L to R:  Paul Kaufman, Andrea Holmen (sponsor), George Nelson (sponsor), Megan Smith, Randy Durr (sponsor), Jessica Tandy, Sheldon Durr, Christina Burows, Brent Waller, Tyler Allen.  Front Row:  Seth Larson
 

Hey there!!!  The Senior Trip 2000 was a HUGE success!!!  We left for our experience on April 1st (no foolin!) and arrived in Dallas, Texas at 4:00 pm.  After settling in at the AmeriSuites Hotel in downtown Dallas, we explored the downtown area including supper at Planet Hollywood - Dallas.  After supper, we took in more sights and retired to the Hotel for a good night's sleep!

Sunday, we toured the Sixth Floor Museum (formly known as the Texas School Book Depository) and Dealey Plaza - the area in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963.  Seeing the area was a feeling difficult to put into proper words.  We then checked out of the Hotel, with stops at the home of Madeleine Brown - who recently wrote a book about her 21-year relationship with Lyndon Baines Johnson - and at Texas Stadium.  We then boarded our airplane for the flight to Washington, DC.  After arriving in the nation's capitol at 2:45 am Monday morning, we slept in until noon before having lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  We completed this "shortened day" with trips to the National Archives and National Air & Space Museum, before attending an NHL hockey game between the Washington Capitols and the New York Rangers.

Tuesday started with a tour of the Pentagon, followed by arrival at Arlington Cemetery.  After walking the "hallowed grounds," taking in the Changing of the Guard, Arlington House (home of Robert E. Lee) and various gravesites including those for President John Kennedy and his brother Robert, we walked across the Potomac River Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Wall.  We ended our day at the Pentagon City Mall at Ruby Tuesday's for supper....including our traditional "chocolate tall cakes."

Wednesday was the highlight of the trip, meeting with the Honorable Senator Mike Mansfield of Montana.  The students asked the former majority leader of the Senate many questions during our hour conference, in which Senator Mansfield was a gracious host.  He mentioned his experienced in the Senate and the importance of his lovely wife, Maureen and the great influence she had in all of his successes.  After our meeting we headed to the Holocaust Museum to take in the story of the persecution of Jewish people by Nazi Germany during World War II.  It , too, was a humbling experience leaving us all with emotions too difficult to put into words.  We ended "hump day" by taking in a wonderful play at Ford's Theatre entitled, "REUNION."

Thursday included a tour of the White House and meetings with both Senator Conrad Burns and Senator Max Baucus.  Both Senators were great hosts and we enjoyed their insight and sense of humor very much.  A tour of the Capitol was next, with a special treat when Senator Baucus allowed us to sit int he balcony of the Senate chambers to witness a vote on the budget.  Among the more famous politicians we were able to see were Senator Kennedy of Massachusetts, Senator Lott of Mississippi, Senator John McCain of Arizona, and Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina.  Senator Kennedy even took the time to greet and wave to our group from the Senate floor!!

Friday was designated as a "free day" as students had the opportunity to go anywhere they wished in DC for the day.  Mr. Durr, Mr. Nelson, Paul Kaufman and Megan Smith traveled to Annapolis, Maryland, and met with Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend - oldest daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy.  Lt. Governor Townsend was awesome to meet with and her kindness and interest in Montana will long be remembered by all four of us!

Saturday was the flight home with 11 (eight Seniors and 3 sponsors) tired people!  Overall, the trip was outstanding..........as all of us had a GREAT time.

The Class of 2000, along with Mr. Durr, Mrs. Holmen, and Mr. Nelson, would like to thank the MANY people who contributed financially to the Senior Trip.  Also a BIG thanks to the parents, who worked tirelessly during this entire process.  And finally to the Board of Trustees for their continuning support of this fabulous experience!

IT WAS A GREAT TRIP, BOTH EDUCATIONALLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY --- F-U-N!!!.
 

Check out the page below for pictures of our visit with Senator Mansfield, as well as other highlights of the trip.
  DC!