Each spring, every student from Towson High School celebrates their 10 days of freedom in distinctive ways.  Some travel many miles to tropical destinations while others visit family and friends, and a few even end up staying close to home and relaxing. Most students have annual traditions they follow, but a few decided to break routine this year. Let’s hear what some of our Generals were up to this spring break:

Senior Ryan Lawrence traveled approximately 797 miles to reach the tropical getaway called Orlando, Florida. Ryan and his brother, sophomore Sean Lawrence, make the trek with their parents each year to ride the thrilling rides at Universal Studios Orlando and lay on the pristine, white beaches with virgin piña colada’s in their hands. Ryan is quoted saying, “I look forward to spring break every year because I know I’ll be heading back down to my favorite resort, in Orlando of course!”

Junior Maggie Kirkpatrick has traveled every year of her life since she was an infant to Hilton Head Island during her spring break. Her entire extended family (including her 17 cousins!) makes the 12-hour drive to South Carolina to enjoy quality family time at the sandy beaches. “My favorite tradition is waking up early and going to Dunkin Donuts with my cousins and then watching the sun rise. It’s something we’ve always done and this tradition I will always remember!” Maggie exclaims.

Freshman Julianna Smith also continued her family tradition this year. She and her two brothers smushed into their car with their parents and made the short journey over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to head towards Ocean City. They stayed with their grandma only one night and drove back the next morning. As they do every year, they played lots of fun car ride games to pass the time. Julianna says, “We always make just a short trip down to the beach. But we love our tradition of mainly staying home over spring break!” Sounds relaxing, yet exciting to me.

Even though most people from Towson High followed tradition this spring break, I did come across one person who really broke tradition this year: our very own Mrs. Zava. Traditionally, Mrs. Zava, her husband, and their six-year-old twin sons usually stay home for spring break. However, this memorable year, their family was fortunate enough to spend a weekend stay at Great Wolf Lodge, where they enjoyed the spectacular indoor water park.

They received this awesome adventure from the generosity of a local organization called Casey Cares, whose mission is to lift the spirits of critically ill children and their families.  Mrs. Zava’s son, Logan, has Freidriech’s Ataxia, which is a rare, life-shortening neurodegenerative disorder. He was completely elated with their unexpected trip to the waterpark. His brother, Ryder, also had a fantastic time, cruising down the lazy river “about 700 times,” according to his mom.

No matter what you did this spring break, it seemed like it was one to remember. Whether you stuck with tradition and visited family or broke tradition this year, spring break 2016 really was one for the books.