On Friday, October 11, 2024 New Hope Academy attended their annual fall picnic. As students arrived, the pavilion was revealed through the dissipating steam from the overworking grill. It was a chilly morning, as we all gathered next to the lake for yet another memory to make.

The picnic itself was massive. There were four tables topped with food, along with constant burgers and hotdogs coming off the grill, worked by gym teacher, Mark Beuerle and NHA administrator, Steve Gana. By the time we arrived, food from Chick-fil-A had been generously placed in multiple bowls, and not much longer after the picnic started, those bowls were completely scraped clean. 

Students this year, such as Kara Valenzuela (‘25) enjoyed the “relaxing experience and socializing with friends.” Other students, such as Jenna Scurlock (‘25) enjoyed the “cozy atmosphere of being engulfed in wilderness, sitting on a blanket.” Favorites in food amongst students and staff were the hot dogs, grapes, and hummus. Though, on the other hand, students and staff alike have shown interest in wanting to improve the music that was being played, as well as senior privilege, which was not available at this event.

To make up for this unfortunate loss, there was an abundance of activities and games to keep your head and heart busy. Right at the center of the pavilion was Giant Jenga. You could choose from different tables for different card games, or lay down a blanket at the bottom of the hill. The art department set up a table with pumpkins for students to paint. You could also try walking through a clearing in the trees to the glimmering, almost crystalline lake.

With such an array of experiences waiting, there wasn’t a dull moment at this event, and we all came back exhausted, one way or another.