Left to right, SSHS students, Spencer Martin, Kaci Crowson, Elizabeth Sheffield, Preston Weaver, Cole Cable, and
Garrett Ferguson, prepare to leave for their summer European Tour, on Monday, June 22nd, from DFW. (Not pictured is
SSHS student, Maurie Lewis.)

 

"Off to See the Wizzard?"
Not Quite!

Hopkins County Students Tour Europe

 

From Reports sent back by students

 

At approximately 7:00 tonight, seven high school students from Sulphur Springs High School will be "setting foot back on Texas Soil" as they arrive at DFW Airport, following an eleven day tour of Europe, that began on June 22nd. They are part of an annual tour for high school students that is hosted by Laurie Ramsey, of Mt. Vernon, and this year's group included 48 students and sponsors.

The travelers left DFW on Monday, June 22nd, and after several delays missed their connecting flight in New York, and suffered a four hour delay, on their arrival in Paris, France. However, they "took it all in stride" and began a wonderful adventure.

"It's been a definite culture shock for food," texted back Spencer Martin, who advised that she had really enjoyed the bread! "But, I want some good ol' Mexican food when we arrive back in Dallas!"

 

Mont Saint-Michael  Normandy

 

Upon arrival, the group toured "The City of Light," including the Arc De Triomphe and the U.S. Embassy in Paris, staying overnight there. Thursday, June 24th, they embarked on a tour of the Northern Coast of France and other points of interest.

On June 27th, it was off to an adventure of 11th and 14th Century battles, as well as the Beach of Normandy, where the D-Day invasion took place during WWII. Among the sights was the church where, American paratrooper John Steel, hung from the steeple of the church, as the group toured the countryside, and highlight included tours of the concrete bunkers used during WWII.

 

"I got to get in the water on the Beach of Normandy," relayed Preston Weaver, as he e-mailed his father back. "It was awesome to be there where the famous WWII battle unfolded!"

 

 

 

By Saturday, June 27th, the tour group had made their way through many picturesque villages and seaside towns, to arrive at the chalk cliffs and view the Falaise d'Aval, the "arch and needle." "You'll be proud, Mom, that I tasted duck!" wrote back Spencer Martin. "It wasn't bad, but I think I like chicken just a little bit better!"

 

 

 

Two days of sightseeing and tours ended, as the group made their way across the English Channel, on Monday, June 29th, for a tour of the White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle. The day was completed with a ride on the "London Eye," the world's largest ferris wheel at 450 foot.

 

 

Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, the group spent in London with a witnessing of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge, among their destinations. Other sights included, Picadilly Lane, Covent Garden, and the British Parliament Building, to name a few.

 

 

The group was scheduled to leave London at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 2nd, and arrive back in Dallas at approximately 7:00 p.m. Thus, they will be "tired puppies," on their arrival, but nonetheless, full of knowledge and a wonderful European tour under their belt!

 

 

Kaci Crowson, Spencer Martin, Elizabeth Sheffield, and Maurie Lewis will all
be arriving home, Thursday night, July 2nd, after a tour of Europe.

 

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