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Keys Trip -- Student Evaluations: '04 - '08

There is no question in my mind that there will be no other school experience as good as the Florida Keys Trip. I would turn around and drive TWICE the distance to go back to the Keys. ----- Randall B. '08

I learned a lot of interesting facts at Sea Camp. Who would have known that sharks have seven senses? ----- Eric R. '08

In my opinion the Keys Trip was the best one so far. I think it will remain the best according to my siblings. I was really excited when I saw a spotted eagle ray. The coolest thing I saw would have to be the baby reef octopus. ----- Richard S. '08

I also enjoyed the bus ride because we got to spend hours on end with all of our friends. ----- Alex S. '08

Having to study for so many quizzes beforehand was well worth it. I liked being able to identify what I was looking at when I was snorkeling. ----- Sydney T. '08

Let me say one thing .... WOW! This trip was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I'm only in 7th grade! I'm actually really glad that I learned all that I did before the trip. I was so excited to be able to identify everything (well, almost everything) I saw. Counselors also made the trip awesome. They always gave you materials besides what you already knew and shared cool stories. ----- Anna C. '08

All in all, this was just about the craziest, funnest, coolest, best, and most amazingest trip I've ever been on. I loved how when you were on the trip everyone was so laid back. I hung out with people who I never really knew, and got to know my friends even better. Sea Camp was INCREDIBLE. Every single second I was there it felt like it couldn't get any better and then BAM! it did! This is a trip that I will never forget. It was the highlight of the 7th grade year. ----- Caroline B. '08

The Everglades was amazing. I've never seen so many alligators in a natural setting. Walking in two different ecosystems was so cool.  ----- Alexis R. '08

This trip has so far been the highlight of middle school. I had been looking forward to it for so long. I had doubts that it would be as good as people had said but it was above and beyond what I expected. -----Chandler C. '08

I will never forget all of my snorkeling experiences. Every time that I brought my mask, fins, and snorkel to the boat dock, I knew that I was going to have a great time. ----- Chelsea J. '08

The Florida Keys Trip is really amazing. It's loads of fun and it's a once in a life time experience. It's great being with your friends and learning at the same time. It's the best kind of learning -- hands on. I think the journal will really be worth it later on. Twenty years from now we can look back in it and go, "Oh, yeah! This is from my 7th grade Florida Keys Trip." You can almost relive the whole thing as you read through the pages. All in all, the Florida Keys Trip is phenomenal and different from any other school trip you'll ever go on. ----- Sara M. '08

At first I thought Sea Camp would be like school, with someone talking to us continuously while we did worksheets. Sea Camp was actually the exact opposite, with the instructors keeping the lectures as short as possible, or skipping them all together, and trying to give us as much hands-on time as possible. ----- Elisabeth M. '08

I loved wading from Sea Camp over to Horseshoe Island. On the way we saw a baby spotted eagle ray. When we did the "Smallest Shell" contest I was amazed at how small some of the shells were. They looked like specks of broken glass. -----Brittany E. '08

My trip to Florida can be summed up in one word -- incredible. The trip was everything I dreamed of and more. After a lot of thinking, my favorite part of the trip was snorkeling in the coral heads. It was really cool to be able to name all of the tropical fish. I felt so smart being able to say, "Hey! That was a sergeant major!" ----- Maggie B. '08

This trip was basically the most amazing fantabulastic trip in the world! It was soooo cool, I especially liked snorkeling! I saw so many fish that I knew names for! So, I'm glad that MrC made us memorize those fish. The counselors were awesome. They listened to us and even did crazy things like "Bounce and Flow." ----- Brooke McG. '08

 During the night wade there were exciting creatures everywhere -- from cassiopeia, to hermit crabs, to lobsters! I learned how to see better at night, using the pirate's trick of covering one eye. Just cover one eye, turn on the lights, look at the light with your uncovered eye for awhile, then turn the lights off and uncover your other eye. You'll be able to see in the dark! ----- Tyler C. '07

The Florida Keys Trip rocked my socks! It was the best school field trip that I have ever been on. It made me feel smart that I knew everything that the counselors would ask us. ----- Cesar L. '07

Snorkeling at the coral reefs was definitely my favorite part of the trip. I never knew that coral heads could be so large or that so many fish would live in them. In some spots there were hundreds of fish swimming extremely close to each other and there were sea fans as big as a couch. ----- Aaron R. '07

