Trinity Valley Community College students Abby Baker (second from right) and Delores Stripling (far right) react as their egg flies across the parking lot during the 2nd Annual Earth Day Festival and Egg Catapult Competition on Tuesday. Their team, the Splat Squad, won third place and each received a $250 scholarship. TVCC biology instructor Brian Baumgartner is seen in the background at left. The competition, hosted by the TVCC Science Club, included students from TVCC and area high schools.
By Jayson Larson/TVCC Public Information
Antonio Aguilar, a biology student from Seven Points, was declared the winner of the Egg Catapult Competition held during the 2nd Annual Earth Day Festival Tuesday at Trinity Valley Community College. The festival was hosted by the TVCC Science Club.
The competition, which included teams not only from TVCC but also area high schools, required students to launch eggs toward a target using a homemade trebuchet (which is similar to a catapult but uses gravity via a counterbalance to fire). Aguilar had the highest score, which was compiled by judges who considered accuracy, design and a cost analysis to build the trebuchet.
Aguilar – who received a $1,000 scholarship for his win – explained that his preparation was cut short the previous night by an unexpected factor – Mother Nature.
“I was working on it and then those storms came in (Monday night) and I couldn’t get back outside to work on it, so I just had to go with it,” Aguilar said.
A team of high school students, “Eustace 2,” claimed second place and each team member won a $500 scholarship. The team consisted of seniors Walter Baker, Shelby Marcom, Candace Rosado and Jonathan House. Third place, and a $250 scholarship each, went to the “Splat Squad” – TVCC chemistry students Abby Baker and Delores Stripling.
A number of vendors were also present to share information during the Earth Day Festival. Those vendors were: the Henderson County Humane Society; Keep Athens Beautiful; Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center; Purtis Creek State Park; Hope Springs Water; Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch; East Texas Arboretum; and the Science Club.
Trinity Valley Community College student Antonio Aguilar of Seven Points lines up his shot during Tuesday’s Egg Catapult Competition held during the 2nd Annual Earth Day Festival. Aguilar won the event and took home a $1,000 scholarship.
The Henderson County Performing Arts Center will be staging William Inge’s Pulitzer Prize-winning show “Picnic” in a collaboration with the Trinity Valley Community College Drama Department and under the direction of Craig Lee starting this week.
According to the HCPAC website, “Sensual, passionate and delightfully funny, ‘Picnic’ is a timeless American classic about the line between restraint and desire.”
The Trinity Valley Community College Student Government Association was named Region III Chapter of the Year by the Texas Junior College Student Government Association during the regional meeting held on the Athens campus February 28.
By Jayson Larson/TVCC Public Information
The Trinity Valley Community College Student Government Association continued a tradition of excellence when it was named Region III Chapter of the Year by the Texas Junior College Student Government Association.
The announcement was made during the Region III TJCSGA meeting held on the TVCC Athens campus on February 28. The honor qualified TVCC SGA to compete for state chapter of the year in April. TJCSGA is composed of six regions and 72 member colleges.
TVCC, one of the most active student government associations in the state, was recognized for its strong participation in community service projects and chapter activities. Student government members this term participated in projects including a Thanksgiving food drive, two Trash Bash efforts, Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) at a local elementary school, the Meals of Kindness food ministry sponsored by Eastern Hills Church of Christ and various support efforts at events such as the Kiwanis Pancake Day, the Hope Springs Water Color Run and the area Senior Olympics.
The campus group also hosts a number of activities for its members, including bowling and movie nights, throughout the fall and spring semesters.
“It was exciting to hear we had been named regional chapter of the year,” said TVCC SGA President Allyson Braggs, a Dallas native who plans on attending the University of Arkansas next year. “We were recently talking about why we strive for awards and it really puts into perspective why we do what we do for the community. I don’t live in Athens and I’m not from Athens, but it really feels like home because we put so much time into trying to make this community better. It really has a special place in my heart and it always will.”
The role of the TVCC SGA continues to be significant, advisor Cortney Curran said, as the college works to show its students how they can make a difference and have a positive impact on the community in which they live.
“We want them to know they have a voice, that they can ignite and effect change on the campus and in the community,” Curran said. “Students want to have a seat at the table, and through the SGA process, we teach them a process by which they can make a difference.”
SGA’s voice was heard last year when it passed a resolution requesting a four-way stop in the interest of student safety at the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 2494 and Dean Street – an area heavily traveled by students walking from their dorm rooms to class. That input was considered by TVCC President Dr. Glendon Forgey as the college sought, and ultimately succeeded, in having the four-way stop installed by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Forgey continues to meet monthly with SGA officers to listen to their thoughts and concerns.
“Sometimes we forget the reason we are here,” Forgey said. “We are here for the students. The SGA provides a venue for the students to participate in the governance of the college, as do the faculty and the staff. It also teaches students the importance of giving back to the community through various forms of service.”
TVCC SGA officers for 2013-14 are Allyson Braggs, president; Evin Basher, vice president; Quadra Walton, secretary and 2014-15 president-elect; Albanee Martin, treasurer; David Mena, parliamentarian; and Kolby Meshack, freshman representative.
The Trinity Valley Community College Rodeo Team competed at Hill College last weekend with several members still in the fight to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo.
Sophomore Chase Shafer from Terrell placed 3rd in bull riding with a score of 79. Sophomore Justus Whitcher from Athens placed in tie down roping with a time of 9.9 seconds. Sophomore barrel racer Kacey Kirby held her 3rd place position in the Southern Region National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association standings.
“We are needing a strong finish at the Wharton Junior College Rodeo, which will be our last regional rodeo, especially from Kacey and Justus who both have a chance at the College National Finals Rodeo,” said TVCC rodeo coach Brent Bratton.
The Wharton Junior College Rodeo will be held April 25-26.
Nominations for the 2014 induction class for the Cardinal Hall of Fame are currently being accepted at Trinity Valley Community College. The nomination deadline is Monday, May 5.
The hall of fame, created in 2008, is a recognition program designed to honor former student athletes, coaches and contributors to the athletic department who have exhibited exceptional ability and performance in their selected field of athletics and have represented TVCC in an exemplary manner.
To be considered for the honor, nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Participation for at least one year as a player on an intercollegiate athletics team at TVCC or five years as a coach at TVCC. (Exception: The five-year requirement for a coach is waived if coach won a national championship); and
A period of at least five years between last date at TVCC as a full-time student-athlete or coach. (Exception: The period of at least five years between the last date at TVCC as a coach is waived upon retirement); and
Must commit to attending induction ceremony/events upon being notified of selection to Hall of Fame. If unable to commit, selection will be withdrawn and considered in the future.
As many as five nominees from 1970-to-present will be selected for induction and as many as two from prior to 1970.
To date, 41 and the 1989 cheerleading squad have been inducted into the shrine.
