Authored by Caroline Botelho
Every year, Oliver Ames students have the chance to join Mrs. Kenney on an enriching trip to Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. The Close Up trip runs from March 3rd to March 8 and allows students to live and study politics with other students from across the country.
Making students become aware of the many debates argued by elected politicians today, Mrs Kenney, the advisor to the trip, states “students will debate and study the top ten foreign and domestic issues facing our country and current administration, in addition to seeing many sites and historic monuments within the city and will hear from many speakers, including prominent Democrats and Republicans in addition to participating in a mock congress.”
In past years, students have met senators including Massachusetts current senator Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts previous senator Scott Brown, and one of Massachusetts current congressman Joe Kennedy. Mrs. Kenney emphasized how enriching this trip is, explaining that having the opportunity to meet and ask questions to the people directly serving on behalf of Massachusetts is a remarkable experience.
Mrs. Kenney explains that this experience will “shape students passion for government” and gives students the chance to hear “the issues and concerns of other states (that can be) eye opening and (believes it) truly brings sectionalism to life.” She hopes students can “understand how life experiences shape one’s political thoughts and values, [as it is] such an important lesson to learn at a young age.”
When Mrs. Kenney began her teaching career she explained how disheartened she was to see that so many students had little to no knowledge of how the American system of government works and understood that many felt very disconnected because most in high school are unable to vote. Mrs. Kenney tried to combat this mentality in her classroom but when she was presented with an opportunity to coordinate and chaperone the trip, she jumped at the chance and has now participated with the program for 10 years.
Mia Adams, a student at Oliver Ames, is “excited to learn how the government runs and can’t wait to meet Massachusetts Representative Joe Kennedy.”
Mrs. Kenney states that “students will have an unforgettable educational experience that will open their eyes to the importance of civic learning and participation. I understand the amazing rights they are given by simply living in the United States and will no longer take them for granted.”
The Close Up Trip continues to inspire Mrs. Kenney and fuel her passion of United States History, making this trip the highlight of her school year. Anyone interested in the trip should see Mrs. Kenney in room 208.