Five students were selected to go on a trip to New Orleans and Normandy, France this summer to learn more about WWII as well as a potential scholarship for college. Juniors Aleah Minks, Hayley Boly, Myra Tessmer, sophomores Lhandon Rose and Maya Daughenbaugh were selected to go on to the trip.
“I got selected by writing 3 short essays, a short interview, and a nomination from one of my teachers,” junior Hayley Boly said.
The benefactors and organization that provides the funding are The Jedel Foundation in honor of the late Jack Hubbs, a former graduate from Warsaw High School. To be selected, the students had to be nominated by history teachers, interview, fill out an application, and get a passport for the trip.
They will travel to see New Orleans and Normandy, France to see the sights from WWII. The trip will last several weeks.
“We will be seeing New Orleans and Normandy, France to visit WW2 historical sights while also meeting kids from all over the country, and those internationally. Students will be learning about D-Day and possibly visiting the site, while also getting to experience local culture including getting to try local food in each place,” Minks said.
The students are expecting to learn a lot on the trip.
“I am expecting to get a lot out of this trip. Learning, growing, experiencing, exploring, living history and taking in all the cultural diversity and I’m preparing to have my mind absolutely blown in the best way possible,” Daughenbaugh said.
Students are looking forward to seeing the history outside of an American perspective.
“One thing I really want to achieve while going on this trip is a look at history outside the American perspective. As the name ‘World War’ implies, the course of history for several nations were shaped by the events of the war, and each one differently,” Minks said
The trip has goals for the students and their learning.
“This trip’s goal is for students across the midwest to learn about the sacrifices of fallen Americans during the Normandy landings, as well as the sacrifices of all the troops during World War II. On a broader note, learning about past struggles, in hope that students are better informed and not allow the past repeat itself,” counselor Tyler Richardson said.