Several Brother Martin Crusaders journeyed to Washington, D.C. to participate in Close Up 2024. Through site visits, lectures, and workshop activities, our students learned the political process hands-on and were encouraged to develop their own political efficacy.

Brother Martin Junior Adam Delaune '26 shared his experience at Close Up:

"First, on Capitol Hill day, we walked to the building where we met Senator Bill Cassidy. While talking to Senator Cassidy, he told us about where he started in life and how he got to where he is in Congress. He gave us a remark which stuck with me. When he was my age, he met with one of his senators and got a picture shaking hands with him. Later, he took a picture with the former congressman when he became a senator. This inspired me and instilled that, perhaps, we the nation’s youth who came to see him that day might become future leaders or perhaps a congressman like himself. After meeting with Senator Cassidy, we got to meet Representative Carter, whose office showcased his pride in our culture, being from New Orleans. I also met with one of Congressman Scalise’s staff, who encouraged me to apply for a congressional internship. I would say that this experience instilled in me the desire to pursue a career in politics in the future, after a military career."