Annual Magnet Capstone trip to Washington, D.C. connects curriculum to living history
November 27, 2014
From November 19 to November 22, fifty NC seniors journeyed on the annual Magnet Capstone trip to the critical landmark of Washington D.C. Guided by chaperones Mr. Revard, Mr. Stephenson, Mrs. Biddy, Dr. Shealy, and Dr. Shropshire, the individually-paid trip enabled students to watch history come alive.
“Magnet seniors take this trip every year because it all relates to international studies. You start out with U.S. Government freshman year and end with AP Comparative Government senior year. We have to reground ourselves in the American system in the middle of the course,” explained Magnet coordinator Mr. Stephenson.
A group of middle school friends reflect on the powerful message behind the Gettysburg Address. Inscribed on the South wall of the Lincoln Memorial in the early 20th century, the address still holds relevance as a symbol of freedom and democracy today.
DAY 1
On the first day of the trip, students woke up at 2:30 a.m. to embark on their memorable adventure. After boarding the charter bus, Magnet kids drifted back to sleep as if they had pulled an all-nighter studying for a rigorous AP test. The bus ride endured for over twelve cumulative hours, stopping for meals and restroom breaks.
In the middle of the day, students toured the University of Virginia, known for its prestigious engineering program and generous financial aid. With notable alumni, such as Tina Fey and Woodrow Wilson, the campus portrayed its prevalence of secret societies, Greek life, and an overall distinguished synthesis between its students.
“I liked the feel of the campus. It seemed to have a lot of unity through traditions and clubs. It had an older feel, but everything looked like it had been recently redone. I didn’t like how stuffy some parts of it felt. It seemed like there wasn’t a lot of room for creativity,” said senior Aidan Strassmann.
After trekking the 6.81 km2 campus, students headed back onto the bus to travel to Holiday Inn in Maryland. After a mandatory room check, students delved into the comfort of the soft hotel beds, anticipating the next day’s outing.
DAY 2
After a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call, students departed for a tour of American University, a private, liberal arts institution. The Princeton Review named it the most “politically active school in the nation,” and this characteristic radiated during the visit. Most students tended to major in political science or international relations, making it apt for NC’s Magnet International Studies program.
Students gathered around the tour guide to ask questions about American University’s college campus and student life. Many students were interested in the university’s study abroad opportunities and Methodist affiliation.
According to senior Anna Levy, the university’s political affiliation was not the only thing it offered to its incoming freshmen: “I liked the suburban campus while it was still close to D.C. and I liked the study abroad opportunities,” she expressed.
After the campus visit, seniors headed to the Capitol to enrich themselves with knowledge about the U.S. Congress. Although the building was under construction because of its deteriorating dome, students still viewed a film about the world’s first legitimate representative democracy and explored the National Statuary Hall, which embodied sculptures of distinguished Americans, such as Brigham Young and Alexander Hamilton Stephens. Additionally, students experienced sitting in the U.S. Senate chamber, which showcased 100 desks arranged in a semicircle for senators to contemplate and vote on legislation.
The Capitol constantly faces expansion, restoration, and construction. Currently, the Capitol must undergo scaffolding because of its crumbling metal and rusting iron. Repairs are expected to be finished by the next Presidential Inauguration in 2017.
“I learned a lot of information that I didn’t know about the Capitol. I had never been there before, so it was interesting to see because it looked completely different than I had pictured it. Also, I very much enjoyed the architecture and the artwork inside. The tour was interesting because we got to see rooms that aren’t used anymore and learned more information about how the House and the Senate work. Even though there was scaffolding, it was still cool to see the Capitol. I could imagine the history being made there,” said senior Amy Castranio.
After visiting the Capitol, a step-on guide escorted the group around D.C.’s various memorials for a night tour. Monuments featured World War I, World War II, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Vietnam War veterans.
Meant to commemorate the 16th U.S. president, the Lincoln Memorial offers an awe-inspiring view at night. “Without Abraham Lincoln, we would not have the democratic system we have today,” said NC’s step-on tour guide.
