8th Grade DC Trip

By Paige P

8th Grade Washington, D.C. Field Trip
February 17–18, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

Students from Group A (Tracks 2, 3, and 4) set off early on Presidents’ Day for an exciting two-day journey to Washington, D.C.—a trip packed with history, landmarks, and unforgettable experiences.

The day began at 6:30 a.m. as students arrived at school and loaded the buses. Although departure was scheduled for 7:00 a.m., the group didn’t hit the road until around 7:30. The five-hour bus ride to D.C. was quiet and peaceful, with most students feeling sleepy and resting during the trip.

When they arrived in Washington, they were greeted by very cold weather—something that stuck around for both days of the trip. After eating bag lunches brought from home, the group explored three of the Smithsonian Museums: the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and the Museum of African American History and Culture.

Later in the afternoon, students joined a guided tour of the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and the Korean War Memorial. Dinner followed at the Ronald Reagan Building’s food court. The group had planned to stop for group photos outside the White House, but they were unable to do so. That night, everyone checked into the Wyndham Garden Manassas hotel, which had private security to ensure a safe and restful stay.

The next morning started with a hot breakfast buffet before students boarded the buses at 7:45 a.m. for another full day in the cold. The group visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial, followed by a walking tour to Capitol Hill to see the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. A guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building was another highlight.

After lunch on the National Mall, students traveled to Arlington National Cemetery, where they took a 90-minute tram tour. Stops included the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Changing of the Guard, and President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite.

The five-hour bus ride home was more energetic than the morning, filled with laughter, games, and chatter as students reflected on everything they had seen. The group returned to school around 10:30 p.m.—tired, cold, but filled with new memories and a deeper appreciation for American history.