The 2019-2020 HSM senior class has been looking forward to a talent show since our freshman year. Thoughts of the peers who we looked up to during the formative first years of our experience in high school ministry were enhanced by the humility, ability, and humor they expressed in the goofy, impressive, and touching tasks they displayed. We’ve been dreaming of showing ourselves in this light to the underclassmen during our junior and senior years since then, fondly formulating the acts and performances that we would present.

However, since the first talent shows that we witnessed on those retreats, the event— the tradition that had been established has been taken from us. With the loss of this custom follows the loss of hours and days of brainstorming, preparation, and practice. Although we gladly look forward to the experience of all other activities on retreat, the talent show is the crowning jewel that has been put under lock and key, hidden from our waiting eyes. We are sure that underclassmen who see the fun that we would have showing off in a talent show (even if some of the things that we decide to do aren’t really talents at all) would be inspired to uphold the privilege and responsibility of a talent show in the future.

As seniors, we believe that it is our duty to make retreat as enjoyable as possible for all those who attend. And many of those sitting in the bleachers of Camp Sweeney will be us seniors, experiencing our final retreat in that place. Camp Sweeney and the gifts that High School Ministry has helped us to receive in that place make it truly magical. It has fostered spiritual growth, built up existing relationships, and began friendships (that will never end). We ask for one more parting gift before we move on to the next stages of our life that will allow us to look back on our final retreat with fondest eyes. We ask that you give us the gift of one last talent show.