Culture and History Explored on Trip to Southern Italy
An adventurous group of Huntington High School students and teachers headed off to Southern Italy during the recent spring recess, returning with memories that will last a lifetime.
The strictly private journey was not sponsored or underwritten by the school district in any way. The teenagers – 39 in all – traveled with art/photography teacher Pam Piffard and social studies teacher Camille Tedeschi, who have led such trips for years. There were seven additional adult chaperones, including Huntington teachers Erik Bruckbauer and Peter Crugnale.
The group traveled with the Education First tour company in collaboration with PBS Learning Channel. Participants covered the area from Rome to Sicily and experienced Italy in all its richness, including a visit to Vatican City.
Students seek out Ms. Tedeschi or Ms. Piffard to indicate interest in the annual trips or just to obtain more information. Past excursions have been made to Italy, Greece, Spain and Peru. Next year a trip to Athens and the Greek Islands is on the drawing board and in 2012 there are tentative plans to go to London and Dublin.
This year’s trip proved to be very popular. In Sorrento the group “experienced the unparalleled beauty of Italy’s favorite resort, which overlooks the Bay of Naples,” said Ms. Tedeschi, who served as the group leader. The travelers were able to soak in stunning views of the Amalfi coastline while cruising to the island of Capri. They also saw the legendary Faraglioni, three huge pale-ochre limestone colossi that rise from the sea.
What wasn’t to like in Sicily as the group explored Messina, Taormina, Cefalu and Palermo? All-in-all it was a whirlwind week of activity, including climbing to the top of Mt. Etna, which is Europe’s highest active volcano.
In Pompeii they explored one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites. A night bus tour of Rome and a visit to Vatican City during daylight provided still more memories.
The group spent time at the famous Vatican museum and St. Peter’s Basilica on Holy Saturday morning before embarking on a walking tour of Rome during the afternoon hours. Stopping at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum were breathtaking experiences.
“The students were able to experience and explore the culture and history of Italy while gaining firsthand knowledge of the past,” Ms. Tedeschi said. “Even though this is not a school sponsored trip it is educational and students take away knowledge that cannot be taught in a classroom.”
Messrs. Bruckbauer and Crugnale were new to the trip this year, serving as male chaperones. The journey marked Mr. Bruckbauer’s first excursion outside the United States and he fell in love with the island of Capri. “He tried foods he would never eat and practiced his Italian language on a daily basis,” Ms. Tedeschi said.
Mr. Crugnale gained a better understanding of the Italian peninsula by keeping a journal of his travels and asking many questions along the way. “In order to help our students relax and absorb the greatness they were experiencing in Italy, Mr. Crugnale conducted group meditation sessions,” Ms. Tedeschi said.
Ms. Tedeschi and Ms. Piffard both feel the new additions to their travel team are an asset not only to the kids, but to themselves. “We have been traveling with this program for five years and look forward to our future adventures,” Ms. Tedeschi said.
“As always we had an amazing experience with the students traveling abroad,” Ms. Piffard said. This year’s group of students was so wonderful. Each and every one of them was so caring, considerate and positive during our trip. They made every moment worth all the planning and effort required to put it together.”
Huntington teachers James Graber, Ken Krummenacker and Heather Swan have participated in past trips. Student participating in the journeys use their knowledge of history, food, music, culture and even their photography skills on the trips. Each year the group snaps thousands of photos, led by Ms. Piffard.
“These trips are a lot of work and a huge responsibility, but nothing is more rewarding than helping our kids to see the world,” Ms. Tedeschi said.
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office