Vol 88 issue 11 4 19 18

R ANGER

April 19, 2018 Volume 88 Issue 11

Students beat the sheets out of each other

By BLASS GUERRERO Ranger Reporter

National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day is set right after tax day, to give taxpayers a chance to relax at work. For college students, it’s the middle of the semester and many are stressed, tired and ready for a pillow fight.

On April 16, Amarillo College students held a campus pajama day and pillow fight by the clock tower, sponsored by intramural sports and the Student Government Association.

“We wanted to have a not-so-spontaneous event that would allow for some student engagement on campus in a fun out-of-the-ordinary way,” Trent Oneal, coordinator of intramural sports, said.

Students showed off their pajamas and brought many of their own pillows from home. “We didn’t just want to wear the pajamas to school but have a pillow fight and have some fun,” Payton Nelson, a general studies major, said.

Many sleepyheads took their end-of-the-semester frustrations out on each other. Jimmy Nye, a psychology major, said he enjoyed wearing his pajamas to school and beating up his friends, “This a great way to relieve stress and great way to have fun and just have a good time and I will definitely will be wearing my pajamas every year in my future career.”

Denise Ruiz, a nursing major, said she didn’t know she was supposed to wear her pajamas to school, but she was prepared by wearing her sweats. “I didn’t know it was National Pajama Day, but I wear them to school every day, so next year I will wear them with pride.”

Intramurals and Student Life offer many activities throughout the year. For more information, contact Trent Oneal at 806-371-5965 or by email at trent.oneal@actx.edu or Amber Brookshire, Director of Student Life, at 806-371-5303 or by email at ahbrookshire@actx.edu.

Students gathered by the clocktower on April 16 for a pillow fight.

BLASS GUERRERO| The Ranger

Lighting the way to Raising a hand for change Washington, D.C.

By LES JONES and PATRICK NGUYEN

By ZAKARY GRIEGO and LILY GAMBLE

Ranger Reporters

Ranger Reporters

Jason Driver, an Amarillo College theater major, has returned from spending April 9-14 in Washington D.C. as part of an award he received for his lighting design in TheatreAC’s production of “Fool for Love.” The Barbizon Lighting award is only given to seven students in the nation each year.

“Basically, it means he created the best lighting design in our five-state region; Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana and was chosen over junior, senior and graduate-level designers,” Monty Downs, an AC theater arts instructor, said.

During the all-expenses paid trip to D.C., Driver presented his award-winning design at the Kennedy Center, participated in a weeklong lighting project supervised and mentored by two lighting design industry leaders and attended master classes taught by design professionals. “It was cool to be around talented people, getting to see really incredible professional shows and presenting my design to people,” he said.

Ray Newburg, an assistant professor of theater, said the trip was a great opportunity for Driver. The connections he made during the trip could shape his future career.

“Jason participated in a few workshops and discussion forums in the interest of

Courtesy photo

Driver in front of his awardwinning lighting design in Washington, D.C.

fostering the next generation of leading designers,” Newberg said.

Newberg also said that he was not surprised that Driver won the award. “I say that because he presented very well at the regional festival with such great poise and confidence. That being said, community college students generally have the deck stacked against them when they go up against upper level students.”

“Monty and I are both so very proud that he was able to receive this honor considering he comes from not the most advantaged of backgrounds.

It just goes to show that great talent can come from absolutely anywhere. That is what makes us proud to work for Amarillo College. It’s when we see a student like Jason achieve the top honors,” Newburg said.

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The past year has been marked by demonstrations, marches and protests. People have marched for and against the recent presidential election and for and against gun control. From supporting women’s rights to rallying against abortion, millions have taken to the streets to demand justice and change.

People march in order to send a message, Ruth De Anda, an academic adviser, said. “That is what it is all about. Our voice is our vote just as much as marching is our voice.”

De Anda said protests and other social justice movements have the potential to transform attitudes, behavior and laws.

The Black Lives Matter movement started in 2013 in response to the Trayvon Martin murder case. Since then, the movement continues to this day.

“With Black Lives Matter we’re not saying that black lives matter more than anybody else’s, we’re just saying that right now African Americans are being targeted in different aspects of society and we’re just asking for support from society as a whole to make sure these things don’t continue to happen,” said Melodie Graves, the general studies division adviser and the chair of the Amarillo College diversity committee.

