Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Members of the Chickasha Apihchi Ikbi program spent six days in Washington, D.C. Students taking part included, bottom row from left, Meagan Gaines, Mace Wyatt and Ciara Cox. Second row from left, Annie Wall, Kevin Hickman, Talissa Smith, Lindsey Broughton, Shelby Smith, Melissa Ellis, Faithlyn Seawright, Taylor Taliaferro and Makenzie McCurtain. Third row from left, Britany Lofton, Jacob Kramer, Danya Hook, Katrina Asberry, Josh Neesmith, Kelsey Norton, Brock Bolding, Savannah Brown, Reide Wilson and Kim Lonzo. Fourth row from left, Dylan Kramer, Malik Dunn, Nahinli Billy, Deondre Kendrick and Joseph Ruiz.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Future leaders involved with the Chickasha Apihchi Ikbi “Creating Chickasaw Leaders” program spent six days in Washington, D.C., July 22-27. The trip offered 26 participants educational, cultural and leadership opportunities they will long remember, officials said.
“I do not believe there is a more educational location we could have taken the students,” said youth leadership manager Kristopher Darbison. “From seeing the memorials, presidents’ homes, plays and museums, this trip offered leadership and education on a level that will impact the students’ lives and memories.”
To prepare students for leadership roles, a guided tour of Capitol Hill was conducted. Students spent time at the National Archives, the permanent home of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Participants also toured the Smithsonian Institute, the world’s largest museum complex.
Learning about former and current leaders of the United States was paramount for the future leaders. While in the area, the group toured both Mount Vernon and the White House.
Mount Vernon was home to the George Washington, the nation’s first president. It is preserved in its original colonial condition.
The White House is modernized and is home to President Barack Obama and his family.
Students were amazed at differences between the two homes. They said they enjoyed seeing both American treasures.
One of America’s greatest presidents was honored by the next generation of Chickasaw leaders as they visited Arlington National Cemetery, resting place of President John Kennedy. While at the cemetery, students visited the Tomb of the Unknowns, witnessed the Changing of the Guard and explored the Arlington House.
No leadership trip to Washington, D. C. would be complete without a trip to the National Mall to visit the Lincoln Memorial.
While there, the group visited the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.
A few of the students had heartfelt moments.
“Some of the students were able to take pictures of their family members’ names on the wall,” Darbison said.
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