Panola College

October 2, 2017 - After a tough 5-set loss to conference rival Tyler Junior College, the Panola College Fillies bounced back this weekend to pick up two key wins against #16 Indian Hills and Missouri State-West Plains at the Holiday Inn Invitational hosted by TJC.

Panola dropped a heartbreaker to TJC in a mid-week showdown: 25-23, 21-25, 21-25, 25-21, 13-15. For the Fillies, freshman outside Rebecca Rabius led with 16 kills, sophomore Jaqueline da Silva added 11, and sophomore Kaitlyn Adams chipped in 10. Sophomore setter Cayman Sutton dished out 34 assists. Defensively sophomore Camie Copeland led with 18 digs, freshman Hannah Ramirez added 13 and Rabius picked up 10 of her own.

Panola then rebounded in tournament play this weekend to outlast Indian Hills (21-25, 25-14, 25-20, 14-25, 15-13). Jaqueline da Silva led with 10 kills, Kaitlyn Adams added 7, and the outside duo of Rebecca Rabius and freshman Audrey Slaten combined for 12 kills (6 apiece). Cayman Sutton led with 27 assists and freshman Molly Harris Chipped in 22. The floor defense came up big for the Fillies with 4 players recording double-digit digs. Ramirez led with 26, Copeland and Slaten picked up 15 each, while Sutton added 13 as well. At the net, freshman Thaynara Godoi led with 6 total blocks.

The Fillies took down Missouri State-West Plains (25-17, 23-15, 25-21, 25-20), Slaten led offensively with 12 kills, da Silva added 10, and sophomore Barbara Sabino pitched in 9. Once again Sutton led in assists, dishing out 25 while Harris trailed right behind with 19. Defensively Sabino led with 4 block assists and 2 solos, Godoi added 2 assists and 1 solo. Ramirez anchored the floor with 17 digs, Copeland picked up 11, and Slaten added 10.

Panola moves to 13-3 on the year and will return to action Tuesday when they travel to Pasedena for a tri-match with Temple College and host San Jacinto College.

Submitted by Jane Hays, Assistant Volleyball Coach

September 29, 2017 - On Wednesday, September 27th, the 2017-2018 Panola College Foundation Board gathered in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom to conduct a quarterly business meeting and welcome three new members. The Panola College Foundation was formed thirty-five years ago to support and promote the mission and vision of Panola College, to seek and obtain gifts for the advancement of Panola College, and to assist the students of Panola College by providing fellowships and scholarships. In addition, the Foundation also seeks to increase community awareness of the programs and accomplishments of the College and to promote excellence in education.


This year’s board members are (L to R) Dr. John Ray, Ms. Sonya Brasher, Mr. Robert Sherman, Mr. Pat Browning, Mr. Bobby Phillips, Mrs. Jodie Reed, Mr. Jonathan Perlman, Mrs. Brenda Giles – Chair, Ms. Ginger Borders, Ms. Carolyn Murphy, Mrs. Patricia Smith – Secretary, Dr. Greg Powell, Mr. Will Lucas and Mr. Ray Schieffer (Not shown: Mrs. Kathleen Kruebbe, Mr. Phillip Grimes – Vice Chair, Mrs. Vicky Hudson, Mrs. Sharon Ivey and Mrs. Jessica Pace).

September 27, 2017 - The Panola Rodeo Team dominated the rough stock events this weekend at the first Southern Region Rodeo of the year, which was hosted by Panola College. "It was a great start to the year for our team. Our team has cowboys and cowgirls that will be competitive for the CNFR in each event. This weekend the roughstock guys showed out a little. The livestock was very challenging and gave each rider an opportunity to win the event. I am very excited about the whole team and we should be seeing more names than just the ones from this weekend because we have a lot of depth and very talented," says Panola Rodeo Coach Jeff Collins.

