Students from Ilion's Central Valley Academy are raising money to fund their Geology Club's annual trip to Hawaii.

Each year, the Geology Club travels to Hawaii to learn about the unique ecosystems volcanic islands are home to.

The Club's mentor, Earth Science teacher Kirsten Benson posted this message on CVA's website to better inform the community of the purpose of the trip:

The Hawaii Course is designed as an opportunity for our students to observe the world around them, not just to read about it in a textbook, or watch it in a video.  This course centers on a working trip to one of the most unique geologic sites in the world.  Kilauea Volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983, with a gentle flow that often may be safely observed.  Kilauea is one of the 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii.  These volcanic structures are formed by a hotspot located near the center of the Pacific Plate.  These volcanic processes created an environment encompassing all but one of the worlds varied climate types, and is home to many species that are found nowhere else on earth.  The Hawaii Course is designed with this in mind, and will guide students toward understanding how geology, the environment, and ecology mold cultures and civilizations, and the importance of nurturing this relationship.  The Hawaiian people have understood this since before they inhabited the islands, and are a wonderful group to work with to understand the importance of sustainability.

The 'Hawaii Club' as it has come to be known participates in many different fund raisers throughout the school year just to earn money for their once-in-a-lifetime trip.

While in Hawaii, the students actively blog about their experiences, the details of their day and what exactly they are learning. You can read previous blog entries on the CVA website.

If you're interested in supporting the students, you can participate in their Bottle Drive on February 12.

Ilion, Mohawk, Herkimer and Frankfort residents should have your returnable bottles and cans ready for pickup beginning at 11 a.m. on the 12th.

Donations can also be made directly at the Mohawk Redemption Center on Main Street in Mohawk at any time. Simply tell the staff you would like to donate to the CVA Geology Club's Hawaii trip.

Also, on March 10, the students will staff the concession stand for the Central Valley Foundation Game Night.

This event features staff members from each of CVA's schools against each other in contests like hockey stick relays, life-sized hungry hippos, scooter races and more.

So if you have any empties left over from your Super Bowl party, think about donating them to a great cause.


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