HAMILTON TWP. — On Sept. 10, parents of Little Miami High School students met with biology teacher Kelly Blanchard to discuss a planned study trip to the Bahamas.

        At that meeting, most of the discussion was about the experiences students would have, along with some talk about the dangers of shark attacks — in the news then because of a series of attacks off Florida and the Bahamas.

        But the next discussions, following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C., were about concerns for the safety of traveling Americans that led to cancellations or changes of many other Tristate student field trips.

        But strong consensus in this southern Warren County school was to go ahead next year with what some of the students say is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

        Parents have been reassured every precaution will be taken to keep their kids safe, and Miss Blanchard says students are enthusiastically looking forward to a week next summer at the Forfar Field Station at Andros Island.

        The trip will be the first time Little Miami students will study with the International Field Studies program. They earn one credit for a science elective in high school.

        Miss Blanchard feels hands-on experience is the best way to supplement material taught in the classroom and hopes the trips will continue in the future.

        Once students reach the island, they will work on exploring island vegetation, identifying marine organisms, practice aquatic sampling techniques and studying problems in ocean oncology.

        Students have paid $1200 each for the trip and must attain a C average in three semesters of biology.

        One week before the trip, students will visit the Newport Aquarium to learn about the many types of organisms and marine life they will see while on Andros Island.

        When students return home from their trip, they will be required to individually give a presentation to the class.

        Students will document what they see with underwater cameras and keep records of what they learn.

        Sophomore Krystal Lewis said the trip gives her the opportunity to study the ocean with experts on the island. It will also give her insight if she will pursue her studies in the science field in college.

        Liz Selmeier, a sophomore and certified scuba diver, said the trip will give her the chance to study sea turtles and coral reefs.

        Katrina Ramirez, a sophomore planning on majoring in marine biology, would one day like to work with dolphins.

        “I want to look at organisms under a microscope to see if other things are living there,” added sophomore Joanna Walker.

        Junior Charlie Pennix, who plans to major in biology and pursue a career in law, feels the experience will help.

        “It's good experience while having fun,” said junior Brittany Stiles.

        Junior Erin Hubbard, who plans on majoring in science, hopes to find more time to some research on her own, aside from scheduled projects.

        Katie Eckstein and Chuck Denny, also juniors, feel being able to travel and learn at the same time is an experience not many high school students have.

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