Sophomore Logan Cook, of Alto, TX, picked up right where he left off last year at the College National Finals. Logan continues to prove why he is one of the best hands in the country as he won the saddle bronc with an impressive ride on Saturday night that had the whole arena on their feet hollering. He also tallied points in the team roping as he and his partner Colton Johnson of Shreveport, LA, finished 6th. Logan is now tied for second place in the Men's All-Around Competition with 195 points after the first rodeo.

Logan Cook

In the Bareback competition, they saved the best for last as sophomore, Travis Chapman, from Woodville, TX excited the crowd with a powerful and exciting ride that stole the victory away from the defending National Champion from Sam Houston State Lane McGeehee, and two CNFR top 10 qualifiers last year Zach Hibler and Paden Hurst. Panola teammate, Tyler Johnson, a freshman from Athens, TX took 7th in the bareback riding to add to the points for the team.

Travis Chapman

Freshman, Koby Radley of Holdren, LA made his mark in the Southern Region as he won his first College Rodeo in the bullriding with an impressive score of 86. Teammate, Boudreaux Campbell, a freshman from Crockett, TX, finished 5th in the bulls. Radley and Campbell are setting the bar high in the Southern Region and in the PRCA as these two youngsters are ranked #28 and #16 in the PRCA World Standings.

Koby Radley

Campbell Grover, a freshman cowgirl from Purvis, MS was the only cowgirl that put up some points up for Panola, as she finished 6th in the barrel racing.

Team Roper Duncan Nash, a freshman from Marshall, got points in the team roping, as he and his partner finished 4th in the team roping.

The Men's team finished 2nd overall in the rodeo and the women finished 7th.

The final standings for the teams were:

Men's Division
1. Hill College
2. Panola College
3. Northeast Texas C. C.
4. Wharton Jr. College
4. Sam Houston State
6. Texas A&M
7. Southwest Texas Jr. College
7. McNeese State Univ.

Women's Division
1. Texas A&M
2. Sam Houston State
3. McNeese State
4. Southwest Texas Jr. College
5. Texas A &M - Commerce
6. Stephen F. Austin State Univ.
7. Panola College
7. Wharton Jr. College
9. Hill College

Submitted by Don Clinton

Zumba ®Gold

September 26, 2017 - Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Zumba ®Gold. This class takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the older participant.  The class will meet Monday and Wednesday: October 2nd – November 8th, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm, at the Shelby College Center. The cost of the class is $45, and pre-registration is required.  For more information and to register, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email: tmccann@panola.edu.

Beginning Yoga Classes

Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Beginning Yoga classes October 2nd – November 8th. The class will meet Monday and Wednesday from 5:05 pm – 6:05 pm. The cost of the class is $45.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email tmccann@panola.edu

Submitted by Trellis McCann

September 25, 2017 - The Panola College Fillies fell to 17th ranked Navarro College at home (21-25, 25-27, 25-17, 15-25) but rebounded with a road victory over 15th ranked Trinity Valley (25-18, 25-16, 21-25, 25-21).

Against Navarro, freshman Daphinie Correa shined offensively for the Fillies by recording 15 kills, while sophomore Jaqueline da Silva had 12, and sophomore Kaitlyn Adams added 11. Sophomore setter Cayman Sutton dished out 30 assists, and freshman Molly Harris added 24 of her own. Defensively, sophomore Camie Copeland and freshman Hannah Ramirez picked up 11 digs apiece with da Silva adding 9.

Saturday, the Fillies rebounded at TVCC getting key contributions from freshman Rebecca Rabius and Kaitlyn Adams with 12 kills each, while Jaqueline da Silva added 9 and sophomores Melanie Casteel and Barbara Sabino picked up 7 kills apiece. Cayman Sutton dished out 25 assists with Kinly Carter adding 23. At the net, Daphinie Correa assisted on 8 blocks and Adams was right behind with 6 of her own.

The Panola College Fillies will resume Region XIV zone play Wednesday when they travel to Tyler Junior College to take on the Lady Apaches at 7pm in Wagstaff Gymnasium.

Pictured L to R: Daniel Hall, Shana Smith, Brent Barreraz, and Daniel Davis, President of ETGPA.

