Waukon Middle School eighth graders embark on historical, educational journey to nation’s capital, other meaningful sites
Laying of the Wreath part of historic trip for Waukon Middle School eight graders ... Eighth grade students from Waukon Middle School were able to take part in the traditional Laying of the Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery during their Grand 8 Day Tour of America’s Heritage they participated in through Legacy Student Travel in late July into early August. The ceremony and cemetery visit were part of the many historical and educational aspects of the trip, with Waukon Middle School eighth graders Allia Ericson, Alexus Rowan, Cole Smedsrud and Kevin Troester being selected to participate in the laying of the wreath based on essays the students had to write and submit for the honor. Submitted photo.
Waukon Middle School eighth graders at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Monument ... Waukon Middle School eighth grade students stand on the steps of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Monument in Washington, D.C. during the chaperoned trip they took during late July into early August. The visit to the monument was just one of the many historical and educational venues the group visited during the Grand 8 Day Tour of America’s Heritage they participated in through Legacy Student Travel with some parents and Waukon Middle School teachers Payton Dietzenbach and Shaylie Hammel serving as chaperones. Submitted photo.
by Brianne Grimstad
In late July into early August a group of 42 travelers, comprised of Waukon Middle School students, parents and chaperones, journeyed east to experience the “Grand 8 Day Tour of America’s Heritage.” The tour was taken through Legacy Student Travel.
Bright and early at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27, the travelers boarded a Hawkeye Stages motor coach to begin their journey into the history of the United States of America. During the trip, the group visited downtown Chicago, IL, Gettysburg, PA, Charlottesville, VA, Mount Vernon, VA and Washington, D.C.
Waukon Middle School Science/Computer Science teacher Payton Dietzenbach described the trip as “jam-packed” with visits to historical sites, the Gettysburg Battle Field, a host of museums, memorials and famous landmarks. Mrs. Dietzenbach took a very similar tour when she was an eighth grade student in the South Winneshiek Community School District and thought this was something that students at Waukon Middle School might also enjoy.
Dietzenbach was the lead chaperone on the trip, with help from Waukon Middle School Geography/U.S. History teacher Shaylie Hammel and parents. After meeting with students to see if there was interest in doing something like this, Dietzenbach then took the idea to Waukon Middle School Principal Luke Steege and Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Superintendent Jay Mathis, who both gave the idea a green light. Mathis had heard about a similar trip from a friend who teaches in the Mabel, MN school district and is a tour guide for the Legacy tours.
“I thought it would provide kids an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of the history of our country and our federal government. I am so appreciative that Mr. Steege and Mrs. Dietzenbach agreed to support this opportunity, and we hope that we can offer it every year,” Mathis said.
The students were all eager to travel and explore some of the places they have learned about in school. “I had never been to any of the places and wanted to experience all of the things that had been planned,” said student Adalyn Olson.
When asked why she wanted to go on this trip, student Allia Ericson responded by saying, “I thought it would be a fun experience to have with my friends and classmates. I like to travel and have not had the opportunity previously to go to any of the places that were included in our trip.”
Student Cole Smedsrud echoed that sentiment, saying, “I wanted to have fun with my friends and learn about America.”
To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, August 28, 2024 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
