A Night to Remember

From there, the programmers turned their attention from stories of grace to preparing for an evening they wouldn’t forget. The girls returned to their residence halls, where the common rooms had been transformed into lively DIY spas. Curlers curled, hair dryers hummed, and the air was full of laughter and perfume. Nail polish was passed around, dresses zipped up, and mirrors crowded as the ladies helped each other shine for the final formal evening.

Meanwhile, the boys took to the athletic fields for a last round of soccer and basketball, enjoying the competition and camaraderie of an hour under the sun. Eventually, they, too, retreated to shower and suit up — neckties knotted, shoes shined, and a hum of anticipation building for the evening ahead.

Then the students gathered for their final meal together. The Gould dining room was transformed into a banquet hall, with white tablecloths on the tables, each adorned with delicate flowers and dim, romantic lighting. The gentlemen were seated first, and when the ladies finally descended — floating in like a breeze, as if from some other, more radiant world — a hush of admiration fell over the room.

Dinner was a feast: tender salmon, artfully plated, followed by a decadent dessert that left everyone full and glowing. The feast was peppered with a few talks on the purpose of the program and the beauty of good beginnings, courtesy of Summer Program Director Josef Froula and Admissions Director John Jost. Yet the real sweetness of the evening came next: The students all processed down to Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel for one final prayer together. There, united in candlelight and contemplation, they prayed the Rosary, each Hail Mary a gentle farewell to the days they had shared.

But peace gave way to joy as they emerged from the Chapel and rushed down to Bl. Frassati Student Center for the long-awaited final dance. The room sparkled with tulle, string lights, and magic. The theme — “Under the Stars” — came to life in every detail. Music floated through the air as students twirled and laughed, sipping lemonade and dancing with abandon, free and full of friendship.

The night drew to a close in Dolben Auditorium with a slideshow of memories. Giggles turned into roars as image after image flickered across the screen — students sleeping in awkward positions on the bus, human towers teetering under the weight of bold ambition, and mid-air leaps captured in glorious blur.

With stitches in their sides from laughter, the students wandered up to their residence halls one last time. Some packed in silence, others with music still playing softly, all of them lingering over the little things they didn’t want to let go. Then it was off to bed, hearts full and eyes heavy, knowing that the morning would bring goodbyes.

Stay tuned for our next (and final!) post, where we will share the story of departure day — the tearful farewells, the promises to stay in touch, and the quiet joy of having made something beautiful together.