By Fiona Horning Student Traveler
From the vibrant blue shores of the northwest coast to the forested mountains of La Vega, The Dominican Republic contains so much to explore. Eighteen ROCORI students and three teacher chaperones visited the DR for a week in June to experience the culture and practice their Spanish-speaking skills.
Their trip began the evening they landed in Santo Domingo, the capital, where they stayed for one night and did a walking tour the next day. They then traveled to Jarabacoa, located near a river nestled between the Central Mountain Range. The group spent two nights there and went white water rafting. On their way to the city of Santiago, the students attended a pottery class and visited a private cultural museum. In the city, they toured a neighborhood and saw an example of clothing and dance that might be seen during Carnival. The next few days were packed with activities such as ju-jitsu, dance lessons, and zip lining. The final full day was spent on a beach that included snorkeling. After a few flight delays, the group arrived back in Minnesota, tired but fulfilled.
This incredible trip would not have been possible, without their amazing EF tour guide, their driver, and the ROCORI chaperones. Finally, a special thank to both the Cold Spring and Richmond Lions who generously donated funds to this trip. The next Spanish trip will take place in June of 2028 (place TBD). Students will be introduced to the location and begin signing up this November/December 2026.
Student Travelers were Hunter and Quinn Bartz, Aubrey Berger, Heidi and Megan Bohnsack, Jenna Braegelmann, Fiona Horning, Clara Hoyt, Sophia Ludwig, Allie McDougall, Briana Mendoza Lopez, Grayson O’Neal, Shayne Schreifels, Avery Scott, Regan Trisko, Isaac Voigt, Raegan Walklin, and Ella Weber. Chaperones on the trip included Kim Horning, Jess Rennecke and Derek Sauer.
