History group heading to inauguration

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   This year’s presidential election is guaranteed to make history, and some students from South Brunswick High School are going to be a part of it.
   But they need a little help first. Members of the Dead Presidents Society, the SBHS history club, will be attending the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., in January and will hold several events to help cover the trip’s cost.
   Those involved with the club see the election as an historic event because no matter the outcome, the country will have its first African-American president or first female vice president.
   ”We typically do a few trips with one overnight trip during the year,” said club advisor and social studies teacher Corrine Gaylord. “But our overnight trip this year, the inauguration, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I used to live near that area and I know how electric the city is when an event like this is going on.”
   The club meets twice a month to discuss current events, historical trivia, talk about field trips, get involved with local history projects and watch movies that relate to history, according to Ms. Gaylord. Previous field trips include overnighters to Colonial Williamsburg, Boston, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
   ”Studying history is one thing, but experiencing it offers students so much more,” Ms. Gaylord said. “History is living. It’s not just about studying and memorization.”
   However, this year’s election allows the students to experience history as it unfolds.
   ”Right now we’re so focused on the inauguration and election, so we’ll be discussing the candidates, looking at their platforms and bringing in speakers,” Ms. Gaylord said. “This year’s election is going to make history no matter who wins. How many people can say they went to an inauguration? Especially one as historic as this.”
   Students in the club have seen their awareness in politics bloom this year and the prospect of attending such a historic event has increased their interest.
   ”Before I got involved in this club I wasn’t politically involved,” said junior Juan Perdomo. “I’m very interested in it now and this is all very new to me. This trip gives us the chance to attend the inauguration and tour around D.C. I’ve never been, so it’ll be all new to me. It’s very exciting.”
   Club members Addy Weingarten, a junior, and Sarah Woogan, a senior, appreciate the rare opportunity of the event.
   ”This inauguration is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Sarah said. “It’s really exciting to have the chance to see the new president inaugurated and to be part of history.”
   Other students agreed.
   ”Either way this election is going to make history,” said senior Ashley Knox. “I think it’s so exciting to take part in such a big thing.”
   No matter who wins in November, Ms. Gaylord said, there has been a newfound enthusiasm in the club for the election.
   ”A lot of kids have signed up to go on the trip and this has helped make the students more exited and interested in the election,” she said. “They’re getting more caught up in it because they know we’re planning the trip. It makes it more personal for them and they know they’re going to be part of something big.”
   On Oct. 11, Major Car Wash and will be donating a portion of its proceeds to help fund the Dead Presidents Club’s trip. Club members will be at the car wash from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Oct. 16, Confectionately Yours will be donating a portion of its proceeds from the day to the club. Members will be at there from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.