Each year the freshman retreat serves as a pivotal day for ninth graders to capture the essence of what it means to be an “Academy girl.” This year there was no difference for the class of 2018.

Retreat leaders chosen from the senior class shared how they have grown personally and academically at Academy. Topics included friendship, boys, time management, and faith at the  Academy. Each of the four main talks by leaders Emily Joseph, Jackie Moreda, Sophia Baldor, Anna Castellano, Darby Meade, Jackie Henderson, Alex Picrrilli, Cavesha Anderson, and Mary Green were followed by small group discussions with the freshmen.

Seniors stressed one consistent theme the seniors stressed to the freshman class: the sisterhood is real. “Look around, the girls you are with are your sisters. They will be with you in the good times and the bad, the fun times and the sad. Your sisters today will be your sisters forever,” said senior Emily Joseph.

Seniors Vickie Sierra, Domonique Hogan, and Kellie Mitchell each led one of three different ayer services. The retreat closed with a song by Bruno Mars,  “Count on Me,” that emphasizes the beauty and reliability of friendship. Hand in hand with their sisters, freshmen swayed to the music, showing their understanding of the retreat theme.

The day brought back several memories for the seniors who reminisced upon their retreat when they were freshmen. The traditional group photos by the water and other photos of the day will be cherished for years to come.