The Flare, Issue 4 - Oct. 10, 2019

Thursday

Vol. 83, No. 4 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

October 10, 2019 www.theflareonline.com

Chillin’ at KC

Jennifer Ibarra / THE FLARE

From left, sophomores Joshua McGill, Mount Pleasant; Daylon Washington, Fort Worth; and Jazz Randle, Dallas, enjoy the beginning of fall temperatures in the Mike Miller Plaza this week by pulling out their hoodies. According to The Weather Channel, highs will still be in the 70s for the next two weeks, but cooler temps in the morning could be in the upper 50s on campus.

Inside: A special look at Homecomings Past; Tips on getting healthy for both your mind and body; and Entertainment opportunities around campus

PAGE 2 n THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019

Campus Calendar

News

THE FLARE

Oct 2019

Thursday, Oct. 10 LeTourneau University Recruiter 9 a.m. - Noon DSC Hallway

Major: Visualization Hometown: Kilgore Age: 17

Thursday, Oct. 10Sunday, Oct. 13 “1984” Theatre Production Times vary; see p. 5 Van Cliburn Auditorium Friday, Oct. 11 Baptist Student Ministry Craft Night 6 p.m.

Baptist Student Ministry 804 Nolen St. Saturday, Oct. 12 Fall Preview Day 8 a.m.

Multiple areas on campus Contact: Callie Blakeley, ext. 8216 Monday, Oct. 14 Homecoming Cookout 11:30 a.m.

Lee Mall / Mike Miller Plaza Contact: Ashley Mason Tuesday, Oct. 15 Final Exams for First Eight-Week Classes All day Wednesday, Oct. 16 Final Exams for First Eight-Week Classes All day

Justin Gill / THE FLARE

What was it that first got you interested in visualization?

“I’ve always loved art growing up, and I’ve watched a lot of cartoons. I always loved the animations in cartoons. I got older and found out about the animators behind my favorite cartoons, discovered the process and fell in love with it. I’ve always

thought it would be a cool job. It’s what I want to do for a living.”

What are your plans after KC? “I’ve already been accepted into and am going to Texas A&M. I’m going to go into the architecture department and get a major in Visualization. I plan after that to go into a major animation studio

Hope Poulter

like Pixar or Disney.”

What is your favorite kind of music to listen to?

“I listen to a mix of a lot of things. If it fits my mood for the day, I listen to it. I enjoy Christian music, pop music and upbeat pre-game music before a volleyball game.”

What brought you to KC? “At the moment I’m only a high school senior. I was going to need certain classes that my school didn’t offer anyway, but my junior year my school (East Texas Christian Academy) shut down. The school closing made me broaden my horizons and I managed to CLEP into college Pre-Cal, among other classes. It all has worked out for me at KC.” What do you do with your free time?

“When I’m not studying, I like to watch YouTube and paint. I’ve recently gotten into painting Pokémon cards. I like to draw, color, and really just do anything artistic. It’s all fun for me.”

What got you into playing volleyball?

“It was really the only sport that looked like fun that the school offered. I got to try it and it was really fun. Plus, I get to throw myself on the ground.

It’s just a good sport and my team is like family. Since our school dissolved, we now play

Registration underway for Ranger Preview Day in October Kilgore College will host its annual Ranger Preview Day on Saturday, Oct. 12, to give potential students an opportunity to learn more about the exciting opportunities KC offers.

The event is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about KC. Instructors will be available to answer questions at an academic and organizations fair where students and parents can learn more about financial aid, scholarships, admissions, choosing a college major, career pathways and residential life.

The admissions seminar will include information on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, TSI

and ACT/SAT testing.

Prospective students will also learn about “Focus to Finish” which breaks the mold of traditional 16-week terms – helping students to work smarter, not harder, by dividing most courses at KC into two eight-week terms.

“We are excited to have prospective students on campus,” said Chris Gore, dean of enrollment management and student success.

“The day will be a great opportunity for potential students to learn more about the college and to experience what being a Kilgore College student is all about.”

Participants can also take

guided campus tours and learn about on-campus extracurricular activities. Lunch in the Plaza is available as Food Trucks from Las Tejanitas and Sothy’s Kitchen will be parked in the Mike Miller Plaza. Ranger Café will also be open with a $6 All-You-Can-Eat Special. KC Brew will be open and both The Rangerette Showcase Museum and East Texas Oil Museum will be open as well. The KC Bookstore is also having a 25 percent off sale on clothing.

Prospective students should register for Preview Day online at www.kilgore.edu/previewday.

-KCPR

for Longview H.E.A.T. (a homeschool team) and are doing really well.”

What is your favorite food?

“I like baked potatoes and steak a lot.”

You’ve recently entered the Vans Custom Culture Shoe Design contest where people can go online and vote on your design. How did you find out about this contest?

“I saw an ad on Instagram, and I draw on my shoes all the time so I thought it would be fun to print out the blank template, put a design on it and submit it.”

Tell me about the design of the shoe.

“It has graffiti for the first part of it because I love graffiti on passing trains, which is where the colorful drips come from. I love flowers so that’s where the flower on the top comes from.

The part on the back is my favorite repeating design--the zentangle.”

What will you do if you win (besides having your shoe produced)?

“First, I will thank everyone who helped me by voting for my shoe (at custom-culture.vans. com, then search hope.poulter).

Second, I’d put the prize money toward college.”

