Memorial Mustangs Experience Inauguration

Freshmen (from left) Reagan Goodwine, Kate Weinstein, Kate Majewski and Claire Christmann spend time together in D.C.

Eight Memorial High School students had the experience of a lifetime on an inauguration trip led by Mary Reed, a Pre-AP World Geography teacher who has taught at MHS for 11 years. It was a wonderful experience for the students to visit Washington, DC and learn more about their country.

“Experiencing the inauguration first hand heightened students’ patriotism and love of this country. They marveled that despite such a vitriolic campaign season, America has successfully had a peaceful transition of power for centuries,” said Reed. “Students experienced terribly long lines to go through two security checkpoints, and lots of rain. To see the pomp and circumstance with others standing shoulder to shoulder was exciting and worth the hassle.”

Freshman Kate Majewski had an unforgettable time in DC. “Best trip ever! DC was so crazy with all of the protesting at the inauguration. However, it was a very well organized and fun trip!”

Freshmen (from left) Claire Christmann, Kate Weinstein, Kate Majewski and Reagan Goodwine visit the U.S. Capitol.

Freshman Hannah Baker said, “It was such an awesome experience! I was so lucky to get to go to DC. It has so much history and the feeling when you get there is indescribable because it is so amazing. The weather conditions during the inauguration weren’t the best, but just being there and seeing the new president was so fun!”

While this was Reed’s first time leading an inauguration trip, she has led many summer student trips all over the world. “I have travelled to 52 countries and experienced a myriad of cultures.  To see students thrilled at discovering customs and experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of foreign countries is priceless,” said Reed. “I try to impart to my students a love of all cultures and sharing this experience with them makes each country feel new to me. I always learn new things when I travel. Teaching a Study Abroad course in Israel one summer allowed us to take part in an archeological dig. Students found pottery, shells and bones. In Greece one summer students were running with wreaths on their heads reenacting the original marathon. To be at Pompeii seeing the petrified remains of the horrible volcano is unforgettable.”

While MHS students will have to wait another four years for the opportunity to witness another presidential inauguration, Reed is looking forward to her next student trip, which will be to Russia, Estonia and Finland in June.