The members of the senior class traveled to Washington, D.C where they visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on Wednesday, March 6. Originally, they were supposed to visit Arlington National Cemetery, but due to the weather, the seniors went to the National Museum of American History.
“The American History Museum provided seniors an opportunity to explore a variety of components of the mosaic that is our country,” said Academics Project Manager Louise Géczy.
“To combat evil, we first need to explore it and attempt to understand its origin and the way it is executed,” said Mrs. Géczy.
She mentioned how it is good to stop occasionally and explore our history as a nation.
“If students chose to take advantage of what this museum offers, there was something that should have appealed to everyone.”
Mrs. Géczy believes that the more information we provide the younger generation about the lessons of the Holocaust, the greater chance that they will make positive changes throughout their lives.
Mrs. Géczy said that the DC trip should continue to be a graduation requirement because “the JC Mission Statement states that we look to graduate students who are well-rounded, critically thinking, socially responsible individuals who have a global perspective.”
She thinks that co-curricular experiences are often ones that have the greatest impact on students in these areas and contribute in powerful ways to the intent of the JC Mission Statement.
“I cannot say whether the seniors enjoyed the trip. That is for them to say, but I do believe that if the students were open to what the experience offered, that they were given an opportunity to grow and enhance their life perspectives,” said Mrs. Géczy.
While she would have preferred the seniors to be able to experience Arlington, she feels that her hopes for the trip were fulfilled.
Mrs. Géczy would not change anything for next year’s DC trip except for the students to be able to visit Arlington National Cemetery with better weather conditions.
“The trip to DC was very informative. The Holocaust Museum and memorial put into perspective the sheer number of people who suffered during the war,” said senior Mitchell Gier.
“I thought it was very interesting and intriguing to learn especially about the Holocaust. After having Holocaust Remembrance Day, I think it really emphasized the importance of having the knowledge about the Holocaust,” said senior Annie Bennett.
“I’m glad that we as seniors learn about the Holocaust beyond a classroom setting. It’s important to see this history, to be surrounded by it, so we can try and truly understand it and be more proactive and empathetic in the present. The museum exhibits are obviously made with great care and were very absorbing,” commented senior Al Riska.