may 2012 graduation edition

RUSADERSeward County Community College /ATS • Graduation Special Section • May 2012

Branching Out : The Seasons of SewardC

Dormapalooza evententertains students.

— 6

Class of 2012 graduates featured.

— Pages 3-15

Former student is graduation speaker.

— Page 2

Graduation scheduleof events announced.

— Page 2

Alumna, midwife to deliver graduation speech

May 20122 Branching Out: Graduation 2012

Graduation2012

Schedule ofEvents

8 a.m. — Phi Theta Kappa

Honors Breakfast

9:15 a.m.— Graduates

meet in the Student Union

10 a.m. — Graduation

Reception follows graduationin center of campus

Cover photos/Matthew Adkins, Cover illustration/Levi Adams

Dale Reed Gina Palmgren

2012 retiree honors

stablishing strong roots at Seward County Community College is essential to branching out into the work force or a four-year university.

There are 367 students who will graduate from Seward, and each has a special story, but in this issue14 students who, over the past semesters, have shown some type of leadership qualities are featured. The Crusader staff dug into some of these students’ hopes and goals for the future, and looked into themotivation that kept them going through late nights and early classes. The students featured were

picked randomly and were recommended by their fellow students or professors.Join the Crusader as we take a closer look as to where the seeds of Seward County Community College

will scatter and branch out after the 2012 graduates receive their degrees.

A 1998 alumna of SewardCounty Community College,Kathy Williams Wyer, will be thespeaker for the 2012 class gradua-tion .

Wyer graduated with an associ-ate degree from the nursing pro-gram in 1998 and continued hereducation over the years.

She received a bachelor of sci-ence in nursing in 2000 from FortHays University, in 2005 a masterof science in family nurse practi-tioner from the University ofKansas School of Nursing, as wellas a post-master’s degree in mid-wifery from the University ofKansas in 2007.

According to Wyer, the nursingprogram at Seward County Com-munity College was a steppingstone in her education and life.

“It was beyond what words canexplain. I mean, that was the startof my life, of my career,” Wyersaid.

Wyer represented SCCC and theState of Kansas as the Kansas Re-gional President of Phi ThetaKappa and became the first in thehistory of the organization to rep-

resent PTK as regional presidentfor two consecutive terms.

At Seward, she was also a leaderand member of numerous clubsand organizations, such as music,nursing, and academics.

She married Paul Wyer soonafter graduating from Seward.Paul is also a SCCC alumnus fromthe Class of 1998.

She is the mother of three, and

currently resides in Yuma, Ariz.,where she keeps herself occupiedwith work and family.

Wyer is currently involved withGirl Scouts of Southern Arizonaand also a board member of theParent Teachers Organizationwhere her children attend.

“My kids are the world; theymean everything to me,” Wyersaid.

Wyer received the “Yuma’sMost Recommended Nurse Prac-titioner” and continues to keepherself occupied with work andfamily. She is currently working inthe field of general surgery and hasalso delved into neurology andemergency medicine.

Wyer feels that coming back andspeaking at the Class of 2012graduation after 13 years will be amemorable experience.

“I’m very excited. I think it isgoing to be a great opportunity tomeet people and see what a differ-ence Seward County was able tomake on my life,” Wyer said.

— Story by Raul Lemus

Kathy Williams Wyer

E

3May 2012 Branching Out: Graduation 2012CANDIDATES FOR

ASSOCIATES IN ARTS

Art:

Teresa Huelskamp

Hope LaFreniere

Behavioral Science:

Lyndsi Campos

Fabiola Fraire

Wade Holcomb

Lindy Kowalchuk

Kelsey Stecklein

Education:

Kerrie Crawford

Chelsea Ghumm

Melissa Heathman

Glenda Kelley

Carlos Ruiz

Marilyn Svaty

Blaire Taylor

Madison Winkelman

Caitlin Workman

English:

Heidy Molina

Melissa Sander

Liberal Arts:

Bianca Adame

Hanna Bognár

Blake Bowen

Ryan Brown

Brenda Carrillo

Derienne Daniels

Kevin Domrzalski

Britny Durant

Courtney Geesing

Gavin Glanz

Chrystal Gonzalez

Barbara Gragg

Willy Gustin

Luis Gutierrez

Shelby Hansen

Keegan Hucul

Ashley Kirkes

Ashlynn Knoll

Nancy Koerner

Saul Landeros

Mariah Lee

Nakita Martinez

Taylor McDougall

Shaunell Mecum

Jesus Moreno

Samuel Pack

Jesus Pereda

June Phanthavone

Steven Polito

Tanner Rainey

Maira Regalado

Raechelle Romero

Melody Small

Daisy Tapia

Angela Tarango

Kayla Thomas

Reanna Tumlinson

Kelsey Willson

Mattie Yanke

Veronica Alonzo thought sheknew what her major was untilshe took psychology classes anddecided that she needed to makea change.

“I wanted to go into forensicsscience,” Alonzo said. “If Iwould have gone to the Universi-ty of Central Oklahoma, I wouldhave focused more on my foren-sics science degree.”

According to Alonzo she lovesPsychology now.

Originally Alonzo had plannedon following her sister to UCObut chose to attend Seward in-stead.

“I wasn’t emotionally or finan-cially prepared to go away,”Alonzo said “I thought Sewardwould be good to get my generaleducation with less stress.”

Alonzo is glad that she came toSeward because she was able tojoin Students in Free Enterprise.“I am a second year member,”Alonzo said.

