Panola College
April 15, 2016 - Panola College honored 20 students as recipients of the 2016 Academic Excellence Awards in a ceremony held at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 14, in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium.
Nominated by faculty in various academic disciplines, the students had to meet rigorous academic and community involvement criteria established by a faculty committee, chaired by Don Cocklin, professor of psychology.
As part of the program, the Panola College Chamber Singers presented “A Dream Within a Dream,” words by Edgar Allan Poe, music by Ruth Morris Gray. Sandra Bauer, professor of vocal music, directed the group.
Dr. Greg Powell provided brief remarks, praising the students for their outstanding achievement and wishing them success in their future endeavors.
This year’s Academic Award Winners are:
- Beckville - Matthew Letourneau, History
- Carthage - Chris Barnes, Instrumental Music; Summer Croley, Art; James Davis, Chemistry;Dusty Garrett, Math;Laura Lindsey, Drama;
- Center - Brittany Barreraz, Computer Information Technology; Liliana Castaneda, Office Professional;
- De Berry - Ryan Dickinson, Criminal Justice;
- Gary - Ronna Phillips, Health Information Technology; Kyle Walker, Office Professional
- Harleton - Kollin Hurt, Accounting
- Jefferson - Anna Crumbie, Communications
- Joaquin - Samantha Whitaker, Medical Laboratory Technician
- Karnack - Lauren Latham, Petroleum
- Marshall - Jessica Long, Medical Assistant; Jessica Porter, Associate Degree Nursing
- Mt. Enterprise - Laura Fryman, Government; Jenna King, Psychology
- Pattonville - Kastley Greer, Occupational Therapy Assistant
(Not pictured is Brittany Barreraz, nominated by Charlene Johnson for Computer Information Technology)
Submitted by Donna Yates
April 13, 2016 - Panola College will present a comedy hypnotist, Ron Miller, in performance from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 19 in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium.
Miller weaves his hypnotic spellbinding performance into a hilarious interactive event using volunteers from the audience. His fast-paced show has delighted people all across the South since 1998. He performs at corporate and organizational events, as well as for schools, colleges, and churches. Appropriate for all age groups, Miller’s hypnotic skills have participants sleeping one second and dancing the next.
“We’ve seen Ron Miller perform, and we knew his show would be a hit at Panola College,” said Paul Sabbatini, Student Activities Director and Academic Advisor. “His shows are fun for participants and the audience alike, and he always keeps things clean and family-oriented.”
A former broadcast professional, Miller has been featured on television as well as the stage. He is also a certified firefighter and paramedic. His website is http://dallasstagehypnotist.com. The show is sponsored by the Panola College Student Activities Department and is free to students and the public.
April 12, 2016 - The Center for Digital Education’s Digital Community Colleges Survey Awards honor community colleges that are using technology to improve how they deliver curriculum and services. Panola College earned a spot in the top 10 ranking of Digital Community Colleges in the most recent survey and competition. Panola was awarded ninth place in the small college category of schools with under 5,000 students. Allen West, Panola College Director of Information Technology, made the announcement on Thursday, April 7.
Now in its eleventh year, the Digital Community Colleges Survey analyzes how community colleges use a range of technologies to improve services to students, faculty, staff and the community at large.
“This year’s survey indicates community colleges are making great strides in using data to improve decisions, providing professional development to assist faculty in the use of technology, and creating robust online and mobile environments for their students,” said Dr. Kecia Ray, executive director for the Center for Digital Education. “Congratulations to this year’s survey winners.”
Award winners demonstrated innovative uses of technology, including online courses and mobile environments, mobile apps, secure platforms and wireless networks.
This year’s Digital Community Colleges Survey also revealed insights about community colleges’ technology priorities. Colleges surveyed indicated that mobility devices/app support and website redesign are their top priorities in the coming year, followed by cyber security tools and testing, network infrastructure modernization, server consolidation and virtualization, and disaster recovery/business continuity. The survey also revealed that, 59% of colleges now offer professional development courses on how to use mobile apps for instruction; while 93% offer professional development courses on how to integrate technology into curriculum and instructional practices.
All accredited U.S. community colleges are eligible to participate in the Digital Community Colleges Survey within three classifications based on enrollment size. CDE thanks last year’s first-place winners who abstained from participation to contribute as members of the development panel for this year’s survey: Northern Virginia Community College, Va.; Lord Fairfax Community College, Va.; and Carl Sandburg College, Ill.
The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding. CDE provides education and industry leaders with decision support and actionable insight to help effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century. For more information and a complete listing of colleges that earned distinction, visit the Digital Community Colleges Survey 2015-2016.
