The Diplomat
Franklin & Marshall’s weekly online newsletter
Brooks Event Connects F&M Students to Community
More than 100 Franklin & Marshall students educated local elementary students at the third annual “Brooks Buddies” on Nov. 10 in the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center.
The objective of Brooks Buddies—the signature event of Brooks College House—is to teach children about healthy living through a series of games and activities. Christian Hartranft ’12, Akbar Hossain ’13 and Stephanie Tzarnas ’13 organized the event with other members of the Brooks Congress. The event is the brainchild of Stephen Lockey ’11, former president of Brooks, who launched the program in 2009.
“Brooks Buddies helps students from F&M connect with the local community,” Tzarnas says. “Lots of people volunteer, and the kids have a blast. The best part is seeing how happy the kids are. They even send thank-you notes to Brooks House.”
A total of 218 students from Ross and Wharton Elementary Schools moved to various stations throughout the event, playing games and learning about healthy lifestyles. The event also had benefits for F&M students, Hartranft says. “All four class years of Brooks students participate, so everyone’s involved. Sometimes it’s hard to include upperclassmen in events,” he says.
Tzarnas credits the College House system for helping students feel a sense of belonging. “A lot of times, first-year students can feel lost, but the House system can help you find your niche in college.”
