Illiana senior class trip to Washington, DC, provides unique educational opportunities
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 21, 2022) – It’s an annual tradition for Illiana seniors to travel to Washington, DC, and spend their class trip learning about government and history. In fact, it’s Illiana’s longest-running tradition, dating back to sometime in the 1950s.
A highlight of the class trip is visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Four students are selected to represent their class and lay a wreath at the tomb. This year Lansing resident Vinny VanDeel was one of the four.
As the Arlington Cemetery website explains, “Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has long been a way for individuals and organizations to honor the sacrifices of American service members. Presidents, politicians, public figures and foreign dignitaries have all paid their respects in this way.”
The timing of the class trip allowed Illiana seniors to be in DC on the same day as the last Honor Flight of the season, October 19. Honor Flight Chicago captured photos of the students greeting the Honor Flight participants and posted it to their Facebook page, tagging Illiana in the description.
As a surprise bonus, Lansing resident Dr. Ben Hoekstra was one of the Honor Flight participants on that trip. Hoekstra is an Illiana alum and had a dental practice in Lansing for many years.
The 88 seniors involved in this year’s class trip arrived in DC on Wednesday, October 19. They are scheduled to return home Saturday, October 22.
Illiana Christian High School is located at 10920 Calumet Avenue in Dyer, Indiana.
Omgsh what an absolute Honor!
Awesome trip!