May 9, 2009 Crusader Graduation

CRUSADER Seward County Community College • Special Section • May 2009

Graduates

Features

Graduating Students, Majors

A Look at Students’ Lifestyles

Pages 2-14

Pages 2-13

Honors

Nationals

Students/Instructors Tennis, Softball and Recognized SIFE go to Nationals Page 14

Page 15

Schedule Graduation Schedules Page 16

GRADUATION

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May 2009

Graduation 2009 As each student walks across the stage to receive a diploma, the graduation attire is symbolic of success.

The tassel is the best representation of this. Each strand is symbolic of the journey with graduation.

The strands could represent the classes they have taken, the instructors who have helped them,

the peers who have assisted them in classes, or the memories that they have made.

While each individual strand may seem insignificant on its own, together they make the most significant piece of the attire.

As the graduates dress with the cap, gown and tassel, along with any honor cords or stoles earned, they are completing the college

experience and preparing for the next step.

Some will head to other academic institutions while others will enter the workforce, though they will they will always be connected by the graduation ceremony they have shared.

Graduation is the celebration of the accomplishments they have achieved.

In this issue, traditional graduation attire is highlighted, along with 12 graduates of the Class of 2009.

While each graduate is important and has a story to tell, the following is a selection of some of the stories of Seward County Community College/ Area Technical School graduates.

Jacob Riggs

Graphic design opens new world Will Rector Crusader staff

Crusader photos/ Morgan Allaman & Logan Green

Jacob Riggs helps with instructions during Children’s Art Day sponsored

by Kylix art club. At right, Riggs works in the art studio on campus.

“It helped me to discover an opportunity to do something that I had not thought of doing.”

— Jacob Riggs Associate of Arts, Graphic Design

Jacob Riggs went from being a Liberal Redskin to a Seward County Saint. Now, after two years at the college he will graduation May 9 with an Associate of Arts degree.

Many words can be used to describe what Riggs is like: calm, quiet, friendly, laid back, and funny are used often.

Calm and quiet definitely explain how Riggs was able to win the Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament during the 2009 homecoming festivities.

“Winning the poker tournament is definitely one of my favorite memories because there were a lot of people playing, and I won a flat screen TV,” Riggs said.

Another characteristic of Riggs is being able to adapt. He has changed his major since starting at SCCC. “I started off as a communications major,” Riggs said. “This year I took a night class in graphic design, and I really enjoyed it. It helped me to discover an opportunity to do something that I had not thought of doing, so I switched my major.” His interest in graphic design has opened up a new world for Riggs.

Outgoing could be added to his list of traits, as he is a part of the Singing Saints Choir, the treasurer of

the Kylix art club, and is the secretary of HALO. “I have had a lot of fun getting to know people by participating in the choir, Kylix, and HALO,” Riggs said. Riggs and his best friend Sergio Padilla also play music together just to pass the time.

“In our free time we like to just hang out, play video games and write songs,” Padilla said. “Our freshman year over Christmas break, we played Xbox every night until three or four in the morning.”

“I like to hang out with my friends,” Riggs said. “I also like to sleep.”

The word adventurous comes to mind, as well as funny, when Riggs and Padilla describe a trip that the choir took to New York City.

“We were in New York City, and we had just been to the Empire State Building. We wanted to see Ground Zero because we were leaving the next day, so we rushed over to see it. We ended up having to take a bunch of different subways to make it across the city to make it back in time for curfew, it was crazy,” Riggs said, while laughing and remembering the trip with Padilla.

Riggs will leave Liberal to go to Wichita State University to continue his education and to work toward a bachelor's degree in graphic design.

GRADUATION

May 2009

CRUSADER SPECIAL 3

SCCC/ATS Candidates for Graduation

Crusader photo/ Alma Hidalgo & Shelby Rundell

Travis Parker pulls ropes as he participates in the mechanical bull event at Dorm Palooza. Left, Parker plays third base against Hutchinson.

Travis Parker Pitcher brings character to all-time college record Tanner Woods Crusader staff

In a world that shows more and more athletes getting into trouble, it is always nice to hear an occasional story about an athlete praised for his character rather than news showing the lack thereof.

Sophomore Saint baseball player Travis Parker is one of those stories.

While most character stories written about an athlete are reserved for the not-so-famous or “under-appreciated” player who sometimes falls under the public’s radar, this isn’t the case for Parker.

Parker put himself in the Seward County record books as the Saints all-time single-season saves leader as a pitcher and leads the team in several offensive statistical categories.

He is a native of Lincoln, Neb., who transferred to Seward after playing a year at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Parker has been a big addition to the Saints program, according to Head Coach Galen McSpadden.

“It takes three bones to complete a person, a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone. He has given

“It takes three bones to complete a person, a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone. He has given the backbone.”

— Coach Galen McSpadden about Travis Parker the backbone,” McSpadden said of Parker and this year’s Saints.

McSpadden sees that Parker’s profile stretches farther than his performance on the baseball field.

“He is a good person,” McSpadden said. “He is a person of character instead of a character.”

When describing Parker, discipline, intelligence, respect for others and pride in how he does things were all qualities McSpadden credited Parker with having.

Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts

Parker gives credit to his parents for teaching him how to act and teaching him to respect everybody.

Praise from coaches is one thing but to receive respect from a teammate is usually even more rewarding.

Sophomore outfielder Austin Vanderwork had nothing but good things to say about Parker.

Vanderwork said Parker is hardworking and would do anything for a teammate.

Vanderwork continued that Parker is a guy who would take the clothes off of his back if he saw someone needed clothing.

“Loyalty to this team,” Vanderwork said when asked about reasons he respected Parker. “If it came down to him not playing and somebody playing in front of him, he would do that.”

Loyalty is a quality that is important to Parker and a big thing he looks for in friends.

Parker believes loyalty is “doing anything for somebody you know they would do for you.”

This past Monday, Parker again came up big for the Saints, helping the team advance to the Region VI tournament.

However, if someone were to talk to Parker after the game they would not have even known he had just struck out the final batter with the bases loaded in a one-run game giving him his second save of the day.

Being humble wasn’t on the list of qualities Coach McSpadden talked about, but those who know Parker best would probably add it.

Associate of Arts Gloria Aguilar Larissa Arnold Courtney Auger Seth Austin Brenda Borrego Raegan Broadie Nicole Burkey Ilse Cambron Angie Chacon Corey Collins Juanita Contreras Bailey Crandall Haley Crosier Robert Doran Flor Galindo Justin Gilmore Katelyn Glenn Gabrielle Hall Alma Hidalgo Lana Hittle Mikel Huston Jr. Melissa Isaac Victoria Jacob E. Jimenez-Sianez Daniel Johnson Kade Kauk Amanda Kempke Crystal Kiehl Jessica Koch Vesta Kunselman Elisa Labra Stephanie Lee Stephanie Lopez Rachel McDonald Tasia McEntire Michelle McNabb Zachary Miller Josie Molina Keegan Morrow Sergio Padilla III Travis Parker James Powell Jacob Riggs Vannessa Simmons

GRADUATION

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May 2009 LaNell Taylor, far left, participates in the whiffle ball homerun derby during Dorm Palooza at the Student Living Center. Taylor, at left, is a member of the Lady Saints basketball team. She will leave SCCC/ ATS after graduation to play for the University of Texas in Arlington.

