In order to properly greet summer, the St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands, youth group gathered for a “School’s Out” celebration. The youth shared a meal and then played games at the parish gym, without the worry of having to go home to finish homework.

“The BBQ was a fun event, and a good way to kick off the summer,” said Antonio Lopez, a youth group member and altar server. “Everyone came together for a fun evening of eating and mingling. The food, drinks and music were awesome. It was so much fun spending the night talking, laughing and playing in the gym.”

The youth enjoyed the barbecue under a lovely summer evening sky and then moved into the Msgr. King Hall to play basketball and other group games.

“It is always a wonderful opportunity to get together with members of the youth group because while we come from so many different schools and backgrounds, we all are linked together by our parish, St. Thomas Aquinas,” said Christopher Blaise Spinelli, another youth group member and altar server.

“We started off our summer vacations on the right foot with a night of good food, great friends, and fun and games!” he exclaimed. “After a delicious meal prepared by members of the youth group core team, we participated in an extended gym night where there was everything from basketball, and even a bit of World Cup fever with a full-size soccer net.”

“It was a great youth group year capped off by this barbecue,” said Taylor Odenat.