Panola College
December 15, 2017 - On Thursday, December 14, 2017, Panola College conducted its 80th commencement in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium. The first ceremony took place at 5:00 p.m. followed by a second ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Panola College had 209 degree and certificate candidates and over 130 of those students participated in the commencement ceremonies.
At the start of both ceremonies, Dr. Billy Adams, Vice President of Instruction, presented each graduating class of fall 2017 as Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College led the processional of board members, faculty, staff, and students in to be seated while “Pomp and Circumstance” was played in the background.
Following the alma mater, sang by Panola College Chorale, and directed by Mrs. Sandra Bauer, Don Cocklin, psychology professor, gave the invocation. Powell then welcomed the assembled and gave opening remarks. Before the awards ceremony, Adams certified to Powell and members of the Panola College Board of Trustees that the graduating students had completed all work necessary to graduate from Panola College.
Dr. Kathy Watlington, Professor of Foreign Languages, then began the reading of graduates and Powell awarded diplomas to all graduating students.
For the closing of both ceremonies, Mr. Ernest Spencer, School of Energy professor, gave the benediction, followed by Dr. Powell leading the recessional to the closing instrumentals.
Panola College fall 2017 graduates pose for photos before their commencement ceremony.
Members of Phi Theta Kappa, a community college honor society, pause to take a photo together before commencement.
Panola College President, Dr. Greg Powell, awarded diplomas to over 130 graduates that attended commencement.
Panola College is proud to announce the following fall 2017 Honor Graduates:
Summa Cum Laude 3.90 – 4.00
- Martha Mary Brown (Pineland, TX)
- Daniel Quetzala Castillo (Garrison, TX)
- Paola Rangel Grande (Logansport, LA)
- Rebecca Padron Loredo (Beckville, TX)
Magna Cum Laude 3.75 – 3.89
- Cindy Baldazo (Overton, TX)
- Trevor Wayne Deal (Waskom, TX)
- Jenna King Mount (Enterprise, TX)
- Shaina Lane (Henderson, TX)
Cum Laude 3.50 – 3.74
- Alma Cristela Angeles (Beckville, TX)
- Kayla Jean Avery (Carthage, TX)
- Savannah Storm Battles (San Augustine, TX)
- Urias Quetzala Castillo (Garrison, TX)
- Joshua Allan Edge (Garrison, TX)
- Cody Michael Lake (Carthage, TX)
- Chance Collin Lunsford (Garrison, TX)
- William H. McClure Jr (Carthage, TX)
- Dana Lee McDaniel (Gary, TX)
- Holly Kristina Royer (Timpson, TX)
- Emmalee Tomaszewski (Tenaha, TX)
December 13, 2017 - An Art Exhibit by Katy Chance
The M.P. Baker Library at Panola College will host an exhibit by local artist, Katy Chance. The exhibit titled, “Through These Eyes of Mine” will be displayed in the Fay Allison Gallery from January 8, 2018 through February 23, 2018. In addition, an opening reception will be held Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 3pm in the M.P. Baker Library foyer.
Katy Chance is the Residence Life Coordinator/Head Residence Hall Supervisor at Panola College. Chance earned an associate degree from Panola College and her BFA at Northwestern State University.
“People say that art is an expression of one’s self, a way to relate to the masses, that we reveal a piece of ourselves without realizing it. I believe that we wake up new every day. I will never paint with the same hands as I did the day before,” stated Katy Chance, when asked about her artwork. “All I can do is hope that I have done more with this God given gift than paint a pretty picture or create an object that might sell.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public during the Library’s operating hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30am - 9pm, Friday 7:30am – 12:30pm, and Sunday 4pm – 9pm.
For additional information please call 903-693- 2052 or email sherri.baker@panola.edu.
December 12, 2017 - Members of the Panola College Chorale performed along with choirs from Dallas-area community colleges in Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata,” on Sunday, Dec. 3, at Central Lutheran Church in Dallas.
Panola College was the only college outside the Dallas area that participated, according to Sandra Bauer, Panola College Vocal Music professor.
“We had 19 students who performed this extremely difficult music,” she said. “It took a lot of extra rehearsal time to perfect it, and I was pleased that my students were willing to put in the extra effort and extra time to audition for a chance to participate.”
Panola College students joined with singers from Richland College, Brookhaven College, and Tarrant County College-Northeast. Others performing included the Brookhaven Handbell Ensemble, Brookhaven Choral Society, Texas Woman’s University Chamber Singers, and The Vivace Madrigals.
