Thanks to another generous donation of $100,000 to the Preston Scholars Program from a 1974 alumna, Preston High School Class of 2010 graduate Eugenia Wolovich and 11 students from the program traveled with EF Tours to the Azores, an archipelago of volcanic islands belonging to Portugal, this summer. The Azores are known for their volcanic origins and dramatic landscapes. This trip focused on just that!
To learn more about volcanic activity, students met with geology professors at the Pismo volcanological center to understand the islands’ origins. They also visited the Gruta do Carvao, the longest lava tunnels on the main island of Sao Miguel. Additionally, students collected water samples at the University of the Azores to study phytoplankton and its role in ecosystems.
To students’ delight, they also went whale watching with local guides. They witnessed five different species of aquatic life (from sperm whales to bottlenose dolphins) that are integral to the island’s environment. Whether it was coastline walks to discover geological patterns or dips in natural, thermal pools, students thoroughly enjoyed their opportunity to learn, gain a cultural understanding of a new place and form tighter bonds with their classmates.
Last summer, the scholars had the opportunity to choose from three trips: to attend the EF Global Leadership Summit in Berlin, to learn about bioengineering in London or to study robotics in Tokyo. These PSP trips have been instrumental in broadening the students’ worldviews and their educational horizons.
