Pictured above: Marie and her journal from her childhood trip to Tremont.
Every now and then, a visiting teacher surprises us with a story that brings everything full circle. That happened recently when we welcomed a group of fifth graders from Rockwood School District in St. Louis — and one of their teachers, Marie Kellermann, mentioned that she came to Tremont as a student herself.
Marie still remembers that trip vividly. “One thing that stuck with me all these years was the incredible staff at Tremont,” she told us. “I remember feeling so welcomed and excited to learn more because each and every staff member made learning about the Smokies so exciting.”
This fall, she got to experience Tremont all over again — but from the other side of the hiking trail. Watching her own students step out of their comfort zones brought back memories and a few fresh perspectives.
“Seeing students on the hikes we went on at Tremont with their smiling faces was something I will never forget,” Marie shared. “It reminds me that my students are still experiencing things for the first time.”
For Marie, those moments are what make these trips so important.
“Getting outside and experiencing nature without their family around was a powerful experience. I feel like they had to step out of their comfort zone to really experience everything that Tremont has to offer,” she said. “At the end of the weekend, I asked what they wanted to do once they got home, and most students responded with, ‘I want to get outside and explore nature near my home.’ I think that is really incredible.”
To Marie, and to all the teachers who return year after year (sometimes with their own memories tucked away in old journals), thank you for helping your students discover the wonder of the Smokies. You’re helping us keep the Tremont spirit alive, one generation at a time.
