Students Learn Abroad During Spring Break

by Holly Barker, AMS South Spanish Teacher

During spring break, students from Avon and Brownsburg Community Schools traveled to Panama for a rich, hands-on learning experience. Along with Brownsburg Science teacher Kathryn Littig, Avon Spanish teachers Susanne Clark and Holly Barker led the adventurous students.

Students explored Panama’s biodiverse landscapes, trekked through mountainous regions, and visited a coffee farm and an apiary to study sustainable agriculture and local livelihoods. The group took part in La Junta de Embarre, a traditional mud-hut building activity, and spent time on the Pacific coast practicing surfing and snorkeling. The group also visited the Panama Canal to observe this major feat of engineering. Throughout the trip, students strengthened their Spanish language skills and engaged respectfully with local communities.

The Avon High School students who traveled to Panama are: Emmy Blasik, Brennan Greene, Gabe Greene, Maliyah Helmick, Eli Hulett, Drew Jannotta, Sophia Jimenez Butcher, Santiago Jimenez Butcher, Harmon McMickle, Gemma Rehm, Xander Sarkar, Katie Sullivan, Lorelei Fraley, Charlie Miller, Grace Otey, Mackenzie Ponsler, Julia Rankin, Mateo Rodriguez, Ariana Stephens, and Hannah Wilson.

Señora Clark has led these immersive learning experiences since 2007, and Señora Barker has partnered with her since 2019. The tours are designed to promote travel-based learning that deepens students’ understanding through real-world experiences.

The itinerary for this trip was developed in collaboration with EF Educational Tours.