As school starts and classes begin, the Seniors will be returning to their roots on Friday. They will head out to the lower school to meet their Senior Buddies. It is sure to be a fun filled day with lots of excitement and anticipation.

Senior Megan Jones states, “I’m so excited! This experience will be one I will never forget!”

Every year the seniors commence their final year at ODA with their own kindergarden buddy. Many look forward to this opportunity, and for some it marks a last, final step before leaving ODA.

As the seniors finish up their ODA experience, the doors open for the class of 2026, as they begin their journey through ODA.

The program was created 11 years ago by upper school Academic Dean, Ms. L’Tanya Evans and the Headmaster at the time, Mr. Buran. The event was meant to be a symbolic gesture with the goal of creating an all-school connection in anticipation of Convocation.

“This program is a huge opportunity to invest in the lives of children! It keeps your inner child alive,” says World Languages teacher, Señora Howell.

Friday will be the first of  many visits and interactions with their buddies.

Ms. Evans says, “Friday will the first chance for seniors to meet his or her buddy. On the last day of senior year, breakfast with their buddy is a memorable experience and is yet another opportunity to connect with their buddy. Ideally I’d like to have an intermediate date, sometime in January or February, for them to connect again.”

The possibility of meeting with buddies in the middle of the year is still a question, but one thing is for sure, the future of this program at the Out-of-Door Academy is certain!

This Friday will be one to remember, especially for the seniors and their buddies. Want to see what this program looks like? Come out to Convocation on September 19th to see the seniors and their buddies make their grand entrance.