Milton Hershey School Students Explore Waterways and Wetlands on International Trip

After several weeks of preparation, a group of 25 Milton Hershey School Senior Division students traveled to Panama through the school’s International Learning Experiences program. The trip, which aimed to broaden their understanding of waterways and wetlands, offered them firsthand experience in understanding the conservation of endangered ecosystems.

The students and chaperones began their six-day tour in Panama by exploring Panama City and the historic district of Casco Viejo. They also visited Biomuseo, a museum that celebrates Panama’s biological and cultural diversity.

From Panama City, the group traveled to Cuidad del Saber for a two-day immersive workshop with a conservation organization. The students learned about the different types of wetlands there and the efforts to preserve them. They then participated in fieldwork and a beach clean-up. On day two, they traveled to Punta Chame to see healthy mangrove populations before harvesting seeds. Afterwards, they hiked to a reforestation site to plant the mangrove seeds with local scientists.

“One of the most meaningful activities we did in Panama involved aiding with a mangrove reforestation project,” said Stacey Spangenburg, a chaperone on the trip. “Mangrove trees protect the coastline and provide a habitat for aquatic life. It was amazing to see our students work so hard, and the pride on their faces for what they did to aid a country we all fell in love with.”

During the next leg of their trip, students explored the rainforest and the Caribbean coast. Students hiked through the Metropolitan Natural Park with an expert guide to learn about the local wildlife. In the evening, they took a hike in Gamboa with a biologist to explore Panama’s most notable nocturnal wildlife. The next day, students met with local researchers to learn more about the coastal ecosystem, including seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and coral reefs.

“What made this trip life-changing for us was to be able to see how a group of people live in a completely different way,” said Timothy Geynovich, MHS junior. “I am truly grateful that I had this opportunity through the school, and I am very grateful to the country of Panama for letting us students enjoy what it has to offer us and teach us.”

These enriching international experiences have a profound impact on MHS students. They provide an opportunity for them to gain global perspectives on solving issues and teach them essential life skills on how to travel.