Summer of Discovery: CDA 8th Graders Explore Washington D.C.
The Coram Deo Dallas 8th grade class had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. in June.
Over the summer, the 8th grade class traveled to Washington D.C. for a school chaperoned trip June 14-17. With a packed itinerary led by Laura Murray, who used to live and work in D.C., students: saw the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, explored the Air & Space Museum, saw the American History Museum, the East Wing of the White House, Ford’s Theater, the top of the Washington Monument, ate at Gadsby’s Tavern where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson ate, met with our Congresswoman’s staff, toured the Capitol, visited the Spy Museum, and took a boat down the Potomac.
“My favorite things about the Washington D.C. trip were the great group of friends to share the experience with and all the amazing things we were able to see and do,” student Rachel Cating said. “Mrs. Murray put together an incredible itinerary and had the connections to see some things that most people don't see when they go to D.C, such as the tunnel to the Capital from the nearby House office building.”
When asked about his favorite experience, student Weston Vanderhill recalled, “the evening bike ride through the monuments.”
Student Luke Diehl enjoyed the variety of fun and interesting locations that they visited. “At many places, there were small, nerdy things I had read about that were so cool to see in person. For example, a clock made by Simon Willard in the Capitol, depicting Clio, the muse of history, was something I had read about in David McCullough's The American Spirit,” Diehl said. “Or a hollowed-out coin used by Soviet spy Rudolf Abel in the Cold War, was at the International Spy Museum. Seeing these things made the trip even more special for me.”
Rachel Cating even learned something unexpected, “I learned how to navigate the Metro stations and other ways of public transportation in a busy city,” said Cating. “Getting to do this alongside wonderful friends made it even more enjoyable.”
Not only were students able to spend time with friends and classmates, but they also were able to see amazing pieces of our country’s history!