Veronica was elected as secre-tary of SIFE this year. “I got in-volved in SIFE just get a grasp ofthe business aspect of the school,”Alonzo said.

SIFE has played an importantrole in Alonzo’s life.

“I apply the skills that I learnedin SIFE while I’m working,”Alonzo said.

Alonzo has been working atRuffino’s Italian Restaurant forabout three years.

According to her boss, ChrisCarlile, Alonzo was promoted toassistant manager about eightmonths ago.

Carlile admires the way thatAlonzo manages her time and herwork ethic.

“Even though she is consideredyoung, she is always willing todo beyond what is asked of her,”Carlile said. “She is a very grownup young lady. When she puts hermind to something she accom-plishes it.”

As a member of SIFE Alonzoparticipated in various competi-tions, the last one being in Dallas,Texas. SIFE won first runner upin the regional competition. “ Iwas a speaker for this competi-tion,” Alonzo said.

In between work and classesAlonzo likes to go running, bik-ing riding, and spend time withher puppy, Coach. “She’s thecutest puppy you’ll ever see,”

Alonzo said.

After Seward Alonzo plans on

attending the University of

Kansas to finish her education.

In the future Alonzo plans on

opening an office in California.

“My goal in life is to be a psychi-

atrist for those that are inflicted

with weight disorders,” Alonso

said. I’m also planning on getting

a major in personal fitness so that

I can hep them mentally and

physically.”

Alonzo wouldn’t change any-

thing about Seward. “The way

that Seward is now is the reason

for the for how I am today,”

Alonzo said.

— Story and photo by Heidy Molina

Veronica Alonzo

Alonzo applies skills learned in SIFE

“When she puts her

mind to something,

she accomplishes it.

”

- Chris C

arlile


Deverell Biggs attended oneyear at Seward County Communi-ty College, but Biggs made thatyear one for the history books.Biggs came from Western TexasCollege to play for the Saints hissophomore season.

Biggs has been named a firstteam All-American, Region VITournament MVP, Region VIMVP, Jayhawk West MVP, andreceived a NABC All-Americanaward for his success this season.

“Seward was an amazing placefor me. I loved playing here,”Biggs said of his season with theSaints.

Biggs played with the 2011-2012 Saints basketball team whoplaced third in the NJCAA nation-al tournament. With the Saints,Biggs averaged almost 15 pointsper game, with a total of 526points for the season.

The Saints also won the Jay-hawk West conference title andthe Region VI tournament.

“Getting to play an amazingseason was worth all the hardwork we put in,” Biggs said.

“My teammates were the guys

who were helping me play at mybest, and helped me get all theseawards,” Biggs said.

Biggs is well known for his suc-cess in his athletic career. Biggshigh school basketball team wonstate three times while he played.Biggs also won two medals forhigh jump in high school track.

Biggs headed to Western TexasCollege in Synder Texas afterhigh school. After a year at West-ern Texas, Biggs came to Seward.Biggs signed with the Universityof Nebraska last month.

“I’m happy to be going backhome, but I’m going to miss thisplace,” Biggs said.

Biggs is a native of Omaha,Neb. “Deverell will be comfort-able back home, he will have aton of support,” Assistantcoach Jason Sautter said.

Sautter, who coachedBiggs at Western TexasCollege and coached himthis season said, “I’vecoached 48 players thathave gone on to play at Divi-sion I schools, and Deverell wasone of the great ones.”

“He is a very competitive per-son, that doesn’t like to lose,”Sautter said. “He is tough and cantake hits.”

Biggs hopes to go into a busi-ness field or own a business in thefuture.

“I think I’m going to miss theguys most of all, they were a greatteam and great friends.”

— Story and photo by Jose Medrano

Deverell BiggsNebraska-bound player leaves legacy at Seward

“I’m happy to be going

back home, but I’m

going to miss this place.”

- Deverell Biggs

Music:Megan KearnsMichael Mages

David RiveraPsychology:

Veronica AlonzoJillian Dickson

Raul HernandezRuth SandovalChelsee Short

Victoria WattCANDIDATES FOR

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

Accounting:Judith Huntress

Millie NickelAssociate Degree

Nursing:Reyna Aguilar

Christopher BobedaMary Braley

Alyson ChildressBrittany CoenKelsey Cook

Jentri CooperRhonda Dooley

Tasha DuvallMarilyn Eddleman

Angela FabbroVirginia Gastelum

Samantha GillespieAlma Granados

Daisy GrewellElisha Hamilton

Melissa LealTak Leung

LaSasha LiraLydia Mathis

Cherice MumfordAnnalynn Nguyen

Irma O'BryanMandie Slack

Brandy Stroup Martin Swanson

Crysta TuttleCheri VanDoren-Cook

Madeleim ZavalaAutomotive Mechanics

Technology:Joseph Aranki

Business Administration

Technology:Daisy Heredia

Ana Quezada BandaCosmetology:

ViLari CoxPaige KratzerTesk NicholsThuy TruongTuyet TruongHope Unruh

Diesel Technology:Angel Acosta

David Ingle

5May 2012 Branching Out: Graduation 2012

Mitchell Foster, better known as‘Mitch’, is pursuing a career inbusiness administration and willattend the University of Kansas inthe fall.

Foster currently has a GPA above3.5, is a member of Kappa BetaDelta, is on the Part-time Dean’sHonor Roll (and has been for thepast three semesters) and was frus-trated to learn he was once .02points away from qualifying forPhi Theta Kappa at Seward.