Isaiah Williams, a biology major, said Black Lives Matter has changed the way he views

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movements and protests in mainstream, appearing on social media and broadcast general.

“The Black Lives Matter live on news channels. Some movement broadens my students said these changes perspective,” said Williams. have made protests less “It shows me that there are effective at creating change. many kinds of protests that “With social media and result from problems within selected news, people are able to filter out what they society.”

Graves also said that don’t want to see so it is not history has shown that as impactful as it once was,” peaceful protest is a part of Elizabeth Beckham, an art African-American culture, major, said.

Media coverage also has dating all the way back to Martin Luther King and Rosa the potential to make social Parks. “We protested then to justice movements more divisive. “Be careful about create action,” Graves said.

Sometimes, however, the media because it tends marches and protests turn to make it where you can’t violent. “The protests have be for all different types of gotten worse, and it gets out people,” said Graves. of hand,” Jaquil Woodard, a business administration major, said.

Marches in the past have had their share of violent outcomes, from the Kent State University protest shooting of May 4, 1970, to the University of California Berkeley riots of Sept. 24, 2017. Even though some protests and marches have sparked violence, protesting is still a guaranteed right provided by the United States Constitution. De Anda pointed out that peaceful protests in the past have led to positive change.

M o d e r n Photo illustration by Stevi Breshears made marches

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2 Opinion The Ranger

April 19, 2018

Do you think it’s valuable to march for a cause? Why or why not?

“Yes, If you really believe in that cause and you are fully supporting it, it’s important to march.”

Karli Shafer Sonography

“Yes, to have the opportunity to change lives for the better is crucial.”

TAYLOR RANGEL | The Ranger

Free speech without fences Noah Henley Biology

“I do believe it is valuable, although it does not bring change immediately it does signal for change to come.”

Sean McDonald Biology

The Future Digital Killer’s Guide

Correlation doesn’t imply causation Hear me out. Without immediately flagging me as uneducated or even biased, I believe that video games don’t correlate with reallife violence. Now, I know this will remain in debate for as long as the medium exists and that in light of recent tragic shootings in Parkland, Florida, we try to find something to blame as the issue. I entirely and emphatically understand.

We want to be able to find something and claim “this is the reason,” but these are often just scapegoats.

Do I believe that excessive violent video game use is healthy? No. But anything in excess is unhealthy.

I’ve been playing video games for as long as I can remember and I was able to separate the games from my reality. One of the main arguments is that these games merge the player’s reality with that of the game, causing them to find it acceptable to act out the various actions of the games.

This argument is simply not true. In the copious amount of studies done on the subject, none have come

EDITORIAL

Have you ever heard of the First Amendment? That’s the one that leads people to say “I can say what I want, wherever I want. I have the freedom of speech!” It’s the “...wherever I want” part that has been the subject of debate for many years.

In years past, the political climate has not been so hostile, but in recent years, political views have become more polarized and less tolerant of opposing views. As a result, more people are exercising their right to protest and express their opinions. With more people showing up to oppose a political rally or agenda, many business and educational institutions have turned to the policy of “free speech zones.”

In theory, these free speech zones, also referred to as protest

zones or First Amendment zones, a protestor has the opportunity to fully express his or her opinion without fear of retaliation or retribution.

In practice, these zones don’t work so well.

Often times these zones aren’t in full view of the public. Event organizers and schools typically place these zones around a corner or in a basement to separate those who support the event and those who oppose.

This has to stop.

While some could argue that the government has the right to regulate the time, place and manner of protesting but not content, we, the Ranger staff, believe that all public spaces should be considered free speech zones. We believe it’s wrong to relegate protesters to basements and back alleys.

No one should be pushed to the side for wanting to speak their opinion.

We feel the founders of this nation desired for civil discourse at all times to keep each other in check and to share valuable perspectives that add to our collective identity.

The USA is a country made up almost entirely of immigrants at some level.

Everyone who lives here, with the exception of the indigenous peoples, are part of families that were transplanted here at some point in the past. With so many people representing so many backgrounds, we are always going to have differences of opinions, but that’s exactly what makes this nation so great. Having the ability to speak freely is what makes this nation even greater.

Embrace diversity.

