North High Students Visit D.C., Congresswoman Judy Biggert Through Non-Profit Program

A group of North High students got to see how Congress works first hand this month, thanks to a non-profit program called, "Close Up." 

"Close Up," according to its website, is the nation's largest civic educational organization. 

It was the 31st year that North students traveled to Washington D.C. through this program. More than 200 students have traveled to the nation's capital since that time. 

Fifteen students and Social Studies Teacher Amy Wlodek-Holland were in D.C. from April 10 to 15 through the program this year. 

The students visit monuments and museums and attend small group seminars, workshops and meetings with lobbyists, congressional members and embassy officials. The students also visited Judy Biggert in her D.C. office. 

“We saw so much at our nation’s capital, including the museums and monuments, and the students were inspired by seeing our government in action,” said Wlodek-Holland in a District 99 release.

“One highlight was stopping in to see Judy Biggert in her office where our students could witness first-hand how our community is represented in Washington.” 

Students need to raise the funds to go on the trip, but they received help from local businesses, organizations and current and retired faculty members. 

These organizations include: the Alexander Bradley Burns American Legion Post 80, the Royal Arch Masons West Suburban Chapter 207, the Downers Grove Woman’s Club and the Law Offices of Eileen Fitzgerald.

“For many of our students, attending the trip wouldn’t be possible without our donors,” says Social Studies Chair Jill Rose. “We appreciate the generous donations from our community to support these extra opportunities for learning."

Students who participated included:  Jacob Acevedo, Kevin Brewton, Alex Buckley, Alex Candel, Nicole Fyten, Amanda Irigoyen, Zach Miller, Hannah Rose Murphy, Justin Neely, Hannah Novak, Helen Novak, Kayla Nykiel, Blake Pryor, Roman Rivera and Suzi Smulkaitis.