Panola College

Students participate in fire safety training, under the supervision of the Carthage Fire Department and Fire and Safety Equipment personnel. Fire Marshall Randy Liedtke and Fire Fighter Workman were on hand to assist the students.

November 19, 2018 - Students in the Panola College School of Energy participated in fire safety training provided by the Carthage Fire Department and Fire and Safety Equipment on Monday, Nov. 12. The training was funded by a grant from the Panola College Foundation.

“We wrote this grant proposal because we recognized the importance of fire safety awareness for our technical students whose careers will expose them to flammable liquids like motor oil and gasoline,” said Michael Pace, School of Energy instructor. “Knowing what to do in the case of a fire can mean the difference between life and death.”

The training introduced students in Panola College’s ENER 1375, Introduction to Mechanical Engines class to the safety procedures required in the event of a fire emergency.

“Every School of Energy student will go on to work in a technical environment that requires fire training,” Pace added. “By introducing them to some real life scenarios while still in school, they will be better equipped to succeed in the workforce and add this training to their resumes.”

The Carthage Fire Department met with the students in the College Petroleum Lab, then the group moved outside to practice using fire extinguishers to put out a real fire under the supervision of trained fire fighters.

“We requested this Foundation grant because we realized that company safety policies are becoming more detailed each year,” Pace said. “This training provided our students the skills to better handle an emergency situation, and will be able to show future employers that they already have practical fire safety training.”

The grant covered the cost of the training system used by Fire and Safety Equipment. The company offered the system at a discounted rate to assist the students.

Pace said student response was excellent and the hands-on training enhanced the classroom instruction. “Our industry contacts have continued to support the College’s efforts to provide up-to-the-minute training to prepare our students for their careers in technical fields,” he said.

Students who completed the fire safety training included Clinton Bray, Marshall; Charles Felix, Nigeria; Bradford Fisher, Liberty; Evan Green, Lufkin; Blake Griffin, Center; Kase Hooper, Center; Tomas Martinez, Waskom; Michael McCammond, Pelican, La.; Edward Oden, DeBerry; Braden Russell, Carthage; Nick Sewell, Dallas, Chad Storer, Henderson, and Daylon Swearingen, Piffard, N.Y.


Panola College students visited the Kimbell Art Museum on a field trip funded by the Panola College Foundation.

November 15, 2018 - Art, Spanish, communication and humanities students from Panola College visited the Fort Worth Cultural District on Wednesday, Nov. 7, thanks to a grant from the Panola College Foundation. The cultural district encompasses the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Worth, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Amon Carpenter Museum of American Art and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

“We chose Fort Worth because the Kimbell Museum is currently hosting an exhibit of Francisco de Goya’s black and white works,” said Teresa Beasley. She, along with Dr. Kathryn Watlington and Amanda Clements wrote the grant. “The 75 pieces in the Goya exhibit are important for art, the humanities and communication students. The works include examples of his painting, drawing and printmaking.”

Participating students included Jade Allen, Malcolm Bell, Madison Buck, Kacie Caserta, Loren Caserta, Brandon Castillo, Drew Diverdi, Julianne Edge, Dulce Gonzalez, Maricruz Gonzalez, Sarah Hooten, Kailey Isbell, Shelby Kite, Sarah Kushner, Lucero Luna, Brandon Medrano, Erin Phillips, Morgan Ray, Serena Rascoe, Yareli Salinas, Aubrey Thomas, Clint Walker, Aaron Williams, and Evan Yount.

In a follow-up survey, students commented that the benefits of visiting a city museum include: “It’s a good experience for some who have never been to an art museum like myself. It can open the mind of others to new experiences.” Another student wrote: “I believe that it helps students to really appreciate art. To me, it is more interesting to see it in real life, and truly experience it, than to just simply learn about it.”


