The 8th grade class visits the U.S. Capitol

Our eighth graders returned from the traditional trip to Washington, D.C. and surely have many stories to tell.

They embarked on the evening of Monday, October 24, most of them having little knowledge of the adventure, inspiration, and radical experiences that lay ahead of them. After many long, and somewhat uncomfortable (but nonetheless laughter-filled) hours spent on the buses, dozens of groggy students and chaperones stumbled into a historic Gettysburg building for breakfast. With most people in their pajamas and no one having washed up in many hours, they all found a new kind of respect for each other.

Quickly, they were on the road again, where they experienced a tour of Civil War Battlefields; the dreary weather helped them be more empathetic to the events that had happened on the hallowed grounds so long ago.

The city of D.C. practically greeted them with open arms as they cruised around the “Mall” to the Smithsonian museums. What a first impression! After dining and shopping, the tour of memorials took placed in illumination. After the busy day of traveling and sight seeing, all were more than ready to relax in the hotel.

The next day included a start at the Spy Museum and more memorial tours; this was a life changing occurrence for everyone, and adults and students alike were deeply impacted. The tour continued as they accomplished more sightseeing (like the Whitehouse!!) and the wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. After serious business, everyone unwound on a riverboat cruise where the group had dinner, danced and were merry during the evening hours.

The final day of the tour consisted of visiting the Holocaust Museum, having lunch and some arcade time at the ESPN Zone, and then traveling to the Luray Caverns in Virginia. After the caverns we departed for home, most everyone tired beyond belief, but incredibly grateful for the opportunity that will be remembered for a lifetime. It was truly inspirational!