Before students stay home and sleep in, there is one more week of school. However, members of the Campus Activities Board are doing what they can to make that week fun for Missouri Southern students.

“It’s like a send-off to our students before spring break,” said Julie Blackford, director of student activities.

CAB has planned a week’s worth of events, including a sidewalk chalk contest, a free informative lunch on dreams and a free movie night.

Highlighting the week will be the talent show Wednesday. Every year, Southern students display their talents in front friends, faculty and local faces for a chance to win a cash prize.

This year, comedian Alex House will be the master of ceremonies.

Blackford said last year’s comedian, Alexandria McHale, was a big success. This year, they’re going with the same formula hoping for another large turnout.

“Last year we had about 300 to 400 people,” said Jason Givens, senior CIS major. “Hopefully, we can get that and more.”

Blackford said Givens work has been an asset to the planning and preparation of the talent show.

Cash prizes are up for grabs in two different categories: group and individual. First place will receive $200. Second will receive $100 and third and fourth will get $75 and $50, respectively.

“Right now we’re up in the air about who our judges are going to be,” Givens said. “Usually we have one or two professors and some Joplin celebrities.”

Givens said the talent for this year’s show is primarily singers, dancers and some comedy.

House is scheduled to perform at the start of the night as will local talent Mikel.

Rounding off the week is SPIKE night on Thursday. CAB is hosting the event in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Events include a ping pong tournament, a basketball tournament, volleyball, free food and T-shirts. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. with improv team Comedy Sports.

CAB has been conducting SPIKE nights a few times each semester, but this one will be different.

In order for students to get a free T-shirt, they must prove they have been to at least three spring break blitz events.

“You kind of have to earn your T-shirt this year by participating in events,” Blackford said.

“They’re things students are doing anyway.”

She said T-shirts have been a problem in the past for more than one reason.

“Sometimes it gets dangerous for the students who are passing them out,” Blackford said. “We want people to do more than come, get their T-shirt and leave.”

Spring break blitz begins on Monday with a sidewalk chalk contest and the Dreams 101 lunch-and-learn at noon.

For more information on events, students can visit the student activities office on the second floor of the Billingsly Student Center or call 625-9346.