From left: Drew Diverdi, Serena Rascoe, Yareli Salinas, Shelby Kite, Lucero Luna, Maricruz Gonzalez and Dulce Gonzalez enjoy the exhibits at the Kimbell Art Museum.

November 14, 2018 - The Fillies show strong defensive effort as they routed the Elite Crusaders at home Monday night in AJ Gym. The Fillies won 80-38 and move to 2-3 on the season.

The Fillies would jump out fast in the opening minutes of the contest, and not look back. With a line up 6’0 and taller the Fillies would record six blocks in the first four minutes of play. Panola would outscore the crusaders 29-12 in the first period.

The Crusaders would go on to their own run however going on a 6-0 run. After a quick regroup the Fillies would go on a run to entering the break up twenty two.

The offensive effort would continue as twelve of thirteen players for the Fillies would score. Freshmen post would lead the charge as Nydier Riak(14), Ala Falkowska (12), and Kenzie Chadwick(10) would all score in double digits. Sophomore Weronika Nowakowska would also score in double digits with 12. Freshman Kellymar Ramirez would dish out a game high 6 assist. Chadwick once again led the Fillies in rebounding with team high 6.

The Fillies continue their home stint next Monday at 5pm in AJ GYm against Our Lady of the Lake. 

November 12, 2018 Carthage - The Panola Fillies began the 2018-2019 season hosting the Panola Classic at AJ gym. Panola came out with a victory over ETBU-JV. Fillies saw offensive promise as 12 different Fillies scored in the contest. Freshman Jolie Williams led the charge with 19 point while sophomore Maryia Adashychk led the team in rebounding

The Fillies would then fall to Grayson College the following evening 91-85. Panola jumped out to a 21 to 14 lead early. However the lead dwindled as she Fillies went on a scoring drought. After back and forth scoring the Fillies would enter the final period behind. After a grueling fight back the Fillies would ultimately fall to Grayson College. Williams would again lead the Fillies with 21 points. Freshman Kellymar Ramirez led the Fillies in rebounding.

The Fillies traveled to Denison Texas this past weekend to participate in the Grayson College Classic. The Fillies fell to The Independence College 66-60 and Labette College 67-58. The Fillies struggled shooting the ball and keeping key players on the floor due to foul trouble. The Fillies would fall short after two half court heaves and end of game free throw shooting.

After a tough loss the Fillies returned to actions against Labette College. Once again Panola would jump out to a quick lead. The Fillies saw foul trouble and poor shooing again. Freshman Kenzie Chadwick would be a spark off the bench for the Fillies. Chadwick would lead the Fillies in rebounding and spark a third quarter run. Unfortunately the team would go on a drought and only score 10 points in the final period. Labette would capitalize and charge on for the win.

The Fillies return to action Tuesday November 13, 2018 in AJ Gym at 7pm.


Ginger Cook accompanied the choir.

October 31, 2018 - The Panola College Choir and the Panola Pipers performed in concert at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium. Sandra Bauer, professor of vocal music, directed the choir. Ginger Cook, pianist, accompanied the singers.

The program opened with “Look at the World,” a song that was part of the program with the Shreveport Symphony. Soloists were Ellie Cawthon and Davy Cawthon, singers with the Pride of Panola Elementary Honor Choir. Next, the choir performed “Mojuba,” a Nigerian folk song featuring solist Lucy Eke, and James Lilly, Destiney Miller, Carrie Lilly, Whitney Ramsey, and Savana Hanaway on percussion.

Next, the choir performed “Laudamus” featuring James Lilly and Carrie Lilly on percussion, followed by “O Clap Your Hands.” Wrapping up the choir’s portion of the program was “He Never Failed Me Yet,” featuring soloist Hunter Moon, and on percussion, James Lilly.

The Panola Pipers took the stage next, opening with “Something Just Like This,” featuring soloist Aaron Tello. Kacia Johnson was the soloist for “Scars to Your Beautiful.” Soloists for “Meant to Be” were Aaron Tello, Emma Harden and Hunter Moon.” The final number on the Pipers’ program was “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” featuring soloists Hunter Moon and Sydnee Taylor.


