Students Travel to India
In August, a group of Athens Academy students and advisors returned from a two-week trip to India. The group, guided by Dr. and Mrs. Ranjit Mathew, used this trip as an opportunity for a cultural and service exchange. They began their visit by traveling to Pallam, a small fishing village on the coast of the Arabian Sea which had suffered damage during the 2004 tsunami. In Pallam, Academy students learned much about the Indian culture and were also able to help the local school with some of their technology needs. The students have also formed a partnership to help the Indian school open a library. Other highlights of the trip included a chance to meet with Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and a visit to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal.
The Athens Academy students who traveled to India included twelfth graders Hayley Brown, Sharon Covington, Allison O’Rear, Surili Sheth, and Blair Terry; eleventh graders Jarrard Cole and Ellis Tomporowski; tenth grader Jess Marano; and 2006 graduate Ankur Mathew. Their advisors included Dr. and Mrs. Mathew, and Mrs. Sally Harris and her husband, Mr. Ernie Harris.
Photo:
This photo was taken at Kovalam Beach in southern India. The students received a visit from the Maharani Lakshmibai, who is royalty of Kerala, India, as well as Mrs. Usha Jesudasan, an expert on Gandhi.
Front row, left to right: Surili Sheth, Jess Marano, Hayley Brown, Blair Terry, Ellis Tomporowski, Maharani Lakshmibai, Mrs. Rita Mathew, and Mrs. Usha Jesudasan.
Back row, left to right: Jarrard Cole, Allison O’Rear, Sharon Covington, Mrs. Sally Harris, Mr. Ernie Harris, and Ankur Mathew.