Spencer Godwin of Blossom, a senior at Prairiland High School, is receiving a boost in his pursuit of a career in surgery technology, thanks to two scholarship programs offered by Paris Junior College. One covers free tuition for one summer class, and the other is for his classes starting in the fall.

“I’ve been taking English and Texas Government (as dual credit classes in high school),” said Godwin. “It’s been a challenge, but I’ve made my way through it. I enjoy the feeling that you can pass those with a promise that you keep going to PJC. I’m taking pharmacology and microbiology this summer; then in the fall I’m starting on my path towards Surgical Technology by taking prerequisite classes.”

“I hope to finish and become a surgical tech and find a good atmosphere where I can work in a hospital alongside a good doctor,” said Spencer, “and continue my career and make a living. I’m excited.”

Paris Junior College has announced five candidates for the Distinguished Service Award.

A big part of the 2018 Spring graduation ceremony at Paris Junior College is the announcement of the Distinguished Service Award. One of the five students will be selected Friday at 7 p.m. in Noyes Stadium.

Those nominated include Aaron Beaulaurier of Spokane, Washington, Ryleigh Davidson of Blossom, Texas, Alexis Montero of Royse City, Texas, Tyler Myers of Houston, Texas, and Chelsey Walker of Shreveport, Louisiana. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor a PJC student may receive, signifying not only academic strengths but service to the community as well.

Students who are participating in the ceremony are expected to bring their regalia and line up in the Rheudasil Learning Center on the Paris campus at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony starts at 7:00 p.m. with a processional to Noyes Stadium. A reception will be held after the ceremony at the tennis courts just north of the stadium.

For more information about the ceremony, call 903-782-0425.

PJC students nominated for the Distinguished Service Award include from left (standing) Tyler Myers, Alexis Montero, and Aaron Beaulaurier, and (seated) Chelsey Walker and Ryleigh Davidson.

The 2017-2018 Master Teacher Award went to PJC History Instructor Lisa Johnson, shown here with PJC President, Dr. Pam Anglin.

A beautiful evening greeted graduates, their families, and friends at Noyes Stadium on May 11 during the 93rd spring graduation ceremony of Paris Junior College. Out of 371 students graduating with a certificate or associate degree, more than 200 students chose to participate in the ceremony.

PJC Student Government Association President Johnathan Stevenson gave the opening invocation, and freshman music major Cyan Burkhart performed “You Raise Me Up.”

Graduating students ranged in age from 17 to 61 years, and were 45 percent male and 55 percent female. They came from 34 Texas counties, 12 states, Puerto Rico, and Ghana.

“In this year’s graduating class, we have 32 students receiving their associate degrees who will graduate from high school in the next two to three weeks,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “Of these, 22 are from Quinlan Ford High School, three are from Wolfe City High School, two are from Miller Grove High School, and one each from Cumby, North Lamar, Paris, Prairiland, Roxton, and Lone Oak high schools.”

“Among our graduates are this year’s valedictorians from Cumby and Miller Grove High Schools;” Dr. Anglin said, “a young man who made his own prosthetic hand as a final class project in our computer-aided drafting and 3D Printing program; a student who was fourth in the nation in stolen bases in the NJCAA this season; and members of the baseball team with an overall GPA of 3.70, which is one of the highest athletic team GPAs in the nation.”

The 2018 Master Teacher Award was then presented. Nominations are made by faculty peers and then reviewed for final selection. Winning was History Instructor and Social Sciences Division Chair Lisa Johnson.

“This instructor truly represents the student-friendly, people-friendly characteristics of Paris Junior College,” said Dr. Anglin, reading from nominator comments. “She knows that as our classrooms continuingly become more diverse, the challenge to engage all students is even more critical. She goes out of her way to help students succeed so that they may continue to pursue their academic goals. She was among the first, if not the first, to conduct an online course for Paris Junior College receiving the NETnet Consortium Outstanding Distance Educator award.”

Ryleigh Davidson of Blossom received the Distinguished Service Award from PJC President, Dr. Pam Anglin, during the graduation ceremony.

