The Allen Flame

Earlier this year, Allen Theater and Film student Brynn Walker won the Regional Award in Makeup Design after competing in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region V against students from colleges and 4-year universities across seven states. This marks the third year in a row that a Theatre student studying technical theater has won the regional award for their specific category.

Earlier this year, two Allen Community College employees, Terri Fahnestock, Communications Instructor, and Julie Ingle, Financial Aid Specialist, won The League Excellence Award presented to them by the League For Innovation. The League For Innovation in the Community College was founded in 1968 by B. Lamar Johnson with the goal of cultivating innovation in the community college environment. According to one of the recipients of the award, nominees are selected by their fellow employees.

On February 26th, I met with the new president of the Allen Community College, Dr. Lyvier Leffler. Dr. Leffler has only been at Allen for a short amount of time, but she has big ambitions to get things changed and make the campus a more fun environment. An in person meeting with Dr. Leffler was a great opportunity to get a vision of what she has in store for Allen. She is the new chapter of Allen. Rylie Olson: Have you had a position like this before taking on the presidency here?

With more and more states legalizing medical and/or recreational marijuana, a lot of past social stigmas are resurfacing. While some states have legalized recreational and/or medical marijuana use, the drug still remains illegal on the federal level despite continuing attempts to legalize cannabis across the country. A lot of the resistance against marijuana comes from worries concerning user health, social safety, and other social stigmas surrounding the plant.

Many college students view long distance relationships as a challenge that is not worth the price. Yet, while relationships that involve distance can be a frightening challenge, they can also serve as a powerful testament to the strength of connection, which can build a stronger relationship. So, what’s considered keeping up with a long distance relationship in college?

At 7:30 on Nov 7th, the student center was bursting with chants and applause as student contestants tried to take on the 2024 Blaze hot wing eating challenge. Spectators gathered around the table where the contestants sat hunched over their plates. The smell of vinegar and Scovilles stung their noses as spectators watched each round of wings prepared and plated.

The below story happened in the Allen Community College cafeteria. The names of the students have been changed for anonymity. Cindy stood in her small kitchen at ACC, frowning at the unexpected delivery. A can of garbanzo beans? That wasn’t on her list. She had planned for apple, cherry, and blueberry cobblers for the college’s annual spring festival. But there it was, gleaming like a mystery in her cupboard. “Why not?” she thought. “It’s April Fools’ Day.

After a few away game skirmishes, the Allen Community College’s Women’s Basketball team will play against Crowder College for its first home game of the 2024-25 season on November 12, 2024. After going 22-6 overall last year and making an appearance in the 2023-24 Region Six Tournament semi-final, the women’s basketball team is returning for a new season with almost a completely new roster.

Most people would like to build self-confidence, motivation, and enthusiasm. Health Occupations Students of America(HOSA) is widely seen as a place to develop these skills. Allen Community College hosts a chapter of HOSA and is accepting new members. HOSA’s mission is to empower future health care professionals to become leaders in global health community through education, collaboration, and experience. HOSA’s motto this year is Powered by the people.

In early September, the Allen student body elected its new student senate council for the 2024-25 academic year. The council is sponsored by Josiah D’albini. The student senate council aims to enhance student voices on campus and increase transparency among school staff. The council will be headed Amogelang Mofokeng as President and Vice President Lana Mayfield. Jena Hendrix will serve as the council’s secretary.