Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Let me introduce you to the Lake Park Global Citizens program that offers students the opportunity to embark on a transformative journey around the world during spring break. Get ready to dive headfirst into new cultures, make friends from all corners of the world, and broaden your perspective like never before, all while doing some simple math along the way.
The program focuses on fostering academic growth in a fun and exciting way, and providing firsthand experience to explore the world. So, are you interested in becoming a global citizen?
The program was started in 2016 by Ms. Candice Sagliano and Mr. Benjamin Bishop, two AP Statistics teachers. It started off as a fun way to learn math, specifically statistics, outside of the classrooms at Lake Park, and turned into a loved program by students who have attended. This year, the program is taking Lake Park students to Greece for an experience of a lifetime. In previous years, students have gone to England and Iceland, and the 2025 trip is headed to Japan.
But why attend the program in the first place? Sofia Ranallo (LP ‘24) shared her viewpoint as someone who’s going to Greece this spring break.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about different cultures, gain experience in traveling, and, of course, to have fun with friends,” Sofia said.
Many students have not had the ability to travel out of the country often, and like Sofia stated, “getting to experience all it has to offer via a very structured tour is the optimal way to travel.”
Lake Park students who are interested in exploring the world in a fun, organized way can benefit from what the Global Citizens program has to offer.
“It is such a relief for both the students and our parents to not have to worry about [planning] and makes the process of traveling so much more enjoyable,” Sofia said.
The Global Citizens program is a great way to broaden students’ viewpoints and the Lake Park teachers do a great job of helping them along the way.
The program first started as an AP Statistics exclusive field trip, but starting this year, it has expanded to include an independent study group option. The trip takes place every year during spring break–this year to Greece, next year to Japan.
The AP Stats students on the trip are required to do a handful of math problems a day, along with daily journal entries. The students taking the independent study option are required to do a project related to the travel experience, for example, completing a scrapbook, video, essay, or any other approved project. Overall, the main purpose of the Global Citizens program isn’t to stress students out with work, but to rather allow them to explore the world.
“Some of the most valuable experiences students have had are the independence while traveling without their parents, the ability to try new foods, experience an unfamiliar culture, and meet new people,” Ms. Sagliano said. The program was created as a fun way to “incorporate AP statistics problems into a field trip,” but soon turned into a school-wide initiative to teach students about different cultures and independence.
“It is not too late to sign up!” said Ms. Sagliano. The program is still accepting students for the 2025 Japan backpacking trip. If you have a love for traveling and want to explore the world, this program might be perfect for you.
The program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors at LPHS. Sophomore students must be enrolled in AP Statistics, but juniors and seniors can complete the Independent Study option.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Sagliano ([email protected]) or Mr. Bishop ([email protected]).
