Our second day in Washington, D.C., began with a journey back in time as we visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Reid, Jacob, and Rapha prepared the class with an informative presentation, complete with fun facts. Walking through the beautiful grounds where our first president lived felt like stepping directly into history. Students toured the mansion, explored the gardens, observed farm animals, and paid their respects at the resting place of George and Martha Washington. After our morning at Mount Vernon, we enjoyed a picnic-style boxed lunch outside the MLK Memorial, the perfect way to refuel for the busy afternoon ahead.

Our first stop after lunch was the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This visit was powerful and emotional. Students quietly explored the exhibits, learning about the events of the Holocaust and the critical importance of remembering history to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again. Many students were deeply moved by the personal stories and impactful displays throughout the museum.

Recognizing the students needed a break, the 7th graders enjoyed recess on the National Mall! They played kickball, danced, and created their own physical challenges. Next, we transitioned to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Here, students saw a vast array of artifacts, from the Star-Spangled Banner that inspired the national anthem to items representing pop culture, science, and technology. From the history museum, we quickly went over to the White House for a class picture!

In the evening, we headed to Nationals Park for a major league baseball game! The Washington Nationals played the Cleveland Guardians, and our group had a blast cheering on the home team and indulging in stadium treats! We’re excited for even more adventures tomorrow!