Connors Connection - September 2024

Connors State College Hosts AFR Leadership Summit

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CONNORS STATE COLLEGE WARNER CAMPUS 700 COLLEGE ROAD WARNER, OK 74469 THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St. E MUSKOGEE, OK 74403

ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Chris McBeath

September 2024

CSC College Hosts AFR Leadership Summit

CAMPUS LIFE

CSC's Collegiate Cattlewomen Look to Build off Strong First-Year CSC Launches Meats Judging Team Jake Lawson Named Vice-President of Student Affairs

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EDUCATION

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The GEER Scholarship: Supporting Critical Skills CSC Introduces On-Campus Internship Program

SPOTLIGHTS

Student Spotlight: Prenny Prenovost Alumni Spotlight: Billy Haltom Honored

by Oklahoma 4H Foundation New Regent Spotlight: Chris Franklin New Regent Spotlight: Jennifer Callahan

VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Jake Lawson

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FEATURE

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ATHLETICS

Twine Palmer Selected by Houston Astros in 2024 MLB Draft Cowboys Baseball Recognized by ABCA CSC Athletes Earn NJCAA All-Academic Honors Cheer & Dance Get Ready for 20242025; Earn Bid to NCA/NDA Nationals

CONNECTION CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Krystle Lane Derotha Rivenbark Matthew Harmon

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Cover Photo: Students Enjoy Giving Back at the AFR Leadership Summit

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Connors State College in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nation origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, crime statistics for both the Warner and Muskogee campuses may be reviewed at http://connorsstate.edu/asr. This publication was printed by Connors State College as authorized by the Director of College & Community Relations. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination or endorsement is intended by Connors State College.

FEATURE

Connors State College Hosts AFR Leadership Summit More than 270 Oklahoma students gathered in Warner at Connors State College from July 19-26 for the 2024 American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) Cooperative Leadership Summit. The event, themed "Forging Frontiers: Leading the Way," brought together young leaders from across the state to develop essential skills for success in their homes, schools, and communities.

The summit was divided into three sessions catering to different age groups: Junior (grades 7-8), Teen (grades 9-10), and Senior (grades 11-12). Throughout their stay, participants engaged in a variety of activities designed to cultivate leadership skills and personal growth.

Students participated in development activities that focused on crucial life skills such as goal-setting, teamwork, and personal responsibility. These skills, vital

for success in both academic and professional settings, were reinforced through hands-on experiences and peer interactions. The summit went beyond personal development to instill a sense of community service. Junior participants crafted over 15 tie blankets for a local children's hospital, while Teen and Senior attendees prepared more than 30,000 meals for families in need through Meals of Hope. These service projects not only benefited the community but also taught students the value of giving back and the impact they can have as leaders. As the AFR Leadership Summit concluded, participants left with new skills, friendships, and memories of their time at CSC. By bringing together students from across Oklahoma, the summit has not only empowered individual participants but has also contributed to building a stronger, more connected community of young leaders across the state.

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CAMPUS LIFE

Connors State's Collegiate Cattlewomen Look to Build off Strong First Year At Connors State College, a new group of young women are making waves in the beef industry. The Connors State Collegiate Cattlewomen, a chapter of the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen (OCW), has completed its inaugural year with impressive growth and a clear vision for the future.

The Connors State Oklahoma Collegiate CattleWomen organization was founded in October 2023, aligning with the broader mission of the Oklahoma CattleWomen.

Deborah Mullen, the chapter advisor and Vice President of Education for the Oklahoma CattleWomen, saw Connors State as "a perfect fit for our goal in promoting beef."

The Collegiate CattleWomen partner with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA) and the Oklahoma CattleWomen's (OCW) organization to promote the positive impacts of the beef industry,

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educate consumers on the nutritional values of beef, and communicate goodwill on campus and within the community and state.

Starting with just eight members, the chapter experienced remarkable growth, expanding to 25 members by the end of the Spring 2024 semester. Mullen noted, "The biggest challenge was finding a time when the girls could meet as they were all involved in other activities such as the Show Team, Livestock Judging, Rodeo and Aggie Club." Despite these challenges, the group settled in and found time to pursue the organization's goals.

Mullen couldn't be more pleased with the results: "They have been the best group of young ladies I have ever had the opportunity to work with. The future looks bright with these women emerging as our next leaders."

