For about 18 years, Upton Middle School social studies teacher Jason Catania has been taking students on a summer trip to the Washington D.C. area to learn firsthand about U.S. history, government – and pay respects to those who have served in military conflicts overseas.
On Monday, Catania gave a presentation about his years of trips to the St. Joseph School Board. He said the trip started as a small group of group of six, and has expanded exponentially since.
“I didn’t know what I was doing,” said Catania, who revived the program previously run by another teacher in years past. “But I knew that if I could get six kids and get the word out, I could get more kids in.”
This year, 110 students and adults will go on the trip, pushing the total number Catania has taken to over 1,000. Over the years, the trip has expanded to include places like Gettysburg and Arlington.
“When we go to Arlington … we all look nice,” he said. “There is so much merit to kids going to a place like that and walk in looking nice. I mean, after all sacrifices that were made to be in that place, it’s the least they deserve.”
One year, Catania said a man struck up a conversation with him about how well-dressed and well-behaved the students were. The man was a 9/11 first responder and eventually came to St. Joseph to speak to students about his experience.
During the presentation, board members noticed that Catania’s passion for the trip was palpable.
“This is a life changing experience,” Catania said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be that day. I don’t know if it’s going to be in two weeks. I don’t know if it’s going to be in 10 years, but this trip will change people’s lives.”
Catania continued, speaking on what the trip means to him personally.
“Every time we’re on the flight back, I have this overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment,” he said. “I’ve had an opportunity and am so blessed to hopefully inspire a lot of kids and even adults when they go on the trip. It’s just a great thing and I’m, I’m gonna do it as long as I can.”
