Article by Phoenix writers Elizabeth Saporito ’26 and Tara Mulroy ’26:
For the first time in Kellenberg history, the eighth graders got to experience their own Firebird March Madness. Those who participated joined Fr. Daniel Griffin S.M. and Brother Patrick Cahill S.M. on a retreat filled with fun games and spiritual services. The evening was one that the students will never forget. They played games with hula hoops and balloons and the teachers joined them for a game of tag.
Following the thrilling activities, the eighth graders got to work with retreat staff members, teaching them what it means to take the next step into high school as a Firebird.
Father Dan’s prayer service gave students the opportunity to partake in Adoration. A final talk from another senior about their transition from the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School to Kellenberg Memorial High School was inspiring and uplifting. In the final moments of the calm, the students were off to a dinner of pizza and ice cream in the cafeteria.
After dinner, the real Madness began. The eighth-graders were split into teams to face off against each other in a competitive basketball bracket. Upperclassman offered to give the Latin Schoolers the full March Madness experience by refereeing and cheering on the students. A good time was had by all, and it will continue to be an experience enjoyed by eighth-graders for years to come.