Academy Prep of Tampa’s eighth graders took
the field trip of a lifetime to Washington D.C..

Students spent three full days exploring the city and all it had to offer.
They even had the opportunity to see some very special people.

Day One

Students first visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The U.S. Capitol was next on their itinerary. While they were there, they met with U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor, who spoke to them and answered their questions. The day ended at the National Archives building, where the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights are on display.

Left: Academy Prep students with U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor.

Day Two

This was a big day for the students, as they visited and toured the White House. Some of the students even got to pet Bo Obama, the Obama family dog. As if this experience was not enough to make their day, the students spent the rest of the day at the Smithsonian Museum Of Natural History and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Day Three

The final day started at the Arlington National Cemetery. Students experienced the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns; in addition to a wreath laying ceremony. After lunch at Pentagon City, the group walked across the Potomac River and saw the Lincoln Memorial, where they learned about its significance and symbolism. On Saturday, April 9, President Obama signed the budget bill that kept the federal government running until Congress passes a final version.

After the signing ceremony, President Obama visited the Lincoln Memorial and shook hands with tourists, explaining to them that because the bill was signed, they were able to enjoy and visit the Memorial. The Academy Prep students were there at the perfect time, getting to see the President up close. After this unbelievable experience, the group finished the day by seeing the Korean War Memorial, the World War II Memorial, The Washington Monument, and the Holocaust Museum.

Academy Prep history teacher and field trip chaperone, Henry Ibanez, gave his thoughts on the Washington D.C. field trip: “It was truly an amazing trip in terms of the students seeing the Capitol Building, actually going in the White House, and seeing President Obama in person. They got to really see our government at work.”