NEO Names 2012 Top 10 Freshmen - Northeastern Oklahoma A&M ...

Phi Theta Kappa, International Honor Society, inducted 41 students this fallNEO’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society inducts 41 StudentsNortheastern Oklahoma A&M College’s (NEO),Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) inductedanother record number of students for the fallsemester -- 41 new members were inductedinto the prestigious international honor society.The ceremony took place last month. Thekeynote speaker for the evening was CandyWatson, former PTK president.Watson’s contributions to Phi Theta Kappaincluded her integral part in implementingthe now-semester tradition of Food-4-Finals,a PTK college project that won internationalrecognition in 2011. Watson spoke about thebenefits of being an active member and fittingit all into the college experience.To gain admittance into PTK, which is aninternational honor society, students mustcomplete at least 12 hours of courses andmaintain a 3.5 grade point average. Throughtheir membership in PTK, students willhave access to scholarships and serviceopportunities.Students who were inducted into PTK include:Janell Beauchamp Joplin Mo.Paize Blaylock Fairland Okla.Jennifer Crane Merriam Kan.Shairee Eads Grove Okla.Justin Eskew Grove Okla.Sherry Ford Monkey Island Okla.Lauren Gann Miami Okla.Karlee Gibson Fairland Okla.Callie Goodwin Miami Okla.Jason Hardee Miami Okla.Shanna Horton Miami Okla.Darian Huff Colcord Okla.Belinda Hunt Vinita Okla.Joshua Hurley Wyandotte Okla.Taylor Isley Miami Okla.Hayley Jamil Miami Okla.Joy Johnson Grove Okla.Twyla King Afton Okla.Jacey Knight Commerce Okla.Megan Larue Miami Okla.Krystal Law Jay Okla.The Mu chapter on the NEO campus isvery active and has again volunteeredto help with the Ottawa County AngelTree Project. They also are committed toserve the campus by providing studentmanpower to clean up after football gamesheld at the NEO stadium. They collect usedbooks for Better World Books, a nonprofitorganization that sends textbooks toAfrica. PTK sponsors the Food-4-Finalsevent, a tutoring session and breakfastheld every semester during finals weekto provide instructor/student interactionas students prepare for final exams. Theyrecently hosted a Quiz Bowl tournamentfor area high schools. PTK students arecurrently working on their college andhonor’s project that involves creatingawareness on the NEO campus of theMiami downtown area and working inconjunction with the City of Miami officialsto make this happen.- 3 -“Phi Theta Kappais more than justan honor society.We are nationallyrecognized as afive-star ratedchapter andare proud torepresent NEOA&M’s fineststudents.”Shannon Sample,PTK co-sponsorTarrin Lawson Monkey Island Okla.Jade Manning Miami Okla.Matthew Mayden Miami Okla.Charles Mcquigg Miami Okla.Alexia Mercer Welch Okla.Rhonda Nielsen Miami Okla.Catherine Olivarez Afton Okla.Carla Reynard Quapaw Okla.Nicole Roland Miami Okla.Robynn Rulo Miami Okla.Paula Schultz Carthage Okla.Michele Sisneros Miami Okla.Sheng Thao Fairland Okla.Jerrica Trease Commerce Okla.Jennifer Venters Eucha Okla.Kerysha White Grove Okla.Kelsey Williams Commerce Okla.Terry Williams Vinita Okla.Taylor Wilson Wyandotte Okla.Jaala Winslow Fairland Okla.

NEO’s 2012 Foundation Auction raises more than $25k for scholarships and organizationsIn November, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College’s, (NEO)Development Foundation hosted its annual “FundraisingFestival,” the largest annual fundraiser of the year put on bythe Foundation, which raised $25,304.15.This year’s auction marked the 11th anniversary for theFoundation event. NEO’s own Brian Mooney was this year’sauctioneer.All proceeds from the auction go toward scholarships to benefitNEO students.Two representatives from NortheasternOklahoma A&M College (NEO), recentlypresented at the United States DistanceLearning Association’s (USDLA),International Forum for Women inE-Learning 2012 in Bonita Springs, Fla.Lori Hackwell, NEO Business Instructor,and Joy Bauer, Title III TechnologySpecialist, were selected to present atthe United States Distance LearningAssociation’s International Forum forWomen in E-Learning. The forum tookplace Nov. 27-29 in Bonita Springs, Fla.The USDLA is a non-profit associationformed in 1987 and is located in Boston,Mass. The association reaches 20,000people globally with sponsors andmembers operating in and influencing46 percent of the $913 billion dollar U.S.education and training market.USDLA promotes the development andapplication of distance learning for- 5 -NEO sophomore Jordan Hessee and the PizzaHut mascot posing for a photo during theannual fundraiser for student scholarshipsduring NEO’s Foundation Auction“Thanks to the generosity of many loyal supporters ofNEO A&M, the money raised from this event will help fundscholarships for several deserving students,” said FoundationExecutive Director Jennifer Hessee. “It is heartening to see thecommunity’s support for the College.”NEO students from various campus organizations dressed upas celebrities and provided great service and entertainmentfor the evening. It was well-received and added excitement tothe event. The students of Phi Beta Lambda raised the mosttips and received a $300 book scholarship.NEO presents at the USDLA International Forum for Women in E-Learningeducation and training and serves theneeds of the distance learning communityby providing advocacy, information,networking and opportunity. Distancelearning and training constituencies servedinclude pre-k-12 education, higher andcontinuing education, home schooling,as well as business, corporate, military,government, and telehealth markets.The USDLA trademarked logo is therecognized worldwide symbol of dedicatedprofessionals committed to the distancelearning industry.“We were very excited to represent NEOat this conference. We share an extremepassion for our students at NEO and astrong desire to continually seek innovativeways to infuse 21st century learning intothe classroom. Together, we bring 30+years of classroom experience, rangingfrom early childhood to higher education,”Bauer said.Pictured left to right are Joy Bauer, Title IIITechnology Specialist, and Lori Hackwell, NEOBusiness Instructor, who presented at the UnitedStates Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA),International Forum for Women in E-Learning2012 in Bonita Springs, Fla. in November.This was the second opportunity Bauerand Hackwell have had to present together,the first being the 16th Annual TechnologyConference at Pittsburg State University heldin June of 2012.

