VPP Students gain International Experience via Rugby

As Stuart Krohn develops program he exposes students to China, the world at large


Los Angeles, CA − April 4, 2006 −
The View Park Prep rugby program is lead by a former professional player, turned middle school master teacher, Stuart Krohn who recently guided Breeanna Rolison and Chasen Todd through the trip of a lifetime!

Mr. Krohn is extremely excited about the experiences rugby is providing for his young students. During the month of March, they traveled to China, lived with local host families, went to an international school to attend classes-and of course played lots of rugby when not studying or sight seeing.

Before the trip, Chasen remarked, “I like playing rugby. I love to try new things and I'm excited about visiting Hong Kong!”

Krohn observed a change in both students during the trip noting that, “Chasen and Breanna both grew up a lot during their experience abroad.”

To Breeanna, the experience was broadening; “Going to school in another country is fascinating and it’s interesting to watch the people here [in China].”

Krohn, an 8-year veteran of the Valley rugby club, helped create this international exchange with another former player still abroad named Rod McIntosh. Stuart aims to create a strong rugby program at View Park Prep, similar to what was created at Hong Kong’s French International School; a place Krohn spent numerous years as a teacher and coach after finishing his playing career.

With over 40 View Park Prep students as players now, including 15 girls, Krohn is making great progress in creating a successful rugby program. Asked about the program’s present status, according to Krohn, “The girls play sevens and are undefeated-they’re really good! Our oldest boys play 10-a-side at under-15 level. They’re learning. They’re in middle school and play against high school teams.”

Aside from physical development Krohn feels, “There is something about rugby that develops a very close bond between the people who play it. That’s a huge part of what this exchange program is about.”




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About the Inner City Education Foundation
The Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF) is a non-profit operator of charter schools in South Los Angeles. ICEF’s mission is to prepare students to attend and compete at the top 100 colleges and universities in the United States. ICEF’s programs are built around a culture of high expectations and innovative educational approaches developed at the nation’s best college preparatory schools. ICEF currently operates three public charter schools, the View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter Elementary School, the View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter Middle School and the View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter High School, which rank among the top schools in Los Angeles. ICEF can be found on the web at www.icefla.org