Eight Frontenac High Schools students and their Spanish teacher, Erin Douglas, are planning a first in school history. They’re going to Spain over spring break.
“We believe this is the first time Frontenac has taken students abroad,” Douglas said. “I’ve been teaching here for five years, and it’s something I’ve wanted to do.”
“I’ve never been in Europe before, and never been that far from home before,” said Alex Spigarelli.
“I really want to travel when I’m older and have the money,” said Ryan Zafuta. “Spain will be an awesome way to start out.”
Douglas said the group will spend 11 days in Spain, arriving in Madrid and ending the trip, which is arranged through E.F. Tours, in Barcelona. “The longest we’ll be in any city is two days, so we’ll be seeing a lot,” she said.
Only those taking Spanish were eligible to go on the trip. The teacher said the experience will not only help build students language skills, but will also allow them to see Spanish culture.
Students making the trip are Kassandra Buffington, Kelsy Marlier, Kevin McCollam, Erica Padilla, Buster Reddick, Alex Spigarelli, Ethan Spurling and Ryan Zafuta.
They will pay for their own trips, but the group has been raising funds to cover the cost of a second adult coming along and for some additional expenses, such as a day trip to Morocco.
“We’ve had a car wash, worked Youth League concessions and raffled off a quilt,” Douglas said. “On Saturday, we’re going to offer baby-sitting services for couples who want to go out and celebrate Valentine’s Day.”
She said the service would be available from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday at a cost of $20 per child, with an extra $5 for each additional sibling. Anyone wishing to arrange for a sitter may call Douglas at FHS, 231-7550, or e-mail her at edouglas@frontenac249.org. Deadline to register is Thursday.
