Upper School Mini-Sessions 2025

These immersive experiences allowed students in Grades 9-12 to explore diverse interests, engage in meaningful service, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Each Mini-Session was crafted to foster personal growth and a spirit of community. Students participating in the Athletics session had an action-packed week, including a beach clean-up, paddleboarding at Bill Baggs State Park, rock climbing, college athletic facility tours, a high-energy ropes course, and a session with Registered Dietitian Carla Dueñas on nutrition and healthy meal preparation.

The Carrollton Dance Team competed at the Contest of Champions in Orlando, making history in just their second-ever competition. Their small varsity lyrical routine, "We Belong," placed third, their jazz and lyrical dances received a choreography award, and team member Lili Veziroglu ‘26 placed seventh out of 100 soloists. Their dedication, discipline, and love for their sport were evident in their superior ratings across all nine dances.

Students in the bLU Crew session participated in an innovative, student-led experience that provided hands-on boater safety lessons. Through interactive adventure zones, students engaged in experiential learning guided by Carrollton bLU CREW members, faculty, and volunteers from The Lucy Fernandez Foundation.

The Blue Missions group traveled to the Dominican Republic, working alongside rural communities to build life-changing water and sanitation infrastructure. Through hands-on service, they lived out Goal III—social awareness that impels to action—while gaining a deeper understanding of the global water crisis.

The Breakthrough Miami session focused on leadership and service, with students developing proposals for new electives, events, and initiatives to enhance the Breakthrough program. They also assisted in preparing Sisterhood Day celebrations, participated in workshops on resume building, and strengthened their purpose-driven leadership skills.

The Choir students began their Mini-Session with workshops and a choral music competition in Miami, including a virtual alumni panel on careers in the arts. They then traveled to Orlando, where they sang for Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, performing a cappella chants and a Latin motet by Orlando di Lasso.

The Close Up Washington, D.C. session provided Grade 10 students with an immersive look at democracy in action. They explored key historical sites, participated in a "mock Congress," and engaged in a special panel with Carrollton alumnae. A highlight was meeting with Representative Salazar and Senator Rick Scott, gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process.

The Community Cooking session combined culinary arts with service. Students cooked meals for the Community Fridge in Coconut Grove and the Casserole Project for the Missionaries of Charity. They also explored Duchesne's gardens, using fresh produce and homegrown herbs in their dishes, and wrapped up the week with a gratitude-filled baking session for the Carrollton community.

Students in Creative Connections delved into storytelling, working with TV executive Raphael Rodriguez to begin crafting a documentary on Carrollton’s rich history. The Debate session sharpened students' analytical and public speaking skills, fostering confidence and critical thinking through rigorous exercises and competitions.

The French Cooking session allowed students to explore culinary traditions while deepening their appreciation for French culture. Meanwhile, students on the France Pilgrimage embarked on a faith-filled journey through Paris and Lourdes, visiting historic churches, the shrine of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, and sacred sites tied to Our Lady of Lourdes.

The Medjugorje pilgrimage immersed students in prayer and reflection, with visits to Apparition Hill, Tihaljina Church, and the home of visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti, strengthening their faith through powerful encounters with Our Lady.

The Misioneros de Camino Guatemala group traveled to Sumpango, Guatemala, where they visited a home caring for children with diverse backgrounds and needs. They engaged in service projects such as painting, planting, and spending quality time with the children through activities like arts and crafts, games, and prayer.

Students in the Montessori session worked alongside teachers, guiding younger students through lessons, reading stories, and assisting with daily routines. The younger children were thrilled to have their Carrollton big sisters join them for playground games and arts and crafts.

The RECS group explored the intersection of science, technology, and engineering through hands-on experimentation, while the Works of Mercy session focused on faith in action. Students visited and spent time at St. Anne’s ALF, engaged in discussions on Lent, and heard from Deacon Edgardo Farias on prison ministry, sparking profound reflections on justice and compassion.

Mini-Sessions exemplify the essence of a Sacred Heart education—cultivating curiosity, compassion, and leadership in each student. By stepping beyond the classroom and into the world, Carrollton students continue to live out the school’s mission of building a better future through faith, intellect, and service.