Class programming kicked off the 2025-2026 school year, bringing students together through team building and exciting challenges. As our relationships continue to strengthen, this year’s programming was a fun and meaningful way to reconnect with peers and embrace the upcoming year.
Each grade spent the day differently. Seniors attended college prep workshops, freshmen traveled to Cathleen Stone Island, where the Cathleen Stone Island Bound School prepared numerous bonding and challenging exercise, with the juniors following later that night. Before heading out, the juniors joined us sophomores for two events: a leadership workshop led by motivational speaker A’ric Jackson and Grit N’ Wit, a team-building obstacle course.
The class began the day on the quad, splitting into teams and diving into mental and physical challenges. Communication skill development and team building started immediately, as we solved puzzles,sprinted and leapt across the pavement, and cheered each other on. Even across teams, I noticed the encouragement, patience, and determination that everyone brought to the course. Ending the morning on a high note, the class regrouped for lunch, before filing into the P.A.C. for the next event. After a morning of running around campus, I was skeptical about sitting down for the next two hours. Yet soon after we started, smiles spread across faces, then followed by giggles and laughter echoing throughout the room. Jackson captivated us with his powerful and sentimental story, seamlessly blending humor and personal lessons about growth and leadership.
With our full attention, Jackson finished by instructing us to identify our strengths based on four descriptions: thinkers, observe facts; relators, recognize and relate other’s emotions; directors, take charge and lead groups; and partiers, those who keep the fun going. Using these descriptions, he identified our leadership styles and pointed out our areas of improvement, both as leaders and as people. Audrey Mason ’28 appreciated the event, commenting, "The workshop felt completely transformative. The engaging speaking combined with the gravity of his talk made it a very enjoyable experience.”
As we approach the end of our first month back at school, our bonding during class programming is evident in the high fives given in the hallways, the silent smiles while holding doors, and the sound of laughter on the quad. Additionally, Jackson’s talk still resonates with me, continuing to be the voice in my head telling me how I can change for the better. I look forward to the upcoming year with my grade and the CA community, and I hope others feel the same!