The Distinguished Service Award, PJC’s highest student honor, was announced next by Associate Vice President for Student Access and Success Sheila Reece. This award has been presented annually to a PJC graduate since 1935 when it was first given to Louis B. Williams, who later became president of Paris Junior College. The Award recognizes academic achievement and service to PJC and the community and is given to an outstanding graduating student. PJC faculty and professional staff determine the winner.

Named to the honor for 2018 was Ryleigh Davidson, a graduate of Prairiland High School from Blossom. She is a nursing major and a two-year member of the PJC cheer squad. She also serves as PJC’s 2017-2018 Homecoming Queen. She plans to continue nursing school at PJC, wanting to eventually travel with her nursing degree.

Other nominees for the honor included Aaron Beaulaurier of Spokane, Wash., Alexis Montero of Royse City, Tyler Myers of Houston, and Chelsey Walker of Shreveport, La.

In closing, Dr. Anglin commented that community colleges enroll 72 percent of all freshman in the State of Texas and 78 percent of all students graduating with bachelor degrees have community college hours on their transcript. Friends and family celebrated afterward at a reception on the tennis courts.

Receiving $1,000 scholarships to Paris Junior College from the Rotary Club of Paris United are (from left) Paige Waldroup, Rileigh Wright, Mara Mabry, Mandy Freeman, Coral Smith, Wayde Clark, Trinity Davis, and Erica Cole. Also receiving scholarships but not pictured are Averi McFadden, Shad McCalester, Lee Armstrong, Hannah McCool, and Trevor Banister.

“The Rotary Club of Paris United is pleased to award these scholarships that will help the students continue their education,” said Connie Stauter of Rotary’s Scholarship Committee.

In order to smooth the transfer path for students planning to go on to a bachelor’s degree, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents made a few additions to the core curriculum.

The State of Texas approves a basic core curriculum and 42 hours of any of those classes are guaranteed to transfer to any public university in the state. From that core, colleges select which classes to offer. The regents added some math, science, social science, and literature courses needed largely for transferring education and engineering majors.

In other business, the Regents:

• Approved the audit engagement letter to retain McClanahan Holmes for the annual audit of Paris Junior College and the PJC Memorial Foundation.
• Accepted Texas Association of School Board’s Local Policy Update 34 to the governing policies of the college. Normally there is only one update per year, but a second was received reflecting additional changes from PJC’s accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
• Approved the sale of property tax written off tax roles.
• Set the budget workshop for Tuesday, July 10 at 5:30 p.m.
• Received the report that an Open House for Health Occupations has been set for July 26 from 4-6 p.m. in the Workforce Training Center.
• Approved the employment of Dr. Gregory Ferenchak as Dean of Health Occupations effective Aug. 1, Stanton Gartin as Vice President of Academic Studies effective July 1, Madison Martin as Student Recruiter / Academic Advisor effective May 21, Rosalyn Tindel as Instructor and Women’s Basketball Coach, effective June 1, and Evan Camperell as Soccer Coach, effective June 25.

The board also accepted the resignation of Talent Search Advisor Lydia Carrascosa effective May 16, Student Activities Coordinator Leanna Swart effective May 25, and Human Resources Director Paula White effective May 31; and the retirement of Payroll and Benefits Coordinator Sharon Wood effective Sept. 30.

Paris Junior College is pleased to release the certified roll of graduates from the spring graduation ceremony held Friday, May 11 at Noyes Stadium.

