By: Jeff Noble

Editor

Like a volcano erupting in the South Pacific, college students need to let off a little steam at times. Inside the Van Meter Gymnasium last Wednesday, September 13th, Kellie Glenn was doing just that by playing. And she wasn’t the only one.

Several students gathered after their classes to enjoy a game of “Lazer Tag”, to let off some steam and the stress of tests. Organized by several on-campus groups on the Lees College Campus of Hazard Community and Technical College, over 75 students had signed up to dodge the laser rays by 12 Noon. Taking a breath between running to barriers to protect her, Glenn exclaimed, “It’s fun. You get to get sweaty, and shoot at your friends. You can get a lot of aggression out in a playful way by doing this,” said the Freshman from Campton. Kellie had plans to come back to the gym in the afternoon, but for another reason. “As soon as I get out of class then, I’m going to hit that cornhole game.”

That ever-popular game called cornhole, as well as hula-hoops and basketball, also ruled inside the floor where the Lees Generals usually took the stage. But on this day those games, and the laser tag, were the king of the court. A poster outside the building beckoned students to try their luck by saying, “Come compete against each other in an ailen versus army world.” Amid the camouflage canopies on the floor was Cody Davidson of Noctor, who never played the game until now. Moments later, while running to avoid getting shot, the Sophomore was sold on laser tag. “I get to hunt people in here. It feels good to get the bad guys, and to get the stress out.” Then, Cody hurriedly said, “Excuse me, I’ve got someone on my tail after me!”

The “Lazer Tag” game was put together by the Lees Campus UNITE Coalition. It’s Director, Scott Gross, thought it was grand to let students let off some steam after class. “In fact, we’ve got some staff and faculty playing as well. They’re all playing in teams of four, and they’re having a ball, going against each other.” His group had a table next door, handing out pens, pamphlets and other information that goes with the anti-drug organization.

By midday, other students were making their way inside the gym, and to the new Lees College Campus Grill for lunch. For those of you who remember Lees years ago, that’s where the old cafeteria was in Jackson Hall. It’s been remodeled and now it’s full with students, just like the new bookstore nearby in the basement of the building. Anna Marie Allen was grabbing a cheeseburger, chips and baked beans before her next class. She paused and thought of “Student Bash Day”. “When people come from neighboring areas, or happen to be a Freshman, it’s tough. You don’t know anybody, or what to do and where to go. Today they can sit down with each other and make friends. They find out it’s not as intimidating as it looks,” replied the Sophomore from Vancleve. Allen added, “It takes their minds off the first group of tests. And, the food’s free.”

Nearby Anna Marie was Mary Ann Carpenter, the Assistant Manager of the bookstore. “I’m killing two birds with one stone today. Not only are we passing out books and goodies like free razors. Here in the grill we’re selling chances on an Afghan and Mary Kay spa products, with the money raised going to the Lees Campus “Relay For Life” team.” Enjoying a word from a colleague and a soft drink, Carpenter was pleased with the day, despite the rain. “I wish the weather was better, but still, it’s been received very well. The kids are coming down to have lunch and to check us out. We’ve got door prizes and we’ll play bingo. The students all love events like this.”

And by afternoon, a band made up of some Lees students - “Ride The 75″ - would take over the gym stage. Outside the gym, a mobile van from the Central Kentucky Blood Center was parked, ready to help the Jackson Kiwanis Club take blood donations. And there was more food, games, and laser tag. Kim Barnes watched it all from outside the gym door. Sitting at the Lees UNITE table, the Ready to Work Coordinator enjoyed the camaraderie among the students inside and smiled. “This is a way to welcome students back to class. They’re having a lot of fun inside, as you can hear. It is an experience. I think college is a state of mind, and should be experienced.”