Blue Cluster Students Have a Monumental Trip!

In late April, the Blue Cluster once again traveled to Washington, DC. After taking a break due to COVID-19, the annual overnight trip was back this year. Traditionally, during the trip students visit iconic monuments and museums, while also having fun experiencing new things with their peers. As Director of Upper Division Christine Karamanoglou said, “The students had a fun time and were able to spend time with old friends while also making new ones on the trip. As one graduating student said, ‘I got to spend time with kids I never did before.’”

The schedule was packed full of activities that would be both exciting and educational for the students. Once everyone arrived in DC, their first stop was the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The students were particularly interested in the exhibit about World War II, as they had studied it in history class. Another big draw was the exhibit showcasing artifacts from entertainment and pop culture from the past 150 years. The exhibit had items such as Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Prince’s guitar, and C-3PO and R2-D2 from the

Star Wars franchise. Later that evening, the entire group headed to the Lincoln Monument and the reflecting pool.

The highlights of the trip were the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Potomac River cruise. The cruise included not only dinner with a view, but a dance party complete with a DJ on board.

The final stop before leaving DC was the Capitol Building. The tour included a stop at the Capitol Rotunda, which has been described as the Capitol's “symbolic and physical heart.” The students lined up for a group photo outside, complete with matching shirts, before getting on the bus to go home. Ms. Karamanoglou added, “I continue to be impressed with how much information our students take in and retain when they are experiencing something — quite a few conversations on the bus home were about the Rotunda.”

The overnight trip is always a great opportunity for Blue Cluster students to see what they have been learning about in class in real life, and bond together as a cluster.