Issue 4 9-26-2014

The Flare

Friday, September 26, 2014 Vol. 78 No. 4

MIX UP Serving Kilgore College since 1936

ING IT

Friends bond over hip-hop opportunities DAVID MCCARTY Staff Writer

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Maria Zapata / THE FLARE

Delvante’ Fluellen and Victor Johnson have been contacted by national record labels recognizing their music.

I may slow down but I’ll never stop with whatever I’m doing.

”

o understand the journey of these two students we must first go back to where it all started.

In the Devall Student Center, Victor Johnson (20) and Delvanté Fluellen (20) were nothing more than two acquaints playing ping-pong together to relax during the stressful days of college life.

One day Johnson was walking across the bridge and saw Fluellen leaving the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Building where he had choir.

It was then they realized they were both passionate about hip-hop music and the two began recording music soon after.

Johnson graduated Longview High School and attended Navarro his freshman year but came to KC because he felt more comfortable being close to his home in Longview.

He had to overcome several hardships throughout his life.

Being raised by his grandmother Johnson appreciates his struggle because it has shaped him into the person that he is today.

He also mentions that Edwards the KC housing director has helped mentor him and stay focused with school.

Going by the name Vic or 5-Star Johnson, he has accomplished more in one year than many hip hop artist have in their entire career.

Three major labels have reached out to Johnson including, Def Jam, Atlantic and Columbia. He has also received tweets from people as far as Chile who enjoy his music.

The mayor of Longview, Jay Dean, has named Johnson the official rapper of Longview.

His father, grandmother and his faith with God has helped him overcome his obstacles and drives him with his passion for music. In less than one year, Johnson has put out four mix-tapes and multiple singles.

Grammy nominated producers who have worked with acts such as Wiz Khalifa want to record music with him.

See MUSIC on Page 3

– Delvante’ Fluellen, Gladewater sophomore

Flare receives national recognition

Curtains rise for first-time actor Williams auditions for a life-long dream

From Staff Reports

VICTORIA WHITWELL Staff Writer

KC student publications won eight awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Gold Circle Awards.

The Gold Circle Awards attracted 7,128 entries from newspapers and magazines from colleges, universities and secondary schools throughout the United States.

Staff members from The Flare newspaper and The Flare Magazine won multiple awards, as listed: Ashley Morales: First place in photo layout - two or more pages for new publication; First place in feature page design portfolio of work for news publication; Third place in editorial page design for news publication.

Sonia Garza: First place in advertising layout: advertising page for magazine.

Kristorpher Dobbins: Second place in photography portfolio of work for news publication.

Tory Van Blarcum: Second place in photo of Merit in photo story for news publication.

Michael Brown: Third place in photographs for magazines.

Sara Holmes, Tory Van Blarcum and Randi Vinson-Davis: for news publication.

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Tina Walls / THE FLARE

Wendy Williams has the role of “Player” in the upcoming production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”

endy Williams, Nacogdoches sophomore, landed a lead role the first time she ever auditioned She said she was shocked and was certainly not expecting such a part.

She will be playing the First Player in The KC Theatre Department’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”

Williams has never had any acting experience but said she does not have stage fright due to being cheer captain in high school.

Williams has had a long relationship with theatre, working in makeup or as backstage tech, but never had the opportunity to do what she has always desired, to act in a play.

Williams took a semester off from going to Stephen F. Austin State University to be a student at KC. She is majoring in Geriatric Social Work and decided it was time to seize the opportunity to perform on stage.

See WILLIAMS on Page 6

CHECK THEFLAREONLINE.COM FOR SCHEDULES AND ACTIVITIES!

INSIDE Check inside for a behind-the-scenes look at set building, cast list and plot for “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” PAGE 6

Artist captures Navajo culture on canvas THAO NGUYEN Staff Writer

vember 2 in Cerrillos, N.M. Billie is considered a talented artist because his works of art speak from his Navajo culture and reflect on his heritage. He works with wax and natural materials such as sand, beads and horse hair and creates his own colored wax using materials from all over the world.

According to Billie’s website, he has collected pigments from India, Egypt and South America. “The tools and natural pigments that artists use to make their art from other parts of the world is something I like to incorporate in my work,” he said.

“I find it really gives the work a more global feeling - since we’re all connected - one way or another.” You can find more information on Michael Billie on his website at MichaelBillie.com.

The Visual Arts Department is hosting “Recent Works by Michael Billie” beginning Monday and running through Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Gallery. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“I chose to showcase Michael Billie’s work in order to give the students a good idea of what can be done with encaustic painting and to celebrate his native American heritage; therefore, making one’s art unique” said Carolyn Fox-Hearne, art instructor.

In conjunction with the KC show, Billie will also be showing at the Encaustic Art Institute’s 4th Annual Juried Exhibition from October 4 through No-

THE FLARE

PAGE T WO THIS WEEK

BY THE NUMBERS

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Wednesday, Oct. 1 is the Homecoming Pep Rally at 11 and Rangerettes as the Ranger

Check

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Days left after Oct. 1 for those wanting to apply for Fall fee. No applications accepted after Nov. 30.

Gourds to fly again JORDAN BAKER Staff Writer Students interested in participating in the Chunkapalooza Pumpkin Chunking Contest need to register by Tuesday, Sept. 30, in order to participate in the Saturday, Oct. 18, event at the KC Demonstration Farm in Overton.

Registration is $20 and completed forms and checks need to be mailed to: Dr. Karl Steddom, Kilgore College, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore, TX 75662-3204 The first 20 entries, (10 for college student groups and 10 for high school student groups) will be accepted.

Students must build with limited faculty assistance.

Three prizes will be awarded for distance and another award for theatrical display (based on equipment, costume, or performance). For more information about Chunkapalooza Pumpkin Chunking Contest, contact Steddom at ksteddom@kilgore.edu or call him at 903-983-8656.

