Scotsland, an annual Carlmont tradition, is often remembered for its attractions: the llamas, boba, arts and crafts, and this year, likely the Mister Softee truck parked outside the quad.
However, for seniors, just two weeks away from graduation, the event is more than an hour of fun, school spirit, and sweet treats; it’s a final showcase for their four years of hard work.
“Scotsland was first created as a senior’s last effort to make something happen in their last weeks of the school year. It’s the seniors’ last opportunity to show what they’re about, how fun this school is, and how spirited they are. And I think it’s a great opportunity,” said junior Nico Foks, a member of the Assemblies Commission and Associated Student Body (ASB) president-elect. “It’s a little bittersweet, but I think that the seniors went out with a bang this year.”
Taking place in the center of the quad on Friday, May 22, and along the path leading toward S-hall, the fair featured two dozen booths that drew steady streams of students weaving between them throughout the extended lunch period. Music, conversation, and long lines filled the space. Many clubs, such as the Chinese Cultural Club, which sold boba to raise funds, sold out to the crowd within minutes.
“Just being able to see that we have members coming in, people either watching our performances or trying foods that they otherwise might not have tried, is super meaningful for us and for the club,” said senior Julie Zhu, vice president of the Chinese Cultural Club.
But beyond the food stands and displays, Scotsland highlights something far more lasting: the club communities that shape much of student life at Carlmont. With over 150 clubs meeting on campus this past year, these groups are more than just weekly gatherings. For seniors, these are places where many have spent most of their high school years, found some of their closest friends in freshman year, and developed interests they’ve now committed to pursuing four years later.
“It’s one of the things that’s really defined my Carlmont career, and I couldn’t imagine my high school life without it,” said senior Tonya Mikriukova, co-president of Drama Club, which she’s been a part of for three years. “It’s given me a lot of leadership opportunities and ways to push myself and place myself in situations where I wasn’t sure if I would succeed. It’s helped my public speaking skills, with being able to improvise on the spot and communicate my ideas more clearly, and it’s given me a safe place to learn who I am and what matters to me.”
Zhu reflects on a similar experience, now finding herself on the other side of the table in her last days at Carlmont. Once a younger member looking up to older club leaders, she now works to recruit and connect those newer members herself.
“Since I’ve been a member for so long, it’s kind of a full circle moment for me to be able to work on the board and help make this club reach more people — not only Chinese people, but anyone who’s interested in getting to know Chinese culture,” Zhu said. “I’ve been really grateful to be able to work with so many driven and like-minded people. I think they’ve been a huge inspiration for me.”
Yet for Mikriukova, inspiration comes not only from the peers within her club, but also from the broader school community that consistently fills the quad during events like Scotsland. The fair draws students from nearly every corner of campus, across all groups and grades, regardless of club involvement.
“I think at the first one, I was kind of amazed by how dedicated all the clubs were, and how many people actually showed up, but now, I’m used to the Carlmont community being so involved in Scotsland and other activities,” Mikriukova said. “I’ll miss seeing everybody come out. It’s such a nice atmosphere with the sunlight and the music playing and the smell of popcorn. It’s just such a nostalgic memory for me.”
After four years spent carving out their place within the Carlmont community, many seniors found Scotsland to be both a celebration and a farewell as their final clubs fair.
“It’s kind of sad but also happy at the same time because I feel like it’s just such a quintessential part of being at Carlmont, but also I’m happy to be moving on to the next step and going to college,” Mikriukova said.
Senior Katherine Yen joined Carlmont Robotics during her freshman year and now acts as the club’s chief commercial officer. As graduation approaches, she shares similar feelings about leaving behind a community she helped build.
“Leaving in general has been kind of hard, but I’m really glad that this club has gotten to where it has. It’s been amazing seeing my peers grow and everyone learning,” Yen said.
While Scotsland serves as a showcase and a goodbye for seniors, it also marks the transition of leadership to the next class. For senior Sachin Bulfer, president and founder of Formula 1 Club, the day offered an opportunity to prepare underclassmen to carry on his club after graduation.
“The board that’s taking over next year is getting practice with marketing. They’re having sign-ups, they’re watching highlights, and just talking to people about the sport,” Bulfer said. “They’re super passionate, and I just hope they continue with their recruitment, continue with growth, and just keep fostering this great community. I’m happy that the club will begin in great hands next year.”
As seniors count down their final days, many hope their traditions and sense of belonging they’ve created in their groups will continue long after they leave.
“We’re passing on a culture of acceptance and being welcoming and really supporting others and helping them grow into the best versions of themselves,” Mikriukova said. “I hope they take away how important being in a club and being part of a community is, and how impactful that can be for them.”
