Author: Sammie Magee
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Things To Do During The Week After The Long Weekend
Something that’s guaranteed to slap this week is Cav Kickoff, which I’m very hyped about.
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How To Community College and Park
Happy second week of classes, Cavs, you made it through the hardest part of the semester.
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Things To Do During Your First Week At JCCC
Welcome back Cavs. Today is the first day of the fall semester, and a beautiful first day it is. The first week of classes can feel overwhelming, but make sure to take time for yourself and enjoy some of the exciting upcoming events that will be taking place across campus. We have some wonderful things
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A Letter From The Messenger’s Upcoming Editor-In-Chief
Hello, lovely readers of The Messenger. My name is Sammie Magee, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new editor-in-chief. I have been working for The Messenger as a staff reporter since October of last semester, and while I love writing articles, I cannot wait to step into this new leadership role.
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JCCC’s Registered Nurse Program Helps Student Find Their Why
According to JCCC’s website, “JCCC was recently ranked the #2 nursing school in Kansas by RegisteredNursing.org.” The Registered Nurse program offers interaction in the classroom and helps students prepare for a beneficial career as a registered nurse.
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Meet A Cavalier Monday: Mary Redmond’s Second Act
Mary Redmond has lived an exciting life as a nontraditional student, filled with experience. She’s just finished her first semester at JCCC, and will be returning in the fall. But her first day here was anything but easy.
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The Clubbies Recognize Student Organizations And Clubs
At the annual JCCC Clubbies, student organizations and clubs are able to receive recognition for their service projects, members, advisors and more. On May 1, 2026, clubs and organizations like LUNA, BSU, HSA, PTK, JCSVA, ACSA and more were nominated. Here are the nominees and winners.
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Meet A Cavalier Monday: Anthony Rima’s Many Hats
Precision has always been a part of Anthony Rima’s life. From the Air Force all the way to his work here at JCCC, Rima has worked as a confident, resilient leader, as well as a team player.
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The Student Lounge Is Hosting Their Own Version Of A Field Day To Kick Off Summer
Field Day is the most exciting day of the year for practically every elementary schooler nationwide, but as we grow up, the fun goes away. The Student Lounge is attempting to combat this through their event “Field Day Finale.”
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Meet A Cavalier Monday: Lola Kernell Is Proof That Anything Is Possible
“I’ve always called myself a miracle baby,” Lola Kernell said. Kernell, now 21 years old, spends her days working for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, performing in theater productions, studying at JCCC and advocating for individuals with disabilities.
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JCCC To Host Denim Day Event Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors
On the last Wednesday of April, individuals are encouraged worldwide to wear denim. But why denim, you may be asking?
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Students Share Their Best Tips For Fall Enrollment
With the recent opening of summer enrollment and fall enrollment about to begin, these questions are likely to be the big thing on the minds of returning students: what classes are most recommended? What tips and tricks should students live by during this enrollment season?
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JCCC’s Psi Beta Honor Society Offers Scholarships, Connections, And More
Movie nights, book clubs, prison tours, psychology, oh my! What on campus could offer all of these mismatched things? The Psi Beta Honor Society is the answer to that. Beginning last semester, students interested in psychology were given the opportunity to join Psi Beta, which is a psychology honor society made for two-year colleges. Psi…
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JCCC’s Active Minds Chapter Helps Students Feel Valued
In the stigmatized world of mental health, a group of students has banded together on campus to break the stigma, create healthy practices and make students feel valued. This group of students is called the Active Minds club.
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The Messenger Interviews New Board Of Trustees Member Chad Carroll
The Messenger’s Sammie Magee talks with newly elected trustee Chad Carroll about his vision for JCCC and his experience with community college.
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Tuition to Increase, JCCC President Announces at Press Conference
During a press conference held with students before Spring Break, JCCC President Tony Miksa discussed why JCCC will raise tuition for the upcoming FY 2026-27.
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The Messenger Mic’d Up Welcomes Reporter Sammie Magee
Hello Viewers! Welcome back to another episode of Main Mic. Join Harper, and special guest Sammie. Sammie, a fellow employee here at The Messenger, shares her current plans for articles she is writing. She also talks a little about who she is and how she got into journalism.
