Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, October 5, 2026
Angelica Martinez and Alexander Weaver
• “Effects of Substance Use,”
Collegian Staff
At 8:30 a.m., on Sept. 23, more than 200 children gathered at FISTA Innovation Park to attend the Comanche County Youth Summit, hosted by the Comanche County Youth Coalition. The event consisted of various workshops designed to teach sixthgrade students behavioral health skills to help ease the transition into middle school. Later in the day, students also participated in positive, creativityfocused activities, such as art, STEM, dance and yoga. The theme of the summit was “Level Up,” as students would be leveling up in their skill sets. Before the workshops began, students heard a keynote presentation from Austin James Bowles. Through concurrent enrollment, Bowles is simultaneously a high school senior and a Cameron University junior studying accounting. Bowles’ presentation focused on managing stress and the new emotions that come with middle school. He gave examples of physical and mental activities that students can use when dealing with emotional stress. “When it comes to trying to relieve the burden of your stress, the main thing isn’t to solve it there,” Bowles said. “The main thing that I try to focus on is to get the stress out of my system.” He introduced attendees to the topics that would be discussed later in the summit. “We’re not gonna tell you that you need to already know how to manage your stress or anything else of that matter,” Bowles said. “We’ll kind of teach you the rules, kind of like what is considered healthy or not.” Following his presentation, students headed to the various workshops. Workshops included: • “Building Healthy Relationships and Strong Boundaries,” presented by Vanessa Long, Makayla Martin, Alexander Weaver and Elizabeth Bowen, Cameron psychology students. • “Internet Safety,” presented by Abbie Bailey and Madison Kipfmiller, representatives of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
What’s Inside
presented by Brooke Calvert and Todd Anthony, representatives of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission. • “Goal Setting: One Step Closer,” presented by Julia Bittner, the community engagement associate of the Lawton Public Library. • “The Feelings Lab,” presented by Precious Moore, the Comanche County Community Coalition secretary and the Community Awareness and Strategies Team co-chair. • “The Beauty of Well-Managed Conflict,” presented by L Patrice Bell of L Bell Solutions in Oklahoma City. • “Level Up Your Stress Skills,” presented by Francesca Morris and Austin James Bowles, Comanche County Community Coalition coalition member and the keynote speaker of the event. Accompanying the presenters in the workshops were junior presenters, high school juniors and seniors from throughout Comanche County. More than two dozen students came to assist with the summit. Moore, the presenter for “The Feeling’s Lab,” said the summit could help students better understand the transition from fifth to sixth grade. “The reason why we picked sixth grade is because there are so many changes going on at that time. physically, mentally, emotionally and all of the things,” Moore said. “And so we're like, ‘boom, you're going to a new school. Let's level up.’ And that led to the title of this year's summit.” Moore’s workshop simulated a situation that could lead to miscommunication by having students write out the steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. One of her junior presenters then followed the instructions in the most detailed way possible. “We did kind of like some brain science,” Moore said. “We took the viral peanut butter and jelly challenge. We kind of use that to just talk about
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the importance of communication and was gathered through focus groups how easy it is to miscommunicate and where sixth grade students discussed not even think about their personal it.” experiences. Moore said she “We felt like that shift “We did two focus is excited about the groups, one within from elementary possibility of students Lawton and out school to middle who attended the outside of Lawton summit eventually in a rural part of school was a becoming presenters Comanche County, pretty abrupt and themselves. to hear from sixth transformational “Ultimately, here in grade students — at four years, our sixth that time the spring shift.” graders can be junior of '25 — what are - Erica Johnson some of the hurdles presenters,” Moore Coordinator of that they’re facing,” said. “So that learning the Comanche County Johnson said. “So continues ... they're Youth Summit from those focus able to really say, ‘look, I was here.’” groups, from the Erica Johnson, the feedback that we got primary coordinator for the Comanche from those students, is how we created County Youth Summit, initiated the the content for the summit itself.” event to assist youth going through Comanche County Youth Coalition’s major transitions. progress will not be slowing down “We jumped to middle school because the event is over, and because we felt like that shift from community members are welcomed to elementary school to middle school was be involved. a pretty abrupt and transformational “Our coalition is always looking shift,” Johnson said. “Helping navigate for new faces,” Johnson said. “Having that, we felt like it would be helpful new folks join our coalition in whatever for the students to maybe have some capacity … so we’re open, can be strategies and tips and tools on community members, it could be navigating that transition and the things students, faculty and staff. We’re always that are going on right about that time looking for ways to broaden our reach is adolescence … puberty’s hitting and so that we can be more effective in so there's a lot more emotions, and the getting our prevention message out hormones and things happening.” there and helping improve the lives of The overall content for the summit Comanche County.”
