Dundee students return from Washington, D.C.
Dundee High School students who visited Washington, D.C. as part of the educational Project Close Up, returned from the nation’s capital on Saturday, April 27. Project Close Up then hosted a thank-you luncheon for its sponsors on Thursday, May 2 at Cabela’s.

There were 35 Dundee High School students participating in the week-long study program. There were 13 local sponsors who contributed at total of $22,000 to make the trip possible. Also attending the luncheon was Michigan’s Project Close Up outreach coordinator Brett Morris, who complimented the community on support of this program. It was the 14th year for Dundee’s participation.

Going on the trip with the students were teachers Roger Barnes and Jon Vogt and principal Jacqueline Schultz. The adults also had an educational study program to attend.

Mr. Barnes, who has led local participation in the project along with former principal Charles J. Schankin for many years, is retiring as a social studies teacher this year. Mr. Vogt will take over as the local leader.

Mr. Barnes told those at the luncheon that this year’s trip was distinctly different from those in the past, due to the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“We asked ourselves, do you continue? Do you go to Washington? We kind of dragged our feet getting in our registrations, but we decided to go. That’s the way democracy works, is by people continuing to learn and be involved in programs like this. The crowds were down this year. Project Close Up participation was down about 50 percent. But with the strength of America, the numbers will come back,” said Mr. Barnes.

He also said the community should be proud of the way the students represented Dundee, by dressing appropriately and conducting themselves well.

Pairs of students described their main activities and studies during each day of the trip. On Sunday, when they arrived, the students toured Arlington National Cemetery, with Mr. Barnes giving them a detailed history lesson based on the monuments. Monday, the students visited the Smithsonian museums and viewed famous artifacts.

They also attended workshops, debates and seminars each day, learning about the judiciary, media, domestic issues and more.

On Tuesday, the students focused on foreign affairs, and heard a Department of Defense panel discuss national security. They visited the Lincoln Memorial and had discussions to learn what their ideological orientation was— liberal or conservative.
Wednesday, students met Rep. John Dingell, and visited Capital Hill. They toured the House of Representatives and saw the protestors in Lafayette Park.

Thursday, the students learned how to hear different opinions on many subjects, and heard many seminars. They visited a jazz club and also attended the theater to see the play “Polk County.”

Friday was independent study day. Several students visited the National Zoo and saw the panda bears, learning how international relations with China were involved. Some also visited the Holocaust Museum, some Smithsonian museums and other attractions.

Dundee’s Project Close Up sponsors included Clean Tech Inc., Diamond Electric Manufacturing, Dundee Castings Co., Dundee Community Schools Board of Education, Dundee Country Craft, Dundee Internet Service, Dundee Recreation Commission, Holcim (US) Inc., Homrich Wrecking Inc., McDonald’s of Dundee, Mobil Corporation, Motor City Plastics co., and Dundee Kiwanis Club.