Students enrolled in the St. Croix Central High School Close Up organization recently returned from the nation’s capital where they attended the Close Up Washington Flagship program. The group of 11 traveled on November 13-19 and joined with other Close Up high school chapters from across the country to learn about the American democratic process.
Central High School history teacher and Close Up advisor Ericka Hansen took ten students on the annual trip, which gives high school students and educators an inside look at their democracy in action. Using the nation’s capital as their living classroom, program participants get a “close up” view of government processes and places that make the District unique and functional.
Students visited the Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Memorial, the Smithsonian, US Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House and more. Rightfully a learning experience, students also participated in political discussions and met with Congressmen and Congresswomen leading the country. The program provided social activities for the students in the evening.
Founded in 1971, the Close Up organization has provided over 825,000 students with educational tours about the American government and the political processes.
Central High students that participated in this year’s Close Up trip were Ethaliah Henry, Jenna Malcomb, Nathan McGregor, Destiny Stout, Martisha Charles, Pellis Leonard, Franchel Rodriguez, Jayla Norman, Khaiel James and N’Quelle Golden.
History teacher and Close Up advisor Ericka Hansen.
