Week one of fun for the YSI groups has come to an end and has this week’s group excited and ready for the great experience. The program took several trips over the last week, and co-director Tim Fariss stated that this year’s program has been one for the books. 

“All of the groups, all week, have gotten to do something different,” said Fariss. “We had a group go to the aquarium in Chattanooga. We had another that went to Amazin’ Acres in Sparta. I’ve been told that was a great trip. We had one go to Rock Island and another to the skating rink. We also had a group go to Splash Island in Tullahoma. They have been good to accommodate us over the years. We always have a group in the second week that goes to the Gilley Pool.” 

Fariss said according to Kevin Dunlap, another co-director of the program, that the first week was historic. “He said it is historic because we have more students than ever that have been in YSI. We had to get an extra bus, an extra teacher and another bus driver. We have never had to do that before.” 

Last week, students took trips to Rock Island State Park, McCulley’s Amazin’ Acres, Hot Wheels, Tennessee Aquarium and Splash Island. 

Behavior and academics are the keys to getting into YSI as a student. Fariss stated that as a teacher he considered it an honor to refer students to the program. “If somebody had really done their best over the year, this program is something that gives them a pat on the back. It lets them know that they really did a great job that year because they get the invitation.” 

He said that a lot of students get invited by their teachers as the educators are the ones who make the recommendations. “I always really considered it an honor to send that home with a student, and I didn’t send one home with every student.” He noted that only a select group live up to the academic and behavioral expectations needed to receive an invitation. 

Fariss said that overall the experience is a big boost in morale for the students and many parents have mentioned to him how excited the students get upon receiving the invitation. 

This week, the students have some exciting adventures to look forward to as the week two YSI group heads to a trampoline park, Chattanooga Zoo, Bridgestone, Harmony Lane Farms and Gilley Pool.