New England
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July 21, 2025
With Boston in the rearview mirror, we are now halfway through the New England High School Summer Program, which began Sunday with Mass, then brunch with tutors and their families.
From there, Summer Programmers made their way to the athletic fields for an open recreation period. The gym pool shimmered with activity as students practiced their dives and played water polo, while others joined the fast-paced action of an outdoor volleyball tournament. Laughter filled the field as teams rallied — but the real twist came when the tutors challenged the students to a match.
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With surprising coordination and a bit of humble swagger, the tutors swept the competition. Meanwhile, quieter corners of the field were alive with friendship bracelet-making and spirited games of Spikeball.
After all the excitement, a well-earned siesta gave everyone a chance to rest, recharge, and prepare for the next adventure — one that had many stepping into completely new territory: their very first dance class. Prefects Justin Hoeing (NE’28) and Teresa Bingham (NE’26) led the lesson with energy and charm, teaching East Coast swing and the graceful rhythms of the waltz. Students twirled and laughed, stumbling over steps, but catching on quickly.
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Hungry and happy, the group next headed to Gould Commons for an Asian-inspired dinner of crispy orange chicken, rice, and stir-fried vegetables. The sweet and savory meal hit the spot after a day of movement and fun. Then came study hall — quieter now, with minds shifting gears back to their books, excited to face the new challenge that Boethius and Euclid hold for the next week.
Just when it seemed the day was winding down, with programmers chatting and playing table games in Bl. Frassati Student Center, the prefects had one more surprise in store: a showing of The Princess Bride, presented by the Thomas Aquinas Theater Co. Students flocked down the stairwell from the Student Center to Dolben Auditorium, where the theater entrance was decked with lights and movie posters. In front of the door, a makeshift box office distributed tickets, while concessionaires offered candy and popcorn. By far the most exciting aspect was the presence of the movie’s three stars — Westley, the Princess Buttercup, and Inigo Montoya, all dressed in full costumes and at the door for photoshoots — perfectly played by prefects Justin Hoeing (NE’28), Terese Lickona (NE’28), and Gabriel Livingston (NE’28).
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After a full day of games, dances, and drama, students made their way back to the residence halls — tired, happy, and ready for the week to come. Today begins their great adventure into the texts of Euclid and Boethius. Revisit the Summer Program Blog this afternoon to read all about it!
