Vol. 81, No. 3 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
September 22, 2017
FALL ENROLLMENT NUMBERS
Outcome
Unclear 5,646 *As of press time. The number is incomplete until Oct. 5.
5,813 KC’s official enrollment count in Fall 2016. Includes dual credit students.
25
%
How much of KC’s overall headcount is composed of dual credit students.
Dual credit courses make final enrollment numbers hazy ALLISON TALIAFERRO Editor
Enrollment numbers at KC are still being calculated for a report to the state concerning our 12th class day. “We do not have an official count at this point,” said Chris Craddock, KC’s coordinator of public and sports information. “Our 12th class day numbers are still fluid with dual credit Career Technical Education (CTE) students still being registered. The Workforce (CTE) high school dual credit courses are flex-start classes in the fall semester which prevents them from completing registration by our fall official reporting date (ORD).” As the dual credit students wrap up registration, KC will soon be able to complete its official enrollment numbers. “We expect registration to be completed earlier than the 25th, but when students shift schedules between similar sections, corrections in registration have to be made,” he said. Community colleges in Texas have seen tens of thousands of high school students enrolled in dual credit courses in recent years -- and that number is growing. “KC’s enrollment numbers are typically higher in the fall with more students starting school,” Craddock said. The cut-off is after the 12th class day. Enrollment on the 12th class day is reported to the state for the purpose of determining formula funding for the college. Additionally, payment for academic course tuition by the students is complicated by workforce tuition that is either bartered or paid by districts under KC’s system. Even with academic transfer registration being completed, workforce registration is only partially completed with the ORD from these Sept. 25 classes being Oct. 5, Craddock explained. As a part of higher education, public community colleges in Texas are funded from three major sources: student tuition and fees, local property taxes and state appropriations. See Enrollment on Page 3
“We expect registration to be completed earlier than the 25th, but... corrections have to be made.” Chris Craddock, Coordinator of Public and Sports Information
Dina Robinson / THE FLARE
THE FLARE
PAGE 2 n FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
FACE IN THE CROWD
Sarah Barns Hometown: Tyler Age:19 Major: Communications What is your background in dancing? I started dancing in 6th grade. I was in dance for all four years of high school and was part of the drill team my sophomore and junior year, and served as an officer my senior year.
Lacey Bunn / THE FLARE
Why did you enroll at KC? I’ve wanted to attend Kilgore College to be a Rangerette since I saw them perform for the first time when I was in 7th grade.
What do you like about Kilgore? I like that Kilgore is a small city and it’s a good place to start college. What stands out about KC? Something that makes the college unique is that it is ranked as the number eight junior college in the nation and it’s the home of the first drill team.
What would you change about yourself ? If I could change how I approach challenges, it would probably be how overwhelmed and stressed I get before I ever start on something. How do you keep organized? A way I keep organized is by writing things down.
Board passes new tax rate Future campus roadway changes announced ALLISON TALIAFERRO Editor KC Board of Trustees adopted a tax rate of 17.5 cents per $100 valuation for the 2017-18 academic year in their regular September meeting Monday evening. This tax rate falls below the district’s effective rate. In August, the board adopted a $42.8 million budget for 201718 fiscal year — this budget would keep the tax rate at its current level. KC trustees also unanimously approved $107,500 to Kilgore ISD to pay for their part of the lighting project at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. The project was completed this summer to replace lights at the stadium for $283,700. Brian Nutt, chair of the property and facilities committee said the agreement was to split the cost evenly, but the $107,500 was not 50 percent of the costs. Kilgore ISD upgraded to LED lights and took on the additional costs with that. “We weren’t sure on our budget yet, especially from the state, and still looking at our budget how it was going to work out, and the ISD was a little more eager to get the lights up, so they fronted full payment of it,” Nutt said.
The Board also approved funds for renovations to the East Texas Oil Museum. The $36,000 has been designated to repair several aspects of the East Texas Oil Museum, including the HVAC system. The estimated cost of the HVAC repairs is $21,000, and security cameras and pointof-sale terminals will take up the rest of the funds. KC anticipates using all of the nearly $36,000 in that account for those changes. Upcoming changes to the roads surrounding campus were also laid out. These changes include opening more one-way streets to twoway traffic, adding four-way stops at various intersections and improving exits from the campus. The college has been working with city officials to approve traffic changes on the streets, which are owned by the city of Kilgore. The changes include putting in four-way stops and pedestrian crosswalks at the intersections of Nolen Street and Broadway, and Broadway and Laird Avenue. The city also agreed to change Nolen and Oak streets from one-way streets to two-way streets, with cars allowed to make right turns only onto Henderson Boulevard/U.S. 259.
Students gather in Mike Miller Plaza on Ranger Day, held Sept. 14, to learn the Ranger fight song and enjoy free food.
Monday night football at the Wesley KENDALL HURTT Staff Writer The Wesley Foundation has announced a new activity for KC students. Every Monday night, there will be a Halftime Bible Study at the Wesley while a National Football League game plays on TV. If you enjoy football, taking the time to fellowship with your elders and peers will be no problem. In addition to the
Monday night event, the Methodists and the Baptist Student Ministry will have a worship service together at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. This activity is meant to help people understand how two different denominations can come together and find a common ground in praise and fellowship. The goal of the Halftime Bible Study is to create a place on campus where members can serve as an example for those
Alma Cedillo / THE FLARE
RANGER DAY
willing to listen. At the intersection of Broadway Boulevard and Nolen Street, a bright light shines above the entry to the building, inviting those on the outside. Gene Evans, director of the Wesley Foundation, understands what it means to enjoy fellowship and would like for the Wesley Foundation to be a light to young adults who seek guidance outside of their normal environment.
Make your way to the plaza JAMIE WHANG Staff Writer Although students loitering is not allowed on campus due to the fact that it may cause other problems, it has been a prevalent issue for KC students. It is often reported that several students who live on campus “hang around” the parking lots. However, it is considered as loitering and students must pay fines as well. In order to prevent loitering, KCPD urges KC students to gather around with friends in the Mike Miller Plaza instead of the parking lot, especially at night. In the Plaza, there are
free Wi-Fi services (KC students’ account is needed to log in), the seating areas for many people and the lightings for students to do activities. Also, the poles in the Plaza have electrical outlets for students to use. The Plaza is free from traffic and is located in front of the KCPD which helps solve safety matters. According to the student handbook, no loitering in the parking lots or on the sidewalks around the residence halls is allowed after 11 p.m. Also, loitering by an individual or a group in front of the entrance to a building is not allowed at any time as this poses a safety hazard. The fines for loitering are $50 (1st time), $75 (2nd time), $100 (3rd time.)
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THE FLARE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017 n PAGE 3
THE PEOPLE OF KC - AN ONGOING SERIES
From
Rock Bottom
Aspiring social worker overcomes addiction SARAH REDFORD Staff Writer
M
egan Sanford spent her childhood in Jacksonville. “I had a good home life, we went to church regularly,”
to Hope By The Numbers
she said. As she neared graduation from Jacksonville High School, things took an unforeseen turn. “I became bored and tried drugs out of curiosity and rebellion.” Sanford said. This rebellion led to a pregnancy and the first of three prison sentences. She did, however, obtain her GED during that first term, “I was able to get my GED in 2006,” she said. The following years saw Sanford fall deeper under the influence of drugs. “My epiphany came when I realized what I had lost when my youngest son was taken from me. I lost family, a chance at normalcy. I lost it all,” Sanford said. Why KC and why now? “I wanted to better myself. KC is close to where I live so it was convenient and I can afford it,” she said. “I would not have been able to go to college and give it the time and attention it needed when I was younger. I was not in a good place then.” Sanford said. Her favorite classes at KC are the ones where the instructor brings the subject to life. She especially liked her psychology class with Dr. Williams. Sanford plans to attend Stephen F. Austin University when she graduates from KC in the spring of 2018. “I plan to major in social work because I want to give people hope,” Sanford said. In her spare time Sanford loves to garden. “I love flowers and making things grow,” she said. She also enjoys playing with her dog, Toby. If she had any advice to give her younger self, it would be, “I would tell myself to sit down and be still, drugs are not worth losing everything, they are not all there is,” Sanford said. “I would tell my kids to not follow in my shoes. I know I made mistakes but I hope you are proud of me and what I am doing, as I am doing this for them too,” she said. Sanford is most proud of where she is today compared to where she was three years ago. “I wish I had stayed in school, went to college earlier, stopped drugs sooner,” Sanford said. After obtaining her masters degree, Sanford plans to open a clinic to work with addicts. “We should not be so quick to judge another person, as you don’t know what they are going through. If you can breathe, you can change,” Sanford said.
