SOURCE: The Mirror | September 18, 2024 by
The new school year is upon us. Our unique lifestyle at school undergoes constant changes throughout the year, but Northwood doesn’t just look to change things; the community also looks to make additions. Some notable additions this year are the LEAP program’s two newest offerings.
Nagano is called a “powder paradise.” Photo: http://www.go-nagano.net.
LEAP is a one-of-a-kind program in which students get to experience going somewhere in the world or learning a new skill. LEAP offerings stay mostly the same, with many courses being around for years. There are, however, usually one or two unique course offerings that change every year. This year, those two new options are a skiing and cultural trip to Japan, designed by senior Gus Garvey ‘25; and a trip to Uganda where students will walk with gorillas.
The first of the two new courses is a trip to Japan, where students will get to ski while experiencing Japanese culture. What makes this LEAP so interesting is that it was designed by a student—senior Gus Garvey. Last year, Gus decided to create this course as his PEAK Pathway. PEAK Pathways is a year-long project where students learn about topics they are passionate about, then build a project around those interests. Gus had a passion for creating this trip as he is of Japanese descent and loves skiing. He shared, “This LEAP will be half skiing, half cultural. Students will get to experience Japanese culture from a variety of different perspectives—from the slopes of rural Nagano to the bustling melting pot of Tokyo.” He also shared his excitement to educate his fellow students as part of the trip: “In addition to having an excuse to go to one of my favorite places on earth, I also hope to provide valuable insight and guidance to the rest of the group due to my experience there.”
The second new LEAP is a trip to Uganda. This is possible because of an alumni connection with Lawrence (’93) and Ndhego Zikusoka ‘24. Lawrence Zikusoka’s wife, Gladys, is a world-renowned health and research expert in Uganda. Northwood decided to use this connection and transform it into an opportunity. This LEAP will be led by Ms. Fagan and Mr. Spear.
“We’re going to fly to Entebbe, a city in Uganda. And then, we are going to drive halfway across the country to spend a night in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we will go on a game drive and meet employees of Dr Gladys’s non-profit health organization,” Fagan said. This trip will focus on discovering the relationship between humans and apes; specifically, how viruses can be transmitted from humans to apes and vice versa. “We will also have a day where we trek in the jungle and follow a troop of gorillas. This is something that you need a permit for, so it’s a really cool and unique opportunity,” said Ms. Fagan.
Students will begin signing up for LEAP courses in the coming weeks.