Monday - 2.16.26

When planning this trip, I envision our visit to to Colegio Padre Emiliano Tardif as being the highlight and most memorable part. The incredible welcome that they give us is on par with how countries treat royalty when they arrive. Our visit to CPET goes beyond just a superficial trip to a Dominican high school, it is a welcome into their home and we become their family.

The day began with a warm and exciting welcome as we got off of our bus and made our way to the school. We were gretted with a live student band playing bachata and merengue and all of their students pulling us to dance. All of the Edgemont students jumped right in and without hesitation were dancing to the lively music. 

After the music and dance welcome, we were ushered to their auditorium (in a formal parade) by cheerleaders, the color guard, and their entire school. It was overwhelming for so many people to welcome us with so much love. Once we arrived at their auditorium, the show began and the cheerleaders put on a marathon of a show. As soon as they finished, it was time for the national anthems. The CPET students began with their national anthem, followed by our amazing students who performed the Star Spangled Banner.  

After the anthems, the CPET students continued to amaze us with their dancing and singing skills. Their junior and senior classes did their choreographed class dances and one of their students even sang "New York" by Alicia Keys. They also put on a festive Carnaval display with lechones  (a traditional costume to look like devils, worn during carnaval celebrations in February). 

After the welcome ceremony, we were led to a patio when we were offered delicious Dominican snacks of empanadas and quipes and natural juices. This was to fuel us for our next round of activities, which took place on their athletic fields. We separated into 10 teams of 9 students (mixed Dominicans and Americans) and then began to compete in different relay races and challenges. It was so much fun watching all of the students bond and get to know each other by working together to win the events. An added bonus was that all of the events included some kind of water, so we were able to keep cool in the hot Dominican sun. 

After the events, we made our way back to the patio for a delicious, Dominican style lunch with their students. Everyone was chatting, playing cards, and enjoying the tasty meal. 

Once our bellies were full, we went over to the pool area, where we had our final event of the day, the pool party! All of the students jumped right in so that they could cool off after a day of activities. There was music, swimming and laughter until it was time to say goodbye and head back to the hotel.

We got back to the hotel in the late afternoon, cleaned ourselves up and got ready for our dinner at FoodTropolis, a food truck park in the city. When we arrived, the students were delighted to see so many options for dinner and started making their decisions on  what to eat. The place is very big and open, so everyone was able to get what they wanted and then find tables to sit together and enjoy. We stayed there until a rogue downpour encouraged us to leave. We arrived back to the hotel, full and happy, and called it a night. Overall, a great day!!!