Wow! The Florida Keys trip is one that I will never forget. From the crazy long bus ride, to snorkeling with amazing kinds of fish. During the trip, I complained a little about the Journal, but now looking at it I am really glad we have it. The Trip Journal reminds me of everything I saw and really brings out the good in the trip. ----- Emily B. '07

Personally, the Florida Keys Trip was one of the best experiences of my life. I'll probably never forget it. Sea Camp was amazing! The staff was great, friendly and fun. The flattop boats were fun and fast (just how I like it). Snorkeling was so awesome. After having to learn all the kinds of fish, coral, and plants, I thought I would never use it in the Florida Keys. But while I was snorkeling I was able to point out almost every kind of fish I saw. I felt really great knowing I wasn't completely clueless out there. ----- Tiffany L. '07

I made a lot of  friends during this trip. I talked to people on our team that I had never really talked to before. I learned a lot about not only marine biology but also about the people on our team. All in all, this was an amazing trip. PS. Thank you Mr. C. for allowing us to go to the Florida Keys. It rocked ----- Carly B. '07

First I would like to give a big thank-you to Mr. C. for putting in countless hours to make this trip possible and make it my best school field trip ever! ----- Will C. '07

This was an AMAZING trip!!! The counselors were really great. They helped us so much. Getting to see all the coral and stuff we studied was really cool too. Having to learn everything really paid off in Florida. Knowing what the counselors were talking about was pretty cool too.  ----- Meredith W. '07

Learning doesn't get more hands-on than this. We saw everything we had learned about in class and more! What does "calcerous" mean until you've felt halimeda, a plant that feels almost like stone? What color is a spotted jewfish? How is it possible to feel the wind that passes through palms without really BEING there? ----- Anne O. '07

The Cassiopeia Lab was my favorite lab. It was fun testing the stress level on upside-down jellyfish depending on the different environments they were in. ----- Clay W. '07

Snorkeling was like a passport to another world it would seem; the water so clear, the amazing colors and sounds, the feeling of little gravity, unbelievable. I learned so much on this trip. ----- Caroline S. '07

This trip was the best class field trip I've had so far! Not only did I have lots and lots of fun, but I learned before, during, and after the trip. I bonded with a lot of people, go to know others better, and knew old friends inside-out. I learned patience and silence. Both can be useful. You don't have to always talk, you can listen. Listening will get you farther, so will paying attention. I also learned that it's helpful to be helpful on this trip. You will be needed and you will be thanked. I have learned to be kinder, to respect others more, and to not procrastinate on stuff like learning and writing in the journal. ----- Sharon J. '07

The Florida Keys Trip was amazing. It was a good way to learn a lot, do many hands-on activities, be independent, and learn about your friends. Some of the best things about this trip included the organization and independence. The organization was great because we were always on time if not early and we never had to wait in long lines such as in past trips in other grades. The independence was good because we got to choose how to spend our time. Overall, I think the trip was amazing. ----- Alex H. '07

I actually liked the Trip Journal (shhh, don't tell, Mr. C!) because it was a way to sit down and think, "Hey, I really learned something today." Working on it gave me time to relax, and it will be a good way to remember this great trip. ----- Kasey S. '07

The Keys trip was soooo much fun! My favorite thing about the trip was the snorkeling we did while at Sea Camp. You got to see all the fish and other things you studied in science class. Learning all the fish helped make snorkeling more enjoyable because you could identify the fish you saw! ----- Angela V. '07

Overall the trip to the Florida Keys was excellent. I had a great time snorkeling and being with everyone else at Sea Camp. Since it was the first time I had ever been snorkeling, it was a great and awesome experience. ----- Alex F. '07

This trip was the BEST school trip I've ever been on! The bus ride, which a lot of people were not looking forward to, was a ton of fun. I got to spend 10+ hours talking to my friends, listening to my iPod, and reading a new book. ----- Tyler H. '07

This trip was the best thing I've ever done in my life. The camp was beautiful, the water was crystal clear, and the weather perfect. I loved that I was so prepared and actually knew what I was looking at. It added another dimension to the snorkeling to be able to identify the fish and talk about them with friends. The coral reefs were magnificent. The whole world seemed to stop in those few minutes underwater. We grew in our friendships over the trip. We learned to help and rely on each other. I wouldn't trade this trip for anything! I'll never forget this! Thanks so much Mr. C! ----- Elly S. '06

