On Saturday, 31 January twenty lucky winners of the VUSD Photo Contest, 'Hit me with your Best Shot!' traveled to Safari West to experience 'the spirit of Africa in the Napa Valley.' The students were selected from over 70 entries submitted from students in grades 3 – 8.

The categories were Nature, Family, Action, Food, Pet and even an additional group of entries defined as 'Other'. The winners were selected by Judges Mr. Barry Rico [Digital Education Coordinator for VUSD] and Mr. Ryan Bates (owner of Ryan Bates Photography Studio located in downtown Vacaville).

The safari began at the District Office Parking lot at 8:30 when the students gathered and leapt upon the school bus. The generosity of The Vacaville Public Education Fund’s Mini- Grant Program made the transportation possible.

The journey to Safari West was a bit challenged by small issues with the bus but Bus Driver Extraordinaire, Kristie, was able to deliver the students with the help of her husband Chris just in time for the two-part tour. Upon arrival at the grounds, the students were divided into two groups. One group was led through the walking tour of everything from Fennec Foxes, and Lemurs to an extraordinary Ibis or two for about forty –five minutes.

Group two went on 'safari' in an all-terrain vehicle to observe everything from White Rhinoceros to Giraffes and even Watusi Cattle. The docents described and explained the habitats and lifestyles of each animal as it came into view throughout the tour.

The groups switched places and wrapped up the morning with a bit of souvenir shopping and a healthy lunch provide by Subway Sandwich Shops. It was no surprise that the students snapped many new pictures and built galleries of memories!