WCJC students received the following awards:

Play Production:  Superior award

Respondent’s Choice:

Victoria Brun of Richmond – Excellent award for Costume Design
Victoria Rutledge of Bay City – Excellent award for Acting
Elle Shackleford of Wharton – Superior award for Acting
Katelyn Wood of El Campo – Superior award for Acting
Roy  Becerra of Rosenberg – Excellent award for Acting
Kennon Yancey of Edna – Excellent award for Sound Technician
Sasha Andrade of Sugar Land – Superior award for Stage Management/Props

Director’s Choice:

Victoria Brun – Superior award in Costume Design
Victoria Rutledge – Superior award for Makeup Design
Sasha Andrade – Superior award for Props
Sasha Andrade – Superior award for Stage Management

Pictured left  to right are, WCJC Vice President of Administrative Services Bryce Kocian,  EWCHH Family Selection Chair; Becky Samuelson, Robert Sanchez, Philip Hamlin, and EWCHH David Samuelson.

Representatives from East Wharton County Habitat for Humanity (EWCHH) recently visited Wharton County Junior College to thank Philip Hamlin, WCJC instructor of electrical technology and Robert Sanchez, WCJC program director for Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration and Electrical Technology for their efforts in overseeing students from their program who assisted with the completion of three Habitat for Humanity homes.

Hamlin explained that the students did the work and that he and Sanchez oversaw their efforts.  Sanchez, Hamlin, and WCJC were presented an “In-Kind Donor of Distinction” certificate for the volunteer work.

Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) recently sponsored its first WCJC STEM (science technology engineer and math) Essay Contest celebration. The event was held on the WCJC Wharton campus in the Pioneer Student Center. Invited guests included all the middle school students; who had participated in the WCJC STEM Essay Contest; their parents, families and the middle school science teachers and principals who had supported the contest. Attendance at the event was over 200.

The contest called for middle school students to compose an essay titled, “My Invention to Change the World.” WCJC received over 200 essays from middle school students. The essays were scored by WCJC staff and administrators. Prizes were awarded to a grade level winner at each school (6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade) and an overall school winner. Grade level winners were presented with an I POD Shuffle and overall school winners received the latest generation I POD Nano.

The celebration featured a general session on STEM career awareness and college attendance and then a series of shorter breakout sessions. The breakout sessions showcased WCJC technology programs, the college’s new STEM Success Center and curiosity sessions on mathematics and scientific thinking. The event concluded with the announcement of the Essay Contest winners. The winners were:

Iago – overall school winner:  Allison Jedlicka
7^th Grade winner:  Roxanne Pittman
6^th Grade winner:  Justin Ray Morin

El Campo – overall school winner:  Mark Ortiz
8^th Grade winner:  Wendy C. Cruz
7^th Grade winner:  Elyssa Smith

Louise – overall school winner:  Shelbie Hendrix
7^th Grade winner:  Walter Lilie

East Bernard  - overall school winner:  Maddison Saihz

6^th Grade winner:  Hannah Chumchal

7^th Grade winner:  Claudia Zapalac

Wharton – overall school winner:  Libby Olson

6^th Grade winner:  Duncan Hawk

7^th Grade winner:  Sarah Stransky

8^th Grade winner:  Lauren Lathon

Justin Redding accepts an award decided on by fellow students at the College Awards Ceremony on May 10, 2013, from Pharmacy Student Council president Christine Carney, third-year professional student pharmacist.

A mentor said the odds were against him, yet Justin Redding, Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy Class of 2013, is about to embark on life with a doctorate in pharmacy.

Redding was born in Chicago and grew up in Sugar Land, Texas, with a single mom.

“The first time I met Justin was in 1998,” said Hubert Osei, Pharm.D., a San Antonio pharmacist who was a college student a year away from entering pharmacy school.

Osei babysat him and his sister on Saturdays while his mother worked. He said Redding, who was 11 at the time, exhibited leadership qualities surpassing any child his age.

“At that young age, he was self-sufficient and motivated, had good work ethic and was independent,” Osei said. “He knew how to cook, take care of his younger sister and set the example for her to follow.

“Adversity in life can be good or bad; it all depends on support structure around you,” Osei said. “He had his incredible mother Jeanette and, later on, his stepfather Joe. Justin took a leadership role, becoming the man of the house at an early age.”

In addition, Redding’s good demeanor, self-discipline, listening skills and ability to logically resolve problems prepared him to be a leader.

“I knew he was going to succeed academically and also in any leadership position that he has the opportunity to assume,” Osei said.

Some of his peers and professors viewed Redding as a natural born leader.

“His peers just naturally follow him,” said Juan Bustamante, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “He enjoys being a leader and to get his hands dirty.”

