Stonehenge? Check. The teens on the Europe trip paid the famous spot a visit.
Twelve teens and three chaperones earlier this summer went global during a community trip to London and Paris.
It was the first international experience for all 12 teens. The trip aimed to give area students a chance to experience different cultures through international travel.
Local teachers Chelsea Thayer, Melisa Cadell and Brian McKinney led the way. They planned and organized fundraisers over the course of more than a year to keep the trip affordable.
The teens sold raffle tickets, pedaled baseball concessions, sold Krispy Kreme donuts, volunteered at the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival and more to raise funds.
Carley Bryant, Madison Vaughn, Isaac Holmes, Connor Cole, Alex Haung, Erik Lin, Ana Jewel Wessinger, Sarah Atkins, Finley Revels, Kari Grindstaff, Cami Gouge and Bryanna Ledford all embarked on the trip.
They said the fundraising was well worth it.
“Getting to go to London and Paris was an absolute dream come true,” Atkins said. “I hope I get to go back and spend more time abroad.”
During the eight-day trip, they experienced Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, London, The National Gallery, West End theatre productions and Paris.
Once back home, they were tired but fulfilled.
“It was a really incredible and enriching experience,” Holmes said. “I really learned a lot. My favorite part was just being there and seeing a different culture. I honestly didn’t expect it to feel as different as it did. From the people and the way they talked to the taste of the coffee, most everything was at least a little different.”