This Wednesday, the Class of 2026 started their senior year off strong with their class retreat! The theme was inspired by the song “You’ll Be In My Heart” from the movie “Tarzan.” The day at St. Joseph Church in Placentia began with Mass, followed by breakfast in the main room.
The seniors reflected on three talks throughout the day. The first talk, given by Mrs. O’Campo ’02, explored how we are made in love and for love. Diana Penaloza ’26 shared her thoughts on this first talk, saying, “It reminded me to love myself through all the stress and that accomplishments and failures don’t define me.” Paired with Mrs. O’Campo’s talk, the seniors decorated mini boxes filled with Bible verses, intentions and positive reminders.
Next, Ms. Cole ’10 spoke to the seniors about “The Heart of Friendship.” She left the senior class thinking about the friends that they are to each other. Senior Bella Cantos explained why she loved the talk: “It was very inspiring; it really helped me to take into consideration what a real friendship is and how I can be a better friend.” Many seniors would agree with Cantos based on their reflections on how they can become a better friend.
Of course, no retreat would be complete without pasta for lunch and fun activities! The Class of 2026 danced their hearts out to the “Cupid Shuffle” before battling it out in the rock, paper, scissors game at the beginning of the day. The seniors bonded throughout the day through group discussions, meals and a super fun karaoke session! Senior Tahlia Jain stated that her favorite part of the retreat was “connecting with the other senior girls! I really enjoyed getting to know girls that I don’t normally talk to. It was also so nice to relax and have fun during all the stress of classes and college apps.” I’m sure that most of the senior class can agree on that one. This day was definitely refreshing for the senior class!
The last talk of the day was given by recent graduate Celine Asido ’25. Her talk was titled “Into the Future with God” in which she discussed fears of the future, placing trust in God and keeping God as a priority. Charlotte Ritter ’26 enjoyed Asido’s talk and expressed, “It helped me to think about how to look to God to help manage my stress and how God will always be someone I can turn to now and in the future.” This talk was full of helpful advice as seniors begin thinking about life after high school.
The seniors ended the day with adoration and light music. They were able to get closer to God and their classmates. The seniors were reminded that they will always hold a special place in God’s heart, and that they should also hold God in their own hearts. Overall, the seniors had an amazing time at their class retreat!
