SRC Art Students View WPA Art Exhibit at Dickson Mounds

Spoon River College art teacher Jamie Kotewa and art students Destiny Evans, Rachel Hickle, Keeara Virag, and Justice Westlake recently viewed the Works Project Administration (WPA) art exhibit on display at the Dickson Mounds State Museum near Lewistown.

As part of the Roosevelt Administration’s New Deal, the Federal Art Project (FAP) employed artists based on financial need to portray “the hardships and the hopes of American life during the Great Depression (1929-1939),” when more than 20% of the American workforce was unemployed.  In exchange for the art, they were given a weekly wage, art supplies, and exhibition opportunities.

“This particular exhibit was powerful to me, as an instructor, because of the depth of the printmaking approaches it showcased,” Kotewa said. “Historically, the pieces also provide an important snapshot of life during the depression.  Artists were making intentional decisions about how to manipulate and represent space and people within those spaces. Their choices of what printmaking process to use also impacts how the imagery becomes interpreted.  Nearly a century later, we can see ripple effects from the choices those artists made.  It’s really neat to be able to make connections between artworks across time.”

By the time the project was disbanded in 1943, approximately 5,000 artists had created 2,566 murals, 17,744 sculptures, 108,899 easel paintings, 11,285 designs for a quarter-million fine art prints, 22,000 Index of American Design plates, and 35,000 designs for two millions posters.

In Illinois, approximately 800 artists produced more than 500 sculptures and 200 murals, and nearly 5,000 designs for two millions posters.

Zebulon Bartlow:February Student Shout-Out Recipient

Zebulon Bartlow of Rushville is the recipient of the Student Shout-Out for February at Spoon River College, and will receive a $100 Visa gift card. Bartlow was recognized by Krista Winters, SRC biology teacher, for the respect he shows to other students as well as his willingness to work with and assist his classmates.

“He always comes to my microbiology class with a smile and a compliment,” Winters said. “He takes his classes seriously and makes sure he has mastered the lecture and lab material before leaving, and when he is unsure of something, he asks for help. He is an upbeat high-spirited person and makes his classmates comfortable when working with them. I enjoy having him in my class.”

Bartlow already has a B.A. and a Master’s in International Relations, and is also a student at WIU. He is currently working towards a MS degree with a goal of being a physician’s assistant.

The Student Shout-Out is an initiative that encourages any faculty or employee to nominate a student who deserves a special shout-out. “The reason can be big or small, but the important thing is that we hear about the positive and helpful things our students are doing,” said Abby Beck, TRIO advisor on the Macomb Campus.

Last Call: SRC Foundation Scholarship Applications Due March 15

Scholarship applications for students who are considering attending Spoon River College beginning Fall 2022 will be accepted through the close of business on March 15, 2022.  The required forms are available at www.src.edu/scholarships.

Applicants must complete the scholarship application, complete a 2022-23 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and submit their most recent transcripts (seventh semester for high school seniors). This process is required for all scholarships.  In order to be eligible for any SRC Foundation scholarships, they must have and maintain a GPA of 2.5.

“The best part about our process is that a student need only apply once to be considered for all SRC Foundation scholarships,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director for the SRC Foundation. “The website is a one-stop-shop for applying.”

In addition to Foundation scholarships, the college offers academic and performing grants as well.  These scholarships may require contact with specific faculty members or coaches.  Scholarships for high school students wishing to take dual credit classes are also available at various times throughout the year, as are scholarships for career and technical students.

Students can also receive other types of financial aid in addition to scholarships when they complete the FAFSA.

“Many students are pleasantly surprised to find that they can receive both a scholarship and other sources of revenue such as Pell Grants or Work Study,” said Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services.

This year, the Foundation will be providing over 100 scholarships to students of all ages, traditional and non-traditional, new or returning, full or part-time, and in a variety of academic pursuits.  Any student who is considering attending SRC is urged to apply in order to be considered for scholarship opportunities.

“If you aren’t sure if you’ll be attending Spoon River, we highly encourage you to apply if you think there is a chance you’ll be here as a student this fall,” said Davis.  “Scholarship funds go quickly, and opportunities are much fewer after this March 15 deadline.”