September 21, 2017 - On Tuesday, September 19, the East Texas Gas Producers Association (ETGPA) presented Shana Smith and Brent Barreraz, Panola College Petroleum Technology students with a $1,000 scholarship. Applicants were required to be enrolled in the Panola College School of Energy program, have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and submit an essay answering the questions, why they want to obtain a Petroleum Technology degree and where did they see themselves in five years.

“We are proud to partner with ETGPA and appreciate their support of our students and our program,” stated Daniel Hall, Panola College School of Energy Chair.

Emmalee Tomazweski, Jasmine Ryan, Jessica Bailey, Taylor Foster, and Sarah Funderburk, cast members of Steel Magnolias, visited Natchitoches, the home of the 1989 hit movie.

September 18, 2017 - Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias, the classic story of love, laughter, and loss, comes to life on the Panola College Stage for the annual dinner theatre fare. Based on a true story, Harling’s play focuses on events in Chinquapin, Louisiana – the fictional town Harling created for the real town of Natchitoches,Louisiana, where the ladies whom the play is based upon resided.. This performance is being guest-directed by Elizabeth Hedges, the former 30-year professor of Drama at Panola.

Starring in the play are, Emmalee Tomaszewski, sophomore, Center, as Truvy, Taylor Foster, freshman, Jefferson as Annelle, Ashlynn Stamps, freshman, Martinsville as Clairee, Sarah Funderburk, sophomore, Carthage as Shelby, Jasmine Ryan, freshman, Martinsville as M’Lynn,, and Jessica Bailey, freshman, Center as Ouiser.

Heading up the production staff are Karen King, Assistant Director; Andrew Lindsey, Stage Manager, Lacie Sepulvado, Costume Design, Kassandra Escobar, Light Design, Kayla Brimer, Props, Nathaniel Endsley, Sound and Crew construction. Julian Johnson hosts as MC for the event. Prior to the evening dinner performances, the Panola Players will present twenty minutes of comedy sketches and music.

The play runs Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23 with dinner theatre performances. Dinner starts serving at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Dinner will be salad, lasagna, Italian green beans, breadsticks, chocolate mousse, coffee or tea. A dessert matinee is presented on Sunday, September 24 with the doors opening at 12:30 p.m. and the show beginning at 1:30 p.m. An array of cakes, pies, and cookies will be served with coffee and tea. 

Reservations are required for these performances and all tickets must be pre-paid. Cost for dinner theatre tickets are $40/Adults; $35 for Seniors (62+), Students, and Panola College Staff and Faculty, $25/Children 12 and under. Dessert Matinee costs are $25/Adults; $20 for Seniors (62), Students, and Panola College Staff and Faculty, $15/Children 12 and under. Groups of ten or more receive a group discount.

Panola Drama offers an online ticketing service. The link to order tickets online may be found on the main page of Panola College www.panola.edu – Scroll down to the bottom and located on the right hand side are Quick Links. Click on Online Ticket Sales to order your tickets online. One may also call 903-693-2064 or email tickets@panola.edu

Steel Magnolias is produced by special permission from Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

September 14, 2017 - Starting Monday, September 18, Panola College will hold a Facebook auction for a BBQ pit. The cooker was built by welding students at the Shelby Regional Training Center along with their instructor, Clint Cassell.  The pit is 36x23x23” with double slide out racks and a removeable heat shield, so you can either smoke, or charcoal grill on this pit. The fire box is 23x23x16". It also has a damper in the stack, and a damper in the fire box. A custom BBQ pit, such as this one, could retail for up to $1,500.

The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Greater Houston Community Foundation to support the relief effort from Hurricane Harvey. The Greater Houston Community Foundation is a public charitable foundation whose Hurricane Harvey Relief fund is focused on immediate and long-term relief efforts in Harris County and Houston (which may include cities in Fort Bend and Montgomery County). The relief efforts will include aid to victims of flooding and other weather caused by Hurricane Harvey, including shelter and temporary housing needs, food and supplies, healthcare, and multiple other needs.

