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Section A of the special semester-ending double issue for Kilgore College's award-winning student newspaper.
Citation preview
The Flare Vol. 76 No. 21
Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Friday, April 26, 2013
Breaking news, videos and extended coverage at www.theflareonline.com
R.E. ‘Sonny’ Spradlin Jr.
Downtown Kilgore seeking to attract locals
Students top priority for longest-serving Trustee
KC Board of Trustee R.E. “Sonny” Spradlin Jr. is retiring from the Board after 30 years of service.
The World’s Richest Acre towers over the downtown Kilgore shopping district. City planners are continuing to upgrade the area to retain patrons.
INSIDEFlare FeaturesSee Section B.
Cara Herbert / THE FLARE
Sonia Garza / THE FLARE
“No one has served as long as Mr. Spradlin. His 30 years make him the longest-serving Board member in the history of the college,” said Dr. Bill Holda, KC president.
Spradlin came to Kilgore when he was a baby in May 1931. He graduated from Kilgore High School and then moved on to KC, attending from 1949-1951 until he was drafted into the Army, serving two years.
“I graduated from Kilgore College in 1951 and our graduation ceremony was held in front of the Old Main building on the grass with temporary folding chairs,” Spardlin said as he smiled, reminiscing.
Spradlin married Betty Bird, a former Rangerette. They have four sons, Kilgore mayor R.E. “Ronnie” Spradlin III, Donald “Don” Spradlin, Jon Spradlin and Lon Spradlin.
Spradlin Sr. founded East Texas Lumber in the early 1930s. For over 80 years it’s been in the Spradlin family, being passed down from father to son through three generations.
Spradlin loves KC and continually tries to connect the college to the community. Looking back, he still remembers being pressured into running for the Board.
“My good friend, Bob Barbee, kept pestering me to run,” Spradlin said. “I
TRAVIS HULLStaff Writer
Where does your money go? A better question might be “Where would you LIKE your money to go?”
Would you rather see that paycheck aiding a third vacation home in the Rocky Mountains for a corporate bazillionare or to pay for dance lessons for the daughter of your local business?
In this context the answer for most anyone is simple enough. So why are so many shopping at WalMart instead of the local mom and pop? Why are people at the mall instead of our local shops? The Central Business District of Downtown Kilgore understands this concept and in 2006 made a commitment to making the downtown area more accessible for local businesses and pedestrians alike.
Before 2006, downtown Kilgore was not in a state of prideful presentation.
“The buildings and infrastructure in downtown were in disrepair and there was not continuity in the businesses,” said Clara Chaffin, Main Street manager.
Sidewalks were cracked and unkempt, sewer mains built in the 1930s were collapsing, handicap access ramps numbered too few and were mostly inadequate and the street lights were unsightly as they were mounted on blistered, wooden poles or rusty iron pipes. In fact, since the ’30s, Kilgore’s downtown area was mostly untouched.
However, when it was decided that changes needed to occur, the City of Kilgore applied to be a Texas Main Street City in
! ese are the times that try men’s (and women’s) souls 565 students to graduate May 10
All Friday only classes will test at regular class time on Friday, May 10. All Saturday classes will test 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4.Flex classes (classes that follow a diɈ erent calendar than the regular semester) may test at diɈ erent times. See course syllabus or instructor to confi rm exam date/time.
Grades will be available Tuesday, May 14. . Grades may be accessed and printed at www.kilgore.edu – click on the Campus Connect link. Grades will not be mailed. INSTRUCTORS: Grades must besubmitted through Campus Connect by 10 a.m. Friday, May 10.
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULEMonday, May 6 – Thursday, May 9
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY CLASSES
CLASS TIME EXAM TIME DATE7 or 7:30 a.m. 7-9 a.m. Mon., May 68 or 8:30 a.m. 8-10 a.m. Wed., May 89 or 9:30 a.m. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Mon., May 610 or 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wed., May 811 or 11:30 a.m. Noon - 2 p.m. Mon., May 612 or 12:30 p.m. 1-3 p.m. Wed., May 81 or 1:30 p.m. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wed., May 82 or 2:30 p.m. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Wed., May 8 3, 3:30 or 4 p.m. 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Mon., May 65 or 5:30 p.m. 5-7 p.m. Mon., May 6
TUESDAY OR THURSDAY CLASSES CLASS TIME EXAM TIME DATE6, 7, 7:30, 8 or 8:30 a.m. 8 - 10 a.m. Thurs., May 99, 9:30, 10 or 10:30 a.m. 8 - 10 a.m. Tues., May 711 a.m. or Noon 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thurs., May 912:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Tues., May 7 1 or 1:30 p.m. 1-3 p.m. Tues., May 72 or 2:30 p.m. 1-3 p.m. Thurs., May 93, 3:30 or 4:30 p.m. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Tues., May 75 or 5:30 p.m. 5-7 p.m. Thurs., May 9
EVENING CLASSES* EXAM TIME DATEMonday 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Mon., May 6Tuesday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tues., May 7Wednesday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wed., May 8Thursday 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Thurs., May 9 *Classes beginning at 6 p.m. or later
! e
WATCH DOGMAEGAN MITCHELL • Staff Writer
Not everyone can say they have had a job that helped change so many lives. For
those who have, they know how rewarding the feeling is.KC Board of Trustee R.E. “Sonny”
Spradlin Jr. has been working to improve the Kilgore community and college for almost 30 years, beginning his service in 1983. He is completing his fifth six-year term and plans to retire after the May election.
See SPRADLIN on Page 4A
See KILGORE on Page 3A
Spring graduation is set for 5:30 and 8 p.m. Friday, May 10, in Dodson Auditorium.
Five hundred and sixty-five are candidates for graduation, and officials expect 340 to participate. The 5:30 p.m. ceremony will award Associate of Applied Science degrees and all certificates of completion. The 8 p.m. ceremony will award Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Arts in Teaching degrees.
The mayor of Kilgore, Ronnie Spradlin, will be the speaker.
Caps, gowns and tassels are on sale for $30 in the bookstore and will be available until 3 p.m. May 10.
