On Sunday morning, as the campus was shrouded by gloomy skies and rain storms, students braved the dreary weather to participate in Theta Delta Phi and Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE)’s annual Turkey Trot. The race began at the Old Kenyon Residence Hall and weaved through campus, with members of Theta and DKE gathered at the finish line to hand participants water and bananas.

The event was hosted to raise money for the Shawn Kelly Holiday Party, an annual fundraiser to honor Shawn Kelly, a record-setting swimmer, beloved member of DKE and devoted Kenyon community member who died in 1990. The fundraiser, held in partnership with Knox County Head Start, hosts over 500 individuals across Knox County for a night of free holiday festivities. Over the years, the holiday party has become Knox County Head Start’s biggest event.

Laney Goodrum ’26, a Theta Community Service chair, has played a major role in organizing the fundraising efforts throughout the school year. “The Turkey Trot is one of our many events leading up to the Shawn Kelly Holiday Party and it’s so much fun every year,” she said, “I was so glad to get to plan it this year.”

Every fall, the Turkey Trot brings together racers from many different groups on campus, with this year’s race including the women’s lacrosse team and several non-athletes. For events like the Shawn Kelly Holiday Party, Theta and DKE believe the Kenyon community should be as involved as possible. “Sometimes I think as students we get stuck in the bubble of Kenyon,” Goodrum said. “There is this whole town that basically lets us into their homes for four years, so we must give back to them.”

Nicholas Forsyth ’26, winner of this year’s Turkey Trot, agreed. “I think the Kenyon community should be willing and eager to give back,” he said. “This event plays a crucial role in our community by uniting people to raise funds for a shared purpose.”

As the semester comes to a close, Theta and DKE are wrapping up their yearlong initiative with the Shawn Kelly Holiday Party, but there is still more money to raise to meet their goal. Those interested in donating to the initiative can Venmo @thetadeltaphi (including their full name and “Shawn Kelly Donation”) or visit the group’s GoFundMe.