Vol. 82, No. 7 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
November 30, 2018
a whole
new world
Carrie Harris / THE FLARE Latinos en Accion perform a traditional Mexican dance for those in attendance. The Cultural Awareness Expo was celebrated on Nov. 13 in the Devall Student Center Ballroom and highlighted KC students from around the globe.
KC community comes together to celebrate diversity on campus KC
MARIA BILOGO Staff Writer
celebrated International Students’ Day with the attendance of 82 international students on Nov. 13. “KC has encouraged, supported and trained international students to prepare for their future,” said Estonia Graves, International Student advisor. “We have 39 different countries in the program.” The greatest number of international students are from Vietnam. International students are invited to take part in the International Student Club. They also have a Facebook page where they upload their events and photos.
“The main goal of the international students is to spread cultural awareness around the campus and in the community. The club is open to both international students and domestic students,” Graves said. International students in KC find a place where they can be themselves and understand other cultures. “The creation of the International Student Club is a wonderful idea because the students can relax, be more comfortable and get help when needed. I decided to study in KC because I wanted to change my location, plus it is the perfect opportunity for me,” said Ribbal Khan, a student from Ukraine and vice president of the International Student Club.
“The best thing about being an international student is that everybody will support you and nobody will look at you differently,” Khan said. “I am very thankful to Tina Luther, Estonia Graves and the student club officers for supporting me.” Advisors appreciate the opportunity to help international students be a part of the KC community and welcome Chrissty Patterson to the team. “My experience working with international students has given me the opportunity to meet people from different countries and know new cultures,” Graves said. “However, we got a new international advisor who recently joined KC.
I think that her participation in the office is going to be great because she definitely has a passion for this.” International students face unique challenges as they integrate into a different culture. “The hardest thing of being an international student is being away from our home countries and from our loved ones,” said Bernice Donou, a student from Benin, and the International Student Club’s president. “The biggest advantage of being an international student is the overall experience we get to live. It is full of lessons, great meetings, emotions and change.” See Page 16 for more pictures from Cultural Awareness Expo.
See Page 2 for the Fall FINAL EXAM Schedule
News
PAGE 2 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
Fall Semester: Monday, December 10 – Thursday, December 13
All Friday-only classes will test at regular class time on Friday, Dec. 2. All Saturday classes will test 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Flex classes (classes that follow a different calendar than the regular semester) may test at different times. See course syllabus or instructor to confirm exam date/time.
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, OR FRIDAY CLASSES Class Time
Exam Time
Date
7:30 -8:20 a.m.
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 14
8:30-9:20 a.m.
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
9:30 -10:20 a.m.
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 10
10:30-11:20 a.m.
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec.12
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 10
12:30-1:50 p.m. (MW) 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
2:00 - 3:20 p.m. (MW) 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 10
3:30 - 4:50 p.m. (MW) 4 –6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
5:00 - 6:20 p.m. (MW) 5 –7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 10
6:30 - 9:20 p.m. (M)
7:10–9:10 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 10
6:30 - 9:20 p.m. (W)
7:10–9:10 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Paintings by Baylor art professor on display through The Kilgore College Visual Arts Department presents “Sublime Journeys” featuring the work of artist Winter Rusiloski through Dec. 6 in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Gallery on the Kilgore campus. Rusiloski is an assistant professor of art/painting at Baylor University. Left: Morgan Medford, Tatum freshman, examines one of the gallery’s exhibits. Below: Kristen Troxell, snaps a photo of “Sublime Journeys” while walking through the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Gallery.
6
DEC.
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
THE FLARE
Sara Harris / THE FLARE
TUESDAY OR THURSDAY CLASSES Class Start Time
Exam Time
Date
8:30-9:50 a.m.
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
10-11:20 a.m.
10 a.m.–noon
Thursday, Dec. 13
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
12:30-1:50 p.m.
12:30 –2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 13
2:00-3:20 p.m.
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
3:30-4:50 p.m.
3:30–5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 13
5:00- 6:20 p.m.
5 –7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
6:30-9:20 p.m. (Tu)
7:10–9:10 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
6:30-9:20 p.m. (Th)
7:10–9:10 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 13
Grades may be accessed at www.kilgore.edu – click on the myKC link. Grades will be available Monday, December 18. Grades will not be mailed.
Campus Calendar December 2018
KC Chorale Holiday Gala, 2018 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1. Van Cliburn Auditorium Rangerette Christmas Show 2 p.m. & 5 p.m., Dec. 2. Dodson Auditorium
Dominique Burnett / THE FLARE
KC Ranger Band Christmas Concert - 1 p.m., Dec. 6, Lee Mall KC Golden “Z” Day - 1 p.m., Dec. 7, Devall Room LVN Pinning Ceremony - 10 a.m., Dec. 12, Devall Ballroom
Student Recital IV - Fall 2018 11:30 a.m., Dec. 4. Van Cliburn Auditorium
Employee Christmas Luncheon - 11 a.m., Dec. 14, Devall Ballroom
Spring Registration Payment Deadline - Dec. 5
Fall Graduation Ceremony - 6 p.m., Dec. 14, Dodson Auditorium
Unpaid classes dropped - Dec. 6
December Mini Classes - Dec. 17 - Jan. 4
News
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 3
Caroline Rhodes
Age: 18 Major: Business Hometown: Springdale, AR What brought you to KC? “I will be trying out for the Rangerettes this summer and wanted to gain the experience of dancing alongside current Rangerettes.” How long have you been dancing? “16 years, and I danced for four years on one of the two high school drill teams in Arkansas.” Where do you want to attend after KC? “My plan is to transfer to the University of Alabama.” If you weren’t majoring in business, what would you be majoring in? Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE “Marketing.”
What is your favorite class this semester? “Macroeconomics.” What are your career goals? “I want to be a sports broadcaster on the SEC Network.” Who do you look up to most? “My dad.” What quote do you live by? “Treat people with kindness.” What is your favorite thing about living in Texas? “I’m a big fan of Buc-ee’s because we don’t have anything like that in Arkansas. I love Texas.”