~Brittani Pfau
FRIDAY,APRIL 26, 2013
NOTEBOOK
FRIDAY, April 26
Q DAVE BUGAY
RETIREMENT PARTY
11 a.m. -1 p.m., Devall Room, DSCQ SPRING STUDENT
RECITAL II 2 p.m., Van Cliburn AuditoriumQ LAST FLARE ISSUE
OF SEMESTER
TUESDAY, April 30
Q BETTYE CRADDOCK
RETIREMENT PARTY
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m..DSC Ballroom
WEDNESDAY, May 1
Q FLARE, RANGER
AWARDS BANQUET
6:30 p.m., Ballroom
THURSDAY, May 2
Q JAMES STUEART
RETIREMENT PARTY
1 - 3 p.m., Devall RoomQ JUDY GROTEFENDT
RETIREMENT PARTY
1:30 - 3 p.m., Second fl oor of McLaurinAdministration BuildingQ TRIO SPRING
BANQUET 5:30 p.m., BallroomQ KC WIND SYMPHONY
CONCERT 7:30 p.m., Dodson Auditorium
FRIDAY, May 3
Q SPRING DANCE
CONCERT 8 p.m., Van Cliburn AuditoriumQ FACULTY SENATE
LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom
SATURDAY, May 4
Q MEN’S BASKETBALL
TRYOUTS 1 - 6 p.m., Masters Gym
SUNDAY, May 5
Q CONCERTO
PROGRAM 3 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium
MONDAY, May 6
Q FINAL EXAMS
through May 9Q RANGERETTE EXIT
TEA 5 - 8:30 p.m., McLaurin Faculty Lounge
TUESDAY, May 7
Q FINAL EXAMS
Q KILGORE
COMMUNITY CONCERT
- PRIMA TRIO 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Dodson Auditorium
WEDNESDAY, May 8
Q FINAL EXAMS
Q SUMMER/EARLY
REGISTRATION
PAYMENT DEADLINE
THURSDAY, May 9
Q FINAL EXAMS END
FRIDAY, May 10
Q ADN PINNING
CEREMONY 9 a.m. Dodson AuditoriumQ GRADUATION
5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.Dodson AuditoriumQ CAFETERIA CLOSES
1:15 p.m.Q PTA PINNING
CEREMONY
By invitation only
FRIDAY, May 11
Q KC TWIRLING
TRYOUTS 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Masters Gym
WEDNESDAY, May 15
Q MAY MINI BEGINS
THURSDAY, May 16
Q KC FOUNDATION
BOARD MEETING
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Devall Room
SATURDAY, May 18
Q NEW STUDENT
ORIENTATION
8 a.m. - 2 p.m., BallroomQ�KC CHEER TRYOUTS
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Masters Gym/Aerobic Floor
SUNDAY, May 19
Q�KC CHEER TRYOUTS
1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Masters Gym/Aerobic FloorQ KC CHEER
RECEPTION 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Devall Room
TUESDAY, May 21
Q NEW STUDENT
ORIENTATION
8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ballroom
FRIDAY, May 24
Q CAMPUS CLOSES
2:45 p.m.
MONDAY, May 27
Q CAMPUS CLOSED
Memorial Day
April 26 – May 27
Marci Wells/ THE FLARE
The Flare
FACE IN THE CROWD
Carson RostAge: 20 Hometown: Giddings
Classifi cation: Sophomore Major: Corrosion Technology
Concerto to honor Turk, Cliburn
DANCE SHOWCASE
The annual spring Dance Concert will feature ballet, modern, hip-hop, tap, jazz and more. Tickets are sold at the door only, one hour prior to the performance scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, in Van Cliburn Auditorium.
O. Rufus Lovett / Special to THE FLARE
What brought you to the corrosion technology program?...My senior year in high school I decided I wanted to go to Texas A&M and be a dentist. Then I figured that I would get tired of looking in people’s mouths all day so I needed a back-up plan. One of my dad’s friends back home encouraged me to go to Kilgore College where they have a corrosion program. At the time, the only corrosion I was familiar with was rust on a bicycle chain. Being a two- year program with lots of job opportunities, I felt like this was something worthwhile.What do you plan to do
after graduation?...Moving to Corpus Christi where I will be working for Koch Pipeline When I am not working, I hope to spend lots of time offshore fishing and on the golf course.What influenced you to
pursue a degree in corrosion technology?...I was turned on by the idea of going to college only two years. There are also many high-paying job opportunities once you graduate. The combination of the two was hard to pass up. What is one thing you
have accomplished while at KC?...I have met many great instructors and students here at KC. Being a small- town boy, it was nice to meet different people and make new friends. The contacts I made with people, especially in my corrosion program, will be contacts I keep close to me the rest of my life.Who/what has been the
biggest influence in life?...I’m going to have to say the late, great John Wayne. Despite all of his fame and publicity, he maintained a humble and honest figure.
DEZIRAE BURNETTStaff Writer
After nearly two and a half years after the idea to update the KC Wesley Foundation Chapel was conceived, the remodel is complete.
The original chapel was constructed in 1974 as part of the main building’s structure.
According to Amy Hodge, KC Wesley Foundation director, the room looked like it was stuck in the 1970s.
From the very beginning, Hodge felt that God was calling her to update the chapel and to transform it into a space that was welcoming to anyone who should want to use it.
In the summer of 2010, Hodge brought her plans to change chapel into a “small intimate chapel,” to the Wesley Board.
That November, a plan for the renovation was prepared and demolition quickly followed, beginning with the removal of the stage.
The project cost between $4,000 and $5,000. The funding came partly from the Wesley Foundation’s personal savings account; the rest was donated by private sponsors and from a memorial fund for Hodge’s grandfather, Charles Bailey.
The floor was stained and etched with a cross that runs the length of the space. The wall behind the pulpit
is decorated with a stone façade. The room is now equipped with a 55-inch screen and projector that is used to display slides of song lyrics, Christian music videos and Bible verses.
The walls have been painted and individual sponsors bought chairs for the chapel. The room now has the capacity to seat 30.
Sunday night worship, a service called Catalyst, is held in the chapel each week at 7 p.m.
In the future, the room may serve as a classroom setting for religious study classes.
Hodge also hopes to hold Campus Alpha, the Foundation’s current religious study, in the chapel next
Auditions for the 2013-2014 twirling line are scheduled Saturday, May 11, in Masters Gym. Between 8:30 and noon, candidates will be taught a fundamental and a field routine. After an hour lunch break, judging for the line and feature twirlers will begin, followed by a meeting of the new line.
To obtain an audition packet or for more information, go to the KC website and click twirlers under the Athletics and Organizations tab or email twirling sponsor Paige Keitt at keittpaige@yahoo.com or kctwirlers@rocketmail.com.
~Ellen Reid
Tryouts for the 2013-2014 KC cheerleading squad and mascot are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in the Parks Fitness Center. Those trying out must submit a video by April 26 to cheer@kilgore.edu with all the requirements online.
Also, registration forms have to be filled out online and received by May 10 to Melissa Haden, director of cheerleading.
Requirements and instructions can be found on the KC website on tryouts under the Athletics and Organizations tab.
For more information contact Haden at cheer@kilgore.edu or 903-983-8134.
~Ellen Reid
NEWS IN BRIEF
Tryouts for cheer, mascot May 18-19
Twirling tryoutsset for May 11
JASMINE CHAPPELLStaff Writer
Different dances and music will be showcase in this year’s annual dance concert, 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, in Van Cliburn Auditorium. Tickets are $10 but $5 for students with a valid KC ID and will also be sold at the box office in the auditorium 7 p.m. the day of
the concert.Dance students have been preparing
and prepping for the concert for weeks. The event is directed by dance instructors Cathy Beckman and Shelley Wayne. Their goal for this event is to give students a chance to participate in a real dance concert, to premiere their choreography skills and perform in all types of dance.
Dances include ballet, modern, hip-hop, tap, jazz and more.
“I’m excited for the concert. I’m hoping for a great turn out,” said Caroline Roberts, Waxahachie freshman. “We’ve all put in a lot of time and effort so we hope to see everyone there.”
For more information, contact Beckman at 903-983-8633.