During her time at Seward County, Taylor has been a student ambassador and a Resident Assistant in the dorms.

Graduation Cap & Gown

Crusader photos/ Shelby Rundell Chelsi Valdez

The graduation cap and gown combination has been around, in one form or another, since the 1300s. However, it wasn’t until 1893 that a system of gown style, cut, fabric, coordinating accessories and colors were developed to designate different types of degrees, fields of study and college colors.

LaNell Taylor

Lady Saint leaves SC for Division I college

Chel si Val dez Editor

When a city girl from Houston, Texas, moves to a small southwest Kansas town, there can be quite a culture shock, but LaNell Taylor feels right at home, thanks to the people she’s come to know during her time in Liberal.

“It’s the people,” Taylor said.

“The people are great.”

One of those people who have made Taylor’s time at SCCC/ ATS so enjoyable is head basketball coach Toby Wynn.

Coach Wynn believes that Taylor’s time at the college has made her a better all around basketball player. Wynn describes Taylor as vibrant and fun and said she has a good spirit.

Wynn also described Taylor as artistic and musical, both of which are words that aren’t necessarily always used to describe a basketball player.

“She’s very artistic and loves music,” Wynn said.

Taylor’s love of music is evident

“I came here as a kid and I’m leaving as a young woman.”

— LaNell Taylor Associate of Arts, Psychology

when she talks about a musical group she was part of before leaving Houston. She rapped in the group and they even released a CD. When Taylor came to Seward, she had to leave her rapping career behind for a career in basketball, which has worked out well so far.

She has become a well-rounded player, improving both her shooting and ball handling skills. At the end of her sophomore season, Taylor was averaging 9.3 points per game and had a total of 67

rebounds for the season. She shot 63 percent from the free throw line and 35 percent from the threepoint arc. She is planning to take her skills to Division I University of Texas in Arlington.

Not only is she a musician and an outstanding basketball player, she is also an Resident Assistant in the Student Living Center and a student ambassador for the college. Both are titles that require being in good standing and representing the college in a good

manner, Taylor does these things with no problem.

Taylor will graduate from SCCC/ ATS with an associate degree in liberal arts. She is a psychology major and plans to get her masters. She also plans to eventually teach in a high school or become a counselor, however Taylor’s career in basketball isn’t completely out of the question.

“I obviously love to play basketball,” Taylor said. “If an opportunity presents itself for me to continue my basketball career I would definitely do that.”

Taylor feels as if she has grown up, thanks to her experiences while at SCCC/ ATS. She came to Seward to play basketball for the Lady Saints and after graduation will go back to Texas to play basketball at the University of Texas in Arlington, all grown up.

“I came here as a kid and I’m leaving as a young woman,” Taylor said.

May 2009

GRADUATION

CRUSADER SPECIAL 5

Candidates for Graduation

Alyse Ownbey

Crusader photo/Logan Green

Cosmetology student Alyse Ownbey trims Academic Acheivement Center assistant Pam Freeman’s hair recently at the SCCC/ATS hair salon.

Cosmetology student makes the final cut

Logan Green Crusader staff

When it’s time for a haircut, one choice in Liberal is very affordable. The cosmetology students offers a haircut and style for $6.

In one comfortable chair in the cosmetology hair salon, customers talk to a blonde (who is sometimes brunette) as she snips away at their hair.

Although many hair stylists act like they are listening, customers note that this one actually seems to care.

That’s because she does.

Alyse Ownbey, who will graduate with a cosmetology certificate this spring, has been living out her dream as a hair stylist as as she finishes the cosmetology program.

Ownbey usually spends her time at this section of the college, improving her skills. She is also a lifeguard for the Wellness Center on campus.

She was so busy that at the beginning of the school year, she and her roommate didn’t meet for two weeks.

Ownbey is a bubbly girl who just likes to laugh. She grew up in the small town of Campo, Colo., with five people in her graduating class, with her being the only girl in her grade.

Ownbey has always been popular among

“We get to hear everything. For an hour they sit in our chair and share details of their lives.”

— Alyse Ownbey Certification, Cosmetology

friends for her talent in styling and cutting hair.

When she was in high school, she helped do hair for proms, even after she was dressed in her prom dress. Her senior year of high school she styled six girls’ hair in addition to her own.She went back to her hometown this year to do hair for prom as well.

In the dorms, people also ask her to do their hair.

Ownbey usually doesn’t watch much TV, and if she does, she has it scheduled out: CMT in the morning and Lifetime at night.

Because of living in a small town, with a population of less than 200, Ownbey likes to go to different cities, and make new friends.

Roommate Jessica Lulf said “whenever we go out she seems to have a connection to everyone.”

All this works well with Ownbey’s love for road trips, and spur of the moment decisions, like a time that she and Lulf decided to travel to Hays at midnight.

Ownbey graduated at the top of her class, as valedictorian at Campo High School, which she protests to not being worthy of, showing her humbleness. Along with modesty, Ownbey is a giving person. Lulf recalled a time when Ownbey’s cosmetology friend Megan Nickel couldn’t drive her car to Turpin, Okla., because of a broken headlight, and Ownbey let Nickel use her new car.

Ownbey has always handled responsibilities she’s been given well, and because of her leadership experience in high school, does what ever is given to her professionally. Growing up in such a small town, Alyse and her sister, Paige, have both regarded each other as best friends, and do most things together. In two words, Paige describes Alyse as “outgoing” and “smiley” and that her favorite thing about Alyse is “that she is always smiling.”

Alyse plans to move on and go to college at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, to achieve a major in business.

At some point in the future, she plans to open a spa, using her degrees to her advantage.

Associate of Arts Abby Sleder Emily Slemp LaNell Taylor Austin Terhune Chelsi Valdez Tanner Woods La Von Wright Violetta Brown Jamie Gilbert Alicia Gonzales Associate of Applied Science / Accounting Lisa Fehr Samantha Shepard AAS / Accounting Technician Billie Adkison AAS / Advanced Nursing Kacie Abbott Ronni Anderson Sheila Bryan Nayeli Bustillos Erica Butler Susan Butterfield Alva DeLaTorre Heather Figger Ashley Knier Jennifer Leonard Valarie Musgrave Crystal Olivarez Nancy Ortiz Lucia Ramirez Lila Reyes Elsa Sanchez Norma Sanchez Karen Scott Jamee Sewell Rejeena Thundiyil Teresa Toscano Ana Trejo Shayla Weatherby Cindy Zapien

GRADUATION

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Academic Hood

May 2009

Tanner Woods

Christian student a nice catch Morgan Al l aman News editor

Academic Hoods are black, made from the same fabric as the gown. They vary in length depending on the degree from three feet to four feet, and the doctoral hood is wider.

