This October, our adventure-loving Renegades packed their bags and hit the road for Zion National Park!
Our 3-day adventure started with a guided tour of Dixie State University. Students were able to see the highlights of the beautiful college campus including newly constructed dorm and academic buildings, the state-of-the-art athletic center (featuring an Olympic sized swimming pool and a 65-foot indoor rock-climbing wall), and some of the best hangout spots for students. Our group tour was led by two Student Ambassadors who are current students at DSU. They were excellent guides that offered unique insights on how to navigate life as a college student.
“I don’t get to work around students daily because I am part of the Central Support Services team. Being around students during the Zion trip reminded me of why I love working in education and want to continue in the education field. I was able to interact with students and hear about their education and careers goals. I was also able to fulfill one of our mission pillars: to develop students socially. The Zion trip was a good experience for NSHS students and a social activity I hope we have every year.” – Ms. Saligan, NSHS HR Manager
After a bite to eat, our convey made its way to Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. The Red Cliffs is a 44,724-acre National Conservation Area located in southwest Utah, north of St. George at the northeastern most edge of the Mojave Desert. The striking views made for the perfect photo op, especially for those brave enough to climb to the top of the rock formations! Students took the opportunity to stretch their legs and explore the jaw-dropping scenery before loading up and making their way to their final destination: Zion National Park.
The Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort was our lodging for the trip. The resort included grand vacation homes, pools, mini-golf, farm life, and a wide variety of excursions and trailheads. To close out Day 1, we enjoyed dinner at one of our vacation homes and engaged in some friendly competition at the Zion Olympics! On Day 2, students participated in excursions and activities including horseback riding, jeep tours, zip lining, and paint ball! A group of renegades also made the 7-mile hike to Observation Point to take in the breathtaking views of the valley below.
“The hike was one of my favorite parts of the weekend. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the view at the end made the journey well worth it. We were able to enjoy nature and get to know one another– all while getting in a bit of exercise, too!” – Mrs. Porter, NSHS Marketing & Engagement Director
We concluded Day 2 with a spaghetti dinner and s’mores after a great day in the park. Back at the house, students enjoyed hot tub soaks, snacks in the movie theater, games, and more.
“Getting to chaperone the Zion trip for NSHS students is an amazing experience. It’s fun getting to see the students bond with each other – meet as strangers and leave as friends! At the end of the trip, you can definitely sense an appreciation from both staff and students for all that Zion had to offer.” – Ms. Capulo, NSHS Business Manager
On Day 3, we packed our bags and prepared for the journey home. However, before we hit the road, we celebrated our amazing students with superlative awards! Chaperones gave out awards for ‘Most Friendly,’ ‘Sharpshooter,’ and everything in between! Students cheering for their peers as they accepted their awards was the perfect way to end the weekend. We arrived home safe and sound with memories that will last a lifetime.
Did you know that Nevada State High School students can attend 50+ fun and informative events per semester? Nevada State High School (NSHS) is an early college charter high school for juniors and seniors. NSHS students take real college courses with real professors on real college and university campuses in Nevada. These courses count for both high school and college credit, making it possible for our students to earn their high school diplomas while getting a head start on their college degrees for free!
At NSHS, we develop students academically, personally, and socially. Students earn social points by participating in college tours, yoga practice, hikes, game nights, college admissions workshops and more!
Interested in learning more about Nevada State High School? Join us for an Open House.
Applications for Spring 2022 open on November 1, 2021! Apply at earlycollegenv.com.