Early registration April 7 DEZIRAE BURNETT Assistant Editor Early registration for current students opens Monday, April 7. Transfer student early registration opens Monday, April 14. Registration will be for Summer I and II minimesters as well as the Fall Semester. Students interested in early registration need to contact a faculty adviser or counselor
to discuss scheduling. Students who wish to enroll at the Kilgore campus can contact the counseling center at 903-983-8206. If a student is taking at least one class at the Longview campus, he or she must call an adviser on that campus at 903-753-2642. Certificate students and Associate of Applied Science students need to schedule advising appointments with their respective
Check out
program advisers. Students who have been approved for spring graduation should be checking their Ranger email accounts for further graduation instructions, and to make sure they are still on track for graduation. Graduation caps and gowns may be purchased from the KC bookstore for students who are participating in the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 9.
The Flare
The Flare
Friday, March 28, 2014 Vol. 77 No. 18 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
EAST TEXAS OIL MUSEUM
Amanda Lattery / THE FLARE ARCHIVE
Photos by Maegan Mitchell / THE FLARE
Left and bottom right show two of the museum’s popular exhibits. Top right, Joe White has been director of the East Texas Oil Museum since its inception.
KC’s hidden treasure East Texas Oil Museum, Director Joe White, have been together since the beginning
T
MAEGAN MITCHELL • Senior Writer
he East Texas Oil Museum may be considered one of KC’s hidden treasures, although it does not attract many students. One man has been with the museum since the idea was formed 36 years ago, treasuring every bit of it. Museum Director Joe White said he has devoted half of his lifetime to what he calls his baby. White, 71, has been director since its inception in 1980. He grew up in Henderson and attended KC from 1961-63. “I chose to attend Kilgore College because it was affordable, close to home and had a strong faculty like it does today,” White said. After teaching at Blinn College, as well as a few other East Texas colleges, he returned to KC in 1971 to teach history and government. “I was looking to relocate. The day my wife, Ann, and I got the call to come to KC, I accepted it,” White said. “The next day, we got a call for an opening in Dallas and the next day a call from Galveston. God had his plan in the times and sequence he wanted me in Kilgore.” In 1977, Dr. Stewart McLauren, the KC president at the time, interviewed White for the director position
three times, totaling five hours. “No one knew what this was going to be… I knew if I took this job and gave up my classes and this didn’t pan out, there might not be a place for me [at KC],” White said. “I wanted to retain my teaching position, but it turned out I didn’t have time for both.” The museum was funded by the Placid Oil Company, owned by Haroldson Lafayette “H.L.” Hunt, Jr., who the museum is in honor of, along with the many oil producers and wildcatters. Today, the museum is funded through donations, grants and admission fees. White played a huge role in the finding and gathering of most artifacts in the museum. “I did the historical research and… ferreting out people that had things as well as persuading them to donate them. Some people wanted to sell their items, but we just didn’t have the budget for it,” White said. “Basically, Placid Oil put up the money to build [the museum] and the people of East Texas filled the museum.” Hyman Laufer, retired chairman of the biology department, and White became the “white version of Sanford and Son.” They went out and emptied out old buildings and barns and personally hauled items in White’s old truck. The Barber Shop exhibit contains some of the few items that were purchased by the museum. White went out to an old barber’s home and dismantled the items and hauled them back to its new home. White knows the story behind virtually every item, big or small. “The old bench in front of the Barber Shop was hand-hewn oak, done by a man over 100 years ago,” White said. “I can still remember as a teenager riding my bike and seeing old men sitting on that bench in front of Gordon Brown’s
“
My wife didn’t want me to take this job because she was afraid it would become my mistress... and in a way it did.” — Joe White Museum Director
Store on North Marshall whittling and chewing tobacco.” As vital as the donated items and money have been, the donated time from the volunteers has been even more important. “We couldn’t keep this place open without their loyalty and help,” White said. “The museum doesn’t make enough money to have an extensive staff [considering] operating costs per day are around $800 to $900.” As White approaches retirement, he hopes to be able to come back and work on a part-time basis. “It has been a fun ride. My wife didn’t want me to take this job because she was afraid it would become my mistress… and in a way, it did,” White said. See MUSEUM on Page 3
