By: Tanya Chang and Lila Zamansky

Sports and Media Production Editor

On the annual LGHS sophomore and junior trip to Spain and Morocco, students traveled with chaperones/teachers: Stephanie Pearson, Emily Christie, Kevin Rogers, Christie Pacheco, and Jennifer Battles,to immerse themselves in the spirited cultures of both countries.  

Teachers in the Social Studies department rotate planning these trips; Pearson was in charge this year. Her inspiration originated from her interest in visiting Morocco as well as finding a place with a mild climate during February break. Pearson identified recruitment as the biggest challenge to the planning; however, this year, she stated, “There was just automatic interest, and that was surprising.” Unfortunately, an unexpected airline strike one day before the trip led to the division of chaperone groups. As Rogers noted, “We were in disbelief when the proposal was to divide everyone up and take four different flights.” In the end, this amazing group of teachers found a way to get everyone safely to the destination as soon as possible.

On traveling day, the two groups that arrived early got a chance to walk around Madrid. Despite a rocky start, the entire group began their second day exploring the city of Seville, viewing historic landmarks like the Alcazar Castle and the Cathedral of Seville. The students ended with a fun flamenco dancing lesson and show, where dinner was prepared. On the final day in Spain, they stopped by the city of Rhonda before heading to Tarifa to depart for Morocco. The group arrived in Tangier after a one-hour ferry ride and headed to Chefchaouen, also known as the blue city. The next day, they visited the bustling ninth-century medina of Fes, viewing the narrow streets and colorful markets, where the students saw pottery production and ancient tanneries. They finished the eventful day with an authentic cooking class. Finally, in the coastal city of Casablanca, the group went to the modern medina and a mosque, enriching themselves in the vibrant culture of Morocco.

Beyond the destinations, the trip had a lasting impact on the students. Even with more time on the bus than previously anticipated, Fiona McInerney said that her favorite part of the trip was “the karaoke on [the] bus ride and getting bread from a medina bakery.”  Another student, Marco Machado, described his key takeaway to “always go into new experiences with an open mind. [I] broke some assumptions I had about those places,” displaying how the trip expanded students’ perspective in new cultures, an atypical firsthand experience for most people.

Both students and chaperones reflected on the bond created through shared adventures and challenges that come with traveling. As Pearson explained, “Yeah, we do it every year because we love it. We love traveling. We love seeing all these places with these kids.” Pearson and the crew have already begun their planning for next year, so be sure to check out the trip to Ireland in 2027!