Crashing Uncle Keith's Birthday Bash

By Sophia Coker

You can spot Uncle Keith on Dalat’s campus from a mile away. The sun reflecting off his bald head can be blinding at first, but once you’ve recovered, he always meets you with one of his contagious smiles and a wave. Then he may make a joke, or comment on how “monkeys never cramp” or, worst of all, tells you to drink lots of water. Walking off with a look like he’s up to something, you know you’ll be doing lots of sprints and conditioning that day. 

“Uncle Keith, while scary on the outside and loud on the sidelines, is one of my favorite people, and I couldn’t be happier to have had three years on this team to learn so so much about soccer and life," said Marissa Elliott (12).

This may be surprising because Uncle Keith doesn’t look a day older than twenty five, but Uncle Keith’s sixtieth birthday was coming up and everyone was determined to make this birthday extra special. With two posters and notes in hand, the girls soccer team marched into the Ziemer Dorm, where Uncle Keith’s birthday party was being held, unannounced and yelled “Surprise!” 

But Uncle Keith is a dorm dad. You always think you’ve pranked him or finally surprised him, but that is never the case. This time, he claimed “the size of the carrot cake” gave away that his team was coming. 

Surprise or not, Rebecca Wong (12) said, “It was great to be able to celebrate uncle Keith’s birthday and be able to thank him for everything he has done for us as a coach. Crashing his party was funny even though he figured out we were coming."

When asked about the highlight of Uncle Keith’s Birthday Bash, Soniya Peters (11) remarked, “I wish I could say the best part was seeing your (Uncle Keith’s) reaction to the surprise but the carrot cake was the real highlight.” 

We love Uncle Keith and are so blessed to have him as our coach, Happy Birthday Uncle Keith!

Senior Transition Retreat: Preparing for the Future

By Juan Moon

During a two day event (March 27-28), Senior Transition Retreat, seniors got to skip school and learn valuable information that will help them as they step into adulthood. While there were some concerns about the trip, most seniors found it to be a worthwhile experience in preparing for life beyond high school.

Many students initially complained about the event being held on campus rather than at a hotel, but was it really that bad? In reality, this change turned out to be a blessing in disguise. According to Peter Hsu (12) “Honestly, hosting the Senior Transition Retreat at Dalat actually went better than expected.”

One of the benefits of staying on campus was the activities made possible by the cost savings. On the first day, seniors enjoyed an off-campus lunch at Gurney Plaza, followed by a bowling outing, which turned out to be a highlight. Additionally, staying in a familiar location, school, provided a sense of comfort. Being in a well-known environment allowed students to feel more at ease, making it easier to engage with the content of the retreat.

Perhaps the biggest concern was the sleeping arrangement, but even that turned into an advantage. Instead of being confined to assigned hotel rooms, students had the freedom to organize their own sleepovers, creating a more comfortable and social experience. Those who preferred a quieter setting could recharge alone, ensuring they were well-rested for the next day. In the end, the decision to hold Senior Transition Retreat on campus proved to be a practical and effective choice.

As for the learning aspect of the event, most students walked away with valuable insights. Topics covered included relationships, finances, faith, boundaries, and self-care. These discussions provided essential life skills that students might not otherwise encounter in a typical school setting.

Rebecca Wong (12) shared her thoughts on the experience: “I am grateful for the Senior Transition retreat because I learned a lot about things to prioritize, and I feel like I have clearer expectations of what university life will look like. Also, I now know what to do to prepare myself to leave well.”

Ultimately, Senior Transition Retreat was more than just an event, it was a meaningful opportunity for seniors to bond, reflect, and prepare for their future. Despite initial doubts, the experience proved to be both enjoyable and educational, leaving a lasting impact on the graduating class.

Striking down the Retreat

By Anju Takikawa

March 27 may have been just another usual school day for the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. However, it wasn’t just another usual school day for us seniors. March 27th marked the first day of the Senior Transition Retreat! 

The seniors gathered in the first-floor hallways of Harbor Hall. Some students were excited about the upcoming event, which would be a gateway from the usual school routines. Some dreaded it, as they would have to sit through long hours of the sessions ahead. The door of the Heritage Chapel soon opened at 8:30 a.m., welcoming all seniors. 

Mr. Dobson soon started the first session, introducing us to the Retreat theme: Leave Well to Enter Well! Throughout the sessions, hungry seniors were met with delightful snacks: curry puffs and fruits. With their stomachs full, the next session began.  

The occasional erupt of laughter and the clattering sound were heard throughout the room. The seniors entertained themselves with the many interactive items, such as the wooden stacking rocks, aka the culprit of the clattering sounds, as they listened to the speakers discuss the transitions.  

Soon, the most anticipated time for many seniors begins- finally leaving the school campus! The students eagerly jumped off the bus at Gurney Plaza as they fled to different places and restaurants in no time to eat lunch.  

After nearly an hour, the seniors returned to the bus to head for the next destination: Penang Bowl! Some students were determined to show off their bowling skills, confident they would make many strikes. Others, including me, were less optimistic as their experience with bowling was limited. Nevertheless, a burst of laughter filled the alley as the bowling sessions began, showing that it was still a fun memory to cherish whether you are a beginner or a pro at bowling.  

Grace Cao (12) adds, “I had a really wonderful bowling experience because it’s my first time doing it.” 

Whether the students were anticipating or dreading the senior retreat, it’s safe to say that it was a fun and cherishing time, providing yet another memorable memory for the seniors. Not only were the seniors able to have fun, but they also gained life-worth advice as they prepared for the next stage of their lives.