This spring break, MICDS students who participated in school-sponsored trips had the opportunity to travel abroad, give back to needy families and practice their golf swing.
Habitat for Humanity in Baytown, Texas
A group of thirty-seven students donated their time and traveled to Baytown, Texas to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity.
On the first day of the five-day trip, the students and their adult chaperones oriented themselves to learn safety procedures. They spent the rest of the time helping build houses.
“My biggest takeaway from the trip was how rewarding it was to be able to spend some of my time and energy to help people who need it,” said Jessica Brooks ’20.
“This was my third year on the trip, and every year I am still astounded by how grateful the people of Baytown are for our service,” continued Annie Knapp, Upper School Science Teacher. “I really enjoyed seeing the previous houses we have worked on being lived in. It is amazing that MICDS students have helped to build so many houses where families now reside.”
Iceland
Another group of students took a trip to Iceland. Students and faculty chaperones began the trip by touring the capital Reykjavik, taking in the beautiful scenery and architecture of the city as well as dining on some traditional cuisine.
They also explored a 5,000-year-old lava tube called “The Lava Tunnel.”
“As a geology major, former spelunker and someone who has been in lava tubes before, this was like nothing I’ve ever seen,” said Michelle Hrastich, Science Teacher and one of the faculty sponsors. “The ice formations in the cave were spectacular, and the kids absolutely loved it!”
On the following days, students went on a dog-sled tour, checked out some local museums, relaxed in geothermal pools and were able to explore a glacier.
The trip included community service time, where students and faculty helped clean a park and collect plastics from a beach.
All in all, this northern adventure will be one that students will not forget.
European WWII History Trip
Sixteen Upper School students from grades 9-12 participated in a World War II-themed trip to Europe over spring break. Students had the opportunity to see a tremendous amount in a short amount of time while also having fun and learning about some critical parts of world history.
They started their adventure in London, exploring the Tower of London and the Churchill Cabinet War Rooms, and they also took in amazing views of the city from the London Eye and the top of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
After a bus ride down to the coast, they visited the town of Portsmouth and learned about the planning phases for the D-Day invasion. A six-hour ferry ride took the group across the Channel to Normandy where they drove along the coast stopping for visits at Pointe Du Hoc between Omaha and Utah Beaches, The American Cemetery at Omaha and the town of Arromanches where a temporary harbor was constructed to supply and protect the invading troops during the war.
Students had a quick stop in Paris with a trip up the Eiffel Tower, a boat tour along the Seine and a visit to Versailles before flying to Munich. Munich ended up being the highlight for many with its medieval town square and large urban park, the English Garden, which they were able to explore during a bike tour of the city.
The last few days included day trips out to Dachau Concentration Camp and The Palace of Justice in Nuremberg and Salzburg. After some difficult but invaluable experiences at Dachau and Nuremberg, the trip ended with some fun by riding slides in a working salt mine and exploring Mozart’s home in the old city of Salzburg.
All around, it was a truly wonderful trip and an amazing opportunity for everyone.
Golf Teams Polish their Technique in Orlando, FL
For the fourth year in the road, 19 members of the Boys JV and Varsity Golf teams worked on their swings, course management and teamwork this spring break, assisted by Varsity Coach Changa Bey. This year, the students ventured to the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge just outside of Orlando, Florida.
The purpose of the trip was to focus on team building, practice rounds and general preparation for the upcoming season. The Rams played two championship courses which are annual hosts for the PGA’s Q School. Also, with the largest driving range in America and a world-class short game practice area, Orange County National provided the resources to help sharpen the golfers for the short and intense season ahead.
With a returning core of talented seniors and underclassmen, the Boys Golf Team looks to repeat their claim as district champions for the 8th year in a row and make a deep run in the state tournament. Outside of state championship aspirations, this season is special as it is dedicated to legendary Coach Ron Holtman. The Rams’ last state championship was under Holtman just three seasons ago. The boys golf team will be honoring Coach Holtman with special edition golf shirts with “RH” on the back.