The sun’s rays beam down on students as a sea of face painting, ring toss and carnival games ensue. Legacy’s Westside Picnic returns to be back in business April 24 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Westside Picnic is a community gathering put on by Legacy to bring together the entire feeder pattern,” English teacher and NHS sponsor Alexandra Kim said. “Our goal is to build relationships with students and families who are future Broncos at an event for everyone.”
This year, Westside Picnic will be hosted by the National Honor Society. They remain responsible for orchestrating all of the work behind the scenes including managing all clubs on campus and building a vision for the event.
“NHS members work extremely hard academically and spend a lot of time serving their community,” Ms. Kim said. “This event is their way of showing those around them how much they care about dedicating their time to [their community].”
Students in NHS value the act of service and work hard to ensure Westside Picnic gives back to the community just as their community once served them.
“Serving my community is important because I always want to leave something better than I found it,” NHS president Anay Bhakta said. “People should come to support since an event like this can cause a ripple effect and create better school spirit and student connections.”
All local students and families remain encouraged to attend the picnic from 5-9 p.m. Activities offered include face painting, karaoke, photo ops, bounce houses and more events that encourage engagement in the community.
“Westside Picnic is a great way to meet your community and see who makes up this wonderful side of Mansfield,” Ms. Kim said. “We have a large district and the picnic is designed to bring together all teachers, students, neighbors, friends and more.”
Being specifically designed to bring together the Legacy feeder pattern, Westside Picnic is for everyone. The chance to serve at an event like this where others stay benefitted through connections remains offered to more than just students in NHS.
“I think most teachers and sponsors can attest to this idea that [serving others] is what we do,” Ms. Kim said. “Serving my community honestly means so much to me.”
Whether they are casually providing volunteer service or putting on an extravagant picnic, NHS and its leaders have plans to continue to give back to their community and serve others.
“I am here to help these kids be the best version of themselves while continuing to serve and lead those around them,” Ms. Kim said. “Doing this, I can bring them together to do small things to positively influence the world around them.”
