The Northeast Texas Community College Foundation recently received a $35,000 gift from the Texas Pioneer Foundation. Fred Markham (left), Executive Director of the Texas Pioneer Foundation, is pictured presenting the check to Dr. Jonathan McCullough, NTCC Vice President for Advancement. The funds will be used to support the NTCC Work Scholarship Program. The Texas Pioneer Foundation is a private foundation that supports programs that will improve the quality and results of education for all Texas students.

Northeast Texas Community College is now accepting applications for its upcoming Firefighter Academy. The program begins January 9, 2017 and runs through June 30. †Students will meet†Monday†through Thursday†evenings at the Central Fire Station in Mount Pleasant and alternating Saturdays.

The course of study will include†Firefighter I, Firefighter II, HazMat Awareness and HazMat Operations. The cost for the program is $1,664 plus books and personal protective equipment.

Theatre Northeast, the student theatre group of Northeast Texas Community College, will present its annual Children?s Play December 3 and 4 on the main stage of the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts.

Communities In Schools of Northeast Texas will launch ?Communities In Schools Believes In Dreams ? Christmas Project? -†a holiday program designed to connect generous groups and individuals with children who may not otherwise have the resources to celebrate Christmas.

Titus County Cares is excited to partner with Communities In Schools in this endeavor.† The Empty Stocking program has served our community well for many years and we look forward to blessing area families with the support of Communities In Schools Believes in Dreams - Christmas Project going forward.

Registration for the spring 2017 semester is currently underway at Northeast Texas Community College. Students may also register for the holiday intersession term.

Intersession courses run December 21 through January 6. These intensive online classes allow dedicated students to earn full college credit in about three weeks. Learn more about these classes at www.ntcc.edu/intersession.†The regular Spring 2017 semester begins on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

By: Rene? McCracken, NTCC Director of Agriculture

Sorghum, pumpkins and peas....oh my! Fall is not just a perfect time of year for me, but our goats at Northeast Texas Community College are enjoying the harvest as well. This is just one of the sustainable practices we love demonstrating at our NTCC Small Farm.† Working with nature and incorporating livestock into the garden is not only sustainable, but we cut out most of our labor and fuel/equipment costs.

The Northeast Texas Community College Art Department is hosting A Passion for Piecing, a quilt exhibit featuring the work of local quilters, through November 29 in the foyer of the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts.

"Quilting is a fascinating art form that marries creativity with tradition and practicality. We are excited to showcase the wonderful talent of some of our best local quilters,? Debbie Strong, NTCC Instructor of Art, said.

An artists? reception is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Whatley foyer.

Emmalea Shaw, a Northeast Texas Community College sophomore from Fruitvale, was one of six recipients of the Dr. Mary Hood STAR Scholarship.† The scholarship honors returning community college students in the Texas region who show outstanding promise as leaders and as scholars.†The recipients were announced at the recent Texas Honors Institute held at Stephen F. Austin State University and recognized onstage. Shaw is a Presidential Scholar in Honors Northeast and has won numerous state and regional awards.

Northeast Texas Community College Eagles Softball held a signing ceremony Tuesday for 2017-2018 recruits. Signees are pictured seated (from left): Tatyanna Smith of Hope, AR; Hollie Thomas of Henrietta; Ramzi Smith of Redwater; Shelby Baker of Carrollton; and Jamie Franks of Kennedale. NTCC Head Softball Coach, Jessica Keith and Assistant Coach, Sarah Lankford, are pictured standing. Visit ntcceagles.com to follow Eagles Softball. Click for more photos!