Have you been to Universal Studios in Florida?
More than 1,000 miles separates Tidioute from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
But the students in the Tidioute Community Charter School Leadership Academy took their education to Florida earlier this month.
“Our student travelers who went to Universal this year were a very diverse group, yet they all managed to find commonality and new friends in their shared experiences,” Kelly MacDonald, the Leadership Academy’s adviser said.
“They exceeded expectations with their community service hours completing 265 hours combined when the minimum requirement was 105. They showed their character and their desire to learn and grow through this process.”
The program is open to students in grades nine through 12 and 21 students taking part this year on the three-day trip.
MacDonald explained that participation in the Leadership Academy requires a commitment to having good grades, exhibiting good behavior and good school attendance. There’s also the community service piece.
Learning opportunities were baked into the experience in Florida.
MacDonald said that the students participated in the Youth Education Program at Universal Studios, taking two classes – a STEAM analysis of a high speed roller coaster as well as a study of Ancient Egypt evidenced by the ride’s development.
“Both classes included a VIP treatment to the front of the line to ride the roller coaster and the Mummy Ride that were being studied,” MacDonald said. “The students have multiple assignments to complete before the trip to ensure that they have a solid understanding and can participate in the classes. The prerequisite work was completed during their lunches and free time in addition to their regular academic work.”
“For many of these students this is their first trip out of their hometown,” MacDonald said.
“Navigating the process of airline travel and planning was a critical skill that these new student travelers learned,” she added. “All students also agree that they each learned money management and time management while there in addition to their academic classes.”
It’s already in the works for the Leadership Academy to fly to Walt Disney World in 2026 and back to Universal Studios in 2028.
A reverse raffle fundraiser to raise funds for these trips is set for April 13 at the Youngsville VFD.