Photos from Adobe Stock photos.
By Alexander Fletcher, Staff Writer
10/8/25
ROCKLAND- In April, Rockland High School students will travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience. They’ll have the opportunity to try out new foods, explore the culture, and step out of their comfort zone.
Before arriving at the islands, students will make a stop in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where they’ll learn about the history and culture of South America while connecting classroom lessons to real-world experiences.
The Galapagos Islands were chosen by the trip’s chaperones, who work to keep destinations fresh and unique for students.
English teacher Ms. Kristen Walsh, who serves as the Travel Club advisor, said she first visited the Galapagos in 2018 and knew it would be an amazing opportunity for students to experience “a place unlike any other.” She explained that the trip would connect directly to what Rockland students learn about Charles Darwin and evolution in biology.
Ms. Walsh said trips like this are planned several years in advance, with school committee approval, fundraising, and preparation leading up to departure. She added that students are already saving money, getting passports ready, and working on Global Ambassador projects to share when they return.
Senior Mae Richardson said she joined because she loves to travel and was drawn to the Galapagos’ island environment. What excites her most are the animals and nature. She said the Galapagos will be “more nature-oriented, compared to the museums on past trips,” and added that she especially hopes to see the giant tortoises.
Richardson, who traveled to Europe with the Travel Club last year, said the Galapagos should be “the complete opposite.” She also hopes the trip will tie into her future plans, since she intends to study biology in college.
For Ms. Walsh, the trip is about more than sightseeing — it’s about pushing students beyond their comfort zones and preparing them to see the world in new ways.
She explained that for many, this will mean first-time experiences, whether it’s flying on a plane, snorkeling in the ocean, or trying unfamiliar foods. Beyond the adventure, she hopes the journey will inspire students to grow as “citizens of the world,” shaping their confidence and outlook long after high school.
Ms. Walsh summed up the April 2026 trip in one word: “adventure.”
Any students interested in joining the Travel Club or have an interest in this tour (or future tours, such as the 2027 trip to Berlin, Krakow, Budapest, and Prague) should contact Ms. Walsh at kwalsh@rocklandschools.org.