The water’s fine: Alex Murphy ’27 dives into the pool for the 25-yard swim race and comes in first place at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center during the The Last Splash Event on May 15. / Photo by Rebecca Harper
The Last Splash, New Pool Furniture, and the All-Star Challenge
A much needed celebration and opportunity for relaxation for students at the end of the school year—all courtesy the Enhancement Fee.
SMC Students have been enjoying the afternoon sun poolside on comfy new outdoor furniture at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. There are snazzy Adirondack chairs, sectional couches, and lounge chairs dispersed around the pool deck.
The upgrade comes courtesy the enhancement fee, which enabled replacement of pool furniture that hadn't been upgraded since the pool opening in March 2015. Kate Buzanis ’25 is not alone in her love for this spot on campus. “The pool is the best part of Saint Mary’s,” she says. And she gives the new pool furniture a thumbs-up.
The pool is the best part of Saint Mary’s.
–Kate Buzanis '25
Makaela Klotsche ’27 noticed the spiffier aesthetics of the new furniture, which makes for a better ambience overall. And, she says, the furniture is way more comfortable than lounging on the deck. “I appreciate the value of the nice furniture, which is a reflection of the tuition paid by students,” she says.
I appreciate the value of the nice furniture, which is a reflection of the tuition paid by students.
–Makeala Klotsche ’27
All-Star Challenge and the Last Splash
In addition to closing out the school year with celebrations, the Inaugural SMC All-Star Challenge concluded at the Last Splash Event on May 15.
The nine-week All-Star Challenge is a spin-off of the traditional First-Year Olympic event held in the fall. This year it included irregular competitions such as a one-mile treadmill run, a hula-hoop challenge, Nerf gun target shooting, push-ups, pull-ups, and much more. From February through May each week, students put their skills to the test to compete to be the best.
Students who were crowned the SMC All-Star for 2024 were awarded a medal in recognition of their accomplishments. The Last Splash event itself finished with a 25-yard swim sprint across the pool.
Along with the competition, the celebration for end of the academic year served up food, shave ice, a DJ, and games to provide students an enjoyable experience and a chance to unwind.
LEARN MORE: Visit the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center website for facility hours, programs, and services.
EXPLORE MORE: First Year Olympics is a long-standing tradition of that incoming first-year students participate in each Fall.
READ MORE: Horseback Riding at Half Moon Bay: SMC students enjoy a unique experience along the California coast.