Our Mariners March to 9th Grade

Saint Monica Preparatory's 8th Grade class returned from its East Coast trip to Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C. To bring US History out of the classroom, SMPREP planned the experience so students would begin to understand what it means to be a citizen of the United States. Led by Ms. Rentar, they began in Boston walking the Freedom Trail and visiting Boston Common before heading down to Salem and Plymouth to explore the Mayflower, Plimoth Patuxet, Gallows Hill and more. Then, they made their way to NYC to catch the award-winning Broadway show Wicked, explore Times Square and Central Park before cruising around the Statue of Liberty. Finally, the trip ended in the U.S. Capital where students wandered Capitol Hill, explored the National Archives and visited Arlington National Cemetery.

Before heading East, 8th graders celebrated a retreat in Malibu around the theme of using our gifts and talents to serve others. The school year was capped off by a visit to Homeboy Industries, materializing students' reading of Tattoos on the Heart, and providing them a unique opportunity to encounter an organization that lives out the Gospel. Our incoming ninth grade class was recognized and celebrated by the entire student body in the first annual Mariner March to 9th Grade that included a beautiful Mass, diploma/award ceremony and reception.