On February 13, approximately 25 New Hyde Park students left on an eight-day trip through Italy. This international experience allowed juniors and seniors to immerse themselves in Italian culture firsthand. Organized by Ms. Caliendo, the trip offered students a unique opportunity to explore Italy’s history, traditions and landmarks, including visits to Venice, Verona, Florence, Assisi and Rome. With guidance from world language chairperson Mr. Rutigliano and teachers Mr. Montoya, Ms. Mei and Ms. Caliendo, students were able to apply their Italian language skills in real-world settings.
The first stop of the trip was Venice, where the group experienced the city’s renowned canals and distinctive architecture. Students further explored Venice through a gondola ride, which offered a unique perspective of the waterways and narrow passageways that define the city.
“We had a great time visiting Venice, Florence, and Rome as well as visiting multiple museums, including Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze,” senior Mason Berardelli said.
Next, the group traveled to Verona and Florence, where students wandered through elegantly structured streets and admired exceptional examples of Renaissance art and architecture. Florence, as the birthplace of the Renaissance, offered a rich learning environment, allowing students to observe the cultural and artistic movements that shaped Europe’s history.
“Everywhere I looked, there was amazing art or beautiful buildings, and it was wild knowing we were in the place where the Renaissance actually started. Definitely one of the best parts of the trip,” senior Jason Stone said.
The final leg of the journey took place in Rome, where students visited several of the country’s most iconic landmarks. They participated in many interactive activities highlighting Italy’s culture, such as a hands-on pizza-making experience, which taught traditional culinary technique, and a visit to a gladiator school, where students learned about daily life, combat techniques and weaponry used in ancient Rome. The school included interactive mock battles and physical training exercises, providing an engaging, hands-on glimpse into Roman history.
“The whole trip was amazing! A funny moment was when Stefan, our tour guide, endured a fall during gladiator training. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported,” junior Rocco Natale said.
Faculty chaperones played a critical role in ensuring the trip ran smoothly. Their responsibilities included coordinating travel, providing historical context and assisting students throughout the journey.
“We maintained consistent communication with the tour company to ensure that students received the best value and an exceptional educational experience,” Spanish teacher Mr. Montoya said.
Overall, the Italy trip offered a memorable and educational experience for both students and faculty members. Visiting landmarks, observing traditions and interacting with residents allowed students to expand their understanding of Italian culture beyond the classroom.
