The familiar roar of upperclassmen greeting their guests on Broom Street on an August morning could have only meant one thing: the Salesians were back! However, this year was a little different for those at Freshman Orientation. After moving the event, splitting the houses up over two days, and taking every precaution, the upperclassmen leaders were able to welcome their newest brothers to the House of Sales. 

“Even though we didn’t see full faces, it was good to hear new voices,” says Matt Horan ‘21, the Service Captain for Quintus. “These voices are going to form some of the best relationships in their lives in our building. Even though it wasn’t ‘normal,’ we made the best of things and gave them a great day.”

Both days started with Fr. Beretta, Mr. Kennealey, and myself speaking to each house about the tone we want to set for the year. This reporter spoke about what “Be the Light” should mean to them as freshmen, while Fr. Beretta and Mr. Kennealey outlined what their four years will look like if they take full advantage of this brotherhood. 

The houses then played some icebreakers before having a kickball tournament hosted by the gym teachers. After lunch, freshmen students went around school learning about their houses’ histories, the CFJ, Guidance, and their own schedules. Finally, they competed in a quiz game hosted by the Student Council where everyone got to show off their knowledge while earning points for their new house. 

While social distancing made it difficult, the freshmen truly rose to the challenge of being the light. As Alex Marston ‘24 said, “From walking up the stairs in the morning to getting my lanyard in the afternoon, it was a great experience. I’m excited to be who I am and be that well.” 

We, too, are excited to see how this class of Salesians will learn to be who they are throughout their four years and truly be that well.