The South Carolina Honors College saw their biggest attendance ever for the annual Honors Family Weekend Picnic. This year, 2,285 people registered, approximately 500 more people than last year. The free event provided food and music and filled the historic Horseshoe with families and friends laughing and playing games throughout the afternoon. Halfway through the picnic, Dean Steven Lynn made an appearance to recognize students and staff of the Honors College.

The family picnic is held every year during the university’s family weekend so Honors families can spend time reconnecting with their students after classes have started. First-year Danyelle Carson came to the picnic because of the opportunity to take a break from her courses and spend time with her family.

“It was an excuse to get together with family, have a good time and eat,” Carson said.

Returning families also attended the event after enjoying the experience from past years. Sophomore Kelly Carrick came back this year for her second family picnic with her parents. Carrick sees how important events like these are in building the Honors College community.

“I think it’s especially nice to have everybody’s families meet, and it just helps form stronger connections with your Honors College classmates,” Carrick said.

Parent Lisa Smith has come to multiple picnics because she enjoys feeling a part of the Honors community.

“I think that because the school’s so big, that something like this … feels smaller, and you feel like you’re in a community within a large school,” Smith said.

The Honors Family Weekend Picnic also saw different types of families on the Horseshoe. Sophomore Rachael Lanning came with a group of friends, enjoying her time with the family she made during college.

“It’s nice to know that you can come here [without your parents],” Lanning said. “I still feel like I’m here with my family, it’s just a new family.”

The picnic is planned by academic advisor and student engagement coordinator Cami Reid. As an Honors alumna, Reid understands the impact her job has in creating events like these for the Honors community to come together.

“Creating opportunities for Honors students to celebrate their accomplishments with those they care about is an incredible privilege I have in this position,” Reid said.