Richard poses underwater!	Jessi enjoys Work Projects

Friday during the first academic cycle, we went to Preston H. Albury High School in Rock Sound for a day. Our experience helped us to get a feeling for what education and schools were like in the Bahamas. The students who took us around to there classes were all very friendly and curious about The Island school. Some thing that we was surprised with was the amount that the teachers talked to be very little compared to the time students spent in class doing assignments.

Melia, Chrissy, and Lilly at a BBQ

Saturday, it was the Preston H. Albury High School student's turn to come to the Island school. Unfortunately we had a full day of classes and little time to spend talking and getting to know them. Still though, it was an overall interesting experience. It was great to get off campus and see some other people our age.

Saturday was pretty mellow, we started off with an intense game of capture the flag across the cut. We all have a few battle wounds to show for it. We had our research groups in the morning, when we handed in the methods portion of our science research paper. We had a reality check when we all received our midterm grades and comments from our teachers. Although there were some disappointments, it was smooth sailing from there. We had a quick rain shower that we thought was going to ruin Saturday night's activities, hosted by Boys' north but it proved to be a success. Because of soggy ground at Bull Dolphin, we had a barbeque behind the Dining Hall with music playing and good eating. We then were taxied to "Club Dolphin" where we all let loose and got our groove on. It was wild and crazy and we were all ready for bed by the time midnight rolled around. A surprise snack of brownies finished off the night.

Richard working hard for the Coastal team

Recently, we have been partaking in some incredible dives, off the sea wall and during the evening hours. Last Thursday was our first multiple dive day. In the morning we dove Tunnel Rock and then swam to the sea wall. This was our first dive on "the wall", and was our first glimpse into the depths of the bottomless ocean. That night we went on another dive, as the sunset and the moon rose. We loaded the boats at about seven o' clock and were diving as dusk set in. This was our first time using our lights and experiencing the unknown darkness at depth. We came in contact with a variety of suspiciously odd looking fish and some even saw a Reef Shark. We think everyone would agree that SCUBA has been one of the most incredible elements of this semester. We all look forward to our future dives, and the secrets of the deep blue.

The first down island trip, and kayak one left Monday. Jessi and Adam were on the down island. The down Island trip is a way for students to develop a better idea of the whole island and see some historical sites. We saw Hatchet Bay Caves, were slave owners used to imprison slaves for days, Surfer's Beach (Adam did his best on the waves), and Preachers Cave where the Eleutheran Adventurers found refuge. We stopped at Glass Window, the skinniest part of the island where about fifteen feet of rock separate the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. We also went to Harbor Island, a popular tourist attraction, and saw MICK JAGGER getting off a ferry!! You might not believe us, but we have video footage to prove it. All in all it was an awesome trip.

How many sodas can Adam drink?

Richard: Hey mom, I miss you a lot (I bet that phrase is used commonly). Everything is awesome down here; I'm enjoying every second of my time in paradise. To Brucie (Julia), my lovely sister, I miss you a lot. Abby how's college life, miss you kid. Dad, hold it down in Mexico, I'm thinking of you. To any extended family, I look forward to the summer at the beach. To any Freeport boys who might see this I miss you guys, backyard ball forever. To Maine, I'm trying my best to represent you. I won't let you down.

Melia: Hey Mom, Dad, and Kinara! Can't wait to see you down here soon! We are going to have a blast! To all my friends and buddies: Man I miss you all so much! I hope everyone is well and enjoying the spring up there. Thanks for all your letters. They have really been the only connection to home. I am having an amazing time, and there is no need to worry even about my small injuries (which I am sure you have heard about)...I will soon be back under the water with the sharks and rays! There is too much to write, but keep in touch. I love you all! Keep smiling!

Adam: Hi mom and dad I miss you a lot. Hey Trev and Justin I love you guys, hope your stayin' strong. Hey Mary Grace- I really miss you and hope to see you soon. What's up Pawleys Island Community Church, I can't wait to see everyone. Tripp, Jamie, Ashby, Kim, Candice, Chapel, Emily, Calee, Dustin, Justin Lankford, I miss ya'll. I'll be home before you know it and I can't wait to see everyone. Hope to get some more letters from ya'll soon.

Jessi: Hey Mom, Dad, and Kris, I miss you and can't wait to see you on parents weekend. Gen, I hope you are happier at Hebron; I want more letters telling me everything. I miss you SO much. Molly; I heard we're going to NMH together! I'm so excited. Taylor and Laura: just wait until you're here, I wish you could be right now. Christy, Ruthie, Chelsea, Abby, and Sto: I miss you guys SO much, keep writing me. Love you all with my entire heart.