Written By Josi Patti, Unionville Press
Ever since 2008, the Unionville High School’s International Club has made its mark on the world. From England, Thailand, Japan, Berlin, and all the way to Australia, students have had the experience to come together and enrich their culture. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lannon, the head advisor of the club, states, “Our motto is to learn, serve, travel. I think that’s an important part of it; it’s an all-school opportunity.” Unionville’s members have done just that: ranging from mobs of students signed up, to smaller but closer circles.
This year, the selected Portugal trip brought on a tight-knit crowd that made up a travel squad. Furthermore, the likelihood of friendship bonds and unforgettable memories being formed was inevitable. Touring nine cities in ten days, the UHS kids were unstoppable and covering serious ground. Some highlights reported from the students included: “the Mamma Mia style hotel in Óbidos,” “boat jumping in Algarve,” and “the beach day in Cascais!” If there was ever a tropical hot spot on the bucket list, missing out on this destination would have been jealousy. Despite flying across the globe, these kids might take their first steps into adventure. The crew hit all the spots to see, all the way down from a pit-stop in Madrid, starting in Porto, and culminating in their trip in Algarve. A balance of terracotta towns, astonishing chapels, and the unique coasts was a sight to behold for the eyes of new travelers. As each student walked the ground of a new space, they opened a door of immersion to a lifestyle.
According to an adult’s perspective, the most memorable encounter regarding traveling with teens is watching them “take off.” It is about the simple sights, actions, or feelings that have an impact. Describing her most notorious moments, Mrs. Lannon expresses, “Even just the simple fact that students leave their comfort zone from their homes and Unionville, that’s a big deal.” Pairing with another private school this summer, the trip created even more connections. Travelers grew closer on the extensive bus rides, and goodbyes were made even sweeter. Mrs. Lannon is ecstatic to prepare for the International Club’s trip in 2027 to South Africa, where more unforgettable experiences are ready to be stamped in passports.