-Compiled by Justin Gill

General Agenda 8 a.m. - Student/Guest Check-in, Dodson Auditorium 8:30-8:50 a.m. Welcome/Overview of Preview Day, Dodson Auditorium 9 a.m.-noon Info Sessions Academic/Organization Fair, Carpeted Gym Campus Tours Application Assistance, Library, 1st Floor Noon - Residential Life Info session Devall Game Room 11 a.m-1 p.m. Lunch in the Plaza

News

THE FLARE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 3

Director dedicated to keeping library lively Susan Black shares behind-the-scenes success secrets as she tackles new gig ALAIJA WILKERSON Staff Writer

S

usan Black is excited to embrace her new role as the new Library Director.

Her nine-to-five includes tasks such as budgeting, staffing, daily functioning, but the intentions she carries within herself each day are what set her aside from others.

Black has been with the KC family for 11 years and counting and strives to keep our library running and relevant, but the students are

contributing and doing their part to keep the library open and running.

“Hopefully it’s the research that brings the students into the library,” said Black, “according to our databases over 100,000 articles were pulled up for research and educational purposes by students just last year.”

Black graduated as a first-generation student working a full-time job while pregnant with her first child, while pursuing her master’s degree.

“Getting my masters changed my entire

Nadia Hill / THE FLARE

Susan Black is in the stack of books on the second floor of Randolph C. Watson Library. The newest director has been with the college for 11 years.

life,” said Black. “It opened doors to a lot more opportunities, but none of us would have jobs if it weren’t for the students. You guys are the reason this place is still open.”

It isn’t all a cakewalk for Black for she encounters challenges on the job frequently.

“My biggest challenge would probably be remembering that everyone has their internal struggles,” said Black. “I always want to try to reach out to those individuals.

You never know what someone is or has

gone through.”

She wants it to be known that she offers encouragement to those that seek it.

“The easiest part of the job would have to be developing friendships and meeting new people, seeing different faces.

It’s rewarding,” said Black.

“A word of advice that I want to leave people with, is to never give up. It’s hard, and I would know because it was hard for me, but if I would’ve quit I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Go to Kilgore College; Win a new car KC promotes prize for one student to win through new “Cruise for Success” program LUCAS STROUGH Special to The Flare Some folks in Kilgore are still wondering just what Kilgore College is up to by announcing they’ll be giving away a brand-new car to a student in 2020.

It’s true – a new KC program will let one hard-working student drive after their dreams in style with a new car in the spring semester.

At the start of the Fall 2019 semester, in August, KC launched the “Cruise for Success” program. The program allows students to earn points for completing academic milestones and other tasks – all in the hopes of winning a brand-new Chevrolet Cruze in April 2020.

The program was first announced back in April, around the time KC announced its new “Focus to Finish” program – a revamped semester schedule that divides a standard 16-week semester into two 8-week terms. This allows students with other commitments, such as jobs and families, to enroll as full-time students while only taking two courses at a time.

The new programs are part of KC’s overall plan of increasing student retention, course completion rates and preventing student “burnout”, which can occur when students are bogged down with excessive coursework, life commitments and a lack of incentives.

“The Cruise for Success incentive program is KC’s way of encouraging student success by giving students an opportunity to win prizes as a reward for doing things proven to increase overall success in college,” read a

ALUMNI CORNER statement on the KC website.

The grand prize for the program is a brand new Chevrolet Cruze courtesy of Patterson Chevrolet Kilgore inclusive of all taxes, registration, and fees, according to the KC website. (However, the recipient will be responsible for all income taxes associated with the prize.)

Monthly prizes will range from $50 to $250. Finalist prizes will range from $500 to $1,000.

Back in April, National Hot Rod Association driver and Kilgore native Steve Torrence visited KC to help launch the program.

“We couldn’t think of anyone better than Steve Torrence to help us kick this event off,” said Dr. Brenda Kays, KC President, at the time. “Steve is the perfect example of someone who has worked diligently, attained an education, persevered and has succeeded at the highest level in his chosen career field. He is a true role model for our students as they persevere and achieve success with their educational and career goals.”

Students enrolled in at least six credit-hours at KC are automatically entered into the program. To remain eligible, students must be in good academic standing and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Each point a student earns counts as one entry into the “Cruise for Success” drawing pool. Student can earn an unlimited amount of points during the school year.

Students earn points by taking classes, achieving goals

and engaging with KC. For example, a student can earn 1 point for each semester credit hour in which they enroll per semester.

They can earn 3 points for successfully completing a class with a grade of A, B or C. They can also accrue points for using student tutoring services at The Zone tutoring lab, attending cultural event or student activities, having a job on campus or being involved in an active student organization.

Lucas Strough was the Executive Editor of The Flare during the Spring 2017 semester. He is now the General Assignments reporter at the Kilgore News Herald. This article was reprinted from the KNH with permission.

Cruise for Success events for October: Oct. 10-12, 7:30 p.m. - “1984” by KC Theatre in Van Cliburn Auditorium Oct. 13, 2:30 p.m. - “1984” by KC Theatre in VCA Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Homecoming Cookout at Mike Miller Plaza/Lee Mall Oct. 18, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Homecoming Pep Rally in Masters Gymnasium Oct. 18, 8 p.m. to Midnight - Homecoming Hangout in the Devall Student Center Ballroom Oct. 19, 3 to 5:30 p.m. - Football Game: KC vs. Blinn at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium Oct. 31, 5 to 7 p.m. - Costumes and Candy at Mike Miller Plaza/Lee Mall

News

PAGE 4 n thursday, OCTOBER 10, 2019

THE FLARE

SKD English Honors Society prepares for international submission process

Technical support adapts to students’ schedule with late night hours, extra assistance

alienate individuals. Their essay will be a “personal essay or response to literary fiction, creative nonfiction, or nonfiction works.” The deadline for submissions is October 14, 2019.

