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Great Hearts Anthem Seniors Place a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Great Hearts Anthem Class [1] of 2026 had the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier [2] in Arlington National Cemetery [3] during their senior trip to Washington, D.C.

The senior trip is a long-standing experience at Great Hearts academies. Students have the opportunity, along with their classmates, to explore their heritage in art and architecture, scientific and technological marvels, religious, political and cultural achievements in and around Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Students visit the sites and explore the ideas that contributed to the American founding. It is a chance to see firsthand what they learned during high school and something they have been uniquely prepared for at Great Hearts.

Officers marching with wreath [4]

For seniors Nick Van Cleve, Luke Serder, and Eagle Scout Christopher Kriege, the experience at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier [2] was made even more personal as they were chosen to represent their classmates in the ceremony, based on the essays they wrote prior to the trip.

Students on the steps of Arlington [5]

For Kriege, it was personal, as he had a great uncle buried at Arlington. “He served in the Navy during World War II,” he wrote. “There are many other soldiers like him that served, who love their country. I am fortunate to learn about him and be able to respect his memory and let him live on through me. There are many, however, who do not have family to keep their memory. There are the unknown, who have no one to honor them after they pass away. Uncle Adolph, his brothers, and my grandfather, have me to remember them.”
Students at the tomb [6]
Serder is planning a career in the military himself and a history teacher afterwards. “I have an intense appreciation for our military veterans and their history,” he wrote in his essay.
Great Hearts Anthem Wreath [7]

Arlington [3] is the final resting place of more than 400,000 Americans who served their country, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier [2] reminds us that not every soldier receives a homecoming,” explained Robin Roiger Silva, the senior trip coordinator. “Our seniors had the opportunity to reflect on the price of freedom and the deep respect we owe to our military members and veterans.”

Wreath at the tomb [8]

The wreath placed was purchased through the generous donations of Great Hearts Anthem [1] teachers.

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org [9].

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/ [10].