CAMPUS LIFE

The Connors State Collegiate CattleWomen recently attended the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Convention on July 19 & 20, where they set up a booth to showcase their organization and Connors State. They fundraised and raffled off a gift basket filled with items donated by campus supporters.

Mullen emphasized the importance of this event: "The Convention is held each July and is a time for ranchers in the state of Oklahoma to convene and discuss policies and legislation that involve the beef industry. It's a great time for networking, sharing ideas and visiting with fellow members of the ag community."

A highlight of the convention was the recognition of Connors State sophomore Prenny Prenovost (Surprise, Arizona), who was awarded the 2024 Oklahoma CattleWomen's Scholarship. This $2,000 award is given annually to two full-time college students pursuing degrees in agriculture or related fields.

She added, "As the Connors State Collegiate CattleWomen advisor, I feel the

Oklahoma Cattlemen's Convention is a great time for collegiates to meet and visit with people who are involved in the cattle industry and to see all of the businesses that cater to the specific needs of ranchers and cattlemen. It's a great opportunity for students to see and experience firsthand the different areas of agriculture that are available for them to pursue as a career."

As the Connors State Collegiate Cattlewomen chapter looks toward the future, their trajectory is clear: continue to grow their membership, increase their impact on campus and in the community, and foster the next generation of leaders in the beef industry.

With a successful first year behind them and the support of the broader Oklahoma CattleWomen organization, the future looks bright for these young women. As they continue to promote the beef industry, support their peers, and develop their skills, the Connors State Collegiate Cattlewomen are poised to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma's agricultural landscape.

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CAMPUS LIFE Connors State Launches Meats Judging Team, Hires National Champion McKenzie Sinclair to Serve as Program’s First Head Coach Connors State College is proud to announce the establishment of its firstever Meats Judging team, set to begin competition in the 2024-2025 academic year. To lead this new program, the college has hired McKenzie Sinclair, a former national champion in collegiate meat judging, as the team's inaugural coach.

Sinclair brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. As a member of the 2020 National Champion Texas Tech Collegiate Meat Judging Team, she competed at the highest levels of the sport. Her collegiate career also includes a national championship with the Clarendon College Meat Judging Team in 2018, where she earned multiple high individual honors.

"We're thrilled to welcome Coach Sinclair to Connors State," said President Ron Ramming, President of Connors State College. "Her impressive background in meat judging and her experience in the industry make her the ideal candidate to build our program from the ground up."

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Sinclair's professional experience includes working as a State Meat Inspector for the Oklahoma Department of Food and Forestry, where she gained valuable industry knowledge. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas Tech University and has been an active member of the American Meat Science Association.

The new Meats Judging team at Connors State will provide students with opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, gain industry knowledge, and compete at a national level. The program is expected to enhance the college's agricultural offerings and provide valuable experiences for students interested in careers in the meat industry.

For more information about the Connors State College Meats Judging team, please contact Coach Sinclair by emailing mckenzie.sinclair@connorsstate.edu.

CAMPUS LIFE Jake Lawson Named VP of Student Affairs Connors State College announces Mr. Jake Lawson will receive a change of title, and serve as the institution's new Vice President of Student Affairs. He will assume the role on July 1, 2024. Lawson is a longtime employee of the institution, having previously served in a variety of roles, with his most recent being Dean of Students.

Lawson earned his Bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in 2000, having majored in Business Administration. He then went on to obtain his Master of Science in Student Support Services/Teaching from NSU in 2005. With 27 years at Connors State, Lawson enters the position with a wealth of experience in higher education.

Lawson began his career in 1998 as an Assistant Rodeo Coach and Ag Equine Instructor at CSC. In 2010, he became the program’s Head Coach. In 2018, he moved out of rodeo and began working as the Assistant Dean of Students, under former Dean of Students Mike Jackson.

Throughout his time at Connors State, Lawson has demonstrated a strong commitment to the institution . He has served on numerous committees and has been actively involved in the development and implementation of many new initiatives at the college. In 2023, Lawson was recognized as the Connors State College Staff Member of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the institution.

In 2022, Lawson transitioned into the role of Dean of Students. As Dean of Students, Lawson oversaw various departments, including Housing, Athletics, Campus Life, Admissions, Recruitment and Student Conduct.

In his tenure, student engagement and retention rates improved significantly.

"In particular, over the past year, Jake has assumed responsibility for admissions and recruitment, while maintaining his responsibilities over several other departments," said CSC President Ronald Ramming. “This title change better reflects the level of leadership and responsibility that he has here at the college."

