Panola College

April 12, 2023 - The M.P. Baker Library of Panola College will host “Panola’s Picassos,” a showcase of art by area high school students, April 3 through 28 in the Fay Allison Gallery.

“I am very excited about this new exhibit and welcoming high school students to participate in it,” said Amanda Clements, professor of fine arts at Panola College. “This is a great chance for young artists in the area to be recognized for their work by our incredible community.”

Schools participating in the showcase include Carthage, Elysian Fields, Timpson, and Panola Early College High School, as well as a home school.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during the Library’s normal operating hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A reception will be held April 27 from 4 to 6 p.m., and will include a brief awards presentation. For more information, contact the Library by calling 903-693-2052 or emailing library@panola.edu.

April 11, 2023 - The Panola College Alumni Association is proud to announce Leon Carter as its Alumnus of the Year and Amber Lee as its Young Alumna of the Year. This year is the first time the Association has selected two recipients, with both Carter and Lee scheduled to speak at the May 4 commencement ceremonies.

Leon Carter is the principal attorney at the law firm Carter Arnett PLLC in Dallas. He focuses his practice on a range of legal matters, including anti-SLAPP litigation, antitrust litigation, business litigation, complex commercial law, construction law, copyright and trademark law, governmental liability, serious personal injury and wrongful death, patent law, and first amendment and media litigation.

Carter attended Panola College in 1977 before transferring to East Texas Baptist University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in history and pre-law. He studied law at Texas Southern University and obtained his Juris Doctor in 1986. He is licensed to practice in Texas and before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas. Carter was a Dallas County assistant district attorney and an assistant attorney general for the Texas state after law school.

“I vividly remember the first history class I took with Professor Bill O’Neal. He was the first person who made history alive and real to me,” recalled Carter. “The enjoyment that I got from that first history class with him made learning fun which increased my desire to learn even more, which led me to further my education by attending law school.”

Actively associated with the legal community, Carter is a fellow at the American College of Trial Lawyers and is on its State Committee. He is a fellow at the Litigation Counsel of America, the International Society of Barristers, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He functions as an associate at the American Board of Trial Advocates and serves on its Executive Committee. He was also recognized as the Dallas Bar Association’s Trial Lawyer of the Year.

Additionally, Carter has memberships in the Honorable T. John Ward American Inn of Court, Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn American Inn of Court, State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Bar Foundation, Collin County Bar Association, Harrison County Bar Association, and is a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. His other accolades and recognition include being ranked in litigation by Chambers USA and being named to the list of The Best Lawyers in America. He has received an AV* Preeminent peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell and is listed on the Top 500 Lawyers in the United States by Lawdragon.

“Across so many years, Leon has left his mark on the legal profession,” said Dr. Phil, the television personality and author. “He has left his mark in the courtroom, he has left his mark in the firm, he has left his mark on the community. He is someone that makes every lawyer joke obsolete because he is just the kind of person you want in your life and representing your profession.”

Amber Lee grew up in Carthage and first attended Panola College from 2006 to 2009. She later returned in 2018 to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing and graduated in 2020. Currently, she is a staff registered nurse at UT Health Carthage.

“My favorite memory from attending Panola College was the staff,” said Lee. “I always felt comfortable to go to my instructors for anything I needed, even if it was just a pat on the back, a boost to my self-confidence, to pick my brain on certain study topics, or to talk me through a mini meltdown. Panola has staff who care, and I will always be so appreciative for their help along the way.”

Lee loves the challenges that each day working as a registered nurse brings, and she strives to give each of her patients the best care possible while meeting their needs. “I strive to go the extra mile because you never know what that extra gesture will mean to someone or how it might affect their life,” added Lee.

Lee and her husband, Jason, together have six children. She credits them, along with her husband and grandparents, as a support system while working on completing her degree. She plans to continue her education, and has already begun to study for her Certified Emergency Nurse certification and hopes to begin a program for family nurse practitioners in the future.

Dr. Berri O’Neal, Panola College Alumni Association chair, will honor Carter and Lee with individual awards on May 4, 2023, at the spring commencement ceremonies.

April 6, 2023 - The Panola College Foundation hosted its annual Designer Purse Bingo fundraising event on Friday, March 31, at the Carthage Civic Center, attracting approximately 600 guests and raising a record $75,403 for student scholarships and program grants.

“This fundraising event helps ensure that we are able to increase the number of scholarships and grants that the Foundation provides to students each year,” said Jessica Pace, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Panola College. “It is always great to see the community come out and support students, all while having a good time.”

