A brilliant blue sky greeted the Class of 2021 upon arrival at the Cataloochee Ski Area on Feb 10. With the favorable weather conditions, seniors spent the day on the slopes making memories with classmates.
A much-anticipated annual Tallulah Falls School tradition, 34 years and counting, the ski day is at the top of the list of fun activities hosted by the school.
For Dean of Students Jimmy Franklin, the ski trip tops his list as well. Franklin’s office coordinates the event each year. Typically both the middle and upper schools spend a day on the slopes.
“It’s the bonding; doing something together with friends,” he says. “Whitewater rafting, snow skiing, whatever it is – these outings make for positive social interaction. I’m so glad the seniors got to go.”
This year’s pandemic restrictions at the lodge prevented the larger outings, but Franklin was happy the smaller group of seniors could experience it a final time.
Since sixth grade, Gisella “Gigi” Welch of Gainesville has only missed one year of skiing. She has tons of memories of the trips through the years.
“I remember riding the ski lift with friends in middle school; I look back and think about how I never knew these people could make such an impact on my life,” she says. “On my first ski day in sixth grade, I was extremely nervous, but as I just finished my last one, I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have had through TFS, especially being able to ski with my best friends.”
