Press Release

May 18, 2007

“Emerging Scholars” program shows value of developmental courses

Story and photo(s) by Bobby Summers, Coordinator of Public Information

Nicole Belanger

Nicole Belanger of Groves graduated from high school and then waited until her children were older before she enrolled at Lamar State College-Port Arthur to study nursing.

Lucinda Westphal of Nederland didn’t like mathematics when she was going to high school in the 1980s. Now, she is pursuing an associate degree in accounting at Lamar State.

Kevin Pintsch of Port Neches was ready for a change after 20 years as an emergency responder in area industrial plants. When his company offered a voluntary layoff, Pintsch enrolled in the LSC-PA Nursing Program.

Frank Hare Jr., a 1990 graduate of Silsbee High School, found new focus for school after turning 30. He enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program at Lamar State, then changed to Surgical Technology and earned a technical certificate and an associate degree. Now, he’s studying to be a licensed vocational nurse.

Kevin Pintsch

The four students differ in age, but they have two things in common. They had to take developmental education courses before they could take college-level courses, and now they are honor students.

Belanger, Westphal, Pintsch and Hare were among 27 students who were recognized at the recent “Emerging Scholars” Banquet in the Carl Parker Center.

“ ‘Emerging Scholars’ was created in 2001 to recognize the academic success of students who were required to take non-credit developmental mathematics, writing or reading courses when they first came to the college, and who now are earning grades in college-level courses that qualify them for the Deans’ or President’s lists,” said Peggy Knight, a developmental education instructor, who developed the program.

Frank Hare Jr.

“It’s really extraordinary what these students accomplish,” Knight said. “Most developmental students have to tack on another year of courses and often become discouraged. Students who approach this problem with a positive attitude often achieve extraordinary academic success. Many of our ‘Emerging Scholars’ have a perfect 4.0 grade point average.”

Westphal, who plans to pursue a four-year degree in accounting, had to take three semesters of developmental math when she came back to school.

“I worked in the medical field, and my husband tried to talk me into going to school to be a nurse. But I didn’t have the desire,” Westphal said. “One of my high school teachers suggested accounting. But that didn’t get my interest. Then one day I woke up and decided to go back to school and study accounting.”

Pintsch said the three developmental math courses he had to take made a big difference in his college education.

“The teachers made it all make sense to me,” he said. “I also learned better study habits. I’m more mature now, and that helps.”

Hare also sees the advantage that older “non-traditional” students have when returning to college.

“Turning 30 gave me much more focus,” he said. “After one semester I knew I could do the work. Lamar State College gives you a good foundation.”

Belanger, who intends to a registered nurse, said it’s never too later or too early to consider going to college. She encourages her 14-year-old son by using herself as an example.

“I tell him, ‘If I can do it, so can you,’ ” she said.

Each of the Emerging Scholars nominated a mentor who helped them succeed at the college. The mentors honored at the banquet are: admission advisors Patricia Guidry and Suan LeBlanc; and faculty members Jimmie Adams, Brandon Buckner, Ron Carlin, Nancy Cammack, Patricia Granger, Jim Ashcraft, Lowell Boudreaux, Percy Jordan, Sue Jordan, Nancy Longlet, Kimberly Jones, Peggy Knight, Sherry Steele, Sally Byrd, Monteel Copple, Michelle Judice, Mysti Rudd and David Sorrells.

Lucinda Westphal, received the Emerging Scholar of the Year Award, a $500 scholarship for the 2006 fall semester.

The 2007 “Emerging Scholars,” listed by home town, are:

Beaumont: Jessica Lynn Boydston, Ward Steven Dotson, James Howard Hensley, Kimberly Chanell Malbrough, Ranelle Lynn Taylor and Mia Marie Welch.

Groves: Nicole Lynne Belanger, Rena Marie Dela Rosa, Lana Elisse Smith and Babette Lora Sosa.

Nederland: Amber Hope Ardoin, Jennifer Kay Cardenas and Lucinda Gale Westphal.

Port Arthur: Xavier Reinaldo Cabrera, Tara Ann Candee, Erika Ceja, Amanda B. LeDee, Rozinaben V. Maredia, Karla Matamoros, Charneth Ramdoo and Kody Andress Scruggs.

Port Neches: Robert George Bolton, Juanita Munguia, Kevin Lee Pintsch and Randolf Roxas Umayam

Silsbee: Frank Truman Hare Jr.

Sour Lake: Mary Elizabeth Brooks.