By Susan Winlow

They arrived to a star-worthy welcome – red carpet, claps and cheers.

The 450 high school students from throughout the Vacaville School District filed off the half-dozen buses Tuesday in a wave of excitement as they looked forward to a morning away from school bells, books and tests.

Itzel Gallardo, 14, a Vacaville High School student, said she was looking forward to hanging out with friends “away from school instead of stressing over finals.”

The students, who will be followed by another 450 middle school students having their day Wednesday, were selected for the annual Vacaville Chamber of Commerce Gotcha event by their teachers and earned a few hours at Stars Recreation, the local entertainment center.

via Vacaville students earn playtime at Stars Daily Republic.