Nine Upper School students attended a special kickoff luncheon for their upcoming trip to China just prior to Winter Break in the Oakwood Room. The students were joined by trip chaperones Hua Liu, Upper School Chinese teacher and Director of China Studies, and Ryan Oliveira, Head Athletic Trainer. The trip will take place for 10 days during Spring Break in March.
Ms. Liu welcomed the guests and Nicole Nolan, Director of Global Scholars and Programs, introduced the traveling students, chaperones and supporting team. Gerard Gonnella ’89, Director of Admission, Financial Aid and the International Student Program, shared experiences of his recruiting visits to China. Andrea Barnett, Middle School Science teacher and Science Department Chair, also presented a slide show reflecting her memorable experiences during a school trip to China. Both Mr. Gonnella and Mrs. Barnett also offered words of advice for the travelers.
The discussion was followed by a delicious lunch and group photos with the students, chaperones and supporting team. Dawn Cancryn, who retired recently after many roles at W+H, also joined the festivities with her husband, Wayne. Mr. and Mrs. Cancryn will be traveling to China and providing additional support to the students and chaperones.