Students can submit their application electronically during that time by sending a signed, scanned copy to financialaid@src.edu, or by mail to SRC Financial Aid Office, 23235 N. Co. Hwy. 22, Canton, IL, 61520.  Please note that electronic submission is solely at the risk of the applicant, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure receipt.  Additionally, district high school students may turn in their application with their guidance counselors prior to the deadline, and the application will be considered timely.

Students who require assistance with their application should contact SRC’s Financial Aid office as soon as possible.

For more information, contact Colin Davis at colin.davis@src.edu or contact any Spoon River College advisor at (309) 647-4645.

FAFSA Completion Workshop for Canton High School Seniors March 9

Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present a free FAFSA Completion workshop at Canton High School on March 9 from 6-7 p.m. in the CHS library. This workshop is for Canton High School seniors and their parents.

Along with the student’s driver’s license, attendees should bring 2020 income information: 2020 tax forms and all W2s (for both the parents and the students if applicable), and any other income records—including income earned from work/business, child support paid or received—and information regarding assets (there are directions on the FAFSA to determine if a business or farm value should be included).

Attendees are welcome to bring their own personal electronic device if they want, but that is not required.

“Completing the FAFSA is now a graduation requirement in the State of Illinois. It’s also the first step to take in order to obtain federal and state aid for college, including applying for scholarships,” said Jo Branson, financial aid director at Spoon River College.

For more information about financial aid, visit www.src.edu, call 309-649-7030 or email financialaid@src.edu.

SRC Theatre Students will Direct Spring Production

​Spoon River College Theatre students Lauren Avery and Kaitlynn Tutt won’t be on the stage of this year’s spring production; instead they will be directing the actors who are on the stage.

“Both of these students came to me—independently of each other—and said they would like to try something different,” said Douglas Okey, SRC Theatre program director. “I’ve worked with them the past two years and while letting a student direct a play is not something I would normally consider, I’m confident in the ability of these two to do a great job.”

This year’s production is a series of three one-act plays, lending itself well to multiple directors. Avery will direct “The Man in The Case” by Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Wendy Wasseestein, Tutt will direct “Here We Are” by novelist, poet, and Oscar nominee Dorothy Parker, and Okey will direct “On Tidy Endings” by Tony-award winning actor and writer Harvey Fierstein.

Avery said her first role on stage was in The Nit Wits at Canton High School. “I was part of a group with no real lines, but I played it with enthusiasm to the fullest extent I could!”

At SRC, Avery has been active both on stage and backstage in the theatre program, although the two-year pandemic made it a challenge. In the fall of 2020, she auditioned for the lead role in Miss Julie and got it, only to have the production cancelled. She appeared in the one-act drama Trifles in the fall of 2021, which had to be filmed and then released as a video. She finally experienced being on the SRC stage with an audience in attendance this past fall when she played Margaret Leavitt in Silent Sky.

She jokes that she’s “drowning but in a good way” regarding her first attempt at directing—”I need floaties to swim!”—but she’s serious about learning all she can from Okey. One of the most important things she’s learned so far? “My opinions are worth something.”

Avery’s passion for live theatre has inspired her to pursue a career as playwright and an actor. “I’m already working on two plays, and I plan to transfer to Lincoln College, which has a good theatre program.”

Tutt’s first stage part was in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat when she was six years old, and it was just the beginning. She was a member of the Thespian Club at Canton High School, and says her all-time favorite production (so far) has been Mama Mia.

Amanda Vandermeer and Tony Militello both had a major influence on Tutt. “Amanda was theatre mom, director, and best friend all in one.” Fun fact about Tutt; she can play any wind instrument, and will be part of the next SRC Community Chorus Production, Into the Woods.

After being a stage manager—and loving it—Tutt felt directing was the next step. “I had a vague idea of what I was getting into, but there have definitely been a few moments when I wondered what I was doing. It’s been good to have Lauren going through it with me.”

Tutt has planned on being an elementary teacher since “forever,” but is now changing that up and will double major in theatre and education at WIU. When asked to name one of the most important things she has learned about directing from Okey, Tutt replied, “To trust my gut and not be so hard on myself.”