4.3
n Million Americans abused illegal drugs, with marijuana as the most used drug. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health
20
n Well known centers can ask up to $20,000 for a 30day program. Source: AddictionCenter.com
23.5 n Million Americans are addicted to alcohol and illegal drugs. Source: Drugfree.org
11% n Only 11% receive treatment for drug and alcohol and illegal drugs.
“Sit down and be still”
Source: Drugfree.org
Megan Sanford , Kilgore, Sophomore
Elizabeth Lumpkin/ THE FLARE
Megan Sanford, sociology major, is a recovering drug addict who has turned her life around.
Enrollment: Base year numbers impact funds FROM PAGE 1 Headcount at community colleges, as well as Base Year Contact Hour information, make up a major portion of the General Revenue appropriation by the State of Texas. A base year starts after the reporting day of the spring semester in even numbered years for credit courses and March 1 in even numbered years for non-credit courses. Enrollment is counted for a full year, ending at the same time in odd numbered years. The next base year begins in 2018 and will be used as a determining factor for our state funding during the 2019-20 & 2020-21 instructional years. Another source of state
revenue is based on success points earned by the college. “Success points are awarded as students progress through developmental courses to earning college credit to successful outcome metrics. So in theory, the more students enrolled at a community college – and the more students who successfully progress through developmental education courses – will increase the amount of state appropriations received,” Craddock said. KC offers a diverse range of academic courses and cutting-edge technical programs. By focusing individualized attention in smaller classroom settings, KC’s graduates are better
prepared for the demands of university study, according to Craddock. “With the progressive vision of our board of trustees and a lot of hard work by our faculty, staff and administrators, KC has a proud reputation for its untiring commitment to student success and is committed to providing a high quality, affordable education for all of its students,” he said. “Whether transferring from KC to complete bachelor degree requirements or developing the essential skills to enter the workforce to earn a living wage, KC’s students are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.”
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PAGE 4 n FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
THE FLARE
Grant Worley/THE FLARE
De’Montre Tuggle, Channelview freshman runs drills during Tuesday’s afternoon practice. The Rangers look to continue their conference winning streak against Blinn College 7 p.m. Saturday at home.
Rangers rope Wranglers
KC keeps Cisco’s offense in check ALEC REYES Staff Writer The Rangers marked their second victory of the season with their first win in conference play by defeating the Cisco Wranglers, 41-13. KC held Cisco’s high-scoring offense to 13 points for the game. The victory now gives KC a 2-1 overall record for the season. Leading the way for KC on offense was quarterback Jalil Kilpatrick, Mansfield sophomore, who threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Aiding Kilpatrick through the air was Roger McCuller, Hallsville freshman, who threw for 43 yards and had one interception. Carlos Frank, Hitchcock freshman, led the charge for the Rangers on the ground by running for 100 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown. De’Montre Tuggle, Channelview freshman, also had 20 yards on 7 carries
with a 31-yard touchdown reception. The leading receiver of the night was Lucky Daniels, Crockett freshman, who had two receptions for 105 yards with most of that yardage coming from a 92-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter. Jonathan Mackey, Ennis freshman, also had 5 receptions for 27 yards. KC’s defense and special teams also had a strong performance. Morgan Vest, Leander freshman, had one interception, Darius Doakes, Sugar Land sophomore, blocked a Cisco extra point and returned it for two points, and Anthony Thomas, Montgomery sophomore, returned a Cisco punt 38 yards to the house. Jose Goite, Fort Worth freshman, also made a field goal in the victory. The Rangers returns home to face the undefeated Blinn College Buccaneers on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.
2017 SCHEDULE Aug. 26
Tyler Junior College
L 22-8
Sept. 9
Arkansas Baptist College
Sept. 16
@ Cisco College
Sept. 23
Blinn College
7 p.m.
Sept. 30
@ Northwestern Oklahoma A&M College
6 p.m.
Oct. 7
New Mexico Military Institute
5 p.m.
Oct. 14
@ Navarro College
3 p.m.
Oct. 21
Trinity Valley Community College
3 p.m.
