2008 News

Video Game Development Camp A Success
6/30/08

 Matt Sanford, Cameron Martin, Chloe Powell, J.J. Johnson, Jacob Cook, Johnathan Wilson, Arden Stone (instructor), Trenton Morris, Nathan Bueche, Dr. Bob Wilkins.  In front: Lynn Kinchloe (Video Game Club president)

The Panola College Video Game Club conducted its first Video Game Development Camp for Kids in June.  The game camp, held in the computer science department’s new Video Game Development Lab launched in January, was led by club members Lynn Kinchloe and Arden Stone. The new lab, housed in the Gullette Technology Building, includes game development hardware and software along with Xbox 360, wii, and PS3 game consoles and a 37 inch flat screen monitor.  Students learned to create maze and platform games, game level designs, and to make modifications to Xbox 360 games such as Halo 3.  More game development classes are planned for adults and children in the coming school year.  For more information, contact Dr. Bob Wilkins at 903-693-2057 or email at bwilkins@panola.edu .

Fulfilling a calling
Nursing scholarship winners uphold commitment to field
The Marshall News Messenger
By Sandra Cason, News Messenger
Thursday, June 26, 2008

Margie Watson is in her third decade of nursing, a profession which she considers "a spiritual calling."

As she prepared to take a newborn back to the nursery from his mother's room, Kristen Hubbard said she is giving herself a break from school this summer. But, she is quick to add, she will continue her studies to become a nurse practitioner.

Lori Wallin, assigned to the emergency room, is "toying with the idea" of continuing her education, but considering the fact that "it took me a while to find my calling," Ms. Wallin said she plans to stay were she is for now...more

Panola College Foundation Establishes Endowment
6/25/08

At its April meeting the Panola College Foundation reached a milestone by voting unanimously to establish the Panola College Foundation Endowment. It also agreed that one of the long-term goals of the Foundation will be to grow this endowment so that it can be used in the future to assist the College in meeting its most pressing needs.  

This year in addition to establishing the Foundation Endowment with an initial investment of $31,000, the Foundation has assisted the College by funding several scholarships, providing a $3,125 grant to the fine arts department and a $12,500 grant to the health sciences division...more

Panola duo signs scholarships
Longview News Journal
By Gabe Brooks
Monday, June 23, 2008, 09:05 PM

Two of Panola’s sophomore guards who helped the Ponies to a Region XIV semifinal berth have signed with four-year schools.

Christopher Jones, Panola’s starting point guard and Region XIV’s No. 1 assist man in 2007-08, has signed with Prairie View A&M. Aamir McCleary, Panola’s top backcourt scorer off the bench who played a huge role in the Ponies’ conference tournament upset of No. 1 seed Tyler, has signed with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Jones, who is originally from Katy, averaged 9.9 points, 7.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals as a sophomore, shooting better than 52 percent from the field and almost 48 percent from three. Jones finished third in the conference in steals and free-throw percentage (78.3). The 6-foot point also received the Buddy Lowery Award as Panola’s top male student-athlete for 2008.

McCleary, who is the brother of former San Antonio Spur and current New York Knick Malik Rose, averaged 9.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a sophomore, shooting 45.5 from the floor, 40.2 percent from downtown, and 74.6 percent from the charity stripe. McCleary is a native of Philadelphia.

Prairie View A&M is an NCAA Division I member and competes in the SWAC. SIU Edwardsville will compete as an NCAA Division I member for the first time in 2008-09. The school will play in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Thurman Scholarship Established
6/18/08

 
Erin Thurman Ivey, Dr. Gregory Powell, Sharon Thurman Ivey

Panola College announces the establishment of the Mart B. and Nelwyn Parker Thurman Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Sharon and Erin Thurman Ivey.

Nelwyn Parker Thurman and Mart B. (M.B.) Thurman were the parents of Sharon Thurman Ivey and grandparents of Erin Thurman Ivey. Nelwyn married M.B. in 1947. They were married for 28 years and had two children...more.

Library Construction Progressing Well
6/18/08

For additional information about the M. P. Baker Library expansion plan or to make a contribution, please click here.

Panola Kid's College Thank You
SHELBY COUNTY TODAY
June 16, 2008

All of the staff at Shelby Regional Training Center – Panola College would like to say thank you to the sponsors, teacher, volunteers, supporters, parents and kids for helping make Kids College 2008 such a success. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support from the community. A very special thank you to Sand Hill Foundations, Wulf Outdoors, Center Motor Company, Vicky Jackson at Center ISD, Farmers State Bank and Wal-Mart.

Panola men's rodeo team set to compete at national finals
The Marshall News Messenger
By Gabriel D. Brooks, Cox East Texas
Friday, June 13, 2008

Tilden Hooper was last year's bareback Rookie of the Year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He also won the bareback national championship as a college freshman a year ago.

This week Hooper and five teammates will try to bring home more hardware as Panola College's men's rodeo team competes in the National College Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., starting Sunday and extending through Saturday...more

Rotary Club Funds Scholarships
6/13/08

Dr. Allen Tilley and Mr. Van Patterson

On Friday the thirteenth, Dr. Allen Tilley, President of the Carthage Rotary Club, presented Mr. Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement, with a $3,000 check. These funds represent scholarships awarded to Carthage High School graduates, April Nolen, Olivia Beck, and Bree Kocurek. Each of these students will be attending Panola College in the fall.

Preview Panola College's Newest Television Ads

~ Featuring Natalie Woods ~

Click Here

You will need the program Quicktime to view the ad. It may also be necessary to install some ActiveX software. However, the ads are great and well worth the effort. When the blank screens appear just click on the arrow symbol found on the bottom left side of the screen to view the ads.

