With Thanksgiving approaching, the time allows people to reflect on what they are most thankful for — no collection of people is more grateful than the members of the RSU 50 Italy group.
A year ago this month, Gabrielle Potvin, a Southern Aroostook Community School (SACS) preschool teacher, saw an opportunity for the students of RSU 50. Miss Potvin, known as “Miss Gubbi” at SACS, presented the idea of students and faculty members at RSU 50 to participate in an Education First Tour (EF Tour).
EF Tour was established by a Swedish man in 1965 with two basic goals: first, to open the world through education, and second, to bring to life the experiences students only read about in school. Collaborating with the Community High School in Fort Kent, Travel Club, led by Valerie Plourde-Ouellet, scheduled a destination for April vacation of 2015.
As a high-schooler, Potvin had the opportunity to go on an EF Tour. She has first-hand experience in how world travel opens eyes and doors for the students willing to participate. The trip consists of 12 days in Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi, Pompeii/Sorrento region, and Capri. The tour will not only be a tour of the cities, but exploration of historical landmarks and structures such as the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Duomo, and the Vatican. The students and faculty will be engaged every moment in the deep history, culture and language of Italy.
“What I’m most excited about is to be there when they stand where gladiators fought or when they gaze upon Michelangelo’s work of art in the Sistine Chapel,” said Potvin. “It makes a difference. Actually being there and having the history explained to you in person allows our brains to make a million more connections than simply reading it out of a textbook or viewing online. Having been on an EF Tour myself in high school, the experience was definitely humbling and life changing. I want to offer that opportunity to any high-schooler that is brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and see all the wonderful things the world has to offer.”
SACS first-grade teacher Kimberly Lyons added she is excited about “trying authentic Italian cuisine and be fully immersed in Italian culture.”
Forrest Heath, a Katahdin High School graduate, is ready to see “the different architecture and [to try] gelato.”
The students cannot wait to step back into history. Katahdin junior Molly Cunningham is excited about visiting “famous landmarks,” while Katahdin senior Kassadi Moore wants to understand “the differences in culture.” SACS senior Cassidy Lyons added she is ready to learn about, “The history, Pompeii and the artifacts they uncovered.”
Parents of student travelers are also getting excited.
Christine Cunningham, mother of Molly Cunningham and Katahdin Elementary principal, explained, “I can’t wait to see how all this hard work (fundraising) pays off and I hope it inspires her to go abroad during college.” Terri Lyons, mother of Cassidy and Kimberly Lyons, added, “It’s the best and surest way to experience a different culture. This is a great opportunity.”
Both parents agree that they wish this opportunity would have been around for their older children.
One of the big issues was fundraising to raise the money for each student’s tuition. The students and parents have been very creative in their fundraising strategies and have been successful thus far. As the group leader, Potvin has learned a great deal from this experience.
“Everything has been documented, we meet regularly, and constantly reflect on how fundraisers and activities could be better so that very little comes from the student’s pocket,” she said. “I really want the RSU 50 and EF Tour relationship to continue; we need these types of opportunities in our area. Hopefully when we get back from Italy, we can start a new trip. It takes about two years to plan and fundraise so we have to start thinking now what tour we want for 2017. As a sneak peek, I’m thinking of Ireland since many of our student’s have a strong Irish heritage. To go and learn about their families and the history of Ireland would be so beneficial. But stay tuned. One trip at a time,” Potvin added.
If you would like to learn more about the RSU 50 Italy Group or would like to donate to the group, please contact Potvin at gpotvin@rsu50.org.
