As part of a welcome tradition at D-E, the Middle School and Upper School embarked on class trips in September to kick off the school year, engage in the School’s sense of community, and broaden their horizons.

Brian Merry, Grade 12 Dean, chaperoned seniors on a trip to the Bronx Zoo. “Students meandered around the zoo in groups, stopping to see the animals along the way, and the primates—especially the gorillas—were a fan favorite of students and adults alike,” says Mr. Merry. “Given how busy the seniors have been since we returned to school, it was a great day to get away from the stresses of the school year, spend time with friends, and connect with nature.”

Eighth graders went on the annual SEEK trips, with students this year choosing between four locations to visit—Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Montreal; or Cape Cod. Each trip included team building and community-service experiences. “The SEEK trips aim to [be an opportunity to] make new friends, try new things, and stretch outside your comfort zone,” says Alison Miller, Grade 8 Dean.

Samir Parikh ’29, who served on the SEEK trip committee, traveled with a group to D.C. He recounts that the highlights included attending the Washington Nationals baseball game, where the students were featured on the Jumbotron and greeted the team mascot, Screech. Students also met NJ State Representative Josh Gottheimer, whose staff took students on a tour of the Capitol.

“The entire trip was a blast and gave us a new appreciation for our nation’s capital and all of the diverse activities accessible to us,” says Samir.

Students on the other class trips shared similar sentiments. “Montreal was a great trip; it gave us the opportunity to make new and strengthen prior community bonds,” says Sophia Vega ’29. “Tours, boat rafting, ropes course, circus school, community service, the bus ride—all of these different types of community-building activities really changed me to become fearless and try new things.”

Aria Shah ’29, who attended the Philadelphia trip, says she enjoyed stops at The Museum of Illusions, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Aquarium, Reading Terminal Market, and Chinatown. “Everything was so much fun!” she says. “I couldn’t have asked for a better trip, that’s for sure!”