Poland eighth-graders tour Washington

Poland Middle School eighth-graders recently visited Washington D.C. for the annual field trip. The trip began with an early departure on March 20 from PSHS, allowing students three days to see all the historical sites Washington has to offer.

On March 20, students first toured Mount Vernon and explored the grounds of George Washington’s home, followed by a trip to the World War II, FDR and the Martin Luther King Memorials. Later that day, students explored the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and toured the Jefferson Memorial, the Kennedy Center and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

The next day began with a tour of the Capitol Building, followed by a trip to the Grant Memorial. Other highlights included visiting Ford’s Theater along with a “walk-through” of the Pentagon. After a day of touring the city, students boarded the Odyssey Cruise Ship where they enjoyed an elegant dinner cruise and dance down the Potomac River.

During their final day in D.C., students paid homage to the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean Memorials before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery.

After witnessing the Changing of the Guard, eighth-grade students David Gessler, Nate Keller, Nadine Jones and Heather Peloza laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These students won an essay contest on the topic of “What the Arlington Cemetery Means to Me and Why Being Chosen as One of This Year’s Wreath Bearers would be so Important to Me” (Devin Echle was the alternate wreath bearer).

Students were also able to view the Eternal Flame at John F. Kennedy’s grave site and visit the Challenger Memorial, as well before departing for home.