“In addition to convention submissions, SKD annual writing, photography, and publication award submissions are coming up in November,” Laszik said. Additional information regarding submissions can be found on the SDK website, www.english2.org, or by contacting either of the organization’s sponsors, Stephanie Laszik and Heather Fitch.

In other news, Laszik stated that “around 300 students” are invited to join the honor society every semester. This is done through software that analyses students’ course completion and GPA’s, as well as instructors’ recruitments during classes. “SKD hold induction

KC students approaching Fall 1 Final Exams this week can turn to after-hours technical support system until midnight during the week.

The KC Help Desk rolled out its support system’s new hours over the summer with student support technicians on call from 5 p.m. to midnight, Sundays through Thursdays.

The extended hours will allow students experiencing difficulties logging on to their learning management system accounts or having other technical difficulties.

A study of student logins to Blackboard – the KC learning management portal – revealed that peak hours for using the system are from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“Thanks to our U.S. Department of Education Title III grant, we have funding to extend the technical support hours to accommodate our students’ needs at times that are most convenient to them,” said Dr. Mike Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer.

Students with technical needs can call 903-988-7522 or email helpdesk@kilgore.edu.

—KCPR

HUNTER MADEWELL Staff Writer Members of KC’s Upsilon Delta Chapter of Sigma Kappa Delta have begun working on their Student Panel Submissions for this coming March. English instructor and SKD sponsor, Stephanie Laszik, outlined the terms of this event via email, as well as, the organization’s other endeavors.

Laszik said members are working on their “abstracts to submit to SKD Student Panel Submissions for the opportunity to present in Las Vegas, N.V., March 25-29, 2020 for the annual international convention.”

As outlined on SKD’s website, members must discuss how “transforming landscapes alter communities,” and whether or not these transformations strengthen or

THE ZONE Sunday: 5 p.m.- midnight Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-midnight Friday 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

ceremonies every spring semester.

In April of 2019, we inducted 32 new members, [and] new members from May 2019 on will be inducted this coming spring,” Laszik said.

Meetings take place during Laszik’s office hours from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays, where members “are encouraged to meet with me to explore opportunities for writing awards and scholarship opportunities.”

When asked what the ultimate goal is for the organization this semester, Laszik replied, “to continue to foster a love for English and the humanities around campus. In an increasingly tech-based world, we want to ensure that students are recognized for the skills they develop in English classes and their achievements.”

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News

THE FLARE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 5

KC theatre prepares to perform ‘1984’ BAILEY KERNS Staff Writer

P

erpetual war and propaganda: two themes you would easily find in George Orwell’s novel, 1984.

These ideas will come to life on the stage of the Van Cliburn Auditorium, starting tonight and running through Sunday, Oct. 13.

The KC theatre department will put on a rendition of Orwell’s last novel, directed by theatre department’s Micah Goodding “The play is as relevant today as it was when it was written as a novel back in the 1940s,” Goodding said. “When we acquired the rights to produce it, we were one of many theaters asking for it. To me, that was so affirming because we made the decision to do this show before we knew everyone else was going to do it. It was like our voice echoing back saying ‘yes, now is the time to do it.’”

Goodding is currently in his seventh year of serving as head of the theatre department at KC, and has about 20 shows in his back pocket that he has either produced or directed here.

Although every play is different and years of experience are beginning to build upon his directing career, the enthusiasm of producing a performance still stands strong for him.

“For me it’s exciting to see what each individual artist brings to the table,” Goodding said. “As a theatre director, you don’t have the same control you might have with film, where you can control the final product. Instead, you’re more of a collaborator so you can inspire people with your vision, but you find that what people bring to the table is their own take on that vision. You can either work against that or work with it.”

In addition to the cast and crew, new technical decisions have been brought upon the

show to add another aspect to it, making it stand out from previous KC shows. Now, those on stage will also have to work alongside moving images within data projections, movement sequences, and vocals.

“We might have some movement sequences that help to illustrate and bring to life the story of the play more than words could,” Goodding said. “Those aren’t necessarily called for in the script so we’re inserting that into the play. We also have some vocals in the play that we haven’t had before in other productions, which means that we’re going to have some on stage live singing even though it’s not a musical.”

Up until Orwell’s take on it, a dystopian world within a story was not popular nor done quite like this one was. The male lead, Winston, played by sophomore Kenny Kowis, is an older, uneducated man, who mindlessly wanders through life while constantly worrying about

being killed by the communist government of 1984.

“Because Winston is so different than any other role I have played, I enjoy the challenge,” Kowis said. “This role is good for me because it forces me out of my comfort zone. Every actor has a bag of tricks, which is a set of skills they have and are comfortable with, and this character is forcing me to add new skills to this bag, overall making me a more versatile actor.”

Throughout the time that the show was being pieced together and actors were figuring out how to get into character, the production crew and cast took the time to bring together multiple aspects needed to create a full production. Kowis said he is looking forward to what the final result will end up being for their audiences.

“As we have built the set, I have gotten so excited to see the finished product,” Kowis said.

Featuring passion, anger, and romance, “1984” brings a little bit of everything to the table.

Top right: Allison Headrick (playing Julia) and Kenny Kowis (playing Winston) share a private moment in a dystopian society. Right: Evan Howell and Headrick work on a scene during final rehearsals.

“With the finished set, and the lighting and sound added in, the show has come to life. The crew worked really hard to make sure all the costumes, props, lighting, and sound are ready for the show, and the show is going to be great.”

The show will open up to the public Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and will show at the same time through Saturday, and Sunday will have a 2:30 p.m. matinee.