SIR GAREN GRAYSON

Now, listen, we get that many people have different beliefs and understanding that; we also get that we are not obligated to change our ways of acting based on someone else’s beliefs.

But, it shouldn’t be seen as disrespectful to use curse words in any context, then allow people to pass out Bibles at the beginning each semester.

What if that truly offends me?

Shouldn’t by some logic, they stop doing it?

Long story short. I say ****, you might say ****, many parents say ****, most of us all say ****.

Let’s get over this small *** **** hill and tackle our country’s bigger problems like gun control, health care and are pineapples on pizza really a ****** problem?

If you are one who filled in the *s with profane words and preach to others not to curse, I want you to know that **** you pulled is dumb as **** and you are a hypocritical **** head.

This **** isn’t too bad

JEFFERY WILLIAMS Ranger Reporter

up with a similar result.

The most negative results found from excessive play are increased irritability and generally antisocial behavior. These studies apply to video games in general. There haven’t been any different results noticed from violent video games.

Maybe in time, we’ll no longer have these issues and can move on to others. In the meantime, enjoy an old fashioned round of Halo with some friends. You might realize that playing them hasn’t given you the tools to become a digital killer.

- Serving Amarillo College since 1930 For a complete staff listing, please visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com.

Now, why in the **** is profanity seen as such a bad thing? Even though we are all adults, if someone curses out loud in class, people are genuinely shocked as if it’s something they themselves don’t use in casual conversation Every. Single. Day. It’s strange when you think about it. Up until about the mid 2000s, violence, foul language and sex were deemed horrible.

With all types of groups sprouting around the nation letting people know how bad they were.

Then a shift happened; both violence and sex became normalized leaving profanity alone to still be seen as “too much.”

Today, you see people get entire chunks of skin bitten off in popular shows like “The Walking Dead.”

Sexually suggestive scenes are in children shows like “SpongeBob,” “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Tom

Ranger Reporter

and Jerry.” You also see both men and women in little more than their underwear in music videos of all genres. However, networks cross the line when someone says **** on their shows.

People can get up to $325,000 fines for cursing on air in Broadcast radio, but then the same station turns around and plays music with suggestive lyrics 24/7, regardless of genre.

Student Media exists to serve you--the students. The Ranger is as an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved. Submit ideas, photos, writing and videos. Tell us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting session is open to the campus community at 9:30 a.m. Fridays in PH 213.

Student Media outlets include The Ranger, The Ranger Online, AC Current, FM90 and our various web shows and podcasts. You can reach us at acranger@actx.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advisers, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association.

In 1993, The Ranger was inducted into the national ACP Hall of Fame. The program is nationally accredited by the Community College Journalism Association.

The Ranger is an independent student publication. Articles published in The Ranger do not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or staff.

News April 19, 2018

3

The Ranger

Planned career panel

By COLTON DROWN Ranger Reporter

KIPPER SINCLAIR | The Ranger

Dr. Paul Matney and Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart present Ken Pirtle with the Professor Emeritus award.

Professor Emeritus honored

By KIPPER SINCLAIR Ranger Reporter

On April 10, Ken Pirtle was honored as Amarillo College’s 2018 recipient of the Professor Emeritus Award.

This award honors retired Amarillo College professors who have made significant contributions to the college, the community and their teaching fields.

“I am humbled and honored to be named Professor Emeritus of Amarillo College.

I was proud to come and work here in 1975. I was proud to put in 33 years of teaching here at AC,” Pirtle said when accepting the award.

Pirtle taught photography at AC from 1975 until 2008.

Within a year of being hired as a photography instructor, he was named department chair.

Pirtle then hired Joe Walsh and Robert Hirsch, both of whom made significant contributions to the field of photography.

“It didn’t take me long to realize that Ken Pirtle was an exceptionally talented artist, a superb professional photographer, a great family man and an all-around good guy,” Dr. Paul Matney, former AC president, said.

Pirtle’s colleagues praised his work ethic.“He was very good at looking out for the interests of his students and wanting do everything he could to help them,” said Nancy Brent, a retired AC

instructor.

Brent Cavanaugh, current visual arts department chair, worked for Pirtle as a photography instructor. “You could come in and talk to him about anything,” Cavanaugh said.

