The Bat A Student Publication of Paris Junior College Thursday, March 28, 2013 “The Friendliest College In The South” Volume 88, No. 7

Field of dreams March 28, 2013 2 Cover Story The Bat The Bat Camping on the diamond The student Bo Pruitt of hitting, pitching, fielding, mound, and the team as a whole publication of staff writer throwing, sliding and base run- demonstrated the proper way to Paris Junior College ning which were all a part of the swing a bat. since 1925 teachings throughout the day. PJC used the day’s events to Elementary and middle PJC players were assigned practice for upcoming games, Member school students from Paris and according to their current posi- where their conference record Texas Intercollegiate surrounding areas shared the tions to particular groups of stands at 9 wins and 5 losses. Press Association Hub Hollis Field baseball dia- youngsters. Outfielders assisted With 18 more games to play, mond with both players and the youths in learning to avoid the Dragons can rally to a con- Texas Community coaches from the PJC Dragon collisions during a fly ball by ference championship with the College baseball team on March 16. coaching them to yell, “ball, determination of Clark who Journalism Association About 40 young players, ball, ball.” Pitchers instructed has appeared in four Regional ranging from ages 7 to 14, took the campers on proper footing Tournaments. Comments and views in part in the PJC Spring Break when throwing from a pitcher’s The Bat, a student pub- Baseball Camp led by Head lication of Paris Junior Coach Deron Clark. College, reflect thoughts “The event was a huge suc- and opinions of indi- cess,” said Coach Clark. vidual writers not neces- Although the weather lately sarily the views of other has been cold and wintery, the students, staff members, weather was just right for the faculty, administrative camp. As the parents sat and offices, or the PJC Board observed activities on the field, of Regents. the warm spring breeze provided a comfortable environment to Staff watch their kids enjoy them- selves. Staff Writers/ A parent/spectator, Cory Photographers Woods said, “My son had a

Bo Pruitt wonderful time.” The PJC baseball team pro- Bo Pruitt/ The Bat Colton Sanders vided training and intense in- PJC baseball players Alex Bruu and Brad McDonald structions in the mechanics practice catching pop flys with children. Barbara Torres

Staff Writer Ayla Waqar

Adviser Sharon Dennehy

Cover Photo

Alex Bruu and a camper run to the dug out for a water break during a day- long youth baseball camp hosted by Paris Junior Bo Pruitt/ The Bat College. Little campers practice Bo Pruitt/ The Bat pitching. Photo by Mitchell Bro lends his advice to some campers on Bo Pruitt how to properly throw a pitch. March 28, 2013 3 Sports The Bat Lady Dragons beat Navarro 2-0

Bo Pruitt/ The Bat Bo Pruitt/The Bat Chelsea Jordan awaits a pitch from Navarro during the Players high-five as they run out to left field in game Wednesday. celebration after winning the game.

Bo Pruitt/The Bat Fans watch the Lady Dragons defeat Navarro College 2-0 on Wednesday, March 27. March 28, 2013 4 Sports The Bat Stats show Dragons at best Bo Pruitt staff writer Remaining games of Dragons’ schedule 3/29 Panola College Paris, TX 1 p.m. With the baseball diamond con- (7&9) stantly in use, it is apparent there’s talent on the PJC Dragons Baseball 4/1 Eastfield College Paris, TX 3 p.m. team. (1x9) As of March 24, Maury Salin- 4/3 Navarro College Corsicana, TX 1 p.m. ger, a baseball statistician for the (7&9) NJCAA Region XIV Conference, 4/13 Angelina College Paris, TX 1 p.m. showed PJC has the best team hit- (7&9) ting average with a .317 avg. Three 4/15 Richland College Paris, TX 1 p.m. of the players are ranked in the Top (1x9) 10: G.R. Hinsley, Blake Johnson 4/17 NTCC Paris, TX 1 p.m. and Chase Harvey are No. 1, 4 and (7&9) 7 respectfully. 4/20 Bossier Parish Paris, TX 1 p.m. Hinsley has been up to the plate (7&9) 109 times and has hit the ball 52 of those 109, giving him an out- 4/24 Panola College Carthage, TX 1 p.m. standing overall average of .477. (7&9) The team has a combined total of 4/27 Navarro College Paris, TX 1 p.m. ten home runs with seven of those (7&9) contributed by Hinsley. BOLD denotes East Conference game.

The Dragons are also equipped Speed is another factor that has has spoken for itself when the 2013 with one of the best pitchers in brought the Dragon’s success this Region XIV conference stats were the conference; Mitchell Bro. Bro year. The team as a whole has sto- released. has an ERA of 2.51 and is ranked len 43 bases on opponents, and out Hub Hollis Field will welcome fourth in conference followed by of the total bases stolen, 23 where anyone coming out to support the his teammates Heston Van Fleet credited by three of the PJC play- Dragons. The next home game will with a 3.65 ERA and Hobie Harris ers. Travis Lee has stolen 9, Ryan be on Friday, March 29 at 1 p.m. who has pitched a 3.76 ERA thus Fickel, 7 and Hinsley also 7. The Dragons have a conference far. There have been 145 strikeouts The Dragons are ready to play record of 10-6 and are looking to for the Dragons and more are sure against any opponent and the improve with home field advantage to come. leadership that the group shows over the next few weeks. Golf team ranked 7th in the nation In the latest National Junior College The PJC Dragons also made a second- individual score of 71 was posted by Zac Athletic Association Division I golf poll, place showing in the District II Preview Oliver. Overall, I thought we played well Paris Junior College ranked seventh in the held March 10-12 in Dennis, Texas. and made good decisions,” Coach Johnson nation with 58 points. First and second “We didn’t get many putts to fall on said. ranking went to Odessa College and the first day,” said PJC Golf Coach Dave McLennan Community College with 98 Johnson. “The second day we had the - Courtesy of PJC Public Information and 92 points, respectively. low team score with 291, and the low Office March 28, 2013 The Bat Sports 5 Five PJC Dragons basketball players recieve regional NJCAA honors The National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region XIV recently honored five members of the Paris Junior College men’s basketball team. Sophomore Anthony Adams of Pontiac, Mich., was named to the All Region XIV Second Team as well as All Conference North Zone First Team. “I’m really proud of him,” said PJC basketball coach Chuck Taylor. “This is a great accomplishment for him. Obvi- ously, he was our team leader this year; he led us in points, assists, and steals. Without a shadow of a doubt I feel he was one of the best players in the league and the coaches have Courtesy Photo confirmed what I already knew Shown from the left are: freshman Delvin Dickerson of Houston; sophomore Eddie with this tremendous honor. Leal of Dallas: PJC Basketball Coach Chuck Taylor; sophomore Anthony Adams He’s been really fun to watch on Pontiac, Michigan; sophomore Mike Harmon of Houston; and Antonio Arnold of these past two years. It will be McKinney. really tough replacing him.” in the season both on and off deal in a short time. I’m look- throw percentage. He had Sophomore Eddie Leal the court. This is just a small ing for bigger and better things a two game stretch where from Dallas, Texas, made All indication of how hard work from him in the future and am he made 13 three pointers. Conference North Zone Second pays off.” very proud of his efforts.” Harmon has been with the Team. Freshman Delvin Dickerson Sophomores Mike Harmon team two years. Taylor said “Eddie is a terrific young of Houston, was named Third of Houston and Antonio Arnold Harmon’s best basketball is man who had a phenomenal Team All Conference North of McKinney, received All Con- ahead of him. year and his best basketball Zone. ference North Zone Honorable is ahead of him,” said Coach “Delvin had a phenomenal Mention. - Courtesy PJC Public Taylor. “I’m really proud of freshman year,” said Coach Harmon is second on the Information Office the effort and energy he put Taylor. “He matured a great team in three-point and free- Basketball players regionally recognized by NJCAA The National Junior College eauf. “Despite a slow start “This was a well-deserved Athletic Association’s Re- to her season, she began to honor,” said LeBeauf, “be- gion XIV honored two players figure things out and once her came out every day from the Paris Junior College effort and energy changed, so cause she with the attitude and focus women’s basketball team. did the results. That culmi- Voché Martin, a sophomore nated in her selection to the of trying to be better. With humble spirit she has a from Desoto, was named to the All-Region team in one of her All-Region Team. the top conferences in the chance to make more strides “I want to congratulate her country.” forward as far as her game.” on being named to the All-Re- Kelsei Ewings, a sopho- Courtesy Photo - Courtesy PJC Public gion Team,” said PJC Women’s more from West Point, Miss., Kelsei Ewings, Voché Martin Basketball Coach Sean LeB- received Honorable Mention. Information Office March 28, 2013 6 Campus Happenings The Bat Dragon Furr-tastic!!! Ayla Waqar Jones. “Some people chan- staff writer nel the animal spirits and give the animal human-like You might have seen characteristics. It’s hard to students walking around explain to people; they have campus with what appears to understand the history of Puffs to be tails and paws. anime and that it’s simply They are not just trying another form of art.” Applying for Graduation to make a fashion statement; Another anime fan, Domi- All students who wish their accessories have a nic Jamin, channels a more to walk across the stage deeper meaning. Costumes realistic fur tail, half-fox and at commencement May 10 are based in “anime style.” half-wolf. must turn in the proper infor- Anime is Japanese anima- “I could not choose be- Colton Sanders / The Bat mation no later than April 1. tion, that has formed a sub- tween the two,” he says. “The More details can be found culture that has been around wolf represents power and Above, Troy Jones poses by going to the PJC website, for decades. speed, and the fox represents with his bright green tail www.parisjc.edu, clicking Along with physical cunningness and also speed.” and paw accesories. through to the A-Z Links, costumes, hand-drawn and Jamin was always a fan of Background, Dominic Ja- and then scrolling down to computer animated anime anime art, but became inter- min poses with his relistic Graduation Information. also is inspired by mov- ested in furries when he went looking fox- wolf tail. ies, television series, video to A-Kon (anime conven- games, and comic books. tion), where many furry fans and conventions. Grow Compassion There are many anime come and show their fursuits Fursuits are worn during The Blend Club has invit- fans around the world along (animal costumes). conventions, furry parades, ed Indian guest speaker, Jai with a few fans right here Emily McDaniel also and fundraiser events. Many Siddahtama to speak about at PJC. wears exotic tails and acces- fundraisers support animal compassion Thursday, April “It balances my spiri- sories. rescue charities. The A-Kon 11 from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in the tual energy,” said Troy “I do it for fun; it puts a conventions are held evry year Math and Science building Jones, who wears a bright smile on people’s faces, es- from May 31 to June 2 at The Room 102. Students, staff, lime-green colored tail and pecially little kids,” she said. Hilton Anatole Dallas. faculty, and all community gloves. “I think it’s important to be members are invited. Con- His accessories are in- different and a little quirky.” tact Kelli Ebel at 903-782- spired by a mountain lion. Some make their own 0312 for more details. “It’s a style of art; they fursuits and others purchase are called “furries,” said them from online websites Last Day To Drop The last day to drop with Promoting togetherness, a “W” is Thursday, April 11. Drop forms can be picked up growing compassion from Student Records. The Blend Club held a Kindness Scav- enger Hunt Thursday, March 21. The prize was a pizza party and a film with The Blend, Creative Writing Awards where the winners were invited. The awards ceremony for “The clues were crafty, and it was very the annual Creative Writ- enjoyable! We look forward to the next ing Contest is 2:30 p.m. one,” said Kaytlyn Sims, who won the hunt Wednesday, April 17 in the Colton Sanders / The Bat with Edward Kelley. Student Center Ballroom on Emily McDaniel, Spanish Instructor Kelli Ebel, The scavenger hunt brings the campus the Paris campus. and Hillary Pearce of The Blend, prepare together. “PJC is growing in a positive way, clues and locations for their first “Kindness and The Blend is promoting togetherness,” Scavenger Hunt,” the latest event in a series said Kelli Ebel, Spanish Instructor and The of The Blend sponsored awareness events. Blend Club sponsor. March 28, 2013 The Bat Features 7 PJC offers new kinesiology courses Colton Sanders staff writer

