AAT Co-hosts Magical Release Party

Prepared by: Andy Davis

For Release: 7/21/2007

Magical Release Party a Success at Cecil College

Cecil (Community) College’s Barnes and Nobles bookstore and the Alpha Alpha Theta (AAT) Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society co-hosted a Magical Release Party for the new and final Harry Potter book The Deathly Hallows on Friday, July 20th from 6 PM until 1 AM in the Technology Building at the North East Campus. Guests were sorted into their houses as they came down the steps through the platform 9 ¾ barrier which was made by the Kids in Kollege Harry Potter class taught by Lauren Anguish. After sorting, they were invited to join in activities that included: coloring pictures of the Hogwarts characters, making Potter glasses using pipe cleaners, having their picture taken with a cutout of Harry from the new book, taking a herbology lesson where they made terrariums using recycled bottles and plant clippings, participate in a trivia challenge held by the potions master, and a Potter character look-a-like contest. All four Harry Potter movies were shown in two locations during the event and there was even an area with “Food for Muggles”.

The idea for co-hosting the part came about when the bookstores manager, Kathy Burris approached AAT Chapter President, Andy Davis and asked him if the chapter would be interested in the event. Mr. Davis took the idea to the chapter officers who all voted in favor to help. The first event of its kind for the campus bookstore, the Magical Release Party was a success, selling 50 books between midnight and 1:15 AM. Miss Burris was very pleased with the success of the event that brought out approximately 100 guests and Cecil faculty and staff. AAT members Andy Davis; Tonya Dean-Catlett, Vice-President of Service; Teresa Malin, Recording Officer; Laura Styles, Prospective Officer; Kenneth Chege, Vice President of Leadership; Amanda Shertz, former Vice-President of Scholarship, and Chris Jackson were joined by AAT alumni Sarah Kraus, former Chapter President; and Arial Woodworth, former Vice-President of Service, as well as by Chapter Advisors Jane Sharrow and Gail Wyant.

Both the bookstore and AAT have been receiving very positive feedback regarding the event. Those who attended the event had an enjoyable evening and were pleased to get their copy of the much anticipated 7th year book during a midnight release. Several customers were even reading the book in groups while sitting in the hall outside of the bookstore while others were still lined up to get their copy.

The bookstore and AAT would like to thank everyone who attended the party and helped to make it the success event that it was.