Exciting international travel is an important part of the student experience at The Storm King School. It serves to enhance our academic and community service programs while adding another dimension to the School’s vibrant student life. This year, during Spring Break, an adventurous group of students and faculty embarked on a trip to Greece, surrounding themselves with its rugged natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
© Kaitlyn M. ’27
The trip began in Athens, where students got their first glimpse of Greek life. From there, they traveled to Meteora, where they explored centuries-old monasteries perched atop towering cliffs. The journey continued with a visit to Siatista, where they explored the Prehistoric Village of Dispilio and the Kastoria Folklore Museum before participating in a traditional Greek dance class and a family-style cooking session.
A highlight of the trip was a hiking excursion through Bourinos Geopark, followed by a picnic and a rewarding community service activity–a reforestation project where Storm King students worked alongside local peers to plant Macedonian Oak trees. Junior Adrian Y. ’26 found this part of the trip to be the most memorable. “For a better environment, we hiked up a mountain and planted trees with many other local students. They were all very kind and eager to teach us about their culture. Together, we dug in the ground with shovels and pickaxes, planted the seedling trees, and watered them with a hose. I felt proud of helping the community, but the best thing was learning how to dig with a pickaxe!” Adrian shared.
After their environmental efforts, the students enjoyed a day of relaxation at the Pozar hot springs before hiking to the nearby waterfall. They then visited the Royal Macedonian Tombs at Aigai, where Adrian reflected, “Inside the tomb of King Philip, there were numerous ancient relics, from the weapons that soldiers used to the golden crowns for the royal families. I was surprised by how detailed the work was on every relic.”
The next stop was Thessaloniki, where students explored limestone caverns and strolled along Perea Beach. They also toured the town before having lunch at Mount Olympus and returning to Athens. Back in the capital, they hiked to the Acropolis, visited the adjacent museum, and wandered through the city’s oldest neighborhood, soaking in the history and energy of the bustling streets. “It was amazing to see this famous site that I’ve seen only in books,” Adrian recalled.
Sophomore Kaitlyn M. ’27 was captivated by Greek food, saying, “For me, the best part of the trip was eating meals together as a group. I loved all of the different dishes we tried, especially all of the salads and vegetables. I really enjoyed the long meals and socializing.” She also loved the outdoor market in Athens, which was their last stop before heading to the airport. “It was so fascinating to see all the crafts, souvenirs, and local items. It was a great way to end the trip.”
Upon their return to campus, students reflected on their experiences. Junior Antonio R. ’26 described the trip as “truly unforgettable.” He enjoyed the stunning landscapes, the warm hospitality of the people, and the overall atmosphere of the country. “The temperature was great, the views were really beautiful, and everyone was very kind,” he explained. One of his favorite stops was Ilia, a secluded peninsula by the sea. “It was small, with just a road lined with hotels and restaurants, but it had a special charm. Sitting on the pier and hearing the rhythmic sound of the waves and the cool sea breeze felt magical.”
Reflecting on their journey, Antonio explained that “international trips are important because they offer a chance to see the world from a different perspective. Even if it’s a place you have been before, it will always be a different trip. Two trips can never be the same because the people you meet, the food you eat, and your own mind are always changing. Greece really left an impression on me and I hope to return one day to create new memories there.”
According to trip leaders Angelica Centeno and Courtney Sutter, “Greece has been one of our best trips yet,” stating that the program was designed to be more than just a sightseeing tour. “The itinerary was tailored to promote cultural immersion, focusing on meaningful activities that would engage the students and spark their curiosity. From the start, students were encouraged to take leadership roles in deciding what aspects of Greece they wanted to experience the most—whether it was trying new foods, exploring historic sites, or visiting the islands. Many thanks go to our tour guide, Mauricio from Rainforest Expeditions, who took such good care of us,” explained Mrs. Centeno.