ET rockers to play Back Porch on Friday HUNTER LOHR Staff Writer Are you Dazed? Well you can be this Friday, when the band of the same name takes stage at The Back Porch.

The East Texas rockers cover tracks from Free’s “All Right Now” to Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold.”

Catch Dazed, so you won’t be so confused when someone mentions their set.

For more information about the music and food at The Back Porch, visit TheBackPorchKilgore.com.

FACE IN THE CROWD

Carter Blood Drive a positive experience THE FLARE

Nick Shelley Why did you choose KC? Originally, I did not know what I wanted to do with my life, so my father wanted me to attend KC in order to get my basics out of the way. However, I have now decided to major in communications as a result of the AIMS test.

How did you get interested in Hip-Hop music?

I have always loved Christian music. As a child, I would listen to Christian rock music, such as Relient K, Thousand Foot Krutch, Flyleaf, Skillet…the list goes on. I started taking singing lessons when I was about 14 or 15, but quit because I would never practice afterward. Also during this time, I tried starting a band called Knights of Fire, which was heavily influenced by Relient K. However, the band never worked. I still wrote lyrics because I still really wanted to do something with my life related to music. As time progressed, I realized that I could not sing, but I thought, “Hey, just because I can’t sing doesn’t mean that I can’t rap. Rapping doesn’t require singing, right?” I started listening to Lecrae, Tedashii, and the entire 116 Clique, which is where I still am.

What are your other hobbies and interest?

I have had at least 20 turtles over the years. I currently own two -my Russian tortoise is named Sochi, and my eastern box turtle is named Turtlelion (pronounced Tertullian). I also enjoy running, but have not really done much of it lately. I ran on my school’s cross country team in ninth grade, and ran on my school’s track

Age: 20 Hometown: Longview Freshman team ninth through eleventh grade at Christian Heritage School in Longview.

What are your future plans?

I plan to keep up my rapping (when I get the time) with school being my number one priority for now.

Do you plan on transferring? What is your major going to be and why?

After KC, I plan to transfer to either Stephen F. Austin or University of North Texas as a communications major. I have friends who live in Dallas so that’s why I would transfer to UNT. SFA in Nacogdoches is not that big a change in pace from the Longview/Kilgore area, so that’s good.

Tell us about your job on campus.

I work for Manny Almanza as a telecounsellor. Originally, my major was in psychology, so the job fit my academic plan.

However, I switched majors and now the job seems to fit my major even better than before. I landed the job when I came to freshman orientation last July as a result of simply needing a job. I went to the Career Services office after my orientation and the person there directed me to Manny Almanza, who needed help making telephone calls to prospective KC students and applicants.

KATHRYN AGEE Staff Writer Carter Blood Care was recently on campus with two donation buses. Of the 61 potential donors screened, 45 viable donors were found according to Ross Costanzo, Residential Life Coordinator.

Carter Blood Care employee Jessica Hazelwood was sent to KC for the first time to help with the drive.

“KC was a really good place for a blood drive. The turnout has been good, but it’s slower between classes,” Hazelwood said.

She said working for Carter Blood Care is an exciting job. She loves coming to college campuses because there are always lots of willing donors. She also said that donating blood not only helps save lives, but helps donors “keep up with their health,” as donors are informed of health issues that can be identified in the blood, such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Carter Blood Care comes to KC four times a year, in September, December, February and April. Nursing students can also receive extra credit for donating blood.

In order to donate, bring a KC Student ID or driver’s license. Donors must be feeling well and not be on any antibiotics.

For more information about becoming a donor, visit www.carterbloodcare.org, or call 903-363-0400.

NEWS

THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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BSM welcomes new director to campus KEVON PRICE Staff Writer The KC Baptist Student Ministries introduces a new face to the Bible chair community. Jaymi Blankenship is the new director of the BSM. Where were you born? I was born in Peoria, Illinois and raised in Seward, Alaska.

What high school did you graduate from?

Malvern, Arkansas.

What college did you attend and what was your major? I attended Ouachita Baptist University and then I went across the street to Henderson State University where I got my Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation.

The Recreation includes things such as sports management, parks and recreation and therapeutic

Jaymi Blankeship reputation. I also got a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

What do you want to see happen with the BSM? I want it to be the place that people know that they can love God and love others and that nothing else matters. A place that is safe and that everybody is going

to love on you because we love God and love others. I want the organization to be known as being difference makers and newcomers who do as much serving to the campus as possible. If that is not enough, I want this organization to do a lot of serving for the town of Kilgore.

What are two of your favorite bible versus that you live by? Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17 Where did you move from? Serving the last two years at First Baptist church Silsbee Texas as the family youth pastor. Before that I served at Eastern Heights Baptist church in Bartlesville, Ok. What are some of your favorite hobbies? I love the Razorback football team. I love the Green Bay Packers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, St Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh

Penguins and Manchester United. I love football and in fact in Silsbee I was the Chaplin for all of the football teams.

I mostly went to school in Alaska. My sport in Alaska was indoor volleyball and wrestling. I was second in state for four years in wrestling. When I got to college I tried out for cheer leading and wound up loving it and stuck with that for four years at Henderson State University.

Tell us about your family. I have my wife Kara and my five-year-old Kiersten who has begun being my assistant here.

Have you attended any KC activities since you have been here? Not yet, but I am really looking forward to plug in. I’m hoping to meet a lot of the football players and the Rangerettes. I want to be as involved on the campus as I

can. I’m really excited about teaching the bible classes here on campus.

Have you gotten a chance to meet the other directors? Yes. Britt and Amy are two fantastic lovely people who just have a heart for the lord, the community and this school. They love you guys as students and I’m just excited to serve along side with them.