Brian Naples, Professor of Government at Panola College, entertained the audience as the emcee, thanking the sponsors and calling out anticipated bingo numbers throughout the evening.

The event sponsor for the evening was Jacobe Bros. Construction, and each guest took home a tote bag provided by Young Energy Services. Sanford & Sons Lawncare and Irrigation sponsored centerpieces for each table, which were available to purchase following the event. Farmers State Bank sponsored cups, Razor Services sponsored drink buckets, Horne Rota Moos sponsored napkins, and Pippen Motor Company and Rural Water Services sponsored koozies. Hal’s AC and Electrical sponsored popcorn for everyone at the event. A signature drink was available for purchase brought to guests by Simply Beautiful Salon, and wine was available by Cyclone Rentals. Sodexo sponsored charcuterie boxes for each guest and Hospitality Health ER offered a dessert bar.

First State Bank & DPT Services sponsored the bonus games for the event, which allowed guests the chance to carry home a Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin bag.

Bingo purses included 24 different designs, with games sponsored by Brannon Motors, Carthage Economic Development Corporation, Carthage Furniture, Carthage Hardwoods, Citizens Banks, Edwards Jones by Vicky Hudson in Center, Texas, Elliot Dodge of Carthage, Farmers State Bank, Martin Marietta, O’Neal Crew, VeraBank, and Winkler Place. The purses won included brands such as Coach, Consuela, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, with Bear Creek Smokehouse donating numerous Consuela bags.

A popular raffle gave guests the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including designer purses, took place during the middle of the event. Raffle sponsors included Circle H BBQ, DNC Facility Services, Farmers State Bank, GENPAK, Hope Community Medicine, Smith Energy Services, Strong Services, Triple H. Compliance/Panola Pipe & Salvage, and UT Health East Texas. Additional raffle prizes were donated by Republic National Distributing Company.

“The Panola College Foundation would like to thank each person who attended the event, including each of the sponsors,” added Pace. “Designer Purse Bingo would not be possible without the volunteers who spent hours preparing and setting up the event.”

In 2024, Designer Purse Bingo will be held at the Carthage Civic Center on March 29.

March 22, 2023 - Panola College students (including dual credit) and employees are invited to the Rio Theatre March 25 to enjoy a special showing of Shazam. The box office will open at 1:30pm and the movie will begin at 2pm. Students and employees must show their Panola ID and will receive admission, small popcorn, and soda for $11. 

Panola guests are welcome at regular pricing. The First 100 With A Panola College ID Will Get Admission, Small Soda, And Small Popcorn For Free! If you are a Panola student and don't have a Panola ID, call Shelby Regional Training Center at 936-591-9075 and make an appointment to get your ID made so you can join us to watch Shazam at the Rio!

February 28, 2023 - The Panola College drama department excelled last week at the 2023 Texas Community College Speech and Theatre Association (TCCSTA) Playfest, with every member being recognized for their work on The 4th Graders Present An Unnamed Love-Suicide. The cast and crew took home over 20 awards, and the production won the Trophy for Production Excellence.

The student, followed by the city they are from and the name of the award(s) received, are listed below.

Technical Awards:

Kady Matthews, Union Grove - Excellence in Stage Management, Excellence in Scenic Design

Dawson Windham, Shelbyville - Excellence in Stage Management, Excellence in Scenic Design

Estrella Villanueva, Orange - Excellence in Properties Design

Dylan Essery, Carthage - Excellence in Sound Design

Donovan Williams, Gary - Excellence in Lighting Design

Evelyn Boles, Mt. Enterprise - Excellence in Hair and Make-Up

Chelsey Caldwell, Mt. Enterprise - Excellence in Hair and Make-Up

Tameka Alexander, Centerville - Excellence in Special Hair Design

Haven Heiman, Center - Excellence in Costume Design

Andrea Rosenbaum, Portland - Superior in Dramaturgy, Superior in Program and Lobby Display, Top Scorer Finalist for the John C. Corley Technical Awards

Respondents Technical Awards:

Haven Heiman, Center - Excellence in Costume Design

Dylan Essery, Carthage - Excellence in Original Music Composition

Acting Awards:

Scott Eddins, Colmesneil - Audience Favorite, Professor's Choice, Respondent's Choice Superior, Bill Morton Acting Challenge Plaque 

Taylor Alexander, Longbranch - Respondent's Choice Excellence

February 15, 2023 - Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Zumba® Gold and Beginning Yoga. The next classes begin February 27th - April 12th, Monday and Wednesdays (Zumba - 4:15 - 5:15pm and Yoga - 5:20 - 6:20pm.) Cost of each class is $60 and pre-registration is required. Reserve you spot today! For more information, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email: tmccann@panola.edu.

