Remember those lazy days of summer? How we thought they would never end.
The Mane Issue Volume 6, Issue 6
Wallace State’s Student Newspaper
May/June 2009
Picture By Ashley LeCroy
In This Issue: Student Submissions Graduation News
Artwork, Poetry, and, Creative Writing
Campus News
Awards Night Pictures
Sporting News and more
Summer Arts and Culture 2009 Upcoming Events Monday, June 15 STEM Camp Girls Basketball Camp 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Tuesday, June 16 STEM Camp, Jun 15 – 19 2009 Girls Basketball Camp 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Wednesday, June 17 STEM Camp» Girls Basketball Camp Last Day to withdraw from Mini I 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, June 18 STEM Camp Lion's Pride Orientation 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Monday, June 22 Last Day to Apply for a Summer 2009 Loan Last Day to charge on Stafford Loan at Bookstore Summer Graduation Applications Due 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet
Tuesday, June 23 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Wednesday, June 24 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, June 25 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Monday, June 29 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Tuesday, June 30 8am First Stafford Loan Disbursement 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Wednesday, July 1 DEADLINE FOR FINANCIAL AIDFALL 2009 End of Mini Term I Registration Mini Term ll 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, July 2 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Friday, July 3 All day Independence Day - College Closed Monday, July 6 Last Day to withdraw 7 Week Term
Editor’s Notes Ahh, sweet summertime. There is nothing comprable to those lazy summer days spent at the pool with friends, on the beach, or simply lying around happy to have nothing scheduled. Quite a sweet dream isn’t it? I know that you are reading this either thinking that my life is too easy or that I am simply a bum. I’m not, for I know that these summer months are some of the busiest of the entire year--as students catch up on credits in summer classes while maintaining treacherous work schedules. Those lazy summers ended with the high school graduations that we all wished would come as quickly as possible. Even as our scedules are packed full, we--as students of Wallace State--don’t have it so badly. The college has closed on Fridays to conserve energy throughout the hot summer months. That means that students have no classes on Fridays, which means that every weekend is a bit of a holiday. Classes during the summer aren’t so bad either, just a way for each of us to reach our fullest potential more quickly. So I say those of you enrolled in summer courses are charging headlong into the wind until you are able to achieve your dreams. I respect that greatly. This issue of our student publication is focused around the celebration of student achievements at Wallace State. Whether the achievements be academic, artistic, intellectual, or very personal in nature we are a college that is glowing with the light of student success. On behalf of “The Mane Issue’s” staff, have a wonderful summer, keep up the hard work, and enjoy our publication. Thank you for reading, Sam Rolley Editor
Late Registration, Drop/Add Begins Mini Term II Mini Term II Begins 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Tuesday, July 7 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Wednesday, July 8 60% Withdrawal Date for Summer Semester 8am Mid-Point Stafford Loan Disbursement 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, July 9 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Monday, July 13 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Tuesday, July 14 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Wednesday, July 15 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, July 16 Last Day to withdraw Regular and Mini II Terms 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet
Monday, July 20 Early Registration for Fall 2009 begins Tuesday, July 21 End of 7 Week Term 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Wednesday, July 22 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, July 23 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Monday, July 27 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Tuesday, July 28 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Wednesday, July 29 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, July 30 Final Exams 9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet Friday, July 31 All day Final Exams More calendar items can be found at www.wallacestate.edu.
THE MANE ISSUE NEEDS YOU! WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS For information about “The Mane Issue” or to join the staff please contact us by e-mail newspaper@wallacestate.edu
Wallace State Student Newspaper Staff. Sam Rolley, Editor Andrew Hill Andre Caldwell Aldo Amato
Bethany Petty Heather Mortensen Cameron Thomas Elisabethe Dorning
Jasmine Hall Tycheria Woods Ashley Lecroy
Sponsored by the Wallace State Communications and Marketing Department, Kristen Holmes. Ph: 256/352-8118, JBC 11 Floor, kristen.holmes@wallacestate.edu
Mission It is the mission of the Wallace State Student Newspaper to inform the Wallace State student body of campus news and events.
Participation The newspaper always welcomes new staff members. If you are interested in participating on the newspaper staff, please contact Kristen Holmes. or a staff member for info.
Submissions and Suggestions If you have a story idea or would like to make a submission to the Wallace State Student Newspaper, please send an email to newspaper@wallacestate.edu. All submissions must include the author’s name and contact information. The WSCC Student Newspaper reserves the right to reject any submissions and to edit all published material. It is the policy of the Alabama State Board of Education and Wallace State Community College, a postsecondary institution under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097. Ph: 404-679-4501).
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May/June 2009
Art On Campus Author Dennis Covington Visits Campus
Student Photography
By Heather Mortensen As a member of the Sigma Kappa Delta English honor society, several other students and I were invited to have breakfast with Mr. Dennis Covington before the student forum. Early on, I was recruited as greeter, my responsibilities including welcoming guests and making sure that they signed in. After standing for long moments, I heard Mrs. Hopper and Dr. Bownes-Johnson down the hall, introducing themselves to the famed author. Anticipation set in. Here we were, the lot of us dressed in our best “business” attire, skirts and suits abounded, and Dennis Covington rounded the corner in jeans and a denim jacket, books cradled in his arms and a coffee in his right hand. Once inside, we were all introduced and posed for a few shots with the man who had handled snakes and lived to tell about it. His attitude was very uplifting, and pretty soon he had us all laughing. He discussed with Austin Monk, our president, his recent venture to learn Spanish He even asked us all Covington, continued on p. 11
Eco-Friendly Artistic Expression By: Sam Rolley Adrian Scott’s art classes displayed enviromentally artistic creations in honor of this years Earth Day celebration. This is not the only focus on the enviroment that students and faculty members may have noticed on the campus of Wallace State, as many new and exciting initiatives to protect our planet are in the making. A commitie has been formed on campus--Wallace State’s very own “Green Team”-- to develope plans to make our campus more friendly to the enviroment. Projects under discussion include the implimentation of a campus wide recycling program, plans that would reduce the use of paper on campus, and many more. As our readers know, “The Mane Issue'” has taken a great interest in keeping the Earth clean and humbly asks each student, faculty, and staff member to do his or her part.
Picture by Sara Rebecca Boyd
Picture By Ashley LeCroy
May/June 2009
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Student Poetry Over-grown Roots By Violet Woods I come from the South, Just like the wind. Often you will feel me, grazing you from the West. With feather-like kisses on your grit-like skin. Life has hindered me through multiple dilemmas, But, with my winsome demeanor and true southern art, I will trade in my wilted petals and over-grown roots. For a wide open space in which my soul will freely fly, far from the time machine that has imprisoned my mind. All the while, pollinating for the rest of the world to bloom with various bright colors, that result from virtual seeds that my very being has spread. For, I AM prevailing.
