MIDDLETOWN – Almost 90 Xavier High School seniors joined faculty and staff members from the school for the annual Xavier Christian Leadership Institute, held at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford.

The seniors volunteered to participate in this program, which is geared toward helping students to discover and appreciate their leadership potential.

The institute, known as XLI, has grown over the years from a program designed for 20 to 30 seniors to one that regularly includes almost half of the senior class.

"It is heartening to know that a program such as XLI still attracts such a large percentage of the senior class to voluntarily attend a workshop/retreat during a week of their summer vacation," said Andrea Hoisl, Xavier's director of campus ministry.

XLI participants received first-hand experience in a variety of leadership opportunities and were given chances to reflect upon and to use leadership theory and skills.

The students organized the institute and concurrent athletic activities, cared for the retreat’s facilities for the week, arranged for morning Mass and evening prayer, and created a Web page chronicling the five-day event.

During the school year, seniors who have participated in XLI will take leadership positions in many extracurricular activities at Xavier, such as freshman orientation and retreats held throughout the year.

They also will participate in the school’s Senior Service Program, which places student volunteers in various social service agencies and schools throughout Middlesex, Hartford and New Haven Counties.

Mrs. Hoisl said the institute plays a key role in setting a positive attitude for the school year while bringing the seniors and faculty together in an enthusiastic and hardworking partnership.

"Seniors set the tone for a school, and the underclassmen look to them for leadership and direction. XLI equips the seniors with the necessary skills to assist in school activities, community projects and peer counseling throughout the year," she said.