Managing editor
It’s not going to be easy — or inexpensive — but Marion High School English/communications teacher Lisa Johnson wants to give her students the world.
“I want students to have the opportunity to see other cultures,” she said, “visit other countries and meet all kinds of people.”
Picking up where former teachers have left off, Johnson has organized the group MHS Students for International Travel. In the past, teachers have organized and chaperoned trips every two years to other countries.
The next trip is to Australia in July. The trip will include stops in Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand.
The trip is part of an educational tour group with other high school students from around the country and is not for those who do not like air travel.
During the 14-day excursion, the travelers will spend 3½ days in the air.
Thus far, six students and five adults have committed to the trip. Fundraisers have been held with more in the works for MHS students who want to participate.
“It’s not too late for a MHS student or adult to sign up,” Johnson said.
For MHS senior Drew Maddox, this trip would be the first time for him to travel out of the country.
“It’ll be a fun experience to see what other cultures are like,” Maddox said, “and to meet new people.”
The tour is a group experience, Johnson said, with students and adults quickly adapting to thinking as a group.
The cost is approximately $4,200 per student and $4,500 per adult. Johnson hopes the students raise enough money to cover at least a fourth of the costs.
Giving students and adults, opportunities to visit the places they study is more than just a vacation, Johnson said. It’s important for growth, including for herself.
Johnson is beginning her fourth year at MHS and has taught for 14 years.
“I taught Shakespeare for years but didn’t visit Europe until 2006,” she said. “Things click and you can see the bigger connection between literature and those places when you actually visit them.”
Super Saver Cards will be sold by students in the coming weeks as a way to pay for the trip. Garage sales and car washes already have raised some money.
Maddox is saving money from his part-time job.
Whatever it takes to get there will be worth it for him.
“I’m ready to go,” Maddox said with a smile.
For more information, contact Johnson at MHS at (620) 382-2168.