I firmly believe that you can alter a student’s life by giving them insight into the world outside themselves. With that in mind, this year we’re thrilled to embark on our fourth international journey, where students and their parents or guardians will explore four incredible European capitals: Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
The “Macon Globetrotters” was created by my colleague, Chris Bell, and me. We have a common interest in learning and the idea that travel is very meaningful. I have taught and coached for 28 years; I currently teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics) at Macon Middle School (MMS), a place where my emphasis is on project-based, hands-on learning, which prepares the students to become a data-driven team player, problem-solver, and critical thinker.
Chris Bell, the art teacher at MMS, (pictured top far left) is equally passionate about education and creativity. In addition to helping students nurture their artistic talents, Chris is a professional landscape painter whose oil paintings are showcased in galleries across the region. His artistic experience has been deeply useful to the Macon Globetrotters, providing students with a rather different view on art and culture around the world.

Memories that last a lifetime
Our past trips have been filled with moments that resonate long after we’ve returned home. I’ll never forget the expressions of awe and disbelief on students’ faces as they stood beneath the Eiffel Tower [in Paris, France] for the first time.
In Pisa [Italy], students tried to perfect the classic “holding up the tower” pose. In Rome [Italy], we took a look at the Colosseum together and felt empowered by imagining the former gladiators of the Colosseum long ago. To sit beneath the Roman aqueducts, students gasped at the engineering genius of the ancients. In Greece, students ran down the Olympia track (the birthplace of the Olympic Games), returning history to life unlike anything that could be done in a textbook.
Some moments were quieter but just as impactful. At the Louvre [museum in Paris], students stood spellbound in front of the Mona Lisa, seeing a piece of history they’d only read about in books. At Barcelona’s [Spain] Camp Nou Stadium, soccer fans among the group saw their dreams come to life at one of the most famous stadiums in the world (months before they started building the new “Nou Camp”).
I will never forget standing in the center of London for the Queen’s jubilee, watching the fighter jets overhead stream the colors of the Union Jack. Later that day, we visited Windsor Castle and St. George’s Cathedral. Just a few weeks later, the world would be watching the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at the very location we stood only weeks before.
Traveling with students has also been deeply personal for me. Watching my own children light up with curiosity and wonder during our family adventures has given me some of the most treasured memories of my life. In a world that’s constantly moving, these moments remind us of the lasting value of shared experiences.
The lesson of hard work
The work the students make of it is perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of these trips. They develop resilience, teamwork, and the value of tenacity through fundraising. It is for a few a chance to make a significant goal and achieve it.

This year, we’re hosting a community 5K in Franklin on March 8 to help fund the trip. It’s much more than just a walkathon; it’s the opportunity to get people together. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with friends, support a great cause, or shed a few winter pounds, this event is for everyone. However, we can’t be successful without you.
How you can help
We are looking for local businesses to partner with us and invest in Macon County students. You can sponsor at the Bronze ($100), Silver ($200), Gold ($300), or Platinum ($400) levels. Your sponsorship isn’t just supporting a trip; it’s investing in our students’ futures and in the strength of our community.
We’re inviting runners of all experience levels to join the upcoming fundraiser 5K Run/Walk “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane” at 9 a.m., March 8, meeting at Tassee Shelter Greenway Park at 877 Ulco Drive, Franklin.
The Macon Globetrotters isn’t just about travel — it’s about creating a family that learns, grows, and dreams together. Over these experiences, we’re empowering students to think big and have the courage to pursue those visions.
For more details on sponsorship opportunities, signing up for the 5K, or learning about our program, call me at (850) 491-1013, or email me at [email protected]. Make checks payable to Bryan Wilkinson. Mail to: Macon Middle School. 1345 Wells Grove Rd, Franklin, N.C. 28734 Attn: WILKINSON. Or, VENMO: @MaconGlobeTrotters.
Each step you take moves our students one step closer to their dream of seeing the world. Let’s help these students know that the world is theirs to discover.