Dashing, dancing, prancing KC Fire Academy graduates 13 inspires holiday season
Rettes’, to host annual Christmas show NADIA HILL Staff Writer “Dancing, Prancing, Reindeer and ‘Rettes” hits the stage at 2 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Dodson Auditorium showcasing their annual Christmas show. This year a “Radio City Rockette” inspired Reindeer piece will open the entire show. The Rangerettes started learning dances a couple of weeks ago from both current and former Rangerettes. The Swingsters created their own work, as did the Officers. The Reindeer piece was choreographed by KC dance instructor Angela Aulds and assistant director of the Rangerettes Shelley Wayne.
“We work on these dances almost every day at practice. We also have to juggle parade season, preparing for our Cotton Bowl performance and football playoff games,” Aulds said. “I think the audience will be entertained with the specialty numbers, as well as the ones that are meant to be a little more heartwarming. I think there is a great variety to the show and we look forward to sharing the stage with Elite Dance Center, In-Step Dance Co., Tina Grider School of Dance, the Kilgore High School Hi-Steppers, their co-ed dancers and the Gladewater High School Honey Bears. The KC Dance Department will also have
two dances to premiere: Industry Dance Company’s “The Magic of Christmas” and KC Ballet II student’s “A Christmas Tradition,” Aulds said. Coleen Clower will emcee the shows and Santa Claus will make a special appearance. Tickets are $15 each and all seating is reserved. Tickets are available to purchase from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 30; at the box office on the first floor of the Rangerette Gymnasium. They are also available by calling the ticket office at 903-983-8179 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. during those days. Remaining tickets will be sold at Dodson Auditorium 45 minutes prior to each show.
Friday, Nov. 30, is the last day to purchase a ticket at the box office located on the first floor of the Rangerette Gym.
13 students graduated from KC Fire Academy No. 105 on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in Van Cliburn Auditorium. The KC Fire Academy is recognized by the state of Texas as an exemplary program and is accredited by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association. For more information on the KC Fire Academy, visit www.kilgore.edu/fire-academy. Fire Academy No. 105 graduates, listed by hometown: Collin Beshear, Carrollton Clayson Davis, Combine Alexander Newton, Combine Jordan Black, Forney Oneva Carroll, Joaquin Dillon Jackson, Kaufman Eric Franco, Mission, BC, Canada
Richard Snider, Nacogdoches Joshua Costley, Seagoville Brian Baronette, Shreveport, LA Hunter Jessup, Sugarland Cole Guolo, Surrey, BC, Canada Chance Flanigan, Waxahachie
Registration for new classes open until Dec. 3 Registration is underway for KC Fire Academy No. 106 beginning Jan. 14, 2019. The deadline to apply for the Basic Structural Firefighter program is Dec. 3. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, with a possibility of evening and/or weekend classes. The 474-hour, 12-week academy will run through April 4, 2019. Tuition is $1,200 for instate students and $1,750
for students out-of-state. The program is both physically and academically demanding, for which the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) strongly recommends all students to be able to read and comprehend with at least a 10th grade reading level. Students must also present a valid high school diploma, official high school transcript or GED scores with their
applications. Admission to the KC Fire Academy is based upon a highly competitive process with preference given to an applicant’s level of education, experience and their affiliation with a career, volunteer department or rescue unit. To apply for the academy, download and fill out the Basic Fire Academy application located at www.kilgore.edu/fireacademy.
PAGE 4 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
News
Scholarship luncheon honors recipients, donors
THE FLARE
KC counselors guide struggling students a personal look
MARY WILLIAMSSMITH Staff Writer
Jamie Hwang / THE FLARE
Jose Sotos, Longview sophomore and one of the scholarship recipients, gives a speech during the Scholarship Luncheon on Nov. 8 in the Devall Student Center Ballroom. The luncheon honors students and donors of institutional scholarships.
KILGORE SCREEN PRINTING CO.
WE PRINT T-SHIRTS & MORE
601A E. Main St. Kilgore 903-983-1480
THE ZONE Mon-Thurs 7:45am-6pm Friday 7:45am-3:45pm
BONUS ! 5 pages o f printing FREE!
We offer free tutoring and free computer-use services to KC students with ID! Find us in Student Support Building Rooms 104 & 119 For more info, contact Ronda Lee, 903.988.7491 rlee@kilgore.edu
Upon entering KC this fall, I was going through a tough situation. On July 15, my family received the devastating news that my second oldest brother was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer. It was as if my heart had jumped out of my chest. I didn’t know how to cope with this news, and I couldn’t believe this was happening. It was like a dream- maybe if I woke up, it would be over. This was not supposed to be happening to me. He was my big brother; he was supposed to be there for me. I was numb; afraid. I cried. I wanted him back. I did not know how I was going to live without him. Two weeks before school started, I had to deal with his sudden death. This was a challenge for me: I had to make some hard decisions, and quitting school was not an option. I knew that I had to be strong, but I had no idea that it was going to be so stressful. I had to find a way to relieve some of the pain that I was going through, because it was too much. I couldn’t concentrate on things. I would find myself crying over everything and I didn’t know how to cope with my feelings. I was broken and needed help, and I didn’t know where to go, until a
friend told me about KC’s counseling services here on campus. I needed to write a story for my Media Writing class and had no idea that I would be getting help for myself. My contact was Jennifer Quine, a licensed professional counselor at KC. We began to talk and she asked me how I was feeling. I told her I was mad and hurt because my brother didn’t tell me he was sick, even though he was supposed to. When I cried, she understood me. She listened to me and genuinely cared about what I was saying. She wanted to know what I was feeling and gave me the space to let it all out. “If you need to cry, do it. Scream if you need it. I’m here for you,” Quine said. “If I need to close the door and you want to be alone, we can do that, too. I’m right here for whatever reason you need.” Quine challenged me to write daily in a journal and note what I was feeling and understanding throughout the semester. We talked for a few minutes, and those few minutes made a difference in my life. She sat there and always listened to me because his life did mean something. The professional counselors on campus helped me, and I didn’t even expect it. They can help you too. School is tough at all times. Regardless of age, economic status, or how far you are from family and those you care about, know that people, including teachers, care about your well-being, and that they can and want to help. — Mary Williams-Smith is a Kilgore sophomore and a journalism major.
