Livingston County
Jaden Hopkins
Bryan Wooten

Marshall County
Amanda Bailey
Kensley Bowerman
Mikaela Chilton
Melissa Fiske
Daniel Howard
Aaron-Jesy Keys
Stevie Reed
Paul Ward 

Union County,Ill.
Kaitlyn Whiteside

Paducah, KY (October 19, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) will host an open house November 1 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. in the Anderson Technical Building lobby.

The open house, which is free and open to the public, is for anyone who is interested in going to college and finding out more about what WKCTC has to offer.

Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the WKCTC campus through various sessions throughout the day that include program demonstrations by faculty, classroom observations, and one-on-one time with faculty and staff to answer questions about the college’s programs and services. WKCTC representatives will be available to help individuals visit various open house locations.

“Open house gives students a first-hand look at many of our programs such as nursing, computer information technology, radiography, computer machining and manufacturing, industrial maintenance and more, “said Trent Johnson, coordinator of admissions and recruiting. “It’s an opportunity to see what type of careers they might want to pursue and that WKCTC is the place to start.”

For more information, contact Trent Johnson at trent.johnson@kctcs.edu or (270) 534-3302.

PADUCAH, KY (October 21, 2016) – Cake decorating classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College continue to be a community education favorite.

The Course One Building Buttercream Skills course will be offered on four consecutive Tuesday evenings October 25-November 1. Course 2 Flowers and Cake Design course will be offered on November 3, 10, 17 and December 1. 

Both four-week courses will be offered in the Emerging Technology Center Cyber Café from 6  – 8 p.m. with a cost of $69 for each of the four-week courses.

Certified Wilton Method Instructor Linda Mayes, who has been decorating cakes for nearly 20 years, is back to teach the both courses. Participants should bring their own apron and wear closed-toe shoes.

Course One Building Buttercream Skills

Participants can learn how to decorate cakes and sweet treats with basic buttercream techniques and six simple-to-pipe flowers that transform ordinary cakes into extraordinary results.

Lesson 1, October 25
Start with the basics and learn how to make buttercream icing, stars, and rosettes, bag striping, and professionally ice a cupcake and so much more. Participants will decorate their cupcakes before going home to show friends and family all they learned in class.

Lesson 2, November 1

Learn how to ice a cake and decorate with dots, pulled dots, piping gel pattern transfer and more. Participants will decorate cakes at the end of class and be amazed with the new skills they learned in only two classes.

Lesson 3, November 8

Learn different borders like zigzag, easy ruffle, shell, and bead. Create decorations like the Star Drop Flower, Swirl Drop Flower, Daisy, Sunflower and the Zinnia. 

Lesson 4, November 15

Learn the technique to writing on cakes and the Ribbon Rose. Decorate cakes with the techniques learned throughout the entire course. 

Course 1 is a pre-requisite before taking Course 2 unless the instructor gives prior approval to only take the second course. Participants may call WKCTC’s continuing education office at (270) 534-3335 and instructor will be contacted for approval.

Note: A list of optional supplies costing approximately $40 will be provided the first night of class for this four-week course. 

Course 2 Flowers and Cake Design

Participants will learn how to create professional-looking flowers and designs made from royal icing. Instructor teaches you how to make lifelike rosebuds, pansies, and violets, plus detailed patterns, like lace and basket weave designs. 

Lesson 1, November 3

Learn color principles to know how to pair colors together in cake design such as Cornelli Lace, Brush Embroidery and the blossom.

Lesson 2, November 10

Participants will go cover Royal Icing Appliques, Rosebud and the famous Wilton Rose.

Lesson 3, November 17

The fun continues learning to create the Pansy, Violet, Lily and Poinsettia flowers.

Lesson 4, December 1

Learn more borders and the basket weave.  The course concludes with participants making and decorating in the class using all the skills learned up to this point.

Note: A list of supplies needed for each session will be mailed or emailed to each participant before this four-week course begins.

Register for the cake decorating classes by calling 270-534-3335 or online at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky, select Culinary.

PADUCAH, KY (October 26, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College students and alumni are invited to attend the first ever Allied Health and Nursing Job and Transfer Fair on Monday, November 14, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., in the Allied Health Building lobby.

“WKCTC’s Career Services office offers assistance to students and alumni with all aspects of their job searches, from resume and cover letter development to interview preparation, salary negotiation, and more,” said Marlo Rhodes, WKCTC career services employer relations specialist. “Our goal is to assist students with turning college into careers.”

The fair is free and open to all WKCTC students and alumni. Students and alumni should wear business casual attire and bring their resumes. Opportunities for part-time, full-time, internship and externship employment positions and transfer school information will be available.

Students in the following majors are encouraged to attend. 

• Cosmetology
• Dental Assisting
• Dental Hygiene
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• EMT/Paramedic Program
• Health Science Technology
• Medical Lab Technician
• Pharmacy Technology
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Radiography
• Surgical Technology  

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” Rhodes said. “Students are taking classes for a reason and that’s to ultimately gain employment. Those students who show up to job fairs in business casual attire, or better yet a suit and prepared with resumes in hand will stand out to employers, and job fairs can result in employment.”

For more information, please contact Marlo Rhodes in the Anderson Technical Building, Room 113 or at 270-534-3293, marlo.rhodes@kctcs.edu.

PADUCAH, KY (October 27, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s community education classes for November and December include classes from holiday culinary creations, beekeeping, figure drawing to Star Wars science.

Beekeeping Course – Beginning the Process

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 6 – 8 p.m.

Emerging Technology Center, Room 140

Age: Adults

Join Kent Williams, Eastern Apiculture Society certified Master Beekeeper, as he discusses what to expect in the first year of keeping bees including: potential for honey production, potential for colony loss and pitfalls to avoid and triumphs to exploit.

Williams will cover equipment options such as the pros and cons of beekeeping; costs per hive for different hives and yield potential vs. labor needs relative to different type hives. The course will also include equipment assembly workshop, basic economics of beekeeping and more.

All participation is voluntary, and protective gear will be available if needed. Course meets four consecutive Tuesday evenings. Cost: $85.

Disclaimer: Beekeeping courses are not meant to promote any particular method of beekeeping but are instead intended to promote beekeeping as a whole.

Star Wars Science

November 5, 10 a.m. – Noon

Challenger Learning Center at Paducah

Age: Kindergarten – 4^th Grade

Young Jedi will want to attend this program to participate in activities and experiments based on the popular movie series. Students can wear their favorite Star Wars costume. Cost: $20.

Figure Drawing

November 5, 12, 19, 9:30 a.m. – Noon

Paducah School of Art and Design, 2D and Graphic Design Building

905 Harrison Street, Room 203

Age: Adult

In this class students will draw from the nude model with both short and long poses. Instructor Randy Simmons, PSAD associate professor of art, will focus the course on gesture drawing and body proportions. Students may use whatever drawing media they wish but charcoal is recommended. Cost: $98, which includes a $20 model fee.

Supply list for students: block and vine charcoal, 18” x 24” newsprint pad and kneaded or white eraser. Supplies will cost additional fee of approximately $10-$15.

French Flavors of Fall

November 3, 6  – 9 p.m.

Anderson Technical Building Culinary Kitchen & Bistro

Age: Adult 

Participants will experience an Alsatian take on potato soup, a beautiful seasonal apple and fennel salad and chicken with a classically French Roquefort Crème Sauce. WKCTC’s Chef Patrick Fletcher will be the course instructor. Cost: $45.

Hit of the Party

November 10, 6 p.m.

Anderson Technical Building Culinary Kitchen & Bistro

Age: Adult 

Instructor Tracy Ledford will teach participants how to be the hit at every holiday party from finger foods with stuffed baby bellas or meatballs that are packed with flavor to potluck dinners with warm corn salsa casserole. If desserts are on the party menu, students will learn make a delicious banana pudding. Cost: $45.

Sweet Treats – Holiday Treats

December 13, 6 p.m.

Anderson Technical Building Culinary Kitchen & Bistro

Age: Adult 

Instructor Tracy Ledford will teach students to whip up sweet treats that are sure to impress friends, family and coworkers. Learn to make tasty cookie balls, oeey gooey cookie bars and delicious chocolate caramel candles. Cost: $45

To register call (270) 534-3335 or online at ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky, click on desired class.

