Learning Comes Alive at Bayou Wildlife Zoo

At Polly Ryon Middle School, the world of learning isn’t just in textbooks; it’s alive, moving, and unforgettable. Thanks to a generous grant from the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation, students experienced a safari-style adventure through the Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin, Texas. With over 80 acres of natural habitat and animals from across the globe, this trip brought classroom lessons to life in the most exciting way.

Purpose & Impacts grant was designed with a clear intention:

This grant was designed with a powerful goal, to give students a hands-on, immersive experience that connects global studies to real-world understanding.

Although Ms. Wittig was unable to take students across the globe, this field trip offered the next best thing, letting students interact with exotic and native animals from the countries they study in class. From feeding zebras to seeing buffalo roam, every moment was a chance to explore the world in a way they’ll never forget.

A Safari of Discovery

Thanks to this grant, 115 students and chaperones hopped aboard safari-style trams for an unforgettable 30–40 minute guided tour. Students were provided with individual bags of animal feed, allowing them to interact directly with animals such as deer, antelope, camels, zebras, and buffalo.

After the tour, students enjoyed lunch in the zoo’s scenic picnic area, wrapping up a day of discovery and connection with nature and global wildlife.

A Teacher’s Perspective

“Since I can’t take my students to the places we discuss in class, I wanted to bring the experience closer to them. Seeing their excitement as they fed a camel or pointed out an animal they recognized from a lesson was priceless. This was learning in its purest form—active, joyful, and meaningful.”

—Kimberly Wittig, Polly Ryon Middle School

Walking Toward a Brighter Future

Thanks to the support of the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation, Polly Ryon students weren’t just reading about the world; they were living it. Experiences like this help develop not only knowledge but also passion, curiosity, and a sense of wonder that stays with students long after the bus ride home.

LEAF is proud to support innovative, student-centered programs that open minds, expand horizons, and inspire the next generation of explorers.

Interested in supporting innovative education in Lamar CISD?

n Lamar CI