career goals. 2. Minimize excess hours earned. 3. Decrease the time of earning a degree or certificate. KC Endeavor The Student Success Council at KC took the lead in redesigning each part of the student experience including advising, faculty involvement and providing academic resources. In Fall 2017, the Student Success Council came up with several task forces that can oversee student success and are aimed to complete them at scale over three years. Jase Graves, chair of the Student Success Council, said, “It’s a process, a long process of piecing everything together. It involves every part of the college. But we have clear goals, a plan, and data that we can follow.” Four main practice areas are carried out to ensure student success:
Photo Illustration by Jamie Hwang and Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
1. Map pathway to student end goals. 2. Help students choose and The Student Success Council has worked with instructors and deans to create a enter a program pathway. “Career Pathway Map” for each major offered at KC. Total of seventy-four Career Pathway Maps are parted into six schools of study- Education/Human & Protective Services, Health Sciences Information, Technology, Business & Personal Services, Liberal & Fine Arts, Manufacturing/Transportation & Industrial Technology and Science/Technology/Engineering & Mathematics. The Career Pathway Map includes the recommended courses in a suggested sequence of a particular major, the career opportunities/skills, links to professional organizations as well as nearby four-year colleges and contact information for Department Chair and instructors in that major. The Career Pathway Map are available to advisors and students on KC Website. Go to Academics then Career Pathways to access the map.
3. Keep students on a path. Academic departments are making efforts to take ownership of majors and pay attention to students’ learning progress. While the Counseling and Advising department plans on training advisors to take an active role in students’ academic life and encourages students to meet with their assigned advisors. The college also provides academic assistant to students via The Zone and Writing Studio located at the first floor in Student Support Center.
KC holds regular advisor meeting to provide training and resources for advisors. Each student has an assigned advisor that would help student choose adequate courses. “Talking to an advisor is not mandatory, but it’s ideal because in this way, students will know whether they are on the right track or not,” said Pam Gatton, the director of Counseling and Advising. The Student Success Council also are working on incorporating Career Guidance into orientation.
4. Ensure that students are learning. At the end of the semester, students will have the opportunities to fill out a survey for each class they have taken. By getting feedback from students, the college and instructors will be able to improve the quality of each course. The Student Success Council holds data summit each year to review on student success data, which are the grades earned in each class by students, and comes up with solutions for better student engagement and student retention as well as possible improvements on web instruction and hybrid instruction. “It is exciting to see how these thing fall into place as we aren’t just talking about student success at KC, we are doing something about it. Graves said.
Feature Two birds, one stone for LHS grads
THE FLARE
PAGE 6 n FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
37 students to graduate from high school and college after completing program CATIE DENFELD Staff Writer
This May, 37 Longview High School students will graduate with both a high school diploma and a KC associate’s degree as part of the Early College/High School program. Starting the Spring 2019 semester with a 4.0 GPA, students Laura Martinez and Kimberly Diez now understand the sacrifices it takes to be a college student. Martinez, 17, talks about the difficulties that come along with taking on both high school and college courses. “The biggest problem has been scheduling all the necessary classes,” Martinez said. Through the struggles, she has learned about more than just the material covered throughout the courses. “I enjoyed being able to learn all of these things before college. My eyes are more open to what college is actually like instead of high school where you’re babied,” she said. Diez, 18, didn’t know about dual credit courses until she moved here from the Philippines.
“I never pictured myself going through both high school and college at the same time,” Diez said. “This isn’t something we did where I came from.” Working 40 hours a week at two different jobs, Diez had to buckle down and strategize on when she’d get her school work done. “For the first few years it was fine, but now there’s so much homework so I’ve just gotta take it one day at a time,” Diez said. Making sure to also give herself some time to breathe, Diez says she takes her Friday nights to “sit in the bathtub and think about her life decisions while watching ‘How I Met Your Mother.’” Martinez, who is in a similar scenario as Diez, spends her weekends with her church after dedicating her time to school-work. “Putting your work first is the most important thing,” Martinez said. “You will have time to yourself after all of your school work is done. Don’t leave it off to the last minute to the point where you’re only stressing about it.” Martinez, who is planning on entering the medical field as a registered nurse,
“They understand what a heavy college course load requires. They have the tools to be successful in their fields of study. The opportunities are endless.” — Carla Williams, LHS Assistant Principal - Early College Program was encouraged by Carla Williams, LHS assistant principal over the Early High School Program, . “At the beginning I wasn’t guaranteed to graduate from both at the same time,” Martinez said. “Mrs. Williams helped by encouraging me to work hard and graduate from both.” Williams has been the main advisor for dual credit students at LHS and has spent a considerable amount this semester advising Diez on her future career as either a psychiatrist or neurosurgeon. “Mrs. Williams has played a huge part in my journey,” Diez said. “I don’t know what I’d do without her.” Williams has left a large impact on the students by supporting them in any form that is needed.
