DIANA BONILLA
Exploring America’s History, Leadership, and Legacy
This July, our ILTexas scholars embarked on the US Road Scholar Trip 2025, a week-long journey across some of the most iconic and meaningful landmarks in the United States. Through tours, museums, and hands-on experiences, our students not only explored the nation’s history but also reflected on what leadership, service, and citizenship truly mean.
Join us as we recap each unforgettable day. (Videos and photo highlights included!)
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Recaps
Day 1 | Thursday, July 10
Travel & The National Mall
Our journey began in the nation’s capital. After arriving in Washington, D.C., our students explored the National Mall, visiting the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, MLK Memorial, Korean War Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Reflecting Pool.
Day 2 | Friday, July 11
US Capitol Tour & Marine Corps Museum
Students had the opportunity to tour the U.S. Capitol, learning firsthand about how laws are made and the history of American democracy. Later, they visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where stories of courage and sacrifice came to life.
Day 3 | Saturday, July 12
Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, & Yorktown
Immersed in living history, students stepped back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, then continued on to Jamestown and Yorktown, key sites that shaped the birth of the United States.
Day 4 | Sunday, July 13
Highland, UVA, & Monticello
A day in Virginia began at James Monroe’s Highland, followed by a tour of the University of Virginia, and concluded with a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, where students reflected on leadership and legacy.
Day 5 | Monday, July 14
Gettysburg & University of Pennsylvania
Walking the grounds of Gettysburg, students witnessed the solemn reminders of the Civil War and the bravery of those who fought there. The day ended with an inspiring visit to the University of Pennsylvania.
Day 6 | Tuesday, July 15
Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, & Valley Forge
In Philadelphia, students visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed. They ended the day at Valley Forge, where George Washington’s leadership during hardship became a living lesson.
Day 7 | Wednesday, July 16
9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, & Ellis Island
A powerful day of remembrance at the 9/11 Memorial Museum set the tone, followed by ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, symbols of hope and resilience for millions of immigrants.
Day 8 | Thursday, July 17
Ft. McHenry, Naval Academy, & Mount Vernon
From the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry, to the Naval Academy’s Armel Leftwich Center, and finally to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, our students traced the nation’s military and presidential legacy.
Day 9 | Friday, July 18
Arlington, Iwo Jima, & Sunset Parade
The final day began with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, followed by the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) and either the African American History Museum or the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The trip ended on a high note with the breathtaking Marine Barracks Sunset Parade at 8th & I — a tradition our students will never forget.
