Westbury students describe learning and service on Brazil and Peru trips

Westbury High School students and staff told the Board of Education on June 10 that recent international trips to Brazil and Peru combined cultural immersion, service work and curriculum-connected research for participating scholars.

The presentations opened with Superintendent Dr. Chase thanking the community for voting to approve the district budget, which funded international travel. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Secondary Mr. Galavan introduced student presenters and described the district’s goal of “a world class and a global education.”

Student speakers who traveled to Brazil said they observed differences in community life, food production, religious practice and public art. “They really worked for their food,” senior Brian Deschat said about local food practices; another student, Hector Madrid, said Brazilian communities “seem very connected to their African ancestry.” Adviser Alvin Williams and counselor Kyle Bull described service elements the students joined, including oyster gathering and food preparation in a Maroon (Quilombo) village and work that supported local economic activity.

A separate delegation of 14 scholars presented on a nine-day trip to Peru. Dr. James, teacher and trip leader, described students’ research projects and reflections. Student Basile Nadez presented findings on geography and health care access in remote Peruvian regions and said the group observed “clinics that actually traveled to the community and telemedicine.” Senior Carmen Sanchez said the trip highlighted differences in portion sizes and single-use plastic use, and that Peruvian meals were “nutritious meals such as vegetables and soups.” Other scholars described emotional and academic growth, service projects in Oyantambo and family reunions for students with Peruvian relatives.

Several students and advisers emphasized the trips’ curricular connections. Dr. James said students completed required research projects; Kyle Bull described hands-on learning in the Maroon village and how students harvested local food and observed local industry. Students said the experiences fostered “global citizenship” and changed their perspectives in ways they said classroom study alone could not.

Board members and the superintendent praised the students and chaperones. Board President Robert Traiano Jr. thanked chaperones and staff and said the trips could expand in future years. Mr. Galavan said proposals are already under way for travel groups in 2026. The board did not take any formal action related to the trips at the June 10 meeting.

The presentations closed with students distributing small gifts they had brought back and with repeated thanks to the board and community for budget support that made the programs possible.