A Service of The Arrow           Monday March 27, 2000 8:56 PM

By: Jim Bennett

ARROW STAFF

It’s Sunday morning, 19 unshowered FHS students crowd into the terminal at Regan International Airport in Washington D.C. after completing a week of Close Up — Washington’s international relations curriculum.

"I had a good time, and I wanted to stay in Washington DC," said junior Geno Randono. "But I also wanted to sleep and not pay $10 for a burger and fries."

Flathead High has long been associated with the Close Up program. This year the FHS group was the largest in the program, yet the size of group did not intimidate their faculty chaperones, Kelli Kuntz and Sean O’Donnell.

"I must admit some apprehension," said Kuntz. "But the students were so focused on the learning experience and willing to follow the rules, that there was really no reason for my concern."

One of the things the program emphasised was teaching international relations. Students heard speakers with diverse backgrounds, presenting topics that ranged from foreign policy to alternative lifestyles.

"They (the speakers) all had good things to say," said junior Paul Fournier. "But I disagreed with some of their points, especially radical views on not eating meat."

During the week, Close Up participants took part in a simulation dealing with foreign relations in Europe and students had the chance to take active roles in the simulation.

"I thought it was fairly educational and some parts were fun," said Fournier. "But it took time away from further viewing of the city."

Participants felt the Close Up trip was a wonderful way to learn about our government and have fun while doing it.

"Close Up wasn’t like the run-of-the-mill government class," said junior Andrew Bissell. "Between the monuments, landmarks, simulations, the congressional hearings and even the occasional celebrity encounter, Close Up managed to make learning about the government fun, exciting and worthwile."

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