The following mini-interviews of your ILS friends, family, faculty, and classmates, reflects their fondest thoughts and memories as they begin 2026.

Why Taking a Break Counts by Luna Fernandez

As students return to school after winter break, many are already feeling the pressure of homework, tests, and busy schedules. For sophomore Isabella Studenski, her New Year experience showed why taking a break from school is important.

Isabella spent New Year’s at a ski resort with her family, an experience she found very special.

“I went to a lounge on top of a ski resort with my family and it was meaningful because I got to spend time with them,” Isabella said. She explained that being with family helped her relax and forget about school stress for a while.

She added that the time away helped her mentally before coming back to school.

“It helped me clear my mind and it gave me a break from all the school work,” she said.

This topic matters to students because school can feel nonstop throughout the year. Between classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and social life, students often don’t get time to rest or reset their minds. Without breaks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out.

Breaks like winter vacation allow students to step away from stress, recharge mentally, and return to school more focused and motivated instead of feeling drained year-round. Taking time to relax can actually help students perform better and maintain their well-being during busy semesters. Isabella’s experience shows how important it is to make time for family and mental health, especially when school demands get intense.

A Trip to Brazil to Visit Family by Jala Tabraue

Over winter break, junior Matteo Merceron traveled to Brazil to visit his family. He spent most of his time in Rio de Janeiro, where many of his relatives live. The trip gave him a chance to relax and spend time with people he does not get to see often.

For Merceron, the best part of the trip was being with his family.

“My favorite thing was seeing my family,” he said. Being together made the trip special and helped him enjoy his time away from school. Spending time with family allowed him to make memories and feel more connected to where he comes from.

Food was another important part of the experience. Merceron said he enjoyed eating traditional Brazilian meals during his visit.

“I really enjoyed the food,” he said.

His favorite meal was steak with rice and beans, which he ate often while in Brazil. The food reminded him of home and made the trip even more enjoyable.

This topic matters to students because winter break is an important time to rest and reconnect. Traveling to see family helps students feel supported and refreshed before returning to school. Experiences like this also allow students to learn more about different cultures and traditions through real life, not just in class.

For Merceron, the trip to Brazil was meaningful because it allowed him to spend quality time with family while enjoying familiar food and traditions. The visit helped him return to school feeling happy and recharged.

Fun Quality Time With Family by Adriana Velasco

As the new year begins, many people are reflecting on small changes that can make a big difference. For this mini feature, Ms. Barbara Tomasoni, Italian teacher, shared that her New Year’s resolution.

“I love reading, and I never have time to,” she said. “So my New Year’s resolution is to finally make time for it.” Between everyday responsibilities and her busy schedule, reading often gets pushed aside, but she hopes the new year will bring more quiet moments to enjoy the books she’s been meaning to open.

Family played a big role in making her recent holidays memorable.

“It was nice to have the family together since my daughter and brother came to visit,” she shared. Having everyone in one place made the season feel more complete and meaningful.

Travel was another highlight. She and her family took short trips to sunny destinations, including Key West and Miami Beach. These getaways offered a chance to relax, spend time together, and step away from routine, even if only for a few days.

One especially memorable moment came from her daughter, who gave her a build a bear with a recording of her voice. The thoughtful and creative present stood out as both fun and personal, adding an extra layer of joy to the celebration.

As the year moves forward, she’s looking ahead with a focus on balance, making time for reading, cherishing family moments, and appreciating the simple experiences that matter most.

This message is important to students because it shows that goals do not always need to be big or overwhelming. This feature also emphasizes the importance of spending time with relatives.

Treading Among Animal Lands  by Veronica Mederos

Busch Gardens attracts four million visitors annually worldwide. The park is renowned for its distinctive African theme, thrilling rides, and high-quality zoos.  Busch Gardens is also known for being family and individually friendly.During the break, senior Esther Diaz took the week to unwind and visit the park with her family to experience the wonders of Busch Gardens.

