, a group of about 20 students traveled to New Orleans to help rebuild two homes in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina in conjugation with .
Instead of relaxing at home or working a part-time job, the students spent the week painting, doing landscaping work and repairing sidewalks.
Even after seven years, junior Steve Lamari was surprised to see how much devastation still remained in New Orleans and called the trip "eye-opening."
"It was very rewarding experience," Lamari said. "I was thankful that we got to go."
Principal Mario J. Almeida, who is one of the main organizers of the trip along with English teacher Dave Fortier, said the group consisted of mostly juniors. However, one student did return for a second trip to New Orleans, which was the intent of the program, according to Almeida.
The trip was also educational as students visited the different wards of the city as well as a World War II museum and several monuments. The students also enjoyed meeting the various residents of New Orleans.
The students had to complete 10 hours of community service before they could be eligible to go to on the trip.
Enjoy reading Patch? Show us some love! Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