Oct. 28
@ Tyler Junior College
3 p.m.
Nov. 4
1st Round Playoffs
TBA
Nov. 11
SWJCFC Championship Game
TBA
TBA
Bowl Game
TBA
W 55-0 W 41-13
Overall Record: 2-1-0 (1-0 SWJCFC)
RANGER PREVIEW: BLINN KC vs. Sept. 23
Blinn-
Saturday
Time: 7 p.m. at R.E. St John Memorial Stadium in Kilgore Coaches: J.J. Eckert; Blinn: Ryan Mahon
From Staff Reports
Last Week: Kilgore 41, Cisco 13; Blinn 31, Trinity Valley 27 Players to watch: QB Jalil Kilpatrick (25 pass completions, 437 yards, 2 TDs) RB Carlos Frank ( 16 carries, 100 rushing yards, 2 TDs) Jonathan Mackey ( 5 receptions, 5.4 avg. yards) Kilgore Defense: Troy Burnett ( 33 Total tackles, 14 personal, 19 assisted) Ty Hayter ( 30 TOT, 15 Tackles, 15 assisted) Matthew McClellan ( 17 TOT, 2 sacks, 8.5 tkl avg.) Did you Know? KC and Blinn have played 22 times since 1997, and Blinn leads 12-10 during that span … Blinn won 52-41 in 2016 … Blinn’s coaching staff has two former East Texas standouts (Eddie Jones of
Weatherford rains on the Rangers
Tiffany Johnson/ THE FLARE
Zecharius Nash-Kelly, Round Rock sophomore, runs through a tackle during a previous home game. Kilgore and Drew Coleman of Henderson) … Teams played for the first time in 1954, with KC notching a 73-6 win…Next: Blinn hosts TJC on Sept. 30…KC at NEO on Sept. 30 Keys to Victory: The defense has to be alive every second they are on the field.
Blinn has a very balanced and quick decisions offense. They’re most efficient on first downs. KC’s defense has to keep their heads on a swivel and be prepared to help way before the ball is snapped. - compiled by Kendall Hurtt
The KC softball team settled for a tie and suffered a loss against Weatherford here Wednesday, battling to a 4-4 deadlock in the opener and falling 8-2 in the second contest. KC built a 4-3 lead with two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth, but Weatherford rallied with a run in the bottom of the seventh. At the plate for KC, Hailey Nash tripled and drove in a run, and Tori Tovar added two hits. Marissa Molina drove in two runs. Katy Worrell went the distance inside the circle for KC, striking out five with no walks and allowing two earned runs on seven hits. In the nightcap, KC scored twice in the top of the first, but Weatherford went in front with a three-
FALL 2017 RANGER SOFTBALL SCHEDULE DATE DAY 23
Sat
27 30
Wed Sat
OPPONENT
TIME LOCATION SEPTEMBER KC Travel Ball Round Robin 9 a.m Kilgore 10:50 a.m. 6:10 p.m. Cisco College 1/3 Kilgore Letourneau Univ. 11/1/3 Longview
run first and added four more in the second and one in the sixth. KC managed six hits in the contest, including two singles and an RBI by Makenna Bell. Alyssa Maldonado singled and drove in a run, and Tovar, Shelby East and Shelby Edwards all added singles. Bri Ynfante shouldered the pitching loss. Jayda Emerson pitched four solid innings for the Rangers, striking out two, walking one and allowing no earned runs or hits in four innings.
