ARTS & LIFE, 5
NEWS, 3
ARTS & LIFE, 4
Sports, 7
opinion, 2
Ranger Rocket VOL. 82 • NO. 9 • RANGERROCKET.COM
SENATOBIA, MISS.
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Yearbooks to be handed out May 6-8
Career certificate graduation rehearsal took place on May 5 at 2 p.m. in Howard Coliseum. The three graduation ceremonies will take place on May 15. The ceremony will be divided into three segments: 8 a.m. for students receiving an
Associate of Arts, 11:30 a.m. for students receiving a career certificate and 2:30 p.m. for students receiving an Associate of Applied Science. (Photo by Lauren Benton)
Northwest President, Dr. Gary Lee Spears (left), receives the first 2014-2015 yearbook from Mary Adam, a freshman studying graphic design technology from Senatobia and yearbook editor, and Carroll Huebner, yearbook adviser and journalism instructor. Yearbooks are free and will be given out May 6-8 in the Administration Building. (Staff photo)
Mississippi community college completion ranked fifth nationally BY LAUREN BENTON EDITOR While the state of Mississippi is known for a high obesity rate and other negative statistics, a recent study shown by the National Clearing House Research Center ranked Mississippi fifth nationally in community college completion. This study looked at annual statelevel college completion for community colleges, universities and non-profit institutions. “The report showed students at Mississippi’s community colleges are completing their Associate’s Degree at a higher rate compared to the nation in several categories,” according to an article by Kell Smith, director of communications and legislative services at the Mississippi Community College Board.
“The total completion rate for the six-year cohort at Mississippi community colleges was 46 percent,” the report said. This number is compared to the national average of 39 percent. “There is a huge push for improving performance in graduation, retention, transfer graduation and transfer students doing both, and there is a lot of work that the community colleges do with the Institution of Higher Learning in Mississippi to make sure that those pathways are as smooth as possible for those students, so that students can be successful,” Carolyn Warren, director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, said. The study focused on six-year student success
outcomes beginning with first-time freshmen enrolling in the 2008 fall semester. It was proven that Mississippi’s community college students were completing their associate degree at a higher rate, compared to the nation in more than one category. In Mississippi, 68 percent of full-time students will graduate, compared to a national average of 57 percent. Graduation is approaching May 15 for Northwest students. Other students all over Mississippi will be walking across stage the stage as well, increasing those percentages and changing those statistics even more. “I think that there is so much attention on completing a degree at a community college, and we are
really trying everything we can, all of the community colleges, to make sure that we are moving forward and are getting students to work, and to that four-year university, where ever their path is taking them,” Warren said. “It actually does not surprise me, and I am thrilled to hear that Mississippi community colleges are among some of the highest in the nation for completion rates. I see all of the work that goes into every community college in the state and at Northwest, and it is just good to see that it is paying off.” This report states that total completion rates for Mississippi community colleges exceeded the overall U.S. rate among students age 20 or younger, stuCONTINUES ON PG. 3
Summer school offers students opportunities BY REAGAN PEPPER STAFF Long gone are the days of spending summers sleeping in and lying by the pool all day. Nowadays, many college students spend their summers in class, at work or at some type of internship. Whether taking classes abroad or choosing a more local setting, students find summer school to be beneficial for many reasons. “I haven’t decided yet, but I am probably taking summer classes so
INDEX Opinion • 2 News • 3, 8 Arts & Life • 4, 5, 6 Sports • 7
that I can transfer early,” Walt Moore, a freshman studying liberal arts from Senatobia, said. Many students may believe that due to the fact that a class is over the summer, it will be easier or more laid back. It is important to keep in mind that classes only last for one month and will usually meet every weekday for two hours. “Summer classes tend to be compressed and
aggressive,” Dr. William Maze, speech instructor, said. Fortunately for students, Northwest is very accommodating to those participating in summer school. Girls staying on campus will stay in Bobo, while boys staying on campus will stay in Gainey. The cafeteria operates on special hours to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, the library is open during the summer
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Taking courses over the summer is not only beneficial to Northwest’s current students, but also to students of other schools. Often, students that attend universities will take classes over the summer at a community college because it is cheaper. “I’m taking classes at Northwest just so I don’t have to take them at Ole CONTINUES ON PG. 3
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Yearbook editor Mary Adam, a freshman studying graphic design technology from Senatobia, works on the 20142015 yearbook. Yearbooks will be given out during clearance May 6-8 in the Administration Building. (Photo by Samantha Whittle)
BY SAMANTHA WHITTLE STAFF The 2014-2015 yearbooks will be distributed from 8:30-11:45 a.m. and 1-3:15 p.m. May 6-8 in the Ranger Room in the Administration Building. Yearbooks are free to all Northwest students. The yearbook editor, Mary Adam, a freshman studying graphic design from Senatobia, will continue to be the editor for the 2015-2016 edition. Adam’s interest for yearbook and graphic design grew during high school. She was on the yearbook staff from 9th12th grades and was the editor her 11th and 12th grade years. “I’m passionate about yearbook, so it got me interested in graphic design,” Adam said. In the beginning of this year, Adam participated in the advertising design
event at Skills USA, and won first place. Next, she is going to nationals to compete again. “I have enjoyed being the yearbook editor for Northwest. It’s a great experience,” Adam said. “When I applied for the editor position, I remember being nervous. I wanted it really bad, and I was thrilled when I found out that I got the position!” Adam says that she has learned a lot about graphic design and plans to bring all of her knowledge to the table for the 2015-2016 yearbook. Student photos will be taken next semester for the 2015-2016 yearbooks.
CONNECT WITH US @TheRangerRocket @NorthwestMSCC Northwest Rangers
OPINION
2 • May 7, 2015
Senatobia, Miss.