“The program has helped the students start their course of study within their careers,” Williams said. “Taking college courses while in high school really gives students a sense of what will be expected in the future.” Williams explains that with this program, students like Martinez and Diez will have a better opportunity to figure out if they want to continue in a specific field, which in turn will save students time and money. “They [Martinez and Diez] understand what a heavy college course load requires,” Williams said. “They have the tools to be successful in their fields of study. The opportunities are endless.”
THE FLARE
FEATURE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 7
Home across the world
International Student Club president thankful for opportunities at KC JON FRAZIER Staff Writer
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ernice Donou had no idea what was in store for her when she stepped on the plane that was destined for East Texas. “A family friend had recommended Kilgore to us. I just applied and next thing I know I was getting on a plane to come here,” she said. Little did she know when leaving Benin, West Africa, and coming to KC that a new job, leadership opportunities and new friends were waiting for her. “It was my first semester here and all the sophomores were graduating so I applied to be the International Student Club president,” she said. “They held interviews with the current president and Ms. Estonia (Graves) the advisor at the time. Shortly after I received a letter of congratulations.” The new officers were then trained by the current officers on what to do and what their responsibilities were. “It’s been such a positive experience for me here at KC,” she said. “Being involved in the International Students Club has given me so many opportunities to
meet new people. I got to learn a lot, but also meet a lot of great people. It’s been an amazing experience and I got to get close to Ms. Estonia; she’s a lovely lady,” Donou said. Although Donou had already studied “proper” English while in Benin, she still needed a semester to indoctrinate herself to “American” English when she got here. After one semester of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), she was ready to fit in. Tina Luther, KC’s ESOL instructor said Donou fit a unique role when she got her among her peers as well. “When she first came to KC she was already at an advanced ESOL level, so she ended up volunteering and helped lower level students with reading and writing.” Donou is gifted in speaking multiple languages, and she’s been learning new languages her whole life. “I studied German in secondary school and I know local languages from my country, so I know about 6 different languages all together, “ Donou said. “But my favorite is French.” Donou is also passionate about business and is driven to pursue this career in the U.S. and abroad. “My major is Business, and later it
will be economics. My first interest is not economics, but I have to have it to get my Ph.D,” she said. Donou’s end goal is to be a stock trader or an asset manager. As she finish her last semester at KC, she’s looking ahead at her next step in life. “I’d like to go to Texas Tech, but the University of North Texas is a really good school and has good programs, but Texas Tech has better business programs,” she said. When reflecting back on her time here at KC Donou recounted her experience as a time to be thankful. What began as a journey for more knowledge, ended with Donou making unforgettable memories, expanding her leadership skills, and taking her education to a whole new level, she said. “Yes, we all come to school to get a degree and hope to make it further in life; but there is more to life than school,” Donou said. “It’s important to get involved around the campus and get to know people because you get to make experiences that are unforgettable. I believe that is all we have at some point of life, memories; and I think that’s the goal of life — having good memories.”
Jon Frazier / THE FLARE
Bernice Donou, from Benin, wears traditional clothing from her homeland. Donou enrolled in KC in 2016 and is currently finishing her last semester.
