“It is a phenomenal opportunity for our students,” Raines said. “It is an unbelievable opportunity. To see the democratic process in person, the peaceful transition of power, no matter what your political affiliation is, it is what separates the United States from many other counties.”
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The students left Thursday morning by plane and are expected to stay in Washington D.C. until Saturday evening. The students will meet up with other students from surrounding schools, including Oakwood and Moeller high schools.
“We get to pick, we will be able to pick the side where we can actually see the swearing in, or we will be on the side of the parade route,” Raines said.
He said he wasn’t sure what his students or the other students at the other school will want to do.
The students and and Raines are paying for the trip out of their own pocket. The total cost is more than $1,000 — a major reason why more students decided not to go, he said.
However, he said the chance of seeing a presidential swearing-in live is a unique opportunity.
“I am really excited and I know my students are too,” Raines said.
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