Dance Concert taking stage
TRAVIS HULLStaff Writer
The KC piano students will perform a concerto 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5, in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. This concert will be in memory of Van Cliburn and Anne Dean Turk
The five students performing are Brittany Crowe, Alan Zamarron, Shaelyn Baas, Radiance Williams and Melodi King. The chosen pieces are from Beethoven, Mozart and Rahbee concerti.
“I hope through my performance I am able to leave the audience hungry for more classical music,” said Crowe. "The most difficult part of preparing for this is trying to find the perfect
‘show-stopping’ dress.”Aran Kim, special guest and
former Van Cliburn and Anne Dean Turk Scholarship recipient, will be performing. Kim, of South Korea, attended KC from 2004-2006. She will perform the piece that made Cliburn a world-renown performer, Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor.”
Two distinguished guests – Annette Morgan and Dr. Richard Parrish – will share special memories of Turk and Cliburn.
Morgan, KC's director of financial aid, was a close friend of Cliburn, and Parrish was one of Turk’s students.
Dr. Gene Moon, director of orchestral studies at Stephen F.
Austin State University, will be directing the 40-piece orchestra accompanying the piano performers.
Even thought this is a free concert, it is a formal event and proper attire is required (no shorts, etc.). Sandra Siler, piano instructor, emphasized that those who can not stay for the complete 90-minute concert not come.
Children under the age of 6 and late arrivals will not be admitted. In respect to the focus of the performers, Siler will be enforcing the rules at the door during the concert.
“What better way to honor the memories of Van Cliburn and Anne Dean Turk than to host a first-class piano concert in their memory?” Siler said. “The legacies they left
KC's Spring Masterworks Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview, 906 Padon St.
Combining 80 voices (KC's Chorale and the East Texas Community Chorus) along with a full orchestra, Dr. Jim Taylor, director of choral activities at KC, is excited to bring Brahms "Requiem" to life this semester.
Two vocal soloist, Alyssa Marshall (soprano) and Dr. Eric Thomas (baritone), will be featured throughout the concert.
This is also the largest orchestra KC's Masterworks series has ever had with 36 instruments.
The concert is part of the Trinity Episcopal Church Concert Series and is free and open to the public.
~Travis Hull
‘Requiem’ spring masterwork concert
Wesley completes chapel renovation
Van CliburnAnne
Dean Turk
not only Kilgore College, but also the music community world-wide, will never be forgotten. We look forward to honoring them properly—through great music.”
For more information, contact Siler at 903-983-8120.
N EWS 3APAGETHE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013
MarionTurner
BrianNutt
Central Zone Voting Unit 3, Place 9 Candidates
Board candidates share views, stories
Photo instructor, writer cook up new book
MAEGAN MITCHELLStaff Writer
The race for the Board
of Trustees Central Zone
Voting Unit 3, Place 9 is
down to two candidates,
Marion Turner and Brian
Nutt, who are vying for
the position held by R.E.
“Sonny” Spradlin who chose
not to run for re-election.
Spradlin served for 30 years,
a college record.
Early voting starts April 29
and runs through May 7 at
Kilgore City Hall. Election
Day is May 11 at City Hall.
Marion Turner, former KC
employee and former KC
trustee, prefers a traditional
approach in reaching his
voters.
“I do not have any social
media pages because I like
speaking directly to people.
I have two daughters as well
as a few friends who are
posting on my behalf to their
personal pages to encourage
people to go vote for me,”
Turner said. “The key to
Kilgore: Downtown revamped
MAEGAN MITCHELLStaff Writer
“Barbecue
Crossroads” by
O. Rufus Lovett,
KC photography instructor,
and Robb Walsh, James
Beard Award-winning
author, was officially
released by UT Press last
week.
The book details their
journey of discovering
well-known and not so-
well-known places are still
cooking with old-fashioned
wood-fired pits.
Lovett has been involved
with photography since
age 15 apprenticing
under his father, a
professional photographer
for Jacksonville State
University in Jacksonville,
Ala.
Walsh, a food writer, and
Lovett met for the first
time while working on an
assignment together several
years ago for Gourmet
Magazine.
“Later I was asked to
work with Robb on another
assignment for Savuer
(Magazine) and it brought
us together again regarding
Texas barbecue,” Lovett
said. “We decided to extend
the project which led us to
the book.”
The pair worked on the
book for almost a year and
a half making a couple
of treks across the South,
from East Texas to the
Carolinas and back. They
traveled the barbecue trail
through Texas, Arkansas,
Tennessee, Georgia, North
Carolina, South Carolina
and Alabama.
The book tells the stories
of many pit masters and the
changing Southern culture.
Over the course of the
journey, Lovett and Walsh
did not judge the best and
worst barbecue since the
book is not about that.
“We were documenting the
barbecue joints that still
use the wood-burning pits
Lauren LaBoyteaux / THE FLAREO. Rufus Lovett portrays his new book. Lovett, with co-writer Robb Walsh, traveled around the country visiting BBQ joints.
running is to get friends and
people who believe you are
most qualified to go vote for
you.”
In comparison, Brian Nutt,
pastor at Grace Fellowship
Church of Kilgore, has used
social media from the very
beginning.
“I believe social media is
important because it can
reach many constituents
and many students. My
Facebook page is Brian
Nutt for Kilgore College
Trustee and briannutt is my
Twitter as well as Instagram
username,” Nutt said. “I
repost many things about
Kilgore College as frequently
as possible.”
Despite the fact the Board
requires so much time and
effort, Turner and Nutt say
they are up for the challenge.
Turner has previously
served nine years as a Board
member and was head
football coach as well as a
student at KC.
Turner made his decision
to resign from the Board
when his son, Russell
Turner, was offered a job at
KC as an AC technician.
“I believe I can contribute
to Kilgore College as a
Board member having
attended KC, worked at
KC and having previously
been on the Board,” Turner
said. “I believe this gives
me an insight that I would
otherwise not have.”
Nutt has been a pastor at
Grace Fellowship of Kilgore
and has rebuilt the church
from the ground up. He
filed to run because he felt
his skills as a leader and
educator, as well as fulfilling
his desire to serve the
community, would benefit
the Board.
“I teach the importance of
service at Grace Fellowship
of Kilgore, and believe it is
healthy for Christians to be
involved locally,” Nutt said.
“As a citizen of Kilgore, I
feel we are all connected to
Kilgore College because of
its tremendous value and
impact on our community.”
Many of the talents and
skills Turner believes he can
bring to the Board originate
from attending and working
at KC.
“From being in education
for 33 years, I know the role
of the Board and what is
expected,” Turner said.
Nutt believes that one
of his greatest strengths
is his people skills which
come from his participation
in the church and local
organizations, such as the
Kilgore Ministerial Alliance
and the Helping Hands
Board of Kilgore.
“I am a good communicator
and I genuinely like people
and enjoy spending time with
them," Nutt said.” As a pastor,
I have spent many hours
on countless boards and on
different committees related
to my ministerial duties."
Turner and Nutt want to help
lead KC into the coming years
and wish to fulfill the many
ambitious goals laid out by Dr.
Bill Holda, KC president, and
the Board.
“My goal is to be the
best Board member I can
and strive to keep Kilgore
College a great place to be
employed and to attend
college,” Turner said.
