Students from the Bridgewater-Raritan High School French program had an unforgettable experience during their recent trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on November 14. There, they delved into the world of French art spanning from medieval to modern times.
The excursion, organized by French teacher Ms. Maria Kostis, was designed to immerse students into French art by bringing them to an exhibition. Ms. Adrienne Lutz, another enthusiastic French teacher, was on hand to chaperone the group as well.
The day began with a breakfast in the library where students had the opportunity to talk with their friends and socialize. Madame Kostis and Madame Lutz went over some rules and guidelines for the day before leading the group to the bus. Students across grades were able to participate in the trip.
When the group arrived in Philadelphia, they went to take a group picture on the famous “Rocky” steps near the museum, recreating a scene from the “Rocky” movie. A chance encounter with a group of French tourists who took Bridgewater-Raritan’s group picture turned into an impromptu conversation in French, giving students the opportunity to practice their language skills with native speakers. This was quite the surprise for the students.
Students had a private tour led by a museum tour guide who guided the students through an impressive collection of French masterpieces. Students explored the galleries, engaging with the artwork through questions and thoughtful discussions. They were encouraged to focus on pieces that resonated with them personally, fostering a deeper connection to the art and its cultural significance.
The trip not only enriched the students’ understanding of French art and history but also emphasized the importance of cultural connections. Madame Kostis spoke on how she viewed the trip as a whole.
“It was incredible to see our students so enthusiastic and engaged. They didn’t just observe the art—they interacted with it, and meeting the French tourists made the experience even more meaningful. Meeting the French tourists on the Rocky steps was the icing on the cake,” she said.
“The trip was really fun and I was glad to explore the museum with my friends,” said junior Paritosh Bhole, who attended the trip.
The day ended with plenty of memories and a renewed enthusiasm for French language and culture. Both French students and teachers are already looking forward to their next potential cultural adventure.
