CDS Students Present Voting Rights Project to Federal Leaders Following Trip to D.C.

This journey began a few weeks earlier, when the 8th grade class took their culminating class trip to Washington D.C. They had already seen many of the sights of our nation’s capital, such as the National Mall (which to their surprise was not a shopping destination but instead a collection of museums). Students chose between various museums to visit in small groups, with the Natural History Museum and the American History Museum being the most popular. Some just wanted to go to the clock tower to take in a magnificent view of the city. Although they found the museum cafeteria lunch to be a bit pricey, their spirits remained high as they continued to explore historical and cultural exhibits.

A somber visit to the Holocaust Museum followed, where students absorbed the exhibits at their own pace and had a chance to speak with a Holocaust survivor. With time to spare before dinner, they visited the MLK and FDR Memorials, observing both the historical significance and the lighter moments of tourists taking photos.

The climax of their journey was the presentation to Justice Jackson. Despite the strict no-photo policy, the meeting was inspiring, and Justice Jackson commended their well-researched and timely project. Looking for an opportunity to officially deliver their voting rights petition, the students sent out emails to which both Senator Alex Padilla and Speaker Emerita Pelosi responded positively. Senator Padilla sent a supportive letter, while Rep. Pelosi's office agreed to a meeting.

Six of the 8th grade students volunteered to deliver the petition. They presented the project using materials crafted by their classmates, demonstrating unity and dedication. Their meeting with Kory Powell-McCoy was profound, and the students represented their class well.

The students' experiences in D.C. underscored the importance of understanding history, engaging with current issues, and taking actionable steps towards change. This journey highlighted not only their commitment to civic engagement but also the power of youth advocacy in shaping the future.