Give the gift of "Underwater Education"

Give the gift of "Education"
Hello! My name is Ariana Moats. I am 15 years old and an attending Freshman at Crown Point High School in Crown Point, Indiana.
I recently joined my school's Marine Biology Club, as this is a topic of great interest to me. Each year the club embarks on an amazing educational experience in Key Largo, Florida, however only a select few are permitted to attend. After completing an exclusive selection process, I was chosen as one of only ten students who have the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary opportunity.
Our destination is the "Marine Lab" located in Key Largo, Florida June 25^th through June 30^th, 2013. The Marine Lab is a long standing organization staffed by professional experts and scientists who specialize in a wide range of marine biology and marine ecosystem preservation and research fields. The Marine Lab has everything on site from classrooms, sleeping quarters and a cafeteria to its own marina and small fleet of snorkel and dive boats. I will be educated about various forms of marine life through classroom studies, lectures and hands on activities that include snorkeling and scuba diving as we explore the underwater world and meet its habitants. Aside from marine life I will be learning about marine eco-systems, coral reefs, mangroves, marine research and preservation, and so much more.
I have been scuba diving since I was 12 years old and have always been fascinated by the underwater world. Being able to take a trip with others who share common interests will be very fun while at the same time, further my understanding and curiosity of the underwater world. An activity of this magnitude is obviously not a trip to the movies and comes with a financial obligation. My parents are working hard to make this trip happen for me, but I would like to help them out as much as possible. I am going to do some fundraising on my own by selling candy bars and picking up odd jobs at every opportunity between my studies, but I believe I will still need help.
I have set up this website to help offset some of the major costs. The money I raise will be going towards airfare, lodging, food for the week, bus transportation, scuba/snorkeling gear rental and lab expenses.
I am very excited about and committed to this wonderful opportunity and I feel so privileged that I made it. Participating in this program will not only give me high school credits, but some college credits as well that I can use towards furthering my education.
I am humbly seeking financial help and will appreciate every penny. In order for me to take part in this totally unique adventure, I need to raise $ 2500.00. Please help by sponsoring me, even if it's only a dollar, it all adds up.
Any contribution you could make would bring me that much closer to this once-in-a-lifetime experience and I would be forever grateful for your support. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this and I pray you find me and my activity worthy of your assistance.
Upon your request, I would be more than happy to write you shortly after the trip in order to share my experience that would not have been possible without your support.
Please feel free to visit the Marine Lab website to learn more about this educational experience.
www.marinelab.org
For those who shy away from the internet, feel free to send your kind donations via US Mail to the address listed below.
Checks can be made payable to: CPHS Biology Club with Ariana Moats on the memo line
Ariana Moats
13931 Orchard Dr.
Cedar Lake, IN 46303