Richland Chronicle May 5th, 2020

CHRONICLE Richland

Vol. XLVI Issue 29 May 5, 2020

A weekly student publication

Faculty artists take on ‘Social Distancing’ Pg. 6

• Finding ways to have fun at home • Finding • RLC • RLC wrestler ‘cradles’ scholarship RichlandStudentMedia.com

Richland Student Media Media

@RLCStudentMedia

Pg. 5 Pg. 7 Richland Student Media

2 COVID-19

May 5, 2020

Photo ChronicleTV

Chancellor Joe May addresses the distict in a virtual town hall meeting April 30.

The district adapts online to ongoing COVID-19 challenges

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Jack Ramirez Bernal

Maniging Editor In his second town hall meeting in two weeks, Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) Chancellor Joe May reassured students, faculty and staff that the administration is doing all it can to anticipate and address their needs while campuses remain closed.

“That’s kind of the challenge today,” May said during his April 30 virtual town hall, which was moderated by Dr. Justin Lonon, the district’s executive vice chancellor.

“Every leader of every organization has to really weigh what’s happening within their own sphere of influence and make the best decisions possible. And for us, that includes employees, as well as students, as well as community members.”

May and his leadership team, much as they did during his last town hall on April 16, discussed how the district is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced the district, colleges and universities around the nation to shift to online learning in March.

The topics included the district’s communication and organization during the pandemic, and how students will be engaged and evaluated in their academic development.

In a survey given to roughly 900 employee participants at the end of the April 16 town hall, a majority agreed that “the frequency of the communication was sufficient and that the communication helps [them] feel informed,” said Sherri Enright, the district’s chief human resources officer.

In addition, 35% of the participants said they faced no challenges by having to work from remote locations; 75% said that they could maintain working from home for three or more months; 97% said they were confident of having the right support network, Enright said.

Still, with the coronavirus shelter-in-place mandates in place for about seven weeks, some district employees are beginning to worry about how that may affect them and their paychecks in the future.

“Certainly, we are going to do our best to inform then and advise [the members of the Board of Trustees] in what we think is the best way to support our employees going forward,” May said. “In the meantime, payroll

will continue as planned for all employees.

There’s not going to be any disruption from that.”

At the chancellor’s recommendation, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution May 5 “continuing wage payments to all regular full-time employees – contractual and noncontractual, salaried and non-salaried, as well as part time staff and those adjunct faculty who have been assigned to teach [at least one] class through the end of the current fiscal year (Aug. 31, 2020).”

Regarding students, especially those working to meet the requirements for college admission and those studying for the summer semester, Brookhaven College President Dr. Linda Braddy said that faculty has been more flexible in both testing procedures and requirements as students may not have the equipment to participate in online, live proctoring.

Since the district has decided to hold all summer classes online, Braddy said, it’s important for students and their instructors to be on the same page about requirements for classes, and for academic deans and vice presidents to provide class options that do not require specific technology.

“Faculty are deeply concerned about how students are making it in this environment,” Braddy said. “Faculty have been incredibly flexible in determining how to evaluate student progress and to award grades in their classes this spring semester.”

Students who needed to drop or withdraw from a class since the district shifted to online learning after spring break will automatically get a 100% tuition refund with no need to file a request or appeal the process, she said.

Additionally, Braddy said that any W, or class withdrawal, will not be counted against the student’s limit of six withdrawals during their undergraduate career.

For enrollment requirements and testing, such as the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment, Braddy said that the Coordinating Board is allowing colleges and universities to waive the TSI requirements for both summer and fall registration. The alternative will be based on holistic advising and academic measurements such as high school GPA, overall GPA and grades in related content for math and English.

The full version of the article can be read at www.richlandstudent.media.com

May 5, 2020

Texas economy reopens amid new spike in COVID-19 cases Dave Freeman Staff Writer

The number of COVID-19 cases in Texas continues to rise just days after Gov. Greg Abbott issued Phase 1 of his plan to reopen the state economy on May 1. According to The Associated Press (AP), the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has exceeded 1,000 for the fourth consecutive day as of May 3, with at least 20 deaths reported.

Those numbers are raising the concerns of medical professionals and retailers who are anxious to keep their businesses open amid a record number of filings with the Texas Workforce Commission.

Dr. Susan Ellen Kohl is the assistant medical director for care coordination at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas and a restaurateur.

