Every October at Brooklyn Arts there is one Friday where a strong grill scent fills the air and senior students rush out of their classes three minutes early on their way to the courtyard. This is because every year Brooklyn Arts hosts the senior-only “Fall Fest.” Seniors get a chance to paint pumpkins, dance, take photos, play games, and eat burgers and hot dogs made by none other than Principal Vech and other faculty members, including AP Rodriguez. Most students and teachers alike wore plaid and flannel shirts as they chatted over bean bag toss and face painting. 

But arguably the most elusive and most competitive activity is the pie-eating contest. Students gathered around to watch fifteen of our bravest seniors compete to win a $25 Chipotle gift card. It was fun, fast, and a little bit gross. But watching our entire class crowd a row of chairs to loudly cheer on their respective friends was a beautiful showcase of the community that’s been built over the past three years. I got a chance to speak to winner Briana Smith to ask her about her victory. She said her win felt “great,” and she plans to spend her gift card on a “lovely burrito” with some friends. 

Overall, I think the senior fall fest was an overwhelming success, and I thank the administration at Brooklyn Arts for allowing us to have this opportunity. Personally, as a senior, I’ve been savoring all the moments I get with my class, as this is our last year together. I’m so happy everyone got together to have some fall-themed fun before it gets too cold.