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EDUCATION

The GEER Scholarship: Supporting Critical Skills Connors State College students pursuing careers in critical occupations may benefit from the GEER Scholarship program. This initiative aims to support adult learners in high-demand fields across the nation.

The GEER scholarship targets students majoring in the top 100 critical occupations, with a focus on nursing, engineering, and computer science. At CSC, eligible students can receive up to $500 for Summer 2024, $500 for part-time Fall 2024 enrollment, or $1000 for fulltime Fall 2024 enrollment.

The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books, with funds distributed based on FAFSA results.

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Students closer to graduation may receive priority, potentially boosting completion rates in vital fields. For many, this federal support could be the key to completing their degrees in fields critical to our nation's workforce.

The GEER Scholarship represents a significant investment in higher education, supporting both individual students and the broader economic needs of our community.

EDUCATION

Connors State College Introduces On-Campus Internship Program Connors State College has launched an exciting new on-campus internship program, offering students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in their chosen fields without leaving campus. This initiative is designed to enhance the educational experience of students pursuing careers in marketing, journalism, communications, IT, graphic design, and a variety of additional fields.

commitment to providing a comprehensive, hands-on education," says Dr. Chris McBeath, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Connors State College.

"We're giving our students the chance to build their professional skills and gain valuable experience right here on campus."

The program aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and realworld application. By participating in these internships, students can apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations, developing crucial skills that will serve them well in their careers.

One of the program's key strengths is its integration with campus life. Students can easily balance their internship responsibilities with their academic workload, as the positions are conveniently located on campus. This helps students develop important time management skills while gaining professional experience.

"This program represents our

The internships span various departments across the campus, allowing students to

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EDUCATION

find positions that closely align with their career aspirations. For instance, a student majoring in journalism might work with the college's communications team, writing articles or managing social media accounts. An aspiring graphic designer could contribute to visual campaigns, building a portfolio of real-world projects.

Flexibility is another cornerstone of the program. Students can choose between paid work-study positions or unpaid internships, depending on their individual circumstances and career goals. This adaptability ensures that a wide range of students can benefit from the initiative.

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Perhaps most importantly, the program serves as an excellent resume builder. In today's competitive job market, employers increasingly value practical experience alongside academic achievements. By participating in these internships, CSC students can demonstrate their ability to apply their skills in professional settings, potentially giving them an edge over other job candidates upon graduation.

SPOTLIGHTS Student Spotlight: Prenny Prenovost Prenny Prenovost, a first-generation college student from Surprise, Arizona, has fully embraced campus life at Connors State College. Her journey to CSC is marked by a unique background in cattle showing, having exhibited Maintainers, Chi, and Club Calves across Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

At Connors, Prenovost has immersed herself in numerous leadership roles. She serves as the President of both the Aggie Club and Cattlewomen, while also participating as an Ag Ambassador. Her commitment to student governance is evident in her positions as Vice President of Student Government at CSC and as the North Regional Director of Oklahoma State Student Government. Additionally, Prenovost is an active member of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) and the Show Team.

Prenovost's love for CSC is true. She recalls falling in love with the Warner campus during her first tour, appreciating the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of home it provides, especially being far from her native Arizona. The college's strong agricultural program and the opportunity to be part of the livestock show team were key factors in her decision to attend CSC. As she pursues her degree, Prenovost values the smaller campus environment,

which has eased her transition to college life. Her future plans include an internship as a project engineer in Dallas upon completion of her studies at Connors State College.

Through her diverse involvement across campus and her enthusiasm for life at Connors, Prenny hopes to make an impact on campus that will be remembered. By the looks of it, she is well on her way.

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SPOTLIGHTS

Alumni Spotlight: Billy Haltom Honored by Oklahoma 4-H Foundation William "Billy" Haltom, a CSC graduate, has dedicated over a decade to youth in the Okmulgee area and the Muscogee Creek Nation. As the Ag Youth Program Manager for the Muscogee Creek Nation, Billy has become a key partner to the local 4-H organization.

His support in time and resources has been crucial in providing youth with tools and opportunities to grow and succeed.

Billy's involvement spans activities from educational programs to competitive events, all aimed at developing skills in the youth he serves.

For more than 12 years, Billy has been a consistent presence in youth programs throughout the region. He often steps in to support young people during transitions in local youth organizations.

