Social studies teacher Steve Schmidt announced the trip in the Sept. 24 student bulletin. The summer trip to Greece and Turkey will most likely take place during the last two weeks of June 2008; however, “the dates are flexible,” Schmidt said. The trip will cost about $3,000, he said.

As stated in the bulletin, travelers will visit Athens, Delphi, Istanbul, Olympia and Rhodes, as well as other locations. “The cruise is only a small portion of the trip, but it’s a good way to visit Greek Islands,” Schmidt said. “Most of the journey will be on land, taking in the sights of Greece and Turkey. We’ll also visit Roman ruins in Turkey.”

All students would enjoy the trip, according to Schmidt. “Anyone studying history should appreciate Greece’s contributions to our democratic society,” Schmidt said.

The minimum number of people required for the cruise to take place is six, while the maximum is 36. According to Schmidt, the number of chaperones for the trip depends on how many students sign up.

Quite a few students have already approached Schmidt with questions about the trip, including sophomore Jennifer Monroe, who is determined to go on the cruise. “I’ve never been outside the U.S. before,” she said. “I’m really excited (about the trip)!”

“Several teachers have (also) asked to tag along,” Schmidt said. “I’ll choose ‘the coolest’ ones.”

The summer trip is sponsored by EF Educational Tours, which is “the world's largest educational student trip travel company,” according to the company’s Web site (eftours.com). EF Tours offers teachers the opportunity to show their students the world and gain firsthand experience in the very best historic, cultural and natural sights in the world.

“Travel is always an enriching experience,” Schmidt said. “Visiting ruins and soaking in different cultures will be educational and fun at the same time.”

Schmidt will organize an after school informational meeting with people who expressed interest about the trip either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.