Seniors from the school's social science classes were selected based on their grades, their scores on the National Civic Literacy Quiz, their scores on essays, and interviews with three social science teachers.
"The essay, it came easily because I knew what I wanted to say," senior Nya Tindall said.
One of the teachers, Michael Horwits, says they were looking for students who would be, "able to take what they've learned, content wise, in our classes, and be able to take it to the next level and be able to develop a sense of efficiency."
They all agree it will be an experience of a lifetime.
"I think America is on the brink of a pretty big culture shift and I, of course, would like to think that my generation is important, so even though I couldn't vote, I still want to have a little influence," senior Barron Johnston said.
"There definitely is going to be a shift in this country and it's great that we're going to be on the forefront of that," senior Sam Weinstock said.
It is a remarkable time for these students and their families.
"I'm a first generation American, so they don't really understand the whole process, but I try to inform them as much as possible," senior Lillibell Sanchez said.
"It means so much to me to be able to go down and represent my family, represent my mother, my father, my little sister," senior Danielle Stone said.
As one student said every generation has its defining moment.
"It's our Woodstock, it's our JFK inauguration, it's amazing. I'm so happy that I'm going to be a part of it," senior Julie Richman said.
The students will also be blogging for 6abc.com during their trip.
Most of the cost of their trip is covered with money from the school's Ethel Percy Award they received last May for Central's outstanding level of civic engagement.
