The Highlander
1
THE HIGHLANDER • August 31, 2023
September 3 . 2024 - Vol. 3. Issue 1
SPIRITUAL
CAMPUS LIFE
MENTAL HEALTH
Ice breaker games were a hit! Wanna know our theme for this year? Pg. 4
Pg. 2 Cooling off at the Ice Cream Social Pg. 8
Mental health tips for a new school year Pg. 3
WELCOME TO THE HIGHLAND FAMILY! Developing Christ-like characters and life long learners. Maggie Carlson
Highland Academy has enthusiastically welcomed returning students and newcomers to its vibrant campus community. Many students entered the new academic year with a fresh sense of eagerness and expectation after a long summer full of exciting activities. August 12 was a big day for the students as they started getting used to the routine of the school year and started their courses. Every student had the chance to get to know their teachers and become involved with the material covered in each new lesson during the first week. Before long, students were making new friends and forming relationships that would help them in their social and academic lives all year. The atmosphere on campus was filled with enthusiasm as students became eager for the journey ahead. There are many things to look forward to in just a few months. Faculty family is coming around the corner in September. Faculty family is when the faculty picks out students for their “family” or group for the year. With their “family,” they participate in activities to get to know each other better. The activities vary with each family. Class-on-class dodgeball is an exemplary event that fosters friendships and builds student companionship. This engaging activity allows participants to strengthen their connections with classmates outside the typical classroom setting. As students engage in the spirited competition, they discover more about one another’s strengths, teamwork dynamics, and
individual personalities, cultivating a sense of unity within the class. The dodgeball tournament is structured around a series of games where various classes compete against one another in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. The tournament typically commences with the Freshmen facing off against the Seniors, setting the stage for a lively exchange of energy and enthusiasm. Following this initial matchup, the competition continues, allowing each class to engage with every other class in an organized format, ensuring that all participants have the chance to play against their peers. By the event’s conclusion, participants leave with a greater appreciation for their classmates, having forged lasting connections through the shared experience of competition and teamwork.
Boundary Waters is a trip many students hope to go on and have to sign up for in advance. Andy Wade, Sara Bagshaw, and Doug Thompson are the sponsors leading the trip every year. Boundary Waters canoe area in Minnesota is where students canoe and camp for eight days. They camp every night, and they claim that keeping your needed supplies dry is the struggle. It truly is the adventure of a lifetime.
essential role in navigating the challenges of academic life, providing needed support during schoolwork and the more repetitive parts of the educational experience. Emma Ruckle, senior, said, “I’m excited to get to do more fun things with SA and the school. I can’t wait to make more memories!” SA is the Student Association that plans various social events and activities throughout the year. Despite the enriching and stimulating environment of Highland Academy, there will inevitably be classes or activities that do not attract every student’s interest. Friendships can be quite helpful in these situations, turning unpleasant experiences into more tolerable ones. The quality of life at Highland Academy is characterized by remarkable friendships that are deeply intertwined with peers’ spiritual journeys. These connections enhance the enjoyment of school life and create a sense of community and belonging that is key during one’s school year.
Throughout the numerous trips and events organized at Highland Academy, a strong foundation of friendships has been established among students. These relationships play an Photo by Stephanie Rufo