Texas students receiving associate degrees:

Annona: Cristian Escandon
Arlington: Seth Bush
Blossom: Kayla Smith
Bogata: Kimberly Allen Ballard, Brandon Alvarez, Joshua Eudy
Caddo Mills: Kimberly Duffy, Eleesa Welsh
Campbell: Josey Elmore, Dylan Langley, Jake Lueck, Natalie White
Clarksville: Bobbie Long, Brandie Long
Commerce: Katlin Gant, Kris Garland, Diana Godsell, Fernande Tahane
Como: Naul Rojas
Cooper: Racheal Vaughn
Cumby: Amy Carson, Lauren Hudson, Colton McDonald, Latasha Morgan, Demi Weatherford
Dallas: Antavius Draughn, Rodneisha Gaston, Tommie Jordan
Deport: Stefanie Eppler
Detroit: Samuel Blanton
Dike: Shelby Williams
Dodd CIty: Angela Anzaldua
Emory: Damon Donald
Farmersville: Carolyn Pitts
Flower Mound: Foster Pace
Garland: Bre’osha Scott
Georgetown: Tyler Mendoza
Greenville: Dian Anderson, Nolan Cummings, Lillian Deleon, Jialene Delgado, Darryl Duff, Louis Juarez, Nekoda Martin, Randi Rosson, Ashley Sandlin, Jochelle Scott, Rafael Torres, Rosaura Trevino, Crystal White, Wendy Wilson
Houston: Joshua Baffoe, Tyler Myers
Irving: Kimberly Michael
Katy: Matthew Solomon
Lone Oak: Maegan Dagenais
Manvel: Levi Dixon
Mesquite: Brianna Thomas
Paris: Randy Armstrong, LaDreyus Ashley, Misty Birch, Raegan Booker, Roger Bridges, Michael Burrus, Britton Coursey, Tamekia Dixon, Kaven Embry, Kyh Embry, Genevieve Goskie, Alex Greer, Mieshea Guerrero, Kashena Gunn, Youg Hang, Joss Harrington, Jedediah Irwin, Cheyenne King, Jaci Maddox, Kierra Miller, Sherry Mounce, Nichole Oliver, Justin Porter, Hunter Reeves, Jessica Renfro, Kasey Ruthart, Sydney Salazar, Asja Sanders, Jordon Sanders, Jonathan Simmons, Monalisa Sims Jones, Jessica Spangler, Jennifer Stone, Tayla Tongson, James Wienandt, Matthew Wintz, Matthew Wirges, Shundarrious Woodson, Yuling Xiao, Juan Yepiz, Thomas Zimmerman
Pattonville: Madison Cannedy
Pickton: Agustin Cuevas
Powderly: Courtney Bush, Victoria Calixto, Ian Headley, Catherine Rollins, John Young
Quinlan: Brianna Bickerstaff, Joe Brock, Austin Carroll, Raquel Cavazos, Mallory Cornuaud, Danya Cruse, Mark Eastin, Reigan Edwards, Mauricio Escalante, Samuel Fleming, Kaitlyn Garrison, Rebecca Harman, Haydon Harrison, Preston House, Kory Kent, Kathryn Martin, Cheyenne Montgomery, Amber Mouton, Kara Phillips, Kayla Phillips, Logan Seamans, Enrique Serrano, Kaija Short, Christopher Sumrall, Maegan Thomas, Emily Upchurch, Jenna Wright
Reno: Alicia Baeza-Donaldson, Ethan Borders, Alexandra Jenkins, Daylyn Kennison, Jennifer Wirges
Rockwall: Eric Wimpee
Rowlett: Connor Anderson, Landon Longsworth, Barry Williams
Roxton: Dreikus Green, Josiah Newman, LaRanda Story
Royse City: Ashley Friedrichs, Aura Garcia-Vazquez, Karen Katzer, Kenny Le, Alexis Montero, Raisa Ross
Schertz: Jacob Coats, Ryan Kinkade
Sulphur Springs: Eddwardo Adams, Lacrista Barrett, Dianna Carpenter, Candice Lamb, Collyn McDaniel, Emily Moran, Cortney Neal, Joshua Newby, Fernando Ortiz Escamilla, Justin Parmer, Gerson Salvatoreh Mena, Lindsay St. Clair, Aaron Stanley, Ryan Wilson
Sumner: Lauren Hostetler
Terrell: Chandler Wigley
Winnsboro: Michaela Orr, Rayla Petty, Taeler Schepp

Students from other states/territories receiving associate degrees:

Monument, Colo.: Cody Morrow
Winter Park, Fla.: Rafael Diaz
Augusta, Ga.: Darius Williams
Fort Wayne, Ind.: Reginald Tharp
Shreveport, La.: Chelsey Walker
Maplewood, N.J.: Darius Williams
Muskogee, Okla.: Rebecca Berry, Leigh Westbrook
Soper, Okla.: Stephanie Bryant
Portland, Ore.: Alonzo Campbell
Carolina, Puerto Rico: Jesse Fajardo
Knoxville, Tenn.: Karen Thomas
Spokane, Wash.: Aaron Beaulaurier

Texas students receiving certificates:

Arthur City: Jeffrey Dickson
Bagwell: Roberta Segura, Sabrina Weber
Blossom: Kelsie Bridges, Jeremy Ellis, Rebecca Jones, Sean Parker
Bogata: Theresa Pierce, Tiffany Vaughan
Bonham: Baylee Graves, Brandon Matlock, Eli Preas
Brashear: Cody Sutton
Brookston: Tanzila Hostetler, Jesse Jeffcoats
Caddo Mills: Katherine Fowler
Campbell: Sarah Kreft, Jake Lueck
Celeste: Alexander Cloud, Dakota Flud
Celeste: Martin Ramirez, Leslie Taylor
Clarksville: Cody Brock, Donterius Hobbs
Commerce: Melissa Cawthron
Cumby: Ty Holland
Deport: Charles Mathews, Joshua Owens
Detroit: Samuel Blanton, Macie Looney, Donte Ricks
Dike: Cindy Howse
Enloe: Jacob Couch
Flower Mound: Gage Hall, Dylan McNeece, Samuel Werner
Greenville: Kara Black, Bradley Gant, Jacob Hall, Carla Ingram, Megan Kaufman, Isha Khan, Christina McDonald, Allyson Norris, Brandy Petrea, Merihda Pierce, Randi Rosson, Tiffani Tanner, Crissty Williams
Irving: Kimberly Michael
Ladonia: Jeremiah Carino, Haley Lawhon
Mount Pleasant: Leodegario Mata, Billy Milton, Chelsie Rose, Johnny Taylor
Mount Vernon: Dayton Lane, Toni Smith
Naples: Loye Adams
Nocona: Amanda Baria
Omaha: Larry Miles
Paris: LaDreyus Ashley, Farida Batta, Michael Burrus, Mark Callaway, Jaclyn Campsey, Karina Cervantes, Chase Chapman, Krystal Clayton, Evelyn Conway, LaToya Dawson, Randa Dennis, Paul Deramus, Kayla Ellis, Keyton Gilbert, James Goodson, Latorvious Green, Lexie Halley, Joss Harrington, Monica Hawthorne, Jervin Hernandez, Megan Hurley, Jeremy Jackson, Jorden Jackson, Jennifer Jones, Evan Larkin, Salvador Leon, Timothy Lewis, Luz Luna, Michael Lyons, Kalynn Miller, Alexis Mogul, Mario Perales, Matthew Posey, Mitchel Posey, Matthew Rethman, Jaslyn Reynolds, AnDria Rinicker, Vianna Ross, Sydney Salazar, Ileli Sanchez, Jerred Sulsar, Kenneth Tyler, Andrew Waldrop, James Wienandt, Matthew Wirges, Measha Wise, Taylor Wolfe
Pattonville: Joshua Westbrook
Perryton: Michael Turner
Point: Hakeem Abdullah, Kerrah Dixon
Powderly: Ian Headley, Seth Jones, Nathan Vanderwilt, Leia Woodrow
Quinlan: Jeffrey Brannan, Vanessa Cooley
Royse City: Krista Hallenberger
Saltillo: Yesenia Ochoa
Sanger: Christina Rojas
Sulphur Spings: Matthew Fogus, Allison Bledsoe, Travis Caviness, Mauricio Gamez, Maria Gonzalez, Mikaela Jacks, Rachel Killgore, Emily Kuiper, Lorie Martin, Cheryl Mayo, Darlynn Montgomery, Joshua Newby, Angel Rocha, Holli-Von Sawyer, Keyla Toney, Clayton Wilson
Sumner: Eric Sugg
Telephone: Jayme Meek
Wolfe City: Sarah Brummett, Marco Valdez
Yantis: Samuel Earle, Gregory Stroder

