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Angelina College’s First Smith-Hutson Scholarship Recipients Graduate

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s First Smith-Hutson Scholarship Recipients Graduate

Four recipients of the Smith-Hutson scholarship celebrated their pending graduation from Angelina College in a ceremony held recently on the AC campus. Elizabeth de la Cruz, Karina Jacobo, Aldo Luna and Leah Page were among the first beneficiaries of the scholarship when it was first implemented in 2014.

De la Cruz, from Diboll High School, graduated with an AAS in Drafting and Design and will transfer to Stephen F. Austin State University.

Jacobo, from Central High School in Pollok, graduated with an AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She was a Phi Theta Kappa inductee as well.

Luna, from Center High School, earned his degree in Business Leading to a BBA. While at AC, Luna made the Dean’s Honor List.

He will transfer to Sam Houston State University, where he’s already been selected as one of the university’s Smith-Hutson Scholarship recipients. Page, from Lufkin, earned her AAS as a registered nurse.

The Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program is one of the larger privately funded scholarship programs in the state, and Angelina College was the first community college in the state chosen for the program.

The Smith-Hutson Scholarship, funded by an anonymous donor with roots in the East Texas area, was started in 1996 at Sam Houston State University and was recently expanded to include Stephen F. Austin State University, Lamar University and the Lamar Institute of Technology.

For information regarding the Smith-Hutson Scholarship program at Angelina College, contact Megan Flowers, Scholarship Coordinator, at mflowers@angelina.edu.

Angelina College Sonography Students Earn Dual Specialties

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Sonography Students Earn Dual Specialties

A total of seven students from Angelina College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program passed their national certification exams and graduated recently as Registered Diagnostic Sonographers.

Those students made program history by earning registration in two specialties: Abdomen and OB/GYN specialties. Program director Casey Davis said she has never before had a class take both specialty exams before graduating.

Sonography-Students-1-SeatedThe students are Esmeralda Payan (Nacogdoches), Bridget Bass (Timpson), Shelbie Courvelle (Moscow), Hannah Herrington (Lufkin), Britni Cooper (Shelbyville), Karina Jacobo (Central) and Irene Acevedo (Lufkin).

AC’s Sonography program offers a cooperative program with area hospitals that is designed to provide understanding, proficiency, and skill in diagnostic medical sonography.

Upon completion of the program, the successful student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree and meets the requirements set by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) to apply for their licensure examination.

The program curriculum provides a balance of didactic and technical courses which affords each student individual opportunities for educational development and clinical competence.

For further information, contact Casey Davis at cdavis@angelina.edu.

Roadrunner Rally Falls Short In Opening-Round Loss To Wharton

Gary Stallard
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Roadrunner Rally Falls Short In Opening-Round Loss To Wharton

AC Falls into Saturday’s Elimination Bracket

Even when they were down by eight runs, the Angelina College Roadrunners didn’t panic. After all, it was mere days ago when they’d staged a late rally from nearly the same deficit.

AC got its rally, but it ended up being too little, too late in an 11-8 loss to Wharton College in Friday’s opening round of the Region XIV Conference Tournament at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

Angelina College shortstop Tony Lima (2) looks to the ump for a call after his diving tag on a Wharton College runner during Friday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament game. The Roadrunners fell into Saturday’s elimination bracket with an 11-8 loss to the Pioneers in Sugar Land. (AC Press photo by Gary Stallard)
Angelina College shortstop Tony Lima (2) looks to the ump for a call after his diving tag on a Wharton College runner during Friday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament game. The Roadrunners fell into Saturday’s elimination bracket with an 11-8 loss to the Pioneers in Sugar Land. (AC Press photo by Gary Stallard)

The Pioneers opened up a 4-0 lead in the first three innings, but put the game out of reach with a six-run inning in the fourth – a half inning after AC posted two unearned runs to get to within a 4-2 score. Wharton’s Spencer Griffin hit a two-run homer, and Rene Pineda and Monty Kaley each added two-run singles in the inning.

With his team trailing 10-2, AC head coach Jeff Livin walked up and down the dugout, reminding his team “We haven’t even started hitting yet.” Reliever Kevin Roe entered in the fourth inning for the ‘Runners, holding the Pioneers in check – he allowed a single earned run over the next five innings – until the AC bats caught up.

The Roadrunners began chipping away, getting three runs in the fifth: Cort McPherson scored a pair with a two-run triple, and Chris Estrada got a run home via sacrifice fly. 10-5, Pioneers.

In the sixth, Jacob Finke took a pitch off his leg, later scoring on a passed ball for a 10-6 Wharton lead. Mitch Henshaw in the seventh blasted an opposite-field, two-run homer to pull AC to within two runs at 10-8.

The Pioneers added a run in their half of the seventh when Griffin tripled and scored on an Enrique Sanchez double, leaving Wharton with the 11-8 lead. Wharton closer Joseph Baltrip shut down the Roadrunners in order in the ninth, dropping AC into Saturday’s elimination bracket.

AC will take on the winner of the Navarro/Galveston game at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be available via live streaming by visiting tsrnsports.com.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Nurses Honored with DAISY Award at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin

Misty Boggs
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Nurses Honored with DAISY Award at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin

Compassionate, caring, dedicated, committed, kind – the list goes on and on in an effort to describe nurses. These hardworking men and women oftentimes do not receive the thanks they deserve for the vital role they play in a patient’s experience. CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin recently partnered with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to honor an employee who consistently demonstrates excellence through clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care. The first nurse to receive the DAISY Award at Memorial Lufkin was Jane Newland, RN.

Jane Newland was among 15 nurses that were nominated for the award.

“The DAISY Award is a great way for us to recognize the important work that our nurses do every day,” said Michael Plankers, Chief Nursing Officer for CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin. “I heard a lot about Jane Newland before I ever met her, so when I heard that she was the honoree for this award I was not surprised! She truly exemplifies the meaning of the DAISY Award.”

One of the nominations Newland received described how she treats all of her patients like family. “Patients always remember her by name and they come to the hospital purposefully to see Jane. She treats all of her patients like family. She jokes with them and gives them hugs. Customer service from Jane is always excellent!”

“The committee had a tough time choosing one nurse from the nominations that we received to honor with this award,” said Jana Raines, RN, DAISY Award Committee Chair. “Although all of the nurses nominated were deserving of recognition, we felt that Jane personifies everything that the DAISY Award represents in the nursing field.”

Nominations are received from patients, visitors, other nurses, physicians and hospital staff. The DAISY Award nominee must meet certain criteria that includes exemplifying the following characteristics:

· Reverence: establishes a special connection with patients and families through trust and emotional support

· Integrity: maintains the trust and confidence of all with whom he/she engages

· Compassion: is thoughtful, compassionate and caring in all situations

· Excellence: strives for the highest quality and continuous improvement

· Goes above and beyond to care for the needs of patients and families and takes time to educate and include the patient and family during the care process.

Nomination forms are available throughout the CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lufkin facility and online at www.chistlukeshealthmemorial.org.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Recognition is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation in service to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

A Letter From FEMA May Require Follow-Up

Josh Robinson
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A Letter From FEMA May Require Follow-Up

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas storm survivors who receive a letter from FEMA that they are ineligiblefor disaster assistance should not give up—but should follow up instead. The issue may be as simple as a misprinted number or an unsigned document.

After registering with FEMA, applicants can expect a notice by mail about whether they qualify for federal disaster assistance. Read the letter carefully.

  • If eligible, the letter explains the amount of the grant and how it is to be used.
  • If ineligible—if the grant amount reads “0”—applicants may still qualify.

Applicants who are denied assistance can call the FEMA Helpline for an explanation why, or go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. A denial letter may mean the application is missing information such as verification of occupancy of the damaged property, proof of identity, documentation of disaster damage, or what is covered under an insurance policy. Call the FEMA Helpline if you do not receive a letter.

FEMA examines several factors to determine if a survivor will receive disaster assistance. The agency must be able to:

  • Verify disaster-related damage. If your property was inspected and you believe the inspector did not see all the damage, call the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 (FEMA).
  • Collect an applicant’s insurance information.
  • Verify an applicant’s identity.
  • Verify home occupancy. Applicants must provide proof of occupancy such as a utility bill.

In Texas, federal disaster assistance is available to residents of Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler counties who suffered damage from the March 7-29 storms.

Survivors who suffered damage in the impacted counties are urged to register for assistance. To do so:

  • Go to DisasterAssistance.gov; or
  • By phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362 (FEMA), TTY 800-462-7585. Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • Visit any disaster recovery center in the disaster-affected counties.

The deadline to register for federal assistance is May 18.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4266 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Angelina College Theatre Offering Summer Camp

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Theatre Offering Summer Camp
Theater instructor Andrew Reed has directed such productions as “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, “Epic Proportions” “True West” and others during his tenure at Angelina College. His programs run the gamut from light-hearted musicals and comedies to hard-hitting drama; his actors and crew members participate in every facet of the productions.

Now he’s offering to share some of his expertise with a Summer Theatre Camp for all high school students scheduled to run from May 31 through June 14 at the

Members of Angelina College Theatre perform “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, directed by AC instructor Andrew Reed, in the fall of 2015. Reed will offer a Summer Theatre Camp for all high school students from May 31 through June 14 at the Angelina College Center for the Arts. (Photo by Gary Stallard)
Members of Angelina College Theatre perform “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, directed by AC instructor Andrew Reed, in the fall of 2015. Reed will offer a Summer Theatre Camp for all high school students from May 31 through June 14 at the Angelina College Center for the Arts. (Photo by Gary Stallard)

Angelina Center for the Arts building located on the AC campus. The camp will culminate in a performance at 7:30 p.m. on June 14.

Theater skills covered in the camp include voice, movement, acting, Shakespeare
performance and theater tech.
Cost for the camp is $150.
For further information or to register, contact Andrew Reed at areed@angelina.edu.

Angelina College Head Basketball Coach Offering Free Skills Clinic Girls, Boys Ages 9-18 Invited

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Head Basketball Coach Offering Free Skills Clinic Girls, Boys Ages 9-18 Invited
New Angelina College head men’s basketball coach Kyle Manary has hit the ground running in East Texas, and he’s anxious to make the acquaintance of young local hoopsters and their youth coaches.
new ac head coach
Manary, whose basketball background includes working with and developing more than 120 NBA players such as Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and others, will offer a free advanced-skills clinic from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21 at the old gymnasium on the Angelina College campus. Manary also worked with the Dallas Mavericks and spent time as a Division I assistant coach.
The camp is for girls and boys ages 9-18, and there is no fee for either registration or the
camp. Attendees are asked to bring their own basketballs.
Manary has asked all who plan to attend to contact him at kmanary25@hotmail.com.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

MAMMA MIA! Broadway’s Smash Hit Musical Brings ABBA Hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ to Life May 18 & 19

Josh Robinson
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MAMMA MIA! Broadway’s Smash Hit Musical Brings ABBA Hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ to Life May 18 & 19
LUFKIN, TX. Get ready to dance in the aisles of AC’s Temple Theater when the curtain goes up on MAMMA MIA! for two performances May 18 & 19, at 7:30 pm. Here are a couple of interesting facts about this record-breaking production: There are 27 ABBA songs in the show including ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Take a Chance on Me’, and as of April 2015, this show played 5,765 performances on Broadway making it the eighth longest running show in Broadway history. In its various productions, the show has grossed a reported 2 billion + world-wide. Tickets are on sale now and range from $35-$45 (Premium/Box $50). Angelina Arts Alliance Proudly presents MAMMA MIA! along with show sponsor T.L.L. Temple Foundation & A Friend of the Arts. 2015-2016 15th Anniversary Season sponsors are Georgia Pacific and CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial.
“This National Tour offers a great opportunity to see a professional production straight from New York,” stated Executive Director Tracy Pinkerton. The soaring popularity of MAMMA MIA! is evidenced by the 60 million people who have seen this live production around the globe. People everywhere have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that makes this the ultimate feel-good show.
Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives!
For more information or to purchase tickets visit the Temple Theater Box Office on Angelina College’s Lufkin campus, Monday through Friday 11 am – 5 pm or call (936) 633-5454, or visit www.angelinaarts.org . Follow Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook for late-breaking news, photos, videos and ticket giveaways.

Sales Tax Holiday For Water-Efficient, ENERGY STAR® Products Set For May 28-30

Grace Baldwin
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Sales Tax Holiday For Water-Efficient, ENERGY STAR® Products Set For May 28-30
Texas families can save on the purchase of certain water-efficient and water-conserving products and energy-efficient appliances during the state’s new Water-Efficient Products and annual ENERGY STAR®sales tax holidays. Both take place Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates shoppers will save an estimated $8.7 million in state and local sales tax during the Memorial Day Weekend sales tax holidays.

