Senior student teachers miss out on celebratory event

Keene State College’s Red and White Night is a part of the senior class tradition and has been since the college opened its doors in 1909. Traditionally held in the L.P. Young Student Center’s Mabel Brown Room, the class of 2010 switched it up this year, as they did for the 100 Nights event, and held the Red and White Night at McCue’s Billiards & Sports lounge on Emerald Street in downtown Keene.

Like 100 Nights, McCue’s closed its doors to the general public, allowing only KSC seniors to enter for the evening. Two lines formed outside the bar, separating students by last name; A-L and M-Z for a smoother entrance transition than the 100 Nights event. Once inside, neon orange bracelets were given to students. Tables were draped with red tablecloths and red and white balloons were tied to chairs. Fishbowl centerpieces were filled with one red and one white rose along with a goldfish. Free pool and appetizers were available along with two beer pong tables set up next to the dance floor. DJ MF Shalem spun the music for the night while students danced.

“I’m having a good time,” senior and health science major Michelle Faherty said. “I mean, I have class at 8 a.m., but I wasn’t going to miss this. It’s my senior year.”

A lot of controversy arose, however, as some students were upset about the event being held on a Thursday night and at McCues again. According to senior Class President Matt Gill, about 30 percent of the senior class are education majors now in the process of student teaching. This makes attending such an event on a Thursday night difficult for those who have to be up at 6 a.m. the next morning for school.

“It’s not fair; I’m a senior and can’t enjoy my senior events because I have to be up early to teach on Fridays,” student teacher at Keene Middle School Erin Kourafas said. Kourafas said it’s as if the student body doesn’t take education majors into consideration when planning these events. Senior mathematics major Max Gausch said he would’ve liked to see the event held elsewhere.

“McCue’s didn’t have any deals last time we went,” Gausch said, referring to 100 Nights. “We should’ve had it somewhere where they have dollar drinks.”

On the business side of things, Gill said the class officers can’t please everybody. According to Gill, McCue’s was the best location to hold the number of people scheduled to show up and had a good price.

Having the event on Friday would’ve resulted in almost double the price and another venue may have been too small.

“We had a great turn out,” said Gill. “Obviously not everyone is happy about the day, but there are plenty of other events coming up for those seniors who missed tonight.”
Gill said overall, the event was a success.

“I would not have changed a thing,” Gill said. “The event was one that I don’t think anyone that was there will forget.”

Amanda Sawyer can be contacted at asawyer@keeneequinox.com.