PEA RIDGE — Planning a trip of a lifetime, teacher Tim Pate and his advanced placement biology students are raising funds for the trip which has become an annual affair.
This year’s group is planning a trip to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Pate describes his biology class as a college class and probably the toughest class.
The trip, which has become a tradition, began as “a lark” several years ago, Pate said, as he and the students then were joking about doing something special.
“I’d had them since seventh grade,” Pate said, remembering that year’s class. “I’d had them for five years. They were such a great group of kids.
“We were joking and saying we should celebrate at the end of the year and go somewhere.
I’m from Arizona and had been to the Grand Canyon 12 times. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize we could pull that together.
“It was a mad scramble,” Pate said of the planning and fund raising to take a dozen students to the Grand Canyon.
Fundraisers include 50/50 events at the football and basketball games, a winter ball held in December and pancake breakfasts held at Applebee’s Restaurant in Rogers.
Another pancake breakfast is set for 8 to 10 a.m.
Saturday, April 3, at Applebee’s. The cost is $5 forall-you-can eat.
The students have to pay for some of their own expenses, but the funds raised pay for the lodging and transportation.
“These kids work their tails off in a class they do not have to take. They’re trying to better to better themselves,” Pate said.
The Pea Ridge High School AP Biology students are holding a raffle to raise funds for the upcoming trip to Deadwood, S.D., scheduled in May.
First prize is a gas grill donated by Lowe’s, complete with propane tank donated by Ozark Mountain Propane.
Second prize is a $50 Gift certificate to Blackhawk Grill in Pea Ridge, courtesy of Joe and Tina Bangs.
Tickets are $1 each, 7 for $5, 17 for $10 or 40 for $20.
They can be purchased at Blackhawk or from any AP biology student. The drawing will be April 2.
Other fundraisers for the trip include a pancake breakfast, assisted by Kohl’s who donated $500 toward the trip, and a spaghetti dinner organized by Chelle Tillman (Katelin Denny’s mom) and Lori Littrell (Noelle’s mom) held Feb. 13.
Apple Blossom Independent Retirement Living in Rogers donated money as well.
The Pea Ridge High School AP Biology trip to Deadwood, S.D., is set for May 25-31.
Tuesday, May 25
◊Arrive Pea Ridge High School at 3 a.m., pack bus and leave for Deadwood, S.D.
◊Arrive at the Black Moon Chalet and Avalanche Chalet in the Black Hills National Forest
Wednesday, May 26
◊Hill City and 1880 Steam Locomotive train ride to Keystone, lunch and shopping
◊Reptile Gardens or Bear Country USA - South of Rapid City
◊Night hike in the Black Hills National Forest around Deadwood
Thursday, May 27
◊ Custer State Park. Day could include a drive through the park, day hike, dinner and shopping and the Sylvan Rock Climbing School.
◊Game night at Black Moon and Avalanche
Friday, May 28
◊Crazy Horse Monument
◊Needles Highway.
◊Mt. Rushmore.
Saturday, May 29
◊Devils Tower, Wyoming
◊Paradise Valley Trail Rides
Sunday, May 30
◊Wind Cave National Park
◊The Mammoth Site - archeological site in Hot Springs
Monday, May 31
◊Return to Arkansas
School, Pages 8 on 03/24/2010