G.A.L.R.E. a class offered at Steinert High School, that stands for “government and law related experiences”. This class immerses its students in their communities' local politics while teaching them the country's government and inner workings. The class includes guest speakers, debates, mock trials, and even a trip to Washington DC! To prepare for this trip the class researched various monuments, their history, and eventually presented them. 

The trip consisted of two nights and three days. While the days were long and tiring, they were extremely fun and knowledgeable. The class consisted of a tight-knit group of 15 students including both juniors and seniors. We were accompanied by the GALRE teacher, Mr. Tessien and Mrs. Caruso as our second chaperone. The group stayed in a hotel right outside of the heart of D.C.

During the trip, the group were able to see multiple memorials and museums. They visited the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the WW2 Memorial, The Holocaust Museum, the African American Museum, and more. They were also given the opportunity to visit any museum in the National Mall like the Museum of Natural History. The memorials and museums provided great insight into the event or person they were dedicated to. 

The GALRE class also had the opportunity to visit each government branch building. They toured the White House of the executive branch. While it was very limited, it was extremely insightful. They also got a glimpse of the legislative branch at the Capital where the group not only got to tour but had the opportunity to see The House of Representatives in session. Another incredible opportunity was having the ability to meet Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in the Supreme Court building. First, the group was given a tour of the inside of the courtroom. Then, due to Justice Alito being a Steinert alum, they were able to meet with him and discuss the Supreme Court as a whole, current cases (in vague details), and even ask questions. 

Outside the monuments and museums the group visited, they also got to see a play called “Shear Madness” at the JFK Center for Performing Arts. It was a murder mystery play where the actors interacted with the crowd. The crowd got to help “solve” the murder and direct the play's direction. It was a very entertaining show at a beautiful complex that looked over the Potomac River and had a great view of Capitol Hill. 

The Washington DC trip is no doubt one of the best memories the entire GALRE class will look back on when they graduate. The trip gave the students a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet a Supreme Court Justice while also getting an unforgettable experience with classmates. GALRE is a class that provides insight into your local and federal government, giving you knowledge that you can carry into adulthood. G.A.L.R.E has a combination of insightful work, experiences, and fun trips that make the class the best to take in Steinert. These memories will last well into all the students' futures and gave the class the ability to experience Washington D.C. firsthand.