Nutt wants to prepare
KC for future generations
saying his two children,
Colin and Emily, will most
likely be attending once they
graduate from Kilgore ISD.
“I hope to bring a fresh new
perspective to the Board… I
am all for promoting within
and placing known people
in positions, but… we can
become comfortable and
we can lose objectivity and
become blind to the obvious.
I hope to bring common
sense, fair and rational
judgment, transparency and
accountability… I just want
to see the Kilgore College
motto fulfilled, ‘Excellence
in Education,’” Nutt said.
Editor's Note: For complete answers to the candidates' questionnaire, go to theflareonline.com.
FROM PAGE 1A
2006. This is a state-wide
program operating through
the Texas Historical
Commission designed to
revitalize and preserve
historical downtown areas
in Texas.
In the application to
become a TMSC, Kilgore
stakeholder wrote, “A
new Main Street program
for Kilgore will unify the
community and give impetus
for a resurgence in activities
to improve, enhance and
preserve the downtown
commercial core.”
When a sizable population
spike occurred in Kilgore
during the early 2000s, the
city took advantage of the
opportunity for growth .
Over the past five years
Downtown has experienced
a net gain of 20 business
starts, expansion and
relocations, and a net gain
of 89 jobs were created for
the City of Kilgore.
The Main Street Program
facilitated a $4.1 million
investment into the Main
Street Overlay District,
including $2.8 million in
streetscape improvements,
assisting with 34 private/
public joint ventures totaling
more than $475,000 and 14
private sector reinvestment
projects totaling more than
$825,000.
In 2008 the Main Street
Advisory Board urged all to
“envision downtown as an
inviting shopping, dining,
meeting and entertainment
destination that offers
a sense of history and a
window to tomorrow’s
economy.”
“Overall downtown is much
more alive that it has been in
the past. New entrepreneurs
are constantly looking for
space downtown and parking
is often limited – both good
problems to have,” Chaffin
said.
If you are a native of
Kilgore, you have probably
wondered what will become
of the old and beautiful Crim
Theater and Texan Theater.
Both are being restored
for various intentions
(unfortunately not as
remodeled theaters) and
have plans that are not yet
known to the public. The old
U.S. Post Office, now called
the History and Arts Center,
is also being revitalized.
“The overall vision and
success of downtown
requires investment from
the whole community. I
would stress the importance
of supporting our small
businesses downtown
because without the
support of the community,
those businesses may not
be around in the future –
everyone needs to make a
point of eating downtown,
shopping downtown and
utilizing the services
downtown,” Chaffin said.
and not the stainless oven-
cooked barbecue,” Lovett
said. “We were interested in
the history of the barbecue
and celebrated the barbecue
culture and its connection
with religion, beer joints
and communities.”
Walsh supplied most of the
destinations which Lovett
credits to his research and
years of being in the food
business industry. They also
stopped at lesser-known
places along the way when
they spotted them.
While in Lovett’s home
state of Alabama, he
chose to stop at some he
remembered from his
childhood.
“I knew of barbecue in
Jacksonville, Gadsden and
North Port, a small town
outside of Tuscaloosa.
Many of the places we
visited are steeped in
family history as many
of the establishments are
handed down from one
generation to the next,”
Lovett said. “Again, the
stipulation for our interest
in barbecue joints in our
path was it had to be a
wood-burning pit.”
The trip totaled
approximately 3,000 miles
and when asked how
many photographs were
taken over the journey,
Lovett responded, “Did
anyone ever ask how much
paint Picaso used to do a
painting?”
Not only is this book
a cookbook, but also a
history lesson and road trip
memoir. The book doesn’t
tell just one story, but many,
of those who consider slow-
cooked barbecue a part of
their heritage.
“It was all fun.
Photographing some of the
barbecue environments
presented problem-solving
issues regarding lighting,”
Lovett said. “Other than
that it was a matter of
being patient to document
the variety of processes
involved in the day-to-day
regiment of barbecue.
Experiencing the trip
with Robb and the unique
barbecue culture was most
rewarding.”
For videos and the latest news, keep in touch at
thefl areonline.com
N EWSTHE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 20134APAGE
Spradlin: Longest serving board member KC losing 132 yearsof experience
FROM PAGE 1
told him ‘no’ at least 10 times, but he kept coming back.”
Prior to his service as a KC trustee, Spradlin, served on the Kilgore ISD Board for five years. He is a fiscal conservative who truly has a heart to serve.
“My daddy told me when I was a kid that if you can help one young person in your lifetime you’ve paid some rent on your trip through this old life,” Spradlin said.
He has served under four of the eight presidents in KC history: Stewart McLaurin, Bert Woodruff, Frank Thornton and Holda.
“Mr. Spradlin has always been an avid supporter of mine and was instrumental in me being named president,” Holda said. “I have considered him more than a Board member; I consider him a friend.”
Spradlin’s goal for being on the Board was to help students, making sure every dime of KC’s money was spent with the students’ best interest in mind. He credits his meticulous studying of the budget to his passion for arithmetic.
“My daddy always told me if you look after the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves,” Spradlin said.
Being the modest man that he is, Spradlin recognizes that he couldn’t have accomplished anything alone. The Board has always had nine members and they act as one. He stressed he was only a small part of each good thing that has happened at the college.
“Moving (some classes) to Longview was a good move because it increased our student numbers,” Spradlin said. “Hiring Dr. Holda was one of the best things I can remember doing while on the Board.”
He was most proud of the college students graduating and going on to other places and being successful.
However, he is disappointed more students do not take advantage of the higher education offered in their own hometown.
“These kids have a wonderful golden opportunity to get an education here and a lot of them don’t take advantage of it,”
Spradlin said. “So many students don’t come back once they have their money, such as financial aid.”
Spradlin also mentioned he was very proud of the dual-credit classes high school students are allowed to take. He believes it can speed up a student’s time in college and save a lot of money.
“I think it is wonderful that a kid can come out of high school and know they have saved 10 to 30 thousand dollars. It’s crazy to me and I don’t see why they don’t all do it,” he said.
His love for saving money and covering the budget from beginning to end has earned Spradlin the title of “watch dog” among his fellow trustees. He wasn’t particularly in charge of the finances, but he was the most interested.
“A lot of things go on here at Kilgore College and if you don’t look at that budget closely, you lose track of what is happening,” Spradlin said. “The budget is quite lengthy if you go through all of it and I always did. Trust me, I have looked at a few budgets the last 30 years.”
Over the years, he has gone from a KC student to KC Board member, helping to improve the college along the way.
“He will be an enduring part of the history of this institution. I am proud to be his friend and… I thank Sonny for his service, for his love of Kilgore College, for being consistently vigilant regarding the role of the Board, for always looking out for the finances and for spending countless hours pouring over the budgets,” Holda said.
After the May election, Spradlin plans to retire and spend all his newly found free time with his wife at home.
“My wife is a sweet lady. She has put up with me for all these years, and I want to stay home and enjoy my time with her,” Spradlin said.
Spradlin may be stepping down from the Board, but he still cares about KC.
