Senior class returns from unforgettable adventure in Florida

The senior class embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Florida for their class trip. They experienced Busch Gardens Amusement Park, a day at Daytona Beach, Adventure Island water park, Honeymoon island, St. Pete Beach, and a sunset cruise on the Calypso Queen in Clearwater Beach. Amidst all the fun activities, the students were able to bond as a class and make memories as they approach graduation. 

The students traveled to the Denver airport early in the morning at 2:30 a.m., boarded the plane, and landed in Orlando at around noon. After arriving, they went grocery shopping before heading to the guys’ Airbnb, where they swam and enjoyed delicious haystacks and tacos for dinner. 

The senior class had a morning routine that included breakfast in their separate houses followed by worship at the guys' house, which was led by different class officers and students.

On the first day, the class went to Busch Gardens amusement park, where they rode roller coasters, indulged in food, and toured a variety of African animals like antelopes, rhinos, and crocodiles. 

Lindsey Smith, senior, commented “The rides were so much fun. I’m the type of person who loves roller coasters so I went on every ride. My favorite was the Iron Gwazi. I didn’t realize what it was when I was going on it. I was expecting it to be a really easy wooden one. But it turned out to be the fastest and most exhilarating ride. After Busch Gardens we were starving. We all went to Olive Garden where we got to relax, eat some tasty pasta, and bond with each other. It was a fun end to a fun day.” 

On Thursday the seniors traveled to Daytona Beach where they swam, tanned, and shopped around the pier. Jarrod Lang stated, “It was my first time in three years to go to the beach. I loved riding the giant waves with my classmates, and venturing out into the deep parts of the ocean.” 

The seniors spent the evening at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, where they enjoyed an adventurous, entertaining, and action-packed performance and a filling meal. Lang continued, “The tournament was so interesting. It was my first time watching a jousting match. I enjoyed cheering for the yellow knight and eating a meal like those in the medieval times using my hands. It was all a new and great experience.” 

The next day, the class visited Adventure Island water park, where they swam and went down some crazy and fun water slides. Haley Beckermeier reflected, “It was great hanging out with my friends at the water park. My favorite slide had a bunch of fun shapes and patterns on the inside, and played some fun music. There were some intense stairs, but the adrenaline rush after the slides made it worth the climb. 

Sabbath was spent on Honeymoon Island, where the seniors held their church service. They prayed, sang, and explored the topic of nature in God's word. Afterwards, they enjoyed a picnic lunch with hot dogs, cooling drinks, and watermelons. Senior Nicole Dominguez recalled, “It was a really nice and relaxing day on the island; a contrast from the other days, which were adventurous and full of energy. Mrs. Brown shared a really beautiful message that deeply spoke to me. She said that we may not know what is coming ahead but there will always be hidden blessings in life, especially when we keep God close to us.”

On the final day, the seniors headed to St. Pete Beach, where they swam right at the Gulf of Mexico. Some students explored the different stores around the beach. The trip ended on a high note with a sunset cruise at Clearwater Beach, where they enjoyed a dinner buffet on the Calypso Queen. 

On Monday morning, everyone packed up and headed to the Premium Outlets for a final shopping spree before going to the airport. They finally arrived on campus after a long flight. 

Daniel Moraes concluded, “Senior trip was an amazing experience! I got to go to a place I had never been before which was a lot of fun. I loved bonding with the class and the staff as well. It sure was a trip that I will never forget. I thank God that I had an opportunity like this. Florida gave me a chance to have fun and see the people that are important to me enjoy something well deserved.”

Tiffany Mogaka, Student News Team