Kylie Jenner lip challenge goes viral with bad results BY LAUREN BENTON EDITOR
I am sure everyone knows the youngest member of the Kardashian clan, Kylie Jenner. The 17-year-old reality television star has been trending on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the past month with the hashtag #kyliejennerlipchallenge. The challenge consists of three things: a shot glass, your own lips and
sucking. Crazy combination I know, but young girls across the nation are doing this. They are inserting their lips into a shot glass and sucking until their lips inflate into the infamous Kylie Jenner pout. This would all be fine if the girls were not suffering from severe injuries that are causing permanent damage to their faces and lips. Some of the pictures I saw were terrifying. A girls’ lip was severely cut because the shot glass breaking on her mouth, while other girls results have caused bruising and swelling. From the looks and the horrifying stories of this lip challenge, I
would not advise any girl to do this. You can tell in photos that Jenner obviously had some kind of lip injection to make her lips fuller, but the star says otherwise. What I do not understand is why girls are willing to hurt themselves for what could possibly be the rest of their life, just to achieve the effect of botox injected lips? God made each and every one of you girls perfect, and you do not have to make yourself into the image that Hollywood has created to depict how young women should look and dress. I mentioned before that Jenner is 17
years old, but you could not tell how old she was from her pictures. She looks as old as her 34-year old sister, Kim Kardashian. This is my question to you: Why are you trying to look like this girl? Is it because you think if you
have lips like her then you will look better or get more likes on your Instagram photo? Is it for attention? You need to accept yourself because nobody else out there has your lips, smile or features. Think of how cool that is, that out
of the 7 billion people on this planet you are the only one who looks and acts like you. I believe that is a gift in and of itself, and you should cherish that. You are unique, genuine and humble, and that should be enough. Stop putting yourself through so much pain just to be like somebody in Hollywood who has just as much self-esteem as you do. She has imperfections just like you, struggles just like you. She is human, just like you.
Students, have a question? Ask Liz Dear Liz, what should I do with my summer? As kids, summer was without a doubt the best time of the year—two to three months of no school and no work, just swimming, sleeping and nonstop fun with friends. Sadly, a lot has changed since those times. Our summers are now usually spent in school, in work, or in a combination of both with little to no time to sleep in or goof around like we used to. However, the plus side of being a college student is that you are now opened up to a world of internships and study abroad programs. All of this can be amazing, but what happens if you don’t do any of that? You are now facing the dreaded “going home” feeling. I have been the person staying home all summer,
working 9-5, while steadily following the new and exciting journeys and opportunities of what felt like everyone but me. I know the feeling of boredom that gets so bad that you feel like you’ve lost your mind just one month into summer. Because I have been there, let me give you some advice on how to make a seemingly uneventful summer memorable. Pick up something new. This could be anything. If you like reading, try branching out to a new genre. Begin to learn a new language. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Do it! Have you ever wanted to learn how to play tennis? Try it! Do you wish you knew how to hit that certain yoga pose? Work on it! Now is the perfect time to pick up a new skill. This can keep
your brain sharp during the months when it usually isn’t used as strenuously as during the regular school year. You also tend to have a little bit more time to dedicate to your new hobby. Do something crazy. Now don’t misunderstand what I’m saying here. I highly discourage you from breaking the law or blatantly risking your life. I mean do something that is completely outside of your comfort zone—something you would never even consider doing. Maybe that’s riding a roller coaster. Maybe it’s going skydiving. Maybe it’s as simple as helping a sweet old lady across the street. It just has to be something you would never normally do! When you get back together with your friends and they all have cool stories about other countries or their cool job,
think about the looks on their faces when you tell them you did something completely unexpected. Go visit your friends. I have a lot of different friends with a lot of different lives. Last summer, I spent quite a bit of time visiting a lot of my friends, and it made for some great laughs and unforgettable memories. Not having your friends at home with you is a bummer, so take some time to go visit them. If the friend happens to be somewhere that you haven’t visited before, then you get the excitement of a new place, as well as someone who already knows what is going on in that city. Take a vacation (even if it’s just for a day). The amount of things that go on during the summer is ridiculous. There’s music festivals, county fairs, state
fairs, sports games, etc. Summer is also prime time for waterparks and theme parks. Take a break from the break and have some fun! Explore your city. I put this last because it is often the thing we are most likely to forget or never think about. As a resident of Senatobia for 10 years, I had decided that I knew pretty much everything there was to know about the small city. After complaining to my friend about how there was nothing to do, she gave me a fresh perspective. She told me to go out around town and photograph Senatobia in a way that forced me to see it in a different light. I was immediately excited about the challenge, and after having started the project, I have found a new sense of happiness with my
hometown. I don’t mean you have to go out and photograph your town in order to have a good summer. What I suggest is that you simply explore your city. Maybe there’s a park you didn’t know about, or a cool thrift shop you didn’t know existed. No matter what it is, I guarantee it has the ability to make you see your town as you never have before. If you are seeking advice, do not hesitate to ask Liz! Send an email to rangerrocket1@northwestms. edu. Your question could be featured in the next Ranger Rocket. But not to worry, it will all remain completely anonymous.
“What would you like to see more of in the Ranger Rocket?” ”What would you like to see more of in the Ranger Rocket?”
By Lauren Benton, Kenn Falkner & Kreneice Reid
“With all of the rioting and looting going on in Baltimore, do you think it is right?”
“It gets the point across and puts fear into people, but I don’t think it solves anything.”
“There are better ways to protest peacefully than vandalizing. It is not changing anything.”
“I don’t feel like it’s right, because it just causes more confusion and a bigger probelm.”
“It’s not right, because it is hurting people.”
Quandez Turner Sophomore • Cosmetology Batesville
Katherine Hunt Freshman • Nursing Ashland
Jalonda Steen Freshman • Social Work Bruce
Devin Stoeger Sophomore • Engineering Biloxi
Ranger Rocket
The Ranger Rocket is published monthly during the regular academic sessions by students at Northwest Mississippi Community College
Northwest Mississippi Community College Senatobia • Mississippi
STAFF
ADVISER Carroll Gunn Huebner
Editor Lauren Benton Sports Section Editor Kenn Falkner Lifestyle Section Editor Kreneice Reid Staff Reporters Paige Grady Larry Mason Statement of Responsibility
Corey McKinney Reagan Pepper Samantha Whittle
SPONSORS Sarah Sapp Julie Bauer LaJuan Tallo Lindsay Crawford Kevin Maloney
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Letters to the Editor
Address all materials to : The Ranger Rocket NWCC Drawer 7039 4975 Hwy. 51 N. Senatobia, MS 38668 The Ranger Rocket is located in the Ann Y. Whitten Media Center in Yalobusha Hall on the Senatobia campus. The Ranger Rocket is printed by The Panolian in Batesville.