During this trip I learned more than I could ever learn in a classroom. The hands-on part of Sea Camp made everything interesting and fun. I saw more wildlife in three days than I have in a year of my life. I saw things that I had never seen before and probably will never get a chance to see again. ----- Cody P. '06

This trip has been by far the best school or regular trip that I have ever been on and I will always remember this trip and how great it was. My favorite part was being able to snorkel. I loved seeing all the different fish and being able to identify them. ----- Shelby R. '06

I would like to thank Mr. Clauset for teaching us all the stuff we had to learn before we went down to Sea Camp because I really felt like I knew what they [Sea Camp Instructors] were talking about. ----- Tommy H. '06

My favorite part of the whole trip was snorkeling at the coral heads. We saw so many awesome fish there. My favorite fish of all the fish we saw was the parrotfish. I liked it best because of its colors and the way that I could watch it eating coral. ----- Matt B. '06

I believe this had to be the best trip ever! I learned so much about wildlife, the ocean, people, and my friends that I really did not want to leave. I never knew there was so much to learn about the ocean and the creatures in it. Who knew queen angelfish could glow neon blue? ----- Hannah J. '06

All in all, the Sea Camp/Sea World trip was the best school trip I've ever been on. Thank you , Mr. C., for organizing this fabulous trip and finding such wonderful chaperones who let us safely have as much fun as possible. ----- Michael A. '05

This trip was by far the best, the most fun school trip I have ever taken in my LIFE! What I loved about the boat trips was that I knew everything I was looking at and it made me feel smart. I guess all those weeks of quizzes and tests were all worth it. ----- Jordan P. '05

I can hardly put what I am thinking about the trip into words. It was amazing, incredible, absolutely fabulous. I mean, swimming with barracudas amongst the mangrove prop roots and diving down to the turtle grass was good and cool, but I was having the best time of my life when I dove down to the coral. There were fish there, every single one that I had studied. My favorite was the Rainbow Parrotfish ... or was it the Blue Tang? ----- Sawyer H. '05

This trip to me was the best trip I've ever had or will ever go on. People in the 10th grade still talk about this trip. I know a senior in high school that wished me good luck on the trip. ---- Ian McE '05

My overall feeling for the trip is amazement and "excitedness." I am so lucky that I was able to visit the Everglades, attend Sea Camp, and have fun at Sea World all in one trip. The Everglades was very inspiring because I was able to observe the very creatures that we had discussed in class. Seeing them made everything come to life. ----- Kelsey S. '05

At first, all the drilling before the trip seemed unnecessary but now it is so cool to look at the fish and actually know what I am looking at. I also feel special when the counselors say stuff like, "These are the smartest kids we've had," or, "They are SO prepared!" ----- Kristin A. '05

My favorite lab was probably the cassiopeia and shark lab. This is because I got to swim with sharks. Swimming with sharks helped me to not be afraid of them because I saw how they can even swim under you and not notice you one little bit. In fact three sharks swam under me!
----- Jeffrey G. '05

I thought that the trip was great. I want to say thanks to Mr. C. who planned this all for us and has been doing this for years. If I hadn't of gone on this trip or studied for it I would still be clueless about many things in the ocean.  This is the most fun I've had in my life while learning at the same time.  ----- T. F.

This is the BEST school trip I have ever been on.  I would go again! And again! And again! I especially enjoyed Sea Camp.  The ocean is awesome and the experience of snorkeling is the greatest. I have friends that have gone on this trip and they still talk about it.  I will remember it all my life.  At Sea World I loved petting the dolphins and stingrays.  Well, that is the best trip ever!! ----- Christin

I loved this trip!  I think I liked it even more than my sister did.  And she even saw a Christmas Tree Worm and she still talks about it. Snorkeling was fun and a new thing to do. It was so cool to see a sea anemone and touch it and have it go "shoop!" back down its stalk. ----- Gabby G.

I really enjoyed this trip.  It is a once in a lifetime experience. Only a few of us will be able to go back to the Keys and even then we won't get to see the things we got to see. ----- Will

My favorite part of this wonderful trip was the snorkeling when we went to the coral patch reefs. I think the trip helped me learn better than I do in school and was also an incredible experience. ----- Hill S.

