The annual Sky Ranch retreat was a powerful start to the school year, offering an amazing experience for the upper school after a long two first weeks of school. Held every year in Van, TX, the event provided an opportunity for the upper school to step away from their routines and connect on a deeper level.

Activities many students participated in were the zip line, the pool and peaceful walks through the woods. Many students found the relaxed environment allowed for authentic conversations that just don’t happen in the hallways.

“It was great to finally get out of school and just be with each other,” junior Connor Vitali remarked.

Junior, Lash Henderson, added, “I didn’t expect to have such great conversations with my former classmates while also meeting the new ones. It felt like everyone was just being themselves.”

The focus wasn’t on performance or grades, but on building genuine relationships. For some, this meant strengthening existing friendships; for others, it was about creating new bonds with people they had never really spoken to before.

As Preston Nguyen puts it, “I feel so much closer to the new people I barely knew before. We went from classmates to friends in just one day.”

The experience exceeded the typical school event, leaving a lasting impression of community and support. The retreat was a great time to find real connections. From the quiet moments, away from distractions, the strongest bonds are built.