Our thanks to Natalie Woods and Encoremultimedia for all their hard work in helping us to create these ads.

Spring 2008 Graduation Pictures

Giles Named Alumnus of the Year
6/11/08

Mrs. Brenda Giles and Dr. Gregory Powell

At this year’s commencement exercise Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College, announced that Brenda Giles had been selected as the 2008 Panola College Alumnus of the Year. Brenda is a member of the Class of 1974 and was chosen because of her passion to see Panola College, and particularly the Alumni Association, grow...more

Pump Jacks ink six former Dawgs, Ponies
The Panola Watchman
6/10/08  

KILGORE – Former Carthage players, their parents, fans and coaches know Driller Park as their home away from home, their favorite playoff stadium coaches. Former Dawgs Luke Burnett, Kory Cleveland, Garrett Smith and Khris Tate are certainly no strangers to the historic digs Kilgore High School has always called home home...more

Panola College holds youth, skills-day camps
The Panola Watchman
6/10/08

Panola College will hold a volleyball youth-day camp July 7 though July 9. This camp is for youth 8 to 13 and the cost is $60. The volleyball youth-day camp will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. There will be an hour lunch.

Panola College will also be hold a volleyball skills-day camp July 7 through July 9. This camp is for ages 14 though 18 and will cost $75. The camp will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. After lunch, camp will resume from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information about the camps please contact Todd Lyles at 903-363-4744 or by email @ sideout75750@yahoo.com. Reserve a spot as soon as possible. Space is limited.

Despite costlier ride, local rodeo entries up
More money in prize pool helps ease pain of higher traveling expenses
Longview News Journal
By GABRIEL D. BROOKS
Sunday, June 01, 2008

Barrel racers Kristen Adams, Morgan Montello and Carrie Thompson will challenge each other on the Gladewater rodeo grounds this week. On the way there, they'll ride together.

Adams, who lives south of Shreveport, says fuel prices have forced her to cut the number of rodeos in which she competes. Prices also have spurred her and other competitors to carpool.

"I probably started slowing down in late April, and more so in May," Adams said. "I try to make trips where I can hit a couple of rodeos close together." - more

Panola breaks record: College raises more than $770,000 for school year
Longview News Journal
By Jamaal E. O'Neal
Wednesday, May 28, 2008

CARTHAGE — The Panola College Board of Trustees accepted a $264,000 donation Tuesday for scholarships, pushing total private fundraising for scholarships and general spending to more than $770,000 for the school year.

The donor, John Burton of Carthage, has established three scholarship endowments at Panola College since 2001: the Hayes-Burton/Oryx, the Lillie Antee Hayes Memorial and the John and Billie Jean Burton/Oryx scholarships. The latest donation will be placed in a general scholarship fund. That money is paid out by various academic departments, the president's office and the dean's office in increments of $250 to $1,000 per semester...more

Burton Presents Gift To Panola College
5/27/08

On May 27, 2008, Panola College became the recipient of a $264,500 gift from Mr. John Burton. Given in memory of his wife, Billie Jean, the funds will be applied to the general scholarship fund and used to provide financial support to students hoping to attend Panola College...more

Panola College Announces Summer Video Game Development Camp
5/26/08 

Dr. Bob Wilkins, Professor of Computer Science at Panola College, announced plans for a Video Game Development Camp for Kids to be held June 16-20.  The 2008 Game Development Camp is a summer enrichment program for students ages 12-17. It is offered through the Continuing Education Department at Panola College.  The camp is sponsored and presented by the Panola College Video Game Club...more

Marshall Scholarship Established
5/20/08

Panola College announces the establishment of the Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Marshall / Mr. and Mrs. Ralph N. Marshall Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Ralph and Lily Marshall and Miriam D. Marshall...more

Medicine for dummies: New Panola College nursing lab includes
high-tech mannequins
By Jamaal E. O'Neal
Longview News Journal
Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Kevin Green/News-Journal Photo

Panola College nursing students Dan Jess Dean, left, and Tommy Fountain, right, work in the college's nursing simulation lab Monday after a ribbon-cutting at East Texas Medical Center in Carthage. The students are practicing on a lifelike dummy that mimics human speech and bodily functions.

CARTHAGE — Panola College nursing students Tommy Fountain and Dan Dean intensely hovered over a sand colored mannequin Monday afternoon as more than 50 spectators looked on.

"My name is Tommy and I'm going to be taking care of you today," Tommy said to the mannequin.

"I feel really bad," the mannequin responded. "I think I'm going to throw-up."

The nursing students scrambled, grabbing mock saline and needles full of medicine, intravenous tubes. They reviewed computer monitor to check the mannequin's pulse...more

Panola College, ETMC Carthage Celebrate
New Nursing Simulation Lab
5/19/08 

A ribbon cutting was held for the Panola College Nursing Simulation Lab
 at East Texas Medical Center in Carthage on Monday, May 19.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held today in celebration of a new nursing simulation lab in Carthage, the result of collaboration between Panola College and ETMC Carthage.

The lab, comprised of two rooms in the hospital’s monitored care unit, will offer needed space for Panola College’s nursing program to provide students with simulated education experiences. Nursing students will begin using this lab in June, according to Panola College officials...more

Martin, Rogers and Fry are latest Panola success stories
The Marshall News Messenger
By Jay Neal
Sunday, May 18, 2008 

For promising baseball talents, Panola College in Carthage is one destination of choice.

