They either could walk through or take a train from the mine to the ore dock
MARQUETTE -- Like most high schoolers, these students started their day off right...with breakfast. But instead of heading for the classroom, they had a special day of learning for the 21st annual Excellence in Education day.
One-hundred-eighty students from the Negaunee, Ishpeming, Republic-Michigamme and NICE schools had the chance to either tour the Empire or Tilden mine or take the train ride from the mine to Marquette.
The train gave a look at the mine operations before heading on the track to Marquette's Upper Harbor. On the way, students had the chance to check out the scenery and play games with their friends. It's a tour that's only given once a year, and many students are return passengers.
"I just like the older feeling of it. It's something that you don't get to do everyday and it's just fun," says Westwood High School sophomore Andrew LeSage.
At the end of the trip, students saw Presque Isle and the ore dock from 80 feet above. It's an experience Cliffs wants to keep putting on each year.
"It gives the students an opportunity to see what a real working environment is, and many of them have parents or relatives that are working within the industry. So it's a good opportunity for them to see that," explains Cliffs spokesman Dale Hemmila.
While it may be difficult for the students to get straight As all year, today's trip makes it all worthwhile.
"It just gives you a good reward and something to work for all year long. Because you know it's going to be fun in the end," says Westwood High School junior Mindy Harrington.
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