If there is one verse that you can leave the students at KC about life what would it be? 1 John 5:3-5 “ In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.

And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Music: Friendship established through music and lyrics FROM PAGE 1 After KC Johnson is looking into going to Concordia University in Austin to study kinesiology. He will continue to work on his music because it is still his passion.

More importantly he wants to receive his degree.

“Success will come either way for me,” Johnson said.

He has achieved so much in such little time but he says that he wouldn’t be where he is today if it was not for meeting his good friend Fluellen.

Fluellen, who has been nominated for the 2014 Homecoming Court, lives his life by the motto, “Failure is not an option.”

Like Johnson, Fluellen has had to overcome struggles in his life as well and uses that motivation to be a better musician and person also.

He has been in choir since a sophomore at Gladewater High School and is currently the bass singer in the KC Chorale.

Influenced by the Rapper Currency, Fluellen has the hard work and dedication to keep his dream alive.

Going by the stage name of Dest la vie, a play on words meaning, “That’s life.” He has a new upcoming mix tape this year and plans on graduating from KC and receiving his bachelors degree in audio engineering at Stephen F. Austin State Universtity.

Fluellen and Johnson have

accomplished many goals and the future looks bright for these young men.

With plans on creating an organization for kids and teenagers who have been dealt a rough life, Fluellen is more than just a man behind a microphone.

Nothing is more important to him than graduating with his bachelor’s degree and being able to take care of his family. Fluellen is the third person from his family to graduate college

and music will always be his passion.

Some call it faith, some call it destiny but since the day that these two men met each other their lives have changed for the better.

Despite the amazing music that these two men produce, record, mix and master, the most important thing about them is that they strive to

make their selves better people each day.

They push each other, not only in music but in life also.

Their hard work and dedication to their music reflects on the humble gracious men these two friends have become.

Listen to their new song “No Luv” that recently just came out. You can listen to 5-star’s

music on sound cloud under 5Star_20 and on Datpiff search for “5-star See what I see.” Johsnon’s Twitter is ‘5star_20’ and Fluellen’s Twitter is ‘ElPaperPilot.’

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PTK offers membership scholarships Students who recently received invitations to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society are encouraged to attend an orientation meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 104.

Two new members will have the opportunity to have their dues waived, thanks to membership scholarships offered through the KC chapter. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Oct. 17. For more information, visit Student Clubs on the KC website: www.kilgore.edu.

PTK as a national sorority offers more than $87 million in scholarship opportunities each year. Applications for the Fall Common scholarships are open Wednesday, Oct. 1, and runs through Monday, Dec. 1. Visit www.ptk.org for more details.

Read the latest news online at

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SPORTS

Michael Brown / THE FLARE

Defensive lineman Demontrai Lewis blocks for KC after years as a Lufkin Panther. In the foreground, hands display “KC” in sign language.

Smashing through obstacles Ranger lineman Demontrai Lewis doesn’t let being deaf stop him

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Story by KEVON PRICE • Staff Writer

eople say that it is difficult growing up different. Whatever the reason.

Growing up different is something that Demontrai Lewis has had to do since he was 3.

Many people may not know Lewis mainly because they have never gotten the chance to meet him or talk to him in person. The reason that statement is valid is because Lewis is deaf. The thing that will shock most people is that this young man plays football at the collegiate level for the KC Ranger football team. He does not have the ability to hear what a person may be asking him, which is why he has to have his translators do that for him.

His interpreters are always with him during the games standing on the sideline waiting to interpret anything his coaches are telling him. No matter where he goes, he always has someone who can interpret for him. “I know that I have difficulty hearing but the coaches talk to my interpreter to translate to me. The interpreter helps me to understand what the coaches are trying to tell me,” Lewis said.

“I never leave the field without my interpreter and I always have him with me to help me communicate with my coaches and my teammates.” Lewis said.

Now people may be asking how this young man is playing football despite his hearing ability.

The answer is simple for him, he doesn’t let

being deaf get into his head and just has that sheer determination and passion for the sport he loves to play.

“I feel good about my life and I have this goal to one day possibly play football professionally and be in the Hall of Fame.”

Lewis said.

“I don’t worry about talking or hearing, just forget about hearing. I like to be deaf.

I just want to be able to be a great football player and just play football for my family,” he said.

Lewis grew up in Huntsville to Gayla Lewis and Michael Lewis. He has two siblings: Brother Michael Lewis Jr., and his sister Tai’quilla Lewis. They were raised in Trinity. It may not have seemed easy to some people, but his family had no problem communicating with him. They would have to do things such as point at certain objects or even write things down for him to read.

“Not everyone in my family knew sign language so they had to use their hands for signals to better communicate with me.”

Lewis said.

Lewis most recently attended Lufkin High School where he really showed his talent’s in football. He shined as a defensive end for

the Lufkin Panther’s Football Team. During the regular season his junior year he made his presence known by totaling 48 tackles and eight sacks. In that season some people may remember his game against John Tyler where he had a staggering 15 tackles and seven of those tackles were for negative yardage.

Now a freshman in college, he resides with the Ranger football team where he still continues to be a big factor for most offenses.

Lewis is a type of football player who most colleges would want to get their hands on, but his plans for a four year college are still uncertain.

“I don’t know where I want to go after KC. A college may look at me and if I become a really great football player than I might go to an out of state college,” he said.

One of the most unique things about Lewis is his attitude toward life and how he doesn’t let the little things get to him. “I never worried about being deaf it was fine with me. I love being deaf and only God can save me and guide me through my life like he has been doing.” Lewis said.

“I know that people are going to make it hard for me, but don’t feel sorry for me because I am a big man.” Lewis said.

For Lewis knowing God has really been one of the sole factors for his drive to keep playing football. “I am a Christian and a Baptist, I also love the Bible but most of all I love God he is great,” Lewis said.

