U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, met recently with 12 Damariscotta Montessori School students who were on a class trip to Washington, D.C.

“It is always a pleasure to welcome Maine students to our nation’s capital. I am glad that these bright students from Damariscotta Montessori School had the chance to take advantage of the countless educational opportunities in D.C.,” Collins said in a press release from her office. “I encourage Maine students to believe in themselves and never give up. They have the opportunity to be the future community, business, and elected leaders of our state.”

On the trip, students tour the U.S. Capitol building and other points of interest, the release stated.