HOOVER, AL (WBRC) -
A group of Alabama students have become trapped in Hurricane Sandy's path. The Spain Park High School Mock Trial Team is in New York City taking part in an international competition.
They were supposed to be flying back home to Alabama Monday evening but instead they're stuck near the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, watching Sandy inch closer to Manhattan.
One of the teachers on the trip told Fox6 News that she tried to move the group's flight up only to later have it cancelled.
"The people that run this competition are great and very supportive. If we have to be stuck, we're in a great situation," said teacher Libby Day as she tries to make the most of the current circumstances.
As the hurricane bears down on the area, Day has been communicating with folks back at home - letting them know they are okay.
"I've been emailing updates, regular updates, tracking the storm, our flight situation, and then the kids have all been talking to their parents," said Day. "I know all the parents would prefer to have their children at home with them."
Dr. J.R. Crawford has a son on the trip. Like any parent would be, he is concerned but also feels his child is in good hands.
"They've reassured us that the hotel is in a very safe place, that they should not lose power. I have full assurance with the Hoover City School that they're going to take good care of our kids. I'm not really worried," said Crawford.
Sam Beckenstein, one of the students, says that everyone at the hotel has been given extra blankets and they're trying to find flashlights just in case.
"We've been given precautions from different people," Beckenstein said. "Stay away from the windows, obviously don't go outside if it's storming really hard, have one phone charged at all times in case you have to use it."
In fact, Crawford views the situation as more of an inconvenience than anything else.
"It's a bit of a distraction for them. They worked really hard for this competition," said Crawford.
In fact, the students have created entertainment to get them through the wait. They say they've set up impromptu mock debate trials with other teams stuck with them at the hotel.
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The Spain Park High School Mock Trial Team is in New York City taking part in an international competition.
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