Pull Me Up By Brittny Wilson It is infelicitous. The idea, the glimpses. Everytime I close my eyes, I see that verboten image. Pitting guilt doesn't stop the ingraining, Nor does it stop the clashing of Sapphire and emerald. When do joshings transform, Molding into a palpable presence? Maybe when you sink so low, You start grasping at any tossed rope. Pull me up. Slowly--one inch at a time. I needed that as much as I need a mulligan. Is this it? Is there something more? No. Not really.
A Memory By Kyle Davenport Just standing there now, looking back at the days and Seeing somehow they all slipped away. My fate is so new, and my path is unknown; Here I am again... yet alone. Given few chances and not enough of time Blaming you for my thoughts, but in reality, they’re mine. Picking out the choices I wish I would have made, Deciding on the ones and wanting to fade. They call me amazing and they call me the best, but Deep down inside, I’m just like the rest. You look up to me, and I look at you, Holding each other, and I ask, “Is this true?” Your love is forever, I surely do hope. All i ask is don't leave me broke. Remember all the people that I’ve met on the way, Each with their stories and problems astray. I've taken the memories that have gotten me this far And tucked them beside me. A Memory is all I have to left share. With the thoughts of you still remaining ,why should I even care? Wanting to know myself... In a way such A Memory can describe With the rambling of thoughts, that have nowhere to hide So when the day is over and all is at rest, I just sit back and think of only the best...of A Memory
That subtle rasping Whispers of an exchange of nothing For everything. Smile--you're wearing a mask. Maybe next time. A flash of mirrored ivory and Water droplets are running down the Contours of a leaf. The images cease, And you're down in the pit again, Without a rope. I'm tired. I'm sorry. Today, you will only wonder Just what those empty promises Could have filled. But by tomorrow, there will be a new rope-An old, frayed one to latch on to. It won't fill the cracks on the ground, But at least the foundation is solid.
Words color my knowledge, just as assorted titles line the walls of an avid readers den. What roots do these walls have? Which tales go unread? Some words, like people, are forever untouched, never seen, While others are visited and taken to heart, thus leading to their exploration elsewhere. Words alone are harmless, However, join them with society and the damages are done Like bridges that are often long, narrow, and swaying at frightful heights. Words too can leave us wondering if we can bear the walk. I want to taste the sweet smell of honeysuckle vines As I feel the cool, moist sand and seaweed sink beneath my feet. My blood feels as if it were ironweights As I inhale the unforgettable burning of ocean water through my nasal Amongst the divers’ place I notice One eye sees as I do, while the other sees only the media’s view Just as I feel like I am losing all my blooms The retching chills subside to reveal that the fallen blossoms have created a masterpiece, after all
Love is the Slowest form of Suicide Anonymous “They say that love is the slowest form of suicide, So if you left, I would die. Just because I wouldn’t have you by my side… To wipe every single tear that I cry. Because love is the slowest form of suicide.”
Pull me up.
Losing all my Blooms By: Violet Woods I am born a true southern breed, My flesh and bones were risen in the Lone Star state. By nature my heart and soul, belong to Dixie with infinity and beyond.
If you would like to submit your work to The Mane Issue, please e-mail us at newspaper@
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May/June 2009
2009 GRADUATION Wallace State celebrates banner year for student success Nearly 600 students at Wallace State Community College crossed the graduation stage to collect their diplomas the evening of May 15 as a full house at Tom Drake Coliseum celebrated their accomplishments. These participants are among more than 1,000 graduates conferred degrees and certificates from Wallace State this year. “This has been a banner year for Wallace State,” said President Dr. Vicki Hawsey. “We’ve celebrated a national championship softball team, nine of whom are graduates that are not with us tonight because they are in Utah defending that championship. We have prided ourselves on having Alabama’s New Century Scholar in Austin Monk. And we have commended the many honors and distinctions earned by our outstanding student body and faculty.” Rod Risley, executive director of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges, provided the graduation address and commended the class on their outstanding accomplishments. The Wallace State chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has been recognized as a 5-Star Chapter, the highest level of attainment, for its large membership, numbering 552, and wide variety of programs and service learning activities it offers to participants. Graduating members of this group were asked to stand and be recognized during the ceremony. In her remarks to the graduating class, Hawsey highlighted the accomplishments of these students, whose stories are special yet represent the accomplishments of so many in this class: Joey Foster, a two-time winner of the Skills USA state welding competition and a favorite to win the national competition in Missouri this summer; Beverly Malone, an elementary education major who found her calling in missionary work in Honduras last summer; Jeanna Blicker a military mom who served three tours in the Middle East with the Army National Guard; Sonya Hart, a single mother who has persevered through college and been an inspiration to others following a debilitating car accident; and Melissa Harbison, a sixtysomething graduate in the Human Services program who proves that age is no barrier to education. Hawsey also awarded two posthumous degrees to Timothy Dockery, who would have received an associate in science degree in criminal justice and an associate in applied sci-
ence degree in forensic investigation. Dockery, a Magna Cum Laude graduate who was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and received regular recognition on the Dean’s and President’s Lists, passed away last week. His son Zachary Dockery, a marine in the Force Recon Special Forces Unit serving in Iraq, and now with the Marine reserves and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, was present to accept the diplomas on his father’s behalf. Graduation awards also were presented to SGA President and New Century Scholar Austin Monk for the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, to automotive student Amanda Aldana for the Presidential Award for
Technical Excellence, and to nursing class president Byron Price for the Presidential Award for Health Excellence. Heather Childers received the James B. Allen Award for outstanding service and scholarship. As president of the Student Government Association, Monk provided the invocation and benediction. English and speech instructor Ramona Hopper served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Music was preformed by the Wallace State band and choir.
