Cyber Students Explore National Parks in Southwestern U.S.

January 6, 2026

A small group of students had the trip of a lifetime last June as they explored awe-inspiring national parks in Utah and Arizona. They pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones on this week-long trip before returning home with lasting memories.

They met through PA Cyber’s National Parks Club, where they regularly attended meetings online to learn about the parks throughout the school year leading up to the trip. “It’s a free-flowing club,” said Charlotte, a student from Adams County. “It’s the kind of club where you can pick how it goes and interact with your peers in a really fun and engaging way.”

They met in person for the first time at the Pittsburgh airport, where they flew to Las Vegas together. Some of them had never flown on a plane before, and some of them were experienced travelers.

They explored Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon national parks, with many other special sights along the way. PA Cyber partnered with EF Tours to create the packed itinerary. The group consisted of eight high school students, some of whom graduated weeks prior to the trip. They traveled with four chaperones, including their club co-advisors: Principal Danielle Schlessinger and algebra teacher Breanne Paraniuk.

“One of my favorite things about this experience was watching the students gain independence, flourish, and form friendships and bonds,” said Mrs. Paraniuk. “Their smiles and laughter were priceless.”

Diving In

Alannah, a student from Warren County, says the first thing she shares with everyone about the trip is that the group got to swim in the Colorado River. Prior to the Grand Canyon, they explored Glen Canyon on a river raft tour and afterward cooled off in the 55-degree river. “It was really cold, but we all jumped in at the same time, and it was a good bonding thing.”

Charlotte’s top memories included looking out over the horizon at the Grand Canyon, completing challenging hikes, and swimming in hotel pools.

“One of those trails, I’m not going to lie, was the worst trail in the history of walks I’ve ever done,” Charlotte said. “But it was so worth it. We could stop if we wanted to, but I pushed myself to do the whole trail.”

The group hiked to the bottom of Bryce Canyon and back out by climbing up 25 switchbacks. The next day, they hiked to the upper pool on the Emerald Pools Trail at Zion. Mrs. Paraniuk said, “The students were so proud of themselves, and several made comments that they didn’t know they had it in them to complete such challenging hikes.”

Charlotte’s long-term goal is to study animal sciences at Penn State and become an animal nutritionist, so learning about the animals and ecosystems of each of the national parks was right up her alley.

Alannah will graduate from PA Cyber this spring after completing both her junior and senior years in one year. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to travel and then join the Air Force.

Future Travel Opportunities

The National Parks Club will go to Puerto Rico in the summer of 2027, with plans to visit El Morro, Ponce, and the El Yunque National Forest. PA Cyber students currently in grades 7-11 are eligible.

PA Cyber’s Global Education Club also gives students an opportunity to explore their wanderlust. This coming summer, they will go to Japan. Charlotte and Alannah are planning to take the trip.

“These opportunities are amazing, and I think every school should have them,” Charlotte said. “I love that they are on the more affordable side compared to taking a trip later in life. They're very worth it, and you won't regret doing it.”

View more photos from the June 2025 trip.

Media Contact

Jennie Harris / jennie.harris@pacyber.org

About PA Cyber

Serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is the longest-operating online public school in Pennsylvania. PA Cyber’s online learning environments, personalized instructional methods, and curricula choices connect Pennsylvania students and families with state-certified and highly qualified teachers and rich academic content aligned to state standards. Founded in 2000, PA Cyber is headquartered in Midland (Beaver County) and maintains a network of support offices throughout the state. As a public school, PA Cyber is open for enrollment to any school-age child residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.