Okey said that he’s offered the two some guidance, but not much. “I never had any serious doubts about them stepping up and being able to handle this. I know they are capable.”

Avery and Tutt will earn class credit for completing this theatre practicum, and both are recipients of SRC Theatre performing grants.

SRC Theatre presents its plays in the Taylor Hall Theatre on the college’s Canton Campus. Here We Are: An Evening of One-Act Plays runs March 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and March 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved using the reservations form on the Theatre page at SRC.edu or by calling (309) 649-6257.

Lauren Avery, Douglas Okey, and Kaitlynn Tutt

Allyson Smith Joins Ag Faculty at Spoon River College

Allyson Smith of Canton joins the faculty at Spoon River College as a full-time agriculture teacher. She is a graduate of Canton High School, where she was a member of FFA and active in a number of FFA contests, including Soils, Agronomy, Horticulture, Electricity, Poultry, Ag Business, Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking, and Forestry. She also served as president and vice-president, and remains a dedicated advocate of FFA.

“FFA is so much more than corn, soybeans, and cows,” Smith said. “And it’s often at a contest that a student finds what their interest really is.” For her, that interest was agronomy.

After graduating high school in 2015, Smith enrolled at WIU for Ag Education where she was a member of the Weed Science team, a student recruiter for the School of Ag, and also worked on the university farm under Dr. Mark Bernards. It was there she added researching to the list of things she liked doing, so she switched up her major and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture and a minor in Agronomy in 2018.

Smith then transferred to Michigan State University to work on a master’s degree. While there, she participated in extension events and had the opportunity to teach an introduction to Weed Science lab, where she discovered yet another passion. “I knew deep down that teaching was what I was meant to do.”

In 2020, Smith graduated with a Master of Science Crop and Soil with a focus on Agronomy and Weed Science. She accepted a position with the University of Missouri as a research specialist. When the teaching position at Spoon River College opened up, Smith called it her “dream job.”

“I am excited to be back in my hometown and to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and education with the future of agriculture,” said Smith.

Smith and her husband Dalton have settled into their new home in Canton that they share with their adopted dogs Bailey, Cricket, and Roscoe. When not at home, they are most likely out fishing, camping, and taking pictures.

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois dedicated to providing students a quality education.  With campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square mile area in Fulton, Mason, McDonough, and Schuyler counties. For more information, visit www.src.edu.

SRC Adult Education Program Seeking Volunteer Tutors

The Adult Education programs at Spoon River College include GED and Literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), and the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program. All three rely on volunteer tutors to help the students succeed.

Cyndi Johnston, coordinator of the adult education programs at Spoon River College, is currently seeking those willing to be volunteer tutors for students in these programs. “I always stress that no special education or degree is required,” said Johnston. “Our volunteers are a diverse group of all ages and backgrounds.”

What is needed, Johnston said, is compassion and a desire to help others. “Training is provided, the hours are flexible, and the reward is the gratitude of our students and their joy when they succeed.”

Classes are at varying times on all campuses, and tutoring can be done in-person or remotely. “Volunteers are a vital part of the success of our students and our programs. Every year I panic that I won’t be able to find enough volunteers, and every year I’m grateful that willing people come forward.”

For more information about being a volunteer tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038 or email cyndi.johnston@src.edu.

For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Spoon River College, visit https://www.src.edu/academics/Pages/ged.aspx.

Spoon River College Theatre announces company for Here We Are: An Evening of One-Act Plays

The theatre at Spoon River College has announced the cast and crew for its March 4-6 production of Here We Are: An Evening of One-Act Plays.

The company will present, for the first time in recent memory, a short series of one-act plays rather than a more traditional full-length story. The plays include “The Man in a Case” by Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein, “Here We Are” by novelist, poet, and Oscar nominee Dorothy Parker, and “On Tidy Endings” by Tony-award winning actor and writer Harvey Fierstein.

SRC Theatre program director Douglas Okey, a member of the SRC faculty and director of the Fierstein play, said that the spring production will be notable not just for the one-act-plays format: The Wasserstein and Parker plays will be directed by current SRC Theatre students.

