New semesters at RBHS are seen as new beginnings. They are also a time, however, for students to reflect on previous milestones and obstacles. The new year brings all kinds of changes, for freshmen and seniors alike. A tradition that will always remain, however, is  Student Council’s annual Hotchocolooza. The event takes place on the first Friday after winter break and invites all students to grab a warm cup of hot chocolate as they enter the bitter January air.

For junior Jamie Crites, the event is a wonderful introduction to the new year and adds excitement to the Friday afternoon.

“I think it is a good thing to have, especially right after school,” Crites said. “It adds a warm feeling to the semester, not just because of the hot chocolate, but I think it’s a good addition to the second semester and a good start.”

Senior Madison Hopper, a Student Council member, believes the event shows Student Council’s ability to work together and create enjoyable traditions.

“Hotchocolooza has been around for many years. I have been managing it for four years and this is our best year yet, so I’m pretty excited about that,” Hopper said.

The event adds opportunities for students RBHS to hang out and enjoy hot chocolate together. For students, such as senior Brian Luciano, the celebration does exactly that. The celebration gives him a sense of happiness, and he believes it is a feeling that many other students can indulge in.

“Honestly, it just seems like a nice time for students to get together,” Luciano said. “I don’t think I remember a time when RBHS didn’t do it. My favorite part is seeing people happy and getting hot chocolate.”

With the beginning of 2019, students such as Crites believe traditions like Hotchocolooza are fundamental in keeping RBHS a place that values a sense of community.

“I’m not sure any other high schools have this tradition,” Crites said, “but I think it’s a really good thing to have.”