Chico State SAAC HiYa Hopes Exceeded During Two-Day Event Inspired by Frace Sisters
By Devon Morones, Chico State women's soccer alumna for chicowildcats.com
CHICO - Lacey Pasquarella could not wait to show off the rock she found in Chico’s beautiful Upper Bidwell Park. It is round and smooth and painted a cool sky blue, a pink and white sun shining in the corner, and “STAY CALM” in Wildcats cardinal with white accents. She pulled out her phone and approached the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) table across the gauntlet from Butte Station with a spring in her step.
Pasquarella knows all about the HiYa Rock Project and was ecstatic to see her fellow Wildcats taking part in it. SAAC was reflecting a piece of home to the sophomore from San Luis Obispo. She wanted its members to know that, and to thank them for bringing the project to Chico State. She also wanted to select her own HiYa rock to place in nature where someone might spy it along a path and find encouragement in its message.
The HiYa Rock Project was put in motion by the Frace family following the deaths of sisters Brynn and Brittni in a car accident. The sisters—beloved members of the Chico State distance running community known for their infectious positive attitudes and spontaneous joy (they ran with joy and friends)—were on their way back to Chico State from the San Luis Obispo area for the 2018 spring semester. The mission of the project is to place hand painted rocks throughout the country to spread hope and joy and encourage connectivity.
In the aftermath of November’s devastating Camp Fire, SAAC was eager to do something that might do all of those things. When the HiYa Rock Project was presented as an option, they jumped at the idea.
Because Sunday was National Random Acts of Kindness Day, the Wildcats decided that this was the week to do it. They had no idea they would meet a student as familiar and inspired by the project.
Most were not so familiar until this week. Students hurrying to class, soon-to-be graduates rushing to the Business Career Fair, and professors strolling to their classrooms chose or were handed rocks hand-painted by student-athletes and anyone else who wanted to paint one. The HiYa’s were treated as tokens of good luck, inspirational symbols, and reminders of hope. Perhaps most importantly, the HiYa’s sparked meaningful conversation.
As students, staff, and faculty walked away, it appeared many had found new motivation for the day. Smiles sprouted and steps got springier. Others simply took a moment to breathe deeply with gratitude for the positive reminder.
Just as some embodied relief, many communicated it, stating that they were grateful for the positive reinforcement—that it came at just the right time. While the student-athletes were spreading happiness on the Chico State campus, others asked what they could do to help or return the favor.
The answer is simple: spread awareness about the HiYa Rock Project.
Vickie Nailing, a graduate student in Chico State’s teaching credential program, expressed appreciation and love for SAAC’s generosity and the project immediately. Through the Peace Corps, for the past two years, Nailing trained English teachers in Ukraine. After SAAC members explained the project, she vowed to reach out to her colleagues in Ukraine to tell them about the HiYa Rock Project. Nailing spoke of the importance of “helping and supporting each other in today’s world,” and was inspired by what she sees as a simple but beautiful idea.
As students began finding HiYa’s around campus, many congregated at the SAAC table. The Chico State track and field team’s canopy, adorned with bold cardinal letters reading “Ohana”—a prevalent word in Hawaiian culture, which directly translates to family and symbolizes the familial bond—acted as a beacon.
Strangers painting rocks or debating which one to choose became fast friends. While SAAC was accomplishing its goal of spreading positivity and encouragement, the power of the HiYa Rock Project crystalized. Surprising conversations were taking place between diverse people.
Take a stroll around Chico State’s campus today. Chances are you’ll notice the hope that lingers in the air. Keep your eyes wide open. You might even see it—on a rock tucked away on a side trail by the creek, or better yet, in a person you pass by.