NEW
PAGE 8 n FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
Scenes from a
Alec Reyes / THE FLARE
Jamie Maldonado / Special to The Flare
Crawfish Boil
WS
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 9
KC community comes together to consume cooked mud bugs, congregate in Carpeted Gym
Adrian Anderson / THE FLARE
Adriana Cisneros Emerson / THE FLARE
Jamie Maldonado / Special to The Flare
PAGE 10 n FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
NEWS
THE FLARE
Most Outstanding of KC Back row, from left: Paul Edward Smith - Industrial Maintenance Technology; Ernst Vanderlaan - Diesel Technology; Manual Hernandez - Associate Degree Nursing; Jennifer Brown Accounting; Stephanie Whitlock - Radiologic Science; Christy Goeller - Business Management; Shauna Bolin - Legal Assisting; Nina Evelyn (Evie) Learned Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology; Jacob Ferguson - Occupational Safety and Health Technology; Hunter Fenton - Automotive Technology; Austen Guerrero - Corrosion Technology; Seth Sturrock Welding Technology; and Tate Atkins in Instrumentation and Electrical Technology. Front row, from left: Haley Carlile - Business Administration; Kristen (Faith) Earle - Cosmetology - Operator; Kealy Palady - Cosmetology - Nail Technology; Christina Brister Physical Therapist Assistant; Gillian Johnson - Cosmetology - Facial Specialist; and Shaina Breedlove - Business Computer Office Mgmt. Back row, from left: Hayden Wise Johnson - Physics; Jose Soto - Computer Science; Christopher Smith - Social Work; Crystal Bilbrey (Robertson) - Religion; Rachel Green Dance; Huong “Penny” Vo - Chemistry; Sehoon “Jamie” Hwang - Photography; and John Davidson - Government. Front row, from left: Catie Denfeld - Journalism; Aryana Bosh - Sociology; Layn Ballenger - Biology; Cheyenne Moore - Engineering; Elizabeth Gillilan - History; and Adriana Cisneros Emerson - Speech Communication. Not pictured: Liza Latham - Arts; Ty Engledowl Advertising and Graphic Design; Karla Campos - Education & College Success; Shelby East - TRIO; Steven Hunter Madewell - English; Savanna Ogden - Psychology; Bernice Dounou - Philosophy; Chidubem Ishie - Mathematics; Cheyenne Moore - Engineering; Samuel Herring - Music; Ciara Fletcher - Computer & Information Technology; Katelyn Tallant - Emergency Medical Services Professions; Rachel Baliraine in Vocational Nursing.
The Most Outstanding Students are selected by their program advisers and/or department heads to represent the specific fields of study at KC
Photos by Manny Almanza / Special to THE FLARE
THE FLARE
FEATURE
TRiO trips an integral part of college experience
TRIO assists students to further their education after KC JENNIFER IBARRA Staff Writer
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adalynn Renfro, Longview freshman, was not planning on attending University of Texas at Arlington until she had the opportunity to go visit the campus. “We went on the TRiO trip for UTA and it was huge,” she said. “It had a bunch of programs that I’m looking at doing, such as history and also ASL interpreter. Plus they have really affordable living,” she said. Coupled with a supportive and open community, it didn’t take her long to realize it would be a good fit for her. As a member of TRiO, Renfro had the opportunity to travel with a group. “We left around 6 in the morning and we stopped in Tyler to pick up students there to join us on the trip, and we drove all the way up to Dallas for UTA. They provided breakfast for us and we had lunch on campus,” Renfro said. “We spent almost the whole day there.’’
TRiO is a program that helps students who want to earn a higher degree after they complete their degree at KC, and then assists with transferring to a four-year university. To qualify for the TRiO program, one must be a firstgeneration college student or a student who qualifies under the low income guidelines for financial aid or have a disability. Every semester, part of the students who are involved in TRiO go on campus advising trips to help them sort out the different universities they want to attend. Bindy Tice, the director of TRIO, has gone on several trips with students. “We do a survey at the beginning of the year to find out what school students are interested in attending, so sometimes people can’t afford to go visit other schools and so we can pay for that, and that gives them the opportunity to look at more than one school,” Tice said. “Our two biggest schools we go to are UT-Tyler and SFA, every year, no matter what, because we have such a
TRIO students pose for a group photo during one of their recent college trips.
high number of students wanting to transfer there.” Tice explains how the process of attending different schools works for TRIO. “We try to find either preview days the campuses have or transfer days that they pick, most of the time we go in the spring because the weather is better and a lot of the schools usually do Thursday and Friday transfer days,” Tice said. They introduce the students to admissions, give them the whole tour of the campus, and once the students get back, the staff at TRiO talks to them about whether or not they had the major they want to pursue and the degree plan of the school they have chosen and further advice from that degree plan so they can take any classes at KC that will save them time and money there. Most recently, they toured University of Houston. They plan on doing more campus trips in the summer.
