From Arizona to Aruba: Here’s Where these Cougars Prowled on Summer Break

Students anticipate summer break like no other event throughout the year. Families get the chance to escape the worries of home, packing their bags and traveling to the exotic destination of their dreams. For these students, there will forever remain more than just a faded memory of the events that occurred. Their 2023 vacation holds something more than just that—something that each will never soon forget.

Luke Danser ‘27 - Arizona, Utah, Nevada

Staying within the nation’s borders, Luke traveled west, where red rocks, cowboys, and snakes reign. The trip commenced in the heart of Arizona, deep within the walls of America’s second most-visited national park, The Grand Canyon. Once there, a 5 AM wake-up call kicked off a three-mile hike that left Luke and his family with stunning views of the pink Arizona sunrise. After a two-and-a-half hour trek north to The Glen Canyon Dam Recreation Area, Luke rafted down the mighty Colorado River. The rest of the trip was nothing less than spectacular—stops included Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, Las Vegas, and Sedona, Arizona.

Danser Family at the Grand Canyon

Bryce Canyon proved to be a memorable spot. Luke said it was one of his favorites, “the stars at night were really cool.” Luke’s vacation serves as an important reminder: America has much more to offer than one may think.

Coleman Lankford ‘26 - Aruba

While Luke gazed at the gorgeous scenery of the States, sophomore Coleman Lankford explored the beautiful Caribbean Sea, on the island of Aruba. In the five days he spent just north of the Venezuelan coast, Coleman enjoyed a variety of activities, including tubing, snorkeling, and golf, and savored the tastes of fresh-caught seafood. Looking back, Coleman remembers the turquoise water. “You know those pictures you see online of the Caribbean? It looked like that. You could see the bottom.” For those looking to feel the sand between their toes and bask in the hot sun in an upcoming vacation, Aruba is the

The Beaches of Aruba by Coleman Lankford

perfect place. Coleman gives a few suggestions for potential visitors. “Snorkeling is a must-do. You have to try the local cuisine—the lobster there is the best in the world.” Adventure knows no limits on this exotic Spanish island.

Carla Perez-Grovas ‘26 - Scrumptious Slice of Europe

In three weeks, Carla explored Spain, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. Along the way, Carla checked many of the world’s most famous attractions off her list. In Rome, she explored the rich history of the Colosseum, then pivoted north to snap some pictures with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Eiffel Tower highlighted her stay in France, and the House of Anne Frank capped off a lengthy trip in Amsterdam.

Roman Colosseum by Carla Perez Grovas

What made the journey worth it, however, was the food. “I had a lot of spaghetti bolognese,” said Carla. She also praised the authentic Italian pizza. However, it was the small town of Toledo, Spain, that stole her heart. “Definitely go to Toledo—there’s almost no crowds and you can enjoy the mountain views” suggests Carla. From vast countryside to cities teeming with tourists, Europe offers something for everyone—even for the avid bolognese-lovers among us.

Olivia Tresino ‘24 - Spain

Olivia explored the mountains of Spain and the waters of the Mediterranean through a program called Apogee along with 12 other teens from across the country. During the first three nights of the adventure, they navigated the Mediterranean Sea. “We would kayak 10 miles, find a beach, eat lunch, and kayak back.” When their aquatic adventures lost their luster, it was on to hiking. For the next week and a half, Olivia powered through smaller mountain ranges and the Spanish Pyrenees. “We followed really old train tracks that were used back in the 1800s to bring up rocks and make paths in the Pyrenees. It was really cool,” said Olivia about her favorite hike, one which spanned 10 miles, a distance the group became accustomed to. The memories Olivia formed will remain unforgettable compared to the rest of life’s fuzzy moments. In the presence of the magnificent Spanish scene, Olivia lived in the moment. And she did it all in the absence of a certain “essential” tool: her phone. “We were having so much fun that I didn’t think about it,” recalled Olivia.

Olivia's hike in the Pyrenees