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MARTINS FERRY - Seniors in the Martins Ferry High School Chy-Phy (Honors Science Club) recently visited Florida on the annual Chy-Phy Marine Biology Field Trip.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience that includes educational activities and experiences at Disney, Universal Studios and the Florida Keys. This is an intensive two-week trip that focuses on Marine ecology and ecosystems. Upon arrival in Orlando on March 13, the group participated in a three-day Disney Experience. While in Disney, they were treated to a V.I.P backstage experience for the "Festival of the Lion King." This was made possible by one of our past graduates, Chasdan Mike, who plays a lead role in the show.
After spending three days at Disney, the group spent two days at Universal Studios. On the first day, they participated in an educational program called the FX tour. This was a three-hour tour throughout the park learning about the history of the motion picture industry and going behind the scenes to see how the rides at the park were designed and how all of the special effects were done.
The group departed on a four-hour ride to Florida City for the second half of the trip on March 18. On the way, they stopped at "Midway Airboat Rides" and took an educational ride on the St. Johns River. The guides for the airboat ride taught about the ecology of the river and the role alligators play in the river ecosystem. While in Florida City, the group traveled the Florida Keys, taking part in many marine biology educational activities. The students traveled to Key West to visit the "southernmost point" (Mile 0) in the United States and watch the sunset at Mallory Square.
Unfortunately, a snorkeling trip on the barrier reef had to be canceled due to high winds and waves. However, students were able to replace snorkeling with a guided aquarium visit at "Aquarium Encounters" that taught them about the coral reef ecosystem and offered hands-on activities for the group. They also spent a couple nights in the Florida Everglades National Park. Students had another chance to see alligators in the wild and learn about the Everglades ecosystem. The group traveled to Marathon Key for an educational program at the Sea Turtle Hospital. They visited the Marine Mammal Rescue in Key Largo to swim with the dolphins. They participated in an educational program at Biscayne Bay National Park in Florida City.
The group also had time to enjoy some of the beaches in the Florida Keys. While there, they spent time at Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, and Sombrero Beach in Marathon Key. The group returned home on March 24.
"We are very fortunate to be able to offer our students this experience," Superintendent Jim Fogle wrote. "They work very hard every year fundraising for the trip. We want to thank all our local businesses and organizations that have helped us financially.
"A special thanks to Martins Ferry Booster Club, Martins Ferry Board of Education, Lansing Sportsman Club, The Carver Foundation, Unified Bank, Softite Federal Credit Union, Zontinis Pizza, Belmont Savings Bank, Martins Ferry Alumni Association, Deluxe Toy and Hobby, Just Meds, Jacob and Sons Meats, DeFelice Bros. Pizza, Prima Marina, Allstate, BPO Elks Lodge No 231, Convenient Food Mart, Yorkville VFW and Mark West Energy. Without their help, this trip would not have been possible!"