With over a year of planning and fundraising, Woolwich Central School is committed to making sure every 8th grader goes to Washington D.C. in June.

Each Spring, the planning begins for a trip over a year away. Yes, seventh graders prepare and fundraise for a trip that they won’t take until June of eighth grade. First, there are two separate suppers they host, sell tickets for, do meal prep., serve and clean-up at. Later in the year, there are wreath and wrapping paper sales and a basketball concessions stand. This goes on until a culminating auction in April.

Their April auction is legendary in Woolwich for its great deals and fine, eclectic items. In both the silent and live auction, they’ve seen it all over the years. From a cord of wood, top soil, lawn mowing and eye lash extensions; to weekend getaways, cruises, fine art, and maple syrup. This year’s auction includes over 200 donated items. The parents, community and local businesses play a large role in the auctions success.

Woolwich Principal and once annually auctioneer, Jason Libby said, “It is a privilege to see the commitment of the parents, students and community to make this experience happen. Our DC Auction has become a true community event that offers families a night out to support a great cause.”

The trip and fundraising was a project first planned during the 1998- 1999 school year by then principal Thomas Soule and math teacher, Blanche Boggs. In a recent interview, Soule said, “We wanted students to have their classroom be in Washington, D.C. for the week and for them to experience democracy at work.”

All Woolwich 8th Graders are encouraged and expected to go regardless of family income, or learning abilities. Students really work hard to earn their way.

Social Studies Teacher Leann Fisher who oversees the planning and goes on the trip said, “On the trip, I love hearing students remark on all of the activities they’ve never experienced at home in Maine. These memories have the power to impact so many young lives.”

Former WCS student Trever Santiago from the class of 2014 said, “What stood out most about the experience was the sense of maturity and culture we felt at the time. Pretty exciting for an eighth grader.”

“The D.C. Trip is a great way to wrap up your years at Woolwich. There’s a lot to learn from the experience.” said Kayla Beam, also a 2014 graduate.

The experience includes learning the intricacies of the city, meeting with State representatives, visiting various monuments and memorials including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other stops include the Air and Space Museum, the White House, the Pentagon, the Capital, as well as the Smithsonian and a Washington National’s baseball game.

Woolwich parents Leann Ann and Ryan Card said, “Our oldest child made the trip to D.C. in 2015 and it was an amazing experience for her. She had the opportunity to be part of a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We are really excited for our current Woolwich 8th Grader to make the trip this Spring and look forward to hearing about her adventures and the great things she experiences during her stay in the Capital.”

Accommodations for the students are at a local university, where they stay in college dorms, eat in the cafeteria and navigate the campus. Principal Libby said, “We intentionally stay at a university to help promote the student’s future aspirations for their post high school plans.”

Navigating the subways from the campus to around D.C. is scary for many of these small town students, but this helps them develop and reinforce new and old peer relationships.

“I am never disappointed in how they listen and work with each other to keep the trip safe,” added Fisher.

This years Washington D.C. Trip Auction is April 1st at Woolwich Central School. The preview begins at 5:00 and the live auction at 6:00. The Eighth Graders will be serving free appetizers and desserts and free childcare will be provided. If you have an item you’d like to donate for the auction, please contact Leann Fisher at the school to arrange pickup or delivery.

Sarah J. Bingham is a Woolwich resident and the parent of a current WCS 8th grader.