Lewis really has a passion for the Lord and just loves how he has been with him through thick and thin throughout his life.

One of the coolest things to know about Lewis is the people who inspire him the most. It really meant a lot to him to have some special people in his life. “God and

my dad are the two people who inspire me the most and one of my old coaches, John Outlaw.” Lewis said “Coach Outlaw passed away three years ago, but he was still a big inspiration on my life.”

When there are people out there inspiring others it is easy to forget all the bad and focus on the positive. For Lewis it comes easy. He cannot hear what people are saying about him, but that doesn’t matter because as long as he has his positive role models inspiring him, life can only seem to get better for this young man.

“I know that people are going to make it hard for me, but don’t feel sorry for me because I am a big man.”

NFL fumbles on excessive celebration rule changes W

here is the fun in the NFL now? Most NFL fans will remember players like Chad Johnson, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, Terrell Owens, former NFL wide receiver, and Steve Smith, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver for their illustrious touchdown celebrations. These players would often get fined for excessive celebrations after the game, but were typically allowed to showboat during the game without being penalized in game.

Unfortunately these players would help pay to keep the lights on in the NFL headquarters with their fines. In today’s game these antics would cost their teams a 15-yard penalty for just about all of those celebrations.

Devin Hester, wide receiver/ return specialist for the Atlanta Falcons, recently broke the record for combined return touchdowns in a career (20; 14 punt, 5 kickoff,

1 missed field goal), formerly held by NFL Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders. Many fans thought that Sanders record of 19 non-offensive touchdowns would be an untouchable record, until Hester sprinted onto the scene in 2006.

On Monday Sept. 15, Hester RICHARD h i g h - s t e p p e d NGUYEN into the end zone after a 62 yard punt return that would break the record held by Sanders. The high-step was a dedication to Sander’s trademark celebration.

Hester ended up getting a 15yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for this act. This penalty caused quite the stir in the Georgia Dome.

Official NFL rules state in

Section 3, Article 1 D: “Individual players involved in prolonged or excessive celebrations. Players are prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground. A celebration shall be deemed excessive or prolonged if a player continues to celebrate after a warning from an official.”

Hester did not seem to violate any part of this rule.

His celebration was more of a dedication to one of the greatest NFL players, who also happens to be very close friends with Hester.

Sanders was never flagged for his famous high step.

The NFL even posted on the play on their official Twitter page labeling the play as a “must see play.” Which by all means was an amazing play, but they are also showing that they have a double standard when it comes to celebrations.

Brian Hartline, wide receiver of the Miami Dolphins, scored

a touchdown on Sunday Sept. 21 against the Kansas City Chiefs and celebrated with a group of teammates by pretending to be putting a golf ball in front of his teammates. Hartline was not penalized for this celebration.

This is a clear violation of NFL rules. Not only did Hartline participate in the celebration with a group of teammates, but also the celebration lasted well over 30 seconds.

The NFL now has made it illegal to dunk a ball over the crossbar.

It ended up costing the Atlanta Falcons a $30,000 fine and delaying the game over 20 minutes to realign the goal post. This was an appropriate punishment for an excessive celebration.

The line between excessive celebrations is very blurred in today’s game and varies from official to official. The old cliché “you have to call it both

ways” is lost in today’s game. If the officials are going to call a penalty on Hester’s “celebration” then they have to call one on Hartline’s group celebration as well.

The NFL has really taken a lot of fun out of the league in the past four years. I understand that they are trying to make it a safer league, but all the big hits that people would watch over and over again on YouTube have been deemed unsportsmanlike.

The rule changes have taken a huge toll on a lot of great defenses in the NFL. Slowly but surely the NFL is turning into a flag football league, giving more leeway toward the offense. There is a line between a big hit and a dirty hit and the NFL officials don’t seem to be on the same page.

Richard Nguyen is a freshman journalism major from Longview.

SPORTS

THE FLARE FRIDAY,

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26, 2014

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FOOTBALL

Redemption awaits KEVon PRICE Staff Writer The KC Rangers look to redeem themselves from last Saturdays 52-35 loss to Trinity Valley Community College. The Ranger will be hosting Navarro Community College at home this Saturday.

Both of these teams have an overall record of 3-1 and are looking to add a win to their conference record. Navarro is coming off a 62-14 win against Southeastern Prep, who Kilgore recently beat 52-14.

Through its first four games the Navarro offense averaged 47.5 points and 588 yards per game.

Most of the offense for the Bulldogs was covered on the ground.

The majority of the yardage gained came from running back Keaun Kinner, who is averaging around 160 yards a game this season. Other notable names for Navarro are Bivins Caraway, sophomore quarterback, and Austin Collins, sophomore wide receiver, who has snagged six touchdowns for the Bulldogs.

The Navarro defense this year has surrendered an average of 24 points a game. Key names for the Bulldog defense are: Jayd Kirby, sophomore linebacker; Ben Jones, sophomore linebacker; Quincy Vasser, sophomore defensive

tackle, Kendrick Johnson, sophomore defensive end.

The Rangers, on the other hand ,are still having a great offensive and defensive season despite their recent loss. Through their first four games the Ranger offense is averaging 40 points per game while averaging nearly 300 yards per game.

The Rangers look really strong on the ground and in the air this season. They have a pretty well balanced run game and passing game and are ranked 14th in the NCCJA poll.

Key players for the Ranger offense this season include the QB duo of Averion Hurts and Javelle Allen. So far both Allen and Hurts have thrown five touchdowns a piece.

The running game features a trio of backs including Keevon Aldridge, Corey Davis and Eddie Smith, who lead the way with 213 total yards on the ground.

The Ranger defense is looking to bounce back from last week’s breakdown versus the No.3 ranked Cardinals. The defense is led by Jordan Burton, sophomore safety; Joe Lynch, sophomore linebacker; and DQ Osborne, freshman defensive lineman.

