Chaperones

JENNI FRENCH

Having traveled to La Romana to volunteer for the first time when she was 25,  Ms. French took Watkinson's first team to the D.R. in 2010. "I love being a small part of a global network of volunteers who are working together to improve the quality of life for Haitians living and working in the Dominican. And I love introducing Watkinson students, parents, and alumni to the amazing friends we have made there."

RICK GEMME

"The greatest reward I get out of chaperoning the service trip each year is the friendships that come from spending a week living and working outside of everyone's comfort zones.  While in the Dominican Republic, we are more than just chaperones, students, doctors, nurses, and parents.  The bonds we all build working together stay with us even after we disembark the plane in New York City."

DANIELE NESS

"Last year, I watched our students engage in meaningful work to improve the lives of others. As our egos were stripped away, I witnessed our students' growth, empathy, and determination to make a difference at the bateys, medical clinics, and with the translators who supported us on our trip. By the end of the week I was filled with both a profound sense of gratitude for the experience and pride for our students. For our students, this trip reaffirms the value of service and cultural exchange in fostering empathy and understanding across borders." 

BEN BREAULT

"The trip is so impactful and inspiring, for us and for our hosts. It's more than what we are able to bring, all the medications and shoes, the funds we are able to raise and the work we are able to do -- all of which is vital and imperative, of course. But most important are the relationships that we build. It's being present. It's coming back every year. It's seeing the children grow, communities persevering and caring for one another across borders. We get to be a small part of this story, this community. To have this opportunity to serve, to share, and to learn is life-changing for us. I'm filled with gratitude."