Angelina College Lady Roadrunner softball this week offered a homecoming of sorts to a player head coach Mark Mattson coveted when she first graduated high school.
Kaylee “KK” Parker signed a letter of intent to join the Lady ‘Runners beginning in the fall of 2016. Parker spent her freshman year with Pensacola College in Florida, but yearned to return to the area in which she first sprouted her softball roots.
“It’s back home, and it’s where I belong,” Parker said. “I had fun in Florida, but I needed to be closer to home so my family can see me play.”
Parker will be joining current Lady Roadrunner and former high school teammate Bryli Lee. The two helped the Hudson High School Lady Hornet softball team win back-to-back state championships.
“It’ll be so neat to play with Bryli again,” Parker said. “It’s exciting.”
Parker had other options, but said the decision to join coaches Mark and Barbi Mattson and the Lady ‘Runner program was easy.
“I’m excited to play for these coaches,” Parker said. “All the girls and the coaches are fun to be around, and I want to have fun playing softball again.”
“We loved KK from the beginning, from the first time I saw her play at Hudson,” Mattson said. “We’re very impressed with her. She can play multiple positions, and she hits the way Barbi and I like.
“And being around her at the park, we love her character and how she showed us the way she holds herself. Her mom’s a great person as well, so having them becoming part of our family was a no-brainer for Barbi and me.”
Parker plans to major in elementary education and will become a teacher when the last out of her career is recorded. She said she’s not looking too far ahead; she’s only focused on what happens in her sophomore season.
“It depends on how the next year goes. I’ve accepted that my softball career may end after this next year, but if I have a great season and have the opportunity to continue, I don’t think I’ll be able to give it up.”
Dr. Patricia Mackenzie receives the 2016 Athena Award during the Women’s Networking Luncheon held Friday, April 15, 2016. (Photo by Victoria Charanza)
Dr. Patricia Mackenzie was named the 2016 recipient of the Athena Leadership Award at the Women’s Networking Luncheon on April 15, 2016.
“This recipient is honored for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting other women in their attainment of their own professional excellence and leadership skills,” said Donna Bussler, Executive Director of The Mosaic Center and past recipient of the Athena Leadership Award.
“I take great joy in being a native of Lufkin,” she said. “I thank all of you for this award. I am truly humbled.”
The award is presented to women nominated for fulfilling eight distinct attributes, including authentic self, relationships, giving back, learning, collaboration, fierce advocacy, celebration, joy, and courageous acts.
“Our 2016 Athena Leadership Award recipient epitomizes all of these characteristics,”said Bussler. “Our recipient has an outgoing personality, a commitment to excellence and a generous, warm spirit. She displays a true commitment to future professional leaders and is staunchly loyal to the growth of educational system.”
Dr. Mackenzie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Prairie View A&M and went on to receive her Doctorate in Nursing. She worked as a school nurse for grades nine through twelve in Wichita Falls and was a volunteer with the Peace Corp, teaching nursing and community development for improved health while in the Dominican Republic.
In 1969, Dr. Mackenzie returned to Lufkin and became a full-time nursing instructor at Angelina College. In 1976, she became the Associate Director of Health Careers and, in 1987, took on the position of Vice President and Dean of Instruction.
“As a Nursing Instructor and Associate Director of Health Careers for two decades, she educated and prepared scores of nurses for professional careers,” said Dr. Larry Phillips, past president of Angelina College. “The same commitment to excellence and quality which she instilled in her nursing graduates was carried into the next 28 years of her career as Vice President and dean of instruction at Angelina College.
“Under her instructional leadership, she has developed new programs for Angelina College in respiratory therapy, sonography, pharmacy technician, and surgical technician while continuing the tradition of excellence in the nursing program.”
Dr. Mackenize has served on board and committees for American Heart Assoc, Hospice in the Pines, Volunteer Services of Lufkin State Supported Living Center, Board of CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial, and the Mosaic Center. She is also a charter member and past president of Angelina Rotary Club, a Leadership Lufkin Graduate, recipient of Leadership Lufkin Silver Spike Award for Community Service and the Salute to Health Care Individual of Merit. She is also actively involved in her church, Long Chapel CME Church of Lufkin.
“She is a remarkable woman who has devoted her life to helping her community, her church, health careers education, and to making a difference in the lives and careers of people around her,” said Dr. Phillips.
Lady Roadrunners Getting Pure Shooter with Multiple Skills
With numerous honors earned and several records established, Central High School’s Karley McHenry is leaving quite the basketball legacy behind.
Following Friday’s signing, McHenry won’t be leaving her legacy too far behind.
The versatile McHenry signed a letter of intent to play with the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners beginning in the fall of 2016.
“After I toured the school, it got me thinking about how I want to be close to home my first year of college,” McHenry explained. “I knew it would help me keep up my GPA, and I really like the AC team. I like the coaches and how they handle things, and I love the program.
“I’m very comfortable at AC.”
McHenry leaves the Lady Bulldog program having scored nearly 1,500 points in her career. She was a two-time Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) First Team All-Region selection and a three-time First Team All-District selection. McHenry also was selected for the Texas All-Star team in the Down Under Sports Hoops Classic played in Australia following her junior season.
McHenry’s versatility as a shooter, defender and rebounder were keys to her success, but she said Lady Roadrunner head coach Byron Coleman plans to streamline her purpose on the floor.
“Coach Coleman has already told me he mostly plans to use me as a shooting guard, but I can’t help myself. If I have an open drive, I think I’ll have to take it. I’ll do whatever I can do to help the team.”
Coleman said McHenry is going to move right into the shooter spot vacated by departing sophomores.
“First of all, we love the way she shoots the basketball,” Coleman said. “We’re losing two sophomores who were two of the best shooters we’ve ever had at the same time, so Karley’s definitely helping us fill a void perimeter-wise.
“The great part is that Karley can do so many other things. She’s a little taller than our other shooters, she plays hard and she plays smart. She’s certainly not one-dimensional by any means. She’s a good a player coming out of this county as we’ve seen in quite a few years.”
McHenry credited her Central head coach, Tony Brown, with helping her develop her overall skill set.
“Before, I pretty much just posted up and took shots,” McHenry said. “I didn’t do as much. Coach Brown made me better overall player who can shoot, rebound and pass, and because of him, I feel like I’m more of a team leader now. Coach Brown completely changed the way I play basketball.”
McHenry’s parents are Rique and Billy McHenry.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
With the passing of April 15th, tax filing season has come and gone for most individuals and families. With taxes being fresh on our minds, I felt it would be appropriate to update you on the most recent tax cuts passed by the Texas Legislature, and to cast an eye toward next session and the work being done to allow Texans to keep more their hard-earned money. Here is a tax-cut focused update from your State Capitol…
Update on Tax Legislation
While the Texas Legislature cannot reform the Internal Revenue Service or repeal federal tax laws, we do have a say in certain taxes, as well as fees, levied at the state level. In Austin, we continue to look for ways to make government run more efficiently, so that taxpayers, such as yourself, can keep more dollars in your bank account and not in the state’s coffers. As an example, during this last session, we passed legislation which permanently cut the state’s small business tax, or margins tax as it is commonly known, by 25%. This was a prudent move because, like many of my colleagues, I recognize that small businesses are the backbone of the Texas economy and know that these tax cuts would lead to job creation and economic growth across our great state. The Legislature also passed a constitutional amendment, which was approved by the voters this past November, which permanently increased the homestead exemption on property taxes from $15,000 to $25,000, resulting in over $1 billion in property tax savings around the state.
In addition to these changes, the Legislature also passed House Bill 7, which eliminated a $200 annual licensing fee from 16 different common occupations. This hidden tax was passed on to consumers of these services, and ultimately the burden was borne by all Texans. I believe these changes are a shining example of what government can do when the focus is on meeting our financial obligations, then returning any extra money to the tax payer, not on increasing the role and scope of government.
House Interim Charges: House Committee on Ways and Means
Over the course of the interim, the House Committee on Ways and Means, which oversees tax issues, will be looking at numerous ways to continue to streamline the state’s tax system and reduce the overall tax burden on Texas families. First, they will review the aspects of the property tax system that contribute to rising property tax levies. Included in this, they will examine whether or not the system allows taxpayers meaningful participation in determining local property tax rates. After this, the Committee will conduct a dynamic analysis of completely repealing the state’s business tax. This has the opportunity to provide significant tax relief on small business owners, and I am hopeful that serious headway can be made on this issue. Then, the Committee will review current law and policy regarding sales taxes on different segments of the state economy, and they will also work to improve the administrative hearings and judicial process for contested tax and fee cases.
Reminders
On April 20th the mobile office will be at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:00am until 11:00am, and at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30pm until 3:30pm. The mobile office will wrap up for the month of April at the San Augustine County Courthouse from 9:00am until 11:00am on April 27th.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. We look forward to the opportunity to hear your concerns and help you navigate state government. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.
The Angelina College Roadrunners on Thursday got exactly the kind of win they needed to snap a recent losing streak.
Angelina College’s Mitch Henshaw drops a bunt to move runners during Thursday’s game against Panola. The Roadrunners took a 7-3 win over the Ponies in the series opener at Roadrunner Field. (Photo by Gary Stallard)
Starting and winning pitcher Baily Holstein threw six and a third strong innings, reliever Reid Garrett finished off the game in shutdown manner and the ‘Runners’bats pounded out 11 hits in a 7-3 win over Panola College in the series opener.
The series is scheduled to conclude on Saturday in Carthage.
Holstein bounced back from Panola’s Colby Price launching a solo homer on the first pitch of the game to hold the Ponies to just six hits the rest of his stint. Garrett entered and retired the Ponies in order in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.
AC’s Mitch Henshaw and Mitchell Andrews rocked back-to-back solo homers in fifth, Nathan Miranda drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the same inning. Before that frame, Henshaw drove in a first-inning run with a single to score Daniel Lingua, Cort McPherson plated two – after Henshaw’s sacrifice bunt to set the table – with a single in the third and Lingua scored Dustin West with a sac fly in the fourth.
The two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday. Starting time for the opener is 1 p.m.
Music holds the power to move the listener, and the Angelina College Chorale and East Texas Praise Symphony will stir emotions with its upcoming performance, “Music That Moves” in a spring concert scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19 at the Temple Theater on the AC campus.
Directed by Beckie Compton, the AC Chorale, featuring both students and special guests, will include in its program such powerful classics as “The Impossible Dream” (arr. by M. Hayes), “God Bless the USA” (arr. Schmidt, performed by baritone Joshua Robinson and tenor Matthew Oliver), “Thankful” (arr. M. Hayes, performed by soprano Shelby Brown, alto ReShonda Keys and tenor Colin Wise), “You Raise Me Up” (arr. B. Knight, performed by baritone Jad O’Connor, tenor Wise and alto Keys), “Hallelujah Chorus” (Handel), “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” (arr. J. Rouse, performed by violinist Ana Watts), “Pie Jesus” from Requiem (J. Rouse, performed by soprano Keren Debose), “How Can You Keep from Singing?” (Z. Randall Stroope, performed by Texas Two-Year All-State Students Shelby Brown, Omar Al- Mahmeed, Matthew Oliver, Jad O’Connor and Joshua Robinson) and “How Great Thou Art” (S.K. Hine, performed by soprano Christy Lombardozzi).
The Chorale is comprised of students, faculty members and guests, including the following: sopranos Sarah Barton, Jan Blackmon, Shelby Brown, Keren Debose, Mattie Fortenberry, Katy Johnson, Jazai Lee, Karen McBee, Kimberly Noble and Jessica Reynolds; tenors Omar Al-Mahmeed, Joe Jones, Michael Mendoza, Matthew Oliver, Stacy Perkins, Micah Shaffer and Colin Wise; altos LaQuisha Davis, Dana Forrest, Haley Holcombe, Justice Irvine, ReShonda Keys, Bethany Perez, Sandy Roberts, Alexia Morones-Sekino, Sarah Shaffer and Patty Donaldson; basses Herb Blackmon, Bryan Compton, Jad O’Connor, Joshua Robinson, John Smallwood and Ben Reynolds.
Accompanist will be Anna Harbuck.
Tickets for the performance are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors, students and children
The Angelina Arts Alliance closes their 2015–2016 season with a blockbuster, MAMMA MIA! coming to Angelina College’s Temple Theater for two performances May 18 & 19, at 7:30 pm. This National Tour offers a great opportunity to see an all-time favorite straight from the heart of New York’s Broadway. The soaring popularity of MAMMA MIA! is evidenced by the 54 million plus people around the globe that have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that makes this the ultimate feel-good show. 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.
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!
“MAMMA MIA! is a mega-hit that has audiences dancing in the aisles.” – Associated Press
MammaMiaNorthAmerica.com
For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Temple Theater Box Office on the AC campus, Monday through Friday 11 am – 5 pm or call (936) 633-5454, or go online at www.angelinaarts.org . Details and video clips from the entire season are on the Arts Alliance website. Follow Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook for late-breaking news, photos, videos and ticket giveaways.