Photos by Angelica Martinez
BCM Soccer Game
International Festivities
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News
October 5, 2026
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Student Government Association Getting Started with a New Semester
Jake Thomas News Editor
Cameron University’s Student Government Association is beginning the fall semester with new membership, new initiatives and plans to continue expanding the organization’s role as a voice for students. SGA President Connor Holt is serving his second term after initially joining the organization as a representative during the 202425 academic year. Ashley Smith, SGA treasurer, is serving her first term in the position after previously representing the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club. Andrew Cervantes is similar, in that he is now the Vice President for SGA, after being a SGA senator for a few years. SGA currently has a little more than 30 members, with only about seven or eight returning from the previous year. As a result, much of the organization’s first few meetings this semester has focused on introducing new members to SGA procedures and filling leadership positions. Holt serves as the presiding officer of SGA meetings and appoints members to committees and other positions. He also meets with Cameron President Hunt twice a month to discuss issues affecting students. Cervantes has just recently been sworn in as the new Vice President of SGA. His responsibilities include serving as the Chair of the Legislative Committee, as well as keeping records of meetings and assisting the president in his absence or when needed. Smith oversees SGA finances, including funds available to student organizations. She also chairs the Finance Committee, which reviews requests for SGA funding. One of the major projects currently being developed is a loan program for student organizations. Under the current funding rules, SGA funds for student events must be used for events that are free and open to all students. This can make it difficult for organizations to cover expenses associated with competitions, conferences or travel. The proposed loan program would
Photos by Jake Thomas
allow eligible student organizations time in nearly 13 years. to borrow money for fundraising The organization also changed purposes and repay the initial amount how student organizations request after raising the necessary funds. funding. Holt said that before last year, The proposal is currently being there was no formal, easily accessible reviewed by SGA advisers. If process for clubs to request SGA approved, it will be presented to the funds. full SGA body for discussion and a After updating the funding request vote. process and making it available Smith said the program was partly online, SGA used nearly all of its inspired by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu approximately $3,000 in available Club, which previously reached funding last year, compared with the semifinals of a an average of competition but about 20% in did not have previous years. enough Smith funding credited former to cover SGA treasurer the Briana Miles associated with helping travel establish the costs. foundation “It’s for the a way changes to the to work organization’s around financial that,” Holt system. said. “It’s also SGA has also really beneficial to a pointed to its Graphic by Jake Thomas brand new club that has no role in preserving money. Instead of having the Student to start from nothing, they can get a Enrichment Center as one of its temporary loan.” significant accomplishments. Holt said SGA is also looking at potential SGA passed legislation supporting the legislation involving SHARPS center after funding from a COVIDcontainers and plans to expand the era grant was set to expire. amount of student artwork displayed Beyond legislation and funding, across campus. Holt said SGA provides students with Holt said SGA previously issued a formal avenue for communicating a proclamation calling for more with university administration. student artwork to be displayed in “Students deserve to be heard,” he the McMahon Centennial Complex. said. “Students have a voice, and there Student artwork has since returned to the building for the first time this decade. The organization hopes to continue that effort by expanding student artwork into buildings such as the Academic Commons and Nance Boyer, where Holt said some artwork has not been updated in more than a decade. SGA has also been working to update its own internal structure. According to Holt, the organization updated its constitution last year for the first time in nearly eight years, its bylaws for the first time in nearly 18 years and its election rules for the first
are about 3,700 students at Cameron University. By far, the largest group on this campus.” SGA meetings also regularly include guest speakers from different areas of the university. Speakers can include university administrators and representatives from departments such as housing, information technology, physical facilities, the Student Enrichment Center and the Student Wellness Center. President Hunt was the first one of these guest speakers, with Sodexo to follow. The meetings are open to the public, allowing students to attend, hear from university representatives and ask questions. “It is the direct way to reach the university administration,” Holt said. “We were able to really push things over the line and get things done and make changes for the better across this campus.” As the semester continues, SGA plans to continue refining its internal policies, considering new legislation and providing funding opportunities for student organizations. Holt said the organization’s goal is ultimately to make student government more active and effective while giving students a direct voice in decisions affecting campus life. “I want to continue empowering the student body and the student government,” Holt said. “I want our members of the student government to be incredibly active and aware of what’s happening on campus. And I want them to fight to make campus better.”