Pirtle’s dedication, not only as instructor, but as a contributor to the high plains region, is exemplified by the mosaic visible on the Washington Street Campus that honors a former photography student, the late Louise Daniels.

Pirtle is still active in the community. He is a member of the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, where he is a master gardener, and serves on the executive board of The Palo Duro Corral.

Amarillo College’s creative arts community is offering students a chance to learn about career opportunities in artsrelated fields.

The college will offer a panel discussion with professionals from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25 in the Oak Room on the Washington Street Campus. The speakers will share information about their careers for about an hour and there will be time for students to ask questions at the end.

This panel will consist of five individuals who work in the creative arts related fields.

“They are going to discuss their

KIPPER SINCLAIR | The Ranger

Wish on a wall

Jaxon Mizer, a theater major, adds his wish to the wish wall.

By KIPPER SINCLAIR Ranger Reporter

There are many places to make a wish. Wishing wells, water fountains, falling stars and a wish wall. Yes, Amarillo College has its own “Wish Wall” located in the basement of the College Union Building.

COURTESY PHOTO | The Ranger SGA members standing with their awards from the TJCSGA state conference.

Taylor Brecheisen, an art major, founded the Wish Wall.

“I actually got the idea students, we are all trying to do won these categories, I won

By CARTER HALL when I took a trip to Santa Fe the same thing, but we all came with the amazing people I got Ranger Reporter together and were there for one to spend the weekend with,” with the Art Collective in November of 2016,” Brecheisen The Texas Junior College of our passions,” Genie Bar- Payton Nelson, a general studsaid. “One of the locations Student Government (TJC- croft, a business administration ies major, said.

SGA members said they we visited was the Museum SGA) held its state conference major, said.

Students from six state re- look forward to the state con- of International Folk Art and in Austin, Texas, April 5-8. they had a Wish Wall of their The four day conference gions attended and competed ference as an opportunity to own set up. I probably spent brought student government in nine events, including build- gain knowledge and grow. “I 99 percent of the time we were associations from across the ing a scrapbook, writing and feel like it was a huge learnthere reading through the difstate together to compete, at- producing a song and making ing experience overall, for my political career overall,” Moses ferent wishes people of all ages tend workshops and gain lead- a video. had written. ” This year, the AC SGA Kumula, a history major, said. ership experience.

There is a lot of hope exAs another year ends and Eighteen Amarillo College placed in three of the nine catpressed on the wish cards that delegates and two advisers took egories. Previously, AC’s SGA students start planning for are attached to the wall. the eight-hour bus ride to at- has won “Sweepstakes” for four graduation, the conference at“I believe writing down tend the conference and meet years in a row, meaning they tendees said they will always your wish and knowing others with more than 400 students earned the most total points remember what they learned from SGA and going to state. will read it gives us the hope from other Texas community from all their categories.

“We spend hours on end “We have all grown as leaders that it’s a step closer to comcolleges. ing true. I personally hope that “It kind of brings a new per- with all of these competitions, with dedication to succeed,” one day we might be in the spective as in, we are all college and, no matter what school Nelson said.

Students gain leadership skills

careers and the skills required for their profession and opportunities in their field,” Victoria Taylor-Gore, dean of liberal arts, said.

There will be representatives from graphic design, mass media, music and photography.

“Students will learn about the many new careers available,” said Jill Gibson, Matney Mass Media Program chair.

Gibson noted that social media, public relations and advertising are some of the fastest-growing career areas.

“There are lots of lucrative high paying jobs and students need to see examples of people with successful careers,” Gibson said.

The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be provided.

position to make someone’s wish a reality,” Aimee Miller, president of the art collective said.

“Mostly I think I’m hoping for the Wish Wall to bring unity between the students of A.C.,” Brecheisen said. The student reaction to the wall has been very positive.

“It sets goals and sometimes for people when you have it in writing in a way like this, it makes it so much better,” said Mackenzie Dallas, an education major and Wish Wall user.

“As individuals we all have our own dreams, ambitions and wishes. I think we all should think about the things that are most important to us often, but also consider the things that are important to other people as well,” said Miller.

“Obviously when you are wishing there is hope,” said Jaxon Mizer, a theater major and wall user.

Students said the “Wish Wall” has a place here at Amarillo College and does not show signs of fading away anytime soon.