News
THE FLARE
Study this:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 5
Prepare for final season with faculty-students advice
Start Early
‘Starting early’ can mean something different to every student. Students should take enough time to properly study for each exam. “Procrastination is probably the biggest mistake students make when it comes to studying. It is easy to find reasons not to study,” Susan Wilson, KC Librarian, said. “I think that students should consider the exam from the get-go. It isn’t a matter of cramming all of the information in last-minute. It’s paying attention throughout the semester and gathering up the kind of information that might be on the exam,” said Heather Fitch, KC English instructor.
MAKE A PLAN
Before beginning the process of studying, students need to know what to study. “Re-write your notes. As you go through, you can use your textbook to clarify something that may be too vague in your notes. When in doubt, ask your instructor about something you missed,” Wilson suggests for students. “Plan ahead. Set aside a time to study and stick to the schedule.” Cramming is one of the worst ways to prepare for an exam. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) did a study on students cramming as a means of studying. The study concluded that students who crammed for the exam were able to recognize most of the information, but recognizing information is not the same as recalling it. Different parts of the brain are used to recognize and recall. “Spreading out study-time and taking deliberate breaks is a really important part of studying. It gives the brain time to understand and keep the material,” Fitch said.
Study relevant information
Students often try to memorize every piece of information they have learned. Start with the information that will definitely be on the test, then the information likely to be on the final, and then finish with additional information that might help. Fitch recommends always using the professor as a resource. They may be able to give some guidance on what information to study. Once the student has an idea of what they need to be studying, resources should include “anything and everything a student can get their hands on that pertains to their coursework,” Fitch said.
Find what works best for you
It depends on how a student learns best but working with others may be beneficial. “One of the ways that I studied in college was to sit down with my fellow students or someone who had already taken the class I was struggling with. I found that when I sat down with others and started talking about the class and the material, I understood it better,” Fitch said. Wilson also suggests using the library as a meeting place for these study groups. “[The library has] two conference tables that can accommodate large groups. If the group can study quietly, it can use one of the study rooms or the Conference Room,” she said. If a student is easily distracted, study groups may not be the way to go. “I actually prefer to study by myself; not everyone is 100 percent focused” said Sarah Mgbeike, Houston sophomore. “I personally feel like I can accomplish more on my own with no distractions.” The library has quiet spaces to accommodate individual studiers, too. “The second floor of the library is meant for quiet study. The closer we get to finals, the stricter we will get to keep this area free of distractions,” Wilson said. The library also has study rooms available for students. “As demand increases, the library will require reservations ahead of time to use the study rooms. Students will be able to reserve a room for a 2-hour time period.”
Pick a study place
This can be different for each student. It may be in the library, like Wilson suggested, or it may be in the comfort of their own home. “Students need to have everything they might possibly need within reach. When you get in the middle of studying and discover that you need something that you have to go get, even if it’s just across the room, it can slow the process and muck up the works. It takes your mind off the subject at hand and for me, it takes a long time to get back into that mentality. My only other piece of advice is not to study in bed. We are accustomed to sleeping in bed, so if we go to study in that space, we will most assuredly fall asleep. If you make studying in bed a habit, it will get to the point to where you can’t sleep because your brain and body are used to studying in that space, not sleeping,” Fitch said.
Find ways to practice without notes
Students can only re-read their notes so many times. At some point, they need to see what information they actually retained. “I think that one of the biggest mistakes people make in studying is to simply read the material. A better way is to phrase the material into questions the student can answer, because that’s what they will be doing on the test,” Fitch said. “Last year for finals I made flash-cards so I could quiz myself on the go. I also talked to people who knew nothing about the subject and tried to explain as much as I could. If you can explain it to someone else, you should be good for the final,” said sophomore Abigail Lyon. Fitch said she studied a similar way when she was in college. “I also found that helping others understand the material helped me understand it better, too. The best way to really grasp a new concept is to teach it to someone else because it forces the student to over-prepare and to find a way to translate the material into terms that they understand,” Fitch said.
Don’t freak out
Final exams count for a percentage of the final grade for the class, so students should do their best. Students should start preparing now. “Don’t leave out resources like the professor, the tutors in the labs, the internet or the textbook – if students are struggling to understand something, there is no shame in looking it up or asking for help ahead of time to prepare for a big exam,” Fitch said. Getting a good night’s sleep can help students on exams as well. “One thing I learned in college is that sleep is important. Don’t stay up late,” Lyon said. Brain food is also a real thing. Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy meal beforehand can help shift focus solely on exams. Techniques for studying for an exam can vary between students, but it’s never too early to begin. TIPS BY STAFF WRITER, SHELBY SELLARS
THE FLARE
PAGE 6 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
Going first First generation college students pave educational path DAVONN MITCHELL Staff Writer
“There might have been a couple of times where I didn’t agree with what somebody Many first-generation college students have said, but I still listened to my inner guide struggled to get where they are, and this is something and was an active listener at all times,” that should not be taken lightly. That’s why the McFarland said. federally funded TRiO program on KC’s campus As of right now, she is dedicated to her works so hard to recognize and emphasize the great Education class. She believes she has been potential that first-generation students have. successful in her endeavors because of all According to the KC Research and Institutional the things she has learned from previous Effectiveness Office in January 2015, 48 percent experiences. of students enrolled at KC identified as “first McFarland enjoys helping people because generation.” she struggled with motivation in the past and “Since this is such a big part of our population, we she now understands many of the problems wanted to recognize their efforts,” said Bindy Tice, students are facing – especially as firstTRiO’s director. A celebration took place at KC on generation college students. She has come Thursday, Nov. 8, that included recognition of firstto value hard work and is in a position to generation faculty and staff at KC. Being a firstencourage and help others reach and obtain generation college student means that neither parent their goals in life. has earned a bachelor degree. KC has plenty of Programs like TRiO Student Support employees who are first generation college students Services exist to help first generation college and know how it feels to pave the way for other family students, as well as low-income or disabled members. students, level the playing field as they enter Donna McFarland, a KC instructor, was a firstcollege. At KC, TRiO provides services such generation college student who had family problems as tutoring, academic assistance, mentoring, growing up. financial aid assistance and counseling, “It was often hard to stay motivated,” McFarland transfer counseling and campus visits, and said. “But giving up was not an option.” workshops on academic success and personal Carrie Harris / THE FLARE Despite the odds being stacked against her, she has development. still become a successful woman. She sometimes “Our goal is to increase dialogue between Dawn Besecke, Gilmer sophomore, enjoys refreshments at the TRIO lacked confidence, feeling her brother and sister first generation students and KC employees celebration. The TRIO celebration shows support to students attempting to were smarter than her. that will foster an attitude of persistence and become the first generation of college students in their families. “My sister and brother were who I thought were graduation,” Tice said. KC’s TRiO Program is the smarter ones,” she said. She attended KC, then funded with a $1.15 million federal grant from She started as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the U.S. Department of Education that will continue its transferred to Texas Tech for her bachelor’s degree. She then received a master’s degree at University of Texas- El Special Education/Behavior Specialist and as a family services through the year 2020. counselor. In this capacity, she was able to sit down with Paso. For more information, call Tice at 903-988-7590, email While she was living in Houston, she earned a master’s people and listen. At times she was bothered by what she her at btice@kilgore.edu, or visit Room 123 in the Student heard regarding clients’ problems and traumas. in Counseling, which helped her professionally. Support Building.
Fresh start Discover first generation college students turned KC faculty, staff on campus
• Mike Turpin, Admin Bldg • Julian Redfearn, BA 103c • Micah Ruddell, Bookstore • Michele Daniels, CA 108 • Belinda Prihoda, Chem ES 301 • Pam Gatton, DSC-Counseling • Wade Cates, DSC Admissions • Ashley Mason, DSC Housing • Estonia Graves, DSC Registrar • Hollyann Davis, DSC Disability • Paige Wood, ES 304 • Angelia Rice, Financial Aid
• Jackie Kelley, Financial Aid • Heath Cariker, KCPD • Rosemary Owens, KCPD • Susan Black, Library • Gail Cerliano, Library • Stephanie Laszik, OM 110 • Becky Johnson, OM 143 • David Fonteno, OM 206 • Ronda Lee, SS 112 • Tina Rushing, SS 206 • Mary Heiden, TEVCO 203 • Jessica Bickham, TRIO
• Heidi Everett, TRIO • Jude Dubois, UB-SS 214 • Halen Dorsey, UB-SS 214 • Jeanette Miller, Whitten 109A • Ginger Dennis, POTR 128A • Dawn Bahr, HSCTR 206 • Laura Mulanax, CANT 208 • Catherine Elueze, CANT • Danny Darden, POTR 126 • Gus Lafosse, LV NTH 205A • Merlyn Holmes, ADMIN • Sandra Carroll, CANT 203
FEATURES
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 7
KC Food Pantry keeps students fed, functioning CARRIE HARRIS Staff Writer
F
ood insecurity is a growing concern in colleges around the state. As a result, KC has stepped up to help with the lack of food issue by offering a student food pantry. The concept of helping students with food needs originated from Dr. Brenda Kays, KC president. The Office of Student Development was the natural fit for such a program and Barbara Prater, executive assistant to vice president Dr. Mike Jenkins, became the pantry overseer two years ago. About 18 students are using the pantry on a regular basis this year. Ashley Mason, coordinator of Resident Life, said 40 students stayed on campus during the Thanksgiving holiday. Seven of these were either international students or students who couldn’t go home. During the upcoming winter break, the number of students expected to stay on campus could vary between 20 and 40; depending on who is staying to attend the Christmas mini-mester. To access the food pantry, one must be enrolled at KC and attending classes. Also, those who live with another student who already has access to the program will not be allowed in. “They need to come to my office and fill out a short application. Then, enrollment is checked, and each week they can come and get two bags of food. We go into the pantry and they shop for what they want as long as it fits in the two bags,” Prater said. The student then signs that they received the bags. According to an article in “The Texas Tribune,” students who struggle to find enough food to eat usually struggle academically as well. A report recently released said more than one-third of college students across the country lacked reliable access to healthy food in 2017. The numbers are higher for community college students and among students who work full-time. Half of students working more than 40 hours per week said they were food insecure,
while about 35 percent of those working 20 hours or less reported they were. The combination, the report suggested, could make it harder for those students to get good grades. With the cost of higher education increasing every year, this doesn’t just mean students graduate with more debt. “Administrators and researchers say students are plugging gaps in their finances by making a host of lifestyle changes, including eating erratically, unhealthily, or just going hungry. Not only are those students at risk of going hungry in college, but food insecurity can also deepen the socio-economic divide that already plagues higher education. Lowincome and minority students tend to struggle more in college than their welloff peers. Adding hunger to that equation can burden those students further and cripple their ability to perform as well as they could,” according to The Texas Tribune. “We give students most of the resources they may need, but they are asked to let me know if anything comes up that they need,” Mason said. Besides food, Mason said there are other supplies available, such as Tide Pods or hygiene products. Also, if a student knows what he or she needs, they can go into the office and ask. “We are right on the front line, so we know what the need is, what students are going to need. We try and make sure we stay on top of it,” Mason said. “When Residential Life or the food pantry has a need for food or hygiene supplies, most of our donations come from employees,” Prater said. “We have a food drive at least twice a year. We also have some community members who have brought groceries or send money.” Mason has days where she is scheduled to be off campus (during breaks) but she also pops in to check on students to see if there are any needs. “When I have students on campus, I am on campus too. Our doors are open and our students are really good at communicating with us,” Mason said. Students can feel safe when asking for
BY THE NUMBERS
36
n 36 percent of U.S. college and university students experienced extremely low levels of food security. Source: insidehighered.com
50
Anyone interested in donating can contribute the following items: • Pop Tarts • Canned fruit or fruit cups • Breakfast bars • Cereal • Instant Oatmeal • Snack crackers • Tuna (canned or packets) • Mac n Cheese • Chunky soups • Chili • Canned tomatoes • Spaghetti • Rice sides • Pasta sides • Ravioli • Tomato soup • Chicken Noodle soup • Snack Items • Can openers • Toilet paper • Paper towels • Shampoo and bodywash (individual size) • Soap
Carrie Harris / THE FLARE
help, trusting that the information will remain between the parties who handle the case. “It’s confidential. We don’t use Wal-mart or other labeled bags. It’s in a corner where it’s out of the way and no one can really see you go in and out. And if they are seen going down the hall, they are carrying only two plain bags that do
n Up to half of college students claim they are not getting enough to eat, or are worried about it. Source: National Public Radio.
56
Barbara Prater mans the food pantry in Devall Student Center throughout the year. The facility relies on contributions from employees and community members.
not look like food. We try to keep it as confidential as possible. If there is a need, they need to come. We will provide what we can, there’s not always a lot but there’s always something,” Prater said. To visit the pantry, contact Prater across from the KC Bookstore or call her at 903983-8189. Mason’s number is 903-988-1520. Visit theflareonline.com for more info.
n 56 percent of food insecure students reported having a paying job. Source: studentsagainsthunger.org
portrait
PAGE 8 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
Maria Bilogo / THE FLARE
Sara Harris / THE FLARE
Sara Harris / THE FLARE
t gallery
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 9
Dominique Burnett/ THE FLARE
Travis Noriega / THE FLARE
COMM 1316 photography class develops aesthetic skills Cat Challis / THE FLARE Brenna Page/ THE FLARE
Sports Grush snaps up chance at football
PAGE 10 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
THE FLARE
Local athlete makes most of JUCO opportunity
JACOB LUCAS Staff Writer
K
C Freshman Braden Grush finished his high school football career in December 2017 with no intentions of ever playing another snap of regulated football. Grush had no offers to play college football, and had planned on attending for convenience. He has lived in Kilgore his whole life and KC seemed to be the most reasonable choice due to being affordable and local. Grush graduated from Kilgore High School in May 2018, and spent his first summer as a high school graduate working at a firework stand and hanging out with friends as much as possible. When August hit, Grush began to prepare for school by purchasing school supplies for his first semester as a college student. However, his plans were quickly re-routed. On Monday, August 20, Grush received a phone call from an assistant KC football coach. The coach asked Grush if he was interested in trying out to long snap for the football team.
Jacob Lucas/ THE FLARE
KC Deep Snapper Braden Grush garnered interest from the KC football coaching staff because of his time playing for the Kilgore Bulldogs. Grush now deep snaps for the Rangers. He was “surprised” and “nervous” as he was on the phone with the coach. “When I received the phone call from the coach, I got butterflies in my stomach and couldn’t sleep the entire night before the tryout.” He was quick to tell the coach that he would definitely enjoy the opportunity to play
football again. After getting off the phone with the coach, Grush decided to come to practice the next day to tryout and show the coaching staff what he had to offer the team. The opportunity for Grush to tryout opened up whenever the previous person the coaches were looking at chose to not play.
He went to practice the next day, and successfully competed with the other athletes. At the tryout, KC assistant coaches got Grush set up with Ranger shorts, a practice shirt, and cleats. Head Coach J.J. Eckert then had Grush do several different drills, such as live punt and field goal snaps with the team.
When the tryout was complete, Eckert informed Grush that he liked the way his snaps looked, and that he saw potential in him. He then offered Grush a full scholarship to snap at KC, and told him to discuss the decision with his parents. After discussing, Grush decided that accepting the opportunity to play at KC was the best choice. Grush texted Coach Eckert on the next day, and accepted. Grush joined the team the week of their first game. The Rangers played arch-rival Tyler Junior College in Lindale, and the Rangers secured a big 42-10 victory over the Apaches in Braden’s debut game as a college athlete. The following week, against Navarro College, Grush made a key play that gave the Rangers the opportunity to beat the Bulldogs. Late in the game, Grush recovered a muffed punt return in Bulldog territory, causing the KC sideline to erupt seeing the “new guy” making a big play. In the last regular season game against the TJC Apaches, he recorded his first tackle of the season on a punt return.
“I saw him catch the ball right in front of me, so I lowered my shoulder and wrapped him up. It felt good to finally get a tackle, but I wish I could have gotten one sooner than this.” After taking two losses early in the season, the Rangers have won seven straight games. KC ran through conference play going 5-2, but have an overall record of 9-2. Along with the team, Grush will receive a ring for winning the Southwest Junior College Football Conference, and will have the opportunity to play in the CHAMPS Heart of Texas bowl against Pima Community College, from Arizona. The game will take place at 11:05 a.m. on December 1 at Waco ISD Stadium. Grush hopes to continue his football career at a four-year university, and establish a career in the oil industry. “After KC, I plan to go to work in the oil field, unless I receive an offer to play football at a university.” Grush is thankful to have the opportunity to play with the Ranger family, and hopes to keep the win streak alive by securing one last victory in the bowl game.
Multiple Ranger football players earn SWJCFC All-Conference honors
Regular season and playoff champion Kilgore College earned a couple of first team picks, two second team selections and multiple honorable mentions with the release of the Southwest Junior College Football Conference All-Conference Team for 2018. Sophomore offensive lineman Nick Paul and sophomore linebacker Adrion Robertson were
first team selections for the Rangers, who went 4-2 in conference play during the regular season to earn the top seed in the playoffs and then routed Navarro and Northeastern Oklahoma to win the league championship. KC, 9-2 and ranked No. 4 in the latest NJCAA national poll, will face No. 20 Pima (Arizona) Community College in the TIPS-C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart
of Texas Bowl on Dec. 1 in Waco. Sophomore running back De’Montre Tuggle and sophomore defensive back Morgan Vest were second team selections for the Rangers. Paul, a 6-6, 385-pound sophomore, was the top blocker for a KC offense that averaged 394.6 yards per game – 203.7 on the ground. Robertson has recorded
93 tackles, 3.5 sacks and four passes defended to lead a dominant Kilgore defense that has scored touchdowns in each of the last four games. Offensive MVP honors went to Navarro quarterback Parker McNeil, who completed 226 of 363 passes for 2,989 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and also rushed for four scores. Teven McAdams of
Trinity Valley was the conference’s defensive MVP after recording 65 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Earning honorable mention status for Kilgore were freshman tight end Luke Stillwell, sophomore receiver Kevin Jones, sophomore return specialist Rod Ford, sophomore defensive
lineman Shaakr Smith, freshman defensive lineman Sedrick Williams, sophomore linebacker Dyvonne Inyang, sophomore linebacker Kyshawn Smith, freshman defensive back Kaleb Ford-Dement, sophomore defensive back Jon Alexander and sophomore defensive back Elery Alexander. -KCPR
THE FLARE
SPORTS We are the champions
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 11
KC knocks NEO out SWJCFC Championship 62-19, sets sights on Heart of Texas Bowl game JACOB LUCAS Staff Writer The KC Rangers have extended their win streak yet again, and this time, they have two things to celebrate; a great game in which they clobbered Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, and the ring they will receive for winning the Southwest Junior College Football Conference. KC will play in the TIPSC.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl at 11:05 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Waco ISD Stadium. The Rangers will play against the Pima Community College Aztecs, from Arizona. The Rangers have not only stomped mudholes into their opponents and walked them dry, but stomped the mudhole, walked it dry, then filled the hole with mud and then dried that out as well. With another win under their belt, the KC offense has been rocking and rolling in recent weeks. In the Rangers’ past
three games, they have tacked on a total of 156 points on the scoreboard. While doing so, they have accrued a whopping 1,346 yards of total offense. This offensive unit is locked in and haven’t had any problems moving the ball whatsoever. On the flip side of the ball, the Rangers defense, A.K.A the “Blue Steel,” has only allowed 50 points in their past three games. KC also had eight sacks for a total of 75 yards. The quick defense of the Rangers are averaging nearly 10 yards per sack. During the championship game against NEO, the Rangers had 510 yards of total offense. Quarterback Quez Allen only threw the rock nine times and completed four passes for 86 yards. The offense had 466 rushing yards, and Allen accrued nearly half of them. He tallied 224 rushing yards on 24 carries with three touchdowns. His longest was 33 yards.
Jamie Maldonado/ Special to THE FLARE
Members of the Ranger football team hoist the Southwest Junior College Football Conference Championship Trophy as head coach J.J. Eckert looks on. Eckert was awarded the 2018 SWJCFC Coach of the Year trophy. De’Montre Tuggle ran for 134 yards on only eight carries, averaging an impressive 17 yards per carry. Tuggle also had a rushing touchdown, and his longest rush was a 70 yarder. Wide receiver Omar
Rangers continue down champion road
After defeating Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, 62-19, to win the Southwestern Junior College Football Conference Championship, the Kilgore College Rangers now have one more game on their slate – a trip to the TIPSC.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl in Waco on Saturday, Dec. 1. KC, who jumped from No. 10 to No. 4 in the nation after winning
seven-straight games and defeating NEO in the conference championship, will face No. 20 Pima (Ariz.) Community College (6-3) in the bowl game. Kickoff is set for 11:05 a.m. at Waco Independent School District Stadium. The game is somewhat of a rematch with the Pima Aztecs. In 2004, KC won the SWJCFC Championship against Tyler Junior College and accepted a bid to the Pilgrim’s Pride Bowl
in Mount Pleasant. In that bowl game, KC narrowly lost to Pima, 107. Head coach J.J. Eckert was offensive coordinator at KC that season. This season, Pima won six-straight games before losing, 64-17, to Snow (Utah) College in the Western States Football League Championship. Call 903-988-7537 or 903-988-7536 for more information. -KCPR
Manning hauled in one catch for 30 yards and a touchdown, and Chris Shaw also caught a pass for 44 yards. Tuggle also had one grab for 14 yards. The KC defense locked down the championship game by only allowing 19
points. They started the game hot as Kaleb FordDement bit on the smoke screen coming out of the wide receiver from NEO, jumped in front of it, and took it all the way to the crib for a pick-six. The Rangers defense also had 5.5 sacks.
Adrion Robertson led the Rangers with 1.5 sacks. Sam Johnson and Kelton Moss also had a sack, and Brian Holloway and Torey Zanders split a sack as well.
BOWL GAME PREVIEW When and Where: 11 a.m. Saturday, December 1; Waco ISD Stadium Head Coaches: Kilgore: J.J. Eckert Pima: Jim Monaco Previous Games: Kilgore 62-NEO 19 Pima 21-Arizona Western 24 Players to watch- KC Offense: QB #12 Quez Allen (40-57 attempts, 488 yards, 6 TD; 73 carries, 534 yards, 8 TD) RB #24 De’Montre Tuggle (111 carries, 751 yards, 6 TD;
16 receptions, 330 yards, 5 TD; 1071 all-purpose yards) WR #4 Kevin Jones (22 receptions, 358 yards, 2 TD) KC Defense: LB #8 Adrion Robertson (59 tackles, 34 assists, 3.5 sacks, 4 PBU) DB #5 Morgan Vest (59 tackles, 20 assists, 1 INT, 4 PBU) DB #29 Elery Alexander (42 tackles, 21 assists, 1 FR, 4 PBU) Fact Check: This will be both the second alltime meeting and final meeting between the two
as the Pima Community College football program will be cut following the game. KC last played Pima in the 2004 Pilgrim’s Pride Bowl in Mount Pleasant, in which the Rangers lost 10-7. Both teams enter the bowl game nationally ranked, with KC ranked No. 4 and the Aztecs ranked No. 20. The Rangers are riding a seven-game win streak into the game, whereas the Aztecs look to snap a two-game losing streak. — by Alec Reyes, Sports Editor
PAGE 12 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
Write your story
Flare alumni enjoy success at ESPN, Dallas Morning News, dozens of newspapers, blogs and in multitude of other fields
KC
student journalists have won hundreds of individual awards, dozens of Sweepstakes and Best of Show awards and several national honors. With alumni at scores of newspapers, TV news outlets and on the cutting edges of cyberspace, success doesn’t stop when a new plaque goes
up on the lab wall. Students working on The Flare and The Flare Online have a chance to make an immediate impact with writing, photography, design and illustration. KC journalism students are also eligible for a number of scholarships.