General admission cost for the public is $10 and $7 for KC students, and tickets can be found online at www.kilgore.tix. com.

“I’m excited to see how our audiences are going to respond to this production,” Goodding said. “It’s scary because you never know what anyone’s going to say, and as the director you can only influence the final product.

Something could go wrong, but that’s part of the fun and the thrill of putting on a show.”

Jon Frazier / THE FLARE

PAGE 6 n THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019

news

THE FLARE

On the road again Texas Shakespeare Festival prepares to kick off fifth Roadshow BAILEY KERNS Staff Writer Shakespeare’s world will makes its way across the state as Texas Shakespeare Festival produces “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Julius Caesar” for its fifth annual Roadshow. The cast of seven professional actors will begin traveling and performing the two shows in high schools Oct. 14.

“The Roadshow is a troupe of seven actors that we bring in from all over the country, and they put on two abridged Shakespeare plays,” TSF associate artistic and casting director Meaghan Simpson said. “Six of the seven have worked with us in the past. They are professional actors working around the country that have this time available where they don’t have another job currently, so we ask them to come join us. We are able to help them while they are here, and they are able to help us.”

Typically, Shakespearian plays can run for up to two or three hours, making the 55 minute maximum Roadshow performance quite condensed. Unlike most would think, the shorter variation doesn’t equate to revising the language or quality of the show, making the experience just as authentic for audience members.

“The plays haven’t been modernized or updated, but they are shorter and more accessible for the students,” Simpson said.

“Our cast of seven covers both shows, and what’s crazy is that they also

have to cover every role in those shows. Traditionally, A” Midsummer Night’s Dream”, for example, has a cast of 24, so each actor is playing three roles in just that production.”

In addition to preparing for multiple roles, the actors, who are from Kilgore, Houston, California, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, only have two weeks altogether to rehearse in Kilgore before they hit the road. The multiple roles that each actor has within a show means the cast will have to utilize tools such as head wraps, wigs, facial hair, and glasses so that they can easily transition from character to character.

“There are a lot of quick changes backstage, and it kind of adds to the fun and alive feeling we want the performances to have for the schools,” Simpson said.

“It is not a stiff version of Shakespeare - it is very loose, and free, and alive.”

The cast will travel throughout high schools in East Texas, Dallas, Houston, Odessa, and even Louisiana for the Roadshow’s first ever out-of-state performance.

Each school has the option to choose what kind of experience they would like to share with the TSF, making every performance opportunity unique for the cast.

“We have a menu that we send to the schools asking what they would like,” Simpson said. “They pick the play they would like to see, if they would like to see both, if they would like to meet the actors, have a Question and Answer session, or even an acting

Jon Frazier / THE FLARE

Free showings of the two plays will be available to the public in the Van Cliburn Auditorium October 20. There will be a 2 p.m. performance of “Julius Caesar”, and a 4 p.m. performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. workshop. The schools check off what they want, and each performance is different.”

According to Simpson, there are many reasons why the TSF Roadshow is valuable. After a fade out from its first life in the 1990s due to funding cuts, Simpson and her husband, Matthew Simpson, brought it back to TSF in 2016. Now that it is up and running again, students, patrons, and the TSF all benefit from the Roadshow for different reasons.

“One of the greatest things about it is to remove the stigma that Shakespeare is boring,

outdated, and that it’s not relatable,” Simpson said.

“If you can open the minds of people to make them realize ‘this isn’t what I thought it was going to be’ you’ve done something. To just have students consider the arts and literature just for a minute is a worthwhile experience.”

Another goal for the TSF is to show students that this type of career is a possibility, and to give artistic students an outlet to express themselves through seeing their productions.

For the Simpsons, they are also hoping to create a cycle for students to participate in.

“We go to these schools, and maybe meet a junior in high school,” Simspon said. “That junior may go on to attend KC, and then they might attend our acting workshop during summer. Then they come to the TSF to be an intern, go off to be a professional actor, and then can we hire them back on for the Roadshow. That trajectory is possible, and we’ve begun that cycle with some students.”

Aside from the typical school performances, two free showings will be available to the public in the Van Cliburn Auditorium October 20 so

all patrons may experience what Shakespearean Theatre is about. There will be a 2 p.m. performance of “Julius Caesar”, and a 4 p.m. performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

“I think it’s worth it for people all around the state of Texas to have something like this,” Simpson said.

“Texas doesn’t really have something like this in terms of a tour. There are many other tours like this around the country that we’ve modeled ourselves after, but I think it’s important for us to have it as well.”

THE FLARE

feature

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 7

A walk down memory lane Bennie Brown reflects on 51 years of teaching at KC, and how we have changed HUNTER MADEWELL Staff Writer Flare: When and where were you born?

Brown: “I was born in El Dorado, Arkansas in 1943, so you can do the numbers on that. I’m 76, and I’ll be 77 in February. I went to school in a small community outside of El Dorado. My dad worked for Gulf Oil, and when he and my mother married in 1923, they moved to Norphlet. That was where the oil field started in Arkansas. I grew up in Norphlet and started my school there, and we actually ended up in Kilgore when I was 12, because he was transferred to Kilgore for the oilfield here.”

Flare: Of all the things you’ve learned from your parents, which do you feel was the most valuable?

Brown: “A lot of things. Of course, all the Christian principles. Commitment— they taught us that when we commit to something, we follow through. Service to others; a lot of care, and that’s probably been the focus of a lot of my teaching.

Most of it is caring for the student and being concerned that this is not just a place where the student passes through.

My objective always has been to have a— hopefully—lasting, positive affect on the student.”

Flare: Where did you attend high school?

