HHS kids ready for historical inauguration

Five of the 61 Hamilton High School students and one of 12 adults, social studies teacher David Artman, who signed up to travel to Washington, D.C. for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January talked about the trip Wednesday. From left are Artman, seniors Jacob Thompson and Shelby Huls, sophomore Andrea Mast, freshman Lauren Bliss and senior Brittany Scheu.

History is being made each day. It can teach lessons to those paying attention. Social studies teacher Dave Artman is using his experience from four years ago to organize the second Hamilton High School presidential inauguration trip to Washington, D.C.

Five years ago, Artman worked with WorldStrides, an organization that has planned educational trips across the nation for 40 years. He took 38 Hamilton High School students and three chaperones to President George W. Bush's second inauguration.

This time, 61 Hamilton students and 12 adults will travel Jan. 16-21 to witness history in the making as Barack Obama is sworn in as president.

“It's the opportunity of a lifetime,” said senior Jacob Thompson. “I heard it costs others $20,000 for inauguration tickets. We're getting a good deal.”

More than a year ago Artman, high school secretary Melissa Moore, students interested in going, parents Amy Coulter, Renee Lee, Kim Newlon and others began fundraising activities.

WorldStrides provides airfare, lodging, charter buses plus breakfast and dinner for the school travelers.

“We needed to raise $15,000 to pay WorldStrides,” said Artman. “I make a folder for each participant. Everyone helps raise money. We have group projects but students also are encouraged to do their own fundraising. I keep track of what each contributes and how much they work on the fundraisers.

“I haven't told the students yet, but we've raised more than $30,000 and we still have money to count from a fundraiser. Their trip is paid for. I will hand-out the extra $15,000 among those who earned it. Students can use it for spending money or however they want. They'll have to buy lunches each day. We get one opportunity for shopping at a mall. It's quite expensive in the D.C. area, so they'll need the money.”

Some of the fundraisers included selling pizzas a year ago, and this fall, poinsettias for the holidays, Home Interior candles, donuts; and an auction.

Thompson also wrote letters to relatives soliciting donations.

Freshman Lauren Bliss visited the nation's capital a few years ago, around sixth grade.

“I know we went to Arlington Cemetery,” she said. “I'm excited about going on this trip because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a presidential inauguration.”

Bliss added she's also interested in the war memorials.

Senior Shelby Huls is looking forward to touring the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

“I'm excited to see the inauguration of the first African-American president,” she said.

Sophomore Andrea Mast said the trip is a chance to take part in history.

“When I was in third grade, I visited Washington, D.C., with my mom and aunt,” said Mast. “We went to the White House and saw all the monuments. I'm looking forward to seeing the Lincoln Memorial.”

Thompson and Huls also said they are looking forward to seeing the city.

Students will leave Hamilton Friday evening, Jan. 16. Four flights from St. Louis will get the group to Virginia.

“We are such a large group, we couldn't get on one flight,” said Artman.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, Hamilton travelers will visit Jamestown Settlement, the original English settlement in Virginia.

Costumed historical interpreters guide visitors into the past, showing the life of the first permanent English colonists in America and the Powhatan Indians they met. Visitors can board one of three replica ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607.

“We get a tour of glassblowing that is really great,” said Artman.

After dinner, more tours are available to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg and an evening tour of colonial life and times by lantern light.

On Sunday, Jan. 18, the group will visit colonial Williamsburg, Va., in the morning and Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, after lunch.

Sunday evening, the Hamilton group will join 4,000-plus other high school students from across the country for an inaugural ball especially for the students.

Monday, Jan. 19, begins with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, including stops at the visitor's center, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kennedy grave sites, the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial and viewing the changing of the guards.

After lunch, the tour goes to the National Archives; outside Ford's Theater (closed for renovations); the Jefferson Memorial; the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial; and the World War II Memorial.

“We're getting up at 4 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 20) so we can catch the metro, get in line for security checks and make it into the Washington mall area for the noon inauguration,” said Artman. “We'll probably actually see it on a big screen TV.”

According to the itinerary provided by WorldStrides, pre-inaugural music begins at 10:30 a.m. The official swearing-in ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. on the west front of the U.S. Capitol building. The vice president (Joe Biden) is sworn in at 11:50 a.m. and the president is sworn-in at noon. Obama will then give an Inaugural Address.

There is a 2 p.m. inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

“We may see the parade,” said Artman.

A tour of the Air and Space Museum also is possible that afternoon.

The final day of the trip, Wednesday, Jan. 21, includes visits to the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam memorials, the Holocaust Museum, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and a tour of that facility in Washington, D.C.

After lunch, the tour will visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, then fly back to St. Louis.

The students are responsible to pre-arrange for the classes they miss and make-up work when they return.

“This is such a good experience and a great opportunity. Some kids may be going just to get out of school a few days. But it will mean something to them later,” Artman said.

“I work to get them interested in the political process and learn how our country works.”

Thompson became so interested in the elction process he not only voted for the first time in November at age 18, he also served as an election judge for Wythe Township.