Students and their families in the Gravette Middle School community will have the opportunity to visit Boston and New York City this summer, part of a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Organized independently by teacher LaDonna Ragland, this extracurricular excursion is open to all eligible students, with financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make it more affordable.
The upcoming journey builds on the momentum of last year’s highly successful private trip to Washington D.C. and New York. A participant from last year and now a freshman at Gravette High School, Mason Lykins, described the shock of arrival. “The craziest part was when we first pulled up. It was like a whole different world. You don’t think New York City is that big, but it is absolutely giant.” LaDonna Ragland explained, “You cannot imagine the scale. We don’t have anything like that here near where we live.”
Students listening to the tour guide at a historic landmark on the 2025 summer trip.
Experiences like these offer an education that no textbook can provide. By stepping out of their familiar environment and into the nation’s cultural and historical centers, students gain a perspective on the diversity of American life, allowing young people to see themselves not just as residents of a small town, but as citizens of a vast and complex nation.
Last year’s stop in Washington DC was an unforgettable example of that connection between students and their country. Ragland described the effect of standing where George Washington once walked. “When you look out the back of George Washington's home, you see the exact same view that he saw in the late 1700s. They’ve kept the land undeveloped on purpose, so that is still the exact same view from that exact same spot.” Eighth grader Kylie Fernandez said the details brought history to life for her. “Being there in person... seeing the tools they used and the fireplaces they needed to keep warm... it felt like stepping back in time.”
Mount Vernon, the former residence and plantation of George Washington
This summer’s trip itinerary offers a different experience with a special focus on the Revolutionary War in Boston. Participants will walk the Freedom Trail, visit the Bunker Hill Monument, and tour Lexington and Concord to visualize the founding of the nation. The trip will then continue to New York City for a Broadway show, a visit to the Statue of Liberty, and much more.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to join the travel group, and in some cases, they may be even more excited about it than their children. Mason said his own trip almost didn’t happen without a push from home. “I wasn’t really wanting to go, but my mom pushed me, and I’m glad she did. I still remember the trip vividly, and I’d say it’s definitely worth it. It’s unreal once you actually get there.”
A professional travel partner manages the complex logistics to keep the experience smooth and secure, including guided tours, organized transportation, and overnight hotel security. This allows students and guardians to focus on the experience and the connections that come with traveling together. Mason recalled, “I didn’t know anyone, but I ended up making friends... I didn’t even know one guy was on my soccer team until after. I still say hi to the other people I met on the trip.” Kylie said the trip taught her practical responsibility in real time. “We learned a lot about logistics on the trip. You quickly learned what was most valuable and what you needed to carry with you.”
Spaces remain available for Gravette Middle School students and parents interested in joining this year’s experience. Prices for the all-inclusive package increase at the end of each month. Families can use monthly payment plans, extended payment options, or scholarship applications by contacting LaDonna Ragland or the travel account managers. This event is not sponsored by Gravette Middle School or Gravette School District. It is an independent, privately-organized opportunity.