Come out and watch the two teams go head-to-head at 7 p.m Saturday in R.E St. John Memorial Stadium in Kilgore.

Cardinals soar over KC DEVIn BRooKS Sports Editor The KC Rangers tangled with the Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals last weekend and TVCC defeated KC 52-35. This was the Southwest Junior College Football Conference game of the week and the 94th meeting between these two teams.

KC started the game with the ball on the 18-yard line. Quarterback Javelle Allen fumbled the snap and a TVCC defender recovered the ball. One play later, TVCC running back Louis Lopez ran in a three yard run for the first score of the game. On KC’s next possession Allen led the offense down the field with a series of passes that set up a 32-yard touchdown pass to receiver Louis Dailey. That evened up the score at 7 with 11:34 left in the opening quarter. TVCC answered two minutes later when quarterback Kyle Postma found receiver Andre Wilson for a 12 yard score to bump the lead to 14-7.

On KC’s next possession they called on their running back core to move the ball downfield. After an 18-yard option run by running back Eddie Smith, Corey Davis busted open a 32-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 14 with 7:16 left in the opening quarter.

KC forced TVCC into a three-andout, and that ultimately led to a six-yard touchdown pass from

quarterback Averion Hurts to receiver Patrick Brown. That score gave KC a 21-14 lead and that would be the last score of the high scoring first quarter.

The second, third, and fourth quarters were all TVCC. They ripped off six touchdowns during that time while keeping KC off the board completely. Allen scored on two quarterback rushes of four and five yards in the fourth quarter to make the score 52-35. KC seemed to lose their offensive edge after the first quarter and could not find it until late in the fourth.

Allen and Hurts went for a combined 25-40 with 301 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

The running back core had 22 rushes for 81 yards with two touchdowns.

TVCC’s Postma went 38-52 with 450 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.

Their running core had 46 rushes for 216 yards with two touchdowns.

TVCC is number one in the nation in total offense. This game showed their true colors. KC has a 3-1 overall record and a 0-1 record in the conference.

KC will take on the Navarro College Bulldogs in their next contest. Navarro has a 3-1 overall record and a 1-1 conference record.

This game will tell a lot about KC’s resilience. That game will be at 7 p.m. Saturday Sept. 27, at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.

2014 Ranger Football Schedule Date

Opponent

Location

Time

Aug. 30 Arkansas Baptist

Little Rock, Ark.

W 45-7

Sept. 6

Milledge, Ga.

W 28-19

Sept. 13 Southeast Prep

Kilgore

W 52-15

Sept. 20 Trinity Valley*

Athens

L 52-35

Sept. 27 Navarro*

Kilgore

7 p.m.

Oct. 4

N.E. Oklahoma (Homecoming)*

Kilgore

3 p.m.

Oct. 11

Cisco College*

Cisco

3 p.m.

Oct. 18

Blinn College (Hall of Fame)

Kilgore

3 p.m.

Oct. 25

Tyler*

Tyler

3 p.m.

Nov. 1

First Round of Playoffs

TBA

TBA

Nov. 8

SWJCFC Championship

TBA

TBA

Dec. 6

Bowl Game

TBA

TBA

Georgia Military College

* Conference game

THE FLARE

Quarterback Javelle Allen, of Prosper

SOFTBALL

Rangers 6-3 after doubleheader Logan HoLLoway Staff Writer

THE FLARE

A Ranger batter

A late run came in the late game on Wednesday to give the Kilgore Rangers Softball team a hard fought victory over Murray State in the second half of the day’s doubleheader.

Murray State was able to take the first game with a walk-off home run, ousting the visiting Rangers 4-3. After falling to an early three run deficit, the Rangers were able to battle back to tie the game up behind Marisa Ledkins’ two RBIs and a solo homer from Renee Jones. Despite the valiant rally from the visitors, Murray State was able to deliver a killing blow with a late seventh inning homer to end the game.

Taylor Sieber led the Rangers with two hits in the late game, and Hayley McCullers, Kelsey Ancelot and Lexi Lopez were each able to drive in runs for a 4-3 victory of their own. Jordyn Rodgers earned the win for the rangers, allowing no runs and just three hits in the first three innings. Hayley Vavra relieved in the sixth, finishing with five strikeouts, one hit and three walks. Renee Jones closed out the seventh for the save.

The evening’s conclusion leaves the Rangers with a 6-3 record heading into their Saturday matchup against the LeTourneau University Yellowjackets.

Game time is noon in Longview.

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

F E AT U R E

Behind the Scenes of

‘Rosencrantz & Guildenstern’

Maria Zapata / THE FLARE

Judah Armour, Kilgore freshman, left and Michael Atkins work on building sets for the upcoming play.

Maria Zapata / THE FLARE

Judah Armour and Xandur Moore carve plywood for a set design.

Paul Ngyuen / THE FLARE

Brett Lee and Annalise Powell take measurements.

Maria Zapata / THE FLARE

Various tools used in the production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”

Maria Zapata / THE FLARE

Brett Lee and Annalise Powell observe Michael Atkins using a chop-saw for set builds.

Williams: Actors gets chance to shine in upcoming play From Page 1 Williams recalled “having a frog in her throat” and being nervous the first day of rehearsals.

However, the second day and so on have being going swimmingly.

Williams said she has really been improving on her memorization and sense of acting.

“This is it. This is what I was hoping it would be,” Williams said, “It is definitely living up to my expectations.”

Williams went into the auditioning process comfortable.

She says the first day was nothing but fun for her.

The callbacks, on the other hand, made her more nervous because of how badly she wanted to be part of the show.

Now she is putting everything into her role and feels confident

that the show will reach its full potential.

The only aspect of the show that discourages her is that everyone on cast and crew are pressed for time.

