Students explored the nation’s history during spring break
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Nineteen students, spanning 8-12 grades, set out to explore Washington D.C. on Friday, March 8, as part of a 5-day educational tour during spring break.
The enthusiastic group toured the nation’s capital city, chaperoned by six adults including three parents, a grandmother, Dr. Abby Elliott, and Julie Rivera, who organized the trip.
“This trip would not have went as smoothly without the help of our adult travelers Grandma Pat, Joe Saville, Jeremy Popelka, Jennifer Kellner, and Abby Elliott,” noted Rivera, “They were constant eyes for me and helped guide the kids through all the new experiences.”
Straight off the airplane, the group took a chartered bus to explore the National Museums of Natural History and American History.
After the Smithsonian museums, the group made a quick stop for photographs at the White House, prior to taking an evening tour of the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Situated next to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the official address of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s memorial honors the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Day two in Washington D.C. was a big day that included a stop at the Marine Corp Memorial, a guided tour of the Capitol Building, and the Library of Congress, where Dr. Abby Elliott’s dissertation can be found.
The group also toured Mt. Vernon mansion where George Washington, the nation’s first president, spent his most treasured time until passing away on December 14, 1799.
“It rained the entire day but the kids were troopers, and we were able to get to bed early,” said Rivera.
The next day started with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery where the group witnessed the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Although the view was obstructed by the number of tour groups present, a distinguished visitor presented the changing of the wreath as taps was played by trumpet.
The presence of secret service members was noticed as the tour group departed the area.
After a 5 hour bus drive, the group then took in a skyline view of New York City, as well as a bird’s eye view from The Edge after dinner.
Peering across the city on a windy night, the group looked 100 stories down through a glass floor, and viewed the city from angled glass walls atop the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
Day four of the trip was windy as the group hopped aboard a ferry for a brief exploration of Ellis Island. The group stepped back in time at the National Immigration Museum, to learn how over 12 million immigrants entered the United States.
After another ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, allowed the group to view the city from the island.
Students from Mount Ayr Community School and their chaperons paused for reflection at the base of the survivor tree near the 9/11 memorial in New York City.
The afternoon included a guided walking tour of the financial district, the 9/11 memorial and survivor tree, which stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth.
The Callery pear tree was rehabilitated after being discovered at Ground Zero in October of 2001 with snapped roots and severely damaged branches.
A performance by the Blue Man Group was then enjoyed later that evening, and the group rested their tired feet.
The last day was finally beautiful and sunny, which was perfect for the walking tour from Grand Central Station to Time Square with stops at Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and everything in between.
The group finished their tour by walking to Central Park for a short rest before heading to the airport for their return trip to Iowa on Tuesday, March 12.
Rivera held an informational meeting roughly a year ago for interested travelers’ and family members, to allow time for families to fund-raise or budget for the Education First (EF) trip.
She’s now looking forward to planning additional trips in the future.
“Mount Ayr has some pretty great kids. They represented their community well,” Rivera reflected, “Even if their feet hurt and bodies are exhausted, I hope their hearts are full and they take the history and culture they experienced to help shape who they will become.”
