Celebrating Growth, Gratitude, and New Beginnings: The First-Ever Orono Senior Retreat

On Tuesday, June 3rd, Orono High School’s Class of 2025 came together for a landmark event—the first-ever Senior Retreat—a day dedicated to connection, reflection, and preparation for the road ahead.

The retreat kicked off with an all-senior assembly filled with energy and celebration. Students enjoyed interactive games and heartfelt recognition led by familiar faces Grace Nohner and Jarrett Lundquist. The morning continued with wisdom shared from an Alumni Panel, including Own Hirt ('24), Jesus Martinez ('11), Genna Torney ('06), and Maria Veach ('03). Seniors had the opportunity to hear firsthand from former Orono students about their journeys after high school—their challenges, lessons learned, and advice for transitioning into adulthood. The panel offered valuable insights and a sense of perspective that can only come from those who’ve stood where our seniors now stand. Special thanks to Katie Hollerman from The Orono Foundation for moderating the panel.

Throughout the day, students rotated through life-skill workshops designed to support their independence and confidence as they move forward. Sessions included:

• Car Care 101: fostering car independence, including basic maintenance strategies and navigating new cities' rules and emergency protocols

• Personal Safety: being ready for anything, including training in CPR, Narcan administration, online, financial and identity safety

• Cooking for One: preparation for eating healthy on the go, including foundational food knowledge, preparation safety and recipe ideas

• How to Be Handy: tips and tools for navigating new spaces, including DIY tips, essential tools, and how to use them effectively

• Inspirational Session: a powerful, motivational talk from the 2025 Orono Distinguished Alumni Award Winner, reminding students that success comes in many forms and their journeys are just beginning

In addition to classroom-style learning, the retreat made room for fun and self-care. Seniors chose from a variety of activity sessions, including pickleball, open gym, walking the OAC track, and even a peaceful moment at the gratitude station, where students took time to reflect and express thanks for the people and moments that helped shape their high school experience. The upbeat energy was non-stop throughout the day. It was a perfect way to put a bow on a high school experience.

The day would not have been a success without all of the people who brainstormed, planned, organized, volunteered, led sessions, shared wisdom and participated. A heartfelt thank you to our senior parents, who generously sponsored breakfast and the thank-you supplies for the entire class. To our session leaders - senior dad Dean Tronsgard, Orono Police and Long Lake Fire Department, OHS seniors Mathias Ronnings and Mason Berg, Orono parent and chef Noah Balow, and '25 Distinguished Alumni Winner Tex Ostvig, your time, energy and wisdom shared with seniors will have a lasting effect. Thank you!

As the Class of 2025 prepares to step into the next chapter, this retreat served as a meaningful reminder of their shared roots, individual growth, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. It was a day of laughter, learning, and legacy—and we’re proud to have launched a new tradition that future senior classes will look forward to. Our mission through The Orono Coalition is to foster connectedness and support well-being and that is exactly what this day was about. Congratulations, seniors!