The 2025 Ten Friends trip to Nepal - departing from Redmond on July 31 and returning August 21 - will feature sightseeing around Kathmandu, visits to Hopeful Home Orphanage (HHO) in Bhaktapur and the Himalayan Education Center (HEC) in Khandbari plus a couple of days in Chitwan National Park and a site visit to Shree Pipal Bhanjyang Secondary School in Dhading as a possible future school hostel. The trip will be led by Ten Friends co-founder, Mark LaMont and Board President, Bruce Abernethy and his wife, Dr. Mary Meador. As in previous years, it will include several local high school students (and an adventurous new adult!)
Meet the Students who will travel to Nepal in 2025Solei Planty (recent graduate Sisters High School)
I’ve grown up in Sisters for most of my life and just graduated from Sisters HS. I love the outdoors and try to spend most of my free time outside, including activities like hiking and backpacking. I have never been outside the country before so I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I and can’t wait to help and contribute to these amazing communities. I’m excited to step outside my comfort zone, experience new culture, and connect with the Nepali people.
Grace Fendall (12th grade Sisters HS)
Hi, I’m Gracie Fendall, a rising senior at Sisters High School. I am an enthusiastic and outgoing student who channels my energy into my love of dance and cheerleading. As an active member of Associated Student Government, I love encouraging students to get involved and am excited to further immerse myself in school activities in the coming year. I am also a barista at Sisters Coffee Company. I am no stranger to adventure but always in familiar landscapes. Having spent most of my life in small, close-knit communities, I am excited for the opportunity to travel to Nepal and experience a culture that is so different from my own. I believe there is so much I can learn from the Nepali people and I hope to grow from that experience. At the same time, I want to give back in meaningful ways and contribute in efforts that help improve their daily lives.
Willa Ramsey (11th grade Summit HS)
I am a student at Summit High School and I love everything about music, whether it’s listening to it, playing guitar or talking about it! I also love to snowboard, hike, run and do things outside! I am very excited about our trip. I want to go because this is an incredible opportunity to see more of the world and broaden my horizons. I look forward to meeting many new people and making the most of the trip.
Carly Cameron (12th grade Summit HS)
I love the outdoors and sports and I’ve been playing rugby and doing cross country recently. I’m from Bend and I love traveling! I’ve been to places around Europe and North America so I am so looking forward to experiencing a very different culture. I think this trip will be incredible and I love and appreciate any opportunities I have to get exposure to a different way of life. It is a great trip because I get to help people there, but I think it will open my eyes and have a big effect on myself as well.
Meet one of our 2025 Chaperons
Dr. Monica Ramsey (Internal Medicine Physician)
Hi! I'm an internist living and working in Bend with my husband John, our daughters Willa and Samantha, and what some might consider too many pets (2 dogs, 2 cats, and a gecko). I enjoy fostering kittens, mountain biking and adventures of all sorts. Connecting with and learning from people around the world has always been fundamental to me, beginning with anthropology studies in college and continuing through travel and work in medicine. I’m also really looking forward to seeing Central Oregon students engage with new cultures, and to supporting an experience that I hope will deepen their sense of service, curiosity, and connection. I’m so grateful to be part of this crew!
|