February 7, 2023 - Panola College professor of drama Karen King will be awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for Region VI during the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in March. The Gold Medallion is the highest regional award given by KCACTF, with Region VI covering Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Each year, the eight KCACTF regions honor individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre, and who have significantly dedicated their time, artistry, and enthusiasm to the development of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

“I am absolutely floored over this honor,” said King. “I have had the privilege of working with wonderful higher educational professors across the country and am so honored that they have given me this acknowledgement.”

King has been at Panola College since 2013, and taught at Hillsboro High School for ten years prior. During her tenure at the College, the drama department has participated in KCACTF, with students winning many awards and honors, including in 2017 when their production Kabuki Lady Macbeth was the festival showcase production. She has hosted the festival three separate times at the College.

“This recognition would not have been possible without the incredible support I have had from Panola College for the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival and the benefits and educational value it has for our students and community,” added King.

In 2019, King was the recipient of the TxETA 2019 Founder’s Award. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Texas Theatre Association of Adjudicators and Officials as treasurer, works as the house manager for the state University Interscholastic League (UIL) One Act Play competition, and serves as a state judge for the UIL Young Filmmakers competition.

King holds bachelor degrees in drama and English literature from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a master’s degree in theatre arts from the University of Houston. Early in her career, she moved to the West Coast where she worked in theatre, television, and film. She holds an Emmy certificate for her contributions to the 1987 Best Television Drama, thirtysomething.

“Professor King has been a tremendous addition to the drama department and Panola College,” said Dr. Gregory Powell, Panola College president. “She is an excellent recruiter and instructor, and we are very fortunate to have her here.”

January 31, 2023 - Due to weather concerns, all Panola College locations (Carthage, Marshall, & Center) will delay starting until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning, February 1, 2023.

January 30, 2023 - Panola College Baseball opened up the 2023 campaign this past weekend. The newly renovated Jim Reeves Memorial Turf field was nothing short of spectacular. The Ponies took the first two games of the series on Friday, and then Saturday’s contest was cancelled due to rain after attempting to play.

Panola and Carl Albert squared off on Friday, January 27 with a double header at 2pm. Nathan Love (Magnolia, TX), a freshman RHP, took the hill for his first collegiate start. He tossed a competitive 2.1 innings to get the season off to a good start. Caleb Chacon (Allen, TX) and Koen VanTKlooster (Netherlands) pitched the final 4.2 innings and struck out 10 batters. Love, Chacon, and VanTKlooster looked great in their first collegiate appearances.

The offense led by returning All Conference Players Haziel Cruz (Puerto Rico) and Austin Morgan (Carthage, TX) exploded for 9 runs in Game 1. Freshman SS Raphael Smeenk (Netherlands) launched the first Homerun of the season which was also his first collegiate hit. Cruz and freshman catcher Luca Pastor (Netherlands) also recorded 2 hits in the opening bout.

Panola won game 1 by a score of 9-5

Game 2 of the double header was an exciting one. Freshman LHP Easton Ballard (Gilmer, TX) was sensational in his first ever start going 3.2 innings and giving up no runs and striking out 5. Due to Carl Alberts inability to command the strike zone early, Panola jumped out to a quick 7-0 after the first inning. The Panola offense was stymied for the better part of the game until the 7th inning where they scored 2 more runs which proved to be the difference maker. Peter Werth (Tyler, TX) had 2 RBI and a big triple which helped the offense. After seeing the lead dwindle to just 1 run, freshman RHP Sam Simmons (Manvel, TX) recorded the final 1.1 innings and struck out 2 recording his first ever save and securing the victory in game 2 for the home team.

Panola won game 2 by a score of 9-8 and took the series.

Game 3 on Saturday was attempted to be played. Both teams battled the rain during batting practice. After 3.1 innings the game was suspended and therefore cancelled due to not meeting the 5 inning requirement for it to count. The Ponies were leading 5-1 and were already playing better than Friday’s double header.

The #PonyBoys (Panola Baseball) will be back in action this week at home against Northeastern Oklahoma.

