The Blade: Star-spangled assembly kicks off students’ D.C. trip

DUNDEE, Mich. — A Dundee High School special assembly last week promoted an upcoming student trip to the nation's capital, featured a congressman as keynote speaker, and celebrated George Washington with the dedication of a portrait of the first president that came from his Mount Vernon estate.

About a dozen students will spend the week before Thanksgiving in Washington catching the sights and learning how government works, said history teacher Paul Walters, who will accompany them.

The assembly kicked off with a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by the school choir, with piano accompaniment by music teacher Haley Sulisz, that earned applause from the audience in the school gym.

Mr. Walters then explained Project Close Up, a national nonprofit program that helps finance field trips to Washington. The students, he said, "get out of school for a week, but it's not a vacation."

Jon Vogt, another history teacher, who wore a George Washington T-shirt, spoke more about the project, and the choir launched into "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."

Seniors Holly Harnica and Kaitlin Symanns then recalled their experiences on the field trip to D.C. last year. Holly said she would remember the trip all her life and recalled visiting the Supreme Court. But the most memorable part, she said, was interacting with students from around the country.

Mr. Vogt then spoke of Mount Vernon and George Washington, telling the students "there's no one who exemplifies American history" more than the first president. Mr. Vogt promised a box of candy to students who could explain five points from Washington's Farewell Address, delivered in 1796.

The extemporaneous keynote address was given by U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R., Tipton). He described the 7th Congressional District, which he represents and which includes Monroe County, as "the gateway to Pure Michigan" and a place of rich history, including the War of 1812. He told the students they were as American as George Washington was, "as American as anyone who came before you," and that this status carried responsibilities.

Then the portrait of George Washington was unveiled. Mount Vernon also donated an American flag that flew over the estate.

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