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May/June 2009
Softball team finishes 2nd in nation Special to The Mane Issue. Reprinted with permission from The Cullman Times. ST. GEORGE, Utah — A second straight championship was so close, Wallace State’s softball team could practically feel it. After taking an early 1-0 lead Saturday in the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament’s if-needed game, Wallace was just counting down the outs. Nine outs to go. Six outs, five … … And that’s when it happened. Yavapai catcher Brittany Tucker smacked a one-out, two-run homer to right off Wallace starter Kelsey Dennis in the bottom of the sixth inning, sending the Rough Riders (60-8) to a 2-1 win and their first national championship in school history. The Lions (63-10) won the first championship game 3-1 behind a dominating performance by Dennis. But even though the game-winning homer in game two came off Dennis, it’s hard to fault Wallace’s freshman lefty. After picking up a win in relief in an elimination game against Seminole State (Fla.), Dennis quieted Yavapai’s bats in the first championship game. In the
if-needed game, the lefthander took a shutout into the sixth before giving up the homer to Tucker. “She just took the outside pitch and went with it,” said Dennis, who ended the year with a 35-4 record. “It was what we’ve been getting them on all day.” Wallace won its first national championship last season in Plant City, Fla., and returned to the event this year despite losing 11 sophomores to graduation a year ago. The Lions won their first two games at the Canyons Complex before losing the winner’s bracket final 1-0 Friday night against the Rough Riders. Though her team came up one win short, Wallace coach Jayne Clem said she has no regrets. “We played a great game,” she said. “We beat the national champonship team once … I wouldn’t trade my girls for theirs any day. They did everything we asked them to, and we’ll be back.” Dennis agreed. “It was great to be able to have these last couple games with our sophomoress and to have this experience,” she said. “We didn’t come out on top, but we’re going to take this experience and learn from it and be better next year.” Wallace took a 1-0
lead in the first inning on Stephanie Needham’s solo homer to left field. Dennis made it hold up until the sixth, giving up just three hits. The freshman ended up allowing six hits and one walk while striking out eight. Needham, Allison Reynolds and Caitlyn Williams had the only hits for Wallace. Sallie Beth Burch and Needham added one walk each. Wallace State 3, Yavapai 1: Wallace forced an if-needed game thanks to a dominating performance by Dennis. The freshman starter allowed one run on three hits while striking out six to
pick up the win. Dennis’ only run allowed came in the fifth inning, when Alyssa Rhodes scored on a sacrifice fly by Caitlin Stangl. The Lions took an early 3-0 lead with one run in the third and two more in the fourth. Needham hit an RBI single in the third to score Natalie Harrison. One inning later, Williams hit a runscoring triple and Van Kirk added an RBI single. Van Kirk, Needham, Smith and Williams finished with two hits apiece to lead Wallace, which recorded nine hits. Harrison added one hit. Wallace State 4, Seminole State 2: Dennis
picked up the win in relief in Wallace’s first game Saturday, an elimination bracket victory over Seminole State (Fla.). Dennis struck out three and gave up one hit over three innings in relief of starter Kristen Skinner, who allowed two runs on seven hits in four innings. Entering the seventh tied 2-2, Harrison scored Bonham on a fielder’s choice for a 3-2 lead. Williams scored one batter later when Van Kirk reached on an error. Williams finished with two hits to pace Wallace, while Needham, Burch and Smith added one apiece.
Lady Lions capture 3rd straight ACCC title Alabaster - It’s a three-peat for Wallace State’s softball team. The Lady Lions (58-8) are Alabama Community College Conference champions again under head coach Jayne Clem. Freshman Stephanie Needham was 4for-4 with a two-run homer and six RBIs en route to Tournament MVP honors; Kelsey Dennis tossed a one-hitter, striking out seven; and thirdranked Wallace State rolled to a 10-1 victory over Jeff State in the ACCC Softball Tournament finals at Alabaster’s Veteran’s Park. “The girls did what they had to do. They were focused on their job the whole time,” said Clem, who also earned her eighth ACCC Coach of the Year honor in 10 seasons. “Winning another state championship was their goal at the first of the year. Now, they’ve got one more goal and that’s to defend their national championship.” Wallace State win ensured the team a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Softball Tournament in St. George, Utah that began May 14. Wallace State strolled through the competition in Alabaster, finishing a perfect 4-0. The
Lady Lions defeated Alabama Southern, Jeff Davis, Faulkner State and Jeff State and limited their opponents to just three runs in 28 innings. Dennis put the lid on the domination. The freshman lefty surrendered just one hit and one walk to Jeff State as she improved to 31-2 on the season. After the game, the Pelham native was named the NJCAA Region XXII Softball Player of the Year, which automatically placed her on the 1st-team All-Region. She was also named to the All-Tournament Team. “Winning a state championship feels amazing. I’ve never been a part of one,” Dennis said. “It took all of us to win it. All of the freshmen knew we had a lot of big shoes to fill, but we knew we could do it. The sophomores helped us a lot in buying into the program. We knew what we had to do and it feels great to accomplish it.” Wallace State faced a 1-0 deficit in the first inning, but answered with a five-run first of its own to grab a 5-1 advantage. The Lady Lions added three more runs in the second and two in the sixth.
Needham, a freshman from Hewitt-Trussville, had a hand in every rally. She had a two-run double in the first, a two-run single in the second, and capped the afternoon with a two-run blast to left in the sixth. Clem hasn’t been surprised at the consistent freshman production like she received from Needham and Dennis in the title game. “They’ve been in big games before in high school and travel ball. They’ve played in some big games before,” Clem said. “They knew we needed them to step up.” LaRae Womack had two singles and a pair of sacrifice flies for Wallace State, Natalie Harrison had two hits and Sallie Van Kirk and Sallie Beth Burch each had a hit and scored two runs. Wallace State had four players make the All-Region XXII Team: Dennis, Van Kirk, Needham and Kristen Skinner. Allison Reynolds, Burch and Harrison were named to the 2nd All-Region XXII Team. Van Kirk, Reynolds, Skinner, Dennis and MVP Needham were all named to the All-Tournament Team.
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May/June 2009
Wallace State baseball ends season with 38-13 record Wallace State’s strong season, which started at 19-2, cooled off at the end of the year. The Lions closed the season at 38-13, finishing with a suprisingly quick exit in the Alabama Community College Conference Tournament on May 12. The Lions were eliminated by Chattahoochee Valley, 5-3, after earning a No. 2 seed as the host team. Wallace State was victimized by a grand slam in its opening-round loss to Faulkner State and a second grand slam eliminated the Lions from the tournament and spoiled a spectacular outing from Wes Holley. Holley had a no-hitter working against Chattahoochee Valley heading into the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out, CVCC’s Donte Williams ended Holley’s no-hit bid with a homer to left field to trim Wallace State’s lead to 3-1. The Pirates (37-18) didn’t let up. Holley was lifted after Nick Stephens followed with a single and Wallace State’s Chris Fisher loaded the bases with a walk and
a hit batsman. Wallace State closer Carlton Paris inherited the basesloaded jam and surrendered a grand slam to CVCC’s Bo Foster. It was Foster’s 14th homer of the season. “After we got the first hit in the seventh, we just took it from there. We finally had some momentum. I came up with the bases loaded, and that was the chance I wanted,” said Foster who was pulled on the mound after allowing three earned runs in only 1 2/3 innings. “I somehow had to make up for my bad outing, so I did it at the plate.” Derek Varnadore struck out eight and yielded only three hits in 6 1/3 innings of relief for the Pirates to tally the win. Johnny Gunter tossed a scoreless ninth for the save. Fisher was charged with the loss for Wallace State after Holley went 6 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on two hits. He recorded 10 strikeouts and walked five. Williams had the only multi-hit game for CVCC. Hayes Orton was 3-for-5 including an RBI triple for Wallace
State. Dustin Lawley and Gil Walker added RBIs for a team which was nationally ranked the entire season. “In both games (in the tournament) we gave up a grand slam. You’ve just got to credit the hitter for getting the big hit,” said Wallace State coach Randy Putman. “We were climbing a mountain all year to get back to where we were in our first 19
games. We just never could get back to that caliber of play, and to win the tournament, I thought we had to get back to that caliber of play. And we never did.” Wallace State’s sophomores include Ryan Davis, Zac Taylor, Hayes Orton, Marty Stewart, Dustin Lawley, Tyler Hannah, Will Rankin, Chris Cain and Andrew Brook.
