From southern trips to staycations, local students share plans for spring break

Source: Yahoo

BRIGHTON -- Whether jetting off to paradise or staying home, spring break offers students a much-needed reprieve from schoolwork.

Break is just around the corner for many schools in Livingston County, with most students and teachers off Monday-Friday, March 25-29. But where are they going?

While the sunny beaches and lively amusement parks of Florida remain as popular as ever, even with some cities discouraging the usual crowds, the south in general is a common destination.

"I'm going to Alabama," said Brighton High Schooler Maddy Mullin, whose family is planning on staying with a friend in Gulf Shores. "I'm excited, and I think the break is well deserved."

Fellow sophomore Kara Blanck shared similar plans to escape the mundanity of school and catch some sun.

"I'm going to Tennessee," she said. "I'm super excited to have a break from work."

Many local families will cast broader nets, leaving the country entirely.

"I'm going to Mont-Tremblant in Canada," said Morgan Christopher, who plans to ski with her family. "I'm a little nervous because I'm not that great at skiing, but it's fun to actually do something for once."

Some students will travel merely for athletic or extracurricular purposes.

"I have a volleyball tournament at the end of the week in Chicago, so I'm really excited for that, but for spring break itself, I'm going to be staying home," said Lauren Johnston.

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She's not alone. Dubbed a "staycation," students often spend the week catching up on sleep, spending time with family and recharging.

"I think you get more rest when you're at home during break, and you can actually focus on getting proper rest," said Gabriella Bodyl.

Ava Sventickas says she's come to "really love" staycations.

"I like to be able to just relax everyday and not worry about doing anything or planning anything."

-- Ari Hickman is a sophomore at Brighton High School and a freelancer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at [email protected].