Students raise money for trip to Italy

Photo by Tom Rivers – A group of Albion students pose for a photo after a golf tournament Sunday to help them raise money to go on a trip to Italy this spring. About 25 students in the Latin program at Albion are planning to attend the trip. Some of the group includes, from left: Katie Rustay, Bella Prest, Jacob Squicciarini, Drake Arnold, Savanah Wirth, Shelby Restivo and Skyler Smith.

ALBION – When Albion Latin teacher Irene Henion announced last school year she was working on a trip for Latin students to go see Italy, many students and their parents saw the trip as a rare chance for the students to see another side of the world.

Henion tries to take students to Italy once every four years. The trips, including spending money, total about $4,000 per student.

A team of Albion parents and their children have formed a fund-raising group, which has planned several events in recent months. On Sunday, they organized a golf tournament at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Holley.

“It’s the chance of a lifetime for our kids,” said Steve Smith, father of Skyler.

The group has had a yard sale and a booth at the Strawberry Festival. Students also have been serving as hosts at the Cabaret at Studio B at Gotta Dance by Miss Amy. More fund-raisers are in the works.

Currently 27 students are planning on attending the trip, which will feature Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Venice and other spots in Italy and ancient Rome.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Stephanie Rustay, whose daughter Katie is Italy-bound. “Every opportunity she can have I want her to take it.”