4 News The Ranger

April 19, 2018

#Logonforchange Using social media for social justice

By ZAKARY GRIEGO Ranger Reporter

Social media has changed how the world communicates. The ability to instantly be connected with millions around the world has also influenced present-day social justice movements.

“Social media is inherently about the gathering of like-minded people, with hashtags, geolocation tags and it is a visual medium.

It ’s ripe for the movements we are seeing in our society today,” Broc Carter, a mass media instructor, said.

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Reddit are all common places where social justice movements form and grow, Carter explained.

“I think the fact that we have these movements proves that social media is the fuel and the injustice is the match,” he said.

Another important way that social media has changed the dynamics

of modern day movements is the hashtag. “#BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #MarchForOurLives have gained so much attention because we name them to be searchable on social media,” Carter said, pointing out that the hashtag has allowed social movements to grow and expand quicker than ever before.

“You see hashtag everywhere these days. It seems like every movement I can think of, I know by its hashtag name,” Emma Wommack, a nursing major, said. This social media influence can also lead to a lack of real world participation in social justice movements.

Rather than participate in a sit-in or a march, individuals can simply tweet their support, Wommack said.

Some even go so far as to use specific social movements and their hashtags as a way to gain a higher following on social media platforms.

Whether social media’s influence is for the better or worse, it ’s here to stay.

SOCIAL JUSTICE Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.

ENGAGEMENT OF BABY BOOMERS (AGE 47-65)

69%

88%

donate money, goods or services.

signed an online petition.

ENGAGEMENT OF GENERATION X (AGE 35-46)

81%

donate money, goods or services.

64%

signed an online petition.

ENGAGEMENT OF MILLENNIALS (AGE 18-34)

81%

donate money, goods or services.

60%

signed an online petition.

Illustration by Claire Ekas

News April 19, 2018

5

The Ranger

Taking strides for autism

AC community walks, runs for acceptance, awareness

By SIR GAREN GRAYSON Ranger Reporter

On April 14, people gathered at Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus to support children with special needs.

The Blue Man Dash was a multifaceted event to raise autism awareness sponsored by the Panhandle ABA Resource Association (PARA) and AC. Some would say the main attraction of the Blue Man Dash was the 5K run, silent auction and entertainment, but along with that came the chance to provide donations for families of children and adults with autism.

“We assist in any way we can,” Stacey Gustin, a representative from PARA, said. “We work with any ages.

Anyone older can also get job training or school.”

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis and is the process of studying behavior in order to put into place appropriate behavioral interventions.

Coordinators of the Blue Man Dash said they hope that through the pairing of Amarillo College and Panhandle ABA Resource Association, more families will be aware of these services.

“We want to improve the quality of life for our children through applied behavior analysis,” said Alanna Hepler, event coordinator for The Blue Man Dash. “We have people driving about 100 miles a day to provide these very important services,” she said.

Many people attended the event wearing different color family shirts in support of their children, but it wasn’t a competition.

“I really want my nephew to know that we are behind them 100 percent,” said Brandon Elroy, one of the event participants. “All of the families here feel the same way.”

Panhandle ABA resource association also sponsors other events such as sensory movie screenings.

“We invite people who under normal circumstances can’t go to the movies. We leave the lights on and turn the music down so that it is not such a sensory overload,” said Shane Hepler, event coordinator and AC Information Technology CIO. Hepler said he wants to offer support by rallying the community to boost autism awareness and acceptance, and the Blue Man Dash demonstrated how this kind of event can cause change.

Shane Hepler and his son at the Blue Man Dash event.

COURTESY PHOTO

Movements move mountains

By JOSEPH HORNE Ranger Reporter

The United States has a long history of protest and movements aimed at enacting change and current social movements and protests reflect a continuation of that tradition. “Popular protests and movements have a long history in the United States,” Eric Fauss, assistant professor of social sciences, said.

Women’s suffrage, the civil rights movement, Black Lives Matter, Me Too and the March For Our Lives and other social justice movements have raised awareness, sparked conversation and in some cases resulted in major change.

“The broader movements of today are more difficult to affect change than the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s,” Brian Farmer, professor of social sciences, said.

Farmer said the current movements don’t have the kind of unity that African-Americans had during the 50s and 60s.

