Swampscott High seniors to take one last Taste

SWAMPSCOTT – The taste in Swampscott is bittersweet this year as the Class of 2014 puts on its signature class fundraiser, A Taste of Swampscott, one last time.The event featuring samples of local restaurant cuisine in the high school?s cafeteria began in 2011, when the then-sophomores showcased 14 eateries from mostly Swampscott, Lynn and Marblehead. At the event this Sunday, Oct. 13, the students showcase the event?s growth with about 25 restaurants for the same $15 advance ticket.With the progress they?ve made, the class officers feel proud but reluctant to hand over the Taste of Swampscott to the Class of 2017, who will take over the fundraiser as sophomores next year.Student Council representative Ian Monnelly said he?s already told his younger sister, a member of that class, “Don?t mess it up.”?I told her, ?You better make as much as we did,?” said Monnelly. “But not more.”With local favorites like The Blue Ox calling each year to participate, plus the yearly raffle and silent auction, the next managers of the event have a ready-made money-maker. The funds are used to reduce the student costs of proms, yearbooks and Senior Week events.Said Monnelly: “You don?t need to change the formula. People just come and have fun.”Class officers say the event is the same “food lover?s dream” that it was before, with a few new restaurants, plus a PlayStation 4 in the raffle and a Samsung Smart TV among the silent auction items.To get a taste of what?s in store for the Taste, go to http://www.atasteofswampscott.org/ for a list of featured restaurants and to purchase tickets online.