She owns the restaurant/bar Revelers Hall in the Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff.

“COVID-19 has been my life for the past six weeks, 16 to 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Coordination between departments when bed space and supplies are in limited quantities has been one of the biggest challenges in my professional life,” Kohl said.

“Abbott’s plan is sound, if the data supports it and widespread testing to back it up, but the issue has been politicized. Politics, not science, are driving the governor’s decisions.”

Dallas County officials reported 234 new COVID-19 cases and one death on May 3, a new single-day record. Phase 1 of Abbott’s plan allowed restaurants, retailers, malls and

movie theaters to operate at 25% capacity with a second phase of the process planned for mid-May. Elected officials have been critical of Abbott’s move, which overrides anything ordered by local leaders. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued a county shelter-in-place order that was to extend through May 15.

Now his hands are tied in the matter.

“I believe we – local, state and federal officials – can work together to protect public health and carefully open the economy. We must be fully committed to following the science so we minimize the risk of a second wave of COVID-19 that could force us backwards,” Jenkins said on Twitter, April 17.

Abbott and Jenkins have had past public conflicts throughout the crisis on both policies and enforcement. City leaders throughout the state who took a similar approach find themselves in related circumstances.

“The governor should be thanking Judge Jenkins for taking the flak and doing the right thing and preventing Dallas from rapidly escalating in cases,” Kohl said. “I’m afraid with the latest data and without that buffer we’re throwing away the effort and sacrifice of the past several weeks.”

According to AP, the Texas Restaurant Association stated that only half of its members planned to reopen when the ban expires.

Labor leaders say the new order doesn’t go far enough to protect workers, including a distribution of personal safety equipment and legal protection from retaliation should they report safety violations.

COVID-19/CAMPUS 3

Photo The Associated Press

Shoppers wear masks at Galleria Dallas during Phase 1 reopening of the economy.

“Workers should not have to choose between their livelihoods and their physical safety in a workplace,” Ricky Levy, president of the Texas AFL-CIO told AP. “I hate keeping my doors closed, but for safety and financially for my employees or me, it doesn’t make much sense to open for at best 25% occupancy. Changes are coming to the industry, and I understand the eagerness to get back to normal, but normal is going to be different now,” Kohl said.

The reopening of the Texas economy comes after the Texas Workforce Commission has paid out over $2.7 billion to 1.93 million Texas workers since March 14. Abbott said that unemployment will still be available to workers who meet certain criteria, including lack of child care, being at high risk for illness Photo Courtesy Revelers Hall or living with those who have been exposed to Revelers Hall implements outdoor seating to follow social distancing guidelines. the virus, according to AP.

Nabeela Iqbal Staff Writer

“Believe survivors. Advocacy is important, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and the disabled,” said Dawn Townsend, survivor and founder of the Let It Dawn On You Empowerment Foundation during a sexual assault discussion panel.

Townsend was the host of an online program April 28, which was followed by a panel discussion with representatives from SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Department from Texas Health Resources and Richland counselor Ellicia Money on April 30.

The two-part program was organized by the Office of Student Life (OSL) and Campus Activities Board (CAB) at Richland. Both events were held online and offered students the opportunity to ask questions. They were presented as part of Richland’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming.

The April 30 panel focused on how to how to help victims of trauma and resources available to victims and survivors, especially during a pandemic.

“We always see a spike in sexual assault cases for both kids and adults, during vacation time or the summer months,” said Allen. “Specifically, when it comes to children, summertime, any type of break they have when there aren’t any extra eyes on them. In a time like this, when they are sheltered and staying home, because of the quarantine we’ve seen a rise earlier in the year.”

According to Allen, in the United States, about 20.5 million people, including women, men and children have been sexually assaulted. The chances of women being sexually assaulted are 1 in 6, while for men it is 1 in 33. About 44% of children under 18 face sexual assault.

Townsend, in the April 28 discussion, spoke about her experience as a victim and survivor.

She discussed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how to identify different symptoms and triggers that a survivor might experience.

“The definition of PTSD has to do with mental trauma,” Townsend said. “However, it is important to understand it is not just mental, but also physical and I think that a lot of people don’t realize that it takes a lot out of a person.”

PTSD has a lot to do with the five senses;

touch, taste, hearing, smell and sight, Townsend said. All can be triggers and cause symptoms.

