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"Lost Paradise" by Kathy Jones

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SPLASH! Naomi O’quin (12) shoved me into the pool at Lost Paradise Resort, forcing me to come to terms with the water’s chilling temperature. She then proceeded to jump in, spraying water over everyone nearby. Many of my friends who had already been on the ExCom retreat before told me that for the first 1.5 hours of free time after arriving at Lost Paradise Resort, people usually go to the pool and have some fun. So we did! All the seniors, a sophomore, and a couple of the freshmen went to the pool, though the freshmen were on the other side. 

“Marco!” shouted John Pham (12). 

“Polo!” replied everyone else. 

Jaden Lee (12) then attempted to push different people towards John in the hope that they would become the next “Marco.” 

Ethan Khor (10) especially was targeted numerous times by Jaden and, as a result, became Marco several times. We played more games: silent Marco Polo and Sharks and Minnows, but we soon had to leave so that we could shower before dinner.

Once we finished dinner in the hall, a few announcements were made, and we went into our individual grade groups (and PAL split off into their own group). Jaden Lee suddenly stood up and said to our grade’s table, “Everyone, who wants Mixue? I’m buying!” A roar of cheers erupted, and we said, “Thank you, Mr. President, Sir!” An hour later, our Mixue arrived (It took extra long because it was pouring outside). We all happily ate while we discussed ExCom events and responsibilities. Finally, as the night was coming to a close, we played Anomia and some other small games. We walked back to our rooms in the pouring rain, trying to keep ourselves dry.

After we returned to our rooms, we stayed up talking about anything and everything, squishing together on the bed just bonding with each other.  Eventually we went to sleep and woke up the next morning for breakfast and a full day of planning and team-building. 

Eliza Setzfand (12), the treasurer, said, “It was fun to bond with other ExCom members and get to know them outside of school!” 

Our leadership retreat was a lost paradise, one where we could come together as a team and plan events that will make our senior year memorable.



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