New England
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July 13, 2023
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A student pair dances

 

Upon completing Tuesday’s two classes on the first half of Genesis, New England High School Summer Program students headed off to the Bl. Frassati Student Center, rather than going to the athletic field, per usual. That’s because the day’s Recreation Period would consist of something new — dance practice! Thomas Aquinas College has a wonderful dance culture, and so of course the Summer Program would share that love of dancing with the programmers!

Dan Selmeczy is TAC’s college and career counselor, as well as the dance instructor for the 2023 Summer Program. He has taught the program’s dance lessons for many years, and every year in New England since the College first launched the campus in 2019. Dan, assisted by prefect Theresa Bingham, opened the dance lesson with some exercises in rhythm. “Dance is delighting in the rhythm of the music you’re hearing,” he explained. He stationed all the students in a huge circle around the room, making sure each dancer had a partner. Then, he led them through some basic steps and spins. After about an hour of instruction, the floor opened to free dancing.

Dance Practice
  • Men line up on the men's side
  • Women line up on the women's side
  • Men line up on the men's side
  • Women line up on the women's side
  • Couples pair up as Dan Selmeczy instructs
  • Student couples watch
  • Students practice a simple turn
  • A row of student pairs assume swing position
  • Students practice a turn
  • Students shake hands with their partners
  • Students practice an inside turn
  • Another view of the same
  • Students pairs watch something off-screen
  • Another view of the same
  • Student pairs practice all across the floor
  • Students dance
  • Students practice their newly-learned moves

Once everyone had a chance to practice their moves, the group moved back to Gould Hall for a dinner of Mississippi Pot Roast and mashed potatoes. Then students headed down to Study Hall in the library. After a roll call race between prefects Luke Cecchi and Trinity Duggan, the students read their assignment for the next day’s class.

Next came the highlight of the evening, as students moved to the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel. In addition to their nightly Rosary, they enjoyed a holy hour led by Fr. Miguel. After Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the chaplain shared some words, inviting students to open their hearts to Our Lord and reminding them that our lives are lived for Him. “Embrace your faith,” he exhorted. “You are a part of something greater than yourselves.” Then, as prefects led the community Rosary, the priest heard confessions, and a choir sang several beautiful hymns, including Sicut Cervus, Adoramus Te Christe, and “Spirit Seeking.”

 

Fr. Miguel performs Benediction

 

Once Fr. Miguel drew the Holy Hour to a close with Benediction, the group made its way back to the Student Center. The coffee shop had prepared breaded mozzarella sticks, salsa, pina coladas, and lime soda. Students chatted, many showing off their skills on the piano, and enjoyed their evening.
 

Coffee Shop
  • Two play foosball
  • Five play pool
  • Two chat over drinks
  • Fr. Miguel chats with a student
  • A prefect gestures while standing on a chair
  • A big crowd of students, chatting in small groups
  • Two laugh and chat
  • Two side by side
  • Frs. Viego and Miguel Pro smile for the camera
  • Students chat at the coffee shop counter
  • Two chat

Soon, curfew was called, and students returned to their residence halls for more snacks and conversations. After some further socializing, the programmers headed to bed, wanting to be well rested for the first big trip of the program — Thursday’s visit to Boston!

More on that soon! But first, check out the Summer Program Blog early this afternoon to read about students’ conversations on the subject of today’s one class: Soren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling.