Issue 19A 4-8-16

RANGERETTE REVELS 2016

“THE SHOW MUST GO ON” Check out Section B for features and photos

Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE

Gabby Azios lays out in the “Off Broadway” act during Revels.

The Flare

Friday, April 8, 2016 Vol. 79 No. 19 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

Students sip Starbucks

Flare sweeps TIPA Staff Reports

Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE

Students order Starbucks brand coffee at KC Brew, located inside the Randolph C. Watson library.

MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor The campus coffee shop, KC Brew, has officially opened its doors on campus for students to purchase Starbucks brand coffee. It is located inside the Randolph C. Watson Library, which is currently still under construction.

The shop is filled with coffee, pastries and on-the-go food students will be able to enjoy, either while sitting on the stools in the shop or around campus.

“The coffee shop was set up as kind of an incentive when we signed for a new contract with Kilgore,” said general manager

of ARAMARK KC, Gary Crouch, said. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do these past three years on campus.”

KC Brew had a pre-run the week before its official opening, offering students free grande sized frappucinos in order to give ARAMARK employees practice on making drinks and students a taste of what will be sold.

Students can use Ranger Bucks that come with a meal plan to purchase items.

“You will also be able to get pastry goods, bottled beverages, as well as pre-packaged stuff, such as salads, sandwiches, fruits and other items,” Crouch said.

ARAMARK employee Alexis Bailey, said many students are excited about the coffee shop.

“There was way too many [students] to count,” Bailey said.

“I didn’t work all of the shifts, but from what I was on, it was pretty busy. The students are awesome here and they seem to really enjoy our product.”

Students believe it was a great idea to open a coffee shop on campus.“I think it’s super smart.

They are going to make money for sure,” Theatre major and coffee drinker, Hannah Sanders, said. “I came in last week and there was a whole bunch of people here. I came earlier this morning and got something to

Work Study: Part 2 of 3

Nursing student succeeds working at computer lab Computer lab provides experience, interactions with others MAX CERVANTES Staff Writer The computer labs located at Kilgore College are mostly run by a very helpful and friendly staff.

What most people do not realize is that the friendly staff is mostly made up of students trying to earn some income while attending to their studies. In the computer lab located in the ATV building, Michael Chappell, Henderson sophomore, works assisting students in whatever way possible.

Chappell is currently working toward his nursing degree.

Chappell will be working at the computer lab for four years in August. In the lab, Chappell helps students with any questions they might have while using the

computers or about writing a paper for a class.

“I went up to work study about an on-campus job and they picked my best match because I worked in a computer lab since middle school and high school,” Chappell said, “They figured I had enough training so I sat down and interviewed and next thing I know, I’m working here.”

Space is very limited for any KC student who looking for work study opportunities.

“We get at least 100 applications for the fall and about 50 for the spring,” said April Pettigrew, Veterans benefits and work study program coordinator, “Right now I have 51 work study students on campus.”

Besides making money, there is

always some benefit to having an on campus job. “I get to work on my homework just as long as it’s not too busy or hectic and I like that,” Chappell said, “It’s quiet and relaxing, and I’m making money so I can’t complain.”

With Chappell working on his nursing degree, working with students and assisting them is an excellent way for hands on career experience. “It’s not really tied to my major but at least it’s giving me job experience and I help people in a way,” Chappell said, “[Working in the computer lab] gives me more time to focus on my studies.”

Many students have different ways of dealing with stressful

drink, something to eat, and there were people in here.”

The shop will not carry every item Starbucks does, but will carry certain items because of it being a “We proudly brew Starbucks,” campus coffee shop.

“We are not a full Starbucks.

We promote Starbucks,” Crouch said. “When you walk in you will see its name, its logos and all.

However, since we are not a full franchise, we have to promote it as a campus coffee shop.”

Until an official schedule is posted, the shop will be open 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

KC photography instructor O. Rufus Lovett was named Charles T. Choate Adviser of the Year and The Flare newspaper staff won Sweepstakes in its division over the weekend at the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) convention held March 31 to April 2 in Dallas. The newspaper also took home a second place in Best of Show, competing against nearly 50 universities and community colleges from around the state.

In addition to going head-tohead with other students in live events, KC students also attended journalism workshops and visited photography galleries. However, the highlight of the weekend was the canned contest announcements, which garnered the KC staff 13 first place awards, nine second places, six third places and 10 honorable mentions for newspaper, yearbook and magazine work published between January and December 2015. This is the 26th time in the last 30 years that The Flare has scored the most points in its division to bring home Sweepstakes. The staff received third in Newspaper Overall Excellence and an Honorable Mention for its Revels Special Section. Individual awards are as follows: Kathryn Agee: 1st - Opinion/ Editorial Page Design, Single Subject Presentation Design, News Story and Page One Design; 3rd Newspaper Headline and Opinion/ Editorial Page Design; Honorable Mention in Newspaper Headline, News Story and In-Depth Reporting.

Devin Brooks: 2nd - Newspaper Sports News Story.

Michael Brown: 1st - Newspaper Sports Feature Photo.

E’Lexus Hodge: 1st - Yearbook Photo Story and Newspaper Picture Story; 2nd - Newspaper Picture Story.

See TIPA, Page 3

Fun at Mike Miller Plaza

L

aser tag and bubble soccer games were held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at the Mike Miller Plaza. DJ KC provided music.

Victoria Gilchrist / THE FLARE

See WORK STUDY, Page 3

Rundy Williams plays laser tag with friends at the Mike Miller Plaza.

Week of the Young Child honored at KC Staff Reports

The Kilgore College Early Childhood Center will celebrate the annual Week of the Young Child, Monday-Friday, April 1115, with many special guests and activities.

Scheduled to visit the center during the week include local firemen, policemen, musicians and guest readers.

The festivities will close on Friday, April 15 with a family

picnic and silent auction.

WOYC is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Its goal is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

The KCECC has been accredited by the NAEYC for 29 years.

For more information, visit www. naeyc.org/woyc.

Kilgore College Early Childhood Center WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD 2016 Special Guests & Events

Date

Time

Monday, April 11

9:30 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 12

9:30 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 13 9:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 14 Silent Auction open Friday, April 15

THIS WEEK

BY THE NUMBERS

15

To support the cure for cancer, survivors, lost ones and their families, Relay for Life will be held 6 p.m. to midnight, Friday April 15, in Downtown Kilgore, under the Oil Derricks. n

Home Depot Volunteers with building or craft activity.

KC Nursing Students – Haylee Nault, ECC Parent + others Guest Reader – Lauren Boyd, ECC Alum parent & former ECC staff.

Kilgore Police Dept. – Officer Todd Nault, ECC Parent Guest Reader – Stacey Cole, ECC Parent Guest Reader – Lainey Thurston, ECC Alum Kilgore Fire Dept. – Truck & Firemen Guitar & Singing- Jim Taylor, KC Instructor & ECC Grandparent

9:30 a.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Republic Services Trash Truck – Misty Frazier, ECC Parent Stacy Gunn, ECC Parent & KISD athletes KC Rangerette visitor(s) – Hannah Burns, current Rangerette

9:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

Dr. Jeff Davis, DDS – Visit from a dentist, ECC Alumni Parent Farm Animals – Jimmy Arp, ECC Parent

5:31 p.m.

Annual KCECC Family Picnic on the front lawn of the center.

Silent Auction ends during picnic.

Silent Auction open

PAGE T WO

Event or Guest

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

40

Jeannine Johnson is retiring after serving KC for the past 40 years. Johnson worked as the n

1973

Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and sculptor, died on this day in 1973. n

Check theflareonline.com for a full calendar of activities, or go to twitter.com/theflareonline for live updates

FACE IN THE CROWD

Benefit to be held for Waggoner KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor A benefit will be held for KC music instructor Cathy Waggoner from 4 to 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 10 at First Baptist Church in Henderson.

She has taught at KC since 1998. Her classes include Music Fundamentals and numerous sections of piano classes for music majors.

Waggonner was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. The benefit will help with costs of a bone marrow transplant requiring an extended stay in Dallas.

For more information on the fundraiser or to find out how you can help, visit www.opentheroof.com or email give@ opentheroof.om.

PTK teaches students “How to College” MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor Students interested in learning how to be successful in college may attend Phi Theta Kappa hosted event, “How to College.”

The schedules for these workshops are bimonthly, noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, and focus on subjects such as time management and study tips. The next two meetings will cover college resources and surviving finals week.

“As a leadership and scholarship based honor society, PTK believes in bestowing an opportunity for students to renew and sharpen themselves to become greater, scholarly leaders,” said Daniel Horn, PTK’s vice president of finance.

The final two meetings will be noon to 1 p.m., April 13 and 27, in the TV Room in the Devall Student Center.

Dinosaurs and Rock Show comes to Oil Museum TAYLOR STEWART Staff Writer Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE

Steve Mena How many tattoos do you have and what do they mean?

I have 13 tattoos, but most are now one whole piece. They go from my right arm, to my whole chest, to my left arm as well. It’s my life story, the date I got saved, my family, rosary, etc.

How does your faith define you?

I think it defines me as a strong man, one who is willing to keep hope and face his fears, not being scared of taking risks.

Where are you from?

I was born in Chicago, Illinois. I lived there for nine years, but spent most of my life in Kilgore.

Why did you move here?

We moved to Kilgore to escape the high crime rate of being in a city full of gangs and killing. There wasn’t a day that you didn’t live in fear of having to watch your back. So, my mom decided it was best to move as far from home.

What is a hobby of yours?

My favorite hobbies are playing all sports, spending time seeking God and hanging with my friends and family, but I usually spend

Hometown: Chicago Age: 24 Classification: Freshman my time in my room writing music. It’s the best way to express myself or just to vent. I feel like we are called to speak life into people, so what better way than through music?

Do you keep up with fashion?

To be honest, I don’t really keep up with fashion. I buy random stuff, then mix and match. I try to be my own person. I always love to tell people, “creators never follow,” so I try my best not to follow.

If you could hang out with any celebrity, who would it be?

J. Cole. I feel like he is very intelligent and has a lot of wisdom for being so young.

Why do you think you have such a free spirit?

I feel like I am very free spirited because I’ve been through so much in life. I realized life is a blessing and it’s pointless to be sad, mad, or even just a mean person. I love to be happy and just make the most of today because tomorrow isn’t always promised.

Dinos and rocks and fossils, oh my! Get your shovels ready to unearth dino fossils in the sand. Dinosaurs and Rock show is coming to the East Texas Oil Museum, Saturday, April 9, with two shows. The first show will be 10-11 a.m. and the second show 1-2 p.m. Walt Whittington will be traveling to KC to put on this show for children of all ages.

Whittington has been traveling from his Houston based home, all over the world for 10 years performing not only shows about Dinosaurs and Rocks, but also Oceans Rock, and Gems Rock shows at schools, parties, and educational events.

Whittington hired a man from New York to perform the show at a theme park in Florida and fell in love with the performance seeing how the children reacted to it, so he decided to get a license to preform the shows as well.

“Frankly, all the children remind me of my grandchildren…[I’m] not going to lecture to the kids, I am going to make it fun.”

Tickets will only be pre-sold and are $10.

This includes a fossil dig, a tooth necklace and a tour of the oil museum. For more information, call the East Texas Oil Museum at (903)-983-8295.

NEWS

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

PAGE

3

WORK STUDY: nursing student loves to help FROM PAGE 1 situations. “I like to read,” Chappell said “I like to kinda just walk around the campus and just chill. I also do some writing; specifically freestyle writing to escape the world for a moment.”

When earning a degree to become a nurse, some classes that are needed include basic nutrition, human anatomy and physiology.

On top of that, having a work study job helps him stay organized a hassle.

“I like to keep to a schedule and try to follow that schedule as much as I can; I just normally roll with the flow. If I get behind with something, I’ll just pick it up as much as I can.

Working here is a lot easier because I can stay on track of what needs to be worked on,” Chappell said. “I’ve had a great boss, I’ve gained job training and the work study job hasn’t distracted me from my studies.”

To try and keep himself positive and motivated through the school days, Chappell said “I try to smile as much as possible; I think I contribute with a friendly face, I’m always willing to help people with any questions they have and I try to help out as much as I can,” Chappell said.

“I guess I would like to be remembered that I always did my best to help others and that I hopefully had a good friendly attitude.”

TIPA: Flare staff wins numerous FROM PAGE 1 Sara Holmes: Yearbook: 1st - Academic Photo (division page) and Photo Story; 2nd - Academics Story Package and Sports Action Photo; 3rd - Information Graphic and Opening Photo; HM- Cover Design, Photo Story, Overall Excellence. Magazine: 3rd Picture Story; HM- Feature Photo and Overall Design.

Newspaper: 1st Picture Story; 2nd - Picture Story Tiffany Johnson: 1st - Yearbook Photo Story, Newspaper News Photo; 2nd - Newspaper Picture Story; 2nd - Picture Story in Magazine Hunter Lohr: HM Newspaper Information Graphic.

Lucy Lopez: HM Newspaper Feature Story.

Denise Macon: 1st Yearbook Photo Story.

Richard Nguyen: 1st – Newspaper Sports Page Design and Newspaper Sports Action Photo; HM - Newspaper Sports News Story and Newspaper Sports Feature Photo.

Shelby Ragland: 3rd -

Yearbook Sports Feature Photo.

Tina Marie Reed: 1st and 2nd - Newspaper Photo Illustration.

Nick Shelley: HM Newspaper In-Depth Reporting.

Taylor Stewart: 2nd Newspaper Sports Feature Story; HM - Newspaper Information Graphic.

