Goodbye for Now

The one-week High School Summer Program came to an end this morning, following a fantastic final evening. Many of the students and prefects were up well into the night, saying goodbye and seeing off the programmers who had late-night or early-morning flights. After a week spent making friends with so many remarkable young men and women, it is very bittersweet to say goodbye.

This morning offered one last opportunity for camaraderie and conversation over coffee and chocolate croissants after Mass, before suitcases were packed into cars and the campus gradually emptied. Programmers said tearful farewells, promising to keep in touch and maintain the friendships they had made over the course of the week. The lively conversations and laughter that filled the halls all throughout the week gave way to quiet once again, leaving just the memories of a week well-spent. 

We hope this blog and all its photos have been enjoyable, and that it has provided at least a small view into a much greater picture. It wouldn’t have been possible without our tireless media crew: blog writer Eve Fitzpatrick (’29), photographer Samuel Livingston (’26), student videographer Philip Fiacco (’28), and web assistant Peter Doylend (’28), all of whom spent the week chronicling and capturing the day-to-day lives of the programmers. 

Much gratitude is also due to Program Director Dr. Paul Shields and his fellow tutors, as well as the entire Admissions and prefect team, under New England Admissions Director John Jost and head prefects Dani Van Wyk (’26) and Matthew Bohrer (’26). Last, but never least, heartfelt thanks to the program’s devout chaplain, Rev. Greg Markey, and visiting deacon Rev. Mr. Isaac Cross (’19). 

Of course, neither the blog nor the program itself would be possible without the students — who sacrificed a week of precious summer vacation to return to the classroom for a firsthand experience of Catholic liberal education — and their parents, who entrusted them to the College’s care. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Summer Program such a memorable success!

More photos from the High School Summer Program

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