Lauren Avery and Kaitlynn Tutt, both second-year students in the SRC Theatre program, are taking on directing duties for the first time on SRC’s stage. “These are two highly committed and creative theatre artists,” said Okey. “They know our program, our playing space, and many of the members of the current company.” Tutt, who has worked previously on stage and as stage manager, will direct the Parker play.

Avery, a familiar face on SRC’s stage the last two years, will take on Wasserstein, whose play is based on a short story by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. Both students are directing as part of an academic theatre “practicum,” meaning that they are earning academic credit for their work on the show.

SRC Theatre presents its plays in the Taylor Hall Theatre on the college’s Canton Campus. Here We Are: An Evening of One-Act Plays runs March 4 and 5 at 7:00 p.m. and March 6 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved using the reservations form on the Theatre page at SRC.edu or calling (309) 649-6257.

Members of the company for Here We Are: An Evening of One-Act Plays, comprising both currently enrolled students and community members, include: Lauren Avery, Melody Barnes, Oliver Dalpiaz, Destiny Evans, Aaron Haacke, Zac Hanson, Rachel Hickle, Aja Lawson, Haiden Lee, Zoe Lutes, Hunter Martin, Sydney Munson, Sienna Rader, Lily Rogers, Kirsten Seeley, Kyle Simpson, Kaitlynn Tutt, Madelynn Wilcox, and Hannah Zimmerman.

Career and Technical Education College Visit Day March 1

Spoon River College is hosting a Career and Technical Education College Visit Day on Tuesday, March 1, from 9:30-11 a.m. on the Canton Campus. It is open to high school students as well as non-traditional prospective students.

“We are excited to showcase some of our training programs which lead to high-skill, high-wages, and in-demand occupations,” said Brad O’Brien, dean of career and workforce education. “We expect these occupations to be among the drivers of an economic recovery.”

Programs to be featured include Agricultural Business Management, Commercial Driver Training, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Healthcare Career programs, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursing, Rail Transportation and Power System Technology, and Welding.

Information about the application process, tuition, financial aid, and student life will also be presented. Attendees will also have the option to take a campus tour, including the Snapper Villas student housing, and will receive a free t-shirt.

This event is for people of all ages who are interested in learning about the career education programs at Spoon River College. High school students should inquire with their school about using a college visit day, and letters from the College confirming their attendance at the event will be provided to those students if needed.

Face coverings are required at Spoon River College for all students, staff, and visitors.

The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N County Hwy. 22.

Stan Cook “Give Hope” Scholarship Now Available

​The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year to students; scholarships may be for academic excellence, for talent or skill, or for a particular profession or degree. Many of the scholarships are named after individuals who wish to continue making a difference in the lives of others, such as the Stan Cook “Give Hope” scholarship, a new award now available.

The Stan Cook “Give Hope” Scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the Spring 2022 semester, actively working toward a degree or certificate, and who have completed a 2021-2022 FAFSA. Five awards of $1,000 each will be made. Deadline to file for this scholarship is February 11, 2022.

In addition, the general application for Spoon River College Foundation scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year is now available, and the deadline to file is March 15, 2022. All potential students are encouraged to apply, even if they aren’t sure they’ll be attending in the next academic year or have already received financial aid.

Performing skill grants are awarded each year to students showing special ability or talent in the areas of Art, Drama, Athletics, Agriculture, Speech and Debate. Students receiving these grants may use the awarded funds for tuition or books. Activity sponsors in each area have specific requirements and criteria that must be met.

Students interested in performing skill grants must complete all the necessary eligibility requirements for SRC/SRC Foundation Scholarships as outlined on the application form and contact the individual sponsor regarding additional eligibility requirements.

In order to apply for any scholarship, students must have filed a 2021-2022 FAFSA.

All applications, instructions, and requirements can be found at www.src.edu/scholarships.

For more information about SRC Foundation scholarships, visit www.src.edu, contact Colin Davis at colin.davis@src.edu, or contact any Spoon River College advisor at (309) 647-4645.