Whenever you are at Sea Camp or at the Everglades, you have a great time.  No one could have a bad time. We got to swim with many different fish, cnidarians, arthropods, echinodermata, annelida, gastropods, and porifera.  We learned about these things in our classroom before the trip, but when we got to Sea Camp we learned more than we ever thought we could.  I think that this was the best school trip I have ever been on. ----- Evan
 

Keys Trip -- Parent Evaluations: '04 - '08

Jacob LOVED this trip. It was a great experience for him. I can honestly say that he studied harder in anticipation for this trip than for any other purpose ever. I know he learned a lot even before he set foot on the bus ... but it was mainly because Mr. Clauset was able to convince him that he would truly NEED and WANT to have that knowledge. For bright kids that absorb info. pretty easily, the whole experience of studying, planning, doing, seeing, and using that info. at a more advanced and intensive manner is the whole reason why I sent the boy to Hanes. Well done! And I also have to commend the staff -- especially MrC -- on the excellent communication -- direct mailing + emails in addition to the send-home stuff made sure I got the info I needed. I also felt the trip was an excellent value. Private school costs way more -- and we get the BEST education in town! Keep up the good work! ----- Kim H. '08

We think the Keys Trip was exceptional in every way. From the beginning we were well-informed and kept up-to-date on changes. As the trip approached, communication about it, the expectations and needs were thoroughly communicated. Anna felt well-prepared from the work done in class and at home. She experienced limited anxiety in anticipation and was most excited. When she returned from the trip she shared what was an incredible experience with us. She especially loved snorkeling and the lab work. ----- Gina C. '08

You guys (& gals) are awesome! The trip was wonderful and I am very appreciative that you would give our kids this opportunity. Organization was superb. I always knew what was going on and all of my questions were answered. Preparation:  Drilling the students on what to do was very beneficial. It was well-organized. Educational Value:  Can't put a price on it. Taylor learned, he experienced, he had fun. And you were right, I heard may times, "Wow, I know what that is!" Definitely worth the price. Please try to continue offering this trip to other classes. Thank you for all that you do!! You make learning fun. ----- Laurie M. '08

Jackie fully enjoyed this trip and the educational experience will last a lifetime. It was overwhelming to hear her explain the adventures she was on. The focus on ecosystems during the study unit paid dividends that would normally have been missed. When reading her journal, I was amazed at the amount of recall and thoroughness in describing her surroundings. I have done the Florida Keys many times, and in one trip, Jackie has surpassed my appreciation for the natural beauty and has done it with a keen sense of adventure through learning. We thank you for this true learning experience you have offered her. --- Peter N. '08

The Florida Keys Trip was an absolutely fabulous experience and will undoubtedly become a highlight of Emily's education. It was exceedingly well-planned in both the students' educational preparedness and in the actual trip organization.  No detail was left out. The actual hands-on labs with the marine biologists could not be duplicated anywhere else. The counselors were not only terrific with the kids, but they had a great deal of knowledge that they were able to share with them in an exciting atmosphere. This was a new type of learning experience that one could never really get in a classroom and should definitely excite some kids and lead them to a scientific career. Emily continues to talk about the things she saw and learned on the trip. It was definitely worth the price and should continue to stay an integral part of the 7th grade HAG science curriculum. ----- Sharon M. '08

We're really glad that Ingrid was given this special privilege to go on the Florida Keys Trip. It was "the best" trip for her (she almost didn't want to come home, she said). We want to thank everyone for making this trip possible. We're impressed at how well-organized, well-planned, & excellent the whole trip was from the time it was announced (when school started) until now. We believe that Ingrid learned a lot from this trip. Thank you very, very much! And, CONGRATULATIONS on the job very well done.  ----- Mr. & Mrs. T '08

Three trips, three kids (Richard's turn this time!) and all have come back with wonder, awe and a love for the ocean and the critters beneath. You and the other teachers have accomplished so much with the kids; you should be proud of the planning, organization and value of the trip. Please don't let this trip be taken away from the 7th grade -- it is a great learning experience. Thank you! ----- Fran S. '08

Christopher LOVED the experience. He learned much in a different venue! The trip was well-organized and worth the cost! The teachers must be commended for their dedication, patience, thoroughness, and love of education. Their efforts go above and beyond the call of duty. This is the 3rd time a child of ours has had the opportunity and each child had a great experience. Thank you for the outstanding effort!  ----- Joan H. '08

Hands down this is the greatest educational experience that I have ever been involved with. Every child was so prepared for the camp experience and as a result walked away from camp having learned more than even the instructors could have wished for. I was particularly amazed by the intelligence, caring and concern of each student. Smart at times did not describe them. The instructors were constantly amazed by their knowledge and abilities to answer questions. It was the exception when they did not know something. Each student seemed to care more than I would expect for their fellow classmates as well. They would go out of their way to help each other, and offer their support at all times. ----- Greg C. '07

We are always impressed with how much the kids learn. Melissa entertained us with the names of all of the ocean life she saw and also described how she was able to identify a certain fish. I am going to hope her memory is as strong as Matt's -- he identified 22 out of 25 flash cards one day as Melissa was studying. I was impressed that the material was still active after 3 years. They have learned for the duration. I think the planning was exceptional. Information is early, precise, and clearly defines responsibility. The cost is still very manageable -- the value to the kids is worth the price. Please keep this trip as part of the curriculum in the future -- every child should have an opportunity like Sea Camp. ----- Fran S. '07

Great trip! Andrew loved it. He learned a lot before going and furthered that knowledge while there. The trip is more than learning about sea life, though. It's an incredible journey with friends and teachers -- away from the ever-watchful eyes of parents. A sort of venturing out to explore some of the world sans family. It's one of the many pathways to growing up. Could the trip have been any more organized? I can't comprehend one thing that was not covered prior to going. Fabulous job, Mr. C! You bet it was worth the money! I am praying that this opportunity will still be available in 3 years for our younger son, Will, to experience. It's the best! ----- Liz S. '07

I can say that this is by far the best school trip any of my children have been able to participate in. They learn through all five senses and in a multi-faceted approach (while "having fun"). The planning and supervision also make for a worry-free week for those left at home. ----- Megan E. '07

Zak definitely enjoyed his time at Sea Camp. He always loved being in the water and the opportunity to see coral reefs, fish, etc. in that habitat was priceless. The shark pond also gets a double thumbs up. This trip is worth every penny! ----- Krys P. '07

Great trip! Tyler loved the Keys trip so much he's ready to go back already! Although we had some concerns that the trip wouldn't be as exciting for him since we are frequent Keys visitors, that was not the case. He loved learning new stuff and discovering even more sea life that we had previously seen. ----- Renee C. '07

This is my second child to go on this trip. I was lucky enough to go with my daughter in 2001. I am very happy with the preparation prior to the trip as well as the trip. Everything was extremely organized. I didn't worry once about the safety of my child. I firmly believe the educational value of the trip is worth every penny.  ----- Alice G. '07

The Florida Trip for Hanes 7th graders was  excellent. Each component of it was thoughtfully planned and executed -- from the Golden Coral meals to snorkeling on the reef with knowledgeable instructors. It was definitely worth the cost -- hands-on learning at its best. The students were so well versed on marine biology and "wow-ed" the staff, and yet they all learned a lot too through the labs and other experiences. ----- Melissa C. '06

Kyle really enjoyed the trip. He learned so many new things. All the preparation before the trip enabled him to get more out of the experience. He is constantly telling us about his experiences, using terminology that is a little over our head ;-) We feel that the trip was very well organized, in fact, it is probably the best organized trip either of our kids has been on -- and, well worth the cost! ----- Keith and Jenny V. '06

Shannon said it was the best field trip she has ever taken and will ever take. She said it was awesome and she would go back in a minute. It could not have been any more organized and was well worth the cost. ----- Carol H. '06

Many of your ex-7th grade students still have great memories of the trip and share what they experienced and learned! Nicholas definitely enjoyed the trip. I truly believe this was a priceless experience. -----Barbara W. '06

Christine enjoyed the trip very much. She learned a lot and was excited to tell us all about what she learned. The trip was very well-organized from the beginning to the end. The thing I like the best was the  preparation before the trip and the Journal after it. I think it's a great way to learn and to teach them how to learn forever. ----- Pamella X.

Our daughter Viveca had a fantastic experience. She was glowing when she talked about the trip. She loved Sea Camp. There was lots of new learning. She was delighted that she could identify the fish. The trip was brilliantly organized. I think you all are amazing and we are very appreciative of the huge effort you put into making this happen! ----- Viki M.

I was extremely pleased with the Florida Keys Trip as was my son. The amount of information he learned prior to and during the trip was invaluable. This is an experience of a lifetime. Aaron was full of stories about what they saw on their outings and what was learned in the labs. He enjoyed the complete hands-on approach. I was impressed with his journal that he shared with me. I couldn't believe he filled page after page with his daily learnings and beautiful drawings. The emails, gazettes and mailings for the trip were fantastic! It was extremely well organized. At the beginning of the year I was quite nervous about the trip but by the time the trip came I was completely confident! ----- Jennifer H.

