Ga. students stranded in NYC arrive home - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Georgia students who were stranded in New York from the superstorm arrived home on Thursday. Teams from Jonesboro High School and Atlanta International School were in New York for a mock trial competition when Sandy swept through.

Jonesboro High School students hoisted their fourth place trophy after stepping off the bus. They left by bus on Wednesday, and arrived 16 hours later to welcoming parents in Jonesboro.

"We're very happy to be home. We miss it. We were so homesick in New York. We miss our city," said one happy student.

They were scheduled to return Sunday, but their flight was among the thousands canceled when the storm came rolling ashore on Monday.

"It was pretty bad, but I think we were on a side that did not experience the flooding like Manhattan did. We did not experience the power outages. What we did experience was just a really, the really heavy wind and rain," said Anna Cox, a chaperone on the trip.

Students saw flood waters, debris and downed signs, Cox said.

Cox said that the students' parents were kept informed about the safety of their kids throughout the ordeal.

Being on a bus didn't stop the students from enjoying Halloween. As they were on the voyage back to Atlanta, students munched on candy to keep their spirits up.

Many parents of the students met the bus when it arrived, and as the students stepped off the bus, the hugs began.

"We missed her a lot but we're so glad she's back home," said a parent.

The Jonesboro High School students offered their competition, Atlanta International School, a ride home. The school gladly accepted.

"We really appreciate Jonesboro for letting us go with them though, because if not, we would have been there who knows how much longer," said one Atlanta International School student.