Mardi Gras a good time

On March 11, Colony High School’s National Honor Society traveled to Primrose Retirement Community for an afternoon Mardi Gras celebration. The students hosted two hours of entertainment and festivities for Primrose residents and the community.

The afternoon began with an enthusiastic Mardi Gras parade where the NHS students pushed elaborate homemade floats, while handing out beads and wishing residents a happy holiday. This parade even concluded with the traditional Mardi Gras bull, otherwise known as the “Boeuf Gras,” representing the last meat eaten before lent.

After the parade, NHS president senior Kelly Moran gave a brief explanation of the holiday before crowning residents as Mardi Gras Queen, King, Princess, Dutch and Duchess. They then combined in a large group game of name bingo, which allowed the students to meet and learn about many of the residents.

Afterward, everyone enjoyed time to mingle, snack, have their faces painted and photos taken.

“The float parade and game were lots of fun, but by far the best part was NHS getting to talk with the Primrose residents,” said Moran. “Everyone had a story to tell, and it was great to hear from the older members of the community.”

Students and residents alike shared stories of their lives and fun facts about themselves.

“I think there was a great connection between the students and the people in attendance because everyone was excited going into it,” said senior Paul Bierman.

This enthusiasm was proven by the students’ dedication to their elaborate floats and all the planning that went into the day’s activities. Meanwhile, residents put on their nicest clothes and called in family and friends to come to the event.

“It was a great turnout and the students enjoyed it just as much as the residents did,” said Colony’s NHS adviser, Virginia Boyd.

With talk of the event still buzzing around the community, it is evident that the Mardi Gras celebration was a success.

“Everyone had a good time, and I think we made a good connection between the high school and Primrose,” said Boyd. After the accomplishment of this event, the two organizations are both hopeful of future activities.

Kayla Anderson is a junior at Colony High School.