By Guy D'Astolfo

The Youngstown Connection has made a lot of amazing trips over its 28 years of existence, including a few visits to Europe. But its recent trip to Italy topped them all, said Carol Baird, the founder and director of the city schools' song and dance troupe.

The 14 high-school age members, plus Baird and three chaperones, returned from a one-week visit to Italy on June 19. They traveled to four cities – Florence, Montecini, Pisa and Rome – to give performances. But the highlight undoubtedly was singing at a Mass at the Vatican, where they later had an audience with Pope Francis.

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Source: http://www.vindy.com/