Plains High Honor Society students visit Oregon coast
Plains High School Honor Society members Daniel Uli Kara Altmiller, Rachel Huenink, Jessica Thompson, Ilanna Chaney, Josiah Vanderwall, Derick Curry, Natalee Deschamps are excited to see the wonders as they head into the Oregon Coast Aquarium. (photo supplied)
Plains High School Honor Society students recently headed on a trip to the coast to enjoy a few days after a big year of hard work.
Eight students accompanied Plains art teacher Kristen Cole and principal Kevin Meredith on a four-day trip to Oregon.
When asked the group of kids what drove them to be a part of the Honor Society they all had varied reasons that would positively impact their future.
“To help me with scholarships and get more involved in the school and community,” said Natalee Deschamps.
“I knew it would be a good choice for the future,” said Derick Curry, who is a junior.
While senior Jessica Thompson said, “It is an organization that promotes hard work, it’s rewarding.”
Savage Horsemen wrestler Josiah Vanderwall said, “It will help me with scholarships.”
Both Vanderwall and Deschamps said there was a lot of hard work that went into fundraising for the group to go on the trip.
Thompson said the trip was a great way to experience a different environment. Curry said he was looking forward to the coastal experience he would get in Oregon.
“National Honor Society is a great opportunity and more people should get involved,” added Deschamps.
Meredith and Cole both hailed the adventure to the coast a great success for the students.
“The trip was great for our students. The entire trip was full of new experiences and education,” said Meredith.
“Some of the highlights from my perspective, was the history behind the lighthouses and their role in coastal transportation of people and goods,” he added.
“The students were treated to a tour of the Yaquina Bay lighthouse which is still in use today. They also were able to do some crabbing from the local docks in Newport, Oregon where they caught 50 red crabs and cooked them for everyone at the beach house that evening. The aquarium was a great adventure as it exposed our students to so many of the ocean and coastal animals and habitats,” he further explained of their adventures.
“The students were able to see demonstrations with sea lions, otters, and walk through the sea tunnels as sharks and stingrays swam by overhead and underneath them,” he said of the aquarium visit.