Local youth get a feel for pioneer life

by | Mar 17, 2016 | Education

By Nancy Whitney

Staff Writer

[email protected]

Local youth got a taste of life in pioneer times last week when they walked 10 miles during a historical reenactment of the early pioneers trek across the plains.

The event, sponsored by the Richardson Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was organized to give youth a chance to see what it was like to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast to escape religious persecution.

Due to the rain storms that passed through the region last week, their planned 20 to 25 mile trek turned into 10 miles.

Participants from grade 9-12 were separated into groups called “families” for the trek. Wearing garb fashioned like those during that period of time, they made their way through trails at Lake Ray Roberts State Park.

“We had about 200 youth from the surrounding area,” Carrie McMurdie said. “The hope was that our youth would gain a greater appreciation for the things they have and are blessed with, the modern conveniences.”

15 year-old participant Madison Harbison said the event is held about every four years.

“I was kind of dreading it at first because it is a long way to walk,” she said. “But I really enjoyed every minute of it.”

Madison said she learned a lot from the experience about what pioneers went through to travel such distances, including the struggle to keep their items in the handcart as they pulled it along.

“At one point things just continued to fall out of my cart,” she said. “After my “family” had helped me pick everything up for the fourth time we said a little prayer and after that not one thing fell out. I truly believe it was because we decided to say that prayer.”

For full story see the Murphy Monitor at http://www.etypeservices.com/Murphy%20MonitorID247/default.aspx

Pioneer trek participants pushed through rain and muddy waters as they reenacted a 10 mile trek from many years ago. The youth pioneers pushed approximately 500 pounds on a hand cart as they traveled the trails at Lake Ray Roberts State Park. Pictured, from left, are Carlos Garza, Joe Muir, Ryan Rigby, Breanna Taylor and Sarah Porter.

Pioneer trek participants pushed through rain and muddy waters as they reenacted a 10 mile trek from many years ago. The youth pioneers pushed approximately 500 pounds on a hand cart as they traveled the trails at Lake Ray Roberts State Park. Pictured, from left, are Carlos Garza, Joe Muir, Ryan Rigby, Breanna Taylor and Sarah Porter.

0 Comments

Public Notice - Subscribe

Related News

JROTC cadets perform at annual competition

JROTC cadets perform at annual competition

Wylie High cadets cheer when finding out they placed first in Female Color Guard Saturday, Feb. 1 at the annual JROTC competition hosted by Wylie East High School. Twenty-three schools competed overall. Courtesy Wylie ISD AFJROTC Wylie East High School hosted its...

read more
New elementary brings new school boundaries

New elementary brings new school boundaries

National Merit Commended Scholars from Wylie High and Wylie East were recognized at the Jan. 20 board of trustees meeting. In this photo, 18 Wylie High students earned commendations, and from Wylie East, two students (not pictured) earned commendations. Courtesy Wylie...

read more
Wylie, Wylie East present magical musicals

Wylie, Wylie East present magical musicals

Wylie High School theatre students work hard during final rehearsals before performing “Matilda the Musical” for audiences Thursday, Jan. 23, through Saturday, Jan. 25. The students began working on the show in October. Classic tales will spring to life on stage as...

read more
Plano ISD trustees name new center

Plano ISD trustees name new center

The Plano Independent School District’s second Welcome and Enrollment Center, scheduled to be completed last next month, will bear the names of two longtime district officials.  The PISD Board of Trustees voted at their Tuesday, Dec. 10, regular meeting to name...

read more
Optional curriculum features Bible lessons

Optional curriculum features Bible lessons

Texas school districts may now choose reading and English language lessons linked to the Bible. By an 8-7 vote Friday, Nov. 22, the State Board of Education (SBOE) approved the optional Bluebonnet Learning curriculum drafted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for...

read more
ISDs get high grades

ISDs get high grades

The Plano Independent School District and the Wylie Independent School District have received grades of “A” for financial integrity and accountability from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 2023-2024 school year. “These school systems reflect a continued...

read more
Newly elected Wylie ISD trustees take oaths

Newly elected Wylie ISD trustees take oaths

Ruth Ononogbu was one of two individuals to receive the Wylie Way Award at the WISD board meeting on November 18. During the regular Board of Trustees meeting held on Nov. 18, 2024, the Wylie Independent School District (WISD) recognized two outstanding individuals...

read more
Public Notice - Subscribe