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Upon the conclusion of Wednesday’s classes, students on the One-Week California Great Books Program made their way to St Cecilia’s Auditorium, ready to dance away the afternoon in another swing-dance practice. Prefects Dominic Monnereau (’28) and Riley Edwards (’28) led the day’s dance practice, and under their guidance, programmers twirled and spun, learning new moves to add to their growing repertoire.

Next, students then enjoyed another afternoon of open recreation. The afternoon featured an impromptu student-versus-prefect basketball game, as well as the rock wall, which continues to be a hit amongst the programmers. Those not watching basketball or hitting up the boulder course cooled off in the pool as a respite from the hot sun. 

Tired and hungry after free time, students made their way to St Joseph’s Commons for dinner, where they feasted on beef stroganoff, pasta, steamed broccoli, and focaccia. They then headed to the now-familiar St Bernardine of Siena Library, for study hall. The readings for the night offered a good sampling of what these students will experience should they become 51���� freshmen: They studied the next round of geometrical propositions from Euclid (the subject of Freshman Mathematics) as well portions of Genesis (the first book of Sacred Scripture, which is studied, in its entirety, in Freshman Theology).

Once study hall drew to a close, students prayed their evening Rosary. Then, it was time for the most-anticipated event of the day: Open-Mic Night! Our Lady of Guadalupe fountain served as a beautiful backdrop for the stage, and programmers munched on warm, freshly popped popcorn and brownies with Neapolitan ice cream.

The acts of the night included a group version of “Vienna” by Billy Joel, performed by Susanna H. on piano, with Gracie F. and Isabella P. on vocals. Prefect Diego Mota de Alcantara (’28) delivered a stirring rendition of “Creep” by Radiohead, and Will H. brought the house down with his cover of “Wagon Wheel.” 

Open-Mic ended with a standing ovation and a huge round of applause before everyone made their way back to the residence halls. In the girls’ dorm, the women prefects each took the hot seat for a casual on-tap session, during which students had the chance to ask the prefects any questions they had concerning TAC student life. 

When many thought the night was over, the sounds of singing drifted into the common room of St. Monica Hall. The gentlemen arrived outside of the building, flowers in hand and guitars at the ready, and begin to serenade the ladies! They performed the classic Irish folk song “Red Is the Rose” along with “Love Story” by Taylor Swift before finally bestowing gifts of chocolate and roses on the beaming women. 

Following this surprise ending to the night, it was time for bed. Students bid goodnight before making their way to their rooms, ready to get a good night’s sleep for Thursday’s packed schedule of events. Come back to the Summer Program Blog this afternoon and to hear all about it!

More photos from the High School Summer Program

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