On April 18, Heritage High School celebrated their seniors with a day trip to Camp War Eagle, consisting of various activities, competitions and games that the seniors could participate in to make memories, win prizes and spend time with classmates before bidding farewell and starting the next chapter of their lives.
The school helped raise money for Project Graduation so there would be no cost for seniors since the goal is to celebrate seniors and to have the opportunity to bond with each other before graduation.
“Project Graduation has raised about $20,000. That has been done through a variety of means: parent donations, business donations, selling senior signs, and other fundraising events,” said Chip Greenwell, Heritage Principal.
Heritage carried out the long-lasting tradition of providing seniors with one final field trip to celebrate how far they’ve come and the journey they are about to begin.
“Project Graduation has been around for three years,” said Amber Tallmadge, the lead coordinator of Project Graduation.
HHS had selected Camp War Eagle is that students went there last year.
“Camp War Eagle was selected because my understanding is that the students who went last year really enjoyed it and shared that it is a great location to celebrate graduation,” said Greenwell.
Seniors left the school at 8 a.m. Seniors went into the main gym and had breakfast before getting on buses to take them to Camp War Eagle. After the thirty-minute bus ride to Camp War Eagle the team there made announcements to all the seniors about the rules, schedule and where to get snacks and drinks. Then before everyone went off to do their activities the seniors took a group photo, which was uploaded on the Heritage Instagram. There were many activities including gaga ball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, rock climbing, zip-lining, fishing, laser tag, pickleball and even a bouncy house.
“It was pretty fun. There were a lot of activities to do and we were very well-fed. I’m very happy that I did that instead of school and I’m very thankful for all the people who put it together. There was fishing, mini golf, laser tag and sports like basketball, soccer and skating. [I was] just enjoying a day with my friends and having a great day and enjoying life,” said Oliver Marr (12).
There were also prizes seniors were able to win, like mini-fridges, microwaves, an iPad, gift cards, and speakers. When it was time to leave Camp War Eagle everyone was handed an envelope with $20 and coupons for fast food places.
