West Orange High School Students Take Spring Break Trip To Italy

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School juniors, seniors, and members of the Italian Club enjoyed "la dolce vita" during spring break with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy.

Teacher and Italian club advisor, Rosanna Zamloot and chaperones Anna Maria Grammatica (Italian teacher - RMS), Carlo Felici (Italian teacher - LMS), and Supervisor of World Languages and ESL Felix Plata accompanied students in a truly immersive exploration of Italian culture from April 11-20.

The first stop was Borgo San Lorenzo, a picturesque town just outside Florence.

"The students were welcomed with open arms at Giotto Ulivi Scientific High School, an institution we have held bi-monthly virtual classes with for the past three years," began Ms. Zamloot.

"Meeting their Italian peers in person for the first time was a touching and exciting experience for everyone involved."

The students were warmly received by Professors Emanuela Agasisti and Elisa Mei, along with Vice Principal Paolo Cinelli. They organized a rich and engaging visit. Although the school’s principal, Marco Menicatti, was away in Finland at the time, the warmth and enthusiasm of the Giotto Ulivi staff made students and faculty feel right at home.

"The visit included a gourmet luncheon featuring regional Tuscan specialties, a beautiful student-led presentation, and an in-depth tour of the school and its unique academic programs. Students shared stories, laughs, and cultural insights, bridging continents through shared curiosity and friendship," said Zamloot.

After departing Borgo San Lorenzo, the group traveled through the Renaissance city of Florence, marveling at iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. The students had hands-on culinary experience at a culinary institute in Florence. They learned how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch and cooked a traditional polpettone (Italian-style meatloaf), discovering the joy of Italian cooking. In San Gimignano, they experienced the charm of the Tuscan countryside with a visit to a local agriturismo, sampling farm-fresh products and learning about Italy’s deep-rooted agricultural traditions.

Their journey continued to the Eternal City of Rome, where history came alive. Students explored the mighty Colosseum, strolled the Spanish Steps, tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, and stood in awe inside the Pantheon and the Vatican City. Along the way, they indulged in Italy’s famed gelato and soaked in the vibrant energy of Roman life.

"One of the most impactful stops was Pompeii," noted Zamloot, "where walking through the remarkably preserved ancient ruins felt like stepping back in time."

The trip concluded in Sorrento and the island of Capri, two jewels of the Amalfi Coast. In Sorrento, students had the unique opportunity to learn the tarantella, a lively and traditional southern Italian folk dance. Students were captivated by the breathtaking views, the amazing pizza, the welcoming locals, and the magical evenings spent in lively piazzas filled with music and the spirit of la dolce vita.

"From bonding with Italian classmates to exploring world-renowned sites, every day of the trip offered something new and inspiring. It was a journey of discovery—not just of a country, but of culture, language, and connection," explained Zamloot.

"The memories made on this trip will last a lifetime, and many students returned home with a deeper appreciation for the Italian language and way of life—and perhaps dreams of returning someday," she concluded.

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