Foster and his fiancee, JulieRuiz, have a son, Mitchell FosterJr., who is 6 years old. Anotherbaby is on the way—also a boy.Foster says it is tough to juggleschool, work and home life.

“It’s pretty impossible. My sonwants my attention, always; hewants me to do different thingswith him... Then there’s all thecleaning, mowing, laundry.”

Foster has found a schedule thatworks great for him, however.

“The best way for me to getthings done is to work on home-work at the college on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays, sincethose are the days I have classes

here at the college; 1 to 5 p.m. ishomework time. It is tough.”

Foster works full-time on Tues-days and Thursdays because hedoes not have classes.

Brad Kearn, SCCC college alge-bra, trigonometry and business cal-culus instructor, has Foster in classthis semester.

“Mitch is the hardest worker I’veseen; if he doesn’t understand, hefinds the answer. I think his workethic is something that sets himapart from the other students.”

Foster wasn’t always so motivat-ed in school, however.

Foster graduated from LiberalSenior High in 2006, but he claimshe did the minimum, only whatwas required.

“Yeah, my mindset wasn’t onschool. I was happy with a D be-cause it was passing. I never real-ly got in trouble, but I was at highschool just because I had to be.”

Wes Fox is a American Historyteacher at Liberal Senior High andhad Foster in his American Historyclass.

“At first, Mitch didn’t want to dohis work, but we had a conference

to fix that. I don’t know aboutevery class, but he started to workin mine.”

After Foster graduated highschool in 2006, he attended Se-ward for around a month and ahalf, but decided to leave to workat his father’s business: C.F. Ser-vice and Supply, full-time.

“All through high school, myplan was just to, one day, take overmy dad’s business. I worked formy dad every day, full-time, as ashop-hand: learning the companyby doing deliveries and answeringthe phone calls.”

Foster later realized he wantedsomething else, however.

“As I got mature, I realized Iwanted to be self-made. I wanteda degree. Even if I don’t use mydegree, I’m still happy.”

Foster does believe working afull-time job has helped him inschool.

“I think working is a major fac-

tor in my success here. If I hadcontinued school in ’06, I’d benowhere near as successful. Be-fore I turned 21, I was wilder; I stilldidn’t have a school mindset.Now, I want to be here. I want ahigh GPA.”

Now, Foster plans to be a busi-ness attorney.

“I like to research things. I’mgood at arguing, debating; I havethat tone of voice; I also like to findout what I’m talking about beforeI speak...I don’t want to have toworry about my family, about thebills. I want to say I made my po-sition possible, by myself.”

According to Fox, Foster had togrow up more quickly than others.

“Mitch had to grow up a lotfaster than other kids. He’s alwaysprovided for himself; he’s neverasked others to work for him. Hetakes care of his family and setsaside his own needs. Mitch be-came a man a lot quicker than oth-ers.”

—Story and photo by Levi Adams

“Mitch became a man alot quicker than others.”

— Wes Fox

Mitchell ‘Mitch’ FosterStudent juggles school, work and home while at Seward

Drafting and Design Technology:Abril ArredondoHeating, Ventilation,Air Conditioning and Refrigeration:Jacob HigginsKelly RamosMachine Tool:Luis ChaviraMedical Assistant:Kyann FullerTeari Van HornEmily WaymanMedical Laborotory Technician:Johanna DegolladoJessica GuerraSantiago Leon, Jr.Respiratory TherapyKevin ClaypoolCharlotta McMurphyBrenda MoralesNoel OrtizPaco OrtizTyler ParksAndrew RittscherJerry RymanIrene VelazcoSurgical Technology:Perla ArguelloLaura GarciaSusan NguyenBryan OwensKristen SadlerAlice ZollingerWelding Technology:Jesus LopezGeneral Studies:Jake BarriosSamantha GontolBrittain Ibbotson

CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE IN GENERAL STUDIESJake BarriosSamantha GontolBrittain Ibbotson

CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCEAccounting:Gloria AlonsoRegina ChrislerEva LoewenMelissa SanderBrooke ScheuermanVivian TranAgriculture:Jena EderJade GreeneGilberto MendozaDevian Taylor


Looking back at his time on both the SewardCounty Community College campus and the AreaTechnical School, David Carrillo reminisces on allthe memories he has made and the many opportu-nities that the programs of criminal justice and gascompression have offered him.

Carrillo thinks of the small, comfortable atmos-phere of the campus. He thinks of his wife, BrendaCarrillo, who studies in the nursing program. Hethinks of the friends he has made, the ping-ponggames he has played, the experiences he has hadand the fundamental skills he has learned.

Carrillo will walk across the stage as a recipi-ent of an associate in science for criminal justice.Carrillo will also continue to expand his knowledgeover the summer with gas engines and compressorsas part of the gas compression program he decidedto pursue through the tech school.

Carrillo, who was raised in Liberal and gradu-ated from Liberal High School in 2009, didn’t quiteknow what he wanted to study when he first en-rolled at SCCC.

“When I started college, I didn’t know what I wasgetting into. I changed my major four times,” Car-illo said.

Though indecisive, he settled on majoring incriminal justice or psychology.

Nearing the completion of the criminal justiceprogram, Carrillo realized he wanted to try some-

thing new. He heard various ads about the gas compression

program, and since the program was funded hethought, “Why not?” anddecided to try it out, thoughhe had never pictured him-self at the tech school.

“I never thought I’d goto the tech school, I’mmore of a ‘books’ guy,not really hands on,”Carrillo said.

