EagleEye Lemoore College - May 2024

Student Newspaper

West Hills College Lemoore

The Lemoore College Edition

Beyond the Hills: Farewell to West Hills College Lemoore

By Peter Johnson

“West Hills College Lemoore”... A bit of a mouthful. A name that does not fit the location. A question asked by many, “where are the hills?” In 2002, the West Hills Community College District opened a college here in Lemoore, California. Being a part of the district, Central Valley residents would hear, “West Hills College” and automatically think of West Hills College Coalinga. West Hills itself was a brand name – a district attempting to build a name for itself through its schools –West Hills College Coalinga, and West Hills College Lemoore.

However, this branding resulted in confusion for many including some people calling the Lemoore location when trying to reach the Coalinga location and an incident where the guest basketball team ended up driving to the Coalinga location when they were scheduled to play against the Golden Eagles. Both of these instances were all because of confusion with the name “West Hills College”. Now, the college is no longer West Hills College Lemoore. It is now Lemoore College. Ah, that’s much better.

After an in-person conversation with President James Preston, he was able to open up about the process of the college’s name change. Preston mentioned a survey taken in the Fall of 2022 called the “Educational Master Plan” where one hundred students and faculty noted about what they wished for the college for the next ten years. (More information on the Educational Master Plan can be found on the Lemoore College website under “About Us”!)

One goal was the wish for the school to have its own identity, to be its own college and not be confused with our sister school within six years after the survey had been taken. Shortly after the survey, a consultant was hired in order to discuss the goals from the Educational Master Plan and see how those goals could be achieved. A group of students and employees were brought in to discuss the possible name ideas for the college. After thinking of many other names, “Lemoore College” was chosen!

In light of the name change, President Preston shared, “Both Lemoore College and Coalinga College are proud to be part of the West Hills Community College District and together we continue to relentlessly pursue student success” With the new identity came a new logo. This is a fresh start for the school—a chance to have its own identity. This new identity will help make the school its own. Create a unique and memorable name. To uphold the growing legacy of Lemoore College. The name may have changed but the school’s mission did not. Still! Lemoore College and Coalinga College are very proud to be a part of the West Hills Community College District.

A Letter from the President

Congratulation, Golden Eagles! You successfully made it to finals week for the Spring 24 semester! This 2324 academic year has been a historic year for our college as we successfully completed an accreditation visit, served our community through cultural and engagement events, started to build a new two-story instructional building, recently changed our name to Lemoore College (LC), and this Friday will be graduating a record number of students! I am so grateful for that you chose to be an Lemoore College Golden Eagle and that you joined us this year in furthering your academic, career, and life journey. I hope your experience at Lemoore College has been one where you have learned, where you have felt supported and appreciated, and where you have grown. If you are joining us again for the 24-25 academic year, I look forward to seeing you in August or on campus this summer. If you are graduating on Friday night, then I look forward to shaking your hand on stage and celebrating that you completed your journey with us and that you are ready to fly from the nest!

Thank you, finish strong, and stay Golden!

JAMES L. PRESTON PRESIDENT

Aerial View of LEMOORE COLLEGE

2-EagleEye-May 2024

What in the World is a Chancellor and Why is Ours Retiring so Early?

By: Kevin Jazmintitla- Aguilar

Contributors: Kiersey Acosta & Yareli Carrillo

Like any other human being over the age of 18, Dr. Kristin Clark was once in her 20s going through the education system. Growing up she would often go back and forth whether college was the right choice for her. She was originally interested in interior design rather than education administration but didn’t pursue it because she compared it to acting, “You can’t make a sustainable income unless you hit it big,” she stated.

But what type of person is our retiring Chancellor? Kristin Clark mentioned how education and “filling her happy cup” are vital to her Playing dodgeball with the Golden Eagles and hosting barbecues with the students are examples of her cup being filled on the job. For those graduating this May, the commencement ceremony was one of her favorite traditions during her five year span as President.

To our retiring Chancellor, education means the freedom to be in a position to make quality choices for your future. She’s even thought of filling student happy cups with the idea of them traveling the world through the program of student abroad. One would have the opportunity to take a French and history class and then see the place they just read about in person.

So what the heck is a chancellor and why is her job so important? By definition a college chancellor is a leadership role that supports the president and represents the institution in many official matters. Chancellors are vital decision-makers and represent the college’s interests, values, and objectives.

To answer the question, Dr. Kristin Clark is retiring early to travel the world with her husband. The retiring couple will be making memories in the span of two months in the following places such as Switzerland, France, Portugal, and Spain! Talk about the luxuries and freedom of being a responsible adult right?

One can only wonder how someone can have the freedom to take such an extended trip with their significant other. The thing is, Dr. Kristin Clark’s original career was not set to be in the education administration field. After leaving the interior design idea behind, she got into business as an insurance broker and during her career journey, she also owned a couple of small businesses and did manicure nails for a while. She got into higher education about thirty years ago and eventually applied to Lemoore College. She fell in love with the student success atmosphere and continued it during her employment.

