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A senior trip to Huntington Beach, California is still looking like a go after the board approved the trip contingent on another update in April. 

About 30 Lake Roosevelt High School seniors are interested in taking the trip on which they would fly to San Diego May 29, bus to Huntington Beach, spend time at an art center, surfing, and at a campfire on the beach before returning to Washington May 31.

The trip was discussed at a Feb. 22 school board meeting, but wasn’t yet approved because of confusion as to travel restrictions related to going to California and returning to Washington. 

The trip was further discussed at a special board meeting Feb. 25. The board, as well as Tera Whitelaw, who has helped the seniors organize the trip, discussed some of the details. 

Travel restrictions aren’t mandatory, Chairman George LaPlace said after doing some research into the topic. 

The group discussed the possibility of some students being vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to going, wearing KN-95 masks when they return, as well as getting pathogen tests upon their return which Board Director Rich Black said would “add a layer of caution.”

Superintendent Paul Turner said that he would work with the counties in looking into organizing the more-accurate pathogen tests for the students. 

Whitelaw expressed excitement for the students, some of whom haven’t been on a plane before, to go on the trip and to make some memories. 

The board asked for another update in April before giving final approval for the trip but voted to support the trip plan and for moving forward in pursuing it.