The Encounter of a Lifetime

Antonella Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief

As a senior, spending time with your class is a blessing not given for granted. The opportunity to share with your peers and rejoice together before saying goodbye is one that doesn’t come easily.

Friday December 3, the 2022 senior class joined together to pray, speak, and have fun. As they gathered in the gym for their class picture, even their laughs were hard to contain. The emotion flooded the room, and it seemed like tranquility was an unachievable goal. Their classmates spoke some inspiring words where they had the chance to lean on each other’s shoulder and find their identity in the school. 

They were united as one and even in song, their voices linked. As some classmates describe their lives and what their classmates mean to them, it was realized that no matter what their outside lives are like, they prosper in peace and connection.

“Senior encounter is really important because it really brings the class together as a whole and it helps us reflect on our last year of high school,“ said senior Lauren Fakhouri.

She continued to admitting that, “We take all the lessons we have learned together to college or wherever we may go.”

They spent their Friday playing sports, dancing, painting, and doing activities together. Their smiles shined against the sunlight, and it brought a giggle to whoever passed by.

“The senior encounter definitely exceeded my expectations. My classmates and I were able to share our feelings about ending high school and starting college. It really moved me and later on helped me realize what I really want for my future. Not only that, but it made me thankful for the people I’m  graduating with. Four years really do flyby and I truly enjoyed each one,” said senior Melanie Scheel. 

“It was crazy to me how all these people who used to be strangers to me suddenly felt like family in the Senior Encounter retreat.”

— Melanie Scheel

They were moved by the moment and shed some tears while staring into their classmates’ faces and recognizing it’ll soon be gone. They got to connect spiritually as a class, and really get to experience with serving at school is what community is all about.

They have certainly left their paw prints imbedded into the school’s legacy.

Seniors raise their hands as they pray for fellow seniors. (A. Velasquez )
Seniors enjoy their time together during Encounter. (Via ILS Instagram)