By Caden Green and Harper Lile, Eighth-Grade, Co-Editor-In-Chiefs
NOE MIDDLE SCHOOL, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 – Eighth graders left Washington, D.C. behind, but the memories made there will last a lifetime. Students not only had a blast, but learned a lot about the history and workings of our country.
The trip was February 13-16. Students claimed they would have done anything to make the trip longer, as the time spent in D.C. went by too quickly.
Despite the trip taking place in the cold month of February, the students and adults were able to stay warm. There was rain on Sunday, but the travel team adjusted so as to make it the best experience for everyone. Besides that, it was perfect weather for a weekend spent exploring outside.
During the trip, the charter bus stopped twice at Buc-ees for restrooms and shopping, which students seemed to thoroughly enjoy. After the nine hour bus ride on Friday, students went directly to Dave and Busters to enjoy a night of fun to start their trip off right, which indeed it did.
Students, chaperones and teachers had two full days to explore D.C.
On Saturday, they began the day with the White House. The students believed it was a little underwhelming because it wasn’t very visible, considering they had to peer through a gate because it was under construction.
After the White House, the students visited the United States Capitol.
Many students enjoyed the Capitol. They were guided through a tour in three groups through many of the main Capitol rooms. The tour guide provided interesting information while still showing the beauty of the architecture in the historic building.
Next, they walked through the Natural History Museum. Some of the Natural History Museum exhibits included the ocean, mammals, gems, insects, mummies and early human life.
Students visited many other museums while in DC.
They visited the American History Museum which consisted of The American entertainment exhibit, a hot spot for many students. The American entertainment exhibits included original movie and cartoon characters such as the muppets, Alexander Hamilton, numerous Star Wars characters and Bugs Bunny original drawings. There were also artifacts from iconic American artists such as Prince and items from famous American athletes such as Mohamed Ali, Mia Hamm, Althea Gibson, and many more.
The American History Museum also included presidents and first lady exhibits. The first ladies exhibit included gowns, clothing items and paintings of former first ladies. The president’s exhibit includes artifacts and paintings of former presidents, including Abraham Lincoln’s original hat he was wearing when he was assassinated..
Students also went to the Air and Space Museum, where students learned about space and planes. The museum featured special exhibits on airplanes, the Wright brothers, planets and aviation during World War II.
Lastly, they visited the Holocaust Museum. It is a powerful self guided walking tour of the history and experience of the Holocaust. It has artifacts from the concentration camps, such as the bunks and uniforms and shoes of the prisoners.
The museum featured films highlighting survivor tales and emotional stories and interviews discussing their experiences during the war. The museum displayed photos of the riots and scenes from the concentration camp along with films showing footage of the camps.
While at DC, students visited not only museums, but memorials and monuments too. For example, they visited the Vietnam War memorial, Marine Memorial, World War ll Memorial, and the United States Air Force Memorial.
Following the war memorials, they visited presidential and influential figure memorials too. At these historic sites, students learned about the legacy of the figure and the story behind the architecture and design of the memorial. They visited the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, John F. Kennedy Center, and Jefferson Memorial.
Students not only visited lots of historical D.C. sites, but had many fun events such as a dance on Valentines Day. During the dance there was music, pizza, photo booth, and a dance floor.
“I thought the D.C. trip was an experience that brought me and my friends closer together, and helped me mature as a person,” said eighth-grader Finnegan Bell, “I really liked the Washington monument, and the Abraham Lincoln memorial.”
Students also had the opportunity to share meals together at the Capitol Cafe, Mexican restaurant Chevys Fresh Mex, hotel breakfast and dinner, along with a trip to the mall food court.
Students enjoyed creating memories and sharing many laughs with their fellow 8th graders in our nation’s Capital before they embark on their journey to high school.
