Party Up the Mardi Gras!

Feb 23th, 2017 - by Martha McCann, Michael '13
Sponsor: Tri-State & Washington State Parents
Photos

With the season of self reflection coming, that one last hurrah, Mardi Gras was celebrated at Cookie Cafe. The Tri-State and Washington State parents joined together to present a Mardi Gras event for the Midshipmen. With dad Ralph from South Jersey sitting near the entrance to Land Hall's pub area, every Mid was decorated with the traditional party beads made famous for being thrown at the crowds during the New Orleans Mardi Gras parades, which culminate with Fat Tuesday. By wishing a "Bon Mardi Gras" to each Mid, good luck was hopefully bestowed. With finals taking place this coming week, no student refused any token of good luck.

Mom and Dad Leslie and Leslie Hart (yes, 2 Leslies in one marriage - what are the chances of that?) came with their typical enthusiasm to help the Midshipmen in any way they could. The Harts drove to Kings Point with their car totally filled with every treat and snack Mrs. Leslie could either bake or find. Leslie is the national Cookie Cafe coordinator for all the cookies received at the Academy, encouraging, prodding and helping each weekly sponsor come up with the prerequisite 350 dozen cookies to maintain the fabulous selections of desserts and fruit offered to the students each week. Her zeal is boundless and much appreciated by the Cookie Cafe moms. Another mom, Chris Earnest out of California is of the same mold and we shudder to think if these moms lived close to one another - a nuclear Cookie Cafe could result! We were happy to celebrate Leslie's birthday with her last Thursday and totally understood her sentiment that her birthday present to herself was to come to Cookie Cafe and help.

Another Tri-State mom, Sandi Irizarry, along with husband Ralph came to CC laden with tons of fruit and goodies. The pictures tell the tale of the beautiful display of wonderful fruit, accompanied by a delicious dip which was a big hit with the Mids. Sandi arrived with Mardi Gras decorations, a Mardi Gras decorated sheet cake and many home made cookies. It's such a blessing to have these energetic parents arrive at Land Hall and dive right into the process. Thank you Sandi and Ralph!

Let's hope that the lucky wishes bestowed by the Mari Gras beads help each and every Mid find success during exam week. Many will be leaving for sea and with that we extend to them our Bon Voyage.

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