Carrillo found theprogram tobe very en-joyable, andsays he would“consider a careerin it later on.”

Another benefit ofthe program was that itwould be of no cost tohim.

He received an industrial grant through localcompanies which covers the cost of tuition andbooks. He seized the opportunity and said he “can’tcomplain about a free education.”

Ron Garber, instructor of natural gas compres-sion technology, said that Carrillo integrated him-

self well into the program.“He’s one of my top students. He comes in ready

to work and is really self-motivated,” Garber said.Carrillo was offered a technician internship

with Caterpillar in Dodge City for the summerin order to complete the program.

The course began in the spring, in-cludes the paid internship, and ends inthe fall. The gas compression program is

very hands on, which Carrillofeels gives good fundamentals for

future learning in the field. After the completion of the gas com-

pression program, Carrillo plans ontransferring to Fort Hays State University

and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in either crimi-nal justice or psychology.

Carrillo now aspires to become a gas engine me-chanic and eventually work with DCP Midstream.

He wants to have a reliable, well paying job inorder to get his wife through nursing school,

buy a home, and later have a family of hisown.

— Story by Celestina Padilla

David Carrillo

“I tried natural gas compressio

n.

I realize

d it was so

mething

I really liked.”

— David Carrillo

Criminal justice graduate digs gas compression program


Annalynn NguyenSelf-described as shy and un-

confident, Annalynn Nguyen’spersonality is seen in sharp con-trast from an outsider’s perspec-tive.

Confident, easy-going, and fullof perseverance, Nguyen, a Viet-namese-American, became anUnited States citizen this year.

Nguyen passed her RN Licenseexam this past weekend and willgraduate this May along with 58other students from the nursingprogram; she is also a member ofPhi Theta Kappa, dance team, andpart of the Saints cheer team.

“I feel more confidence everytime I cheer and dance in front ofa lot a people,” Nguyen said.“People usually make fun of mebecause of the way I talk, and askhow I can dance and cheer in frontof lot of people and not feel shyabout it.” She says cheering anddancing feels like it is part of her,and that she gains the confidencenecessary to perform for the audi-ence.

“With confidence you can dopretty much anything,” Nguyensaid. “My instructors have always

been there with me. It makes mewant to cry, because it is the lastyear here, and after three years it isover,” Nguyen said. According toNguyen, graduating is an eventshe both looks forward to anddoesn’t wish to occur because shefeels like she is leaving her fami-ly; however, she states she is readyto close a chapter of her life.

The nursing program has a fulltime curriculum which requiresextra time and effort to successful-ly complete the requirements.Nguyen’s schedule — a juggle be-tween dance team, cheer, and hernursing program — has taught herresponsibility and organizationskills.

In part she feels her success hasbeen due to the support she has re-ceived from instructors, friends,and family: “My coach and in-structors have given me the sup-port to continue, and also to gainmore confidence and become theperson I’m today.”

According to cheer and dancecoach Scarlett Diseker, she hasseen Nguyen’s personality evolve.

“It has been so fun to watch her

grow in the three years I have hadher,” Diseker said. According toDiseker, Nguyen is small in size;however, people still respect herand see her as a role model due toher accomplishments.

Nguyen states that it was astruggle learning the language andassimilating into a different culturefrom what she was accustomed togrowing up. However, she feels acultural liberty in the United Statesthat she did not feel in her previ-ous home country.

“In Vietnam, we don’t talk aboutsensitive stuff to each other, likehere [USA], and people are soopen, sometimes I get really shyand do not get into the conversa-tion,” Nguyen said. However, shesays that the American culture isfast becoming her own and thishas helped her in improvingher confidence, and creatingfriendships and a social networkthat she can rely later in life.

Diseker states that Nguyen hasachieved a great deal already andthat she believes that achieve-ments are going to be part ofNguyen’s life and career.

“I think she is going to do great,she is one of those kids that I hopeI never lose contact with, becauseshe is such a good person and sucha hard worker .”

Nguyen wishes to continue hereducation and pursue a master’sdegree. Currently, she has no con-crete plans as to what institutionshe wishes to attend. Nguyen hasa career ahead of her; however,she will also be remembered at Se-ward.

“She has been just an awesometeam member, I’m going to missher so much,” Diseker said.

— Story by Raul Lemus

Courtesy photo

Annalynn Nguyen, center, poses with fellow cheer team members Darlene Monge and Kaela Krueger at the Green House.

“With confidence, you

can do pretty much

anything.”

—Annalynn Nguyen

Nursing student flies high with cheer in college career

William Wilkins

Biological Science:

Bailey Graves

Megan Werner

Biology:

Erik Castaneda

Kelsi Moree

Benjamin Muñoz

Maria Perez

Kaisha Pittser

Shawna Pittser

Benito Rivera

Tesley Taylor

Business:

Derienne Daniels

Sam Decker

Kevin Domrzalski

Mitchell Foster

Shelby Hansen

Will Harris

Brice Jenkins

Ashlynn Knoll

Maria Muehlfeld

Corieon Pearson

Carlee Perez

Carlos Varela

Mattie Yanke

Business Administration:

Jordan Adame

Kristyn Campbell

Felipe Cruz

Laura Davila

Dashutina Dmutrivna

Angela Giskie

Malcolm Gordon

Rhonda Harkins

Irvin Hollinger II

Lucas Izkovitz

Raphael Machado

Cristiano Mendes

Conner Warren

Chemistry:

Dalia Camacho

Obdulia Covarrubias-

Zambrano

Computer Information

Systems:

Levi Adams

Cody Denham

Sandon Hilditch

Rafael Raw

David Rohloff

Criminal Justice:

Cristian Betance-Montes

Nestor Carrasco

Elder Carrillo

Benito Mendoza

Ricardo Mendoza

Thelma Rodriguez

Maria Vazquez

Benjamin Wainwright

Engineering:

Cesar Garcia

Finance:

Alfredo Garcia


After being a Phi Theta Kappamember for two years, Crusader edi-tor her sophomore year, and a doublemajor student, Heidy Molina is morethan ready for graduation.

