The Leadership Retreat is a weekend that any high schooler who wants to can signs up for it, and learn how to be leaders in the real world. This year the leadership retreat was held on Oct. 1 and 2. The retreat is mostly for seniors as a last hurrah to their high school experience, but it's also full of great lessons and things to look forward to for juniors and sophomores. A speaker comes to the retreat and gives five sessions that last between two to five hours each, that is geared toward getting students out of their comfort zones and meeting other students.

“I felt reconnected with old friends and also met a bunch of people that I probably would not have met if it wasn’t for Leadership Retreat,” senior Isaac Bullen said.

During free time, students could go to the merchandise shop, play golf carts, play bumper cars, and many other exciting activities.

“I loved getting to hangout with my friends and cream them in our go-kart race,” senior Lexi Bagrosky said.

At the end of the festivities, a bonfire was held for the seniors. Anyone could attend, but the bonfire was intended to let any senior who wanted to say their piece say it in an open and loving setting. There were many tears shed at this bonfire. The seniors divulged their feelings as everyone ate s’mores and bonded.

“I didn’t give a speech, although I wanted to, but to just hear people talking about their experiences and giving advice to the underclassmen was just so awesome and I wish I would’ve gotten that advice when I was a sophomore or junior,” senior Hannah Hoyt said.

Juniors and sophomores were impacted by the speeches given that night.

“The bonfire made me feel very emotional, hearing all the seniors talk made me want to not take the rest of my high school years for granted,” junior Olivia Volpe said.

There will be another leadership retreat held next year in 2017. The retreat will be in October but the exact date is to be determined. In 2014 there were 92 participants. In 2015 there were 157 participants. In 2016 there were 205 participants. The numbers keep going up thanks to the students. Come out next year and participate! Contact Mr. Jedamski at jjedamski@baschools.org for more information.