The senior class gathered bright and early at 6 am for a cloudy sunrise!
The senior retreat is a time for the cubs to destress and reconnect. Senior year is quite busy at Mayfield consisting of applications, college visits, and important events. The Class of 2025 used this retreat as an opportunity to set themselves up for success and begin the school year with a clear mind and thoughtful intentions.
The Serra Retreat Center in Malibu was the perfect place for this experience. The hour drive from Pasadena was well worth the wait as students were greeted with an impeccable view of the Malibu Canyon, views of the pacific ocean, and clear weather .The mid-September respite gave the senior class three-days away from the classroom to connect with their peers over shared experiences and form even deeper bonds. Each day (and night) was carefully curated by the senior retreat leaders.
Beginning at the start of school, these dedicated student leaders met almost every lunch period. They diligently organized discussions, experimented with ideas, such as witness talks, and planned bonding activities and time for personal growth during the retreat.
Retreat leaders Madison W., Sophia G., Ivy B., Bella V., Sissy P., Natalia F., Octavia C., Grace C., Chloe C., Sarah L., and Loise W. enthusiastically welcome their peers to the stunning retreat center with music, snacks, and banners.
Their effort and time paid off. Every moment spent at The Serra Retreat Center was meaningful and meditative. The retreat’s theme was “Wonder,” perfectly supporting the seniors’ curiosity towards their futures. The Class of 2025 learned new things about both themselves and their peers. Some of the most memorable activities were writing letters to fellow classmates, decorating pencil cases with unique phrases, and listening to witness talks from faculty and fellow classmates.
Tranquil moments were often found in the early mornings, with the first full day starting off with meditative yoga led by retreat leaders, Lara Georgian, Madison Wu, and Grace Culver. The leaders focused on helping the participants set spiritual intentions and engage in healthy movements.
“This was a really special time I got to spend with my friends,” recalled student and participant Erin Erickson ‘25.
At Senior Sunrise on the second morning, the whole Class of 2025 came together to watch the alluring Malibu sun rise over the mountains. There were no complaints about the early call time, instead only laughter and sincere conversations could be heard.
The retreat ended with a much anticipated witness talk from ASB president Kaitlyn Baghdassarian. Seniors listened attentively, soaking in every wise word:
“Since we have one more year for us to spend as a class, as friends, and as a family,” stated Baghdassarian, “before we go out into the world, I urged the Class of 2025 to make the most of this time.”
Seniors soaked up the sun on beach towels while enjoying sandwiches and chips with friends during the surprise beach stop on the way back to Mayfield.
The picturesque beach was the perfect setting to close off a rejuvenating retreat.
When it was time to go home, the students mounted the bus, and prepared for an hour trip to Bellefontaine. Little did they know that director of campus ministry, Teri Gonzales, had planned a surprise. When the buses veered off course and headed to the beach, the students were shocked and patiently waited to run towards the ocean! Seniors were able to sit on the sand, listen to music, and enjoy sandwiches with their classmates. It was a perfect way to end the retreat and commemorate the close bond that the Class of 2025 shares with each other.
“I have heard students ask about the beach in the past so I thought this would be a great opportunity to try it out and see if it is a viable addition to the retreat experience,” said Gonzales of the surprise excursion and of the “joyful end to the retreat experience,” that was truly Holy Child.”
Days till graduation: 226
XOXO,
Kate and Sophie