WSCC golf finishes 12th in National Tourney; Freeman earns individual award HUNTSVILLE--The Wallace State golf team wrapped up play in the NJCAA National Tournament in Huntsville last week with a 12th place overall finish and individual honors for sophomore Andrew Freeman. The Lions co-hosted the tournament with Central Alabama Community College at the Hampton Cove River Course of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The best 120 golfers and 24 Division 1 junior college teams in the nation were featured over four rounds that began May 19. As a team the Lions improved by six strokes on the final day to post their best score of the tournament, an 11-over par 299. Their four-day team total was 65over par 1217 (305, 308, 305, 299). Wallace State Coach Dan York said he was pleased with the way his team finished. “I hoped we would break into the top 10
because we have the talent to be there,” he said. “We had a decent final round, and Andrew had a solid tournament.” Freeman earned AllAmerican and All-Tournament honors following his finish at 8over par (77, 71, 77, 71, 296), which placed him in a tie for ninth place overall. He recorded five birdies in the final round, recovering from a pair of bogeys and a double bogey on the front nine, his only scorecard blemishes, to end the day at 1-under par. Brad Story posted an eagle three on the opening par five 556-
yard first hole in the final round. He holed three birdies and seven bogies on the way to a plus-2 round. Story finished the tournament tied for 19th place at 12over par (76, 77, 73, 74, 300). Matt Cook shot four-over par 76, including five birdies, in the final round to end in a tie for 37th place (77, 75, 77, 76, 305). Patrick Brown finished with a 316 four-day total (75, 85, 78, 78), and Grant Fancher finished at 329 (82, 85, 83, 79). Midland College’s (Tex.) Tommy Sikes was the best player of the week by three strokes, finishing at 3-under par 285 (69, 75, 72, 69). His team finished in third place at
1195 (+43). McLennan Community College (Tex.), won the tournament in a sudden death playoff against New Mexico Junior College. Both teams finished regulation play with a score of 1185 (+33). Eighteen of the 24 teams competing were returning to the course for the second year. “We learned some things in our first year hosting the tournament that we were able to improve this year,” said York. “The coaches, especially those who have been to other national tournaments, were very complimentary. All the players seemed to have a good time.” “We’re looking forward to one more year,” York said. The tournament unveiled live web stats this year, and scores from each round may be found at golfstat.com. For more information about Wallace State golf, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
May/June 2009
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Wallace State Awards Night Features College’s Outstanding Students Wallace State students were recognized for their achievements at the college’s recent Awards Night Ceremony. Awards for campus leadership, scholastic achievement, transfer scholarships, and division honors were among those presented at the ceremony, which honored students enrolled during the 2008-2009 academic year. “I am so proud of each and every one of you,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Hawsey to the group. “You have distinguished yourself here. Remember, we are not placed on this earth ‘to live unto ourselves,’ but to make a difference. Go and make a difference.” For a list of Awards Night honorees, see photograph captions.
Who’s Who
Leadership
President’s Award
Front Row: Honor Scholar: Haley Mabrey, Holly Pond; Saxophone Quartet: Hallie Drake, Falkville; Phi Theta Kappa: Heather Childers, Eva; Miss Wallace State: Ashley Garcia, DeFuniak Springs, FL; Student OTA Association: Stacy Glasgow, Millport; Human Services Club: Asia Whitaker, Hanceville; Student Support Services: Tawanna Salters, Vernon Back Row: Jazz Band: Wesley Frydendahl, Kimberly; Pep Band: Chris Jones, Danville; Lambda Beta Society: Stephen Carter, Cullman; WSCC Mascot: Andrew Brymer, Birmingham; Talking Hands Club: Adam Schrimsher, Hartselle; Campus Ministries: Britney Shubert, Birmingham; Computer Science Club: Kenneth LeBlanc, Cullman; Jessica Escobar, Cullman Not pictured: Not Pictured: Homecoming Queen: Taylor Carpenter, Cullman; Math and Physics Club: Andrea Crawford, Somerville; Medical Assistants Club: Cheryl Hargrove, Hartselle; Concert Band: Zachary Payne, Warrior; The Mane Issue: Sam Rolley, Cullman; Student Physical Therapy Association: Shaun Smith, Huntsville
L-R: Austin Monk, Cullman; and Sallie Van Kirk, Athens, with Dr. Vicki Hawsey
Star Achiever
Program Awards