Brown: “Kilgore High School. I graduated from Kilgore High School in 1961.”

Flare: When was it that you discovered your passion for English? Were you inspired by a particular teacher?

Brown: “I have a lot of teachers who have impacted my life. One of the highlights of the last few months is that I’ve reconnected with my fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Mary Ellen White, who was so influential. She’s 92 today; today’s her birthday, and she’s very active. It was 66 years ago that she taught me, and she’s just simply unique in so many ways.

She was young and beautiful and smart, and just took a real interest in our class.

I look at my handwriting, my cursive writing, and I’ve always tried to emulate her handwriting — and her handwriting is still beautiful.”

Flare: Do you remember any fads from your college years? Such as popular hairstyles and clothes?

Brown: “Oh my goodness, I was pretty plain. The first makeup I ever wore was after I started teaching at Kilgore College.

I didn’t even wear makeup to my wedding; I wasn’t into makeup, but I always liked to have my hair fixed, and I still do. I don’t know. We didn’t wear pants or pantsuits to

Brown was the editor of “The Ranger” yearbook in 1963, and was also a member of the Ranger Band. After receiving her degree, Brown taught at Pine Tree High School, then returned to KC to begin her run as a college English instructor. school, we wore dresses. In fact, I was at Kilgore College when they finally decided to let us wear pants-suits, and I don’t think I’ve worn a dress much since.”

Flare: When you began college, did you know you wanted to become an English instructor, or was this something you learned later on?

Brown: “I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

There were five children in my family. So, I was playing school before I ever started to school because they would come home and do their homework, and I was really, really, intrigued with that. I knew before I started to school that I wanted to be a teacher, I mean, that was always there.”

Flare: Since you began instructing at KC, what would you say has been the most prominent change to the school’s structure?

Brown: “Of course, it’s grown a lot.

There are a lot more teachers — a lot more opportunities, especially in the technological side. It’s good that we have programs like nursing, and those programs where they can complete and go to work.”

Flare: Do you have a favorite Homecoming memory that you would like to share?

Brown: “I was in the band, so I went to every football game, and I always loved

it. I didn’t really know a whole lot about football. As my granddaughter said the other day, she knows when to yell when everyone else is yelling. Back in those days, the stands were full of students on the student side, and people dressed up for the games. I taught a young man who was nominated for Homecoming King, but he said he was not going to do it because he didn’t have anything to wear. He didn’t ask me to buy it, and I probably couldn’t, and I really haven’t shared this with many people. I said, ‘Let me buy your clothes.’

We dressed him up, and he missed getting Homecoming King by one vote. He didn’t vote for himself.”

Flare: That’s truly amazing that you did that for him.

Brown: “I’d do it for anybody who needed the help.”

Flare: What has been your favorite part of teaching at KC? Brown: “The students have been my favorite part. Just to touch somebody’s life, that’s what it’s all about. Service.”

Flare: When you decide to retire, what is one thing you most want people to remember about you?

Brown: “I want my students to remember that I’ve been here for them. This has been my mission.”

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PAGE 8 n THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019

WELCOME EXES

Homecomi

KC will host its annual homecoming celebration the week of Oct. 14. Activities throughout the week will include:

Monday, Oct. 14 o Homecoming Picnic in the Plaza, 11:30 a.m.

friday, Oct. 18 o Face painting, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. o Pep Rally, 1 p.m. o Hangout, 8 p.m. - midnight

1959 saturday, Oct. 19 o Coronation before the game as Sidney Walker and Zekiea Williams crown KC’s newest King and Queen Homecoming Football Game vs.

Blinn College, 3 p.m.

1988

1998

2008

ture

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 9

ing Hoopla

WELCOME EXES

Blast from the past

1969

1978

Take a look at Homecoming pictures over the years from the last seven decades Photos courtesy of Ranger yearbooks

Share your Homecoming memories with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @theflareonline

2018

PAGE 10 n THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019

feature

Glimpses from Hall of Fame game

KC

inducted new members into its Hall of Fame class on Sept.

28, in a day of activities that concluded with the Rangers beating Texas A&T 70-14.

Here are some highlights from that day, pictured clockwise from top right: The newest induction class is presented at halftime; Rangerettes perform their streamer routine; Ranger football players celebrate a touchdown; Kalvin Hutchins, Longview freshman, tackles a Texas A&T receiver; the Ranger Band entertains during a daytime performance; the Spirit Squad infuses the crowd with energy; and nearly 180 high school drill team students from around the state come to perform alongside the Rangerettes at a special performance in conjunction with Coast2Coast Productions.

Photos by Jamie Maldonado / Special to The Flare

THE FLARE

THE FLARE

feature

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 11

KC looks to steamroll competition at Homecoming CHRIS PENA Staff Writer

Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE

Coach Willie Gooden discusses strategy with his team during a crucial juncture in the game. The nationally ranked Rangers will have a bye week this weekend and return to action at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, for the Homecoming game against Blinn.

The 2019 Homecoming game looks to be a big one for KC. Fresh off a close win against Trinity Valley CC with a late blocked field goal attempt that could have turned into a loss, KC is eyeing another victory next Saturday when they take on conference rival Blinn.

KC previously faced Blinn last season where the Rangers came out with a 28-21 victory on the road in Blinn’s homecoming game where KC’s scoring of 14 in the first quarter proved to be crucial by the end.

The Rangers have won the last four homecoming games they have played with recently beating TJC 49-17 last season. Blinn played their homecoming game on Sept. 21 where they beat Trinity Valley 10-6.

