Education takes many forms, and through the creativity of the Weston High School administration and faculty, the 5th-grade students received a special lesson on Monday by taking a field trip to Jimmie Davis State Park.
Using place-based learning, which turns the local community and environment into a hands-on classroom, students explored the Caney Lake ecosystem through activities such as water testing, studying aquatic life, learning ways to prevent pollution, and discovering how our local waterways connect to the Mississippi River watershed and the Gulf.
“This experience encouraged students to explore future careers in science, engineering, and environmental conservation. We hope these opportunities inspire our students to continue caring for their community and protecting Caney Lake for generations to come!” – Weston High School Administration
WHS also sends its appreciation to Haiden Jordal and Caleb Kennedy from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Gary Joynor of the Jackson Parish Watershed Commission, Bienville Lumber, and members of the WHS 4-H Club for organizing and leading educational stations throughout the day.
An extra-special thank you goes to Diane Madden at Louisiana Tech University for creating the UP:STREAM program, which has provided valuable materials and resources for our science classroom. Thanks are also due to the Caney Lake Community Foundation for helping to fund the printing of our signs and for providing lunch for our students.
One of the beautiful signs created by Zyla Beaubouef was presented to Joynor after his presentation, prompting the following statement.
“Today was a very special day for me. I was honored to be asked to speak to the Weston 5th-grade class at the Jimmie Davis State Park this morning about Caney Lake. Not only did they listen extremely well, but they also asked some great questions afterward. Following, I was given a beautiful sign that was designed and crafted by Zyla Beaubouef and funded by the Caney Lake Community Foundation. It will be proudly displayed in my yard on Caney. I also thank Mrs. Katie Delaney for encouraging these young students to learn about the importance of protecting the watershed and ecosystems surrounding Caney Lake and throughout Louisiana.” – Gary Joynor
