Written by Karla Rivadeneira|
Pictures by Wyatt Reu|
The Morgan Political Club will be taking a trip to Washington, D.C, the week of April 9-14. The club will be going through the Close Up High School Program. Close Up is a foundation that dedicates itself to help students gain a better understanding of our government. People from around the country will also be down in D.C. participating in the Close Up program. Not only will students be learning about the ins and outs of our government system, but they will also have the opportunity to visit historic sites.
The 12 students will be taking a train to Washington, D.C. and as soon as they arrive, they will meet with students from around the country.
Since the trip is related to politics, there will be many debates, workshops, seminars, and study visits. The seminars will “help students make personal connections to the roles that they, as ordinary citizens, play in the U.S. democracy”.
Every day will consist of many activities. For example, students will visit, the Jefferson, FDR, and MLK Memorials, have a study visit at The Smithsonian American History Museum, and at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. They will also have an “Enduring Questions of Democracy” workshop and have a social activity all in one day!
English teacher and political club advisor Eric Bergman is organizing the trip and believes that it is, “going to afford them the opportunity to see some of the power-brokers down in D.C”. He is also excited that,”the kids are given these chances for a whole week. There’s no going home; there’s no written homework; there are no things that are usually attached to schooling on this trip”.
Fundraising plays a big part for this trip, as it is a little costly to go. The Political Club has been fundraising for the past few months by having bake sales, asking companies around town for donations, and setting up a Go Fund Me page. Future plans for fundraising include: Having a fundraising night at McDonald’s where a certain percentage of the sales will go the club and an online tag sale.
Please support the Morgan Political Club in their fundraising for Washington, D.C.!