After many setbacks and eager anticipation, the long-awaited day arrived for the eighth graders: their end-of-middle-school celebration trip. With excitement in the air, the students embarked on a visit to Gyeongju World on April 26th, which marked not only the end of their middle school years but also the beginning of a new chapter of their academic journey.

Organized by Mrs. Cameron, this celebration provided a much-needed opportunity for the teens. “We planned this journey to recognize that this is a special moment for eighth-grade students as they [finish] middle school and [prepare] for high school. We talked as an administrative team and gave a survey to eighth-grade parents, asking them for some ideas about what we wanted to do to celebrate the end of this time. We wanted to recognize that this group of students had to do a lot to get through middle school, especially because of COVID-19,” Mrs. Cameron, the secondary principal, said. 

Surprisingly, the eighth graders’ parents were the ones who proposed the destination. “We asked our eighth-grade parents what kind of event they thought would be very fun to celebrate the end of middle school. Several suggested a visit to Gyeongju World. We also thought about ending it really special with a good meal. So we went to Ashely Queens and had a great time together,” Mrs. Cameron said. 

Despite the sweltering heat, students enjoyed a range of attractions. They particularly reveled in rides like Draken, the scariest roller coaster in Korea, and Viking, which swings back and forth like a ship assailing the Seven Seas.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of both teachers and parents, the kids relished every moment of the day. “I loved the water rides since it was hot during the day. But the big orange roller coaster was scary since I was scared of heights. Overall, there were no conflicts and it was great. Everyone was getting along. It was just wonderful. I felt like I deserved this since I couldn’t go on my fifth-grade graduation trip because of COVID-19,” Joseph Seo Chambless said.

The teacher chaperones expressed their joy at the event’s success as well. “My favorite part of this visit was seeing the eighth-graders getting soaked. They were all soaked after riding the submarine splash — Michelle and James got completely covered in water,” Mr. Hutchings said. 

After the rides, the group visited Ashley Queens’ Buffet and indulged in the wide array of cuisines. “I loved the ice cream and pork ribs. They really had the flavors. The ice cream was fantastic. I especially loved the chocolate fondue,” Chambless said. 

Some proposed ideas for future outings, which sparked inspiration for next year’s graduation party. “I think it was a nice idea. Everyone enjoyed it. It was a nice way to end eighth grade since they finally got the chance after Covid-19 started. But I would like next year to do something different next. Something cool. Theme parks are fun but something different like river rafting might be a fun field trip, too,” Mr. Hutchings said. 

This journey also marks the commencement of graduation trips for fifth and eighth graders. “Moving forward, we will have annual special field trips for both fifth and eighth graders because those are special times for students, finishing elementary and middle school and then having time to celebrate that achievement. So we decided to have that happen every year, as a special tradition,” Mrs. Cameron said. 

Trip-goers thank Mrs. Cameron and all chaperones for ever-lasting memories at Gyeongju World. The time together served as a fitting end to middle school and symbolized a transition into ninth grade.