April 11, 2016 - Panola College Baseball beats Bossier Parish Community College 2 out of 3. With the wins Panola has now won 5 out of 6 conference series and extends their regular season record to 29-11 and 10-8 in Region-14 Conference play.
Game #1
Panola College held tough until late against Bossier Parish on Thursday, as Bossier Parish scored seven runs late for a 15-7 victory in Carthage, TX.
Chandler Morris, (The Woodlands, TX) had two extra-base hits for Panola. He singled in the second inning and doubled in the eighth and ninth innings.
Lance Ledoux (Port Neches, TX) ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with the loss. He lasted just 2 2/3 innings, walked one, struck out three, and allowed four runs.
Bossier didn't relinquish the lead after scoring two runs in the first inning when it scored on an RBI double by Wallace and a groundout by Tassin.
Panola scored one run in the bottom of the second to cut its deficit to two. A sacrifice fly by Chad McKinney (Hughes Springs, TX) set off Panola’s rally. Finally, Lewis induced an inning-ending double play from Jansen McCurdy (White Oak, TX).
Bossier tacked on another three runs in the fourth. Santiago kicked things off with a two-run home run, bringing home Pippin.
One Panola run crossed the plate in the bottom half of the fifth, making the score 8-2. An RBI double by Logan Bailey (Hallsville, TX) triggered Panola’s comeback. Lewis ended the inning by getting Jordan Gore (Silsbee, TX) to ground out.
Two runs in the bottom of the sixth helped Panola close its deficit to 8-4. A two-run home run by McKinney gave Panola life. The Panola threat came to an end when Colby Price (Nederland, TX) flew out.
After pushing across three runs in the bottom of the eighth, Panola faced just a 14-7 deficit. An RBI single by Landon Marshall (Huntington Beach, CA), a fielder's choice, and an error fueled Panola’s comeback. Bailey struck out to end the Panola threat.
Game #2
Chad McKinney (Hughes Springs, TX) had two extra base hits, sparking Panola College to a 3-2 victory in seven innings over Bossier Parish in game one of the double header on Saturday.
.
He doubled in the fifth inning and homered in the seventh inning.
Logan Bailey (Hallsville, TX) handled Bossier Parish's lineup with ease, racking up 12 strikeouts. Bailey allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings.
Panola jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Colby Price (Nederland, TX) kicked things off for Panola with a double. A single by Jansen McCurdy (White Oak, TX) then moved Price from second to third, Austin Sojka (Huntington Beach, CA) singled, bringing home Price.
Panola matched its one-run fifth inning with one more in the seventh. In the fifth, Panola scored on a sacrifice fly by Bailey, scoring McKinney.
In the bottom of the seventh with the score tied at 2 runs a piece, Chad McKinney stepped to the plate and drove the first pitch he saw over the right field wall and into the score board putting Panola up 3-2 and ending the game in heroic walk-off fashion.
Game #3
Panola College jumped out to an early lead on Bossier Parish and captured a 10-4 victory in Game 2 of the double header.
Six runs in the first three innings allowed Panola to put the game away early.
An RBI single by Hector Morales (Royal Palm Beach, FL) and an RBI single by Andre Pace (Beaumont, TX) during the first inning fueled Panola’s offense early.
Logan Bailey (Hallsville, TX) racked up three RBIs on two hits for Panola. He homered in the third inning and doubled in the eighth inning.
Jeffrey Holt (Henderson, TX) was in control on the hill. Holt held Bossier hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out one.
Colton Brasher (Hallsville, TX) got the win for Panola. He tossed one inning of shutout ball. He struck out none, walked none and surrendered one hit.
Panola built upon its lead with four runs in the third. The inning got off to a hot start when Bailey homered, plating Austin Sojka (Huntington Beach, CA). That was followed up by Chad McKinney’s (Hughes Springs, TX) two-run home run, bringing home Pace.
Panola got two-run rallies in the sixth inning and the eighth. In the sixth,Panola scored on a sacrifice fly by Colby Price (Nederland, TX), scoring Landon Marshall (Huntington Beach, CA).
Panola increased its lead with two runs in the eighth. A single by Sojka ignited the offense,, bringing home Jansen McCurdy (White Oak, TX). That was followed up by Bailey's double, scoring Sojka.
"Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved." Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.
Submitted by Brandon Benton
April 8, 2016 - "Peanuts… Naturally" on exhibit at the Fay Allison Gallery, M.P. Baker Library, Panola College from May 23, 2016-September 1, 2016. Charlie Brown is in trouble with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lucy knows the Earth has 48 suns, and Snoopy and Linus are planting french fries in the garden. These are just a few of the misadventures and explanations gone wrong as the Peanuts Gang explores the natural world—what other trouble will they find?!
