1861 Girls School Class X

      I am terribly sorry I did not post before I left for the Girls School, however, as my step father likes to call me "Last minute Shayla" was at work packing and sewing like crazy before she left.  I did manage to finish my ball gown ahead of time! It turned out lovely and I received many compliments on it.  Amongst other reasons for sewing last minute, my dear sister's birthday was on Thursday the 17th, and I was making her a custom Anna of Arendelle dress. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete it before leaving, but I am currently working on it now that I have returned.
      Returning to my time travel to the 1860's, This years Girls school class was exceptional! This is most likely my favorite year out of the three! The girls in the class of 1861 X were more like sisters to me than roommates. I have most definitely made lifelong friends. This year our classes consisted of archery, domestic arts, etiquette, falconry, penmanship, floral arrangements, current events, church etiquette, hairstyles, table setting, mourning customs, music, art, side saddle and carriage riding, tea, and of course dance lessons.
      My yearly favorites are always domestic arts, music and dance but, this year we had the opportunity to do so much more at the new campus.  I took an avid interest in the archery and sidesaddle this year and plan to be involved in these even outside of the 1860's.  Since this year, both students and faculty were staying on campus it was a new experience for everyone.  I bonded so much more with the girls being able to share things and live like a family.  Seeing the teachers get along with each other and converse made them more like family who shared their knowledge then just teachers.
     Before you ask, yes, living with twenty girls and the teachers was not always roses and blue skies. We may or may not have rushed to be the first to claim the powder room in the evening or morning, or struggled the first few days to be an organized group, but that's one of the reasons we all bonded so closely together.
      I thank the teachers for all the hard work they put into the Girls School this year.  I was able to peek into the kitchen every now and then to watch the "behind the scenes" portion of the week.  The faculty cooked, cleaned, taught and worked so hard to make this week magical with great success!  I'm sure I speak for all the young ladies when I say they passed the week with flying colors themselves.  My heart goes out to each and everyone of them for dedicating so much time and effort that went into this week.
      I must also thank the gentlemen and the Jackson Cadets for giving up their evenings to help us in dance practice.  The new gentlemen were a delight to teach and get to know.  It's not everyday you see young men give up their evenings to dance with girls in hoop skirts for the fun of it.
      Now for a few pictures...

 Our beautiful scenery for the week.

Two of the lovely ladies from this week(From left to right; Neale, Myself, Tori)

The Class of 1861 X at the Rippavilla Plantation 

Top: Faculty at commencement

Bottom: Graduated class of 1861 X

Thank you to all who made this week possible! I am so grateful that I was able to return this year!  Congratulations to all the girls and thank you for making this week one I will never forget!

Yours truly,

Shayla P.