Panola College
December 7, 2017 - Seven members of the Panola College Chorale will sing with the 2018 Texas Two Year College All State Choir in February. They include Shannon James, Kyana Reagan, Hunter Moon, Ahmad Casel, Shelby Brown, Christion Taylor, and Jame’Cia Taylor.
The students auditioned at the Region 3 Texas Two Year College All State Choral Auditions on Friday, Nov. 3, at Angelina College.
The students will join other singers from around the state in the All State Choir Concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17. The concert, under the direction of Dr. Wallace Long, Jr., will be held in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio as part of the annual Texas Music Educators Convention.
“These young singers spent hours preparing for their auditions, and I am thrilled to see that their hard work paid off,” said Sandra Bauer, Panola College Vocal Music professor and director of the Panola College Chorale and Pipers.“
December 7, 2017 - Panola College recognized 16 faculty, staff, and board members in a luncheon presentation of service awards on Wednesday, Dec. 6 in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center.
These include, for 35 years of service, Dazell Hicks and Dr. Bob Wilkins; for 30 years, Dr. Denise Wilkins; for 25 years, Dwayne Ferguson, Sharon Hill, and William Goolsby; for 15 years, Teresa Beasley.
Nine people were recognized for 10 years of service, including Julie Bertrand, Mickie Cash, Amy Calhoun, Whitney McBee, Leslie Glaze, Pam Pike, Todd Shelton, Joe Thomas, and Kelli Vicars.
Dr. Greg Powell presented each employee with a commemorative coin in honor of their service to Panola College.
Article submitted by Donna Yates
December 6, 2017 - Panola College Occupational Therapy Assistant students hosted an end-of-semester prom for adults in the Community Health Core Group at the Carthage Civic Center on Friday, Nov. 17.
“We have worked with this group every Wednesday this semester in our Artisan’s Way Program,” said Professor Joy Moreland. “Our students had formed bonds with them and wanted to do something special for them. It was really a collective effort among all my students and myself.”
The OTA students decorated the Civic Center in a “Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball” theme with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, snow white ornaments, and a disco ball of revolving multi-colored lights. The students provided a buffet of snacks, including hot dogs and nachos, along with a hot chocolate bar.
The prom started at 5 p.m., but Panola College Cosmetology students arrived much earlier to work their magic with hair and makeup for the Community Health Core participants. Professor Bobbie Smith said her students enjoyed helping with the prom.
“This event was so rewarding to myself and the students,” Smith said. “It was the first time to collaborate with the OTA program, and we hope not the last! I have participated in other special needs dances and proms and cannot fully explain the joy and happiness I feel making these special ladies beautiful. They are truly a blessing and I end up feeling like I have received way more than I have provided.”
“Every week, one of the things we do consistently in the classroom is dance. They love the music and it’s a great way to promote physical activity and social interaction,” Moreland said.
She praised community volunteers who donated their time and services to making the prom possible. These include Rusty Evans, who chauffeured prom-goers on free limo rides; Drew’s Entertainment, who provided DJ services; Curly Q’s; James Wood Constructions; Strozier Railcar Maintenance; Kimberly Cadena-El Mexicano: Taqueria and Custom Cakes; Texas Home Health; Therapy Group of Texas; Marshall Police Officers Association; Theron and Sheryl Tate; and Little Shop of Vinyl.
“Patricia Taylor directs the Community Health Core Group, and we have enjoyed working with them all semester. I was so proud that all of my OTA students participated. This was a good way for my students to do something to serve others, and to learn how to interact therapeutically with special needs adults,” Moreland added.
