WASHINGTON, D.C. – Twenty students, 12 parents and three teachers hopped on a bus and headed to the nation’s capital during the week of Spring Break for the school community of St. Mary in Griffith.
While the trip had traditionally been an annual event organized by the school, this trip included the first class to go back to Washington, D.C. since 2019 due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID pandemic. In the past, the class went in January for the National March for Life rally. This year's focus was both educational and spiritual as the group traveled April 3-7.
“This year’s class parents and teachers had started discussing potentially starting the trip up again last summer, but decided that with past years’ inclement weather and the current political climate, maybe a spring trip would be better,” explained St. Mary teacher Lisa Peretin.
The trip included activities that incorporate their Catholic identity, such as a tour and Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They also spent time honoring our veterans at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial.
Peretin shared that her favorite part of being at St. Mary School is that, as the art & music teacher, she sees every student from their first day at SMS to their last. Whether a student starts in pre-kindergarten or comes in later in their educational career, she gets the opportunity to have every student in her classroom, every week, every month and every year, until they graduate.
The Class of 2024 and Peretin, therefore, have been together for 10 years, so being able to experience this trip with them was special to her. She said this particular group was unique because the class performed in all three of the school’s major productions this year. Serving as the director of the dramatic programs, Peretin spent countless additional hours together with the students rehearsing during homeroom time and working on set design during lunch and recess.
“They are a dedicated class and I am excited to see what their future holds for them,” she said.
Peretin stated she had two personal favorite moments from the trip. One was the visit to Arlington National Cemetery. In art class prior to this trip, she discussed with the students the layout, design and sheer beauty of the cemetery.
“My students were given a digital photography assignment to accomplish during the trip, culminating in a slideshow upon return, and they needed to include interesting angles at Arlington National Cemetery. Some of their photos are really impressive!” she said.
Peretin’s second personal favorite part of the trip was visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The group was able to add this to the itinerary as a last-minute suggestion courtesy of the bus driver, and the stop didn’t disappoint.
“Our group had the entire rooftop to ourselves, the sun had just set and the lights of the cityscape surrounded us,” she said, “The views of D.C. were amazing. Plus, we had a chance to explore the exhibits inside. It really made my theater-nerd heart happy!”
Sarah Mikuly’s son Michael is in the 8th grade. She wanted to go as a chaperone because she had never been to Washington, D.C. and “this class is a great group of students.”
“Being able to witness their awe and appreciation at so many historical sites was an experience I was happy to be a part of,” she said.
Mikuly likewise had two favorite visits during the trip. The first was the Air and Space Smithsonian where the Apollo 11 exhibit was “phenomenal.” The second was the tour of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
“The artwork on the walls and ceilings was breathtaking,” she said.
Mikuly added that Michael enjoyed visiting Arlington Cemetery, specifically the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, and watching the changing of the guard.
“I would highly encourage anyone that has never been to Washington, D.C. to go at least once,” said Sarah Mikuly. “We packed a lot of activities and sites in the three days we were there – and there was a lot we didn't get to see or do.”
“St. Mary has been my parish my whole life,” she said. “The school and parishioners are very supportive of each other. Whether it is a fundraiser for the school, Western Days, St. Mary Tuesday Bingo, a pancake breakfast, or fish frys during Lent, volunteers and the community show up to support and make it a success.”
Caption: Eighth graders of St. Mary in Griffith toured Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. in April. Fundraisers including pancake breakfasts, bingo nights, pizza lunches and other donations helped to secure funds for the trip taken during Spring Break. (Provided photo)