Students from the Spencer-Van Etten Central School District Class of 2030 recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for the district’s annual eighth grade trip, continuing a tradition that has taken place for the past 23 years.
In the early morning hours of May 6, 34 students and five chaperones boarded a tour bus headed to the nation’s capital. The group first stopped at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where students toured the USS Constellation, the only Civil War-era ship still in commission. During the visit, students learned how sailors from the time period moved, loaded and fired cannons aboard the ship.
Students also visited the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where they explored exhibits, touched jellyfish and watched dolphin training demonstrations.
The evening concluded with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Washington DC and a pool party back at the hotel.
On Thursday, students toured the U.S. Capitol building before spending the afternoon visiting several museums throughout Washington, D.C. That evening, the group participated in a nighttime monument tour featuring many of the city’s historic memorials and landmarks.
The trip concluded Friday with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where students watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The group also spent time exploring the Smithsonian National Zoological Park before returning home.
“This trip continues to provide students with experiences that bring classroom learning to life through history, leadership and exploration,” Patricia Stauring said. “It is always exciting to see our students engage with these important landmarks and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.”
Eighth grade ELA teacher Mr. McDermott, who has participated in every Washington, D.C. trip since the tradition began 23 years ago, accompanied students once again this year.