The Rangers will host the KC Travel Ball Round Robin Tournament on Saturday at The Ballpark at KC Commons. KC will face Texas EliteMoreno at 9 a.m., GT Shockers at 10:50 a.m. and Texas Strike Force Elite at 6:10 p.m. Other games include Texas Strike Force Elite vs. Texas Elite-Moreno at 12:40 p.m., GT Shockers vs. Texas Elite-Moreno at 2:30 p.m. and GT Shockers vs. Texas Strike Force Elite at 4:20 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017 n PAGE 5
THE FLARE
The Student Newspaper of Kilgore College Since 1936
Vol. 81 • No. 3 Friday, September 22, 2017
Executive Editor Allison Taliaferro Page Editors Lisa Harris Kaitlin Mitchell Sarah Redford Lonnie Ross Lucas Strough Copy Editors Whitney Ervin Kendall Hurtt Gabriel Wade Yasmine Wilson Staff Writers Moises Ela Jamie Hwang Nelda Milligan-Turner Alec Reyes Chris Williams
FUNDS for your
Photo Illustration by Diana Castillo / THE FLARE
Adviser Rachel Stallard
FUTURE
Board of Trustees make necessary tuition increase
T
o the dismay of many here on campus, tuition rates have increased for students taking classes this academic year. A variety of factors come into play when the Board of Trustees is weighing a decision to increase tuition rates. However, what KC students may not realize is that they are getting a great deal on their education, even after the increased rates have been factored in. Funding for KC comes from both the state and local level. Local funding consists of tax revenues from local counties which are considered “in-district”. This means that taxpayers in these counties contribute a bit more money on their taxes, which goes toward KC. In return, students who live in these counties can pay a lower tuition rate for KC classes. The only problem with this arrangement is that when the local economy is suffering, tax revenues shrink and so do local appropriations for the college. The largest source of funding for KC comes from the state. Public colleges and universities are allotted a certain amount of money each year based on the number of credit hours students are taking. If enrollment is down, or if students are taking fewer credits, then the state will decrease the amount of
appropriations that a school will receive. That’s exactly what has been happening here at KC. For the past several years, enrollment has been dropping at KC and fewer credit hours are being taken overall. In return, the state has been reducing the appropriations for the school. In a Longview News-Journal article earlier this year, KC Board of Trustees member Joe Carrington said that the college is expecting an approximately $1.5 million decrease in state appropriations for 2017, 2018 and 2019. So, is the news all gloom-and-doom for KC students who are struggling to find the money to afford school? Not quite. “KC has the seventh lowest in-district tuition in Texas,” Carrington said, following September’s board meeting. Students attending major universities in Texas may be paying more than twice as much as an outof-district KC student per credit hour. The indistrict tuition for students is an even better deal. The Board of Trustees carefully considers tuition increases and these types of increases are not always the first choice when the college is low on funds. “The college administration makes
recommendations to the Board of Trustees and gives some options,” Carrington added. The Board of Trustees can then vote on several different tactics to balance the budget, including cutting funding for some programs, eliminating under-performing programs or pushing up tuition rates. This happened earlier this year when the Board of Trustees voted to eliminate the surgical technology, drafting and design and commercial photography programs. By offering degree and certificate programs in the most competitive fields, KC can attract new students and increase the value of the education that these students receive. “If we can keep enrollment up, if we can keep growing, we can get more state funding and offset any more tuition increases,” he added. As one of the least expensive community colleges in the state, an education at KC can pay dividends into the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with an associate’s degree still earn more over the course of their lifetime than students with only a high school diploma or a few completed college classes. The value of an education at KC can truly be found in the preparation it provides for the future.
Disco fever dies with bland audience “D
o you feel like you’re making memories? If not, we sell them in the lobby in the form of a CD for only $10,” said Scotty Pearson, ABBAFAB’s lead guitarist. ABBAFAB made their Kilgore debut Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Dodson Auditorium. The experience was a harrowing one — not so much the band, as the audience’s reception. After realizing that I was pretty much the only audience member in attendance under the age of 40, I shuffled into the auditorium feeling apprehensive. There was not a single student there, and although I’m no stranger to attending events alone, the lack of attendance surprised me considering the show was held on a college campus and was free. Regardless of how I feel about numbers, I really do love ABBA’s music and have been known to blast “Honey, Honey” on more than one occasion, so I decided to stay put and see it through until the end. The lights dimmed as I took my seat. Friendly chatter simmered down to a dull murmur. I anxiously
held my breath waiting for the tribute band to take the stage. From my desolate little corner in the back all I could see was a myriad of sequined jumpsuits and go-go boots. Keeping in true homage to their Swedish c o u n t e r p a r t s , KAITLIN two lead females MITCHELL (Chelsea Faulds ASSISTANT EDITOR and Jessica Kelly) stood front and center with two male counterparts (Scotty Pearson and Nick Davies) flanking them. The band rested on a raised platform behind the leads. They began their set with a fairly generic rendition of “Dancing Queen” but danced in synchronized rhythm, which was good enough for me. After that, I was hooked. Pearson had a great energy and was duck walking across the stage waving his guitar in the air. Faulds and Kelly followed keeping in perfect tune.
