n a few months, 27 young people from Clay County plan to take a once-in-a-lifetime overseas trip. The teens, representing grades eight through 11, will travel to Italy and Greece from Monday-Wednesday, June 9-18.
This trip, the Second Global Studies Annual Independent Experiential Educational Trip Abroad, is not a school-sponsored trip; however, the group will be accompanied by some local teachers. Global Studies sponsor Ginger Scerri shared information about this year’s trip.
“These kids have worked so hard for the last three years to finish curriculum with our school based program to be able to apply for this independent opportunity to take their learning out of the after school program and into the world,” Scerri explained.
“As we were last year, simply due to the sized endeavor this is annually, we are in a big-time crunch of trying to raise all the funds for the next group of kiddos to have this incredible international global education experience abroad.”
Each student must raise half of the costs on their own and the organization will raise the other 50 percent. That means the students are each expected to raise $2,300. While it is a big undertaking, they have been hard at work for months making crafts, baking, manning gift-wrapping tables at Christmas and more. They have hosted several parents’ night out events at Hayesville First United Methodist Church, with trained adults also present.
Scerri is adamant the entire group should get to go because they have worked hard. It will take the community’s help to make the travel dreams a reality.
Scerri, a teacher at Hayesville High School, started the Global studies program a few years ago, while teaching at Hayesville Middle School. Students who participate have specific program requirements they must adhere to for an invitation to travel with the group.
These include being in the program throughout their middle school years or serving as a high school mentor. Students must apply for the trip with a written essay and have recommendations. In addition, they must not have any major behavioral issues and must maintain honor roll for the whole year.
“Just like last year, many of the teens are from families within poverty margins. So this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them,” Scerri added. “The trip to Italy and Greece will immerse them in these two unique cultures, show them these world’s art treasures, let them see the rich history these places provide and show them the importance of both Italy and Greece in the ever-changing global world that they are living in today.”
Scerri ended, “We need all the help we can get for these students to get this once in a lifetime opportunity. I can’t convey how thankful and grateful I am for your support.”
Hear the travelers’ stories and follow their fund-raising efforts for the Global Italy and Greece trip on Facebook at Global Studies Annual Independent Experiential Learning Trip Abroad. Email Scerri at: gingerbuchananscerri@gmail.com about direct donations for the Second Global Studies Annual Independent Experiential Educational Trip Abroad.