Five McIntosh High seniors jumped at the chance to get a “Close-Up” look at our nation’s capital and democratic system. Through the prestigious Close-Up program, Sarah Brzoska, Miyabi Schultz, McKenzie Smith, Gabbie Szatkowski, and Grace Thornhill traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The program, hosted by the Close-Up Foundation, is designed to help students become more civically engaged in their school and communities. Students from around the country attended an array of workshops and lectures and also participated in a mock congressional session. There were also visits to museums and memorials around D.C., including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, White House, and Capitol Building.

Local students were also able to meet Senator Raphael Warnock and talk about his agenda and opinion on pressing political issues.

McIntosh social studies teacher Dallas Reagan is in his first year as the sponsor for the school’s Close-Up program.

“I hope to grow the program in years to come and bring even more students on this wonderful experience.”

— This article provided by the Fayette County School System.