Travel un-graded

What if your one chance to explore the world with Mercersburg comes... at the wrong time? That’s the reality for many sophomores and seniors at our school. While everyone will be in eleventh grade at some point, students who are otherwise eligible and eager cannot participate in the summer global travel programs simply because they are not juniors.

Travel programs are probably one of the most exciting and mission-aligned opportunities Mercersburg Academy offers. Whether it’s studying classics in Sicily, learning about marine life in the Bahamas, or having the time of your life whale-watching in Monterey Bay, travel opportunities provide students with the hands-on, worldview-expanding education that most people only dream about. However, Mercersburg’s summer programs are currently open only to juniors. The logic behind that decision may seem reasonable, but the policy could benefit from more flexibility.

While permitting students to go on multiple trips would be impractical, a middle ground to provide flexibility is possible: allowing sophomores and seniors to apply but keeping the “one trip per student” rule. That way, the school would not face overburdening financial strains, the experience could remain exclusive and meaningful, and more students could find the right window in their Mercersburg career to participate.

After all, not every student’s timeline looks the same. As juniors, some may have full summer schedules, family obligations, or financial reasons that make travel impossible in that specific year. Others may only come to Mercersburg as seniors, missing earlier chances. If travel ought to be rare and rewarding, why limit an opportunity so memorable and impactful?

The idea that sophomores are “too young” doesn’t hold up. Many are already 16, meeting the age requirement for Flock travel grants; they could go through the same application process, write the essays under the same prompt, and receive the same pre-trip guidance as juniors do. Maturity, although rational in this way, should not be bound rigidly to grade level, and in fact, younger students may have even more time post-trip to bring their experiences back to campus and apply them in school life.

And as for seniors, it’s possible to grow into this kind of opportunity later in their high school journey. Just because they missed the trip in 11th grade doesn’t mean they’re less deserving in 12th. In fact, seniors who have already navigated college apps and upper-level coursework may approach the experience with deeper reflection and appreciation than some juniors. Additionally, including multiple grades would better reflect the real world, where people work and collaborate across age groups and experiences. 

While the program may provide 11th graders more opportunities and incentives to bond within their class, including sophomores and seniors wouldn't take away from that. Instead, it would open the door to more inter-grade connections, something just as valuable. One of Mercersburg Academy’s core strengths is our tight-knit and diverse community, so why shouldn’t we incorporate it into the travel experience?

I believe in the value of these programs. I believe they create global citizens and challenge students in ways classrooms don’t. But, I also believe they should be more accessible, not just by virtue of financial aid or application but by eligibility. Yes, just one summer trip per student – but let’s give more students the chance to make it count on their timetable.