Last week, students from all over the high school made valuable memories, departing on trips with their fellow students. The Journalism Team joined forces to gain perspectives from all four trips.
9th Grade – Kentucky
(Authors: Analeigh Daw, Riley Sutton, and Olivia Narron)
On February 24th, the freshman class traveled to Kentucky and Ohio, located in the Midwest. We gained insights into their trip through an interview with Spencer Sparrow. He walked us through the five day trip where roughly 21 students went through the Creation Museum, the Ark Encounter, the Newport Aquarium, along with staying at Great Wolf Lodge for four nights. His favorite part was, without a doubt, the Ark. He was impressed with the realistic aspect of it all and just how massive it truly was. The students also enjoyed the fellowship they had with other students and chaperons. Overall it was a memorable experience that all the students will remember as a time to appreciate God’s creation.
10th Grade – New York City
(Authors: Abigail Andrews and London Johnson)
The tenth grade class traveled on a train to the Big Apple and experienced many exciting activities together. Gus Roberts and Maddie Herbert have shared about their time in New York with their classmates
Gus said that he and his friends rode on the train to New York and enjoyed his time, but would have rather taken a bus because he felt it would be quicker. Everyday, they would meet in the lobby and have breakfast and then head to the subway. On the first day, they went to Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty Museum. After this, they would get onto a fairy and head back to the hotel to have dinner and hang out together. “My favorite part of the trip was ice skating because I enjoy it and am pretty good at it!” Gus stated. The park was very lively and there were a bunch of people and loud music playing. Overall, Gus enjoyed his experience in New York, but he says he enjoys life here in North Carolina better.
Maddie also attended the tenth grade class trip by train. She liked riding the train and thought it was very comfortable with a great view. “On the first day, we went to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. We also went to Broadway, The World Trade Center, and Ellen’s Stardust Diner. At the Diner, the waiters sang around the whole restaurant and there were lights everywhere. We also went to a math museum, The Wall Street Experience, a library, Trump Towers, and the Central Park Zoo. We walked the streets a lot in the city. Sometimes it was a little scary, especially when we went to Times Square.” “The area around the Trump Towers was gorgeous and we saw the Louis Vuitton suitcase building,” Maddie stated. She said that she thoroughly enjoyed the Broadway show and it was very well put together. Depending on the person, Maddie would recommend New York to her friends because there are many things to see and it is very different from North Carolina. If she could go back, she would love to go to the Empire State Building to one of the highest floors. Maddie and her dad spent a lot of time together by going to many places, such as Times Square and Sephora. Altogether, Maddie enjoyed her time in New York and would go back again with some of her friends.
11th Grade – Washington D.C.
(Authors: Jason Mirus, Maddie Holt, and Harper Nunn)
The 11th graders traveled to Washington D.C. for their Junior class trip. We interviewed Evan Thomas, Jacob Bass, and Maddie Holt.
Traveling
The Juniors made it to DC by train. The train ride was about 4 hours long. Jacob Bass said the ride was “long…kinda shaky.” Maddie Holt said it was “hectic because they double-booked a lot of seats, so we were kind of scrambling…It was comfortable though.” When asked if she saw anything while on the train, Maddie said she slept most of the time.
The City
The people of Washington D.C. were “kinda mean, always telling you to get out of the way…It’s a lot different than here,” according to Evan Thomas. Jacob and Maddie, however, said that the people were nice. It’s unclear if Evan was just blocking the way. Jacob’s first impression was that “I couldn’t tell if I was on the surface,” and if there was anything underneath him. Maddie said the city was “real beautiful, you could just feel the history there.”
The White House
The students enjoyed being in the White House, though Jacob said it was “a little underwhelming.” It was “lowkey kinda boring” to Maddie, although she also said it was “a once in a lifetime experience.” They had to wake up very early before visiting the White House. They unfortunately did not see President Trump, but they did see an important person at the Capitol, although they forgot who it was.
Landmarks
The most important part of the 11th grade trip was visiting the many landmarks in D.C. The Juniors visited the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theater (where Lincoln was assassinated), and many other places. Evan and Jacob’s favorite landmark was the Lincoln Memorial. Maddie’s favorite landmark was the Arlington National Cemetery.
Did You Learn Anything?
Evan enjoyed learning about Ford’s Theater and Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. For Jacob, “I didn’t know that Arlington [National Cemetery] was the home of Robert E. Lee, and that it was confiscated during the Civil War.” Maddie unfortunately could not recall what she learned.
12th Grade – Disney/Universal
(Authors: Carly Ramsey, Ava Lancaster, and Kylee Arnau)
The senior trip to Disney included visits to Universal Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood studios and Animal Kingdom. While the weather was mostly warm, they experienced one rainy day. Throughout the trip, seniors participated in devotionals and discussions about life after high school and how God’s guidance is necessary for the journey, focusing on themes of transition and faith. They also enjoyed numerous activities, including a private safari, a firework event with unlimited desserts, and a breakfast. Some seniors enjoyed their first experience flying, making this a truly special trip. Senior Jackson Sawrey said his favorite ride was the hulk in universal studios.
Anna Stugelmyer said Hollywood studios was her favorite; she enjoyed pineapple dole whips and the Fantasmic show. Macy Bass also favored Hollywood Studios for its abundance of rides, including the daring VelociCoaster. Macy’s trip highlights included the Guardians of the Galaxy ride at Epcot, her absolute favorite. She also bravely rode the VelociCoaster at Universal Studios, despite it being outside her comfort zone. She loved the food at Be Our Guest Restaurant, especially the soup, chicken, and dessert. Meanwhile, Nate Peck found Magic Kingdom’s castle light show captivating. His favorite ride was the VelociCoaster, at Universal Studios. A close favorite was Tiana Bayou Adventure which he and friends repeatedly enjoyed. He also loved dining with the princesses, especially the all-you-can-eat food and the mashed potatoes with jelly.
While the free week off from school was great, these experiences sound even better. We’re looking forward to the trips next year!