OTA students involved in this project include Gloria Arellano, Carthage; Lani Blohm, Marshall; Erica Booth, Marshall; Madi Brown, Carthage; Vanessa Cox, Waskom; Caitlin Elliott, Long Branch; Chelsea Elliott, Troup; Jessica Fernandez, Wallis; Kallie Forman, Buna; Ashley Gentry, Carthage; Ellie Holloway, Henderson; Kailon Jackson, Jefferson; Kristen LeBlanc, Marshall; Lacy Miles, Marshall; Leah Montandon, Hallsville; Waldina Moran, Lufkin; Keather Nichols, Buna; Alyissa Riddle, Waskom; Emily Smith, Jasper; Rialie Taylor, Garrison; Graciela Villanueva, Henderson; Darian Wood, Nacogdoches, and Crystal Zapata, Longview.
Cosmetology students who helped with hair and makeup include Talon Chambers, Gary; Karlee Corhorst, Carthage; Ashley Crawford, Timpson; Kelly Davis, Marshall; Destiney Divine, Gary; Kirstyn Jacks, Carthage; Katherine “Kay” Johnson, Carthage; Liberty Moser, Carthage; Jasmine Walton, Carthage; and Dana Young, Gary.
“I went into the event thinking it would just be fun and I would make them happy and beautiful,” said student Kirstyn Jacks. “What I didn’t realize is I would be the one that would receive the most out of this experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
December 4, 2017 Pasadena, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team lost to San Jacino-Central here this evening, 69-67. The loss drops the Ponies record to 6-5 and 0-2 in Region 14 play. “We had our chance to win on the road. In San Jac’s program history, not a lot of teams can say that.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “Again, adversity is hitting us head on right now. But I know we have a chance to do special things this year.” He added
Panola came out slow trailing by as much as 11 in the first half, 23-12. A gradual climb to end the half saw a 41 all halftime score. A seesaw second half saw both teams lead by as much as five points. Down one with 28 seconds to go, Jeremy Roscoe missed a layup to take the lead. Forced to foul, San Jac only made one of two freethrows with 8.2 seconds remaining. Marlon Taylor got a three point shot off as the buzzer sounded but it was off the mark.
Taylor scored a game high 23 points in the loss. Juwan Williams and Alex Holcombe both scored in double figures netting 10 apiece. Panola shot 43 percent from the three point line as a team and out rebounded San Jac 40-36.
Panola host Costal Bend this upcoming Saturday, December 9th. This is their final game before the Holiday break. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM on the campus of Panola College.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
November 30, 2017 Carthage – The Panola College men’s basketball team dropped their conference opener to Blinn College hear this evening 73-71. The loss drops their record to 6-4 and 0-1 in Region 14 play. “This team has hit more adversity than I can ever remember a team having to face. We fought back and Blinn hit a three by a player that hasn’t taken one all year. Sometimes that’s how this game goes.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “I am beyond proud of our effort and if we can continue to grow we know we can be successful.” He added.
The first half was full of runs by each team. Panola came out hot hitting three of their first four attempts from three to take a 9-3 lead. Blinn came back with a barrage of three’s of their own taking an eight point lead 26-18. Panola regained the lead on two TJ killings free throws but Blinn responded with a 12-0 run to take a 29-39 halftime lead.
Panola chipped away the entire second half and came back to tie the ball game 53 all with 8:35 remaining. The back and forth finish saw Panola take the largest lead of the half 62-58 on a Juwan Williams 4-point play. With Blinn forced to foul, TJ Killings missed the front end of a 1-1 with 8.2 seconds left. Blinn drove do the floor and made a three pointer as time expired to give them the two point victory.
Five players scored in double figures and were led by Juwan Williams 15 points. Marlon Taylor added 14, TJ Killings with 11 and Alex Holcombe and Jeremy Roscoe netted 10 each. Roscoe and Killings both recorded nine assists in the lost. As a team, Panola only committed six turnovers on the game.
Panola continues Region 14 play this upcoming Saturday, December 2nd when they head to San Jacinto College. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM on the campus of San Jacinto-Central.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
November 28, 2017 - Panola College signed an articulation agreement with Sam Houston State University on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center on the campus of Panola College. Dr. Christopher Maynard, Associate Vice Provost for SHSU, and PC President Dr. Gregory Powell signed the agreement that streamlines the transfer process for students from PC to SHSU.