Submitted photo from the TRIO
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 11
Financial Aid Literacy workshop set for April 30 on Kilgore campus Humphrey to share secrets of success after rocky start
Submitted photo
KC
will offer a free financial aid literacy workshop with nationally known speaker Sharita M. Humphrey, a National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) instructor and coach. Humphrey will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, in the Devall Student Center Ballroom on the Kilgore campus. The NFEC’s “Gaining Financial Independence” workshop will cover topics focused on financial selfsufficiency. Students will learn the cost associated with living on their own, how to budget, ways to automate their money management and how to reduce their expenses so they can work toward saving money. Humphrey will offer a question-and-answer session after the workshop.
About Sharita M. Humphrey: Sharita M. Humphrey has a passion for teaching people, especially the everyday middle-class citizen, the importance of financial literacy. After experiencing hitting financial rock bottom herself years ago, Sharita had to rebuild her life and her finances. Sharita realized that she could turn the knowledge that she gained to help those silently struggling both personally and financially. Sharita has previously worked in the finance, auditing, and accounting industry. Sharita previously worked as a tax examiner and auditor for the State of Texas for some time and saw the daily impact of middleclass business owners consistently struggling with not only their business finances but also their personal finances.
SPORTS
PAGE 12 n FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
THE FLARE
Rangers swept by Apaches Rangers softball suffers sweep in doublehader with Tyler Junior College in games 7-1 and 4-1 ALEC REYES Sports Editor The KC Rangers softball team suffered a sweep last Friday to rival and 5th ranked Tyler Junior College in two games by scores of 7-1 and 4-1. The Rangers stand at 1919 overall (9-11 in Region XIV). KC returns to action Friday afternoon on the road for a doubleheader with Bossier Parish Community College. The
Rangers conclude their home slate of games the follwing day with a doubleheader against Paris Junior College. In game one, the Apaches got on the scoreboard first in the first inning 1-0. KC tied the game in the bottom of the fourth inning after an RBI double by Andrea Decareau in which Shelby East managed to score. That was as close as the Rangers got as TJC went ahead after scoring six more runs between the
fifth and seventh innings. Decareau, Nicole King, Brooke Goynes and Tori Tovar all recorded hits in the first game. The Apaches went ahead 4-0 in game two after the conclusion of the fourth inning. Kelsey Ahart hit a solo home run to get the Rangers on the board in the seventh inning. Ahart and Shelby East both recorded hits in the second game.
Remaining regular season games
Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE
KC’s Kelsey Ahart throws the ball in order to tag a runner out at base during Friday’s doubleheader with Tyler Junior College. Ahart and the Rangers softball team will face Bossier Parish Community College on the road Friday in a Region XIV doubleheader.
Friday, April 26
vs. Bossier Parish Community College @ 1 p.m. / 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 27
vs. Paris Junior College (Sophomore Day) @ 12 p.m. / 2 p.m.
Friday, May 3
vs. Trinity Valley Comminuty College @ 1 p.m. / 3 p.m.
“Texas-Sized Fundraiser” to benefit KC Athletics set for April 27 The KC Foundation will host an athletic fundraiser Saturday the size of Texas featuring a live auction, silent auction and a new event this year – armadillo races. “A Texas-Sized Fundraiser” is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Longview Fairgrounds. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and include dinner and a bidder number. The event will also feature Bingo, armadillo races with celebrity jockeys and live music by the band, Lees & Co. The night is sure to be filled with excitement
as attendees participate in a live auction for items such as a week’s stay in a vacation home in Mexico, designer purses, artwork, sports memorabilia, firearms and much more.
