09/09/2026
By the time Hammond pre-kindergarteners graduate, they will have explored 14 countries without ever leaving home!
Each year, as part of our Country of Study program, one faculty member from each division travels to the country our students will study in the year ahead. They return with more than photographs and souvenirs; they bring back a firsthand look at the places, history, culture, and everyday life of that country.
This summer, 4th Grade teacher Mrs. Lowe spent 10 days in South Korea—and for her, the journey was personal. South Korea was already part of her story. Her grandmother was born in Masan, her father spent part of his childhood in South Korea, and her grandfather was once stationed at Camp Hialeah. Traveling alongside her father made the journey back especially meaningful.
From Seoul to Busan, Mrs. Lowe explored South Korea’s history, culture, food, and traditions, visited the DMZ, heard firsthand from a North Korean defector, and walked the grounds of Camp Hialeah, where her grandfather had once been stationed.
“I am incredibly grateful to Hammond for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I returned home with unforgettable memories, a deeper connection to my family’s heritage, and so much excitement to share what I learned with my students.”
The best part is she brought a little bit of South Korea back to Hammond—and into the classroom. ❤️✈️🇰🇷
