ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ

Richard Perryman recently gave $7,000 to support the Work Scholarship Program at ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ. Perryman (right) is pictured presenting the gift to Nita May, ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ Director of Development. The Work Scholarship Program allows select students the opportunity to work on campus during the summer to earn money to pay for their college education in advance. The program is privately-funded by generous donors, like Perryman.

The ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of board member Jerry Webster Tuesday evening at the regular December meeting. Webster, who served in Place I since 2013, announced his retirement from the board in November. 

ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ recently held its annual employee Christmas luncheon and honored employees celebrating service milestones and retirements. Those who were honored for service are pictured above. Back row (from left) is Windell Doddy, 20 years; Dr. Melissa Fulgham, 10 years; Anna Ingram, 10 years; James McGregor, 10 years; Ron Bowden, 10 years; Kevin Frost; 15 years; and Tommie Smith, 20 years. Middle row (from left) Dr. Tom Seabourne, 30 years; Jim Swann, 30 years; Julie Ratliff, 10 years, Sabrina Stobnicki, 15 years; and Katy Miller, five years.

The Adult Education Department at ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ is accepting new students for its GED (General Educational Development) and ESL (English as a Second Language) programs. Those interested in participating in either of these free educational programs should call to make an appointment for registration.

Submitted by: René McCracken 

The fall and winter time of the year have us slowing down on the farm a bit and beginning to celebrate the holidays. Plants are moved indoors and gardens have finally quit producing and its traditionally a good time to process meats on the farm.

This year we have both farm-raised beef and pork and both could be used for this crowd-pleasing recipe. The Stove Top Meatballs were a hit at our Christmas party as I’m sure they will be at any gathering you take them to.

Stove Top Meatballs

ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ held its December Commencement Friday, Dec. 14. A total of 159 students received certificates or associate degrees this semester. ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ alumnus Stephani Calderon gave the commencement address. Calderon, of Mount Pleasant, was an honors student at ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ before winning the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship after her sophomore year. She went on to attend graduate from the prestigious business program at the University of Texas at Austin.

Santa’s Sweeties recently presented the ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ Foundation with a check for $1,000 to sponsor the 12th Annual Northeast Texas Poetry Contest. Santa’s Sweeties is a group from First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon who create and sell hand-made decorative Santas. Proceeds from the sale of the Santas are used to benefit various local causes.

The ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ Film Club celebrated its 10th year this week with a special Christmas party. The club ordered t-shirts to commemorate the event and invited alumni to attend. Four past club presidents came to join the celebration. The group is pictured above giving the salute from Galaxy Quest, which is the film they watch to kick off each new semester. 

Film Club meets each week during the regular semester on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in H129. The choose a variety of films as a group and host a themed film series. All students who love films are invited to join!

The ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ Men’s Soccer staff was recently named Men’s South Region Staff of the Year for Division I Junior College institutions. This honor is a result of a vote by other coaches in the region who are also members of the United Soccer Coaches College Services program.

Gerald and Mary Lou Mowery recently gave $2,000 to support special projects at ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ. The gift will help Honors Northeast sponsor the 2019 McGraw-Hill Poster Contest and it will also support the annual Honors film project. The Mowery’s are pictured presenting the gift to Dr. Jonathan McCullough (center), ÂÒÉ«ÎÞÂëÈËÆÞÊÓƵӰԺ Executive Vice President for Advancement.