We may not think much of our administration staff, but when we look towards people like Dr. Kristin Clark, she can be painted as someone who honors her job. After getting the privilege to interview with her, she is the type of person to lead by example whether it’s with students or staff members. She is a humble person who has most likely made the same mistakes as many of us and her relationship with the education system is proof that it won’t always be a straight line but eventually everything will make sense.

Aside from believing in education, she is a strong believer that college changes you. This can be compared to the high school experience where you’re a different person your senior year than your freshman year. Life is all about growth and change. “College you” will be different from “career you.” These are the types of experiences Dr. Kristen Clark went through.

Hey! What Similarities Do You Have With Our Retiring Chancellor?

> If there was a paper with the title of “Favorite foods” Macaroni and Cheese would be number one because Macaroni and Cheese is her favorite food.

> Her favorite time of the year is Spring and loves watching everything bloom.

> She enjoys musicals.

> She enjoys gardening and loves cooking with fresh ingredients. She was a vegan but is currently a pescatarian.

> Dancing and music is something she is fond of.

> She’s a first generation college student.

> She is a Michael Jackson fan.

> Her favorite movie is “Dead Poets Society.”

What Advice Can Our Retiring Chancellor Give You?

> Don’t do it just for the money, make sure to fill your cup on the side with whatever brings you fulfillment during college.

> Every now and then remind yourself that you have time to breathe and take an appropriate break during college.

> Marriage (or a relationship) is a partnership. Being with someone is about building and working towards something together. You must have aligned core values, do you both value family? Do you both have growth mindsets? Do you both have the same perspective on the world?

Above: Chancellor Dr. Kristin Clark

Above: Chancellor Dr. Kristin Clark

Professors are People Too: Brandi Loera-Mendiola

By Kai Gaona & Edgar Araiza

Brandi Loera-Mendiola is a first-semester teacher at Lemoore College and is currently pursuing her EDD (Doctor of Education) at Fresno State. With three years of experience in the classroom, she has instructed students in ethnic studies, child sociology, and modern social concerns. She is passionate about minority populations, especially people of color and those with disabilities. She has a desire to encourage people and is driven to make her parents proud.

She likes to watch anime, such as “Naruto”, and is also into camping and going on hikes. She also listens to a variety of music genres such as Rap and Spanish . Schitt’s Creek is her favorite TV show, and she also enjoys Disney movies that address significant issues like Encanto and Turning Red. Her family is very supportive of her path. Along with her husband as a firefighter and their two rescue dogs.

If given the choice, she would like to live in a peaceful and zen environment, mentioning locations such as Endor and Tatooine from the Star Wars Universe . She especially likes the children’s section of the Lemoore College library, which has literature on social concerns. She anticipates expanding Lemoore College Ethnic Studies courses in the future.

Fightin’ Eagles

Student Writer: Azrin Spang, a Military Brat

Attention all military students, brats, and families! Have you taken the time to run down to Military Services at the Student Union yet? If not, it’d be worth the journey. Janet Young, Jennifer Rodriguez, and their team have worked incredibly hard for the last 8 years to create a safe space for students transitioning from military life to student life. From workshops on managing the after effects of PTSD to educational resources on using those military benefits, Military Services is ready to help in any and every way they can. And with their goal of expanding into their own building, Military Services hopes to continue being the understanding, supportive group that students need. Whatever age you may be, young or old, Janet and Jennifer say, “Come on and hang out!”

Journalism Lake Day

By Yunnuen Muñoz

In celebration of the Lemoore College Edition for the spring of 2024, students of journalism 2A traveled to Millerton Lake. While the students bonded with team building, they noted that the water was so high that it spewed over the dam. It was a kickoff to a great summer!

Above: Millerton Lake cows on a date

Above: Lemoore College Journalists: Spring 2024

4-EagleEye-May 2024

Flags, Bells, and Clicks of the Met.

By Yunnuen Muñoz & Kiersey Acosta

L

emoore College hosted the South Valley Winter Arts Association’s (SVWAA) annual championship this year. SVWAA is an organization that gives the valley’s Winter Guard and Percussion programs the opportunity to compete in a large circuit. The organization gathers Central Valley high schools and middle schools in the Central Valley into these competitions to showcase their skills and dedication. For championships, all eyes are on them as they compete in the year’s final hoorah, giving it their all.

The championship took place on April 6th-7th 2024, the first day being for Winter Guard and the second for Winter Percussion. To those who know little about these programs, winter guard and percussion are the indoor sports that are similar to their fall counterpart with marching field shows. According to Eric Ramirez, the SVWAA president, it is important to note that the circuit has grown in the last couple of years from 40-55 groups participating, to 88 this year. When asked about what he is most proud of, he shared, “Our growth as a circuit.” For the valley, this is a huge deal as we get to see the small town students participate in the big leagues.