Students from other states receiving certificates:

Wilmer, Ala.: True Harbeson
Monroe, La.: William Smith
Boswell, Okla.: Caleb Hitchcock
Garvin, Okla.: Matthew Black
Hugo, Okla.: Kelli Himes, Kristen Holiday, Dana Rabon
Muskogee, Okla.: Rebecca Berry
Soper, Okla.: Bryce Mclemore

The Paris Junior College Board of Regents, at its regular meeting this week, set an election for Nov. 6 for Places 5, 6, and 9 on the board. Those positions are held respectively by Ginna Bowman, Curtis Fendley, and Mark Buster.

The Regents also approved contracting with the County Elections Administrator to conduct the election for the regents.

In other business, the Regents:

• Received the financial report showing PJC remains in a strong financial position, with revenues and expenses in line with budgeted amounts.
• Learned that summer enrollment is up in headcount by 10.8 percent (179 students) and 6.67 percent in contact hour generation over last year. Compared to 2016, headcount is up by 7.68 percent and contact hour generation is down 3.3 percent.
• Received a report on fall and spring retention by course and faculty member. In the fall 2017 semester, college retention was 93.6 percent and 94.78 percent in the spring 2018 semester.
• Updated on the annual licensure report filed with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
•  Authorized PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin to get prices for new energy efficient windows on the east side of the Student Center (facing Collegiate Dr.). Aramark is updating the kitchen and cafeteria over the next five years, and the window replacement is planned to be done in conjunction with those upgrades.
• Approved the 2018-2019 Dual Credit Agreement for area high schools.
• Approved the employment of Haley Barnett as Talent Search Advisor, effective July 2.

Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that over 150 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the spring 2018 semester.

To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0-grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the dean’s list must have a minimum of a 3.5-grade point average for at least 15 semester hours, and have no grade lower than a “C.” Both lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.

Students on the President’s List by their hometowns in Texas:

Blossom: Jeremy Ellis, Ashley Reed
Campbell: Jake Lueck, Anjella Yates
Cooper: Sarah Antonis
Cumby: Lauren Hudson
Greenville: Joseph Allman, Austen Delagarza, Eddie Jones, Chloe Overstreet, Lynn Tran
Lone Oak: Stefani Barrow, Aaron Hendrix, Jennifer McCauley
Point: Hakeem Abdullah
Quinlan: Kory Kent, Carley Torbert
Rockwall: Dylan Ampofo, Gregory Massey, Eric Wimpee
Rowlett: Barry Williams
Royse City: Dylan Richardson, Seeli Summers

Students on the Dean’s List by their hometowns in Texas:
Campbell: Colton Cummings, Darrel Dix
Cooper: Dana Lucas
Cumby: David Hebert, Demi Weatherford
Greenville: Zona Alcorn, Nolan Cummings, Tanner Prestien
Point: Rainey Burton, Sean Thomas
Quinlan: Jesse Crabtree, Daniel Harris
Rowlett: Connor Anderson
Royse City: Zachery Chambers, Candace Linn

Paris Junior College will be showcasing new health occupation program equipment and upgrades to the public on Thursday, July 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the Bobby R. Walters Workforce Training Center.

Through generous community grants, Radiology Technology has received new equipment, the Nursing Department has received medium and high-fidelity simulation equipment, Emergency Medical Services has an ambulance simulator, and Surgical Technology has received new lights and a new setting.

Students are excited to have already begun using the new equipment. Faculty will be on hand to answer questions and the new equipment will be operating during the tour.

For more information, call 903-782-0330.

Recent afternoon heat was no match for the fascination of seeing live video shot from a drone at Paris Junior College.

Participants in PJC’s Kids College watched a presentation on flying drones and their current and future usage, then went to the parking lot to see one in flight.

Matt Hanley with Drone On provided the session.