They are lined with college or university colors. They are made to drape around the wearer’s neck and shoulders so that the larger portion hangs down the wearer’s back.

Some hoods have a velvet lining to signify the degree of the wearer.

Crusader photo/Shelby Rundell

Saints baseball catcher Tanner Woods joins activities outside the Student Living Center at Dorm Palooza Wednesday.

“I call it a God thing. God led me here and opened up this opportunity.”

— Tanner Woods Associate of Arts, Education

Tanner Woods, age 8, pitches for the Weatherford Eagles in peewee baseball.

Courtesy photo

Tanner Woods was helping coach his dad’s basketball team at a summer team camp last summer at Seward County Community College when his cousin, Toby Wynn, the Lady Saints basketball coach, told him he should try out to play baseball at Seward.

Although Tanner hadn’t played baseball in two years, his cousin saw promise in him.

“He’s just a good student of the game,” Wynn said. Whatever sports he’s been involved in, he spends time studying all the little details and things that are important.

Currently, Tanner is the catcher for the Saints baseball team, and he believes it was in God’s plan for him to end up here.

“It was really a chance thing,” Woods said. “I call it a God thing. God led me here and opened up this opportunity.”

Woods is an education major who plans to teach business, journalism or history and also coach.

Once on campus, Tanner found a niche as a sports writer for the Crusader student newspaper and enrolled in news writing classes.

His classroom experiences have been varied. He came to SCCC from West Texas A&M University with 74 credit hours.

Tanner was the valedictorian of his class in his hometown of Follett, Texas.

Kristi Woods, Tanner’s mother, believes Tanner is his biggest critic.

“We set the standards, and his standards for himself were always higher,” Kristi Woods said. “He just has very high expectations for himself. He’s a bit of a perfectionist.”

At SCCC, Tanner is a finalist for the WA Shufelberger award, given to a male and female graduate who participates in athletics and have the highest GPA. Tanner also excels at sports.

“As soon as he could walk, we knew he was really coordinated,” Kristi Woods said. “From then on, he always had a ball in his hand.”

Tanner’s father, Shane Woods, said when Tanner was younger he never real-

ly understood why the other kids didn’t get the game or were more consumed with snack time or daisy picking.

Tanner was watching major league nine-inning baseball games by the age of 3, and by the time T-ball started, he knew the game inside and out.

“I saw him make an unassisted triple play in T-ball,” Shane said. “He caught a line drive, touched second and first while the other kids couldn’t figure out what they doing.”

By age 4, Tanner had discovered ESPN’s Sports Center. Through the wonder years, to follow, Tanner played baseball, basketball, soccer, and football.

In high school, Tanner was one of two people in the state of Texas to ever obtain 10,000 yards of total offense in their high school career in 6-man football, and he was inducted into the sports hall of fame for it. He was also an allstate player in football, basketball and baseball.

After high school, Tanner played football as an inside receiver at WTAMU. Tanner’s girlfriend, Ashley Arnall, believes Tanner credits his hard work to his passion for the Lord.

“He works harder than anyone I have ever met,” Arnall said. “But more importantly I think why Tan has been so successful is because he always gives the glory to God. He knows that God has given him the ability, and the least he can do is let everyone else know that.”

Although Tanner has had much success at SCCC, he doesn’t consider his success an achievement.

“I don’t know that I ever look at those things as achievements,” Tanner said. “I think I’ve been given the ability to do things like that and I think that if the Lord gives you those kinds of abilities and talents, you should use them—whatever that may be.”

Woods is not yet sure of his plans for next year, but hopes that God will take him in the right direction. He still would like to play baseball somewhere, but he is still waiting for an opportunity.

“God is in control. Wherever he leads me, I will go,” Woods said.

GRADUATION

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CRUSADER SPECIAL 7

Candidates for Graduation

Virginia Loewen Foundation helps develop career

James McElvania Online editor

after graduating allowed Loewen to stay in the area that she wanted to, as well as get a job right In the early part of December away. of 2008, Virginia Loewen came Aside from working for the to the college weekdays as a stu- college after graduating, she is dent, but by late December, she just like many other graduates. came to SCCC/ATS each day as In her free time she enjoys an employee. spending time with her friends, “I can’t say going bowling, that I imagand going to the ined myself I didn’t really have movies. working in Loewen is this office also very a definite plan for when I first involved with came to her local church.

SCCC,” after graduation; my “I spend quite Loewen said a bit of time of her goal was to earn my helping out with Development children’s Foundation Sunday School, degree, and then go job. the church “I didn’t library, and the from there. really have a youth group,” definite plan Loewen said. for after graduWhile she was ation; my a student at goal was to SCCC/ ATS, earn my was a Associate of Science, Loewen degree, and presidential Business Administration scholar and a then go from there.” member of Phi Loewen Theta Kappa. began work“She’s super ing as a secretary and bookkeep- intelligent and works really hard er with the Development to succeed,” said Jenica Moore, Foundation when she first came Seward County Community to Seward County. She is in College presidential scholar and charge of keeping all of the graduate. “She is more than financial records, as well as willing to help anyone on anykeeping things organized. thing at anytime.”

The Development Foundation “I’ve known her since she was keeps alumni records, providing a student and a presidential for student scholarship needs and scholar her freshman and sophomuch of the funding dealt with more years,” said Tammy Doll, on campus. director of the Development Loewen decided to work for Foundation. the Development Foundation “She’s just really pleasant to after finishing her associate work with,” Doll said. “What degree, simply because it seemed more can I say? If I tell everylike the perfect opportunity for one how great she is, they’ll try her. Working for the and steal her away from me.”

Development Foundation right

“

Crusader photo/Jessica Lulf

Virginia Loewen eats ice cream at the All-Staff meeting in the center of campus Wednesday. Loewen will walk at graduation, although she completed her degree in December and began working full-time in the Development Foundation office that same month.

” — Virginia Loewen

Crusader photo/Shelby Rundell

Virginia Loewen works at her computer in the Development Foundation office on campus. Loewen has been working as a secretary and a bookkeeper for the Development Foundation since late December 2008.