There are four main categories in which PTSD can be categorized. Clinically speak-

“It’s a heavy topic, just the sexual assault part of it, but we need to spread awareness and educate people on this.”

- Dawn Towsend ing, that is re-experiencing, avoidance and hyper arousal, although not necessarily sexually. It can be emotional and through negative thoughts and beliefs. Women are twice as likely to show symptoms and show higher sensitivity to stimuli. Most of it happens after a sexual trauma.

“I still have triggers that I have to deal with

and acknowledge: anxiety, nightmares, trauma and stress; that is all PTSD,” said Townsend.

Both programs stressed the importance of safe platforms where sexual assault victims can discuss their trauma and learn to rebuild their lives following the experience.

“Safe platforms for communication about the experiences and life after the experiences is really important,” Townsend said. “I think these platforms are important because it’s so untalked about. It’s a heavy topic, just the sexual assault part of it, but we need to spread awareness and educate people on this.”

Students are encouraged to seek help for themselves or others if ever faced with a situation where they or someone they know has been sexually assaulted. Resources are available all across the country and no one is ever alone in their path to recovery.

Students can contact the Richland counseling center through email at Counseling-RLC@ dcccd.edu. Resources outside of campus include: The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA): www.taasa.org/resources/covid19 , Texas Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS): www.dfps.state.tx.us/

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Providing a platform for sexual assault survivors

4 MOVIES

May 5, 2020

Embezzlement scandal leads to ‘Bad Education’ Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor “Bad Education” is a biographical crimecomedy starring Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney and Ray Romano. Kathrine Narducci figures prominently in the tale as student Sharon Katz. She exposes Janney’s Pam Gluckin, who was embezzling money for her own self gain.

Upon further investigation, it was Jackman’s Frank Tassone who was the one doing the embezzling. This movie does a credible job of showing what happens to people when they are given positions of power.

As far as roles go, this is one of the better parts Jackman has on his resume, even going back to duds and misfires like “Deception” (2008), “Pan” (2015) and the letdown that was the Gary Hart biopic, “The Front Runner” in 2011.

He is just a fun, enjoyable actor to watch.

Jackman was great as the computer hacker in the crazy-as-all-get-out “Swordfish” (2001) and “Kate and Leopold” (2001). One of his starring roles of merit was in Christo-

pher Nolan’s “The Prestige” (2006). He was aces as illusionist Robert Angier, who gets in a competitive streak with rival Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), who just wants to end up on top.

“Bad Education,” for all intents and purposes, is just an enjoyable tale that proves true life is sometimes stranger than fiction.

When the story opens, Roslyn High School was touted as the fourth best in the state. By the end of this witty and well-constructed tale, Roslyn was at the pinnacle of its prestige with top ranking in the state of New York.

Directing chores for “Bad Education” were handled by Cory Finley who helmed the little-seen “Thoroughbreds” with Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy. It was the last movie the late Anton Yelchin appeared in.

“Bad Education” is a must-see for anyone who just wants an enjoyable and engaging all-around flick. It is worth both the time and energy, since it’s just a solid piece of entertainment. So readers know, this is an HBO exclusive.

Grade B+

Photo courtesy IMDb

Hugh Jackman, left, and Allison Janney star in “Bad Education.”

“Locke & Key” (2019) – This fantasydrama-horror series deals with adventures involving a family that encounters odd twists and turns in an inherited house. Locks and keys play a significant role in the entire operation of the structure.

Streaming Edition

On Netflix.

B+

Photo courtesy IMDb

Chris Hemsworth, left, and Rudhraksh Jaiswal discuss tactics in “Extraction.”

‘Extraction’ exerts action Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor This new Netflix film is just awesome.

Chris Hemsworth, no stranger to the Marvel universe, (he played the Norse god “Thor” in 2011) takes on a new role as mercenary-forhire Tyler Rake.

Be forewarned when trying to access this title, since there is more than one in existence.

Box office star Bruce Willis was in “Extraction” in 2015, essentially a low budget tale that went direct-to-video that year. This one also starred Kellan Lutz of the various “Twilight” entries and former MIMA Gina Carrino (“Haywire,” “Fast and the Furious 6,” “Deadpool”).

That tale was a mixed bag of mediocrity, something Willis sometimes dabbles into. He likes to be looked at as an action icon, but sometimes he just misses the mark. So readers know, I gave that entry a grade of a C- when I saw it back when it came out in 2015.

