From 1984 to 1994 I was a high school teacher in North Louisiana. It was the best job I ever had. In fact, I would go back to it tomorrow if I could just pick up and leave my current responsibilities. One of the most exciting tasks that I had during my teaching tenure was chaperoning a high school trip from North Louisiana to New York and back. These kids who participated in this activity were the top students that the school had to offer. They had top grades and had to maintain appropriate behavior to be part of this elite group. They worked hard to pay for the trip, car washes, chicken suppers, etc. But, every year those top seniors would head out on this magnificent trip and perhaps learned more in these 13 days than in their lifetimes.When we began the trip, we left North Louisiana around 1 p.m.
Each student was allowed one large suitcase and one carry on. Once the bus was loaded, the group was off, only stopping when the bus driver had to stretch his legs. Each year the group used the same bus company and had the same bus driver. This was a big advantage. He followed a strict itinerary.I remember how that bus kept rolling into the night of that first day. I still remember the chill of the bus station in Atlanta at 4 a.m., when the tour group pulled in for fuel and a rest stop. The stop lasted about 15 minutes and the group was off again. The adult sponsors of this group were good. Each time before leaving a location a body count was completed to make sure no one was left behind.Finally, by mid-morning of the next day, we were in Virginia. I still remember crossing the James River and heading to the site of the original Jamestown settlement. The students took a tour of the settlement, the nation's oldest continuous settlement dating back to 1609. There was much talk about John Smith and Pocahontas.
I had remembered hearing in my graduate classes that the two actually did not live at the same time and that much of this was folklore. But, I didn't say anything to ruin the tour. After touring Jamestown, another quick stop was at Yorktown, which was the location of the final battle of the Revolutionary War. Although tired, the students took in the museum and visitor's site. They would remember this location for the rest of their lives. Once the tour was finished, the group headed to Williamsburg where they would spend the night.. Williamsburg has its own wonderful inn that I would certainly recommend. Of course, how do adults keep high school students in their room at night? I found out this first night. Very simple, put the students in their room at bedtime, and tell them not to go out. If caught out of their room after let's say, 10 p.m., they will be sent home by plane. But how do you know if they have left the rooms? Simple solution. The sponsors put duct tape on the door. If they opened the door, the tape would be torn.Now, being high school seniors, they weren't perfect. One year we had a male student making suggestive gestures out the window towards one of the girls' rooms. Another time we had a couple caught smoking. We never sent anyone home during my time as chaperone.
After a good night's rest, the group took the day tour of Williamsburg. Williamsburg is the perfect colonial town. Everything in this visitor's site is a replica of the original colonial village. It features staff who are dressed in the traditional garb and who are doing tasks as they were done in the 1600s-1700's. The villagers never break character. If you ask them about some modern event, they will act as if they have no idea what you are talking about. It is fun. For lunch, I would recommend one of the taverns. The food is good. I remember the student's noticing the sugar was raw and brown. They had never seen unprocessed sugar before. It was another educational opportunity. Williamsburg also offers tours at night. The group also experienced that opportunity. The students loved the wig and blacksmith's shops more than anything else. They were interested in the fashion of white, powdered wigs for the men.The next day the group was off for Washington, D.C. The excitement was almost more than many in the group could handle.
On arriving in Arlington, the group stayed at a Clarion Hotel that was beautiful. it had a bar atop the building which rotated so visitors could see all sides of the nation's capital. Of course, after the students were put to be me and one of the sponsors of the group headed for that bar. It was a great experience and after a couple of margaritas, I even enjoyed it more.During our stay in Washington, the group toured Arlington National Cemetery, and made stops at the graves of President John F. Kennedy, and his brother, Bobby Kennedy. On one trip, we happened to be there on the anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. I remember a dark car pulling up and someone who looked an awful lot like John F. Kennedy, Jr. going to the graveside. One of my sponsor friends, took pictures, but was very careful to be respectful.Another great tour was that of the White House. Everyone was amazed just to be in that building. It is beautiful. If you should go to D.C. make sure you take the tour. You won't get to go into the residential area, but you will see very familiar rooms that you have seen time and time again on television. Another great tourist stop is the Capitol. I recommend that you take a guided tour. They have so much information and will get you into the gallery of the House of Representatives and Senate. It was amazing how respectful the students were. They recognized the chilling effect of being in an historical location.Other great sites that we were lucky to see were the monuments. This was year's ago and we were able to go to the top of the Washington Monument. We also spent a great deal of time at the Smithsonian. The students' favorite areas were the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Modern History where they were able to see Archie Bunker's chair and Judy Garland's ruby red slippers.Also, on the itinerary was Ford's Theater. The students were able to see where President Lincoln was assassinated. They were able to go across the street to the Peterson House as well. The Peterson House was where President Lincoln was taken after the shooting. Students were able to look at the bed he was placed on and see the blood stained pillow which was covered in plastic for protection. Another great tour was the FBI Building.