Billy's commitment to 4-H and to helping children and volunteers has made him a vital part of youth development initiatives in the area.

Billy Haltom's work shows how Connors State alumni can make a difference in their communities. Through his efforts, Billy continues to shape the future of his community.

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SPOTLIGHTS New Regent Spotlight: Chris Franklin The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents welcomes Chris Franklin, a multifaceted businessman with deep ties to Oklahoma's real estate and agricultural sectors. Appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in March 2024, Franklin brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the board.

Chris Franklin is a co-founder of commercial real estate companies that specialize in investment, development, construction, and property management.

His focus on small to mid-sized Oklahoma towns demonstrates a commitment to local economic development and community growth.

Beyond his real estate ventures, Franklin manages a diversified farming and ranching operation in eastern Logan and Oklahoma County.

His agricultural enterprises include a cow-calf operation, farming of small grains and row crops, hay production and a preconditioning yard.

This hands-on experience in agriculture provides Franklin with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Oklahoma's farming community.

Franklin's academic foundation comes from Oklahoma State University, where he earned a B.S. in Economics with minors in English and Finance.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to his community, Franklin serves on several boards, including the M&P Foundation, Valor Bank, and Oklahoma Christian Schools. He is also an active member of Farm Bureau and the Oklahoma Cattleman's Association, further solidifying his connections to the state's agricultural sector. Chris resides in Arcadia, Oklahoma, with his wife Melissa.

They have two sons.

As Franklin steps into his role on the A&M Board of Regents, he brings a unique combination of business acumen, agricultural experience, and community involvement. His term, set to expire on April 4, 2026, looks to be one of dedicated service and fresh perspectives for Oklahoma's educational and agricultural communities.

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SPOTLIGHTS New Regent Spotlight: Jennifer Callahan The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents welcomes a new member with deep roots in agriculture and law. Jennifer Callahan, appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2024, brings a wealth of experience in cattle operations and legal expertise to her role as regent.

As co-owner of Callahan Cattle Company, Jennifer is no stranger to the agricultural sector. The family-run operation spans across Oklahoma and Craig County, focusing on purebred Angus seedstock, stockers, and commercial cows. This hands-on experience gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Oklahoma's agricultural community.

Jennifer's professional life extends beyond the ranch. A partner at McAfee & Taft since 1996, she specializes in tax and business planning. Her role as chair of the Agriculture and Equine Industry Group at the firm underscores her commitment to bridging the gap between agriculture and law.

Jennifer's passion for agriculture is matched only by her dedication to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Her community involvement centers on providing educational and experiential opportunities for youth in agriculture. This commitment was recognized in 2020

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when she was named Oklahoma Agriculture Women of the Year by Diamond Hats.

Jennifer's journey in agriculture began at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a B.S. in Agricultural Business. Her time there included practical experience in beef cattle units and participation on the Livestock Judging Team. She later obtained her J.D. with highest honors from the University of Oklahoma in 1996.

As Jennifer Callahan steps into her role on the A&M Board of Regents, she brings a unique blend of practical agricultural experience, legal expertise, and a passion for education. Her term, set to expire in 2032, looks to be one of insightful leadership and dedicated service to Oklahoma's agricultural and educational communities.

ATHLETICS

Twine Palmer Selected by Astros in 2024 MLB Draft Connors State College is proud to announce that freshman pitcher Twine Palmer has been selected by the Houston Astros in the 19th round of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.

Palmer, a standout right-handed pitcher for the Cowboys, played a crucial role in the team's impressive 51-9 record this past season. In his freshman year, he demonstrated exceptional skill on the mound, posting a 2.87 ERA and striking out 110 batters over 94 innings pitched. A graduate of Kiowa High School, Palmer came to Connors State with a track record of success, having led the Kiowa Cowboys to multiple state tournament appearances. Following his lone season at Connors, Palmer was named an NJCAA

All-America honorable mention.

"We're thrilled for Twine," said Perry Keith, head baseball coach at Connors State. "He had a great season for us, and just continued to get better and better. He’s very deserving."

With Houston’s acquisition of Palmer, he became the second Cowboy taken in the last two drafts, following Brady Cerkownyk (15th Round - Detroit Tigers) in 2023.

The entire Connors State community congratulates Twine on this achievement and wishes him the best as he pursues his professional baseball career.

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ATHLETICS

Cowboys Baseball Recognized by ABCA Connors State baseball has been awarded the Team Academic Excellence Award by the American Baseball Coaches Association. This award is given to both high school and college programs across the country to recognize them based on their academic success.