AAS/Auto Body Collision Repair Gerarado Gutierrez AAS/Automotive Business Management La Von Wright AAS/Automotive Mechanics Technology Gerarado Gutierrez AAS/Business Yessenia Pacheco AAS/Business Marketing Billie Adkison Jessica Hitchcock Diana Valverde AAS/Construction Trades Cheryl Rickers AAS/Cosmetology Ingrid Soto Cheryl Valdez AAS/Criminal Justice Thomas Cash Shannan Gehrer AAS/Drafting Tiffany Ford Adam Froelich Andrew Morgan AAS/Heating and Air Conditioning Susan Booth AAS/Industrial Electronics Chris McDaniel AAS/Medical Assistant Ashley Duncan Kimberly Laird Kimberly Siroky Kayla Wright

8 CRUSADER SPECIAL

Candidates for Graduation

AAS/Medical Lab Technician Debora Harrold Alaina Heinitz Sheila Moffett Callie Mosburg Mark Waggoner AAS/Respiratory Therapy Kayla Boston Jacci Chavez Nicole DeSantos Lyndsie Fosdick Katrina Kline Heather Lefort Krystal Mireles Leah Norris Calvin Ntinika Timothy Perkins Brandie Smith Dustan Sprowls AAS/Surgical Technology Karleigh Bennett Gabriela Grajeda Hilda Isidoro

Laura Martinez Anaya

Rebecca Zielke Associate of General Studies Trenton Yeary Associate of Science Diego Abreu Alexander Almanza

Hermelinda Anguiano

Abdiel Arevalo Clarissa Arteaga Brenda Baeza Rocio Baeza Charity Bailey Suzie Boschman Raymond Bourne Karen Brown

Editors juggle college, jobs, newspaper in busy lifestyle Jose Rodri guez Entertainment editor

Juggling is a skill that college students try to turn into a sport, along with multi-tasking and burning the candle at both ends. While many try to juggle, most never completely master the art.

Editors Chelsi Valdez and Jessica Lulf have been juggling any number of responsibilities during the past two years at Seward County

GRADUATION

May 2009

Chelsi Valdez and Jessica Lulf show off an Associated Collegiate Press Online Pacemaker Award presented to the Crusader newspaper staff at a national convention in Kansas City this fall. The two shared editorial duties, friendship and many sleepless nights this semester as they dedicated themselves to working whatever hours it took to make the Crusader the best that it could be, while they also worked 20-30 hours per weeks at other jobs, carried 18 to 24 credit hours at college, made good grades, and trying to balance family and friends in the mix.

Community College/ Area Technical School.

The Crusader isn’t only the name of the paper they work on, it is also who they are as individuals—crusaders for the advancement of technology, individual goals, and the well- being of the college. These sophomores have not only held editorial responsibilities on the Crusader staff at the college but also have been involved in many other campus activities.

Crusader file photo

Crusader’s fearless leader moves on Chelsi Valdez has had many labels throughout her life—editor, student and one of the most important labels, Mommy.

Aside from being the Crusader college newspaper editor, a full-time student and employee at Payless Shoe Source, Valdez is also the busy mother of her 2-year-old son Aiden.

She graduated the salutatorian of her Moscow High School class. Valdez started her foray into the world of journalism her sophomore year of high school on the staff of Moscow High’s paper, The Cat’s Claw. She went on to become the editor-in-chief her senior year.

One bonding element to Chelsi’s experience in high school journalism was her mother Marcie Valdez, who was also her high school newspaper adviser and her English teacher.

“My mom was the first person to teach me how to read and write,” Chelsi said. “She sparked my interest in journalism.”

The feelings are mutual as her mother has seen Chelsi’s writing evolve over the years.

“She’s always been a good writer, but I think she’s a lot better with details and descriptions now,” Marcie said.

Another person who noticed Chelsi’s talent was college newspaper adviser Anita Reed.

“I met Chelsi when she first came to the Xtreme Challenge three years ago,” Reed said.

“I saw her writing, and I thought it was really good, so when she was enrolling in the summer I talked to her about being on the Crusader staff.”

Her freshman year at the college, Chelsi was asked to be the sports editor, an important position on the Seward County Community College campus.

“When Anita called me and asked me if I would be the sports editor, I was kind of surprised but very excited about the opportunity,” Chelsi said.

She proved herself in the position as a freshman and was promoted to editor-in-chief at the start of her sophomore year.

“She became the heir apparent,” Reed said about Chelsi’s advancement. “Chelsi is fun to work with. She always enters the newspaper office with a ‘ta-da’ and she’s really good at staying calm in the types of stressful situations edi-

tors often face.”

None of Chelsi’s success would be possible without the support of her family, she says, especially that of her mother who has helped care for Chelsi’s son. Chelsi also appreciates the complete support of her dad, Tom Valdez.

“My parents have both been very supportive of everything I’ve ever been a part of. They both help care for my son and encourage me in everything I’m involved in.”

Chelsi is one of the many students who commutes to college; however, she had a scare last spring, when she rolled her car on her way home to Moscow.

“She actually rolled my car,” Marcie said. “I don’t worry about it, but it was definitely scary for a while. A lot of times she puts in a lot of hours, and she’s there really late, so that’s when I worry.”

Chelsi will graduate with an Associate of Arts in communications. She will continue her education in the fall at Wichita State University, where she has applied for an editorial position on the Sunflower student newspaper.

“I can see Chelsi going on to a successful newspaper or magazine career because, as she’s working, writing or laying out newspaper pages, she talks about how cool it would be to do this as a job,” Reed said.

Chelsi lead the way for a Crusader staff that won an American Scholastic Press Association first-place award, plus a Silver Medalist award from the Kansas Associated Collegiate Press, and 27 individual awards at state, with six of those going to Chelsi for sports news writing, photo essay, interior page design, feature writing, editorial writing and on-site copy-editing.

Chelsi’s time at Seward County has been busy and successful, and graduation day will be a time to celebrate her accomplishments.

“Yes, I am excited to see her graduate, she’s put in a lot of work to get where she is,” Marcie said.

Lulf to continue balancing act at KU

Chelsi Valdez Associate of Arts, Journalism

Jessica Lulf

Associate of Science, Business

Jessica Lulf is always doing something.

Whether she is in the Crusader office trying to finish the newspaper, doing homework, or heading off to her job in the Dillon’s pharmacy, she rarely has a moment to herself.

“I am just like any other college student. I love my naps but I find that it makes things go faster if I skip them,” Lulf said.

She is super involved in campus life. “I have a hard time saying no,” Lulf said.

That trait has gifted Lulf with rich college experiences. She is not only a Crusader editor, but she is also the Phi Theta Kappa honor society president, a member of TRiO, and a representative for the Student Government Association.

Lulf is the oldest of three siblings, so the role of leader is not new to her.

“She was my first born so everything was new and cute with her,” said her mom, Laurel Truitt.

Lulf’s work ethic has been evident for many years now, according to her mother.

“She would like to have everything clean.

She’d stay up until 11 cleaning and sleep in until noon. Nothing’s changed; she still loves to sleep in until noon.”

Those times don’t come too often these days, especially with 24 credit hours and a 20hour work week. But Lulf perseveres.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. I know I did a lot of things I wouldn’t have been able to do if I had gone to a four-year university first,” Lulf said.

Her newspaper adviser sees Lulf as an organized team member who knows what’s going on around campus.

“She is so connected with so many groups,” said newspaper adviser Anita Reed. “She's a lot of fun to work with. She’s done amazing things, like breaking all of our advertising records. She has served as ad manager, online editor and finally editor during her two years here. She’s smart and she works very hard, so she’s respected a lot by faculty and staff.”

Taking on a lot of responsibility is not new to Lulf who was also employed last year in the dean’s office working with Dean of Student Services Celeste Donovan and Dale

Reed, the associate dean of education.