Hunter Moon was the soloist for “He Never Failed Me Yet.”

Members of the Chorale are Susan Adewale, Nigeria; Boluwatife Babalola, Nigeria; Loren Caserta, Beckville; Samiat Fashola, Nigeria; Jamya Gossett, Nacogdoches; Joel Martinez Gonzalez, Tenaha; Makayla Miller, Ore City; Maggie Sims, Center; Kailey Stephens, Carthage; Ronke Ajoniloju, Nigeria; Kaitlyn Cox, Hallsville; Latifat Opeodu, Nigeria; Lucy Eke, Nigeria; Afrikina Dotson, Center; Carrie Lilly, New Caney; Abigael Joseph, Kenya; Destiney Miller, Ore City; Ademola Sanni, Nigeria; Charles Felix, Nigeria; Whitney Ramsey, Center; Jaren Whitton, Etoile; Victor Chinaka, Nigeria; Christion Taylor, Longview; and Dwaine Hubbard (Panola College band director.)

The Panola Pipers are Toluwani Ayodele, Nigeria; Latiffannie Gardner, Center; Pamela Painter, Marshall; Aaron Tello, Center; Emma Harden, Bullard; Michaela Garrett, Center; Kacia Johnson, Tatum; Sydnee Taylor, Carthage; Hunter Moon, Beckville; Mia Sartor, Carthage and Joy Jekayinoluwa, Nigeria.


Choir members presented Sandra Bauer with a bouquet at the end of the performance.


The Panola College Band performed in concert.

October 30, 2018 - Panola College Band and Jazz Band performed in concert on Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium. Dwaine Hubbard, director and professor of instrumental music, said the concert theme of “Southwest Saga” featured a musical journey through the Lone Star State.

Opening the concert was “Hubbard’s Legion,” by Timothy Rhea. This piece was commissioned by Carthage High School Band Director Nicholas Durham in honor of Dwaine Hubbard’s service to the CHS band from 1985 to 1998.

Next, the band performed “Blanco Canyon Sketches,” by James Sudduth; “Gospel Echoes,” by Fred Allen, and “Southwest Saga,” by Robert Sheldon. During the performances, images from across the Texas landscape were shown on the screens.


Savana Hanaway plays a solo.

After a brief intermission, the Panola College Jazz Band took the stage, opening with “Welcome to the Jungle,” by Guns N’ Roses, featuring soloists Savana Hanaway on flute and Elijah Johnson on alto saxophone.

Whitney Ramsey played a solo on tenor saxophone for “She’s Gone Away,” by Ralph Gingery, and she and Makayla Miller on trumpet were featured in “The Lady is a Tramp,” by Rodgers and Hart. Whitney was also featured soloist for “You’re Welcome” from the movie “Moana”, written by Lin Manuel Miranda.

Rounding out the Jazz Band performance were “Learn to Fly,” by the Foo Fighters, and “Uptown Funk,” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, featuring soloist Nicklaus Powell on drums.


James Lilly plays saxophone.

Members of the band include on flute: Ma’Kayla Campbell, Madison Cichoraki, Jessica Coats, Maricruz Gonzalez, Savana Hanaway, and Perla Mateos. On clarinet: Chelsea Ener, Kirsten Mayfield, Destiney Miller, Emily Ortiz, and Samantha Stilley. On bass clarinet: Lucero Luna. On contra-alto clarinet: Megan Gilley. On bassoon: Whitney Ramsey. On saxophone: Kassi Orbaugh Elijah Johnson, Selena Mendoza, Alex Rodriguez, and Lydia Woods. On tenor saxophone: James Lilly and Whitney Ramsey. On baritone saxophone; Somali Fletcher. On trumpet: Sarah Allen, Kaleb Baker, America Cabriales, Ruben Hernandez, Miguel Mendoza, Makayla Miller, Mahiko Moreno-Flores, Brandon Renteria; Maggie Sims, and Josh Wood.

