2016 Citizenship Washington Focus

Citizenship Washington Focus

Thursday, June 23

Today was pretty laid back but definitely one for the books. We woke up and ate breakfast around 7:45 AM which was nice that we got to sleep in. After breakfast we decided to work on our Kansas Action plan before heading to the National Cathedral. The Cathedral was impressive, from all angles, inside and out. We met our first speaker at the church that gave us a quick run down of how the tour was going to work. While we waited outside for our turn, he showed us some fun facts about the church and gave us some brief history of the building. On the back side of the furthest North tower, there is a sculpture of Darth Vadar. He is there due to the design of a local resident six year old. The story is that in 200 years, it will be a fun fact to tell visitors that don't know who Darth Vadar even is. The inside of the Cathedral is one from the books, stained glass windows, stone arches, marble floors etc. The church holds four services every day and is host to nine separate (but all within the same building) chapels. Within the building are three very well known historians. Woodrow Wilson's tomb is on the main floor, while Helen Keller and her personal assistant/teacher Anne Sullivan are buried in the lower level. There is plaque on the wall outside Keller's tomb that has been replaced four times because the brail has been worn off over the years. We also got to see the 4-H Clover in the "Agricultural" stained glass window at the church. After lunch we jumped back into our congressional meeting and had the congressional debate that we've all been working on this week. There were a lot of Kansas Delegates playing very important roles and asking very deliberate questions to each bill committee. Supper was had at the Medievil Times in Hanover, MD. While we all were very skeptical of what was going to happen, we decided to listen to Jake and Elly and "geek out" and enjoy our experience. By the end of the dinner theater we were all screaming and cheering for our knight in shining Armour. A few of the girls in our delegation actually caught roses thrown tot he crowd following a kiss from the knight after his competitions. Good times were had by all.

-Payje

**Chaperone Commentary**

There were so many compliments today from hosts of tours, other state chaperones and others. During the tour of the Cathedral, the delegates behaved like perfect, professional and very respectful adults. Our tour guide, known as a docent, even gave Marietta a personal compliment on how well behaved and attentive our group was. Throughout their tour, their phones were put away (except for taking photos), they were listening and giving the docent their full attention and kept up with the tour. Without a doubt, they represented Kansas as they always do; with pride, honor and dignity. We apologize now for the overwhelming amount of "Hazaaah!!" that you will endure after our evening at Medievil Times once they return home. The stories are endless and always full of surprise, but your young men and women continue to make us proud.