VISIT THE OIL MUSEUM LOCATION Hwy. 259 at Ross St. Kilgore, Texas 75662 HOURS Monday, closed Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. April – Sept. museum closes at 5 p.m. Closed Easter & Thanksgiving ADMISSION Under 3 – free Ages 3-11 – $5 Ages 12+ – $8 Guided tours by reservation only. A nominal fee is charged. CONTACT 903-983-8295 phone 903-983-8600 fax info@easttexasoil museum.com
FRIDAY. MARCH 28, 2014
FACES IN THE CROWD
The Flare
Payton Hahn
2
PA G E
NOTEBOOK
March 28 – April 21
FRIDAY, March 28 LAST ISSUE OF THE FLARE UNTIL APRIL 9 SATURDAY, March 29 RADIOGRAPHY SEMINAR 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., DSC Ballroom TWIRLER CONTEST 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., campus wide RANGER SOFTBALL VS. NORTHEAST TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., StreamFlo Field TUESDAY, April 1 DEADLINE FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS WEDNESDAY, April 2 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. UNIVERSITY OF TYLER JV 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Tyler SATURDAY, April 5 KARP FESTIVAL 2 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium KC CHEERLEADER CHEER CLINIC 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Parks RANGER SOFTBALL VS. BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., StreamFlo Field SUNDAY, April 6 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., StreamFlo Field MONDAY, April 7 SERVICE RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., DCS Ballroom SUMMER I ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS April 7 - May 30 SUMMER II ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS April 7 - July 3 FALL ADVISEMENT/ REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT STUDENTS April 7 - Aug. 13 WEDNESDAY, April 9 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. NAVARRO COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Corsicana RANGERETTE REVELS 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE THURSDAY, April 10 RANGERETTE REVELS 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium FRIDAY, April 11 LAST DAY TO DROP OR WITHDRAW A “W” RANGERETTE REVELS 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium NURSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Noon - 2 p.m., Devall Room SATURDAY, April 12 RANGERETTE REVELS 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium RANGERETTES FOREVER RECEPTION 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. SUNDAY, April 13 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Athens TUESDAY, April 15 TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., DSC Ballroom THURSDAY, April 17 ACADEMIC HONORS CONVOCATION 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Dodson Auditorium KC KEYBOARD EXTRAVAGANZA 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium KC FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Devall Room CAMPUS CLOSES 9:30 p.m. FRIDAY, April 18 GOOD FRIDAY Campus closed NO THE FLARE NEW ISSUE FRIDAY, April 21 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF LUNCHEON 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom
What was it like growing up with a twin? (benefits/ disadvantages) Payton: Having a friend around 24/7 and being able to have the same classes as he did at school. A big disadvantage was we never got called by our first names, and we always got treated like the same person. Zach: Always having someone to study and work on homework with. A big disadvantage was teachers always thought we were cheating on tests when we would come up with the same answers. What is your favorite thing about having a twin? Payton: Having someone who shares some of my likes and interests and understands me more than my other brothers (not in a telepathic way). Zach: Always having a friend I can count on when I need him. What is your least favorite
thing about having a twin? Payton: Being mistaken for Zachary by his teachers and classmates. It’s interesting when random people wave and ask how my classes are going, and then I have to try and explain to them that I have a twin and that they are probably mistaking me for my twin brother. Zach: I’d have to agree with Payton that my least-favorite thing is when people (including our parents) confuse us. If you are transferring, where do you plan to go? Do you plan to transfer together or go your separate ways? Payton: I plan to graduate in the summer and then pursue a job at a body shop in the East Texas area. Zach: I plan to graduate this spring and then leave East Texas to look for an apprenticeship at a visual effects studio.
Zachary Hahn
Age: 19 Sophomore Majors: Auto body Repair, Commercial Art Hometown: Big Sandy Sara Holmes / THE FLARE
‘Check Please’ next theatre production JORDAN BAIRD Staff Writer KC Theatre Department will present Jonathan Rand’s hit sketch-comedy, “Check Please,” beginning April 8 in Van Cliburn Auditorium.
The play will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, April 8-12, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13. General admission tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for students and $4 for KC students who present their student ID.