On French horn: Sarah Allen, Mauricio Alejaldre, Dakota Brown, Erica Lee, Jose Torres, and Maddox Whitaker. On trombone: Dakota Brown, Jaime Gonzalez, Hernan Hernandez, Tressie Key, and Eder Nunez. On bass trombone: Carrie Lilly and Steven Sierra. On baritone: Colby Taylor, Jessye Massey, Makayla Bell, Demetrius Cooper, and Andres Leon.

On tuba: Martravian Williams, A.J. Bowers, Steven Sierra, and Daniel Quetzala. On percussion: Nicklaus Powell, Itzel Farias, Moses Sangowoye, Godwin Adewale, and Crystal Whitehead. On piano: Carrie Hudman.


Nick Powell plays the drums.


(Photo Credit: Kraig Cain)

October 29, 2018 - The Panola College Fillies closed out their regular season Saturday with a thrilling 5-set victory over #19 Blinn College (22-25, 25-14, 25-22, 11-25, 15-13) and a sweep of Temple College (25-13, 25-17, 25-17).

Against Blinn, the Fillies were led offensively by the trio of Daphinie Correa, Thaynara Godoi, and MiKayla Ware. Correa and Ware pounded out 15 kills each, with Godoi adding 13. Correa was also a force at the net with 4 solo blocks and 3 assists. The setting duo of Molly Harris and Bri McGown dished out 49 total assists, 25 and 24 respectively, while Ware boasted another double-double adding 10 digs to her 15 kills. Hannah Ramirez came up big for the Fillies with 23 digs, many of which came against the NJCAA kills leader Shelby Sheets.

In their second match of the day, Panola was once again led by Correa who notched 10 kills and Riley Seegers who added 7 kills on .500 hitting. At the net, Correa and Carol Santana were a force with 3 block assists apiece. Harris and McGown dished out 15 assists each and McGown added 2 service aces. MiKayla Ware and Hannah Ramirez anchored the floor defense with 9 digs each, while Sabrina de Lima added 8 of her own.

"We battled through adversity today," said Panola head coach Amber McCray. 

"This was a great test for our team heading into a tough regional tournament, and I'm proud of the way we stepped up."

Panola finishes the regular season 25-6 overall and currently ranked 15th nationally heading into the Region XIV Tournament as the fourth seed from the North. PC is set to play Wharton College Thursday at 7pm.


Panola College Baseball team and occupational therapy assistant students and instructors were essential volunteers for the evening.

October 25, 2018 - On Saturday, October 20, almost 540 attendees gathered at the Carthage Civic Center to play bingo for a chance to win designer purses and other prizes, all for a great cause. Designer Purse Bingo raised more than $47,000 to support Panola College students through scholarships, program grants and other college projects. This was the 5th Designer Purse Bingo fundraising event, hosted by the Panola College Foundation.

It is through the help of this event that Panola College and the Panola College Foundation were able to award over $120,000 in scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year. In the past twelve years, the Panola College Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, has awarded almost 1000 scholarships worth over three quarters of a million dollars. They have also awarded 80 faculty and staff grants valued at over $230,000 in the past eight years.

Gloria Arellano of Carthage, TX, is a Panola College student who directly benefited from the funds raised from Designer Purse Bingo. Gloria has lived in Carthage since the age of 6 and is currently attending Panola College to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She said she chose to attend Panola College for the outstanding OTA program with excellent teachers, but also because the location was close to her home making it convenient and cost-effective as well.


Farmers State Bank in Center, TX showed their support by sponsoring Game 3 of the evening.

“Being the first in my family to attend college and paying my own college tuition, with the help of scholarships, I needed as few expenses as possible,” said Gloria. “I am very thankful to the donors for making this possible for students like myself. I cannot express the gratitude I felt upon reading the email announcing me as the recipient of the Panola College Foundation Scholarship, thank you so much for the generosity of providing this scholarship.”

The event began with Don Clinton, Vice President of Student Services at Panola College, entertaining the audience as the emcee for the occasion thanking our sponsors and calling out the anticipated bingo numbers all evening. Guests also enjoyed a photo booth which printed souvenir photos of their evening, sponsored by First State Bank and Trust Company of Carthage. Guests also enjoyed beautiful potted centerpieces sponsored by Fidelity Communications, which were later sold as part of the fundraiser.


Sponsor Simply Beautiful Salon and 540 guests gathered to support Panola College and play bingo for a chance to win a designer purse.

Pippen Motor Company and Rural Water Service sponsored koozies for the evening, and Kelly’s Auto Collision sponsored souvenir glasses for the guests. For this first time, a signature drink was available for purchase brought to guests by sponsor, Simply Beautiful Salon with Rachel Davis.


(Left) Panola College Foundation scholarship recipient, Gloria Arellano from Carthage, Texas. (Right) Andres Leon from Tenaha, received a scholarship to Panola College from the funds raised by Designer Purse Bingo.

Game sponsors included Carthage Economic Development, Carthage Furniture, Farmers State Bank, Golden Eye Associates, Hayli Cagle with Keller Williams, Kimberly’s Kreations, LimeLife by Alcone with Brandie Best, Panola National Bank, Rancho Grande, Sanford & Sons, Inc., Texas Home Health, and Youngblood Oil & Products.

Double Dazzle sponsors included Car-Tex Transport and Vacuum, Edward Jones with Vicky Hudson in Center, TX, and the Winkler Place. Dazzle sponsors were Angela LaGrone, Chastiti Horne, Citizens Bank, Genpak, L&K Express Wash, Sharon Ivey, and Shelby Savings Bank.


Patricia Smith, Panola College Foundation board member, posed for a quick photo during intermission with Rachel Smith and Pat Dorman.

Bingo game purses included 24 different purses including brands such as Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Consuela, and Coach, which were modelled most professionally by volunteers from the Panola College baseball team. A popular bling ring raffle, sponsored by Luminant, consisted of prizes of donations from Sunflower Mercantile, Chicken Row Market, Kendra Scott, and the Panola College Foundation.

This event would not be possible without all the amazing volunteers. Panola College Occupational Therapy Assistant students and instructors, and the Panola College Green Jackets were instrumental in keeping the event running smoothly. Additional support for Designer Purse Bingo came from Arnold Graphic Design, Brookshire Brothers, Chicken Express, Dazzle’s Collectibles, H.E.B., Kountry Fresh Pizza, Panola College faculty and staff, Photography by Teresa Cage Beasley, R&K Distributors, Republic National, and Whataburger.


Panola College baseball players pose with one of the winners from Game 11.

Another student who received a scholarship funded through Designer Purse Bingo was Andres Leon of Tenaha, TX. Andres is a member of the Panola College band where he plays the euphonium/baritone. He is also involved in the Student Government Association, Caddo Club, History Club, and the collegiate FFA chapter. He hopes to become a lawyer and focus on pro bono work after college.

“I chose Panola College because of its good reputation, proximity to my family, and affordability. I am a first-generation college student, so it was important that I attend an affordable local school,” said Andres. “Thank you so much for your generosity. If it weren't for financial help like this, it would be impossible for me to pursue my education. This scholarship will let me focus on school and without it I would be unable to pay for my textbooks and labs. Thank you, I greatly appreciate it.”


Guests show off their bling rings in hopes of winning one of the eight raffle prizes that evening sponsored by Luminant. 

“It is for students, like Andres and Gloria, that we work hard to raise funds to support the success of students at Panola College. The Panola College Foundation has been thrilled with the outcome of our Designer Purse Bingo events,” said Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement at Panola College. “The evening is always exciting and the number of people who come to support Panola College is remarkable. We hope that this event continues to be successful and is reflected in the support the Foundation is able to provide students.”

