As a new school year began, dorm students, teachers, and other invited friends gathered in the dorm garden to celebrate a fresh start with a barbecue party packed with various food and games on Wednesday, Aug. 14. 

In the past, campus residents often felt excluded at parties in the past because they didn’t know many others.  “I was like one of the only eighth graders [2 years ago] because all of them were seniors,” Bonnie Kim, a sophomore, said. 

To promote inclusivity and create bonds, Ms. White, the hall supervisor, pitched a new idea for this year. “I think the parties in the past were only for dorm students. This one and last year I changed it to where each dorm student could invite one friend, just so that if dorm students were nervous about coming on their own, they at least had a friend they already knew,” Ms. White said.

The new policy increased the number of participants, which boosted the liveliness of the party. “I loved how all of our grades and other people can just get together and hang out and talk about school and stuff,” Bonnie Kim said.
On top of that, the party offered a variety of food, ranging from hamburgers and hotdogs to snacks and ice cream. Along with the delicious food, the proposal of a new policy enhanced the overall party experience. 

Students invited by their dorm peers enjoyed the food and games at the event. Guest CJ Park in 9th grade said, “I was invited by my friend, Hans, so I went. The best part was when I lost to Brian Cho when playing pool and everyone laughed at me because I lost to a person with a broken leg.”

In addition to the broad selection of the food, participants customized each burger and hotdog to their own taste. “Mr. Jolly would cook the patties. And then we could just make it to our personal preference and that was extremely good.” Hans Park, a freshman living in the dorm, said.

While students enjoyed the socialization with their peers, some participants proposed suggestions for an even more engaging party. “Maybe we could use the gym to play sports as well because the dorm is quite small, and it’s very limited. So there aren’t a lot of things that we can do.” Park said.

The barbecue party marked a great start to the year. “I just expected it to be a social gathering – just a normal, completely normal social gathering. But they actually exceeded my expectations at the time by bringing in lots of food, and all sorts of people joined.” Park said.

The students expressed their gratitude to Ms. White and other teachers for the marvelous evening. “It was really fun. Thank you Ms. White and other teachers for arranging this event,” Kim said. 

Overall, the party served as an exciting celebration for the new 2024-2025 school year. “I can’t really choose a highlight because every moment was really exciting.” Brian Cho, a junior newcomer to the dorm, said.

Gallery • 10 Photos

Sophia Bae

Brian Hyun in 11th grade receives the ping-pong ball from Brian Cho. He aims for the next point to take the game home.