New York City is one of the most magnetic cities in the United States, especially during the holiday season. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, ice skating in Central Park, and the ball drop in Times Square are some of the most popular holiday favorites in the Big Apple. This year, well in 2016, several different groups of students from Gaffney High School were able to visit New York City as a holiday-break-getaway. Each student shares her story about her experience walking the streets of the city that never sleeps.

Mary Beth Vassy, a senior at Gaffney High, took a three-day trip to NYC with her mom for her 18th birthday. Mary Beth shared that, “The best food was the cheesecake from Juniors.” When asked what the most memorable part of her trip was, Mary Beth said, “The most memorable thing was seeing Hamilton on Broadway. That was definitely the most unique and memorable thing.” Spending only a few days  in New York, Mary Beth had a wonderful experience and says, “The Big Apple was beautiful, and it was a dream come true to see Hamilton!”

“This quote from Hamilton describes my trip to New York City perfectly, ‘Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now'” -Mary Beth Vassy

Abby Elliott, also a senior at Gaffney High, took a four day trip to NYC to watch the ball drop in Times Square; Abby explained that, “This trip was a Christmas gift, so that made it even more exciting and memorable.” Abby traveled with her best friend Natalie and Natalie’s parents. Raving about the food, Abby said, “The best food I ate was definitely the pizza. It is unreal how delicious it is.” Giving the weather run-down, Abby explained that, “The first day that we were there it rained, which limited us from sightseeing, but the other days were just extremely cold and windy.” Looking back on her trip, Abby said that “The most memorable thing about my trip was going to Trinity Church where Alexander Hamilton and his family are buried and going to Richard Rogers Theater where the Hamilton Musical is performed.” One of the most exciting moments of Abby’s trip was to go to Times Square to watch the New Year’s ball drop. Abby shared that she and Natalie “waited for fifteen hours in Times Square to see the ball drop, and we were on ABC and NBC. It was exciting seeing all the behind the scenes madness of each TV channel.”

“I highly recommend visiting New York for New Years. The energy and vibe is like nothing you will ever experience. The city is beautiful, magical, and really doesn’t ever sleep.” -Abby Elliott

Taylor Deaton (yes she is a senior at Gaffney High, too) spent two days in New York City. Taylor said, “I traveled with Sarah Holcomb, Megan Phillips, and Sarah’s dad, Todd Holcomb.” Taylor shared that, “The real reason we went to NYC was to watch the ball drop.” Taylor told a story about her experience going into the city, “Unlike the other groups who went to New York City, we drove. It was really cool because it snowed all the way up there. Flying would be cool, too, but being able to see the skyline as we drove in was literally the best moment. I was in awe.” Taylor laughed while saying, “It was so cold, everyone warned us that we should pack tons of clothes to keep warm, but it was a cold we weren’t expecting.” Taylor said,”Going to the Trinity Church was my favorite part because it was so beautiful, and then we saw Alexander Hamilton’s grave, like he is actually buried there, so cool.” On New Year’s Eve, Taylor shared that her group got to Times Square at nine in the morning and stayed there until midnight; she said, “We literally stood there until after midnight.” When asked how they used the bathroom, she replied, “We didn’t eat or use the bathroom all day. A girl beside me asked a cop what happens if she had to use the bathroom, and he yelled, ‘You get out and lose your spot or pee in the streets!’ it was crazy.” Taylor commented that, “I’m not trying to talk negative about watching the ball drop in Times Square, but it was definitely a once in a lifetime thing.”

“Don’t wait in Times Square for fifteen hours; it isn’t worth it.” -Taylor Deaton

These trips to NYC allowed Gaffney High School students to get a taste of real life. The fact that so many of our own students were able to walk the diverse streets of New York City over holiday break is superb.