Bahamas Bound Seniors
by Stephanie Wilhelm
January 30, 2008
For the past 13 years, Biology students have been raising money to go on the annual Bahamas bound trip. Starting the freshmen year, students join in on the monthly recycling endeavor. Every third Saturday of the month, Mr. Vitt and a mixed group of biology club members and biology students head to the far end of the parking lot to sort and stock different recyclable items. The majority of the items are recycled newspapers, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. People drive through and drop off items they’ve saved in sorted containers for the past month; there are quite a few regular supporters. Recycling lasts for two hours, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Through the winter months it gets a bit cold but Mr. Vitt helps raise spirits by providing hot chocolate. Another big fundraiser is burrito sales. For several weeks, club members hit the town to sell as many burritos as they can. Then, when all orders are in, the club members and family get together at the High School and form assembly lines to make the burritos. Some people may stack the tortillas, while others add beans, meat, and cheese. They are rolled, bagged, and sorted into order boxes, then delivered to be enjoyed. This year Red hawk Carwash cards were also sold at this time. Second semester, Little Caesar Pizza sales begin. Along with all those fundraising activities, concessions during football basketball games play a big part. Several meals are done including the pulled-pork sandwiches which are usually a big hit.
Even though there is a lot to do, it pays off. If a member works enough through their four years they may end up having the trip completely paid for when they are seniors. The cost of this trip is roughly $1,200. This cost includes, flights and board. Every time a member works, they earn work shares which are worth somewhere around $7.50. So over the years, it adds up. The trip is from March 13th to the 20th. Students will spend time on the beach and snorkeling, looking at and studying different types of native fish and choral. When asked what part the of trip they are most looking forward to, Hailey Grimm said “the warm weather” Austin Hrencher said “I’m looking forward to getting a sweet tan and dread locks!” Mr. Vitt has gone on this trip for 13 years and every year it brings new experiences. The trip is usually over Easter so there is normally a visit to the local church for the celebration. This year we will be returning before Easter but will still visit the churches for services. The members going are really excited. “I’ve never been out of the states so this is going to really exciting” said Alex Daniels. Students are not the only ones getting to take this trip; a few parental sponsors are going to be attending also. These parent and adult sponsors include Lorie Mueller, Jan Rankin, Brad Sommers, Crosby Gernon, Dwayne Scates, Bobbi Dozier, Nick Hrencher, Kim Lillie, Denise Nigh and P.E. teacher Rod Spellman.
This trip is not just for fun and games. It is a learning experience. Before a student can go on this trip, they must have completed a course of Human Anatomy & Physiology or College Biology. Also before leaving, students are to meet second semester during seminar once a week to study the fish and choral species that they will be seeing. This is to ensure they realize what they are seeing when they see it. During the trip they will be asked to keep a daily journal of the activities done. Notes are to be taken, and when they return, a test will be given. The trip and activities will all be towards a grade and credit. The credit will be equivalent to a quarter credit. Students are very excited for this and have worked hard towards it. This is an exciting a memorable trip for a senior year.
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