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Students awoke today at the New England High School Summer Program with a slight heaviness in their hearts: The end of their time in Northfield is approaching all too soon.

Programmers lingered slightly longer than usual at breakfast, taking a little extra time to gather their books and head to class. “Last day of props!” exclaimed Maggie M. “It’s amazing how far we’ve come.” The sun shone overhead, and the weather was pleasantly cool as attendees walked to class. “Euclid really changed the way I think about geometry,” said John F.

In class, students triumphantly presented their final props, beaming with pride as they finished. Back in the residence halls, prefects offered high-fives and hugs to celebrate the attendees’ accomplishment. “Learning and presenting these propositions is no small thing,” said Director of Admissions John Jost. “Students should definitely feel proud of themselves!”

The smell of fish n’ chips wafted through Gould Commons as students arrived for lunch. Attendees dug into the crispy battered fish and golden brown French fries with homemade tartar sauce. Excited for their final class, many had already begun discussing Flannery O’Connor’s “Parker’s Back” among themselves. “I’ve already started talking about it with the tutors,” laughed Maewyn V. “And class hasn’t even started yet!”

When students entered their classrooms in St. Gianna Molla Hall, they were delighted to find TAC backpacks, water bottles, and Summer Program t-shirts on their chairs! Then class began, and the programmers dove right into O’Connor’s deeply layered writing. Discussion centered on the themes of Parker as a Christ figure, the motivation behind his tattoo, and his wife’s rejection of him. “I really wasn’t expecting Flannery to be so funny,” said Beatrice K. “Her characters are so complex and multifaceted, too.”

As their final class came to a close, students flooded out of St. Gianna Molla Hall, laughing, cheering, and hugging. “I’m so sad it’s over,” said Paulina O. “But I’m so excited for the dance tonight!”

Paulina isn’t the only one looking forward to the grand banquet and dance — it has been a hot topic in the residence halls for days! Make sure to come back to the Summer Program Blog tomorrow to read all about the much-anticipated final evening of the program!