On April 22nd, the St. Mary’s Parents Association (SMPA) organized their yearly Ice Cream Bash. To honour seniors in the last year of their journey in St. Mary’s, the school hosts an annual event afterschool where they give all the high school students as much free ice cream as they want. Seniors were the first to get access to the cafeteria (where the Ice Cream Bash takes place) as the event was for them after all, and then the rest of the grades also slowly got access in order of seniority, until the freshmen class were the last to join the rest of the high school. The SMPA is responsible for managing the event every year, giving ice cream and topping options to all the students.
For seniors, the Ice Cream Bash is a beloved tradition meant for them to remember St. Mary’s fondly as they leave. “Would I say it’s the best event in St. Mary’s? Compared to all the other intraschool events we have, I would say yes,” Michal (’26), a graduating senior wrote. Despite having a long line of traditions such as St. Mary’s signature May Carnival, the Christmas concert, for many, the Ice Cream Bash is the most important celebration the school has all year, serving as a marker for how time passes throughout a calendar year.
“It’s a very exciting event in my personal opinion, I’ve gone to every one since my freshman year and the variety of toppings given to the students is something that I highly appreciate,” Michal explains when asked of what he thinks of the Ice Cream Bash. Indeed, the variety given to students in terms of ice cream is one of the key features of the event. Additionally, beyond offering seniors a meaningful conclusion to their high school experience, this occasion also allows underclassmen to forge enduring memories with the graduating class.
However, this event wouldn’t even be possible if not for the efforts of the SMPA. Parent volunteers are the engine that makes the Ice Cream Bash an enjoyable experience for students in the first place. Thus, when considering the Ice Cream Bash’s significance, it would be impertinent to not appreciate these involved parent event coordinators. If you ever see any of the SMPA volunteers, whether it be in the Carnival or another school gathering, please be sure thank them for their efforts!
