CLARKSVILLE — It was Washington, D.C. or bust recently for 59 Clinton-Massie seventh-grade students and their chaperones when they boarded the Croswell Tour buses that would make the 10-hour trip.
Following a curriculum unit that focused on the Greeks and Romans, seventh-grade social studies teacher Mike Adams wanted to extend learning beyond the classroom and provide an opportunity for students to gain a true-to-life understanding of the architecture typical of the period.
According to Adams, much of the United States’ government and government buildings are molded after the democracy of the Greeks and the republic of the Romans.
The construction of the Capital Building and the White House, in terms of the columns and domes, favor the reverence and grandeur typical of Greek and Roman architecture. The many memorials throughout Washington evoke the Greeks’ attention to detail in the statues of people they honor and represent.
Following an itinerary filled with visits to historic landmarks, students made stops at the White House, US Capital Visitor Center, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, Holocaust Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns, the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, Embassy Row, Washington National Cathedral, Spy Museum, and the FDR, MLK and Jefferson memorials.
On the return trip home, students also had the opportunity to participate in the Gettysburg Battlefield Tour.
According to Adams, visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had the greatest impact on students as they observed soldiers guarding the tomb with such precision and respect.
Students also found the architecture of the National Cathedral to be impressive and were captivated by the stained glass rose windows and the detail in the temple.
Another favorite among students was the enormity of the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
“It was very special to watch our students experience the realness of the history that was present throughout our trip,” said Adams. “It’s an experience we would definitely continue in the years to come.
Students attending traveling to Washington, D.C. were Braeden Adams, Cole Adams, Lauren Baker, Charlee Bledsoe, Chloe Brizendine, Abby Broglin, Joel Brothers, Allison Brown, Jacob Conrad, Conley Dawson, Abby Coy, Jenna Eichman, Annie Elliott, Carter Euton, Ethan Gibson, India Guiselman, Ethan Hathaway, Toby Hayes, Bryce Hensley, Alannah Iverson, Emalee Jett, Ethan Johnson, Alex Jones, Don Pitts, Brian Poston, Sierra Reese, Maggie Rinehart, K.J. Robinett, Jaymie Rogers, Lex Russell, Jocelyn Sanders, Emma Schell, Lane Schulz, Layla Schurman, Nick Sherman, Ben Smith, Travis Smith, Madeline Spiewak, Braden Taylor, Jocelyn Taylor, Megan Thatcher, Christy Tidwell, Colton Trampler, Layla Vineyard, Riley Wahsum, Nate Wildermuth, Holly Young, Luke Lentine, Brady Lisle, Michael Loge, Marissa Loveless, Daelin Maple, Elizabeth Mason, Evan McCollister, Keegean McGory, Grant Moorman, Allie Morris, Sarah Norton and Nathaniel Patrick.
Students were chaperoned by Michelle Adams, Mike Adams, James Brady, Ashley Cagle, Megan Kiefer and Christy Mason.
Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area school districts.
