Travels With LHS
During the 2024-2025 school year, Leonia High School students will have the opportunity to travel to either Italy or Japan on a school-sponsored spring break trip. In recent years, LHS students and faculty have visited countries all across the globe: Spain, Ireland, France, and Switzerland. There are a variety of opinions from students and parents when investing their time and money into international and national trips being incorporated into their curriculum.
According to senior Natalia Kazbanov, “This will be my third time traveling out of the country with Ms. Kelty and it’s bittersweet to say Italy will be my last time traveling with her. You would think that it would be boring to go with your classmates and teachers, but I enjoy it. I was able to make many friends and talk to people in our school that I don’t share any classes with and wouldn’t get to know on a personal level.”
Senior Kate Kim attended the Switzerland trip in the 2023-2024 school year and expressed more tentative opinions. At first, Kate said, “The views of Switzerland were incredible. It is already famous for its sights, but seeing them in person is astonishing. I tried zip lining for the first time, and doing that on the mountain was scary but worth the view.” But when asked about her excitement for Italy or Japan, she stated, “I’m not that interested in visiting Italy or Japan. The budget is not very friendly, and I would rather save up my senior year and put it towards my college education or spend it during my summer.”
Senior Emily Ryu, who has never been on an international school trip said, “I’ve been attending our school’s music trip from freshman year to now. They are a lot of fun and I look forward to going back again this year.” She is excited to venture to Italy with her peers and make long-lasting memories. A different perspective from senior Demetra Stambulous, a member of Leonia’s Business Academy, advises the school to continue its tradition of allowing students to showcase their talents and skills learned in the classroom in the DECA Competitions. Demetra says, “I’ve been going to states for two years now and the experience is worthwhile. Although there are payments that come with these trips, it gives you an insight into the business world, and making experiences with your friends during the downtime makes the experience so much more worth it.”
Overall, the national and international travels offered to students are an excellent way to discover new cultures, traditions, foods, scenery, and friendships. It is highly encouraged by the Leonia High School students to continue integrating and allow LHS students to explore new connections and experiences by connecting more out-of-school trips. The bonds that students make on out-of-school trips translate back into their school lives and create a happier school atmosphere in LHS, creating a tighter close-knit community.
