March 24, NC magnet sophomores excitedly gathered in the freshman cafeteria, awaiting their annual field trip. Traveling by coach bus, the students visited three locations, including The Carter Center, Ponce City Market and the Atlanta Beltline. The trip combined the diversity, culture and bustling city life of Atlanta into an educational journey that intrigued and delighted students as they admired the rich history the city offers.
“The sophomore magnet field trip was a ton of fun! We got to enjoy the beautiful weather and see parts of Atlanta that are shifting the way the city functions. Being with the full magnet group was super fun, and I got to hang out with people I hadn’t seen since freshman year,” magnet sophomore Kalea Lumpkin said.
The buses arrived at The Carter Center around 9:30 a.m., with chaperones splitting students into groups of 20 to keep the noise at a reasonable level. Once inside, the center introduced students to a place dedicated to global peace, human rights advocacy and global progress. Sophomores wandered on a self-paced tour, exploring each exhibit by reading plaques, observing memorabilia and interacting with hands-on displays that brought humanitarian efforts to life. The museum and surrounding park reflect the life of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, offering insight into his philosophy of empathy, service and commitment to improving the lives of people across the globe. When the buses departed around 11:30 a.m., students left considering how one person’s dedication could influence and improve the lives of millions.
Upon their arrival at Ponce City Market, once an old Sears factory, students admired the grandness of the building itself and its thriving nature. The historic market includes a diverse repository of food stalls, shops and local businesses. Students began their exploration of the market by searching for a place to eat lunch — a difficult choice in a place teeming with delicious flavors and cuisines from around the world. Once students landed at a restaurant, they gathered with friends to sit either on the first, second or roof level of the building. The market offered multiple options for shopping-lovers as well, with stores featuring clothing, toys, accessories and fun desserts.
(Sloane Moore)
After an hour and a half of touring the market, stuffed — but happy — students gathered on the outdoor patio, which runs along the famous Atlanta Beltline. Engineers built the trail, a scenic 22-mile-long loop, to connect neighborhoods and communities of all cultures, religions and economic backgrounds. As observed by the sophomores, the shared spaces act as a place where people gather to ride bikes, hold picnics and experience Atlanta’s culture altogether. Students walked roughly a mile and a half, until chaperones turned them around to head back toward the bus.
Throughout the trip, each destination contributed a unique perspective on the different facets of Atlanta. While The Carter Center emphasized history and service, Ponce City Market and the Atlanta Beltline showcased the importance of community and connection. Together, the stops created a memorable, well-rounded experience that blended education and fun times with friends.
“The magnet trip we were able to take was super fun while also being educational. There were diverse food options at the Ponce City Market that tasted really good. Being able to end the day at the Atlanta Beltline was great since we got to eat, then go out to see the beautiful scenery and art. Throughout the trip, being able to converse with friends and peers was also fun since we got to talk to others we may not normally be able to talk to outside of our classes,” magnet sophomore Loriley Meraz said.
As students noted, the trip offered an adventure beyond a day off from regular school work, reminding the sophomores of the purpose of the magnet program — to widen their understanding of international relations, communities and interactions. Through history, culture and shared experiences, the trip emphasized the importance of education beyond classroom walls and community within learning spaces, solidifying it as a defining moment of their sophomore year.
