“We drank a crap load of Gatorade.” Monique Noghli, Senior, reflects on the summer D.C trip, claiming it was equal parts sweat and fun. The Pitman marching band, together with our fantastic color guard and 35 chaperones, traveled to Washington D.C to play in the official United States Fourth of July parade. The group was accompanied by the school nurse and Doctor Winkler; both volunteered to be active physicians on the trip.
Paying for over one hundred students to travel across the country is not an easy feat; the students and faculty began preparing as soon as the trip was confirmed. Mr. Montgomery, a World and United States History teacher here at Pitman, organized the white box fundraising last year. Students planning on going to D.C. could sign up to carry around district-approved snacks in a “white box”, they were an astounding success; a few students were able to fund their entire trip with just the boxes, these students are Simone Chambliss, Phillip Hails, and Ramsin Sarkes. “Individual fundraising had a net profit of $11364.10” Mr. Montgomery proudly stated. The students also received funding from the Turlock Rotary Club and small businesses, and some students did odd jobs for their parents to earn money.
The students boarded the plane with their spirits high, for some, this would be their first plane ride. The first day in D.C. was spent sightseeing; many students visited the Smithsonian, the American History Museum, National Monuments and Memorials, and the White House. The American History Museum is home to many famous objects such as Dorothy’s sparkly red shoes and the flag that inspired the writer of the Star Spangled Banner. However the trip was not over after the sightseeing, the students had to prepare for a long march on an infamously hot East Coast day.
“It was fun. But it was hot.” Ryan Williams,Senior, jokes, the band and guard assembled early Wednesday morning, the humid air engulfed them in their uniforms. The march was ten blocks in total and took about sixty minutes, unfortunately three students had to drop out due to the heat, but the rest soldiered on and played beautifully. Thousands of people lined the streets waving flags and enjoying the music, the joy of unified patriotism hung in the air as hundreds of talented students marched through the streets of D.C.
Despite the setbacks, and the heat, the trip is cherished by all who went, “It was a great start to the year” reflects Marcelle Winkler, Senior, “My first activity as a senior.” The trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity and gave all who participated a joyful memory to keep for life.
