The centennial IC was the most hyped-up BBYO event of the year. With rumors of how BBYO was going to celebrate its 100 birthday, everyone was looking forward to the event of the century. With IC now behind us, everyone agrees that it lived up to the hype. Here are 5 ways it differs from every other IC:
- Bringing back alumni: The return of alumni was one thing that was very well advertised by BBYO. These former Alephs and BBGs volunteered throughout the weekend and got to relive their former BBYO days. Sharing their stories from across the Order, it was great to hear how BBYO was so important in these people’s lives.
- It was the biggest ever: With 5000 people in attendance, the centennial IC was a great place to celebrate with friends from around the Order. Many countries attended for the first time, and BBYO has never been more united as an order as it was at IC 2024.
- Two rounds of celebrity speakers: Normally, at IC, everyone only gets to hear from one famous speaker. However, the centennial IC allowed teens to get the chance to talk to two rounds of speakers and even had all the speakers talk at the various plenaries.
- The creation of the alumni association: With the centennial year, BBYO wants to remain as strong as ever. Thus, they officially launched an alumni association into which the class of 2024 was inducted. This association features ways to keep up with friends as well as continued leadership development opportunities. Jewish geography across the Order just got so much easier to play.
- Universal visit: Normally, the last day of IC is for sightseeing adventures that break off similarly to LEADS day. However, this year, elections were moved, and sightseeing trips were canceled for the opportunity to take the whole Order to Universal! Teens got to celebrate the centennial year by flying through Hogwarts, roaring with the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, and rhyming along with Dr. Seuss.
As we reminisce on IC, it’s amazing to think back to all the places you will go with IC. While the centennial IC has now wrapped up, celebrations will still be happening throughout the Order, and teens have Denver to look forward to as BBYO moves into a new century!
Shira Preis is a BBG who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and she loves to dance and write in her free time.
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.