The trip included a visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Alyssa Najib, 8th grade scholar, said, “one of my favorite exhibits was Emmett Till because it really opened up my eyes.”
Jordan Holman, 5th grade scholar expressed the “Sports: Leveling the Playing Field” as her favorite exhibit because she was able “to learn more about [her] favorite sport players like Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas and many others.”
The scholars enjoyed the museum and walked away with an incredible amount of new information and new understanding of African American history and culture.
Ms. McRae, middle grades counselor at GSA, says, “I specifically remember Jhamari saying as we passed the Jefferson memorial, ‘Ms. McRae, you know he had over 600 slaves! That is crazy.’ It gave them a different perspective into history that I don’t believe many of them have explored before.”
“I honestly had one of the bet times in my whole life. I have a greater understanding of black history after going to the museum,” said, 8th grade scholar, Walter Bannerman.
Scholars also attended the USA Science & Engineering Festival to enhance the standard course of study by exposing scholars to exciting advances in the fields of science, technology and engineering. The festival included over 3000 hands-on, active learning opportunities.
According to their website, “The mission of the festival is to stimulate and sustain the interest of our nation’s youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by producing and presenting the most compelling, exciting and education Festival in the world. The USA Science & Engineering Festival serves as an open forum to showcase all facets of STEM.”
Not only was this trip an incredible addition to their curriculum, but it was a lesson in continued leadership development for our Eagle Ambassadors who are to be commended for their commitment to growing their impact at GSA. As our first school trip outside North Carolina, “by the end of the trip, many of them felt a renewed sense of independence,” says Mrs. McRae.
Check out more photos below!