Who’s Who 1 (L-R): Front Row: Haley Alcorn, Altoona; Kaylea Brewer, Pulaski, TN; Erin Cantrell, Anderson; Heather Childers, Eva; Hallie Drake, Falkville; Easton Eubanks, Falkville; Jennifer Gay, Vinemont; Debra Stanulevich, Cullman Middle Row: Emily Bagwell, Jasper-- Dustin Baldwin, Section; Jeff Blankenship, Arab; Stephen Carter, Cullman; Sherry Clark, Hanceville; Jessica Escobar, Cullman; Sabrina Gilbreath, Vinemont; Stacey Glasgow, Millport Back Row: Matt Ambrose, Cullman; Joseph Foster, Remlap; Barry Haisting, Haleyville; Shaun Smith, Huntsville; Andrew Hull, Decatur; Lucas Johnson, Falkville; Phillip Jester, Cullman; Kenneth LeBlanc, Cullman Who’s Who 2 (L-R): Front Row: Kelly Goggans, Jasper; Latasha Goodwin, Cullman; Leslie Graves, Danville; Haley Mabrey, Holly Pond; Jamie South, Vinemont; Elaina Helms, Oneonta; Linda Johnson, Cullman; Laura Wallace, Warrior; Sallie Van Kirk, Athens Middle Row: Hannah Thomas, Oneonta; Amy MacDonald, New Hope; Traci Hite, Crane Hill; Theresa Tucker, Kansas; Elizabeth Hughes, Cullman; Juli Davis, Pinson; Irene Kijem, Cullman; Caitlin Williams, Somerville; Kelly Keith, Cullman Back Row: Patricia Malone, Huntsville; Morgan Wolf, Eva; Carolyn McCune, Hartselle; Amy Moore, Oneonta; Paranavkumar Patel, Hanceville; Emma Reeves, Arab; Jennifer Prybyla, Cullman; Traci Schanck, Hayden; Austin Monk, Cullman; Heather Schuler, Cullman; Sallie Burch, Moulton Who’s Who (not pitcured): Alyssa Budasalich, Mt. Olive; Conner Cappelletti, Madison; Cherri Carr, Cullman; Renee Chism, Cullman; Kali Cienkus, Logan; Sherry Clark, Hanceville; Micah Coker, Union Grove; Amie Compton, Hanceville; DeAna Crews, Cullman; Jessica Croft, Oneonta; John Fickbohm, Florence; Andrew Freeman, Jasper; Tracey Gilley, Cullman; Latasha Goodwin, Cullman; Grace Graham, Warrior; Jennifer Gray, Hartselle; Kalah Green, Hanceville; Ashley Hall, Cullman; Jordan Hammock, Warrior; Cassandra Henderson, Oneonta; Shay Isbell, Cullman; Jenna Kirk, Hanceville; Derek Knop, Hanceville; Joybeth Lane, Russellville; Shannon Lee, Hartselle; Sedena Leipert, Cullman; Kimberly Martin, Morris; Brooke McCain, Addison; Mareth McGee, Sheffield; Tammy McMichael, Pinson; Pamela McQueary, Rogersville; Margaret Mitchell, Jasper; Pamela Morgan, Hayden; Rebecca Nix, Jasper; Kerry Paris, Vinemont; Zachary Payne, Warrior; Christen Pontius, Huntsville; Byron Covington, Dora; Christy Price, Warrior; Allison Reynolds, Birmingham; Cassie Screws, Hayden; Donna Shelnut, Cullman; Stephanie Sims, Empire; Jean Sisson, Lynnville, TN; Ashley Smith, Helena; Brandy Smith, Baileyton; Leslie Smith, Hartselle; Kimberly Starnes, Cullman; Brad Story, Huntsville; Eve Sypniewski, Blountsville; Kelly Teaque, Altoona; Sharon Thomas, Cullman; Megan Van Kirk, Arab; Stephanie West, Somerville; Sheree Wood, Somerville
4.0 G P A
Front Row: Respiratory Therapy: Erin Cantrell, Anderson; Dental Hygiene: Ashley Amos, Boaz; Cosmetology: April Miller, Cullman; Nursing: Kelly Keith, Cullman; Business Administration: Jamie South, Vinemont Back Row: Agribusiness: Steve Grund, Hanceville; Upholstery: Edward Hall, Hanceville; Welding: Joseph Foster, Remlap; Business Management: Matt Ambrose, Cullman; Business Education: Hallie Drake, Falkville Not Pictured: Business Education: Marie Guzman, Vinemont; Computer Science: Hiram Harbison, Crane Hill; Dental Assistant: Charlene Blanchard, Oneonta; Practical Nursing: Jennifer Borden, Falkville; Health Information Technology: Lamona Collier, Jasper; Sonography: Katherine Cunningham, Pinson; Human Services: Melissa Harbison, Logan; Pharmacy Tech: Rebecca Powell, Addison; Nursing: Byron Price, Dora; Physical Therapy: Shaun Smith, Huntsville; Medical Assistant: Kimberly Tubbs, Hanceville; Occupational Therapy Assistant: Morgan Wolf, Eva; Electronic Technology: Landon Buckelew, Eva; Machine Tool Tech/ CNC: David Campbell, Bremen; Drafting and Design: Jonathon Hendrix, Blountville; Automotive Service Tech: Ethan Oden, Union Grove; Collision Repair: Mathew Palmer, Oneonta
Tr r a n s f e r
S c h o l a r s
Front Row: JSU: Heather Schuler, Cullman; JSU: Skylar Tatro, Hanceville; University of Montevallo: Brooke Kinney, Falkville; West Alabama: Christine Patterson, Cullman Back Row: UAH: Luke Graves, Blountsville; UAB: Haley Mabrey, Holly Pond; UAB: Sallie Van Kirk, Athens; University of Alabama: Hallie Drake, Falkville Not Pictured: West Alabama: Caitlyn Bonham, Springville; JSU: Sallie Beth Burch, Moulton; UAB: Jessica Escobar, Cullman; UAB: Allison Reynolds, Birmingham; JSU: Meagan Wimbs, Cullman (This list includes only those scholarships reported at the time of the ceremony.)
Front Row: Traci Schanck, Hayden; Jeanna Blicker, Cullman; Sallie Van Kirk, Athens; Morgan Wolf, Eva; Amanda Harris, Albertville; Cheri Meyer, Hartselle; Tosha Williams, Cullman Middle Row: Kitty Thomas, Hartselle; Daniel Watson, Hanceville; Kody Baswell, Cullman; Kenneth LeBlanc, Cullman; Erin Loggins, Trafford; Wendy Stelzer, Vinemont Back Row: Joshua Brown, Hanceville; John Coey, Hanceville; William Mathis, Double Springs; Matt Ambrose, Cullman; Hobart Wilson, Hanceville; Andrew Hull, Decatur Not pictured: James Allen, Cullman; Mallory Barnes, Hoover; Emily Belue, Anderson; Charlene Blanchard, Oneonta; Lauren Bowling, Hanceville; Kaylea Brewer, Pulaski, Tenn,; Michael Campbell, Cullman; Patricia Cantrell, Cullman; Naomi Capp, Holly Pond; Lamona Collier, Jasper; Haley Daneker, Hanceville; Megan Dotson, Cullman; Janet Forsythe, Florence; Lisa Freeman, Empire; Jordan Hammock, Warrior; Natalie Harrison, Athens; Melissa Hice, Vinemont; Jordon Hock, Cleveland; Samantha Hopson, Blountsville; Joshua Huddleston, Cullman; Robin Humphrey, Gadsden; Tyler Knight, Madison; Christian Laster, Moulton; Shannon Lee, Hartselle; Tamitha McAlpine, Cleveland; Crystal Montgomery, Town Creek; Osmar Morris, Cullman; Kyle Murrah, Arley; Phillip Pearson, Oneonta; Sarah Ritchie, Russellville; Mannon Rodgers, Sheffield; Tasha Roland, Decatur; Joseph Rooker, Warrior; Ashley Smith, Helena; Shaun Smith, Huntsville; Martin Stewart, Childersburg.
Star Achiever nominee Lucas Johnson, Falkville, with Dr. Hawsey. Not Pictured: Nominee Myra Darnell, Hanceville; winner Kayla Carden, Addison.