Tory Van Blarcum: 2nd - Newspaper Feature Page Design and Single Subject Presentation Design Victoria Whitwell: 1st Newspaper Sports Feature Story.

Kaelie Wike: 1st – Newspaper Photo Illustration and Newspaper Picture Story.

O. Rufus Lovett and Rachel Stallard are co-advisers of the Ranger Yearbook and the Flare Magazine. Stallard is the adviser of The Flare with Lovett as photo adviser.

Kathryn Agee was The Flare’s editor for the Spring and Fall 2015 semesters; Sara Holmes was the editor of both The Flare Magazine and The Ranger yearbook.

THE FLARE ONLINE Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

Michael Chappell works in the computer lab. He has had this work study job for four years.

Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE

Wanna be a Work Study? 1) Fill out your FAFSA and see if you qualify for financial aid at KC. 2) Maintain a 2.0 GPA. 3) Find a job through the Work Study office.

911 dispatchers honored JAMES SHREWSBURY Staff Writer Sunday, April 10 kicks off National Public Safety Telecommunicators week, where those who answer 911 calls and dispatch emergency services are recognized.

According to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), in 1967, the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice recommended that a “single number should be established” nationwide for reporting emergency situations. The use of different telephone numbers for each type of emergency was determined to be contrary to the purpose of a single, universal number.

In November 1967, the FCC met with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) to find a means of establishing a universal emergency number that could be implemented quickly. In 1968, AT&T announced that it would establish the digits 9-1-1 (nine-one-one) as the emergency code

KILGORE SCREEN PRINTING CO.

@theflareonline www.theflareonline.com WE PRINT T-SHIRTS & MORE

601 A E. MAIN (903) 983-1480

throughout the U.S. On February 16, 1968, Senator Rankin Fite made the first ever 911 call from the Haleyville, Alabama Mayor’s office, which was answered at the Haleyville Police Station by U.S. Representative Tom Bevill.

NENA states that an estimated 240 million 911 calls go thru Public-Safety Answering Points (PSAP) every year. The City of Longview’s PSAP received over 73,000 911 calls in 2015, and another 110,000 nonemergency calls for service.

“Dispatching and answering phones are actually two completely different things,” said Matthew Ainsworth, Public Safety Communications and Technology Manager for the City of Longview Police Department. “’Dispatching’ is the part of our discipline wherein the operator communicates with field units using a variety of technologies, including radios, mobile computers, messaging systems, GPS data, etc. and focuses more on getting responders where they need to be as quickly and safely as possible. Call-taking is its own beast, and focuses

entirely upon speaking to the public/caller, acquiring the necessary information (location, incident type, etc.), and getting the right type of help enroute. telecommunicators must be equally proficient in both areas.”

Ainsworth said Telecommunicators are called the “TRUE” first responders.

“Dispatchers are the first point of contact callers receive and as such, we are the first source of possible assistance. Whether that comes in the form of prearrival instructions, or just a calm voice breaking through the chaos, dispatchers provide the first public safety response, undoubtedly.”

Telecommunicators have added several things to their arsenal in the last 48 years, such as Computer Aided-Dispatching (CAD), Teletype Terminal/ Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) and they are working on being able to accept text messages to 9-1-1.

“Over the last 15 years this industry has grown from a clerical discipline to much more of a

technology-oriented field and the people who excel have to be very wellrounded,” Ainsworth said.

“Dispatchers take more singular responsibility than most people will ever know.

We are the very first to know where, what, when, and how.... and that information must be handled correctly. The individuals experiencing the emergency depend solely upon the dispatcher to get them the help they need, and the field responders depend upon the dispatcher to keep them informed, safe, and clear on what they’re headed into.

There’s an awful lot of stress associated with all of those steps.

Dispatchers approach that responsibility enthusiastically and with pride.”

“It is a hard job to be good at,” Ainsworth said.

“Being a dispatcher means being willing to assume all of the responsibility and accountability associated with public safety, but with very little of the recognition or respect.”

PAGE

4

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

NEWS

TRIO celebrates 15th anniversary TRIO honors members, scholarships awarded MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor A night of celebration was held for student help organization, TRIO, which turned 15 on campus.

About 100 people attended, including faculty and administrators. Former student and TRIO member, Dr. James Cureton, who has a doctorate in science, gave a speech, telling students even through rough times, it is still worth it.

“It’s difficult, but you’ve got to choose what’s right,” Cureton said.

He reflected on how difficult it was to finally find a job in his field, previously teaching at the college level. Vut after deliberation with his family, he took a job as a high school teacher at John Tyler. As a KC student, Cureton went through other rough times when he dropped out of college for a year,

but then came back to KC. “It doesn’t get easier, but it gets better,” he said.

