The JKHA eighth graders spent a busy three days in Washington, D.C. It was an opportunity to see important sights as well as bond as a class before their upcoming advancement. The students visited the White House, where they had the chance to walk through the East Wing, see where the president stands to make important speeches, where he holds dinner parties and where many of our past presidents have held key meetings. The JKHA students were greeted by the Assistant Director of Finance for the President’s office, who shared what it is like to be an observant Jew in the White House, and how she came to this position.

Upon their visit to the U.S. Capitol building, the students met with their congressman, Rodney Frelinghuysen. They posed for a picture with him on the House steps, afterwhich he led them into the the gallery to see the room where Congress meets. He spoke to the eighth graders about the procedures and protocol for the representatives when they are in session.

The eighth graders were treated to an important and informative session at AIPAC, where they learned about the organization and how they can be involved in high school. The speaker remarked with pride about how RKYHS always sends the largest delegation to the National Policy Conference and about the prestigious award RKYHS received from AIPAC this year as an exemplary student group.

Other highlights of the trip included the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, a visit to Fort McHenry, Maryland and Arlington National Cemetery—where the students laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

After fun-filled days, the students had the chance to enjoy special evening activities including a dinner cruise on the Potomac River and a night in the park, bonding over a barbecue dinner, sports activities and a Lag B’Omer bonfire.

This was an action-packed trip, full of unforgettable and meaningful experiences.