The two-year institution, a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association's Region XIV, has prepared many players, including current Texas Rangers' hitting instructer Rudy Jarmillo, who was a junior college All-American in 1971 as well as Hallsville native Ronnie Gideon (1984), a coach in the Colorado Rockies organization, for success at the major league level...more

Salmon signs with Panola
The Marshall News Messenger
By Staff
Saturday, May 17, 2008

 Josh Salmon recently signed to continue his baseball career at Panola College in Carthage.

Salmon is a four-year starter for Harleton's baseball team, having earned numerous awards throughout his prep career.

He is a three-time member of the all-state team and was named a member of the UIL Class A All-State Tournament team during his freshman season. He is also a two-time Offensive MVP of his district and earned All-East Texas as a catcher last season.

"Ever since my freshman year, I've always wanted to earn a scholarship," Salmon said. "It means everything to me."

While at Panola, Salmon plans to begin studying for a career in the dental field with an emphasis in orthodontics. 

Find this article at:
http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/search/content/sports/stories/2008/051808_WEB_salmonSIGN.html

Panola Rides To Nationals
Longview News Journal
5/15/08

The Panola College Men's Rodeo Team has qualified for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Finals. Panola College will be represented at the National Finals in Casper, Wyo., in June by six members of the rodeo team. The finals are divided into 11 regions across the country, and the two top teams in each region qualify to compete as teams at the National Finals. Panola came in second place in the Southern Region and is ranked 23rd nationally. The Panola team will send defending National Bareback Champion Tilden Hooper and five other teammates to compete for the National Team Championship. Other participating team members are: Lucas Butler, Ryan Thibodeaux, Will Foster, Friday Wright and Pat Garrett...more

PANOLA COLLEGE SPRING HONOR GRADUATES
5/15/08

Panola College is proud to announce the following Spring 2008 Honor Graduates

Summa Cum Laude
3.90-4.00 GPA

Caylee Brady
Jessica Helen Lott
Melissa Nowell Mitchell
Kelly Ann Shaw
Victoria Ann Vernon

-more-
 

PANOLA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT’S LIST
5/15/08

Panola College is proud to announce the names of those students named to the President’s List for the spring 2008 semester. To qualify for the President’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours with a grade point average between 3.8 and 4.0. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation...President's List

PANOLA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES DEAN’S LIST
5/15/08

 Panola College is proud to announce the names of those students named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2008 semester. To qualify a student must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation...Dean's List

TIME TO REGISTER FOR KIDS’ COLLEGE
5/12/08 

This year’s Kids’ College will be held from June 16 - 19. Hosted by Panola College, this summer enrichment program is designed for students completing kindergarten through fifth grade. The curriculum offers a variety of introduction and enhancement courses in art, crafts, photography, sports, theater, computers and more. 

Early registration will be held on Monday, May19 between 3:30pm – 5:30pm at the Merle Glass Building. This year parents will have an opportunity to pay a reduced tuition with the “Early Bird Registration” which is $130.00 per child, and $115 for each additional sibling. Registration includes lunches and a Kid’s College t-shirt. After May 19 tuition will be $145.00 for each child.   

For more information, please contact the Panola College Workforce and Economic Development at 903-693-1193 or go to Workforce & Economic Development  and click on Kid’s College.

Lawless Announces Retirement

5/2/08

Norma Lawless, professor in the Business and Computer Science Division, will retire this month after 36 years of service to Panola College. 

Lawless association with Panola College began as a student here in the fall of 1966. “For me at that point, Panola College was a big step from Elysian Fields High School. My parents had full expectations for advanced education, and I, both my sisters, and a niece and nephew attended Panola College. I even instructed my sister and my nephew. The truth is, though, that my first student was my year-and-a-half younger sister, who received instruction in our ‘play classroom’ to teach her what I had learned in my first year of school! I guess I was born a teacher,” she said...more

Dr. Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards to Speak at Graduation

Dr. Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards

Dr. Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards will be the commencement speaker at this year’s Panola College graduation ceremony. The event is scheduled for Friday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. in the Arthur M. Johnson Gymnasium. 

Jennifer went to Carthage ISD from elementary school through high school and graduated with the class of 2000.  What makes her story so unusual is that at age 25 she achieved a Doctoral Degree from Sam Houston State University in the field of Educational Leadership - Higher Educational Executive Leadership.  Here's the route she took towards her educational success...more

College Dedicates Room to Mrs. Ida Rose Dietert Moore
4/28/08

On March 31, 2008, Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College, and the Board of Trustees discussed a proposal from Mr. Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement, to recognize the generosity of Mrs. Ida Rose Dietert Moore. In response, the Board agreed to name Room 103 in the Martha Miller Administration Building, the “Ida Rose Dietert Moore Classroom.” - more

Three Panola Players Sign with Universities
4/23/08 

Scott Copeland, Daniel Martin, Chad Sherman

Panola College has had a rich tradition in baseball for many years, with many players using Panola as a stepping stone for their future.  Scott Copeland, Daniel Martin, and Chad Sherman have will continue that tradition as they have just signed to continue their education and athletic careers at major universities across the nation.  Scott Copeland, one of the top juco pitchers in Texas, has signed with the University of Southern Mississippi.  Scott is a graduate of White Oak High School.  Daniel Martin, a graduate of Harleton High School, has signed a scholarship to play next year at McNeese State University.  Daniel was drafted out of high school as a pitcher by the New York Mets and opted to go to college.  The 6’9” hard throwing pitcher may once again have to make the decision between the pros and college.  Chad Sherman, an All-Conference Pitcher as a freshman from Bullard High School, and one of the top recruited pitchers in the country has chose Texas A&M over a number of universities.  As a freshman, Chad set a Panola College school record with the lowest era in school history.  He was also selected to the Texas-New Mexico Junior College All Star team.