Redding’s colleagues honored him with multiple leadership awards on May 10. For his exceptional service and commitment through involvement at the regional, state and national levels and in other extracurricular learning opportunities while excelling academically, he received the Academy of Student Pharmacists Mortar & Pestle Professionalism Award.

“Whether it is the president of the university or an indigent patient, Justin could communicate well,” said Michael Veronin, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences.

Redding also received the Kappa Psi Legacy Award on behalf of the Epsilon Epsilon chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity Inc. as the graduating brother who has shown great leadership and vision as an active member of the chapter while upholding the four pillars of fellowship, industry, sobriety and high ideals.

Serving as Kappa Psi vice regent of membership, he also received a Kappa Psi Foundation Scholarship in 2012 that recognizes students who excel in the areas of academics, chapter leadership and campus involvement.

The Phi Lambda Sigma Graduate Leadership Award also went to Redding for possessing the characteristics of a leader, along with a record of outstanding accomplishments in promoting and advancing the profession of pharmacy. He was the secretary of Phi Lambda Sigma his third year of pharmacy school.

Because of his service as the 2011-2012 president of American Pharmacists Association–Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), he received the APhA-ASP Senior Recognition Award.

“Justin is a great leader in APhA-ASP, and he has personally been an inspiration to me,” said Aivee Tabangcora, current APhA-ASP chapter president. “As chapter president, he inspired members to serve their community and advocate for their profession.”

Redding was passionate about providing health care services to South Texas colonias, gathering contacts and creating plans to set up a free clinic. Because of his hard work, APhA-ASP operated the first mini-clinic in April 2013.

While attending APhA regional and national meetings, his outgoing personality allowed him to make lasting friendships with other student pharmacists who were as passionate about pharmacy as he was. During his third year, he ran for national member-at-large of APhA.

“Student pharmacists from all over the nation saw his potential as a great leader and loved his inspirational speech,” said Tabangcora, a third-year doctoral student. “It was an exciting moment for our chapter to hear his name being called out as the next national member-at-large. Justin would be representing our school on the national level.”

As national member-at-large, Redding traveled nationwide motivating members to serve, advocate and advance the future of the profession. He left a lasting impression on the APhA-ASP chapter and the TAMHSC-Rangel College of Pharmacy.

After graduation, Redding will enter a community pharmacy residency at the University of Texas at Austin, teaching and precepting students along with practicing pharmacy. This opportunity will match both his passions: pharmacy and food.

“Whatever people put in their body, it will make them feel good or bad,” he said. “Medication is the same way. I look forward to helping patients understand how drugs work and foods. I want people to enjoy the foods they eat that are good for them.”

Redding hopes to return to the TAMHSC-Rangel College of Pharmacy in the future to continue teaching, precepting and practicing pharmacy.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Brazoria and Fort Bend County will be conducting a Master of Memory Seminar. This seminar will help you understand how your memory works and what may affect your memory. Medical conditions, medications, diet and exercise, among other things, may all play a role in how your memory works. Master of Memory will also help you identify and use strategies to improve your memory function.

Speakers will include: Andrew Crocker, M.S., Texas A&M AgriLife Specialist in Gerontology Health and Steve Andriko, Barton House. A professional panel of experts in the area of memory and Alzheimer’s disease will be available for question and answer time during the Seminar. Door prizes and goody bags will also be distributed.

If you are interested in learning more about how your memory works, come attend the Master of Memory Seminar on May 14, 2013 at the West Side Event Center, 2150 Country Place Parkway in Pearland, Texas. The seminar will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude by 1:30 p.m. A light lunch will be served. This seminar is free of charge.

If you would like to attend, you must pre-register by May 6 at 979-864-1558, ext. 125 or by email to michaeleg@brazoria-county.com

This Seminar is being sponsored by: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Brazoria and Fort Bend County, City of Pearland, Brazoria County Alzheimer Awareness Project, Alzheimer’s Association of Houston and Southeast Texas, The Gathering Place, Fort Bend Family and Consumer Sciences Committee.

Cline Andrews signs to continue his playing career at Texas A&M University – Kingsville as Assistant Baseball Coach Bric Steed (left) and PJC Baseball Coach Deron Clark (right) look on.

Paris Junior College’s (PJC) current group of baseball transfers include three Fort Bend players: Cline Andrews of Sugar Land, third base; G.R. Hinsley of Richmond, first base; and Blake Johnson of Sugar Land, outfielder. Andrews, Hinsley and Johnson all played together at Clements High School in Sugar Land prior to attending PJC.

“During that time they (Andrews, Hinsley and Johnson) have won a 5A Texas State Championship and have earned two National Junior College Athletic Association Region XIV Tournament births,” said Clark. “During the 2013 season they have combined for a .371 batting average, scored 89 of the Dragons 254 runs and are responsible for 11 of the Dragons’ 12 home runs.

Andrews and Johnson have signed with Texas A&M University — Kingsville, while Hinsley has signed with Texas A&M University in College Station.