Panola College singers making the trip included Ronke Ajoniloju, Nigeria; Shelby Brown, Carthage; Meosha Brown, Carthage; Ahmadreion Casel, Jacksonville; Loren Caserta, Beckville; Zakayla Cooper, Carthage; Afrikina Dotson, Center; Brittany Fendall, Shreveport; Emma Harden, Tyler; Tyesha High, Jacksonville; Madison Hudson, Garrison; Shannon James, Tenaha; Hunter Moon, Beckville; Nichole Painter, Marshall; Kyana Reagan, Lufkin; Mia Sartor, Carthage; Ahna Stacy, Carthage; Jame’Cia Taylor, Carthage; and Sydnee Taylor, Carthage.
As part of the program, the Panola College Chamber Singers performed “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel,” an ancient chant arranged by John Englert. The Singers performed this piece at Christmas in Carthage this year. The Dallas performance program was entitled “Sing Noel, Lessons & Carols for Advent & Christmas,” featuring the Festival Community College Choirs and Ensembles.
“This was the first year this event has ever happened. Melody Gamblin Bullock, director at Brookhaven, approached me at the Texas Music Educators Association last year with the idea of combining choirs to produce a major work,” Bauer said.
While in Dallas, the Panola College group attended a performance of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, which featured music from the nationally recognized organ that is part of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
“The majority of our students had never been to a symphony, much less one as incredible as the Dallas Symphony. It was the Christmas Pops Show, so the Dallas Symphony Chorus performed, and our students were able to hear that choir, which was absolute perfection,” Bauer added.
Shannon James, a Panola College vocal music student, said, “Singing the piece by Pinkham with several Dallas community colleges was already amazing, but thanks to Mrs. Bauer, we got to experience the Dallas Symphony. The trip was an incredible experience and I’m so grateful to be a part of the Panola College Music Department.”
December 11, 2017 - Panola College will hold two fall 2017 commencement ceremonies on Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium. Approximately 70 students will participate in the first commencement, beginning at 5 p.m. A second ceremony for an additional 60 graduates will begin at 7:30 p.m.
In both ceremonies, Dr. Billy Adams, Vice President of Instruction, will present the graduating class. Sandra Bauer, music professor, will lead singers from the Music Department in The Alma Mater. Don Cocklin, psychology professor, will give the invocation. Dr. Adams will provide opening remarks and introduce the Panola College Board of Trustees. Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College President, will welcome guests and confer degrees and certificates. Earnest Spencer, School of Energy professor, will provide the benediction.
Dr. Kathy Watlington, foreign language professor, will read the names of the graduates. Participating in the pinning for health science graduates will be Ashley Brewster, RN, Associate Degree Nursing professor; Sharon Peace, RN, Vocational Nursing instructor; Lynn Davis, RHIT, CCS, chair-instructor, Medical Assistant program; and Jo Ellen Russell, MBA, MT, RHIT, RMA, chair-professor, Medical Lab Technician and Health Information Technician.
For fall 2017 graduation, 209 students qualified by earning degrees or certificates. Among those candidates, 152 are female and 57 are male, 198 are from Texas, nine from Louisiana, one from Arkansas, and one from Nigeria.
Degrees and certificates to be awarded include 100 certificates of completion, 68 associate of applied science degrees, 61 associate of science degrees, and eight associate of arts in teaching.
December 11, 2017 Carthage – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated Coastal Bend College here Saturday afternoon, 97-68. The victory raises the Ponies record to 7-5 and 1-2 in Region 14 play. “We just had to get the monkey off our back. The last three games we all lost at the buzzer.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “We simplified some things and our crew responded. It was a great win going into break.” he added.
After a 15 all start, Panola started to gradually pull away ending the half on a 20-8 run giving them the 45-33 halftime lead. Coastal Bend never got any closer as the Ponies gradually increased their lead the entire second half. At one point, Panola pushed they lead to 31 points, 91-60.
Five players scored in double-figures and were led by Juwan Williams 22 points. Shandon “Biggie” Goldman came off the bench and netted 19 points including five three-pointers. Marlon Taylor added 14 while Tylan Dean and Alex Holcome both chipped in with 11, respectively. As a team, Panola recorded a season high 50 rebounds.
Panola heads to their holiday break before taking on Central Christian JV on Wednesday, January 3rd. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM on the campus of Panola College.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
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
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