March 17 Rock 'n Roar XI showcases academics, family fun
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
3/14/07
HAMMOND – Approximately 2,600 students from 60 different schools will converge on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University Saturday for the Southeastern Louisiana District Literary Rally. Rock ‘n Roar Fest, a day-long festival showcasing Southeastern’s quality academics and family-friendly atmosphere, will welcome the students to campus March 17 for the eleventh consecutive year.
Scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rock ‘n Roar includes a multitude of entertainment opportunities, academic displays, and other activities headquartered at the War Memorial Student Union. This year’s event is modeled after its predecessor’s successful track record of providing a day of family fun for both Literary Rally visitors and the community, said Connie Davis, who is coordinating the festival.
“Rock ‘n Roar is a day-long event with something for everyone and a great way to get the community, campus and the visiting high school students together to sit back, relax, and have fun while visiting and learning about our campus,” said Davis, associate director of Auxiliary Services.
Rock ‘n Roar will entertain public and private high school students from East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and West Feliciana parishes. The students will compete in 44 different subjects.
When the high school students finish their tests and wait for results to be posted, they can join area residents in gathering useful and entertaining information from hands-on academic displays, financial aid and career booths, and choose refreshments from the wide variety of food booths.
Rock ‘n Roar continues its partnership with several community organizations, such as the Hammond Downtown Development District and North Oaks Health System, who are providing a farmer’s market and health fair respectively.
Also planned throughout the day are a plant sale, arts and crafts booths, food booths, entertainment, and a garage sale with clothes and other items compliments of Southeastern Panhellenic Council and campus sororities.
Families will find that Rock ‘n Roar XI also includes a multitude of children’s activities, face painting, an interactive football throw with members of the Lion Football Team, the University Police Department’s free KidCare Photo I.D. program. The family fun will also include a huge inflatable “jam box” bouncer, jousting and obstacle course, and the opportunity to visit with Southeastern’s lion mascot, Roomie. Children can also explore vehicles compliments of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department, Hammond Police Department and Hammond Fire Department.
Traditionally popular dance, art and baseball camps will also be available for local children. The dance camp for children ages 5 – 12, hosted by the Lionettes, Southeastern’s dance team, is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kinesiology and Health Studies Building. Immediately following the camp, young dancers will perform on the Rock ‘n Roar stage in the Student Union park. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes.
The art camp from 9-11:30 a.m. at Clark Hall for children ages 5-12. Space is limited. The baseball camp will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. at Alumni Field. Children ages 6-13 are invited to participate and are asked to bring their baseball glove for a day of fun. Baseball campers will receive free admission with a paid adult ticket to the 3 p.m. Lions baseball game against Southland Conference opponent Stephen F. Austin.
Camp fees are $5 for the art and baseball camps. Dance camp fees are $15 and include refreshments and a gift item. Parents can pick up applications for camps at the Alumni Center, 500 West University Ave., or register online at www.selu.edu/roarfest. Pre-registration and payment for all camps is mandatory by March 15 due to limited space.
Pets are not allowed at the event. For additional information about Rock ‘n Roar, call the Alumni Center at 985-549-2150 or visit www.selu.edu/roarfest.
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