50 Years of Discovery: GHS Marine Biology Trip Reaches Historic Milestone
For 50 years, Goshen High School students have traded classrooms for coral reefs, textbooks for tide pools, and lectures for hands-on learning in one of the most unique educational experiences GCS has to offer—the Marine Biology Trip.
What began as a one-year trial has grown into a five-decade tradition that has impacted generations of students.
“When Carl started this program, he never dreamed that it would go 50 years,” said Chris Weaver, who has co-led the trip for decades alongside her husband, Carl Weaver. “And here we are 50 years later. It’s a true testament to the students, staff, and community members who have made it possible.”
Carl Weaver, who founded the program and has participated in all 50 trips, built the experience from the ground up—developing curriculum, organizing logistics, and creating an immersive learning environment unlike anything available in a traditional classroom. Over time, Chris joined the effort, helping expand and refine the program while maintaining its core mission.
A One-of-a-Kind Learning Experience
The trip has evolved over the years, growing in size and opportunity. What started with small groups of seniors now includes students from multiple grade levels, with some even returning for multiple years.
While the structure has changed, the purpose has remained the same: to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences while building a strong sense of community.
Students earn a full science credit through the trip, conducting field studies, exploring marine ecosystems, and learning how living organisms interact within their environments. The focus has shifted over time from collecting specimens to emphasizing conservation—an evolution that reflects both scientific progress and the growing importance of protecting our natural world.
“A Life-Changing Experience”
For senior Cooper Fish, being part of the 50th trip added even more meaning to an already impactful experience.
“I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to be a part of such a milestone achieved by an amazing program,” he said. “It was a life-changing experience for me, and knowing that hundreds of students before me have been able to experience the same thing is really special.”
One moment stands out above the rest.
“My favorite experience was watching a sea turtle get released into the wild from the Turtle Hospital,” Fish said. “It was really cool to see all the work they put into helping these turtles pay off.”
Beyond the memories, the trip left a lasting impression.
“One thing I’ll take away long-term is the importance of protecting our natural world,” he said. “This trip helped me understand how the ecosystem is interconnected and the value that biodiversity brings.”
Fish plans to continue his journey in science, majoring in chemistry at Purdue University.
Building Connections That Last
For fellow senior Ruth Morrison, the trip’s impact goes beyond academics.
“It means a lot to me because of how much it means to Carl,” she said. “He has worked so hard for this, and it really shows.”
Morrison reflected on the history of the experience.
“It’s a little bit crazy that this has been going on since before I was born—and even before my mom was born,” she said.
Her favorite memories came during nighttime exploration along the coast.
“I loved exploring the rocky coast at night and finding brittle stars, octopi, and so many crabs,” she said.
But what she’ll carry with her the most is the connection to others.
“I’ve made lifelong friendships and learned so much about the ocean,” she said. “I hope to use that knowledge to help protect ocean diversity in the future.”
Morrison also plans to attend Purdue University, where she will study animal behavior with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
A Legacy That Continues
Over the past 50 years, the Marine Biology Trip has done more than teach science—it has inspired passions, built lifelong friendships, and even influenced career paths.
“We’ve had students decide to pursue marine biology because of this trip,” Chris Weaver shared.
That legacy was especially meaningful this year, as former students who were inspired by the program returned to celebrate the milestone.
The trip’s continued success is rooted in its uniqueness.
“Students are given opportunities they simply can’t experience in northern Indiana,” Chris said. “For many, it’s their first time seeing the ocean. They learn independence, critical thinking, and what it means to live and work in a community.”
Looking Ahead
Fifty years later, the mission remains clear: provide students with unforgettable, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and inspire future learning.
As students continue to explore the waters of the Florida Keys, one thing is certain—the impact of this program will ripple far beyond the shoreline for generations to come.
And just like the students who came before them, today’s participants will return home with stories to tell—ensuring that this tradition continues for the next 50 years.