By ALICIA FEYERHERM
Tiger Media Network
Eta Sigma Delta, the Fort Hays Tourism and Hospitality Honor Society, is hosting a Tourism Trot on April 12. The event has both a 5K run and a one-mile walk option and funds raised go directly towards the Jana Jordan Scholarship Fund.
“Attending our event is a great way to be active, have fun, and connect with others in the community, all while giving back and supporting the mission of raising funds for the Jana Jordan Scholarship at FHSU,” Eta Sigma Delta Advisor Stacey Smith said. “It’s a great opportunity to enjoy being outside while supporting this meaningful cause.”
Jordan was an important figure in the Tourism and Hospitality program. She began her career in tourism as the International Group Tour Guide for Hays Travel for several years and then served 26 years as the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, retiring in 2014. She passed away in 2019.
Smith said Jordan was a champion for the Tourism and Hospitality program when it first started in 2008.
“She worked tirelessly sharing the program with others across the state and helped to establish an early scholarship for students,” Smith said. “She was passionate about tourism and loved seeing young professionals join the industry.”
The Jana Jordan Scholarship was established by her family to support future tourism professionals.
“Scholarships are a gateway for students to focus on their education and not have the pressure of finances,” Eta Sigma Delta President Cally Anderson said. “I have experienced the benefits of receiving scholarships, so being able to help put on an event that will create more scholarship opportunities for future tourism students and will help to leave the legacy of Jana Jordan.”
Check-in for the race starts at 8 a.m. at Lewis Field with the 5K and mile race starting at 9 a.m. on April 12.
Registration information can be found here. A t-shirt is included in the race registration fee. To ensure you receive a shirt on the race day, register by April 1. Registration after April 1 may result in a delay in getting a shirt. Online registration closes on April 9, but individuals can sign up on the day of the race as well.
All participants will be entered into drawings for a variety of prizes. Some of the prizes include gift certificates for local restaurants, gym memberships, Fly Hays tickets, Colorado Rockies baseball tickets, Wild West Festival tickets and more.
“This event is a great way to get outside and participate in a fun wellness activity,” Anderson said.
The top male and female runner from the following age categories will receive a prize:
- 12 & Under
- 13-18
- 19-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60+