"Panola College anticipates a growing relationship with our friends at Sam Houston,” Dr. Powell commented. “This articulation agreement provides our students with a seamless transfer pathway as they continue their education towards bachelors' degrees.”
“The heart of everything is student success, and we believe this articulation agreement provides the best opportunity for students to complete their degrees on time and at the most reasonable cost,” said Dr. Maynard.
SHSU offers more than 80 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 50 master’s degree options, and six doctoral programs. Among these offerings is a bachelor of applied arts and sciences (BAAS) degree.
“The BAAS degree at Sam Houston State University merges perfectly with our Associate of Applied Science degrees,” said Dr. Billy Adams, Panola College Vice President of Instruction. “This will benefit students across many disciplines, from the health sciences to business and computer information technology.”
Students who have majored in a career and technology, vocational or technical program at Panola College and want to seek a baccalaureate degree at SHSU must have completed and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in a technical area and at least 36 hours of coursework must be in the technical area. The approved AAS degree programs include, but are not limited to, accounting, agricultural mechanization, automotive technology, biotechnology, child development and family studies, computer graphics arts technology, computer information technology, cosmetology, diagnostic medical imaging, early childhood development, emergency medical services professions, engineering technology, general business administration, geographical information systems, health information technology, human services, HVAC & R technology, interactive media, interior design technology, interpreter training technology, management, marketing, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, paralegal studies, physical therapist assistant, professional office technology, respiratory care, veterinary technology and welding technology.
Sam Houston State University, celebrating 137 years in higher education, currently serves more than 18,000 students in seven colleges. With its main campus in Huntsville, SHSU offers easy access to the vibrant economy of the greater Houston area. While embracing its legacy of exceptional teaching, SHSU meets the needs of contemporary students through traditional and online undergraduate and graduate degrees, and certificates.
“Panola College transfer students are high valued at Sam Houston State University,” said Dr. David Burris, SHSU Articulation Coordinator. “We encourage transfer students to complete the associate degree. If they come to SHSU prior to graduation, we will do everything possible to help them complete the associate degree via reverse transfer.” In reverse transfer, the credit hours taken would count toward the associate degree, allowing the students to have completion of both associate and bachelor’s degrees on their transcripts.
The agreement with SHSU also includes an opportunity to participate in a “Time Compressed Degree Plan.” Through this program, students who maximize dual credit hours at Panola can complete the high school diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate degree in six years or less in most fields. This can save families as much as 40 percent off a traditional university degree. Generally, traditional students require four years to obtain a high school diploma, and a minimum of four additional years for college and university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Online articulation maximizes the amount of course work that will apply to the bachelor’s degree program. Articulation information is accessible by students, parents, and counselors at http://www.shsu.edu/admissions/transfer/joint-admissions/panola/ .
“We are so pleased to be able to work with Sam Houston State University,” said Dr. Powell. “The university’s proximity to the greater Houston area offers students the opportunity to apply for internships and co-op educational options with many corporate and industrial facilities in the region.”
November 27, 2017 - Eleven Licensed Vocational Nursing students from the Shelby College Center will receive their degrees during Panola College Commencement on December 14.
“Our program is really growing,” said Sharon Peace, RN, BSN. “We expect the number of graduates to triple by this time next year.”
Peace said the demand for nurses is growing, and the word of mouth positive reviews from current and former students has had much to do with the increase in enrollment.
“Both current and former students have been so pleased with their experience here that they have passed the word along about what a great program we have,” she said.
The Shelby College Center nursing program held a career showcase during the summer to introduce people to the career opportunities available at the Panola College SCC campus.
“We had more than 300 people to visit our campus on that day for the meet and greet, barbecue picnic and entertainment. We plan to keep this momentum going,” she said.
During the September and October application period, the Shelby College Center LVN program received 45 applications, and 36 students have already registered to begin classes in January.
“Nursing is a helping profession, and one that continues to be in great demand now and in the future. The faculty and staff at the Shelby College Center are proud of the work we are doing, and we invite anyone interested in pursuing a career in Licensed Vocational Nursing to stop by for a visit,” Peace said.
