On Wednesday, August 31st, after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the class of 2023 boarded a bus and headed for Camp Erdman located on the north shore of Oahu, for their Senior Camp experience. Senior Camp is an opportunity for seniors to gather for a two-day overnight bonding experience allowing them to create memories well beyond high school.

I was privileged to observe our students building connections at Senior Camp. This life-altering experience, absent of academic expectations, are opportunities to engage with fellow classmates through games, acting and dance performances, laughter by the campfire, and the time-honored tradition of creating their tie-dye t-shirts.

For the adults in the presence of our seniors on both days, this time served as a reminder of what is truly important in life - just being. For a moment, we, too, forgot about the demands of academics - grading papers, planning lessons, and writing college reference letters. Instead, our seniors reminded us of the importance of laughter, play, and the joys of simply being in the moment.

I, too, walked away having memories that are now indelibly etched in my memory.

Thank you, seniors, of Mid-Pacific!