Why a 55-mile trek is a mandatory rite of passage for freshmen at one high school
St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, requires freshmen to complete a 55-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail as a rite of passage. This program, which has been a tradition for 53 years, emphasizes teamwork and self-reliance among students who often have little outdoor experience. The hike is designed to teach students valuable life lessons, particularly about overcoming challenges together.
- ▪The 55-mile trek is mandatory for all freshmen at St. Benedict's Preparatory School.
- ▪Students train in early spring and are divided into teams with specific roles.
- ▪The school administration prefers rainy conditions for the hike to teach resilience.
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On The Road Why a 55-mile Appalachian Trail trek is a mandatory rite of passage for these New Jersey freshmen .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-evening-news.jpg'); } By Steve Hartman Steve Hartman Correspondent Steve Hartman is a CBS News correspondent. He brings viewers moving stories from the unique people he meets in his weekly award-winning feature segment "On the Road." Read Full Bio Steve Hartman June 5, 2026 / 8:12 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Newark, New Jersey — The New Jersey city of Newark is no national park. For many, the only sights are the bumpers ahead while sitting in traffic, and the only hikes are at the whim of a walk sign. Yet here, of all places, is St.
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