By Jason Miller

staff writer

On Monday, June 4th 51 HSA students filed out of a school bus on a field trip that they will not soon forget.

Advanced Placement students journeyed to Beverly Hills and toured the Museum of Tolerance, a multi-million dollar edifice which chronicles the stories of groups which have overcome discrimination, oppression, and genocide.

“I thought I was going to see (exhibits on) Hitler, slavery, and religion,” said junior Chamauri.  “I didn’t know that I think I would see presentations on female –genital mutilation, I didn’t even know that existed until yesterday.”

Even though the museum is widely acclaimed for its methodically gut-wrenching Holocaust exhibit, its more modern features caught student’s attention. “People who wear turbans are often times discriminated against since 9/11,” said Chamauri.

The HSA History Department organized the trip.  “I was so proud of the way our students participated in answering the questions (of the tour guide),” said AP European History teacher Ms. Meredith Adams.  “I was just standing in the back and clapping!”

Following the three-hour tour, the delegation of students and staff gorged themselves at Hometown Buffet participating in Slurpee drinking contest. Afterwards the students reflected on their experience walking the shallow creeks at Kenneth Hahn State Park in Baldwin Hills.

“We had the opportunity to interact with people who we normally don’t hang out with on campus,” said Marina Q., 11th grade Treasurer.  “You’re out of your comfort zone, it was kind of like a family thing.”