As of this week’s paper, Blinn is currently 4-2 with recently taking a 42-12 loss on the road vs

Kilgore wins thriller against TVCC in final play TYLER SUTTON Staff Writer In one of the most exciting games of this season, it was special teams that won it for the KC Rangers on Saturday at Bruce Field in Athens.

Luis Reyes kicked a 28 yard field goal with under 3 minutes remaining to give Kilgore a one point lead at 24-23 and the defense held just enough to block a TVCC field goal attempt as time expired to seal a 24-23 victory.

The win lifts the now 5th ranked Rangers to 6-1 and 4-1 and sole possession of first place in the SWJCFC conference. Trinity Valley drops to 4-2 and 4-2 in

conference play.

The Rangers got on the board first with a 5 yard Gabe Douglas touchdown run for a 7-0 lead. But the Cardinals answered when quarterback Jeremy Hunt found Keonta Fiakpui for a 11 yard touchdown to tie the game at 7.

The Rangers offense countered with Kevon Latulas scoring from 11 yards out to give KC the lead back at 14-7 but the Cardinals were able to put points on the board at the end of the half with a 18 yard Eddie Godina field goal made it a 14-10 game at halftime.

TVCC came out swinging to open up the third quarter with Hunt finding receiver Heyward Clay for a 16 yard touchdown to put the Cardinals back in front

16-14. After Kilgore’s offense stalled and punted, Hunt found receiver Willie Cherry for an 8 yard touchdown to extend the Cardinals lead to 23-14. KC then blocked a TVCC punt which set them up with great field position to set up a 3 yard Jacob Frazier touchdown run to cut the Cardinals lead to 23-21.

With the Cardinals driving late, the Rangers defense stepped up in a big way with Antonio Brooks intercepting a Hunt pass which got the Rangers into field goal range for Luis Reyes to boot a go ahead 24 yard field goal to give the Rangers a 24-23 lead late in the forth quarter. The Cardinals then went quickly got in to field goal range. But the

Rangers were able to block the kick and leave Athens with a victory.

Jacob Frazier lead the way through the air for KC with 275 yards with 2 touchdown’s ( 1 passing, 1 rushing ). Melek Hamilton had 50 yards on the ground for the Rangers. Latulas had 7 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. Douglas had a big night as well hauling in 5 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

The Rangers will enjoy a bye week this weekend. They will return home to R.L St. John Memorial Stadium next Saturday for Homecoming and another huge conference matchup with No. 20 Blinn at 3 p.m.

Northwestern Oklahoma A&M. Blinn’s defense is an area that they would want to improve on as they currently allowing 400.3 yards of offense per game and are allowing 261.8 yards on the air.

Offensively, Blinn has been strong this season scoring 36.8 points per game and averaging 486.8 yards of total offense, which ranks No. 2 overall.

For the Rangers, they seek to continue their offensive dominance they have sustained so far this season. The Rangers rank No. 1 in many different areas offensively, showing their versatility they offer such as averaging 503 total yards per game, as well as averaging 206.9 yards per game on the ground. The homecoming game looks to be an offensive showdown for both conference rivals where the team’s defenses will be on watch to see who makes the big stops. The Rangers, winners of three in a row will seek to add another victory to their streak as well as winning their fifth homecoming game in a row.

Softball Updates Oct. 4 -1st game vs LSU Alexandria, LSU-A won 7-3; 2nd game KC tied 4-4.

Oct. 13 -KC to play University of Louisiana Monroe, noon and 2 p.m. at Monroe, La. Oct. 18 - KC to play Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Oct. 26 - KC to play Houston Baptist University at 1 and 3 p.m. in Houston to finish fall softball season.

PAGE 12 n THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019

feature

Cafeteria offers options Ranger Café implements additional variety and customizable options in daily meals BAILEY KERNS Staff Writer

I

t is commonly said that food is the way to a person’s heart, but can campus food be the way to KC’s heart? The Ranger Café is a central gathering point on campus where both students and administration have the opportunity to indulge themselves in what is offered that day at breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as at brunch on the weekends.

As patrons of the cafeteria we only see what is served outside of the kitchen, but there is a large amount of thought and preparation behind the scenes when it comes to what we are putting into our bodies.

“There is a 4-week menu cycle prepared prior to the start of the semester,” Aramark front line manager Patrick Alexander said. “Before we start utilizing those menus, we go through them to include localized favorites and to make sure that there isn’t a great deal of repetition of items. Within having the menu cycles prepared they are carefully looked over to ensure that there is a good balance of values for everyone’s consumption.”

Inside the cafeteria,

nutritional labels are provided for most all items that are being presented for that meal period, a nutritional board is available for reading through the front doors of the cafeteria, and nutritional pamphlets are also offered for free to everyone. Since the customer has the opportunity to customize each of their meals, the nutritional value of all of the meals consistently varies from person to person.

“We give the option to everyone that any items can be adjusted for their nutritional or allergen needs,” Alexander said. “One of our main goals is to create as much variety as we can per service period.

For example, if a customer doesn’t want cheese on their pizza then all they have to do is request a cheese-less pizza, from the person working that station and we will make them one.”

In addition to creating as much variety as possible, the cafeteria has included an omelet station three times a week, and depending on the weather, season, or holiday, they will include an extra item or two such as ice cream floats.

They have also revamped two crowd favorites - the stir fry bar and pasta bar.

“The pasta and stir fry stations have been a very big

follow the food pyramid Fats, spreads and oils In very small amounts Milk, yogurt and cheese Three servings a day, five for children ages 9-12 and teenagers ages 13-18 Vegetables, salad and fruit 5-7 servings a day

hit this semester,” Alexander said. “We have changed how they are presented, added a larger variety of choices, and enhanced the preparation process as well. We now offer this station more times per week this semester. In addition to the variety of food, we put a great deal of focus on the quality.”

