Kansas College Cancels Class for Service and Awards Day

A small Kansas college is proving that education doesn't always happen in a classroom.

Hesston College will cancel classes on April 20 for Larkfest, an annual tradition that combines community service with academic celebration. Students will spend the morning working on service projects throughout Hesston and nearby towns before gathering to honor their peers' achievements.

"Larkfest was created to highlight two important values of Hesston College: academic excellence and service to others," says David LeVan, a business faculty member. The day brings the entire campus community together to celebrate what makes the school special.

The morning kicks off with on-campus students fanning out across the region for hands-on service projects. At 11:15 a.m., everyone reconvenes at Hesston Mennonite Church for an awards ceremony recognizing students who have excelled academically and in extracurricular activities.

The celebration continues into the afternoon with student presentations beginning at 1 p.m. These showcases of academic work will take place across four campus locations: Kropf Center, Charles Hall, Hesston Mennonite Church, and Keim Center.

The Ripple Effect

This event represents a growing trend in higher education where colleges recognize that real learning happens when students apply their knowledge to help others. By officially pausing traditional classes, Hesston sends a clear message: service and academic achievement aren't competing priorities but complementary values.

The community benefits from student volunteers tackling local projects, while students gain practical experience and connection to the place they call home during their college years. Meanwhile, public recognition of academic work gives students a real audience for their research and projects beyond just their professors.

The college has opened both the awards ceremony and afternoon presentations to the public, inviting the broader community to see what their local college students are learning and accomplishing. It's a rare chance for neighbors to peek inside campus life and celebrate young people's growth.

A presentation schedule will be available on-site the day of the event for community members wanting to attend specific showcases.

One day without classes might seem small, but Larkfest shows that sometimes the best education happens when you close the books and open the doors.