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Meet A Cavalier Monday: EMR Student Jose Lopez Finds His Purpose In Helping Others
It may seem that the only place to turn to for role models and inspiration would be professors, but plenty of inspirational students like Jose Lopez roam JCCC’s halls. Jose Lopez, a Kansas City native, began his JCCC journey in the summer of 2025 when he enrolled in the EMR program, followed by the EMT…
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The Student Lounge Offers Fun And Education Events
‘The living room of campus’ is how many describe the student lounge, staff and students alike. The student lounge is located in GEB 151 and 154, where the rooms are directly across from each other. Each room has its own specialty. One is gaming-based with lots of TV screens and gaming consoles. The other offers…
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Prepare To Be Entertained With Mentalist Brian Imbus
Many know what a hypnotist is, but a mentalist may be the less commonly known mental trick. Brian Imbus, a world-renowned mentalist and hypnotist, will be performing in the Student Center on March 25 from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. This year, he’ll be rolling out a brand new, unique show.
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Meet A Cavalier Monday: Meet Chiefs’ Flag Runner Marcel Duncan
The JCCC halls are filled with students with unique and inspirational stories, Marcel Duncan is one of them. From the Army to the Kansas City Chiefs, Duncan’s story is surely one to inspire others.
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The Guide To A Fun Local Spring Break
Almost every movie that has ever included spring break sees the characters ending up in Miami, or anywhere with a beach for that matter. But for those who end up staying here in Kansas, don’t fret–there are plenty of fun things to do during spring break in Johnson County and Kansas City
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Retro Revival Event Gives A Second Life To Clothes
On Wednesday, March 4, JCCC will be hosting over 10 vendors in the MTC building for “Retro Revival.” The event is a group effort between its three organizers: the Student Activities Department, the Center for Sustainability and the Fashion Merchandising and Design Department. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will include…
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JCCC Hosts Exhibit For America’s 250th Anniversary
This year marks the 250th Anniversary of America, and January 29th was Kansas Day. Clearly, JCCC knows how to celebrate, and that is with an exhibit hosted by Humanities Kansas, an organization the college decided to partner with for this exciting anniversary celebration. This has provided our campus with the opportunity to learn about the…
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Game Action, Commercials, Halftime Show: The Messenger Staff Recaps Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX with a decisive 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots for their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Super Bowl LX was a rematch of Seattle’s last Super Bowl appearance, where the Patriots won with a last-play interception by Malcom Butler–a play that still lives rent-free in…
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Mental Health At JCCC, Is The College Doing Enough?
According to the Healthy Minds survey, over 50% of students say that their financial situation is stressful, and 20% say they do not believe they fit in on campus. What is the Healthy Minds survey, and is JCCC doing the most they can to combat these issues students are facing?
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The Messenger Reviews: Harry Styles’ Aperture
Aperture. Harry Styles. Two of my interests, photography and Harry Styles, in one place, and I couldn’t be more excited. I have impatiently waited for new music from Styles since 2022, after the release of Harry’s House, and it’s going to be hard to top that album, in my opinion.
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JCCC’s WHCA Building Prepares Students For Different Careers In The Culinary World
The art of pastries, savory dishes and management are all taught in the same, delicious-smelling building. The WHCA building on campus is the home of multiple programs like the Chef Apprenticeship, Hotel and Lodging Management, Food and Beverage Management, and Pastry/Baking, and no, it’s not like Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen”.
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JCCC’s LUNA Supports Latino Communities Around Kansas City
JCCC hosts a diverse student body on campus, and it’s shown through the many clubs and associations around campus. Some of these clubs’ only requirements are to be a JCCC student, and they hope you’ll join to learn more about their culture. Latinos Unite Now and Always, also known as “LUNA,” is one of these…
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Celebrate Christmas By Lighting Up The JCCC Caboose
Warm hot cocoa, cookies and Christmas carols: Christmas at the Caboose serves as a festive kickoff to the holiday season, along with a holiday food drive for the Student Basic Needs Center. It is taking place this Friday at 6 p.m. They are requesting items like canned vegetables and cranberry sauce, stuffing and cornbread mix,…
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How A Texas Tragedy Inspired A Kansas Girl To Start A Toy Drive: The Story Of Sammie’s Toy Drive
I watched with tears in my eyes as I saw Noah Orona, now an eighth 8th grader, laughing along and talking to my volunteers and me. I’ve known Orona for almost four years now. I met him after the Robb Elementary School shooting. Orona had survived along with only 10 of his classmates. Though he…
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JCCC Floral Program Prepares Students For More Than Just Design
Have you ever been interested in flowers and the process of growing or designing them? In the entire state of Kansas, there is only one place where you can learn the art of wedding floral design, wholesale, and growing. In these small, intimate classes, you’ll quickly feel like your classmates are family.
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To Rent Or Not To Rent? Should You Rent Or Buy Your Next Textbooks?
Every semester, the daunting trip to the bookstore sneaks up on every Cavalier. This fall season is especially chilling with the recent availability of winter textbooks. Soon, the question of “to rent, or not to rent?” will become the talk of the campus. Should you put your wallet through purchasing books, or have less freedom…
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Faculty Friday: Meet Professor Beth Gulley
Welcome to Faculty Friday, our new weekly way to involve faculty and you, the students. Every week, we will be featuring a new faculty member, nominated by you. To kick off the series, let’s introduce Professor Beth Gulley, an English Professor here at JCCC.
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JCCC’s Animation Club Offers Connection-Building Experience
What do animation, axolotls and college have in common? Well, the JCCC Animation Club has paired them all together into one wonderful connection-building experience for students that may not usually have that otherwise.
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The Academic Resource Center Offers Tutoring And Studying Resources To JCCC Students
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, lost or frustrated with coursework? Especially those infamous math, science and writing classes? Then it may be time to pop into the first floor of the library. No matter how frustrated you feel, JCCC wants you to succeed, and the Academic Resource Center and the Academic Achievement Center are the…
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The Messenger’s One-On-One With JCCC’s Jean-Claude: What Is The Story Behind The Mask?
He’s known by many names. The Cavalier, the mascot, the funny hat guy–most importantly, he is Jean Claude, and this JC is the ambassador of our JCCC. But really, who is Jean Claude? Who is behind the mask? And how did an English soldier make it to Johnson County Community College?
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The RAVE Guardian app keeps JCCC students alert
Peace of mind, and help at the touch of a button–that’s what the RAVE Guardian app can provide. Campus threats, severe weather, medical emergencies and more, you’re covered. The JCCC Campus Police force has made campus safety easy. The Guardian app is a simple and free resource right on your phone for every situation.
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Dare To Enter: Visit JCCC’s Haunted House
JCCC’s student lounge is saying “happy Halloween” and getting into the festive spirit on Oct. 29-30 from 4-6 p.m. The gaming space of the student lounge, GEB 154, will be closed and turned into a haunted house featuring about eight differently themed rooms. Students will receive a key when they check in, which will work…
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JCCC Is Celebrating Halloween With Pumpkin Carving Events
Spooky season is officially in full swing, and the Honors Student Association is showing their Halloween spirit by hosting their annual pumpkin carving event on Monday, Oct. 27 at 1-3:30 p.m. in the Colab (OCB 100). This event will be open for all students, not just HSA students.
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6,000 Protestors Gather On JCCC Lawn For “No Kings” Protest
Over the weekend, JCCC was one of the many sites of the “No Kings” protests taking place nationwide. The lawn on the corner of College Boulevard and Quivira welcomed about 6,000 protesters for the rally and protest, hosted by “Boots on the Ground Midwest.” The loud honking of car horns and shouts from roadside supporters,…
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JCCC’s CLEAR Program Ensures Education Is Open To Everyone
JCCC offers well over 100 degree and certificate programs across campus. The CLEAR program stands for College Learning Experiences, Activities and Resources. Courtney Barden has been with the Supported Education Department since 1998 and has been the program director for CLEAR since 2017. Barden sees about 200 students enroll in the program every semester.
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“No Kings” Protest To Take Place On JCCC lawn
The organization “Boots on the Ground Midwest” has organized a “No Kings” rally–a protest to take place on the lawn at the corner of College Boulevard and Quivira on Saturday, Oct. 18. The No Kings protests were originally started by the organization “50501” (pronounced fifty-fifty-one). 50501 was founded in Feb. 2025 after a meme was…