We want to shout a huge thank you, at the top of our lungs, for supporting our fundraising efforts the last four years. Whether it was attending the annual Turkey Bingo, an alumni donation, or a personal/business donation, you helped foster a positive learning experience for many high school students by opening the doors to other parts of our nation.During Spring Break, nine teachers and a Tonkawa Tribal Liaison chose to spend their break sponsoring 36 high school students as they traveled across the south learning about the rich culture, government, topography, history and so much more.From Memphis BBQ and Elvis to the Civil Rights Tour and the 16th Street church bombing in Birmingham by the Ku Klux Klan, to NASA’s Al Worden and the Challenger’s Space Shuttle disaster, on to Cocoa Beach to see the ocean, (the first time for some) the students’ eyes were opened to the amazing history our country has to offer.From there, we started our return trip with a stop at Universal Studios, a USA National Landmark and major tourist attraction. Then, they toured the USS Alabama, which was used in raids and battles during WWII. This was followed by a visit to the US National Historic Landmark, the Beauvoir, where students walked the beautiful grounds, home and cemetery, along with the Biloxi Lighthouse, all which survived the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. They witnessed firsthand, the resilience of the American people.The last stop, New Orleans, immersed them in the culture and architecture of the Creole style while on a tour of the French Quarter. They also visited the largest WWII Museum in the US, took a paddleboat tour to learn about New Orleans and the Louisiana Purchase, and held an alligator during a swamp tour in Louisiana.We had people in every state comment on our students’ exceptional conduct and character. Their goal was to learn as much as much as possible while making connections with the Character Counts Pillars: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. I would say they nailed it!2022 Extended Studies DC/NY Trip List11th grade -- Gracie Fiscus, Brooklyn Day , Heidi Hembree, Rachel Means, Braden Paker , Deaundra Chisholm, Nathan Lawson, Aniya Berry, Dafkneigh Cornell, Karlee Jacobs, Torrie Simmons, Kaedyn Warrior.12th Grade-- Kira Pendleton, Noah Campbell, Dante Mendoza, Savannah Linton, Gloria Reyes, Katelyn Qualls, Ron Haley. Malikai Day, Bryer Bay, Jaci Johnson, JR Grein9th Grade -- Miguel Pando, Kalli Gilbert, Reid ...
