Issue 10B - 11-18-11

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The Flare

Features “

Special Edition

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2011

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, ZDV LQYLVLEOH , KDG FURVVHG RYHU LQWR WKDW LQYLVLEOH UHDOP RI WKURZDZD\ SHRSOH , FRXOG KDUGO\ EHOLHYH LW Gus LaFosse, English instructor

Victoria Kelley / THE FLARE

English instructor Gus LaFosse holds a cardboard sign with similar wording to one he held last summer while living under the Murphy Street Bridge in Shreveport, La. He is an homeless advocate with the mission of changing society’s view of homeless people one street at a time. This December he plans on living for a month among the homeless community of Shreveport.

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Breaking theBox (QJOLVK LQVWUXFWRU OLYHV DPRQJ KRPHOHVV WR OHDUQ WKH OLIHVW\OH KRZ KH FDQ KHOS KASI DICKERSON Executive Editor

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itting on a weathered bench with street grime covering his unshaven face and torn clothes, he looks out into the sea of faces walking by. As he watches, he realizes that not one person has made eye contact with him or even acknowledged him in any way. So, he tries to start a conversation with a simple “good morning sir� and “good morning ma’am.� No response. Then the realization sunk in. “I realized I had passed from the mainstream society to the homeless society. People would walk by and not look at me, clearly ignoring the fact that I was there. I knew

that was a typical reaction, but I had never felt that,� said English instructor Gus LaFosse. “I was invisible. I had crossed over into that invisible realm of throwaway people. I could hardly believe it.� Last summer, LaFosse spent the hottest week in recorded history living as a homeless person under the Murphy Street bridge in Shreveport, La. Temperatures ranged from 110 degrees to 113 degrees. “It was a miserable week. It was so hot,� LaFosse said. “I would go to the library a lot, but I didn’t tell the other guys because I thought it was cheating. One day one of the guys asked me, ‘Hey, where did you go yesterday?’ and I said, ‘The library’ and I told him how I thought it was cheating and he said, ‘Your homeless; there are no rules.’’’ In the summer of 2009, LaFosse went on a mission trip to the Common Ground Community in Shreveport with

the Wesley Foundation for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. The Common Ground Community is a group of people working together to provide for the residents of the surrounding neighborhood. LaFosse’s experience here is part of the reason why he decided to live as a homeless person for a week. “It completely changed my life,� LaFosse said. “During the week, we mainly worked with kids and then we did church under the bridge and that’s what really inspired me.� With only a two-man tent, a can of bug spray, one gallon of water, a couple of books for reading and writing and a worthless camera, LaFosse journeyed to Shreveport to live with some “outdoor� friends. “It was not very different because I spent hours See HOMELESS on Page 2B

Extreme sport hits new heights *LOPHU IUHVKPDQ %HQ -RQHV FKDVHV SDUNRXU DQG IUHH UXQQLQJ KREE\ JOHN WALSH Staff Writer

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osing all sense of gravity, he flips through the air. With a swift landing, he rolls across the ground to keep his momentum going. Ben Jones, Gilmer freshman, has participated in the extreme sport of parkour for two years. Parkour is an urban sport that pushes the human body to its limits through jumping, running, climbing and flipping off of stationary objects. “It started when I saw someone do it and I was inspired by it,� Jones said. “It looked so fun so I tried it.� The first time Jones tried parkour was in a park in Minnesota. “I tried to vault over a railing that was 15 feet high,� Jones said. “I landed wrong and sprained both of my ankles. I got hurt; then I got better and tried again.� Despite injuries, Jones continues his “crazy

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crusade� of parkour and has brought it to KC. “I enjoy the adrenaline rush because I’m an adrenaline junkie,� Jones said. “I don’t plan on stopping parkour anytime soon. I plan on continuing it until I have important responsibilities in my life.� Parkour is seen as a sport for those not scared of heights, yet Jones is deathly afraid of heights. “I think it’s because one wrong move before I hit the ground could cause me to break both of my ankles or worse,� Jones said. “It slows me down, but I eventually try it anyway.� For Jones, parkour is simply an “adrenaline rush.� For others, it may be considered a lifestyle. “Ben is different from any other kids,� said Judy Jones, Ben’s mother. “Some of the things he does are crazy. If you don’t experience things in life you never know how far you can go.� Similar to parkour, Jones also participates in free See PARKOUR on Page 2B

, HQMR\ WKH DGUHQDOLQH UXVK EHFDXVH , P DQ DGUHQDOLQH MXQNLH Ben Jones, Gilmer freshman

Randi Branson / THE FLARE

Ben Jones, Gilmer freshman, jumps off the bridge as he parkours across campus. Parkour is an extreme sport that is popular in urban areas.

