The fifth annual Senior Retreat featured a variety of workshops and speakers to help our Class of 2026 seniors to prepare for life after Germantown Academy. 

Gathered at Montgomery County Community College, Director of Health and Wellness Dr. Leigh Serra and Upper School Dean of Students Steve Moll led GA seniors through a day of learning from adults within the GA community and several special guests. Each year, a keynote speaker is made possible for this event by The Daniel R. Chen ’13 Speaker Series. Established in Daniel’s memory in 2019 by his parents, Yan Chen and Tan Yuen, and friends, the Series aims to offer featured speakers and wellbeing programs to assist students in their journeys to lead balanced, healthy, and meaningful lives. Engaging keynote speaker Linnita Hosten is an award-winning student success strategist who empowers students to identify and go after their DREAM career. The Towson University alumnae is an education trailblazer who lives by the motto, “Excellence in Everything, Every Time.”

“It was joyous watching the class of 2026 bond and lean into life lessons, from mental health, financial literacy, and building healthy relationships,” said Moll. “They learned and experienced lessons from experts both on our faculty, and outside the community with our keynote speaker Linnita Hosten. The students were locked into Linnita's presentation, as she helped the class build their toolbox for success rooted in each student's individual core values. It was a treat having her engage with our senior class, as students were lined up after her presentation to get a chance to say hi and ask questions. This day has been a highlight over the years, and I would have to say it has gotten exponentially better each year.”

We are grateful once again to host a Senior Retreat, setting aside a day when we can provide our seniors with some critical training to help prepare them for the transition to college. At the retreat, students had the opportunity to learn about decision making, forming healthy relationships, understanding the importance of managing their money, and practicing the habits of wellness, in hopes of planting seeds of understanding that will continue to grow as students make their way from this familiar place onto their next adventures.