“The Lincoln Memorial was definitely my favorite because of the view over D.C. It was breathtaking and I’d love to go back,” said senior Ashona Husbands.
Although the temperatures reached nearly 30 degrees, students still commemorated those that fought in wars and historical figures that contributed to social justice and unity in American society. The memorials served as symbols of freedom, achievements, and civil rights, and seeing these in person allowed students to reflect upon those concepts.
The World War II Memorial enabled NC students to pay their respects to the 400,000 soldiers that died in the war. The wreaths on the pillars represent agriculture, because states offered their resources and labor to those in the war. Without their support, success on the battlefront may not have occurred.
DAY 3
The next day, students departed for the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. The tour highlighted the functions of the fived Armed Services and the Office of the Secretary of Defense through a 1.5 mile walk around the building. It flourished with vibrant displays and photographs illustrating powerful moments in the U.S. military’s past, including the 9/11 attacks.
Not only did the Pentagon include displays, but it also contained shops that sold trinkets, luggage, and sportswear. The building even encompassed a food court for its 100,000 annual visitors.
“It was nothing of what I expected. I thought the environment was going to be very serious and business oriented, when it was more like a busy mall,” said senior Maitreyi Bandlamudi.
During the late afternoon, students progressed to begin an information session at George Washington University, located only a few blocks away from the White House. Professor Steven Roberts from the School of Media and Public Affairs spoke to NC seniors about the multitude of career and extracurricular options available.
The student body consists of around 90% of non-Washington D.C. residents. The school represents 43 countries and 49 states, with New Jersey and New York prevailing as the highest distribution.
“I was thoroughly impressed by their school. Personally, I’m not a fan of urban schools, but anyone who is will love the campus,” said senior Nick Main.
After exploring the visually appealing campus, students made their way to the iconic Hard Rock Cafe. With delicious food and upbeat energy from staff members, the restaurant deemed satisfying to NC Magnet students.
Later on, students enjoyed a performance at Ford’s Theatre, the site of Lincoln’s assassination. Actors and actresses performed Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
“Even though I don’t normally like plays, this one had me enthralled from beginning to end with awesome acting. Honestly, I wish I could do a British accent half as good as some of the actors. The performance was magical, and being in such an important historical theater only enriched the experience,” said senior Sierra Samie.
Not only known as the site of Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre also boasts superb acting and special effects. This year’s play, A Christmas Carol, was a must-see holiday show.
DAY 4
Although no one wanted to acknowledge it, the last day of the trip had arrived. Students ended their unforgettable trip with a visit to the White House. After waiting in line and undergoing heavy security, students finally entered the president’s home.
The self-guided tour lasted merely a half-hour, revealing formerly used dining halls, book rooms, sitting rooms, and marble staircases. Security guards stood in the middle of each room, answering any general questions visitors had about the history and exhibit of the White House.
“I liked that it was self-guided because we got to go at our own pace, but it didn’t feel like we were in the White House. It felt like we were just in some antique home. I wish I got to see where the Oval Office was, but I understand why we couldn’t go in. It just would have been nice to know how close we were,” said senior Spencer Maddox.
As the White House tour ended, so did the trip. Students said their goodbyes to the city as they reflected on their expedition.
“I gained such a meaningful experience and a change of judgement by getting to visit parts of the nation’s capital. I used to think D.C. was just filled with a bunch of pretentious politicians, but it was so much more than that,” said senior Shanna Salcedo.
Seniors Sierra Samie and Shanna Salcedo expressed their regard for the Pentagon at the visitor center. “I never expected such a friendly atmosphere. The set up in the visitor center allowed guests to feel truly connected to the government, even if that connection was made by posing like Obama behind a podium,” said Samie.
Washington D.C. revealed a fascinating world that remarkably differed from the suburbs of Kennesaw, Georgia. It showcased ample diversity, the widespread presence of museums and art galleries, and changing political climate. Everyone has seen D.C.’s landmarks in pictures, but seeing them in real life allowed students to truly appreciate their beauty and significance.