STORY BY MYA MCDONALD
PHOTOS BY RYLEE BRETTON AND MICAH REINKE
For many college students, moving away from family is often one of the biggest challenges to overcome when starting a new school year. Luckily, on September 28, Fort Hays State University, and the department of Student Engagement continued the tradition of hosting a Family Day. The Family Day festivities gave students and their families the perfect chance to visit one another and reconnect while exploring the campus and the Hays Community.
Family Day is a free event that offers a variety of activities for families to participate in. Some of the day’s activities included: a Fishing Derby, a Shopping Spree, a Family Dance-a-Long, Face Painting, Coloring Book and Blanket Making, and making projects with Makerspace.
A variety of organizations on campus, such as the Circle K International club, Barn Hoppers club, Office of Campus Intramurals and Recreation, and the University Activities Board, helped by hosting the individual activities throughout the day at the Family Day event.
Many siblings to FHSU students, such as Delilah Galliart, had the chance to partake in activities that appealed to their interest.
“I enjoyed coloring and all of the pretty pictures!” Galliart said, about participating in the coloring book and blanket making activities, hosted by the Circle K International club.
In addition, families had the opportunity to experience Tiger game day, as they were offered discounted tickets to the FHSU Tigers Football v. Missouri Southern game. Also, students and families were invited to enjoy the Downtown Hays Tailgate on the Bricks event, and free Tiger Tailgate.
Many students were thankful for the opportunity to spend quality time with family, as it has become more challenging when trying to balance family time with college academics and work.
“I enjoyed being able to spend time with my little sister. It’s hard to do that often now that I’m in school,” Rylee Bretton said. “We had a great time at the game watching our Tigers win, and getting our faces painted, as well.”
Overall, students and their families were able to spend quality time together, while taking in all that Fort Hays State University and the community of Hays, KS has to offer.