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THE FLARE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011

F E AT U R E S

Fulfilling a dream: It’s a design ‘thang’

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Amanda Edwards, Hallsville sophomore

DILLON SANDIFER Staff Writer

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rom Taylor Swift and Brantley Gilbert to Justin Bieber and Lil’ Wayne, everyone has an entertainer he dreams of meeting. For Amanda Edwards, Hallsville sophomore, it’s country rapper Colt Ford and on Jan. 5, 2012, her dream will come true. It started with a Facebook contest to see who could design Ford’s next concert T-shirt. “I kept changing my mind,” Edwards admits. “I was like, I’m not going to win so why even enter. So, I was pretty shocked when I won.” The contest deadline was Sept. 7, and she wasn’t contacted until late October with the news that she had won. “I jumped up and down and screamed,” Edwards said. “I was in Subway and people were looking at me. At first I thought it was just a joke.” As the winner, she will receive 10 of the shirts in various sizes for free, two concert tickets and two meetand-greet tickets for Ford’s Jan. 5

show at Graham Central Station in Longview. Designing the shirt was no easy task and her design took about a week to perfect. Edwards’ design began as crossed revolvers with wings. Then she added some lines spiraling out of the barrels and the words, “It’s a country thang.” “When I think of Colt Ford it makes me think of Colt 45, which makes me think of guns, and I just saw the crossed guns with wings on a necklace, and the saying is one of his songs from his new CD.” After Edwards was announced the winner on Ford’s Facebook page, several negative comments began to come in. Comments such as “Good Job Colt Ford, for allowing someone with no talent to win the contest,” and “That’s gonna be a no-go there Colt Ford.” “They (the comments) just made me want to hit these people with a baseball bat,” Edwards joked. “No, but really, it just made me realize that not everyone is going to like your style, so I just had to get over it and keep going.”

Although some people weren’t responding nicely, there were still some positive comments as well; comments like, “Great Job,” “Cute” and “Congratulations.” Some of Edwards’ friends even jumped into the conversation at her defense, including Matt Judkins, Longview sophomore. “I think the comments were just a natural reaction, maybe from someone that was a little bit jealous that their idea didn’t get picked – sounded like some 12-year-olds getting mad. It was a bit immature,” Judkins said. Judkins wanted to make one thing clear. “The point isn’t which idea was the best, but it was chosen by Colt Ford himself. So the haters need to just shut up and get over it.” Despite the negativity, Edwards isn’t letting that dampen her mood. She is still anxiously awaiting the concert. “I’m like, really excited, I’m counting down the days.” Edwards said. “I think I am more excited about this than Christmas break.”

Ana Rios / THE FLARE

Amanda Edwards shows off her winning entry in a Facebook contest for a T-shirt she designed for Country rapper Colt Ford.

Student driven by desire to create Parkour: Jones KADE BITTICK Staff Writer

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f anyone is passionate about several hobbies and wishes to pursue them as a career, one might consider asking Courtney Osteen, Kilgore sophomore, what being passionate means. “My goal, although it may be a pipe dream, is to have at least one song, one book, one screen play and one design published,” Osteen said. “I don’t think I ever really had a choice in the matter. There was never a moment when I became passionate about it; I was born passionate.” Osteen’s hobbies are playing guitar, song writing, writing novels, reading, graphic design and photo manipulation. Her inspiration comes from several sources. Osteen’s musical inspirations are not just from one artist or band, but from any one she can relate to. “I could never choose a favorite,” Osteen says. “There are those who I can relate to, those who inspire me, and those who keep me grounded. Art and music are expression – emotion – truth from the eyes of the artist,” Osteen said. “You can’t get any more real than that.” Osteen loves reading and writing novels. “My favorite thing to do of my passions is write; whether it’s a melody, a plot or a lyrical masterpiece.” Like music, she has no favorite in the matter of novels or authors. “It would be impossible to pinpoint; I believe every