Kids College concludes Thursday with a Parent Preview of all the projects made during the week.

Additional classes for young people in Grades 5-9 will be offered during the next few weeks and can be found here.

As families, educators and communities prepare for the school year to begin there is an important message spreading throughout a campaign sponsored by Everett Toyota of Paris reminding drivers to keep an eye out for flashing red lights.

The Flashing Red, Kids Ahead campaign combines efforts from Lamar County schools, law enforcement officials and Everett Toyota of Paris to protect lives in our community. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statewide report that revealed more than 6000 drivers illegally pass stopped school buses every year in our state.

“Everett Toyota of Paris is proud to bring the Flashing Red, Kids Ahead campaign to our community,” said Marketing Director of Everett Toyota of Paris Brenda Wells. We would love to see this campaign spread throughout the state of Texas to bring awareness.”

Susie Everett, Owner of Everett dealerships, joined local schools and law enforcement to produce the video below in hopes to lower this number and keep children safe.

Special thanks to Everett Toyota of Paris for sponsoring this campaign, Lamar County School representatives and local law enforcement for coming together and making this message possible.

Fall registration is open with Paris Junior College’s Adult Education Department for a series of free LEAP Academy classes in Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, and Red River counties. A LEAP Academy is for those who did not finish high school and need their GED or HiSET to advance their careers, want to learn English, or are interested in career pathways.

The first session begins today in Paris, the second on August 27 in Sulphur Springs, and more will be scheduled soon in the other counties.

Preregistration is required, and seats fill up quickly. Registration is fast and easy, and classes are available morning, evening, and online. The LEAP Academy includes college and career readiness preparation, computer and financial literacy classes, and free GED test vouchers for qualifying students.

For more information or to register for a LEAP Academy, contact the Adult Education Department at 903-782-0424 or adulted@parisjc.edu.

On Monday, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents created new opportunities for students through the Health Occupations program.

Regents approved a new 16 semester credit hour (SCH) Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate that may be completed in one semester.

The state is looking for more students receiving credentials, explained PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. She said that Health Occupations Director Dr. Gregory Ferenchak was doing a great job reviewing programs to see what could be improved. This takes a portion of what is currently in a larger degree to create a 16 SCH EMT Basic Certificate.

“It allows dual credit students completion out of high school,” said Dr. Ferenchak.

Next came modification of the Enhanced Nurse Aide program. The current certificate was broken into three certificates: Enhanced Nurse Aide I, II, and III at 16 SCH, 25 SCH, and 30 SCH. The stackable credentials include opportunities to test for phlebotomist and med aide certifications, and to take the Certified Nurse Aide examination.

In other business, the Regents:

• Gave final approval to the 2018 tax rate of .085 per $100 valuation.

• Cancelled the election for Regents Place 9 (representing Lamar County Precinct 1) and Place 6 (representing Lamar County Precinct 3).

• Received a report on fall semester enrollment of 4,989. Total head count is up 2.99 percent over last year, and 3.18 percent from two years ago.

• Adopted the Continuing Education pricing guideline as required annually. The formula calculates tuition allowing the department to break even on courses offered.

• Heard an update on Student Achievement Targets that includes 2017 data. They contain such metrics as the number of students completing their first college-level reading, math and writing classes; those completing 15 SCH in their first semester and 30 SCH in their first year.

“The IPEDS graduation rate shows that PJC’s graduation rate has increased from 20 percent in 2012 to 32 percent,” said Dr. Anglin. “We’re now the second-highest in the state.”

• Received a report showing that there is a 9.9 percent increase since last year in the number of dual credit students. They are now 35 percent of headcount and 20.5 percent of contact hours.

• Accepted the reassignments of Iris Gutierrez as Assistant Director of the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center and Rob Stanley as the Director of the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, in addition to his duties as Dual Credit Coordinator effective Sept. 1; the employment of Associate Degree Nursing Instructor Melinda Garrett, effective Jan. 14, 2019; and the resignation of SBDC Director Bradley Gottshalk, effective Sept. 28.

