On April 29, Fanatics for Language and Culture Club members went on a field trip to Pittsburgh to the Gateway Clipper.
The Gateway Clipper trip is done every year. Students attending had to pay $85 for their transportation and ticket, and they were to report to buses by 1:45 pm.
“I used to take this trip with just the French students, and I opened it up to FLC this year, partially because I need to fill the bus, but also because I think it just provides another opportunity, cultural opportunity for the students that are in FLC,” French teacher and head of the FLC Veronica Skomra said. “That’s kind of why I did it. As far as the spring trip that we dual up with the astronomy club. We usually do something different every year. Sometimes we’ll repeat, if it’s been three or more years, [if it’s] something the students like, [we’ll] go back to [it].”
According to junior Brittney Parks, she enjoyed looking out from the boat.
“I really like nature and like looking at architecture, seeing how things were built,” Parks said. “I also really like seeing graffiti everywhere.”
The Gateway Clipper had many activities for students to participate in.
“Students were able to hear French music as we got on,” Skomra said. “Then they also had the opportunity to hang out around the boat.”
While on the boat, Parks enjoyed her time dancing.
“I had a lot of fun on the dance floor, and it was very rainy, but I liked it,” Parks said. “I had fun dancing in the rain, except my shoes, they’re still drying.”
A trivia contest took place between schools that attended and Altoona ended up winning.
“I felt like it was a really great way to showcase Altoona in general, so that was a good way to promote the lions,” Skomra said.
According to junior Aiden Pacifico, the French cuisine was the best part of the Gateway Clipper trip.
“The pasta was great,” Pacifico said. “[The] eclairs were amazing. They were a bit cold, but apart from that, it was a bit rushed eating and all.”
For students considering joining FLC next year, Skomra would recommend this trip to new members.
“In addition to the field trip that we take in December to the Christkindl market and also our Christmas trip to Pittsburgh, it’s always been a highlight,” Skomra said. “It’s one of the things that the students remember.”