The Ranger Rocket encourages letters to the editor. Letters should be typed, double-spaced and signed by the author. Letters should include a name, address and phone number. This information will be withheld upon request. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity. Submit letters to: rangerrocket1@northwestms.edu
Northwest Mississippi Community College supports and encourages an atmosphere of responsible discussion through student publications. Funding for publications is provided by the General Fee that students pay each semester by monies budgeted by the College for their support. Designated by the administration — advisers, college employees who are competent in their fields — provide an environment in which student editors and staff members have opportunities to develop journalistic and literary skills. Insuring the integrity, quality and fiscal responsibility of the publications, advisers offer guidance and supervision, while providing First Amendment guarantees to publications staffs. The College administration supports the efforts of participants to be creative, unbiased, fair, intelligent, and responsible in being representative of and speaking for the student body. Affirmative Action Please visit the Northwest website at www.northwestms.edu/affirmativeaction to view the College’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, and certificates in career education. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College.
3 • May 7, 2015
CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 Community college completion ranked fifth nationally dents over age 20-24 and students over the age of 24, both men and women. “It is clear from this report that community colleges in Mississippi are preparing our young people for the four-year college. Giving them hands on experience and personal attention that they may not get at the four-year college from the start of their freshman or sopho-
more year,” Sarah Sapp, director of Communications, said. Sapp believes that by starting at a community college, students will also have more time to mature, develop better study skills and will be able to tackle the four-year college easier than a student who is being thrown into the big pool of a four-year institution.
Ranger Rodeo was held on April 24-26 at Multipurpose Arena BY KENN FALKNER SPORTS EDITOR On the weekend of April 24-26, the Northwest Rangers Rodeo team hosted its annual Rodeo at the Northwest Multipurpose Arena. The event started every night at 7:30 p.m. There were 15 colleges that participated in the Rodeo. Besides bull riding and barrel racing, rodeo clown Wayne West from Oklahoma entertained the Rodeo fans with different games and jokes. Football Coach Jack Wright and Lady Rangers soccer Coach Levi Nunally participated in a cow milking competition. Southern Arkansas
University men’s team won rodeo, scoring a total of 690 points. Three Rivers women won, scoring 310 points. Rodeo Coach Shelli Benton stated, “I want to thank everyone for supporting us this past weekend at the Northwest Intercollegiate Rodeo. I am so proud of our team not only for their performance, but the hard work they put into making this a successful event.” Northwest did not have a competitor place but had two finish in the top 10 in the region for the rodeo season.
Jazz ensemble
entertained audience BY LARRY MASON STAFF On April 23, a jazz ensemble was performed in the Fine Arts Auditorium on Northwest’s Senatobia campus. Jonathan Bass, guitar instructor, led the jazz ensemble that lasted about 45 minutes and kept the audience member’s feet tapping throughout the whole performance. The ensemble played traditional and modern jazz classics that, according to Bass, were some of the favorite tunes from their catalog. Students that partook in the ensemble were DeWayne Walker on the trumpet, Joseph Shook on trombone, Angelo
Gibson, Corey McClure, and Briana Patton on the saxophones. In addition, the rhythm section consisted of Elizabeth Rose on the piano and Billy Roberts on drums. Also performing with the ensemble was special guest singer Sadie Shannon, theatre instructor. Shannon’s high-ranging voice was definitely a high point of the performance. Just as well were the student’s immaculate renditions of classic jazz songs that were apparently well rehearsed.
CONTINUED FROM PG. 1
Summer school offers students opportunities Miss,” Chip Cossar, an Ole Miss student from Senatobia taking summer classes at Northwest, said. Northwest offers summer school on all five of its campuses. Summer school is split into three sessions, known as Summer I, Summer II and Full Summer. Registration for Summer I is May 26, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with classes beginning on May 27. Registration for Summer II is June 29, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with classes beginning on June 30. Northwest also offers
online and evening classes over the summer. Registration for online classes is May 26, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with classes beginning June 1. Registration for evening classes is May 26, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with classes beginning on May 27. For any questions on classes being offered, pick up a Fall 2015 and Summer 2015 Class Schedule packet from a news rack in any of the buildings on campus.
NEWS
Senatobia, Miss.
Cell phones a nuisance in classroom BY SAMANTHA WHITTLE STAFF Cell phones are transforming the future. Almost every young adult has one and even young kids are obtaining phones. Currently cell phones are even thought of as a person’s lifeline. They are used for the Internet, contact with friends and family and calendars. When looking around most college campuses, you see students walking to their classes while looking down at their phones or holding their phones up to snap chat. This brings the question—should cell phones be allowed in college classrooms? If that question was asked to most students, the answer would probably be yes. Many colleges and universities are deciding whether or not to have a ban on cell phones. Wyoming Catholic College has banned cell phones on the entire campus since 2007, in which they have only had two violations. Deep Springs College in Big Pine, California, bans any wireless Internet service, so even if a student has a phone, it would not do any good. According to the Huffington Post, a new University of Nebraska-Lincoln study shows that the average college student checks their phone out of boredom or to text 11 times a day
including during class when they should be paying attention to the instructor. Only 8 percent of the students in the survey say that they never look at their phone during class time. “I believe they should keep it on silent, but phones don’t particularly bother me,” Shurooq Adieh, a freshman studying psychology from Batesville, said. “Some of my teachers encourage using phones for research but other than that, they are to be put up.” Cell phones could be used to the advantage of a student in class by as a research tool to find information that would otherwise need to be researched in a computer lab. Using the phone for research, would give the class the information with a quicker and easier access. Using a phone to take notes could also possibly be reliable if the student does not have any paper with them. “Students using phones in the classroom is pretty annoying,” Jennifer Wester, biology instructor on the Senatobia campus, said. “In labs, I sometimes let students use them for calculations, but there are a lot of opportunities for students to cheat or get distracted when using their phones.” Northwest’s Oxford
Rachel Linder, a freshman studying psychology from Meridian, Mississippi, plays on her phone in her Spanish class. (Photo by Samantha Whittle)
campus bans talking on cell phones inside any of the campus buildings. The point of the “no phone” policy is to limit distractions in the classroom. Some of the instructors do allow students to use apps and other sources on cell phones to help with class assignments. “I try to integrate assignments into my courses that can be completed by using the cell phone. For example, we use the Quizlet flashcard app to study and quiz the medical terms for the Medical Terminology classes,” Kathy Buchanan, a business technology instructor at the Oxford campus, said. “We also use voice recorder apps for the medical terminology
pronunciation quizzes.” According to Ira Hyman Ph.D., a Professor of Psychology at Western Washington University, cell phones use should be completely eliminated in the classroom for two reasons: they distract students from the classroom task and even when used appropriately, such as to take notes, the learning results are less effective than if the student took notes with a pen and paper.
