During the summer of 2023, more than 40 Hoban students and faculty traveled to different parts of Europe. The group traveled abroad for two weeks in June, visiting Nice, Montecarlo, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Sicily and Calabria. The trip would not have been possible without the Hoban Holy Cross educators Tim Lucey, Jodi Sulbaran, Melanie White, and most importantly, Donatella Salvadori. 

With her origins in Rome, Salvadori was able to use her connections to provide this experience once again to the Knights, after a long hiatus due to COVID-19. This being the first trip in many years, there were bound to be bumps in the road. Unfortunately, eight students’ luggage was lost in transit, and they were left with little to nothing. Despite much disbelief, Salvadori recovered most of the belongings, except for one suitcase which was shipped back to the States.

Although this placed a damper on the overall mood in the beginning, it did not stay that way for long. Due to the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19, graduated seniors were allowed to participate. All seventeen of these seniors played a role in helping the trip run smoothly. White shared that the graduates helped with “elevating the maturity level” by being “good role models for the younger kids.” 

Another key concern from this excursion was the overall safety of each individual. Salvadori stated that “[the group was] always on the move, therefore safety was the most important thing during this trip, at all levels.” Despite fears of contracting strange illnesses, the common sniffles and jet lag were the only sicknesses on the trip. 

With all the bases covered, students and staff got to relax and explore the various parts of the world that many can only see through pictures. Waking up every day ready to soak in every second was the mindset of the Knights. 

There was lots of fun throughout the trip and many memories to be made. Speaking the respective languages of each country was not necessary to be fully immersed in the culture.

Senior Madison Curto’s favorite part was watching Hoban students rise against French natives on the sand volleyball court in Nice, France as two cultures came together over a universal sport. Curto suggested that if you choose to go on the trip in the future, between 700 and 800 dollars is a good amount to bring as spending money. Souvenirs are a great way to remember the fantastic memories that were made. 

Senior Fredrick Schultz enjoyed the “overnight ferry from Naples, Italy to Sicily as some of us spent the night on the ferry deck and we woke up early to see the islands and volcanoes.” 

Overall, the Europe trip sounds like an amazing experience for our Hoban family to have had the opportunity to go on. Be on the lookout for whispers regarding the next trip, so that you do not miss out on your chance to experience it too!