On Monday, October 9th HHS freshmen went to the Beaumont Scout Reservation to take part in a day of team building and collaboration through activities such as archery, learning about horses, rock climbing, and more.
HHS Principal Mr. David Williams could see the value of “having students challenge themselves and take on tasks outside their comfort zones,” and connecting these lessons to “perseverance and applying them to difficult academic tasks.”
While this trip included a lot of firsts for HHS freshmen, Williams was impressed with the collaboration and respect they showed to one another and wants students to know that it did not go unnoticed.
“It was great to see the collaboration and kids out of their comfort zone,” Williams said. “Our kids were so engaged and respectful the whole time, we got a lot of compliments on how great and respectful they were.”
Students such as Julisa Sanchez embraced the uncertainty of the trip and learned life lessons that will carry into her academic future.
“I learned that being a leader doesn’t mean everyone has to agree with you or do what you say or do,” Sanchez said. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of taking the initiative and taking time to do things the right way.”
Freshman Abigail Robinson learned firsthand that it can be beneficial to step out of your comfort zone to conquer fears.
“I would have to say my favorite activity was rock climbing because it was a thrilling and fun activity,” Robinson said. “Personally, I have a fear of heights, but this activity was very safe and helped me to have fun while doing something that would usually scare me.”
If there is one thing students like Michael Cammann learned on the field trip, it would be that sometimes it takes just “getting over my fear of heights and just doing it.”
The Beaumont Field Trip, originally scheduled for the first day of this school year, was meant to be a stepping stone for HHS freshmen to feel more prepared and confident in their own abilities in taking on the new changes at the high school.
“As our school shifts to the new grading system, we are shifting to a growth mindset and grit,” Williams said “I believe that if students can develop that work ethic and mindset, I know it will benefit them all in life regardless of what they do outside of school.”
