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The student news site of Seward County Community College

Crusader News

The student news site of Seward County Community College

Crusader News

The student news site of Seward County Community College

Crusader News

Laura Gillespie

Laura Gillespie, Reporter

Laura “Gracie” Gillespie is a 19-year-old sophomore majoring in biology. She was born and raised in Stevens County in the southwest corner of Kansas. Gillespie enjoys reading, listening to music and talking with her friends. Her favorite person to hang out with is her baby sister Sunny Beth. Gillespie also loves to write and has been a part of the Crusader staff throughout her college career. 

All content by Laura Gillespie
Coming in for the Change

Coming in for the Change

Megan Berg and Laura Gillespie
September 13, 2022

Out with the old and in with the new. Seward County Community College has upgraded the dorms with security, curfew, and co ed rules. Celeste Donovan, vice...

Director of Humanities and Social Sciences, Darin Workman is from Hastings, Nebraska. He not only is a teacher but he also plays his own instruments such as his favorite the saxophone which he learned in fourth grade.

Darin Workman

Laura Gillespie and Brianna Rich
August 22, 2022

Who is one person you would like to see in concert, living or dead? Why? It would be Louis Armstrong and he’s dead. He is one of the greatest trumpet...

Sue Sprenkle, the mass communications instructor, transitioned from a full-time instructor to an adjunct professor for Seward County Community College this current semester. With  previously 20 years of experience being a traveling journalist, Sprenkle has covered stories from major national disasters, political unrest and Olympic competitions.

Sink into the stories of Sue Sprenkle

Megan Berg and Laura Gillespie
May 11, 2022

Strolling down the street, Sue Sprenkle wasn’t prepared for the blackness that quickly overtook her as rough material covered her head. Kidnappers chucked...

 Students lift their tassels bringing them over to the left side of their cap signaling their official graduation. Crossing from left to right is a symbol of crossing one’s heart as Donovan explains.

The Greenhouse celebrates graduation once again

Megan Berg and Laura Gillespie
May 9, 2022

A sea of black robes stood across the Greenhouse court as Seward County Community College’s 51st annual graduation commenced. Except something was missing....

The sophomores were recognized on the field instead of walking across the stage during their doubleheader. They received their diplomas and a picture of themselves playing during their career at Seward. [Pictured left to right are Dylan Day, Reed Thomas, Jase Schneider, Mason Martinez, Gannon Hardin, Brody Boisvert, and Zach Walker]

Two celebrations in one doubleheader

Brianna Rich and Laura Gillespie
May 9, 2022

May 7 was not only a celebration for 2022 graduates but also for former Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director, Galen McSpadden. This jersey retirement...

Relaxing before finals

Relaxing before finals

Brianna Rich and Laura Gillespie
May 2, 2022

This week is all about de-stressing in the Student Union, the Student Government Association is hosting all of the activities this week. This is an opportunity...

 History teacher Kevin Gleason and his wife Anita Gleason both received uniquely-made hand-stitched quilts from the Quilts of Valor Foundation. These quilts were awarded to the couple to demonstrate gratitude for their service done in the Navy.

SCCC Spring Concert honors veterans

With the arrival of spring, the flowers have begun to bloom and the songbirds’ voices have started to travel through the morning air. The same voices...

Arts major, D’Arrah Allen is a freshman from Los Angeles. During her time here at Seward County Community College, she has been a part of the women’s basketball team.

D’Arrah Allen

Laura Gillespie and Brianna Rich
April 27, 2022

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given and who said it? I think the biggest advice is to trust the process, believe in yourself and stay humble....

Arts major, Bri Linnear is a freshman from Denver, Colorado. During her time here at Seward County Community College, she has been on the women’s basketball team.

[Photo] Bri Linnear

Dani Arellano, Multimedia Editor
April 26, 2022

Sitting in the locker room, Bri Linnear thinks about how she wished she could have met Kobe Bryant to get some basketball tips. Linnear sees herself transferring...

Pre-Nursing major, Yancie Franklin is a freshman from Campo, Colorado. During her time here at Seward County Community College, she has been on the cheerleading squad.

Yancie Franklin

Laura Gillespie, Editor
April 21, 2022

When did you start cheerleading?  I started to cheer my freshman year of high school. I cheered for two years there and then tried out for the team...

Helping as an athletic trainer, Alonzo Mendoza is a sophomore from Spearman, Texas. Mendoza is a pre-medical major because he wants to help as many athletes as he can.

