Students swarmed the blacktop at lunch to shop for thrift finds, creative trinkets, and more on Friday. Students and clubs came together to sell and provide a variety of items, ranging from clothes to candles.
“This whole process has been just so much fun. I’m a freshman, so this is like my first big project in Leadership, and I’ve had such a good time, and I hope people enjoy it too,” freshman Annabel Blanford said.
The market featured an array of handmade crafts, including jewelry, keychains, candles, artwork, and crochet animals. Junior Destiny Pulido Pena sold handmade flowers made from pipe cleaners, which were popular among attendees. She first began making them after seeing the idea on Facebook, which led her to create her own business. She viewed the flea market as, “a way for more students to go out of their comfort zone, and learn how to communicate,” Pena said.
For students in need of a treat, BSU sold cookies, cupcakes, and banana pudding. Students in the ILS program were also present, selling artwork and other crafts.
“I think it’s really important to be involved in school events, so doing that while simultaneously supporting our club is definitely great,” junior and BSU member Ashley Mobley said.
The flea market provided an opportunity for students to express their creativity and promote the repurposing of clothes.
“I think it’s really fun because it’s kind of like a community. We all get to see different vendors, and a lot of people sell different things… which is very creative and very inspiring,” senior Melissa Alvarez said.
Alongside the many student booths selling items, Leadership also had a booth selling student donations. For students looking to start a business, the market also became an accessible platform to expand their business. “It’s helpful for the vendors to learn if they want to start a business when they’re older too, to learn those skills,” Blanford said.
The flea market was a great way for students to get inspired by each other’s creativity, and give themselves a break from end of the year stress. Leadership hopes to continue the flea market tradition for years to come.