“Anyone who has lived through a Texas summer knows that this is the time of year when our state is hit by peak demands for both water and electricity,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. “These two sales tax holidays, both set for Memorial Day weekend, give Texans the opportunity to save some money while upgrading their homes and businesses with energy-efficient appliances and water-conserving products.”

The Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday is new this year, having been approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015. Products that display a WaterSense® label or logo can be purchased tax free for personal or business use. These include showerheads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.

The sales tax holiday also applies to water-conserving products used or planted for conserving or retaining groundwater, recharging water tables or decreasing ambient air temperature to limit water evaporation. Items that qualify for the exemption include soaker or drip-irrigation hoses; a moisture control for a sprinkler or irrigation system; mulch; and plants, trees and grasses. These items can only be purchased tax free for personal use.

There is no limit to the number of water-efficient or water-conserving products you can purchase. For a complete list of items and more information on the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday, go to the Comptroller’s website.

During the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday, the following energy-efficient products that display the ENERGY STAR logo can be purchased tax free: qualified air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less; refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less; ceiling fans; fluorescent light bulbs; dishwashers; dehumidifiers; and clothes washers (clothes dryers are not included). Go to the Comptroller’s website for more ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday details.

Estimated annual energy and water savings for eligible products are listed in the chart below:
ENERGY STAR® Appliance vs. Conventional
Appliance Type Energy Savings Water Savings
Central Air Conditioners 15%
Room/Window Air Conditioners 15%
Refrigerators 10%
Ceiling Fans 60%
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs 80%
Clothes Washers 25% 40%
Dish Washers 5% 15%
Dehumidifiers 15%
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Teens with Allergies and Asthma: Start Prepping Now for Move to College

Misty Boggs
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Teens with Allergies and Asthma: Start Prepping Now for Move to College

You’re a teenager with allergies or asthma and later this year you’ll be heading off to college. You may be thinking, “I have tons of time to get myself together before I leave.” Not so much. Start now to consider how you’ll shift gears.

Being in a new location with new risky behaviors can negatively impact your health and increase your risk for ingesting food allergens and exposure to allergy and asthma triggers. A new article in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) offers practical tips on how to successfully make the transition.

“For most teens, going away to college marks their first time living independently,” says allergist David Stukus, MD, member of the ACAAI Public Relations Committee and author of the article. “In addition to moving to a new place, many must learn to manage their own schedule, diet, exercise and health. Young people may find their allergies and asthma neglected due to other, seemingly more important demands on their attention.”

According to Dr. Stukus, late spring is a good time to see your current allergist about your move because some of the changes you’ll be making could take a while. Make an appointment and go over these seven things during your visit:
1. Review your asthma and/or anaphylaxis action plan and make sure it’s updated.
2. Ask your allergist for a referral to an allergist close to your school.
3. Request a copy of your most recent visits, including lab results and allergy test results. Have your medical records sent to your new allergist.
4. Compile a list of current medications.
5. Identify a new pharmacy and have new prescriptions sent there.
6. Confirm your vaccines are up-to-date, as well as appropriate for your new environment, including meningitis, HPV, etc.
7. Ask for help to identify hospitals and emergency facilities near your new location that accept your insurance.

More tips from Dr. Stukus:
• Contact the school regarding special accommodation policies, necessary paperwork to complete and the ability to prescreen roommates.
• Provide your school, resident assistant and roommates with a list of current allergens you need to avoid.
• Tour the food preparation facilities and meet with the chef to discuss safe food preparation.
• Consider getting medical identification jewelry to help others understand your allergic triggers.
• Look into new apps and technology that can help you manage allergies and asthma.
• Check the expiration date on your epinephrine auto injector (EAI) and rescue inhaler and keep them with you at all times. You should have more than one EAI available in case of a severe allergic reaction.
• Find out if your residence hall is near a major road as pollutants might affect your asthma.
• Ask if you’ll have direct access to replaceable filtration if your dorm room has forced air heat.
• Inquire if your dorm room has air conditioning. Open dorm windows expose you to more pollen.

To find an allergist in your new location, use the ACAAI allergist locator. An allergist can make recommendations specific to your allergy and asthma needs.

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