Between students, staff and visitors, dietary restrictions walk through the doors of the cafeteria everyday, and there is an expectation of having alternatives available to them to meet their needs whether it is an allergy or a preference.

“All of our stations can be modified upon request to accommodate the dietary needs and or restrictions that a customer may have,” Alexander said. “We have gluten free buns for hamburgers and hotdogs. We have a cauliflower crust for our pizzas, we have gluten free muffins and cookies available, and we will make any item that we are serving to meet their needs. The trick in most parts is to simply ask the attendant at that station and they will do their best to address their needs.”

Altogether, the staff tries to make the most out of every customer’s experience, whether that comes from

serving a “home style” meal that day, or serving special holiday meals that allow for celebrations all around.

“Throughout the semester, especially the holiday times, we will alter service in the Ranger Café to gear for that special moment,” Alexander said. “During October, we will have our ‘Halloween Party in the Café’, between Thanksgiving and Christmas break we will have our ‘Holiday Meal’; and we call these moments Monotony Breakers.”

Unlike the Sports Grill, which offers a “fast food” experience, the meals in the cafeteria are designed for a more specialized restaurant experience.

Excellence is what the Ranger Café strives for when it comes to serving the public, and the decisions made in the kitchen are at the best interest of the customers’ hearts.

“We constantly navigate our suppliers so that we care purchasing the best items that we can,” Alexander said.

“We have made the move to utilize more fresh over frozen in most everything. Each item is prepared the day of service and is monitored by our management team for a high level of quality, taste, and flavor.”

Foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt Maximum once or twice a week Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts Two servings a day Wholemeal cereals and breads, potatoes, pasta and rice 3-5 servings a day, up to 7 for teenage boys and men up to 50 years old

Drink at least 8 cups of fluid a day - Water is best

“Our Menu Commitments”

Commitments listed by KC Dining on their website under Health & Wellness

Our menus are created by experienced chefs who have a passion for food.

Our recipes are freshly prepared and made as close to the meal time as possible.

We feature fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low or non-fat dairy options.

We provide a vegetarian-friendly environment, with a variety of vegetarian or vegan choices.

We provide calorie conscious choices and make nutrition information available for all the food we serve.

We’re proud to serve culturally diverse menus, featuring traditional favorites, ethnic dishes and international flavors.

We are reducing the amounts of sodium and unhealthy fats in our recipes, and working with our suppliers to do the same in their ingredients.

We recognize and accommodate your dietary needs in a way that’s personalized, sensitive and supportive. In fact, we pride ourselves on working with you to make sure you can find the food that fits YOUR life.

To read the complete list, visit kilgore.campusdish.com

ADs

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 13

PAGE 14 n THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019

FEATURE

THE FLARE

‘Healthy’ means more than a good-looking body

NADIA HILL Staff Writer

H

ealth and fitness is a key component in anyone’s life and can mean a variety of things to each individual.

My personal health and fitness means that I eat a balanced diet, practice moderation, and exercise regularly in order to look and feel good inside and

out.

The best starting line for me was drinking plenty of water, cutting out an abundance of desserts, and exercising at least four days a week in order to see the changes that I want to see.

It can be hard, but with moderation it is possible to enjoy a healthy diet and lifestyle. While my routine works for me, there are many ways to get to a healthy point and it varies for each individual.

Lately, the trend of health and fitness makes it hard to get an honest interpretation of what health and fitness truly means. This can lead one down a road of unhealthy

habits. It has become popular to live a healthy lifestyle, and while this has led to a more healthconscious society, not all trends are healthy. To some health and fitness looks like a small individual or someone muscular, and both of these can be true, but looks can also be deceiving.

In a social media world, body image can have a negative impact that causes unrealistic goals.

Even I look to fitness pages for inspiration, but Instagram models are not a source of health and fitness expertise. Instead, it is smart to sit down with a doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, or anyone

certified to genuinely help with any concerns one may have in order to see what the first step may be.

From this point, healthy and realistic goals can be made, tailored to one individual’s own personal needs.

Consistency is the best word to explain how to successfully achieve any goal and especially one concerning health and fitness. It takes starting healthy habits and then sticking to them day in and day out.

I have started and restarted my healthy habits more times than I can count, but the key is to never give up. When I finally grasped the fact

that that my overall health over the way I look in the mirror mattered more, I started to make progress.

At the end of the day, it isn’t a particular look that makes you healthy but the way you feel. Once you feel good, you also look good. It all starts from the inside and works its way out.

Stay consistent, one day at a time, and anything is possible.

-Nadia Hill is a sophomore Mass Communications major from Tatum.

It is a safe bet that nobody on The Flare staff drinks more water than she does every day.

What’s your go-to app to get up and go?

Send us a tweet or DM us on Instagram @theflareonline & let us know what gets you

motivated to keep moving.

Apps/Devices recommended by flare staff members FitBit

iPhone Activity

Keto App

Garmin

iPhone Health

My Fitness Pal

My Water

Nike Run Club

Plant Nanny

Samsung Health

YOUR VIEW What is one healthy thing you try to do every day?

Carmen Estrada Photo credits: Daydrian Wells / THE FLARE

Brandon Armstead

Longview sophomore

Houston freshman

“Walk.”

“Drink 3 gallons of water.”

Zariah Palmer

Dylan Scarlett

Forney freshman

Kilgore sophomore

“Drink a gallon of water a day.”

“I work out three or four days a week.”

