The sounds of crashing waves and the tangy smell of the sea spray made their way up to the freshmen, as they descended the rocky stairs towards the beach. A rainbow of surfboards was quickly arranged in a large circle as the students began to stretch and practice their pop-ups.

After a fifteen minute surf lesson led by instructor Ed Guzman, groups of students on surfboards could be seen cruising atop—and tumbling within—the waves.

Reflecting on the morning spent surfing, Meredith M. ’29 felt, “really happy when I caught a wave, one of my friends caught a wave, or when I caught a wave with them,” she said. “It was a lot more fun than just catching [the waves] alone.”

Along with a day of surfing, the ninth graders spent an additional beach day at the Santa Cruz boardwalk and tide pools. There, they had the chance to explore the boardwalk’s haunted house, Giant Dipper, and Cyclone, as well as many hours with friends; old and new.

Post-boardwalk was an eventful night at a campsite nestled deep in the woods of Mt. Madonna. The evening included a delicious dinner of pasta and marinara, the occasionally burnt smore, and an advisory talent show hosted by 9th Grade Dean Patrick Berger. 

The two days were packed with great activities and events, serving as an engaging kickoff for not only ninth grade, but high school as well.