KLRR News

Close-Up, A Trip to Remember

By James Jauss

Knight Life Article

As a yearly tradition, a group of local high school students embark on a cross-country journey to Washington, D.C., as part of the Close Up Foundation’s civic education program. The week-long trip provides a unique, hands-on experience of the nation’s capital, immersing students in the heart of American government and history. It also includes a two-day peek at New York City, the heart of American culture. 

From the moment they arrive, students delve into the midst of real-world politics and history. They explore monuments such as the Jefferson Memorial and the Reflecting Pool. Students engage with these sites and then their peers to broaden their perspectives and gain insight into what this country means to them all. 

For many, a highlight of the trip was the opportunity to tour the nation’s Capitol on Capitol Hill. For Lake Havasu students, one of the Arizona Senators’ secretaries gave them a personalized tour, granting them access to rooms and areas unavailable to the public. Then, they convened in offices like those of Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema to interview and learn about what being a politician is like. 

In addition to political discussions, students toured iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian Museums. Visiting these historic sites gave students a deeper appreciation of their country’s history and the principles that continue to shape the United States today.

As the new President of the club, Close-Up really gave me an appreciation for everything that was done in the past. There are so many times that we read about a building or person in a book and we just forget them seconds later. Yet, to see everything we learned about in history face to face impacts me and helps me understand what we as a country are built on. This melting pot of people, ideals, values, and circumstances acts as an inspiration for not only me but everyone in our country. The biggest highlight for me was being able to tour the Capitol and see remnants of the Capitol that were built after the 1814 burning by British soldiers. 

Lori Gray, the club’s head advisor on the 2024 trip, noted the importance of travel clubs in general.

 “Most of these kids haven’t traveled outside of Havasu, let alone Arizona. And then they get to go to these big cities, and the experience is eye-opening.” 

The Close Up program has a long-standing tradition of empowering students to become active participants in democracy, and this year’s trip was no exception. As the students returned home, they carried with them not only memories of their time in D.C. but also the friendships and memories they created with students all across the country. The trip featured students from Alaska, North Dakota, Montana, and Arizona. 

For many of these students, this trip will be remembered as a school activity and a pivotal moment in their lives—a moment when they saw firsthand the importance of civic duty and the power of their voice. 

To support the Close-Up program at Lake Havasu High School, you can submit tax credit forms for any club member. Contact Lori Gray through lori.gray@lhusd.org for further inquiries and ways you can support education in our town!