This past June, fourteen student’s history books were brought to life as they voyaged to the Nation’s Capital. The trip to Washington D.C brought a plethora of firsts. Whether it was their first time flying on a plane, riding on the city’s metro, or traveling alone for the first time, this was the first time students were able to experience first hand how our country evolved.
Close Up Student Group Shot
This past June, fourteen student’s history books were brought to life as they voyaged to the Nation’s Capital. The trip to Washington D.C brought a plethora of firsts. Whether it was their first time flying on a plane, riding on the city’s metro, or traveling alone for the first time, this was the first time students were able to experience first hand how our country evolved.
Throughout the trip, students visited many historical memorials at the National Mall. Some of the features included, the Jefferson Memorial, sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Matin Luther King Jr gave his famous “I Had a Dream” speech, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and watching the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. One student was even able to make a personal connection while visiting the Vietnam Wall, where she was able to etch over the name of a family member who had died fighting.
The most exciting part of the trip though was Capitol Hill Day. Not only did the students have a chance to walk through the halls of the House of Representatives and Senate, they were also able to express their opinions and ask questions first-hand as these issues had pertained to their everyday life. Although Senators Schumer and Gillenbrand were absent, they were able to speak to their staff along with Representatives Maloney and Tonko. Issues that were brought up during these discussions included: immigration, refugee settlement, health care, farmworker rights and the cost of college.
Students were also involved in civic engagement activities during the trip. After being divided into work groups and assigned to take a certain stand on a given issue, students were to strengthen their claims. They were then brought together expressing these views in a Mock Congress.
Overall, Close Up was a great program for these kids. They became well informed on how this country came about. With these inspirations, it empowered the students that they as young people, need to exercise their rights as citizens of this democratic nation.