Children under the age of seven and late arrivals will not be admitted. The box office will open one hour prior to each performance to purchase tickets. Reserved tickets may be picked up at the box office beginning one
hour before curtain on the day of the performance. The play is directed by Micah Goodding, theatre instructor. For ticket reservations, call Goodding at 903-983-8126, or email the KC theatre box office at box office@kilgore.edu.
Area students Upward Bound BRANDON PEARL Staff Writer
U
pward Bound is a college program designed to help students ninth through 12th grade from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. It emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the Johnson Administration’s War on Poverty. The Upward Bound application supplies information such as the history, purpose, program services, participating area schools and total number of participants. Upward Bound provides different types of help to students such as tutoring, SAT, ACT and college application fee waivers, and academic enrichment on Saturdays twice a month. Transportation is provided for Upward Bound participants to Saturday events. Those include visits to four-year colleges, cultural, and business campus visits, museums trips, help with filling out and completing scholarships, college selection help and planning. Admissions help is offered to students in order to help figure out what college is best for them. Each participating senior will fill out four to five scholarship applications. They will also complete the FAFSA application and also take part in community service projects to help with scholarship selection. One of the biggest events is the sixweek summer academic program. Upward Bound projects provide instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature and foreign language.
Karyn Sage / THE FLARE
Jude Dubois, director of Upward Bound at KC, oversees the program that provides help for 50 students from area high schools who come from low-income families and whose parents do not hold bachelor’s degrees. Upward Bound meets with students twice a week to check their grades to make sure their GPA is a 2.0 or higher. Fifty students from Kilgore, Pine Tree, and Longview high schools are
currently in Upward Bound. “We also provide leadership programs on the campus so students can win scholarships and different prizes” Jude Dubois, director, said.
Tri-C raising funds for outside expansion CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer The Church of Christ plans on expanding their building by adding a back porch. The patio will be 12 x 36 feet and fit along the back of the building. It will cover the grass section, so it will not affect the parking lot already there. To help fund this expansion, the Tri-C will be selling bricks that will be used to build the patio.
Bricks will cost $75, and buyers will have names engraved on them. They will also be able to put a short message on the brick, such as a bible verse, inspiring message to the students or anything they can think of. To buy a brick, go to polarengraving. com. Click on “donor websites” and find the name Christian Campus Center at KC. The Tri-C’s goal is to sell 300 bricks, but can fit 400 into the space if they sell more.
Construction will start on June 11 and is expected to end in the fall. Britt Davis, Tri-C director, plans for this to be a place where students can relax and provide an opportunity for students to get outside. Davis said they would be able to have barbecues and Bible studies there. “It’ll be a nice area to go back and retreat,” Davis said. For more information contact Davis at 903-984-3700.
BSM to participate in Habitat for Humanity project CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer The Baptist Student Center members will be cleaning up a disabled man’s yard with Habitat for Humanity. The project is an opportunity for students seeking volunteer work. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 30 at New Birth
Fellowship Church on Stone Road, and then go to the man’s house. The man is mentally disabled and is a hoarder, so his yard is filled with junk. This debris is blocking the city’s route to his septic system, and needs to be removed so the city can repair it. The man could lose his house if the septic line is not repaired, and the junk is not removed according to
Shelly Webb. They are looking for as many volunteers as they can get to clear up the yard. Students should bring gloves, bottles of water and wear clothes that can get dirty. Volunteers will work until 1 p.m. and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Webb at 903-984-7146.
Twirlers to host mock tryout for solos, duets, team routines ELLEN REID Staff Writer The KC Twirlers will host a mock tryout from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Parks Fitness Center. The cost is $10 per performer for each
divisional event registered, or $7 per performer for each critique-only event registered. Participants will perform in front of judges and can receive an assessment for solos, duets and/or team routines. Individual trophies and medals may be earned for solos and duets for
divisional events, and team members may earn medals for team events. There will also be an opportunity to enter a critique-only evaluation that will not include trophies or medals. For more information contact Paula Jamerson at 903-983-8187, or email Paige Keitt at keittpaige@yahoo.com.
“We would like to get as many people to join Upward Bound as we can so we can make your college career important and more fun to you and us, too.”
