From April 25-28, eighth-grade students embarked on a four-day educational trip to Washington, D.C. to explore American politics, history, and culture. Accompanied by eighth-grade coordinator Noreen Jafri and chaperones Dina Congregane, Dorri Ramati, and Samantha St. Victor, the students had a great time visiting significant landmarks, and their respectful behavior was often noted and appreciated by other visitors.
On a pleasant Tuesday afternoon, the students met their lively tour guide J.C. Their itinerary kicked off with visits to the Holocaust Museum, the National Archives, 9/11 Pentagon, WWII, Vietnam and Korean Memorials, as well as the Einstein and Washington Monuments. The students were fascinated to see the original signed Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights and compared them to the Magna Carta at the National Archives. At the American History Museum, the eighth graders were also able to admire dresses worn by the first ladies.
The itinerary featured a diverse range of activities, including a tour of the Botanic Gardens and the Capitol Building, as well as the opportunity to observe the House of Representatives vote. Despite being waitlisted for the White House Tour, the students still had a great time learning about the building's history at the visitor center and discovering how to read portraits at the National Portrait Gallery.
Students and chaperones ate at a variety of places including Eat Brgz in China Town. The students were moved by exhibits at the African American History & Culture Center, where they connected with the struggles and contributions of African Americans. At the JFK Performing Arts Center, the group attended a murder-mystery improv show set in D.C.'s upscale Georgetown district. According to Jayda Richter ’27, “The play was my favorite part of the trip; everything else was great, too!" Meanwhile, Carly Jones ’27 exclaimed, "D.C. was so much fun! I loved all the museums and everything we learned.”
On the final day of the trip, a rainy Friday morning, the students visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials and were challenged to find a quote that didn’t apply to today. The itinerary catered to historians, artists and science buffs alike, concluding with a visit to the newly renovated Air and Space Museum.
Deanna Nicholls ’27 described the trip as follows: “In D.C., we all had the chance to bond and learn with our peers and teachers. It was a fun and exciting opportunity." Aron Zhong ’27 appreciated the trip, saying, “As an international student, it’s a trip that helps you learn more about American culture, make friends, and have fun.”