Introduction
BY MASHELLE KIRKMAN
In August of every year, the freshman class of Pilibos comes together for the first time to begin its High School journey. This year, the class consists of 81 students who attended a variety of schools in 8th grade including Pilibos, Chamlian, Armenian Sisters Academy, Merdinian, Ivy Bound Academy, Wilson Middle School, Toll Middle School, and Jordan Middle School.
During the Fall semester, the ninth grade scholars attend a retreat that focuses on gaining and honing their leadership skills.
This is the first time that all 81 of them come together to work as one and accomplish the same goal. Up until this point, they may have been taking different classes and many of them have yet to meet one another.
This retreat gives them the chance to form new friendships, learn leadership skills, and become a united freshman class that will continue to grow together as they move toward graduation. On this journey, members of the senior class serve as counselors and lead by example.
Future Armenian Leaders
BY LALE KACHARIAN
AYF Camp has always been a place to connect with nature, your culture, and to make new friends, who will be by your side for a lifetime. That is why the Pilibos ninth grade retreat was one to remember. The entire ninth grade class was able to finally fully meet one another, and make some unforgettable memories, while learning about our heritage, and especially have a blast while doing it.
On the way to the campsite, I did not know what to expect from the retreat, and I became a little nervous and intimidated, because I did not know most of the people in my grade, and I had never really interacted with the seniors around school. But, once we reached camp, and got situated in our cabins, I knew that I was going to have one of the most exciting and memorable trips. I was able to create stronger bonds with my classmates, especially when we were all around the campfire, singing Armenian songs at night and roasting marshmallows. That made me realize, that I should appreciate every single moment I have with my new classmates, because time will fly by.
As the weekend went by, we split up into three teams of red, blue, and orange, and we played a lighthearted, but competitive game of “steal the baconâ€
