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From the White House to Lincoln Memorial: Middle schoolers explore history at the nation’s capitol

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Meg Soyars Van Hauen
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East Grand and West Grand middle schoolers took an inspiring trip to Washington D.C. On May 18, 2025, the group visited the Marine Corps War Memorial. This statue is based on a famous photograph taken by Associated Press combat photographer Joe Rosenthal during World War II.
Carrie George/Courtesy photo

From standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., where Martin Luther King Jr. declared “I Have a Dream” in 1963 to walking the grounds of Mount Vernon, President George Washington’s home in the late 1700s, Grand County students experienced these moments and more, in their recent trip to Washington D.C.

8th graders from West Grand and East Grand middle schools got to tour the nation’s capitol from May 15-18. Teachers and a number of sheriff’s deputies chaperoned the trip.

East Grand and West Grand 8th graders at the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. during a group trip in May 2025.
Katherine Jacobson/Courtesy photo

The group explored government institutions, museums, gardens and statues filled with history, as they reflected on how these long-gone individuals shaped their present and future — from World War II soldiers fighting the Nazi regime, to King marching for civil rights for Americans of all colors, to George Washington leading a newly-born nation as the first president.   

This experience was offered by WorldStrides, an educational travel company whose mission is: “You learned it, now live it. Experience history beyond the classroom.”

East Grand physical education teacher Andrew Paugh organized the trip for the students. He has been offering this experience for at least a decade. This year, 12 West Grand students and 62 East Grand students attended.

West Grand Middle School language arts teacher Kim Cameron helped organize the trip, along with West Grand chaperone and parent Carrie George. School resource officer DJ Elthorp represented the sheriff’s office, with Lt. Jeff Bauckman, Sgt. Steve Hines and Animal Control Officer Robbin Stapleton also attending.

Students and teachers told Sky-Hi News about their favorite moments from this milestone trip. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Several students said the highlight of the trip was viewing this memorial of the 16th president who guided America through the Civil War and helped abolish slavery.
Brianna Priebe/Courtesy photo

Maci Hayes

“I loved the Lincoln Memorial because it is huge and there were quotes carved into the walls which was really cool. 

“I really enjoyed going into George Washington’s house and being able to see the property and walk on the property that he once walked on.

“The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was definitely one of my favorites because it really put into perspective how important the soldiers that have fought for us really are. It was also very cool to see the way that the current soldiers honor all of the unknown soldiers that fought and died for our freedom.

“The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial was also extremely cool because it allowed us to honor and respect the people that passed in such a traumatic way. It was just eye opening to see how devastating 9/11 really was. It just really put everything into perspective.

“And finally, the White House. It was just a really amazing experience to be so close to the White House. And to have the opportunity to see the importance of our presidents.

“I’ve never been to Washington D.C. before and it truly was one of the most amazing experiences I think I will get within my school and in general.”

Students stand in front of the Washington Monument at the National Mall. Students got to tour these landmarks during a trip to the U.S. capitol in May 2025.
Kim Cameron/Courtesy photo

Drake Bustillos

“My favorite place was the Abraham Lincoln monument, because it was just kind of crazy to be there and experience it, from being so far away in the mountains. You know, just knowing that history was made there.

“My next one would be the George Washington estate, just knowing he was the first president, and being on the land that he once walked and roamed.”

Grayson Kassib

“It was just cool to be with kids that we normally don’t hang out with, like the Granby students. The capitol is really cool and so was the Lincoln Memorial.”

Kim Cameron

“The Washington DC trip is an amazing opportunity for our 8th graders. This was truly the best year yet for guides, bus drivers, and  polite, nice kids!  The weather was perfect with temps in the 80s and just a few rain showers.

“This year West Grand had nearly 50% of our 8th graders attend. It was huge for us to take 12 students!  And partnering with East Grand is the perfect fit for us — they have a larger group.

“One of the highlights would definitely be laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Another highlight is that students don’t take any device that connects to the internet. They get a chance to interact and make connections!”

Andrew Paugh

“I love seeing how the students enjoy being with each other outside the school setting. We don’t allow phones on the trip and the students have a great time interacting with each other, sparking good conversations and sometimes new relationships. D.C. is a beautiful place with so many things to see and do. Students enjoy going to the Spy Museum, and Smithsonian, and seeing the monuments and memorials that have amazing architecture.” 

DJ Elthorp

“I loved seeing students connect what they see in class in pictures and have read about, to the actual physical thing. This was my first year going with West Grand. It was inspiring to see these young adults understand the heaviness and seriousness of places like Arlington Cemetery and the changing of the guards. But then they are able to switch and have a great time in the spy museum laughing and joking with each other. I enjoyed it so much that I am taking it over as the school sponsor for West Grand. Coach Paugh deserves all the credit for his hard work to get the trip set up!” 

From left: Lt. Jeff Bauckman, animal control officer Robbin Stapleton, Deputy/School Resource Officer DJ Elthorp and Sgt. Steve Hines chaperoned the Washington D.C. trip.
Kim Cameron/Courtesy photo

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Landmarks visited during D.C. trip

Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
World War II Memorial
Lincoln, Vietnam Veteran and Korean War Veteran Memorials
White House
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Supreme Court
Library of Congress
Georgetown University
Pentagon Memorial
The International Spy Museum
George Washington Monument
Mount Vernon Estate
Tour of Alexandria
Marine Corps War Memorial
Ford’s Theatre
United States National Archives Museum
Arlington National Cemetery

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