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What Does it Mean to be a Citizen? Eighth Graders Explore American Democracy in our Nation’s Capital
8th grade in Washington, DC

“What does it mean to be a citizen? What does it mean to sacrifice for a greater cause?” 

These were the thought-prompts our eighth graders used to set their focus each day on their weeklong visit to Washington, D.C., before heading out to explore our nation’s capital.  

During their five-day visit, students immersed themselves in living history. They walked reverently through monuments and historic buildings, toured the offices and meeting rooms of Capitol Hill, and explored the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, one of Washington’s newest monuments. “Standing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery was particularly moving for many students,” notes History Teacher Sean Nowicki. “They witnessed the precision and solemnity of the changing of the guard ceremony, which sparked meaningful conversations about service and sacrifice.”

On this trip I realized just how huge the potential each individual’s actions have on our country. I now see the depth of my responsibilities to transform the future of my country more than ever.
Camilla O. ’29

8th Graders in front of the Washington Monument at night

Throughout their travels, SD students had opportunities to interact with peers from schools across the country. “One important part of this trip is learning how to talk with people who have different opinions,” explains Nowicki. “Each tour group included students from diverse regions, and there were many different perspectives shared about school, music, and current events. The instructors did a great job combining humor with thoughtful conversation, helping students recognize they often have more in common than they first thought. Students  also thoroughly enjoyed getting to interact with their classmates outside of the classroom, and learn about history along the way.”

“Overnight class trips like this are an essential part of the SD experience,” continues Nowicki. “They cement a closely-knit sense of community, allow discovery and hands-on learning to flourish, and—in the case of our eighth graders—provide students with a broad and rich understanding of our nation’s capital.”