Enjoying a capitol time in D.C.

Perry Johnson, Charger Staff

Have you ever wondered what Washington D.C. looks like?  "Been there, done that, seen the White House on T.V." is what you are probably thinking.

  In reality, it is not as big as it looks on television.  I found this out as well as much more information about Washington and how our government works by spending the first week of spring break in Washington.

CHS social studies teacher and Close Up sponsor, Laura Carter and ten students from CHS traveled to the nation’s capitol as part of the Close Up Foundation’s Week in Washington.

The Close Up Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the study of government. One of its primary activities is organizing study weeks for high school students at the nation’s capitol.

CHS students have participated in the Close Up program for the past fifteen years.

After the flurry of being assigned a room as well as introduced to your roommates, you are given a schedule and thrust into the action of our nation’s capital.

Approximately 400 students from around the country are housed together in a hotel. During the week they work, eat, and play together. I gained many new friends in the process.

Participants hear speakers from a variety of government agencies, visit national landmarks, and participate in group activities designed to deepen their understanding of how our government functions.

The most outstanding speaker was Secretary of State Colin Powell.

One day is spent on Capitol Hill meeting with senators and representatives, and another includes seeing a production of “1776” at the historic Ford’s theater.

I would have to say the most exciting thing was visiting the Korean and Vietnam memeorials.

However, it was also a solemn occasion as those who have given their lives in war were remembered.

The Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian museums were also a highlight.

It was an exciting week and I didn’t want to come home. If you would like to learn more about Close Up and travel plans for next year, ask Laura Carter in Room 37.