The class of 2027 has fully adjusted to life at Holy Cross after a nine-month school year. Many have taken opportunities to get involved at the school and participate in extracurriculars.

Freshman Onamika Costa has been engaging in activities since the very beginning. She started off her year with a fall sport, which begins before the school year officially starts. She played as a striker on the junior varsity soccer team.

“The team was nice, and I got along with people easily,” Costa reminisced. “The away games were fun too.”

Freshman Charlotte Christakis has become a three-season athlete. She is a member of junior varsity field hockey, swim and dive, and lacrosse. 

“I like the sports,” Christakis stated. “They’re very fun, and I got to do them with my friends.”

Being in activities outside of the school also helps LOTAs create relationships with a wider group of people.

“I built new connections with my team, and people I did and didn’t know before,” Christakis mentioned.

Freshmen are starting to consider how to branch out sophomore year. Christakis is certain on what activities she wants to join next year.

“I want to do the same sports, but try to participate in campus ministry activities and meet even more people,” Christakis noted.

Costa has made several unforgettable memories this year. Her favorite was the freshman field trip to the National Art Gallery.

“It was a good experience because I’ve never been there,” Costa happily said. “I liked exploring with my friends and taking the metro.”

Christakis also enjoyed freshmen events, but her favorite was Holy Cross Day.

“It was fun to spend time with my advisory, to dress up, and do the fun games,” she shared.

Andrew Reinsch is an advisor for the class of 2027. He also mentioned Holy Cross Day as his favorite event and that it is his favorite part of being an advisor overall.

“Holy Cross day is a big bag of stuff that you can spread out talking about and preparing for,” Reinsch said.

Reinsch’s advisory has fully adapted to the high school environment.

“They’re seemingly feeling more relaxed and confident and at home at the school,” Reinsch stated.

Throughout the year, Reinsch says that he has seen a lot of growth in his advisory freshmen.

“They’re still themselves, but before when it came to talking and asking questions and being alive and active here it was more of a mismatch of boldness and nerves,” he added.

Costa is in Reinsch’s advisory and expressed her growth during freshman year. 

“I was shy at the beginning of the year because I didn’t know anyone, but now I’m more social,” Costa stated.

She also believes that she’s changed a lot since eighth grade.

“This school disciplined me more,” Costa mentioned. “The all-girls environment has helped me to be more calm, and everyone is so nice.”