For more information, contact Rachel Stallard, Flare adviser, at 903-983-8194 or by email at rstallard@kilgore.edu
THE FLARE
SPORTS
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 13
Conference play begins for KC Basketball
Sara Harris / THE FLARE
Lady Rangers head coach Addie Lees directs her team on the bench during a timeout.
2018-19 KC Men’s Basketball Schedule
2018-19 KC Women’s Basketball Schedule
Jairus Stevens jumps up to the basket as a defender reaches for him.
Sara Harris / THE FLARE
Rangers, Lady Rangers notch wins before conference play
The KC men's and women's basketball teams will open up conference play this week after winning big against nonconference opponents. The men open conference play at home versus Angelina College on Wednesday, Nov. 28. Lady Rangers will open
up conference play on the road versus Angelina College on Saturday, Dec. 1. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium in Lufkin. KC Men 92, CYM Prep 60 The men are coming off a 92-60 win over CYM Prep on Nov. 24 in Kilgore.
KC had six players in double figures with Jairus Stevens and Rodrigue Tha Andela each scoring 15 points. Jordyn Owens scored 14 points and Assane Ndiaye scored 13 points. Kevin Buckley and Warren Richardson each scored 10 points.
Owens was 4-of-6 from the three-point line. Darrian Grays scored 9 points for the Rangers (3of-4 from the three-point line). Lady Rangers 93, Cedar Valley Community College 41 The Lady Rangers defeated Cedar Valley
Community College Nov. 26 at home, 93-41. KC had six players in double figures with Sarah Mgbeike leading the way with 17 points and earning a double-double with 17 rebounds. Alex Popham scored 16 points for the Lady Rangers and Emely
Rosario, Alex Strawhorn and Patience Idoko each scored 15 points. Idoko also earned a double-double by grabbing 11 rebounds. -KCPR
PAGE 14 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
OPINION
Deadline-induced panic
Vol. 82 • No. 7 Friday, November 30, 2018 Executive Editor Adriana Cisneros Emerson Sports Editor Alec Reyes
THE FLARE
Your View What is your routine for studying for finals?
Photo Editor Catie Denfeld Page Editors Cassidy Daniel, Nelda MilliganTurner, Jamie Hwang, Catie Denfeld Ad Manager Destiny Baldwin
“I like to study for an hour and take 30-60 break to relax and begin to study again.”
Staff Writers Destiny Baldwin, Maria Ango Bilogo, Carrie Harris, Nadia Hill, Jacob Lucas, Davonn Mitchell, Travis Noriega, Shelby Sellars, Timothy Sirus, Mary Williams-Smith
Lazarus Salinas Malakoff sophomore
Photographers Dominique Burnett, Cat Challis, Grace Garcia, Travis Noriega, Carrie Harris, Sara Harris, Liza Latham, Jamie Hwang, Malayna Stewart, Kristen Troxell, Mary Williams-Smith Adviser Rachel Stallard
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.
Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
Bittersweet behaviors to avoid, ways to prepare for finals
F
inals are coming up, and the stress that comes with them is not unfamiliar to any college student. The struggle, the weariness, the I-can’t-do-this-anymore thoughts, although common and typical from the last month of the semester, can be minimized through organization and determination. In college, especially in the last month of the semester where assignments, projects, and finals take over students’ lives, planning ahead is what determines not only the outcome of these, but also the level of stress the student will have to cope with. Regardless of how difficult the semester has been, it is important to stress that at this point, there is still hope. Taking simple steps prior to the due date such as paying attention in class, asking questions of those subjects that are yet to be crystal clear, writing down each task on a calendar and creating and sticking to a study schedule can make the difference on how many hours of sleep the student will get the
night before that worrisome exam. When it comes to college, preparation in advance is key for staying on track and getting satisfactory results. Also, having a clear idea of what the priorities are at the moment is equally important. In order not to fail, it is essential to understand the upcoming challenges that will come, and with them, the obstacles that will be present in the way, whether those are that job with a highly demanding boss, or the social and family aspects that are essential in each person’s life. Preparing in advance and letting each person that represents an important aspect of one’s life be aware of the extent to which one, as a student, will be unavailable, will make it easier to have a clear, focused mind when studying. When it comes to preparing for finals, it is important to acknowledge the other aspects that conform the students’ lives and deal with them properly in order to maintain a healthy balance between the college life and the social and professional one.
In other words, waiting for just a couple of days before the exam to sit down, understand and assimilate the challenges ahead and what these comprise is simply not enough. Procrastination, in fewer words, is a bittersweet behavior that ought to be avoided in these cases. For a college student about to enter the most stressful month of the semester, procrastination is the number one enemy. In order to avoid the struggle, the weariness, the I-can’t-dothis-anymore thoughts and all these feelings that go handin-hand with being a college student, having a plan is always a major ally. Preparing in advance, finding the energy to get out of bed early in the morning and attend the day’s lectures, getting doubts cleared, being aware of the upcoming challenges and letting others be aware as well, coming up with a schedule to face them and sticking to it, is what will make the finals week of college a less dreaded experience and one more likely to end in success.
“I always use the study guides. They’re very helpful and give you a good idea of what will be on the test.” Julia Fulgham Kilgore sophomore
“I just force myself to sit down and go over the material.” Kellen Maples Longview sophomore
Your View photo credits Catie Denfeld / THE FLARE
ARTS
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 15
L i ve by t h e Sw o rd , Ac t by t h e Sw o rd Certification rounds out theatrical education TRAVIS NORIEGA Staff Writer
T
he first joint Stage Combat Workshop was held by the KC Theatre Department and The Texas Shakespeare Festival in November 2016, It was taught by a certified instructor from the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). The workshop consisted of KC students, instructors, former students and members of the community. The workshop was for a certification in Single Sword- a style used for scenes involving a saber, a rapier, and general Hollywood swashbuckling. That first workshop was just the beginning as the TSF and the KC Theatre Department still hold workshops for students. It takes 30 hours to qualify for a certification and many more hours of practice on your own. Lauren Fields, from White Oak, has enjoyed her experience with stage combat and how it has influenced her as an actor. Fields was first introduced to stage combat through a workshop held for high schoolers at the Texas Shakespeare Festival. “The experience was a lot of fun and exciting. At the workshop, the class got taught simple falls, punches and some kicks.” Fields believes the basics of stage combat to be important for all actors “I think any actor, young or old, should at least be trained to fall properly.” Despite seeming like a small issue falling correctly is important for longevity, doing multiple shows a week can be rough on an actor’s body. Fields said learning stage combat positively affected her acting by making her more physically aware. Being completely in sync with the entire stage around her to prevent one wrong move
that could have disastrous consequences has forced her to be more aware. “Forcing awareness like that just becomes habit after a while and it almost becomes second nature so that if something gets in your way during a fight, you just adjust slightly and keep going,” she said It’s important for students to learn the proper techniques for various forms of stage combat to ensure they can perform a fight scene well and safely. Getting their certification in a specific weapon proves this to potential employers and therefore makes the students more employable. Learning stage combat helped Fields make clearer decisions regarding her future. “Before I knew anything about stage combat, I didn’t know what colleges to look at or anything. After I started to find things, like stage combat, that I loved in theatre, I knew whatever university I transferred to, I would want them to have stage combat in the curriculum.” Fields’ full knowledge of stage combat includes a certification in knife combat, and knowledge of unarmed stage combat, which she used in KC’s recent production of Lord of the Flies. She also attended “The Lone Star Smash,” a weekend long stage combat event that lets participants explore all kinds of weapons- such as broadswords, single swords, whips and quarter-staffs. Fields’ favorite weapon is the knife, despite thinking she wasn’t going to like it at the beginning of her certification workshop with the knife. “The knife is a very close and personal weapon, meaning that the trust between partners has to be there. Also, everyone uses knife on a daily basis, making it a difficult weapon to just make up stuff. You also can’t just do big flashy things with knifes because people will call
Travis Noriega / THE FLARE
you out. So, you have to have the perfect mixture of showing the knife and where it’s going and not being flashy so as not to look comedic,” she said. Fields said the most appealing part about stage combat is the partnership that it requires. “You have to trust your partner to have a good fight. Every fight is choreographed
Lauren Fields, White Oak sophomore, enjoys the fine art of stage combat.
but you never know if your partner is tired or not feeling 100 percent well, meaning that you have to trust the other person not to actually hit you but to get close enough for it to look like it.” Fields finds stage combat is equal in fun and difficulty. “Top three rules of Stage Combat are breathe, be safe and trust your partner.”
Alumni Answers: Colton Askew shares affects of Stage Combat course TRAVIS NORIEGA Staff Writer
Q
When did you first get introduced to Stage Combat and how was the experience? “In 2016, in my sophomore year of college. The class was taught by Andrew
A
Ray and it was an awesome experience that changed what kind of performer I wanted to be professionally.” How did learning stage combat affect your acting overall? “It changed the way I acted by teaching partnering -being so focused on your partner and really working
Q A
with them to create a scene of violence safely that pulls the audience in and create tension.” How did learning Stage Combat affect your future as in what college you chose and ideas about your future career? “A-Ray talked about learning Stage Combat from Louisiana Tech, specifically
Q A
from Mark Guinn a fight master from the SAFD. So I applied to Louisiana Tech and went to go train with Mr. Guinn and the experience has been amazing.” Askew is currently at Louisiana Tech. He is certified in Quarterstaff, Single Sword, Unarmed, and Knife combat and plans to pursue more certifications.
FEATURES
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 n PAGE 16
Do it for the culture
Club inspires students to broaden horizons SHELBY SELLARS Staff Writer
T
he International Students Club hosted the Cultural Awareness Expo in the Devall Ballroom on Nov. 13. Attendance was high and the event was fun for all who participated and attended. Tina Luther, ISC advisor and ESOL instructor, said that there were 15 countries represented by over 30 participants and close to 150 people attended. “Most people loved to talk with the students, hear about different cultures and try some of their food,” she said. Luther and the ISC were very pleased with how the event went. “I really cannot pick a favorite part of it because
I appreciate every aspect of Taste of Nations - the people, the dress attire, the dances, the music, the food and the artifacts. I love celebrating the different international cultures that we have on campus and educating others about them,” Luther said. The expo took place during the International Education Week, Nov. 12 to Nov. 16. This is a week that honors the benefits of international education worldwide. It is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. Celebrations were held all over the world and invitations were extended to everyone. The KC International Student Club is already looking forward to next year’s festivities.
Left: Cultures meet as students from Japan and Mexico sample each other’s native cuisine. Right: Jamie Hwang of South Korea enlivens the crowd with a K-Pop performance to wrap up the show. Below: HiIena Mepinault from Gabon, and Cecilia Ela and Maria Bilogo (both from Equatorial Guinea ) perform a traditional African dance.
Carrie Harris / THE FLARE
Maria Bilogo / THE FLARE
KC Internationals call these places home Russia (1)
Ukraine (1)
Romania (1)
Spain (2) Canada (1)
Sweden (1)
Mexico (2) Bahamas (2) Venezuela (1) Grenada (1) Argentina (1)
Nepal (5)
Libya (1) Japan (10) Senegal (2) South Ghana (1) Korea (5) Taiwan (1) Benin (3) India (1) Saudi Vietnam (7) Nigeria (6) Arabia (5) Indonesia (1) Equitorial Kenya (1) Pakistan (3) Guinea (2) Cambodia (4) Cameroon (1) Iran (1) Gabon (1) Turkmenistan (1) Congo (2) Rwanda (2) Zimbabwe (1) Brazil (1) Australia (1) Burkina Faso (1)
Gambia (2) Brenna Page / THE FLARE