During a stroll through the park, Esther encountered animals such as rhinos, kangaroos, and baboons. Busch Gardens contains high quality animal care such as dedicated veterinary facilities, specialized nutrition, expert animal handlers, and a dedicated  kitchen accommodating the nutritional meals of the animals. Experiences with animals at Busch Gardens teach visitors the importance of caring for animals, interacting with animals , and understanding  the impact animals make in the world. 

Esther also enjoyed various well known rides and rollercoasters such as Iron Guazi, Cheetah Hunt, Tigris, Montu, and other various rides. Busch Gardens features a large variety of appealing rides such as kid-friendly, water, high thrill, rollercoasters, quick queue, and various other rides.

Typical Florida weather ranges from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit however, when Esther visited the park, the temperature had dropped into the 60’s.

“My dad and I were running back to the hotel because it was so cold,” she said. 

Many northern visitors have grown accustomed to  colder weather and as a result some visitors were seen in more casual clothes which baffled Esther.

“I do not believe they are humans because I refuse to believe they cannot be cold in this weather,” she said.

Nonetheless, the magical experience of Bush Gardens did not fade with the growing weather. The smell of food, sounds of animals, and thrill of rides became a forever treasured memory.

“I loved this vacation,” she said. Now the magic of the park continues to shine in the hearts of fans.

London and Paris Mark First-Ever Departure by Emma Stolk

For winter break in 2019, sophomore Olivia Rodriguez-Salum went on her favorite holiday vacation with her entire family, traveling to London and Paris. It was a trip she had always dreamed about, and it became even more special because it was her first time traveling so far from home.

“It was my favorite holiday trip because it was my first time leaving the country,” she said.

From the moment they landed, she could already feel that this was going to be a great trip. Traveling for the first time outside of the country made the trip feel significant but being able to share that moment with her family made it even more meaningful. Olivia explained that the time spent together during the vacation played a major role as to and why the trip was so much fun.

In London, Olivia loved seeing famous landmarks she had only heard about. Paris was just as amazing in a completely different way. One night, Olivia and her family stood together and watched the Eiffel Tower light up the sky.

“My favorite part was seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle,” she said.

That moment stayed in her mind because it felt unreal and unforgettable. Though the vacation took place in 2019, it still stands out in her memories because this holiday vacation was not only special because of the places she visited, but because she shared it with her family. It became a trip that she will always value and stay important to her.

Prepare to Receive the Sacraments by Joshua Rocha

Mrs. Cristina Lopez-Hernandez, AKA Mrs. LH to her students, has been joyfully preparing for the start of the Sacramental Preparation Program, which will begin in just two weeks. As final plans are made, she is hopeful and excited, knowing the program is still welcoming anyone interested in receiving the sacraments of Confirmation, First Communion, or Baptism. For Mrs. LH, Christmas is a perfect season to begin this journey of faith. The coming of Christ reminds her that the Eucharist and the other sacraments are not just rituals, but gifts that help lives through the Holy Spirit and draw participants closer to God.

“Our Sacramental Program will help a lot of people who want to receive sacraments in learning about Christ,” she said.

This Christmas season was especially meaningful for her on a personal level. One of her favorite memories was meeting her niece’s newborn son for the first time. Holding him brought her deep joy and reminded her of the beauty of new life. It was even more special knowing her niece is an ILS alumna, making the moment feel like a full-circle blessing.

“I love how this season is bringing a lot of family together for me and my nieces,”said Ms. LH

Mrs. LH also cherished the sense of community at ILS during Christmas. Through Secret Santa, she connected with colleagues in a fun and heartfelt way. Her Secret Santa, Ms. Katie Church, gave her charming Christmas decorations that filled her kitchen with warmth and joy throughout the break. Beyond gifts, she believes traditions like Secret Santa and the Angel Tree bring the school closer together, uniting everyone in generosity and shared purpose.