Peanuts… Naturally, takes a light-hearted look at Charles Schulz’s exploration of the natural world through Peanuts comic strips, videos, objects, and interactive stations. Visitors get a Peanuts-eye view of the universe, “web of nature,” trees, birds, the elements (snow, wind, rain, and clouds), gardening, and Charlie Brown’s EPA escapade. Activity stations allow kids of all ages, from pre-school to adults, to learn more about and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
Schulz, who created the Peanuts comic strip for nearly 50 years, was immensely curious, an avid reader, and took a keen interest in the latest research findings in a variety of fields. It is not a surprise that many of these findings and facts found their way into Schulz’s comic strip carefully interpreted through his characters’ unique, and sometimes wacky, understanding of their world.
The exhibit will be on display in the Fay Allison Gallery at Panola College from May 23-Sept. 1, 2016 from 7:30 am to 4:45 pm Monday-Thursday and 7:30 am to 12:30 pm on Fridays. There is no charge to see the exhibit.
For additional information please call 903-693-2091 or email cferguson@panola.edu.
Peanuts… Naturally is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, California.
April 6, 2016 - Panola College School of Energy will host the third annual Women in Energy event on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, beginning at 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The school is proud to announce the keynote speaker, Katie Mehnert, CEO of Pink Petro™. Named by Bizwomen as the "Pied Piper for Women in Energy", Katie is the founder and CEO of Pink Petro™, the first and only global social learning community for women in energy aimed specifically at disrupting the gender gap including men in the conversation. Pink Petro launched a year ago with support from Halliburton, Shell, Jive Software, and KPMG and is in 22 countries worldwide. Independent School Districts who will be attending the event include Beckville, Carthage, Center, Gary, Joaquin, Marshall, Martinsville, San Augustine, Shelbyville, Tenaha, and Timpson. The attendees will tour the Panola College campus, receive quick hands on training in the Petroleum Lab, and will have the opportunity to visit directly with women working in the oil and gas industry.
April 5, 2016 - The Panola College rodeo team was in Hillsboro April 1-2, for the 9th Southern Region rodeo. The Women’s and Men’s teams both had a great showing with both teams winning 3rd place. There were great individual efforts that helped each team to their great finish.
The physically demanding event of the bareback riding was filled with Panola men doing great things. Kole Chandler scored 74 points for a 2nd place finish, while Ethan Andrepont scored 70 points for 3rd place. Bailey Plaisier scored a 65 to win 4th place. The amazing performance in the bareback riding really helped the men’s team to gain momentum that they needed to finish in the top 3. The trio of bareback riders will all three be back to Panola College next year as sophomores.
The women’s event breakaway roping found two Panola athletes in the points placing’s; Sarah Broussard and Laramie Johnson. Sarah roped her calf in 2.8 seconds for an 8th place finish. Laramie posted a time of 2.7 seconds for a 3rd thru 7th place finish. The points they received for their performance helped the team as well as each individuals chance to qualify for the College finals.
The team roping duo of Laramie and Colton Johnson was once again on their best game. The two managed to stop the clock in just 7.6 seconds, for the 7th and 8th place finish. The twins are freshman and will be back next year.
The popular women’s event of barrel racing was very fast and very exciting. Abby Phillips, a freshman from Marshall, would not disappoint. Abby, and her horse Fame, blasted a blazing fast time of 16.13 seconds. The time was good enough for Abby to win 5th place overall. Phillips has plans of being a nurse, therefore she will be at Panola College for at least two and a half years, the great thing about that is we will be hearing lots more about her over the next couple semesters.
The last rodeo of the season, April 22-23, finds a lot of athletes with a great shot at qualifying for the C.N.F.R. in Casper, WY. Laramie Johnson in the team roping and breakaway roping. Colton Johnson in the team roping. The goat tying event, Taylor Gooch has a great shot. Fulton Rutland and Braden Richardson both have a great chance in the bull riding. The season has come down to the last rodeo for some athletes, and it will be very exciting to watch all the hard work and efforts come down to the wire.
April 4, 2016 - The Center Vocational Nursing Students assisted with the 9th Annual Health & Fitness Fair presented by Cline Family Medicine at the Windham Civic Center in Center, Texas on Thursday, March 31st. The students provided teaching on Heart Health while collecting blood pressures. The students also assisted with glucose at cholesterol checks at the Nacogdoches Medical Center Booth! The students enjoy having an opportunity to promote health and fitness in Shelby County.

