Laura Walser, of Tamaqua,was among 24 members of the Susquehanna University community who participated in the university's SU CASA (Susquehanna University Central America Service Adventure) annual service-learning trip.

The trip took place from Dec. 29 to Jan. 12.Program participants contributed in various ways to the communities they visited.While staying in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, they were divided into three teams: vacation Bible school, construction and medical.The vacation Bible school team planned and conducted free vacation Bible school for children in various neighborhoods.The construction team helped with building projects at a children's center, library, church and hospital. The medical team traveled to different neighborhoods each day, offering free medical clinics.The project was conceived by former Susquehanna chaplain, the Rev. Mark Wm. Radecke, in 1999. He helped lead 16 groups, totaling 385 members of the Susquehanna community.Walser, a 2010 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, is a senior Spanish and education major and the daughter of Michael and Michelle Walser.