Long-time retired Doherty science teacher Steve Gigliotti, the force behind our Field Studies program, recently passed away. He made a significant impact not only on our school, but on decades of students. He made the Field Studies trips unique and different, regardless of how many times you went.

Gigliotti allowed so many students the opportunity to go on these field studies.  According to CTE teacher Taylor Badeau, “He took thousands of kids on these field studies over the course of 30 years. He inspired kids to care more about the outdoors.”

Badeau added, “Steve was a tremendous father, husband, and friend.  In the context many of us knew him, he was an unapologetically energetic teacher and a deeply impactful one too.  He taught with such vigor and enthusiasm that it poured out of his classroom.”

Here at Doherty High School, thanks to other teachers working to keep the program alive, students still have the opportunity to take part in the Field Study Program.

The program has been at our school for many years. According to CTE teacher Taylor Badeau, the program was first founded in 1990 by Mr. Gigliotti. However, it was introduced to our school in 1994.

Rather than being stuck in the classroom, Gigliotti inspired students to care more about nature. If you’re someone who’s interested in spending time outdoors and learning more about the environment, it’s definitely something to look forward to.  PE teacher Josh Galvan added, “[Gigliotti] allowed so many students the opportunity to get outside and learn more about the outdoors, rather than being inside a classroom.”

Each field study will be talked about in your health classes, and you will be given information about what you will be doing and what you need.

Math teacher Maria Rainsford explained how this program even affected her own family. “Steve taught my own kids, and they loved his classes. I enjoyed hearing about all the stuff they did and how he taught them to love learning. I hope that my past students attained even a spark of what Steve gave his students,” Rainsford said.

The number of students allowed to go is around 15, depending on each study.

However, to be able to go, students have to pay for the trips. It’s different depending on each study, but on average, each person will have to pay $400. The money will be used for resources needed while in the field.

Senior Tom Lowe appreciated the experience not only because of what he has learned, but because of the relationships he has made. “I love getting a break from life and running away for a week. There’s nothing to do out there except socialize and think where there’s no internet, no Wi-Fi, no nothing. These trips are where I have met the people I hold closest to me,” Lowe said.

The studies happen four times a year, in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.

On the first field study, you get to go canyoneering. On the second field study, you get to go snowshoeing and ice fishing.

On the third field study, you get to go rafting and hiking. And on the last field study, you get to go rafting.

While attending Doherty, students should definitely take the chance to go.

They get to participate in exciting activities. There are also many difficult situations where groups will have to work together as a team.  And they get to hear about the legacy of a very special Spartan, Mr. Steven Gigliotti, who will always be remembered for his contributions.

This story was originally published on The Spartan on November 19, 2024.