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Voices
October 5, 2026
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Suicide Awareness Month
Understanding those who are struggling Rachel Nunn
Student Life Editor September is suicide awareness month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the purpose of the month is to “raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action” for those struggling. It’s important to understand that those who are struggling sometimes need something as simple as talking to someone. Youths who have been talking about or making
plans for suicide may be expressing hopelessness about the future, displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress. Sometimes this manifests as worrisome changes
in behavior, including significant withdrawal from social situations, changes in sleep (increased or decreased), anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context and recent increased agitation or irritability. For adults, this behavior could be new or has increased. It may be related to a painful event, loss or change. There could be signs of acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly, talking about being a burden to others, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, an increase in use of alcohol or drugs, talking about feeling hopeless or having no
reason to live, sleep too much or little, withdrawing or feeling isolated, showing rage or talking about seeking revenge and displaying extreme mood swings. Although there are similar signs between youth and adulthood, help can be as simple as talking and listening. Jim Hochmuth is a Cameron University professor and therapist. “It’s nothing to be afraid to talk about,” Hochmuth said. “The more you can be open about it, the more lives you can possibly save.” People can often start a conversation discussing concerns about someone having thoughts or signs of struggling or in a crisis. “Just be direct,” Hochmuth said. “‘Hey, I noticed something off. You know, is there anything you want to talk about?’ You know, and just get them to
try to open up a little bit.” Hochmuth mentioned the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). It’s a two day interactive workshop to learn essential skills for intervening with individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide and to provide suicide first-aid. If you are finding yourself having a crisis, thoughts and feelings that are listed, seek resources around, find community and try reaching out to family and friends. Let them know what you’re feeling and how you’re doing, so they can be there to support you. If there is someone you know is at risk or struggling, texting or calling the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Finding a resource such as a mental health professional is also important.
