On September 11, 2025, the inaugural class of the revamped M. Scott Powell Scholars Program embarked on their first educational field trip to Lion Country Safari, marking the beginning of a year filled with enrichment, exploration, and growth.
Dr. Anup Sinha, Director of the program, explained that while the day was designed to be educational, it also gave the 21 freshmen an important opportunity to bond outside of the classroom. “We encouraged the students to follow their own lines of interest as they explored the Adventure Park,” he shared. “There was considerable team building and camaraderie as they got to know each other. All of the kids were excited to see the wild jungle animals so close to our bus, and I believe they will take away pleasant memories as well as educational value. We anticipate these freshmen being together for all four years and sharing many more valuable experiences.”
The M. Scott Powell Scholars Program is Cardinal Newman’s prestigious academic enrichment initiative for the school’s highest-achieving students. The program emphasizes academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership, character development, and service to others, creating lifelong learners who are prepared to make a positive impact.
Throughout the year, scholars will participate in eight monthly field trips that highlight culture, science, and the arts. In October, students will travel to Miami to visit the Frost Science Museum and the Pérez Art Museum, followed by a visit to The Society of the Four Arts in December. Additional trips will be announced as the program continues.
Beyond these excursions, scholars are required to keep journals to reflect on each experience. By junior year, the program evolves into a Capstone project, where students will complete research papers and present their findings.
This first trip set the tone for what promises to be a transformative journey—one that blends learning with discovery and builds friendships that will last well beyond high school.