This summer, 42 students will embark on a journey to Greece, exploring historic landmarks, lively cities, and stunning cultural sites. The following summer, students have a chance to see the best Ireland has to offer. While the trips are not affiliated with Lincoln High School, they are being led LHS teachers. English teacher Mrs. Pavao, who aims to allow students to delve into Greece’s rich history and create lifelong memories with friends, will head the Greece trip, and business teacher Mrs. Murray will lead the Ireland trip.
Seven chaperones will join the Pavao on the Greece trip, including Murray and fellow LHS teachers Mr. Yip, Ms. Swanson, and Mr. Morgan. The trip will last nine days and will include visits to monuments like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, The Temple of Apollo, and more. There will also be a Plaka Treasure Hunt and a full day Saronic Gulf Cruise.
“I’m really excited to be going on this trip,” said Ashman, a sophomore in LHS who is going on the trip. “One of the things I’m most excited about would definitely be learning about all the Greek culture. The Greek pantheon is one of the best-recorded pantheons of gods, and I’m really excited to see all of that around me in Greece.”
The idea for the trip emerged when students noticed an old photo from a previous trip in which Mrs. and Mr. Pavao took 16 LHS students to Italy.
“They asked if I’d be willing to run a trip, and the idea was born!” Mrs. Pavao said. “I picked Greece because I have always wanted to go, and those students also agreed that it would be fun to go there.”
The trip will showcase aspects of Greek mythology and provide a hands-on learning experience to deepen students’ understanding of historical concepts. Throughout this trip, Pavao hopes students will grasp new and interesting information while gaining fresh insights that will shape how they view the world around them.
“I hope that students gain a better worldview and a new perspective through this experience,” she said. “I remember my first time traveling outside of the United States, when I was a sophomore in college and I went to visit a friend in France, and it was a very important and exciting experience for me. I’m glad that I can offer this opportunity to my students!”
Best of Ireland 2026
The adventures will continue the following summer on the trip to Ireland. Murray was inspired to do the Ireland trip by her connection to the Irish and her longing to visit Ireland’s landscapes.
“I have always wanted to experience the Emerald Isle and see for myself the lush landscapes, vast farmlands and listen to the raging oceans,” said Murray. “I envision sitting in a local pub listening to the locals speak their lilting Irish brogue and passing on stories of old. Céad míle fáilte is one of the most common expressions used around the world and means ‘a hundred thousand welcomes.’ People in Ireland are proud of the welcome they give to visitors and I want to be on the receiving end of that pride in their culture.”
Students attending the trip to Ireland will participate in a nine-day once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore areas like Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, The Irish Emigration Museum, Blarney Castle, and more.
Mrs. Murray hopes those attending this trip will experience different cultures and become more open-minded to other ways of life. This trip to Ireland will open students’ eyes to a new perspective and allow them a hands-on experience of new locations.
These trips to Greece and Ireland represent more than just a chance to explore new destinations; they’re an opportunity for students to challenge themselves and make memories that will last a lifetime. With the support of Pavao and Murray, students will embark on an adventure that will shape their understanding of the world and leave a lasting impact on their lives.