High School Corner: Puerto Rico 2023

In January, the High School traveled to Puerto Rico, where students deepened their understanding of the island’s history, economy, and environment. The trip also provided the opportunity for students to experience what they had learned in the classroom in a real world setting, one where they also relied upon planning and interpersonal skills, practiced their Spanish, and enjoyed independence. 

To prepare for the trip, students studied the history of the island from the time of the indigenous people through the Spanish-American War and into the present day, selecting individual research topics including: 

• Taino mythology and petroglyphs
• Independence activism in Puerto Rico (during the Spanish and U.S. periods)
• PROMESA and US responses to Puerto Rico
• Puerto Rican dance, art, and food
• Paleontology in Puerto Rico
• The evolution of astronomy in Puerto Rico 

They also looked into Puerto Rico’s current political situation—particularly questions about the island’s future status as a commonwealth, state, or independent country. After their return, students captured memories and reflections by creating vlogs, blogs, and persuasive essays taking a position on Puerto Rico’s political future. The following are a sampling of works the students have chosen to share: