On April 10th, SHS Italian teacher Louisa D’Amore, Chef Cecily Gans, Assistant Principal Patrick Micinilio, and Social Studies teacher Nell-Ayn Lynch led 24 students on an unforgettable Cuisine and Culture tour through Southern Italy. Over ten days, the group explored ten stunning southern Italian cities—Napoli, Pompei, Sorrento, Benevento, Matera, Bari, Alberobello, Ostuni, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare—while immersing themselves in the region’s rich culinary traditions.

Students participated in hands-on cooking classes, learning to craft authentic Neapolitan pizza, artisanal gelato, and traditional focaccia and pasta. Highlights included visiting a mozzarella di bufala farm (complete with baby buffalo bottle-feeding) and enjoying an olive oil tasting at a local grove.

The most meaningful part of the journey came in Napoli, where students finally met the children of Centro La Tenda, a community organization SHS Italian classes have partnered with since 2016. Through laughter, conversation, and shared experiences, students strengthened bonds and practiced their Italian in heartfelt ways.

From the food to the friendships, this trip was a celebration of culture, connection, and community. Our SHS students were truly remarkable ambassadors for our school!

SHS students meeting the children of Centro la Tenda at Piazza Plebiscito in Napoli.