The Frostburg Student Education Association's campsite blows everyone away.

By: Stephanie Jones

As you made your way to the track for the 2011 Relay for Life of Frostburg State University on Friday, April 15th, not only were you probably blown away by the huge gusts of wind, but also by the Frostburg Student Education Association’s campsite. The theme for this year’s relay was Carnival for a Cure, and the many members of FSEA worked hard to create a campsite that captured the fun and inviting atmosphere of a Carnival.

Graduate student, Kelly Elliton, who has also been the team captain for the past two years played a huge role in FSEA’s overall success in this year’s Relay for Life event. “Last year we did the whole carnival theme, and it’s interesting to see that the event itself has taken on that theme this year,” laughs Elliton, “But we’ve stepped it up quite a bit this year.”

I’m sure many would agree with Elliton on that note. The campsite itself was filled with nothing but bright colors, balloons, banners, and the many smiling faces of the FSEA members running the games. Participants flocked to the games that FSEA had sponsored, including familiar ones like “Pick a Duck” or “Ring Toss". Everyone who donated at least a dollar was guaranteed to win a prize.

One glance towards the fence behind their campsite, and you would notice a list of sponsors painted on a wooden board with polka dots surrounding the brightly colored letters. Elliton explains just how easy it was get businesses to sponsor such an important cause. “Since I’m graduating this spring, I typed up a letter and had the new FSEA officers hand the letters out to the local businesses,” explains Elliton, “most of the people were more than happy to help out in any way possible.” A couple of prizes that participants were guaranteed to win included: sweatshirts, key chains, and wallets, all of which were donated by the FSU Bookstore.

“Simply pay a dollar and save a life,” announced sophomore Jenny Davis while crowds walked up towards FSEA’s campsite. Davis, like everyone else who attended this year’s event, realized that every penny counts. “My friend and my aunt battled cancer and they mean a lot to me,” said Davis, “helping to fundraise more money for cancer research is the least that I could do.”

Not only did these future educators impress many with their well decorated campsite and kid-friendly games, FSEA fundraised over $1,600 for the 2011 Relay for Life of Frostburg. Elliton agrees that being an education major helped with not only organizing but also the creativity needed for this year’s Relay for Life. “We just wanted to have fun and create a campsite that would allow other participants to do so,” smiles Elliton, “More importantly, Relay for Life is such an important event for the campus and we are more than happy to give a helping hand in any way possible.”

Pictured: FSEA members-Annemarie Triano and Meredith Pagenhardt