The idea to call the N.C . State community the Wolfpack  was adopted in 1921, so this year marks the ninetieth birthday of the official title. The anniversary was tied into the twelfth annual Parents and Families Weekend.

The objective of the event is to involve the families of students in some University traditions, according to Laci Weeden, assistant director of Parents and Families Services. One way in which the University celebrates family involvement is through the Family of the Year Award.

“This fall marks the thirteenth anniversary of the Family of the Year Award. The stories that students share, as well as many others, are special examples of what Parents and Families Weekend is all about. Families, and the role they play in their students’ lives, are essential values at N.C. State University,” Weeden said.

The student who writes the best essay on the topic of family wins the award for the entire family.

For the first time since the award’s inception, it was given to two families this year: the families of  Crystal Tsang, a junior in the Poole College of Management, and Caroline Funkhouser, a junior in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“Crystal’s essay honors her mother, Candy Yung; her father, John Tsang; and her brother, William Tsang.  Caroline’s essay honors her father, Ed Funkhouser and late mother, Ellen Teague.  Crystal’s and Caroline’s essays were chosen from 27 entries,” Weeden said.

Both families were recognized with a presentation during Saturday’s football game against Georgia Tech. Chancellor Randy Woodson and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tom Stafford presented both families with a commemorative plaque and $500 book scholarship.

Caroline Funkhouser said she was honored to have won the title and was overjoyed when she got the call telling her that her family won the award.

“We got to hang out in the chancellor’s box with the chancellor and vice chancellor. It was a really cool experience, they are great guys — laid back and funny,” Funkhouser’s younger brother said.

Funkhouser’s sister-in-law, said it was a good family experience and that the family had plans later in the day to spend more time together.

“We are participating in another event and planting saplings around residence halls. It’s great, and a really good family experience,” she said.

Crystal Tsang said it was her third attempt at the competition and said she felt a sense of achievement finally winning it.

“It was my freshman year when I realized that it was only because of my family that I got a chance to study here, so I entered the competition but did not win. I kept on applying as I felt I can thank my parents and my brother for all that they have done for me,” Tsang said.

Her brother said on behalf of the whole family that they are proud of her, and they thank her for entering the competition.

When Crystal gave her family a chance to be recognized for their ceaseless support, they were appreciative because traditionally, it’s the parents who are supposed to provide for the kids. They added that they like State because the people here took care of them. They felt honored to be part of the University’s traditions.

Associate Director of Parents and Families Services Jennifer Bell said the essay contest and all other activities were huge successes.

“Students should always look out for [the Family of the Year Award] competition; we have it in fall every year four weeks prior to families weekend,” Bell said.