From the desk of Jordy Barksdale, Director of 冰球突破豪华版 & 部:

At Brook Hill, we value relationships. We think our students will grow academically, spiritually and professionally through the context of strong relationships with faculty, staff and other students. With that in mind, we decided to spend a week with our Senior Class on Catalina Island off the coast of California.

Early Monday morning we all met in the parking lot with our bags packed. A bus, a shuttle, two boats and a plane ride later – we made it to the island! We arrived with five days ahead of us, eager to see how our students would respond to the lack of air conditioning and cell phone service. There’s something special about an environment surrounded by ocean and beautiful mountains. Come to find out, the social media disconnect from life in Texas allowed for a true, 面对面, connection with each other. 作为领导者, challenged them to pursue other people in their grade they may or may not know, and to take advantage of the opportunity afforded them to make new friends. Our students took this challenge head on! What a joy it was to see classmates becoming friends as they snorkeled on the beach, paddle boarded, worshipped together, kayaked and hiked the mountains.

Senior Val Allen commented that she was thankful to authentically experience such a tight-knit community. 她, along with many other seniors, had the chance to spend a week of quality time with each other in an environment that fostered intentional conversations. 她 stated “Now I know there are people I can go to if I need anything.”

The highlight of the trip for me was to see how the students responded to the teaching they heard. We chose to walk through the Biblical meaning of the Guard Charge and give them practical ways with which to live.  The Seniors were specifically challenged to find unique ways to serve others during their last year at Brook Hill. The example of Jesus, in his selfless service, is our guide. In John 13 we see Jesus washing his disciples’ feet in an act of love, service and obedience.  After each talk, we divided in to small group breakout sessions to further discuss how to practically live out these lessons back home. Each of the leaders had a group of 8-10 students that met and gave specific examples on how a Brook Hill student can live out the Guard Charge.  The students were charged with the task to “out serve” each other. Myles Inglish said “I’m excited to take what we learned and bring it to campus.”

I think the trickiest aspect of a trip like this is the “art of implementation.” How will these students incorporate what they have been challenged to do? Will they keep their “mountain top excitement” on the island or will they allow the motivation to translate in to action?  I think implementing what they’ve learned is an art. It takes leaders who are willing to step out in faith and point their classmates, of all grades, 活得纯洁, 说真实的, 正确的错误的, 服务他人, and Follow the King. This task isn’t easy and it will take a lot of intentionality. But, I believe in the class of 2016. I believe they will take what they have been called to do as men and women of God and humbly lead this school. The Brook Hill community is ready for it!