A tribute to the Ranger Rocket editors BY SAMANTHA WHITTLE STAFF Throughout the spring semester along with other previous semesters, the Ranger Rocket staff has worked diligently to bring factual articles to the student and administrative body of Northwest. All of the staff and our adviser, Carroll Huebner, must be thanked for their hard work to create these news outlets, but three of these have done a lot for the Ranger Rocket include the editor, Lauren Benton, the lifestyle section editor, Kreneice Reid, and the sports section editor, Kenn Falkner. Benton began her news career with the Ranger Rocket as the sports section editor in her first semester at Northwest in 2013. She then moved to the lifestyle section editor the following semester and then to the editor in the fall semester of 2014. Benton states that being editor of the newspaper has been a great experience for her despite the difficulties and troubling times. “I think my biggest accomplishment as editor has been learning more about the software we use to lay out the paper,” Benton said. “For future editors, you need to be dedicated and be there to pick up any slack.” After Northwest, Benton plans to attend the University of Memphis, majoring in journalism with a news concentration. She plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree then her master’s. Reid has been the lifestyle editor for two semesters at Northwest. She believes that her biggest
Lauren Benton (top), Ranger Rocket editor; Kenn Falkner (middle), sports section editor and Kreneice Reid (bottom), lifestyle section editor, plan to attend a four-year university and major in journalism after Northwest. (Staff photo)
accomplishment with the Ranger Rocket is launching a commercial promoting the newspaper. The theme of the commercial is “Don’t Get Left Behind, Stay Connected!” Reid believes that being editor has allowed her to learn many skills that will be needed in her future. “Because of this position, I feel more confident in my career field,” Reid said. “The best advice for future staff is to be fearless, and as for editors, soak up as much information as you can and take advantage of all the resources available.” Next fall, Reid plans to obtain a Bachelor of the Arts with a major in broadcast journalism and
an emphasis in public relations at The University of Mississippi. One day, Reid aspires to run her own fashion empire and represent her company as the public relations agent. Falkner has been the sports section editor for two semesters and says that it has been challenging but worth it since being the editor is exactly what he wants to do with his future. Throughout his time as sports editor, Falkner believes his biggest accomplishment has been achieving the second best sports photo in the state of Mississippi. “Some good advice is don’t procrastinate. Also, make sure all the information you give is factual and
accurate,” Falkner said. “Be the one to give good and beneficial information to the students.” Falkner plans on attending The University of Mississippi in the fall and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in journalism. One day, he aspires to have his own sports magazine and work for a company such as one that oversees and writes about college sports, such as Ole Miss football. Each of these editors have put much effort into the Ranger Rocket during their time at Northwest. The succeeding Ranger Rocket staff wishes Lauren, Kreneice and Kenn the best of luck in all of their future plans.
ARTS & LIFE
4 • May 7, 2015
BY KRENEICE REID LIFESTYLE EDITOR
BY LAUREN BENTON EDITOR
Joel Boyles, the bookstore manager, prepares the bookstore for book buy back week. (Photo by Lauren Benton)
Book buy back will take place inside the Ranger Bookstore on May 11-14 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Photo by Lauren Benton)
As far as how much students will get back on textbooks, Red says that Northwest is one of the few colleges that actually gives you the most money back for the books you sell to them. “You get back half of what you paid, whether it is new or used. If it’s in fair condition, you get half of what you paid for it,” Red said. “Those people
Senatobia, Miss.
Why students care about graduation
Book buy-back set for May 11-14 Selling your textbooks back is probably the second most exciting thing students look forward to besides acing their finals at the end of the semester. The Northwest Ranger Bookstore will be buying back textbooks May 11-14 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. All students must bring a photo ID to sell their books back. According to Valeria Red, bookstore clerk, books that the bookstore buys back can be marked in as long as the pages are not missing and the book has no water damage. Most books new or used will be bought back. Red recommends that students who have paid fees in the Business Office should not sell back books the same day. She says that if they do, their fees will end up being paid twice. The bookstore clerk also asks students to be patient and to not get angry with personnel working the book buyback, because they have no control over which books instructors choose to keep for the following semester. “The instructors are the ones who pick the books for the next semester, not us,” Red said.
who set up in tents around the area only give you back street value on those books” The textbooks that will not be used the next semester can be bought from a private book company that will also be set up in the Ranger Bookstore thoughout the book buy back week.
Most students participate in their first graduation ceremony their senior year of high school to honor reaching their first academic milestone. Why do students choose to do it again two years later from a community college? Northwest’s 2015 graduation ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 15, in the Howard Coliseum on the Senatobia campus. Laticia Reed, a sophomore studying psychology from Oxford, is a student who looks forward to walking. “I’ve been here for two years, and it makes me feel accomplished and proud of myself,” Reed said. ”I feel like everyone who has completed should walk, so that they can feel that sense of accomplishment as well. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, community colleges are a vital part of the post secondary education delivery system. They serve almost half of the undergraduate students in the United States, providing open access to post secondary education, preparing students for transfer to four -year institutions and providing workforce development and skills training. “I want everyone to know that I worked really hard to get there, and I feel like I deserve to wear that cap and gown,” Tyler Rudd, a sophomore studying general college from Batesville said. “Without participating in the ceremony, there would be nothing exciting to look forward to.”
Larry Simpson, dean of Enrollment Management and Registrar, informs students about graduation during graduation rehersal for students receiving an associate of applied science degree. (Photo by Kreneice Reid)
Fayte Reed, a sophomore studying general college from Batesville, decided not to participate in the ceremony but acknowledges the importance of receiving his degree. “It’s just a title; something that you can put under your belt and say that you have. Everyone always says and even statistics has proven that having an associates looks better when applying to an university, oppose to just having credit hours,” Reed said. “It proves that you have what it takes to finish.” According to Larry Simpson, dean of Enrollment Management and Registrar, students will be immediately rewarded their degree through their transcripts and can expect their degrees in the mail within eight weeks. “A couple of years ago, the college launched a comprehensive plan to
try to improve the number of people graduating. It was called ‘Crossing the Finish Line.’ We feel confident it was successful, and these large numbers are a reflection of that,” Northwest President, Dr. Gary Lee Spears said. The ceremony will be divided into three segments: 8 a.m. for students receiving an Associate of Arts, 11:30 a.m. for students receiving a career certificate and 2:30 p.m. for students receiving an Associate of Applied Science. “I figure if I’ve been here this long, I might as well get the full benefits,” Quandez Turner, a sophomore studying cosmetology from Batesville, said.