“Growing up, bad influences canstray you off the correct path, but youcan always jump right back in with thehelp and support from others,” Moli-na said.

Molina is a very family orientedtype of person. “Family is every-thing,” Molina said. Molina has twoyounger sisters, Laidy and Ruby.

Molina likes to jump into the moth-er role with her sisters. “They are mylife,” Molina said about her sisters.She works hard to set examples forthem.

Molina is the first in her family tohave graduated high school and nowcollege. Her parents Juan andMaricela Molina are the most impor-tant people in her life. “They supportme 100 percent,” Molina said.

Her mother’s parental pride shinesbrightly as well.

“We’re very proud of her, she hasworked very hard all her life. She is ahard worker. Heidy is our pride andjoy,” Maricela Molina said.

Though Molina’s parents’ desirewas for her to become a lawyer, Moli-na always knew exactly what shewanted to do. Molina came to theUnited States at age 4. That same yearshe began to pick up on the Englishlanguage rapidly.

“I knew I wanted to go far in life, Iknew I had to master the English lan-

guage, and now I want to teach it,”Molina said about her decision to be-come an English teacher.

Molina is a double major student ineducation and journalism. She wantsto be a journalism and English teacherat the high school level. Molina saysshe chose high school because that iswhere she was inspired to become ateacher. “They say if you go into mid-dle school teaching, you’re crazy. I’mnot that crazy, yet,” Molina said, withgiggles.

Molina looked at several college op-tions before Seward. Heather Watt, ascience teacher at Liberal HighSchool, has been a great influence toMolina’s life. Since Molina was inhigh school. Watt has always beenthere to help her, not only academical-ly, but also with her personal life.

Watt has been one of her biggestmotivators to continue pursuing hereducation. Through Watt is how Moli-na met journalism/communications in-structor and Crusader sponsor, AnitaReed. The Crusader is what deter-mined Molina’s choice to attend Se-ward.

Molina was on the Crusader staffboth years, her sophomore year as Ed-itor-in-Chief. “The Crusader takes upmore than 50 percent of my time,”Molina said.

Molina was one of few returningstaff members this year. She took uponthe role as Editor-in-Chief. “I had bigshoes to fill after Alfredo Anaya; hewas a great editor,” Molina said.

Reed saw how Molina had to train

the new group of freshman comingonto the staff, she also saw how shetook upon the big responsibility ofbeing editor.

“She is very passionate, it is some-thing she cares deeply about,” Reedsaid about Molina’s character in theCrusader.

Sleepless nights working with theCrusader staff made Molina bring outher inner teammate characteristics. “Ilike to do more individual work,”Molina said.

“The Crusader has become like myfamily,” Molina said. She does any-thing to help her staff get their workdone, even if it means not getting herwork done on time.

“Not only one person can build theCrusader alone,” Molina said. Shesays she worked with a very talentedstaff this year.

“This year is going to be so memo-rable, my staff won 31 individualawards at KACP Conference, and asilver medalist award,” Molina said.

Aside having a busy school sched-ule, Molina has three outside jobs. Sheworks at the Sno Shack, she tutors,and she is also a nanny for Brock andAshley Kapplemann.

Molina has grown very fond of thechildren she takes care of. “They’remy babies,” Molina said.

Brooks Kapplemann, 6, is an out-door boy. She plays baseball and foot-ball with him.

Brady Kapplemann, 8, is the artistof the bunch. “He’s an artist, he makesme use my imagination a lot, every-

thing I do with him is verycreative,” Molina says.

“Bren is a ball of energy,” Molina likes to say. Thealmost 2-year-old hasher running aroundconstantly.

Brooklyn Short, 2, who isdaughter of David and BritShort, is also a child Moli-na takes care of. “She is the one I canjust be a girl with,” Molina said.

Molina says she is burnt out fromworking and going to school. She hasdecided to take the following year offfrom school.

Molina wants to go to a universitywhere she can receive an education tothe fullest potential in both of her ma-jors.

What Molina does know is that sheis a very uncoordinated person, so sheis afraid she might trip during hergraduation ceremony. “I feel so ner-vous,” Molina said.

She also feels like she has accom-plished so much at Seward County.

“Every graduate should feel a senseof accomplishment,” Molina said.

Molina said she wants to mark a dif-ference with whatever she does in herlife. She says she knows the career shehas chosen is not in the top paid cate-gory.

“I don’t want to be rich and famous,but I do want to make a difference,”Molina said.

— Story and photo by Sandy Alfaro

“I don’t want to berich and famous, but I

do want to make adifference.”

— Heidy Molina

Heidy MolinaCrusader editor plans to teach English, journalism

Styling a path to success is not easy, but cos-metology student Tesk Nichols is able to suc-ceed while thinking of others before herself.

Nichols is graduating with a cosmetologycertificate and associates of applied science de-gree at Seward County CommunityCollege/Area Technical School.

