Greek Week: Unity with kids and kids at heart

After a week of Nickelodeon-themed fun and giving back to the community, Greek Week 2023 is coming to an end on Saturday.

The Greek Life Council’s Vice Presidents of Programming, Abi Bretz and J.T. Orahood planned how Heidelberg’s fraternities, sororities and societies would celebrate the nearing of the end of the academic year. “I was really excited about the Greek Olympics,” J.T., a member of the fraternity Rho Eta Delta, shared. “Every group brings a different competition.”

“Personally,” Abi shared, “I was so happy we were able to do something with SMYL.” Thanks to Abi’s personal connection with SMYL and J.T. 's education major, they were able to get a fun bit of community service on the docket for the week. On Thursday, all of the Greek groups worked together with SMYL, short for Seneca Mentoring Youth Links, a local organization that pairs youths with a mentor to provide a positive, influence in the youths’ life. They spent the afternoon providing food and playing Capture the Flag with the kids. “It was great to be helpful to the community, and to give these kids some adults to bond with within a positive atmosphere.”

The Nickelodeon theme will be fully visible as the groups finish the week on Saturday. The Greek Bash will be held in Wickham Great Hall. “It’s a time for Greeks to come together, bond, and just have fun!” Abi said. In preparation for the bash, every group was tasked with making a banner themed on Nickelodeon or a favorite show from the channel. “Campus celebrities,” such as Dean of Student Affairs Chris Abrams and President Rob Huntington will judge the banners. 

For any Olympics, there has to be awards for the winners. Abi said she was was happy to work on the Nickelodeon-themed decorative paddles that will be awarded to the winners – bright orange and decorated with splatters, reminiscent of the “slime” that was a staple on the channel’s competition shows. There is another intangible prize, though, that J.T. acknowledged: “It’s a week-long celebration of Greek unity – so yes, it’s about competition, but the greatest part is how it brings us all closer together.”