Where can an Ole Miss degree take you?
Across the globe. Haley, a former transfer student from Mississippi, is majoring in Mechanical
Engineering. Last summer, Haley traveled to Togo, Africa with the group Engineers Without Borders after becoming involved during her first year on campus.
“Ole Miss provides so many unique opportunities for involvement. My experience abroad changed my entire perspective.” —Haley, Mechanical Engineer
#OleMissMatters Connect with your Transfer Admissions Counselor on Instagram! OleMissJasonM OleMissLaura OleMissTyler
transfer.olemiss.edu
@OleMissRebels @UM_Admissions @TransferOleMiss
ARTS & LIFE
5 • May 7, 2015
Senatobia, Miss.
Cheer try-outs set for May 8-9
Spring carnival provides fun for students
BY KRENEICE REID LIFESTYLE EDITOR
BY LAUREN BENTON
Before students break for summer, the Ranger cheer squad will be hosting Cheer try-outs May 8-9. Cheer clinics were held April 11 and April 25. “It’s fun to watch us bring in new blood. I really look forward to bringing in the folks that are about to graduate high school, and they’re all bright-eyed and looking forward to coming to college,” Liesl Mote, the sponsor for the Ranger Cheerleaders, said. Katelyn McCluskey, a sophomore studying medical technology from Senatobia, served as cheer captain for the 2014-2015 cheer season. McCluskey was proud to serve as a leader at Northwest. McCluskey was also named Miss NWCC of the Senatobia campus. McCluskey says that she has
made many new friends since being a Ranger cheerleader and considers the squad as her family. According to McCluskey, being a cheerleader at Northwest allows students to experience college in a different way, because they get the opportunity to be apart of the game when they cheer at games from the sideline. “It’s an amazing feeling watching the crowd get excited about something your team performed or hearing them chant along with us as we cheer,” McCluskey said. McCluskey says that despite the misconception, cheerleading is a hard sport that requires hard work and wants to encourage students who are interested in trying out. “Put every effort you
can into getting better, because coaches are always looking for someone trying their hardest and making progress in the sport,” McCluskey said. ”Don’t give up, work for it and in the end it will pay off.” According to McCluskey, Trey Griffin, the Northwest Cheer Coach, and Mote will select the next cheer captain for the upcoming year. The new captain will be announced at the end of try-outs once the results of the individuals who make the team are posted. “It gets exciting for me to see them come in and then have my cheerleaders who are already here start working with them,” Mote said. For more information, contact Mote via email lmote@northwestms.edu or call (662) 562- 3899.
Tiffanee Merritt named All-Mississippi Academic Team member
EDITOR Liesel Mote, intramural coordinator and the Northwest cheer sponsor, along with Devin Mahony, intramural coordinator and the recreational manager, hosted the second spring carnival held on the Senatobia campus at the Ranger Outdoor Complex also known as the ROC. The spring carnival had a significant update from last years. This years festivities included a bounce house slide, rock wall, bungee jumping, a DJ, cotton candy and snow cones. In order for students to participate in these activities, students had to bring their student ID. “The rides and free snacks have made it fun, and the music has been good. This is better than sitting in my dorm doing nothing,” Lee Ward, a sophomore studying computer science from Olive Branch, said. Katie Russell, a
Christy Hart, a sophomore studying math from Senatobia attempts to clim the rock wall. (Photo by Lauren Benton)
sophomore studying nursing and also a commuter from Coldwater, wishes that this event was advertised more and was glad that she looked on the Northwest Instagram page before heading home so that she could enjoy the festivities. “The atmosphere of
being out with friends has been great. They picked a great day to do this and there has been perfect weather,” Russell said.
Les Fauve Art Sale to be held May 8 BY LARRY MASON STAFF The last art show of the spring semester at Northwest is the Les Fauve Art Show. The show is an art sale comprised of Northwest’s art students and instructors’. The Fine Arts Building
Tiffanee Merrit, a sophomore studying nursing from Coldwater, was named first team of the All-Mississippi Academic First Team and recieved a $1,000 scholarship. (Staff photo)
BY KRENEICE REID LIFESTYLE EDITOR On March 25, Tiffanee Merritt, a sophomore studying nursing from Coldwater, was one of the 15 students who were recognized as first team of the All-Mississippi Academic team and each received a $1000 scholarship. A total of six Northwest Phi Theta Kappa students were honored by the Mississippi Legislature at the All-Mississippi Academic Team Recognition Luncheon that was held at the Jackson Convention Center. “It is an honor to be recognized as an AllMississippi Academic first team because it proves that hard work and dedication pays off,” Merritt said. To be named to PTK All-Mississippi Academic Team, Merritt had to complete the All-USA Academic Team application through the PTK website. After completing the application, the three chapter advisers Dr. Kim Hamilton-Wims, Carroll Huebner and Judy Barham nominated two students to represent the Northwest Senatobia campus. The selections are then sent to Jackson. According to Barham, the selections get sent
to Jackson and then the National headquarters of PTK chooses the first team members. “We had such awesome candidates from our campus to represent our chapter. We don’t always have first-team honorees, so we were certainly proud of her and for her when she made first-team,” Barham said. According to Merritt, the most challenging aspect of applying for the scholarship was the extensive application process that included detailed descriptions about demographics, education, community service, community college activities, leadership roles and career goals. Merritt believes that nothing valuable in life is easily earned, so she was determined to complete the application no matter what. Merritt was confident that her hard work would pay off “We try to nominate the best students to be on the All–MS Academic team. It takes a lot of diligence and hard work, so the student has to want it,” Barham said. As an All-Mississippi first team member, Merritt was asked to make a video about the most meaningful endeavor she
has led or participated in and to describe what it meant to be selected as a first team member. The video was played as her introduction when she walked across the stage to receive her certificate. The first team honoree credits her success to transforming her short and long-term goals into reality. Merritt also appreciates the magnitude of family support that she received. “It was truly a blessing to be recognized for my scholarly success and leadership in front of my family, and it motivated me to continue striving for excellence in all that I do,” Merritt said.