Panola College Offering Grants to Encourage College Readiness
4/22/08 

Recently the Texas Commissioner of Education approved a series of college readiness standards developed by public school educators, postsecondary educators, and administrators from all levels.  This event marks the first time that the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board have collaborated and agreed on a series of standards designed to support student success in postsecondary education...more

Panola College Concert Band to Perform Spring Concert
4/18/08 

The Panola College Concert Band will present its annual Spring Concert Sunday, April 27, at 3 PM in Q. M. Martin Auditorium. This year’s concert will include the string sections of the Marshall and Shreveport Symphonies and Miss Emma Meeks, a talented young vocalist from Shreveport, Louisiana. Miss Meeks, accompanied by the band and strings, will perform a selection of standards from the Great American Songbook. The concert will conclude with the patriotic work “Within These Hallowed Halls,” narrated by Panola College student Taylor Kidd. Mr. Kidd was recently awarded a substantial cash prize for his speech delivered at the “Battle of Flowers Oratorical Contest” in San Antonio, Texas. General admission to this concert is $3. For those with a current Panola College student ID, it is free.

Panola guard Papa Oppong signs national letter of intent to Eastern Kentucky
Longview News Journal
By GABRIEL D. BROOKS
Thursday, April 17, 2008

CARTHAGE — Panola guard Papa Oppong has signed a national letter of intent to play his final two years of college basketball at Eastern Kentucky.

Oppong was a Region XIV All-Conference selection, as well as a Region XIV All-Tournament selection. The 6-foot-4 swing man from Toronto, Canada, 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals as a sophomore in his only season at Panola. Oppong played at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College as a freshman...more

Nacogdoches Medical Center Donation
4/17/08

Mr. Gary Stokes, CEO, at the Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital presents a $1,000 check to Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College. Also pictured are Mr. Ed Price, Chief Nursing Officer and Mr. Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement. The donation was made possible through a grant from the Tenet Healthcare Foundation. It will be used to purchase models for Panola College’s anatomy and physiology labs.

Panola College Jazz Ensemble to Perform Spring Concert
4/17/08

The Panola College Jazz Ensemble will perform an outdoor concert at Panola College on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 pm.  

Set in the picturesque gardens adjacent to the “Spirit of Panola” statue, the concert will open with the “Jazz Professors,” a jazz combo whose members teach at area colleges. This will be followed by performances from Panola College students under the direction of Professor Mike McGowan. “I hope the community will take time to join us for this event. It’s going to provide us a venue where we can showcase our student’s talents and give back to the community with this free concert,” said McGowan. 

The Panola College Fine Arts Department will be selling barbeque sandwiches before and during the concert. The concert is free to the public.  In the event of rain, the concert will be held in Q. M. Martin Auditorium.

Former Panola basketball standout has taken his game to Italy
Longview News Journal
Monday, April 14, 2008

Editor's note: Where Are They Now? is a weekly feature catching up with
former athletes from the Longview News-Journal's coverage area.

OMAR THOMAS

High school attended: Strawberry Mansion High School in North Philadelphia, Pa.

College attended: Panola College, associate's degree, class of 2003; University of Texas at El Paso, bachelor's in communication, class of 2005.

Current job/profession: A 6-foot-4, 212-pound starting forward for the Rimini Crabs, a professional basketball team in Rimini, Italy. Thomas averages 17.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.9 steals and two assists. He lives in El Paso in the off-season...more

Ponies out in two; recruiting started
The Panola Watchman
5/13/08

MT. PLEASANT – Some teams are wed to left coast small ball, but apparently not San Jacinto.

It didn’t make the Region XIX south zone champions any difference where the ball flew over the fence, just so long as it didn’t touch anything on the way out.
San Jac jacked four from spacious Eagle Field here Saturday and thumped Panola, 11-4...more

Local products bring optimism to ETBU
The Marshall News Messenger
By Jay Neal, News Messenger
Saturday, April 12, 2008

Winning is contagious.

Junior college transfers Matt Hale, of Jefferson, and Cody Jones, of Hallsville, know all about winning baseball.

Both are products of highly successful high school and JUCO programs and apparently some of that winning is rubbing off on East Texas Baptist University's baseball team.

The Tigers, following a 5-4 decision over Central Baptist, of Conway, Ark., in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader at Woods Field, improve to 14-21 overall (2-13 in the American Southwest Conference) with five games remaining on the schedule this season....more

All-City player Ellis signs with Panola
The Shreveport Times
 By Scott Ferrell - sferrell@gannett.com
April 10, 2008

Southwood star averaged 25.3 points per game as senior.

Southwood guard Louis Ellis, a member of The Times' 2008 All-City team, will continue his basketball career at Panola (Texas) Junior College.

Ellis has signed with the Texas school and will play there next season.

"They were the school that I felt would treat me right," Ellis said. "It was a good environment to be around."

Ellis, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 25.3 points per game as a senior. During his Southwood career, Ellis scored more than 1,000 points...more

Panola College Theatre Department to Perform
"Grandpa’s Bedtime Story"
4/7/08

Everyone knows Fairy Tales.  The Wolf is big and bad, the Giant is large and scary, the handsome Prince saves the day, and everyone lives happily ever after. 

