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Three Victor students and one Pittsford Mendon student made the most of their summer vacation this year, and more hope to do the same in 2012.
On July 12, Victor juniors Kayla Fries, Laurel Lehman and Olivia DeCarlo, along with Pittsford Mendon senior Ali Nikish, took a tour of France as part of the Normandy Allies Experience. It was a 13-day, hands-on learning adventure as the four joined other students, adults, and families from across the nation — and one W.W.II veteran — to retrace the events of D-Day.
Once again on July 15, 2012, a new group of Normandy Allies will set out on their own life-changing adventure, carrying on an annual tradition that has gone on since 1999.
“The group (last summer) had an amazing educational trip and especially enjoyed spending time with D-Day veteran, Karl Monson,” said Normandy Allies Board member and American history teacher Allan DeCarlo.
“Students stayed with host families in Normandy and visited all the beaches, cemeteries and museums involved in the ‘landing’ — the Normans don’t call it an ‘invasion,’” he said.
This year, DeCarlo’s daughter, Olivia, was able to retrace the steps her dad took about a decade ago on a similar trip with students.
“It is not your typical summer trip to Europe, but instead is a very patriotic experience that perpetuates the memory of Allied accomplishments and sacrifices in World War II,” said Allan DeCarlo.
The Normandy Allies organization is a not for profit educational organization. Many students who take part are able to receive scholarships from the families of W.W.II veterans.
Laurel Lehman, a 2011 participant, summed up what she called “a very moving experience.”
“The motto of the group was ‘n’oublions pas’ which translates as ‘we never forget.’ What I really took away from Normandy and from everyone we were fortunate enough to interact with, was that we really can't take anything for granted, and can't forget the significance of the sacrifice that allowed the freedoms we experience today.”
Olivia DeCarlo echoed Lehman’s sentiment about last summer’s adventure.
“The two weeks I spent visiting France was truly life changing,” said DeCarlo. “Learning in depth about the inside story of D-Day was something I will always remember. The grateful French citizens I met, the stories I heard, and the places I saw will truly help me to never forget the sacrifice that our ancestors gave for our freedom. I highly recommend this trip to any student or adult with a connection to D-Day, or with a passion for American history.”
The deadline to apply for the upcoming July 15-27, 2012, trip is Feb. 15. Students who wish to be considered need to be at least 16 years old, must fill out an application, be in good academic standing, write a short historical essay and submit a letter of recommendation. Applications are available at www.normandyallies.org, or by contacting normandyallies@verizon.net or (585) 748-2357.
Three Victor students and one Pittsford Mendon student made the most of their summer vacation this year, and more hope to do the same in 2012.
On July 12, Victor juniors Kayla Fries, Laurel Lehman and Olivia DeCarlo, along with Pittsford Mendon senior Ali Nikish, took a tour of France as part of the Normandy Allies Experience. It was a 13-day, hands-on learning adventure as the four joined other students, adults, and families from across the nation — and one W.W.II veteran — to retrace the events of D-Day.
Once again on July 15, 2012, a new group of Normandy Allies will set out on their own life-changing adventure, carrying on an annual tradition that has gone on since 1999.
“The group (last summer) had an amazing educational trip and especially enjoyed spending time with D-Day veteran, Karl Monson,” said Normandy Allies Board member and American history teacher Allan DeCarlo.
“Students stayed with host families in Normandy and visited all the beaches, cemeteries and museums involved in the ‘landing’ — the Normans don’t call it an ‘invasion,’” he said.
This year, DeCarlo’s daughter, Olivia, was able to retrace the steps her dad took about a decade ago on a similar trip with students.
“It is not your typical summer trip to Europe, but instead is a very patriotic experience that perpetuates the memory of Allied accomplishments and sacrifices in World War II,” said Allan DeCarlo.
The Normandy Allies organization is a not for profit educational organization. Many students who take part are able to receive scholarships from the families of W.W.II veterans.
Laurel Lehman, a 2011 participant, summed up what she called “a very moving experience.”
“The motto of the group was ‘n’oublions pas’ which translates as ‘we never forget.’ What I really took away from Normandy and from everyone we were fortunate enough to interact with, was that we really can't take anything for granted, and can't forget the significance of the sacrifice that allowed the freedoms we experience today.”
Olivia DeCarlo echoed Lehman’s sentiment about last summer’s adventure.
“The two weeks I spent visiting France was truly life changing,” said DeCarlo. “Learning in depth about the inside story of D-Day was something I will always remember. The grateful French citizens I met, the stories I heard, and the places I saw will truly help me to never forget the sacrifice that our ancestors gave for our freedom. I highly recommend this trip to any student or adult with a connection to D-Day, or with a passion for American history.”
The deadline to apply for the upcoming July 15-27, 2012, trip is Feb. 15. Students who wish to be considered need to be at least 16 years old, must fill out an application, be in good academic standing, write a short historical essay and submit a letter of recommendation. Applications are available at www.normandyallies.org, or by contacting normandyallies@verizon.net or (585) 748-2357.
