As we close off the 2023-2024 school year, we know that most of you Judges and Judgettes are ready for summer vacation. Don’t start getting excited too quickly though because the seniors have already kicked off the summer fun with the Senior BBQ. For those of you who may not know, every year the graduating class of Dozo marks their last year of high school and their start on their college journey by celebrating with a party.

The Senior BBQ is an annual end of the year celebration for the senior class of Cardozo, but it is not just about eating food and having a great time with your friends. The purpose of this event is to get the students ready for graduation. Some of the Dozo faculty and staff—including the guidance counselors, our principal Ms. Colby, some of the college counselors, and others—came to help out and give the students all of the things they need for graduation day and more.

This year, the event was held in the staff parking lot behind the main building where the field is and started at 10:45 a.m., and ended promptly at 1:35 p.m. Students were given their yearbook, four tickets to graduation, cap and gown, the senior t-shirt, a cord and t-shirt for students in Arista, and a Cardozo themed tote bag with goodies inside (Dozo cup and straw, pens, etc.).

Not only do you get to have some food (burgers, mac and cheese, salad, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and watermelon) and drinks (soda), but at this year’s event there was an obstacle bounce castle, a bull riding machine, a blow up basketball game, a few other blow up arcade style activities, a Mr. Softee truck, and a DJ who played some sweet tunes. However, if students were unable to attend or did not want to go to the BBQ there was no need to worry because a couple days after the event, students were able to pick up their things in room 267 during periods 3 through 7. 

This year, the system in place was very organized. Before entering the parking lot, the seniors had to sign in at the table with a staff member using their ID. Once they were checked in, they were given a colorful tie-dye wristband letting others know that they are allowed into the BBQ. There were tables set up where students had to go down the line of tables in order to get their items. It was a very quick and easy process, in which students did not have to wait too long to get their goodies. If there were any troubles or some type of confusion, there were plenty of staff members to guide the students along the way.

Once every senior in attendance got all of their stuff and checked themselves off from the checklists at each table, the fun began. Everyone started the party by enjoying the food with their drink of choice from the soda options provided and then it was on to enjoying the games. That wasn’t all though because along the way the students enjoyed a lot of dancing, socializing, as well as some ice cream from the Mr. Softee truck. The afternoon was not yet over with yearbook signing, however. Amidst all of the checking in, the food, the music, and games, many students talked to their friends and got signatures from those they are closest to. The event ended off with some more fun with the obstacle bouncy castle, as well as the ever so popular bull riding game that many seniors had fun trying out.

The Senior BBQ was nothing short of pure fun and excitement for the seniors. It was a great way to close out their high school careers and see their friends along with reconnecting with other seniors they might not have seen in a while. This BBQ exemplified nothing but true camaraderie and hope of the amazing journeys these Judges and Judgettes will go down. The Verdict wishes the class of 2024 a massive congratulations and good luck in their future endeavors!