Criteria for the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award include: Must be a high school or college team Head coach must be a current ABCA member Team must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the 2023-2024 academic year.

GPA may not be rounded up.

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The American Baseball Coaches Association has a long tradition of recognizing the achievements of baseball coaches and student-athletes.

The ABCA/Rawlings All-America Teams are the nation’s oldest, founded in 1949, and the ABCA’s awards program also includes the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Awards, the ABCA/ATEC Regional & National Coaches of the Year and several other major awards such as the ABCA Hall of Fame and Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award.

The Cowboys have earned this award numerous times, including the last three seasons. This highlights the program's commitment to excellence on and off the field.

ATHLETICS

CSC Athletes Earn NJCAA All-Academic Honors Connors State College is proud to announce that 26 of its student-athletes have been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) AllAcademic Teams for the 2023-24 academic year. This recognition highlights the exceptional dedication of Connors State students to both their athletic pursuits and academic excellence.

The NJCAA All-Academic Teams honor student-athletes who achieve a GPA of 3.60 or higher. Connors State's honorees span multiple sports, including baseball, women's soccer, and men's soccer.

"We are immensely proud of our studentathletes for their outstanding academic

achievements," said Ron President at Connors State.

Ramming,

"These honors reflect not only their individual commitment to excellence but also our institution's dedication to fostering well-rounded student-athletes."

Notably, nine Connors State studentathletes achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs, earning them spots on the NJCAA AllAcademic First Team. An additional eleven student-athletes were named to the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team with GPAs between 3.80-3.99, while six earned Third Team honors with GPAs between 3.60-3.79.

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ATHLETICS

The baseball team led the way with 12 honorees, followed by men's soccer with 10, and women's soccer with 4. The following students earned All-Academic honors: Jackson Black - 1st Team - BSB Cale Clay - 1st Team - BSB Blake Simpson - 1st Team - BSB Brannon Westmoreland - 1st Team - BSB Luke Adcock - 2nd Team - BSB Cage Edgmon - 2nd Team - BSB Eli Marcotte - 2nd Team - BSB Stephen Osborne - 2nd Team - BSB Chase Pair - 2nd Team - BSB Twine Palmer - 2nd Team - BSB Easton Riddle - 2nd Team - BSB Thomas Brownfield - 3rd Team - BSB Maika Robert - 1st Team - WSOC Taylor Moore - 2nd Team - WSOC Rheagan Summerhill - 2nd Team - WSOC Kinley Catron - 3rd Team - WSOC Miguel Gonzales - 1st Team - MSOC

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David Manresa - 1st Team - MSOC Felipe Pereira - 1st Team - MSOC Mateus Dias De Paula - 1st Team - MSOC Jelan Ward - 1st Team - MSOC Alvaro Becerril - 2nd Team - MSOC Giovanni Rech - 2nd Team - MSOC Victor Mathias - 3rd Team - MSOC Manu Ransford - 3rd Team - MSOC Joao Tome - 3rd Team - MSOC This academic success comes as part of a larger trend, with the NJCAA recognizing a total of 12,245 student-athletes nationwide for their classroom achievements during the 2023-24 academic year.

Connors State College continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom, preparing them for future success in their academic and professional endeavors.

ATHLETICS

Cheer & Dance Get Ready for 2024-2025; Earn Bid to NCA/NDA Nationals Connors State College's cheer and dance teams recently concluded their annual work week. The week-long intensive training culminated in a camp/competition that drew college teams from across the area to the Warner campus.

The highlight of the event was the opportunity for participating teams to earn bids to NDA and NCA nationals.

CSC's athletes rose to the occasion, demonstrating the skills and teamwork honed during work week.

but also set the stage for their participation in higher-level competitive events.

The camp/competition event, hosted by CSC on the final day of their work week, provided a platform for regional collegiate cheer and dance teams to showcase their talents, compete, and aim for national bids.

As the teams look ahead to the national competitions, their success at this event serves as a promising start to the season and a reflection of the hard work invested during their annual work week.

CSC’s coed team earned a silver bid, while the all-girl team secured a bronze bid.

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CONNORS STATE COLLEGE 700 COLLEGE ROAD WARNER, OK 74469

CSC cheer and dance teams capped their work week by hosting a competition, earning silver (coed) and bronze (all-girl) bids to NDA/NCA nationals.