Gridley freshman on their annual pilgrimage to Oregon for a dose of Shakespeare. Photo courtesy of by Liz Ayon

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley High School freshmen traveled to Ashland, Oregon, this spring for the school’s annual trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where students experienced live theater and campus life firsthand.

A total of 53 freshmen made the trip, accompanied by advisors, as part of a long-running field study centered on Shakespeare’s works, including a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Educator Liz Ayon said this marks the fourth year the trip has been held, offering students exposure to both the arts and higher education.

Students stayed overnight in dorms at Southern Oregon University, where they also toured the campus and dined in the university cafeteria.

“It was very educational for them, as for many of them it was the first time that they saw a play and stayed on a college campus,” Ayon said.