Gowanda seniors Calie Hudson, left, and Autumn Pupo, right, presented the 2024 Senior Class Trip plans to the Board of Education at a recent meeting.

GOWANDA — Autumn Pupo took the position of student member on the Gowanda Board of Education to provide representation of a voice for the student body. At a recent meeting, Pupo stood up from her seat and addressed the board with her senior classmate, Calie Hudson, to speak on a topic the board has discussed at length in the past: Gowanda’s Senior Class Trip.

After weeks of discussion, including a visit from multiple seniors to speak on the topic at a previous Board meeting, a trip to New York City is set for the weekend of April 26-28, 2024. The three-day, two-night trip would be planned and organized by Travelogs International, with round-trip bus transportation from Gowanda to New York City.

On Day 1 of the trip, students will explore Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, along with a visit to the observation level of the Empire State Building. On Day 2, students will be sightseeing in midtown and lower Manhattan, which includes Times Square, the Broadway Theatre District, Wall Street, Greenwich Village, and Chinatown.

Students will also visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The final day of the trip will include a stop at Liberty State Park with a ferry ride to Liberty and Ellis Islands to visit the Statue of Liberty. Students will depart from Manhattan and arrive in Gowanda the night of Sunday, April 28.

The timing of the trip is shortly after a group of Gowanda Spanish Club students return from a trip to Europe. Pupo stated that the timing of the two trips was discussed, and the group did not believe it will greatly impact the number of students who wish to participate in the Senior Class Trip.

“That’s what we decided would be best for the whole,” Pupo said. She also added that the dates chosen would not greatly impact spring sports seasons, while pushing the date back would increase the likelihood of conflict for spring athletes.

Estimated costs for the trip vary depending on the number of students who participate. The estimated costs are $689 per person based on 30-34 students and 4 chaperones; $769 per person based on 25-29 students and 4 chaperones; $849 per person based on 20-24 students and 2 chaperones; and $999 per person based on 15-19 students and 2 chaperones. Travel insurance will also be offered in the event of a cancellation.

Trip Advisor Elizabeth Fish stated that Gowanda surveyed its 54 seniors, but only received a response from half of them. Of those 27 responses, 18 were in favor of an overnight trip – which represents 33% of the senior class.

“We do know there are some that are very interested,” Pupo said.

Among the fundraising opportunities for the district include working concessions at a Buffalo Bills game, selling jars of salsa, and a can drive. Pupo previously worked concessions at a Bills game last year, while Fish has previous experience with the salsa fundraiser.

Shortly after the presentation, the Board of Education approved the trip at its recent meeting.

“Excellent presentation on the Senior Trip,” Board member John Waterman Jr. said later in the meeting. “I think there are some lessons to be learned through that whole process on communication, and a few other things, and resiliency. I’m glad to see something on paper and presented today.”