Nearly 1,200 fifth graders from Palm Beach County elementary schools are traveling by train to Washington, D.C.
Just before noon Thursday, 550 of the students departed on an Amtrak train from the Mangonia Park station. The rest of the group with leave on Jan. 14.
The trip is part of the annual Safety Patrol field trip sponsored by the Palm Beach County Safety Patrol Association. This is the 60th year for the annual trip to our nation's capital.
For some students, this is the first time separating from their parents.
But mom and dad shouldn’t be worried since the group has dozens of chaperones along with a medical team to make sure everyone has a safe trip.
The kids have been learning about our nation's capital in preparation for the trip.
"I'm most looking forward to visiting the White House and making new friends,” said Nicholas Angeloni, a student at Lantana Elementary School.
"I'm looking forward to the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Washington Monument,” said student Hector Servin.
This year parents and community members can keep up with the students' travels on Twitter at @PBSafetypatrols and on their blog at pbcsafetypatrols.wordpress.com
Students now boarding the train to head to DC! They have the Amtrak all to themselves. @PBSafetypatrols pic.twitter.com/L2ezGgDuaW
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) January 7, 2016
Hundreds of safety patrols getting ready for their big trip to DC!! @pbcsd pic.twitter.com/3BX6vVlHiL
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) January 7, 2016
The excitement is contagious as students are boarding the train! pic.twitter.com/dK5hxee7Sb
— PB Safety Patrols (@PBSafetypatrols) January 7, 2016
