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

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PLAN 2013

A D V E R T I S EM EN TTHE FLARE FRIDAY APRIL 26, 20138APAGE