Lake Region—Since the beginning of the first quarter of school in 2004, Peterson-Warren Academy (PWA) students in grades five to seven prepared for a field trip to the nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C., scheduled for Apr. 3–7, 2005. The first quarter of the school year, students studied the making of the United States, which included Plymouth Rock, slavery, the War of Independence, and the Civil War.

During the second quarter, special guests were invited to speak about their experience in the military service. Roscoe Gray, who fought in the Vietnam War, explained the meaning and fear of losing dear friends and comrades who are standing right next to you. He also spoke of how his unit was ambushed late one night as he and nine others were on patrol. As a result, Gray ended up with extensive wounds he suffers with even today.

Another special guest was Mike Hawkins, a specialist in the U.S. Army. Hawkins, stationed in Iraq for a year, was home for a two-week rest period. The fifth- and sixth-grade students got a chance to ask questions about how wars are fought today and compared the technology available for WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War. The students watched movies, prepared essays, and did special assignments to prepare for the climax of the semester—their trip to Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C., they walked through the WWI and WWII museums and understood the sacrifices made for them. The Vietnam Memorial Wall was a very solemn experience as they read the names of some of Gray's Army friends who died during the conflict.

The Holocaust Permanent Museum gave even more meaning to the students as they learned names and saw real faces of those who suffered under the hands of Adolph Hitler and his German army.

As we looked at how laws are made in our country, the students got to see state senators actually voting on a proposed law. They also saw Dick Cheney, U.S. vice president, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Ted Kennedy, state senators, and their own senator, Michigan's Carl Levin. They saw Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, and a Seventh-day Adventist.

Though security was extremely tight, the 52-person entourage was able to enjoy the historic sights and sounds of Washington, D.C. To add to this wonderful trip, the group of students and chaperones were invited for a homemade dinner at the home of former PWA teacher Florine Spence and her husband Wesley, who are now located in the D.C. area. Another day, the group was invited to the home of Lois and Leroy Peters for a pool party and dinner. The students nor chaperones will soon forget this memorable experience of traveling to Washington, D.C.

Juanita Martin, Peterson-Warren Academy principal and social studies instructor