All Alabama Academic Team
L-R: Austin Monk, Cullman; and Haley Mabrey, Holly Pond with Dr. Hawsey
Jack Kent Cook Scholarship Nominees
L-R: Felicia Morris, Cullman and Kathy Dyer, Vinemont with Dr. Hawsey
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May/June 2009
Wallace Student Publishes Video Game By Sam Rolley his games would be published and featured in a In an age of boundless technology and video game magazine called “Level Magazine”, increasingly competitive job markets, a knack for which, oddly enough, is distributed in the Czech creativity is oftentimes a college student’s most Republic. valuable asset. Due to heavy course loads and Of his publication in another country tight schedules many find it difficult to find time for LeBlanc said, “I am excited that one of my works pursuits outside of the classroom--even as an is out there, even if it is somewhere in Russia and achievement in one’s future career-field adds I can’t get a copy of the magazine.” He added,. “I value to the college experience as a whole. Many just want people to be able to enjoy my work. times employers prefer for a bit of experiGame design is a form of ence to be coupled with training received in art to me—art is meant to college. be enjoyed. It doesn’t Kenneth LeBlanc, a Wallace State matter who is enjoying it Computer Science Major, is an ideal examjust as long as it is out ple of a student that has taken his learning there.” experience far beyond the classroom with The game, titled much success. Despite a rigorous class “Puck,” is what LeBlanc schedule and his graduation from Wallace describes as a puzzler— this May, LeBlanc, who is a home-school the object being to navigraduate from Biloxi, Miss., has used the gate a small object simiskills acquired in classes to show the world lar to a hockey puck his creative side in video game design. through a series of intri“I had kicked around game design cate maze-like levels. before and even considered it as a career One of his more polished choice,” LeBlanc said. “It is a very competi- LeBlanc graduated from WSCC this May. games, LeBlanc tive market but it’s also fun, which makes it remarked that he had an ideal hobby as well.” heard positive feedback about “Puck” through Since childhood LeBlanc has been intercommentary on internet forums. ested in videogames in the same way that many “My idea for “Puck” just sort of happened, youth are—growing up playing “classics” such as like many of them do,” LeBlanc said, “It is really Donkey Kong and the Mario series on gaming funny because coming up with the ideas for systems that are nearly obsolete. The games that games can either be extremely easy or extremely this student has designed are mostly featured as hard, just like any other form of art.” “freeware” (which means they can be downloaded According to Cheryl Grimmet, an instructor and played on the computer for free) on his web in Wallace State’s Computer Science department, site kenginegaming.com. the publication of his game is a valuable asset to LeBlanc was recently notified that one of a student like LeBlanc.
“There is so much to be learned in our field,” Grimmet said. “We could never teach students every single thing they need to know. We can only prepare them for their chosen careers. Students with a drive that sets them apart like Kenneth are those that will excel.” LeBlanc hopes to do just that, as his graduation from Wallace State will be the beginning the journey of his career. Although he plans to seek employment in his field immediately, he has also considered continuing his education through the Computer Science program offered at UAH. “I feel like I am ready, like Wallace has prepared me for what I want to do now—but things are always changing and I am not ruling out the possibility of attaining a bachelors degree in Computer Science in the future.” LeBlanc’s older brother, a graduate of Wallace State, was one of the main contributors to his decision to attend the college. He and his family were very impressed with the education that Wallace provided. Both LeBlanc and his brother have achieved a great deal of success at the college even as they admit that the transition from home-schooling to sitting in a college classroom is an adjustment. As LeBlanc’s graduation draws near, he is in for more life changes and the determination and skill that he has exhibited throughout his years in college will surely prove to be only the beginning of his successes. To check out some of the games that LeBlanc has designed visit kenginegaming.com. For more information about Computer Science at Wallace State contact Cheryl Grimmet at 256/3528158 or go to wallacestate.edu.
Coming to America:
The story of a Columbian dentist who is reworking her life with the help of Wallace State
By: Sam Rolley married, Phillips’ came to the realization that she Wallace State dental hygiene student would be moving to the United States, as her husPatricia Phillips is not your typical college student. band was unable to leave his mechanical engiPhillips’ story began in Columbia, as she neering job at NASA in Huntsville. The career finished school with much success and began to challenges that she would face were only realized ponder what she wanted to do after seeking recertiwith her life. As she explored posfication as a dentist sible career choices the young in the United States. student finally decided that denThere are only a tistry would be her passion and few, very competienrolled in classes. Both of her tive, and very siblings had chosen healthcare expensive programs professions--she has a brother in the United States who is a doctor and a sister who is for recertification in a practicing dentist in Spain--and dentistry. Because Phillips’ loved the idea of being of her husband’s able to help people. In 1993 job, Phillips was, at Phillips completed her education the time, unable to at the University of Cartagena and Phillips is a well respected dentist in Columbia travel to any of the became a certified dentist in select states Columbia. For eight years she was a practicing throughout the country where the program is dentist in her native country, where she made a offered. very good living and was well-known for her It was time to find a job, especially expert work. after the birth of her daughter who is now two “It is different here than in Columbia,” years old. She began working as a dental assisPhillips said. “If you have a good job in Columbia, tant, so that she was at least able to work in the you are able to afford luxuries like housekeepers. career field in which she was trained. I was doing very well, but I welcomed the “It was hard for me to work as a dental changes that were to come in my life.” assistant.” Phillips explained, “I am a trained denPhillips’ life changed when she met the tist. I was used to having my own office and here I man that she would marry while on vacation in was running errands and cleaning tools. I wasn’t the United States. Over the course of a year they very fond of my new pay scale either.” dated--despite the distance, he would fly to After working as a dental assistant for a Columbia every two months to visit. When they few months, she decided that it was time for a
change. The hard work and low pay in a field that Phillips was already an expert in convinced her that there was surely a better option. After surveying many different possibilities she discovered Wallace State’s dental hygiene program. “I am excited about Wallace and the dental hygiene program here; I travel from Huntsville to school every day because I know that this is a great opportunity,” said Pihillips. For Phillips, the program has been a wonder. Even as she is a trained and experienced dentist, she is learning new skills that will allow her to work in the field she loves. Her path to success in the United States has not come without challenges—she attends class each day while balancing the tasks involved in running her household and raising her two year old daughter. “It is hard at times,” Phillips said. “I love it though. Most of the students in the classes are very young, just starting out, and here I am relearning a great deal of material for dentistry. Often I am thrilled when I can help some of the less experienced students to understand bits of the material.” As she works towards a degree in dental hygiene and comes closer every day to her goal of finding a good job in the field she loves, this student has not lost sight of her future. After she is able to obtain her degree and find a good job Phillips will seek admission to a dentistry certification program. She epitomizes the ways in which community colleges across the nation are helping people every day to achieve the American dream.
