Northeast Texas Community College recently awarded the second annual Bonnie Spencer Awards for excellence in historical research. The prize is awarded to students who write the top United States History papers for the school year. First place ($100) went to Alondra Ferretiz of Mount Pleasant and second place ($50) went to Sarah Craig of Hughes Springs.
NTCC is somewhat unique in that is requires all students to complete a research paper during their United States History course. The top two essays were chosen from papers written during the school year.
Ferretiz?s winning essay explored the religious differences between Indian tribes whose shamanistic leaders imbibed jimsonweed, and yaupon holly as opposed to peyote.† She found the mythology of the former religions playful, and the peyote-influenced beliefs, violent.
NTCC?s historian reviewers noted the following about Ferretiz?s work: ?I enjoyed this essay more than the others?I really appreciate this paper, and the unique dichotomy it forms around shamanistic drug-experiences?This paper had the most interesting premise and creative approach. I would encourage this person to continue work on with this paper and possibly turn it into something publishable?Of all the papers, this one was the most narrowly focused and relevant to society at large today.?
Craig?s winning essay focused on the economic crisis of the South after the Civil War.† Northern controls working in tandem with the exorbitant southern creation of segregation damaged an already injured system. Reviewers noted:
?I think the student has a very promising foray into the effort to see racial issues from an economic standpoint, rather than vice versa?Of all†the papers submitted, this was the best written?The author proves that northern banks, investors or companies established and owned southern industries.?
The top group of seven finalist essays were reviewed intently by four NTCC historians?Dr. Melissa Fulgham, James McGregor, John Russo, and Dr. Andrew Yox.† Other finalists included student essays by Tammy Christianson, Angel Guerrero, Megan Haddox, William Jones, and Ana Ramirez.
The awards commemorate Bonnie Spencer who initiated NTCC?s first history club in 2003. Spencer is now an ICU nurse at Titus Regional Medical Center who also raises Appaloosa horses at her Leesburg ranch. She has continued to support history at NTCC, reading finalist essay submissions, participating in the history films of the new history club, the Webb Society, aligned with Honors Northeast, and patronizing the essay contest.
