What’s Right With Schools: Hartford students go backpacking in White Mountains

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Taking the learning to new heights! Grab your backpack, but this time leave the books behind.

It’s an adventure most people may never experience.

“I’ve just always wanted to bring kids up there an experience the magic of being in the Alpine Zone of the White Mountains,” said A.I. Prince Technical School teacher and hiking instructor Dan Negrelli.

An adventurous teacher- and students are already reaching for the stars.

“I said screw it. Might as well take it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity you have,” said one Prince Tech graduate, Jadiel Majia.

Negrelli got the green light he’s been hoping for all these years- to do an overnight backpacking trip.

After hiking Connecticut trails during the school year, he and a group of others capped it off with a few of their strongest student hikers.

“Our last hike was before we went on this trip. At Sleeping Giant. We had them fill their backpacks with rocks just for the added weight. And it was fun, they wanted to add more rocks in their bags so I knew they were cut to make the hike,” Negrelli said.

Up Mount Washington, the weather wasn’t perfect- but the views?

“Beautiful, challenging,” Jadiel said.

And the teamwork is what makes this one so memorable.

“It was the best experience for me to challenge myself and my body to push to its limits to see how well I could handle a tough situation like that,” Jadiel said.

They worked together while pushing themselves physically and mentally to new heights.

“This will be a lifelong memory for me as well as I hope for the kids,” Negrelli said.

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