For many in the Dayton City School (DCS) community, the annual 8th grade field trip to Washington, D.C., is considered a rite of passage. However, because of COVID-related closures and rising costs, the tradition has been put on hold since 2019.

“For many of our families, this trip is considered to be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event,” said DCS teacher Candice Tilley. “And yet the cost was prohibitive to many of them.”

This year, SouthEast Bank partnered with DCS to revive this opportunity by donating more than $63,000 to fund the trip.

During the 8th-grade pep rally and check ceremony in January, Loan Officer Randy Wells spoke about SouthEast Bank’s focus on empowering local students to and through education.

“As a local institution deeply rooted in Middle and East Tennessee, SouthEast Bank sees education as a cornerstone for community development,” Wells said. “That’s why we are excited to partner with Dayton City School in providing this impactful and educational experience, as it marks a significant opportunity to contribute to a well-rounded and inspired future generation and ease the financial burden on family and school resources.”

The field trip to Washington, D.C. took place over three days in early March 2024, designed to edify students’ in-class history and science learning curriculum, including visits to the Capitol Building, National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, numerous war memorials and Smithsonian exhibits, as well as the National Zoo.

When reflecting on the impact of their trip, student Cristian Rios-Aguilar said, “Some of my favorite things were the Lincoln Memorial because of how big it was and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial because he’s my favorite president. Also, Arlington because it’s something I’ll probably never see again.”

Callie Songer loved the Natural History Museum, saying, “Seeing all the fossils was super cool.”

Aceon Riggs said his favorite memory was “the silence and the respect at the memorials in D.C., and the feeling that you get when you’re there.”

Simeon Toliver echoed, “When I saw the [Vietnam] memorial, I felt something different. The names on that wall have changed my life and the way I see veterans and how I greet them.”

“Taking a trip to our nation’s capital allows students to better understand their future role as a citizen in our government and see the places where our government leaders work,” said Tilley. “The financial donation from SouthEast Bank made this trip a reality that these kids will never forget.”