TBy Brady Baylis ’19

Throughout a student’s four years at Chaminade, there are many notable events that stand out on the calendar. Along with the Disney trip and graduation, one of the most anticipated dates is the junior trip to Six Flags Great Adventure – one of the most famous amusement parks in the nation. This exciting class trip provides much-needed relief from the arduous workload and upcoming nerve-wracking college application process of junior year.

On the morning of Thursday, May 23, juniors showed up to school in casual attire and tuned in to the morning announcements. The tune of  “The Great Adventure” by Steven Curtis Chapman further elevated their excitement for the trip.

Shortly after, members of the junior class loaded onto coach buses for the journey from Jackson Avenue to Jackson, New Jersey. After a few hours on the bus, they disembarked and eagerly entered the giant park. There, the students were given virtual autonomy and went off with their friends to explore all the park had to offer.

With the adrenaline pumping and warm, spring sun beating down on their shoulders, daring students braved thrilling, yet terrifying roller coasters such as Kingda Ka, El Toro, Bizarro, and Nitro.

There was no denying which ride juniors enjoyed the most. Kingda Ka, the fastest and tallest roller coaster in North America, raises riders 462 feet above the horizon and hurls them down at speeds reaching 128 miles per hour. As some juniors experienced this rush, other students enjoyed more relaxing amusements, including Fender Bender and Skyway.

More electrifying than the rides themselves was the camaraderie between the classmates.

“The best part of this trip is the bonding between students. Students became closer as a class while also relieving stress before compressive exams and the college applications of next year,” said Great Adventure veteran, Mr. Joseph Amorizzo ‘07.

The best example of this fellowship was when the class of 2019 shared dinner together at the end of the day. Famished juniors convened into a packed hall to replenish themselves and filled with the air with hearty laughter and sincere conversation.

“Great Adventure was a great day away from school as we prepare for the end of junior year and the start of senior year,” Sean Lochner reflected.

It was the perfect remedy to dampen the stress of their chaotic year while also fueling the class of 2019 for their final grind to come.

“This trip was an amazing way to have fun with my friends, and it was such an exciting experience to share with everyone,” admitted Dylan Ameres.

After dinner concluded, the students boarded the bus back to Mineola with their batteries recharged for the final stretch of junior year.