Christina Mortimer leads Potts Grove students on transformative Costa Rica trip

In a vibrant gathering at the Pottsgrove School Board meeting on May 13, 2025, the excitement of student experiences took center stage, particularly highlighting a recent trip to Costa Rica that left a lasting impact on participants. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as Christina Mortimer, an eighth-grade learning support teacher, shared the transformative journey that 35 students embarked on during their spring break.

Mortimer, who organized the trip through EF Tours, expressed her gratitude for the support from the school district, noting that the experience had already yielded significant rewards. She recounted the initial concerns of students—ranging from fears about safety and travel logistics to worries about being away from family. However, as the trip unfolded, these anxieties transformed into bonds of friendship and personal growth.

Students like sophomore Lily O'Brien and senior Rawan Musa shared their reflections, emphasizing how the trip reshaped their perspectives. O'Brien noted the importance of seizing opportunities, while others spoke of newfound gratitude and the joy of connecting with peers they had never interacted with before. The trip not only provided thrilling adventures, such as zip-lining through lush canopies and swimming in thermal springs, but also fostered a sense of community among students from different grades and backgrounds.

Mortimer highlighted the diverse activities that enriched the students' experience, including ecological workshops, cultural exchanges, and even a cooking class where they made empanadas. The students returned with memories of swimming under waterfalls and exploring local farms, all while learning about sustainability and cultural practices.

As the meeting concluded, Mortimer announced that interest in future trips remains high, with 45 students already signed up for a journey to Italy next spring. The Costa Rica trip, she concluded, was not just a vacation; it was a catalyst for personal growth and lasting friendships, leaving students eager for more adventures ahead.