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will house the art sale on May 8. According to Lawayne House, division director of the Art Department, Art Instructors Ashley Chavis, Denita Lloyd and House will be selling some of their works at the show.
Also, art students such as Anna Yates, Ashley Doole, Jacob Talley and Della Richards will have works of theirs being shown.
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The Panolian
6 • May 7, 2015
ARTS & LIFE
Senatobia, Miss.
Sexual abuse should be talked about on college campuses BY REAGAN PEPPER STAFF One morning I was scrolling through my Facebook, when I saw a video that a friend had shared that had a caption that read, “What happens when you put a boy in front of a girl and ask him to slap her?” The video still was of a young boy smiling at the camera and one young girl awkwardly smiling at him. Naturally, this caught my attention, so I decided to watch the short clip. The video starts by separately introducing four boys ages 7 through 11. They give their names and tell what they want to be when they grow up and why. Then they are introduced to a young girl. Each boy looks surprised in some way, and when asked to describe her they all say how they think she is pretty. They are then asked to caress her, which leads to them awkwardly touching her cheek or shoulder very quickly while snickering. They are asked to make a funny face at her, which they all do. They are then asked to slap her. Each reaction is basically the same- the boy hesitates, displays obvious discomfort, and then looks around like it’s a joke, before firmly saying no. The cameraman asks why not, and they provide various answers. The video ends with one boy who answered, “Why? Cause I’m a man.”
Around 43 percent of college women who are dating report experiencing violence and/or abusive behavior within a relationship. One in six college women have been sexually abused in a dating relationship. Women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of violence within a relationship. These shocking nationwide statistics are presented, along with countless others, by loveisrespect.org. Aside from these alarmingly high numbers, it was found that only 33 percent of teens that were in a violent relationship ever chose to speak about it. Furthermore, about 57 percent of college students admit it is difficult for them to identify the signs of an abusive relationship and that they don’t know how to help someone who is in one. These numbers are heartbreaking. These numbers are also only based off of those who have chosen to voice their abuse. Abuse within a relationship can include psychological abuse or physical abuse. In an abusive relationship, the object of the abuser is to in some way undermine or belittle the other person. Northwest defines dating abuse as “a pattern of behavior where one person intentionally threatens or actually uses physical,
sexual, verbal or emotional abuse to harm, intimidate or control another person with whom that person has a dating relationship.” No matter the case of abuse, it is crucial to know that help is always available.
alarmingly low. “Students shouldn’t have to be in crisis mode [when seeking help],” Jennifer Smith, Northwest counselor, said. “Due to society’s negative view on counseling and get-
According to the Student Guide, “Northwest Mississippi Community College is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty, and staff can work together in an atmosphere free of threats.” This statement is actually the opening to a very extensive explanation of the resources and help available to students who are suffering any type of abuse within a relationship. Despite the large amount of resources available to students on campus and the countless resources available outside of campus, the number of students who reach out is still
ting help, people easily feel ashamed and embarrassed.” Aside from these feelings of shame and embarrassment, comes a natural sense of distrust. Many students are fearful of their confidentiality being compromised. “If a student were to report an incident to a CSA, [Campus Security Authority] they can request complete confidentiality. In those cases, the CSA will inform me of the event, but will not reveal the name of the student it happened to,” Zabe Davis, chief of police, said. “This allows the department to know that
the incident happened, without compromising that student’s identity.” The Student Guide also greatly stresses the importance of a student’s confidentiality being kept upon request. This can keep the student safe as well as more apt to inform someone of an abusive encounter. “The most important thing for us is to make sure the student is given the support they need,” Davis said. As the saying goes, “knowing is half the battle.” To recall the statistic mentioned earlier, less than half of college students are even aware of the signs that can indicate whether or not someone is in an abusive relationship. There are countless articles on the Internet about how to indicate if a relationship is abusive. A very helpful website titled helpguide.org gives a very extensive and thorough list on how to indicate if your own relationship is abusive, or how to indicate if someone else’s is, and how to properly help that person. Currently, Northwest offers no mass form of education on sexual harassment, sexual abuse or dating violence. However, it is looking into introducing an online form of education on such topics very soon. This online “course” covers the topics of alcohol and drug
abuse, as well as sexual harassment and violence, and takes students just a few hours to complete. “I believe this course was very thorough,” Hannah Switzer, a former Northwest student who took the course when she transferred to Ole Miss, said. “It was very interesting and not a boring quiz with random facts.” Hopefully, with the right knowledge, students will feel better equipped to identify an abusive relationship and search for help, all shame and fear aside. For any questions on procedure and who to specifically contact in any case, one can refer to the 2014-15 Student Guide. The most common contacts to have in case of any type of abuse are as follows: Dean of Students, Aimee Anderson (662) 562-3305, Campus Police Department (662) 562-3314 and Northwest counselor, Jennifer Smith (662) 562-3390. If you think you are currently in an abusive relationship or know someone who is, do not feel ashamed or be afraid to seek help. You were created for a beautiful purpose and are worth so much more than the abuse that someone inflicts upon you.
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SPORTS
7 • May 7, 2015
Northwest falls to Pearl River in playoffs BY COREY MCKINNEY STAFF Pearl River beat out the Lady Ranger softball team 1-0 on Monday afternoon in game 3 of a best-of-3 series to win the series 2-1 and advance to the state tournament. PRCC won the opener 2-0, and Northwest responded with a 3-1 win. Northwest’s season came to a close at 27-10, but not before the Rangers won their first division title since 2009. Pearl River’s Rachel Hickman and Northwest’s Kiley Dunagan battled it out in the circle in a pitcher’s duel in game one, with the two combining for 17 strikeouts against three walks and throwing a combined 238 pitches, 168 of which were strikes. Hickman had just enough offense behind her, however, to get a victory, scattering three hits and getting two runs in the top of the sixth. Dunagan struck out 11 and allowed eight hits but Northwest just couldn’t move runners up when they needed to. The Rangers failed to score a runner from second in three straight innings and had second and third with one out in the fourth but were unable to score each time. Scoreless after three innings in game 2, Northwest scored two in the fourth and one in the fifth to take a 3-0 lead. Heath Griffith’s RBI-single plated the Rangers’ first run of the day and she would come around to score off an error. Brittany
Rochelle’s RBI-single off a hard hit ball to first scored Christina Berryhill to make it 3-0. PRCC got a run back in the sixth on Danielle Barton’s RBI-double to
had numerous chances to advance runners in scoring position but just could not come up with the big hit to score. Northwest stranded two runners on base in the fifth and seventh, six total
Olivia Owen, a freshman outfielder from Ponotoc, steps up to the plate to bat. (Photo by Lauren Benton)
right, making it 3-1 after six innings. Holliday worked into the sixth inning and let Dunagan close things out for her team-high third save of the year. Back-to-back singles put the go-ahead run at the plate before Dunagan induced consecutive flyouts. Holliday scattered seven hits, one run and four strikeouts for the win. Scoreless after five innings in the win-or-go-home game, Pearl River got the eventual game-winning run on Hannah Holloway’s sacrifice fly to left in the top of the sixth, scoring Mary Grace Key after a leadoff single. Just like they did in the opening game of the series, a 2-0 loss, Northwest
in the game. Rachel Hickman struck out 11 Ranger batters and allowed just three hits in a complete-game performance. For the three-game set, Hickman allowed nine hits, one run and struck out 18 in 17 innings pitched. Dunagan (9-4) matched Hickman inning for inning but couldn’t get the run support to back her up. Dunagan scattered four hits, one run and five strikeouts in her final game at Northwest. Erin Claire Stegall, Kendall Alford and Carla Avant were responsible for the three Ranger hits. PRCC finished with four.