THE FLARE

OPINION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 15

Healthy Healthy body mind

Vol. 82 • No. 4 Thursday, October 10, 2019 Executive Editor Adriana Cisneros Emerson Copy Editors Jon Frazier, Carrie Harris, Nadia Hill, Jennifer Ibarra Staff Writers Maria Ango- Bilogo, Maya Bolden, Dominique Burnett, Jon Frazier, Justin Gill, Jennifer Ibarra, Bailey Kerns, Hunter Madewell, Chris Pena, Tricia Still, Brandt Varnell, Alaija Wilkerson Photographers Jon Frazier, Irene Lucas, Justin Gill, Rainy Harrison, Nadia Hill, Irene Lucas, Tricia Still, Morgan Walker Cartoonist Alexandria Wooldridge Adviser Rachel Stallard

LETTERS

Irene Lucas / THE FLARE

Being mindful of the food we ingest can improve our brain’s quality

A

ttending classes, taking exams and working, in addition to worrying about eating healthy can be stressful. It is not surprising that most people do not spend the time they should taking care of themselves and choosing a healthy and varied diet. It is important to remember a balanced and proper diet will boost your memory and improve your ability to focus and maintain a good academic performance.

Healthy eating allows the body to work at its highest performance by suppling the right nourishment.

We have heard on the radio, on TV and in the doctor’s office that healthy eating is beneficial to one’s health, but do we know exactly why? Students are used to consuming a variety of foods

and forget to take care of their health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables along with healthy fats and healthy carbohydrates can help us make our body work at the highest level and, therefore, feel much stronger and healthier.

According to Options for Youth website, “Eat the Rainbow” is a phrase that many people use to remember to eat naturally colored foods like blueberries and red peppers which contain antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and may other nutrients that support healthy growth.

Notably, one of the most direct factors which lead to obesity nationwide is having a poor diet.

We must keep in mind that by eating well, not only will our organism benefit, but, as the saying goes, “Healthy mind,

healthy body”. Even though it is cheaper to eat out, is it worth it? A decrease in junk food consumption will benefit your physique and overall health. If you want to implement a food change, the important thing is not to start drastically, but to make small changes over time. If you are currently frequenting fast food places three or four times a week, try going only once. The main idea is to practice good eating and moderation so you will start to notice changes for the better.

Also according to the website, “Students are able to learn better when they are well nourished, and eating healthy meals has been linked to higher grades, better memory, alertness and faster information processing.

One reason is that foods with fiber,

protein, and healthy fats such as eggs, yogurt, apples and oatmeal keep the body feeling full longer, providing enough energy to focus and stay alert throughout the entire day.”

If we want to have a good academic performance this year and be one of the best we can be, it’s important that we eat properly. Our minds do not work well if we are not supplied with the right amount of nutrients and energy. Our brain is a real machine, which is why if we don’t supply it with high-grade fuel, it will hardly be able to work and perform accordingly during the day’s journey. Thus, with a healthy diet, a fresh, successful life is also attainable.

THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campusrelated topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space.

Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_flare@ yahoo.com

DISCLAIMER

THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every other Thursday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate press Association.

All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees.

Copyright 2019, The Flare.

All rights reserved

Entertainment

THE FLARE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019 n PAGE 16

Phoenix rises to the top as Joker CHRIS PENA Staff Writer “Joker” looks poised to become one of the year’s best films and a strong contender for Oscar season. The film is looking to start a different take on the comic book genre as it is set outside of the DC film universe and is free to do anything with their characters, where not everything is connected to other films.

The film is based on the famous villainous character and applies an origin story to a someone who is known in the comics for having different variations of origins.

The titular character is played brilliantly

by Joaquin Phoenix, who seems to be on his way to an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the famous “Clown Prince of Crime.”

The story is set in the fictional city of Gotham, where the Joker, whose real name is Arthur Fleck, is a man who has dreams of being a stand-up comedian and struggles in his life while pursuing his goal. This ends up being a tragic story after

Fall playlist

Scan the spotify code to listen to the Flare staff’s favorite fall studying songs.

Compiled by Jennifer Ibarra

he is constantly bullied, leading him to go down a dark path.

The film is unlike any comic book film before. It reminds me of “Logan”, (the story of Wolverine set in the X-Men universe) since it is more serious-toned, characterdriven and less of the heavy action that generally marks this genre. There is a line in the movie that is also heard in the trailers in which the Joker character says “I used to think my life was a tragedy, and now I realize my life is a comedy.” This explains how the character sees himself as a man who is misunderstood and who people care very little for.

I have seen many critics compare this film to “Taxi Driver.” In “Joker” I saw many of these similarities — especially in how the main characters have dark intentions, feel isolated and struggle with mental illnesses.

The film has had its fair share of controversies with many people fearing it will inspire violence. This seems fair considering the amount of dark moments in the film, but it is also fair to remember

that it is only a movie and should treated as such.

Filled with tremendous acting throughout the film, beautiful cinematography and perfect pacing, “Joker” can be a sure bet to receive many nominations when awards season comes.

Coming into the film, I had my concerns about an entire film with the villain as the main character, but director Todd Phillips, who is primarily known for making comedies, takes a risk with the rated-R film. Phillips knocks it out of the park, making a film unlike any other that will be talked about for years after.

If Phoenix gets nominated for an Oscar for his performance, he will become the second actor to be nominated for playing the Joker, after the late actor Heath Ledger, who also won the award in 2008. Although the film seems to be a one-and-done for Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, I can only hope that he reconsiders coming back to play the character who will be placed on the all-time greatest villain performances.

Courtesy of Warner Brothers

How news becomes news

A comic strip by Alex Wooldridge (with a bit of help from Hunter Madewell)