TIONESTA, Pa. – West Forest students earned the opportunity to attend a reward canoe trip chaperoned by Mr. Kasunic, principal, and teachers — Mr. Alex, Mrs. Hartle, Mr. Vincent, and Mrs. Sneeringer.

On September 5, the staff and students who met the requirements departed from the West Hickory boat launch and started down the river. After about a half hour of floating, the group stopped at an island for lunch and science experiments. Students did an experiment to determine the water quality of the Allegheny River near the school. They used kick nets to catch macroinvertebrates that were in the river. Macroinvertebrates (insects) may be used as biological indicators of stream water quality, determine aquatic life stressors, and set pollutant load reductions.

The trip ended at the high school, where the students trailered their canoes and returned to the building.

Mrs. Sneeringer provided the canoes for the students. Mr. Muccio donated a bus for transportation from the school to the West Hickory boat launch.

Submitted by Sarah Burke, 12th grade student.

Sarah Burke with an immature catfish.