“We are thankful for all of the people and businesses donating time and auction items so we can make this fundraiser a night to remember,” said Jimmy Rieves, KC athletic director. “We are doing everything possible to ensure our student-athletes are taken care of and are so thankful for the local support we have received.” Rieves said that the fundraiser is all about helping the college’s best
assets – its students. “Many times, our studentathletes have the desire, but not the financial resources to attend college,” Rieves said. “Money raised will directly help our studentathletes have a better chance of being successful and fulfilling the college’s mission of student access, success and completion through collaborative partnerships.” All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit KC student-athletes. For more information, visit www.kilgore.edu/atexas-sized-fundraiser or contact Kristan Propes at 903-988-7537 or kpropes@ kilgore.edu. -KCPR
White named head assistant coach of KC men’s basketball program The KC Athletics department announced Jake White’s promotion to head assistant coach of the men’s basketball team. White, Longview native, has served as an assistant basketball coach at KC since 2017. He takes over the position after the departure of Matthew Wilson who relocated last month. “Jake is an extremely hard worker and is well-deserving of this promotion,” said Brian Hoberecht, KC men’s head basketball coach. “We’re fortunate to have Jake on our staff and a part of Ranger Nation.” -KCPR
SPORTS
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 13
Crunch time
Kenden Jones switches position, crushes competition as LB ANTHONY WILLIAMS • Staff Writer
A
s the Kilgore College Rangers are going through the course of spring practice, there is one player that stood out among others. Freshman Kenden Jones is a player who went through a lot of adversity during his first year of college football. During Jones’ early age, he played basketball for the YMCA at the age of five. Jones parents, Ava and Kenneth Jones, were afraid for him to play football. They were afraid he would get hurt and he was too young for football. Up until the fifth grade, his parents decided to let him play football. He played defensive end in Little League. Jones was a three-year varsity letterman and a two-year starter at Summer Creek High School in Houston and played tight end. Jones also had few offers in high school. Offers from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Howard University in Washington D.C., Southeast Louisiana, and Houston Baptist University. “The reason I didn’t go to any of these universities is because I didn’t commit early enough. I didn’t let that phase me and bring me down”, Jones said. Jones is 19 years old and attended KC in the fall and is on a full ride scholarship. Jones can play multiple positions (wide receiver and outside linebacker). As a freshman, he had the mindset to come in and get lots of playing time on the field. Unfortunately, an obstacle hindered him. He ended up red-shirting because there ended up being too many receivers on the roster. This made Jones feel under-appreciated. “It was kind of disappointing not being able to play during the season, knowing that I had the ability to make plays”, he said. “I didn’t let the situation break me though. After the season during the break, I worked my tail off every day, so that I could come in the spring with a bang”. Jones gets up every day and focuses on his craft. “I do this for my little brother, I
just want to set a better example for him, because he’s all I got”. Jones, who is practicing as a linebacker this spring, has shown incredible improvement in the classroom and on the field. Taking charge of the defense, he brings a huge disruption in the backfield, giving the offense a difficult time. Jones had two tackles, and an interception in a recent scrimmage. A couple of his teammates who are also looking for a spot in the fall had a lot of positive feedback to say. “Kenden is a very talented player,” defensive end Zach Smith, Haltom freshman said. “He is a great leader and I appreciate him as a teammate, and he drives me to make me go even harder at practice”. “I was a redshirt last year as well and I do see the improvement since last season,” defensive tackle Calvin Hutchins stated. With all the positivity Jones brings to the table on the field, he keeps that same positivity off the field, in the classroom and also in his social life. “He’s a real cool person to be around”, Smith said. The attitude, mindset and dedication Jones has, it will be a very scary site for other teams during the season next fall. As he continues to work hard, Kenden Jones will for sure have a story to tell in the next 10 to 15 years.
“I didn’t let the situation break me though. After the season during the break, I worked my tail off every day, so that I could come in the spring with a bang.” -Kendon Jones
Alec Reyes / THE FLARE
Kenden Jones, Houston freshman, takes a breather during spring practice.
