Bruin Blast Prepares Lake Braddock Students for New School Year

Lake Braddock Secondary School students and parents kicked off the school year with the 2010 "Bruin Blast" yesterday.

Students caught up with old friends and met new ones while getting their lockers, buying gym uniforms and spirit wear, and signing up for clubs. Parents signed up for booster clubs and turned in forms. Local vendors such as Baja Fresh, Hunan East, and Chick-fil-a were on hand to sell dinner.

"[Bruin Blast] lets you catch up on summer," student Mary Lincoln said.

Bruin Blast began three years ago and was modeled on South County Secondary School's "Stallion Stampede." At the event, students can take care of administrative tasks and build momentum for the school before classes start, while getting parents more involved before Back to School Night later in the fall.

"It's one of those things where you ask, 'why didn't someone think of it before?'" said Parent Teacher Student Association President Bob Shaw. "It is so well received by the parents. Every year there are rave reviews."

"I just like to see my friends before school starts," student Matt Kelliner said.

Students came not just to socialize, but to get some administrative tasks out of the way before the school year starts.

"It's easier to get your locker and stuff before the school year," student Fred Davis said.

In addition to letting old friends catch up, the program welcomes incoming seventh graders and transfer students with new student orientations. High school transfer students were given guided tours of the Lake Braddock campus by student volunteers.

Bruin Blast is also for the parents.

"We're here to sell membership in the boosters and spirit wear," Orchestra Booster Club member Margaret Masters said.

The PTSA and clubs supporting theater, athletics, academics, and crew were also present.

Daviden Griels, a parent and member of the Athletics Booster hailed the event's convenience.  "I love Bruin Blast," Griels said. "You go to one place, do it all, and move on."

The only complaint some had was that students still will not get their schedules until the first day of school.

"I kind of wish we got [our schedules] now," student Denise Fedlan said, noting many of her friends at other schools already had their schedules. Shaw confirmed it was a common request among parents as well.