Students take on Friday Night Line-Dancing

Students had the opportunity to wear their best boot-scootin' shoes and line dance in HAL Hall last Friday. TRIO and the Troy Student Unity and Service Council teamed up to put on a night of good music and dancing. 

“It’s just a positive way to reach out to people that might be stuck in their dorms, people that don’t have a lot of friends or people that just love to dance,” said Trey Brown, a sophomore physical education major from Eufaula, Alabama. “You can come out with like-minded people if you want to learn how to dance or just have fun.” 

“Dance nights like this bring everyone together,” said Lewis Bell, a junior criminal justice major from Dothan, Alabama and a TRIO ambassador. He is also one of the founding members of SUSC. “Especially during this time, line dancing is very popular, so I just think it was a great way to get everyone together.” 

The night started off with a competition, where students could showcase their line dancing skills by themselves or in small groups. Each contestant had a couple of minutes to show off their best moves. 

The contest was won by a solo dancer who went by the name “Slim.” After the competition, more line dance songs were played for everyone to join in. 

TRIO is a government-funded organization for first-generation students. They offer help to low-income students. 

“We help a lot of students that don’t really have a community coming into college,” said Sydney Kate Sprayberry, a senior psychology major from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and vice president of TRIO. “It’s a really good transition program for freshmen. 

“It also creates a community for students that come from similar backgrounds, especially if they’re first generation and don’t really know a lot coming into college.” 

“It was the first organization I joined when I came to Troy,” Brown said. “It helped me, not only financially, but making connections with people.” 

TRIO offers a lot of opportunities for students, including trips and involvement on campus. 

“I’ve been able to make new friends and be a part of a lot of different events,” Sprayberry said. “I also love the leadership opportunities I’ve been given.  

“This is my first time being in a position like this, so it’s really cool.” 

SUSC is another organization on campus that was founded by students.  

“It’s a council designed to bring unity back to campus,” Bell said.  

To stay up-to-date with TRIO, follow @troymain_sss. To keep up with SUSC or join, follow @troy_susc on Instagram.