Mardi Gras was started by Laura Beaulieu, a special education instructor at BHS, ten years ago. Beaulieu passed away in the year of 2016 from cancer.

“Sheila Vander Tuig, BHS special education transition coordinator, has taken over ever since,” Baldwin said.

Students who participate in Mardi Gras have to prepare for their big event each year. They have to find sponsors and work together to make decorations and posters for the topic of that year.

“The guest presenter topics have usually covered a medical diagnosis or birth complication that impedes one’s academic or physical abilities,”  BHS counselor Debbie Baldwin said.

Mardi Gras invites other schools each year so students can come and interact with other students. This is a great way to show diversity and get more students interested.

“Between 50 to 100 students sign up to help volunteer in some capacity,” Baldwin said.

The students prepare activities and get to assist the visiting students during the day of the event.

“The students were very expressive and you could tell they were having fun,” BHS student Gracie Bryan said.

This year the topic for Mardi Gras was mental health and diversity. BHS students got to help students from other schools with a disability.

“It was an eye-opening experience and it really helped put things in perspective,” Bryan said.

Mardi Gras helps students be a part of something and help out. They can see people grow and develop in real life. It is a great learning experience and very beneficial for all participants.