By Isabel Costian
Freshman Divya Lal and her teammates ran through the inflatable helmet and around the track as the announcer praised the tennis team. One by one, groups were introduced as they jogged off the football field.
To kick off the school year, students and families gathered at the third annual Back to School Picnic Wednesday night. Volunteers passed out KIND bars and gave ‘Thank You’ stickers to visitors to show “Kindness,” this year’s theme. Each sticker came with a supportive phrase by the volunteer.
“Kindness is really important, especially in high school,” senior Claire Barber said. “Being kind to people will make high school easier for everyone.”
The event was funded by the PTA and Booster Club and attracted students, families and the community.
“I think it’s really well organized and fun,” said Richardson West eighth grader Lauren Haughey. “I think everyone’s being kind tonight.”
The main show of the night included performances by the Eaglettes, Legacy and the Desperados.
“I wasn’t nervous,” senior Legacy member Jacob Redmon said. “I like performing in front of large crowds.”
The picnic is meant as both a welcome for freshmen and an early goodbye for seniors.
“This year has more sentimental value,” senior Amanda Ero said. “You get to see all of your friends perform for the last year.”
Many clubs and organizations, like Thespian Club, Asian Student Union, and Girl Up had tables set up on the side of the field. Junior Fariha Hossain, president of Girl Up, wanted to be more involved with the theme.
“I think it’s a great theme,” Hossain said. “I just wish they had an activity that promotes kindness.”
Seniors, like Barber, who have been to every picnic, said it was bittersweet.
“It makes me sad that it’s my last one,” Barber said. “They’re my favorite things to kick off the school year.”