MONMOUTH, Ill. — The school year has already started for some students in our area, and it's just days away for others. Monmouth College students head back to class on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Before classes start every year, a line of students snakes from Monmouth College to the Public Square, led by a bagpiper. It's called the New Student Walkout. This time, more than 200 freshmen and transfer students toured local businesses, organizations and service providers.
One of those local businesses is owned by Kristyn Ferch. She started ISO Threads Thrift Boutique two years ago. She said it's not just students who give her store a boost in sales.
"I don’t think that people really recognize how many people are here during the school year that aren’t usually in our town," Ferch said. "I think we’ve gained a lot of followers, actually, from people who came that were freshmen last year and their families found out about us.
While students help those small businesses thrive, local organizations are here to give students a hand, too. At the Buchanan Center for the Arts, Executive Director Kristyne Gilbert says students can get to know the community better.
"It’s a sense of home, it’s a sense of connection, and that is a real priority for the college as well as the community," Gilbert said.
She said learning outside the classroom is just as important as learning inside.
"We have internships that we offer, we have exhibitions, classes, opportunities for them to maybe get away from their classes," Gilbert said. "Learn a little bit more about the arts, and to learn more about the community, and to make those relationships that are long-lasting as they make their way through college and beyond."
It's all part of a tradition of the school and the town helping each other thrive.
"We do as well as we do because the college is here, and vice-versa," Gilbert said. "It’s been a wonderful relationship for hundreds of years, and we’re super excited to have them as a partner in our community."