Blake Johnson signs to continue his playing career at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Looking on is his father, Larry Johnson, and standing behind, Assistant Baseball Coach Bric Steed (left) and PJC Baseball Coach Deron Clark (right).

“I thank Coach Clark for making the most out of the past two years for me and getting me to where I’m at now,” said Johnson.

“Coach Clark and Coach Steed taught me a lot about baseball,” said Andrews. “Failure is not an option anymore. You’re around a bunch of guys easily as good as you. I learned to love the game more, and Coach Clark helped me on the mental side of the game.”

“I developed my skills with Coach Clark and Coach Steed,” said Hinsley, “through being able to practice every day and playing 150 games. It was fun getting to know all my teammates. I’m very excited and can’t wait to go and work hard and try to play in College Station.”

Hinsley cutline: G.R. Hinsley, one of three Paris Junior College baseball players from Clements High School, signs to continue his playing career at Texas A&M University in College Station. Looking on is Ray and Arlene Hinsley and standing behind are PJC Baseball Coach Deron Clark (right) and Assistant Baseball Coach Bric Steed.

As stated in the congratulatory letter received by Dr. David Hook, Fort Bend Christian High School Principal, “Texas A&M believes that high school teachers have the opportunity to make a significant and lasting positive impact on students that extends to college and beyond. As a result, we award the Texas A&M University Inspiration Award for Exceptional Secondary Education from a pool of nominations submitted by graduating students of Texas A&M University. The purpose of this award is to recognize excellence in teaching at the high school level that inspires Texas A&M graduates, challenging them while preparing them to excel at the collegiate level and beyond.”

Katherine Long, FBC Class of 2009, nominated Mr. Williams, “I got an email from Texas A&M asking the graduating seniors to nominate a high school teacher who impacted their future career.  Mr. Williams is an outstanding educator who truly cares about his students and school community.  He did not let us settle for mediocrity and was passionate about the content he taught.  Mr. William’s impact on me as a high school student was a significant part of me wanting to teach as my vocation.”

John will accept the award when he attends Katherine’s commencement ceremony on May 10. She will be graduating with a B.A. in History, and intends to teach secondary social studies in the Brazos Valley area while completing her Master’s in Education and Curriculum Development at Texas A&M University.

Congratulations to John Williams for his commitment in the classroom that inspires not only today’s students, but impacts those students far into the future as they make college and career choices.

With the help of HCC, Ben E. Keith workers will pursue the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) Certification. The purpose of the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) program is to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of material handling, including understanding the life cycle of global chain logistics, the logistics environment and familiarization with different material handling equipment, introduction to safety principles and safe equipment handling, quality control principles, workplace communications, teamwork and problem solving.

“There was a wide range of students from young adults to some who had not been in a classroom for 30 years, but everyone was eager to learn. Their biggest complaint was that they wished they had learned some of these skills earlier in life, and they wished they had more time to expand on the training. They even found ways to apply warehousing topics like safety, quality and planning to their personal lives,” said HCC’s instructor, Ralph Anderson.

According to W. Elliott Stephenson, Ph.D., Vice President – Human Resources for Ben E. Keith Foods, “HCC’s training program turned out to be a great success for both expected and unexpected reasons. We expected a more educated workforce with industry-recognized credentials. We received 100% of what we expected there. What we didn’t expect was the high level of appreciation from the employees for the investment that was made in them. The experience has gone a long way to creating a strong team with a high level of morale.”

The first 31 HCC graduates completed their training in March with another 30 scheduled to begin classes in May. All of the new hires should be trained in time for the first shipments which are due to begin in June. HCC and Ben E. Keith plan to continue a long-term partnership that strengthens both institutions as well as the local community.

Pre-registration is required by May 10, with no on-site registration and no substitution of participants.  The conference will begin with check-in at 7:15 a.m.; the last session will conclude at 3:15 p.m.

The 2013 conference sessions will include the following topics:  “Brain Development”, “The Role of Interpersonal Communication in Developing Professionalism”, “Math and Science for Infants and Toddlers, Preschool and Afterschool”, and “Teaching with Limits and Laughter”.

The $35 registration fee will cover the catered buffet luncheon, breakfast, certifying of clock hours, and handouts.  Registration forms and conference flyers (with map) are available at the Fort Bend County Extension Office, 1402 Band Road, Suite 100, Rosenberg or online at http://fortbend.agrilife.org.

Sponsors of this year’s conference are Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service  in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton Counties; Wharton County Junior College; and FCS Committee of Fort Bend County.  They will seek to provide reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities for this conference.  They ask that participants contact them by May 28 to advise them of the auxiliary aid or service required.

Questions should be directed to Dianne Gertson or Jacque Gerke at the Fort Bend County Extension Office, (281) 342-3430 ext.7024.