Arrowhead’s Junior States of America (JSA) club went to Washington, D.C, from February 18 to 22. The trip was chaperoned by Mr. Tower, Mr. Skaros, and Mrs. Batzner, with 29 Arrowhead students attending. Students participated in a wide variety of activities, including tours, museums, and performances. Students used the D.C. Metro and their own two legs to get from place to place to save money on transportation. A big focus on this trip was student independence, as chaperones allowed students to go off on their own and explore what they were interested in. For example, when given freedom at the National Mall, one group of students went to the newly renovated Air and Space Museum, while others explored the Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Natural History. Here are some highlights from the trip itinerary:
- Time at the National Zoo
- See the Declaration of Independence and Constitution at the National Archives
- Tour the Washington Monument
- Time at the National Mall (area where the majority of the Smithsonian Museums are located)
- Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe
- See Stereophonic at the National Theater (Tony award-winning play)
- Tour Mount Vernon
- Time in Georgetown
- Escape Room in Georgetown
- Mini debate convention with Oconomowoc JSA, debates included the validity of banning books, birthright citizenship, gun control, and the death penalty
- Tour the United States Capitol
- Tour the monuments: Lincoln Memorial, WW2 Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Everyone had a lot of fun while learning about the nation’s history. These are some student responses when asked what their favorite moments of the trip were:
- “When we all had to find breakfast the first day, and we stopped at the coffee shop, had a warm croissant, and walked to the mall with our drinks,” Nola Reineking, sophomore, said.
- “My favorite part about the DC trip of 2026 was being able to bond and create new friendships with people,” Sophia Chang, junior, said.
- “The prairie dogs at the zoo were really cute,” Claire Schmidt, junior, said.
- “That was my favorite part.”“The DC trip was very fun and exciting,” Jealynn Kulich, junior, said. “I got to hang out with my friends and make new ones.”
- “It’s not about the destinations we traveled to, but the friends we made,” Ryan Steinhauser, senior, said.
- “I would say my favorite part about this DC trip was how amazing everyone who went on it was– we all definitely grew closer to each other and had some awesome moments,” Taylor Malec, senior and JSA president, said. “I would say my favorite activities were the tour of Mount Vernon and the free time we had to explore the National Mall. I am going to miss this trip dearly.”
This year’s trip provided many unique opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the history of the United States. Thank you to the chaperones and the JSA leadership board for planning a phenomenal trip.
