NRCA Seniors Hit the Slopes at Snowshoe

By Whitley Andrews, Shield Editor

On Sunday, March 1, NRCA seniors departed for the snowy elevations of Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. The group of around 20 seniors gathered their coats and boots to hit the slopes.  

The seniors arrived at the resort on Sunday evening. Monday was a lively, fun-filled day of skiing. “[A] lot of us were still learning how to ski, but it was just a fun learning experience to be with everybody and grow in that community, helping each other,” said senior Grier Herring.  

The group of 12th graders included both seasoned and amateur skiers. The learning curve created an enjoyable experience for all. Senior Sarah Mason said, “It was funny to watch everyone ski, especially if they had never done it before, like me. And it was fun to do new things and try something new with my friends.” 

In the afternoons, the seniors strolled around the resort village, eating lunch and hanging out. The downtime served as a bonding opportunity, allowing the classmates to learn more about each other and deepen their friendships. “[E]very single night we would go to the lobby and play games and just have some opportunities to have fun with each other,” said Mason. 

After a full day of skiing, the group would wind down as a class, basking in the joys of the day and enjoying each other’s company. Unplugged from their usual routines, the seniors filled the crisp air with laughter and conversation. “I loved getting to sit down and eat with everybody, and we were all so tired from the day and just getting to relax with each other and laugh,” said Herring. 

The trip arrived at a pivotal moment. With college decisions trickling in and the final countdown to graduation underway, it offered a break from the business of the season. The seniors created a sense of community and friendship over the few days at Snowshoe, making memories lasting long after the trip.  

“The best memory I made was probably just seeing how people would wait for me and help me learn. It just showed how much that the other people in my senior class cared for me,” said Herring. 

As the group of seniors began to head home, it was clear that the trip was more than a break from the classroom but a final chance for bonding and fellowship before they scatter to their next chapters. They returned to campus as a more unified class, reminded that they are at their best when supporting one another.