Article by Brooklynn Brown | Owl Staff
Rain or shine, the live DJ is having a great time
Imagine a rainy day, a few clouds in the sky, and some catchy luau music. Your eyes go right to the big shark slide, and you can right away smell the amazing food.
Owlfest 2025 was held on Tuesday, September 16th from 11am-2pm in the quad. The theme for this year was “Luau party” which featured fun games, attractions, caricature artists, food, and even a live DJ.
Owlfest is the college’s annual community celebration held in the beginning of the fall semester, and is a great way to bring students and facilities together.
Although the weather was rainy, that didn’t stop any fun. Some of the activities included a shark slide, ring toss, dunktank and airbrush tattoos. There were also caricature artists and a variety of free food. Some of the food dishes included pasta, pineapple rice and pulled chicken sandwiches.
“What makes me feel good about HCC is being around so many people of different ages and backgrounds and I just love the culture.”
Students were quick to share some of their favorite things about HCC and what they are looking forward to in the upcoming year.
“What makes me feel good about HCC is the people I have met so far, everyone is welcoming,” says student Chase Allen. “There are a lot of nice conversations and there’s a lot of interesting people that you’ll meet.”
Student engagement specialist Laura Burke, an alumni of HCC, shares how she has worked here for seven years and quote,”absolutely loves it.”
“Being here at HCC, almost everything makes me feel good,” says Burke.
She adds that she loves working with students, especially through the office of Student Life. “Hosting this event is my favorite day of the year and I could do it every day if I could.”
The big shark slide took center stage for students to slide down.
“What brings me to HCC is the affordability and the ability to start my education without shelling out a bunch of money,” says student Samirah Mccaulla. “It also gives me a little more wiggle room before fully establishing a career.”
“What makes me feel good about HCC is being around so many people of different ages and backgrounds and I just love the culture.”
“What brings me to HCC is the fun and games and everyone just having a community and being able to talk to people,” says HCC student Clip Hathaway.
“What makes me feel good about HCC is the people I have met so far, everyone is welcoming,”
“What brought me to HCC is my major. I am majoring in elementary education,” says student Karma Sherrod. “I decided on HCC because it’s in the area and I also didn’t really want to move away.”
“I also like how everything is here, it’s very communicative and very supportive,” she adds.
As a new student starting off their first semester of college it can be a quite nerve wracking and overwhelming. Classes can lead to anxiety and depression, but Owlfest is a very fun event and is a great way to take your mind off things and get excited for what’s coming.
Nneka Iweanya, an Owl Media member holding up a turtle she met at Owlfest.
This being my first time at Owlfest, I had a great time meeting new people and introducing myself into the culture at HCC. Being apart of the culture at HCC has been such an eye opening experience, watching people from different backgrounds come together to learn and grow.I got to enjoy some free food, play exciting games, and hangout with my friends.
HCC’s office of Student Life holds numerous events in the student center, including Owlfest.
Overall, Owlfest is a fun community event held at HCC and really gets everyone together and involved. Thank you to the facility and staff for ensuring students have a place to be themselves, and take a break from learning to have some fun.