Rangerette Revels tickets on sale now ELLEN REID Staff Writer Tickets for Rangerette Revels are on sale for $20 each. Revels is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, April 9-12 at Dodson Auditorium. There will be a matinee performance Saturday at 1 p.m. Show tickets can be purchased online or at the Revels box office. The box office is located downstairs in the Rangerette Gym, at the south entrance. Box office hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are available at the door. The box office in Dodson Auditorium will open an hour before each show. Students with a current KC ID card may attend a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday night performance for free but must pick up a ticket in order to attend. Student tickets may be picked up at the Revels box office in the Rangerette Gym or at the box office in Dodson Auditorium one hour before the show. Students must show their current KC ID to get a free ticket. For more information, or to order tickets by credit card, call Elaine Woodmansee at 903-983-8179.
NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014
Former cheerleader shares lifestyle with KC community JORDAN BAIRD Staff Writer Growing up, Ashley Stanley was a competitive gymnast. She never participated in cheerleading until the age of 18, when she came to KC. Stanley was a cheerleader at KC from 2000 to 2002. “I always had an interest in cheerleading but was very shy, so I never pursued it,” Stanley said. When she was in high school, she coached competitive gymnastics. One of her fellow coaches had cheered at KC and convinced her to try out for the team. “It was one of the best things I have ever done for myself because it forced me to come out of my shell and not be as shy, which has served me well professionally over the years,” Stanley said. “One of my favorite things about cheering at KC was definitely our cheerleading sponsor, Latane Speer,” she said. “She is by far one of the most caring individuals I have ever met.” Stanley said that Speer would do anything for her cheerleaders and often helped other students or athletes in need, even if they were not one of her cheerleaders. Stanley and Speer remain dear friends to this day. After graduating from KC, she transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University, where she cheered on the co-ed squad from 2002 to 2004. The co-ed squad won National Championships in 2003 and 2004. “I remember standing with our team while we waited for our score to be announced,
and then the moment that we realized we had achieved what we worked so hard for. We were once again National Champions,” Stanley said. “It made all of the blood, sweat and tears that it took to get there worth it. There aren’t words to describe how it felt.” Stanley soon became involved in fitness competitions when she met her trainer, Kelly Hitchcock, owner of KH Fitness in Tyler, in 2006. “I had always seen fitness competitions on television and I knew that one day I wanted to do one,” Stanley said. The first competition she competed in was The Ronnie Coleman Classic in 2006. She won the competition, although it had only been 10 months after having her son. “The hardest part of competing for me is the mental aspect of it,” Stanley said. “It is much harder mentally than it is physically.” Stanley said that the diet for the competition prep pushes a person’s willpower to the absolute limit. Nevertheless, she plans on competing more in the future. Stanley now gives back to the campus by teaching the KC cheerleaders about weight training and physical fitness. Stanley was hired in 2012 by the current cheer sponsor, Melissa Haden. The cheerleaders are required to take Stanley’s weight training class, but the class is open to all KC students. In the class, she likes to teach the cheerleaders about learning to exercise and eating healthy as a lifestyle, not specifically for a sport. “I want to make sure that
He hopes to continue his research and write a book on the history of the museum as well as an autobiography. He also has plans to write an abbreviated version of the two-hour-and-20 minute audio tour, which is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin and Chinese. When the time comes to retire, White said he will miss all of the social interaction. “I guess this is something akin to going through a divorce [or] losing a child… like being forbidden to see someone,” White said. “[The museum] means so much to me that I feel like I am losing my baby.” White added he enjoyed being able to nurture and train the young people he has employed over the years. “I am going to miss the bonding with the people, because you never know who is going to walk through the front doors,” White said. “Those people are the drive that push me to be the best I can be.” White hopes any person who will someday take his place will love the museum the way he has. “It is sad really… being cut off from your child… Though, it is like a cup of coffee. I can stick my finger in it, remove it and there would be no void,” White
said. “There will be someone else to come in and pick up the reins… I hope and pray they are for this place as much as I do.” White prides himself on attempting to interact with each guest that comes to tour the museum. He hopes that his kindness will draw them in, his
SPRING JOB FAIR
Maria Zapata / THE FLARE
Donnie Anthony, training manager, and Leslie Grabill, human resources manager, from Billy Moore Correctional Center, talk to a student during Monday’s job fair. More than 39 employers and 215 students participated.
