“What They’re Saying”

This trip was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and I really wasn’t ready to leave.

- Nicholas, middle school student from Kentucky

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go on one of the Tall Ships. I learned a lot while I was on the Roseway, including what it takes to be a leader and of course what it takes to sail a Tall Ship. The crew and captain were great to be with and work with. . . .  The work was hard, but rewarding at the end. . . .   I made many friendships and I thank you  for making this program possible. This will be something I will remember and be discussing with my kids 50 years from now. . . .  I hope many other groups follow and get to experience the same joy I did. Thank you again for this opportunity!

-  Bryan Miller, high-school student from Ohio

While at the Tall Ships Challenge in Cleveland last week, everywhere I went, all I heard was people asking about that ship with the red sails.  They were all wanting to know more and see more of her and I heard nothing but great comments about her.  On one sail away she was going by the other big tall ships and she had all her sails up and the sun was shining on them.  She dwarfed all the other ships and it was an awe inspiring site!  That is one beautiful tall ship!  Sailing on her again was so sweet!  She is so well kept and so beautiful and the crew were very professional.  I hope to sail on her many more times in the future.  Just thought you’d like to know the Roseway was the talk of the crowds in Cleveland.

- Debbie Doucette, Passenger

I can’t say I liked one certain thing because I liked doing it all! Climbing the ratboards, steering the boat, the songs, cleaning (yes, cleaning) and basically everything else was so awesome! You guys gave me so much to talk about when I got home, and loads of memories too! Once again, thank you a thousand times!

- Eva, middle school student from Kentucky

“Girl/Boy, you need to really go on the Roseway.  You’ll have a good experience.  You’ll learn how to measure speed and distance, you’ll learn how to trust, have self-confidence, and communicate, also visit the different areas of the boat.  And by the way, the Roseway crew is awesome!”

- John H. Woodson Junior High School, 7th grader

[My son] arrived home safe and sound and a very happy young man.  I thank you all!  He only has wonderful things to say and had a great trip.  What an experience for all of them.  He says he’s learned so much from all of you & he’s made new friends.  How wonderful. . . .  How can I ever thank you for all you have done?  He came home and is such a delight you’ve done well.  He’s helping with dishes and chores around the house with a smile, I just love it.

-Tina Capo, Parent

Just wanted to say how much fun I’m having reading the ship’s logs and watching the progress. . . .   Looks like [the students] having an amazing experience thanks to you all.  As my Grandmother would say “Bless your little hearts!”  Thanks so much for providing the opportunity.  These are great kids – but, I know, by now that you know that too.

- Peggy Hunt, Teacher

I must come back on the Roseway.  It was a cool adventure.  I learned about the different parts of the boat and this is one of the advetnures I will never forget.  I will come back on the Roseway when I have a chance, I will learn more from Jess how to cook and I have all the staff of the World Ocean School and Roseway boat.  This was great thank you.  To Cap Tom, Chris, Tanner, Margo, Eden, Emily, Mike, Dennis, and if there is anybody else thank you.

- Antonique Winto, 7th-grade student from St. Croix

The crew were wonderful. They were very patient, attentive and kind towards all of the passengers. I was very impressed with how they interacted with the youngsters. There was a laudable interaction with each other. Professionalism and dedication were quite high.

- Roger Siegel, Passenger

I have formed life long friendships with some of the other students. . . . This experience showed me things that I think are needed and I’ve matured a lot.

- Kyle, 8th grade student from St. Thomas

I want to thank you for letting me be here today on the Roseway. I’m having more fun than I have ever had in my life. On board the Roseway I’ve met new friends and done things I thought I would never do. Being on the Roseway gives me and the students a feeling of community and respect. This is such a wonderful experience.

- Jaleesah, 8th grade student from St. Croix

“The John H. Woodson Jr. High School students had the privilege of being aboard the Roseway, working with the World Ocean School, this year.  I saw students become transformed into positive, goal-oriented individuals by the experience.  Unique strengths were revealed, as students learned the power of a group, and teamwork.  Dignity, grace and scholarship – that is the Roseway!   We’re proud to be a part of it!”

- Priscilla, Librarian at John Woodson Junior High School

“The Roseway is a chance for our kids to walk away from the stress of their daily lives and relax.  They laugh more, their eyes glisten, and and they’re reminded that their island is still a good place.”


- Sue, The Children’s Center, St. Croix

“When these kids go out into the world–up to the states or other countries–to attend college or jobs, where else could they get the practical experience of learning and working on an historical ship as the Roseway. These are memories and stories for a lifetime. ”

– Sandy, Volunteer Chaperone, Woodson Junior High School

“I think the World Ocean School’s efforts seamlessly fill a much needed avenue for a child’s sense of adventure, as well as their need for educational and physical activity- keep up the fantastic work.“

- A grateful parent, St. Croix, USVI

“Here at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School we have implemented the “No Pass, No Play” policy, meaning that if a child is not passing all of their classes as of the most recent report card, they are not allowed to go on field trips that are not specific to a specific course, nor are they allowed to participate in “reward” activities.  We reward them for improvement and good grades.  I ran into one of the young ladies who attended the sailing trip, but had previously had two failing grades.  In the recent report card she had passing grades in all of her classes!  Therefore, she was allowed to attend the trip.  When I asked her about the trip, she said it was the best trip she had ever been on!  Then, I commented by asking, “Aren’t you glad you passed all of your classes?”  She said, “It was totally worth it!”   Thank you for the learning experience you provided to our students and for helping us to elevate academic standards by providing the opportunity reward our students with a very impressive trip!

- Ms. Griego, Principal, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, St. Croix USVI

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go on one of the Tall Ships. I learned a lot while I was on the Roseway, including what it takes to be a leader and of course what it takes to sail a Tall Ship. The crew and captain were great to be with and work with.

The classes I attended before the sail gave me an edge of knowing what to expect. I also went on the Tall Ship Niagara and spent a day sailing from Erie, Pennsylvania to Cleveland. That showed me that this sail was not going to be like a vacation, but be a lot of tough work.

The work was hard, but rewarding at the end.

I made many friendships and I thank you  for making this program possible. This will be something I will remember and be discussing with my kids 50 years from now. I feel proud to be part of the first group to graduate Project YESS. I hope many other groups follow and get to experience the same joy I did. Thank you again for this opportunity!

Sincerely,

Bryan Miller

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