Highlands students connect art, language and culture at Carnegie International

According to a post on the Highlands School District’s official Facebook page, 20 Highlands students recently participated in an educational field trip to the 59th Carnegie International at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, where they explored global art, cultural perspectives and creative expression.

Students enrolled in World Language and Art courses attended the exhibition, which is held every four years and features artwork from around the world. This year’s Carnegie International focused on themes of listening, translation and transformation, providing students with opportunities to engage with diverse artistic voices and perspectives.

Throughout the visit, students examined artwork from a variety of countries, including Germany and Spanish-speaking nations. They actively participated in discussions by asking thoughtful questions, analyzing artistic meaning and sharing their interpretations of the pieces on display. The experience encouraged critical thinking while helping students make connections between art, culture and global communities.

Students also documented their observations in “Connecting to Culture” notebooks, where they sketched and reflected on their experiences. Inspired by the artwork and discussions, they later created personal collages that expressed their own stories and perspectives through art.

The educational experience extended beyond the museum walls. During a stop at Rey Azteca in New Kensington, students put their classroom learning into practice by ordering lunch in Spanish, demonstrating real-world language skills and cultural confidence.

Experiences like this highlight the value of interdisciplinary learning, bringing together art, language and cultural exploration in meaningful ways. The trip gave students an opportunity to broaden their perspectives, strengthen communication skills and engage with creative expression on a global scale.

The district also recognized the support of the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Miller Fund for helping make the trip possible, as well as teacher chaperones Renae Yoder and Laura Fleischer Proano for guiding students throughout the experience. Through opportunities like this, Pennsylvania public schools continue to provide students with enriching experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning.