WESTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Some local students got the chance to travel for the eclipse, Hampshire Regional Middle School saw an overwhelming response to their proposed field trip.

Students from Hampshire Regional Schools hit the road from Westhampton due north to catch the solar eclipse from inside the line of totality. After a week’s worth of eclipse-related assignments, these students were eager to see the real deal.

“I immediately signed up because I think it’s going to honestly just be really cool and awesome to see in the path of totality,” said Addi of Hampshire Regional Schools.

Some remember the last eclipse, others missed out in 2017 but everyone on the bus knew the next one visible here in New England is in 2079, a long way off.

“I remember my last solar eclipse and it was really cool and this is probably going to be the last one I see so I thought, why not,” said Jack of Hampshire Regional Schools.

That enthusiastic response from students out-pacing the original numbers from organizers forced them to add another bus.

Chris Butler, a teacher at Hampshire Regional told 22News, “Before the morning bell we had 115 signed up, so we scrambled and found a third bus. It’s just amazing to see the passion of the kids and how excited they have been. The science teachers have been doing lessons with them, there’s just such a buzz about it.”

The trip destination to St. Johnsbury, Vermont where our 22News Storm Team was stationed for the day. Once there, the focus for these students and educators was simple, “Just hang out, eat some food, enjoy each other’s company and see a once in a lifetime event.”