Managing Mental Health on Campus Rachel Nunn
Student Life Editor Stress is real and really important to manage. With new routines winding down, students are entering the middle of the semester when bigger projects are due, midterms are exceedingly closer, and they’re at a high speed juggling classwork. Some students do more–they work a job, are in a club or are trying to gain experience with internships. There’s a lot of stress that builds in college; people may experience depression and anxiety, fall behind in some of their classes and struggle with understanding material because of all the stress they’re dealing with. According to CampusMind, there will be “late nights. Piling deadlines. Money worries. Pressure from every direction.” They said, “76% of college students deal with moderate to high stress. That’s three out of every four students on your campus.” Managing stress is a skill that can be learned, though. Although it may seem like stress will never end and the stress cloud is always hovering, relief can start with baby steps — instead of letting stress build up and cause burn-out. There are four ways to improve stress that CampusMind mentions — short mindful sessions; moving your body – even a little; making sleep a priority – not an afterthought; and building a support system. The short mindful sessions are “calming your mind–even for a few minutes,” CampusMind
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
said. “A 2025 study found students who practiced mindfulness saw drops in stress, anxiety, and depression. “They also slept better and felt more satisfied with life.” CampusMind suggests apps like Calm or Headspace for a guided session. Trying mindful sessions before an exam, or starting on homework, can look like taking three slow breaths and focusing on the air moving in and out. CampusMind suggests it helps you shift from panic mode to calm focus. “Exercise fights stress,” CampusMind said. “Students who stayed active handled stress better and performed better in school.” Stretching, yoga, taking walks also count and reduce stress, so students don’t have to worry about getting in a multiple hour session every time. Making sleep a priority is “the most underrated stress fight on the list,” CampusMind said. “About 70% of college students get less than the recommended eight hours.” Sleeping helps the memory, so not getting enough of it can cause focus, memory, and mood problems. This affects performance heavily, and sleep deprivation is a real thing that makes life even harder as a student. CampusMind suggests that fixing sleep by “Going to bed at the same time each night – even on weekends. Putting away screens 30 minutes before sleep. Keeping your room
dark and cool. Skipping caffeine after midafternoon.” Last but not least, build a community or support system to help feeling connected. Being social does matter, and as CampusMind said, “Students with strong support networks report less stress and fewer mental health struggles. Even one person who listens and cares can make a big difference.” From Campus Mind, here are some practical ways to build connections: “Join a club tied to something you enjoy. Form or join a study group. Schedule regular calls with family or old friends. Show up to campus events, even briefly.”
Letters Policy
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Managing Editors - Angelica Martinez News Editor - Jake Thomas Voices Editor - Jaley Melton-Wiley, Gabriela Villasenor A & E Editor - Makayla Flenoury Sports Editor - Matthew Hasley Community Outreach Editor - Fabiola Perez-Aponte Student Life Editor - Rachel Nunn Copy Editor - Rachel Nunn Digital Content Editor - Steven Utter
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Steven Utter, Michael Evans, Alex Weaver, Daniel Zikan, Devlin Calley Photographers - Jones Baskett, Sean Greenwood, Billy Shane Peterson Graphic Design - Fabiola Perez-Aponte, Jaley Melton-Wiley Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be e-mailed to aggiecentral@cameron.edu.
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The Cameron Collegian is dedicated to ensuring all journalistic content is accessible to all readers. For access to PDF copies of The Cameron Collegian, contact Adviser David Bublitz at dbublitz@cameron.edu.
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A&E
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October 5, 2026
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The
Hypothesis Makayla Flenoury A&E Editor
On Sept. 23, Prime Video released the movie adaptation of “The Love Hypothesis.” Ali Hazelwood published the romance novel in 2021, and it spent over 40 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. “The Love Hypothesis” was the first book by Hazelwood I read, and I have loved her work ever since. I am a sucker for contemporary romance. Hazelwood writes in a way that keeps the story and characters from feeling corny (well…), and the chemistry from feeling forced, while still delivering a well-developed plot. She adds many elements that make her books unique, like text between characters and titled chapters (a lost art nowadays). My high school self was very excited for the movie adaptation. I even reread the novel in preparation, and I’m glad I did. I never would have been able to see the changes they made in the movie. I was very disappointed by the movie’s interpretation. The movie started well. It seemed like it was following the book quite well. The beginning of the movie was