Going back to the new “Extraction,” Rake is assigned with finding a terrorist’s son, who has been kidnapped in Bangladesh. He is basically just an innocent kid, albeit just born with an unscrupulous father imprisoned overseas.

Like the Keanu Reeves-led “John Wick” entries, the fluid and dynamic action fits the bill.

The violence here is in abundance, since the death toll goes off the rails before even the

“Hanna” (2019) – This

tale bears a striking resemblance to a feature of the same name with Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan. Esme CreedMiles is Hanna here. Joel Kinnaman portrays her father, Erik. Mireille Enos is Marissa, the antagonist of this well-crafted tale.

On Amazon Prime.

B

first half of the movie hits overdrive.

Like Michael Mann’s awesome-yet-flawed “Heat,” (1995) wherein the bullet-laden action set pieces were like a giant chess match in the City of Angels. The same dynamics can be applied here as well.

I think I am one of the few people in the world who doesn’t mind violence, especially when it is done in the tongue-in cheek way.

One of my best comparisons is like Nicolas Cage’s Ben Gates in “National Treasure” since he avoids becoming a part of the penal system here in the United States. It is not his bag in the very least. Mine either as well.

Hemsworth makes for an enthralling action hero. His Rake character is a flawed individual, one who even misses the passing of a son he once had.

Also cool is the appearance of David Harbour who turns at to be an ally of Rakes. People know him best as the sheriff Jim Hopper from “Stranger Things,” as well as last year’s Neil Marshall-directed “Hellboy” update.

This one is as gritty as all get out and it shows in the way this movie was shot and how it looks on the screen. This is all about the cinematography and the way everything looks on one’s television screen.

I might need to go back and see this again to ensure my status as a right and true critic, but I feel that point would just be moot.

Grade A-

“Stranger Things” (2016) – This is one

“Bosch” (2014) – Ti- “Luke Cage” (2016) –

of the better things to come out of Netflix, since it came equipped with great production values and an awesome soundtrack. I have never once skipped an episode.

tus Welliver stars in this gritty, well-made tale that centers on his character of Harry Bosch, a Los Angeles detective taking care of problems and predicaments in the “City of Angels.”

Mike Colter takes on the title role in this comic book-based tale that was one of my favorites (“Luke Cage, Hero for Hire”) growing up. So readers know, this is where actor Nicolas Cage got his name.

On Netflix.

On Amazon Prime.

On Netflix.

A

A

—Ricky Miller

B

May 5, 2020

GAMES/COLUMN 5

‘Battlefront II’ vindicated: Update engages players Jack Ramirez Bernal Managing Editor The recently released update for Electronic Arts (EA) and DICE’s “Star Wars Battlefront II: The Age of Rebellion,” adds expansive content for gamers to fight as the valiant Rebels or the mighty Empire on the beaches of Scarif from the “Rogue One” film.

I wonder, following its disastrous launch in 2016, if the current state of “Battlefront II” is worth the price, now that the developers announced that “The Age of Rebellion” would be the last major update.

I had doubts when I first purchased a copy, however, after almost a year battling in a galaxy far, far away, it has been a pleasant surprise.

“Battlefront II” is EA’s adaptation of the

Photo courtesy Ben Walke

An ISB agent looks over the battle as a stormtrooper prepares to engage an enemy ewok.

similarly titled cult classic, developed by Pandemic Studios in 2009. In it, players can fight all the major battles of the “Star Wars” franchise.

The game originally received heavy criticism due to its pay-to-win mechanics and failure to meet expectations. EA and DICE made attempts to patch the game after its release, but it was a financial and technical flop.

In efforts to make things right, the developers have been busy and have earned my respect for their passion and dedication for the franchise, the fans and the development of the game itself.

“Battlefront II” that was released in 2016 is nowhere to be seen. Everything that was originally wrong has been (mostly) resolved.

New content, such as maps, game modes, characters, weapons and customizable skins, were added for free.

The developers have also emphasized gameplay to give players an engaging playing experience.

The problem during the initial release was the broken progression system. Players who spent real-world currency had an unfair advantage and unrestrained access to game content.

Now, any optional purchases are solely intended for character appearance customization. The new progression system is experience-based, meaning the only way for players to unlock new special abilities and perks is by investing more time on the battlefield.

