Panola College
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.
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.
Students in the occupational therapy assistant program showed Spirit around their lab.
October 18, 2018 - Spirit, Panola College’s pint size pony, has been traveling all over campus to bring awareness to Panola’s 2018 employee campaign, Searching for Spirit. Spirit helped the employees find their spirit of giving by visiting different departments, classrooms, and even making appearances out in the community. Spirit’s various adventures could be found on the College’s social media sites each day.
Each year, Panola College employees participate in a campaign during the first six weeks of the fall semester to help raise funds for student scholarships, athletics, fine arts, the Panola College Foundation, and any other program at the College that is important to them. The Employee Campaign began four years ago and has continued to grow each year.
“The employee campaign reminds us to give back. It’s fun, and it’s what we are supposed to do,” says Don Clinton, Vice President of Student Services. “We put a lot of time, effort, and money into all of our hobbies, our churches, our families, and we should do the same with our job to make it a better working environment and to help others. It’s what it is all about.”
This year the Panola College employee campaign raised over $19,000 in just a little over a month. Employees designated the largest portion to the Panola College Foundation, followed closely by a scholarship fund created specifically by the faculty and staff at the College to support students financially. Academic programs, fine arts, and athletic teams also received donations during the campaign.
While the amount the employees raised is impressive and generous, it is not the what Panola College considers the biggest triumph of the campaign. Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement, says it is really the percentage of participation in the campaign that shows real success.
“The percentage of participation is what we believe makes the largest statement. The number of participants we have in the employee campaign shows that the employees at the College truly care about the students that attend Panola and want to see students reach their goals. Employees want to see each student succeed, so giving back to support them seems fitting.”
Panola College’s 2018 employee campaign boasted a 67% participation rate, up from 60% in 2017. To make the campaign a little more exciting, each year the executive council at Panola College challenges employees to reach a certain goal. This campaign the goal was set at a 65% participation rate. Employees not only reached the goal but surpassed it. As a thank you and in the spirit of service, the executive council helped serve lunch at the annual Fall Frolic for the students, faculty, and staff.
“The employee campaign creates an atmosphere of giving, and it creates this atmosphere in a fun and exciting way,” said Sarah Bush, mathematics professor. “You want to give out of compassion. You feel a need and you want to meet that need. Sometimes you have to give because of that spirit that is in you to give.”
Reanna Hart, Panola College recruiter, shared her opinion about why she participated each year in the employee campaign.
“It’s kind of fun and competitive in one sense, but you also get to see what your giving does for other people. You get to see students when they come to Panola, and you get to see how the money is used so they can take classes and continue their education. These students may not have been able to complete those classes if the employees at Panola didn’t give.”
The employee campaign may only take place a few weeks out of the year, but the spirit of giving can be found daily at Panola College.
“I see examples of the spirit of giving all around campus. Whether it is the millions of dollars given to scholarships, Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center, the clock tower, the Spirit of Panola fountain, it can be seen everywhere,” says Greg Powell, President of Panola College. “The employee campaign is a great opportunity for the faculty and staff to give back to areas that are most important to them, and it demonstrates the family atmosphere that can be readily found at Panola College.”
Spirit poses with Library Director, Cristie Ferguson during his introduction at the faculty and staff convocation.
Spirit enjoyed lunch at Panola College Café with Professor Brian Naples.
Dr. Greg Powell serves lunch to Professor Jennifer Coon at the annual Fall Frolic to show his appreciation to the faculty and staff for their participation in the employee campaign.
October 18, 2018 - WEPA (WE Print Anywhere) print is now available at Panola College. WEPA print allows students to send documents from their laptops and other devices to the cloud-based printing service. There is no need to wait for the library to open to be able to print anymore. Students can send documents before they leave home and simply print when they arrive on campus. This allows students to send documents to the cloud at any time that is convenient to them and print on demand at the kiosks.
By creating an account, students may add $5.00 or more online from any debit or credit card, a pre-paid WEPA print card (sold in library), or PayPal. Students do not have to create an account. They can also swipe a credit or debit card or purchase a pre-paid print card from the M.P. Baker Library to use directly at any kiosks. The kiosks are located in three places on campus:
- The M.P. Baker Library (second floor). This station also has a scanner for copying.
- The Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center (first floor by the cafeteria door).
- The Health and Natural Sciences Building (first floor in the hallway behind Dean Reed-Hirsch’s office, near OT area).
If a student leaves Panola and still has funds on their WEPA account, the funds will be returned to the student if they wish. If the student transfers to another school using WEPA, they can continue to use their existing funds on their account at that institution.
The prices are: Single-sided black & white – $.09, Two-sided black & white – $.17, Single-sided color – $.25, Two-sided color – $.47.
Students who have already utilized this new printing capability had some great comments. One student said, “The WEPA printing machine is a very good idea!”
Another student claimed, “The new printer is great. WE LOVE IT!”
One student’s comment was echoed throughout the student body, “PLEASE KEEP THIS!”
Panola College is excited to continually offer the latest technology to students to improve their college experience and help them be successful in their courses.
