Year Six Class of 2008 enjoying their field trip in Tampa, Florida.

Twelve Year 6 students of the Creek and Spot Bay School and their parents and chaperones graced Tampa, Florida with their presence as part of a graduation field trip from 4-7 July.

The group started its fundraising campaign last September with parents meeting some of the expenses. Their fundraisers included “Movie Nights”, “Walk-a-thons”, “Math-a-thons” and food sales.

The trip, which was both educational and fun, also served as a preparatory exercise for students who will be entering high school in September. The trip further allowed the students to relax after taking part in a number of competitive sporting and personal development activities locally.

One of the places visited in Florida was Bush Gardens. Jacob Scott, one of the participants, said he was amazed at the park’s size and beauty and the huge daily turnout.

“I really enjoyed the rides and the animals, especially the rhinos at the garden,” he said.

The group said the Ripley’s Believe It or Not studio was a mind-boggling experience as they had only seen the episodes on television, and getting first hand experience of the place and ornaments was a welcoming treat.

Watching movies at the cinema and shopping was quite exciting to the children, but they mostly enjoyed being able to stay up late with friends in what they describes as a mini-slumber party.

Among the favourite places to eat, Jacob said, was the Olive Garden and McDonald’s, in that order. Jacob would like to thank everyone that made this possible especially his teacher Mrs Juman, his chaperone Jennifer Dixon and his wonderful and ever loving mother.

Creek Infant School’s Principal Tammy Dacosta described the trip as a good transition for the students who are moving on to high school.

“This is a group that I will miss dearly and will continue to monitor their progress throughout high school,” she said.

The school expresses its thanks to these businesses and individuals that assisted with the Florida trip: Foster’s Food Fair; Kirkconnell Ltd; CUC; Cayman National; Avis Cico Rent-A-Car; NCB Ltd; Progressive Distributors Ltd; Scotiabank (Cayman) Ltd; Sagicor General Insurance (Cayman); Cayman Brac Power & Light; Ernst & Young; Tony’s Toys; Cable & Wireless; and Member of the Legislative Assembly Juliana O’Connor–Connolly.