California
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July 23, 2021
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Students pray on the field pre-game

Upon wrapping up their discussion of Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy in Thursday’s afternoon class, the students of the 2021 California high School Summer Program returned to their residence halls to change clothes for the prefects vs. students soccer match. A large contingent of attendees gathered on the sidelines to cheer on the players. 

The prefects managed to secure a comfortable lead in the first half, and it looked doubtful whether the programmers could come back. But things slowly turned around, and after tying up the score at 5-5 with a few minutes left, students scored yet another goal in the final minutes of the game, and the fans went wild. Prefects made a valiant effort to return, but students fought hard, leading them to a victory of 6- 5. 

  • The students kneel in prayer before the game
  • Non-playing students gather on the grass to the side of the field
  • Students in motion: one programmer deftly brings the ball up
  • Students running at full tilt
  • One student defending the ball, while a prefect attempts to steal it
  • Coming in at speed for a full-power kick!
  • Another student in full wind-up for a long-range kick
  • A prefect dashes in and gains control of the ball!
  • A student aims a shot at the goal
  • Students and prefects pass one another in the traditional post-game handshake
  • Students and prefects pose for a group photo afront one of the goals

Many students then headed up to the top of campus to enjoy a few dives on a slip n’ slide set up by the prefects …

  • Students slide down the slip'n'slide, some headfirst, some sitting up
  • Another students speeds down
  • A student arrows straight down the side, while a prefect, having taken off at a slight angle, goes off the side!
  • Two students going down in the "Superman" position
  • Three at once start down the slide!
  • Another three students on the way down
  • A student rises triumphantly from the end of the slide
  • Miscalculations on the slip'n'slide produce a multi-student pileup
  • Students get up after the pileup
  • A student does down the slide, headfirst at high speeds
  • Two others take the slide
  • Two students "Superman" down the slide

The group next made its way to St. Joseph’s Commons for a tasty dinner of ribs and potatoes. Then it was time for a final study hall, in which students prepared one more round of Euclid props and “Everything that Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor for today’s classes. 

  • Two students study at a corner table
  • Six students at an oval table afront neatly organized bookshelves
  • Three at a table on the right side of the library
  • Two at a study table, poring over their books
  • Two students at a table overlooking the main stacks
  • Three lounge comfortable in the armchairs in the main hall
  • Students in the armchairs, reading their Flannery O'Connor
  • Two students in the armchairs afront the front desk, one smiling at to the camera
  • Two students in the armchairs smile for the camera
  • The students in the library's left wing, filling the tables
  • Students fill the long side table and small niche table in the library's left wing
  • Another shot of the left-wing library tables

A Rosary followed in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, and then a final dance practice in St. Cecilia Hall. Prefect Dan Selmeczy (’08) led students through some fancy new dance moves and also reviewed what they had already learned in previous classes. Everyone is looking forward to showing off their skills at tomorrow’s closing dance!

  • A student sitting with Fr. Walshe on the edge of the stage
  • The students are separated into guys and girls, on opposite sides of the floor
  • Students pair up for the dance!
  • A student smiles for the camera
  • Two students assume the swing position
  • Students get into the swing of things with the basic step
  • Wide shot of the students all practicing their learned moves
  • Students take up the waltz position
  • Students perform a waltz turn
  • In a line around the floor, pairs of students practice leading each other
  • Students resume the waltz position
  • A view of almost the entire dancefloor, covered in students practicing their moves

Chips, salsa, and even some pancakes awaited the high schoolers upon their return to the residence halls, affording the group a chance to relax and chat. But the night wasn’t quite over yet! Right when things were seeming to wind down, the men of Sts. Peter and Paul emerged and walked next door to serenade the ladies in St. Monica’s with “I Want it That Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “Red is the Rose.” The men then handed out roses and chocolates to each of the ladies before bidding them good night. The women were pleasantly surprised, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

  • The men gather around the women's dorm entrance to sing, with roses in hands
  • The women, watching the singing with happy surprise
  • Men help hoist others up to pass roses over the wall
  • The girls at the door watching the singing take place
  • Another view of the women watching the proceedings
  • At the "front line", men sing to the women with gusto and enthusiasm
  • The front line of men, singing with lyrics in hand
  • The men, singing with enthusiasm
  • The women in the front, flowers in hand, watch the men sing
  • A group of four women, with flowers
  • The men sing at the front
  • Enthusiastic acclaim from the women for the men's performance!

Today is the last day of the High School Summer Program! Euclid and Flannery O’Connor will be the topics of discussion for the last classes, then a Frisbee game and the farewell banquet. Be sure to check back this afternoon for the latest details.