Excitement was buzzing in the air as parents arrived Thursday afternoon. The much-anticipated event of Parent's Weekend was finally here. The students ran down from the girl's dorm steps to greet their parents with open arms. Each student gave their parents a brief tour of the campus while waiting for others to arrive. We then showed them the art gallery that displayed the environmental art we created this semester.

At this point in the semester each science research group has developed a goal and direction. Last Friday, each research group presented a brief description of their plans for the semester. The groups include Mangroves, Artificial Reefs, Coastal Management, Permaculture, and Marine No Take Reserves.

Throughout the semester Mo has been teaching us different moves for our Junkanoo dance. Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival that celebrates the one-day of the year slaves were free. Students made their own costume of cardboard, streamers, and glitter. On the Friday of parents weekend the students dressed themselves in their costumes and face and body paint and began to dance. We deserved perfect tens on style points, but unfortunately there was no judging. The parents joined in with their sons and daughters. After all the dancing, the student jumped into the ocean to cool off. We could still hear the beat of the Junkanoo drums as we waded in the water.

The students, nervous but prepared, gave their first science project presentation for their parents. All of the students gave exceptional performances as they shared knowledge with the parents about their respective subjects.

Mickey: Whatup to all the people back at home. All my friends, but especially my direct family who allowed me to come on down to de Island. I love you mom, dad, tim, mike, matt and Daniel. Keep on Truckin'.

Lilly: Hey Hey! Things here are wonderful, parents weekend was lots of fun. I miss you all and hope you're having a party at home, I'll be back in less than two weeks! Love you and miss you!

Mi-Lee: Hey everyone! Hope everything's going okay up there in D.C. and Virgini'. I hope your having a great time on your honeymoon Lynn and Marc. Hey Chris and Mommy. Hope everything's going okay in Ohio. See ya soon Tee-Tee and Uncle Reggie. Hi to all my Duke Ellington crew and Literary! Holla! Miss you all! I'll be back before ya know it. Love ya!