ATLANTA—With a two-act lineup of singing and dancing to entertain guests, seniors at Holy Spirit Prep School raised more than $7,000 at the annual “Roma!” event, a night of food, entertainment and auctions to support the annual senior class trip to Rome, Italy. The festivities took place on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

It’ll be the 10th end-of-year trip to Rome since the school’s first graduating class traveled to the Eternal City in 2006.

The trip serves as a capstone to students’ learning at the independent Catholic school as they visit sites studied in theology, history, literature, culture and art. It is also a bonding experience for students before graduation.

“Roma!” helps to defray the cost. Students gathered contributions of student art for a silent art auction; they baked and bought pies and pastries to be auctioned in a baked goods’ auction; they planned a spaghetti dinner.

The most anticipated part of “Roma!” may be the Senior Servant auction, where the seniors literally sell themselves, mostly to other students, to be their servant-for-a-day. The seniors offer to buy students’ meals, help them with their homework, and otherwise be at their disposal for a day.

Mike Verlander, a longtime theology department chairman and varsity golf coach, has led every Rome trip. He was recently honored at the Archbishop’s Education Banquet for his years of service to Catholic education.

To make a donation to the senior trip to Rome, please contact Verlander at mverlander@holyspiritprep.org.