Nichols completed her classes for the AASlast year in order to be in the cosmetology pro-gram this year. “I think it’s really good to havea degree to fall back on,” Nichols said.

Nichols is a student in the cosmetology pro-gram, where students learn how to profession-ally prepare client hair, nails and skin. WhileNichols enjoys being able to do all of the partsof the cosmetology program, fixing hair is herfavorite.

“I’ve always wanted to do cosmetology. Ithink Seward has a really great program andI’ve really learned a lot,” Nichols said.

When not attending to clients, Nichols worksin the laundry for the cosmetology students andprepares hair color and baskets for doing nailsthroughout the day. Although it may get boring,Nichols still enjoys helping.

“Tesk’s willingness to help really stands out.She’s really selfless and helps anyone,” saysNichols’ best friend and fellow cosmetologystudent, Abby Roberts.

Nichols has always been the “girly girl”

while growing up, focused on fashion, hair-styles, and make-up. She also would try herstyles on her sister and other friends and fami-ly often.

Since studying in the cosmetology program,Nichols has experimented with many hair col-ors, such as dying her hair red and purple.Nichols now has blonde hair and plans to keepit that color for a while, but still enjoys dyingfellow classmates’ hair crazy colors.

Nichols almost attended Eric Fisher Acade-my in Wichita, but chose SCCC over EFA be-cause of the opportunity for an AAS degree. Al-though she would enjoy to study at the presti-gious EFA, Nichols says “I’m glad I chose Se-ward. I actually think the cosmetology programhere is better than at Eric Fisher.”

After completing the cosmetology program,Nichols will stay in the Liberal area and hopesto work in a local hair salon. Once she works atthe salon for a few years, Nichols plans tomove to a larger city and open her own hairsalon.

Nichols’ dream is to be a hair stylist for majorfashion runways and is working hard to be ableto achieve her dream.

Nichols’ dedication shows since she was oneof the first students in her group to actuallypractice hair styling on someone’s hair insteadof on a mannequin, although she was very ner-

vous. “I was so worried I would mess up, but Ithink I did pretty good.”

Cosmetology instructor and coordinatorDenise Paden says, “Tesk strives to do her verybest in both her grades and when attendingclients. She’s very dedicated to her careerchoice, and it really shows.”

Roberts also thinks highly of Nichols and herdedication. “She’s good at what she does, andalways is trying to better herself.”

Nichols said she enjoyed learning and prac-ticing cosmetology with her fellow classmatesand friends, as well as instructors, although sheis ready to receive her diploma and certificate.

— Story and photo by Tonya Loewen

Tesk NicholsDetermined hair stylist prepares for fashion career


“Tesk’s willingness to help

really stands out. She’s really

selfless and helps anyone.”

— Abby Roberts

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International student Carlos Doradocame from Barranquilla, Colombia, toplay baseball for Seward County Com-munity College.

At age 20, Dorado came to the UnitedStates to play baseball and obtain a col-lege degree.

Dorado has been playing baseball sincehe was 8 years old. His father, Pedro Do-rado, was an influence to his passion forbaseball. Dorado plays as an infielder forthe Saints.

Besides playing in the U.S., Doradohas traveled to Venezuela and to Domini-can Republic. Dorado considers himselfa competitive individual.

Dorado’s freshman season with theSaints was marked with success.

The 2010-2011 Saints baseball teamwon sixth place at the 2011 JUCO WorldSeries. They were Region VI Champions,and they were also 2011 Jayhawk WestConference Champions.

Dorado came to Seward knowing al-most nothing of the English language. Hewas the only Latino on the team duringthe 2010-2011 season.

Teammate and friend, Steven Polito,said communication was hard for Dora-do and other teammates.

Dorado said assistant baseball coachand instructor Mike B. Davidson was agreat influence in the time he was here.

“He has done all the work; we have justpointed him in the right direction,”Davidson said.

Being around his teammates for longperiods of time, and help from Polito,Dorado picked up on the language rapid-ly.

“The improvement on his English isunbelievable,” Polito

said. Polito feels great

about beingsuch an influ-ential help

to Dorado’s improvements not only with

the language but also academically. “He

is a very smart guy,” Polito said.

English is not the only language Dora-

do has picked up. He has learned to speak

and write Portuguese.

Italian is another language Dorado has

learned. He plans to keep learning the

language to where he can speak fluently.

Dorado enjoys learning about other

cultures. He likes to read in his rare spare

time.

“Baseball takes up most of my life,”

Dorado said.

Living on campus has helped Dorado

establish many great relationships. He

likes the small community because it

makes everybody be that much closer to

each other. “We are like a family,” Dora-

do said.

Graduating from Seward County is a

huge accomplishment for Dorado.

“It’s been tough, but I feel like I have

accomplished a lot,” Dorado said.

He is thankful for all the friendships he

has made. Especially the relationships

with his teammates. “My teammates

have always helped me since day one,”

Dorado said.

Dorado is still searching for a universi-

ty to attend after graduation. What he

does know is that he will continue play-

ing baseball wherever he decides to go.

He is majoring in business administration

and management.

After all his hard work, Dorado is ready

to return to his home in Colombia this

summer.

His time at Seward County is always

going to be memorable for him. “Seward

County was a great choice,” Dorado said.


Carlos DoradoSeward speaks Dorado’s language

“The improvement on hisEnglish is unbelievable.”

-Steven Polito


Nakita Martinez, a 19-year-oldsophomore at Seward, is thedaughter of Maribel Vega andNick Martinez.

