51����

Upon yesterday’s arrival at 51����, 70 students on the One-Week California Great Books Program enjoyed a savory picnic with their families on the lawn in front of Sts. Peter and Paul Hall. All feasted on barbequed chicken, hot dogs, and tri-tip, paired with sides of baked beans, potato salad, watermelon, and chocolate-chip cookies. Loud chatter and happy conversation took place at every table as students introduced themselves to their peers and met some of the prefects and tutors whom they will get to know over the next week. 

Today marked Fernando V.’s birthday, and the prefects surprised him at the end of the picnic with a birthday cake and candles, complete with a serenade from the entire group of families and students. Once the singing ended, Fernando walked around to the different tables, offering slices of cake to his new friends, who all wished him a happy birthday.

After dinner, some programmers headed off to a traveler’s Mass, while others said farewell to their families and explored more of the campus. A rousing game followed on the athletic field, and a few programmers dabbled in some games of Spikeball before it was time for orientation.

The students gathered in St. Cecilia Hall to hear from Jon Daly, Executive Director of Admissions. Mr. Daly greeted the programmers warmly, reviewed the schedule and expectations, offered words of welcome, and encouraged the students to take advantage of all the wonderful resources that the College has to offer. 

Addie Fellona (’28) then introduced her fellow prefects with funny personal anecdotes about each one, inciting lots of laughter at some of the outrageous stories. The prefects, along with the rest of the Admissions staff, are a team of current TAC students and alumni who will support and guide the students in all their endeavors throughout the program. 

To close the evening, Mr. Daly introduced the Summer Program chaplain, Rev. Andrew DeSilva (’03). Fr. Andrew echoed Mr. Daly’s words of welcome and encouraged the students to take advantage of the near constant availability of the Sacraments offered daily in the Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel.  “I’m here to take care of your spiritual life and wellbeing.” Fr. DeSilva concluded.  “My main mission this week is you.” 

With these closing words, orientation came to an end. The men and women rushed back to their respective residence. Back in the dorms, an ice-cream social awaited the programmers, and all feasted on chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries. The common rooms and courtyards were full of excited chatter as students and prefects continued to get to know each other before saying goodnight and going to sleep. 

Be sure to check back in with the Summer Program Blog later today to hear all about the first day of classes!

More photos from the High School Summer Program

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