The civil rights movement had good planning, strategy and money, which led it to be successful, Farmer said.

Timing is often a major factor in whether a movement is successful, Fauss said.

“The civil rights movement of the 1960s happened during the height of the Cold War,” Fauss said, noting the negative publicity the U.S. received due to harsh treatment by law enforcement toward African-Americans peacefully protesting and marching was in conflict with the message of freedom and prosperity U.S. leaders wanted to portray to communist regimes. Major change happened with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

David Lovejoy; an AC alumnus, Amarillo NAACP vice president and radio personality, said he recalls seeing one of his cousins on TV during the 1970s getting arrested for participating in a civil rights protest. His older cousins were involved in protest to change the Tascosa High School flag and mascot. Lovejoy said there is still a need for protests for people to have their voices heard.

Fauss pointed out that social media has allowed many citizens to be heard in society today and connect with people across the country and the world, but social media has muddled the message of protests and movements. “People need to work harder at thinking critically,” Fauss said. He said the power to organize movements is easier, but the power to distort is also prevalent.

1. Do something, don’t just talk about it 2. Stick with the truth and facts 3. Don’t wait, do something now 4. Update your opinions 5. Don’t forget kindness and humility Illustrations by Claire Ekas

6 NEWS The Ranger

April 19, 2018

SGA prepares for Badgerama

By ANDREW MUNOZ Ranger Reporter

Badgerama will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 26 on Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus.

It will feature club events and games as well as live music and food. The Student Government Association (SGA) hosts Badgerama.

“It’s our spring campus wide fun event for the semester. We have a live band to entertain us as well as clubs to set up games for people to enjoy,” Calee Follins, the coordinator of new student programs, said.

The theme for this year’s Badgerama is caverns and cosmos. “We’re really playing on the idea of space and the mystery of deep caverns,” said Justin Johnson, SGA president and business major.

The clubs that participate Students enjoy music at the 2017 Badgerama. in Badgerama will be part of Burnhouse is the band that of pop-rock, funk and dance the entertainment, setting up a variety of games and activities will perform at Badgerama this with an original twist.

“Burnhouse is amazing. They that align with the year’s theme. year.The music is a combination

Johnson said.

Burnhouse has been together just over five years, and has quickly become a familiar name in local music venues.

“With a full sound and awesome chemistry, this band is sure to please,” Johnson said.

“Whenever we first saw them, they immediately grabbed our attention and they had a really high energy level that just brings people to their feet.”

SGA also held an event similar to Badgerama on April 17 on the West Campus.

“Spring Fling is what we do out on the West Campus because for the most part they are in their classes all day and we want to give them the same treatment we do here on the Washington Street Campus,” Johnson said.

“There are not as many CLAIRE EKAS | The Ranger clubs out there and there is not band, but we provide games, do rock but it’s also a mix of music and food for students to different genres of music so enjoy themselves,” Johnson they really can play anything,” said.

Club creates safe place Brandon Adams, the president of AC Pride, said. Club members are both LGBTQ+ Ruth De Anda, an Amarillo students and allies who support College academic adviser, tells their LGBTQ+ friends.

Adams joined the club the story of when an Amarillo because he has always been College student who was part of the LGBTQ+ community involved with extracurricular came out to his parents and activities, so when he had the was belittled, verbally and opportunity to lead one he physically abused and thrown hopped on board. Adams also said he wanted to be a part of out of the house.

Situations such as this a community that he could prompted De Anda to push for connect with and help.

“If anyone needs anything, the creation of a club for AC’s including a place to stay, we LGBTQ+ community. De will help them.

We work with Anda had only worked at AC for six months when she went the Advocacy and Resource to the director of student life Center quite a bit,” De Anda to pursue the idea of starting a said.

Kiley D’Nelly and Junior new student club.

“All we had to do was get Deleon are members of the 12 signatures to start the club, AC Pride club and part of the but we ended up with over LGBGTQ+ community. The 40,” De Anda said. That was two nursing majors said they the beginning of the AC Pride are thankful for the club.

D’Nelly said he joined the Club.

“The club is a safe haven for club because he saw people those who may not feel safe at struggling with their sexuality home, on campus or at work,” and wanted to help them and

By COLTON DROWN Ranger Reporter

show them a place where they would not be judged. Making friends is a huge part of this club, said D’Nelly.

