STERLING – Freshmen from Rock Falls, Newman Central Catholic and Dixon high schools crossed the 12th Avenue bridge, or a replica of it, Thursday during the 11th annual B.L.I.N.D. retreat.

The students used boards, elevated on bleachers, and worked as teams to use the boards to get across the floor of Westwood Sports Complex.

The activity, named after the bridge that connects Sterling with Rock Falls, was meant to be a metaphor that students represent the Sauk Valley, not just their school, said Margo Jakobs, student assistance counselor at Rock Falls High School. The activity was especially pertinent for students who live in the Twin Cities, she said.