Garrettsville – The sixth grade class of Garfield Elementary recently did a two-day tour of the nation’s capital. It was the type of educational experience that these students will not soon forget. Packed into the busy itinerary were stops at Arlington National Cemetery, the viewing of the memorials, a picture at the White House, the Smithsonian Museums, and George Washington’s estate – Mount Vernon. The field trip was organized and planned by sixth grade teachers Lisa Porter and Melinda Ensinger.
The following is what students had to say about the impact their favorite sites had on them.
Kourtney Brahler – Washington D.C. was a great field trip, but the thing that was definitely my favorite was Mount Vernon, the home of our first president. Mount Vernon was my favorite part because George Washington once walked where I walked. It’s so crazy to think about! I also went into his house where he once lived. Most of the things in his house were original. For example, the original bed he died in. Some things, though, they just put in for decoration, or they put in some things to replace old things. There are so many amazing things you can experience at Mount Vernon, including seeing where his slaves were buried. There are real paintings on the walls in the house that were from his time. There is more than just the house though. You can see where his grave is. Along with seeing beautiful views of water. There are more than just these things at Mount Vernon, but those were just my favorite things. When I first went to Mount Vernon I didn’t know very much about it, but I left knowing so much that it just made it so much better.
Grace Scirocco – My favorite part of Washington DC was the World War II Memorial. The World War II memorial was my favorite part of DC because I really enjoyed the stone and bronze architecture around the huge fountain in the center. The states are all represented in the order of when they became U.S. territories. I also love the concept behind it. The World War II Memorial was built to recognize all of the Americans that had served and fallen in battle.
Caleb Canan – In my opinion, the best part about DC was seeing all the historic sites and monuments. However, the Korean Memorial was my favorite. I had a great grandpa who served in the war, so it was very special to me. I overall really enjoyed this special trip, and I would go again.
Zoey May – You have to see the Lincoln Memorial if you go to Washington D.C. The structure and time that the people put into the monument really shows. His quotes are carved on the inside and the states that were states when he died are carved around the top. I got to see it when it was darker, so it was lit up and it looked amazing. The Reflecting Pool is just as cool because you can get a really good picture with the Washington Monument behind it. If you ever go to Washington D.C, the Lincoln Memorial should be on your “must see” list.
As you can see, students enjoyed seeing and learning all about what our nation’s capital has to offer. Aside from the educational experiences, the trip provided students with the opportunity to get to know fellow classmates and staff a little better outside of the school setting. The trip is most definitely one of the highlights of the year.
