Despite the robbery that has captured much attention, Langley Orchestra had one of its most succesful trips in Italy, according to Orchestra teacher Mr. Scott McCormick. All Langley Orchestra students, teachers and parents are safe.

On the last day of their trip, thieves in Rome, Italy stole from three of the Langley High School Orchestra’s busses which contained valuable personal belongings such as iPads, money, passport, etc. The freshman bus was especially hit hard.

After their final Rome dinner, the tour guides informed the group about the robbery. Backpacks, phones and homework were stolen. The thieves even drank the soda and ate the students’ chocolate.  They discovered that two adult passports were stolen and one student greencard was stolen. The student with the stolen greencard, however, had taken a photo of her greencard on her cell phone. Although there was much anxiety about whether or not she could travel without her green card, the photo on her cell phone was acceptable.

Lindsey Hogge, in Lazio, Italy, posted the following almost immediately after the robbery on Facebook: “About 2 hours ago the langley orchestra’s buses in Rome got stolen from and had passports, cellphones, iPads, homework, wallets, etc. all stolen from the majority. All I ask is for your thoughts and prayers for the Langley orchestra so they can get their belongings back and have a safe trip home tomorrow.”

Mr. McCormick, however, looks at the experience positively. “It was a life lesson. That’s reality, life has it’s ups and downs. What I was really proud of was how our group came together. That night everyone was consoling each other and giving each other hugs. We got through it like a family.”