As the school year kicks off, the ‘Rock Report Staff took a moment to reflect on how they spent their summer. From concerts to beach days to well-earned rest, here’s what the members did during their time away from campus to keep them busy and inspired.

Before the end of the last school year, a poll on the Rock Report website revealed that students could not wait to spend their summer hanging out with friends, going on vacations, and, of course, catching up on much-needed sleep. As summer came to an end, we caught up with several staff members to hear about their memorable adventures.

Ireland seemed to be a popular destination for our staff members this summer, with two of them choosing to travel there. Mike Kirby, a freelancing journalist, was one of them. “My favorite experiences were the views, making friends, singing, good living, and laughing.” Liana Caldera, a sophomore at Bishop Feehan High School, also made the trip to Ireland. Caldera’s visit focused on exploring the landscapes and natural beauty that the country offers. Whether exploring ancient castles or walking through the city, it was a trip that left a lasting impression. Not only was Ireland a popular destination, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Caldera stated in awe.

For Laura Doliber, a guidance counselor at Bishop Feehan and the moderator of The ‘Rock Report, summer meant a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect with nature; Doliber went on a safari in Tanzania, where she explored the Serengeti and got up close to so many animals. Ms. Doliber’s personal favorites were the baby elephants she was able to meet on her trip.

Several staff members chose to stay stateside but still had unforgettable experiences. Navya Agrawal from the class of 2028 traveled to Philadelphia with her best friend, where they visited the University of Pennsylvania and the famous Hershey Chocolate Factory. “The sweet smell of the chocolate will forever be my favorite,” Agrawal said.

Others enjoyed the beach life a little closer to home. Luci Fabiano, class of 2029, spent the summer catching waves and making memories. Fabiano surfed a bunch with her friends, certainly enjoying her break. Others gave back to their community, such as Julia McLaughlin, class of 2026, who worked at a summer camp. Anthony Pavlovich, class of 2029, spent time vacationing on Cape Cod and Lake Winnipesaukee, and went to mass over at St. Anthony’s Parish.

No matter how far they traveled or how close to home they stayed, each staff member found a unique way to make the most of their time off, ensuring that they were not only able to enjoy themselves but also volunteer and give back. As the ‘Rock Report kicks off another year, the team is ready to take on what is next. Whether the summer was spent traveling, working, or just enjoying time with the people they love, each experience offered a chance to recharge before diving into another year of writing, reporting, and creating.