The semi-annual Bears Barbecue is occurring today, May 23, during all lunch periods where students and faculty will be able to purchase food cooked by the faculty.

    The Bears Barbecue has been occurring for 12 years, according to Christopher Bennett, student council co-sponsor.

    “Mrs. Kolze and Student Council just wanted to let everyone relax outside for lunch on a nice day. It’s unfortunate the way our school is designed that we can’t let people outside every day, so we thought one day we could cook outside,” Bennett said.

    Part of the tradition of the Bears Barbecue is that the school’s own faculty cooks the meals for the students and fellow faculty members. Teachers grill hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers for students at the same price as a normal meal.

    “I knew there would be a bunch of “dad” teachers who love their grilling, so it’s a good combination with the teachers cooking,” Bennett said.

    Bennett states that the Bears Barbecue is an important and fun event, and encourages students to take advantage of it.

    “It’s definitely important. Our school has a great deal of activities that we put on to try to make this a fun place to go to school,” Bennett said. “You have to do things outside the normal routine every once in a while. This is a nice end of the year and beginning of the years event to break the routine.”

    Bennett personally enjoys the Bears Barbecue and hopes that the students and faculty do as well.

    “I love it. I go outside, eat, enjoy some lunch, hang out with other teachers, play some bags,” Bennett said. “It’s 70, sunny, and beautiful. You have some fresh air, some music, some games. It’s great.”