Beyond Boundaries 2025: Exploring New Passions and Preparing for the Future at LuHi

This year, Beyond Boundaries at LuHi took on a new format, offering students in all grades a chance to explore a range of activities designed to ignite new passions, encourage growth, and create memorable experiences outside the traditional classroom. Across three exciting days, students participated in workshops, service projects, mini-courses, and college exploration activities, each tailored to their grade level and designed to push them out of their comfort zones.

6th Grade: Exploring Passions and Building Futures

The 6th-grade students kicked off their Beyond Boundaries experience with a series of hands-on workshops in four key areas: visual arts, music, movement/physical education, and STEM. These workshops gave students the opportunity to explore new interests and tap into talents they may not have realized they had. On Day 2, students worked as a full class for the traditional 6th-grade College Day. They researched and presented their chosen colleges to junior class members, as well as faculty and staff, giving them a glimpse into the college search process. The final day involved a service project led by our Campus Ministry team, where students worked together on a meaningful community initiative.

Students during Beyond Boundaries learning how to play the ukulele
Students during Beyond Boundaries learning how to play the ukulele

7th and 8th Grade: Diving Deeper into Passion and Service

The 7th and 8th graders also participated in workshops focused on visual arts, music, movement/physical education, and STEM on the first day. These workshops gave students a deeper understanding of each area, allowing them to develop new skills and gain a greater appreciation for the creative process.

On Day 2, the 7th and 8th grades participated in offsite service opportunities, serving at Belmont Chaplaincy, Christ Church, and St. Mark’s in Islip, where they engaged in hands-on community work. The third day brought enrichment with a rotation of four mini-courses designed to teach important life skills. Topics such as college and career planning, manners and etiquette, and syncing body, mind, and spirit were taught by LuHi’s faculty and administration, preparing students for the future both academically and personally.

9th and 10th Grade: Service and Skill-Building

For the 9th and 10th graders, Day 1 was focused on offsite service, with students participating in community outreach at Belmont Chaplaincy, Orchard Estate, Jericho Bristol, St. Mark’s, Christ Church, and St. Peter’s by the Sea. The students engaged in volunteer opportunities that allowed them to connect with the community and contribute in a meaningful way.

On Day 2, the 9th and 10th graders rotated through four workshops in visual arts, music, movement/physical education, and STEM. Led by our outstanding educators, these sessions offered a chance for students to explore different disciplines and challenge themselves creatively. The day concluded with an assembly where students gathered to reflect on their experiences.

On the final day of Beyond Boundaries, 9th and 10th graders rotated through mini-courses focused on adulting topics, including college and career planning, interviewing skills, and budgeting basics. Faculty and administrators taught these essential skills, helping students prepare for the next steps in their academic and personal lives.

3 students working together at the Thrift Store
Students and faculty working together at the Thrift Store

11th Grade: College Exploration and Self-Development

The juniors experienced a unique version of Beyond Boundaries, focusing on college exploration. On Day 1, half of the class visited Hofstra University, while the other half visited St. John’s University. On Day 2, they switched locations, ensuring each student had the chance to explore both campuses. Additionally, juniors attended the 6th Grade College Fair, where they learned about colleges researched by the younger students, offering them a fresh perspective on the college search process.

On the third day, juniors participated in four mini-courses designed to help them navigate the next stage of their journey. These sessions included Leading Yourself (facilitated by Mr. Buck), Leading Others (facilitated by Mrs. Raba), College Essay Strategies (facilitated by Mr. Raba), and a project supporting the 6th-grade service initiative. These activities were designed to develop leadership skills and prepare students for their future college and career endeavors.

12th Grade: College Prep and Independent Growth

For seniors, Beyond Boundaries took on a different focus as they were encouraged to focus on activities related to the college process. Seniors did not report to school for these three days but were asked to use the time wisely by visiting college campuses, completing college applications, reviewing financial aid materials such as FAFSA, and planning for future employment opportunities.

Through this year’s Beyond Boundaries experience, LuHi students in every grade had the opportunity to grow, explore, and develop essential skills for their futures, reflecting our commitment to nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. Whether they were learning about art, science, or leadership, engaging in community service, or exploring colleges, Beyond Boundaries offered valuable experiences that aligned with LuHi’s mission to educate the whole student. These experiences not only fostered intellectual and physical growth but also helped students strengthen their character and sense of community, ensuring they are well-prepared for success beyond the classroom.