Wisdom retreat creates closure

Senior class given chance to build connections

Wisdom retreat creates closure

Katie Orton

Senior Charlie Berg was hesitant to go to the senior wisdom retreat because he figured it would be just like the respect retreat he went to freshman year.

Berg said even though the retreats were alike, this one had deeper meaning.

“At the end everyone got up and talked and cried,” Berg said. “It was really similar to the respect retreat where everybody sits around and there’s a candle and someone says whatever they want to say.”

According to senior counselor Heidi Cosgrove, the wisdom retreat is a time for seniors to connect and celebrate their years together.

“It’s termed the wisdom retreat because I think it’s really about how you take all that you’ve learned in these last 4 years of high school and go out there and conquer the world,” Cosgrove said.

Berg said the activities at the retreat varied from light-hearted and fun to more serious and reflective.

“We played games, sang and said thank you to people who have helped us,” Berg said.

According to Berg, his favorite part was hearing his classmates reflect on their years together at the end.

“Some people said things like ‘you guys inspire me,’” Berg said.

Cosgrove said the retreat can be very emotional, as many students realize everyone is going down a different path.

“It’s a great time to bring closure and to remember where they’ve been as a class,” Cosgrove said. “This is their last journey together, and it’s a time to honor each other which is really neat.”

According to Berg, he believes the retreat is important for seniors to attend before graduation.

“It’s a good thing,” Berg said. “That last hour of reflection is most valuable, overall it’s worth having.”