This summer, a group of Lincoln Middle School students, families, and teachers set out on an unforgettable educational journey, a weeklong guided excursion across Italy. From the moment they stepped off the plane, it was a hands-on learning experience that brought history, culture, and community to life.
Over the course of the week, the group traveled to some of Italy’s most iconic cities and regions. They walked through the ruins of ancient Rome, stood in awe of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, explored the art and architecture of Florence, and soaked in the magic of Venice’s winding canals.
Each day was packed from morning to night with historic tours, cultural experiences, and group activities. Our students didn’t just observe, they engaged. They asked questions of local guides, practiced snippets of Italian, sampled regional dishes, and learned to navigate new cities with confidence and curiosity. Along the way, they journaled their reflections, participated in group discussions, and shared plenty of laughs (and gelato) with one another.
It was exhausting. It was exhilarating. And it was filled with the kind of memories that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
For many, this was their first time traveling internationally. For others, it was their first time traveling without family. But together, the group formed a tight-knit community supporting one another, learning from each other, and growing in ways that are only possible when stepping into new and unfamiliar places. Our Lincoln Lions represented the School District of Lancaster with kindness, curiosity, and pride.
“This trip was about opening minds, building independence, and showing our students what’s possible when they step into the world,” said Ryan Schlickman, principal of Lincoln Middle School. “Seeing our students light up as they connected what they’ve learned in school to what they experienced in Italy was incredibly powerful. These are the kinds of experiences that shape who they become.”
Opportunities like this remind us why we do what we do. When students are given the chance to see the world, they come home changed more independent, more aware, and more inspired. This trip as an extension of learning rich with experiences that can’t be replicated in a textbook.
We are grateful to the educators and chaperones who made this experience possible, and to the families who supported their students on this journey. And we’re especially proud of our Lincoln students, who brought their best selves to each day of the trip. CLICK HERE to view more photos from their trip