“She’s a delightful young lady,” Donovan said. “She is very professional and has a lot of great skills.”

Lulf’s work ethic is lauded by faculty members and students who notice that she goes above and beyond in her work.

“Her work ethic is exceptional. She’s very caring about the staff. I was recently at a meeting where she did a presentation and she made sure not to take up too much time. She’s very dependable,” Donovan said.

Lulf’s many responsibilities have translated into success beyond the academic level as she was second runner-up in the Kansas Collegiate Journalist of the Year competition and received second place in the state in series writing, third place in single ad design and honorable mention in news photography.

“The awards show that you not only do stuff, but you do it well,” Lulf said. “It also shows that other people take note and appreciate the time you put into your work.”

Many students find it hard to stay active in school and maintain good grades, but Lulf has found a way to balance both.

“Some of it is teachers working with me, but at a certain point it results in some sleepless nights. I sacrifice time with my friends to do my activities, and they will tell you they hate the paper because I’m always there.”

Lulf will graduate with an associate degree in business.

She will be a pre-pharmacy major at University of Kansas next fall, and many see her future as being bright.

“I think she’ll be successful in whatever she wants to do,” Reed said.

Lulf wants continue in journalism and has applied to be on the staff of the University Daily Kansan.

Her can-do attitude will likely have her as busy at KU as she has been at Seward.

“She is a great example, she did everything herself,” Truitt said. “She paid for her car while holding a part-time job and still working on the paper. She shows everyone that you can do it.”

Matthew Brown Rosa Campos Anabel Chavez Cristina Chavez Daniela Chavez Veronica Ciprian Kassandra Cole Rosa De Leon Jose Del Real Charles Delay Ana Dominguez Jett Eder Brenda Erives Kyrie Esarey Melissa Ford Cedric Franklin Lisa Friesen Maria Galan Diana Gill Layne Greeson Mitchell Grover Thiago Guilherme Sherrie Harrison Brie Heaton Michael Hernandez Steven Hooks Stephannie Jones Rockendra Khemraj Kasey Krueger Emmanuel Lara Alyssa Larson Santiago Leon Virginia Loewen Lacy Longest Jessica Lulf Jesus Manriquez Phillip Martinez Trenton Martinez Idania Medina Arlette Mendez Ivan Michelli Yates Musgrove Chelsea Myers David Nieto Timothy Ochoa Alexie Olds Santos Ornelas

9

GRADUATION

10 CRUSADER SPECIAL

SCCC/ATS Candidates for Graduation

Associate of Science Edlin Ortiz Jennifer Owens Jose Padilla Hector Peralta Amanda Pierson Cory Rash Shaun Rice Claudia Rivero Caio Rodrigues Elizabeth Rohloff Sam Rucker Cara Russell Ethan Schiltz Kevin Schultz Mackenzie Scott Landy Seger Jelena Simic Kimberly Siroky WonJae Son Valerie Stevens Austin Vanderwork Juliana Vilas Boas Jared Wagner Ami Wang Nikki White KayLonni Williams Sean Williams Fabiola Wisnesky Chelsea Pipkin Jessica Gokey Cindy Madsen Martin Nevarez Kristin Holtorf Certificate/Auto Body Collision Repair Ernesto Benitez Octavio Gomez Timothy McCulley Skyler McKinley Vietnam Nguyen Steven Olds Joshua Pearson

May 2009

Crusader photos/Jessica Gonzales

Courtesy photo

Thiago Guilherme makes plays for the Saints basketball team.

Rick Brenneman, Melissa Brenneman, Thiago Guilherme and Blake Brenneman take a family picture together at the Saints Athletic Banquet May 1. Guilherme received two standing ovations after giving a speech at the banquet.

Thiago Guilherme Thiago speaks to the heart of American friends Jessi ca Lul f Editor

Two years ago, when Thiago Guilherme stepped off the plane from Brazil, he knew very little English, he did not have a host family and his knowledge of Liberal was that it was located in Kansas.

Guilherme was most worried about how much English he could speak and where he would live. A local family, the Brennemans, helped resolve Guilherme’s living situation.

Unsure of committing to a student for an entire school year, the Brenneman’s agreed to host Guilherme for a couple months while a family was found for him for the rest of the school year.

Things turned out a little differently than they had planned.

Guilherme has stayed with the Brennemans since.

“He just fit into our family,” Rick Brenneman, Guilherme’s American dad said. “He became a part of us so quickly.”

Guilherme is very thankful for the way things worked out with his host family.

“I thank God everyday for my American family.”

Guilherme came to Liberal to play basketball for Seward County Community College/ Area Technical School. During his freshman year, he was red shirted due to injuries.

This year Guilherme tried out for the team and made it. According to

head basketball Coach Brian Zollinger, Guilherme played a defensive role for the team this year.

“He was able to play a role where he brought a lot of defensive toughness to our team,” Zollinger said.

Guilherme has also worked at the cafeteria at the college.

“Every time anyone goes to the cafeteria,Thiago is at the cafeteria to take your money or whatever he

“I don’t know that we could have found or had a better person in our home for the two years.”

— Rick Brenneman about Thiago Guilherme Associate of Science, Business Administration

has to do. He’s always got a good morning for you. He is always shaking hands and smiling,” Rick said. “When people meet Thiago, they meet Thiago.”

One aspect Guilherme brings to the things he does is a positive outlook.

“I try to make everybody happy,” Guilherme said. “My American mom Melissa says I’m always happy, but that’s how it works.”

Guilherme is graduating from the college with an associate degree in business administration.

For next year he has signed with Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla., to play basketball. The appeal of NWOSU to Guilherme is its closeness to Liberal.

“It's close to Liberal so I can always come home and visit people from college,” Guilherme said.

“Everything worked out quickly. I think God wants me to go there.”

May 2009

GRADUATION

CRUSADER SPECIAL11

SCCC/ATS Candidates for Graduation

Yates Musgrove “I do what I have to do to keep them playing.”

— Yates Musgrove Associate of Science, Biology

Crusader photo/Shelby Rundell

Yates Musgrove rides the mechanical bull at Dorm Palooza on Wednesday night as Jamie Gilbert and Kade Kauk watch in the background. Musgrove also participated in the Tug-O-War competition to finish off the events.

Mother influences career choice for student

Rusti n Watt Sports editor

An athlete basically all of his life, Yates Musgrove left the playing field after high school to attend Seward County Community College.

Musgrove grew up in Hugoton and graduated from Hugoton High School. He played football, basketball, and track throughout high school and was an all district honorable mention in both football and basketball.

One of Musgrove’s favorite memories from high school was a single baseline play in a basketball game.

“Sophomore year we had a trick play we named ‘dee-da-dee’ and it was a baseline play,” Musgrove said. “We were playing Leoti and it was a JV game at that point. I had two quarters with JV I could play because I also had to play for varsity, and we were tied and it was fourth quarter. We had it on the baseline and the play was, I sprint out and dive on my stomach and start barking like a dog, then we’d throw it in and cash a three.

