KHS students experience Europe

History, culture and classical music. Six Kimball High School students experienced that as they traveled central Europe from June 7-18 with Education First Tours.

Though the trip was not school-sponsored, it was made available to students through the high school.

The students, Spencer Shields, Jordyn McDowall, Grant Golding, Ben Tussing, Natasha Selves and Nicholas Thomas-Lewis, were accompanied by teacher Jennifer Dillinger.

In 12 days the students, who partnered with other student groups, traveled to eight different countries with stops in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Krakow.

"The students learned a lot and had a great time," Dillinger said.

"It was an incredible experience, traveling to Europe. Sometimes I would look at these places, and it was like it wasn't real. If you ever have the chance to go, I say go for it," Thomas-Lewis said.

This is the second trip that KHS students have taken. In 2013, teacher Erin Aerni organized a trip.

Students experienced a classical music concert in Vienna and were immersed in the rich history of World War II-era Europe.

"While we were traveling, we learned a lot of history about the various cities that we visited. Since we were in central Europe, there was obviously a lot of information about World War II and the Holocaust," Dillinger said. "We visited Auschwitz/Birkenau, which I think was very moving for the kids. I know it was for me. Another perk was simply experiencing the culture of each country."

Dillinger said that another EF Tour is being planned for KHS students for 2017.