Rangers split games with EMCC BY COREY MCKINNEY STAFF Northwest and the 14th-ranked Lions split a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 22. The two teams combined for 46 runs off 54 hits in a pitcher’s nightmare. East took the first game 15-11, with the Rangers taking game two in extra innings 11-9. Game one was a teeter-totter game, with five lead changes and a tied ballgame in the sixth, which is when the Lions rallied for seven runs over the final three innings to take a 15-11 win. A two-run homer from James James Clark’s tworun homer in the first gave the Rangers some quick momentum but EMCC came right back with a six-run bottom of the first off Ranger starter Jonathan Lindsey to take a 6-2 lead after one. Hunter Lacefield came on in relief of Lindsey after one out and would toss a gutsy 4.2 innings to keep the Rangers in striking distance. Lacefield scattered two runs off four hits while striking out three and walking one. Northwest scored five unanswered to pull back in front 7-6, scoring single runs in the second and fourth and plating three in the fifth, two by way of Luke Latham’s first home run of the year. Chris McCullough’s tworun home run answered Latham’s, giving the Lions back the lead 8-7.
After tying it again at 8-8 on LeeMarcus Boyd’s sac fly in the sixth, EMCC pulled away thanks in large
LeeMarcus Boyd, a freshman infielder from Coldwater takes the plate to bat. (Photo by Kenn Falkner)
Levert Jernigan Jr., a freshman outfielder from Nettleton tries to steal a base. (Photo by Kenn Falkner)
part to David Pimentel’s three-run homer. Ryan Rigby shut the Rangers down the final two frames after Ryder Davis allowed four runs to allow Northwest to get within 14-11. EMCC pounded out 18 hits in the win against 13 for Northwest. Clark and Latham had three hits apiece for the Rangers.
Peter Barton took the loss after allowing six runs off seven hits in 1.2 innings of relief. For game two, after falling behind 4-0 after three, Northwest rallied to retake a four-run lead in the seventh but had to hang on for dear life in extra innings to win 11-9 and salvage a split. Latham’s two-run single pulled the Rangers within 4-2 in the fourth before Boyd’s two-run single knotted the game at 4-4.Dalton Dulin, the nation’s leader in stolen bases, stole third and then came around to score off a wild throw by the catcher to make it a 5-5 game after five complete. Stephen Sexton’s RBIsingle, followed by Jamell Newson’s bases-loaded walk and Cody Cooper’s RBI-single made it an 8-5 lead in the seventh. Sexton would then score off a wild pitch, giving the Rangers a 9-5 lead. EMCC would not go down quietly, scoring four runs off Ranger ace Colt Smith in the bottom of the frame to force extras. In the eighth, Latham’s sac fly, followed by a balk on Kyle Liberto, allowed Clay Casey to score to make it 11-9 Northwest. Koby Busby then shut the door with a scoreless eighth to pick up the win and end a wild pair of games in Scooba.
Senatobia, Miss.
Towles’ helps Rangers to Split at Meridian BY COREY MCKINNEY STAFF Freshman outfielder Clay Casey went four for seven with three home runs and five RBIs, and Austin Towles tossed a complete-game, three-hit shutout in game two to help Northwest baseball team split a doubleheader at 20th-ranked Meridian. Northwest moved to 27-12 overall and 18-8 in the conference while MCC moved to 31-12 and 19-7 in the league. In the opener, the two teams combined for 23 runs off 28 hits in a 12-11 Meridian win. Northwest took a 3-0 lead after its opening atbat, using an RBI-groundout by James Clark and two-run homer by Casey. But each time Northwest scored, Meridian would immediately answer. The Eagles scored three in the bottom half of the first to tie it, and after Northwest went back in front 5-3 in the second on Kody Kimbrough’s two-run bomb, MCC plated four to take a 7-5 lead. The teams exchanged single runs in the third and
tossed 4.2 innings of relief, scattering three hits, two runs and seven strikeouts for the win. Colt Smith, who lasted just two innings, scattered seven runs off 10 hits to drop to 6-2 on the year. Casey was 3-for-4 with three RBIs, Kimbrough was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and The Northwest Rangers took Clark had a pair of hits. on Jones County on May 1 at 5 Towles had the game of p.m., winning 10-8. (Photo by his career to lead NorthKenn Falkner) west to a 5-0 win in the Meridian extended its lead nightcap, scattering three hits, six strikeouts and four to 11-6 in the fourth after walks on a season-high two bases-loaded walks 111 pitches. He struck out and a bases-loaded hit-bythe side in the seventh to pitch. Northwest clawed back close it. All five Ranger runs to 11-9 in the fifth, scoring came in the third. Cody three off Jamell Newson’s Cooper reached on an erRBI-single, Kimbrough’s ror to score Newson after single and LeeMarcus a leadoff triple for the Boyd’s sac fly. But again go-ahead run and Dulin, MCC answered with a solo Clark and Casey would homer by Dustin Smith to follow with RBIs. Casey hit go up 12-9. his third home run of the Dalton Dulin’s RBIday, a two-run shot to rightdouble pulled Northwest center, to highlight the big to within two runs in the inning. eighth and Casey’s solo homer in the ninth, his second of the game, made the final 12-11. Bryant Johnson (7-1)
Lady Rangers win the MACJC Softball North Division BY COREY MCKINNEY STAFF Needing just one win at Northeast to clinch a share of its first MACJC North Division Championship since 2009, Northwest did just that, rallying for a 6-0 Game 2 win in a rain-shortened five innings to clinch the No. 1 seed in this weekend’s state playoffs. Northwest improved to 26-8 overall and 19-5 in the division while Northeast moved to 18-15-1 and 15-9 in the division. The two teams split the season series 2-2. After getting run-ruled 8-0 in five innings in the opener behind a one-hit shutout by Alyssa Vanlandingham, Northwest regrouped in between games and came out and blanked the Lady Tigers in return in five innings. Kiley Dunagan scat-
tered five hits, no runs, eight strikeouts and three walks to improve to 9-2 in the circle, stranding
Hanna Hunter, a freshman outfielder from Sarah runs to first base. (Photo by Lauren Benton)
eight Lady Tigers on base thanks to timely strikeouts and solid defense behind her. Scoreless after the first, Heath Griffith’s RBIdouble to left scored pinch runner Bree Thompson for a 1-0 lead. Erin Claire
Stegall followed with an RBI-single to left to score Griffith, making it 2-0 Rangers after two. Olivia Owen’s two-out RBI-single to left scored Carla Avant to make it 3-0 in the fourth and Northwest plated three more in the fifth on a Brittany Rochelle bunt single, Janie Turner sac bunt and ensuing wild pitch. Dunagan then shut the door in the bottom of the fifth with bad weather approaching, forcing backto-back flyouts and striking out Whitney Gee looking to clinch the victory. Northwest will host Pearl River for a second consecutive postseason, the south’s No. 4 seed, on Sunday-Monday, April 2627 in a best-of-3 series.
