School Tours of America's Smallest Ambassador
Blue Views
by Michael Glasgow
When you travel with School Tours of America, you learn something important: the trips are never just about monuments, museums, or history. They are about moments. Sometimes those moments just happen. Sometimes, these moments happen because of a small dog named Blue.
Have You Seen Blue?
There is a special Shih Tzu roaming the streets of Washington, DC, and if you spot this special dog, you are one of the lucky ones. His name is Blue, named for well-known Louisiana artist George Rodrigue’s iconic Blue Dog paintings. Blue has the same quiet demeanor and cool presence as the dogs in the famous paintings. Blue’s left eye is blue, which is different than his right eye. His black-and-white coat makes him look as if he is dressed in a tuxedo, ready to attend a formal event at the White House or the Kennedy Center.
Blue is becoming something of an unofficial celebrity on School Tours of America trips. Part mascot and part four-legged ambassador, he splits his time between Houston and DC alongside Frank and the STA crew, making friends and fans along the way. Students usually notice him first, then teachers. Even non-STA travelers stop looking at their phones, notice Blue, and smile. This is Blue’s superpower. It sounds small, but on busy trips, these moments matter. Blue is energetic and outgoing, and he loves people. He truly seems to believe that every person he meets is there specifically to say hello to him and give him a gentle pet.
Why Things Like This Are Remembered
Years later, most students will not remember every name or date from their tour. But they will remember experiences. They will remember the feeling of being there, the inside jokes on the bus, and the laughs at the hotel. They will remember the monuments glowing after dark and the friends they met from other schools. They will remember Blue because the best educational travel experiences are not just checklists. They are living, breathing moments filled with surprises, laughter, and connections. Sometimes those moments happen in front of historic landmarks. Sometimes they happen because a dog walked up and made the day better.
Spot Blue. Join the Crew.
If you’re on an STA trip this spring and see Blue and his crew, don’t miss out: stop and say hello. Take a photo of your Blue sighting, post it with #BluesView and #BluesCrew, and seek out a crew member to receive your exclusive “I Spotted Blue” sticker, made just for students who meet him.
Keep your eyes open out there because great things happen on STA trips - out of the Blue.
