Student Government Association (SGA) officers and members traveled to
Austin on Tuesday, Feb. 3 to represent Panola College for Texas Community
College Day. State Representative Chris Paddie met with the Panola College
delegation to discuss some of the major issues affecting the State that
will come before the Texas Legislature this session.

Among the topics discussed were water infrastructure, the Department of
Transportation, and changes to Health and Human Services. Members of the
SGA joined more than 2,000 students from 50 community colleges across the
state in a rally on the steps of the Capitol. Following the rally, Rep.
Paddie recognized the presence of Panola College on the House floor.

“We really enjoyed our visit. It is neat to know that my officers and I
were recognized in the official records of the State of Texas,” said
Melissa Crooks, SGA President.

Participating were SGA officers, Crooks, president; Sedric Black, vice
president; Clint Kite, secretary; Jeffrey Oney, reporter and Blake Butler,
parliamentarian. Panola College faculty and administrators accompanying the
students were Dr. Gregory Powell, Panola College President; Steve Williams,
Vice President of Fiscal Services, and Brian Naples, Government Professor
and SGA faculty sponsor.

Photo (L to R) - Steve Williams, Brian Naples, State Representative Chris Paddie, Blake Butler, Sedric Black, Clint Kite, Dr. Gregory Powell; front, left to right, Jeff Oney and Melissa Crooks.