By Ali G.

It’s a rare and weird sensation to know that, across the country, just about everybody is doing pretty much the same thing you are. The Fourth of July is one of those rare times, and as I looked around at all the students enjoying a delicious barbeque lunch of chicken, corn on the cob and beans, in the hot sun, I thought about all millions and millions Americans who were doing the same, taking a day off to appreciate what it means to live in a nation where we are able to agree to disagree. Having turned 18 last year, the fact that my voice is actually heard in the democratic process, instead of steamrolled over by an uncaring despot, means more to me than it ever has.

Here at the school, we spent the afternoon enjoying a dunk tank, a bouncy-joust, snow cones, cotton candy, a game of tug-of-war, and a water balloon fight. But first in the morning, we began the day with a reflective chapel service led by Paul Geer, in which we celebrated the liberties afforded to us in our beautiful country, honored those who lost their lives in order to allow us these freedoms, and offered up for prayers for those who are still serving overseas to protect this way of life. It was the perfect start to the day, and for the rest of the afternoon, between browning in the sun, enjoying ice-pops and chasing each other around with water balloons, we were able to remember all the brave men and women who gave their all for us to enjoy these simple pleasures.

By nighttime, just about everybody, staff included, was exhausted, sun-tanned and appreciative of the fun we had celebrating our nation’s birthday. “The whole day was a lot of fun,” says student Steve R., “And I really appreciate all the effort staff and students put in to make it happen for us.”