story has a bit of wisdom hidden within,” Osteen said. “After reading any book, I come away from it knowing, feeling or believing something I never have before.” Osteen has a great passion for all her hobbies. “I want to pursue them all,” Osteen said. Still, she balances time for school and earning a degree while working full time at RadioShack in Kilgore. “I wish I had more time for school, but with bills and responsibility I’m forced to work around my job,” Osteen said. “It’s not the fastest way to a degree, but I am determined to have one no matter how long it takes.” Her creative personality is noticed by her co-worker Trent Cayce. “Working with Courtney is awesome. She has great taste in music and is very passionate about it,” Cayce said. “I love it when she plays her Pandora station at work.” Osteen was born with a creative soul. She is driven by her deep feelings and emotions as an artist, novelist and songwriter. If there is one thing Osteen is sure about, it is expressing her emotions through one of the many forms of her creativity. “I’ve always had ambitions,” she said. “Even as a young girl I wanted to do something with my creativity. It’s always been the one thing I’ve truly felt confident in. I am a creator – to do anything else is out of the question.”

stifles acrophobia for adrenaline rush FROM PAGE 1B

Amanda Robbins / THE FLARE

Courtney Osteen displays an ad she designed in graphic arts class. Her other interests include playing guitar and writing songs and novels.

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running. “It’s the same as parkour just without the fancy flips,” he said. “It’s more to the point.” When people look at the free-spirited Jones doing these outrageous stunts, they think that he is either a lunatic or he has guts. “[I think he is] brave and outgoing,” said Chelby Chifulio, Longview freshman. Jones says cops have told him to “stop acting stupid and start acting like you have some sense.” To others, Jones gives hope. “I’ve known Ben for over a year,” said Grayson Chapman, Gilmer freshman. “When I see him it reminds me of a happier time in my life.” Though there are many people who enjoy seeing Jones when he does his crazy antics, there are others who think that it is stupid. “One of these days, he going to mess his self up,” said Shaderon Slaughter,

Overton freshman. Jones’ career plans do not include parkour or freerunning. “My major is advertising and graphic design, but I’m contemplating changing it to theatre,” Jones said. Jones is taking 12 hours which at times can be stressful. To clear his mind, he takes midnight runs. These runs are mainly used as stressrelievers. Parkour and free running are not the only things that Jones does to occupy his time. “My other hobbies are drawing, acting and hanging out with people even if it’s someone I’ve never met. I also like playing video games,” he said. There are many things that Jones is and many things that he has done, but his friend Chifulio sums it up best: “Ben Jones is one crazy, awesome, adrenalineloving, cheesecake-loving, people person that acts like what he does isn’t dangerous.”

Courtney Osteen, Kilgore sophomore

Homeless: LaFosse returns to the streets FROM PAGE 1B visiting and it was exciting because it was something new and different,” LaFosse said of his first day under the bridge. “The more time spent, the more challenging and the more realization set in. Because I was homeless I had no resources like in a house; I didn’t shower, didn’t shave and after a few days I looked and smelled like a homeless person.” For the first four days, LaFosse didn’t eat; however, one day a church group brought food so he was able to eat. “One day I went to a Circle K [in Shreveport] who are very kind to homeless people, and my friends told me to go and get free ice. When I got there the ice machine was broken so I walked across town to another Circle K and they didn’t know me and a lady there said, ‘Here, why don’t you get an ice Coke and some hot dogs?’ I was very impressed by that,” LaFosse said. “Some people shocked me with how kind they were and some shocked me with how rude they were.” Every night he slept in

the same place for safety reasons. “It’s like a really bad camping trip! There is no way to prepare; you just have to look at it as an adventure,” he said. “There are some tough times and I have to focus on the 80 percent good and not the bad 20 percent. My goal is to reach people, make friends with them and do what I can to help them.” Before teaching English at KC, LaFosse went to McNeese State University where he was an adjunct instructor and student. After graduating, he taught at Lamar State University for one year before moving to Longview. “I’ve found I’ve been able to use what I’ve learned out on the street in class and what I’ve learned in class out on the street,” he said. “It turned out that my time in Common Ground prepared me for what to teach in Kilgore. I had never been in an English class where you had to give a speech and so I required my students to volunteer and give a speech about what they learned.” After seeing downtown Longview for the first time,

he realized how much the streets resembled the Shreveport area and he knew he wanted to help the community. “I’m in the process of opening a community house in Longview and that’s why I came to Kilgore College,” he said. “My first concern is a building. I have been making friends, but what is lacking is a building.” A community house is a constructive and positive place for making friends and resources. This December, LaFosse is going to live among the homeless community for a month. This time he plans on living in various locations in Shreveport. “I want to experience as much as I can to learn that lifestyle and how I can help them,” LaFosse said. “I will spend Christmas and New Year’s with my outdoor friends. I am using this opportunity to raise money for the community house. I will call the fundraiser ‘Survive-a-thon.’ I will encourage people to sponsor me.” To follow LaFosse’s “Survive-a-thon,” visit his blog at www.thegiftoflvoe.

blogspot.com. His reason for living as a homeless person is not because of some political or religious agenda. He is simply doing this because he shares a deep love with these people and he wants to connect with them and understand them. “I’m doing this because I feel called to be a homeless advocate. I cannot truly understand, love and serve these remarkable human beings without meeting them on their level,” LaFosse said. While at times his work may be challenging, LaFosse has learned much from these experiences and he encourages others to break out of their habitual thinking that pushes them away from people who are different than they are. “Don’t believe the stereotype about homeless people. They are not dangerous or uneducated and their homelessness is not caused by money or by being lazy. They are just the opposite,” LaFosse said. “The stereotype just gives people an excuse to ignore them. They are good people with problems.”

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Taylon Sharer / THE FLARE

Jese Epa is a long way from his home in Franceville, Gabon, Central Africa. He enjoys playing soccer and video games, wishing that KC had a soccer team. /L ZWLHRZ -YLUJO HUK ;LRL \UKLYZ[HUKZ :WHUPZO HUK 3PUNHSH HUK PZ ^VYRPUN VU ILJVTPUN Ă…\LU[ PU ,UNSPZO

Life, liberty, pursuit of MELISSA AOUAD Staff Writer

KNOWLEDGE

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rom Africa to the United States, Jese Epa, a freshman from Franceville, Gabon, Central Africa, embraces what Kilgore, has to offer. Why? “Because I love America,� Epa said, beaming. At age 22 and from a family of 13 siblings, Epa did what most international students have been brave enough to do; he embarked on one of the biggest journeys in his life by traveling across the globe. Epa decided he wanted to study in the U.S. when his aunt who lives in Vermont asked him what he wanted for his graduation present after he finished high school in Gabon. He originally wanted to drive, but thought it more advantageous to study abroad. “If you don’t come here to study in America, it will be hard for you to come here,� Epa said. Before arriving in Kilgore, Epa studied at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire; however, he quickly realized that it was too expensive. Being an international student is a lot more costly than being an American student. A friend of his had already studied at KC and informed Epa that KC was much cheaper. With that in mind, Epa accepted the opportunity. Epa’s

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aunt, who is also his sponsor, was paying $2,000$3,000 a month for Epa’s school fees at Plymouth. Now that Epa has transferred to KC, his aunt is paying $2,000$3,000 a semester instead of per month. Epa is fluent in French, as it is his first language, as well as Teke, his native language. He also understands Spanish and Lingala; however, he wishes to be very fluent in English. Epa is now taking ESL (English for speakers of second language) classes at KC. “It is very hard to learn another language when you’re not young,� Epa said. His family back home supports his decision to study in the U.S. They feel it is the best thing for him because it is harder to study in Gabon. “If you study outside your country, you must focus because you know why you came here,� Epa said. He misses his family the most. “They are proud of me,� he said. Missing home for the first three months made him shy, keeping him away from others before he finally decided to reach out and make friends. “When I was in Vermont I spent all of my time on Facebook because I wanted to talk with my friends. I missed my friends.

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Even if I spend 10 years here I will miss my country because it is my country; I spent most of my life over there,� Epa said with a pensive look on his face. Epa misses the food from back home. He hasn’t had any African food since he has been in Kilgore, but he can cook. His mother told him, “When you get to America, you have to cook or you won’t eat.� Now he cooks and his friends come and join him to cook certain dishes that they enjoy, such as rice with fish, chicken or beef. Another cultural dish that he has not had since he has moved to Kilgore is Fufu which can be made from yams; however, the Gabonese make it from pounded Cassava. Despite being homesick for a few months, Epa finally started making friends and enjoying what he loves to do the most, play soccer and video games. “I love soccer and I wish Kilgore College had a soccer team here,� Epa said. Despite the weather being too hot for him, Epa has not stopped playing soccer and hanging out with new friends, including Jessica Kabala, Congo freshman.

Epa and Kabala met during the international students’ orientation outside Brenda Thornhill’s, international students coordinator, office. “Do you speak French?� Epa asked. “Oui je parle francais,� Kabala replied. In English this means, “Yes, I speak French.� Excited that the two both spoke French, they became good friends, fast. “He is not quiet; he is funny,� said Kabala as she explained Epa’s true personality. “[He is] a caring person. Sometimes it is hard to see him in a bad mood. I like the fact that he is always in a good mood and can forget about your worries and just have fun with him.� There are many students from all over the world who attend KC, many of which are French speaking and African like Epa and Kabala. Even though he is a long way from home, his new friends are like family and he especially enjoys talking with the students from RealTalk as well as interacting with others. Epa may be a freshman but he certainly knows what he wants.

He prefers to live in an apartment than the dorms because he feels too contained in a dorm. Epa is an accounting major planning on becoming a banker. “I think I will feel good as a banker; I love banking because it is a good job,� Epa said. It was not a smooth road coming to the U.S. Facing some trials, Epa wanted to give up; however, he says it is not easy for him to stay in such a mood and he must keep going. It was difficult to come to America because the U.S. Embassy asked a lot of questions and asked for a lot of money. “In my country you cannot work when you go to school; it is difficult, but here you can do both. America has many opportunities. In Africa it is difficult to make your dream of coming to the states a reality. In every country everyone makes a dream to come to America because here they have more opportunities, but I gave up because it is too hard to get money to come here because everything is expensive,� Epa said. He had given up on his dream at first, but his aunt brought that dream back to life. Epa might go back to Gabon to visit in two years and then come back to the U.S. to finish his studies. Later he might return to Gabon to work. Despite the set backs, Epa made it to America and his dream became a reality.

Pageant rookie scores big win, eyes statewide title ASHTON JOHNSON Managing Editor

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s the stage lights beamed and the photographers’ cameras furiously flashed, nine contestants stood in anticipation of being crowned Miss East Texas Teen in the Tatum High School Auditorium on Feb. 26. Senior dual credit student, Peyton Head locked her knees underneath her yellow evening gown to keep them from shaking. Her heavy crystal earrings pulled at her ears and her thick brown curls clung to the back of her neck as she slipped into a cold, nervous sweat. “I had never experienced a pageant before,� Head said. “I was so nervous. All I could do was stare out into the audience and hope no one else noticed my mini panic attack.� Just three months before the pageant, Head was asked to participate by Amy Haden, the official recruiter for the Miss Teen USA system in the East Texas area. “Amy Haden was friends with my boyfriend’s mom at the time,� Head explained. “When she asked if I would participate I was really unsure, but after some decision making I realized I didn’t have anything to lose.� Head had only three short months to prepare for the pageant. “Preparation is super stressful, but I’ve learned a lot about myself through this experience,� Head said. “It opened a plethora of doors for me and prepared me for the real world.� Head competed with eight other contestants for the title,

participating in an interview, opening dance, parade of dress, modeling swimsuits and evening gowns. “They were eight of the most beautiful people I had ever seen,� Head said. “I hadn’t had the kind of training these girls had and several of the girls already held titles.� Being the outgoing, bubbly young woman that she is, Head instantly made friends with the contestants. “She was energetic, enthusiastic and uplifting of everyone who participated,� contestant Amanda Goodson said. “She somehow managed to make us all feel more motivated and at ease all while still maintaining her own composure and grace. She is a beautiful person inside and out, and I am blessed to have met her.� That evening, as Head stood on the stage trembling, she was announced first as a runner-up and because of her high scores given the title Miss East Texas Teen. “God was the only reason I won,� Head said. “I was just sincere and honest and made a stand for what I believed in.� Head recently attended a mission trip to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola as one of her many tasks as Miss East Texas Teen. “Giving back has been my favorite part,� Head said. She will compete for the title of Miss Teen Texas in Houston on Nov. 25-27. “I hope by example I can show the girls at the pageant that true beauty is achieved from the inside out,� Head said. “It was a gift meant for a bigger purpose.�

Jake Scarborough / THE FLARE

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THE FLARE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011

FEATURES

Changing lives One smile at a time

ARIANA RILEY Staff Writer

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Cara Herbert / THE FLARE

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hen you walk into counselor Melissa Dobbs’ office at KCLongview, nothing seems out of the ordinary. It is well-decorated with everything a standard office should have. But the one thing that may catch your eye is that there is no office chair behind Dobbs’ desk. Instead, the standard office chair sits against the opposite wall, suggesting it is not used very often. It almost appears as if Dobbs is sitting in midair, but in reality she is sitting on a red stability ball. Dobbs started using the stability ball at the beginning of the year when her trainer recommended that she use the ball to help with her back problems. “You have to have good balance,� Dobbs said. “My back doesn’t hurt as much at the end of the day after sitting on the ball as compared to the chair. It may sound a little strange, but actually sitting on a unstable surface helps your back because it forces proper alignment since your body will have to automatically try to align into the proper posture. Also, having to constantly change positions will help reduce damage caused by sitting in the same positions for a long time. It does

take some getting use to at the beginning. It takes a little practice moving around without falling off the ball.� When Dobbs first decided to bring in her alternate desk chair, Dr. Julie Fowler, KCLongview dean, was a bit surprised. “She [Dobbs] came to my office and said that she had brought her own chair to use in her office,� Fowler said. Dobbs explained to Fowler that she brought the ball because her trainer advised her that it would help with her back issues. “Needless to say, I was very surprised. I wondered how long she would continue using the fitness ball. So far, I believe she has used it consistently every day,� Fowler said. Dobbs has even inspired Fowler to try a fitness ball at home. Dobbs does not use her office chair very often; only sometimes when she is drinking coffee or tea so that she will not spill anything on herself. She encourages students to try it by offering the chair to students or to parents who come into her office. “The ball is fun and is definitely a conversation starter with students who notice I’m sitting on a ball,� she said. “I think it’s a good thing to do. Everyone should try it.�

t 18 years old, Kristin Koonce, White Oak freshman, knows she wants to be a motivational speaker. “I want to do all that I can to make another person’s life shine a little bit brighter than it did before,� Koonce said. Coming from a close family, Koonce loves spending time with her two older brothers. One of her favorite things to do with her brothers is quoting movies, her favorite quote being “I love to smile. Smiling is my favorite,� from the movie “Elf.� “We always have fun together everywhere we go, even if we’re just sitting around the house,� Koonce said. One of Koonce’s favorite family memories is hanging out at her aunt and uncle’s house which they still walk to since they live right down

the road. “We usually stay up pretty late just laughing, eating and enjoying one another’s company,� Koonce said. Brittani Pfau, White Oak freshman, says Koonce is the most outgoing person she knows; her personality is genuine and she loves getting to know strangers. “I’ve known her since we were in kindergarten and there’s not a person who didn’t know Kristen in White Oak. She talked to everyone,� Pfau said. Koonce attended school with Pfau in White Oak for 13 years. “She is such a godly young woman and strives to honor God with all that she does. It’s evident in the way she treats others. She can make any situation lighter. The girl is hilarious,� Pfau said. Throughout high school, Koonce was a member of the varsity basketball team and threw shot-put for the varsity track team. Koonce was also a percussionist in

the White Oak Band. “I loved high school; I enjoyed every minute of it. Getting to say hi to other students, no matter who they were, always puts a smile on my face,� Koonce said. Even now at KC, Koonce is well known around campus. “She makes the whole class laugh in zumba class. You can always tell if she’s absent because the class is just not the same without her,� said Daniela Winget, Longview sophomore. Koonce’s purpose in life is to glorify God, she wants for others to look at her and know that she is a follower of Jesus Christ. “I just want to make a difference in other people’s lives. I love being happy and getting involved with other people to motivate them,� Koonce said. “I want to do all that I can to help others smile a little bigger and laugh a little harder. You never know who’s going to need a smile.�

Ashley McCurly / THE FLARE

Kristin Koonce displays the famous smile she is known for. Koonce prides her life on making other people’s lives brighter.

