While many students spent spring break relaxing or enjoying vacation with family, a group of Biddeford High School (BHS) students traveled halfway across the world to Thailand, where they planted gardens, supported food sustainability efforts, cared for elephants, and immersed themselves in hands-on service learning experiences designed to make a lasting impact on local communities.
Ten Biddeford High School students participated in the Culture and Service trip organized through the BHS Sustainability Club and the Science Department, combining cultural exploration with meaningful service projects through partnerships with WorldWise Edventures and EF Tours. Students participating in the trip included: Braeden Enman (11th), Beth LaRoche (11th), Constanza Ruiz-Rodriguez (11th), Jillian DesRoberts (11th), Maxwell House (11th), Kaydance Mckenzie (11th), Mykah Brand (12th), Katarina De La Torre (12th), Sabrina Wood (12th), and Jacqueline Dallaire (12th).
Throughout the trip, students participated in a variety of sustainability-focused service projects designed to support local communities while deepening their understanding of environmental stewardship and global citizenship. In Chiang Mai, BHS students worked alongside local students to create more than 1,000 mushroom grow bags that will help combat food insecurity in rural communities. Each bag is capable of producing approximately 30 kilograms of food monthly for up to five months, helping provide nourishment for local students and families while also generating additional income for schools through local market sales. Students also assisted in community gardens by planting dragon fruit, lettuce, squash, and chili peppers, learning firsthand about sustainable agriculture practices and the role food systems play in supporting communities.
The educational experience extended beyond the classroom as students visited an ethical elephant sanctuary, where they harvested sugar cane, prepared fiber medicine balls to support elephant digestion, and learned about responsible ecotourism practices. At the PooPoo Paper Park, an eco-friendly outdoor museum, students explored innovative recycling methods that transform elephant waste into paper products, reducing the need for tree harvesting and promoting sustainable resource use.
“This trip reflects the powerful connection between academics and authentic, real-world learning experiences,” said Martha Murray, principal of Biddeford High School. “Our students were able to apply concepts from science, sustainability, environmental studies, and global citizenship in meaningful ways while developing problem-solving, collaboration, and cultural understanding skills that simply cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. These are the kinds of experiences that help students grow not only academically, but personally as compassionate and informed global citizens.”
According to BHS Science Teacher, Cassidy Baranowski, the experience reflects the mission of the BHS Sustainability Club, which encourages students to think critically about environmental issues while finding meaningful ways to create positive change both locally and globally.
“The Sustainability Club is about empowering students to become thoughtful leaders who understand the connection between people, communities, and the environment,” said Baranowski. “This trip gave students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, experience another culture firsthand, and see how sustainability efforts can directly improve lives. Watching our students engage so fully in the service work and build genuine relationships with the communities we visited was incredibly meaningful.”
The trip also fostered cultural exchange and relationship-building between students and the communities they served. Through shared experiences and collaborative projects, students gained a deeper appreciation for sustainability, service, and the importance of mutual understanding across cultures.
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