(February 23, 2004) — At 10:40 a.m. Feb. 13, excited whispers began spreading across Melanie Martin’s AP American Literature classroom. “Ten more minutes left, guys,” senior Diana Muratova said, looking up at the clock. Exactly ten minutes later the anticipated announcement was heard through the PA system and 247 seniors walked towards the P.E. field. Clark Magnet High School’s Class of 2004 Western Barbeque had begun. At the entrance to the field, two members of the Senior Class Committee passed out cowboy hats to the seniors. True to its name, the field was adorned with a western motif, including a corner called “Clark Corral” where seniors could get their pictures taken by class advisor and teacher Ellen Armitstead amidst stacks of hay, horseshoes, a saddle and stuffed ponies. Nearby, art and government teacher Judith Craemer and Special Ed. Aid Jacqueline Nelson worked at a face painting booth. The smell of meaty hamburgers and juicy hot dogs sizzling on the grill proved to be too tempting for many, who chose to leave the recreational activities for later and instead rushed to proclaim their spot in the quickly-lengthening lunch line. With the help of parents from the PTSA and Principal Doug Dall, P.E. teachers Chris Axelgard, Judith Thomsen and Randal Tiffany grilled and assembled the food according to each student’s own taste. There were even seconds available for those who were still hungry. However, it seems as if no one anticipated the high demand for veggie burgers, because they soon ran out. Cookies, chips and lemonade were also provided. The students sat on the bleachers or the grass to eat their food. The chilly weather and overcast sky did not dampen their moods. The field was full of laughter and cheerful conversation. Several people got their pictures taken by Armitstead or participated in a contest to win stuffed ponies donated by science teacher Virginia Benzer; however, many others chose to just sit and relax with friends and enjoy their extended lunch. “We should do this more often,” laughed senior Jasmine Bonilla as she hopped around on a pony she won for riding around the field. “It’s a good way to bring all the seniors together.” Armitstead said that the barbeque was the result of a “combined effort.” Many staff members, as well as ASB and the PTSA, participated in the formulation of the theme and also helped out during the event itself. The tradition of having a barbeque at Clark first began three years ago by the class of 2002, and, according to Dall, “has been getting better and better every year.”