On Tuesday, March 31, close to 100 Norwin High School National Honor Society students traveled to New York City. Students returned from the 3-day trip on Thursday, April 2 with fun memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Students boarded two charter buses, hosted by Elite Coach lines early on Tuesday morning. The drive from Norwin High School to Planet Hollywood restaurant, the students’ first stop, is approximately a five and a half hour drive without accounting for traffic and stops. About halfway through, the buses stopped in Fogelsville, PA for lunch at Cracker Barrel and other various restaurants. Many students indulged in Cracker Barrel lollipops and other delicious cuisine.
Due to a highly dangerous crash involving what the Knight Krier believes to be a fertilizer truck, the student buses were behind schedule when they arrived in New York. Because of this, the students’ Planet Hollywood dinner had to be served family style to allow the group to make it to the Broadway performance of The Outsiders at Jacob’s Theatre.
“I thought that The Outsiders was easily the best musical I have seen so far,” said junior Ava Bobby. “It was so good I CRIED.”
After the show, students arrived to their hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites in North Bergen, NJ.
”It was nice for a hotel in New Jersey,” said junior Brad Pearce. “The beds and bathroom were pretty nice.”
Early in the morning on Wednesday, after breakfast, students departed for a tour of the “most famous arena in the world,” Madison Square Garden. Students got exclusive access to the suite levels of the arena, as well as the New York Knicks and New York Rangers’ locker rooms.
“I thought it was interesting, especially how it’s built upwards and how the actual playing surface is on the fifth layer,” said junior Alex Petrisko.
After their tour of MSG, groups traveled to the Empire State Building and climbed to the top floor to take in the beautiful views of the city.
Once students had taken in the amazing sights from the Empire State Building, they were free to roam the city for roughly an hour and explore whatever they wanted. Many students went around Times Square, some shopped, and others ate great food.
”On the first day, we walked from the Empire State Building to a pizza shop and then to Times Square to shop. I really enjoyed the inclusions of free time as it allowed us to explore the city in personal ways,” said junior Colin Madden.
The groups all reunified at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in Times Square at 2:30 on Wednesday. Madame Tussaud’s features many American and global celebrities immortalized in wax figures, and provided a unique and immersive experience.
”I thought it was really cool, the way they were able to make such realistic characters using only wax,” said Algeri.
After the trip to Madame Tussaud’s, students had more time to shop before their dinner cruise on the Hudson River. On this cruise, there was a dance floor, which many students enjoyed.
“I liked the views and how it offered a closer and more detailed view of NYC,” said junior Cecily Dober. “Everyone got along and crowded around to see the sights.”
The next day, once the cruise docked back at Chelsea Piers, more interesting experiences awaited honor society students.
In the early, brisk morning, students took a solemn visit to the National September 11th Memorial. The memorial consists of two huge reflection pools where the towers once stood.
“I thought the memorial was a great experience. I lost some of my family members in the attacks, so it was incredibly touching,” said junior Aden Torchia.
The groups’ next stop was Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology. This museum is an incredibly unique place, with many diverse and interesting art exhibits. The museum places a focus on technology, creating a bizarre atmosphere.
Students were then released for more time to explore the city. Afterwards1, the groups reconvened at Eataly, an Italian restaurant, to gather together to leave New York. Although short, the trip was an enriching experience for students.
”I think the trip is a great experience for NHS students since the itinerary includes a mix of educational, cultural, and entertainment activities. I think the students really enjoyed the musical and the Empire State Building,” said Norwin’s National Honor Society advisor Paul Amic.
