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Students have first-hand experience with U.S. history

By Carson Potter

Special to the Dayton Chronicle

DAYTON–A group of 25 students and nine adults from Pomeroy, Burbank and here, participated in the World Classroom program in early July this summer, visiting Washington D.C., Mt. Vernon, Virginia, and Gettysburg, Penn.

The World Classroom program gives middle- and high school-aged students a chance to visit and experience sites and places in and around the United States Capitol. There, they can build on their knowledge through first-hand exposure to some of the most impactful and important historical sites.

One Dayton participant, Carson Potter, said the opportunity to see the National Capitol, museums, memorials, and monuments, including our first president's house, left a lasting impression on him. He believes every person should have the chance to see these historic places and learn our history.

"This summer I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas with some of my classmates through the World Classroom program," said Potter. "It was a great experience because I was able to see and learn so much stuff. Some of the sites we visited were the Smithsonian Museums, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, the White House, U.S. Capitol, and a lot more," he continued.

"We also went to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to see where the battle that took place during the Civil War, and we saw George Washington's house in Mt. Vernon, Virginia."

Potter is a 2023-24 Dayton High School sophomore who participates in basketball, golf, and is a sixth-year piano student of Charlotte Baker, most enjoyed his trip of the Capitol because of its architecture, artwork, and statues.

"My favorite place was the U.S. Capitol because it had a lot of art and beautiful designs inside the buildings," he said recalling the sight of it all. It had old paintings on the wall and two statues for every state. "So, if [you] have the chance to go to Washington D.C., I would recommend it."

Potter is the son of Deena Bell-Potter of Dayton, Cory Potter of Kennewick, Wash., and step-son of Adam Scott of Dayton; the grandson of Dewey and Christy Bell of Dayton, and Marvin and Linda Potter of Milton-Freewater, Ore.