By Luce Cada '23

The last time the Class of 2023 Jaguars were on campus all together was in March 2020 right before campus shut down. But on Friday, April 23, more than 90 sophomores came to campus to participate in Sophomore Breakaway Day, a day just for them to enjoy and step away from the stress of classes. They took part in a variety of activities while spending time with those they missed over the year as they prepared for the beginning of full hybrid classes for the last grading period. 

Those who participated on-campus stayed from 8 AM - 12 PM, complying with the double-mask or KN95 mask and six-feet-apart rules. That didn’t stop them from playing catch with water balloons and creating keychains for their big sisters in Pardini Park. The time spent outside allowed them to catch up with friends and teachers they haven’t seen in person for over a year, which was a rewarding experience especially as the end of the semester draws near. They also met with their homeroom in the new building, which was a surprise to those who haven’t seen it yet. In their homerooms, they learned about the new policies for the full hybrid model that would be put into place the following week. Many students would be coming back for the last stretch of the school year, and it was necessary to review the rules so that hybrid learning would be a success for everyone. 

At the end of the day, they reflected on friendships in their homerooms, and sophomores that chose not to participate in person joined through Zoom. All of them were reminded of the bonds they created in freshman year and how they would change throughout their lives, but would always be there. As they finish off the school year and transition into the next part of their high school journey, they continue to support each other on screen and in real life, no matter how far apart they must be.