Everybody looked, and they threw it in to my teammate who missed

the three, so I went in and rebounded it and put it up for a two-pointer. We got ahead but after that, the other team was just kind of morally defeated. They just couldn’t do anything. We jumped out about 15-points on them after that. That was pretty fun.”

Musgrove got offers to play football but most of the places were too far away or too expensive. Seward County was where he found home after deciding he’d like to stay close to home and near his mother, Pam Musgrove.

He was going to attend Seward on a presidential scholarship, but that fell through. However another opportunity presented itself in the form of a sports medicine scholarship. Musgrove was already used to being around injuries since his mother is an RN. This is where many Seward County alumni have gotten to know Musgrove outside of the classroom.

From being an athlete in high school Musgrove knew what many athletes feel and think and brought that into the trainers’ room.

“I do what I have to do to keep them playing,” Musgrove said. “I

don’t really follow the guideline book all the time.

“I remember being there. I’ve had a lot of injuries where I didn’t get treatment and played through it, so I know that kind of mentality. A lot of athletes will get hurt, but don’t want to sit out. I do what I can to make it safe for them to play. At least safer than what it was.”

Being around his mother has impacted Musgrove in becoming a trainer and also going to Kansas State University for pre-med.

Musgrove isn’t sure what area he wants to really focus on but is looking into radiology.

Not only has Musgrove got some medical background from his mom but also from being the average daredevil child. One of Musgrove’s favorite things as a child was playing with friends and sometimes what seems like a good or funny idea goes sour.

“I played with my friends a lot and wound up in the hospital a few times as a child,” Musgrove admitted.

Musgrove’s mother Pam realized something about him at young age.

“I just don’t think he really realized danger or cared about doing something that may be dangerous; he was a pretty fearless child,” Pam said.

Musgrove has been active at Seward County and has taken part in many intramurals. Musgrove’s team won the water balloon dodgeball competition last year.

Musgrove also took part in the recent Rockband competition and fundraiser.

Musgrove has been an R.A. in the dorms as well and has kept good standing academically at Seward after being salutatorian in high school.

“Yates is just really responsible,” Student Living Center manager, James “KoKo” Davis said. “I just don’t really have to ask him to do anything he’s already doing it or he’s calling me asking what he can do before I even think of asking him, he takes the initiative.”

Musgrove will be headed to KState in the fall and begin on the road to become a doctor, radiologist or whatever he chooses in the pre-med program.

Hector Perez Lara Matthew Purvis Martin Rosales Jr. Calvin Unruh Automotive Business Management Jesus Becerril Carlos Ibarra Automotive Mechanics Technology Brandin Aragon Jose Arredondo Ebeneser Gonzalez Francisco Gonzalez Guadalupe Hermosillo

Rafael Macias Kristopher McCune Rafael Ortiz Richard Piedra Tanner Rice Freddy Rodriguez Oscar Rosales Cristhian Sianuqui Rodolfo Valenzuela Business Admin Tech Adriana Alfaro Evelin Espinosa Construction Trades Ismael Ruiz Cosmetology Maria Alvarado Kimberlee Breuer Luz Castillo Onika Davis Luz Hernandez Lori Montoya Megan Nickel Alyse Ownbey Brenda Peralta Stephanie Piper

GRADUATION

12 CRUSADER SPECIAL

Larissa Arnold

Honor Symbols

Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic effort are entitled to wear various honor symbols.

All students designated as cum laude, 3.5-3.64 GPA; magna cum laude, 3.65-3.84 GPA; or summa cum laude, 3.854.00 GPA, will wear gold honor cords to graduation. All TRiO graduates will wear green honor cords. Those in Phi Theta Kappa will wear gold stoles.

May 2009

Crusader photo/ Tyler Savely

Larissa Arnold and her son Adam laugh as Adam plays with a graduation tassel. Arnold will graduate Saturday with plans to move on to Iowa State.

Student mother graduates with motivation from son Tyler Savely Crusader staff

Larissa Arnold is an artist, a musician and a psychology major, and she is also an excellent student, a soon-to-be graduate and a mother.

Arnold gave birth to her son Adam a few days before Christmas 2007. Adam was a surprise baby, coming into the world only two weeks after the discovery of his conception. It was a rare case in which none of the tell-tale signs of pregnancy were apparent, and when it was found that she was pregnant, it was a tremendous shock to the entire family.

However, where most families may have been scared or upset, Arnold and family could only be nervous and excited.

They were not nervous for Adam, and why should they be with a family as tight-knit and supportive as their own? No, they were nervous for Larissa.

“We were worried that maybe she wouldn’t finish college,” said Arnold’s mother, Cindy Arnold.

So far, Larissa has done an exceptional job of eradicating those doubts.

Larissa is a motivated person,

“(Being a parent) is pretty difficult, but it helps, too. It keeps me motivated and level headed.”

— Larissa Arnold Associate of Arts, Psychology

according to Debbie Stafford, counselor and psychology instructor.

“She is extremely motivated, goal oriented, and possesses a strong desire to succeed. She is an extremely insightful, intelligent young lady,” Stafford said.

Stafford said Larissa demonstrates an ability to think critically and evaluate information in a scholarly manner. Larissa displays a maturity level beyond her age, according to Stafford, and enhances the classroom discussions with a refreshing approach to controversial topics.

Growing up in Hugoton, Larissa showed signs of being a caring and giving person. She was

the kid that went trick-or-treating with her siblings every Halloween, and at the end of the night, gave them all of her candy, just because.

She grew up an artistic and creative child, always doodling and drawing, among other artistic endeavors.

To this day, she plays guitar and piano, though she claims to be not quite as good as her fiancée, and Adam’s father, Chris Reyes.

Going to college while fulfilling her role as a parent has offered some challenges.

“It’s pretty difficult, but it helps too. It keeps me motivated and level headed.”

To make time for Adam and allow herself more time to devote

to being a parent, Larissa takes both campus and online classes.

This affords her more time with one of the most central parts of the family’s life, little wide-eyed Adam.

“Oh my gosh, he means everything. He’s a wonderful, smart child,” Cindy said.

Next fall, Larissa and Chris plan to move to Ames, Iowa, where Larissa will attend college at Iowa State University.

She will major in psychology with the hopes of one day being a clinical psychologist. She is nervous about taking Adam to college with her, but also excited to be leaving the bland Kansas countryside behind, and on to a new life.

Her family plans to visit them at least once every three months, a testament to how close they are.

With the support of her family, her fiancée, and the wise-beyondher-years grasp of what is important that Adam provides her, she falter.

As Stafford put it, “Larissa has been truly impressive with regards to her ability to juggle the responsibilities of raising a child along with the academic rigors of a full course load.”

GRADUATION

May 2009

Jett Eder

Jett Eder, a member of the livestock judging team, poses with his AllState Academic Team award that he received this past year.

