by: Jessica Den Haese

This past November, Newsome’s Student Government had the incredible opportunity to go on an educational tour of Washington, D.C. for a couple of days to learn more about the United States Government and how it works. A group of twenty-six Newsome students embarked on an amazing journey to the Nation’s capital to see monuments, museums, and buildings that illustrated years of history and provided insight into the importance of the government of the United States.

Go Educational Tours took the students to see much of the Washington, D.C. area, where they were able to participate in many excursions and experience extraordinary sights. The students created richer friendships with each other and also created memories that will last them a lifetime.

The tour began at the Arlington National Cemetery, which left the students in awe of its grandness and enormity. Following this, the students were able to watch the Changing of the Guard near the hallowed Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a breathtaking view of the landscape in the Cemetery. The kids soon saw the tomb of John F. Kennedy, got to visit the Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, and the Eternal Flame. At these memorials, the students were introduced to the unique and interesting stories that connected them to issues and events in American History.

Soon, the group got to visit the Ronald Reagan Building and the fascinating Library of Congress. These buildings motivated the students to take a larger role in their government and political process and encouraged some of them to want to become involved with politics when they get older. The students then enjoyed seeing the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and other memorials.

The students then got to walk to the National Mall and the White House to experience the culture of the nation’s capital. Afterwards, they got to see the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, in which they honored the history of the nation and the great leadership of two of the most remembered presidents. Following the trip to these tremendous monuments, the kids got to see the World War II, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials. These Memorials demonstrated the great loss that the nation had experienced after the wars and the sacrifices made by soldiers to give the students the freedom they have today.

During the trip, the students got to visit many Museums as well. The students got to see the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. These buildings proved the extensive history of the United States to the kids. The trip concluded with a fun afternoon in the historic center of Old Town Alexandria.

Upon returning home, it was all the kids could talk about. Overall, everyone had a fantastic time. It was something the students will remember for the rest of their lives!