To Mrs. LH, Christmas is a sacred and deeply holy season. It is about welcoming Christ into her life and being attentive to those who need light, hope, and love the most.

Sports: Beyond Competition by Sienna Daughton-Weill

For many students, sports are more than just after-school activities; they are a vital part of managing stress, building character, and finding purpose. For freshman Damian Castro, sports play an important role in his life both on and off the field. When he plays, he feels a release from the pressures of school and everyday responsibilities.

“It feels like it takes away my stress. It’s fun,” he said, explaining how sports help him reset mentally.

While some days feel calm and enjoyable, others become intense, pushing him to compete harder and fueling his desire to win. That mix of enjoyment and intensity keeps him motivated and engaged.

The lessons Damian learns through sports extend far beyond competition. He believes that effort and persistence are key, whether in athletics or academics. Studying for a test, practicing a skill, or facing a tough moment in life all require the same mindset: keep trying and don’t give up. Sports have taught him that setbacks are temporary and that hard work eventually pays off. Being part of a team also gives Damian a sense of belonging and responsibility.

“It’s being a part of something bigger than myself,” he said, emphasizing how teamwork and shared goals shape his identity.

This topic matters to students because sports provide structure, motivation, and emotional support during stressful school years. For Damian, sports help him get through difficult times and have shaped who he is today. Without them, he believes he would be less driven and less focused. The lessons he has learned—discipline, resilience, and confidence—continue to influence how he approaches school, challenges, and life beyond the classroom.

A First Look at Universal’s New Park Through a Student’s Eyes by Vittorio Buttice

When junior Camila Echeverri went to Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, she knew she was going to love it.

“It felt like I wasn’t in Florida anymore. The scenery was so unique I felt like I was in a video game,” she said.

Camila visited the park during winter break with her family, excited to ride the new rides she had heard so much about.

“The rides weren’t just fast,” she said. “They made you feel like you were really in a story, not just sitting in a seat.”

This topic matters to students because theme parks like Epic Universe are more than entertainment. For many, going on trips like these are experiences that create memories with friends and family. New parks also reflect advances in technology and design that could influence students into future careers relating to this technology.

When she returned to school, Camila said her friends were curious about the park and asked questions about the rides, food, and atmosphere. She said sharing photos and stories makes her happy because she is able to relive the experience. She said her trip allowed her friends to talk about something positive. Epic Universe shows how creativity and engineering can blend and bring joy to others. Seeing that combination in real life can inspire students who enjoy art, science, or technology to imagine careers that merge imagination with problem solving. For Camila, the visit also strengthened her appreciation for travel.

Winter Break: Family, Reflection, and Reset by Violeta Fausciana

For Sofia Gallo Pacheco, a sophomore at ILS, winter break was less about rest and more about meaningful moments with the people closest to her. While the time off flew by quickly, one night stood out above the rest: New Year’s Eve spent on a boat with her family. Surrounded by music, laughter, and the open water, the night took a memorable turn when her cousin—usually quiet and reserved—joined everyone in singing the song “Latch.”

“The vibe was just really fun,” Sofia said, describing a moment that brought her family closer together.

Like many students, Sofia’s daily routine changed dramatically during the break. Without the pressure of schoolwork, she slept in, went out more often, and admitted her sleep schedule became “a little more messed up.” Despite this, returning to school hasn’t been too difficult, and she says she is slowly adjusting back into a structured routine.

Family played a central role throughout her break, especially time spent with her grandparents. Since they only visit during Christmas, Sofia made the most of the opportunity by spending extended time with them and even visiting their home, making the experience especially memorable.

Although Sofia noted that the break didn’t entirely feel like a traditional winter vacation, one family tradition made it special: her mother’s annual Christmas Eve party. With extended family living abroad, close family friends gathered instead, creating a warm and meaningful celebration.

As the new semester begins, Sofia admits she feels slightly unfocused, but she remains optimistic. “It’s only the first day,” she said, “so I’m slowly gaining it back.”