Blake Middle School students traveled to New York City and Washington, D.C. to explore historic sites. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 
Prior to the end of the school year, 170 students embarked on a journey to explore historical sites across New York City and Washington, D.C. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 
Students Conor Guiney and Erin McInerney were given the opportunity to represent Blake Middle School by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools) 
Students also visited several monuments and memorials while in Washington, D.C. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools)
MEDFIELD — Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden and Blake Middle School Principal Nathaniel Vaughn are pleased to share that Blake Middle School students recently traveled to New York City and Washington, D.C. to explore historic sites.
Prior to the end of the school year, 170 students embarked on a journey to explore historical sites across New York City and Washington, D.C.
The trip has been a Blake Middle School tradition for over 25 years, as it draws direct connections to the eighth grade civics curricula. This was the first time that the school has been able to take the trip since 2019.
“We are thrilled that we are able to have this shared experience with our students once again,” said Principal Vaughn. “This trip serves as a unique opportunity for students to grow, develop and learn about history and citizenship.”
In New York City, students and staff visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and One World Trade Center, and took the ferry to Liberty Island to visit the Statue of Liberty.
On their second day students, faculty and chaperones traveled to Washington, D.C. The day began with a drive down Embassy Row on the way to the Washington National Cathedral for a guided tour, before students enjoyed lunch at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center food court.
Students and staff then went to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum where they were able to make connections between their current classroom curriculum and the real-life impact of the Holocaust.
Students also had the opportunity to visit the Washington Monument, the White House and Smithsonian museums before having dinner at the Pentagon City Mall. The day concluded with the viewing of memorials in the evening by the tidal basin, including the World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
The last day of the trip began with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where students also observed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Students Conor Guiney and Erin McInerney were given the opportunity to represent Blake Middle School by participating in the wreath-laying ceremony.
In the afternoon, students visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture and attended a Nationals-Padres game. The trip concluded with visits to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.
Reflection is one of Blake Middle School’s values and a significant element of the annual trip. At the conclusion of the trip parents, guardians and staff members were encouraged to take time to reflect with the students about their experiences, asking what they learned and what they hope to bring back to their day-to-day lives and their community.
“I would like to thank all of our chaperones for helping to provide this valuable experience for our students,” said Principal Vaughn. “A very special thanks to Guidance Administrative Assistant Debbie Avery for helping with all of the logistics for the trip, and Nurses Arlene O’Donavan-Driscoll and Tricia Williams for their work ensuring a safe experience for all.”
Principal Vaughn would also like to thank chaperones Stacy Burns, Susan Bycoff, Mary Ellen DuBois, Kara Gelormini, Jason Heim, Greg Keohan, Matt Marenghi, Matt Millard, Diana Mileszko, Arlene O’Donovan-Driscoll and Jillian Shaw.
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