On Friday, April 18^th, and Saturday, April 19^th, at 10:30 a.m., the Panola College Theatre department will turn Fairy Land on its ear as it presents “Grandpa’s Bedtime Story,” by William-Alan Landes...more

Ponies gain berth in XIV Tourney
By TED LEACH
The Panola Watchman
 5/6/08

MT. PLEASANT – Panola has kinda, sorta backed into the Region XIV baseball tournament here May 10-14, due to the kindness of Bossier Parish Community College and silent host Northeast College.

Someone decided it would be nice for BPCC to finish playing the remainder of its conference games (one was rained out) and NET beat the Cavs and dropped them into a tie with Panola, which thought it was fifth place and out of the limelight.
The Ponies, however, had the tie breaker sewed up.

Pony Coach Todd Shelton will have to enroll in Reg. XIV, 202, class next season. Right now the first year coach is on his way to state.

Go Ponies!

Ponies, Cavaliers split; Holland wins nightcap
The Panola Watchman
4/1/08

Panola College Theatre Department to Perform
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged
4/1/08

Do you need a good laugh?   If so, you need to come to see the Panola College Theatre’s Production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged April 10, 11, and 12 in the Studio Theatre. 

The show features a talented cast of three Panola actors.  Travis Ponikiewski, a graduate of Irving’s MacAurther High School, Ray Robles, from Weslaco East High School, and Micah Taylor, a graduate of Gary High School.  These three actors have appeared in numerous Panola Shows and bring an impressive array of awards from the Texas Community College Theatre Festival.  The three actors have the intimidating task of “doing” all the plays and sonnets of Shakespeare in approximately one hour and fifty minutes.  It is a high energy, fast-paced comedy that could be described as “the Three Stooges do Shakespeare.” 

Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the performance to begin at 7:00.  There will be dessert service with coffee and tea served by Panola College Theatre students.  The cost for the dessert and show is only $8.00.  Reservations and further information are available by calling Clay Grizzle, Director of Theatre at 903-693–2064.

Panola lashes back, whips Bulldogs 14-8
The Panola Watchman
3/28/08

Nationally Renowned Artist to Present Course at Panola College
3/27/08

Mr. James R. Hamil

Local artists and art aficionados are invited to participate in a unique offering available through Panola College.  On April 7-9, Mr. Jim Hamil, recognized as one of the most prominent watercolor artists in the country, will lead a continuing education watercolor painting course at the main campus in Carthage, TX...more

Panola College to Showcase Local Artist
3/26/08

 
Mr. Chauncy B. Williams

The Panola College M. P. Baker Library is proud to announce that the artistic works of Mr. Chauncy B. Williams will be available for public viewing from April 7 through the 11^th. The exhibition will begin on April 7 with a reception at 2:00 to honor Mr. Williams.  

Chauncy Williams graduated from Carthage High School in 2006 and is currently a freshman at Panola College. He is majoring in art with an emphasis in criminal justice sketch art. He plans to attend the Art Institute in Dallas following graduation. Chauncy uses the media of charcoal, graphite, oil, and clay in his work. 

“I dreamed about being an artist as a child, and this opportunity is very exciting,” said Williams. “My art professor, Mrs. Ann Boland, brought out my passion to draw. She was the lady I needed to run into.”

Angelina tops Panola in XIV doubleheader
The Panola Watchman
3/25/08
 

LUFKIN - Starting pitchers Jason Gurka and Corey Benevides challenged Panola's offense here Saturday and found it wanting as the Roadrunners swept an East Division XIV twin bill, 3-0 and 9-8...more

Ponies, Navarro split conference showdown
The Panola Watchman
3/18/08

CORSICANA - Anthony Washington started to the plate, hesitated and was eventually thrown out from center field on a bad-nasty throw over the third baseman's head that ricocheted off the top of the Panola dugout and right into the hands of the Ponies' catcher for an out that allowed the visitors to split a Conference XIV doubleheader here Saturday...more

College uses Web to draw students into nursing:
Demand for profession outweighs supply, local hospital officials say
By Jamaal E. O'Neal
Longview News Journal
Tuesday, March 17, 2008

Panola College nursing student Lakeisha Owens stood over the counter at Longview Regional Medical Center as she filled a needle with insulin.

"You have to make sure the bubbles are not in it," she said as she thumped the syringe. Nursing instructor Karen McClellan and two other students, Tommy Vaughn and Jessica Oden, watched Owens as she worked this past week.

"(The bubbles) have to get to the top," Owens said.

The three students are part of a group of 15 working toward associate degrees to become registered nurses through an online program at Panola College. They're the second class to enroll in the program...more

Pictures from An Evening With Tumbleweed Smith

ALL-EAST TEXAS BOYS BASKETBALL
COACH OF THE YEAR:
Brian Malone
Longview News Journal
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Michael Cavazos/News-Journal Photo

BRIAN MALONE

TEAM: Jefferson High School

RECORD: 31-3 (advanced to the regional finals and lost to Arp)

Q&A

When did you know your team had the potential to reach the regional tournament?

I knew last season that I would have a lot of talent coming back. One of the goals the team set from the beginning of the season was to play in the regional tournament. We stayed focused and played hard to make sure that goal became a reality...more

Ponies, NET split in conference play
The Panola Watchman
3/14/08

MT. PLEASANT - Not taking any chances after running into a little trouble in the bottom of the third, Panola mentor Todd Shelton went to his bullpen to Brandon Wilkerson for some relief...more

News-Journal writer receives TGCA award
Longview News Journal
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Gabriel D. Brooks, a member of the Longview News-Journal sports staff since August 2004, has been named sports writer of the year by the Texas Girls Coaches Association, the nation's largest association for coaches of girls' athletics.

