Over 100 Middle School students attended the 2026 Hiatt Social Justice Retreat, spending the day hearing from expert speakers, engaging in hands-on workshops, and developing leadership skills centered around this year’s theme: Grounded in Truth. Students collaborated across grade levels to explore topics such as community organizing, AI, social media, and accessibility.
At our very first social justice retreat 10 years ago, we gathered 30 students in the Rogers Room for a day of reflection and action. It has grown steadily over the years to include every Middle School student opting in, more involvement from Middle School teachers, and a variety of presenters from dynamic nonprofit community organizations. This is a testament to the importance of social justice at Beaver’s Middle School.
Liz Latour, Director of the Hiatt Center
A central theme of the retreat was how one’s reality can be manipulated, often unknowingly. In her keynote presentation, Sundance award-winning filmmaker Jesse Erika Epstein shared her perspective as an artist and screened 34x25x36, a documentary focused on how beauty standards are cultivated and reinforced. In “How TV and Social Media Shape Our Beliefs and Biases About Disability”—a workshop led by the Bionic Project—students investigated messaging around disabilities and the hidden biases they often carry with them.
“I learned how to better understand different angles of filmmaking and to question the media I see,” reflects one student attendee. “I also am more conscious of how many people with disabilities want to be represented.”
Students explored curiosity as a tool for understanding and advocacy through workshops with Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action, learning how engaging with diverse perspectives can strengthen communities. An open discussion led by Beaver’s Health & Wellness Department further invited students to reflect on how violence in society can shape their viewpoints.
Emerging technology, social media, and online decision-making were also important topics of the day. Students acted as a jury in “Content Court,” reviewing viral social media posts and assessing how the posts antagonize audiences to increase engagement. The conversation continued in “Doom, Scrolling,” a workshop on how practicing mindfulness can protect from the damaging effects of an endless social media feed. In “From Prompt to Planet,” students studied the mechanics of AI, including the environmental impact of using AI software.
The world in 2026 challenges our students to navigate a fast-moving reality shaped by social media, algorithms, AI, and a politically-charged, often violent, public discourse. “Grounded in Truth” is about providing our students with the tools for today’s world.
Barbie Garayúa Tudryn, Associate Director of the Hiatt Center
In the afternoon, students continued their learning through design, movement, and discussion. The Haus of Glitter led students through a freeform poetry and photography session, encouraging attendees to continue exploring the themes of the day through art. In “Movement as Reflection,” students considered how yoga can teach us about ourselves and our relationship to others. The afternoon also involved some friendly competition, with the Bionic Project hosting an amputee soccer clinic for students to experience playing a sport with crutches.
As the 10th annual Social Justice Retreat, the day served as a milestone—highlighting how the program has expanded while remaining grounded in its core purpose of empowering students to engage with complex social issues. As students left the retreat eager to make change, they reflected on how the experience itself represents what is possible when young people are given the tools and space to lead.
Students will have the opportunity to continue the conversation at each month’s Hiatt Leadership Institute.
We hope that students walk away from this year’s retreat understanding the power of pausing, questioning, and using social justice values to guide their actions. We want them to fully engage with diverse perspectives as a way to continue developing and normalizing the practice of empathy.
Barbie Garayúa Tudryn, Associate Director of the Hiatt Center