Student jobs available CAMRON PORTLEY Staff Writer
Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE
Ashley Stanley is a former KC cheerleader who now works as a trainer with current cheerleaders. when they are done cheering that they know how to exercise and eat healthy for the rest of their lives,” Stanley said. Stanley also mentioned that as the sport of cheerleading progresses, it is very important for the athletes to be in the best shape they can be. Stanley also serves as a personal trainer at KC.
MUSEUM: Joe White has served as the director of the museum since its inception From Page 1
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knowledge and passion will keep them wanting more and his warm heart will have you wanting to make him a lifelong friend. For more information on the museum, such as admission and hours of operation, visit www. easttexasoilmuseum.com, or see page one
Stoneridge Apartments Now Leasing!! Efficiencies, 1 & 2 bedrooms!
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She specializes in custom exercise programs, nutrition advice and contest prep. Stanley’s experience in cheerleading and physical fitness makes her qualified to serve the students of KC as a teacher and a personal trainer to the cheerleaders. For more information contact her at 903-812-3699 or getstanleyfit@yahoo.com.
ONLINE Get the latest scores, schedules, news and photos online at
Ashlen Marshall, Mount Enterprise freshman, works for the office of New Student Relations as a student assistant. Her job includes answering phones, scheduling appointments for the director, Chris Gore, and filing papers. “I love my job,” said Marshall, “and the people I work with and meet. Marshall said she likes that her job works around her schedule and that it’s an easy job. Marshall is one of the 125 students who work on campus, according to Kristi Powers, payroll specialist. Patty Bell, director career services and service learning, says jobs for students on campus can vary from working in the bookstore, the registrar’s office and even the library. Bell said to find jobs available to students go to the jobs site at www.kilgore. edu/students_jobs.asp Bell said there are currently several jobs posted on their page. Students need to just look on the site at the different posting to receive more information about each job. “There are different qualifications for each job,” Bell said. The qualifications are listed on the posting on
the website as well. Bell said these jobs have the same expectations as any other job on and off campus. Showing up on time and dressing appropriately are a few of the examples she gives. As far as hourly wages, Bell suggests students to check the posting for that as well. Career Services and Service Learning can help students with jobs off campus as well, Bell said the can help students with resumes, cover letters and help students with their interview process. “We are here to help you with your service learning needs,” Bell said. Career Service and Service learning provide other resources for students. These resources can help students in their career preparation and can be found on the Career Service and Service Learning web page. Career Service and Service Learning also hold job fairs in the spring, and a Service Fair in the fall. The job fairs include a Health Occupation and a General Job fair. Bell encourages students to come get help with their future career needs. They can contact her at 903-988-3713, careerservices@kilgore.edu or servicelearning@kilgore. edu.
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SPORT S
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014
Softball team drops four, returns home DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer
Maria Zapata / THE FLARE
Emanuel Black hopes to walk on as a KC football player this fall.
Gridiron Goal
Former high school star shoots for KC squad DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer
W
hen Emanuel Black was growing up in Houston, all he wanted to do was play football. But what he terms “personal issues” forced him off the field. Now Black, Crosby freshman, has a chance to make a comeback and join the KC Rangers. Black is currently in his second semester at KC. The KC community, along with friends and family, know him as Manny, for short. He loved playing football at a young age, but somewhere along his childhood journey he was forced to stop playing the game. His parents wanted him to get his life straight off the field before he could play again. “I got into some trouble that I didn’t want to re-live again so I had to stop playing the game of football for a while to get my life back on track,” Black said. While he was absent from football, he took up track and participated in band during junior high. He played numerous instruments such as the drums, flute and many others. To this day he still plays these instruments for fun. The sole purpose of engaging in track was to keep his body in shape so when the time came to return to football, he would be ready to jump back in full stride. Black returned to the field his freshman year of high school and felt as though he was in another world. He was ecstatic to be back. “I was just glad to be back out there on the field; it was great putting those pads on again,” Black said. Black was a defensive tackle for the Crosby Cougars and though he was not the biggest player on the field, he gave it all he had. He used his smarts to outwit the offensive lineman. “There were players that were bigger than me on the field, but I relied on my quickness and speed off the ball to outwork them each and every play,” Black said. Black weighs a solid 285 pounds, stands at 6-feet tall and runs a five-second, 40yard dash.
