The History of Our Trip

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The United States Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 was cause for celebration across the country. The festivities reverberated into every corner of the country, including the community around RHMS. In order to share and experience this momentous event, Mr. Terry Johnson, a former RHMS teacher, decided to organize an educational trip to Washington DC for students.

Eventually, Mr. Johnson passed the torch of responsibility to Mr. Gary Firenzi, who managed the trip for almost two decades. Upon his recent retirement, Mr. Firenzi continued the tradition of finding the most responsible and caring heirs, Mrs. Raghu, Mr. Burbank, and Ms. Gombis, who has since moved away.

Since 1976, the trip has grown from twenty-five students traveling for five days to about one hundred fifty traveling for eight days. In this time, the types of learning experienced on the trip have been expanded to include other important aspects of American history and culture. 

While the group of chaperones changes a bit each year, the trip leaders are much more consistent and experienced. Read about our two trip leaders below. More information about guest chaperones will be added when they have been decided upon.