The Moriah eighth grade class culminated their successful senior year with a memorable trip to Washington D.C. Wearing the colorful, beautiful shirts designed by their very own Dylan Speiser, the eighth graders began the trip with a picnic lunch outside, on the National Mall, and then visited the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. They then walked through the Holocaust Memorial Museum, visited the Lincoln Memorial and paid their respects at the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials. They took a class picture with the National Monument in the background. In the evening, they enjoyed a tailgate dinner overlooking the Potomac River and watched as the home Nationals baseball team beat the visiting Atlanta Braves. Their section showed Moriah pride when the school’s name was displayed on the scoreboard!
The second day in Washington was jam-packed. It started out on a high when the students were able to take pictures right outside the Rose Garden at the White House. The day continued with a visit to Arlington Cemetery to watch the changing of the guards. The Kohanim took the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as well as the National Museum of Art. They explored the history of our country’s greatest innovations and the origins of our National Anthem. They even took a picture in front of an original Picasso! In the afternoon, the grade went on a personal tour of the Capitol building. They saw many members of congress being interviewed regarding the shooting that occurred at the Republican Party baseball practice. On the steps of the Capitol, they had a chance to meet and hear from New Jersey House Representative Bill Pascrell who stressed the importance of unity and having a voice. His intern happened to be a Moriah alumnus! After the tour, the students visited the Newseum, a multi-story array of exhibits on the methods and role of the U.S. media. It was such an enlightening day!
After a long day in D.C., students ate a delicious meal at Max’s Kosher Cafe in Silver Spring and headed to Dave & Buster’s where they played their hearts out and had fun bonding with one another. The bonding continued as they returned to the hotel and stayed up late, soaking up every moment with friends.
On the third and final day of the trip, students davened Shacharit at the Hillel at the University of Maryland and had a tremendous, delicious breakfast! They then spent the entire day at Hershey Park. They started with a pizza lunch, followed by rides and more rides and finished with a full meat dinner. What an amazing day! Everyone had a blast.
Beyond the great activities that were planned, the trip was truly special because of the way the students bonded with each other and celebrated this milestone in their lives. At meals, Divrei Torah were delivered by Solly Lerman, Shira Siegler, Mikey Lerman and Nili Fox. Students sang together and proactively looked to lift each other up. They displayed excellent middot, and at each stop the school received compliments at how respectful and kind the students were.
Moriah could not be prouder of the graduating seniors and are thrilled to have had the opportunity to arrange this meaningful trip as they prepare for the next step in their lives. Up next…graduation!
