By LEAH OLINGER
Special to the Leader

I went on a trip to New York recently, with 120 Hutchinson High School band and choir students. At first, my apprehensions were high. I could not possibly imagine 120 students together for a week, and among sillier things, going to a hot dog stand together. Who knew if this was even possible?

We started out the trip with a 24-hour bus ride. I can vaguely remember saying, “We are up at 4 a.m. with these crazies?” I cannot truthfully say I had a great night’s sleep, but the 4 a.m. rest stops reminded me that no one looks good, as hard as they try, at 4 a.m.

The hotel was in New Jersey, and there arose a new set of laughable complications. The majority of the girls’ rooms blew a fuse within an hour of getting there, after hours of anticipating the use o a straightener or curling iron.

Finally — the city. We arrived! Being the Minnesotan tourists we are, the slightest difference, such as street signs, intrigued us. “No Standing” signs and “Don’t Honk — $350 Fine” were among the most popular. The Empire State Building was breathtaking at night. I think I heard references to the movie “August Rush” 1,000 times while in Central Park.

For the full story, check out the Tuesday, May 5 print edition of the Leader.

Leah Olinger is a junior at New Century Charter School.