Northeast Texas Community College held its spring 2013 commencement at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 11. Due to the record number of graduates, NTCC held two separate ceremonies for the first time. Candidates for Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees were honored with commencement at 9 a.m. Graduation for candidates of Associate of Applied Science degrees and Certificates of Competencies graduated at 11 a.m. A total of†178 students were awarded associate degrees and 115 earned certificates of competency in their chosen fields.

• Read more about Mandy Smith named May Fittest Employee of the Month

Pictured: Poster contest winner Stephani Calderon with NTCC President, Dr. Brad Johnson.

Northeast Texas Community College recently held the 2013 McGraw-Hill Poster Contest at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts. This event allows local high school and college students to present original research projects to a panel of judges.

Northeast Texas Community College recently presented Enactus (formerly SIFE) with the Outstanding Student Organization Award for the 2012-2013 school year. This award is given to a registered student organization that displays outstanding effort through contributions to the college and the community and the development of its members. The Enactus team received $200 to benefit their organization and a plaque.

Northeast Texas Community College recently presented the Cosmetology Club with the Student Activities Attendance Award for the 2012-2013 school year. This award goes to the student organization that had the most attendance at events throughout the year. This group is acknowledged for taking full advantage of learning opportunities offered through the Office of Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs. The Cosmetology Club received a plaque and $100 to benefit its organization.

The NTCC softball season came to a close over the weekend as the Lady Eagles went 2-2 and finished fourth at the NJCAA Region XIV Tournament.

NTCC opened the tournament with a 5-0 win over San Jacinto before falling to the eventual champion, Paris Junior College, 8-4.††The Lady Eagles bounced back with a 5-0 win over Navarro before being eliminated from the tournament with a 12-0 loss to Blinn.

Home runs by Jessica Garza and Hannah Holovach helped the Lady Eagles pick up a win in their tourney opener against San Jacinto as pitcher Katie Tapley threw a two-hit shutout.

The Northeast Texas Community Eagles softball team started off the Region XIV NJCAA Tournament with a bang as they shut out San Jacinto College 5-0 in their first game.

?This was a big game for us and we stepped up and took care of business,? Lady Eagle Head Coach Jessica Keith said. ?Now we just need to keep building momentum and keep on winning.?

Shelby Weldon kicked things off for the Eagles with a triple. She was sent home on an RBI single from Alizabeth Autrey.

The Lady Eagles are preparing for the post season for the first time in years after finishing third in the Region XIV Eastern Zone.

The Northeast Texas Community College Agriculture Department is hosting the debut NTCC Farmer's Market on Friday, May 3rd. The event will be held at the Elizabeth Hoggatt Whatley Ag Complex (across the road from the main NTCC campus) from 9 a.m. until sell out.

Vendors will have an opportunity to be involved at no charge at the kick-off event. Booth spaces are available for those interested in selling home-grown produce, plants, and handcrafted items.