Community members are also welcome to use the printers, but it is encouraged that they use a print card or set up an account because the kiosk charges a $.49 cent fee for not making a $5.00 purchase, if a credit or debit card is used.
For more information about printing you can go to www.wepanow.com or email library@panola.edu.
Fillies celebrate a point. (Photo Credit: Denise Rabius)
October 15, 2018 - After falling to #11 Tyler Junior College, the 13thranked Fillies picked up 4 solid road wins this weekend at the Missouri State-West Plains Grizzly Invitational, improving to 22-5 overall on the season.
In the mid-week conference showdown when Panola fell to TJC (21-25, 23-25, 20-25), the duo of Rebecca Rabius and Alyssa Lozoya led the offense with 8 kills apiece while MiKayla Ware added 6. Setter Bri McGown led with 16 assists and Molly Harris added 12. Hannah Ramirez led defensively with 10 digs and MiKayla Ware picked up 7; while Thaynara Godoi notched 2 block assists and 1 solo.
In their first match of the weekend, Panola defeated Hutchinson CC (25-23, 25-11, 22-25, 25-22). Rebecca Rabius led with 13 kills, Thaynara Godoi picked up 8, and Sabrina de Lima added 6. Molly Harris dished out 39 assists with 12 digs in the win. Godoi dominated at the net with 6 block assists, Rabius added 5 block assists and 1 solo, and Alyssa Lozoya added 4 block assists with 1 solo. Hannah Floyd matched her then career high and led the floor defense with 31 digs.
Against the home team, Missouri St West Plains, the Fillies battled out a 5-set victory (25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-12). Daphinie Correa stepped up offensively with 14 kills, Rabius pounded out 13, MiKayla Ware added 9, and Alyssa Lozoya chipped in 8. Molly Harris controlled the offense by dishing out a career-high 53 assists, while Godoi picked up 2 block assists with 1 solo. Defensively, Hannah Floyd bested her career-high in digs racking up 32, while Hannah Ramirez stepped up notching 23 of her own.
In day 2 of the Grizzly Invite Panola swept Jefferson College (25-13, 25-20, 25-17). Thaynara Godoi led with 11 kills, Rebecca Rabius tallied 10, and Alyssa Lozoya chipped in 8. Molly Harris dished out 22 assists and Bri McGown added 20. Defensively, MiKayla Ware led with 14 digs, while the duo of Hannah Floyd and Hannah Ramirez picked up 10 apiece followed by 9 from McGown.
The final match of the weekend came with a hard fought 4-set victory over Indian Hills (23-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-21). Once again Rabius led offensively with 10 kills, Ware added 8, and Godoi chipped in 7. Harris dished out 20 assists with McGown adding 14. Hannah Ramirez led with 19 digs, Ware and Harris picked up 8 each, and McKenzie Dimery added 7 of her own. Godoi led at the net with 2 block assists and 3 solo blocks.
Panola returns to action Wednesday night as they host Navarro College for their final match of Region XIV zone play at 7pm in Arthur Johnson Gymnasium.
October 10, 2018 - Panola College recognized new inductees into the Pi Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in a ceremony at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4. The ceremony was held in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center.
Students qualifying for membership in the fall semester included Pamela Painter of Marshall; Katie Alexander of Longview; Anayeli Aguilar of Tenaha; Toluwani Ayodele of Lagos, Nigeria; Mya Boyd of Beckville; Victor Chinaka of Dallas; Hannah Galaviz of Shelbyville; Abigail Garcia of Carthage; Savanna Gwinn of Carthage; Brantley Klinger of Henderson; Bethany Roberts of Longview; Giselle Rico of Tenaha; Rayna Sokol of Beckville; and Hailey Woodworth of DeBerry.
Students who qualified for PTK membership but were unable to attend the formal induction ceremony included Dalayna Daw of Joaquin; Emily Liedtke of Carthage; Ladestiny Boyd of Marshall; Jordan Ford of Logansport; Brooke Brown of Marshall; Elizabeth Chavez-Gomez of Center; Drew Diverdi of Center; Madison Isbell of Carthage; Peyton Jones of Carthage; Rebecca Reames of Shreveport; Paige Shedd of Center and Darian Wood of Nacogdoches.
PTK faculty sponsors are math professors Roberta Collinsworth, Chasity Klinger and Emily Zabcik. Student officers for the 2018-2019 year are Alyssa Bell and Christy Corliss.
Corey Johnson, biology professor at Panola College and a PTK alumnus, presented a short program. Sandra Bauer, professor of vocal music and choir director, led the Panola Pipers in two songs.
Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievements of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming. Today, PTK is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than two million members in 1,200 chapters located in 50 United States, U.S. territories, Canada and Germany. In 1929, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges.
Correa and Godoi block a TVCC attack. (Photo Credit: Denise Rabius)
October 8, 2018 - With aggressive serving and a balanced attack, the 16th-ranked Panola College Fillies defeated #6 Trinity Valley Wednesday night in Athens in 4 sets (17-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-19).
Sophomore Daphinie Correa was a force offensively with 12 kills hitting .526. The trio of Sabrina de Lima, Rebecca Rabius, and MiKayla Ware added 8 kills apiece, with Alyssa Lozoya adding 6 of her own. Sophomore setter Molly Harris dished out 20 assists and freshman Bri McGown added 16 assists with 9 digs.