In high school, his coaches and the Associated Press frequently named him Player of the Week. He says he did not care about recognition; he just wanted to give 110 percent every game. As his life was getting back on track, misfortune struck again. On August 29, 2009 his mother, who had essentially raised Black by herself, died of a massive and unexpected heart attack. Black, obviously devastated, did not know how to react. His mother was gone. “I was very depressed for a long time, and I didn’t know what to do with myself,” Black said. “I wanted to drop out of school, but I decided not to because I knew that my mother would want me to stay in school.” As Black continued life without his mother through his high school years, he encountered yet another setback. In November 2012, his junior year, he was involved in a car wreck with his brother and a friend. The car rammed the back of another vehicle head on with full force. Luckily, nobody was killed, just injured. Black broke his wrist during the accident, which hindered his football career from there. “It was nobody but God that got us through that,” Black said. ‘We could have easily died, but God managed to get all of us out of there safely. Even though I messed up my wrist, I’m still grateful because it could have been a lot worse.” Once Black was back on the field, because of his injured wrist his playing time was limited. The coaches and his parent guardians were very cautious about it, because he could not perform the way he once did before the injury. He had a verbal commitment to the University of Houston, but he was not able to go because the coaches thought he was damaged goods. He enrolled at KC to try and resurrect his football career. He played defensive lineman in high school, and he hopes to play that position again for KC; if not he’ll just do what the coaches say. He is waiting
The KC Ranger softball team lost four games last week, two against Paris Junior College and two against Bossier Parish Community College. KC is 0-6 in conference play and has an overall record of 6-23. KC faced Paris Junior College on Wednesday. They lost the first game, 13-3. Pitchers Kari Courtney and Kayla Calvert combined for 11 hits, five strikeouts, 13 runs scored, and nine earned runs. KC had eight hits as a team, but only managed to score three runs. Third baseman Keke Hunter had two hits and one RBI while Lexi Lopez and Mallory Ford each recorded one RBI. KC was completely shut out in the second game against PJC, losing 4-0. Courtney pitched all six innings. She allowed four runs on nine hits with four earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts. KC took on Bossier Parish Community College on Saturday. They lost the first game 7-6. KC had 12 hits in the game as a team, but only mustered six runs. They had three errors during the entire game. KC was up early on BPCC, 3-1, before they fell behind in the fourth inning with four runs scored. Catcher Asia Marshall went 2-4 from the plate with one single and one home run that kept KC in the game during the seventh inning. Calvert pitched six innings, walked four batters, and struck out three. KC lost the second matchup between BCPP, 10-6. KC had 11 hits as a team, but only scored six runs off those 11 hits. Lopez went 2-4 from the plate with one single, one home run and a RBI in the same play during a three score, fourth inning for KC. She also scored a run herself. Third baseman Lakin Kerby also hit a huge two-run
Michael Brown / THE FLARE
Mariah Gougen makes contact during a recent game. homer in the first inning to give KC an early lead, scoring Sara Aguilar in the process. Courtney pitched six innings and allowed six runs with one walk, two strikeouts, 11 hits and six earned runs. Head Coach Leslie Messina is content that her team will get better. “We’re not a consistent team right now. We have games where we’re good at offense, but bad at defense and pitching,” Messina said. “We have problems with doing all three phases of the game right. We have to be more consistent in all three phases of the game every time we play. Pitching, hitting and defense.” Messina says the upcoming game Saturday against Northeast Texas Community College is a very important game to win, because it will keep their playoffs hopes alive. KC will be without
starting pitcher Calvert due to illness. Her return to the field is doubtful at this time. However pitcher Laura Lewis has been released from her shoulder injury and she will slowly make her return back into the rotation. Courtney will be the starting pitcher for KC’s next game. On April 5, KC will face Bossier Parish Community College at home, and that will be their first Strikeout Cancer Game. The Strikeout Cancer initiative unites the American Cancer Society and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to help raise funds and awareness to fight cancer. The team will be selling raffle tickets around campus for a chance to win a genuine pink Louisville Slugger softball bat. The match against NTCC begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at Stream Flo-Field.
