For the fourth year in a row, ninth through 11th grade students from St. Brendan High School’s Alpha Gifted Program journeyed across the United States to get a first-hand glimpse of prospective Ivy League schools.
This year, 50 students embarked on a fourday trip to Boston and New York City to visit MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Harvard University, Columbia University and New York University.
Freshman Nicholas Losa went on this trip open-minded and ready to experience new places and opportunities. He expected to learn information about colleges, in addition to seeing beautiful sights, but, “really enjoyed the trip because I was able to experience what it’s like to be independent and to view first-hand the exceptional academic and athletic opportunities these schools offer.”
After touring the campuses of MIT and Harvard, students took a walk into history along the iconic Freedom Trail, visited Boston Common Park, Paul Revere’s statue, and enjoyed a 360-degree view of the city of Boston, while visiting the Prudential Skywalk.
“In Boston, I loved following the Freedom Trail, as it was an eye-awakening experience to visually see, in person, all of the history that I have only read about in books,” said junior Mariana Ramirez.
Along with touring Columbia University and New York University, students were afforded the opportunity to view many educational sites they had only learned and read about in history class. While in New York, the students visited the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial Wall, Wall Street, Federal Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, while also taking in some of the trendy sights — Time Square, Top of the Rock and Central Park.
According to freshman Justin Prats, “the highlight of my trip was actually going to Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The service was beautiful and extremely moving and I was able to see the religious aspect of this trip, as well. I was able to reflect on what God has in store for my future.”
According to Lily Kirschner-Sanchez, Alpha Program director, “it was such a blessing to have the opportunity to spend quality time with these 50 students. I truly enjoyed witnessing their growth in knowledge and their ability to understand the importance of history.”