Eder has place high in judging events in-state as well as in Kentucky and Minnesota.

Crusader photo Shelby Rundell

Top livestock judger set to graduate with honors Ashl ey Hi nes Crusader staff

This year Seward County will graduate some of its top athletes and top students, but they will also graduate a few of their top judgers.

Jett Eder has been a successful judger for Seward County’s livestock judging team as well as a top student.

Eder was rarely out of the top 10 during his two-year reign at Seward County and also was the sixth high individual at the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minn., and the fifth high individual in reasons at the NAILE in Louisville, Ky., and finished his career the high point individual on the SCCC 2008-09 livestock judging team.

Eder also did well in the classroom, he will graduate Seward County with summa cum laude honors. Earlier this year, he was nominated to the All-Kansas Academic Team and nominated to the National Academic Team. Eder was involved in organizations such as Block and Bridle, Phi Theta Kappa, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and of course the livestock judging team.

The Sharon Springs native plans to attend Oklahoma State

“Jett is the kind of kid you wish you had a hundred just like him.”

— Ryan Orrick on Jett Eder Associate of Science, Pre-Vet

University to judge livestock and complete his bachelor’s in animal science with a minor in biotechnology.

“I’m going to miss the personal contact that you can develop with the instructors at SCCC. Going on to the next level, I don’t know that I will be able to call or e-mail a professor to get help on a particular problem over the weekend, which here, was a definite option.

The instructors here will bend over backwards to help you when you seek it out and I will certainly miss their willingness to see you succeed,” Eder said.

The hardest part of college for Eder is a common emotion for most college students.

“The most difficult aspect of college life for me was to keep moti-

vated and get to class. Life as a student goes so much easier when you appropriate your time for class regardless of how tired you feel or how boring or tedious the subject matter,” Eder said.

Eder says that aside from his internal motivation to succeed, that his drive and motivation came from his parents.

“My parents have instilled within me a desire to achieve excellence to the best of one’s talents and abilities, and to me, graduating with honors is simply using my Godgiven abilities to the fullest,” Eder said.

Eder recognizes his livestock coach Ryan Orrick as the professor that impacted him the most.

“He has taught me, and my teammates, many lessons not only

about evaluating livestock, but also life,” Eder said. “From him, I have learned that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose—but regardless of the outcome keep your head high, keep it fun, dust yourself off and never quit working to make yourself better.”

Orrick admires Eder for his passion and for all he does in return.

“His character is above reproach,” Orrick said. “He is disciplined in everything that he does.

He is mature and remains true to what he believes in.”

“Jett is the kind of kid you wish you had a hundred just like him.

He was passionate about livestock judging. He worked hard and was very talented. Jett did a great job judging for me and was one that we had to count on to put up a good score.”

Eder works hard to prove himself as a winner. He believes that working hard is all that a person can do.

“Often the difference between the winner and the loser is a little luck and a lot of work. You can’t control the luck, so make sure you do the work,” said Eder.

Eder will walk the stage at SCCC/ ATS on May 11 to receive an Associate of Science degree.

CRUSADER SPECIAL 13

SCCC/ATS Candidates for Graduation

Cosmetology Mayra Renteria Guadalupe Rosales S. Sandoval Maggi Stavig Olivia Valenzuela Desiree Ward Crystal Zirkel Diesel Technology Nathan Hartnett Dustin Johnson Sean Martinez Drafting Jesus Garcia Juan Gonzales Jorge Lopez Xavier Mandujano Heating and Air Conditioning Blake Hill Christian Hinojosa Joel Jaquez Carlos Nunez Scott Shultz Levi Sturges Jesus Vega Zachary Wester Fernando Zabala Machine Tool Technology Matthew Artho Juan Flores Jonathan Webster Emmanuel Zapien Medical Assistant Shelby Banning Sara Casas Maria Godinez Asusena Holguin Danessa Ramirez Araceli Reyes-Barrera

Practical Nursing Mirella Buchman Josiah Cervantes Maria Chavez

GRADUATION

14 CRUSADER SPECIAL

SCCC/ATS Candidates for Graduation Practical Nursing Erica DeSantos Ruth Edwards Melissa Glass Laura Gomez

May 2009

Student of the Year candidates

Amy Hanning-Wright

Brie Heaton Leah Hillman Melissa House Micaela Luck Jose Maldonado Elizabeth Mercado Marla Newton Chelsea Pipkin Raquel Reyes Farrah Robinson Amanda Sallaska Quianne Schmidt Allison Stokes Tammie Thompson Brandy Tran Nichole Varner Yolidia Villezcas Jamie West Surgical Technology Ashley Davis Angela Hawk Lexi Honey Nelly Isidoro LaSasha Lira Tina McIntyre Martha Ramirez Welding Cory Bransgrove Juan Cerda Omar Chairez DeWayne Collins Manuel Delgado Fabian Enriquez Miguel Esparza German Garcia Justin Hagerman Rey Lujan Julian Martinez

Rachel McDonald

Major: Elementary Education Degree: Associate of Arts Where are you going: Oklahoma Panhandle State University Activities: CMC, Choir, Board Member for Liberal Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Service Offices held: President of CMC and Vice President of SGA Major accomplishments: Singing in Carnegie Hall in NYC

Sergio Padilla

Major: Psychology Degree: Associate’s of Arts Where are you going: Wichita State University Activities: Choir, Men’s Ensemble, HALO, PTK Offices held: President of HALO, Treasurer of PTK Major accomplishments: AllKansas Academic Team Member

Jessica Lulf

Major: Business/ Pre-pharmacy Degree: Associate of Science Where are you going: University of Kansas Activities: Crusader, PTK, TRiO, SGA Offices held: Crusader- Ad Manager, Online Editor, Editor; PTK- President Major accomplishments: KACP Journalist of the Year Second Runner up; TRiO Student of the Year

Karen Brown

Major: Biology Degree: Associate of Science Where are you going: No final decision yet! Soon!

Activities: Women’s Basketball, PTK Offices held: Vice President – PTK Major accomplishments: Jamie Talbert Award, President’s Honor Roll

Instructor of the Year candidates

Lori Geis Vocal Music

Katy Redd

Cristy Mulanax

Behavioral Science

Criminal Justice

Before students left for Easter break, they were given the opportunity to nominate instructors for the Instructor of the Year award.

Students completed a form stating the teacher that they wanted to nominate and a brief explanation of why they felt the instructor deserved the award.

After the instructors were nominated Wade Lyon sent them a letter informing them of the nomination and those who were interested could reply back explaining their education history and other information.

The Student Government Association narrowed the instructors down to three from those who returned forms.

A committee of SGA students interviewed the final three instructors. The committee then voted on the instructor that they felt deserved the award. The award will be presented at graduation.

GRADUATION

May 2009

CRUSADER SPECIAL 15

Tennis

Softball Courtesy photo

Antigoné Lowery and head coach Darin Workman celebrate at the national tennis match in Tucson, Ariz. The team ended its run at No. 21.

