June 3 at 2:30 p.m. the class of 2025 gathered in the quad to the Senior BBQ and the close of their high school journey. Students signed yearbooks to pass time while waiting in line for free food, and celebrated the last big event of the year with the friends they grew up with. Despite the gloomy weather, the event radiated with laughter and cheer.
Senior BBQ has long been a cherished tradition at Buena, held to celebrate and congratulate graduating seniors ahead of their commencement ceremony. The event was originally founded by Coach Matt Colton, David Vallejo, and former Coach Aaron Torres, who personally grilled and prepared food on campus for the seniors to enjoy. Over time, however, the growing size of the senior class and the implementation of new health regulations for staff food preparation led to the event transitioning into a catered affair.
This year’s Senior BBQ was catered by 805 Burgers, a local food truck originally founded in Camarillo, California. Seniors enjoyed free burgers and fries, courtesy of ASB. To streamline the process, students were asked to fill out a Google Form ahead of time to select their meal preferences. ASB then placed and covered the cost of all orders in advance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Senior BBQ took place immediately after graduation practice, marking a fun and well-earned break as graduation quickly approaches for the Class of 2025.
“I think [the BBQ] rewards us for not only showing up for practice, but also just for showing up, period,” Gabriel Henderson said. “It gives you something to look forward to at the end because I know a lot of people right after the practice took off immediately, but I got to enjoy a burger.”
At exactly 2:30 p.m., seniors began lining up, first to receive their meal ticket, and then to queue at the food truck. Students had a choice between burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, both served with a side of fries.
Although the lines grew long and some students grew a bit impatient, the wait turned into a meaningful opportunity for friends to reconnect, share laughs, and sign each other’s yearbooks, making the experience all the more memorable.
Many seniors felt that eating together and standing in line was a great way to truly connect with their peers.
“It’s really a communal thing. It brings everyone closer together since I think food is the ultimate way to anyone’s heart,” Justin Ray said.
The quad was decorated with balloons and streamers showcasing the famous Buena school colors. In addition to the decor there was a large 2025 sign with every seniors hand print included.
All of the attractions at the Senior BBQ were completely free, adding to the festive and inclusive atmosphere. Highlights included a cotton candy stand offering blue and pink varieties, a snack table stocked with Oreos, Skittles, Starbursts, Sour Punch Straws, bottled water, and more. Seniors could also enjoy games like bean bag toss and the classic parachute game. The parachute game was a nostalgic nod to elementary school PE, where many students remember playing it with their teachers. As seniors prepare to graduate, this playful throwback offered a meaningful way to reflect on how far they’ve come while reconnecting with the joy of their early school days.
“I feel like [Senior BBQ] brings people together.. It’s like the final goodbye,” Camila Romero said.