“Battlefront II,” in my opinion, is the game it was meant to be. It may not rise to the praise I have for the Pandemic’s version due to its tarnished reputation, but I would be lying if I denied all the fun I’ve had with the improvements EA made since the 2016 release.

The DICE investments have paid off.

From stunningly recreated worlds to vehicles and characters from the “Star Wars” universe, the fluid gameplay development is adequate for both new and experienced players.

The few faults I could find were the lightsaber combat mechanics, which can be disorienting at first; space battles that lack expansive development; and the disproportionate advantages certain characters have during gameplay. There’s also the usual bug hereand-there, but all the criticisms are dwarfed by the overall presentation that promises a solid immersion to the “Star Wars” universe.

From the moment I spent capturing and defending objectives as an infantry unit, trying to turn the tide of battle as a hero or villain from one of the three trilogies or playing the campaign story that adds a new narrative in the “Star Wars” timeline, I concluded that the current version of “Battlefront II” is a respectable successor to the original.

Like the Jedi Knight who fell into the dark side, EA’s “Battlefront II” has earned its redemption. As the saying goes, “The force is strong with this one.”

Grade B+

boredom of being home so much, after my husband and I get up and have breakfast, I take a few minutes to pick my Cash Five numbers. Most of the time I play the same ones, but I do win almost every week with at least two out of the five numbers and usually once or twice a month with three numbers out of five.

I have one complaint about The Dallas Morning News, which publishes the winning lottery numbers each day. With the Cash Five game, the numbers are old. For example, I’m

writing this on a Tuesday. Monday night’s Cash Five numbers should be listed in the newspaper since the game plays every night, but they’re not. Instead, Saturday night’s numbers are listed. There’s no excuse for this.

The Texas Lottery has drawings for other games in addition to Cash Five throughout the week, except on Sundays. One other thing: If anyone at Richland hits the jackpot, I’d like to write a story about it for the Chronicle.

Joyce Jackson Copy Editor Are you bored to tears from being trapped at home with this unexpected “invisible enemy” cast upon us? For those in the Richland community, do you miss the busy days you spent on campus with students, classmates and all the campus activities?

I know I miss it, especially campus events.

Well, here’s just one rather unconventional idea to ease the boredom of being stuck at home. For those who might want to try something new, I’d suggest having a little fun playing the Texas Lottery.

I know some of you might freak out in fear of becoming a gambling addict, but that isn’t going to happen if you have a little fun with it and play what I think is one of the best games to win on and the one I enjoy the most.

That is the game Cash Five. It’s $1 a game, so just about anyone can afford to play one card. Game slips are available at convenience stores, supermarkets and gas stations. It’s easy to play. Just pick five random numbers between 1 and 35 and that’s it. If you put the Texas Lottery app on your phone, you can check the numbers the morning after the drawing to see if you’ve won, or check the winning numbers on your computer at txlottery.org.

What I like about this particular game is

that if you can hit just two numbers out of five, you get a free game. If you happen to hit three numbers out of five, you’ll win $15, which is enough to buy a pizza or a sandwich at Subway restaurant. If you hit all five numbers, you’ll win $25,000.

You might think that you could never win such a huge jackpot, but stranger things have happened. In May, 2006, I won the Cash Five game for $30,000 by hitting all five numbers.

I picked the numbers at random and, at that time, the range to select from was 1 to 37.

The prize has since been reduced to $25,000.

I almost hit this game in 2003 when the prize was $55,000, but I missed it by one number.

When I won the $30,000, I didn’t go hog wild and buy everything in sight or spend it foolishly on more lottery tickets. First of all, they took out taxes, which was several thousand dollars. I put what was left in the bank and let it draw interest for 10 years. Finally, when my husband and I needed a new car, I used the lottery money to buy it. That’s the car we are now driving.

With a lot of people out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and so much spare time, this is just one way, other than videogames, to have a little fun. It could turn out to be very profitable too, as it was for me.

My philosophy about the lottery is, “You can’t win if you don’t play.” It’s as simple as that. That’s why I still enjoy playing. With the

Joyce Jackson fills out her Cash Five lottery card.

Photo courtesy Joyce Jackson

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Making the most of it while staying home

6 CAMPUS

May 5, 2020

Faculty art show embraces digital gallery CHRONICLE Richland

collage while some only feature a silhouette or stoic expressions.

“People are visually expressing their feelings – art we can all relate to – in ways that words alone cannot,” Coldewey said.

