WHS Close Up Students Have Experience of a Lifetime
Advanced Government Class Sums Up the Trip and Thanks School and Community for Their Support
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThirty students from Wahoo High School recently spent an unforgettable (and sometimes chilly!) nine days in our nation’s capitol. While in Washington D.C. students had the opportunity to see many monuments and memorials as well as interact with Congressional representatives and other students from around the country.
The first two and half days of the trip WHS traveled independently of the Close Up program. On the independent days, students saw numerous famous and historical sites. Among these sites were: Iwo Jima Memorial, National Cathedral, Georgetown, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Native American Museum, Holocaust Museum, Mount Vernon (George Washington’s Home), Arlington National Cemetery and the changing of the guard, National Zoo, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian Museums. Additionally, students got a tour of the White House on the final day of the trip.
Mount Vernon was one of the highlights of the trip for students.
Junior Jen Hackman commented, “It was fascinating to see how George must have lived back when he was alive.”
“We got a great view over the Potomac River out of Washington’s backyard,” added junior Austin Watton.
Students also particularly enjoyed the National Cathedral as junior Whitley Jelinek echoed the comments of many students that this was one of her favorite parts of the trip.
On day three students began the Close Up program. While on the program students roomed with other students from around the country, participated in current issues discussions/debates, took part in additional monument study visits, and met with Nebraska’s Congressional representatives. On Capitol Hill Day WHS students met with Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, and Senators Ben Nelson and Chuck Hagel, and were able to ask them about their role in Congress.
“Capitol Hill Day was a great learning experience. I really liked meeting our senators and representatives,” said junior Sam Polivka.
Additionally, students had the unique opportunity of watching the U.S. Senate in action, and even got to see Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama on the Senate floor.
Furthermore, while on the program, WHS students watched the musical “Meet John Doe” at Ford’s Theatre. Many students felt this was the highlight of the trip.
Junior Grant Anderson enjoyed the theatre, but was “surprised the place still held performances” and found himself “always looking at the booth where Lincoln was shot.”
Fellow junior Laura Houfek added, “It was so mind blowing to think that I was sitting in the same theater that Lincoln was shot in.”
Overall, the trip was a great success and all Close Up students and sponsors wish to thank everyone for their support in fundraising and preparation throughout the year. The program continues to be a success every year because of the continued support of the school and community.
The Close Up trip next year is scheduled for the week of March 28-April 5.
WHS Close Up Students Have Experience of a Lifetime
HollyMarie | Apr 17, 2007 | I wish that everyone had the chance to go because it is a great learning experience. I think I learned more in this program than I have in any of my History classes. It may cost a lot but you will not regret spending that much. To any of the underclassmen: Just make sure you do all the fundraisers you possibly can because they are totally worth it! I have to admit maybe the workshops you have to have are boring and not really that fun, but the sites you get to see to the people you get to meet is awesome. D.C is a lifetime experience. |