“I’ll miss it every day after I leave. I like to see the young people and for them to do well,” Spradlin said. “My goal was to help at least one student during my time on the Board, and I feel I have.”
BRITTANI PFAUCo-Executive Editor
Five KC instructors will retire May 31 after a combined service of 132 years:Patti Alford, vocational
nursing instructor, 25 years;Dave Bugay, chemistry
instructor, 36 years;Bettye Craddock, department
chair and journalism, Flare and yearbook instructor, 29 years; Judy Grotefendt, department
head and computer science instructor, 23 years; James Stueart, math
instructor, 19 years.“This is a huge loss to the
institution,” said Dr. Bill Holda, KC president. “I’m glad for them and I’m glad they’re eligible for retirement. As the Baby-Boomer generation comes to retirement eligibility age, we will see a large influx of retirees.”
S POR T S THE FLAREFRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013 5APAGE
Former KC star named OVC All-Newcomer
17.2 Points per game*Led team
Q 31st in nation in 3pt percentage
Q 40th in nation 3pt average per game
Q Season high 30 points against Southeast Missouri
54th in nation for free throw percentage
Softball strikes out
Men’s basketball host tryouts
Rangers fi nish their inaugural season on a good note, miss playoɈ s with an 8-12 conference record
TRAVIS BETRAN 2012-2013 STATS
Rangers softball freshman pitcher Kayla Calvert hurls a pitch toward the plate in the game against Navarro College on Sunday, April 21. KC went 1-1 in the doubleheader losing 11-1 and winning 2-0. The Rangers ended their inaugural season with a 20-34 overall record and 8-12 conference record.
Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE
Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE
SHENIECE CHAPPELLSports Editor
Former KC basketball player Travis Betran has been named to the Ohio Valley Conference’s All-Newcomer Team.
Betran played for KC from 2010-2012. This is his first year playing for the Austin Peay State University Governors in Clarksville, Tenn. He is the leading scorer for the Governors, averaging 17.2 points per game. That is the best average since the 2008-09 season for the Governors.
“It was an honor to be chosen on the OVC team,” Betran said. “I was nominated for OVC newcomer of the week six times this season and each time felt great.”
Betran, a junior guard from Harlem, N.Y., scored in double figures in 27 of 31 games for APU. He scored 20 points or more in 11 of those games. His season-high of 30 points came in January against Southeast Missouri.
“When I started playing basketball in 10th grade one of the first things I was taught was to be a scorer,”
JORDAN MOSSStaff Writer
The KC men’s basketball team will hold tryouts for walk-on players May 4 in Masters Gym.
The event will be open to the public with registration
for prospective players wishing to try out at noon. Registration can also be completed online via the KC website. Either method of registration will require a $20 payment to complete.
Head coach Brian Hoberecht said there is a chance KC will
try to fill one scholarship vacancy through the tryouts.
The Rangers are coming off of their best season in 20 years, which ended with KC’s first appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament since the 1994-95 season.
KEIRA PHIPPSStaff Writer
The Rangers ended their inaugural season going three for four in back-to-back doubleheaders over the weekend.
KC defeated Bossier Parish Community College Saturday in both games, 6-1 and 4-3.
“We ended the season on a grateful and high note,” said head coach Leslie Messina. “There were great performances by the freshmen and we have a promising future.”
Saturday’s doubleheader included the “StrikeOut Cancer” fundraiser. The Rangers joined with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to honor and raise money for the men and women who have fought and/or are still fighting the disease. KC players autographed and gave out pink softballs to fans in the pre-game ceremony.
“I want to thank the community for their support,” Messina said. “We raised nearly $1,500 and all the money will be donated to the American Cancer Society.”
BPCC came out ready to roll. The Cavaliers tacked on their first and only score of the game early in the top of the first inning. The Ranger defense kept BPCC on its toes until the bottom of the second, when KC fought back.
Jalla Johnson earned the first run for the Rangers. Johnson’s score was immediately accompanied by a repeat from Kathryn Lambert off a BPCC error when Kaitlyn Hipsher doubled to center field.
Hipsher followed suit and
scored for a third time off teammate Laura Martinez’s RBI single in the bottom of the second.
KC never trailed after it picked up steam in the second inning. Tricia Hock, Holly Von Ehrenfried and Johnson combined for six hits and three RBIs. Pitcher Jessica Simon allowed one earned run, no walks, six hits and one strikeout in seven innings.
The Rangers ended the game with two runs in the fourth. Hipsher scored off a Hock double and Johnson singled to bring home Hock. KC defeated BPCC in winning fashion, 6-1.
Despite the Cavalier rally KC defeated BPCC 4-3.
The Rangers kept up steam from Saturday’s first match against BPCC and carried it over into the final game of the day.
Hock scored first for the Rangers after tagging up in the first inning, 1-0. KC held BPCC to no runs while they tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the second.
Johnson scored off of an Alex Aguilar double, followed by a Lambert run on the last play in the bottom of the second, 3-0.
It was not until the top of the fourth that BPCC scored their first two runs of the game making the score, 3-2. BPCC tied the score in the top of the fifth, 3-3.
Betsy Woodall was part of the problem for BPCC. She held BPCC hitless over three innings, walked two, struck out two and allowed no earned runs.
Von Ehrenfried walked to get on base in the sixth. She went from first to second on a groundout by Lambert, but it was Jessica Long who gave the Rangers the lead
and win on a go-ahead run in the sixth inning, 4-3.
The Rangers fought hard and finished the Cavs, 4-3 in seven innings.
KC vs. NC (11-1 L, 2-0 W)
The KC vs. Navarro
doubleheader was postponed until Sunday, April 21. The Rangers went 1-1 on the day against the Navarro Bulldogs.
Navarro had four players who combined for 12 hits and five RBIs to help lead the Bulldogs to an 11-1 victory over the Rangers.
KC pushed across its only run of the day in the third inning on a passed ball. Hock went 2-3 at the plate but it was not enough. The Rangers fell 11-1.
The Rangers used the built-up aggression from the first game’s loss to rally back and defeat the
Bulldogs, 2-0.Kayla Calvert pitched
seven strong innings for the Rangers holding Navarro scoreless.
Heather Bunn earned the only two runs for the Rangers. She singled in the first inning and homered in the third inning.
he said.Betran finished the season
ranked 31 nationally in three-point shooting with a 41.2 percentage and 54 nationally with a 84.4 free-throw percentage.
Coming from a junior college Betran understands
the hard work it takes to transfer to a university.
“My advice to junior college players is to compete all the time in every game and stay on top of your books because you never know who’s watching,” Betran said.