Photographers Lacy Bunn Diana Castillo Alma Cedillo Taliayah Clark Grace Garcia Tiffany Johnson Elizabeth Lumpkin Dina Robinson Grant Worley
Throughout the performance, each band member displayed a humorous side and cracked a number of jokes. The funniest crack came from Pearson’s explanation of his job. “The only reason I got this gig was because I already owned this [sequined jumpsuit] and had it in my closet,” he said. This joke was met with a multitude of others, including an insinuation about their drummer not really being Swedish and just someone they found in IKEA. There was also a quip about Kelley playing a greater role than just being a lead vocalist. “Her most important role in this production is that of the designated driver. She’s only 20,” Pearson said. Despite a great set, three impressive costume changes, and comedic efforts from all band members, the audience themselves were fairly unresponsive. The reaction to dry humor and requests for engagement were sub-par at best. Aside from a few measly arm waves and some half-hearted clapping, the only real participation came when the lead vocalists and guitarists joined the
crowd and offered to take selfies. A few audience members jumped on stage to catch a quick picture with the rest of the band. The show concluded with a farewell via a cover of “Thank You For The Music” and “So Long,” as well as an encore performance of “Dancing Queen.” Although I thoroughly enjoyed the show, I was greatly disappointed at the lack of KC students and the quiet nature of those in attendance. ABBA is a cultural phenomenon that I, along with several generations before me, grew up with. Their music is known worldwide and the crowd fell short in every aspect. I expected more from a crowd that was willing to pay $30 per ticket for an hour and a half of music. This being said, the performance itself was excellent. The costumes were authentic and the overall vibe was fun and light hearted. I would recommend ABBAFAB to any fan of the ‘70s, Disco, or just anyone looking for a good time. Kaitlin Mitchell is a sophomore journalism major from Overton.
Photography Adviser O Rufus Lovett
LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in CommunicationsAutomotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_ flare@yahoo.com
DISCLAIMER THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees.
Copyright 2017, The Flare. All rights reserved
PAGE 6 n FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
THE FLARE
Variety of activities take place in DSC
Freshman Decandra Smith takes a break between classes to play X-Box in the Devall Game room.
Game Room and TV Room Dina Robinson / THE FLARE
Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE
GAME TIME
Iran Jimenez, Longview freshman, shoots pool in the Devall Game Room during a break between classes. The room is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Students stay and play in Devall Student Center activity rooms NELDA MILLIGANTURNER Staff Writer
G
ames bring people to the table and that’s especially true for the KC Game Club. The club meets in the TV room on the first floor of the Devall Student Center from 3-5 p.m. on Thursdays, but games are played until 9 p.m. “Most of our members seem to find a sense of camaraderie in Game Club,” said Heather Fitch, KC Game Club sponsor. “And that is one of our main goals. But there are also international students who are using Game Club as a way to practice English, there are students with disabilities that use Game Club as a way to acclimate to the demands of college, and there are others who have excelled in their coursework with the help of connections they made in Game Club.” Josh Parks, club president, views the club’s members as family. “Board games can bridge any communication
problems with members and we encourage everyone to bring their games,“ he said. “The group is willing to learn new games,” Parks elaborated on the spirit of inclusion in the Game Club by describing an experience with a hearingimpaired visitor to the club. Even though the visitor brought an interpreter, club members still created a group chat so that everyone could communicate about games as a team. “I like that the club is non-judgmental and the games are picked by the entire group voting,” said Lisa Parks, club secretary. “Playing the games encourages self-confidence to talk and communicate in other areas of life,” she said. The club plans to attend the East Texas Rose City Comic-Con in Tyler on Oct. 28-29 and is exploring ways to work with businesses in the area for fund-raisers. The club also encourages community members who are sponsored by a student to bring their children along.
Diana Castillo/ THE FLARE
Freshmen students Nicole Woods, Alli Holt and Brendyn Massey relax in the student center’s sitting area between classes.
IF YOU GO
The KC Game Room and TV Room are located in the Devall Student Center and are open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Dina Robinson / THE FLARE
Freshman Joe Williams gets to school early to play Madden 18.
Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Freshmen Joe Williams and Decandra Smith spend their free time focused on the video console in the Devall Game Room.