2008 Woodie Awards
A non-traditional tailgate
Jessica Bauer
Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: News
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Terp CHOICES and the University Health Center sponsored an alcohol-free tailgate to promote alcohol safety to students.
At the tent set up in front of the student entrance to the stadium, a group of students and health center employees offered free stuff to passersby to get them to learn more about alcohol consumption.
Kendra Smoak-McMillan, the coordinator for drug and alcohol programs, said the event was important to promote safer drinking habits.
"Students who have been drinking can stop by and get food and water," she said about the tailgate. "Free stuff is a good draw, but then they come and they learn something, [such as] 16 percent of students don't drink at all. It's important for students to know this and to know it's OK if you choose not to drink."
People crowded into the tent to spin a colorful wheel and win a free T-shirt or foam finger. Anyone could grab the free food from Subway or a free drink.
On a colorful wheel, questions about drinking at the university were lined around the circle. Players could spin the wheel and answer the question, in return for the prizes.
One space read, "List two hangover helpers," while another read, "What percent of UMCP students do not drink?"
Yvette Chop, a sophomore public health major and a peer educator for Terp CHOICES, was optimistic about a successful turnout.
"No one says 'no' to free," Chop said.
Chop and Brittany Hollis, another peer educator for Terp CHOICES and a sophomore public health major, danced and waved foam fingers to get game-goers to stop by their tent.
"It's important for people to know there's a way to have fun without alcohol," Hollis said.
As the game drew nearer, students and fans began to stop by. Sophoria Westmoreland, a graduate student who was working a concession stand in the stadium, said the music was a big draw for her so she stopped by on her break.
"I think it is important for undergraduates," Westmoreland said. "A lot are just coming to be of drinking age. They need to learn how to tell when they are drunk and need to stop. It is important for anyone who drinks."
Peter Tartaglione, a sophomore journalism major, stopped by the tent with a group of students going to the game.
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