By Crystal Reith MCC students recently had the opportunity to experience history and culture during an educational trip to Greece.
April Johnson, MCC business, technology, careers and child development teacher and Culture Club advisor, led the trip as a group leader and chaperone.
“The main purpose of this trip was to bring history and culture to life for the students,” said Johnson. “Instead of just reading about ancient Greece in a classroom, they were able to step right into the places where it all happened, experience a different culture firsthand, and gain some real-world independence along the way.”
The group traveled with EF Educational Tours from July 23 through August 1. In addition to Johnson, participants included MCC paraprofessional Skylar Brown; Alexandra Schuur, a senior; Tyler Reith, a junior; and Gabbi Patch, a senior. The travelers joined three other student groups during the trip, giving the students opportunities to meet new people and form friendships.
Johnson took over as Culture Club advisor in 2011 and led her first trip to Greece in 2012. The 2026 trip marked her fourth time taking a group to Greece.
“Getting to travel gives you experiences that a classroom can’t provide,” said Johnson. “It pushes you a little outside your comfort zone, but in the best way possible.”
The trip itinerary included historic monuments, museums and landmarks throughout Greece. The group visited the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum in Athens, the historic Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, the ancient ruins of Dion, the Archaeological Museum of Pella and the Museum of Royal Tombs.
Students also explored the rock formations and clifftop monasteries of Meteora, visited two beaches and a traditional stone village, and traveled to the top of Mount Olympus.
The trip provided opportunities for students to experience Greek culture firsthand. In Thessaloniki, they participated in a hands-on Greek cooking class, where they learned traditional Mediterranean cooking techniques. The group concluded the trip with a Greek evening featuring traditional food, music, dancing and plate smashing.
Johnson hopes participants came home with a bigger view of the world and a spark for travel.
“Beyond the cool history and views, trips like this build confidence, adaptability and empathy,” she said. “Learning how to navigate a new place and step outside your comfort zone together is something that stays with you forever.”
Johnson believes international travel can be especially valuable for high school students as they develop independence and consider their futures.
“Seeing the world firsthand helps students grow up, gain real-world independence, and realize just how connected we all are,” she said.
The Culture Club participants are thankful for support from area organizations that helped with fundraising or donated towards this experience.
“Thanks to Culligan, Pizza Ranch, Currie Town and Country, KDL Insurance, Ezra Barrows Post 338, Slayton Firemen, Slayton Women of Today, Murrayland Agency and Realty, Monogram Meats, Kwik Trip and parents of travelers,” she said. “A huge shoutout to our awesome Tour Director, Georgia Tsigkopoulou, and EF Educational Tours for making the whole journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable from start to finish!”
Johnson also noted how proud she was of the MCC group.
“They were curious, respectful and so much fun to travel with,” she said.
Johnson encourages students to consider joining a future Culture Club trip.
“The memories, friendships and crazy cool stories you come back with are 100% worth it,” she said. “Seeing places like the Acropolis in person is something you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life.”
