Article by Anabella Ginebra ’21:
On Friday, November 4 the eighth-graders traveled to Philadelphia for their annual squire field trip. Tired, but excited students arrived at the Kellenberg steps at 6:00 AM, ready to begin their day of adventure. After taking attendance and gathering everything, each homeroom made their outside onto one of the coach buses. Like any morning, we kept God our priority and started off our trip with a prayer video and short prayer service.
Our first historical stop was the U.S.S. New Jersey. Our eyes couldn’t believe the massiveness of the artillery loaded battleship as we moved off the buses and approached the ship. Each group was blessed to be given a tour of the ship by a veteran serviceman. We learned that the USS New Jersey was used during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The tight sleeping quarters and narrow hallways showed my classmates and I the rough lifestyle the men onboard endured and the hard work they must have done. The U.S.S. New Jersey is the world’s most decorated battleship.
Afterwards, made our way to Philadelphia. Once in the city, we divided into groups and were welcomed by guides who were dressed in colonial attire. We then toured the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin’s Printing Press, his grave site, Christ Church, Betsey Ross’ house, and the National Constitution Center Museum.
At the end of our day, everyone gathered in an auditorium where we were watched a presentation all about the hardships people have faced over the course of our nation’s history and the highlights of the past. After the incredible presentation, we made our last stop for dinner where we could laugh and talk about our eventful day with our friends. All in all, the squires and teachers had an amazing time in Philadelphia and grateful for the opportunity to learn in the colonial city.