Northeast Texas Community College history professor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor Dr. Melissa Weinbrenner has been chosen to serve as a Phi Theta Kappa 2012 Faculty Scholar. Only 25 instructors were chosen from among nearly 3,000 chapter advisors to receive this honor. The scholars were selected through a rigorous application process based on knowledge of the 2012-2013 Honors Study Topic, "The Culture of Competition,? and demonstrated excellence in teaching or administration.

• Read more about Pianist Thomas Pandolfi to perform at Whatley Center

Seven members of the 2010-2011 Northeast Texas Community College softball team were recently named National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar Athletes.
Chastin Smiddy, Shelby Perry, Christina Martin, Katelyn Holcomb, Ashley Eaves, April Breshears and Reagan Smith all qualified for the honor after finishing the 2010-2011 academic school year with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above.

?College athletics is about preparing players for the real world and academics are a big part of that,? NTCC head softball coach Jay Terry said.

Northeast Texas Community College wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We will be closed from Monday, Dec. 19 to Friday, Dec. 30. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, January 2.

Spring classes begin on Tuesday, January 17. Online registration is available during the holiday break at www.ntcc.edu. Please be safe and enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season.

Northeast Texas Community College held its winter 2011 commencement ceremony at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Dec. 16. During the ceremony, 102 students were awarded associate degrees and 42 earned certificates of competency in their chosen fields. John Coleman, NTCC Associate Faculty Member in Psychology gave the commencement address. Pictured above, Matthew James Burt, of Lone Star, gives the student response as NTCC President Dr. Brad Johnson looks on. Burt received an Associate of Applied Science in welding.

Hastings Entertainment recently gave $209.17 to benefit the Titus County Literacy Advisory Committee. These funds were donated by Hastings customers at the local Mount Pleasant store. Pictured making the donation are Brandy White (right), Book Manager, and Mandy Cole (second from right), Store Manager. Receiving the gift on behalf of the Titus County Literacy Advisory Committee are Freda Duncan (left) and Linda Zepeda. Hastings maintains an active involvement in the fight against illiteracy.