DEARBORN — What started off as a dream among 5th grade
teachers became reality with the help of Principal Lisa Napolitan on March 30
as 54 students, chaperones and staff members from Miller Elementary School in
Dearborn began their journey to Washington, D.C.

Miller Elementary students near the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

The trip was made affordable through fund raising events and
donations from locals. It began with a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt
Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Salena Ali, a 5th grade student, who saw
statues of Franklin Roosevelt, was able to connect classroom knowledge about
his presidency during the Great Depression. 

Students also visited Arlington National Cemetery, the White
House, the Capitol Building for a meeting with Dearborn’s Dean of the House
John Dingell, the Smithsonian Museum and many more landmarks.

The Lincoln Memorial was among the most impressive sites the
students visited. Fifth-grader Reem Chahrour says her favorite memorial was the
Lincoln Memorial.  “It was
enormous and the view from far away was glorious,” she said.

5th grade teacher Sawsan Beydoun described the experience,
which wrapped up on Friday, April 1 with a visit to George Washington’s Mount
Vernon Estate.

“It was an honor to be part of such a rich historical
and memorable time for our 4th and 5th grade students of Miller
Elementary.  These memories will be
forever ingrained in the lives of those who participated in this unforgettable
trip.” 

Fellow 5th grade teacher Jennifer Burgess said she had the
time of her life.  “I really
enjoyed seeing the learning that was taking place first hand.”