Natural State students thankful for trip to D.C. hosted by Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission

WASHINGTON D.C. – Multiple Arkansas students are getting a special chance to experience the nation’s history thanks to the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.

The many Natural State students attending the trip said they’re thankful to be part of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission’s Dream Keeper’s Tour in Washington D.C.

“These experiences and the Martin Luther King Commission bringing us on this has just been amazing,” White Hall High School student Hayden Raburn said. “I just love this trip so far.”

The students have visited multiple different museums and monuments, including Dr. King’s.

“I really like how they have all his quotes on this wall right here and we were able to read him,” Makya Terry noted.

Getting a tour of the U.S. Capitol was also a high note for many students.

“I really like going into the big room where the dome is in the Capitol because the paintings are amazing,” WHHS student Gaige Caskey said.

“I remember seeing these in textbooks in history class and seeing these in person was a different experience,” Raburn noted.

White Hall High School Principal Nathan Sullivan said the trip is an invaluable experience for the students.

“To take a step back and look at the last few centuries of our nation’s history, it’s a special place,” Sullivan said.

The trip is also giving the students the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the new statue of Johnny Cash in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall on Tuesday.

“Each statue in there was different, different colors and structures so I’m really excited to see what this statue will look like,” Watson Chapel student Amir Mitchell said.

Commission Executive Director DuShun Scarbrough said he is excited for the students to have this opportunity and learn more about Johnny Cash and its history.

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