Preregistration is required for all classes and early registration is encouraged. Classes may be cancelled due to lack of enrollment.

Paducah School of Art & Design (PSAD) is pleased to announce its Sixth Annual Student and Faculty Holiday Art Sale at the Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC). The Holiday Art Sale will take place on Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery is located on the campus of West Kentucky Community & Technical College at 4810 Alben Barkley Drive in Paducah.

PSAD’s Holiday Art Sale provides the opportunity to purchase unique works of art by students and faculty of Paducah School of Art & Design as gifts or collectibles. The sale includes hundreds of artworks from which to choose, including ceramics, photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art. Sales support individual students, as well as student enrichment activities presented by PSAD’s Art and Design Club. During the past four years, the event has been a huge success, this past year selling close to $10,000 worth of art at gift-giving prices.

“An established tradition, PSAD’s Annual Student and Faculty Holiday Sale provides the opportunity for community members to purchase works of art at remarkably affordable prices, while presenting PSAD a mid-year opportunity to showcase the quality of work produced by our students,” says PSAD dean Paul Aho. “Featuring the work of students, emerging professionals, and established artists, the sale assures a diversity of disciplines and cost certain to appeal to all tastes and budgets.”

Paducah School of Art & Design offers Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well certificate programs and studio art classes for students of all levels and disciplines. PSAD is a division of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Classes are offered on WKCTC’s main campus, at 905 Harrison Street and at 919 Madison Street in historic Lower Town.

PADUCAH, KY (November 1, 2016) – Audience members will have a unique perspective of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors on the Clemens Center Fine Arts Center stage November 10-13.

“We are excited to offer our audiences the chance to see this play up-close as they sit on stage with the performers,” said Constance Wade, WKCTC theatre professor and play director. “It’s will be a new adventure for the actors and for the audiences.”

One of Shakespeare's early plays, The Comedy of Errors is his shortest, zaniest and fast-paced farce. Mistaken identity with two sets of twins mystifies the crazy cast of characters in this knockabout comedy, involving them in a variety of uproarious situations, including a near seduction and the nuttiest of family reunions. 

Wade has adapted the original play to a retro, science fiction setting with multimedia added to the production. An eclectic cast of characters with most actors playing double roles rounds out this unique adaptation.

“This production will be different and fun with a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s already hilarious play, and we are all looking forward to have our audiences on stage to add to the excitement of the show,” said Wade. 

Show performances will take place November 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. and November 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, students and WKCTC faculty and staff. The Clemens Center’s Arts in Focus Series subscribers can also purchase tickets for $5. Contributors supporter level and above receive free admission.

Get tickets online at artsinfocus.org or by calling Julie Moore at (270) 534-3212.

For more information, contact Constance Wade at constance.wade@kctcs.edu or (270) 534-3210. 

“The Bill Ford Gallery is such a unique space to hold a reading, it just makes sense to showcase the ways in which different artistic disciplines can play off and enhance one another,” said Britton Shurley, WKCTC associate professor of English and event coordinator.

Shurley added, “Amy Wright is a poet whose work is both wide ranging and exciting. Whether she's examining complex issues of biodiversity and humanity's precarious relationship with nature, as in Everything in the Universe, or tackling the equally complex terrain of race, class, and gender in the American south, as in Cracker Sonnets, her poems are moving and electric,” said Shurley.

Wright received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia, a Master of Arts in English from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver. In 2007, she joined the creative writing faculty of Austin Peay State University.

She is also Nonfiction Editor of Zone 3 Press, and her work has been awarded with an Individual Artist Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, a fellowship to the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and two Peter Taylor Fellowships to the Kenyon Review Writer’s Workshop. Some of her writing appears in Brevity, Kenyon Review, Tupelo Quarterly, and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and is archived at awrightawright.com.

For more information about the poetry reading, contact Britton Shurley at britton.shurley@kctcs.edu or (270) 534-3243.

UCAH, KY – November 3, 2016 – One month into his tenure as West Kentucky Community and Technical College president, Dr. Anton Reece described his definition of educators Thursday to an audience of business and community leaders, educators and secondary students. 

“There are four types of educators in the world,” Dr. Reece said at the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Power In Partnership breakfast November 3 at the Julian Carroll Convention Center. “(There are) those who watch things happen; those who let things happen; those who asked what happened; and those that make things happen. Let’s make things happen.” 

Before being named WKCTC’s second president, Dr. Reece served more than 26 years in higher education, beginning his career in 1990 at the former Paducah Community College as a minority affairs coordinator and counselor, advancing to WKCTC's dean of student affairs and enrollment. For the past 13 years, he has successfully served students in various roles at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Praising the foundation and legacy left to him by WKCTC president emeritus Barbara Veazey, Dr. Reece said he was humbled to follow in her footsteps but also excited to be at a college that has been recognized by the Aspen Institute four consecutive times as one of the top community colleges in the nation. “To get that national recognition, consistently, speaks to the quality of what is happening at WKCTC,” he said, “and that’s clearly reflected in the excellent faculty, staff and administration.” 

The chamber’s “Salute to Education” breakfast not only brought out a record crowd it also was an opportunity for area students from Paducah Public Schools, McCracken County Public Schools, the St. Mary School System, Community Christian Academy, Paducah Area Technical School and PATCH, representing home school students to showcase their students’ accomplishments through a host of displays. While recognizing the youth in the audience, Dr. Reece, keynote speaker for the event, also pointed out the educational opportunities available to them that not all young people in the world have. 

Growing up one of five children in Barbados, Dr. Reece said he saw his middle class family thrusted into poverty once his parents divorced. He said part of where his passion for education was born was in the struggles he faced in growing up on the Caribbean Island where seeking higher education was not guaranteed but instead where access was often deferred by barriers. 

“When you come out of an environment where you recognize and realize that not a lot of people get the opportunity to get access to higher education, it does something to you,” Dr. Reece said. “I understand very clearly about access to education; that it is something that we sometimes take for granted (in America).” 

Despite declining national enrollment decline in community and technical colleges the fall enrollment at WKCTC on November 1, the official date fall enrollment is recorded for the college, was at 6,147 – a two percent increase over last year’s enrollment.  

"We want to continue to build on that, but we also understand that along with growth and access, as the state shifts to this performance-based approach, it is important that we meet our pledge in supporting students through their journey," Dr. Reece said.One of the major commitments Dr. Reece said he wants to see is for WKCTC to continue to build and expand its efforts to provide access to higher education throughout the Jackson Purchase region. “It’s unacceptable in 2016 that we do not continue to do that, and beyond that, if we are going to be a world class region, we have to be sure that we are providing access to all citizens,” he said. 

Registration for new classes at WKCTC is underway now. Spring classes begin January 9, 2017.

PADUCAH, KY (November 4, 2016) – More than 100 students and college scholarship donors got a chance to meet at West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s annual donor scholarship reception November 4. 

The audience gave thunderous applause on Friday as WKCTC President Dr. Anton Reece announced that the college was able to award over $500,000 in scholarship funds to nearly 600 students this year. 

“Keep in mind more than 1100 students applied (for scholarships), so it’s pretty competitive. We are very pleased by way of performance of learning that well over 56 percent of the students earn a 3.0 GPA or higher and 41 percent with an ACT score of 22 or higher. This is all a reflection of excellence at WKCTC.” 

The funding for student scholarships is made possible through earnings from generous donor endowments, annual scholarship contributions, the annual gala auction and the Community Scholarship Program,” said Becky Haus, WKCTC manager of advancement. 

In thanking the donors, Dr. Reece reflected on the series “ CNN Heroes” that chronicles the journeys of different people throughout their lives who see the need to give back and to serve within their communities.  

“When I think of the donors who through their own journeys, life histories, and whatever the catalyst, motivation for them to contribute to this great institution, I want to be sure that is truly acknowledged and respected,” said Reece. “It’s a great thing to say good things about communities; it’s a great thing to say good things about colleges, but ultimately to add that monetary value and those resources fulfills a very important legacy and opportunity for students.” 

For more information about WKCTC scholarships visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu.

(November 7, 2016) Paducah School of Art and Design invites the public to its sixth annual Student and Faculty Holiday Art Sale Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. 