Martinez was born in Dumas,Texas. Although she is not a Lib-eral native, Martinez was raisedin Liberal and has been a part ofthe USD 480 school system sincekindergarten.

Martinez graduated from Liber-al High School in 2010 and hasbeen a student at Seward CountryCommunity College for twoyears.

In this time, Martinez has par-ticipated in Hispanic-AmericanLeadership Organization, Saint-sations dance team, and the Stu-dent Government Association.Martinez was also voted 2012Homecoming Queen.

“I am grateful to have been cho-sen. It is one of the best feelingsever to hear your name get calledout. I felt as if each candidate de-served it and everyone looked ab-solutely gorgeous.”

Outside of school Martinezenjoys spending time with her 2-year-old niece Bailey and familyand friends, working out, watch-ing basketball, singing, dancing,attending church, and watchingLifetime movies.

She is an employee at AceHardware going on one year. Sheis proud of her ability to jugglework, extracurricular activities,and school as a full-time student.

“It can be pretty difficult attimes, but it’s worth it in the end.”In the past two years, Martinez’smost enjoyable experience atSCCC has been dancing at theSaints basketball games asa member of theSaintsationsdance team.

She said sheis especiallyproud of howwell the Saintsdid at the regionals aswell as the national tour-nament.

“I can honestly say being a partof their success is one of my fa-vorite memories of SCCC.”

Her teammates also agree thatMartinez has an overwhelmingamount of enthusiasm and sup-port for Seward County basket-ball. Her voice added tremen-dously to the intensity of thegames and will be greatly missed.

According to Martinez, whatmade SCCC unique to her wasthe people and how they interact-ed with each other.

She believes it would be easy toenter as a new student because the

people are so outgoing andhelpful. Overall, Martinez

had a good experienceat Seward County

Community Col-lege.

“I’ve met a lotof people from

different places, andmy instructors were re-

ally nice, outgoingand willing to help

me individually.”Upon graduation, Martinez

will receive an associate of artsdegree, and continue her educa-tion in the fall at Kansas StateUniversity in Manhattan.

Martinez is excited about whatKSU has to offer.

“I think they have a really goodbasketball team, and I am alsolooking forward to meeting newpeople and getting hands-on ex-perience in my major.”

Martinez was undecided on hermajor until November of lastyear, and the Crusader was a piv-otal part of her decision.

“Last year I read an article fromthe Crusader about Wesley Jones,a former yell leader here atSCCC,” said Martinez, “on whyhe wanted to become social work-er. It just made me think, and Istarted looking into that field andI really liked it.”

— Story by Morgan Wills, photos by Heidy Molina

NakitaMartinez

“ It can be pretty difficult

at times, but it’s worth it

in the end.”— Nakita Martinez

Homecoming queen plans career in social work

Surgical Technology:Emily FontaineRhonda HartmanEmily PuckettLatisha RichardsonLyssa StallbaumerWelding Technology:Martin AlmanzaDalton BeemanEduardo CamposEricka DrosteAbraham JaramilloJuan MendezOmar OntiverosYuset PenaHernan RamosJosue Ruiz

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Leo Bo Wang, an international student fromHong Kong, China, came to Seward CountyCommunity college in the 2011 spring semester.

During his time at Seward, Wang has transi-tioned to a new culture, made friends andlearned new things.

Wang has two sisters and a brother. Both ofWang’s sisters are older and live in the states andhis younger brother is back home in HongKong. Wang is originally from the Sai Kung dis-trict of Hong Kong.

“I like the being in the states, school is somuch easier,” Wang said.

Wang came to the states his senior year and at-tended Lighthouse Christian High School, asmall school in Abbeville La., with only 35 stu-dents. Wang’s graduating class only had sevengraduates.

“Liberal is an all right place, Wang said. “Iwas supposed to come here in the fall, but Ineeded a break from school.”

“It was lonely at first, because I lived in themansions, and didn’t know anyone. After awhile I started making friends.”

“The first thing I learned in Spanish was howto say ‘estas libre esta noche?’ and ‘estosoltero’.” Which translates to “are you free

tonight?” and “I’m single.”Wang has made many friends since he came

to SCCC and has experienced many culturessince his arrival.

“The taco stand is the best, I also really likepina colada,” Wang said.

Advising coordinator, Patsy Fischer, describesWang as an “brilliant kid”.

“He has a smile that goes ear to ear,” Fischersaid.

Seward county has more than two dozen in-ternational students from over the world.

“All these international students that I’ve methere are really cool,” Wang said.

Last summer Wang traveled from Liberal toLas Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Reno,Salt Lake, Denver and back to Liberal. “It wasa great road trip,” Wang said.

Wang is currently interested in studying engi-neering and will transfer to Kansas State Uni-versity or Texas A&M University when he isfinished with his studies at Seward.

Although Wang is graduating, he will attendSeward next fall for another semester to getmore credits that can transfer.

“Leo is going to nail it. Whatever avenue hetakes in life he will succeed at it,” Fischer said.

Wang is going to miss several things after heleaves Seward.

“I’m going to miss all my friends and the peo-ple that I’ve met here,” Wang said.

—Story and photo by Jose Medrano

Leo Bo Wang

“Whatever avenue hetakes in life he willsucceed at it.”

— Patsy Fischer

International student travels from Hong Kong to Kansas

Branching Out: Graduation 2012 15May 2012

Playing softball in SherwoodPark, Alberta and different statesin the U.S. since the age of 4, Tay-lor McDougall is ready to gradu-ate from Seward County.

