Whenever you hear the words “Close-Up” at CHS, you may automatically think of it as just a “week-long field trip.” In reality, this is referring to the week-long field trip that takes the participants to the heart of Washington, D.C. and beyond. Both students and teachers have said that it is always very successful, and this year is no different. Although this year did not have a new President being inaugurated, students still participated in the Close-Up Trip, which occurred on January 11 through January 15.
What exactly is the Close-Up? Well, it’s an organization that provides educational opportunities in Washington, DC. It primarily focuses on how the government functions and on politics, but it also gives a big tour of the state. This year the sponsor was history teacher Mr. Kordenbrock, and it was his first time leading the event.
“The Close-Up gives the students an opportunity to see senators, representatives, and the D.C. capitol in action,” Kordenbrock said. “It also gives a historical study because a large part of the program is seeing historical sites in Washington and discussing the historical aspects of them.”
For example, the students visited the FDR Memorial and talked about the role of the government and the differences between liberal and conservative views. They were required to keep a notebook of all the significant things they encounter, and are asked to reflect on them later. This way, the students can take a bit of school with them, rather than separating it completely.
While the educational aspects were still similar to last year’s trip, the biggest difference was that it wasn’t dominated by the inauguration. Last year, the trip occurred during the inauguration of Barack Obama, and the students witnessed the inauguration several rows away. Another main difference was that this year there were more students from around the country, such as Arizona, California, and Texas. Clayton High School was the only school from Missouri.
Not only was Mr. Kordenbrock impacted by the trip, but many of the students were as well.
“I thought the trip was amazing and life-changing,” sophomore Amanda Wagner said. “It influenced me to be more politically active and aware, and maybe even pursue a career in politics.”
And while it was life-changing, Wagner claims it to be a one-time event since it will never be the same experience again.
Many people watch the debates on television and see people like Claire McCaskil and John McCaine, and for the students to be able to see them in person giving their lives to govern their country is definitely a powerful feeling. Many students commented on this note and certainly felt the same degree of happiness.
“It was empowering for the students since they interacted with people who were not unlike them and were active in political affairs,” Kordenbrock said. “Students found that they can do it too.”