Eighth Grade Washington D.C. Trip: A Journey Through History
The eighth grade at Second Baptist School recently traveled to Washington, D.C., a trip filled with history, impactful moments, and unforgettable experiences. From meeting Senator Ted Cruz (SBS Class of ‘88) to touring the White House and visiting iconic landmarks, students shared their insights on what made this trip so meaningful.
Meeting Senator Ted Cruz
One of the most exciting moments of the trip was meeting Senator Ted Cruz. Students had the opportunity to ask him questions and hear about his faith, daily responsibilities, and journey into politics.
Eliott Dawley reflected, "Meeting Senator Cruz was amazing. He spoke with passion and answered our questions with deep thought and reasoning. He mainly talked about the events that occurred at the State of the Union the previous night. We also asked him some funny icebreaker questions. Afterward, everyone shook his hand and we left."
A Historic White House Tour
This year’s eighth grade class had the rare privilege of being one of the first groups to tour the White House since it reopened for public visits.
"Seeing the White House was something that I could never forget. I was able to walk the same halls presidents walked in, admire the artwork honoring them, and appreciate the elegant architecture," Karlyse Firenza said.
Moments of Awe and Reflection
Students encountered many “wow” moments as they saw historical sites and museums in person.
For Sophia Ultis, the Holocaust Museum was particularly moving: "It was so eye-opening because it made me see the war from their perspective, bringing history to life."
Eliott Dawley was captivated by the Capitol’s rotunda: "I think I had a wow moment when standing under the rotunda. Huge paintings covered the walls in a 360-degree view, and a giant ceiling mural amazed me. I could never imagine someone painting something so detailed and massive!"
The eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. was not just a chance to see famous sites—it was an opportunity for students to engage with history, government, and faith in a tangible way. Through these experiences, they deepened their understanding of the past and gained a new appreciation for the country they call home.