McDougall came to play withthe Lady Saints softball teamwhen she was 17 years old. Team-mate and friend Blaire Taylor vis-ited Seward and knew it was aschool for both of them.

McDougall and Taylor haveplayed softball together for thepast ten years.

McDougall has and still playsevery summer for the EdmontonWarriors since sixth grade. Thereis a core group a six players thatgoes back every summer to play.

In 2008, the Warriors won theWestern Canadian Championshipand in 2009 and 2010 they werecrowned Provincial Champions.

McDougall’s parents, Dale andLinda are very supportive. “Theyapprove of whatever makes me

happy,” McDougall said.When McDougall decided she

wanted to follow her teammatesand come play softball in thestates, her mom was all for it.

McDougall had a good seasonher freshman year. She was namedSecond Team All Conference Per-former in 2011. McDougall wasalso named KJCCC Player of theWeek March 28- April 4.

McDougall has enjoyed bothseasons with the Lady Saints.“They are a good group of girls,”McDougall said.

“Taylor has stepped up a lot. Shehas become a big leader on theteam,” Blaire Taylor said.

McDougall’s last time at bat forthe Lady Saints was a home run.“I’ll always remember that,” Mc-Dougall said. This is McDougall’smost memorable moment at Se-ward County.

Softball is the biggest interest inMcDougall’s life, along with ar-

chitecure. She plans to major inthis field. McDougall likes design-ing.

“I’ve stayed at many hotels, andI just enjoy looking at their designof structure,” McDougall said.

“She’ll do it, she is very stub-born and she wont settle for any-thing less,” Taylor said about Mc-Dougall’s future plans.

During McDougall’s time atSCCC, she did more than playsoftball.

“I did a lot of growing up,” Mc-Dougall said.

She learned how live on her ownand become a more responsible in-dividual.

McDougall had no troubleadapting to Seward, she loves thepeople and the environment.

“Being part of a team makes iteasier to adapt, it’s like you’re partof family,” McDougall said.


Andrew Wolford is graduatingfrom Seward County CommunityCollege after his first year.

Wolford took a good portion ofhis classes during his junior andsenior years in high school, leav-ing him with a little over half ofthe credit hours needed to gradu-ate.

“I took so many college classesmy senior year because I felt thatbeing lazy sets you up for failure,”Wolford said.

Wolford is attending college inorder to become an engineer. Heplans to go to Kansas State Uni-versity to continue his education.

At K-State, Wolford will majorin mechanical engineer and spe-cialize in aeronautical engineer-ing, a form of mechanical engi-neering.

“Aerospace engineering is thedesigning and testing of aircraftand spacecraft and it even includesmissiles. I want to work in design-ing helicopters, because they’remore interesting than airplanes,”Wolford said.

Although Wolford is very confi-

dent in his plans for the future, hismother, Shirley Wolford, wasn’talways so sure of what he wouldeventually be.

“I always thought he’d be a pas-tor or something like that becausehe was raised in the church,”Shirley said.

Wolford is involved with theSCCC wind ensemble and PhiTheta Kappa.

In the wind ensemble, Wolfordplays the French horn.

“I started playing in fifth gradeand I played all though highschool,” Wolford said. “TheFrench horn seemed like it wouldbe fun to learn.”

One thing he says he learnedfrom being in band throughout hislife is that “laziness gets younowhere.”

Outside of college, Wolfordholds two part time jobs. At hisfirst job, First Baptist Daycare,Wolford watches after four andfive year olds.

Wolford says he enjoys the jobeven though it can be exasperat-ing.

“I love working with childrenbecause they’re always enthusias-tic and they’re excited abouteverything because it’s all new tothem.”

Wolford’s second job is as anAVID tutor to seventh graders atboth West and South MiddleSchools and at Liberal HighSchool.

Wolford has tutored since his ju-nior year in high school.

“I tutored junior and senior yearbecause I felt it’d look good on acollege application,” Wolford said.“I also realized that tutoring is agood way to practice basic studyskills and I get to pass on myknowledge to younger kids.”

In addition to going to collegeand working, Wolford enjoysplaying tennis, skiing and snow-boarding, and reading.

Wolford recently started readingGame of Thrones, and his favoriteseries Night Angel trilogy byBrent Weeks.

— Story and photo by Matthew Adkins

Musician works double time to finish

Softball player swings far for higher learning

Blaire Taylor and Taylor McDougall are softball teammates.

Andrew Wolford

“Being part of a team

makes it easier to adapt;

it’s like you’re part of

family.”

— Taylor McDougall

“I took so many collegeclasses my senior yearbecause I felt that beinglazy sets you up for failure.” — Andrew Wolford

Taylor McDougall


Dormapalooza

Softball player Taylor McDougall rides a mechanical bull that was con-trolled by students at Dormapalooza, which was located behind the dorms.

Saints basketball player Edson Avila jumps on the inflatable bungee jump at Dormapalooza on Thursday, May 2.The event was scheduled by the Student Government Association and included a hamburger fry and games.

Saints softball players Rachel Shockley, Bianca Adame and SamanthaPhelps slide on a homemade slippery slide beside the basketball court.

Baseball players T.J. Looney and Garret Smith compete against eachother while climbing up an inflatable obstacle course at Dormapalooza.

Crusader photos/ Jose MedranoPage design/ Tonya Loewen

International students Nathan Nelmes and Leo Bo Wang race on an inflatable bungee run during Dormapalooza.

Presidential Scholar Austin Schroderraces on the inflatable bungee run.

may 2012 graduation edition

Documents

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