Keep in touch with the latest KC sports news at
thefl areonline.com
GRADU AT I O NTHE FLARE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 20136APAGE
565 students eligible to graduate
MAYgraduation
candidates
ASSOCIATE OFARTS
Jacquelynn A. AbamuWhitney M. AbelRoberto AguilarCallistus C. AmajoyiYasmine M. AouadStephanie M. AumillerSarah Renae AwbreyCamilo A. BaracaldoLaeva S. BarryerAmanda M. BelewMorgan Brittaney BergerJonte L. BerryAshley M. BonnerBriley R. BorenAshley M. BoswellKristin D. BowlinJuana Ilse Tovar BrionesDeangelo J. BrooksKala A. BrownMyriah A. BrownTameka M. BullardSharon Hope BurnettMichael ButlerNa’Keya Simone CallawayScott P. CampbellAndrew S. CannonGiselle CardenasWilliam C. CarsonApril M. ChapmanJasmine C. ChappellSheniece L. ChappellEvan H. ChastainKarene R. ChavezLea D. ChildressMeeka Nicole ChristillesLa Sheila Y. CofferLatoya R. CorneliusDaria O. CrenshawAngelia Fulton CrewsErik R. CunninghamKeant’e Marie DavisLauren L. DavisMeagan R. DeanKimberli A. DentonDeanna Janae DonahueBrittney R. DouganSean L. DowneyEmma M. DuttonWhitney Lauren EarlyMatthew T. EvansJordyn P. EwingKathy L. FalconerBrad G. FountainNikki J. FulpsBrila S. FunchessSam R. FunderburkCaitlyn Danielle GloriosoDawn E. GoodemanJamie L. GrahamJennifer L. GrangerTroy A. GreenWhitney Paige GreenMeredith L. Gregg+HTLU�6��.YPMÄ[OJoshua K. HahnAlisha B. HallAudrey J. HamSamantha L. HargettCiera N. HaskinsSavannah L. HayesShonna Gene’ HearnLisa Moore HemusChristine S. HernandezSamantha L. HicksSusan Marie HiltonDanielle C. D. HolteKimberly C. HortmanCrystal L. HubbardStephanie L. HuntJoshua C. HydeJosue A. JaimeMackenzie E. JardellAshton D. JohnsonGeneva A. JohnsonLaneater A. JohnsonCindy A. JonesTimothy Jordan-MooreDavid M. KaufmanJuli M. KirbyKirsty A. KissellBrittany Summer KrummenChastity L. LarsonChristin V. LatusMichael T. Leslie
Heidi R. LeverittMarina D. LinkinhokerAllison Elizabeth LinsteadtConnie V. LopezYana MabryMolly K. MackeyKatrina M. MajorNatalie D. MargravesAlexandra R. Marroquin3PUKH�+LSÄUH�4HY[PULaAshley B. MathisKelsea A. MaxwellJessica N. MaynardTerry L. McCord JrPatricia M. McDonaldShelby L. McFaddenEmily S. McFarlandK C J. McKinneyAshley E. McMurrayLeina A. McQuiggCarlos I. MedranoAshlyn A. MetcalfDeborah E. MetcalfBethaney R. MetreyeonJane L. MetzApril R. MooreJordan F. MossDaryl L. Mumford IIAshlea A. NeugebauerSandra L. NinoElizabeth P. NorrisLinda Gonzales Onofre’Michael P. OwensChelsie D. PadgettSherry C. PateLee Francis PayneTashae’ S. PeguesFungai PetaBrittani Nicole PfauBethany M. PhelpsMary Leann PhillipsStephanie PhillipsKeira M. PhippsRobert M. PolandLesly Ray PowellHannah PriceSteven R. PrinceNancy O. RamosLyndzie K. ReidRoberto Rios Jr.Whitney F. RobertsonBrittany Nicole RodriguezDanny RodriguezAdriana SalgadoBethany Shariah SandersKandice J. ScottTony D. SedberrySean S. SeelbachTramon K. SheadRodney D. ShepherdJessica L. SimonAustin A. SingerNeha SinghJessica M. SinteLiza C. StanleyMiranda A. StephensonMatthew J. SullivanShannon Kay SullivanDu H. SungYoun-Je SungJessica D. TolleThanh-Nguyen T. TrinhReginald M. TurnerDanielle N. VaughnRebecca D. WallerNysha K. WardJohn P. WellsHeather C. WhiteTeresa M. WhiteDakota C. WhyteJeramie L. WilliamsRadiance M. WilliamsJessica D. WrightJessica R. WynnConner S. Young
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Casie D. AckermanCarmen L. AndersonNathan H. AndersonOlajumoke Adejoke AweAshley L. AyersDonna K. BarnettBrigitte B. BaucomScott M. BennettStephen J. Benson
Meagan F. BeshearsLindsay R. BessetteJeffrey W. BowdenChloe A. BradyJohn R. BrownWhitney L. BrownRobin Skinner BurgessTonya T. ButlerBrittani N. CarnesJocelyn A. CarrizalesPatrick B. CarrollBrantsen J. CastlooHeather E. CavinessEliana B. ChavezAustin W. ClaytonAndrea L. ClaytorWhitney L. ClevengerShelby N. CliftonSarah L. ColeKatherine Turner ConnerElisa A. CorreiaStacie D. CoxHannah L. CraigCandace Megan CraverMorgan Lee CrittendenAdarius Q. DavenportYezenia DavilaDonna L. DavisGreaker M. DavisKimberly A. DavisMonica L. DavisMichele L. DawsonAmy R. DeanRebakah A. DeesChadwick F. DiceJustin David DirlaNoel B. DonaghyWendy N. DoughertyJoel W. DurasoEmily J. EnochSamantha J. FalkRhiannon Leigh FarrellGregory L. FiddickClaudia D. FobbAston FordMark A. FordJennifer R. FranklinCindy Michelle GillJason W. GozaErica Nicole GraySusan GrayMichelle Lee GreenGuadalupe Guzman-SalazarDonya L. HaglerCrystalyn Danell HahnAudrey J. HamPamela L. HamptonPreverties O. HarrisTasha L. HathornKelly A. HawkSavannah L. HayesJamie D’ette HeiermannJohn R. HemusRegina A. HensonCara R. HerbertJoshua D. HollandMeshell T. HortonWiley Davis HowardMegan G. HynesMerriah S. JacksonRiya Raichel JacobAngelique Maria Christine JamesBryan R. JarolimTracy R. JaynesDavid P. JesterKimberly N. JohnsAlice M. JohnsonKaila Beth JohnsonKelli D. JohnsonRyan D. JohnstonBianca L. JonesCory J. JonesLinda D. JonesMyeshia T. JonesTaryn Lanette JonesDavid M. KaufmanDanelle L. KenneySungyeol KimBrittany L. KnowlesJonathan D. LaMasterMichael P. LambertAshley P. LaPrairiePatricia E. LedbetterTaylor D. LingleJames L. Lomax IIIsai Aziel LunaKerry L. Luther
Vanessa K. MahfoodRobert C. MarshDaniel J. MartinHailey S. MatchettNathan A. MatterStefanie Monique MatthewsJordan Allen McCravenSteven L. McDowellShelby L. McFaddenDayna F. McKeyK C J. McKinneyJonica Michelle MillerLogan J. MillerAlia B. MohammedJoseph Matthew MooneyApril R. MooreCaitlin MooreChelsey I. MooreShelia M. MooreMalyssa G. MorganSarah N. MorganBrittney A. MortonCedric Mickalat MourambouHeather D. MullinsBridget L. MurphyEvan J. NewbyOkechukwu J. NwosuOmar Eduardo OlivasJoshua J. OrzechAustin Lee PadillaKaren M. ParkerKatie M. ParksSherry C. PateKhushboo J. PatelMichele L. PedenSandra J. PerrymanDairisha A. PetitjeanDylan P. PettyKatie L. PickardEric G. PopeDarla R. PorterMelissa K. ProthroNancy Olivia RamosCurtiss W. RashCrystal D. ReaumeElizabeth L. ReedMallory N. ReedBarbara J. RobertsJaime Rollins RoppoloCarson H. RostWilliam A. RunnelsCarrie D. SchimmelsKatelyn D. ScottRobin F. SerfassTyler A. SimmonsHunter J. SkeltonAdam K. SmithJerod E. SmithJountia L. SmithCharles W. SnoekWhitney T. SowellMatthew T. SparksSimon StephensJoshua John TannerKristi R. TilleyMarkes W. TippittArmando TovarKaren D. TurnerNikki N. TurnerKatelyn G. UnderwoodKimberly A. UtleyErica M. WashingtonBilly W. WatsonSamuel Watson WeaverMarley J. WebsterFalin N. WehmeirWealthy Nesbitt WhaleyNorma N. WheelerMiranda L. WigginsBryce D. WilliamsTimothy M. WilliamsAshley N. WilliamsonLacy M. WolfWilliam A. WomackLeonard B. Yowell
