This spring, eighth-grade students from St. Patrick Catholic School traded their textbooks for travel bags and headed to Washington, D.C., for a four-day adventure packed with history, learning, and a few unforgettable moments of fun. The trip, a long-standing tradition for the school, gave students a firsthand look at the places and stories they’ve studied all year. One of the most meaningful stops for the students was the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The visit came just weeks after the class completed a unit on the Holocaust, giving the experience even deeper significance. Surrounded by artifacts, photos, and survivor stories, students were quiet and reflective.

The group also visited many of D.C.’s iconic landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Guided tours and educational talks brought each site to life. Smithsonian museums added to the excitement with exhibits on everything from space exploration to American pop culture. After a long day of historical sightseeing, the students enjoyed a different kind of cultural experience - a night at Nationals Park. Cheering for the Washington Nationals under the stadium lights was a highlight for many. For some, it was their first professional baseball game!

While the itinerary was full, the trip was about more than just checking off landmarks. It was a chance for students to bond, reflect, and grow as young citizens. This trip was a special part of the eighth-grade year, before this crew all head to high school in the fall.