for the fall tryout dates and will be there to give it his best. “The coaches told me I would be a good addition to the team; they might switch my position around, but at this point I am up for anything,” Black said. “I just want to be back out there on the field with the big lights and the big crowds. That is what I live for.” Black’s close friend, Joshua Young, knows how good a person he is. “He is a real nice guy. He is always there for me, and he is always up to giving people advice and helping people out with their problems. He’s very outspoken and a huge hit with the ladies. He’s just an all-around great guy,” Young said. Black’s major is nursing, and he is working toward a bachelor’s degree in the nursing field. Then he will try to switch to anesthesiology. He loves to help people, and he is the fascinated with the human body. Black’s objective is to be involved in people’s lives and help them achieve their goals, while succeeding in his life and making his mother proud. He hopes to be back on the football field in KC’s blueand- white colors in the fall.
Write your story Flare alumni enjoy success at ESPN, Dallas Morning News,
KC
student journalists have won hundreds of individual awards, dozens of Sweepstakes and Best of Show awards and several national honors. With alumni at scores of newspapers, TV news outlets and on the cutting edges of cyberspace, success doesn’t stop when a new plaque goes
up on the lab wall. Students working on The Flare, The Ranger Yearbook or The Flare Magazine have a chance to make an immediate impact with writing, photography, design and illustration. KC journalism students are also eligible for a number of scholarships.
For more information, contact Gary Borders, Flare adviser, at 903-983-8194 or by email at gborders@kilgore.edu and O. Rufus Lovett, Flare photo adviser, at 903-983-8192 or by email at rlovett@kilgore.edu
OPINION
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014
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Kylie Watkins
blahs N
ow that spring break has ended, it is time to get back in the swing of things. The vacation that was supposed to go by slowly actually flew by. It is already back to homework, exams and constantly feeling tired. If students could buckle down and study, then all would all be fine. Instead, most would rather relax and do all the things they were doing over spring break for a little longer. Breaking the post spring break “blahs” is a difficult task. Many students come back from break feeling this way, but here are a few helpful hints to getting back into the school routine: Cori Newsom wrote on thedustertoday. com that students need to prepare for battle. Coming back from a week with nothing to do and suddenly being swamped with homework and tests may cause students to become overly stressed. It is important to always know what your goals are and figure out your schedule in advance.
Also it is not recommended to pull all-nighters studying for an exam. Recharging your batteries is a necessity for students to do well in all aspects of life. Emily Elling posted on Disneybaby.com that a good way to fight these “blahs” is to bring nature inside. Buy yourself some fresh flowers and bring the sights and smells of springtime to your home to lift your spirits. Another great idea is to treat yourself every now and then. A new haircut or brand new pair of shorts for spring will surely brighten your mood just in time to finish out the semester. If you are the type of person who likes to find motivation to get you through things, then begin planning a summer vacation. During these long and dreary days of studying, research a place to go with a friend or loved one. The excitement about your summer trip should motivate you to work hard the rest of the semester. And if nothing else works, remember there are only 28 school days until the last day of the Spring Semester!
After two years, even more change in store
I
t has been almost two years now, but I can still remember how it felt driving with everything I owned packed into my back seat on my way “off to college.” I can remember stopping at the truck stop in Mount Enterprise in the pouring rain, because I was crying too hard to see the road. I remember stopping again at the gas station just inside the Kilgore city limits because I just knew I was going to be sick; my nerves were getting the best of me. And I can still remember, vividly, how it felt to see my dad’s tears streaming, uncontrollably, down his face as he clung to me on the sidewalk outside the Rangerette Residence on the day I moved in, not wanting to let me grow up just yet. I’ve never been good with change, not even little changes like my nail color or brand of toothpaste. I am most definitely a creature of habit. Moving out of my parents’ house and starting college was one of the most terrifying changes of my life. I was brand new to the world of Rangerettes.