Williams said she feels as though she is almost a step behind due to lack of acting experience, but is certain that she will catch and do her absolute best.

“Life is a gamble at terrible odds.

If it was a bet, you wouldn’t take it,” quoted Williams from her character’s lines.

‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’ is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, through Saturday, Oct. 11, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, in Van Cliburn Auditorium. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for KC students with a student ID.

Cast, crew, announced Victoria WhitWell Staff Writer “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” is a tragicomedy that focuses on Shakespeare’s Hamlet’s minor leads, ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.’

However, ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’ has Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as the major leads and characters such as Hamlet as minor roles.

Written by Tom Stoppard, the play focuses on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s untold stories while the story of Hamlet is only in the background. These characters are very clown-like and get confused easily. Though they are childhood friends

of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were assigned a mission to give the English king a message allowing to execute Hamlet. Unfortunately for them, Hamlet discovers their assignment and turns the execution on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Though there is a serious underlying, ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’ glazes it with senseless behavior and comedic entertainment.

CAST Krystall Ross; Rosencrantz Reid McDonald; Guildenstern Wendy Williams; Player Brett Lee; Hamlet Jedo Helpenstill; Polonius Brooke McNatt; Ophelia Ryan Forshee; Claudius

Hollie Berry; Gertrude Jamal Moore; Horatio Judah Armour; Tragedian Rayce Rockey; Tragedian Steven Mick; Tragedian Jacob Johnson; Tragedian Derrell Mitchell; Ambassador CREW Christian Hazel; Stage Crew Zoe Hill; Wardrobe Crew Sarah Farmer; Hair/Make Up Designer Shelby Martin; Hair/Make Up Crew Morgan Kidwell; Sound Designer Michael Chappell Manager Jadyn Batchelor; Publicist Brenna Toole; Stage Manager Annalise Powell; Assistant Director Michael Atkins; Technical Director Micah Goodding; Director

OPINION

THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Do you feel

‘It’s On Us’ campaign aims to change ‘sexual assault culture’ on campuses

T

SAFETY TIPS through Campus Connect 6. Call KCPD if you think you might be in danger or see something illegal KCPD - 903-983-8650 Longview - 903-236-2011

he Obama administration has just launched the “It’s On Us” campaign aimed at trying to rid our society of the “sexual assault culture,” specifically on college campuses. This is an admirable goal of trying to bring attention to non-consensual sex or unwanted sexual situations.

From drunken parties to school events, sexual assault can and does happen. It’s often ignored and not talked about, both during and after the event takes place. If no one is willing to talk about sexual assault, or even step in when it takes place, then how can we hope to stop it from ever taking place? This is not a problem that will go away by itself. It will require people to take a stand and stand up against such heinous acts.

It is estimated that for every thousand women attending college, there are 35 incidents of rape each academic year according to a 2000 report by the DOJ. Non-consensual sex, even if the victim is unconscious or severely mentally handicapped from alcohol and unable to say no, is the same as if they were wide awake and saying no.

As a community, we need to come together and confront this. Whether it is a prevalent problem on our campus or not, we must still talk about it. It can and does happen. We need to stop acting as if sexual assault has a stigma on it that prevents us from talking about it in the open. Without open dialogue, the problem will continue to exist within and without college campuses. As a society, we should be ashamed that this has become such a problem that our own government has had to go and start a campaign directly pointing out this issue.

Non-consensual sex should, by default, be thought of as outrageous and yet studies have shown that this is not so. If it were, then why do so few people intervene when they see it taking place? If the stigma didn’t exist, then perhaps we would have a larger number of victims come forward after it takes place.

Colleges should be more open to admitting if their campus has a problem with sexual assaults; but at the end of the day, it falls upon us, the students, to step up and do our part to help end such an atrocity.

Do you feel safe on campus?

How could KC make the campus safer?

Yes. “Have more nightly patrols for students walking at night.”

Yes. “ and random searches for weapons.”

Brooke Flowers Kilgore Sophomore

Courtney Lewis Los Angeles, Calif. Freshman

Yes. “Have more police around.”

Yes. “Constant ID checks enforced daily.”

Erica Mondragon Longview Freshman

Anthony Crockett Tyler Freshman

Photographs by Teamekia Franklin and Denise Macon / THE FLARE

YOUR VIEW

7

OUR VIEW

SAFE? 1. Be aware of your surroundings 2. Never walk alone at night 3. Always have your cellphone on you 4. Lock your car doors and hide any valuables 5. Sign up for Ranger Alert

PAGE

Laura Hernandez / FLARE FILE PHOTO

Helpful Hints: making commuting easier day by day

M

ost of the students at KC are commuters who drive back and forth from their own houses to school almost every day, every week.

Many seem to like the comfort of their own home compared to the almost non private life of living in a dorm.

They have no roommates to bother or tend to, not having to share a bathroom with strangers, no curfews, and no rules to follow.

But, being a commuter may be a nightmare (especially me, having to commute from Big Sandy to Kilgore every day).

But, never fear, a fellow commuter is here to give you some

quick tips on how to make your daily commute a Sunday drive on a Monday!

Get up earlier: I understand that you’re a college student and you need your beauty JORDAN sleep, but if you BAKER don’t want to be late, you should find a time to get up.

For example, if you live 30-45 minutes from Kilgore, it is best if you get up at least two hours before your first class. You can use the first hour to get dressed and

The Flare EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tory Van Blarcum OPINION EDITOR Jordan Baird FEATURES EDITOR Christine Ritter NEWS EDITOR Camron Portley

VOL. 78, NO. 4

cleaned up along with finishing up some homework, and the second hour for your drive to school.

Always have your things ready: Make sure you have all of your books, school supplies, binders, etc. ready and put in your bag before you go off to Kilgore.

