To some, New York is considered the theater Mecca of the
world.
That’s why more than 40 students and chaperones from San Benito
High School will embark upon a trip to New York and Boston during
spring break this April.
The goal of the trip is to expose students to theater and
colleges on the East Coast, said Stephanie Williams, drama teacher,
and Amy Olerich, chorale director. Both are organizing the
trip.
To some, New York is considered the theater Mecca of the world.
That’s why more than 40 students and chaperones from San Benito High School will embark upon a trip to New York and Boston during spring break this April.
The goal of the trip is to expose students to theater and colleges on the East Coast, said Stephanie Williams, drama teacher, and Amy Olerich, chorale director. Both are organizing the trip.
“(We chose) New York because it’s the theater Mecca of the world,” Williams said. “Boston has excellent academic institutions. The kids need to get out there and see other parts of the world.”
From April 1 through 12, students will go on six college tours, see three Broadway and one off-Broadway plays, perform in the 2004 Heritage Musical Festival in New York, partake in a high school exchange in Massachusetts, participate in workshops put on by Broadway professionals and visit the Boston Conservatory.
Visiting the East Coast also gives students a “lesson in history – this is where it all started,” Williams said.
But before the students and chaperones can enjoy the trip, they have to raise enough money to go. The estimated cost is $70,000. Each student must raise around $1,400 and the fundraising has already started.
“There’s a lot of stuff to do for $1,400,” Williams said. “I’m always optimistic – I have no choice not to be. Once I say it’s not going to happen, that’s the day it won’t. We’re fortunate because our kids can perform for (the money that is donated.) It’s a ton of money, but we’re going to do it.”
Students are already selling See’s candy. They plan to sell ads in programs for plays and choir performances; raise funds through “rent-a-carol” at Christmas where people can pay to have students sing or perform at parties, etc.; organize a silent auction at the annual benefit concert in the spring – all proceeds from the benefit concert will go toward the trip; and offer “rent-a-love-song” on Valentine’s Day.
Olerich said raising $70,000 is “doable if we have community support.”
SBHS senior Anthony Pulliam is looking forward to the trip and doesn’t doubt the group’s ability to raise $70,000.
“I don’t see a problem with that at all. There’s a lot of us working toward it,” he said.
Students are also encouraged to get sponsorships through local businesses, Williams and Olerich said, since the donations are tax deductible.
The idea to visit New York and Boston started four years ago, but Williams and Olerich were new to the school. They thought the idea was impossible because of the distance and cost.
Now, both are familiar with the school, so they have time to organize the trip on top of their regular work, Williams said. Also, both teachers have been with most of their students for four years now.
“We started talking about this my freshman year,” Pulliam said. “This is four years in the making.”
Williams is originally from Massachusetts, so she can navigate the area well.
There will be eight chaperones in the group. Some will pay their own way while others are fundraising with the students. There was “stiff competition” between adults to go on the trip, Williams said. Parents, board members and staff all wanted a chance to go.
Williams and Olerich narrowed the field down to people who had experience traveling with a group of students. Since one chaperone is from New York, someone in the group has familiarity with the city, Williams and Olerich said.
For some students going on the field trip, it’s a chance to spend time with people they’ve worked with for almost four years.
“I’m excited because I’ve wanted to go to New York for a long time. I get to do it with friends that I’ve built friendships with over the past four years,” Pulliam said.
It doesn’t matter how the students get there – the trip will be an experience they’ll never forget, Williams said.
For more information or to donate, call Williams or Olerich at 637-5831, ext. 223.
