Sixteen seventh and eighth grade students will be participating in the educational trip to Florida from June 2-6, which will bring classroom science to life in a real marine habitat, said science teacher Angelia Landavazo.

"I'm excited about the whole trip," says eighth grader Joseph Heneghan. "I think it'll benefit my future being in the education field, exploring what's out there. And, I'm really fascinated by dolphins."

The class has raised some of the money for the trip through bake sales and concession stand sales.

"They got to interact with the community. That was pretty awesome," said social studies teacher Audra Gallegos-Baca.

"We applied for lots of grants," said Landavazo. "Golden Apple, Wells Fargo, Verizon, Target, but we didn't get them. We were told the money was for in-classroom only."

The teacher talked to parents, and decided to initiate fundraising events to facilitate the trip.

Their latest fundraiser is a community event to be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, in the school's gym.

The school is located less than a quarter of a mile south of Valencia County High School, across the street and to the west at 22 Marlink Road.

"We really want the community to come out here and see what we do out here," Landavazo said.

The event will have drawings for an iPod Shuffle, numerous baskets of goodies valued at $100 to $160, a variety of concession stands, a spaghetti dinner, barbecue, a desert bar, an amateur car show ($10 entry fee for those who wish to enter their car) with a cash prize and trophy for the winner, a yard sale anyone can donate to, Taekwondo demonstrations and a variety of information and community resource booths.

Some of the resource booths include the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus with GED and adult education information, free blood pressure tests and nutrition information from nurses who have volunteered their time, the Los Lunas Park Rangers, who will provide ATV information and the Wild Turkey Foundation, which will offer hunting, safety and ecology information. Others hosting booths include the Whitmore Conservancy, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the local volunteer fire department.

Landavazo believes the trip is important for several reasons, including the fact that it will expose kids to a greater array of career possibilities.

"I want this to stimulate them beyond this trip; to open up ideas and give the kids the drive to pursue careers rather than just a day-by-day job," she said.

Several students are eager to visit the sea turtle hospital. Seventh grader Lynanne Greene wants to be a veterinarian, and believes visiting the hospital will enhance her studies.

"We get to help injured turtles, and study alligators in their natural environment," seventh grader Rio Stephen Gutierrez said.

"And, we're going to dissect squid and learn about their insides," adds seventh grader Carla Soto.

The trip is being sponsored by Landavazo and Gallegos-Baca.

Landavazo said she selected WorldStrides, the nation's oldest and largest educational student travel provider, because it is accredited and offers scholarships and several services, including meals, housing, all transportation, chaperones and all educational materials.

Some students and faculty have already applied for scholarships from WorldStrides, and some students have already received their scholarships.

"We will be learning about marine environments, biodiversity and the Everglades wetland ecology through activities such as water testing, snorkeling, hiking, and hands-on learning at animal parks," said Landavazo.

"I want to learn about sea life â"€ marine biology and swim with the dolphins," eighth grader Dakotah Lucero asserts.

"I want to see the birds we can't see anywhere else," said seventh grader Valentina Macias.

Troy Lowe, a seventh grader, is looking forward to snorkeling and studying a coral reef.

The students are very excited to see environments and learn about ecological systems that are different from their own.

"I'm really excited to learn about the Florida ecosystem," said eighth grader Shay Gardner, "and learn about things I don't normally see here in New Mexico."

"I'm looking forward to everything," Lindsey Ruiz said. "Going to the turtle hospital and the Everglades will be fun."

The trip will expose the students to a variety of learning experiences.

"You've heard 'It takes a village to raise a child?' Well, it takes a community to raise a student and stimulate their career," said Landavazo.

For more information, or to make donations for the trip, call Landavazo at 319-7199, Gallegos-Baca at 463-0445 or call the school 865-1750, after school.