(June 14, 2007) — Nick Doom’s AP Government classes took their annual field trips to the Nixon and Reagan presidential libraries on May 23 and 29, respectively. The students had studied each president’s history and presidency and had the opportunity to get a glimpse of a visual display of each president’s significant memorabilia. Doom found it especially significant for the students to visit the Nixon library. “I want [the students] to have a greater understanding and appreciation of presidencies in general, and Richard Nixon in particular,” he said. He felt that the issues in America today are similar to those that Nixon faced with the Vietnam war. He wanted his students to consider the similarities and differences between the war in Iraq and Vietnam and reflect on the actions taken by these presidents. Though the students didn’t have an assignment or discussion after the field trips, Doom hoped they would compare and contrast Reagan and Nixon after their field trips. “Nixon endured more tragedy and defeat, especially with the Watergate scandal, and then his comeback,” Doom said. “Reagan accomplished more, although he had his own Iran scandal.” Students viewed pieces of the Berlin Wall, Nixon’s presidential helicopter and an exact replica of the East Room. The Boeing 707 used as Air Force One is displayed at the Reagan library, as well as a replica of the Oval Office. “It was pretty cool eating lunch under the Air Force One,” senior Anais Chorbadjian said. Students got to visit Nixon’s house and birthplace as well. They also had access to visit the grounds of his gravesite, which is the closest they can get to any president, according to Doom.