This year students from Lopez Island journeyed well beyond the waters of the Salish Sea to the snow-covered streets of Quebec, the sheep-clogged mountain roads of Greece, and underneath cherry blossoms in Japan. As part of the school’s international trip program, these opportunities allow students from Lopez Island to study and learn a culture, in-depth and at the location.

Richard Têtu, who has led numerous trips to France and Quebec, said, “Foreign travel yields many benefits for students: it teaches compassion; gives perspective; it increases independence, grit, academic performance and confidence; and gives a new appreciation for our island.”

For Avery Conner, who was raised on Waldron Island, his trip to Greece “was eye-opening and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am very happy that I went and will remember it forever.”

Students who participated in the trips will make a presentation at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11, in the school’s multi-purpose room. This event is free.

All the students on trips receive generous support from InStep through grants that lower the cost; lopezinstep.org.