Three students from Irmo High School recently returned from a a trip that took them across Europe and all the way to Berlin, Germany, where they represented South Carolina as the state’s first student delegation to attend the EF Global Leadership Summit.
Sophomore Liv Box, Junior Janessa Lucas, and Senior Samantha Wilkerson traveled with Irmo High School teacher Eric Coleman, who led the tour through Education First (EF) Tours. The group visited Dublin, Wales, and London before arriving in Berlin for the three-day summit, where they joined thousands of students from around the world to collaborate, innovate, and lead.
The theme of this year’s summit, Future Readiness in a Changing World, challenged students to consider how they can thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Through hands-on workshops, international team projects, and keynote speeches from global changemakers, students explored real-world issues and developed solutions in EF’s signature Innovation Challenge.
Toni Box, mother of Liv Box, shared her appreciation for the opportunity.
“The Global Leadership Summit was a truly transformative experience for our child—combining the excitement of international travel with invaluable personal growth,” she said. “Exploring new cultures across Dublin, Wales, London, and Berlin expanded their worldview, while the leadership conference taught essential skills in communication, teamwork, and public speaking. We feel incredibly fortunate they had a chance to connect with peers and future changemakers from around the world.”
For senior Samantha Wilkerson, the experience was personal.
“Growing up, travel was always a part of my life, but nothing compares to the unforgettable experiences I’ve had over the past two years with EF,” she said. “From frolicking through the lively streets of Madrid to tasting the bold and unforgettable flavors of Portugal, every destination has offered something extraordinary. I’ve walked through the deep, complex history of Berlin, and even played ancient Gaelic games in the heart of Ireland. But above all, what’s truly made this journey life-changing are the people.”
This marked Eric Coleman’s second EF educational tour, and his work helped Irmo High School make history as the first school in South Carolina to send students to the EF Global Leadership Summit. He hopes to continue expanding global opportunities for students in the Midlands.
“These experiences don’t just teach students about the world, but they help them see their place in it,” Coleman said. “They build confidence, compassion, and leadership in ways that no textbook can.”
For more information on upcoming travel opportunities and ways to support future student experiences, contact:
