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Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - 11:48 PM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

First Published in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Scott-Gowdy-15

Bob Jones Academy students participating in the various fine arts programs at BJA set off for the first fine arts tour to Washington, DC, in school history. 58 students who participate in art, band, choir, orchestra and speech, along with 10 faculty members and chaperones, participated in the four day trip.

During the tour, students visited the various memorials in DC and several museums. Additionally, they were given tours of the Pentagon, Library of Congress, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Mount Vernon. Senator Tim Scott and Congressman Trey Gowdy spoke with the group and answered numerous questions and Congressman Jeff Duncan gave an “after hours” tour of the Capitol which included a visit to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, prayer in the members’ chapel and culminated with the singing of “Amazing Grace” in the capitol rotunda.

As a fine arts tour, special attention was given to the incredible art of the nation’s capital.  BJA faculty member Bill Pinkston took time to explore the National Gallery of Art with a group.  His lecture on specific pieces of art drew attention from other tourists in the museum.  Another group of students took time to view the Star Spangled Banner display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.  The entire group was fascinated with the

incredible art found in the Library of Congress.

BJA graduates were also a part of the trip.  Major Quay Barnett (Class of 1996) led the group through his workplace, the Pentagon.  Jennifer Groover (Class of 1997), who serves on the staff for Congressman Robert Aderholt of Alabama, showed the students the Congressional Art Contest winners which are displayed in the tunnel leading to the capitol.  Congressman Aderholt joined the group for a few minutes of greetings and questions.

Before departing for home, the group spent the morning at Mount Vernon.  The beauty of the Potomac and the history of the home itself were the perfect ending of a fabulous four days.