Linda Godwin, head volleyball coach at Pine Tree High School and a member of the TGCA's board of directors, nominated Brooks for the honor during a recent board meeting.

Brooks will be recognized at the TGCA's honor award luncheon, which will be held in Arlington in July.

''Gabe has done a good job giving Pine Tree recognition and coverage, but what really impressed me is that he tries to give everyone equal amounts of exposure, even the smaller schools,'' Godwin said.

Brooks, 23, is a graduate of Carthage High School, Panola College and the University of North Texas.

''The award is a reflection of what the Longview News-journal and its writers do for girls athletics,'' said Sam Tipton, executive director of the Austin-based TGCA.

''The Longview News-Journal is one of the forerunners in recognizing girls sports. We are seeing others around the state catching up, but we appreciate the News-Journal and are tickled to death to have young writers like Gabriel Brooks coming up and giving girls sports the same recognition as boys.''

Tipton said the TGCA has 25 voting members on the board of directors, and each can nominate one sports writer.

The TGCA was established in 1953. According to Tipton, the association has nearly 6,000 members and includes coaches and administrators in all levels of education.

Find this article at:
http://www.news-journal.com/search/content/sports/stories/03052008_gabeaward.html 

Panola bows 69-62 to Navarro in semis
The Panola Watchman
3/11/08

KILGORE - Worn down mentally and physically by a two-and-one-half hour marathon victory in the opening round of the Region XIV Tournament Friday against top-seeded Tyler, Panola pushed the pedal to the medal one more time here Sunday, and ran out of gas in the closing minute of a furious semifinal match with Navarro, 69-62...more

Fillies falter, 67-65 to Angelina in XIV
The Panola Watchman
3/11/08  

KILGORE - It might have been 3-for-26 shooting in the first half from three-point range that took such a disastrous toll on Panola's desires to beat Angelina in the first round of the Region XIV Tournament here Friday, but for sure it was a missed, wide-open layup opportunity by Kim Edmonson just before the buzzer that preserved a 67-65 defeat and sent the Fillies packing...more

Ponies upset Tyler in 3 OTs
The Panola Watchman
3/11/08  

KILGORE - Christopher Jones nailed a three-point goal off the top of the key with 3.2 seconds to play in triple overtime. and when teammate Papa Opong drew a charging foul on Tyler's in-bounds play, with 1.9 seconds showing, there was bedlam and shock in Region XIV tournament action here Saturday.,
Conference champion Tyler, ranked No. 10 in the nation and top-seeded here, was history.
Well, almost!
Seems there was confusion among the game's officials -- zebras and clock keepers - and of course discussion, discussion and more discussion...more

Oilman’s Clay Shoot to be Hosted by Panola College
3/3/08

Participants will get to shoot sporting clays while supporting a worthy cause at
Panola College’s second annual clay shoot scheduled for April 5.

 On April 5 Panola College will host an Oilmen’s Clay Shoot at Prairie Creek Sporting Clays. “This is going to be a great event,” said Dr. Joe Shannon, Dean of Instruction. “It will give local oilmen and women an opportunity to learn about our Petroleum Technology Program, meet some of our students, a majority of whom will be working as interns with local companies this summer, eat good food, and have a good time while raising money for a program that will benefit their industry.” - more

Theatre Department to present “Once Upon a Mattress”

2/29/08

A domineering, scheming mother. A dopey, naïve son. A mute father. Sounds like typical fare for a classic visit to a psychiatrist, right? Add one exceedingly rare princess and we change the whole dynamic. Thus the fairy tale story based on the timeless children’s favorite, The Princess and the Pea, opens at the Q.M. Martin auditorium March 6, 7, and 8.   Produced by the Panola College Theatre Department the musical, “Once Upon a Mattress” has a cast of more than twenty talented students singing and dancing their way through this delightful family musical...more

Panola College president addresses League of Women Voters
The Marshall News Messenger
By Gail K. Beil,
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Dr. Gregory Powell

Panola College may be one of the most valuable, but underused, resources in Harrison County, according to President Gregory Powell.

Powell spoke to the Marshall/Harrison County League of Women Voters at its Tuesday meeting.

A complicated organizational plan, set up by the Texas Legislature, mandated that Panola College should serve four East Texas counties — Harrison, Marion, Panola and Shelby. But only Panola County provides a local tax base for two-year institute, providing 37-percent of its operating and maintenance funds. Another 30-percent comes from the state — a mixed blessing, since no state money can be used to construct or maintain buildings, according to Powell. Moreover, he said that state support had dwindled in 10 years from nearly 60 percent of operating funds to its present level. Meanwhile, the college has enjoyed 35-percent growth in that same decade...more

Ponies knock Rangers out of tourney chase
Longview News Journal
By GABRIEL D. BROOKS
Thursday, February 28, 2008

CARTHAGE — A year ago, Panola finished last in Region XIV men's basketball with a 3-19 record. Twenty-eight games into his second season at the school, head coach Jacob Wonders has the Ponies in the postseason.

Panola guard Christopher Jones set up teammates early and scored late, finishing with 22 points and six assists as Panola clinched a conference tournament berth with an 85-78 win over Kilgore at Johnson Gymnasium. The loss knocked Kilgore, which is the host school for the conference tournament March 7-10, from the tournament race...more

Panola College breaks ground on library expansion
By Jamaal E. O'Neal
Longview News Journal
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

CARTHAGE — Panola College officials broke ground on a $7 million M.P. Baker Library expansion project that will almost triple the size of the library.