Another good strategy is to leave your bookbag in the car. That way, you won’t have to look for your bag when you get ready. Reminder, turning your vehicle around just to get whatever you need will only make you a few minutes later for your class.

Remember the most important meal of the day: Always eat your breakfast. Eating at home or at school is highly recommended.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Copyright 2014, The Flare. All rights reserved.

Eating at fast food places such as McDonald’s or Sonic is alright, but most of those places may have long lines in the drive through, and they can burn holes in your wallet.

Obey all the laws: I understand that you want to get to class on time, but no one wants to be pulled out of their mangled car and given a CareFlite helicopter ride.

Always obey all traffic laws on the roads. Never go over the speed limit or pass in a no passing zone.

Never text and drive, and always wear a seat belt. Your life is more important than your English class (And I don’t care what your instructor says).

Have fun on your commute! : Face it, having to drive to school

early in the morning sucks, but why not have some fun?

Put on your favorite music while you drive, or listen to a funny morning radio show. Or, if you have a passenger, just talk about stuff such as school or whatever! And it doesn’t hurt to play a fun game of I-spy every once in a while!

Expect the unexpected: Always be alert and ready to have a backup plan. You’ll never know if your vehicle will break down, or if your everyday route is closed, so always have a plan if anything like that happens.

Jordan Baker is a journalism major from Big Sandy.

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 Communications-Automotive Building, Room

SPORTS EDITOR Devin Brooks

ADVERTISING Shelby Ragland

WEB EDITOR Dustin Taylor

STAFF WRITERS

DISCLAIMER

Holloway, Hunter Lohr, David McCarty, Richard Nguyen, Thao Nguyen, Kevon Price and Victoria Whitwell

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.

LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett ADVISER Rachel Stallard

PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Brown, Teamekia Franklin, Elexus Hodge, Sara Holmes, Denise Macon, Jon Nieto, Paul Nguyen, Shelby Ragland, Tory Van Blarcum, Tina Walls and Maria Zapata

or the Board of Trustees.

8

THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SPOTLIGHT

Comic Relief PAGE

Comic books often target of censorship COMMENTARY Kathryn agee Staff Writer

W

ere you required to read such classic novels as To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, or The Great Gatsby as part of your high school curriculum? Are you a fan of the book series The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games or Harry Potter?

All of these books have at some point in time been banned from school curriculums and libraries.

I believe it is important for students to know about Banned Books Week and to read challenged and banned books. Any person has the freedom to read and write whatever they want to without fear of coming under attack.

Many books have been challenged because they have ideas in them that question the status quo, or do not fit in with a certain group’s ideas or beliefs. Many books are banned for containing material that happen in everyday life, such as death and offensive language.

Some students either look at these challenged books as a reflection of their own reality and feel comforted in the fact someone understands them. Others may see the books as a reality they have no desire to be a part of.

The fact that people have different opinions when they read these books proves that they are a form of art that allows students to form their own opinions and ask questions.

Banned Books Week, held every year in the last week of September, brings together librarians, teachers, journalists and readers to express their support of having uncensored books available to everyone and the right to express freedom of speech.

In 1982, Judith Krug, a former librarian and First Amendment activist, founded Banned Books week. According to The American Library Association, 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982. The ALA states that Banned Books Week’s goal is “to teach the importance of our First Amendment Rights and the power of literature, and to draw attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society.”

Part of why Banned Books Week is celebrated is the fact that most banned books are still available and continue to be taught in school because of teachers, students and community members stand up for the freedom to read.

This year, Banned Books Weeks’ theme is graphic novels and comic books.

“This year, we spotlight graphic novels because, despite their serious literary merit and popularity as a genre, they are often subject to censorship,” Judith Platt, chair of the Banned Books Week National Committee, states.

The target audience for comic books has always been thought of as children, but since the early days of their inception, adults have enjoyed reading them as well. Comics grab the eye with interesting visuals and less words than your average novel, so people are more easily entertained by them.

Because many adults do read comics, some are more adult oriented than others. I believe the best way to know what your child is interested in reading is communicating with your child instead of banning the book.

On ALA’s 2014 Top Challenged Books list, the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, about two children who create a comic book, held the number one spot on the list.

Herge’s Tintin in the Congo has been banned from some shelves over accusations of racism.

The Belgian comic was written in 1930, and represents the art style and attitudes of the era. Because of its cultural significance and influential artwork and writing, it should be read with historical context in mind.

Last year the graphic novel Perespolis by Marjane Satrapi, which was adapted into a film nominated for a Best Animated Feature Academy Award in 2007, faced an attempted ban in Chicago Public Schools. The memoir about a girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution was part of the curriculum, then pulled without warning. Students spoke up and asked that it be reinstated, as it taught them historical information in a way they could relate to. It was not put back into the curriculum.

Neil Gaiman’s Sandman has been listed as one of the top banned and challenged graphic novels since it was launched in 1989. It was the first graphic novel to win a literary award, the 1991 World Fantasy Award for Best Short Story. It was removed from libraries due to “anti-family themes,” “offensive language,” and being “unsuited for age group.”

When asked in 2003 how he felt about his books being “unsuitable for teens” despite being in the Young Adult section of the library, Gaiman responded, “I suspect that having a reputation as adult material that’s unsuited for teens will probably do more to get teens to read Sandman than having the books ready and waiting on YA shelves would ever do.”

I have graphic novels that have been challenged on my shelves at home, including Watchmen by Alan Moore, Sandman by Neil Gaiman, and Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Boland. All of these books, while containing what some may consider sensitive subject matter, are highly acclaimed not just as graphic novels, but as works with high literary merit like any other novel.

Watchmen is my favorite of these. I first heard of the graphic novel after seeing the film

Sara Holmes / THE FLARE

Mark Lee Dickson of Longview, is President of the Comic Book Club.

