While some students were finalizing last-minute essays and sweating over midterms, other students at Armstrong decided to just roll with it.

Roll-a-world, hosted by the Georgia Southern University Programming Board, took place at the Armstrong Recreation Center on Wednesday evening. Students laced up colorful skates and glided to the music, grabbing complimentary glowsticks and snack bags along the way.

Dezrae Lockett, the student engagement coordinator for the Office of Student Activities, said that the university’s goal in hosting a skate party was to provide an outlet for students during midterm week – to relax and blow off some steam during a stressful time.

“This is a really good opportunity for students to try something new,” Lockett said. “There are students who’ve never skated before, and we think that this is a nice event for all of us to get together.”

Trizariah Freeman, student VP of late night events for UPB, Armstrong, shared some cherished childhood memories of roller skating with her family.

“I remember falling a whole lot of times,” Freeman said, “but it was really just a unity with my siblings. Having a good ’ol time with them, my family and friends. We had those little moments of falling together, but getting back up together.”

Freeman, a Savannah native, expressed that many locals feel a sense of loss after Star Castle permanently closed its doors this summer. Freeman explained that while Star Castle had some issues, it played an important role in community connection as the only public skating rink in Savannah.  

“It’s a bittersweet moment after 25 years,” says Freeman.

For new and experienced skaters alike, Roll-a-world allowed students to come together and experience roller skating with their peers. Students who are interested in attending the next Georgia Southern skate night can attend Island Glow Skate Night on October 15 at the Statesboro campus. 

Updated on Oct 10, 2025 to reflect the correct spelling of Dezrae Lockett.