Alonzo Mendoza

Melvin Le and Laura Gillespie
April 8, 2022

How do you plan to spend Good Friday and Easter? I plan to go home and spend it with my family since we’re Catholic. They want me to go eat fish with...

Brad Bennett, SCCC president, calls the lack of preparedness on transportation for Portillo as  inexcusable.

Equality in the classroom

Laura Gillespie and Megan Berg
April 5, 2022

With arms wrapping Natalie Portillo, an elementary education major from Plains, a teacher slowly lifts her out of the wheelchair, placing her into the...

Navigating to a class on a cold, snowy day is a challenge Portillo faces daily. Since some classrooms are in different buildings, she has to drive across campus outside.

Equality in the classroom

Megan Berg and Laura Gillespie
April 4, 2022

Weaving through chairs and desks while trying to find a spot in the classroom can be difficult in a wheelchair. Natalie Portillo, an elementary education...

An opportunity to not only meet the president but also to talk about campus and what could be better. SCCC President Bennett and some of the presidential scholars meet to share some ice cream, and discuss issues on campus.

Bennett uses ice cream to receive feedback

Laura Gillespie, Editor
March 30, 2022

The tables were lined with multiple flavors of ice cream and a handful of different types of toppings from sprinkles to cherries. This is what the Presidential...

Congratulations to all of the new members who just got inducted to PTK. Starting from left to right: Javier Victoria, Brenda Cardenas Perez, Aidaly Ramos, Ren Watt, Karina Rodriguez and Adrian Torres (Not pictured: Ugo Fiorito, Karime Rios, Alexis Rodriguez and Guadalupe Ugalde).

PTK recognizes 10 new members

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is a club at Seward County Community College that recognizes the academic achievements of students. On March 27, the club inducted...

Brad Bennett hosted a town hall meeting on March 24 to talk about the future of the campus and enrollment. Bennett has hopes that these meetings will continue, and will grow with more student and community involvement.

Community, faculty discuss Seward’s future

Laura Gillespie, Editor
March 25, 2022

The recent success of Seward County Community Colleges Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program led college administrators to question what else can...

KYLIX club president, Melissa Alvarez is from Guymon, Oklahoma. Alvarez is majoring in art because she has always loved art.

Melissa Alvarez

Laura Gillespie and Melvin Le
March 4, 2022

What are your favorite hobbies? What do you like to do? Oh my gosh, what do I not like to do is the question. I am very crafty, I like to say I am creative....

Janice Northerns, retired, and Sharon Brockman introduce winners of the annual poetry contest in 2018. It was the first contest Brockman was a part of as a full-time English instructor for Seward County Community College.

Campus is left broken-hearted

Megan Berg and Laura Gillespie
March 2, 2022

Shock traveled through campus when the news spread that Sharon Brockman, the English Instructor at Seward County Community College, died Feb. 26 in Amarillo...

Seward County Community College will be closed to celebrate Pancake Day.

School is out for pancakes

Laura Gillespie
March 1, 2022

Seward County Community College will be closed Tuesday to celebrate Liberal's Pancake Day. This holiday is only celebrated in Liberal and in Only, England....

Bennett starts as president, tries to re-earn trust

Laura Gillespie and Dani Arellano
February 17, 2022

The last time Brad Bennett was on campus in June he left “bawling,” already regretting his decision to step away from education. Now, Bennett is back...

Anne Weese, director of mental health and sports psychology for K-State, discusses the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness practices.

Greenhouse welcomes back a champion

Laura Gillespie, Editor
February 14, 2022

It’s okay to not be okay and ask for help.  Students and staff heard this message from Anne Weese, director of mental health and sports psychology...

Brad Bennett went live with Crusader’s Mary Ramirez on Instagram and Facebook on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 soon after arriving on campus. Bennett's new return date is Feb. 14, 2022 to the SCCC campus.

Bennett returns as SCCC president

Laura Gillespie, Editor
February 11, 2022

Brad Bennett is set to return to Seward County Community College as president. This news comes just days after Greg Gunderson resigned. Bennett will begin...

Ghost terrorizes cosmetology

Laura Gillespie, Editor
February 9, 2022

There is a spooky situation happening in the Seward County Community College Cosmetology building. In the past four years, they've had extra company with...

Greg Gunderson is set to resign Feb. 11 citing a family emergency. This has left SCCC without a president for the third time in three years.

