Looking Back

The students spent the night at Belen, joined by six members of the faculty and administration. The evening started with a special introduction of the seniors. Then the sixth graders broke into small groups, each led by two seniors. A pizza dinner was followed by numerous bonding activities that required a lot of teamwork and communication. The students were then granted the pleasure of having guest speaker Ed Gerety discuss topics on staying respectful, faithful, humble, and grateful. Afterwards, Belen alumnus Daniel Brown ‘17 spoke about Belen legacy and what our amazing school has done for him and how it prepared him for life after high school. The night was then followed by a fan favorite game of laser tag between the sixth graders and the seniors in the Central Patio. As the night’s activities were winding down, the students and faculty gathered in front of the Sacred Heart statue in the Central Patio to pray and reflect. In the wee hours of the night, as the sixth graders climbed into their sleeping bags on the gym floor, they watched a movie as they “went to sleep”, while the seniors were tasked with staying up and supervising. Early in the morning, everyone was treated to donuts as they waited to be picked up.

 

Having watched all of them and having spoken with many of the sixth graders, it was clear to me that they had a great time. After just a short month and a half of school, which was interrupted by Hurricane Irma, many of the sixth graders had not gotten to meet each other. This experience allowed them to form a bond and create new friendships that will last a lifetime. Through problem solving activities, and simulating the sound of a thunderstorm with Mr. Gerety, the laughter permeating the room was a clear indicator that the sixth graders were not only enjoying themselves, but were creating memories that they will reflect upon when they are seniors in 2024.

 

My 6th Grade Lock-In during the fall of 2011 seems like it was just yesterday. As I start my senior year at Belen, the memories of events such as the 6th Grade Lock-In, Father-Son Day, and numerous Tombolas, are all part of my Belen experience. I remember being in awe of the group of guys who made those experiences so memorable for me, and looking up to them thinking, “That is where I want to be in seven years.” Having learned from the amazing seniors before me, I was inspired to volunteer for the sixth graders. Going through this event both as a sixth grader and a senior has brought the Belen experience full circle. It allowed me to reflect on my time here, and what it has been like to have such an amazing community to grow in and be a part of. Over the last 7 years, I have not only grown physically, but intellectually and spiritually. This is just one of many great Belen traditions, the memories of which I will cherish.