The Current Online

by David Hiestand

On Feb. 22, students will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with their state representatives and senators during Missouri Community College Rally Day, an annual event held at the state capitol in Jefferson City.

“This year, MCCA’s Rally Day is more important than ever, as the state’s higher education budget could be reduced by as much as 12.5 percent,” wrote MCC Associate Vice Chancellor Tom Vansaghi in a district-wide email.

Rally Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a gathering where elected officials will speak about the importance of community colleges.  Participants will then divide into groups according to campus and visit their state representatives and senators.

MCC will provide transportation for students interested in participating.  Students must pre-register with their campus coordinator.  Contact information and guidelines can be found in the Rally Day email sent to all MCC students.

The deadline for registration is Feb. 10.

Shorelines editor Matt Porto preps for more submissions (David Hiestand/The Current).

by David Hiestand

“There is just something magical about seeing your work in print,” said Terri Lowry, faculty sponsor of Shorelines, Longview’s annual publication of student writing and artwork.

Shorelines pays students for exemplary work through its annual “Creativity Contest,” which features cash prizes for fiction, poetry and artwork.  The entry fee is $1 per submission, but Lowry says students do not have to enter the contest to benefit from publishing in Shorelines. [...]

by Tara Menefee

The MCC-Blue River Trail Blazers soccer teams are preparing for the upcoming fall season. The coaches, Brad Childers (women) and Dave Owens (men), are in the process of signing new players in hopes that this season will be as successful as the previous seasons.

The women’s team just signed Bailey Barnett, who will graduate from Liberty North High School this spring. From Lee’s Summit Community Christian High School, the men’s team signed Hunter McRoberts, who has an excellent scoring record. [...]

Lee’s Summit’s GOT ART gallery is seeking artist submissions from MCC art students. Students can place entries by sending their artwork via CD portfolio or email.  The entry deadline for the February show is Feb. 8 at midnight, but the application must be turned in with a $10 fee by Feb. 3. Applications are available at www.gotartgallery.com. The GOT ART Gallery is located at 18 SW Third Street, Lee’s Summiti. A second show will be hung in October, and the deadline is Feb. 21 through March 5.

~Michael Scassellati