Memories and Milestones on Merion Mercy’s European Adventure

During Merion Mercy Academy’s spring break, 22 students embarked on a transformative journey through London, Normandy, Paris, and Munich, accompanied by English teacher and department chair Ms. Pat Sack, Spanish teacher and Language department chair Ms. Trish Nowlan, and Social Studies teacher and department chair Ms. Jaclyn Ozzimo.

“In the past, we have offered trips that focused on art and literature and others that explored a specific country's culture and language, but we had not offered a trip that also delved into modern history,” explains Ms. Sack, reflecting on the program's unique itinerary. “We chose this particular trip because it allowed us to include that element, providing students with some understanding of factors that led to World War II, of how the war affected citizens in countries on both sides of the conflict, and of how countries—and the world—changed as a result of the war.”

The adventure began in London, where students explored iconic landmarks such as the National Portrait Gallery, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Churchill War Rooms. An Evensong Service at Westminster Abbey offered a peaceful and memorable end to that first full day in the city.

Crossing the English Channel by ferry, the group arrived in the heart of Normandy to walk in the footsteps of history. They visited Pointe du Hoc, on the cliffs overlooking the Utah and Omaha beach landing sites that had to be scaled by the US Rangers. They also walked on Juno Beach, the site of the Canadian forces landing on D-Day, and visited the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.

Next, they journeyed to Paris, where a local expert guided them through the city’s most renowned monuments, from the soaring Gothic splendor of Notre Dame to Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides and the majestic Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées. After taking in the newly rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral, students enjoyed a taste of Parisian life with free time to shop and savor local delicacies at a traditional café. The day concluded with a serene boat ride along the Seine, offering spectacular views of the City of Light.

From Paris, the group flew to Bavaria’s capital, Munich, where they took in the city's vibrant culture from the seat of a bicycle, a unique and lively way to explore. A poignant full-day excursion to Nuremberg followed, where students visited the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and the Nuremberg Documentation Center, deepening their understanding of World War II's lasting impact.

The journey concluded with a stop in picturesque Salzburg, where students explored iconic sites from The Sound of Music, visited Mozart's Birthplace Museum, and ventured into the historic Hallein Salt Mine.

Sophomore Nicolette Whitehawk captured the spirit of the experience, reflecting:

“I don't think I could imagine a better way to spend my spring break! Not only did I get to see these beautiful countries and learn more about their history, but I also got to spend that time with my Merion sisters, forming lifelong memories and bonds. Hands down, my favorite part of the trip was traversing through Borough Market in London. This trip helped me gain independence and real-world problem-solving skills. It truly put into perspective the scale of World War II and its effects on Europe both physically and socially. I'll forever cherish the memories that I made on this school trip.”

Senior Julia Figge found the trip related to much of what she’s learned at Merion Mercy:

“This was an incredible opportunity as a senior because many of the places we visited connected directly to what I’ve learned in various classes. For example, in my literature classes with Ms. Mattera, I studied Shakespeare’s Globe, but being able to see it in person brought those lessons to life. Experiencing these places firsthand allowed me to truly visualize and appreciate what I’ve been taught. Visiting World War II sites across multiple countries was a deeply impactful experience. In London, we toured Churchill's War Rooms; in France, we visited the beaches of Normandy; and in Germany, we travelled to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Seeing these historic places firsthand gave us a deeper understanding of the global impact of World War II and the true magnitude of its events. One of the most fun experiences I had on the trip was visiting the Salt Mines of Salzburg, Austria. We were able to go on long slides throughout the mines to learn about how the process of mining salt has developed over time.”

And junior Natalia Moraleda wrote:

"While the settings and sites we saw were beautiful, many of the WWII sites carried reminders of the past. It was a compelling experience to learn of the events and horrors that took place in the very places we stood. My favorite part of the trip was our visit to Munich and Salzburg. I especially admired how eco and pedestrian friendly these cities are. The views of the Swiss alps among the stunning architecture were breathtaking. Overall, I loved spending time in every city with my friends, as well as getting to know other people I previously wasn't acquainted with. I can't wait to go back and explore more someday!"

From historic landmarks to cultural immersion, the spring break trip was a profound journey of learning, growth, and sisterhood, leaving each student with a deeper connection to history and the world around them.