In May, students from Dorothy Height Charter School took their history and civics lessons beyond the walls of their classrooms and embarked on a trip to our nation’s capital. Their journey to Washington D.C. was filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories.
The end of year D.C. trip was reinstated in 2023, after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Jarred Honora, Height’s Dean of Alumni Relations, Parent and Community Engagement, led the planning process for the trip. His primary goal was clear: “I wanted to put our kids in the White House this year. That was my biggest goal.”
The trip started with a visit to Ben’s Chili Bowl, a historic eatery frequented by celebrities, politicians, and presidents alike. Students also visited the Lincoln Memorial and then the White House. For many, visiting the White House was a dream come true, particularly because students had not been able to visit the White House in previous years. When asked to reflect on the significance of this year’s trip, Honora recalled last year’s experience, “We remembered standing outside of the White House last year, wondering what it would be like to be in there.”
Their educational journey continued with a visit to Frederick Douglass’s house and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, where they learned about the significance of both individuals. Students also visited the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the American History Museum. One of the most poignant moments came during the visit to the American History Museum, when students visited the Emmett Till exhibit. When discussing the experience, Honora said, “We had one student who cried because, while she was familiar with Till’s story, she hadn’t realized until then that Emmett Till was the same age as she is now.”
The trip also included lighthearted and fun activities like attending a major league baseball game, which was a first for many. “We try to make it exciting – a chance for them to experience something new and different and fun,” he added. Despite the Nationals experiencing a loss, the experience was memorable for all.
Honora emphasized the importance of these trips in shaping the students’ future and expanding their view of what is possible beyond the boundaries of their city. “The trip to the capital is not just a chance for students to get out of town. This is also a chance for them to experience something completely different outside of New Orleans. It’s a chance to break down walls for the future.”
As the trip concluded, the students returned with a deeper understanding of history as well as cherished memories.