Construction crews are clearing part of the site to construct a 20,200-square-foot building that will be attached to the existing 11,800-square-foot library...more

College holds Ground Breaking Ceremony
The Panola Watchman
2/26/08

Several people took part in Thursday’s M. P. Baker Groundbreaking Ceremony including Dr. Gregory S. Powell, Mr. William Goolsby, Mr. John Kingham, Mr. David Zatopek, Mr. Bobby Phillips, Mr. Steve Williams, Mr. Louis Johnagin, Dr. Dennis Golden, Mr. Van Patterson, Mrs. Carol Vincent, Mr. Blake Bogenschutz, Ms. Brooklyn Peace, Mrs. Brenda Giles, Mrs. Glendell Chadwick, Mrs. Zeny Jett, and Dr. Lillian Cook.

PANOLA COLLEGE TO CELEBRATE TEXAS CULTURE
2/25/08

 Mr. Tumbleweed Smith

On March 13, Panola College and the B.F. and Mary Payne Fund for the Preservation of Texas Culture will present, “An Evening with Tumbleweed Smith.” The program will begin at 7:00 pm, in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium. There will be no admission charge for this event.  

On August 1, 1969, Tumbleweed Smith (AKA Bob Lewis) started the series, THE SOUND OF TEXAS. Tumbleweed started his series while employed as news director at KHEM radio in Big Spring. “We had just put a man on the moon,” says Tumbleweed, “and Texans had a lot to do with that undertaking. I wanted to delve into the Texas spirit, travel the State, interview all kinds of people and report my findings on a daily statewide radio program.” - more

Paris just too tough for Ponies to handle
The Panola Watchman
2/20/08

A tremendous crowd that included the band and perhaps 15 paying customers were on hand here Saturday to watch  nationally-ranked Paris dismantle Panola, 83-73, in a key XIV Eastern Conference outing...more

Fillies win, near XIV tourney spot
The Panola Watchman
    2/20/08

Panola has yet to clinch a Region XIV Tournament berth, but Saturday’s 71-58 romp over Paris has the Fillies at the lip of the cup, so to speak...more

PC rips Baton Rouge
The Panola Watchman
    2/20/08

BATON ROUGE – Panola jumped off the bus and into the middle of a six-run, first-inning rally as it walloped 15 hits in a nine-inning victory over Baton Rouge C.C. here Friday...more

Ponies top LSU-Eunice
The Panola Watchman
   2/20/08

EUNICE LA – Bullard sophomore Chad Sherman was in control with a three-hitter through five innings and Panola battled to a solid victory against LSU-Eunice Sunday, 6-3...more

Fillies nudged by Cards, 89-83
The Panola Watchman
  2/20/08

ATHENS - Trinity Valley needs just one more win to capture the Region XIV East Conference crown after dismissing Panola, 89-83, here Wednesday...more

Cardinals gun down Panola, tie for fourth
The Panola Watchman
 2/20/08

ATHENS - It was a maximum effort in futility when Panola tried to match up with Trinity Valley behind the three-point arc here Wednesday and was embarrassed, 78-59, in Region XIV Eastern Conference...more

Panola rips Rebels; turnabout fair play
The Panola Watchman
2/20/08

Ponies capture two over tough 'Riders
The Panola Watchman
2/20/08

Reliever Cory Williams held hard-hitting Crowder College of Neosho, MO, to a solo home run and a walk in three innings and freshmen Brandon Wilkerson and Chase Weir smacked back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the seventh in an exciting final inning of a doubleheader sweep here Sunday.

The Ponies were ahead 5-4 when Williams came to the hill in the fifth and was greeted with a blast by Richard McVey that flew out of the park in left-center with very little help from a cold crosswind blowing north to south...more

Panola ripped by 16-4
The Panola Watchman
2/20/08

 Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader and Alumnus, Natalie Woods, to Visit Campus
2/15/08

Alumni, students, faculty, and friends of Panola College are invited to meet Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader and 1997 Alumnus, Natalie Woods, on February 21 at 2:30 in the Magnolia Room. The Magnolia Room is located at the main campus in the Martha Miller Administration Building.

When asked to comment about her success Wood exclaimed, “I am proud to say I am a Panola College alumnae.  I tell people all the time that I wouldn't be where I am today without the guidance and love from the people in Carthage and the education I received while attending Panola College.  The administration and staff at Panola consistently reminded me SET GOALS, DREAM BIG and FOLLOW THROUGH.  Those are simple words filled with so much truth and wisdom.  Because of that kind of encouragement, I decided to follow through with one of my dreams and audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  To all those who played a part in molding me into who I am today, I want to say thank you.  You were right.”  

Ponies thunder past Bulldogs, 93-72
Longview News Journal
By GABRIEL D. BROOKS
Thursday, February 14, 2008

CARTHAGE — Papa Oppong sparked Panola's first-half attack, and Christopher Jones held a second-half passing exhibition Wednesday as the Ponies recorded a 93-72 demolition of the Navarro College Bulldogs at Arthur Johnson Gymnasium...more

Panola honors former coaches, athletes
The Panola Watchman
2/12/08

Shelton's Ponies open campaign on 7-3 roll
The Panola Watchman
2/12/08

Fillies win, 95-86 against San Jac; retake fifth place
The Panola Watchman
2/12/08

Panola College to Offer Emergency Medical Technician Basic Course
2/7/08

Panola College is pleased to announce an Emergency Medical Technician Basic class to be offered at the Carthage campus. The class will begin on March 3, 2008 and run through June 19, 2008 and will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-10 pm.

The Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) class will teach students the fundamentals of administering lifesaving skills in an emergency situation. Students will learn trauma care and skills such as bandaging and splinting, head and spine injury skills, vehicle extrication, medical emergency care and use of an automated external defibrillator, as well as patient assessment. Additional information about the course is available online at www.panola.edu/ems/index.html. - more

Panola College Plans Walkway of Honor
2/7/08

“Panola College is establishing a “Walkway of Honor,” to pay tribute to alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the College,” Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement recently announced.  “This is a great way to support our local college and leave an enduring legacy,”

“When construction is completed in 2009, these personalized brick pavers will welcome students and parents as they approach the newly expanded M. P. Baker Library. Visitors will stop to peruse the pavers, looking for the names of friends and relatives they recognize.” Patterson continued, “I suspect that the walkway will quickly become a unique and popular feature of the campus.” - more

Sixth Grade P.A.C.E. Class Raises Money for M.P. Baker Library
1/31/08

On Thursday, January 31, Mrs. Brenda Giles’ sixth grade P.A.C.E. class presented Mr. Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement with a $500 contribution to be added to Panola College’s M.P. Baker Library expansion fund.

“This year’s community problem solving topic will be devoted to increasing revenue and community awareness of this important endeavor,” said Giles. “Twenty-four students are actively participating and would like for the community to support two fundraising projects scheduled for February. The first is scheduled for February 9 during Panola College’s Homecoming. The theme will be, ‘Getting on the Trail to a Greater Library,’ and students will be selling bags of trail mix at the basketball and baseball games. The second is a soup and sandwich supper scheduled for February 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, in the Panola College Ballroom. We are excited to be part of this project, and I hope for the support of the citizens of Panola County.”

Mason to Perform “On Caddo Lake”
1/29/08

“On Caddo Lake,” a play loosely depicting the life and times of Wyatt Moore, will be performed on February 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Q. M. Martin Auditorium as part of Panola College’s Homecoming celebration.    According to the writer-director Ben Z. Grant, the first five performances in Marshall, Jefferson, and Waskom have been sell-outs. “A number of people in Panola County have expressed a desire to see the show, so we are going to perform it in Carthage,” Grant said...more

Apaches corral Ponies; Fillies claim narrow victory
Longview News Journal
By Gabriel D. Brooks
Thursday, January 24, 2008

CARTHAGE — Marquette signee Joe Fulce asserted his will early and often, teaming up with Jimmy Butler and Tyler's high-octane offense to top Panola 91-77 in Region XIV Conference action Wednesday at Arthur Johnson Gymnasium...more

PANOLA COLLEGE HOMECOMING SCHEDULED
1/18/08

“Alumni, current and former employees, students, and friends of Panola College are all invited to attend Homecoming on February 9,” said Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement. “Activities will begin at 12:30 with an Alumni Association meeting in the College Ballroom. This year the Association will be recognizing the current Alumnus of the Year, Mrs. Fannie Watson, and prior recipients, Mrs. Evelyn D. Sharp, Mr. Joe Lawless, and Mr. A.B. ‘Sonny’ Whitaker.” - more

Panola College to Induct Six into Athletic Hall of Fame
1/15/08      

Six Panola College alumni will be inducted in the 2008 Hall of Fame in ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8 in the Panola College Ballroom. This year’s honorees include Jacke Davis, baseball player and coach; William J. Defee, football coach; Ron Gideon, baseball player; Rudy Jaramillo, baseball player; Aroid Neal, basketball player, and Peggy Pope Stapleton, basketball player...more

Fall 2007 Graduation Pictures

Ponies have company in fourth spot in XIV
The Panola Watchman
1/15/08

Fillies can't stop TVCC
The Panola Watchman
1/15/08

The dream of a child becomes the accomplishment of an adult
The Panola Watchman
12/14/07

Jennifer T. Roberts-Edwards receives her doctoral degree in the field of
Educational Leadership - Higher Educational Executive Leadership  at the age of 25,
breaking the average record age for earning a degree.

Ponies falter, 80-78 to Lee in Reg. XIV
The Panola Watchman
1/11/08

ROTARY CLUB DEDICATES BENCH
1/11/08

 (Back) Duane Baushke, Past President, Dale Reed, Secretary
Front) Judy Guthrie, President Elect.
(Not Shown) Allen Tilley, Rotary Club President, and Patsy Meck, Treasurer

A bench located next to the Spirit of Panola statue at Panola College has been dedicated by the Carthage Rotary Club. “Every member of our club owes their livelihood to a teacher or mentor,” said Allen Tilley, President of the Carthage Rotary Club. “Without the education we received in our youth, our lives would have been much more challenging. That is why we selected the slogan, ‘If you think education is expensive, try ignorance!’”

PANOLA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT’S LIST
1/8/08

 Panola College is proud to announce the names of those students named to the President’s List for the fall 2007 semester. To qualify for the President’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours with a grade point average between 3.8 and 4.0. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation...The List

PANOLA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES DEAN’S LIST
1/8/08

Panola College is proud to announce the names of those students named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2007 semester. To qualify a student must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation...The List

PANOLA COLLEGE RECEIVES $250,000 GIFT
1/7/08

Mrs. Ida Rose Dietert Moore

Carthage, Texas, January 8, 2008– Panola College is a beneficiary of a generous bequest under the will of Mrs. Ida Rose Dietert Moore, deceased.  Mrs. Moore was born November 6, 1919 in Kerrville, Texas. She was the daugh