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May/June 2009
The Black Dog : Part 1 of 4 By Heather Mortensen
Cleo kicked off her canary yellow heels beneath the wooden poker table to alleviate the pain in her feet. She had spent most of the night dancing, letting loose and doing the Charleston shamelessly into the wee hours, but by this time, she was too sore to do anything but gamble. When she did either of those two things that she loved, it was always with the most attractive men in the club. At that moment, she gambled in the jazz club by the river that sported a staff of handsome young Haitians. The building was outwardly dingy, and on the inside, it smelled of the fat cigars that men liked to smoke and the free-flowing illegal booze that everyone liked to drink. The man sitting opposite her, however, wasn't a fixture of this, Cleo's favorite place. She first met him at a fancier speakeasy further into town where there was a pool table that didn't sag. He was obviously rich, because he always smoked the most expensive cigars, waving them about and blowing their extra fragrant smoke into the faces of others as if bragging without words. To her, he seemed both repulsively arrogant and incredibly beautiful. She touched her bobbed blonde hair and leaned forward to speak to him. Her lashes lowered and her glossed lips parted demurely, but she was cut off by the sudden loss of electricity throughout the edifice. Cleo was inwardly frightened but hid it well, for she knew how her so very yellow outfit must stand out as a more sickly shade in the dark. And then she was there, under the spotlight, with skin as pale as milk, lips as red as rubies, and bobbed hair as black as the night. The eyes of the man across the table shimmered and lit up, leaving Cleo wondering whether it was from the influx of light or the fiery gaze of the woman. Her dress was as blue as her eyes, which resembled the ocean at its deepest point, and covered with beads and sequins that glinted and shone in a way that rivaled the brightest of stars. Then she sang... and it was breathtaking. Her voice was warm and sensual, as if she were spoon-feeding the crowd honey. She sang the saddest blues song in the world, but Cleo could never again recall the words after it ended. The man to her right mumbled lowly about her name being Dora or something to that effect. After the clapping had died down for the most part, she felt it safe to speak to the fellow across from her, but when she turned around, she found him missing. Nervous that her words may go unheard by the handsome gentleman, she twisted in her chair to look about. Her eyes scanned the crowd as the lights returned, but he was nowhere to be found. This made her very angry, for she wasn't accustomed to men leaving when she went to address them. She put down her cards to move in search of the man, and she promptly noticed that she was alone at the table. It was then that she realized that all the men were crowded around the singing diva at the bar, flirting and choking her with the heavy smoke cloud that seemed to travel with groups of men. Her friend was closest to the singer, waving his cigar obnoxiously
in the woman's face. Cleo puffed up with jealousy like a little girl holding her breath for cookies. She wouldn't stick around this dive just to be ignored. She put on her shoes and stomped toward the exit to retrieve her fur from the doorman. He handed it to her, and she snatched it violently, scratching the back of his hand. He recoiled, clutching his hand to his breast but said nothing as she wrapped the stole about herself. When sufficiently draped by mink, she stormed out into the night, heading for her home that was but a mile away. After walking for some time, she could see the crossroads in the distance that marked the halfway point, and it was a welcome sight. Her feet burned from the bones outward, but her home was only a bit further along the left-hand path. Between one of the forks was the same old oak tree with its directional signs nailed into its aged trunk, but something was wrong with it. The bundle of roots at its base was so much blacker than the rest of the scene, and it appeared someone had dropped something shiny among the tangle. Fancying she had happened upon a bit of emerald jewelry, she rushed forward with renewed vigor, her rage temporarily forgotten. But as she got closer, she realized that what she had taken as very black roots was actually the fur covered body of a great, raven-colored dog! Its eyes were so green, they might have been made of the jewels she had mistaken them for, and they watched her, intent and unblinking. Cleo was paralyzed by fear, for she had never before seen a canine as unnaturally large as this one. The night was terribly dark, but she could see him well as he rose to his feet because he was so much blacker. He was easily the height of a table when standing, which frightened her even more. The creature approached her, and she found herself unable to flee. Her legs refused to work, and she somehow knew the beast was behind the trick. It came within inches of her legs before stopping to speak, "I give to you, and you give to me." Unable to rationalize and scream, Cleo replied, "Excuse me?" The dog took on an expression of serenity and patience, "I give to you, and you give to me." Cleo still didn't understand, but she assumed as best she could. Perhaps the animal meant that it wanted to be petted in return for sparing her life, so she reacted by extending her hand to touch his head. Her palm came into contact with fur that was so much softer than her mink, but at the same time, it was wiry like pig bristles. Calming, she took a fist full of its neck fur and let her fingers slide through it. Surely she must have imagined speech coming from a dog's lips, unable to form words like a person can. Laughing to herself, she removed her hand and began to walk the other half-mile to her home, but the dog followed loyally, looking serious as ever. She replaced her hand, and then, as if through telepathy, she knew the dog must have wanted her to make a wish, "Oh, dog, I wish I could sing like Dora so that all the men would give me their attention." The dog looked up at her without blinking (had it blinked at all this whole time?), "I can do that, but you'll have to give me your stole. I give to you, and you give to me." Horrified, yet intrigued, she removed her fur and draped it over the animal's back. The dog's lips curled back into a snarling smile and raucous laughter erupted from him. Cleo backed away, giving her a clear view when the dog completely vanished like a light going out. Look for further installments of Mortensen’s work in future issues of “The Mane Issue.”
Student Health 101 features stories on Body Art and Sponsored by Heads Up! Summertime It's June. It's warm outside, and you're probably away from campus. You may be working a job during the summer, or reading this far from campus on vacation...school is probably the last thing on your mind. So why spend 10 minutes reading the June issue of Student Health 101? First, you can enter win one of FIVE iPods - and a nice new iPod would be great for the tunes of summer. Second, in just a few minutes, here's what you'll learn in the June issue of Student Health 101.. . Thinking of ink? If you're thinking about body art, the June issue has some great advice from students around the country about things to consider before you make the leap. See you in September? The summer break can be a big
impact on a relationship, from potentially being apart, or maybe reconnecting with a previous romance at home. Learn some great tips about handling summer relationships today! Staying safe in the Summer... For most students, the summer is fun, sun, and a great break from studying. But what are the best tips to stay safe during the summer? Thousands of students have shared their best advice learn their secrets today. Handling summertime blues... Summer can also be a time of uncertainty, especially from missing campus friends and worries about a job or money. Learn some great tips for handling summertime blues in this great article. Find a link to the html version of this newsletter by in your Wallace State email, or view a textonly version at http://www.studenthealth101.com/0609_0.html
Congratulations Veronica!
And thank you for becoming Wallace State’s 2,000th facebook friend. A t-shirt is on its way to you. Response to the Wallace State facebook site, which was established just about a year ago as a place for current and prospective students to meet friends and learn more about the college, has been tremendous. Who will be number 2,500? Friend Wallace State on facebook today!