He said being involved with AC Pride helped him gain the courage to come out to his own family, adding that the club has helped with any challenge he has faced.

“People should join because it is just a loving environment,” said D’Nelly. He described his fellow club members as a family.

Deleon said that the club provides him with a safe place to be himself. “Being able to be you and not be afraid is the biggest take away from AC Pride,” he said. “Others should join because people shouldn’t be afraid to show their true colors.”

Meetings are held in the Louise-Daniels room every Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. De Anda said anyone who is interested is welcome.

Registration opens for summer and fall Students should register early to get their choice of classes

By MACKENZIE SHIRLEY Ranger Reporter

CLAIRE EKAS | The Ranger

Jordan Gipson gets a head start on choosing classes.

The early bird catches the worm; therefore, the student who registers early gets the classes.

“Registering early means that students are more likely to find open classes that fit their schedules,” Dr. Eric Fauss, assistant professor of social sciences, explained.

Registration for summer and fall classes opened April 9 and some students said they were first in line to sign up for classes.

“I register typically as soon as possible,” Coltin Lynch, an education major, said.

“Especially if I am needing a

class that tends to fill up fast.”

Planning ahead helps many students prepare for registration. Ashley Denham, a general studies major, said, “Do early registration and plan out your classes before registration. Also keep up with scholarships.”

Amarillo College provides a Student Planning Module through AC Connect to help sort out a student’s classes.

“It helps students to see what courses they still need to fulfill their program requirements and see the courses that are available,” Fauss said.

Students who have failed to schedule an early meeting with their advisers may have difficulty getting a last

minute appointment.

“If all of the adviser’s appointments are booked I would advise a student to email his or her adviser as soon as possible about the situation,” Fauss said.

Both students and faculty said in order to reduce the stress of registering it is best to register as early as possible.

“Enroll as fast as you can and get it out of the way. It is one thing to cross off your todo list,” Lynch said.

If students need help registering they can contact their adviser by visiting www. actx.edu/advising or by visiting the Advising Center in the Student Service Center on the Washington Street Campus.

Culture April 19, 2018

7

The Ranger

Convocation celebrates success

By KIPPER SINCLAIR Ranger Reporter

On April 15, Amarillo College held the 2018 Honors Convocation to recognize students for their academic achievements. A crowd filled the Amarillo Civic Center auditorium as certificates for academic excellence, academic honor societies, outstanding major awards and other special recognitions were given.

Accomplishment and giving back to the community were the main themes of the event.

“Continue to learn and seek out information on subjects you don’t understand,” said Joshua McCormack; the president of AC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the national two-year college Honors society; as he gave a welcoming address.

The main speaker at the event was AC’s 2018 distinguished alumnus, James Farren. Farren graduated from Tascosa High School in 1966, was a U.S. Army veteran and was also an officer of the Canyon Police Department.

After he graduated from Texas Tech University, magna cum laude, he then received his Tech law degree. Farren has held many major positions from assistant U.S. attorney to an assistant 47th district attorney.

In 1994, he won the election to become a Randall County criminal district attorney.

“Much of my success, I attribute to Amarillo College.

They taught me that even with limited ability and limited talent, they taught me we all need to do more with our lives than just make a living,” Farren said.

There was a strong sense of accomplishment in the air as the students received their awards. “It was eye-opening. I didn’t realize that I was doing well enough for others to take notice,” said Christopher Key, recipient of the Jerome C. McDonough award for excellence in audio, video and broadcasting.

A reception to celebrate the honored students immediately followed the ceremony.

The list of students receiving

Music motivates minds

By LAUREL SEBASTIAN Ranger Reporter

Courtesy photo

Amarillo College’s 2018 Distinguished Alumnus James Farren spoke at the Convocation.

awards is quite extensive.

Here is a list of the Special Awards: All-USA Academic Team Award: Taylor J. Gray Adrian M. Miller Artle J. Lynn Engineering Award: Adam K. Greenwood Hinkson Memorial Campus Outstanding Student Award:

Maygan O. Serrano Jerome C. McDonough Mass Communication Award: Christopher M. Key Lucille King Lynn English Award: Autumn T. Smith Moore County Campus Outstanding Student Award: Dominique J. Talamantes

Literary magazine showcases art, writing Common Lobby Gallery features Freelancer exhibit

By CLAIRE EKAS Ranger Reporter

On Thursday, April 5, Amarillo College hosted the opening of the second annual Freelancer Magazine art and essay/poetry show in the Common Lobby Art Gallery.

Students and faculty whose pieces were chosen read their works aloud and artists spoke about their artwork featured.

During the event, the winners of the cash prizes were announced. Sage Johnson won third place for her piece titled “Me, Too,” Autumn Smith received second place for her piece titled “The Property of Greed” and Ryan James Maxwell was awarded first place for his piece titled “Not a Girl.”

The “Freelancer” is produced annually by the English department. Students and faculty said the art show and opening reception provide a great way to highlight the magazine. “It allows us to celebrate the work in a more active environment,” Bryant

Manning, an English professor and committee member, said.

“This event is important because we heard so many stories, behind the stories, and to have a venue where people can share these heavy issues in a safe space is necessary.

Both the journal and the event are necessary,” said Joshuah O’Brien, Writer’s Corner coordinator, and committee member.

Students w h o s e works were featured in the magazine said that one of their biggest challenges in producing pieces was fi n d i n g a way to get their

creative juices flowing.

“There are different inspirations that I draw from.

Sometimes if I read other people’s work then I feel the need to write. Sometimes I look at artwork online. For my short story, I based it off of a picture I saw,”

Autumn Smith, an English major, said.

The pieces will be on display through Thursday, April 19 in the Common Lobby Art Gallery and free copies of the “Freelancer” are available in Ordway Hall.

Submissions for next year’s “Freelancer” will be accepted now through Feb. 14, 2019. For more information, contact Bryant Manning at bmanning@actx.edu or Joshua O’Brien at jobrien@actx.edu.

Claire Ekas | The Ranger

Chill out with the AC theatre Season’s final show opens on April 27

By Christian Garcia Ranger Reporter On April 27 and 28, May 3-5 all at 7:30 p.m. and May 6 at 3 p.m. TheatreAC will stage its fourth and final show of the 2017-2018 season.

“Be More Chill” is a musical based on a novel of the same name. The show features elements of science fiction, romance and comedy along with a well-thought-out plot and variety of characters.

The story takes place in New

Jersey and focuses on a high school junior named Jeremy, whose character is described as a “gaming nerd” and a “geek” who wants to up his cool in order to impress his crush, Christine, but lacks the confidence to even go up and talk to her.

All of this changes in a crazy turn of events. Jeremy runs into another guy named Rich who gives him information about this special pill called “SQUIP” (super quantum unit intel processor),

which is supposedly the key to confidence and selfesteem. Jeremy however, is not aware of the real price of the pill. It makes him neglect everything that was going on in his life before discovering this special pill and its side effects.

The show will take place at the Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street Campus. The cost of admission is $6 for students, $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens.

It is no secret that music is one of the most influential factors in today’s world, as it serves several different purposes, such as music therapy or even as a way to relax after a long day. More recently, students have been using music as a means to study. According to the National Association for Music Education, music is a good way to relax and helps improve memorization skills.

“I listen to music to help stimulate my mind and retain the information I am reading about; however, what I’m listening to depends on what I’m studying,” Chris Thomas, a mass media major, said. “I think it helps your brain relax and reboot after a long day of work and/or school.”

According to the Denver Post, studies have shown that learning to play an instrument or even listening to music have impacted the way students learn and process knowledge, especially when the interest is sparked at a young age. Benefits include resistance to distractions and engagement in class activities.

“In my experience, listening to music while I study has helped my grades rather than hurt them. It helps me stay focused because otherwise, I would get distracted by everything around me and never actually study,” Abigail Campbell, a social work major, said.

While some find it helpful, others might find it distracting or overwhelming to multitask by listening to music. “Music affects people differently. For some, it motivates them or soothes them. Some use music to help them study while others find it a distraction,” Jim Laughlin, an Amarillo College music professor, said.Laughlin said music is also a great way to expand creativity and maximize educational success.

“Music and the arts are vital to everyone’s creativity and personal interaction. Schooling should reflect what is important to the students and the community. Without music, we are not human,” Laughlin said.

8 Feature The Ranger

April 19, 2018 APRIL