By Avon Echo Staff

AHS student Christian Steiner was in Washington D.C. from Jan. 18 until Jan. 22 staying at the Marriott Wardman Park to see the Inaugural Address on Jan 20.

Q: Why did you go to D.C?

A: I was in Washington D.C as part of a program called Envision. They set up events that High School, Middle School and College students attend.

Q: What all did you do throughout your time in D.C.?

A: On Thursday, we went to Eagle Bank Arena to listen to the first round of speakers. Thursday morning Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala spoke. After them was Ziauddin Yousafzai and his daughter, Malala Yousafzai (via satellite). Finally, the event closed with a panel of Carly Firiona and former Governor Martin O’Malley. On Friday, we went to the inauguration where we watched it from the national mall, and after that it was pretty much a relaxing day, as we got up at 3:30 to board the buses, and at the inauguration we went to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural Science prior to going into the national mall. On Saturday, we went back to the Arena to listen to our last speakers. First was Gen. Colin Powell, followed by Spike Lee, and closed out by Amy Wombach. In the evening Envision put on a Gala in which it was located at the Smithsonian Air and Space museum.

Q: What made you decide that you wanted to go?

A: The reason why I wanted to attend the inauguration was the chance to be a part of history. It doesn’t matter that it was Donald Trump being inaugurated, it was the chance to be able to say I have been a part of one and live it that makes the experience well worth it.

Q: What was it like traveling by yourself?

A: Traveling alone wasn’t that bad. I simply boarded the plane and got to D.C. where the staff directed us to the buses that took us to the hotel.

Q: Were there any moments that really stood out to you?

A: One moment that stands out was in the inauguration hearing the cheers for not just Trump getting elected, but for Obama and former presidents Clinton and Bush. It was really nice that the crowd, being pro Trump, still applauded the former presidents that came before him. Another moment that stands out is from General Colin Powell in which he said being a good leader is all about trust. If there is no trust, then the whole foundation will fall apart as the troops would abandon you.

Q: What was the atmosphere like at the inauguration?

A: The atmosphere was awesome, the noise for the inauguration was good, there was an overall enthusiastic tone for the night, as most of the attendees were there for Trump.

Q: Was there any protesting happening while you were there?

A: I did not see any protesters, we arrived at 5:30 a.m. and the streets were, for the most apart, clear. After the inaugural address, we booked it out of there, so fortunately, we missed the protests.

Photo Submitted by Christian Steiner