Every year each grade has a designated retreat during the school day. The retreat for juniors has generally included the same options to pick from. However, this year, the choices were a bit different. Traditionally, the junior retreats have been split between girls and boys. This year, all juniors were able to pick from a few new options including interfaith religions, meditation, and a nature focus. It was a highly praised decision from the juniors. One student who took the interfaith religions trip said that their retreat had “lots of learning and that it was nice to see many perspectives of other religions.” These lucky students visited and asked questions at a Buddhist zen temple, a synagogue, and an Orthodox Church. Another junior said that the retreat, “was my therapy for the day,” and that they had, “heartfelt conversations that brought people closer.”
The seniors also experienced something new. Unlike the juniors, who split into groups, the seniors had a full class retreat, deferring from the traditional retreat with only their religion class. Run by a counsel of current seniors along with Ms. Tighe and Dr. Bischoff, the seniors had a great day. The senior retreat was all day long and even included dinner. Ms. Tighe was ecstatic when asked about how the retreat went. She said that while it broke from tradition it is now exactly what they want to do next year.
She says that “Because the retreat was planned by seniors, it was even better.”
Ms. Tighe felt the biggest highlight was the wisdom circle. It was a large human circle formed by the grade, and a microphone was placed in the center. Anyone was able to talk about anything on their minds. There must have been a lot to say because it lasted for over an hour. It was the start of their final goodbyes as they are nearing graduation. Most notably, Ms. Tighe said that some seniors mentioned it was healing to be together. The feeling of being an upperclassman is unexplainable. There is something different about knowing your time in high school is coming close to an end. The retreats every year allow each grade to have the opportunity to get closer to one another, and in this past month they were able to achieve just that.
