Senior Retreat, a beloved tradition at DSHA, provides a unique opportunity for soon-to-be graduates to bond, reflect, and grow together. This retreat was held at Camp Whitcomb-Mason, a scenic escape from the bustling DSHA environment. Here students were able to disconnect from technology and reconnect with one another. 

This retreat was expertly led by both teachers and fellow peers who guided the Seniors through a series of big and small group discussions, reflections and prayer. This retreat incorporated a balance of activities and free time where students could hang out with one another. Free time activities included writing “palanca notes” –letters that offer support and guidance to someone– or going on walks out in the serene nature that the camp offers. 

One of the main themes of this retreat was reflection. This involved reflecting on the past, present and future. Senior Gillian Renouard ‘25 explains what the reflections meant to her stating, “I thought it was nice to think about the past four years as a student at DSHA and recognize the growth that my peers and I have gone through both as students and women of faith”. Teachers were asked to reflect as well on the senior class and notes were read out loud to the group as a way to show support and appreciation for the senior class.  

Although the retreat was short it was far from insignificant. Students were able to get to know other peers and form new friendships. One student, Nora Sullivan ‘25 expresses how she was able to get to know other classmates saying, “I loved getting to know new people that were in my small group because of the intimacy of them which allowed me to form new bonds that were not already made”.

Overall, this retreat served as a poignant reminder that even as the seniors prepare to go separate ways, they will always be connected by the shared experiences and memories forged during their time together on retreat.