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From Monday, Feb. 8 through Thursday, Feb. 11, the Greek societies of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside hosted Greek Week for members and students interested in becoming Greek. Activities this Greek Week included bowling, a Greek yard show, a volunteer trip to Woodstock Health and Rehabilitation Center, and a Greek panel question and answer session.

Many Greek societies at Parkside were not able to participate because of busy schedules, but that only shows the need for new members and executives. There are about twelve Greek societies at Parkside, and each has a different demographic of members. Most societies have chapters nationwide and connect students to others like themselves in a positive way.

The main goals of Greek Week are recruiting, awareness of different organizations, and informing potential members about becoming Greek. Kellee Artis-Jackson and Gabby Hernandez are the only two executive board members of their sorority, and they organized most of Greek Week.

The Greek panel answered questions about Greek life and the advantages of joining a sorority or fraternity. They dispelled hazing myths about organizations at Parkside and talked about individual Greek letter organizations, which they use as a way to network, learn more about themselves, and meet new people.

Bowling was the highlight of the week, according to Artis-Jackson, a junior year sociology major and president of Zeta Sigma Chi. Students in attendance were able to relieve some stress and enjoy a break from schoolwork.

During their visit to Woodstock Health and Rehabilitation Center, students made Valentines and cookies, and played bingo with residents. Greek societies often plan community service trips and also attend conventions and travel.

The yard show, featuring steppers and strollers like those in the movie Stomp the Yard, is a Greek favorite and often draws the biggest crowd. There is another yard show scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 29 at 7 pm in the Student Center Cinema.

There is also an annual One Love show that Greek societies attend with performances and opportunities to meet other Greeks.

"It's a growing experience on my part," said Artis-Jackson. "When I became Greek, I kind of blossomed."