On Wednesday, August 14, McKinney Christian Academy’s 2025 Senior class headed out to begin their annual retreat adventures. Before heading to Riverbend Retreat Center, they made a stop at Pinstack to enjoy bowling, arcade games and chicken tenders. This was a hit among the senior class, allowing them to shake any nerves by having fun together. Senior, Havilah Mahadi added “I loved that they took us to Pinstack. It was such a fun way to start the retreat!” 

Then they were on their way to Riverbend. The first night, they heard Head MCA Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Wendy McDowell give her touching testimony. She relayed to the group the importance of trusting in God and His timing. She also stressed the importance of who you surround yourself with. The second night they heard from MCA science teacher Joseph Castillo. He shared his testimony, relaying to the students how God can be glorified despite adversities and challenges. Senior Gavin Fletcher said, “Something that stuck out with me is God works in a lot of different ways, no one has the same testimony.” After hearing the testimonies students were split up into small groups of about six to seven students. This allows them to be vulnerable and open up to each other. They will continue to meet with their small groups throughout the year and continue to push each other to grow in their faith. 

For prior years, retreat has been a whole Upper School event. However, this year Chris Hydock, the new Spiritual Development Director, decided that having a senior-only retreat would benefit the student body the most. Hydock explained, “I wanted the seniors to be seen and heard by the faculty as well as by each other.  Seniors are the leaders of our school, so by taking time at the beginning of the year creates an opportunity to bond with each other which in turn strengthens them to serve Jesus and the school community.  I wanted the seniors to focus on their personal relationship with God and their relationship with each other.” The senior class enjoyed this time to set aside differences and grow together as a class. However, most of them do enjoy it when they can do events with all of the high school as a whole. Senior Eric Gressel added, “I liked how we had more time to experience the retreat. I think the senior retreat was nice for us but hopefully next year the other grades will be able to experience it as well.”