Students from Augustinian Schools across North America attend Student Augustinian Values Institute retreat (SAVI)

Every year, students from all ten Augustinian secondary schools are selected to attend the Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI) retreat, which is held at one of the schools. This year, SAVI was hosted at Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, PA, from Thursday April 11 to Sunday, April 14, 2024.

During this long weekend retreat, students encounter the Augustinian tradition of education and core values of Truth, Unity, and Love in community with each other.

This student-led conference is an opportunity for young members of the Augustinian community to discuss and reflect how their faith impacts their educational journey – and to share ways that each school is putting that faith into action.

This year, Director of Lay Engagement for the Midwest Augustinians, Maryellen Harrington, was able to attend the conference and join in community with the students.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with colleagues who share our commitment to the mission and values of our schools,” said Maryellen. “It was an important opportunity to connect, build relationships and learn how I can serve our schools.”

The students attending SAVI also had the opportunity to engage in a day of service, this year held at Thorncroft Equestrian Center, which hosts riding programs for people of all abilities. Students cleared fields of debris and obstacles.

Putting Augustinian values at the forefront of faith, service, and community was an important part of this experience according to Maryellen.

“It's clear to me that, as Augustinians, when we align ourselves with our Catholic identity, specifically around St. Augustine, we can create a truly transformative educational experience for the young people and the families we serve,” she said. “It was heartening to see so many schools coming together around the theme of growing not only in academic disciples but in faith.”

Learn more about the Augustinian Values Institute on our website at this link: https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/augustinian-values-institute