PSAD’s annual Holiday Art Sale provides patrons the opportunity to purchase unique works of art by PSAD students and faculty as gifts or collectibles. The sale includes hundreds of artworks from which to choose, including ceramics, photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry and fiber art. Sales support individual students, as well as student enrichment activities for PSAD’s Art and Design Club. 

“An established tradition, PSAD’s Annual Student and Faculty Holiday Sale provides the opportunity for community members to purchase works of art at remarkably affordable prices, while presenting PSAD a mid-year opportunity to showcase the quality of work produced by our students,” says PSAD dean Paul Aho. “Featuring the work of students, emerging professionals, and established artists, the sale assures a diversity of disciplines and cost certain to appeal to all tastes and budgets.” 

Thanks to wonderful community support, the art sale has been a huge success over the past five years, including selling nearly $10,000 worth of art at gift-giving prices last year, said Aho. 

Paducah School of Art & Design offers Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well certificate programs and studio art classes for students of all levels and disciplines. PSAD is a division of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Classes are offered on WKCTC’s main campus, 905 Harrison Street and at 919 Madison Street in historic Lower Town. 

For more information, call (270) 534- 3901.

PADUCAH, KY (November 10, 2016) – Getting fit with a personal trainer can be expensive. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is offering affordable monthly fitness classes with certified personal trainer beginning December 1.

The circuit training fitness classes with ACE Personal Trainer Dustin Lynn will be held Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the WKCTC Fitness Center located Haws Gym. The classes begin next month with three offerings December 1, 8 and 15 for $27.50.

Following the campus holiday break, the fitness classes will begin again Thursday, January 5. Participants can sign up for the classes one month at a time for $39.00. No long-term commitment necessary.

Lynn will guide participants through the proper way to use college’s exercise equipment and tailor a personalized exercise plan for each person, providing effective fat-burning intervals through resistance training. He will also strive to help participants balance the shortcomings of one method of fitness by integrating other methods with short recovery periods for efficient cardiovascular conditioning and old-school muscle training for increased strength and improved flexibility.

“These new, enjoyable classes will educate the community on the benefits of exercise and help participants overcome sedentary lifestyles with the added advantage of Dustin as their personal trainer, “said Kevin O’Neill, WKCTC community education director.

To register call 270-534-3335 or go online to: http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky and select Lifestyle, Fitness & Hobbies. 

PADUCAH, KY (November 10, 2016) –West Kentucky Community and Technical College was recently recognized with three 2016 Medallion Awards at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 2 Annual Conference October 23-25 in Pensacola, Fla. 

WKCTC, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Hopkinsville Community College, Somerset Community College, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System received a total of 16 awards for outstanding achievement in marketing communications at the conference. 

"I’m very proud of our team," said Janett Blythe, WKCTC director of marketing and public relations. “These awards reflect the support of our administration and our team’s passion for communicating the college’s message of excellence to help make a difference in the lives of our students.” 

NCMPR District 2 includes community colleges in 11 southeastern states, along with the Bahamas and Bermuda. The Medallion Awards honors the marketing and communication efforts of community college marketing and public relations professionals. 

This year the district received 350 award entries, in more than 50 categories.

WKCTC accepted awards in the following categories: 

• Silver - Logo Design category for Kitchen’s Café - Mary Beth Head of Paducah, designer
• Silver – Promotional Campaign for Special Event category for the grand opening of Paducah School of Art and Design’s 2D and Graphic Design Building – PR team: Janett Blythe of Mayfield, Blair Travis of Calvert City and Tammy Thompson, Tom Butler, Dan Sheppard, Joey Skaggs and Mary Beth Head, all of Paducah
• Bronze – College Video Program category for the October 28, 2015, West Kentucky Stars Basketball Weekly  – PR television department: Dan Sheppard, Joey Skaggs and Tom Butler of Paducah

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

Paducah, KY (November 11, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College student and Nigerian native Charity Itiav-Gar was recently named the college’s October Student of the Month.

“It is such a great honor to be selected the Student of the Month. I am so excited," said Itiav-Gar, a resident of McCracken County.