This semester Paris Junior College welcomed more than just the gem that is the new Math & Science Buildling. PJC has also acquired, under the direction of PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin, a fitness center, just a moment’s drive away from the Paris Campus. The Paris Junior College Recreational Center sits at 905 E. Austin Street and is former- ly known as Aerofit to most Paris residents. The facility of- fers a potentially wide range of opportunities for the college. During the spring semester, credit courses in weight train- ing and aerobics have been offered, as well as a Continu- Colton Sanders / The Bat ing Education course in swim- The PJC Rec Center is located at 905 E. Austin Street. Both new credit and Continu- ming. ing courses, such as raquetball and aqua aerobics will be offered beginning with the However, the Rec Cen- Summer I semester. ter is a big building, and the few new courses offered this istrative ingenuity, the new PJC also hopes to add a pact Aerobics and Swimming semester are just a preview for Rec Center will house credit yoga class to the schedule for starting Tuesday, April 2. For what is to come. With the right courses like raquetball, aqua the 2013 Fall Semester. more information on continu- amount of student support and aerobics, and swimming start- Continuing Education will ing education, go to www. a healthy amount of admin- ing in the Summer I Semester. also offer the courses Low-Im- parisjc.edu/ce Students to produce “Taming of the Shrew” The first ever PJC drama production produced entirely by Advertising is being handled by Production Manager Lucas students will show at 7:30 p.m. April 5 and 6 in the Ray Karrer Robertson, Kevin Calhoun is the Tech Director and Stage Man- Theatre. ager, and Kaytlyn Sims is in charge of Costumes and Make-up. “This is history in the making,” says student Justin Cox, direc- The production stars Paige Collins as Katharina, Kathryn tor of the play, of the first production handled solely by students. Comer as Bianca, and Taren Sartor as Petruchio. “Taming of the Shrew” is a comedy written by William Admission is $5, and is free for PJC students who bring their Shakespeare. It is a story of vulgar, rivaling wit, conspiring suit- student ID. ors, and an atypical romance. 6th Annual Student Showcase set April 26, 27 Paris Junior College’s Mu- the Ray Karrer Theatre. The showcase also features kids the chance to work with sic and Drama Departments, The Student Showcase is dancing and professional professionals,” said Drama working together in collabora- a series of scenes from the choreography, by an industry Instructor William Walker. tion, holds their sixth annual world stage, including bits of professional brought in specifi- The event will be free to the student showcase Friday, April traditional theatre and numbers cally for the showcase. public. 26 and Saturday, April 27 in from musical theatre. “We do this to give our March 28, 2013, 8 Advertising The Bat

ariana, a native of Mexico and mother of four, came to MA&M-Commerce to pursue a career in bilingual education, something that wouldn’t be possible Class of 2013 of Class if it weren’t for a group of alumni who took the time to teach her English.

“Wow, my life has changed so much after coming to A&M-Commerce,” she said. “I have grown as a person, as a woman, as a mom, and as a citizen. I am really glad I decided to get involved with university life.”

A Stars on the Rise scholarship recipient, Mariana is excited to work in elementary education helping to bridge the gap between Hispanic families and American schools. She also hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Spanish so she can teach and share her knowledge with others.

When she’s not in class, Mariana enjoys volunteering with the Office of Hispanic Outreach and unwind- ing at the Morris Recreation Center.

“The university staff has been so helpful with studying, scholarships

MAriAnA MeeT and showing me opportunities to get involved,” she said. “I really

love being an A&M-Commerce student.”

SCAN ThiS QR CODE To learn more about Mariana, watch her video profile and learn how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future.

WWW.TAMUC.EDU 903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682 A Member of The Texas A&M University System