Help Ehret's Team Get to Washington

Please help our "We the People..." team compete at Nationals in Washington D.C. in April! This is a once in a life time opportunity for these students and we need your help to meet the financial obligations required to attend this grand event. The amazing support from people like you, who know the great value of education, will make this trip possible. The money that is raised will pay for the transportation, lodging, meals, attractions, ETC that would otherwise fall on the backs of the students and their families. The main goal is to raise the money as quickly as possible so that my students can get back to studying as quickly as possible. My goal is to raise $30,000 in the next three weeks so that they can get back to hitting the books, writing their papers, and perfecting their presentation skills.

Here is what some of the students have had to say about the "We the People..." program.

Through their words, you can tell this is truly a worthy cause:

An Nguyen said, “We the People has taught me how to learn, how to think, and how to work as a team. It has given me the opportunity to write and debate, accept criticism, and better myself towards a greater goal. We the People has enabled me to believe in myself and rely on others in a way that I have never been able to before I began this program.”

Michael Dumas said, “The best part of We the People is getting to know new people. I was able to understand how different people think and act and how to use everyone’s differences to improve the groups rather than let it hinder them. I also like how it teaches us to think on our feet and create arguments on the fly and defend them soundly.”

Mariette Pena said, “…through hours and hours of research I have found perseverance and dedication that I did not know I had. I have made not only lasting friendships, but we have created our own little family. We have a support system that extends beyond the school walls. If I could I would do it all again.”

Wendy Dang said, “We the People has allowed me to improve my oratory skills along with expanding my knowledge about how to research and argue my opinion. Being in We the People has helped me create many fond memories, build new friendships, and hone the skills that I know that I will need when I go to college next year.”

THE COACH'S STORY
“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” John F. Kennedy

This statement by John F. Kennedy was what first got me interested in teaching when I was in high school. Today the quote reflects my mind frame as I teach and coach the “We the People…” team. The team at our school, John Ehret High School, has a legacy of success that I intend to continue. The success of our team comes from the hard work and dedication of our students and the continued support from their families. Despite all of this, our team would not nearly be as successful if it were not for the external support of the great people that believe in quality, meaningful education as deeply as I do!
This year, my students worked incredibly hard from early August to late January. All that time and energy culminated in them placing 2nd in Louisiana’s “We the People…” State Competition and securing the “Wild Card” for the "We the People..." National Finals! Despite coming in second, the students were still elated at the news that they would still be able to compete on the national level. Words cannot even describe the joy and excitement we all felt the moment they announced that we obtained the “Wild Card.” Now, we will represent Louisiana at the “We the People...” National finals in Washington D.C. in April.

The "We the People..." program has been around since 1987 and focuses on teaching students about the constitutional principles this great country was founded on in the hopes of creating a more educated citizenry. Coaching high school seniors over the last two years has been the greatest experience of my professional career thus far! The fact that my students will be representing the state of Louisiana at the National finals will be one of the proudest moments of my life.

Their trip to D.C. will include:
• A five day/four night stay in a hotel in the D.C. area, round-trip travel and all meals
• Participation in the "We the People..." National finals in Congressional committee rooms on Capitol Hill!
• Sightseeing throughout D.C. which will bring the last 6 months of their studying to life!
• Unique, once in a life time, experiences such as laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, visiting the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court

In order for my students to take part in this once in a lifetime experience, I want to raise $30,000. Please help me by donating towards this worthy cause. Any contribution you could make would help me achieve my goal.

All donations are tax deductible and you will be sent a letter promptly for your tax records.

Also, consider asking your employer if they participate in a matching program. This could double your donation!

Please email me if you have any questions or want to hear more about this really great learning opportunity.

World Strides is the educational travel company organizing the trip and you can check out www.worldstrides.org for information about their trips and safety record.

You can also find out more about the "We the People..." program at www.civiced.org. Thank you for your consideration!

Sincerely,
Bradley Kiff