Each year, 8th grade students have the opportunity to go on a class trip to Washington, D.C. to witness and honor some of America’s richest history. This opportunity provides an emotional connection to the history these students have learned over the course of their education. The Class of 2018, along with parent chaperones and 8th Grade teacher Al Dutcher, spent several days exploring Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Presidential monuments, and other memorials.

On the first day of the trip, students explored the battlefields of Gettysburg National Military Park. Here they learned about Civil War weapons, strategy, and the courage it took to create this turning point in the war. The 8th graders then began their adventure through Washington, D.C. on the second day! Each year, St. John’s Lutheran School has the opportunity to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Arlington National Cemetery in remembrance of all those lost during battle. They then visited the World War II memorial and George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon. St. John’s also places a wreath every year at the Korean monument, in honor of Dale Kohman’s service. Lastly, they said hello to Abraham Lincoln and took a picture in front of the White House! Other activities included visiting the Smithsonian museums and swimming in the hotel pool after a long day.

We look forward to the powerful education this trip provides our students and is often a once in a lifetime experience!