A total of 31 ACGC seniors, along with three students from Bertha-Hewitt and their teacher Noah Singsank, recently returned from the East Coast tour, marking the 10th trip since the program began in 2016. The group was led by Mr. Hagstrom, with the help of Ms. Anderson, Mr. Singsank, six parents, and one very dedicated grandma. Over eight days, students traveled through Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, experiencing history in a way that goes far beyond the classroom.
Students stood in Lexington and Concord where the American Revolution began, walked the streets of Boston, and explored landmarks across the city. In New York City, they visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, reflected at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and followed in the footsteps of Alexander Hamilton before seeing his story come to life in Hamilton.
In Philadelphia, students stood inside Independence Hall and saw the Liberty Bell. In Washington, DC, they sat in the gallery of the United States Capitol watching representatives at work, visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, experienced the cherry blossoms at peak bloom around the Tidal Basin, and visited Arlington National Cemetery where a group of seniors laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Along the way, students also experienced some of the most talked-about highlights, including the Broadway production of Hamilton, a nighttime Segway tour through DC, Summit One Vanderbilt, Fenway Park, and the 9/11 Museum. One student shared, “Hamilton was amazing… definitely a highlight,” while another said, “The Segway tour was one of the best parts of the trip.”
More importantly, students consistently described the impact of the experience. “Seeing it and actually being there hit different,” one student wrote. Another added, “It made everything come to life.” Many noted that the trip offered a perspective they could not get in a classroom and access to places they may never experience again.
The trip was not without its challenges. A busy schedule, long days, and even a 4.5-hour TSA line on the return trip that led to an overnight stay in the airport tested the group. But even that became part of the experience. As one student put it, “It’s crazy but fun, and so worth it.”
What stood out most was the time spent together. Students shared that the trip helped build friendships and created lasting memories. “I made so many great memories,” one wrote. Another added, “It brought people together — even people you don’t usually talk to.”
The overall message from this year’s group was clear: “Take the opportunity while you can.”
Ten trips in, the East Coast tour continues to be one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences for ACGC seniors.