Body
Some 31 Boone Central junior and senior students, accompanied by sponsors, participated in Close Up program in Washington, DC, March 24-29. Students/sponsors attending were (back, l.-r.) Brant Benes, Cole Lyon, Melany Preister, Isaiah Miller, Hank Hudson, Elle Webster, Natalie Pelster, Talan Stokes, sponsor Dan Zoucha, Linnea Nissen, Belle Brodersen, Logan Spence, Kathryn Kohtz, Bella Meyer, Briana Johnson, Madison Gompert, Marisa Malander, Jaimie Zwiener and Natalie Schrad; (front) Jose Luna, Carie Goodwater, Emma Lordemann, Ava Buhlmann, Payton Sullivan, Audra Groth, Dyanna Buettner, Taylor Beierman, Cassidy Maricle, Addyson Winter, Hannah Krohn, Britney Naber and Myranda Nelson. Throughout the week, they were encouraged to think about what they believe, to hear other students’ opinions from across the nation, and stress the importance of civic duty. Students had the chance to live and learn with peers from around the country, engage in seminars with policymakers and military personnel, and study Smithsonian exhibits. Favorite moments included seeing the many monuments and war memorials, visiting the National Cathedral and the Holocaust Museum, participating in a mock Congress, and making new friends from across the nation. “Watching our students step into leadership roles and guide discussions in their workshops filled us with pride,” said Cassie Olson and Dan Zoucha.