From Bedford to Japan: Hawthorn students embark on the trip of a lifetime

BEDFORD, N.Y. - Students from The Hawthorn School in Bedford recently embarked on a 9-day adventure to Japan, a trip that incorporated cultural immersion, athletic inspiration, and provided unforgettable family moments. Nearly 40 members of the Hawthorn community experienced a meticulously planned adventure, with every detail—from housing and food to skiing rentals and passes—generously covered by a local donor family.

A Dual-Destination Experience

Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Tokyo, where for four days we explored historic landmarks, contemporary attractions, and savored authentic Japanese cuisine including ramen, sushi, teppanyaki, and more. 

Following Tokyo, we headed to Aomori for five days of exhilarating skiing at the Aomori Springs Ski Resort. Set against the stunning backdrop of the snowiest area on Earth, the Aomori leg of the trip was as much about adventure as it was about inspiration.

Words from Leadership

Chairman of the Board Andy Perez-Benzo, who joined us on this remarkable journey, perfectly captured the spirit of the experience:

“There is a tremendous sense of adventure that comes with being part of a school in its age of foundation, with many traditions beginning to come alive within its community. As Hawthorn grows, we look forward to taking our students all over the world on trips that reflect the spirit of the first words God spoke to man in Genesis, 'Crescite et multiplicamini,' or increase and multiply. This imperative calls us not only to grow physically, but also spiritually and intellectually. In accordance with the mission of The Hawthorn School, any extracurricular trips should serve as an invaluable opportunity to strengthen all of these essential components.”

Olympic Inspiration

In Aomori, our families had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ski with and learn from Olympians. US Snowboard Half Pipe Olympians and medalists Kaitlyn Farrington and Chase Josey and Japanese Olympic snowboarders Ayumu and Kaishu Hirano joined us on the slopes. A dinner discussion with these athletes inspired our students profoundly. One student, Greg Harkins, remarked:

“Learning from Olympic medalists taught me that with the right habits and persistence, we can lay the foundation for success in anything.”

An Evening with History

Another memorable highlight was our dinner discussion with Dr. Park, a 96-year-old gentleman whose life journey—from his early days in Japanese-occupied Korea to serving as a doctor during the Korean War and eventually starting anew in America—is truly inspiring. Reflecting on Dr. Park's experiences, student Michael Laclavik shared:

"I learned that every challenge has its lesson, and our perseverance is what defines us."

Other evening programming included a history lesson on Japan and food tastings from Japan's many regions. 

Spiritual Nourishment

Daily Mass led by Father Graebe further enriched our experience, offering a moment of reflection and spiritual connection amidst the excitement and adventure.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donor family (who wishes to remain anonymous) and all the parents who helped coordinate this trip. Their dedication and commitment made it possible for our students and families to embark on this transformative journey.