Thirteen Cokeville High School (CHS) juniors traveled to Washington D.C. the week of May 30-June 4 as part of their American History studies. CHS students have been taking this trip each year with CHS History Teacher, Scott Thomas, for 17 years.
This experience plays a “large role” in their government studies and participation as they prepare to be seniors, stated Thomas. “We try to expose our kids to the wider world. It is so enlightening for our students to see and experience their history and government.”
While there, the group visited the Holocaust Museum where they had the privilege of meeting a Holocaust survivor. Additionally, they spent time at the Smithsonian museums, completed a tour of the Pentagon, and explored George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. They toured the FBI Headquarters, the White House, the Capitol Building and Ford’s Theater. Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, Arlington National Cemetery and all the war memorials, including Vietnam, WWII, Lincoln, Washington and Korea, gave them a very real understanding of the price paid for our Nation’s freedom. And they attended a Washington Nationals baseball game just for fun.
“The highlight of the trip was meeting with Representative Harriett Hageman, Senator John Barrasso, and Senator Cynthia Lummis and their staffs,” Thomas said. “Our representatives treat us like celebrities! I am so impressed with the time and attention they give us each year. I’m so proud to be from Wyoming.”
In a post to her Facebook page, Senator Lummis shared her faith in Wyoming’s youth, specifically referring to her visit with the CHS students. “I loved meeting with students from Cokeville High School who came all the way to Washington. Wyoming’s future is looking bright!”
Thomas and his students acknowledge that these trips would not be possible without “generous donations” from local businesses with the “ever increasing cost” of this trip. “We could not do it without the help of loving communities in Lincoln County.”
“We have found that this experience is life-changing for many of our students,” Thomas explained. “We have had several students go back and do summer internships in DC for our Wyoming Delegation. Our students are so awe inspired by Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It makes each one of them proud of their American heritage and it truly brings history and government to life!”
