Euchre, Snorkeling and Signs: Class of 2010's Senior Trip

The senior trip to the Dominican Republic truly brought the senior students together as a class. Although the faith-based mission was extremely beneficial and inspirational, many influential moments also occurred on the SCORE property during free time.

Throughout the week, the seniors bonded together by playing all types of games. The game of signs was definitely a hit among teachers and students alike. Taunting and laughing, groups of students could be heard all over the SCORE hotel and were even asked to be more quiet a number of times.

Many students played the card game euchre throughout the week; they even played in the airport before departing to America. Seniors Alex Scott and Caleb Palumbo set up a euchre tournament that included 16 teams and 32 people. Scott noted that “Jonathan Kanning and Alex Whitt won the euchre tournament.” He was sure to add that, “Coach Heath and I came in a close second.

Students also tremendously enjoyed the trip to Catalina Island. On the boat ride to and from the island, several students, including Michael Williams and Madison Mikhail, suffered motion sickness. Unfortunately, they were not able to participate when the boat anchored off the coast and allowed the seniors to jump off the boat and to snorkel around the coral reefs. Senior Sara Katula commented “I loved going to Catalina Island and jumping off the boat.” Later, Katula added that her best friend Courtney Dickinson “helped me conquer my fears of jumping.”

After arrival at Catalina Island, the students had the freedom to roam and explore the beach. Some decided to sunbathe or rummage through the shops, while others enjoyed swimming in the ocean. Caleb Palumbo said, “I had a lot of fun playing soccer with a Frenchman on the beach.” He added, “Charging into the waves with the entire senior class was great!

Although the Catalina Island trip was the favorite activity for some students, others really enjoyed going to the market and bargaining with the local shop owners. “Even though I had seen a lot of the things they were selling before,” student Michael Williams said, “it was still really fun to bargain with them.” Whether it was knives, jewelry, or backpacks, the Dominican Straw Market had something for every buyer.

“Worship was definitely my favorite part of the trip,” commented senior Michael Bush. “It felt almost surreal, like it was out of a movie.” Throughout the week, Mr. Heath and a few other chaperones took groups of seniors to the beach to worship God in whatever way they pleased. Mr. Heath and Michael Bush played music while students either shared their testimonies or reflected on their own lives. “It was a great place to go and just talk to God,” added Palumbo. “It was amazing to see God move among the seniors while we were there.”

On the last night in the Dominican Republic, many of the students were truly moved. While sitting around the pool, the seniors began to share their thoughts, conveying what God was doing in their lives. Some, who had never really shared before, comforted each other after they shared. Students who seemed to have the perfect lives shared that, on the inside, anyway, not everything was perfect and that they were asking God for help.

Everyone grew up a little on the Dominican Republic trip, and since that moment, some lives will never be the same. The overall experience that every student had was incredible. Through missions, snorkeling, and just hanging out with their fellow classmates, the senior class members really bonded and grew in their faith.