He also remembered when he first came to KC and how TRIO Director, Bindy Tice would help him reach his career goal.

Tice said when she first met him he told her he wanted to be the crocodile hunter. She wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by that at first, but she was going to find a way to do it.

After the speech, two scholarships were awarded. The Compansol BEST scholarship was awarded to Ashley BenningfieldFinley and the East Texas TRIO Alliance Scholarship was awarded to Denise Bazaldua.

The TRIO program will also be able to continue until the year of 2020 due to a grant of $1.15 million.

Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE

Dr. James Cureton gives a speech at the TRIO banquet.

Dr. Kays converses with Student Government on issues MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor Student Government Association officers and members from the student body joined KC President Dr. Brenda Kays in a meeting last week.

While at the SGA meeting, Kays invited students to voice their highlights and concerns for the campus. Some of the concerns included: lack of hang-out spots on campus, residence halls, diversity in faculty and being bilingual, a free period for clubs and activities, more organization while helping students, resources for veterans and guns on campus.

“I really want you to be honest and open with me,” Kays said.

The two most discussed issues were resources for veterans and guns on campus.

“We have an office and we have a computer and that’s about the

whole veteran’s program,” said Nick Gaviria, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and veteran’s affairs worker.

Gaviria discussed other options and things that veterans on campus would need. He is also looking into other junior college’s bylaws to help create a veterans club.

“We need a safe space for veterans,” he said. “We have a safe space for everything else, but we need a safe space for veterans.”

Kays listened to the students and presented options on what could be possible and what compromises could be met. Kays also said the decision to have guns on campus will not be made until an observation period of larger campuses is made to see how they deal with the change. The SGA is a campus organization that gives a voice to students and their views.

Dr. Brenda Kays, KC president, discusses issues pertaining to students at an SGA meeting.

Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE

SPORTS

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

PAGE

5

Rangers reach season high points on the road KC scores nine in sixth to rally past Eagles RICHARD NGUYEN Sports Editor The KC Ranger softball team has picked up their first win since March 23 with a 13-6 victory over the Northeast Texas Community College Eagles in their first game of a double header. The 13 runs scored is a season high for the Rangers. KC dropped their second game against the Eagles in a 9-8 defeat.

With the victory, the Rangers break a four game losing skid where they struggled to get across the plate.

An explosive nine-run sixth inning sparked a late comeback for the Rangers.

Hayley Vavra, Spring sophomore, led the way for the Rangers on both sides of the plate. Vavra pitched a full game for the KC striking out eight batters and allowing five hits against her. On the offensive end, Vavra helped her cause by adding a hit and bringing home two runs.

Canton freshman, Hallee Carter picked up the rest of the slack offensively for the Rangers adding two hits and driving home a run. Carter had three hits and three RBIs on the day for KC. The Rangers will turn their attention to Tyler Junior College tomorrow at 1 and 3 p.m. in a conference double header in Tyler.

Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE

Hayley Vavra, Spring sophomore, winds up a pitch in the Rangers Pink Out game against Angelina College.

KC Ranger Softball Schedule Saturday, April 9 –

1 p.m. Tyler Junior College - Tyler 3 p.m. Tyler Junior College - Tyler

Monday, April 11 –

1 p.m. Paris Junior College - Kilgore 3 p.m. Paris Junior College - Kilgore

Wednesday, April 13 –

1 p.m. Trinity Valley C.C. - Kilgore 3 p.m. Trinity Valley C.C. - Kilgore

Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE

KC fans watch as the Rangers take on Angelina College for the Pink Out game. The Rangers raised $882 for the American Cancer Society.

Saturday, April 16 –

1 p.m. Bossier Parish C.C. - Bossier City, LA 3 p.m. Bossier Parish C.C. - Bossier City, LA

The Flare is on Instagram and Twitter!

@theflareonline

It’s more than just a job.

It’s an adventure! k Earn money k Gain leadership opportunities k Meet new people k Develop communication skills k Create school spirit

Become an Orientation Leader!

Pick up an application in Room 120 in the Student Support Building or in The Zone Tutoring Lab. Deadline is Friday, April 15.

For more information: Gail Jackson Kasey Nisbett (903) 988-7537 (903) 988-7491 knisbett@kilgore.edu gjackson@kilgore.edu

PAGE

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

6

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Hype fails ‘Batman v. Superman’ had to overcome his fear in order for him to find his strength. This feeling concerning the bats in “Dawn of Justice” was not there.

They still used the bats and the well with young Bruce, but this time the scene seemed dark.

At times, I didn’t know whether I was watching a horror or a superhero movie.

Other times, one could question if Batman and Superman were heroes or two people abusing their power.