Pictured left to right are Roger Fent, Agriculture Instructor, Kelsey Matthews, Megan LaRue, Sami Johnson, Ryan Jones, Robert Jones, Ben Bass, EthanHuff, Caleb Lockard, Tory Chasteen, Tandy Kidd, Morgan Marley, Holly Smith, Abby Hendrickson, Tyler Dewey, Livestock Judging Coach and AgricultureInstructor, and Shannon Cunningham, Dept. Chairwoman of AgricultureFFA Honors 15 NEO Students at National ConventionStudents from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO)attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis,Ind. from Oct. 24th-27th, 2012. Fifteen studentswere recognized for their accomplishments in CareerDevelopment Events, Supervised Agricultural Experienceprojects, and by receiving their American FFA Degree.The National FFA Organization awarded nine NortheasternOklahoma A&M College students with the American FFADegree, the highest degree possible, at their nationalconference in Indianapolis, Ind. in October.The prestigious honor is awarded based on demonstratedleadership abilities, commitment to the FFA, success intheir Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), andoutstanding achievements in agricultural business,production, processing, and service programs.Approximately 3,500 American FFA Degrees are handedout each year at the National FFA Convention. That numberrepresents less than half of 1 percent of all FFA members,making it one of the organization’s highest honors.The National FFA convention is the nation’s largest annualyouth gathering, welcoming students, parents, andeducators from all across the United States.The National FFA Organization, formerly known as FutureFarmers of America, is a national youth organization of540,379 student members, all preparing for leadershipand careers in the science, business and technology ofagriculture.There are more than 7,489 FFA chapters in the UnitedStates.The FFA bestowed its American FFA Degree on the followingNEO students: Ethan Huff, Robert Jones, Ryan Jones, CalebLockard, Abby Hendrickson, Ben Bass, Cheyenne King,Megan Larue, and Sami Johnson.Other students who received honors were:Tory Chasteen – First place National FFA Forestry CDE TeamTandy Kidd – First place National FFA Horse Evaluation CDETeamKelsey Matthews – First place National FFA HorseEvaluation CDE TeamMorgan Marley – member of Arkansas Livestock JudgingCareer Development Event Team – Ninth placeHolly Smith – member of Georgia Livestock Judging CareerDevelopment Event TeamScarlett Peterson - Beef Production EntrepreneurshipProficiency Finalist- 7 -

“I am honored to have been appointed by thesteering committee as the interim coach forthe Norse Stars. This is a great opportunityand an exciting challenge to bring thisprogram back to its grandeur.”Lori Hackwell, interim coach for the Norse StarsLori Hackwell, interim coach for theNorse Stars, shown now (left) andduring her days at NEO when shewas a Norse Star“Lori is a greatambassadorfor NEO A&MCollege andwill be a greatleader for theNorse Starsprogram.She bringsan endlessamount ofenergy andenthusiasmto NEO and isalways willingto give of hertime to thecollege.”Dale Patterson, NEOAthletic DirectorNEO announces Lori Hackwell as interim coachof the Norse StarsOfficials at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M(NEO) announced the appointment of LoriHackwell as the College’s interim NorseStars coach, effective Thursday, Nov. 1,2012.The Norse Stars program is a historic kickline, drill team organization.As the interim coach, Hackwell’s primaryresponsibilities will include recruiting andoverseeing the new direction of the NorseStars program.Hackwell graduated from Welch High Schoolin 1977, and during her high school careershe cheered and studied dance. Later, CarolCalcagno, director of the NEO Norse Starsat that time, recruited Hackwell to dance byoffering her a scholarship.Hackwell attended NEO from 1977-1978and later returned and graduated in 1994.She danced under the leadership of LindaBeatty.After graduating NEO she pursued herbusiness education degree from MissouriSouthern State University. Hackwell earnedher master’s degree in education fromNortheastern State University in 1996.After earning her master’s, Hackwell wenton to teach at Neosho Junior High and lateras a business teacher at Miami High School.In 2005, Hackwell began her career at NEO.“I am honored to have been appointedby the steering committee as the interimcoach for the Norse Stars,” Hackwell said.“This is a great opportunity and an excitingchallenge to bring this program back to itsgrandeur.”As a Norse Star, Hackwell danced inparades across the state, at soccer gamesin Tulsa, Okla., performed a halftimeshow at Tyler, Texas, the NEO basketballtournament, and almost all homebasketball games.Hackwell is active on several NEO andcommunity committees including theNorse Star steering committee, HospitalityManagement Occupational AdvisoryCouncil – Chair, Learning ResourceCenter Advisory Council – Chair, JasperCounty Killer Whales USA Swim Team– Vice President, National BusinessEducation Association member, UnitedStates Distance Learning Associationmember, International Forum for Womenin E-learning – presenter, Pittsburg StateUniversity’s 16th Annual Technology andthe Classroom Conference – presenter,and the Bridges to Prosperity SteeringCommittee.“Lori is a great ambassador for NEO A&MCollege and will be a great leader for theNorse Stars program,” said Dale Patterson,NEO Athletic Director. “She brings anendless amount of energy and enthusiasmto NEO and is always willing to give of hertime to the college.”Hackwell is married to Sid Hackwell. Theyhave one daughter, Sydney, who is aneighth grader at Will Rogers Middle School.They reside in Miami.Hackwell is a member of Log CabinMinistries in Vinita, Okla. She is a footballand basketball booster club member, aPresident’s Partner, and an active memberof the community.- 8 -