Northwest Ranger Rodeo was held on April 24-26 at the Multipurpose Arena in Senatobia. (Photo by Kenn Falkner)
Northwest Ranger Rodeo was held on April 24-26. There were 15 colleges that participated in the rodeo event. (Photo by Kenn Falkner)
NEWS
8 • May 7, 2015
Senatobia, Miss.
Student Support Services assists transfer students Students discuss their
summer plans
BY SAMANTHA WHITTLE STAFF Many students who attend a two-year community college plan to transfer to a four-year university after getting their basics and electives out of the way. Some students do not further their education, due to poor planning and lack of help. The Student Support Services (SSS), located on the second floor of the McLendon Center, can help. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To become a member, the student must have financial need, according to the federal government, be a first generation student or have a mental or physical disability. The SSS is federally funded and serves 160 students. “We encourage everybody to come sign up as soon as they can, because the spots do fill up fairly quickly,” Sandra Vaughn, transfer specialist of SSS, said. There are many ways that SSS helps their members transfer to universities. As a member of SSS, students tour campuses such as the University of Mississippi, Delta State, Mississippi State University and the University of Memphis to discuss transferring with the admissions office. Touring the campus
BY LARRY MASON STAFF
Aaron Payne, a sophomore studying English from Byhalia, is talking to LaQuita Parker, counselor, about Student Support Services. (Photo by Samantha Whittle)
also allows the students to become more comfortable and determine if they would like to attend the university. “I was looking at Delta State, so I signed up for the Delta State tour and it wound up being really fun. That’s where I’ve decided to go,” Aaron Payne, a sophomore tutor for SSS studying English from Byhalia, said. “Any questions I needed to know answers to, they helped me.” SSS also works with advisors to help students get their classes, educates their members on what classes are actually needed before the student can be accepted into a fouryear university and how to apply to universities. If a student is not able to join SSS, the student
could put in the effort to look up what classes and how many credits are needed for the university they want to attend. “I looked up my major on Mississippi State University’s website to make sure all my credits at Northwest could transfer,” Alicia Lemons, a sophomore studying business administration from Cleveland, said. Another easy way to get accurate transfer information for students planning to attend a four-year university is to contact the transfer admissions specialist at the university. This also provides a contact one-on-one to determine whether or not their credits will transfer and if there is anything else needed to be able to
transfer. To apply for membership, the student must go to the office and talk to LaQuita Parker, counselor. Then, they must fill out the form and provide any additional information needed by the SSS Office. For the fall 2015 semester, students should talk to Parker in September.
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Summer break will soon commence for Northwest students and faculty. Many have plans to vacation and take a break from the tedium of school, while others will continue their education through the summer months. According to Teresa Phillips, a sophomore studying forestry from Byhalia, she will spend the summer vacation planning for a
horticulture from Southaven, plans on taking four summer courses, so that she may finish her associate degree. Also, there are students that plan to do career-inspired internships over the summer. Lauren Benton, a sophomore studying journalism from Olive Branch and editor of the Ranger Rocket, is looknig to sign
classes at Mississippi State University. “I will work at a factory for most of the summer months and save money. College is expensive, so I need to save up my money before I head to Starkville in the fall. I will also be preparing academically for the upcoming semester,” Phillips said. A lot of students are actually planning on ditching the traditional fun-inthe-sun summer vacation for study and career-related activities. Mackenzie Beckham, a sophomore studying pre-
up to do a summer internship with the Desoto Times Tribune. Corey McKinney, also a Ranger Rocket staff member, plans to intern at the Democrat-Record in Senatobia. “I plan to do an internship in Marion, Illinois with a minor league baseball team,” Chip Malone, a sophomore studying theatre from Southaven, said. Although, there will be many students taking their much needed breaks from school during the summer, there are those that will stick with working towards their goals professionally.
Congratulations nWCC graduates
Mark your calendar
Fall 2015 transfer student orientations for new students will be held at the UM-DeSoto campus on:
Choose one
Tuesday, July 21 at 2 p.m. - or Tuesday, August 18 at 5:30 p.m.
UM-DeSoto offers junior and senior-level courses in:
nuMerou sCHol ars s are aVail HiPs aB F o r n W CC l e transFer s
• Accountancy • Business • Criminal Justice • Education • General Studies (Choose 3 minors) • Integrated Marketing Communications • Liberal Arts (English, History, Psychology, Sociology) • Paralegal Studies • Social Work
The University of Mississippi-DeSoto
/umdesoto
Phone: 662-342-4765
www.olemiss.edu/desoto
5197 W.E. Ross Parkway, Southaven, MS 38671
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