Grand Canyon Experience

Since Travel is such an integral part of the Academy, Mr. Clark and Mrs. Bearden decided a special trip for the Academy's 18 Honor Roll students would be a perfect way to celebrate these students' academic achievments.  To make the excursion extra exciting, Mr. Clark allowed these students to decide on their destination.  Given a list which included Disneyland, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, North Carolina, and Busch Gardens, the students chose the Grand Canyon.

The trip began with a one-night stay in Las Vegas at the Circus Circus Hotel.  In addition to a day of adventure and fun inside the hotel's amusement park, students took in an amazing Cirque de Soleil show -Le Reve- at the gorgeous Wynn Hotel.

Next it was off to the Canyon.  Students took a scenic ride from Nevada into Arizona where they met up with two tour guides who began phase two of the trip.  The afternoon began with a half-day hike into the Canyon where students witnessed unbelivable views fron atop the Canyon as well as inside it.

Students then spent a night under the stars at a nearby camp site.  The evening's activities included ghost stories, roasting marshmellows for s'mores and sharing with one another around the fire.  For many of our students, this was their first time hiking and camping, so this was truly an eye-opening experience.

Finally, the time had come for the most anticipated adventure of the trip.  With temperatures topping out at 115 degrees a day of white water rafting couldn't arrive soon enough.  Student started out on a bumpy bus ride meandering into the Caynon - it was all downhill from here.  When they hit the Colorado River there was no turning back.  As students embarked on a five hour journey down the river they splashed in waterfalls, waded in streams, and weathered a host of rapids - some of which registered a level 7 out of 10.  The day ended with a helicopter ride out of the Caynon.  WOW! What an amazing view from above!