Students experience college life while they are still in HighSchool Photo by Oaniet Dubois Don McLaughlin addresses many high school and college students in the Benson Auditorium during Fall Fest. McLaughlin also spoke during UPLIFT and Youth Forum. Fall 1998 marked the beginning of a new admi ssions weekend, - Fall Fest. Fall Fest was started to be the fall semester's equivalent to Youth Forum, the spiritual emphasis that accompanies Spring Sing. .Unlike Bison Daze, Fall Fest targeted entire youth groups from seventh to 12th grade. Bison Daze, which also occurred in the fall , was aimed specificall y at hi gh school juniors and seniors. The Fall Fest theme was ''Yo Quiero, Jesus."Activities included performances from the Good News Singers, Theatron and Belles and Beaux. There was also a campus movie, football game and a performance by actorlcomedian Sinbad. Don McLaughlin, a minister from North Atlanta Church of Christ, addressed the visitors twice during the weekend. Glenn Dillard, the southwest region admissions counselor, said, "Fall Fest allows kids to see and experience Harding, especially the younger students. This is the only activity in the fall for younger students ." Greg Brown, the midwest region admissions counselor, said, Music students from Marianna, Ark., listen to the jazz band practice during their visit to campus November 17. The admissions office often invited school groups to see what college fife involved. • 42 STUDENTLIFE "Fall Fest is designed to encourage the youth groups spiritually and to expose them to Harding. " Dillard said, "In fact, the majority ofstudentswhovisi t Harding want to attend Harding." Senior Michelle Harris, who attended Bison Dazewhileshewas in hi gh school, agreed with Dillard. "After Ivisited Harding once I knew I wanted to come here," she said. Freshman Katie Tool said, "My visit played a significant role in my decision to come to Harding. Being here and exper iencing the atmosphere, going to classes and just being on campus made me want to come to school here." Approximately 700 students visited Fall Fest. Miranda Harris, a high school sophomore from St. Louis, Mo., said, "I had a great time visiting Harding. More than likely I will come to Harding. Fall Fest definitely played a part in my decision." With 1998 being the first year of Fall Fest, no one really knew how effective it would be, but if it was as successful as Bison Daze, then Harding will have gained many students from the weekend. - Meredith Hlasta
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