Faculty, staff, and student council hosted their annual Bear Barbecue on May 22, during all lunch periods.

The barbecue took place outside by the flagpole entrance and included drinks, hot dogs, burgers, and chips for the same price as regular cafeteria meals.

“[The staff] just thought it would be nice to let the students enjoy the outside and the fresh air for a change,” Christopher Bennett, teacher, said. “Music, games, and a nice atmosphere. Faculty cooks the meals for the students and it’s just a fun change from the daily routine.”

According to Bennett, the barbecues do not raise money for anything. It is a fun event that the  faculty and staff came up with hosting about ten years ago that welcomes all students, faculty, and staff members.

“As far as I know, we don’t do fundraising for the Bears Barbecue, but I would like to,” Merrick Howarth, junior student council president. said. “Really, I just think that the barbecue is just a fun change of pace and it’s a great way for the students and faculty to bond. I think it’s a great [event] that Lake Zurich is lucky to have.”

Many students enjoyed the barbecue as a way to unwind from school, according to Claire Jones, freshman.

“The food is good, but I also really like coming outside and I wish we could do it more often than twice a year, especially on these really nice days,” Jones said.