Members of the “Fahrenheit 451” cast toured the Paris Fire Department Station #1 to see what life is like for a fireman. Shown demonstrating how to put on gear is Kyler Bramhall with, from left, Drew Boren, Lucas Rolf, Stoney Musgrove, Javian Dabbs, Chaston Tomlin, and Connor Bridges.

Fahrenheit 451 is the first production in the Paris Junior College Department of Drama’s “Season of the Elements.” The play runs from Thursday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7 in the Ray E. Karrer Theater.

Representing the element of “Fire,” Fahrenheit 451 is Ray Bradbury’s science fiction classic in which reading books is illegal, and firemen start fires instead of fighting them. The story follows fireman Guy Montag as he meets a cast of colorful characters and takes part in events that make him question his chosen profession burning books. Will he escape a dystopian future in which electronics and televised entertainment are the highlights of life to become a free-thinking reader?

“Our cast has been incredibly dedicated to creating this story for our audience,” said PJC Drama Instructor and play director Robyn R. Huizinga. “And we are so appreciative of the City of Paris Firehouse 1 crew that took the time to show our actors techniques of rapidly getting into gear, their equipment, and a tour.”

Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for children under 18, $5 if accompanied by a new children’s book for local charities; and free for those with a current PJC ID.

This is a limited seating event with only 99 seats per performance. Reservations may be made by e-mail at pjcdrama@parisjc.edu. Any unclaimed reservations will be released to patrons on the waitlist beginning at 15 minutes prior to curtain.

Fireman Guy Montag (Lucas Rolf) and his wife Mildred (Savanna James) argue about his reading and keeping books, in a tense atmosphere caused by sounds of the Mechanical Hound, a robotic hunter that will kill those with books, scratching at the door. In the background is Faber, a retired English professor played by John Pressley Wright, who has influenced Montag’s desire to read.

Cast:
Montag – Lucas Rolf; Black – Javian Dabbs; Holden – Connor Bridges; Henley – Chaston Tomlin; Beatty – Trent Fells; Clarisse – Grace Marie Hignight; First Paramedic – Dee Shepard; Second Paramedic – Carolyn Bell (Candace Weist is understudy); Mildred – Savanna James; Mrs. Hudson – Lisa Martin; Faber – John Presley Wright; Alice – Hannah England; Helen – Molly Law.

Book People: Aristotle – Don Bates; Tolkein – Terry Lugo; Bronte – Lynnae Hernandez; Rostand – Dr. Marian Ellis; Dostoevski – Steven McClain; Saint-Exupéry – Tayler Kruse; Tolstoy – Lorelei McClain; Wilde – Diann Mason ; Carroll – Chasidy Trantham; Plato – Raden Phillips; Melville – Gary O’Connor; Robert Louis Stevenson – “D.B.” Daniel Bolton; Dickinson – Dr. Jennifer Collar, Melissa Arnold, Helen Mosher, Brenna Mills, Jayla Oldfield, Dr. Pamela Anglin; Frost – Kathleen Hays; Hemingway – Angeli Hartleip; Julius Caesar – Candace Weist; Hamlet – Jimmie Sanders; Melville 2 – Emily O’Connor.

Swings; “Voices,” TV Wall Family: Gisselle Benitez, Inga Hodge, Carlton Bell, Chaston Tomlin.

Crew:

Director: Robyn R. Huizinga

Stage Manager: Heather Collins

Assistant Stage Manager: Dee Jackson

Sound Board Operator: Udanti Rendsland

Light Board Operator: Cameron Faires

Backstage Crew: Elly Galvan, Alex Kerley, Cast

Set Design: Robyn R. Huizinga, John Presley Wright, and William Walker

Scenic Charge: Robyn R. Huizinga

Costume Design: William Walker

Set Construction: Stagecraft I and Theater Practicum classes

Front of House Crew: Willow Clayton and students from Public Speaking and Introduction to Theater classes

Sound Design: William Walker, Robyn R. Huizinga, Carlton Bell, Chaston Tomlin, Gisselle Benitez, and Ingeborg Hodge

Lighting Design: Will James Stacy