Galion Middle School eighth grade students awoke earlier than normal to embark on a journey to Washington, DC, on May 24. A group of more than 100 students said goodbye to family members at 5:45 a.m. and loaded charter busses to head east towards the Nation’s Capitol.
The first leg of the journey included a stop in Gettysburg, PA, where students had the opportunity to tour the Gettysburg Battlefield. Following the tour, the busses continued east with scheduled stops at the World War II, Lincoln, Vietnam War and Korean War memorials. Students stopped at the Washington Monument and the White House for photos, followed by dinner at Union Station and visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial and Air Force Memorial.
“Our students were incredibly excited to start their trip, despite the early morning departure time,” Middle School Assistant Principal Brian Kinnard said. “There were a few hiccups to the itinerary due to Washington, DC traffic, but students had a great first day.”
In addition to the teachers making the trip as chaperones, High School Assistant Principal Kyle Baughn and School Resource Officer Lt. Lynn Sterling also made the voyage with the students.
“We are very thankful that Lt. Sterling was able to join the students on the trip,” Kinnard said. “Her presence adds an extra level of safety and security for our students and staff.”
Highlights from the rest of the trip include a tour of Arlington National Cemetery, an opportunity to experience the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, a visit to the National Air & Space Museum and a tour of the Washington National Cathedral.
