Big Blue Weekend helps students improve school culture

More than 200 Walla Walla High School students recently participated in the first annual Big Blue Weekend at Wildhorse Canyon in Antelope, Oregon.

The purpose of the Big Blue Weekend was to positively impact the climate of Wa-Hi by building relationships between students and staff, breaking down barriers, and giving students relationship skills and experience that they could integrate into their lives, according to Associated Student Body advisor Jillian DeBritz.

"Students and staff accomplished that purpose by laughing together, playing together, and talking life together," DeBritz said.

Wa-Hi ASB officers began planning the weekend last spring.

"The weekend's success was the result of months spent dreaming and planning," DeBritz said.

Brad Henning was the speaker for the weekend, and his talks paved the way for junior leaders to facilitate small-group discussion on all types of relationships. Both Henning and special guest musician Jonah Werner received rave reviews from students and staff, DeBritz said.

"I am proud of the leadership that the ASB Leadership students displayed at the Big Blue Weekend," DeBritz said. "They took ownership of the weekend and led their peers and even adults in a positive way. I am excited to see the impact on Wa-Hi that this weekend will have over the next few years."