Finishing Strong

Coming off Friday night’s banquet, the final day of the California High School Summer Program was full and fantastic! For some, it began before sunrise with a five-mile hike to the Punch Bowls, a popular swimming spot in the neighboring Angeles National Forest. For others, it started a tad later with a shorter scenic in the hills surrounding campus. The programmers enjoyed their surroundings, taking in the majestic Southern California views for one last time.

The group next ate breakfast in St. Joseph’s Commons, before heading to St. Cecilia’s for a talk from the Admissions team. The students then piled into several chartered buses to head to beautiful Santa Barbara! The first stop was the beach, where students soaked up the sun, painted, played volleyball, swam, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Back in the buses, it was off Santa Barbara Mission for a Vigil Mass in the historic church.

After giving thanks to God, students took to Santa Barbara’s famous State Street for dinner and shopping. They split into groups, each led by prefects, and together walked a strip of shops and restaurants. Some got Italian, others Japanese, some Mexican, and everyone ended their evening with ice cream!

When the programmers returned to the buses, they then headed back to campus, praying the Rosary en route. But the night was not over yet! Back on campus, there was a celebratory dance on St. Gladys Patio. Eventually, alas, the night had to end, and the gathering moved to St. Cecilia’s Hall, where students watched a video slideshow recapping the past week. They admired the moments caught on camera, trying to remember every last detail.

Students then returned to the residence halls for s’mores and hot dogs, which they roasted over a lovely fire in the courtyard under the stars. They talked late into the night, knowing it to be their last evening together, and dreaded the time of departure, which was fast approaching. They went to bed, preparing themselves for their travels and the goodbyes that Sunday would bring.  

For photos of those heartfelt goodbyes, come see the Summer Blog’s last post this afternoon!

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