Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Sophia Phillips)
On Tuesday, April 14, the University of Tennessee at Martin Student Government Association (SGA) Freshman Council hosted Spring Fling that included a hygiene item drive benefiting Weakley County Schools at the Student Recreation Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The event combined community service with entertainment and gave students an opportunity to donate to a local cause while enjoying a variety of activities.
Attendees were encouraged to bring hygiene items to donate, which also served as an entry into a door-prize drawing. The more items a student brought, the more times their name was entered into the drawing, increasing their chances of winning. Prizes included headphones, earbuds, a speaker, an iPad and a TV.
Throughout the night, students had access to a wide range of activities spread across the facility. One area featured inflatable attractions, including an obstacle course, axe throwing and a ring where participants attempted to knock their opponent off balance. Cornhole boards were also set up in the side gym. These activities drew steady participation as students rotated through and challenged their friends.
Laser tag was another major attraction, featuring a seven-person free-for-all format. Groups of students lined up to take turns playing, adding an energetic and competitive element to the event.
Upstairs in Room 214, a silent disco provided a different kind of experience. Students could listen to music through headphones and dance while others watched, creating a unique and entertaining atmosphere separate from the main gym floor.
The Rec Center kept its normal facilities open as well, allowing students to play basketball and pickleball or use the gym equipment as they normally would.
Snacks and drinks were available throughout the night, including popcorn, cotton candy and dirty sodas. Many students took breaks between activities to grab refreshments and spend time talking with friends.
By the end of the event, a total of 279 hygiene items had been collected for donation to Weakley County Schools, highlighting the impact of student participation.
“Getting to hang out with my friends more than I usually would,” said freshman Shaun Murray, when asked about his favorite part of the event. “I’ve got a decently busy school schedule, so being able to go to the Rec and hang out with them was definitely a big plus.”
The purpose of the event extended beyond entertainment. SGA Freshman Council President Mason Lovell explained the motivation behind the drive.
“We wanted to give back to the community here in Martin,” said Lovell.
By combining donations with interactive activities, the Freshman Council created an event that encouraged both student involvement and community support.