KC Comic Book Club digs deeper Kathryn agee Staff Writer

W

ho is your favorite superhero: Batman, Superman, Spider-Man? Do you enjoy watching films like The Avengers or tv shows such as Arrow? Are you a Marvel or DC fan?

The KC Comic Book Club aims to bring together all types of comic book fans.

Mark Lee Dickson founded the KC Comic Book Club in 2006 as a KC student. After it fizzled out, he contacted Susan Wilson and Kathy Fair about relaunching the club.

“They thought it was a great idea.

I thought it would be fun and a great opportunity to do something worth doing,” Dickson said.

Dickson also runs the Longview Comic Book Club, which meets in the SovereignLOVE building in Longview every Wednesday night at 108 W. Pirate St. in Longview.

At every meeting of the KCCB, new attendees introduce and talk a bit about themselves. Meeting topics can range from favorite superheroes and villains to more personal stories such as who students consider a hero in their life.

Dickson said, “The conversation always gravitates towards comics and the ideas we find in them. We may or may not discuss some of the hottest news in comics, but we do discuss the heroes, comics, and story lines that mean something to us.

In that respect, it is a very student-led conversation about the comic book culture and what interests them.”

The KCCB brings together students who enjoy the comic book culture and “helps encourage and inspire students to not just read about heroes but to become heroes themselves by loving others and by laying one’s life down for them,” Dickson said.

The KCCB has quite a few events planned for the semester, held in

“

Maria Zapata / THE FLARE

Mark Lee Dickson of Longview and JJ Lacy, Longview sophomore discuss life altering concepts shared through comic books. conjunction with the LCBC. There will be a watch party for the CW’s new series The Flash every Tuesday night. Wednesday, Oct. 29, the 4th annual LCBC Halloween party and costume contest will be held.

A Thanksgiving feast is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 26.

The LCBC Christmas party is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17. All of these events will take place at the SoverignLOVE building.

The KCCB meets in the Randolph C. Watson Library every Tuesday from 1 to 3.

They started with five attendees, “but we are expecting it to grow pretty fast,” says Dickson. “Right now the LCBC is running about 50 students every Wednesday night.”

Dickson is the Director of the SovereignLOVE Building and the pastor of SovereignLOVE Church.

While impressing me with their words and visuals, they inspired me to ask questions about my own values and life.”

adaptation of the book, released in 2009. The film’s creativeness, tone and cinematography appealed to me, so I sought out the graphic novel it was based on.

Watchmen, first published by DC comics in 1986 and 1987, won the Hugo Award, an award given for exceptional science fiction writing, in 1988. It was the only graphic novel to appear on Time’s 2005 “All Time 100 Greatest Novels” list. Lev Grossman of Time said the story was “a heart-pounding, heartbreaking read and a watershed in the evolution of a young medium.”

Moore stated his idea for Watchmen was to see what superheroes would be like “in a credible, real world”. As the story expanded, Moore said it was now about “power and about the idea of the superman manifest within society.”

Because Watchmen is a story about deconstructing superheroes and takes place in an alternate version of our own history, it allows readers to ask questions about our own lives and who we trust to protect us.

When we put too much responsibility on superhero archetypes in real life such as celebrities or vigilantes, people who are in power such as political figures can abuse and use these people as they please or shove

responsibility onto them instead of solving problems in the world themselves. By expressing these ideas in a comic medium, these ideas become more relatable and interesting to think about.

I think many people ban or challenge books not just because of the content, but because of opinions like these that get young people to question authority. One way that people can begin thinking about things that are wrong in society and how to change them is to see these horrific things that happen everyday. By seeing a violent or upsetting scenario play out in an artistic medium, the first action should not be to ban it outright and act like it doesn’t exist, but to question why and how things like that happen in the first place.

Comic books and graphic novels especially resonate more with young readers because of the variation of writing and comic styles used. It is particularly upsetting that they are often banned and challenged because comics can allow people to think creatively and seek out books that appeal to their aesthetic tastes, instead of just reading words on a page.

I first got into comics, as I’m sure many people did my age, through the popularity of such film series as Tim Burton’s Batman as a child. Growing up, I always related to

The SovereignLOVE Building is based off of the Wesley Foundation and the Baptist Student Ministries Building at KC. Various churches and ministries help provide a weekly meal at the SovereignLOVE Building and Bible studies are held.

What makes the SovereignLOVE Building different is its role in creating and hosting several groups surrounding the comic book and gaming community.

“We have created a series of comic book and gaming groups for the purpose of building community and being a blessing to culture. I do these things because I am a Christian and I believe that this is what God wants me to do with my life,” Dickson says.

For more information, contact Mark Lee Dickson at 903-917-3839 or at thesovereignlovebuiliding@gmail.com

these tales of people who had gone through a traumatic event in their lives, yet came out of it with a need and desire to help others.

As I grew older, I discovered books such as Daniel Clowes’ Ghost World, Art Spiegelman’s Maus, and the work of Robert Crumb that took the medium of graphic novels to a whole other artistic level. While impressing me with their words and visuals, they inspired me to ask questions about my own values and life.

If these books weren’t challenged, I feel that I would still have read and loved them. But knowing that certain people don’t want them available at all to read makes me feel that, for someone to be so afraid or upset about words and pictures on paper, there must be some pretty important ideas beneath the gloss of the page. That makes me appreciate challenged and banned books that much more.

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s website, www.cbdlf.org, is a great resource for information on banned and challenged comics and graphic novels.

One page has a list and pictures of well known banned comics, including reasons why they have been banned or challenged, and some quotes from authors on their books being challenged. You can also join CBLDF, or donate to their cause with your money or time.

For more information on Banned Books Week, visit their website at www. bannedbooksweek.org , or contact the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom at 1-800-5452433.

Kathryn Agee is a freshman journalism major from Longview.