“I was nervous that I wouldn’t know that many people,” said Marianne Murrle ’29 before heading to her very first high school retreat. Each fall, Carrollton’s freshmen travel off campus to Camp Sparta for a day filled with prayer, reflection, and bonding. The retreat, organized by the juniors, is designed to help students grow closer to one another and to God as they begin their journey through high school.
That goal was quickly met. “When we all went to the bonfire and everybody sat together as a big group, I really felt the sisterhood there,” said Ciara Bonilla ’29.
That night filled with laughter, worship, and reflection became a turning point for many. What started as a group of classmates who barely knew each other began to feel more like a family.
But even for students who were not new to Carrollton, the event carried special meaning.
“Freshman retreat really made me make better friends with the new girls and strengthen friendships with the ones I already knew,” said Juliet Diez ’29, who has attended Carrollton since Montessori. Because this is the largest freshman class the school has ever had, it is easy to feel disconnected. However, the retreat gave students the opportunity to connect with more of their classmates in a personal way.
Retreat leaders helped guide this process, encouraging freshmen to open up during reflections and reminding them to include everyone.
“We get to learn more about how God loves us and how we are supposed to act as Him and share His love with everyone,” said Julia Kleszczewski ’27, one of the retreat leaders.
For Kleszczewski and others, the retreat wasn’t just about bonding — it was about growing spiritually. Students reflected on how being able to share their lives and testimony with others deepened their own relationship with God.
“I learned that I wanted to grow my faith more with God, and it made me more grateful to be in a school that’s so close in religion,” said Diez.
For many, the retreat served as a reminder that high school is not only about grades and activities but also about living life with intention and a higher purpose.
“Know that everyone who comes into your life serves a purpose,” leaders told the freshmen.
“Some people are lessons, and some become great friends along the way,” said Kleszczewski.
As the Class of 2029 returned to campus, they carried more than just memories of bonfires and reflections. They came back with stronger faith, deeper friendships, and a sense of connection that will last throughout high school. For many, the retreat wasn’t just a beginning — it was the foundation of the sisterhood they will continue to build over the next four years.
Ciara Bonilla • Nov 10, 2025 at 12:36 pm
I loved this article. Very well written and enjoyable to read.