Weekly Howl - WASHINGTON, D.C. 2024

Our 7th and 8th grades traveled to Washington, D.C. last Thursday returning early this morning. The group rode 1164 miles in a luxury coach bus. They walked tens of thousands of steps. They saw many incredible historical sites. They had a bazillion laughs. They made countless memories. Thirty-nine pairs of tired feet returned safely home early this Monday morning. Today they have the day off from school to rest, recharge, and gear up for the week and the busy last six weeks of school ahead. We are grateful for the chaperones, Mrs. Kessinger, Mrs. Bolchoz, and Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, who traveled with our students and kept watchful eyes on the students' safety. It was an educational experience the students (and chaperones) will never forget!

Enjoy their journey!

Blessings,

Andrea

Andrea Smith, M.Ed., LPC, NCC

Principal

Students were up bright an early for a 6:30 a.m. departure from the school. In spite of heavy rains, the group was in good spirits and excited for their journey ahead.

Life was good aboard the bus to Washington, D.C. Look at all the creative ways these students engaged in to pass the time during their 12-hour ride....and the smiles!!!

Another early start. Students were up, dressed, and on time for breakfast in order to make a 7:45 a.m. departure to begin their day at Arlington National Cemetary. The group visit the Eternal Flame at the Kennedy gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Challenger Memorial, and the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial. After lunch, everyone visited the Holocaust Museum, Capitol Hill, the Einstein sculpture, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the reflecting pool by the Washington Monument.

Another early start with breakfast and a 7:15 a.m. departure to Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington. The students headed back to D.C. to visit the monuments of Martin Luther King and Franklin D. Roosevelt. They also had a special opportunity of meeting a 95-year-old veteran from World War II, Billy Shay! The group then went on to The Museum of the Bible and stopped for photos by the Washington Monument and the White House.

The group attended Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. After Mass, everyone traveled to see the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. The students stopped for lunch at Shake Shack at the beautiful and historic Union Station before departing for Hilton Head Island for a close to 1:00 a.m. arrival. In gracious St. Francis style, the students thanked their bus driver, Mike, who took wonderful care of them for most of the trip, before having to switch drivers en route home. The group presented Mr. Mike with a card, a farewell speech, and a salute.

A heartfelt thanks to our chaperones for their watchful eyes, love, care, and concern for all the students who made the trip. Some students had not been away from home before, so extra doses of TLC were always on hand from this crew of chaperones. Thank you, Mrs. Kessinger, Mrs. Bolchoz, and Mr. and Mrs. Chapman! 💙🤍💛

Email: school@sfcshhi.com
Website: sfcshhi.com
Location: 45 Beach City Rd, HHI, SC 29926
Phone: 843-681-6501
Facebook: facebook.com/sfcshhi