“We built this BBQ pit intending to use it as a fundraiser for the welding department at Panola College, but we wanted to help with the relief effort in the Houston area and in the surrounding counties and this seemed like a great opportunity,” stated Clint Cassel, welding instructor at Panola College.

The auction will begin at 8am on Monday, September 18 and will close on Thursday, September 21 at 9pm. The bidding will start at $350 and increase by $25 increments. To place a bid, simply visit www.facebook.com/PanolaCollege and place your bid in the comment section underneath the auction post. The winner of the auction will be required to pick up and pay for the cooker by Thursday, September 28.

September 12, 2017 - The Panola College Board of Trustees, meeting on September 6, appointed Mrs. Fatha Burchette to fill the unexpired term of the late Mrs. Glendell Chadwick.

“Mrs. Burchette will be a great addition to the Board of Trustees at Panola College,” said William Goolsby, Board President. “Because of her vast experience as an educator and administrator, she will be very beneficial to this institution.”

Mrs. Burchette graduated from Turner High School in 1970 as a member of the last graduating class before mandatory integration of public schools in Panola County. That same year, she began her college career at Panola Junior College, earning an Associate Degree in 1972. After graduating, she and the late Roy Burchette were married, and relocated to Iowa. She attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science.

In 1978 she returned to Carthage and began her career with the Carthage Independent School District, first as a substitute teacher and para-professional. In 1979, she received her Texas Teacher Certification in Secondary Social Studies and History from Stephen F. Austin State University. She started her full-time teaching career as a social studies teacher at the Baker-Koonce campus, where she remained for 17 years.

In 1989, Mrs. Burchette returned to the SFASU campus and obtained a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and History, and in 1994, she earned Mid-Management Certification from SFASU. She was promoted to assistant principal at Baker-Koonce, a position she held for seven years. In 2003, she was promoted to principal, a position she held until her retirement in 2010.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Burchette has participated in several community and state organizations, including serving as a member of the Scholarship Committee on behalf of the Turner High School Class of 1970, the Board of the Boys and Girls Club, a member of Kiwanis, a member of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Retired Teachers Association, American Association of Retired Persons, and as a member of the local Emergency Management Agency Team.

The Panola County native is the daughter of the late John D. and Lura Roberts. She is a member of the Walnut Grove Baptist Church. She has one daughter, Kiesha, and one grandson, Kason.

“I believe life is a cycle, and now it is time for me to return to Panola College and offer my assistance in a different role,” Mrs. Burchette said. “I have been blessed by God, and I want to share those blessings with others. It’s an honor to have been named to the College Board of Trustees. Indeed, obtaining such a position requires an enormous amount of duties and responsibilities. I truly appreciate Dr. Powell and the Panola College Board of Trustees for the confidence they have placed in me. I am more than willing to support the mission, goals, and vision of Panola College.”

September 8, 2017 - The Panola College Fillies swept San Jacinto-Central in dominant fashion (25-18, 25-11, 25-18) in what was unexpectedly the Ravens opening game of the 2017 season because of schedule cancellations due to Hurricane Harvey.

Offensively, Panola was led by sophomore middle blocker Barbara Sabino with 9 kills on 13 swings. Sophomore outside hitter Jaqueline da Silva added 6, and the freshman duo of outside Alyssa Lozoya and middle blocker Daphinie Correa added 5 a piece. Sophomore setter Kinly Carter dished out 16 assists and served up a team high 5 aces, while setter freshman Molly Harris added 10 assists.

The floor defense was led by sophomore libero Camie Copeland with 16 digs, da Silva picked up 6, and freshman defensive specialist Hannah Ramirez added 5. At the net, Correa led with 3 total blocks and sophomore right side Melanie Casteel added 2.

Panola Volleyball will return to action September 15th at Cedar Valley College before traveling on to Farmer's Branch the following day for a tri-match at Brookhaven College.

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