Positive energy and vibrant colors recently took over Advantage Charter Academy as students and staff marched in the Krewe of Buffaloes Mardi Gras Parade, one of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations. This parade was a first for the City of Baker.
"Baker has truly grown and the things they are doing for our kids are very important,” said Ashley Chavis, principal at Advantage Charter Academy. “Our kids need a place where they can just go and be children and we can watch them play and have fun."
Students from the Baker-area school participated by decking out floats in Mardi Gras’ iconic colors of purple, gold, and green. The parade, sponsored by the school, and put on in collaboration with the City of Baker, provided students and staff the opportunity to march alongside their decorated floats, showcasing the traditional Mardi Gras flair.
“The event was outstanding! Principal Chavis was an excellent host,” said Ronnie Harrison, director of school quality at Advantage. “The city of Baker estimated over 2,000 people attended the Mardi Gras Festival at Advantage.”
Following the parade, a live DJ entertained individuals from across Baker and Baton Rouge at the school’s Mardi Gras lunch celebration. The event featured an obstacle course, a Warrior Jump, a bounce house, and board games. Throughout the afternoon, students and staff also enjoyed posing for fun themed-photos in the photo booth.
“Advantage is thrilled to partner with the Krewe of Buffaloes for the Mardi Gras parade,” said Matthew Robinson, admissions representative at Advantage Charter Academy. “We are proud to offer opportunities for our students to participate in events that reflect the values that the Baker community cares about.”
Since “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the event would not have been complete without delicious food! Throughout the event, Advantage also grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, with chips on the side, all rinsed down with a cold drink.
Watch as Principal Chavis and the City of Baker sat down with BR Proud several days prior to the parade to discuss what made the event unique.
About Advantage Charter Academy
Advantage Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school located in Baker, Louisiana, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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