Coach Matthew Gregg instructs linebackers through proper tackling techniques. Spring season ends Thursday, May 2 with the final inter-squad scrimmage of the season. Catie Denfeld/ THE FLARE
PAGE 14 n FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
OPINION
THE FLARE
Society more likely to end prejudice against tattoos
RAINY HARRISON Staff Writer
A
ccording to Harvard Business Review, people with tattoos are no less likely to be employed than people without tattoos. There has always been a stigma around tattoos and how they will affect your perspective jobs. But thankfully, times are always changing and now you are more than likely going to get that awesome job that you always wanted, even with all your tattoos. Around 40 percent of young adults ages 18 to 29 have tattoos. With
such high percentages, employers are having to hire people based on their work ethic rather than their appearance. According to Workopolis. com, 14 percent of people said they would be less likely to hire someone with tattoos, 23 percent said it would affect their decision, and the rest said it would only depend on the number and location of the tattoos. However, there are still employers out there that are sticking to their guns and not hiring people with their awesome body art. There are a few jobs that will not allow visible tattoos, such as teachers, healthcare professionals, police officers and any other law enforcement. Therefore, if you’re looking into becoming a teacher, then it is probably best you get that inspirational quote tattoo somewhere that it can
easily be covered up. If you are nervous about getting your tattoo because of a future job, it would be best to put it in a place out of sight or possibly in white ink. White ink has been becoming more popular lately because it is less visible than many other color tattoos. Researchers have found that the two types of tattoos that are mutually unacceptable in most work places are face and neck tattoos according to Rachel Premack in Business Insider. But with the usual stereotype of tattoos slowly dwindling it seems you won’t have to worry too much longer. Studies have shown that employers are more concerned with grooming and work attire rather than visible tattoos. When I was applying for cruise ship jobs in 2016, one of the questions the companies asked on their
applications was if I had visible tattoos. I applied for Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and on each application I was asked a similar question. As the interview process began, the question seemed to sneak its way into each conversation I was having with two out of three of the cruise lines I was applying for. With Carnival Cruise Lines’ it was a short and quick conversation. I was asked if I had any visible tattoos which I replied with a simple “no” and the interviewer said “okay”. We then moved on to talk about me as a person and my work ethic. While interviewing with Disney Cruise Lines’ it was a completely different interaction when it came to tattoos. My very bubbly interviewer went straight in with the expected question about
tattoos within the first five minutes of talking to her. Now, her question was worded differently, which made me feel nervous. “Do you have any tattoos?” she asked. I then answered with a very polite, “Yes ma’am”. She asked me three more questions on the subject of tattoos; where the tattoos were, if they were able to be covered up by clothing, and how large they were. At the time I had only one tattoo. It was small and on my torso. I told her exactly what and where it was, and we moved on from the subject. I ended up working for Carnival Cruise Lines, and while working there, many of their employers had visible tattoos. I felt happy that Carnival chose unique people to work for them, not for their appearance but for their overall work ethic, personality and dedication. With Carnival being the major company
that it is and accepting people with their body art, it really shows how the world has changed over the past ten to 15 years. All work places should be inclusive when it comes to body art. While employing people, all employers should hire from work experience, work ethic and over all personality rather than the tattoos on your body. Your tattoos don’t define you as a person, they just help you express who you are on the inside. My final statement shall be simply written, you do you and rock on. Rainy Harrison is a freshman journalism major originally from Kerrville. She is always on the lookout for inspirational quotes for new tattoos.
Multi-tasking student shows gratitude for his time at KC
ALEC REYES Sports Editor
I
t seems like it was yesterday when I first stepped foot onto the KC campus in the summer of 2014. I was here for KC’s first ever high school drum major camp. The camp was great and it was fun, but not once did I even consider coming to school here. Little did I know that life would wind up going full circle.
Fast forward to May 2017 and I was named a drum major for the KC Ranger Band after a successful tryout. I wasn’t even enrolled in classes yet, but I had already assumed a leadership position. I knew then and there that it was time for me to build upon the beginning of a new chapter in my life. College wasn’t necessarily a stranger to me since I had taken dual-credit classes at a previous school prior to KC, so I wasn’t fazed by the workload that my classes would bring. Because of my experiences of attending camp in Kilgore, I was familiar with the town and campus. As a result, I
never became homesick. What was new to me though was the fact that I was on my own and I had to learn the responsibilities of being a full-time college student. That meant having to manage my time between classes and my duty as a drum major and staff writer for the student newspaper, The Flare. Most often at times, it seemed that the stress that I faced was infinite. It took some time to get used to the new routine, but I became accustomed to the college life quickly by staying busy and finding time to wind down. Nearly two years after my first semester, my time spent as a student at KC has been nothing short of
amazing. In that time, I’ve experienced things that I only ever imagined. I became the sports editor for The Flare and I was elected as an officer for Phi Theta Kappa. Academically, I was named to the Dean’s List twice. The connections that I’ve made with faculty members and fellow students alike have been nothing but phenomenal. I’ve met like-minded individuals who have the same goals and aspirations as me. Two of the most intriguing life lessons I’ve learned at KC is to take chances and live life one day at a time. If I never followed these lessons, then I wouldn’t be writing
this column. The biggest chance that I took was deciding on journalism as my major. Contrary to what others may think, I am proud to say that I attended a twoyear school. At first, I was baffled that I didn’t begin my studies at a four-year university like most of my high school classmates did, but looking back, I’m glad I began here. Without the time that I spent at KC, I wouldn’t be half the student that I am today. Along with that, I’ve saved my family thousands of dollars by starting here. KC wasn’t where I wanted to start, but it ended up being the place where I needed to be. With graduation looming on
the horizon, I am forever grateful that KC was able to play a role in my education. I’m thankful for the opportunities and experiences that I was fortunate enough to be a part of. I don’t know what God has in store for me next in life, but I have full trust that He has big plans for my future. I won’t remember KC as a school; I’ll remember this institution as a second home. Alec Reyes is a sophomore journalism major from Diboll. As the Flare’s Sports Editor he enjoys halftime and the actual football games themselves almost equally.
