When Alex Jones arrived at Northwestern University, he looked forward to getting to know Chicago.

He got his chance with weekly field trips that showed off Chicago's art, sports, architecture and history.

“I now think of Chicago as a growing city,” Jones, of Kansas City, Mo., said. “It’s taking steps to become more advanced and because of that it’s very clean and easy to get around.”

Each week, cherubs went on field trips to such famous landmarks as Wrigley Field, the Chicago River and Millennium Park.

Roger Boye, director of the National High School Institute’s journalism division, planned the trips. He said he tries to keep the city’s character in mind and to show as many sides of that character as possible.

“Chicago is such a vibrant city with great culture and museums,” Boye said. “At this time of year, with the lake nearby, it’s almost like a resort.”

Boye made sure the cherubs could visit Wrigley Field and watch a Chicago Cubs baseball game. He ordered the tickets in early February.

“Virtually every game in the season is sold out every year,” he said. “I had to order the tickets before sales were open to the public.”

Cherubs ordered Chicago-style hot dogs and cotton candy at the game. They chimed in on the traditional Harry Caray rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" as they watched the Chicago Cubs play the Cincinnati Reds.

Cherubs also took in the city’s architecture from a boat ride on the Chicago River.

“It could’ve been boring, but I actually learned so much about the history and institutions of Chicago,” Jones said. “Being on the river, in the middle of things, was the way to go.”

Others enjoyed sticking to land -- especially the trip to Millennium Park.

“The most significant place for me was Millennium Park,” Mary Beth Kalvaitis, of Manchester, N.H., said. “The Bean is symbolic of Chicago, and it’s such a fun place to just hang out.”

Boye acknowledged that four field trips could not provide a full view of the city to cherubs. In past years, agendas with different activities were planned. But incorporating every attraction in the city would be impossible.

“The Museum of Science and Industry is a fascinating part of Chicago, but it requires an El train ride and bus ride to get there,” Boye said. “Going there, it takes almost two hours. It’s not right to spend four total hours on commuting when we have so few trips.”

Kalvaitis said she formed lasting and positive impressions of Chicago, and the few outings she had left her thirsting for more.

“I love cities like New York and Boston,” Kalvaitis said. “But Chicago’s different, and I would like to see more of it.”