Angelina College on Tuesday recognized students at the annual Honors and Awards Ceremony held at the Temple Theater on the AC campus.
Students earning honors included those named on the Fall 2015 Dean’s List, new inductees into the Upsilon Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and Who’s Who at Angelina College.
Jordan Mumm accepts his award as the Angelina College Diesel Technology Program Student of the Year during Tuesday’s Honors and Awards ceremony held at Temple Theater on the AC campus. The ceremony also recognized new Phi Theta Kappa inductees and Who’s Who at Angelina College, among others. (AC Press photo)
Jordan Mumm also received an award for the Diesel Technology Program Student of the Year.
The ceremony’s guest speaker was Dr. Freddie L. Avant, Associate Dean of School of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin University.
Keren Debose and Joshua Robinson, music majors and members of the AC Singers, performed a duet to “The Prayer.” AC music instructor and pianist Beckie Compton performed the prelude, the procession and the postlude.
Phi Theta Kappa’s Spring 2016 inductees included the following:
Chase Adams, Lisa Adams, Erick Alamo, Frank Alamo, Brooke Ashley, Derika Bailey, Destiny Bailey, Madeline Barnhill, Gebrial Berry, Michelle Cardiel, James Carr, Heather Cathey, Brandon Childs, Sherra Claxton, Wanda Connor, Jarod Cook, Holly Copeland, James Copeland, Stacey Crane, Christa Crump, Gina Dameron, Mikayla Davidson, Zachary Dickens, Kaitlin Dickerson, Ali Dillon, Diana Diosdado, Johnna Dixon, Rivers Doolan, Tina Douglas, Darcie Dubler, Kelby Durham, Candece Eastwood, Brooke Edwards, Elizabeth Eng, Emily Eng, Ma’kaela Finley, Caitlyn Fisher, Danielle Foley, Kayla Francone, Katelyn Frankens, Melanie Gore, Megan Greusel, Jacqulyn Grimm, Wade Grogan, Edgar Guevara, Wanda Gulley, Rosio Hernandez, Zaira Hester, Kimberly Hickman, Rachel Hicks, Kerbie Holmes, Kimberly Holmes, Hannah Hopson, Ryan Huls, Tammie Jacobs, Richard Johnson, Ysleta Kapraun, Nicole Kilmer, Megan Kimes, Alexis Law, Kristina Loftin, Scott Magee, Rosa Martinez, Teresa Maryska, James McCain, Lynsey Mitchell, Robert Morgan, Brooke Mosley, Lynora Neuhaus, Holleen Nunn, Hayley Newcomb, Alex Oliveros, Justin Perimon, Reyna Pinto-Alegria, Allen Poage, Kassi Reynolds, Christian Rios, Edward Robbins, Kimberly Rodriguez, Britney Ross, Lauren Sanders, Kourtni Sanderson, Larissa Sanderson, Joseph Santiago, Cecilia Sarmiento, Ashley Schulze, Helen Sheffield, Rebecca Small, Jayla Smith, Joe Smith, Tristine Smith, Dara Song, Laronda Steadham, Sarah Steed, Daniel Stokes, Kimberly Stone, Mikayla Sudduth, Kristyn Terry,
Stephanie Thompson, Pedro Tinajeres-Ayala, Natalie Van Every, Veronica Vargas, Casondra Voyles, Justin Walker, Alicia Watts, Dustin West, Haley White, Catherine Whitton and Tyler Williams.
