– by Becca, junior –

On May 23, students gathered in the heart of Washington, D.C., for the highly anticipated Senior Banquet—a yearly tradition that marks the ending of another school year and the send off for graduating seniors. The event not only consisted of junior and seniors, but several freshmen and sophomores as well, giving them the unique opportunity to celebrate alongside of the upperclassmen. 

The evening kicked off at The Hamilton, a stylish and historic restaurant known for its classic D.C. charm. After dinner, the students walked a few blocks for some photos in front of the White House, before capping off the night with late-night treats at the popular dessert spot, Captain Cookie & the Milkman. Transportation was provided by the familiar school bus, driven with both confidence and humor by Mr. Skutt, whose iconic driving has become trademark of FBTA outings. 

For some students, the preparation started several hours before stepping into the bus.

“I took three hours to get ready,” laughed Joyce G, junior. “It was definitely worth it, though. Everyone looked great and the vibe of the night was truly special.” 

“I brought a digital camera in case my phone died, but also because I love the retro aesthetic that it gives photos,” said Emilie G, junior. 

“As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I could just tell that the food was going to be good,” stated Alaina B, junior. “The whole place just looked really nice and upscale.”

 “The food was definitely the highlight for me,” said junior Tim T. “That’s the part that stood out the most the whole night.” 

The night wasn’t just about food, it was also about the moments in between—the conversations at dinner, the snapshots in front of the White House, and the late night vibes at Captain Cookie. 

“Our table was pretty chill,” commented Theo M, junior. “It was a lot of fun just hanging out and being able to take it all in.”

For seniors, the night carried some more emotional weight.

“It felt like a mix of both a celebration and a goodbye,” said senior Elliott K. “In the beginning, it was all about having fun and enjoying the night, but by the time we were riding home on the bus, it hit me that this was one of our last big moments together.”