Entertainment
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 15
‘Weeping woman’ inspires wrong kind of tears CHRIS PENA Staff Writer The scares are there in “The Curse of La Llorona” but sadly, the film relies on too many jump-scares, and feeling like we’ve seen this movie before. “The Curse of La Llorona” is based on the famous Mexican tale “La Llorona” or “The Weeping Woman” about a woman who drowns her two children out of anger and fear of her husband leaving her, and in return looks to hunt down children to take her children’s place for her to own. The film also plays with the topic of not leaving your children alone nor around water, an advice that the film’s characters should have taken. The film is the latest installment in The
Conjuring Universe. The film has a strong start to the film explaining the origin but ultimately, despite strong performances, the film does nothing but play it safe and offers nothing new to the genre or what made other films in The Conjuring Universe impressive. Just as the latest Conjuring movie, The Nun, it felt like every five minutes a jump scare will happen rather than going more into the story or what makes the tale that haunting. The movie is led off with “Anna” played by Linda Cardellini who is a social worker and working on a case of the disappearance of two children. Upon realizing of the involvement of “La Llorona”, Anna and her two children go on this string of “stupid decisions” ride trying to get help fighting
the evil spirit and come upon a former priest who agrees to help them played by “Raymond Cruz”, and maybe the reason why the movie is not as bad as it was going. After the former priest helps them, it turns into a predictable mess with lazy writing and just hoping for the film to end. The film is shot with a dark tone the entire time, which seems to work at times given the topic, but not great for many occasions. The film may be enjoyable if you go for just scares and not much development into the lure of why it makes the tale so haunting. Although it has a great premise and good enough story to make a great horror film, it falls short of a good film and turns into another forgettable film. Here’s hoping the next installment in the cinematic universe is better than this one.
Image taken from imdb.com
Rising Star’s new album Student Works of Art crowning achievement Art classes feature final projects in Fine Arts Building
RAINY HARRISON Staff Writer Billie Eilish came out with her debut album on March 29, 2019 called WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? Billie Eilish is a 17 year old indie pop artist that is making a splash in the music industry. Her new album is spectacularly creepy with hidden meanings behind each lyric. Each song has a spooky feel to it, a mix of humor, and beats to make you feel like grooving. She released two songs from the album as singles, “You Should See Me in a Crown” and “When the Party’s Over”. “You Should See Me in a Crown” is a female uplifting song about confidence and self-purpose. This song was released on July 18, 2018 and was a fantastic teaser for her upcoming dark and eerie album. “What do you want from me? Why don’t you run from me? What are you wondering? What do you know? Why aren’t you scared of me? Why do you care for me? When we all fall asleep, where do we go?” These are lyrics from “bury a friend” one of the most popular songs on her album. In this song she is questioning what seems to be the monster in her head. There are details in this song
Scan the code to listen to The Flare staff’s Spotify playlist of Summer favorites. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to suggest your favorites. Curated by Catie Denfeld.
that make me believe she is talking about her anxiety and depression. During the song, she continues to say “bury a friend, I want to end me”, again what I believe to be referencing herself and or depression. All the songs on the album are beautifully sang and written. After finishing the album I felt like I had just watched an episode of American Horror Story. If you are into a pop-grunge vibe with some creepy undertones then I totally recommend listening to this album.
