NEWARK, N.Y. — Some people attending President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., may have waited until the November election results were determined before deciding to go.
That wasn’t the case for a busload of students from an area school district. They were going to go no matter who was chosen as our 45th president.
Forty-six Newark Middle School students and six of their teachers left Thursday morning for our nation’s capital. Attending the inauguration is a tradition social studies teacher Lisa Eakins started in 1997, when Bill Clinton was sworn in for his second term.
Newark Middle School has sent a contingent every four years since.
To be a part of the adventure is a far more involved process than simply signing up.
Teachers briefed middle-schoolers about the trip in October 2015, and those interested filled out an application. A selection committee looked at each applicant with an eye toward academic achievement and general good behavior. In addition, letters of recommendation were submitted from people such as coaches, fellow church members, etc.
A family’s financial situation doesn’t play any role in the selection process. Students participated in fundraisers such as candy sales and chicken barbecues to raise money for a three-day stay. That stay will include visits to the National Air and Space and Holocaust museums, along with a dinner cruise. In keeping with the inaugural theme, the kids will attend a mock inaugural ball catered to their age group.
In some ways, my story has put the cart in front of the horse.
Before the students stepped onto their chartered bus at 6 a.m., much work had been done in the classroom. That included a close look at the political process through course study led by the school’s social studies department. There was a focus on current events, a look at the news media and Electoral College, closely following the televised debates and a thorough research of candidates that was done in a way to be respectful of differing opinions.
A schoolwide presidential election was held with close to 500 votes tallied. Hillary Clinton, the eventual presidential runner-up, was the Newark winner by less than 20 votes.
A project related to the campaign season or election process was made and will be exhibited at an open house at the school next month.
With close to 2 million people attending Obama’s first inauguration ceremony, I asked Middle School Principal Teresa Prinzi and social studies teacher Matt Klemann how they will keep everyone safe and from getting lost.
I was told everyone is given hats of the same neon color. Also, each chaperone is assigned to eight students. Using a buddy system and, at times, each group linking arms together in high-traffic and congested areas, has prevented problems.
The hard work that all have put in, starting more than a year ago, will be rewarded with fond and lasting memories of being part of American history.
