Washington, D.C. Dreams Come True

Here in the small town of Seeley Lake in June of 2018, seventh and eighth graders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Students will explore every nook and cranny of our nation's capital such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Washington Monument and all the Smithsonians. The main goals are to teach students to engage in civics and to learn the power of their individual voice. These small town kids will experience the wonders a big city has to offer.

Many citizens of Seeley like to express their feelings about the trip. Duane Schlabach, the seventh grade teacher at SLE, says, "I've always been passionate about being civically engaged and going to D.C. is ideal for education, at least when teaching civics."

Many people who are part of the trip or even the community feel very strongly about the students going to D.C. Lane Wendel, current sophomore, says, "The trip was extremely exciting. It was a blast and I would love to go again someday and get to explore more than we did as a whole."

There are parents who are excited for their children to go on the trip. Amanda McClure says, "I have never been to D.C. I almost wish I was going, but my child needs to experience this on [his/her] own, without me watching over [his/her] shoulder."

Many other parents have the same thoughts about their children traveling across the United States. There are concerns among the parents who are letting their children go to D.C.

McClure says, "It is a big concept to take in. I just hope they don't get separated from the group."

Among the community there are also some students attending the trip that have some concerns. Sara Stevenson says, "I am concerned about some aspects of the trip, but all in all I think we are in good hands. I am positive that the teachers will keep us safe."

This trip has been going on for six years now and is still going strong. Every student who comes through the ranks of Seeley Lake has an opportunity to travel across our beautiful country to visit the capital. Every three years students go to D.C. in hopes of learning about our nation's capital, while learning some life long lessons that are valid for adulthood. Washington, D.C. dreams are finally coming true.