By Connor Hawthorne, Co-Editor in Chief
Among all the cherished traditions for the Senior class, few are as eagerly anticipated as the Senior Crab Feast. This event, a true Maryland spectacle, took place on October 21st, bringing together the Senior class of 2025 for an unforgettable gathering. Students congregated in the cafeteria and were immediately enveloped by the distinctive aroma of old bay and freshly steamed crabs.
As they entered, students began to notice how the cafeteria had changed to accommodate the event. Long rolls of brown paper had been laid across the cafeteria tables in preparation for the crabs that would be devoured and the mess created. As more students arrived, they were quickly checked in by teachers and staff volunteering to help make Crab Feast an unforgettable experience.
Excited to be with their friends, students eagerly awaited crabs as they sat down at the tables, ready to feast. When the crabs were finally served, frantic servers rushed from table to table in order to serve everyone crabs. Senior Mourya Vemuganti describes the event as “a very vibrant atmosphere and a great time overall.” Students talked and laughed with their friends as they reminisced about the past three years and the rest of their time at River Hill. The lively atmosphere certainly made the crab feast an unforgettable experience!
For many students at the crab feast, this was their first opportunity to learn how to eat crabs. To maximize the amount of meat from the crab, the picker must have a rare combination of finesse and creativity as he/she manages to coerce the crab meat from out of the shell. For those less experienced, it was a learning experience. Luckily they had all the help they needed since there were a ton of seniors who were willing to help their friends master this critical Maryland skill. Mourya explained how he loved “learning how to break the crabs” and being with his friends.
For those students who don’t enjoy crabs, the school also provided a range of alternative options from chicken and beans to macaroni and cheese. Senior Michael Gerdes describes how “the chicken was really good and the cookies were really good.” He boasts that he ate over “five plates of mac and cheese!” Michael’s only issue with the event was that he had to pay the full price “even though [he] didn’t eat any crabs.” Michael wishes that the school could have provided a cheaper option for those who don’t like crabs. He views the event as well worth the price though, if you do plan on eating the crabs.
Another benefit of the crab feast was the shirts that were given to all the students present. This year’s design in particular drew critical acclaim from the students, with senior Jonathan Bloom describing it as ‘“really cool.”
The Senior Crab Feast proved to be a memorable celebration, bringing the class of 2025 together for an evening of food, laughter and friendship. From learning how to pick crabs to enjoying the amazing food and custom shirts, students left with shared memories that they will remember for the rest of their lives.