almost the same. They followed very similar dialogue, and then the movie continued. “The Love Hypothesis” follows Olive Smith (Lili Reinhart), a Stanford Ph.D. candidate researching early, affordable and non-invasive detection methods for pancreatic cancer. Dr. Adam Carlsen (Tom Bateman), is a feared Stanford professor whom everyone hates. They find themselves in a fake-dating situation to change their reputation. Olive lies to her best friend, Anh Pham (Rachel Marsh), about going on a date because Anh liked their mutual friend Jeremy (Nicholas Duvernay), but Anh refused to go out with him since Jeremy and Olive had gone on a couple of dates before. Olive tried telling Anh that she doesn’t have any feelings for him, but Anh didn’t believe her. That leads to Olive lying about going out with a different guy when she’s actually staying late in the lab. While at the lab, Olive sees Anh down the hallway. Olive panics and kisses a random guy who happens to be there. That guy happens to be Dr. Adam Carlsen, the university’s most hated professor and a known jerk. The two
go back and forth for a bit. Olive didn’t want to explain why she kissed him, and Adam threatened to file a Title IX complaint unless she did. That’s how the two start fake-dating. Adam agreed to the arrangement because Stanford considered him a flight risk and froze his research funds. He thought a serious girlfriend would make them believe he had a reason to stay. That’s how the two start fake-dating, and that was about the only thing the movie got right. The rest of the movie went completely off script. The movie made the story seem younger, like two undergraduate college students rather than two Ph.D. graduates studying scientific research. They added two different party scenes that were not in the book and completely skipped over multiple scenes that added to the main characters’ relationship. It was detrimental to the story. There was no build-up or chemistry at all between the two. Adam and Olive are opposite; however, their relationship is very lighthearted and filled with banter despite Adam’s reputation. In the movie,
that does not exist at all. They made Adam’s character a bland guy with zero social skills. He seems like he’s constantly straining, like talking physically hurts him. Adam is not like that at all. I don’t feel like there’s much insight into Olive’s character either. Yes, we see more of her than Adam, but not much. If you haven’t read the book, it’s very hard to tell what is truly happening. Toward the end of the plot, something happens to Olive. I think the way it happens, plus what happens after, is important. But the movie does not follow that order at all. In the book, one of Adam’s best friends, Dr. Holden, who plays an important role in that situation, is not in the movie at all. There are several other details that the movie changes that I think take away from other important characters and smaller themes within the book. In a way, the movie only focuses on Adam and Olive, but not in a good way. The movie felt very rushed and low effort. If you want to know Olive and Adam’s story, read the book. It’s a very fun read and much better than the movie. I would give the movie a 4.5/10.
Disney College Program Emma Herring
Then one day in the middle of class, I got it; I had been accepted by the Disney College Program. I left Staff Writer the classroom and called my mom immediately. In winter 2021, I was attending college at UCO Moving to Florida didn’t feel real. My whole where we were still following all of the COVID safety family drove down with me and all my belongings. precautions. I looked up one day and realized that this The next day I moved into Flamingo Crossing was not where I wanted to be, so when an ad for the West where I lived in Judy Hopp’s building. Disney College Program popped up on my Instagram Throughout the next week, I met my roommates, feed, I took a chance. I attended traditions, I met Mickey Mouse, I learned I received an email saying that they wanted me the bus routes and I got ready for my first day on to complete a personality test. After the test came a location. background check, an online interview, and, finally, a I took bus route B to Hollywood Studios where I phone call interview. began specialized training. And then I waited. My position was a Speciality Position so I had to It felt like ages just waiting for that email to come have extra training in order to work there. through saying if I was accepted or not. What was this special position you might ask? I worked at Galaxy’s Edge in merchandising. Photos by Emma Herring Everyday for eight months I got to sell light sabers, robes and build droids. Part of my extra training was to learn all the lore for the planet Batuu as well as develop a backstory for myself.
After almost a month in training, I earned my ears and began working on planet Batuu everyday. I got to meet so many different people, not only the people I got to work with, but also every traveler who came across my path. This taught me perspective and understanding. I lived alone without a safety net for the first time, which taught me how to budget, grocery shop and time management. I knew absolutely no one there, so I didn’t have the option to hide in the background or be shy. I learned how to speak up for myself and talk to everyone around me. I worked at Disney World, and if nothing else, they are known for their customer service. I learned amazing customer service skills, how to deal with crowds and how to be calm even when the situation is anything but. This program taught me a million things about myself and a million more life lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Bright Suns and Safe Travels!