Other artworks replicate the artists’ personal surroundings. They include photographs of art installations incorporated into nature, such as porcelain tubes wedged between tree branches. There are also landscape paintings which can represent nostalgia for a time before the pandemic. There are also illustrations of artists’ adventures into nature during isolation.

With the rest of the spring semester “Under the Sea,” by Brenda McKinney. continuing online, Coldewey is unsure what’s to come for the Brazos Gallery, however, he has a few ideas.

He says he will install future shows in the gallery for people to experience in real-time but hopes that the virtual art shows will help people become more immersed in the arts so that “gallery attendance skyrockets,” whenever campus opens again.

“Maybe a show with tactile art would be great – art that can and should be touched. I think that would be a popular show,” he said.

Coldewey encourages students to be creative during quarantine. The Brazos Gallery has been home to the student art exhibition each semester and the “Aphorism” show, a collaboration with the philosophy department.

He said student participation is always vital and encourages students to use art as a form of self-expression to overcome adversity.

“Creativity doesn’t stop because of world events. Art doesn’t stop. Ideas don’t stop.

Creative people are driven to keep making [and] inventing. Art says ‘we can overcome adversity.’ We can move forward and still feel human.”

Coldewey plans to expand the gallery’s online presence to include the student exhibition and images from the “Aphorism” and “Bookend” shows. A photo exhibition is scheduled for the summer. “Social Distancing” is available on the Brazos Gallery page on the Richland website at, https://rlc5.dcccd.edu/gallery/socialdistancing-show-richland-art-faculty .

“Sunny Bunny,” by Charles Coldewey.

Angela Ly

Staff Writer Quarantine has not stalled the creative process of the Richland art faculty. Their new collection is on view in an online exhibition through Richland’s Brazos Gallery. The show, called “Social Distancing,” pays homage to one of the public health guidelines imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The goal is to first serve the Richland community but also to reach even more people.

The potential to reach thousands around the world is always exciting,” said gallery coordinator Charles Coldewey. “Online shows are a great resource for online art classes and another way to share the art experience with more people.”

The online interviews and artwork will be part of a permanent addition to the Brazos Gallery Coldewey said. He had been considering creating an online show for a while and the ongoing pandemic expedited the process.

“Social Distancing” features both completed artwork and works-in-progress. All reflect the personal experiences of those living under quarantine. Abstract art and sculpture made of ceramic, wood, porcelain and other materials are among the pieces in this diverse collection. The wide range of mediums helps explain the diversity of emotions and experiences each person carries with them during the crisis.

“Especially in this time of social distancing, providing a positive experience using art can be helpful for mental well-being,” Coldewey said.

The first piece features a face mask sculpture created with porcelain and elastic loops. The image of the face mask is centered between the words, “Social Distancing.”

The exhibit includes self-portraits of the artists in isolation, or with others. Some convey the emotion of the artist while others leave the viewer to interpret what is being expressed. A toothy grin can be seen in one

Know how to handle Texas reopening during COVID-19 RichlandStudentMedia.com

1. Most ____ are requiring employees to wear masks. They also have the authority to turn away customers not taking protective measures.

2.

2.

_

3.

3.

_ 4.

2. As of May 5, ____ County had the most number of cases reported in North Texas.

3. Restaurants are allowed to open at ____% capacity.

4. According to a Monday press conference by Abbott, his plan would overrule any orders at the ____ level.

Down:

1. Wearing a ____ is recommended but not a mandate.

2. Richland’s Spring and Summer term classes will remain ____.

3. Phase one is a part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to gradually reopen the state. The order lasts until ____.

Down: 1. mask 2. online 3. Mid-May Across: 1. Grocers 2. Dallas 3. twenty-five 4. local

1.

Across:

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1.

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Emeritus Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Assistant Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Photo Editor Sports Photo Editor Online/Special Projects Online/Special Projects

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ON THE COVER “Face Mask,” by Melba Northum, 2020.

Photo Courtsey: Richland Art Faculty

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May 5, 2020

Underdog strikes scholarship Bernard Cheatham Staff Writer

“It’s been especially rough since my Mom said six foot distancing includes the refrigerator!”