Pace recommends marking your calendars for our 6th Designer Purse Bingo for Friday, March 22, 2019 and watch for ticket sales to open on January 15th.

October 24, 2018 - The Panola College Men’s Rodeo Team held on to the number one spot in the Southern Region after traveling to Mt. Pleasant, TX, for the third Southern Region Rodeo this past weekend.  Coach Collins and his team, looking to land one of the top two spots for the opportunity to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo in June, had another good showing at the Northeast Texas Community College Rodeo. Panola had 4 guys that led the way and earned points for the team. 

Tyler Johnson, a sophomore from Athens, TX, won the Bareback Riding with a score of 78 points. Tyler is having a great year after rebounding from the broken leg that knocked him out last year.  “Tyler was a key part of our team last season, and we are so proud he is back and expect great things from him this season,” said Coach Jeffrey Collins.

Travis Chapman, from Spurger, TX, was not far behind Tyler scoring a 77 in the bareback riding for a 2nd place finish. Chapman qualified for his first trip to the CNFR last season and placed 4th in the nation.  “Travis is set on winning a National title this season in the Bareback Riding”, noted Coach Collins, “I have every bit of confidence he can achieve that goal.  I just have to remind him and all my players to take it one rodeo at a time. Athletes in the rodeo world can get wrapped up in the big picture, we just need to stay calm and take care of what’s important now. “

Logan Cook, last year’s Southern Region All-Around Champion from Alto, TX, showed why he was the champ by placing 5th in tie down roping and 5th saddle bronc.  “Logan is a great athlete, he has been to the CNFR the last two seasons and understands what it takes to get there.  I am excited about his season and his career once he leaves here and moves on to pro rodeos,” said Coach Collins.

Macon Murphy, a freshman from Keatchie, LA, rounded out the scoring for the Panola Team as he placed 8th in the tie down calf roping.  Murphy has been placing a lot and Coach Collins had this to say “Macon is one of the hardest workers on this team. He handles his business and is always prepared to win. I love his attitude and his work ethic. Macon has become a strong player for us, and is set for a good future in rodeo!” 

The Rodeo Team travels to Lake Charles, LA for the McNeese State University Rodeo this weekend,  October 26-27 for the 4th of the 5 Fall Southern Region Rodeo’s. 

Fillies celebrate a point (Photo Credit: Denise Rabius)October 22, 2018 - In their last Region XIV North match, the 13th-ranked Panola College Fillies fell to #6 Navarro (19-25, 17-25, 25-23, 20-25).

Freshman MiKayla Ware had a career night and led all hitters with 18 kills on an impressive .421 hitting efficiency, while the combination of Alyssa Lozoya and Thaynara Godoi picked up 8 kills each followed by Rebecca Rabius adding 7. Bri McGown and Molly Harris dished out 20 assists apiece. Ware sealed up her highlight performance racking up 27 digs with Hannah Floyd adding 19 of her own. At the net, Godoi and Riley Seegers led with 4 block assists each.

With the loss, Panola finished Region XIV zone play 2-4 and will be the 4th place seed from the north in the Region XIV tournament.

In their annual Dig Pink match Saturday, the Fillies swept Brookhaven College (25-8, 25-17, 25-16). Offensively, Ware led again with 9 kills, followed by Carol Santana with 6, and Godoi with 5. McGown dished out 16 assists with Harris adding 12. Daphinie Correa led at the net with 2 block assists and 1 solo, and Hannah Floyd led the floor defense with 22 digs. Ware added 9 digs and Harris 8 in the win.

The Fillies will use next weekend as one final tune-up before the Region XIV Tournament, taking on Temple College and Blinn College Saturday, October 27th, in AJ Gym at noon and 4 pm.

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