IWA Freshmen orientation and retreat

Before it was time to begin the first day of school, freshmen at Incarnate Word Academy (IWA) participated in an orientation and retreat on Saturday, Aug 10, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church on North Padre Island.

For Sydney Allison, a new student at Incarnate Word Academy, the freshmen orientation and retreat was a perfect opportunity.

"Everyone is very accepting," Sydney said.

Many students agreed that the freshmen orientation and retreat was a great experience.

Lorin Rodriguez said her favorite activities from this event were the relay races.

"We did a wheel barrel race, three-legged race and then we had a race where we had to hold a tennis ball on our back without letting it drop," Lauren said. "It was a lot of fun."

While the freshmen group participated in both inside and outdoor activities, the students also celebrated their first Mass of the school year at the orientation and retreat.

"It's good that we were able to go to Mass because at any other school, you may only go to Mass on Sunday with your family," Max Elizondo said.

Jack McNiff said that he enjoyed the writing activities the most.

"I enjoyed writing what we are going to be known for as the graduating class of 2017," Jack said.

By the end of the retreat, students had been partnered in different groups, made new friends and shared examples of how to trust and respect each other.

"It was fun," Max said. "We have very good team leaders this year."