Recruiters prepare students for college 6WXGHQW $PEDVVDGRUV WDVNHG ZLWK SUHSDULQJ SRWHQWLDO FXUUHQW VWXGHQWV IRU FROOHJH OLIH KHOS WKH FDPSXV WR JURZ DV D FRPPXQLW\ JIMMY WARWICK Staff Writer

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C attracts students in various ways, but the office of recruiting services is the main way the campus gets information to prospective students. KC’s recruiting services has many ways to show a prospective student that the college cares, such as reaching prospective students with a magazine, cards, campus visits, phone conversations, operation application and Preview Day. “One crucial objective is to get students to come visit the campus. We are confident if we can get them on campus, it helps determine their decision,� said Eloise Ashley, associate director of office of recruitment services. The Ranger Ambassadors are also a huge part of recruiting. “It’s a very rewarding experience; you get to expand on your communication skills,� said Kaycee Berry, Kountze sophomore. The staff at the recruitment services relies on the student ambassadors being able to relate to prospective students in a manner that the staff cannot. This is why the Ambassadors go on recruiting trips in the East Texas area, as well as lead tours for prospective students when they come to visit. The recruitment services also have started Operation Application, which helps recruiters show concern for future students by helping them apply to KC or colleges that are out-of-state, hoping that when these students return home for their breaks they will come to KC for their mini-semesters. Deirdre Mullins, admissions specialist and official recruiter for KC,

Randi Vinson / THE FLARE

Bria Jones and other Ranger Ambassadors answer phones at the help desk in the Devall Student Center. Student ambassadors are often tasked with responsibilities that allow them to assist students while also giving information about the campus. goes to schools in the local and Dallas areas to recruit. Recruiting is a busy job and sometimes it takes more than Mullins to complete the process of recruiting during September. When Mullins goes to the Dallas area to recruit possible students, it is not uncommon for a student ambassador alumni to go along with her. “I enjoy it quite a bit because it gives an opportunity to get to push Kilgore College. It’s quite rewarding,� said Manny Almanza, coordinator of marketing operations and outreach. In November, KC recruits heavily in the East Texas

area. Recruiters also help students apply to KC and financial aid. “College wasn’t a big plan for me,� said Miguel Angel Falcon, Overton freshman and Ranger Ambassador. Which begs the question, how many students had felt this way before seeing the KC banner on a table in the walk way of their high schools? Some students, like Falcon, had not planned on going to college until they found out that it wouldn’t be that hard to be accepted into college. Those who work behind the scenes of the recruiting office believe in their message so much that they

have become like a family. “The only way for us to be able to be better at recruiting is being able to bond with one another,� said Brandon Demings, Duncanville freshman and Ranger Ambassador. The recruiting process for KC involves hopeful students filling out an inquiry card. The cards are kept and stored into a database where the recruiting department can draw from the information to send prospective students information and graduation or senior cards. The department will also send out the Career Focus Magazine where students

can learn what KC has to offer. These magazines are also given away at the college fairs. If prospective students are interested in more information about KC, they can call the campus and speak with the staff. There are students who are called telecounselors that call prospective students who have shown interest in the college. KC will then send them a packet that includes the price of KC and also how to apply for student aid and housing information for students who do not live in-district. All of these measures lead up to the grand finale of KC recruiting, Preview Day.

This is the day where recruiters can meet and communicate with prospective students who live countless hours away. This day allows future students to find out what would make them want to attend. Staff stations show what the students will learn on their majors and the students will be able to talk to student ambassadors about the campus lifestyle and things they may be afraid to ask the instructors. After seeing all the hard work that KC’s recruiting services does for the campus, it’s clear that Miguel Falcon said it best: “It works.�

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Worley brings encouragement KEIRA PHIPPS Staff Writer It is Friday night and the last buzzer has sounded, and all the fans have dispersed. Both KC basketball teams and their opponents make their way back to their homes. Four cars are still parked in the spaces outside Masters Gym, sitting idle until last-minute tasks are completed: those belonging to head coach Brian Hoberecht, assistant coach Kendrick Franklin, their faithful manager Gibby and assistant coach Mike Worley. “We always eat our Whataburger [after the home games] together, just me and coach,” said men’s basketball manager Gibby Gibson in his usual eager tone. He is simply known as “Coach,” but Mike Worley plays an important role in the Ranger Basketball program. His words of encouragement are motivation during practice and his inspirational chats during Bible study keep the men calm in times of pressure. “Ya know, coach Worley tells you the bad but always just tries to lift you back up,” said Ashton Khan in his Canadian swagger. Worley’s religious faith is a big part of why he can keep his cool. Worley said he accepted Christ when he was 9 or 10 years old. A Nebraska native, Worley was born in the small farming town of Oshkosh outside of Lexington. His parents owned a ranch, and Worley grew up roping calves until he found an interest in Amateur Athletic Union Basketball. Basketball scholarships took Worley to Coffeyville Community College and Creighton University. He also was able Jamie Maldonado / THE FLARE to obtain his master’s degree while on scholarship at the University of Denver. Mike Worley, assistant men’s basketball coach, feels right at home in Masters Gym. In addition to During his two years at Coffeyville, Worley coaching, he enjoys leading a weekly Bible study.

found himself busy both in and out of school. He wrote football stories for the local newspaper and received the 1993 NJCAA Student Athlete of the Year as acclamation of his hard work. “I was active in such ministries like RealTalk,” he explained. Worley took an interest in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization and served as the president during his two years at Coffeyville. This set the foundation for him to tour with churches and speak at seminars. “I think I spoke in like 22 states,” Worley said. “I jetted around.” Talking to young people about abstinence is something Worley believes. “God wanted me to talk about it,” he said. Worley’s crusade for Christ continues as he holds Bible study for a small group of basketball players on Wednesday nights. “I love the small group because it helps us get a feel for coach,” said Chin Amajoyi, KC guard. Coach’s Wednesday Bible study began with only two members of the men’s team and it now involves seven from both the men’s and women’s teams. “I just have a desire to be an influence,” Worley said. In Bible study Coach tackles such topics as pre-marital sex and abstinence, pride and having a better relationship with Christ. This close-knit group of Christian athletes all agrees that coach Worley’s openness and willingness to share life experiences related to the word is comforting. “He brings the positive out in anything,” Khan said.

Former MVP scores success, inspiration on coaching staff D’ANZIA ROBERTSON Copy Editor

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endrick Franklin, assistant coach for men’s basketball, is not just the average coach. Franklin has an outstanding past when it comes to basketball. He attended Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, La., where he was selected as First Team All-State twice, State Championship Most Valuable Player and was a MVP of the Top 28 Tournament. Not only did Franklin receive more awards than these, but his college basketball number, 22, was unanimously voted to be retired. “It’s a good feeling to be rewarded for a individual accomplishment,” Franklin said. After high school Franklin played college basketball at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La., where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. “[Basketball in college] is more a business; whereas, in high school it’s an activity to do,” he said. After college Franklin played in the professional ranks in the USBL with the Atlanta Trojans, but he didn’t stop there. He also went to France to play with Toulouse, a French League. “It was a good experience,” Franklin said. “You get to see how other people play and broaden your horizons.” Franklin’s decision to coach didn’t start after college. “I never really thought about being a coach, but when I was in Louisiana

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I always helped my friend practicing with this high school team,” Franklin said. “He suggested I coach because I was good with kids.” Following his friend’s suggestion, Franklin decided to coach and made the transition from high school to college. Coaching has not only become a career for Franklin, but has helped him make a difference in students’ lives. “The thing I enjoy most is having an opportunity to influence guys’ lives with basketball because it can expose them to many different things,” he said. Franklin’s outstanding past has led him to where he is now, as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. “It was an opportunity to coach at the collegiate level,” Franklin said. “I think Kilgore College has many wonderful things to offer and the people on campus make it an enjoyable work environment.” Franklin’s job as assistant coach includes – but is not limited to – scouting, recruiting, academics and floor coaching. While many coaches and players around the world are inspired by winning, Franklin finds inspiration in other places and people. “I’m inspired when I see players come through the program then continue their education or career at four-year institutions and then graduate and become productive citizens in the world,” Franklin said.

7KH WKLQJ , HQMR\ PRVW LV KDYLQJ DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR LQ˕XHQFH JX\V OLYHV ZLWK EDVNHWEDOO Kendrick Franklin, assistant coach

Jamie Maldonado / THE FLARE

Kendrick Franklin, assistant coach for men’s basketball, enjoys his job and the opportunity he has to make a difference in students’ lives.

Happy Holidays KC & Good Luck Graduates from:

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011

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