On Friday, August 23rd, Benet Academy officially opened its doors to begin the 2024-2025 school year. Laughter and chatter instantly filled the halls as students reunited with friends and teachers after summer break. As the clock struck 7:39, Benet Academy students hustled to their first class with high hopes and anticipation for a new year. Returning and new students had the chance to become familiar with their new classes on check-in day, two days prior to the first day of school.

Freshmen had an additional opportunity to become familiar with the school prior to their first day. Benet Scholars reinvented the tech class that, in previous years, was a week-long course available for incoming freshmen to set up their devices and become comfortable with the layout of Benet. The new CARE program (Center for Academic Redwing Enrichment) offers this and so much more; five specialized classes provide students with courses and team building activities created to prepare them for their first year of high school. Junior Michael Francis, a leader of the CARE program, said, “A lot of time and effort was put into planning the CARE program, and in the end, it was a successful couple of weeks. I am excited to see how it grows in the future.”

Additionally, students were invited to attend the annual Soc Hop, which is run by Student Government. The theme this year was USA, and the event had a high turnout. Erin Johnson, who attended the event, described it as “an exciting event and staple in the Benet experience to look forward to every year.”

The new school year is a time for fresh beginnings, and the first day symbolizes a blank slate. As the year continues, the everyday rhythm of school will return; however, the excitement of the first day will always remind  students  of the promises and hopes they hold for themselves. During high school, there are only four first days—make sure to enjoy them!