Freebies, fun, friends and of course, a chocolate fondue fountain equipped with delicious dip-able treats were all a part of Keene State College’s Ninth Annual Student Center Winter Celebration.
This event was held on the KSC campus Wednesday, December 4, for a final celebration before the semester comes to a close.
Students gathered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the festive, holiday-clad first floor of the Lloyd P. Young Student Center to take a moment and unwind from the stress that students said has been lingering over them before this year’s exams.
Meredith Trabilsy, senior and member of KSC’s Social Activities Council, commented on the importance of this event.
Leah Mulroney / Equinox Staff:
Students enjoy a chocolate fondue fountain with marshmallows, strawberries and chocolate biscotti, among other treats.
“We are students, we work really hard, we have classes, we have exams, but we also have lives. There is so much going on with us, especially right before the holidays, that it’s just nice that Keene acknowledges that and gives us this time that can bring us all together in one place,” she said.
The event is always exhibited at the end of the fall semester, and is intended to give students a chance to commend their hard work throughout the term with free food, free goodies and a venue open to the entire KSC campus community.
Alexandra Abbate, a sophomore at KSC, said she believes the celebration gives everyone a chance to breathe during the stress.
“This is just a nice, happy environment when everyone’s super stressed about finals—I know I am. We all can relate, and I think the carnival kind of lets everyone breathe for a second before the stress of exams starts up again,” Abbate said, with a chocolate covered strawberry in hand.
She continued, “You know, I have to say it would be nice to have a chocolate fountain everyday.”
Countless students arrived at the student center for the notorious fountains of chocolate that only come once a year.
Leah Mulroney / Equinox Staff:
Student organizations participate in arts and crafts in the flag room of the L.P. Young Student Center for the Ninth Annual Student Center Winter Celebration.
Caitlin Cormier, a KSC junior, explained that the fountains are always her favorite part of the winter celebration.
“Oh, I came straight to the food,” Cormier said, “I’ve come to the carnival the past two years I’ve been at Keene and it’s always a blast—especially the food.”
Not only was there a chocolate fountain for students to get a taste of, KSC clubs and student organizations had tables set up also.
Some tables, such as the set-up for the Office of Student Involvement, offered free gloves. Other clubs and organizations showed off what they have been working on this semester.
Katie Featherston, biology lab specialist and keeper of KSC’s greenhouse located on the roof of the Science Center, represented the Biology Club’s table full of plants grown on campus grounds.
“A lot of people don’t know about the greenhouse on campus or have never heard of our Biology Club, so the winter carnival is nice for us. I mean, we raise all the plants seen today right over in the Keene State greenhouse. This is just a really good time for us to get out information about biology and the importance of our greenhouse,” Featherston said.
The Biology Club’s goal was accomplished when Abbate arrived.
Leah Mulroney / Equinox Staff:
A table of students decorate and display holiday cards for soldiers at the winter celebration.
“I’m actually a biology major and I didn’t even know what the Bio-Club did until today. I love plants and I’m pretty interested in looking into that now,” Abbate said.
The numerous tables set up throughout the student center gave winter celebration-goers a chance to interact with groups and learn more about the involvement of their fellow students on campus.
Ashlynn Cedrone, KSC junior and member of the ceramics program, felt strongly about the event’s effect.
“This event is nice because it definitely shows people who don’t know about the ceramics programs what we are capable of. A lot of people go into the art buildings, but don’t realize that everything there is legitimate, student-made art,” Cedrone said.
Tasla Feuerbach, KSC senior and fellow member of the ceramics program, chimed in. “Our program keeps getting bigger and bigger, and I think events like these help,” Feuerbach said.
“Most events definitely bring students together in a way, but at the winter carnival you’ve got the free food, the different clubs on display and everyone’s here,” she said.
“No one is segregated in their own buildings, we’re all here, and it’s nice to have students checking the tables out,” Feuerbach continued.
The celebration seems to be all about making connections with clubs and organizations, taking a moment to breathe before exams, and overall, for students to enjoy themselves.
Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@keene-equinox.com
