Washington, D.C., trip opens students’ eyes to possibilities, politics

On March 18, nine students from Lind-Ritzville High School (LRHS) traveled to the nation’s capital to learn about the country’s history and government. The trip impacted the students on many levels including influencing their future career choices and views on politicians.

After spending a week in Washington, D.C., the group returned to Ritzville and shared their experiences with fellow peers at an assembly in Gilson Gym on April 28.

The assembly began with a presentation of the flag from the local Honor Guard. Congressman Dan Newhouse presented the students with the flag during the trip, which flew over the U.S. Capitol building on the day they arrived in the state.

The plan is to fly the flag at the school before placing it on display near the front entrance of the building.

Cooper Miller also attended the educational trip and read an email from Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers expressing her appreciation for having the opportunity to meet the students, and discuss their future goals and aspirations.

During the assembly the students voiced their reasoning for wanting to go on the trip. LRHS English teacher Angalina Vallone said the students were required to submit an essay or video explaining why they wanted to participate. The submissions were then sent to an unbiased group of panelist who selected the students.

LRHS senior Pake Taylor said he wanted to learn something new on the trip and stated the experience influenced his future career choices. Since returning, Taylor said he has enrolled in several political science courses for college.

Kallie Harder said the trip opened her eyes to new possibilities and allowed her to learn about the country’s history.

Megan Buriak said personal curiosity about the country’s history is what intrigued her to apply. She enjoyed learning about the early government of the United States and how democracy came to be, she explained.

Lacey Miller said the trip allowed her to have new experiences and travel to places she had never been before. Miller stated she enjoyed meeting the politicians and the trip gave her the opportunity to learn more about the personalities and lifestyles of government officials.

With prior aspirations to join West Point military academy after graduation, senior Morgan Lane said she especially enjoyed meeting Congressman Newhouse, who plays a role in selecting the students for the academy.

She stated the meeting allowed her to realize politicians are ordinary citizens who had similar dreams and goals in high school.

Harder said Newhouse made the students feel comfortable and respected by asking them questions about their lives and goals. Taylor then announced Newhouse has agreed to speak at the Lind-Ritzville graduation.

The group said the lax personalities of the politicians surprised them and proved to be one of the most interesting experiences of the trip. They enjoyed visiting with government officials and learning about their lives outside of their careers.

While touring the area, the students said they encountered many surprises including a protest and racing to see President Donald Trump’s motorcade drive by.

The students also described the various national monuments and government buildings they had the opportunity to visit. The group had the opportunity to see the city at all times of the day as they participated in a Monuments by Moonlight tour. Harder said she enjoyed the beauty of the city and being able to stand where important moments in history occurred.

Shortly after arriving at the Arlington National Cemetery, Taylor said the students witnessed a funeral. The experience had an impact on the students as they were surrounded by the headstones of the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect the country.

Taylor said the cemetery hit him personally as he has multiple family members who have served in the military. He stated the experience made him appreciate those who have served for the country and it also encouraged him to contact a family member currently serving to express his gratitude.

During the trip the students also visited sites like the Holocaust Museum. The group said the museum had an immense emotional impact on them as they viewed memorabilia from victims and their living conditions before and after being captured by German soldiers.

Miller said the experience left her speechless and she became informed of the details of the Holocaust and the stories of the victims.

Senior Tessa Jantz said a portion of the museum called “Daniels Room” had the most impact on her as it described the life of a young boy who fell victim to the Holocaust. She emphasized the difference of learning about tragic events in a classroom compared to seeing the details in person.

Jantz said one positive aspect of the trip the students enjoyed was trying new food and dining experiences. The group agreed the new experiences opened their eyes to new cuisine and cultures.

After describing their favorite aspects of the trip, the students answered questions from their fellow peers. They then presented Mike Miller with a plaque thanking him for his dedication and time he put towards the trip.