ASSOCIATE OF ARTSIN TEACHING
Sandie M. AndersonBriley R. BorenKimberly K. BozarthMaigan L. ClementLeslie M. EstradaKasey R. GibsonBrandie N. HaleyCrystal L. PostLindsay L. Shipley
Kacey D. Templeton
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Roberto AguilarStephanie Lauren ArinoAshley M. BonnerJuana Ilse Tovar BrionesTeri L. BrittainKala A. BrownSharon H. BurnettKristin Kay CalvertMeeka Nicole ChristilesDennis D. DavisChristi M. DeGrasseUyen V. DongJulie Anne Foster-SlocumRamon GuerreroKaitlyn M. GuilloryAudrey J. HamJulia R. HarknessBrittany L. HarrisSamantha L. HicksBrittany Y. HutchingsLaura M. KnappsBrittany Summer KrummenChristin V. LatusLaura Renee MartinezKelsea A. MaxwellTerry L. McCord JrSarah J. McDonaldEmily S. McFarlandAshley E. McMurrayJane L. MetzKathryne Elizabeth MizeApril R. MooreKalala T. NgariBishwo PandeyTashae’ S. PeguesChristopher J. RameyNancy O. RamosKevin Michael ShawAustin A. SingerMiranda A. StephensonAmit B. ThapaTanya M. ThomasSatoshi TomonagaHannah L. TrimbleTynesia T. TuckerKayla D. WestbrookEmilee J. WhatleyAndrew R. WilleyKyle R. WoodallTami Williams YatesPhillip A. Yellott, Jr.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Kevin B. AkersSheri L. AlstonDaniel Travis BarnesBrandon L. BarronAmanda L. BashoreShelley N. BassMargaret L. BentonChabrea E. BlackmonJennifer L. BoltonMichael P. BolwerkRachel L. BoudreauxTrisha R. BradfordSensiria B. BrownChelcy A. BryantJerrell J. BurstJohn C. CappsAndrew P. CarnesPatrick B. CarrollJohn R. CastellanoVianney CastroBrittney R. ChoateAustin W. ClaytonMarcheal B. CleaverCort A. ClementsWilliam H. CloydCatherine H. CollettRobert I. CollinsDavid J. ColteauxEdwyn O. ContrerasAllen L. CooperElisa A. CorreiaStacie D. CoxGabriel De Jesus- Espinosa Cravioto)LULMÄL�>��*\Y[PZMichael S. DaughtryDonna L. DavisKimberly A. Davis
Tyler Patrick DavisJustin David DirlaNoel B. DonaghyCoTina V. DotreyThomas L. FierrosMark A. FordAshley S. FreemanJosue GallegosTyler S. GlezenErin E. GrayTraci A. GrayDon M. GregoryEverett L. HackworthChere DeAnn HallSydney M. HammondsCody P. HandRichard L. HansonMarcus L. HarryLindsey M. HarveyWillie J. HawkinsCody L. HemusJohn R. HemusJenny May HendersonDulce D. HernandezChristopher S. HighKaye L. HodgesSteven N. HopsonCameron S. HortonMeshell T. HortonValentin HuertaJoseph K. InnerarityAdrienne D. JacksonBetty J. JamesBryan R. JarolimChristina Lea “Cricket”JewkesHolly Evette’ JonesLindsay Rose JordanSungyeol KimJammie L. KnoxSiripat A. KumlangngamJoshua O. LundyKerry L. LutherTaylor E. MauneyCaitlin M. McClendonJordan Allen McCravenTerry McKnightAnnette Celerier MooreApril D. MoreyLexy M. MullikinErik A. NavarroOmar Eduardo OlivasEva Carolina Urbizo OrtizHerman Paley Jr.Tina G. PardoSherry C. PateDequan P. PattersonShedrica L. PickettTommy G. PriceApril E. ProcellRusti-Lena C. RamsayAshley M. RayLisa R. RennerAaron H. RiceAaron D. RobinsonCarson H. RostNikki N. SalazarHayley K. ShaferTraci E. SharpTerry L. ShellyTayelar Austin SheridanHunter J. SkeltonShelby L. SloanSean T. SmithWhitney T. SowellSimon StephensMatthew A. StephensonAsa Stine III)HTIPL�3��:\TTLYÄLSKJeremy Q. TeagueKevin W. TempleArmando TovarSara L. TrueMark A. TrustyJoshua M. TurnerSally J. TurnerTyler L. TysonKatelyn G. UnderwoodFlorence E. WestLevi D. WestCodi D. WestonHeather C. WhiteJoseph E. WhiteA’Lillian T. WilliamsBryce D. WilliamsWhitney N. WilliamsJames E. Wright
When: 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 10, 2013
Where: Dodson AuditoriumSpeaker: Ronnie Spradlin
-Mayor of Kilgore
As the ending of my days at Kilgore College draw
near, and as I prepare to walk across the stage in Dodson Auditorium, my feelings of the last two years here are coming to a bittersweet ending.
It is hard to believe that in just 15 days, I will no longer be a student at the place that has pretty much become my second home. KC has shaped and molded me into the person I am today, and for that I am truly thankful.
It was my third day at KC, I had just left my Reporting I class when my instructor, Bettye Craddock, stopped me just before I walked into the lab. She smiled the sweetest smile and before I could even say anything, she was asking me to be the managing editor of The Flare.
I remember looking at her for a few seconds, hesitant, and before I could say yes or no, she was already convincing me. I will always remember how reassuring she was and because of that my life has never been the same.
We rarely encounter people like Bettye Craddock, but when we do they become a part of our lives forever.
Mrs. Craddock leads by example. She has set high standards and she has demanded excellence. Her compassion and understanding are heartwarming.
Before I came to KC she made a promise to “never leave me” and she has fulfilled that promise. I am honored and humbled to be one of her last editors.
I have spent countless hours in the Communications/Automotive Building completing my duties as a student and editor of The Flare. After two wonderful, stressful, fun years on staff, I am proud to have now reached the pinnacle of my newspaper career, and I could not be happier with the results. I will treasure all 41 issues forever.
