Is the sophomore retreat back? On April 17, the majority of the sophomores traveled off campus to attend the annual class retreat called SEEK. Exceeding expectations, 98 students signed up for the retreat surprising the leadership team and staff. However, unlike the high engagement with this year’s retreat, last year’s had been cancelled due to not enough participants. When the makeup retreat was held, even less of those who signed up went to the make-up retreat.
So, what changed this year and how did the class of 2028 perceive the retreat with the knowledge of its failure in 2025?
When interviewed, Avery Kropp expressed their interest in the free time activities that the retreat offered. “I liked the big swing and the activities.”
Evan Lopat said, “I was surprised by the recesses.”
Casey Gebauer said, “ I feel like the retreat was a summary of what Bellarmine is,” stating how the retreat felt like a good portrayal of Bellarmine’s community and campus life.
Others stated that the reason they went to the retreat was the opportunity to exchange a school day for the retreat. Ryan Kholes said, “I wanted to go because of Mr. Patulot and because I got out of school.”
Gebauer expressed a different view. “I think I want to try and do everything that Bellarmine has to offer and not waste the things that you can only do at Bellarmine.”
Overall, the sophomores voiced that the retreat was better than they expected and recommended the future sophomore class to attend the retreat as well. Will this participation and success of the sophomore SEEK retreat continue onto the future classes?
