New England
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July 22, 2023
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Students say goodbe

 

The end of the New England High School Summer Program has come. For the past two weeks, our students have been fully immersed in Thomas Aquinas College’s community and academic program, learning how to excel in the Discussion Method, presenting props, studying attentively, and deepening their spiritual life by making God the ultimate end of each and every class. To gain such a good glimpse of a college before making the decision to attend is a truly wonderful opportunity, and our students are grateful that they were able to rise to the occasion and take advantage of the Summer Program.

“It’s been amazing,” remarked attendee Bella C., sad to be saying goodbye. “When I first got here, I wanted to go home. But now it’s over, and I don’t want to leave!”

Students woke up this morning still a little sleepy from their late night of dancing and celebration, having given so much energy to make the most of their time here. Some had to depart for their flights as early as 3:30! Shuttles departed for the airports in shifts, and one by one, parents came to the to pick up their children. 

Photos: Saying Goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye
  • Students say goodbye

After the morning Masses and a brunch of eggs and frosted cinnamon rolls, the final goodbyes began. No one knew where the time went. One moment, they were all in a new place, hardly knowing anyone, and ready to experience the College. In the blink of an eye, they were surrounded by close friends and exemplary prefects with whom they had formed a strong bond. They had gone on so many adventures, had such wonderful conversations, and made memories to last a lifetime. It’s hard to say goodbye to something like that!

Attendee Therese W. could hardly believe the program had come to an end so quickly. When asked what her favorite part was, she replied, without hesitation: “Everything! There hasn’t been a part I didn’t like. I knew it was going to be amazing, but it was even better than I thought it would be!”

Slowly but surely, the Summer Programmers trickled out of the residence halls, leaving the campus blanketed in a melancholy calm and silence. So many people have put in so much effort to make this program a roaring success! Associate Director of Admissions John Jost worked long hours and made many sacrifices to give his all to the program and its attendees. The Admissions team put in unceasing time and energy. And the prefects gave themselves to the students so generously, taking two weeks out of their summer to share the college they love. 

We would also like to take a moment to thank the people who have made this blog possible: Writer extraordinaire Anna Mae Hinkle (’24), who diligently cranked out some 13,000 words these last two weeks; photographer Lucca Ameida (’25), who dutifully shot every event for the first 10 days; and Mary Wassell (’25), who heroically stepped in to cover for Lucca after he left to visit his family in Brazil. Thank you for your great work, your long hours, and the tremendous love you have shown to these families and this college!

 

Mary and Anna Mae and last night's dance
Anna Mae and Mary

Thus concludes the 2023 New England Summer Program! Hopefully, this isn’t goodbye for good! Our prayer is that many of our beloved programmers will soon decide to make Thomas Aquinas College their alma mater and continue the noble journey of Catholic liberal education, faith seeking understanding.

May God bless you all!