High school students got a devastating life lesson this week. 21 West Fargo students, who saved four years for a trip to Europe this summer, are out nearly five thousand dollars each. The company they booked through filed for bankruptcy, taking the kids' money with it. It would have been the sixth trip that French teacher Suzanne Thibert has taken with Voyager Educational Tours. The company's mission was to help students travel, so they can learn about other cultures.
Suzanne Thibert: "This is all that it reads... We're sorry to announce that Voyager Educational Tours has ceased operations."
Teacher Suzanne Thibertgot this email, just weeks before she was to bring 21 kids to Europe.
Thibert: "Most kids were crying, most couldn't believe it. They had to leave the room, because they were sick to their stomachs."
Many of the students had worked for four years to save money for the summer tour of France, Italy and Switzerland.
Sebastian Carcoana/student: "I was shocked and extremely disappointed. It was devastating to hear. We're not going anywhere now."
Gary Clark/principal: "My first feeling is disbelief and anger, I just feel terrible for our students who have worked so hard for all these years."
The trip was not school sponsored, but principal Gary Clark says the school's attorney is investigating and he is taking action himself.
Gary Clark: "I called and left a message. I told them who I am and that they scammed out kids out of $4800 each."
Valley News Live’s calls to representatives with Voyager Educational Tours were not returned tonight. The students were supposed to leave June second.
Teacher, Suzanne Thibert, says she will continue to fight to get the money back for the students whether it takes months or years. Principal Gary Clark says there are indications the company used the student's money to cover other operating expenses, so it is gone. By the way, West Fargo isn't alone. There are other school groups around the country in the same boat.