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Petition for a Secretary of the Arts By Heather Mortensen In a radio interview in November 2008, Quincy Jones said, “The next conversation I have with President elect Barack Obama is to beg for a Secretary of the Arts.” The United States is one of the few western democracies that does not have a higher cabinet level minister or secretary in charge of the arts or cultural affairs. Other countries, such as France, Germany, and Finland, have such an official. Jamie Austria, a bass player with the New York Opera, and Peter Weitzner, also a bassist, took Jones’ message to heart. Inspired by his statement, the two New York musicians started an online petition that supports the plea for a Secretary of the Arts. Jones, who by his count has been supporting the idea for 10 years, said that he has specific responsibilities in mind for the position. According to the Washington Post, he wants an education system that teaches the history and personalities of the arts, particularly music. “I have traveled all over the world all the time for 54 years. The people abroad know more about our culture than we do,” said Quincy. “A month ago at my high school in Seattle, I asked a student if he knew who Louis Armstrong was. He said he had heard his name. I asked him about Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. He didn’t even know their names. That hurts me a lot.” Jones finds the reaction to the petition so far encouraging: “It tells me that we are on the right path.” As of the publishing of this article, the petition has over 241,000 signatures. Everyone reading this article is encouraged to sign the petition themselves. Just go to the petition website, www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html, and enter your name and e-mail address to have your signature counted.
Changing the World One Purchase at a Time By Heather Mortensen When visiting the Nest web site, www.buildanest.com, customers are met not only with high quality, handmade products from around the world, they are met with the touching stories of the women who made them. Nest, according to its mission statement, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. It helps women artists and artisans in the developing parts of the world by providing them with micro-credit loans for use in the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. Banks are often unwilling to give loans to these women, who usually have no credit history or collateral and lack a steady income. Nest generates funding for the loans by selling a unique line of merchandise designed just for the organization by a group of artists and designers. In addition to these products, the recipients of the micro-credit loans make their crafts available to Nest as repayment for the loans. In this way, Nest draws together artists from across the globe with a similar mission and desire. On the home page, you can navigate to a page that allows you to “meet the loan recipients.”
May/June 2009 Pictured with this article is Specioza Brown, who stands with her beautiful baskets and hand carved statues. Specioza is from Rwanda, a place that was torn by civil war and genocide in 1959. Her parents ran away to Tanzania, where she grew up and went to school. While she was in Tanzania, she was one of the founders and leaders of the Tanzania Association of Women Entrepreneurs (TAWE) until 2003. Specioza returned to Rwanda in 2003 after her country was liberated from genocide. She started her craft business in 2004. Her business works with women’s handcrafts groups, poor women with skills, and trains unskilled women. It also helps find markets for the women’s products. By doing this, Brown enables herself and these women to earn a living income. You too can get involved and help Nest. You can host your own trunk show, for which Nest will send you a package for easy setup. All the profits will be used to fund a Nest loan. Something especially for students is the Student Ambassador Program that they offer. Through this, you can host your own trunk shows on behalf of loan recipients and raise money for their mission of helping women out of poverty through the school. If that all sounds like too much, don’t fret. You can simply donate to help women buy material for making jewelry and lead-free pottery, ultimately creating a livelihood for themselves and their families.
Covington, continued from p. 3 about what we thought the best thing about Wallace is. There were many responses, but an overwhelming number of members agreed that it’s the friendly atmosphere of the school. He expressed to us that he was surprised when he came to Wallace. It wasn’t what he had been expecting. He seemed to be most taken aback by the fact that we are such a large school. After he signed a few books, we all moved on to the student forum. Plenty of people showed up, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. He started off by reading a chapter from his award winning book, “Salvation on Sand Mountain.” It deals with the dead South; the South of the past that never will be again. The new South scared the people in the Appalachians into taking up the serpents. He then went on to discuss his first handling experience. It was captivating, to be sure. He also read us a bit of his Afterward, which is to be published in the upcoming 15th anniversary edition of the book: “My brief journey among the handlers of the Appalachians ended 15 years ago. The story ended exactly the way the book was… [I’ve been] asked how it came about and why… I cannot speak for the handlers, and I’m sure they have their own story to tell.
“[I was reading] my editor stories that might interest him. This was low on the list. [I thought that it might] support stereotypes of Southerners as backwater. [However, when he saw it, he said], “That’s the one we want.” “I was terrified that I would make a mess of it or miss the deadline, but with Paul’s (the editor) help, [I finished]… “Don (a publisher) happened to read the article over breakfast. [He called and asked that I] submit a proposal for a nonfiction book about the South. [He had been] bitten on a playground by a copperhead as a child. [He found snakes] terrifying and fascinating. [He wanted it to include sections about] alligator wrestling, moonshining, and Confederate Ghosts. “After spending time [on the project], I began to visualize a novel,… my role as observer. [I wanted it to be something like the novel] Hiroshima.” Of course, there was much more to the new afterward than that, but you’ll just have to pick up the special new edition to read the rest. Here, students and teachers were allowed to ask questions. Q: How did your spiritual life change? A: I find it difficult to sit in the pew in Birmingham without wanting to get up and shout… Q: Would you ever go back? A: Once seven years ago, I went back because an actor had a film option on the book. It was a mixed blessing. The handlers thought the actor was Baptist and that I had made money off of my book. For some reason, they really don’t like Baptists. But afterwards, I visited the McGlokins. [Mr. McGlokin] anointed me with his tears. I’ve never had that happen before. It was like someone draped a blanket of water on me. It was like I was in the River Jordan. Q: How did Vicki (his wife) feel about the services? A: She would always say, “At least he’s not in El Salvador.” She never handled a snake. She kept her own council. In the book, as I was writing that I’d never handle snakes again, she said, “Your family and friends couldn’t be happier.” It was a spiritual journey for both of us. “It was the book I was born to write. It’s my greatest achievement. I feel like I was just a vehicle.”
After concluding his talk about “Salvation on Sand Mountain,” he gave a sneak peak of the newest book he’s been working on.It takes place in the summer of 1960, the year during which the main character turns 18. She was a freshman, just starting college… on the day that a sniper climbed the University of Texas tower and opened fire. This was the first of the school shootings. This was the first time in America that someone opened fire on people he didn’t know. Mr. Covington read the first chapter aloud. I have a feeling it’s going to be a bestseller.
GREASE REVIEW By: Elisabethe Dorning I went to see Wallace State’s production of “Grease” with high expectations and I came back only slightly disappointed. The director, Lauren Cantrell, selected a great cast for the production. Kate Mullaney and Nick Wrightson did fabulous jobs as Sandy and Danny. And my Photo By Ashley LeCroy personal favorites, Kenickie and Doody, played by Adrien Bird and Daniel Lappert, were the highlight of the show for me with their antics. However, despite the great cast and awesome choreography, the show seemed to water down the talent that it had. The storyline seemed to revolve more around Kenickie and Rizzo than Sandy and Danny. But, as I said before, the cast did a wonderful job I just think it could’ve been even better with such great talent available.
The Adventures of Recycle Man
May/June 2009 By: Ashley LeCroy
This Publication Is Proudly Printed on 30 Percent PostConsumer Waste