Besides the demonic hidden parts in the movie, there was a lot of obvious blasphemy towards God. As a follower of Christ, those blasphemous parts were uncomfortable to sit through.

Batman and a few other characters in the movie said a few things about God that made me cringe, but not as much as Lex Luther.

In “Dawn of Justice,” Lex seemed to play a psychopathic, Joker-like role, instead of the smooth, sneaky, evil genius DC fans are accustomed to. He seemed all over the place and it was hard to focus in on his character.

Not only was the storyline a little boring, and blasphemous, but there wasn’t enough superhero action in the film. The really good action came towards the end of the movie when Batman and Superman had their must see battle. Before that, there was mostly monologue.

There were a few bright notes in the movie, like the brilliantly played Wonder Woman.

Gal Gadot did an outstanding job, and she gave viewers something to look forward to in her film “Wonder Woman,” which is coming out next summer, and also the upcoming Justice League movie. I believe she gives viewers hope that Snyder can get things rolling in the next direction.

The right pieces are in place to continue the storyline put forth in “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” but there is a lot of work to be done on the DC film series as a whole before the next movies involving members of the Justice League come out.

“Unfortunately, I was disappointed it didn’t live up to its potential.”

Image from Total Film/Warner Bros.

ELIJAH BANKS Sports Writer

E

ver since I was a child, I’ve been a huge superhero fan. The thought of using superhuman abilities to protect the world from evil mesmerized me. Without question, there wasn’t a superhero I wanted to be more than the mightiest hero of them all: Superman.

Although Batman wasn’t superhuman, he was my second favorite hero because he

fearlessly took on the face of danger, and he could go toe-to-toe with any superhero.

For years, like many other superhero fans, I waited patiently for the two greatest gladiators to cross paths on the big screen.

On March 25, 2016, the wait was over. The most anticipated crossover movie of all time, “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” was finally here. Unfortunately, I was disappointed that it didn’t live up to its potential.

Despite its strong cast, the movie was not

well written. Understandably, Zack Snyder switched Batman’s storyline from the one in the Dark Knight trilogy, but because of it, it caused a disconnection between Batman and the viewers. Ben Affleck had a strong performance, but it wasn’t a Batman viewers could embrace.”

After young Bruce Wayne encountered the bats in the water well in “Batman Begins,” his fear of the bats showed a lighter, sensible side that I never knew he had.

The bats symbolized how Bruce Wayne

Concerts to be held by music department Jazz band, percussion and guitar ensambles, KC children’s Chorus, Camerata Singers to put on shows NICK SHELLEY Copy Editor Different events in the music department will occur soon, including the jazz band and Spring concerts.

The guitar ensemble will play at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in Van Cliburn Auditorium. Guitars with different ranges are included in a guitar ensemble, including alto and bass ranges. Kevin Kelley, music instructor, will conduct the ensemble.

The KC Jazz Band, conducted by Glenn Wells, and the KC Percussion Ensemble,

conducted by Don Lawler, will follow at 7:30 p.m. The band will play songs of different genres, including swing, Latin, funk, rock and ballads. The performance should last for “a bit over an hour,” said Wells, director of bands. According to the KC website, the jazz band is “a select ensemble of standard jazz band instrumentation.” According to John Brown University’s website, jazz bands usually include instruments such as saxophones, trombones, trumpets and a rhythm section.

On Thursday, April 21, The KC Children’s Chorus and Camerata

Singers will present a concert. Song genres performed will include “a wide variety of classical, folk and church tradition,” according to Dr. Jim Taylor, director of choral activities. Two songs will be choreographed by KC dance students. Some styles included will be Celtic and African.

The KC Children’s Chorus is comprised of area fifth through eighth graders. Area children sing in the chorus. Boys and girls are included in the chorus. The children’s chorus is directed by Dr. Taylor. Works that will be performed include, but are not limited to, “He’s Got the Whole World in His

Hands” and French art songs.

The Camerata Singers are a female singing group composed of KC students, both music majors and non-music majors. According to KC’s website, the Camerata Singers is a women’s ensemble that performs madrigals, jazz, motets, folk songs a capella songs and opera choruses. Dr. Taylor directs them both.

The concert overall will last an hour and a half, until about 8:30 p.m.

‘Almost, Maine’ closes KC theatre season Romantic comedy to be Spring 2016 KC play

MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor The KC Theatre Department’s final show of the season, “Almost, Maine,” will have cast and crew working on-stage for the next three weeks.

“Almost, Maine” is a romantic comedy written by John Cariani. The show follows the lives of townspeople searching for love, or the better parts of it while running into some roadblocks along the way.

Box office manager, Alissa McClain, said the audience should expect to fall in love with the characters and also laugh.

“It’s about a town that is not really a town.

It’s just almost a town,” McClain said. “The founders never got around to organizing anything to make it an official town; therefore, it’s not on any maps, and it’s not really a town at all. It’s just almost.”

This show, the role of director will be taken by Kaitlin de Graffenried, rather than theatre instructor Micah Goodding.

Because of this, the position of assistant director will be taken by KC student Trevor Newlin and the role of production manager taken by Micah Goodding.

Cast: Travis Noriega – Pete; Christina Lloyd – Ginette; Judah Armour – East; Hannah Sanders – Glory; Tristin Sechrist – Sandrine; Colton Askew – Jimmy; Hollie Berry – Waitress/Villian; Taylor Freeman – Marvalyn; Jacob Johnson – Steve; Jedo Helpenstill – Phil; Janay Peloquin – Marci; Brett Lee – Lendall; Annalise Wisdom – Gayle.

Production staff/crew: Kaitlin de Graffinried – director; Michael Atkins – technical director/designer; Trevor Newlin – assistant director/dramaturg; Kami Pack – stage manager; Roxanna Smith – assistant stage manager; Micah Goodding – production manager; Taylor Farrell – lighting technician; Michael Murry – projection technician; Leisa Jenkins – sound technician; Alissa McClain – box office manager; Madison Gable – makeup/wardrobe; Kayla Terrazas – wardrobe; Morgan Kidwell – properties/stagehand; Wyatt Roberts – house manager; Andrew Williamson – user/publicist; Brandon Dupre – usher/publicist; Miriam Newman – usher/ publicist; Brittney Crane – usher/publicist.

The show will open 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, and continue until Sunday, April 17, with the Sunday performance being at 2:30 p.m.

Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE

The student art exhibit is on display through April 29 in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Building.

The selections include features from the Visual Arts Department and photography program.

OPINION

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

PAGE

7

Learning to love my hair

W

hen it comes to hair, it means certain things to different people. I didn't know what my hair meant to me until I was a

teenager.

Going from style to style, I just thought it was cool.

I thought everybody did things to their hair to make them look more appealing.

As I got older, I realized that everybody’s hair is different, and not because AJANI of texture, but because MCCOY of everyone’s different Staff Writer feelings about their hair.

When I was younger, I asked myself what my hair means to me and why I like to keep it healthy. I looked at my mom, who has gorgeous natural hair, and wondered what her hair has meant to her.

Over the years, I've had many hairstyles from regular taper fades, Afros, s curl, flat tops and many others I am going to regret looking back on when I get older.

When you watch television or your favorite rapper, you can get an idea of what kind of hairstyle you want. One of my favorite rappers is Nas. When I was a kid, I always used to get a bald fade with a part in it just like Nas. It’s funny how pop culture can influence the way you do things. All of my hair styles came from pop culture influences.

Taking care of my hair is also important.

I learned that not all shampoos are meant for my specific type of hair.

Sometimes, I get hair supply from the local beauty supply stores in a more urban area due to the lack of ethnic beauty supplies in stores like Walmart, Target and many other big businesses. This drove me crazy, especially when I lived in more rural areas, where it’s hard to find the supplies you need to keep your hair looking good.

As I got older, I started to appreciate my hair more. I no longer thought like a child. I knew my hair meant more than just looking cool.

There are many stories about ethnic people getting teased about their hair, but it always flies over our heads. I hear stories about women being forced to straighten their hair because it’s too curly and big and it stands out from the rest of the crowd.

Appreciating my hair is one of my favorite things I do. Not only does it show love for my heritage and culture, but for myself for not having insecurity about my hair.

“As I got older, I learned to appreciate my hair more.”

I want to thank the Kilgore College students who helped me with my recent property damage caused by flooding.

Nick Gaviria, who serves KC as an Ambassador, as our Veterans affairs student worker and is a member of Latinos en Accion, graciously gave up an evening to help me. He carried multiple tubs filled with mud and creek soaked belongings that were way too heavy for me to lift! I also want to applaud Manny Almanza for volunteering his students of Latinos en Accion to help me and many other flood victims. What a wonderful community service!

Members of our football team spent an evening having a non-traditional workout!

They carried 8 - 12 foot panels of wood fencing, dislodged concreted poles, broke apart boards, and carried debris-matted chain link. Josh, ‘Die’, Ronnie, Shelton, Zach, Cam and Stefan (aka Mighty Mouse) are all hard working, respectful and fun young men! By the way, Coach Eckert never asked his students to do anything he wasn’t doing right there with them, and he can certainly hold his own! Great job, Coach!

