Amy Deeb, 14, went to Washington, D.C., on spring break as a sixth grader.

That trip left a lasting impression.

The combination of the history and the beauty of the area intrigued the rising ninth grader.

That’s why when Rushe Middle School social studies teacher Kelly Floyd had her students enter Rand McNally’s “America the Beautiful” essay contest, Amy chose to write about the city she hopes to live in one day.

The question was “What’s the one place in the U.S. that truly inspires you?”

Amy’s essay focused on the monuments and the cherry blossoms, which were in bloom during her last visit.

“It was just such an interesting place to visit,” Amy said. “It made me want to live there.”

Now, after being selected as one of 10 finalists from among more than 12,000 entries nationwide, Amy returns to Washington, D.C., today on an all-expense paid trip for a June 15 ceremony where two grand prize winners will be named.

Floyd emailed Amy and posted the announcement on the class Facebook page. A friend called and told her to check her email.

“I was so excited!”

Amy has always enjoyed learning about history and politics, she said. Language arts and social studies are her favorite subjects.

She hopes to attend George Washington University after graduating from Sunlake High, where she will enter as a freshman in the fall.

Amy also received a Nook, and the 10 finalists will have their essays published in America the Beautiful, a free e-book, which will be available exclusively for the Nook.