CRESTVIEW — A local educator’s 110-kilometer July pilgrimage has become a source of inspiration for Crestview High School students and Spanish teachers.
Former Crestview High assistant principal Jason Driver, now assistant principal at Lewis School in Valparaiso, hiked part of the Camino de Santiago July 17-26.
Driver followed the Camino Inglés, “the English route,” portion of the trek to Santiago de Compestela, which was traditionally followed by Irish, English and Scandinavian pilgrims.
On Nov. 19, he visited Crestview High Spanish classes to share his experiences and photos. Among the students was sophomore Quinn Stegner, who plans to hike the Camino next year with his family.
“To hear and see a firsthand account from someone who has been on the Camino was a wonderful experience,” Quinn said. “It was great to hear about Dr. Driver’s experiences, and I hope that I can learn from them when I go this summer.”
Junior Ashton Adams said he found Drivers’ lively presentation “fun,” adding, “I may even attempt to walk El Camino one day.”
SPIRITUAL, CULTURAL
While some students were inspired by the spiritual aspect of Drivers’ undertaking, others simply marveled at the cultural side of his walk through Northwestern Spain.
“Dr. Driver showed the cultural landscape and tradition they have in Spain,” sophomore Mary Wilson said, noting she was fascinated by the architecture and landscapes he encountered.
“All the pictures he took were very interesting because they show and explain more than seeing Spain from the outside,” Mary said. “You have to go to Spain to see and appreciate it.”
Spanish teacher Elizabeth Rivera-Oquendo said she and a fellow Spanish teacher, Suein Archie, hope to join Driver when he returns to hike the Camino in Spain in the summer of 2016.
But first, Driver plans to continue his Camino journey this summer. While Quinn and his family are hiking in Spain, Driver’s destination will be Rome.
“His presentation really added to the hype I have for my walk with my family,” Quinn said. “If he experienced so much in five days, I can’t wait for the 30-day trip on the Camino that we will have.”
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Educator’s pilgrimage inspires CHS students and teachers