Senior Retreat Caps Off Summer to Prepare Class of 2023 for Final Year of High School

This year's Senior Retreat at Rutgers Prep featured an opening keynote by Georges Richa '10. Georges spoke to our seniors from the perspective of a Rutgers Prep graduate, successful business person, and current RPS Trustee, offering students the opportunity to learn from his experiences through the college process and beyond. His open-hearted style and calls for appreciation and authenticity got us off to a great start and were well-received by the assembled members of the Class of 2023.

After Georges's opening keynote address on Wednesday, students rotated through a series of workshops focused specifically on their college search and application process. These workshops provided tips and strategies related to essay writing, workflow, and organization. Students were also able to connect their Common App accounts with Rutgers Prep's electronic document submission system, and participated in a mock admissions committee exercise designed to give them an "inside look" at the admissions selection process.

Thursday morning found the senior class reassembled for the second half of the retreat, which was characterized by a focus on wellness. The day began with remarks from Upper School Principal Joe Chodl and a keynote by Matt Bellace. Since 1995, Matt Bellace has been a professional speaker and stand-up comedian. Each year, his programs encourage over a hundred thousand people to pursue natural highs and reduce stress. Dr. Bellace has a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology; he’s the author of two books, contributing author for National Geographic Kids, and was recently featured in a PBS documentary series called “Voices of Hope.” Matt’s highly interactive and engaging presentation centered on students preserving their mental health during the college application process and beyond. 

Every senior was then able to cap off their retreat experience with a wellness-themed workshop, offered by dedicated Rutgers Prep faculty members and a talented local yoga teacher. Students could choose amongst the following options: Yoga, Mindful Journaling, Nutrition, Fitness for Wellness, Art for Relaxation, Music & Self-Care, and Tools to Manage College Process Stress.

The members of the Class of 2023 were both appreciative and energized by the Senior Retreat. They enjoyed re-connecting with classmates and friends, gained both insight and useful tools, and showed through their consistent engagement that they are ready to make the most of their last year as Rutgers Prep students.