The AE/MS eighth grade will be leaving soon to go to their new schools. These schools include Merrimack Valley High School, Proctor Academy, and Bishop Brady High School. To enjoy some of their last moments together at AE/MS, the eighth grade took a trip to New York City on June 3.
The places we went to were expertly chosen by Mr. Tucker. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum; the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum Complex; and Six Flags New England were all combined with the hotel to make an awesome trip. People would think that the eighth graders would remember those places for a long time, but really the memories with their friends will last the longest.
A Big Surprise Awaited Us on the USS Intrepid
By Betsy Abrahamson, AE/MS eighth grade
During the eighth graders’ trip to New York City, we visited the outstanding USS Intrepid. The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum combines both technology and history. This inspires the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, historians, and engineers. The museum complex includes an aircraft carrier, the first space shuttle, the world’s fastest jets, and a Cold War era submarine.
The eighth graders knew that a surprise was coming, but they never expected this. Tim Frost, a resident of Andover, generously donated gift bags to each and every eighth grader. These bags included Intrepid pencils, erasers, Intrepid fact cards, and medallions that had real Intrepid metal in them.
Tim Frost is a veteran who served on the Intrepid in 1960 and 1961. He has also been an extreme help to the Andover community in many ways. He is currently a member of the Highland Lake Protective Association. In the past, he has been part of the Andover Lions Club, a deacon at the Andover Congregational Church, a commissioner in the East Andover Fire Department, and Trail Administrator for the Andover Snowmobile Club.
Everyone who was on the field trip would like to thank Tim Frost for his generous gift and for supporting the Andover community. Thank you!
In response to the exposure to New York City and its culture, many students had diverse opinions.
Finn Weber, 14, says, “The trip gave us a greater understanding in education of the September 11 memorial and how so many helpless citizens suffered and perished. This event will haunt us forever, but it reminds us of the courageous people who risked their lives to rescue who they could.” Many others agreed with this very deep and descriptive response.
When asked about Six Flags New England, Emily Bates, 14, says, “This is my second time at Six Flags New England. I was not planning to ride any rollercoasters, but when I was finally convinced to ride one, I was intimidated but mind-blown. Six Flags was a great way to end our eighth grade trip.”
Luke Weber was asked how he felt while standing on the deck of the USS Intrepid, a humongous ship that once sailed but now is a tourist attraction in New York City. “I could feel the immense power of the ship itself and the overwhelming feeling of the huge destruction that this ship could bring upon the world.” This comment brought a new thought when considering the Intrepid. “The planes were cool,” adds Luke, because retired planes also stood in the presence of the Intrepid.
Noah Newton talked about the bus ride. He said “I think that the bus was a great time to socialize. It was also very fun to look at the scenery while enjoying my time with my fellow eighth grade peers.”
Finally, Scout Armstrong was interviewed about the hotel that the eighth grade stayed in, the Hilton Garden Inn in New Jersey. She says, “The second night there was my favorite. Eating dinner and directly after that was the best part. The pool was interesting, and I got to socialize with my friends. I didn’t want it to be over, but when the end of the trip finally came, I was upset but also happy that I would get to sleep in my own bed.”
The entire eighth grade would like to thank all of the teachers who helped out; not only them, but also the parents and grandparents of the students who donated items to help fundraise for the trip. They would especially like to thank Mr. Tucker, who was there for them the entire time. Thank you, Mr. Tucker for everything that you’ve done!