Jamie Hwang / THE FLARE
Daniel Hellmuth, El Paso freshman, and Nykia Brown, Kilgore sophomore, examine and talk about one of the gallery’s exhibits while walking through the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Gallery. The following statements are from the art instructors: Coy Lothrop, lead instructor in Advertising and Graphic Design: Design Communications I - Introduction to advertising and graphic design concepts. Ads Campaigns, Branding, Conceptual Thinking, and the Creative Process. Typographic Design - Understanding type as an art form and a major component of graphic design. The history, anatomy, and rule systems of typography, Handmade typography, and commercial execution of proper typography. Digital Imaging I - Beginning Photoshop class. Digital painting, photo retouch and restoration, and commercial compositing. The projects shown cover ad campaigns and art direction, handmade typography, digital painting, and commercial package design. Carolyn Fox-Hearne, art instructor and Gallery director: In Drawing I, students do a “doodle” that they work on all semester. In Drawing II, one of the assignments is a “mechanical/organic” composition, where part of the drawing is mechanical and part is organic. In Sculpture I, the art represented is a variety of busts, where they do the piece in clay, and cut it apart and hollow it out, put it back together and fire it in the kiln. Also, we have a couple of masks represented where they design a mask in clay, make a mold of it, and then cast it in plaster. In Design II, we have “soft sculpture” that the students design and sew together. A couple of the hanging pieces are the “quilt” project, where the art must be a hanging piece. In Design I, the students cast a shadow of themselves onto the paper, and drawing various things that represent their life, which is called the “revealing self-portrait.” In Painting I, we have a still life and a landscape.
THE FLARE
NEW
OPINION Places
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019 n PAGE 16
Vol. 82 • No. 16 Friday, April 26, 2019
Faces &
Executive Editor Adriana Cisneros Emerson Managing Editor Jamie Hwang Sports Editor Alec Reyes
Headspaces
Photo Editor Catie Denfeld Entertainment Editor Travis Noriega
Try something new this summer, don’t let precious time go to waste
W
hen was the last time you tried something new? Our lives typically get stuck in a day to day cycle of repeating the same things over and over again like a zombie and new experiences often gets pushed to the back burner. This is even more of a reason to try that new haircut or travel somewhere new. Trying something new can be a scary experience to some. To others it can be exhilarating and an adrenaline rush. Either way the summer is a great time to step out of your comfort zone and try something you never have before. The thing is that whether you want to or not, stepping outside of your comfort zone is easier said than done. Fear is one obstacle that keeps people from trying something new, even something that they truly want to. This is because
that fear of the unknown and unfamiliar is hard to face for someone use to a certain routine and a particular outcome. The fear of failure can make it hard for people to take a step toward something new as well. No one wants to fail, but without ever trying there is no real chance of success either. Falling victim to fear can cripple a person and leave them stuck in life. Never accepting a new job, moving to a new city, or going on a spontaneous adventure leads to an unremarkable life. At some point everyone has to face some fear. You might find yourself questioning every possible outcome without ever trying it. While it is hard, it can be done though. One way to assure you to try new things is to say, yes! Instead of responding to something you would normally say no to, say yes
Copy Editors Destiny Baldwin, Kendall Hurtt Staff Writers Catie Denfeld, Claire Feng, Jon Frazier, Carrie Harris, Rainy Harrison, Nadia Hill, Jennifer Ibarra, Rose Nunez, Chris Pena, Ryan Wayne, A.J. Williams
and see where the choice leads you. With trying something new comes growth and it requires courage to overcome whatever it is you are facing. A wiser and more worldly person will emerge because of it. It may also become something you enjoy, making it all worth it in the end. The key is to take a leap of faith and see where the unknown takes you. It might be going skydiving or trying a new food, but either way it’s a step in the right direction. Stepping from the unfamiliar can be fantastic. With summer on the horizon there are a ton of new things to try. Don’t sit back and let the rays of sunshine and warmth pass you by. What better time to try something new than now? As the quote says “There is no better time than the present.” After all tomorrow isn’t promised.
Photographers Jon Frazier, Jennifer Ibarra, Sara Harris, Carrie Harris, Kendall Hurtt, Jamie Hwang Alec Reyes Cartoonist Alexandria Woolridge Adviser Rachel Stallard
LETTERS
THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in CommunicationsAutomotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_flare@yahoo. com.
DISCLAIMER Alexandria Wooldridge / THE FLARE
YOUR VIEW What is something new you plan on doing this summer? Photo credits: Jon Frazier / THE FLARE
Konrad Kawnatra
Malayna Stewart
Nathan Trichel
Surabaya, Indonesia sophomore
Kilgore freshman
Tatum sophomore
“I’ll be a camp counselor at a church camp.”
“Getting a full-time job.”
“More classes and transferring.”
Raven Faison Kilgore freshman
“Working and maybe going to a concert.”
THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees. Copyright 2019, The Flare. All rights reserved