Next spring, select members of Shadow Ridge High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) will embark on a nine-day service and cultural immersion trip to Peru. While the cost of the trip may seem steep to some, many believe the experience will be more than worth it.
“This will be a great trip! A great opportunity for a scholarship too,” said Brian Poynter, a loving parent to the National Honor Society President.
For these students, this is not just a vacation, it’s an opportunity to make a real difference while gaining a global perspective.
The journey will begin in Lima, Peru’s capital, where students will explore the city’s historical heart. Highlights include guided tours of the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, and the impressive Lima Cathedral. This immersive experience will set the stage for a deeper understanding of the country’s rich colonial and indigenous history.
From Lima, the group will travel to Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, regions steeped in the legacy of the Inca Empire. Here, students will connect with local communities and learn how they preserve their traditions, history, and art. One of the most anticipated stops is Machu Picchu, the famed Incan citadel nestled high in the Andes Mountains. Students will hike through stunning scenery and marvel at the archaeological wonders left behind by one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations.
But the trip isn’t just about sightseeing. Over the course of two days, students will participate in meaningful community service projects in the Sacred Valley.
“In the info. video, they showed the local women making textiles. It was very cool,” stated Poynter.
These projects are designed to support economic sustainability, enhance local agriculture, and improve access to education. NHS members will work side by side with residents, gaining first hand insight into the challenges rural communities face, and the innovative ways they are working to overcome them.
Not only will students see one of the most beautiful places in the world, but they’ll also have the opportunity to give back in a way that’s tangible and lasting. This trip is about becoming global citizens.
“My dad wants me to go to Peru and I talked with my mom and she was also interested,” stated Dana Marchenko, a sophomore attending Shadow Ridge, and a member of the National Honor Society.
The final days of the trip will include visits to Ollantaytambo and Pisac, where students will further explore Incan ruins and bustling local markets before returning to Cuzco and then flying home.
For many, this trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends education, service, and adventure. As these students prepare to represent Shadow Ridge abroad, they carry with them the values of leadership, scholarship, service, and character. All of which are principles that define the National Honor Society and the mission of this unforgettable journey.