Kelsey was excited for many weeks and eagerly anticipated the trip. I think even with all of that, the trip still exceeded her expectations! She could not stop talking about all of her adventures! We heard about some of the many different kinds of sea life she witnessed (please don't ask me to name them!), the camp and the energetic counselors, the flat top boats, Sea World, etc. All in all, I would highly recommend this trip to a parent of an upcoming 7th grader. I think the experience is priceless! ----- Shelly S.

 I don't know what to say except "Thank you." Ian had the best field trip experience of his life. The fact that he learned so much BEFORE he left made all the difference. Once Ian got to Sea Camp, he was able to truly experience the trip like a marine biologist.  We believe he will retain this knowledge forever.  Was it worth the price? Absolutely. Well organized?  Definitely.  Like a well-oiled machine.  The communications, newsletters, emails before the trip made everything clear.  ----- Lynne K.

I appreciate how well you prepared the students with your discussion of "what to do / what not to do." This has been such a tremendous opportunity for Jeff, and I feel very fortunate he was able to experience it with his fellow classmates.  Undoubtedly, a trip he'll remember for a lifetime. He bounced off that bus with such a happy and contented smile .. to a mother, that says it all! Over the weekend, he shared bits and pieces of the week.  Thank you... thank you ... thank you. You certainly have this trip down to a "science" (ha! ha!) and I cannot think of one thing to do differently. ----- Nancy K-S

The trip was an unforgettable experience for Matt. He's still talking about it and I know he will for some time to come!  He learned a lot before he left but it really "sank in" when he experienced the labs and snorkeling first hand. We loved the trip and feel it was well worth the cost.  This trip was, by far, the most organized field trip that any of my 3 children have ever been on (& Matt is the youngest). You guys did an excellent job of coordinating every detail. I just can not say enough positive things about this experience.  Thank you so much!  --- Lynn K.

Chris had a great time -- the highlight of his education to date.  He absorbed an incredible amount of information, and shared it with us in great detail.  The three step process (learning it in class, seeing it first hand, and journaling about it) is a wonderful way to increase retention and enjoyment.  The trip was so well organized that I think you have a second career as a travel agent/organizer.  Nothing was forgotten which gave us as parents great confidence that our kids were well cared for, happy, and safe.  The trip was well worth every penny. I just wish that the rest of our family could experience the same adventure. ----- Nancy K.

Kathryn loved the Florida Keys trip. I think that the rigorous preparation before the trip made it more enjoyable and meaningful. As an example, during our family trip to Florida over spring break Kathryn was able to identify a Roseatte Spoonbill in an animal park that we visited. She also shared with us what she had learned about the mangrove trees and their ecological importance. Our family enjoys snorkeling together so now we are counting on Kathryn to identify the fish that her parents can't yet name.  ----- Nancy R.

I think Sea Camp is a once in a lifetime experience and I am grateful that my son had the chance to participate in the trip. It was extremely well-organized and the cost was certainly worth the educational value.  ----- Susie H.

The most amazing thing to me was the total organization of the trip from beginning to end.  The newsletters, web site, and correspondence were so thorough and well-planned.. (Loved the breaking down of money into specific denominations for spending money each day.) The packing list made it so easy.  It took away that nagging fear that "I hope he's not forgetting something." Anything to ease the apprehension of your child being so far away is appreciated. ----- Ceil G.

The PR info from Matt has his two siblings hoping to get to Hanes quick enough to have their own adventure in the Keys. Please don't retire this trip before 2008!  Thank you for caring enough to make this trip possible.  ----- Fran S.

Listening to our daughter I felt that I also learned about the marine life off the coast and would love to go there myself. Bringing learning from books and pictures to real life experience is when education and learning are given true meaning for children. I recommend that the teachers at Hanes continue to provide this type of experience for future students. In the words of my daughter, "This trip was Awesome!" ----- Tom B.

I was amazed at how much Scarlett learned, both in preparation for the trip and the trip itself. When I asked her what she saw -- she started speaking in such scientific terms -- it was all Greek to me.  I just sat there going "uh-huh," and "oh yes, right." I was clueless, but she clearly was not.  I will share Scarlett's only disappointment -- something I'm sure you can control next year. Shamu did not splash in the splash zone at Sea World where he was supposed to -- but over to the sides of the splash zone.  So.... Scarlett did NOT get wet.  A real bummer -- so you may have to talk to Shamu next year! ----- Patricia M.