Submitted by Donna Yates
November 20, 2017 Bossier City, LA – The Panola College men’s basketball team had a successful weekend going 2-0 in the Bossier Classic help on the campus of Bossier Parish Community College. Friday night Panola took down a talented Houston Cy Fair squad and upended Louisiana Christian Saturday afternoon. The 12th ranked Ponies improve their record to 6-1. “Going 2-0 on a neutral floor is always a great way for us to springboard us into next weekend Thanksgiving Classic at Angelina.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated.
Game One – Panola 86 – Cy Fair – 73
Panola came out sluggish and found themselves down by as many as 11 points in the first half before trailing by one at halftime, 39-40. Stellar defense in the second half helped propel the Ponies to an eventual 18 point lead before taking the victory.
Five players scored in double-figures and were led by Marlon Taylor with 23 points. Tj Killings, Jeremy Roscoe, Alex Holcombe, and Tylan Dean all recorded 12 points. Holcombe swatted five shots in the victory and chased down a team high eight rebounds. As a team, Panola had a season low nine turnovers.
Game two – Panola 76 – Louisiana Christian – 53
In a similar theme as game one, Panola found themselves down by as much as eight points in the first half and down at halftime, 27-30. Up tempo defense led to a 49 point second half and the 23 point victory.
Again, five players scored in double figures and were led by Taylor’s 14 points. Jeffery Boyd and Dean recorded 13 points while Holcombe recorded 10. Shandon Goldman recorded a double-double in the victory with 12 points and 11 rebounds. As a team, the Ponies shot 78 percent from the free throw line.
Panola will host DFW Prep Sports this upcoming Monday, November 20th. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM on in AJ Gym on the campus of Panola College.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
November 20, 2017 Carthage - Due to a scheduling conflict the Panola College men's basketball game against DFW Prep Sports has been moved to February 13th. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM at AJ Gym on the campus of Panola College.
November 17, 2017 - A grant from the Panola College Foundation allowed 20 Panola College students and their professors to visit the R.L. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, La., on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Students enrolled in art, photography, Spanish and humanities classes toured the museum and gardens with professors Dr. Kathy Watlington, Amanda Clements, and Teresa Beasley.
Participating were Tarsheanna Bauer, Gabrielle Berry, Madison Buck, Destiny Buffin, Melonie Caserta, Sheli Caserta, Evelyn Coleman, Brandon Castillo, Daria Eremeeva, Ekaterina Karchevskaya, Jazmine Graves, Tyesha High, Kayleigh Isbell, Nate Morris, Paola Rangel, Tyler Ryan, Mia Sartor, Sydnee Taylor, Vanessa Tirado and Kierra Ware.
The Norton Museum, a gift to the city of Shreveport from the R.L. Norton family, showcases paintings, drawings, and sculpture from American and European artists, along with antique firearms, silver, posters from the war years, and porcelain dolls representing historic figures from Louisiana and the South.
The expansive gardens behind the museum offer an array of native plants and trees, and includes outdoor sculptures, bridges and waterfalls. Thousands of azaleas bloom in the spring, and during the autumn season, camellias and fall foliage add color to the garden. The gardens serve more than an ornamental purpose. The Norton Museum has an ongoing project to improve honeybee habitat and food sources. The gardens are also home to a flock of ducks and chickens, and goldfish swim in the decorative ponds.
“We have been fortunate to secure a grant from the Panola College Foundation for several years,” said Teresa Beasley, photography and humanities professor. “While we have traveled to Houston and Fort Worth in the past, we have especially appreciated the opportunity to visit the R.L. Norton Museum. It’s a fine museum close to home. The exhibits and grounds are spectacular.”
A survey of participants revealed that all students appreciated the opportunity to tour the museum. One response read, “Students may never be exposed to these kinds of things without trips like these. I believe it really broadens your knowledge of art just to walk around.”
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