“We will focus on this year, do what we need to doand get the job done. We will do the same thingwe normally do, and that is to win it (the nationalchampionship).”Joe Renfro, NEO Wrestling couchNEO hires Joe Renfro as new wrestling coachJoe Renfro, who has guided Labette(Kan.) Community College to two nationalchampionships and a pair of runner-upfinishes in 11 seasons, will be in charge ofrekindling the Northeastern A&M wrestlingprogram.Renfro has been head wrestling coach atLabette, located in Parsons, Kan., since2002. He added the role of assistantathletic director in 2007.Also unveiled Thursday morning were plansfor a multi-million dollar multi-purposefacility that will house locker rooms and apractice area for the program.“I am excited about the energy they areputting into it and the enthusiasm,” Renfrosaid. “It sounds like a wonderful situationfor all of us. I am going to do the best Ipossibly can.”Renfro will remain at Labette through theend of this season, then will jump feet-firstinto the NEO job.“We will focus on this year, do whatwe need to do and get the job done,”Renfro said. “We will do the same thingwe normally do, and that is to win it (thenational championship).”NEO fielded a wrestling team from 1975-1993, producing 24 NJCAA All-Americans,including four first-teams, and numerousplacers at the national tournament.Ray Judkins established the program,compiling a 36-19-2 record between 1975-77 and then in 1984-85.Bill Yocum was 24-13-3 from 1978-81 andAlan Lauchner was head coach from 1986-93. His teams were 45-26-1.Renfro was a four-time Kansas high schoolstate placer, including winning a state title,before he went on to wrestle for formerLabette coach Jody Thompson from 1995-97. At LCC, he earned two All-Americantitles and an academic All-American honor.“NEO has a storiedhistory of creatingopportunities foryoung Oklahomansto continue to pursuetheir dreams afterhigh school. Thereturn of the NEOwrestling programis no exception. I’mpleased that ourathletic director,Dale Patterson, wasable to hire the mostsuccessful juniorcollege wrestlingcoach in America,and I look forward toJoe Renfro buildingon the NEO traditionof excellence ineducation andathletics.”Dr. Jeff Hale, Northeastern A&MPresidentJoe RenfroHe finished his collegiate wrestling careerat the University of Nebraska-Kearney,where he again earned All-Americanhonors.Renfro was an assistant coach atNebraska-Kearney from 1999-2000 thenjoined Thompson at LCC in 2000. He tookover as the Cardinals’ head coach in 2003.Labette is the defending NJCAA nationalchampion.The Cards also were national champsin 2005, runners-up in 2010 and 2007,third in 2008 and 2006, fifth in 2011 and2009, sixth in 2004 and seventh in 2003.Labette were the 2006 NJCAA/NWCANational Dual Meet tournament champs.The Cards have finished second in 2012,2011, 2010 and 2007 and they were thirdin 2009 and 2008.Renfro’s team was the 2008 NJCAAWrestling Coaches Association academicteam of the year in 2008.Renfro has coached nine individualnational champions and has been honoredas the national coach of the year in 2005,2010 and 2012.He has coached 55 All-Americans and 62Academic All-Americans.“We have been very fortunate, but not asfortunate as I would like to be or we wouldhave had 11 (national titles),” Renfroquipped.NEO will be just the fourth school in thestate with a wrestling program.Oklahoma State has won 34 team nationalchampionships (three unofficial) and 134individual NCAA championships, whileOklahoma has won seven team and 65individual national titles.Central Oklahoma in Edmond has woneight NAIA and seven NCAA Division IIchampionships.- 9 -