Twenty-five sophomores from St. John’s Preparatory H.S., Astoria, accompanied by faculty chaperones ventured to the Boston area to explore its sights and delve into its rich history.

Students were able to partake in various activities including: a guided tour of Boston, a visit to the renowned JFK Library, and an excursion to the Salem Witch Museum.

“We had two amazing tour guides that shared with us the ins and outs of the Freedom Trail, the Old North Church, and Bunker Hill,” said Michael Matthews, a faculty chaperone. “The father of one particular guide was a classmate of JFK, so he was able to pepper our tours with all sorts of insights and anecdotes. We particularly enjoyed climbing to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument – all 292 steps!”

The students’ visit to Salem concluded with a ghostly tour of Salem at nighttime.

Luigi Ragusa, sophomore, called the trip an “historic adventure through colonial America.”

“The JFK Library is beautifully build,” she said. “It has spectacular views of the water and the library’s architecture truly reflects JFK’s love of the sea.”

“There was so much to do and see,” said Lauren Martinez, sophomore. “Salem was so interesting because we learned about more than just witchcraft but the existence of prejudice and intolerance in early America, too.

“It was a wonderful experience and we made a lot of memories,” she said.