KC has some wonderful students! We are privileged to have them on our campus and in our community!

Jennifer Quine is a counselor and academic advisor at KC.

The Flare

BRAIN POWER

Sam Rodriguez and Victoria Gilchrist / THE FLARE

Every day, college students stress out about their lives. They worry about everything from grades to friends to finances. What most of them do not realize is that stressing and worrying about these things and constantly putting themselves down for not feeling successful enough is causing them more harm than some of the problems may be.

The power of positive thinking can influence your life for the better. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who regularly engage in positive thinking have an increased life span, low rates of depression, low stress levels, greater resistance to the common cold, better psychological and physical well-being, reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.

YOUR VIEW

Do you believe you can do anything you set your mind to?

I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

“Yes, if you don’t give up and try your very best, I believe you can do anything with it.”

'I believe I can do anything because whenever I do I have confidence.'

“I believe you can do anything if you put in the time and effort it takes.”

Skylar Linwood Daingerfield freshman

Macy McAnally Henderson freshman

Kia Allison Carthage sophomore

Holden Silvey Kilgore freshman

VOL. 79, NO.19 n Friday, April 8, 2016 Copyright 2016, The Flare. All rights reserved.

2014 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • 2015 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Community College Journalism Association Spring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kathryn Agee MANAGING EDITOR Meaghan Morton SPORTS EDITOR Richard Nguyen COPY EDITOR Nick Shelley

CARTOONIST Sarah Hooten PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett ADVISER Rachel Stallard CONSULTANT Jamie Maldonado

Tools for positive thinking include identifying areas of your life you think negatively about, reevaluating thought patterns, being open to humor, following a healthy lifestyle, being surrounded by positive people and practicing positive self-talk.

If you set a goal and tell yourself every day to accomplish it, motivation will get you closer to reaching your goals.

Even if life takes a turn for the worse and things don’t go your way, you will still feel more accomplished because of the journey taken and positive changes made.

Like Doc Brown said in the movie “Back to the Future,” “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.”

ADVERTISING MANAGER Kayla Terrazas STAFF WRITERS Elijah Banks, Max Cervantes, Lucy Lopez, Ajani McCoy, Nick Shelley, James Shrewsbury, Taylor Stewart and Tarea Westbrook PHOTOGRAPHERS Ramona Barryer, Tiffani Branch, Lacey Bunn, Jessica Carrington, Rain Cohn, Jodi Dosier, Victoria Gilchrist, Tiffany Johnson, Richard Nguyen, Tina Marie Reed, Baylor Roberson, Sam Rodriguez, Lauren LaBoyteaux and Kiana Rose

Photographs by Victoria Gilchrist / THE FLARE

Letter to the Editor: Students aid flood victim

OUR VIEW

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 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.

PAGE

8

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

NEWS

KC WORKOUT

Victoria Gilchrist / THE FLARE

Ben Cagle, Kilgore sophomore, takes a jog in the fitness center.

Springing into fitness ELIJAH BANKS Sports Editor So many people love working out in the Parks Fitness Center on the KC campus. With summer right around the corner, many people want to get in the best shape they can in the spring.

Whether you want the perfect beach body or just want to stay in shape and get healthy, here are a few tips you can use so you can always have a smooth, productive workout. n Don’t make the mistake of avoiding a valuable stretch. Make sure to get a 15 minute stretch in before and after your workout to prevent any injures and to loosen up muscles. n Don’t jump into your workout without warming up. It gets your heart rate going and cools your body down once the workout is completed. A great warm-up to do before working is butt kicks, toy soldiers, high knees and sprints.

Each warm up will be performed 10 yards down and back. Once you have finished the entire workout, warm down by hitting the stair master for 15 minutes.

n Don’t hit a fitness plateau by doing the same workout routine over and over. Change up your workout every few months or so. You don’t want to your body to get use to the same workout or your progress will cease. Don’t be afraid to step out the box and try news things out to push your muscles to new levels.

Lacey Bunn / THE FLARE

Clarissa Lopez, Gilmer freshman, takes a break to work out the stress of the day after studying business.

Here are the Parks Fitness Center hours, so you can put these tips to practice. n Fitness Center Hours Monday - Thursday: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday: 5 a.m.–7 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Sunday: 1–6 p.m. n Pool Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:30 –7:30 a.m.

Monday - Thursday: 3:30– 8 p.m.

Friday: 3:30–6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sunday: 1–5 p.m. n Junior Gym Hours and Prices Monday-Thursday: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (fees apply) Individual, family and senior memberships are also available. For more info, call 903-983-8631.

Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE

Derrick McDowell, Gladewater sophomore, does squats at the fitness center.