December 13, 2013
† † †Northeast Texas Community College Presidential Scholars recently presented an entire panel (for the first time) at the National Collegiate Honors Council devoted to a singular practice at NTCC?making feature-length films of figures of regional significance.††The panelists, all sophomores of NTCC Honors, discussed the reasons for making films, the essential elements of making such films possible, and exhibited various clips of the recent film on Wright Patman that is being assembled.
† † †Noah Griffin began the discussion contrasting the passive viewing of films with active construction.††He noted that the former can actually marginalize people from history, whereas the latter immerses students in a past of costume, context, and language.††Stephen Milburn assessed the decision of NTCC Honors to produce dramatic action narratives rather than documentaries.††Alisha Richardson described her work creating period costumes.††Ricky Huitema discussed the preliminary historical research, and the benefits of meeting film experts in Austin, Texas.††Matthew Jordan, co-producer of the Wright Patman film, provided relevant film clips.
† † †Questions from the audience ranged from a comment that began??you must have a very large honors program,?--to queries about the costs and filming procedures.††In fact, NTCC Honors consists of 20 scholars, making it one of the smallest member program/colleges of the NCHC.
† † †NTCC does have Honors Professor Chuck Hamilton, with a professional film rig, and an expertise in film history, as well as some fine creative scholars?four of which presented posters this year as well at the New Orleans meeting.
† † †?We had a unforgettable time in New Orleans,? notes Dr. Andrew Yox, Honors Director.††?Our students were articulate naturals around some of the best university students from around the nation.††A friend of NTCC Honors who wishes to remain anonymous, and Dr. Mary Hearron, who financed a marvelous final meal in New Orleans, added to the festivity.††Each of the students were thrilled to receive $100 of extra spending money from the anonymous donor.?
† † †NTCC Honors is the only community college honors program in the nation to have had scholarly student presenters in every meeting of the NCHC since 2008.††The deadline for applications to become a part of NTCC Honors is March 1, 2014 for the 2014-2015 year.††Contact Andrew Yox at†ayox@ntcc.edu†or 903-434-8229 or visit www.ntcc.edu/honors for more information.