Students named Who’s Who at Angelina College include the following:
Sheridan E. Adair, Erick J. Alamo, Frank E. Alamo, Cindy R. Antimo, Garrett Augsburger, Bethany G. Baldwin, Ghazi Balis, Debbie M. Barlow, Amelia N. Birdwell, Kaydee M. Burgess, Hannah L. Cain, Kasandra Cartwright, Sarah Chaput, Martin F. Chavez, Kim. L. Chong, Jack L. Clark, Tanner W. Cockrell, Amanda R. Collie, Deniese R. Comeaux, Daniel Compean, James W. Copeland, Raymond D. Corbett, Eric S. Crane, Gina M. Dameron, Paola Delgado, Kimberly R. Divins, Karen N. Duran, Pamilia J. Estrada, Kayla N. Francone, Cady E. Fuller, Branndon Goodson, Christie L. Gore, Erika D. Gregory, Aida C. Griffin, Jacqulyn A. Grimm, Shannon R. Groce, Dionisio Guerrero, Wanda Gulley, Steven C. Harbuck, Kathia M. Harris, Cheyenne Hart, Kami R. Hart, Cristal A. Hernandez, Angelic A. Horton, Sabrina L. Johnson, Amber L. Jones, Hannah E. Jones, Kelly L. Kapraun, Ysleta Denise Kapraun, Emily T. Keller, Amanda L. Kendrick, William S. Kolb, Aneshia N. Lamb, Paul C. Lane, Kristina N. Loftin, Asucena Lopez, Joany Y. Lopez, Aldo C. Luna, Nicole L. Markle, Franchesca Martin, Lindsay S. Messner, Jessica L. O’Neill, Esther R. Parrott, Paloma Perez, Emily J. Piotrowski, Angela J. Powell, Uziel C. Rendon, Sofia Reyes, Jazmin A. Robles, Taylor B. Scott, Anna R. Shuffler, Rebecca C. Small, Katie M. Staggs, Daniel P. Stringer, Brenda D. Taylor, Jacob S. Taylor, Abigail Tlamasico, Hayden V. Woods and Jennifer J. Zarate.
Angelina College will hold its annual commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 inside the Activity Center on the AC campus.
With the potential for severe weather approaching this spring, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds Texans they can purchase certain supplies tax-free during the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, April 23-25.
“The severe weather, fire and flooding we had last year provided a stark reminder that Texans should be prepared for any emergency,” Hegar said. “This tax holiday allows people to save money while ensuring they have the supplies they need if disaster strikes.”
There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. These include:
batteries, fuel containers, and flashlights priced at less than $75;
hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced at less than $300; and
portable generators priced at less than $3,000.
Purchases that do not qualify include:
batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles;
camping stoves and camping supplies; and
chainsaws.
A list of emergency preparation supplies that may be purchased tax-free can be found on the Comptroller’s website.
The Comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save $1.4 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday. The sales tax holiday was approved by lawmakers during the 2015 Texas Legislature.
Both the Angelina College softball and baseball teams will be in action at home on Thursday, with the No. 12 Lady Roadrunners battling the No. 2 Tyler Lady Apaches, and the Roadrunners opening a three-game stand with Panola College.
The Lady ‘Runners’ doubleheader starts at 3 p.m., and the Roadrunners will play the Ponies in a single, nine-inning game at 3 p.m.
No. 12 Lady Roadrunners vs. No. 2 Tyler Apaches
Inclement weather on Wednesday pushed back the showdown between the No. 2 and No. 12 teams in the nation, and the 12th-ranked Lady Roadrunners are itching for a chance at a little payback.
AC’s ladies dropped a doubleheader against the No. 2 Lady Apaches back on March 19, coming up short in both ends of a 3-2, 3-0 doubleheader sweep in Tyler. Since then, the Lady Roadrunners have averaged nearly eight runs per game, winning nine out of their last 12 contests to remain in the chase for the second-place spot in the Region XIV East Zone Standings.
The Lady ‘Runners would also love to hand the Lady Apaches their first conference loss of the season: Tyler is in first place with a spotless 22-0 record.
AC will also look to add to its recently established home run record, a mark set against Paris College last week. The team has combined for 67 dingers on the season, with freshman Taylor Davis leading the way with 13 round trippers. Kayla Boucher and Shay Vegas have blasted 10 each.
Game time for Thursday’s doubleheader is 3 p.m.
Roadrunners vs. Panola College
Despite suffering a three-game sweep to first-place Navarro last weekend, the Angelina College Roadrunners are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
They’ll need to bounce back against Thursday’s foe, the Panola College Ponies, to keep their hopes alive.
AC (16-21, 7-11) will open a three-game series against the Ponies, with Thursday’s single, nine-inning game starting at 3 p.m. at Roadrunner Field in Lufkin. Saturday’s doubleheader will take place in Carthage and will start at 1 p.m.
Despite the recent struggles, the Roadrunners have shown plenty of bright spots. Chris Estrada is among league leaders in batting average, hammering the ball at a .363 clip. Mitch Henshaw (.352) and Daniel Lingua (.351) are right behind Estrada on the leader board. Jacob Finke leads the team in RBI with 24, with Estrada just back of Finke with 23.
On the pitching side of the ledger, Carson Lance is fourth in the league in strikeouts with 44 in conference play. Elijah Rodriguez has fanned 34 in 36 innings pitched.
Panola College (30-11, 10-8) is in second place in the conference’s East Zone.