Ware also came up big defensively for the Fillies by notching 15 digs, and Hannah Ramirez picked up 14 digs in the win.
"Just as expected, Region XIV North has been another tight battle of four very talented teams so far," Head Coach Amber McCray said. "This was a critical road victory to put us back in the hunt, and we know we can compete when we show the balance that we did this match."
Panola is now 16-4 overall and 2-2 in Region XIV zone play. They will return to action Saturday in a home tri-match against Cedar Valley College at 12 pm and Region XIV south opponent Wharton County CC at 4 pm.
October 8, 2018 - Panola College Volleyball hosted Cedar Valley College and Wharton County Junior College Saturday, finishing with a sweep of both opponents.
In their first match of the day, Panola took down Cedar Valley (25-13, 25-16, 25-20) with one of their most efficient hitting performances of the season at .343. Freshman MiKayla Ware led the offense with 9 kills on .471 hitting, Alyssa Lozoya pounded out 8 kills, and Sabrina de Lima added 7 of her own. Molly Harris dished out 22 assists with Bri McGown adding 17. Defensively, freshman Hannah Floyd led with 15 digs, Ware added 8, and Harris chipped in 7.
Panola picked up the victory over Wharton County (25-17, 25-19, 25-15) capitalizing on a balanced attack that boasted 6 Fillies with 6 or more kills. Thaynara Godoi and MiKayla Ware led with 8 kills each, the trio of Daphinie Correa, Alyssa Lozoya, and Rebecca Rabius added 7 apiece, and Sabrina de Lima chipped in 6. Molly Harris dished out 19 assists with 5 digs while Bri McGown added 17 assists with 8 digs. Ware was a stud defensively as well, leading with 14 digs followed by 11 from Hannah Floyd.
Head Coach Amber McCray is pleased with both the balance and growth the Fillies showed this weekend .
"Both opponents made huge defensive plays on some of our biggest swings that would have been major momentum killers for us in the past," she commented. "But this time we countered with several big plays of our own and then fed off of that to seal the wins."
Panola is now 18-4 and will return to action in Region XIV zone play Wednesday when they travel to #13 Tyler Junior College.
Photo: Fillies celebrate a point Saturday (Photo Credit Denise Rabius)
October 3, 2018 - The Panola College Rodeo Team was back in action September 28th and 29th at Bar None Cowboy Church in Tatum, Texas. The Ponies and Fillies had a great rodeo and we want to thank everyone that came out to watch. Here are some of the athletes who represented Panola well.
Travis Chapman, sophomore from Woodville, Texas, cleaned up in the bareback riding with an 83-point ride. Travis is a young man who finished fourth in the Nation in the 2017 NIRA standings. Chapman has big goals to return to the CNFR this season and bring home a gold buckle. Coach Collins says, “Travis is a scrappy young man, very athletic, and has lots of will power to win. I will expect him to be a team leader and carry a heavy load for this team this season.”
Ross Freeman, Bull Rider from Kountze, Texas, made a great ride for 81 points and a second place finish. Ross went to a lot of rodeos this Summer and has matured into a very physical and mental athlete. “Ross is going to be a great asset to our team and is definitely going to be someone for us to watch in the future of Pro Rodeo,” says Coach Collins.
Seth Rustin, freshman criminal justice major, won 3rd place in the Bull Riding event with a 76-point ride. Seth has been riding well in practice and working on little things to help make his rides way more successful. Seth is eager to work and takes care of business well, be looking for his name a lot here this season.
Maison Davis, freshman from Kilgore, Texas placed 5th in the barrel racing event with a 17.280. Maison is a three event cowgirl with a hard driven determination, great attitude, and a burning desire to win. Maison’s other two events breakaway and goat tying will be something to be watching for in the future.
Jackson Williams, Steer Wrestler from Greenbrier, Arkansas, laid his steer down in 6.8 seconds for a sixth place finish. The cattle were big and rank and Williams weighing in at 145 seemed to be a David and Goliath match up. Jackson was up for the task and will be at the upcoming rodeos as well.
Campbell Grover, sophomore from Purvis, Mississippi ran the clover leaf pattern in 17.320 seconds for an 8th place finish. Her and her horse P have been working hard and beginning to reap the rewards of their labor. P is just a five-year-old that Campbell started in the barrel racing event last year, P really blew up and grew some over the Summer making her a top horse in the Southern Region.
Macon Murphy, freshman from Kechi, Louisiana, teamed up with his heeler, Logan Fontenot to tie one up in 7.4 seconds for an 8th place finish. Macon is a two event hand working both the Calf Roping and Team Roping events equally as well. Coach Collins says, “Macon has a great attitude, he loves the sport, and works relentlessly to achieve his goals. This kid’s future is very big and bright in the sport of rodeo.”
Panola College Ponies Men’s Team ended up with a 4th place finish while the Fillies ended up with a 7th place finish.
Panola College Rodeo Team will travel to Uvalde, Texas October 5th and 6th for the second NIRA Southern Region Rodeo.
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