Staff Cartoon Jerry Weiss

COVID-19 Resources Internet access Students can apply to receive a free hot spot- https://www. dcccd.edu/services/pages/ classroom-technology.aspx

Food

North Texas Food Bank For food assitance call 1-855-719-7627 or 214-269-0906 https://ntfb.org/the-north-texasfood-banks-response-to-covid-19/ Find a food pantry near youhttps://ntfb.org/our-programs/getfood-assistance/find-a-food-pantry/ SNAP benefits- not everyone qualifies and benefits do not begin immediately https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc. texas.gov/programs/snap

Employment

Wrestler Matt Thompson poses next to Coach Neal.

he’d been waiting and hoping to get a scholarship like this one. He set his sights on the University of Jamestown after he met a coach there while he was still competing in high school.

“I applied my freshman year of high school when we went to [a] freestyle state [competition],” he said.

Thompson, who came to Richland straight out of high school in 2018, said his family is anxious about him leaving Texas for North Dakota. But he said his parents, Darcy and Randy Thompson, and his twin brother Ryan, who also wrestled at Frisco and Richland, are proud of what he’s achieved.

He said his dad, especially, “has been in my corner throughout this whole experience.”

Thompson said his big move away from his family and familiar surroundings will give him a chance to grow as a person, not just as a wrestler.

His immediate goals, he said, are simple: “Honestly, to improve my wrestling and make the most of that new experience.”

Thompson said the time he spent with the Richland wrestling program helped prepare him for the next level. Being coached and mentored by Neal was a big help.

“On the mat, he taught me how to throw and wrestle better on my feet,” Thompson said, “and off the mat, how to care more for others in life and how to be a better person.”

Neal returned the praise. He said Thompson stands out because he’s willing to put in the extra work as a wrestler and a student. He said Thompson has demonstrated great teamwork and leadership.

“Matt had a good two years at Richland in

Staff Photo Bernard Cheatham

both wrestling and in class,” Neal said, adding that Thompson even helped him do clerical work.”

Thompson for two years has helped Neal do the hard job of running and coordinating tasks for the wrestling association and the radio show. Thompson has done the sports minutes for Richland Student Media about the school’s athletic program, which lets students know what’s is going on with Richland sports teams.

One thing that Thompson struggled with early on at Richland, as a student and athlete, was a lack of confidence. He said he faced a lot of adversities when he was younger, including depression and anxiety. He got a late start in wrestling too because he lacked size and muscle tone.

Thompson admitted it was a struggle for him when he came to college to have confidence in himself so that he could do what he set out to do and believing that, with all his effort, he could handle any task that came across his path.

“Just reminding myself that I can do it because I had a lot of adversities,” Thompson said.

In high school, he worked hard to become a starter on his team. At Richland, he had to learn how to balance his studies with his passion for wrestling. He doesn’t know if he has what it takes to be a professional wrestler, but he’s open to the idea.

“Wrestling,” he said, “has given me an outlet and something I can work for.”

Right now, with a scholarship to the University of Jamestown in hand, the underdog is on top of the world.

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RichlandStudentMedia.com

Matt Thompson felt like an underdog long before he became a standout wrestler at Richland. But the ambitious young man from Frisco, who overcame low self-esteem to become a starter on his Liberty High School team, persevered and turned what once was just an “outlet” into an opportunity.

Now, James Matthew ‘Matt” Thompson, who arrived at Richland in the fall of 2018, is bound for the University of Jamestown in North Dakota on a $12,000 a year wrestling scholarship. The “Thunderduck” soon will be a “Jimmie” – the mascot of his new school.

“When I got my scholarship,” Thompson said, “I felt excited and honored that my hard work had paid off.”

He hopes his success on the mat will draw attention to other Richland wrestlers. He plans to start attending the private, four-year liberal arts school in the fall on a scholarship that requires him to stay physically healthy and prepared and also to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. It’s the sort of balancing act that Thompson is known for on and off the mat.

“Matt had a good two years at Richland in both wrestling and in class,” said Richland wrestling Coach Bill Neal.

Neal, who revived Richalnd’s once-robust wrestling program three years ago, is an inspiration to Thompson, who says he plans to major in Physical Education (K-12) with a goal of becoming a high school wrestling coach after he gets his degree. He is already dreaming of returning to his hometown of Frisco and working as a wrestling coach there. He’d like to coordinate with a community college wrestling program, too.

“Matt’s knowledge of wrestling and his ability to communicate with others will serve him well in the coaching profession,” said Neal.

Thompson is excited to start his new journey at a new school in a different state. He said

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May 5, 2020

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