House BBQs
By Melissa Weng ’27, Staff Writer; Edited by Sunny Zhao ‘26, Staff Writer
As we near the end of the year, we also neared the end of our time together with our grads. It’s only right to celebrate all that we’ve achieved this year before saying our goodbyes, so why not get dressed up and have some fun with it! Therefore, it’s become a tradition for each House to host their own barbecue filled with festivities and spirit!
Leonard celebrated as usual with their Paper Plate Awards, where all members of the House are awarded a “Most likely to…” paper plate, nominated by fellow housemates. This ranged from “Most likely to fall asleep during chapel” to “Most likely to make others feel welcome.” Aside from the Paper Plates, annual House awards were also presented at this time.
Gooderham West also shares the tradition of Paper Plates and House awards but put a fun twist on this year’s House BBQ by adding neon pink wigs to match the pink tablecloths. The bright bobs were a silly yet memorable way to bring the entire House together and it was a big hit!
Gooderham East had a big send-off for their grads, complete with Paper Plate awards, a video filled with photos and messages from housemates and advisors, bringing both happy tears and laughs, and of course, cake! The Crocs also had a photobooth with croc-branded photos that made for the perfect keepsake to remind them that though they came as strangers, they are leaving as friends.
Merritt North kept the meal simple with hot dogs and hamburgers, with pulled pork and mac and cheese as a side. The team of current and incoming House Captains worked together to set things up. They began cooking before being replaced by Mr. Jones and other faculty members. Throughout the process, they took part in lawn games such as Corn Hole, Kan Jam, and Spike Ball. MNO also presented Paper Plate awards.
Merritt South continued what has now become a tradition, catering from Backroad BBQ. This year, the menu included smoked BBQ brisket, BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, veggies, and salad. The BBQ took place at the Tennis Pavilion, so members of MSO played games like soccer, football, and tennis during the dinner.
Deans held their annual “Whose Kitchen: Dessert Edition” event at the start of the BBQ. The Knights were divided into 8 teams, with each team given the same baking supplies, a unique ingredient, and 45 minutes to prepare the dessert. After the BBQ, the desserts were eaten and judged; with the team of Qabass, Filo, Ethan, Rumi, and Muhammed coming out on top with their chocolate coffee brownies.
The incoming house captains of Arthur Bishop East took the lead on their House BBQ, from organizing yard games like spikeball, football, and frisbee, to running the grill and serving up dinner. Partway through the night, they paused to hand out some house awards. Over 16 students were recognized for embodying the school’s PERMA-V values, or even just for being all-around good people. After that, the outgoing captains gave some final words to the house, and the new captains introduced their new assistant house captains and grade reps.
The annual House BBQs were a resounding success!
