To kick off their final semester at Gwynedd, the Class of 2026 took part in the illustrious Emmaus Retreat — a tradition that every senior class returns from, raving about for weeks. For four years, Gwynedd girls wonder what truly happens at Emmaus, but nothing could have prepared the 2026 seniors for the sacred, powerful bond formed throughout this journey.
On January 13th, our seniors left for Emmaus, not knowing it’d be the retreat they’d never forget. While everybody else sat for midterms, the Class of 2026 congregated in the PAC with luggage in hand, eager to see what the next few days had in store. Without their phones and the comfort of certainty, many girls were a little bit nervous. Despite feelings of unease, the seniors boarded their buses with open minds and smiling hearts.
The students headed for the Malvern Retreat House; a cozy cluster of buildings nestled in tranquil woodland. Without disclosing too much about what really happens at Emmaus, it is safe to say that every girl returned changed for the better. While no two experiences looked the same, each Monarch found something special — whether that was an unexpected friendship, a deeper relationship with God, or even a new understanding of herself. Although everybody’s journey was different, the girls in my group felt a shared sense of community and closeness, despite barely knowing one another beforehand. Thanks to the incredible student and adult leaders, the Class of 2026 was able to see each beyond what appears on the surface, meeting one another’s stories with empathy and compassion.
Emmaus was a beautiful experience that taught the seniors how to open their hearts, listen with intention, and most importantly, recognize God’s presence in the unexpected places. The Class of 2026 left Emmaus with a renewed sense of understanding, support, and the urge to carry that love forward.
