Club booths lined the edge of the football field at McLean High School at Celebrate McLean on Thursday, Sept. 1. Photo by Melanie Pincus/The Connection
On the cloudy afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 1, McLean High School’s football field and an adjacent parking lot filled with food trucks and tables, some offering concessions and others information about school activities.
Celebrate McLean, a community festival open to all residents of the greater McLean area, included small performances from the high school marching band, face painting and a variety of refreshments.
Senior Noah Huffman came to Celebrate McLean after volunteering at McLean’s freshman and transfer student orientation with the school’s McLeadership program, which helps freshmen adjust to high school.
“I think [Celebrate McLean] is really cool. I think it’s a really nice way for everyone to know what clubs we have at McLean and kind of what’s going on, so I think it’s a really good idea and there are lots of games and things like that people are doing,” Huffman said.
Senior Tina Hashemi, who staffed the McLean High School Book Club’s table, said the event was not as successful securing freshmen interest in joining clubs as previous events. Prior to this year, McLean hosted Highlander Kickoff, just before the start of school to distribute class schedules and give students and parents an opportunity to turn in forms and explore clubs and activities.
“I think that [Celebrate McLean] is a great idea, but frankly I think it would be a better idea if we had Highlander Kickoff because it was really nice to have the freshmen come to one spot in the lecture hall for them to see all the clubs,” Hashemi said. “It’s the only time in the year when they can see all those clubs and sign up, but I do think [Celebrate McLean] is really great for the community.”
Outgoing PTSA President and current Vice President of PTSA Membership Alison Senold said the event had a good atmosphere.
“It’s been really nice. In spite of the fact that the weather wasn’t ideal, we’ve had a really good turnout. People seem to be having a lot of fun,” Senold said. “Kids are reconnecting after having not seen each other for the summer [and] they’re seeing teachers and administrators.”
Senold said the PTSA booth received many visitors.
“It’s been doing a brisk business. We’re getting memberships, we’re getting sign-ups for help with All Night Grad Party, people are stopping by to chat."