Coming from a family that placed a high priority on education, Itiav-Gar and her seven siblings have at least one college degree, some earning two or three degrees. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Jos, Nigeria, Itiav-Gar worked in her home country most of her life. She worked for the global logistics company DHL, International Nigeria, in the banking industry and for the Benue State Government. Itiav-Gar also owned her own retail store business.

When she decided to move to America in 2004, she knew earning a degree in the United States was in her future, and Itiav-Gar chose WKCTC to do that.

“I wanted to validate my level of education as required by the United States education system, and I also needed to refresh myself academically,” said Itiav-Gar. “I am convinced that education is a major stepping stone to reaching greater heights, and WKCTC is a great place to start because of the many resources it offers students and the friendly learning environment.

With choosing WKCTC, IIiav-Gar credits her brother, Joseph Gar, retired Professor of Biological Sciences and Biology Program Coordinator at WKCTC, who retired from the college in June 2016.

“I am so happy to be at WKCTC. I have taken advantage of the several opportunities provided by the college to get to where I am now. The financial opportunities as well as the tutoring services have being of great help to me,” said Itiav-Gar said. “TRIO (Student Support Services) in particular has been the pillar to my successes here in the college.”

TRIO Education Specialist Raymond Rogers said Itiav-Gar attacks each new challenge with a positive attitude and a commendable work ethic.

“She meets all challenges courteously and with a smile.”

Working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in health science technology, Itiav-Gar is set to graduate in May 2018, and plans to continue her education in the future.

“I love to learn and I never plan to stop.”

The Student of the Month program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students on campus. Individuals selected must be currently enrolled at WKCTC and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and are nominated on the basis of exceptional performance, personal attributes, academic excellence and active participation in various student organizational activities.

Itiav-Gar is a member of the college's Multicultural Awareness Club and Alpha Epsilon Beta, WKCTC’s Justice Club.

Student of the Month recipients receive $100, a certificate of excellence, recognition on the WKCTC Facebook page, campus announcements and Web site. Recipients are also recognized by Pepsi MidAmerica and receive one free month's supply of their favorite Pepsi product.

PADUCAH, KY (November 11, 2016) Paducah School of Art and Design (PSAD) will host a student exhibition featuring the work of photography students at Etcetera Coffee House during a free opening reception November 18 from 5 – 6 p.m. 

The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Etcetera Coffee House is located at 320 North 6 Street in downtown Paducah. The works will remain on display through December 18. 

“Beginning photography students will share several of their assigned projects, exploring such topics as portraiture, environment and space, landscape, and motion,” said Todd Birdsong, PSAD photography instructor and Clemens Fine Art Center technical director.  

“The students are eager to share their new ventures in the media and were encouraged to shoot at every possible time of the day, inside and out, to develop their technical skills. However, this is second to the more critical lesson of learning to see the world around them differently,” added Birdsong. 

Paducah School of Art and Design offers Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well certificate programs and studio art classes for students of all levels and disciplines. PSAD is a division of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Classes are offered on WKCTC’s main campus, 905 Harrison Street and at 919 Madison Street in historic Lower Town. 

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

Paducah, KY (November 17, 2016) – It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most popular movie classics for the holidays, and West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Clemens Fine Arts Center is presenting a new twist on the beloved film with It’s a Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theatre Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter’s night, professional voice actors are unable to get to the studio, but the show must go on. A small but intrepid band of employees make that happen by creating the story’s dozens of characters and scenes using just their voices and some everyday household items for sound effects, which set the stage for a hilarious night of entertainment.

When Frank Capra and his co-writers were working on the original screenplay of It’s a Wonderful Life, the Great Depression was a vivid memory. The story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls is juxtaposed against a time of failing banks, devastatingly high unemployment and a shortage of affordable housing. The circumstances are eerily familiar, and over 60 years later, this story remains as fresh and relevant as ever. Its message of hope and optimism is the perfect antidote to holiday cynicism.

“Audiences will love this adaptation of Capra’s treasured classic on the Clemens stage” said Brian Heller, WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center director. “It’s sure to help make the holiday season wonderful for everyone who sees it.”

Tickets are $30, or $15 for children and students. Purchase tickets at artsinfocus.org or call the box office at 270-534-3212.