Third president in three years resigns

Seward County Community College’s president resigned after two months on the job. Greg Gunderson released a statement to staff, faculty and students...

Jessica Martinez and Karina Rodriguez, both business majors, braved the grocery store on Tuesday night before the storm hit. They wanted to get snacks so they wouldn't have to walk outside to the cafeteria in the cold, snow.

[Photo] Snow days don’t stop SCCC from having class or fun

Dani Arellano and Crusader Staff
February 3, 2022

Jessica Martinez and Karina Rodriguez, both business majors, braved the grocery store on Tuesday night before the storm hit. They wanted to get snacks...

Melvin Le, Dennis Le and Josh Swanson share a laugh during their victory celebration after finding out they are a nationally ranked team. Dennis Le is the only concurrent high school student on the team and chose to join because his schedule wouldn’t allow him to participate in the high school team.

New club buzzes into nationals

Laura Gillespie, Editor
February 1, 2022

Nationals await this year's new Quiz Bowl team. Seward County Community College began the club during the fall semester with the hopes of just having enough...

IMG_9527web

[Photo] Melvin Le

January 25, 2022

Vanessa Mora, a second-year cosmetology student, aspires to someday open her own beauty salon somewhere outside of Liberal.

Vanessa Mora

Sara Lock and Laura Gillespie
January 24, 2022

Why did you choose SCCC?  To be honest it’s just because I’m from here. I prefer being with my family and I didn’t want to go somewhere far so...

Even though area school districts have either canceled classes for the week or reinstated masks, SCCC remains maskless. The choice is left in the hands of individuals.

Despite rising COVID numbers, college will not require masks — for now

Laura Gillespie, Editor
January 21, 2022

At this time, Seward County Community College will not go back to mandatory masks on campus despite the fact that the Liberal school district did last...

SCribbles members Melvin Le, Josh Swanson and Shandon Classen take part in a club favorite game “Tell Tale”. This game involves coming up with a story based on the three cards one draws. 
Le says “The game is a great way to showcase your creativity”.

Creative writers hit campus with competition, clubs

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
January 18, 2022

Artists have an opportunity this week to share their stories of “justice” at the upcoming Open Mic Night on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in SU214 (above...

Noah Burton is a freshman from Chichester England. Burton’s major is physical education.

Noah Burton

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
January 14, 2022

What was the biggest culture shock moving from England to the United States?  First food. Food is definitely big culture-wise. It is more sugary than...

Junior Franco is a sophomore from Liberal. Franco majors in pre-med and for his work study he works in the wellness center. For work he cleans, checks people in, greets people and provides a welcome environment.

Opportunity for financial gain

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
January 12, 2022

Students have an opportunity to make money on campus through Work Study, a federal and local program.  SCCC has many positions available to students...

Greg Gunderson came to Seward County Community College from Park University, a private four-year institute in Kansas City. During his free time Gunderson likes to make pens out of wood. A senator has one of his pens since Gunderson likes to give his pens to people after he makes them.

SCCC welcomes its 12th president

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
December 2, 2021

Greg Gunderson has become Seward County Community College’s 12th president after a six-month absence in that position. The new president officially arrived...

El Pastorcito has many options for tacos. One of the most popular is al pastor.

Taco Truck Tour

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
December 1, 2021

Liberal has an abundance of taco trucks and as every college student knows tacos are cheap, filling and great to eat. Crusader News set out to try every...

How to find the taco trucks

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
November 29, 2021

SGA welcomes in chill week

SGA welcomes in chill week

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
November 22, 2021

A chill week will kick off at Seward County Community College in the student union from Nov. 29 -Dec. 3.  Throughout this whole week, the student government...

Some students hate 8 am classes and some others love them. A reason to hate 8 am classes is because you are too tired and it is just too early to try and learn something. A reason to love 8 am classes is because then you start your day off early and get a head start on what you are working on.

[Photo] Who likes 8 a.m. classes?

Kylie Regier, Reporter
November 17, 2021

Some students hate 8 am classes and some others love them. A reason to hate 8 am classes is because you are too tired and it is just too early to try and...

Dhamar Dozal is from Liberal. Dozal is a freshman, and her major is behavioral science.

Dhamar Dozal

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
November 12, 2021

If you could do anything for one day, what are you choosing to do?  Probably go for a walk in the mountains–like way in the mountains. Any mountains...