Center VN Students: (left to right) Jessica Parker (standing); Jordan Haggard, and Shelby Vineyard.
Submitted by Donna Yates
April 4, 2016 - The Panola College Choral Department will present a spring concert on Tuesday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium.
The Panola College Chorale is under the direction of Mrs. Sandra Bauer and will be accompanied by Mrs. Ginger Cook. The concert is free and open to the public.
April 4, 2016 - After days of rain and two cancellations the Panola Ponies and Navarro Bulldogs finally squared off in their first conference meeting of the year. Panola would take game one 13-8. Navarro would respond by winning game two 16-8. And Panola would go on the road to beat Navarro in Corsicana to take the rubber game 8-4 for a dramatic come from behind victory.
With the wins Panola extends there regular season record to 26-10 and 8-7 in Region-14 conference play.
Game #1
The teams traded runs for most of the contest, leading to three lead changes in the game. Panola took the lead in the fourth inning and held on for the victory. A three-run error scored Colby Price (Nederland, TX) and Austin Sojka (Huntington Beach, CA) gave Panola the lead for good. Sojka racked up five RBIs on three hits for Panola. He singled in the first inning, doubled in the fourth inning, and hit a grand slam homer in the fifth inning. Tyler Powell (Silsbee, TX) recorded the win for Panola. He allowed two runs over 2 2/3 innings. He struck out two, walked one and surrendered three hits. The bottom of the first saw Panola take an early lead, 2-0. Panola got things going when Price singled. A single by Sojka then moved Price from first to second. Logan Bailey (Hallsville, TX) doubled, bringing home Price. The scoreboard lit up again for Panola when Sojka scored on a fielder's choice. Navarro had their big inning in the top of the third scoring four runs of their own. Panola would quickly respond in the fourth and fifth innings with a pair of four run rallies. Navarro never threatened after the fourth inning as Panola pitching shut down the Bulldog bats only allowing 1 hit the final three frames.
Game #2
Eleven hits weren't enough for Panola as it lost a shootout, 16-8 in seven innings, Logan Bailey (Hallsville, TX) racked up two RBIs on one swing for Panola. He homered in the sixth inning. Taylor Tomlin (Center, TX) couldn't get it done on the rubber for Panola, taking a loss. He lasted just 1 1/3 innings, walked none, struck out none, and allowed four runs. Navarro never trailed after scoring eight runs in the second on a fielder's choice, a sacrifice fly by Channey, and two singles. Two runs in the bottom of the fourth helped Panola close its deficit to 9-6. A two-run single by Chandler Morris (The Woodlands, TX) gave Panola a little life. But that would be as close as it would get for Panola. Navarro piled on six more runs in the top of the fifth. Dejuses kicked things off with a single, plating Martin. Two runs in the bottom of the sixth helped Panola close its deficit to 16-8.
Game #3
With the score tied at four in the fifth inning, Jordan Gore (Silsbee, TX) came to the plate and hit into a fielder's choice, bringing home Austin Sojka (Huntington Beach, CA). Gore racked up two RBIs on one hit for Panola. Jansen McCurdy (White Oak, TX) reached base four times in the game for Panola. He singled in the first and third innings. Christian Cuevas (Bayamon, PR) looked sharp on the bump. Cuevas gave up just three hits, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out two during his four innings of work in relief collecting his fourth win of the season. The bottom of the first saw Navarro take an early lead, 4-0. Martin singled to ignite Navarro 's offense. More runs came home for Navarro when Martin scored on an RBI single by Adams, Dejuses scored on an RBI single by Salazar, and Adams scored on an RBI single by Lewis. For the second day in row Panola found themselves down but not out as the Ponies would put up a 5 run inning in the fifth. Landon Marshall (Huntington Beach, CA) would single followed by Chandler Morris (The Woodlands, TX) sacrifice bunt. Chad McKinney (Hughes Springs, TX) then doubled to followed by Colby Price (Nederland, TX) that scored one. McCurdy would get hit by a pitch that lead to Austin Sojka’s (Huntington Beach, CA) base on ball. Logan Bailey Hallsville, TX) would hit a missile up the middle scoring two runs. The inning finally came to an end when Jordan Gore (Silsbee, TX) drove in Hector Morales (Royal Palm Beach, FL) capping off a 5 run inning and spelling defeat for Navarro. Panola tacked on another two more runs in the ninth. The inning looked promising, as Gore tripled, plating Bailey to kick things off. That was followed up by Morales 's single, scoring Gore.
"Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved."