Both days were filled with many emotions. Jonathan, a senior from Madera High School, performing for winter percussion, says, “It’s slowly setting in the longer we’ve been here, but like, I’m just happy I’ve spent all this time here.”

Though the work is hefty and demanding, it pays off when the adrenaline rushes in the performer’s veins. Themes of the shows change annually and determine the choreography, props, backdrops, and costumes. Percussion does involve live music with a diverse instrument lineup like snare drums and bells. Guard, however, has pre-recorded songs like Sia’s piano version of “Chandelier,” to dance to with their own set of equipment like flags or rifles. While walking through campus, the sounds of random recordings or the clicking of the metronome contribute to the chaotic atmosphere. Performers would have moments where they would be loud with their jokes or have sudden outbursts of energy, but then lock in when their warmups would start. It’s fascinating to see how a switch seemed to flip in their heads when they got serious.

Families were very thrilled with their young ones for their courage and hard work. As the performances began the anticipated audience had jumped from their seats and cheered at the unique performances, some even crying. A great sight to see was the coaches viewing their teams with proud faces. It is known that the students put in a lot of work for these performances, but the instructors are the ones who provide support for them to do their best. When asked what she is most proud of from her students, Maile, a guard instructor from Sequoia Middle School, shared, “Their work ethic.” She continues to share that her students involve themselves with their activity, thus the excitement.

After their performances, students gathered outside as their coaches happily rewarded them with goodie bags and other trinkets. As the awards ceremony grew closer, many students waited nervously as one by one a different team was called into the arena. Tensions were high during both award ceremonies, but the pure exhilaration of being there seemed enough for the performers. Though all the participants did wonderful in their performances, a special shoutout goes to the sweepstake winners; Hanford West High School’s Varsity Winterguard and Robert F. Kennedy’s Winter Percussion! Congrats to all.

Eric Ramirez had this to say about Lemoore College: “Our partnership with West Hills College Lemoore has been such a pleasure and has truly provided our membership, our students, such a phenomenal opportunity to perform at an amazing venue that Lemoore is able to offer.”

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EagleEye Road Safety Survey

By Kai Gaona & Edgar Araiza

o you remember the construction done on Bush St. that led to Lemoore College? Well, in February 2024 of this semester, EagleEye surveyed over 100 Lemoore College commuters for their opinion on the modified road that led to campus. Here are the results from that survey:

When asked, “Do you feel that the road construction was rough on your car?”, EagleEye found that 80.70% of commuters felt the road construction was rough on their vehicles.

A follow up question was then asked, “Do you feel safe driving on the modified road?” Resulting in 54.39% of drivers responding yes.

The question of “Does the construction cause extra traffic?” was asked, resulting in 80.70% of the responses stating yes.

However when asked, “Does the construction impact your commute to school?”, it was found that 54.39% of people responded yes. It’s also worth noting that 7.01% of people chose not to answer this question.

Finally, EagleEye asked for the opinions of those surveyed on what they felt could be done to make the road feel safer. Here are a few statements:

“Open more roads for students to get through.”

“Pave the road better so we are not driving on uneven pavement and dirt.”

“Not sure, another road to the campus would be nice?”

At the end of the day, the question of “Does Lemoore College need another road to campus”, needs to be asked. As with the construction of the Lennar homes on Bush St., an extra road would be great in the event of an emergency. For now, remember to drive safe Lemoore College commuters.

Ghostbusters:

Frozen Empire (2024)

By Yunnuen Muñoz

With the new movie coming out, who did people call? Their local movie theater for the release of Gil Kenan’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”. The film was a direct sequel to Jason Reitman’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and ties in with the stories of the franchise’s movies in the 1980’s. This motion picture may not have captured everyone’s attention, but it was filled with nostalgia from appearances by original cast members, such as Bill Murray, Dan Ankroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and William Atherton. There were also nods to the previous films, such as Slimer the food ghost, the Stay Puft marshmallows who are now multiple miniature poltergeists instead of the giant demon, and even the iconic firehouse set. The real nostalgia punch was the main theme song playing at the end of the film. Ray Parker Jr. really changed radios the day of the original Ghostbusters film.

As good as the references are, the plot itself seemed straightforward but sometimes rushed. There was a lack of character development for the main characters. The focus seemed to be on McKenna Grace’s character, Phoebe Spengler. However, her moments seemed dry and she acted even more impulsive than the last movie. I do understand why, but it was like watching a horror movie and you can’t help but yell at a character for doing something so stupid that accidentally caused the end of the world. Side characters were more interesting than the main cast, but even then, they were purely for comedic purposes. Personally, there is nothing wrong with cheesy moments such as these, but they seem to be overdone nowadays. Though the film is a 7.3/10, it had its moments. For at least my family and I, we felt bittersweet thanks to the dedication to Harold Ramis, who played the original Egon Spengler, and the original director for “Ghostbusters”, Ivan Reitman. Though they are gone, their memories lie in the iconic franchise they participated in to entertain not only past generations but the new ones to come.