2024 Senior Trip to Tennessee

This year Southwood’s seniors traveled to Tennessee for four days of exciting activities involving both amusement parks and the great outdoors.

The seniors departed on Sunday the 14th and made their way to their hotel in Tennessee, stopping at Buc-ee’s along the way. Day one entailed exploration of The Island, which boasts a large variety of shops and various rides, including a massive Ferris wheel and a high ropes course. Once back at the hotel, the students were also able to relax and enjoy time at the pool.

On day two, the seniors went to Dollywood. With eleven uniquely themed areas of the park to explore, the students split into groups to experience the park at their own leisure. The seniors enjoyed exhilarating roller coasters such as the Eagle, the Tennessee Tornado, the Lightning Rod, and the Mystery Mine, as well as more tame attractions such as a bird show, carnival games, and shopping.

"I honestly enjoyed getting to be with everyone outside of the school setting the most. It gave me a chance to see everyone without stress and get a lot closer to my friends because we were focused on having fun with each other rather than making it through the school day." - Randy Boone

Day three entailed a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. After learning about the native wildlife, flora, and fauna from the visitor center and their tour guide, the seniors hiked to and spent time watching a waterfall. They then enjoyed a picnic lunch and made a quick stop in Cherokee Village before hanging out at the hotel until dinner. The Hatfield and McCoy dinner theater show had the seniors cackling and invested in their assigned family, the Hatfields. After dinner, the group spent time shopping and playing giant versions of board games at a mall.

"I was very fortunate to be able to go on the senior trip. It was an amazing time and I am glad I got to spend time with my friends. One of my favorite things we did was watch the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. I had seen on their advertisements that they had dock diving, which is when a handler throws a toy into a body of water and their dog retrieves it. This is one of my favorite dog sports, and this was my first time getting to see it in person. The dinner show combined my love of theater and my love of dog sports." - Kaylee Nelson

On the fourth and final day, the seniors enjoyed the NASCAR Speedpark, getting the opportunity to ride a small roller coaster, the scrambler, a carousel, and a variety of other rides, though the primary attraction was driving go-karts on a variety of tracks. Following another stop at Buc-ee’s, the students arrived back home.

A huge thank you is owed to Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Deeter for their organization and planning of the trip. Without their support, Southwood’s senior trip would not have been possible.

"I am very glad to have been able to go on the senior trip. I got to spend time with friends who I seldom have time to hang out with due to the hustle and bustle of daily life. I was also talked into riding a roller coaster for the first time, which was terrifying because it had three loops, but I am thankful to my friends for having convinced me to give it a try. It was very fun getting to take a step back from daily life and spend time with those around me in a low-pressure environment." - Emma Adams