Freshman class retreats to Camp Tekakwitha are as traditional at NDA as Spirit Days on Fridays.  Under the organizational skills of Campus Minister Daniel Kriegl, the two days of girls-only and guys-only gatherings definitely become moments of impact. 

Freshman girls went Wednesday of this week with freshman guys going on Thursday.  Kriegl gathers leaders from the junior and senior classes as well as a few staff members.  Father Jordan Neeck serves as the religious celebrant for mass and adoration.  

Discussing in randomly selected groups, the freshmen learn a lot about their classmates as well as themselves.  

“I loved learning about everyone in the groups,” said Isabelle Jackson.  “I would have never guessed or known their struggles or favorite things if we hadn’t spoken about it.”

Another freshman, Daffne Guiterrez, said something similar.  “The freshman girls retreat was an experience like no other. I loved that the leaders, along with the rest of the other girls, worked together to create a comfortable environment for everyone.”

“The leaders like Delaney Gallagher, Grace Delveaux and Barbara Inciarte,” continued Gutierrez, “were so open to talking about their experiences that it felt safe.” 

Violet Jardon felt the same way about her group leaders: “I loved my team leaders, Gianna (Farone) and Hannah (Beals).  They made me feel safe and welcomed.”

One of those leaders, Delveaux, explained that working with the freshmen had been an inspiring experience for her and that she wished “only the best for these young women.”

Among the highlights for the freshmen were the “witness talks” by upperclassmen Bailey Brabazon, Anna Gruesen and Inciarte.

No doubt some of these freshmen women will be group leaders in the future, inspiring anothee class of freshman Tritons.