For Herrin High School students from Illinois, summer break wasn’t just about relaxation; it was about growth, competition, and exploration, report Braden Davis and Parker Coop in the school’s student newspaper.
Puerto Rico (Michael Delli Carpini/Flickr Creative Commons)Seven members of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter earned their way to Anaheim, California, for the National Leadership Conference, where they joined more than 16,000 high schoolers from across the country. To qualify, they had first proven themselves at the Illinois state conference, then spent months raising funds, including hosting a pickleball tournament, to make the trip possible.
Once in Anaheim, they competed in events ranging from Hospitality and Event Management to Computer Problem Solving, while also attending workshops and networking with peers nationwide. Between conference sessions, students took in local sights from Disneyland to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making the trip both an academic challenge and an unforgettable experience.
At the same time, Herrin’s Spanish Travel Club spent part of June immersed in Puerto Rican culture. Their weeklong tour blended adventure with language learning: hiking in El Yunque rainforest, snorkeling off the coast, kayaking in a bioluminescent bay, and exploring historic San Juan.
Students reflected on how eye-opening it was to see architecture, hear Spanish spoken everywhere, and experience a different pace of life. For many, the highlights weren’t just the attractions but the chance to connect with one another and with the culture of the island.
Ah, summer. Journeys that show us the many ways to extend learning beyond the classroom, whether through national competition, leadership development, or global exploration. Students no doubt came home with new skills, stronger friendships, and the kind of memories that will fuel them long after the school year begins.