January 26, 2023 - Panola College is proud to announce the students named to the Dean’s list for the Fall of 2022 semester.

To qualify for the dean’s list, students must complete the semester with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79 with a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation.

The Fall 2022 dean’s list is as follows:

(Shelby County Home Towns)

Center - Mason Barbee, Megan Choate, Bradley Cook, Ana Espinosa, Adrian Huerta, Karren Kirkley, Lieza Klein, Daniela Leon, Dean Lester, Colby Lovell, Ler Moo, Azael Morales, Brittany Payne, Alexia Pineda, Alfredo Ramirez, Melony Reyes, Marlin Shofner, Alexis Truitt

Joaquin - Autumn Mathis, Lauren Neal, Miranda Willeford

Shelbyville - Shelley Henry, Toby Taylor, Myla Wagstaff

Tenaha - Lauren Askins, Alan Mosqueda, Arturo Rico, Vanessa Romero

Timpson - Bailey Barton, Celeste Bush, Tela Etievant, Tony Meza, Abby Pate, Brianna Rabon, Pacey Rhodes, Taylor Stanley

(Other Area Home Towns)

Amarillo - Tai Phetluangsy

Amsterdam - Luca Pastor, Raphael Smeenk

Avinger - Charlene Moore

Basile - Isaac Ingram

Beaumont - Samuel Hall

Beckville - Adam Gregory, Heather Hamilton, Kinsley Rivers, Gracie Sexton

Carthage - David Albert, Kymli Baker, Samantha Blue, Abigail Cawthon, Kenneth Compton, Brandi Creech, Jose Deluna, Chukwudalu Egbejiogu, Luna Franca, Melissa Garcia, Lanniyah Hicks, Karsyn Isbell, Hunter Lambright, Brookelyn Malone, Abby Mercer, Jayden Mojica, Jayden Molloy, Gracelynn Morton, Koen Norman, Todd Page, Zane Schumacher, Jackson Shearin, Braden Smith, Lawrence Thompson

Cloutierville, La. - Annamarie Pierce

Colmesneil - Scott Eddins

DeBerry - Hannah Bowlinger, Amber Byerly, Jackson Illingworth, Victoria Waits, Lindsay Griffin, Todd Register, Mercedes Tridle, DeBerry

Deer Park - Justyce Vann

Denton - Jacob Gafford

Diana - Amber Wallace

Garrison - Kathlyne Bracken, Kloe Stokes, Garrison

Gary - Ashley Jones, Shelby Powell, Debra Stephens, Summer Stuart, Alyssa Travis, Gary

Gilroy, Calif. - Marcus Greene

Gladewater - Melissa Macklin

Goodrich - Tyler Seek

Hackberry, La. - Jacques Trahan

Hallsville - Julia Smith

Hemphill - Alaina Dickerson

Henderson - Bethany Grandgeorge, Amanda Keith, Sherry Pelsia

Ikorodu - Chimeremeze Anumiheoma

Jefferson - Kenya Ross

Liberty, Mass. - Colby Curry

Logansport, La. Hardy Dowden, 

Lone Star - Kadynce Matthew

Long Branch - Taylor Alexander, Spencer Sparks

Longview - Taylor Clayton, Megan Ives

Longville, La. - Jayce Reeves

Magnolia - Nathan Love

Marshall - Azariyah Gordon, Joshua Johnston, Maria Leal, Kaidynce McAndrews, Estrella Montes, Kaylea Page, Issra Salameh, Kaitlyn Strutton

Mooringsport La. - Brandy Getter

Mount Enterprise - Hannah Elson, Jaden Rogers

Nacogdoches - Mason Boulware, Haley Horn, Breantanitca Thorn, April Toston

Orange - Estrella Villanueva

Pineland - Kelsi Moore

Port Harcourt - Gertrude Bulus

Portland - Andrea Rosenbaum, Portland

San Augustine - Jasmine Hardy, Kara Weatherford

São Paulo - Vitoria Mattos

Shreveport, La. - Kyron Reed, Jennifer Whittington

Tacoma, Wash. - Sharayah Johnson

Tatum - Baylea Densman, Jenna Parker, Kevin Ramirez, Jordan Rios

Thiamin - Hugo Mattioli

Troup - Trevor Everett

Tyler - Peter Werth

Waskom - Aubrey Connell, Riley Otwell, Heather Schmidt, Tracey Tindall

Winnipeg - Emily Mandamin 

Izabely Benjamin DaSilva

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