Sparks of orange spurted upward from a large fire at the center of a circle of seniors holding sticks with golden marshmallows over flames, while others munched on the s’mores they had already made. Bursts of laughter and conversation overshadowed the crackling fire until a boom thundered in the darkness. A downpour sent students running up the hill and into the building, but the laughter didn’t stop, bringing our class closer together.
Everyone was scrambling for cover as the rain gradually started to fall faster. The s’mores disappeared, the fire was abandoned, and the rest of the night moved indoors. It was not exactly how we had planned the evening, but the night was far from over after a day that began with a bus ride from school to Salt Fork for Academy’s 3rd annual Senior Retreat. Throughout Sunday, August 23, we were reminded that being a senior means more than simply being the oldest students at Academy.
We spent the majority of that morning with our advisories in competitive bonding activities, racing against other advisories to crown the champion. The activities were wonderfully coordinated, allowing advisories to reconnect and get closer after spending three months apart. In one challenge, we had to cross an imaginary lava-filled floor using only a few silicone pads, testing our coordination, balance, and rhythm. In another, only one advisee could see the instructions to a Lego set, leaving everyone else to build based entirely on their instructions. We also competed in trivia relays, working up a sweat as we scrambled to retrieve the next question.
Gatherings like these truly brought the Class of 2027 together at Salt Fork Lodge the weekend before Opening Day, whether it was a volleyball match, splashing in the outdoor pool, or roasting marshmallows late into the night.
“I really enjoyed the different activities and vibe that the retreat had, and it was a great way to get closer with everyone before we started our final year,” said Melody W.
In addition to bringing our grade together, the Senior Retreat enriched our minds, giving us valuable lessons and goals to carry with us as we prepared to begin our final year together.
During the day, we assembled in the lodge’s most expansive room where we listened to a variety of talks from Mrs. Izokaitis, Dr. Losombe, and Mr. Thompson. The presentations covered topics ranging from our kindergarten buddies to the expectations placed on us as leaders of Academy.
“It was inspiring to reflect on our new role in the school, and it made the excitement for our final year build even stronger,” Katie N. said.
“My favorite activity was the Eight Minutes of Silence station because it allowed us to relax and meditate with friends,” Kyndal S. said.
After the activities, we transitioned into free time, when roommates settled into their rooms, unpacked, and familiarized themselves with the lodge. Following a delicious Italian dinner, students were let loose, rushing to the pool to swim, the volleyball court to play, or the outdoors to explore the beautiful scenery.
The following morning brought a different kind of reflection. Head of School Ms. Soderberg spoke about what it means to be a good member of a group, emphasizing the relationship between performance and trust. A high-performing group, she explained, can accomplish little without the trust needed to work together. As seniors, that idea carries particular weight. Whatever kind of class we become this year will depend not only on what we accomplish individually, but on how we support one another.
By the time we returned to Academy the following day for the Annual Ice Cream Social, senior year had officially begun. The retreat had given us one last day before school started to step away from the usual routine and spend time together as one CA community.
After four years at Academy, it was strange to realize that this was the beginning of our last one. We may have started the year with a rained-out campfire, but we also started it together.