Know the warning signs of domestic violence

Know the warning signs of domestic violence

Ruby Thornton and Laura Gillespie
November 8, 2021

People who want to show support to survivors of domestic violence wear the color purple— it’s a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication.  Domestic...

Vivien Gabehart is from Marshall Oklahoma. She is a freshman, and her major is Sports Medicine.

Vivien Gabehart

Laura Gillespie and Brianna Rich
October 22, 2021

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to hang out with the girls on my team. Sometimes we go eat when we have the money. Other times we go...

All of the awards that Crusader News earned was from Spring and Fall of 2021. The Crusader spring and fall 2021 staff members are Brooke Katen, Dani Arellano, Victoria Martins, Ruby Thornton, Megan Berg, Kylie Regier, Reece Hay, William Swanson and Mauricio Gonzalez. Not pictured: Saskia Vogelzang, Mary Ramirez, Ana Brangioni, Gracie Gillespie, Brianna Rich, Andrea Espinoza, Monalisa Chakraborty, Maddie Garrison, Raven Staten, Maria Coronado, Destiny Vasquez, Logan Scruggs, Krisi Anderson and Brooklynn Bauer.

Shocking contest results for Crusader

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
October 19, 2021

Crusader News was shocked over the weekend when they were named second in the nation for best two-year website. This was one of five awards Crusader’s...

Melvin Le is from Liberal. Le is a sophomore and his major is pharmacy.

Melvin Le

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
October 15, 2021

As a published creative writer, why did you choose to write your piece Our Society?  It was originally inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and his I...

Campus goes maskless

Brooke Katen, Reporter
October 5, 2021

Students came to class Monday without wearing masks. It's the first time since COVID showed up in southwest Kansas in March 2020 that students have gone...

Abel Ochoa's favorite thing to do is welding, so he is making it his career. The Rolla freshman is majoring in welding. He thinks so much about this skill that his favorite quote is even about welding, "If it don't stick, weld it again."

Abel Ochoa

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
October 1, 2021

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?  Probably somewhere in Texas. Welding down there is really popular, and I want...

Amy Thompson reads a book called "Bee Makes Tea." At the first Open Mic Night of the semester, students, faculty and staff shared stories, photos and art that related to their personal identity. Thompson, speech instructor, explained this story related to her personal identity by her family's love of tea.

Artists share personal identity through performance

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
September 30, 2021

Students came together to share their personal stories of identity Wednesday night for the first official Open Mic Night of the year. The event was hosted...

First Open Mic Night Wednesday

First Open Mic Night Wednesday

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
September 27, 2021

Spend an evening with students and staff as they share their personal identity and heritage at the humanities’ Open Mic Night, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m....

Melissa Gonzalez is from Hugoton Kansas. Her major is cosmetology, and she is a freshman this year.

Melissa Gonzalez

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
September 24, 2021

What made you want to go into Cosmetology?  I’ve always had a passion for doing nails and the whole make-up thing in general. I’ve been a girly...

The auto body painting will be sold in the live auction and is valued at being priceless because of SCCC's Auto Body program students' hard work in creating it.

Annual SCCC auction benefits student scholarships

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
September 21, 2021

This upcoming Saturday 25 at 6:00 p.m. is the annual Seward County Community College foundation auction and all proceeds will benefit the student body...

Suicide warning signs

Suicide warning signs

Laura Gillespie, Copy Editor
September 20, 2021

Olive Green and Neon Yellow Illustrated UI Sleep Hygiene Infographic by Crusader

Kata Jawara is from New York City. He is a sophomore, and his major is Sports Management.

Kata Jawara

Laura Gillespie, Reporter
September 17, 2021

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?  Wings. Hot Wings. I like wings  What is something you like to do in your...

Students can claim ‘easy money’

Laura Gillespie, Reporter
September 15, 2021

It is not too late to receive free money, just talk to financial aid!  Less than half of Seward County College students have not even filled out the...

Yisel Ramos is from Liberal. Ramos is a freshman and her major is visual arts.

Yisel Ramos

Laura Gillespie and Brianna Rich
September 10, 2021

What is your all-time favorite anime? My favorite of all time is One Piece. One Piece came out in like 1997 or 1999 in between that time period and...

Paola Sanchez is from Liberal. She is a freshman and her major is undecided.

Paola Sanchez

Laura Gillespie and Brianna Rich
September 3, 2021

What is your favorite type of music? My favorite type of music is R&B. I really got into it when I was twelve years old and really discovering music....

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Laura Gillespie