Christmas Formal, exams, and Sweet Sixteens – just when Academy freshmen thought they had finally settled into their new high school, they found that they still have more questions about AHN life. Fortunately, Academy’s own Teen Leadership Council and Ambassadors stepped in to handle these pressing concerns and quell any fears freshmen may have had.

Fresh off  Thanksgiving break, the two clubs hosted a lunch for freshmen on Monday, November 28. After grabbing their delicious sandwiches, chips, and baked goods, the students headed to rooms across campus in groups of ten to discuss their year so far as AHN newcomers with a look ahead to future events.

To begin the lunchtime circle, the groups and their senior TLC and Ambassador leaders reviewed freshman exams. Some students posed concerns over the tests, especially the physics exam.   The leaders reassured them that they would do fine on all exams because teachers will prepare them if they stay on track and study.  Many girls looked forward to beginning the exam review period and remember everything they have learned since mid-August.  Some even expressed excitement to play Ms. Maureen Kearney’s famous World History review game.

Overall, most freshmen were ready to ace their exams and dance the night away at Christmas Formal, the true Academy way to kick off the holiday break.  Group leaders went over the basics for the dance, such as the faculty and administration receiving line, and other details including the pros and cons of limos and party buses. Many girls had already found dates and begun planning for the event, so they delighted in sharing their arrangements with their classmates. As veterans of the dance, the seniors gave their sage advice about both trivial concerns, such as choosing a long or short dress, and larger matters, such as not drinking before, during, or after the event.

As the lunch period ended, the freshmen showed confidence that they could do well on their exams and exhilaration as they prepared to celebrate their much-earned break at Christmas Formal. Senior Ambassadors and TLC members looked on with smiling faces as they, too, recalled those earlier memories from years past and reminded the younger girls to cherish the fun times they would be certain to have at Academy.