Well-Deserved Day Together on Campus for Seniors

The senior class enjoyed some much-deserved time together on Wednesday for service, learning, food, and fun.

"When you're a senior, and you're ending your high school career, creating those times together as a class, even though not everyone can be together is important," Twelfth-Grade Dean and Upper School P.E. Teacher Coleen Davis said. "So Wednesday was just a good opportunity to incorporate a program that they would have had on their fall trip, with something fun, and with a special meal. Our goal was just to make them feel a little special."

The day started with a small group of seniors cleaning the wetlands on campus. Students explored the recent arrival of beaver dams as they cleared the trails around the pond for the entire OES community to enjoy. A catered lunch from Elephants Delicatessen followed as students enjoyed their delicious meal outside under the tents in the sun.

A program that seniors, in a "normal" year, would experience on their annual trip to the Oregon Coast was a visit from speaker and educator Matt Vogel. Vogel educated students about a variety of health-related topics, including substance use, relationships, harm reduction, sleep, and stress.

"Matt’s approach is different. He simply presents the seniors the data and information," Davis said. "And he speaks their language, he uses the terms that they can relate to and understand. There is no judgment from him, and students can sense that; they can ask questions comfortably and not feel judged."

The day concluded with games, relaxation time, and ice cream on the field.

"They were in good spirits. Just watching small groups hang out together and maybe just have a chance to reconnect in a more relaxed atmosphere was great," Davis said. "I hope these seniors have a positive end to their high school experience and we can keep some of the traditions alive for them despite Covid having rearranged their last year with us."