Tennis truly a team sport Anti goné Lowery Crusader columnist

Tennis, unlike all other sports at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, is an individual sport in many ways. We tennis players must rely on ourselves on the court (with the exception of playing of doubles) if we want to win.

However, in order to truly succeed on the court, we must act as a team off of the court.

The common phrase “there’s no ‘I’ in team” is a bit cliché, but also true in more ways than one.

Coming to SCCC/ATS, I had no idea how important it would be for our women’s team to support one another in order to get past regionals so that we could make it to the national tournament in Tucson, Ariz.

Supporting one another with simple gestures such as saying “good job” or “you can do it,” is all it really took for us to pull through at the regional tournament to qualify for nationals, because our support was earnest and humble.

Despite a few unexpected losses, we were able to gather enough confidence and determination to stay focused throughout our last matches in order to qualify for nationals by half a point.

It truly was a team effort, and, while I can only speak for myself, I don’t think I would have become regional champion or that we would have made it to nationals if we had not supported one another wholeheartedly.

College tennis, at least for me, was in many ways all about competing, but as I have come to the end of my freshman year having played in a national tennis tournament as a regional champion, I realize that it has brought more than just competition.

Playing college tennis has helped me to develop friendships with my teammates, and even competitors, while also helping me to gain confidence that I didn’t even realize I had.

I began my freshman year playing safe and with very little confidence. With the help of my coaches and their honest, yet fair critiquing, and the support of my teammates, I have become a more relaxed and confident player both on and off of the court.

While I will be the first to admit that I have much more work ahead of me to become a better tennis player, I will also be the first to say that the help I have been given and continue to get from my coaches and that I received from my sophomore teammates is the reason why I believe in myself as much as they believe in me.

College tennis may not be described or looked at as a team sport, but players must act as a team off of the court in order to succeed on it.

Only this year have I learned that, but now I will always believe it. n Editor’s note: The Lady Saints tennis team ended its season with a No. 21 National Ranking.

Courtesy photo

Lady Saints softball celebrates after winning the regional championship in Pratt on Monday, May 4. The Lady Saints will travel to the National Tournament in St. George, Utah, Monday morning. First round play will begin Thursday.

Softball strikes hot in regionals, earns first shot at national title Wi l l Rector Crusader staff

The Seward County Community College Lady Saints softball team were named Region VI Champions in Pratt Monday night.

The Lady Saints entered the Region VI Tournament as the number one seed and proved that they deserved the honor as the first three rounds were played in Wichita at Two Rivers Sports Complex and the semi-final and final rounds were played in Pratt due to weather.

The Lady Saints received a bye for the first round of play and faced Colby in their first game and won 3-1. The Lady Saints then faced Garden beating them 6-0 knocking them into the losers bracket and giving themselves a place in the championship game facing Garden City.

Courtney Auger got the start for the Lady Saints and was as solid as she has been all season by giving up two earned runs on four hits and struck out 12 bringing her season record to 23-5-1 (9-1-1) and 243 strikeouts.

Shelby Casey was one for three in the game with two RBIs, Marisa Coats was one for one with an RBI, and Jill Rodgers added an RBI to the Lady Saints box score.

The Lady Saints will now travel to the NJCAA National Tournament for their first time in the program’s history.

The tournament will take place in St. George, Utah. They will be leaving Monday morning on the long road trip and will play their first round at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Thursday.

SIFE headed to Philadelphia for national competition Contributed to Crusader

Students in Free Enterprise graduates will make a brief appearance at graduation, but a ticket to compete at nationals will have the students walking across the stage and out the door Saturday, as they will leave graduation early in order to

meet a plane in Wichita.

From there, the group will go to national competitions in Philadelphia, Pa. The opening ceremonies will be Sunday night, with competitions Monday and Tuesday.

The final round is Tuesday afternoon, with awards that night.

SIFE sponsor Kim Thomas and the students will return home Wednesday.

The seven SIFE members who are graduating this year include Yessenia Pacheco, Layne Greeson, Jessica Gokey, Kasey Krueger, Billie Adkison, Claudia Rivero and Valerie Stevens.

16 CRUSADER SPECIAL

GRADUATION

May 2009

Presidential Scholars Earlier this year, some presidential scholars and ambassadors showed their hops for Crusader photographer Shelby Rundell.

Presidential scholars are the top academic students from their high schools who attend Seward County Community College/Area Technical School. Presidential scholars attend college with full academic scholarships.

Pictured, from left, are Will Rector, Edgar Rosales, Stephanie Boaldin, Karla Ortiz, Melissa Isaac, Shaley Thomas, Jose Del Real, Martin Monarrez, and Chris Chambers. Presidential scholars who will graduate in 2009 include Ashley Davis, Jose Del Real, Lisa Friesen, Melissa Isaac, Victoria Jacob, Virginia Loewen and Alyse Ownbey.

Crusader photo/Shelby Rundell

The 2008-09 Crusader staff appreciates the support of our contract advertisers: Gold

First National Bank The High Plains Daily Leader The Times

Silver

Panhandle Oilfield Service Saints Bookstore Southwest Medical Center The Community Bank

Bronze

Southgate 4

Basic

Al Shank Insurance Ayr Lanes Birthline Carroll Auto Glass Doctors of Optometry Edward D. Jones Elite Motors Farm Credit Hay Rice & Associates Heritage Realty Jury Farrar & Associates KSCB Radio Mortgages Unlimited Optical 20/20 Scantlin’s Furniture SCCC Cosmetology SGA Southern Office Supply Sunflower Bank Tek Style

Custom

Bumper to Bumper C Dean Riney

Graduation Events Event

Time

Nursing Capping and Pinning

7:30 p.m., Friday, May 8

Graduation begins

10 a.m., Saturday, May 9

Phi Theta Kappa breakfast Reception

Graduation for Kansas State High School Diploma candidates

Location

Gymnasium

8 a.m., Saturday, May 9

SU214 East/West

4 p.m., Saturday, May 9

SCCC Cafeteria

11:45 a.m., Saturday, May 9

Gymnasium Courtyard

Frahm to address graduates Contributed to Crusader

Sheila Frahm, former executive director of the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees, will be the speaker for 38th annual graduation at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9 in the SCCC/ATS gymnasium.

Frahm grew up in Western Kansas as a “farm kid”, married her childhood sweetheart, Ken, and raised three children.

Throughout her professional and political career, Frahm, a Fort Hays State University graduate, has always worked with educational issues and helped form policy: local school board member, State Board of Education; Kansas Senate as Majority Leader and Vice

Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

Frahm also chaired the Governor’s Public Education Advisory Commission for Governor Hayden and served as the education “point person” while Lt. Governor with Gov. Graves. Sheila also served in the United States Senate following the resignation of Sen. Bob Dole when he ran for president.

This year, Frahm retired as executive director of the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees. She notes she was in a great place during exciting times in Kansas Higher Education. Community colleges play an important role for Kansas’ students and she has enjoyed helping them have a united and strong voice.

Shelia Frahm