The most powerful lessons don’t always happen in a classroom. Sometimes they happen while standing in front of the nation’s monuments, walking the halls of Congress or engaging in conversations with elected leaders.

For 20 Spring ISD students, a recent trip to Washington, D.C. became a classroom without walls as they traded desks for discovery and experienced democracy firsthand. The students, all members of the Spring ISD Board President Justine Durant’s President Leadership Cohort (PLC), traveled to the nation’s capital June 8-11 through Spring Votes, the district’s nonpartisan civic engagement program, and the Close Up Foundation, a nationally recognized organization that has inspired young people through experiential learning for more than 50 years. 

Representing every high school in the district, the graduating seniors spent four days exploring historic landmarks, meeting with elected officials and gaining a deeper understanding of leadership, public service and civic engagement.

“We aim for our students to graduate not only prepared for college and careers, but ready to lead and serve,” said Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “Experiences like this show them that their voice matters and that they have the power to shape the future of their communities.”

One of the highlights of the trip was a day on Capitol Hill, where students had the opportunity to engage with elected officials who represent communities in Houston and Spring. They met Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Christian Menefee, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, asking questions and learning more about the legislative process and the responsibilities of public service.

The experience gave students a deeper understanding of how government decisions affect schools, neighborhoods and families. More importantly, it showed them that civic engagement extends beyond voting and includes advocacy, leadership and community involvement.

“Because of this trip, I look forward to becoming more involved in my community,” Izaya Lewis, a recent graduate of Carl Wunsche Sr. High School. “The connections made and lessons learned are something I’ll carry with me for years to come.”

Beyond Capitol Hill, students visited some of the nation’s most historic and influential sites, including the White House, National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

For many students, seeing these landmarks in person transformed classroom lessons into real-world experiences. Standing in places where history was made encouraged them to reflect on the individuals, movements and events that continue to shape the nation today. 

“Leadership begins with exposure,” said Dajauneke Minor, Spring ISD Civic Engagement program manager. “When students can connect what they learn in the classroom to the people, places, and institutions that shape our nation, they begin to recognize the power of their own voice and their ability to make a difference.”

Throughout the trip, students also strengthened skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. Whether navigating the city, participating in group discussions or reflecting on the day’s experiences, they developed their communication, collaboration and leadership abilities while building meaningful connections with their peers. 

“This trip was truly amazing, and I will forever cherish the friendships I made through PLC,” said Zaniyah Berard, a 2026 graduate of Dekaney High School. “I’m grateful for the memories we created and the lessons I’ll carry with me long after this experience.”

Minor said one of the most rewarding aspects of the program is watching students discover their own potential.

“They return home with greater confidence, stronger leadership skills and a broader understanding of how they can make a difference in their schools and communities,” said Minor.

For Durant, seeing members of the President Leadership Cohort engage with the nation’s history, institutions and leaders is exactly the type of experience the program was designed to provide. She said she is proud of the students for stepping outside their comfort zones, embracing new perspectives and demonstrating what it means to lead with purpose. 

“We want our students to see themselves as leaders, advocates and changemakers,” Durant said. “Opportunities like this broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership skills and help them understand the importance of civic engagement and community service.”