Class of 2022 Creates Memories at Walt Disney World

St. Augustine wrote City of God over the course of 14 years between 412 and 426. Although this historical, theological, and philosophical treatise is nearly 1,600 years old, its teachings are timeless. Just before the Thanksgiving break, I returned from a trip to Walt Disney World with the Class of 2022. This class trip is an annual rite of passage – a pilgrimage of sorts and capstone experience for the graduating class. The seniors created memories that will last a lifetime.

While I doubt St. Augustine was thinking about senior class trips when he wrote City of God, I suspect he was thinking about healthy social interactions that strengthen our relationship with God and neighbor. An Austin Prep education is about forming the whole student and class trips such as these provide experiences not found in any book or classroom. It’s about preparing students for the Journey ahead.

As a community, we have every right to be proud of the Class of 2022. I certainly was. Traveling with 121 students is an event where things can go sideways – no secret there. Austin Prep’s Class of 2022, however, typified our Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. They looked out for each other. They held each other accountable, and they demonstrated selfless acts for each other when the moment required it. It was obvious to the chaperones, and it was obvious to those we encountered along the way – Disney employees, tour operators, and random guests who passed along a kind word about our students. One moment stands out.

Part of the Disney itinerary each year for the senior class is a private dinner and viewing of the fireworks show over the lagoon in EPCOT. One of the servers approached me at the end of dinner to commend our students for how well behaved they were, and how respectful they were of her and her colleagues on the waitstaff. Sadly, but not surprisingly, she said encountering polite, respectful, and mature students on class trips has become virtually nonexistent. Her final comment said it all: “I can’t believe how polite your kids are. Let me know when you’re coming back so I can get on the schedule.” Unquestionably, the Class of 2022 exemplified the Golden Rule and Austin Prep core values.