8th Grade Students Visit Rome, Italy

Eight LCA 8th graders traveled to Rome, Italy along with Mr. Coleman Marshall, 6th-8th Grade Principal, Mrs. Lea Clarke, Junior High Teacher, and parent chaperones during the week of October 2-9, 2021. The group participated in the Global Next Training Course, “The Leadership Paradox – Leading in Unexpected and Extraordinary Ways.” Throughout the week, the students talked about the definition of leadership and their leadership styles. From the power of choices to understanding how to lead the world's most difficult people, they were challenged to change the way they think about leadership.

When asked why she wanted to go on this trip, Averie Tindall, 8th grade student, said, "I had never really traveled anywhere other than the states around Kentucky, so this sounded like such a cool opportunity. I was definitely not going to turn down a chance to go to Rome!"

Shortly after arriving in Rome, the group headed into the city and visited the Piazza del Popolo to get a breathtaking view of the city. Then it was on to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

The Trevi Fountain was a favorite spot for Emma Lisanby, 8th grade student. She said, "It was spectacular to think that someone could build it all by hand. It was just a gift that God gave to someone, and it was made into a masterpiece of art work."

Lila Trimble, 8th grade student, agreed that the Trevi Fountain was one of her favorite sites too. She said she'd seen it on television, but she never thought she would see it in person.

The student's leadership training began on the third day, and then the group enjoyed a full day of viewing incredible sites. They visited the 2,000-year-old Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus, and the ancient Roman Forum (the home of the republican form of government.) They also visited the Pantheon, the former pagan temple and one of Rome’s oldest buildings.

Harrison Samford, 8th grade student, said the Colosseum was his favorite place they visited. He added, "It's a place you hear so much about, and when you go there, it's even better than what you've heard."

It was a rainy start to day four, and Mr. Marshall said the group got soaked on the way to Vatican City, but no one seemed to mind. The group traveled to Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and Piazza Navona. Speaking about the sites, Mr. Marshall said, "Every location today brought some sort of awe and wonder to us. Several of us were able to pray in a chapel in St. Peter's Basilica, and that was an experience I will always remember."

St. Peter's Basilica was a favorite place for students Sophia Reynolds and Averie Tindall. Sophia said it was truly incredible to see such a beautiful building, and nothing she has seen before even compares to how amazing it is. Averie noted the architecture was unbelievable and that all the gold and jewels were just stunning.

 

The week's events also included a tour of the Roman Catacombs. Because the early Christians didn’t want to burn the dead like the pagans did, they created these underground cemeteries. The group saw lots of original Christian art and symbols in this place where Christians laid their dead and sometimes hid from persecution.

"The catacombs were deeply moving - a testament to a heritage of faith that has been passed down from one generation to another for nearly two millennia. Before there were churches and denominations there were only Believers - and all who profess their faith in Christ share in the sacred and holy heritage of this site," said David Samford, one of the parent chaperones.

 

 

The group's last day in Rome began with finishing their leadership training course. Then the students conducted interviews with people about life during the COVID pandemic. They analyzed the information and then ended the day debriefing and wrapping up their final lessons.

Harrison Samford said most of the Italians he interviewed think the pandemic has been used by the government to take away their freedom, but a few thought it was good and kept them safe. Averie Tindall felt the Italians had a similar view of Americans that not being able to be with other people during the lockdown and the effect on the economy were the biggest struggles for the country.

Annalise Randles, 8th grade student, reflected on the leadership aspect of the trip and said, "Leadership is not just one person ordering a group of people around, but it is being able to work as a team and use your strengths. We learned about the four different styles of leadership and examples from the Bible and in today's world. We are encouraged to use our influence on things that matter."

Madeleine Eubank, 8th grade student, said the trip was an amazing opportunity for her to learn leadership skills and how to be a young Christian leader in our world today. She added that the trip also deepened her faith and said, "It was a reminder that faith is intentional - a choice you make every day to deepen your connection with God. It's not something that just happens or that will grow on its own once you invite Jesus into your heart, it's a daily choice."