Following a rainy day, the sun came out just in time for this year’s SpringFest on April 25 at the Plano Campus.
Many students took part in the biennial tradition and enjoyed free food, live music and activities. The event was followed by a talent student showcase, known as Collin’s Got Talent.
SpringFest is an opportunity for students to learn about the different student organizations and departments at Collin. The event had more than 34 interactive tables.
Each table had a different activity to engage participants. One of those tables was the campus library that showcased the makerspace.
Students were encouraged to make drawings or magnets using tools made by the makerspace’s 3D and laser printers. There was also a small 3D printer making key chains onsite.
The drawings and magnets, made by students, will be sent to the nonprofit organization Color A Smile, which distributes cheerful drawings to senior citizens, troops overseas or anyone in need of a smile.
“We’ve had a good amount of student participation,” Plano Campus librarian Amanda Lunn said. “We want to bring more awareness to our makerspace. It’s still pretty new and we want students to know it’s available and something they can use.”
At the Writing Center table, students were writing their favorite words with chalk on the sidewalk. Words included love, happy and pizza.
“We want students to be using more words in the right way so they can be effective writers,” said Joani Reese, manager of the Plano Campus Writing Center. “SpringFest is a great way to market the resources we have.”
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a student honor society, had a table with balloons and treats, such as small cupcakes and rainbow sherbet punch.
Saniya Syed, dual-credit student and PTK member, said while the organization has many members, they want to spread more awareness about their efforts and increase student involvement.
“There’s so many leadership opportunities with PTK, and the benefits it brings to the overall student experience are remarkable,” Syed said.
After SpringFest, students made their way to the John Anthony Theatre for the popular Collin’s Got Talent, in which students compete for a $1,250 scholarship.
First place winner was Allison Jesse, who performed an acoustic version of the song This is Me from the movie The Greatest Showman. Runner up winners were dance duo Nafia Irvinuraini and Dirdra Medina, who performed a hip-hop dance routine to Dalla Dalla by ITZY. They won a $500 scholarship.
For all the performances and a gallery, visit Collin’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collincollege or click here.