Successful scavenger hunt engages high school students at Concordia University, Nebraska

On Wednesday, September 3, Concordia University, Nebraska hosted a scavenger hunt for Trinity Academy students. The event took place in Concordia’s Link Library and was meant to stimulate creativity and curiosity about the inner workings of the library.  

Director of Library Services Karen Centeno and Paul Scholar program’s Tye Coldiron, Research, Engagement & User Experience Assistant with Link Library, structured the program. They converted the library from a reading space to an interactive activity zone where students searched for words and clues accompanied by gems of wisdom. Using their combined expertise, Centeno and Coldiron were able to develop a series of challenges that both highlighted Link Library’s vast and diverse collection and encouraged teamwork and critical thinking amongst the students. 

The event was a success, with students enthusiastically moving from station to station. They discovered fun facts about each corner of the library while piecing together their quests. The event culminated in a celebratory wrap-up. 

“These high school students represent future undergraduates of Concordia University, Nebraska, and it was exciting to see their enthusiasm as they engaged with the activity.”

The Trinity Academy students’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how the opportunity ignited their interest in collegiate-level resources and inspired potential future academic endeavors.  

The seamless execution and overall success of the event demonstrated the library staff’s dedication to creating memorable experiences, as well as highlighting the value of such programs that bridge high school and higher education.  

“I am truly grateful to Dr. Gabriel Haley for the opportunity to design an interactive library instruction activity for Trinity Academy students,” said Centeno. “These high school students represent future undergraduates of Concordia University, Nebraska, and it was exciting to see their enthusiasm as they engaged in the activity. At the end of the session, I highlighted the importance of using academic sources in research, and several students expressed interest in having access to scholarly articles. Teaching them how to locate and evaluate reliable information is a key step in supporting their future academic success. I look forward to more collaborative opportunities with Trinity Academy students and the broader community.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.