Senior Class Trip
The rain had no intention of letting up and the day’s plans looked rather bleak. After all, who really wanted to go whitewater rafting on a dreary day on the Youghiogheny River? That is exactly the thought that ran through the mind of Mr.Keefer, class advisor, when he heard the weather forecast for the first day of the senior class trip. Plans had to be changed at the last minute when he received a call from Ohiopyle State Park saying conditions were too dangerous to take a group of kids on the river. Now what?
Thus began the Senior class trip of 2008 to Chicago. Mr. Keefer came up with a great alternate plan and off they went to one of his favorite childhood stomping grounds: Kennywood Amusement Park in West Mifflin, PA. The class enjoyed the old- time family atmosphere and the many rides the park had to offer. Some even got to witness a “local celebrity” fulfilling his yearly “birthday goal” of being on one ride continually as many times as his age! It just so happened he was celebrating his 73rd birthday. Mrs. Keefer and Mrs. Paul felt dizzy after only being on the ride once! It ended up being a great day in spite of the occasional downpours.
Sunday morning began bright and early. The class and chaperones set off for an 8:00 a.m. morning worship service at Berean Baptist Church in Belle Vernon, PA. This small church was planted by Pastor Dan Seibert, who served on the staff and faculty of Bob Jones University, before moving to western Pennsylvania. Since the church meets at the local EMS building, Pastor Seibert has to plan his services around the EMS building schedule. Josh Baun had the opportunity to preach at the “evening” Sunday School service. One dear elderly lady told Mrs. Paul, “Pastor better watch himself because the young man who preached gave him a run for his money!” The class also had the opportunity to minister in special music. It was a wonderful experience for the students to see the workings of a church planting ministry. Laura Rauba played a violin solo and was blessed by the reaction of the church families. Being such a small church (approximately 30 people), special music is a rare occurrence and it was a joy to see their response to both the group and the various special numbers. One lady even
mentioned that all the ladies in the church, except for one, sang alto, so it was so nice to have a large group “round out their voices.” After the evening service, the church held a wonderful time of food and fellowship. What a thrill to see our students getting out of their comfort zones to mingle with the dear folks at Berean Baptist Church.
The remainder of the week was filled with the excitement of Chicago! Some of the highlights included: seeing the sun set from the skydeck of the Sears Tower, getting the feel for the gangster era on the “Untouchables Tour” (which is where our bus driver, Betty Harris, was given the name “Lefty”), lunch at Connie’s Restaurant, The Shedd Aquarium, exhibits and the Omnimax theater at the Museum of Science and Industry, the Magnificient Mile, the Navy Pier, and Six Flags Great American Amusement Park…where Liz Harris actually did a “first” and lived to tell about it. She got the thrill of a lifetime when she was talked into going on a roller coaster for the very first time, and it wasn’t just any rollercoaster…..it was the SUPERMAN!
An event which made an impact on all the class was the visit to the new location of the Pacific Garden Mission. Upon arriving at the mission, the group was given a tour by a gentleman who had been through the program and is now using his life to reach other homeless and destitute people for Christ. It made many of the students realize that there is a whole world out there that needs Christ. If you would ask any of the “Class of 2008” what other event was extremely memorable, they would probably tell you “participating in street level evangelism with the River North Baptist Church.” Pastor Bill Branks talked to the students a little bit before taking them down to where a large group of homeless people lived under a bridge. Once there, they had the opportunity to hand out hamburgers, water, and just talk with the people. A defining moment for Jon McLanahan was the opportunity to visit with the homeless people and actually be able to talk to a Christian man. Jon summarized his experience with “It was ironic that just below The Magnificient Mile, where people spend hundreds of dollars at exclusive department stores, live all these homeless people”. After the class sang “Amazing Grace”, one homeless man shared the whole life story of John Newton with them.
After checking out of the hotel on Friday morning, the class began their trek home with a stop-off at Notre Dame University and an overnight stay near Toledo, Ohio. On the last evening the group enjoyed a semi-formal dinner at the LaScola Italian Grille in Toledo.
It was enjoyable to see the kids playing games on the bus and the “farm” banter that went on between Ryan Kruse and Mr. Keefer. Stephanie Shock summed up the trip by saying, “I just really enjoyed the time getting closer to my classmates. During the school year it is very easy to hang out with your circle of friends and spending time on the trip was a great time to be all together.” Dana sized it up with “It was awesome.”
Special thanks for the memorable trip goes to Mr. Brett Keefer, class advisor, and his wife Stacy, who gave of themselves in many ways throughout the year to this class. Also, a special thank you goes to Mr. Larry Jacobs and Mrs. Betty Harris for driving for the trip and Mr. Dave Paul who accompanied the class as the Perkiomen Tours Escort.