Beach Bash: A Senior Tradition

by Ale Menendez

A picture of the crowd at Beach Bash. (Photo Credit: Br. Eladio)

It is well known throughout the halls of Columbus and neighboring high schools alike that Aug. 22 marks an unforgettable day of the year for those who attend Columbus’ annual Beach Bash festival. Since its founding, the event has promised a unique experience in which girls from neighboring high schools are invited to the Columbus campus for a festival filled with food, dance and overall excitement. But it was truly the senior class at this year’s Beach Bash that showed out and demonstrated what the event means in the hearts of these students.

Senior Tradition

Dressing up in different color tie-dye shirts as part of a senior Beach Bash tradition, girls from St. Brendan, Lourdes, Carrollton and more, brightly represent what the event is all about.

“It’s one of the most important senior traditions to me, and I honestly really wanted to wear a tie-dye shirt,” said Lourdes senior Luna Turros.

That passion and sentimentality are what the seniors bring to Beach Bash. The fact that this tradition has lasted among visiting schools has inspired countless classes to continue displaying their pride through tie-dye.

The event has also proven to combat the inevitable feeling of running out of time with friends that all seniors seem to encounter as they prepare to head off to college in less than a year.

“I really want to spend as much time as I can left with my friends at both Lourdes and Columbus, and this event is a perfect opportunity for me to do that,” she continued.

When asked if Beach Bash was one of their favorite days of the year, students answered with a resounding yes.

“It’s something I always look forward to at the start of the year,” said Lourdes senior Sam Torrents. “It almost feels like the unofficial kickoff for the year and I really can't believe it’s my last time.”

Despite the positivity surrounding the event, some had minor critiques.

“It does rain every single year,” said senior Krystle Pinero. “But that almost adds to the fun.”

The tradition, excitement and history that Beach Bash holds in the hearts of its attendees make it not only one of the most exciting events within Columbus, but one of the most memorable across Miami.

Columbus Represents

It’s not just girls from other schools who enjoy the event; it’s also an important tradition for Columbus seniors. While not necessarily rocking tie-dye like the girls, many Columbus students wore sports jerseys or class T-shirts to represent their school pride.

“It’s sort of like a last ride,” said senior Luqui Malabet. “You come to this event for four years in total but coming here as a senior feels kind of weird in a way, but it’s definitely a memorable experience.”

The Beach Bash experience would not have been as memorable without senior DJ Joe Fernandez, who was on the Big C platform throughout the night.

When asked why he took on the role, Fernandez said, “I love music and I love this school. It really doesn't get much better than being surrounded by your best friends and getting to do what you love.”

Providing students with a stage to be themselves and be surrounded by friends, all on their own high school campus, is at the very core of Beach Bash’s appeal. That uniqueness allows it to consistently draw a crowd every year.

Underclassmen

Despite the focus on senior traditions, it’s impossible to discuss Beach Bash without mentioning the role of underclassmen. From borderline safety-hazard mosh pits in the gym to some of the most competitive cornhole games in the L Building Lobby, underclassmen are the heartbeat of the event.

When asked why they came to the event, a group of freshmen shouted a simple, yet wise phrase: “Why not?!”

That attitude helps both underclassmen and upperclassmen enjoy the event so much. The freedom to let loose, be yourself and dance with friends at your own school may not be something other high school students experience. By creating this environment on campus, Columbus encourages students to feel free in their school setting and to learn how to responsibly have a good time.

Many Years to Come

It’s clear the mosh pits, cornhole games and food trucks of Beach Bash aren’t going anywhere. As excited underclassmen continue to fill the event and eventually embrace senior tradition, the flame of Beach Bash promises to burn strong on the Columbus campus and host good-natured fun for years to come.

Photo Credit: Br. Eladio