Summer Programs Take Students Across the Globe and Into the Community

Eleven Saint Andrew’s Upper School students traveled to Greece this summer for an immersive educational experience led by Latin instructor Dr. Thomas Henderson and Director of Global Engagement Kelli Sanchez.

The 11-day trip combined ancient history, cultural exploration, and personal growth as students visited some of the most significant sites in Western civilization. The group explored landmarks including the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum in Athens, the ancient religious sanctuary of Delphi, Corinth, and the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Students also traveled through the Greek islands on a cruise, stopping in Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, and Santorini, as well as Ephesus in present-day Turkey.

Designed to bring classroom learning to life, the trip exposed students to sites central to ancient religion, mythology, and the development of democracy. Students met with professional archaeologists and explored an active excavation in Corinth, where they viewed newly discovered artifacts not yet open to the public. Beyond the academic experience, students immersed themselves in Greek culture through traditional dancing, local cuisine, and interactions with travelers from around the world.

“The world really opened up to them,” Henderson said. “Going to a place like that, it just pulls you out of that, and it makes you feel like you're part of a bigger community.”

Henderson said one of the most meaningful outcomes was seeing students step outside their comfort zones, build new friendships, and gain a broader perspective of the world.

Closer to home, 26 Upper School and Middle School students participated in a new community service program.

Spearheaded by Sanchez, students signed up for a week of service during a two-week program, spending each day at a different location in the community. The experience included work with several nonprofit organizations, including Cross Ministries, Florence Fuller, JARC, St. Andrew’s Estates, In Jacob’s Shoes, and Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches. Projects ranged from organizing food pantry donations and cleaning shoes for children in need to assisting adults with special needs, working with young children, and completing campus improvement projects.

Students not only served others but also learned about volunteer opportunities available throughout the local community, which Sanchez said was a primary goal of the program.

“The idea with this program is to let kids know all the different kinds of things they can do,” Sanchez said. “They do feel good about what they're doing. They are making a difference to somebody else, and hopefully they're kind of igniting a passion.”

That passion was ignited in rising sophomore Lola Rodriguez ’29, who volunteered for the entire two weeks of the program. She said the experience exposed her to a variety of service opportunities while allowing her to make a meaningful impact. Reflecting on the importance of service, Rodriguez emphasized the role volunteering plays in strengthening communities.

“When you serve your community through volunteering, it brings everyone together,” she said. “It feels rewarding because you’re helping those around you.”

From the historic sites of Greece to service organizations across South Florida, these experiences challenged students to engage with the world in meaningful ways. Through exploration, service, and cultural exchange, students returned with new knowledge, broader perspectives, and a deeper sense of purpose.