Class of 2029 Enjoys Capstone Trip to Washington, D.C.

The Class of 2029 traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for their Class Capstone Trip. Students visited a number of monuments and sites celebrating the history and heritage of the United States. While at sites like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, students delivered presentations to their classmates about the significance of the site and notable features of the monument. The experience of students learning from each other represents the immersive way in which teachers designed lessons prior to the trip and experiences in the itinerary to provide students with ownership of their learning and contribute their voices to the program. Students also explored a number of Smithsonian Museums, and visited the new interactive "People's House" exhibit.

A highlight of the trip was the visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where Austin Prep students Alex Killilea ‘29, Sonya Vaysman ‘29, and Myles McEwen ‘29, and Head of Middle School Michael McLaughlin, had the honor of participating in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can view the ceremony here.

The Class Trip was a unifying experience for the students with experiences like a class dinner at the Hard Rock Café, the celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Peter's on Capitol Hill, and a dinner and dance for students at the hotel to close the trip. Students returned to campus on Wednesday evening and have been excited to share their stories and memories from the trip with fellow advisees and their families. 

A special thank you goes out to the following trip chaperones for guiding students during the journey to Washington D.C.: Head of Middle School Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Science Faculty Mrs. Carly Cavanagh P'28, '29, Theology Faculty Mr. Eric Smith, Nurse Ms. Diana Carlson '12,  Assistant Director of Communications Ms. Nina Bramante '19, Admissions Administrative Assistant Mrs. Kasey Field P'29, Science Faculty Mr. Marcelo Rocha, College Counselor Ms. Olivia Foderaro, Theology Faculty Mr. Raymond Kabunga, and Associate Director of Annual Giving Mr. Jack Meaney '14.