Raleigh Hightower
Staff Writer
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Murray State’s UNICEF hosted a Halloween carnival to raise funds and connect with other student organizations.
UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children’s Fund, is an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children and women in over 190 countries.
Since its inception in 1946, UNICEF has emerged as one of the world leaders in vaccination efforts; providing safe, clean water; educating children and preventing HIV infections in mothers and babies.
Murray State’s UNICEF chapter was founded in the spring of 2021. Murray State UNICEF focuses on fundraising, bi-partisan advocacy, educating the community and participating in local volunteer work.
“I discovered my high school’s UNICEF club at the beginning of my Junior year, so I’ve been involved for a little over three years now,” said Kennedy Trypus, UNICEF president and biology major. “I immediately fell in love with UNICEF’s mission of providing humanitarian aid to children and women, and truly found my place in the club.”
UNICEF is led by President Kennedy Trypus, Vice President Sydney Harper, Secretary and Advocacy Chair Megan Redding, Education Chair Jake Hicks and Fundraise Chair Will Groves.
The carnival raised over $300 for UNICEF. Other participating student organizations were also permitted to keep their profits from the carnival to put towards the needs of their organizations.
“A Halloween carnival is something that I had always wanted to put on,” said Groves. “I thought that the nostalgic factor of a carnival could bring together both Murray Students and local children as well.”
Seven student organizations participated in the UNICEF carnival. These organizations included Mock Trial, the Pre-Law Association, Model United Nations, the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Club, the Veterinary Technology/ Pre-Vet Club, the TV Club and the College Democrats.
Some of the activities at the carnival included the “duck hunt” video game, face painting, dalgona candies from the Netflix series “Squid Game” and pie throwing.
“We knew that when we were putting on the carnival that we wanted to work with other registered student organizations,” said Groves. “By building a relationship with other student organizations, it was getting our name out there as well as giving a platform for other organizations to do the same.”
Following the success of the Halloween carnival, UNICEF is looking into a holiday candy gram event to take place close to finals. UNICEF is also looking into getting involved with local schools for the UNICEF Kid Power and youth outreach initiatives.
“UNICEF is where I discovered my biggest passion, met lifelong friends and found an opportunity to make a difference,” said Trypus. “If you’re looking for any of those things within an organization, reach out! It’s never too late and we would love to have you.”
UNICEF will hosting its final meeting of the fall semester on Nov. 11, from 7-8 p.m. in the Curris Center Mississippi Room. UNICEF hosts monthly meetings in the Curris Center and virtually through Zoom.
To be involved with UNICEF, attend their next meeting, reach out to an officer or stay in touch by following the club’s Instagram page, @murrayunicef.
