For the first time in over 10 years, senior students embarked the year with an orientation, which was a sleepover on campus filled with camaraderie, laughter, and activities. From bonding as a class to establishing leadership of the student body, the sleepover kicked the year off the right way.
“No event at Branson has furthered my connection with our class,” said Finley Keeffe ‘24. “Having almost two days together gave us so much room to bond with each other.”
The orientation was action-packed, in their time, the seniors participated in a multitude of activities and conversations. Maura Vaughn, class of 2024 dean, helped plan a vast majority of the sleepover. From playing capture the flag to having conversations about gender roles within the Branson community, there were plenty of chances for everyone to interact together.
“All I can do as a dean is give you opportunities,” Vaughn said. “So I tried to give you as many different opportunities with the activities, as there are many different personalities and perspectives within the class.”
These activities were a success not only by helping students have fun, but also by helping students mix in with people they normally wouldn’t. With a variety of activities, students found it much easier to bond with everyone.
“It was super helpful to be given the opportunities we were given.” Callahan Green ‘24. “From playing capture the flag against the class of ‘25 to watching movies as a class, I interacted with a bunch of different types of people.”
While the sleepover was a blast for everyone included, perhaps the most significant part of its time were the traditions laid in place for years to come.
“Being the first class to design and paint the bridge is very important to me,” Green said when asked about his favorite activities from the day. “It represents our class’s story.I feel like it helps us, as a class, make our mark on the school physically. Every day I walk by it, I’m reminded of our journey through our four years of high school.”
It was special for the class of 2024 to be the first to paint the bridge, as they were able to kickstart a new tradition that students will embrace for years to come. As every member of the community can enjoy it.
“I think what helps is, your head of school was there, your CFOO was there, your dean of student life was there.” Vaughn said, “Not just your advisers, but the people that also help shape the school being there gave a great sense of support.”
From the bridge to the traditions to the sleepover, the senior orientation connected the students and faculty together, strengthened the community, and kicked off the year to a great start.
“The excitement of the orientation had us geared up and ready to come back to school,” Green said. “It motivated us, as a class, to lead the school in the right direction.”
