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May 14, 2004
Spring break was a Capitol experienceBEATTY STUDENTS VISIT WASHINGTON, D.C. TO PARTICIPATE IN CLOSE-UP FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES
While staying in historic Alexandria, Va., BHS students were just one block away from General Lee's boyhood home. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom as the group toured Washington, D.C.'s monuments and sites. They visited national treasures such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Vietnam Wall, The White House, the Capitol, and Library of Congress. Students also saw the Supreme Court Building, the National Smithsonian Museums, the National Archives, the Holocaust Museum and many others. The trip wasn't just sightseeing, however, they also were grouped with students from all over the country, many with decidedly different backgrounds and political persuasions. Through this varied group, the students were able to express and hear many different views concerning today's most pressing issues, both social and political. The students experienced our nation's government firsthand through a wide variety of experiences. Close-Up program instructors led them in daily workshops and symposiums. They were also able to set up mock government scenarios through guided activities. One of the highlights of the trip was "Capitol Hill Day." They were able to meet with both senators from Nevada, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. The students were able to ask questions during a private interview. Students did an excellent job of bringing up key Nevada and national issues. For many students who had never seen a professional theatrical production, "The Children of Eden," at the historic Ford's Theatre was a memorable experience. They were awestruck by the high quality of the performance, as well as the significance of the theatre. Being able to see the assignation site of Abraham Lincoln was a sobering experience. The week came to a close with a mixture of anticipating home and regret at leaving many new found friends. This rich experience has been a major part of the students' high school experience. Close-Up participation is a longstanding tradition for Beatty High School juniors and seniors. Counting this year's group, approximately 180 BHS students have attended the program since Keith Koerner organized the first trip in 1986. Students participating this year were Justin Baldino, Elizabeth Bass, Amy Blankenship, Andriea Blewett, Vanessa De La Mora, Rosa Flores, Clayton Gerling, Brandon Goedhart, Ryan Grant, Audrey Greene, Emily Hensyel, and Riley Hunt. Brian Kump, Bridget Lasorsa, Emily Marshall, Cristina Moreno, Nuvia Moreno, Adrian Nunez, Kuree Price, Monica Regalado, Andrew Rice, Jeffrey Schroeder, Kirsten Shoshone, Steven Sullivan, and Cassie Waters also took the trip. The author is a Beatty High School teacher. He and his wife Julie accompanied the students to Washington, D.C. |
