Junior Kewanee FFA member Kelsey Scott in June toured Washington, D.C. on the Illinois Farm Bureau Premier Chapter Tour.
The tour traveled to Gettysburg, the U.S. Capitol and many local monuments.
“We are proud of Kelsey for representing Kewanee FFA on this unique trip,” said Kindra Callahan, KHS agriculture teacher and FFA adviser.
Callan said Scott’s trip was earned because of Kewanee’s success as a Top 25 Premier Chapter in the Illinois FFA Association.
Here is Kelsey’s report on her experience:
We visited Hanover Shoe Farms and Gettysburg. I loved getting to see such a big horse operation since that’s not so common in Illinois, Hanover had over 1,100 race horses used for harness racing.
Next at Gettysburg, we had a guided tour in our AC bus which was great, I got to “re-anact” how a cannonball would be used in a cannon, as well as see all the really meaningful monuments.
Day 3: This morning, we went to Mount Vernon and toured George Washington’s mansion. When walking through Mount Vernon, I got to appreciate the beautiful views of the Potomac and the beautiful symbols of agriculture within the house.
After powering through the heat, we headed to the Holocaust museum, a somber yet impactful space. To end the day, we had a wonderful tour guide who took us to many monuments and memorials, my favorite being the iconic monuments of Lincoln, Jefferson, and MLK.
Day 4: Dressed in corduroy blue we started our day at the Arlington cemetery, which was such a powerful moment to remember the fallen who have sacrificed so much for us.
Then we headed for the Capitol where we got a wonderful tour. I loved seeing Illinois statue in the Capitol of Frances E. Willard.
We also met a few Congressmen of Illinois, and got to listen to their stories.
To end the night and hot sun, we went to Dave and Busters, and had a ton of fun.
Day 5: After two hot days, we cooled off with the many Smithsonians of DC. My group went to American History, Natural History, Air and Space, as well as the National Archives.
Seeing the infamous FFA jacket inside American History to the Hope Diamond, to seeing the Constitution, there were many amazing opportunities I got to experience today.
“We are thankful to the Illinois Farm Bureau for making this trip possible,” Callahan said. “We are proud of Kelsey and her willingness to represent our community and the Kewanee FFA blue jackets during this experience. Special shout-out to Ms. Annie Johnson for helping coordinate Kelsey’s travel.”
