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Wlaf1450Cougars across the Globe, CCHS students visit Italy, Rome, and more
By Charlotte Underwood
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- Several Campbell County High School students got a taste of world travel over spring break with a trip to Italy, Rome, Venice and more, all the while earning high school or college credits.
The trip was organized by CCHS Criminal Justice Instructor James Skeans, through EF Tours, an “accredited company” that specializes in providing “educational travel” that also earns students high school or college credits, according to Skeans.
Connect HERE to see all the photos from this latest Cougars across the Globe venture.
Students had the choice to get a high school credit or to get three college credits.
In total, there were “19 travelers, with nine students, three teachers and seven parents who made the journey that lasted from March 23rd through March 30th.” For many, it was their first trip to another country.
Students got to travel to the country of Italy. They started in Milan, then went on to Verona, then to Venice and while within Venice, they traveled to Venice Proper, which is what people often think of when they think of Venice, according to Skeans.
“It’s where the streets are water, and you have the Gondoliers,” Skeans said. Students had a great time seeing these different cultures.
“I really enjoyed tasting all the different foods and seeing firsthand the things we’ve learned about in school come to life,” said Bailey Minton.
From Venice, they visited two islands, Murano and Burano, then they went south to Bologna and then further south to Florence. The trip finished in Rome and more specifically at the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City.
“It was an amazing educational opportunity for all of us, students, especially. Time went by far too fast, but we had a great time and made a lot of memories. Students grew, learned independence, learned things about themselves, overcame fears, and had lifelong experiences they’ll never forget,” Skeans said.
Students got to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences like seeing the Sistine Chapel firsthand, visiting the Colosseum in Rome, seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, taking a Gondola ride on the water streets of Venice Proper and much more.
For many, it was a “life-changing experience” to travel and experience these historical places.
According to Skeans, this was his first trip with this company.
“It was a great experience meeting new people and becoming friends. All of the students did amazing on the trip!”, said Simon Burris.
“Ms. Thomason, the former Spanish teacher at CCHS, was who always organized these trips in the past, and when she retired, she kind of passed that torch to me. She came to me and asked if I would take that over. So, I organize and hold meetings at the school for those interested and correspond with the company and the school is gracious enough to allow the kids to participate,” Skeans said. To keep “everyone in the loop and get the word out”, Skeans created a Facebook Page called “Cougars across the Globe” where he posts updates, meeting times for future trips, as well as photos of their recent trip.
According to Skeans, these trips are open to anyone, not just CCHS students, but Jellico High School students, as well as eighth graders who are interested and who will be in high school by the time the trip occurs.
“It was fascinating to experience a different culture and see how people in another part of the world go about their daily lives. Observing their habits, customs, and the way they carry themselves gave me a deeper appreciation for the uniqueness of their lifestyle,” said Joshua Skeans.
“That’s why I created the Facebook Page; I don’t want anyone to feel left out. I want students to have the opportunities to take these trips and to travel,” Skeans said.
In the next couple of weeks, planning will begin for the future trip, while will take place in June of 2026 and will visit four countries, including Switzerland, Italy, France, the French Riviera, and then the trip will finish in Spain.
Planning meetings will be announced on Facebook.
According to Skeans, these types of educational travel opportunities provide life-long lessons for students, as well as teaching responsibilities and helping students “grow and become more independent.”
“Trips like this are great for the students, they get to see and experience different cultures. It changes them; I got to look at and see how these kids change and grow on that trip. I saw kids that were very introverted show up on the trip and they are in a completely different country, talking to people who don’t speak English that well, they are talking to kids on the trip from other schools and it just really brings them out of their shell. Suddenly, they are engaged with other students. It’s amazing how much students can change in just one week,” Skeans said.
He said the students became more aware that there are “all kinds of people out there and that just like them, they are all “just doing life and trying to live life like everyone else is.”
Check out the Facebook Page “Cougars across the Globe” for trip planning updates, including the upcoming meeting for the June 2026 trip. The next meeting is Thu., May 1, at 6pm, in James Skeans Classroom, 531, at CCHS. “If your child is or will be a student of CCHS or Jellico HS in 2026 or you’re a parent of a 2026 attending student you are eligible,” said Skeans.
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.
For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/14/2025-6AM)