- Middle School
- Student Life
On April 10, sixth-grade students stepped away from their usual routines and into a day built around choice. Each boy selected one of several field trips- some active, some outdoors, some centered on sports or downtown exploration. The trips didn’t last more than a day, but they offered a chance to do something different alongside friends and familiar teachers.
Some boys picked based on the activity, but a lot chose trips based on who else was going. They’ve had a full school year to build relationships, and those ties showed up in their decisions. It made for an easy kind of energy that morning as students loaded up and left campus- excited to go wherever the day would take them.
Life as a Student-Athlete with Coach Watson
The boys spent the day learning what it takes to be a student-athlete, starting with a morning workout and a conversation with UTC players and coaches. In the afternoon, they headed to Nothing But Net for a training session with Cameron T. Russell. They came away with insight, new technique, and a stronger sense of what it means to pursue athletics seriously.
Top Golf with Mrs. Barber & Mrs. McCroskey
Students spent the morning practicing their swing, sharing lunch, and enjoying time together on the range. For many, it was their first time at Top Golf—but the laughter and encouragement came naturally.
Archery Range with Mr. Alderman
The archery group started their day with instruction from a professional coach before trying it for themselves. They watched carefully, lined up with bows in hand, and practiced their aim (some even hitting the bullseye) before heading to a local park for lunch.
Downtown Adventure with Mrs. Cook & Mr. Greenwood
This group explored the heart of Chattanooga on foot—hiking by the river, sledding down the hill at Renaissance Park (famous among locals for its cardboard box runs), enjoying lunch at Coolidge Park, treating themselves to Clumpies Ice Cream, and ending the day with an IMAX movie. Along the way, there was plenty of time for games, goofiness, and great views.
Hiking Lookout Mountain with Mr. Dobyns
The boys hiked to Sunset Rock, watched the rain roll in over the city, and then got caught in it. Mr. Dobyns had just finished saying, “Aren’t you glad you picked the hiking trip?”
They took cover under a rock ledge and ate lunch while the rain came down. Afterward, the boys kept moving—through creek crossings, past waterfalls, up and over everything the trail threw at them. It was the kind of hike that left them wet, tired, and still wanting more.
Frisbee Golf with Mr. Evans and Mr. Webb
This group spent the day playing Frisbee Golf across two courses, with lunch in between. Mr. Evans and Mr. Webb guided the group through technique, strategy, and the basics of the game.
Every trip had its own rhythm—some slow, some fast, some unexpected—but all of them gave students a chance to step out of routine and into something new. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this set speaks volumes.
And maybe the best sentiment came from one of the boys on the hiking trip, soaked from the rain and still eager to keep going: “Can we please have more adventure?”