Alexander Weaver Staff Writer
At 5 p.m. Sept. 26, the Cameron Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) hosted Jesus Saves Soccer night. It took place on the Cameron University Intramural field. During the event students played games of four vs. four soccer. Grace Hong, a member of BCM, enjoyed her time and seeing people come out to join. “It was a really fun time for people to spend time in the community, and
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Student Life
October 5, 2026
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get to relieve some academic stress, and be active outside…” Hong said, “I got a lot of great feedback from everyone that was there.” Although the event took place at 5 p.m., the forecast stated there would be scattered thunderstorms. “Initially, it was just, like, sprinkling, and we were totally fine... it was good for two hours. And we just experienced some thunder and lightning,” Hong said. “But we thought we’d be fine to continue playing
because all we did was get drizzled on. But then, two hours in, it just started pouring on us with a whole bunch of thunder and lightning. It was pretty scary.” Despite the weather, the BCM’s Jesus Saves Soccer event was still enjoyed by students and a successful turnout.
Graphic by Fabiola Perez-Aponte
Photo by Jones Baskett
NAIA RESURGENCE
Daniel Zikan Staff Writer
At 5 p.m. on Sept. 23 in the Cameron University library, the Native American Intertribal Association hosted their first meeting of the school year. This meeting wasn’t the first of the year for the club, but the start of a new club. All of the officers last semester were unable to continue for this semester, but due to the strong interest of NAIA, the club was brought back this semester. Club advisor Dr. Carrie Schneider was extremely happy with the turnout, having open remarks for
the first meeting. “People have been emailing and asking and being interested in the club. So I was like, maybe there are enough people who are interested and want to be a part of the club,” Schneider said. “And clearly there are; this is amazing!” The meeting went into a variety of topics, including reviewing and making amendments to the NAIA constitution. Schneider offered advice to the students while making decisions, but in the end, amendments and changes had been voted on and confirmed by the students. At the end of the meeting, students decided on
their president, secretary/treasurer, and SGA rep and set weekly meeting dates for future NAIA meetings. After the meeting was over, Payton Williams, a senior who was a member of NAIA last semester, spoke on how important it is to have a club like this on campus. “I just wanna be more involved with my culture,” Williams said. “Not many people have the privilege of growing up around their culture and traditions.” For more information on NAIA, contact advisor Schneider at cschneid@cameron.edu.
CHEMISTRY CLUB: ECOSYSTEM IN A BOTTLE Gabriela Villaseñor Voices Editor
At 5 p.m. on Sept. 23, the Chemistry club hosted an event in the Science Complex building in room 205. Students could come together to create their own ecosystems in a bottle, featuring glass jars in a variety of shapes and sizes equipped with moss, rocks and succulents. The Chemistry club provided food
and refreshments at the event, which included a charcuterie board, donuts and soda. The club’s president, Felicity Gomez, said the club tries to host a green chemistry event every semester. Green chemistry is a sustainable renewable chemistry that helps make the planet a better place. The club has even received four green chemistry awards consecutively, and they plan to win another this year.
The ecosystem event was one of several activities that the Chemistry club has organized this semester. The club also hosted a guest speaker, Jessica Thompson, who informed students about a Biochemistry graduate degree in OU. Gomez said that the chemistry club has had this event in mind since the beginning of August and they started preparing a week before the event. Organizing this event was a
challenge for the members of the club, who had to balance club activities with research laboratory work and difficult classes. Students who are interested in chemistry club can get their information on GroupMe; however, the chemistry club also has an instagram @cameronchemclub and Facebook at Cameron University Chemistry Club.