From a town of only 2,100 people and never driving further than the 30 minutes it took to get to my grandparents’ house, throw me into a house of 71 strangers, bump up the population by about 13,000 and put almost 100 miles between my family and me, and I was experiencing complete culture shock. But after about two weeks, I realized I was blowing the whole situation out of DEZIRAE proportion. Yes, I missed my family BURNETT and boyfriend. Yes, I was living with strangers, but Editor they were not strangers for long. Yes, I was in a bigger town, but it didn’t seem like I would be doing much exploring with all the practices I had. Everything seemed like it would turn out just fine. And it has. The past two years have been some of the most memorable, important and best years
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of my life. Everyone told me they would fly by, and I paid no attention to their words until now, with a little less than two weeks until I take the stage for the last time in my dancing career. I have learned so much from my time here at KC, and from being a Rangerette, from the friends I have made, and the teachers who have taught me more than academics. Looking back, I am realizing that I should have cherished my time here a little more. I should have stayed at the dorm more weekends, gone out a little more, and met a few more faces; but hindsight is 20-20. Now, I am faced with changes again, this time an even-greater changes than before. In May, when I graduate from here, I am moving back in with my parents and starting school at Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall. These changes terrify me too. I am afraid of what it will be like living under my parents’ roof again, not that it was so bad the first time around. I am worried about handling classes at a university level. I am nervous about meeting new people, and
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being involved with campus life since I won’t be living on campus. And I am worried about finding a new passion. For so long I had my dancing career, but with the last night of Revels, that career will be no more. That is a hard reality to accept. With all of these changes coming my way, I am forced to look at myself in the mirror and do a little self-evaluation. It’s time for me to face the fact that I have grown up, and that moving on is just a part of life. But what I really need to realize is that with all of these doors closing, so many more are opening — even if I haven’t heard the hinges creak yet. Two years ago, I looked at the changes that came with starting college as if they were the end of the world, but as I said, I was making mountains out of mole hills. I’m sure I am doing the same this time around too. I am 20, not 80. My life is not over; it is only just beginning. Dezirae Burnett is sophomore journalism major form Huntington.
The Spring Break 6
SPOTLIGHT
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014
Blues
Tips for surviving the rest of the semester
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Photo Illustration by Joshua Roché / THE FLARE
KC staff provide tips for students battling to stay focused after Spring Break.
CHRISTINE RITTER • Staff Writer
hile assignments are piling up, students are counting down the days until summer and already missing their Spring Break. Students are overwhelmed as classes are moving faster and the prospects of final exams are looming ahead. Most students are ready to go on another Spring Break. Michele Daniels, speech instructor, said there is more panic during this time because students realize they have to step to the plate or they’re going to be out, and there’s no more leeway left in this semester. The end of the semester is coming up, and there is a rush to get everything done. “It seems like after Spring Break everything comes so much faster, so the recommendation would be that when we get to this point in the semester to stop and look at what’s ahead of you and prioritize that,” Daniels said. While it’s easy to fall back on Spring Break habits, such as sleeping in and going out instead of studying, there are still six weeks left that can affect the overall grade. There is plenty of time for a grade to go up a letter, or down, depending how someone utilizes the time. “The seven weeks after Spring Break may still be enough time to bring a grade up.” Heidi Everett, Trio Learning specialist, said. The long semester students started with is growing short and now there are only six weeks left until summer. Daniels tries to encourage students by telling them there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. “You’ve come this far. You just have a little further to go,” Daniels said. To get ready for the last weeks of school, students should make a new daily routine. Breaking away from the Spring Break
schedule should help get out of the spring break mentally. While looking at a to-do list, start with the most unpleasant task on the list first. While starting with the easier tasks may seem like the best idea, it isn’t. After getting done with the other tasks, there might not be enough energy to focus on that big task. If students have been unsuccessful after getting back from Spring Break, then they need to start by looking at what assignments are due. After that, get as much done to get the best grade possible. If someone is having trouble with a subject and hasn’t gone for help before, this would be the best time to seek help. “Instructors are generally very approachable. I insist all our students keep open communication between their instructors and themselves.” Everett said. It’s unlikely anyone can learn a whole semester of material in one week, so students should get started on final exams as early as possible. The preparations for final exams should start three weeks before the exam or when assignments have been turned in Daniels said. While studying for the final exams, don’t rush through the process. The upside to starting early is having plenty of time to review over certain areas. Daniels said her recommendation for studying is not to reread over questions, but have a friend ask them to quiz over them. “If you can recall them on the top of your head then you’re more likely to identify it on a test,” Daniels said. Students should be collecting their test reviews or old tests, if they can. Even if students aren’t ready to start studying, they should know where they are. The questions on the final exam likely will come from these.