My experiences at KC have taught me to create my life with vision, persistence and patience, because what I have learned so far is only a stepping stone to what lies ahead.
I have been beyond blessed to work with such talented people.
To my Flare family, I want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to this publication, especially on those crazy deadline days. Working with you all has given me the ability to develop ideas and find a passion for something I love to do.
God has blessed me with such an amazing college experience, and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for me in the many years to come.
Ashton Johnson is a sophomore communications major from Kilgore.
ASHTON JOHNSONCo-Executive
Editor
Letters to the Editor
KC gives step to bigger future
Full potential yet to be reached in Student Government Association
OP I N I O N THE FLARE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013 7APAGE
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 staɈ positions are Kilgore College journalism students.
Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE refl ect the thoughts of the individual
writers, and do not necessarily refl ect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staɈ members, faculty members, administrative oɉ cers or the Board of Trustees.
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_fl are@yahoo.com
LETTERS
DISCLAIMERTHE 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 staɈ positions are Kilgore College journalism students.
Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE refl ect the thoughts of the individual
writers, and do not necessarily refl ect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staɈ members, faculty members, administrative oɉ cers or the Board of Trustees.
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_fl are@yahoo.com
LETTERS
DISCLAIMER
The Flare2012 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association
Spring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors
STAFF WRITERSTameka Bullard, Jasmine Chappell, Dezirae Burnett,
Jeremy Garza, Khandice Horn, Hunter Huggins, Travis Hull, Miles
Marable, Mason Mehrens, Maegan Mitchell, Kade Morrison, Jordan
Moss, Ellen Reid, Jessica Tolle and Tory Van Blarcum
PHOTOGRAPHERSAnup Bhandari, Shelbi Crews, Kris Dobbins, Gabriel Espinosa,
Sonia Garza, Sydney Hammonds, Cody Hand, Cara Herbert,
Lauren LaBoyteaux, Elizabeth Martinez, Jonathen Ruesch,
Taylon Sharer, Dylan Thomas, Randi Vinson-Davis and Marci Wells
VOL. 76, NO. 21 Q Friday, April 26, 2013
Copyright 2013, The Flare. All rights reserved.
CO-EXECUTIVE EDITORSAshton JohnsonBrittani Pfau
WEB EDITORJonathen Ruesch
ILLUSTRATORKelly Gillit
ADVERTISING MANAGERJonathen Ruesch
SPORTS EDITORSheniece Chappell
PAGE EDITORSAshley MoralesKeira Phipps
LAB MANAGERJamie Maldonado
ADVISERBettye Craddock
PHOTO ADVISERO. Rufus Lovett
Illustration by Jonathen Ruesch / THE FLARE
I am a 37-year-old non-traditional student who primarily attends classes
at the Longview campus. On Thursday, April 18, I was able to attend the Annual Crawfish Boil in Kilgore. I really appreciated the gesture the administration made toward the students and faculty with this free event.
However, I am perplexed as to why nothing is ever planned or initiated at the campus in Longview. There are dedicated students, faculty and staff that deserve the same honors as those in Kilgore. Matter of fact, many of the students that attend KC-Longview have families and jobs that
they must attend with, as well as making sure to keep up with their studies. This should be an extra incentive for the KC Administration to provide the same thing for those in Longview as they did in Kilgore. 3,800 pounds of crawfish as well as numerous drinks and snow cones were given away in Kilgore. What would be the problem with taking a few hundred pounds of that crawfish and showing some love and respect to the men and women that make up the Longview campus? Not everyone has the opportunity to be able to skip a class and make it to Kilgore unless, of course, that is what the
administration wants…just saying!
William E. MasseyLongview freshman
This account is a follow-up to the article about me which appeared
in the Flare during the fall semester of 2011.
When I first arrived at Kilgore College, I wasn’t sure of the challenges that waited me in my new environment. When I entered my classes, I encountered faculty who embraced me not merely on my disability, but rather on the basis of just being me.
One such instructor whom I admired deeply was Marcy
Rhodes. When I took her classes, she always had a smile on her face and always had ways to encourage me. Another person whom I have really admired these past three years has been Frank Mosley, director of instructional student support, who has been with me through all of my time here at KC. He has told me many times that he expects to see me graduate from Kilgore College. Finally, one such person I truly admired was Bennie Brown, English instructor at Kilgore College. Along with helping me, she would always encourage me and give me good comments about how much I meant to her. I also
need to mention one of the tutors here at KC Longview, Cheryl Williams. I certainly appreciate everything she has done for me.
I want everyone at Kilgore College to know that my journey here has been life-changing. It has not always been easy, but it has been an amazing trip. I must leave KC on May 10, which is coming very soon! It has been an awesome journey. Thanks again for the memories.
Matthew T. EvansLongview sophomore
EDITOR’S NOTE: Read the entire letter online: theflareonline.com
Out of about 6,000 students, 16 of those students make up the Student Government Association, five officers and 11 members.
SGA needs more of a presence on campus. SGA should work toward the common goal of making KC even
better than what it is today. The KC SGA comprises of elected student representatives who
provide a forum for student input, assist in the coordination of student activities and voice opinions to the administration in developing policies that affect students.
The SGA provides support to student clubs and organizations. Current SGA officers elect new officers every spring semester to fill vacancies.
According to the KC SGA Constitution, this organization should be made up of an “Executive Board, a House of Representatives and members.” If you ask us, 16 members do not seem adequate to voice the opinions of the students, but how can SGA help our college if our students will not get involved?
SGA meets every week during the semester. Members gather to talk about issues concerning the college and discuss plans for events on campus. Students are always welcomed and encouraged to attend these meetings to allow the Executive Board to listen to concerns or suggestions.
We believe a strong SGA will make our entire institution stronger. A more student-involved SGA can help KC recruit new students, retain existing students and improve overall student and alumni involvement.
Ross Costanzo, assistant director of student life, says next year he hopes SGA will reach out to other students by having representatives from each club and organization on campus.
We need leaders, students who take pride in the KC community, students who want to be involved and students who want to better the college as a whole.
We hope that SGA members will work to involve their peers in some form of extracurricular activities with the ultimate goal of enhancing the college experience and instilling more school spirit.
Photographs by Lauren LaBoyteaux and Taylon Sharer / THE FLAREYOUR VIEW
Chris Gracela Fort Worth freshman
Dustin KincaideLongview freshman
Mary Van Natta Carrollton sophomore
Katy Hunter Dallas sophomore
NO. “The [SGA] is not well
advertised and the [SGA]
Public Relations oɉ cer is
obviously not doing his job to
his full potential.”
Are you aware of the Student Government Association
and its role on campus?
YES. “I know a couple of the
people in SGA. They organize
game night and do school
events but other than that they
don’t do much. I hope we can
build the SGA group and have
them do more around campus
and in the community.”
NO. “I have never been
informed.”
YES. “I knew someone in it and
they told me about it.”
Poll Results 118 Polled
24% YES76% NO
EXPAND
PLAN 2013
A D V E R T I S EM EN TTHE FLARE FRIDAY APRIL 26, 20138APAGE
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