Building Community: The Senior Lock-in

From the spirited bell-ringing during opening ceremonies to attending weekly “Senior Teas,” St. Luke's seniors have long embraced opportunities to foster community and connection amongst the class. This year, the Senior Class Deans and Senior Class Parents created an unforgettable experience for the Class of 2024 —  the "Senior Lock-in" — a sleepover on the Hillop aimed to bring the graduating seniors closer together and create memories that will last long after graduation.

The evening was filled with opportunities to connect, relax, and have fun. Classrooms were transformed into gaming spaces or cozy movie nooks. The café buzzed with excitement as friendly rounds of poker and ping-pong took place. The energy was infectious, evident in the playful protests of boos and hisses when the clock struck 1 a.m., and the ping pong tables had to be closed. Shortly after that, the boys settled in on the fourth floor of the library while the girls made themselves comfortable on the third floor of the library for their overnight stay.

Reflecting on the experience, seniors Calum and Patrick Regan shared, “It was clear that everyone there was genuinely excited to spend time together. As graduation approaches, moments like these remind us of the special bond we share as a class.” Senior Ava Mortamais summarized the highlights of the evening, sharing, “As a class, we were all able to connect and bond by playing intense ping pong matches and watching ‘Pitch Perfect.’”

None of this would have been possible without the support of some incredible St. Luke’s chaperones who volunteered to spend the night on campus with students. Special thank you to the Senior Deans Sonia Bell, Susanna Clavelli, and David Parsons, Head of Upper School Billy Bludgus, and Upper School Dean of Students Noel Thomas, for their commitment to creating a memorable experience.

Special recognition also goes to the Senior Class Parents, whose tireless efforts ensured the Senior Lock-In was a success. Their meticulous planning and coordination ensured that the students enjoyed a wide array of activities, delicious snacks, a pizza dinner, and a delightful bagel breakfast in the morning. St. Luke's School extends its deepest appreciation to Kristen Staikos, Amy Owens, Celine Carbin, Kate Stimpson, and Sam Boege for their support and dedication to our seniors.

Prior to the Senior Lock-In, fifth-grade students participated in their own class sleepover on campus. They took the opportunity to write thoughtful cards to the seniors, offering tips and advice on how to make the most of their night on campus. This inter-grade connection added an extra layer of community to the event.

For photos from Senior Lock-in, click here.