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Community Outreach
Rachel Nunn
Student Life Editor On Sept. 25 - 27, Lawton held the 47th Annual International Festival at Elmer Thomas Park. At 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 25, the International Festival held a parade which introduced the naturalization ceremony of 14 Lawton residents from nine different countries to officially become American citizens. The south and north stages hosted different types of music, dances and acts of all sorts, showcasing an international variety of cultures. Mexican Folkoric dancers of Lawton celebrated 50 years of sharing the rich cultures of Mexico. One of the performers was Travis Komacheet, who played Native American styled flutes, on the south stage. He will also be performing during the 33rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair happening Oct. 2 - 4. The Grace Saxophone Ensemble played a beautiful “Amazing Grace” and then, later, a solo, on the harmonica, to “Hallelujah.” After the music, the Southwest Institute of Martial Arts kicked off with a group performance leading into multiple different demonstrations. Haley Moore, who works for the City of Lawton’s Arts and Humanities, believed that this year turned out better than last year’s festival. “Typically, we are always on the same weekend as Comanche Nation Fair, and this weekend we’re not. So we got all the vendors out, and they can all go to
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Comanche next weekend,” Moore said. “That’s really exciting. No one has to pick and choose which festival, so crowds are good for hours.” There were many festivities happening on both stages all day on Saturday and a craft area for kids to have fun. Vendors sold all sorts of cool toys, painted faces and offered plenty of diverse food for event attendees to pick from. Moore said her favorite event at the festival was the Mexican folkloric dancers. “Their dresses are so pretty,” she said. “They dance amazing, and it’s just a traditional dress and traditional dance. It’s just so pretty to watch.” Key Grant, another festival attendee, had a great experience at the festival. “I love being around it,” Grant said. “It was just nice to be out and experiencing it. There’s so much to see.” There were many different types of cultures where people could experience their range of performances that were held on both stages. “There was literally just martial arts there a couple minutes ago. Now it’s like folkloric Mexican dance,” Grant said. “I love just experiencing and watching and learning about cultures.” Grant recommends coming to the International Festival to enjoy the performers and performances. “That’s like the most accessible way to really engage with cultures,” Grant said. “That has been a little bit more suppressed historically or haven’t been as valued at a general society level.”
Photos by Devlin Calley
Jaley Melton Wiley Voices Editor
Lawton Public Schools’ Life Ready Center (LRC) is an educational center known for its collaborative partnerships with Lawton’s high schools, Great Plains Technology Center and Cameron University, allowing students to gain skills that prepare them for their future professional careers. Students of the three high schools gained the opportunity to explore highly specialized programs since the opening of the LRC in 2021. Additionally, students gained more opportunities to earn college credit through concurrent enrollment. Today, the LRC offers a number of courses in Agriculture, Aviation, Health Services, Teaching, Fine Arts and much more. A number of courses closely resemble the ones that students take at Cameron and at Great Plains Technology Center. Several students at the LRC go on to pursue a degree at Cameron
Getting a Head Start
and may find the skills and knowledge they gain aid them in their pursuit for higher education. Cameron University Freshman Samantha Ronio took classes at the LRC and said that her experience there was a great introduction to college life. “I took college algebra at the LRC and Comp II at the LRC,” Ronio said. “It was just a really nice environment … it’s a really nice way to slowly integrate into college life and get the feel of what your classes will be.” The LRC’s approach to education gives students the unique opportunity to explore what they may want to do in the future. All three area high schools have access to classes that are available at Cameron University as well as at Great Plains Technology Center. Some of these classes may even help students gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a certification or a degree after graduating from high school. As a recent high school graduate, Ronio said that her classes at the LRC helped to
prepare her for the rigor of college and allowed her to smoothly transition into being a student at Cameron. “I would say it definitely helped me get a step up and get one foot in the door whenever starting my college experience,” she said. “And figuring out what I wanted to do in life and as a career. Currently, I am experimenting with business and seeing how I like that.” Ronio said that the LRC gives students a unique opportunity for exploring classes that prepare them for college and life. “I think the LRC has been a great addition to LPS and the students of Lawton,” she said. “They have a bunch of classes like art, music, film, stuff like that … It really gives [students] a good start at higher education and exploring what they want to do, even if they don’t take concurrent classes there.” The LRC gives students a head start on their college career, professional career and their life as a whole. They gain skills and knowledge
that persists well beyond graduation, allowing them to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
Graphic by Fabiola Perez-Aponte