On Sunday, Nov. 12, the Diversity Council, in conjunction with the Benjamin Parent’s Association (BPA), hosted an ice cream social from 2-4 p.m on the Upper School Campus.

All TBS families were invited to this event as the goal was to promote inclusivity and highlight the student clubs and organizations at the school. The Diversity Council spearheaded the event but members from Student Council, The National Honors Society, The Spanish Club, The Benjineers, and The National Art Honors Society were all asked to volunteer and help run some of the activities. 

When students entered the event, they were greeted by delicious ice cream where they had the option of choosing either chocolate or vanilla with sprinkles in a cup or cone. The Head of Upper School Mr. Fletcher Carr, Head of Middle School Mr. Charles Hagy, and Dean of Students, Mr. Kevin Jacobsen all attended the event along with several other members of the TBS faculty. 

Each Upper School club had their own activity table that they helped organize. There was face painting, fishing, coloring books, bracelet making, pot decorating, cornhole, and music, too. 

Vice-President of the Diversity Council, junior Victoria Powell, helped lead the event and felt that it was very successful.

“The idea came about because we wanted to bridge the gap between the Lower and Upper Schools while also allowing our club members to gain some community service. We thought that ice cream would be the perfect way to bring everyone together and we wanted the event to be relaxing and enjoyable, so we decided to set up a bunch of different activities. It was great to see all of the different clubs work together and I loved dancing and hanging out with the kids,” Powell said. 

Senior and National Honors Society member, Zoe Cooper, had a great time at the event and felt that it was the perfect way to get to know some of the younger Bucs on campus. 

“I helped run the bracelet-making station which was so much fun. It was so nice talking to some of the little kids and their parents in such a laid-back setting. There was no stress of exams, tests, or assignments and everyone was able to just talk and learn more about each other. All of the kids looked like they were having such an amazing time and seeing their smiling faces made my day,’’ Cooper expressed. 

Junior Sam Woods, a member of the Spanish Club, enjoyed helping out at the event and feels that interacting with the younger students is very important. 

“It was so nice to experience all of the younger students running from station to station with smiles on their faces. My favorite part about the event was seeing everyone talking to each other without even thinking about looking at their phones. All of the kids were running around outside, getting their faces painted, and enjoying their ice cream while their parents either watched them or spoke to us,” Woods explained. 

Overall, the Ice Cream Social seemed to be a huge success as teachers, parents, and students from W.O.W. to seniors were able to talk and enjoy a sweet treat on a hot, Florida day. Not only was there a variety of fun activities to participate in, but the event also helped foster a new sense of camaraderie among the students and their families.