This year, most ninth graders participated in the Colorado River retreat.
A group of 11 students sat on tarps, watching the sunrise over the mountains. Some were new to Harvard-Westlake, while others had been there since seventh grade. Despite their different backgrounds, all were smiling and laughing as they formed new friendships.
Harvard-Westlake students come from hundreds of schools across the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. Many grew up in different states or even internationally. With 304 students in the Class of 2028, integrating into such a large class can be daunting for new students.
Trips like the ninth-grade Colorado River retreat, however, help students connect.
“The best part of the retreat was hanging out with my friends and making new memories,” ninth grader Sasha Leibzon said.
By getting to know new classmates and growing closer to others, students said the retreat was a valuable experience for the grade.
